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LIBRARY

OF THE

MASSACHUSETTS

AGRICULTURAL

COLLEGE

No.__4_2^4i5____ DATE.L2-j_§s5:.

f

CHAPEL

SOURCE

v;

The Gardener s Monthly

AND

Horticulturist,

DEVOTED TO

HORTICULTURE, ARBORICULTURE AND RURAL AFFAIRS,

EDITED BV

THOMAS MEEHAJ^,

Formerly Head Gardener to Caleb Cope, Esq., at Springbrook, and at the Bartrarn Botanic Gardens

near Philadelphia ; Graduate of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, [London,) England.

Member of the Academy of Natural Sciences. Author of " American

Hand-Book of Ornamental Tre.es." &c.

VOLUME XVIII. 1876.

PHILADELPHIA :

CHARLES H. MAROT, Publisher,

No. 8I4. Chestnut Street.

1876.

ILLUSTRATIONS.

v./?r'

Frontispiece -Chromo Peitchakdia filifera.

A

Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia 31

Arbor vitse, Globe 101

Auricula 296

B

Beecroft's Wheel Hoe 4

Bouvardia Humboldtii corymbitlora 40

Brodiaea coccinea ; 340

C

Chickory (Witloef ) for Salads 209

Cineraria maritima ». 10

Cowan's Compensating Heating Apparatus 43

Croton spiralis 361

volutum 359

Curves, Measuring 229

G

Gilliflower, Paris 236

Grafting, Orange and Lemon — two cuts 104

Grape, Lady — Chromo facing page 80

Greenhouse Heating— Small 135

L

Liatris pycnostaciiya 294

Lilium auratum 184

O

Orange and Lemon Leaves— two cuts 105

P

Pear, Marshall 51

Pelargonium, Ivy-leaved— Konig Albert 267

Zonale— Wonderful 237

Polyanthus, Double 296

.. S

Sarracenia Drummondii 323

Saxifraga Huetii 11

Standard Gooseberries and Currants — Method of Grafting 270

T'

Tea Rose, Duchess of Edinburgh 231

Tree Ferns, Australian 347

Trellis for Melons • 206

Trietelia laxa 278

V

Van Houtte, Louis, Portrait of 249

Violet Victoria Regina 76

THE

GARDENER'S MONTHLY

AND

HORTICULTURIST.

DEVOTED TO HORTICULTURE. ARBORICULTURE AND RURAL AFFAIRS.

Edited by THOMAS MEEHAN.

Volume XVIII.

JANUARY, 1876.

Number 205.

(3i^

c-^>o

LOWER pARDEN AND ©LEASURE KROUND.

SEASONABLE HINTS. \

In the North, with the great body of vegetation
still shrouded in snow and the usual habiliments
of winter, little can be done in this department ;
but in the Southern States gardening operations
will be about commencing actively. Pruning
should be completed as soon as possible. Some
judgment is required in pruning flowering shrubs,
roses, ifec, although it is usual to act as if it were
one of the most common-place operations. One
of the most clumsy of the hands is commonly
set with a shears, and he "goes through" the
whole place, clipping off" everything indiscrimin-
ately. Distinction should be made between those
flowering shrubs that make a vigorous growth,
and those which grow weakly; and between
those which flower on the old wood of last year,
and those which flower on the new growth of
next season, as the effect of pruning is to force a
strong and vigorous growth. Those specimens
that already grow too strong to flower well,
should be only lightly pruned ; and, in the same
individual, the weakest shoots should be cut in
more severely than the stronger ones. Some
things like the Mock Oranges, Lilacs, and others,
flower on the wood of last year — to prune these
much now, therefore, destroys tl:ke flowering :
while such as AltheaSj which flower on the young
wood, cannot be too severely cut in, looking to
that operation alone. We give below a full list
of the shrubs in most common cultivation, of the
different classes.

Ornamental shrubs that flower chiefly from the
wood of the preceding year: Snowy Mespilus,
Dwarf Almond, the diff"erent kinds of Androme-
das, Azalias, Kalmias, ^Rhododendrons, Calycan-
thus, Corchorus, Cornelian Cherry and the other
Dogwoods; Philadelphuses, Deutzias, Mezereon,
Leather-wood, Fothergilla, Golden Bell, Hydran-
geas, Itea Virginica, Jasmines, Privet, "Upright
Fly and Tartarian Honeysuckles, Pyrus japonica;
the Missouri and other ornamental currants;
most of the early flowering Spireeas, Dwarf Pavias,
Snow Berries, Guelder Rose, Wiegelia rosea, Per-
sian and other Lilacs, Annual Roses.

Shrubs that flower from the present season's
growth: Amorpha fruticosa, Ceanothus Ameri-
cana, Bladder Senna, Coronillas, Burning Bushes,
Genistas, Scotch Broom, Althaea; Hypericums,
such as Kalmianum, Prolificum, &c. ; Green-
fringe, Flowering Locusts; the Fall-flowering
Spiraeas, Tamarix, Vitex agnis-castus, &c. These
lists also embrace the most desirable of orna-
mental shrubs in cultivation, from which the
amateur may select when the planting season
arrives.

In pruning roses, the Fall-blooming kinds,
which flower on the new growth, may be pruned
as severely as we wish— in fact, the " harder " they
are cut in the better. In this class are the Nois-
ette, Bourbon, Tea, China, and Hybrid Perpetual,
and Perpetual Moss. Without considerable ex-
perience it is difficult for the amateur to distin-
guish these classes. The best way to get over
the difficulty is to obtain the catalogues of the
principal rose-growers, in which each kind is

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[January,

usually c'lassitied. Amateurs should pay more
attentiou to the scientific — if we may so term it —
study of the rose, and its classification and gen-
eral management; no class of flowers is more
easily understood, and no one affords so rich a
fund of perpetual interest.

Wherever any part of a tree does not grow
freely, pruning of such weak growth, at this sea-
son, will induce it to push more freely next year.
All scars made by pruning ofi" large branches
should be painted or tarred over, to keep out the
rain. Many fruit trees become hollow, or fall
into premature decay, from the rain penetrating
through old saw cuts made in pruning. Also, the
branches should be cut close to the trunk, so
that no dead stumps shall be produced on the
tree, and bark will readily grow over. Many
persons cut off branches of trees in midsummer,
in order that the returning sap may speedily
clothe the wound with new bark, but the loss of
much foliage in summer injures the tree, and
besides, painting the scar removes all danger of
rotting at the wound.

COMMUNICA TIONS,

A PLEA FOR PLANTING PYRUS CORONARIA.

BY MR. W. T. HARDING.

I Avas much pleased with Mr. Stauffer's re-
marks, in the March number of last year, on our
native Pyrus coronaria, the American or Gar-
land Crab Apple. He, Mr. S., is an excellent
writer, — good, sound logic always seems to flow
from his pen, — and, that he loves the beautiful,
is also evident. He lets us know his heart is
where it ought to be, and feels " as happy as a
king " when beholding a crab tree.

It occurs to me, that when a boy, and reading
of a traveler (Waterton, I think), returning home,
after a long absence, observing, that " of all the
beautiful or wonderful sights he had seen, at
home or abroad, nothing pleased him so much
as the sight of an old crab tree, blossoming in a
hedgerow at the margin of a wood."

" 0 happiness, our being's end and aim.
Good, pleasure, ease, content, whate'er thy name."
I endorse every word the genial Stauffer and
other aesthetic writers say about the crab apple.
To quote his language, "A more beautiful object
camiOt be found when in full bloom, together
with its delightful fragrance (early in spring)."
He may well ask, "Why is it that we do not find

it in cultivation ?" ''There's the rub." His de-
scription of its merits, I assure the reader, is no
exaggeration, and it ought to be in every garden
or lawn. It would be the glory of the green-
house in winter, and would seem, either in
groups or as isolated bushes, the loveliest of the
lawn. In many respects it far surpasses the
favorite Cydonia japonica as an ornamental
shrub. It flowers more freely, and is as sweet as
a Bon Siline rose. In the Southern forests, the
blending odors of the Carolina jasmine Gelsem-
ium sempervirens, and Pyrus coronaria, are as
exquisite as any floral perfumes can possibly be,
and are far more refreshing to inhale than frank-
incense and myrrh.

I think the reader, ere this, will have discov-
ered the WT-iter loves pretty things, and they may
feel assured that he would willingly sign a round
robbin, vote in person or by proxy, hold up his
right hand, or both hands, in favor of doing jus-
tice to the Garland Crab Apple.

Before, and during the war, it grew abundantly
in South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, and Tennes-
see. I met with it in the neighborhood of Col-
umbia, Beaufort, Daufuskie Island, Savannah,
Saint Augustine, Fernandina, and Knoxville. I
presume it grows there still, unless the indignant
people living in those parts grubbed them all up
when it was suggested to " hang Jeff Davis on a
sour apple tree." Wliy "a sour apple tree" in-
stead of any other, I cannot imagine. I shall
never forgive Mr. Doggerel, who first hinted at
putting such a beautiful tree as Pyrus coronaria
to so base a purpose as to make a. gibbet for
any one. It would have been equally as consis-
tent to have advised smothering the unfortunate
man with flowers.

As Mr. Meehan observes, " It is singular that
in all the botanical excursions of the editor, he
has never ran against this tree." No doubt he
will some of these days, and (providing he does
not break his shins Avhen doing so), will say
something pleasant about it. In the meanwhile,
I will tell the editor how I " ran against this
tree."

When in charge of Wade Hampton's estate, in
South Carolina, during "the piping times of
peace," I was often amused with the exciting
narrative of a coon hunt, one of the chief delights
of a darkey. So, "just for the fun of the thing,"
I proposed to join the sable " Nimrods " in the
hunt about to take place that night. About nine
o'clock I heard a negro quartette approaching,
and as they advanced from a copse of magnolias

1876.]

AND HORTICULTURIST.

and evergreen oaks, I heard them singing lustily

the celebrated coon-catching epic, " Sittin' on a

Rail." The hero of the poem, it seems, was a

daring darkey, who fearlessly, bravely, and

stealthily, regardless of consequences, crept up

to—

" De raccoon sittin' on a rail, an' sleepin' berry

sound,
Den he cotch him by de tail, an' pull him to de

ground."
But, as the sequel will show, in this instance,
he was not "sleepin' berry sound." He was "a
wide-awake coon." The night was more than
usually pleasant, so calm and cool, and almost as
light as day. Nature seemed to be at rest all
serenely.

" The moon was bright, 'twas a shiny night.
In the season of the year."

I honestly believe we all felt as merry, if not
as brave, as did either Earl Percy or Douglass, of
"Chevy Chase" renown, as we filed off along
the forest path. " With axe or brand, no braver
band, advanced to face " — a coon.

The chief hunter rejoiced in the name of Long
John, while his henchman was equally proud of
Bogus. The next name on the roll was Festus —
" most noble Festus" — followed consecutiveh' oy
the valiant Soger; then, yours respectfully, W.
T. H., and lastly, though not less famous, Vine-
gar, and whom all acknowledged to be " de best
dog dat eber treed a coon."

Now, in many respects. Vinegar was a remark-
able canine, and I say it advisedly ; he was the
leanest and mangiest pup that ever ran before a
tail. Indeed, he seemed to be a " cur of low de-
gree," and to have, as his looks indicated, a very
dogged way of his own. Notwithstanding, he
was, to his credit be it said, in possession of more
than ordinary dog talents in circumventing rats,
rabbits, 'possums, and coons, and was honored
accordingly. Bogixs and Vinegar were bosom
friends by day and bed-fellows by night, and had
for several seasons lived and loved together.
Long John was considered a good man, and I
believe he was; he was (what I believe they call),
a Gospel expounder on the plantation. In some
respects he resembled Saul, who, "from his
shoulders and upwards, he was higher than any
of his people." He was also a man of might in
his way, having had some desperate encounters,
as he described them, when "wreslin' wid de
spirit, befo' he was 'ligeous." When I remarked
that I thought the spirit must have been a

plucky one that durst attack a man like him, he
replied, "De dibble wusn't half so plucky as he
'peer'd to be, wen he wus well tackled ; he mostly
got de wust of de scrimage." Just fancy Long
John and the other black fellow in a tussle.
Well, he was just as good and useful on the coon-
path as he was terrible when on the war-path.

After wandering about some time, through
bogs and swamps, until I was weary and wet, in
fact, I was in a shocking plight. Vinegar had the
credit of treeing a coon. Bogus, approvingly and
with much gusto, remarked, " Binegah am de
most cunnin' ole man dat eber wag a tail,
shuah." Then was heard such a hubbub, yell-
ing, hooting, howling, and barking round the
tree as was never heard before from four men
and a dog. All the time the chips flew fast and
furious, as they vigorously applied their axes to
the butt of the tree. Poor blackamoor! how
much they seemed to enjoy the sport, and how I
laughed to hear tiiem cracking funny jokes at
" de gemman up de tree," whom they invited to
comedown "an' 'zamin' massa Binegah mouf,
case he got de toof-ache, shuah !" I really pitied
the poor creature, and hoped he would escape.
It did not seem a fair fight — five to one. The
rotten tree soon yielded to their efforts, and be-
gan to lean over. The excitement seemed to in-
crease as it fell, when to the astonishment of all
hands, three coons scampered out of a hole, and
together fell foul on Vinegar. Thus beset, the
beleagured " Binegah " seemed to be getting the
worst of it, until Festus interfered. Aiming a
blow at one of the coons, he missed it, and buried
his axe in the dog's side, and disemboweled poor
Binegah.

"Great Goddlemighty !" exclaimed Bogus, and
looking at Festus, said, "See what you niggah
fool dvm, you murdid poo' Binegah shuah !" In
an instant Bogus was down by the dog, vainly
attempting to close up the frightful gash in his
companion's side. The big tears flowed copi-
ously from the master's eyes, and fell fast upon
the face of his dog, whose life-blood was welling
away.

In the mind's eye I see the picture now, and a
more pitiful sight I seldom have seen, than the
poor weeping negro rubbing his rugged cheek on
the dog's, and sobbingly commiserating with his
dying friend, and exclaiming, " Poo' Binegah I
ole man, you dun fo' now ! No mo' rats, no mo'
possum, no mo' rabbit, no mo' coon, no mo'
nuffin, — an' no mo' Binegah ! Dis chile will
miss de poo' fellow ! Sally, miss de poo' fellow !

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[January,

and de chill'n miss de poo' fellow ! Eberybody
miss de poo' fellow ! Goddemighty, bress us
all!"

After gently patting his dead fi-iend for the last
time, and throwing some leaves and grass over
him, he looked steadfastly at the most ignoble
Festus, and pointed at the blood-stained grass,
but never a word said he. Festus only laughed,
which stirred up the hot blood of the tamed sav-
age, and ended in a passage of arms, or rather
heads, or more correctly, butt and counterbutt.
Quick as thought. Bogus ran his head butt into
the stomach of Festus, and sent him sprawling in
the grass, who, on gaining his feet, returned the
compliment, and staggered Bogus. Then step-
ping in between, as seconds are supposed to, Long
John supported Bogus, while Soger did the like
service for Festus; when it was decided, according
to the code duello, their wounded honors had been
redressed in a chivalric and noble manner, be-

State, New Jersey, she remembers when a girl,
in the neighborhood of Mount Holly, seeing
quantities of the Garland Crab Apple. So it is
probably nearer Philadelphia than you are
aware.

EDITORIAL NOTES.

Waterproof Packing Paper. — Dissolve 1.82
lbs. white soap in 1 quart water. In another
quart water dissolve 1.82 ozs. troy of gum arable
and 5.5 ozs. glue. Mix the two solutions, warm
them, and soak the paper in the liquid, and pass
it between rollers, or simply hang it up to drip. —
Scientific American.

Beecroft's Wheel Hoe. — Man is a pretty smart
sort of a creature, and has managed in various
ways to evade the primeval curse with tolerable
success. The old-fashioned hoe we have, how-

ooming to gentlemanly combatants, they shook
hands, feeling assured their fair fame was untar-
nished.

After all, it was a more sensible manner of de-
ciding nothing than white fools usually take,
when they run a muck at each with knives or
swords, or try to shoot bullets or buckshot into
each other's hides.

The raccoons had stampeded, as might be ex-
pected, while " the moon with her sober counte-
nance " placidly looked down at the scene where
the jasmines and crab apples bloomed profusely.

In conclusion, it only remains for me to say
that my better half informs me that in her native

ever, regarded as just about the same as it was in
the days of Adam, and we have an absolute
surety that when he went out to fight the thorns,
thistles, and noxious weeds with one of these
back-achers, he must, more than at any other
time, have felt that his rank disobedience, or
giving way to feminine persuasion, which ever it
was, did not pay at all.

' We have watched continually for some good
thing to supersede this abominable implement,
and have from time to time given sketches of

I wheel hoes of various kinds. The present one
(see illustration) is certainly the best of all we

' have seen. It indeed reduces hoeing to an amuse-

18T6.]

AND SORTIGULTURIST.

ment, and might be seat to gymnasiums, or to
d3'speptic clergyineu, as a means of gentle exer-
cise in the garden, of beneiit both to body and
rrdnd. The machine has been iub-oduced to us
by Mr. Thomas Jackson, of Portland, Mali: e, who
is doing good service in distributing it.

An Autojiatic Gate. — We have never seen a
gate of this character that did not in time get out
of order to an extent that caused an early aban-
donment. The idea of a self-opener is too good
in a, gate to be wholly given up, and we are glad
to note that among those Avho are working on it
is our ingenious friend, Dr. Weed, of Des Moines,
as we find by the followmg in an Iowa paper : —

"We ^^sited the farm of Dr. James Weed, yes-
terday, and insjjected his self-oiDeuiug gate. It
works like magic. As you approach in a bugg)^
the gate suddenly parts ui the middle (being
double) and the two parts turn over backwards,
leaving the way clear to drive in, A^dthout slack-
ing speed, even though j'our horse shoidd be on
the trot, and as 5'^ou chive along, the gate as sud-
denly closes and latches as snugly as it was be-
fore you came to it. The principle on which
this gate operates is difficult to describe on paper.
Ail the machinery visible above ground is two
pieces of rounded iron in the road, one on each
side of the gate, about thirty feet from it. Tliis
m.ust be run over hy the bugg}'', its weight jDress-
ing the iron down and causing certain motor
springs connecting with rods to throw the parts
of the gate u^Dward. These parts are steadied by
" tortiou " springs, which counteract the weight
of the gate, so that there is no slam or jar as it
comes do-^m to the ground. The return of the
• parts of the gate is caused on the same princijole
by 'the buggy rumimg over the other piece of
rounded iron inside the enclosure. The ma-
chinery is so adjusted that the princijDle works
precisely the same whether gourg in or out of the
enclosure. It is not only a novelty, but a pleas-
ui'e and convenience to ride along and, without
moving hand or foot, have the gate open and
close for you by some unseen power. Dr. Weed
has been experimentmg on these gates for sev-
eral years, and his latest improvements are. sub-
stituting motor sprhigs for gearmg, and " tortioh"
springs for the former method of balancing the
gates with stones of equal weight. He claims
that it is now perfect in every particular, and not
liable to get out of order in any kind of weather.
He secured a patent last year. These gates are
rather expensive — $200 — but what is that to a
man who is able and willing to pay for the thing

that suits him? We wish the Doctor success
after his long years of patient study in perfecting
his uwention."

The Toi.rp Tree in ExGLliND.— A correspon-
dent of Gardener's Chronicle says': "There is in
Lord Llanertou's grounds, Woolbeding, near
Ivlidhurst, Sussex,' a very fine Tulip tree,' which
was acknoAvledged by. the late Sir Wm; Hooker
to be the finest specimen in the khigdom ; and
it certainly is a magnificent tree, being one mass
of foliage from its sumnait to the ground. Its
measurements in 1S71 Avere as follows : Height,
91 feet 5 inches ; girth at 3 feet fiom the ground,
17 feet 2 inches; circumference round the
branches, 79 yards. It is in perfect health, and
has doubtless increased somewhat ui size since
the above measurements were taken."

WiNTEiiXNG EcIlE^^5RL\s. — Echcverias which'
have served for borders, beds, or floral inscrip-
tions dui-big siunmer, if potted to pass the Avin-'
ter, are hable to rot or spindle up. A method of
preserving them, which occuiDies practically no
room whatever, and Avhich avoids the above
mentioned inconvenience, is,'' to shake out the
earth fi'om their roots when taken up iji autumn,
and suspend them heels up or anj-^how, in small
bunches, on strings stretched, horizontally, lilce
linen himg on a line to dry, beneath the roof of
a cool greenhouse, which just, keeps out the
f)'0st. — Garrdener's Clironicle:

AtvONDO conspicua. — Vietch says it is very
similar m habit to the wellTknoAAni Pampas.
Grass (Gynerium argenteum), but blooming
about two montlis earlier than that variety, and
lasting much longer in beauty. "

NEW PLANTS.

Pi-lYSiANTi-lus ALBENS. — The Garden says : —
"Those of your readers Asdio are in want of a
quick-growiug summer climber, for covering a
wall or trellis, should procure this interesting
Asclepiad. A small plaiit of it, little more than
a foot high, Avith a few laterals, Avas turned out
against an ordinary Avail, with a Avarm exi^osure,
about the end of May, and noAV covers five or six
square yards of surface, every joint being fur-
nished Avith a raceme of pure wliite floAvers. A
month hence the shoots Avil'l be pruned back,
and the plant potted up for Avintering in a Avarm
greenhou.se. I have yet to learn AA'hat degree of
cold it will survive, but probably it Avould endure
mild Avi]:ters in the southerii counties of Eng-

6,

<l}m m-ARBEREE'S^ MONTHLY

[January,

land .and IrelaiKl. Ad easier plant to ciiltivate
cau hardly be uuagined." And we noiiice it here
to say that it is even a better plant for American
gardens than for Euglish ones. Last autumn the
writer oi' this saw it in EHis Park, in Chicago,
more handsome than he ever saw it before, cov-
j ering trellises eight feet or more Mgh with hiin-
f di-eds of its large, waxy, white flowei-s. It is of
< cruel tastes, however, the flower catching insects
[ without any use whatever, so far as is at present
; known.

j PEN']:^rEMOK iruMir^rs. — One of the prettiest of
the dwarf Pentstemous of the Eocky Mountains,
i forms the subject of a handsome colored plate in
[ the Florist and Poviologisl for November.

Ne)v IIardy Trees. — From various sources
we make up the follomng, that will probably all
prove hardy in oiu" climate :

Maahia amouriansis. — We had a' specimen of
this from the collection of Alfi-ed Cope. The
flowers are in close white bunches, and the
leaves have much the appearance of a Clacb-as-
tus tinctoria. It will be a good acquisition to
our list of hardy trees.

Corxjlopsis spicata. — \YQ have before given
some account of this beautiful Japan shrub, one
which will probably prove hardy in our country.
The Gardner's Magazine has recently given a
wood^cut of it, and with the followug descrip-
tion: "This interesting hardy Japanese shi-ub is
regarded by hasty observers as a hazel or a near
relative of the nut tribe, but. as the seed is a hard
capsule, those who watch it through its course
learn that m one respect at least it is for removed
from the hazels. It is, in iact, a member of the
Liqmdambar family, and its generic name of
Corylopsis refers to the strdcing resemblance of
itB^ leaves to those of a hazel, not to its flowers or

"Gorylopsi, spiccUa hi,h■Q^.gvo^ymg shrub pos-
sessmg considerable beauty, and espLially hind-

me m the spring wben it. flowe\. appear s
they bear some resemblance to the elegan 'in

^ey4p:.;s:rta?:n:^r:ra

are now plantin^r wij, a^ ,,„,, ^^'^^- ^^^^e who

ful shrub h. theh t of 1 ';" '^ '"'^^^^^ *^^ "?«"
beiy " - °^ desiderata for the shrub-

Othera japonica.-

— The English jDapcrs say of
this, which will perhaps prove hardy in at least
our Middle States : "A new and beautiful ever-
green shrub. One of the most distinguished
Japanese travellers says this is perhaps the pret-
tiest evergreen they have in Japan; it grows
about twenty feet high, has dark green leaves and a
profusion of bright red h'uit; it is ver}^ effective
and perfectl}' hardy."

A New Strain of Dkac-icnas. — IMr. Bause, who
was the first to break up the old-fashioned Coleus
into so many beautiful kinds, and without which
om- gardens would make now but a poor show,
has done the same thmg uoav for the Dracasna.
The uew strain is said to be among the niodt
beautiful of leaf plants, quite as strilcing as the
Coleus. No doubt some of our enteiprising flor-
ists will soon offer them iii this country.

PyeacjlNTHA japonica. — We have not noticed
before that there is a Pyracantha under this
name in Eui-ope. It appears there are a number
of good Japan trees and shrubs in the Old World
awaiting hitroduction here. The Garden says :
"In town gardens, Pyracantha japouica is now-
one of the most attractive of all wall plants. In
the Eoyal Horticultural and also in Kensiugtoa
Gardens, this plant is now the admiration of all
who see it. CratiTjgus Aronia, in Kensiugtoa
Gardens, is also just noAV strikingly beautiful, as
IS likei\'ise the crunsou-fTuited Cotoneaster frig- .
Ida, which, as a town tree, ought tu be more ex-
tensively planted than it is.

Stykax J^vpOxNica.— This hardy deciduous shrub
IS of dwarf compact growth, with elegantly
spreadhig branches, furnished \sdtli bright green
elliptic leaves,^ and gives a profusion of white
flowers, somewhat resembling snowflakes. Ifc "
wall be a very useful plant for early forcing along
with Deutzias, Spirt^as, etc., and an exceedingly
pretty and usefid shrub for borders hi the open
au'. It IS a native of Japan.— IT''. B-u!!..

Deutzia ckenata cun-didissim.^ plena.— ^
exceedmgly free-flowering variety, producing fine
If^rge, very double, pure white flowers. It is a
very useful winter and spring-blooming plant
;UK looks extremely elegant when covered wdth
Its large bunches of pure white flowers.

WEiGELALAVAT.LEr.-The flowers of tlris at-

I'h v^ir'"'''' ""''' °' '^ "^^^ p^^^-p'i^^ ^-^^1 ^01°-.

n e.l r TT'' '^"^^ ""'-' ^'^O- freely produced
m xceedu.glylong bunches. It i.s adistiucfc and

tTetr <''i''''°''°^''^ and is also

au excellent plant for forcing.- TF. Bu//.

1876.]

A ND HO ETIGULT UR IS T.

PREEN IgLoUSE AND tMoUSE MARDENING-

SEASONABLE HINTS.

Many of our readers have only a few window
plants. These are often kept too warm, too wet,
have too little sunlight, and have too many in-
sects. In towns, in addition to all these, they
have often too ranch of the fimaes of burnhig gas.
Leaks or escapes from the gas pipe are weh-
known to be an injury to plants, but it is not so well
know]i that jilants suffer, though in a less degree,
from the common burning of coal gas. The trou-
ble with most room cultivators is to know when
plants get too much attention. Too many insects
are easily known, one — a single one — is bj' far too
many. We still think there is nothing like coal
oil to destroy all kinds of insects. A very little,
just enough to make a colored scum on the sur-
face of a tub of water, is sufficient, and in this the
insect covered plant may be dipped, inverting the
pot and plungmg only the plant^ and not the pot
of course. If too much oil is used the plant may
be injured. Too wet, is Avhen a jjlant seldom gets
dry — a healthy plant should get dry, and have
light (hy looking surface soil, everj'- too or three
days. As to heat, a temperature of about 55° or
60° is best for room plants ; below that they do not
flower fi-eely; above they grow weak, especially if
they have not a great deal of sunlight. Indeed
heat should be in proportion to direct sunlight
on the plants.

Roses, when they are forced, do much better
when the pots are plunged in some damp mate-
rial. When no better plan oflers, they may be
set inside of a large pot, with moss between the
space around. All plants that come into flower
through •^^'iIlter should have those positions af-
forded them that have the most sunlight, e.spe-
cially the early morning light.

Ferneries are now so deservedly popular, that
we must have a \\'ord tossay for them at times,
though their management is so smiple, there is
little one can say. It is probably their ease of
management, and the great results obtained for
the little outlay of care, that has rendered them
so popular. It should not, however, be forgotten
that the cases in which thev are enclosed are not

to keep out the air, but to keep in the moisture,
as ferns will not thrive m th.e dry atmosx^here of
heated rooms. A few Jiiinutes airing every day
will, therefore, be of great benefit to them. De-
cayed wood (]iot pine), mixed T;\'ith about half its
bulk of fibrous soil of any Icind, and a very small
proportion (say a tenth of the bulk) of well-rotted
stable-manure, makes a good compost Most
kinds particulpaly lilce well-drained pots. This
is usually eflected by filling a third of the pots
in which the ferns are to grow "with old pots
broken in pieces of about half an inch square,
on which a thin layer of moss is placed, before
filhng the pots, to kee]) out the soil fi'ona choking
the drainage.

Many very prelty ferneries are made up en-
tirely of native ferns, some species, of which, are
within the reach. of every one. Of the exotic
ones, however, that are now general in most
florists' establishments, and are reinaikable for
their elegance and loeauty, we may name,
SelaginelJas (formerly Lycopodiums) S. stoloni-
fera, S. densa, S. Mertensii, S. denticulata, S.
cordjfolia, S. fla.bellaris; Adiantum concinnum,
A. pubescens, A. cuneatum ; Pteris longifolia, P.
serrulata, P. hastata; Polji^odium Sieboldii, P
glaucum; Doodia caudata, Gymnagramma chry-
sophylla, Platyloma rotundifolia, Nothoclrena
nivea, Pteris geraniifolia, Hemionites palmata.
This will form a good and easily obtained collec-
tion to commence Avith. .Ferns are easily raised
from seed. Shallow pans of ver)-- sandy soil
should be procured and filled within an inch of
the rim. The seed, which is obtaijied fi-om the
bro-\A7i lines or spots (called by botanists, Spor-
angia) on the under surface of most mature
fronds, should be sosm on the surface of the soil,
well watered with a very flne rose, window-glass
]Dlaced closely over the pans, to keep in\ the
moisture and keep out small insects, and the joans
themselves set in a heat of about 50°, when the
spores \v'\W gerininate in about two n:ionths.

Where the au- is dry, if in rooms or greenhouses,
fi-equent syringings are of much benefit to plants.
Besides, cleanliness keeps down insects and
checks disease in plants as in animals. Most old-

TEE GARDENER^S MONTHLY

TJaxuary,

fas-hioaod lady gardene.. (and .^ - - J^
them for the ma^y lessons they have ^^f^^J
take every opportoity to set their mndow-plans
out of doors when a ^-arm shower happens to
occm-. In ^^'u:ter a rain at a temperature of 40
or 45° which often occiu-s, might be called a
" warm shower." Cold Avater does not have halt
the mjurious effect on plants that cold air has.
When plants get accidentaUy frozen, the best
remedy m the world is to dip them at once in
cold water and set them m the shade to thaw.

It is better to keep in beat in cold weather by
covering, where possible, than to allow it to
escape, calcidatmg to make it good by fire-heat,
which is, at best, but a necessary e^dl. ^^^lere
bloom is in demand, nothmg less than 55° "will
accomplish the object; though much above that
is not desu-able, except for tropical hot-house
plants. Where these plants are obliged to be
wintered hi a common greenhouse, they should
be kept rather diy, and not be encouraged much
to grow, or they may rot awny.

After Cyclamens have done blooming, it is
usual at this season to dry tliem off; but we
do best with them by keeping them growing till
sprmg, then turuhig them out ui the open border,
and re-pot hi August for winter flowering.

Mgnonette is much improved by occasional
waterings with liquid manure.

In managing other jilauts, where there are
several plants or varieties of one species, and
comma.nd of different temperatures, it is a com-
mon plan to bring some for-\\'ard a few weeks
earlier than others ui the higher heat, thus
lengthening the season of bloom. This applies
particularly to camellias and azalias; the former
are liOAvever, not so easily forced as th.e latter,
being liable to drop th-eir buds, unless care be
taken to regulate the ' increased temperature
gradually.

CO MM UN 10 A TIONS.

/ESTHETICS IN CONSERVATORIES.

No. 2.

BY F. W. P.

The London Crystal-Palace, of 1S51, designed
by the then only m-., afterwards Sir Joseph Pax-
ton, the gardener to the Duke of Devonshh-e
^'as a clever structure, meeting the requirements
imposed by the government on the architects
better than any other plan proposed, and a.s

unique as it was m its ^^^^^^^P^^^"' °^,^^^ ^^^'.^
dimensions, but imposing only on vulgai min Is
or coarse and uncultivated tastes, as quantity and
size always do, it never w.is a ^--^'y;^":^,^^^^
claimed to be by its own originator. It aaos az
the beoinning intended to serve but a temporary
luirpos°e, and tlie permission for its erection was
cri-anted upon the .special condition, that it should
he removed immediately alter the World's fan-
was over. lis re-erection for permanency was
an after thought; but the idea that it might serve
as a plant-house never entered the mind of
Paxton. He kncAV too much for that, and what
he might have done in this direction, if afforded
an opportunitj', may be surmised after a careful
and intelligent study of the ConserA-atory ac
aiatsworth. The mistaken adoption of the sCAde
and the leading features of the Crystal Palace
for horticultural structures, only proved a gross
ignorance of the fundamental and indispen.sable
requirements of contrivances for the mamten-
ance and the proper display of plants.

To intrust the construction of them, if not
carte blanche to engineei-s, at any rate with too
much unwarranted faith in their superior genius
and skill, is a great mistake. We ought to re-
member that enghieers arc technicists, more or
less scientific mechanics, and as a class haA'e
never .shown much of an artistic turn of mind,
nor anytliing like infallibility, TSHien in the con-,
struction of our parks and conservatories, they
are invited to furnish just as much and as little
of their loeculiar skill and ingenuity as is wanted
or indis^Densable, Ihey may pro\''e A^ery useful;
but to make them the chrecting minds and final
authorities in matters of science and art, for
Avhich tiiey never bad sufficient tune nor oppor-
tunities to qualify themselves, is a mistake
Avhich is sure to bring about such results as are
already visible m but too many places, and the
repetition of Avhich ought to be discontinued.

Horticulturists and landscape gardenei-s may
easily add to their stock of knoAvledge Avhat little
is required of engineering, to get along Avithout
them; and before eng-iueers can undertake to
supersede the professional gardeners, they have
to be initiated in mysteries beyond the poAver of
screws and levers.

That monstrous bubble of glass in KeAA'-garden
{constructed by a man Avhose legitimate business
was to build railroad depots, and Avho kncAv well
enough how, with iron and gla.ss, to arch OA-er
Avide spaces for the accommodation of several
locomotives abreast), is. as a plant-house, about

18t6.]

AND HORTICULTURIST.

as suitable and useful for information as a race-
horse is in its line, and Mr. Jeffreys in one of
his critics on the "Horticulturist" calls it "a
costly royal toy," adding that it is "a luxivry
of which I cannot well see the utility in so much ex-
pense." Well, would it be English if it were
not costly ? Only think of it — sixty thousand
pounds sterling, to " dome " over only half an
acre of ground, for the exhibition of more iron,
tubs and pottery, than foliage and flowers, serv-
ing more to satisfy the vulgar curiosity of the
London sight seers, than the scientific thirsts of
students. For, what it is smaller in size and in-
ferior in efficiency than the Chatsworth conser-
vatory, covering an area of more than an acre, it
makes up in useless, costliness and ostenta-
tion, like some people's books, of which the bind-
ings cost more than the books themselves are
worth.

The celebrated Palm-gardens, at Frankfort on
the Main, originally built for the Duke of Nassau
on his place at Biborich were, after his media-
tisation, acquired by a society and remoA^ed to
Frankfort. They have since been considerably
increased in extent, and a richer collection of
tropical and sub-tropical plants in large and fine
specimens could not well be found in any other
establishment. In this enterprise the society has
expended up to this day the snug sum of about
half a million of florins (200,000 dollars), and has
the flattering satisfaction of realizing, together
with a universal and enthusiastic approval of an
appreciating public, an encouraging financial
return on the outlay, by charging only half a
florin (.20 cents) admission fee.

Here, a"n arrangement of the plants, more
natural and thus more beautiful, than that in the
Kew Palm-house, forms one of the chief attrac-
tions, but, as in all the older structures of this kind,
the too great length in proportion to the Avidth and
the uniform level of the ground or floor, made
full, or at least a better success in this direction,
impossible. We also miss the aquatic plants and,
besides a puerile, though larger than usual,
"rockwork with cascade," we notice incongrui-
ties, such as vases with a yucca or a dracsena
stuck into them ; palms, over forty feet high, in
tubs, which are by no means improved by being
coated with bark ; but what is decidedly most ob-
jectionable is the circumstance, that even here
some genius, delighting in small things, has been
permitted to intrude the paltry product of his
talent for rag-quilting into this assemblage of the
floral aristocracy of the tropics. (When will

both gardeners and amateurs learn to under-
stand where ribbon or mosaic planting, and how
much of it, is proper?)

The roof of this, in every essential respect, ad-
mirable conservatory, is appropriately simple
and unpretending, not forcing itself unduly and
first of all upon the visitor's eye. It is, what it
always should be, — the mere shell of a sweet and
delicious kernel.

EDITORIAL NOTES.

Calla ^thiopica. — Our lady readers will value
the following little hint from a correspondent of
the Gardener's Marjazine: — With a comparatively
small number of plants, I have been cutting
blossoms nearlj^ every week for the last twelve
months (not less than two hundred in all), and
from the appearance of the plants, as to buds
and luxuriant foliage, I may expect a succession
during the coming winter months, when other
white flowers are so difficult to procure, espe-
cially for church decorations. I must add that
I give the Callas very little rest, some of them
none whatever. By this system of culture the
old roots do not die, and the plants certainly pro-
duce much finer blooms.

Button-hole Roses. — Mr. EadclyfTe must have
written in fun when he recommends Madame C.
Joigneaux and Charles Lefebvre as button-hole
Roses; but he might as well have "gone the
whole hog " and recommended a full-expanded
Paul Neron. He omits many beaiitiful button-
hole Roses — e.g., Madam Falcot, Madam F.
Janin, La Boule de Neige, and Prince Camille de
Rohan (in bud). There are several fine Teas,
too, of late introduction that he does not men-
tion ; for instance, Anna Ollivier, very fine in bud
for button-holes, and Amazone, the same. I do
not think we shall find many rosarians recom-
mend Abbe Bramerel, Maxime de la Rocheterie
or Baron Chaurand for any purpose.^P., in Jour-
nal of Horticidture.

Treatment of Oranges. — The small Otaheite
Orange, so useful for winter flowering, should,
when out of bloom, have its growth pushed on
in a little warmth. This plant is subject to scale,
and before any young growth is made they
should be thoroughly cleansed with insecticide,
using the sponge in preference to the brush, the
latter being liable to scratch- the leaves. Plants
of varieties of large growth that have flowered
should be similarlv treated. Oranges of all

10

THE GARDENER^S MONTHLY

[January,

kinds, whilst making their growth, must be well
supplied vni\\ water, especially overhead, and be
also slightly shaded from the sun. Tlie orange
is a plant of comparatively easy growth, and
naturally able to withstand a good deal of bad
treatment without being killed outright ; and to
this, no doubt, may be attributed the indifterent
condition in which they are often seen. When
in a bad state the roots are generally few, and
almost dormant at a time when they should be
ramifying in all directions ; when thus stunted
and unhealthy the best course is to turn them
out of their pots, reduce the balls considerably,
put them in smaller pots, and place at once in
moderate heat with a close moist atmosphere
until the roots are unmistakably active and the
growth is made : plants in such condition will be
much benefitted by a moderate bottom-heat of
about 70°. — Gardener's Chronicle.

Verbenas from Seed. — Those who are limited
or room in their greenhouses, and still like to
make as good a show of bedding plants as possi-
ble during the summer months, will find it by far
the best plan to raise their stock of Verbenas
from seed. This can be easily done in the fol-
lowing manner : — ^Take a few seed pans, and if
these be not at hand, a few shallow boxes will
suffice quite as well (if the latter be selected,
some holes must be made in the bottoms), cover
over the bottom with some broken crocks, and
fill in to within about half an inch of the top
with a light mixture of rotten loam, leaf-mould,
and a good dash of silver sand, make the surface
level, and press it a little, so that when watered
it will not sink. On this surface the seeds should
be evenly sown, and then covered over with a
light sprinkling of the same* soil that they are
sown on; they should be watered with a pot that
has a fine rose, and then placed in the greenhouse
close to the glass, and if put so that they will
receive a little bottom heat so much the better.
They should not be allowed to get dry, but still
never over-water them, as that would be much
more fatal. When strong enough the plants
should be potted off, and so grown on till it is
time to stand them out to harden off before be-
ing put out into the beds, in which they are to
bloom. When Verbenas are about to be raised
in this way the seed should always be purchased
of some good seedsmen, to ensure the varieties
being good. Petunias can also be raised in a
similar manner.— A Hassard, in The Garden-.

Euphorbia jacquin^eflora almost stands alone

for the incomparable beauty of its cerise-scarlet
flowers, arranged in such elegant wreaths, at this
season of the year. At an evening party not
long since, where the beauty of flowers, among
other pleasant agencies, ministered to the delight
of the company, this beautiful stove Euphorbia
was singled out for especial praise. Such a warm
glow of color as the flowers present appears to be
especially acceptable when snow and ice and
frost of unusual severity hold Nature in a state
of repose. The flowers, though small, are indi-
vidually very exquisite in form and color, and
being produced with much profusion on the
elongated branches the plant throws up at this
time of the year, and the leaves being also of
elegant form and of a transparent green, it has
come to be much used by ladies as wTeaths for
the hair. The flowers are set on at the base of
the leaves in short spikes of three or four to a
dozen buds, and as all regularly face in an up-
ward direction, they form a wreath of great
natural beauty. It is a grand plant for stove
decoration at mid-mnter, and it can be met with
as specimens 6 to 7 feet in height, with from
twelve to twenty leading branches, each starting
from the base, and at the blooming season
crowded with flowers. For winter decoration
the Euphorbia, when appropriately managed, is
scarcely second to any other plant knowni to gar-
deners.— Gardener's Chronicle.

NEW PLANTS.

Silver-leaved Pi.ants. — A. L. S., writes, " Will
yovi give me, please, a list of such silver-leaved

plants as will grow in the open gromid of this
climate (Maryland), and make borders for beds,
such as I have seen about Boston? I should need

18^6.]

AND HORTICULTURIST.

11

enough to make, if in one straight Une, say 100
feet."

[Artemisia stellaris ; Centaurea requsina,
often called C. Candida; C gymnocarpa, and
CJineraria maritima, are generally vised. The
last is often known familiarly as the " Dusty
Miller," and is so easy to increase and manage,
that it is very popular. We give an illustration
of it herewith when allowed to flower. For large
beds, where there is no necessity to have the leaves
sheared, as is sometin:ies desirable in this class of
bedding, the Glauciuni corniculatum is used. —
Ed. G. M.]

Saxifraga Huetii. — Most of the Saxift-ages in
cultivation are perennials, — the best known, per-
haps, being the S. sarmentosa, one of the most
useftil of plants in hanging-basket culture. The
present species in as annual, and is represented
as being a remarkably good thing for early spring

flowering in pots. It does not appear to be
known much in England yet, but has been intro-
duced on the continent by the old and well-
known firm of Vilmorin, Andrieux & Co., of
Paris, who are prominent in the enterprise of
Introducing good and substantial things.

QUERIES.

Disease in Palms. — E. H., New Bedfoi-d, Mass.,
writes : — " I enclose to you two samj^les of Palm-
leaves affected with a disease which seems to be
spreading over the entire plant; my gardener
is at a loss to know how to deal with it. One of
the Palms is Latania Borbonica, a large thrifty
plant, growing well, but this threatens to destroy

it. Your opinion would be esteemed a great
favor. I have for years been a subscriber to your
Monthly."

[This disease is caused by a small fungus
which feeds on the interior tissues of the leaves.
It is not known how it enters the structure, but
probably through the roots. Wood ashes, water
with a little salt, just enough salt in the water
to be perceptible to the taste, or even warm
water itself (say 130°) will often destroy fungoid
matter at the roots of plants, — and the Palms
generally stand these doses better than other
plants. If, however, the plant is not too large, it
would be best to re-pot entirely in fresh earth*
washing the roots clean in water with wood
ashes. The diseased leaves should be cut off" at
once, as soon as the injury is perceived. — Ed.
G.M.I

Tobacco as Manxtre. — H. L. says : — " Should be
glad to know through the Gardener^s Monthly or
otherwise, what the value of decayed tobacco is
as a fertilizer."

[It is not probable there is any more value in
tobacco, as manure, than in any other vegetable
substance. As decayed vegetable matter it would
have a value, no more. — Ed. G. M.]

The Double Lobelia. — S. This is simply a
dwarf form of L. erinus, the common blue Lobe-
lia, and has no " native country." It is a gar-
den variety only. It was, we believe, raised in
England, but introduced into this country first by
Mr. Henry Chitty, of the Bellevue nursery. It is
a very desirable thing.

Cultivation of Ericas. — An Ohio correspond-
ent speaks in high terms of the value of Mr-
Munroe's article on the Cape Heath, published in
our last volume. These plants are among the
most beautiful in the world. They are supposed
to be more difficult to raise in our climate than
they are in England, — and we believe they are,
and hence there is the more credit due to the
skill of those who, like Mr. Munroe, produce
such good results.

Coleus Chameleon. — Mr. T. Ottway, Middle-
bury, Ohio, says : — "I saw it stated in last
Monthly, that it was necessary to pot Coleus
Chameleon in poor soil, to make it hold its colors.
It makes no difference with me, rich or poor.
At first I had some little trouble in getting good
sporting stock. This year I have a beautiftil lot,
the most brilliant colors, and old plants breaking
back very fine."

12

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[January,

IrUIT and IIeGETABLE mRDENING.

SEASONABLE HIN'JS.

In getting ready for spring vegetables do not
fear to pile on the manure. It is the rank rich
growth tvhich gives the agreeable tenderness to
them, and without an abundance of manure this
cannot be done. Deep soil is also a great ele-
ment of success. Though we do not favor sub-
soiling and underdraining for fruit trees, we
regard it as very profitable in vegetable growing

Asparagus beds may have the soil raked off them
a little, if it was thrown up from the alley-way in
the fall. It allows the sun to get to the roots ear-
lier, and the crop is forwarded thereby. If the
beds are poor, they may have a dressing of guano,
or superphosj^hate, which has been found very
beneficial to this crop. It has become almost a
stereotyped recommendation to have "salt ap-
plied," but there is a good deal of the humbug
about it. In dry, sandy soils it does a little good,
and a little in whatever manure is applied is
acceptable to them, but more has been made of
the salt theory with Asparagus than it deserves.
Asparagus beds may be got ready as soon as the
ground is sufficiently dry to admit of working.
A deep soil is all-important; two feet, at least,
and a situation should be chosen that is warm,
and yet not too dry. The roots should be set
about four inches under the surface, twenty
inches or two feet from each other, and the rows
eighteen or twenty inches apart. Large, fine
Asparagus cannot be obtained by crowding the
plants ; strong two and three year old i:)lants are
the best; although in good, rich soil, one year
old plants will often bear a good crop the year
after planting. The length of time Asparagus
requires to come into bearing depends much on
the soil. It is useless to attempt raising it in poor
ground.

This is generally supposed to be the pruning
season. Orchard trees generally get too much
pruning. In young trees only thin out so as not
to have the main leaders crossing or interfering
with one another. Or when a few shoots grow
much stronger than the rest, cut these away.
Insist on all the branches in young trees growing
only on a perfect equality. On older trees which

.:;ave been in bearing a number of years, it will
often benefit to cut away a large portion of the
bearing limbs. By a long series of bearings,
branches will often get bark bound and stunted,
preventing the free passage of the sap to the
leaves. In such cases the sap seems to revenge
itself by forcing out vigorous young shoots a long
way downi from the top of the tree. It is down
to these vigorous young shoots that we would
cut the bearing branches away. One must use
his own judgment as to the advisability of this.
If the tree bears as fine and luscious fruit as ever
of course no such severe work need be done, but
if not, then now is the time.

In young orchards some species of scale insects
are likely to be troublesome. These should be
killed by washing at this season. If the trees
be very badly infested, cut back the young shoots,
and the stouter branches can then be more thor-
oughly done. Some people use weak lye for
washing, with good results; we do not object to
some lime and sulphur going in with it. Old
trees are very much assisted by having the rough
bark scraped off of the trunk and main branches,
and then coated ^^•ith a similar wash. Never
mind what people say about stopping up the
" breathing pores." Try it once, and you will
always want to repeat the practice.

And above all look after the nutrition of the
trees. Some people say that land which will
raise good corn will grow good fruit trees, which
is all right ; but they should add that like corn
they require regular and continuous manuring.
There are some parts of the country where corn
can be successively taken for a half a life time
without manure ; on these soils we need not ma-
nure fruit trees, but in all others we must, to
have good results. This is particulary essential
where trees aye grown in grass, as both the trees
and the grass require food. Where trees are
grown in grass, we prefer top dressing in June or
July, but if it has not been done then, do it now.
Where trees are kept under a clean surface cul-
ture, the manure is of course ploughed or har-
rowed in with the crop in the spring of the year.
To know whether trees require manure or not
ask the leaves. If in July they are of a dark

18t6.]

AND HORTICULTURIST.

13

rich green, nothing need be done to them, but if
they have a yellow cast, hunger is what is the
matter. This of course is supposing they are not
infested by borers, in which case they will be yel-
lowish in the richest soil.

COMMUNIGA TIONS.

FREE AND CLING-STONE PEACHES.

BY H. M. ENGLE, MARIE^riA, PA. x

In the September number of the Monthly
you compared several of the new early Peaches
with mine (the Downing), which was quite favor-
able to the latter, but closed by calling it a cling-
stone. Please define what you consider a cling-
stone. In my experience in peach growing, we
have three classes, viz : free, cling, and half or semi-
cling. In the latter we class Hale's, Early York,
Early Rareripe, Walter's Early, and others, all
of which part from the pitt, but not freely. My
Early Seedlings are of this class. My experience
is, that in some seasons they adhere to the pit
more than in others, but are never true cling-
stones.

A few years ago I shipped to a friend a few
■crates of true Old Mixon free. He wrote back
that he wanted no cling-stones. That season our
free-stones were about as much clings as the
Hales and its class generally are. On the other
hand, we have had seasons when the latter were
received without objection to their being clings.

Am I wrong in classifying as above ? Or is the
experience of peach growers different from mine?
Please explain.

[Mr. Engle is right. . Peaches are di\'ided into
two classes, free and cling. There is another,
which is generally fi'ee, and yet often clings
considerably to the stone. We have never thought
so much about this, as since Mr. Downing's note
in regard to the Alexander. There should be
three recognized classes. — Ed. G. M.]

BLACK WALNUT.

BY THE REV. J. H. CREIGHTON, COLUMBUS, O.

Almost every man and boy thinks he knows all
about gathering and cracking and eating Wal-
nuts— but may be not. Our native Black Wal-
nvit {Juglans nigra) is hardly ever treated right,
and is when rightly preserved one of the best of
all nuts. It is commonly left too long in the
hull after it is ripe. Sometimes it is allowed to

lay for a long time on the ground in its thick
moist hull till the kernel goes through a kind of
change that makes it not only unpalatable, but
unhealthy. Hence, a great many persons have
an idea that this nut is strong, and hard to digest.
But it should be gathered immediately after it is
ripe, and not allowed to remain in the hull. It
should not even be allowed to remain on the
tree till it -falls itself, but as soon as the kernel is
ripe take it off and dry it quick and it is a very
different nut from what is commonly found.
The kernel is white and delicious, no strong flat
taste, and has a delicate flavor that is hardly sur-
passed by any nut. And then when thus treated
there are little cracks in the hard shell that make
it easy to crack out the kernel. These little cracks
are formed by the sudden drying.

There are great differences in different trees as
to the size and quality of fruit. There is a tree near
Duncan's Falls, Muskingum County, Ohio, that
bears fruit of uncommon size and quality. We
have thought it worthy of propagation.

GRAPE GROWING AT GALVESTON, TEXAS.

BY J. FALCONER.

Many kinds of American Grape vines are
grown in the gardens in and around Galveston,
and although some sorts of them do well, the
more experienced gardeners (I apply this term
to those peoj)le interested in and doing their own
gardening) are of opinion that it is a waste of
room, time and means to grow the American
grapes, when the finest European kinds can be
as easily grown, besides being so very much more
remunerative. At Mr. Stringfellow's gardens^
some two miles southwest of the city, I saw the
European grapes in as healthy ■ and fruitftil a
state as I ever did under glass. His gardens are
near the sea beach, and like all the south coast of
Galveston, subject to most devasting south winds
that do more harm than north ones. To guard
against these winds he has his gardens fenced in
with a wooden fence, just inside of which, is a
high " sea-cedar " and oleander hedge ; oleander
hedges some eight feet high and fifty feet apart
run east and west through the grounds to act as
wind-breaks too. In these sheltered plots Mr. S_
has the Black Hamburg, Canon Hall Muscat,
Bowood Muscat, Muscat of Alexandria, several
kinds of Chasselas, and other sorts that he has
fully attested, and is satisfied that they are decid-
edly better adapted for Galveston than the Amer-

14

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[January,

ican grapevines. They ripen and color well,
produce large bunches of fine flavored fruit, and
the berries adhere well to the clusters and are not
so liable to rot as the natives. He grows his
vines on three barred wooden trellises three feet
high, for should they be higher the vines would
be blighted and prostrated by the winds sweeping
over the oleanders. As in hot-houses, so are these
grapes out of doors, they require thinning, and
this the grower considers an objection, but it is a
small one, for when we see plainly the great good
thinning out grape berries in the clusters does to
the appearance, quality, and value of the crop,
we can hardly grudge the trouble and time spent
in it. The vines are subject to mildew but Mr. S
tells me that he keeps them eftectually clean by
using powdered sulphur three times a year, \dz.,
before they come into bloom, after stoning and
before coloring. Ten dollars worth serves him a
year, for how many vines I cannot say, but he
estimates his crop this year at 5,(X)0 pounds. He
applies the sulphur through a fine wire sieve.

Mr. Stringfellow considers the Delaware the
best of the Americans for Southern Texas, and
particularly for Galveston, where it ripens early
and well, colors beautifully, and bears heavily.
He is very hard on the Scuppernong, and asserts
that it will grow like a weed, but with any amount
of coaxing he cannot get it to bear and ripen. I
may mention that Mr. S. is giving the Golden
Champion a fair trial. This is its first beai'ing
year, and now (April 29th) it has several very
solid bunches of flowers, and is withal in a most
promising and healthy condition.

Lawyer Tucker, a gentleman who grows grapes
for pleasure and profit, has the finest collection of
kinds that I know of in Galveston or in Texas.
He has now in admirable vigor and fruitfulness
forty-two distinct sorts of European grapevines,
all three years old, besides several one year old
plants and cuttings from California and elsewhere.
He, too, is of opinion that the European kinds are
by far the best for Galveston, and places great
stress upon the different kinds of Chasselas as
being the best. He tells me that he sells his fruit
for $1 a pound in Galveston and that they retail
in the same city for $1.25. His mode of culture
is almost *a fac simile of Mr. Stringfellow's, but
his garden is further from the sea-coast and bet.
ter sheltered with big trees than Mr. S's, and the
soil is older and deeper. Mr. Tucker places
much weight, and I think justly too, in surface
dressings, and for this purpose he keeps under
cover heaps of fresh earth, decomposed organic

manure, wood-ashes and charcoal, and leaf soil,
so as to be able to mix it and apply it as he con-
siders necessary, and his whole garden bears am-
ple testimony of this efl[icacious practice.

Mr. Cliappell, a farmer some five miles west-
the-island showed me an immense Scuppernong
vine that he has trained on a trellis over his wa-
ter cistern at the north side of the house, and
from which he says he cut 310 pounds of grapes,
besides what the folks about the house had eaten
off" it. He prunes off" a good deal of old wood
annually, shortens the ends of the remaining
shoots, and as the vines begin to grow he leaves
only every third or fourth bud along the shoots,
rubbing off" the rest. Mr. C. showed me several
other fine Scuppernong vines, all of which prom-
ised well for a heavy crop, but seeing the clusters in
flower and in ripe fruit are two diflTerent things.
Just observe the difference of opinion existing
as regards this grape between Mr. Stringfellow
and Mr. Chappell.

Mr. Shrader, a German farmer somd distance
north-west of Mr. Chappell's place, and a thirty
years' "residenter" on the island has the most taste-
fully kept garden I saw amongst the farmers in
that district. He is a most polite and entertain-
ing old gentleman, and in his fruit trees and flow-
ers he takes great pride and interest. He has
Concord grapevines, but he does not like them ;
they bear regularly and heavily and have large
clusters and berries, but should there come a
rain at ripening time they are sure to rot. He
has the Isabella too, and it does well with him
and he never found it to rot. This gentleman
has many other very fine grapevines, but having
lost their names and not keeping a written record
of them he does not know what they are.

COMET PEACH.

BY D. .0 MUNSON, FALLS CHURCH, VA.

I send you by to-day's mail a plate taken from
the same kind of peaches sent you, only the
ones sent to Dewey were larger than the ones sent
you. I also sent some to Chas. Downing, who
says it is a new peach. Rivers, of England, has
sent out a yellow peach called the Comet, and it
will therefore be necessary to give this one a new
name, and I have decided to call it the Billier's
Comet. It originated with a Mr. Billier, in Kent
County, Md., and has been known in that county
for several years as " Billier's Comet." The
buds I received irom R. G. Hanford I learn
are from the yellow peach sent out by Rivers of

1876.]

AND HORTICULTURIST.

15

England, which he named the Comet, which is
described as ripening about the same time as this.
On account of the wet, cold weather during the
past summer, the peach was not so highly flavored
as in previous years ; still it sold for a big price in
Washington, D. C. market. It is from two to
three weeks later than the Salway. This peach
originated in Kent Co., Md.

[We have before given our opinion of this ex-
cellent Peach, under the provisional name of
Comet.— Ed. G. M.]

ELDRED CLING PEACH.

BY ^V. FALCONER, BRENHAM, TEXAS.

A year ago last June, Mr. D. R. Eldred, a far-
mer and enthusiastic fruit grower of this (Wash-
ington) county, Texas, brought a basketful of
these peaches to Mr. Watson for his opinion
regarding them. It was in the first week in June,
just as Hale's Early began ripening, and as a
cling at that season is a rarity, it may be consid-
ered one of the best additions to our peach list in
Texas, where clings are so much more in demand
than free-stones, and it is a decided cling. Tlie
fruits are as large as Crawford's Early, somewhat
oval in shape ; pale yellow skin, with a beautiful
red cheek; flesh, whitish, very juicy and rich.
Mr. Watson says it is the earliest cling of his
knowledge, and decidedly a first rate fruit, and
in compliment to its raiser. Mr. W. has named it
Eldred Cling. This year the fruits sold at a
higher price than any in others Brenham.

EDITORIAL NOTES.

Strawberry Fertilizer. — A Lancaster corres-
pondent of the Farmer says : '"An experiment
made last year by myself may not come amiss at
this time with those who grow Strawberries. I
procured half a hogshead, filled it with rain
water, and put into it \%. of ammonia, and ^ib.
of common nitre. When the Strawberry plants
were blossoming out, I gave them a sprinkling of
the solution at evening twice a week until the
fruit was nearly of size. The result was double
the amount of fruit on those where the liquid
was applied, to what was obtained from those
alongside, to w'hich none of the liquid was ap-
plied."

Profitable Bee-keeping. — One of the most
profitable speculations in Bee-keeping that we
ever knew, was by a young lady in Illinois, until

recently. Miss Ella Dunlap. But two Cali-
fornian girls seem to have gone ahead of her
A correspondent of the Rural Press says " that
they kept on teaching till they got money
enough to buy two hundred stands of bees.
They then bid good-bye to school and took pos-
session of their bee-farm. Their accommoda-
tions were not palatial, but they answered the
purpose, and I will wager anything I have in the
world that no weary traveler passing the Smith-
Linden rancheria would say that the inmates
were ' keeping bach.'

Last week the senior partner came up by
steamer with the first 2,500 pounds of white
sage honey. She has another 1,000 pounds com-
ing. She found the honey market depressed on
account of the financial collapse, and put it in
store until things looked brighter.

I have no business to be telling this story, but
I think it ought to be told for the encouragement
of girls tired to death of sewing and teaching.
And I think it ought to be told to prove that one
student of the University has taken to agricul-
tural pursuits. And I think that every pound of
honey should be sold to the good housekeepers
of San Francisco at prices which will pay the
producers fairly for their creditable undertaking.

Miss Smith is taking advantage of her leisure
to collect information about honey secreting
plants. She sowed all the mignonette seed she
could get last year, and now intends putting in a
crop of two acres."

Dreer's Lima Bean. — Mr. Geo. Paist, of Rees-
ville, Chester Co., Pa., reports that he finds this
variety a remarkably prolific bearer, and in his
opinion it is much superior in every respect to
the common Lima bean.

Remedy for the Celery Fly. — One of the
worst enemies to the celery is a small fly, which
deposits its eggs in the leaves, and the young eat
their way under the skin, and in this way materi-
ally aff'ect the growth of the plant. The English
Gardener's Chronicle says : — " I can fully concur
with what has been stated by Mr. Tillery as re-
gards soot being beneficial to the growth of Celery
and also a preventive to the celery fly (Tephri
tis onopordinis), having experimented with the
same with satisfactory results, though instead of
selecting a fine day for the operation I selected a
showery one. I intended to have written to you
before on this subject, as I consider it an easy
remedy and of great importance where fine heads
of celery are in requisition."

16

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[January,

Dwarf Apples. — On my Pommifr de Paradis
stock, Apples may be planted eighteen inches
apart each way, and when they begin to touch
each other may have each alternate tree removed,
leaving the plantation at three feet apart each
way. At this distance they will do to stand many
years. I had nearly 1,000 sorts in the season of
1868 in fruit, many of them bearing six to twelve
Apples, the trees being twelve inches by eighteen
inches apart, and most of them only one foot to
one and a half in height. The great thing with
this stock is that all the large Apples, which are
generally strong growers and slow bearers, bear
abundantly in two or three years, and produce
fine handsome fruit, generally better flavored
than when from the Crab or Doucin stock. The
management of these trees is very easy and simple
— that is, if any of them should have an inclination
to grow too luxuriant, merely lift them out of the
ground, tread down the place firmly, and then place
the tree on the part so hardened, covering its
roots with a few inches of the surrounding soil,
thus raising the tree on a little mound, which will
prevent the roots striking too deep into the cold
crude soil ; and as a consequence, the wood will
be well ripened and a fruitful tree be formed.
Little pruning is necessary ; a few over-luxuriant
shoots pinched back slightly once in summer,
and a neat and thin regulation of its branches in
autumn and winter, is all that is required. Avoid
too much summer pinching and pruning, other-
wise your trees will become ugly little stunted
scrubs, with their skins so tight that the life is
strangled in its ascent, and deformed abortions
will be all you will have. Be generous to your
trees; do not overpinch, overprune or overload
them, and they will repay you with interest. —
Scott's Orchardist.

NEW FRUITS ^ VEGEIABLES.

The Northampton Apple. The Horticultural
Editor of the Lebanon Valley (Pa.) Standard, an
accomplished and intelligent horticulturist by
the way, giving a list of Winter Apples suited to
that section says: "Baldwin, Newtown Pippin,
Lady, Fallawater or Pound, Bellflower, Rambo,
Vandevere, White Pippin, Seek no further, Ro-
manite, to which list may be added an Apple
peculiar to Lebanon, bearing with us the name
of " Northampton " from the locality whence it
was introduced many years ago by Abraham
Light, deceased, and which is not described in

any of the books. We sent a specimen of the
books. We sent a specimen of the fruit to Char-
les Downing last May, and received the reply, in
answer to our request for a name, that he had never
seen the variety before, and requested us to send
him a specimen for trial this fall. It is not procur-
able from any nursery and yet its many excellent
qualities of flavor, size, appearance and bearing,
coupled with the long period in which it can be
used, from October to May, entitle it to a promi-
nent place in the smallest collection or orchard."

Lucy Grieve Peak. We have from Messrs. E.
G. Henderson, of London, a beautifully executed
colored lithograph of this new English Pear,
which is attracting much attention among Eng-
lish Pear growere. The descpption which they
send us, and which we give below, is from the
pen of Dr. Hogg, the Downing of England : —

" Fruit large, above the average, upwards of
three inches long, and two and a half wide, oval
in outline, combining the features of Glou Mor-
ceau and Swan's Egg. Its complexion lemon-
yellow, with a red blush towards the sun, and the
whole surfaced with cinnamon-colored russet
dots. Flesh white, very tender and melting, very
juicy, and richly flavored. It is a delicious Pear,
having the texture of flesh found in Marie Louise,
and ripens in October."

" The seed of this Pear was sown in a flower-pot
by the daughter and only child of Mr. Peter
Grieve, gardener at Culford Hall, near Bury St.
Edmiuul's, who carefully tended the plants till
they were large enough to be planted out ; but
ere the first of them bore fruit, in 1873, the little
maid was in her grave. The first-class qualities
of this fruit will perpetuate her name, and as a
living record becoine at once a professional sou.
venir and ' forget-me-not.' "

QUERIES.

Petition.— J. H. C. says : — " The form of petition
in the Gardener's Monthly, page 347, is well
timed and should be copied extensively, and
signed by thousands and in good time sent to
Congress. If this be done we surely will have the
desired change. Let all our horticulturists at-
tend to it in good time.

" Our request is so evidently right, that we will
be almost certain to succeed."

[This did not reach us in time for our last. We
trust the petitions will go in, if not already gone.

1876.]

AND HORTICULTURIST.

n

"We believe at this moment of writing, as we
have already said, that in this fight the Express
companies will prove stronger than the people.
We suppose the newspapers will be strong enough
to have the law altered, as it affects printed mat-
ter; but seeds, plants and such things will remain-
We shall be glad to find that we are mistaken,
and trust no effort will be lacking to prove that
we are wrong. — Ed. Ct. M.]

Phylloxera on the Roots of Grape. — G. A.
F., Waltham, Mass., says : — " I send in this pack-
age a few lona Grape roots and wish you would
be kind enough to inform me if the knots on the
roots are caused by the Phylloxera. Please answer
through the columns of your valuable maga-
zine."

[Yes, it is the Phylloxera, and a very bad case.
Generally, as we have seen, only the fibres are
attacked. In these, many of the main roots are
suffering also. Such Grapes should not be planted
until every swollen part be cut away. — Ed. G. M.]

Wttt) Celery. — M. L. says : — " In Baltimore
recently, and dining with a friend, I was struck
with the excellency of some duck, and was told
that it was through the bird having been fed on
Celery. Is it generally known that Celery has
this effect on the flesh of the duck."

[We examined this matter some years ago, and
gave the results in the Gardener's Monthly at that
time. It is not Celery, but a wild pond weed with
long grass-like leaves, known to botanists as Val-
lisneria spiralis, and which the sportsmen call
wild Celery. It does not impart any of its own
particular properties to the duck, but is favorable
to the bird's nutrition — just as corn would be, in
making flesh in an ox superior to hay or fodder.
—Ed. G.M.]

Grapes for a Cold Grapery. — B., Lebanon,
Pa., asks : " What are the best grapes for a cold
grapery ?"

[The best of all kinds for a cold grajDcry is the
Black Hamburg. Perhaps for an amateur who
takes pleasure in their growth, some variety
would be preferable. In this case a vine or so
of some of the forms of Chasselas for earlier, and
the West; St. Peters for later, might be desirable.
These are very old, but standard kinds. If one
is particularly fond of the subject, of course some
of the newer kinds, as Golden Hamburg, Muscat
Hamburg, Trentham Black, &c., may be intro-
duced ; but still looking to the Black Hamburg
as the leading stand-by. — Ed. G. M.]

The Highland Hardy Raspberry. — A corres-
pondent from Ulster Co., N. Y., sends us the fol-
lowing. We may say that we know nothing of
the variety persorially :

"This variety, though surpassed, perhaps, in
some respects by othei^s more widely known, has
nevertheless valuable qualities that commend it
to the attention of fruit growers throughout the
land. A short description of its qualities, habits
of growth, and manner of cultivation will proba-
bly be of interest to amateurs and others who
may be giving their attention to the cultivation
or testing of new varieties of fruits.

" Originating in this county several years ago,
it has rapidly gained such a popularity that
large plantations have been made of them, super-
seding other well-knoAvn varieties. The plant is
of vigorous growth, from 4 to 6 feet in height,
which aff"ords an abundance of wood for the sup-
port of the fruit. The canes are perfectly hardy,
and have withstood a temperature of 16° and 20°
below zero during the past winters without in-
jury. I give them no protection whatever, nor
do they require it, as the canes bear fruit in
abundance to their very tops. This valuable
trait of being entirely hardy is the chief cause
why they have supplanted so largely the Ant-
werps and other kinds previously grown, that re-
quired winter protection. To such an extent are
they superseding the well known Hudson River
Antwerp, that the time is probably not far dis-
tant when they will supplant them almost en-
tirely in the River Counties which supply so
largely the markets of New York city.

They seem adapted to nearly all kinds of soil, '
such as corn and other hoed crops are usually
grown upon, with the exception of clay flats, or
low, poorly drained fields. For- the purpose of
experimenting, I have planted them on a diver-
sity of soils, and find that they can be grown
with profit even upon a heavy clay soil, if well
drained, either naturally or artificially, though
they do best on a gravelly soil, or light loam.

"The berry is a bright red, unusually firm,
which makes it of great value for shipping to
distant markets; flavor very good, comparing
favorably with other kinds ; size of fruit, medium
to large, surpassed in this respect by other sorts,
such as Herstine, Brandywine, or the Antwerps.
The plants ripen their fruit considerably earlier
than most of the red varieties, coming into mar-
ket or upon the table a little before the Ken-
tucky, Jucunda or Col. Cheney strawberries dis-
appear.

18

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[January,

" The Highland Hardy may be classed under
the head of "very productive," giving with ordi-
nary culture from 40 to 60 bushels to the acre,
the crop selling in New York at from $400 to
$600 per acre. Under very favorable circum-
stances the fruit from small plots has sold at the
rate of from $1500 to $2000 per acre. These
latter figures are rare exceptions, but still they
show what success has been reached.

"As to their cultivation, the ground should
first be well ploughed, giving a good coat of
barnyard manure. After harrowing, the ground
can be marked out with a plow or otherwise,
placing the plants 4 feet apart each way, or bj-
making the rows 6 feet apart, and the plants 2.j
or 3 feet distant in the rows. The first method
permits of better culture, though the yield does
not diff'er materially either way. The. ground
should be kept well cultivated, except when the
fruit is ripening. Manure the land well late in
the fall or in the spring of each year ; not too
liberally, if the soil is naturally very rich.

" Plantations may be made in the fall or spring,
and usually the young shoots may be set out
with good success as late as the second week in
June. The second season from planting will
generally give"a paying crop, though full returns
should not be expected until another year. This
raspberry has been widely disseminated through-
out the land, aftd those who have received them,
as well as others, will be interested, no doubt, in
knowing with what success they are grown on
this their native soil."

The New Early Peaches. — T. T. A., Comorn
P. 0., King George Co., Va., asks : " Please in-
form me how the early Beatrice, Louise, and
Rivers peaches have succeeded this year, and
wovild you advise the planting of them with us ?

[From all we can gather, they are desirable
varieties, and think you would be safe in plant-
ing them in your part of the country. — Ed.
G. M.]

Apples for South-eastern New Jersey. — A
correspondent from S. E. New Jersey asks : "Can
you give in the Gardener\s Monthly a list of late
keeping apples of good quality and production ? I
have the Winesap, but would like several other
varieties, suited to our soil and climate, which
will keep till March or later."

[We have " official records " at hand that
wjuld enable us to answer this question in a
manner that ought to be satisfactory. We under-

took to answer a question like this in regard to
Northern Ohio, from similar " authorities," and
our readers may remember the trouble we got
into. Of course, not residing in these sections,
we have no other sources of information to fall
back on as regards these local affairs. We have
an idea what kinds we should plant in that part
of the world, but would prefer that some one on
the spot should answer. In case no one responds,
we will then give a list that we should recom-
mend.—Ed. G. M.]

Red-fleshed Apple. — A Henry Co., Ills., cor-
respondent says : " I have received from Michi-
gan an apple which I think is worthy of notice.
The skin is yellow, with a slight blush, medium
size, juicy, good flavor. The remarkable feature
about it is the color of the flesh, which is similar
to that of a red-cored watermelon ; it is bright
rose-colored, and I am told makes a cider very
much like wine.

Have you ever before heard of this apple ©r
anything like it. I will try and have a specimen
of it sent you. Tlie man who owns the farm
where it grew says that the tree was on the place
when he bought it; and I understand that he
does not know whether this is the original tree
or not. My impression is that it is a seedling,
and that it has not been disseminated."

[Red-fleshed apples are not uncommon. The
old-fashioned Quarrenden is often as red all
through as the heart of a watermelon, and so is
the Black Detroit and others. The specimen did
not come to hand. — Ed. G. M.]

Winter Grafting of the Plum. — A New Jer-
sey correspondent writes : " I have a few hun-
dred plum stocks which I wish to graft, and
could I not saddle graft them successfully during
any pleasant weather this winter ? Should I tie
and cement?"

[Grafting of anything can be done all through
winter, if the scion and grafted part be protected
from frost. You must tie and wax, if whip or
saddle grafted. We are partial, however, to
cleft grafting, as when well done waxing only is
required. — Ed. G. M.]

Plum Growing. — O. M., Ottumwa, Iowa, writes ;
" I am interested in plum growing, but am at a
loss to know how to proceed, or what plan to
adopt, and appeal to you for advice. This sub-
ject has not been tried much in this country,
and I am desirous of le4xrning the best plans.
As you are aware, the great obstacle is the

1876.]

AND HORTICULTURIST.

19

curculio, and this is what troubles me. I have
been thinking of a plan on which I ask your
opinion, viz., to plant an orchard, cultivate the
ground, sow lettuce under the trees,' then with a
tight fence, and furnished with a pond of water,
pasture ducks and geese thereon. This idea is
original with me, and if you will be so kind as to
favor me with your opinion, also any other ideas
or hints which might be usefal, I will submit the
same to our State Horticultural Society, and
thus, no doubt, be a source of valuable informa-
tion to others also."

[Tliis letter reads as if a reply was desired by
letter ; but, as we often get similar requests, we
take occasion to say that we have no time to
write private letters on public topics, but are al-
ways willing to speak of them through these col-
umns. The members of the Iowa State Horticul-
tural Society are readers of our magazine, and
it wdll do the same good, and probablj^ interest
numbers of others, by being answered here.

That plum grpwing would be profitable, if suc-
cessful, is true. We may say it is profitable where
successful, for many succeed in keeping clear of
the curculio, and that is almost the only serious
obstacle. The insects are kept down by jarring
the trees, when the insects fall into sheets and are
destroyed. Ellwanger & Barry have a snag made
by sawing off a branch a few inches from the
main stem. They hammer on this, and thus the
bark is saved from bruising. Dr. Hull had a sort
of wheelbarrow, with a sheet spread on a frame.

and a pad so fixed as to save the bark when the
barrow was run forcibly against the tree. Both
these methods of jarring are followed by consider-
able fruit.

Keeping trees in chicken yards has been tried
with some, but not great, success. It cannot be
applied on a very large scale, and only to a score
or so of trees. The curculio is hard to catch,
even by one of the feathered tribe. Still some-
times it is very successful. One of our subscribers
in Philadelphia tells us that a half dozen trees in
a chicken yard are every year laden with plums.
We suppose, in this case, the chickens destroy
the curculio.

This is all we can say of our correspondent's
proposition from experience. It may do, but it
is a matter wholly to be worked out by an ex-
periment. It is worth the trial, as good plums
are as profitable as any fruit can be. — Ed. G. M.l

A Seedless Persimmon. — B. says : " I send a
small box of seedless persimmons. My reason for
sending is, I never heard of another tree of the
kind north of Texas, and the seedless feature is,
in my opinion, a valuable one. The fruit this
year is not as large as usual. The owner of the
tree propagates from sprouts."

[Rather smaller than the average persimmon,

but only three small seeds in a hundred fruit a

siderable variety. It can be grafted on seedlings,
of the ordinary kinds, and in this way might be
increased rapidly. — Ed. G. M.]

DITORIAL.

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY AND HORTICUL-
TURIST.

A PIECE OF HISTORY.

As will be known to most of our readers before
their eyes meet this, the Horticulturist has now
become a part of the Gai-dener's Monthly. Per-
sonally we regret the fact. We have never felt
any rivalry in regard to our old friend, or that we
had anything whatever to gain by its absence
from the field. On the contrary, we have ever

been ready, earnestly and sincerely, to lend it a
helping hand ; and not only to it, but to all enter-
prises of a similar kind. Mr. Williams resigns
it, primarily, because of his connection with so
many other works ; but, of course, it would not
have come into our hands had other people felt
encouraged to continue it in an independent
form ; and the impression from these considera-
tions by the outside A,^orld must be, that horti-
cultural taste cannot be very wide spread on this

20

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[January,

continent if there is room for only a single
horticultural magazine, and that a monthly one.
It is because we know that this view is decejitive
that we ofler these remarks now. We have been
abundantly satisfied with our own success. No-
thing was more surprising to every one than the
immense circulation, for a purely horticultural
paper, achieved by the Gardener's Monthly before
the war. Though not equalling its original
strength, the course has been steadily onward
since the end of the great struggle. The intelli-
gent and the refined, to whom horticulture was
among the highest pleasures, were the chief
sufi'erers by the war; and an entirely new class
came to the surface, with whom the taste for
horticulture was in a measure no more enjoyable
than an unknown tongue. This has been, how-
ever, annually improving; and we have been
quite satisfied with our share in the good work.
We know the taste will continue to increase, and
we firmly believe there was no reason why any
of the horticultural magazines that have disap-
peared from the field should cease to be.

Let us review for an instant our own course.
Hovey's magazine had the field in the writer's
younger days. In some departments of gardening
it did immense service, especially in fruit culture,
and Pomology generally. The present high po-
sition of Pear growing in this country is mainly
due to its labors. The Horticulturist followed.
It chose a higher field. It was the embodiment
of the best intellectual culture in this beautiful
department of art. Its sphere was all its own.
There was still room for another in a different
line, and the Florid appeared. The young editor
was abundantly fitted for the work. It was a
brave and worthy effort; but what could be done
by one without a dollar in the world? With its
departure the field was still open. The highest
taste and pomological gardening were fiiUy
ministered to; but there was nothing for the
thousands with slender purses and small yards and
grounds, and others who, in numberless ways,could
be benefitted by little hints of a practical caste.
This was our time. Unfortunately our good neigh-
bor, " The Horticulturist," came down from the po-
sition it was so ably filling, working in a measure
in our own line. We are satisfied it lost a great ad-
vantage by the change. The Hearth and Home folks
saw the opportunity, and it was indeed a grand
one. Why they failed was perfectly clear to those
who understood the needs of horticulture in this
country. It might have been to-day the expo-
nent of the highest culture in our beautiful art —

a leader equal to some of the best in the old
world — and a good paying investment instead of
the hea^y sinking fund it was to the projectors.
As for the American Gardener's Chronicle, the
American Jownal of Horticulture, and the American
Garden, the very fact of the adoption of these
names betrayed a want of originality, and invited
a comparison so unfortunate for themselves that
no one acquainted with business, in its relation
to horticultural literature, ever had the slightest
hope of theu- success.

Thei Gardener's Monthly is left the sole survivor,
but indeed it is not because there is no room for
more. The work which so many have tried to
do is really better done by the numerous excel-
lent agricultural papers of which our country may
well be proud. There is one agricultural phase
of gardening which, while not ignoring aesthetics
wholly, yet looks mainly to profit ; and there is
one which places the mental and the beautiful
a long way before the monetary and the material,
though still bordering on the mere agricultural,
and this is the work which we have to do. It
commences just where their's ends. No attempt to
build up a paper which is simply in competition
with the horticultural departments of our excel-
lent agricultural serials can possibly succeed.
They ought not. There is no need of them. But
those who can comprehend what true horticul.
ture is, and what it needs with us, need not fear
to find abundant patronage.

Truly we had no desire to involve our elder
brother. Earnestly do we desire to see more of
our family keeping house for themselves, and it
is because we sincerely wish to have thepi do so,
and because we believe there is plenty of reason
why they should, that we have candidly given
our views on the situation.

In the meantime, we bespeak sympathy for the
Gardener's Monthly and Horticulturist in its lonely
condition. If we make any new fi-iends by the
change we shall try to treat them well, while we
trust our old friends shall have no cause to feel
jealous of any attention we may give to the new-
comers in our household.

We cannot close these remarks without thanking
our Weekly Agricultural, and other exchanges, for
their kindly notices of our new situation, for many
are coming to hand while we are writing this.
Our relations with them have always been kind
and cordial, and we do not know of one that we
may not call our friend. We are, indeed, co-op-
erative in the same task, and no one can appre-
ciate their good will as well as we.

18T6.]

AND HORTICULTURIST.

21

Matural

ISTORY AND f&CIENCE.

COMMUNICA TIONS.

ABIES MACROCARPA— A NEW CONIFEROUS
TREE.

BY DR. GEO. VASEY, WASHINGTON, D. C.

In the fall of 1874, Mr. F. M. Ring, of San
Gorgonia Pass, California, sent to the Department
of Agriculture some cones and t'W'igs of a conifer-
ous tree, of which he desired to know the name.
The striking resemblance of the cones to those
of Abies Douglasii was very apparent, but their
great size and weight were remarkable. I re-
quested from Mr. Ring more detailed information
of the characteristic marks of his tree. In reply,
under date of Nov. 25th, 1874, he wrote as fol-
lows : " The tree in question is called here a fir
tree ; it is the first pine tree met with in ascend-
ing from the plain to the mountains, growing in
the canons of the foot hills, and in this locality
is the most common of the evergreens. As you
ascend in the mountains it becomes scarce, and
is not found higher up than about five thou-
sand feet. It attains a large size, from two to
three feet in diameter, and from sixty to eighty
feet high; the usual size, however, is about a
foot and a half in diameter, and fifty feet high.
Its appearance is peculiar, different from the
other pines found with it. This is caused by its
manner of groAvth, the limbs extending straight
out from the trunk without bending up or down.
It is a fine spreading tree, even when growing
thickly together, and I think would make a
highly ornamental one if planted singly or in
groups in open ground."

The leaves had all dropped from the twigs sent
by Mr. Ring, and as it appeared too late for
more specimens that year, I deferred the matter
until the coming year. In the meantime the
cones were seen by Dr. Gray and Dr. Engelmann.
Dr. E. was particularly interested in the matter,
and desired more inforination and specimens. I
accordingly applied again to Mr. Ring last sum-
mer, and under date of September 14th, 1875, he
writes as follows :

"I have endeavored to find some cones of the
fir tree, but have not succeeded so far. This year

there appear to be very few cones formed ; last
year the trees were loaded with them, but now I
can find none but the old ones which still hang
upon them. The cones that I sent you came off
separate trees, and were of the average size ; all
the trees of this sort bear cones of about the
same size ; there are none intermediate in size as
far SIS, I can discover. If by the Abies Douglasii
you mean the Douglas spruce of the northwest
coast, I should say that the tree in qviestion is
not the same. It has not the same general ap-
pearance, and grows under quite different cir-
cumstances. It is not nearly so large as the
Douglas spruce, and the branches are much
longer in proportion to the height of the tree.
The branches appear to me to be singularly long
and spreading, in marked contrast with the
other cone-bearing trees. The bark of the old
trees is quite deeply furrowed ; in the young ones
not so much so, but it is never smooth."

In addition to the information sought for from
Mr. Ring, I also instructed Dr. Ed. Palmer, Avho
was making collections in Southern California,
to search for the tree, and to get specimens and
a section of the trunk. He was successful in
finding the tree in San Felipe Canon, in the
mountains northeast of San Diego. The section
of wood has not yet come to hand, but the speci-
mens of twigs and cones have. The twigs seem
to be longer and slimmer than those of Abies
Douglasii, and the leaves are' rather more
acutely pointed, but otherwise there is no ajDpa-
rent difference. But the cones hold out in entire
accordance with those sent by Mr. Ring. They
are old cones. Dr. Palmer stating that no new
cones were to be found. They are five inches
long by two and one-half inches in diameter,
composed of about 60 scales, which in the centre
of the cone are one and a half to one and three-
fourths inches wide. The bracts can hardly be
distinguished from those of Abies Douglasii ex-
cept that they do not project so far beyond the
scale. The difference in the cones of the two
kinds is most strikingly shown by their compara-
tive weight. Five average sized cones of the San
Gorgonia specimens weighed 202 grammes, equal

22

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[January,

to six and one-third ounces ; while live cones of
the average size of the ordinary form of Abies
Douglasii, weighed but thirty-eight and one-half
grammes, or less than one-fifth as much. The
seeds are triangular, brown outside, and white on
the under side, with a wing twice as long as the
seed, together being seven-eighths of an inch to
one inch long. The seeds are much heavier
than those of the ordinary Abies Douglasii.

In recent investigations of the collections of
the Department, a cone was found marked Abies
Douglasii, var. macrocarpa, collected at San
Felipe, Cal., Nov. 16th, 1857, with the note, " cone
five inches long, I. S. N. Ives' Colorado Exp."
On referring to the report of Ives' expedition, we
find Abies Douglasii var. macrocarpa referred
to fi-om the mountains near San Felipe The
cone corresponds exactly with those obtained by
Dr. Palmer. Further examination of the range
of this form, and of the permanence of the pecu-
liar characteristics stated is desirable, but it
would seem from what we now know of it, that
it deserves to rank as a new species, in which
event no more appropriate name could be found
than Abies macrocarpa.

DO PLANTS NEED WATER?

BY W. T. BELL, FRANKLIN, PA.

"Thomas Mechan, editor of the Gardener's
Monthhi, answers this question by saying that " if
any one thinks plants need imier. lie can try bv
stopping up the hole in the l)ottom of a flower
pot, in which a plant is growing. This will be
one of the best ways of learning that tlie essence
of all good culture is to get ^rid of the water
in the soil as soon as possible. This is the
great principle that underlies the practice of un-
derdraining land. We want iiumt air in the soil,
not water. ' Firm potting ' favors a large amount
of air spaces. If soil is moderately drv, the more
we ' pound ' it, the more we pulverize it, and
pulverization means dividing into minute parti-
cles. The more particles the more spaces — the
more spaces the more porous is the mass. Every
pore contains air, and this air is moist air, and it
is on this moisture that the plants draw. There
is no difterence in the manner by which a root
draws moisture from the atmosphere under the
ground, and that liy which the root of an air
plant draws moisture above the ground. If you
take the earth in which a healthy plant is grow-
ing, and handle it, you will find no water in it ;
but you will perhai)S find it moht enough to
dampen a piece of paper. We do not know that
any amomit of pressure would squeeze water out
of some soils in which i)lants grow healthy,
though i^ossibly jnoist air might be so compressed
as to make water. Indeed, the matter seems
so clear to us, that we supposed it would be ne-

cessary only to state it to insure conviction. And
we wonder very much that writers still continue
to use the word ivater, when they speak of the
necessary conditions in the food of plants."

I clip the above item from the Lancaster
Farmer, and must dissent fi-om the views therein.
Stopping up the hole in the bottom of the flower
pot is scarcely a fair way to test the question.
You might as well say that a man does not need
water, and to prove it plunge him head and heels
in a water tank and keep him there. Plants
need water and men need water, but more than
thej^ need is hurtful to both. You say " we want
inolst air in the soil, not water." Why not say
also that man wants chyle, not food ? Man needs
food to form chyle, and plants need water to
make moist air in the soil about their roots.
Nay, more, plants must have water supplied to
them in such quantities that they can absorb it,
and appropriate at least some portion of the
quantity absorbed together with the other food
which it holds in solution.

[Our correspondent is in some measure right.
The comparison by stopping up the hole in the
pot is hardly a fair one, and scarcely meets the
case ; still it seems as good a way as any of illus-
trating what we mean. The dilTerence between
water and mere vapor is not great certainly,
and there can be little or no humid particles in
the soil unless water is given. In this sense
plants need water of course. That is, water must
be given to the earth in order to create this hu-
midity ; but after giving the earth this water, the
good cultivator must draw it away again Jis rap-
idly as possible.

Our correspondent kindly adds : " Two features
in the magazine strike me as i)articularly com-
mendable. 1st. You ofter no chromos or other
useless premiums, and ai'e not continually blow-
ing your own horn, and 2d, you exclude adver-
tisements (cloaked or otherwise) from your read-
ing matter. My inti'oduction to the Monthly was
made in the Nov. No., but, from appearances, I
think the acquaintance will be continued for
I some time to come." — Ed. G. M.]

EDITORIAL NOTES.

Disease in the Larch. — It is known that the
plantations of Larch in Scotland suffer much
from disease, and the planting has received a
check in consequence. At a recent meeting of the
Scottish Arboricultural Society, Mr. Gorrie, Rait
Lodge, read a paper on "The Failure of the

1876.]

AND HORTICULTURIST.

23

Larch." This subject, whether considered eco-
nomically or scientifically, was, he said, the
most important which forced itself on the atten-
tion both of forest owners and foresters, for the
failure of the Larch had involved vast pecuniary
loss in many districts of Britain. The principal
causes of the Larch failure he classed under the
following heads : — (1 ) Heart-rot, dry-rot, or pump-
ing; (2) surface-rot, cancer, cankering or blister-
ing, and top-rot; (3) the Larch bug or blight.
The first was caused by excessive droughts,
occasional saturations, and fungoid attacks on
the roots, and the prevention was to avoid plant-
ing Larch in places that were likely to favor
these causes. Surface-rot, cancer, and blistering,
and top-rot were due to the efiects of late spring
frosts occurring after the sap flow and growth
were in full progress, and to autumn frosts set-
ting in before the growth of the season was fully
matured. The prevention here was a more ju-
dicious selection of soils in which to plant young
Larch. They should avoid warm southerly
exposures that excited a too early spring growth,
and more especially all low, flat, moist districts
that were subject to cold ground fogs or hoar
frosts. The bug which attacked the Larch did
not appear to be a native of this country, but
had been imported with the tree. It was found
m.ost prevalent in low, hollow, sheltered situations
where thinning had been neglected. No perfect
preventive of the ravages of the bug had been
discovered, and the society should ofter prizes
for the best " steep " that would destroy the in-
sects or their eggs.

Immediate Effects of Cross Fertilizatiojs
ON Fruits. — Everyone knows that whenever In-
dian corn is fertilized by strange pollen there is
an immediate result on the grain of corn, but it
has been contended that this is not a fruit, as
pomologists understand it. Some think there is
an immediate effect on melons and squashes, but
just how much of the change seen is due to a
natural tendency to vary and how much to fer-
tilization is not quite clear. The following is a
contribution to this subject, from the pen of Prof
C. E. Bessey, as we believe :

" C. W. Garfield, foreman of the Michigan Ag-
ricultural College Gardens, reports as follows :
We made ten crosses, employing ten specimens
in each cross — one hundred in all. Perfected
fruit was obtained in all but three instances. In
only three did we observe any variation in the
specimens, save that which would come as an ef-

fect of the gauze employed to prevent the rav-
ages of the codling moth. These cases were : 1st.
Wagener upon Tallman Sweet. There was a
modification of flavor quite noticeable, the fruit
being sub-acid. 2nd. Tallman Sweet upon As-
trachan. In this instance there was a manifest
change in color, flavor and shape. The apples
were quite mild to the taste ; the color was very
much modified, and the form was that of a flat
apple. 3d. Tallman Sweet upon Wagener. The
modification here was noticeable in all the speci-
mens, in flavor and color. Two of these had no
gauze on them, and the difl'erence was quite as
noticeable in these samples as in the remainder.

Fungus cracking the Pear. — At the meeting
of the American Pomological Society at Chicago,
the editor of this magazine was called on some-
what unexpectedly to deliver an address on
fungi and fruit diseases. Without notes or mem-
oranda, he stated that the peculiar black fungus,
which develops on the leaves of Prince's St. Ger-
main and some other pears, finally leading to that
peculiar form of cracking, might be from some
one of the polymorphic forms of Roestelia cancel-
lata, the fujigus which causes the leaf blight in
young seedling pears. It appears, however, to be
another kind, with the rather hard name of Hel-
minthosporum pyrorum. As Mr. Meehan's re-
marks may be reported by the secretary for the
proceedings, this correction may be made in the
volume by those who are interested.

Toughened Glass. — We have already noticed
this invention. When it becomes cheap it will
be one of the best insurances we can have against
hail storms for our glass-houses. The Boston
Journal of Chemistry, referring to' it, says :

" Essentially, the process consists in heating
glass nearly up to the softening point, and then
plunging it into a bath of oil or grease. But to
bring it to perfection has needed the patient ex-
perience of seven long years. M. Bastie, who is
a gentleman of fortune, is said to have made his
discovery first some seven years ago. This was
after many years of investigation. But though
he seemed to have succeeded for the moment, it
took two years more of continual experiments
before he could repeat his success. The invention
has been patented in all European countries,
and soon will be throughout the civilized world."

Rapidity of Growth in Timber Trees. — At
one time it was supposed that it took almost a
long life time for a tree to grow to any consider-
able size. Of late years people come to under-

24

TEE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[January,

stand differently. At a recent meeting of the
Scottish Arboricnltnral Society, Mr. M'Corquodale
said he had measured recently two specimens of
Abies Douglasii, which were 41 years of age. One
contained 99j cubic feet of timber, and the other
132 cubic feet. That was a rapidity of growth in
coniferous trees that was seldom seen. Douglasii
was suited by a dry soil remarkably well.

QUERIES.

Depth of Roots. — J. B. says: "You remark
that the roots of trees which run deep are not
for food, but for moisture. Is it a recognized
truth in vegetable physiology that some roots
can only take up moisture, while others can take
other kinds of food?"

[We have never said that some roots can take
up moisture only, but it is tolerably certain that
young active fibres supply the plant with nutri-
tive matter, while roots, that is (speaking of
trees), fibres tbat are more than a year old, do so
only with difficulty. Trees that lose their fibres
by rotting, or by fungi, have but yellow foliage,
and weak growth. They can take something
from the soil through these main roots, but not
what the fibres can. As to the fact, Mr. Darwin
says that Drosera roots can take in only water ;
and then we know practically that the roots of
the trees which go deep down into the subsoil
do not take up more than moisture, because
there is nothing else often in the poor subsoil to
take. Plant food is chiefly at the surface.— Ed.]

Aponogeton distaciiyon. —" Please let me
know, through the Gardener's Monthly, the botan-
ical family and native place of the water plant
called by the gardeners "Aponegeton dis-
tachyon."

A [native of Cape of Good Hope, and, let us
say, one of the most interesting flowers to have,
and one of the easist to cultivate. Last year
we had a flower given to us by Mr. W. T. Foust,
of Philadelphia, from a plant that was raised
simply in a tub of water — it being an aquatic.
It is of the natural order Juncaginace^. The
white flowers are curiously formed, but the in-
describably sweet odor is its chief charm. It
would, we think, be hardy in any water where the
ice did not reach the bottom. — Ed. G. M.]

The Potato Disease.— M. says : "Dear Sir .•—
Since my return from Europe, where I spent the

summer, I have been looking over some of the
back numbers of the Gardener's Chronicle, and
find that the potato rot continues to excite spec-
ulation. You have doubtless often seen a lot of
English gooseberries, with a mild spring make
some nice young wood of several inches long,
when one night's frost would come, which would
not only check up the growth of the young
shoots, but in a few days you would find both
the shoots and the young berries covered with a
leathery fungus which enclosed them as a coat
of mail, and which you, sir, knowing well what
was the cause for that fungus being there, would
count it idle to inquire further whether it was a
spore or a fungus. During my several crossings
of the Atlantic I have always spent a few weeks
in fatherland (north of Ireland), where, in an-
swer to my many inquiries as to the potato rot
and its cause, I was always invariablj^ told that
the rot was preceded by a hea\'j' fog, that ap-
proached the land from the east, and that as soon
as the fog passed away, the potato leaf would be
limp, and get discolored, and should the sun
come out strong, would throw off a verj' disagree-
able odor. I was in Ireland during the potato
rot fog last August (1875). For some days after-
wards you could have smelled the potato fields
at a considerable distance. The fog passed over
the north of Ireland about the 15th of August,
and in a conversation wath a friend who plants
12 to 15 acres potatoes annually, he told me that
he had passed through his potato fields at early
morn, before the fog had passed away, and that
every leaf was frozen stiff.

" Since my return home I passed one evening
a beautiful flat of Dahlias belonging to my sons.
Two days afterwards, upon passing the same flat
of Dahlias, it reminded me of an Irish potato
field stricken with the potato rot, and there was
no perceptible difference in the smell. Frost
did it. M."

[Nothing is more clearly proved than the fun-
goid origin of the potato disease. An examina-
tion of the evidence given in back volumes of the
Gardener's Monthly and other magazines shows
this. The potato disease will often rot a whole
cellar full of tubers, when certainly no frost en-
tered there. The point made by onr correspon-
dent that last year the disease appeared with
most virulence in Ireland after a heavy fog, is a
good one, for it has been shown by the observa-
tions of Worthington Smith that the form of
fungus so destructive last year requires consider-
able moisture for its development. — Ed. G. M.]

1816.]

AND HORTICULTURIST.

25

Female Weeping Willow.— M., Newcastle, Del.
says : " I have heard that the willow in this coun-
try has but one sex. Is this correct, and how
is it?"

[This probably refers to the common weeping
willow, which, up to quite recently, was repre-
sented only by the female form. The original
willow probably came from China, and as it is in-
creased by cuttings, the plants are all, both in
this country and in Europe, of the sex of tha^
original tree, which chanced to be female. Of
late years, however, the male form, under the
name of Salix japonica, has been introduced. We
have now the two sexes, but the male is not so
pendulous or so graceful as the old one. The fe-
male will therefore continue to be the weeping
willow.— Ed. G. M.]

Emblematic description of the Passion Flow-
er.— Mrs. R. T. W. asks : " Can you inform me
where I may find the Emblematic description of
the 'Passion Flower,' and greatly oblige."

[An apology is due to this lady for overlooking
the question last month, for which it came to hand
quite in time.

The Spaniards when they first entered Mexico,
associated everything possible with their religious
faith. This flower came in for its share of this
attention. It was taken to illustrate the passion
of Christ. The three nail-like pistilc were em-
blematical of the three nails by which he was
attached to the cross, and the five stamens the
five wounds, four on the hands and feet, and one
in the side. The singular narrow processes which
characterize the passion flower, and form the
course below the stamens, is the crown of thorns
which covered the Saviour's head. The ten petals
and sepals are the ten apostles, two being
absent, one, Peter, being afraid and having run
away to hide himself; the other, Judas, having in
a spirit of remorse, gone and committed suicide.
The fancy is much more perfect than that which
identifies the Holy Ghost in the form of a dove
with the Peristeria elata, and is, perhaps one of
the best that the Spanish Americans have given
us.— Ed. G. M.]

The Charter Oak. — We have the following let-
ter from Dr. G. W. Russell, of Hartford : " I sent
you last year some of the leaves of the Charter
Oak, which you thought to be those of the Quercus
discolor or Swamp White Oak. As controversy
has arisen lately as to the true name of the Char-
ter Oak, some contending that it was Q. allia,
others Q. discolor, I write again :

" Genuine leaves of the Charter Oak taken from

it after it was blown over, are very variable ;
those on the upper branches are like those usual-
ly delineated and described as the Q. alba. Those
which I sent you were probably from the lower
branches.

Upon examining several trees of the Q. alba, I
find that universally the leaves upon the upper
branches are deeply lobed and of the usual form,
whilst thpse upon the lower, and near the trunk,
are quite different, being broader and not deeply
lobed.

"Those which I sent you were genuine, and
probably from the lower branches, and were of
this description.

" I am inclined to think that we made a mistake
in calling the Charter Oak tree Q. discolor, and
that it should be the Q. alba, as has always before
been supposed.

" I send you specimens of leaves of an oak which
I think to be Q. discolor, very unlike those of the
Charter Oak in either form ; the tree is ragged in
its appearance, bark loose, in large plates, and
upon the whole presenting much the appearance
of a man ' out atthe.elbows.' "

[The oak on the grounds of Mrs. Colt, shown to
the writer as a seedling from the Charter Oak, is
certainly Q. discolor. Tlie leaves sent us from the
original tree, were very small, and on a cursory
examination we took them to be Q. discolor also.
Since receiving this letter of Dr. Russell we have
re-examined the little leaves critically, and with
numerous specimens of Quercus alba and Q.
discolor before us, and find that there are always
constant characters distinguishing the two kinds
quite independent of the outline of the leaf,
(which indeed is very variable) and which enables
one to fix the species even though only a portion
of the leaf should be under examination. We
have now no hesitation whatever in deciding that
the original Charter Oak was of Quercus alba,
the common white oak.]

Rocky Mountain Silver Spruce.— H., Quincy,
111., asks : " Will you be kind enough to give us
the botanical name of the 'Rocky Mountain
Silver Spruce?' We are often asked to give it,
and cannot do so. We enclose a paragraph
clipped from a description by a well-known
writer."

" The Rocky Mountain Silver or Blue Spruce.—
This we consider the most beautiful evergreen of
America. A well-known writer speaks of it as

follows :

' But the Silver Spruce is the one gem of
the trees, a sort of first cousin of the evergreen

26

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[January,

we call the Balsam Fir in New England yards,
but more richly endowed with beauty of shape
and color. . . It looks as if a delicate silver
powder had been strewn over its deep green
needles, or rather as if a light white frost had
fallen all upon and enshrouded it ; and you can-
not help wondering why the breezes do not
shake the powder oft', or the sun dissipate the
frost, so ever present is the one illusion or the
other. A soft, white, blue-green combination.' "
[The description suits Abies Menziesii, and A.
Engelmannii. As the latter is not common in
those parts of the Rocky INlountains frequented
by "well-known writers," the doctrine of chances
will make the tree Abies Menziesii. It is to be
hoped that the time will come when a fair
knowledge of botany, so as to be able at least to
write intelligently, will be regarded as part of the
education of " well-known writers." As it is,
they know so little of what they describe, as to

make it a waste of time to puzzle out their mean-
ing. Abies Menziesii, if this is the " most beau-
tiful evergreen of America " referred to, has been
under cultivation in most leading American nur-
series for a quarter of a century, and is generally
a mean and miserable looking thing. Now and
then we have seen a fair specimen, and if some
care was taken in finding out what particular
soil and situation just suited it, it might do its wild
character, as once in a while seen, some credit.
It seems also in our Eastern nurseries to be an
especiab favorite of the red spider, and this is
against its chances of securing admiration. The
writer of this paragraph grew one once to the
height of 20 feet, which kept itself very beautiful.
It grew on bottom land, which seemed to suit it
very well, but one extra wet spring was too much
for it in that situation, and it died. It seems to
want some rather difficult and exact conditions
to do well.— Ed. G. M.]

ITERATURE,

^iRAVELS & Personal ^^otes.

COMMUNICA TIONS.

POISONING BY RHUS.

BY II. C. BEARDSLEE, PAINESVILLE, OHIO.

I notice, in Gardener's Monthly for December,
a communication in regard to the poison of rhus.
I have suffered many times from the poison of Rhus
toxicodendron (L.) and Rhus venenata, (D. C.)
In New England there were many popular reme-
dies for this poison. Among these were a strong
infusion of white ash bark Fraxinus Americana
(L.), of sweet fern Comptonia, and of the com-
mon everlasting Gnaphalium polycephalum ,
(Mich )

The most speedily eflective remedy I know, is
a solution of the bichloride of mercury — corro-
sive sublimate — used as a wash. Tlie only effec-
tive vegetable remedy I have ever seen used, is a
cold infusion of the roots of Nabalus albus (Hook.)
var. serpcntaria, N. altissimus (Hook.) and N. fra-
seri, (D. C.,) all of which have similar proijertie?.

The tuberous roots should be bruised and in-
fused in cold water — and this infusion should be
used as a drink — compresses wet with it should
be applied to the affected part and kept wet. It
is really a safe and effective remedy.

Corrosive sublimate is a A'ery active, and per-
haps, if used strong, not always a safe applica-
tion.

GARDENERS AT GALVESTON.

Gardeners, with the view of getting employ-
ment at their trade, should not come to Galves-
ton or, indeed, to Texas, unless pre-engaged, as
no one employs professional men of their class —
a negro or common laborer does all the work
necessary. I would not advise those who would
wish to start in business for themselves, how^ever,
to stay away, but merely remind them that every-
thing is at the highest figure on this island.
Land near the city is worth from $300 to
$1000 an acre, and tw^o miles out of the city,
along the island, from $50 to $200. Unless it is
old cultivated land it is poor and hungry, requir-
ing much manure, labor, and wind-screens.
There is no mode of transit on the island but
by wagons, unless the goods are being shipped
out of the island, when the railroad affords the
desired facilities. Galveston itself is a good
market for vegetables. There is a good road

1876.]

AND HORTICULTURIST.

21

(for a Texas road) along the middle of the
island, and it is not impassable with mud in
winter as many of the inland roads are.

EDITORIAL NOTES.

Law of purchasing plants. — A trial has
taken place in Eagland in which an employer
refused to pay Mr. B. G. Williams for plants pur-
chased by the gardener. Some of these plants
were expensive, one of them being $150. It was
shown that it had been the custom on the estate
for the gardener to purchase plants, as it had been
that of the cook to purchase the meat, and the
bill was ordered by the ruling of the judge, and
the verdict of the jury, to be paid, — with some
sharp comments on the practice of Mr. Williams
in giving five per cent, of the amount of the bills
to the gardener for ordering the plants of him.
The objection to the bill was that these particular
plants were not ordered, but the decision is that
if the gardener had been permitted to order
before, the employer was bound by subsequent
orders, unless notification had been given to the
contrary.

The baobob tree. — Adansonia digitata. — Before
the discovery of the mammoth Sequoias of Cali-
fornia, the baobob tree of India used to be
the greatest wonder among large trees. We
have read of it taking thirteen men spreading
arms and touching fingers to span one tree. An
English government paper on Forests, thus speaks
of some : — In Upper India, especially, the growth
of this tree is extremely slow. Two trees
planted at Etawah, in 1824, are at this date only
50 and 55 feet high, with a girth of only 9 and 10
feet respectively at 6 feet from the ground ; and
the largest of a number of trees planted in the
same station, between the years 1859 and 1864,
by Mr. A. 0. Hume, the magistrate and collector
of the district, has now only attained a height of
24 feet, with a girth of 2 feet 2 inches at 6 feet
from the ground. At Lucknow, also, the largest
of some trees, locally reported to have been
planted in the reign of Asaf-ud-dowla, or between
ninety and a hundred years ago, is not more than
13 feet in girth at 5 feet from the ground.

Dr. C. C. Parry. — This well-known botanical ex-
plorer, has been spending the summer in Central
Utah, and will winter in Southern California.
Few men have added so much to the knowledge
of American plants as he has. He has now been

many years engaged in various parts, with no
great profit to himself, but has placed us all
under great obligations for what he has done.

Personal. — The Country Gentleman, one of
whose editors recently made a visit to Mr.
Meehan's nursery, at Germantown, has a kind
reference to the fact that in the seventeen years
of Mr. Meehan's editorship of the Gardener's
Monthly, no one would gather from anything in
its reading columns that he had anything to sell.
This arises from the fact that Mr. Meehan has
no ownership in the Gardener's Monthly. He is
simply engaged by the owner and publisher to
edit it in the interest of Horticulture, and it
would be manifestly impro^Der to use his position
for his own personal ends. The Country Gentle-
man has our best thanks for its generous notice
of the fact.

Billieu's Comet Peach. — Since D. 0. Munson's
article was printed in first form of present No-
(see page 14) we have the following from him by
way of correction :

" I still find there is a mistake in the name of
the Comet peach. The correct name is Billieu's
Comet. When first heard from the parties, the
name was not written plainly, and I had to partly
guess at it."

Agave virginica. — We are in receipt of the
following striking circular from Tennessee :
" New Flower— J.^ai'e virginica.

This plant was discovered a few years ago in
one of the beautiful valleys of East Tennessee,
and is well worthy of cultivation for its curious
structure and delicious fragrance.

Foliage large — some plants during this season
having reached two feet in diameter. Some of
the leaves are fluted and of a deep green color ;
others of a pea-green shade ; others variegated,
spotted with blood red drops. ' The stalk grows
from three to six feet in height, having on each
from thirty-five to fifty flowers. It remains in
bloom from six to eight weeks. Its fragrance is
verj^ sweet, peculiar, and unlike any other flower
known to the discoverer. The arrangement of
the flowers upon the stem reminds one more of a
group of Chinese characters than anything else.
It has improved wonderfully under cultivation.

The soil for its cultivation should be a rich loam.
When the bulb is potted in the fall, and kept in a
hot-house or conservatory, its beautiful foliage
contrasts strongly against other plants, and
blooms early in the spring. When potted in the
spring, it flowers early in July, continuing into
September. It can also be propagated from the
seed, flowering the second year.

I can furnish a limited number of these bulbs
at 50 cts. each, or $4.00 per dozen. Seeds, 25 cts.

28

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[January,

per package, postage prepaid. Those ordering
by express must pay charges.

Being the original discoverer and cultivator of
this plant, it can only be purchased from me."

It illustrates well how one may tell the truth
and not convey a good idea. There is nothing
that one can object to, in fact, in what is said,
and yet those who bought would be disappointed.
The flowers are sweet and curious but not showy.
It bears culture very well — some we have had for
several years in our garden thriving under all
vicissitudes. So far as the writer of the circular
is the first to make an effort to introduce it into
general culture, he is the " discoverer," nothing
more. It is however worth growing.

Binding the Advertisements. — A correspon-
dent of the publisher's, from Saratoga Springs,
New York, sends his year's numbers to be bound,
directing the advertisements to be inserted ;
" for," says he, " in years to come it will remind
us of old friends and stand-by's in the trade that
are gone." It is a good thought, and we wonder
more do not think of it. The editor has his per-
sonal copy bound in that way.

Thanks. — The publisher hands the editor a
batch of lettere from many who are renewing
their subscriptions, telling him of their satisfac-
tion with the magazine, and their intention to
send ou a few more subscribers. These kind words
are encouraging, and go a good way towards
making hard editorial labors light. It is indeed
only by the kind efforts of friends that a maga-
zine like this can increase its circulation. Lovers
of horticulture are scattered, and no ordinary
advertising can find them. Once in a while are
some valuable suggestions. One thinks that if
there were more about fruit and less about flow-
ers, it would be an improvement, and another
thinks he would have some of the fruit depart-
ment cut down and given to the flowers. Another
tells us he does not know anything about
" oospores " and " peronospores " in potato, but
likes to read all that we sometimes write about
practical potato culture. Another thinks we
give too much attention to the scientific part of
horticulture, and would like to see more of the
practical details, while still another thinks that the
"mental pleasures connected with horticulture
are its highest charms," and hopes we will give
still more of it. All of them, however, speak
kindly of the attention given to their several de-
partments by the editor, who is fully determined
to do all for every one that he possibly can.
That author felt badly who, when he asked read-

ers to criticise, found that not one solitary sen-
tence in his book escaped censure ; but when he
tried the other plan and asked for praise, and
found all was honored, he took heart again. We
do not ask for either praise or blame, but take
either kindly when it comes. By the criticisms
we often profit, and the words of praise encourage
to renewed effort to deserve all we get.

Alfred Cope. — Horticulture suffers a great
loss in the decease of this gentleman, which
occurred on the 4th of December. He was in his
70th year, fifty of which he had been more or
less of an invalid. He was particularly fond of
hardy trees and shrubs, and endeavored to grow
all that would endure our climate. In this and
in all other tastes that he inherited, he was ever
anxious to share his enjoyments with others.
Fond of gardening, himself, he was an advocate
of public parks for the people, and Fairmount
Park, Philadelphia, really owes its existence to
him, he and his brother having purchased the
Sedgely estate, and presented it to the city as the
commencement of the enterprise. The Zoologi-
cal Garden, one of the attractions of the Park,
and a source of much intelligent amusement to
the people, received $25,000 from him not long
since. He was ever a friend to the poor and the
oppressed, but so averse was he to letting his
right hand know what his left hand did, that the
many thousands of dollars he has given away in
his long lifetime ■^vill be known only to a few in-
timate friends. His great aim always seemed to
be not so much to hold others up, as to help them
to hold themselves. He loved, therefore, to aid
the cause of education in its most solid and use-
fi;l phases. For the operatives of Germantown
he established a free library in which an im-
mense collection of books have been gotten to-
gether, excluding frivolous kinds. Though a
devout and earnest Christian, he was also a deep
inquirer into the mysteries of science, fearing no
antagonism between truths. He leaves three
children — one of them. Prof. E. D. Cope, stand-
ing at the head of certain branches of science in
this country.

Death of Dr. Hull. — This excellent gentleman
died at his residence, near Alton, Illinois, during
the last week of November last, of inflammation
of the bowels, in his 50th year. Mrs. Hull, heart-
broken by the blow, died four days after. This
is a truly great loss to Western horticulture,
as few there had so great a knowledge both of
the theory and practice of horticulture. He was

1876.]

AND HORTICULTURIST.

29

indeed a continuous student, and to the day of
his d^th was"*always in the van of progress.
Mrs. Hull was also an excellent botanist and
entomologist, and had a general love for all that
was intelligent. A day spent at their beautiful
home, along the Illinois river, some years ago, is so
pleasantly seated in the writer's memory, that it
forces itself into notice in this paragraph, lament-
ing their deaths.

R. Buist's Catalogue. — With a remarkably
full list of plants, Mr. Buist makes the an-
nouncement that this will be the last he will
issue. The next will be that covering the sale by
auction, in June, 1876, when the whole of this
famous establishment will be finally closed out.

Botanical Bulletin. — Mr. John M. Coulter, a
well-known botanist, has commenced the publi-
cation of a small monthly serial under this name.
It is only $1 a year, and single numbers 10 cents.
Address Dr. John M. Coulter, Hanover, Indiana.

The American Naturalist. — The Peabody In-
stitute, of Salem, Mass., has made over this pub-
lication to 0. H. Houghton & Co., of Boston, by
whom it will be published as heretofore. Price,
$4 per annum.

The American Agriculturist. — This well-
known agricultural monthly is now entering its
thirty-fifth year, and with all the evidences of its
old time prosperity. Prof. Thurber, the chief
editor, is so well known for his inany intelligent
accomplishments, that this alone is sufficient to
account for the prosperity of the Agriculturist.

The Scientific Monthly. — This is a new mag-
azine, devoted to the natural sciences, and pub-
lished and edited by E. N. Fitch, of Toledo, Ohio.
Price, $3 a year. It is a healthy sign that there
is room for intelligent magazines of this class.
We wish it every success.

The Annual Register. — We have just re-
ceived an advance copy of the Annual Register of
Rural Affairs for 1876, published at Albany, N.
Y., by Luther Tucker & Son, and mailed to any
address for the nominal sum of 30 cents. It is
the oldest (and now the only) publication of the
kind, and contains 150 pages of practical matter,
interesting to every resident in the country, illus-
trated with no less than 164 beautiful engravings,
almost all original. Elaborate almanac pages
are prefixed, and a very useful feature is the
Farmer's Register, which gives the addresses of all
the reliable dealers in everything a farmer needs
to buy — live stock of all kinds, seeds, implements.

nursery stock, <fec. The cover is quite a work of
art, and altogether the little book is a gem in
its way. J. J. Thomas is the editor. We know
of no better almanac for the cultivator of the
soil to have ready to hand.

Gardening for Pleasure. By Peter Hender-
son. Published by Orange Judd & Co., New
York.

When' man first looks to nature, it is for sup-
port— what he shall eat and what he must wear
are among his first thoughts. This is all in order.
It is the condition of animal nature. But the men-
tal soon calls him to an upward field. The mere
animal knows no difference between the flowers
of the field and the blades of grass. All alike are
food to him. Man alone sees the beauty and ad-
mires it; and the extent of his culture in this line
is the full measure of the distinction between him
and the beast.

Mr. Henderson has worked in a truly natural
way. He knows man must first have the mate-
rial, and he gave us "Gardening for Profit."
Having learned folks how to make the money,
he now proceeds to 'show them how to spend it
in a rational way, and " Gardening for Pleasure "
comes regularly in its place. It is a good idea,
and the work is welcome.

Mr. H. tells us all about preparing ground for
gardens — drainage, making walks and roads, of
manures and fertilizers for making things grow.
Then there are designs for gardens, and full
instructions for planting, propagating and pot-
ting. Window gardening has a share of atten-
tion, with notes on baskets, plant cases, green-
houses, conservatories. Graperies, fruits and
vegetables, and all adjuncts to a good garden, have
a fair share of attention.

The work is just such an one as should follow
" Gardening for Profit." It is not a treatise on
the higher branches of gardening. There is little
in it in common with such good things as Scott's
Suburban Home Grounds, or Douming and Sar-
gent's Landscape Gardening; but it places a link
in between the high and the low, and it is a link
much wanted, and will, we think, be highly ap-
preciated by the gardening public.

QUERIES.

Gi^DiOLUS. — The Pronunciation . — A correspond-
ent writes : — "Vick accents the first syllable ; Web-
ster, the second; and those not favored with the
perusal of either, the third. Among those who

30

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[January,

wish to be governed by authority, the question
arises : 'Under which king?' We were inchned to
follow Webster, but examination reveals the fact
that he has not followed his own analogy. For
he has glad''- iator and glad''- iole both from the
same root as gladiolus. So that apart from the
consideration of whether Vick is not the higher-
authority in such things, he certainly has followed
what seems to be correct analog}'. We surrender
to Rochester, while awaiting the decision of the
Editor. Gladi^- olus."

[The analogy is not with its root but with the
class to which it belongs. Diminutives have
their penults short, in this respect differing from
adjectives which have their penultima? long. The
classical pronunciation therefore is gladi^-olus,
that is, " a little sword."— Ed. G. M.]

Hidden Advertisements. — A. P. P., Peoria, Ills.

writes: "Send me some samples. Gardening
here is carried on extensively for market pur-
poses. We have have been so often fooled in
agricultural papers that we have sworn to only
take such as are known to us as reliable and
truthful in advice to us, and not praising up
every newfangled tool or variety, and misleading
us into all kinds of misfortune and loss."

[We thank our correspondent for his good
opinion. We regard it as about the meanest
feature of journalism that under the guise of
"reading matter," sneaks in a paid for advertise-
ment. We can hardly think it is common with
respectable journals. At least we have been
asked to do it only once in seventeen years-
True, we have often been requested to give "no-
tices" as a condition of advertising,and have once in
in awhile lost a good advertiser by refusing. — Ed.]

Horticultural fSociETiES.

EDITORIAL NOTES.

The Centennial Exhibition. — Horticulturists
will be anxious to learn what is going on in this
department of our coming Centennial. We sup-
pose there will be special exhibitions of various
classes of fruits and flowers during the several
months that the exposition will continue, but,
with the exception of fruits in September, in a
measure backed by the American Pomological
Society, and which goes into the agricultural de-
partment, nothing definite is decided on, at this
moment of writing. All effort so far has natu-
rally been centered in the completion of the per-
manent arrangements. The great conservatory
designed by Mr. Swartzman is finished, and is the
largest ever built in the United States. It is a
very imposing structure, and well calculated to
attract the popular eye during an exhibition of
this kind. In case there should be any large
collections of hot or greenhouse plants on exhibi-
tion, as illustrations of superior skill in plant
growing, it is remarkably well adapted to the
purpose. We have not, however, heard that any
of these are offered — this particular department
of gardening not having made as yet much head-
way in our country. The building is to be perma-
nent— as long as a large structure with so much of

wood will remain permanent — and will be an ex-
cellent place for the winter storage of large palms,
oranges, aloes, tree ferns, and other articles suit-
ed to the summer decoration of the Park grounds.
The two curvilinear wings are ^e\\ adapted to
plant growth, and will be a permanent attraction
for rare plants. Already many valuable plants
are stored in them, the contributions chiefly of
Mr. W. E. Smith, of the United States Botanical
Garden, and of the Hon. Frederick Watts, of the
Department of Agriculture, through Mr. W.
Saunders, the Chief Superintendent of that divi-
sion.

The huge building is heated by eight large hot
water boilers, and four miles of iron pipes.

Exhibitors in the out-door departments prom-
ise to be numerous. Trees, flowers, fruits, an-
nuals, bedding plants, bulbs, &c., are to be
planted out in beds arranged on a plan around
the conservatory, each exhibitor selecting a bed
from the plan for his own particular articles.
These beds are all now completed, and are ready
for planting by the exhibitors as soon' as the
sirring opens. The whole labor of arranging
these things has fallen on Mr. C. H. Miller, the
Chief of the Horticultural Bureau ; and horticul-
turists may congratulate themselves that the
commission was able to command the services of

1876.]

AND HORTICULTURIST.

31

one whose practical knowledge was equal to the
task of harmonizing such details with the more
poi^ular features which must of course actuate
the leading commissioners of such an exhibition.

Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadel-
phia.— The natural sciences are in so many ways
the handmaids of horticulture, that we are all
particularly interested in their prosperity. The
Philadelphia institution has the finest collec-
tions, taken as a whole, of any in America ; and
its printed proceedings take a high rank all over
the world. The old building, though very large,
was compleitely inadequate to the collections,
and its large botanical department had to be kept
in what was contemptuously styled by those
familiar with more favored buildings, a "dust
bin."

Some ten years ago a move was made to put up
the building we illustrate, and the hope entertained
by some that it might be effected before the Amer-

have to be built sometime. It may be that the
good President, Dr. Ruschenberger, who, with a
few devoted friends, have worked towards the
accomplishment of what has been done, with an
energy and determination against obstacles that
very few know of, many not live to see the final
building finished; and yet it is not at all impossible
that when the great public see how much has
been done with a few talents, may be tempted to
aid the workers soon with a good deal more.

From the Proceedings we take as follows :
— The Apple Hair worm. — It will be remem-
bered by our readers that last year we called
attention to a long slender hair worm found in an
apple at York, Pa., and which was supposed by
some to be the common Hair worm, Gordius
Aquations, but which was found \>y Dr. Leidy to
be an old acquaintance of his of quite a different
character. In the Proceedings of the Society just
issued, we find the following additional note : —

lean "one hundred years" should arrive. Money
was subscribed from friends continuously from
that time to this, and only as much work done as
could be paid for. About a quarter of a million
of dollars has been raised in this way, and one
wing of this building — this much larger than the

•whole of the old building — has at length been
completed, and the collections removed there,

. though not yet arranged. Considering that this
has all been done without any remarkable lega-
cies and bequests, that have so often aided simi-
lar institutions, and in this way a whole city get
the credit of what is really due to the generosity
of one or two individuals, it speaks very well for
the general interest felt in science in Philadel-
phia. The main hall and south wing will yet

Prof. Leidy exhibited a living specimen of Mer-
mis acuminata, which had been sent to him for
examination, the 8th of last August, by Mr. P. H.
Foster, of Babylon, Long Island, N. Y. It was
one of two specimens which Mr. Foster had
taken from apple worms found concealed in a
woolen rag tied around the trunk of an apple
tree in his garden. The Mermis is?? inches long
and had been retained alive in a box with moist
sphagnum. It exhibits a condition which Prof.
L. had observed on several previous occasions in
other species of Mermis. An intermediate por-
tion of the body, apparently from injury, had
died and was decomposed, while the extremities
held together by the integument, were still alive
and active. This condition ha^ been observed to

32

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

be maintained for some time, that is to say, for
some weeks."

We also extract the following from the same
publication : —

"Vernations in the Stipular Spines of Robinia
Pseud-acacia. — Mr. Thomas Meehan referred to
the thorns of the yellow locust, which, as usually
seen, were about a quarter of an inch long, and
nearly as wide at the base ; triangular in shape.
At the meeting of the American Association at
Detroit he collected specimens, one of which he
exhibited, with slender spines, about three-quar-
ters of an inch long. Since then, in the vicinity of
Chicago, he had noticed that there was considera-
ble variation in the direction of long and slender
spines. In his own vicinity he had since noted
a large numbei? of trees, and some variation, but
only to-day had he found one with long, slender
spines, and that was even longer than the case
from Detroit, being in some cases a full inch in
length. The fact of this great variation was
probably new ; but it was also interesting from its
bearing on a physiological question of importance.
The first suggestion made by most of his botani-
cal friends, to whom he had mentioned these
facts, and he believed the first that would occur
to the minds of most botanists, would be that
these extra strong spines would be found in con-
nection with extra strong shoots. If these were
true spines — that is to say, abortive branches—
the inference would be a fair one; but these
thorns were the analogues of stipviles, as we look
for in allied leguminous plants, and would, there-
fore, be most likely to follow the laws which
influenced stipular productions. One of those
laws was, at least so far as his own observation
went, that stipular development was in inverse
ratio to ordinary growth force. For instance, we
say that the scales which cover the buds of trees
in winter are metamorphosed leaves; but this
is, in many cases, certainly not strictly true. Bud
scales are, in many cases, but modified stipules
where leaves have these appendages, and dilated
petioles where they have not. This peculiar
development of the stipules, of course, only
commences with the decline of growth force in
the axis in the fall, or before it has achieved great
power in the spring.

" Tlie specimens of Robinia exhibited illustrated
the same law. In the one from Detroit — the
three-quarter inch slender stipular spines — it
would be seen by the members, were not from a
very vigorous branch, but from a very slender one ;
but the best illustration was on the strong branch

which he exhibited, cut to-day, and with the inch
spines before referred to. This was from the
upper portion of a branch of this year's growth,
6 feet long. On the lower portion of the part
exhibited, produced when the growth force would
be at its maximum, the spines are of the normal
size, about one-quarter of an inch in length ; and
these spines increase in length gradually to an
inch, in proportion as the season's growth becomes
weaker. But there is a still stronger illustration
in the secondary branchlets which have grown
trom the main one. These are no thicker than
straws, but the spines are about three-quarters of
an inch in length, and slender, and much larger
in comparison with the axis to which they are
attached, than the largest on the strong main
branch."

New York Horticultural Socletty. — After
numerous failures, some of the leading horticul-
turists of New York have organized a Horticul-
tural Society. We are glad to see it. Baltimore,
which had also often failed, has now succeeded
at last — and so may New York. There is about
New York the naaterial for a first-class society,
and from the character of the gentlemen now
moving, we think there will be no failure this
time.

Winter Meetings of the State Horticultural
Societies. — Notices often come to hand of forth-
coming meetings, but too late to insert in our
columns. We would gladly aid these bodies by
publishing their dates and programmes, if they
would give us a chance to do so.

The American Pomological Society. — We
hope our readers will not forget that the Amer-
ican Pomological Society will hold an ad-interim
meeting in Philadelphia next September. Ex-
hibitions will be held continuously, of course, all
the year, but an especial attempt will be made to
have an extra exhibition at the time of the visit
of the society. There will be no discussional
meeting. It will be strictly Centennial business.

Pennsylvania Fruit Growers' Society. — The
Seventeenth Annual Meeting of '" The Pennsyl-
vania Fruit Growers' Society" will be held in
Lenape Hall, Doylestown, Pa., commencing on
Wednesday, Jan. 19th, 1876, at two o'clock p. m.
Essays will be read and addresses delivered by
prominent horticulturists and fruit growers, and
a full and interesting meeting is expected.

Edwin Satterthwait, President,
W. P. Brinton, Cor. Sec,
E. B. Engle, Rec. Sec.

THE

Gardener^s Monthly

HORTICULTURIST

DEVOTED TO HORTICULTURE, ARBORICULTURE AND RURAL AFFAIRS.

Edited by THOMAS MEEHAN.

Volume XVIII.

FEBKUARY, 1876.

Number 206,

iTSv?

Ilower parden and If leasure mround.

^^

SEASONABLE HINTS.

The problem of perfect roads is yet unsolved.
As every place, large or small, has to have path-
ways of some kind, it is a topic that interests
every reader of our magazine. As we cannot
have perfection, we must approach it as near as
we can ; and we may approach much nearer
than we do, if we will give our thoughts to the
principles that underlie success.

There is but one enemy to a good road, and
this is water. Some would say frost, but frost
does no injury whatever where water does not
exist. If we can get any kind of material so
tight and compact that it will not absorb water,
it is entirely frost-proof. This is the real secret
of the value of asphalt, which is simply bitumin-
ous limestone. The rock is first broken in small
pieces, then crushed fine, and rolled under heat.
The crushing makes innumerable small spaces,
into which the melted bitumen penetrates.
Every air space is thus effectually closed, and
of course it is entirely water-proof. No frost can
therefore affect it in the slightest degree. The
danger is from high temperatures. The dark
color favors a rapid absorption of heat, and the
heated mass expands, and as it cools makes nu-
merous small fissures that permit water to fol-
low. This freezes, and the disruption of the
whole commences, imperceptibly at first, but in
time to a serious extent. Lime alone will make
a tolerably good path, if slacked before using,
and put down in the form of plaster; trusting to

continuous rolling to press out the air cells. Its
particles are toe/ soft to stand against heavy, sud-
den blows, such as from horses' feet, but for steady
travel it is excellent, and very cheap. For cellar
floors nothing better can be desired. It tak^s a
couple of weeks or more to harden, but is then
perfect rock. We were astonished recently to
see the cellar floors of a very large public build-
ing in Philadelphia being asphalted, as if they
were for a tremendous traffic, when the great ex-
pense might have been avoided by a lime floor.
The lime floor we have described, it must be par-
ticularly noted, is not a mortar floor, but a plas-
ter floor made of well-slacked lime and rolled.

There is not, however, much gained by these
patent attempts to get over the road-making dif-
ficulties of the time. None of them are equal to
a first-class Macadam road, made of the best flint
rock. Earely is a road, said to be "Macadam-
ized," really so. To make one we must first pro-
vide for thorough drainage. Any coarse, heavy
stone that will lay solid will do for a foundation.
As we near the surface it must be smaller, but
that on the top should be no larger than almonds,
and the whole compactly rolled. The reason
why they must be so small and no larger is this :
If a stone moves ever so little under a heavy
wheel, it is bound to be more or less broken ; or
if it does not move, if it bears the whole weight
of a wheel without any support from its neigh-
boring pieces of stone, it will be crushed to dust.
But if the pieces are so small that each is com-
pactly wedged in by the others, so that any dis-
i)lacement of the piece is utterly impossible, it

34

TEE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[February,

receives the heaviest weights with perfect indif-
ference. A well made road of this character will
bear public travel for a hundred years, provided
a facing of the half-inch material is added occa-
sionally, as the little wear that takes place needs.
So far as public roads are concerned, loads of
this stone might be hauled to the yards of peni-
tentiaries, and broken by heavy machines worked
by convicts ; and with a view to just such useful
labor these buildings might very often be erected
convenient to stone of this character. We trust
that these hints on roads will be useful at this
season of the year especially.

In many parts where our magazine goes it
will be necessary to bring up the preliminaries
for active spring work.

Many delay pruning shrubbery until after se-
vere weather passes, so as to see what injury may
be done, — but with March all should be finished,
— taking care not to trim severely such shrubs
as flower out of last year's wood, as for instance,
the Wiegela — while such as flower from the
spring growth, as the Althaea, Mock Orange, &c.,
are benefited by cutting back vigorously.

Those which flower from young wood, cut in
severely to make new growth vigorous. Tea,
China, Bourbon and Noisette roses are of this
class. What are called annual flowering roses,
as Prairie Queen and so on, require much of last
year's wood to make a good show of flowers.
Hence, with these, thin out weak wood, and
leave all the stronger.

To make handsome, shapely specimens of
shrubs, cut them now into the forms you want,
and keep them so by pulling out all shoots that
grow stronger than the others during the summer
season.

Graft trees or shrubs where changed sorts are
desirable. Any lady can graft. Cleft grafting is
the easiest. Split the stock, cut the scion like a
wedge, insert in the split, so that the bark of the
stock and scion meets ; tie a little bast bark
around it, and cover with Trowbridge's grafting
wax, and all is done : very simple when it is
understood, and not hard to understand.

If flowers have been growing in the ground for
many years, new soil does wonders. Rich ma-
nure makes plants grow, but they do not alwaj's
flower well with vigorous growth. If new soil
cannot be had, a wheelbarrow of manure to
about every fifty square feet will be enough. If
the garden earth looks grey or yellow, rotten
leaves — quite rotten leaves — will improve it. If
heavy, add sand. If very sandy, add salt — about

half a pint to fifty square feet. If very black or
rich from previous year's maniirings, use a little
lime, about a pint, slacked, to fifty square feet.

If the gardeia be full of hardy perennial flow-
ers, do not dig it, but use a fork, and that not
deeply.

Dig garden ground only when the soil is warm
and dry. Do not be in a hurry, or you may get
behind. When a clot of earth will crush to
powder as you tread on it, it is time to dig — not
before.

If perennial plants have stood three years in
one place, separate the stools, replanting one-
third, and give the balance to your neighbor who
has none.

Box edgings lay w^l now. Make the ground
firm and level, plant deep, with tops not more
than two inches above ground.

Roll the grass well before the softness of a thaw
goes away. It makes all smooth and level.

In planting trees remember our repeated ad-
vice to use the pruning knife freely.

The rule for pruning at transplanting is to cut
in proportion to apparent injury to roots. If not
much the worse for removal, cut but little of the
top away. Properly pruned, a good gardener
will not have the worst case of a badly dug tree
to die under his hands. In a nursery, where
these matters are well understood, trees " never
die."

C031M UNICA TIONS.

TOUCHING THE HARDIHOOD OF CONIFERS.

BY F. R. ELLIOTT, CLEVELAND, OHIO.

Your comments, friend Meehan, in the De-
cember number of the Gardener's Monthly, are
just to the point, in so far as my own experience,
in practice and observation, proves. It has been
my study at all times to use new and untested
varieties touching hardihood, to place them
where they could be protected from the winter's
sun, and at the same time relieved measurably
from the severe cold winds of winter. I have
found among those Mr. Hoopes classes as tender,
that the Abies Smithiana and A. Douglasii
only needed the protection from winter's sun;
so also Cupressus Lawsoniana. I have in mind
a tree of this latter planted on the north side of
a building, but in a bleak exposure, on the bor-
der of Lake Erie, which has for six years borne
the winter without a blemish. Similar exposures

1876.]

AND HORTICULTURIST.

35

with the Chinese Arbor Vitses have proved only
a suffering of one or two inches of the ends of
twigs or branches, an item easily corrected by
shearing in the spring. The Oblong Weeping
Juniper, J. oblonga pendula, I have had for
years in full exposure, except of the sun in win-
ter, and it has only had to have here and there a
twig cut back.

The Pinus excelsa, while not generally success-
ful, yet with a little protection from other ever-
greens, stands well. I have, as I write now, in
mind a tree at Newburgh, N. Y. It is a beauti-
ful tree, as all acknowledge who see it ; ten to
twenty feet high,

[It is a pleasure to have the endorsement of
Mr. Elliott on this matter of shelter. The writer
has had a chance recently of examining the for-
ests of Mississippi, and is more than ever con-
vinced that all we need for many things is pro-
tection from winds. In Mississippi, in some
parts where the thermometer falls to ten above
zero, the writer found the Palmetto, Sabal Palm-
etto, flourishing ! But with the cane and other
thick masses of vegetation as wind breaks, it
laughed at the thermometer. Fancy a Palmetto
stuck out on a bleak Illinois prairie ! It would
die before the freezing point was reached, to say
nothing of 22 degrees below. — Ed.]

CELASTRUS SCANDENS.

BY J. F. M. FARQUHAR, EAST PROVIDENCE, R. I.

This native climber, better known, perhaps, by
its populaf name, Stafftree, presents a grand ap-
pearance long after king frost has robbed our
fields of their summer beauty. It blossoms early
in June, and its greenish colored flowers are pro-
duced in clusters along the sides of the branches.
The leaves are of a rich green color, oblong in
shape, and slightly serrated. The berries are
roundish or three-cornered in form. When frost
appears, the outer covering of the berry opens,
showing the shining scarlet - pulp surrounding
the seed. Here this climber has taken possession
of some dead cedar trees, and at this late season
their branches are wreathed in beauty by the
long lines of scarlet woven round them. The
nook is much admired by all who see it, and the
berries retain their color, and do not fall for
many weeks. This climber is worthy of cultiva-
tion, and might be used with good eff'ect in many
positions in gardens, cemeteries, &c. It is easily
propagated from seeds, cuttings, or suckers.

TREES IN CITIES.

BY J. C, CHELSEA, MASS.

As you are well aware, much has been said and
written about shade trees, both for and against
them.

I believe it is well understood that even the
most handsome and rare trees wovild be out of
place in a city or town where it is densely set-
tled, but still there is occasionally a small square
or triangle occurring where a tree or two would
be a great relief to the eye in the midst of so
much brick and mortar. And when nearing the
suburbs of a city, what is more enlivening and
attractive than to see the sides of the streets lined
with handsome trees, say about fifty or sixty feet
apart, or what can please the eye of the traveller
better than the diff'erent shades of green in the
family of maples, not saying anything of their
rich autumn tints, and, where a variety of sorts
is wanted, the elm of different kinds, tulip tree,
&c., and many others that might be named.
Many are averse to seeing trees anywhere but in
an orchard or a forest. All such have never
stvidied the beauties of nature. Still I would say
with the old Scotch laird : "Aye keep plantin' a
tree, Jock, it will be groivin' whan ye're sleepin'."

There is a good illustration given of the value
of shade trees in cities, in the wide-spread confla-
grations which have taken place frequently in
Virginia City, Nevada ; they have often been
averted solely through the agency of shade trees,
in preventing the burning embers from flying
through the air, and thereby preventing distant
buildings from taking fire. They also break the
force of the wind, so that, by taking advantage of'
any open space as above stated, a community
which acts on these .suggestions not only minis-
ters to the refinement of taste, but promotes a
love for the beautiful, and the blessing of the
traveller is sure to descend on him.

EDITORIAL NOTES.

Preparing Timber. — Mr. Saltonstall, of Massa-
chusetts, has known birch to be used for rail-
road sleepers, and to last ten years when kyan-
ized.

Forest Planting in Massachusetts. — Hon. B.
Perly Poore some years ago. made a forest of
oaks in Massachusetts. We understand it is
quite successful ,~but have no particulars.

36

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[February,

Spir^A sorbifolia. — This plant is not uncom-
mon in American gardens, and is usually rather
long legged, but otherwise striking. A corres-
pondent of the Gardener's Chronicle treats S-
Lindleyana, a species of similar habits, to an an-
nual cutting down, as if it w^ere an herbaceous
plant — a practice that would no doubt improve
our commoner one.

Hardy Begontias. — The well-kno^^^l old Bego-
nia Evansiana, often known by the absurd name
of Beefsteak geranium, is hardy in our part of
the world. A companion for it is probably B.
Vietchii and varieties, which is said to have lived
out several years near London and may do so
here.

PiNUS CEMBRA. — This is one of the hardiest and
most beautiful of pines. It is rather slow of
growth, but just the thing where there Is not
much room to spare.

Wild Gardens. — These might be a cheap and
pleasant adornment to many a farmer's home.
Many plants cannot be growTi in our climate when
exposed to cold, dry winds. If these plants were
set in the borders of blackberry patches, or
among similar wild bushes, they would do well.
There would always be something to interest one
in such a clump as that. The chrj-santhemum,
which is often killed outright in our open bor-
ders, would live out safely in such wild champs
as these.

An Election for Roses. — The Journal of Hor-
ticulture gives the result of an election for roses.
Twenty-four of the most distinguished rose grow-
ers of England gave in a list of 25, naming their
first choice first, and the others in successive
order. There were votes :

16 for Louis Von Houtte.

15 Countess of Oxford.

12 Marquis of Castellane.

11 Francois Nicholson.

10 Ferdinand de Lesseps.

8 Captain Christy.

6 Catharine Mermet.

6 Etienne Levet.

4 Paul Neron.

4 Mdle. Eugenie Verdier.

2 Ed. Morren.

And one for each of the following: Auguste
Neuman, Hippolyte Jamin, Depuy Jamain, Perle
des Jardins, Duchess of Edinburg, Rev. J. B.
Camm, Mary Turner, Baron Bonstettin, Miss

Hazzard, Auguste Rigotard, Gen. Yon Moltke,
Chestnut Hybrid, Mad. Lacharine, Mad. La
Comtesse de Monssac, Mdle. Marie Finger,
Princess Beatrice.

The first five we may therefore take as cer-
tainly the best roses grown in England.

The electors were Mr. Robson, Rev H. Dom-
brain. Rev. F. H. Gale, Rev. E. N. Pochin, Rev.
J. B. Camm, R. G. Baker, J. Hinton, Rev. Allen
Cheales, J. Scott, Rev. E. Handley, R. W. Beachey,
J. Burrell, H. Blandford, B. R. Cant, Ewing &
Co., George Cooling, Charles Turner, Mr. Ben-
nett, H. Curtis, Mr. Cranston, George Prince, S.
Wheeler, Richard Smith ; all rose celebrities.

Acer striatum, or, as it is more correctly
called, A. Pennsylvanicum, though more com-
mon farther northward than in that State, is an
interesting tree in winter by its peculiar striped
w'hite and green bark. Its twigs are of a bright
red, and in this way the tree posse^es an addi-
tional attraction. It is rather a fast grower. We
have seen trees the past year make a growth of
four feet. The large tri-lobed leaves give it a dis-
tinguished appearance in the summer season.

Acer spicatum, or A. Montanum of some, the
mountain maple, somewhat resembles this spe-
cies, but is but a bush, besides having other
botanical charactere to distinguish it.

Achillea umbellata for White Edgings. — So
far as we know the plant referred to in the fol-
lowing has not been introduced into our country,
but is worth bringing in. The A. tomentosa is
somewhat hoary, and makes a very good edging.
This one is now common in Amei'ican gardens :
" If I w'ere asked to name the most useful, and,
at the same time, the most lovely of the dwarf
white edging plants now in use, I should say
Achillea umbellata. It is perfectly hardj', and
certainly requires less manipulation than the
dwarf Cerastium tomentosum. The latter re-
quires renewing every year, whereas the former
will be as effective the second and third year as
the first. For carpet bedding it is a gem in every
way, and onlj'^ requires to be known to be appre-
.ciated. It is easily increased by cuttings taken
off in September or October, and dibbled in very
thickly under a wall. We have thousands
planted under the foot of a west wall, and they
give no more trouble than this — after a severe
frost in spring, to sprinkle a little sifted leaf
mould over the cuttings, and with the hand press
into the soil those that have been forced out by

IS'TG.]

AND HORTICULTURIST.

3t

the frost. The few leaves falling from the fruit
trees give sufficient covering now until rooted,
after which they will take care of themselves."

Mammoth Eose Tree. — Mr. O. D. Dryden, near
Gilroy, informs us that he has a rose tree, twelve
years old, of the Cloth of Gold variety, the stock
of which is seventeen inches in circumference.
It branches one and a half feet from the ground,
and stands about ten feet high, with a spread of
top ten feet across. If it were not kept closely
pruned it would be much larger. — Pacific Rural.

NEW FLANTK

Dahlia gracilis. — This is a new species. The
common dahlia is improved from D. coccinea, a
single scarlet flowered kind. But it has simply
pinnate leaves. The leaves of this one are bipin-
nate.

Gladiolus cruentus is a new species intro-
duced into England from Natal, and has the ad-
vantage of flowering late in the fall.

Rhus panaciformis. — A close-growing shrubby
plant of elegant character. It has alternate
pinnated leaves, with about six pairs of leaflets,
which are rounded and vmequal-sided at the base,
elliptic oblong in outline, and on the young
plants about two inches long. The rachis is
puberulous, and the leaflets hairy beneath. It is
apparently a plant of stocky habits. — W. Bull.

Rhus Rufa. — A fine pinnated-leaved shrubby
plant of ornamental character. It Has erect
rusty-barked stems, pinnate leaves a foot long or
more, and consisting of about eight pairs of leaf-
lets, which are from 3 to 4 inches long, and from
an inch to an inch and a half broad, hairy be-
neath, oblong-acute, with the base rounded and
unequal-sided. The leaves are alternate, the
rachis tomentose, of a reddish hue, and the
whole plant of a free-growing and elegant habit.
— IF. Bull.

Fraxinus LOXGicxrspis. — A slender deciduous
Japanese tree, with tetragonous branches, whose
bark is marked by lenticular warts. It has pin-
nate leaves, with two or three pairs of leaflets,
which in the mature state are lanceolate with a
long acuminate point, but in the young plants
are blunt, and sometimes rounded. The inflo-
rescence forms an erect terminal or lateral pani-
cle. According to Siebold, this is one of the
plants on which the wax insect feeds. — W. Bull.

Wistaria macrobotrys. — This variety, intro-
duced from Japan, is of vigorous growth, and ex-
ceedingly free flowering, producing fine large full
bunches of flowers, of immense length. The
foliage is dark green ; the flowers are white,
tinted with bluish purple, and very large and
fine. It is a most attractive and ornamental
plant.— TF. Bull.

Magnolia Campbellii. — " The Magnolia Camp-
bellii was discovered by Dr. Griffith in Bhotan ;
it is a large forest tree abounding on the outer
range of Sikkim, at elevations of 8,000 to 10,000
feet, appearing on the road above Pacheem, and
thence ascending to the top of Sinchul, 8,000, and
Tonglo, 10,000 feet ; though occasionally seen on
the central ranges at the same elevations, it is
much less frequent. The flowers are produced
abundantly in April, at the end of all the
branches, when the tree is as yet perfectly leaf-
less; they vary from white to deep rose color, or
almost crimson, and in size from 6 to 10 inches ;
the scent is faint. In May the tree is in full leaf,
and the fruit ripens in October, when a few small
and often deformed flowers are sometimes pro-
duced. The flowering branch drawn in Mr.
Cathcart's collection is nearly twice as large as
that represented here. Young plants have the
leaves perfectly glabrous; those of older trees
are more or less silky on the under surface."

Gymnothrix latipolia a good Centre Plant
FOR Flower Beds. — Those who want a good
plant for the centre of a bed should use this
Grass, not so handsome in its flowers as the Pam-
pas Grass, but much handsomer in its foliage
and manner of growth. Here it grows over six
feet high, with broad deep green leaves, and red-
dish-brown knotted stems. It is a more compact
grower than the Pampas Grass.^-JT. N. Ella-
combe, Biiton Vicarage, Bristol, {in Garden.)

Viburnum Awafuki. — This beautiful hardy
Japanese shrub is now in splendid condition at
Belgrove, Queenstown, the seat of W. E. Gumble-
ton, Esq., who describes it as the most brilliantly
colored autumnal plant he has ever seen. Many
of its leaves are now of a bright rose color. —
Record.

Tamarix plumosa. — Of this plant, M. Carrifere
writes as follows in the Revue Horticole : "Nothing
can be finer or more graceful than this species,
which is still so rare, in spite of the readiness
with which it can be propagated. Its numerous,
slender branchlets, of a glaucescent green hue,

38

THE GARDENERS MONTHLY

[February,

bear a certain resemblance to the curled plumes
of the ostrich (or the white stork), whence its
popular name of 'Marabout.' It flowers in Au-
gust, about the same time as T. indica. The
flowers, which are disposed in dense erect pani-
cles, have an airy lightness, which adds much to
the elegance of the foliage. Isolated on a lawn,
or in a large park, T. plumosa forms a compact
mass of the most pleasing appearance. It is
quite as hardy as T. indica, and propagated and
treated in precisely the same manner."

Daphniphyllum Roxburghu. — A deciduous
tree, belonging to the natural order Euphor-
biaceae. It has an extensive geographical range ;
the plants here ofiered are from Japan. It has
an erect twiggy habit, with oblong-obovate or
ovate opposite deep green leaves, and axillary
racemes of minute flowers.

QUERIES.

Rare Evergreens in Maryland. — W. G. A. says :
"A friend brought me from Maryland, near Gun-
Powder river (or creek), these evergreens which
grow beautifully at that place. I was not able to
name them. The Spruce is very abundant, about
80 feet high, and beautiful. Wliat spruce is it?
The black and white belong to the north ; the
arbor vitae, I take to be our own. What is the
cedar ? Tliese trees are supposed to be indigenous
in that locality."

[It is surprising to get specimens like these with
the suggestion that they might be indigenous.
One is the American arbor vitae from the north-
ern part of the continent; another the deodar
cedar of the East Indies ; another the Japan ce-
dar, Cryptomeria japonica; and the other Liboce-
drus decurrens of the Pacific coast. The re-
markable health of these specimens, shows that
they are excellent kinds for our Maryland friends
to cultivate.— Ed. G. M.]

Disease in evergreens. — B. T. B., Carlinville,
111., says : " My evergreens are dying ' piece-
meal,' that is, they die in spots ; a little branch
here, and another there ; sometimes on one side
of the tree, and then again on the other ; and
then again, all through the tree you will see little
dead branches or twigs. What can be the mat-
ter with them ? Can you, and will you if you
know, tell me ? I would not bother you if it was
the busy time of the year. But now, I thought \ as with the others.

you had time, and would, perhaps, give me the
desired information. My trees stand just as
they have grown, never having been trained a
bit or a branch broken if I could prevent it, and
consequently grow down to the ground. I hate to
lose them now, they are 20 or 30 feet high ; and
should like it very much if you would tell me
what to do for them."

[Evergreens, especially pines, are liable to the
attack of a small fungus, which comes out in
spots like small pin heads all over the leaves,
and soon injures them, severely afiiecting in
time very seriously the health of the trees. This
is known as the ^cidium abietinum. In addi-
tion to this, pines often suSier from insect attacks ;
some kinds bore into the young branches and
kill them. This is probably what is the matter
with these trees ; slit some of the injured
branches lengthwise and see. If so, their traces
will be seen, and the only remedy is persistent
watchfulness, to cut ofi" and burn all injured
branches as soon as thej' are seen. — Ed. G. M.]

Chiococca racemosa. — M. C. & Co., Atlanta,
Ga., say; "A lady of Cedar Keys, Fla., sends us
the enclosed branch and fruit of a vine that is
indigenous to that part of Florida, and says it
blooms three times before fruiting, once flowers
yellow, twice white, and very fragrant. We do
not recognize it. Can you tell us what it is?
Also, seeds of flowering potato — so called there ;
can you locate it?

[We give the name above. There were two
kinds of seeds in the letter, one of some malva-
ceous plant ; and the other, perhaps, a convolvu-
lus.—Ed. G. M.]

Raising Thorn Seed. — J. C. T., Farber, Mo.,
writes : " I have tried to get information of the
American Agriculturist how to manage thorn
seeds like this I enclose. I cannot find out why
I have failed two different times to get these
seeds to grow. I froze them all winter and
planted in good soil, but as yet not a single plant
appears. It grows abundantly here, a natural
hedge plant ; stocky, hardy, dwarf, very thorny,
and so thick naturally that small birds make
their nests in it with perfect safety from large
ones. I have lost several years in trying, and
now appeal to you. Please tell me all the details
of treatment, as I have a lot of seeds now buried
with some crab-apples also, with which, I am
going to make some hedges, if I have to dig up
the roots. I have had the same luck with these
I am greatly dissatisfied with

1816.^

AND HORTICULTURIST.

39

the Osage, on account of its rampant growth and
its baneful influence on the crops contiguous to
it. I beUeve nature furnishes us, right at hand,
a hedge plant far better in many ways than the
oeage."

[The seeds were of Crategus crusgalli, the cock-
spur hawthorn. Many attempts have been made
to make a hedge out of it, which it will do in
from 10 to 15 years — entirely too slow for the

average American. Then it is liable to mildews
and moulds, and blights and borers, so that after
all their waiting, it does not please our posterity.
The seeds grow easily if you keep them one year
in a barrel of wet earth, and sow them the fol-
lowing spring; at the end of that season they will
be an inch high. When you get a good hedge
from your own sowing, we should be pleased to
be alive to-look at it. — Ed. G. M.]

^REEN taOUSE AND MOUSE GARDENING.

SEASONABLE HINTS.

"Window plants are as much appreciated at
this season as at any time of the year. There
are few things more beautiful than the old classes
of roses — the Borbon and China. We have seen
some beauties in windows recently, and wonder
they are not more grown. In another case we
saw a handsome Chorozema cordata. Usually,
Australian plants do . not thrive in our climate,
but this plant was simply plunged in partial
shade in summer, rewarding the owner with its
pretty brown and purple butterfly-like flowers
all winter. This, and many other window flow-
ers, are liable to suff'^r from the minute insect
known as red spider. Very minute whitish
green spots on the leaves usually indicate the
insect's existence. It is best to lay the plants on
their sides, in the open air, and treat them to a
powerful syringing with strong soap-suds, and,
while still damp, sprinkle a little sulphur on
them from a pepper box. Red spiders do not
hanker much aft6r sulphur. Sometimes window
plants suffer from mildew, and sulphur is a good
remedy for it also.

Look out for a good stock of bedding plants in
time ; by striking cuttings of such things as grow
rapidly, and sowing seeds of such annuals as may
be advanced to advantage.

Fuchsias may now be readily struck from the
young growth of the old plants, which will make
excellent blooming plants for the next summer
season.

Dahlias should now be brought forward. A
good plan is to shorten the extremity of the
roots, put them in six-inch pots and place in a

warm greenhouse. In a few weeks they will
sprout, when they should be shaken out, divided
with a piece of root to each sprout, and sepa-
rately potted in four-inch pots.

Pansies are coming now into flower. They
like an airy frame, where they will not be roasted
in mid-day nor exposed to drying winds, and yet
have a free circulation of air and plenty of light.
Planted out in such a frame, and the old shoots
cut away as soon as the plant has done flower-
ing, the plants will keep healthy over till the
next season. Superior varieties can be raised
from seed. Choose those with the roundish
petals, best colors, and the first flowers that
open, to raise seed from.

Camellias will require rather more water while
growing than at other times. Just before they
grow is a good season to graft. Cut down the
stock, cleft graft in the crown, wax, and plunge
in a bottom heat of 70°. A great many kinds
may be had on one plant by the bottle system —
a shoot about to grow is obtained; and attached
to the stock as in inarching, the end of the shoot
being put in a small phial of water suspended
beneath it. This plan does best, however, with
half ripe wood in July.

Geraniums, Pelargoniums, Cinerarias, and Chi-
nese Primroses, must be kept as near the glass
and light as possible ; they do little good in shady
places. Keep off" the green Aphis ; — for this, on a
small scale, there is nothing like hot water ; on a
large scale, tobacco-smoke, in several successive
light doses, is still the best remedy.

Azaleas succeed well by grafting with the half
ripe shoots of the present season's growth on
plants raised either by seeds or cuttings. Old
wood does not take readily.

40

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[February,

Auriculas, Carnations, Pinks, and Polyanthus
— the prettiest of florists' flowers, must be kept
cool, just free from frost, with plenty of air, if the
best results are desired.

Chrysanthemums should now be raised from
cuttings for fall flowering. They make better
blooming plants than offsets.

New Holland and Cape plants, such as Epacris,
Acacia, Heaths, <&c., are now the glory of the
greenhouse ; hot bursts of sun on them should
be avoided, as it lays in them the seeds of " con-
sumption," which frequently carries them ofi" the
following summer.

COMMUNICA TIONS.

GROWING THE POINSETTA.

BY JOHN HOOD, SOUTH AMBOY, N. J.

The Poinsetta is a little difficult to grow sat-
isfactorily in pots, being somewhat irksome to
maintain the proper degree of moisture, Avhich
seems recjuisite to its well being. How we have
obtained the most satisfactory results with least
trouble, is to plant them out in the open ground,
in May, or as soon as there is a foir prospect of
settled weather. "When the weather begins to get
hot and dry, we give them a good mulching of
well-rotted manure, if procurable, if not, with
short grass, which keeps the ground cool and
moist. By the end of the following month, if
they have been growing vigorously, the young
shoots will have attained the length of fifteen
to eighteen inches. This we cut back to four
eyes, from which it started in May; in all
likelihood those four eyes will push simulta-
neously, which rarely happens when grown in
pots, or nipped off as soon as they have made
four or five leaves. The strongest of this growth
is cut back again about the first week in August
—cutting with a view to equalize the flow of sap
and form a compact head. Near the end of this
month, select a cloudy day, and, with a spade,
cut around the plants thoroughly, not under-
neath. Pack the soil firmly around them again,
and replace the mulching. The distance from the
stem they require to be cut must be regulated by
the size of the plants and pots you intend they
shall occupy. This should be done three weeks
previous to their removal. In that time they
will make numerous fibrils, which can be re-
moved without injury — which is very essential

to successful transplantation. After being lifted
and staged for some time they require to be
carefully shaded, and, if kept in a close, humid
temperature of 65°, they will lose few of their
leaves, will quickly become established, and, in
the course of six or seven weeks. We opine
that, under good cultivation, as a winter flower-
ing decorative plant it has few compeers. Some,
however, prefer growing them in pots, and assert
they should not be cut back, as it impairs the size of
the bracts. Recently we saw an illustration of this
method at a commercial establishment, credited
with having well-grown plants. In outline they
reminded one of the common Sumach (Rhus
glabra), as seen in the fall of the year — shoots
over three feet in length, nude, except very near
the top. Tortured in this way, it is, undoubtedly,
more queer than beautiful. .

BOUVARDIA HUMBOLDTII CORYMBIFLORA.

BY W. H. BAILEY, PROVIDENCE, R. I.

Having for a long time grown and flowered the
Bouvardias grandiflora and jasminoides, of which
species the Humboldtii is a member, and know-
ing their faulty character as bloomers, though
prizing them for their purity and fragrance, I
had just cause for many misgivings, when this
variety was flatteringly announced and intro-
duced to public notice. But the experience I
have had with it justifies me in awarding it a
very high place among the many new things of
the past few years. The drawing I send you
gives the natural size, without exaggeration, but
one can form from it but a meagre idea of the
plant as flowering upon my grounds last season.
I had a large bed containing some thirty-five or
forty plants, from thumb pots, and planted in
May, which in July was a sight worth a journey
to see. Each jjlant grew most vigorously, send-
ing up from eight to one dozen shoots, which,
after attaining a foot or more in height, began
budding, and were soon densely loaded with the
large jasmine-like blossoms, of the purest white,
with a fragrance not unlike the delightful Ste-
phanotis, and nearly as powerful as the Tuberose,
which, wafted about by the breeze, particularly
at evening, was i\\Q delight and wonderment of
all persons within its odorous range.

The first flowers opened in July, at which time
my beds of Vreelandii, Hogarth, lieantha, and
slogans had not the appearance of a bloom,
though the plants were the same size when put

42

THE GARDE NEB'S MONTHLY

[Fbbruary,

out, and received equally careful attention. From
the time Humboldtii commenced flowering, we
were able to cut generous clusters of flowers
until frost, and such plants as were carefully
lifted with earth adhering to them, and potted,
continued to blossom several weeks in the green-
house. For winter blooming, I think it very val-
uable, but the plants for this purpose should be
grown in six-inch pots, plunged in the border,
and not allowed to bloom during summer. This
treatment I find the best for all varieties of
Bouvardias when required for winter use, as they
do not generally transplant into pots very well
from the open ground. All the Bouvardias are
desirable, — we could hardly dispense with any, —
but the Humboldtii opens certainly a new era
with this family. Having succeeded in crossing
it with the leiantha, a scarlet sort, I may have
something interesting to report at some future
date.

TAR IN GREENHOUSES.

BY PETER HENDERSON, NEW YORK.

You will be doing many a poor fellow a great
kindness if you will again warn, and keep warn-
ing, against the common and fatal mistake of
painting hot-water pipes in greenhouses with
gas tar.

I have done so several times in the Monthly, but
as you know that we are getting scores of new and
inexperienced men every year into the business
who keep falling into this error, it is well to
keep on. Already two of my customers re-
port this season that they have so blundered,
and the effect has been ruinous in each case.
As you are aware, if the mischief has been
done, there is no other remedy but taking
the pipes out and burning them thoroughly
until the gas is entirely expelled from the iron.

NOTES ON A SUMMER'S TOUR.

BY WILLIAM SUTHERLAND, PHILADELPHIA.

The country seat of Matthew Baird, Esq., situ-
ated at Darby, Delaware County, Pa., under the
skilful management of Mr. James McAdams, the
gardener, is one of the neatest kept places in the
vicinity of Philadelphia.

The flower garden is tastefully laid out in diff"er-
ent shaped beds, which were planted with a variety
of tropical and bedding plants calculated to pro-
duce the best effect, while in the background were
some fine specimens of choice evergreens.

Adjoining the mansion house was a small
conservatory, well arranged with a choice col-
lection of begonias, ferns and ornamental plants,
the ends of the conservatory being glazed with
looking-glass, giving the interior the appearance
of being three or four times as large as it really
is. In the middle of the house was a very fine
aquarium, filled with a variety of plants and fish,
while in two smaller ones I noticed some of the
largest specimens of Cyperus alternifolius that I
ever saw. Adjoining the conservatory is a small
vinery, from which the fruit had just been cut.
Mr. McAdams remarked that the vines had borne
well, and, judging from their appearance, I saw
no reason to doubt the statement. Descending a
flight of steps, and crossing the carriage road, I
entered another range, consisting of stove and
orchid house, palm house, and two large pits for
forcing tomatoes, cucumbers, beans, and other
vegetables. At the time of my visit (in Septem-
ber), one of the pits had just been started with
cucumbers, and the gardener complained bitterly
of the depredations committed by the ants, and
would like to know how to effectually get rid of
them. For want of a better remedy, he lays
down raw meat bones, attached to short wires,
which as they become covered with the pests are
dipped in scalding water. By this means thou-
sands are destroyed, but their number does not
seem to be diminished.

In the palm house I noticed some fine speci-
mens of Dracaenas, Crotons and AUamandas ; and
one of the finest grown plants of Dracaena um-
braculifera it has been my good fortune to see.
It must be fully six feet in height. There were
also some fine specimens, well marked, of Hy-
drangea speciosa, Croton aucubcefolium, and
Duranta Baumgartnerii. The old Aspidistra lu-
rida variegata seemed better marked than in
common. Among the palms I noticed some
magnificent specimens of Areca rubrum, Lata-
nia borbonica, Seaforthia elegans, Cocos plujnosa,
and Caryota excelsa, many of them so high that,
although the tubs were sunk in the floor, the
tops barely escaped the glass. Mr. Baird will
have to raise the roof of the house or donate his
large palms to the Centennial conservatory, for
certainly their present quarters will nOt accom-
modate them another year.

The benches around the house were bright
with specimen Coleus, which gave a very cheer-
ful appearance. In the stove, adjoining the
palm house, there was a fine collection of Or-
chids, principally on blocks, all looking very

18t6.]

AND HORTICULTURIST.

43

promising, as was also a fine collection of Sela-
ginella, grown in pans of no mean dimensions.
Leaving this range, I next entered the green-
houses. Here I noticed a very neat specimen of
Cycas revoluta, and quite a number of magnifi-
cent Ficus elastica and Oleander plants ; also a
very healthy collection of Camellias, so thickly
set for flower that thinning out the small buds
was necessary. The Azaleas, of which there were
some fine specimens, all looked very promising.
One house was devoted to bedding plants, and

variegation being in the middle of the leaf, and
a broad belt of deep green around the edge.
This variety, I think, will make quite a stir when
it gets into commerce, and will, no doubt, be the
parent of a new class of variegated geraniums.

Mr. McAdams informed me that they were
about to 'introduce Cowan's new compensating
system of heating, Mr. Baird having had an
agent in Europe all summer for the purpose of
examining the apparatus before bringing it out
to this country.

^^^

-ms

V^.^A

another to winter flowering, plants, such as
Stevia, Heliotrope, Cinerarias, Bouvardia, and
various kinds of winter flowering geraniums and
roses, from which to supply bouquets, &c.

Among the Zonale geraniums I noticed one
called "Happy Thought," which Mr. Baird has
recently imported from England. This variety
is quite distinct from any I have ever seen. The

Knowing that you are always on the lookout
for novelties to lay before the readers of your
valuable journal, I determined to pay another
visit after the first hard frost— when they hoped
to have the apparatus in full working order— and
open to the inspection of those who wished to
examine it.

I accordingly paid a visit about the beginning

44

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[February,

of December, and found the apparatus to consist
of a limekiln and an improved boiler.

The cut taken from Cowan's circular will give
the reader a better idea than pages of description.

This establishment formerly took three- fur-
naces, and a like number of boilers, to keep up
the heat in the different ranges. Without re-
moving the old boilers, these have now all been
connected by passing four-inch hot-water pipe,
laid in eight-inch terra cotta pipe, from one range
to another, under ground, and the whole appa-
ratus seemed to work admirably.

It is claimed for this system that it is compen-
sating, because the lime drawn from this appa-
ratus can be used for different purposes, also
that it requires no night attendance, and is
adaptable anywhere that lime-stone and coal are
procurable. It is in general use in most of the
large establishments of the United Kingdom,
both public and private, and in one place, near
Liverpool, England, four miles of four-inch pipe
are heated by one kiln, which formerly took the
united aid of sixteen boilers.

To Mr. Baird belongs the honor of introducing
th\s system into this country, and I think it does
not require a prophet, or the son of a prophet, to
predict that this system will eventually revolu-
tionize hot-water heating in all large establish-
ments.

[There are figures for reference in the cut, but
we have not the copy to correspond. We pre
sume, however, the cut is explanatory, in so far
as the main principle is concerned. — Ed. G. M.]

HOT-WATER HEATING.

we should be very cautious, and consider well
the essential points, before we adopt them. The
vital points about a good boiler are : 1st, to be
capable of burning all kinds of fuel ; 2d, have
plenty of heating surface; 3d, the boiler should
be so constructed as to give a rapid motion to the
water, thereby carrjHng off the heat from the
furnace, so as to save all its heat generated from
the fuel.

Rapid circulation is the very essential thing at
present, as many cultivators of plants build
greenhouses from one hundred to four hundred
feet long, and many times other additions to green-
houses attached, so the water has to pass through
five hundred to eight hundred feet of pipe before
it can return to the boiler to take on a fresh sup-
ply of heat. We should consider that all heat
is generated in the furnace, and the moment
the water leaves the boiler, it begins to radiate
its heat, and when it moves slowly, and has parted
with the high temperature, it is of but little
value in repelling the sharp arrows of frost on a
cold winter's night, with the thermometer mark-
ing below zero ; therefore, I would say, that the
boilers are veiy few that can heat the water and
give it a momentum through more than five
hundred feet of pipe, boiling until it comes back
to the boiler to take on a fresh supply of heat.
So a boiler that heats one thousand to three
thousand feet of pipe should have separate at-
tachments and very rapid circulation, or that
portion of the greenhouse over one hundred feet
away from the boiler will not be evenly heated
with that near by.

BY J. M. JORDAN, ST. LOUIS, MO.

Having had considerable experience with heat-
ing greenhouses with hot water, I wish to give
a few suggestions.

I have learned that water pipes should be so
arranged as to facilitate the rapid motion of the
water, and any change in the size of pipe tends to
diminish the flow of water. A large stand pipe, or
expansion tank, where one pipe enters into and
another leaves it, retards the motion ; or where
a large pipe is contracted or enlarged also retards
the motion.

All steam generated in the boiler should be
used to move the water, but the pipes should be
8o arranged that the water could not boil out of
the exhaustion tank. On the question of boilers,
as new designs are being introduced every year,

EDITORIAL NOTES.

Roses for Winter buds. — The Garden says
Niphetos, Isabella sprunt, and Safrano, are found
to be the best to groAV for Covent Garden Market.

Tacsonia insignis. — The Tacsonias are closely
allied to the passion flowers, and in many re-
spects superior to some in beauty. A new one
under the above title is among the novelties an-
nounced in England. Tlie flowers are large, and
of a crimson color.

Hardiness op the coffee. — The coffee seems
a hardier plant than we have been accustomed
to regard it. A writer speaks of it as sometimes
under snow in coffee countries; and that it
makes a good plant for room culture.

1876.]

AND HORTICULTURIST.

45

Lilies of the valley, are the most charming
of forced flowers. To be very successful with
them, they should be grown a year in boxes be-
fore being forced.

BouvARDiA JASMiNiFLORA is becoming popular
in London for cut flowers. It is not as florifer-
ous as our popular Vreelandii or Davisonii, but
has the advantage of fragrance.

Names of ferxs. — L. Puffer, Mass. — Your fern
is Aspidium falcatum. The fern from our corres-
pondent at Guelph, Canada, is Cheilanthes pilosa.

Violet Victoria Regina. — We have from Mr.
Chitty a bunch of flowers of this excellent violet.
It is strong stemmed, large and sweet.

Geranium, Happy Thought, also from Mr.
Chitty. The deep edge of green around the cen-
tral white portion makes it one of the most dis-
tinct and pretty of the variegated kinds.

Olea fragrans. — It will be seen by the follow-
ing from the Journal of Horticulture, that this
very sweet and po^jular plant can be grafted on
the privet :

"Olea fragrans is flowering in the Economic

house, at Kew, and possesses a perfume of the
most delicious description. The flowers are
small and of a pale yellow color, but grow many
together in numerous clusters. They are used
in China for scenting teas. That called pekoe is
a green tea much prized for the scent imparted
to it by-these flowers. The species is well worth
growing in conservatories for its perfume. It is
easily grown and succeeds on its own roots, but
is perhaps hardier grafted on privet. A plant so
grafted has withstood the last two or three win-
ters against a wall."

qUEUIES.

Diseased Geranium Leaves. — F. R. &Son, Den-
ver, Colorado. — The leaves sent are not affected
by red spider, but by mildew. Syringe them
well with warm soap-suds, and then sprinkle
them with sulphur. Sometimes this trouble
comes from having the roots colder than the
atmosphere. Wlien plants are growing the roots
should be at least as warm as the leaves and
branches.

Jruit and Vegetable Gardening.

SEASONABLE HINTS.

In managing the vegetable garden the highest
excellence should be aimed at. This is the chief
source of pleasure in a garden. If one can take
no pleasure in his garden, — if the watching of the
beautiful processes of nature in furnishing him
food— and the many lessons they teach him,
which he in a thousand ways can so pleasurably
and profitably apply, have no charms and attrac-
tions for him, he had better give up gardening ;
for assuredly, in most cases, — even to 99 in 100
instances, — the market gardener will bring the
vegetables to his own door cheaper than he can
grow them. Amateur gardening should prima-
ril}'' be pursued for the lessons it teaches, and the
pleasure it affords ; when it ceases to do this it
should be abandoned.

In the Middle States the work for February
will, for the most part, consist of preparations

for future operations, and particularly for deal-
ing with the manure question. All those kinds
that are grown for their leaves or stems require
an abundance of nitrogenous manures; and it
is useless to attempt vegetable gardening without
it. To this class belong Cabbage, Lettuce,
Spinach, etc. The other class, which is grown
principally for its seeds or pods (as Beans, Peas,
etc.), docs not require much manure of tbis char-
acter ; in fact they are injured by it. It causes
too great a growth of stem and leaf, and the
earliness— a great aim in vegetable growing— is
injuriously affected. Mineral manures, as wood
ashes, bone-dust, etc., are much better for them.
For vegetables requring rich stable manure, it
is better that they have it well rotted and de-
cayed. Nothing has yet been found so well
fitted for the purpose as " old hot-bed dung :
though to the smell no trace of " ammonia '•' re-
mains in it.
One of our most interesting parts of a vegeta-

46

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[February,

ble garden is a hot-bed for starting seeds early.
The end of the month will be time enough for
those who have not command of a large supply
of stable manure, as the very low temperature
we often get at the end of the month soon ab-
sorbs all the heat the hot-bed possessed. It is in
any event best to put up the beds in the warmest
and most sheltered spots we can find, and to
keep cold -svinds from the manure, by covering it
with branches of trees or mats ; and the glass
should always be covered with mats at night.
Tomatoes, Egg-plants, Peppers and Cucumbers,
are the first seeds to be sown this way. Cooler
frames can be got ready for Cauliflower, Lettuce,
Beets, Celery and Early York Cabbage, a little
of which may be sown about the end of the
month for the earliest crop. The Cauliflower is
a particularly valued vegetable, and no expense
spared to get them in perfection will be regretted
when one's efforts are successful.

In the open air, should the weather prove
favorable, as it often is about the end of the
month. Peas and Potatoes may be planted.
Frost seldom gets deep enough in new dug
ground to injure them after this date.

In the more southern States, the gardener will
lose no time in getting in his Potatoes, Beets,
Carrots, Parsnips, Peas, Spinach, Radishes, Let-
tuce, Onions, and Salsafy. These should be the
first crops put in after the season breaks up for
good. The earlier they are in the better. As-
paragus, Rhubarb and Horse-radish beds may
now be made. Asparagus roots are generally
planted too thickly to produce fine shoots, — they
starve one another. A bed five feet wide should
have three rows, and the plants set about eight-
een inches apart. A deep soil is very import-
ant, as the succulent stems require every chance
they can get for obtaining moisture. About four
inches beneath the soil is sufl[icient to plant
them. Rhubarb also requires a deep, rich and
moist soil. Horse-radish beds are best made
by taking pieces of strong roots, about one inch
long, and making a hole about a foot or fifteen
inches deep, with a dibble, and dropping the
piece to the bottom of the hole ; a clean, straight
root will then rise up through the soil. Crowns
or eyes are better than pieces of roots, — where
they can be had— and a rich clayey soil better
than a light, sandy one.

About the middle or end of the month, or 'still
later in the North, — say the middle of March, —
Celery and late Cabbage may be sown. Here,
we usually sow the second week in March.

In the Northern States, Broccoli, and Cauli-
flower when sown in March as recommended, do
not head early enough in Fall. It should be
sown about the time of Early York Cabbage, in
the hot-bed, during this month.

Pruning of fruit trees, when required, should
be proceeded with at favorable opportunities.
We "WTite when required, for in our climate more
injury is done by the knife than by the neglect to
use it. Gooseberries, for instance, are usually
ruined by pruning. In Europe, it is customary
to thin out the centre well to " let in the sun and
air." Here it is -the sun and air that ruin them,
by inviting mildew ; and so the more shoots, the
better. Our country farmers are the best goose-
berry growers, where weeds run riot, and grass
and gooseberries aflfect a dose companionship.
Wherever, in fact, the gooseberry can find a cool
comer, well shaded from the sun, and with a soil,
which, is never wet, nor yet by any means dry,
there will gooseberries be produced unto you.
The English kinds mildew so universally as to
be almost gone out of cultivation south of the St.
Lawrence. Nor, indeed, is it to be so much re-
gretted, since the improved seedlings of large
size and fine quality, raised from the hardier
American species, are becoming known, and
their merit.'; appreciated by growers.

The rule, in pruning gi-ape-vines, is to shorten
the shoots in proportion to their strength ; but if
the advice we have given in former summer hints
has been attended to, there will be little dispro-
portion in this matter, as summer pinching of
the strong shoots has equalized the strength of
the vine. Those who are following any particu-
lar system will, of course prune according to the
rules comprising such system. As a general rule,
we can only say, excellent grapes can be had by
any system of pruning ; for the only object of
pruning in any case is to get strong shoots to
push where they may be desired, or to increase,
with the increased vigor of the shoot, which
pruning supposes will follow the act, increased
size in the fruit it bears.

All fruit trees like a rather dry, rich soil. On
a cold, clayey bottom, diseases are usually fre-
quent. Do not plant deep ; cut oft' tap roots, and
do all you can to encourage surface fibres. Sur-
face manuring is the best way of doing this after
the tree is planted. Do not allow anything to
grow vigorously around your trees the firet year
of planting, nor allow the soil to become hard or
dry. Let trees branch low, and prune a little at
trans])lanting.

isve.]

AND HORTICULTURIST.

4r

Manuring of grapes should be regulated by the
nature of the soil. If it be damp — in most cases
a bad condition for grape growing — stable manure
in great quantities means diseased vines. In dry
ground, it has a beneficial effect. Many persons
of small places have grapes in damp ground, or
can have none. They must take care to keep the
roots near the surface ; never crop the gi'ound
about them to destroy the small fibres, if it can
be avoided ; and even good may often follow,
when the vines seem failing, to carefully follow
up the roots, lift near the surface, and encourage,
as much as possible, those remaining there.
Wood-ashes, bone-dust, and such like fertilizers
are best for grape-vines in low ground.

In order to grow good fruit, we need only re-
peat in a general way, that trees require as much
food as a crop of corn, or potatoes ; but it is very
important to keep the feeding roots at the sur-
face, and therefore that the very best way to
mature fruit trees is by surface dressing.

COMMUNICA TIONS.

THE ICING WATER-MELON.

BY IRA J. BLACKWELL, TITUSVILLE, N. J.

Having grown the above melon the past sum-
mer, and thinking it a good variety for family
use, I endeavor to speak a word in its favor. We
grew the past season the mountain sweet, ice
cream, and the icing water-melons, all good
varieties. With us the icing ripened first, and
produced the most ; all the melons were of good
quality, even the small ones ripened up good,
and it continued bearing until the frost killed
the vines. It is one of the new things that is
good, or probably best, here. It is not very large.
Green skin, red flesh and white seeds, form
round. I think it a cross with the imperial, or
most probably a seedling. Tlie dark green variety
is much the best.

MANAGEMENT OF THE BARK OF FRUIT TREES,

BY P., OF MISSISSIPPI.

I notice j^our tilts at those who do not believe-
in opening the bark. I have seen in an orchard of
the best fruit, splendid trees, split in the bark of

the trunk and larger limbs. In a place, fence
between, same soil, same trees in variety, scant
fruit, bad quality in comparison and no thrift.
I have split tree bark ; saw it done sixty years
ago; then the careful men always did it. I
have scraped the rough bark oflF, and cleaned
the trunks.

A friend here uses linseed oil, to an extent aa
if house painting, on 1, 2, 3 and 4 year old pear
trees, trunk and limbs, and has stopped the blight,
no increase of disease and tree apparently un-
harmed. I saw the trees, had my hand on them,
and he says, he did this before and will con-
tinue.

DON'T USE THE HATCHET OR SAW.

BY REV. J. H. CREIGHTON, COLUMBUS, O.

Of all the blunders that the common farmer, and
some others, make with trees, none is so com-
mon, or so hurtful, and which he is so long find-
ing out, and of which he might know so cer-
tainly, as the practice of cutting off" lower limbs.
All over the country nothing is more common
than to see mutilated trees on almost every farm.
Big limbs cut off" near the body of the tree, and
of course rotting to the heart.

This is a heart sin agaiiTst nature. The very
limbs necessary to i^rotect the tree from wind
and sun, and just where limbs are needed most,
they are cut away.

But the greatest injury is the rotting that al-
ways takes place when a big limb is sawed off" —
too big to heal over it must rot, and being kept
moist by the growing tree, is in the right condi-
tion to rot, and being on the body, the rotting
goes to the hea7i and hurts the whole tree.

It is common all over the country to see large
orchards mutilated in this way. We often see
holes in the trees where big limbs have been cut
away, where squirrels and even raccoons could
crawl in. Perhaps the only reason these trim-
mers would give is, that the lower limbs were
easiest got at, and some would say they wanted
to raise a crop under the trees.

[To the good suggestion made by our corres-
pondent we would say also. Do not hack with
hatchet and saw; but when you do, paint the sur-
face of the part exposed by the saw, to keep out
water. Common paint is quite as good as wax
or plaster made from the most approved recipes.
—Ed. G. M.l

48

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[February,

THAT LITTLE TURK.

BY GEN. W. H. XOBLE, BRIDGEPORT, CONN.

How got our curculio this heathenish name ?
Comes it of that wreck and waste marking
alike the bivouac of this Little and the Grand
Turk ? Most likely it was hinted by that Moslem
signet, the little crescent lip, gashed by his snout
upon ovir fruit. It is there he nests the tiny worm
that eats into its heart.

Not the plum alone suffers from this foe. The
grape and the apricot, and many think the apple,
pear and cherry show his marks. The question
is, how to defend our fruits against his raids.
Plainly, we must, fight the little rascal, by tactics
and strategy fitted to his heathenish ways. His
weakness then shall be our strength.

I have no faith in most of the "sure cures."
Hens and hogs in the plum yard, traps and entan-
glements for his footsteps, he laughs to scorn.
Stenches viler than Chinese stinkpots are his
joy. Hunting him in the cool of the morning,
about the time of the " early bird," while our
little Turk naps late, under chips and stones and
rubbish, is a waste of time and a delusion.
Early risers are not very plenty. Besides, such
fuss will only cut off some outlying posts of a
foe, W'hose hosts swarm among our neighbors.

The truth is, appearances deceive us. A de-
vice this year seems to give a full crop, which
the next don't work worth a cent. A few years
since, a friend of mine thought he had saved his
crop, by dusting sulphur on blossoms, leaves and
fruit. He made sure, and went straight for that
grand prize which somebody out West offered.
But by the next year the little Turk had got a
liking for sulphur, and did'nt care a snap for the
cure. For reasons past finding out hy our phil-
osophy, one year, a tree matures a crop, every
fruit on which the next, drops stung by the cur-
culio. This season our trees may be loaded to
breaking, while our neighbor's not a hundred
yards off, cannot show a plum. Such results and
their seeming cures and causes, are often illogi-
oally linked. No remedy deserves our f;\ith,
which will not, year by year, fulfill with a croji
the promise of the bloom.

Now the curculio can fly. Every remedy must
count on this. If we kill them, our neighbors
who don't, can furnish plenty of recruits. But
our little Turk has a weak spot in his mental
make-up. Like Major Bagstock, he thinks he is
" cunning and deevlish sly." Besides he is more
timid tlian a hare. He is a coward, and plaj's
possum. That smart rap, by w'hich Ellwanger

& Barry, have for so many years saved their
plums, startles him. At the first blow he
gathers his feet and snout and body into a ball,
at the next he tumbles to the ground for dead.
There the wide inverted umbrella or a sheet,
gathers him for a scald or a scorch, or some
lively fowl devours him.

Now this timidity of the little Ti;rk, and some
observation of his ways and of some results, lead
me to think, that a very slight jar or rap upon
the tree, kept up through the season of fruiting,
will put a stop to our curculio's work. For years
my crop has never failed, nor do I have any
stung fruit, on trees trained on my barn. There-
in some years were stabled horses, etc. On
others only emptiness, yet each year alike,
they bore. Why this, unless " the rapping and
the tapping " of the twigs, and the rustling of the
leaves against the barn, startled the timid crea-
tures with some sense of danger. You cannot of
course train all plum trees on buildings, but you
can run, from tree to tree, slight iron rods or
stout wires fastened thereto, and by striking them
on end with a steady and slight automatic blow,
send through all the needed jar or shock. Some
little wind-mill tapper, some strong coiled spring,
or other sliglit propulsive force, perhaps would
do the work. A trellis of iron posts and wires,
vibrating under a gentle blow, would do well for
the grape or the plum.

A few years since, some one took out a patent
for doing this work by an automatic machine.
Right away there came to him from far and near
a demand therefor. He only thought of its use
to save the plums. But to his great surprise, the
loudest call came from Delaware, where the cur-
culio sadly trespassed on the grapes. The pro-
blem has been, to get a cheap machine, by
wound up weight, or spring compressed, or other
stored power, to run twelve hours; often and
gently rapping on some pin or rod fastened to
the trees. No cheap machine could be made, to
give more than a gentle rap everj' few seconds
through that time. The slight expenditure of
power, in a smart rap, often repeated during
twelve hours, counts up heavy in the pounds.
The storing of the needed force would call for
stronger and more costly and bulky machinery
than W'ould pay. If anybody can get up one
cheap and durable, costing to buyei-s not more
than $5, he had best hunt up the patentee ; there is
money in it, if not, as Col. Sellers has it, millions.
Meanwhile the plan of Ellwanger &. Barry will
hold the front as the best and cheapest remedy out.

1876.]

AND EOBTIGULTURIST.

49

GRAPES— TRAINING AND MILDEW.

BY " MYSTIC," MEDFORD, MASS.

In the snmmer of 1874, a large portion of the
leaves on some of my grape vines (out-doors),
were badly mildewed and dropped off. The mil-
dew followed cold, damp nights. My vines are
mostly trained on the southerly side of a tight
board fence, with southeast and southwest expos-
ures to the sun. Those with the southeast ex.
posure, were very much the most affected by
the mildew. Those parts of the vines on, or
near the gi-ound were not perceptibly affected —
the heat of the gi-ound (sandy loam), keeping
warm the lower stratum of the atmosphere and
counteracting the deleterious effects of the cold
night air.

How near the ground, and why upon the
ground, were the vines ? The vines are planted
midway between the posts of the fence (nine
feet apart), cut back yearly close to the gi-ound,
and allowed to take their own course in growing
(except pinching off the weaker shoots), until
four years old, then narrow strips of boards are
nailed horizontally from post to post, a foot
from the ground, and laths are nailed verti-
cally to the strips and the top rail of the fence,
and the vines are tied to them. This brings
the vine six inches from the fence, which
leaves a space for the circulation of the air. I
first tied the vines to vertical wires instead of
laths, but found they slipped down under the
weight of the leaves and fruit. The strongest
ehoot is selected, trained perpendicularly and cut
off even with the top of the fence. Four arms on
each side are trained horizontally and cut off at
the posts — the arms being one foot apart, and the
lower one a foot from the ground. Short fruit
spurs (which should be renewed), are left at the
joints of the arms. If the shoot selected for the
upright stock has not the requisite number of
branches for arms, I train up shoots from the
ground to supply the number wanted ; and then
cut off all the others, and also cut off, from time
to time (oftener the better), the runners and
superfluous shoots, unless I leave some vigorous
ones to layer for new plants the next year. The
new wood on the spurs is kept pinched back to
about four leaves of the fruit — more fruit on the
spur requiring more leaves. In handling the
vines, care should be taken not to break off the
buds of the arms ; for a new bud (except at the
end), seldom starts without more skillful treat-
ment than is commonly apphed. From vines, of

varieties suitable to the climate, trained within
the above-named limits, large, well-ripened fruit
is generally obtained, if too many bunches are
not allowed to grow.

Those arms of the vines (Concords as well as
others) on which the leaves were badly mildewed
and dropped off early in the season, were mostly
winter-killed; while all the lower arms but one
survived' The main stocks of two Concords were
killed down to the lower arms ; but none of the
vines left on the ground were killed. The leaves
on the lower arms, and on the vines lying on
the ground, had not been injured by the mildew.
A vigorous Eumelan, four years old (which lost
nearly every leaf by mildew), received such a
shock that what wood was not killed made
scarcely any gi-owth in 1875. Remedy — cut back
to the ground and try a new gi-owth. The par-
tially killed Concords made a good growth — furn-
ishing plenty of new wood to supply the place of
that winter-killed.

My vines are mostly Concord, eight years old —
the best variety yet for out-door cultivation in
this region. Let no one who is limited to a few
vines, be deluded into trying other highly praised
or very promisivg varieties (often brought into
market for a speculative purpose), but stick to
the tried and reliable Concord for the present.

This experience of mine tends to show that
vines trained on, or near, the ground, are not
perceptibly affected by the mildew, and that vines
badly mildewed are liable to be winter-killed. As
the lower arms of the vines were protected by the
snow, a part of the winter, it might be reasonably
maintained that this prevented their being killed.
But of the arms unprotected by'snow, only those
were winter-killed that had been badly mildewed ;
and a healthy Concord vine is beheved to be hardy
enough to withstand, unprotected, the coldest
winter in this region. The winter-killing may
have been the joint effect of mildew and the
severity of the winter— the winter of 1874-5 being
a very cold and trying one for vines and fruit
trees.

[We have much pleasure in publishing this
excellent practical communication. The point
in regard to the comparative tenderness of wood
in cases where the leaves fall early from mildew, -
or any cause, accords with numerous observations
recorded in our columns in regard to raspberries
and blackberries, and even the grape ; and then
as regards protection, it is- also known that
though a raspberry cane that prematurely loses
its leaves is killed by severe frost— it yet is per-

50

TEE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[February,

fectly safe when covered with earth. It is safe,
therefore, to say with " Mystic," that it is both
mildew and fi'ost that destroj's the grape wood.
It is worthy of further remark that all me-
thods of culture seem to have their peculiar
diseases. It has been noted that grape shoots
trained or growing near the ground, are less lia-
ble to mildew than when growing higher up — but
on the other hand the fruit maturing in these
lower vines are more liable to the disease known
as the grape rot. This has been often observed,
and it came again particularly under our notice
at Mr. Bassett's vineyard, at Hamraonton, last
year.— Ed. G. M.]

EDITORIAL NOTES.

Fruiting of Hickory Trees. — It does not take
so long for nut trees to come into bearing as
many suppose. Mr. Manning of Reading, Mass.,
has had a hickory to bear in fifteen years from
planting.

Preserving Grapes for Winter Use. — We
have on various occasions noted that the English
preserve their fine hot-house grapes for winter
ase, by cutting them with pieces of the branch,
and inserting in a vial of water. So popular is
the plan, that contrivances for holding bottles are
numerous.

Planting Hickories. — The Hon. Leverett Sal-
tonstall, of Massachusetts, reports that he finds
no more difficulty in transplanting hickories than
any other trees, if they have been transplanted
when young, and this is the experience of nursery-
men.

Good Old Strawberries. — It is a remarkable
fact that while in this country the Hovey's Seed-
ling now and then turns up, conquering all
popular favorites, Myatt's British Queen often
does the same in the old world, though now near
forty years old. The very old favorite. Keen's
Seedling, seems, however, to have gone out en-
tirely. Its name is never heard.

The Wilder Pear. — This one of Fox's new
California Seedlings, and described in our Maga-
Eine, was referred to by Mr. Saul at the American
Pomological Society's meeting in Chicago, as an
excellent variety, which he had eaten in good
condition on the 19th of April.

Trained Gooseberries.— The Florist and Pomol-
ogint tells us of the gi-eat skill of Mr. Henderson,

the gardener at Moresby Park, in England, in
raising fruits. Among other things, he has a
wall twelve feet high, the northern fence of which
is covered by gooseberries, all trained, artistically,
and fastened to the wall. Tlie branches are all
trained verticallj', each four inches from the
other. The increase in the number and quality
of the fruits on this plan is represented to be
enormous. Independently of this, it must be
worth going miles to see.

The European Sparrow and the Fruit Buds. —
We have given our opinion in these pages, that
the sparrow does not injure fruit buds. Thia
was the result of our own observations in connec-
tion with such evidence as we could gather from
other sources. It is but proper to note that the
editor of the Gardeners^ Chronicle, whose oppor-
tunity for observation is much better than any
one's here, is of opinion that they do eat buds.
He speaks of it as a well ascertained fact that
"sparrows and bullfinches injure fruit buds to a
serious extent, even to the destruction of the crop
sometimes."

The Three Earliest Peaches. — Tlie experi-
ence of this season confirms the opinion I had
previously formed on the respective merits of
Mr. Rivers' three earliest seedlings. As the mat-
ter concerns growers for the market, as well as
amateurs, it is worth recording. Early Beatrice,
I see others recommend as the best early. I
cannot think so after six years of careful observ-
ation, made on about a dozen trees, trained
variously and exposed differently — under glass I
mean. It is a fine Peach; carries a splendid color,
and is of good flavor, but it is generally too small
here. If others had mentioned the circumference
we might have compared notes. Early Rivers
has so far been the very earliest ; this season it
ripened without fire-heat, on diagonal cordons,
by June 14. It is a very fine Peach, of large size,
exquisite flavor, prolific, and to be relied on as a
setter. All these are cardinal virtues in the Peach
for the purpose of sale, and it is for market grow-
ers that this notice is intended. But the stone
too often decays within, allowing passage to in-
sects. This defect is owing to some tenderness of
habit, or some imperfection in the fructification,
which is inexplicable to me, considering its
healthy foliage and general vigor. Some artifi-
cial means might be adopted ; these might well
form the subject of consideration, for the Peach
is a most valuable one. Early Louise is the
third of the very early Peaches, and on the whole,

18Y6.]

AND HORTICULTURIST.

51

I am inclined now to give my vote for its being
the best in its season. It is of a great size here,
well colored, and healthy, flavor excellent, and
altogether a telling market fruit. It is about a
week later than Early Rivers and Early Beatrice.
This is, of course, an advantage. Had Early Ri-
vers been of a constitution equal to Early Louise,
it would have proved the greatest acquisition
made to the Peach grower during the last twenty
years; as it is, I like it extremely. We want a
very early Nectarine, not too small. Hunt's
Tawny is our earliest here, but it is extremely

superior quality, that has not been pushed into
notice as its merits deserve. It originated in
Cambridge, Washington Co., N. Y., on the farm
of Wm. Marshall, some forty years ago, and at
present is only known on Long Island. I have
grown it a few years, and fi-uited it this summer ;
find it in every particular to correspond with
the description given it by my friend, whose
language I will give : "

Deer Park, L. I., December 13, 1876.

Me. p. H. Foster : — Dear Sir : As you request I
will give you a bit of the history, and my opmion

subject to mildew, which dwarfs the foliage and
renders the fruit small, unless carefully watched
and thinned. — Thomas Brehaut, Guernsey, in Gard-
ener's Chronicle.

NEW FRUITS.

Marshall Pear.— Se^ cut.— By P. H. Foster,
Babylon, L. I.— "The Marshall pear, is not a new
candidate for public favor, being an old fruit of

of the Marshall pear. While in Washington Co.,
I procured some grafts, which I have had grow-
ing for a number of years. Since they have come
into bearing, have cropped them three years in
succession. The tree is a moderate grower, form-
ing a top much like an apple ; fruit above medi-
um, bell-shape, greenish russet becoming yellow-
ish when ripe, thin skin ; flesh white and buttery ;
flavor neither sweet nor sour; ten daj's after the
Bartlett; juicy; is as good a bearer, and a better

52

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[February,

fruit. I consider it the best pear for general cul-
tivation. Tree perfectly hardy; fruit smooth
and fair, does not crack or canker, is universally
admired by all who have seen it gi'owing, or
tasted when ripe.

Respectfully yours, &c.,

J. T. Whipple.

QUERIES.

Plum Culture. — 0. W., Ottumwa, Iowa, asks :
" Will you please tell us something relating to
the best curculio proof plums to grow ?"

[The American varieties of the Chickasaw and
common red plums are less liable to injury from
the curculio than the finer kinds of the European
race. They are, however, much inferior in gen-
eral qualities, and if with a little extra trouble
you could succeed in growing these finer kinds,
the profit would be considerably larger. Of the
foreign kinds — or rather the kinds of the foreign
race — there is no one that resists the curculio
more than another, though some think they find
difierences, but a "proof" variety in one place
becomes just as bad as others elsewhere, show-
ing that it is rather some congeniality to the sit-
uation, giving it more power to resist, than any-
thing of a constitutional character. — Ed. G. M.]

Variation in Apples. — H., Oberlin, 0., writes :
" By a recent reference in the Gardener's Monthly,
I see you refer to the Rhode Island Greening
producing sweet apples in California and sour in
the Atlantic States. Is the authority undoubted
for this statement? It is so remarkable that I
think it ought to have confirmation."

[The authority for the statement is our own.

We have eaten sweet Rhode Island Greenings
from California. If the authority requires
strengthening, perhaps the following, from the
pen of Charles Downing, may help our good
friend to believe. He does not, to be sure, speak
of his variations being sour or sweet, but still it
goes so far as remarkable variations : "As to the
two varieties being found on the same tree, it
reminds me of a remark made by a celebrated
pomologist, viz. : that he could select twelve
apples from a R. I. Greening tree, which any
fruit committee would decide to be twelve difier-
ent kinds, so you may select both Yellow and
Green Newtown Pippins from the same tree, but
the general crop of the yellow variety will be
yellow, and so of the green." — Ed. G. M.]

Grape Borders. — B. M. D., Spring Garden,
Pa., writes : " Wanting to make a vinery for for-
eign grapes under glass, I went to considerable
trouble to dig out a border three feet deep in the
clay, and fill in with good earth, with bones and
other rich matters to feed the vines, in accord-
ance with the directions in the best works I
could obtain on the subject. An English gar-
dener whom I have taken to look after my place
says this is all wrong, and that it is more hurt
than profit. He says that in England they do
not let the grape roots go deep, but very often
put a mortar floor under the ground about
eighteen inches from the top, so as to prevent
them. The gardener seems to understand his
business, but how about this advice of the
books?"

[Burn the books and listen to the gardener. —
Ed. G. M.]

The Blush Pippin Apple. — A correspondent
speaks of an excellent apple grown in Western
New York under this name. What is it?

ATURAL MlSTORY AND flClENCE.

CO MM UNICA TIONS.

"DO PLANTS NEED WATER?"

BY W. H. BLANCH ARD, WORCESTER, VT.

I wish also to dissent from the opinion of the
editor, and say that they do. Air plants are
no more fair examples than fresh water Algse

would be ; but let us take common agricultural
and garden plants.

If moist air, or the vapor in it, is enough for
plants, how can they obtain any of the ash con-
stituents, nitrogen or hydrogen? Perhaps a
little of the two latter from the air, but none of
the ash. These must be in solution in water in
its liquid state.

18t6.]

AND HORTICULTURIST.

53

But it is a question if vapor of water is taken
up at all by the roots. Sachs and Knop, in their
experiments, found roots would not absorb, but
rather exhale, vapor. Free water injures the
roots of most plants if they are long confined in
it, it is true, but when drained off there is left
capillary and hygroscopic water, and with this
the plant grows in the most healthy manner.
This is the principle of underdraining land,
and there is, of course, moist air in the soil, be-
cause it is then open, with air circulating in it ;
and this air, if there is sufficient water in the
soil, will be moist air — so that it is true that plants
need moist air, but this only as a necessity from
having a well-drained soil with water in it, not
bottom water^ but capillary and hygroscopic.

So keep the hole open in the bottom of the
pot and let the plants have a chance to have
moist air, but do not keep the soil as an old lady
of my acquaintance advised — "a muddy wet."

While the editor says we want moist air in the
soil, not water, I say we want moist air in the
soil and water, and the water furnishes nearly
all the food of the plant, save carbonic acid.

For the highest authority in the world on this
subject, I refer the reader to "How Crops Feed,"
by Prof. S. W. Johnson, pp. 36 and 200.

[We do not know that we have any objection
to make against this statement. We are reminded
of the good minister who objected to dancing,
but who was opposed by a gay young parishioner
who thought she had Scripture to justify her,
and she Cjuoted that " David danced before the
ark." " Ah ! " quoth he, " David danced singly
and alone. If you want to dance as David did,
go on." Now, there is water in every thing. In
every one hundred pounds of wheat flour there
is sixteen pounds of water, but it appears quite
dry to us, and we suppose there is no earth that
the gardener ever handles so dry but contains
" water." But the Avater we refer to is of another
kind. Wet and dry, horticulturally, are techni-
cal terms. To the gardener, when the earth
" smears " — makes a paste when he presses it^ —
it is %vet, contains water; when it rather powders
under pressure, it is dry to him. There is water
there, of course, in a chemical sense, but not in
the horticultural one. — Ed. G. M.l

THE POTATO DISEASE.

Permit me to make a few remarks in answer
to your and Mr. Worthington SmitVi's concliLsions

respecting potato rot. You are aware, I suppose,
of the very marked difference between the old
potato rot of 1846, '47 and '48 and what is termed
the potato blight of to-day. The rot commenced
with the potato, the blight with the leaf. In
1848, in Ireland, potatoes rotted everywhere,
with one exception, and that was where they
were put in ridges hy the spade. Those ridges
were generally from five to seven feet wide, and
I was assured by a correspondent that wrote me
at the time that while the potatoes in the centres
of the ridges always rotted yet the rows upon the
brows of the ridges, alongside the trench, where
no water could lie, were always sound and good.
In those days, in this country, I could tell by
the thermometer what prospect we had for a
crop of potatoes. If we had a succession of warm,
showery weather in August, so much that the
water would lie between the rows, and when
tried by the thermometer it would stand from 80
to 85 degrees, and this state of weather continued
for three or four days without dry, windy weather
setting in, so as to absorb the heated moist-
ure the potato was enclosed in, the crop was
gone. If the weathef blew up suddenly dry, only
such potatoes as the water sat around would go
to rot. All others were safe. Many is the stalk
of potatoes that I have pulled up, and always
found the points of such potatoes as were imbed-
ded in the heated moisture going to decay. I
have spread many and often stalks of potatoes
partially rotted along the tops of the rows to dry,
and always found that as soon as perfectly dried
that the rot extended no farther, and that such
portions of potatoes kept perfectly sound during
winter. Such was potato rot ; but potato blight
is a horse of another and very different color. It
attacks the leaves and tender tops. I have never
seen the appearance of a more promising crop of
potatoes in Ireland than was last year until, one
day a cold, chilly fog came floating along, and
which was so cold that by the next morn potato
leaves were frozen stiff, so that as soon as the
sun came out upon them they began to blacken
and afterwards to smell, destroying all the late
crop. Now, what was it that killed those potato
tops? — for at this time examine the tubers and
you can notice nothing wrong with them. Mr.
Worthington Smith says that it was fungus. The
conclusion that I came to was that a frost that
would freeze a tomato, a snap-bean or a potato
stiff was enough to kill them without asking any
aid from a fungus to help. A few days later —
26th of August— I sailed from Rothsay, Isle of Bute,

64

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[February,

up the Clyde to Glasgow, and found that where
the fog, in place of floating, covered its banks
like a blanket, and where there was no frost, of
course, that not a potato was injured. 27th of
August I strolled up past old Bothwell Castle to
near to Corrie Lj-nn and still no potato blight.

It is certainly true that put diseased potatoes in
a cellar they will rot, but that has nothing to do
with what made them diseased. I once dumped
into a covered cave 800 bushels of sound potatoes.
The weather was wet, and a good deal of clay
stuck to them. About mid-winter I found them
heated and half rotten, which I certainly never
would have thought of charging to fungus. The
same with 200 or 300 bushels of sound turnips that
after being carefully topped were piled away in
a corner of the cellar that soon began to grow
and then to heat, and which, if they had not
been immediately scattered, would all have been
lost. I was lazy, Mr. Meehan, about sending you
my last communication, and as much so this
time, but having written, and my conclusions
about potato rot thought to be wrong, I want you
and j^our correspondents to pitch into me, as it is
only fads that I am after.

[Can our correspondent explain why no " frosts,"
"heats," "damps," or "fogs," had these destruc-
tive effects previous to 1840? — Ed. G. M.|

Ash. Nitrogen. Potash. Phos.
acid

197.5 40 54 7

TOBACCO AS MANURE.

BY W. H. BLAKCHARD, WORCESTER, VEKT.

H. L. can best see the value of Tobacco waste
by comparing its nitrogen and ash con.>:llituents
with other plants, as meadow-hay, and wheat-
straw and grain, as given by Prof. Wolff', of Ho-
henheim :

Water.

Tobacco, 180

Meadow-hay, 144 00.0 13 17 4
Wheat-straw, 141 42 3.2 5 2.3

Wheat-grain, 143 17 20.8 5.5 8

The table shows the number of pounds of
water, nitrogen, total ash, potash, and phosphoric
acid in 1000 lbs., air dry.

It will be seen that tobacco is the m'ost valu-
able plant we raise for manure, being worth three
times as much as meadow-hay. In practice, farm-
ers consider tobacco-stalks and waste of great
value, and apply it to the land, some directly by
plowing in, and others by composting it with
stable manure and allowing it to decompose;
which latter is the better way.

RESTING SPORES OF THE POTATO FUNGUS.

BY J. G. HUNT, M. D., PHILADELPHIA.

In accordance with your request, I send you
the following :

There are three diseases, apparently, afflicting
the potato. First, the ijotatoes may be gathered
apparently sound, but after being housed a short
time, many of them and often the entire crop,
are found soft and in a condition of decay.

Secondly, many tubers are nearly or entirely
filled with hard concretions, while only a small
part is seemingly healthy, but the entire potato
remains dry.

The third diseased state — if it be really distinct
from the other conditions — I have more carefully
examined. The potato presents many irregular
excavations on the surface, extending often
deeply into it. Tbese excavations on carefulest
examinations present no trace of insect ravages.
The sides and entire circumference of each pit
are bounded by shrunken, irregular cells desti-
tute of starch granules. On making very thin
sections entirely across these excavations and
properly treating the sections, a careful micro-
scopical examination reveals the following facts:

In many of the empty cells next the boundary
of the excavation are beaded filaments of a fun-
gus, two or more round cells, with the terminal
one often presenting a point. Mycelial filaments
obscurely septate creep all among these cells,
and extend back into and among the more nor-
mal cells, in which the starch is still in a natural
state. On many of these mycelial threads in the
still full cells are oval or round bodies, about the
one eight hundredth of an inch in diameter,
each containing one or more distinct nuclei.
The cells containing these bodies — which, prob-
ably are resting spores or oogonia — are generally
destitute of starch, though a few grains often re-
main, but are altered in structure, being rough
and broken into fragments. It is apparent, that
no insect could produce ravages similar to these,
I am, therefore, convinced that a fungus is the
cause of this form of disease, and that the plant
is Peronospora, and that the resting spores are
placed where they are in order to get nutrition
through their resting stage in order to perpetuate
the fungus in the coming season when the new
crop shall be planted in the spring.

[At a recent meeting of the Academy of Natu-
ral Sciences, Philadelphia, Dr. J. Gibbons Hunt
announced the discovery of what he believed to
be the resting spores of tlie potato fungus in

1876.]

AND EOETIGULTURIST.

56

potato tubers. These resting spores had never
been seen till last spring, when they were dis-
covered in England by Mr. Worthington G.
Smith, and found to be the cause of what was
supposed to be a new potato disease. It Avas,
however, but a new phase of the same old
epecies of Peronospora, the peculiar season having
favored the development of these resting spores,
and hence leading to their discovery.

We believe, however, that Mr. Smith's dis-
covery extends no further than the open ground;
and that Dr. Hunt's finding them on the tubers
and actively at work, is new and important. His
remarks will, no doubt, be given in full in the
Academy's proceedings ; in the meantime, at our
request. Dr. Hunt has kindly given the above
abstract to us. Ed. G. M.]

EDITORIAL NOTES.

Pints aristata. — Many American botanists
believe that this is the same as one collected by
Jeffrey, in California, and named by Mr. Murray
P. Balfouriana, and if so, the name of P. aristata
will have to be dropped, in accordance with the
recognized botanical law of priority. It must be
confessed, however, that no trees of P. aristata
have been found that have the cones quite so
much narrowed out as those figured from Jef-
frey's collection as P. Balfouriana. Neither, so
far as we know, have any more of this form been
collected since Jeffrey's time, though California
has been pretty well explored. We would thank
any of our readers who may live in those dis-
tricts, and may find very narrow-coned forms of
Pinus aristata, to send us specimens. Mr. Jef-
frey's cones came from near Mount Shasta, in
Northern California.

Utilizing the Rain. — Where laud is of a hard,
rocky character, the rains are liable to run rap-
idly to the streams, very little penetrating be-
neath the surface. In such soils forests are of
immense service by checking the rapid flow, and
giving time for the water to sink in the ground.
Little of this water, however, goes to aid springs,
but is held by the soil for the trees' own use. The
farmer is a much better aid to the water reservoirs
of the earth than nature ever was. He loosens
the soil by his various methods of culture, so
that absorption takes place very rapidly. More
rain will penetrate the earth in an acre of well
cultivated corn or potatoes, or even in an ordi-

nary timothy sod, in one year, than there would
be in the same land, naturally hard and tree
covered, in double the time. Art will beat na-
ture in these matters.

RoFiA FIBERS. — In many of our seed stores
Rofia is introduced in competition with Linden
bark for tying plants. It is not quite so low in
price, but is sometimes thought to go further.
It is simply the split leaves of a palm of Mada-
gascar— Sagus Ruffia.

Pronunciation of De Candolle. — A. J. S.: The
accent is on the second syllable, — not De Candolle,
but De Carjdolle. The letters or abbreviations
after plants' names are for the names of the
botanists who gave the name to the plant. Thus
Fuchsia, Lin., signifies that Linnaeus gave the
plant that name. The reference is useful as fur-
nishing a clue to the original description, and
then it sometimes happens that the same name
will be given to different plants, when the author's
name is almost essential to distinguish one from
another.

New Colorado and California Plants. — Dr.
Asa Gray contributes to the January number of
the Proceedings of the American Academy,
notes on various American plants, many new.
Some will be of interest to florists when they once
get into the seed trade, as quite a number belong
to families that have already furnished us with
well known favorites. When new Western
plants are found, the Asteraceous order is nearly
sure to be found among them, as many of these
are. A new genus, Pabnerella, is described, — it is
allied to Lobelia and another, a shrub from
Guadalupe Island, off Lower California, named
Hespereloca, of the Oleineous tribe, to which our
Chionanthus belongs. There are several Gilias
and allies, a tribe that gives us many ornamental
annuals; some Convolvuli and Pentstemons.
The genus Mimulus, also containing many inter-
esting plants to the florist, has undergone a com-
plete revise.

There is a genus of plants of the Chenopodia-
ceous, or, to make ourselves understood by the
general reader, we may say the order the Spin-
age belongs to, named by Hooker, Grayia, in
honor of Professor Asa Gray. It is interesting to
note that one of the discoveries of Prof. Gray, as
recorded in this paper, tends somewhat to
weaken this genus and place it nearer the old one,
Atriplex; at the same time the discovery in-
duces him to elevate an older species to generic
rank. Atriplex, or Obione Suckleyana, is hence-

56

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[February,

forward Suckleya. It would be annoying to the
numerous friends of the distinguished botanist
if, after honoring so many others, his own name
should fail. There is, however, another genus
called Asa-Graya, so named by Lindley, allied to
Helonias in the Lily tribe, and which we believe
yields a famous Mexican drug known as Saha-
dilla.

Fertilization of Campanula. — As our readers
know, many flowers cannot fertilize themselves,
but depend on insects to help them. In this way
the pollen is often brought from other flowers
than the ones fertilized, and this constitutes
what is known as " cross fertilization by insect
agency." In the January number of the Amer-
ican Agriculturist, Dr. Asa Gray has an article,
written in the clear and happy manner he is
noted for when he chooses to write to the popu-
lar mind, showing that Campanula, the well"
known Bell flower of our gardens, is another
addition to this miserably helpless class of plants.

Variability of Conifers.— Our English friends
give specific names to numbers of forms from
our country that we regard scarcely as varieties,
not seeming to be aware how variable this class
of plants is, and yet ftxcts before them often
seem to teach this lesson. For instance, a cor-
respondent of the Garden says : " Of this some
striking examples may now be seen in Mr. Meth-
ven's Nursery, Edinburgh, among Lawson Cy-
presses raised from imported seed. Among those
plants possessing the most diverse habits and
colors, I noted the following forms, viz. : — 1. Cu-
pressus Lawsoniana, the dark green type, with
drooping leaves, and a rather lax habit. 2. C. L.
erecta viridis, a dense-habited bright green Thuja,
like shrub, of erect, almost rigid, habit. 3. C. L.
nana, a very dwarf glaucous form. 4. C. L. flac-
cida, a greenish glaucous variety, almost pendu-
lous. 5. C. L. glauca, a variety nearly like the
type in habit, but of a distinct bluish color. Be-
sides these there were many other forms more or
less intermediated between them, but those num-
bered are quite as distinct as are many of the
so-called species of Abies or Pinus."

Australian Grape fungus. — Mr. Berkeley tells
us in the London Gardener' n Chronicle about a
fungus on the grapes of Australia that may in-
terest our people to know about. He says :

" In the Gardener's Chronicle, June 8, 1872, p.
762, I gave an account of a disease which had
proved extremely formidable to vines in Aus-
tralia, where it is known under the name of the

"black spot." The specimens were not so perfect
as might have been wished, blit it seemed highly
probable that it was due to an obscure fungus
belonging to the genus Gleeosporium. This, like
many allied fungi, is probably a mere form of some
more perfect organism, connected possibly with
it by an alternation of generations. I have now
numerous specimens of live shoots sent to the
editors by Mr. Edwin Rice, from New Senakie»
near the seaport of Poti Caucasus, which are
aSected apparently in the same way, and in a
most disastrous condition. Varieties received
from England three years since equally with a
large quantity of vines from the Crimea, have
fallen a prey to the destructive malady, the
former having not at present produced a single
bunch of grapes. ' The malady first shows itself
at the latter end of June ; the leaves begin to
shrivel round the edges, diminish in size, and
partly curl up from the contraction of the edges ;
all the young shoots wither as soon as they ap-
pear, the first appearance of the disease, as ob-
served under a good lens, being a small blister or
bladder containing liquid exactly like a scald in
the human flesh ; this blister darkens gradually,
till it becomes almost black, and turns to a scale,
which extends and destroys not only the bark of
the shoots, but penetrates a considerable distance
into the wood. The bunches of grapes are like-
wise affected with black spots, which eventually
entirely destroy them. The vines at the end of
the season have the appearance of plants nearly
scorched to death, all the young wood being con-
sumed, and none left for the next year's train-
ing.' It is curio<is that the American Catawba
is not affected, a circumstance agreeing with the
fact that American varieties are in great measure
unaff'ected by the oidium. On examining the
shoots I cannot find any perfect Glasosporiura,
though there are plenty of minute tubercles
which, from their internal structure, I should
conceive to be their early stage, as I find perfect
sporophores ; but, on the contrary, on one of the
specimens there is a Spha^ria, which appears to
be identical with Sphperia acuminata, Soiv., or,
at least, is identical with what is figured under
that name by Mr. Carrey in the Linnean Trans-
actions. It is quite possible that this may be the
perfect form of the Glfcosporium. It is greatly
to be hoped that the disease may not visit us
after the fashion of the Puccinia malvacearum."

The Pear (Pyrus communis) and Apple (Py-
rus malus) are found in their wild state in the

1876.]

AND HORTICULTURIST.

5t

mountain woods of the greater part of Europe,
and from these indigenous species have been
raised the whole of our orchard and garden
varieties. Their amelioration by cultivation, and
the perpetuation of varieties by grafting, have
been celebrated by poets from the time of Ovid,
and continue to the present day. Pliny enumer-
ates thirty-nine different pears known to the
Romans, several of them being also mentioned
by Virgil, Cato, Columella, Juvenal, Macrobius,
&c. Ffee has endeavored to identify some of
them with modern French varieties, and Gallesio
with Italian ones, as in the following examples : —

Plinian Names.

Amerina serotina
Lactea ....
Dolabelliana . .
Falerna succosa .
Favoriana rubra
Superba parva .
Hordearia . . .
Mustea ....

Picena or picentina
Pompeiana mammosa.

Supposed Corresponding
Modern Na:mes.

San Tommaso.

Perle or Blanquette.

Winter Bon-Chr6tien.

Bergamot.

Large Muscat.

Little Muscat.

Common Muscat.

A variety of Bon-Chr6-
tien.

Spina.

Campana.

Viridis Spadona vernina, con-
sidered by Gallesio as
a most ancient Italian
Pear.

Myrapia Guignoline .

Volema Another Bon-Chretien.

In Tuscany, under the Medici, we find, in a
manuscript list by Micheli of the fruits served up
in the course of the year at the table 'of the
Grand Duke Cosmo III, an enumeration of two
hundred and nine different varieties of pears,
and another manuscript of that time raises the
number to two hundred and thirty-two. Among
them, grafts of the Dorice Pear of Portugal were
introduced by the same Grand Duke, at a cost of
one hundred golden doubloons, whence it re"
ceived the name of Pera cento doppie, by which
it is still known, as well as by that of the Ducal
Pear. — Gardener's Magazine.

Species of American Plums. — So many of our
readers fail to distinguish the species of Ameri-
can plums that the following, prepared for Mr.
Curley's recent work on " Nebraska," by Prof.
Aughem, will help them.

" There are three type species of plums in the
State, namely, Prunus americana, P. chicasa,
and P. pumila. Of these there is an almo.st end-

less number of varieties. In a plum thicket in
Dakota County, covering only a few acres, I
counted, while in fruit, nineteen varieties of
Prunus americana and P. chicasa, varying in size
from a fourth to l] inches in diameter, and in color
from almost white and salmon, to many shades
of yellow, tinged with green and red, and from a
light, dark, and scarlet red, to purple tinged with
different shades of yellow. Such instances are
frequent over most portions of the State, the
plums being common in almost every county,
especially along the watercoi\rses, and border-
ing the belts of timber. These plum groves in
spring time present a vast sea of flowers, whose
fragrance is wafted for miles, and whose beauty
attracts every eye. The varieties of Prunus
americana have oval or obovate leaves (broader
at the tip than where the stem is attached), with
saw-toothed or doubly saw-toothed edges and
very full of veins. The fruit is globular or oval,
and ranges from half an inch to IJ inches in
diameter, the latter being an exceptionally large
size. The color is all shades of yellow, with
some red and crimson. Its juice is pleasant, but
its skin is tough and acerb, and its stone is sharp-
edged or margined. The shrub varies in height
from 6 to 25 feet. The fruit ripens in August
and the first half of September. These are the
prevailing characters, but they vary greatly, some
of the varieties producing fruit which is a great
improvement in size and taste on the type species,
while others again, have deteriorated. Still more
subject to change is the Prunus chicasa, which
grows from 4 to 12 feet in height, sometimes
thorny, and^ always with long, narrow, almost
lance-shaped, acute leaves, who^e edges are set
with very fine teeth. The fruit is globular, of all
shades of red, and from half an inch to an inch
or more in diameter, of pleasant, some varieties
of delicious, flavor, thin-skinned, and containing
an almost round and entirely marginless stone.
The dwarf or sand-hill Cherry, so famous on
our western plains, is really botanically a dwarf
plum, Prunus pumila, and therefore we speak of
it last. The stem is smooth, depressed, trailing or
semi-erect, from 8 to 24 inches high. The leaves
are obovate lanceolate, tapering to the base,
sometimes a little toothed towards the apex, and
pale underneath ; the flowers numerous, two to
four in a cluster. The fruit varies greatly, but is
generally about half an inch long and three-
eighths broad, ovoid, dark purple, brown purple,
brown, reddish, or nearly black, generally sweet,
sometimes delicious and occasionally almost in-

58

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[February,

sipid. It is enormously productive. In one of
the plates is represented a specimen of this fruit,
natural size, taken from a shrub 13 inches high
from the root, and found south of Lowell. The
shrub has a spreading habit, forming dense
masses, sometimes covering from 30 to 60 square
feet of ground, but usually the tufts are not more
than from 15 to 25 feet in area. It suckers
abundantly from the roots, and propagates in
this way as well as by seeds. It is found over
the greater part of the western half of the State,
and while it is not excluded from the richest soil
if dry, it seems to be partial to sandy localities
rich in alkaline earths. As this plum is nearly
related to some of our cultivated varieties of
cherries, and the stamens and pistils of the
flowers are large in both, it will require no great
* skill to produce a cross between them ; and as
Fuller has remarked [Small Fruit Cnlturist), a
cross between the dwarf plum and a bigarreau
or morella variety, retaining the dwarf habit,
Tiger, and productiveness of the former, with the
flavor of the latter, would be an acquisition of
incalculable value, and would completely revolu-
tionize cherry culture. However this may be,
the best varieties of the dwarf cherry are valu-
able, as they come from the hand of Nature.
Many an explorer and traveller in the unsettled
regions has been refreshed by them, and the day
is not distant when this fruit will, as it deserves
to, have a place in the gardens of all the people."

qUERIES.

Drosera Roots and Water. — At p. 24 we en-
deavored to show that deep roots take in only
water, because there is nothing more that they
can take, and referred to a similar experience o
Mr. Darwin's in regard to Drosera. The follow-f
ing is Mr. Darwin's :

" The absorption of animal matter from cap-
tured insects explains how Drosera can flourish
in poor, peaty soil, — in some cases where nothing
but sphagnum moss grows, and mosses depend
altogether on the atmosphere for their nourish-
ment

" We can thus understand how it is that
Drosera roots are so poorly developed. These
usually consist of only two or three slightly
divided branches, from half to one inch in length-

furnished with absorbent hairs. It appears,
therefore, that the roots serve only to imbibe
water, though no doubt they would absorb nu-
tritious matter if present in the soil, for, as we
shall hereafter see, they absorb a weak solution
of carbonate of ammonia."

A correspondent calls our attention to our
statement, and so we give Mr. Darwin's own
words. The Drosera roots cannot, in the sense
in which we said deep roots of trees could not,
" because there is nothing else to take." If, how-
ever, the expression " cannot" Avere to be taken
as " absolutely powerless," it would be an inter-
pretation not warranted by Mr. Darwin's words.

We used Mr. Darwin's observation merely to
illustrate our own point in regard to deep roots
not having anything to take but water, without
any regard to its application to Mr. Darwin's
case. But since our attention has been more
particularly drawn to it by our correspondent, we
are led to ask whether the peaty or boggy places
in which many Droseras grow are really so " poor "
as Mr. Darwin's language would seem to imply?

Cross Fertilizatigx of Fruits. — "Justice to
Mr. Gartield impels me to say that I had nothing
to do with the very interesting experiments made
by him upon cross fertilization of fruits, noticed
on page 28 of the January number of the
Monthly. So far as I know he is entitled to the
full credit of the work. C. E. Bessey."

Cambridge, Mass., Jan. 7th, 1876.

Plants' Names. — M. — All generic (the first)
names are spelled with a capital letter. No spe-
cific names (the second) begin with capitals
unless they are proper nouns or their genitives.
Thus we write Abks alba, the white spruce, but
Abies Douglasii, the spruce of Mr. Douglas.

Fungi. — A knowledge of these minute plants
is of great use to the gardener. The following
was not sent to us for publication, but we give it
in the hope it may help the study.

Dear Sir: — I beg to call your attention to some
collections of Fungi which I have made. They
are put up in sets of 100 species each ; correctly
named, and represent all the principal orders-
Price, $8.00 per set. Should you feel interested
in such plants please write for any further in-
formation. Should you wish some nice speci-
mens of Marine Algx I could furnish them.
Yours, very truly,

B. D. Halsted,
Bussey Institution, Jamaica Plain, Mass.

1876.]

AND HORTICULTURIST.

59

JTERATURE, ^^RAVELS &

EDITORIAL NOTES.

Acknowledgments. — The letters of apprecia-
tion of the Magazine, and the kind notices of our
newspaper contemporaries are so numerous, that
we have to return our thanks in one general
acknowledgment. While, however, conscious
that some of the success of the Magazine has
been owing to the efforts of the Editor and the
Publisher, we cannot forget how much is really due
to the numerous correspondents who have helped
us through so many years. The whole of this
mass of information has been the free imll offer-
ing of friends of the Magazine. Occasionally we
have well studied and carefully elaborated papers
offered for sale, well worth all that is asked for
them, — but we have to confine ourselves, in view
of our limited space, to the short newsy class of
matter, which enables us to touch upon a vast
variety of topics that go to make up general
gardening.

A Wedding in Iowa. — The "Editor of the
Gardener's Monthly " was made happy by the re-
ceipt of an invitfltion card to attend the marriage
ceremony between Miss Jennie Wright and Mr.
Alex. E. Patton, of Ennis & Patton, of Lyons,
Iowa, on December 27th. It was pleasant to be
thus kindly remembered, and though it is twelve
hundred miles away, we advise our good friends
not to tempt us in that manner too often, or we
may be there one of these times. We represent so
many who esteem the firm of which Mr. Patton
is a member, that as " Editor," we feel that in a
sort of representative capacity we can offer a
host of congratulations at this new evidence of
happiness and prosperity.

Where plants can be purchased. — We often
have inquiries as to where the plants noticed in
our columns are to be obtained. This is a mat-
ter that wholly concerns our advertising columns,
and out of place in this department. As a gen-
eral rule, however, the leading firms who adver-
tise in our columns either have the plants or can
obtain them ; and a line to them will generally
get the needed articles. Sometimes the plants
are only as yet in England; but most of these

firms have European connections, and if an
order is given, should they not have them on
hand, they will get them if a little time be given.
For instance, we have some inquiries now where
things can be had referred to in our January No.
Turning to the advertising pages of that number,
we see that rare flowers and trees are dealt in by
Parsons, Ellwanger & Barry, Saunders, Meehan,
Miller & Hayes, E. M. Wood, H. A. Dreer, Bked,
Paddock &. Co., John Saul, and Geo. Such. These
especially mention new plants. There are others
who do not specially mention them, and the list
may be increased by looking over past numbers.
In this way almost anything noticed in our col-
umns can be obtained.

Latin names for garden varieties. — The Gar-
dener's Chronicle says, "As a general principle we
should i^refer that Latin names should not be
given to artificial productions ; " this is the
ground we have taken.

Pottsville, Pa. — A correspondent tells us that
on December 9th, the thermometer was 44° in
the shade at Pottsville. This is pretty mild for
a mountain climate, this city being 900 feet
higher than Philadelphia. Gardening is slowly
progressing in that great coal centre, though
just now suffering somewhat, as it is in all other
parts of the country.

Low PRICE OF American nursery stock. — The
celebrated nurseries of Luccombe, Pince & Co.,
of Exeter, England, have recently been sold at
public sale. The apple trees are regarded as
having been sold low, — at an average price of 75
shillings a hundred. People often have an idea
that trees are much higher in American nurseries
than in English ones, — but our nurserymen
would think themselves in "clover" if they
could get an average price of $20 per hundred at
a public sale.

Responsibility of Seedsmen. — At a meet-
ing of the Seed Trade, held at the Astor
House, in the City of New York, on the 6th
day of January inst., at which were represent-
ed the principal houses of New York, Boston,
Philadelphia and Albany, the subject of the lia-
bility of Seedsmen for damage by failure of crops

60

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[Februabt,

from seed sold by them, was fully discussed — and
thereupon after much consultation, it was con-
sidered by the meeting that, in view of recent
decisions in the States of New York and New
Jersey, holding Seedsmen liable for all damages
happening to their customers by reason of failure
of their crops, which could be traced to the Seed
sold, it was imperatively necessary for them to
adopt such measures as should protect them
from the claims of designing or ignorant parties.

The meeting therefore adopted a resolution
that the Seedsmen print upon their packages;
bill-heads and circulars, a notice similar to the
following :

" While we exercise the greatest care to have
all Seeds pure and reliable, it is hereby mutually
agreed between ourselves and the purchaser of
this package, that we do not warrant the same,
and are not in any respect liable or responsible
for the Seeds sold by us, or for any loss or dam-
age arising from any failure thereof in any re-
spect."

It is unnecessary to add that the dealers, with-
out dissent, disclaimed any idea of selling poor or
imperfect Seed ; they propose as heretofore and
always, to use their best efforts in good faith to
furnish their customers with the best, and while
they do not doubt that this will be well under-
stood and accepted, they feel confident that their
customers will at the same time approve and
justify them in their efforts for self-protection.

Flowers in Cemeteries.— A cemetery is mos*'
certainly the right place for a profusion of flow-
ers. Of all out-door monumental decoration
these are by far the most beautiful and appropri-
ate. Those who have money to spend upon the
last habitation of their friends and relations, and
who piously desire to show their love and sorrow
by some sort of outward sign, will act more
wisely in paying some annual fee to the cemetery
gardener to keep churchyard flower-beds trim
and pretty, than in laying out a vast amount of
money among stonemasons, resulting in ill-exe-
cuted angels, or trophies of cannon-balls and
swords and cocked-hats, and other such insignia,
hinting at the professional career of the deceased.
The sums of money spent on these great ponder-
ous symbolical monuments are often very large.
But who that has groaned in presence of some
hideous specimens of sepulchral bad taste, some
terrible combination of cherubs and skeletons, of
scythes and hour-glasses, of broken columns and
ponderous marble (^ouds, and who has felt the

beauty of one of these flower-begirt graves, will
not testify to the superiority of the gardener's
work over that of the stonemason? There is,
too, a symbolism in the introduction of flowers
here which makes them specially fit. These
plants have come up from a root which itself was
buried in the earth in order that the flower
which we admire might bloom. They were put
into the ground in the form of seed or bulb with
no beauty about them to win our admiration,
but they come up in due time arrayed in such
splendor of decoration as cannot fail to fill us
with admiration first, and then, as w'e think
longer, with hope. They are grasses of the field
whose perishable nature has been made before
now to typify the insecurity of human life.
Moreover, they suggest, at least, a certain con-
tinued supervision, a daily tending and care,
which favor the idea that those to whose memory
they are sacred are still held in recollection by
their friends. — All the Year Round.

AxNUAL Report of the Pennsylvania Fruit
Grower's Society for 1875. — This excellent re-
port is beautifully illustrated with plates of vari-
ous Pennsylvania fruits, and has numerous essays,
and reports from many of the leading horticul-
turists of the State, besides brief notes of the
discussions. It is given free to all members of
the Society, which we are pleased to see by the
list printed herewith is quite a frill one in com-
parison with that of some other States, though
not as full as a great State like Pennsylvania
ought to have. Mr. W. P. Brinton, Christiana,
Pa., is corresponding secretary ; and Mr. E. B.
Engle, of Marietta, the recording secretary.

Sixth Biennial Report of the Board of
Trustees of the Iowa State Agricitltural
College. 1874-1875. — This institution seems to
be very successful, nearly three hundred students
annually availing themselves of its advantages;
a large number being young women. Among
the reports of departments, that of horticulture
and forestry is full of interesting matter. A large
number of experiments have been tried on vari-
ous subjects, — and although many of the matters
sought to be proved have long since been decided,
it does not detract from the value of the observa-
tions. Indeed, it is one of the weaknesses of our
profession, that too much is taken on trust. We
can only wish that more would follow the exam-
ple of Prof. McAfee and go over things as he has
done. Some of the expressions seem strange to
''old stagers." In an account of preserving tree

1816.]

AND HOE TIG UL TUB 1ST.

61

seeds, for instance, we are told that white oak,
red oak, burr oak and others, kept better in
layers piled on the surface all winter, than in the
less economical rot heap. A nurseryman who
would put such seeds as these in a " rot heap "
would be thoiTght crazy. A "rot heap," in
nursery phrase, is a spot where hard bony seeds
lie for a year before sowing. We opine further
that some of the failures or successes in some of
the experiments are due to deeper causes than
those supposed, — and we think that repeated
experiments, to prove some of the points, would
not always end the same way. Prof. Bessey has
an interesting chapter on smut in Indian corn,
and some other plants.

Mr. David Webster. — This gentleman, well
known in connection with landscape gardening,
and a contributor to our pages, is at present on a
tour through California. We notice, by the Cali-
fornia papers, that his lectures on ornamental
gardening are well received there.

Mr. John Ellis — Well known to horticultural
readers of ten years ago as " Fox Meadow," is
now engaged at the University of California. He
is planting an arboretum of all plants that will
stand that climate.

Text Book of Scientific Agriculture. — By E.
M. Pendleton. M. D. Professor of Agriculture
and Horticulture in the University of Georgia.
2nd Edition. Published by A. S. Barnes & Co.,
New York.

This is one of the most useful works of this
class, published in this country, — and should be
in the library of every intelligent farmer and
gardener. It treats of the anatomy and physi-
ology of plants ; of meterology ; of soils in their
relation to physics; chemistry of the atmos-
phere ; chemistry of plants ; chemistry of soils ;
fertilizers, and animal nutrition. Not the least
interesting is the appendix, which gives a com-
plete history of all the leading agricultural plants
including cotton and other Southern staples.

The author has drawn on foreign investigators
chiefly for his facts. Prof. Kedzie, of Michigan,
and President Clark of Amherst, and Mr. Rave-
nel have each a single reference ; and Prof. S. W.
Johnston is quoted in a few instances. The main
reliance is chiefly on the results, often contradic-
tory, of foreign workers. We doubt very much
whether some of the positions assumed would
find unhesitating support in this country; and
consequently, the practices deduced from these
principles sometimes become questionable. In

the present state of our knowledge, however, no
person can write a book like this and have its
teachings as unquestionable as a work on geome-
try would call for; and the weak points we have
referred to, do not in the least detract from the
value of the book, which we hope will find
itself in the hands of all our readers.

Landreth's Rural Register; Vick's Flower
AND Vegetable Garden — deserve more than a
passing notice, on account of the immense
amount of useful information they contain. The
latter is an especially beautiful production, and is
a great credit to the American trade.

Centennial Historical Calendar. — Philadel-
phia, published by T. W. Price & Co., for 1876.

This little almanac will be of immense service
to any one visiting the Centennial. There is a
map of Fairmount Park with references to the
leading points of interest, with addresses of the
hotels, directions of the street cars, and many
matters that will interest the stranger. No price
is named, and it is probably for gratuitous distri-
bution by the firm above named.

The American Naturalist. — As announced in
our last, this magazine appeared in January, un-
der the protection of Messrs. Houghton & Co., of
Boston. The popular character of the magazine
has been immensely extended, and we shall be
surprised if it does not soon become one of the
most widely circulated of American periodicals.

The Rural Journal. — This is a new candidate
for public favor, published by H. Young, and edited
by Prof. S. B. Heiges, of York, Pa. The editor is
well known to the farmers and Fruit Growers' of
Pennsylvania, as one of the most intelligent gen-
tlemen connected with their interests; and he is
also known to our readers by an occasional con-
tribution from his pen. He was one of the best
presidents the State Fruit-grower's Society ever
had, and our editorial brethren receive in him an
honorable addition to their ranks. It is a very
cheap agricultural paper — only 50 cents a year.

The Garden. — This English weekly, now in its
ninth year, has been a great success. The pub-
lisher is now emboldened to add a weekly colored
plate, raising the price of the magazine one-
fourth more than it was before.

The Practical Farmer. — This well-known
agricultural paper, which, for seventeen years
was published by the late Paschall Morris, in
Philadelphia, continues to prosper, and will here-
after be issued as a weekly.

62

THE GARDENERS MONTHLY

[February,

QUERIES.

Pronunciation of gladiolus — A valued corres-
pondent writes in regard to the paragraph at page
29: "We say Gladiolus, because the penult, is
short, and the rule is that when the penult is
short the accent falls on the ante-penult."

" Now, if it be asked why the ' i ' is short, the
answer is given in the first rule in prosody in my
Latin grammar : 'A vowel before another vowel,
or a dipthong, is short;' to which follows a string
of exceptions, none applicable to gladiolus.

"Then the case is hit by another rule : ' Diminu-
tives in olus, &G., — shorten the penult.' "

Forestry. — A correspondent asks if we cannot

give attention to this important branch of cul-
ture. AVe have done so — sometimes placing the
matter under our " Fruit and Vegetable Garden,"
because it seemed a matter of profit — or as inci-
dents, under some other department. But we will
in future, give it a head of its own.

Reprinting the first volume. — E. S. W. Ber-
lin, Mass., writes, " I wish you would reprint the
first volume of Gardener's Monthly, and make it
uniform size with the rest, (I have all) and I will
take one copy."

[It would cost as much as an ordinary book of
that size, and take at least a thousand subscrip-
tions, and perhaps more of thom at $2.10 to make
expenses. — Ed. G. M.]

Horticultural Societies.

GOMMUNICA TIONS.

KANSAS STATE HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

BY H. E. VAN DEMAN, GENEVA, KAN.

The ninth annual meeting of this Society was
held at Manhattan, Kansas, on the 14th, 15th and
16th of December past. The most of the regular
and reliable members of the Society were pi'e-
sent, except Dr. Wm. M. Howsby, who has groAvn
gray and become almost superannuated in the
labors of the cause ; and Mr. S. T. "Kelsey who
within the last year has removed from the State
to North Carolina, where he is now prosecuting
the business of practical fruit growing.

Upon recommendation of the Committee on
Constitution and By-laws, the Constitution was so
altered that all ladies attending the meetings
were permitted to all the privileges of member-
ship without admission fee, and each of the Dis-
trict Horticultural Societies were entitled to two
delegates, and each of the other auxiliary So-
cieties of the State reporting to the Secretary of
the State Society were entitled to one delegate,
who should be admitted to annual membership
free of the usual fees.

H. E. Van Deman, of the standing Committee
on Botany and Vegetable Physiology, called the
attention of the Societv to the same matter to

which reference was made at the previous meet^
ing at Fort Scott in June last, viz. : The death
and injury to trees and plants in Kansas during
the last two years.

As before stated, the two prime and chief
causes were the drouth of the summer of 1874
and the defoliation by locusts the same season.
These so weakened their vital force that nearly
all kinds of trees and plants were not able to re-
sist the evaporating influences of the following
dry, cold weather without injury. Many died
outright even before the winter set in, which was
unusually dry, and when the spring came many
more were either dead or seriously weakened by
evaporation. The isast summer has been further
witness to the same causes of injury, which was
shown by the feeble growth of many trees and
plants when the season just past was most favor-
able to growth. The same causes he thought
might occur again, and if the true physiological
principles were understood, the horticulturists of
Kansas might be able to prevent or ameliorate
in a degree, the natural results.

Mr. Cutter, of Junction City, spoke of the
damage sustained in 1874 by the parched condi-
tion of the earth killing the surface roots, and so
cutting off" the supply of moisture usually taken
from the soil. Mulching he had found to coun-
teract this influence.

18t6.^

AND HOBTIGULTUBIST.

63

Dr. J. Stayman, of the Committee on Vegetable.
Gardening, read a report or an essay giving di-
rections to all engaged in either market or home
gardening. They did not differ from those
usually given for the more Eastern States. Dur-
ing the evening of the first day an address of
welcome was given by Mr. E. A. Parker, from the
citizens of Manhattan, and responded to by H. E.
Van Deman, on the part of the Society.

It is a noteworthy fact that since its first or-
ganization, the members of this Society have
been most freely and generously welcomed to
the homes of the citizens of every place in which
its meetings have been held. Indeed, we think,
for the State and the Society, this method of cir-
culatory meetings is far better than a permanent
location.

The officers elected for the ensuing year are :
President, E. Gale, of Manhattan; Vice Presi-
dent, Robert Milliken, of Emporia; Secretary,
G. C. Brackett, of Lawrence; Trustees, H. E.
Van Deman, of Geneva ; D. B. Skeeles, of Gales-
burgh; and Geo. Y. Johnson, of Lawrence;
Treasurer, F. Wellhouse, of Leavenworth.

Following the report of the standing Commit-
tee on Arboriculture was a long discussion on
windbreaks, their uses and construction, the best
trees to plant in them, &c. The Cottonwood
seems to be one of the most available and suit-
able. Lombardy poplar, the ash and elm in their
native species, the silver maple, and better than
all for a quick growth, good fuel, besides a quan-
tity of fruit, the common seedling peach, that
can easily be obtained and grown by the people.

We had a most instructive talk, as he called
it, from Prof. Wm. K. Kedzie, of Kansas State
Agricultural College, on the experimental sta-
tions of Europe, based upon his recent tour of
observations among these institutions. He
thought America should not be blind to the value
of such great instructors as similar sta-
tions would be in this country. Private indi-
viduals cannot afford the time and means to
properly carry out this grand idea, and the gen-
eral government or the States should each foster
it. We of Kansas propose to see first what can
be done without money, and hope to inaugurate
a series of experiments that may never stop short
of untold good to the fruit growers of this region.
With such a live, willing, working chemist as
our young Kedzie, and such an entomologist as
Riley, of Missouri, to aid us, we may hope to
reach some sound conclusions.

This latter enthusiastic worker favored us with
his presence, and in his quiet, plain, sensible way
gave us much instruction. He who rides a bug
for a hobby certainly has a lively time if he
keeps his seat, but Riley comes as near it as the
next one. The grasshopper from the Rocky
Mountains gave him a rough jolting this last
trip, and indeed this whole Western country haa
felt the effects of the ride. We want the govern-
ment to order a survey of the region from whence
they came and to which they have gone, which
lies in the Rocky Mountain plateaus of Northern
United States. Perhaps we can then be able to
effectively combat the devastators. You see that
we, from necessity, are horticulturists of the
rough and ready pioneer sort, who can scarcely
yet get to even discuss the more eesthetic and
elaborate departments of the subject. We have
aspirations, but must needs first lay the founda-
tions for what are as yet but our air-castles.

Let me say that the tree act of Congress, grant-
ing lands to those who should plant and cultivate
a certain per cent, of the acres taken, has proved
entirely abortive in Kansas.

EDirORIAL NOTES.

The Southern States' Agricultural and Iw-
DUSTRLVL Exposition. — It is sometimes said
of Southern people that they lack energy and
"push." The managers of this society are not
open to this charge. There never was an enter-
prise better advertised. This is to be held for
ten days from Feb. 26th. It happened recently
that we had the pleasure of going through these
fair grounds at New Orleans, and can conceive
of nothing more beautiful to a Northern eye.
If any of our readers would like to know how it
feels to walk down an avenue of Orange trees,
and see the Banana, the Pomegranate, and similar
things flourish in the open air, he could not do
better than take a trip to New Orleans, and do it
at the time of the holding of this great fair. If
he wishes to take his horticultural products
along for exhibition he can do so, and get a
schedule, with a colored lithograph of the beau-
tiful grounds, from Sam'l Mullen, Esq., New Or-
leans.

The Centennial Exhibition. — The exhibition
was looked on rather coldly in England for
awhile, and, perhaps, considering the superiority
of English gardening over ours, it was but na-

64

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[February,

tural that it should appeal but little to the sj-m-
pathies of English horticulturists. The following
from The Gardener's Magazine, however, shows
that it may not prove wholly unattractive to our
English friends :

The International Exhibition of 1876, which
will be held in the city of Philadelphia, will in

memorials and manners. The playful sarcasm,
that " rich Americans when they die go to Paris,"
represents fairly enough the joyous curiosity
with which our Western cousin starts on his tour
of Europe, which may be said to begin at Strat-
ford-on-Avon, to culminate at the mosque of St.
Sophia, and to end somewhere in the neighbor-

all probability constitute as distinct an epoch in hood of the Tuileries. Between us in respect of

the history of international exhibitions as did the

first of the series, held in the lovely palace of glass

in Hyde Park, London, in the year 1851. Since

then the experiment has been repeated in many

of the great cities of Europe, London included,

and, though it cannot be said that failure was

felt anywhere or any when, until a 'permanent

exhibition was organized at South Kensington,

yet there has always been wanting the freshness,

the surprise, and the completeness of the first

venture, while the partial successes achieved

have been more or less prejudiced by a pervading

sense of weariness. If any such thing as a great

international exhibition is wanted now, the

Western continent is certainly the proper place

for it. For the present, and for some time to

such matters the reciprocity, thus far, has been
quite partial ; for few Englishmen, and in pro-
portion, fewer Continentals, have visited the
States unless they were impelled by motives of
interest or that conviction of duty which makes
the sea as dry land, and converts danger and
strangeness into delights which fill the soul
with agreeable expectancy. But a change is
coming, and, indeed, has come. The active
spirits of the old world are on the move. Phila-
delphia is the universal goal of the reflective, in-
quiring, and adventurous ones of Europe, and in
an especial manner of all possible English visit-
ors to any possible exhibition. It is early as yet,
perhaps, to make the trip, but many whose ruling
motive is curiosity are already on their way, and

come, the old world has had enough of these the completion of the exhibition buildings will

things, and it is well that our cousins on the
other side of the Atlantic have taken the subject
out of our hands, and intend to rehabilitate it in
their own thorough and original way of managing
such afi'airs. The description of the scheme,
which will be found in another part of this sheet,
will show that the scale is vast and comprehensive,
and comprises features now for the first time at-
tempted. All the industrial arts will be fully re-
presented, while agriculture and horticulture will
obtain a prominence they have never enjoyed
before in similar undertakings, a course of pro-
cedure consistent with the requirements of the
age as well as with the characteristics of Ameri-
can enterprise and taste.

One of the necessary consequences of the lo-
cation of the exhibition will be that the old world
will visit the new world in considerable force in
1876. Hitherto the traffic across the Atlantic has
been chiefly determined by business considera-
tions, for although Americans visit Europe in
considerable numbers, very few Europeans visit
America, except in obedience to calls of duty or
the temptations of commercial advantage. In
matters intellectual the people of the States have
always had to subsist for the most part on the
products of the old world, and the influence on
them of European thought has of necessity de-
veloped an interest in European scenery and

be witnessed by many nationalities.

The spring of 187G will see a vast exodus west-
ward, and it is certain that thousands of brave
Britons will obtain a glimpse of the United States
in a very agreeable way, who would never have
sought such a pleasure except through the per-
suasions of an international exhibition. All will
be done that can be done on both sides of the
Atlantic to facilitate the movement; but the sea
that divides will take its toll of our time, how-
ever otherwise it may be disposed to help us.
The great Napoleon abolished the Alps by
marching over them, and the only way to abolish
the Atlantic is to take the fastest ship, and con-
sider the feat of crossing it a nine days' wonder.
Some time early in the summer of next year,
some great excui-sion parties will be organized
for doing the thing cheap and sociably, and even
now various kinds of accommodation are being
prepared for the very many who will make the
exhibition an excuse for a good look round at the
wealthiest cities and most renowned scenes of
the western continent ; so that many who begin
at Philadelphia will have Lake Superior, and
Niagara, and Quebec in the programme, and wilj
be wiser when they return than when they went
out; or, if not really wiser, certainly richer in ob-
servations, and reflections, and comparisons that
the "memory will not willingly let die."

THE

GARDENER'S MONTHLY

AND

HORTICULTURIST.

DEVOTED TO HORTICULTURE, ARBORICULTURE AND RURAL AFFAIRS.

Edited by THOMAS MEEHAN.

Volume XVIII.

MAEOH, 1876.

Number 207.

)LOWER P^ARDEN AND if LEASURE MROUND.

SEASONABLE HINTS.

One would suppose that with all that has been
said in our pages in regard to deep planting, we
should not see much of it done ; but it is very
common, and we have to note the evils continu-
ally in our travels. If the land is dry and sandy,
or the trees with a few heavy roots of a thick
" tap" like character, it does not matter so much.
In the sands of New Jersey one may set trees
deeper without injury than in Pennsylvania, and
one would find much less injury in the dry earth
of Colorado, than in the moister climate of Iowa.
The Oak or the standard Pear does not suffer
much from deep planting, but it is best to set
them but little deeper than they grew before.
Fibrous rooters like Maples and Ashes must be
kept tolerably near the surface, while hair-rooted
things, such as Rhododendrons and Azaleas, if not
growing in almost open sand, must be set on the
surface or not at all. We note these remarks
through having recently seen the attempts of a
friend, and we are sorry to say, a reader of the
Gardener's Monthly, to grow the Rhododendron
on quite an extensive scale, a comparative failure
from deep planting. They were not very deep
either ; an Apple would not have rebelled at the
treatment. The balls of roots in a Rhododendron
should be set, as a general rule, on the ground,
and the earth drawn up about the roots, and
pressed very firm.

What we say of deep planting for trees, ai^plies
also to deep planting of flower or other seeds.

We may put a Walnut or Chestnut several inches
under ground, or six inches under ground if sown
in sand; but for our ordinary seeds, we want
them as near the surface as we can get them.
Suppose we actually take our readers to the gar-
den, and show them practically how to sow their
flower seeds.

The day is warm, and the surface soil just dry
enough to powder when struck with the back of
the trowel. We should not ask their company
otherwise, for when the soil is sticky it won't do
to sow seed. The ground has been dry several
days before. The surface is now powdered and
about the thickness of the trowel blade scraped
off. The seed is then sown, the soil drawn back
and beat firmly down on the seed. You see how
near the top we sowed the seed, and how firmly
we beat the soil over it, and we spoke about a
"first principle." This principle is this : — Seeds
want moisture to make them grow, but they
must also have air — one is an evil without the
other. If deep they get only water, in which
case they rot. If entirely on the surface they
get only air, and then they dry up. " But, Mr.
Hintsman, why beat the soil so firm?" Another
principle, dear lady, lies there. Large spaces in
soil enable the earth to dry out rapidly ; small
spaces, on the other hand, hold water. Crush-
ing earth, 2vhen dry, gives it these small spaces,
or as gardeners call it, makes it porous, and thus
you see we have set our seeds where they will be
near the air, and fixed them so that they shall be
regularly moist.

While caring for the flowers, forget not the

66

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[March,

lawn — that great charm — -without which a gar-
den is not worthy of the name.

Our readers all know that the soil should be
made as deep as possible, because a deep soil is
generallj' a reservoir of moisture, from which is
replaced the waste from the drying surface, un-
der the summer heats, and thus the grass is kept
from burning out. But this is not all. Lawns
60on become impoverished by exhaustion of the
soil, and by continual mowing, — and this has to
be provided for. Mowing machines particularly
injure lawns, by their very close and continuous
cutting. But this must not be an argument
against the machines. We cannot do without
them. One should be on every lawn of any ex-
tent. But we must in some way provide a
counter advantage to check the weakening in-
fluence which they undoubtedly exert. One of
the troubles of close mowing is, that the grass is
BO weakened in vitality that little, low, vile
weeds soon advance their forces, and choke out
the grass. Allowing the grass to grow up with-
out mowing for a year will give renewed vigor
to the grass, and be death to the little pests ; but
in a year or two the old sod will be as bad as
ever, and it is doubtful whether the advantages
of the plan compensate for the untidiness. It
is, perhaps, better to follow the suggestions of
previous volumes, to set the machine so as not
to cut so low as we did on the first introduction
of mowing machines, where it has not been
done.

The hints we offered in our last number are
in general applicable to this also.

CO MM UNICA TIONS.

FOREST HILL CEMETERY, UTICA, N. Y.

A correspondent sends us the following from
the pen of a citizen of Utica,— and we have from
Mr. Roderick Campbell the favor of photographs
of the buildings. The idea is excellent, and
promises to be very popular.

When the Mort chapel was erected in Forest
Hill Cemetery by the late Mrs. Silas D. Childs, !
the trustees of the cemetery thought that a suit- 1
able place had been secured for holding the final 1
Bervices over the remains of the dead. Experi- [
ence proved, however, that it was unsuited to '
this purpose in winter. As the building is con- '
structed of stone, its temperature is very low in
winter, and as during this season bodies are kept

in the catacombs till spring, the application of
heat is out of the question. On many days it
was colder in the building than out of doors.
The trustees therefore determined to p^o^'ide a
building which could be used at all seasons of
the year.

The conservatory is constructed in the form of
a triple arch, the middle arch being the highest.
The side arches, or lean-tos, join the main arch
just beyond the highest part of their curve. The
conservatory proper is 80x36 feet in size, and
constructed almost wholly of glass. In front of
the building is a porch, orporte du chaise, 12x13,
supported by two pillars, under which the funeral
parties alight without exposure. On entering,
the visitor finds himself in a vestibule, 20x16 feet,
separated from the rest of the building by glass
partitions. From the vestibule a door opens into
the auditorium and conservatory. This part of
the building is 60 feet in length.

The auditorium is 16 feet wide, and directly
under the main arch which is 25 feet high. The
floor is laid with alternate strips of ash and black
walnut, sufl&cient space being left between the
strips to allow the heat to rise from below. On
either side are benches, of the same material,
for those attending funerals. Under the side
arches, which are 13 feet high, are flower beds,
10 feet wide, extending on either side the whole
length of the building. Hot-houses are divided
off by a glass partition in the front part of the
building on either side of the vestibule, where
tropical plants, requiring a higher temperature,
are kept. From the vestibule a stairway leads
to a gallery of the same size as the vestibule,
and from which a very good view of the interior
can be obtained. On the west of the conserva-
tory, and about the centre of if, is the tower ahd
observatory, 40 feet high. In the basement of
this are two large boilers, which sujiply the build-
ing with heat. The heated water from these
boilers flows through 2,000 feet of three-inch
pipes, laid under the floor beds, and when cooled
returns to the boilers to be warmed over again.
Twenty-five tons of coal were used in heating
the conservatory during the past winter, which is
only one-quarter of the amount first estimated.

It is the only building of the kind in the world,
and reflects great credit on its originator and
designer, Thomas Hopper. Roderick Campbell,
a genial son of Scotia, has been engaged as
flc^rist. For the past five years he has had
charge of a private conservatory in Brooklyn,
and for fifteen years before that time, was en-

1876.]

AND HORTIGULTUBIST.

6t

gaged in the same occupation in his native coun-
try. He is famiUar with the common and
botanical name of every plant in the building.

The cost of the whole has been in the neigh-
borhood of $13,000, which includes the fitting up
of the gardener's cottage, just east of the conser-
vatory.

Death is always an unwelcome visitor, whether
he comes to the aged or the young, the high or
the lowly. On the death of a friend or relative,
the mind is instinctively lifted from things earthly
to the world beyond. At such times the stern
realities of life grate harshly on the finer sensi-
bilities of human nature, and add to the suf-
ferings of those already deeply afflicted. Not
many years ago it was customary for relatives
and friends to gather around the grave at the
time of burial. As the beloved form was lowered
into the dark, damp earth, it seemed as if all
hopes of ever seeing it again went down with it.
The heavy clods which rattled on the coffin lid,
fell with equal weight upon the grief-stricken
hearts of the mourners. It mattered not if the
winter's wind moaned drearily through the tree-
tops, and chilled the forms of those in waiting
till they seemed to feel the coldness of the grave;
or if the summer's rain fell thick and fast like
their tears. Death is no respecter of times or
persons, and the sad duties were performed under
circumstances which made one shudder at their
recollection.

Now all this is changed. When a body is
brought for interment, it is first taken to the con-
servatory, which is in itself a paradise. Though
life may have been darkened with shadow, here
all is bright. The turmoil and bustle of life may
have broken the heart worn with care ; here the
silence is only broken by the glad songs of birds
and the music of the fountain. Rugged, desolate
and dreary the paths of life often are ; here all
is beautiful as a fiiiry scene, beautiful beyond
comparison Avith other earthly scenes ; carrying
the thoughts with those who have gone before,
to that Eden where sin, and sorrow, and suff"er-
ing are unknown : " Where the wicked cease
from troubling, and the weary are at rest." The
coffin is placed in the centre of the auditorium,
when the final services are held, and a last look
at the face of the loved one is taken. None can
regret leaving their dead in such a place. On
either side are beds of blossoming flowers, beau-
tiful camellias, calla lilies, pelargoniums, azaleas,
acacias, rhododendrons,geraniums, and other hot-
house plants. Here is also a large lemon tree in

bud, flower an(' fruit. Overhead are rustic
hanging baskets, magnificent in their variegated
colors. Ivies and other creeping vines twine
around the pillars and arches supporting the
roof. To these will be added a variety of tropi-
cal trees and plants, such as palms, palmettos,
orchids, passion flowers, and the finest of tropical
plants.

Comes winter, with its cold chilling the earth
and wrapping it in a winding-sheet. The win-
dows of the lodge look out from under its snow-
capped gothic gables as if half asleep. The
thick branches of the fir bend beneath the weight
of the fleecy substance which falls on mound
and monument alike. It is the sleep of nature,
cold and cheerless as death itself. But under
the shining arch of the conservatory, life and
perpetual summer reign. Here, in warmth and
light, surrounded by beautiful buds and blos-
soms, amid the cheerful songs of birds and the
murmur of the fountain which flows as cease-
lessly as time — ^here we leave our dead, and our
last thoughts of them will always be associated
with this place. The seasons may come and go,
but in this spot made sacred by hallowed recol-
lections, will be perennial spring. Here too, in
after days, we will love to sit and call up memo-
ries, sad, but full of holy joy, and hold sweet
communion with those who have been trans-
planted to the great garden above.

RHODE ISLAND BENT GRASS.

BY DR. WM. F. CHANKING, PROVIDENCE, R. I.

In a note to the editor, which strayed into
print, in the Gardener's Monthly iox October, 1875,
I spoke of Rhode Island Bent Grass, pure and
simple, as the best Lawn Grass, in the estimation
of many persons living where it is supposed to
have originated, and where alone it is extensively
cultivated.

There had been a previous lament in the
Monthly over many of our Lawn Grasses destroyed
by the intense cold of the preceding winter.
The Rhode Island Bent had stood this extreme
test without injury.

I have since received numerous letters enquir-
ing where the seed of this grass can be obtained ;
and the Country Gentleman has asked : " What
is Rhode Island Bent? and in answer to its own
question has conjectured that it is probably
Agrostis vulgaris — the Red-top of New England
and New York, and the Herd's Grass of the
Southern States.

68

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[March,

A somewhat extensive examination enables
me now to say, and I hope to be able to show,
that the Rhode Island Bent is a distinct and valu-
able grass which, by a curious fatality, appears
to have hitherto escaped recognition and descrip-
tion. I am well aware that these light grass
seeds may blow from one end of the Continent to
the other, and it is not impossible that Rhode
Island Bent may be locally grown elsewhere
under a different name ; but I find no record of
the cultivation of any similar grass.

At this season it is impossible to furnish a bo-
tanical analysis of the plant, but I send to the
editor, for his comparison, two bundles, one of
Rhode Island Bent and one of Red-top, — winter
specimens — furnished me by Charles H. Potter,
of Prudence Island, Narragansett Bay, an exten-
sive cultivator of Bent.

The following paragraph from Flint's admirable
Treatise on Grasses and Forage Plants, is perhaps
responsible for the confusion between these two
grasses :

"This grass [Agrostis vulgaris) is known by
various names, and is greatly modified by soil
and cultivation. On a moist rich soil it grows
larger than on a poor, thin soil ; and not only
larger but has a darker, purplish color, with a
stem varying from eighteen inches to two and
two and a half feet high ; while on poor gravelly
soils, it seldom grows over twelve inches, and
often not over five or six inches high, while it
has a lighter color. In the latter situations it goes
by the name of Fine-top, and is universall}' seen
in old, dry pastures. In some sections where it is
highly esteemed, it goes by the name of Burden's
or Borden's Grass; in others, of Rhode Island
Bent ; but I am unable to discover any difference
between these and Red-top, except that produced
by varieties of soils ; and on enquiring of some
of the largest dealers in seeds, I find that orders
for all these are supplied from the same seed."

With this authority before them, it is no reflec-
tion upon American seedsmen to say that, when-
ever a demand has grown up in any locality for
the real Rhode Island Bent, it has been met with
a dispensation of Red-top seed, and the genuine
grass, therefore, has soon lost whatever footing
it has acquired. I shall endeavor to state the
points of difference between these grasses as they
appear in cultivation, side by side, in Rhode Is-
land, 80 that this confusion may be no longer
possible. .

Both these grasses, as well as Fiorin and Eng-
lish Bent, belong to the genus Agrostis, of which

Bent Grass is the synonyme; but, for conven-
ience in this paper, the word Bent will be used
exclusively to designate the Rhode Island grass.

Both the Bent and Red-top have perennial,
creeping roots ; but, while Red-top does not
spread rapidly by the root, the Bent rivals, in
this respect, the Couch grass [Triticuvi repens),
forming very soon a densely matted sod. But
the stoloniferous roots of the Bent are as numer-
ous and fine as those of the Couch grass are
coarse.

Under the same culture the Bent grass is hard-
ly more than two-thirds the height of Red-top,
but is heavier bottomed, owing perhaps to the
denser sod, or to more numerous or longer leaves.
A field of Bent which appears much lighter
than one of Red-top, will often give an equal
weight of hay. This may be due in part to the
greater solidity of the stem of the Bent. Still
the average hay crop of Bent is probably less
than Red-top.

The stems of the Bent are also more numerous,
as well as more slender, than Red-top. Indeed
the Bent is one of the finest, most delicate
grasses, in leaf and stem. It makes up for size
by number of stalks and blades.

The blossom of the Bent is softer, more silky,
and lighter in color than Red-top, sometimes
nearly white. One of its names in Rhode Island
is Furze-top.

The seeds of the Bent are soft and silky to the'
touch, while the Red-top is comparatively harsh.
An experienced dealer informs me that he can
distinguish between the varieties, or detect an
intermixture of Red-top ■with Bent, by simply
putting his hand into the sack. This is a distinc-
tion which may be useful to seedsmen and pur-
chasers.

In Rhode Island, Red-top has no aftermath.
The Bent grass, in wide contrast, starts as soon
as cut. This is one of its qualifications as a lawn
grass. The beauty of the Newport lawns are
proverbial. I have heard this ascribed by more
than one person to the prevalence of Rhode Is-
land Bent, though the climate, resembling the
English, must be taken into account.

The Bent has the reputation of standing
drought better than other grasses, and of furnish-
ing even then good after-feed, differing in this
widely from Red-top. This may be a result of
the fineness of the grass and closeness of the sod,
preventing evaporation.

Rhode Island farmers claim much greater
sweetness for Bent than for Red-top. The gen-

1816.]

AND HORTICULTURIST.

69

eral testimony is that horned cattle pick out and
prefer Bent to other grasses in the same field.
A farmer assures me emphatically that Bent is
the best grass for cows. This, as well as its readi-
ness to start after close cropping, bears on its
value as a pasture grass.

Another farmer, whose testimony is reliable,
tells me he has extirpated Couch grass by plow-
ing, manuring, and sowing with Bent. He gives
it as his opinion, that Bent, on a soil sufficiently
rich, will, at any time, crowd out Couch grass.

One bushel of Rhode Island Bent seed, well
sown, is sufficient to plant an acre. For Lawns
twice that amount should be used. The naarket
price of Bent in Rhode Island is from .$2.50 to
$3.00 per bushel, according to weight and quality.
Genuine seed can always be obtained of Wm. E.
Barrett & Co., Providence, or of Thomas G. Pot-
ter, East Providence, both well-known seedsmen.

To sum up, in Rhode Island Bent we have a
Lawn Grass, perfectly hardy, forming a close sod,
fully occupying the ground and holding its own
against coarser grasses, fine in texture, and beau-
tiful in all its stages, starting as soon as cut, and
withstanding drought.

"^As a pasture grass it is sweet and perpetual.
For hay, deficiency of crop, if any, is made up
by luxuriant after-feed.

[Dr. Channing deserves the thanks of all horti-
culturists for his investigations in this important
matter. The poor specimens sent for Rhode Island
Bentgrass,appear tobe whatis known m some parts
of the country as "Hair Grass," Agrostis scabra, a
very different species from "Red-top" or A. vul-
garis. Its fineness should make it a much more
desirable grass than "Red-top." Besides, in our
experience, we find the latter chiefly in heavy
land, and the "Hair grass" in high and dryer
places, which will give it an advantage for lawns,
which are generally on dry land. — Ed. G. M.]

THE ENGLISH SPARROW.

BY GENERAL W. H. NOBLE, PROVIDENCE, R. I.

In some respects this little foreigner deserves
our welcome. But his distant origin and his
cheery, home-loving ways, blind us to his betters
at our doors. Before him we had native birds,
greedy for worms, more pretty of plumage, and
sweeter of song. We feed and pet this immi-
grant, but our own birds we shot and stoned, till
they found neither pluck or numbers to fight
the worm. Then the crawling pests so stripped

to wintry barrenness the garb of "glorious sum-
mer," that in pure despair we took on trust this
sparrow's boasted appetite for worms, to war
against our petty foes.

He breeds so fast that if each one only ate a
few, their numbers would make havoc among
the creeping tribes. A little colony of eight set-
tled here four years, have filled the town. But
as "early birds" after the worms, they don't eat
a cent's worth. Enough sparrows have squatted
on my two acres to eat all the worms off an hun-
dred, and cry for more, yet the tormenting pests
still strip my currant bushes right under their
noses. Nor does the sparrow hunt other worms
any better. In fact, as help against our foes on
leaf and fruit, I set down the English sparrow as
a failure and a fraud. But worse than this, I
fear we may find him as big a pest as the worms
he promised to eat.

Sad stories come to me of his picking out the
fruit buds in the winter, and of his raids on the
opening bloom of spring. Last year, near New
Haven, a flock swept off in a day the promised
crop of a whole orchard. Last winter the squatters
on my ground stripped my currant bushes of
half their buds. They served a large strawberry
bed in the same style. Hunger could not be plead
for such vandalism. They shared with my fowls
plenty of small grains, and garbage always within
reach. These sorry habits, in such swarms of
them as must soon fill the land, will by and by
demand a premium for their scalps.

These sparrows, too, are mighty exclusive in
their ways. Fellowship for other species is not
one of their virtues. They are a plucky and
fighting crowd, and more than a match for any
small bird, except the little bully wren. I find
the sparrow drives away many of his kind, more
pleasing in plumage and in song, who formerly
spent their summers at our door. The blue bird
no longer tarries with us after his Southern win-
ter tour. The Northern mocking bird has de--
serted the pear tree top, whence for years at
early dawn he filled the morning air with apt
and gleeful mimicry of song. Not half so many
kinds of birds spend their summers with us
now, as before the coming of these sparrows.

But perhaps this visitor does better elsewhere,
and will mend his ways. It would be hard to
condemn him on so short a trial. He is a hardy,
cheery, home-loving little fellow. He sticks
close to the crannies and nooks and little resting •
spots around the house. In the gloom and
storm of winter, when pretty much all his kind

70

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[March,

desert us for the Southern skies, his chirp and
lively flitting cheer away the gloom of a murky
sky and chilling blast. Though he is not a pretty
bird, or a sweet singer, nor fills the measure of
his promise in the line of worms, yet, like the
teaching of a friend when the clouds and storms
of fate hang o'er us, his lively chirp close to our
door steps, in face of the chill and glower of
winter, binds him to our hearts despite his
faults.

I hope to hear from others a more welcome
record of his ways. In the meantime, is there
no bird who will eat the hairy and thorny coated
worms, which are as bad as any ?

There is another English bird whose cheery
notes I would like to hear, defiant of the wintry
blast and storm — the English robin, the true robin
redbreast. Our robin is not truly a robin, but a
species of thrush. Is not that so? Yes. I do not
know his habits or his food. But if he never eats a
worm, the reality at our doors of his picture, sing-
ing from the snow-clad, red-berried holly, under
a murky sky, gleesome, defiant and hopeful,
would well pay for his passage and his feed.
Wont some enterprising bird man get us the
English robin redbreast ?

EDITORIAL NOTES.

Rattan trelli.^.— One of the neatest of trel-
lises for training strong growing vines on, we saw
last summer in the yard of Mr. Isaac Burk, of
Philadelphia, made of Rattan.

The Hollyhock.— So far as we know this has
quite disappeared from our vicinity during the
past few years, through the operations of a fun-
gus that destroys the leaves. If any of our
friends have any this summer with diseased
leaves, we should be glad of some specimens for
examination.

Aralia PAPYRiFERA, HARDY.— We Were aston-
ished recently to meet with a specimen of this popu-
lar greenhouse leaf plant which had stood the
severe winter unharmed.

An avenue of Oranges.— The head-quarters of
the Jockey club, at New Orleans, was a private
residence before the war, and is one of the most
beautiful and tasteful buildings in the vicinity of
the city. The gardens are very elaborate. The
main path to the garden is lined by two long
rows of orange trees, forming a beautiful avenue.

A Hedge of Geraniums. — The Gardener's
Gironicle says, that on the Scilly Isles, which re-
ceive the full force of the warm gulf stream as it
dashes against the coast of England, there is
rarely frost, and it speaks of a garden there in
which there is a hedge of scarlet geraniums
fourteen feet high.

The Mistletoe grows on the Norway spruce
and Scotch pine in some parts of Europe. It is
supposed the seeds do not grow in many cases,
through not being properly fertilized. It can be
propagated by grafts inserted just under the
bark.

Chimonanthus fragrans. — This old-fashioned
shrub is not near as common in gardens as it
deserves to be. The buds are formed in the fall
and grow larger with every warm winter's day.
If these branches are cut off and placed in water
in a warm room, they will expand in a few days,
and fill the room with their delightful fragrance.
A new branch so treated every week, will keep
up a succession all winter.

The Umbrella Pine (Sciadopitys verticil-
lata) . — " It does not appear to be generally known
that this fine Japanese Conifer, so distinct in
habit and yet so beautiful, is hardy in sheltered
positions on well-drained soils, as far north aa
Edinburgh. Two healthy little specimens of it
in the Botanic Gardens there, planted out some
four years ago, are thriving most satisfactorily.
There are, at least, two distinct forms of this
plant in cultivation, one being dense in habit,
and the other more lax and luxuriant."

The above is from the Garden. We believe it
is one of the hardiest of coniferous plants, but of
remarkably slow growth. We know of one plant
that has stood 17° below zero without the slightest
injury, but it is not yet much over one foot high,
though now very branch}^ and it is over fifteen
years old. Besides the above, we give the follow-
ing from the Gardener's Chronicle :

"Indigenous to Japan, from whence it was in-
troduced by Mr. Fortune in 1S61. It is described
as a large pyramidal tree, with horizontal spread-
ing branches, attaining from 100 to 150 feet in
height, and from 3 to 4 feet in diameter. Dr.
Siebold, who previously discovered it, described
it as a large bush or small tree, from 12 to 15
feet in height. Judging from the progress
making, and the specimens to be seen in this
country. Dr. Siebold's description is likely to
prove correct. It is very satisfactory to know
that this very distinct, indeed unique, tree, has

1876.]

AND HORTICULTURIST.

71

generally proved quite hardy, although of slow-
growth, at least in its young state. Its branches^
are alternate and verticillate, with numerous
branchlets ; its leaves are from 2 to 3 inches in
length, linear, leathery, and of a yellowish green
color, spreading out horizontally like the ribs o\
an umbrella, hence its name of Umbrella Pine.
Dr. Siebold considers the Umbrella Fir the finest
Conifer of Japan, and one which presents an ap-
pearance as strange as elegant, in consequence
of its innumerable ramifications, which always
end in a parasol-like tuft of leaves.

" We have not yet had sufficient experience to
speak very positively as to its merits and cul-
ture, but have seen enough to satisfy us that it
will require a warm situation to induce growth,
and a good deep soil on a dry subsoil. It will
probably be found to be better adapted for the
Southern than the Northern parts of these
islands.

"Wherever there is any chance of its succeed-
ing as an ornamental tree, it should be experi-
mented with, on account of its unique and ele-
gant appearance. At Castle Kennedy, and
numerous other places in Scotland, it has stood
the severity of our winters unscathed, but seldom
makes more than 2 or 3 inches of growth in a
season.

"Messrs. Veitch report that their largest plant
(4 feet in height), in their rich collection of Coni-
fers at Coombe Wood, near Wimbledon, la.st year
grew 9 inches."

NEW PLANTS,

Abies alcoquiana. — This Japanese species
proves as hardy in our country as the Norway
spruce. The under surface is as silvery as the
Menzies spruce, while the vipper surface is of
a deep green. A correspondent of the Garden
regards it as the handsomest of the spruces.

Improved Petunias. — The Petunia thrives bet-
ter in our climate than in that of the old world,
and hence has improved faster. Hender's straiv
forms the subject of a beautiful illustration in
the Florist and Pomologist of London, and are
much like those we have seen of Vick, and oth-
ers of our leading seedsmen.

Xanthoceras sorbifolia. — We have from time
to time had notices of this new tree. A recent
number of the Garden gives a colored illustration,
and shows it to be more beautiful than one

would suppose from the description. The flow-
ers are as large as an apple blossom, white on
the upper portion of the petals, but of a purplish
crimson at the base, and they are borne in up-
right clusters, like those of the horse chestnut.
The leaves are like the mountain ash, whence
its specific name sorbifolia. As it grows in its
native wilds in China, together with the Kolreu-
teria, which is one of our hardiest trees, we may
look on this as something well worthy of intro-
duction into our own country.

Pektstemon Palmeei, Gray.— This handsome
Utah species is of robust habit, attaining, in good
soil a height of from 3 to 5 feet. The lower leaves
are petioled, varying in form from ovate-lanceo'
late to spathulate, coarsely and sharply toothed ;
those of the stem broadly ovate, entire, and
semi-amplexicaul, or sometimes even connate,
all being of a fleshy texture, and, like the whole
plant, smooth and gluacescent. The flowers are
borne in a many-flowered naked panicle, from 18
inches to 2 feet long; the corolla, which is
peach-colored, being remarkable for its short in-
flated tube and gaping mouth, as well as for the
long reflexed lobes of the lower lip, each marked
by a central reddish hne, and the conspicuous
projecting yellow-bearded sterile filament. It is
quite hardy, and will succeed in almost any
well-drained soil. — Garden.

Brodi.e volubilis, Baker (Stropholirion Cali-
fornicum, Torrey).— ThisCalifornian species is re-
markable for its twining habit, the flower-scape of-
ten reaching the height of 7 or 8 feet or even more.
The flowers are produced in terminal umbels of
from fifteen to thirty each, the perianth being of a
Hght rosy-purple color, nearly 1 inch long, of a
tubular ventricose form, contracted below the
mouth. The foliage is hnear,' somewhat fleshy
in character, and from 12 to 18 inches in length.
It is perfectly hardy, and of the easiest cultivation
in any soil, but will probably succeed best in
sandy loam. Seedlings will bloom the third year
of their growth. — Garden.

QUERIES.

The Charter Oak.— E. says: "This, many
years since, was discassed and decided to be Q.
alba. At one time I resided in Hartford, Conn.,
and visited the tree many times in company with
others."

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[March

Rocky Mountain Silver Spruce. — An Ohio
correspondent saj's : " I am not a little sur-
prised that an}' one conversant with this tree
should class it as Menziesii — but perhaps I have
never seen a true Menziesii — but of this Abies,
with its silvery blue green foliage, I have
gathered thousands from the forests or wilds of
the upper lakes, grown and sold them. In
damp — not wet^ — soil, of a light loamy or sandy
nature, it grows freely, and its gently drooping
branches, with its usually perfect sharp conical
form, makes it one of the beauties among ever-
greens."

[Our correspondent evidently refers to Abies
alba, and a beautiful tree. — Ed.]

An Illinois correspondent who has paid much
attention to the Rockj^ Mountain conifers, writes
that Abies Menziesii is undoubtedly the tree re-
ferred to. He also adds that Colorado seed pro-
duces hardier and better plants every way, than
seeds of the same trees from the Pacific. He
regards this species as one of the handsomest to
cultivate. He has had plants of Pinus ponderosa
from Californian seeds killed, when those from
the Rocky Mountains were quite unharmed.

Raising Clematises. — X. Y., Rochester, New

York: Clematises are generally raised from
seeds ; but they mostly take one j'ear to
grow. The hybrid kinds are grafted on roots
of the Clematis flammula, or perhaps other
kinds. The improved clematises have been
a long time in this country, having been intro-
duced soon after the appearance of Clematis
lanuginosa, which is one of the parents of the
great hybrid race ; it being a very free seeder.
The hybrid clematises have not, however, made
much headway with us, owing, we believe, to
some root injury, apparently of a similar nature
to that produced by the phylloxera on the grape.
Where they do well there is nothing more beau-
tiful, and you may safely " experiment in their
propagation with a view to selling them."

Tar Walks. — Very good walks are made by
mixing gas tar with gravel. It softens somewhat
in summer, but is an admirable winter path.
They fail sometimes — and a correspondent of the
Country Gentleman suggests that this is often
through employing professional "walkers," who
boil the tar, and in this way make a very little
tar go a great way. There is not enough tar to
make a lasting walk under such circumstances.

KEEN ISOUSE AND MOUSE P^ARDENING.

SEASONABLE HINTS.

Visiting the greenhouse of a ladj' at Doylestown
recently, who keeps no gardener, but does all her
own work, it was interesting to note that the pots
were not only full of earth, but it was mounded
up so that the plants seemed to be growing on a
small hill in the centre of the pot. The first
impression of the good gardener would be that
this practice was wrong. There is no place for
the water. It would all run off. And this indeed
was remarked by a gentleman of the company.
The lady did not defend the practice against re-
cognized horticultural rules, but timidly remarked
that she was so ignorant about watering plants,
and found in practice that she always gave them
too much, she had made a mound as an insu-
rance against over-watering. To us, however,

the plants made no objective response. The
great health they presented showed that they
were quite satisfied with the treatment. The
little fibres peeped through the surface as happily
as the little chickens under their mother's wing.
Now we are often asked by window gardeners
how often they should water their pot plants, for
every one seems to know over-watering is an in-
jury. It is always hard to give an answer to this
question, but in the light of this lady's experience
we would say, fill up the pots full, mound it,
and then you may water every day or as many
times a day as you please. It will always do good.
In most places where our readers are, March
is a busy greenhouse month. For those who live
in Labrador or Australia of course we have no
March hints to give. But they understand that
what we say here must be sooner or later for
them.

1876.]

AND HORTICULTURIST.

t3

Our readers are so widely extended that for the
benefit of the most favored, we rather advanced
our hints as to season, last month. To the bulk,
they will still be in order.

COMMUNICA no NS.

A FEW FACTS ABOUT CALLAS.

BY W. T. HARDIXG, COLUMBUS, OHIO.

Excepting the Rose, I know of but few plants
having more admirers, or of which so much has
been said or written, as the well-known Calla
^thiopica — or, more correctly, Eichardia ^thi-
opica. Of all plants, it seems the one with which
everybody excels their neighbors in cultivation,
and on that account is so justly popular. The
first essays of amateurs generally begin with
them, and then follows, as is very natural, their
initial communication "to the editor," to an-
nounce their success. When we take into con-
sideration the combined beauty of flower and fo-
liage, and admit the fact of no one ever failing to
produce the finest flowers that ever grew, there
is no wonder why in every window stand.s a stately
Calla. The latest remarks I quote from the
January number of the Monthly and Horticulturist,
in which a writer says : " I give the Callas very
little rest; some of them none whatever. By this
system of culture, the roots do not die, and the
plants certainly produce finer flowers."

A more liberal supply of fair flowers, healthy
green leaves, or sturdier plants, I never saw under
any system of cultivation than which grew in
the basin of a water fountain in a Cleveland con-
servatory. For seven long years, through all
seasons, the pots stood up to their rims in water.
Were ne\'er dried off, had no rest — as they were
never weary of well-doing, did not require any
— and so they went on blooming without ceasing.
More fortunate than poor Ponce de Leon, they
had found the fountain of life; and while enjoy-
ing a perpetual spring, with all the vigor of im-
mortal youth, they freely imbibed the life-giving
water.

Years before, at the junction of the Black and
Yellow rivers, at the Cape of Good Hope, the
writer saw untold millions of them growing in the
swamps, lakes and lagoons. I believe they never
dry up there, in that particidar region, during the
hot and droughty seasons peculiar to Africa, but
are at all times submerged. Who knows but
what the Arundinarias, Imperatas, Cyperus, Arun-

dos, Papyrus, Nymphias, and Callas, overshad-
owed the ancient crocodile and hippopotamus
many thousands of years before Vasco de Gama
doubled the Cape.

There are but few j^lants capable of existing under
such dissimilar conditions as the Calla. Treated
as an aquatic, a terrestrial, or sub-aquatic, it
readily adapts itself to the situation, and flour-
ishes finely. Chilly winds and frosty weather are
more fatal to them than any other causes. Not-
withstanding they succumb to zero's icy touchy
they will endure considerable cold, and live, if
preserved from frost.

It may be argued, for argument's sake, per-
haps, that, as they are tuberous plants, nature
intended them to have a period of rest, and it
would be folly to attempt to change such immu-
table laws. Such views may accord with ' the
ideas of those who consider nature's laws as
austere and rigorous as were " the decrees and
statutes," right or wrong, "of the Medes and
Persians, which altereth not." As regards vege-
tation, I honestly entertain a contrary opinion,
and candidly believe, kind nature is neither so
unyielding or inflexible as the Solons insist, but
is, to a certain extent, governed by circumstances.
That nature often deviates from accustomed
ways, and seems none the worse for the change,
is obvious to all intelligent observers. In cor-
roboration of my assertion, Iwill cite but one more
instance, which came under my notice in South
Africa, namely the Erica, which is a very inter-
esting and elegant genus, always considered
so diflacult to manage under cultivation. Of
all the plants which come under a gardener's
care, Cape Heaths require, probably, a higher
order of floricultural skill than most other plants
do to insure success. jSTo mere novice, or pre-
tender, should be allowed to meddle or tamper
with them, as disappointment and loss will
inevitably follow. It is well said, " These plants
are among the most beautiful in the world."
Such a gentleman as Mr. Munroe deserves
all the success he obtains with them, as well as
the hearty thanks of every Heath grower for his
pains.

At the Cape of Good Hope, Erica impe-
rialis, E. pellucida, E. grandiflora, E. viridiflora,
E. vestita alba, E. mirabilis, E. princeps, E.
blanda, and many others, the writer saw spring-
ing from slight cracks and openings in the rocks,
and growing amazingly, with apparently little or
no soil to support them, and where the sun's rays
literally blazed upon them. The same kinds,

74

THE GARDE NEB' 8 MONTHLY

[March,

■with numbers of other species, were equally
happy and vigorous on the mountain sides, be-
neath shady, broad-leaved forest trees, near the
sea-beach, in the snow-white sand, and in boggy
hollows. With such a variety of soils and con-
ditions, they flourished, as if to show the different
■ways " Dame Nature " had of doing things.

Eeturning to the Calla question. However
much cultivators may differ about the right
method of treating them, they all agree that
plenty of old rotten cow manure is a pabulum they
most delight in. Soot-water is also an excellent
stimulant ; in fact, is one of the best for pot plants
generally. For vegetables it is equal to guano —
especially for onions, celery, cabbage, turnips, as-
paragus, &c. As a fertilizer, to sow on the lawn,
or green pastures, I have used it with good re-
sults for many years.

If the heart's Utopia is among Callas, why, in
the name of all things flowery, let the good folks
enjoy it. Certainly the joys of floriculture, either
in this or any other land, are equal to any other
pleasures, and far surpass most of the trivial
ones which tempt us to follow. Yet, the cold-
blooded cynic may live unmindful of the Creator's
goodness in strewing flowers along the waysides,
which he refuses to see or appreciate. He may
pass through the forest, cheery with the hum of
insect life, and merry with the music; of birds,
without hearing them, or knowing there are
glorious old trees around and above him. He
may be in the midst of fields bearing the bending
golden grain, without heed or pleasure. But, he
is not " one of us " ; being utterly incapable of
feeling, he does not know the world is full of
beauty when the heart is full of love.

Boston is as famous for Callas as it is for Lilies,
Violets, Tuberoses, Pinks, and Roses; and Mr.
W. C. Strong was much noted for successfully
cultivating the same. Callas were a specialty,
and were grown in immense quantities, both in
pots and in the borders of his mammoth green-
houses, to the profit and pleasure of the worthy
proprietor.

MYRSIPHYLLUM ASPARAGOIDES.

BY F. R. FITHIAN, "WEST CHESTER, PA.

This beautiful plant, commonly known as
Smilax, is from the Cape of Good Hope; the
word Myrsiphyllum means myrtle-leaved. It is
now used in the cities for decorating, and as

greens for bouquets, to such an extent that there
is a great demand for it by our city florists. It is
very easily cultivated, the seed being sown in
boxes of light but rich soil in August and placed
in a close and shaded greenhouse. I saw at one
time seed sown in two boxes, one box being
placed in a close house, the seed in it germinating
vei'y well ; the other box was put in a hot-bed,
the heat being 95° ; there it remained for eight
weeks, only five or six seeds germinating; sup-
posing the balance of the seed had decayed, the
box was taken out of the hot-bed and placed
with the first box — in less than a week everj'seed
germinated, and grew at a rapid rate, soon out-
stripping the fii-st box. When large enough
they should at once be potted off in two-inch
pots and placed in a warm house, and kept
growing until early spring, when they want a
rest, for, it must be remembered, they belong to
the Lily family ; after gi-adually drying them
out, place under the bench, turning the pots on
their sides. The first of August they will begin
to show life by throwing up long slender shoots,
of a light purple color, and looking somewhat
like asparagus. They are now just one year old,
and want planting out or potting ; if they are de-
sired for " cut flowers," by all means plant them
out, they are tremendous feeders, want plenty of
room and plenty of water to bring them to per-
fection. Plant in soil composed of two parts
rich manure, two parts good loam, one part old
sods, and one part sand ; give plenty of water, never
allowing them to become dry; their two great-
est enemies are drought and red spider, either
of which causes them to drop their leaves, and then
they are worthless for cut flowers. Each plant
will throw up six or eight shoots, and will want
strings to hold them up; twine three or four
shoots to one string, and when they have gro"wn
to the height of five or six feet they are ready for
market, each string being worth at wholesale
about twenty-five cents. After they are all cut, dry
off gradually, and give a slight top-dressing of
fine but strong manure. Each following year
they will increase in value, throwing up more
and stronger shoots. While growing, they should
be often syringed, and occasionally watered with
liquid manure, after being diluted. The second
winter from seed they will flow^er and produce
seed. The flowers are greenish white and very
fragrant, though small. The berry grows to the
size of an English pea, and when ripe — in August
— is a light red color, containing three or four
seeds, which are hard and black.

1SY6.]

AND HOETICULTURIST.

t5

—y- RICHARDIA ALBA MACULATA.

■ By ^V. PUJ^IwEN, PENN YAN, YATES CO., N. V.

Can you give me some inform^ation in regard
to the above-named i^laut? Haviug seen m
Peter Henderson's Catalogue that it was decid-
uous, and required the same treatment as the
Dahha, I iDrocured a tuber aud planted it out in
summer, Hfted it in the Tall, and have it in the
house now. It is in a- six-inch pot ajid has
twelve large handsome leaves and one flower on,
and is the admii-ation of all who see it. This
plant bloomed last summer, and from a flower I
saved seed which produced one hundred and
twelve plants, all as truly variegated as their
parent. Whatl wish to know is — does this plant
reall}- require to remain dormant awMle as repre-
sented? Many ladies and gardeners hereabouts
have been interested in my plants, and I propose
to ha\'e them photographed, a copy of which I
will send to you.

[The great success achieved by our correspon-
dent ansAvers his own question. It does not
appear to be a necessity that itshould be dried off
like a dahlia.— Ed. G. M.]

EDITORIAL NOTES.

The Christmas Rose. — This — the Hell eborus
niger — is popular as a winter forcer in England.
Recently some sold \\\ London for half a dollar a
dozen — a good price for English cut flowers.

Vauiegated Sage. Tri-color. — This is becoming
rather common now, but there are few things
more beautiful as a leaf plant. It does well in
windows, and is very tractable in many resiDects.

XJNi-iE/iLTHY Cajibixias. — One of the best
methods of restoring to health sickly Camellias,
is to cut them in severely, and i^lant in the open
ground. Thej" will push into new growth of an
excellent character. They must be put into pots
again in Sei^tember. Thej'' can be set out in the
full sun.

Winter-blooming Fuchsias. — The Fuchsia is
an excellent plant for window culture, but, un-
fortunately, does not bloom well in the winter
season, when window flowers are the most de-
sirable. Some, however, have a decidedly winter-
blooming tendency ; and of these, Speciosa,
Coccinea major and Speciosissima are, probably,
the best.

Tee love of cut flot^ters is increasing in
England as well as in this country. The floral
establishments that make this branch a special
line are amongst the most successful of any
in horticulture ; and Ihe.y vie -with each other in
the introduction of new and .special featm'es.

A Fine Pot Rose.— The Gardener's Record
says: "The Gardener's Chronicle, of Saturday
last, gives an illustration of one of the splendid
roses in pots, exhibited by Messrs. Paul & Sou,
at Manchester, at the Great Whitsun Exhibition
held there last spring. The variet)^ v.'as Paul
Ricaut, and it was seven and a half feet in diam-
eter hi one way, b_y five and a half feet in an-
other; and it was from four to five feet Irigh.
The group, of which it formed a part, was con-
sidered by Messrs. Pa^il & Son to be the finest
tlaeyhad ever grown ; and the thirteen plants oc-
cupied in transit t\vo large railway truclis, Avhich
they thoroughly filled."

EucH.-i.x;is amazonica. — This is essentially a
hrdy's floA\'er, both for hair and dress, combining
purity of color with, delicate fragrance. Some
can scarcely command a bloom of tliis plant at
all, others flower their plants twice a yeav, aud
some four times, which means never-out-of-
blooiu. Some force them into flower with bottom
heat, and others starve them — that is, they rest,
them in a pit or greenhouse, and flower them in
a stove. AVheu there is such a diversity of opin-
ion, how is any one to decide correctl}'?

"There are at least two, if not more, varieties
of E. amaxonica, or the species are confounded.
There is a kind Av-hich commences growing in
December or January, and this has very much
stouter petioles, and very much shorter, with
considerably broader and thicker leaves, deeper
in color, and has larger heads of bloom, and
more numerous blooms than a variety which
commences growing or flowering in May, and
which is remarkable for its long leaf petioles, its
thinner-toxtured, smaller and paler-colored
leaves, and smaller flowers "with a paucity of
them. Is not the former E. grandiflora syn.
amazonica, and the other E. Candida? I thinkso.

" In January the bulbs are to be shook out of
the soil or the soil removed, and four or five of
the largest potted in a 10 or 11-inch pot, and
draining well, using a compost of three parts
tm-fy loam and one part each of well-rotted cow
dung and fibrous peat, and pot so as to just cover
the bulbs. Three bulbs may also be placed in an
S or 9-inch and one in a 6 or 7-inch pot. PlacQ

!?G

TEE GARDENEBIB- MONTHLY

[MarcHj

in a warm stove— 60° to 65° at night, 70° to 75'
\jy day-^and keep veiy moist, and iii March or
April they should flower; and for blooming the}'
may be placed in a cooler house, and afterwards
be retiu-ned to the stove, when the plants not uu-
fi-equently flower again in July. It is better, bow^
ever, to rest the plants for a time after flowering,
say six or eight weeks, in a cool stove or a cold pit
after Ma3',Avhich by judicious air-giving is a stove,
watering only to jirevcnt the leaves flagging, and

when the growth is complete, to place them m a
house of about 10° lesy heat than that in which
they are groAvn, but light and airy, and by no
means so dry as to affect the foliage; and wlh
tea weeks of this cool treatment to retr-irn them
■tpheat, giving plenty of it, for they enjoy strong
moist heat and liberal watering di;riLi<^ growth,
and after flowering and completion of growth
rest in a cooler house. — G. Abbey."

[T^''c give the abo\'e from the Joimial of Horii-

^^;OL]lr^ victorlv regln.a

introducmg to heat again, when the plants will
flower m August or September. Plants may be
had m hloom at almost any time by growhig
them m brisk heat and affording abundant air-
moisture and water; and when thegi-owtb ceases

/fro k'J'' ""''"' ^^''^ g^"«« "^ a warm greenhouse
(60 -oO mm.) ,^^dth water only to keep the fo-
liage from flagging, and with a sj'Hnging overhead
once a day .they will scarcely need water until
reqmred for starting. The rest should not be less
than SIX weeks. Another mode of ciJture is not
to dry the plants at all, but, after flowerincr or

cullure, as supplementary to an excellent article
hyUv. Taplin in one of our former numbers.
Fewpeoijle here seem to grow it well.— Ed. G. M.]

JS'Ji^W PLANTS.

ViOLCT VrcroHu Bj^glna.— Recently ^ve re
cen-ed some fresh flowers of this beautiful i:ew
violet from Mr. Henry Chitty of the Bellevue

18*76.

AND HORTICULTURIST,

11

Nursery, and now have the pleasure of giving
our readers an illustration of the same.

New Variegated Fern: — Dictyograivima ja-
PONICA. — Variegated ferns are very rare. Mr.
Williams of England has introduced this. The
yellowish green variegation is " herring boned "
along the centre of each leaflet as in some of the
marantas. There is a wood cut of it in January
Florist and Pomologut. It is a hardy greenhouse
kind.

Dahlia Maximilliana. — This is a new species
from Mexico, with tlower of a peach-blossom
color, seeds of which are being offered by Amer-
ican seedsmen. It may be the parent of a new
race.

ZoNALE Pelargonium, Distinction. — Mr. Chitty
says this is a very interesting variegated leaved
novelty. The leaves are dark green, having a
narrow band of jet black near the margin. There
is a cut of it in the advertising columns.

Clematis ligusticifolla.. — This is a remarka-
bly strong and vigorous growing, hardy clematis.
A neighbor to the well known C. Virginiana of
the Eastern states, and will at least be as popular.
We note that it is now being oflfered in several of
our seedsmen's catalogues. It grows from Colo-
rado westward. A good thing for covering walls
of houses or outbuildings.

Alocasia odorata. — The common Caladium
esculentum is well known. Some years ago we
noted a fine plant in the garden of Mr. Mitchell,
of Milwaukee, as stated in our columns at the
time. Since then we have noted it of immense
size in Southern gardens ; for which it is a very
striking object. Mr. Hanford thus speaks of it:

" This noble plant while young, slightly resem-
bles the well known Caladium esculentum, but
grows to really gigantic dimensions as it attains
age, and while the latter dies down annually to
the bulb, this grows into a stem or trunk, which
retains some of the foliage through the winter, if
kept in the conservatory or sitting room. The
leaves are of enormous size, of a bright glossy
green, with thick fleshy mid ribs and nerves,
standing stiff and upright on a stout stem.
Plants under good culture frequently attain eight
and twelve feet in height.

A remarkable plant and well worthy of a place
in every collection of plants, fox garden, conser-
vatory, or sitting room decoration.

QUERIES.

RuBus Ros^FOLius. — S. D., Oxford, Pa. — The
above is the plant referred to in the following : I
send you by mail a box with a flower of a seed-
ling that came of itself in one of our pots. It is
new to me, although it may be an old flower. Is
it a raspberry rose ? — or what is it ?

[It is commonly known as the Bramble Rose.
It produces no seeds, but propagates by pieces of
the root. A piece was in the soil of your pot. —
Ed. G. M.]

Disease in Violets. — J. McB., Boston, Mass.
says : " Would you be so kind as to let me know
through the columns of your valuable periodical
what has caused the failure of a bed of Neapoli-
tan violets, which I had planted last fall in a
compost of maiden loam, decomposed manure,
one-fourth leaf mould, and a small proportion of
sand ?

" The house in which I planted them is a span
roof running east and west. Parallel and to the
south of this house runs another house of the same
size and shape. So it was always partially shaded
by the house south of it, thereby preventing ex-
cessive heat from the sun. When I brought the
plants in from the open ground, they appeared
to be in a very healthy condition, and continued
to appear so for a few weeks afterwards.

" Some time in December I discovered they
had become sickly, and, upon examination, I
found formed on the fibrous roots small tubercles
resembling diminutive Gladioli bulbs. Now, sad
to relate, my violets are all dead. I am at a loss
to know the cause of their death. Enclosed I
send you a sample of their roots.

" What I should like to know is, have the tuber-
cles caused death ? If so, what caused the tuber-
cles? Relying on your authority, I trust you
will give your opinion in the next number, as
you would confer a favor upon me as well as per-
haps others who may have similar experience."

[We have never seen this disease before. It is
evidently caused by an insect similar to the
Phylloxera in the grape vine. Send a few fresh
specimens in damp moss to Prof. C. V. Riley,
St. Louis, Mo. They will be of great interest to
him.— Ed. G. M.]

Propagating Begonias. — T. H., Bridgeport, 0.
— The dwarf kinds are raised from leaves, or
portions of the leaves, from any portion of which
buds will push. Many people divide the nerves

78

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[March,

and ribs of the leaves, and then peg down the
leaf on sand or hght soil, and little plants will
form from the severed portion. It is best to have

the sand of a temperature of 60° or 70° to have
the best success. The more shrubby kinds are
raised from cuttings of the stems.

Sruit and "Vegetable Jardening.

SEASONABLE HINTS.

There is nothing so worries the editor of a
Magazine like this, as questions as to what va-
rieties of fruit it is best to jjlant ; for everj' locaHty
has a favorite list of its own . The editor of this Mag-
azine has had a wide experience, there being few
localities over this great country that he has not
had some personal knowledge of, and yet he
would not dare to give a list for any one place
without feeling sure to raise up a host of observ-
ers, who would be sure they would not plant
such a list on any account. We may say, how-
ever, that we believe there is not near as much
"adaptability" required in varieties, as people
think for.

A very imperfect trial, perhaps with Aveak
plants, or under bad treatment, or perhaps some
exceptionable unfavorable seasons or circum-
stances, have given a variety a bad name, that
really deserved a better fate. We know how
very local the Triomphe de Gand strawberry
was supposed to be, and yet it became a good
stand-by, and the Jucunda was actually discarded
by some of our best cultivators, before the late
war. Knox found good in it, a decision that has
been abundantly confirmed. If the plant be
healthy and the system of culture not an exhaus-
tive one on the constitution of the plant, w^e
would not hesitate to try in most localities kinds
that had been found reliable in others.

In fruit growing, remember that fruits are like
grain and vegetable crops, in this, that they must
have manure to keep up fertility. Unlike vege-
tables and grain, however, their feeding roots are
mostly at the surface. It is best, therefore, an-
nually to top-dress fruit trees. If manure can-
not be had, any fresh earth from ditches or road-
sides, spread half an inch or so under the trees,
will have a wonderful effect. Indeed, we do not
know but that for the pear tree a thin layer of

road sand is one of the best manures. We have
seen apples thrive amazingly with a coating of
coal-ashes.

Whitewashing the stems of orchard trees has
a very beneficial effect in clearing away old bark
and destroying the eggs of innumerable insects.
The white color is bad; throw in a little soot or
some other matter to make it brown. In green-
houses sulphur has been found of benefit in
keeping down mildew. Possibly, if mixed with
the whitewash in tree-dressing it might do good
against fire-blight, and such like fungoid troubles.

In planting fruit trees aim to have them so
that the hot, dry sun will not have full effect
on the ground about the roots. The great heat
in this way injures the trees. Many who have
trees in gardens, plant raspberries under them.
The partial shade seems to be good for the rasp-
berries and helps the trees. Blackberries would,
no doubt, do well in the same situation ; and
strawberries it is well known, do not do badly,
groAvn in the same way.

This is a bus}' season south of Pennsylvania in
the vegetable garden. Here we must wait till
the end of the month, and northward still later.
The crops noted will, of course, be dependent on
the arrival of the season, which is rather^indicated
by the ground becoming Avarm and dry, than by
the almanac. It is very imjjortant to have crops
early; as soon as the ground is, therefore, in
good condition put in the seed. Possibly a cold
rain might come and injure them, and you may
lose, and have to make a new sowing. Even so,
it is but the loss of the seed and labor, while if
the seed do not die, the early crop will more than
repay that risk.

Deep, rich soil, now so generally condemned
for fruit gardens, is of the first importance here.
Soil cannot be too rich or too deep, if we would
have good vegetables. It is, indeed, remarkable,
that in many respects we have to go very differ*
ently to work to get good fruits than we have ta

1876.]

AND HORTIGULTUBIST.

T9

perfect vegetables. Wliile for instance, we have
to get sunlight to give the best richness to our
fruits, our vegetables are usually best when
blanched or kept from the light. So, also, as we
keep the roots as near the surface as we can in
order to favor the woody tissue in trees, we like
to let them go deep in vegetables, because this
favors succulence.

In the open ground, peas and potatoes receive
the first attention. Then beets and carrots. Then
lettuce, radish, spinach, onions, leeks and parsley.
Beyond this unless in more favored latitudes than
Pennsylvania, little can be done until the first
week in April. There is nothing gained in work-
ing soil until it has become warm and dry.

Celery for the main crop will do about the end
of the month, but a little may be sown now. We
have never been able to make up our mind
whether there is such a thing as an absolute
solid variety of Celery ; and whether pithiness in
any degree depends on soil or culture. Cer-
tainly we buy all the most improved "solids"
every year, and never yet found one satisfactory
throughout. We cannot say Avhich is the best of
the many candidates.

In the hot-bed, pepper, egg-plant, tomato and
cucumbers maybe sown, — andina cooler hot-bed
frame, Early York cabbage, cauliflowers and
celery. Those who have not got a hot-bed, can
sow a few pots or boxes, and keep them near
the light in a warm room.

In addition to sowing of the above, onions,
leeks, parsnips and parsley must be sown at this
season — not for the main crop, but to have a few
in advance of the rest. To keep over the winter,
almost all kinds of root crops become tough or
coarse if sown too soon.

COMMUNICA TIONS.

JUNE PEACH BUDDING.

BY H. E. VAN DEMAN, GENEVA, KAN.

My chief reason for writing this note is that
myself and others may be enabled to successfully
perform what is commonly termed June budding
of the peach. I will first say what I have done.
Last year, 1875, knowing that others had made it
a success, I began by setting a few buds in that
year's peach stocks about July 1st. The stocks
were less than the size of a lead pencil, the buds

were the nearest developed that could be found.
Every one united with the stock, and in about
eight days after setting I cut the stock off close to
the bud, which was inserted some three inches
above the ground. These died — root and all — •
within two weeks from being cut off", although the
season was very favorable and some of them
showed signs of starting.

July 12th, I set sixty buds, which all united,
and part of them I cut off to the bud in about
ten days. The buds in those cut off made a
growth of from six inches to a foot.

About June 15th I set a dozen i^each buds
taken from the new growth in stocks of the pre-
vious year's growth. These united and I cut off
the stocks, and the buds made a growth of some
two feet.

Nfw my inferences from this experience are,
that these last mentioned buds set in the old
stocks succeeded, and that one might save stocks
that way in which buds had failed that were set
the fall previous. That the first buds and stocks
both of the new growth, were, when tried (July
1st) too green or tender.

That those set July 12th made only a poor
growth, although the season was all that one could
desire.

I desire that Mr. Bilyeu, and others of experi-
ence, may give the readers of this journal the
benefit of their experience, so far as they can, by
written directions in this matter.

SELF OPENING GATES.

BY J. H. PEIRCE, DAYTON, OHIO.

I observe your remark about self-opening gates,
or rather gates opened by the wheels of the car-
riage passing over them. I have had in use one
made by Messrs. Cottom, of this city, for three
years, and never in any respect out of order, or
working otherwise than satisfactorily. Many
others of same make have been in use here for
five or six or more years, and give perfect satis-
faction. My single gate cost, put up, |40 ; the
price of double gates I think is $50 and $60. It
is the best I ever saw, and see no use for further
attempt at improvement.

Sunday, 9th January, ther. 58°. A bush honey-
suckle in the garden in full bloom, from which
we have the flowers now in the house. 10th,
Monday, 7 a. m., temp. 16°; 11th, 10°; this morn-
ing, 21°.

«0

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[March,

EDITORIAL NOTES.

The Lady Grape. — In our advertising pages
Mr. Geo. W. Campbell, of Delaware, Ohio, has a
beautiful lithograph of his Lady Grape. We can
say from our own experience that it is a free,
healthy grower, and the fruit, which we have had
before us on several occasions, indicates it to be
one of the best yet introduced.

The Southern Eed Easpberry. — A year or
more ago Mr. Stearns furnished us a note in re-
gard to this variety, which attracted some atten-
tion. A correspondent from St. Mary's, Indiana,
furnishes us with the following note in relation to
its history.

" I have no reliable history of its origin. I re-
ceived it five years ago from Moses J. Stearns#of
Cobden, 111. After I had grown it a few years and
found it to be far superior to anything in the
raspberry line that I had ever tried, I wrote
to him for a full history of it. It was some three
or four months before I received an answer to my
letter, and it was then from a man by the name
of Crandall (his first name I quite forget). He
stated to me in his letter that Mr. Stearns was
dead, and that he was his administrator. He also
stated that as to the raspberry he was not posted
and could give me no correct history of it."

Borecole. — While on a trip through the State
of Mississippi recently, we had occasion to note
how extensively this was grown and appreciated
under its old fashioned name of " Colew^orts,"
pronounced down here collards. They do not
head as the cabbage does, but have short tender
green leaves, which push out from buds all up
and down the stem as the Brussels sprouts do.
These and other vegetables were in full condition
for use at McComb City, a settlement chiefly of
Northern men, who are prospering remarkably
well in this far off region. In our northern regions
we could not grow this as our winters are of
course too severe. Col. Hillyard, the enterpris-
ing secretary of the Mississippi Valley Company,
informed us that at McComb City the thermome-
ter rarely falls 12° below freezing point and
then only for a little while, which is of course
very favorable to winter vegetables.

Grape, Golden Queen. — The Gardener's Chron-
icle, referring to grapes for cold vineries, says this
continues to be one of the highest excellence.

Preserving Figs. — While along the Gulf coast
recently the writer noticed that the fig, though in

a climate exempt from frost, seemed determined
to keep to its deciduous proclivities, and w'as in a
perfectly leafless state. We can, therefore, say
nothing about southern figs, but by the way the
southern people talk of them they must be some-
thing to tempt even an anchorite. But we were
told that no one has been able to dry them so as
to compete with those of Europe. So far as we
could learn no one seemed to know the process
by which they were dried in Europe. We there-
fore give the following account. It may be re-
marked that even in raisin making the Europeans
make free vise of lye to open the pores and hurry
up the drying.

The preparation of figs for market is given as
follows : Sheets are held under the trees — clear
of the ground — and the fruit is shaken into them.
They are then placed into baskets and dipped in
a bath of strong potash lye for about two minutes,
and then dipped into clean w^ater. This is to re-
move the gum on the outside of the fruit and to
improve the color. They are then placed upon
hurdles to dry in the sun, or in a dry-house, and
when soft enough to pack closely are pressed
tightly into wooden drums or boxes. The drums
hold about fifteen pounds and nuist not be made
of pine, as it injures the flavor.

The Walbridge and Edgar Eed Streak Ap-
ple.— A correspondent of the Prairie Farmer, says
these have been proved identical, the last being
the prior and therefore the proper name. He
gives the following history of it :

" The Edgar Eed Streak was originated in this
country by my father, Joseph Curtis, of Paris, 111.,
in the year 1818, and was named by the Indian-
apolis Horticultural Society, of Indiana. It was
one of three varieties named firom twelve new
seedlings which he presented to that Society (of
which he was a member) about the year 1840.
Was grown from the same planting of seed that
produced the Illinois Greening and Belleflower
Pippin. Has been noted here for vigor and har-
diness of tree, full bearing and bright color of
fruit. Keeps through winter, but is only second
rate in quality, and rather small to become a
popular market apple."

The Lettuce Mould. — This terrible disease of
the English salad grow-er has not been hitherto
very destructive in America, but Prof. Burrill,
excellent authority, reports it as being very de-
structive in the vicinity of Champaign, 111.,
last vear.

1876.]

AND HORTICULTURIST.

81

The Wild Goose Plum. — It is very hard to
get at what is meant by the true " Wild Goose
Plum." We had some sent to us for our opinion
last summer, some from Delaware, and some
from Lebanon, in Pennsylvania, as the true and
genuine kind. On these we gave our opinion at
the time. We thought them fair cooking plums.
Referring to these lately, the etlitor was told that
the genuine kind was as large as a black walnut.
If so we have certainly never seen a true one.
Now comes the meeting of the Western New
York Horticultural Society, and it seemed to be
by general consent regarded that Mr. Willard had
the true "Wild Goose," and he describes it as a
very good thing " an inch wide and an inch and a
half long." Now this is an oval plum, and no
larger than the ordinary copper plum, and very
different from a black walnut in size. To make
our troubles worse come Messrs. Hance of Red
Bank and they tell us the true Wild Goose is per-
fectly round, and a whole two inches in diameter ;
now here we get near the black walnut.

As to the quality, the meeting of the fruit grow-
ers referred to developed various opinions. A
Cincinnati gentleman who seemed to be very fa-
miliar Avith the " right " kind, thought it good
when, like a persimon, it was taken at the right
time, otherwise, still like a persimon, it was bit-
ter and astringent. ' J. J. Thomas' experience
was that it was pretty good to his taste. As re-
ported, however, there is a mystery about his
opinion. He seems to have fruiting trees, " not
grafted." "fruit thin skinned, but the curculio
failed to sting them ; " but the fruit on which he
based his opinion were not these, "but came
from Georgia." We know how brief reports do
injustice to speakers, and it is doubtless the case
here. In the meantime we are confounded with
this wild goose chase. We have an idea that
there is a real bird somewhere, but whether its
merits are a " matter of taste," or something on
which there can be no difference of opinion, we
do not know.

The Profit of Filbert Nuts. — A correspon-
dent of the Garden says :

" If, in America, an enterprising man were to
get the grant of 1,000 acres, and at once clear and
plant it with Cob Filberts, he would find it one of
the most remunerative transactions of his life —
their transit to this market is easy, and they are
not injured from being two or three months in
tubs, a circumstance which renders them as easy
of carriage by land or sea, as flour."

It shows how ill calculated one at a distance is

to offer advice; though we can appreciate the
good intention which moves the suggestion. Our
good friend is evidently unaware that this bush is
extremely liable here to a terribly destructive fun-
gus, which would sweep off a whole thousand
acres in two or three years. We would rather
take our chances on a thousand acres of plums
than a thousand acres of filberts, and every
American knows what that means.

Fertility resisting Frost. — We have repeat-
edly called attention to the fact that a half starved
tree, or one dried out in summer, is the first to
die in a severe winter. An abundance of rich
nutritious food is favorable to hardiness.

Under the heading of this note a correspondent
of ^e Country Gentleman has an excellent article
confirming this position. Clover and grass where
well manured were gi'een and healthy long after
those under poorer circumstances were killed.

Early Cabbages and Tomatoes. — A "practical
gardener of many years experience," hailing fi-om
Janesville, Wisconsin, is issuing a circular in
which we are told that the tomato, except in few
instances, does not ripen in that latitude till Sep-
tember, but he possesses a " secret " by which he
can have them ripe by the 4th of July, which is
Independence day. By his "secret," cabbages
will mature "from two to four weeks earlier" than
any body else's cabbage. By virtue of "said
process," these " two important articles of food,"
cabbages and tomatoes, may be had " in bloom,"
when " the proper weather arrives for their trans-
fer " from the hot beds. •

What special advantage there is in having 9,
cabbage in bloom we do not know, but this we
suppose is part of the " secret," which we are told,
" is not patented," and therefore can only be dis-
posed of for a "valuable consideration." We are
further told that " the method applies to nursery
stock as well," which, we suppose is to be made
to produce fruit on the fourth of July.

We do not know that any of our readers will
be particularly anxious to "go in," on these "se-
crets," but if there are, there can be no objection,
provided they pay all their debts first. It is their
own business.

Late Apples. — There ought to be a good
field for the exporter, with our late keeping ap-
ples, to England. The London Garden says that
early in January their two best keepers, Ribston
Pippin and Cox's Orange Pippin, are beginning to
decay. We could certainly keep the English mar-
ket in apples till the strawberry season comes in.

82

TEE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[March,

The Mandarin Orange. — This is one of the
luxuries of New Orleans. It is a much superior
fruit to the ordinary orange, but, decaying easier,
is not suited to transportation, hence we do not
get it in our markets. Those who have gardens
in Louisiana should plant this delicious variety.

Brockworth Park and Bonne d'Ezee Pears. —
The new English pear, Brockworth Park, is said
to be the same as the French Bonne d'Ezee.

Clapp's Favorite Pear is regarded by a dis-
tinguished French pomologist, as one of the best
three August pears for that part of the world.

American Potatoes in England. — It has been
long known to us that English varieties of potatoes
soon degenerate when planted here. It now ap-
pears that it is exactly so with our varieties in
England. They produce wonderful crops the
first year, but soon go backward.

American Apples. — In a notice of a collection
of apples from Ellwanger & Barry the editor
of the Garden observes that the flavor of Amer-
ican apples is far superior to that of English
apples, even the Ribston pippins from Rochester,
and which is the king of all apples in England
is pronounced "firm, juicy and delicious." Our
climate seems to have such an effect on the
juices, that to the taste of the editor, our class of
sweet apples seemed like eating a new race of fruits.
Tlie pears sent with the apples by E. & B., were not
regarded as equal to the best English fruit.

Talman's Sweet is the variety of apple which
especially struck the editor of the Garden as of
80 fine a flavor among all apples. This may be a
good hint to exjDorters.

The Best English Peas.— Kinds that prove
best for the English climate, are not necessarily
the best here. Still it is good as a matter of in-
formation to know what are regarded as the best
in the old world. A correspondent of the Garden,
gives the following list and we believe he regards
them as best in order as named. It is a pretty
good list for "the best," and will indicate the
enormous number of varieties they must have in
England.

"I will name the following as among the very
best Peas in cultivation :— First crop— Kentish
Invicta, Blue Peter, Carter's First Crop, William
the First, and Laxton's No. 1; the last a very
early blue wrinkled Marrow Pea. Second or
main crop— Ne Plus Ultra, Dwarf Ne Plus Ultra,
Laxton's Alpha, Auvergne, Veitch's Perfection,
Nutting's No. 1, Williams' Emperor of the Mar-

rows, Laxton's Supplanter, Champion of England,
and Burbridge's Eclipse. For late cropping —
Ne Plus Ultra, Veitch's Perfection, Moss Podded,
M'Lean's Best of All, Jamea' Prolific Marrow,
British Queen, Victoria Marrow, Knight's Tall
and Dwarf Green Marrows, Laxton's Omega
Yorkshire Hero, Champion of Scotland ; and for
the last sowings in August, First and Best and
Laxton's No.l and Alpha.

Protecting Trees from Rabbits and Mice. —
This is a very simple matter. A piece of paper
tied around the stem near the ground, and tarred,
is sufiicient. Pine tar should be employed, gas
tar often contains creosote in sufficient quantity
to penetrate the paper and injure the bark.

Profits of Forced Peaches. — ^^Ve believe all
attempts to make any very great profits from early
peaches have failed in the vicinity of Philadel-
phia. We do not know why it has been aband-
oned. It would seem that it ought to pay. We
give the following which we find as a " floating ''
paragraph, observing, however, that nothing
of profits can be deduced from fancy prices, as
competition soon pulls them down.

From a single tree planted in a tub, and kept
in his hot-house, C. S. Holbrook, of Holbrook,
Mass., has sold in 18 years, no less than $2,300 worth
of peaches — some of them at $36 per dozen ; many
at from $24 to $28 per dozen, and all at an aver-
age of $18 per dozen. They were sold mostly in
the months of February and March,

The Wilder Peach. — Mr. H. M. Engle, of Ma-
rietta, Pa., has got out colored lithographs of
this, which we favorably noticed last year. Mr.
E. is very sensitive about having his name con-
nected with any unworthy thing, and hence is
modest in pushing anything of his own. We feel
quite safe in saying that hundreds of new fruits
have been widely advertised on much inferior
merit to this. We would not be at all surprised
if this " Wilder " peach should distance aU, the
early ones yet brought out. Of course a careful
test would be necessary to give this as a positive
opinion, but we really think the facts point that
way.

»«-•

NEW FRUITS ^ VEGETABLES.

Large Montmorency Cherry. — Mr. Ellwanger
says in Report W. N. Y. H. Soc: " We have fruited
this fine acid cherry for several years, and consider
it one of the most valuable in cultivation. The
tree is very hardy and a great bearer; fruit large

1876.]

AND HORTICULTURIST.

83

and of a shining, dark red color, and of a very
good quality. Ripe about a week after the Early
Kichmond."

Paul's Improved Crab. — Illustrated in January
Florist and Pomologist. This is highly colored and
a little early, and it is therefore regarded as a
hybrid between the common Siberian and Red
Astrachan, but our Western Pomologists have
obtained numerous seedling crabs of this charac-
ter, as simple seedings, without any idea of hy-
bridization.

Souvenir du Congress Pear. — At the recent
meeting of the Western N. Y. Horticultural So-
ciety Mr. Geo. Ellwanger said : " After several
years' fruiting, we can say that for large size,
beautifi;l form and color, as well as good
qualities, it is without a rival among recent intro-
ductions."

Two New French Pears. — President Drouard,
and Belle de Bem(fert. — Under these names we
have from Mr. J. De Saint Ange colored plates.
They are large greenish " Duchess " looking fruits,
and both winter varieties.

Dr. McLean Pea. — An immense number of
new peas appeared in England last year. This is
thought to be one of the best. It is a dwarf blue
wrinkled marrow, large pods, and a great cropper.

qUERIES.

Mushroom Culture. — A "Subscriber," has
started a small bed of mushrooms, as described
in "Henderson's Gardening for Profit," but says
he ''don't know how to cut, pack and sell them,
which Henderson omits to mention, and much
other minutiae perhaps necessary to be known by
the producer for profit."

[Mr. Henderson will perhaps oblige by furnish-
ing us with the desired supplement to his useful
work.— Ed. G. M.]

Black's Early Peach. — H. E.Van Deman says :
"Who knows to a certainty about this peach?
Where did it originate? What is its season of
ripening? What of its productiveness and qual-
ity? Any one who can answer these questions
will confer a favor upon the writfer and perhajjs
upon other readers of the Monthly."

Water at the Roots of Grape Vines. — M.N.C.,
Chicago, 111. You are right. It will not hurt
the roots of your vines to be near water. The
celebrated vine at Hampton Court is said to be
so superior because some of the roots get to a cess-

pool, and one of the best growers of native
grapes in Pennsylvania, Mr. Jacob Garber, finds
some vines do best where a portion of the roots
get to a spring. Still it is also true that if all the
roots are damp, grape growing is a failure. Per-
haps the explanation is, that where some of the
roots are employed in taking up water only,
others are engaged in taking up other food, and
the division of labor is an advantage.

Fruit Culture. — A Cincinnati correspondent
says : " I am a great admirer of the Gardener's
Monthly, but think you give too much space to
small fruit growers and others whose grounds are
rather farms than gardens. In a recent issue I noted
that one-fifth of the whole space was occupied in
that way. Can you not give us a horticultural
paper, pure and simple and let these farm topics
alone."

Jupiter once sat in the heavens, and opened
his trap door to listen to the supplications of the
inhabitants of the earth. He who was blind
asked to be deaf instead, the lame man preferred
to be blind, the deaf man wanted to be lame. No
man had anything he wanted, and wanted every-
thing he had not. Whereupon Jupiter waxed ex-
ceeding wroth, and shut the trap door down with
such a bang that it has never been opened since.

However we shall have less temper, and are
quite willing that the "fruit" men have their
say in turn if they wish.

Highland Hardy Raspberry. — J. A. N.
St. Josephs, Michigan, says: "Who sells the
'Highland Hardy Raspberry?' If what your
Ulster Co. correspondent says of it in January
number is correct, the purchasers Would be many.
Please ask him to verify his statements, then ad-
vertise his bushes."

[As we stated in our note when inserting that
communication, we know nothing whatever of
that raspberrry. We suppose if it is all that is
claimed for it, some one will have it for sale be-
fore long. — Ed. G.M.]

Oyster Shell Lime. — W. Mi, Plainville, Conn.,
says: "My garden is a light sandy soil, and this
spring I think of using on it oyster shell lime.
Am I right in doing so, and what will be the result?
I also intend to apply it around my fruit trees.
Please note in March No. and oblige."

[Oyster shell lime is better on sandy soil than
ordinary lime, which on the other hand is best
for clay lands, — but beware of overdosing ; much
less lime to the acre has to be used on sandy than
on clayey lands. — Ed. G. M.]

84

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[March,

lORESTRY.

COMMUNICA TIONS.

RAPIDITY OF GROWTH OF TIMBER TREES.

BY F. R. ELLIOTT.

Your note of the Abies Douglasi suggests to
me that, perhaps, it would be admissible in your
journal to state that twelve to sixteen years in
this country has grown the Cottonwood to a
height of over forty feet, and of size sufficient to
make from half to three-fourths of a cord of
wood. The black walnut, butternut, chestnut,
Boft maple, willows, poplars, all are rapid growers.
The Norway spruce, white, and yellow, and Scotch
pine have grown to a height of thirty to thirty-
five feet in twelve years.

But, while we have many rapid-growing trees,
promising of profit and beauty, much depends
upon the soil in which they stand, and also the
distances apart. Many a piece of ground, now
vacant, and too low to cultivate without great ex-
pense, might be cultivated with forest trees, that
in ten to twelve years would be found of greater
profit than if planted in the ordinary way or left
to its natural grasses. The destruction of our
native forests is yearly rapidly increasing, and,
perhaps, no better move could be made than to
petition the controllers of public funds to apply
a certain amount yearly in premiums to those
who plant.

THE FORESTS OF MICHIGAN.

BY PROF. W. T. BEAL,

Within my recollection a large part of South-
em Michigan, which is now in the form of arable
land, has been cleared of timber. Our grand-
fathers, at great labor and expense, cut down,
rolled into heaps, and burned the timber from"
thousands of acres in New York, because they
must have room for corn and wheat and meadow.
Our fathers did and are still doing the same thing
for Michigan. Educated in this way, brought up
in the woods, where timber is too plenty, as a
people, we have been taught to undervalue tim-
ber. There are now living, men who can see no

beauty in a tree, except for the cords of wood or
loads of lumber, or the hundreds of rails it will
make. The lovely elm, with all its grace and
beauty, well styled the queen of Americaxi trees,
shades the border of his meadow, and is a
nuisance. He cuts it down. Our large, grand
old trees have not been saved, partially because
of this lack of love for them. In many places it
would be impossible to save them. They would
not stand the storms alone when their fellow trees
were cut away. In 100 or 200 years it is likely
our successors will have and care for large sam-
ples of trees which have grown more stocky in
exposed places. One of the interesting things
now to do is to save what we can and make a
record of the size and position of any large trees
in Michigan.

The largest hemlock I ever measured was at
Hersey, in Oscela county. At the stump it was
thirteen feet in circumference. I know there
are larger specimens, and I am ready and anx-
ious to record and publish the figures. At Her-
sey, also, I measured a black birch ten and a
half feet in circumference. I hear of an arbor
vitse Avhite cedar about twelve feet in circumfer-
ence on Cedar river. I hear of a buttonwood
tree, four miles below Grand Rapids, thirty-three
feet around. In Saginaw county I hear of a but-
ternut tree three feet nine inches in diameter. I
am anxiously waiting to get dimensions of more
native trees.

The largest apple and largest pear trees I
ever saw or heard of in Michigan are at Monroe.
The pear tree is ten feet in circumference in the
smallest place ; the apple tree is ten feet in cir-
cumference six inches from the ground. Near
Adrian is a weeping willow about four feet
through, and a grape vine twelve or thirteen
inches in diameter. In Branch county stand
two trees, twelve feet apart, each about twelve
inches through. They run up twelve feet, when
one starts off" horizontally and strikes the other,
when they grow together in one body. I heard
of a specimen, perhaps not now standing, two
pines, about four feet apart, diameters twenty-six
and twenty inches respectively. About sixteen
feet from the ground they are joined by a pine

1876.]

AND HORTICULTURIST.

85

six inches in diameter. Above the point of union
the smaller tree becomes the largest. In Oak-
land county are twin beeches, much like the
pine trees just mentioned.

On Little Salt river I hear of a white oak
twenty-five feet in circumference. At Lansing
we have tamaracks about nine feet around. In
Lenawee, near Deerfield and on Little Prairie
Ronde, I hear of sassafras trees six feet in cir-
cumference. At Grand Ledge and at Tecumseh
are coffee trees four feet in circumference. At
Adrian and near Kalamazoo are honey locusts
about six feet in circumference. At Northport
is a red cedar about nine feet around. In Otsego
county there is a sugar maple said to be eighteen
feet in circumference ; one in Ionia county seven-
teen feet four inches around. At Clam Lake an
old lumberman can furnish spars of pine 175 feet
long and only two feet through at the butt. In
Reading, Hillsdale county, I hear of a black
walnut nine and a half feet in diameter. As a
boy I remember one in Rollin, Lenawee county,
which, I think, was equal to the one in Reading.
In Dearborn I hear of a swamp oak twenty-three
feet around, an American elm at Manistee twenty-
four feet around. In Vevay, Ingham county, I
learn of a white wood eighteen feet around.

In Farmington, Oakland county, I hear of an
ailanthus thirty years old six feet three inches
in circumference. In Flint I hear of an oak tree
nearly three feet in diameter. About ten feet
from the ground is a huge knot which is sound
and goes nearly around the tree. The wart, or
knot, strikes out nearly three feet each way from
the tree.

Some trees prove of great value because of the
peculiarity of the grain. If I am rightly informed,
a walnut tree at Potterville sold for $1,000 as the
wood was in beautiful waves. It was made into
veneering. Doubtless many a valuable log has
been destroyed by ignorant people not knowing

its real worth.

A thorough survey of the State, with a full il-
lustrated report of the forest trees and other
plants, would be of great interest and value in
many respects. Trees indicate soil. Massachu-
setts has a good report.

At the Agricultural College we have begun in
a small way to raise some of our native trees,
some foreign ones also, to see which will prove
of most value for future generations to grow for
profit. It may seem strange to hear of raising
trees for timber in Michigan, but our people will
soon begin to raise some kinds, and some of us

will live to see it in all probability. So far as we
can judge nmv our best trees to raise for timber
are white ash, hickory, black walnut, white pine,
white oak, European larch. An acre of timber
raised, cultivated and properly cared for is of
much more value than an acre of forest trees of
the same species.

Considering the great prominence of Michigan
forests when compared with any other states, it
is well worth while for our citizens, through
the Centennial, to show specimens of them, and
also sections of some of our oldest cultivated
trees, as fruit trees and ornamental trees, to show
how fast they grow, to show how well they endure
our climate. Of such, we are preparing to exhibit
locust, catalpa, European larch, apple trees,
cedars, maples, &c.

EDITORIAL NOTES.

Forestry in Iowa. — Mr. Suel Foster tells
the Country Gentleman: "Forest timber, wind-
breaks and ornamentiU trees," was a subject of
much interest in our meeting. No man in our
State has done so much in this line as Hon. C. E.
Whiting, of Monroe county, on the west line of
the State ; and no man in the State is doing so
much to instruct and encourage tree planting as
H. H. McAfee, Professor of Forestry and Horti-
culture at our Agricultural College. He is a man
who puts his hand to the work ; knows how to do
it, and when it is rightly done. His department
at the farm has not been enlarged, as the interests
of our State require, but so far it is progressing
in the right direction.

Californian Chestnut. — At a recent meeting
of the Californian Academy of Natural Sciences,
Dr. Kellogg said he had just returned from under
the shadow of the finest evergreens ever grown.
He hoped the secretary would record the fact
that there were in California Golden Chestnut
Trees (Castanea chrysophylla) from 100 to 200
feet high, 4 to 6 feet in diameter, and with an un-
branched trunk of from 50 to 70 feet.

English Oak Timber.— We have before us a
statement of an English planter that he has two
acres of oak timber planted in 1845 now with
trees fifty feet high. This is not two feet a year.
We have seen English Oak do better than that in
this country, and believe the timber, from some
few observations we have made, to be better than
any of our ovra species. We believe the time

86

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[March,

will soon be when a plantation of English Oak
will be one of the most profitable '^arts of one's
farm. In less than ten years it would play no
mean part in fencing.

Gum Trees. — At a discussion in New York, a
gentleman observed that one of the family of
Australian gum trees, the sweet gum, was already
prolific in the South. The Sweet Gum is the
Liquidambar styraciflua, almost useless for
anything but poor fuel we believe. Tlie gum of
Australia is the Eucalyptus, of a family having no
relationship to the sweet gum. It shows the danger
of confusion in the popular mind of popular
names.

The Black Spruce.— An admirable and ex-
haustive paper appears in the recently published
transactions of the Albany Institute of New York,
by Professor Peck on the Black Spruce. Not
only are its botanical relations considered, but
its history as a timber tree, and its position in
American Forestry are very fully treated of.

Carolina Poplars.— English writers, and they
are followed by some in this country, speak of
this as the "Black Italian Poplar." There are
two very distinct species. Both are cultivated in
leading American nurseries.

Virtues of the Eucalyptus.— It seems to be
now conceded that the chief value of the Euca-
Ipytus resides in its rapid growing and numerous
roots, which absorb so much moisture as really to
dry up ground but moderately marshy, and indeed
to prevent in this way the material action on ani-
mal life. As the tree cannot be grown where the
thermometer shows a lower temperature than
the freezing point, we might at least profit by the
hint to the extent of extensive planting of other
fast growing trees in marshy places that have an
unhealthy reputation. We fancy a grove of
cypress would be as health giving as though of
Eucalyptus.

Value of Australian Gum Wood. — The
Rural Press, of San Francisco, thus speaks of
Eucalyptus wood :

" It will be of much interest to our gum tree
growers to know some of the uses and qualities of
the wood in the region where it has reached its
best estate. In Australia ship buildere get keels
of blue gum timber 120 feet long; they also use
it extensively for planking and other parts of the
ship. It is considered superior to American rock
elm. A test of strength made between some blue
gum, English oak and Indian teak, showed that
the blue gum carried fourteen pounds weight

more than the oak and seventeen pounds four
ounces more than teak upon the square inch. It
is extensively used by carpenters for all kinds of
out-door work, for fence rails, shafts and spokes
of drays, and a variety of other purposes. For
railroad sleepers it lasts about nine years. The
wood is of a yellowish grey tint, with a close,
straight grain.

" Nor is the red gum tree wood of less value
and utility. The specimens shown by Mr. Mackey
show its qualities clearly. Baron Von Mueller
gives the following careful description of the
wood : It is a hard, dense wood with a handsome
curly but rather short grain. It is almost en-
tirely free from the tendency to longitudinal
shrinkage which is the invariable characteristic
of all the other eucalyptii. It is of extraordinary
endurance under ground, and is, therefore, highly
valued for fence posts, piles and railway sleepers.
It is extensively used by shipbuilders for main
sterns, stern posts, inner posts, dead wood, floor
timbers, futtocks, transoms, knight heads, hawse
pieces, cant, stern, quarter, and fashion timber,
windlass, bow rails, &c. It should be steamed
before it is worked for planking. Next to the
jarrah, from Western Australia, it is the best
wood for resisting the attacks of the sea worms
and white ants. Its possible uses are almost too
various for enumeration; as an instance of which
it may be mentioned that it is used with great
advantage and economy for the bearings of ma-
chinery, the cost being almost nominal as com-
pared with brass, whilst the material is equally
serviceable and almost indestructible.

Catalpa Timber. — We believe people are not
generally aware of the great value of the Catalpa
for enduring timber. We find the following in an
exchange :

"This familiar tree, says Landreth's Rural
Register, indigenous to the greater portion of the
Union, has been long known to a limited number
to possess wood of an enduring quality for
posts ; as lasting, it is claimed, as the black or
yellow locust — Rohinia psued-acacia — but, for-
tunately unlike it, exempt from insect attack —
indeed, so far as our observation has extended,
it is not liable to disease direct or consequential ;
and as the tree grows readily from seed, there
need be no impediment in propagating it to any
extent desired. Fence rows, boundaries, lanes,
the roadside, impracticable plats of ground, inac-
cessible knolls, might each be seized upon for
planting this useful and ornamental tree."

18T6.]

AND HORTICULTURIST.

8T

Dr. Lamborn once told the writer of some gate
posts of Catalpa that were sound after fifty years.
Our own personal experience is limited. We
know of some fence posts of Catalpa, we think
(Seven years old, which appear as good as the day
they were put in, and see no reason why they
should not last fifty by their present appearance.

The Range of American Forests. — Prof.
Brewer, in discussing the distribution of Ameri-
can woodlands, says, that though Maine is the
great source of Pine and Spruce lumber, the
hardwood species predominate in that State.
The wooded area of New England is not dimin-
ishing, but the amount of sawed lumber is lessen-
ing— an indication that the trees are cut younger.
In the Middle States the wooded area is sensibly
and rapidly becoming smaller. The New Eng-
land and Middle States furnish hardwood trees ;
in the Southeastern States, from Virginia to
Florida, is a belt of timber which supplies the
hard and yellow pine ; and the Northwestern re-
gion contains immense areas of common pine.
From the Gulf of Mexico to the Arctic Ocean
stretches a treeless area 350 miles wide in its
narrowest part, and 850 miles wide on our north-
em boundary. West of this region is the narrow

wooded Rocky Mountain region, and west of this is
the barren region of the Great Basin. On the Pacific
coast are some of the noblest forest regions of the
world, and official government reports say that
the forests in some parts of Washington Territory
are heavy enough to " cover the entire surface
with cordwood ten feet in height."

Slow Tree Growth. — At a recent meeting of
the St. Louis Academy of Science, Dr. Engelmann
exhibited a section of the trunk of Juniperus
californica var., which was not quite four inches
in diameter and yet showed an unmistakable age
of 127 years, each ring being on an average about
one-fifth of a line wide. The largest growth in
ten years had been about 4 lines, the smallest
during a similar period about IJ line.

QUERIES.

Work on Forestry. — B. M. — One of the most
beautiful and complete works on forestry that
we know of in our language, is an English work
by a Scotch ■ gentleman : "Forestry," by James
Brown. If you read French "Cours Elementaire
Culture des Bois," by M. Lorentz, is a still better
one.— Ed. G. M.

Natural Jistory and Science.

CO MM UNICA TIONS.

POTATO ROT.

BY M.

You asked me in last month's paper, " why no
frosts, &c. had these destructive effects previous
to 1846," which I might honestly answer by ask-
ing you another question. Is it &fact that previ-
ous to 1846 potatoes were not affected by both
ivater and frost, so as to produce those diseases
known as potato rot and potato blight? But in
place of that I will answer you to the best of my
recollection. I was born in Ireland, where, when
a boy, I had often seen frosts in May cut down
to the ground acres of potatoes that had made
six, eight, and even ten inches of growth, — such
destruction being mostly upon low, boggy ground.
I came to this country with father and family in
1820, and in 1831 was settled upon the farm on

which I still reside. About 1841 or 1842 I broke
up a piece of old meadow which I planted with
potatoes. The summer and fall being wet, so that
water for days would lie upon parts of it, I found
at lifting time that wherever the water lay, that
all the potatoes were rotted ; while on the dry
knolls they were sound. Several miles of under-
draining was commenced about this time. It is
about twenty-five years since I planted some two
or three acres with Neshanock potatoes, upon a
piece of boggy, coal formation soil. Something
prevented, so that the planting was kept back till
July. One day, early in September, I was pass-
ing by my potatoes, when I found that a blight
had passed over my beautiful patch, leaving it
exactly like fields that I saw this summer blight"
ed in Ireland. Now, sir, being entirely ignorant
(and I confess it) of all the mysterious workings
of funguses and spores, and the telegraphic man-
ner in which they destroy fields of potatoes, I

TEE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[Maeoh,

will tell you the conclusion that I came to re-
specting this blight. I said to myself— here is a
bad job — these potatoes were too late planting.
The slight frost last night and the hot sun to-day
has fixed them — must plant so early after this
that they will be ripe before the first chance of
frost. Which conclusions I have carried out,
and believe that that was the first and last potato
blight that I ever saw upon the farm. While
your scientific readers may prefer the microscope,
I would advise your practical ones to keep an
eye open upon Old Prob.

[1846 was the date fixed by our correspondent
himself for the first appearance of the " frosts *'
so injurious to the potato. It is not uncommon
to have frosts in September sufficient to destroy
potato plants. These cases have no doubt ex-
isted for many years, — but the potato disease, as we
all now understand it, was not observed till 1845
on the British Isles, though we believe a year or
so earlier on the Continent. — Ed. G. M.J

EDITORIAL NOTES.

Spontaneous Combustion. — The matter of the
origin and prevention of fires, is a question of
particular interest to horticulturists. The follow-
ing, which we find in the Journal of Chemistry, is
to the point : —

" This seems a queer notion, but it is made
quite plausible by a recent English writer, who
says : " When oxide of iron is placed in contact
with timber, excluded from the atmosphere, and
aided by a slightly increased temperature, the
oxide parts with its oxygen, is converted into
very finely divided particles of metallic iron,
having such an affinity for oxygen that, when
afterwards exposed to the action of the atmos-
phere from any cause, oxygen is absorbed so
rapidly that these particles become suddenly red-
hot, and, if in sufficient quantity, will produce a
temperature far beyond the ignitible point of dry
timber. Wherever iron pipes are employed for
the circulation of any heated medium (whether
hot water, hot air, or steam), and wherever these
pipes are allowed to become rusty, and are also in
close contact with timber, it is only necessary to
suppose that under these circumstances the
finely-divided particles of metallic iron become
exposed to the action of the atmosphere (and
this may occur from the mere expansion or con-
traction of the pipes), in order to account for

many of the fires which periodically take place
at the commencement of the winter season."

PiCEA Parsonsiana. — ^The history of this va-
riety, as recently given by Mr. Parsons in our
pages, has stirred up some of our English friends,
and several letters have appeared. Though Mr.
Parsons himself tells us that it is only a plant
selected from a lot of others, and that it can be
kept distinct onlj-- in that way, — that is to say,
it is but a valuable variety. The discussion
turns on what species it really is. It is hard to
underetand what rule our English friends have
for distinguishing species from varieties.

In this case the distinction is of much conse-
quence ; for as a good garden variety it has the
name. Parsonsiana has the right of priority,
and Mr. Gordon is not justified in naming it in
his book P. Lowiana. If it be a good species, the
rules of Botany require that the botanical descrip-
tion as well as the name should be published, in
order to entitle the name to stand. Even though
the plant had not been described, and Mr. Gordon
were the first to describe it, common courtesy
would dictate that a name common in nurseries,
used in the Gardeners' Monthly, and in such a
prominent publication as Barron's Catalogue,
should have the preference over an entirely new
one, — especially when that name — Mr. Low's —
only comes in as the receiver of the plant from
Messrs. Parsons. It may be right in the abstract,
and botanists would have to fall in, — but with
their own opinion of the fairness of the author
taking such a course.

Those botanists, however, who are familiar with
the variable character of conifers, and especially
of Picea grandis, know well that this is but a
variety of that species, and Mr. Parsons' name
should and probably will be the name finally
adopted to designate it.

Botanic Garden of Harvard University. —
Very few know how widely useful this celebrated
garden has become. In the hope that our read-
ers may aid or profit by it to a still further ex-
tent, we give the notice of Prof Sargent's recent
report of its doings and condition the past
year.

IMPROVEMENTS.

The preparatory work, having in \'iew the pro-
per re-arrangement of the hardy plants in the
Garden, has been continued during the year.
The permanent labelling of all plants, as soon as
determined, has been pushed forward as rapidly
as possible, and is now, with the exception of the

1876.]

AND HORTICULTURIST.

89

Grasses and some other Monocotyledonous orders
as nearly completed as this difficult and con-
stantly recurring operation can be.

The small north glass shed behind the small
Orchid-house has been fitted with benches and
heated, and will be devoted to the cultivation of
Dionasa, Sarracmia, and other insectivorous plants,
cool-house Ferns, &c.

The brick wall dividing Greenhouse No. 2
from the large potting-shed behind it has been
removed ; the wooden roof of the latter changed
to a glass one, and the whole converted into a
span-roofed cool-house, which will be devoted to
the cultivation of Australian shrubs and other
half-hardy plants.

The principal range of glass-houses has been,
for several years, heated by two boilers, placed at
the two extremities. The smaller of these has
been discontinued ; an arrangement which, it is
hoped, will lead to a considerable economy in
fuel, as it certainly will in labor.

This range of houses, though in excellent con-
dition, is entirely inadequate to contain the vari-
ous collections of exotic plants now cultivated in
the Garden, and the plants are beginning to
suffer for want of sufficient room. The magnifi-
cent Palm in the Central Compartment, probably
the finest specimen in North America, must be
cut down the coming year, if new accommoda-
tion is n,ot provided for it.

The small greenhouse in the rear of the prin-
cipal range is in miserable condition, and the
collection of Succulent plants grown in it has
already suffered for want of proper accommoda-
tion. This house is so old that it does not seem
expedient to make any great outlay on it.

For want of sufficient room and proper accom-
modation for its operations, the propagating de-
partment of the Garden has been transferred
from Cambridge to the greenhouses of the Bussey
Institution, now temporarily devoted to the uses
of the Arnold Arboretum.

Materials for the botanical classes during the
winter, which were formerly raised at the Gar-
den, are now either raised at the Bussey Institu-
tion or purchased. This arrangement is cheaper
than the former method, and it also admits of
the cultivation at the Garden of plants of scien-
tific interest in the space which must otiierwise
have been devoted to a great number of indi-
viduals of a few common species.

EXCHANGES

The total interchange of plants and seeds with

other Botanic and Horticultural establishmenta
has more than doubled; while the number of
plants and packets of seeds distributed from the
Garden is more than six times as great as that of
the previous year.

They were distributed as follows: To Great
Britain, 487 plants and 878 packets of seeds ; to
the Continent of Europe, 76 plants and 449
packets of seeds; to the Governor of Ber-
muda, 2 packets of seeds; to all parts of the
United States, B,492 plants and 685 packets of
seeds.

Total, 7,055 plants, and 2,014 packets of seeds,

1,609 plants and 2,195 packets of seeds, from
71 donors, have been contributed to the Garden
during the year. Of these, 187 plants and 754
packets of seeds have been received from Great
Britain ; 46 plants and 536 packets of seeds from
the Continent of Europe; 11 packets of seeds
from the Cape of Good Hope, and 7 from Algeria;
66 plants from the Island of Bermuda, and 1
from Australia ; and from all parts of the United
States, 1,310 plants and 887 packets of seeds.

The principal foreign contributions are : A set
of rare Orchidaceous plants and many Euro-
pean and Australian seeds from the Royal Gar-
den, Kew; a large collection of seeds, from the
North of Europe and Northern and Western
Asia, from the Imperial Botanic Garden, St.
Petersburg ; many seeds, especially of Mexican
and Australian plants from the Royal Botanic
Garden, Palermo; a large collection of seeds
from the Mus<5e d'Histoire Naturelle, Paris ; and
seeds of Alpine plants from the Royal Botanic
Garden, Edinburgh. Besides the above, the fol-
lowing foreign donations require especial ac-
knowledgments : A collection of the Ferns of
those Islands from Major-General Lefroy, Gov-
ernor of Bermuda ; a fine collection of Orchidfl
and other plants and seeds from Messrs. Veitch,
the eminent London nurserymen; several col-
lections of seeds from Mr. William Thompson,
seed merchant, Ipswich, England; a magnificent
Tree-Fern trunk from Australia, by the Baron
Von Mueller; seeds and rare bulbs from Herr
Leichlin, Baden-Baden, and collections of seeds
of ornamental plants from the late M. Thuret, of
Antibes, and Messrs. Huber & Co., nurserymen,
Hy feres.

Among the many contributions to the Garden
from the United States, the following are of espe-
cial value : Seeds and plants from the Sierras of
California, by J. G. Lemmon, Esq., California;
I plants and seeds by H. B. Bolander, Esq., of San

90

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[March,

Francisco ; a collection of seeds made in South-
em Florida by Dr. Edward Palmer, and another
made by the same collector on Guadeloupe
Island off the California coast ; a collection of
seeds made in Colorado and Utah by Dr. C. C.
Parry ; a fine collection of plants and seeds from
P. J. Berckmans, Esq., of Augusta, Georgia; a
collection of exotic Orchids by General Rathbone,
of Albany, N. Y., and many rare seeds by Dr.
George Englemann, of St. Louis, and Dr. J. H.
Mellichamp, of BlufFton, South Carolina.

It is again my duty to call attention to the fact,
that to the very generous annual grant made to
the Garden by the Trustees of the Massachusetts
Society for Promoting Agriculture is due its
increasing usefulness as a means of illustration
for Botanical instruction, and as a scientific estab-
lishment, through whose agency many useful
and beautiful plants are annually introduced into
this country ; and from this country into all parts
of the world. C. S. Sargent, Director.

Rhodk Island Bent Grass. — Dr. Channing's
article in another column came to hand as we
were sending that department to press ; and the
imperfect specimens sent, appeared to be Agrostis
scabra, as we said in the appended note. Since
then we have a perfect specimen from Dr. C,
and find that the real species is Agrostis canina.
It seems to vary a little from the European
specimens of that species, but is, no doubt, speci-
fically the same.

Botanic Gardens. — Some of our larger cities
are now turning their attention to the forming of
botanic gardens, for the amusement and instruc-
tion of the people. There is no reason why these
gardens may not be artistic as well as botanically
useful, and we take pleasure in introducing to
our readers the following from the Garden, with
which we entirely agree :

" There is a phrase in last week's Nature which
well illustrates the ideas of a certain school of
botanists as to design in botanical gardens. The
writer, speaking of the proposed changes in the
Oxford Botanic Gardens, deprecates ' transform-
ing a botanic garden into a pleasure ground, in
which the needs of study must once more he mbordi-
naied to artistic effect.' With reference to the
words in italics, as well might it be said to young
artists, ' It is wrong to learn painting under the
influence of a noble gallery of pictures!' If any-
thing is wrong and foolish, it is the suggestion
that botanical study cannot be pursued in a gar-
den artistically beautiful. The greater the natu-

ral beauty in a garden the more likely is the stu-
dent to become a lover of plants and a good bo-
tanist. Who, for example, would not rather
study plants on Mr. Backhouse's beautiful rock-
garden than on many ugly excrescences that we
need not name in public gardens? Is not the
study of trees more attractive as they stand in
groups round a glade in a beautiful park than in
some narrow old botanic garden where their
naturally stately forms are crammed into narrow
beds, as in many old-fashioned botanic gardens ?
Are the plants in Glasnevin, which is, in parts, a
picturesque and beautiful garden, any the less
interesting or attractive than in the old Chelsea
Garden, which consists of a series of squares, and
beds, and walks ? Surely the herbarium and not
the garden is the place for packing plants closely
together in a 'systematic' manner."

QUERIES.

Plants for Name. — Mrs. Norton, Iowa. — The
numbers have been mislaid. The purplish grass
was Agrostis scabra, the very small bit some
Sporobolus, the pretty little Iris like flower Sisy-
rinchium Bermudianum, and the other, with
numerous small, fine, head-like flowers, one of
the wormwoods — Artemisia dracunculoides.

Mixing of Potatoes by Pollen. — H. says : " I
send you a potato of a pink tint, which I am
positive grew on a plant of the Peach Blow
variety. Not far from where these grew were
some Early Rose. Does not this prove that the
pollen of the Early Rose reached the flowers of the
Peach Blow, and that this cross fertilization in-
fluenced the sap, and in this way had an imme-
diate effect on the tuber?

[Not that we see. The editors of the Prairie
Farmer sent us some years ago some red sweet
potatoes on the same root with white ones. As
the sweet potatoes never flower, how did the
" pollen " act in that instance ? All of this discus-
sion originates with people who have not kept up
with the progress of the times, and have no idea
of the plants' innate powers of change, quite
independent of any external influences. — Ed.
G. M.]

The Tomato Disease. — The "American Garden^
eners' Monthly, in quoting our account of the to-
mato disease around London, says : ' So far as
we know there has been nothing of this charac-
ter seen in the United States. Occasionally we

1876.1

AND HORTICULTURIST.

91

have seen tomatoes suffer, however, from, the
fungus known as Verbena rust.' It is instructive
to know that the tomato fungus does not thrive
in the drier climate of America. Would Mr.
Meehan kindly tell us to what extent the potato
disease exists in America."

[The potato disease is rarely virulent of late
years in our country. It seldom takes the form

of destroying the haulm — ^blackening them in a
few days. The most usual course is rotting of the
tubers in the ground when about mature, or in
the cellar soon after storing. For some years past
the disease has been comparatively slight all
over the Union, until last year it was rather severe
in California, taking the most virulent form in
the destruction of the growing foliage. — Ed. G. M.]

ITERATURE, ^RAVELS & pERSONAL ^OTES.

COMMUNICA TIONS.

THE CHARTER OAK.

BY C. M. HOVEY, BOSTON, MASS.

In your January number you have some re-
marks in regard to the species of oak to which
this famous old tree belonged. I now send you
leaves and acorns gathered this day, Jan. 31, the
leaves from the tree, and the acorns from the
ground beneath it, by which you will know the
species even without seeing them; as Michaux
states that the Quercus alba is " the only oak on
which a few of the dried leaves exist till the cir-
culation is renewed in the spring; one tree is just
now covered with leaves but they continue to
blow oflF with every wind, and by April 1 only a
few remain.

You may possibly inquire what tree, when we
say we gathered them from the tree, and how it
is known to have any relation to the Charter Oak ?
We will tell you.

About the year 1836 or '37, the late Dr. E. W.
Bull, of Hartford, who was well known for his
love of and deep interest in horticulture and arbor-
iculture, and who had a beautiful residence in
that city, on a visit to us, stated that he had
reared two young trees out of several acorns he
had planted, which he gathered with his own
hands from the old tree, and he kindly offered
to give us one of them if we would accept it. We,
of course, were too glad to do so, and he said that
at the proper season he would bring it himself to
Boston, His promise was fulfilled, and he put
the tree, which was one year old, in his carpet
bag, and brought it to Boston. It was so small,
and for fear of its being injured or dug up by
carelessness, we planted it in a pot, and kept it in

the greenhouse and cellar in winter for two or
three years. It was then placed out in the open
ground, but grew slowly, and was only five or six
feet high in 1845 or '6, when it was removed to
its present position on the lawn in front of the
conservatory. It is now about 30 ft. high with a
handsome head.

This is the history of our Charter Oak, and the
tree from which we gathered the leaves. We un-
derstood from Dr. Bull some years later, when he
visited us for the last time before his sad death,
that there were only two seedlings in existence,
the one we had and one in his own grounds, and
we believe, if our recollection serves us, that after
the destruction of the old oak itself, Dr. Bull's
specimen was planted out in the identical spot
where the old tree stood for so many years before
its destruction. Dr. Bull had a real afiection for
the old oak. He never failed to speak of it, and
he sent us two or three engravings of it, one of
which he desired us to present a copy of in the
Magazine of Horticulture ; but the drawing was
on so small a scale it would not give a very good
representation of the tree, and we laid it aside for
the time.

We at one time thought it could not be the
Q. alba, but for some years since it has developed
itself we think there can be little doubt about it.

[The leaves sent by Mr. Hovey are undoubt-
edly Quercus alba, the common white oak. It is
clear, from all the evidence, that those who have
Quercus discolor under culture as seedlings from
the original Charter Oak are mistaken. Ed.
G. M.]

»^^

EDITORIAL NOTES.

Advertisements. — Why will people send ad-
vertisements and other business matters to Mr.

92

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[March,

Meehan, the Editor, in Germantoivn, who has
nothing to do with it, instead of to the Publisher in
Philadelphia Among other evils, it makes sev-
eral days delay, and thv^ advertisements are
often too late !

W. H. Bailey. — We found an article on our
table, simply signed " W. H. Bailey," and having
Mr. Bailey, of Providence, in our mind, so made
it. It will appear from the following note that
it was not that Mr. Bailey :

" I regretted to see that you printed over my
article in the Monthly my address as Providence,
R. I. Now, though I feel every confidence in all
the works of Providence, I am satisfied I must
work out my own salvacion here at Plattsburgh,
N. Y., where I am growing plants and seeds. I
mention this matter, as many of my friends and
customers may notice the address given and
think that I have changed my location. If the
same could be corrected in your next issue I
would esteem it a favor. Very truly yours,

W. H. Bailey."

The Horticulturist. — Mr. Downing's name is
so closely identified with the history of the Hor-
ticulturist, that the public are apt to forget
it was to the enterprise of the late Luther Tucker,
of Albany, that the magazine originated, and
that it was financially sustained and published by
him till Mr. Downing's death.

The Cut Flower Trade op Baltimore. — The
American Farmer says : " The cut-flower business
during the holidays and since seems to have
been satisfactory, notwithstanding the cry of
hard times. Mr. Pentland's handsome store at
the corner of the new building of the Young
Men's Christian Association seems especially
adapted for a flower business, and has been ex-
ceedingly well patronized. The same is true of
his neighbors, Messrs. J. Edward Feast, and R. J.
Halliday."

Private Gardens about Baltimore. — We learn
from the American Farmer that Mr. W. W. Spence,
at Bolton, his beautiful place, which is a charm-
ing bit of country almost entirely surrounded by
city walls, has recently put up probably the
most modern and attractive greenhouse in or
near the city. President Perot has annexed to
his other structures, at his finished seat on the
Charles St. Avenue, quite a large fern and or-
chid house. Mr. Basin has added a third to his
two already well-stocked houses. Captain Snow,
of Harford, is contemplating an enlarged plant-

house to replace his present ones, which do not
give room for flourishing palms and other plants
of tall stature. Numerous other alterations have
recently been completed, or are in progress.

Flowt:rs in New York. — The New York Tima
says that the money expended in New York for
flowers exceeds $2,000,000 annually, and $3,000,-
000 more for plants, &c. ; but we suspect that this is
only a guess, and not the result of any carefully
kept figures. In this amount is included $400
invested by "an excellent amateur florist of
thirty years standing" in blue roses, spotted
roses, black roses, and such other " novelties "
that seem to be a flourishing success on Broad-
way.

Not a New Candidate. — In Mr. Foster's note
on the Marshall pear, he said it was " a new can-
didate." From the context we supposed the word
not was accidentally omitted, and so we inserted
it. Mr. Foster desires us to say he meant what
he said, " It is a new candidate."

Blue Roses, Strawberries on Trees, &c. —
One man in New York has invested $700 in the
speculation, and thousands of dollars are being
taken by a set of swindlers. These men have
flourished for generations back. A coirespon*
dent says we should " warn " the public against
them. But the best "warning" to your neigh-
bor whom you would save from such swindles,
is to ask him to subscribe to a good horticul-
tural paper. No reader of such papers buys
such things.

Trees for Nothing. — A Western nurseryman
advertises "That he has growing on his premises
spontaneous seedlings. Large amounts of seed-
lings of diflerent sizes, and some ten or a dozen
diff'erent varieties, which he will give away in
any quantity to any person for his planting only,
by his removing them at his own expense. He
will furnish full information regarding sizes,
varieties, cost of removing, &c., to any person
addressing him as above, with stamp to pay re-
turn postage." It reminds us of an old "al-
manac " story. There was a man who was " too
lazy to live," and his neighbors determined on
burying him. On the way one charitable soul
took pity on him, and ofTered him a bushel of
corn. He looked out of the coffin in which they
were taking him to the grave, and asked, " Is it
shelled?" Finding it was not, he sadly ex-
claimed, " move on," and went to his rest ! It is
hardly to be expected that people who are will-

1876.]

AND HOBTIGULTURIST.

93

ing to get something for nothing will " send a
postage stamp, &c." They may do so out West,
but that class have long since left here.

\ Kansas Agricultural Report. 1875. Fourth
Volume. From Alfred Gray, Secretary. A fine
volume of 750 pages, filled Avith information aa
regards the agricultural resources and natural
history of the State.

The Waban Greenhouses of E. A. Wood &
Co. — A Boston paper gives the following infor-
mation about this establishment : " These green-
houses are conveniently situated to Boston on
the Boston & Albany Railroad, within a few min-
utes' walk of Natick, the nearest station to Bos-
ton, however, being 'Lake Crossing,' which is
about the same distance from the grounds, and
at which numerous trains stop during the day.
The houses for the growth of flowers are 25 in
number, and from 100 to 117 feet each in length,
built in the most substantial manner, and the
most approved methods of heating and venti-
lating are used, thus giving every facility for
growing young plants and flowers to the highest
perfection, and in the most abundant quantities.
The increasing popularity of the concern is ap-
parent from the fact that ten additional houses,
each 117 feet long, have been built the past sea-
son, and are filled with blooming plants, of
roses, carnations, lilies, etc. ; 15 houses are de-
voted exclusively to the culture of roses, both for
cut blossoms and young plants, the more cele-
brated varieties, Maerchal Neil and General
Jacqueminot, are made great specialties, while
numerous (in fact all) the good European novel-
ties are being added to the collection as soon as
they are introduced."

Mr. Darwin. — This distinguished gentleman
has brought out a new edition of his climbing
plants, and has in the press a new work on cross
fertilization by insect agency. We doubt very
much whether any one man has been of so much
service to the world of science as Mr. Darwin.
All the world does not agree with some of his
deductions. It is more than likely Mr. Dar-
win himself does not expect them to do so, but
no one has given more facts of importance than
he has.

Edwin Satterthwait. — The Bucks County In-
telligencer gives an account of one of its neghbors
well known to our readers, from which we ex-
tract the following : —

"One of the most energetic and successful of

the farmers and truckers who regularly supply
the Philadelphia market is Edwin Satterthwait,
of Abington, whose establishment is about a mile
east of Jenkintown, not far from the Friends'
meeting-house. Mr. Satterthwait is also an ex-
tensive florist and nurseryman. When a young
man he was engaged in a store in the city, but
having a natural taste for agriculture and horti-
culture, he moved out to his native neighborhood
again and began operations in his present line of
business about twenty-five yeai-s ago. He then
had a small place of a little over thirty acres.
By taking the best care of this, he was enabled
to obtain more, and his property now contains
about 150 acres, of which all but ten is arable
land. He has always attended market, standing
along the curbstone to sell his produce for a
number of years until the modern market-houses
were erected. Since the great market-house at Mar-
ket and Twelfth streets was built Mr. Satterthwait
has occupied stalls there, and is one of the most
regular frequenters. Every week day in the year
a large wagon-load of articles from his place in
Abington is sent to the city for sale. Mr. S. him-
self remains in the city most of the time to at-
tend to sales, and affairs on the farm are looked
after by his son, assisted by several foremen. He
goes down and up by the North Penn. trains,
while the marketing is taken down the pike.
The scale on which business is transacted is
enough to surprise an ordinary farmer. He
usually raises 20 acres of potatoes, an acre each of
carrots, ruta bagas and parsnips, several thous-
and bushels of turnips, thirty or forty thousand
cabbages, and as many plants of celery, which
altogether fitrnish an enormous bulk of produce.
From his 20 acres in potatoes he has usually ob"
tained six or seven thousand bushels, worth as
many dollai-s in market.

Mr. Satterthwait also deals largely in fruit.
His immense collection of pears has made him
famous among fruit growers all over the country.
He began taking an interest in this direction
fifteen or twenty years ago, and now has over
five hundred different varieties of pears growing
on his premises. Among so many kinds there
are of course some of no great value — and there
are very few which he considers better for general
purposes than the Bartlett and Seckel and the
Lawrence. He is generally the largest exhibitor
of pears at fairs held in this part of the State.
He has also a large collection of apples, but has
settled down on Smith's cider as the most satis-
factory market fruit. Four years ago he planted

94

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[March,

100 cider apple trees,and last fall he gathered about
100 bushels of the finest fruit. From some older
trees, which came from the original stock near
Pineville, he had an average of 40 bushels each.

On the property are nine large green houses,
filled with ornamental and flowering plants of
all kinds. The plants in pots are sold mostly in
the spring and fall, for bedding-out and other
domestic uses. In winter, and especially during
the holidays, a large business is done in cut flow-
ers, and to produce these there are special houses
for roses, carnations, camellias, &c. The hard
times have interfered considerably with the cut-
flower trade.

Mr. S. takes a warm interest in horticultural
improvement, notwithstanding his busy life ;
and at present he is President of the Fruit
Growers' Society of the State, which held its
annual meeting in Doylestown on Jan. 19th.

QUERIES.

Ellis Park, Chicago.— W. H. P., Chicago, 111.,
writes : " It was very gratifying to me as well as
to many others, to find that Mr. Meehan was
pleased with some things at Ellis Park. We
value the place very much, not merely for the posi-
tive enjoyment we have while there,but because it
shows how much may be done in the gardening
way to make a city delightful, even though space

and means are limited. The space is but three
acres and the total appropriation for all purposes
is only $2,500."

Names of Ferns. — S. G. — It is not easy to name
fragments of ferns, especially without fruit. 1,
appears to be some Doodia. 2, Adiantum per-
haps and concinnurA. 3, Cassaberia hastata in
fruit. 4, Pteris longifolia. 5, Probably a fi-agment
of Aspidium spinulosum. 6, Nephrolepis bul-
bosa. 8, Cassaberia hastata, piece of a barren
frond. 9, piece of some Davallia.

Not in the Trade. — The following card ex-
plains itself.

Near Louisville, Ky., February 11, 1876.

Dear Sir. — I have for several j'ears past been
in regular receipt of trade lists and wholesale
catalogues from numerous nurserymen in the
United States and in Europe, Upon inquiry I
find some directory has my name down as a nur-
seryman. It is quite a mistake as I am only an
amateur and have never been engaged in the
business, either as florist or nurseryman. How
shall I have the error corrected, for while I
could find many persons who would be glad to
get and read a good descriptive retail catalogue
and thereby be induced to buy, I know of no one
in this vicinity who cares to have a trade-list and
wholesale catalogue, while they are perfectly
useless to me. Will you mention this matter for
me in the Gardener's Monthly, and oblige,

Yours most Respectfully, Thos. S. Kjennedy.

Horticultural Societies.

<:::3A>->

CO MM UNICA TIONS.

PENNSYLVANIA FRUIT GROWERS' SOCIETY.

BY M.

. The annual meeting of this society was held
this year, and for the first time at Doylestown.
Mr. Edwin Satterthwaite, the well-known fruit-
grower, and president elect, presided, his past
experience in our Legislature well fitting him,
in addition to his horticultural eminence, for this
responsible position. He was elected for another
term, as indeed were all the old officers, except
the treasurer, for which office Mr. Geo. B. Thom-
as, of West Chester, was chosen. As the funds
of the society were in a prosperous condition,

the membership fee was reduced from two dol-
lars to one dollar a year, and this is to include a
copy of the annual proceedings to every mem-
ber.

In the more practical business of fruit culture,
Mr. H. M. Engle, of Marietta, for the General
Fruit Committee, made a report on the condition
of fruit culture the past year in the State. The
pear seems always more or less of a success,
never an entire failure, in Pennsylvania. The
apple crop was fair, but not equal to former
years. Plum culture seems on the increase, and
injuries from the curculio not so prevalent. The
knot on trees, which injured the cherries so badly
in years gone by, is not near as bad as formerly,

1876.J

AND HORTIGULTURIST.

95

With these facts before us, the Kansas State
Horticultural Society has created an experimental
commission, the purpose of which is to organize
and peach culture, which once was hardly
thought of as a Pennsylvania crop of any im-
portance, is now on the increase in manj' of the
southern counties. The president's annual ad-
dress took in for its chief topic the profits of the
fruit-growing business, in which he took the
ground that it seemed to be somewhat overdone
— that much more was being raised than there
was a good market for, though he thought the
present general depression pervading all classes
of the community had much to do with this
overstocked market, and brought about more
sellers than buyers. There was a discussion as
to whether the popular impression that a riew
fruit appearing in any given locality was better
than varieties brought from abroad was correct
in principle, and the drift of the discussion
seemed to be that there was no such rule ; some-
times they were and sometimes not. The popu-
lar Bartlett pear is an English variety, while the
Jucunda strawberry is French, and Triomphe de
Gand French is Belgian. On the other hand the
Seckel pear is a Philadelphia seedling. There
was no rule as to nativity — only " try all things "
would show the local adaptations.

A discussion on " cheap refrigerators for fruits "
elicited nothing practical.

The raising of new fruits by design as hybrids
produced an interesting discussion, the essayist
opening it taking the ground that a selection of
kinds and raising from these, trusting to natural
laws of evolution for improvement, had done
more towards producing our best fruits than
cross-breeding had done or could do. The dis-
sent from this view was emphatic on the part of
many of the most intelligent members.

The cultivation of the apple, and the best va-
rieties to plant for the various seasons and for
profit, seemed the most popular topic introduced,
and took up a good part of the time at the
society's disposal. The Codling moth, which
produces the " wormy fruit," is the worst foe to
the apple-grower. Persistent gathering of fallen
firiit, and collecting the eggs by hay bands round
the trunks of the trees, will destroy the whole
crop of insects in one year, and all for the next
year's operations will be only those that may fly
from one's neighbors' grounds.

In plum culture the interesting fact was
brought out that the wild American plum had
been so improved as to approach the old-fashioned

the chance to taste one. These American plums
seem to make themselves at home in our gar-
dens.

In grape culture it seems that the finer varieties,
which grow weak and liable to disease, can be
grafted on Concord and Clinton roots, and then
grow as well and as strong as these popular va-
rieties. The French have found this out, and
are importing largely of these American kinds
for grafting their own kinds for their vineyards.

[In addition to what has been furnished above
by our correspondent we may add that it is
one of the most difficult things in the world to
give even a synopsis of what takes place at a three-
days' meeting of such societies as this. In en-
deavoring to condense, the speaker's real point is
often lost, and frequently distorted. But one of
the best attempts at this condensation was made
by the Buck's Co. Intelligencer, from which most of
the notices given in the papers have been made,
but without fair credit. Though in its six long
columns only the briefest heads of the remarks
are given the true point is rarely lost. — Ed.G. M.]

Germantown Horticultural Society — Bego-
nias.—Thomas Meehan Esq., Dear Sir.— In your
notice of the fall exhibition of The Germantown
Agricultural Society, published in the Gardener's
Monthly, there was an error in the name of the
exhibitor of the eight Foliage Begonias Avhich
received the first premium. At the time I did
not think it worth while to call your attention to
what I supposed to be a typographical error, but
I find that you are still under the impression
that they were exhibited by Miller & Hayes.
The plants were of my growing and were
not from Miller & Hayes as reported. They were
rooted 18 months previously, and were shown in
8-inch pots. The best one covered a circle of
twelve and a half feet in circumference and the
others were nearly as large. Yours Respectfully,

Robert J. Siddall.

Kansas Horticultural Society. — E. G. says:
" Many questions relating to the culture of for-
ests, orchards and gardens in Kansas are yet un-
settled. We have learned that forest and fruit
trees suited to the southern part of Kansas, are
not always a success in the northern portion of
the State. We know that trees which promise
well south do not succeed in the vicinity of Man-
hattan even. We have to accept the fact that
the experience of the eastern counties will not
avail for western, or even central, Kansas.

96

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[March,

garden plums in value, but which, from various
causes, have so disappeared from cultivation
that many persons now-a-days have never had
a system of experimental stations at the most
feasible points throughout the State. The com-
mission have organized and coaimenced their
work in securing the promise of individual co-
operation from different portions of the State.
The work already done gives gratifying evidence
that we shall be able to very largely utilize the
work of individual enterprise, at really little ex-
pense to the society, at the same time making it
as available to the interests of horticulture as
though owned by the State.

It is the design of this commission to thoroughly
organize its work, by making these several stations
the points of systematic and regular observations
and experiment, with Manhattan, for the present,
ae the common centre. By this course the com-
mission hope to collect a large amount of valua-
ble facts which would not otherwise be made
available ; and propose to report the same to the
State Society at the close of the year.

EDITORIAL NOTES.

The Centennial Exhibition. — It is difficult to
find out exactly what is being done in the various
States in regard to the agriculture and horticul-
ture of the Centennial. From most of our ex-
changes we learn that everywhere "something"
is being done, but we cannot tell exactly what.
Of Indiana the Indiana Farmer tells us :

" Thanks to the efforts of Prof. E. T. Cox, our
State Geologist, and a few other enterprising and
public-spirited citizens, our mineral resources,
agricultural productions and educational facilities
will have a fair representation. It is a matter of
regret that our last Legislature did not make a
more liberal appropriation for this purpose, but
it is gratily'ing to know that all will be done that
the moderate allowance made, and the too limited
subscription fund can accomplish toward giving
us a good showing in the eyes of the world."

Instead of reporting what people talk about
doing we have thought best to wait till we see
what is done, and about this we shall probably be
able to tell a little next month.

Organization of the Nursery Business. — At
a meeting of Nurserymen, Florists and Seedsmen,
at Crystal Lake, 111., Jan. 25th, it was decided to
hold a Centennial meeting of all engaged in the
trade, in the city of Chicago, on the 2d Wednes-
day of June.

It has always seemed strange that enterprisees
of such vast importance have not as yet made any
special effort for a national organization. It is
hoped that a large attendance can be secured and
means devised to better organize and strengthen
these great interests.

A Botanico-Horticultural Congress is to
meet at Brussels, Belgium, on the 30th of April
in connection with the International Horticultu-
ral Exhibition to be held there at that time. A
leading topic will be to arrange for a Hortus Euro-
peus or catalogue of the correct names of all
plants cultivated in Europe, of which there is
much need.

The Gardeners Monthly acknowledges the kind
invitation of President d'Hamale, of Malines, to
be represented on the occasion.

The Central Horticultural Society op
France is one of the most active in Europe. We
have a circular from Mons. A. Lavalle, the general
secretary at Paris, in which the advantages of
membership are fully and freely detailed.

Alton Horticultural Society. — Apples fob
Profit. — At a late meeting Mr. Pearson said that
his most profitable apple was Smith's Cider; and
next to this is the Benoni. No other sorts ap-
proach these. Dr. Long had made more money
out of the Romanite than any other. The Early
harvest and Bed Astrachan had done well. North-
ern Spy and Yellow Bellfiower were worthless on
his grounds. He found it best to cultivate his or-
chards, and to apply lime, ashes, and stable man-
ures. Young orchards he found most profitable;
orchards generally through the country were not
profitable to the owners, simply because proper
cultivation w'as not given, and insects destroyed..

Western New York Horticultural Society..
— The annual meeting held in January at Ro-
chester, but very full reports have been given in
the Rural New Yorker, Country Gentleman, Rural
Home, and other agricultural weeklies, so that
details in a Monthly like ours would be rather
out of date. It appears to have been more than
usually successful. Mr. Barry presided with hia
usual excellency.

Massachusetts Hortici'ltitral Society. — No
Horticultural Society in America at all nearly
equals that of Massachusetts in wealth or in the
amount awarded in premiums. For 1876 the
prizes will amount to $6,800, of which $3,200 are
for plants and flowers, $2,100 for fruits, $1,200 for.
vegetables, $300 for gardens, greenhouses, etc.

\

THE

GARDENER'S MONTHLY

AND

HORTICULTURIST.

DEVOTED TO HORTICULTURE, ARBORICULTURE AND RURAL AFFAIRS.

Edited by THOMAS MEEHAN.

Volume XVIII.

APEIL, 1876.

NUMBEE 208.

XOWER MARDEN AND ilf LEASURE GROUND.

SEASONABLE HINTS.

April in the South is Spring, and the early
flowers have long since been in bloom ; but April
in the North scarcely finds the Violet in flower.
What should we do if we were to write a " Cal-
endar of Operations " for our readers? However,
this we never attempt. What we give as "Hints,"
are not so much intended for the month as for
the season. We speak now of the early spring
season, and each must apply it as he finds to suit
the latitude. Of course the trees and bushes are
all pruned, litter cleared up, grass rolled, walks
edged, and vegetation is pushing along. Ever-
greens may be set out till after the growth has
been made. Deciduous trees also may be still
set out, if any leaves they may have made are
plucked off". They will make new ones. The
main business of this department will be in set-
ting out garden flowers.

Of flowering plants which thrive well in our
climate, we have a good selection. The Gerani-
ums are amongst the best, although botanically
they are not distinct from Pelargoniums ; yet it
serves a good purpose to retain the name as a
popular designation of an useful class in flower
gardening. There are now double varieties ; but
for flower gardening purposes, double flowers are
inferior. These varieties do not flower as freely
as the single ones. This has proved to be the
case with the Petunia, the Pansy, and other
things, and we suppose the rule Avill hold good
here. The Rose Geraniums flower somewhat
steady throughout the year, and are indispensa-

ble for their delightful fragrance and elegant
foliage. The Verbena used to be the main reli-
ance for bedding — but the great ravages of the
verbena rust, have made it somewhat unreliable ;
and, although it is indispensable yet, it does not
take the front rank as formerly. Of double
flowers we may say, however, that the Double
White, and perhaps Asa Gray, a bronzy salmon,
flower much more profusely than some of the
older kinds.

In the class of scented flowers, the Heliotrope,
the Mignonette, and the Sweet Alyssum, com-
mand a prominent place. The last is liable to
suff'er much from the cabbage-fly. A syringing
with water, in which a few drops of coal oil has
been spread, soon settles his business. There is
a variegated Sweet Alyssum which is very pretty.

The Golden Feverfew is admirable for edgings.
Lantanas are very desirable; l?ut to have the
best results from them, they should be planted
in 'poor soil. Mr. Harkins' new variegated Lan-
tana is said to stand the sun well. A very pretty
species, trailing like a Verbena, but not
much known, is L. Sellowii. The varieties of
Lobelias make fair bedding plants if not
put in too dry a soil, or too warm a situation.
The Cuphea hyssopifolia sent out by Messrs.
Hoopes is a good border plant.

The old double white Feverfew is one of the
most desirable of bedding plants. White flowers
can be cut from it all summer, and yet have
plenty left to bloom. The Petunia, though of
no account for cutting, keeps up a brilliant show
the whole season. They do also very well in hot

98

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[April,

places where little else will do. The singles give
the most flowers. For cutting purposes, the
Monthly or Tree Carnations are lovely things,
though they are ugly growing plants, and do not
make much show on the grounds. The blue
Ageratum is not very showy, but blooms so pro-
fusely, that every one likes to have it. The old
Nierembergia gracilis is another not very showy
plant, but flowers so well, and is so satisfied with
indifierent treatment, that one cannot let it go.
The Gazania is curious, and makes a brilliant
show of orange and black on a fine day, but is
not well adapted to a hot place. The little Ckiphea
platycentra has rather too much green for a show
plant, but if the soil is not too rich, gives fair
satisfaction.

The Othonna crassifolia is perhaps one of the
best vase succulents ever introduced for sunny
places. The new hybrid Dianthuses are beauti-
ful bedding plants, about which see an article in
another column.

COMMUNICA TIONS.

POSTSCRIPT TO ARTICLE ON R. I. BENT
GRASS.

BY DR. W. F. CHANNING.

Since the article in last number was written I
have obtained specimens of Rhode Island Bent
grass from Charles H. Potter, which were cut suf-
ficiently young to retain and show the character-
istic inflorescence. On submitting these to Joseph
W. Congdon, Esq., of East Greenwich, an ac-
complished botanist, he reports as follows :

"After a thorough and careful examination, I
am satisfied that the species is Agrostis canina,
L., or Brown Bent of the books. The flowers
when carefully examined with a glass, show that
there is only one husk or palea, wrapped around
the grain. On the back of the palea you find a
long bent awn, growing out of it near its base.
This usually projects more or less out of the
flower, but is hardly noticeable to the naked eye.
It usually disappears, being very fragile, after the
grass has blossomed."

These observations which I have confirmed,
seem to leave no doubt as to the species. There
are one or two varieties of Agrostis canina, native
to the grassy mountains of New England.
Whether the Rhode Island Bent is one of these,
or different, remains to be ascertained. It is
certainly an upland grass, and is in thorough

possession of the soil in Rhode Island, as if to
the manor born. Horticulturally and agricul-
turally at least, it seems to have been hitherto
unrecognized, except in southeastern New Eng-
land.

[ As stated in a brief note in our last, this ex-
cellent lawn grass is certainly the Agrostis canina.
Ed. G. M.]

REMONTANT PINKS. (CARNATION.)

TRANSLATED FROM LA CULTIVATEUR, LYONS, FRANCE,
BY MISS B.

The culture of the Carnation is believed by
certain horticultural writers to have been for
upwards of 2000 years We know nothing of
what was practiced at that time, and horticultu-
ral Science as well as some others, dates but lit-
tle in the first century, so that we can only trace
the present history of the Monthly Carnation.
The Remontant Carnation originated in Lyons.
Mons. Dalmais, gardener to Mons. Lacure, (the
zealous patron of Horticulture in Lyons, and
formerly of our Horticultural society) obtained
the first true one nearly 36 years ago.

It was sent out in 1844. Atim was the
product of artificial impregnation of a kind
known by the common name of Mahon or St.
Martin (because it flowered almost regularly
towards the middle of November) with the Car-
nation Bichon. This first result was afterwards
impregnated with the fancy and produced in 1846
numerous varieties of different colors.

Mons. Schmitt one of the most earnest and in-
telligent Horticulturists of Lyons, followed Mons.
Dalmais in the track which he traced and in-
creased the collection to several remarkable va-
rieties, such as Arc en Ciel, and Polar Star, which
were cultivated for a few years but are lost now,
being replaced by better sorts.

Towards 1850 a maladj* broke out amongst
these. Mons. Schmitt was discouraged and
abandoned them. It was at that time that Mons.
Alegatiere applied himself to their culture, and
in a short time made great progress, and it is to
this able and persevering Horticulturist that we
are indebted for the numerous Remontant sorts
so esteemed in England, Germany and Italy, and
also for the best means of cultivating them,
which we will describe. Mons. Alegatiere is not
contented to increase the Carnation so extensive-
ly as to put it on a level with the old Florist's
Pink (in the culture of which the Belgians and Hoi-

1876.]

AND HORTICULTURIST.

99

landers excel) but he imposes upon himself the
task of giving us Eemontant Carnations with
stiff flower-stems, which he obtained in 1866.
And it may also be said that Mons. Alegatiere has
produced a race which will be continued by seed.
"A permanent race is almost a race which we
have created," (Henri Lecoq.) . This kind has
the same merits as the Carnation Flon, and the
advantage of having large flowers and various
shades of color. Certain authors have said that
the culture and propagation are very easy. At
a time not very distant it was said and published
of the culture of the Carnation : " Grafting, con-
sidering the few chances of success which it
offers is seldom employed; therefore it is recom-
mended to split the bottom of the graft and in-
troduce into it a grain of wheat, oats, barley or a
small pebble, to keep it apart." Without doubt
this means of grafting off'ers fewer chances of
success, as one of the grafts rots, and if the plant
coming from this graft does not die, it remains
weakly. Grafting was therefore condemned,
and layering, which was in its infancy , was extolled.
Now the routine yields to observation, and by
the intelligent student of facts it is generally ad-
mitted that grafting is the best means of multi-
plying all plants.

Thus it is admitted that grafts can be made of
a plant when layers cannot. The graft cut, the
plant seeks to replace these cuts, to repair the
damage to which it has si^bmitted,and reproduces
new branches, whilst the plant that has been lay-
ered nourished its half cut branches without re-
placing them. It has been said on this subject,
that shoots take root very easily; it is quite cer-
tain that cvittings make better plants than layers.
These can be made (says my friend Alegatiere,)
at all seasons, but for those who have a green-
house and wish to propagate largely, the best
time is winter, that is to say, January and Feb-
ruary, and they will have plants that can be
potted in April and May, will be strong in the course
of the summer, and flower in the autumn. If you
have no bell glasses the sash of a greenhouse will
suffice to strike these cuttings. It is not neces-
sary to tell how to prepare these cuttings, — everj^
gardener knows that. An essential point tow-
ards success is to remove every day the leaves
that become yellow and not to fear to lift the
cuttings; on the contrary the undertaking is more
sure, for changing the place and soil from time
to time hastens them in rooting. And why?
Because the earth around them becomes mouldy
and if the cutting does not die the development

of its branches is retarded. Frequent waterings
are indispensable, as excess of moisture is better
for Carnations than dryness. Cuttings made in
winter, take root generally in 3 or 5 weeks, ac-
cording to the variety. As soon as the cuttings
are rooted they are put separately in small pots
and brought gradually to the air, and the further
treatment is like A, B, C, to the workman.

The cuttings having rooted it is best to put
them in the ground during April or the beginning
of May, (according to the season and chmate,) in
a place well aired, as the Carnation loves air and
dreads to be confined between walls and trees.

The nature of the soil is not difficult ; however,
it prefers fresh earth provided it is well drained,
as stagnant moisture is very destructive to it.

Copious waterings, not too often repeated, it
likes, provided these waterings are of liquid ma-
nure and free of foul materials. These last can
easily be disinfected by sulphate of iron.

To preserve Remontant Carnation dwarf it is
better to take oft' each flower-stem immediately
after the flowering, to 2 or 3 inches above the
base, the plant will then branch out more and
send forth new flower-stems. Carnations resist
the cold perfectly and can be left in the ground,
unless they are desired to bloom in winter. In
this case a good precaution to take is to shelter
the plants after a strong frost from the rays of the
sun by some covering.

If they are to flower in winter, pot the plants
in October, at least those that show buds, and let
them be as late as possible (so that the buds do
not freeze) in an Orangery greenhouse, shed or
any other temperate shelter, and give them air
every time the exterior temperature is fit. The
amateur who has not a greenhouse for propaga-
tion should graft them in September, against a
northern wall in the open air. The striking of
them is then almost certain. This culture is within
the means of everybody. These same rules will
apply to many plants, especially those which are
called soft-wooded. Many horticultural publica-
tions contend that certain plants are difficult to
multiply by grafting. Why difficult ? Because we
are ignorant. Every plant grafts easily if we know
how to do it. It is to hide our ignorance that we
say a thing is difficult. " Seek and you will find,"
says Jesus Christ, and it is and always will be true.
What man knows not how to do he declares im-
possible. Pride ! What he cannot comprehend or
what is above his intellect, he decides to be im-
practicable. Pride ! Jean Sisley.

Monplaisir, Lyon, Dec. 19, 1875.

100

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[April,

TIME TO PRUNE SHRUBS, AND OTHER HINTS.

BY F. R. E.

All know me as an old fogy soon to pass away
to, I hope, a land where trouble or doubt has no
abiding j^lace — but while here among my fellow
men I cannot rest, without now and then pen-
cilling down my thoughts as I read their teach-
ings.

In your general directions, page 34 of February
number, you are correct, but as you are now the
only Horticultural Magazine Editor for all ex-
cept California or southwest thereof, should you
not occasionally tell novices as to the time orperiod
ofthe bud swelling; when to prune, please? "With
March all should be finished" — will not quite
pass in our more Northern sections, and it is too
late for the South. I suggest that you tell us how
to prune, and then give touching the breaking
of buds, etc., as to the location of your readei^s.

Perhaps you will reply to me as follows : " We
write for those who are educated, not for those
who have had no knowledge either of books or
practice." All right, but here let me object to
your item of how to make shapely specimens.
I would not pull out the strong shoots, but I
would shorten them, and cut in close the weak
one, and then as the buds on the strong shoots
struck but laterals, I would pinch them back,
here an inch and there three inches.

But you need not publish this of mine ; for in
this article I have been picking at, you have so
complimented the ladies, and told so many truths
of what we should and what we should not do,
in the use of spade as compared with fork, or
the hoe as compared with the rake.

Eight again, and keep it before your readers
until after the April number, " That no good
gardener loses a tree in planting, because an-
other has injured its roots." As you say, the ex-
perienced hand in tree planting keeps always in
mind the old motto, " never say die."

Now I am along when you have been putting
" Sam Slick " on me, but I forgive ; yet am
afraid it will make somebody try to throw
me out of office should I ever gain another

berth, and so I . Well, w^ell, no matter, let

me turn over to the few words of Pinus Cembra,
please; for the planting in grounds when space is
restricted, we have nothing superior to it, in
hardiness, beauty of form, color of foliage, and
compactness.

Wild Gardens. Let us have more of them.
Who is ever afraid to gather a flower of the wild

Azalea, or the common Kalmia, or who hesitates
to pluck a fern leaf when wandering in our wild,
wild woods. If you have any of that kind on
your list, take them into some of the rocky
woods of Connecticut, etc. Let us have more of
the old shrubs and perennial flowers. Why
should we continue to dress and decorate in
gaudy colors, when simple blue and rosy white,
are the shades that tinge on green so sweetly in
nature.

Spiriva sorbifolia. Once more I must call at-
tention. Never cut it clear down, except when
first planted, then do it and cut out the poor
puny stems, shorten the strong shoots and take
out the laterals that tend to thicken too much
the centre, and shorten back the laterals that
come out, to assist you in giving the shrub a cone
or round head, etc., as you desire.

EDITORIAL NOTES.

Jasminum nudiflorum. — This is one of the
best hardy plants to put under the windows on
the walls of houses. It is a trailer and needs a
trellis or wires to keep it up. It grows in a
dense mass, and the flowers open on the slightest
taste of w'arm weather. The season has been
rather mild in Germantown, and a beautiful
block of it on the house formerly occupied by
the late Miss Elizabeth Morris, the well known
Botanist, has been in full bloom since Christmas,
and has given pleasure to hundreds who have
stopped to look at it. It has the good merit of
getting alongunder the roughest treatment; even
in the dryest places under trees it will grow and
do well.

The Live Oak — Quercus virens. — In our re-
cent trip to the far South, we know of nothing
that so impressed us with its rare beauty as the
Live Oak, and we feel a gratefiil remembrance of
Col. Hardee of New Orleans, for a drive to where
these beauties were. The general aspect of these
trees is that of huge apple trees, — that is to say,
they branch comparatively low down, and spend
their remaining efforts in producing immense
heads. In this way the trees, tall as they are,
are wider than high ? The branchlets are rather
slender for an oak, and hence in spreading be-
come somewhat pendulous, and this favors the
spread of the " moss " (Tillandsia usneoides).
This moss does not increase much from seed,
but by pieces blowing on the other branches, and

1876.]

AND HORTICULTURIST.

101

thus new colonies are formed, and of course a
sub-pendulous habit is an advantage to the
spread of the Tillandsia. With yards in length
of this " moss " hanging in every direction from
a grand Live Oak tree, it seems to make the per-
fection of arborescent beauty.

Gakden Edgings. — Those who do not like box,
or are in climates too cold for it, should by all
means use the Globe Arbor Vitse. It can be laid
just as box is laid, and bears trimming just the
same as box if not better. We recently saw
some beautiful edgings at the nursery of Geo.
Achelis, at West Chester. When full grown it is a
beautiful ornament. Here is a sketch of one as
growing on the grounds of Wm. R. Mercer, Esq.,
of Bucks Co., Pa.

ScHizosTYLis cocciNEA. — A fcw ycars ago we
saw this beautiful plant in flower in a garden
near Philadelphia, but have missed it lately. We
suppose it is yet in some of our gardens. We
are reminded of it by the following sketch in the
Gardener's Magazine.

" This is one of the most valuable of plants,
either for conservatory decoration or for growing
in any warm sheltered nook, for supplying cut
flowers during autumn, and no garden, however
small, should be without it. In order to have
strong-plants, it should be planted out early in
the spring, in beds specially prepared for that
purpose, as it grows much more vigorously
treated in this way than'it does]when confined in
pots. The beds should^be formed of some rich

Abies Engelmannii.— On the grounds of W. E.
Mercer, Esq., of Bucks Co., Pa., we recently saw
two fine specimens of Engelmann Spruce. One
was about three feet high, and jirobably larger
than Mr. Gray's at Boston, which we had sup-
posed hitherto, was the largest in cultivation. As
is well known, there is a remarkable tendency to
vary among coniferous plants, and hence our
readers will not be surprised to learn that there
was much difierence between these two plants in
habit and other characters. This beautiful Colo-
rado spruce seems well adapted to eastern cul-
ture, and we hope to see it become common.

vegetable material, such as leaf soil and good
fresh loam, or any refuse peat that has been cast
aside as unfit for potting purposes. If either of
the above materials can be spared to form a bed
from 0 to 10 inches deep, there will be no difii-
cult}^ in growing such plants of Schizostylis as
will produce an abundant supply of its rich
scarlet Gladiolus-like blossoms during the greater
part of the winter. Where supplies of leaf soil
or peat are not to be had, it may be grown tolera-
bly well in any ordinary soil that has been well
enriched with rotten dung previous to planting.
Its flag-like leaves are rather subject to red

lOJ

THE GARDENER'S 3I0NTHLY

[April,

spider, but this may always be prevented by
keeping the plants well supplied, when necessary,
with water, as it is invariably over-dryness, either
in the atmosphere or at the roots, that favors the
existence of this pest; both may, therefore, be
guarded against by sprinkling the plants over-
head two or three times a week, or as often as
the weather renders such a course necessary or
desirable for the health and well-being of the
plants. If treated in this way, they will be found
to produce flower-spikes early in October, when
they may be taken up and placed in pots accord-
ing to the size and strength of the tufts. They
should then be placed in a close, moist frame for
a week or so, to give them a chance of becoming
established before being placed in the compara-
tively dry atmosphere of a greenhouse or con-
servatory."

*♦»

NEW PLANTS.

RoMKEYA CouLTERi. — A new and peculiar flow-
er, belonging to the Poppy family, which we did
not meet in California, but of which we often
heard. The plant was represented to us as two
feet or more in height, with white, fragrant flow-
ers quite five inches in diameter. Tlie petals are
pure white, stamens bright yellow, foliage pale
green, soniewhat glaucus. Flowers fragrant, and
often from forty to fifty adorning the plant at one
time. — /. Vick.

[We believe this plant has somewhat the face
of the well known Argemone Mexicana, or Mex-
ican Poppy. — Ed. G. M.]

Delphinium nudicattle.— Mr. Vick says of
this : " Among the beautiful flowers that adorn
the California mountains, we saw nothing really
more decorative than the bright scarlet Larkspur,
Delphinium nudicaule. Every mountain-top, es-
pecially in the neighborhood of the Geysers,
seemed covered with these brilliant little flowers.
We filled our hands with the flowers, and
our pockets with the seeds; and though
often warned that rattle-snakes abounded, we saw
nothing more formidable than the pretty little
lizards, that seemed as lively as crickets."

Brodi.ea Californica.— Of all the ])retty flow-
ers that abound in California, we know of noth-
ing prettier than the twining Hyacinth. The
flowers are a very fine pink, or deep rose. It
grows in the mountains and twines over every
bush it can reach, and the flower-stem ^oes to

the top of the bush to which it is attached, no
matter if it is five or ten feet. After it gets to the
top of the Inish and rests awhile to be sure it has
got a good hold, it lets go of the earth and goes
on blooming and seeding for weeks and months?
regardless of the burning sun by day or the cool
mountain air by night. The leaves are long,
narrow and grass-like. The roots are very deep,
and being entangled with the roots of shrubs and
bushes, it is next to impossible to get them up.
This plant is in flower at all times from May to
September. The flower-stem bi'eaks off near the
ground, and the flowers are left swinging in the
air without any connection with earth or root,
supported by the bush about which it twines. —
James Vick.

Spm,^<:A PALMATA. — In a description of this
plant given in the Botanical Magazine, No. 285,
Dr. Hooker says : " By far the handsomest spe-
cies of the genus hitherto imported, and cer-
tainly one of the most beautiful hardy plants in
cultivation; the deep purple red of the stems
and branches, passing into the crimson purple
of the glorious broad corymbs of flowers, con-
trasts more exquisitely with the foliage, which in
autunni assumes beautiful tints of brown and
golden yellow." It is a native of Japan, and
was discovered and introduced by Mr. Fortune.
— W. Bull.

QUERIES.

Crat.kgus Pyracantha Hedges. — A Kentucky
correspondent writes : " I take the liberty of
writing you regarding Crataegus Pyracantha,
which is now exciting a good deal of attention
in those parts, though very little is' known of its
merits as a hedge plant. Do you believe it
would be hardy down here? That is, hardy to
the extent of carrying its foliage throughout the
winter. I am glad your Monthly is getting
along finely."

[The common Pyracantha is a rather strag-
gling bush, and has to be kept in order by the
shears. The White-Berried Pyracantha is a dense
close grower, and makes a beautiful close hedge
without trimming. It is rather a slow grower,
but as there is nothing lost by cutting back, as in
most fast growing things, it comes up in about
the same time. The white-berried kind is very
much the hardiest, and keeps green all win-
ter. It must be raised from cuttings. — Ed. G. M.]

1876."'

AND HORTICULTURIST.

103

KEEN tiLOUSE AND mOUSE GARDENING.

SEASONABLE HINTS.

In this part of the world window plants are not
given their summer airing until May, but every
opportunit^y is taken to let them have all the
open air possible, by opening windows and
sashes wherever i^racticable. People often com-
plain that plants from greenhouses are too tender
to stand the open sun, but it is only because they
have been too much confined. If any plants grow-
ing in pots are yellow, or in anyway sickly, it is as
well to i^rune them severely and plant for a year
hi the open ground. If they have insects on them
these should be cleaned off before planting out,
or they will' increase under our dry summer sun.
The red spider is best treated to a syringing of warm
soap suds, and then to be dusted with sulphur;
and the scale insects should have a painting with
whale oil soap, and' some say linseed oil. Many
plants will have to be kept in pots all summer,
and these are best set in partial shade. There
are few more desirable room plants than the
Ivy and Periwinkle in their numerous varieties.
These should be potted now, and grown all sum-
mer. There are many things nearly, or quite
hardy, that are not often kept in pots, but which
would make good things for room culture, and
these should be potted now. Of these we may
name Cotoneasters, Mahonias, Berberis, Euony-
mus. These are very easily managed, and it
seems to us that for those who have had little
experience in plant growing, or whose conve-
niences are limited, it is just as feasible to- have
beautiful things easy to grow, as beautiful things
that are difficult.

During the summer one may have rooms jjre-
pared for winter window-plants, and much may
be done by arranging shutters so as to make
double windows, to keep out the cold. In this
connection read the following good hints from
the Builder:

" Nothing is more effective to keep out
cold than double windows ; the layer of air be-
tween two panes of glass is a good non-conductor
of heat, and can only transmit it from the inside
outward by convection, that is, by a circulation

of the inclosed air, which will descend along the
outer cold window pane and ascend along the in-
ner warm pane. The radiated heat, which, at tem-
peratures below 100° Fah., is very weak through
glass, is of course smaller still through double
glass ; then the inconvenience of glass becoming
covered witli frost during cold weather, is done
away with, if the inclosed air is dry.

" Some time ago we communicated a sugges-
tion, made by some builder, to insert two panes
of glass, one on the outside and one on the inside
of the same frame, having rabbets on both sides ;
this may do for economy, but is subject to the
objection that the inside cannot be cleaned with-
out taking the glass out, and the fact is that in
the cfJurse of time it will in some way or other
get into such a condition as to need cleaning ;
then, when the glasses are so close together, the
protection against the outer cold is less effective
than if a greater m^iss of air is included.

"In very cold countries, like Russia, Sweden, or
Canada, the need of such protection is more felt
than with us ; but even here it is often adopted
in exposed localities, when the parties can afford
the luxury. Thus all the houses on Brooklyn
Hights, enjoying the magnificent view of New
York harbor, and those on Washington Hights,
enjoying the view of the Hudson river and the
Palisades, are fully exposed to the strong and
cold blasts of the northwest winter winds, and
are all provided at the west and north sides with
double windows, the absolute necessity of which
has become more and more evident for the com-
fort of the inmates. Such a double window may-
serve another purpose, and be used as a little
greenhouse ; when exposed to the sun, the solar
heat is stored up in them, and in France some
parties grow different plants and even grapes in
them in winter."

COMMUNICA TIONS.

ORANGE AND LEMON TREES AND GERANIUMS.

BY WILLIAM SUTHERLAND, PHILADELPHIA.

A lady, writing from Maryland, says that last
spring a year ago I proposed in the Monthly to

104

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[April,

tell something about raising Orange and Lemon
trees, and wishes I would redeem my promise.
She says she and her lady friends followed my
instructions for gi'owing the Caha lily with very
favorable results, and adds that she is quite suc-
cessful in raising seedling Geraniums, but has
great difficulty in getting them to flower before
they are very large plants. Now, I think this
letter ought to have been sent to Mr. Meehan,
as all letters of inquiry should be ; but as she
says I promised, I must, of course, perform. The
first thing to be done is to procure the lemon
seed (as both orange and lemon are generally
grafted or budded on the lemon stock) ; this can
easily be accomplished by saving all the perfect
pips they find in the lemons when next they
make lemonade ; these should be dried and sown
in light sandy soil in a pan or shallow box, and
■when two or three inches in height should be

Suppose the stock to be one foot high, or as
high as your fancy may dictate ; with a sharp
knife carefully cut the bark and outer wood down
as shown in Fig. 1, then prepare the graft as
shown in the same figure ; insert the graft in the
stock, carefully bringing the edges of the bark
together so that the bark of the graft fits the
bark of the stock (it is not necessary that the
graft fit the stock exactly, if the bark of the graft
meet the bark of the stock on one side it is all-
sufficient) ; tie them in their place as shown in
Fig. 2 with some soft tying material, such as
cotton strings, matting, &c. After tying them
smear the grafted part over with soft clay,
shorten the stock back, place it in a glass jar,
and stop the mouth up with moss, cotton or soft
paper, so as to exclude all air during the time
that the union is taking place. Shade the plant,
and when the graft has taken, gradually harden

potted singly in small pots or planted out in the
open ground. If the weather be warm, and all
danger from frosts be over, these seedlings when
as thick as an ordinary lead pencil may be bud-
ded with orange or lemon buds in the same way
as peach trees, and about the same time of the
year — July, August, September. For my own
part, I prefer grafting, as it forms a specimen
much quicker than the slower process of bud-
ding, which causes us to wait until the next sea-
son before we can hope to get a growth. The
only difficulty in the way of grafting is to keep
the stock and graft, or rather that part which is
operated upon, in an air-tight chamber during
the process, which can be readily done in the
following manner :

it off" by removing the material from the mouth
of the jar for two or three hours each day, ex-
tending the time until it is thoroughly hardened,
but in no case allow the graft to droop from too
long exposure. In selecting the grafts be careful
to take only such as have plump eyes on the
half ripened wood, as the older the wood is the
slimmer the chance of success. The orange is
generally distinguished from the lemon by its
leaf stalks having wings, as shown in Fig. 4,
while the lemon has a plain stalk as shown in Fig. 3.
Both plants grow well in almost any rich sandy soil,
and when growing require an abundance of wa-
ter. The pots should be well drained with oyster
shells, broken pots, or small stones, and the

1876.]

AND HORTICULTURIST.

105

plant shifted into larger pots, as the old one be-
comes filled with roots.

Tlie principal varieties of oranges and lemons

are —
Sweet Orange.
Bitter Orange.
Finger Orange.
Blood Orange.

Varieg. leaved Orange.
Sweet Lemon.
Sour Lemon.
Citron.

Otaheite Orange. The Lime.

Myrtle-leav'd Orange. Californian Lime.
Mandarine Orange. Dwarf Lime.
Fr. Hybrid Orange. The Pummeloe.

In regard to flowering seedling Geraniums the
process which I generally practice after the plant
has grown some eight inches is as follows: I
make a six-inch cutting of the top, dry it in the
shade for a day, and insert it in sand or sandy
soil, keeping it moderately dry until rooted,
when it should be potted* and shifted, as it re-
quires, or planted out in the ground.

By this means it will be found that seedling
Geraniums flower much quicker and grow
dwarfer than on the seed roots, and where room
is no object, and stumps are kept, you get two
plants instead of one, which is a great advantage
if the seedling be worth preserving, &c.

COAL TAR.

BY J. F. M. FARQUHAR, EAST PROVIDENCE, R. I.

A few years ago I had some experience with
the use of coal tar in two forcing pits, which may
be interesting to some of your readers.

The wooden frame-work of the beds having be-
come decayed, it was necessary to renew them.
In order to make the new frames last as long as
possible, the inside of the planks were given a
coating of coal tar. The work was done in sum-
mer, so that it had time to dry and harden before
the soil was put in. I had recommended to my
employer pitch tar in preference to the cheaper
article, fearing that bad effects might result if the
high temperature in the pits should melt the
coal tar. But in the fall, when the soil was
placed in the beds, so hard and dry had it be-
come that I thought the work could not be done
better, or more cheaply, and my earlier appre-
hensions were removed. Winter-flowering plants
and early vegetables occupied the beds, and all
did well for about three months after being
planted.

The weather having become intensely cold,
the heating apparatus had to be kept at work
night and day. Just at this time the plants
seemed to lose their healthy look; Eoses and
Bouvardias began to sicken, their leaves to turn
yellow and fall off. I at once suspected what the
trouble was, and in order to remedy the evil as
far as possible, I removed these plants out of the
beds and potted them. I found that their young
roots were black and lifeless from being poisoned
by the tar. The continual heat fi-om the pipes
immediately under the beds had melted it, and
the gases being absorbed by the soil poisoned
it. In other parts of the pits. Carnations, Helio-

106

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[April,

tropes and Stocks Avere planted in the same
manner, and they did not appear to suffer in
the least. Lettuces, however, didn't seem to like
their quarters any better than the Roses and
Bouvardias. Parsley grew quite as well as if
nothing unfavorable touched its roots. I had no
satisfaction from these pits that season, and
when summer came round again, I took the first
opportunitj' to remove all traces of what had
given me so much trouble, and refitted the
frames with hard pine planks; after which I had
no trouble. Experience is often a hard teacher,
and this mishap taught me that a gardener can-
not know too much about anything that relates
to his business.

HEATING WITH HOT WATER.

BY THOS. OTTAWAY.

I have had thirty years' practical experience
in heating plant houses with flues, steam and hot
water, and do not hesitate to say that hot water
is by far the best for plant growth. The best
boilers are those of Hitchings & Co. and Weathered
of all I have had in use. My advice is to use
plenty of pipe for heating to produce healthy
plants. I don't like the water to exceed 160 de-
grees. My advice is to keep pipes 4 to 6 feet
above the boiler, and to connect the feed pipe
with the flow, to take away the steam generated
in the boiler. Many suppose the hot water
drives the cold, but it is just the reverse— it is the
balance of power. Cold water being the heavier,
the more the pipes are elevated above the boiler
tlie quicker the circulation.

EDITORIAL NOTES.

Floral Decoratioxs at Tunbridge Wells.—
The floral decorations at the exhibition of the
Tunbridge Wells Horticultural Society, held on
the 2nd inst., exhibited a marked improvement
upon those of last seas :)n, both as regards num-
ber of entries and taste in arrangement. In the
class for a group of three pieces for table deco-
ration (flowers or fruit), strange to say not one
group staged contained fruit. The first prize in
this class was awarded to Mrs. Seale, London Road,
Sevenoaks, for a charmingly-arranged group
of three March vases, decorated with white Wa-
ter Lilies, scarlet Geraniums, the scarlet spathes

of the Flamingo plant. Orchids, scarlet Begonias,
pale blue Larkspurs, mixed varieties of Ferns and
wild Grasses, while from the trumpets trailed
long sprays of Lygodium scandens. The arrange-
ment of the flowers in these stands was much
more effective than that which Mrs. Seale exhib-
ited at the Prystal Palace on the 26th of last
month; indeed, I quite agree with one of our
oldest judges, who, when he saw Mrs. Scale's
grovip of March vases at Tiinbridge, said it was
the prettiest arrangement he had ever seen. The
second prize in this class was awarded to Mrs. G.
Smith, Hurstley, for a group of three vases, con-
sisting of trumpets rising out of flat tazzas, the
centre piece being the tallest, but had it been
about 6 inches taller still it would have been a
great improvement. The principal dressing of
these stands consisted of blooms of Tacsonia Van
Volxemii, sprays of Spiroea and Copper Beech,
and light grey-tinted foliage furnished by Cen-
taurea and other grey-leaved plants. The third
prize in this class was awarded to Mr. John
Beech, for an effective group consisting of a March
stand for the centre piece, and at each side
trumpets rising out of tazzas,all three being dressed
with much taste. In the class for a single piece
for table decoration the first prize was awarded to
Mr. James Bolton for an elegantly-arranged vase,
in which Orchids, blue Corn-flowers, Stephanotis,
and other flowers and Ferns were charmingly in-
termixed. The second prize fell to Mrs. Seale
for a March vase, very similar to the others ex-
hibited by that lady; and the third prize was
awarded to Mr. Fennel for a pretty design ; and
an extra fourth was awarded to jNIr. G. Hubbard.
The hand bouquets were good, nearly all exhib-
ited, with few exceptions, being lightly put to-
gether, and free from that packed appearance
too often to be observed in those exhibited for
competition at flower shows ; the j^rizes were
awarded (in the order in which the names stand)
to Mr. John Staples, Mrs. Staples, Mr. G. Hub-
bard, and Mrs. Fennel. For button-hole bou-
quets, which were plentiful, the first prize was
awarded to Miss Jane HoUamby, and the second
to Mr. R. A. Boesseer. Again, as last season, in
the class for arranged groups of wild flowers,
there was a keen competition. The first prize
was awarded to Miss Cox, the flowers in whose
stands consisted of Poppies, Dog Daisies, Forget-
me-nots, yellow Bird's-foot, Trefoil, and Grasses ;
the second to Mr. Charles Noble, for a large-sized
March vase, in which, in addition to wild flowers.
Grasses were extensively employed. In the

18t6.]

AND HORTICULTURIST.

107

class for a single piece for table decoration
(for gardeners only), the prizes went to Mr. Rich-
ard Downing and Mr. James Bolton, both of
whose arrangements were much admired. — The
Garden.

Annuals for Bouquets. — People often want
to know what to sow to get flowers for cutting
all summer long. The following list is recom-
mended by Messrs. Thorburn :

LIST OF ANNUALS SUITABLE FOR BOUQUETS.

Abronia umbellata.

Ageratum Mexicanum.
'■ album.

Alyssum maritinum.

Amaranthus tricolor.

Aquilegia cserulea.

Aster chrysanthemiflora.
" alba.

Balsams Camellia flow-
ered.

Centranthus macrosi-
[phon.
'' dwarf.

Clintonia pulchella.

Collinsia bicolor.
" verna.

Cuphea ocymoides.
" miniata.

" purpurea.

Dianthus Chinensis.

Didiscus cserulea.

Gilia tricolor.

Gypsophila paniculata.

Gypsophila acutifolia.
Heliophila araboides.
Heliotropium grandi-

florum.
Iberie odorata.
" umbellata.
" sempervirens.
Leptosiphon d e n s i -

florus.
Lobelia gracilis.
" erinus.
Mimulus moschatus.
Phlox Drummondii.
Reseda odorata (Mig-
nonette).
Silene Schafta.
Smilax asparagoides

( My rsi phy Hum ) .
Spraguea umbellata.
Stocks, (Ten Weeks.)
Viola tricolor, finest.
Viscaria oculata.
" Dunnettii.

Zinnia, all the double varieties.

NEW PLANTS.

Macleya Yedoexsis. — This charming orna-
mental-leaved plant has been recently introduced
from Japan. It is a vigorous grower, and attains
in one season a height of from four to five feet.
The leaves are very large, of a glacous green,
with rosy yellow nervoses on the upper side, and
are deeply and elegantly cut. — R. G. Hanford.

New Variegated Lantana— Harkett's Per-
fection.— This has been proved the past two
summers and is undoubtedly the best variegated
bedding or pot plant to stand the sun. The leaves
are golden yellow, blotched and marbled with
dark green ; having, rich rose colored flowers
with orange centre, beautifully harmonizing with

the foliage. It obtained a diploma at the North-
western Exposition held in Dubuque, in Sep-
tember, 1875.— TF. A.Harkett.

Othonna crassifolia. — This pretty plant is
but little known. It has a dwarf, creeping, or
pendulous habit, with slender, round, fleshy, light
green leaves, and small axillary, yellow flowers.
As a plant for hanging-baskets, flourishing in a
cool temperature, it is the gem of all similar
plants. Its numerous graceful stems droop over
the sides of the pot or basket, and its Sedum-like
foliage glistens under the bright sun ; also suita-
ble for carpet-bedding among succulent plants.
It is a perfect gem in the full sun.

Begonia FRoeBELi. — This new species was first
exhibited in this country by its introducers,
Messrs. Froebel & Co., of Zurich, on August 4th,
1875 (see The Garden, Vol. VIII., p. 121), when it
received a first-class certificate. In habit it is
quite distinct from all others, having large ob-
liquely cordate, hairy leaves, hoary beneath, and
very variable in size, the largest being 6 to 12
inches in length, and from 3 to 8 inches in width.
It has crimson-scarlet flowers, which are borne
in erect panicles from 10 to 15 inches in height.
The male flowers are four-petaled and nearly 2
inches in diameter, while the female flowers are
five-petaled, and about 1 or IJ inches in diameter.
The peduncles themselves are of a bright red
color spotted with crimson. This species has
been used with success for bedding purposes on
the Continent. It is a welcome addition to our
hardy tuberous-rooted species, and will be inval-
uable to the hybridiser, the panicles of vivid
flowers being borne well up above the tufted radi-
cal leaves on separate stems, as in B. Veitchii or
B. rosreflora, only we have here many-flowered
branched panicles instead of a , ^ew-flowered
scapes. This, one of Mr Roezl's discoveries on
the Andes of Ecuador, where it luxuriates at al-
titudes varying from 8,000 to 10,009 feet, or in a
temperature where the Strawberry seems per-
fectly at home, is well figured in the January
number of the Illmtrirte Garten- Zeitung, t. 1. We
believe Mr. B. S. Williams has made arrange-
ments to distribute it in this ■ country. — B., in
London Garden.

QUERIES.

Names of Plants. — J. I., Newton, Mass. — The
little leaf No. 1 appears to be a variegated leaf of

108

THE GARDENERS MONTHLY

[April,

Eranthemum pulchellum. No. 2, variegated
Vinca major.

Machines for Flower Pots. — F. G., Memphis,
Term. : " You will confer a favor upon a con-
stant reader of your Gardener's Monthly by letting
me know where I can get a machine to make
flower pots."

[These are made in Baltimore, we believe, but
are unable to give more precise directions. — Ed.
G. M.]

Flowering of Combretum grandiflorum. — J.
B., Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio : " Could you give me
some information, please, how to make blooming
Combretum grandiflorum. We have one plant
of it ; been about 15 years on the place ; never
did anything but grow."

[This plant and its allies often take these con-
trary' humors, but when they do bloom usually
make up for it. The best advice that we can
give is to keep it under potted, and let it have
all the light and sun it can get. — Ed. G. M.]

Variegated Lantana. — Mr. Harkett writes :

" I send you to-day a plant of my new Lan-
tana, which I think you will find a valuable
plant for bedding, especially where exposed to
the sun, where few variegated plants can suc-
ceed. I also enclose a few remarks in regard to
training trees and fruit bushes to walls for late
crops, which maj' be both valuable and interest-
ing to some of your readers in the large Eastern
cities, where walls abound that can be made
to do service.

' ' In regard to the Lantana, the leaves get a little
green when they are shaded too much or get old,
but while growing, exposed to the sun, it is ex-
cellent, and I think will prove the most valuable
addition to the class yet obtained. I have also a
.very fine scarlet Geranium of dwarf habit and very
free bloomer that holds its petals well and pro-
duces large flowers and trusses which is fully
equal in quality to the latest imported varieties,
although flowers are not as large as Rienzie or
quite as perfect, but better bloomer and has
larger trusses."

[The Lantana did not come to hand. — Ed.
G. M.l

'^.RUiT.AND Vegetable gardening.

SEASONABLE HINTS.

The Apple is our standard fruit, and may al-
ways be relied on with reasonable care. The
first care is good food. Some talk about too
rich soil. We never saw the soil too rich for the
apple. Where any trouble arises in apple cul-
ture, it will be safe to attribute it to other causes
than rich soil. Kitchen ashes, in which table
refuse is thrown, is an excellent top-dressing for
apples. We like top-dressing better than any
other system of nianuring apple trees. Even
nice ditch scrapings are good to top-dress with,
where nothing else offers. Apple trees are often
starved in other ways than by neglect to ma-
nure. The apple borer leads to starvation of-
tener than poor soil. The supply of food is cut
off" by every move the borer makes. They work
at the surface of the groimd. Look for them
now. If you have no time, set the boys and
girls to work. Say they shall have no apples for

Christmas or birthday presents if they do not.
However, get the borers out somehow, even if by
wire and jack-knife. If not soon done they will
soon get out themselves, and give you more
trouble in the future. After they have left,
whether by j'our invitation or otherwise, keep
them ovit; even though you have to lock the
door after the horse is stolen. There is nothing
like tarred paper to keep them out. The paper
must be put an inch or more below the ground,
and two or three above. We have used gas-tar
for years ; but find that if the tar contains creo-
sote, as it sometimes does, and the newspaper be
very thin, it will once in awhile injure the bark.
Pine tar will therefore be better.

In grape raising people seem to go to extremes
in management. A few years ago the poor plant
was in leading strings. It dared not make one
free growth, but it was pinched and twisted into
all sorts of ways. Now the " prune not at all "
maxims are getting headway, and this is as bad,
if not worse. First, grape growing was such a

18T6.]

AND HORTICULTURIST.

109

mystery it took a life time to study it, and the
" old vigneron " was an awfully sublime sort of a
personage. He is now among the unfrocked and
unreverenced. But there is great art in good
grape treatment ; and yet this art is founded on
a very few simple principles. For instance,
leaves are necessary to healthy growth ; but two
leaves three inches wide are not of equal value
to one leaf of six inches. To get these strong
leaves, see that the number of sprouts be limited.
If two buds push from one eye, pinch out the
weakest whenever it appears. The other will be
strengthened by this protective policy, and the
laws of trade result in favor of larger and better
leaves on the leaf that follows. Allow no one
shoot to grow stronger than another. If there
are indications of this, pinch off its top. While
it stops to wonder what you mean by this sum-
mary conduct, the weaker fellows will profit to
take what properly belongs to them. There is
little more science in summer pruning than this;
but it takes some experience, joined with com-
mon sense, to apply it. This, indeed, is where
true art comes in.

South of Philadelphia, the more tender kinds
of garden vegetables may now be sown — beans
corn, cucumbers, squashes, etc. — that it is not
prudent to plant in this latitude before the first
of May; and tomato, egg-plants, etc., may also
be set out in those favored places. Cucumbers,
squashes, and such vegetables, can be got for-
ward as well as tomatoes, egg-plants, etc., by
being sown in a frame or hotbed, and potted off
into three-inch pots. They will be nice plants
by the first week in May. Rotten wood suits
cucumbers and the squash tribe exceedingly well
as a manure. Tomatoes and egg-plants that are
desired very early are best potted, soon after they
come up, into small pots. They can then be
turned out into the open air without any check
to their roots. Of course, they should be gradu-
ally inured to the open air — not suddenly trans-
ferred from a warm and moist air to a very dry
one.

Early York cabbage for early use should be
set out early in this month. An excellent plan
is to make the holes with a dibble first, where
the cabbage is to be set ; then fill the holes with
manure-water ; and after the water has soaked
away, set in the plants. It is rather more
laborious than the old way, but the cabbage
grows so fast afterwards that it pays pretty well.

Celery is an important crop, and should be

sown about this period. A rich moist spot
shaded from the mid-day sun, should be chosen;
or a box in a frame, if convenient.

Bean-poles may be planted preparatory to
sowing the Lima bean in May. Where bean-
poles are scarce, two or three hoop-poles, set
into the ground, and tied together at the top,
make as good a pole, and perhaps better.

Dwarf beans should have very warm and
deep soil — sow them only two inches apart.
The Valentine is yet the best early, take it all in
all.

Peas should be sown every two weeks for a
succession — do not make the soil very rich for
them.

COMMUNICA TIONS.

A VISIT TO COVENT GARDEN MARKET.

BY MANSf lELD MILTON.

Being long anxious to visit this world-renowned
place for a display of vegetables, I accordingly
paid it a visit one Saturday morning, in January
last. With the produce which the market gar-
dens around London brought to this market I
was astonished at its excellence ; but with the
place they have for selling it in I was disappoint-
ed. It is far too small for the immense traffic, and,
together with the narrowness of the streets lead-
ing into it, make it altogether a very mean place
for the purpose. The business is mostly done in
the morning between 6 and 9 o'clock, when but
little traffic of any other kind is being carried on,
especially during winter; but, at the same time,
the large wagons used for conveying the produce
are so closely packed together it is' very difficult
for those on foot to push their way through; and
very disagreeable for those having the work to do,
getting their vegetables off the wagons, and pro-
perly disposed of.

The flower market is much superior to the vege-
table department. It is a large building so ar-
ranged that one can move about and examine
the plants and flowers with a good deal more
comfort than in the vegetable market, and, un-
doubtedly, with a good deal less of rebuff to the
stranger than in the latter place. The buyers
and sellers appear to think they have an exclu-
sive right during the early hours of the morn-
ing, and that strangers should stand outside and

110

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[April,

under no pretense whatever ask any questions
about what they see, except the prices of the dif-
ferent vegetables. In the flower department
every one appeared very anxious to inform us
what we asked them.

Upon the whole, I really think London — the
Empire City of the world — should possess a vege-
table market something in keeping with her
great size and immense wealth. For the benefit
of the readers of the Monthly, I shall give a list
and the prices of some of the principal vegeta-
bles, plants, and cv;t flowers which were in the
market at the time of my visit.

Tin-nips were in large quantities and of good
quality, but not very large in size ; they sold for
4d. per bunch. Carrots were splendid, not extra
large, but clean and free from canker; 6d. per
bunch. Rhubarb, at Is. 6d. per bundle, was
finely colored, although forced, which is what is
not always seen, and what many gardeners do
not deem requisite to have in forced rhubarb,
but what is not well colored is not well flavored.
Plenty of air and light are necessary in obtaining
color. Green peas, at Is. 6d. per lb., were not
very plentiful. Considerable quantities of new
potatoes were in the market, and for about Is.
6d. per small basket. A good many tomatoes I
saw, but of a quality which would not be much
relished by Americans, who are so much accus-
tomed to such fine fi-uit at home ; they brought
from Is. to 2s. per dozen. Seakale was in splen-
did condition, thoroughly blanched and, there-
fore, very tender ; sold for about 2s. per punnet.
Asparagus was plentiful, and of excellent quality ;
home-grown brought from 8s. to 10s. per bundle
There were also cucumbers, onions in large quan-
tities, leeks, celery (mostly red varieties), lettuce,
endive, cabbage, Brussel-sprouts, and cauliflower^
which all sold at good, fair prices. Taken alto-
gether, the vegetables were the best and in largei'
quantities than I had previously seen anywhere.

The fruit was also very good and in large
quantities; some excellent grapes of Lady Downe's
and Black Alicante varieties. These are the two
best kinds we have for hanging late, but it ap-
pears to me the true Alicante is not always seen
bearing the name. It is a fine keeping and good
looking, but not an extra flavored grape. They
ranged in price from 2s. to 6s. per lb. Plenty of
foreign grapes at much lower prices.

There were some good specimens of Ne Plus
Meuris, Easter Beurre and Beurre Eance, pears,
large lots of American apples, plenty of oranges,
figs, nuts, melons and pine-apples. The plants

were mostly growing in six-inch pots, but were
well grown and free from insects ; those in flower
appeared as if their blooms had just opened, so
as to be in their best that very day. The plants
of Azaleas were grown mostly as standards, and
the smallest of the plants full of blossoms, both
single and double varieties; they sold for from
£2 to £3 per dozen.

Bouvardias were not in such good condition as
I have often seen some of the American garden-
ers having them ; they sold for about 12s. per
dozen. When visiting the large plant establish-
ment of Messrs. Hugh Low & Co. I saw a great
quantity of the diff"erent varieties of bovivardia
growing in pots flowering very freely, but what
drew my attention most was the large size of trusses
they had. Primula sinensis astonished me to see
the excellent strains of some of the lots exposed
for sale here. It is very strange some of the en-
thusiastic florists throughout the United States
have not got into the cultivation of some good
strain of Primula and raise seed for home de-
mands. As it is, gardeners in want of fine kinds
have to import from England, and although the
highest price is paid for it, far superior strains
are seen for sale in Covent Garden than any I
have ever seen raised from any of our " im-
ported " seed.

The plants have foliage of fine substance, the
flowers, which are very large, are produced in
large trusses, and raise above the leaves just high
enough to make them look well. The fine strains
brought 12s. per dozen.

Poinsettia pulcherrima is grown in six-inch
pots. The plants are very dwarf, and the bracts
very large. Some of the white one — alba — are for
sale, but not nearly so abundant as the red one;
they brouglit about £1 per dozen. Tulips were in
variety and very fine. They are planted five
bulbs in a pot, and sell from 9s. to 18s. per dozen.
Hyacinths are grown singly in pots, and bring
about the same price ; except Roman Hyacinths,
which sell for as much as 30s. per dozen. There
was a great show of the different colors of Cycla-
men, selling for from 12s. to ISs. per dozen.

Besides the above, there were large lots of
Heaths in variety, Begonias, Echeveria retusa
floribunda, Cyperus alternifolius, Epiphyllums,
Dracfenas, Mignonette, Pelargoniums, and Ficus
elastica. Cut flowers were not so plentiful as are
seen in the florists' establishments in the United
States. I have seen in a single establishment
there more flowers at one time than there were
in all Covent Garden Market. Some of the prin-

1876.]

AND HORTICULTURIST.

Ill

cipal were Carnations, 12 blooms, 2s. to 4s. ; Gar-
denias, 12 bl., 12s. to 18s.; Eucharis, 12 bl., 6s. to
18s.; Stephanotis, 12 sprays, 9s. to 18s.; Tube-
roses, per dozen, 4s. to 9s. Such kinds as Cylca-
men. Heliotropes, Mignonette, Pelargoniums,
Primula, Spirea, Violets, and Roses sold a good
deal cheaper.

A NEW CULTURE FOR ASPARAGUS.

BY GEN. W. H. NOBLE, BRIDGEPOET, CONN.

The horticultural observations and experience
you so wisely invite, have worth just in propor-
tion as they come tested and sifted from mere
notions and whims. What others tell us they
have tried or seen, gains value only through a
like ordeal. No one matter with which the hu-
man has to do is fuller of humbugs told as truths
than horticulture. I, therefore, sift well all new
ways put out as betters of the old. Under this
rule, asking for what I am about to tell only the
trust deserved by well weighed words, I relate a
new mode of asparagus culture, told me by the
venerable Elias Fairchild, whom all here know
to be truthful and exact.

Just over our New York boundary, a hotel-
keeper, who was also a garden-lover, planted on
good, level soil an asjDaragus bed of some 12 by
20 feet. When its growth became strong he year
by year covered it with some two or three inches
of good rich mould. Up through this shot the
stalks and crept the roots. The method was fol-
lowed up every season, with the result of larger
growth and product, till the bed became an ob-
long mound of some 2 or 3 feet in height, and a
perfect wonder in the quality and quantity of
asparagus furnished for the table. That yearly
blanket of soil was, my friend thinks, the only
culture or enrichment given. The bed ivas never
dug mthfork or spade.

Have we not in this a new and better method
for this toothsome and healthful vegetable? To
many it may not be new. It was to me. A slight
experience of mine, the last season, gives me
faith in its value. By sheer accident, some two
or three inches of good loam was spread over a
portion of my asparagus bed ; I noticed there, a
much more vigorous growth of the vegetable as
well as weeds than elsewhere on the bed. The ques-
tion is, if such results come simply from this
heavy dressing of good mould, may we not hope
for greatly larger when we spread on new earth,
full of absorbed richness from cattle yards,

the bottoms of old stalls, or taken where the
wash of house or barn have soaked the soil.

If others have known of such results from like
causes, I hope they will not fail to tell your
Monthly, to which we look for sound views and
new light on all horticultural matters.

EDITORIAL NOTES.

June Budding Peach Trees. — H. C. S., Green
Tree. Pa., says : — " Gardeners, be so kind as to
inform me through the columns of the Garden-
er's Monthly, whether peach trees, budded in
June, are budded from wood of the previous
year's growth, or of the present year's growth ;
and if the former, is there any advantage in bud-
ding the peach in June ? For I see peach trees
budded in June recommended by several nursery-
men in their catalogues."

[By June budding, if the proper time and con-
ditions are secured, a season is saved in getting
a tree. The plants are not as large as those
which take two seasons — not half as large, — but
we have seen very good trees so raised, quite
good enough for extensive planting, and we
know no reason against the practice. — Ed. G. M.]

The Lady Apple. — There are two varieties of
Lady Apple, viz.: Pomme d'Api rose and Pomme
d'Api noir. The black one is really black, if we
may term a blackberry black, and has a very
peculiar appearance on the dish in company
with its rosy-cheeked companion. Both are
worth growing, but I have had no experience of
them in this country. — Chevalier, in The Garden.

Foreign fruits in England cannot compete
with the native grown. Grapes, pines, bananas,
— none are so good as the English raise in their
forcing houses. The American Newtown Pippin
apple is, however, the most popular in the Eng-
lish markets of all apples. English pears are
said to be superior to any. Glout Morceau and
Winter Nelis,are the favorites at Christmas time.

American seedling Potatoes continue popular
in England, on account of their immense pro-
ductiveness,— but are produced very inferior in
quality to the standard English kinds.

Two SETS OF ROOTS TO A Grape Vine. — The Gar-
dener's Chronicle speaks of the great success of a
grape grower in obtaining fine fruit, who bent
the top of the cane down so that it could root
in the ground. There were thus two sets of

112

THE GARDENEB'S 3I0NTHLY

[April,

roots, one at the bottom in a natural way, and
one at the top. The result was extremely favor-
able to vigor and health, and the fruit was extra
fine.

Forced fruits and vegetables. — It is said the
taste for varieties is increasing, and prices rather
on the advance for them in England.

The early Ollv^ Radish is the most popular
early kind now in England, having completely
displaced all others where a first-rate kind is de-
sired.

The profits of Or.ajs^ge growikg. — There has
been some discussion as to the relative profits of
fruit growing north, and orange growing in the
far south — the advantage being thought to be
with the southern oranges. We are inclined to
•doubt this. The Semi-Tropical, of a recent date,
says : —

" Mr. F. Hudnall has sold for shipment 35,000
oranges from his grove on the river opposite
Jacksonville, which averaged but one hundred
and thirty-eight to a barrel. Mr. Tuttle, owning
a grove of eleven-year-old trees near Mandarin,
has marketed seven hundred oranges, which for
quality cannot be excelled. One hundred select-
ed from the lot weighed over one hundred
pounds."

"WTien the writer of this was in New Orleans,
last December, Florida oranges were being brought
in by the boat load, and were selling on the levee
for $1.50 per hundred, — and these were thought
to be good prices. The "grove" of Mr. Tuttle
is not given as to its size, — ^but if these seven
hundred are the first products of " eleven years,"
a northern apple orchard will go a long way
ahead of this. If we have to wait so long, and
we think we have, what signifies $400, and from
this are to be deducted shipment to New Or-
leans.

Here is another paragraph : —

" Mrs. Bryan, an old resident on Lake Santa-
fee, Alachua county, Florida, has an orange tree,
planted by herself sixteen or seventeen years
ago, which produced last year five thousand
oranges."

At a cent and a quarter a piece, it is not much
to wait sixteen years for. Better set out oak
timber.

The Big Rambo Apple. — In regard to the note
of our Ohio correspondent, we find the following
in the Galena Press : —

"J. H. Creighton, of Pataskala, Ohio, gives the

supposed origin of the Big Rambo Apple which,
with many aliases, has grown to be a very popu-
lar fruit. He says that nearly sixty years ago
Wm. Cummins, of Pickaway county, Ohio, pur-
chased half a dozen of the trees from a sale, at
the residence of Mr. Bogart, in Fairfield county,
Ohio, and that these trees are still alive, and in
full bearing. His son recently inforined the
writer that one of his neighbors took sprouts
from the roots of these trees which produced the
same kind of fruit, hence he concludes the
Bogart farm must have produced the original
seedling.

" Now it seems to us there are just two serious
objections to this theory. First, if it proves any-
thing it would prove too much, namely : that all
the half dozen trees were seedlings, else why
should sprouts from these produce the same
fruit? Yet again if they were all seedlings, it
would also go far to prove that an apple was at
last found which perpetuates itself from the
seeds. We have grow'n more than a dozen
varieties of plums in our garden from root
sprouts which were true to the variety of the
grafted stock, including every one of the Gage
varieties, yet we know the trees from whose
roots the sprouts were taken were grafted stock,
some of them being grafted by us. How then
were the sprouts the same as the grafted stock ?
Simply by deep planting, and striking roots
from the grafted stock so that the tree gets to
stand upon its own roots. All the sprouts from
these roots will be the same in kind as the grafts
ed stock. We never thought of mentioning this
before, because we supposed the process familiar
to all whether nurserymen or amateurs. It is
quite common in such cases to have two kinds
of sprouts from the roots of the same tree ; one
set with the same leaf as the tree, the other, that
of the seedling on which it was originally grafted."

Large English Pears. — A correspondent of
the London Journal of Horticulture, thus braves
American pear growers as to the size of their
fruit : —

" We have from time to time read in the news-
papers surprising accounts of the enormous size
pears and apples have reached in California and
other favored places in the United States, but I
had no idea that we possessed in England either
a climate or a soil sufficiently fertile to produce
pears rivalling the fruits of our brother Jonathan.
A few days ago I received from Carmarthenshire
a box of specimen pears of such unusual size

iste.]

AND HORTICULTURIST.

113

and beauty, that I think they are worthy of be-
ing noticed in the pages of our Journal.

Easter Beurr6, 1 lb. 1 oz.; Beurre Superfine, 1 lb.
\ oz.; Durandeau, 14J ozs.; Beurr6 d'Anjou, 12 ozs.
Marie Louise, 12\ ozs.; Winter Nelis, lOJ ozs.;
Gansel's Seckle, 8 ozs.; ZeiAirin Gregoire, 6| ozs.;
Doyenne du Cornice, 1 lb. 64- ozs.

This last magnificent specimen measured 13J
inches every way. These pear trees were not
delicately nurtured under glass in an orchard
house and fed with stimulants, but they grew in
the open air, and carried full crops of fruit.
The Marie Louise last year produced upwards of
640 fruit, and has yielded another very large crop
this j^ear.

NEW FRUITS 4- VEGETABLES.

Thwack Raspberry. — A Louisiana,Mo., corres-
pondent says : " This berry so far is only locally
known, for I have purposely held it back till I
could propagate a good supply of plants, and
thoroughly test in ordinary field culture with-
out protection. The upright cane sorts, Turner,
Herstine,Brandywine and Philadelphia, killed to
the ground last winter, while the Thwack leaved
out to the very tips, and bore an enormous crop
of fruit last summer. These other sorts have
usually been hardy, but last winter with us was
unusually hard on small fruits,andthey all failed.
The Thwack is a cross between the Herstine
and Brandywine.

The Sterling Strawberry. — Mr. Bateham
sends us a private letter, evidently not intended
for publication, but in which he says he is an-
noyed by parties writing to him about it, and he
desires us to say to all without any further cor-
respondence, that he regards it a first-class va-
riety, superior in many respects to the Jucunda
from which it may, perhaps, be a seedling. He
gives the following account of its origin, which
we think he will have no objection to our ex-
tracting : —

" The Sterling, -with several other seedling
strawberries, was first exhibited to the public at a
fruit and flower show at East Cleveland, in June
1870, when I was present, and in common with
other fruit growers was very favorably impressed
with this variety. I learned that it was grown
from seed by Matthew Crawford, a market berry-
grower of that place. The seeds taken from
several large varieties, including Jucunda and

Triomphe de Gand. About this time, Mr. F. R.
Elliott had fruit of the Sterling presented to him,
and wrote a flattering notice of it for the Rural
New Yorker and the Cleveland Herald.

QUERIES.

Human Hair as a Fertilizer. — A New York
correspondent says : " Do me the kindness to
inform me what you would think of the applica-
tion of human hair as a special manure to pear
and plum trees in orchards. It occurred to me
to-day that it must be full of the phosphates,
and might have some value. Will it decompose
readily without the use of some acid with it ?
Any light you can give will be gratefully re-
ceived.

[Clippings of barbers' shops are found to be
very indestructible unless treated first to a dose
of sulphuiic acid. We should suppose it would
be an excellent fertilizer so treated. — Ed. G. M.]

Gas Lime.— D. D. & Sons, Allegheny City.
" Will you please inform us if lime, after being
used in the gas works, is better than fresh lime
for land for cabbage ? "

[Gas lime is no better than other lime, but is
cheaper. Sometimes it is dangerous from the
amount of creosote it contains. Ed. G. M.]

Hardy Market Raspberry. — "A subscriber,
J. S." near Crosswicks, N. J., " about to commence
the cultivation of raspberries for market," asks,
"What is the best kind for the purpose, and
whether the best kind for market is hardy or re-
quires any special treatment?"

[So far no better kind for the purpose indicated
has been found than the Philadelphia. It is the
only kind not needing any special treatment,
though somewhat inferior in quality to others
which have to be covered by earth in wijiter.
Ed. G. M.]

Do Persimmons change by Grafting? —
E. H. C, Shepherdstown, Pa., says: "Your ad-
vice to a correspondent in regard to propagating
the persimmon has suggested this question.

"More than twenty years ago I procured
grafts from an adjoining county of a large and
almost seedless variety, and grafted them on a
non-bearer. The result has been large, fine fruit
but very seedy. I have heard of similar
'freaks' in grafting this fruit. Who can tell
more about it?"

[This is an extremely interesting fact, and

116

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[April,

W. Glover, of Orangeburgh, S. C. Under date of
Dec. 21, 1875, he says : " About 24 years ago I
planted six acorns of the cork tree. All germi-
nated, but grew slowly, as the soil was barren,
and the location exposed them to the sun. They
were not cared for; but wishing to test their
adaptation to our climate, after four or five years I
removed two of them to a more favorable soil, and
where they enjoyed the shade of a house. Since
their removal the trees have advanced in height
and increased in diameter. My trees are about
twenty feet high, and thirty-one inches in cir-
cumference— and nineteen inches at five feet
from the ground. The leaf resembles that of the
live-oak, but the branches are not so extended.
My trees have never yet borne any acorns. I am
satisfied that the tree can be successfully culti-
vated here. I enclose pieces of the bark."

All this is satisfactory and to the point. The
specimens of the bark no one can mistake; they
are true cork. (Specimens were shown.)

We come now to the facts of European cultiva-
tion, and give presently a few particulars from
Michaux, and the exhaustive account of that ex-
pounder of botanical matters, Loudon, in his
great work, the Arboretum BrUtanicum. As long
ago as 1845 I visited one of the largest cork trees
in the world, at Ham House, England, which was
planted by Dr. Fothergill, and is still in tolerable
condition, not having ever been stripped. I have
taken pains since to examine single trees in vari-
ous parts of Italy, especially at Isola Bella in
lake Como, one of the Borromean isles, where
the Quercus suber flourishes admirably alongside
of the Camphor tree, and many botanical curios-
ities I have rarely met with elsewhere.

" Aye be planting, Jock," applies emphatically
to our America. Suppose at the Eevolution in
1776 every member of Congress from the South had
planted only a peck of cork tree acorns ! Would
we not bless every " signer " and his memory, for
his forethought. Suppose we try the experiment
in 1877, and record the names of our patriotic
cork men.

Let us see now what INIichaux and Loudon say.
Taking the first authority and condensing his
information we find that —

The cork oak grows naturally in the Southern
parts of France, in Spain, Portugal, Italy, aiid
the States of Barbary, which are comprised be-
tween the 44th and 35 th degrees of latitude; that
it rarely exceeds forty feet in height and three
feet in diameter. (The trees already mentioned

as growing in South Carolina are 23 and 20 feet
high, attained in a little more than 20 years.)

Its leaves are evergreen, but the greater part of
them fall and are renewed in the spring; they
are ovate, thick, slightly toothed, of a light green
on the upper svirface, and glaucous underneath.
The acorns are rather large, oval, and half en-
closed in a conical cup, and being of a sweetish
taste, are eagerly devoured by swine.

The wood is hard, compact and heavj^, but less
durable than the common European oak, par-
ticularly when exposed to humidity. The worth
of the tree resides in its bark, which begins to be
taken off at the age of twenty-five years. The
first growth is of little value ; in ten years it is
renewed, but the second product, though less
cracked than the first, is not thick enough for
bottle corks. It is not till the tree is forty-five or
fifty years old that the bark possesses all the
qualities requisite for good corks, and from that
period it is collected once in eight or ten years.
Its thickness is owing to the extraordinary swell-
ing of the cellular tissue. It is better fitted than
any other substance for the use to which it is ap-
propriated, as its elasticity exactly adapts it to
the neck of the bottle, and its impenetrable
structure refuses exit to the fluid.

Had my edition of Michaux's great work been
deferred till this date, (it was published in 1857,)
and two editions issued, I should have added
that gutta percha and gum elastic have been
tried with some success with a view of supersed-
ing cork, but the heavier cost and imperfect
adaptability are so great that as long as the true
cork is obtainable all substitutes yet tried will be
found greatly inferior. It may here be added
that a vast portion of the cork imported in Amer-
ica is refuse, declined by European users. The
best is taken by the champagne bottlers abroad.
The bottled wines of this country are remarkable
for their inferior corkage, and Mathews would
have found very often a difficulty in taking draw-
ings of them.

July and August are the seasons for gathering
cork. Tn'o opposite longitudinal incisions are
made through the whole length of the trunk of
the tree, and two others, transverse to the first,
at the extremities; the bark is then detached by
inserting a hatchet-handle like a wedge. Great
care must be taken not to wound the alburnum^
as the bark is never renewed upon the injured
parts. After being scraped, the bark is heated
on its convex side and laden with stones, to flat-

1876.]

AND HORTICULTURIST.

117

ten it and render it easier of transportation. It
should be from fifteen to twenty inches thick.

Michaux, who is an authority, asserts that this
tree would be an important acquisition to the
United States, and would grow wherever the live-
oak subsists. This region may be said to com-
mence about the latitude of Fortress Monroe,
Virginia, and extends to the Gulf of Mexico. In
much of this region land is only worth, say, from
one to three and five dollars the acre. If a man
was desirous of founding a family, he should
plant these acres, or some of them, with cork,
walnut, locust, larch, catalpa, and other trees ; if
he selects his land with judgment, hi^ children
and grand-children can and will supply the great
demand which is to come for railroad ties, furni-
ture, car builders, and the thousand artificers
who are always demanding more wood. The
bark of the cork tree will always be in demand.
We have quotations every week of the Quercitron
used by tanners ; it is within the possibilities that
quotations of cork oak bark will hereafter be
made at one hundred times the value of the
" tanners' bark." Though the time for receiving
returns for planting cork seems a long one, let us
remember that the black oak has taken quite as
many years to produce its bark, and that when
stripped the tanners' bark is never renewed.

Both outer and inner bark, according to Lou-
don, abound in tannin, and the former contains
a peculiar principle called suberine, and an acid
called the suberic. The wood of the tree is stated
to weigh 84 lbs. per cubic foot, but is never found
of sufficient size to be of much consequence ; its
outer bark was applied to useful purposes even
in the time of the Romans. Pliny speaks of a
buckler lined with cork, and the Roman women
lined their shoes with it ; both Greeks and Ro-
mans appear to have used it occasionally for
stoppers to vessels, but it was not extensively em-
ployed for this purpose till the 17th century,
when glass bottles began to be generallj'- intro-
duced. Besides the above uses, bungs are made
of it, and it is employed by fishermen for buoy-
ing their nets, in the construction of life-boats,
so-called life-jackets, &c. The Venetian ladies
employed it for their high-heeled shoes, and the
poor people of Spain lay planks of it by their
bed-side to tread on, as rugs are employed.
Sometimes the insides of houses built of stone
are lined with this bark, which renders them
very warm, and corrects the moisture of the air.
Bee-hives are also made of the bark of young

trees ; even furniture of the lightest kind is made
of cork.

If we add to its compressibility and elasticity,
that it is the best non-conductor, flexible, its
adaptability to life-preservers either in the form
of boats, its imperviousness to liquids, and its
great durability, we have an article readily pro-
duced, of the utmost importance, and well worthy
of cultivation in our country ; its commerce ex-
tends throughout the civilized world.

Recent efforts have been made with cork
shaved thin to adapt it for the soldiers' knap-
sacks, belts, and even his canteen, the object
being lightness and dryness ; and it is understood
these efforts have been successful. Who can say
that the huge trunks now employed may not be
made of slabs of cork?

When the cork tree has attained the age of
about 15 or 20 years the bark is removed for the
first time, but the first bark is found to be crack-
ed, and is therefore only fit for burning or being
employed in tanning.

The largest cork tree is in England, says the
same valued authority just quoted, in Devon-
shire, at an elevation of 450 feet above the level
of the sea, in a soil of fine rich red loam, on a
substratum of stone conglomerate. It is only
three miles from the sea, and is exposed to the
sea breeze from the east, a situation not unlike
the long reach of our eastern Florida coast.

Byron has alluded to this tree thus :

" The cork trees hoar that crown the shaggy steep;"

and Southey speaks, in Roderick, the Last of the
Goths, of

"The cork tree's furrowed rind, its ritts and swells."

In conclusion, this Centennial period is a very
proper one to inquire what we can do for the
next hundred years. For one thing, I would say,
plant cork acorns, and don't depend upon Patent
Office or Agricultural Bureau for encouragement.

Since all the parade of government patronage
was made, we have obtained California, with a
climate in places no doubt admirably adapted to
the Evergreen or live oak and the cork oak.
Whether it will succeed there is a question to be
decided, and how far irrigation- will be required
remains for the future to ascertain. Doubtless
there are situations wherein both these import-
ant aids to civilization will flourish. We recom-
mend a trial ; and if acorns are wanted Messrs.
Vilmorin, Andrieux & Co., Quai de la Message-
rie, Paris, will gladly supply them in any needed
quantity.

118

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[Aprid,

Parties reading this article will confer a favor
on the public by communicating to the editor
any further facts in relation to the growth of
these trees in the United States. I may add that
I have succeeded in getting part of a trunk that
grew in South Carolina, for the Centennial Ex-
hibition.

Since this was penned my friend D. Landreth,
Esq., .suggests that the limit of Fortress Monroe
is not sufficiently for South. Even in the south of
England, though the bark is true cork, as it is
in South Carolina, the trees are never turned
to account by stripping. It is probable that a
warmer latitude is necessary to perfect the
bark for commerce.

EDITORIAL NOTES.

The Cork Tree. — In reference to the article by
Mr. J.JaySmithin another column, wegivethe fol-
lowing piece of information from the Semi-Trop-
ical, a newsy magazine from Florida.

" The cork tree, {quercus suber,) is a mostbeau-
ful shade tree; an evergreen oak much resem-
bling the live oak of the Gulf States. It is a na-
tive of Spain and has been cultivated in many
parts of the world. It flourishes in England and
Ireland; one tree, near Cork, in Ireland, havinc
obtained a diameter of over three feet, while
some in England are still larger. Large orchards
of it have been planted in California, and many
trees are found in other parts of the United
States. It is admirably suited to the Soutbern
States; will withstand, as in England, exceeding
cold. It should be cultivated, not only for its
cork, which is its bark stripped off every few
years without injury to the tree, but as a shade
tree for the Middle States, where it would equal
the live oak in beauty. Its acorns are very ))len-
tiful and make one of the l)est masts for hogs,
and its cork may be stripped every few years for
several hundred years, as experience has shown."

The Pecc.\x.— This kind of hickory, Carya
olivseformis, is considered by a correspondent of
Prairie Farmer to promise well as a timber tree.
It grows foster than other hickories, but is rather
slow we think in comparison with some other
trees. For its nuts it is of little value north.
They do not perfect in Philadelphia.

Osage Oraxge Timber. — When in Texas a few
years ago, the writer saw large quantities of Osage
v>range sawed into joists for buildings, and was

told that it was one of the best possible for in-
door uses, but not of so much when used for
open weather purposes. We have heard however
that it was extremely durable as stakes. From
the following, which we find in a California paper,
we think it must be of niore use for general pur-
poses than one would suppose, and should be
glad of any facts that our correspondents may
have respecting it :

" We have been shown at the carriage manu-
factory of William P. Miller a set of buggy wheels,
the spokes of which were made of Osage orange
wood. The timber was cut from Capt. Weber's
premises, on the peninsula, and the place for-
merly owned by Smith Whiting, corner of Ameri-
can and Lindsay streets, and has been seasoning
for about three years. A specimen of the wood
shown us was a trunk six inches in diameter and
showing sixteen concentric circles. The wood
is susceptible of a high polish; and while it is
not probably as tough as hickory, it is not so
liable to .shrink in dry weather or swell in wet
weather. This latter quality makes it peculiarly
adapted to our climate, although there is not
enough grown here to manufacture extensively.
In Arkansas and Texas, where this wood grows
plentifully, it is commonly used in the manu-
facture of wagons."

Hard Names. - There would be some force in
the objections made against hard botanical
names, if those who prefer common one&
would properly identify the plants they mean.
The Scientific American gives us the following.
By " black dogwood, or berry-bearing alder,"
we suppose Prinos verticillata is meant, but
surely that does not make wojd large enough for
extensive charcoal uses :

"The black dogwood or the berry -bearing
alder makes the best charcoal, willow is next, and
the common alder third in rank. Small wood of
about ten years growth is in all cases to be pre-
ferred for charcoal for making gunpowder. Alder
and willow at this age will be probably 4 or 5
inches in diameter, dogwood about 1 inch."

The English Maple. — This, the Acer campes-
tre, or cork-barked maple, though affording good
wood for cabinet making, does not grow to a very
large size. Sometimes it seems to attain consid-
erable dimensions, as appears by the following
from the Gardeners' Chronicle. It may make a lar-
ger tree in the United States, where it seems
perfectly at home. It may be noted, however,
that the tree varies very much, and some forms

1876.]

AND HORTICULTURIST.

119

seem more tree-like than others. The Austrian
Maple, Acer Austriacum, is hardly different bo-
tanically, but grows to a large size. This is what
the Chronicle says :

" Strutt, in his Sylva Britannica, gives an etch-
ing of a Maple growing in Boldne churchyard,
within the New Forest, that Gilpin considered
the largest (and probably the oldest) in England;
and here, under the shade of this tree, and amidst
the scenes he so much loved, he elected to be
buried. Close to the ground this tree is stated to
have been 12 feet in girth, and at 4 feet from the
ground 7 feet 6 inches, and 45 feet in height. I
have, however, met with several Maples, in Wor-
cestershire equal in magnitude to this " Boldne
Maple ; " and on the banks of the river Teme,
near Powiak, 3 miles west of Worcester, is one
much larger, the trunk dividing into three huge
arms, supporting a multitude of lesser branches
and dense foliage. This wide-spreading tree
measured 15 feet in girth near the base at the
time when it was sketched, and would be much
more higher up from the divarication of the boles.
It was rather more than 40 feet in height, and
must be of very considerable age."

Russian Timber. — The Gardeners' Chronicle
says : "As evidence of the traffic in Pine Tim-
ber, (whether simply sawn or dressed) between
foreign ports and this country, we may mention
that an official return shows the town of Memel
to contain fifteen steam mills and twenty wind-
mills, all employed in sawing timber. The wind-
mills, once a characteristic of this port, are grad-
ually disappearing, the new establishments being
all provided with steam-power."

QUERIES.

Larch Timber. — A. B. C, Ottawa, 111. — The
timber of the American Larch is of little value,
it is the European which is so popular. Even
this varies considerably in the quality of the tim-
ber. In some localities it is liable to the attack
of a small fungus which causes the tips of the
leaves to decay before their natural time, and it
is probably this which makes the difference in
the quality of the timber. The Larch will grow
on rather wet ground, but it only really thrives
to best adyantage on ground that is rather dry.
It is on the whole one of the most valuable tim-
ber trees we have.

White Cypress, — A correspondent inquires
which kind of Cypress it is that produces the
white kind. There is but one known species, the
Taxodium distichum. Bvit there is some differ-
ence in the timber that does not show itself in
characters that botanists can take hold 'of for
scientific purposes. It is the same with other
trees. The Liriodendron is an example. There
is the white poplar and the yellow poplar of
the cabinet makers. The wood is very differ-
ent one from another, but the Liriodendron that
yields the one or the other, seems exactly the
same to the botanist.^

Rate op Growth in the Oak. — M. — You are
mistaken. There are some trees that grow
faster than oaks truly, but most oaks grow faster
than you think. Faster than some maples. We
have no doubt that under most circumstances
many oaks would beat the sugar maple.

ATURAL History and Science.

CO MM UNIGA TIONS.

THE ROOT-CAP.

BY BYRON D. HALSTED, BUSSEY INSTITUTE, MASS.

The idea held by the earlier botanists, that the
tips of all roots consisted of spongy masses of
tissue, by means of which plants were enabled
to soak up their food from the soil, has, with the
aid of the microscope, been entirely discarded.
The term spongiole, which was given to these the-

oretical bodies, is a land-mark of departed ignor-
ance, and furnishes a striking contrast with the
knoivn structure (viz. : the root-cap), with which
the tip of every growing root is covered.

With the leading botanists of to-day a root ia
considered to be an outgrowth protected by a
cap. This definition seems very short, but if
anything further is added, there comes with it a
number of exceptions.

The name which this covering to the root-tip
has received is in itself very descriptive, as it is

120

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[April,

truly a cap, consisting of a number of layers of
quite dense cells surrounding the extremity.
These root-caps vary in size in different species
of plants ; sometimes they are so small that only
with the high powers of the microscope can they
be seen, while on the other hand they may be
readily observed with the naked eye.. It is now
generally understood that a root does not elon-
gate throughout its whole length, as is known to
be the case in the young and growing stem, but
its growth in length takes place at a single point
a very short distance from the extremity. The
stem usually grows in the open air, with plenty
of room on all sides, while the root generally
penetrates the much denser substance of the soil,
where elongation wovild prove fatal to the deli-
cate root hairs which are thrown out from them
on all sides for the absorption of nourishment.
Growth in length by elongation of the whole
root might also cause twisting and breaking of
the roots themselves, and a general disturbance
of the soil.

The "growing point" of a root is situated just
back of the root-cap, and forms the dividing line
between the root and its cap. The position of
this point of growth, as related to that of the
cap, suggests the use of this latter structure. All
young formative tissue is very delicate, and
easily destroyed by any external influences.
Shoidd this layer of thin-walled, newly formed
cells be situated at the very extremity, then, as
growth proceeded, these cells of great delicacy
would come in direct contact with the rough and
sharp edges of the grains of the soil, and soon be
broken down and destroyed. It is plain that
the important role which the root-cap plays in
the vegetable economy is that of protection to
the tender growing within, and which it ahvays
so completely surrounds. As these outer cells
of the cap are worn away, there must be a source
of supplies for the protective department, and
this is found in the formation of new layers of
cells on the inside of the cap, and from the pro-
tected tissue.

The growing point, situated near the tip of
every root, then, has a double office to perform :
the laying down of new tissue for the growth of
the root, and the meeting of the losses by wear
and tear of its protecting cap.

It may be said, then, that it is not the root-
tip which does the work of absorption. Neither
do plants "sponge" for a living, but take in
their food in a different way, which will be left
until another time to describe.

EDITORIAL NOTES.

Typographical. — After the jDroof left the office
last month, the printers had to make some alter-
ing in the setting, and the consequence was a •
running together of ideas in the Kansas and
Pennsylvania notes at the heads of the columns.
The first three lines on p. 95 belonging to p. 96, and
vice versa. The intelligent reader no doubt saw
and corrected as he read. Accidents happen in
the best regulated families, and we suppose the
printers are no exception.

The Phylloxera. — We find the followmg in
the London^ Journal of Horticulture : " Owing to
the disastrous effects of the Phylloxera in the
French vineyards, the desirability of importing
stocks from America was urged on the ground
that the vigorous character of the American
varieties were by that insect invulnerable. This
appears, however, to be simply ' tall talk,' for a
correspondent in the Prairie Farmer reports that
he has recently taken up 2,000 vines in nearly
twenty varieties, and that every sort was infested;
the strong growers, however, being the most free
from the pest, but all were attacked. The ' lit-
tle villains were found on the roots by millions.' "
Our cotemporaiy has not clearly seen the point
of the case. The report of Mr. Planchon, and on
which the demand — not exactly for American
kinds, but for two of them, Concord and Clinton,
— was brought about, showed, not that these two
were not attacked, but that their rapid rooting
and fibrous character enabled them to resist the
attacks of the insect more successfully. Profes-
sor Planchon was well aware that the phylloxera
attacked these two varieties, and yet their value
as stocks is much more than "tall talk," and for
the reasons given.

Sunken Forests. — Near all bodies of water,
especially near old lakes, or the mouths of
rivers, are forests under the surface, which show
how ages ago trees grew where now nothing of
the sort is found, or where other features of quite
a different character exist on the surface. In
Southern New Jersey quite a trade is done in
wood of the white cedar, mined from many feet
beneath the surface. In digging wells in Illi-
nois, it is by no means uncommon to come on
large trunks of Red Cedar, and New Orleans is
over a complete Red Cedar forest, one hundred
and sixty feet below the surface. According to
Nature, a forest is also under the city of London.
It tells us that an interesting geological discovery
h:\s been recently made during excavations for a

1

1876.

AND HORTICULTURIST.

121

new tidal basin at the Surrey Commercial Docks.
On penetrating some six feet below the surface,
the workmen everywhere came across a subter-
ranean forest bed, consisting of peat with trunks
of trees, for the most part still standing erect.
All are of the species still inhabiting Britain :
the oak, alder, and willow are apparently most
abundant. The trees are not mineralized, but
retain their vegetable character, except that
they are thoroughly saturated with water. In
the peat are found large bones, which have been
determined as those of the great fossil ox (Bos
primogenins). Fresh-water shells are also found.
No doubt is entertained that the bed thus ex-
posed is a continuation of the old buried forest,
of wide extent, which has on several recent occa-
sions been brought to the day-light on both sides
of the Thames, notably at Walthamstow in the
year 18G9, in excavating for the East London
Waterworks ; at Plumstead in 1862-3, in making
the southern outfall sewer; and a few weeks
since at Westminster, on the site of the new
Aquarium and Winter Garden. In each in-
stance the forest bed is found buried beneath the
marsh clay, showing that the land has sunk be-
low the tidal level'since the forest flourished.

QUERIES.

DiERViLLA. — A Flushing correspondent asks :
" May I trouble you to tell me where the name
of Diervilla was given to Weigela, and when ?"
[Diervilla was never given to Weigela. It is just
the other way. The original name is Diervilla ;
Weigela is a newer name. It was thought to
constitute a new genus, and was separated from
Diervilla, but as our knowledge of the genus in-
creased, it was found that there was not sufficient
character to found a separate genus and so the
name Weigela has to be dropped, and the indi-

viduals composing it go back to Tourneforts
older name of Diervilla, in accordance with
botanical laws of priority in nomenclature. — Ed.
G. M.]

Rocky Mountain Silver Spruce. — Mr. J. T.
Lovell says: "says Permit me to say the Rocky
Mountain Silver Spruce and Abies Menziesii are
one and the same. Some years ago Messrs. Hargis
and Sommer, Quincy, 111., who were the first I no-
ticed to advertise or offer for sale " Rocky Moun-
tain Silver Spruce,' sent us a few specimens, sta-
ting they kfiew the tree by no other name. They
since collected for us, among the mountains of
Colorado, 1,000 plants of the same, and are all
precisely the same as the Abies Menziesii received
from different European nurseries, answer the
description of Abies Menziesii, and I know are
Abies Menziesii."

"If your correspondent has collected other
plants than A. Menziesii for Rocky Mountain
Silver Spruce, I am very sure he has made .a
mistake."

[There seems no doubt but that the tree
meant by the "celebrated writer" is the Men-
zies Spruce. It is a pity he had not a little more
knowledge of these common things, or took
some pains to find out,' before he published his
book. It would have saved us and our correspon-
dents much trouble in finding out his meaning.
But now that it is found, we trust the misleading
name of " Rocky Mountain Silver Spruce " will
be dropped. There are firs and spruces in the
Rocky Mountains quite as "silvery" as this, and
then this particular one is not confined to the
Rocky Mountains, but is far better known in
connection with the Pacific coast. Above all it
is already well known in all the nurseries of the
world as the Menzies Spruce, a name short and
convenient. — Ed. G. M.]

,ITERATURE, ^^RAVELS &

9yi>

OTES.

EDITORIAL NOTES.

Horticulture in New Orleans. — Last fall the
writer chanced to get to New Orleans, and the
temptations to visit that section again when the
spring should start vegetation into new life was
so great that he took another run in February

last especially to look at things. The most
striking horticultural feature on entering the city
is the use of the Stillingia sebifera as a shade tree.
It is called here tallow tree. The leaves are very
much like those of the common aspen, but the
dense, twiggy growth is very peculiar. It is very
much valued for its rapid growth when young,

122

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[April,

but does not grow to a size ultimately that would
render it out of character in a narrow street. It
moreover bears trimming as well as the Linden
trees of Germany. It is deciduous. The Fig grows
to a fair size, but not near so large as they do in
the south of Europe. The largest reached about
to the second story windows. They are without
leaves six months in the year and yet bear two
good crops a year. No attempt is made to
dry them as in Europe. The Pomegranate and
Crape Myrtle also take a long repose, and though
of large size do not seem so nauch at home as we
have seen them in Kentucky and Virginia. The
most striking tree at the end of February is the
Loquat or Japan plum, as it is commonly known
here, botanically, the Eriobotrya japonica. _ It
grows to about 20 feet high, with a large round
head, the leaves and general character reminding
one of the large Rhododendron arboreums of the
East Indies. The fruit is borne in large clusters
at the ends of the branches, each fruit about the
fiize of a small fig, and of a golden yellow color
now when ripe. The fruit varies very little in
shape or size, but there is a great difference in the
quality of the fruit on different seedling trees.
Some are hardly worth eating, while others have
a subacid flavor peculiarly agreeable. The Ba-
nana fruits in the open air abundantly, but the
leaves have a battered and torn appearance by
the winds, very different from the noble character
they present in our hot-houses. The kind usually
grown is the Musa paradisiaca. The Papaw
tree is rather uncommon. This grows up with a
single stem like a Palm, though belonging to a
very different tribe of plants. The male trees
of course bear no fruit, but the female trees have
the fruit of several pounds weight, touching each
other for a considerable space up the stem, like a
lot of oval-shaped melons. The tree is the Carica
papaya, and is quite ornamental in addition to
its valuable fruit. The great feature of New Or-
leans is, however, its orange trees. Every small
yard and garden has its orange trees, under the
fragrant shade of which the people sit at even.
Large orchards of them exist in some places,
some of them evidently of great age. Near the
old Spanish Fort, now nearly two hundred years
old, was a plantation, the trees set 20 feet apart
and the branches nearly touching each other,
and the stem of one of which measured three
feet in circumference. There was no fruit on
these trees, but myriads of blossoms; and as we
sat under the shade of one, with the little rippling
waves of Lake Pontchartrain whispering at our

feet, and the balmy spring breeze coming up
south from the Gulf of Mexico, it was easy to
understand the poetic exultation with which
such scenes and circumstances have so often been
described. In various parts of the city were trees
many feet high of the Myrtle-leaved orange, the
fruit no larger than pigeons' eggs, and making a
very striking appearance. On the grounds of
Dr. Eichardson were trees of the Shaddock, with
three generations thereon. There were the large
ripe fruit, fruit just forming, and flowers. Dr. R.
is a lover of rare plants, and his greenhouses are
filled with Orchids, Palms, and other plants of
the most valuable character.

Perhaps the most striking evergreen of New
Orleans is the Pittosporum. These grow to the
size of an ordinary log cabin, and will bear any
amount of shearing and still keep their foliage
vigorous and healthy down to the ground. It is
extensively used for topiary work, as the yew is
in Europe. The Chinese Viburnum, as well as
some others, are used also for this purpose, but
none is so charming as the Pittosporum. Some-
times the winters kill the oranges even here, but
not often, and never so thoroughly but what
some escape, as in the case of those referred to
at the Spanish Fort ; but this season has been re-
markably open, and even the tender Salvia
splendens was in full scarlet feather, making
everything look gorgeous with its gay beauty.
The immense bushes of Lantanas in full flower
were also exceedingly attractive. Roses, both
Hybrid Per^Detual Chinas and Teas were every-
where in full blossom, and would excite the
envy of the bouquet makers North, who at the
same time would be buying the " buds " at im-
mense prices. Our party bought large bunches
of them made into tolerable bouquets for 50 cts.
each.

We were fortunate in meeting at New Orleans
with Col. M. B. Hilly ard, the Secretary of the
Mississippi Valley Company, which has at
jNIcComb City made a very prosperous settlement,
already claiming a population of nearly 1500. Col.
Hillyard has, perhaps, done more than any other
person in the South to draw the attention of
Northern men and others to the great natural
advantages which the South possesses ; and when-
ever this section of the country shall have risen
to that prosperitj^ which we feel in time will be
its just fate, this gentleman's name will stand
prominently forward as having been one of the
pioneers in the good work. Under his guidance
our little party visited the markets, the Fair

1876.]

AND HORTICULTURIST.

125

grounds, and other prominent points calculated
to give us a good view of the horticultural ad-
vantages and products. The vegetable and fruit
markets were particularly attractive, all our
spring vegetables being in great abundance, and
charming the heart of the writer's good wife, who
regards herself as a particularly good judge as to
what is perfection in that line. The new potatoes
really did look excellent. The strawberries were
not abundant, and though they are often spoken
of as among the great achievements of the
Southern winters, neither in quality or appear-
ance were they equal to our Northern fruit.

The great Southern exposition, which has been
so extensively advertised, was being held, but
there was not much to interest the horticulturist,
though in agriculture and the mechanic arts it
was particularly attractive; but this was more
than made up in the horticulture of the Fair
ground itself, which gave us a treat which, had
we seen nothing else, it would have jiaid us well
alone to see.

Here were specimens of rare plants, which for
years we had known only as rare things, coddled
up in pots and tubs in hot-houses, growing to
majestic proportions in the open air. There
were also greenhouses with plants which thrive
better there than in the open ground, though,
perhaps, hardy in the main, forming small trees
of large size. The curious Carolina princeps and
the Astrapsea Wallichii, which now and then
flower in our conservatories, were here in mag-
nificent blossom. Huge Eaphiolepis and other
winter-blooming shrubs were covered with
blossom, and among the out-door things, Cu-
pressus torulosa, and others of this class, ten-
der with us, made pictures of beauty we shall
never forget. Best of all here was to find in the
gardener, Mr. Miiller, one of whom the profession
may be proud. We so often meet with "garden-
ers " who are mere pretenders, and who get into
good places by mere luck, while real sound men
of modest worth are left out in the cold, that it
was a real treat to find so intelligent a gentleman
in charge here, and we cannot help making a
no':e thereof.

Our liimits are too cramped to make any ex-
tended notice of our long trip in this formal way-
From time to time we hope to benefit our read-
ers by what we have seen. We will only offer
our best thanks to our numerous Southern
friends, by whose urgent invitations we were
tempted to take the trip, and to whose generous
and warm-hearted attentions we are indebted in

so many States for pleasures we shall not soon
forget. We cannot, however, close these notes
without a brief reference to the beautiful grounds
of Mr. Nelson, of the Magnolia Nurseries, on
which the Deodar cedars, Torreyas, Cupressus,
and many other plants, were grown into speci-
mens of more than striking beauty.

A Few Suggestions on Tree Planting, by
Prof. C. S. Sargent, of Harvard University.
— This is a plea for forest tree planting, and a
plea urged with great ability. He gives an ac-
count of the plantations of Mr. Richard Fay,
near Lynn, in Essex Co., Mass., of two hundred
acres, in 1846, mostly European Larch. There
are now some of them fifty feet high and fifteen
inches in diameter. Seven hundred cords of
firewood have been cut at various times, besides
all the fencing material for the vast estate.
Thousands of dollars worth could be cut to-day.
The land was excessively poor Avhen planted.

Another gentleman, J. S. Fay, Larch and Scotch
pine set out in 1853 are now 40 feet high, and 10 to
12 inches in diameter one foot from the ground,
and this in the poorest kind of huckleberry
ground.

Mr. Sargent then goes into a large number of
facts and figures to show that even from the ear-
liest stages of forest tree planting in most places
a profit may be made, and that one need not feel
that in planting trees for posterity nothing is to
be made at once for oneself. We are sure many
will be startled by the good case for tree culture
made out by Mr. Sargent, and yet we are sure
that he has rather under than over stated the
case, and that if anyone who truly understood
the business of forest tree culture, and united
with this knowledge, ordinary tact and business
prudence, he could make even considerably more
out of the business than Mr. Sargent puts it, fa-
vorable as his statement is.

The contribution to arboriculture is timely,
and we are sure will do an immense amount of
good.

" Subscriber " ox Mushrooms. — We have from
Mr. Henderson the article on Mushrooms de-
sired, and hope to be able to give it in our next.

Proceedings of the Western New York
Horticultural Society, January, 1876— from
R. C. Reynolds, secretary, Rochester, New York.
This is the earliest in the field, most of these
documents not appearing till near a year after
the time of meeting. We notice that Mr. J. J.
Thomas corrects the published report of his re-

124

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[April,

marks on the Wild Goose Plum. He does not
regard it as of high quality, and says it is coarse
in texture, but values it because it will make a
good market fruit.

Transactions of the Massachusetts Horti-
cultural Society, for 1875— from E. W. Buswell,
secretary. Part II. The Massachusetts Society
is now the most prosperous one in the United
States, and is doing excellent service to horticul-
ture. Its annual volumes of transactions are
among the most interesting of this class of liter-
ature, and are full of matter that must of itself
make the members feel that in their connection
with the Society they are receiving the full value
of their annual dues. The Society has a good
herbarium for reference, and one of the best
horticultural libraries in the world. A catalogue
of the ferns in the herbarium is given in this
volume. The Flora Danica was purchased for
the library last year at an expense of $600. The
prize essay on the Culture of Cauliflower and Cab-
bage, by Mr. W. H. White, is given in full in the
volume. Another awarded to Mr. James Cruik-
shanks in Landscape Gardening also appears.
The third prize essay is awarded to Mr. D. D.
Slade, and is on Principles of Landscape Garden-
ing as applied to Small Estates, a department of
gardening that needs a good deal of looking
after just now. The reports of the various com-
mittees are very interesting. Mr. J. G. Barker is
chairman of the Floral committee ; Harvey
Davis on Fruits, and C. N. Brack ett on Vege-
tables.

Bad Advice and Worse Consequences. — As the
the Editor sat in his well-worn chair, the Pub-
lisher, with a look of horror, threw him the fol-
lowing card, and demanded an explanation :

"My subscription to the Gardener's Monthly
expired with the February number. Do not
wish to renew, as I have lost about $10 in Silver
Thorn plants, owing to the Editor's directions as
to their management. J. D. Lee, Athens, 111."

We have looked through all our back numbers
where any mention is made of the Silver Thorn,
and see nothing calculated to have led J. D. Lee
astray. It is a pity he was not more explicit and
did not point to the page and volume from which
he derived ten dollars worth of ruin ; as however
he seems lost to us forever, it is of no use to ask
him now. The loss to our friend would sit very
heavy on our conscience did we not feel that in
the seventeen years he has been a reader, he de-
rived profit enough to overbalance this loss.

It is said that when Barney was reprimanded
for hoeing off the carnations, he pleaded that
his master ought to be thankful that he had not
hoed out the geraniums also I We trust our cor-
respondent had some good from the geraniums
at any rate, and that after his desperate remedy
his Silver Thorns will live.

For the benefit of those who will read these
remarks, let us say that the Editor does not pro-
fess to hold all knowledge in the palm of his
hand, and is not infallible. The advice he gives
is only to the best of his knowledge and belief,
and even when he gives advice, it must be re-
membered that very much depends on the ap-
plicant's application of it.

Eeclaiming Damages. — It will be remembered
that recently a vegetable grower of New Jersey
obtained damages in court from a New York seeds-
man for having sold him late turnip seed, when
he supposed he was buying an early kind ; and
there have been some other verdicts of a similar
character, and so unjust in a general way, that
the seedsmen of New York have been driven to
a measure that will not help them in the slight-
est degree, while it may subject them to charges
by those whose natural inclinations lead them to
blame somebody but themselves when things go
wrong. This class of persons are now especially
jubilant over these curious legal decisions, and
are already casting about for good " specs " out
of them, and one of these is recorded by the De-
troit Free Press as follows :

Six or seven days ago an old man entered the
store of a Detroit hardware man, who also deals
in seeds, and, inquiring for the proprietor, soon
stood face to face with him.

" Want to see me ? " asked the dealer.

" Yes, sir, I do ! Seven years this coming
Spring, I bought a paper of seeds of you."

" I presume so."

" I'll swear to it, sir ! Seven years ago, sir, and
not one of those seeds came up." ■

"Well, that's funny," laughed the dealer.

"You may think it was," said the old man,
" but I'll make it cost you ten thousand dollars !
When you sold me those seeds, sir, you did not
know that you were dealing with a lion ! "

"Well, you stop your blowing and get out of
here."

"Give me a package of cabbage seeds, sir? "

"I won't!"

The old man went away, but in an hour re-
turned, and said in a loud voice :

" Seven years ago this coming spring, I bought

18T6.J

AND HORTICULTURIST.

125

a package of seeds at this store. Not one of
those seeds arose from the sile ! "

He was ordered out, and he went out. He was
was there the next mormng as soon as the pro-
prietor was, and he said :

" Seven years ago this coming spring you sold
me a package of seeds. Not a single seed ma-
tured to manhood ! "

He was put out that time, but returned in the
afternoon, when the store was full of customers,
and exclaimed :

"Seven years ago this coming spring I was
swindled by that man there ! He sold me a
package of garden seeds, not one seed of which
ever thruv ! "

When he went out something hit him three or
four times in the back. He went down the street
for awhile, and then returned and stood in front
of the store, and said to the people who passed :

" Seven years ago this coming spring this store
here sold me garden seeds that never sprouted ! "

He repeated the words over and over, until a
crowd began to gather, when he was called in
and given a dozen papers of seed, and told to
forgive and forget.

"Six jDai^ers of onion seeds to pay for the chok-
ing ! " he said as he buttoned his overcoat.

They were given him, and when stowed away
he remarked, " Six papers of cucumber seeds to
pay for four kicks ! "

After some argument these were handed him,
and as he backed out of the doors he said :

" It's all right ! You've acted like a man about
it, and if you want any vegetables next fall I'll
make a discount to you."

The Garden. — We have a notice from the
Garden that it will in future discontinue its ex-
changes with American publications — the Gar-
diner's Monthly among the number. It seems to
us that most, if not all, of the success which the
Garden has met with in this country, is due to
the free, and, we think, cordial notices of the
American press. Still it has a right to decide its
own course. It is a little strange, however, at
the same time that we are politely shown the
door, to be asked to say a good word for the in-
mates ! However, we will say, in finally parting
with the Garden from our exchange list, that it
is a credit to horticulture, and in every way
worthy of the success it has earned.

Mr. Egbert Dp.mcker. — This gentleman, well
known by his former connection with Central
Park, and one of the most intelligent gardeners

in America, has just concluded a series of admi-
rable articles in the Pen and Ploiv on "Floral
Decorations." In regard to the form of flower-
beds he gives this good advice :

"We will now ask an important question.
Which is the best and most advisable form of
flower beds for all kinds of gardens ? This ques-
tion could be easily answered if fashion, human
desires and caprice, could always be ruled or
governed by good taste. In compliance with
good taste, the oval form for flower beds seems
to have been adopted, but it will be wrong to use
this form as a rule. When used too freely and
too frequently its sameness defeats the object in
view ; for there are also other good forms. In
gardens laid out in geometrical style, the form
of the flower beds should correspond with the
style of the garden itself, as well as harmonize
with the buildings, and other structures, such as
bridges, terraces, fountains, statues, &c. For par-
terres a composition of Arabesques, or a large
circular form of rosettes, with its divisions, allow-
ing a variety of single groups as a display of
flowers, may be used with the greatest success.
In small gardens, only a few beds of a simple
shape are to be recommended, as ovals, circlets,
reniform, or trifoliunri-shaped beds."

HooPES Bros. & Thomas, West Chester, Pa. —
Catalogue of Alpine and perennial plants. The
number of horticultural catalogues that pour in
on a horticultural magazine is so great that we
found it took up several pages of our limited
space to notice them, and so had to give up all
such notices in common fairness, unless there
were some special points of public interest.
This catalogue is just such an exception. We
doubt whether such a catalogue has appeared
from any nursery in the world, and this well-
known firm deserves this notice for its enterprise.

Gould Nursery Co., Beaver Dam, Wisconsin,
Annual Catalogue of Greenhouse Plants. —
The publisher desires to return thanks to this
company for a kindly notice of the Gardener's
Monthly on its title page. It says, and we believe
truly, " each number during the year furnishes
some new idea that is useful and instructive, and
very frequently worth more financially than the
price of a year's subscription."

The Evergreen.— This is a valuable monthly
serial, devoted solely to the growing interests of
tree culture, and published by Mr. Geo. Pinney,
of Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, for the low figure
of 60 cts. per year.

126

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[Apeil,

ORTICULTURAL f|)OCIETIES.

COMMUNTCA TIONS.

POTOMAC FRUIT GROWERS— FEBRUARY MEET-
ING—GALA DAY.

BY GEO. F. NEEDHAM.

As at this meeting the officers elect were to be
installed, arrangements were made, at the last
meeting, for a social re-union to-day, and a good
time generally.

On entering the rooms, your reporter was struck
with the tasteful and profuse ornamentation with
evergreens. On the sample tables, there was a
good collection of fruits ; while on other tables
there was a sumptuous entertainment prepared
by the ladies.

But I must let your readers draw upon their
imaginations as to how the four pleasant hours
of the meeting were spent ; what with addresses
by the inaugurated, presentation of a symbolical
gavel to the retiring President, with an address
full of telling points, a poem by the Secretary,
readings, speeches, songs, hon mots, etc., a large
attendance and an abundant refreshment.

On the sample tables were fruits as follows :

0/ Apples. Abram, Albemarle Pippins, Cart-
house, Limbertwig, Rawle's Jenet, Spitzenburgs
(growth of Va.), Lady Apples (pronounced by
Judge Gray the Queen of apples), Roman Stems,
Willowtwigs, and Winesops.

Most of the fruit was grown in Virginia; Mary-
land and the District furnished each a variety.

0/ Pears. Vicar of Winkfield, Lawrence, Glout
Morceau, and Beurre Easter.

Maryland had the finest pears, though Virginia
the most varieties.

A jarof persimmons, "preserved in sugar," were
tasted by all present, and pronounced to be
"good."

Mrs. John Saul also sent to the exhibition a
beautiful stand of lovely flowers.

The discourse of the President elect was well-
timed and pertinent to the occasion. I reproduce
one paragraph, which just now is of great in-
terest.

" The want of the day is organized and sj'^stem-
atic co-operation among fruit growers. Especi-
ally 13 this so in regard to all fruits that are des-

ignated perishable. The past season ha\'ing been
one of unusual productiveness in this middle re-
gion, has left on its records important lessons;
which, being dearly learned, should not be soon
forgotten. I allude to the hap-hazard way of
shipping fruits to particular points, without know-
ing the condition of the market there, in regard
to supply and demand.

" You may remember that on a certain day
last summer Early Peaches were selling in New
York city for $2.00 per basket. That later in the
day a telegram announced one hundred car-loada
to arrive early next morning. As the market
would not bear more than half of this supply, the
result of this avalanche of fruit was that price*
fell to a figure less than freight commissions, and
remained demoralized for the entire season; and
thus the goose that was to lay the golden egg waa
sacrificed.

"There were probably one hundred shippers
owning these car-loads of peaches, and not one
of this number knew what was to be the extent
of the day's shipping. Each was anxious to
crowd his product on the market; all failed to
realize anything, and many had to pay balances
against themselves. These men were not novices,
but were practical and sagacious men, competent
for successful business; but each did not know
what the other ninety-and-nine were doing. They
had no concert of action, no organized plan that em-
braced the common interest.

" Now, let us suppose that these growers had
previously agreed that they would report to 'a
board of direction,' or a single shipping agent,
the quantity of fruit they would send forward on
a given day, and had given to this board or agent
full power to direct to the place of destination.
This agent could have learned by telegraph the
exact condition of the several markets; which
the one hundred could not know. He would
have been informed just where to ship, and how
much, and these car-loads could have been dis-
tributed in destitute markets between Boston and
Chicago and sold at satisfactory prices, and open-
ed to the producers new markets for the entire
season.

" Is it not clear that co-operation would have
saved millions of dollars the past season ? And

1816.]

AND HOBTIGULTURIST.

12t

that for lack of it these hundred producers des-
troyed their hopes of fair compensation for their
labors ? And that we will do so year after year
if we do not learn wisdom from the past?

" Let us remember that if the article be perish-
able, the greater is the necessity for system in
selling.

" I ask you to give this subject your careful
consideration ; that you will inaugurate the
movement suggested, by calling a convention of
the fruit growers of New Jersey, Delaware, Mary-
land, and Virginia, to meet at some central point
to consider the subject ; and that this Centennial
year may open to us a more enlightened and fra-
ternal intercourse with our brethren of the other
States."

EDITOBIAL NOTES.

New York Horticultural Association. — Offi-
cers of the Association, for 1876 : President, John
Henderson, Flushing, Long Island. Vice-Presi-
dents, George Such, South Amboy, N. J.; James
M. Patterson, Newark, N. J. ; William C. Wilson^
Astoria, Long Island ; Robert B. Parsons, Flush-
ing, Long Island. Recording Secretary, W. J.
Davidson, 322 Fulton Street, Brooklyn, N. Y.
Corresponding Secretary, Peter Henderson, 35
Cortlandt Street, New York. Treasurer, Isaac H.
Young, 12 Cortlandt Street, New York.

Minnesota State Horticultural Society. —
The hard times reduced the attendance on our
winter meeting very much, but we not only had
a goodly number present, but a very interesting
and profitable meeting ; showing a very decided
improvement in the interest taken in our calling.
We have thus far found fruit-growing, especially
apples, pears, &c., rather up-hill business in our
State. Grapes and small fruits have done better.
I myself raised over 6,000 pounds of grapes last
year, and think there must have been over 10
tons raised in this county. I wish I could drop
in upon your city about next September, and at-
tend the meeting of the Pennsylvania Horticul-
tural Society, Re-union of American Pomological
Society. We will try and have our State and
Society represented there by some one, if possi-
ble. Probably Prof. Chas. Y. Lacy, of the State
University, being our Secretars'', may represent
us, and we hope two or three others. I would
like to be among the number, if circumstances
will permit ; if not, we shall all look to you,
through the columns oi i\iQ Monthly and Horticul-
tulist, to give us a just and full account of the

display, and what there is new in our line worth
noticing. Excuse this hurried letter, and accept
it in the fraternal feeling it is written, and with
which horticulturists are wont to greet each other;
and should you wish, I will endeavor to send you
the proceedings of our Society, when published, aa
the State publishes 2000 copies annually, part of
which is handed over to the Society for distribu-
tion.
Officers for 1876—

Truman M. Smith, St. Paul, President.

Prof. Chas. Y. Lacy, Minneapolis, Secretary.

A. W. Lias, Rochester, Treasurer.

E. H. S. Duet, Owentown, 1st Vice-President.

T. G. Carter, St. Peter, 2d "

J. G. Grimes, Minneapolis, 3d " "

Executive Committee —

Norman Buck, Winona, Chairman.

Wyman Elliott, Minneapolis.

P. A. Jewell, Lake City.

O. F. Bland, Faribault.

John S. Harris, La Crescent.

Meeting of American Nurserymen. — At a
Meeting of the Nurserymen, Florists and Seeds-
men, at Crystal Lake, 111., January 26th, it waa
decided to hold a Centennial Meeting of all en-
gaged in the trade, in the city of Chicago, on the
secdnd Wednesday of June, 1876. It has always
seemed strange that enterprises of such vast im-
portance have not as yet made any special effort
for a national organization. It is hoped that a
large attendance can be secured, and means de-
vised to better organize and strengthen these
great interests.

Object of Meeting. — 1st. Relaxation from busi-
ness.

2d. The cultivation of personal acquaintance
with others engaged in the trade.

3d. Exhibition of any new Ftuits, Flowers,
Plants, or any Manufactured articles, such as La-
bels, Wire Goods, Berry Baskets, or implements
used in the business.

4th. I Exchange, purchase or sale of Surplus
Stock.

5th. To perfect better methods of Culture,
Packing, Grading, and Sale of Stock.

This will present a favorable opportunity fcr
the exhibition and sale of new varieties of straw-
berries, new and rare plants, wooden and metallic
labels, lithographs of fruits and'^ flowers, berry
baskets, wire goods, florists' requisites, and the
various implements used by nurserymen. It ia
expected to obtain reduced rates from all the
railroads and hotels in Chicago. Any further in-
formation can be obtained by iiddressing,

128

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[April,

Dr. John E. Ennis, Clinton, Iowa ; J. S. Stick-
ney, Wauwatosa, Wis. ; Edgar Sanders, Chicago,
ni.; L. K. Scofield, Freeport, 111. ; A. R ^Vhitney,
Franklin Grove, HI. ; D. Wilmot Scott, Galena,
HI. ; Lewis Ellsworth, Naperville, 111., Committee
of arrangements.

Horticultural Departmext of the Centen-
nial.— At the last meeting of the Advisory Com-
mittee on Horticulture, there were present :
John J. Smith, Chairman, W. L. Shaffer, Thomas
Meehan, J. G. Mitchell, Eobert Buist, S. B. Par-
sons, Secretary.

It was advised. That the signs expressing the
location of each out-door contributor be in the
form of a shield twelve inches wide and fifteen
inches high ; that they be uniform in shape, and
placed with the bottom of the shield not exceed-
ing two inches above the ground.

That there be issued a special catalogue of
horticultural articles exhibited.

That the Horticultural Societies and individ-
uals, throughout the United States be requested
to offer medals for special exhibitions of plants
and cut flowers.

That the judges on horticulture be composed
of men well known as experts ; and who are not
exhibitors.

That the Centennial Commission be requested
to appoint a committee of men skilled in the
nomenclatvire of plants, to name plants which are
new and unknown.

That the plants of contributors be kept in
order by the commission at the request of the
contributors who so desire it.

It was especially recommended to the Centen-
nial Commission to set apart a room for the use
of the Chief of the Bureau of Horticulture, and
the Advisory Committee, and for the reception
of Horticulturists from the different parts of
the world.

That a special recommendation be sent to the
Horticultural periodicals of the world to have
their issues placed on the tables of the Horticul-
tural Rooms.

We believe the recommendations have been
endorsed by the Chief Commissioners.

Admission to the Centennial. — It has been
decided to charge fifty cents for admission to the
Centennial, and each person must be provided
with an exact fifty cent note, so as to save time
in making change, or counting of fractional
parts.

Hotel Rates at the Centennial. — To avoid all
misunderstanding as to the probability of in-
crease in the rates during the Centennial, the
" Continental," the leading hotel, charging $5 per
day for its best rooms, as other leading hotels in
the country do, has announced that under no
circumstances will this rate be advanced. The
$2 and $3 hotels have made similar announce-
ments.

England and the Centennial. — A London
paper tells us : " In the lists of exhibitions an-
nounced for 1876, the International gathering at
Philadelphia is necessarily the most important.
It should prove the most powerful and brilliant
demonstration of its class hitherto accomplished,
for it has the advantage of new ground and of
enormous and long-considered preparations. It
is well for international exhibitions in general
that our American cousins have taken the mat-
ter in hand, for they will break through Euro-
pean traditions, bring new ideas, on what at
least to us, is new soil, to an undertaking char-
acterized by new features, and will promote their
great work with an energy all their own, un-
trammelled by the conventionalities of courts
and coteries. The strong temptation the exhi-
bition holds out to the more adventurous spirits
of the old country will take many of the British
westward in the coming summer, although, so
far as we can judge up to the present time, there
is greater interest felt in the undertaking on the
Continent than in this country."

Fruits at the Centennial. — A space five hun-
dred and twenty-five feet long, and one hundred
feet wide, will be devoted to a continuous exhibi-
tion of fruit, so that any one at any time may
send anything they have. The opening day will
be May the 10th, and it is expected that tropical
fruit will then be at once on the tables. Certain
periods will be set apart for distinctive exhibi-
tions. July 1st will be devoted to a special dis-
play of Southern fruits, and September 11th will
be given up to the American Pomological Soci-
ety. The Bureau of Agriculture, of which Mr.
Burnett Landreth is Chairman, has made ar-
rangements for providing 10,000 dishes to ex-
hibitors, should that number be necessary. The
Bureau will also furnish table room, all free of
charge. Premiums will only be offered by
individuals or societies. Of fruits, so far, pre-
miums have only been arranged for apples, but
it is hoped others will come in.

AUGUST ROLKER & SONS,

32 Reade St., New York.

Importers and Dealers in

FLORIST'S SUPPLIES,

I A, EXTENSION IVY TRELLIS,

6 inches wide, expanding 7 feet.

6 " " 14 "

10 "
20 "

$0.60

1.20

.80

1.60

B. ADJUSTABLE FLOWER TRELLIS.

18 inch Pot Trellis 30c. 4 feet Garden Trellis, 65c.

V 24 " " 40c. 5 " " " 75c.

30 " " 50c. 6 " " " 90c.

36 " " 60c. 7 " " •' $1.10

c. ADJUSTABLE FLOWER-POT FENCE OR COVER.

5 in dies,

6 "

7 "

35c.
40c.
45c.
50c.
55r.

B, WINDOW GARDEN FENCE.

m

6 inches high,
8 inches high,

$1.75.

$2.25.

These goods are all made of Black Walnut, handsomely finished, fVistened with fancy nails ;
they open and^close freely, and may be adjusted to fit different Avirdows, pots, shelves, or flower-
stands. To the trade 25 per cent, discount, and 5 per cent, extra for C. O. D.

The latest novelties on hand in Domestic and Imported

FLOWER BASKETS AND WIRE DESIGNS

AT MANUFACTURERS PRICES.
HYACINTHS, LILIES, TULIPS. CONVALLARIA, &C.

Bulbs imported to order, will be selected by one of the firm personally when in Europe this summer.

RUE AL AND PRACTICAL BOOKS, (and any others in the market not on this Ust) will
be sent by mail, post paid, on receipt of prices-Address Chas. H. Marot, 814 Chestnut St., •Philada.

Allen's, K. L., Diseases of Domestic Animalf

Allen's, L. F , Rural Architecture

Allen's, L. F., American Cattle

Allen's, R. L. & L. F. New Ajnerican Farm Book

American Architect

American Bird Fancier, (Brown's)

American Farmer's Encyclopedia

American Horticultural Annual, paper 50 Cts., cloib

American Weeds and Useful Hacts

Apple Culturist, S. E. Todd

Art of Saw Filing

Architecture, Modern American, Cummings & Miller

" Principlts and Practice of, By Loring & Jcnning

Baker's Fruit Culture

Bassett en Cranberry Culture

Barry's Fruit Gardc'ft

Bell's Carpentry made easy

Bcment's Poulterer's C. mpanion

Bemcnt's Rabbit Fancier

Beet Root Sugar

BickncU's Village Builder, 77 plates

Bommer's Method ot Making Manures

Boussingault's, J. B., Rural Economy

Browne's Trees of America

Breck's New Book of Flowers

Bridgeman's American Gardener's Assistant

Bridgeman's Fruit Cultivator's Manual

Bridgeman's Kitchen Gardener's Instructor

Buisi's, Robert. Am. Flower Garden Directory

Buist's, Robert, Family Kitchen Gardener

Burr's Field snd Garden Vegetables of America

Carpenter and Joiner (R. Riddcll)

Carpenter and Joiner's Hand Book, (Holly)

Chorlton's Grape Grower's Guide

Chemistry of the Farm, (Nichols)

Cleveland's Villas and Cottages

Cobbett's American Gardener

Cole's, S. W., American Fruit Book

Cole's American Veterinarian

Cooper's Rural Hours

Copoland's Country Life

Dadd's, Geo. H., American Cattle Doctor

Dadd's Modern Horse Doctor

Dana's, Samuel H., Muck Manual

Darwin's Variations of Animals and Plants, (2 vols).

D.Trwin's Insectivorous Plants

DaVoe's Market Assistant

Downing s, A. J., Landscape Gardening

Downing's Cottage Residences

Downing's Fruits and Fruit Trees of America,

Downing's Rural E.ssa-s

Downing's Ladies' Companion to the Garden

DuBrcuil's Vineyard Cultuie, (Dr. Warden)

Eastwood on Cultivation of the Cranberry

Elliott's Western Fruit Grower's Guide

Elliott's Lawn and Shade Trees

Every Woman her own Flower Gardener

Farm Talk. (Brackett)

Farming for Boys

Field's, Thomas W., Pear Culture

Five Acres too Much, (illustratid)

Flagg's European Vineyards

Flax Culture

Flint, Chas. L on Grasses

Flint's Milch Cows

Fowl'-r's Hom^s for All

Frink Forester's Fish and Fishing, 8 vo. 100 engravings..

Frank Forester's Manual for Young Sportsmen, 8 vo

French's Farm Drainage ■

Fuller's Grape Culturist

Fuller's Small Fruit Culture

Fuller's Strawberry Culturist

Fu ler's Forest Tree Culturist

Fulton on Peach Culture

Geyelin's Poultry Breeding

Gray's H'lw Plants Grow

Gray's Manual of Botany

Gray's Manual, Botany and L?s?ons, in one vol

Gray's School and Field Book of Botany

Green on Trout Cuhure

Gregory on Squashes, paper

Gucrnon on Milch Cows

(Juide to Fortune

Harnzthy's Grape Culture and Wine Making

Harris' lusecta Injurious to Vegetation, clo. $4 ; col. eiig's..

lL»rris on the Pig

Hatfield's American House Carpenter

Henderson's Practical Floriculture.....

Henderson's Gardeniug for Pleasure

Hf nderson's G;irdening for Profit

Herbert's Hints to Horsekeepers

Hoopes on Evergreens....

Hooper's Dog and Gun, paper 30 cents, cloth

Hop-culture

How to Buy a Faim, and Where to Find One

$1 CO

1 GO

2 50
2 50
7 00

30
C 00

75
1 75

1 50
75

10 00
12 00

4 00
30

2 50

5 00
2 00

30
1 50
12 00

25
1 GO

C ooi

1 75

2 50
1 CO
1 00
1 50
1 00
5 00
7 CO

1 25

4 00
75
75
75

2 00

5 00
1 50
1 50

1 25
G 00
7 00

2 50
G 50

3 CO
5 CO
3 50
2 CO
2 00

1 50
1 50
50
1 00
1 50
1 25
1 50

1 50
5:)

2 50

2 50
1 50

3 50

3 00
1 50
1 50
1 50

25
1 50
1 50
1 25

1 25

2 25

4 00

2 PO
1 00

30
75 '
1 00

5 00

6 50
1 50

3 50
1 50
1 50
1 50
1 75
3 0.1

CO

40

1 75

How to Slanage a Building Association ;..„ 82 SO

How to Pa'ni 1 00

Hunter and Trapper 1 00

Hussman's Grapes and Wines 1 50

Jacques' Manual cf the House 1 60

Ja<ques' Manuel of the Garden 1 75

Jennings' Cattle Doctor 1 75

Jennings on the Horse and his Diseases 1 75

Jennings' Sheep, Swine and Poulry 1 7$

Johnson's Gardener's Dictionary ....»».. 3 60

Johnson's How Crops Feed _..« 1 09

Johnson's How Crops Grow ..._.. 2 00

Johnson's Peat and its uses — 1 2»

Johnston's Elements of Ag. Chemistry and Geology „ X^

.Johnston's, J. S. W., Agricultural Chemistry 1 75-

Kemp's Landscape Gardening 2 60

Klippart's Farm Drainage 1 75

Langstroth. Rev. L. L., on the Hive an Honey Bee i 00

Leuchars' How to Build Hot-houses 1 50

Leibig's, Justus, Familiar Lectures on Chemistry 75

Loudcn's Encylopwdia of Plants 20 00

Lyman's Cotton-culture 1 50

McMahon's American Gardener 2 25

Mayhew's Practical Book-krcping for Farmers 90

Mechanics' Companion (Nicholson) 8 00

Meehan's Ornamental Trees 76

Mileson the Horse's Foot 75

Miner's, T. B., Bee-keeper's Manual 1 25

Mohronthe Grape-vine 1 00

Money in the Garden 1 50

My Vineyard at Lakfvicw 1 25

My Farm of Edgewood 1 75

My Ten-rod Farm 60

North American Sylva, 5 vols., 15G coh ]:lates, in 30 parts, ^

" " unbound 60 00

" " Half Turkey Antique, gilt 70 OC

" " full " •' 75 00

Nichol's Chemistry of the Farm and Sea 1 25

Norton's. J(hn P., Elements of Scientific Agriculture 75

Norris' Fish-cnlturc 1 75

Onion-culture 20

Our Farm of Four Acres 1 25

Packard's Guide to the Study of Insects cloth 6 00

Paul's Book of Roses 50

Paul's Rose Garden 3 00

Paxton's Gardener's Dictionary 15 00

Pardee on Strawberry-culture 75

Parkman's Book of Roses 1 50

Parsons, Samuel B., on the Rose 1 60

Peat and its Uses 1 25

Pear-culture, Fields 1 25

Peddcr's, James, Farmer's Land-measurer 60

Pcrcheron Horse 1 00

Peterson's PreserviLg, Pickling and Canning Fruit 50

Pbin on Wine-making 1 50

Quinn's Pear-culture for Profit 1 (X)

Quinby's Jlysterirs of Bee-keeping Explained 1 50

Randall's Sliccp Ilusbandrv 1 50

Rardall'sFine Wool Sheep' Husbandry 1 00

Rand's Bulbs '. 3 00

Rand's Flowers for Parlor and Garden 3 00

Rand's Seventy-five Flowers » 1 50

Rand's Flower Garden ,, 3 00

Reemelin's, Charles, Vinedressers' Matlt»al 75

Riddclls Architect 15 00

Ropp's Ccmmercial Calculator, cloth $1, Morocco Tuck 2 00

Rose Culturist pap'r 30

Robbins', R , Produce and Ready Reckoner _ ' 75

Saunders' Domestic Poultry, paper 40 clo'h 75

Saxton's Hand Books, in four scries, each 1 50

Schonck's Gardener's Text-book 75

Scribner's Ready Reckoner and Log-b:ok 30

Srong's Cultivation of the Grape 3 00

Ten Acres Enough 1 50

Thomas, J. J., Farm Implements 1 50

Thomas. J. J., Fruit-culturist ; old ed $3 00; new edition, 3 75

Ville's Chemical Manures 1 25

Warder's American Pomology % 3 00

'• Hedges and Evergreens 1 50

Waring's Drainage for Profit and Health 1 50

" Elements of Agriculture 1 00

" Earth Closets 50

Webster's Dictionary, Unabridged 12 00

Well's Every Man his own Lawyer 2 00

Williams, B. S., on Stove & Greenhouse Plants, 2 vols., lll'd 5 00

Williams, B. S., on Select Ferns and Lycopods 2 00

Williams, B. S., Orchid Grower's Manual 2 00

Window Gardening 1 60

White's Gardening for the South 2 00

" Cranberrv Culture 1 25

Wood's Class Book of Botany 3 50

Workingman's Way to Wealth 75

Wiight'sPracti-al Poultry Keeper • 2 00

Youatt on the Horse .'. 1 '5

Youman's Household Science ...• 2 00

THE

GARDENER'S MONTHLY

AND

HORTICULTURIST.

DEVOTED TO HORTICULTURE. ARBORICULTURE AND RURAL AFFAIRS.

Edited by THOMAS MEEHAN.

Volume XVIII.

MAY, 1376.

Number 209.

Slower marden and IIleasure mround.

SEASONABLE HINTS.

Most of our readers know that evergreens can
be transplanted with considerable success at any
season of the year if certain precautions be
taken. But perhaps the best time is just as the
buds are about to burst. The roots are very ac-
tive just then, and soon recover from any injury
done them. They can be moved long after the
buds have pushed, if tlie young growth be pinched
back. It is enough to pinch off half the length
of the growing shoot, though in cases of poor
roots ne^jly all may be taken away. In like
manner deciduous trees may be planted long
after they are in leaf, if a good portion of tlie
young leaves and branchlets are cut out. In this
kind of pruning u.^ custom is carelessly to cut
away anything; and as the stout, strong end
branches come first to hand, these are the ones
sacrificed, — but this should be reversed. It is the
poor, slender, half-dried-up stuff that should be
cut out. The healthy, luxuriant wood, full of
life and sap, is just what we want to depend on.
Watering at transplanting is poor policy. It is
much better to have the earth dry, and broken
in well about the roots. They will get all the
moisture tliey need if only in contact with tlie
earth. This is just what thorough beating does.
Some people fear injui'ing the roots by this tre-
mendous beating process. But far more injury
results from open air-spaces, loose holes, and such
like, than from all the injury the most severe
pounding with heavy hammers is ever likely to
inflict. The depth to be planted will depend on

the kind of tree, and kind of soil. In light sandy
soil, tliere is seldom injury from deep planting,
— and especially from woody rooting trees like
oaks and poplars — but fibrous rooted trees suffer
very much, especially in heavy clay soils. If
land is rather wet, elevate the plants somewhat
above instead of putting them below the surface.
There are a few things with poor ferny roots
which must always be set deep. Pyracantha is
one of these. Tiie plant may be half buried to
advantage. Amongst evergreens the singular
Thuja ericoides is another example.

Flowers in pots and tubs, for adorning roads
and gardens, now spring like lovely butterflies
from their winter's hiding places. Cellars give
fortli their treasures, and barns, pits and green-
houses bring forth their lovely things each after
its kind.

This branch of gardening has not been enough
valued. There are many things which do not
well endure our winter, that are truly beautiful
when a little protection is afforded them ; but
because they are only half hardy, are not grown
at all. The following aie well worthy of being
grown in this way :

Magnolia fuscata, Pittosporums, Cleroden-
dron Bungei, Hydrangea, Figs, Oleander, pink
and white; Pomegranate, single for fruit and
double for show; Bignonia Capensis, Bouvar-
dia triphylla, Oranges,' Lemons, Laurel, Bay,
Laurustinus, Xew Zealand flax, Mahonias — par-
ticularly M. Darwinii — Euonymus japonicus,
Aloes, Agaves, and others. In very cold cli-
mates, Peaches, Nectarines, Apricots and Pluma

130

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[Mat,

might be" grown in this way, and would not only
charm the eye during the flowering season, but
add their mite to more material pleasure, in a
way agreeable to most persons of taste, if not of
refinement.

Mow lawns very early the first mowing, or at
every subsequent mowing the lawn will look
brown. A thin sprinkling of salt is good for the
lawn, just enough salt to see the grains on the
surface, about a quarter of an inch apart. An
overdose will destroy the grass. Frequent roll-
ing is one of the best ways to get a good close
6od. When coarse weeds get in the lawn, hand
weeding is the best remedy.

Tuberoses, Gladiolus, Tigridias, Dahlias, and
other bulbous things which cannot be put out
till the ground gets warm, ought not to be kept
out of the earth any longer than necessary. It
was once supposed they thrive best in poor soil
— an error ; they love rich food.

COMMUNICATIONS.

DISEASE IN VIOLET ROOTS.

BY DR. S. W. UNDERHILL, CROTON POINT, N. Y.

In the March number, "J. McB.," of Boston,
Mass., inquires about a disease affecting his Vio-
lets.

I have been quite familiar with this disease for
four or five j'ears past, and believe it exists to
some extent in nearly every greenhouse in the
country, generally in such a mild form as not to
be noticeable.

Since discovering it, I have always carefully
examined all plants received, and in most cases,
have found it prevalent to some extent. Have
received plants affected by it from Boston, New
York, Philadelphia and Baltimore, besides other
places. I have frequently thought it very singu-
lar it had not been noticed by gardenex's before.
A person not familiar with it, would not notice it,
except in bad cases.

The violet is the only plant, I have observed,
it killed outright ; but it will attack many kinds
of greenhouse and bedding plants, such as Verbe-
nas, Petunias, Torrea Asiatica, Tea rose, &c., but
these plants are not as seriously injured by it as
the violet.

This disease is owing to the attacks of an ex-
ceedingly small insect, with the li^ibits of the
Phylloxera, but not more than one third the size.
Although I was confident from the first it was

caused by an insect, yet it was a long time before
I was able to find one, for whenever I examined
the roots, there were none to be seen. After re-
peated examinations, I found one running across
the field of the microscope, and with considera-
ble difficulty kept it in view long enough to see
that it resembled the Phylloxera, much smaller,
with longer legs and slimmer body, and much
more rapid in its movements. I afterwards found
them feeding on the roots, but they will run away
as soon as disturbed.

It appears to be difficult to destroy them by
applications to the soil, and I find the best way
to get rid of them is in being very careful in se-
lecting soil for potting, and to grow all stock
from seed or slips, and not from division of the
roots, and to keep the stock plants in a different
house from the slips or young stock ; also, to de-
stroy all stock plants affected by them as soon as
they can be spared.

I find it is not safe to use soil from the vicinity
of the greenhouse, where I have found them at-
tacking the tomato, several kinds of weeds, and
even the tobacco plant; although I think any rich
soil taken from near the greenhouse, is as good
as soil taken from the field if properly treated
beforehand. Heaping it in the spring and cover-
ing with a sufficiently heavy coat of mulch, to
entirely prevent a growth of weeds through the
summer, will effectually destroy them by fall.

Killing all plants by hoeing or storing the soil
dry under a shed during the summer and autumn
will also answer the purpose.

I think, from my experience, the good quali-
ties of fresh soil from a pasture is very much
owing to the absence of these insects. Where
the soil is rich and the plants can get an abund-
ance of nutriment, the effects of these insects
are seldom noticed on the growth of the plants;
consequently it is best to supply all affected
plants with plenty cf nourishment. By this
means most plants, except violets, can be grown
successfully, even where they are very numerous.

If they are very abundant on the violet, they
will, in the autumn, eat the bark from the main
roots or body of the plant, and cause it to rot oflf
belo\v the surfsice of the ground.

This trait is similar to one of the Phylloxera,
the effects of which on the different varieties of
grape virv^s I have been studying for several years
past — probably being one of the first to notice
them in this country — having discovered thera
with a microscope, on some diseased grape-vine
roots, in the autumn of 1869. My observationa

1876.]

AND HORTICULTURIST.

131

on this subject I propose to send to the Garden-
tr's Monthly at some future time.

[In addition to the above, we have the follow-
ing from Mr. R. Linsley, West Meriden, Conn.]

" I notice the enquiry of J. McB., of Boston,
on page 77, March number, and send you a sam-
ple of a plant lifted last fall, the old roots
' clubbed,' as we call it — the young roots grown
quite recently showing the same thing, — the
ground occupied is a fine loam, well underdrain-
ed. Some of the plants died in the garden,
others after we lifted, and others in the same
plot showed no disease, but have not flowered as
well as usual. The disease aftects them much as
' club ' does cabbage, but the process is not the
eame at all, and is much longer in destroying
the plant. I have forwarded a sample to Prof.
C. V. Riley, St. Louis, Mo. There is at the same
time a fungus on the leaf."

EVERGREENS.

BY MR. E. MANNING, HARRISBURG, O.

I have been much interested in looking over
our friend Hoopes' selection of ornamental trees,
&c. Although I regard his selection as a very
good one, and his opinion and experience as of
the first importance, yet I think a few more ad-
ditions might be safely made.

I would add to his list of twelve deciduous
trees of large size as very choice, Weir's cut.
leaved Maple, very beautiful ; laciniata or eagle's
claw ; and gold-leaved Maple, both very fine, and
also purpurea. To his twelve medium sized trees
I would add Betula laciniata pendula, and Alnus
imperialis laciniatus pendula, both good and dis-
tinct ; Glyptostrobus sinensis pendula, perfectly
hardy here and nothing more beautiful, Kilmar-
noch Weeping Willow — grafted high — and Salis-
buria variegata, which is much more charm-
ing than the common variety. I would add to
his twelve small sized deciduous trees, Exochorda
grandiflora and a variety of Althteas, blooming
as they do so late in the season ; and by all
means Hydrangea paniculata grandiflora, if
thought large enough to come into this class.
For twelve conifers of large and medium size,
let me put first, Picea Parsonsiana as the most
beautiful and faultless of all. My largest specimen
is eleven feet high, and has proven hardier than
the famed Nordmanniana, which is frequently
browned and has even had its leader killed by se-
vere weather. I fully endorse all Mr. Parsons

says of its beauty and am glad to find Prof. Sar-
gent speaks of it in high terms. Pinus excelsa all
should have for its great beauty. Abies Canaden-
sis macrophylla, I should judge, will never make
more than a moderate sized tree; it is much more
beautiful than the common variety, having leaves
of a dark green, and it is more hardy. It is one
of the very best and should be better known.

When we come to small sized evergreens we
must not forget Juniperus glauca, from Japan,
beautiful and hardy, also J. glauca Americana,
and J. viridis pendula. The J. drupacea aurea
does very well w'ith me, but I fail to see how \%
differs from J. Japonica. I have three distinct
kinds of variegated forms, all entirely hardy.

Biota semper-aurea is with me the very best of
its class — it has stood out for four years. It is of
spherical form and of the brightest yellow color,
and is more beautiful than elegantissima, and
holds its color better in winter than any other.
You could pass it every day for months, and see
some new beauty in it every time. Louis Van
Houtte, of Ghent, speaks in the highest terms of
this little gem. Buxus latifolia, B. glauca, B. au-
rea variegata and longifolia should be in every
collection. So should Cephalotaxus Fortuni,
which is the only thing of the Yew family thai
has succeeded here. Picea Numidica and P. cili-
cica are two comparatively new Firs, and should
they prove hardy, will stand in the front rank,
particularly the former. I have great hopes of
this, and of P. amabilis. We all have our peta,
and these are mine.

RHODODENDRON ARBOREUM.

BY WALTER ELDER, PHILA.

The scarlet Rhododendron arboi'eum, was first
introduced into British* gardens in 1820, from
Nepal. The late James Cunningham, nursery-
man in Edinburgh, found it in a London nursery,
bought it for a high price and took it home.
The peculiar comeliness of its foliage attracted
his love for the plant. When it bloomed, he was
transported with joy. The leaves are of a delicate,
green on the upper sides, and richly silvered on
beneath. The blossom is of rich scarlet crimson
of great brilliancy, and of the finest texture. The
plant was a model of perfection. During its sea-
son of blooming, other species were set around
it, to be impregnated by it, to originate new va-
rieties. I had the care of it from the autumn of
1831, to the late spring of 1834. During that time

133

THE GABDE NEB'S MONTHLY

[May,

the nursery was like a fair with numerous visi-
tors to see it when in bloom (May). A dozen of
other species were .get under and around it to be
impregnated by it ; but as the flower-bells were
three inches in diameter and deep, the trusses
immensely large, it was feared the pollen might
not flow beyond them freely, artificial impregna-
tion was resorted to, and was fully successful.

In the morning much honey was in every bell,
and was sucked out by bog-reeds to prevent the
pollen from being clogged. The plant bore seeds
plentifully, and increased the original species.
The impregnated plants also were prolific in seed-
bearing, from which numerous new and superior
varieties were produced. During my time a new
greenhouse was erected for their groA\^h. It was
one hundred and fifty feet long and sixteen feet
wide, with an elevated bark-pit (bed). The
plants were all grown in pots and plunged in the
bark-pit. By the descriptions of the original
species and the choice varieties in the maga-
zines. Comely Bank Nursery became celebrated
all over the United Kingdom, and also over the
continent of Europe. The demand for them was
-far beyond the supply. I never saw such a
splendid plant as is the scarlet Rhododendron
arboreum when in bloom, and never knew of a
plant so universally admired and sought for.

Since my time, by the works of others, (the
Waterers &c., of England, and Houttes of Bel-
gium,) the Rhododendron has been made by new
superior species, the most valued and beautiful
genus of ever-blooming shrubs all over Europe.
Many are hardy, and grown in large masses in
open pleasure grounds. Others more tender, are
grown in greenhouses. Large houses are filled
with them. No wealthy estate there is without
its collection of Rhododendrons.

EDITORIAL NOTES.

Pleasing the Gardeners. — He {imaginative) -.
I always think it a pity to be in London when
the country and gardens are so lovely. Your
flowers must be splendid just now? — She {prac-
tical— taking tea) : Yes, mamma says some of
us ought to go doAvn for a day or two, just to
please the gardeners. — Punch.

Grasses for Indiana. — In Dr. Coulter's in-
teresting little Botanical Bulletin for March,
there is an account of the native grasses of
Jeflerson Co., Ind., by Mr. A. H. Young. The

Red Top {Agrostis vulgaris) seems to be remark-
ably well suited to that part of the country.
There are many suggestive observations on other
grasses.

Names of Varieties. — Our readers may re-
member that when our friends Maxwell and
Barry introduced two varieties of Arbor vitse,
and named one George Peabody, and the other
Tom Thumb, and we supported them in the ex-
cellent innovation, the English nurserymen
flatly refused to have these varieties under these
names, and re-christened them with Latin names
of several feet in length. ^Ye cannot see how
Latin names are to be obviated in Botany, — but
for garden forms there is no necessity, and it
seems inexpressibly absurd. Here before us is a
list of garden forms of holly- One is Ilex aqui-
folia aurea angusti marginata, another Ilex aqui-
folia serratifolia alba marginata, and so on. Even
in Europe as in this country there have been
attempts at rebellion. Mr. "Waterer having
named one holly Golden Milkmaid, but he
seems to have been subdued, and the kind is de-
clared to be Ilex aquifulia aurea medio picta, —
only this and nothing more !

Weeping HE^u.ocK Spruce. — The Garden says :
" Mr. Samuel B. Parsons writes to us from Flush-
ing, Long Island, praising the beauty of the
Weeping Hemlock (Abies canadensis var. pen-
dula.) The ordinary form of the Hemlock is a
very graceful tree, and this new one will prove a
welcome addition to our pleasure grounds. We
have never been able to understand the reason
why the hemlock tree, which does so well in the
cold regions of North America, thrives so poorly
in our gardens. With us it is frequently sur-
passed in stature by the Western Arbor vitse,
which is naturall}' a much smaller tree, inhabit-
ing the same regions as the hemlock."

The reason the hemlock does so poorly in
England is probably the presence of limestone.
The best soil for the hemlock is that overlying
granite. Even in America it does poorly in
limestone soils.

NEW PLANTS.

LiLiUM Parkmani. — This magnificent Lily,
raised by Mr. Francis Parkman, between L. aura-
tum and L. speciosum, and to which we have re-
ferred in our pages, is the subject of a beautiful
colored plate in the London Florist and Ponwlo-

181QJ

AND HORTICULTURIST.

133^

gist for iNIarch. We may give some idea of it by
saying that it looks like a highly colored L. lan-
cifolium rubrum, only double the size of any ordi-
narily seen.

There seems to be a fatality about the spelling
of the name. The Gardener's Chronicle in first
describing it accidentally made it Packmani, —
and now the F. and P. has it Parkmanni. It
should be Parkmani.

LiGUSTRUM COKIACEUM. — Is a new species of
Ja])an privet, introduced into English gardens,
and wliich will probably prove a desirable thing
for out door culture in this country.

Zinnia Darwini. — Under this name a new race
of Double Zinnias has come into existence
through the skill of the hybridizer, and is illus-
trated in the February number of the London
Florist and Poviologist. The habit is much better
than the old race of Double Zinnias, and they
will be no dou])t great favorites. We believe our
seedsmen will soon be able to offer them to
Ainerican cultivators.

The Purple-leaved Maple. — This, known in
catalogues as Acer polymorphum atropurpu-
reum, is one of the loveliest ornamental maples
imaginable. The winy purple tint is peculiar
among all the purple-leaved plants, — and it has
the property rare aijiong purple-leaved things of
keeping a dark tint far away into the fall. It is
as yet rather scarce in our collections, through a
difficulty in propagation In England some trees
have reached a height of ten feet, and must be
very grand.

Pancratium rotatum. — This native bulb is
quite as handsome as many of the imported
Lilies and other grand plants from abroad. Our
enterprising friend who has taken in hand to
push the Agave Virginica, might do a similar
good work by working up this, which also grows
wild in his region. It is not at all abundant in
cultivation, and, practical]}^, it has yet to be in-
troduced. Still not to excite the ire of those of
us who love to have things correctly expressed,
he had better not, in his Pancratium circular,
claim the honor of a "first discovery."

Q [JURIES.

Insect injury to the Elm. — The elm, and es-
pecially the English elm, is "skeletonized" every
year by an insect which it has been taken for

granted is the larva of a Scolytus, which is re-
ported to be destructive to the elm in France. ■
A correspondent called Prof. Packard's attention ..
to the prevalent opinion, and this is his response.
It seems the matter has not yet been made clear. •
It is certainly no Campsidean that injures our
elms.

Peabody Academy OF Science, \
Salem, Mass., Jan. 29, 1876. J

My Dear Sir : — I wish I could give a satisfac-
tory answer to your inquiries. I have not
noticed whether tlie European elm sutlers more
than the nati"ve species or not. We have as you
know but few European elms about here. I
would like to see some specimens of the Scolytus.
Is it not possibly a true longicorn borer, Camp-
sidea? I know of no Scolytus or allied beetle
particularly injurious to the elm in New EJjig-
land, and know the Campsidea is very injurious
at times in New York and New Jersey. The
Canker worm is not found in the Middle States
so far as I know, though common in Illinois and*'
Missouri. Yours, very truly,

A. S. Packard, Jr.

Failure of Camellias in Florida. — A Jackson-
ville correspondent calls attention to her Camel-
lias in the open ground, the buds of which never"
fully expand but dry up while opening. While-
in New Orleans, recently, we saw the same in
Camellias there growing in the open air. We
might say in brief that the Camellia never did '
like heat, and therefore these climates are too
hot for it. We inight put the fact in other
words, and say the evaporation from the petals-
is too great for their permanence. Even in
glass culture it is found the Camellia does best-
in a rather low temperature with a regularly
moist atmosphere. Those who would grow
Camellias in Florida or Louisiana, must plant
them in the coolest spots possible, and where
there is a regularly hu nid atmosphere.

Failure of PiEONiAS. — A Kochester corres-
pondent says : "Do you know why it is that in
the South, California, and South-west, Pteonias so>
generally fail to bloom — the buds blasting? We-
have constant complaint. Is it the heat and
drouth ? I have been asked scores of times to-
write an article on the subject, but know too-
little, although I have paid some attention to the-
matter in my travels."

[The answer to Florida Camellias, doubtless
ajjplies here also. — Ed. G. M.]

134

THE GABDENEB'S MONTHLY

[Mat,

New Double Deutzia. — A correspondent sends
UB for name, a specimen, which proves to be the
new double white Deutzia crenata,— which we
did not know before had reached our shores,
though announced in Belgium. This will be a
good companion to the double rosy one now be-
coming well known. It will be a capital forcing
plant, pure white flowei-s being always in demand.

Yellow Violet. — A Bloomington, 111., correft-
pondent says : " Is there a yellow "Violet ? Would
you regard one as a choice plant, or worthy of
propagation?"

[There are yellow Violets in abundance
among the botanical species, — but we have never
known of any one likely to compete in cultiva-
tion with our blue and white kinds. — Ed. G. M.l

;reen House and Souse Gardening.

SEASONABLE HINTS.

About this time of the year people will prepare
hanging-baskets, for suspending from trees and
half-shaded places in piazzas, so as to get them
to grow well and be established against next
winter, when they will have to adorn rooms and
•mall conservatories. It is of course well under-
•tood by this time that these baskets when made
of pottery or metal must have a hole to let out
the water. This note seems necessary, however,
because we often see things offered for sale as
flower-baskets that have no provision of the
kind. The best baskets are wire ones that have
a coat of moss on the inside to keep in the
earth. These never get too wet, and with proper
care never too dry. Plants do not require chang-
ing in these baskets near as often as people
think, for a lady of the writer's acquaintance has
baskets that have been undisturbed for several
years, but manure is occasionally given to them,
and the plants thrive charmingly. Among the
plants in them we note the Abutilon vexilla-
rium pictum, a really delightful thing with its
half-pendant habit and profusion of orange and
crimson flowers. The old green-leaved Mesem-
bryanthemum cordifolium, or ice plant; Senecio
scandens, 9r parlor ivy, one of which plants from'
the basket had some of its branches twelve and fif-
teen feet in length, and was wreathed about pic-
ture frames and other ornaments on the walls of
the room ; the old red Mesembryanthemum spec-
tabile; several ferns, as Onychia japonica, Platy.
loma hastata, Pteris serrulata, and Adiantum
Cappillis veneris ; Oxalis multiflora; Oxalis flori-
bunda; variegated Periwinkle; and there were
•ctually some "weeds" growing among other

things, which the lady thought too pretty to pull
out. A very large lemon tree was in the room
that had been blooming all winter, the picture
of health. The room was heated by a common
anthracite coal stove, and all the plants as
healthy as we see in any greenhouse, and
much better than in many — but the deadly foe
to the plant-grower, illuminating gas, was absent
— the room being lighted from coal oil lamps.
We are satisfied, from such little experiences as
these, that lists of plants for room or basket cul-
ture are superlative — for any thing will do well
if properly treated. The baskets are hung out
under trees in summer. In fact almost all plants
do better in the open air in summer than under
glass ; but with what are called hard-wooded
plants, like Heaths and Epacrises, the dry heat
of our climate does not seem to agree. A par-
tially shaded place is best for most of them, but
not under the drip of trees, though many per-
sons put them out under trees, as such shad©
with drip is better than the hot sun. Plants are
betfer also with their pots plunged into the soil,
but they ought to be twisted around or taken
up and reset about once a month, or roots will
so many go through the bottom of the pot as to
injure the health of the plant when taken up,
and so many broken off at once in the fall.
Azaleas usually flower better when plunged in
the full sun.

There are some things which do well kept un-
der glass all summer, as Achimenes, Gloxinea,
Begonias, Ferns, &c., but it will be best to try
to get as much as possible in the open air; in th©
first place, because they are more enjoyable thus
in summer, and, in the next place, because they
usually keep hardier, and clearer from insects,
which are very hard to contend with, under
glass, in hot weather.

1876.]

AND HORTIGULTUBIST.

135

COMMUNICA TIONS.

HEATING SMALL GREENHOUSES.

BY H. LUMBARD, OAK PARK, CHICAGO, ILLS.

I think there must be a great many readers of
your paper that heat their houses with furnace
heat that would be pleased to know how to heat
a small greenhouse by the same fire.

I know that I should have been very much
pleased to be informed how the thing could
be accomplished last fall. Now I know by prac-
tical experience, and if you think it will be of
use to any one you are at liberty to use it.

My greenhouse, or perhaps it might be better
named pit, is a lean-to, adjoining the house,
about 12 feet square, facing south, about 3 feet
of it being under the piazza. The heating ar-
rangement is what I intend to refer to princi-
pally, as follows :

cinths, Pansies, Cyclamens, Camellias, Choroze-
mas, Abutilons, &c., all in perfect health, which
plants never have when heated by stove or fur-,
nace heat.

If you conclude to publish the above, you will
have to dress it up a little. If there is anything
that you cannot understand, and think it worth
a letter of inquiry, I will answer it. If I was to
wait till I had time to write in shape fit for pub-
lishing I am thinking my plan would never
reach you ; and if on reading the above scrawl,
you think that the best place for it is in the
basket under the table, I shall offer no objection.

One thing I really forgot, which is essential to
the working of hot water — keep all the pipea
above the level of the bottom of the boiler. This
I learned by experience. I tried to have my re-
turn pipe lay on the floor of the basement, which
was about 18 inches below the bottom of the
boiler, but the water would not flow properly ;
did not work at all satisfactory until I changed
it to have all the water used a trifle higher

Close BeAios

I procured a copper boiler, holding, perhaps, 2
gallons, made to fit a section of the fire-pot of
the furnace. From this I led the flow pipe
(1-inch gas pipe) to the ceiling of the basement,
thence to the greenhouse, about 20 feet from
the boilers, along the side to the front, where I
connected with a coil of IJ-inch gas pipe, which
passes four times across the front of the green-
house, then returns to the boiler with a 1-inch gas
pipe, to be heated and go over the same ground
again. It requires no care, about one-half pint of
water per week, and works perfectly ; and if flow-
ers could say anything they would say that it
Buits them perfectly, too; not having the gift of
speech they do the best they can by looking
their very prettiest. At the present writing I
have in bloom Auriculas, Azaleas, Roses, Hya-

than the bottom of the boiler. Tlie expense
of the whole heating arrangement was about
twenty-five dollars. The boiler must be made to
fit the fire-pot of the furnace very close ; and I
think, probably, 2-inch pipe for the front pipe
would be better than Ih. This winter has been
a very mild one, but I have no fears but that with
a few mats for covering I shall be able to keep
frost out in a severe winter. If the pipe has to
be carried for before entering the greenhouse, it
will be necessary to cover it with a coating of
asbestos or sawdust, or some good non-conduct-
ing material, otherwise a considerable amount of
heat will be lost by radiation. With such a cov-
ering it can be carried quite a long distance
without much loss of heat. Probably two 4-inch
pipes across the front of greenhouse would be

136

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[May,

much better than four IJ ones. This is only sug-
gested; I have only written as I have it in ope-
ration. I hope some one will give you something
better before next winter for heating small
houses.

PEERLESS ROSE.

BY E. HOLLY, HUDSON, N. Y.

Or, as most catalogues have it, Bourbon Eose
Peerless. I also notice it under the head of
Ever Blooming Eose. I do not wish to say any-
thing against the rose, having purchased a half
dozen p)lants the first season they canie out, and
have grown them ever since in pots and in the
open ground; have had plants eight feet high.
with canes an inch through or more, covered
with hundreds of clusters of beautiful blossoms
in June. I have cut the plants back and tried
them in different ways, and have never seen a
rose on any of them, except the spring bloom on
them in pots and the June blossom on those in
the open ground. If it had been called a Hybrid
Perpetual I would not have been :lisappointed. I
think the general mass of people who grow roses
expect a Bourbon Eose to be one Avhich gives
more or less blossoms through the season and a
fine bloom in the fall. Peerless with me grows
more like Prairie Queen than any rose I grow —
not as tall growing, but the same strong, thf)rny
wood as the Prairie Queen. I think this rose
should have been called a Hybrid Climbing June
Eose. I hope others will give their experience
with this rose in the Gardeners Monthly, and
have this rose pushed into its proper place if it
is not there at present.

EDITORIAL NOTES.

EuPATORKJM LiGUSTEiNUM.— This is the correct
name of the white sweet-scented Eupatorium
now becoming so popular for winter cut flowers.
It has eight or more names given to it errone-
ously.

The Richardlv (Calla) ^Ethiopica, which
our people have learned to call " Calla Lily "
and " Easter Lily," goes by the name of " Trum-
pet Lily " in England.

Preserving Cut Flowers.— If we fill a tum-
bler with water, and invert it, the water remains

therein. A correspondent of the Florist or Pom-
ologkt has taken advantage of this fact to get
bouquets of flowers under water in bell glasses,
and be says if exposed to light in this condition
the flowers keep perfect a wonderfully long time.

Name of Plant. — INIrs. E. J. B., St. Louis, Mo.
— Bryophyllum calycinuni.

Plant-selling at Amherst College. — We
find the following in the Detroit Farmer: "We
recently visited the Durfee Plant House at Am-
herst, established by a fund given the Agricul-
tural College by Dr. Nathan Durfee, of Fall
River. We found it under the charge of Prof. S.
T. Maynard, a graduate of that college, who re-
ports that the house now contains between seven
and eight thousand plants of fifteen hundred
species and varieties. Twenty thousand bedding
plants were propagated the last season. The
sales of plants and flowers during the year
amounted to $758.32, while about a third of the
grapes in the vineyard were sold for $205.16, the
balance having been destroyed by frost. The
nursery at the college now contains more than
six thousand fruit and or amental trees, in-
cluding a large number of species. The vine-
yard contains about 2,000 vines of 32 different
sorts.

The Plant House at the Agricultural
College. — The plant house at the Agricultural
College at Lansing is a success, an honor to the
institution and to the State. But it is just in its
infancy and should be extended. We strongly
recommend that this department be placed on
a paying basis. The experiment to be tested is
whether the growing of plants will pay. This is
a narrow, low and selfish view of the case, but it
is a lesson to be taught. Will it pay? Will
flowers pay in dollars and cents? Not socially,
intellectually, morally, a-sthetically or hygieni-
cally? Will they pay like potatoes, corn, pigs
or eggs? There are plenty of people in Michigan
that will favor the plant house just as soon as
they see the shinplasters and greenbacks grow-
ing out of them. — Michigan Farmer.

Royal Bouquets. — Mr. Wills, of the Royal
Exotic Nursery, Onslow Crescent, had the honor
of receiving the commands of H. Jl. H., the
Duke of Edinburgh, for the Floral decoration of
the Royal Albert Hall and the Royal Box, on
the occasion of the recent State concert there.
Mr. Wills also supplied the bouquets presented
to Her Majesty, H. R H. the Princess of Wales,

18VG.J

AND HORTICULTURIST.

131

and H. K. H. the Princess of Beatrice. Her INIa-
jesty's bouquet was composed of Roses, Eucharis,
Odontoglossum Alexandrte, the chaste and beau-
tiful Coelogyne cristata, Violets, and Lilies of the
Valley; that of H. R. H. the Princess of Wales
was quite unique, and contained Neapolitan
Violets, the lovely Dendrobium Wardianum,
Lilies of the Valley, and various other gems;
the Princess Beatrice's was composed of various
Orchids, Lilies of the Valley, Roses, Eucharis,
Lilac. All were surrounded by Brussels lace
holders. — Gardeners' Chronicle.

Flower Pots. — We learn from the Hamburger
Gartenzeitimg that the fabrication of Flower-
pots from a mixture of cow-dung and earth is
now extensively practiced in North Germany.
As many as 16,000 were used last year in one es-
tablishment. For forcing they are highly recom-
mended, though they will not bear plunging in a
hot-bed; and they are admirably adapted fur
nursery work, for plants raised in pots and after-
wan'ds turned out, in this case pot and all. Even
standing dry the roots of plants will penetrate
the sides of the pot, and extract some nourish-
ment from them. They are made bj^ machinery,
and one man can make from 700 to 900, or even
1,000, in ten working hours. There are machines
for three sizes — 2 inches by 2 (price 8.s), 2| inches
broad by 2j high (price lOs). Since the first in-
troduction of these pots by Mr. Maclvor some
years ago we have heard little of their use in
this country. — Gardeners' Chronicle.

Forced Deutzia gracilis. — The Gardeners'
Chronicle says : " Deutzia gracilis that has been
forced through the winter and has done flower-
ing will now be pushing growth. The best way of
treating this plant, and by which it may be kept
in a healthy, useful condition for a number of
years, is tc) cut out the old wood after it has
flowered, depending for next year's bloom uj^on
the young slioots that push up freely from the
collar when the plant has plenty of roots. To
ensure its blooming satisfactorily every year
when forced it Should, after flowering, be kept in
a little heat, such as a vinery at work, until the
growth is' made and flower-buds formed. If in
small pots give them a moderate shift ; if they
do not require more room they will whilst grow-
ing be benefited by manure-water twice a week
or so."

Fuchsias. — Fuchsias appear to be grown more
extensively than in any previous year, for sev-

eral houses are filled with plants of various
sizes, ranging from the smallest to be sent out
from rooted cuttings to those sold as established
plants. The collection comprises nearly 150 va-
rieties, and as some of the most popular are
grown by the hundred, some idea may be ob-
tained of the number of plants comprised in "the
stock. Several new varieties are in course of
distribution, amongst them being CanneVs Gem,
a very beautiful dwarf and compact growing va-
riety with white corolla. The flowers are of fine
form, nearly equaling in this respect the very
best of the dark varieties. CanneVs Favorite, a
pretty light-flowered variety of the Oriana type,
but of course quite surpassing that variety, which
in its time was deservedly held in high esteem.
Resplendent, a fine daVk-flowered variety in the
way of Lord Elcho ; Mrs. J. Lye, a pretty light
flower ; Stupendous, a very large double flower
in the way of Champion of the World, but pos-
sessing a' better habit. ISIr. Cannel is also dis-
tributing four hardy hybrid fuchsias, but as they
were not in bloom nothing can be said about
them beyond mentioning them as worthy of a
trial in gardens in which hardy fuchsias usually
do well." These are said to be hybrids between
the hardy species and the best of the show varie-
ties.— Gardener's Magazine.

Standard Pyracasthas.— The old evergreen
thorn, Crataegus pyracantha, which is usually
grown as a wall-tree, and is certainly one of the
finest wall-trees of its class, makes an equally ef-
fective standard or free-branching bush, and in
this shape bears berries profusely, and from the
end of September to the end of March is without
any question whatever the most splendid berry-
bearing shrub in the English garden. In the
Gardener's Magazine for December 6, 1862, I di-
rected attention to the importance of berry -bear-
ing shrubs for winter furnishing, and in the issue
for December 16, 1865, I explained how I had
employed pyracanthas as pot plants to light up
beds of evergreens during winter on the plung-
ino- system. It is therefore no new freak with
me to have standard pyracanthas, and my only
regret is that I have not room to employ them
largely, for they are equal • to any evergreen
shrubs when the berries are gone, and are bril-
liantly beautiful all through the autumn and
winter, if the thrushes will but leave them alone.
Give this notion room for expansion in your
sunny shrubbery borders, and in a few years you
will see the way to do winter promenade garden-

138

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[Mat,

ing in a way to beat all attempts hitherto made,
excepting, of course, those of your obedient ser-
vant.— Gardener's Magazine.

A Hint to Table Decorators. — A splendid
subject for table decoration, hitherto (so far
as I know) unused, may be found in every gar-
den, but its season of perfection is nearly past.
It has stared me in the face for years and years,
but I never thought of using it until lately, when
" stern Necessity's supreme command " led me
to hunt for every scrap of suitable stuff on the
premises. The new subject is our old friend of
the kitchen garden and salad bowl, the Com-
mon Sorrel, Riimex acetosa, which now presents
huge, ugly, club-like spikes of purplish red inflo-
rescence of a comparativ^y coarse and unat-
tractive nature. But, unpromising as it looks, it
needs but to be judiciously used, and it becomes
a most valuable aid in the light filigree work
which is so much needed in the dressing of
vases, and will take its part admirably with
grasses and ferns to make a delicious cloudy at-
mosphere around and above gay flowers. Try it
and be convinced. Every one of the great ugly
bunches will furnish fifty light sprays of grass-
like inflorescence of a peculiar color, diff"ering
from, yet harmonizing with all kinds of flowers,
and so distinct it is when set off" with bright
green that it might be employed as the domi-
nant furniture in some instances. — Gardener's
Magazine.

Poinsettia. — Passing by these old friends, not
without a word of hearty welcome be it well un-
derstood, we come to another plant which has
been of late years an almost indispensable ad-
junct of Christmas decorations, be they of church
or hall — the brilliant Poinsettia pulcherrima, the
bright scarlet bracts of which give the head of
blossoms a flower-like appearance, and serve ad-
mirably to lighten up the somewhat sombre
masses of evergreen. Not only in England is
this beautiful plant regarded as a Christmas
flower ; in the North of Mexico, where it finds a
place in almost every garden, it is called Koche-
buena from its blossoming about the time of the
Christmas festival, for which noche huena, "the
good night," is the Spanish name. In the South
of Spain it is a very popular flower, and there
too, it is connected with a Church festival, being
known as Flor de pasqua or Easter-flower, Its
name commemorates a French traveler, M'.
Poinsette, by whom the plant was introduced to
cultivation. He brought specimens to Charles-

ton from Mexico in 1828, whence they were taken
to Philadelphia; and specimens sent from th©
latter place to Edinburgh flowered in 1835, since
which date it has become increasingly popular
and plentiful in our stores. There is a variety
with white bracts, and a so-called "double-flow-
ered " variety has just made its appearance
amongst us, and which will, we believe, shortly
be illustrated in these columns. With us in Eng-
land the plants of the Poinsettia attain compara-
tively but small size; bvit in India, on the Neil-
gherry Hills, where it is grown in gardens, it at-
tains the size of a large bush. — Gardener's Chron-
cle.

QUERIES.

Work on Greenhouse Culture. — W. M. G.,
Niles, Mich., writes : "Will you have the kind-
ness to inform me which is the best authority
and most extensive work on greenhouse culture,
and where obtained, and the price. I have Hen-
derson's Window Garden, and some other small
works, but none of them answer my purpose, I
want something that covers more ground, alpha-
betically arranged, so that I can refer to at least
the majority of plants usually found in a green-
house collection, their culture, time of taking
cuttings, and general management of each and
every plant. I would prefer an American work,
as the treatment in diflerent countries is differ-
ent. I notice by your advertisements in the
Gardener's Monthly that you are a greenhouse
man, and being an editor I presume you know
what is best for my purpose."

[Buist's work is the best, and it will probably
be the only work of that character for some time
to come, as there has been so much progress
made of lateyears in practical floriculture that mi-
nute directions, for propagating and managing
each particular plant is not called for. Practice
has so simplified propagating especially that a first-
class propagating house strikes anything and al
things equally alike. The delicate Heath, or the
coarser Camellia, Geraniums, Azaleas, Cactuses,
Roses, everything, all are done for in one and
the same bed. There is no mystery any more
about these things. Good sound sense, with an
educated experience, is all that is needed, and
when one can do this with one plant he will do
with most all. For a knowledge of planti

1876.]

AND HORTICULTURIST.

13d

specially, as to whether they are from hot coun-
tries or cold, and similar matters, that will aid
a good propagator, Lindley & Moore's Treasury
of Botany is a good helper. — Ed. G. ]\I.]

Scale on Oleanders. — J. P. S., Wintersett,
Iowa. — " Please inform me through the columns
of the Gardener's Monthly (of which I am a sub-
scriber) what is the best means of destroying
scales on Oleanders; also, can alcohol be used to
any advantage, and how much does it require to
be diluted? By so doing you will much oblige."

[Gardener's generally use for the scale on
Oleanders strong whale-oil soap. — Ed. G. M.]

NiPHETOs Tea Rose for Cutting. — Dallaa
Bros., Bridgeport, Conn., with a very beautiful
rosebud, say : " We noticed in the Gardener's
Monthly a paragraph headed Roses for Winter
Buds. We send you two buds of the first-named
(and perhaps least known), Niphetos, cut from a
plant imported last fall. By all appearance it ia
a very free bloomer, and the quality you can
judge by the buds sent."

Mruit and Vegetable Gardening.

SEASONABLE HINTS.

Fruit culture for profit has had to contend
with over-abundant crops the past year or two,
and the trees in such cases are weakened. Now,
this may be remedied by thinning out fruit in
infancy. This prevents a glut, gives finer fruit,
and saves the trees.

Besides thinning the fruit, we should thin the
young branches. Handsome forms are as desira-
ble in fruit as in ornamental trees. No winter
pruning will do ths exclusively. It may furnish
the skeleton — but it is summer pinching which
clothes the bones with beauty. A strong shoot
soon draws all its nutriment to itself. Never
allow one shoot to grow that wants to be
bigger than others. Equality must be insisted
on. Pinch out always as soon as they appear,
such as would push too strongly ahead, — and
keep doing sa. till the new buds aeem no stron-
ger than the others. Thus the food gets equally
distributed.

Fruit growing primarily for pleasure, to follow
with plenty of good fruit, has been much encour-
aged by the greater success of the grape of late
years. There is much more interest in having
collections of varieties than there used to be.

As to the best system of pruning grapes, there
are several "schools," all contending that their
views are "decidedly best." In such cases, we
have generally found there is much to admire in
them all — situations and peculiar circumstances
deciding the point in each individual instance.

There are a few points incontrovertible to in-
sure success, and it matters little what system of
pruning is followed, so that they are secured.
First, a healthy set of roots of the previous year's
growth is essential to produce vigorous start of
growth the year following. Secondly, after
starting, these roots can only be kept vigorous
by encouraging an abundance of healthy foliage,
to be retained on the vine as long a* possible.
Thirdly, the leaves of the first growth are at
least of double the value to the plant than those
from secondary or lateral shoots; they should,
therefore, be carefully guarded fiom injury.
Fourthly, checking the strong-growing shoots
strengthens the weaker ones, equalizes the flow
of sap to every part of the vine, and insures reg-
ular and harmonious action between all the
parts. Any system that secures this does all that
is necessary for the general health and vigor of
the vine ; and where some special objects are de-
sirable, such as dwarfing, particularly early bear-
ing, productiveness at the expense of longevity,
special means must be employed to bring them
about.

In the cultivation of garden crops, the hoe and
rake should be kept continually at work.
Weeds should be taken in hand before they are
barely out of the seed-leaf, and one-half the
usual labor of vegetable gardening will be avoid-
ed. Hoeing or earthing up of most garden
crops is of immense advantage in nearly every
case. One would suppose that in our hot cli-
mate flat culture would be much more bene-

140

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[May,

ficial ; but a fair trial, say on every other row of
a bed of cabbages, will show a great difference in
favor of the earthed-up plants. It would be
easj' to exj^lain the reason of this, but in this
coluinn we try to confine ourselves to "hints,"
and leave reasons to our other departments.

Cabbage, Cauliflower and Brocoli are now set
out for fall crops, and Endive sown for winter
salad. Lettuce also for summer and fall use.
This, however, must be sown in very rich soil
and in a partially shaded situation, or it will go
to seed. Peas, beans, and other crops should be
Bowed every two weeks. They do much better
than when a large crop is sown at one time, and
then have too many on at one ti^me to waste.

Melons, cucumbers, corn, okra, squash, beans,
sweet potatoes, Lima beans, pepper, egg-plants
tomatoes, and other tender vegetaMes that do
well till the sun gets high, and the ground warm,
should go into the soil without delay.

Bean poles should be set before the beans are
planted; and near cities where they are com-
paratively high priced, their ends should be
charred. This will make them last some years.
Try also short stout poles for cucumbei-s and
tomatoes. They do remarkably well this wav.

QOMMUNICA TIONS.

MUSHROOMS.

BY PETER HENDP:RS0N.

In reply to " Subscriber," in the ]\Iarch num-
ber, who complains that in my work, " Garden-
ing for Profit," I omit to say how to " cut,"
"pack," and "sell" theproduct of his mu.shroom
bed that my instructions have enabled him to
obtain. Though these instructions do not neces-
sarily belong, I think, to such a work, no more
than the telling of " how to catch a hare " should
be followed by the information of how to cook
it, yet I will endeavor to help him. In most
cases when mushrooms come up thickly in
clumps or clusters, they are best gathered by
twisting off carefully, so as not to injure those
not yet fit to gather ; but when that cannot be
done without injury, they may be cut as aspar-
agus, by slipping them off with a knife below the
surface. In packing, the same rules apply to
them as in anything else, that is, use the size of
the package according to the season of the vear.

In February or March, a package holding a
bushel may be used, while in May or June,
when the temperature is higher, the package
should not be more than one-fourth, or one-sixth
of that size ; for the reason that a larger package
would then heat. In all cases be sure that the
package is filled full, so that its contents will not
shake or jolt. About "selling," much will de-
pend upon where " Subscriber " is located. If in
the vicinity of any of our large cities, the princi-
pal hotels will be the purchasers. There is not
yet demand enough for mushrooms in our com-
mon markets to command prices high enough
to justify their culture, though the prices paid by
the firstrclass hotels and restaurants in New
York are such as I believe pay well. A gentle-
man called on me the other day from Canada,
who informed me he had some 10,000 square
feet of cellar space, which he had for three years
devoted to the forcing of mushrooms and rhu-
barb, all of which he sold in the New York
hotels at remunerative prices. Your correspon-
dent states that he has a sjnall bed. He will find
that he will have more difficulty i;i selling his
mushrooms, or anything else, than if he had
enough to sustain a regular supply to the pur-
chaser. All articles of a perishable nature that
are pro'ducts of the garden or greenhouse, we
find are always sold to better advantage when
the "supply is regular. Our large growers of cut
flowers, for example, in the vicinity of New
York, who have enough to send in daily to their
customers, realize at least one-third more than
those who can onlj' send in occasionally; and
such as a general thing is equally true of fresh
fruits or vetjetables.

BILYEU'S COMET PEACH.

B-* RAXDOLPH PETERS.

In December number of Gardener's Monthly,
p. 3(i8, your correspondent, D. O. Munson, Esq.,
of Fall's Church, Va., says," "I send you by ex-
press some peaches which have been sent to
the ^Yashington market for two or three years,
under the name of Comet, from the eastern
shore of Maryland. This fruit brings from
$4 to $5 per bushel. You describe this peach
as a white flesh peach. Again I find in Jan-
uary number, 1876, pages 14 and 27 same
number, two more communications from same
correspondent. On page 14 he says, " I send you

1876.]

AND HORTICULTURIST.

141

a plate of same kind of peach I sent you. I also
sent same to-Chas. Downing, who says it is a new
peach. Rivers, of England, has sent out a yel-
low peach called Comet, and it will be necessary
to give this one a new name, and I have decided
to call it Billiers' Comet, as it originated with a
Mr. Billiers, of Kent Co., Md." Again, on page
27, Mr. Munson says, " I still find there is a mis-
take in the name of the Comet peach — name is
Billieu's Comet." Now, Mr. Editor, I think
there is no good to come of having too many
names for one fruit. This peach was originally
put out by S. G. Bilyeu, of Littleton, N. C, and
he named it Bilyeu's Late October. Now I find
it under the following names : Billiers' Comet,
Billieu's Comet, Bilyeu's Sweet October, and fur-
ther, it has taken premiums under other names,
which can be corrected at another time. Your
correspondent says it originated with a Mr. Bil-
liers, of Kent Co., Md. No one of that name
ever lived in Kent Co., — at least fifty years back ;
this I know of my own knowledge, as I am well
acquainted with all the prominent fruit growers
of Kent Co. The Peach was found by Mr.
Bilyeu in Caroline Co., Md., and has been plant-
ed extensively in Kent, Caroline, and Dorchester
Co's., Md., and where soil is dry, and light loam, or
sandy, does finely. As I wished to have the
above corroborated by good authority, I wrote
Col. E. Wilkins, of Kent Co., Md., calling his
attention to the matter, as he planted largely of
the Bilyeu's Late October, and from the first lot'
that was propagated from the original tree. The
Colonel planted on diflerent kinds of soil, and I
propose to give here an extract from his letter in
answer to mine, for such information as he could
give in reference to this peach. To save confu-
sion, I am anxious it should have but one name.
Col. F. W. writes as follows :

Eiverside.'Kkkt Co., Md., Feb 4th, 1876.

Randolph Petkrs, Esq. :

Dear Sir : — Yours of the 2d inst. received. Some
people in Kent Co , Md., as well ^as the corres-
pondent in the Gardener's Monthly, have got
things not a little, as you say, but I think a good
deal mixed up. I know but one peach called
the Comet, the one sent out by Thos. Rivers, a
yellow-fleshed peach, ripens with me about with
Smock. The peach you allude to is known to
me as Bilyeu's Late October, and was propa-
gated by Bilyeu from what he supposed to be a
natural tree, which he found in Caroline Co.,
Md. With the owner's permission he obtained

specimens of the fruit, and secured buds to pro-
pagate from the next season, and in due time he
planted them on land that he got on shares, both
in Caroline and Dorchester Co., Md. I succeeded
in getting quite a large lot of him. Several par-
ties propagating peach trees in this county for
sale, got buds from me of this peach, and every
fellow seems to have thought he had a right to
give it a new name. Some of these parties
called it Comet. Sherman calls his Sherman's
October. Now about the peach. It is not a shy
bearer, Jbut sometimes, when most other varie-
ties are full, these will have none on them, but
most generally when there is a crop this variety
is well loaded. This is not the only peculiarity.
I do not know any peach that is so much influ-
enced by soil and situation as the Bilyeu's Late
October. When grown upon high, dry, sandy
soil of good quality, you obtain a valuable peach
for market and for table use. They are large
size, fine color and fine flavor, but when grown
under other circumstances are small, and infe-
rior in quality. There are only a fcAV spots
where I have them planted that suits them. I
have sold this fruit after the 20th of October at
$4 per box, when the ruling price during the sea-
son for peaches was less than $2.

Respectfully yours,

Edward Wilkiks.

TRAINING GOOSEBERRIES.

RY W. A. HARKETT, DUBUQUE, IOWA.

In your editorial notes for February, I notice
an extract from Florist and Pomologist in regard
to training gooseberries on north side of a wall,
and would say that the writer of this has spent
many hours training not only gooseberries, but
red and white currants, plums, cherries, and
pears, near London, England, where it is done
to obtain late fruit fresh for the table long after
the main crop is over, and economize space on
costly walls. Currants and gooseberries were
trained as described in Florist and Pomologist;
pears, horizontally; plums and cherries in the
fan-shaped style.

Also in regard to preserving grapes, a little
charcoal finely broken is visually put in the bot-
tles to keep water pure, and that chloride of lime
is used in the fruit rooms to absorb the moisture
evaporated by the fruit, and which may be dried
and used over again indefinitely.

142

THE aARDENER'S MONTHLY

[Mat,

EDITORIAL NOTES.

Peach Growing. — The Ohio peach growers
have a bad tiifie with their peach orchards. In
1869 and 1874 they were ruined by abundance.
In 70, 73, and 75 they were ruined by scarcity.
So far as abundance is concerned, it ought to be
an easy matter to regulate it. Mr. Bateham
Bays full crops exhaust the tree. Why not thin
out the fruit ? Peach growers generally co-oper-
ate in various things. As soon as it is known
that a large crop is set, why cannot co-operation
reduce the crop to mature by one-half? The
trees will be benefited, the fruit will be increased
in size and flavor, the prices for fine fruit will be
double that of poor fruit, and, better than all, the
ruinous abundance would be prevented.

Mexican Ever-bearing Strawberry. — A cor-
respondent says: "You seem to have a suspi-
cion of the merits of our seedling fruit, and yet
you spoke well of the Mexican ever-bearing
strawberry, though it did no good on our
grounds." We never saw the strawberry on our
correspondent's grounds. We saw it on the
grounds of Mr. J. B. Whiting, some miles from
Detroit, and everything we said of it was strictly
true in every particular. So full was the field of
fruit, that the field liad a red tint for a long dis-
tance away, and we saw a larg« milk pan filled
with fruit by the picker from a space so far as
he could reach out around him, without moving
his feet awaj*. The strawberry was an Alpine,
and failed in other places simply because it was
planted where nobody would plant an Alpine
that knew what he was doing. It is the same
class of people that failed with the Mexican
ever-bearing strawberry who are making planta-
tions of Eucalyptus globulus in Maine.

Peach Raising in Mississippi.— Col. W. B.
Hillyard has the following account of Gov.
Brown's grounds in a recent number of the
Indiana Farmer :

"Some of the land on Gov. Brown's farm
brought over a bale and a half of cotton to the
acre, and it had only been ' cow-penned ' several
years ago. This land is called the ' peach land '
of Western Mississippi, as it enjoyed for several
years a monopoly in growing that fruit — people
supposing that there was some mysterious virtue
in the soil, and paying enormous prices com-
paratively, for it. Here peach growing had, so
to speak (its origin as a busine.ss on this line of

railroad, and here are the pioneers who, some
years ago, derided as visionaries by their neigh-
bors, lived to get incredible prices for their fruit;
to have given the impetus to what is going to be
one of the most profitable and beneficent indus-
tries in the south ; and to turn the laugh on their
scoffers. Here there are twice as many peach
trees planted in bearing as there are on the
whole line of railroad, besides, perhaps. It is,
in fine, the peach station, and no one need take
any risks in buying, for peach raising, or, indeed,
any fruit and vegetable adapted to the climate.
In this vicinity there is plenty of cane, and cat-
tle will keep beef-fat all winter through, without
any other food whatever. The Governor told me
that his cane would keep fifty head of cattle fat all
winter. He has on his farm over 1,300 acres of
land, with miles of fence, a large gin-house, a
large number of dwellings, many out-buildings,
a magnificent grove of natural growth in the
rear of his house, with a considerable growth of
the same in the front. Besides, his wife, Mrs.
Brown, has a superb collection of flowers, and
gardens arranged with all the fondness and care
of a most cultivated taste. I judge the buildings
could not be put there under ten thousand dol-
lars, and what think you he asks for the planta-
tion ? Well, $12.50 per acre would buy the
place, which is about giving one the superb land.
The houses could be so divided as to make resi-
dences for five or six families, with out-houses,
enough left for kitchens, &c.

" I had like to have forgotten to say that there
was a peach orchard on the farm in very fine
condition once, which might be considerably re-
suscitated. Opening for a colony. Why would
it not be a good plan for some one to undertake
to organize a colony there?"

New Apples. — As a general rule, we favor
no new addition to the two thousand list of
apples, unless they are in some respects superior
to old ones. But Mr. Chas. Downing, in a recent
report to the Fruit Grower's Society of Western
New York, speaks -so very fiivorably of some new
ones, that we rather reluctantly make a place
for ai> account of some of the best of them in our
columns:

Reeds' Golden Pippin — received from Thomas
J. PuUen, of Hightstown, N. J., who states that it
is of unknown origin, is not surpassed in flavor
by the Newtown Pippin, and is a lale keeper.
The tree is vigorous, making a large round head,
bearing annually, and setting its fruit evenly

1876.]

AND HORTICULTURIST.

143

over the tree. Fruit medium, roundish-oblate,
golden yellow ; flesh yellow, half fine, tender,
juicy, mild, rich sub-acid, slightly aromatic ; core
small .

Pyle's Red Winter. — A promising new winter
apple, from Wm. C. Burk, Glen Mills, Pa., who
states that it was a chance seedling on the farm
of B. Pyle, Thornbury township, Pa. Tree vig-
orous, spreading, an early and abundant bearer
of large fair fruit, of excellent quality, and keep-
ing well. The fruit is large, roundish-oblate;
skin pale yellow, shaded with light purplish red,
and some obscure splashes and stripes of a
darker hue ; flesh whitish, half fine, crisp, ten-
der, juicy, sprightly, sub-acid.

Piedmont Pippin. — Origin on the farm of Jas.
Woods, Rockford township, Virginia, and is
supposed to be a seedling of the Albemarle, or
Yellow Newtown Pippin, and by some regarded
as equal to its parent, and in some respects
superior. Tree a strong, upright, forky grower,
bearing large crops alternate years, ripening the
latter part of winter. Fruit large, roundish-
oblate, slightly conic, angular, sometimes ob-
lique ; skin greenish yellow, flesh whitish yellow,
half fine, tender, juicy, mild, rich sub-acid,
slightly aromatic.

Mellinger. — This originated on the premises
now owned by Dr. Mellinger, Manor township,
Pa. ; and although not a new apple, is but little
known out of its locality, where it is esteemed
as one of the most valuable and showy apples of
its season — October and November. The tree is
a healthy, strong grower, with spreading branches,
producing large crops alternate years, and a
light one the intervening ones. The fruit is me-
dium to large, roundish conical, with stripes and
broken splashes of light and dark red nearly over
the whole surface — some of the splashes are pur-
plish red ; flesh quite white, half fine, tender,
juicy, sprightly, sub-acid.

Smith's Seedling. — A new Mississippi apple,
raised by Hiram Smith, Woodville, Miss., from
whom we received specimens, and who informs
us that it is one of the best grown in that lati-
tude, and is popular where known, ripening the
last of July. Fruit large, oblate, slightly angu-
lar; skin pale greenish yellow, flesh whitish
yellow, a little coarse, tender, moderately juicy,
mild, sub-acid, rather rich, with pleasant flavor.

Picket. — This was received from W. M. Sam-
uels, of Clinton, Ky., and originated with Wm.
Picket, Arlington, Ky., where it is esteemed a
valuable acquisition, keeping as late as the

Winesap. Tree a strong and upright grower^
bearing early and abundantly; fruit large, round-
ish oblate, slightly oblique, flattened at the ends;
skin pale yellow, nearly covered with pale pur-
plish red ; flesh whitish yellow, a little coarse,
half tender, juicy, mild, pleasant, sub-acid, very
good.

Mcintosh Red. — Originated with John Mcin-
tosh, Dundela, Ontario, some seventy years since,
but is not widely known; the tree is said to be
very hardy, long-lived, vigorous, with a spread-
ing head ,- a good annual bearer of fair, hand-
some fruit of excellent quality, and valuable for
home use and market. Fruit medium or above,
roundish oblate, regular; skin smooth, whitish
yellow, nearly covered with rich red or crimson,
almost purplish in the sun, moderately sprinkled
with light dots ; stalk rather short, small, cavity
medium ; calyx closed, basin rather small,
slightly XJlf^ited; flesh white, fine, very juicy,
mild, sub-acid, refreshing, with a peculiar slight
quince-like flavor ; core medium. November to
February.

Classification of the Apple. — If a person ia
already acquainted with the flower and seed ves-
sels of a cabbage or turnip, and come across a
wall-flower or a stockgilly for the first time, he
sees at once a similarity of general appearance
and analytical characters, that tell him at once
almost the page in his botanical manual where
he will find it, and learn all about it. This is the
result of what is known as the natural system of
botany. It takes no one character on which to
make a system, but considers all the characters
and conies down from that. Before this system
came into vogue. Botany was a fearful study.
Single characters, or nearly so, made the divi-
sions, and the result was that tbe most hetero-
geneous forms were found in company with one
another, and as these characters were not con-
stant, the system was of very little use. It was
pretty much as though we should take all white
flowers, red flowers, and blue flowers, and put
them, every color by themselves; or sweet flow-
ers, or inodorous flowers, or spring flowers, or
summer flowers, and make . separate classes of
these. It was not exactly like this, of course, but
not far different.

Fruit classification is in about the same straits
just now. We name sweet fruits and sour fruits,
winter fruits and summer fruits,— long fruits and
short fruits,— and the consequence is no one can
make anything out of the systems. It is not too

144

THE GARDE NEE'S MONTHLY

[Mat,

much to say no one could take Downing, Thomas,
Barry, or any of our best authors, and with a
strange fruit before them, certainly fix the name
by the description alone; and the ordy use of
these descriptions is to tell us what any thing is
not. If a man has a tree which he plants for a
Baldwin apple, and when it bears it proves a
Rhode Island Greening or a Porter, he will soon
find by examining his books that it is not a Bald-
win, but he will be extremely acute if he can fix
it as Porter or R. I. Greening. He may come so
near as to fancy it may be one of these, b\;t not
till he finds some one who knows these kinds
would he dare to say it was one of them.

We have pointed out often in these columns
that some one who makes varieties of fruits a
special study, would do a famous thing to arrange
fruits as plants are arranged. It only requires
to take some fruits as types or centres of the cir-
cles, bringing together those that are near like
each other, and naming each little circle after
some well-known one among them. When some
One does this for us. Pomology will be a real
science and a pleasure to study it.

In the mean time our pomologists try their
hand from time to time with artificial systems.
The following is the latest classification of Apples
by Dr. Hogg, of the Journal of Horticulture, and
is perhaps the best of the artificial systems so
far:

"The characters which I have adopted as the
basis of this classification are the eye, the seed-
cells, the calyx-tube, and the stamens. These
supply the primary and most important divis-
ions ; but they may be extended and broken up
into fruit round, roundish, or oblate, and fruit
conical, oblong, or ovate, and these for conve-
nience may be further divided into pnle, colored,
and russet. I will now treat of the leading char-
ters.

1. The Eye. — This is the pomological term used
to signify what botanists call the sepals or limb,
and mouth of the calyx. In FrciKih it is called
oeil.

If we examiiie a great number of varieties of
Apples we find that in some the eye is wide open,
and the segments quite reflexed, in some cases so
much so as to be quite flat on the surface of the
fruit. This is very apparent in Blenheim Pij)i>in,
Wyken Pippin, and Court of Wick. In many
cases the segments are erect and spreading or
reflexed at the tips, and tliis form of structure
also leaves the eye open though not so nuu^h so
as in the previous examples. Between the spread-

ing and the erect open eye there are many grada-
tions which will be remarked by any observer
who examines the different varieties.

The other form is the closed eye. It will be
observed in this case that the segments are erect
and connivent at the tips, forming a small cone.
In some cases of this form of closed eye the tips
are spreading; but there is another very distinct
form of the closed eye in which the segments
are quite flat and convergent, closing in the eye
like a trap-door in five divisions, as is seen in
Trumpington. These two characters of eye
open, and eye closed, I propose to employ as my
primary divisions.

2. The Seed-cells. — These constitute what \a
popularly called the core of the Apple, and con-
tain the seeds or pips. They are usually five,
but they vary in number, and are occasionally
three, four, and even six. They diff"er very much
in structure, and are either open to the axis of
the fruit or closed ; and between the closed and
the wide-open cells there are as many gradations
as in the closed and open eye. Some have per-
fectly closed cells ; some have them open, and in
others again they are wide open. In the last are
to be found all the Codlins, and varieties having
the Codlin character.

Tlie seed-cells form the second great divisions
of my system, which are distinguished as cells
open, and cells closed.

3. The Cahjx-tube. — In making a longitudinal
section of an Apple in a line through the centre
of the ej'e to the stalk a more or less deep cavity
will be observed under the segments of the eye
and between them and the core. This is called
the calyx-tube, or kelchrohre of the Germans.
It is of very varied form, but all of these are
modifications of two, or perhaps three, which
may be regarded as distinct, and these I have
called tb.e conical and the funnel-shaped. As in
the cases of the open and the closed eye and the
open and closed cells these run into one another,
and there are instances in which it is difficult to
di.stingui.sh to which of them the individual be-
longs. In the examples of the conical tube,
some are wide and deep, and others narrow and
short. The funnel-shaped tube also assumes
various forms. The third form is the cup-shaped,
which very rarely occurs.

The calyx-tube is the character on which the
third division is based, and is divided into calyx-
tube conical and calyx-tube funnel-shaped.

4. The Stamens. — These are little bristle-like
bodies which are found forming a fringe round

1876.]

AND HORTICULTURIST.

145

the inner surface of the calyx-tube, and it is on
the position they occupy that the fourth charac-
ter of this system is founded. On examining a
number of different varieties of Apples it will be
seen that the stamens are not always in the same
position. Some will form a fringe immediately
under or near the base of the segments, and
these I call marginal. Others occupy a midway
'position between the margin and the base, and
these are called median ; and a third are situated
near the base, which are termed basal.

Taking the position of the stamens as my
fourth great division, we have, — 1, Stamens mar-
ginal ; 2, Stamens median ; and 3, Stamens basal.
To prolong the subdivisions eren beyond this
point to which we have arrived, we can have, —
1, calyx-tube short conical, and deep conical.
Then we can have short funnel-shaped, and long
funnel-shaped. These may again be further di-
vided into — 1, Fruit round, roundish, or oblate ;
and 2, Fruit conical, oblong, or ovate.

I have already called attention to the change-
ableness of the characters in some varieties ; how
in the cases of the eye and the cells some exhibit
them open or closed, or intermediate between
the two ; also in the interchangeable form of the
calyx-tube and the positions of the stamens. In
my classification I have provided against any
confusion arising from this cause, and have given
additional references when a variety is to be
found in more than one division. For example,
in Scarlet Nonpareil the eye is sometimes open
and sometimes closed, though the calj^x-tube is
always short funnel-shaped, and the stamens
marginal. This variety is therefore placed in
class 1, section 2 [H), and division 1 (f) ; but to
provide for the case of thfe eye being closed, it is
entered thus — "Scarlet Nonpareil iii., ^|, f," show-
ing that it is also found in class iii., section 2, and
division 1.

It is important that perfect specimens of fruit
be used when the classification is applied, and
especially that the eyes be perfect; and to ob-
serve the calyx-tube correctly, the longitudinal
section should be made directly through the
centre."

the ordinary Duchess, and of a peculiarly pleas-
ing orange color. It is a seedling from the
Duchess.

Alexander Peach. — Messrs. Silva & Sons, of
California, excellent judges of peaches, write that
the Alexander ripens with them two weeks ear-
lier than Early Beatrice, and is one-third larger.

Briggs' Red May Peach. — This is becoming
the popular early Peach in California, and is
found superior to Early Beatrice.

The Wealthy Apple Tree — is a native of
Minnesota; raised by Peter M. Gideon, from
seed obtained at Bangor, Maine, and planted by
him about thirteen years ago ; has stood the win-
ters of Minnesota uninjured ; as hardy as Siber-
ian Crab ; growth thrifty, and good shape ; the
apple a large red ; pleasant tart ; late fall and
early winter.

Mr. O. F. Brand, of Faribault, Minnesota, says :
" The Wealthy is undoubtedly the most valuable
tree that has been produced the last half cen-
tury."

The Norman Strawberry — is reported to us
by some friends in the West, to be a new seedling
of promising character.

NEW FRUITS & VEGETABLES.

PiTMASTON Duchess Pear. — This is the subject
of a colored plate in the February Florist and
Pomologist. As represented, it is narrower than

QUERIES.

Sterling Strawberry. — Mr. Elliott says :
" Your April number has just come to hand, as
usual full of practical, as well as scientific mat-
ter. I note that I have been quoted as having
written a flattering notice of the Sterling Straw-
berry. Please, I herewith send you the copy of
what I did write, touching that and one or two
more Strawberries. I am oft accused of praising
variet'ies, but just here, let me say, the man who
can prove that I have favored any one new fruit,
without a qualification, or remarks touching its
success, has got to look sharp over my notes on
fruits.

" New Stratvherries. — I am indebted to Matthew
Crawford, East Cleveland, Cuyahoga Co., O., for
samples of seedling strawberries, that are in
themselves truly beautiful in form and color,
and superior in quality. Of their productiveness
I have only to give Mr. Crawford's statement,
which is that they equal any other sort. The
three best, Mr. Crawford has named, respectively,
Mary White, Sterling, and Margaret.

146

THE QABDENER'S MONTHLY

[May,

" Sterling. — This is a berry somewhat after the
style of Golden Seeded, or a full colored, well
ripened Triomphe de Gand. It is of size of Tri-
omphe de Gand but more uniformly conical or
obovate conical ; of a rich glossy vermilion red,
ttiickly studded with golden yellow seed on the
surface; the flesh is quite firm, of vermilion red,
having a white rim around the cone, which is in
gome, not all, partially hollow ; it is rich,
gprigbtly and brisk, but a little acid. The calyx
is large. It has all the points of a good and de-
sirable market sort if it prove abundantly pro-
ductive. The leaf is broad, almost round, with
broad yet sharp-cut lobes.

" Mr. Crawford writes me : ' It has taken two
first premiums— one for the best seedling, and
the other for the best flavored berry.'

" I have no knowledge of who the committee
■were that gave the premiums. I wrote from the
specimens sent me. F. R. Elliott."

The Pear Slug. — " Waverly," Baltimore Co.,
Md. — " My Pear trees were attacked last June by
a slug about a quarter of an inch long, he has a
broad flS,t head, body tapering to a point at the
tail. They left my trees in a very unsightly con-
dition. Please let me know in the next number
of the Gardener's Monthly how to prevent or des-
troy them."

[Quick lime powdered, not slacked lime, 5vill
finish them. Have a culinder on a long pole,
and sift it over them. — Ed. G. M.]

Fruit Prospects in Kentucky. — A. N., Breck-
enridge Co., Ky., under date of March 21st, tells
us : " Our early-blooming cherries, peaches and
plums were in full bloom two weeks ago, but we
have had winter for about one week ; freezing
nights last week, snow on Friday, and nearly all
gone bj'^ 12 M. Sunday, and at dusk on Sunday
snowing commenced and continued 24 hours, or
until a fall of about one foot of snow, and this
morning it is cold, and a west wind. Heavy
west winds most part of last week. Some farm-
ers have their oats sown and they were up and
the frost cut them down. Tobacco plants that
were up, or sprouted, were killed by the frost,
before the snow of last week. Leaves on the
apple trees and cherry trees that were out look
black and dried this morning. I enclose you
bloom of the pear that you may see how disap-
pointed we are for Bloodgoods, also of leaves of
the gooseberry. You can judge how forward our
season has been up to the last set-in of winter of
last week. The last fall of snow continued for
about 24 hours. I fear many of the fruit trees
are injured by the condition which the sap was
in at the time this cold spell set in."

FORESTRY.

COMMUNICA TIONS.

THE CORK OAK IN WEST VIRGINIA.

BY JOSEPH HARRIS, MOUNDSVILLE, W. VA.

I see by the Gardener's Monthly you desire in-
formation about the cork oak. I think about
1868 I obtained a can of cork oak acorns through
the Patent Office, with the understanding that
they came from France.

I planted them and they grew pretty well. I
protected them the first winter, after that let
them take their chance with a covering of pine
branches over them. They were killed a little at
Uie tops. I kept them for three or four winters,
but the subsequent winters injured them so much
tbat they died at last.

My place was near St. Clairsville, Belmont Co.,
Ohio, in latitude about 42°, altitude 495 feet
above. low water mark, on the Ohio river, the
ground a strong limestone. I think this is too
far north for the cork oak to grow — that it can-
not be protected in the winter on the high lands
of this place. I have no doubt from the descrip-
tion given in the Monthly that I had the true
cork oak.

[Mr. Harris had the true cork oak. It belongs
to the evergreen section, none of which flourish
where the wintere are cold and dry. A good rule
for the cork oak is that it will flourish wherever
the live oak (Quercus virens) flourishes, and no
where else to any advantage. It is a tree for the
South only.— Ed. G. M.]

1876.]

AND HORTICULTURIST.

UT

EDITORIAL NOTES.

Timber of Delaware. — It is very much to be
regretted that in the efforts of the various States
to display their resources at the Centennial so
many of them have lacked the ability to discover
those in their midst of whom to take intelligent
counsel. Here is a scrap reported to be the Cen-
tennial " discovery " for Delaware :

"There are twenty-nine varieties of wood
grown in this State, as has been discovered by
Colonel H. B. Fiddeman, of the Centennial Com-
missioners. These are : Chestnut oak, white oak,
red oak, black oak, Spanish oak, peach oak,
hickory, poplar, sassafras, chestnut, sweet or
white gum, yellow gum, black gum, white cedar,
red cedar, maple, walnut, wild cherry, yellow or
long-leaf pine, spruce, holly, ash, persimmon,
dogwood, sycamore, birch, mulberry, locust, and
beech. They will all be exhibited at the Centen-
nial."

If such an able botanist as Mr. Wm. N. Canby,
Col. Fiddeman's neighbor, had been consulted,
he would no doubt have doubled the list to the
credit of Delaware, and made no charge we are
sure for such able service. We can say of our
knowledge of Delaware, thinking merely just
as we write, that, besides the trees named,
there is the water oak, the post oak, scarlet oak,
black jack oak, shingle oak (supposing that by
peach oak the willow oak and not this is in-
tended), pin oak, swamp white oak; besides
there are several kinds of walnut, ash, hickory,
locust, pine, and so on, while the "long-leaf pine"
'does not grow there at all. The most common
pines of Delaware are Pinus inops, P. mitis and
Pinus rigida.

Tree-planting in Massachusetts. — To en-
courage arboriculture within the State, the
Trustees of the Massachusetts Society for Pro-
moting Agriculture have voted to offer prizes to
the arnount of $3,000 for plantations of different
trees of not less than ten acres in extent, to be
awarded in 1887. The white ash is the only
native tree for which prizes are offered, as the
M'ustees have in view the advantage of devoting
to sylviculture the large tracts of barren waste
land now so common in the New England States,
and which can only be made profitable and pro-
ductive by covering them with such trees as the
European larch and the Scotch pine, which are
well suited to the New England climate, and
fiouriBh on the poorest soils and in the most ex-
posed situations.

The trustees have also voted to print 8,000
copies of Mr. Sargent's Essay on Tree Culture,
which we have noticed elsewhere, for distribu-
tion among the farmers, in the hope that its
perusal will excite in them an interest in this
branch of agriculture.

This is not the first time that the public are
placed under obligation to the managers of this
old society. Three quarters of a century ago
the Botanic Garden at Cambridge was founded
through their liberality, and the increased public
usefulness of the same establishment is due to
the annual grant made to it from the funds un-
der their control.

Sub-hardy Eucalyptus. — An Eucalyptus, sup-
posed to be E. viminalis, has been found in a
garden at East Lothian, in Scotland, that has
been out for thirty years, though somewhat in-
jured in severe winters. This is hardier than E.
globulus, and we should say might perhaps do
out as far north as Southern Virginia. It is well
worth the trial.

Dogwood Charcoal. — A correspondent sug-
gests that the writer in the Scientific American
must mean a Buckthorn (Rhamnus frangula), not
a Dogwood, and further suggests that this Buck-
thorn would be well worth planting extensively
for gunpowder charcoal.

Origin of Sericulture. — Whence came this
silk-worm ? What is its country and that of the
mulberry — for the tree and the animal seem to
have always travelled side by side? Every thing
seems to indicate that China — Northern China —
is its point of departure. Chinese annals estab-
lish the existence of industries connected with it
from those remote and semi-fabulous times when
the emperors of the Celestial Empire had, it is
said, the head of a tiger, the body of a dragon,
and the horns of cattle. They attribute to the
Emperor Fo-Hi, 3,400 years before our era, the
merit of employing silk in a musical instrument
of his own invention. This date carries us back
5,265 years. They are said to have employed the
silk of wild caterpillars, and to have spun a sort
of floss. At that time they knew nothing of
raising the worm or of winding the cocoon into
skeins.

This double industry appears to have arisen
2,650 years before our eia, or 4,515 years ago,
through the efforts of an empress named Si-ling-
Chi. To her is attril)uted the invention of silk
stuiEj. You will not be surprised to see that the

148

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[Mat,

fabrication of silk.s should have a woman as its
inventor.

Si-ling-Chi, in creating this industry, which
was to be so immensely developed, enriched her
country. Her countrymen seem to have under-
stood the extent of the benefit, and to have been
not ungrateful. They placed her among their
deities, under the name of Sein-Thsan, two words
that, according to M. Stanislas Julien, signify the
first who raised the silk-worm. And still, in our
time, the empresses of China, with their maids-
of-honor, on an appointed day, offer solemn sac-
rifices to Sein-Thsan. They lay aside their
brilliant dress, renounce their sewing, their em-
broidery, and their habitual work, and devote
themselves to raising the silk-worm. In their
sphere they imitate the Emperor of China, who
on his part, descends once a year from his throne
to trace a furrow with the plough. — A. De Qua-
TREFAGES, in Popular Science Monthly for October.

An Argument for Tree-Planting. — Mr.
Northrop, Secretary for the Connecticut State
Board of Education, makes the following patri-
otic argument for tree-planting :

Tree-planting is fitted to give a lesson of fore-
thought to the juvenile mind. Living solely in
the present and for the present, too many youth
will sow, only where they can shortly reap. A
meager crop, soon in hand, outweighs a golden
harvest long in maturing. As short-sightedness
is the danger of youth, they should learn that
forecasting the future is the condition of wisdoni.
Arboriculture is a discipline in foresight, for it is
always planting for the future and often for the
distant future. To do something in this centen-
nial j'ear which may live on in 1976 will be a
healthful aspiration to any youth. Washington
Irving well says of tree-planting, "There is a
grandeur of thought connected with this heroic
line of husbandry. It is worthy of liberal and free-
born and aspiring men. He who plants an oak
looks forward to future ages and plants for pos-
terity, exulting .in the idea that the acorn which
he has buried in the earth shall grow up into a
lofty pile and shall keep on flourishing and in-
creasing and benefiting mankind long after he
has ceased to tread his paternal fields." It would
be a grand achievement for this centennial year,
if a genuine interest in arboriculture can be
awakened in all our towns. To this end our pu-
pils should observe all the common trees so as
readily to recognize them by any one of the six
most distinctive marks. If fit lessons were early

given on the varieties and value, the beauty and
grandeur of our majestic trees, our youth could
hardly fail to admire and enjoy them, and then
to plant and protect them. The planting of one
hundred thousand trees by the wayside (and that
would be forty thousand less than one for each
pupil and teacher) would ultimately make the
roads and streets of Connecticut by far the most
beautiful in America. If private taste, public
spirit, town pride and the sentiment of patriot-
ism to our State could be duly enlisted in con-
nection with the certainty of pecuniary profit
and the manifold personal advantage of every
citizen, our streets would become bowers of
beauty and verdure. Nothing can add so great a
charm to our country roads or village streets, as
long and magnificent avenues of stately elms and
maples, such as may already be seen in many
beautiful towns in Connecticut. But there re-
main some desolate, neglected, repulsive, leafless
villages, where taste and trees, and shrubbery,
hedges, creeping vines and a park or green,
would make the wilderness blossom as the rose.
Among the memories of my boyhood, while
under thirteen years of age, no day has recurred
with more frequency and satisfaction than that
devoted to tree-planting. The maples then set
out before the homestead, in Litchfield County,
are now beautiful and stately trees. They have
paid me a thousandfold for the work they cost,
and added new attractions to the cherished spot
to which I count it a privilege to make an an-
nual visit. This pei-sonal incident is given to
suggest how easih^ our j'outh may now provide
for a like grateful experience.

A single fact out of many which might be
given ynW be enough to illustrate the economic
bearings of tree-planting. New Haven owes its
beauty and growth largely to the taste, liberality
and foresight of James Hillhouse. The Public
Green Association, which he organized in 1799,
raised and expended a little over $1,500 for plant-
ing elms and grading the Green. One of the don-
ors gave five gallons of rum, then apparently as
good as legal-tender. Next to the location of
Yale College, nothing has contributed so much
to the growth and enrichment of New Haven as
its elms. It is celebrated in this and other lands
as the City of Elms. Its magnificent avenues of
stately trees, surpassing even the famous Xlriter
den Linden of Berlin, have enhanced its reputa-
tion for taste, beauty and elegance, and thus at-
tracted many wealthy and desirable residents,
and greatly increased the taxable value of all the

1876.]

AND HOBTIOULTURIST.

149

property in the city. New Haven virtually re-
ceives an annual income from her elms far
greater than their entire original cost.

Rapid Growth of Timber Trees in Massa-
chusetts.— Mr. J. W. Manning says in Boston
Cultivator :

I will here record my own experience: In
1858, 3-feet trees of Norway spruce and Scotch
larch were planted. In 9 years the spruce
reached 15 feet in height and- spread 12 feet
broad, and was then successfully transplanted.
The larch in 1872 had reached 30 feet, and had
a spread of branches full 20 feet, and a circum-
ference of 4 feet at the base. One larch had at-
tained 40 feet from 5 feet, in 17 years, and this on
the dry, sandy loam, that was distinguished for
barrenness 20 years ago, so that only a medium
crop of rye could be grown once in 5 years. I
have grown rock maple trees from the seed on
the same sort of land in 6 years to 15 feet high
and 2| inches in diameter. The white maple
excels many others in rapid growth. From 6-feet
trees, 3 years from seed, planted in the fall of
1864, they now stand 35 feet, and are from 7 to
10 inches in diameter at base. All these are on

naturally poor soi^, that has been kept free of
weeds and grass. I planted elms in 1856 that
were easily carried on my shoulder, and now
they stand 30 to 40 feet high, with a girth at base
of 6 feet. Eock maples planted in 1855 stand
now 30 feet high and 15 inches in diameter.
The bass and white ash I then planted have
done as well in the race of life. So with such
living examples to behold, and as good or better
examples in all towns, an enthusiasm could be
generated that would shortly line all our streets
and country roads with comforting shade. I
know of a farm in Lisbon, N. H., Leonard
Bowles's, on which were planted, 30 years ago,
rock maples on the roadside as far as his land
extended, and the result is, that liill on which
these trees stand is memorable in the life of the
planter. Those trees are distinctly visible from
the top of Mount Washington, which is more
than 20 miles to the east. It is very strange
that more land owners do not appreciate such
examples often seen in communities, and plant
miles of trees, leaving a growing monument, in-
stead, as is frequently the case, leaving a more
desolate aspect to the land than they found.

ATURAL MlSTORY AND fSCIENCE.

COMMUNICA 770 NS.

TREES OF SOUTHERN FLORIDA.

BY DR. GEO. VASEY, WASHINGTON, D. C.

During the months of October and November
last. Dr. A. W. Chapman of Apalachicola, Fla.,
made a journey along the western coast of Flor-
ida, examining the Kej^s and running up several
rivers into the interior. The journey was made
by schooner for the purpose of obtaining speci-
mens of the trees of that region, for the display
of forest trees which is to be made by the De-
partment of Agriculture at the approaching Cen-
tennial.

It is pretty well known that the vegetation of
Southern Florida is of the West Indian type, and
is not founct in any other portion of the United
States. What knowledge we have of that region
is recorded principally in Dr. Chapman's Flora

of the Southern States which was prepared some
years ago, and as that region has been little vis-
ited by botanists, our information has been
little extended since. I made out a list from Dr.
Chapman's Flora, of such plants as were recorded
as trees, amounting to about forty species.

The result of Dr. Chapman's investigation will
best be stated by quoting from his Report. He
says : —

"The number collected exceeds your estimate
by ten species and fiills short of my own by the
same number. I believe I obtained all the na-
tive trees known down there except Simariiba,
and perhaps CalyptrantJnis, if it is a tree. I
found several trees which I supposed to be
shrubs and vice versa. I made a thorough ex-
ploration of the whole western coast from An-
clote Keys to Cape Sable, wherever we could
find smooth water for safe anchorage. At
Charlotte Harbor I diverged from the coast and

150

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[May,

ascended Caloosahatchie riv^r, in order to get
such woods as do not grow in the influence of
salt air. This was really the most interesting
part of the route. Gigantic Acrostichums
ten feet high covering acres, Epiphytes load-
ing the trees, and the entire vegetation trop-
ical. A peculiarity of these tropical trees is that
for miles they occur to you as mere shrubs,
when at some other locality you find them lofty
trees. I was much disappointed in the size of
most of the forest growth in that region. On the
Keys you can scarcely anywhere find a large,
(or rather a tall) tree. ISome of these were large
enough at the base, but we generally found such
hollow, and of some we never did find a sound
one. You will be disappointed, as I was, to find
the growth so small. I do not remember to
have seen a tree, during the trip, two feet in
diameter, with the exception of the live oak, and
on the Keys none of them get to be more than
thirty or forty feet high. The Mahogany is not
found in Florida, and should be erased from the
Flora. My authority for introducing it was a
pod picked up on the bea(;h by Dr. Leitner. Hi-
biscus tiliaceus was not seen by me, and I think
Dr. Blodgett must have got it from cultivation.
In Jamaica it is a shrub twelve to fifteen feet
high. Terminalia is not a native, and is, I be-
heve, local along the St. John's or near St
Augustine. The others mentioned I did not
meet with on any of the Keys I visited. Wheth-
er they become trees I cannot say, for I- forget
the sources of my information regarding them
when writing my book. It was of course im-
possible to visit all of the hundreds of Keys
along the reefs, and it is probable that these
omissions may occur on more westwardly ones
than those I visited."

I append Dr. Chapman's list of trees obtained
(modifying the arrangement) believing that it
will be found very interesting.

Anona? (Custard Apple). No flowers or fruit,
fifteen to twenty feet high. The fruit is said to
be egg-shaped, one and a half inches in diame-
ter, and eatable when fully ripe.

Capparis Jamaicensis (Caper tree). A low tree.

Canella alba.

Quaiacum sanctum (Lignum Vitie). Only
found, if I am rightly informed, on the "Lignum
Vitse Keys," and quite rare there.

Xanthoxylum Pterota (— ^ ). 15 to 20 feet

high.

Bursera gummifcra (Gumbo Limbo, Gummer

Limmer). The largest of South Florida trees
abounding in gum.

Amyris Floridana (Torch- wood). Mostly
shrubby.

Ximenia Americana (Hog Plum). 2 to 20 feet
high.

Scheefferia frutescensf (Crab-wood). A small
tree.

Sapindus (White- wood). This is scarcely the
tree of the Southern States and of my Flora ; I
suspect it is S. saponaria.

Hypelate panicidata (Madeira-wood). This
wood is very like Mahogany and is highly val-
ued. It is not abundant and was only found on
Metacumba Keys.

Rhus Metopium ( ). 20 to 30 feet high.

It is very poisonous and we all got peppered by
it.

Piscidia Erythrina (Dog- wood). A rather large
tree.

Pithecolobium Unguis-Caii. Rarely a small
tree.

Rhizophora Mangle (Red Mangrove). Com-
monly a low spreading tree. On the Thousand
Islands it attains its largest size, forty to sixty
feet. All the low Keys are formed by this tree.

Conocarpus erecta (White Button-wood). It
comprises almost the only fuel used in Southern
Florida, and extends north as far as Anclote
Keys.

Laguncularia racewosa" (Black Button-wood).
A small tree everywhere, or a mere shrub ex-
cept among the thousand Islands and north of
Cape Sable, where it foinns a large tree.

Eugenia buxifolia (Iron-wood). 25 to 30 feet
high.

Eugenia monticola ( ). South Florida,

about 20 feet high.
Eugenia .

Eugenia

-, near dichotoma, but probably

distinct. This was only seen at Caximbus Bay,
and was called " Naked Wood."

Eugenia • (Stopper-wood). A small tree,

in fr.

Gueltarda Blodgetti. Mostly a shrub.

Randia clusisefolia (Seven year's Apple), with
fl. and fr.

Siderozylon pallidum (Mastic). A middle-
sized tree.

Sideroxylon pallidum, var. sphserocarpum. A
small tree.
Sideroxylon . A large tree.

Chrysophyllum microphyllum,. Six to twenty
feet high.

1876.]

AND EOBTIGULTURIST.

151

• ). A large tree. We

Mimusops Sieberi { —
found the trunk invariably hollow.

Bumelia parvifolia ( ). A shrub or small

tree.

Jaquinia armillaris. A rather small tree with
most curiously grained wood.

Myrsine Floridana. Mostly a shrub, rarely a
small tree.

Ardisia Pickeringii. Mostly a shrub, but on
the Keys a small tree.

Oitharexylon villomm (Fiddle-wood). Rarely a
■rdall tree.

Avicennia oblongifolia (Black Mangrove). Only
a tree among the Thousand Islands.

Avicennia tomentosa (Black Mangrove). At
Cedar Keys only.

Pisonia obtusata ( ). With male flowers.

Coecoloba Floridana. 20 to 30 feet high. In
jOnait,

Coecoloba uvifera (Sea-side Grape). In fruit.

Persea Catesbaei ( ). No flowers or fruit.

Dry-petes crocea ( ). A small tree.

Ficus aurea (Wild Fig). A large tree, full of
milky juice. It is also called Gum Tree, and the
juice forms a kind of India Rubber.

Ficus . Perhaps the same as the pre-
ceding.

. . . . (Silver Palmetto or Silver Cabbage
Tree.) The berries are white, but in the absence
of flowers the genus is doubtful. It attains a
height of 30 to 40 feet. It occurs first at Cape
Romano, and is found sparingly on the main-
land southward. It is more common on the
Keys, but I never heard of it before.

Yucca aloifolia? ( ). I found this from

Manitee southward, 15 to 25 feet high.

Pinus C'lausa, N. sp. At Apalachicola. Dr.
Engelmann is doubtful. Perhaps it may be a
yariety of P. inops.

EDITORIAL NOTES.

Twin Mushrooms. — Mr.Worthington Smith fig-
ures a twin mushroom in a recent Gardener's
Chronicle. One with two stems and a single head
was exhibited some years ago at a meeting of
the Philadelphia Academy of Natural Sciences.

A New Agricultural Grass. — In the Isle of
Borbon, they have fovind a grass — Reana luxu-
rians — of which wonderful things are told. Our
Southern friends who are just now watching for

some good grasses suited to their soil and cli-
mate should look after it.

OsMUNDiA ciNNAMOMEA. — Tliis is the name of
the fern sent.by R. P., Indianapolis. " Will Mr.
Meehan be kind enough to give the name of the
enclosed Fern in the next number of Monthly.
It grows in this State. Fronds near 2 feet. I send
part of barren and fertile fronds.

Motion of Tendrils. — Ever since Mr. Dar-
win's little work, the motion of tendrils has be-
come an, interesting study. In Scientific Farmer
for March, Prof. Penhallow gives some account
of observations made on a squash. The tendrils
soon after development commence motion —
searching for something to cling to. The revo-
lutions continue for two or three days, at no reg-
ular rate, Avhen, if no support is found the ten-
drils die there. Often about the fourth day they
will fall to the ground exhausted, and, after a
few hours start up again, make a few more revo-
lutions and fall back again. It will often do this
several times before giving up finally. How
much these act like animated things !

Ozone. — This element is considered a purifier
of the atmosphere. Where there is a deficiency
there is disease. ,A Dr. Mantogazza of Pavia,
finds that odoriferous flowers throw ofi" ozone
largely on exposure to the sun, and therefore
this is the great mission of odor in leaves and
flowers. It is at any rate a new argument for
flower culture in cities.

Growth op Plants as affected by Latitude.
— A Prof. Hoff"man states that from numerous
observations in Central Europe, he may con-
clude that as an average, one degree of latitude
is equal to 3| days in the development of plants,
especially in their spring blossoming. That
spring advances at the rate of 3| days for every
seventy miles may be true, but it is not true as
to the direction of the degrees of latitude on the
map.

Cause and Effect. — How difficult it is to trace
the relations between cause and effect is fre-
quently illustrated by everyday occurences. A
chemical factory started in England in the vicin-
ity of a market garden where leeks were a staple
crop. The same season the leeks failed disas-
trously, and of covirse the factory was associated
in everybody's mind with the fact, and a suit
against the factory resulted. Fortunately in this
case, science saved a rank injustice from being
perpetrated. It was shown that the leeks were

152

TEE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[Mat.

suffering from the attacks of a small fungus —
the Uredo aUiorum or onion rust, — with which
the factory had nothing whatever to do.

Pronunciation of Botanical Navies.— We
have had several inquiries lately about this mat-
ter. Unless one is very well versed in the an-
cient languages, it is best not to look for any
" rules," but go at once to authorities. In re-
gard to our native plants, Dr. Gray's Manual
gives the pronunciation, and Loudon's Encyclo-
paedia most of those in general cultivation. The
matter has excited the same attention in Eng-
land recently as in our own pages. We give
from the Gardener's Chronicle the following ex-
tract from its correspondence : —

" I note the remarks of your correspondents
'W. R' (p. 179), and ' Ebor' (p. 212). I had not
forgotten to mention how the correct pronun-
ciation of names is to be decided ; there was no
need for me to mention it. Obviously it is to be
decided in the same way that correct spelling is
decided at a spelling bee— so far, that is, as pro-
nunciation can be commiinicated through the
medium of the eye; namely, by reference to
some great and recognized dictionary. In Eng-
land, for pronunciation, we have Loudon's Ency-
clopsedia of Plants, published in 1829, a supple-
ment following in 1840, and a second supplement
in 1855. This massive and manifold book con-
tained, I should suppose, in all good reference
libraries— has 3,337 generic names, and describes
considerably over 21,000 sj^ecies of flowering
plants and Cryptogamia. Every name, both
generic and specific, is accentuated, and though,
possibly enough, there may be typographical
mistakes, after making allowance for these it
may be depended upon implicitly. I think it
will be found that the typographical errors are
all or mostly corrected in the general index to
the whole work. Individual botanists, erudite
scholars, ma^y, perhaps, find an accent here and
there which they would dispute; just as at a
spelling bee there are differences of opinion,
even among the best informed, in regard to the
orthography of certain exceptional words of
doubtful etymology, upon which nobody can
pretend to insist. But over 999 out of every
1,000 accentuations in Loudon all scholars and
authors are willingly agreed upon— those, I
mean, who abide by the system of pronunciation
observed in England at the present day. For-
eigners would probably object to a good many ;
with that we have nothing to do, in the absence

of an absolute, immaculate, and unimpeachable
standard of right and wrong, such as we can
never hope to possess. For all the everyday and
really useful purposes that a pronouncing bee
would care to promote, we may reasonably be
content with Loudon, and be glad of it. I
thought that every one who took the slightest
interest in botanical nomenclature and pronun-
ciation would be perfectly well aware of the ex-
istence of Loudon's Encyclopedia, or I should
have mentioned it in my little article. That
article, in some of its utterances, as all would
see, was half playful. It was half playfully that
I suggested the pronouncing bee, never sup-
posing that any one would seriously set one on
foot, though if anybody would take the trouble
there can be no doubt that it would render good
service. I proposed it, not for the learned, but
for the sake of the scores of people who do not
know how to pronounce ordinary and accus-
tomed names ; those, for example, who say
Podoph^phyllum and Tragop'ogon. Just as the
spelling bee, "in the eyes of all sensible and prac-
tical people, is not got up to decide on the or-
thography of — .

'Spermagoraiolekitholakapotides,
Words that should only be said upon holidays
When we have nothing else to do.'
— but to show young men and young ladies the
importance, if they would pass for 'educated,' of
correctly spelling Fuchsia, aeronaut, acquies-
cence, and the rest of the common words in
which so many at the bees fail miserably, so the
pronouncing bee would address itself to Epacris,
Polypogon, and the like."

QUERIES.

Poisox-\t:ne. — [Rhus toxicodendron). — J. H. C,
writes : "-Be it known after all that has been wTit-
ten on the remedy for this poison, that hot water
is a speedy and certain cure. Let it be applied
as hot as can be endured without blistering —
probatum est."

Rocky Mountain Silver Spruce. — Mr. Siler,
Osmer, near Ranch P. 0. Utah Territory, writes :
" In the Gardener's Monthly and Horticulturist for
January, current year, on page 25, I find a
question in regard to the Silver Spruce of the
Rocky Mountains. I am not able to answer H'a
question as to the name, but with due respect, I

1876.]

AND HORTICULTURIST.

153

would differ with the Editor's suppositions that
the Silver Fir is either Abies Menziesii or A. En-
gelmanni. It is neither, it is in appearance dis-
tinct, resembling more the Abies cancolor, for
which I have often mistaken it before I became
well acquainted with both trees. The Silver
Fir grow's only in one location that I have found
in Kane county, and that is very near the east
line, at the head of Peter's Cup Creek, at the
east foot of the Pine Valley mountains.

"The 'well-known writer' quoted in the arti-
cle above referred to, gives so good a description
of the Silver Fir that I will not attempt to
describe the tree, only saying that the tree grows
60 to 80 feet high, with long, straight, horizontal
branches, and cone shaped. I have never found
this species in fruit, but I will watch more closely
for cones than I have done before and if I find
them, you shall have a share of them.

"I am led to believe that the Silver Fir is Abies
grandis, Lindc, but in this I may be mistaken as
I have not had an opportunity of seeing the
trees growing together, and as I remarked be-
fore, I have not seen the Silver Fir in fruit."

[The "well-known writer" will have enough
of his attempt to give a well-known tree a new
common name before he gets through. Mr.
Siler however, does not distinguish between a
^' Fir " and a <Spr?tc6. His tree is quite likely to
be Abies grandis which has a silvery stem, and is
readily distinguished by this alone in Colorado,
as it keeps this silvery character to quite old age.
Abies concolor, also growing in the Rocky
Mountains however, has the same character,
and is probably but a form of the same species.
—Ed. G. M.]

Verbena Rust. — R. P., Indianapolis, Ind.,
writes : " Since I have been a reader of the
Monthly I don't recollect to have seen anything
about the fungus known as Verbena Rust. Is
there no remedy for it? I planted out over thirty
varieties of verbenas last spring; we had a very
wet summer; rust attacked them, and I lost the
whole lot. I procured seed and sowed early this
spring; when the plants had formed the second
pair of leaves I could see traces of rust. Wliere
did that rust come from ? From the soil, the at-
mosphere, or did it inherit it from the parent ?
I had nothing in the house affected with it, as I
throw away ever}^ plant as soon as I can see a
trace of it. I have talked with some of the flor-
ists here about it, but they differ as widely as the
poles; and what .says the Editor of the Monthly?"

[The Verbena Rust is a fungus, a very bad fel-
low. What particular kind it is, or its general
history, has not been worked up yet to our
knowledge, but we will try and put some of our
mycologists on the track as soon as we can get
some good specimens. — Ed. G. M.]

Fertilization of Clover. — A. T. L., White-
hall, Mich., writes: "A Swede in my employ is
quite an expert pianist, reads music readily at
sight, even if it is quite difficult, etc. After a
twelve months practice at odd tunes I ' fiddle '
my violin with surprisingly moderate ability; in
other words what he sees at a glance I have to
look twice to discover, but I love anything in the
shape of music so well that almost every evening
I coax him over to the house and we get at it, —
result, difficulty on my part to get him to play
the 'Old Hundred,' 'Hail Columbia,' and
'Star Spangled Banner,' pieces that I am trying
to learn, and desire on his part to go rambling
and scrambling up among the sharps, flats and
minors of some opera that I can't understand at
all yet. Now, as yours is the only horticultural
monthly, I want to urge you not to forget the
'old hundred' readers who have neither the
learning, ability nor opj)ortunity to profit by the
horticultural ' operas ' which to you older heads
seem so simple.

"About the idea you advance in connection
with the persimmon sport mentioned by E. C.
in April number. I do not believe that it is a
difference in the substance, chemically consid-
ered, with whicft the clover plant feeds itself at
the first and second blossoming which makes
the difference in the amount and perfectness of
the blossoms and seeds, but the operations of the
well known law of nature that whenever a plant
is checked in its growth it at once ,puts forth an
effort to perfect its seeds to perpetuate its kind.
Wliere the first crop is cut this cause obtains;
if it is not, and the plant dies down of its own ac-
cord, the new plant springing up, as it does, from
a partially exhausted root, and generally under
the check of a dry soil, produces the conditions
requisite to make a 'case,' as the lawyers term
it, under the 'aforesaid' law.. How much the
blighting influence of the hot mid-summer sun
affects the flower, as it does too early sown buck-
wheat, I do not know, but some I suspect."

[Such suggestions as these are always welcome.
The musical illustration is a happy one, for the
opera has the same meaning to all when all un-
derstand it, and our correspondent has only said

154

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[Mat,

in another form, what was said in our last num-
ber in another way. It has been the object of
the writer of this, to show that different phases
of growth force, depending on different powers
of nutrition, affect a plant's ability to fertilize
itself; and further, to suggest that much of what
is written by some botanists about the plant's
abhorrence of self-fertilization, proves no such
abhorrence, but is to be referred to these vary-

ing phases of growth force. While a plant la
growing vigorously it has little to spare for waste
or reproduction. As the growth force declines,
the reproductive force increases. In the repro-
ductive condition there are still degrees of force,
the highest conditions resulting in the female and
the lower in the male flowers. This is our in-
terpretation of growth, and accords with the
observations of our correspondent. — Ed. G. M.]

ITERATURE, §IrAVELS & ReRSONAL SoTES.

EDITORIAL NOTES.

Letter from the late Hon. J. C. Calhoun
OF South Carolina. — We present to our readers
a letter, never before published, from John C.
Calhoun, of South Carolina, to Col. George Gibbs,
of New York, an enthusiastic horticulturist and
disseminator of the grape, fifty years ago.

Washington, March 29th, 1824.

Dear Sir : — I received your box of cuttings in
excellent order, and will give the several varie-
ties a fair trial of our soil and climate.

I am delighted with the growing attention to
the vine, and look foi'ward with confidence to
the period when we shall add wine to our staple
commodities, to the great improvement of our
health and morals. Is the vine cultivated in
China ? No two countries occupy positions on
the globe so nearly the same as ours and China ;
and the climate of the two accordingly is almost
in every respect the same. I feel confident that
all of the fruits and productions of China would
flourish in corresponding latitudes of our coun-
try, and that without going through the process
of being acclimated. Our climate and that of
Europe, on the contrary, is in every respect the
opposite as the positions which we occupy on the
globe. There are certain powerful causes, rising
out of the relation which a country has to the
ocean that greatly affect its climate. All over
the globe countries lying on the eastern and
western shores of the ocean, or even of deep and
extensive lakes, will be found to have very dif-
ferent climates in the same latitude. The west-

em coast of our continent is as warm as Europe,
and as moist too, in the same latitude.

Vv^'ith great regard, I am, &.C.,

J. C. CALHOUIf.

CoL. George Gibbs.

Our early Botanists. — Letter of Dr. Muhlen-
berg. (Copy of original in Library of Academy
of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia).

Lancaster, Oct. 29, 1814.

Dear Sir : — Your letter of the 20th of October
arrived safe and gave me much pleasure. Prob-
ably Mr. Michaux's letter will contain some news
of what we can expect from him in a future day
on American Shrubs. He has deserved well of
trees : will the English translation appear as
promised and can you not persuade him to add
a few Synonyma? At least his father's Synonyma
should be added, Tilia Nyssa and a few others
are still doubtful.

After examining the Prunus pygmaea of
Willdenow's Specimen I have no doubt he
means our Long Island Beach Plum. My son
mentions they have two varieties on the New
York market : the small one agrees entirely with
pygmsea, the larger one is hardly more than a
variety; can this be the maritima Willdenow?
I have put both in my garden, but shall hardly
live to see the difference. As P. sphoerocarpa
Mich, must change its name the former name
can remain for maritima or pygmsea.

The Prunus cerasifera, — Willd, I have seen
several years without knowing it. It is not our
common wild yellow and red Plum, the Ameri-
cana, Marshall, although the description of Ehr-
hart agrees very well. It is a round, red Plum
with a compress drup — " caule biorgeali, ramis

1876.]

AND HORTIGULTURIST.

155

glabris foliis ovatis utrinque acutes obtuse serratis
venesis basi subglandulosis floribus odoratis soli-
tariis." It stands in Mr. Matlack's (now Gun-
dacker's) garden at Lancaster. Mr. Matlack had
it by the name of South Sea Pkim grafted. I
have no doubt it is a North American Phim, and
wish to hear more of its native place. Mr. W.
Hamilton thought he knew it. Will you fovor
me with your opinion. At Baltimore they have
another wild Plum on market which was named
to me Mountain Plum, but the specimen sent to
me was not different from the P. Chicasaw Mx.
The P. acuminata and hyemale Mx. are still un-
certain to me. If I could get a sight of P. nigra
Bot. Mag. 1117, I would be much pleased.

Of Mr. Bigelow I have heard nothing since,
nor of Mr. Green, nor of my Southern friends
Elliott and Baldwin. The mournful news of the
departure of Lyons, I have mentioned to Mr.
Elliott.

If Mr. Correa returns by the way of Lancaster
I shall be extremely glad to see him, and if I
could then persuade him to take charge of my
Catalogue with a few specimens to Messrs. Per-
soon and Beauvois or a few seeds for Thouin I
would be much pleased.

Forgive me that I trouble you so often with
my trifling letters and let me hear very often
that you are in good health. I remain with
great esteem, Sir, your sincere Friend

Henry Muhlenberg.

I enclose a specimen of P. cerasifera (Willd.)
from Gundacker's formerly Matlack's Garden.

To Zaccheus Collins, Esq., Philadelphia.

[The letters of those identified with the early
history of botany and horticulture in our coun-
try are extremely interesting. We find in the
above that there was as much trouble about the
native Plum among the early botanists, as
among the fruit growers of the present day.
John Lyon was an English nurseryman of much
intelligence, and greatly esteemed by the bota-
nists of Pennsylvania. In July, 1814, he left
Philadelphia on a long journey of exploration
for seeds and plants into Virginia and over the
mountains into Tennessee, thence into North
Carolina. The journey, which was performed
on horse-back, was very arduous. He was taken
ill in Tennessee, and died at Ashville, N. C, early
in September. The other names mentioned in
the letter are all well known in the history of
botanical science, and one of them (Dr. Bigelow)
Btill survives. — Ed.]

" EiNCATON," Indiana. — We have before said in
these pages that there is no place of the above
name in Indiana. Those who address "Jamea
Ford, Princeton, Ind.," any other way, throvr
away both time, paper, printing, and "stamps,"
besides annoying our good friend Ford, who must
hate to see advertising agents make dunces of
themselves.

Common names of Plants. — If one is really
convinced that " language was given to man for
the purpose of concealing his thoughts," he
would no doubt commence to exercise that
faculty on giving common names to plants. For
instance, a friend called our attention to the
"shrubby trefoil," lately (Ptelea trifoliata). He
was " corrected " and told it was not a trefoil^
but the " Hop tree." Our young friend was con-
fident he was right, — so we turned to the Botani-
cal authorities and under " trefoils " found noth-
ing but clovers, trifoliums — trefoils. He was
discomfited, and we pitied his annoyance, — but
shortly he pointed out the place right in that
book, where Ptelea was also a " trefoil." Now if
Ptelea is to be a "trefoil," and Trifolium a
" trefoil," we must submit to the popular dictum,
— but really we should prefer the hard names to
such a mixing, if the dear people will only let
us.

To THE " MANOR BORN." — A correspondent
using Shakespeare's expression, "to the manner '
born," was made by the proof-reader to say
" manor." The proof-reader has many authori-
ties for this, and is excusable. But we sympa-
thize with our correspondent, when we say
" poets are born not made " — we mean that they
are born in that manner, — and this is clearly
what Shakespeare meant. To the manner born,

that is born in that manner — a mq,nner natural

to one.

Box IN Washington's Garden.— The box edg-
ings in the garden of Washington at Mount
Vernon are still in a healthy condition, though
over one hundred years old. They are well kept
and cared for. The estate was named Mount
Vernon by Washington, out of respect to Admi-
ral Vernon, a distinguished officer, who com-
manded the West India squadron of the English
fleet.

Explorations in Japan. — The Flora of Japan
is so remarkably well adapted to the Atlantic
portion of the United States, that we feel a par-
ticular interest in a paper kindly communicated
to us by Mr. Louis Bohmer, an excellent gar-

156

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[May,

dener and botanist. The exploration of tlie
Island was ordered by General Horace Capron,
who is chief agricultural adviser to the Emperor
of Japan, and the document we publish is in the
nature of a report addressed to him.

Postal laws on seeds and plants. — We warned
our friends that unless they exerted themselves
much more than we expected they would, the
■express companies would hold all the advantage
they had gained, and the rates would not be
lowered. Now, as we write, it looks as if they
are to be increased — not only is the obnoxious
one cent per oz. rate to be continued, — but for
*' over 1000 miles 2 cents."

Artificial heat in Horticulture. — We may
form some idea of the rapid progress in horticul-
tural buildings from the fact that one hundred
and fifty years ago, even dwellings in England
had not begun to be artificially heated.

The First English Nursery. — The earliest
nursery worthy of the name of which we have
any record seems to have been that of London &
Wise, founded in 1684.

Mr. Charles Darwin. — This distinguished
naturalist was born with the coming in of the
century, and has recently passed his 76th birth-
day.

Miscellaneous Publications. — We have re-
ceived Helmick's Counterfeit Note Detector,
Dreer's Garden Calendar, Long Bros.' Illustra-
tions, Home Florist, Briggs Bros.' "Tomato
Eace" and Catalogue, Bull's New Plants, An-
nual Report of the Chicago Bot. Garden, by
Prof. Babcock, showing good progress. Manual
of Co-operation, by Hon. Thos D. Worrall
of Louisville, Ky.

The Language of Flowers, and floral conver-
sation, by "Uncle Charlie." From James Vick^
Rochester. This is gotten out in a small beauti-
fully bound volume three inches square, — and
will make a very attractive article on any lady's
parlor table.

First Book of Zoology. — By Prof. Ed. G.
Morse. We have only a notice from ^Tessrs.
Appleton that they are publishing a book as
above — we have not seen it, — but can say from
what we know of Prof. Morse's knowledge of
the subject, and abilities as a teacher, that no
man in America is capable of giving us a better
book on this subject.

The Shepherd's Manual. — A practical treatise
on sheep, by Henry Stewart, New York, Orange

Judd & Co. This little manual takes into con-
sideration everything connected with sheep
management, and must be a useful helper to the
class for whom it is intended. A very interest-
ing chapter is that devoted to the anatomy and
diseases of sheep. Referring to the favorite food
of sheep, Mr. Stewart notices that they are par-
ticularly fond of those worthless weeds, the ox-
eye daisy, and the yarrow. He speaks of the
"bunch grass" of the plains, as Festuca, " sca-
brella," and as being something different from
the ordinary sheep Fescue, Festuca ovina. Only
that we note the remarkable accuracy of the
botanical references — remarkable for works of
this character we should be disposed to query
this. As it is, we presume it may be as Mr.
Stewart says.

The American Lawn. — By Thos. McClunie,
Landscape Gardener, Hartford, Conn. This is
an excellent essay, by one who is a master of
his art. It can probably be obtained from the
author.

Forest Culture in Minnesota. — Published by
The State Forestry Association. Nothing shows
more the growing attention given to forestry than
the increase in the number of essays and papers
like unto this, which is an address by Leonard B,
Hodges. As is well known, we do not agree with
much of the abstract theory thrown round for-
estry, and which Mr. Hodges adopts in common
with so many others. But on the practical
points, as developed by undoubted facts and
figures, there can be no difference, and the pub-
lication of the address will on this account alone
be of great value.

An Egg Farm. — By H. H. Stoddard, published
by Orange Judd & §o.. New York. From J. B.
Lippincott & Co., Philadelphia. This small pa-
per covered work, tells what it is by its compre-
hensive title. The management of fowls for
their eggs chiefly. It is cheap and useful, — two
excellent qualities in these times.

Manital of Small Fruits. — Mr. E. P. Roe tells
us in a letter that he has issued a small work
under the above title, and that he has " read the
advanced sheets to Charles Downing." All such
works are valuable, as fruit culture is continually
progressing, and there is, or ought to be, some-
thing new in all new books of this kind.

Phonetic Magazine : a monthly magazine, ed-
ited by W. Geo. Waring, Tyrone, Pa. Short-
hand writing, and the many interests involved in
his depatrtment of literature, command general

1876.]

AND HORTICULTURIST.

15T

attention ; and we are quite sure that horticultu-
rists especially, who value this department of
study, will welcome this serial conducted, as it is,
by one of their number, and one who is so widely
known and respected as Mr. Waring is.

The Boston Cultivator. — In a recent issue we
find the following : ,

" The Gardener's Monthly and Horticulturist, an
excellent journal, in giving the condensation of
an article of ours, credits it thus indefinitely —
'A Boston paper gives the following,' etc. There
are several papers published in Boston ; hence it
might not be easy for the reader to determine
which one was referred to."

We did not know this was an original contri-
bution to the columns of our good neighbor, or
should certainly have given it credit. We sup-
posed it to be made up from some Boston daily.
The moral obligation to " credit " is confined to

" exchange " ethics we believe, — though it is
our custom to credit for information, even if we
pay for it the full subscription price.

Farmer's Home Journal. — Mr. W. Duncan,
well known in past times as a contributor to the
Garden, Gardener's Chronicle, and Gardener's
Monthly, ^-and who, for some time past, has been
editing the Farmer's Home Journal of Louisville,
is now part proprietor as well as editor of this
excellent weekly agricultural paper.

Reveu de L'Horticulture Belge. — This new
Belgian ventiwe, which we have before noticed,
appears to have been quite successful. The first
number of the second volume, now before us,
starts with a beautiful colored plate of sorne
new Chrysanthemums. Those of our readers who
understand French, and love flowers, will find it
a good thing to subscribe to. It is published at
Ghent, for one franc a number.

Horticultural Societies.

CO MM UNICA TIONS.

SOUTH-EASTERN KANSAS HORTJCULTURAL
SOCIETY.

BY H. E. VAN DEMAN.

Although this society was organized one year
ago it has not yet been reported to the readers of
the Monthly.

We are not asleep in this corner of the vine-
yard, but in our weakness and ignorance are
striving to cultivate the field lying in this corner
of Kansas. Indeed we think that we have a very
fruitful field too.

On the 26th and 27th of January, 1876, there
was a meeting of this Society, at Chanute, Neos-
ho Co. It was its first annual meeting. The
exercises consisted of reports of the officers and
standing committees ; reading and discussion of
essays ; adoption of fruit list for the district, and
election of officers, together with other and
smaller matters.

Any one who undertakes the organization of
such a society, excejjt the people are first
thoroughly awake to its need, will find it an up-
hill business. Great credit is due Mr. D. B.

Skeeles, of Galesburg, and Capt. G. W. Ashby,
of Chenute, in particular for their untiring ener-
gy in carrying this nurseling Society through its
early life. These gentlemen have acted as Presi-
dent and Secretary with energy and patience.

President Gale and Secretary Braskett of the
State Horticultural Society, have lent their aid
also, and now we hope to proceed to active life-
work. After an essay by Capt. Ashby upon
Flower Culture, there was some discussion
which resulted in making plain the fact that
tender flowers may be protected at orice hy plant-
ing hemp or castor beans, or both. To the set-
tler upon the prairie, this is a matter of necessity
if he or she would grow flowers where not a tree
or a bush stands to oppose the sweep of the
winds. What we need is a protection or wind-
break available the first year, and until some-
thing more substantial can be grown. One of
the best exercises of the meeting was a lecture
or black-board talk, by Prof. Knox, of Baker
University, on the Elementary Principles of Veg-
etable Growth. Plain, practical, easily under-
stood lessons, like this one, are the kind that
take root in the mind.

Dr. Bailey, of Chanute, offered a resolution
declaring " That fruit culture in Kansas had

158

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[May,

been, and alwa5's would be a failure." This
brought to their feet many persons of experience
and observation, who denied the declaration of
the resolution, and gave positive testimony
against it. This sort of shells is the kind to
rouse the sleepers and provoke discussion and
elicit facts. We are glad it was offered, and
indeed it was presented to bring out facts. Al-
though the mover bravely stood his ground, it
was lost in a vote with only one on the affirma-
tive. Another fact demonstrated was, that ap-
ple and pear trees trained with high heads, or
rather with tall trunks, are badly sun-scalded on
the south-west side. They must be headed very
low in this climate — say 1 to 2 feet above ground
and the trunks kept protected by the shade of
the branches. Also plant with an inclination to
the south-west.

The officers elected for the present year are.
President, H. E. Van Deman, Geneva; Vice-
President, W. W. Tipton, Burlington ; Secretary,
G. W. Ashby, Chanute ; Treasurer, M. Bailey,
Chanute; Directors, A Shinn, Ft. Scott; H. A.
B. Cook, Blue Mound ; and Frank Bacon, Chan-
ute.

During both evening sessions we were delight-
ed and cheered by songs from a select company
of singers, belonging to the city of Chanute,
accompanied by the music of the cabinet. organ.
We thmk this accompaniment of music a de-
cided help to a horticultural gathering, and
indeed a most lawful outgrowth of the spirit, we,
as a society, strive to awaken. Let others copy.
There was no show of fruits, for it was not ex-
pected by the members who might have broiight
them. Then there are very few specimens to
exhibit this year, and more especially in this
newly settled section of Kansas. There are,
however, a very few orchards now nearly twenty
years old.

Of house-plants we had a small, but handsome
display from the window-gardens of Chanute.
The next meeting will be held in Burlington,
Cofiey Co., in the month of October, 1876.

NORTHERN IOWA HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

BY X.

We had a very pleasant, and I trust profitable,
meeting of the Northern Illinois Horticultural
Society, at Crystal Lake, HI., the last week in
January. Although the place of meeting did
not suit many who reside near the west and

south border of the district — it being on the ex-
treme northern line — yet we had an increased
attendance, with more interest manifested than
at any meeting of the Society I have attended in
the past five years. Most of the veterans were
there, and some new faces, who were gladly wel-
comed to our ranks. Notably absent, and occa-
sioning universal regret, were Douglass, Edwards
and McAfiee. The papers presented were of
more than ordinary interest. One by Tyler
Mc^Vhorter, on Landscape Gardening, illustrated
by drawings, was remarkable for its clear percep-
tion of beauty combined with utility in arranging
ordinary farm dwellings and grounds. This pa-
per deserves a much wider dissemination than
it will receive in the State Reports.

Mr. Cochrane, of Blue Island, near Chicago,
gave us an interesting familiar talk on orchids,
their habits, treatment, &c., and the influence of
floAvers in home life. The great attention shown
to his remarks, and applause at times, demon-
strated the growing interest in all classes of a
higher estimation of floriculture. By a vote of
the Society he will at our next annual meeting
continue the subject and illustrate his subject
with specimen plants of this unique and beauti-
ful family Steps were taken to have an
arbor day appointed for the State, and every
exertion will be made to make the Centen-
nial year celebrated by a wonderful increase in
the number of trees planted. Delegates were in
attendance from Indiana, Wisconsin, Iowa, and
other States. The next meeting was appointed
at Franklin Grove, 111. Much interest was man-
ifested by other towns to secure the meeting, but
a few things turned the scale in favor of the
Grove, First, A. R. Whitney is one of the most
active horticulturists we have, always lending
his time and means to the various Societies in
the North-west, and so modest that up to this
time he has never asked or received a favor.
Second, we all want to see the elder Wliitney
once more. He is now in his 84th year, yet
stands erect, and will walk his mile as fost as
even his grand-children. It being Centennial
year both of the Whitneys are set down for
speeches. Your Monthly being our organ in the
West as much as it is in the East, we feel a little
like demanding your presence next winter.
Please come and see what rapid strides we are
making in horticulture. The West has passed
the pioneer age, and a taste for the beautiful is
rapidly developing. At the Crystal Lake meet-
ing, it was decided to hold a convention of nur-

181&J

AND HOBTIGULTURIST.

159

serymen, Florists and Seedsmen in Chicago, on
the second Wednesday of June next. It being
on the route of our friends from all sections
of the West and South-west many will stop at
such a meeting on their way to the Centennial.
This meeting cannot fail to result in great bene-
fit to our trade. We extend to all the Nursery-
men, Florists and Seedsmen of the East a cor-
dial welcome to be present.

EDITORIAL NOTES.

The Great CENTENNiAL.^Our papers are full of
what is to be at the great Centennial, which is to
open on the middle of the present month, and con-
tinue all summer. We wait till we see what
comes, before saying anything, except that the
promise of a great exhibition is very good in-
deed. At the time of our writing, a shipment of
Rhododendrons from Waterer, of England, had
arrived, but much too soon for our climate, and
so are temporarily under a wooden shed. Mr.
Buist has a few evergreens deposited, but the
season is hardly safe. We expect to have our
noie-book busy for our next number.

Stated Displays. — At the Centennial the fol-
lowing Stated Displays, under their respective
• dates, will be held during the International Ex-
hibition. Applications for entry may be now
made, on forms which will be supplied by the
Chief of Agricultural Bureau :

Pomological Products and Vegetables, May
16th to 24th. Strawberries, June 7th to 15th.
Early Grass Butter and Cheese, June 13th to
17th. Early Summer Vegetables, June 20th to
24th. Honey, June 20th to 24th. Raspberries
and Blackberries, July 3d to 8th. Southern
Pomological Products, July 18th to 22d. Melons,
August 22d to 26th. Peaches, September 4th to
to 9th. Nortliern Pomological Products, Sep-
tember 11th to 16th. Autumn Vegetables, Sep-
tember 19th to 23d. Cereals, September 25th to
30th. Potatoes and Feeding Roots, October 2d
to 7th. Autumn Butter and Cheese, October
17th to 21st. Nuts, October 23d to November
Ist. Autumn Honey and Wax, October 23d to
November 1st.

Dr. Warder. — Among the pleasantest inci-
dents of the Centennial, we anticipate the uni-
versal meeting of friends. Among the first to
come in on Centennial business we had the
pleasure of meeting Dr. Warder, of Ohio, re-

cently. His numerous friends will be glad to
know that he seems in excellent health.

Fruits and Lodging at the Centennial. —

AsHEViLLE, N. C, March 21st, 1876.

Thos. Meehan. — Dear Sir : I take the liberty of
troubling you a moment (as hundreds are doubt-
less doing at this time), with reference to space
for exhibition at the Centennial. A letter from
Prof. W. C. Kerr, Geologist of this State, in
whose charge was placed the exhibition of North
Carolina products, mechanism, &c., at the Cen-
tennial, infbrms me that there will not likely be
any representation in this way from this State,
for the reason that there are no funds raised for
that purpose, and none will likely be raised. I,
therefore, as an individual, without representing
any one but myself, ask information as to how
I may place on exhibition 100 varieties of apples
next October 1st? My section of the State (the
mountain country), is, in my opinion, the finest
apple section of the Union, and although but
little attention has been given the subject, I am
anxious to show the world what we can do in
this way, and that, too, off old and neglected
trees, and from hands uneducated in the busi-
ness. Will you put me on the right track? And
if I get under headway, bound for the exhibition,
will you aid me in getting a cheap but comfort-
able place of lodging for a few weeks? Any
documents explaining everytliing connected
with the Fair will be thankfully received.

[We have many letters like this. Burnet
Landreth, Chief of the Agricultural Bureau of
the Centennial, has charge of the fruit. They
will be on exhibition, we believe, during any
time people choose to send them, but there will
be special shows for special fruits, all of which
can be learned by application to Mr. Landreth.

Letters in regard to boarding are so numerous
that we thought best to ask the Centennial Board.
There is abundance of room for all, but the diffi-
culty would be to a stranger, where to find the
places. Arrangements are made by all the rail-
road companies with boarding houses, and when
the visitor comes to Philadelphia, he will have
no more trouble than with his baggage. Board-
ing tickets will be sold by an authorized agent.

But many people will like to know of these
arrangements before they start. The Centennial
Commission, in answer to our inquiry, referred
us to Sydney, Smirke &, Co., 3829 Lancaster ave-
nue, Philadelphia, who publish a complete
"guide to visitors" in regard to hotels, boarding

160

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[Mat,

houses, horse-ears, and so forth, and which they
mail to any one for 20 cents.

International Exhibition. —

BoREAU OF Agriculture, \
Philadelphia, March 28tb, 1876. J

Sir: — Tlie Centennial Commission are erecting
a special annex for the exhibition of fruits ; the
dimensions of the structure, situated on the east
of the Agricultural building, and connected with
it by a covered way, are one hundred and eighty
by two hundred feet, affording room for the dis-
play of eight thousand dishes of fruit at periods
of special disj^lays. Although the exhibition of
pomological products will extend over the en-
tire term of the exhibition, affording most
marked manifestation of the wide range of our
soils and climates, still there will be certain pe-
riods especially designated for the display of par-
ticular fruits, which have special seasons, under
the influences that more immediately pertain to
the States near to Pennsylvania, and which from
their proximity to the point of display, will afford
the material for large and expressive exhibits.

The periods decided upon for these special
displays are as follows, though any of the fruits
enumerated will be received for exhibition either
preceding or subsequent to these dates :

Pomological Products, May 16th to 24th. Straw-
ben ics, June 7th to 15th. Raspberries and
Blackberries, July 3d to 8th. Southern Pom-
ological Products, 18th to 22d. Melons, August
22d to 26th. Peaches, September 4th to 9th.
Northern Pomological Products, 11th to 16th.
Nuts, October 23d to November 1st.

The Pomological annex will also be used for
the exhibition of vegetables continuously, and at
the stated dates of June 20th to 24th for early
Bummer vegetables; September 19th to 23d for
autumn vegetables ; and October 2d to 7th for
potatoes and feeding roots.

Tables and dishes for both fruits and vegeta'-
bles will be furnished by the Commission free of
charge, producers being simply requested to pay
the charges for transportation.

You are respectfully requested to advance the
display of fruits and vegetables as much as pos-
sible both at terms of stated displays and at all
intermediate dates.

Yours respectfidly,
Burnet Landreth,
Chief of Bureau of Agriculture,
per C. Henry Roney.
Strawberries at the Centennial. — Arrange-
ments are made to have fruits on exhibition at

all times, whenever people send them, but spe-
cial exhibitions will be held at various times.
The great Strawberry show will commence on
the 7th of June.

Maryland Horticultural SoaETY. — Orchids^
— At the March monthly meeting. Captain Snow
exhibited twenty species of orchids in flower.

Attractions at Horticultural Societies. —
We are apt to complain that so many of our
horticultural societies have to introduce music
and various other outside attractions in order to
make horticultural exhibitions popular enough
to pay expenses, — and we are often told they da
things differently in England. But the Garden-
er's Chronicle tells us it is the same there as here.
The real floral exhibition, it saj'S, is thrust into
the background, — expensive bands are engaged,
athletic sports, sensational performances, pyro-
technic displays, and so forth. The general pub-
lic, it thinks, are not attracted by the mere love
of floral cultivation. The time was when the re-
markable heaths. Pelargoniums, and other things
like this really attracted thousands, but it seems
there, as well as here, there has been too much
sameness, and people have tired.

Royal Horticultural Society op London. —
Mr. Thos. Andrew Knight suggested it. It was
founded — its first meeting — March 7th, 1804.
April 2, 1805, Mr. Knight read the first paper,
followed by one May 7th, by Sir Joseph Banks,
on the introduction of the potato. It was char-
tered April 7th, 1809, with Earl of Dartmouth,
President. In 1811 Mr. Knight becamcv Presi-
dent, which he held till his death, in 1838. The
published transactions commenced in 1812. In
1815 it commenced the practice of sending plant
collectors abroad by sending Reeves to China.
He sent the first Wistaria Chinensis, Spiraea
Reevesia, and other things. Mr. Geo. Don was
sent to the west coast of Africa ; David Douglas
to North America, and McRae to the Sandwich
Islands. In 1840 Hartweg was sent to Gautemela,
and, 1842, Fortune to China. After Mr. Knight's
death, the Duke of Devonshire became President
in 1838, dying in 1858, and succeeded by Prince
Albert, since whose death the Society has de-
clined, till now it is becoming a question whether
it has not fulfilled its mission. It has done an
immense work in making horticulture what it is
in England. It made the splendid horticultural
press of that country a necessity, and now the
very existence of that press enables the horticul-
turist to do without the society.

THE

GARDENER'S MONTHLY

AND

HORTICULTURIST.

DEVOTED TO HORTICULTURE, ARBORICULTURE AND RURAL AFFAIRS.

Edited by THOMAS MEEHAN.

Volume XVIII.

JUNE, 1876.

Number 210.

Slower 8arden and Pleasure Ground,

SEASONABLE HINTS.

A lady says, "The first thing I always read
in the Gardener's Monthly is the 'seasonable
hinta.' The rest of the Magazine seems just the
thing for those who are already advanced, and
who must keep pace with the progress of horti-
culture. The hints suit us beginners, and en-
courage us to follow after those who know more.
Now please tell us in your next how we babies
in floriculture, as it were, can propagate roses.
Some easy and cheap i-ule ; for most of us have
no hot-beds or hot-tanks as the florists have."
One of the most successful rose raisers that we
ever knew, was the late Charles J. Wislar, of
Germantown. He took half ripe wood of roses,
and rose wood is half ripe just about the time
the flowers are fading, — and he would put them
in pots of sand, — the sand full to the brim, and
even rounded. Tliese pots were set on his gar-
den walk — a gravel walk — in the open boiling
sun — and well watered every day, — we are not
sure but they had water several times a day — for
the good old man spent the most of his old days
in his garden, — and, if we are not mistaken, they
had saucers of water under them besides. At
any rate every cutting always grew ; — and we can
imagine nothing more simple, or suited to the
wants of " floral babies."

And, speaking of roses, we may add that to-
wards the end of June propagation by budding
commences. This is very commonly employed
with the rose ; but ornamental trees and shrubs

may be increased in the same way. Closely
allied species must be chosen to work together.

The Prairie Roses have been found excellent
stocks. Other roses take well on them, and they
do not sucker much. It is old, very hardy, and it
promises to be a very popular stock for rare
roses.

The Rose bugs are apt to be very annoying at
some seasons. The best remedy is to shake
them off into a pail of water. The Rose slug is
often very injurious to the leaves — completely
skeletonizing them. All kinds of rapid remedies
have been proposed — whale oil, soap, petroleum,
&c., but the best thing of all is to set a boy to
crush them by finger and thumb. It is aston-
ishing how rapidly they are destroyed by this
process. This is true of most of the larger in-
sects. Hand picking or crushing is by far the
best remedy.

, Peg down Roses where a heavy mass of flow-
ers is desired. The side shoots push more freely
for this treatment.

Cut off the flowers of roses as they fade, — the
second crop will be much better for the atten-
tion. Seeds of all flowering plants should be also
taken off"; all this assists the duration of the
blooming season.

Propagation by layering may be performed
any time when strong vigorous growing shoots
can be had. Any plant can be propagated by
layers. Many can be readily propagated no
other way. Cut a notch on the upper side of the
shoot, not below, as all the books recommend,
and bend down into, and cover with rich soil.

162

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[June,

In a few weeks they root, and can be removed
from their parents. Stakes for plants should be
charred at the ends before using, when they will
last for years.

Flower-beds should be hoed and raked, as soon
as the ground dries after a rain. Loose surface
soil prevents the under stratum drying out. Peg
down bedding-plants where practicable. Split
twigs make the best pegs. In dry weather do
not water flower-beds often ; but do it thoroughly
when it is done. See that the water does not
run off, but into and through the soil.

COMMUNICA TIONS.

THE GLORIES OF GARDENING; OR, "THE
GOODLINESS OF TREES."

BY W. T. HARDING, COLUMBUS, OHIO,

" ' Twas when the world was in its prime,
When the fresh stars had just begun

Their race of glory, and young Time
Told his first birthdays by the sun ;"

And The Book informs us that soon after crea-
tion's early dawn. Beneficent Providence gave to
the man the care of a garden, and lovingly en-
joined him ''to dress and keep it." Assuredly,
then the charge was of grave importance. It
was designed as a labor of love, conducive to
happiness of the purest kind. Although " sum-
mer and winter, spring-time and harvest " have
come and gone many thousands of times since
then, we naturally opine, it is so, even now.
Thus, it is recorded of the first created of our
race, that to fully enjoy the blessings of life, he
was to dress, and keep a garden. And his first
pursuit was Horticulture.

The good gardener, of those days, was not only
the first of men, but the most honored of mor-
tals. And while he faithfully followed that*
ancient occupation, manifested the highest state
of civilization the world has ever seen. Alas!
poor man, his circumstances changed ; and like
many of his unfortunate successors, now-a-days,
was wearied with labor, and saddened with toil,
while earning his bread by the sweat of his
brow. Notwithstanding the old Gardener's mis-
fortunes in after life, it is to his credit recorded
that he began well, and no doubt did much good
work in 'his better days. He not only conducted
the first operations in that model of a goodly-
garden, but when he ceased from his labors
therein, happily bequeathed to posterity an

enduring and appreciative taste for the gentle art
he loved so well. The legacy he left us has
found claimants in all civilized communities and
countries, from that remote age until now.

Richard Hooker, good soul! was a "fine old
English gentleman:" one of the Elizabethan
worthies, who, with a delicacy of feeling, penned
many a prosy and pleasant line. He was, more-
over, a philosopher of the highest attainments.
In the quaint language of those days, he sagely
remarks, "that the goodliness of trees, when
we behold them, delighteth the eye." The happy
aphorism, so well expressed, unmistakably proves
that the " one touch of nature " had left an im-
pression on his kindly heart, such as we can
feel.

The good folks who peruse the 'Monthly,' will
unanimously admit that trees, viewed either as
ornamental or useful, whether " pleasant to the
sight or good for food," are always objects of
much interest, and are valued accordingly. I
have ever cherished a love for them, and during
an extensive practice, have planted many thou-
sands; numbers of which are vigorous and hale
green trees, most beautiful to behold. I will
venture to say, no man living has passed happier
hovirs than the writer, beneath the sylvan shades
of the primeval forest, — the cultivated copses, —
and park lands, — or, where more thinly scattered
over the plains.

If circumstances permitted, how pleasantly
time would pass while picturing woodland Ely-
siums, and referring the reader to arboreal scenes
in other lands, — delightful spots,

" studded with old sturdy trees.
That bent not to the roughest breeze."

How marvellous their structure, and dissimi-
larity of habit, and contrast in form. For ex-
ample, see the slender light Bamboo, the massive
Oak, the mighty Sequoia, peculiar Kauri, mag-
nificent Palm, sombre Cypress, beautiful Arau-
caria, wonderful Banyan, grand Magnolia, pon-
derous Eucalyptus, graceful Willow, strange
Sterculia, elegant Cedrus, dapper little Spruce,
Abies pygmsea, mammoth Baobab, and curious
Mangrove. Without further allusions to them at
present, I will endeavor to. draw the reader's at-
tention to matters at home; and as it is pre-
sumed they intend to plant something, let us
enter the garden together, and see what can be
done.

Let us hope when planting trees, cultivating
fi'uits and flowers, or otherwise adorning the

1876.]

AND HORTICULTURIST.

163

landscape, no one does so for mere ostentation,
or outward show, but simply for the love of do-
ing a good and proper thing. It is well for us,
" the pomp and vanities of this wicked world,"
do not often, if ever, appear in the guise of gar-
dening. Its purpose is to refine and elevate
society; and as that is its aim and end, there
can be nothing meretricious, sordid, or spurious
about it. Then by all means plant and sow.
Improve the surroundings, and make home at-
tractive, without and within ; and then it will, in
every sense, be the happiest spot on this side
"the land o' the leal." And when the heart
enjoys the scenes so charming. Hooker's truism
will be fully realized, and we shall then feel that
" the goodliness of trees, when we behold them,
delighteth the eye."

In the suggestions I offer, it occurs to me that
fruit trees might be more generally used on, or
about the law^l or shrubberies. If judiciously
done, the effect would be equal to, if not supe-
rior, to many things often seen there. Why not
plant a clump of dwarf Pears, another of
Quinces and Plums? With here, a group of
Peach, Almond, Nectarine, or Apricots. And
there, a grove of Apples, belt of Cherries, or
border of Gooseberries, or Currants, red, white
and black. The same of Figs, and Pomegran-
ates, where the climate is favorable ; as it is in
California, and most of the Southern States.
The Guava, Orange, Lemon, Loquat and Olive,
also flourish there. In less favored spots they
may be wintered safely in cellars; and when
danger of frost is over, brought out and planted.

If there is sufficient space, the various kinds
of nut trees will be found useful. Their form
and foliage will materially assist in preserving the
general characteristic features of landscape gar-
dening. Omitting the Hickory, with the excep-
tion of the Pecan, I would propose the European
Walnut, which is a handsome spreading tree,
and bears excellent fruit. There are some dwarf
kinds very prolific and of good quality. They
are proper trees, either to group or isolate. The
same may be said of the Chinquapin, or dwarf
Chestnut, and the Hazle-nut, or, what is still
better, the Filbert.

The Sweet Chestnut is a noble tree of rapid
growth, both ornamental and fruitful, and should
not be forgotten. Neither should the Mulberry
be passed by. Than this* handsome tree there is
nothing better deserves a place on the lawn or
elsewhere. The Persimmon must not be over-
looked. When quite ripe, it is really a palatable

and wholesome fruit. Some people may perhaps
have a taste for Papaws, and Passion-vine fruit,
and Prickly Pears. If so, set some out, by all
means.

On neat trellises, verandas, stakes and arbors,
Blackberries and Grape-vines may be trained.
Or the latter may be left in suitable places to
wander at will over large trees, and the rich
ripe clusters of fruit will give additional charms
to the leafy festoons.

Easpberries, Barberries, Huckleberries, Blue-
berries, Cranberries, and Bilberries, will be
found very useful ; in fact, indispensable, in the
arrangement of an ornamental fruit garden. On
account of their shrubby natvire, some of which
make beautiful bushes, they are well adapted for
low clumps and clusters, or, to margin groups
of larger growth.

The last, though not the least luscious in the
list, is the Strawberry. Beds or borders of them
may be planted on the lawn ; and if alternated
with Tigridias, Gladiolus, or Tuberoses, they will
be quite as attractive, and much more useful
than a bed of Potentillas.

Make the garden gay with flowers. Let the
Eose, Heliotrope, Salvia, Ageratum, Mignon-
ette, Verbena, Violet, Geranium, Petunia, Pink,
Pyrethrum, and such' like pretty things, have
proper places ; as they should in all good gar-
dens grow.

Fancy the charm of spring bulbs, whose colors
"blend like the rainbow that hangs in the skies,"
blooming at our feet, and sweet blossoms burst-
ing above us ; what an Eden it would be ! While
meandering among "trees loaded with beauty
and promise," we should feel as happy as the
old "Gardener Adam," and his good wife did,
before they barely escaped being choked with
bad fruit, the meanest trash of apple kind.*

And as "the golden hours on angels' wings," go
gently by, and bring on sunny summer days, un-
veiling fresh beauties, and diff'using exquisite
perfumes, while unfolding fair flowers, how
much like " Paradise Eegained," it would seem !
And as " Flora " gracefully surrenders her lov-
ing care of the glories of spring time and sum-
mer, in tavor of " Pomona ; " the foretaste of

* By consulting such Pomological guides as Downing, Barry,
Elliott, Warder, or Thomas, the reader will run no risk of
getting to the wrong tree, when he wants a good apple : such as
befell the first tasting committee, at the Primal Pomological_
Society — long ago. They are all reliable gentlemen, and would
not offer or recommend a worthless fruit to anybody, if they
know it. That assertion I can vouch for.

164

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[June,

bliss we enjoyed with the former, will be fully
realized with the latter, in the rich profusion of
mellow autumn's ripe ofiferings.

From the opening of the first blossom buds
in early spring, to the ripening of the first fruit
of the season, the enjoyment will augment with
each coming day, until the last languishing
flower sheds its fragrance and fades away. But
the joys of the garden will not be all gone by,
nor will they even cease, when wintery blasts
draw us round the cheery fire, to discuss the
merits of the remaining mellow apples or juicy
pears ; and crack the last nuts that are left us.

DAHLIA MAXIMILLIANA.

BY MR. E. LONDSDALE, GERMANTOWN, PHELA.

Respecting Dahlia Maximilliana, noticed
amongst " New Planta " in the Monthly for
March, Mr. Haeltel, foreman to John Rock, Esq.,
Nurseryman, &c., San Jose, Cal., writes me as
follows : —

"Last summer Mr. Roezl brought with him
from Mexico a species of Dahlia under the above
name, which he described as being a tree Dahlia.
Mr. Rock procured plants of it. They were dor-
mant. The roots differ from the old species,
being less tuberous. They were potted and
placed in a greenhouse, where they soon com-
menced to grow. The young shoots appearing
from the old wood. In due time they were plant-
ed in the open ground. By Fall some of them
had attained a height of about 6 feet,*when they
were lifted and potted and again placed in the
greenhouse where they have continued to flower
the whole winter. The flowers are single, of a
deep lilac color."

This may interest some of the readers of the
Monthly.

BEAUTIFUL SHRUBS OF S. UTAH.

BY A. L. SILER.

ShepJiardia rotundifolia, Parry, presents to the
beholder, on first sight, so bright and silvery an
appearance, that it is with persons of taste the
universal exclamation — oh, how beautiful, how
much like silver ! The leaves of this shrub are
covered with short soft hairs that give it its
silvery appearance ; they are very '^thick and
round in shape ; the flowers are small and incon-
spicuous, being of a dull yellow; and the female

flowers, which are borne on separate plants, are
are almost apetilos; but the greatest beauty
about this plant is its flower buds, which are full
sized in December, although it does not flower
until early spring. The buds are about an eighth
of an inch round on the male, oblong on the
female plants. These buds are truly, to all ap-
pearance, little balls of silver ; the fruit, which
ripens in June and July, is about |-inch long
by i-inch wide, and is covered with stinging
hairs, which, when examined under the glass,
look like stars. This shrub is an evergreen.
Another nice shrub for rocks and rock-work, a«
it will grow in any crevice of a rock where it can
hide its root, ia Cercocarpus intricatus, Parry.
Is an evergreen, and grows onlj-^ about a foot
high. It is often seen growing several hundred
feet up the face of a sand-stone ledge, where, if
it has soil at all, it must be only the least parti-
cle.

HARDINESS OF ARALIA PAPYRIFERA.

BY C. W. S., HULMEVILLE, BUCKS CO., PA.

I wrote you about this time last year asking
if Aralia Papyrifera was hardy. You replied
that it was doubtful and I took mine up. Some-
time in September, of this year, I found a fin©
young plant growing in the spot from whence I
had removed the old plant, evidently coming
from a piece of root left in the ground. Had re-
mained dormant almost a year, and had sur-
vived one of the severest wintera we have had
for many years. I think, with a little rough
litter thrown round it, the Aralia could be lefl
out all winter.

WHO SHALL LAY OUT OUR ORNAMENTAL
GROUNDS?

BY B. S. OLMSTEAD, LANDSCAPE GARDENER, RYU,
NEW YORK.

From time to time, during the last one or two
years, allusions have been made in the horticul-
tural magazines to the employment of civil
engineers in the laying out of our public parka
and other ornamental grounds. It has been
claimed that this work should be done by gar-
deners, and by garde.nere only.

Now I have not the least doubt that a good
gardener, because he ts a good gardener, is better
qualified to plant a tree and make it grow, than
a civil engineer, becaxise he is a civil engineer;

1876.]

AND HORTICULTURIST.

165

neither would I hesitate for one moment to aver
that a clever gardener is also better qualified to
make a good lawn, arrange a parterre^of flowers,
prune trees and shrubs — some engineers whom I
know would make sad work of this — and to do
a hundred things among the almost numberless
operations which a landscape gardener is called
upon to perform. ^^'

But on the other hand are there not some
things for the engineer to do ? Some things which
he, from the very nature of his'training, is better
fitted to perform than any gardener^as a gardener
can possibly be? Does the education>nd train-
ing of a gardener — I am speaking' now of good
gardeners — better prepare him to'locate and con-
struct a drive, form a terrace, build a wall, ar-
range a system of drainage, than a'well educated
and experienced engineer ? Why, my dear Mr.
Editor, I have known a gardener, than whom
there was none superior in his line^ of work, to
try persistently to make water run up^^hill, at the
expense of both the money and patience of his
employer. I have known others to gutter wise
prophecies — wise in their own eyes — concerning
the alleged instability of certain work done
under the supervising care of a competent en-
gineer ; work which stands to-day, after a good
many years of trial, proving how very unwise
those prophecies were. As I write, I have in
mind a place not many miles away, which was
possessed of great capabilities, and which might
have been made one of the most beautiful seats
this side of England ; but which, if not utterly
spoiled, was at least shorn of a large share of its
natural beauty, and its great capabilities were
frittered away by the "lay out" of one who
was thoroughly competent in all the work of a
gardener, from the management of the orchid
house, down to the operations of the potato
patch.

And again, I have known men who were
thoroughly conversant, both in theory and prac-
tice, with all the abstruse problems of railroad
building, who were never so happy as when an
obstinate skew arch called for their best powers,
who were competent to plan and build the East
River Bridge, and they would have built it too,
before this, if they could have had their way
about it; but who were no more fitted to design
a plan of ornamental grounds than — well, than
some of the gardeners I have known. And to
their credit be it said, none knew this as well as
they did.

Hence^ I claim that it does not follow that

because a man is a clever gardener he must of
necessitj'^ be a competent Landscape Gardener,
any more than because he is a skillful civil
engineer. Sometimes, in my joumeyings, I have
had the suspicion thrust upon me by the word-
ing of signs, and cards, and circulars, that some
of these men, of both classes, perhaps, in their
honest and laudable ambition to become land-
scape gardeners, were actually ashamed of the
term gardener. They had themselves printed
and called landscape architects, landscape en-
gineers, rural architects, artists in grounds, etc.,
etc. ; anything but landscape gardeners.

And here, by way of parenthesis. Let us stick
to that good old name, landscape gardener, worn
and honored and elevated by Repton, Loudon,
Kemp, Downing, Daniels, Bauman, Copeland,
and some living men who are not ashamed of it.

But to return. Suppose we combine the two
professions. Ritting aside all jealousies, supf)0se
we try the experiment of training, for the future
adornment of our common country, a race of
men who shall be both well educated, and well
trained gardeners and engineers ; to say nothing
now of other more artistic qualifications. Is there
anything inconsistent in this idea? Cannot one
man be both ? It seems as thoughtless to say " No "
to these queries as it would be to assert that an
architect is not a skillful architect, because he
knows all about carpentry, and painting, and
stone cutting, and plastering, and masonry ; or,
to insist that, because a merchant is well versed
in the law of contracts, therefore, he cannot be
a prosperous merchant. One of the most suc-
cessful clergymen I ever knew was educated as a
lawyer, and he used to say that what little suc-
cess he might have had in the management of
the affairs of his parish, and his friends know
that it was anything but little, was due, in a
large measure, to his legal training. Of course
it is not practicable that all clergymen should
first be bred as lawyers ; and yet, if it were so,
perhaps it would be no detriment! The thought
I would emphasize by these illustrations is this :
A landscape gardener cannot be too well educated.
There is no danger of his knowing too much.
Let him be chemist, botanist, farmer, gardenei:,
architect, engineer, artist, it will not impair his
usefulness. He will have need of all he knows,
and with it all, he will find himself wanting ; or
if he does not, others will.

Landscape gardening with us Americans is in
its infancy. It is where architecture was twenty
or thirty years ago. Not i^nly the artist, but those

166

TEE GARDE NEB'S MONTHLY

[JUNB,

who employ him, ought to be educated up to a
higher level. The relation of lawyer to client,
physician to patient, clergyman to parishioner is
well understood and obeyed. The engineer and
the architect have their recognized place, and
even the land-surveyor, whose processes and
methods can be learned in a year, can assert his
right to control his work, and be heeded; but
the position of the landscape gardener is wher-
ever the caprice or whim of the hour may place
him. His employers often have their own no-
tions about the laying out of grounds, and it is
right that they should have them, as they would
have of what is lawful, or healthful, or righteous ;
and the wise landscape gai'dener will note and
incorporate them into his own designs whenever
he can do so in justice to his client and himself.
But, " shall I not do what I will with mine o^^^l,"
is too often the exponent of the treatment both
he and his work is destined to receive. All who
have ever practiced the profession have suffered
in this way. Repton wrote, " Of many hundred
plans, digested -vs-ith care, thought, and attention,
few were ever so carried into execution, that I
could be pleased with my own works." Loudon
complains of the nurseryman and jobbing gar-
dener pretending to improve the plan of the
landscape gardener, " and having, by dint of per-
severance and talking got the ear of his em-
ployer, the latter is prevailed on, for quiet's sake,
to yield to the proposed alterations, and to admit
trees and shrubs in such quantities as, in some
cases, entirely to destroy the effect which the
landscape gardener intended to puoduce."

But this opens too wide a field for the close of
an article. Suffice it now to say, that the only
way through the consequent embarrassments
and discouragements, which at times weigh so
heavily upon those men who have dedicated
their lives to the work of adorning the homes of
our beautiful land, seems to be such thorough
education and training, as shall enable them to
command such respect and confidence from
those who would avail themselves of their pro-
fessional aid, as will secure to their advice and
plans that deference which is now paid to the
opinions of men who are in what are called the
"learned professions." This process must, of
necessity, be slow. " Taste, as it is called, is so
universal that every one sets up as a connois-
seur." In England this confidence is better
established, but it has taken nearly a hundred
yeais to secure it. Let us hope that our next
Centennial will find that our calling has taken

its place where it belongs, among those "learned
professions."

[We commend this excellent article to the
attention of our readers. After all, the same
trouble occurs in all professions ; there are plenty
of architects, lawyers, doctors, and what no*
that are mere botches in their professions, —
and yet " get along " very often better than the
most deserving. In our profession the only
remedy is to educate people as to what good
gardening is, — and then educate landscape gar-
deners to supply the cultivated taste. Even then
the educated and talented landscape gardener
must have business tact to make his abilities
known, and able to " keep that knowledge before
the people."— Ed. G. M.]

EDITORIAL NOTES.

The Pomegranate. — The Home Journal of
New Orleans, tells us : " The pomegranate is one
of the most profitable fruits grown. The trees
bear fruit in three years fi-om the cuttings, and
will grow on the most ordinary soils without irri-
gation. The pomegranate is a delicious fruit,
and possesses medicinal qualities of great value.
It vdW bear shipment better than any other fruit.
It may be barreled up and sent around the globe
in good order."

The pomegranate is nearly hardy so far north
as Philadelphia, and is easily preserved in cellars.
The one usually grown is double, and does not
fruit. The single one, however, is often seen in
northern gardens, and the fruit will often per-
fect.

Chimonanthus fragrans. — The Petersburg
Messenger, noticing a bouquet sent by Mr. Bryant
of that city in the depth of winter, refers to this
remarkably interesting shrub, and it moves us to
repeat what we have before said, that it is aston-
ishing so sweet a thing should be so little known.
The buds, cut off and put in water, will expand
in a warm room and fill it with fragrance.

Festuca viridis for Edgings. — " This pretty
herbaceous grass is recommended for edgings,
and I can fully endorse all that is said in its
favor for that purpose, as I have employed it in
that way, and find it most valuable. It is very
dwarf, not exceeding 4 inches in height, and is
dark green in color. Small pieces of it, put
in a line about 2 inches apart, early in the
spring, will expand and form a compact line by
the autumn, and if not required to be lifted may

1876.]

AND HORTICULTUBIST.

16T

remain for several years. Early in the summer
it throws up flower-stalks, and if they are at
once cut ofl" with a pair of shears there will be
no more growth to need trimming until the next
year. I believe it to be quite as ornamental as
box, and it neither entails as much labor to keep
it neat, nor is it so liable to get out of order as
this much used edging plant."

In addition to what the Garden says above, we
may add, that it is entirely hardy in our climate,
• and may be made to do good service in our orna-
mental gardening.

The Original Golden Yew. — The original
plant of the Golden Yew is in the Royal Botanic
Gardens, at Glasnevin, and a remarkably good
specimen it is. It is known to have existed
there from about the beginning of the present
century, and it need hardly be added that vast
numbers were propagated from it both in Dr.
Moore's time and in that of his predecessors. —
jR. in Record.

A GOOD Tea Eose for Market Purposes. — " I
was told the other day" says a correspondent of
the Garden, " that from one dark apricot-colored
Tea Eose Madame Falcot, worked on a standard
briar stock, out of doors, roses had been cut
every year to the value of between 30s. or 40s. a
year. It is evident, therefore, that this is a use-
ful rose for furnishing cut bloom for market."

Quercus fastigiata — The Gardeners' Chronicle
says : "According to M. Petzold, in the Deutschen
Reichsanzeiger, the original tree of the upright
oak, Quercus Eobur fastigiata, near the village
of Haareshausen, by As chaff enburg, is 100 feet
high, 3 feet 4 inches in diameter breast high, and
about 280 years old. The first branches are given
oflFat about 30 feet from the ground. The first
descendant of this fine tree adorns the grounds
of Wilhelmshohe, near Cassel. It stands near
the castle, and is 92 feet high, and a foot less in
diameter than the parent tree. The age of this
specimen is estimated at 90 years, and it is a
very vigorous, healthy tree, branched to the bot-
tom, so that it may be expected to exceed the
parent tree in height and size as it does al-
ready in beauty.

NEW PLANTS.

Peraphyllum ramosissimum. — Mr. Siler says:
" While writing upon the vegetation of Southern
Utah it will probably be interesting to you for

me to notice a few other plants that are either
new or but little known.

" Peraphyllum ramosissimum, a low growing
shrub with its masses of white and sometimes
pink flowers, and waxy fruit in July, is probably
the handsomest flowering shrub in Utah. The
fruit, like the flowers, differ very much in appear-
ance. Those plants that produce white flowers
yield white waxy fruit; while those producing
pink flowers have fruit with bright flesh colored
skin and a beautiful red cheek. This shrub is
perfectly hardy, growing usually on clay soils
and in the^dryest localities. It is destined to be-
come a favorite shrub for hedges in all northern
localities."

Victoria Mignonette. — New mignonettes
continue to be introduced, but to the general ob-
server do not appear very different from old sorts.
The Victoria is now said to be the best.

QUERIES.

Proliferous Hyacinth. — Mr. Dreer hands us
the following from a correspondent : — " I have
sent you by express one or two clusters of flow-
ers from the hyacintli I named to you. The
clusters grow something as shown in sketch. I
have never seen anything like this form of hya-
cinth before. I shall keep the bulb."

[Each single flower produces numerous small
ones. Proliferous flowers are not rare. The ger-
anium, and others, often have these proliferous
flowers. We never saw it in the hyacinth before,
and if the bulb continues to reproduce this pecu-
liarity, it would be a good addition to garden
curiosities. — Ed. G. M.]

Lime Floors. — E. S. M., Amherst, Virginia,
asks : "Can you give me the modus operandi for
making the lime floor for cellars mentioned in the
February number of the Gardener's Monthly. By
so doing you will greatly oblige."

[It must be remembered that though it is a lime
floor it must not be a mortar floor. Lime, as
mortar, crystalizes and is then too brittle for good
floors. The lime for floors is " drawn," as plas-
terers say, — that is, it is dissolved in water, not
merely slacked as the masons do. Mortar dries
very rapidly, but when drawn through water lime
takes a long time to harden. The draAvn lime
must be rolled heavily to make a good hard
stone-like floor. — Ed. G. M.]

168

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[June,

KEEN mOUSE AND ?MOUSE mRDENING.

COMMUNICA TIONS.

CULTURE OF COMBRETUM.

BY ME. ALEX. MESTON, ANDOVER, MASS.

Having been successful in flowering some of
this genus, a few remarks may be of interest to
some who grow it. C. grandiflorum, which J. B.
asks about, is one I never had anything to do
with, and which I beheve is a shrub, also nanum;
all the others being climbers.

One in particular of th^ climbers I consider
well worthy of cultivation— it is C. atropurpu-
reum. This ought to have a pocket built for it
and planted out, allowing it to run up a pillar or
rafter ; fill the pocket with a compost of sandy
peat and loam, one part of the former to two of
the latter, adding a little sand. Planted in this it
will make very vigorous growth, which ought to
be well exposed to the sun, so as to ripen the
wood well before winter. Give plenty of water
when growing, and use the syringe freely, as red
spider is a great enemy, and the mealy bug de-
lights to sport amongst the leaves. As the wood
ripens in the Fall, give less water, but never allow
it to get dry at the root, as it is an evergreen.
When growth commences in spring, the branched
panicles of reddish purple flowers will begin to
show themselves, and by May will be gorgeous.
It often flowers twice a year.

[A correspondent some months ago made in-
quiry about the culture of these beautiful plants,
and we are therefore especially obliged to Mr.
Meston for his contribution. — Ed. G. M.]

EDITORIAL NOTES.

The Australian or Parlor Ivy. — Under the
names of Parlor Ivy, Australian Ivy, and German
Ivy, Senecio scandens is now very well known to

our readers. A new species, Senecio macroglos-
sum, has been recently introduced, and the Gar-
dener's Magazine introduces it to its readers as
" Australian Ivy."

Pinks for Summer Flowering. — The whole
family of Dianthus, and its neighbors Armeria
and Stlene, which includes Indian Pinks, carna-
tions, "Ragged Robins," and so forth, are among
the best of border plants in our climate for early
summer flowering, making capital stuff to cut
from. A correspondent of the Journal of Horti-
culture refers to a little known kind in the follow-
ing paragraph :

Growers for this purpose will do well to note
the large-flowered Thrift, Ai-riieria alpina grandi-
flora, as one of the most useful and eS'ective of
hardy red-blooming plants to cut from all through
the month of June. The plant is strong and ro-
bust, and should not be used for edgings, but
ought to be planted well in beds or in long lines,
as the flower-stems are from nine to ten inches
in height, are stiff" and straight and carry heads
as large as the flowers of the White Pink. The
plant increases rapidly in size during the sum-
mer, and thrives better in draught than in moist-
ure ; it is increased by pulling the roots to pieces
in the autumn, when every piece will soon get
established and start into growth. This Thrift
blooms simultaneously with the White Pink and
autumn-sown plants of the Blue Corn cockle. Im-
mediately following this is that beautiful rosy-red
Pink Lord Lyon, a fine double smooth-edged kind
that is a most attractive flower and delicately
perfumed. I look upon this as one of the very
best pinks ever raised, as amongst the varieties
of this useful flower light colors so largely pre-
dominate. It is quite as free as the old white
kind, but a little later ; is perfectly hardy, and
propagates freely from pipings. It should find a
place in the herbaceous border of every garden.

Carbolic Acid for Hoitse Plants. — Several of
my nice geraniums began to look sickly, and
upon examination I found little worms at the
roots. I applied a solution of weak carbolic acid

1876.]

AND HOBTIGULTUmST.

169

quite freely to the earth, and found it restored
the plants to health and beauty in a very short
time. It will also kill lice upon the stalks, if ap-
plied with a swab or feather to the plants, with-
out injuring the foliage. — Country Gentleman.

Ivy as a Dkcorative Plant. — Gardeners are
beginning to appreciate more fully than they
used to do the value of Ivy for a variety of pur-
poses. Connoisseurs, too, have begun to collect,
study and classify the many varieties. Mr. Shirley
Hibberd has written one of the most pleasant and
valuable garden monographs concerning them.
Town squares are largely decorated with them, a
practice we borrowed in great measure from our
French neighbors, and one we hope to see
extended and improved upon, as few plants
clo better in confined spaces and dirty atmos-
phere than the free-growing sorts of Ivies ; in
fact, the Ivy is a most accommodating plant,
as our French fi'iends have discovered. We
give an illustration of a movable tent, or
sun-shade, formed of Ivy, and which we copy
from a recent number of the Revue Horticole.
Patience and time are required to make such a
veritable " umbrella " as this. It was exhibited
at the Paris exhibition of 1867, and has now a
straight, clean stem more than 6 feet in height..
The spread of the branches, if fully extended,
would be about 10 metres (between 32 and 33
feet), but they are trained in an arching manner
so as to leave an opening about 7 metres (about
23 feet) in diameter. The branches are well fur-
nished with leaves, and, as the plant is grown in
a tub, it can be removed from place to place, as
may be required, and may be made to serve as a
most agreeable summer-house. The facility of
transport is still further increased by the fact
that the branches are trained over wires which
can be folded vip umbrella-fashion.

The plant is now in the possession of M. Rous-
sel, landscape gardener, 16 Chaussee du Maine,
Paris, but we are not informed to whose patient
skill we are indebted for this work of art. It is
obvious that our decorators might take many a
hint from this tour deforce. — Gar. Chronicle.

How TO Dye Mosses, Grasses, Flowers, &c. —
It may interest some of our readers to know
how the Germans dye grasses, &c., in a great va-
riety of unnatural colors ; but we have our hopes
that few people will follow them in the use of
blue moss and other equally tasteless artificial

productions. The following notes are from the
Neuste Erfahrungen tend Erfindungen.

To Dye Moss. — Green : Boil ^ lb. of alum in 4
quarts of water, and dissolve \ lb. of finely
triturated mineral blue in it, and a dark green
dye is the result. Or a very beautiful green dye
may be made with indigo — carmine and picric
acid, adding water to reduce it to the desired
hue. As picric acid is rarely to be had of uni-
form strength the exact proportions cannot be
given. The same dye may be used for grasses.

Black: Two ounces of logwood in 1 quart of
water, \ oz. of alum, and 3 oz. of copperas, the
whole boiled together and the moss dipped into
it while hot. Or two parts of logwood and one
of Fleabane, thoroughly boiled together, and a
little green vitriol.

Red : The best way to make this color is to
boil as much red aniline in rain-water as will
produce a pretty red. The dye should be hot
when the moss is dipped.

To Bleach and Dye Everlasting Flowers. — Bleach-
ing : Put a number of flowers, which have pre-
viously been placed in a warm chamber to cause
them to open, in a vessel containing a solution
of chloride of lime, J oz. of soda, and 2 quarts of
water. Cover the vessel and leave it as ifr is in a
moderate temperature for four or five days.
During this period the flowers first change to an
orange color, and afterwards to a blueish white.
As soon as these changes show themselves take
the flowers out and pour off the fluid, and fill it
up again, using this time only 1 oz. of chloride
of lime and no soda. Let the flowers remain in
this until quite white, subsequently drying them
in a warm oven.

Dyeing. — Carmine : \ loth (about 2 drachms)
of Munich lac, i pint (about h drachm) ultra-
marine blue, dissolved in 12 loth (about 6 ounces)
of warm water. — Rose : \ quint of extract of
safflower, dissolved in 1 quart of cold water. —
Dark blue : 1 loth indigo extract in a quart of
water. — Cornflower blue: ^ loth blue aniline, 2
loth spirits of wine, in 1 quart of water. — Violet:
\ loth violet aniline, with the same proportions
of water and spirit. — Light blue : J loth Prussian
blue, dissolved in a quart of water. — Dark blue :
1 loth of catechu, boiled in a quart of water. — •
Light green : \ loth picric acid, and \ quint of
indigo in 20 loth of alcohol. — Black : as given
above. — Orange : 3 loth of borax in 2 quarts of
hot water, leaving the flowers to steep for some
time.

170

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[June,

The dyes for grasses, &c., are made in the
ame way.

To Preserve Asters. — Place a vessel containing
muriatic acid and sulphur in a suitable air-tight
box, and hang the Asters in it.

To Bronze or Gild Grasses, &g. — Take a solution
of equal parts of oil of turpentine and copal
lac, and immerse the grasses, such as Anthoxan-
thum, Briza, &c., and, before they are quite dry,
strew them over mth gold, silver, or copper
bronze. All other colors for grasses are put on
as follows : Dip the grasses in a very thin solu-
tion of gum arable, and, when they are partially
dry, lay on the color with a soft pencil.

To Dye Asters, &g. — Take a pint of water and
add an eighteenth part of sulphuric acid, and
dip the newly cut flowers into it singly, after-
wards hanging them up to* dry in an airy, shady
place, when they will assume a beautiful red
color. Zinnias, Pansies, Pelargoniums, Fuch-
sias, (fee, may be dipped in a very thin gum and
afterwards dried, care being taken that the
leaves retain their natural position. Where the
leaves happen to stick together they may easily
be parted with a penknife. — Gardener's Chronicle.

Propagating Roses. — ^^"A. Rose" says : " Please
inform me what mode of treatment would be
best to adopt with spring prunings of roses, in
order to make them strike. They are tied in
bunches, labelled, and buried in damp sand. I
beg you not to advise me that the Fall is the
best time to propagate roses from cuttings. I
have noticed this question asked frequently,
but the answer is never satisfactory. I can
and do grow roses from cuttings wintered
over in a cold frame, but cannot succeed with
spring cuttings. It seems a pity that so much
wood should be wasted, and I think there must
be some plan to utilize it. (1.) Can roses be suc-
cessfully grafted on pieces of the root of other
roses (like apples are grafted)? If so, please de-
tail the process. (2.) Can Spring budding of
roses be successfully performed, and if so, is it to
be done when the buds of the stock are pushing,
or earlier? (3.) I don't find satisfactory infor-
mation on these points in any of the authorities
on roses (Parsons, Parkman, &c., &c.), and am
therefore impelled to ask you to enlighten my
ignorance."

[1. Old wood, if taken ofi" in the Fall, kept in
moss in a place cool enough not to encourage
mould, and planted out in a place that is par-

tially shaded, and will keep just damp without
watering, will root very well. Cuttings taken off
in Spring will not root.

2. Roses can be and are grafted in Winter on
pieces of roots, as apples are. The Prairie roses
make good roots for this purpose. Manetti
roses are also used, but it is objectionable through
its suckering propensities. Splice or whip graft-
ing is employed. It is immaterial what plan, so
that the edges of the bark of scion and root
meet, at least on one side.

3. Good sound wood, kept over winter, buds
easily on healthy stocks. The buds are to be
put in as soon as the bark runs in Spring. — Ed.
G. M.l

NEW PLANTS.

New Hybrid Gloxinias. — Mr. Alex. Newett,
gardener to H. P. McKean, Esq., of this city, has
flowered some of Messrs. Veitch's new hybrid
Gloxinias, and they prove to be very handsome
things indeed. On the continent of Europe as
well as in England they are turning their atten-
tion to this new race. The Illustration Horticole
thus describes some new ones raised in France :

" Madame Duval, flowers nearly 2i inches in
diameter, with obcordate lobes, waved at the
margin, of a velvety carmine-red or crimson,
passing into pink at the circumference and
shaded with dull red in the throat, which has a
white ground spotted with red ; a superb variety,
of perfect shape ; perhaps the finest red in the
group. Phedre, flowers perfect in shape, about 2
inches in diameter, of a violet-blue, paler towards
the margin of the lobes, with a darker ring suf-
fused with fiery red at the mouth of the tube.
Colore Nova, flowers nearly 2j inches in diameter,
of a deep brown-red or claret color, paler towards
the centre; throat white; a new color in Gloxinias,
La Rosiere, flowers beautifully formed, about 2
inches in diameter, pure white with a half-circular
ring of delicate pink in the centre, radiating in
lines corresponding to the lobes, and bordering the
lobes; a handsome and free-flowering variety.
Papillon, flowers large, of a beautiful lavender-
blue, rayed, dotted, and veined with a deeper tint,
forming a new design, which recalls the mark-
ings on certain butterflies with blue wings.

1876.]

AND HORTICULTURIST.

ni

These five fine varieties were raised from seed by
Mr. Duval, of Versailles, and upon every occa-
sion, and at every place where they have been
exhibited, they have attracted general admira-
tion. They show that these charming Gesneria-
caee have not yet attained their highest degree of
perfection. From year to year there has been
an advance in purity of form, in the size of the
flowers, and in the marvellous diversity of rich
coloring they display. We think they very closely
approach perfection, though doubtless crosses
with new species would bring further improve-
ments.

The Lilac-flowered Fuchsia. — Referring to
Fuchsia syringseflora, Mr. Porcher, President
pf the Orleans Horticultural Society, wn-ites
as follows to the Revue Horticole : " When
grown in small pots, the effect of Fuchsia syringse-
flora is indifferent, but, when grown in large
pots, or in the open ground, it forms splendid
bushes 3 or 4 feet high, of fine shape, and bear-
ing an abundance of flowers all the summer,
and for some time on into the winter. This
plant was introduced in 1849, by M. Van Houtte,
of Gand, who considers it to be a variety of F.
arborescens."

QUERIES.

Bryophyllum calycinum.— a correspondent
from Plainville, Conn., says : " I send with this
a plant by "mail for you to examine and name if
you can. It is commonly called air plant. The
leaves taken off and hung up in a room will
root, and numbers of small plants will spring
forth from the edges of the leaf. I have kept
them for a year, but have had no flowers as yet;
hardly think they flower."

[Nearly every month we get this thing to name
from somebody. It is a plant no one can kill,
and perhaps this is why it comes here so often. —
Ed. G. M.]

Grafting Double Camellias. — J. S., Baltigiore,
Md., writes : " In article ' Grafting,' Appleton's
Encydopsedia, reads : ' The fine double cam-
ellias will not grow from cuttings, but are propa-
gated by grafting upon the single kinds which
readily do so.' Is not this wrong ? I have a fine
double white camellia, and I have always under-
stood that it is growing on its own roots."

[The Encyclopxdia is wrong. As a rule double
flowering plants are not as vigorous as single
flowered kinds of the same species, and it is best
to graft the double ones, therefore, on single
stocks. But it is an error to say " double cam-
ellias will not grow from cuttings." — Ed. G. M.]

SuivrMER Treatment of Camellias. — H. L., of
Oak Park, Ills., writes : " Will not some one write
an article on this subject, and oblige me and
probably a great many others ? "

[Camellias in this part of the world are gen-
erally taken out of the houses about the middle
of May and are placed under a shade made of
lattice-work, or if that is not to hand, the partial
shade afforded by a large tree. They want light
in summer time, but not the full blaze of the
mid-day sun.— Ed. G. M.]

Greenhouse Furnaces. — W. H. L., (post-office
indistinct) writes : " Will you please give explicit
direction for building furnace and flue to heat
small or large greenhouses, in Gardener's Monthly
and Horticulturist? or if such directions have
been given in previous numbers will you
please give their numbers and volumes
that I may procure them, as I desire to
build a furnace to heat a small greenhouse?
Please state the price of the numbers also. I
never saw Gardener's Monthly until this month's
number fell accidentally into my hands, and as a
lover of flowers am much pleased with it. I in-
tend to become one of its regular subscribers."

[No particular directions can be given, because
how to build will vary with each one's particular
circumstances. In a general way one may say
that it pays to have a furnace well built. The
heat soon uses up a poor thing. Double doors
are good. Single doors warp, crack, and soon
loosen from their holdings. Good fire brick
should form the sides and roof of the furnace,
convenient the roof is best arched. The frame
inside supporting the building arch can be burnt
out. The mouth of the furnace, if possible,
should be outside the greenhouse. Besides avoid-
ing dust it is a saving of fuel, as when inside the
fire is fed from the warmed atmosphere of the
house. Where flues are made of brick, these
should be soaked in water when about to be
used, and the mortar should be of the best qual-
ity. The flue should be elevated from the
ground, in order to keep the flue dry, which fa-
vors draught, as well as to save heat, as when
the flue is in contact with the earth much is lost
by conduction.— Ed. G. M.]

172

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[Junk,

;ruit and megetable gardening.

COMMUNICA 7 JONS.

WILD GOOSE f LUM.

BY A. HANCE & SON, RED BANK, N. J.

We notice thee says in the March number of
the Monthly, that we say the Wild Goose Plum is
" perfectly round and fiilly two inches in diame-
ter." The true Wild Goose Plum, we have found
a handsome, rather large, oblong, crimson varie-
ty, with a fine bloom. It is an inch to an inch
and a half wide, and an inch and a half to two
inches long.

We regret to say that the possessor of the
original tree, and who first disseminated this
fruit, sent out a number of worthless Chickasaw
plums, some of which bear small, round fruit,
similar in shape aiid size to the Damson. This,
we conclude is the cause of the general and
vast difference of opinion regarding this plum,
which thee will find more fully set forth in the
Country Gentleman of Dec. 2d. Thee will also
find a few comments on this gentleman's charac-
ter, under the head of " Scalawag Record," in
G. W. Campbell's Catalogue for Spring, 1876.

In regard to our describing the Wild Goose
Plum as round — it is true that the illustration in
our "Retail Price List of Fruits for Spring of
1876 " depicts it as such. This illustration we
purchased of Fish, of Rochester, and sent it to
our printers. It is scarcely necessary to add that
we experienced a feeling of mingled surprise
and vexation, on receipt of the price lists, and
finding the illustration so incorrect. By turning
to page 6, of said price list, thee will find the
Wild Goose Plum described as "medium to
large, oblong ; deep crimson with a blue bloom;
juicy, sweet and good."

[In addition to the above we have the follow-
ing from Mr. D. 0. Munson, of Falls Church,
Virginia.— Ed. G. M.]

"I notice in the March number of the Garden-
er's Monthly an article in relation to the Wild
Goose Plum. As there seems to be a difference
of opinion in relation to the size and quality of
eaid plum, I thought I would write you my
experience in the matter. Six years ago I sent

to Nashville, Tenn., for 30 trees of [the Wild
Goose Plum and last year was the first they
fruited. Two or three bushels of the fruit from
six of the trees were sent to the Washington, D. C,
Market, and brought from $9 to $10 per bushel.
I took a sample of the frxiit to Mr William
Saunders of the Agricultural Department, who
pronotinced it a good eating plum and or-
dered 50 of the trees. Mr. Saunders stated that
he had received trees of this variety from two or
three parties which had proved to be worthless.
Several parties who purchased the firuit in
market liked it so well that they have ordered
trees from me. Mr. John Saul had them in
bearing last year and the frviit was identical with
mine. The plum is deep red in color, with a
blue bloom, and is sweet and juicy ; it is a little
over an inch in diameter, and an inch and one-
half in length. Very Respectfully,

D. 0. MuNSON. per J. M. T.

A FEW APPLES THAT DO WELL IN NEW
JERSEY.

BY I. J. BLACKWELL, TITUSVTTJ.K, N. J.

Early Flat Top. Medium size ; color, pale yel-
low. This is a local apple as far as I know, not
finding it among our list of named varieties in
bearing. Tree low-headed, needs considerable
thinning and rich soil to produce good fruit, one
of the earliest apples, and is in market before
peaches.

Red Astrachan. Too well known to need de-
scription. This is a promising variety, quality
and color are good, and size large, and comes
before peaches. If this variety proves to be pro-
ductive, it will be the best early apple for New
Jersey.

Siveet Bough. Good bearer, fine apple. Only
limited quantities of this varietj' should be set,
as they sell only on the fruit stands, and peaches
are plenty at this time.

Woobnan's Long. As known in Trenton, and I
think, in Philadelphia, is profitable. Rather
poor quality, ripe in August.

American Summer Pearmain. Best of its sea-
son.

18Y6.]

AND HORTICULTURIST.

\n

Porter. Only fault, time of year that it ripens.
Cornell's Fancy and William's Favorite. For all
pactical purposes either will take the place of
both, good growers, productive, September.
Hagloe. Very fine apple, tree slow grower.
Fall Flat Top (or Henry Young). Another
local apple, which stands at the head of the list
of September and October apples, should be
planted in the family orchard especially. This
apple does not ripen as evenly as is desirable for
market; tree strong grower, fruit large, color
green, nearly covered with red stripes, quality best.
White Doctor. Strong grower, productive,
fruit large, quality medium, color white.

St. Lawrence. Good grower and bearer, quality
good, too small and apt to be knotty ; only for
home use.

Leland Pippin. Good grower, fruit large, qual-
ity good, to be recommended, ripe 1st of Sep-
tember.

Fallawater. Strong grower, productive, very
large, fair quality, drops badly unless picked
early, profitable.

Rhode Island Greening. Good grower, produc-
tive, quality best, ripens here in September.

Baldwin. Strong grower, productive, quality
best, must be picked early, and will keep here
until Christmas.

Nero. Another Jersey apple, good grower and
productive.

Cooper's Market. Good grower and productive,
keeps well.

Jersey Russet. Good grower and productive,
drops badly before ripening on sandy soil.

Monmouth Pippin. Strong grower, fruit large,
and quality good, not a long keeper as^a general
thing. .

Ladies' Sweeting. Very good keeper.
Smith's Cider. This we place last, thinking
that in most orchards in this section for*market
apples, every hundred trees ought to have ninety
of them of this variety, as it fills the bill for all
the season when apples are most^in demand. It
is ready to market from September 20th, until
the first of March. Tree grows about as well as
any other variety in the orchard, bears young
and abundantly. It will produce more^bushels,
and bring more money to the acre of trees,
than any other of our one hundred^varieties now
of bearing age. The objections to this apple
are, that is not so high flavored as some other
varieties, especially when' the trees are over-
loaded with fruit, and this tree'^^is aUieavy crop-
per, often year after year.

GRAFTING THE FEATHERY WEEPING CHERRY.

BY GEN'L W. H. noble, BRIDGEPORT, CONN.

This weeper — " Cerasus pumila pendula " —
many nursery catalogues name " as always scarce
and difficult to work." If I do not mii-take the
tree which answers to this name, the only trouble
is in the method of your working. Its delicate
vine-like grafts and buds of one season's growth
are too frail and feeble readily to unite with even
vigorous stocks. But thrifty scions of two yeara'
growth or more, cleft grafted therein, will surely
take, and soon give us a fine graceful tree. An
old grafter has proved this on my grounds re-
peatedly. If his plan is not new to you it must
be to many who find this cherry " difficult to
work."

THE APPLE BORER.

BY B. F. TRANSOU, HUMBOLDT, TENN.

I have been a careful reader of your Monthly
a long time, and I think with profit. I en-
tertain the highest regard for your judgment and
plain practical suggestions you generally make
on all subjects you write about. Of course the
varied soil and climate of the United States must
produce a considerable difi^'erence upon the vege-
table as well as upon the animal kingdom. What
will hold good in your State may not exactly in
our State ; not so much difference, however, with
us (except late fruits and vegetables) as with
other States differing greater in climate. The
pests we have in our orchards also may differ.
We beg leave to differ with you at least about
the apple tree borer, as given in the Gardener's
Monthly and Horticulturist. April No., " Season-
able Hints," you say (or the inference is) the
borer does his work at or near the surface of the
ground — " remedy, tarred paper, an inch or
more below the surface and two or three above."
This would not protect our trees in Tennessee,
as we often as otherwise find the borer from one
to three feet above the surface.

The first and second year after planting in or-
chard, particularly if the soil is thin, and, as you
say, "starved," the borer is likely to commence
his depredations, and if not destroyed bores into
the pith or heart of the tree; going up or down,
killing the tree. Strong soap applied to the body
of the tree Spring and Fall, or strong or thick pa-
per tarred, is the best preventive we know of.

[The " flat-headed borer " operates in any part
of the stem, and this is the one probably that
Mr. T. refers to. So far as we know this species

174

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[JUNB,

is injurious only in the West. It was the other
species we referred to, and which, so far as we
know, enters only at the ground. We have to
thank our correspondent for his timely sug-
gestions, and we hope to hear from him again. —
Ed. G. M.]

HUCKLEBERRIES.

BY WILLIAM JOHNSTON, QUITMAN, MO.

I will ivy to write a few lines on the subject of
huckleberries. I think there is no doubt but it
can be domesticated and raised so as to pay in a
majority of gardens, especially when the fruit can-
not be picked on the wild bushes or bought in the
market, which is the case in the western prairies.

Mr. Hammond, in the August number of the
Horticulturist, speaks of the different varieties
of huckleberries, that no one had given a de-
scription of the different kinds.

Professor Gray, in his Field Botany, describes
ten varieties Vaccinium corybosum. The blue-
berry of New England States, growing from 3
feet to 10 feet in height, answers the description
of the kind described by Mr. Hammond. That
there is a great difference in the quality of the
berries of this same variety there is no doubt,
and if we go into the cultivation of the berry let
us begin with the best, and by a course of repro-
duction the fruit will be very much improved.
Of the different native fruits of our country the
grape has had the most attention, and the result
has been very satisfactory. The same may be done
with the native plum, persimmon and the native
berries, all better fruits in their wild state than
the apple or pear was.

All fruits and flowers that have been brought
into cultivation have been much improved. All
flowers in their wild state are single. Cultivation
and reproduction makes them double; equally as
great changes can be made in the quality of our
wild fruits.

ASPARAGUS CULTURE.

BY W. D. M., FAYETTE CO., TENN.

Your correspondent, Gen. W. H. Noble, in
the April number, wishes to hear more on what
he calls " the new culture for asparagus." It is
not new to me — my father planted a bed about
thirty years ago, and his culture was nearly like
the gentleman's referred to by Gen. N., with
this difiference : hen and stable manure, mixed

with good garden soil, were used freely, and the
bed dug as deep as the asparagus roots would al-
low every spring. For fourteen years I have
kept up my father's mode of culture, and the old
bed continues to yield, from year to year, a good
crop of fine large asparagus. I also grow rad-
ishes, &e., on the bed, as my father did, which
does not seem to injure the asparagus.

Having changed the plan and size of my gar-
den, I wish to start a new bed, as the old one is
now out of place, and looks odd with no walk
leading to it. Please tell the best time and
method of doing it.

Tlie peach crop here is nearly a failure — ^none
worth talking about. Apples, pears and small
fruits look promising.

ASPARAGUS CULTURE.

BY A. T. L, WHITE HALL, MICH.

The manner in which cultivates asparagus

by annually adding a layer of fresh dirt is a suc-
cess. If these layers are made alternately of clay
loam and sand loam, I suggest that it would be
an improvement. There is a mulching power in
clay on sand and in sand on clay that is not half
understood nor but very little practiced to what
it should be on our light sandy soils where clay
knolls abound so plentifully. Fruit prospects
here are good without exception.

PEAR TREES— FROZEN-SAP-BLIGHT.

BY :mystic, medford, mass.

Late, rapid growth of the pear tree, when the
vitality of the leaf is not sufficient to effect a per-
fect assimilation of the sap, produces immature
wood, which is very apt to be injured, if not
killed, 1^' freezing, and especially by freezing and
thawing, in the winter. The next spring, "the
bark of the trunk and principal limbs exhibit
black spots, and, on cutting into them, the bark
and wood, for some distance beneath, are found
quite dead and black. The only remedy is to
cut away at once all of the tree that is affected —
cutting below the lowest spot."

The winter of 1874-5 was a trying one to the
pear trees in this region. The frozen-sap- blight
showed itself in many gardens. I had two Bart-
letts (standards) six years old, strong, vigorous
and beautifully shaped — the result of deep,
thorough cultivation and careful training. The
branches on one side of one showed the blight

18Y6.1

AND HORTICULTURIST.

115

early in the spring, and were immediately sawed
off close to the stock. New branches soon put
out, which I let grow three feet — as long a growth
as I think prudent for pear trees to make in this
climate. In a few years, by pinching back the
branches of the other side and allowing them to
bear fruit freely, and by manuring more heavily
on the side of the new branches, and allowing
them to bear no fruit, I shall restore the symmetry
of the tree.

The blight struck the main stock of the other
tree where it was three years old. I hesitated a
week or two — harboring a lingering hope con-
trary to the advice and experience of horticul-
turists— and then resolutely amputated the stock
of this cherished tree below the blight. The tree
having plenty of strong branches below the point
of amputation, I shall train it by spreading them
in the vase form, which is preferable in some im-
portant respects to the natural form.

A handsome Duchess d'Angouleme (on Quince)
was so affected by the blight that I cut it oft'
within six inches of the ground. There are a
plenty of good shoots — four of which I shall se-
lect for the base of a vase form top ; three would
answer.

A Buffum (standard) of the same age was
killed outright.

My soil is a sandy loam, with pebbles inter-
spersed and a porous subsoil, trenched two feet
deep. The growth of the year before the blight
was not large, but my treatment of the Bartletts
and Duchess, I am apprehensive, was erroneous.
It happening to be peculiarly convenient, I
gave them a heavy top dressing of new stable
manure in the latter part of the summer. Early
in the spring, or late in the fall (after the leaves
are off), are the proper times for manuring. Un-
rotted manure I prefer to have forked in in
the fall. After manuring these trees I watered
them copiously with the hose, and, as the season
was dry, repeated the watering into September.
No extra growth followed. I submitted the case
to one of the leading pear cultivators in Massa-
chusetts, and he said the blight was not occa-
sioned by my treatment of the trees. Yet I have
my doubts. To be sure, some of my neighbors'
trees, starving in the same kind of soil, with not
six inches of growth that year, neither manured
nor watered, were affected, and a part of them
killed, by the frozen-sap-blight. It is safest never
to encourage a fall growth.

In all the cases I noticed in this and the neigh-
boring Jowns, every spot of blight, with one ex-

ception, was on the south side of the wood
blighted — showing pretty conclusively that it was
the freezing and thawing which caused the blight.

The blight poisons the sap — hence the impor-
tance of amputating immediately, on its discov-
ery, below the affected spot, to prevent the poison
from entering into the general circulation of the
tree, and thereby injuring, if not eventually kill-
ing, it.

I carefully protected the spots of amputation
in the cases above stated by covering them with
mortar composed of clay and green cow dung,
using a larger proportion of the latter. If this
mortar is carefully spread and firmly pressed on,
lapping over well, it will remain a year or more.
When it comes off it can easily be replaced.
Where clay is not accessible, loam can be substi-
tuted.

GRAPE CULTURE— THE WILD GOOSE PLUM.

BY B. F. TRANSOU, HUMBOLDT, TEKN.

Your remarks on grape pruning we like
very much. We cultivate the scuppernong
grape with more profit than any other (for
home use), and that you may let "rip;"
needs no pruning whatever after you get it
overhead on a trellis. While I am writing I
have a mind to say something about the wild
goose plum you spoke of in the March No.
Think I can solve the difiiculty. This noted
plum originated in Tennessee, and is as " thick
as blackberries" all over our country. The
practice has been, and still quite common, to
plant stone fruits without grafting or budding.
No wonder there is such a difference. Thus it is
(now and then) we get a " very good thing," or
something that will "pay." The goose plum,
" true" will compare favorably with any of the
other so-called " finer " varieties— Goes Golden
Drop, Jefferson, Washington, &c. — in point of
flavor. The average size one and a half to two
inches in diameter ; round shape, very product-
ive, and almost, not quite, free from the cur-
cuUo— the only trouble we have with other
varieties. The comparison with a " green per-
simmon " is good before ripe, ' No green plum is
fit to eat. It^has another good quality — for
shipping. To gather when colored and firm will
keep several days or a week. In the St. Louis,
Chicago, Cincinnati, and other markets, we
usually get, if handled right, from 5 to 8 dollars
per crate of 24 quarts.

176

TEE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[JUNB,

[We thought that it was well settled by the
letters of Mr. Hance and others in our columns,
that the wild goose plum was not a round plum,
but an oblong or oval one. So clear did Ave all
think this that Mr. Hance even went so far as to
deprecate the Rochester firm that sent him the
illustration representing it as " round " and an
"inch and a half or two inches in diameter."
Now Mr. Transou, whom we should look on as
among the best authorities on a question of this
kind, takes us back to that identical thing ! All
wo can say is that perhaps after a while we shall
see what we shall see. — Ed. G. M.]

QUERIES.

Natural Peach Stones. — A correspondent
from South-eastern Tennessee confirms our re-
mark in regard to the rareness oi true "natural"
stones in market, — and says that though three-
fourths of the peach trees of that section are
seedlings, there is no trade in the stones. Some
are dried, but for the most part hogs are turned
into the orchards, and " Sambo with a long pole
beats oflf the fruit, while piggie picks it up." He
thinks it strange they should still plant these
things, fine grafted fruit, bringing two dollars and
a half a bushel, while the " natural " bring only
from fifty to seventy-five cents, — and all within
a few days of the appearance of each in market.
We should be glad to know from our corres-
pondent if these seedlings have always very
email seed, all of an uniform size, — or whether
there are large and small ones, — various sizes —
as we should suppose. We should suppose that
those who intended to depend on seedlings,
would at least save from the largest and best,
and these would give stones of a fair average
•126. What we have seen as " naturals " were of

small size, and we are almost sure were early
York or small fruited peaches of some kind.

American Apples in England. — We are very
much indebted to Mr. Robinson, for the follow-
ing correction.

" There is a mistake in the Monthly as regards
what I said of the fine collection of American
apples sent us by Messrs Ellwanger & Barry. I
did not say that Talman's sweet had the finest
flavor of all. I described it as very sweet, but a
great many sweet things are verj' sickly too, and
I should much prefer a French Crab to any of
those 'sweet' apples. It was among the so-
called ' sour ' apples that we found the high
pine-apple-like and delicious flavor, that makes
a good American apple one of the finest fruits
ever ripened by the sun.

" I fancy America is destined to supply the
world with good apples. If you now send them
in quantity to us, who are supposed to grow
good apples, and from whom you originally
obtained your parent kinds, you ought in the
future to send them in greater numbers to coun-
tries where the apple does not gi'ow well, or is
badly cultivated. Only tell them not to put all
the little and bad Newtowns in the middle of the
barrel. There was a good deal of grumbling
about this during the late apple season in Covent
Garden. The practice most hurts the packer
and his fellows in the end."

Small fruits. — A. B. C. The article did not
appear, because, while there were here and there
an item that might interest some people, — on
the whole it was a bare-faced advertisement.
We might have selected the news, and let the
other go, only for the request to "publish as
written." We regard it as an injustice to those
who pay honestly for their advertising, to allow
another to get in a free advertisement under the
guise of an " article."

Forestry.

C031MUNICA TIOJSS.

THE FOREST TREES OF CELAWARE,

BY W. M. CANBY, WILMINGTON, DEL.

nial Commission of this State is alive to the
advantage of having one of the most important
resources of Delaware properly displayed at the
approaching exhibition. I allude to the state-

A brief item in the Wilmington Commercial \ merit that Col. H. B. Fiddcman has found that
ebowa, that at least one member of the Centen- we have " twenty-nine varieties" of native trees,

1876.]

AND HOBTIGULTURIST.

nt

and that " they will all be exhibited at the Cen-
tennial."

If sections of all our trees could be prepared
so as to properly show their qualities for various
useful or ornamental purposes, our wealth in
this respect, would, I think, astonish some of
our own citizens and be of interest to those from
other States and countries. For if Col. Fidde-
man had been able to extend his researches
throughout the State, he would have found that
we have at least sixty-six distinct species of trees
that are native to Delaware soil. In this number
are included four species of the Ash, two of the
Elm, two of the Walnut, five of the Hickory,
thirteen of the Oak, three of the Birch, three of
the Poplar or Aspen, (not the Tulip Poplar,) and
four of the Pine, besides other genera which are
each represented by a single species.

In the list below, all trees which attain a less
diameter of trunk than six inches are excluded
as are also all such as are natives of other por-
tions of the United States, but of recent intro-
duction here, though gradually making them-
selves at home, as, for example, the Catalpa,
Honey Locust, &c. A single tree in the list is to
me very doubtful as a native of Delaware, viz.,
the common Locust ; but as Mr. Tatnall (in his
" Catalogue of the Plants of New Castle County,")
and Col. Fiddeman think otherwise, I have
acquiesced.

It may not be inappropriate to say that Dr.
Geo. Vasey, the Government Botanist at Wash-
ington, will exhibit at the Centennial, specimens
of about four hundred and fifty of the native
woods of the United States.

The Latin names as well as the English are
here given, for the reason that the former are
stable and recognized all over the world, while a
single one of the latter is often apiDlied in differ-
ent sections of the country to two very distinct
species. Thus, what is called "Red Oak" in
Delaware, is called "Spanish Oak" in Pennsyl-
vania, while the Spanish Oak of Delaware is
scarcely known in Pennsylvania :

LIST OF TREES.

Swamp Magnolia, Magnolia glauca.
Tialip Tree, Tulip Pop-
lar, Liriodendron tulipifera.
Linden, Bass Wood, Tilia Americana.
Sugar Maple, Acer saccharinum.
Silver Maple, Acer dasycarpum.
Red Maple, Acer rub rum.
Box Elder, Negundo, Negundo aceroides.

Locust,

Red Bud, Judas Tree,

Wild Plum,

Wild Cherry,

Wild Crab Apple,

Sweet Gum,

Robinia Pseudacacia.
Cercis Canadensis.
Prunus Americana.
Prunus serotina.
Pyrus coronaria.
Liquidambar styraci-
flua.
Common Dogwood, Cornus florid a.
Black Gum, Sour Gum, Nyssa multiflora.
American Holly, Ilex opaca.

Persimmon, Diospyros Virginiana.

Fringe Tree, Cliionanthus Virginicus.

White Ash, Fraxinus Americana.

Red Ash, Fraxinus pubescens.

Green Ash, Fraxinus viridis.

Water Ash, Black Ash, Fraxinus sambucifolia.
Sassafras, Sassafras officinale.

Slippery Elm, Ulmus fulva.

American Elm, Droop-
ing Elm, Ulmus Americana.
Hackberry, Hoop Ash, Celtis ocidentalis.
Red Mulberry, Morus rubra.
Scyamore, Buttonwood, Platanus occidentalis.
Black Walnut, Juglans nigra.
Butternut, White Wal-
nut, Juglans cinerea.
Shellbark, Carya alba.
White heart Hickory, Carya tomentosa.
Red Hickory, Pignut, Carya porcina.
Small fruited Hickory, Carya microcarpa.
Bitter Fruited Hickory, Carya amara.
White Oak, Quercus alba.
Water Oak, Quercus aquatica.
Swamp White Oak, Quercus bicolor.
Scarlet Oak, Black Oak, Quercus coccinea, and

varieties.
Willow Oak, Peach Oak, Quercus Phellos.
Spanish Oak ( Dela-
ware), Quercus falcata.
Bartram Oak, Quercus heterophylla.
Shingle Oak, Laurel

Oak, Quercus imbricaria.

Black Jack Oak, Quercus nigra.

Post Oak, Quercus obtusiloba.

Pin Oak, Quercus palustris.

Chestnut Oak, Rock
Chestnut Oak, &c., Quercus Prinos and va-
rieties.
Red Oak, (Delaware),
Spanish Oak, (Penn-
sylvania, Quercus rubra.
Chestnut, Castanea vesca.
Beech, Fagus ferruginea.
Hop Hornbeam, Iron-
wood, Ostrya Virginica.

178

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[Junk,

Red Birch, Betula nigra,

Swamp Birch, "White

Birch, Betula alba, variety.

Cherry Birch, Black

Birch, Betula lenta.

Black Willow, Salix nigra.

American Aspen, Populus tremuloides.

Long toothed Aspen, Populus grandidentata.

Downy Poplar, Cotton-
wood, Populus heterophylla.

Loblolly Pine, Old field

Pine, Pinus Taeda.

Pitch Pine, Pinus rigida.

Jersey Pine, Scrub Pine, Pinus inops.

Yellow Pine, Pinus mitis.

Hemlock, Abies Canadensis.

"White Cedar, Cupressus thyoides.

Cypress, Taxodium distichum.

Bed Cedar, Juniperus Virginiana.

Respectfully,

Wm. M. Canby.

. [Our readers will remember the criticism we
made on Delaware trees. Since then Mr. Canby
has contributed the above to the Commercial, and
we are pleased to be able to add that the Com-
mission has had the good judgment to avail
itself of Mr. Canby's knowledge in getting the
Delaware wood together. — Ed. G. M.]

EDITORIAL NOTES.

Nurserymen and Tree Planters. — There will
be held at the Palmer House, in Chicago, on the
second "Wednesday in June next, a meeting of
the nurserymen of the Northwest, for the pur-
pose of organizing a nurserymen's association.
Dr. Ennis, of Clinton, Iowa, will preside, and J.
"Wilmot Scott, of Galena, will act as secre-
tary. The object of the association will be to
promote the general welfare of the tree-growing
interest.

Abies Menziesii. — The fine specimens of Ab-
bies Engelmanni, noted in our Magazine three
years ago, as growing on the grounds of Mr.
Gray of Boston, proves to be the Abies Men-
ziesii. The seed was from Colorado. It is on the
strength of these specimens that the idea has
started that the Colorado plant is much better
for Eastern culture than those from the Pacific
coast, and if all the plants from Colorado seed
are to be like these, we heartily endorse the idea. I

Prizes for Tree Planting. — "We call the par-
ticular attention of our readers to the schedule of
premiums for tree planting issued by the Massa-
chusetts Society for the Promotion of Agricul-
ture. Tree culture can be made a success. It
only needs a few examples to illustrate it. Such
example premiums of $1000 and $600 ought to
bring forth. Schedules can be had of E. N. Per-
kins, Jamaica Plain, Mass., up to December 1st,
1876. Prof Sargent's essay is distributed with
the Schedule.

Substitutes for "Wood. — "What shall we do
when the forests are no more, and the coal all
used up ? This is a question which those who
look many centuries ahead, are continually ask-
ing themselves. Some reply, Providence will take 'M
care of us, something will be invented when the ^
time for it comes. Already they are preparing
for this good time. By a chemical process and
great pressure, paper can be made equal to
wood, and paper buckets are already a "fixed
fact."

The American Forestry Association was or-
ganized at Chicago, Illinois, on the 10th of Sep-
tember, 1875, by the election of John A. "Warder,
of Ohio, President, and H. H. McAfee, of Iowa,
Secretary. The objects of the Society are mutual
improvement in the art, the diffusion of infor-
mation upon the subject of Forestry, and the fos-
tei'ing of all interests of forest-planting and con-
servation on this continent.
The following gentlemen were appointed a Committee

on correspondence and statistics, ivith J. T. Allan,

of Nebraska, Chairman :

J. T. Allan, Chairman, Omaha, Neb.

"W. H. Brewer, New Haven, Conn.

Bernard Fox, San Jose, Cal.

Wm. M. Byers, Denver, Col.

Jno. Saul, Washington, D. C.

P. J. Berckmans, Augusta, Ga.

A. G. Humphreys, Galesburg, 111.

W. C. Flagg, Moro, 111.

J. C. Ratliff", Richmond, Ind.

J. Hussey, Lafayette, Ind.

C. E. Whiting, Whiting, Monona Co., Iowa.

G. B. Brackett, Denmark, Iowa.

J. L. Budd, Shellsburg, Iowa.

E. Gale, Manhattan, Kan.

Jas. Truitt,\Quincy, Ky.

Geo. B. Sawyer, Wiscasset, Me.

W^m. T. Breckenridge, Baltimore, Md.

G. Emerson, Boston, Mass.

T. T. Lyon, South Haven, Mich.

1876.]

AND HORTICULTURIST.

ns

E. Y. Lacy, Minneapolis, Minn.

Geo. Husman, Sedalia, Mo.

Wm. Parry, Cinnaminson, N. J.

J. G. Knapp, Mesilla, N. M.

E. Moody, Lockport, N. Y.

Franklin B. Hough, Lowville, N. Y.

S. T. Kelsey, Horse Cove, Macon Co., N. C.

J. J. Harrison, Painesville, 0. ,

Leo. Weltz, Wilmington, O.

Thos. Meehan, Philadelphia, Pa.

Josiah Hoopes, West Chester, Pa.

J. W. Rosamond, Gadsden, Tenn.

Judge Richards, Hagan, Utah.

J. Harvey, Richmond, Va.

Thos. B. Vanhorne, Ft. Vancouver, W. Ty.

Jas. S. Stickney, Wauwatosa, Wis.

J. C. Plumb, Milton, Wis.
Points to he investigated and reported on by this

Committee.

1st. Estimates of the area of woodland, in
square miles or acres, and average ages of the
trees.

2d. Estimates of their productiveness per acre
in cubic feet of lumber and cords of fuel.

3d. Lists of native trees and woody plants, with
local and botanic names, and their special value
in the arts.

4th. Location of species, relatively to elevation
above the sea, to soil, etc.

5th. Natural grouping and consociation of spe-
cies, etc.

6th. Numbers, kinds and acres of artificial for-
ests planted, and areas protected from cattle in
order to encourage the natural reproduction of
trees.

The Profits of Tree Planting. — In a notice
of Prof. C. S. Sargent's paper on timber culture
recently we said that we thought that the profits
of timber culture could in many cases be made
much greater than he had presented them. On
the whole we believe he under estimated rather
than exaggerated what one could make. We
dearly love, however, to present both sides of all
questions and particularly this one of tree cul-
ture and its profits, for, if we make an error in
our calculations on such subjects it is one which
cannot be remedied in our lives. It is a matter
on which it is better to be right than to be Presi-
dent of the United States. A correspondent of
the Country Gentleman from Connecticut, makes
the following objections to Mr. Sargent's figures,
and not to head off" what any one may have to
say about the paper, we give it without com-
rhent :

"I observe in your last journal an article strong-
ly commending the late report of Professor Sar-
gent upon arboriculture. Referring to the table

on p. 195, I observe that the profits on ten acres
in European larch are rated, for a period of fifty
years, at 13 per cent, per annum. Will you
excuse me for thinking there must be some
exaggeration in such an estimate ?

"The charges for land, fencing, plants and labor
are perhaps fair enough ; but the credits seem to
nie to be very ' rose-clored.' Thus, the cutting,
after 20 years of growth gives a thousand posts
to the acre, worth 20cts. each — or two posts to a
tree. I cannot help doubting the certainty of
such developments. As a case in point, I may
mention that I have a European larch, just 20
years planted, growing in a very favorable
locality, where it receives wash from a hill-road,
and I find by actual measurement that it has
scant nine inches of diameter at the butt, and
would make at best only one merchantable
post.

"At the end of 30 years, the table printed gives
a second thinning of about 2,000 merchantable
sleepers (railroad ties) to the acre. This is an
exceptionally good cutting for our average wood-
land that has had no previous thinning. At the
end of 50 years the table shows credit for 3,800
piles, worth $5 each.

"Now, admitting that the best of exposure and
well adapted soil would secure such growth,
what is to be said of cost of cutting and cart-
ing?

"The figures given represent prices on delivery,
but the cartage of such heavy masses of timber
from any of our average farmlands, would repre-
sent at least one-third, if not one-half of its
market value. It must be a very superior pile
tree which in our latitude, and in any ordinary
situation, will command more than $2 as it
stands in the wood. Trees contiguous to a rail-
way will naturally command more. In fact the
consideration of locality, and costs of getting to
market, make up so important an element in
the calculation, that no table with a uniform
scale of figures can be relied upon.

" There are live oaks contiguous to water
courses in Florida which are worth $20 per tree,
but place them at a remove of eight or ten
miles, with interlying canebreaks and jungles,
and they would not be worth $3 per tree.

" I do not make these remarks in any hypercrit-
ical spirit, but only through fear that a very
good cause — to wit, that of arboriculture — may
be injured by exaggerated statements. Is there
not reason to ask, in this case, further explana-
tions ?

180

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[June,

"There is no branch of agriculture at once so
pleasant and so productive of possible gains as
farming on paper. It is a dangerous pastime
however, and often leads into grave errors and
great dangers, as the agricultural population has
learned to its cost."

Ratio of Tree Growth in Iow^a. — The West-
em Farm Journal furnishes the following figures :

"Mr. H. H. McAfee, of the Iowa Agricultural
College, and also now Secretary of the American
forestry association, gives the following as results
obtained in twenty years with the trees named
below :

Diam. of Hight in Cord ft.
trunk, in. ft. in fuel.

Cottonwood (monilifera) 24 50 6}^

Cottonwood (angulata) 28 50 6

Lombardy Poplar 23 60 A]4,

Elm (Jmericana') 17 44 3]4,

Elm f/u/vta) 18 39 3

Maple (dojycarpum) 18 39 3^

Maple (ni'yro) 11 37 1

Walnut (einerea) 20 38 8%

"Walnut (msrro) 14 37 2%

Honey Locust 14 40 3

German Pine 14 33 2

Thus, actual tests show that cottonwood will
make three-fourths of a cord; that even the
slow growing black maple will make one-eighth
of a cord ; while the ash leaved maple [negundo]
will make five-eighths of a cord to the tree in
twenty years' growth.

The same trees if grown in groves thickly,
would probably not make more than half the
quantities named, which would in time come
nearer to the figures as given above.

The following will, we think, be a safe estimate
for groves or broad belts, in twenty years,
planted, say four by four feet, and thinned out
as their good deserves, to a maximum distance
of sixteen by sixteen feet for the fast growing
varieties, and eight by sixteen feet for the slower
ones :

Cottonwood 70 cords.

Ash-leaved Maple 60 "

White Walnut (Butternut) 50 "

White Maple 44 "

Elm 43 "

Honey Locust {GladiUchia) 35 "

White Pine 32 "

Black Walnut : 30 "

Black Sugar Maple (nigra) 20 "

Matu

RAL tgLlSTORY AND ffeCIENCE.

COMMUNICA TIONS.

GENERAL OBSERVATIONS ON THE FLORA OF
HOKKAIDO.

BY M. LOUIS BOHMER,

Horticulturist to the Kaitakuska, Yedo, Japan.

On my arrival at Hakodate, in the end of May,
I at once proceeded to investigate the neighbor-
ing districts. The weather, however, proved so
unfavorable that I was for some time unable to
collect specimens.

The first plants that struck me as most remark-
able were the Azaleas and Diervillas, which were
growing on Hakodate Head in great profusion,
and with their pink and scarlet flowers produced
a magnificent effect. Amongst other flowering
trees and shrubs I observed more particularly
the common Pear (Pyrus communis), the dou-
ble flowering wild Cherry (Prunus pseudo cera-
sus), a wild Plum (Prunus), and a shrub looking

like a wild Apple (Japanese "sansashi,") which I
afterwards found to produce clusters of small
red fruit, very likely a Pyrus toringo. Of the
latter a great number were collected at the time
(although I recommended that this operation
should be deferred until the proper season for
removal had arrived), and in consequence nearly
the whole of them perished.

Another most remarkable climbing shrub, the
" Kokuwa," a species of Actinidia, I found in
flower on an excursion to Hakodate Head, the
only time I saw it in that condition ; unfortu-
nately the specimens which I then collected
were lost through the inclemency of the weather.
I was fortunate enough to secure afterwards
specimens in fruit which I preserved carefully.
In the Appendix 3, I refer more fully to this
valuable fruit.

The only large timber trees I saw were Cryp-
tomeria japonica, evidently planted there, and
the absence of all native timber trees, with the

1876.]

ANn HORTICULTURIST.

181

exception of a few small oaks, struck me as very
remarkable.

Among the herbaceous plants I must mention
Plaucidium palmatum, a beautiful Kanuncula-
ceous plant, also found in the mountains of
"Nikko." and never yet introduced into foreign
gardens. The Lily of the Valley, covering many
acres of meadows, was the most charming sight
I ever beheld. I also -found in the hills several
varieties of Solomon's Seal (Polygonatum). In
some places where water collects frequently, I
found a fine Arum, bearing flowers more than
12 inches long, resembling the Calla ^thiopica,
but of larger size, which would form a valuable
acquisition for our ponds ; as it will no doubt
prove hardy there, because I found it growing in
company with Caltha palustris, a plant which is
so very common in our northern latitudes. For
many of the spring plants, which make their
appearance soon after the snow leaves the
ground, I was too late, or else no doubt I should
have had a rich harvest. I remarked some
good looking grasses in the neighborhood of
Hakodate, but as they were not in flower at that
time, I had no opportunity of ascertaining their
value for the purpose of feeding cattle, horses,
etc. The small white clover is seen growing in
many places, not, however, I think, indigenous,
but probably escaped from cultivation during
former attempts to introduce foreign farming
into the Island of Yesso.

Ferns are very abundant on the hills, and
amongst them I remarked as growing very luxu-
riantly the Adiantum pedatum, a kind of Maid-
enhair fern commonly grown with us in hot-
houses. It is seen in large patches under the
shade of shrubs, the effect when young and pro-
ducing pink fronds on black stalks is very pretty.
Asplenium, Polypodium and Pteris are also
abundant.

In sea-weeds, the bay of Hakodate is very rich,
and I secured a great collection during my stay
there. They are now in course of preparation
by the students at the farm.

Nanai, the farm of the Kaitakushi, within
ten miles of Hakodate, I visited for several days
on my journey to the west coast. Here I saw
the first good sized trees, although not frequent.
They consisted of Horse-chestnut, edible Chest-
nut, Walnut, Magnolias, beautifully leaved Ma-
ples (Acer palmatum). Alder, Birch, and an
Ash. There is no remarkable vegetation on the
road to Nanai. The farm itself presents no fea-
tures of any consequence beyond the fine range

of buildings for the purpose of stock-breeding,
and I found very little to repay my researches
there. The few thousand fruit trees planted
there seemed to do better than those I had seen
growing in Hakodate, and are as yet free from the
attacks of the butterflies, which are so disastrous
to the trees in the latter locality. The orchard
and nursery are not planned as well as they
might be, but only a radical change in the laying
out could remedy this defect.

On my way to Volcano Bay, going through the
mountains at,an elevation of about 1000 feet above
the level of the sea, I found a beautiful climbing
shrub, called by the Japanese, Matatabi, which I
recognized as Actinidia polygama. At first sight
the points of the leaves appear to represent the
flowers ; and are often mistaken for them by
casual observers. On close inspection, however,
the flowers are under the branches, resembling
those of the Tea shrub. They are sweet scented,
and belong to the same family as Tea and Camel-
lia. (?Ed.) The appearance of the shrub is ele-
gant, and would well repay introduction into
our shrubberies. It is more freqviently found
growing in company with and climbing on Mag-
nolia hypoleuca, which grows there to a size of
2 to 3 feet in diameter, and to the height of at
least 60 feet. A very remarkable tree, and
valued much for the sake of the timber it yields,
is the Japanese katsura, the scientific name of
which is Cercidiphyllum Japonicum, only lately
classified under the family of Magnoliaceae.
There are recorded two species in this country of
which I only found one. It grows to a large
size, and attains a height of o^-er a 100 feet, with
a diameter measuring sometimes 6 to 8 feet.
The vegetation becomes more dense in the
mountains, presenting no new features, but de-
scending towards Volcano Bay, the growth of
the trees gradually diminished on account of the
pumice of the extinct volcano.

My destination being Sappora, and the road
skirting the sea-shore, at first little of interest
occurred in the way of plants as far as Osha-
manbe, from whence, again entering the interior,
the vegetation was more profuse, caused by the
increase of the depth of the soil,, and the neigh-
borhood of fresh water ponds, which counteracts
the fatal influence of sea-air. In the ponds a
diminutive water-lily (Nymphaea teragona) is
found, the undeveloped leaf-buds of which are
considered a great delicacy by the Japanese, and
eaten by them with vinegar. The leaf-buds pre-
sent a peculiar appearance, being covered with a

182

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[June,

mucilage resembling fish spawn. The flowers
are white, like a small Nymphaea. Leaving the
sea-shore we struck and followed the valley
towards Kuromatsunai. The valley is remarka-
ble for its rich growth of plants, Maple, Alder,
Chestnut, deciduous Oak and Ash, forming the
principal timber trees; less frequent are Birch,
Elm and Aralia. The undergrow'th is composed
of a close growing Arundinaria, which is com-
monly called Bamboo grass, and gives a favorite
food for horses and deer. Among climbing
shrubs I more particularly remarked the mag-
nificent Schizophragma hydrangoides, which I
do not think has as yet been introduced into
foreign gardens, but which I dare to point out
as one of the future leading novelties for our
parks. The general appearance of this creeper
is striking, and with its white sterile flowers re-
sembles much a W'hite Clematis at a distance,
although it is a true Hydrangea ; the rich green
tint of its foliage is one of its great attractions.
Among other climbing plants, I found Euony-
mus radicans a plant now well known, which
covered the trunks of trees in the same manner
as Ivy, and is evergreen like its rival. Taxus
cuspidata is frequently found in shady places,
and is the only Conifer growing in these districts.
The soil here is black mould, the substratum of
which is a dark brow'n loam.

The Japanese had several settlements here,
and seemed to do well. They cultivated various
grains and vegetables, especially wheat, which
grows here of superior quality : barley, millet
and buckwheat are ^so produced in small quan-
tities, but must be remunerative to the growers
as their general appearance leaves an impression
of their doing well. Lilium Thunbergianum
was here cultivated to a great extent, in com-
pany with Dioscorea batatas, for the sake of
their edible bulbous roots. The settlers are all
Japanese ; very few Ainos are met with here,
but these do not represent a fair type of this
singular people, as they are entirely dependent
on the good will of the Japanese settlers. Their
huts and their way of living cannot be compared
in any way with those of the same tribe living
at what may be considered their head-quarters.

On the pretty stream, on which Kuromatsunai
is situated, I found on the stones a singular Lily,
which is new to cultivation, named by Professor
Gray, Lilium medeoloides, from, the collections
in 1862. It is a singular Lily, and resembles
much a Fritillaria ; and is called by the Japan-
ese, "Kuruma yuri," on account of its leaves

being verticillate — "kuruma," wheel — "yuri,"
Lily. It bears flowers, .generally single, with
petals much recurved, of a scarlet color. There
was nothing of any marked interest beyond what
I had observed hitherto, until I reached Otashuta,
excepting magnificent trees of Magnolia hypo-
leuca, which, being in flower, presented a beauti-
ful appearance.

The formation of the ground from Otashuta by
Iwanai and Tomari to Otarunai seems to me
not very favorable for agricultural purposes, if I
may judge from the general vegetation. At
Iwanai there is a plain of some extent, but even
there, although the position of the ground seems
to be favorable, nothing but plants growing on
a soil of a poor description could be seen, such
as the Pteris aquilina (Brake fern) a few
shrubby Oaks and others. The young shoots of
the Brake fern, Jap. " Warabi," are much
prized by the natives as an ai'ticle of food ; the
fronds are gathered when still undeveloped and
used in soups, etc.

It struck me that sheep would thrive well in
this valley, as I have seen similar grounds used
for that purpose in the north of Germany, at a
latitude of about the same degree.

At Tomari, going up to the coal mine at
Kayanoma, I discovered the Hydrangea spicata,
remarkable in its appearance on account of the
large spikes of white flowers, entirely diflerent
from any Hydrangea I ever saw ; another Hy-
drangea, I fell in with, was of a beautiful sky-
blue color, not shrubby like the former, and of a
much smaller size, growing in shady situations.
It is as far as I can ascertain, Hydrangea acumi-
nata of Siebold and Zuccarini. Among the rocks
I observed two different kinds of Clubmoss,
growing side by side, like those well known in
America, and alwars used by the bouquet
makers of New York and other large towns in
the LTnited States.

A fern called Loniaria Japonica is frequent
here, and makes a very pretty effect with its vari-
ously and delicately tinted fronds ; they consist
of the sterile ones growing close to the ground,
eight or ten in number, out of the centre of
which two or three fertile fronds rise perpendicu-
larly.

Shakotan is a place famous for the production
of a peculiar kind of Bamboo (Arundo), used
by the Japanese for stems of pipes and writing
brushes. The place where the reeds grow is
situated five miles up the stream from the village.
It grows abundantly round the stream, and nO'

1876.]

AND HORTICULTURIST.

183

traveller, who stops at this place, leaves without
securing some of the peculiarly colored reeds.
The coloring the Japanese frequently declare to
be characters of their own language, written as
they believe by their gods.

In the hills near Otanunai there is a fern grow-
ing with variegated fronds. Variegated fronds
among ferns are very unusual, especially in
northern latitudes.

At Sapporo, which I reached the 28th of July,
I remained for about two weeks. As it is the
Capital of the Island, I thought it important to
gain a knowledge of the plants and trees which
are more frequently to be met with there. The
town is situated in a large plain under a range of
mountains, and the soil consists of a deep yellow
loam, covered in most places with about a foot
of rich black mould, which I had no doubt,
judging from the vegetation, might be easily
worked to produce rich crops of grain, fruits and
vegetables.

[To continue in next number.]

EDITORIAL NOTES.

New California Plants. — In the February
part of the proceedings of the American Acad-
emy, Mr. Sereno Watson gives us three articles ;
one on the Flora of Guadalupe — a small island
of the coast of Lower California ; another, a list
of plants collected on the same island by Dr. Ed.
Palmer ; the third, descriptions of new plants,
chiefly Californian. The last contains many
things that cultivators will be on the look-out
for. There are three new Lupines, all blue
flowered. Four new species of clover gives Mr.
Watson a chance to revise the whole of North
American Trifoliums. He makes 39 species in
all. Sophora Arizonica and Parkinsonia Tor-
reyana should make valuable shrubs for the
Southej-n States. The beautiful family of an-
nuals, Mentzelia, receives a new addition in M.
dispersa. A new dogwood from California is
Cornus Torreyi ; it has loose cymes of white
berries, with the stones curiously crowned with
tubercles. Reference is also made to a curious
Palm, with leaves as thready as the well-known
Yucca filamentosa, and of which we have had
specimens sent us by Mr. Rock and others. Mr.
Watson says it is a Brahea and " introduced into
cultivation as B. filamentosa." He describes two
allied species — one from Guadalupe Island as B.

edulis, the other, if a real Brahea, as B. armata,
from 80 miles below San Diego. A Cypripedium,
collected by many botanists in past years, and
near C. paiwiflorum, is now made C. occidentale.

A small white-flowered shrub from Southern
Arizona, allied to spirtea, is made Vauquelinia
Torreyi.

Guadalupe Island is 26 miles by 10, and is 100
miles west of the coast of Lower California. One
would suppose from its southern latitude that
the plants would be of a tender character, cor-
responding with that on the mainland, but a
glance at the list of 119 given here shows a com-
paratively hardy class. But this is accounted
for when we read that the island is in the midst
of the current, which on that side flows down
from the North seas ; and this should make the
flora of a somewhat similar character, as regards
hardiness, to that of England, which receives the
warmth of the northward flowing or gulf stream.
Still the winters are not quite as severe as the
English, and the summers are often hot and dry.
The Palm, Brahea edulis, grows 40 feet high.
Only six grasses are in the enumerated list.

Nomenclature. — It has always been a mystery
what rule our English friends had for their
choice of names. Mr> Barron, whose name is
closely associated with evergreens, says that in
that " old-fashioned country we have been taught
that the best name is one somewjiat descriptive
of the plant." In this country we hold that the
best name is the one which was given with the
first description in a recognized botanical work,
and we leave to the one authorized to name it
all consideration regarding the fitness of things.
By following this law of priority we avoid all
wrangling about " the proper name."

Bees and Flowers. — The relation between
bees and flowers is one of increasing interest. A
London paper says :

" An interesting experiment is being made in
the shipment of two nests of humble bees, which
have just left Plymouth for Canterbury, New
Zealand. The principal object aimed at in the
introduction of these insects into the antipodes
is the fertilization of the common clover, the
pollen of which the common bee is generally un-
able to collect, while the ' humble bee,' having
a larger proboscis and being much stronger, is
able to reach sufl[iciently deep into the flower to
collect the fertilizing dust. It is hoped that by
this means the plant will be more generally fer-
tilized, and its cultivation largely extended in the

184

THE GARDENER'S 3I0NTHLY

[June,

colony. The bees which have just left England
for the antipodes were in two separate nents,
which had been procured by Mr. Frank Buck-
land, and packed in a suitable box, where they
were supplied with everything necessarj' for the
voyage, including honey,' farina, w^ater, &c.
They are very fine specimens of the humble bee.
The exact number is not known, as many of the
eggs are not yet hatched. They are placed vuider
the care of Mr. John Hall, a member of the
Council of New Zealand, who takes a stock of
ice for the purpose of keeping down the temper-
atiire of the nests while passing through the
tropics."

Freezing of the Sap of Plants. — Our read-
ers know that we have furnished innumerable
evidences that the juices of plants do not freeze,
and the plants so frozen continue to live. And
how strangely some of our friends quite distin-
guished in science persist in ignoring these facts.
One of them. President Clark, Avhen the observa-
tions referred to were brought to his notice,
deeming them of no further importance than
the short reply, "Of course the sap freezes."
In spite, however, of these contemptuous ex-
pressions, we hope to be pardoned for continuing
to place on record such facts as seem to prove
the point.

In the Gardener's Chronicle of March 2oth a
correspondent, B. Piffard, records an experiment
made with the juice of the cabbage leaf. Two
glasses, one filled with pure water, the other
with water and the juice of cabbage leaves, were
placed side by side in a frosty atmosphere. At
the point where the pure water froze the solution
of cabbage juice remained liquid. And he goes
on to infer, as we have often done, " that if a
plant survive a degree of cold at which other
plants perish, their preservation is attributable
to the non-congelation of the sap." Does
it not occur to the reader that something more
than " Of course not " is required from President
Clark and our other friends to set aside such
reasoning aa this ?

Fertilization of Lilies. — Those who are inter-
ested in the fertilization of flowers would do well to
watch how Lilies behave in nature, as well as to
experiment wdth them under culture. Mr. Park-
man found the pollen of some kinds had potency
for fertilization, but with very little power to
stamp its own characteristics on the progeny.
The cases of this power were very few, and Lil-
ium Parkmani was the chief result. In nature

some species show a very prolific character — L.
sujperhum, for instance, usually producing seeds
from every flower. On the other hand, Lilium
Canadense, even when the flower is crossed by
foreign pollen, for which much is claimed by
some physiologists, is very often barren.

When the Lilium auratum (a sketch of which
accompanies this) w^as first introduced much
was expected in the way of hybrids, but so far
little has been done except in the case of L.
Parkmani.

Effect of Weight on Tendrils. — A remark-
ably interesting paper has recently been contri-
buted to the Gardener's Chronicle by Mr. D. T.
Fish, showing how weight influences the pro-*
duction of fruit in the grape-vine. We leave out.
what Mr. Fish says about the nature of grape-
vine tendrils, because morphologists now know
that a bunch of grapes is nothing but a set of
transformed branches, and that a tendril is the
same thing in a lower stage of development. We
also leave out Mr. Fish's explanation, because
that has been better explained by the author of
"Waste Force in Vegetation." The interesting
facts of Mr. Fish are, however, worthy of careful
thought. He says :

" Having charge of a large vinery at the
Messrs. Tattersalls', Hyde Park Corner, London,
between thirty and forty years ago, he found
that though he could command good shows of

ISIGJ

AND HOBTICULTURIST.

185

grapes by means of the genial atmosphere pro-
vided by a stock of fermenting manure within
the house; hardly had the flower peduncles
grown to anything like their full length when,
probably in sympathy with dormant and dis-
eased roots, they began to twist round any
branch or twig they came in contact with, and
to run into tendrils. He soon found that when
the twists were removed the tendency to run
into tendrils was arrested. This was one step
gained. Partly to better the lesson thus learned,
and with a view of confirming the dependent
position, small weights were attached to the
bunches. The result was as gratifying as it was
at first unexpected. The untwisting and the
weight together soon checked the formation of
tendrils, and forced the sub-peduncle into its
proper character of a bunch of grapes. When
I lived with my brother at Putteridge Bury,
there was an old vinery with the roots in a bad
state, or very deep. The grapes in this were al-
ways in danger of bolting off into mere tendrils,
unless weighted into fruit bearing, and we used to
weight each with small pebbles as soon as they
fairly showed. If afty were missed, or if the
pebble or other weight slipped its tie, these
bunches ran off into tendrils, while I do not re-
member an instance of one sufficiently weighted
doing likewise. Since then, during more than
twenty years' practice, I have weighted many
suspicious-looking bunches, and always with the
result of checking the degeneration of a fruit
branch into a mere tendril. In this reversion or
degradation of parts there is often a great variety
of structure. The flower-stalks, soon after they
are formed, often branch off" into a number
of hooked semi-tendrils, resulting, of course, in a
fruitless state ; on the other hand, true tendrils
' that show flowers on the extremities or other
parts — for these flowers are by no means con-
fined to the extremities — set and swell their
fruit better if also weighted.

" It is well also to note that the weighting of
the sub-peduncles is not nearly so effectual, un-
less the twist is carefully undone. There can be
no doubt that that single revolution dominates to
a large extent the character of the entire branch
beyond, and confirms in a powerful manner its
tendrilward tendencies ; in fact, unless that circle
is undone, it is comparatively useless to attempt
to lure back the runaway bunch into fruitfulness.
I have even seen such sub-peduncles weighted
above the twist suddenly snap off" and the re-
maining portions run off" into true tendrils.

More wonderful still, perhaps, as showing some-
thing akin to a sympathy of parts, and like donT-
inating like, the success of weighting is enhanced
by removing the tendril. I have also noticed
that the tendency of the sub-peduncle to form a
ten(lril is increased in proportion to the strength
and length of the tendril, and would, therefore,
strongly recommend the removal of all tendrils
at the earliest possible moment.

"The effect of weight in promoting fruitfulness
is further seen in the fact, that as soon as any
fruit sets and begins to swell on the sub-peduncle,
the formation of tendrils ceases. The natu-ral
weight of the berries brings back the wayward
branch, as it were, to its proper business — that of
fruit bearing. So strong is this check that I
have seen tendrils on the fruit-bearing branch
attempt to form flowers after the berries began
to swell. The same fact is strikingly illustrated
by the second flower on Muscat grapes. I never
remember to have seen one of these sub-pedun-
cles run into a tendril ; on the contrary the ten-
dril is often wanting, or changed into a part of
the bunch, thus converting it into a cluster.
Another singular fact has often been observed in
regard to these, and that is, that however imper-
fectly the first crop may have set or swelled off,
the second or third successional crops invariably
set and swell well. It would be interesting to
prove what effect the weight of the first crop
had on the freer setting and more rapid swelling
of-the second.

" That weight has something to do with it is
almost demonstrated, else how can the facts al-
ready advanced be explained? — or the additional
one that by weighting the blossoms of cucumbers
and melons we promote the setting, and stimu-
late the swelling of the fruit ? I have adopted
this course with cucumbers hundreds of tim«8,
and always with uniform success.

" Now, in almost every case the weighted fruit
only will swell, and if some of the others attempt
to follow its lead it will nevertheless outstrip
them all. Pressure is as potential as a weight
suspended, and I have often covered over shy
setting melons with an inch or two of warm
soil at the period of fecundation, and the progress
they have made has been quite astonishing and
not to be accounted for by the increase of heat
or humidity, to whi«h the buried fruits were
subjected. The stimulus to the growth was so
great, that if the fruits were carefully exposed
to the light afterwards, they receive such a stim-
ulus as to ripen a week or more in advance of

186

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[June,

those not covered, and sorts diflScult to set freely
did so by either weight or covering."

AiSTNUAL Rootlets. — At a recent meeting of tlie
Academy of Natural Sciences, of Philadelphia,
Mr. Thomas Meehan called attention to the many
varying hypotheses in regard to the eccentricity
of the annual layers of wood in plants, which is
sometimes so great that, as recently shown by a
writer in The American Naturalist, the pith (in
the common Poison Vine), is wholly on one side,
and once in a while seems like a little ridge run-
ning along just beneath the bark. In the Poison
Vine the greatest thickness of wood seems gen-
erally on the side between the pith and the
object the vine clings to, and the writer referred
to surmises that the rootlets coming out on that
side may have something to do with this interior
thickening. Another gentleman. Dr. Hickok, of
Poughkeepsie, thought only those trees which
sloped a little thickened chiefly on the under
side. These hypotheses were inconsistent, and
Mr. Meehan thought the true cause of the thick-
ening of woody layers more on one side than the
other had yet to be explained. The rooting on
the under side could not cause the thickening of
the wood, as Wistaria and many others which he
mentioned, rooting on the ground as they ran,
did not thicken in consequence; while Ampelop-
sis did, as well as the Poison Vine. The rootlets
by which the Poison Vine attached itself to the
trees had been referred to as being of some age ;
but this was a mistake, as in most cases save
some orchideaj and a few other plants aerial root-
lets, like rootlets beneath the earth, Avere mostly
annual. The whole root system of plants was,
indeed, but the analogue of that system which
existed in the atmosphere. Morphology had
made a great stride when it pronounced all the
parts of the inflorescence but modified leaves.

Botanical science had yet to go further. The
whole plant was but a modified leaf, roots as
well as branches. The same general laws that
we found in the aerial system, therefore, had
their correspondence in the terrestrial one. In
the terrestrial sj'stem we generally saw a marked
diff'erence in the leaves and branches; but in
some cases, as the arbor-vitse and deciduous
cypress, the two were so blended together that at
the annual "I'ali" season bran chlets and leaves
all fell together. In these cases we saw^ that
some of these compounds of leaves and branches
— those the most favorably situated as regards
nutrition — maintained a hold on life, and, once
passing this critical time, had an indefinite lease
of life thereafter. It was precisely the same
with the rootlets of trees. They were the repre-
sentatives of leaves, and myriads died every
year. Only here and there one endowed with
greater vital privileges escaped the annual " fall,"
and then it became a " root," with various terms
of endurance. Aerial roots, used by some creep-
ing vines, were under the same laws. Now and
then one would find itself in a soft crevice of.
an old wall or in the decaying hollow of an old
tree, and thus become a permanent feeder to the
vine. In England the Evergreen Ivy had been
cut down near the ground, after running for
years over old ruins, and had continued to live
on. But in these exceptional cases it was found
that some of the rootlets, as the rule, annual,
had found some soft place and taken on a per-
manent character — had become real feeding
woody roots. He exhibited some old stems of
Ampelopsis Virginiana, which for many years
had been hanging unattached fi*om the branches
of a tree, and which had eccentric wood, as in
the attached Poison Vines, and the surface was
covered with aerial roots, which were produced
and died annually. — Independent.

jPy

Oir?

B

ITERATURE, ^IrAVELS & 0ERSONAL IMOTES.

e'

EDITORIAL NOTES.

American Pomological Society. — Transac-
tions for 1875. Chicago meeting. Edited by the
Secretary, W. C. Flagg, Moro, Ills.

There have been no issues of the transactions
of this Society that were not a credit to the Soci-
ety and to the country. It will be no discredit
to them to say that, in real value, we regard this
one as the most valuable of all ; for horticulture
is expected to be progressive, and its literature

1876.]

AND BOitTIGULTURIST.

181

should travel the same way. A great advantage
to the Society on this occasion is that the whole
will be fresh to the reader. In former years the
matter had mostly found publication before the
volume appeared.

Mr. Flagg has had a great deal to do in getting
together the matter for the volume. The bulk
of oversight of the printing has fallen on Mr. P.
Barry, who thus earns an additional claim to the
consideration in which he is already held by
American horticulturists. The volume is free to
members, and four dollars sent to Mr. P.
James, Cambridge, Mass., renders one eligible to
membership.

Indiana Horticultural Society. — Transac-
tions for 1875. From W. H. Ragan, Secretary.

We do not know that we have ever been more
pleased with any "annual address" than that of
President Gilbert, as reported here. In speak-
ing of the objects of the Society, he refers to
its duty in furnishing the fruit growers of In-
diana with reliable lists of fruits, and in the
" broader field of inculcating a love of the beau-
tiful in nature, landscape gardening, arboricul-
ture, and floriculture, not forgetting vegetable
gardening, and all that pertains to the kitchen
and dining-room." It is eminently practical in
going into the details of the horticulture of pub-
lic buildings and grounds, where above all in a
country like this we should expect to see good
gardening. It is strange reading. The Blind
Asylum at Indianapolis is " surrounded by de-
lightful grounds, fountains, beautiful shade-trees,
green lawns, beautiful flower-beds, and well-kept
walks, while the Normal School at Terre Haute
has no trees, no grass, no flowers — a bleak, bar-
ren place, with a tumble-down fence." The
same queer anomalies prevail through the
whole report.

It is to be regretted that " delegates " to other
societies should do no more than hand in as
"their" reports, clippings from the local columns
of the daily papers where the meetings are held.
The reporters of these papers know nothing of
horticulture, and are very often young men,
ignorant of short-hand, and who can but just
manage to write down the first part of a sen-
tence, and omit the last part for want ot time
before gettjng at the next. Every speaker knows
the horrible work these gentlemen make. They
do the best they can, and we are all thankful,
but we expect delegates who undertake reporting
to do better, and not lazily take newspaper

reporters' work and palm it off" as their own.
Here we have a delegate reporting that " Mr.
Meehan said a hop vine growing over a pear
tree would keep pears from cracking," in his re-
marks at Chicago. This was perfectly excusable
on the part of the young man who reported for
the Chicago Tribune, and it received at the time
the compliment of a good laugh ; but it is a very
absurd statement for one who heard Mr.
Meehan's remarks, to make in a report to the
Indiana Horticultural Society.

Neunzehuter Jahres-Bericht des Garten-
haw- Vereins FUR Bremen. 1875. (Nineteenth
annual report of the Society of Horticulture of
Bremen, 1875.) Pamphlet form jvist received,
containing, besides the annual reports of the
officers, many useful articles on greenhouse and
hot-house plants. Illustrated.

CoL. Wilder. — It must be gratifying to this dis-
tinguished gentleman to receive in his old days
so many testimonials of regard for his services to
his fellow-men — services which have already
extended far beyond an ordinary life time. But
a few weeks ago, the New England Historic and
Genealogical Society, of which Mr. Wilder is
President, had his portrait, painted by Marchant,
presented to it, which was acknowledged in the
following complimentarj' resolutions :

Resolved, That our cordial thanks be presented
to Mr. Edward D. Marchant, of Philadelphia, for
the original portrait of Hon. Marshall P. Wilder,
recently executed " by his hapd, and generously
Ijresented by him to be placed in the gallery of
this society.

Resolved, That we cherish this gift both as a,
memorial of ovir President, whose long y^ars of
valuable service have placed us under lasting
obligations, and likewise as an exhibition of the
extraordinary power of the artist, whose genius
has transferred to the canvas, with marvellous
life-like expression, the features of one whom we
respect, venerate and love.

Resolved, That these resolutions, with the note
announcing the gift, be placed upon the records
of the society, and that a copy of the resolutions
be forwarded to Mr. Marchant, at Philadelphia.

Then a few days since the Massachusetts Hor-
ticultural Society have presented to him a large
picture representing the grand opening of the
United States Agricultural Society in 1855. A
Boston paper says :

" The scene represented by the artist is the
opening of the exhibition. The grand cavalcade

188

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[June,

is on the track, headed by President Wilder, on
a splendid white charger, supported by Gen.
John S. Tyler, Chief ISIarshal, on the right, and
Gen. Wm. S. King, Secretary of the Society, on
his left, with twenty-five marshals, all mounted,
following in succession. Most of the figures are
real portraits. On the left are representatives of
celebrated breeds of cattle and sheep, and on the
other side the immense stage crowded with thou-
sands of spectators. The precise moment which
the artist has chosen for illustration represents
Col. Wilder with raised hat and extended arm,
announcing the opening of the exhibition."

Mr. Wilder must feel highly gratified at these
evidences of esteem, and the more so from the
consciousness of having fairly earned them.

John T. Norris. — This distinguished individ-
ual, whose dealings with nurserymen render him
an object of their tender solicitude, has recently
received the following notice from the daily
papers :

"A man named John T. Xorris, who lives in
Springfield, O., is carrying on a systematic and
very extensive swindling business. He adver-
tises his headquarters at Springfield and Cincin-
nati, and orders goods and products of various
sorts from firms in all parts of the Union and
Canada, referring them to bankers and other
business men. When the goods arrive they are
immediately taken from the express oflfioe or
freight depots, and transferred to other parties
for any amount Norris or his confederates can
get for them. Norris was in the Ohio peniten-
tiary for swindling nearly a year but was
discharged through a legal technicality, and has
been carrying on his business since on a larger
scale than before."

Burnett Landreth. — This gentleman, to whom
the Agricultural Department of the Centennial
Exhibition owes so much of its great success,
has been appointed by the Scottish Arboricul-
tural Society its leading representative in the
great exposition.

Age of Mr. Charles Darwin. — In a note re-
cently, it was stated that this gentleman was
born on the 12th of April, 1800. This is on the
authority of Shirley Hibberd's Almanack for
1876. A correspondent points out that Lippin-
cott's Biographical Dictionary gives the date as
February 12th, 1809, which strikes us as being
more likely to be correct.

Hand Book for Fruit Groavers, by F. R.
Elliott. Published by D. M. Dewey, Rochester,
N. Y. What comes of all the fruit trees raised
and sold annually in the United States ? This
question is often asked, and the response is,
most of them die. There is a sad want of know-
ledge among the people, notwithstanding the
great number of fruit books and agricultural
magazines. As for the general fruit books, they
are mostly too expensive and too elaborate for just
the class who lose the most trees. A first-class
book, yet cheap, touching on every branch of
fruit culture, ought to be immensely salable,
and of great use, and we think this little attempt
•' fills the bill " exactly. There is often much
grumbling about the bad doings of tree agents
and tree peddlers, but if they could be induced
to take around with them a little book like this
to sell while taking orders, we think it would
balance accounts with a world of sin.

Second Appendix to Downing's Fruits. — This
has just been published by, we suppose, Wiley
& Co., and, like the others, is from the pen of
Charles Downing. It brings pomological know-
ledge down to date.

Orchid Culture. By E. S. Rand, Jr., New
York ; published by Hurd & Houghton. From
Claxton, Remsen & Haffelfinger, Philadelphia.

Mr. Rands works are put out in the most
beautiful style known in horticultural literature,
and this is equal to any that have gone before.
The typographical execution is nearly perfect,
and this is a good feature in a work with so
many " hard names " as orchidese possess.

As regards the matter of the book, we suppose
Mr. Rand does not want to claim much on the
score of originality. 272 pages out of 472 are
made up of descriptions of the best known
species, taken from various sources. Why he has
given no description of the genera as well we
cannot explain, unless it be that the botanical
works in which they are described are not so
convenient of access to copy from. There are
lists of orchidefe for cool-house culture, similar to
those which have appeared in the Gardener's
Monthly, Gardener's Chronicle, Garden, and other
publications.

Indeed, it is Mr. Rand's weak point that he
hardly does justice in his works to his cotempo-
raries. He, for instance, professes to give a
" History of Orchid Culture in the United States,"
and what he knows of this subject, as it relates
to Philadelphia, he tells in the following words :

1876.]

AND HOETIGULTURIST.

189

"In Philadelphia, Robert Buist, one of our
oldest florists, has a small orchid house. Men-
tion should also be made of a small assortment
grown by Caleb Cope, in Philadelphia, about
1850, which was dispersed after his death !"

It will be strange news to the flourishing
young family of our good friend, Caleb Cope,
to hear of his death in this sudden man-
ner. We hope and believe, however, that
this esteemed and honored gentleman will
yet live many years, and that when in the
fullness of time he shall be called away from
us, his great services to horticulture and to
orchid-growing horticulture will be recorded by
a more intelligent pen. In the great collection
at Glen Ridge - his own collection — which in his
" history " Mr. Rand so much glorifies, there are
but 269 species, — a list we are quite sure the
" small collection " of Caleb Cope equalled, if it
did not excel. There was nothing of consequence
known at that day, that was considered worthy
of culture, that was not purchased ; and the col-
lection was continually being weeded out, and
the places filled by the kinds on trial. Be-
sides the orchid house, the large Victoria lily
house, and other houses, were made to do duty
to contain the plants of this superb collection.

Then there were the magnificent collections of
James Dundas, Mrs. Rush, and Matthew W. Bald-
win, about which Mr. Rand seems to know
nothing at all, besides smaller collections by
other persons, — and at the present time surely
the collections of Mr. Pratt McKean, and of
Mrs. Baldwin, under the management of those
excellent gardeners, Messrs. Newett and Joyce,
are worthy of some note in a "history."

We confine our criticism to the Philadelphia
part of this so-called history. Baltimore may
ask why Captain Snow has beeft overlooked, and
other cities may have each its own grievances.
We regret to have to make these remarks. In
many respects we regard Mr. Rand as one of the
best friends of American horticulture, and he is
capable of much better work than this.' But
American cultivators have great difficulties in
making themselves known. The Old World
like a wealthy firm in business, has a per-
fect machinery for advertising its doings.
It is extremely difficult to run against estab.
lished channels. Even our own people, who
ought to know better, are prone to think
there is no horticulture at all in America, and
look to Europe for the supply of every little
trifle they want, and for every scrap of informa-

tion they need. Those of us who are laboring
for American advancement, are anxious, not
that we shall have a reputation before Europe
for what we do not deserve, but that we should
get credit for what we have ; and it is therefore
peculiarly mortifying to these workers to have
books like these go forth to the world as the
best that America can do.

Amidst all this to regret, there is one comfort :
nothing is really so simple as orchid culture —
nothing in floriculture more fascinating. Mr.
Rand's book is a beautiful one, and with all its
shortcomings, is calculated to increase the taste
for these curious plants. It is far from doing
justice to the subject, but it will aid in a good
cause.

Manual on the Culture of Small Fruits.
By E. P. Roe.

Small fruit culture is much further advanced
in America than in Europe, but we think com-
paratively in its infancy here. All engaged in
it continue to find something new, and every
writer who honestly gives his own practical ex-
perience, is helping small fruit culture to a
healthy and vigorous growth. Since we wrote
our last paragraph in reference to Mr. Roe's lit-
tle book, we have the volume itself. It is just
o-f the character we have referred to, and will
have its good use. We fancy some cultivators
would do things differently, and that is well
enough. Mr. Roe simply tells what he has done
and what he would do, and on the whole what
he says commends itself to our judgment. He
is not extravagant in praise of varieties. Of the
Highland Hardy raspberry, 'for instance, he tells
us that it is " infinitely better than none," and
after all this may be, at the option of the reader,
great praise ; for the best any one ever ate may
claim just such a character.

Mr. Roe is a successful raiser of seedling fruits.
His gooseberries received high praise from Prof.
Thurber, who is usually careful and discrimin-
ating in his judgment, and if Mr. Roe's practice
in small fruits prove as good as his varieties, the
little tract will be well worth the 50 cents asked
for it.

The Mill Stone. — A monthly journal of prac-
tical science. Richmond, Ind. No. 6. Above
the average of " family papers," as the Western
magazines generally are. We are pleased to
note that a good friend of the Gardener's Monthly,
Mrs. Helen V. Austin, takes excellent charge of the
department of " boys and girls." She treats them

190

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[Junk,

to articles on natural history, in a style the
youngest can understand.

The Eural New Yorker. — Mr. Moore, so long
and so agreeably known in connection with the
Rural New Yorker, has had to retire by reason
of failing health. The paper comes into the
hands of many of the former associate editors

who have formed the "Eural Pubhshing Co."
Mr. A. S. Fuller is chief editor. Mr. Fuller, to
excellent literary abilities, has the additional
advantage of a thorough practical education.
He knows what the American farmer wants, and
what they ought to have in order to progress ;
and with the ability to supply, the Rural must
continue in its own successful path.

SORTICULTURAL fioCIETlES.

EDITORIAL NOTES.

Opening of the Centennial Exhibition. —
The Horticultural Department is hardly yet in a
condition to do justice to the exhibitors, and a
critical notice must be deferred till the future.
In the meantime the following sketch intended
for the mass of the people not well versed in
Horticultural matters, from Forney's Daily Press
of May 11th, giving an account of appearances
at the opening, may serve as an introduction
to more solid matter which will probably follow:

HOW horticutural hall looked.

Thomas Meehan's Description — FexUures of the Ex-
hibition already in Place.

The rain, so dampening to the well-wishers of
the great opening, provoked so monotonous a
series of remarks all around that I was glad
to meet the cheery face of Mr. John Stevenson,
the landscape gardener of the Centennial
Grounds, for surely, thought I, here is one who
will like to be congratulated on the timely rain,
and so we ventured on that strain. But no!
It was all right, he thought, for bringing out the
bright green grass and the shiny foliage of the
deciduous trees, but of what use was that if the
people could not enjoy it? The trees and vege-
tation, both those natural to the beautiful
grounds as well as those furnished by the exhibi-
tors, seemed really to enjoy the timely gift from

heaven, and I entered fully into their thankful
spirit. But there are few natural flowers as yet.
The dogwood, which the wits tell us is known
by its bark, as well as by its beautiful white flow-
ers, was ready for the occasion ; and the red bud,
which is the American representative of that
tree which, according to the Book of Gerard the
Herbalist, and which in the " ancient writings "
of the Horticulturist, is " ye tree whereon Judas
did verilye hang himself," was covered with its
rosy blossoms. The weather, after all came out
just right. English weather in the morning —
American in the afternoon, just fair and right
for an international exhibition.

The Horticultural Grounds are not yet quite
completed by the exhibitors, but so far as the
work is done it is a marvellous success. In the
exhibitions of the Old World the plants were re-
moved just as ordinary nursery trees are — with
the usual result — a deplorable appearance the
whole summer after. But our American exhibi-
tors have improved on this. Many of them
have had their trees growing in tubs and pots for
a whole year ahead, and now that they are set
out, they are leafing out and blooming as if they
were "to the manor" as well as to the "man-
ner " born. There is little doubt the outdoor
Horticultural Department of the Centennial Ex-
hibition will be the most successful of that class
ever held in the world. Most of the exhibitors
have their plants plainly and tastefully labelled,
thus making the collections to the highest degree

1816.]

AND HORTICULTURIST.

191

educational. It was said in an English horticul-
tural periodical that some of the English nursery-
men intended to come over with their goods and
astonish the Yankees. It is astonishing that
their plants have arrived in such good condition,
but it seems just likely that the astonishment
will be mutual, and do good all round. It was
pleasant to meet on the grounds so many repre-
sentatives of foreign firms : Benary, of Errfurt ;
Court, of the celebrated firm of the Veitches ;
Waterer, the rhododendron man ; and Williams,
famous for the introduction of new tropical
plants, were on the grounds. Waterer, with his
rhododendrons, was first on here. They are not
displayed yet, but if superior to those of the
American firm of Parsons & Son, of Flushing,
they will be very fine indeed. The leading
exhibitors, who have in a measure completed
their plantations, are S. B. Parsons & Sons, R. B.
Parsons & Co., of New York; Asher Hance &
Sons, of Red Bank, N. J. ; Hoopes Bros. &
Thomas, of West Chester; Veitch & Sons, of
Chelsea, England ; and in azaleas, Waterer, of
London ; Robert Buist, of Philadelphia ; Miller
& Hayes, of Mount Airy ; Verdier, of Paris ; and
Ch. Pohl, of Austria. The last has a collection
that will astonish Americans by its novelty. It
is a collection of gooseberries and currants
grafted, on the stem of our wild Missouri cur-
rant, which is a strong sort, growing four or five
feet high. These are already in front of Horti-
cultural Hall, in flower, and when the red fruit
matures they must make very striking objects.

The Japanese have a small collection of dwarf
evergreens in front of their building. The
kinds, however, have for the most part been
already introduced by our enterprising nursery-
men, and are found in their collections. It
shows that the celebrated skill of the Japanese
in dwarfing evergreens is fully matched by our
own horticulturists. They simply select the
dwarf forms — the Tom Thumbs of the vegetable
kingdom — and propagate from them. The train-
ed fruit trees of some of the European exhibitors
are greater monuments of skill.

Horticultural Hall is yet but partly filled.
Plants cannot travel long distances in cold
weather, and the more tender kinds must yet
wait a while. It is wonderful thafso much is
already here. Mr. B. S. Williams, of Holloway,
near London, has been very successful in bring-
ing over a nice lot of rare hot-house plants.
These are in the northeast conservatory. The
plants are, of course, small in comparison with

what our home florists can contribute, but it is a
remarkable collection for so great a distance.
The several varieties of Bornean pitcher plants
attract much attention from the curious visitor.
In this house there is a small but very choice
collection of those tropical curiosities, known as
orchids or air plants. Many more are expected
later in the season, when the weather is safer for
their transportation. These few are from Mr.
Sturtevant, of Bordentown, N. J. Among these
flowers are mimic representatives of the ornitho-
logical and entomological worlds. S. B. Parsons
& Sons, of Flushing, N. Y., have a collection of
ferns in this division, which is pronounced ex-
ceedingly choice by those skilled in pteridology.
The centre of the house is occupied by Austral-
ian tree ferns, contributed b^ Miller & Sievers, of
San Francisco. In the northwest house we
found Mr. Taplin, the well-known superintend-
ent of Geo. Such's fine collection at Amboy,
N. J., with what is so far the most valuable
collection of tropical plants in the Exhibition.
There is a plant of the snowy wax palm, some
twelve feet high, of which small specimens are
valued at $100 each. Usually, palms have a
graceful look, but the devil palm, Daemonorops
hystrix, is horrible to look upon. The usually
humble fern gives us here a representative with
a stem five feet high. This is the way they grow
in Australia. There are plenty of sago palms in
the hall, but here is one in flower. It looks as if
nati;re had simply placed a crown of oak leaves
on the head of the palm. The flowers, how-
ever, come to nothing, as among sago palms
marriage is necessary to perfect happiness. A
new kind of sago palm is in Mr. Such's collec-
tion, called Cycas circinalis. The sago is made
from rotting the stems — expensive sago at the
figures at which these plants ,are held. The
whole collection of palms is perhaps one of the
most valuable ever seen at any great exposition,
and surprises those of our English friends who
fancied Americans far behind in these tasteful
luxuries. The flamingo plant drew numbers
within its brilliant circles. It is somewhat allied
to our well-known calla lily, but few but botan-
ists would suspect the relationship. There are
about fifty expanded flowers on it. The florists
call it Anthurium Scherzerianum. Not fit to
associate with respectable vegetation, and there-
fore, confined in a small glass case, is a collection
of those savage little things known as insectivo-
rous plants. They have cut loose from the sim-
ple habits of their forefathers, Mr. Darwin tells

192

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[JlJNE,

US, and have taken to eating bugs and flies, not
refusing pieces of beefsteak when they get a
chance. There is one kind from New Holland,
another from Java, and one wretched little fellow
was found in our own country, near Wilming-
ton, North Carolina. They are all here safely
guarded by the box, and in imprisonment to-
gether. And those oddities, the cacti, have
some choice representatives in this superb col-
lection. The visnaga, or Mexican tooth-pick
cactus, is among them. This one is only about
the size of an ordinarj"^ football, though it would
hardly do as a substitute, but in its own country
it grows to the size of a sentry-box, and the
writer has helped to handle one that weighed
over a ton. Nature must have been in a strange
mood when she made these things. Just beside
these is the table-formed house-leek, looking for
all the world like a cabbage rolled out flat.
Perhaps Nature, tired of the labor involved in
cactus-making, sat on these plants to rest, and
thus these flattened results. Across the hall,
in the southeast conservatory, is the Cuban con-
tribution of Mr. Lachaume, of Havana. The
good old gentleman was personally attending to
the placing of his pets, many of which have
suffered severely from the long voyage to a
cooler clime. Very appropriate to the Centen-
nial occasion is his collection of century plants,
embracing over forty kinds. In one corner he
has several blocks of plants cut from the forest
giving a better idea of these tropical wood-
growths than all one could read about them in a
lifetime. Here are orchids and cactuses and
ferns, and " preacher in the pulpits " of a
decisively tropical countenance, all seemingly as
happy together as a bunch of soup-herbs in our
Eastern Market-house. Among the curious
plants in this collection are numerous forms
of the "Dutchman's pipe-vine." The American
forms are shabby fellows in comparison with
these. They throw out a long lip-like petal.
veined precisely like a piece of flesh, but the
mimicry does not stop here. The plant has
become too lazy to work, and seems to have
studied out a plan to make insects slave for it.
Instead of fertilizing itself it depends on insects
for carrying the fertilizing pollen to the pistil,
and in order to lure them to this thankless task,
besides the flesh trick above referred to, it
creates a stench to which that which the fiend
introduced about the good Saint Anthony was
incense itself. The insects are enraptured with
the prospective carrion, rush in, and in this way

fertilize the flower, but find, alas ! when too late,
that they have entered their tomb, and in a few
days w^holly disappear in the form of food for
the large ants that have their home in great
abundance in these parts of the world. Capital
texts for sermons, these Centennial experiences
aflford, but these matters I shall leave to our
clerical friends.

But we must not linger long in any one place
to-day. The Hall itself, under the diiection of
Cliief Miller, is quite as forward as any other de-
partment ; but new attractions will now appear
every day. In a hurried look we noted the great
sago palm owned by Eobert ^Morris, which has a
stem now, perhaps, four feet high ; and there is
another remarkably beautiful one from Mr. De
Puy, of Cuba, with the leaves so regular and
close that it is the envy of those having a pas-
sion for these things. There is a small plant of
the sacred fig of the Hindoos which will catch
many an eye when it gets a label on. Several
plants are here of the now famous Eucalyptus
globulus, a competitor in growth with Jonah's
gourd; with the " brave old oak " of England in
the solidity of its timber; with Jayne's, Helm-
bold's, and all other antidotes combined as a feb-
rifuge ; and with everything under the sun — so a
French professor tells us — for securing sleep to
one's mother-in-law, soundly in spite of dulcet
sounds from mosquitorial pipes. There are also
Acacias in great numbers, but too late in the
season to see them "wave their yellow hair;"'
a fine camphor tree, some twenty feet high, and
a great number of kinds of banana plants. A
large plant marked "Chocolate tree," is unfortu-
nately not that celebrated plant ; but there are
guavas, Japan plums, mangoes, Indian rubbers,
and many similar things which we often read
about but seldom see. Many visitors missed the
side rooms, but there are nice things to see from
Peter Henderson, H. A. Dreer, Francoise Huss,
who has some remarkably well-arranged skele-
ton leaves ; Charles H. Marot, with a set of
beautifully-bound volumes of the Gardener's
Monthly, in a beautiful case to match, and Hewes
ct Co., of Boston, Mass., have some remarkably
beautiful specimens of horticultural pottery
ware. For Waterer's Ehododendrons, a house
to be covered by a muslin shade has been started,
in which the plants are to be arranged as in a
tasteful piece of landscape gardening, Only for
the immense conservatory near it, the Rhodo-
dendron house would be thought a mammoth
structure.

THE

GARDENER'S MONTHLY

AND

HORTICULTURIST.

DEVOTED TO HORTICULTURE, ARBORICULTURE AND RURAL AFFAIRS.

Edited by THOMAS MEEHAN.

Volume XVIII.

JULY, 1876.

Number 211.

.LOWER ^ARDEN AND ^LEASURE ^ROUND.

SEASONABLE HINTS.

New sown lawns are liable to be ci-owded with
weeds. There seems no better remedy than to
hand-weed, filling the holes made with earth in
those cases where the roots are large. In some
cases this hand-weeding will have to be done for
two or three successive years. The seeds of the
common Plantain, for instance, do not all ger-
minate the first. It is often three years before
they all grow. The greatest labor is during the
first year of sowing, however. The increased
encouragement of the grass helps to keep down
weeds.

Ornamental hedges that are thin at the base
receive much encouragement from cutting back
the strong top shoots. Indeed, this applies to all
growths, trees and shrubs, evergreens included.
Any check to the more vigorous shoots while
growing encourages the weaker ones. Remark-
ably beautiful specimens of anything niay be
had by noting this. The branches are rendered
uniform in vigor by this sort of watchfulness,
and can be made regular from bottom to top.

Plants set against walls and piazzas frequently
suffer from want of water at this season, when
even ground near them is quite wet. Draw
away the soil around each plant so as to form a
basin ; fill in with a bucketful of water, allowing
it time to soak gradually away, and when the
surface has dried a little, draw in loosely the soil
over it, and it will do without water for some
weeks. This applies to all plants wanting water

through the season. If water is merely poured
on the surface, it is made more compact by the
weight of water, and the harder the soil becomes,
the easier it dries ; and the result is, the more
water you give the more is wanted.

It must, however, be borne in mind that much
injury often results to the newly planted trees
from summer watering. The cold water cools
the ground, and we need some warmth in the
soil to encourage new roots to push. Still, trees
must have some water when the ground is dry,
but it must be used with caution.

Amateurs may have some rare or choice
shrub they may desire to increase. They may
now be propagated by layers. This is done by
taking a strong and vigorous shoot of the present
season's growth, slitting the shoot a few inches
from its base, and buiying it a few inches under
the soil, or into" a pot of soil provided for the
purpose. The young growing point of the shoot
should be taken out in the operation. By the
English mode of making the slit, a great num-
ber of the shoots will be broken and spoiled.
Anything can be propagated by layers ; and it is
an excellent mode of raising rare things that can
be, but with difficulty, increased by any other.

COMMUNICA TIONS.

ROSE— DUCHESS OF EDINBURGH.

BY MR. E. LONSDALE, GEEMANTOWX, PHILA.

I send a flower — though it is a little past its
best— of the new tea rose. Duchess of Edin-
burgh. If you have not already seen it, I

194

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[July,

thought it might interest you. I amdisappointed
in the color, as according to descriptions and
colored plates, it should be a "deep glowing
crimson." It is, as you will see, very little
darker, and not so bright, as the good old, and
deservedly popular, Bon Silene. Location and
soil may make some difference ; but the plants
here have been fully exposed to the light, and
no plants could look more healthy. I think
this is one of its characteristics, for not a
sign of mildew has been observed during the six
months I have had the plants in my possession,
but have worn a dark, luxuriant green, making
it very readily distinguished from any other
variety.

ARBORETUM AMERICANUM.

List of One Hundred and Seventy-five Specimens

Ornamental Deciduous Trees, in the Grounds

of Messrs. Hovey & Co., Boston.

BY C. M. HOVEY.

Long ago, in the Magazine of Horticulture, I
urged upon all lovers of trees the importance of
employing a greater variety in the formation of
pleasure grounds and parks, and the very great
addition such variety would be to our landscape
scenery ; abundant as the material was, and rich
also, giving not only variation of outline, but
diversity of foliage ; not only the verdure of
summer, but the glorious autumn coloring which
no other country can claim ; not only the formal,
round-headed horse-chestnut, but the pyramidal
oak ; not only the maple, beautiful as it is, but
the massive grandeur of the magnolia; not only
the flowing grace of the elm, but the exuberant
richness of the weeping beech; not only the
stiffness of the Linden, but the fringy exquisite-
ness of the Kentucky coffee tree ; not only the
gaudy berries of the mountain ash, but the
golden panicles, set in feathery foliage, of the
Kolreuteria.

Gilpin (whom Loudon so often quotes as his best
authority), in his classic volume on forest scenery,
remarks, " If a man was disposed to moralize,
the ramifications aftd spray of a thriving tree
afford a good theme." And he devotes several
pages to descriptions of the spray of the oak,
beech, ash and elm, illustrating his remarks
with engravings. In fact, to a real lover of trees,
a winter view is a study, and almost as gratify-
ing as that of the summer fullness of foliage.
An elm forming one of a long row, near our

daily walk, is a never-failing source of pleasure
the year round. It is what I might justly call
the zig-zag, or, perhaps, serpent elm. The out-
line of the head, which is 60 feet high, appears
quite symmetrical ; but the branches which form
it run in every possible direction, like huge
boa constrictors curled beneath the leaves. Yet
these limbs contort and twist in a regular order
of their own, and only in winter, except by close
examination show their peculiar character.

Besides the spray, which is so varied and
pleasing, we have the lightness or heaviness
of foliage ; the early or late leafing as well as the
early or late fall of the foliage ; the roughness or
smoothness of the bark ; the light or dark color
of the same ; the yellow, brown or scarlet
autumn tints of their leaves ; the beautiful flow^-
ers of some, and the conspicuous fruits of
others ; each possessing some wonderful charac-
istics which make variety, and add to the ex-
pression of every landscape or ornamental plan-
tation.

Long since impressed with the importance of
such variety, I have endeavored to procure every
tree which would be likely to prove hardy in
our climate, and in 1844, when abroad, I selected
from the leading nurseries of England, Scotland,
and France every tree of this character then to
be had. The quantity was very large, but quite
a number did not survive the voyage, and many
succumbed to the first very severe winter. Sev-
eral were cut down and burnt, not being
distinct, and others not specially noticeable
served in the same way for want of room ; yet
we find, to our very great surprise, on counting
them up, that we have nearly two hundred spe-
cies and varieties left. The oldest trees were set
out in 1844, and the others from year to year up
to 1865, since which time the trees are too small
to deserve the name of specimens, several of
which are thirty to sixty feet high, and a num-
ber twenty to thirty feet in breadth.

For convenience, as well as for reference to
authentic descriptions and engravings, I have
arranged them according to Loudon's "Arbor-
etum," the most complete work ever yet written
upon trees, and perfectly astounding in regard to
the information he gathered together about
every tree. Descriptive, geographical, historical,
useful, poetical and legendary ; soil, situation,
insects, diseases, propagation, &c. That Mr.
Loudon should have accomplished this great
work while editing the magazine, is simply
amazing. The late Dr. Lindley, we think, called

1876.]

AND HORTICULTURIST.

195

him merely a compiler ; but the original ideas
and criticisms scattered through the "Arbore-
tum," as well as all his books and magazines,
would fill a dozen ordinary volumes, and they
have moulded and formed the present English
taste for landscape art, as they have also influ-
enced to a great degree the taste in our own
country.

MAGNOLIACE^.

1. Magnolia tripetala, The three-petaled Mag-

nolia, 15 feet.

2. Magnolia acuminata, Pointed-leaved, 40 feet.

3. Magnolia acuminata,

Hoveyi variegata, Hovey's new golden va-
riegated, 12 feet.

4. Magnolia cordata. Heart-leaved, 15 feet.

5. Magnolia conspicua, Chinese, 10 feet.

6. Magnolia conspicua,
Soulangeana, Soulanges, 10 feet.

7. Magnolia conspicua,

speciosa. Showy, 15 feet.

8. Magnolia conspicua,
Norbertiana, Norberts, 12 feet.

9. Magnolia conspicua,

Lenn6, Linnaeus', 8 feet.

10. Magnolia Thompson-

iana, Thompsons', 8 feet.

11. Liriodendron tulipi-

fera. The Tulip tree, 35 feet.

12. Liriodendron varie-
gata, Variegated-leaved, 20 ft.

TILIACEiE.

13. Tilia Americana, American lim'e, 25 feet.

14. Tilia Europsea, European lime, 40 feet.

15. Tilia Europsea platy-

phylla. Broad-leaved, 25 feet.

16. Tilia Europsea lac-

iniata. Cut-leaved, 18 feet.

17. Tilia Europsea aurea, Golden-twigged, 15 feet.

18. Tilia Europaea rubra. Red-twigged, 17 feet.

19. Tilia Europsea, alba

pendula. Weeping, 25 feet.

ACERACE^.

20. Acer Tartaricum,JI Tartarian maple, 15 feet.

21. Acer spicatum. Spike-flowered, 12 feet.

22. Acer striatum. Striped-barked, 25 feet.

22. (bis.) Acer eriocar-

pum, Silver-leaved maple, 60

feet.

23. Acer platanoides, Norway maple, 45 feet.

24. Acer platanoides va-

riegatum, Variegated-leaved, 20 ft.

25. Acer platanoides

Laciniatum, Eagle's claw, 22 feet.

26. Acer saccharinum, Sugar, 40 feet.

27. Acer saccharinum

Nigrum, Black sugar, 30 feet.

28. Acer pseudo pla-

tanus, Sycamore, 20 feet.

29. Acer pseudo pur-
purea. Purple-leaved, 18 feet.

30. Acer pseudo rubra. Reddish-leaved, 10 feet.

31. Acer opulifolium, Guelder rose-leaved, 12

feet.

32. Acer rubrum, Scarlet, 50 feet,

33. Acer campestre. Common English, 15 ft.

34. Acer campestre Aus-

triacum, Austrian, 20 feet.

35. Negundo fraxinifo-

lium. Ash -leaved Negundo, 30

feet.

.«SCULACEiE.

36. iEsculus hippocasta-

num. Common horse-chestnut,

25 feet.

37. ^sculus hippocasta-

num florepleno. Double-flowered, 25 feet.

38. ^sculus hippocasta-

num Memmingeri, ~ Memmingeris, 12 feet.

39. ^sculus hippocasta-

num maculata. Spotted-flowered, 12 ft.

40. -^sculus hippocasta-

num hybrida. Hybrid, 12 feet.

41. ^sculus rubicunda. Red-flowered, 20 feet.

42. ^sculus rubicunda

variegata. Variegated-leaved, 15 ft..

43. ^sculus rubicunda

laciniata. Cut-leaved, 10 feet.

44. ^sculus Ohioensis, Buckeye, 20 feet.

45. iEsculus flava. Yellow-flowered, 20 feet.

46. ^sculus flava Whit-

tleyi, Scarlet-flowered, 16 feet.

SAPINDACE.*:.

47. Kolreuteria panicu-

lata, Panicled-flowering Kol-

reuteria, 15 feet.

XANTHOXYLACE^.

48. Ptelea trifoliata. Shrubby Trefoil tree, 12

feet.

49. Ptelea trifoUata va-
riegata. Variegated-leaved, 8 ft.

AQUIFOLIACE.*;.

50. Hex opaca, American Holly, 18 feet.

196

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[July,

RHAMNACE^,

51. Rhamnus catharti-

cus, Buckthorn, 12 feet.

ANACARDIACE^.

52. Rhus typhina, Sumach, 15 feet.

53. Rhus Cotinus, Smoke tree, 10 feet.

LEGUMINACEiE.

54. Virgilia kitea. Yellow wood, 25 feet.

55. Cj'tisus Laburnum, Scotch laburnum, 15 ft.

56. Cj'tisus Laburnum

Watereri, Waterer's, 15 feet.

57. Cj'tisus Laburnum

pendula, Pendulous, 18 feet.

58. Robinia pseud-aca-
cia, Locust, 15 feet.

59. Carragana arbores-

cens, Siberian Pea tree, 15 ft.

60. Gleditschia triacan-

thos, Three thorned acacia, 15

feet.

61. Gymnocladus Cana-
densis, Kentucky Coffee tree.

30 feet.

ROSACEA.

62. Cerasus vulgaris, Cherry tree, 25 feet.

63. Cerasus vulgaris, flore

pleno. Double flowering, 30 ft.

64. Cerasus avum flore

pleno, New double flowering,

16 feet.

65. Cerasus semper-flor-

ens, Ever-flowering, 18 feet.

66. Crataegus oxyacan-

tha, English Hawthorn, 15 ft.

67. Crataegus oxyacantha

punicea, Scarlet flowering, 15 feet.

68. Crataegus oxyacantha

punicea flore pleno, Double pink, 20 feet.

69. Crataegus oxyacantha

punicea, Paul's new. New double scarlet, 6 ft.

70. Crattegus oxyacantha

flore pleno alba. Double white, 15 feet.

71. Crataegus oxyacantha

pendula, "Weeping, 15 feet.

72. Crataegus oxyacantha

stricta, Erect growing 15 feet.

73. Crataegus punctata. Dotted fruited, 15 feet.

74. Crataegus crus galli, Comuni thorn, 12 feet.

75. Crataegus coccinea, Scarlet. 10 feet.

76. Crataegus cordata, Washington thorn, 15 ft.

77. Cotoneaster frigida, White-flowered, 18 feet.

78. Amelanchier botry-

apium. Snowy amelanchier, 10

79. Pyrus communis (?) [feet,
pendula, Weeping pear, 12 feet.

80. Pyrus spectabilis. Double-flowering apple,

20 feet.

81. Pyrus coronaria. Garland flowered, 8 feet.

82. Pj'rus Aria, White beam tree, 25 feet.

83. Pyrus aucuparia, Mountain ash, 15 feet.

84. Pyrus aucuparia pen-
dula, Weeping, 10 feet.

CORNACEiE.

85. Cornus Florida, Florida dogwood, 14 ft.

86. Cornus alternifolius. Alternate-leaved, 10 ft.

HALESIACE^.

87. Halesia tetraptera. Snow-drop tree, 20 feet.

88. Halesia diptera, Two-winged, 10 feet.

OLEACE^.

89. Chionanthus Virgin-

icus. Fringe tree, 15 feet.

90. Fraxinus excelsior, English ash, 25 feet.

91. Fraxinus excelsior

pendula, Weeping, 25 feet.

92. Fraxinus excelsior

crispa. Curled-leaved, 10 feet.

93. Fraxinus Americana, American ash, 30 feet.
93j. Fraxinus Americana

aucubaefolia, Gold spotted-leaved, 15

feet.

LAURACE^.

94. Laurus sassafras. Sassafras tree, 18 feet.

SANTALACEJE.

95. Nyssa biflora, Tupelo tree, 25 feet.

96. Nyssa villosa, Hairy-leaved 15 feet.

ELjEAGXACE.^.

97. Elaeagnus argentea. Wild olive tree, 18 fefet.

ULMAC^.

98. Ulnius campestris, English elm, 20 feet.

99. Ulmus campestris

cornubiensis, Cornish elm, 10 feet.

100. Ulmus campestris

viminalis. Twiggy elm, 40 feet.

101. Ulmus campestris

pendula, Scampston weeping, 40

feet.

102. Ulmus suberosa

var., Huntington elm, 40 feet.

103. Ulmus suberosa

pendula, Weeping, 20 feet.

104. Ulmus efilisa, Spreading-branched, 25

feet.

18T6.'

AND HORTICULTURIST.

191

105. Ulmus inontana, Scotch elm, 40 feet.

106. Ulmus montana

purpurea, Purple-leaved, 40 feet.

107. Ulmus montana

superba. Superb-leaved, 20 feet.

108. Ulmus montana

crispa, Curled-leaved, 12 feet.

109. Ulmus montana

pendula. Weeping, 35 feet.

110. Ulmus montana

pendula, Camperdown weeping,

12 feet.

111. Ulmus montana

laciniata, Cut-leaved, 10 feet.

112. Ulmus Americana, American elm, 60 feet.

113. Ulmus Americana

horizontalis, Spreading-branched, 18

feet.

114. Celtis occidentals, American nettle tree, 20

feet.

115. Celtis Australis, European nettle tree, 20

feet.

JUGLANDACEiE.

116. Juglans regia, English walnut, 10 feet.

117. Juglans nigra. Black-wooded, 18 feet.

118. Juglans cinerea, Butternut, 25 feet.

119. Carya alba, Shell-bark hickory, 20 ft.
320. Carya porcina, Pig-nut, 18 feet.

SALIC ACE^.

121. Salix Babylonica, Weeping willow, 15 feet.

122. Salix rosmarini-

folia, Rosemary-leaved, 12 ft.

123. Salix lucida, Shining-leaved, 10 feet.

124. Salix alba, Common white, 15 feet.

125. Salix vitellina. Yellow willow, 15 feet.

126. Salix tricolor, Variegated, 10 feet.

127. Salix Americana

pendula, American weeping, 10 ft.

128. Salix caprea pen-
dula, Kilmarnock, 10 feet.

129. Populus alba. Silver-leaved abele, 50 ft.

130. Populus tremula. Aspen, 18 feet.

131. Populus tremula

pendula, Weeping, 16 feet.

132. Populus monilifera. Black Italian, 25 feet.

133. Populus canescens, White, 25 feet.

134. Populus balsami-

fera, Balm of Gilead, 45 feet.

134. (bis) Populus

Hoveyi, Hovey's blue poplar, 40

feet.

BETULACE.<E.

135. Alnus glutinosa, English alder, 25 feet.

135. (bis) Betula nigra. Black birch, 20 feet.

136. Betula alba, White birch, 20 feet.

137. Betul% papyracea. Canoe birch, 40 feet.

138. Betula lenta. Pliant birch, 30 feet.

138. (bis) Betula Hoveyi, Large-leaved, 20 feet.

CORYLACEJE.

139. Quercus peduncu-

lata, English oak, 40 feet.

140. Quercus peduncu-

lata heterophylla. Cut-leaved, 50 feet.

141. Quercus peduncu-

lata fastigiata. Pyramidal, 30 feet.

142. Quercus peduncu-

lata fastigiata viridis. Green pyramidal, 80 ft.

143. Quercus cerris pen-
dula, Weeping Turkey, 20 ft.

144. Quercus alba, White American, 40 ft.

145. Quercus alba

Hoveyi, Hovey's bronze oak, 16

feet.

146. Quercus macrocar-

pa. Over cup white, 15 feet.

147. Quercus obtusiloba. Post oak, 30 feet.

148. Quercus lyrata, Lyrate oak, 15 feet.

149. Quercus rubra, Bed oak, 18 feet.

150. Quercus coccinea, Scarlet oak, 30 feet.

151. Quercus macro-

phylla. Large-leaved, 18 feet.

152. Quercus palustris. Swamp white, 20 feet.

153. Fagus sylvatica, English beech, 25 feet.

154. Fagus sylvatica pur-

l^urea. Purple, 25 feet.

155. Fagus sylvatica cu-

prea, Copper, 26 feet.

156. Fagus sylvatica he-
terophylla. Cut-leaved, 20 feet.

157. Fagus sylvatica pen-
dula, Milton weeping, 40 feet.

158. Fagus sylvatica pen-
dula. Fountain weeping, 25 ft.

159. Fagus Americana, American beech, 25 ft.

160. Fagus Americana

latifolia. Broad-leaved, 20 feet.

161. Castanea Ameri-
cana, American chestnut, 30 ft.

162. Ostrya vulgaris, Hop hornbeam, 25 feet.
102. (bis) Ostrya'Virgin-

ica, Virginian hop horn-

beam, 20 feet.

163. Carpinus Betulus, Common hornbeam, 15

feet.

164. Carpinus Betulus

pendula, Weeping, 20 feet.

198

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[July,

165. Carpinus Betulus

variegata, Variegated-leaved, 10 ft.

166. Carpinus Ameri- ^
can a, American, 20 feet.

BALSAMACE^.

167. Liquidambar styra-

ciflua, Sweet gum, 18 feet.

TAXACEiR.

168. Salisburia adianti-

folia, Ginkgo tree, 20 feet.

CONIFERS.

169. Larix Europaea, Scotch Larch, 30 feet.

170. Larix Americana, American, 25 feet.

171. Larix Ksempferi, Japan, 12 feet.

172. Taxodium distich-

um, Deciduous cypress, 20 ft.

Of the above Ust the following are very splen-
did specimens, some of them as broad as they
are high, and branched to the ground, viz. :

Cut-leaved Beech, twenty feet broad; Purple
Elm, twenty-five feet broad ; Pyramidal Oak, so
broad and dense at the base as to hide the stem
— a superb tree ; Eagle's Claw Maple, very dis-
tinct ; Quercus macrophylla, leaves ten inches
long; Tupelo Tree (from seed); variegated
Tulip Tree, clothed to the ground with bright,
golden-blotched leaves ; Quercus laciniata,
spreading fifty feet ; Ulmus viminalis, very dis-
tinct; Double Horse-chestnut, thirty feet, and
branched to the ground ; ^sculus rubicunda, v.
variegataflora and Whitleyi, covered this year
with thousands of their showy blossoms ; Scamps,
ten Weeping Elm, fifty feet high and forty
broad; Weeping Beech, fifty feet broad, every
limb dropping at a right angle, and touching the
ground ; Weeping Beech, the Milton variety, not
so novel and beautiful a variety, but gracefully
drooping ; White Beam tree, a broad cone of sil-
very foliage ; Kentucky Cofiee tree, twenty feet
broad, a mass of glaucous pinnate leaves.

As new and somewhat remarkable trees, not
so large, because new, are the Magnolia acu-
minata Hoveyi aurea, with leaves as brilliantly
golden as Sanchezia; a Bronze-leaved oak, the
young leaves as bronzy crimson as some of the
new Japan maples; a new poplar, with large
leaves of a dark blue-green, with pinkish nerves;
a Sycamore Maple, with no petioles, and the
leaves tinged with red on the under side; an
elm of the habit of a rock maple, and a birch
with very large leaves, seven inches long, pre-
cisely like the beech ; all seedlings selected from

time to time. Also ^sculus Memmingeri, from
Belgium, the leaves of which have the appear-
ance of being covered with a silvery dust; and
Ptelea trifoliata variegata, with very bright gol-
den variegated foliage. Also, Shellbark hickory,
a seedling raised by the late Mr. Dana (the
raiser of the Hovey pear), from some of the
largest and finest nuts he could get. The leaves
are of immense size — a magnificent specimen.

To the lover of beautiful trees, these specimens
offer an agreeable and interesting study, and
give a good idea of their relative beauty for
parks or ornamental grounds. We hope to pre-
serve most of them as long as possible ; but in
the neighborhood of large cities this is no easy
task, and in turn, no doubt^ — some of them at
least — will fare no better than hundreds of
others, which have been sacrificed to make room
for bricks and mortar.

NOTE ON THE GARDENS OF GERMANY.

BY O. NURTINGEN, WURTEMBURG.

The taste for rare trees is not as wide-spread
here as in other parts of the world.

I have found considerable diflficulty in getting
together all I wanted. In fruit trees I had no
trouble whatever ; the pear trees especially are
splendid, and there are plenty of places where
you can get them nfear home.

The demand for ornamentals, however, is
much smaller, and hence the opportunity of get-
ting a good assortment not very good. While
you can get at Stuttgart (12 miles from here)
splendid specimens of A. Nordmanniana 7 to 8
feet high, perfect beauties, with ball, for $2.50
(retail), I could not find a single specimen of
Irish or Swedish Junipers, very few dwarf Thu-
jas, no Retinospora (or, as they call them here,
" Chamoecyparis "), excepting ericoides, which
does here splendidly. A. Pinsapo is here per-
fectly hardy. So is Well, gigantea, Cedar of Leba-
non, Deodar Cedar and Cryptomeria jap. I even
saw an Araucaria imbricata, some 24 feet high,
entirely uninjured; it was, however, well surround-
ed and protected by other evergreens. Strange
to say, the common Am. Arbor vitse suffers more
or less every spring ; no entire limbs perish, but
nearly all the ends of last year's growth are
dead. A. Nordmanniana, Pinsapo, Cupr. Lawsoni-
ana (perfectly hardy), Thujopsis borealis. Wel-
ling, gigantea, Taxus baccata. White Pine, Hem-
lock Spruce, White Spruce, Biota aurea and B.
compacta, English Holly, you can find in the

1876.]

AND HORTICULTURIST.

199

nurseries around here in the largest quantities
and generally of very good size. Magnolias are
extremely scarce.

We had, what they called here, terribly cold
weather ; every one was complaining ; the cold
was 10° below zero, and that only one day,
without any air stirring. January was beautiful,
generally 20°-24° above zero. February and
beginning of March was mostly wet, and now for
weeks we have had no frost ; we are sitting in
the garden every day ; thermometer ranges du-
ring the greater part of the day between 50°-65°,
and sinks to about 42°. Most fruit trees are now
blooming or beginning to. The nurserymen
have been through selling their dead stock fer a
week or more.

This delightful climate, the most excellent beer,
the splendid and very cheap wine, the cheap and
good cigars, the jolly society we have — how can
a man long for America, with local option and
all its blessings ? and women writing and preach-
ing against smoking? as I read of in your
papers. Three cheers for Germany !

EDITORIAL NOTES.

Paeks in Boston. — Boston is in a fair way to
have a chain of magnificent public parks. The
commission to inquire into the matter reporls fa-
vorably.

Anemone nemorosa. — This beautiful spring-
flowering native plant has a great tendency to
produce rosy tinted flowers. If closely looked
after a real pink native Anemone might be ob-
tained.

How Marechal Niel Rose Grows. — Mr. Har-
rison, of Darlington, mentions ih the Gardeners'
Magazine, that a plant of the Marechal Niel Rose
in his nursery "has attained the immense growth
of 500 yards, and is now (Feb. 22) making nearly
2 yards of wood per day." Mr. Harrison contin-
ues : " We have people coming from all parts
to see it. It is now beginning to bloom, which
will stay its growth. Splendid blooms have gone
to Covent Garden to-day at Is Q>d. each. What a
pity to have to destroy such a plant ! as I must
because the place has been sold over my head,
and I shall have to move this spring to Cat-
terick."

Gun-barrel Budding. — This kind of budding is
now much practiced by rosarians. In all rose

gardens where the amateur buds his own roses
there will be found many strong suckers rising
from the roots of dead briars. On account
of the severe frosts last winter, many fine, strong
suckers may be found at the present time. Take
a strong sucker, about 3 feet high, dress all the
spines and side shoots off" for about 2 feet from the
ground, the young wood will be found in about the
same state of greenness and ripeness as the side
shoot of the briars which you are budding on the
top part of the stock. Instead of waiting till next
season, bud at once, just above one of the leaf
rings, gun-barrel fashion — put the point of the
knife in just above a bud, draw it upwards gently
for about an inch in length. Here you have the
incision which must receive the bud, at the top
of which make your cross cut. Use good, strong,
plump buds, which can always be obtained in
abundance during August, which is the best time
for gun-barrel budding. About two eyes above or
below you may insert another bud. There is
such an immense flow of sap in these shoots
from the root that, when tying up the bud, the
sap flows out and runs down the stem. The
briar and the bud are thus both of one age, and
may be said to begin the world together. The
junction is rapid and complete. All below the
inserted buds must be cut awaj^ but all growth
above must be suffered to remain until about the
middle of November. The reader will naturally
ask, " How do you get this sucker up when th^
head is formed ? How do you separate it from
the parent stock ? " I let it grow for two seasons,
after which a good head is formed, and the
sucker has become as thick as the thumb. In
November, grub up the whole of the old root,
and separate the stem from it; it is generally full
of fibres, and may be removed to its proper
quarters with safety. On this plan, instead of
suckers being a nuisance, they may be turned to
good account, and your roses multiplied into
dwarfs and standards at pleasure. I generally
bud these suckers last, and they have often been
of the greatest service to me, when a friend has
sent me some buds of very choice new sorts late
in the season ; all my briars having been worked,
I should have had no stocks to bud them into, had
I not preserved these suckers. Gentlemen occu-
pying land can bud into the suckers arising from
old roots growing in the hedgerows ; but, before
inserting the buds, the sucker must be carefully
examined at its base, in order to see whether it
can be taken up when the head is formed, and
removed to the rose garden. — Garden.

200

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[July,

Importance of Forests. — At the nineteenth
annual meeting of the Scottish Arboricultural
Society, held recently, the President, in his inau-
gural address, alluded to the beneficial effects of
the maintenance of a due proportion of forest
land in every country, from the shelter it gives
in spring and protection from high winds, as well
as to the common belief that malaria and flights
of locusts and noxious insects, &c., are often ar-
rested by belts of forest. He then proceeded to
sketch the evils that have followed the reckless
cutting down of indigenous wood in many coun-
tries, where, only when it was too late, have
measures been adopted for preserving the for-
ests. He urged the necessity of prudence and
caution in all operations which, on a large
scale, interfere with the primeval arrangements
of the organic and inorganic world.

Andromeda arborea. — We seldom see in
pleasure grounds the Andromeda arborea (some-
times called Lyonia arborea), and yet it is one of
the prettiest of deciduous trees of moderate
growth, and when in blossom it forms an object
of singular elegance. The tree is somewhat
erect in its habit of growth, and is clothed with
largish oblong serrated leaves, which have an
acid flavor, whence it has been called the Sorrel-
tree. But its chief interest is to be found in its
flowers, which are so much like the bells of the
Lily of the Valley in outward aspect, that the
branched panicles might almost be imagined to
be made up of a loose cluster of Lily spikes. The
resemblance of the horizontal one-sided racemes
is, indeed, so striking, that the name of Lily-of-the-
Valley Tree might not inappropriately be ap-
plied to the species, the more so as it inhabits
the valleys of the Alleghenies. This is one of the
choice, old-fashioned, neglected plants one meets
•with in such collections as that at the Knap
Hill Nursery. — Gardeners^ Chronicle.

are produced very freely; they are rather larger
than those of John Gould Vietch, and more
double. It can be strongly recommended for
pot-culture, as a conservatory climber, and for
outdoor decoration generally. It now appears
to be in the hands of all the principal nursery-
men.— Gardeners' Magazine.

Fritillaria pudica. — A beautiful yellow-flow-
ering bulb of Utah and California; is finding its
way into general culture. Unlike so many of these
far western things it seems to be adapted to east-
ern culture. The flower much resembles the
snowdrop in form, and flowers a little earlier
than that well-known favorite. It might be
called yellow snowdrop.

Fritillaria recurva, Benth., with flowers
worthy of being described as scarlet, is in flower
at Kew, and, it is needless to say, is a striking
novelty. It grows to a height of from one to
two feet, though the present example is less than
six inches, from the fact of the bulbs having been
somewhat weak, and without sufficient time to
get established. The leaves are very narrow, and
of a greyish green tint. The flowers number
from three to eight, are narrowly campanulate,
and from an inch to an inch and a half in length,
but in this case they are smaller. No other
known species can approach this in color. On
first expansion it appears most brilliant, being
afterwards apparently toned down with an in-
crease of yellow, which would seem the ground
color. The tessellation is somewhat obscure,
though evident on close examination. On the
inside the perianth is distinctly yellow, and is
covered with numerous usually linear scarlet
spots. It is a native of California, and will
doubtless prove one of the most interesting
bulbs recently introduced from that or any other
country. — Gardeners' Chronicle.

NEW PLANTS.

New Double White Clematis. — In Lucie Le-
moine we have a new double-flowering white
Clematis which is destined to take high rank
among these beautiful garden flowers. It is a
Continental variety, as yet but little known, for,
as we have had so many introduced of late by the
English raisers, it has been well nigh overlooked.
Hence the necessity of directing prominent at-
tention to it. It is an early-flowering variety,
and the flowers, which are of the purest white.

QUERIES.

Diseased Branches on Oaks and Maples, —
J. H. McH., Pikesville, Md., writes : " I forward
some branches cut from diseased trees, and shall
he glad to have 3'our advice as to the proper
remedial treatment of the trees.

" The knots on the English oak appear princi-
pally on the lower branches on the north and
west sides of the tree. The branches of the ma-
ple seem to have been killed after the blossoms
were thrown out, and several maples of this

1876.]

AND EOBTICULTURIST.

201

variety are looking badly. The trees have been
set out about twenty years, and have until
within a year or two looked healthy and thriving."
[The burr on the oak may be of fungoid origin,
once formed the burr continues to increase in
size everj' year, often attaining considerable
size. It was not clear what was the matter with
the maple branches. — Ed. G. M.]

Double White Deutzia crenata. — Mr. David
Saunders, Whitneyville, New Haven, Ct., fur-
nishes the following additional note : " I notice
in the May Monthly iha.i you mention the Double

White Deutzia crenata as a novelty. Six years
ago I purchased a plant of 01m Bros, (then doing
business in Springfield, Mass.) marked Deutzia
crenata purpurea flora plena, which on flowering
proved to be a pure white double. I have since
then propagated and disseminated it considera-
bly, so that in this locality it is no novelty. I
presume it is the same variety you allude to.
Please accept of a plant which I send by ex-
press."

[It is pleasant to know that this beautiful
variety haS found its way so extensively into the
trade.— Ed. G. M.]

^REEN tiLOUSE AND tiLOUSE GARDENING.

SEASONABLE HINTS.

if we take a look through most greenhouses,
we see with regret that the cultivation of plants
with the view to make fine specimens of skill
has not kept pace with general gardening pro-
gress. The demand for cut flowers causes a
general crowding — and thus we see at horticul-
tural exhibitions only in rare cases plants of
more merit than could be bought for a few cents
at any street corner. Even in the cases where
large specimens are on exhibition ^they are
chiefly plants which time and not skill has
made. It may perhaps be the Sago Palm owned
by Robert Morris of the Revolution, or it may
be some other thing that has been the hero of a
hundred shows, still the same old plant and
nothing more. In view of this falling off" or per-
haps indifierence to garden skill, it is a pleasure to
find ourselves once in a while in some old farm-
house or cottage by the way, where magnificent
specimens of the commonest things are found in
the highest perfection It was our privilege to
see early the past spring, growing in an old iron-
bound bucket, a specimen of the common In-
dian Daphne, several feet high, and with hun-
dreds of sweet blossoms over every part of it;
and yet this person had not even a greenhouse
of any sort to grow the plant so well. Where is
the greenhouse that can produce such Daphnes

as this ? More recently we have seen old Scarlet
Geraniums and Rose Geraniums not cut down
and made into small bushes from time to time,
but kept on growing from year to year, making
grand sjDecimens, clothed with foliage from bot-
tom to top, and covered with flowers — truly mag-
nificent sights to see. This is the sort of skill we
like to see encouraged. A new or rare plant is
all very well, but a good specimen of an old
thing is equally new or rare and well worth the
trying for.

Most of the plants are set out for the summer,
as formerly recommended — little care will be re-
quired beyond seeing that they are not over or
under watered. Some will be yet growing ; and
may be full of roots. If growth will probably
continue for a while longer, pots a size larger
may be furnished such. Whenever a shoot ap-
pears to grow stronger than the rest, so as to en-
danger compactness or any desired shape, pinch
it back, and any climbing vines should receive
due regulation as they grow over the trellis, or
they will speedily become naked below. A good,
stiff" trellis is a desideratum hard to be obtained
by the uninitiated.

In training vines, so manage that there shall
be a due proportion of branches hanging loosely
about the trellis, — as it is this flowing graceful-
ness that adds half the charms to this tribe of
plants which they so profusely possess.

202

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[July,

COMMUNICA 770 NS.

POINSETTIA CULTURE.

BY JAMES m'pHERSON.

On page 40, February number, is a good arti-
cle on the culture of the above plant. I have
long practised a method differing somewhat
from the one referred to, and described by me in
last year's Country Gentleman. It is not a new
method, but is not often practised in this countrj-.
The dormant plants are planted in the open
ground about the middle of May and encouraged
to make a good growth About the latter end of
August cuttings of the young wood are taken
about nine inches long, and at once inserted in
four-inch pots in rich sandy loam, placed in
heat, and kept well shaded until struck, they
will with good management retain their leaves
from the rim of the pot and give splendid bracts.

ORCHID CULTURE.

BY MK. MANSFIELD MILTON.

The increase in the culture of this class of
plants throughout Europe and America within
the last few years is really astonishing, and the
great perfection which is attained in the cultiva-
tion of such kinds that used to be considered
almost impossible to manage. The high, moist,
and almost unbearable temperature which used
to be thought indispensable in the successful cul-
ture of orchids, has been greatly abandoned,
and a more airy and natural temperature adopt-
ed and with marked success. The plants are
healthier, flower more abundantly, and kept
easier free of insects than when the extreme high
temperature system was employed. The great
rage throughout England, just now, appeare to
be for what are called " cool orchids," which com-
prise some of the finest treasures in the floral
world, such as some of the species of Cattleya,
Odontoglossum, Masdevallia, Disa, Barkeria, Ly-
caste, and many others which can be grown in
any house when a cool, steady, moist tempei'ature
can be maintained free from cold draughts of air
passing through amongst the plants. The nu-
merous varieties of Odontoglossum Pescatori,
O. Alexandrae, and O. Grande, give them an at-
traction, making them worthy of a house spe-
cially devoted to their culture. The Odontoglos-
sum house being a specialty about a good many
places in England and Scotland. Of course it is
not to be supposed when a cool temperature is
mentioned that a cold temperature is meant, and

that a general collection of orchids will, with
impunity, bear a low temperature for any
lengthened time is erroneous ; from such treat-
ment such plants as Phalaenopsis, Saccolabiums,
a good many of the Vandas, and other genera
from the East Indies may look for a short time
in a healthy condition, but spot is eventually
sure to make its appearance, and if once this
worst of all orchid diseases, gets a commence-
ment in a collection of orchids, it is difficult to
atop, and can scarcely be cured. The most de-
vastating case I ever witnessed of this disease
was in a valuable collection of orchids in the
North of Scotland. The plants had been grow-
ing vigorously for several years, when a change
of gardener, who was a strong advocate of the
cool treatment system, changed the temperature,
keeping it too cold for the welfare of the plants,
the result being spot of the most malignant
kind upon Phalaenopsis, Vandas, brides and
Saccolabiumtj, completely destrojdng this once
beautiful collection. I visited a collection of
orchids, a short time ago in this country, com-
posed of East Indian and Mexican orchids,
which have been kept for some time back very
cool, and although previously in excellent health,
I could observe upon some of those which are
natives of very warm countries strong indications
of spot making its appearance, while such kinds
as are natives of Mexico and other parts of Cen-
tral America, are in excellent condition, fully
substantiating what experience has always
taught me, that while orchids from the highlands
of Central America do best and keep in the
healthiest condition when grown in a cool steady
temperature, when sufficient air is admitted to
prevent a stagnant atmosphere, such plants as
are natives of Moulmain, and other parts of Bur-
mah, require a much warmer temperature at all
seasons, especially when making their growths.

One of the most fatal mistakes in growing cool
house orchids, is keeping them too dry at all
times, which is just the opposite of what they
should be, more especially in this country, where
evaporation is so rapid.

Mr. Rand, in his excellent work on Orchid
Culture, says : "Orchids must have a house for
themselves." This I do not altogether agree
with, as the fine specimen plants I saw of some
of the most difficult kinds in cultivation at some
of the places I visited during my stay in England
this winter, which were growing in houses mostly
devoted to the culture of other plants, testify
that they can be grown, and with success associ-

18T6.]

AND HORTICULTURIST.

20S

ated with other plants. Where there is a large
collection of orchids, or of any particular class
of plants, it is unquestionably the better way to
devote a place for themselves ; but no collection
of plants in the country, whether greenhouse or
hot-house, can be considered complete without a
few orchids in it. Some of the finest orchids
we have are of much easier culture than plenty
of the hot-house and greenhouse flowering plants.

I have seen some excellent specimens of orna-
mental-leaved plants and good plants of orchids
in fine flower, exhibited at the different horticul-
tural exhibitions in Boston, but very seldom
have I seen a good specimen of Stephanotis,
Ixora, Franciscea or Dipladenia exhibited. Hor-
ticulturists are not needing, therefore, to be de-
terred from having in their collections a few
orchids, because they cannot set aside a house for
their particular culture. Bestow the same care
upon orchids which other plants require, with
which they can be associated, and they will amply
repay the trouble.

The following is a list of a few kinds suitable
for culture in the greenhouse : —
Dendiobrium nobile, Ly caste, Skinnerii.
Cattleya citrina, Odontoglossum grande.

Cattleya Mossiae, Odontoglossum Alexan-

drse.
Ccelogyne cristata, Phajus grandifolius.

Cyprepedium barbatum, Phajus Wallichii.
Gyprepedium venustum,Zypopetalum Mackayai.
Cyprepedium insigne, Zypopetalum Maxilan.

THE AQUATIC BOUQUET.

BY MRS. C. S. JOXES, MONROE, MO.

A novel and most charming floral arrange-
ment will be found in the " Aquatic Bouquet ;"
and whether for the drawing-room bracket, the
stand of the sick-room, or as an epergne for
some elegant dining or supper table, it is an im-
posing object. But to describe this lovely crea-
tion : — It consists of flowers, leaves, buds, sprays,
grasses, ferns and moss, — or indeed any treas-
ure of the floral kingdom, — in a state of perfect
beauty, and in an upright position, surrounded,
covered, — ^yes, buried as it were, beneath the
limpid element. A singular, yet, after all, a most
simple phenomenon, merely one of Nature's
laws beautifully demonstrated, viz.: — the power of
atmospheric pressure, and the old rule of our
school lesson — " two elements cannot occupy the
same place at the same time," in this instance
proved by following the subjoined directions: —

Have ready a glass-shade, such as we use for
covering fern-cases, wax-flowers, statuary, or
other delicate objects, of any size convenient; or
substitute any plain glass chamber, such as a
tumbler, jar, or bell-glass — though these are
only suitable for small bouquets — a glass or
china dish, with flat bottom, sufficiently large to
admit the shade, and with a deep rim (such as a
soup-plate for instance), — a selection of flowers,
of even ordinary species, such as Dianthus,
Abronia, Verbena, &c., with the other floral
treasures, before mentioned; a piece of stone
one-half as large as diameter of the shade, some
fine but strong green thread, and a tub filled
with clear cold water. Now commence, by
arranging the flowers and leaves tastefully into a
graceful bouquet-form ; using judgment and
artistic skill, in order that, by contrast and pleas-
ing combinations, the most satisfactory results
may be obtained. Fasten this when completed
to the stone, by tying the stems to it (for which
reason the stone might better be rather rugged
in character). The stone itself must then be
entirely hidden by tying moss and colored leaves
around it (commencing at the top, and cover-
ing the stems of the bouquet). For this, the
leaves of Coleus, Achyranthus, Alternanthera,
and variegated Geraniums ; contrasted with moss
and emerald-green fern-fronds, will present a
charming appearance. The stone so covered is
placed in the centre of the dish, and around it
(if space intervenes between it and the side of
the dish) arrange pretty stones, moss and
bright leaves, with graceful vine sprays.

Now immerse this dish, arranged as it is, in
the water contained in the tub ; then taking the
shade in the hand, place one side of it beneath
the water, just over one side of the dish, and
slowly sinking it until entirely filled; all the
time turning it over the bouquet, until finally
it is placed down on the dish ; then raise dish
and all up slowly from the water, and you will
find that the atmospheric pressure will keep the
shade firmly fixed, while before you will be one
of the most lovely objects you ever beheld.

Do not disturb the water around the rim of
the dish, as it aids in making the shade air tight,
and for this reason it might better be renewed
fi*om day to day as it evaporates. Around the
outer rim of the plate or dish place pieces of
stone, shells and coral, prettily dressed with
Tradescantias, Ivies, or other delicate plants
that will grow in water. We have said this was
a beautiful object, but " the half hath not been

204

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[July,

told," until after standing for twenty-four hours,
or less time perhaps, each tiny leaf, every
feathery spray, the crimson of the gorgeous
foliage plants, and soft velvety petals of the blos-
soms, have become — encrusted with a glittering
coat of diamonds — draped and festooned with
tiny ropes of shimmering spangles — ^gemmed and
studded with sparkling jewels, and opalescent
pearls in the form of hundreds of minute air-
bubbles, so iridescent and transparent that every
shade and tint of the rainbow is reflected ; and
the star-like incrustations give the bouquet the
appearance of some wonderful piece of fairy-
work, arising from a sylvan grotto covered with
white frosty gems, far more brilliant than any
cut and polished by human hands.

This wonderfully beautiful object is well-suited
for adorning the sick-room, where flowers are
generally so acceptable, yet frequently inappro-
priate on account of the odor ; but for table
decoration it is specially elegant, and capable of
surprisingly beautiful effects. Thus we have
seen a most imj^osing supper-table epergne ar-
ranged thus ; an unusually successful aquatic
bouquet, filled a shade eighteen inches in height,
placed on a moss-covered stand, one foot in
height, around which were four gold-fish globes, of
the half gallon size ; arranged in the same manner,
but with only white flowers; below these was a cir-
cle of white cut-glass, finger glasses, alternated
with small shades, only six inches in diameter,
with bright flowers in the one, and only ferns in
the other; as an edging, a circle of plain, cut-glass
tumblers, each containing four rose-buds of many
varieties surrounded by moss. Each dish was sur-
rounded by shells, stones, and delicate vines, and
.having been constructed the day previous, it was
by the following evening in that perfect state of
frosty loveliness that is the greatest charm of
these exquisite creations. The magnifying power
of the globes and round shades is also another
special wonder in these beautiful arrangements,
so that very small blossoms appear quadrupled
in size. They will continue perfect for four or
five days in summer, and from six to nine in
winter. Sea-weed also is charming arranged in
this manner with a shell to anchor them.

EDITORIAL NOTES.

Odontoglossum cirrhosum. — New orchideous
plants continue to be introduced, — adding to the
Tariety and interest of collections, but seldom

surprising by rare beauty. The subject of this
paragraph, as well as Odontoglossum Alexandrse,
are exceptions to this; of the former, a recent
Gardener's Chronicle says : " A plant of this ex-
tremely handsome new introduction has just
flowered for the first time, and was exhibited at
the Eoyal Horticultural Society's Meeting on
Wednesday, the 5th inst., when it elicited un-
usual admiration, and was unanimously awarded
the First-class Certificate it so justly merited.
The flower-spikes are branched, bearing from
twenty to thirty pure white, purple-spotted
flowers; the sepals and petals have undulated
margins, and their apices are drawn into long
tapering points. The lip is yellow at the base,
boldly streaked with rich dark brown, and the
crest is whitish and two-lobed, The flowers
may be likened to those of ' 0 nsevium,' but are
fully three times larger than those of that spe-
cies."

Kalmias for Winter Blooming. — The following
hint from the Gardener's Qironide may be of
value to our " winter bloomers : " "One of the
best hardy plants for forcing is Kalmia latifolia.
Plants should be selected well filled with buds,
and potted up in the ordinary way, and brought
on in heat. Not only do the plalits flower with
great freedom, but they remain for a long time
in bloom, and the cultivator can " cut-and-come-
again " in a liberal manner. When associated
with Rhododendrons, American Azaleas, and
other plants in a warm greenhouse, the Kalmia
has a very pleasing effect."

And here is another hint from the same source :
"The Sweet Briar can be forced in order to
have its young growths for use at this season of
the year. We recently sa^w some plants that had
been raised from seed, and forced the winter fol-
lowing the second year. The plants should be
planted out in the open ground during sum-
mer, and lifted in October and November and
potted in medium-sized pots, and placed in a
w^arm greenhouse. During March and April an
abundance of young shoots will repay the labors
of the cultivator."

Money Value of Orchids. — To show the value
of orchids we give the following from the Gar-
dener's Chronicle, advertised as " unprecedently
low prices : " — " Pleione humilis, good flowering
bulbs, 38. 6d. each ; if a dozen are taken, 3s. each ;
if 50 are taken, 2s. 6d. each : a dozen would
make a good specimen. The usual price of this
hitherto rare Orchid has been 2 guineas each.

ISI^.]

AND HORTIGULTUBIST.

205

" Pleione maculata, same prices as the above.

" Coelogyne corymbosa. — This is probably the
first time this handsome species has ever been
seen in England in a living state. lOs. M. each,
4 guineas per dozen.

" Dendrobium marmoratum, 7s. M. each, £3 per
dozen.

"Dendrobium Cambridgeanum, 78. &d. each, £3
per dozen.

"Some splendid plants of the rare Odonto-
glossura Linden i, only a few plants of which
previously existed in this country, 15s. each, 6
guineas per dozen."

with alternate leaves and long-stalked flowers,
the lower petal of which is produced behind into
a long horn or spur. The present species waa
found on the banks of the Amazon. It is a
shrubby and remarkably free-blooming plant, of
a trailing or climbing habit, bearing ovate-acu-
minate leaves and lovely, white, horn-shaped or
trumpet-shaped flowers, about two inches long,
suspended on long, thread-like peduncles. These
-interesting flowers taken in profile present the
appearance of some long-spurred Tropseolum,
while on the front view they bear a resemblance
to those of a gigantic Violet. ^

NEW PLANTS.

Cheilanthes fragrans. — A pretty dwarf Cys-
topteris-like Fern, forming dense tufts in vertical
fissures of rocks fully exposed to the sun. Fronds
bright green, two or three times divided, with
deep brown bristly-scaled stalks : highly fragrant
with the scent of new-mown hay. A native of
the mountains of Corsica and Swizterland. Prob-
ably hardy in favorable situations.

Phormium Colensoi variegatum. — This beauti-
ful plant has narrowish, erect, pointed, dark-
green leaves, scarcely an inch in width, elegantly
banded at the margin with one or sometimes two
narrow stripes of creamy white. It has the same
distichous mode of growth as P. fenax, but is
altogether a smaller and more elegant plant,
while its more erect habit and narrower leaves
give it quite a distinct appearance from that of
the variegated Phormium tenax. It is a native of
New Zealand.

CORYNOSTyLIS HYBANTHUS ALBIFLORA. — The

genus Corynostylis belongs to the family of the
Violets, and consists of semi-scandent shrubs,

QUERIES.

Sun Ray Fuchsia. — A correspondent from
Watertown, N. Y., desires to know who origin-
ated the Fuchsia " Sun Ray."

Nymph^a C(ERULEA. — " Ignoramus," Sing Sing,
N. Y., writes : " Will you please be so kind as to
let me know in the next number of the ' Gat'
dener's Monthly ' about the aquatic plant,
Nymphaea coerulea, how soon will it bloom from
the seed? and how large a plant is it? would it
be suitable for a small aquarium ? Pardon the
liberty I take, but as I understand you like to
have subscribers inquire about what they do not
know, I take you up by asking these questions.
If you see fit to answer them, you will confer a
favor on a new subscriber, who is young and
green. Ignoramus."

[This will bloom the second year from seed.
It is hardly the plant for an aquarium, as it
needs sun and stagnant water to thrive well, —
and this is not the conditions aquariums are
usually treated to. We are always glad to an-
swer inquirers. — Ed. G. M.]

Sruit and "Megetable Gardening.

SEASONABLE HINTS.

We often wonder why so little pride is taken
to have the vegetable garden beautiful as well as
useful. To some extent this is owing to a desire
to save labor. As often arranged with box edgings
and flower borders all the garden has to be dug

with a spade or fork. This will not do for many.
They want to plow, not dig the ground. But
this can be arranged by having a long narro\r
garden instead of the old-fashioned square one.
The plow can then work up and down the back^
while through the middle may be a walk with
box edgings or other edge plants. Then much

206

TEE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

fJULT,

may be done in the way of training or arranging
the plants to make them look pretty, without
much labor, time or cost. Training vines on
stakes has a beautiful effect. Even on simple
stakes a tomato or cucuriiber looks more beauti-
ful than when left to run at random over the
ground. Fancy melons trained over a neat trel-
lis. And these trellises can be made with any
ordinary small sticks tied together. We note a
case of this kind in Vilmorin's Illustrated Cata-
logue, which we here reproduce, and suppose
this mode of culture must be common in France.

It is a pretty custom, and we might grow
things the same way here.

People will soon begin to be worried about
fungi and insects on fruit trees. We have gained
considerably in our knowledge of. these things
from year to year, and those who have followed
our pages closely will have little trouble. In re-
gard to the white scale we may remind our
readers of an article that appeared last winter
from a Mississippi correspondent, who recom-
mended to wash the stems with linseed oil. The
writer's orchard was particularly had last year.
It had been a growing trouble for years. Last
year they had in many cases the appearance of
being whitewashed, and the writer felt a little
bad when John J. Thomas, who has not much of
an idea of growing trees in grass, came to see
them, lest he .should regard the insect as the

direct result of "neglected culture." Every-
thing recommended in the books and suggested
by our own experience had been tried in vain,
or with trifling results. In March and April a
boy was put to painting all the bark of the trees
with linseed oil, though with some promises on
the part of friends that the oil would " stop up
the breathing pores," and the trees die. To-day
there is not a cleaner or more beautiful' lot of
trees in the county. The correspondent modestly
withheld his name. We feel that the simple idea
is of such inestimable value to orchardists that we
take the liberty of saying that the thanks of those
who read that article are reallj' due to Dr. Phil-
ips of the Oxford University, who was the author
of the paper, and who has been quite conspicu-
ous through a long life for his devotion to the
agricultural and horticultural advancement of
that part of our country in which he lives.

As for the plum knot and pear slug we have
had so much of interest in our pages lately that
we do not suppose that they are to be feared
enemies much longer.

COMMUNICA TIONS.

HOW TO DESTROY THE PEAR SLUG.

BY MR. W. SAUNDERS, ONTARIO, CANADA.

In your May number, in reply to the inquiries
of a correspondent on this subject, you recom-
mend the use of powdered quick lime (not slacked
lime) sifted over the trees by means of a suitable
sieve fastened to a long pole. There are several
objections to the use of this material. The pow-
dering of quick lime is a difficulty which but few
could overcome ; the mechanical appliances
necessary' for the purpose not being available.
Then the unpleasantlj' caustic action of the lime
on the eyes and skin of the operator is such as to
interfere seriously with a second application of
the remedy.

Having had to contend with frequent swarms
of these insects on my pear orchards, I have
found nothing so good or so easily applied as
powdered hellebore; one pound of the powder
mixed with a barrel of water has been foinid
stong enough. My mode of operating is as fol-
lows. The barrel of Hellebore and water is
placed on a one-horse cart, and on the cart is
erected a suitable platform for the operator, who
is supplied with an ordinary watering can. From
his elevated position on the platform he showers

1876.]

AND HORTICULTURIST,

20T

the death-dealing liquid on the foliage, driving
from tree to tree as the sprinkling is effected ; a
light shower is all that is needed, and effectually
cleans the trees. Passing up one side of a row
and down the other side where the trees are not
very large, an active man can easily operate on
from two hundred to three hundred in a day.
Where the trees are too large to admit of their
being entirely reached in the manner described,
the liquid can be effectually applied with a gar-
den syringe.

PROGRESS OF PLUM CULTURE— A THOUSAND
ACRES PLANTED WITHIN THREE YEARS.

BY M. B. BATEHAM, PAINESVILLE, OHIO.

It will no doubt be a matter of interest, if not
of surprise, to most readers of the Monthly, to
learn of the amount of Plum-tree planting that
has been done in Ohio within the past few
years. If there has been anything like the same
amount done in other States, it is pretty certain
that our city markets will, in a very few years, be
abundantly supplied with Plums, in spite of the
persistent opposition of the curculio.

In the Report of our State Horticultural So-
ciety for 1872, some account was given of the
orchards of about 8,000 Plum trees, part of them
in bearing, near Chillicothe, and from what we
then learned we svij^posed there were about 7,000
trees in orchards elsewhere in the State, of Dam-
son, Chickasaw, Lombard, and other varieties,
only one-fourth or one-third of them of bearing
age. The Report for 1874 gave an account of an
orchard of 5,000 trees of Lombard and other
varieties, 2,000 of them in bearing, and very suc-
cessful, in Huron Co. That year we learned of
quite extensive planting, and that there were
probably in all about 50,000 trees in orchards in
the State.

Last spring the planting was still more active,
and was only checked by the scarcity and high
prices of trees. By recent correspondence, I find
that about 50,000 Plum trees were set last spring,
and that the estimates for the previous two years
were below the reality ; so that there are now
not less than 125,000 Plum trees set in orchard
form in the State ; and from present indications,
at least 30,000 more will be planted the coming
spring !
' Of the present orchards, Hamilton county (in

the south-west), has the largest amount — about
50,000 trees — of these 30,000 are in the single
township of Columbia. They are mostly of the
blue Damson, and have commenced to bear.
There are also orchards of Wild Goose, Lombard
and finer varieties in that and other townships.
The adjoining county of Clermont is reported
as having 15,000 or more trees, mostly Wild
Goose, Chickasaw and Damsons. In Ross county
the planting has now extended to about 35,000 ;
full three-fourths of these are of the Shropshire
Damson, which is found best of all, for distant
markets. The trees are grown very rapidly and
cheaply in home nurseries, by budding on seed-
ling peach roots, and transplanting the next year
as with peaches. They are found to grow and
bear well, especially on good dry loamy soils,
having a friable subsoil. Some of the planters
say they prefer the Peach root to the Plum, as
producing more thrifty trees. I think the ques-
tion of their durability has not yet been suffi-
ciently tested. Of course these trees can be
grown for one-half the cost of those on Plum
roots.

Huron county has about 10,000 trees, mostly
of Lombard and other large kinds. The first
planted trees of Lombard were injured by over-
bearing, four or five years after planting, when
they gave over a bushel each of fruit that sold
for $6 per bushel.

In Warren county the Shakers and others have
orchards of a good variety of the Chickasaw
plum. It is a native of the sotith-west, and
similar to the Wild Goose, but smaller. It is
much used for cooking and canning, and escapes
the curculio better than the finer sorts. There
are said to be 5,000 or more trees of this and
other sorts in the county. Then there are at
least ten counties that I have not- named, having
an average of 1000 trees each ; so that the aggre-
gate for the State is not less than 125,000.

Fighting the Curculio has not as yet been
found necessary for the Damson, Wild Goose
and Chickasaw orchards. The trees are natur-
ally inclined to bear too full, and where there
are many in bearing the insects do not seem to
be sufficiently numerous to cause more of the
fruit to drop than ought to come off. It may be
that as the trees grow older the insects will in-
crease so as to make jarring or other means of
defence necessary. Lombard and finer varieties
are protected by jarring and the use of " Catchers"
on the the well-known principle of Dr. Hull and
others, of which I need not now speak.

208

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[July,

EDITORIAL NOTES.

Imperfect Reports. — There is a vast amount of
trash going the rounds of the papers professing
to represent the opinions of the Editor of the Gar-
dener's Monthly.^ This is especially true as re-
gards what he knows of fruit culture. It is use-
less to follow up these misapprehensions. Their
correction involves as much risk as the original
statement. We may say in brief that when one
reads that we advocate either neglected orchards
or expensive manuring, he may at once conclude
to doubt the information.

The English Sparrow. — The English sparrow'
abundant about our trees, do not eat the buds —
but it may be that they find enough of other pre-
ferable food. Mr. William Tillery, one of the
most prominent and respected of England's
many intelligent gardeners, in a recent number
of the London Gardener's Chronicle, saj's " during
the late severe weather " they were very destruc-
tive to the buds of his currant and gooseberry
bushes, and then, quoting the article of General
Noble in our columns recently, adds :

"This correspondent expresses a wish, as
Burns did of the ' Deil,' that the sparrow might
' tak' a thocht and mend,' but there is little
chance of this from what we know of his habits
in this country. Our farmers know to their cost
the ravages sparrows make on their ripening corn
near the hedges, and t© the grain in their stacks in
the winter time, and it will be the same in other
agricultural countries abroad where they have
been introduced. We gardeners, like the farm-
ers, likewise get blamed if we take means to keep
their numbers within bounds, and the number
of their scalps taken must not be counted for
' Mr. Punch ' to get hold of. The evil of acclima-
tising sparrows and rabbits in America as well as
in our Australian colonies was pointed out at
the time when these exportations were being
made, and the results now show the soundness
of the advice."

Our own impression is that in our country the
sparrow will not wander off to the country until
it becomes more thickly settled than it is now.
There is nothing for it to eat in winter; but this
bud-eating habit has a bad look for the fruit
growers near towns.

Fighting the Codling Moth. — Tliat hay
bands wrapped around the stems of apple trees
afford an enticement to the codling moth to

" stay and be killed " when in its larval condi-
tion is well known. Whether the plan will stand
the test of the profit and loss, account is now a
point raised by Ohio fruit growers. An Ohio
paper tells us that several of our extensive or-
chardists, at the Toledo meeting, objected to the
hay-band remedy proposed by Prof. Cook, as in-
volving too much labor. One, who had three thou-
sand ajDple trees, and was quick in the use of
figives, said the plan proposed would require of
him three thousand bands to be put on and
taken off" and the worms crushed, eight or nine
times during the season. It was a bigger job
than he was willing to undertake. He thought
hogs and sheep could do the work about as well
and much cheaper. Another member referred
to the extensive apple orchard of Mr. Wilson,
near Toledo, which was inspected by the com-
mittee of the State Horticultural Society two
years ago, and which had been observed by him
for a number of years past, and is noted for the
excellence of its fruit, being almost entirely ex-
empt from injury by worms, the owner attribu-
ting this exemption solelj' to his keeping a large
drove of hogs in the orchard during summer,
and supplementing this with a drove of sheep
turned in for a day or so at a time, once or twice
a week, when there is more wormy fruit falling
than the hogs can quickly consume.

Snyder Raspberry. — An Illinois friend tells
us that this variety proves very hardy and well
adapted to that region. The fruit is not so large
as some well-known kinds, but it is of fii-st-class
quality and yields in immense profusion.

The Wealthy Apple. — Among the interest-
ing fruits in the Iowa collection was the Wealthy
apple, a seedling of Minnesota, from seed brought
from Maine by Peter E. Gideon of Bangor. It
stands the severe climate of Minnesota when so
many others succumb. It is very large, red,
somewhat inclined to be striped, of a pleasant
tart flavor. In a climate that will give little else
than Siberian crabs, it must be not only an
" acquisition " but a positive luxury among the
apple kind. Its parentage is uncertain, but from
its hardiness and appearance we should suspect
a relationship to Alexander.

The Art of Making Wine. — A system pre-
vails, more or less, in all wine-pi'oducing coun-
tries, but esj^ecially in Spain, of what is known
as " Plastering " the Wines. In some notes on
the chemistry of tartaric and citric acid, in a
recent number of the Journal of the Chemical

18t6.]

AND HORTICULTURIST.

209

Society, Mr. R. Warington gives some interest-
ing particulars relating to this plastering. It
consists of treading in with the grapes a kind of
plaster known in Spain as "yeso," about 10 lb.
being added to the quantity of grapes required to
make a butt of wine (108 gallons). The " yqgo"
reduces the acidity, and " is used equally for red
and white wines, but is not emploj^ed in the pre-
paration of the sweet wine 'vino dulce,' made
from over-ripe grapes for the purpose of temper-
ing sherry." Besides plaster other substances
are sometimes added to wine, and affect the
composition of the lees. A substance known as
Spanish earth is commonly employed in Spain
for fining the wines. This earth is also occasion-
ally used by English wine merchants for a simi-
lar purpose. This so-called Spanish earth has a
somewhat soapy feel, easily impressed by the
finger-nail, but containing sometimes fragments
of slates. "When rubbed in the hands under
water the earth is resolved into an unctioua
paste, and it is in this condition applied to the
wine which it is destined to clarify."

Versailles Currant. — In the London
Gardener's Chronicle Mr. Barron makes this a
synonym of the cherry currant. In this coun-
try there are two distinct kinds. La Versaillaise
has a long bunch ; the cherry is a comparatively
short bunch. The berries are darker, sweeter
and smaller than the cherry. He also gives the
following notes in regard to some other syno-
nyms, about which we would be glad to have the
experience of some of our American growers, as
we are under the impression some of these syns.
are really distinct :

" Gondouin [syns., Raby Castle, May's Victoria,'
Imperiale Rouge, d'Hollande k grappes longvies].
— This a remarkably strong-growing late variety.
The bunches are very long. Berries large or
above medium, of a bright red color with a sharp
acidity. As a bearer it is only medium. The
plant is of a most robust growth, soon forming
large bushes. Shoots strong, reddish. Leaves
large, dark green, with reddish veinings, flat,
deeply cut, very showy, and very distinct. The
flowers have also a reddish tinge. This is one of
the latest currants to ripen and hang well on the
plants afterwards. The plant, from its strong
vigorous growth, is very suitable for growing as a
standard or large bush.

" Red Dutch [syns.. Fertile, Fertile d'Angleterre,
Fertile de Palluau, Fertile de Bertin, La Hative,
Hative de Bertin, Bertin No. 9, Belle de St. Gilles,
Chenonceaux, Grosse Rouge de Boulogne, Queen

Victoria, Red Grape]. — This is one of the best
varieties in cultivation. A most abundant bearer,
and ripening early. The bunches are long and
the berries large, full and juicy, of a bright red
color. The plant is of a dwarf and somewhat
slender habit of growth, never attaining a large
size. The leaves broad and "flat, deep green,
having a sort of metallic glaucous hue, which
renders it in appearance quite distinct. The
synonyms here given are all referable to this one
variety, and which is the one generally grown
and known in this country as the Red Dutch."

Mr. Barron reduces all currants to sixteen
varieties. Since the above was written we note
that Mr. Fuller agrees with Mr. Barron that the
two are identical.

Plum Culture in Ohio. — Mr. Bateham says
that plum culture is considerably on the increase
in Ohio. Small growers cannot care for a few
trees, but in large orchards it pays to keep a man
with shaking machines to
knock down the curculios.

Chickory Sala ds. — In
our country we know
chickory simply as a root
used in the adulteration
of ground coffee. In
Europe thej' use both the
roots and leaves as ingre-
dients in salads, and the
demand for them has in-
duced as many varieties
as we have of peas or cab-
bages. In looking over the
catalogue of Messrs. Vil-
morin, Andrieux & Co., of
Paris, we note that one
whole page of their closely
printed catalogue is de-
voted to varieties of chic-
o r y . Coiisidering how
hardy the plant is, and
how mtich Americans val-
ue salads it might be well
to try these more exten-
sively ■ than they have
been. We give with this
an illustration of one
which they seem to speak
highly of under the name
of Witloef, or great chic-
ory root of Brussels.

"1

210

THE GARDENERS MONTHLY

[July,

The Plum and Cherry Knot.— The cause of
the plum knot — a fungus working from the out-
side of the bark inwardly — has been so clearly de-
veloped by Professor W. G. Farlow that there is
no longer any excuse for knots in a good orchard-
ist's grounds. Washes must certainly destroy
them. We fancy that no tree annually white-
washed would suffer from plum knot. Of course
one may put clay or soot into the whitewash to
destroy the glaring white.

QUERIES.

Fire Blight in the Pear. — An Elyria, (Ohio)
correspondent says that the fire blight has been
80 destructive there that pear growers are much
discouraged.

Since it has been demonstrated that this dis-
ease is the work of a fungus operating from the
outside, washes in early spring ought to be an
" infallible cure." Indeed, Mr. Saunders, of the
Agricultural Department at Washington, made
this fact tolerably clear long ago, and before Dr.
Hunt explained so lucidly how the fire blight
fungus operated.

Pear Disease. — A Frankford (we believe Pa.)
correspondent says : " Enclosed I send you a
piece of bark from a twig on a Bartlett pear.
Will you in the Gardener's Monthly please to ex-
plain the nature of the disease if disease, it is;
and the cure, if cure there is? I find that it
causes the smaller limbs to die slowly, and gives
the tree a stunted or premature appearance.
My trees are much injured by a short, green,
big-headed slug that eats away the tender por-
tion of the leaves from the upper side, and
leaves only the woody fibre. Can the ravages of
this vile thing be prevented or stopped? By
causing the trees to put out a second growth of
leaves, I have blossoms in the fall and no fruit
next year."

[The disease shows itself in blackened leaves,
and in black splotches in the growth of the past
year, as the leaves arc growing in spring. We
have always identilicd it with what is known in-
the books as "Frozen snp blight," though we are
quite sure frost has nothing whatever to do with
it. As our correspondent says, it is very likely
to appear on branches that have had the leaves
prematurely destroyed by the leaf blight of the
summer previous. As leaf blight is a fungus, it
is quite likely the "frozen sap blight" is a phase

of development of the same fungus ; but of this
we have no certain evidence. For the leaf slug
see article in another column. — Ed. G. M.]

Pear Trees and Underdraining. — There is
nothing in the following to show where it comes
from. It appears to be from some place in Ohio.
Correspondents should be careful to note their
localities, as it is half the interest of inquiries
through the Monthly.

"Can you tell me something about under-
draining, the price per rod for drain tiles, and
where to procure them. A correspondent of
the Ohio Farmer recommends the tiles manufac-
tured in Drake County, 0., and says underdrain-
ing pays on the capital invested in tiles, in one
ordinary season, front twenty-five to one hun-
dred per cent ; and that one should always use
the genuine drain tiles, with oval cavity. There
is not a garden or orchard in this section of
country underdrained. Now, if you will suggest
something that will make our lands more pro-
ductive, and reclaim the worn-out hill-sides, how
much greater benefactor would you be than " he
who causes two blades of grass to grow where
but one grew before." Fruits of almost every
variety do well here, pears, however, do better
than peaches or apples, and but little subject to
the blight; there are pear trees on my place
nearly forty years old, planted by my father soon
after settling here in 1836, and some of them,
standing in the yard, were never cultivated. Do
you think it would pay here (six miles from a
railroad), to grow pears for market? Would you
plant standards or dwarf trees? Are the former
less subject to blight than the latter. They have
proven to be so with me. The dew-berry is
found here in our old fields, sending out runners
ten feet in length, and ripens nearly as early as
the strawberry, and hy some considered about as
good a berry — can you say anything in its
favor ! "

[Underdraining is not profitable in ordinary
land, unless one proposes to hold it for a number
of years. Americans seldom feel sure of this.
In orcharding we prefer planting on the ground
surface, drawing the soil up about the roots
to cover with, that is, making ridges or hillocks,
in wet ground rather than to underdrain it. A
few dwarf pear orchards have been profitable,
but those who have made most on pears did it
by standards. — Ed. G. M.]

Vanilla Culture. — Some friends went from
Philadelphia a year or so ago to engage in

1876.]

AND HORTICULTURIST.

211

Vanilla culture at Greytown Nicaragua, and now
Bend us a sample of their fruits in the shaj^e of
some Beans six inches long. They undertook
the culture with some misgivings, but the quality
of production is excellent, and the enterprise
will doubtless prove a success. What a luxury
it must be to walk around among an orchid
orchard, and enjoy the sweet perfumes and de-
licious profits ! — well, we suppose there is some
drawback to all this happiness.

Peach Yellows. — Col. Wilkins, of Maryland,
is sure that an aphis causes the yellows in the
peach. Tlie peculiar process by which this

cause was traced to this effect, we have not had
described to us.

Polygonum amphibium for Tanners, — Para-
graphs have been going the rounds that this
plant is found to make first-class leather. We
should be fiivored if any of our readers can tell
us what sort of leather it will make ? We have
heard that the Illinois factory where it was
worked up is being offered as a woolen mill,
" because the Polygonum cannot be had in
quantity,-" but that is a poor reason, when the
plant could be so easily cultivated. What is its
value ?

Satural Bistory and Science.

COMMUNICA TIONS.

GENERAL OBSERVATIONS ON THE FLORA OF
HOKKAIDO.

BY M. LOUIS BOHMER,

Horticulturist to the Kaitakuska, Yedo, Japan.

[Continued from page 183.]

The forest trees principally consist of large
Elms, which have much the appearance of the
Ulmus campestris, so very common in the north
of Europe. This tree attains a large size, aver-
aging about 4 feet in diameter, and is most
valuable for building purposes. A large area is
covered with deciduous oak, consisting of Quercus
serrata, a narrow serrated-leaved species ; the
beautifully leaved Quercus dentata, whose leaves
generally are 5 to 6 inches long and 3 inches
wide ; the acorn, which is always single, is en-
closed in a scaly cup, much resembling some of
the North American species; and another species
which has a much smaller and sharper dentated
leaf. The third kind bears leaves of middle size
and more deeply dentated than those of the former
ones. The propcjriion in t-ize and the number
of trees seen growing seems to be equal in all
three. A large Ash, growing about 100 feet high,'
isi a striking feature. I further remarked num-
bers of a large Walnut, which, cut up into boards,
is used for the inside of houses, where it pro-
duces a good effect. On the foot of the moun-
tains the large Magnolias and Cercidiphyllum,
already mentioned, grow abundantly and in
good sized specimens. A curious tree, of a

smooth white bark, bearing racemes of flowers
almost the size of the Elderflower, is a gigantic
representative in this country of the Snow-ball
family. Viburnum phlebotrichium. Sophora
Japonica, in company with another tree resem-
bling very much a Syringa, were in flower at the
time of my visit, and I was fortunate enough to
secure both living and dried specimens of them,
which in some cases were difficult to obtain
from other trees.

At a distance of about twenty miles from the
capital, having ascended the mountain range, I
found an Elm with smooth bark and triiiinnate
leaves, very remarkable on account of the use to
which the Ainos (the natives of the island) put
the bark, and it is called by them Ohiyo. After
being stripped from the tree, the bark is thrown
into water, and the strong fiber, which separates
after some time from the bark, is made into
strings, and woven into a kind of cloth, which is
in general use with them. For the purpose of
dyeing this cloth they have been ingenious
enough to discover materials in other plants. A
yellow dye is furnished by the cork -like bark of
a tree resembling an Ash ( Aino name : Chikere-
peni). The bark of an Alder (Aino name: Ke
Ni), furnishes them another dye, which is of a
red color. There are three kinds of Birch, the
bark of two of which is employed for domestic
purposes, one used as torches (Aino name :
Chitachi ni), the other (Aino name : Kariba ni),
for fastening together boards of boats. Two kinds
of Linden are very conspicuous among forest
trees. One a large heart-shaped leaved one is

212

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[July,

Tilia cordifolia ; the other smaller, with flowers
more erect, is Tilia mandschurica. The inner
bark of both is used for making strong ropes
(Aino name : Nibesh ni). It is equally used by
Ainos and Japanese. Coniferous trees only grow
in the higher elevations. They consist of two
kinds, " Yesso matsu," Abies Yesoensis, and
"Todo matsu," another long-leaved Abies with a
white bark, growing taller than the former, and
much used for timber in the saw-mill of Sap-
poro. On the borders of streams I noticed three
different kinds of shrubby Viburnum growing in
great abundance. A large lily of peculiar ap-
pearance forms together with the Lilium gigan-
teum a separate section of this genus, as it differs
' from other lilies. It is frequently found near
water, and in swampy places around Sapporo.
It bears large heart-shaped leaves of a dark
green color, and its flower stalks very often
attain a height of 10 feet and more, bearing large
flowers of a greenish white color outside; the
inside is pure white, with purple spots at the
base of each petal. It seems to differ from other
lilies in propagating solely from seed. My ob-
servations in this respect were confirmed by my
Japanese companions, who, I have reason to
believe, possessed some knowledge of vegetable
life. It flowers only after the bulbs have attained
a considerable size, from three to four years ;
and when it is done flowering it dies with the
stock. According to Siebold's Flora Japonica,
Tabula 14, it is Lilium cordifolium. Siebold
hardly can have had an opportunity of having
seen this lily in its native habit, or his figure
would have been of much larger dimensions. I
also noticed several handsome herbaceous Spi-
raeas, one bearing red berries, which, when
mature, turn black ; another I found with white
flowers about 6 feet high. Here also grows in
the grass under the shade of trees a Campanu-
lacea of climbing habit, with flowers resembling
a diminutive Cobotea : Campanumsea lanceolata.
In the mountains I found a nimiber of terrestrial
orchids Cypripedium, Epipactis, Liparis, and
other small, evidently interesting species. In
ferns the woods abound, and more particularly I
was struck Avith a large smooth leaved Scolopen-
drium. A climbing Hydrangea, the Schizo-
phragma, the Ampelopsis a kind of Virginian
creeper, and Vitis labrusca, the wild grape, as
well as an Actinidia with edible fruit (Kokuwa)
are here frequently met with.

From Sappora I started for the east coast on
the 14th of August. The road leads through a

well-wooded country skirting the foot of a range
of hills. All along the road, and wherever horses
have been travelling, I noticed an herb very
common in these latitudes, a Plantago. The
seeds of this Plantain if boiled forms a mucilage
which has been found to act as a remedy in cases
of dysentery. The forest trees principally consist
of maple trees, of which I noticed and collected
three kinds. One of them resembles the Ameri-
can sugar-maple, and attempts have been made
witli some success to produce sugar from them. I
saw crude samples of it during my stay at the
capital, but have no doubt that with proper
manipulation it could be made available for
domestic purposes. Another of them is remark-
able for its curious leaves, resembling more a
Cratasgus than a maple ; and, if it had not been
in flower, I should have mistaken it for one. It
never attains more than 25 feet in height and 1
foot in diameter.

From Shimamappu, descending gradually to-
wards Chitose, the formation of the ground
changes from the rich loam hitherto met with
into a mixture of black soil and pumice of an
extinct volcano. As the soil changes the vegeta-
tion also presents different appearances. Decidu-
ous oak trees form the principal feature on the
more elevated ground. The Mistleto is found
growing abundantly on these trees. The lower
ground sloping towards the rivers is occupied by
a shrub resembling, at first sight, a wild apple.
It l)ears red fruit, and is called by the Japanese,
" Sansashi " Pyrus toringo of Siebold. I found an
excellent engraving of it in the " Kwawi,"a cele-
brated Japanese botanical work published a hun-
dred years ago. Among plants of smaller growth
I noticed several kinds of Spiraea which were in
flower at the time, and a shrubby Aralia with
small green flowers and black berries. Three
terrestrial Orchids are found growing in the
grass under the shade of forest trees. One, the uni-
versally known Spiranthes australis, a pretty
Liparis, and another peculiar looking Orchid
with large leaves and flowers, probably a Bletia.
Shallow ponds of some extent are formed in
the woods, and possess a vegetation of their own.
Rushes and small ferns and the blue flowering
Pontederia are the principal occupants of these
moist localities. The deeper ponds are covered
with the. leaves of Nymjihaja tetragona, already
noticed before at Oshamambe. Birch and Alder
are found of all sizes in the more rugged locali-
ties.

(To continue in next number.)

1876.]

AND HOBTIGULTURIST.

213

ROOT HAIRS.

BY BYRON C. HALSTED, BUSSEY INSTITUTE, MASS.

That the largest portion of the liquid used by
the growing plant makes its entrance through
the roots, from the soil, is a well-established fact;
but those parts which are the most active in the
absorption of this food material in solution were
for a long time not so clearly understood.

By careful experiments and microscopic in-
vestigation, it is found that the extreme tips of
young roots are about the only portion which
take little or no part in this work. A short dis-
tance back from the growing points, on nearly
all growing roots, may be seen with the aid of a
microscope a large number of minute, slender
bodies extending out in all directions from the
surface of the root. These thread-like structures
are not unaptly called root hairs, and consist of
sac-like protuberances, as outgrowths from the epi-
dermis or surface cells of the root. With the
naked eye they are not easily seen, but their
presence may be inferred from the manner in
which they cling to the particles of the soil when
a young root is lifted carefully from the earth in
which it was growing. This power which thej'
have of fixing themselves to the grains of earth
is very great; so that when a plant is taken vio-
lently from the soil, a large part of these deli-
cate hairs are broken from the roots and retain
their attachment to the soil. As the root grows
along in the earth new hairs are produced while
those behind perish as the root becomes woody,
and a dense, non-absorbing, protecting epidermis
is formed ; so that the active life of a single
hair is of short duration. The office of these
hairs must have already suggested itself to the
reader. By means of these prolongations the
greater part of the absorption takes place, though
the newly formed surface cells are also active.
But the surface which they expose is small in
comparison with that of the hairs. It is hard to
conceive of a more thorough and economical
means of exposing an absorbing surface, at the
same time keeping in view their method of ap-
ical growth, required strength, and a means of
rapid transfer of its liquid through a tube to the
root to which it is attached.

In a poor soil roots run rapidly in all directions,
and are often very long ; so, with the hairs, they are
put out quickly, take in what nourishm.ent they
find and soon die. While on the other hand, in
a rich soil the roots are not required to be long,
and the hairs are of greater duration. Here is
a saving from the use of manure and other fer-

tilizers which, because below ground and out of
sight, is apt to be overlooked.

A consideration of the root hairs involves a
question about which there has been much the-
orizing and speculation, viz : — how do these root
and root hairs take in the liquid from the soil ?

Putting aside these various notions, perhaps it
will not be amiss to state very briefly the view
now generally held, though still thought by some
investigators not to explain every point. It is
a well-known fact that solid, porous bodies have
the power of taking up liquids to a greater or
less extent, according to their nature and sur-
rounding circumstances. A dry cloth hung so
that one corner wdll dip into water will in a short
time become saturated. This is sometimes called
capillary attraction, and has a part in the root
absorption. From an extended study and knowl-
edge of the properties of liquids the law of diffii-
sion has been established, viz : — when two or
more misible liquids of different degrees of den-
sity are placed in contact, interchange will take
place until, when the diff'usion is complete, the
whole liquid will be homogeneous. Instances of
partial diffusion are too familiar to warrant
space for illustrations. This property of liquids
will account for the movement of the absorbed
sap to any part of the same cell — from the tip
of the hair to the basal portion. But there is
another kind of diffusion, first nicely pointed
out by Dutrochet and afterwards largely experi-
mented upon by Graham, which has received
the name of osmose, or membrane diff'usion.
When liquids difi'ering in density are separated
by a thin membrane, as a bladder, diff'usion takes
place through this septum with a rapidity de-
pending on the nature of the liquids and sep-
parating membrane, the greater flow being to-
wards the denser fluid. This intercepting mem-
brane often greatly accelerates the diffusion, but
just how it acts, and the chemical and other
changes which take place in it, or on its surface,
are not well known; still the fact is very striking
when, with the proper adjustpient of the appa-
ratus and materials, liquids can be made to rise
through a tube to the height of many feet. The
cell wall of a root hair is such a membrane, sep-
arating the denser liquid within the cell from the
weaker one without, and this membrane is a
living, growing one, and may for that reason be
much more effective for osmotic action.

It is difficult to state what portion of the work
is done by each of these forces, but combined,
they seem to answer the questions concerning

214

THE OARDENEB'S MONTHLY

[July,

the flow of liquids through the plant, as well as
the initial step, the entrance of the solutions into
the root and hairs. Where these liquids flow
after passing into the plant can not be consid-
ered here. Suffice it to say, a growing plant is
always in a state of unstable equilibrium, with
materials in solution continually changing place.

The amount of absorption by the root hairs is
often very great, as careful estimates have shown.
When rapid evaporation is going on from the
leaves, a demand for fluid from below is created
which must soon reach the hairs, and they make
good the loss.

From the function, position and delicate struc-
ture of the root hair at least one important
practical conclusion can be drawn — that of the
importance of their preservation, when plants are
undergoing transplanting, potting or other like
change, thus often saving the life of the whole
plant.

There are many other plant hairs besides those
which grow from the superficial cells of roots,
and they may furnish the subject for a few re-
marks in a future number of the Monthly.

EDITORIAL NOTES.

" Peach and Apricot Hybrids. — H. M. Engle
says he has cross-fertilized the peach with the
apricot pollen, and had produced several new
varieties, two of which are acquisitions, being
highly colored, and of excellent quality."

The above is on the authority of the Bof>.ion
Cultivator. Mr. Engle gave us a very diff'erent
account. He cross-fertilized the peach with an
apricot, and though the peach perfected fruit
under this apricot pollen, there was no other
evidence of potency in the apricot pollen. There
were no characteristics of the apricot in the pro-
geny. The progeny were simply good, bright
colored peaches, and Mr. Engle does not regard
them as hybrids of the apricot.

' Nuts for the Scientific to Crack.' — " At a
late meeting of the Massachusetts Horticultural
Society, the Secretary read a very interesting
letter from the venerable Prof Jared P. Kirtland
of East Rockport, Ohio, giving an account of a
curious hybrid between the Western hickory and
the black oak. Externally they resemble hick-
ory nuts, in every particular, and on cracking
they split longitudinally into two equal part.'', ex-
hibiting in place of the usual hickory kernel or
meat, perfectly formed acorns of excessively
bitter taste, together with well-defined stems,

such as attach the acorns to the limbs of the
oak. A quart of these hj^brid nuts were collect-
ed under a hickory tree overspread by a larger
black oak, two of which were sent to Dr. Kirt-
land, and were deposited by him in the cabinet
of the Kirtland Natural History Society at Cleve-
land. Such a hybrid leads one to suspect the
possibility of unions which had previously been
deemed impossible, and Dr. Kirtland goes into
some speculations as to the po^ible results to
horticulture by crossing the apple with the wild
crab ; the apricot and the plum ; the quince and
the pear, etc."

The above is from the Boston Cultivator- It is
to be regretted that our good friend Dr. Kirtland
did not submit his paper to some one who has
made hickories a study, before sending it to Bos-
ton for publication. As a general rule, the ker-
nel of the walnuts are rough, as everybody
knows, — ruminated, as a botanist would say, —
but in Carya amai'a, the bitter-nut hickory, it is
very often quite smooth, as in the acorn, and
occasionally so in the pig-nut hickory. It is
simply an abnormal condition in no way related
to hybridism.

Callirhoe involucrata. — The following from
a Marj-sville, Kansas, correspondent refers to this
beautiful plant: "It has been very hard times
in Kansas the last two years, but crops look
well. I send a flower and leaf of a plant that I
found on the ovei'land route to California, and
should like to ^now the name of it. It is a
beautiful running plant, root like a parsnip."

Seeds from Male Plants of Aucubas. — ^They
are having the same "bother" over the male
Aucubas in England that we used to have over
our barren strawberries till we learned better. A
strawberry that usually has its stamens abortive,
and thus be known as a " pistillate " variety, un-
der some circumstances will perfect its stamens,
become hermaphrodite and bear fruit. Berries
are sometimes found on the male Aucubas, and
so some assert that "male Aucubas bear fruit."
It is a play upon words, and hardly worthy of
the serious discussion it is receiving. Of course,
if a plant usually bearing onlj* stamens, produces
a fruit, it can be only by the occasional develop-
ment of a pistil among the stamens or on the
plant — ^just as every American farmer knows an
occasional productive flower will be produced
and bear a grain in a male tassel of Indian corn.
It is a simple thing to make so much mystery
out of.

18T6.]

AND HORTICULTURIST.

215

QUERIES.

Insects, both Night and Day Fi.yers.-As there
has been some curiosity to know in the supposed
necessity many flowers have for cross-fertilization
by insect agency how it is done in early spring, be-
fore winged insects are common, the writer of
this made notes of the earliest seen. The first
night flyer caught was on the 10th of May — He-
liophila Harveyi. These were in great abundance
up to near midnight, and perhaps longer. A
few daj^s after the same insect was caught abund-
antly at mid-day, sucking honey from flowers, in
company with the bees. Mentioning the matter
to Mr. Wm. Saunders, the distinguished editor of
the Canadian Entomologist, produced the follow-
ing note : —

" We have very much yet to learn regarding
the voluntary activity of insects. It has long
been observed that many night flying species
which usuallj' rest during the day will, if dis-
turbed by man or other enemies, fly about with
considerable activity, even in the middle of the
day. The common mosquito is a day flying in-
sect, but is also very active during most of the
hours of the night. While sugaring recently
with the view of capturing moths, I have found
my bait almost every night being fed on by
swarms of mosquitoes actively buzzing about in
the darkness at least as late as midnight, and I
presume longer. Several species of ants, too,

which are active during the day, are very abund-
ant and lively at sugar during the same hours.
One of the species of Plusia — simplex is, I know,
a day flyer, another species closely resembling it,
precationis, I believe usually flies at dusk. It
would be well to record all obsei'vations of this
kind. We have all been too ready in times past
to accept as established facts many things which
have never been satisfactorily proven."

Fertilization op Ln.iES. — In regard to some
observations on lilies, made to the Philadelphia
Academy of Natural Sciences by Mr. Meehan,
Mr. Parkman writes :

"The facts which you notice about the fertili-
zation of lilies by the pollen of L. auratum ia
equally established in regard to fertilization by
several other species. In hybridizing L. umbel-
latum by L. lancifolium, the only effect produced
was to render the resulting flower a complete
mule, being in some instances without stamens
and with imperfect pistils. The corolla showed
no decided effect from the influence of the for-
eign pollen." •

Grass from Geneseo, III. — If you please, the
name of this grass? Twelve or fifteen inches
high ; spreads rapidly from seed ; stools wide.
None of us saw it until three years ago.

[Alopecurus aristulatus, the " water foxtail
grass." It is a lake-rQgion grass, and has
been found in Northern Illinois before. — Editor
G.M.I

MiTERATURE, ^RAVELS & pERSONAL M OTES.

EDITORIAL NOTES.

Laws for Nurserymen. — A nurseryman of
Germantown, Philadelphia, took pear and other
trees, and having marked them found them in a
garden owned by a notorious character who had
already been several times in prison. The evi-
dence that he had stolen them was so conclusive
that the nurseryman did not hesitate to pull the
trees up and take them home. The case was
heard before a magistrate, who committed the
thief to answer at the criminal court for larceny.
The trees were pear trees, and had been bought
to sell again, and were bedded in temporarily to

being re-sold ; and with this view the magistrate
held the trees to be merchandize, and hence that
the man had committed larceny. The case came
up before His Honor, Judge Thayer, of the Crimi-
nal Court, who charged the jury that if there was
ever so small a quantity of earth over the roots
of the pear tree, so that the tree might possibly
strike out new roots and grow, the man had not
committed larceny, and the jury under the
charge of the learned judge discharged the pris-
oner.

The question then arose as to what should
be done with the prisoner. It was found that
there were four ways of catching such rogues.

216

THE QABDENEB'S MONTHLY

[July,

Larceny, which did not work. Malicious mis-
chief—but this only holds where a man does an
injury when the main element is not the benefit
to himself; but here the man wanted pear trees,
so tliat would not do. Then there was " tres-
pass " — but a nurserj'man's ground was a place
of business, and it is no trespass to be found
there. Then "damages^" were considered, but
the trees were worth only four dollars, and be-
sides the nurseryman had regained possession.
The whole range of law was examined by a
careful lawyer, and the result arrived at that at
cominon law a nurseryman had no redress for
trees stolen from his grounils, unless such trees
were lying on a brush heap ready for the bonfire,
or in some other way disconnected with the
earth. The conclusion was so remarkable that
the writer of this addressed a lettter to the Dis-
trict Attorney of the City of Philadelphia, and
received the reply we give below, noting how-
ever that in the letter to Mr. Sheppard there was
no reflection on the decision of Judge Thayer, as
the answer would seem to imply. Judge Thayer
is himself an excellent horticulturist, and no one
would suspect him in any case of giving a de-
cision he did not honestly believe in, while his
legal learning is of too high a character to doubt
the soundness of what he decides to be the law.

" Philadelphia, May 19, 1876.
Mr. Thomas Meehan. '

Dear Sir : — 1 have read your letter of the 17th
very carefully, but I must say that I think the
law was correctly laid down by His Honor
Judge Thayer. There are many instances, how-
ever, in which things which were not the subject
of larceny at common law have been made the
subjects of larceny, or have otherwise received
protection from positive legislation. I would
suggest that you continue to give the subject
your attention, and frame a clause, and submit
it to the Legislature, which will cover the class
of cases to which you refer. It will doubtless re-
ceive the favorable consideration to which its
merits entitle it, and which a sense of justice
should prompt. Very respectfully yours, &c.,

FuRMAN Sheppard."

We hope this will receive the attention of our
legal friends who are interested in horticulture.
A law such as the District Attorney suggests
would require more talent to frame than the
editor of this journal could bring to bear on it.
It takes a very smart man to beat a rogue at law
in these days.

Advisory Committee of the Bureau of Hor-
ticulture OF THE Centennul. — A " member "
asks us to say, and it seems but justice to do so,
that the committee was never called together
but once, and that the results of the exhibition,
creditable or otherwise, in the Horticultural De-
partment, does not rest with said committee.

LiNN^A BOREALis. — A lady writes : " I inquired
in vain at the Centennial Exhibition in the
Egyptian Department for the Papyrus, and in
the Swedish School Room for the Linnsea borea-
lis. Now I suppose both plants are there, only
not in conspicuous positions, where I hope they
will be placed. Also, I hope some one, or ones,
who live near the Centennial Grounds will
wreathe that beautiful likeness of Linnaeus in the
Swedish School Room, with Laurel and the Lin-
nsea borealis, which my Botany tells me is now
in bloom. I will add what Mrs. Lincoln says :
" Kalm, a pupil of Linnaeus, whose name is
given to the Kalmia (American Laurel), spent
three years in America, and returned to Europe
laden with botanical treasures. The sight of the
American plants brought bj^ his pupil, many of
of which were entirely new to him, is said to
have produced such an effect upon Linnaeus,
that, although lying ill of the gout, and unable
to move, his spirits were re-kindled, and in the
delight of his mind he forgot his bodily anguish,
and recovered from his disease."

About Hybrids. — A correspondent calls our
attention to the following from Sachs' Text
book :

Mr. Sachs says : " According as the union
takes place between (1) different varieties of one
species — between (2) different species of one
genus, or between (3) two species belonging to
different genera — the resulting hybrid may be
termed a variety-hybrid, species-hybrid, or genus-
hybrid. When a hybrid is made to unite with
one of its parent forms or with another parent
form, or with a hybrid of different origin, the
product is termed (4) a derivation-hybrid."

As a matter of scientific precision, and this in
a work intended to go the bottom of things, like
this of Sachs', is of some consideration, the terms
may do; but for every day use we prefer the
common term " cross " when a mixture of varie-
ties is iniended. The Albany seedling and the
Hovey seedling are varieties of one species of
strawberry, and the progeny of the two we
should say was the result of a "cross." Horti-
culturists at least would understand us better

1876.]

AND HORTICULTURIST.

21t

than if we s.aid " hybrid." How far we should
carry this term " cro'ss," and where we should
drop it and take up " hybrid," would depend on
the idea we formed of " species." What is a good
species to one botanist is simply a variety to an-
other, and while there is this room for doubt
there can be no rule that shall be infallible in
the use of the terms.

HooPEs' Book of Evergreens. — A Mississippi
correspondent writes : " I do not see Cerasus
lauro-cerasus among the evergreens in Hoopes'
book. It is a grand thing for these parts." Mr.
Hoopes confines himself to the resinous plants
— coniferse.

The Grape Phylloxera. — Those grape grow-
ers about Kelley's Island, who were for so long a
tiine sure Mr. Riley must be mistaken about the
ravages of the Phylloxera, seem to have recon-
sidered the matter more favorably. One gentle-
man now writes to the Ohio Farmer :

" Some twelve years ago I set out a vineyard of
ten acres, mostly Catawbas, with Cincinnati vines.
These vines had some knots on the roots, but I
then did not know any better than to set them ;
now these Catawbas have all failed. From per-
sonal observation and experience I am forced to
believe in the theory of some grape-growers of
much experience, that the Phylloxera is the
cause of leaf mildew and grape rot ; for certainly,
if during the summer the new grape roots are
consumed, there is nothing to sustain and ma-
ture the leaf and fruit. It is very natural to
suppose that this insect, like many others, after
a certain period will disappear, but experience
is against this theory."

But our friend must not go too far in the
other direction, for there is often mildew and
grape rot independent of Phylloxera.

Sale of the Rosedale Nurseries. — We have
only a line or so at command as we go to press,
to say that the sale of Mr. Buist's plants is now
going on. We note among the buyers friends
from Milwaukee, Cleveland, New York and other
places. The larger plants appear to us to go
much below their real value, while the smaller
ones. bring fair prices. We conclude from the
experience here, that the love for rare plants is
by no means declining.

Test of a Good Gardener. — Mr. J. Paget,
gardener to J. Donald Cameron, Esq., of Harris-
burg, Pa., sends us a brace of cucumbers that
reminds us of the good old times of England's

gardeners, when skill was measured by what a
gardener could d^ in the way of forcing fruits
and vegetables at any season of the year. These
were 22 inches long, slender and as delicate and
crisp as a cucumber could be. Many people
cannot eat cucumbers, and no wonder when the
strong, seedy things so often used are set before
them. Such as these — and the first week in May
— the most delicate would not refuse.

Geological Survey of Texas. — Texas is wise
in prosecuting her geological survey. It fur-
nishes just'the kind of knowledge people want
who are disposed to emigrate, — and Texas, be-
yond many States, has room for thousands. This
is the second annual report of the State Geolo-
gist, Prof. S. B. Buckley, and besides the usual
scientific matter, has much in relation to the
agricultural and horticultural features and capa-
bilities of the State. Prof. Buckley describes a
" cactus-looking " shrub as Forsythia splendens,
which we do not recognize. The old Forsythia of
American authors, Decumaria sarmentosa, has not
" trumpet-shaped" flowers like this, nor is there
any accordance with the genus Forsythia of Japan,
of which the common Golden Bell of our gardens
is a well-known representative. Mr. B. describes
it as a good fence plant, known as "Ocotea',' to
the Mexicans. Perhaps it is a misprint for
Foquiera ?

Transactions of the Massachusetts Horti-
cultural Society for 1876. Through the kind-
ness of Mr. Robert Manning, we have part first
of this always interesting serial. It is made up
of the essays and discussions of the monthly
meetings. Among the papers which will particu-
larly attract general attention, are that on grape
culture, by Mr. W. N. Barnett, of West Haven,
Conn., and that on Herbariums, by Professor
Robinson.

Mr. Barnett has been very successful in the cul-
ture of the grape, and these are the men who can
give good advice. It is not always clear that the
reasons for certain practices as given are correct,
and hence those who attempt another's practice
often fail. It is here that discussions arise, and
Mr. Barnett's paper appears to have been warmly
debated.

The conclusion of Mr. Robinson in regard to
the proposition to establish a Herbarium by the
Massachusetts Horticultural Society, commends
itself to our judgment. One or two Herbariums is
enough in a large city. Every citizen interested
in botany should do his utmost to make these

218

TEE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[July,

perfect. The Massachusetts Societj^ is now
proudly pre-eminent in its hbrary, which is the
best one of a horticultural* character in the
Union, if not in the world. If it has any money
to spare, let it take up a horticultural garden
next. Its members would learn more in a
week among living plants than in a life-time
among dry specimens— and the herbariums of
the botanists, and the botanists will settle
disputed points better than the members of
the Horticultural Society w^ould ever do for
themselves. And then the horticultural experi-
ments of such a garden, detailed in the transac-
tions, would do good over all the world.

Report of the American Pomological So-
ciety.— The following kind notice from the Gar-
dener's Chronicle shows the high appreciation of
the Society's work in intelligent European cities :

"We have received, through the kindness of
Colonel Wilder, a report of the last meeting of
the American Pomological Society, held at Chi-
cago, 1875. The perusal of this report gives us
a vivid idea of the magnitude of the Society's
operations, and the zeal with which its work is
carried on. We know of nothing to approach it
in Europe. The report before Us contains the
summary of the business of the meeting, at-
tended by delegates from most of the States of
the Union; various essays on certain points of
fruit-tree culture, to some of which we may
hereafter refer ; and last, not least, a most valua-
ble (for America) catalogue of fruits, authenti-
cally named, with their synonyms, a brief de-
scription and indication of the value in which
the particular fruit is held, as judged by a com-
mittee, in the several States, grouped under a
northern division between 42^ and 49°, a central
division between 35° and 42°, and a southern
division between 28° and 35° lat.

Mr. Rand's Book on Orchids. — The following
letter from Mr. Rand is addressed to Mr. Mee-
han personally, but as it relates to matter which
appeared in the Gardener's Monthly, w^e presume
it was intended for the Editor, and so give it a
place in our columns :

" Boston, June 5, 1876.

Dear Mr. Meehan : — This morning my atten-
tion was called to your notice of my book on
orchid culture. May I say that if you had found
time to reply to either of my letters written in
February last, asking for information as to any
collection of orchids now or formerly existing in
Philadelphia, the omissions of which you com-
plain would not have occurred. I regret to have

killed off Mr. Cope. My impression always was
that his decease was the Qause of the dispersion
of his collection of plants.

I thank you for the faint praise. Perhaps if
you were an orchid culturist you would find more
to commend.

Now may I ask you a question which I heard
one gentleman ask another — both well-known to
you — at the horticultural rooms, and to which I
have for years been unable to give an answer ?
' What is the reason Mr. Meehan can see no
good in anything that comes from Boston ; he is
as bitter as gall, and lets some unaccountable
prejudice run away with him. Nothing from
Boston can expect fair treatment at his hands.'
While personally I have ever experienced cour-
tesy from you, I cannot but be of our friend's
opinion. Sincerelj' j'ours,

Edward S. Rand, Jr."

It is remarkable that with the knowledge that
"nothing from Boston gets fair treatment," " Bos
ton " should expect a "reply to two lettei's ; " still
more remarkable, that while " regretting " one's
errors, it should be thought unfjiir treatment to
have these errors pointed out. More remarka-
ble still is the fact that two letters written to Mr.
Meehan in February should never have reached
him; and the climax of all these remarkable
events is that because one gentleman writes let-
ters to another gentleman who in courtesy is not
bound to answer them unless he feels inclined to,
that should afterward be offered as an excuse for
errors in a book, which even the author himself
"very much regrets."

Flora of California. — The first volume is
now ready, and may be had for $6 of Mr. Sereno
Watson, Cambridge, Mass. The proceeds are to
bring out the second and concluding volume.

Guide to the Pacific Coast.— A circular an-
nounces that Mr. Williams, formerly editor of
the Horticulturist, will soon have a Pacific guide
book ready for the press.

D. D. T. Moore. — Our old friend of the Rural
Neiv Yorker cannot be idle since he gave up his
paper, and here before us is a circular of his ad-
vertising agency. It always struck us that a
knowledge of agriculturists and of agricultural
literature should be essential to a good advertis-
ing agent, and it is singular that no one saw the
force of this till Mr. Moore took it up.

New Plants.— Mr. W. Bull, of Chelsea, Lon-
don, makes a specialty of new and rare plants,

1876.]

AND HORTICULTURIST,

219

and we have now before us his annual catalogue
of near two hundred pages, affording a chance
for any one to find some novelty to his taste.
And here we take up another catalogue of a sim-
ilar class from the well-known firm of James
Vietch & Son, also of Chelsea. But we must
stop, for here is another from Linden, of Brussels.
Mr. W. T. Harding. — We are gratified to Jearn
from some friends at Upper Sandusky, Ohio,
that our excellent contributor, as skilled in prac-
tical work as he is intelligent behind his pen,

has been spending the spring and summer in
designing and laying out a cemetery at that
place, and that the result is " very beautiful and
acceptable work, at a comparatively low cost."
This is after all the true test of a skillful master
of the art of gardening. There is nothing so dear
as a cheap " bungler," and nothing more unsatis-
factory when the work is done. We hope Mr.
Harding will get more of the same sort this fall,
to the profit of his own and to the interest
of those who may employ him.

mORTICULTURAL ISOCIETIES.

EDITORIAL NOTES.

Flora at the Centennial— May. — The great
floral feature at the Centennial for May was Mr.
Waterer's Rhododendrons. A house was built
for these by the Centennial authorities, like a
huge curvilinear conservatory, only covered with
canvas instead of glass. Mr. Waterer arranged
the ground inside in what is known to gardeners
as the " Regent's Park style." In some places
the earth was raised so as to he several feet
above the natural level, forming a "bluff,"
around which a walk would be led, and then
again were levels and rises, with narrow grass
verges and broad, sanded walks, the Rhododen-
drons thickly planted in the beds, and the whole
forming a delightful piece of landscape garden-
ing. There were fifteen hundred plants in about
eighty varieties in the collection, and we think it
is safe to say that nothing ever exhibited in a
floral way in the Unitec^ States attracted S(j
much attention or received such unqualified
admiration. The house was crowded from morn-
ing to evening, and many visitors who found
themselves unexpectedly among so much floral
beauty telegraphed to their distant friends to
come right on, and see the glorious sight. It
was evident that although all the leading Ameri-
can nurseiymen have been for years endeavor-
ing to introduce Rhododendron culture, not one
in a hundred of the thousands of visitors here
ever saw one before, and the influence on their
introduction will be immense.

But not only to the great multitude was this a
great lesson, but all of us found much to learn

from the great exhibit of so many varieties all
blooming here together. We fancy that few ever
took into consideration how great is the diversity
of form and habit among these plants, as well as in
the form, color and markings of the flowers ; yet
to those making collections of these beautiful
things such points will enter largely into the sys-
tem of selection. Some make long straggling
growths, while others have a dense, compact
habit. Some kinds perhaps making specimens
four or five feet high would have but a dozen or
so of heads of flowers, while other varieties
would have half a hundred in plants of the same
size. Then there is a great difference in the
shape of the heads — some kinds having them as
round as an orange, and others cone-like, as in
a pine-apple. Some kinds have rather short
pedicels to the flowers, and then the head is
compact, while others are long, and then the
head is loose. So in number. There are kinds
which will have nearly double the quantity of
flowers in a head that others will. All these and
similar points enter largely into the sum total of
pleasure to be derived from a collection of Rho-
dodendrons, and no doubt many of them were
noted in the memorandum books of the visitors,
which we were pleased to see in common use.

It is generally knoAvn that the Rhododendron
is an "American plant," and people wonder why
Americans cannot grow one of their own articles
as good as Europeans. It is not as generally
known that these garden forms are hybrids be-
tween the American species and the Rhododen-
dron ponticum, and perhaps in some cases R.
arboreum, which have a much tenderer consti-

220

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[July,

tution, and hence wljere this " sap " predomi-
nates, the plants are not hardy enough for an
average North American winter. The American
R. maximum is found wild as far north as Nova
Scotia. The Catawbiense flourishes in the cold
mountains of North Carolina. If these two
alone were concerned in these hybrids we should
have a true stock of " American plants." The
seed of the Rhododendron is as fine as dust;
and only those skilled in seed raising can grow
the plants in this way. It has to be strewn on or
very near the surface, and the atmosphere kept
so moist that very little watering to disturb the
seed will be required. After getting the plants,
if peculiar kinds are to be perpetuated, they
have to be gi-afted, and this adds to the expense.
Seedfings not grafted, are generally beautiful
enough for the average grower. They have a
good variety of color and form among them.

As a matter of culture it may be noted that
the roots are extremely delicate and hair-like;
and as roots must have air, the plants must be
kept very near the surface in the average heavy
soils of our country. Where the soil is of a
loose, sandy, stony, or peaty character, full of air
spaces, this precaution is of no consequence.
The Rhododendron seems also to have an anti-
pathy to lime. Those varieties which are of the
hardiest are still much benefited by a shelter of
trees or bushes from the windward quarter. If
they have this protection, and the precautions
we have suggested be taken in regard to keeping
the little roots near the surface and in cool, open
soil, it makes little difference whether they be
grown in the sun or the shade.

These and similar questions were plied us
while we were taking notes in Waterer's tent, so
we thought we might just as well incorporate the
answers we had to give in this notice here. Often
it was observed to us, "So many look alike;
which are the most distinct ? " In answer we
give the following, without, however, being able
to say that they are the best selection for stand-
ing our severe climate. That can be only a
matter for experiment, though some, as for in-
stance Everestianum, are known to do well.

Album grandiflorum — very large dense heads
of lilac and white.

Everestianum — a dense grower, free bloomer ;
flowers rosy pink, with crimped edges.

Archimedes — rose white, small, but numerous
heads.

Album elegans — rosy white; heads not numer-
ous, but large and conical.

Titian — rose shaded white ; rather loose habit
of growth, but very showy.

■ Lady Eleanor Cathcart — one of the most at-
tractive, rosy flowers, with dark spots on the
upper petals ; heads compact and numerous.

John Waterer — deep vermilion rose; one
might say as good as some Rhododendron arbor-
eum's. Rather diff"use in habit.

Queen — delicate rosy white. The great charm
of this is in its rounded lobes of the corolla ; al-
most as perfect in this respect as the Camellia.

Mrs. Halford-has very large heads, with dif-
fuse habit.

Vandyke — small dense heads of purple crim-
son flowers.

Minnie — small heads, rosy white, with yellow-
ish green spots on the upper petal ; an easy, free,
rapid grower.

Lady Cathcart — a superb variety, looking as if
the heads of flowers were made up of the old-
fashioned Pelargoniums, before we had to mix
up geraniums with them.

Then we noted as possessing points of special
merit as distinct Archimedes, Fastuosum pleno,
Michael Waterer, Lady Armstrong, Mrs. John
Waterer, Stella, Lady Cleremont, Concessum,
King of the Purples, John Marshall Brooks, and
Mrs. John Chitton.

Desirous of knowing how far those we selected,
as the most distinct of the collection as we saw
them in bloom, would come out in a contest with
the whole of the collection as Mr. Waterer knew
them, we asked him for a list of six of those he
would consider the most distinct, whether in
flower are not, and these are they : Everestiana,
Mrs. John Chitton, John Waterer, Lees Purple,
Charles Dickens, and Titian. It was a great
pleasure to note that one who came so far to ex-
hibit at this great exposition did his part so well,
and that his efforts were so highly appreciated.

We went from here to the open grounds,
where the two firms of Parsons, of Flushing, had
made grand exhibitions of Rhododendrons also.
If they had had a house given to them as the
commission gave one to Mr. Waterer, or if only
a part of the house had been given to Mr. Wa-
terer and a part to the two Parsons, there would
have been a fair chance of a competitive com-
parison. The Parsons' collections in the open
ground had apparently a greater number of fine
specimens than the Waterer collection, and per-
haps as many varieties, but of course had no
competitive chance whatever with those in the
house to make a public impression. In fact not

1876.]

AND HORTICULTURIST.

221

one in a thousand who saw and admired the
Waterer collection know now that the Messrs.
Parsons had any at all on the grounds. It is
pleasant to be able to say that, notwithstanding
the immense disadvantage the American Rhodo-
dendron firms were placed under, we have not
heard one word of complaint from the Messrs.
Parsons — nothing but pleasure that our English
friends who came so far with their productions
should be treated so well.

It was our intention to do these excellent
firms some justice by making notes of their
good things. On getting to their department we
were astonished at being ordered away by the
guards, and we found by further experiment that
this was the " law." We made an effort to ex-
amine the collection of Messrs. Hoopes, the
Roses of Mr. Buist, the Geraniums of Peter
Henderson, and finally the Arboretum planted
by the writer of this, and was ordered away
from all ! On suggesting to the official seraph,
who held the flaming sword at the gate, that
surely one had a right to enter his own Eden,
we were told that he " was not supposed to know
exhibitors from other people." But we were
fighting rather for " other people " than our-
•elves. We addressed a letter to Director Gen-
eral Goshorn, pointing out that the exhibitors in
the open ground planted their allotments for peo-
ple to examine the varieties, and not as mere
masses of flowers and foliage for the landscape
adornment of the Centennial gi'ounds, and ex-
pressing a hope that the wrong would be reme-
died. We had not the honor of a reply from
any one in authority, but just as we go to press
with this find by experience that the guards
have been withdrawn, and that the public now
are as free to examine the Horticultural collec-
tions as any other on the grounds.

These remarks are necessary in order to ex-
plain to our readers why we are unable to give
any account of the out-door flowers, and to cor-
rect the imprecision carried naturally through
the country by those Horticulturists who during
the first month were ordered away, that the
collections can only be seen from a distance
varying from 10 to 50 feet off". This difficulty
does not exist now, and we hope to have a clear
field for reporting in the future. Any one can go
on the grass to examine the collections.

International Exhibition — Pomological Re-
port.— We have the pleasure of giving to our
readers the following, the first report on any-

thing exhibited at the greg^t Exhibition, so far as
we are aware.

Philadelphia, May 25, 1876.

Hon. a. T. Goshorn, Director General U. S.

Centennial Commission.

Sir : — In consequence of the Pomological
Board of International Judges riot being at this
date completely organized, and the temporary
exhibit of Fruits presenting points of great
merit, we have been invited by Mr. Burnet
Landreth, Chief of the Bureau of Agriculture,
to examine it, and do most respectfully submit
the following report.

The exhibit embraces Lemons from Messrs.
Vicari & Spragusa, of Milazzo, Italy, very fine
and of extraordinary size. Onions, Potatoes and
Tomatoes from Bermuda, exhibited by J. C.
McNaughton, of Philadelphia, the two former
remarkably fine productions, the latter small
and wrinkled, but valuable for their earliness.
Two hundred varieties of Potatoes from Messrs.
Bliss & Son., of New York, embracing every
known kind of value.

A collection of Roots for feeding cattle from
Messrs. D. Landreth and Sons, comprising a
great variety of Beets, Mangolds and Carrots,
showing how well these can be preserved far
into a new season by pitting.

A few Apples and Potatoes, from Geo. A. Foote,

of ■ , the best of the popular variety

Peerless. A very good collection of Apples
front the Iowa State Horticultural Society.

Remarkably well kept Apples, from the fruit-
house of N. Hellings & Bro., of Battle Creek,
Michigan, and a superior collection from the
Michigan State Horticultural Society, embracing
forty varieties of kinds that have been kept in
the ordinary farm-house cellar of some of the
members of the Society. As the season is very
late for good keeping Apples, the Committee
made notes of those varieties which seemed to
them meritorious, taking as a standard of char-
acter the actual condition of each variety with
the best known specimens of its own kind, as
well as of actual good quality. In the Iowa
collection they note as among them, Tewksbury
Winter Blush, Ortley, Rawles Janet, Newtown
Pippins, Jonathan, Winesap, and two not well
known out of the West, Hoover and Minkler
as having much to recommend them. In the
collection of the Michigan Pomological Society,
the finest were the Roxbury Russet, Rock, Wil-
low Twig, Smith's Cider, Rhode Island Greening,
Jonathan, Fallowater, Esopus Spitzenberg, both

222

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[July,

kinds of Newtown PJppins, and Red Canada.
The last seems remarkably fine for this part of
the country. Steele's winter, as exhibited by Mr.
John Waterman, of Plymouth, Michigan, was
so nearly alike with Canada Red, that if there
is any diflference, the Committee failed to detect it.
Among the kinds little known East, but pre-
senting points of interest at this season, the
Committee noted Detroit Red, Emerson, Well,
and Brooks' Keeper. The collection from Messrs.
Hellings, embraced forty dishes of ten varieties,
all high colored, and large and well-grown fruit.
They are all grown in Michigan, 1875, and by
the method adopted by them in their fruit-
house, had even the stems as green and firm as
when plucked from the trees. The Rhode Island
Greenings, and Northern Sj^y's were fully equal
to the best average specimens known. Newtown
Pippins, Baldwins, Jonathans, Westtield, Seek-
no-farther, were very good ; Red Canada, Spitzen-
berg, and the others not quite equal to those
preserved in the common way.

Thomas Meehan,

Signed,

W. L. SHAf FER,

- A. W. Harrison,
I Thojias p. James,
[ Wm. Parry.

Philadelphia, June 1st, 1876.

To the Commissioners of the U. S. Centennial

Exposition.

Gentlemen : — By request of Mr. Burnet Lan-
dreth. Chief of Bureau of Agriculture, the regu-
lar jury not having fully organized, I have to-day
examined the collection of Tropical Fruits,
exhibited by Mr. Robert Thompson, of Jamaica,
through the British Commission, and respectfully
report that it comprises the following fruits and
vegetables : " Cho-Cho," (Sechium edule) of the
Cucumber family ; the fruit is used in soupsand
pickles to a great extent.

" Cocoa nuts," mature and immature, on the
stalks, as gathered from the tree. The young
fruit is boiled and used as a food for infants,
also as a mild form of domestic medicine. The
young fruit is from the same tree as the mature.
The tree when once in bearing producing contin-
uously successive crops.

"Jack Fruit," (Artocarpus integrifolia) a fruit
of the size and form of an average watermelon,
but with a rough coat similar to an unrijie mul-
berry. The fruit has an uninviting appearance,
but is said to be palatable to most tastes in its
natural conditions. It transports with difficulty
and was beginning to decay.

The " Bread Fruit," (Artocarpus incisa) simi-
lar to the last, unfit to eat in its natural condi-
tion, but more useful and popular. It is cut in
slices and fried or toasted as bread ; transports
very badly, and only when preserved in water.
This specimen was too far gone to exhibit.

"Sapodilla," (Sapota achras) a round rough
brown fruit, the size of a medium apple, insipid
in its present condition, but said to be palatable
when ripened by keeping in some slightly damp
material for a few days.

"Mammee Apple," (Mammea Americana),
also called South American Apricot, from the
orange color of the flesh ; the large seeds occupy
most of the interior. The flesh is not of superior
quality in natural condition, but is highly es-
teemed wVien cut in slices and steeped in wine.

" Mango," (Mangifera indica). This was the
most delicious of all the fruits exhibited ; it re-
sembles a large flattened papaw, the flesh yellow
and fibrous like a mature persimmon, and ex- ,
ceedingly juicy and refreshing.

Of the better known fruits and vegetables were
fine specimens of Sweet Potatoes, Yams, Caladi-
um esculentum (allied to the American Indian
Turnip, the roots being boiled or roasted).^
" Bananas, Plantains, (a longer and narrower
variety of the common Banana), Pine-applea
(three kinds), Oranges, Citrons, Shaddocks,
Limes and some stalks of Sugar cane.

Since the last report of the Special Committee,
Messrs. Bliss & Sons, of New York, have depos-
ited four varieties of Potato of this season's
growth, among their great exhibit, and grown for
them in Florida. The varieties are Snow Flake,
Hundred Fold, Snow Ball and Lapstone Kidney,
a kind celebrated in England for their extra ear-
liness. The specimens were larger than the
average of the very early varieties of potatoes.

Thomas Meehan.'

Philadelphia, June 9th, 1876.

Hon. a. T. Goshorn, Director General U. S.

Centennial Commission.

Sir: — The undersigned sj)ccial committee,
acting at the request of Mr. Burnet Landreth,
have this day examined the fruit on exhibition,
and respectfully report that the collection of
Strawberries is very fine, though in many dis-
tricts they are not yet lipe ; the latter ones are
expected next week. Of those examined to-day,
a fine collection came fiom Mr. John Saul, of
W^ashington, but the distance and the lateness of

18t6.]

AND HOETIGULTURIST.

223

the season for that latitude, had passed them be-
yond a condition for fair judgment. This was
also the case with several dishes from Robert H.
Gilman, of Mil ford, Del. The appearance indi-
cated that both of these collections had been in
a very creditable cond,ition. Rev. C. F. Weld
exhibited some very fine fruit marked " Dr.
Warder," which the committee believed mis-
named ; they could detect no difference between
them and the " Jucunda." Edw. N. Wright, of
Phila., exhibited four varieties, all, especially
" Boydens 30," remarkably well grown.

Jas. S. Jones, Germantown, had " Albany
Seedlings " and " Boydens," the last named es-
pecially fine.

E. Burroughs of New Jersey, some " Chas.
Downing" of very superior size for even this
fine variety, but over-ripe.

Wm. Parry, of New Jersey, made the finest
display. There were a large number of dishes,
embracing 15 varieties, among these " Black De-
" fiance" was conspicuous, resembling " Albany
Seedling " in general character, but less acid.
" The Monarchs " of this collection were also
very attractive by their size and good flavor.
" Cumberland Triumph," a new kind with white
flesh was the highest flavored of any on exhibi-
tion but rather soft for a market fruit. " Star of
the West," a fine looking fruit, but not equal to
some others in flavor. " Col. Cheney," of very
irregular shape and sour, but said to be an
abundant bearer. " Matilda," a new kind com-
ing into notice but appeared unripe. " Cowing's
Seedling " was small but of fair flavor.

E. T. Steel, of Germantown, showed " Boyden's
30," very large and fine, and regarded by the
committee as the best dish of Strawberries in the
Exhibition so far.

C. F. Abbott, Falls of Schuylkill, some remark-
ably fine " Monarchs."

Mrs. Gearey, of Trenton, N. J., sevex'al dishes
of good fruit.

David Peltz, Falls of Schuylkill, good " Mon-
archs."

" Fields Excelsior," said to be a new seedling,
the berries wore very fine, but the committee be-
lieve them to be only well grown " Jucundas."

Scattering plates of fair fruit in several popu-
lar varietic-^, some from E. C. Bell, Camden, N.
J., Dr. H. K. Whitney, S. C. Decou, Moorestown,
N. J., and H. P. Grant, Gloucester, N. J.

A remarkal>ly fine display of " All)any Seed-
lings " was made :«y J. H. Withington, of South
Amboy, N. J., which, in the opyiion of the com-

mittee, were equal to the best " Albany Seedling"
ever grown.

Of Strawberries in pots, the only exhibition
was made by Wm. Parry, this was of " Golden
Defiance," a seedling of Mr. Parry's and had the
appearance of being an abundant bearer.

J. H. Purnell, of West Point, Georgia, exhibi-
ited some early " Beatrice " Peaches, grown in
Alabama, they were of excellent flavor, and
about six inches in circumference. A single
specimen being 8} inches.

f Thomas Meehan,

Siened \ ^^^^'i^ Satterthwaite,
I A. W. Harrison,

l^ JOSIAH HOOPES,

Philadelphia, June 16, 1876.

Hon. a. T Goshorn, Director General U. S. Cen-
tennial Commission.

Sir : — During the week since our last report,
the following fruits and vegetables have been
submitted for our examination.

Strawbemes. David L. Peltz, Phila., a seedling
strawberry grown from Wilson's Albany, with
points of excellence, but on the whole appears
hardly equal to the parent. The same exhibitor
had very fair fruit of " Monarch," "Albany,"
"Chas. Downing," and "Golden Queen," a round
berry, rather soft and not of high flavor.

Jas. S. Jones, Germantown, " Jucunda." These
have been generally fine this season. Mr. Jones'
were very good, but not quite equal to others
which have before come under the committee's
notice.

G. N. Mumma, near Harrisburg, Pa., "Cum-
berland Triumph." These were much finer
fruit than came previously, before the committee,
but not quite so high in flavor ; it is a promising
fruit. Also by the same, "Springd'ale," another
seedling raised by Amos Miller, of Carlisle,
darker than the other, a good solid berry of fair
flavor, also a promising new kind.

E. Satterthwaite, Jenkintown, Pa., 9 kinds, all
of fair average growth, and the "Jucundas " and
"Boyden's 30," particularly fine.

Chas. Dickens, through his gardener, Wm,
Smith of Huntcrspoint, N. Y., plates of two
seedlings. " President Lincoln " was very varied
in shape, long, oval, flat, and irregular, crimson-
scarlet and of fair flavor.

"Smith's seedling," resembling the other,
but averaging much flatter, a little brighter in
color, and of a brisk, good flavor. These both
appear to be seedlings of good promise.

224

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[July,

H. W. Whitney, 3620 Baring street, West
Philadelphia, very good " Jucundas."

Edward S. Handy, Philadelphia, " White Pine
Apple," (Lennig's Wliite) remarkably good
fruit of this shy bearing but excellent variety.
Also " Jucunda," very high colored, and on the
whole the best of this variety that has so far
been exhibited.

A. L. Felten, Phila., 3 seedlings, "Alliance,"
"Continental," and "Beautiful." These seed-
lings are not as large as some popular kinds ex-
hibited, but are above the average in flavor of
most that have come before the committee, and
on the whole were promising varieties, the first
named perhaps the best.

H. E. Grat, Gloucester, N. J., very good " Mon-
archs."

S. C. Decou, Moorestown, N. J., sends several
kinds of good fruit.

H. Jerolamon, of the Seth Boyden's farms,
Irvington, N. J., makes a very handsome display
in 5 kinds. Of " Boyden's 30," he had 3 crates
of 45 quarts each, with extra fine fruit of this
popular variety. He had also a box with plants
proving the healthy, free growth of this kind,
and also that it will bear a long succession of
fruit, a good character in a strawberry.

E. M. Duraaid, Irvington, N. Y., nine ncAV seed-
lings called "No. 14," "Great American," " No.
33," "No. 23," "Essex," "No. 12," "Pioneer," and
" Giant." They were mostly of extra large size
and very beautiful in color, making the best col-
lection of seedlings so far exhibited, none of
them of the highest flavor. " No. 14 " is in the
opinion of the committee the best. The raiser
regards the " Great American " as the best, tak-
ing growth and all points into consideration.

Rev. E. P. Roe, Cornwall, N. Y., made a very
fine display of eleven kinds.

Of these " Kerr's Prolific," " Champion," and
" Damask Beauty," are on the exhibition tables
for the first time, and are equal to the average of
other good kinds; the whole collection is creditable

Peter Henderson, New York, exhibits " Boy-
den's 30," to show what can be had from plants
set out last August. They are not as large as
some of this kind that have been before us, but
still superior to many.

E. Burroughs has a dish of superior " Charles
Downing."

Rev. E. P. Roe has a gooseberry, a seedUng of
the European race, which so far has shown no
tendency to mildew, which is so common with
foreign varieties.

A. L. Felten, cherries, " Black Tartarian," and
" English Morello."

A. Outerbridge, Philadelphia, Burmuda Pota-
toes and remarkably fine Burmuda Tomatoes,
equal to the best American production.
Special Committee of Judges,

rw. L. Shaffer,
I A. W. Harrison,
i josiah hoopes,
( Thos. Meehan.

Signed,

The International Jltry upon Miscellaneous
Fruits, has at length been appointed, consisting
of Messrs. W. L. Shaffer, Thos. Meehan,
A. W. Harrison, Josiah Hoopes, Wm. Parry,
Ed^nn Satterthwaite, and will meet in Agri-
cultural Hall, every Tuesday at 1 P. M., and
every Thursdaj' at 3 P. M., for inspection of all
fruits on exhibition. Commendatory reports will
be made and published upon all displays of high
merit, and the various reports collected at the
end of the exhibition for publication in pamphlet
form. At the time of the Grand Pomological
Displays, July 18th, and September 11th, the
work of the Judges will be divided up under the
classes of Apples, Pears, Peaches, Grapes, &c.

Massachusetts Horticultural Society. —
Special prizes for Essays offered :

For the best Essay upon the Culture and va-
rieties of Roses, $25.

For the best Essay upon the Culture of Flow-
ers and Foliage for Winter Decoration and the
Market, with a list of the most desirable varie-
ties, $25.

For the best Essay upon the culture of the
Squash and Melon, with a list of the best varie-
ties, $25.

For the best Essay upon the Ripening and
Marketing of Pears, $25.

For the best Essaj' upon the Improvement and
Ornamentation of Suburban and Country Roads,
$25.

The Essays to be sent to the Committee on
Publication and Discussion, Horticultural Hall,
Boston, so as to be received by the first of No-
vember, in sealed envelopes, unsigned, but ac-
companied by the name of the writer in a sepa-
rate sealed envelope. Notice will be given to
successful competitors of the time for reading
their Essays.

All the Society's prizes are open to general
competition. William C. Strong,

Chairman of Committee on Publication and Dis-
cussion.

THE

GARDENER'S MONTHLY

AND

HORTICULTURIST.

DEVOTED TO HORTICULTURE, ARBORICULTURE AND RURAL AFFAIRS.

Edited by THOMAS MEEHAN.

Volume XVIII.

AUGUST, 1876.

Number 212.

Slower ff arden and Pleasure ^ROund.

SEASONABLE HINTS.

In the last generation the effort of the wealthy
citizen was to have a home in the country, with
business in town. If very well off he had a town
house and a country seat — the one for his sum-
mer enjoyment, the other to pass the winter
time away. The introduction -of railroads has
altered all this. It is so easy now to " get away,"
that the summers are not spent in the country,
on the farm, or in the garden ; but in the moun-
tains, at the springs, or by the sea shore. There
is, therefore, not the same want as there was,
and in consequence that class of gardening
which was called for in the olden times of coun-
try life, has by no means kept pace with the in-
crease of wealth and population. The best gar-
dens are now for the most part those which are
comparatively close to large cities, attached to
residences convenient to business by steamboat
or rail, and where the families are at home win-
ter and summer, all the year round. Those who
have now their town house for winter, and coun-
try seat for summer, are among the rarest of
American citizens. Gardening at country seats
is almost of the past. There is little demand for
that high class of horticultural talent that this
system called for. On the other hand it is a
pleasure to note that suburban gardening is
largely on the increase. The small places, from
one to ten acres, are more numerous, we think
than they used to be, while the love of flowers is
certainly on the increase. It will do no harm
to our gardeners to think over these things. The

ornamentation and horticultural comforts of
small places are the great things for them to
study.

It should not be forgotten that beauty can
often be acquired without great cost. By study-
ing the character of a piece of ground, and add-
ing to that which already exists, we can often
make a place as attractive as if we attempt
wholly to imitate at great cost some pleasant
garden scene that exists elsewhere. And not
only cost of improving, but the future should be
studied.

In all suggestions for the improvement of
grounds, the subsequent cost of keeping in order
should be studied well. This is the rock whereon
so many strike. Walks and roads are particu-
larly expensive to maintain, and should never be
made without there is an evident necessity for
them. Shady grass walks, with .masses of flow-
ering shrubs on each side, and kept mown a few
times a year, are as pleasurable parts of a plea-
sure ground as can well be provided, yet we very
seldom see them employed.

The great fault with our gardening is, that we
follow too much after foreign styles. In Eng-
land, for instance, they have fine evergreens, but
deciduous shrubs do not do well. They have,
therefore, to make their places gay by bedding
[dants. Our country is the paradise of flowering
shrubs, and foreigners, when they come here, are
amazed at their beauty. Most beautiful effects
can be produced by massing them — beautiful
efiects that can succeed each other from spring
to fall, and indeed continue to give interest

226

TEE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[August,

through all the year. But we blindly ignore our
own advantages, and persist in following Eng-
lish styles of bedding. We cannot put out a
flower till May. We have to water and water to
make them grow. By August, when it is too
hot to enjoy them, those which have fought
their way through the summer heats are toler-
able; and then the first September frost takes
them oflT. We have their blackened leaves till
Christmas, and bare ground the rest of the
time.

We are quite sure that much more satisfactorj'
gardening than this can be made out of nice green
grass and comfortable shade trees — clusters of
clematises and other flowering vines that defy
our heats, and masses and designs of shrubs
and dwarf, colored-leaved plants, with hardy
herbaceous plants mixed. And then there is the
great American idea underlying all this — most
beautiful grounds maintained at little cost.

It is a very good time to think of these things.
Autumn will soon be here, when they can be
put into shape for the next season.

COMMUNICA 7 JONS.

LANDSCAPE GARDENING.

BY E.

The remarks of B. S. Olmstead I read with
pleasure, for we want no more of jobbing gar-
deners, who work physically, and claim to be
landscapists ; nor do we want engineers, who
perhaps are capable of running a straight line,
but know no more of a graceful curve than the
mule Nebuchadnezaar recently poetically de-
scribed and published in over forty papers in the
States. I have never yet met an engineer that
could drive his stakes to a rolling line of grade,
but every time it would be like the quarter or
half pitch roof of a house ; and the generality of
jobbing gardeners know no more of a gentle,
irregular rolling surface upon a long line than
the common laborer. Again, please, in making
of croquet grounds, I have beaten an engineer,
by my eye, three inches in his grade, and made
him confess it. A landscape gardener must be
capable of going upon a place, and after care-
fully studying the architecture of the house — of
which he must or should know — then he should
have an eye to give, first, the lines of paths and
roads; second, by eye to stick grade stakes
every six feet, so that 20, 40, or 80 men could,

under one foreman, go right ahead with the
work. I speak knowingly, for, having studied
carefully ere I oflered my services to the public,
I can prove that I have had 80 men at work
grading a lawn for a public ground, per day, and
two hours time given by me, with one man to
drive stakes, another to carry them, secured the
day's work, so that it had not to be done over.

Let us trust and hope that the time will come
when those who made their money (vide Hal-
leck) "in the cotton and sugar line," will learn
that a man must be taught to form a beautiful
landscape place in conformity to the surround-
ing lay of the country, the style of architecture,
whether it be Gothic, Italian, Grecian, Roman,
Doric, &c., and know just what trees and grades
to place and make in it. If he cannot do that,
he should be discarded from the list.

DESTRUCTION OF THE ROSE SLUG.

BY W. T. BELL, FRANKLIN, PA,

Under the head of "Seasonable Hints," in
June number, speaking of rose slugs, you say :
" The best thing of all is to set a boy to crush
them by finger and thumb."

Hand picking for rose slugs is now out of date,
as you must admit after trying the following :
Dissolve one tablespoonful of powdered white
hellebore in two gallons of boiling water. When
cool enough to use, apply to the roses with a
whisk broom, bending the tops of the plants
over, so as to reach the under as well as the
upper side of the leaves, dashing the liquid upon
the plant in a fine spray.

One application is usually suflicient for a sea-
son ; it is thoroughly effective, cheap, and quickly
applied. It is also sure death to the currant
slug.

I was much pleased with your very readable
article on the Horticultural Department of the
Exhibition, and hope you will furnish us more
in the same vein.

A HAPPY HOME.

BY E. P. POWELL, CHICAGO, ILLS.

I have had one hour of real pleasure with old
Mr. White, of Ellis Park. Fresh as a lark, and
full of enthusiasm, he was turning out his
greenhouses into the park, and his own lawns.
It is such a pleasure to find a plant-lover and a
horticultural scholar, that I feel five years

1876.1

AND HORTICULTURIST.

227

younger for my visit. Mr. White's hobby is the
geranium. Now that this plant begins to ap-
proach perfection in symmetry and color of
both leaf and truss, it is worthy of devotees.

I found in friend White's collection the excel-
lent home seedlings of Mr. Desmond, of this city,
one of our thorough workers; also the admirable
results of the skill of John Goode, as well as the im-
portations from Dr. Dean and others whose names
are famous abroad. The best bronze in the col-
lection was Marechal McMahon. Close beside it
stood that marvellous affair, Happy Thought.
Whose happy thought it is I have forgotten ; but
it is probably a quiet conception of nature in one
of her happy moods. Flaming grandly in orange
scarlet stood No. 1, Royal Horticultural Society
prize, Sautry. Near it Richard Dean, Daniel
Webber, Pliny, Brindley, Master T. Hammer-
sky, Crujan, Charley Casbon, Adalina Patti, Mrs.
George Smith, lanthe, Ephraim, Sir John More,
Mercy Grogan, and many more, including all
the newer and the best of the older names.
" Nothing for sale," so that it will do to advertise
and praise a good thing for once.

Chicago never can become really a floral city,
owing to its short seasons and its constant winds.
We need flowers that come rapidly into show,
and do this best while they have a chance. The
geranium does well by us, and deserves to be a
favorite. But in Mr. White's collection of plants
there are some very rare and choice specimens,
over which he broods with paternal care. Our
happy hour drew to a close with a wish that we
had more svich genuine sons of Flora in Chicago.

LILIES.

BY JOSEPH COBB, PEEKSKILL, N. Y.

How often is the question asked, " Why is it
my lilies do not bloom, but prodvice a cluster of
small setts round the old bulb ?" To which I
would reply, that you must first learn what is
the cause, and then endeavor to remedy it. It
may have been bruised at the crown in the
transfer, or what is more likely, to have rotted
at the nose after planting. Knowledge is power,
and so it must be admitted that we cannot pro-
duce flowers of any kind without knowing the
peculiar character of seed or bulb which pro-
duces them, and the exact treatment it requires.
Now the general cause of the lily failure is, they
are planted without a proper provision for them
to be kept constantly moist, without suffering

from lying in cold, damp, undrained ground, so
that if you have a soil that is made good by an-
nually manuring, you are not certain of success
on lilies, for the under soil may be hard pan
clay, or churly, tight-bound gravel, which is so
unsuited for them. We will suppose, then, you
intend to put in a small gi'oup of lilies (any vari-
ety), from one foot to two feet square, or circle;
get out the good soil larger than you intend the
groujj to be ; lay that aside by itself. Tlien dig
out at least two feet deeper the raw soil ; haul it
away and fill the hole with half bricks, old plas-
ter, stones, &c., — a few broken bones mixed in
would help the lilies too. When filled to within
a foot from the surface, a few shovels of chips
from the wood-pile, or leaves, or a covering of
stable manure put on, would prevent the soil
from going down through. Tlien take your
good soil which you first took out, mix a little
chicken manure and wood ashes with it, fill up
rather above the level of the bed, and plant your
lilies, taking care to have them three to four
inches from the surface to the top or crown of
the lily. If your lilies are sound when you plant
them, they will keep so, and you will not regret
the extra pains you have taken with your lily
bed. In the fall caver well with dry leaves, and
put brush on to keep them there.

CURVES.

BY B. S. OLMSTEAD, LANDSCAPE GARDENER, RYE,
NEW YORK.

I think it was Hogarth who first designated
the curving line as " the line of beauty." Who-
ever it was, he enunciated a far reaching truth.
Ruskin gives utterance to very much the same
thought when he says, "Nature' is all made up
of roundness, not the roundness of perfect
globes, but of variously curved surfaces. Boughs
are rounded, leaves are rounded, stones are
rounded, clouds are rounded, cheeks are round-
ed, and curls are rounded; there is no more
flatness in the natural world than there is in
vacancy. The world itself is round, so is all that
is in it, more or less, except human work, which
is often very flat indeed." This, in nature's
gentle developments, is obvious at a glance. In
her sterner moods, angular lines and sharp sur-
faces occur ; but they are blended with and soft-
ened by the more flowing lines and smoother
surfaces, so that it is doubtless true " there are
no sharp lines in nature."

228

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[August,

Now it may have been that the landscape gar-
deners of the last century, in their strivings to
get away from the constraint of the artificial
lines so prevalent then in the arrangement of
walks and terraces, and high walls which ham-
pered and confined the ornamental grounds of
those days, were led — more than they were
aware, perhaps, — by this universal law which
they saw and felt in their communings with
nature, to adopt the more natural methods of
arranging grounds, which a little later on so
almost entirely suspended the former style. For
a time at least, a line of drive or walk was hardly
admirable unless it curved. Straight lines were
out of fashion. Curves, and curves only, were in
Yogue; and there is enough of evidence to make
us believe that this undue preference still exists ;
for the landscape gardener of to-day will hardly
have practiced his profession a year before he
will have come in collision with this notion in
the minds of some of his clients. They will have
a horror of straight lines, as nature was once
said to have of a vacuum. They will want all
their walks to curve, if only for the sake of
curving. He will, of course, know that this is
wrong, for he will have learned, among the first
axioms of his art, that straight lines still have
their place, and that they cannot be laid aside
without, at times, violent incongruity ; yet he
will often find it " hard work " to get this notion
safely at a distance.

And yet, after all, it would not be difficult to
prove that, as sometimes applied to the arrange-
ment of ornamental grounds, all curves are not
lines of beauty. A glance at public grounds
within easy distance would convince any prac-
tical eye that better arrangements were possible
than those which have been made. There seems
to have been too great a use of the circular
curve. This has its place, of course ; but it is
not universally applicable, as in some places
seems to have been attempted. It is often stiff,
and formal, and hard. It reverses badly, does not
always fit well lo the surface, and, although
these faults may in a measure be modified by
skillfully combining different radii, still, there is
a degree of artificiality which cannot always be
overcome. It has indeed proved so arbitrary
and obstinate, that many have discarded the
idea of laying out their roads and walks by any
known law. They have preferred instead to
trust to the eye altogether, and they have often
secured better results by doing so than any
which the circular curve could give them. And

when this trusted member (the eye) has failed,
other expedients have been called into use. A
cart loaded with stones, and drawn by oxen
around where the much sought curve was
wanted, has answered the purpose. Others have
made a raid upon the nearest drying ground, and
brought thence the clothes-line to their aid.
But there are difficulties in these methods also.
A clothes-line will not always lie exactly in the
right place, especially on rough ground, through
bushes, or over as yet unremoved stone walls ;
and in some cases it would take a large family
to supply a clothes-line long enough. And so
with the ox-cart. It cannot be regarded as a
convenient instrument, nor one always available.
It would certainly be troublesome to carry one
around from place to place, no matter how well
trained the oxen ; and some places come back
to my memory now over which drives were re-
quired to be laid out, whei*e it would have puz-
zled the most sure-footed ox to have made his
way, nor would the wheels' track have been
exactly the curve wanted, even if he had got
safely through.

And to all these methods there is one very
strong objection, viz., the difficulty of mapping
the grounds after they have been so laid out. or
of transferring, in any of these ways, a plan
already drawn, to the ground.

Is there not, then, some method which can be
devised to overcome these difficulties? I do not
know, but I suspect that " it is always dangerous
to assert anything as a rule in matters of art." I
have, however, for some years been a good deal
helped in this part of my work by the use of a
curve, which is very easily laid down either on a
plan or on the ground. It is one which is far
less stifi" and formal than a circular curve, is bet-
ter fitted to uneven ground, leaves a tangent
line more slowly, and therefore reverses much
more gracefully ; and it can be laid off from tan-
gents of unequal length, which is often practi-
cally of great convenience. This curve is the
Parabola. Its name need not alarm any one by
its apparent abstruseness ; for, analytically con-
sidered, it is one of the simplest of all curves, and
a very short acquaintance with its good qualities
will convince us that it is a very graceful and
obliging one, not willingly to be rejected after a ^
little practice has made obvious its easy appli-
cation.

This is not the place for a mathematical dis-
cussion of the parabola. Reference to any ana-
lytical geometry will furnish full information of

1816.J

AND HORTICULTURIST.

229

its several properties ; but a single diagram will
suffice to show one way in which it may be
located.

Tangent or straight lines are first located upon
the ground, approximating as nearly as may be
to the final location of the drive or walk. In
ornamental work it is better to lay out one side
rather than the centre. These straight lines and
their angles of intersection are measured; or, if
no instrument of measuring angles is available,
auxiliary lines are also measured, by the help of
which they may be mapped, if need be, and
which will also furnish the necessary elements
for constructing the curve. These tangent lines
are then connected by means of some kind of
curve ; and it is here where the parabola is so
available.

Tangent points at which to start and end the
curve are selected when most convenient. In
circular curves the tangents must be of equal
length, unless we take the trouble to introduce a
compound curve — that is, a curve of two or more
centres ; but a parabola can be introduced be-
tween either equal or unequal tangents, although
in most cases the longer tangent should not exceed
the shorter by more than one-half the length of the
latter. The length of the tangents and their
angles of intersection are all that are wanted to
compute the elements of the curve; but if we
do not have the means of measuring the angle,
our tape-line will do very well, for all we will have
to do will be to measure the straight line across
from one tangent point to the other, instead of
the angle. These remarks are elementary, but
they may help further on.

Let us now supjoose that we find it necessary
to join two tangents, that is, two straight lines by
means of a curve, which are at present connected
by an angle, and that all we have to work with
is a tape-line, some pegs, and a hatchet.

Measure the tangent AB — 80; BC — 120, and
the chord A C— 184 feet. Find D, the middle
point of A C ; then measure B D — 44.8 feet, and
find its middle point E. E is a point in the re-
quired cure, and B E of course equals 22.4 feet.
Now one property of the parabola is this : If we
divide its tangents A B and B C into any num-
ber of equal parts, the distance from any one of
these points to the curve is as the square of the
distance of that point from its tangent point A
or C. Thus, the distance from the point marked
(2) is four times the distance that (1) is from the
curve ; at (3) the distance is nine times, and at
B it is sixteen times that of (1) to the curve.

Now we know the distance B E, because we have
measured it. It is the half of C D, that is, 22.4
feet. Hence, if we, for the sake of convenience,
call the distance from (1) to curve a, we have
16 a— 22.4, and a— 22.4-16— 1.4 feet. The distance
at (2) will be 4 a — 5.6 feet, and at (3) it will be
9 a — 12.6 feet. Then divide each of the tangents
A B and B C into four equal parts, numbering

them (1), (2), (3), &c., counting from each tangent
point, and at (1) set a peg 1.4 from it, at (2) set
another at 5.6 feet from it, and at (3) one at 12.6
feet from it, and the curve will be located at
these points. If more points are wanted, we
must increase the number of points into which
we divide the tangents, always remembering that
the distance of the point nearest the tangent
point from the curve is found by dividing the
distance of the intersection of the two tangents
from the curve by the square of the number of
parts into which we have divided the tangents,
and that each succeeding distance is found by
multiplying the first distance (which we called
a), by the square of its number from the tangent
point. Thus, if in the example given we had
divided our tangent into six equal parts instead
of four, a would have been found by dividing
22.4 feet by 36, instead of by 16, and the other
distances would have been 4 a, 9 a, 16 a, 25 a.

But there is one thing which we have not yet
considered, and which we must not forget, and
that is the direction in which the distances are to
be laid off. They must all be in one direction, par-
allel to that middle line B E, and therefore parallel

230

TEE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[August,

to each other. As we have only a tape-line to
work with, the best way to secure this condition
is to divide each half of the chord A C into just
as many equal parts as we divide the tangents,
numbering them (1), (2), (3), &c., from each tan-
gent point. Then from (1) on the tangent range
to (1) on the half chords, and lay off a. Set off
4 a from (2) on the tangents to (2) on the half
chords, and so on to the end.

This is one of the several Avays of locating a
parabola.* It is the one which I have found
most convenient in my practice, aiid it has
proved so available that I have felt a desire to
make others acquainted with it. Of course it
will be understood that there is nothing new or
original in it, and most civil engineers are familiar
with it, but perhaps others who may have occa-
sion to draw the "line of beauty" upon their
grounds, and possibly some professional land-
scape gardeners may not be ; they will find it
applicable in many ways. As already stated, it
reverses well ; and it forms one of the most pleas-
ing ovals either for carriage-sweep or flower-bed
that I have met with.

* " Vide Henck's Field Book for Engineers."

EDITORIAL NOTES.

■ Lilies. — Lilium canadense is well worth cul"
tivating. It is admirably suited to our climate,
and is the first to bloom. In Germantown its
first blossoms open about the first of July. Others
follow through the season.

Rhododendrons and Roses. — Rhododendrons
are beautiful while they last, and uninteresting
the rest of the year. Hybrid Perpetual roses,
and Gladiolus should be planted among them,
and there will be flowers all the year.

The Elm Slug. — It is well known that through-
out a large part of the United States the elms are
skeletonized by a small slug, which renders the
trees very unsightly after midsummer. We
could find no account of this in the works of the
leading entomologists, so set the writer of this
at work to observe this season, and this is what
he saw: About the middle of May the leaves are
seen to be eaten into small holes, and a small
beetle, about one-third the size of a potato bee-
tle, is found to do the work. It is green, and
has a dark olive-colored line running down each
wing. It is an extremely active insect, but

" plays 'possum " at the least suspicion that any-
body is after it; and when more frightened,
drops as if dead to the ground. It appears to be
a species of Galeruca. After two or three weeks
the eggs hatch, producing the " slugs " which
skeletonize the already riddled leaves. Our en-
tomologists would do good service by working
the matter up more precisely.

Lawn from Seed. — The Germantown Telegraph
has a well merited compliment to the lawn grass
around the government buildings at the Centen-
nial Exposition, made under the direction of
Mr. William Saunders, from seed sown this
spring. There is plenty sown " with oats " in the
usual way by others, and with the usual wretched
appearance. Why do people sow oats with
spring sown lawn grass? Do they know them-
selves ?

Hemlock in Limestone Soils. — From circum-
stances that had come before us, we were led to
believe that the hemlock did not do well in
some parts of England and elsewhere, because
of limestone land. The Country Gentleman notes
instances of perfect success with the hemlock in
limestone land in Western New York. The
poor success of the hemlock at Rochester was
one of the reasons for our original conclusion.
It would be singular if it should turn out that
not even the rhododendron objects to limestone,
in spite of the prevalent impression.

QUERIES.

Lilium auratum. — You speak of this lily in
your last number, and remark that with the ex-
ception of L. Parkmani, nothing has been done
in the improvement of this suj^erb lily. Did you
ever read the Magazine of Hcrt'cuituref If not,
please turn to the volumes for 1866-67 (vols,
xxxii, p. 242, and xxxiii, p. 248).

As this lily is now in splendid bloom, it oc-
curred to us that it would be better to refresh
your memory by this reference than to say in
plain words — you must have been living in the
woods. Respectfully yours,

C. M. HOVEY.

Boston, July 4, 1876.

NEW PLANTS.

New Tea Rose, Duchess of Edinburgh. — It
is to the Messrs. Veitch that we are indebted for

iste.]

AND HORTICULTURIST.

231

this valuable acquisition. I believe it is now i gives a fair representation of the bud and flower
sufficiently well tested in this country to estab- when well grown. When forcing for its buds, this
lish its merits, and that it will be found to sup- variety should be grown as near the glass as pos-

ply a want long felt by florists — a free-flowering
tea rose, producing handsomely formed buds of
the richest velvety crimson colov. The drawing

sible, to bring out its richest tints; otherwise its
brilliant crimson merges into an undefined pink.

H. E. C.

232

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[August,

^REEN tilOUSE AND MOUSE GARDENING.

SEASONABLE HINTS.

August and September are often taken as the
time to repair plant houses and bviild new ones.
A few hints in connection may not be out of the
way. Summer heat shrinks wood, and very
often loosens glass, and makes leaks, through
which water drips in fall and winter most annoy-
ingly. This is worse when there is putty. This
is used now only to lay the glass in. The glass
is pressed down on it, tacked down by brads,
and only painted on the outside. The laps of
the glass should be as narrow as possible «nd
white — not dark — paint used. Is"ever use dark
paint or dark material ahout the house if possi-
ble, and most positively avoid tar.

Water tanks, collecting rain from the roof, can
often be introduced to advantage. Where the
earth is solid no stone or brick need be used.
Put on a thin coat of mortar, say a quarter of an
inch, and on this a coat of cement about as thick
as a sheet of brown paper. The thinner the ce-
ment coat the more chance of its being water-
proof We have known one barrel do for one
thousand square feet of surface, and be as im-
perious to water as glass. For large ranges of
glass there is nothing that equals hot-water pipes
for heating. For small greenhouses well-con-
structed flues answer. Flues should be near the
ground but never touch it. If there are cracks
in flues, permitting the passage of smoke and gas,
it is no use to plaster over it. Work out the whole
mortar near the crack — that is, make the hole
larger — and fill in with new mortar. Never paint
or whitewash flues. A flue of any length, even
on a dead level, can be made to draw by build-
ing a fire at the end of it. By this we rarify the
air, making it lighter, and the heavier air rushes
in at the furnace end to take its place. A close
reflection on this fact will always enable one to
build a flue that will, to a dead certainty, draw
well. There is no excuse whatever for a badlv
drawing flue. In small bay windows, fitted up
for plants, close curtains may be drawn across to
cut off the atmosphere of the room ; and if
double glass be used for the windows, or the

window itself be in a sheltered place, a good oil
lamp or two will generally suffice to keep out
frost.

COMMUNICA TIONS.

GREENHOUSE FURNACES.

BY W. T. BELL, FRAXKLIN, PA.

Your directions to W. H. L. on this subject, in
June number, are scarcely explicit enough to
enable a person without experience to build a
good furnace and flue, and having had some-
thing to do with flues I will, with your permis-
sion, supplement your article with a few addi-
tional directions, which shall at least have tne
merit of being practical.

If convenient, W. H. L. should make a cellar
or pit adjoining the end of his greenhouse, and
five or six feet in depth. The furnace should be
built within the greenhouse, but the door should
be open into the cellar, so as to exclude the dust
and smoke from the plants. The cellar may be
made large enough to answer for a coal house.

Furnace fronts and fixtures, consisting of a
heavy casting, with two doors, metal grate-bars,
(fee, should be used ; and the ash-pit of the fur-
nace may be raised about a foot from the floor of
the cellar.

The foundation and walls of the furnace should
be strongly built, not less than eight inches in
thickness ; and all that portion exposed to the
fire, as well as the first ten feet of the flue, should
be built of the best fire-brick.

The size of the furnace will depend on the size
of the house to be heated, and the fuel to be used.
If the latter is to be wood mainly, the furnace
should be larger than if coal or coke is to be
burned.

For a greenhouse of fifty feet in length, where
coal or coke is to be the fviel, a good size to make
the furnace will be three feet long, eighteen
inches wide and twenty inches high, above the
bars. The arch for the top of the furnace may be
built on a core of soil, rammed firm and trimmed
to the shape desired.

1876.]

AND HORTICULTURIST.

233

The flue should rise from the back of the fur-
nace to the level of the greenhouse floor, with a
steep slope, and be built from thence to the foot
of the chimney with a gradual rise. The steeper
this rise is the better the draught will be ; but
care nuist be taken not to interfere with doors
and benches.

The instructions for building flues, usually
met with, were evidently written by persons who
have used anthracite coal, or coke — as they
speak of carrying them one hundred and fifty
feet, with two or three bends, and but little rise,
and no mention is made of any method of clean-
ing the flue.

In many parts of the country the fuel must
necessarily be bituminous coal ; and unless
soine provision is made to remove the soot and
ashes from the flue, the destruction of the plants
by gas will inevitably occur.

If the flue is built straight, with a uniform rise,
and a door is made in the base of the chimney,
opposite the entrance to the flue, the soot
may be brushed into the furnace by a close-fit-
ting swab.

The flue sliould be raised from the ground
sufficiently to keep it dry, and should be built of
good size, not less than eight inches wide and
twelve inches high inside.

The bricks forming the side may be set on
edge, but ar^ better when laid flat, and the top
may be covered with narrow tile. The whole
should be laid with good thin mortar, and the
joints should be thoroughly plastered.

Build the chimney not less than twelve feet
high, and let it rise six feet above any object
near it.

Such a furnace and flue, if well built and kept
clean, should do good service ; but if W. H. L.
intends to make floriculture a business, he will
never be satisfied until he procures an efficient
hot-water apparatus.

I began with flues, and many a cold night I
have slept beside them, with no bed but a board,
waking as the heat began to decline to replenish
my fires.

My next step was to a simple form of boiler,
but I made a mistake common to young florists
who are struggling along with little means. I
bought a boiler too small for its work, and that
winter my wife and baby occupied a sleeping-
room with me, improvised in the potting-shed,
directly over my little heater, and every two
hours I wakened to fire up.

The next summer I put in a large boiler of the

best construction, capable of heating twice the
amount of glass I had in use. This I could
leave without attention for twelve hours at a
time, and I consider it the best investment I ever
made.

MR. SARGENT'S AZALEA SHOW.

BY BOSTON.

Towards the end of May Prof. C. S. Sargent, Esq.,
of Brookline, Mass., exhibited his famous Aza-
leas, and they were grand. The plants, some
large and others of various sizes, were well grown
and densely flowered, and tastefully arranged in
beds on the lawn under a very spacious tent.
The pots being plunged out of sight, the fresh,
grassy carpet and the presence of a few Palms
and Rhododendrons set off" to advantage these
floral pyramids, umbrellas and cushions. Chief
amongst the varieties were Decora, Exquisite,
Bride of Abydos, Iverzana, Beaute de L'Europe,
Variegata, Flmver of the Day, Daphne, Criterion,
and Marquis of Lome. These Azaleas in order
to be retarded as late as convenient are wintered
at the lowest possible temperature above the freez-
ing point, and they appear to bear such treatment
with impunity. The spring had fairly opened,
out-door vegetation was approaching its prettiest,
the weather was pleasant, neither too hot nor too
cold; in fact, everything we could wish for, to
make a visit enjoyable was in our favor. The
gardens of Mr. S. are extensive and picturesque
and undergoing considerable improvement.
They too contain many fine specimen deciduous
trees and handsome conifers. The greenhouses
are well stocked with plants, most remarkable
amongst which are the gigantic specimens of such
Agaves, as Coccinea, densiflora Glaucophylla,
Angustifolia, Verschaffeltii, Uncinata, Grandiden-
tata, Ghiesbreghtii, Horrida, Xylacantha, Univittata.
Recurvispina, Besseriana, Atrovirens, Jacohiana,
and many others. ,

MR. HUNNEWELL's RHODODENDRON SHOW.

Now, June 10th, is the season of Mr. Hunne-
well's Ehododendron Show at Wellesley, Mass.,
and such a display Waterer, Veitch or Lane
might be proud of — yes, Waterer went to
see them, was surprised at their excellence, and
now admits, "Well, you can grow some things
in America after all ! " It is not the quality that
is so surprising, it is the quantity. The finer and
more tender kinds are arranged in beds, and
some as isolated specimens under a very large
tent near the greenhouses. Evergreen hedges

234

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[Auauar,

act as sides to the tent, and they together with
the carpet of grass add greatly to the reUef
and advantageous display of this wealth of flow-
ers.

Amongst them are also a few Indian Azaleas
in bloom and some only in bud and a specimen
of Ehynchospermum jasminoides that would do
credit to the stages of the Crystal Palace or
the terraces of Regent's Park. The finer and
more tender Rhododendrons are wintered in a
large cellar purposely constructed for their ac-
commodation, and, judging from their appear-
ance,— well they seem to have enjoyed their
quarters. The heavy mulching around the roots
of those permanently out-of-doors bespeak the
care evinced for them. Some of the most promi-
nent sorts were Atrosanguineum, \Qxy deep, dark
red, trusses and blooms large and substantial^
a very hardy and fine-leaved kind ; H. W. Sar-
gent, dark crimson, large truss and substantial
foliage, a splendid Rhododendron ; Mrs. Milner,
fine dark red ; Prince Albert, deep lilac red ;
Stella, one of the best and freest bloomers, rosy
lilac with chocolate blotch ; Lady Armstrong,
spotted rose ; Scipio, dark rose, very fine, grown
as a standard ; James Bateman, dark rosy red,
blooms of fine form ; Brayanum, dark rosy
scarlet, paler in the middle; Giganteum, a yery
long trusser, blooms rose-colored ; and Purity,
one of the prettiest of whites. It is curious to
note that all these, the cream of Mr. H.'s exhibi-
tion, were raised by Waterer of England. We
must not omit, however. The Queen, one of the
most lovely of whites, with sometimes a tinge of
pink.

Throughout the pleasure grounds, which are
uncommonly extensive, there are nooks and
banks all a-blaze with the rose tree, but they are
not alone in their glory, this, too, being the hej'-
day of the hardy Azaleas, of which there are
dense and gorgeous masses. The open and
sweeping lawns, the clumps of pines, spruces,
purple beeches, maples, magnolias, and other
trees, and the natural location are excellent
features of this princely domain. Tropical and
semi-tropical plants from the greenhouses are
much used in the out-door embellishment of
rockeries, flower gardens and borders. In the
greenhouses are some very fine Dracaenas, Alo-
casias, Crotons (including the fine new C. Dis-
raeli), and many other specimens of the finer
tropical subjects. Here, too, we notice an AUa-
manda Schottii with stem and spread of branches
like an old Wisteria and densely bloomed. The

conservatory, we believe, is particularly grand and
well furnished with fine foliages and floriferous
plants, but from it visitors are debarred. In the
fruit houses are grapes ripe and being cut, and
others in every stage of advancement — i^eaches,
plums and apricots.

Three daj's after we were there the Emperor
of Brazil and suite visited these gardens and
were entertained by Mr. H.

FORCING ROSES.

BY BEXJAMIN GKEY, GARDENER TO E. S. RAND, JR.,
DEDHAM, MASS.

Although much has been written on this sub-
ject, still as there are so many failures made
yearly, in what is really an easy matter, I ven-
ture to offer a few suggestions. Many growers
prefer a three-quarter, or hip-roofed house,
facing south, but in my experience I find a
span-roofed house, facing about east and west,
better. With such a house we get the sun early
and late, and keep the temperature moderate in
the middle of the day with less ventilation,
thereby lessening the risk of mildewing the roses
by the cold draught, which it is almost impossi-
ble to avoid with the other style of house.

It is an important matter to have the border
properly made ; the drainage should be perfect ;
if this is not attended to the soil soon becomes
soured. Roses require frequent "syringing to
keep down the " red spider," and plenty of water
at the roots when growing, but it must have a
chance to pass oft' quickly. If the subsoil is
gravel or sand nothing more is needed but to
make the soil, which should be good turfy loam,
of the depth of about fifteen inches, adding two
or three inches of well-rotted stable manure, and
thoroughly mixing it with the loam . With a clayey
subsoil it would be necessary to strip off the top
soil and form a drainage of rough stones or other
material at hand answering the same purpose,
covering it with straw, or better, sods with the
grass side down, after which proceed as above.

The application of a large quantity of green
manure before the plants are established is
probably one of the most fruitful sources of fail-
ure, and the use of a greater quantity than that
before mentioned I would not advise.

For planting, bushes which have grown in
eight or ten inch pots are preferable, the extra
cost of such i^lants being amply repaid by having
stronger bushes. If these are not to be had
plants will do which have been propagated in
February or March and kept growing until they

iste.]

AND HORTICULTURIST.

235

are established in five or six inch pots, which
they will be by the middle of June, and this I
consider a good time to plant, or as soon after as
convenient. When strong plants are used, I
plant them about two feet and one-half apart in
the row and three feet between the rows. If the
plants are small, plant half the above distances,
thinning out every other row, and every alter-
nate plant in the remaining rows, after the first
season. When planted the house should be
shaded by painting the glass with turpentine
with a little white lead and oil added. This does
not destroy the paint on the woodwork, which is
the case when lime is used for shading. Give
plenty of air for a month or six weeks, leaving
the sashes open at night, until the plants are
well rooted in the new soil, which ensures a
stronger "break" of young wood than if the
house is kept close at first. After this, syringe,
and close the house early every evening. The
border should now have a good mulching of
stable manure, and after a time frequent water-
ings with liquid manure. When the nights get
cool, start a gentle fire to keep off the mildew,
and in winter the thermometer should be kept
up to fifty-five or sixty degrees by fire heat.

No pruning will be required the first season,
except to cut out the scrubby, blind shoots near
the bottom which are apt to harbor " red spider."
In fact, a rose bush, which has been forced into
a soft, pithy growth, should never be headed in
or cut back in the manner in which we would
cut a hardy rose, as it never breaks strong.
Whole houses of fine bushes have been thus de-
stroyed, and I find it best when a house has
been treated in this way, to dig up the bushes
and replant with young vigorous plants at once.
In pruning, the shoots which have ceased to give
flowering Avood should be cut clean out at the
bottom, and the shoots of the later growth left
entire, and if bent over and pegged down they
will break finely from the latent eyes, on the
lower part of the canes. I have practiced
this method, which is an old one, for years, and
find it works well, especiallj^ with old plants,
which many growers throw away, to make room
for young ones, while these at best take one year
before they give as good a crop of buds as old
plants treated in this way.

The varieties suitable for marketing are Saf-
rano, Bon Silene, Isabella Sprunt, Yellow Tea,
Marechal Niel, Souvenir de la. Malmaison, Niphi-
tos, in about the order named, and a few others,
which, however, are not grown largely by Flo-

rists, and are, perhaps, more suited to the wants
of amateur cultivators, where variety is more the
object than market qualities.

All of the above-named varieties may be suc-
cessfully grown in pots, if potted, in three parts
turfj- loam and one part well-rotted manure, and
shifted as the pots become filled with roots, with
an occasional watering of liquid manure.

Should you deem the above worthy of inser-
tion in the Gardener's Monthly, and care to hear
from me again, I may drop you a few lines on
some future occasion. [Please do. — Ed. G, M.]

HISTORY OF THE DOUBLE LOBELIA.

BY HENRY CHITTY, PATERSON, N. .1.

I selected a plant in a London greenhouse,
and carried to this country in my hand, as it
were. In fact, we had the Double Lobelia in our
nursery as early as June, 1873, and was getting a
nice stock of it. During my visit to your city in
September of that year, Mr. Buist asked rae if
we had it, and made me promise him an early
plant. I promised him the first plant we sold,
which was October 1st, 1873. Our plants were
all set out among a lot of Double White Chinese
Primroses which were planted out in a bed in
one of the houses. On the last night of Septem-
ber the slugs, or snails, made an attack on them
and eat off every one of them even with the
ground. Not one of them ever grew the least
bit afterwards. It appeared to have poisoned
them. To say that I was disgusted and discour-
aged only partially describes m)^ feeling at that
time. From that time to the first of last June
we imported about 30 dozen plants without
getting one alive. I even hired a man
to bring out some plants, telling him how to
manage them, but he not knowing the impor-
tance of the plants had them packed in a box,
and they were lost. At last, upon leaving
London, I selected three fine plants, and I
landed in New York with them in full flower,
from which we soon had a stock. The plant va-
ries in color of flowers from a very light sickly
blue to a deep, rich, dark blue. The latter are
worth having, and with the opportunity at my
command I did not select the former.

EDITORIAL NOTES.

Wall- FLOWERS and Gilliflowers. — These old-
fashioned flowers do remarkably well under cul-
ture for greenhouse adornment in early spring,
and may be sown now for that purpose. There

236

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[August,

have been great improvements made in form,
color and habit. One of the best we have seen
was sent to us by Mess. Vilmorin, cf Paris, and
of which we give an illustration. They call it the

Paris Gilliflower. We are not sure that this
special kind is offered by our seedsmen, but it
could be inquired for, with instructions to send
• other good kinds if that one was not on hand.
The whole family of Wall-flowers and Gilliflow-
ers, or " Stocks," as they are sometimes called,
are capital things to try one's skill on as plant
cultivators. A poorly-grown stock is still a good
thing to have, but a well-grown i>]ant is charm-
ing. Horticultural societies should offer pre-
miums for such things as these.

Royal Patronage of Cut Flowers. — The
Gardener's Clironide says: "The floral decora-
tion at the Guildhall on the occasion of the re-
ception of the Prince of Wales was entrusted to
Mr. B. S. Williams, of Holloway, who also sup-
plied the bouquet presented to the Princess, 200
other bouquets for the ladies, and 350 "button-
holes " for the gentlemen. The Princess' bou-
quet consisted principally of Phaltenopsis grandi-
flora, Odontoglossum Alexandra?, Vandas, etc.
Between thirty and forty van-loads of decorative
plants, such as Tree Ferns, Azaleas, Palms and
Orchids, were required on the occasion. The
ball-room and the approaches to it were decora-
ted by Mr. Wills."

To Prevent Hyacinths having Short Stems.
—Get some stout brown paper and cut it into
squares of a suitable size, and then roll them up
into funnels similar in iorm to the pointed bags
in which grocers put moist sugar. They should
be from six to nine inches long, and as soon as
rolled into shape pasted up the edge to keep
them firm ; if for plants in pots, the base of the

funnel should be large enough to go over the
bulb and a portion of the soil ; if for glasses, it
should fit the outside of the upper rim of the
glass. The pointed end should be cut off, so that
when placed over the plants, the fight will come
in at the top only ; the flower-stem will rise up
rapidly to reach it, and as soon as it is as long as
you desire, take off" the funnel and allow it to
bloom. After a little practice with this method,
you will be able to grow them all of a height,
which very much enhances their beauty where
a number of them are arranged in a window. —
Gardener's Magazine.

QUERIES.

Flowering of the Hoya Carnosa. — Mrs. C.
C. P., Aledo, Mercer Co., 111., asks, "Can you tell
me how to flower the W'ax plant (Hoya) ? I can
make it grow' like a bad weed, but cannot, as yet,
make it bloom. Or must it have a certain age to
bloom ? If you can give me a hint in your ex-
cellent magazine perhaps others will be as
thankful as I know I shall."

[Set it out in the full sun during summer. It
will in all probability flower freely after that. —
Ed. G. M.]

Killing the Mealy Bug. — A correspondent
sends the enclosed and asks our opinion.

" For exterminating mealy bug, writes a cor-
respondent in the Rural New-Yorker, I have
never found anything so good as alcohol; or even
common high-proof Avhisky will do. With a
small soft brush one can soon clean the bugs
from a hundred plants, no matter how badly in-
fested. Dip the brush into the alcohol, and then
let a* drop or two fall upon a cluster of mealy
bugs, and they will disappear. There are some
very delicate kinds of plants which the alcohol
will injure if used too freely ; but there is not
much danger in its application to the ordinary
kinds cultivated in greenhouses."

We believe it is good advice. At any rate try
a little first, and if effective, and no injury re-
sults, use it extensively.

NEW PLANTS.

New Double Zonale Pelargonium Wonder-
ful.— Mr. Geo. Smith, of Hornsey, London, who
raised this variety, says it is remarkable for the
persistency with which it retains its petals, the
unusually large size of its trusses, as well as the

1876.]

AND EOBTIGULTURItiT.

23T

great substance and intense brilliancy of its flow-
ers, and when we reflect that the Royal Horti-
cultural Society awarded it a first-class certificate
of merit last season, we may jvistly infer that its

abundant bloom, and other qualities of that
variety as well as its intense brilliant orange-
scarlet color. Our plants when only three or
four inches high — mere slips, commenced throw-

XVi^J""-

V ^^C" "~

- \?\x:

i

\ s'

merits were* well considered.

This variety is a sprout from the well known
and popular single flowering Zonale Pelargonium
" Vesuvius," and retains the dwarf free growth.

ing up their flower trusses, which would seem to
indicate an unusually free flowering habit, which
will give it great value as a market or bedding
plant. H. E. C.

238

TEE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[August,

;ruit and megetable gardening.

SEASONABLE HINTS.

Many kinds of fruit trees that have arrived at
a bearing age, may perhaps be growing very
vigorously and producing very little or no fruit .
Those who have read our remarks in past num-
bers, will understand that whatever checks the
wood producing principle, tends to throw the
plant into a bearing state. For this purpose,
summer pruning is often employed, which,
by checking the most vigorous shoots, weakens
the whole plant, and throws it in a fruitful con-
dition. The same result is obtained by root pru-
ning, with this diflference, that by the last opera-
tion the whole of the branches are proportion-
ately checked, while by pinching only the strong
growing shoots, th'e weak ones gain at the ex-
pense of the stronger ones. Presuming that the
branches have been brought into a satisfactory
condition in this respect, root pruning may now
be this month resorted to. We cannot say ex-
actly how far from the trunk the roots may be
operated on, so much depends on the age and
vigor of the tree. In a luxuriant, healthy tree,
one-fourth may be safely dispensed with. In a
four year old standard pear tree, for instance,
the roots will, perhaps, have reached four feet
from the trunk on every side. A circle six feet
in diameter may then be cut around the stem,
extending two feet beneath the surface. It is
not necessary to dig out the soil to accomplish
the result ; a strong post spade, or strong spade
of any kind, may be driven down vigorously
describing the circle, and doing the work very
effectually. Of all trees, the peach is as much
benefitted by root pruning as any.

August and September are favorite months to
plant out Strawberries, with those who desire a
crop of fruit the next season. In making a straw-
berry-bed a warm, dry spot of ground should be
chosen, with, if possible, a good loamy or clayey
subsoil. A moist wet situation is verj^ unfavor-
able. It is best to subsoil at least eighteen inches
deep, and if the soil is poor, let it be moderately
enriched with well decayed stable manure. In

setting out, take care that the plants do not be-
come dry from the time they are taken up till
they are replanted, and see that they do not
wither afterwards. Many persons cut off the
leaves, if they are afraid of their wilting under
hot suns, but a much better plan is to shade.
Inverted 4-inch flower-pots are excellent for this
purpose ; they may be taken off at night. The
dews w'ill so invigorate them, that the shade wilt
only be required for a few days. Sometimes in
September they may need a good watering; but
this should never be attempted unless a thorough
saturation of the bed be given ; and in a few days
after, the hoe and rake should be employed to
loosen and level the surface, which the heavy
watering will, in all probability, have caused to
bake and become verj' crusty.

The Grape vine at this season will require at-
tention, to see that the leaves are all retained
healthy till thoroughly ripened. It is not a sign
of healthiness for a vine to grow late ; on the
contrary, such late growth generally gets killed
in the winter — but the leaves should all stay on,
to insure the greatest health of the vine, until
the frost comes, when they should all be so ma-
ture as to fall together. Frequent heaAy sj'ring-
ings are amongst the best ways to keep off in-
sects from out-door grapes, and so protect the
foliage from their ravages.

Towards the end of the month, a sowing of
Spinach may be made in rich soil, which will
come in use before winter. That desired for
winter and early spring vise, is usually sown in
September in this region. A few Turnips may
be also sown for an early crop, but will be hot and
stringy unless the soil is very rich.

As fast as endive is desired for salad, it should
be blanched. Matting thrown over is the best
for this purpose, as the plants are not so liable to
rot as when pots or boards are employed. In
cold or mountainous regions. Melons are hasten-
ed in the ripening process and improved in
flavor by a piece of tile being placed under the
fruit.

Celery will require earthing up as it grows, to
get it to blanch well. It is not well, however, to

1876.]

AND HORTICULTURIST.

239

commence too early, as earthing up tends in a
slight degree, to weaken the growth of the plants.
Take care also, not to let the soil get into the
heart in earthing, or the crown is apt to rot.

At this season of the year, more than perhaps
at any other, it is important to hoe and rake be-
tween the rows of growing crops. A loose surface
soil not only admits the various gases that the roots
luxuriate in, but it also prevents evaporation
and checks a too great absorption of heat, and
then, besides all this, the weeds are kept down,
and neatness and order reigns. After every
heavy shower, if the time can at all be spared,
the hoe, and the rake should be freely employed.

COMMUNIGA TIONS,

ONION AND SEED GROWING IN CALIFORNIA.

BY A. MCM., SAN JOSE, CAL.

No country in the world produces finer onions
than are grown around the Bay of San Francisco.
The rich alluvial soil and the peculiarity of the
seasons and climate in this part of California
seem to be specially adapted for growing both the
bulbs and the seed of the onion in the greatest
perfection. Great quantities of the Yellow Dan-
vers and Yellow Dutch are raised chiefly by Portu-
guese for the city market. I have been in
Egypt and Holland, as well as in Spain, but in
none of these lands, the native home of this an-
cient deity of the kitchen, have I ever seen
onions to excel our California bulbs, either in
beauty of form or fineness of flavor. Oiie who
has great experience in onion culture, both in
the Eastern States and in California, writes in
The Pacific Rural Press, that "the onion bulbs
produced in California are much more perfect in
every particular than any grown elsewhere on
this continent. Californian onion seed, when
planted in the same field with seed of the same
kind of Eastern and European growth, produces
larger and finer onions than the latter, having
less scallions and ripening earlier."

This fact is of especial interest to onion grow-
ers, and is, no doubt, to be accounted for by the
circumstance that the crop of onion seed us-
ually ripens here about a month in advance of
seed grown in the East. To test these points,
California onion seed has been planted along
with the best Connecticut and English grown
seed of the same kind, at Rochester, N. Y., and

Detroit, and the result was such that the seed of
California growth was acknowledged to be supe-
rior to the seed of Eastern growth, even by those
who were considerably prejudiced against it.
Our mild winters and genial spring and summer
allow the seed vessels of plants to be fully de-
veloped and all seeds to be perfectly formed and
ripened ; our cold nights rendering them also
quite hardy. Then, the long, dry summer, with-
out rain, permits of the thorough drying of the
seed in the open air. These are advantages
which ought to give onion and other vegetable
seeds grown in California the same preference in
the market that our wheat (seed) now enjoys.
The seed farms in the vicinity of this city are
carefully cultivated, being owned by reliable in-
dividuals of intelligence and experience.

From the large quantity of onion and lettuce
seed sent East last year, and the extensive orders
received from several of the leading seed estab-
lishments of America, it is evident that vegeta-
ble seeds, particularly onion and lettuce seed,
grown in this State, will soon come to be in great
demand as its superior excellence comes to be
more generally known. The cost of suitable
lands, the expense of labor and freight, and the
destructiveness *of the "gopher," which is the
pest of this fertile land, however, seriously cur-
tail the profits of the seed grower in California.
But against these he expects to place the superior
quality of his seeds, and a rapidly increasing de-
mand for them, both in the Northern and South-
ern States. The onion growers of California pre-
fer seed of native growth to any other, for the
most part growing what they require themselves.

S«n Jose, Santa Clara Co., Cal., June 3, 1876.

THE WILD GOOSE PLUM.

BY E. S. N., CHATTANOOGA, TENN.-

I see you noticed my letter in the June num-
ber, referring to the Peach seed, and desire to
know from me " if these seedlings have always
very small seeds, all of a uniform size, or whether
there are large and small ones, various sizes, as
we should suppose."

You are correct in your supposition. As some
of the fruit is large and some small, so also the
seeds are in like i^roportion, large and small.

A word about the wild goose plum. Mr. Tran-
sou, of Humboldt, Tenn., thinks he can solve
the difficulty, and says : " This noted plum origi-
nated in Tennessee, and is as thick as blackber-

240

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[August,

ries all over our country. The practice has been
and still quite common to plant stone fruits with-
out grafting or budding. No wonder there is
such a difference," and goes on to say: "The
average size, one and a half to two inches in
diameter, round sJiape, very productive," &c. I
beg leave to differ with the gentleman when he
says " they are as thick all over the country as
blackberries." On the contrary, there are but
few of them planted through the State. I mean
the genuine, for when reproduced from seed
there is no certainty of their being so. It is true,
we have got plums growing all over the country
like blackberries, and they can usually be bought
at fifty cents per bushel hi their season, and
while they belong to the Chickasaw family, are
not by any means genuine wild goose plums.
In fact, I never heard any such claim made for
them. They are round (as the gentleman says)
and about one-half to two-thirds as large, while
the wild goose is large and oval, and can be
told by the leaf and wood as well as by the fruit.
The genuine wild goose can be procured at any
nursery in the State, most generally budded on

peach stock.

«^ —

EDITORIAL NOTES.

Roe's Seedling Gooseberry. — We have before
us some specimens of Mr. Roe's Seedling Goose-
berry, and a marked copy of circular stating
that it "is as large as the best English varieties,
and has never mildewed for fifteen years." Pro-
fessor Thurber's opinion of it is also quoted, but
we note that he simply says " it is much larger
than our native sorts," which is correct, for with
Professor Thurber's botanical knowledge he
could not call this a seedling of the native spe-
cies. Unfortunately, the fact that it has never
mildewed for fifteen years is no proof that it
never will. All experience has shown/ that the
foreign class of gooseberries are unreliable in
this respect. We hope it may never mildew.
Nothing would please us better than that Mr.
Roe had been fortunate to find just this mildew-
proof foreign kind. But our duty to our readers
will not allow us to hold out this hope.

Linseed Oil for Pear Blight. — We have
noted the remarkably beneficial effect on pear
and apple trees by washing with linseed oil, but
we find a place for the following from the Rural
Home :

"Two or three years ago, a paragraph went

the rounds of the agricultural press to the effect
that Mayor Ludlow, of Norfolk, Virginia, had
treated the pear blight with remarkable success
by applying linseed oil to the diseased parts. It
was copied into the Rural Home, and read by
I). P. Westcott, of this city, among othere. That
same season Mr. Westcott had a tree attacked
with blight, the bark of the trunk, below the
branches, presenting that blackened, burnt ap-
pearance, so indicative of what is called ' fire
blight.'

"By cutting through the bark Mr. W. discovered
that the inner bark and sapwood were black and
apparently dead. Remembering the oil prescrip-
tion, referred to above, he washed the diseased
parts thoroughly with raw linseed oil. This was
in the autumn. The next spring the tree leafed
out, and commenced growing, and upon cutting
into the diseased bark, he found that a new inner
bark had grown, and the tree is now alive and
flourishing.

"Last summer his trees commenced blighting
again, some of them very badly, and he applied
the linseed oil again. The blight was arrested
and the trees have put forth their foliage in good
condition this spring, and the new bark under
the dead exterior, is alive and apparently healthy.
We have just called, at his request, to see the
trees, and find them as reported above.

"Although Mr. Westcott lives in a densely set-
tled portion of the city — 89 Stone St., — he has a
liberal lot well stocked with ornamental trees of
the smaller kinds, shrubs, fruit trees, grapes,
raspberries, strawberries, and quite a variety of
garden vegetables, all so well cultivated and
pruned as to be really ornamental. His pears
are of a number of varieties, both dwarf and
standard, and both kinds have been attacked by
the blight.

" Although Mr. Westcott does not claim to
have fully demonstrated the fact that linseed oil
is an infallible remedy for pear blight, he will be
very likely to try it again should his trees be
again attacked, and we would advise the readei-s
of the Rural Home to do the same, and see
what its effects may be in their cases."

The Peach Bird. — We regret to state that
these birds have made their appearance in our
comity. One of our fruit growers informs us
that he first discovered them on his place last
Sabbath ; he described them as being larger than
our sparrow, yellow in appearance, and beautiful
singers. They do not confine ' themselves to
peaches, but are feeding upon pears, or any

1876.]

AND HORTICULTURIST.

241

other fruit that they can swallow. — Centreville
Record.

The Early Peaches. — The desire of the public
to know about the early peaches, now closely
rivaling each other for superiority, is intense. It
is very difficult to settle contending claims, and
among so many friends it is not pleasant to be
the referee ; but it is our misfortune to be in this
position, and we have no choice but to decide to
the best of our ability. We have had the chance
to test this season the following, all grown
within sixty miles of each other, and without
going into details, must say that for earliness we
believe them to stand as follows: 1. Downing;
2. Saunders; 3. Alexander; 4. Musser; 5. Ams-
den; 6. Beatrice; 7. Wilder; 8. Hales' Early.
We believe these will ripen in the order named
if growing all near each other.

Now as to quality, we would put first No. 4,
then as follows in order. No. 3, 2, 1, 6, 7.

In size we should put the numbers in the fol-
lowing order, 7, 4, 3, 2, 1, 6.

All this is subject to future revision, but it
strikes us this way at present.

Colorado Cabbage. — The Saguache Chronicle
gives some interesting facts regarding Mr. Stoll-
steiner's farming operations in the upper valley
of the Rio Grande in Southwestern Colorado.
Last year he raised Marblehead mammoth cab-
bages that weighed thirty-five pounds each.

n:ew fruits k vegetables.

Brigos' Red May Peach. — From John Rock,
San Jose, Cal., June 22d. — Round, very white
skin with red cheek, 7 to 8 inches in circumfer-
ence, rather tart in flavor, probably from the
distance requiring them to be gathered before
quite ripe, but very juicy and refreshing ; flesh
and stone greenish white. This was as large as
any of our best peaches, and equal to the
average in general qualities. It was the lar-
gest early peach we have ever seen, and if in this
climate it should prove as large, and as good, it
would soon put all those we have aside. The ac-
tual value, however, of course depends on how
it compares with our popular kinds, when grown
side by side in this latitude, or with others in
California. Of this last point Mr. Briggs says :

" I have been requested by John Rock, of San
Jose, Cal., to send you by mail specimens of

the Red May peach. It originated with me,
and is fully twenty days earlier than Hale's
Early. We have had a remarkably wet sea-
son and the peach on that account is not
as well flavored as usual. The Red May has
been placed on the San Francisco market for the
last four years, on from the 27th to the 30th.
There have been at the date of this over 5,000
bushels of the Red May placed on this market.
Last season they were all gone on the 18th of
June."

The Hamner Peach. — Mrs. M. E. H., Galves-
ton, Texas, gives the following account of this
variety : ," Hoping that I have something new
in the way of a very fine late peach, I thought I
would give you its history thus far, and see if you
could give me any light upon its name or merits,
if not a new peach. It being very late here, and
hardy and large, I think it is just the peach for
a very late, large, good sort for market when all
others have become scarce; and as it is very
showy, I think it would command a good price.

" It is a seedling of the cling variety. It came
up in my garden voluntarily three years ago last
April, and from its thrifty and vigorous appear-
ance, I allowed it to remain. It bore two peaches
at two-j'^ears of age, l3ut my little ones being able
to reach them, they were not allowed to ripen.
Last year it had about five pecks of the finest
peaches it has ever been my pleasure to see or
taste, \\1ien very green, some two months be-
fore ripening, they were exhibited at the Texas
Horticultural and Pomological Society, at Hous-
ton, where they were universally admired, and
had honorable mention made of them. When
ripe, I could have sold them readily at twenty-
five cents a piece. I had one dozen picked pro-
miscuously, and weighed on a druggist's scales,
and they weighed from 6 to 10 ounces each.
They are very oblong when young, with a very
decided neck, and tip on the end, but are almost
round when matfired. Very slightly pinkish in
color, sweet and very juicy. Another very
strange circumstance in regard to this tree is,
that whilst six others in the yard, and not over
40 feet from it, some of them younger, and some
older, all as well, or better protected from the
September storms were killed, this tree sur-
vived, and is in vigorous growth, but with very
few peaches on it this year."

Cumberland Triumph STRAWBERRY.-"We gave
a figure of this new variety, last year, showing its
large size, and from a personal examination of

242

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[August,

the beds, were enabled to judge of its productive-
ness. Colman's Rural World (Mo.) states that
fourteen of them have weighed a pound, and
that paper publishes a communication from a
Texas correspondent who obtained berries weigh-
ing half an ounce on plants received through the
mail forty days before. This variety was raised
by Amos Miller of Carlisle, Pa., and resembles
Green Prolific magnified nearly double its usual
size."

The above is from the Country Gentleman, to
which, we will add that some on exhibition at
the Centennial impressed us favorably. They
were the best flavored of many on exhibition that
day.

Durand's Great American Strawberry. —
Those exhibited at the Centennial attracted much
attention. They are similar in size to Jucnnda,
as Knox used to raise them, and are equal in
quality to that capital variety. There is a greater
tendency to flattening than in that. It is one of
the most promising seedlings we have seen.

Smith's President Lincoln Strawberry. —
Exhibited at the Centennial, is among the best
seedling strawberries of the season. The fruit
averaged as large as any exhibited at the great
Centennial show. Very firm solid berries ; of a
brilliant dark scarlet color, and of excellent
flavor. Most of them were inclined to flatten.
This is another of the most promising seedlings
that have come before us this season. Raised by
Mr. Smith, gardener to Charles Dickens, Esq., of
New York.

Prouty's Strawberry. — A Western seedling,
has been tested by Mr. Bassett, of Hammonton,
on whose grounds the writer saw them in June
last. It bears out here all its Western friends
have said of it.

Southern Red Thornless Raspberry. — We
have from Mr. W. Bassett, Hammonton, N. J.,
some boxes of this variety, which proves to be
an excellent traveler, and as superior a keeper.
It appears to belong to the same class as the
Philadelphia. "We cannot speak of its bearing
qualities from our own experience, but in all
others we can say it is a superior fruit. It is
rather darker than the Brandyivine, which is
also a favorite with our market men.

The Barnhardt Cherry. — R. D. Bax-nhardt,
post-marked West Newton, Pa., sends us a seed-
ling cherry. He does not say it is his own, but
that it "originated with some fruitgrower of this
locality." As it is a valuable cherry undoubtedly,

and it is no use to notice things without name,
we give it the name above. It is of the Big-
garreau class, above medium, very solid, and very
sweet, long slender stem. Fruit bright red, mot-
tled with scarlet, and a shade of black on the
sunny side. It strikes us as a valuable market

fruit.

>».

QUERIES.

Seedling Strawberry. — J. R. S., Catawissa,
writes : " I take the liberty of sending you to-day
per Reading Express (expressage prepaid) one
small box of a seedling strawberry of my own
raising for examination. With me they are much
larger, better quality, much more productive
and very much better growers than any other kind.
I would like Mr. Meehan to see them, and have
his opinion of them, but as he lives in German-
town, I thought likely he would not get them
until spoiled. The season is very wet with us,
and the fruit consequently not so firm and good
flavor as usual. This is the second week's pick-
ing and the berries are from J to :J^ smaller than
the first week."

[These should have been sent to Germantown.
It would have saved time and twenty-five cents
to the editor. Still they came to Germantown
from Philadelphia in fair condition after their
long journey, and enabled us to form a high
opinion of their merits. — Ed. G. M.]

Richland Plum. — G. <Sc S. B., Nonvalk, Ohio,
say : " Can you tell us anything about the Rich-
land plum ? "

[It is a small copper-colored plum — indeed
often confused with the Copper plum — much
planted by the Germans of the interior of Penn-
sylvania. It is not of first-class quality, but is
very hardy and prolific, and seems more free
from injury by curculio and disease than other
kinds. It is very well suited to heavy clay lands.
—Ed. G. M.]

The Early Peaches. — Mr. H. M. Engle, Mari-
etta, Pa., says : " The question, which is the ear-
liest peach, has been considerably agitated the
last few years, and it is still undecided. Would
it not be for the public interest to arrange to
have them exhibited and tested at the Centen-
nial ? We know that latitude, soil and situation,
and other circumstances, will prevent a positive
fair test, but the period of ripening, size, appear-
ance and quality may be approximated by a
competent committee, which would certainly be
some criterion until they can all be grown side

18t6.]

AND HOB TIG UL Tunis T.

243

by side. The prospect for my seedlings, Wilder,
Downing and Saunders is fair, and I expect to
show them at the proper time. There is also an
early new seedling in Cumberland Valley of fair
piomise, that fruited for the first time last season,
which shall be on hand if it comes to time. Let
us hope the Beatrice, Louise, E. Rivers, Ams-
den, Alexander, Honeywell, and all other candi-
dates for honors of earliness will be on hand.

My first impulse was to write an article for the
Monthly, but have concluded that it would be
more effective in the shape of an editorial, if you
approve of the suggestion.

[Mr. Engle's suggestion is a timely one. We
hope those who have early peaches will send
them. No application for space is required, as
requested of the permanent exhibitors. If they
are sent, express paid, to Burnett Landreth, Ag-
ricultural Bureau, Centennial Buildings, Phila.,
they will be properly taken care of, and placed
on exhibition. The early kinds exhibited should
of course come from the same localities for com-
parison. On the 9th of June some fine Early
Beatrice were on exhibition, but they were from
Alabama, and there were no other kinds frofti
that region to compare them with. One of these
was eight and a-Aa//" inches round, and the flavor
better than any we had tasted before of this
kind.— Ed. G. M.]

Cornelian Cherry. — An Indiana correspon-
dent, evidently supposing this to be a cherry, in-
quires " what stock it is budded on." It is not
a true cherry, but a dog wood — Comus mas —
also called male Cornel, but why, we never knew.
The fruit is cherry-like, and employed to make
rather tame preserves and tarts. It has great
beauty as an ornamental shrub to recommend it.
It is gi'afted on no stock, but raised by nursery-
men from seed.

White Alpine Strawberry.— J. H. C, Colum-
bus, O., says ; " I once had a white Alpine straw-
berry, twenty years ago, that bore a long time
after the strawberry season and bore abundantly.
I see no account of such a berry. Who can tell
about it? It was about the color of pale buff pa-
per and very delicious. I would like to know if
any one can tell about such a berry. I regret
very much that I neglected to keep it."

[There are white varieties of the Alpine straw-
berry, but most attempts to keep the Alpines in
cultivation prove futile, from ignorance as to the
proper culture of Alpines When treated as
ordinary strawberries they are small, and hardly

worth growing. They need reclaimed bog land
or some other cool soil to do well. — Ed. G. M.]

Leechee Nuts. — Miss G. writes, "My neice,
Mrs. Wm. C. Heacock, U. S. N., when in San
Francisco, about three years ago, was presented
by -a Chinaman with some nuts containing, aa
near as I can make out, an edible pulp covering
a stone. The nuts are about the size of the lar-
gest button balls of the Buttonwood or Plane
tree, are of a brown color and look as if all parti-
cles were joined into one and hardened to a
crust. I find by crushing it a little I can enclose
a broken one. If it should be new to you so far
that you desire more, I will send you some per-
fect ones and will ask you to name it.

[This is the fruit of the Nephelium Leechee,
a Chinese tree that would be hardy south. — Ed.
G. M.]

Disease in Cabbage Plants. — A Felton, Kent
Co., Del. correspondent, says: "I send by mail
to-day in a small box, packed in moss, two cab-
bage leaves of Jersey Wakefield variety. They
are spring grown, in a gentle hot-bed; the bed
has been only moderately warm at any time. I
have observed lately that the leaves have looked
yellow, but paid very little attention to them,
thinking it was the effect of frosts during the late
cold nights. To-day finding them looking worse
than ever, I examined the plants and found the
leaves thickly covered on the under surface with
a white insect, about the size of red spider that
infests hot-house plants, perhaps somewhat lar-
ger than these. The bed of plants has the ap-
pearance of having been scalded. At first they
appear in small patches and some leaves have
but very few on them, others have, as you see
by the specimens I send you, the under surface
thickly studded. In the same bed of about 4000
plants are about 1000 of Fottler's Early Drum-
head, and these are but slightly, if at all affected.
I have failed to find any reference to such an in-
sect in Henderson's books, the Gardener's Month-
ly or other Agricultural papers, and I take the lib-
erty of sending you these specimens, hoping they
may arrive in good order, and that you may en-
lighten myself and the many other readers of the
Gardener's Monthly in regard to this, to me, singu-
lar insect, which I fear may prove a serious hind-
rance to the already risky business of growing
cabbage."

[This is Peronospora parasitica, near relative
of the Potato fungus, and likely to prove a dan-
gerous cuBtomer. — Ed. G. M.]

244

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[August,

Satural History and Science.

GENERAL OBSERVATIONS ON THE FLORA OF
HOKKAIDO.

BY M. LOUIS BOHMER,

Horticulturist to the Kaitaku,ska, Yedo. Japan.

[Continued from page 212.]

Leaving the forest towards Yubuts we struck
several rivers running in an easterly direction
and found large numbers of the Lilium tigrinum,
the bulbs of which are a favorite vegetable with
Japanese. A Lychnis, with much laciniated
petals and of a bright red color grows here
among the grass ; it looked so handsome that I
collected a number of living plants. Yubuts is
situated on the sea-shore, and vegetation natur-
ally becomes less varied. A large leaved creep-
ing Rubus (Raspberry), bearing clusters of large
red fruit grows everywhere in the neighborhood.
The fruit at first sight looks very tempting, but
has little flavor to recommend its cultivation.

Following the coast on our way to Akkehi I
found little of interest until I reached Saru. The
sandy levels on the sea-shore are frequently
covered with a wild rose, Rosa rugosa. It has
large dark -green leaves and single purple flowers
measuring 3 inches in diameter, and bears a red
round fruit which is much relished by Ainoes
and Japanese. If preserved in sugar they would
make a fine desert fruit. Vitis labrusca, the wild
grape, is also found growing near the sea-shore. It
has long dark -green leaves which are of light-
brown color underneath, and bears bunches of
fruit which are dark-blue when ripe. The growth
of the vine is not as luxuriant as it is in the
woods near Sapporo and other places, but this
can be accounted for by the soil which here is of
a much poorer description. Small oaks with an
undergrowth of Lespedeza (a leguminous plant),
much prized by the Japanese and often mentioned
in their poems luider the name of Hagi, and a
grass, Eulalia Japonica, growing about 5 feet high
together with an Artemisia, are all I remarked.
The latter three are cut together and made into
hay, which is used by the natives for feeding
their horses in winter. A pretty looking fern is
growing on the branches of the oak trees.

Near Saru is one of the head-quarters of the
Ainoes, consisting of seven villages with a popu-
lation of about five hundred inhabitants. Their
occupation is principally fishing and hunting;
but I found some traces of agriculture, or rather

garden culture, along the banks of the river on
the good rich soil. Millet and beans formed the
principal crops. Wild Hops grow frequently in
this soil ; the specimens I saw looked very much
like foreign ones, and I think would improve by
cultivation. Foreign hops imported there would
certainly succeed well if the Ainoes could be
induced after proper instruction -to devote them-
selves to this profitable article of commerce. Of
all the localities I have seen during my stay in
Hokkaido, none seems, in my opinion, more
favorable to the cultivation of hardy foreign
fruit as far as both position and soil are con-
cerned.

I was much surprised to find even in this re-
mote locality some small traces of ornamental
gardening. These gardens are only found at the
government stations, and planted by officials in
former years. Tlie plants consisted principally
*of those growing in the neighboring mountains,
such as Rhododendron, small fii*s, and the dwarf
growing Taxus cuspidata, which is often trained
into different shapes. In some of these gardens
I even found some of the favorite trees imported
from Yedo, the Plum Cherry, Pine, Cryptomeria,
and among herbaceous plants the Chrysanthe-
mum was most conspicuous.

On the road to Urakawa I met with an appar-
ently leafless Orchid. It had pink flowers at the
time, but I could not ascertain from my travel-
ling companions whether it ever made leaves,
nor could I find any traces of them. At the
same place I found a number of Lilies which
were pointed out to me as the "black Lily;"
unfortunately the flower had already passed, and
I had no opportunity of identifying this plant.
Mr. Lyman, who started earlier for the east coast,
had seen it in flower, and tells me that the flower
is of a dark-blue color. The plant which gener-
ally goes under the name of "black Lily," in
Yedo, and of which I have seen drawings, differs
materially in the structure of the leaves, and I
am inclined to think that the Yesso Lily is a
species as yet unknown. I therefore collected a
large number of bulbs to be sent to Yedo, in
order to see whether it really is a novelty or not.

Here I had to leave behind the artist who had
been attached to our expedition ; he fell sick and
had to return ; a great disappointment to me, aa
I had counted upon him to preserve in drawings

1876.]

AND HORTIGULTURIST.

245

such plants as I was unable to preserve by dry-
ing. I am all the more sorry as he gave proofs o^
considerable ability, although he took a long
time over the few^ drawings which he really fin-
ished.

From here the road becomes almost impassa-
ble for travellers on horseback. It is nothing
but a path, and never seems to have been laid
out or repaired properly, and even becomes dan-
gerous in some parts. Gradually ascending the
mountains at Samani the vegetation becomes
alpine, and coniferous trees which I had to my
great surprise seen very little of up to this time
formed the forest to a great extent. Abies Yezo-
ensis with a pine which I believe to be Larix
Kaempferi, but which for want of cones I could
not well determine. The undergrowth was
formed of a large leaved Rhododendron, and
Zanthoxylon ; the fruit of the latter is used by
Japanese as a medicine. The seeds have a pecu-
liar flavor.

In the moss underneath the fir trees a small
Orchid, a Goodyera is found growing; also the
handsome creeping blue Campanumsea (Genti-
anese) is to be met here in the clearings.

Monotropa uniflora, a species of Ericaceae is
found growing here among stones near rapid
flowing streams under the shade of trees. It is
parasitical on the roots of trees, has a scaly stem
about 8 inches high, bearing only one flower of a
whitish pink color. It resembles much a Mono-
tropa which grows in North America, and is
called there commonly '' Indian pipe." It is
very curious that the Japanese also have a simi-
lar name for it, viz.: "Gankubiso," meaning
herb like the bowl of a pipe.

(To continue in next number.)

PEAR OR APPLE: WHICH?

BY R. J. BLACK; BREMEN, OHIO.

The strangest thing in my pomological experi-
ence of twenty-five years has come under my
observation recently.

Some years ago, for want of a more convenient
stock, a Sops of Wine apple tree was grafted with
several new varieties : Snepps, Celestia, Mtister,
&c. All are in bearing now, as the May frost
which swept off" the pears and thinned out the
cherries, injured the apples but little — many va-
rieties not at all.

Examining this tree lately, I was attracted by
the fine appearance of the fruit on the lower
branch, which had not been grafted. Pulling off

some of the less perfect apples, as it was very
full, and coming to a shoot hanging down with
two fruits on the point of it, to my surprise one
of them — the larger of the two — proved to be
a finely shaped pear! It is distinct pyriforin,
dull red, and green like the unripe Sops of Wine
apples ; and of fair size — large indeed for the
time of the year, July 1st.

One rod south of it is a Kirtland pear tree,
which, though large enough, has never borne ;
and not having observed it closely last spring, I
am unable to say whether it bloomed or not.
But the hybrid (if such it be) has no resemblance
to Kirtland, which is a roundish, yellowish rus-
set pear, with the stem " inserted in a small cav-
ity ; " while the former has its stem inclined and
joined to the neck by an enlargment and with-
out depression, after the manner of Louise Bonne
de Jersey and some others.

One of the interesting questions connected
with the subject time may determine : whether
the seed will be perfect or not.

[There is a similar case illustrated in plas-
ter in the Government Department of the
Centennial Exhibition, and to which our atten-
tion was kindly called by Mr. Seaman, of the
Agricultural Department. In these cases it
would be worth while trying by the microscope
whether there was any other approach to the
pear than the mere aberration of form indicated.
The pear cell is very different from that of the
apple in general character. — Ed. G. M.]

PALMS OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA.

BY SERENO WATSON, CAMBRIDGE, MASS.

In your note upon my last " contribution " in
June Gardener's Monthly, I see that you have
misunderstood me in regard to the South Cali-
fornia palms.

Brahea is a genus of Central Mexico, of a sin-
gle species so, far as I know, B. didcis, Martius.
The palm of South California, before much was
known about it, was referred by Cooper, and in the
Botany of the Mexican Boundary, doubtfully to
the same species. When seed was sent to Europe
a few years ago,and it began to be cultivated,Wend-
land named it Brahea filamentosa, and it was so
known by the few who had it, but it was never
published or described, and the reference to
Brahea was probably merely a guess on the part
of Wendland.

When the Guadelupe specimens came (flowers,
fruit and foliage), I studied them up as well as

246

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[August,

opportunites permitted, and was disposed to call
it a Livistonia, but sent it to Wendland who named
it Brahea ednlis, as I have published it. I still
think, however, that I was more nearly right,
but with deference toWendland's authority named
the second species from the Tantillas moun-
tains in Lower California, Brahea armata, as it
was certainly of the same genus with the Gua-
dalupe species.

But if these two are Braheas, what is the old
San Diego species? If you had represented me
as saying that it is not a Brahea you would have
hit it exactly, for in describing the diflFerences in
the fruit I intended that that should be inferred-
And, in fact, since my paper appeared I learn
that Wendland has transferred it to Pritchardia,
and that the plant is now for sale under the Cat-
alogue name of P. filamentosa, or as some have
it, P. filifera; see May number of the Garden,
with a (made up) figure.

Both Dr. Parry and Dr. Palmer are looking
into the matter of the palms of our Western
coast, and I trust that we will have more perfect
knowledge of them by the time that the second
volume of the Fl<yra of California is ready for
publication.

EDITORIAL NOTES.

The Elm Slug. — We find this enemy has been
fully recognized by the ever watchful Prof. Riley,
who detailed its operation in the New York Tii-
hune, for Aug. 7, 1873, as follows :

"The elm is a favorite shade tree here, as well
as in New England, and we seem doomed to
have them all killed by an insect. One of my
neighbors thinks that the eggs are deposited by
a bug (see sample inclosed), which flies up into
the branches ; but others believe that the female
ascends by crawling up the body of the tree?
Can't you refer this note to some competent per-
son, and publish the simplest known remedy —
suitable for poor folk to practice. Tobacco juice
will drive them, but it is expensive, and in case
of large trees, impracticable." — [Thos. S. Watson.
Louisa Co., Va.

Reply by Prof. Charles V. Riley, Entomologist.

"The specimens inclosed in the above letter
were badly smashed (all correspondents who send
entomological specimens should enclose them in
a stout box, or other receptacle, and not loosely
in a letter), but were, nevertheless, easily recog-
nizable. There were several specimens of the

perfect beetle, and a few of the larvae of one of
the most injurious insects of the elm, viz., the
striped elm leaf-beetle [Galeruea Calmariensis,
Fabr). Almost eVerj^ one is familiar with the
common striped ciacumber-beetle {Diabrotica vit-
lata) which infests cucurbitaceous vines, and
this little elm-leaf beetle bears a close resem-
blance to it both in size and markings; but in-
stead of having a smooth larva inhabiting the
root like its cucumber-feeding congener, the elm
species has a brown larva, ornamented with short,
stiff hairs springing from polished warts, and
feeding externally on the leaf In this respect it
resembles some of the flea beetles, e. g., t-he com-
mon grape-vine flea-beetle {Haltica chalybea, Illi-
ger), from whose larva it would hardly be dis-
tinguished by the ordinary observer.

The striped elm-leaf beetle is winged in both
sexes, and the female consequently flies into the
trees with the greatest facility. Those who be-
lieve that the female ascends by crawling, con-
found it with another serious enemy of the elm
— the common canker-worm— which produces a
moth which in the female sex is apterous, and
consequently must climb up the tree to deposit
her eggs. The same blunder was once commit-
ted by the city fathers of Baltimore. This same
little beetle was skeletonizing the leaves of, and
doing great damage to, the elms planted for shade
and ornament in that city, and the authorities,
aware that the elms in Philadelphia had been
eftectually protected from certain defoliators (in
this instance genuine canker-worms) by the use
of leaden troughs fastened around the trunks
and filled with oil— went to a good deal of trou-
ble and expense to furnish their elms with simi-
lar troughs. They found to their sorrow that
their efforts were futile, since it was the leaf-
beetle, and not the canker-worm they had to
deal with. Had they, instead of blindly jumping
to conclusions, sought the advice of some ento-
mologist, both time and money would have been
spared.

Galeruea Calmariensis is^ike so many of our
worst insect enemies — an importation from Eu-
rope, and I have known elms in France to wear
a sad, blighted and scorched appearance from its
ravages. Fortunately, it does not yet occur in
^he State of Missouri, and in suggesting a remedy
I cannot speak from personal experience. Nor
do our transatlantic friends help us much with
their experience, for though the species has
swarmed during certain years on the elms in
Paris and other large French cities, the French

1876.J

AND HORTICULTURIST.

24T

writers confess that they know no remedy. In-
deed the insect is not so easily managed as the
canker-worm, and has heretofore defied man's
efforts to counteract its ravages. The similar
larva of the grape-vine flea-beetle is brought to
grief by a thorough dusting of the infested vines
with dry lime, while an application of any mix-
ture having Paris green as its basis, deals rapid
death to the striped cucumber beetle. I would
consequently advise your Virginia correspon-
dent to dust his trees with lime by means of a
perforated vessel attached to the end of a pole,
or to syringe them thoroughly by means of a
garden sj'ringe, with water in which Paris green
is stirred — one pound of the green to 35 or 20
gallons of water. The proper proportion of
green and water to be effectual will depend on
the quality of the former, and should first be as-
certained by a few experiments on a small scale.
The first remedy will prove most expedient if
the trees are small — the last, perhaps, if they are
large.

They are oval, fixed on the small end, and ar-
ranged in rows along the ribs of the leaves. The
larva which eats only the parenchyma of the
leaves, descends when full grown, and enters the
earth to transform ; while the beetle hybernates
under whatever shelter it can find. As preven-
tative measures, therefore, I would advise a good
sprinkling of lime on the ground under the in-
fested trees, as soon as the larva is noticed on
them, and a careful collecting and burning of
all leaves and rubbish late in the fall of the year.

QUERIES.

Cephalanthus OcciDENTALis. — A. F. S., Moline,
Ills. "The above is the name of the specimen sent.
It is a beautiful, hardy shrub, and it is a wonder
it is so seldom cultivated. Though naturally
found in swampy places, it is much improved by
culture in ordinary garden ground. In some
parts it goes by the common name of swamp
button ball.

JTERATURE, ? JrAVELS & pERSONAL SOTES.

COMMUNICA TIONJS.

"LAWS FOR NURSERYMEN."

BY PETER HENDERSON, NEW YORK.

In the July number of the "Monthly" an arti-
cle headed as above has special interest for me,
as I"had some time ago a similar experieiice. In
May of 1875, we had a large bed of Tuberoses
flowering in one of our greenhouses, and had
been picking a thousand or more daily, when
all at once the supply began to diminish so as to
attract the attention of the man in charge, and
it became evident that some one was stealing
them at night. A watch was set and the thief
captured, who proved to be a young workman
who had left our establishment a few days pre-
vious, and whose knowledge of the premises
made his stealing the flowers an easy matter.
On being caught, he plead so piteously that we
let him go, but the ungrateful scamp came right
to the spot again the next night, and got safely
off with another lot. Watch was again set, but
the sentinel slept, and once more he was success-
ful. I now brought in the aid of the police and
he was again caught; this time he asked no
quarter, nor got any, and I had him duly com-

mitted before a magistrate. But when the case
came up before the grand jury, the District At-
torney advised them that there was no case, as
there was " no law on the Statute books against
stealing flowers." The consequence was that he
was discharged, and, incredible as it may seem,
the first use he made of his freedom, was to
again pay a nocturnal visit to my Tuberose bed,
and he got off" scot free with another basketful I
The thing was now getting serious ; Tuberoses
were worth $3 per 100, and he took 500 at least
at every haul. The law had shown itself power-
less to punish ; the fellow had found this out and
was determined to make the most of his " rights,"
as he evidently held to the principles of Robin
Hood and other rievers who believed in

" The good old rule— the simple plan
That he may take who has the power,
And he may keep who can."

But on the next night of his foray he came to
grief in a way that has induced him to leave our
Tuberoses undisturbed since.

Now the perfect absurdity of having such valu-
able interests, as are now owned by the horticul-
tural community, unprotected by law is almost
beyond belief. This man had stolen nearly $100

248

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[August,

worth of my flowers that were as much my
property, and had probably cost as much to pro-
duce, as the same vahie of flour or beef, and yet,
the thief was set free and virtuallj' told by the
court to go and help himself again, of which
privilege, as has been stated, he was not slow to
avail himself. This immunity from punishment
of the flower or tree thief is not generally known,
and this ventilation of it in your columns will
not certainly make our property, any safer,
unless it be the means of stirring up our legisla-
tors to the great necessity for a remedy.

EDITORIAL NOTES.

M. Louis Van Houtte.— This distinguished
horticulturist died on the 9th of May last" Next
to the late Prof. Lindley, we regard Mr. Van
Hovitte as having exercised more influence on
the elevation of horticulture than any man of
the past age; and anxious to show our apprecia-
tion of his services, we sent to Europe for a por-
trait_ before making any note of his decease.
Having now^secured an engraving especially for
our readers, we give it with the following account
of his life and services, and for which we are in-
debted to the London Journal of Horticulture.
We have selected this account to go with our
engraving, as it seems to us one of the fullest
accounts that we have seen ;

"A GIANT in horticulture is gone — Van Houtte
is dead. On the 30th ult. we held converse with
him at the Brussels Show, and on the 3rd inst.
we shared the hospitalities of his table in his
home at Ghent, regretting his sinking frame, but
admiring his energetic horticultural spirit, and
enjoying his sparkling Avit over the social meal.
We know somewhat of the habits of this re-
markable man, having sojourned with him in
response to the following invitation : — ' Come
and see me. You dine with us, you sleep with
us ; you go into my nursery and into my house
when you like ; you have all you want ; vou
stay as long as you like; ' and then with definite
earnestness— ' you stay a month.' That is an
example of the heartiness of the welcome which
he gave to strangers— a specimen of the hospi-
tality for which he was proverbial. Of that visit
which occurred three years ago the following
was written :— M. Van Houtte is a gentleman of
robust physique and vigorous intellect, and sub-
jected to his penetrating vision a nervous man
might feel himself the subject of stock-taking
and being read all through." He has not much
time for polished ceremony or to press courtesy
to an unpleasant extreme.' Like manv another
eminent man he is a great listener, and seems
content for the friends around him to do the
conventional talk, himself sitting and speaking
only to the point. His characteristic is soon
seen to be matter-of-fact exactitude, which is
one of the greatest acquisitions any man can in-

herit or acquire, and which in the end will
serve him the best. Van Houtte's is a house
of work. Each one has his or her duties
in conducting this great business. Even the
daughters of the household — of charming man-
ners and genial — have their share in foreign cor-
respondence, their maternal parent being chief
cashier. Van Houtte spends his whole time in
his business biireau. He has not been all round
his nursery for three years, yet is cognizant of
everything in every part of it. From five to
eight every morning is occupied in arrangements
with diff'erent foremen, and if it is never seen,
still the governing head is felt in every corner of
the establishment. Surrounded by a large staff
of clerks every detail of management is arranged
in the bureau, the chief himself commencing work
between one and two o'clock every morning, and
working inbessantly until 8 p. m. with less than one
hour's intermission, and this not in any particu-
lar season, but constantly from one year's end to
another. What a lesson it teaches, that there is
no royal road to success, antl is one more exam-
ple that those w^ho have won have worked —
worked with rare zeal and perseverance irresisti-
ble in pressing to the goal of success. That is a
brief sketch of his character and position then.,
but noic he is dead.

This excellent man and highly skilled horti-
culturist died at his residence in Gendbrugge-lez-
Gand on the 9th of May. He w'as nearly sixty-
six, being born at Ypres in the June of 1810.
The mere enumeration of the offices and honors
conferred upon him are a sufficient testimony to
his great merits. He was Director of the Royal
Botanic Gardens, Brussels ; Director and Founder
of the Horticultural School at Gendbrugge ; Ad-
ministrative Member of tfie Royal Agricultural
and Botanical Society of Ghent ; Member of the
Royal Botanic Society of Belgium, and of a great
number other horticultural and scientific socie-
ties, &c.; Mayor of Gendbrugge ; Knight of the
Royal Order of Leopold of Belgium ; of the Im-
perial Order of Saint Anne of Russia; of the
Royal Order of Portugal ; of the Imperial Order
of the Rose of Brazil; Commander of the Span-
ish Order of Charles III., &.Q. At the recom-
mendation ]\L Alexandre A'erschaffelt, M. Van
Houtte settled at Ghent in 1839, and commenced
the publication of the " Flore des Serres " in
1845, and continued without any interval its ed-
itor as well as proprietor until the time of his
death.

He was the son of a military engineer who
was engaged on the fortifications of Antwerp,
and dying when his son was young the training
of the latter was confided to his mother, but, as
is very usual, had an inclination for studies very
different from those of his father. He was de-
voted to floriculture, and being a good botanist
was engaged as a botanical traveller to search
for new plants worthy of cultivation in South
America, the coast of Central Africa, and else-
where. He was subsequently Curator of the
Royal Botanic Gardens of Brussels, and after-
wards joined an Englishmen with a view of
establishing a business in Britain. To this en-

1876.]

AND HORTICULTURIST.

249

terprise he was too confiding, entrusting his
capital to his colleague with the result as ex-

Eressed in his own (Van Houtte's) words — ' I
ave not seen that man or that money ever since.'
In continuation of the narrative of his life and

work. But,' continued the man who had so
much respect for his assistants. ' I did not make
it all myself; my men did it, my good men. I
have foremen on my place who have been here
from twenty to thirty years. My plan has been

business he further remarked — ' I came back to ^ this : mark it^ — When I have a good man I keep
Belgium to start clear. I had little money but , him, I do not part with him for any money,
plenty of health. I bought the little plot of ground j When I have a bad man I will not keep him if
where you saw my porter's lodge. That was ' he will pay me, for a good man makes other men
all I had thirty-five years ago, and now you have good ; a bad man makes other men bad.' Those
seen my place. It has all been done by hard | are true words worthy of being reproduced. In

250

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[August,

them is embodied a policy which has proved to
be a sound policy and successful, and which in
the third part of a century has resulted in one of
the most extensive businesses in the world. In
the conduct of that business — ' this,' once said
M. Van Houtte, ' is my plan : I do the best I
can for my friends abroad, and the best I can do
for my friends at home and my men in my nur-
sery, and when I do the best I can for all these I
do the best for myself.' These are ' words of
wisdom,' uttered by a man who had proved their
worth — a man who was a ' tower of strength '
in his generation, and whose memory will be
cherished in all civilized countries where it has
so long been a ' household word.'

The funeral took place at Gendbrugge on the
12th inst., attended by a large concourse of the
population. Among those who were present
were Comte de T'Serclaes, Governor of the Pro-
vince; Comte de Kerchove, Bergomaster . of
Ghent; General Baltia; M. Dumont, Counsellor
at the Cour de Cassation ; Professor Morren of
Liege, M. Crepin of Brussels, M. Yobert, Director
of the State Railways ; M. Oswald de Kerchove,
M. Kickx, M. Rodigas, M. Pynaert, M. Ambroise
Verschaffelt, M. J. Verschafielt, M. Charles Van
Geert, many public functionaries, and about two
bimdred workmen connected with M. Van
Houtte's establishment. This vast crowd could
not be accommodated in the house, and they
therefore congregated outside in the nursery,
surrounded by the brilliant achievements of their
departed friend ; and here Comte de Kerchove
took the opportunity of addressing those assem-
bled in feeling terms on the brilliant career of
the renowned horticulturist. After an address
from M. Pynaert the funeral cortege moved off
in the following order : — The Corps d'Harmonie
of Gendbrugge, a detachment of infantry, the
clergy, the cofhn covered with the burgomaster's
uniform and the decorations of the deceased.
The workmen of the establishment placed upon
it a magnificent crown, and immediately behind
was a deputation from workmen not connected
with the deceased, who carried another crown as
their last homage to their patron. The pallbear-
ers were Prof Morren, M. Ambroise Verschaffelt,
M. Seymortier, Alderman of Gendbrugge, and
M. Gust, Guilmot. The funeral service was cele-
brated at the church of Gendbrugge, which was
far too small to admit the crowd, consisting
of 1500 persons.

At the grave three eloges were delivered ; the
first in Flemish by M. Guchteneire, the two oth-
ers in French by Professor Morren and M. Aug.
Van Geert.

A notice of M. Van Houtte would be incom-
plete without some reference to his nursery,
even if it embraces but an outline glance and
includes but its salient points. The business
connections of the establishment extend not
only to every nation in Europe, but also to North
and South America, China and Japan. The nur-
sery, which we recently visited, is situated about
two miles from Ghent. There is no external
show of grandeur, no parade of wealth which

those who are truly rich and great — the aristoc-
racy of nature — never display. Yet if "men of
great acquirements and stibstantial resources do
not revel in show, they work with perseverance
in every honorable and legitimate way to
achieve success ; and above all they take care
that what they have for the world the world shall
know about.

M. Van Houtte not only availed himself of
the agency of the press, but his catalogues were
distributed with a liberal hand. These cata-
logues were not merely trade lists, but have long
been manuals of reference and guides to many
readers. The correctness of the several issues
is generally admitted, and both the information
and the manner in which it has been conveyed
have been instructive and entertaining. But
numerous and extensive as have been these is-
sues, they are small in comparison with the
great work published periodically of the " Flore
des Serres et des Jardins de I'Europe." This work
is a monument of its late proprietor's and edi-
tor's taste and industry. It has reached its
twenty-second volume, and contains 2261 col-
ored plates, 2300 woodcuts, and 4500 articles
relating to horticulture. Specimens of these
plates adorned one of the walls at the late cen-
tenary exhibition at Brussels, and were awarded
the first prize for horticultural publications — the
large silver-gilt medal. M. Van Houtte also
published a serial work on fruits — the " Pomona "
— also with colored illustrations. In the issue
of these works, and the energy displayed in pro-
ducing the colored plates as truthful and as
perfect as possible, the art of chromo-lithography
was considerably advanced. No more striking
sight is afforded in the nursery than the prepara-
tion of these plates. In a long corridor-like
building are fourteen or fifteen presses, and the
entire process from the first sketching of plants
to the final coloring by hand of the several
plates is conducted. That may be termed the
fine art department of the nursery, and has long
given employment to several workers. It is a
wonderful feature of a wonderful place, and is
probably — in connection with the nursery — un-
equalled by any establishment of the same na-
ture in the world.

M. Van Houtte was not only a manufacturer
but also a raiser of plants, and he is worthily
commemorated in one of the sections of the ge-
nus Gesnera. Houttea includes the species of
which G. pardina is a type. Of this family of
plants, in their various sections, more new and
valuable varieties have been raised here than in
any other establishment; and when the collec-
tions are flowering their rich velvety foliage, ele-
gant habits, and variously colored flowers
demonstrate how superior they are, and how
effective for summer, also winter decoration.
The Gloxinias are worthy of especial mention.
We have seen fifty thousand of these plants
flowering in the nursery, seedlings planted in
leaf mould and protected by glass lights. Of this
number raised annually it is seldom that more
than a dozen are selected to add to the catalogue
list, the remaining corms being classed in cat-

.1876.1

AND HORTICULTURIST.

251

egories and sent by the hundred to different]
parts of the world.

It was in this nursery that the splendid Ber-
tolonia Van Houttei was raised, which caused
such a flutter of sensation by the wonderful
combination of glistening colors playing on the
foliage — a plant which won gold medals wher-
ever it was exhibited. It is impossible, however,
to enumerate a tithe of what has been raised
here, but we must not pass silently the Azaleas,
of which many of the finest varieties extant of
A. indica have been raised in this nursery.
Some of these were noticed in our report of the
Brussels Show, but one, a charming semi-double
white C. Van Eckhaute, was omitted. It was
from this nursery that A. mollis was first dis-
tributed, and nowhere else can such fine and
striking varieties be found. Azaleas of all sec-
tions are planted out during the summer, and
are potted or mossed in the autumn, and sent by
thousands to all countries.

Camellias, too, are another staple of this nur-
sery, and in the autumn of last year probably
500,000 plants might be seen and all grown in
pots, some being plunged in brick pits and others
placed in the avenues formed by Lombardy Pop-
lars where the plants could enjoy shade without
drip. Tuberous Begonias are here seen in bril-
liant array and in the foremost varieties of the
day ; they are also planted out in leaf soil during
the summer.

The glass department is very extensive, the
structures being mostly plain brick pits with
span roofs. There are also some very large
houses, one being about 100 yards in length, re-
sembling a railway tunnel ; another is quite cir-
cular, having been originally erected for the
Victoria regia and other aquatics, but now occu-
pied with Palms. Altogether there are upwards
of forty houses, with pits and frames innumera-
ble. These are all filled with plants of almost
every genus usually cultivated under glass,
which are propagated and sold in a wholesale
manner.

The nursery grounds are also very extensive,
and are now intersected by a line of railway.
The different quarters are divided by hedges of
evergreens, the enclosures forming bulb gardens;
gardens of herbaceous plants, in which the estab-
lishment is very rich ; hardy fruit gardens. Rose
gardens, enclosures for deciduous trees, and
evergreens. Such is an outline of this great
nursery.

Shall we enter the large white family dwelling?
No need to speak of the hospitable welcome
which has been so long accorded to all and
every wandering horticulturist. But we may
briefly sketch the business bureau where its
owner for so many years labored with indomi-
table energj^ and herculean strength. Alas! that
the central point of interest should be now the
"empty chair!" There the great man sat,
spurning a coat, even a vest, when in the dis-
charge of his duties. Without rising from his
chair he could by a system of wire communi-
cation summon whom he wanted from any part
of his nursery. There he sat with his several

clerks before him engaged in correspondence in
every European language, himself guiding, di-
recting and transacting his large business, and
conducting his literary work. There he was
surrounded by his fine library of horticultural
books, amongst which, of course, a long series of
volumes of the Jotirnal of Horticulture and Gar-
deners' Chronicle were arranged and referred to.
But now he is gone. An united family have lost
an honored head, and horticulture has lost one
of its best ornaments.

As the best biography and greatest memorial
of a man is written in his work, we have given
this sketch as faintly shadowing the character of
him whom many friends of many nations mourn.
M. Van Houtte has left behind him a rare exam-
ple of industry ; he was a man of great botanical
and literary ability, and his memory will be
cherished at home and abroad, and his name
will be mentioned as one both honored and
illustrious.

He has left a widow, two daughters and a son,
who will continue the management of his
nursery. This son, M. Louis A. Van Houtte,
has attained to manhood. He is a gentleman of
activity and an accomplished linguist."

HORTICULTUEAL JUDGES AT THE CENTENNIAL. —

It is not to be wondered at that in an affair of
such tremendous magnitude as the Centennial,
things should not all go right. It is indeed
amusing to hear of _ this or that one body, or
even individual, who feels himself or his cause
has been "snubbed." By what we can learn,
everybody in every sort of way -has been
"snubbed." They have all "snubbed" one
another. It is at least a satisfaction to find that
the authorities are willing to repent when con-
victed of wrong. Among their slips was the
overlooking of judges for horticulture and pomo-
logical products. The last has been some time
remedied, and now we have for horticultural
judges Messrs. Thurber, Breckenridge, Saunders,
and F. Pentland. It strikes us as fortunate that
the omission occurred at first, for it is very
doubtful if so able and honorable a jury would
have been selected in the first instance.

"Palms" on Palm Suni>ay.— The English
papers are trying to find out why their people
use willows for "palms" on Palm Sunday, and
fancy they find Scripture for it : " Ye shall take
you on the first day the boughs of goodly trees,
branches of palm trees, and the boughs of thick
trees, and willows of the brook." The Catholics
in this part of America use box branches, but do
not search Scriptures for authority. The most
rational explanation is, that the willow was used
because they could not get "palm," and the box

252

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[August,

was taken here because neither " palm " nor wil-
low was to be had.

Belgium Honors Horticulturists. — The Jour-
nal of Horticulture says : In no country in Eu-
rope are the representatives of horticulture held
in such honor as they are in Belgium. It is not
on some solitary occasion only that thej' have
experienced this, but whenever there is an op-
portunity offered for their assembling together
they meet with a recognition which they receive
nowhere else.

On this occasion no sooner had the represen-
tatives of the different nationalities arrived in
Brussels than a warm reception was accorded
to them by the Burgomaster at the Hotel de
Ville ; but the greatest honor waiS reserved for
the opening day of the Exhibition, when the
delegates from the different governments and so-
cieties, members of the jury, and some of the
leading exhibitors, were invited to a banquet by
the King and Queen at the royal palace. Noth-
ing could be more kind than the reception their
Majesties gave their guests, with each of whom
they entered freely into conversation ; and to the
British representatives the banquet had an ad-
ditional interest from the whole of the service,
which was solid silver, being the wedding pres-
ent to the Princess Charlotte by her father George
IV. on her marriage with Prince Leopold of
Saxe-Coburg, afterwards King of the Belgians.
Every plate was marked with the royal arms of
Great Britain. "What gave especial importance
to this occasion was that their Majesties re-
mained in Brussels for the event, and departed
for Germany late at night after the entertainment
was over — an act of courtesy and condescension
such as horticulturists are not familiar with at
home.

Tickets for the opera were provided for all the
guests who after the banquet were disposed to
avail themselves of them. Another banquet
was given by the Soci6te Royale de Flore on the
evening of the 1st of May, and numerous other
attactions were offered, leaving nothing to
be desired to render the visit of foreigners agree-
able and memorable.

FoRSYTHiA SPLENDENS. — Prof S. B. Bucklev
desires us to say that the name as above given in
his Texas geological report is a misprint for
Pouquiera splendens, as we supposed.

Proceedings of the New Jersey Horticul-
TURAi. Society, 1876.— Prof. Thurber is President,
and a large list of well-known horticultural

names make up the officers. This is the report
of the first annual meeting, and much good work
appears to have been done. The President's ad-
dress will bear reading over several times. Sel-
dom is an " annual address " given with so much
food for thought. Then there are highly in-
structive essays from W. Parry, on Raspberry
Culture ; the Huckleberry, by C. W. Idell, espe-
cially interesting because as yet this is not among
cultivated fruits; the Geranium, by P.Hender-
son ; Hybrid Strawberries, by E. W. Durand ;
Horticultural Entomology, by A. S. Fuller ; Glad-
iolas, by Geo. Such; Promising New Fruits, by
E. Allen ; Keeping Pears, by W. H. Goldsmith ;
Hedges and Screens, by S. W. Thompson. All
articles that are really Horticultural, and valuable.

Minnesota State Horticultural SociprrY. —
Proceedings for 1876, from Charles Y. Lacy,
Secretary.

We have always had an idea that for genuine
gardening Minnesota was destined to become in
time the best State of the Union, and delight in
watching her progress in this direction. A great
deal of this report is taken up with fruit culture
for market and for profit, wjaich it is quite right
and proper should be considered ; but there is
quite enough of the finer matters to show that
the Minnesotians fully understand that man is
not to live by bread alone.

Botany of California. — By W^. H. Brewer,
Sereno Watson, and Asa Gray. — "We briefly noted
the appearance of this in our last. The work is
now before us, and we take occasion to say that
only for the liberalitj' of a few gentlemen of San
Francisco, botanists and horticulturists would
still be without any work of reference to the
flora from this interesting part of the world.
What we have hitherto learned of the flora of
California has had to be gathered from numer-
ous tracts or memoirs scattered through the pro-
ceedings of various scientific societies, or the
reports of various government exploring expedi-
tions ; and even this information was often in-
accurate and incomplete. Daring 1860-'64, in the
progress of the Whitney geological survey. Dr.
W. H. Brewer took charge of and mostly made
the botanical collections, and since that time ad-
ditional collections have been made by Dr. Bo-
lander, Dr. Cooper, Mr. Lemmon and others, and
the hard work of getting this material ready for
the press was undertaken by the three eminent
botanists whose names are given above.

Unfortunately the Legislature of California
refiised any further appropriations to the survey

1876.]

AND HORTICULTURIST,

263

in 1873, without making any provision for bring-
ing before the world the results of the other por-
tions of the survery already in course of publi-
cation, and nothing for botany whatever.

Fortunately some liberal and public-spirited
citizens already referred to, came forward with
the means. Their names are as follows, and we
are glad to place them on record in our pages,
that all may know to whose liberality in the the
failure of their own representatives we are so
much indebted for this valuable contribution :
Leland Stanford, D. O. Mills, Lloyd Tevis, J. C.
Flood, Charles McLaughlin, R. B. Woodward,
Wm. Nonas, John 0. Earl, Henry Pierce, Oliver
Eldredge, and S. Clinton Hastings. This volume
covers but half the work. It is sold by Mr. Se-
reno Watson, Cambridge, Mass., at $6. As soon
as enough has been sold to warrant it, the sum
so received will be used to issue the second vol-
ume. So many of our most beautiful cultivated
flowers are Californian, that horticulturists as
well as botanists will be glad to secure a copy.

Fruit Growers' Association of Ontario. —
Proceedings for 1875, from D. W. Beadle, Secre-
tary, St. Catharine's, Canada.

This volume has colored plates of Mr. Arnold's
hybrid raspberries, and has many essays and
discussions of great interest to Canadian horti-
culturists.

Insects op the State of Missouri. — Eighth
Annual Report of Prof C. V. Riley, State En-
tomologist.

Unfortunately the " Insects of the State of
Missouri" are the insects of most of the Union,
and yet it is fortunate that this is unfortunately
so, for Missouri is the only State that goes to
work in a creditaVjle way to make these terrible
enemies known, and we are all benefitted by
Missouri's labors. We never feel so much en-
thused for Misseuri, and to do her some good by
voice or pen, as when we read these annual
reports. May she ^ntinue to be prosperous,
and the great and powerful State in the Union
she is to-day !

Williams' Pacific Tourist and Guide Across
THE Continent.— A notice of this appeared in
our last — the work itself is now before us. The
writer of this, having been over some of the
ground described, can testify to the interest
attached to the places noted, and the accuracy
with which they are detailed. The tide of
travel to the great West of the present day is but
just setting in, and this guide is just the thing to

help along and guide it. Henry T. Williams, of
New York, the former publisher of the Horticul
turist, is the editor and publisher.

Life Histories of Birds. By Thos. G. Gen-
try. Vol. I. Published by the author, at Ger-
mantown, Pa. Price $1.75.

Mr. Gentry is a comparatively young man,
Principal of one of the public schools in Phila-
delphia— an educational system which contains
amongst its teachers a large number of ladies
and gentlemen who for high intelligence and
worth are perhaps not excelled in the world.
There are but few Philadelphians who do not
feel pride in the teachers of their public schools.
Among these Mr. Gentry has been particularly
successful as a teacher, and it is no mean tribute
to his ability in this respect, that though natural
history is not one of the branches of public edu-
cation, a large number of his students have ac-
quired tastes for this delightful pursuit. It is
pleasant to find a gentleman endeavoring to
extend his sphere of usefulness by a work of
this kind. With much that is old, there is a
great deal that is new. It is good reading, espe-
cially for young people, and ought to find a place
in every rural home.

Mr. Gentry is his "own publisher, and if sup-
ported, as we hope he will be, in this effort, a
second volume will follow.

QUERIES.

Protection from tree Thieves. — A Philadel-
phia correspondent saj's: "The tree thief (re-
ferred j;o in the July number of the Gardener's
Monthly), should have been held for Malicious
Trespass. The law reads as follows :

" ' Malicious Tresspass. The wilful taking and
carrying away of fruit, vegetables, plants, fruit
or ornamental trees, vines or shrubs,* whether
attached to the soil or not, shall be deemed, and
the same is hereby declared a misdemeanor, and
may be prosecuted and punished as such under
the laws of this commonwealth, and on convic-
tion thereof shall be fined not exceeding fifty
dollars and imprisoned not exceeding sixty
days,' &c.

"You give the name of the Judge and of the
District Attorney. Wlio was the 'careful law-
yer?'"

*Th\s law was originally coDfised to seven counties, but waa
afterwards extended throughout the State.

264

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[August,

ISORTICULTURAL fSoCIETIES.

EDITORIAL NOTES.

Horticulture at the Centennial. — Before
proceeding with our notes we may say that it
does not seem to be well understood that the
plan of awards at this great exhibition is essen-
tially different from any that has gone before,
and in our opinion is far superior. In the old
style there is a premium of a few dollars, or a
medal of equal value, awarded to a mere handful
of successful competitors. No one knows why
he got that premium. It is all a matter between
him and the judges. After he has the premium
it is of no use to him unless he advertises it ; un-
less perchance the recipient of the premium be
one of those rare philosophers to whom the pos-
session of the secret within his own breast that
he has something superior is a reward in full for
all his merit. Those who get no premium are
absolutely unknown to the world, and yet very
often the success of an exhibition is as much or
if not more dependent on the nine who get
nothing as the one who gets all. There is no one
who has had experience as an exhibitor and has
given any serious thought to the question but
who would cheerfully give up his " premium " if
the society would instead do the advertising for
him. The Centennial Commissioners are the first
to make the departure. The plan they have
adopted will in future be known distinctively as
the " American plan." Everyone's exhibit will be
noticed in the final report and its actual merits
— not comparative merits— detailed. These final
reports, going all over the world, and into the
hands of every intelligent man, form the best
possible advertisement, and worth to the busi-
ness man a thousandfold more than any premium
would be. Yet, and in the pomological depart-
ment especially, we have heard people say they
do not care to exhibit because there is no in-
ducement. The inducements are even greater
to them than to any other class of exhibitors.
They not only have their names with the meri-
torious nature of their products with whatever
medals may be awarded, not to them as compe-
titors, but as marks of distinction, recorded in
the final reports, but have the advantage of the
publication of the preliminary repoi-ts of the j
committees upon which the final ones will be |

founded. Surely this is far better than any ordi-
nary system of competition? Under the old
system no report could be made at all until the
close of the exhibition. Judges could not to-day
award a premium for the best strawberry or other
fruits, when to-morrow a superior one might be
before them. We can only say that they who do
not exhibit for " want of inducements " are the
most strangely obtuse people we have ever met
with. Not only do we approve of this American
system, but we look upon it as the only system
that can rejuvenate many of our tottering socie-
ties. In these days the best business men care
much more for the advertising than the pre-
miums. There are many cases where the pre-
miums will be advantageous. There always will
be some to whom cash is worth more than an
advertisement, and especially will this be so with
gentlemen's gardeners, so many of whom are
badly underpaid for their services ; but what we
have said is in view of general principle rather
than of special exception.

The main exhibitions of fruits promise to be
a great success, though little may be done with
continuous shows. At the time we write Horti-
cultural Societies from Iowa, Michigan, Kansas,
Indiana, Massachusetts, Ohio and Canada have
asked for space for teyi thousand plates for the
12th of September exhibit. Surely some of the
other States will want to come in ! It will no
doubt be the most wonderful sight ever seen in
this world, with the fruits at the Agricultural,
and the Horticultural department with its plants
and flowers. The annual exhibition of the Penn.
Society is to go on as usual in their hall in Phila-
delphia. Philadelphia ought .to be the great
central point for horticulturists in September,
1876. Independent of thijwe believe the Horti-
cultural Department of the Centennial will hold
a special exhibition, but no details have been re-
solved on up to this time.

The grounds around the Horticultural Hall on
the Centennial Grounds are becoming daily more
beautiful. We notice in a leading paper some
criticisms on the way the whole is laid out. It is
easy to criticize when the reasons are not known.
In a tremendous effort like this no one man is able
to have his own way, even in his own department,
and yet before the public he seems responsible for
all. In regard to the horticultural grounds it must

1876.]

AND HOB TIG UL Turns T.

255

not be forgotten that the allotments belong to the
exhibitors, and that their views had to be m a
great measure consulted in the laying out. Our
only astonishment is that with so many varied
interests to serve and so many difficulties in exe-
cuting the Horticultural Department should
have turned out so well. The flowers will be
better as the season advances. To-day we will
glance at the trees and shrubs. Few of these are
large specimens. They would have been failures
if they had been. Some few of the large ones
have died, but very few on the whole. -European
nurserymen are not in strong force. The leading
ones are from Holland. R. Van Ness, of Bos-
koop, has Hollies, Rhododendrons, Roses, Mag-
nolias, and similar plants popular in European
gardening; the trained fruit trees attracting
much attention. W. C. Boer,- of the same town,
has a similar collection, with some very good
Retinispora leptoclada among them. The grafted
currants and gooseberries of Chas. Pohl, of
Austria, attract universal attention. Grafted on
the Missouri currant they seem free from the
mildew which is the bane of the foreign goose-
berries here. Messrs. Vietch, of England, have
some very nice plants, as well as choice kinds of
plants. These have been given to the City of
Philadelphia. Some are too tender for our cli-
mate without some protection, but are so beauti-
ful that protection should be cheerfully given
them. Of these there is Veronica Traversii, with
myrtle-like leaves and an abundance of white
flowers like spikes of Privet, and a Raphiolepis
ovata about 2 feet over. The leaves are like
those of a Pittosporum, and the flowers like the
common Indian cherry. It is tolerably hardy.
One of the best specimens of Prumnopitys ele-
gans is here. It may popularly be likened to
a conical-growing yew tree. It is a native of
Valdivia. The Umbrella Japan Pine, Sciadopitys
verticellata, is represented here by a specimen
about 2 feet high. This is a remarkably beauti-
ful and very hardy evergreen, but slow in growth
while young. Of the rare pines there is Pinus
koraiensis, from the Corea. It is a five-leaved
pine, as dark as an Austrian, but with fine deli-
cate leaves. There are several interesting
spruces, for instance Abies Hookeriana, one of
our Pacific hemlocks, ,with dark, blackish
leaves not half the size of our ordinary hemlock,
and A. Hanburyana, from Japan, also like our
Hemlock, but with very broad leaves. Then
there is the Japan white spruce, Abies Alcocqui-
ana, and the Japan " Norway " spruce, Abies

polita, and a capital specimen of Retinispora
filicoides. This is one of the most interesting of
all hardy evergreens, having foliage like some
Cheilanthes, or other fine-leaved fern.

Most of the remainder of the collection are
various forms of Hollies and Rhodendrons, of
rare species, and some trimmed into fanciful
forms.

Of American nurserymen Mr. R. Buist has a
choice collection, mostly evergreens. Among
these a Retinispora pisifera aurea about 5 feet
high is very attractive. This proves so hardy
that it is becoming very popular. There is here
an Euonymus aurea marginata, which lessens
one's regrets that golden Hollies do not thrive in
our climate. And then there is the beautiful
variegated white dwarf, E. radicans variegata,
of which much more might be made in our gar-
den work than is made. Mr. Buist's collection
is well massed and very efiective.

Messrs. Hoopes Bros. & Thomas, West Chester,
Pa., have a collection of 40 kinds of ivies, with
flat trellises of wood and wire. It is a good
chance to note the merits of the various kinds,
and if the mass of judges did not decide that the
old sorts are better than the inaprovementa we
should be surprised— a little delicate form called
Conglomerata we might except. It is very neat,
and as few would regard it as an ivy at all at
first glance is, perhaps, why it seems to be an
exception in beauty.

The same firm have a collection of Coniferous
evergi'eens which does them much credit, each
tree neatly labeled. A Sciodopitys here is nearly
as good as Vietch 's. The most beautiful pine in
the collection is, perhaps, Pinus insignis, from
Lower California, but unfortunately it is not
hardy in these Middle States. The collection
afibrds an excellent chance to study diflerencea.
Here is Pinus Ayacahuite approaching P. ex-
celsa; Abies nobilis, and A. magnifica, appearing
much the same; and Abies Albertiana, which
will puzzle any one to tell from a common hem-
lock. Then the student will find kinds like
Pinus EUiottii, and others that he could perhaps
see nowhere else, and well worthy of examina-
tion.

R. B. Parsons & Son have also an excellent
collection, mostly Rhododendrons and other
evergreens. The Rhodendrons, as well as those
of S. B. Parsons & Son, are admirable specimens,
and make one regret that some one had not
thought to make an- effort to get a tent for them
as well as for Mr. Waterer's. Perhaps they will

256

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[August,

know better " next time." Among the good
things is an admirable specimen of the curious
gray Retinispora squarrosa. It is about 6 feet
high and proportionate in width. Also an ad-
mirable specimen of that best of all firs, the
Picea Nordmanniana.

S. B. Parsons & Son have a special bed for
the Japanese plants of Mr. Hogg's direct intro-
duction. There are many varieties of the Japan
maple — Acer polymorphum — among them, the
best perhaps being the A. p. atropuri^ureum.
There is among them a very singular maple with
leaves like a Hornbeam and appropriately
named A. carpinifolia. It seems somewhat
allied to the well-known Tartarian maple, and
will no doubt serve the same purposes in land-
scape gardening. Then there is the variegated
Planera Japonica, and Daphne gwenkwa, a light
blue flower, which will probably become a very
popular hardy, early-flowering shrub. In their
general collection of rare plants is the blood-
leaved Norway maple — Acer Schweidleriana —
and a beautiful purple-leaved Daphne mezereon.

Mess. Asher Hance & Sons, of Red Bank, N. J.,
have a small collection with some very good
things in it. Especiall}'^ one of the finest plants
of the beautiful Japan Sumach, Rhus Osbecki, we
have ever seen. It is a new idea and a good one
to graft the dwarf Cataljia Kaempferi on our
stronger native one. There are also here among
other things that will well lepaj' tree lovers a
good blood-leaved birch, weeping yellow elm
and a Taxodium pendulum.

Miller & Hays make an exhibit intended to
illustrate arrangement and taste in landscape
gardening. The whole tract is of a rather
oblong shape, and at the two ends are clumps
made up chiefly of rare and choice evergreens.
In about the centre of the plot is a light mound
containing in the centre an Aral i a spinosa, a
capital thing for effect in American gardening.
Around this is a circle of cannas, then one of
pampas grasses, then var. bamboo. Around
these taller things then follows a circle of Irisine
Herbstii, a circle of Centaurea gymnocarpa.
Then there is a slope of a" few feet of grass, and
finally a frame of Coleus on the natural level
around the whole. Between this central and the
end clumps are beds, some with palms, some
with succulents, and othere with colored-leaved
plants. The whole makes a very elegant design,
and is much appreciated by lovers of good gar-
dening.

Besides this Mahlon Moon, of Bristol, has a

collection of hardy trees and shrubs, and there
are one or two other collections on the grounds
that are well worthy of the visitor's examina-
tion.

The flowers we hope will be in condition for a
notice next month. In the meantime let us say
to our readers and the correspondents of agricul-
tural and other intelligent papers that this out-
door departmeni may be as worthy of attention as
anything in hvildings. They rarely receive any
attention from newspaper men, as the plants
seem to- be a part of the grounds, and not the
work of exhibitors. Immense praise is given to
some exhibitor in a building for enterprise which
really cost him but little, while here in the open
ground are thousands of dollars expended, and no
little amount of loss and anxiety to accomplish,
that few people stop to think about. It is natu-
ral in the daily papers to pass these things over.
The city folks have little ideas of gardening, but
we look for more encouragement from " our
own " people.

Philadelphia, June 29th, 1876.

General A. T. Goshorn, Director General U. S.

Centennial Commission.

Sir : — The undersigned jury on special pomo-
logical products respectfully report that during
the week ending with this date, the season for
strawberries being past and that of raspberries
hardly commenced, the exhibits have been
li^ht.

Mr. A. L. Felton, of Philadelphia, exhibited on
the 27th a plate of a raspberry named "Felton's
Early Prolific."

Mr. Chas. Finger, dealer, exhibited water-
melons from Georgia of excellent quality and in
good condition after their long journey. And
to day Mr. Felton had on the tables plates of
" Northern Wonder " raspberry, and of the
" Hornet." The last named kind is the largest
variety yet known, and these of Mr. Felton were
of good average size, some of the berries meas-
uring seven-eighths of an inch in diameter. Mr.
Felton has also two kinds " Seedling Cherries,"
the best one in quality equalling and very much
resembling the well-known " Black Heart." Mr
Van Zant, of Chesnut street, Philadelphia, exhib*
ited a few " Hale's Early Peaches " and four ap-
ricots received in excellent condition from
California.

I

Signed,

' W. L. SCHAFf^ER,

A. W. Harrison,

- JOSIAH HOOPES,

I Wm. Parry,

[ Thomas Meehan.

THE

GARDENER'S MONTHLY

AND

HORTICULTURIST.

DEVOTED TO HORTICULTURE. ARBORICULTURE AND RURAL AFFAIRS.

Edited by THOMAS M^EHAN.

Volume XVIIL

SEPTEMBEE, 1876.

Number 213.

.LOWER I^ARDEN AND ig^LEASURE pfROUND.

SEASONABLE HINTS.

With September we think of the bulbs which
flower in spring. We have an idea that as soon
as the bulbs from bej'ond the Rocky Mountains
come into culture and under improvement, we
shall have races that will vie in beauty with those
of Europe.

In most of the countries of Europe, summer
gardening is the most attractive, and most that
is done there is with that view. With us the
spring and autumn are more enjoyable, and if
Arderican gardening is ever to have a distinctive
feature of its own, it will be from efforts specially
directed to one or both of these. Our summers
are usually hot and dry, and people are either
" away," or very much indisposed for out-door
enjoyment, except such as may be found in
shady woods, or on some heights where the cool
breezes blow. At any rate we shall not go wrong
by doing our best for good effects with sjDring
flowers, and it is time to think about these thing's
now. There is scarcely anything more beautiful
in spring than a bed of Hyacinths and Tulips
well intermixed. The Hyacinths go out of flower
just as the Tulips come in. In the spring Gladi-
olus and Tuberoses can be placed between these;
or if desirable, some flowering betiding plants,
and in this way the gaiety and interest can be
preserved from spring to fall. Crown Imperials
are capital things for the centre of small beds,
and the regular bedding plants can go around
them. Narcissuses keep their foliage too long
after flowering, as does the Snowdrop. These

can hardly be made available where regular bed-
ding is desirable for summer. They are best in
odd patches by themselves. Crocus does well
anywhere. It may even be set in the grass
about the lawn,as it is generally over before the first
mowing takes place. But it would not be ad-
mitted into our best kept lawns. The vast tribe
of lilies come in rather late for spring gardening,
but few will care to be without them. Besides
these there are many little items which are noted
in almost all bulb catalogues, from which many
interesting spring blooms can be had. No one
will go amiss in looking well to this class of
plants. The best time to plant is from now to
frost. Mice and vermin are very liable to attack
these roots. Poisoning is the best remedy.

Spring gardening, however, need not be con-
fined to bulbs. There are other spring flowering
things.

Shrubs for this kind of gardening we have
alluded to, should of course be of free flowering
character. Of those which can be made very
effective, the following may be used : Pyrus ja-
pomca, the red and white; Spirxa prunifolia, S.
Reevesii, S. Billardii ; Deutzia gracilis, seabra,
SLud crennta pleno ; Weigela rosea and W.amabilis,
Philadelphus coronarius, and • P. Gordonianus ;
Forsythia viridissima ; Hypericum prolificum ; Al-
theas in variety ; Persian, and even the common
Lilacs; Tartarian and Fly Honeysuckles ; Haw-
thorns, Double Almonds, and perhaps some oth-
ers. But all these are common in most nurseries ;
are very easy to grow, and very pretty effects
may be had at a small outlay.

258

TEE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[September,

Many persons who have but a few of these
plants, will like to raise some more. The end of
the month is a good time to take oflf cuttings,
unless the weather be very warm. Of those we
have named, all but the Pynis and Almond will
grow by cuttings. These two grow by pieces of
roots. Cuttings should be made about four or
six inches long, and planted out in rows, and set
two or three inches below the surface of the
ground. In spring planting we put them right
level with the surface. "^

In many parts of the Northern States the
leaves will have changed color previous to the
incoming of winter, and the planting of trees
and shrubs will commence as soon as the first
fall showers shall have cooled the atmosphere
and moistened the soil. Further south, where the
season will still remain " summer " a while longer,
the soil, may, at any rate, be prepared, that all
may be in readiness when the right season does
come. What leaves remain on should be stripped
off, and the main shoots shortened. They will
then do better than if planted very late. In fact,
if planting cannot be finished before the begin-
ning of November in the Northern and Middle
States, it is better, as a rule, deferred till ^spring.
In those States where little frost occurs, this rule
will not apply. The roots of plants grow all
winter, and a plant set out in the fall has the
advantage over spring set trees, that its roots in
spring are in a position to supply the tree at
once with food. This is, indeed, the theory fall
planters rely on ; but in practice it is found that
severe cold dries up the wood, and the frosts draw
out the roots, and thus more than counterbal-
ance any advantage from the pushing of ncAV
roots. Very small plants are, therefore, best left
till spring for their final planting. It is, how-
ever, an excellent plan to get yovmg things on
hand in fall, and bury them entirely with earth,
until wanted in spring. Such things make a
stronger growth the next season, than if just dug
before transplanting.

COMMUNTCA TIONS.

CENTENNIAL RHODODENDRONS.

BY S. B. PARSONS.

The Editorial Notes of the Gardeners Monthly
are always interesting, because the Editor is also
a connoisseur. His admiration of the colors in
Mr. Waterer's tent was very natural and just, for

they were worthy of it. I would like to supple-
ment them by giving our experience of the va-
rieties he names. Of the twenty-four he names,
there are "just four, no 'more," which will en-
dure our summer and winter. The remaining
twenty, however beautiful in tent or in green-
house, are utterly w^orthless when planted in the
open ground. All who try them wdll have a poor
opinion of Rhododendrons.

I once saAV on the mountain sides back of the
town of La Guayra some five acres of Scarlet
Cactus in full bloom. The colors were magnifi-
cent, but I did not incline to transfer them to
Flushing soil, nor would I incline to transfer
the contents of Mr. Waterer's tent to the same
locality. There are Rhododendrons, however,
which are perfectly hardy in American climate,
and doubtless Mr. Waterer has them. These
high colors are, however, not found among them,
but belong to sorts which are adapted only to
<rreenhouse culture.

MR. HOVEY'S ARBORETUM AMERICANUM.

RY J. M.

I am a great lover of trees, and was interested
in reading the list of what specimens Mr. Hovey
has. One hundred and seventy-two species and
varieties on one's grounds must be a source of
great pleasure to the fortunate possessor. I must,
however, confess to a disappointment in not find-
ing among his list many an old favorite of mine;
the more so as Mr. H. says he has endeavored to
procure every tree which would be likely to prove
hardy. Surely very many of our native Quercus,
Carya and Fraxinus, which are wanting in his
collection would live with him. I would name
the Quercus bicolor, Q. imhricaria, Q. Prinus, Q.
nigra, Q.falcata, Q. tinctoria and Q. castanea, and
perhaps even Q. Phellos as being entirely hardy
and quite easily procured. The Q. bicolor, Q.fal-
cata and Q. imhricaria are especially beautiful
trees, the former growing to magnificent propor-
tions, with leaves of the most glossy green.

I miss, too, the Carya 'microcarpa, C. amara, C.
olivofformis, C. tomentosa, C. sulcata, the most of
them the commonest of our grand forest trees,
and all of them of easy procurement. And
there are the Fi-aximis sambucifolia, F. quadran-
gulata, F. pubescens and F. viridis, all hardy and
common ; and perhaps even the F. platycarpa
would live there. With those above named oth-
ers could readily be added to make perhaps forty
species of American trees not on his list. If to

1876.]

AND HORTICULTURIST.

259

these we add varieties— of which Mr. H.'s collec-
tion largely consists— we should perhaps have
double or more of them. On running over the
list given of the specimens he has, I find of the
one hundred and seventy-two, about one hundred
are kinds not native to the United States. Be-
sides the gratification missed by such an admirer
of trees as Mr. Hovey in not having in his col-
lection the beautiful native trees I have named,
it seems hardly justice to give his list forth to
the horticultural world as the result of his en-
deavors " to procure every tree which would be
likely to prove hardy in our climate."

well in growing this from cuttings. It will grow
upright from cuttings. It requires near about
the same mode of treatment when permanently
planted as the Rhododendron. These two Amer-
ican evergreen shrubs I consider the best amongst
all our foreign and native trees and shrubs. Last
spring I potted several Ehododendrons and
placed them in the greenhouse. About the 1st
of July and for several days when in bloom we
had no plants to compare with them in beauty.

RHODODENDRONS.

THE RHODODENDRON AND AMERICAN YEW.

BY J. A. NELSON, INDIAN RUN, PA.

It is said Rhododendrons should not be over-
hung by trees, as the roots of trees would be
injurious. It is also recommended to use char-
coal liberally. Growing in their native places,
they do not get charcoal; neither do trees or"
roots appear to injure them, being found under
trees and in thickets. In the beginning of the
month of June, 1873, 1 was on a rambling excur-
sion on what is called the Seven Mountains, near
the central part of Pennsylvania. My visit was
partly to see and study the native habits of sev-
eral evergreens, seldom found elsewhere; then
try to imitate them as near as possible. I took up a
lot of small Rhododendrons from two to six inches
high and packed them in damp moss. They were
out of the ground one week before I got them
home. I prepared a bed for them, planting
them rather shallow, imbedding their roots well
in wet moss, with a covering of moss and a mix-
ture of sand, with some light loose loam over all
as a mulch. Above the bed, some two feet high,
was placed a partial shade made of evergreen
boughs; the first suiBmer when dry weather
came an occasional watering was given. Every
plant lived and made a growth of from six inches
to one foot annually. The third season several
bloomed; the fourth season — this year — they all
bloomed, and a more beautiful sight was seldom
seen. For the two last summers I transplanted
on our lawn, close up under evergreen trees, in
the shade among their roots. They all did
finely. They need some protection, particularly
in the winter, from the noon-day sun and winds.

The American Yew is another evergreen shrub
that is but little known. I have succeeded very

BY C. M. HOVEY.

It is gratifying to learn from your last number
that the grand display of Rhododendrons brought
out by Mr. Anthony Waterer has been so satis-
factory, and attracted, as it ought, so much
attention at the Centennial Exposition. It will,
no doubt, bring this comparatively little known
native shrub, with its superb varieties, into more
prominent notice, and accelerate its more gen-
eral introduction into our gardens. Certainly it
must show how safely they can be transplanted,
when it is recollected that the plants, some of
them quite large, were out of the ground at
least three weeks, and yet produced a magnifi-
cent display of flowers.

Your remark that "not one in a hundred of
the thousands of visitors has ever seen one
before," reminds me of the article on the Rhodo-
dendron in Appleton's Encydopxdia (first edi-
tion). Who prepared it I do not know; but its
value or correctness may be estimated when
it is stated "that in the Northern United States
the great Rosebay {B. maxirmim), will alone en-
dure the winters." As this was written before
Alaska was purchased, I do not know what
Northern States are intended ; for the R. Cataw-
biense and its varieties are the only kinds that
are generally grown in the gardensof Massachu-
setts; R. maximum, although a native, being far
less common than the former. For forty years
in our grounds they have not suffered from the
winters, and have Outgrown in the same time
the maximum. If the writer had seen or even
heard of Mr. Hunnewell's 'fine collection at
Wellesley, he must have known the Catawbiense
endures our winters as well as the maximum.

Such authority is, of course, not of any import-
ance to intelligent cultivators; but to those unac-
quainted with the plants, it helps to retard their
introduction into our grounds. In fact, beyond

260

THE GARDENEB'S MONTHLY

[September,

a mere enumeration of the species, from Loudon's
Arboretum,, more information can be obtained
from any nurseryman's catalogue. After nearly
half a centurj' of experiments in hybridization,
the grand results of which you have given in
your notices, and the details of many of which
have been published, it would seem that an in-
structive and very valuable paper might be pre-
pared, showing the gradual progress made in the
improvement of this truly regal shrub. It would
be a great incentive and encouragement to fol-
low up this advancement, at the same time
adapting them to our more severe climate.

It is really astounding to find that the Rhodo-
dendron, Azalea and Kalmia are so little known.
At least one-half of the many hundreds of visit-
ors who have come to look* at our collection,
just going out of bloom, did not know " which
was which ;'' the Azaleas and Rhododendrons
being in bloom at the same time, and the Kal-
mias also, for about a week before the former
were gone. Our reply was that the shrubs with
the large evergreen-looking foliage were the
Rhododendrons, and the small-leaved ones the*
Azaleas, or sometimes that those with the yel-
low, orange, salmon, buff or scarlet flowers were
the Azaleas ; and quite a number made the re-
mark that the Kalmias looked a great deal like
the Laurels that grow wild in some parts of the
State !

The predominating " sap," as you term it, of
the R. ponticum and arboreum, in most of the
splendid varieties so far produced, precludes
their cultivation in our climate north of Wash-
ington, and it illustrates the fallacy of what is
termed "acclimatization," for with the intermix-
ture even of the " sap " of arboreimi in the fourth
and fifth generations, the tender character of the
Asiatic species still continues to crop out, and
although the plants rarely die, their foliage is
disfigured, and the flower buds partially or
wholly destroyed by our severe winters. Unfor-
tunately this is not generally known. The Eng-
lish and Belgian catalogues describe them as
hardy, as they are in their climate, and the bril-
liancy of the colors as compared with Catawbiense
is so charmingly beautiful that a choice selec-
tion is made accordingly. The plants are im-
ported, and planted out with all due care, but
at the end of two or three years nothing is left
but the stock upon which these superb kinds
are grafted.

Twenty-five j'ears ago, when the late Mr.
Standish first began the hybridization of Rhodo-

dendrons, and raised that beautiful variety,
Minnie, with others which were said to be very
hardy, I imported ten of the best seedlings, two
plants of each, but up to this time they have
never produced a single flower, and only two or
three are alive ; these grow up every year a foot
or two high, and are killed down again by the
winter; and just ten years ago (1SG6) we im-
ported one hundred of the hardy varieties from
Belgium, including Lord Clyde, Minnie, Baron
Osy, Mooresenum, and other fine sorts. The
first year, while small, they were wintered by
placing a frame over them, filling in with dry
leaves, and covered with sashes. They kept well
and flowered, but soon grew too tall to be cov-
ered. "We then planted them out, to give them
a trial, in our Rhododendron bed : now we have
not even one left.

In time I don't doubt we shall obtain very
dark-colored Rhododendrons perfectly hardy,
but all the experiments so far show how difficult
is the work. The Indian blood which carries
color also carries with it a perfect bar to hardi-
hood of white, blush, pink, rose, rosy lilac, rosy
purple, and rosy crimson. We have as fine
hardy sorts as can be desh-ed ; but of fancy
colors, and deep red and crimson colors, we have
none. It is to the production of the latter that
the efforts of our hybridizers should be directed.

Forty years' experience in the cultivation and
production of Rhododendrons and Azaleas has
enabled us to learn something of their character.
Under the right treatment no plants grow more
freely, none transplant more safely, few require
less care, and none give so grand a display of
blossoms. Many of our specimens, now forty
years old, have been transplanted but once; one
twelve feet high and twelve broad, and producing
every year thousands of flowers. Some seasons
the bloom is more abundant than others, but out
of an acre of Rhododendrons, Azaleas and Kal-
mias we have never known a plant to be seri-
ously injured. This year the snap of bloom has
been simply magnificent.

I regret that I could not find the time to visit
the Centennial, and see the great display of Mr.
Waterer, as well as those of the Messrs. Parsons.
It was no little labor to bring 1500 plants across
the Atlantic, and the thanks of all lovers of
beautiful shrubs are due to him for his commen-
dable efforts to place before the American people
these superb varieties, the parents of which
cover the mountain regions not many miles
from Philadelphia.

1876.]

AND HORTICULTURIST.

261

HARDY RHODODENDRONS.

I would remark with regard to your list of
probably hardy kinds of Rhododendrons, that
out of eleven there mentioned, commencing
with album grandiflorum and ending with Min-
nie, not half are hardy. In this I speak what I
knoiv. The remainder will surely disappoint
those who plant them. And so of the other
lists, and of Mr.W.'s entire collection ; while there
were very many grand, hardy plants in it, it
must in its future results end in disappointment.

I could know this by glancing at the leaves
while walking around, for the ponticum and
arboreum show through the whole collection.
I could say more, but add only that the unfortu-
nate feature is that the sight of so many beauti-
ful flowers will lead many in their ignorance to
plant those half-hardy sorts, and after the first
winter they will condemn the whole tribe;
whereas, if they had planted such sorts as roseum
grandiflorum, album elegans, EveresHanum, &c.,
they would have had continual enjoyment
from them.

HARDY HERBACEOUS PLANTS FOR JULY.

BY WILLIAM FALCONER, BOTANIC GARDEN, CAM-
BRIDGE, MASS.

May and June are the hey-day of hardy herb-
aceous plants, but underneath I mention those
only that are in bloom now, July 10th, in the
gardens here, and which have been wintered
without any protection whatever beyond in some
cases a light mulching of leaves. Of course,
having confined myself to what are actually
growing here, I have omitted several valuable
seasonable plants, and at the same time I have
carefully avoided mentioning any that are not
the very cream of our collection ; everything of
the "botanical" nature being strictly omitted.

Aquilegia chrysantha, the finest of all known
yellow Columbines, and keeps blooming some
weeks after the other kinds have ceased.

Campanula rotundifolia, or common Harebell,
flowers, blue and pretty, dwarfish, and in the
rockery or border equally at home. C. Car-
pathica, a very fine species, in compact clumps,
blooms blue, widely open, and many. Not yet
at its best.

Viola cornuta, blue ; in free, rich, moist ground,
■with a little thinning or cutting, blooms un-

ceasingly from June till October. Much used
in Europe as a summer " bedder." Not so apt
here.

Dicentra eximia, charming for borders or rock-
work ; has rosy purple flowers and fern-like
leaves ; nine to fifteen inches high. Amongst the
earliest plants to bloom in spring, and even now
is only at its best.

Pentstemon barbatus, a Mexican plant, with
long wand-like panicles of drooping scarlet flowers.
It needs staking, otherwise it looks ragged. P.
argutus, two to four feet, flowers purplish and
blue, on long panicled stems that, if not timely
tied up, become prostrate. Both fine border
plants.

Tradescantia, or Virginian spider-wort, of
which there are blue, purple and white kinds,
all equally hardy and showy. The white is the
scarcest. They are pretty, and will grow almost
anywhere, and become naturalized in rough
places.

Aconite or Monkshood, blue, and showy bor-
der plants, also Delphiniums in variety. Amongst
the finest Delphiniums are Belladonna, pale blue;
Henderson! and formosum, deep blue, and nudi-
caide, red. They last well as cut flowers.

Saponaria officinalis,-or common soap wort, 18
to 24 inches, with dense panicled bundles of
large white or pink-tinged flowers. Showy, and
a good border plant. There are variegated-
leaved and double-flowered kinds of the same
quite as hardy.

Lychnis chalcedonica, two to three feet, with
corymbose clusters of scarlet flowers. There are
single and double-flowered varieties of this old-
fashioned border plant, varying in color from
white to scarlet, but scarlet is the best.

Dianthus Seguieii, single pink, 12 to 15 inches ;
makes a compact and pretty clump, but not so
pretty as some of its predecessors.

Funkia ovata, the blue day lily, makes fine
clumps for borders or shrubberies ; flowers bluish,
arranged unilaterally, and freely borne.

Hemerocallis fidva, the common day lily, is
suitable for borders, shrubberies, or for natural-
ization under trees, or in waste places.

Hollyhocks are at their best. Of course we
have only single sorts, and for ornamental pur-
poses the intensely colored double sorts are the
most appropriate, and quite as hardy.

Yucca filamentosa, a common but noble plant,
with tall, tree-like flower, stem laden with yel-
lowish white blooms. I lately saw a pretty
effect produced on a sunny slope by having

262

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[September,

these Yuccas planted some three to four feet
apart, and interplanted with low-growing, red-
flowered Cannas, banded with white variegated
grass.

Antirrhinums, or Snap-dragons, treated as self-
sown annuals and transplanted. The dark and
intensely colored ones I think the prettiest,
though the striped ones are the most sought
for.

Callirhoe involucrata, the common Malva; a
procumbent and spreading plant, with a profu-
sion of showy crimson flowers. Suitable for
rockwork or border.

Malva moschata, vigorous; flowers rosy lilac,
and freely borne on tall, branchy stems. Shrub-
beries and mixed borders if staked.

Betonica grandiflora, a pretty border plant with
whorls of purple flowers.

Physostegia Virginica, a purplish labiate with
terminal racemes of crowded blooms. Wants
lifting, dividing and transplanting every second
or third year.

Dracocephalum peregrinum makes a fine border
clump, 12 to 18 inches; flowers blue, in loose
whorls on arching or decumbent racemes.

Erigeron speciosus, bluish, two feet; handsome
as a border clump, or naturalized in wild places.
E. glabellus, one foot, flowers pretty, and,, like
speciosus, a fine boi'der plant.

Coreopsis lanceolata, two to three feet, bearing
a profusion of bright yellow flowers ; a desirable
border plant. C. tripteris, tall and handsome,
flowers showy, yellow with dark centre ; C. pal-
mata and C delphinifolia, good enough in their
way, in roomy borders and amongst shrubs, but
too rough for the select border.

Lathyrus laiifoUus, the everlasting pea, of which
there are pinkish-purple and white-flowered
kinds; particularly pretty, and keeping in bloom
a long time. The white kind is very fine. In
clumps, on supports, or depending over rock
work they are very appropriate.

Spiraea venusta, a handsome and very fine
perennial, with rosy-carmine flowers in terminal
compound cymes; two to three feet high. Also
8. Kamtschatica, pretty white flowers, in the w^ay
of S. ulmaria which is also in bloom, and Astilbe
chinensis, two feet, with panicled clusters of pink-
ish flowers; fine.

Lythrum saHcaria or Loosestrife, two to five
feet; flowers reddish-purple and in whorls on
long terminal spikes. A handsome and desira-
ble plant for borders or water margins. The
variety known as Roseum mperbum is the best.

In addition to the above are many Salvias,
Scutellarias, Nepetas, Veronicas, Lychnises, As-
ters, Achilleas {A. millefolium roseum is the best),
Chrysanthemums, Anthemises, Centaureas, Con-
volvuluses, &c.

Chief amongst shrubs in bloom are Spirsen
Douglasi with dense terminal panicles of rosy-
pink flowers ; S. Menziesii, not unlike Douglasi ;
S. callosa, with thick terminal corymbs of pink-
ish blooms ; S. salicifolia, the American Meadow
Sweet, dull white, in crowded panicles ; and
S. corymbosa, with showy flat compound corymbs
of white flowers. There are likewise Ilea Vir-
ginica, with racemes of pretty white flowers;
double Deutzias, Hydrangea arborescens, radiaia
and hortensis, the Smoke tree Rhus coiinus.

Calycanthus floridus, or Sweet Shrub, locally
known here as Pine-apple Shrub ; and, Rubus
odoratus, a free-bloming shrub, good enough for
rough places, but not sufficiently attractive for
choice shrubberries.

EDITORIAL NOTES.

Public Adornments of Cities. — Americans
often wish that their public servants were " in-
telligent," and would attend to parks, squares,
and other public places "as they do in Europe."
But it appears they are no better oS" than we,
and " societies " and outside pressure have to be
brought in to aid the public officers to walk in
the way they should go. This is an illustration :

" Mr. George Dawson, in a recent lecture at
Birmingham, England, said that the ofiice of a
man's house was not only to give shelter, food,
and meat, but also to surround his children with
those fair sights and sounds by which the sense
of beauty might be developed. There were
houses in that town in which not a poem was
read nor a song sung throughout the j'ear, and
yet the people wondered why their children
were vulgar. Attention to the beauty of towns
was one of the most neglected duties and one of
the most deserving. If a town was beautiful, the
people took pride in it, like to live in it, and
were sorry to leave it. In Birmingham they
wanted a new society, to be called ' the Beauty
Society.' "

The Rhododendron. — Mr. Waterer with his
Centennial Rhododendrons has stirred up the
folks with a vengeance. Four Rhododendron
articles in one number! The subject is well

1876."

AND EOBTIGULTURIST.

263

worthy of the space. Ignorant Rhododendron
culture is a costly thing in America, but intelli-
gently pursued, nothing is more delightful.

LiATRis PYCNOSTACHYA. — This magnificent
plant stood the dry and hot weather most tri-
umphantly. By the 1st of August it was in full
bloom, continuing the whole month. It will be
a fit companion to the Gladiolus when it becomes
well known. It flowers after it is one year old
from the seed, and is easily raised.

QUERIES.

Protection of Tea Roses in Winter. — L. F.,
Belleville, Ills., asks : " Having heretofore foiled
to find the proper method to keep my Tea
Roses during winter, I propose the coming sea-

son to fasten the branches to a stake and sur-
round them with straw, making a mound of coal
ashes over the roots. .Would not such a plan
keep the plants dry, and protect them from
freezing ? If you will give your valuable opin-
ion on that subject, you will much oblige me
indeed."

[The putting on and taking off of earth or
coal ashes in fall and sj^ring is troublefjome
where there are many tea roses. It is better to
take them up late in the fiiU, cut away the im-
mature parts, choose a spot where water will not
lie, and then bury roots and tops in earth till
early in spring, when take up and replant. If
there are but one or two plants, and it is desired
to have handsome specimens, the branches may
be packed in with dry leaves, and a box placed
over the whole to keep the leaves dry and from
blowing away, just as in these parts we do Pam-
pas grass and some other things. — Ed. G. M.]

^REEN mOUSE AND liiOUSE mRDENING.

SEASONABLE HINTS.

Those who have greenhouses, pits or frames,
will now see to having any necessarj' repairs
attended to. White-washing annually is service-
able, destroying innumerable eggs of insects, in
the war against wViich the gardener should al-
ways take the initiative ; sulphur mixed with the
whitewash is also serviceable. Powerful synng-
ing is a great help to keeping plants clean, and
should be frequently resorted to.

One of the worst foes is the red spider, an in-
sect so small that few persons know of its exist-
ence till they are educated to it. With a small
lens they can be seen, living, red, dust-like dots,
very active, and usually traveling with great
rapidity over the leaves. But they are very de-
structive. Their presence is always indicated by
grey or whitish spots on the green leaves. When-
ever they are seen the leaves should be carefully
examined, and syringing with water and sprink-
ling with sulphur emploj^ed.

Propagation of bedding plants for another
season will now be progressing actively. Gera-
niums, and other things with firm wood, do best

in sand spread on the open ground, with a glass
frame partially shaded spread over it. A great
benefit will be found in most cuttings if they are
placed for a short time in slightly damp moss
for a few daj's before inserting the same, so that
the wood at the base of the cutting may be par-
tially healed or calloused over. Verbenas, and
such cuttings, can be kept but a few hours, un-
less the wood is very hard. The harder the
wood the longer they will do to keep so. Ripe
wood of some things will be benefitted by keep-
ing two weeks. All this must be found out by
each propagator himself.

It is a very good time to look around for soil
for potting purposes. The surface soil of an old
pasture forms the best basis, which can be after-
wards lightened wdth sand, or manured with
any special ingredients to suit special cases, as
required. The turfy or peaty surfaces of old
wood or bogs also come very " handy." A stock
of moss should also be on hand for those who
crock pots, in order to cover the potsherd ; moss
also comes in useful for many purposes con-
nected with gardening, and should be always on
hand.

264

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[September,

People not in the secret are often puzzled over
the terms used by gardeners in potting. Soil
they regard as the earth — earth of any kind that
is ready to receive the plant or seed. A heavy
soil is that in which clay preponderates over
sand. A sandy soil is that in which sand is
abundant with the clay. Loam bothers some
people — generally it is \ised as the equivalent of
" soil," writers often iising " sandy loam " when
they might just as well say "sandy soil." But
strictly it is the upper surfece of clay land
which has become black by contact with the air
and culture. A loamy soil would be understood
as a rather heavy earth lightened by culture.

Plants intended to be tuken from the open
ground and preserved through the winter should
be lifted early, that they may root a little in the
pots. A moist day is of course best for the pur-
pose, and a moist shady place the best to keep
them in for a few days afterwards. Anything
that is somewhat tender had better be housed
before the cold nights come. Some things are
checked without actual frost.

Ornamental annuals for winter-flowering
should be at once sown, not forgetting Mignon-
ette, to be without which will be an unpardona-
ble sin. Chinese Primroses, Cinerarias, Calceo-
larias, Pansies, Polyanthus, &c., should be sown.
Winter-blooming Carnations and Violets should
not be forgotten. They are now essentials in all
good greenhouse collections. Calla Ethiopica,
old as it is, is an universal favorite, and should
now be repotted, when it will flower through the
winter finely. Oxalis, Sparaxis, Cyclamens, and
such Cape bulbs that flower through the winter,
should be repotted now. They are an easily
grown tribe of plants, and should be in more
favor.

COMMUNICA TIONS.

REMEDY FOR VERBENA RUST.

BY KOBEET PALMER, INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA.

Some three months since I asked through the
pages of the Monthly if there was a remedy for
the fungus known as Verbena rust. No one
having offered a remedy I now give one. Pul-
verized charcoal applied to spots of rust removes
them in a short time. I have tested its merits
on some pretty hard cases and always with suc-
cess.

Mr. Meehan, I have forwarded you the above
remedy, thinking it would be of service to the
readers of the Monthly.

PITTOSPORUM TOBIRA.

BY WALTER ELDER, PHILADELPHIA.

A plant of Pittosporum tobira, four and a half
feet high, and three feet in diameter of its spread
branches, was planted in the open garden of
James C. Smith, Esq., 2104 Walnut street, Phila-
delphia, in June, 1875 (last year). It stood out
all last winter without injury, and now, June 5th,
1876, it is in a tiourishing state, and covered with
its white, sweet-scented blooms. If it should
prove alwaj's hardy in this latitude, it will be a
charming addition to our evergreen blooming
shrubs. It diflfuses the fragrance of its blooms
for a large distance around it, and is then very
ornamental, with broad and dark foliage.

David Landreth, Esq., seedsman, who has
successfully cultivated the hardy hybrid Rhodo-
dendrons for a qiiarter of a century back at
Bloomsdale, has had the greatest profusion of
blooms by them this year that he ever had, and
the same with his hybrid Belgian Azaleas.

CULTURE OF PRIMULA SINENSIS.

BY BENJAMIN GREY, GARDENER TO E. S. RAND, JR.,
ESQ., DEDHAM, MASS.

This very desirable winter-blooming plant may
be propagated from seeds, which should be sown
in a pan on a light sandy compost about the be-
ginning of August for early spring bloom, or
sooner, say May, for fall or winter flowering. The
pan of soil should be well watered, and the seeds
sown on the surface, covering only by laying a
piece of paper over the top of the pan ; in fact,
we find this mode of covering excellent for all
small seeds, as it maintains a uniform moisture,
with less frequent waterings, should the soil seem
to be getting dry. The pan may be dipped
nearly to the edge in water, and let it soak in
through the holes in the bottom. The plants
will be up in three or four weeks, and as soon as
large enough may be potted oft' singly into small
pots, or pricked out in a frame or old hot-bed in
sandy loam and leaf mold, and in the fall they
may be put into five-inch pots, in which they
will bloom, and may be kept in the frames
shaded from the mid-day sun as late in the sea-

1876.]

AND HORTICULTURIST.

265

son as they can be with safety from frost. As
the plants come into flower, all the best ones
should be marked and kept for stock for the fol-
lowing year. After a good strain has been ob-
tained we never resort to seedlings again, except
for new varieties, but divide the old plants about
the latter part of May, and plant in a frame, and
shade until the first of October, when they may
be potted and left in the frame until established,
after which move them to a cool house for
winter. They do well in a house with Camellias,
and plants of a like nature.

When large specimens are desired, cut the old
leaves off around the bottom of the plants, turn
them out of the pots, and cut off the lower half
of the old ball, re-pot into pots one or two sizes
larger, sinking the plants so as to cover the old
stems.

When treated in this way, or by dividing as
above, they will flower finely throughout the
whole winter and early spring. Pot in sandy
loam, with leaf mold or well-rotted stable ma-
nure, and avoid giving too much water during
the short, dull days in winter.

EDITORIAL NOTES.

Bouquets of the Philadelphia Belles. — The
correspondents of the different i^apers, writing
from the Centennial Exhibition, ought to find
enough of facts to write about withovit serving
up fiction as truth. We have seen in leading
English papers some astounding narratives — all
news to us at home. In the horticultural line
the following is one of these specimens. It is
strange that a man cannot see when he is hoaxed.
It all comes from people writing of what they
hear, instead of working up what they actually
see.

"We have also recently learned that in some
towns of the State, Philadelphia for example, the
number of bouquets carried by a lady at a ball is
considered to be indicative of the number of her
actual admirers of the other sex. A lady with-
out a bouquet confesses herself without an ad-
mirer sufficiently interested in her to have given
her even a simple flower. On the other hand,
if a lady has several admirers and each has sent
her a bouquet, she appears with the whole num-
ber. No donor is more favored than another.
This may give rise to a sense of equality, and of
levelling of the claims of the admirers, but it is.

to say the least, inconvenient to the lady and
her partners. We have heard of a lady who
appeared at a ball with ten huge bunches of flow-
ers, some of which she had to trust to her part-
ner, while she carried the remainder .herself.
We are told that " the whole of them would have
filled a wheelbarrow, and the effect was awkward
in the extreme." This is easily to be believed.

" The carrying of the bouquets is like the bear-
ing by the Indian brave of the scalps of those he
has killed — a token of victory. It is a fashion
that we think is hardly likely to be imported
from America by our belles who visit the exhibi-
tion."

Violets for Winter Blooming. — We have at
present, says a correspondent of the " Garden," a
row of Czar Violet, in patches about 400 feet long,
at the bottom of a south wall. These flower
freely and long in Spring and early Summer.
The runners are chopped off with with a spade
several times during the season to keep the
shoots vigorous, which get a good size in a single
season, and about November and onwards we
take up a number of patches at a time, pot them
in eight- inch pots, and put them into the Viner-
ies or Peach-houses, or anywhere convenient,
where there is a gentle heat. Thus treated,
flowers quickly make their appearance, large
and sweetly scented ; and, though th? plants do
not continue to bloom for a very long time, we
have plenty of them to fall back upon, and,
therefore, introduce another batch.

Cut Flowers.— The Gardener's Chronicle says :
<' We read in the London papers of whole con-
gregations carrying large bouquets of flowers to
church on some particular occasion, and in the
country parishes in Scotland spinsters may be
seen carrying Lad's Love to church, along with
some sweet-smelling showy flower to scent the
white cambric handkerchief, neatly folded on or
around the gilt-edged Bible; for the holiday*
dress alone, without the adornment of the flow-
ers would be reckoned wanting in the finishing
stroke. Bridals require flowers. The Orange
blossom, whether natural or artificial, is always
given away with the bride, whatever else may be
her dowry. In the theatre the successful actress
gets applauded, not only with shouts a'nd clap-
ping of hands, but with a very shower of bou-
quets as she gracefully retires. The decorations
of the dinner-table owe much to flowers tastefully
disposed, and the drawing-rooms, dressing-rooms,
and ante-chambers in the best family mansions

!.')6

TEE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[September,

are all set off with gay and sv.-eet- smelling flow-
ers. It is, moreover, a Continental custom, fast
gaining ground in this country, to drop flowers
into the graves of departed friends, as though we
owed some loving tribute to their memories.

" In order to me6t these demands and many
others, we have our ' flower girls,' who deftlj'
handle the cut flowers, and construct some very
quaint devices. Taking a leaf of a Zonal Pelar-
gonium, for instance, she bores a hole in the cen-
tre and inserts some gaudy flower belonging to
another genus, thus making a button-hole bou-
quet, the smallest size, good ' home made,' quite
a marketable article, and sold in thousands. The
flower orders for wedding bouquets is quite a
commercial affair in the London season, and
cost a good round sum. Occasional /<?^es, such as
those got up for the Shah, are red-letter days for
bunting and bouquets."

Chrysanthemums after Flowering. — Many
amateurs who have grown chrysanthemums for
conservatory decoration are in doubt as to what
should be done with them now that they are out
of flower; and a word or two on the subject will
be of service. They are, it must be said, very
accommodating, and may be kept in a properl}'-
constructed pit or under a covering of long litter.
As pit-room is not often very abundant in such
gardens, and the chrysanthemum, although re-
puted hardy, is likely to suffer from severe frosts,
stand the pots on a laj'er of coal-ashes at the
foot of a wall or other sheltered place, and when
there is any appearance of frost cover them with
a thick layer of long litter or newly-collected
leaves, and place a few boards on the top, espe-
cially if leaves are employed, to prevent them
blowing about. Here they can remain until all
danger from severe frosts is past, and then they
can be uncovered. In the early part of the
spring turn them out of the pots, knock away all
^le soil, and select the strongest suckers with a
Tew roots attached to them, and then put them
singly in small pots. This will save the trouble
of striking the cuttings, and a little time will also
be gained. When established in the small pots
they can be shifted on in the same manner as
those raised from cuttings. — Gardener's Weekly.

Soft- WOODED Greenhouse Plants. — Veronica
Andersoni and salicifolia are amongst the niost
useful autumn flowering plants for conserva-
tory decoration, when grown ir. pots and properly
prepared. To keep them dwarf and bushy, as
also to ijiduce a free disposition to flower, the

pots should now be plunged in coal-ashes in a
sunny situation, and well supplied with water.
Wlien they get filled with roots give them
manure-water once a week. — Gardener's Chronicle.

NEW PLANTS.

RuDGEA macrophylla, producing a large head
of pure white flowers, is blooming in the stove.
The leaves are of large size and have been com-
pared to Medinilla, with which in habit the
plant has some similarity, though from so small
a plant much cannot be said. It is about a foot
high, and the inflorescence in size is quite out of
proportion. The flowers are very beautiful, and
have been used in the bridal bouquet of a Eoyal
marriage. Individually they last only a short
time, but a large number of buds open in succes-
sion, and these alone are of great beauty. The
corolla is funnel-shaped and about an inch in
diameter. It was figured in the Botanical Mag-
azine of 1867, where it is described as " a mag-
nificent plant, and belonging to a genus which,
though containing many species, had never prev-
iously, so far as I am aware, been introduced
into European gardens." It is yet quite rare.
The specimen from which the portrait was drawn
was sent by Mr. Henderson of Pine Apple Place.
It is a native of Rio Janeiro, and is described as
attaining a height of 6 feet. Hitherto it has not
been tried with different soils or temperatures,
but has succeeded in the stove, using a soil of
peat and loam as for the generality of stove
plants. — Keiv Novelties in the Journal of Horticul-
ture.

Pink Marechal Niel Rose. — A pink Mare-
chal Niel rose appears to have been secured by
our excellent coadjutor Mr. Thomas Trussler, of
Edmonton, and should it prove to bear the test
of criticism it will add to the series of illustra-
tions recorded of the reciprocal influence of stock
and graft. A bud of John Hopper was entered
on a brier in the usual way, and afterwards a bud
of Marechal Niel was entered on John Hopper.
The result is apparently a pink Marechal Niel.
The flower before us is smaller than the type ; it
is pale lemon-yellow without, with a diaphonous
tint of pink within, very pleasing, and in some
degree resembling Devoniensis. Should it prove
permanent it will be peculiarly intei'esting. —
Gardener's Magazine.

isie.j

AND HORTICULTURIST.

267

The New Double Flowering Ivy-leaved Pe- i the single flowering varieties of Pelargonium,
IiARGONiUM. — ^This plant originated as a chance i kitenpes, and as now flowering with ua it pro-
seedling in the garden of Herr Oscar Liebmann, I duces medium sized trasses of flowers, which are

/IjibST^^

of Dresden, and is a valuable addition to this 1 of a pinkish lilac color, veined and feathered
class of plants ; it has the trailing habit of growth, with carmine and white. The flowers are abun-
and the semi-succulent glossy leaves, peculiar to ' dantly produced, and endure as long ae the

268

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[September,

double flowering Zonal varieties, which gives it
a value for bouquets, &c., — a value which the
single forms do not possess. The plant has been
introduced under its German name Pelargonium
Konig Albert, but presume that we shall be un-
derstood if we henceforth call it King Albert.
The cut conveys a good idea of size of truss, foli-
age, &c., but does not give the feathered mark-
ings of the petals. H. E. C.

Croton' undulatus. — This is one of the most
beautiful varieties ever introduced. It is of the
usual free Croton growth, the edges of the leaves
being beautifully undulated and wavy, and the
variegation consisting of numerous markings
and blotches, which in the matured leaves are of
the brightest crimson on a dark green ground,
and in the young leaves, at first yellow, gradually
changing to pink and crimson, the base of the
petiole being a very light green. It has been in-
troduced from the South Sea Islands. — B. S. Wil-
liams.

Anthurium crystallixum. — This tine species
is in the style of the well-known A magnifieiim,
having large, ovately heart-shaped leaves of deep
emerald-green ground, with beautiful silvery
veins radiating from the base to the extreme
point. The secondary nerves have also broad
bands of silver, which glitter in the sunbeam like
veins of crystal, presenting a brilliant contrast

with the ihtervening rich-green leaf-spaces,
young leaves show a purplish-violet tint.

The

QUERIES.

Hybrid Ferns. — W. B., Delaware, Ohio, writes:
" I send you this day a box, by mail, containing
three fern fronds. Nos. 1 and 2 are seedling
crosses of Pteris serndata and P. elegans, they
somewhat resembre the Pteris longifolia; they are
very strong growers. Are t|iey worth dissemina-
ting under a new name ? If so, I will have to
send them east to be introduced. Our people
understand corn best. No. 3; please give me
the correct name ; the frond I am aware is not
perfect, but I selected it because it contained
ripe seed which you can sow if you desire.

[It is often hard to distinguish between a vari-
ation in obedience to some innate law and a hy-
brid. Numbers of instances of the latter really
belong to the former. These look as if they may
be hybrids, and are in any case beautiful forms.
The other fern is Aspidiuin falcatum. — Ed. G. M.]

Sun-ray Fuchsia. — J. P. S, says: "Sun-ray
Fuchsia was raised by Mr. G. Smith about the year
1870. It was introduced into this country also
under the name of Sunset."

Jruit and 'Vegetable Gardening.

SEASONABLE HINTS.

Trees that have long stems exposed to hot
suns, or drying winds, become what gardeners
call " hide-bound." That is, the old bark be-
comes indurated — cannot expand, and the tree
suffers much in consequence. Such an evil is
usually indicated by grey lichens which feed on
the decaying bark. In these cases a washing of
weak lye or of lime water is very useful ; indeed,
where the bark is healthy, it is beneficial thus to
wash the trees, as many eggs of insects are
thereby destroyed.

We would, however, again refer to linseed oil as

a wash, as far more effective for insects, and would,
perhaps, do as well for moss and lichen. After
all, these seldom come when trees are well culti-
vated. It is neglect makes poor-growth, and
poor growth, lichens.

The planting of the pear, apple, plum and
cherry will soon be in season ; peaches, apricots
and grape vines, except south of the Potomac,
being for the most part left till spring. Choose a
dry piece of ground. If not naturally dry, it is
best to throw the earth up into banks or ridges
and plant on them. This is cheaper and better
than underdraining. In planting, if the roots
appear deep, cut away some of the deeper ones,
and shorten some of the top of the tree at the

18'76.]

AND HOB TIG UL TUB IS T.

269

same time. This is particularly true of dwarf
pears which are often grafted on rather long
quince stocks. Cut all away of the quince root
but about six inches, and if this should be found
to leave few roots, cut away the top correspond-
ingly. Most of the failures with dwarf pears
come from bad quince roots, so deep in the
ground the lower parts decay, and this decay
gradually communicates upwards until the
whole system becomes diseased. The more tena-
cious the sub-soil the more necessary is it to
attend to this matter. We spoke of pruning in
proportion to injur3\ It will* be found that all
trees are a little injured by removal, therefore
all trees should be a little pruned at transplant-
ing.

The vegetable season is almost over, though
some care may be used to advantage.

Tomatoes will still repay care bestowed in
keeping them in shape. Those grown on stakes
should be tied up, and will continue bearing for
some time yet. Where the ground is very dry
waste water from the kitchen will benefit them.
Egg plants like' plenty of moisture, with sun
and air. If the ground be dry, give them abund-
ant manure water ; they will bear until frost.

Potatoes, as soon as the tops are well decayed,
are best taken up at once, as they appear less
liable to rot afterwards, than if left long in the
ground.

Turnips also may still be sown. In fact, if the
soil be rich, a better quality of root for table use
will be obtained than if sown earlier.

The main crop of spinage should now be sown.
Properly cooked, there are few vegetables more
agreeable to the general taste, and few families
who have gardens will wish to be without it. It
is essential that it have a very well enriched soil,
as good large leaves constitute its perfection as a
vegetable. As soon as the weather becomes severe,
a light covering of straw should be thrown over
it. A few radishes may be sown with the spinage
for fall use.

Cabbage and cauliflower are sown this month
for spring use. The former requires some care,
as, if it grow too vigorous before winter, it will
all run to seed in the spring. The best plan is to
make two sowings — one early in the month, the
other at the end. The rule is, get them only just
. so strong that they may live over the winter in
safety. Many preserve them in frames ; but
they should have wooden sashes or shutters in-
stead of glass, so as not to encourage them to
grow much.

Cauliflower, on the other hand, cannot well be
too forward. Most persons provide a pit of
stone, brick or wood, sunk five or six feet below
the surface of the ground, into which leaves,
manure, or any waste vegetable matter is filled.
When quite full it is suff"ered to heat a little,
when it will sink somewhat and have more ma-
terial added to it ; about six inches of good rich
loam is then placed on it, and early in Novem-
ber the cauliflower is planted out. The object in
refilling the leaves so often is to insure the
plants remaining as near the glass as possible,
which is very essential iii the growth of cauli-
flowers. Lettuce is treated in the same way,
and seed should be sown now to prepare for the
planting. The cabbage lettuce is the kind
usually employed.

COMMUNICA TIONS.

THE STANDARD CURRANTS AND GOOSE-
.BERRIES.

BY KUHN & CO., ROCHESTER, N. Y.

It is now about twelve years since this method
of growing the Currants jind Gooseberries has be-
come general in Europe ; since then it has rap-
idly assumed large dimensions, so that now they
are quite an article of commerce with the nurse-
ries there.

I first saw them at the Pomological Institute
of Dr. Ed. Lucas, at Reutlingen (where I spent
two years), in the autumn of '69; being imme-
diately taken up with the idea, I wrote Dr. Sied-
hof, my kind patron, about them.

He wrote, " Send me a dozen," and since has
largely increased the number — now having about
fifty in all.

He has imported about one hundred more for
special friends of his in different sections of
Hudson Co., N. J. ; so they have been thoroughly
tested. Not a speck of mildew during seven
years.

This method of grafting naturally does away
with and supersedes the old and tedious method
of trimming up the plants on their own roots to
the standard form and then have it ruined by
the borer, as Ribes aureum is exempt from the
attacks of the borer.

The stocks are grown by stooling, removed and
potted in fall and placed in a frame till about the
holidays, when they are brought into a cool
house — say from 45° to 50°.

270

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[September,

In about three'^weeks they have started
sufficiently for grafting to begin. The methods
employed are the common whip graft, Avithout

Previous to grafting they are kept shaded well.
After grafting, however, they are given the_full
light and a little more heat.

A

J.A.SCHirjCK.SC

cutting the tongue,"and^the cleft graft for larger
stocks.

Only perfectly well-hardened, woody stocks
should be selected, all others "rejected.

Bottom heat is not absolutely necessary, but
of course, in a measure, is very beneficial.

Frequent sprinkling after starting from the

graft is also very beneficial.

18T6.]

AND HORTICULTURIST.

271

By pinching the tips of the stocks we obtain
branched heads, and so are enabled to set several
grafts on one plant.

Instead of potting, some firms just envelope
the roots in a ball of moss fastened with wire.
These are very handy for shipping.

They must at no time be kept too moist. Are
saleable next fall as one-year olds.

Tlie fruit we exhibited at the Centennial were
not show berries, as the English grow them, for
the plants were literally loaded with fruit.

We have measured berries 5^ by 3f inches in
circumference, weighing from 1^ to Ij oz.

These statements are actual facts and may be
relied on. If these notes will be of any use to
you we shall be glad to have you use them.

LINSEED OIL FOR SCALE.

BY DR. M. W. PHILIPS.

This morn Prof. "Wlieat asked me if I had seen
the Gardener's Monthly for July, stating that
' Mr. Meehan pays to you a very high tribute."
I read it, and said, " I would rather have it than
the praise of officers and courts of our country."
My business for forty years has been farm life.
I love it. I love trees and flowers, stock of all
kinds ; even prefer the " caw ! " " caw ! " to all
your "harps with a thousand strings," although I
am devotedly fond of music, the voice or instru-
ment ; yes sir, the praise of such a man is in-
comparably sweet to me. But, please, only give
me due praise ; I would not pluck a leaf from
any man's laurel. I have been a learner since I
was sent on earth, 1806, January. When I know
of a good thing, or if even it can be, and trial
can only prove, to this extent only have I done
duty.

Settle the vexed question— the blue hen laid
the eggs, the black hen had the hatching,
which has the credit?

J. J. Wheat, D. D., Prof, of Greek, painted his
trees with linseed oil, trees 1, 2 to 5 or 6 years
old, limbs of any size, and stem to the earth.

I saw the fact one or two years after the first,
and three to six months after the last painting.
Dr. W. opened the bark where the blight was,
and the wood was healthy. My opinion was,
and is to this extent confirmed, that the insect, or
something depositing eggs (insect or vegetable),
the latter as yeast or " beer seed," is destroyed. I
know the blight, have fought it; seen as splendid
trees in orchard ruined by blight; seedlings, in a

yard where no culture, earth only removed for
trees ; old trees in a garden where manure,
green and rotted, was applied liberally, yet all
died in one year, destroyed, I say, by the fungi,
whether spores deposited by atmosphere, stung
by an insect, or what, I know not. The rot in
cotton bolls^ I believe, I first suggested to Mr.
Townsend Glover at m}^ house was caused by an
insect, and I sent to Patent Office the little bug,
as scary as the curculio. Why not poison fi-om
an insect on the bark of the pear? At all events,
mine ofience was telling what I saw, believing,
hoping if would prove worth millions to my fel-
low citizens in America. Thanks to you, my
friend.

Let me say. Dr. J. J. TVTieat is an expert in
the garden, small fruit, and the orchard. I heard
a Bishop of the Episcopal Church for two hours
or more. I remarked to one of his brethren, a
Gen'l, " Wliy did you spoil such a speaker in
making a Bishop ? " I say now as to Dr. W., one
of the rare men for farm, or garden, or fruit, was
spoiled in making of him a Greek Professor.
Upon my word I would prefer his talent for the
practical to all Greek lore from Thucidides,
Xenephon, Euripides down to — well, all the
ancient lore. I have been a student, of books
and the practical, for near fifty years. I ought to
know what is success, whether in a cabbage or in
pear culture.

CLASSIFICATION OF FRUITS.

BY W. H. SEAMAN, WASHINGTON, D. C.

In the last number of the Gardener's Monthly yow
allude to the need of a classification of apples,num-
ber of " fruits as plants are arranged." Now, are
you sure the thing is possible? In these days
when all species are declared ''I'fctne^^Vs of types,"
"whose boundaries cannot be certainly defined,"
what characters will you select in, say the apple,
which shall remain so unchangeable under the
influence of varying soils and climates, as to
enable any variety to be unerringly detected by
even an experienced man ? I have seen two
sets of apples handed to a competent fruit
grower, who was utterly at a loss on one — though
well acquainted with the other— both grown on
the same graft and exhibited by the grower.
Now, I have received apples from Missouri, said
to be seedlings. In appearance and taste they
were identical with the Pound Sweet. A priori
there is no reason why a second seedling should

272

THE GARDENEB'S MONTHLY

[September,

not resemble a previous one. Would you call it
Pound Sweet?

Many Europeans have tried their hands at
pomological taxonomy, notably the Germans,
as Lucas, for example. They have carried their
divisions to a fine point; how far are thej' in
actual use? I hope to learn this summer.
Among us, Thomas and \A^arder, especially the
first, have presented simple and apparently rea-
sonable systems, but the great mnjority of culti-
vators don't know of their existence, and Down-
ing, chief of all, declares such an attempt vision-
ary.

[The difficulty our correspondent presents is
no more than the botanist meets with in his stud-
ies. If he Avere to take oak leaves alone, or
acorns alone, he would never get along! He
does not dream of classifying on one character
alone, but considers all. Why must a pomolo-
gist be restricted to a fruit? There are quite as
striking differences in the leavss, in the branch-
ing, in the flowers, and other parts, as in the
fruits. There is no apple varies more than the
Red Astrachan. By the fruit alone we can
never be positive, but if we begin with the tree,
follow to the flower, and finish with the fruit,
one need never mistake in the Red Astrachan ;
nor indeed in any other variety treated in the
ame way.

Let us say that few persons in this country have
given more attention to varieties of fruit than
the writer of this, but he has not been ambitious
to achieve a " name " as a " pomologist " because
of the absurdity of the endeavors to establish
systems on single and variable characters. It
is amusing to note even first-class " fruit men "
wrangling over the proper name of a plate of
fruit at a fair. The scene can only be paralleled
by looking at a party of hucksters higgling over
the price of a fish. We have no liking for this
sort of guess-work.

We have great respect for the opinions of War-
der, Thomas, Barry, Downing, and others. We
should prefer their opinions on many questions
in relation to pomology to our own. But when
they assert that any better system of classifica-
tion than that of a heterogeneous mass of descrip-
tions of fruits alone, is visionary, if attempted,
we beg to differ from them.

Visionary or not, this writer would certainly
make the attempt had he the time. There is
little doulit in our mind that some one will not
only try it some day, but try it and succeed.
This we have said often before in these pages,

and see no reason to change our views. — Ed.

G. M.]

EDITORIAL NOTES.

Nectarine Produced from a Peach. — A val-
ued correspondent sends us an account of a
nectarine produced from a peach tree on the
grounds of Mr. E. Wilkins, of Maryland. It is
thought to be a case of " reversion." But the
first nectarine that was ever known was raised
in that manner — not by reversion, but by a sport
from a peach. What is called " reversion " by
animal phj-siologists is generally of the same
character. Nature is prolific in her powers of
varying form, and the resemblance to predeces-
sors is but an incident in the progress, and with
little or no regard to that which has gone before.
It is, in fact, just such illustrations as this of the
relationship of the peach to the nectarine which
proves how untenable much of this reversion-
ary theory is.

Raspberry from Mr. Roe. — On the 18th of
July came to hand samples of a seedling rasp-
berry— but in one decayed mass.

The Amsden Peach. — Mr. J. Wampler, Carthage,
Mo., says : "As the unprecedented freeze of 15th
March last destroyed the peach crop here, when
they were just coming out in bloom (mer-
cury fell almost to zero), we hope to hear
from more favored localities of the success
of the new early Peaches this year. So far as we
can learn none of the new peaches escaped here,
except three specimens of the Amsden in the
garden of Mr. Lewis, in Carthage. These were
all taken from the tree very ripe, on the 27tli of
June, the largest measuring 71 inches in circum-
ference. This is the fourth year the Amsden
has borne fruit here. The few specimens this year
being a little earlier than in any former year,
we think it safe to conclude that the Amsden is
at least eight or ten days earlier than Beatrice,
as in former years it was ripe eight days to two
weeks before Beatrice growing by its side. We
had hoped to see Amsden and Alexander side
by side this year, but the great freeze disappoint-
ed us ; and we hope others will report, if any have
ripened the two varieties.

The Alexander Peach. — We have seen some
letters addressed to Messrs. Jabez Capps & Sons
in regard to this peach, from California, which
compare it very favorably with Briggs' Red May,

\

I8t6.]

AND HORTICULTURIST.

2Y3

and show it to be far superior to Early Beatrice.
The latter seems going out of favor in California.
The following we find in an Illinois paper :

"The question is now who shall produce the
early peaches. English and American horticul-
turists have been vying with each other in this
matter. First our Hale's Early was far ahead of
the English Early York ; next Mr. Rivers of Eng-
land, leads with his Early Beatrice, now Logan
county has the honor of leading in the race with
the Alexander, a peach that for earliness and ex-
cellence is ah ead of all competitors. In California,
that land of fiaiits, the Alexander is attracting
much attention. The season is very late and fruits
are generally two to three weeks later in ripening
than usual. C. M. Silva & Son, of New Cast]e,
Cal., say that it ripened with them on the 12th
of June ; could have been shipped several days
earlier; ripened ten days earlier than Beatrice,
and were fully twice as large. Messrs. M. T.
Brewer & Co., wholesale fruit dealers at Sacra-
mento City, who received a box of Alexander by
express, were surprised at seeing such fine flavored,
large sized and bright colored peaches so early
in the season, and pronounce it a very desirable
peach for shipping, and say that the Beatrice
will stand no comparison with it, — that while
Alexander peaches would sell in the market at
15 cents per pound the Beatrice would not sell
for one cent."

Manure & Strawberry Insects. — Dr. Phillips,
Oxford, Miss., writes : — " I do not know whether I
communicated to you, or whom, that Dr. J. J.
Wheat, professor of Greek in our University, re-
quested me to examine with him what should
have been his strawberry patch. He dug at each
hill, plants dead, and found one or more of the
grub worm, and where the plants were in a dy-
ing condition, we found the worm and the root
eaten up to the very plant. This proved, that
manure where the black beetle deposits eggs is
improper for th,e strawberry, as some one, I forget
now who, wrote some years ago. Dr. Wheat con-
cluded to make a new patch and vise no animal
manure, and to-day he informs me that the worm
is in the new patch, but younger and smaller
than last year. He used cotton-seed meal, I
think. I know the bug will use oat meal to roll
his ball. I saw it done, but cannot suppose meal
applied last fall or this spring could be used in
the earth, and that the egg was deposited before
plants were set.

A Strawberry Grower at Boulder, Colo-

rado.— Mr. William Newland has one of the
most valuable tracts of land in the suburb of this
city, one-half mile to the north. Its chief attrac-
tion now is its l|-acre strawberry patch. They
were now just ripening fast, the first fruit, 700
quarts, having been gathered in the few last pre-
ceding days. The crop for the season is estimat-
ed at six thousand quarts. They were first sold
at fifty cents per quart, but had fallen to thirty
cents. — Colorado Farmer.

NEW FRUITS ^ VEGETABLES.

Hame's Apple.— Messrs. Cole & Co., Atlanta,
Ga., write : " We send you by express to-day a
few Hame's Seedling Apples — a seedling that
originated in Western Georgia in about 33^ 30^^
N. latitude. It ripens with Red Astrachan, and
the specimens sent should have been gathered
ten days ago, and their condition is partly due
to the unfavorable season. Our apple trees in
this section are all blighted — the presence of in-
sects and improper handling. The fruit is only
one-half to two-thirds its usual size ; the heaviest
sent you weighing only T? oz., while last year
specimens weighing. 13| oz., were weighed by us,
and good authority represented they were not
the largest on the trees, — not grown with view to
obtaining size but large trees with bushels of
fruit on them. We have been watching the ap-
ple for several years and send these very poor
specimens, hoping they may reach you in con-
dition to enable you to form an opinion of its
merits ; promising to substantiate the statement
as to size by better specimens another year.

" The apples were not raised by us, but shipped
70 or 75 miles."

[This apple has very much the' appearance of
Summer Hagloe, but this is a month later, in-
stead of a month earlier than Red Astrachan.
Unquestionably it is a desirable variety. — Ed. G.
M.]

Maryland Early Peach. — W. L. M., Freder-
ick City, Md., writes, July 11th : " I send you to-
day by express, specimens of a new peach, which
originated in this county, and which may prove
a valuable acquisition to the pomological wealth
of the country.

" It is said, by the gentleman with whom it or-
iginated, to be a seedling of a yellow peach, which
was itself a seedling. The tree is now five years
old and in perfect health, fruited last year bear-

374

THE GARDENERS MONTHLY

[September,

ing five ; this season it bore thirty ; the first were
ripe on the fourth of July, the balance are ripe
at this date.

" The largest were taken ofi" and given away be-
fore I saw them, two of them measuring 8 and
8j inches in circumference respectively. Those
I send you were taken off the tree yesterday
forenoon, the 10th inst., and were the largest
that were then on, but I think little if any more
than a fair average in size. The smaller one, I
fear, will be rotten before it reaches you, as it
was bruised while on the tree, and the juice has
been weeping from it.

" Please let me have your opinion of them as

compared with the Amsden, Alexander and
other new varieties."

[Not having Amsden, Hale's Early, or other
fruits from the same localitj% we cannot speak
comparatively, but can say it is one of the best
early peaches we have had this year, and we
have had some first-class ones.

We do not know but the peach is playing
some pranks on us this season. On the writer's
own grounds, Hale's Early, Troth's Early and
Early York all came in together, no difference
whatever between them. The trees seem all
equally healthy. Last year, in the same trees,
Hale's Early was much in advance. — Ed. G. M.]

ATURAL History and f|)CiENCE.

PRAIRIE FLOWERS.

BY L. J. TEMPLIN, HUTCHINSON, KAN.

Every one has heard of the beauty of our
Western prairies when decked in their floral
robes of svimmer. And every one has tried, at
some time, to form, in the imagination, a pic-
ture of a landscape, sweeping away in the dis-
tance as far as the eye can discern. But to one
who has never seen such a sight a true concep-
tion of the real scene is impossible. To a mind
in sympathy with nature there is something
in such scenes to elevate it and excite the
most lively emotions. There is something al-
most sublime in the grand stretch of these vast
plains as they sweep away to the distance, at
times almost as level as the bosom of the sleep-
ing ocean, then rising in the most gentle and
graceful undulations, and again ascending in
bolder but beautifully rounded, or occasionally
breaking into the abrupt bluff* or precipitous
cliff", but everywhere impressing and almost op-
pressing the mind with a sense of vastness and
immensity of space that is almost overwhelm-
ing, till to the mind, as to the sight, in the
misty distance heaven and earth seem to meet
and mingle into one. But while this sense
of vastness may elevate, if not awe, the
beholder, I apprehend most minds in contem-
plating these scenes would find their greatest
•pleasure in the varied forms and colors of the
vegetable world with which these plains are so
profusely covered. The prevailing vegetation is
composed of grasses, but generally of strange
forms and species to the emigrant from our east-

ern States. But after all the flowers that wave
in the breezes and blaze in the sunlight will be
objects of greatest interest. Many of them will
suggesfold, familiar kinds, while many by their
novelty of form and brilliancy of colors, will im-
press the mind in the radical difference of veg-
etable forms in diff"erent parts of our country.
Two species of Allium, one with purple and the
other with white flowers, spread a carpet of
bloom over acres of land early in the season, be-
fore the taller plants have gi'own enough to ob-
scure them from sight. Then comes a Mallow that
to casual observers has the leaf of the Verbena and
the flower of the Portulacca, spreading its branch-
es on the ground, radiating from the base as a
centre, and spreading its brilliant crimson flow-
ers to a distance of a yard in every direction.
Similar to this in manner of growth, but entirely
different in form, is th« Sensitive Briar, that of-
ten produces, from a single root a perfect bed of
beautiful rose-colored bloom, from five to eight
feet in diameter. Large patches of dwarf Helian-
thus, with their yellow rays expanded in the sun-
light, look like fields of glittering gold. Dwarf
roses as fine, in both form and color, as many
that are cultivated with care, expand their petals
and shed their fragrance in countless profusion.
But time and space would fail me to speak of
the countless species that, with their white,
blue, crimson, and gold, join with the many
shades and forms of foliage to bedeck the plains,
while they perfume every passing breeze with
their balmy fragrance. It must be seen to be
appreciated.

1876.]

AND HORTICULTURIST.

275

GENERAL OBSERVATIONS ON
HOKKAIDO.

THE FLORA OF

BY M. LOUIS BOHMER,

Horticulturist to the Kaitakuska, Yedo, Japan.

[Concluded from page 24).]

Descending towards the seashore, a pink and a
white Scabiosa, in company with a Platycodon
(Campanulacese), is growing in sunny places.
Approaching the vicinity of the seabeach, the
rocks are studded here and there with a small
Compositea, of which the flowers are sometimes
red and sometimes white. I also noticed several
different kinds of Sedum and Saxifraga. From
here we ascended again the mountains where I
found some trees I had not seen before. Fore-
most among them is Styrax abassia, a tree pecu-
liar to the Japanese islands, with large round
leaves and clusters of fine white flowers. It
grows about 15 feet high, and has a smooth light
red bark. A Carpinus, with flowers like those of
a Hop, almost three inches long, was in full
bloom. Kalopanax richinifolimn [mig.), a large
species of Aralia, which is often found in the
forests, attains here its greatest size. It is a
handsome tree, especially when in flower, and
has almost a tropical appearance. The trunk
sometimes has a diameter of from three to four
feet, and as the wood is easily worked it is used
for various purposes, especially by Ainos for
their canoes, which are made by hollowing out a
portion of a trunk about 20 feet long. The Japan-
ese name is Sen noki, or Harigini. The Ainos call
it " Yoshi-ni."

Clerodendron trichotomum, a shrub with large
leaves and racemes of white flowers relieved by
a red calyx, grows here with great vigor, although
I did not expect to find it so far north. It is
really a handsome shrub, and would form a val-
uable addition to foreign parks, as it is perfectly
hardy here. A pink-flowering Andromeda, which
I had not seen before, grows in patches in stony
ground. A pretty flowering herbaceous plant
Avith blue flowers, which I believe to be a Ly-
simachia, frequently occurs here ; and the beau-
tiful Primula Japonica 1 found for the first time
in its wild state on the sides of small mountain
streams. Four years ago this plant was intro-
duced into England, and on account of its ele-
gant habit has sprcal through foreign gardens
with great rapidity, and promises to be one of
the leading plants for open air cultivation. The
mountains I'ise here to about three thousand
feet, and those facing the sea are generally

scantily supplied with vegetation, while those
more inland are covered with thick forest up to
their summit. On the former Birch and Alder
of small size are met with, and also small Oak.
A species of Arundo, a favorite food of the deer,
covers large spaces of the open ground. The
deer are said to collect here in large numbers
during the winter season, and are killed by the
natives for the sake of their skins. I was in-
formed that no less than thirty thousand deer
were killed, last winter at Hore-idzurai, where
large plains covered with this reed occur.

Following the road, we had again to descend
to the seashore, and on the way we passed
through most luxuriant vegetation. There must
be a considerable amount of moisture in this
neighborhood, as I found no less than three
different ferns growing on trees. Hydrangea,
Actinidia, Euonymus and the wild grape grow
luxuriantly, and give the forest almost a sub-trop-
ical appearance.

From Berufune to Kusuri the road leads
through a plain about a hundred feet above the
level of the sea. This plain is much intersected
by small rivers, on the banks of which a gigantic
•umbelliferous plant was in flower, a species of
Angelica, similar in Jiabit to those found so fre-
quently in Siberia. They often attain a height
of 15 feet, with a hollow stem of at least 6 inches
in diameter ; some of the white umbels measured
18 inches across. Apparently it has a preference
for moist localities, as I only found it growing in
places where water is abundant. It is the largest
representative of this widely-spread ftimily that I
have ever seen.

Polygonum cuspidatmn is frequently met
growing in company with these umbelliferous
plants. It is a beautiful species, of tall growth,
whose fertile flowers, which are of a light pink
color and produced in large clusters, have a very
good effect, and would form a valuable addition
to park scenery in Europe or America. It
sometimes grows to a height of 10 feet, and the
stems are often used by Ainos as walking-sticks,
probably because they are hollow, light and
comparatively strong. This plant belongs to the
buckwheat family, another remarkable instance
of the size herbaceous plants sometimes attain to
under favorable circumstances. The plains con-
tain very little of interest, excepting a number of
vigorously growing Aconitum, the roots of which
are used by the Ainos for poisoning their arrows
in order to kill Avild beasts. They make a decoc-
tion of the root, and soak in it their arrow-heads,

276

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[September,

which they use in ti>aps for catching bear and
deer. Gentiana Buergen, which grows sometimes
to the height of three feet, is very frequent, and
has a magnilicent effect with its chisters of blue
flowers. At Ohotsunai, two small Vacciniums,
one with red, the other with black berries,. occur
abundantly. A gieenish white Lichen grows be-
tween them, of which the deer are said to be
fond in winter. Several rivers run here into
the sea, and the plains through which they run
would afford good opportunity for cultivation.
The soil is a rich loam, and of a dark brownish
color. The black Lily mentioned before grows
at Kusuri in quite large quantities.

From here to Akkeshi the road leads through
mountains of not very great elevation. The de-
ciduous trees give way here to Conifers. They
were represented by the Tode and the Yeso
Matsu before mentioned, with an undergrowth
of Taxus cuspidata called by the Ainos " Unco."
It is held in great estimation by them, as they
use the tough wood for making their bows. A
great deal of moisture must collect in these dis-
tricts, as a white Lichen is met with everywhere
hanging from the trees. Here I found a wild
Raspberry and a red Currant covered with fruit,
of which the bears are said to be very fond. The
Raspberries favorably compare with those culti-
vated in foreign countries. The Currant grows
about 10 feet high, has large leaves and bears
large red fruit, which is rather sour. A shrub
which I think to be Philadelphiis coronarius was
past flowering, and I only saw it in fruit, and
was therefore doubtful as to its identity. An
Actinidia, with red leaves which seem to differ
materially from the two kinds already men-
tioned, I only met in this neigborhood. Around
Akkeshi, on the foot of the hills, a Rubus resem-
bling a Blackberry, except in the color of its
fruit, which is red, grows among the shrubs.
The flavor although sweet leaves a bitter taste
in the mouth. Wild Strawberries grow abund-
antly here, and are said to be of fine flavor. As
they were past bearing on my arrival I had no
opportunity of testing their merits. The leaves
look much like those of the European wild
Strawberry.

Opposite Akkeshi there are two islands, which
I visited, but I found nothing different from the
mainland ; in fact they were too near and too
small to have a flora of their own.

It was my intention to proceed as far as
Nemoro, but the Japanese objected, because they
said that the frost would interfere with our in-

vestigations, and I was reluctantly compelled to
return to Sapporo by the same road.

I left Akkeshi on the 28th of September,
taking with me from the diflerent stations on
the road the plants which I had collected.

At Chitose I met again wnth Lilium medeo-
loides, and as it is scarce in other places I pro-
cured a large supply of it.

I reached Sapporo, with' all the plants I had
collected, on the 28th of September, and after
making an additional collection of trees and
seeds in thaf neighborhood, to be forwarded to
Tokio, I started for Ishcari.

This road leads through a fertile and well-
wooded country. On the road well-cultivated
farms are seen, and the wood is composed of a
great variety of beautiful timber trees. It is
difficult to say which tree is the most abundant,
but near Shinoro the Chestnut and the Walnut
are decidedly the most prominent. In the woods
around Ishcari, Maples are found more abund-
ant. They are generally large trees, but I no-
ticed one of smaller growth with leaves colored
dark blood red, which had a magnificent eff'ect.
All the trees already mentioned, such as ^lagno-
lia, Tilia, Aralia, Quercus, &c., seem to flourish
and do well here.

The " Kokuwa," a fruit which had been de-
scribed to me as a great delicacy, I here had an
opportunity of tasting for the first time. It has
a peculiarity of not being eatable before it has
had a certain amount of frost. Its flavor is deli-
cate, and resembles the taste of a fig combined
wdth that of the grape. If taken in large qvianti-
ties it acts as an astringent medicine. A number
of fruits were gathered and preserved in sugar,
which I believe have been sent to Tokio.

On the 5th of October I returned via Sapporo,
Tomakomai and Horobets to Tokarumui, and
collected on the road all the living plants which
I had observed before, but which at that season
could not be removed.

At Tokarumui I was especiallj- fortunate in
securing a great variety of trees and shrubs.
Among other shrubs I found a Lindera, always
employed in Japan for making toothpicks, which
are a household necessity in this country. Cler-
odendron tnchotomian grows here to an enor-
mous size, sometimes attaining a diameter of
one foot and a height of thirty feet. Sanshio
(Zanthoxylon) also grows to good sized trees of
about the same dimensions. I am convinced that
this place is very rich in its vegetation, and it
would repay a closer investigation another season.

18T6.]

AND HORTICULTURIST.

217

I returned to Tokio on the 26th of October,
leaving the plants in charge of the Japanese offi-
cers who accompanied me. The plants have
now reached Tokio. The living ones are jjlanted
in the gardens at Aoyama, and the dried col-
lection is undergoing classification.

RING FORMING FUNGUS.

BY J. STAUFFER, LANCASTER, PA.

C. B. Grubb, Esq., residing on Lime street, in
the city of Lancaster, inclosing an entire block,
between Lime and Shippen sti-eets, called my
attention on the 23d of June, 1876, to a remark-
able feature in his fine grass plot in the rear of
his mansion. This was a well marked ring from
six to ten inches wide, as if drawn by a radius
of five feet from a common centre. The blades
of grass within the ring seemed fresher and more
luxuriant than those on the outside of the ring.
On inspection the ring itself was found to be the
result of an incrustration on the slender blades
of grass chiefly from their centre to the tips ;
under the lens they seemed like a conglomera-
tion of globular, ovoid or kidney-shaped bodies,
of a purplish-gray color, slightly roughened, ser-
rile ; some were ruptured at the apex, and re-
vealed minute bodies like sporules. As a whole,
they appeared much like the sori or fruit dots on
fern leaves — the sporangia, the membrane like
an indusium— evidently, however, a parasitic
fungus, analagous to the puff"-ba]ls. The diversi-
fied modifications of this parasite completely
baffles my endeavors to reconcile it with fungo-
ids — known in the production of what are known
as "Fairy Rings." Allow me to quote from a
dictionary of science, literature and art (Brande
and Cox) on this subject : — " The green circles or
parts of circles sometimes seen in pastures.
They are produced by a certain fungi, chiefly
species of Agaricus, in this way : a patch of spawn
spreads in every direction, and produces at its
edge a crop of its particular fungus ; the spawn
exhausts the inner portion of soil, so that the
spawn there dies, but the crop of fungi mean-
while perishes, and supplies a rich manure to
the grass, which in consequence becomes of a vivid
green. The spawn progresses outwards, and the
process of exhaustion and renewal goes on, so
that the ring increases in diameter year after
year, till it is sometimes several yards across."

Agaricus oreades, gambosus and arvensis, are
some of the principal species which give rise to

these mysterious looking rings. I have met with
rings formed in the soil in manner here referred
to. But the term Agaricus is very vague. The
4. (7am6os«s is now the '^Tricholoma of Fries. A-
oreades to {Galarhxus. These are all stiped and
regular mushroom-like fungi. Another authority
states that the Lycoperdon bovista is known to
cause such a ring. The L. pratense is a smaller
species, it is said. These are rovmdish tuber-like
plants when ripe, exploding and emitting the
sporules in the form of smoke, whence country
people call the species puff-balls. The genus
Leangium are small, wart-like plants resembling
a minute Lycoperdon. The L. Trevelyani are scat-
tered, of a pale brown, and found on the leaves of
mosses. Sporangium sessile, peridium splitting
into many regular reflexed segments ; columella
very minute ; sporules pedicellate. This latter ac-
cords more closely than any other of this exten-
sive class or tribe of fungi.

Fungi are divided. 1st — into two great sections
those that have simply the terminal joint or
joints of the component threads or cells, altered
in form from those which precede them, and at
length falling off and reproducing the plant, in
which case they are called spores. In the other
they are formed from the contents of certain
sacs or asci, and are usually definite in num-
ber, in which case they are called sporidia.
Both spores and sporidia may be multicellular, and
in germination give rise to as many threads of
spa^^^l as there are^ cells. They are again ranged
in six principal divisions, variously regarded as
natural orders or tribes, namely: — Hymenomycetes,
of which mushrooms and sap-balls are well known
examples ; Gasteromycetes, represented by the pufF-
balls ; Coniomycetes, of which the rust and bunt
of corn afford ready instances ; Hyphomycetes, to
which belong the naked-seeded moulds; Ascomy-
cetes, of which morels and insect Sphaciox are ex-
amples; and P%-so?n2/ce<es represents the common
bread mould.

It seems desirable to become better acquainted
with those causes of blight, mildew, rust and
brand, and those that induce the dry rot, &c.

Berkeley's Introduction to Cryptogamic Bot-
any and outlines of British Fungology, is an
exceflint work, but we need an American work
as well — but alas ! we find nothing systematic,
that I know of.

My co-worker. Prof. S. S. Rath von, of this city,
found a fungus which in one night grew around
the stem of a geranium [Pelargonum] about two
inches from the ground; externally, mealy of a

2T8

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[September,

cream yellow color ; inside, spongy and black ;
the centre, dull rose or brick color, and slimy;
the globular mass about two inches in diameter.
This was on the night of June 21st, 1876. This
evidently belongs to Class II., Pyrenomycetes,
Div. 1, Sphseriacei, in the second tribe of Gaster-
omycetes. My readers will excuse these hard
names — I did not name them — but thus these
plants are classified into separate classes and
sections grouped together ; and yet, there
seems to be such a diversity of forms in the
same plants that, viewed at different periods,
they are as readily referred to one genus and
then to another ; and yet it is well to have some
general knowledge of these insidous plants.

Trietelia laxa belongs to the natural order of
Liliacese, the famous lily family. In shape it re-
sembles the Agapanthus or Lilium longiflorum, be-
ing trumpet shaped ; the flowers are from two to
four inches in length, and, at the mouth, from
one to two inches in diameter. They are borne
in clusters at the end of the stem, there are
from ten to fifty flowers in each stem, according
to size of bulb. I have often picked ones with
twenty to thirty flowers, all in bloom at once»
and with as many buds. The bulb is rather
small to bear such large flowers, but every one
knows that nearly all our finest flowers come
from very fine seed. The bulb is found from five
' to six inches below the surface.

TRIETELIA LAXA.

BY W. C. L. DREW. ^

That there are found in California m'any gems
of the first water in the floral line, is no new
information to the thousands of readers of the
Gardener's Monthly, therefore I will proceed, with-
out'comment on this point, to describe one of
the very finest of them, and whose name heads
these lines.

The leaves are few in number, generally two ;
are very narrow, about one-half inch wide, and
are from one to one and a half feet long ; they
are of a dark green color and of a drooping
habit, often lying flat on the ground.

The stem is long, small in circumference, gen-
erally about one-sixteenth inch only in diameter;
very rigid and brittle, being easily broken over,
but hard to separate ; is generally as straight as a

1876.J

AND HOBTIGULTURIST.

279

line, and is without any leaves in its whole
length ; it grows from sixteen inches to two feet
in height.

The flowers are of various shades of blue,
varying from pure Victoria blue to deep purplish
blue. They are slightly fragrant and altogether
magnificent.

CULTURE.

The Trietelia laxa improves wonderfully by cul-
tivation. The bulb should be planted in the fall
of the year, about October ; it should be planted
in good, rich soil, which should be in good con-
dition, for, although they will do well in any sit-
uation, a little favor makes them wonderful.
Set the bulb from four to five inches deep, never
less. Never w^ater them, only what nature gives
them. Plant in as dry a place as possible.

EDITORIAL NOTES.

ECCENTRICITY IN WOOD GROWTH.

BY MR. T. S. GOLD,

SKCRKTARY OF THE CONNECTICUT STATE BOARD OF AGRICUL-
TURE, WEST CORNWALL, CONN.

I notice in the Gardener's Monthly the subject
of eccentricity in wood growth. I have had
two remarkable illustrations on my grounds.

A choke cherry sprang from seed in front
of my piazza, close to it, and could only be moved
by the winds laterally. The section of the trunk
was elliptical, the longer diameter being nearly
double the shorter. Since the tree has grown
above the roof of the piazza the trunk is be-
coming less elliptical.

A young plum tree standing close by the side
of an out building was killed by mice, and the
sprouts were allowed to grow. These "were all
elliptical like the cherry, and made most wood
on the two sides. It appeared to me that the
trees made wood where if was most needed, on
the sides where the strain of the wind came.

Sometimes the eccentricity is produced by
large branches or large roots on one side of the
stem, and in other cases these seem to have little
influence.

[In connection with Mr. Gold's interesting ob-
servations it may be noted, that the celebrated
horticulturist, Thomas Andrew Knight, believed
that the winds often had an influence in the way
suggested here. In regard to the influence of
large branches or roots in particular cases, the
red cedar affords familiar illustrations. — Editor
G.M.]

Seeding of the Trailing Arbutus. — The Bos-
ton Cultivator says : " What we would like to
learn from our readers in the sections of New
England where it abounds, is, does it fruit?
Who will send specimens to Prof. Asa Gray,
of Harvard University, Cambridge, Mass., as he
desires? In collecting and preserving fruiting
specimens, care should be taken not to de-
tach the style. Prof. Gray is studying the hetero
morphous condition of this plant. Whoever
will help Prof. Gray to settle what is supposed
to be abnormal will aid in advancing botanical
science.

Mite Parasites of the Colorado Potato-
Beetle. — Prof. Riley exhibited a specimen of
Doryphora 10-lineata, that was so completely cov-
ered with a mite parasite belonging to the Gam-
asidx, and apparently the Gamasus coleopteratorum
that the point of a needle could not be placed
on any part of the beetle's body without touching
one of the parasites. He estimated that there
were over eight hundred of the mites, and they
had killed their victim. Aside from the toad
and other reptiles, the crow, rose-breasted gros-
beck and domestic fowls among birds, which
prey on the potato pest, he had, in his Reports,
figured or described no less than twenty-three
insect enemies that attack and kill it. Only one
of these is a true parasite, and the mite exhibited
made the second, or just two dozen insect enemies
in all. — Proceedings of the St. Louis Academy of
Science, June 19th.

The Bermuda Grass. — ^This grass, which was
brought to our attention by Col. Hillyard, of
Mississippi, as one of the most valuable of all
introductions for that State, is also attracting
much attention in Australia, as we find by the
following notice from Dr. W. R.- Guilfoyle in his
annual report of the Melbourne Botanical Gar-
den :

"The Doub Grass [Cynodon dactylon), often er-
roneously called ' Doob,' is a native of Bermuda,
and in my opinion ranks next to Bufialo Grass
{Stenotaphrum glabrum) as a hardy pasture grass
for arid climes, though as a lawn grass it is infe-
rior, presenting in the w'inter a brown and rusty
appearance. I can state from experience, how-
ever, in New South Wales and Queensland, that
where it has been introduced round a station hut
horses and cattle, when left to feed as they chose,

280

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[September,

have collected round it eagerly, refusing the na-
tive grasses in luxuriant growth near them, so
long as a blade of Doub grass remained. As to
the nutriment contained in these two grasses
there can be no doubt, as many squatters across
the Murray could testify. Eespecting their dur-
ability the same may be said, as during sea-
sons of excessive drought, when scarcely a
blade of them could be seen, so tenacious of
life were they, that when the weather broke they
sprang up in rich luxuriance, and when native
grasses were totally destroyed by the drought
these two species were the only ones that with-
stood it."

QUERIES.

Freezing of the Sap of Plants.— W. B. says :
"I would like to take the Editor of the Gar-
dener's Monthly out in Massachusetts when the
mercury indicates 20° below zero, and help cut
down some trees frozen so as to be brittle." [Our
correspondents forget what has been said of this
subject in our past pages. We have seen plenty
of frozen wood, without going to Massachusetts
to find it. There is no reason that we know
of why liquid that has not been prepared for
plant life should not freeze. Trees in these parts
often freeze so that they split by frost. But this
is from the moisture in the dead icood. What is
called heart wood in plants can absorb moisture.
In winter there is not much in this wood ; some-
times there is, and if it freezes, it expands. In
most trees the living cells are those in the few

outer woody circles. It is these living cells
which prepare their peculiar material, the leaves
at certain seasons assisting, and it is these living
cells that do not freeze ; or, when they do freeze,
they die.— Ed. G. M.]

PopULus C.VNESCENS, AiT. — E. P., Delaware
County, Pa. — " I enclose leaves of a species of
Popidus which is planted in Philadelphia a good
deal, to ask if thee would name it for me through
the columns, of the Gardener's Monthly. 1 have
none of the aments, but they (the staminate) are
very similar to those of P. alba, appearing a cou-
ple of daj's before them, stamens about twelve,
scales lacerate-fringed. The leaf-buds are not
viscid, and the leaves, later in the season, become
smooth on both sides. The bark is similar to
that of P. alba, but rather more yellowish than
that. I have puzzled over this a good deal,and con-
cluded that it inust be a variety of P. alba; but
at the Centennial the other day, in the Swedish
school-house, I saw dried specimens of P. tremula
which resemble this considerably ; but I think
young leaves were present with the catkins,
which is not the case with this."

[Popidus canecens. It is not uncommon as a
street tree in Philadelphia, but is a worse suck-
erer than P. alba. — Ed. G. M]

Western Tannin Plant. — N. N., Louisville,
Ky., says : " Can you give us any information of
the so-called Westep i Tannin Plant, and whether
the same is in practical use in this country ? "

[The plant is Polygonum amphibium, abound-
ing in the East as well as the West. Our opin-
ion, from all we can learn, is that it is a fair sub-
stitute where bark is scarce ; but we cannot learn
that much is being done with it. — Ed. G. M.]

ITERATURE, ^^RAVELS & ^ERSONAL MOTES.

C03IMUNICA TIONS.

NOTES UPON THE GROUNDS OF SMITH &
POWELL, SYRACUSE, N. Y.

BY F. R. ELLIOrr.

Recently, in the absence of other occupation,
I visited the nursery grounds of the Messrs.
Smith & Powell, at Syracuse, N. Y. They have

in real estate about 1,240 acres, of which say
540 are used as nursery grounds. Ere I write
more of the trees, &c., that I saw in the grounds,
I shall speak of Mr. Wm. Brown Smith's labors.
As near as I can learn, without too pertinaceous
and impudent questions, it is something over 30
years since he joined Mr. Thorp, who had estab-
lished a nursery on four acres of ground, issued a
hand-bill catalogue of trees for sale, &c. Time has

1876.]

AND HORTICULTURIST.

281

passed, and this energetic, industrious man has
also passed through trials and tribulations which
so many experience. Thanks to the Great Giver of
all good, Mr, Smith has now a son-in-law as
partner, and from four acres his nurserj^
has grown to over five hundred, most admirably
filled with a collection of all the best varieties of
trees and shrubs, arranged in a most systematic
manner, and grown healthy and stocky. His
residence is in the city limits, but most of the
nursery and farm proper is outside thereof.
Mr. Powell, now his son-in-law, and partner in
business, we found a gentleman of intelligence,
industry and perseverance. His leading fancy,
however, is the improvement of stock — as
neat cattle, horses, &c. — and so by his fancy the
firm are working up ground that it embraces in
different localities somewhere near 1,250 acres.

As it may interest some of the readers of the
Gardener's Monthly, we will say that the landed
property of Smith & Powell embraces one tract
of 120 acres, one of 16 acres, one of 50, one of
53, one of 700, one of 100, one of 18, &c., acres.
These have the lands best suited to a healthy
growth of trees, and are given specially to them,
the balance being used for pasture or farm pur-
poses. Upon the old homestead, as it were (16
acres), are not only the residence, but many good
things in the way of ornamental trees. There is
a Kentucky coffee tree 50 feet high, and 20 feet
broad in its branches ; also a Magnolia tripetela
of a rounded form in branches of 20 feet each
way. This concern has given special attention
to trees for street or ornamental planting, and
the show of majDles, elms, &c., is too great to
write of. Of fruit trees, a great variety and of
all ages are in blocks on land suited to their
healthy vigor, and all are treated so that the
buyer can have a stocky tree with low branches
if he so desires. Passing along we noted Louis
Phillippe cherry, a variety which the writer im-
ported fi'om Le Roy in 1854, and which has no
equal as a preserving fruit. Again as I passed a
stake labelled " Elliotfs Favorite," Mr. Smith said,
that of all the sweet cherries this was the best in
flavor and quality. I found many new features
of value in the management of this concern, and
of them I will first mention the practice they
have of taking up, the varieties of fruit trees,
and re-planting them in blocks, so that any one,
needing an orchard at once, can take these trees,
plant them with their fibrous roots, and the fol-
lowing year obtain fruit.

Next, I noticed among evergreens that every

other row was of a more stocky and compact
nature than its associate. I asked the how and
why ? The answer : We root-prune them by the
use of an underground plow, which with a horse
attached on each side cuts uifder the tree and at
the same time cuts the side roots without in the
least disturbing the tree, yet it at once forms
new fibrous roots, and when removed a hedge
of four feet high can be made as perfect as if it
had been planted at one foot high and yearly
trimmed. While we note this, we must not for-
get to say that this concern keeps up a full stock
of all the best evergreens and other ornamental
trees of all sizes. Neither should we neglect to
tell the readers of the Monthly that we found the
true Corsican pine in these grounds. Those who
know of the Corsican know that among the
long-leaved pines it is one of the best. It is
between Austrian and Scotch, compact, hardy
and beautiful as a specimen tree, or as a hedge.
Ere I leave my readers let me say that I saw a
mile of Honey Locust hedge that four years since
\Vas started with two-year-old seedling plants from
the grounds of Smith & Powell, and that was now
four feet high, and so thick and perfect that not
a bird or animal could pass through it. Again I
must note the fact- that S. & P. make plantation
belts of evergreens to check the forces of winter
winds, and in the making they have alternated
the black Ameriean Spruce with the Norway,
and its silvery, glossy foliage contrasts most
beautifully as well as gracefully. Passing over
the grounds we noted seedlings of varieties of
trees, located as our own as well as their judg-
ment told that the soil was suited to their
healthy growth. We asked if they should use all.
The reply was, we expect to do so, but while we
make no pretension to grow stocks for sale, we
are ready to sell to an honest and reliable man
who desires to grow trees healthy and true to
name. To close these random remarks, let me
say that every person who visits Syracuse, N. Y.,
should go over Smith & Powell's nursery and
farm grounds.

[Since this letter was in type, we believe we
have seen it in another publication. It ought
therefore to be credited to the publication in
which it first appeared. We have therefore to
say to our co-temporary that it was received by
us supposing it to be original. We have to make
this explanation as we would not have the Gar-
dener's Monthly even suspected of using the
property of its neighbors without proper credit.
We are glad, however, to insert the article, for

282

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[September,

we know of no firm in the Union whose efforts
deserve more praise than the firm of Smith &
Powell.— Ed. G. M.]

OBSERVATIONS IN NORTHERN TEXAS.

BY H. E. VAN DEMAN, GENEVA, KAN.

Owing to the call of business, I have been spend-
ing the greater part of the past two months (May
and June, 1876) in the northern counties of Texas.
It is possible that a short sketch of the horticulture
of this region as it appeared to a Kansan may be
somewhat interesting to the readers of the
Monthly. The soil is principally of two classes
called "black land" and "sandy land." The
black land is a composition of the richest allu-
vium, and lies in hills partly prairie and partly
tinibered. Since the wild fires have been check-
ed by settlements, the timber growth is greatly
increasing and will soon obliterate many of the
smaller prairies. This black land is the natural
home of the Osage orange or Bois d'Arc, pro-
nounced Bo-dark by the natives. This tree fur-
nishes the most durable wood that I have seen.
Even the oldest trees lying dead in the forest are
not decayed. The elements slowly wear away
the particles of wood, but there are no signs of
rot as in most kinds of timber. Fence rails
made 30 years ago show no signs of even rotten
splinters. Another species of elm called there the
Cork Elm grows on both black and sandy lands, and
extends north quite half-way through the Indian
Territory. The leaves are only one to one-and-
a-half inches long, and of the usual shape of the
other elms. This foliage is very neat, and with
the graceful weeping habit of the branches
makes a charming ornament. There are two
narrow ridges of corky bark |-inch high, oppo-
site each other on the two-year-old branches
that look very odd and give it the name C'ork
Elm.

The almost exclusive timber growth of the
sandy land is the Post Oak.

In no country have I seen the Pear growing
with such vigor and freedom from blight, except
the " grand traverse region " of Michigan. It is
true that I saw slight indications of blight on
both pear and apple, but in such small degree
that nothing serious may be looked for. Pear
trees 30 years old are sound as a silver dollar,
and (although this year prevented from bearing
by a spring frost) since coming into bearing have
not failed to produce abundant crops of fruit.
Upon the black land the aj^ple does not seem to

flourish. The cause is not apparent to me;
some say it is excess of lime in the soil. There
is a great abundance of this mineral in the soil
in places where the apple does poorly, but
whether or not the lime hurts the tree is a puzzle
to me. I might have stated before that the
whole area covered with this black land is under-
lain with a sort of magnesia limestone (?) that is
sawed into blocks for chimney building, &c., as
easily as if it were wood. Exposure hardens it,
and by heating gradually will stand in fire-places
for a lifetime. Its color is gray, and in some
quarries almost white. Where this rock is near-
est the surface, and in decomposing fragments in
the soil the apple seems to prove the most un-
suitable. Some of the geologists and chemists
ought to look up this matter. The farmer and
fruit-grower may have very mistaken ideas of the
causes of failure. Some that have tried it say
that by digging large holes and putting sandy
soil in them, brought from some neighboring
sandy country, the apple will grow, if planted
therein, although the surrounding soil be ever
so black. Another character of the black soil is
that it is very waxy, and when dry weather
comes on, in August and later, great cracks ap-
pear that will admit of a fence rail being thrust
in endwise its entire length. It is dangerous to
ride a horse across the country then, they tell
me. Under such circumstances, the soil dries
in some cases to the depth of ten feet. And yet
these same persons tell me that crops on this
same soil withstand the drouth two weeks later
than on the sandy land.

Although the sandy land seems far better for
the apple than the other, yet the pear, peach,
quince, grape and all the berries seem to do
equally as well as on the former, in fact, exclud-
ing the apple and the currant, I never saw a bat-
ter soil and climate for fruit-raising than the
counties of Texas along the Red River.

Oh, such roses as they grow in Texas ! The old-
fashioned town of Bonham, in Fannin Co., has
been one grand rose garden all the month of
Maj', and the perpetuals were yet in bloom when
I left, the last of June. The tender Tea roses,
like Marechal Neil, glory in the balmy air, and
with common treatment yield a profusion of
flowers almost the whole year. The carnation
thrives admirably. A gentleman there (Mr.
Peters) has growing some splendid seedling
carnations that would grace Horticultural Hall
at the Centeimial, were he able to show them
there.

18T6.1

AND EOBTIGULTURIST.

283

The delicate passion flower adorns the old
fences and waste fields, and is a great pest as a
weed, being hard to exterminate. Perhaps I
have found a novelty; if not, I will expose my
ignorance (which is real) by saying that
near an old fence I found growing wild the
passion flower of the purest white and much
larger than the common purple species. Old
citizens said they had never seen another of like
character. Another beautiful flower that grows
wild in abundance on the black land only, is the
Ipomopsis elegans or standing cypress of common
fame. Its brilliant scarlet spikes glow in many
a grassy, weedy nook, where the sun finds ready
access. Taking it all in all the people of north.
em Texas have a glorious country in which to
grow fruit and flowers.

EDITORIAL NOTES,

The Postal Laws as Affecting Horticulture.
— Many of our friends were hurt that we should
say the Express companies would hold their own.
They now see that it is so. It was never the
intention to double the rates on printed matter.
It makes no difference to the Express companies
what these rates are. It is the transmission of
merchandise which hurts them. It was a bad
blunder of Mr. Hamlin's to include printed
matter. It raised the whole newspaper press,
and so they have been only too glad to
have it repealed. Merchandise, seeds, cuttings,
and things of that class, are now just as the
express companies desired, and we suppose it
will thus remain ; and we must submit to the
rule of these corporations with as mych grace as
we can.

We are not of those who think governments
should carry on a postal service wholly irrespect-
ive of profit or loss. It seems to us that a wise
statesmanship should manage the post-office so
that on the whole it should be self-supporting,
or if with a deficit, yet with some prospects of
an early self-sustenance. It is, therefore, a per-
fectly fair question as to whether this merchan-
dise pays, or is likely to pay. We presume it
does pay, and did at the old rates. At any rate
that should have been considered well before the
attempt was made, and thousands of firms had
adapted themselves to the new circumstances.
If it was not statesmanship to enter on so great
a charge without fair facts or figures, or laws of

sound political economy, it was still less to take
a backward step, and especially in so sudden a
way. The bare idea of statesmanship in con-
nection with it is laughable. It is not states-
manship, it is robbery !

Flower Thieves. — A thief in Jersey City did
not read the papers. He did not steal the flow-
ers direct from the plants, but he stole them
from a messenger who was taking them to a
customer. He is to stay two years in jail. Serves
him right. He should have studied the laws a
little more. It shows, however, that flower
thieving is a risky business unless intelligently
pursued.

Physalis edulis. — Of this the Gardener's
Chronicle says :

" Physalis edulis is receiving the attention it
deserves from some French horticulturists, and
M. de St. Quentin, writing in the Bulletin de la
Society d' Acdimatation, declares the fvuit to be
superior to the best flavored tomatoes. With tis
it is still very little grown, and usually more as a
novelty than for the sake of its crop of fruit,
but doubtless it will sooner or later come into
favor in this country, just as the tomato has
done. Within the last ten or fifteen years the
demand for tomatoes in England has increased
to an enormous extent, though few persons like
them on the first trial ; but after the taste for
them is once acquired nothing is more palatable.
The same remark applies to the beet-root, which
is now rapidly superseding the less wholesome
and more expensive indigestible pickles."

The Lemon Verbena, — Very few of our read-
ers, we suppose, ever fancied there were medi-
cinal virtues in the Lemon Verbena, but this is
what the London Gardener's Chronicle says :

" The Lemon plant, or sweet-scented Verbena
of our English gardens {^loysia citriodora), holds
a foremost place among Spanish herbs. Every
leaf of it is treasured and diied for winter use,
and it is regarded as the finest cordial and
stomachic in the world. It is taken in two waj's
—either made into a decoction with hot water
and sugar, and drank cold as a refresco and
tonic ; or, better still, with the morning and eve-
ning cup of tea. ' Put a sprig of Lemon Ver-
bena, say five or six leaves, into the teacup, and
pour the tea upon it ; you will never suffer from
flatulence, never be made nervous and old-
maidish, never have cholera, diarrhcea, or loss of
appetite. Besides, the flavor is simply delicious ;
no one who has once taken his Pekoe with

284

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[September,

a sprig of* Lemon Verbena will ever again drink
it without.' "

Visitors to Keav Gardens. — On August 2ncl,
1875, 61,133 persons visited Kew gardens. It was
the highest number for any day in the year.
Gardening must be popular to attract such
crowds in England.

Landscape Gardening. — Mr. F. R. Elliott is
engaged on a hand-book, similar in character to
his recent hand-book for fruit growers.

Exchanges of Seeds and Plants. — Amateurs
often have seeds and plants of their own raising
that they would like to exchange with others
similarly situated. Organizations for this pur-
pose materially assist the idea. A ■\»alued coi*-
respondent, Mr. Theo. Shuster, of Brooklyn, tells
us that there is one in Ohio in very successful
operation.

Colored Plates. — Mr. John Saul sends us a
colored plate of the Duchess of Edinburgh Rose,
of which we recently gave a wood-cut in our
pages, and Mr. A. Rolker & Sons, of New York,
one of Rose, Duchesse de Vallambrosa. This is
a ealmon color shading to a blush, and if the
flower comes out in this country just as repre-
sented here, is rather novel in tint. It appears to
be a Hybrid Perpetual.

The Florist and Pomologist. — Edited by Mr.
Moore, and published at the office of the London
Journal of Horticulture, has a beautiful colored
plate of our Hale's Early Peach ; a variety
first -brought to notice in our columns, and

which seems to have given a good account
of itself in Europe. There is also a similar kind
figured under the name of Early Victoria. It
has also a colored plate of a buff rhododendron,
Prince Leopold. It is one of Vietch'a hybrids.
The magazine always has excellent colored plates
of fruits and flowers, and is remarkably cheap
at 12 shillings a year.

QUERIES.

Corrections in the article on Curves. —
Mr. Olmsted writes : " In the article entitled
' Curves,' in the August number of the Gardener's
Monthly, some errors have crept in which, if cor-
rected, would make my meaning more evident.
Page 228, 1st column, for ' suspended the former
style,' read 'superseded,' &c.; for 'hardly admira-
ble' read 'hardly admissible' ; for ' practical eye'
read 'practiced eye.' On page 229, 1st column,
second paragraph, for 'when most convenient'
read ' ichei-e most convenient.' Same column,
last paragraph, for A B— SO, B C — 120, &c., read
A B=80, B C=120, &c. And in second column,
for a— 22.4— 16— 1.4 feet, read a=22.4 divided
by 16--1.4 feet.

" In my quotation from Ruskin in the article
entitled ' Curves,' in the August number of the
Monthly, I am made to say 'there is no more
flatness in the natural world than there is in
vacancy,' What I meant to quote, and what
Ruskin wrote, is ' there is no more flatness in
the natural world than there is vacancy.'"

IMORTICULTURAL I^OCIETIES.

*i3A>-» toe;

COMMUNICA TIONS.

MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

BY B.

The exhibitions held on each Saturday in Jan-
uary have been very interesting, as all the im-
promptu exhibitions are, owing partly to the
discussions which take place at the same time.
The subject of the first discussion, January 10th,

was the Native Grape, the essayist being W. N
Barnett, of West Haven, Ct. The discussion
was continued the folloAving Saturday, and was
long and animated. On the 22d of January
E. S. Rand, Jr. made some interesting remarks
on the orchids exhibited by him. January 29th
W. H. Halliday read a paper on the growing of
plants in Wardian cases, and that subject and
the forcing of lilacs was discussed by various
members of the Society. The principal plants

1876.]

AND HOB TIG UL TURIS T.

285

exhibited have been the Orchids of E. S. Rand,
Jr., who has shown the following fine varieties :
Gypripedium insigne, an old well-known species,
with thirty flow^ers. C. Hamsianum, a fine
hybrid variety, with five flowers. Calanthc vestita
rubra, with four very fine spikes of flowers, a
very striking variety. Cattleya pumila, on a block
of wood, a charming species from Brazil which
remains some time in bloom. Cirrhopetaluin
Meclusx, a remarkable orchid, of which Williams,
in his manual, says, " The flowers, though not
large, are very numeroiis, and part of the sepals
are very much lengthened, so that the spike
looks like a head with long hair hanging down,
from whence its name has been derived ; it is a
dwarf growing plant, with thick fleshy leaves."
Lselia anceps, a superb plant, with five fine spikes
of bloom ; this is one of the best of orchids, it
lasts a month or more in perfection if kept cool.
Saccolabium giganteum, a very beautiful species,
deliciously fragrant, and also very valuable on
account of keeping in bloom a long time. This
plant was in splendid order; it had been in
bloom six weeks, and the flowers were appa-
rently as fresh as when they w'ere first expanded.
Cattleya aynethystoglossa, this is also a beautiful
species, and as yet somewhat scarce ; the flow-
ers are very rich colored and attractive, and the
specimen is the first exhibited. Mr. Rand has
also shown very fine sprays of Thunbergia Har-
risii and laurifolia, well-known stove climbers ;
also Aphektndra fascinator, recently sent out by
Messrs. Veitch ; the flowers are very bright and
showy, and seed as freely as a morning glory.
James Comley has exhibited a new Amaryllis,
Hendersonii, the beautiful Lapageria alba, Den"
drobium nobile, Dracxna metallica (new), Lycasfe
Skinnerii, very fine specimens of lily of the valley
in boxes ; Oymbidium aloifolium, an old but choice
species. C. M. Atkinson — Neapolitan and Maria
Louise violets, good specimens, grown in pots.
Although in color Maria Louise is the finest and
best, the florists here say that it does not paj^ as
well at $1 a hundred as Neapolitan at 50 cents.
Cut flowers arranged in stands, dishes, and vases
have also formed quite a feature of the exhibi-
tions.

In fruits, a very fine display of wintei' pears
was made by J. H. Fenno, who received prizes for
Beurre Langelier, Easter Beurre, and Josephine
de Malines. The first prize for Winter Nelis
was given to J. L. Bird, and the second to J. H.
Fenno, for Uvedales St. Germain ; and the sec-
ond prize to C. E. Grant for Catillac. Charles

Bird exhibited an extra fine dish of Beurre d'
Anjou. James Comley has showai some very
fine forced rhubarb ; the variety was Prince of
Wales, and it was grown in a musliroom house.

The Society has appropriated for the present
year $6,800 for premiums, divided as follows :
For plants and flowers, $3,200; for fruits, $2,100 ;
for vegetables, $1,200; for gardens and green-
houses,

EDITORIAL NOTES.

Horticulture at the Centennial. — Notwith-
standing the terrific heat of July, this first week
in August finds the floral department of the
Centennial Bureau of Horticulture a blaze of
glory, and receiving applause from all quarters.
Our remarks of last month, calling attention to
the fact that this is mainly the work of exhibitors,
have been appreciated, and both the press and
the public have been led to notice what the
florists and nurserymen are doing, in a way
gratifying to both. The Public Ledger of Phila-
delphia at once had a very full notice of the
exhibits in the department, and it is to be hoped
that our rural papers, which above all we should
expect to do justice to such affairs, will have
once in a while a little to saj^ about it, as well as
of the striking features in French ribbons, or the
novelties in a Japanese parasol. To-day we
make a few notes on the floral features, aiming
chiefly to give such information about them as
will interest those engaged in flower gardening,
whether they get the chance to visit the ex-
hibition or not.

In the laying out of the grounds for exhibition
purposes there were some plots not taken up,
and these the Centennial Commission has had to
fill up themselves. All this has been arranged
under the direction of Mr. C. H. Miller, the
Chief of the Bureau, and makes one of the most
beautiful floral features ever seen. Usually the
forms of flower beds amount to nothing. Their
real outlines can be seen on a piece of paper,
but not on the grounds. A circle, or a parallelo-
gram with rounded ends, is nearly as good as
anything else when seen sideways, but here the
beds can be looked down on from considerable
elevations, and the harmonies of color and form
be seen and appreciated. The beds are planted
on the massing and ribbon styles, and the great-
est success is that not one single variety has

286

TEE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[September,

failed— and this failure often steps in to spoil a
gardener's efforts in this climate. The principal
plants employed b}' Mr. Miller in producing his
effects we note to be G&anium Lucius and General
Grant, Coleus Verschaffeltii, Irisene Herhsti, Glaii-
cium corniculatum, Artemisia stellaris, Cineraria
maritima, Centaurea gymnocarpa, C. Candida, Py-
rethrum aureum, Vinca major, Petunias, Variegated
Ai'undo and Cannas. The various varieties of
dwarf Achyranthus also enter largely into the
work.

Mr. Thomas J. McKenzie, of Philadelphia, has
a circular bed with four small semi-circular pro-
jections. The style of this bed is remarkably
well adapted to effective results. The wings are
set with Scarlet Salvias and other fall flowering
plants, so that full effects aimed at will not be
seen till next month,

Messrs. A. Hance & Son, of Eed Bank, aimed
to make a star out of Geraniums in a circular
bed, using white variegated leaved kinds for the
ground color, and different kinds of colors for
the limbs of the star, but the heat kept some va-
rieties from doing well, and interfered with com-
plete success.

Peter Henderson, of New York, makes some
admirable floral displays ; exhibiting one hundred
different varieties in one bed, all named. We were
about to make a note of those which seemed to
stand the sun best, but we noted that in some
corner, or in some one part, all the varieties did
well, and in other places all did poorly. It is
clear, therefore, that it is not wholly the sun
which causes some varieties to do well or ill ; but
in addition, there is something in the irregularity
or regularity of maniire, or some other little
thing which, when known, may make success
out of almost any kind. One of Mr. H.'s beds
is a large circle with the plants arranged in the
following order: — Centre, dark leaved Cannas,
then var. Arundo, Caladium esculentum, Coleus Ver-
9chaffltii, Golden Coleus of some kind, apparently
Queen Victoria, Irisene Herhsti, Cineraria mari-
tima, and finally near the grass, Alternanthera versi-
color. This was a very effective combination, and
would have been better if Glaucium had been
used for the Cineraria, which was too weak for a
heavy circle.

_C. H. Wilson, of Montgomery Co., Pa., has
a circle with the following combination : — Cen-
tre, of Cannas ; next, of scarlet Geraniums ; then
of Coleus Queen Victoria; then silver Artemisia,
and finally a ring of Alternanthera versicolor. For
such a combination very large plants of scarlet

Geraniums should be used. Here they are much
too small. The other plants outgrow them.

Mr. Robert Scott, of Philadelphia, has a mag-
nificent rectangular bed of General Grant Ger-
anium, and another of Tea Roses. These were
blooming charmingly, and show that "with &
proper selection of kinds for massing, a regular
parterre of Tea Roses would be one of the most
charming scenes in summer decorative garden-
ing.

Mr. W. F. Boyle, of Philadelphia, has a very
pretty circular bed. The centre is Irisene aurea
reciiculaia ; then Coleus Baiisei ; next C. Verschaf-
feltii, Centaurea gymnocarpa, Irisene Herhsti, Centau-
rea ragusina, and finally Alternanthera amcena.
All these seemed to come up well in their order
as intended. He also has an attempt at a star
of Coleus, and somewhat successful. The head
and tails are of Coleus VerscliaffeUii, while the
tails or points are shaded off by varieties of a
lighter color.

Mr. W. C. Wilson, of Astoria, has an irregular
bed, but the plants arranged in belts and ribands
regular and irregular. The general effect is very
fair. There are many plants here not in general
use, but would come in well in places. There is
a pretty Gauva, perhaps G. Lind hiemeri, a cham-
icpense, a narrow-leaved silver Gnaphalium, the
Santolijia incana and some nice Petunias.

Gibson & Bennett, of Woodbury, N. J., in a
very pretty circle, make good use of dark Ver-
benas inside a circle of Golden Feverfew. We
never saw anything set Verbenas off better.

Mr. Zeller's Perpetual Carnations, suffered fear-
fully from the heat.

Mr. John Dick, of Philadelphia, makes a very
large display, and is chiefly interesting for the
great amount of information one may glean
from it, as to the rarer plants that may be used
to advantage in summer gardening, but are not
often seen. Here, doing remarkably well after
this dry and hot season, we noted Festuca glauca,
Euonyrnus radicans variegata, Ahxdilon vexillarum
variegatum, Alternanthera of many varieties, Muh-
lenheckiaplcdyclada., Salvia coccinea, Talinum patens
variegatum. Plumbago capensis, and a very dwarf
Eupatorium colxstinum. The effects, too, of his
beds of Echeverias, Aloes, and succulents gen-
erally, in comparison with other flowering plants,
are beautiful in the extreme.

Mr. Siebrecht, of New York, has a specimen
of rock-work. It has the great disadvantage of
being surrounded by highly ornate gardening,
under which circumstances rock-work never

18T6.]

AND HORTICULTURIST.

287

looks well. The critics as they come on gener-
ally want to know what that pile of building stone
does to improve the landscape, forgetting, as we
have said before, that this piece of land is for
special exhibits, and not to show off a grand
illustration of perfect landscape gardening. It
is indeed astonishing that so very little to offend
critical taste in landscape gardening occurs in
the management of so many special exhibitors'
tastes, and the result speaks highly for the talent
which secured so much unity. Mr.Seibrecht's rock-
work is a very good piece of mechanism, and when
in that part of a garden landscape where rock-work
tells well, would have a good effect.

Mr. Geo. Such has a collection of plants illus-
trative of tropical gardening, a branch too :nuch
neglected with us where our hot summers suit
these plants so well. Here are rare Palms, lago,
Bananas, Agaves, and other things, all in absolute
perfection.

The Pacific Guano Company have a very large
exhibit of plants, large numbers very rare and
valuable. They have not been planted with any
view to make gardenesque effects, but rather to
show the results of the article they deal in. But
still the many luxuriant blooming plants make
the exhibition grounds in that part very at-
tractive.

Mr. A. Felton and Mr. Maginly, of Philadel-
phia, and Mahlon Moon <fe Son, of Morrisville,
have beds of various articles which attract vis-
itors.

Mr. H. A. Dreer has Gladiolus, Verbenas,
Petunias, and other standard plants for which
this firm has long been celebrated ; and Mr. W.
K. Harris, the Geranium raiser, has a bed of his
most approved seedlings.

Mr. Thos. Robertson, of Philadelphia, makes
a very good exhibition of many varieties of
Coleus.

The German and French exhibitors make
very fine shows in their several departments.
The Gladiolus of Eugene Verdier, of Paris, was
undoubtedly the finest thing of the kihd ever
seen in this country ; and the Roses of M. Sou-
pert and Notting, of Luxembourg, elicited high
praise. Charles Verdier also shared his brother's
honors in the Gladiolus line.

Krelage, of Harlem, Holland, contributed
many beautiful collections of bulbs, and amongst
other things shamed Americans by sending back
for exhibition here a very large bed of Asdepias
tuberosa. Thousands who saw it no doubt sup-
pose it is from China or Japan, or some other

far-away place, and no doubt orders will flow to
Holland for the roots. Mr. Krelage deserves all
the orders he will get.

Mr. Lachaume, of Havana, carries off all the
honors for Agaves, Succulents, &c., but these we
have already noted.

The amount of space devoted to the out-door
horticultural department is about 40 acres; the
amount of space arailable for exhibitors, exclu-
sive of walks, borders, buildings, and reserve
space for ornamental gardening, is a little over
eight acres, or 282,673 square feet. The amount
of space occupied by American exhibitors is
239,173 square feet; by foreign exhibitors, 43,-
500 square feet. Of these England occupies
8,000; Spain, 8,500; France, 15,000; the Nether-
lands, 6,700; Germany, 4,500, and Austria, 800
square feet. There are 56 exhibitors in the
American section (not including those in-doors),
and 27 in the foreign section. The number of
plants or other objects exhibited in the American
section is 59,500, and in the foreign section,
10,233, divided as follows: England, 1,801;
Spain, 2,088; France, 4,164; The Netherlands,
1,000 ; Germany, 1,200, and Austria, 80.

New York Horticultural Association. —
This Society seems entering on a successful
career. The last exhibition is reported as having
been well attended. Among the exhibitors were
W. L. Fisher, John Thornhill, Isaac Buchanan,
S. B. Parsons & Sons, James Riddle, Charles Zel-
ler, Henry Bird, Wm. Ball, Peter Henderson,
Ekirsh & Wilson, A. M. Connell, F. Gordon,
Walter Reid, S. Henshaw, Robert Casey and
W. Walsh. The only item of general interest
that we can gather from the newspaper report
before us, is that the premium for the best
strawberry of any kind was awarded to Wm.
Burgess, for La Constante.

The Nurserymen and Tree Growers. — The
regular semi-annual meeting of the Nursery-
men's and Tree Planters' Association of Chicago
and vicinity was held July 11th in the office of
the Western Farm Journal, at Chicago. The
President, Mr. Jonathan Periam, occupied the
chair.

The association indulged in a long discussion
regarding fruit and fruit prospects, the conclu-
sion of which was that in general the fruit crop
promises to be good.

A resolution was adopted that the association
exhibit as an organization, and that there be a

288

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[September,

conference with the managers of the Inter-State
exhibition with a view to having a series of
monthly exhibitions with them. It was also voted
that the association exhibit as an organization
with the American Pomological Society in Phil-
adelphia, at the Centennial Exhibition, at which
space for fiftj^ plates has been secured. The ex-
hibition will be from the 10th to the 15th of Sep-
tember,

The nurserymen present signified their inten-
tion to exhibit at the Inter-State exhibition, if
suitable arrangements could be made.

Philadelphia, August 4th, 1876.

Hon. a. T. Goshorn, Director General U. S. Cen-
tennial Commission.

Sir: — The Judges on Pomological products
beg respectfully to report that during the past
week the following articles have been added to
the Exhibition :

From Gibson & Bennett, of AVoodburj-, N. J.,
a large number of plates of early apples, in-
cluding 13 varieties, but as a collection of early
maturing kinds, the exhibition is instructive and
commendable. The varieties are Sweet Bough
Bevan's Early, Summer Queen, Tatem's Early
Red, Strawberry, Red Astrachan, Red Juneating,
Starr, Primate, Gardiner, Gravenstein, Summer
Rose, and Clonmell Sweet. The same firm had
a collection of pears and plums in an immediate
condition.

W. Dun Rogers, of Moorestown, N. J., had a
small collection of ai:)ples and pears. Of these
the Red Astrachan deserves especial mention,
being nine inches in circumference and perfect
in form. The Early Strawberry was beautifully
colored, and measured 7h inches around.

Mr. Abraham Barker, of Philadelphia, Pa.,
pears — the Bloodgood, Dearborn's Seedling, and
Beurre Giffard. The last were extra fine specimens
of this variety, measuring four inches long and
three inches wide, and four weighing over one
pound.

Col. Mears, of Bermuda, through Mr. Outer-
bridge, of Philadelphia, exhibited a remarkably
fine " Californian " squash, rivaling some of our
largest pumpkins in size. Its weight is said to
be 115 pounds.

f W. L. SCHAFFER,

Judges of Special Porno- J A. W. Harrison,
logical Products. 1 Josiah Hoopes,

I Thomas Mkehan.

Pomology at the Centenxial.— An exhibition
of Fruits will be held in the Pomological Annex
to the Agricultural Building, September 11th to
16th inclusive.

Tables and dishes will be furnished by the
Centennial Commission free of charge, exhibit-
ors being only required to pay the cost of trans-
portation.

Products, as soon as received, will be classified
and arranged for exhibition.

Large fruits may be exhibited in dishes of not
less than five specimens of each variety, except
in the case of varieties exhibited for the first
time, when three specimens will be sufl&cient.

Fruits that are especially perishable should be
sent in excess of the number, so that the dishes
may be replenished from time to time.

The displays of nurserymen, fruit growers, and
societies will be considered separately.

The Judges will report upon exhibits accord-
ing to their merits, having regard both to the
perfection of the individual specimens and to the
variety of the display in each class, and in com-
binations under each division. The Awards will
consist of a Special Report by the Judges, and a
diploma and bronze medal from the United
States Centennial Commission.

Fruits will be arranged for examination by the
Judges as follows :

Division 1. a Summer Apples, h Autumn
Apples, c Winter Apples.

Division 2. a Summer Pears, h Autumn
Pears, c Winter Pears.

Division 3. a Free Stone Peaches. 6 Cling
Stone Peaches, c Apricots, d Nectarines, e Na-
tive Plums. / Foreign Plums.

Division 4. a Native Grapes, h Foreign
Grapes.

Division 5. a Strawberries, h Raspberries.
c Blackberries, d Currants, e Gooseberries.
/ Cranberries, g Water Melons, h Citron
Melons.

Division 6. a Oranges.

Division 7. a Almonds. 6 Filberts, c Walnuts.
d Shcllbarks.

The right to alter or amend this circular is
reserved.

A. T. GOSHORN,

Director- Gen eral.
Burnet Landreth,

Chief of Bureau of Agriculture.

Philadelphia, August lotb, 1876.

THE

GARDENER'S MONTHLY

AND

HORTICULTURIST.

DEVOTED TO HORTICULTURE, ARBORICULTURE AND RURAL AFFAIRS.

Edited by THOMAS MEEHAN.

Volume XVIII.

OCTOBER, 1876.

Number 214.

XOWER GARDEN AND if LEASURE GROUND,

SEASONABLE HINTS.

The great exhibition of flower gardening at the
Centennial Grounds must have taught our peo-
ple'how beautifully they can adorn their grounds
at a trifling expense, and, as thousands on
thousands are visiting the Exhibition from all
parts of the Union, the result must be favorable
to our general horticultural education. There js
one feature which we think must strike every
visitor. The gardening that is fitting for a quiet
stroll on foot should be of a very different char-
acter from that along a carriage drive. In the first
case we have to keep in view that which looks
"v^ell in the immediate surroundings, while the
distant glimpses are of far more importance in
a carriage ride. Another matter one may learn
from the Centennial exhibit, is the advan-
tages of studying appropriateness in arrange-
ment. Much of beauty comes from the harmony
of relations. As noted in our last the piece of
rockwork on exhibition is very well, if it had
been where a piece of rock-work ought to be, but
out of place among the many artificial specimens
of gardening about it. On the other hand the
sunk garden shows admirably from the foot-
walks made along the heights above. There is,
however, one feature, an accidental one, which
affords us a good lesson. The space for
garden work is bounded by a piece of natural

forest on one side, and the great conservatory or
Horticultural Hall on the other. Next to the
conservatory are the brightest flowers, and the
best kept beds. The plots devoted to shrubbery
come next, and then the natural woods. The
beds between the shrubs and the flowers were not
taken up by exhibitors, and hence had to Be
filled up by the Centennial Commission with
something; so shrubs, evergreens, castor oil
plants, petunias, and all sorts of things are mixed
together, and the eff"ect of introducing the gay flow-
ers to the green leaved shrubbery is beautiful in
the extreme. Any one who studies this little inci-
dent will have a good lesson for home gardening.
Another matter is worthy of thinking about.
We see here how few are the plants that can
certainly be depended on for summer gardening.
We have to make up our flower beds of fewer
items than any other people. • Half the things
common in European flower-beds will not do
here, yet we follow too much those plants which
have European reputations. There is little
doubt but we have large numbers of things that
will not do in Europe, and. which would suit us
exactly, and this would not only add largely to
our bedding plant variety, but give American
gardening a special character of its own. This
is especially the season to think of these things,
as the stock has to be propagated through the
winter, in order to have them ready when spring
comes.

290

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[October,

COMMUNICATIONS.

LANDSCAPE GARDENERS.

BY J. C. CHELSEA, MASS.

Mr. Editor : — In the June number of the
Monthly I found an article headed " Who shall
lay out our Ornamental Grounds," wherein quer-
ies are put and suppositions made, many of
which I submit has very little to do with the
subject in hand.

Any one who aj^propriates to himself the
name of Landscape Gardener, must be aware
that he assumes a profession of no mean preten-
sions ; and as your correspondent justly observes,
many that are known to be good gardeners in
the general acceptation of the term, would not
pretend to class themselves with "landscape
gardeners." Nevertheless, if a gardener has
taken a pride in his profession, and has had an
opportunity to study it in all its. branches, I can
see no reason why the services of an engineer
should be required in locating and constructing
a drive, forming a terrace, building a wall, or ar-
ranging a system of drainage.

Through a lengthened experience in conduct-
ing such work, I have uniformly done my own
engineering, and in some instances on places of
great extent. In my opinion no one should un-
dertake the duties, and incur the responsibilities
of the " landscape gardener," without first hav-
ing a good, general knowledge of civil engineer-
ing.

Again, if we are not to apply to the gardener
to make a lawn, arrange a parterre of flowers,
and to prune trees and shrubs, to whom can we
go for assistance? This is surely supererogation,
it being part of the duty of the gardener, and
with which the engineer is not expected to be
conversant.

Your correspondent also says : " I have known
a gardener than whom there was none superior
in his line, to try persistently to make water run
up hill,'" &c. What secret is there in making
water run up hill if you have a good supply at
the foot of the hill ? With a good hydraulic ram
properly placed you can send water up hill any
reasonable distance, and in any direction you
choose.

Again, he says: "I have known a gardener,
thoroughly competent in all the work devolving
on him as a gardener, from the management of
an orchid house to a potato patch, that ruined
the natural beauty of a place through his inex-

perience of the principles of taste." In such a
case the employer was more to blame than the
employee. This reminds me of the assertion
of a "landscape gardener," now deceased, who
seemed to take pleasure in undervaluing all gar-
deners, whatever their abilities or qualifications,
that the most of them might be good enough for
sodding a bank, planting cabbage, or hoeing a
potato patch ; but I presume there are as good
fish in the sea as has yet been caught, and that
men qualified for their duties as landscape gar-
deners will make their appearance when re-
quired.

Your correspondent states : " By the wording
of signs, cards and circulars, many seemed
ashamed of the term gardener, and hence called
themselves Landscape Architects, Landscape En-
gineer^," &c.; but he justly remarks that a name
that was good enough for Eepton, Loudon, Down-
ing, Kemp, &c., is good enough for their fol-
lowers.

I have exceeded what I intended to say, but I
may be excused for stating that, as I give designs
for laying out grounds, and also for horticultural
buildings, I do not hesitate to style myself Land-
scape Gardener and Horticultural Architect.

Chelsea, 22d July, 1876.

RHODODENDRONS.

BY H. W. S. WODENETHE, FISHKILL ON HUDSON, N. Y.

Mr. S. B. Parsons, in your September issue, in
his article on Centennial Rhododendrons, while
criticising the plants exhibited by Mr. Waterer
under the tent, as being too tender for this cli-
mate, concludes by saying : " There are Rhodo-
dendrons, however, which are perfectly hardy in
our American climate, and doubtless Mr. Waterer
has them. These high colors are not, however,
found among them, but belong to sorts which
are adapted only to greenhouse culture."

Surely Mr. Parsons must have forgotten that
the finest collections in this country, Mr. Hunne-
well's, at Wellesley and Mr. Rand's, at Dedham,
besides many others around Boston, such as Mr.
Sargent's, at Brookline— all came from Mr. Wat-
erer. Some of these collections consist of several
thousand plants in manj' varieties, all doing
under the heavy mulch treatment of eight to ■■
ten inches of dead or decaying leaves, quite as '
well as the same plants do in England.

I have for many years grown the annexed list,
with only the slight protection in winter of ever-
green branches on the northwest side, and

1876.]

AND HORTICULTURIST.

291

though many of my plants suffered from the
severe winter and summer droughts of 1872-73,
yet I am not aware they have ever suffered from
cold many degrees below zero.

Among the varieties I have grown here with
success are the following, imported from Mr.
Waterer many years ago :

Everestianum, Charles Bagley,

Mrs. Milner, Purpureum elegans,

Mrs. McClutton, Lady Armstrong,

Blandyamtm, Atrosanguineum,

Alhumi GrandiHorum, Onslowanum,
Album elegans, Delicatissium,

Boseum Grandiflorum, John Waterer,
Old Port, Titian,

Andersonii, Minnie,

Towardii, Purity,

Scipio, Stella,

Caradacus, Mrs. Halford,

Catawbiense Album,
Mr. Hunnewell, certainly the. best grower of
Rhododendrons in this country, writes me to-day
on the subject :

" I do not think the difficulty arises from the
cold, but from the drought, which is undoubtedly
the case with most evergreen failures. If you
will give Rhododendrons a good depth of soil in
the first place, say at least eighteen inches of
one-third peat or leaf soil, one-third sand and
one-third the top soil of an old pasture well-rot-
ted and in a place where they do not get the
mid-day sun, and mulch very thoroughly —
twelve to twenty inches — of well-rotted leaves.
The earth under them is always moist and cool
in our hottest weather."

Of course, if one had great facilities for water-
ing Rhododendrons there would be less necessity
for heavy mulching. This, however, has another
advantage, — the annual decay of the lower
leaves of the mulch forms an admirable pabu-
lum or food for the plants.

Mr. Nelson's idea in your September number,
that the roots of overhanging trees do no harm
to Rhododendrons is a great mistake, for if noth-
ing else they absorb the moisture and food,
•which, did they not exist, would go into the Rho-
dodendrons. A wood or mass of trees on the
south side of Rhododendrons is very well, but
the roots of this wood should be always kejDt out
of the Rhododendron bed by annual cutting
back.

I presume Mr. Nelson is praising our native
Rhododendrons having but one color, and could
he but see the collection at Wellesley of perhaps

fifty or more colors from " Old Port," almost black,
to " Purity," nearly white, and every intervening
shade, he would be astonished. There are many
better evergreens than the American Yew.

KILLS AND CURES IN THE GARDEN.

BY GEN. W. H. NOBLE, BRIDGEPORT, CONN.

After each new pest and ail, follow lots of sure
cures therefor. But much of their value is lost
by not.telling plainly the method of their use,
and their exact make-up. These are just the
things wanted. For that which in one way and
proportion will cure an ail, in another will kill
us and the ail too. Our friends therefore who
would help us in the garden, should not leave
anything at the mercy of a guess ; but give us
"measure for measure" of each thing which
makes up the remedy, and should tell us, too,
just how to apply.

Now, almost everybody knows that kerosene
and carbolic acid are grand helps against many
petty foes and ails ; but just how much of either
and how much of water make up a proper " solu-
tion," "that is the question." At page 168 of
your June number we face this trouble, in " a
weak solution of carbolic acid " " for house
plants." " About as large as a piece of chalk "
is quite as definite, on size, as is a "weak solu-
tion," regarding the quantities therein. Now
if you know how much carbolic acid of certain
proof, and how much water, make a safe solu-
tion, tell us, please.

HARDY HERBACEOUS PLANTS FOR AUGUST

BY WILLIAM FALCONER, BOTANIC GARDEN, CAM-
BRIDGE, MASS.'

The following comprises the cream of the
hardy herbaceous plants in bloom here at the
Botanic Gardens on August 19th, "botanical"
plants being strictly omitted. Some of our best
reckoned-to-be hardy plants that were wintered
in frames raised from seeds last spring or other-
wise obtained and transplanted out-of-doors here
this year, and that are now in "season," I have
not mentioned, having only referred to those un-
questionably hardy, in so far, that they survived
unscathed our last winter. Many plants, too,
that have bloomed earlier, are owing to timely
cutting over and the late rains, coming quite
prettily into flower again, such as Delphiniums,
Coreopsis lanceolata and many Labiates. Antir-

292

THE GARDE NEB'S MONTHLY

[October,

rhinums are still as gaudy as Petunias, and of the
pretty little Dicentra eximia some plants in leaf
and flower are now better than ever, whereas
others in the same border are done for a season.

It is not on our altogether-hardy plants, how-
ever, that we are too look for a show at this sea-
gon, when we have annuals of every color,
amongst which as blues Wahlenbergia gracilis and
Browallia viscosa are particularly floriferous,
fresh, lasting, and handsome; also, the mass of
everybody's plants as Dahlias, Daturas (D. me-
teloides especially), Cannas, Caladium esculen-
tum, Gladioli, Tigridias, Salvias, Verbena venosa.
Marvel of Peru, Coral Plants, Century Plants, and
many others that may be wintered in a dry cel-
lar and transplanted thence to the open ground
on the approach of summer. Besides, our gar-
dens are all aglow with Morning Glories, Man-of-
the-Earth Creepers, Cypress Vines, Calystegias,
"Wild Balsam-Apple Vines and Clematises, that
need neither protection nor care beyond thinning
and training.

Phlox paniculata and vars., perhaps the finest
plant of the season. From two to four feet high,
of every shade of color, from the purest white
to the deepest red, and thrives almost anywhere
but in bogs — in the field or the garden. Consid-
ering the great perfection of some of the im-
proved varieties now in cultivation, surely ama-
teurs generally might give them place to the
old purple. They propagate easily by dividing
the old stools just as they begin to grow, when
a little leaf-soil or light, rich earth helps them
greatly.

P. Drummondii, a Texas annual and a perpetual
bloomer. Sown in the open ground towards
the end of May or raised under glass and trans-
planted thence it thrives equally well. In the
South it self-sows itself. It is hard to fix the
true species, colors, as I have seen as many varie-
ties of it growing wild in Texas as I ever saw
cultivated in Northern or European gardens.
The Texans are fond of the brilliantly colored
and variegated-flowered kinds which they per-
mit a place in their yards, but the others they
ruthlessly chop out.

Lilium speciosum, a Japanese lily, from two to
four feet high, often grown in pots, but perfectly
hardy. The flowers are rosy-white, spotted with
purplish red, from three to twelve on a stem,
and sweet-scented. Amongst dwarf shrubs, in
the borders or choicest flower-beds it is equally
applicable and deserving. On Craigie street,
close by, is an old neglected garden round a

" house to let " with a large bed of these lilies all
ablaze amongst the weeds, a splendid sight.

Funkia subcordata, the White Day Lily is now
in its hey-day. It has long, funnel-shaped, pure
white, fragrant flowers, and large, pale green
leaves. It likes a free, well-drained soil.

F. ovata albo-marginata, somewhat like a me-
dium-sized blue day lily, but blooms later.

Lobelia cardinalis, a most beautiful late-bloom-
ing native perennial, some two feet high, in erect
racemes of brilliant red flowers. Our plants are
in a very damp, shady spot, where they do well,
but they would also thrive in an ordinary moist
border. They are best divided and replanted
every year.

L. syphilitica, also a native, nearly as tall as L.
cardinalis, blue-flowered, on a leafj^ raceme. Re-
quires treatment like the preceding.

Aquilrgia chrysaniha, that best of all of Co-
lumbines— the Rocky Mountain Yellow, is still
in bloom. Some of the old plants are densely
flowered and well-leaved, whilst others are
sparsely bloomed and shabbily foliaged. This
year's plants and those early cut back are good
and fresh.

Euphorbia marginata, a western annual two to
three feet high and very showy. The leaves are
margined with white, and those crowded amongst
the flower-cups are very broadly white, and the
corolla-like appendages are purely white. It
seeds freely and grows so readily from seeds
that it self-sows itself.

E, corollata, a perennial and a little dwarfer
than the preceding, also a native. The leaves
are linear and green and the flowers in corymbose
umbels are surrounded with five pure white cor-
olla-like appendages. A very showy plant.

Campanulas are past their best, still C. Carpathi-
ca is very fine ; C. rotundifolia moderately good;
C. rapunculoides blooming wherever it can get a
chance to exist — as a weed anywhere ; and the
C. persicsefolia, blue and white, that were trans-
planted last spring. In reference to C. Carpa-
thica, Mr. Patterson, of Watertown, tells me that
it is one of the best pot plants for conservatories
in early spring, he having grown it for that pur-
pose for many years.

Statices, — S. latifolia, the great sea lavender,
from twenty to thirty inches high, in tall, broad
panicles of greyish-blue flowers, arising from a
rosette of deep green leaves ; S. incana, the hoary
sea lavender with broad corymbose panicles of
red and grey flowers; and S. Limonium var.
Carolinianum about fifteen to eighteen inches

1876.]

AND HORTICULTURIST.

293

high, with bkie flowers ; are now very fine. The
Statices are worthy of a choice position and hke
a Hght, well-drained soil.

Trauvetteria palmata, a ranunculaceous plant,
the only species, a native of the United States and
Japan,and has white flowers somewhat like a Tha-
lictrum on a loosely corjnnbose cj'me. It grows
from 2 to 3 feet high, has large palmate root-
leaves,and smaller ones on the flower stem. It is as
hardy as a columbine«and a jjersistent grower.

Tradescantia pilosa, a species with somewhat
short lanceolate acuminate and pubescent leaves
and blue flowers, about the same size as, and
blooming later, than T. Virginica, which is still
more or less in flower.

Pentstemon argutus, has reclining stems from
two to three feet long, with a wealth of purplish
flowers now in full beauty.

Reseda Durieuana, a hardy biennial or peren-
nial, from North Africa, that blooms all summer,
but not to be compared to our annual Sweet
Mignonette.

Lysimachia clethroides, one of the best of
the genus, from eighteen to twenty-four inches
high, with terminal racemes of densely-set
small, white flowers. It grows thriftily,
blooms freely, lasting a long time ; is very hardy,
and proj)agates readily by division.

Polygonum cuspidatum, a noble plant, better
fitted for isolated specimens and sub-tropical gar-
dens than anywhere else. It is eight feet high
with arching branch-like stems and a profusion
of slender axillary clusters of white flowers. It
dies down in the fall and comes up in spring like
stalks of giant asparagus ; indeed, the English
gardening journals suggest its use as asparagus.

The composites are how quite showy, but the
bulk of them are too tall and coarse for general
use other than amongst shrubs, in large borders,
or out-of-the-way places. Certainly the asters
deserve a conspicuous position ; A. corymbosus,
macrophyllus, patens, prenanthoides, adscendens
and comixtus are now in bloom. Amongst the
other genera of this family are Silphiwn, Coreop-
sis, Golden Rods, Vernonias, Echinops, Cnicus,
Centaureas, Rudbeckias, Eupatonuw.s, &c., now at
their best. The Labiates, too, continue to furnish
many flowers such as Monardas, Nepetas, Lopan-
thuses, Scutelkirias, Pycnanthemums and Salvias.

Amongst shrubs the Altheas take the lead, sin-
gle and double, and of every tint from white to
red. Hydragea paniculata, with its dense pani-
cles of whitish flowers, is very showy ; and the
Kerrias, single and double, are blooming more

or less. Neviusia Alabamensis has pretty white
flowers in terminal peduncles, and its near rela-
tive, Rhodotyp^is kerrioides, is also well furnished
with large white flowers at the ends of its arch-
ing branches. The Oxydendrum arboreum or
sorrel-tree is just going out of bloom as are like-
wise the Clethra salnifolia and acuminata, both na-
tive, still beautiful shrubs. Vitex incisa, or the
cut-leaved chaste tree, is still shrouded with its
lavender-colored flowers, which, together with
digitate sub-pinnatified and fragrant leaves consti-
tute a pretty ornament. The Vitex is cut down
considerably by our winters. The shrubby Cin-
quefoil {Potentilla fruticosa) with silky leaves and
showy yellow flowers, and the Hypericum pyra-
midatum, another yellow-bloomed plant also in
flower.

EDITORIAL NOTES.

Public Parks. — These are just now receiving
particular attention in every populous town. In
a recent visit to Buffalo, we were especially de-
lighted with their public grounds. Mr. F. Law
Olmstead is the designer, and Mr. McMillan has
the general superintendence. We doubt whether
so much has been accomplished in any town for
so little money, and that much done so tastefully,
and in a general sense, so well. It would be a
great treat to our readers if Mr. McMillan would
give them some leaves from his experience in
these lines.

Patents for New Plants and Fruits. — We
see this subject, which has been so impartially dis-
cussed in our pages, is still the theme of writers jn
the agricultural press. Ther,e is a deal said about
" regarding the brain work of the introducer or
raiser of new plants," which we all sympathize
with. The " Whereas' " are all right enough.
None of the writers show the connection of the
" Therefores " with the preambles, and this is
just what is the matter with the argument.

SiLVER-THORN AND PyRACANTHA HeDGES. — The

Country Gentleman speaks of the Silver-thorn or
Pyracantha as if they were one and the same
thing. Silver- thorn is the Elseagnus parvifoUus,
and has no relationship whatever to the Pyracan-
tha. As a rule we seldomr note the errors of our
co-temporaries; that is their own business, but
such an error as this our neighbor will pardon
us, we are sure, for pointing out.

294

THE GARDENER'S MONTHL Y

[October,

Flowering of the Faulowxia ix England. —
If our summer heats do not permitsome of the
gardening enjoyments of England, it vouchsafes
us others which are denied to them.^It favors
the maturity of some trees for which the cool
summers of England are inadequate. Mr. Ed-
ward Meehan, the father of the writer of these
lines, has recently flowered the Paulownia in
England, and the event is made quite notewor-
thy by the Gardener's Chronicle. Americans
have enjoyed its delicious fragrance for 20 years.
It is a pity so sweet a thing has so ungainly a
habit.

American Foliage in Europe.— When in Edin-
burgh, a week or two ago, I noticed several trees,
in the Botanic Gardens there, remarkable for their
handsomely-colored leaves. A Pavia flava and
one or two others were bright orange in color,
relieved here and there by great splashes of ver-
milion and russet. The Sugar Maple [Acer sac-
charinum) and the Scotch Laburnum were also
beautifully colored, but the handsomest of all
were the Liquidambars, some branches of Avhich
were literally crimson and gold. Such vivid col-
ors intermixed with deep green-leaved Oaks,
Conifers, and Planes, are strikingly effective, and
should not be overlooked by planters. — F. W. B.
in Garden.

j nally from Southern Kansas, in 1873. If sown
in the fall, the plants bloom the next year, but
the best success follows when sown in the spring,
and the plants have a season's growth before
flowering the next year. The roots are some-
what bulbous, and when once had will bloom

Ni:W PLANTS.

LiATRis pycnostachya.— We made a note of
this beautiful hardy flower last month; since
then the effect of the drouth on summer flower-
ing plants has been counted up, and the result
in favor of this is so striking that in the hope of
a more general introduction, we have had a
sketch made of one as an illustration. Through
the greater part of the month of August it was in
full blossom, as if the heat, so destructive to
many plants, was a matter of no consequence to
it.

The plant is found wild abundantly through-
out the States of Kansas and Texas, and in the
Indian Territory, and though long known to
botanists, and now and then sent east by corres-
pondents during the past dozen years or more,
no attempt to introduce it to general notice has
been made that we are aware of. Daring the
past summer we saw a whole row of it in the
garden of a florist, and the efiect of so large a
quantity was beautiful in the extreme. The
plants were raised from seeds brought orio-i-

•^

'A

■^t)

'\*-

LIATRIS PYCNOSTACHYA.

well for several years. There are some twenty
species of North American Liatris, but this is per-
haps, the handsomest of the whole. The flowers
are rosy purple ; spike about one foot long, as
sho^ra in the engraving. They commence to
flower at the top of the spike, and the blooming
progresses downwards. In the illustration the
lower blossoms have yet to open.

18Y6.]

AND HORTICULTURIST.

295

Like so many beautiful plants from the West
this has not been known long enough to get an
English name, and we suppose the Greek one
will be considered " hard" by the dear ladies, and
"pedantic" by the average man. The settlers
call it " Fire- weed " and " Sky-rocket Plant," but
as these names are already given to scores of
things, and will be to as many more, it is hardly
worth holding on to them. The Eastern L. scari-
osa is known as "Gay Feather; " suppose we all
agree to call this the " Kansas Gay Feather."
there are other species of Liatris in Kansas, but
as this is the best let it be the one.

Hybrid Pentstemons. — As the Pentstemon
thrives so well in American gardens, it is worth
notice that the Germans are improving some spe-
sies remarkably. The best strains are hybrids
between P. Hartwegi and P. gentianoides. But
these species require a little protection in our
severest winters.

Retinospora leptoclada. — It should not be for-
gotten by purchasers, is the same thing as the R.
squarrosa of some English catalogues.

AsPERULA ODORATA. — This pretty, hardy her-
baceous plant, says L' Hort. Belgique, enters
into the composition of the German perfume,
known as "maitrank."

Hydrangea, " Thomas Hogg." — This beautiful
pure white variety of Hydrangea hortensis we un-

derstand is now ready for sale, and has been sent
to England for distribution. It will no doubt be
one of the most popular plants sent out from the
English nvn-series, and is expected to yield the
parties concerned an immense sum, which their
enterprise and industry well deserve.

Viburnum plicatum. — This, the Japan Snow-
ball of our gardens, is becoming well known in
our country, where it thrives well. Its hardiness
and great beauty will long ensure popularity for
it. It does not seem to be so well and favorably
known In England. It forms the subject of a
full page engraving in the Gardener's Chronicle.

New Trees. — An English .gentleman writing
to a horticultural magazine, says, " he has only
one life to live, and hence he gives a high i^rice
if he cannot help it, for the first chance of a new
tree, in order that he may enjoy the full beauty
of its form before he dies."

A New Hardy tree, Cedrela sinensis. — In
1862, a tree was introduced to France, supposed
to be a kind of Ailanthus. It has now been found
to be of a different genus, and is Cedrala sinensis.

QuERCUS Andersoni, a new species of oak from
the Sikkim Himalaya, was the subject of a paper
by Dr. G. King atr the last meeting of the Lin-
nsean Society. It is the " Katoos " of the Nepau-
lese, and one of the very finest of Indian forest
trees. It is closely related to Q. spicata, but is
met with at higher altitudes.

^REEN liLOUSE AND lEOUSE GARDENING.

SEASONABLE HINTS.

The great anxiety will be at this time to pre-
serve those things that have been growing in the
open ground during summer, for, though when
they were set out, we had no thought of any-
thing more than summer decoration, we hate to
let things go to destruction that have afiforded us
so much pleasure. The feeling is commendable,
and yet it is to be kept in check or we over-
burden ourselves with material which becomes
a tax on time and space to care for. Still there
are always some to be lifted, and those who have
not the advantage of professional gardeners to

assist them, may find a few hints serviceable to
them.

In taking up things from the ground for pot-
ting, care should be taken to have the pots well
drained, with pieces of potsherds over the hole.
The more rapidly water passes through the soil
the better plants will grow.- Pots could be made
without holes, and the water would all go
through the porous sides in time ; but that
is too slow a way, so we make a hole to ad-
mit of its more rapid escape, and we place the
broken pots over the hole to make a vacuum,
which assists the objects of the hole. In very
small pots, or with plants which have strong

296

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[October,

enough roots to rapidly absorb all the moisture
they get, and speedily ask for more, " crocking "
is not necessary.

After potting, the plants should be well wa-
tered and kept in the shade for a few days. If
they still show signs of keeping a wilted appear-
ance long, it may be as well to pick off a few of
the leaves. Some things of not too tender a
nature can be kept in cellars for spring.
The bedding geraniums are often treated in this
way. The leaves and softer parts are cut away,
the whole tied in bunches, and hung up. At
times the cellar is rather dry for this, and then
some moss is packed in among the roots,
and kept a little damp.

Plants for blooming in windows or conserva-
tories are looked after soon. The Chinese prim-
roses are among the best for this purpose, and
indeed the whole primrose family is excellent,
provided the rooms in which they are to flower
are not too warm. They are all nearly hardy,
and would sooner have some frost than great
heat. The old Auricula is a great favorite with
English plant growers for early spring flowers,
but has to be kept in sunk pits in the cool over
summer in our climate. Few care to take this
trouble, but it is worth all it costs. It belongs to
the primrose family, and we give an illustration
in order to make it better known.

AURICULA.

There are some very pretty additions to the old
primrose family of late years in cultivation, of
which the Primula japonica, P. involucrata, and
P.farinosa are now well-known examples. After
all there are few prettier things in this class than
the varieties of the old English primroses under
the names both of Polyanthus and Oxlip ;
of these there are singles and doubles. The
white ones especially are in great demand by
florists. The double ones known are generally
of the old single stem or primrose class. Mr. M.

Vilmorin, of Paris, who was on a recent visit to
the Centennial Exhibition, tells us that they
have in France a peculiar double one. It is of
the " Hose in Hose " class, and must be very
beautiful and give an increased interest to this
tribe of plants. He gave us the follo-sN-ing sketch
of it.

DOUBLE POLYANTHUS.

Hanging-baskets which have been in piazzas
or under trees all summer, will need to be taken
to the parlors soon. Many take out and reset
at this season under an impression that the soil
is exhausted ; but a much better way is to let
them alone, and sprinkle a little very well de-
caj-ed manure among them.

There are but few things in the greenhouse
that will require special treatment at this time.
Camellias and Azaleas, as they cease to grow,
will require less water ; but it is now so well
known that moisture is favorable to growth, and
comparative drj'ness favorable to flowering,
that we need do no more than refer to the fact.

Bulbs for flowering in pots should be placed at
once. Four or five inch pots are suitable. One
Hyacinth and about three Tulips are sufficient
for each. After potting, plunge the pots over
their rims in sand under the greenhouse stage,
letting them remain there until the pots have
become well filled with roots, before bringing
them on to the shelves to force.

COMMUNICA 770 NS.

DESTRUCTION OF GREENHOUSE PLANTS BY
GAS.

BY E. JL\S0>r, DETROIT, MICH.

During the winter of 187^5, a large number of
valuable plants were destroyed or damaged by
gas in the greenhouse of Taplin & Davis of this

1876.]

AND HORTICULTURIST.

297

city. A gas main leaked in a sewer, which com-
municated by a tile-drain with the greenhouse.
The presence of the escaping gas was detected
by the smell and by the drooping and withering
of the plants ; and the Gas Company were no-
tified to take immediate steps for preventing
further damage. They were unable to
find or to stop the leak until after extensive
damage had been done. Taplin & Davis then
sued the Gas Company for damages, and after
some litigation the matter was decided by arbi-
tration, and the plaintiffs were awarded $2,900.
The sum was not the full value of the plants de-
stroyed or damaged, as it was considered by
experts that many of them would recover from
the effects of the gas.

[We are very glad to learn that T. & Co. recov-
ered something. They were more fortunate than
some Philadelphia florists who were awarded
nothing in similar suits.

If one looks at men laying these pipes, it is
only a wonder more damage does not occur.
The pipes are covered before they are tested, and
if the gas leaks nobody cares. Philadelphia
loses largely in the item " leakage," as seen in
the annual reports of the gas companies ; and
when we see beautiful shade trees killed, as we
often do, we think it a pity she does not lose
more.— Ed. G. M.]

ECHEVERIAS FOR BEDDING.

BY B. GKEY, GARDENEE TO E. S. RAND, .JR.,
• DEDHAM, MASS.

Probably few j^lants of late have attracted so
much attention for this purpose as those of the
genus Echeveria, and deservedly so ; as they may
be used in a variety of ways, either as carpeting,
where larger plants, such as Agaves, Aloes,
Cactuses, &c., are used in the bed ; or for
mounds and pyramids; or geometrical figures
on nearly flat surfaces. This being the case,
perhaps a few remarks on the mode of "getting
up a stock " of plants will not be amiss to begin-
ners. Although easily propagated, either from
seeds, suckers, or leaves, yet such a large num-
ber are required for effect in any of the above
mentioned modes of planting, that it is well
to begin as soon as possible. Echeveria metallica
and varieties are best grown from seed, as they
make few suckers. E. secunda and E. seeunda
glauca, the latter being the best, make offsets free-
ly from the old part of the stems, and these may

be taken off and pricked into shallow boxes^
E. sanguinea, as the plants get large, has a ten-
dency to drop its leaves; these, if cut into pieces
and placed on a surface of damp moss, will
make plants quickly. This variety, however,
seeds as freely as most others.

The above modes of propagation would be ap-
plicable only when the grower had already some
plants on hand. For a start, seeds would be the
easiest and cheapest. These should be sown in
pans as soon as ripe and dry enough to rub out
of the capsules, and under favorable circum-
stances would be up in about a month. The
seed should be sown on the surface of the earth,
covering with a piece of paper until the plants
begin to come up. In watering, care must be
used so that the surface shall not wash, which
causes the seedlings to come up in thick patches,
thereby increasing the risk of "damping off,"
which they are liable to do if watered carelessly
before thej'' gain considerable strength. As soon
as the young plants have made the second pair
of leaves proper, they are fit to transplant. If
this should be in spring, which would be prefer-
able, a frame or old hot-bed makes a capital
place to grow them in, as they can be protected
from the fall frosts,"and they should be kept out
as late as possible, as they winter better when
grown cool, late on. The soil should be forked
up and left quite light. The plants need only to
be dropped on the surface at a distance of two or
three inches apart, according to the size of the
variety planted, watered with a light rose water-
ing-pot, and covered with a mat until they are
established, after which the mat may be grad-
ually removed. They will make fine strong
plants l\y December, and should then be taken
up and stored away in a light potting-shed,
around the path of the greenhouse, or any con-
venient place where they can get light without
much heat, thus preventing the plants being in a
great measure spoiled by having the centres
"drawn," which is apt to be the case if kept
dark. They should be ke^pt perfectly dry, if cool,
until spring, when they may be removed to the
frames again until wanted for bedding.

EDITORIAL NOTES.

Seeding of Aracaurea excelsa. — By artificial
application of pollen, an Aracaurea excelsa at
Hauva, in Algiers, has been made to produce
seeds- a rare thing in the old world.

298

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[September,

WiNTER-FLOWERIXG CARNATIONS AND BOUVAR-

DiAS. — As winter flowers are so much in request
here, we grow a very considerable number of
carnations, which are known as perpetual or
tree carnations. These during the winter sea-
son are grown in a span-roofed house, provided
with side stages, which admit of the plants being
placed near the glass, so that they may enjoy a
fair share of light. The temperature is main-
tained at or about 60°, which api:)ears to suit
them admirably, as well as the Bouvardias, of
which we grow a few dozen plants of the most
useful sorts. The carnations are now in fine
trim, and the supply of flowers for button-holes,
bouquets, and vases well-nigh unlimited. In
gathering a few dozen flowers to-day I made
note of the following being especially good, and
in every way desirable for a limited collection,
namely, Avalanche, white ; Beauty, white and
scarlet ; Boule de Feu, scarlet; Congress, scarlet ;
Duke of Wellington, dark scarlet ; Herbert, rose ;
Hermione, white ; Jean Bart, bright scarlet; La
Belle, white, large, very full and fine ; Xovelty,
buff and red ; Oscar, yellow ; Purity, white ;
Souvenir de la Malmaison, blush ; The Dragon,
scarlet. The perpetual-flowering Picotees, Ascot
Giant, white ground with heavy red edge ; Ascot
Yellow, yellow with crimson edge; Prince of
Orange, yellow with bright crimson edge, are
also exceedingly good in their season. The
Bouvardias which appear to be the most useful
for private growers for winter work are David-
soni, white ; Vreelandi, white ; Elegans, scarlet ;
Bridesmaid, flesh-pink, and Longiflora, white.
The last-mentioned is a straggling grower, but its
flowers are so deliciously fragrant that it cannot
be dispensed with. The flowers of the other va-
rieties enumerated possess but little fragrance,
and are in consequence not so popular amongst
the ladies. — Head Gardener, in Gardeners' Maga-
zine.

BouvARDiA. — These are hard-wooded plants,
but associate best with soft-wooded plants,
and should only be grown in a house that is kept
well heated during winter. Those employed for
bedding purposes make nice pot plants, but the
best of the family is B. longiflora, which produces
a profusion of most elegant and sweet-scented
white flowers during the winter. It is a trouble-
some plant, but worth any amount of trouble.
Strike cuttings of' the young wood in a brisk
moist heat in March. Pot off as soon as rooted
in five-inch pots, in a mixture of equal parts
loam and peat, and a sixth part of the whole

bulk of silver-sand. Put them into the warmest
place you have, but they must not be closely
shut up, and the foliage must be frequently
syringed. A fortnight after this potting pinch
out the points of all the shoots to promote a
bushy habit. Winter them in a temperature of
50°, and in February shift them into eight-inch
pots, and after this potting put them in a good
growing temperature, and as the season ad-
vances move them to cooler quarters, so that by
the middle of August they may be in a light airy
house, to ripen the wood and prepare them for
flowering. As soon as flowers appear put them
into a temperature of 60°. Keep them very
clean, and they will continue to flower for four
or five months.

The bedding varieties of Bouvardia are more
hardy than the lovely longiflora, and may be pre-
pared for the embellishment of the conservatory
by a very simple course of culture. In the middle
of May secure a sufficient number of plants of the
sorts required. Newly-made plants from spring
cuttings will not do, but old scrubby ugly ones
will answer perfectly. Cut them rather close, so
that when they make new shoots they will be-
come neat round bushes, and plant them out in
a sunny spot. Give water as required. In the
first or second week of July pinch out the points
of all shoots, and give no more water. About
the middle of September take them up carefully,
and pot them in a light loamy mixture, taking
care to injure the roots as little as possible.
Give them a good watering, and then put them,
near a Avail out of doors where the sun will not
shine on them, and keep them regularly
sprinkled and watered. In the early part of Oc-
tober take them into the greenhouse, and very
soon they will begin to flower and make a splen-
did show. B. Vreelandi, which is a capital
bedding plant, is also one of the best for this
rough-and-ready course of culture for the pro-
duction of winter flowers. — Gardener's Magazine.

Tuberoses in Midwinter. — To have Tuberoses
in at Christmas, and on New Year's Day, the fol-
lowing course is pursued in the United States,
where Tuberoses are admirably grown : — By the
20th of August they are potted into 4-inch pots,
containing a composition of two-thirds strong
loam and one-third old rotten manure. They
are then planted out of doors in a frame, as close
as they will stand until the end of September,
when the centre-table of a span-roof house is
bored with a number of holes to let up the warm

I

1876.]

AND HORTICULTURIST.

299

air from underneath, and the Tuberoses are
planted out on this. It is necessary to have
three or four hot-water pipes underneath the
table, and the compost ought to come, if possible,
from an old pasture. To every two barrows, one
barrow of old hot-bed manure is added, the whole
being well mixed together, and then placed upon
the table to a depth of 5 inches, and well pressed
down with the feet to give solidity. The Tube-
rose does best on a heavy rich soil. The bulbs
are then turned out of the pots, and planted in
rows 6 inches apart, and 6 inches from plant to
plant, and thoroughly watered with the hose. The
plants are well syringed, and, on the first appear-
ance of frost, a moderate night temperature of,
Bay, 60° should be* maintained. By the 6th of
November, the plants will be well established,
when the night temperature may be increased
to 70°, and abundance of moisture used,
the path of the house being flooded at night.
Sulphur, worked into the consistency of thick
paint, is put on one of the hot-water pipes,
as a preventive against red spider, the great
enemy of the Tuberose. If the plants have been
managed properly, they will commence to flower
by the middle of December. At Christmas, they
command from £1 to £1 12s. per hundred
florets, each plant or bulb producing from thirty
to forty florets at these prices. The following
practice is usually adopted, and is, I think, the
most practicable for the spring croj) : — A hot-bed,
or better still, a pit, is prepared in a similar way
to those for Melon and Cucumber growing in
England. As soon as the rank steam is off, 3
inches of coal ashes are put on, and the bulbs
potted as previously directed, selecting those
that are thick at the neck. Some think a very
large bulb is best ; but I think those of medium
size are preferable. First-class bulbs sell at £10
per thousand; those of second quality, £7 per
thousand. The pots are plunged to the rim in
the bed, and there is no danger of their rotting
from the heat, which they will bear well. Linings
are added as soon as the surface heat declines,
the night temperature being kept at 60° and the
pit covered up well at night, mats and shutters
being used; in a month or five weeks, they will
have their pots well filled with roots, have dense
foliage, and they are then readj^ for the house.
The first crops by this time are gone. Having
planted out as before recommended, plenty of
water must, as the spring advances, be given to
the plants in the bed. Morning and evening a
syringing must be given with the hose to prevent

red spider. Should the plants come near the
glass, they must be tied down. Thus treated,
they will in part commence to flower by the end
of April. The florets sell from 12s. to 163. per
hundred, and, by June 1st, they are down to 8s.
per hundred. Even at these prices I« have known
£200 made of the plants grown on the centre
table of one house, the table measuring 88 feet
long by 6 feet wide. — John Hoivutt, in Garden.

Euphorbia jacquin^flora. — This being one
of the most useful winter-flowering plants, it is
now deserving of special attention. Plants
struck in the beginning of June should now have
made growth at least four feet in height and
strong in proportion, with plenty of laterals. If
the plants have hitherto grown amongst other
stove subjects which required shade, they should
be removed at once to a house or pit where they
can be fully exposed to the light and sun, and
kept as near the glass as possible, with plenty of
aid admitted during favorable weather, so that
the wood may get thoroughly matured, as on
this depends chiefly their successful flowering.
The watering of this plant is also a point of im-
portance, for if it is allowed to suffer for the
want of this element,- it will lose all its bottom
foliage, which would greatly diminish its effect
when in flower.

One rarely sees this beautiful plant occupying
the position it should hold in our stoves. We
not unfrequently find it grown amongst the gen-
eral collection of stove plants, and sometimes at
the north side of the house, and consequently
very much shaded. What is the result? A weak,
drawn, and not half-ripened growth, with a few
miserable flowers at the points instead of fine
racemes of orange scarlet, from fifteen to eigh-
teen inches in length, which would'be the result
under better cultivation.

To grow the Euphorbia well the principle
batch of cuttings should be put in, not later than
the first week in June. Another batch may be
put in later for a succession. The cuttings
should be taken off" Avith a heel, and inserted
round the edges of pots filled with peat and sand,
plunged in a gentle bottom heat, and kept close
and shaded until well rooted, when they should
be potted off, " either singly or three or four in a
pot," in a compost consisting of fibrous loam,
peat, and leaf mould in equal parts, with the ad-
dition of some silver sand. The plants should
then be well-watered, and again kept close and
shaded, till they take root in the fresh soil.

300

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[October,

When they commence to grow they should be
gradually exposed to the air and sun, and no
shade used afterwards except for a day or two
after re-potting. The plants may be re-potted up
to the end of August or beginning of September,
but not later.

The back wall or the spare end of a succession
Pine pit will be found a most suitable place for
the successful growth of the Euphorbia. A
wreath of Enphorhia, intermixed with some neat-
ly wired bells of Roman Hyacinth, has a charm-
ing effect in a lady's hair at a ball or dinner
party. — Gardener's Record.

AsTiLBE.— The well-known Astilbe japonica,
which is, perhaps, better known as " Spira:a
japonica," is eminently valuable to furnish green-
house flowers early in the spring, though it is
a cheap hardy herbaceous plant. When forced
slowly in a dimp pit, close to the glass, it is one
of the loveliest plants in the world, and well
worthy to be made a feature of in any private
garden where beautiful plants are valued by
some other scale than their money value in the
market. They should be potted in Septembei^
or October, in a mixture of turfy loam, leal-
mould, decayed manure, and sand, and started
in a temperature of about 55°. From this
allow the temperature to rise gradually to 75°.
They should be supplied liberally with water
when growing freely, and may be placed in pans
of water to advantage. It is a matter of no con-
sequence what sized pot is employed, but for
ordinary decorative purposes, live, six, and eight-
inch pots will be most serviceable; the two
former for the drawing-room jardinets, and the
latter for the conservatory. Strong clumps ready
for forcing may be purchased at nurseries and
seed houses. Those who prefer growing them
for forcing in after years may do so with but
little trouble. Early in May or June they may
be planted out in an open quarter previously
well prepared for their reception. They should
have two or three liberal waterings and a mulch
of short litter, or partly-decayed leaves, placed
between the rows if it can be spared. They will
then require no other attention, and by the
autumn will have formed strong crowns and be
in grand condition for forcing. If considered de-
sirable, they may be divided into single crowns
in May, each of which will form a nice little plant
by the end of the summer. Those who have
not convenience for forcing may have a fine
display early in the season by simply keeping

them in the greenhouse from the time they are
potted until they come into bloom. Of course
they should be placed in an out-of-the-way
corner until the young growth begins to push,
and then they should be placed in a position
near the glass. — Journal of Horticulture.

A Vase of Simple Flowers. — A few days
since I arranged a vase of flowers for the
breakfast table which Avas much admired
by several friends, indeed, so much so, that I am
induced to give a description of it, as the effect
was produced by the arranging of the flowers
not the quality, for they were only common gar-
den varieties. The shape of the vase was a flat
tazza, out of the centre of \^hich rose a tall glass
trumpet, and from the base of the trumpet
sprang three curved branches ; round the edge
of the trumpet were fronds of the Lady Fern,
and in the tazza were grouped white Water Lilies,
Scarlet Geranium, leaves of Dells Beet, Ribbon
Grass, hardy Ferns, and Wild Grass. In the
three carved branches were yellow Roses and
Delphiniums, the latter a very pale shade of blue.
In the trumpet was a yellow Rose, some scarlet
Geraniums, white Honeysuckle and blue Lobelia
intermixed ; with these were wild grasses and a few
blades of Ribbon Grass ; round the mouth of the
trumpet drooped a few fronds of the Lady Fern,
while twined amongst the glass branches were a
few young shoots of the variagated Periwinkle.
As will be observed on reading the above, the
flowers themselves are only common kinds, such
as are to be found in almost any garden, but if a
little trouble be taken in the arranging of them,
few I think will feel disappointed with the effect
produced. Other effective arrangements could
be made in different colors with the same class
of flowers, say for instance the light blue Delphi-
iniums used in place of the Scarlet Geraniums ;
pink Christine Geraniums in place of the Delphi-
niums in the curved branches, and the same in
the trumpet; again, mauve-colored Clematises
might be used in the tazza, and Violas in the
curved branches and trumpet; by the change of
these few flowers quite different stands could be
produced, though the principal flowers and foli-
age would remain the same all through. It is
in this way that variety can be produced where
there are few flowers to cut from. A great mis-
take often made is, that because the flowers at
hand may not be perhaps of very choice kinds
they are not worth arranging, but most effective
decorations can be made with very simple ma-

18T6.]

AND HORTICULTURIST.

301

terials; indeed, nothing is more charming than
wild flowers if well arranged. Just at present,
too, these are in their full beauty, so those living
in the country who have not hitherto emploj'ed
them will do well to give them a trial. — A. Has-
sard, in Gardener's Record.

NEW PLANTS.

New Ampelopsis — A. incisa — Vitis incisa of Nut-
tall.— We received this from Mr. Thomas Meehan,
by whom it was introduced quite recently, and
who describes it as follows : " This beautiful
climbing vine was first discovered, described and
named by the distinguished botanist, Nuttall,
but only now, for the first time it is believed,
introduced to cultivators. The leaves are trifo-
liately cut and divided, and have a thick texture
similar to that of the well known Hoya carnosa,
or Wax Plant, with a glossy surface, and. so
peculiar in appearance as to attract even the
commonest attention. Like all the Ampelopsis
family it is a rapid grower, extending many feet
in a season — climbing by tendrils as in Ampelop-
sis bipinnata. The flowers, as in most of the
general family of Vitis, are not striking, but the
small black berries are an attraction. It is a
native of the Indian Territorj' and southwards.
How hardy it may be is not yet known, but it
has been known to endure a temperature of
zero, without injury."

It is also a very desii'able plant for florists and
others, as it can be used to great advantage in
hanging-baskets, vases, flower stands, &c. — Ell-
wanger & Barry.

Croton Weismanni. — A remarkably distinct,
ornamental-foliaged plant, in habit somewhat
resembling a Dracsena, with long, narrow leaves,
striped and mottled with gold of the brightest

possible hue. It is of very graceful habit and of
free growth, the leaves attaining ten to twelve
inches in length, and about three quarters of an
inch wide, very acute at the apex, the upper sur-
face, dark shining green, with gold blotches, the
mid-rib and margins golden yellow ; under sur-
face similar, but paler green. — Viefch.

QUERIES.

Keeping Large Lantanas. — W. H. L,, Brock-
port, N. Y., asks : " Permit me to ask you or
some of your readers, through the Monthly, how
I may keep Lantanas through the winter without
the aid of a greenhouse or conservatory. I have
kept small ones in the sitting-room, but I have
some fine large ones which I wish to keep over
the winter for bedding out next spring."

[Though easily touched by frost, the Lantana
can be kept well in a low temperature, and no
doubt if the leaves are cut ofi", the plants could
be kept in an ordinary cellar, as Pomegranates,
Crape Myrtles, and other things are.— Ed. G. M.]

Browallia elata.— M. This is one of the pret-
tiest of all blue-flowered plants for " cutting "
through winter. It is an annual, and flowers
soon after sowing. It does not like high tem-
perature ; one about 50° to 60° suits it best. It
likes a rather damp soil, but yet one in. which
the water passes rapidly away.

MiGNOXETTE.— M. This does not want much
heat to bring forward. It grows when the ther-
mometer is well down towards the freezing point.
Indeed cold frames are better than greenhouses
for it. It is late to sow in October, but still we
have no doubt that plants " sown in a window "
would flower in spring.

^RUiT AND 'Vegetable Sardening.

SEASONABLE HINTS.

The past season in most parts of the country
has been one of very abundant bearing, and
unless the food has been kept up by a liberal
supply of manure, there will be many weak and
exhausted trees, and short crops next season.
We prefer to manure in such cases as these in
midsummer. The cells of trees are like honev

combs, and store up matter for use the next
season. They have of course to do this while
growing. Whenever this has not been done,
matter for a surface dressing should be got
ready during autumn and winter. Much injury
has been done to fruit culture by the expressed
dread some cultivators have of a " too rank
growth," and a consequent advice not to
manure. A fruit tree never suffers from too

302

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[October,

much manure, if the roots are healthy. If a
tree seems to suffer after a heavy manuring, it
is only that it was in a bad way before this. Of
course, if one were to empty a cesspool, a cart
load of fresh lime, or some other inordinate
mass of food under a tree, it would suffer ; but
our meaning is that no amount of manure that
w^ould be found of benefit to any regular garden,
will be otherwise than beneficial to a fruit tree,
if the roots he healthy.

Celery as it grows will require earthing up,
and Endive successively blanched ; but the main
business of the month will be preparations for
housing the root crops for the winter. Beets are
generally the first thing attended to, they
being the most easily injured by frost; Carrots,
Salsafy and Parsnips following. The latter are
never really good until they have been well fro-
zen ; and many leave them entirely in the ground
taking them up as wanted for use. We prefer
taking them all up and packing them in sand or
half-dried loam, in a shed or cellar, which can
be kept just above freezing point; yet the cooler
the better. If suffered to be in heaps they heat
and soon rot. In the same situation Endive
and Cape Brocoli may be preserved to the end
of the year — they are taken up with a small
quantity of earth adhering to them, and placed
side-by-side together. Tomatoes, if dug up also,
and suspended, roots upward, in such a situa-
tion, will keep good a long time; but this must
be done before the least frost has touched them.
It is a wise plan to sow a little more Early York
Cabbage early in the month, as in fine mild win-
ters the September sowing grows too forward
when protected. A very slight protection is bet-
ter for them than any elaborate affair, the sun
principally injuring them. The same remarks
apply to Lettuce intended to be kept overwinter
for spring use, though the svm is less destructive
to them than to the cabbage.

Forcing vegetables, w'herever the least com-
mand of heat can be had, is the most interesting
and useful part of gardening. It is not bj' any
means what it is often considered, an operation
by which you pay a dollar for a mouthful. The
Asparagus, Sea Kale, Lettuce, Radish and
Cauliflower can be had for months earlier than
in the open ground, wherever a regular tem-
perature of 55° can be obtained, with, of course,
the proper amount of air, moisture, <fec. As-
paragus can be had under a greenhouse stage,
though of course the tops will not be so green,
nor will it be much else but indifferent under

such circumstances, as it would be in full light.

Radishes require an abundance of air, and
Lettuce light. Cauliflowers, if kept for some
months with all the light and air possible, at a
temperature of 50° or 55° may have it gradually
raised to 60° or 65°, and even 70,° and thus come
into use in February, when there is no vegetable
more desirable.

Cucumbers, Tomatoes and Beans require a
temperature of at least 65° to begin with. If
a temperature of 70° can be maintained in the
coldest weather, a few of these might be sown
b}'^ the end of the month, which will produce
some very acceptable dishes about New Year's
day. Rhubarb, if carefully taken up at the fall
of the leaf and potted, or put into boxes, will
also come forward well if put under the stage in
a house of the last temperature.

COMMUNTCA TIONS.

HAS THE PEAR A NEW ENEMY.

BY A CONNECTICUT READER.

I send you some tips and branches from my
injured pear trees. I hope you can tell me what
ails them. The ends of branches, new growths
and fruit buds look verj- much like those of the
buttonwood, which of late years has been subject
to some such trouble. Unless our books on the
pears are very loose and meagre about its pests,
the hurt to my trees seems that from a new foe.

Is the Scolytus guilty of this harm ? I cannot
trace on my trees the marks of his work named
in the books. I have carefully searched but can-
not find him. That " small beetle " has not been
seen. Neither do I find that small hole as of a
pin or needle, at top or base of any bud, for him
to go out or in. Nor have I struck any gallery
of his boring around the pith of limb or bud.
No leaves wither after starting, as they do where
he cuts their sap conduits.

On some of the last year's growths, every leaf-
bud fails, and the shoot shrivels and dies down
to the old wood, whence a new one starts out to
try its chances. .On another of last year's grow-
ing, only the end bud lives. There, right beside
this you may find shoots from whose sides at in-
tervals, one or two buds start, while all the rest
are dead. In like manner the fruit buds are
served. Some die clear down to the branch,
others only to their base, whence pushes out
a thrifty growth for a new struggle with its foe.
Some trees, and some parts of the same tree, suf-
fer more than others. The tops are most exempt

18T6.J

AND HORTIGULTURIST.

303

from harm. This year a tree may hardly yield
a fruit, while the next bears superbly in quantity
and quality. The wood of two years growth
rarely shows injury, and then it comes from a
starved growth, or from the sensitiveness and an-
noyance which few think trees suffer, when their
thrift or freedom is molested.

Now I am at a loss to know what ails my trees.
I find on those injured most, a squad of small
brown lice, clustering around the buds and roots
of leaves. These are visited by lots of ants, who
seem to feed on some sweetness distilled from
them or from the wounds they make. Aroiuid
such buds and leaves a black mold or mildew
spreads and closely clings.

I have long held a lurking suspicion that the
roots of evergreens, dead or alive, were hurtful to
the pear. The ground where my pear trees
stand, was some years since, well filled with Nor-
way Spruce, which I cut down when 12 to 15
feet high. I have no fixed theory about this, but
only make a query. Perhaps the living leaves
and fronds work just as much, if any harm, to
this favorite fruit. Your counsel is asked as to
the cause and remedy.

[The appearances were quite novel to us.
Some of the specimens were sent to one of the
most distinguished mycologists, who acknowl-
edged himself completely puzzled. This is all we
can say at present. — Ed. G. M.]

EDITORIAL NOTES.

The Thwack Raspberry. — Notwithstanding
its uncouth name, is said to be a very good
thing by some who have seen it. The growers
say it " eclipses all other sorts " in eight several
particulars, which we should regard as doubtful,
as also that it is a " cross between the Herstine
and the Brandywine." We think loose state-
ments tend rather to prejudice a variety really
good in itself rather than "help the cause
along."

Orchards in Grass. — One of the most impar-
tial discussions of the relative merits of the
different plans of cultivating orchards that we
have read for some time is in the Rural Home, of
Rochester, N. Y., of August 26. The advantages
claimed for grass culture and clean culture are
fairly stated, and it concludes with the following,
which is the pith of the whole subject :

" How to keep up the fertility of orchards at

the least cost is, perhaps we may say, the most
momentous question that confronts the orchard-
ist, and one to which we purpose to give further
attention."

Orchard of Godfrey Zimmerman, Pine Hill
Nursery, Buffalo, N. Y. — We had an opportunity
to examine this beautiful orchard recently. It
embraces pears, dwarf and standard, cherries,
apples, and other fruits. The trees stand on
ridges ploughed up before planting, after the
manner so well known to those who have seen
the lateM. L. Dunlap's orchards, at Champaign,
Ills. The orchards have been now many years
in green grass — not " neglected grass," but occa-
sionally top-dressed. Mr. G'. is proud of his suc-
cessful orchards, and no one who visits but must
envy him. A very successful Honey Locust
hedge surrounds the property. The few hours
spent in Mr. Zimmerman's grounds, and the per
sonal acquaintance of the members of his excel-
lent family, are among the pleasant recollections
of the Editor's hurried trip to Buffalo.

Wild Goose Plum. — Mr. D. S. Myers, Bridge-
ville, Del., says: "I send you by mail this day
one wild goose plum. I notice in Gardener's
Moyithly that there is some question about the
true wild goose. I hope you will have a number
of these plums . sent you, so you can form an
opinion about them. The fruit I sent you last
year and this are grown on trees I purchased
five or six years since from a nursery in Missis-
sippi. Late frosts cut off all early-blooming
fruits with us, including the plum, or I would
have sent you a sufficient quantity for better
inspection. In an old number of Journal of
Horticulture (now discontinued, was published at
Boston) you will find a long article on plums of
the South and wild goose plums. This article in
Journal of Horticulture is from a leading horticul-
turist of standard authority. I think if it was
republished it would do much to settle the
question about the true wild goose plum. The
wild goose plum cannot withstand any more
frost when in bloom than the budded peach.
The tree on its natural roots grows very rapidly
on land in sod, where the peach tree will die in
a few years if not cultivated. The fruit is subject
to injury by the curculio, but not so much so as
other firmer varieties of Northern plums. Grown
on peach stock the trees are very rapid growers,
and can be better cultivated if desired ; or if not
desired to be kept under clean culture like a
peach orchard, should be on their natural roots,

304

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[October,

or budded on plum ; but on their natural roots
will no doubt do better on all the thin, sandy
land of the South.

[This was a verj' good plum, but we do not
want any more " wild goose plums." Everybody
has the " true one," and yet we get no two alike.
The only way out of this snarl is to drop the
name "wild goose," and re-name the whole lot
over again from grafted plants, with a proper
pedigree to each stock. This seedling business
has mussed the whole race. — Ed. G. M.]

Peasgood's Nonsuch Apple, is the subject of a
colored plate in the Florist and Pomologist, and is
represented as one of the handsomest autumn
apples they have. As figured, it is 13 inches
round, and of a deep orange color, with crimson
stripes on the sunny side. It is said to be " an
apple of good quality."

Dr. Boynton's Pear Orchard. — Some years
years ago the most beautiful pears " in the
world " came to the exhibitions from the pear
orchard of Dr. Boynton, of Syracuse. The trees
at last failed, and went fast to destruction. Dr. B.
had reason to believe that it was due to the sys-
tem of ploughing and other deep cultivating prac-
tices then popular and prevalent, and gave up
the surface-stirring practice. We met the doctor
recently, and he reports that since that time the
trees have done all that he can expect of them,
and are in every way satisfactory.

The Apple Crop in Massachusetts is very
heavy, and although the pear trees are loaded
with fruits, the pears are not as a rule so large
and fine as they were last year. The pear-blight
played sad work amongst some orchards near
Boston.

Another Wild Goose. — A. Hance & Son
write : " By to-day's mail we send a couple of
specimens of wild goose plum. These were taken
from a tree selected as a genuine ?r«7(:Z(/oose out
of a lot sent us by Sam'l A. Baker, Davidson Co.,
Tenn., the disseminator of the wild goose plum,
and who claims to own the original tree. They
are not quite up to the usual size, owing perhaps
to the very dry Aveather we are having. There is
also a beavitiful bloom on the fruit as it hangs on
the tree, but which was rubbed off" those we send
in picking. It may be seen about the stem,
however."

[Please don't any correspondent write any
more about wild goose plum. This is a good
enough plum for a native plum, but no more

like Myers' than a damson is like a prune.
They must be all named over again — then they
will be " genuine."— Ed. G. M.]

QUERIES,

Classification of Fruits. — In reference to
note in our last, though not intended for publica-
tion, our friend will, we are sure pardon our giv-
ing the following :

Union Springs, N. Y. September 6th, 1876.

Mr. Editor : — Please allow me to make a
slight correction of the remark in the last num-
ber of the Gardener's Monthly, page 272, where I
am included with those who " assert that any
better system of classification [of fruits] than that
of heterogeneous mass of descriptions, is vision-
arJ^" The first revised edition of the American
Fruit Cnltunst, issued twenty-seven yeai-s ago,
had a distinct classification, entirely my own for
most of the fruits, and nearly the same has been
continued in all the editions since published.
When Dr. Warder was preparing his work, he
courteously asked me to allow him to adopt my
plan, which he did with some modifications and
additions. It is quite probable that important
improvements might be made, as my chief object
was to employ a simple one, readily understood by
every cultivator, and readily used or applied at
the time of the maturity of the fruits. I have
not written this for publication, but it may be
well to give its substance. Very truly,

"J. J. Thomas."

Forcing EHUBARB.-"Eeader," Bridgeport, Ind.,
says : " Will you please give us an article in the
Gardener's Monthly on the forcing of Pie-plant;
the plans and appliances to do the same in a
small and also large way, the ins and outs of the
work in detail and oblige an old reader."

[Rhubarb is so easily forced that there is
really no art about it. Any one who has a green-
house or warm celler can have rhubarb any
time in the winter by getting the roots from out
of doors, and planting in these warm places.
They require no light, but sprout and go on as
do potatoes. Some put barrels over them in the
open ground, and then a little strawy manure or
leaves around the barrels, and this brings the
stalks forward a few weeks before they would
naturally come. So little heat starts the growth
that forcing rhubarb is very easy. — Ed. G. M.]

1876.]

AND HORTICULTURIST.

305

The Richland Plum. — Hoopes, Bro. & Thom-
as, West Chester, Pa., say : " We notice in Gar-
dener's Monthly for August, in reply to G. & S. B.,
Norwalk, Ohio, you describe ' Richland plum ' as
a small copper-colored plum, &c., whereas the
one we grow and ' Downing ' describes is purple,
covered with a thin blue bloom. Flesh, greenish
yellow, juicy, sugary, good; last of August.
Originated in Bucks Co., Pa. Is evidently a
seedling of Blue Damson."

[The kind is the same as we referred to as
seen in our markets, the " bhie bloom " is rubbed
off, and we take it to be as much " copper " as
purple. But our correspondents have paid close
attention to plums, and we are quite willing to
adopt the term they prefer. — Ed. G. M.]

Summer Hagloe. — G. W. says : " Please tell via
whether you meant to say in September number
of Gardener's Monthly that the Hame's apple. Or
Hagloe, is a month later than Red Astrachan.
Grammatically it is Hagloe; but Elliott says the
Hagloe is a month earlier. We have an apple
which resembles 20 ounce pippin, and is known
as Pennington Re^ Astrachan, but has been
pronounced by Dr. Warder to be Hagloe,
although it is a month later than Red Astrachan.
Who is right?"

[We mreant as it reads, that Hagloe is later.
If we are not correct in this, we shall be glad to
be corrected by those who have the kinds to*
gether.— Ed. G. M.]

;ORESTRY.

EDITORIAL NOTES.

The American Forestry Association.t— This
society, preliminarily organized last year at
Chicago, met, pursuant to resolution, at Judges'
Hall, Centennial grounds, during the great Pomo-
logical week. The numerous attractions diverted
attention from the meeting, and although some
Q g^enty persons attended the session, the meet-
ing seemed small in so large a room.

Dr. Jno. A. Warder, President, with Mf. Mac-
Afee, Secretary, called the meeting to order. Dr.
Warder delivered the opening address, showing
the great importance of the timber question to
the nation, and to individuals, and how well cal-
culated such a society was to help the cause
along.

Dr. Hough, of Albany, New York, gave an ad-
dress, showing that the constitution of the United
States, and of most of the States, gave the right
to interfere for the preservation of forests ;
that other countries had taken the matter in
charge, and that forestry was progressing well
under such national care. He made various
suggestions calculated to aid the cause of timber
culture, and thought that a journal of forestry,

out of the range of trade influences, should be

established, if possible. Dr. Hough's address

I exhibited considerable research into meteorlogi-

I cal and other classes of literature, and was de-

I livered in a pleasing and intelligent manner.

Profe»«4- MacAfee reported on the condition
of forest culture in the West, showing how the
■ planting of trees had been going on to an im-
, mense extent, and that it was found the old
I notions about the slowness of timber growth had
been derived from the hard struggle with nature,
that wild timber had to make. Cultivated trees
had grown so much faster than was expected, that
people had been surprised at the growth, and it
was now becoming generally known that wood
came into profit much sooner than was thought
possible years ago, and forest culture was much
more popular in consequence. In his State at
least 80,000 acres of timber had been planted
during the few past years, and the work was still
going on. He gave figures as to the growth of
individual species, chiefly from facts within his
own observation. The report was one of the
most practically useful it has ever been our good
fortune to listen to, on the subject of forest
culture.

306

THE GAEDE NEB'S MONTHLY

[OCTOBEE,

A proposition was made to unite the associa-
tion with another body, called the Forest Coun-
cil. Ifc. Meehan inquired whether the objects
of the two societies were the same. !fite Geo.
May Powell, Secretary of the Forest Council,
said it would take too long to read the consti-
tution of that society, but would say briefly that
the objects were the same. Mc Meehan said the
obj ect of his inquiry was an account of the notice
of a meeting he had seen of the Forest Council in
the newspapers. That report seemed to show
that little business was transacted, except to en-
deavor to induce government to take hold in an
especial manner of the forest interests of the
country. The American Forestry Association,
he thought, was working in a different field. It
wished to make forestry popular by showing the
profit there Avas in it — in short, by diff'using
forest knowledge through the land. M»i Powell
then read two clauses of the Forest Council con-
stitution, to show that they considered these
matters also. A committee was appointed to
consider the question of union.

Several members made remarks giving val-
able information in regard to various trees they
had experimented with in various parts of the
country.

Mr. Meehan remarked on the pleasure it had
given him to listen to the remarks of the differ-
ent members, and especially to the papers of
Dr. Hough and Prof MacAfee, which two
papers, taken together, he thought particularly
instructive. He confessed to a fear on the or-
ganization of the society, that it might be drifted
away from its legitimate purpose, and become
little more than a mass meeting to urge on the
government to do the work which itself was organ-

ized to do. It was all very well to know what
the paternal governments of other countries
were doing with timber culture, but he thought
we needed no paternal government to supervise
us here. He thought it a blessing that our gov-
ernment did not stand in the light of a parent to
us, but was rather our servant, and he trusted he
should never live to see the day when he might
be ordered by a paternal government to plant a
tree, or having planted one, be forbidden to cut
it down. The two papers together, however,
showed that we were doing very well. Dr.
Hough had shown very clearly what the pater-
nal governments did for their child-like people.
Prof MacAfee had shown what the people were
doing without this fatherly interference, and
surely the picture was everyway satisfactory.
Those w^ho clamored for government interfer-
ence evidently had no practical knowledge of
what was going on. 80,000 acres in one State
made up for a great deal cut away in others.
But this was nothing to what was going on else-
where. A gentleman then present in the meet-
ing had planted thousands of trees in Virginia,
and in five years would have fi6e ^wisand acres
under timber culture. These people had faith
that timber would pay, and as old timber grew
scarcer, their faith would increase, and originate
new faith in others. This was the proper plan,
and he congratulated the society that it was
taking this path. Individual effort, encouraged
by State laws and agricultural and horticultural
societies, would soon replace the decaying forests

of our land.

■'■^, ./

Dr. Warder was re-elected President, IW^. Mac-
Afee. Secretary, and Dr. Hough, Treasurer.

ATURAL miSTORY AND f^CIENCE.

COMMUNICA TIONS.

ON GRAFT HYBRIDS.

BY THOMAS MEEHAN, GERMANTOWN, PHILADA.

{Read be/ore the American Association for the Ad-
vancement of Science, at Buffalo, August, 1876.)
Of late years an impression has prevailed that

hybrids may be obtained by grafting as well as

by seeds. Sachs makes no mention of this in
his text-book, but it has had a place in the lit-
erature of horticulture for over a hundred
years. Bradley says that a variegated jasmine
grafted on a common green stock infused the
variegation throughout the whole plant; and
there is an idea among some horticulturists that
an intermixture in apples can be obtained by

isTe.f

AND EORTIGULTUBIST.

SOY

uniting two halves of different buds and grafting
them together. Thousands of people have
laughed at these notions. No one has tried them.
But only a few years ago it was found that Brad-
ley was right ; and we have in cultivation new
variegated forms of abuiilon, as well as some
other things originated by the graft process.
During the past few years it has been asserted
that new varieties of jiotatoes have originated in
this way :— a tuber is taken and all the eyes cut
out. A wedge with an eye of another kind is
then inserted into the eyeless mass and planted.
The results are said to be true hybrids. Many of
our best physiologists doubt this. I have not seen
these cases ; but I must say the evidence offered
is much stronger than much of that on which
some popular theories have been built. I tried
the split and grafting process, not believing it
would result in a hybridity. I merely wished to
test the popular notion. I am pleased to be able
to say now that it is correct. New varieties can
be obtained in that way. I took the Rhode
Island Greening and the Red Astrachan — two
very distinct varieties of apples in every respect.
The grafts with a single bud were split as near
through the centre as possible, and a piece of
each kind fitted together so as to appear one
complete scion. Twelve of these were grafted ;
three grew ; two of these have fruited; neither
are Rhode Island Greening, and the two are un-
like each other ; one of these has a flower like
the Rhode Island Greening, and the flower of the
Red Astrachan is rosy and in many ways distinct
from the large white one of the Rhode Island
Greening; but the fruit is, in many respects,
similar to that of the Red Astrachan. The sec-
ond variety has the flower similar to that of the
Rhode Island Greening, and the fruit somewhat
the color of the Red Astrachan, ripening about
the same time, but is but half the size, very
much flattened, and with a slender stem near two
inches long, and as much like that of a Siberian
Crab as can be. There is no doubt but two vari-
eties, distinct from their parents, and distinct
from each other, have resulted from this graft
process. Some may suppose that the union of a
Red Astrachan and a Rhode Island Greening apple
should result in producing an exact intermedi-
ate, and that the union of buds in several graft
cables should each produce identically the same,
and therefore the two distinct varieties from the
same process be a surprise. But no two chil-
dren of the same parents are exactly the same;
and this is the experience of plant hybridists.

Our fellow-member, Mr. W. Saunders, of Lon-
don, Ontario, crossed the American gooseberry
(Ribes Cynobasti) with the red Warrington, an
English variety, but both with hairy fruit. The
hybrid product has smooth fruit, thus introdu-
cing a character not extant in either jDarent.
And as regards variety, I have myself, from one
single berry of a fertilized Fuchsia, produced sev-
eral score of plants, among which no two were
alike. I do not know that there is any pomo-
logical value in the new varieties of apples I
have raised, but I am delighted with the scien-
tific results, proving that hybrids by bud-grafting
is more than a popular delusion.

NOTES ON THE AMERICAN GRAPE VINE
MILDEW.*

The grape vine seems to afford special induce-
ments for the growth of fungi; Curtis, in his
list, enumerating no less than eighteen species
which grow upon it. "The grape disease, prop-
erly speaking, that which proved so disastrous
at different times to the vines in Europe and
Madeira, is caused _by a fungus to which Berk-
eley has given the name of Oidium Tuckeri." It
is a form of a fungus which has not yet been
recognized in its perfect state, and is supposed
to occur to some extent on this side of the water;
but as many fungi have this conidial form, and
some so nearly identical with it, and also growing
on the grape, there may be some doubt as to our
vines ever being attacked by the true grape dis-
ease of Europe.

The disease which most interests the grape
growers of America, is the fungus called Pero-
nospora viticola by Berkeley and Curtis. It is
quite common, appearing on the under surface
of the leaves about the first of August, and con-
tinues to flourish until the dying leaf will nour-
ish it no longer. It can be most easily seen on
the smooth leaves of Vitis cordifolia, as small
frost-like spots, which rapidly spread, and soon
cover the whole leaf, frequently extending down
the petiole to the stem. This fungus, like the
potato rot and other closely related species,
thrives best in moist, warm weather.

Under the microscope, the tissue of the grape
leaf is seen to contain an abundance of minute

* An abstract of an article on this Bubject by Dr. W. G. Far-
low, in the last issue ol the Bullelin of the Bussey Institution.

308

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[October,

threads, which force their way in all directions
between the cells of the leaf, thrusting their
suckers into the cells to rob them of their con-
tents. When the time for fruiting comes, some
of these threads push through thestomata of the
leaf-branch considerably, in a definite and pecu-
liar manner, bearing the conidial spores on their
tips.

Under the head of the germination of these
asexual bodies. Dr. Farlow has several interest-
ing experiments. They germinate equally well
in the dark as in the light. Those sown in the
morning germinate more quickly and abun-
dantly than those sown in the afternoon. It
was not possible to keep the conidia which
were produced in the night until the afternoon, as
they generally fell from their attachments in the
morning, and began to germinate. In all cases
the germination took place with surprising regu-
larity. At the end of an hour the conidia were
slightly swollen, and their contents had begun
to segment, each segment having a light-colored
nucleus. At the expiration of an hour and a
quarter, the segments had resolved themselves
into a number of oval bodies, which collected at
the distal end of the conidia, and which, before
long, succeeded in rupturing the cell wall and
making their escape from the mother cell. They
passed out rather slowl)', usually one at a time,
and paused for a moment in front of the open-
ing, where they remained as if not yet quite free
from one another. In a short time each seg-
ment began to extricate itself from the common
mass, moved more and more actively, and finally
darted off with great rapidity, a full-fledged
zoospore, furnished with two cilia. The average
number of these rapidly moving spores is from
six to eight. Their movement gradually grows
slower, and in fifteen to twenty minutes come
to rest. Soon an outgrowth proceeds from one
side, and rapidly develops into a new plant.

The oospores, which are the result of sexual
action, are found in autumn within the tissue of
the shrivelled leaves as spherical, thick-walled
bodies. They escape by the breaking up of the
dry leaf, or through the decay of the surround-
ing tissue.

The fungus under consideration is common
on Vitis aestivalis, — Michx., V. labrusca L., and
their cultivated varieties ; V. cordifolia, — Michx.,
V. vulpinata, and nearly all varieties of culti-
vated grapes. The statement is often made that
it does not grow on V. vinifera. By carefully
conducted experiments in the laboratory. Dr. '

Farlow found this mildew could be made to
grow on the leaves of this European species, and
with the usual luxuriance.

It is quite gratifying to know that so common
a disease as this one upon the grape does no
real damage, but on the contrary is beneficial to
the grape crop. It makes its appearance late
in the season, when the large leaves have fin-
ished their work. By shrivelling up the leaves,
the Peronospora enables the sun to reach the
grapes without loss to the vines, as is shown by
the fact that the vines continue to live on from
5'ear to year without apparent injury.

In Europe, where the " winters are warmer,
the springs earlier, and the summers much
moister than here, it is quite possible that the
advent of the Peronospora, by reason of the
greater warmth and moisture, would be some
weeks earlier than here, before the vine had
attained its growth, and at a time when the
leaves are needed for the work of absorption and
assimilation." Should this be the case, the dis-
ease which with us gives little cause for alarm,
might prove very disastrous in the vast vine-
yards of Europe.

THE SOUR AND SWEET APPLE.

BY W. S. W., PHILADELPHIA.

I have just read in the newspapers your speech
at Bufi'alo on " Grafted Hybrids."

Some thirty years ago there stood in my
uncle's orchard in Stafford, Conn., a small apple
tree which bore fruit, one side of which was
sweet and the other side sour. I was told that
this result was brought about by inoculating a
young tree with a half of two buds taken respec-
tively from sweet and sour apple trees, and
firmly joined together before the inoculation. I
do not know what the varieties were that were
joined together for the inoculation, but the hy-
brid product was of no account except as a
curiosity. Indeed, so far as I remember, the
fruit was apt to be imperfect in form, and not
ahcays possessing the characteristic of " one side
sweet and the other side sour." A few years
since I visited the place, hoping to procure a
specimen apple for a scientific friend, but found
that the tree had gone to decay. I have, there-
fore, to rely upon the impressions of my boy-
hood, and do not know that I could substantiate
these statements by any one now living. Still I

18T6.]

AND HOBTIGULTURIST.

309

have very distinct recollections of frequently ex-
perimenting with the fruit, principally, I must
confess, to see whether it was good for anything
at all to eat, and feel sure that my general im-
pressions regarding its characteristics are cor-
rect.

[Because an apple is part sour and part sweet,
is no evidence that it was produced by grafted
buds. It is known that the Rhode Island Green-
ing will be sometimes sweet, and sometimes
sour. "We know now that buds can be united,
and the result is the blending of characters,
forming a new individual kind — a true hybrid —
but the experiments so far made do not favor
the idea, that two distinct characters can be
made to run along separately in one tree, so that
the flowers, fruit, and so on, on some branches
shall be of one sort, and on other branches
of another. We know of no experiments which
prove anything like this. — Ed. G. M.]

FRUIT VARIATIONS.

BY T. T. LYON, PLYMOUTH, MICH.

I enclose you an account of a deformed speci-
men of Carolina June aj^ple, which was brought
in as a curiosity at a recent meeting of the South
Haven Pomological Society.

The specimen is one of six apples, which were
exhibited attached to the branch upon which
they grew. The other specimens were of the
usual form, and all were of the usual color of
this variety. I add an outline of one of them
also for comparison.

In color and flavor the abnormal specimen is
not distinguishable from its fellows. Its core is
slightly deformed nearest the stem, which is very
short; and the usual fibrous connection of the
stem and core is entirely dissevered. The larvae
of the codling moth had attacked the calyx and
core, which possibly may have increased the
malformation of the core. The seeds were
plentiful, although partially destroyed by the
larvae.

The only apparent difference between this and
the other specimens, so far as outward appear-
ance or arrangement upon the branch are con-
cerned, and aside from the change of form, con-
sists in the fact that this was nearest the base of
the branch, and grew upon a spur four or five
inches in length, while the others grew upon
spurs of about an inch in length.

This specimen is so perfectly and unmistakably

pyriform, that I at first suspected it to be a case
of "spur grafting;" but a very careful examina-
tion of the spur and branch determines that
nothing of this character had to do with the
case, but that it is clearly an unusual "lusua
naturae." •

[There is little doubt, we think, that these
cases of pyriform apples are in no way connected
with hybridization through pear pollen. It is in
consequence of some as yet unexplained inhe-
rent law of growth. We call them mere lapses
of nature,— sports, but it is worthy of note that
these " lapses " are in an uniform direction when
they do occur. The " monstrosity " does not
resemble a peach, a pine apple, or a pomegran-
ate— it is always the pear. This shows that it is
not mere accident — it is law even in the aberra-
tion from law. Bearing this in mind, we can
readily understand that a law which makes a
pear in form and appearance out of an apple,
and as a temporary production, can just as well
make an actual pear out of an apple as a per-
manent existence, and it is just such experiences
as these which prepare the mind for what are
termed evolutionary doctrines. We are always
glad to hear of these doings of nature. — Editor
G. M.]

PRAIRIE FLOWERS.

BY L. J. TEMPLIN, HUTCHINSON, KAN.

{Callirrhoe involucrata.)

Among the earliest flowers that may be seen
on these plains is the above member of the Mal-
lom family. The general form of the leaf is
round, but it is parted or cleft and cut-lobed.
The root is thick and fleshy, resembling a par-
snip in form, and frequently reaching an inch in
diameter. It is a perennial, being perfectly
hardy here, and extending into Nebraska, and
far up toward the mountains. Several stems
grow from one root, and these spread out on the
surface of the ground, and are thus rendered
rather inconspicuous after taller vegetation has
advanced somewhat. But, though humble in
its manner of growth, this plant compels the
attention of all who come near it by the bril-
liancy and beauty of its numerous flowers. The
flowers grow on axillary peduncles that are from
two to five inches in length. The flowers are
about two inches in diameter, and vary in color
from a brilliant scarlet to a dark mauve, excell-
ing in size and rivaling in brilliancy the most

310

THE GARDE NER'S MONTHLY

[October,

splendid varieties of portulacca. Beginning in
May, they continue to bloom in great profusion
throughout the whole season. Where several
of them grow near together, they cover the sur-
face with their branching stems, and make a
befl of dazzling beauty throughout the summer.
It seeds freely, and the seed is easily procured
by a little attention. It is quite tenacious of life,
and it isreadily transplanted, so that it is an easy
matter to have a fine bed, or even a whole yard
or lawn covered with these rich colored flowers.
Occasionally we see them transplanted to the
garden or yard here, but on account of their
commonness but little attention is given to their
cultivation. This is certainly worthy of more
attention in the States further east than it is
receiving.

EDITORIAL NOTES.

Poisoning by Laburnum. — The leaves, and
especially the roots of Laburnum, are poisonous.
European papers often have accounts of injury
to the health of animals that have eaten it.

Trees, Rain-fall, and the Lakes. — M. Fari-
bault, Minnesota, desires "to know whether the
lowering of the water level of some lakes is not
an evidence that the rain-fall is diminishing by
the cutting away of the forests?" We have no
wish to revive this controversy. We will only
say that if it is evidence to him, it is not to us.
Lakes sometimes rise as unaccountably as they
fall, and we are inclined to think no one knows
why. Never mind the lakes, however. Plant
trees. We shall need all for timber, whether
the lakes rise or fall or not.

Age of the Mammoth Trees. Sequoia gigantea.
— Professor Gray has steadily combated the pop-
ular notion that these trees are several thousand
years old. Mr. J. G. Lemmon, one of the most
esteemed of California botanists, has recently
sent a long account of a visit to the trees, to the
Pacific Rural Press, from which we take the fol-
lowing extracts :

"The stump of the very large tree which was
bored off" with pump augers in 1852 to form the
floor of a house, affords a fine opportunity for
counting, since it is so evenly smoothed ofiT; but
still more time is necessary to do it accurately
than most observers allow themselves. This tree
should certainly be considered a fair sample of

the oldest of the present generation, for it is one
of the largest ever seen. Its circuit at base is 97
feet by my tape line, held at one end by a Puri-
tan and master builder from Boston. Longest
diameter without bark, five feet above the base,
24 feet 10 inches. Shortest diameter, 22 feet
eight inches. The bark averages 18 inches in
thickness, making the entire longest diameter of
the tree at five feet above base, over 27 feet. A
few other trees are met with measuring as much
or more at base, but they are generally swollen
outward, and hollow like the shaft of a light
house. This monster tree was as straight and
sound as a candle, hence it was undoubtedly the
largest perfect tree ever yet seen.

I spent nearly a day counting the rings of this
stump, and of the butt cut of the tree lying near
it. I counted carefully both ways, putting in
pins to mark the place of hundreds. The stump
being a little irregular in consequence of its
near roots, I counted in three places along three
equidistant rays. The first count was 1,260
rings, the second count was 1,258 rings, and the
third count was 1,261 rings — average age, 1,260
years. Counting on the butt, cut 24 feet from
the base, the rings were of course a few less,
1,242 in number, but all very plainly discernible,
and presenting exact uniformity in their decrease
in thickness from heart to bark. I availed of
this uniformity of decrease by establishing, after
many counts of difierent trees, a rule for deter-
mining the mean number of rings to the linear
foot, and fixing the locality on a cut across these
trees where the rings are of average thickness.
That point is just one-third of the distance from
the bark to the heart. At the heart the grains
are often three-eighths of an inch thick, at the
bark as thin as paper. The average, as deter-
mined by countings of all the logs in the grove
which have been cut across, some half dozen or
more, clearly established the rule that the rings
of average width are found one-third of the way
from the bark to the heart. This rule proved
very useful afterward in estimating age of broken
trunks.

As late as February last the writer saw a speci
men of Sequoia in the Central Pacific railroad
collection at San Francisco for the Centennial
exhibition, which was sent from the Calaveras
Mammoth Grove, and is marked " four thousand
years old."

Now I firmly. believe with Dr. Gray that this
is an " over-statement," and, as I said, I am glad
that it is such. Let India with her banian tre«

1876.]

AND HORTICULTURIST.

311

— which by the way is a mass of trunks, not a
single one— take the palm for growth of 4,000
years; let African baobab trees reach back still
nearer to the Garden of Eden; let Palestine
boast of her cedars of Lebanon growing since
Moses' time, and let Australia present upon
every exploration by the close observer, trees of
undeterminable ancient origin ; all these trees
of the old world almost, without exception, are
slow -growing, fine-grained, stunted, gnarled, de-
crepit, unsightly old relics of past ages — only in-
teresting because of their great age.

The famous baobab, Adansonia digitata, is
the largest in circuit at base of any tree yet
known, but it is only 70 to 80 feet high. The
cedar of Lebanon, with annual layers, so fine
that a lens is necessary to distinguish them, is
similar in shape, the trunk an abruptly tapering
spike.

Now all observers admit that the California
Big Trees, with their vast straight-fluted col-
umns, 200 to 300 feet high, and their immense
crowns of finely divided, evergreen branches,
are the most symmetrical and magnificent in
form, the tallest and actually the largest in di-
mensions of any yet known in all the world.
How satisfying to the pride of a true American,
to reflect upon the inference derived from this
comparatively new fact — formerly a most un-
welcome one to the thoughtless, insomuch that
loyal Californians prove their loyalty by declar-
ing their belief in the great age of the Big
Trees ; hence the warfiire to which Dr. Gray re-
fers, and the great but pardonable assistance
given to the erring side by eminent writers
through their praiseworthy love of country.

But Science always searches for the truth.
Sooner or later the facts will come to be believed,
and they are always best. And the truth, in this
case so long repressed, is most welcome, because
it gives foundation for the most reasonable and
enthusiastic loyalty. Why, these grand giant
trees are mere vigorous saplings yet, only 1,200
to 1,500 years old ! Ages hence full-grown trees
may be seen 50 feet in diameter and 1,000 feet
high, only limited by the proximity of brother
trees and the depth of the valleys where found.
We can't expect them to be so unneighborly as
to choke their brothers to death, nor to rise
above the leveling winds that sweep over the
canons of the Sierra. So let the old world pride
itself upon old things, old nations, old creeds,
old arts, old customs, old monuments; we of
America rejoice that this, a new, unfinished

world, with young yet colossal vegetable growths,
strange yet beautiful animal forms, modern yek
matchless peoples, adolescent yet full-fruit-bear-
iug institutions, unprecedented yet unimaginable
destinies !

" For still the new transcends the old,
In deeds and wonders manifold."

CocoANUT Palm [Cocos nudfera, Lin.) is very
widely distributed between the tropics, generally
affecting the neighborhood of the sea, and espe-
cially abundant in India and the Pacific Islands,
where its tall and cylindrical trunk, from 60 to
100 feet in height, crowned with many gracefully
waving feather-like leaves, fringes every islet and
forms one of the most striking beauties of the
scenery.

Almost every part of the tree, as in a few
others of the palm tribe, is applied to important
uses. The wood, imported into Europe under
the name of porcupine wood, is employed for
building purposes, the construction of chairs and
fancy articles. From the leaves, besides their
general use as a thatch and in hut-making,
baskets and screens are made, while those young
and tender are cooked and eaten. Of the well
known nutritious fruit, the cocoanut, several
bunches of a dozen or more are borne by e^ch
tree. From the shell of the mature nut, various
useful or ornamental vessels, spoons, &c., are cui
and carved, and from the fibrous rind or husk
which envelopes it is prepared the "coir'' of
commerce, so extensively used in the manufac-
ture of mats, carpets, brushes, cables, bags, &o.
The fibre is prepared from the husk by steeping
and beating.

■ From the kernel, boiled and bruised or grated,
is obtained the cocoanut oil largely employed in
the manufacture of excellent candles, and also
of soap. Of this oil, in 1870, 197,788 cwts. were
imported. — Pharmaceidical Journal.

QUERIES.

Classification of the Minute Fungi. — Prot
Bessey, Ames, Iowa, says : " I must enter a pro-
test against friend Staufler's article, 'King
Forming Fimgus,' in September Gardener's
Monthhj. Had the writer thereof consulted Dr.
Farlow, Dr. Peck, or any one else versed ijQ
mycology, he would not have inflicted upon iis
those hard names, while he was guessing for one
to fit his wonder. He probably had, judging
from his description, one of those curious cfrgan-

312

TEE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[October,

isms known as the Myxomycetal, and it is more
titan likely that it was Spumaria alba, as I have
found this species presenting an appearance ex-
actly like that noticed by Mr, Stauffer.

And while I am about it, I may as well say
that Mr. S. might have as properly given us the
old'Linnaean System' for our flowering plants
as the one he outlined for fungi."

ITERATURE, ^RAVELS & SeRSONAL ^OTES.

COMMUNICA TIONS.

LAWS FOR NURSERYMEN.

BY GEO. HASKELL, IPSWICH, MASS.

I see by recent statements in the Monthly that
Iftnd-owners in Pennsylvania and New Jersey
are still living under the old common law rule,
" that there can be no larceny of the freehold or
of anything annexed thereto." Ninety years ago
Massachusetts, by statute, limited the application
of that rule, and at several times since then
etatues have been passed for the protection of
the soil and its products, so that now we are an
noyed but little by intruders.

Under existing statues it is provided that : —
"Whoever by a trespass, with intent to steal,
takes and carries away anything which is
parcel of the realty or annexed thereto, the
property of another, against his will, shall be
guilty of such simple or aggravated larceny as
he would be guilty of if such property were per-
sonal property." — Gen. Statutes, Chap. 161, §25.
By Section 81 : — " Whoever wilfully commits a
trespass by cutting down or destroying any tim-
ber or wood standing or growing on the land of
another, or by digging up or carrying away
any stone, ore, gravel, clay, sand, turf or mould
from such land, or any root, fruit or plant there
being, without the license of the owner thereof,
shall be punished by imprisonment in the jail
not exceeding sixty days or by fine not exceeding
fifty dollars.

By Section 83 : — " Whoever wilfully enters any
orchard, nursery, garden or cranberry meadow
and takes away, mutilates or destroys any tree,
shrub or vine, or steals, takes and carries away
any fruit or flower, without the consent of the
owner, shall be punished by a fine not exceeding
one hundred dollars or by imprisonment in the
• House of Correction not exceeding three months."

By Section 84 : — " Wlaoever wilfully commit*
a trespass, by entering upon the garden, orchard
or other improved land of another, without per-
mission of the owner, and with intent to cut,
take, carry away, destroy or injure the trees,
grain, grass, hay, fruit or vegetables there being
or growing, shall be punished by imprison-
ment in the jail not exceeding thirty days or by
fine not exceeding twenty dollars ; and if any
of the ofi"ences mentioned in this or Section 81
are committed on the Lord's day, or in disguise,
or secretly in the night-time, the imprisonment
shall not be less than five days, nor the fine leae
than five dollars."

It will be seen that these sections are applica-
ble to different acts of offence. I have not cop-
ied the statute; with literal fulness ; but the fore-
going are correct abstracts of our laws, and they
may aff'ord aid to those who desire similar pro-
tection in other States.

LET US PROFIT BY THE EXPOSITION

BY RAMBLER.

The Exposition has (Sept. 10) but sixty days
more to live, and how many gardeners have
seen it?

Such, Mr. Editor, were the objects of my re-
flections while coming home from the fruit show
yesterday, and well might every man of an ob-
serving nature cogitate on the above questions,
for fully one-half of the gardeners I come in con-
tact with, have not visited our "glorious Centen-
nial," and the other half not more than once or
twice, the last being a rare exception.

Now, what I wish to call attention to is this :
that some of those who make a great " blow "
and noise about their " loyalty, independence
and liberty," are first to patronize and aid
any undertaking connected with this Centen-
nial celebration that will bring their name int^

1876.J

AND HORTIGULTURIST.

313

prominence before the public as generous and
liberal, while the same men have not offered
their gardeners a day this summer for recreation
and enjoyment, and to witness this mighty show.
Not only would the gardener be benefitted, but
his employer would also be, for the lessons to learn
are numerous— if only to study the landscaping,
the Horticultural Hall and the beds around it,
which speaks highly for the taste and judgment
of the " Horticultural Bureau," and a keen ob-
server will pick many a valuable " wrinkle " in
the gardening line.

I have been waiting patiently to see if the vet-
eran Harding or some other "able genius''
would have a plea through your valuable jour-
nal for the working gardener; and not only for
the gardeners, but for those also who have the
dignified position of helping the cook and
Bridget, the scullery maid; whose temperaments
are so well balanced as to be able to hold the
ofl&ces of gardener, coachman, boot-black, er-
rand boy and God knows what, combined!
Those who hold the position of gardener, in
the literal sense of the word, are very few and
far between, and let the gentlemen who employ
both classes study the matter. Let those who
employ the first, and treat them as such, give
them a few days between this and the end, with
a few fifty-cent pieces in their fists ; and let
those who employ the others, whether they are
peanut venders or insurance agents, give their
men a day, without a murmur, and without a
fifty cents. It will not only give new energy, but
it will be an indebtedness the servant will owe
his master, and an object for which he can re-
taliate by a more faithful, industrious and grate-
ful future.

*^~^

CHARLES READE ON FLOWERS.

Father Leonard is eloquent and Mrs. Gaunt
listens to his church discourses with rapt atten-
tion. He lives in a sort of monastery with an-
other seminary priest and an old servant of Mrs.
Gaunt's, now a widow, Betty Gough, is the house-
keeper. Her little kitchen is a glorious place
compared with the parlor, for it is illuminated
■with bright pewter, copper vessels, brass candle-
sticks and a nice clean woman with a plain
gown kilted up over a quilted petticoat.

Betty sees Mrs. Gaunt driving by one day and
asks her to come in and see her place. The
priests are abroad until supper time and so Mrs. '
Gaunt smiles and goes in. She shivers in the '
c61d gloom of the parlor, but she says he preaches

so divinely, doubtless, angels come and brighten
the place for him.

"Not always," says Betty, "I do see him with
his head down on his hands by the hour, and
hear him sigh ever so loud."

" Betsy Gough ! " says Mrs. Gaunt, " let you
and me sit down and see what is wanting, (for
she pities him whom she has long revered).
" First and foremost methinks this window should
be filled with geraniums and jessamine and so
forth. With all his learning perhaps he has to
be taught; 'the color of flowers and golden green
leaves with the sun shining through, how it
soothes the eye and relieves the spirits ! yet every
woman born knows that. Then do but see the
bare table. A purple cloth on that, I say."

" Which he will fling out the window," says
Betty.

" Nay, for I'll embroider a cross on the middle
with gold braid."

"Oh, bless your heart! he's all for mortifica-
tion."

" Well, we must begin with the flowers ; God
made them, and so, to be sure, he won't spurn
them.'"

" Ay, ay," said Betty, "the flowers first."

They plan other- improvements, and Mrs.
Gaunt sends her gardener with a load of flowers
in pots, which Betty helps to arrange in the win-
dow and on the outside.

Brother Leonard comes with his eyes down
and does not see the flowers. But when he en-
ters his room Betty hears a profound " Ah ! "
She bustles in and finds him standing in a
rapture.

"Now, blessed be the heart that hath con-
ceived this thing and the hand that hath done it.
My poor room is a bower of roses — all beauty
and fragrance."

One day he found two watering pots in his
room marked with a cross. " That means no-
body's to use them but you, I trow," said Betty,
rather crossly. But our extract is already long
enough.

The Gardener's Monthly is eminently practical,
and we seldom find much on the sentiment of
flower culture. Indeed this is perhaps too efflor-
escent a thing to be appreciably considered by
our ordinary senses — it is a mere blossom of the
blossoms, and yet it meets real spiritual needs
and is relishable now and then, like nonsense —
e'en by wisest men.

The following items may serve to illustrate
this:

314

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[October,

'■A Flower Sermon" is preached every year
at St. Katharine Cree Churcli, Leadenhall street,
London, on Whit Tuesday evening. On the last
occasion all parts of the edifice were crowded,
chiefly with young people, most of whom brought
nosegays according to request. The charity
children in the front gallery had all been supplied
with bouquets, and they presented a pretty sight.
But for the high pews the parterres would have
been as regular dnd conspicuous below.

It is now twenty-five years since Dr. Whitte-
more preached the first of these annual flower
sermons, thinking thus to interest the hearts of
his youthful parishioners. There is always a
bouquet in the pulpit, which the preacher never
fails to smell before beginning his discourse. It
was first presented by a little girl who is now a
grown up woman with children. At the close of
the service when the congregation were dispers-
ing, it was interesting to see the gutter children
clustering around the doors, begging eagerly for
flowers, which were freely bestowed upon them
by their little friends to whom Providence had
been more kind.

The holiness of flowers. They are every-
where over the earth, evidently given to re-
mind us that there is an Eden, and that we
may regain it. During the cholera visita-
tion of 1866 an unknown man walked from
bed to bed in the London hospitals laying a
flower on every pillow, with the words, " For
Jesus' Sake." His gift, inspired by a thought, in
the night had sublime eflect. In 1874 a snow-
drop, a primrose and two or three violets were
sent in the early spring to a sewing circle of
poor widows. They were passed around two
hundred hands for their fragrance and freshness
to be enjoyed, and then divided among three
dying persons, one of whom passed away clasp-
ing them.

Still we hear — and often hear — the sneering
question, What's the use of flowers? you can
neither eat them nor wear them.

EDITORIAL NOTES.

Patents for Plants and Fruits. — Lex. — It is
extremely rare that we decline to admit articles
to our columns that are not of a personal char-
acter, and never for the reason that the writer
differs from our views. Any respectful article is
admitted to our pages, provided it tells anything

new, or is not evidently written under a misap-
prehension. " Lex " wants to know why we did
not publish an article of his. It was for the last
reason. He tried to show that the Gardener's
Monthly is wrong in maintaining that there
"should be no laws protecting the originators of
fruits and flowers." On the contrary we believe
there should be such laws. But the laws pro-
posed bj' some people are so thoroughly imprac-
ticable that we decline to have our space wasted
in discussing them. The " laws " are about as
good as they can be now. We know of a person
who has been some six years working on a new
plant, -and Avho will probably realize $20,000 for
his " labor and skill " next year. This is as good
as he would probably do under any " patent law."
Indeed, there are plenty of ways by which the
originator of any good thing can be " protected "
now, provided he has a good thing, and has the
proper judgment to make use of these waj's. If
he has not this, not even a " patent law " will
help him. "Lex" misundertands us; that is
why the paper did not appear.

The Judas Tree. — The Cercls canadensis, our
" Eed Bud," is known as one of the Judas trees,
on one species of which, it is said by Gerard,
Judas hung himself. But popular tradition in
the East makes the Elder tree the one. Our
American Elder is but a weak shrub, but the Eu-
ropean and the Pacific representatives of the
genus grow to the dimensions of small trees.

The Font Grove Greenhouses. — At Slinger-
land's, 7 miles from this city, on the Albany and
Susquehanna railroad, are the Font Grove
greenhouses, belonging to James Hendrick, Esq-
There are in all about 1,500 running feet of roofs,
part of Avhich are similar to those of Peter Hen-
derson, in Jersey City. One of the houses, how-
ever, is widely different from anything we have
before seen. It is in the shape of the Geddes
harrow, having wings branching off" from the
central house at an angle of 45 degrees. The
heating apparatus is placed in the central build-
ing, and as this is on the lowest ground, the
wings are readily heated, partly by flues and
partly from a saddle boiler placed over the fur-
nace. By this arrangement an unsightly hollow
is utilized, and the several greenhouses are
heated at a minimum cost for pipes and flues.
An $85 Albany boiler is found ample to heat
680 feet of pipes. The central building is double
the height of the others, and was intended for
camellias, azaleas, &c., and proves well suited to

1876.]

AND HORTICULTURIST.

315

that purpose. Notwithstanding the great height,
the gardener, Mr. Whittle, has found no difficulty
in keeping up the necessary temperature — the
thermometer never falHng below 45°, even when
several degrees below zero outside. — Country
Gentleman.

k

annual winter meeting at Madison last February.
The apple, which is the great fruit of Wisconsin,
receives exhaustive attention; but there ismuch
notice taken of grape culture, flowers, cranberries,
small fruits and ornamental trees. The Report is
neatly bound, and gotten out at the expense of the
State. It has 64 members. '

Orchids. — F. L. Ames, Esq., of North Easton
Mass., has bought the entire orchid collection of
Mr. Edward Rand. Mr. Ames' collection of
stove and greenhouse plants and orchids is one
of the most extensive and select and best kept
in the countiy.

Botanical Party. — Dr. Engelmann, W. M.
Canby, John H. Redfield, Dr. Asa Gray, of the
Botanical Gardens, Cambridge, have returned
from a botanical tour in the Carolinas.

QUERIES.

Monument to M. Louis Van Houtte. — Nearly
a thousand francs had been raised by the 1st of
August for this purpose, by the horticulturists of
Northern Europe and America,

Fourth Annual Report of the Kansas State
Board of Agriculture.— From Alfred Gray, Sec-
retary, Topeka, Kansas. — If one desires to know
just Avhat Kansas is, we know of nothing which
gives so clear an idea of the State as this admira-
ble report.

Transactions of the Wisconsin State Hor-
ticultural Society.— From F. W. Case, Secretary,
Madison, Wis. — ^This is the report chiefly of the

Habits of Van Houtte. — "A Reader," Geneva,
N. Y., says : — In your account of L. Van Houtte
it says he begun work between one and two in
the morning, continuing until 8 P. M., with less
than one hour's intermission. Is there not a
mistake here, or is it usual for European horti-
culturists to begin work in the middle of the
night, and eat only one meal a day?

[We do not know much of the habits of Eu-
ropean nurserymen, but we have known of many
American ones, whom the necessities of their
business often compelled to be up till near day-
light before they could go to bed. The writer of
this paragraph, in the earlier days of his busi-
ness life, had often enough to be up by " one or
two in the morning"— not occasionally, but as a
tolerably regular thing. We doubt whether
there is any body of men who work so hard and
get so little, in Europe or America, as the nur-
serymen. Our school books used to tell us, "if
you are industrious, you will be rich ; " but it is
a Avell known fact, that after all these long hours
of industry, nine-tenths who start the business
fail. It seems to a looker-on a.very simple thing
to plant a nut and wait four years only to sell it
for a dollar. Scores are misled by these appear-
ances every year, and sink money. Success
in the nursery business means " early and late,"
and then the chance is often ten to one against
you. This experience of American nurserymen
is the best help we can give our " Reader " to
understand Van Houtte's case.— Ed. G. M.]

316

TEE GARDENEB'S MONTHLY

[October,

Horticultural Societies.

<i:3A>-»

COMMUNICA TIONS.

INTERNATIONAL HORTICULTURAL EXHIBI-
TION, OF 1877, AT AMSTERDAM. IN THE
PALACE OF INDUSTRY.

BY H. GROENEWEGEN, SECRETARY, AMSTERDAM,
NETHERLANDS.

His Majesty, the King of the Netherlands, has
■deigned to accept the patronage of this Exhibi-
tion and to express sincere sympathy with the
aim the Commission has in view. In conse-
quence, the Exhibition finds itself powerfully
supported, and the chances of success have con-
siderably increased.

The Board of Directors of the Exhibition, now
constituted, have been duly empowered by the
Commission for the regulation of National and
International Horticultural Exhibitions in the
Palace of Industry and by the deputies of the co-
operating horticultural societies and similar as-
sociations and establishments in this country.

It is intended to establish Correspondents in
all the provinces of Netherlands, to whose care
the promotion of the interests of the Exhibition
will be entrusted.

Though the duration of the Exhibition cannot
be fixed at present, it may be safely relied upon,
that it will be opened in the month of April
1877.

The Programma of the Exhibition of Horticul-
tural Products (not to be mistaken for the Exhi-
bition of Vegetable Produce, of which the
projected programma has been inserted in
Bulletin No. 2) will be distributed simultaneously
with the present Bulletin. This Programma is
only provisional, as it will shortly be followed
by a statement of the prizes to be awarded, and
of the regulations for the contribution of articles
and subsequent competition.

Applications have been made to the Directors
of Railway, Steamer and other Companies in
order to obtain lower freights and thereby to re-
duce the expenses on the expected packages.

The Board is happy to state that it has
not been disappointed in its expectation of
obtaining the moral and material aid of the
Dutch Government.

a
d

In coiio^^
ceived copies of dispatches from the Consul-
General at Bern and the Minister-Eesident at
Rome, containing some observations and partic-
ulars, which were read with great interest and
acknowledged with thanks.

On application to the Minister of Finances,
His Excellency has decided, that, subject to cer-
tain formalities to be made known afterwards,
the custom-house examinations are to take place
on the grounds of the Exhibition, and that free-
dom of duty will be granted to dutiable goods,
which may remain unsold and be re-exported.

Amongst various communications, all mani-
festing the greatest sympathy with the under-

18T6.]

AND HORTICULTURIST.

31T

taking, the Board begs to make mention with
particular pleasure of a letter from Mr. Otto
Blanck, Consul at Stockholm, in which this
gentleman not only expresses his readiness to
contribute to its realization, but also informs the
Board, that he has already commenced opera-
tions by distributing the projected Programma
of Vegetable Produce, after translating it into
Swedish.

As already observed on a former occasion, the
Press has shown by its co operation its warm
sympathy with the undertaking; and the editors
of the most accredited Dutch and Foreign peri-
odicals and newspapers, wishing to lend their
valuable aid, have inserted the Programmes and
Bulletins in their publications, of which the
Board have received copies.

To be had on post-paid application :

a. The programme of the Exhibition of Vege-
table Produce.

h. the programme of the Horticultural Exhibi-
tion.

Both a and 6, not only in Dutch, but also in
French, German and English.

Please direct all letters and communications,
connected with the Exhibition, to the General
Secretary of the Board, Mr. H. Groenewegen, 5,
Oetewalerweg, Amsterdam.

[It is very pleasant to us to be able to lay this
letter before our readers, showing as it does, how
deep is the interest in horticulture in the old
world. Horticulture does not mean there as it
often does here, the growing of a few fruits and
vegetables for market, but it is a tasteful art, cul-
tivated by all to as great an extent as painting or
music, and we hope to see it so here some day.
—Ed. G. M.]

POTOMAC FRUIT GROWERS.

BY G. F. NEEDHAM, WASHINGTON, D. C.

June. — On the sample tables were fruits as
follows :

Straioherries. — C. Downing, Dr. Hexamar's seed-
ling. Mountain Beauty a promising plant of the
Potomac region ; seedling Eliza Fillmore, Mon-
arch of the West, Star of the West, Boyden's 30,
Triumph de Gand, Wilson, Agriculturist, Cham-
pion, Jucunda, Napoleon HI., President Wilder
and Col. Cheeney.

Cherries. — E. Richmond, Empress Eugenie,
Black Eagle, White Heart and Belle de Choisy.

Apples. — Tukesbury Blush, well preserved speci-
mens from last season's fruitage.

The tables were ornamented with a rich and
extensive show of roses, peonies and penstemons.

July. — Flowers again garnished our tables,
conspicuous among which was a fine display of
gladiolus. The fruits entered to-day were :

Peaches. — E. Beatrice, Louise, Rivers and Hale's.
The two first-named were well nigh out of sea-
son, as they had been put into the market some
two weeks previous (the last of June). The
Hales were not matured.

^pp/es.-^-Astrachan, Harvest, Rose, June,
Strawberry^ Hagloe, Edward, Summer Pearmain,
&c.

Pears. — D. d'Ete, B. Giffbrd and Honenschenk,
all of which lacked a few days of maturity.

Dowaiing's Mulberries, Long Branched Red, R.
and W., Dutch, Victoria, Prince Albert, W.
Grape and W. Bologna currants, Utah seedling,
Houghton's and Downing's gooseberries.

Prof. Howland exhibited and explained a
working model of "The Regvilator" wind-mill,
one of which he had recently erected on his
farm at an expense of $250. He considered it
\he ne plus ultra of wind engines, it being auto-
matic, so that the harder the wind blows the
more it don't go. Manufactured at Marshall,
Mich.

Prof. Brainard, of the Patent Office, read an
interesting paper on "The Food and Diet of
Plants."

The key-note is in the concluding paragraphs,
as follows : The sources of plant food may be
gathered from some analyses and contrasts.
Plants feed on carbonic acid, animals give it ofil
Plants give off" oxygen, animals consume it.
Plants decompose carbonic acid, water, am-
monia, etc., animals produce them. Plants pro-
duce nitrogenized compounds — albumen gluten,
casine, etc., animals live upon them. Plants
also produce non-nitrogenized compounds —
starch, sugar, green oil and acids, animals con-
sume these. Plants endow mineral matter with
properties of life, animals deprive them of these
properties. Plants impart to chemical atoms
the power to nourish animals, these reduce or-
ganic matter to a condition suited for the support
of plants. Plants convert simple into complex
forms, animals convert complex into simple. The
plant is an apparatus for deoxidation ; the ani-
mal an instrument of oxidation. The plant is
a mechanism of construction, the animal a me-
chanism of reduction. The plant absorbs heat
and electricity, the animal produces them.

818

TEE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[October,

From these observations we infer that animal
excretions, especially urine, afford most valuable
and appropriate food for plants. And our
cities are impoverishing the country by empty-
ing their sewers into the rivers. The time will
come when this wanton waste will be stopped,
and the wasted matters will be utilized.

A convenient method of saving this liquid
manure is to collect it in a cask and deoderize
with dry earth or coal ashes.

A recent number of the Scientific 'American
states that two ounces of kerosene oil and six
gallons of water make an excellent fertilizer, as
also an antidote to the ravages of insects. It is
to be applied with a watering pot between the
rows of plants and round the trees.

EDITORIAL NOTES.

The Centennial Exposition. — It is but fitting
that with the maturity of the exhibition fruits
should pour in with great abundance. It has
indeed been the great feature of the month. No
such an exhibit of fruits was ever made on this
earth ; and Americans had reason to be more
than ever proud of their country, as the foreign
* visitors showered encomiums on the great exhib-
it. Among those who have especial reason to be
proud is chief Landreth. There is no department
of the exhibition that has had so difficult a road
to travel as the Agricultural. It is no secret that
the plan as originally drawn out and partially
acted on almost ignored Agriculture and Horti-
culture. At the eleventh, or, more properly,
near the twelfth hour, the subject was taken up.
Horticulture had an early recognition from
Philadelphians, and the great conservatory be-
came a part of the original plan ; but the com-
mission never seemed to know what to do with
it, and instead of its having any bearing on the
great central idea of the exposition — the giving
of the people an idea of how horticulture has
progressed in America during the last century —
it became a mere deposit for a few palms and
economic plants, chiefly from the United States
Botanic Garden and the Department of Agricul-
ture. Fortunately the Bureau fell into the
charge of an excellent practical landscape gar-
dener, who succeeded admirablj' in showing
what good summer bedding plants can be
brought to in our climate. That branch has not

shamed America ; but there was no place at all
for fruits in the Horticultural Department, where
all over the world it would naturally be placed, j
and so pomology was turned adrift to the cold
charity of the world till Agriculture ran against
the little child and took the foundling in. Thus
it has been with INIr. Landreth. He has had to
work without time for any well-digested and
uniform plan, and hence has had to make all
things work in together as thej- came up as best
he could. In spite of all this the Agricultural
Department has been one of the most successful
of the whole exhibits, and we are satisfied that
if the visitors could be polled by the Finance
Committee, to know where the dollars came
from, the vote would be that more came attracted
by the Agricultural Department than by any
other— the Government building, perhaps, ex-
cepted.

But just now we are dealing with the fruits.
We will pass over with a mere reference to
doubts, annoyances, and innumerable difficulties
which surrounded the agricultural chief— es-
pecially at the hands of those who would no
doubt have been assisjtants instead, if they could
have understood the exact situation of things.
The only honest critics of the department are
those who have had only a partial knowledge of
the surroundings. Yet, in spite of all these diffi-
culties, nothing could be finer than the show.

The fruit was arranged in long, narrow tables
of three shelves each. The real magnificence of
the whole, as seen at one glance, would have
been better appreciated by flat tables, but this
would have seriously interfered with the exami-
nation of the fruit by the judges, and the facility
for reading the names and studying the fruit by
the Visitors. One or the other idea had to be
sacrificed, and we think the management acted
wisely in preferring instruction to mere general
effect. The chief exhibitors were the Massachu-
setts Horticultural Society ; "Worcester County So-
ciety, of Mass.; Benj. G. Smith, of Cambridge,
Mass. ; John Cummings, of Massachusetts ; J.
W. Manning, of Reading, Massachusetts ; A. S.
Sheller, of Lewisburg, Pa.; Berks County Agri-
cultural Society, of Pa.; J. A.' Nelson, of In-
dian Run, Pa. ; H. M. Engle &, Son, of Marietta,
Pa. ; EUwanger & Barry, Rochester, N. Y. ; Mr.
Ricketts, Newburg, New York; Minnesota Hor-
ticultural Society. The State Society of Iowa,
James Smith, Des Moines, Iowa, and the individ-
ual entries from Iowa, were quite numerous.
Of these we noted some fine fruit from E. H.

1876.]

AND EORTIGULTUBIST.

319

Calkins, R. S. Willett, W. W. Carhart, G. Hol-
lingsworth, David Leonard. Michigan had ex-
cellent representatives in J. "\V. Humphrey, of
Plymouth, H. Dale Adams, and the Michigan
State Pomological Society. Canada received
great praise. She has made continuous e;chibits
from the opening, through the Fruit Growers'
Society of Ontario, and on this occasion excelled
even herself. The plums especially attracted
universal praise. Mr. Dougall, of Windsor, and
Arnold, of Paris, were conspicuously prominent
by instructive items in the exhibit. Indiana did
very well through her secretary, W. H. Ragan,
as did Connecticut through Mr. Augur. Among
those from the State whose contributions at-
tracted observation, we noted General Noble,
B. H. Atwater, C. P. Augur, David Williams,
T. C. Austin, P. M. Augur, P. H. Ash ton, S. D.
Bradford, W. B. Gear, S. Hoyt & Son, Nathan
Hart, T. S. Gold, S. S. West. Ohio had a very
fine collection of fruit, but we understood that
the State would pay no one to properly exhibit
them, and so no one knew names of fruit, or of
parties who sent them, which was unfortunate.
In like manner unfortunate was California. The
fruit appeared to be fine, but the chance of turn-
ing an honest penny by selling to a centennial
visitor for a dollar the same article he could buy
on Philadelphia streets for a quarter was too
strong on those who had charge. The very
plate under the Judges' noses would be sold off
before they could make an entry in their note-
books, and after many attempts to do justice as
between the growers and the centennial visitors.
the judges gave up California in disgust. Wis-
conbin did very w^ell, as did Kansas and Ne-
braska, as indeed these States alwaj's do. Vir-
ginia, through the Potomac Fruit Growers'
Society, did remarkably well in peaches; and
among the individual exhibits of Ohio, J. C.
Anderson, of Dayton, had some good peaches,
and Mrs. McGregor, of Wilmington, Ohio, some
fine peaches also. Delaware was represented by
Wilson Green with a few very fine peaches ; and
Mrs. G. W. Carpenter, Daniel Smeych, A. S.
Felten, E. A. Davis, and Frederick Seitz, repre-
sented the peach interests of Pennsylvania.
Minnesota sent her plums and crabs, in both
of which she is justly famous.

Among other exhibitors of very superior arti-
cles we may note Geo. Hussman, of Sedalia, Mo.,
grapes; W. N. Barnett, West Haven, Conn.,
grapes; Gibson & Bennett, Woodbury, N. J.,
various fruits; O. J. Tillson, Ulster County, N. Y.,

grapes ; Chas. B. Horner, Mt. Holly, N. J.,
grapes ; Geo. W. Campbell, Delaware, 0., grapes ;
Egg Harbor City Agricultural Society, N. J.,
grapes ; W. Dunn Rogers, Moorestown. N. J. ;
Merrick & Coleman, Geneva, N. Y., grapes;
M. J. Mitcheson, Cambridge, N. J. ; Jacob
Steigleder, Shelburne Falls, Mass. ; Marshall P.
Wilder, Dorchester, Mass. ; Hovey & Co., Bos-
ton, INIassachusetts ; E. G. B. Hatch, Corn-
well Bridge, Conn. ; W. R. Johnson, Water-
bury, Conn. ; F. Trowbridge, Milford, Conn. ;
Jones & Palmer, Rochester, N. Y. ; H. E.
Hooker, Rochester, N. Y. ; Theo. J. Beaur,
Moorestown, N. J. ; J. S. Linderman, South
Haven, Mich.; A. H. Richards, Hammonton,
N. J.; W. F. Bassett, Hammonton, N. J.; B.
Smith, Meriden, N. Y. ; J. B. Seelye, Vine Valley,
N. Y.

There were of course many other Exhibitors,
making up in all over fifteen thousand plates of
fruit. We can only give the names of those
whose collections we pei'sonally examined. It
was impossible for one man to do all in the
time Only the full report of the Commission
will do justice to all. The acting judges were
Mr. Yellowley, of Miss. ; Mr. Lyon, of Michigan ;
Mr. P. Earle, of Illinois ; Messrs. Harrison,
SchafFer, Satterthwaite, Hoopes, and Meehan, of
Pa.; Parry, of New Jersey ; Foster, of Iowa. Three
from other States did not appear.

The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society.
— The annual meeting took place Sep. 12th to
14th, according to announcement. It is the 48th
annual meeting. These are always looked for-
ward to with great interest all over the land.
The interests of the Centennial were of course
overshadowing, and many friends of the Society
thought it had better be deferred altogether.
But other friends had faith, and the result
proved a much greater success than could have
been anticipated; and the result shows how
very strong is the Institution in the popular
affection. The plants exhibited were even better
grown than usual, and the variety of many of
the species in many cases, shows that the taste
for beautiful novelties is strong. Fruits were
particularly beautiful • and abundant. The de-
signs and ornaments of cut flowers were tasteful
and fully up to the standard. A ship made of
cut flowers took well with the people. Usually,
these " harps," " crowns," and other articles of
floral work, seem like playthings, yet are tol-
erated from their associations even by person*

320

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[October,

of highly cultivated taste, but it is seldom safe
to go beyond these. Mostly, " designs " at floral
exhibitions are horrible things. On this occasion,
the sails being made of the white flowers of the
Pampas grass saved it from condemnation by
even the most fastidious, while to the vast ma-
jority it was " beautiful," as we had abundant
evidence all round.

The reception given by the Horticultural So-
ciety to their pomological brethren in their hall,
was a remarkably pleasant afiair. President
Schaffer received the guests, and all were made
to feel perfectly at home. It was a great occa-
sion for those in kindred pursuits to become ac-
quainted with one another ; and while the Horti-
cultural Society evidently felt gratified that so
many had responded to the invitation, we know
that none of the guests but felt it was an occa-
sion to be remembered. The Philadelphia
fashion of " no speeches " we believe was partic-
ularly appreciated.

KooTS, Bulbs, and Tubers at the Centennial.
— An exhibition of roots grown for cattle feed-
ing, onions, potatoes, &c., will be held in the
Pomological Annex to the Agricultural Building,
October 2d to 7th, inclusive.

Tables and dishes will be furnished by the
Centennial Commission free of charge, exhibit-
ors being only required to pay the cost of trans-
portation.

Products, as soon as received, will be classified
and arranged for exhibition.

Roots, bulbs, and tubers may be exhibited in
lots of nine specimens of each variety. Larger
quantities, may, however, be shown upon special
application.

The judges will report upon exhibits according
to their merits, having regard both to the per-
fection of the individual specimens and to the
variety of the display in each class, and in com-
bination under each division. The awards will
consist of a special report by the judges, and a
diploma and bronze medal from the United
States Centennial Commission.

Tubers and roots will be arranged for examin-
ation by the judges, as follows.

Division 1. a White Skinned, Round Potatoes.
6 Colored Skinned, Round Potatoes, c Colored
Skinned, Kidney Potatoes, d White Skinned,
Kidney Potatoes, e Yellow Sweet Potatoes. /
White Sweet Potatoes.

Division 2. a Sweeds or Ruta Bagas. h Globe
Turnips, c Flat Turnips, d Long Beets, e

Round Beets. / Mangolds, Globe, g Mangolds,
Long, h Kohl Rabbi.

Division 3. a Carrots, h Parsnips.

Division 4. a "Wliite Globe Onions. 6 Yellow
Globe Onions, c Red Globe Onions, d White
Flat Onions, e Yellow Flat Onions. / Red Flat
Onions.

The right to alter or amend this circular is
reserved.

A, T. GOSHORN,

Director- General.
Burnet Landreth,

Chief of Bureau of Agriculture.
Philadelphia, August loth, 1876.

Philadelphia, September 7th, 1876.

Hon. a. T. Goshorn, Director General U. S. Cen-
tennial Commission.

Sir : — During the week ending with this date,
we have received the additional exhibits. Miss
Anna Gillingham, 15] 0 Poplar street, Philadel-
phia, 12 early " Newington " Nectarines. Nec-
tarines are now so rarely seen from open air
trees, and these were of such excellent size and
flavor, that we especially commend them.
A. B. Colgrove, Middletown, Connecticut, a
large quantity of seedling pears, five kinds,
but mixed together so that the kinds could not
be separated. They were good fruit, but not
equal to other named and well-known kinds of
the season.

H. S. Cochran, Cecilton, Md., " Reeve Favor-
ite" peach — five specimens of this popular Dela-
ware variety, 9 inches in circumference.

W. F. Bassett, Hammonton, N. J., Bassett's
American Plum. The improved native plums
have been recently derived from the native plum
of the North-Eastern States, but whether from
the beach plum or the common red plum is not
quite clear. The fruit is of medium size, good
flavor for an American plum, and, as exhibited
by a branch with fruit on, apparently abundant.
In addition to these the Fruit Growers' Associa-
tion of Ontario, the State of Connecticut, and
the Potomac Fruit Growers' Association, have
placed on the tables a large portion of a very
large exhibit, but as they are intended for the
special exhibit to be in order next week, we
refer to them here only for the purpose of fixing
the week of their appearance here.

f W. L. Schaffer,
Signed, A. W. Harrison,

International Jury on -| Josiah Hoopes,
Pomology. Thos. Meehan,

1 Wm. Parry.

THE

GARDENER'S MONTHLY

AND

HORTICULTURIST.

DEVOTED TO HORTICULTURE. ARBORICULTURE AND RURAL AFFAIRS.

Edited by THOMAS MEEHAN.

Volume XVIII.

NOVEMBER, 1876.

Number 215.

Jlower Jarden and Pleasure &ound.

SEASONABLE HINTS.

With the appearance of winter there will be
anxiety about the protection of tender trees;
and when we speak of tender trees we may as*
well understand that the list of those things that
will stand exposui'e to keen winds is very small,
indeed. There are very few things that will
stand a severe winter when both roots and
branches are encased in frost, and the winds dry
out all the moisture. After the trees get large
and the roots push below the general frost line,
the list of " hardy " things is increased ; but even
this list may be doubled by protecting the tree
from severe wind. A large number of trees and
shrubs, thought rather tender, want nothing more
than shelter from wind. Even grass is better for
protection.

Leaves are the natural protectors of grass ;
clearing them from lawns has a tendency to
impoverish the vegetation. Mowing of course
also weakens a lawn. This makes an occasional
top dressing advisable, — any decaying matter
will do. This is the season to apply it. We
would not, however, use stable manure when
other can be had.- It is so disagreeable in color
all winter, — and there are other objections be-
sides. Sometimes lawns, after frequent mowings,
become so weak, that not even manurings will
bring them up again ; for, as we have often
taught our readers, cutting off green herbage
weakens vitality. When this is the case, small
Veronicas and other minute weeds, which the

scythe does not cut, grow strong enough to
crowd out the enfeebled grass. We have seen re-
sort made to weeding in such cases with little
beneficial results. The best plan is to break up the
lawn at this season, let it lie all winter, and seed
it again anew in spring. The Blue Grass of Ken-
tucky or Green Grass of Pennsylvania — botani-
cally Poa pratensis— is better than any "mixture "
for making a first-class American lawn. For
reasons we have given, lawns run out faster when
a mowing machine is used, than when scythe cut,
but the advantages of a machine are so great,
that we wonder that they are not in more gen-
eral use. There are many good ones now, all
excellent for the purjDose.

As soon as the ground gets caked with the first
real frost, herbaceous plants should be protected.
Though hardy, they will repay this extra care. —
mostly natives of woods or grassy places in their
native state, they expect a covering of leaves or
dry grass. We find dry leaves the best material
for the purpose, a few inches is a sufficient
depth, — a little soil being thrown on to prevent
the leaves blowing away. Where such material
is not at hand, the common garden soil may be
drawn over them, as before recommended in these
pages.

There is some danger of Pampas Grass rotting
by moisture getting down in the hollow of the
leaves into the heart of the stem. A friend tells
us he guards against this by burning off the old
leaves of the Pampas before putting the dry leaf
covering on. Last year we kept them remarka-
bly well by turning the whole plant over on ita

322

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[XOVEMBER,

side, and then covering leaves and roots with a
foot of earth. It was a severe winter, but the
plants were in good condition in spring.

As soon as the first white frost has awakened
Dahlia leaves, the stems should be cut back to a few
inches of the ground, the label securely fastoned,
and the root placed away in a cool place secure
from frost till next March, when it should be
"sprouted," divided and again set out. Most
of the tender plants that we desire to pre-
serve over the season, have now been lifted from
the borders, and removed to winter quarters, —
and in a few weeks the beds will present a rough
and forsaken appearance. It is too often the
practice to leave the borders Justin this neglected
condition till spring time returns.

COMMUNICA TIONS.

THE CULTURE OF PITCHER PLANTS.

BY S. B., NEW^BERN, N. C.

While reading the English catalogue of Mr.
Wm. Bull, which an English friend has sent to
me, I was interested in noting that our common
pitcher plants were not only cultivated there,
but seem to be generally appreciated. Of the
kind common all over the country, S. purpurea,
he says :

" This remarkable plant, a native of peat bogs
in North America, bears the popular names of
Side-saddle flower and Huntsman's Cup. It is a
most remarkable evergreen perennial plant, and
is so nearly hardy that it is sometimes cultivated
in the open air. The plant is stemless, while
the leaves which spread around the crown are
pitcher shaped, and furnished at the end with a
roundish heart-shaped hood, Avhich stands erect,
like the open lid of a pitcher. These curious
leaves are of a deep green, veined with purplish-
red. The flowers grow on scapes about a foot
high, the dark purple petals arching over the
greenish-yellow styles."

The Southern kinds are more beautiful than
this, and I think that if it were generally known
how easy it is to cultivate them, there would for
them be a great demand.

I have had the S. Drummondii growing very
well by the following plan : — I put it in a mix-
ture of about one-half sand and bog moss, pressed
in as tight as possible about the roots. Then I
get a vessel that will hold water, and put a stone,
or piece of brick in, and stand the pot with the

plant on it, so that about a quarter or even half
the pot is under the water. So you see, all the
water the plant gets is what comes up through
the hole at the bottom of the pot. The plant
itself is never watered, but I And it is always
damp. The moss draws up moisture enough.
When the water in the outside pan evaporates
so as to be below the pot, of course more is added.
I know of nothing that grows so easily, or gives
more pleasure. I enclose an illustration of this
pretty species.

GRAFTED ROSE ACACIA.

BY GEN. W. H. NOBLE, BRIDGEPORT, CONN.

I wonder why nurserymen do not send out
small trees of this plant grafted on the varieties
of the locust. It takes and grows thereon as vig-
orously as does the apple on its kind. On a
stock, anywhere from one to six feet high, it
forms a graceful head of lovely bloom and foli-
age. There are two, perhaps more, varieties.
Tlie old, with flowers of a dull purplish pink, and
the major, much the finer in flower and foliage,
blooming in long racemes of bright, clear and
most delicate pink, very pleasantly fragrant.

It blossoms at the same time with Laburnum
and Wistaria. A group thereof in grace, in tint, in
fragrance and entire loveliness, would have no
rival. For some reason the dwarf nature of the
Rose acacia seems to stay the rambling, sucker-
ing propensity of the locust roots. At any rate, I
have never been troubled by this habit under
Rose acacia grafts. To have a compact head
and fine blooms, cut in pretty boldly in the early
spring. It blossoms on the shoots of this year.
After the first flowering a like treatment will
give you a late bloom. If possible, give to this
plant, the Wistaria, and the Laburnum a plentiful
supply of water when in flower, thereby their
bloom is finer and holds longer.

OUR CENTENNIAL MAGNOLIA TREE.

BY M. B. BATEHAM, PAINESVILLE, O.

Near the boundary of my lawn, on a sandy
slope, is a native Magnolia acuminata, which is
remarkable for its size and productiveness, and
is, no doubt, at least a centennarian in age. At
four feet from the ground the trunk is I62 feet
in circumference, and as usual with the species,
is very round, with but little diminution of size

1876.]

AND HORTICULTURIST.

323

SARRACENIA DRU:MM0KDII.

324

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[November,

till the first branches are reached, which are
about 30 feet from the ground. The top is large
and spreading, and the entire height about 80
feet, A few of the branches show signs of de-
cay, but still it bids fair to live for at least another
quarter of :i century. It was originally suiTOunded
by forest, but has been standing nearly alone for
fifty years.

As stated above, this tree is remarkable for its
productiveness as well as size. In fact it is more
profitable than any two or three orchard trees
in the neighborhood. For the past ten years it
has failed but once of producing a crop of fruit,
yielding from twenty to eighty pounds of seed,
which has been sold to nurserymen for 75 cents to
$1 per pound. When ripe the seeds fall out of the
cones while on the tree, and are picked up by
our three youngest children, who are given the
proceeds annually as their Christmas money,
with which to buy presents for one another and
for cousins. So it may well be believed that our
Centennial Magnolia is an important feature of
the homestead, as well as a conspicuous one. Is
there a larger tree of the kind in the Union ?

LARGE LEJIONS.

At the nurseries of Storrs, Harrison & Co., of
this place, is a lemon tree which is quite remark-
able for the size of its fruit. It ripened over
twenty specimens the past year, and six of them
gathered the past week weighed just six
pounds, the largest weighing nineteen and a half
ounces. The tree was left in charge of S. H. &
Co. some years ago, by a family who moved away
and never called for it ; so that its origin is not
known, nor the name of the variety, if it has
any name. Can you, Mr. Editor, give us the
names and descriptions of the varieties of lem-
ons usually grown where this fruit is extensively
cultivated, or in the greenhouses in this country?

LIATRIS PYCNOSTACHYA.

BY C. E. B., AMES, IOWA.

Liatris pycnostachya, of which you speak on
page 263, grows abundantly here. It is truly a
magnificent plant, and when seen waving its
blazing head in the prairies, it never fails to
commend itself to the flower lover. As our
summer climate is hot and dry, it ought to en-
dure anything you ever have of dryness in the
East.

EDITORIAL NOTES.

Akebia quinata. — This has fruited for the first
time, as far as we know, on the grounds of Mr.
W. Canby, of Wilmington, Del. It is as large,
and very much resembles in external appear-
ance, a jjapaw. The seeds are in a juicy, slightly
sweet pulp. It is said to be eaten by the Japan-
ese, but unless something be added to it the
flavor has little character to make it sought after.
It might grow even "near a college where young
men are being educated for the ministry," as
Mark Twain would say, without many disap-
pearing.

Wier's Cut-leaved Silver Maple. — Few " cut-
leaved" plants please us, and we had not much of
an idea of this. But a specimen in the Centen-
nial collection of Messrs. Hance & Son, shows
that it is a very desirable tree.

EuoNYMUs Americanus. — An Ohio corres-
pondent calls our attention to the beauty of this
natif e shrub. It is more beautiful than Euony-
mus atropurpureus and E. Europaeus and va-
rieties, the two in cultivation, and should be
grown. It would probably graft on the other
strong kinds, and make pretty heads in this
way.

Weigela amabilis Looymansi aurea. — This
long name means a golden-leaved Weigela ama-
bilis. It is figured in L' Horticulture Beige, and
ought to be worth introducing here.

On Naming Flowers for Persons. — The Pall
Mall Gazette remarks : " The practice of naming
flowers after private friends or public characters
is very pretty ; but it may be suggested that a
little care in the selection of epithets bestowed
on such names would not be amiss. Otherwise
it is difficult to say whether poetical compliment
or covert satire of the sponsor is intended. What
shall we say, for instance, of the descriptions ap-
pended to the names given to three new roses,
just 'sent out' by a leading nurseryman, which
we find in the advertising pages of last week's
gardening papers? First shall come a lady, and,
if the language is rather glowing, we trust that it
is not on the whole displeasing to the fair proto-
type :—

" Miss Hassard : — Beautiful delicate pinkish
flesh color, large, full, and fine form, very sweetly
scented. First-class for either exhibition or gen-
eral purposes.

" But the next is so ludicrously inappropriate

1876.]

AND HORTIGULTURIST.

325

that we only reproduce it in the cassurance that
the original bearer of the name would have
smiled at the incongruity of the epithets : —

"John Stuart 3Iill:— Bright dear red, large, full
and beautiful form, of great substance; well
adapted for exhibition purposes, being also of
strong constitution and free habit. Quite dis-
tinct.

"Last comes a clergyman, himself a distin-
guished rosarian, and we hope his parishioners
recognize the portrait : —

"Rev. J. B. M. Ca;mm: — Very bright rosy pink,
most pleasing color, large, very full, and tine glo-
bular form ; very sweet, constant, and thoroughly
distinct; growth vigorous.

"The moral touch, 'very sweet and constant,'
is peculiarly api:»ropriate to a clergyman, and
will perhaps reconcile his admirers to the allu-
sion to what some might deem the physical de-
fects of a rosy pink complexion and a too globu-
lar form."

White Beddixg Pansies. — In my trial bed of
bedding pansies this year I find that Hooper's
Great Eastern and Dean's Snowflake carry off
the palm from all others, both in purity of color
and continuity of blooming. In the white sec-
tion a tendency to blue is very observable, espe-
cially amongst kinds that are qualified to rank
amongst show Pansies, and where this defect is
apparent the usefulness is greatly detracted from.
There is, too, a common notion prevalent that
any Pansy will do for a bedder if it be of the re-
quired color, but that is a greatly mistaken no-
tion. Bedding pansies are none the more useful
or effective for having large flowers. It is rather
the quantity that is desired, and plants that pro-
duce medium-sized blooms and maintain a con-
stant succession by continually throwing up
yoimg growth from the base are best suited for
bedding purposes. The purest white flowers are
got out of the German strains ; but they are
very thin and uneven, and the growth is long
and straggling. I am, however, this year using
blooms of some of the best of these to fertilize
Snowflake, in the hope of throwing even greater
purity into that variety, and should I succeed in
that respect, and still keep its excellent robust
habit, we shall then get a most valuable variety.
— D. B., in Gardener's Weekly.

NEW PLANTS.

DoUBLE-FLOWEilED LiLIUM AURATUM. — At a

meeting of the Central Horticultural Society of

France, held on the 11th of last September, M.
Duchartre read a letter from M. Boisgiraud, of
Tours, in which that gentleman stated that,
amongst the plants of Lilium auratuminhis gar-
den, one had produced double flowers. This
makes the fourth species of Lily which has pro-
duced a double-flowered variety, the others being
L tigrinum, L. candidum, and L. Thunber-
gianum.

EuoNYMUS FLAVESCENS. — Introduced by Veitch
from Japan ; the best yellow bedding plant, har-
dy for winter gardening.

Pell^a ormithopus. — An interesting and dis-
tinct Fern from California. Fronds glaucous-
green, rigid, erect, from 9 to 12 inches high,
bipinnate ; the secondary pinnte all trifoliate, ex-
cept the ultimate ones, which are simple and
solitary. The pinnules are so formed and ar-
ranged in the trifoliate pinnae as to resemble the
claws of the foot of a small bird, each terminated
with a distinct mucro. Stipes and rachis dark
purplish. Keceived direct from collector, and
exhibited by us under the name of P. mucronata
before the Royal Horticultural Society, when it
was much admired, and was awarded a first-
class certificate. — Veitch.

Mr. Lee's New Violet, Prince Consort, sur-
passes in size, depth of color, and fragrance, all
the varieties we are acquainted with in the valua-
ble section of violets it represents. A boxful of
the blooms were in our office a fortnight, and at
the end of the term were still recognizable as
noble violets, though time had robbed them of
their freshness. Their unusually large size and
great substance are strikingly characteristic, and
justify Mr. Lee's declaration that his Prince Con-
sort is " the finest violet out." — Gardener's Maga-
zine.

Bambijsa argentea striata. — This handsome
Japanese plant has been received from Dr. Kegel,
of St. Petersburgh, under the name above quoted.
Like all the Bamboos, it is of an extremely
graceful habit, and, in this instance, the ele-
gance of the plant is very much augmented by
the fine silvery glaucous hue of the under side
of the foliage. It is of a moderately vigorous
habit, and the leaves, which are three to four
inches long, and about three-quarters of an inch
broad, are of a full green on the upper surface,
glaucous beneath, and striped in a varying de-
gree, but usually freely with white, forming an
elegant variegation. It is a strikingly ornamen-
tal hardy decorative plant. — W. Bull.

326

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[NOVKMBER,

Stangeria schizodon. — Of this interesting Cy-
cacl, which has V)een imported from Natal, only
young plants are yet known in this country.
These have, as in the original Stangeria para-
doxa, a bluntly rounded or napiform stem, the
crown of which is slightly elevated above the
soil, and from which the pinnate leaves arise.
These leaves (in the plants before us, evidently
immature; consist of three pairs of pinnae or
leaflets, which are of an ovate-lanceolate form,
and irregularly inciso-serrate at the margin, the
larger teeth being irregularly cut down into a var-
iable number of smaller teeth, thus forming a
deeply but irregularly toothed margin, instead
of the single spinulose serrate margin of S. para-
doxa. — Wm. Bull.

Arnebia echioides. — Of the many beautiful
plants in flower on the Rockwork at Kew, Ar-
nebia echioides is by far the rarest. It is allied
to Lithospermum, of which it has much the
habit, and the bright \^ellow flowers are perhaps
the prettiest of the color in the order to which
it belongs. There are sometimes five purple
spots on the corolla, alternating with the lobes,
but these are absent in some flowers while pres-
ent in others on the same plant. It forms a neat
tuft, and the flower-stems grow to a height of
from six to eight inches.

Galactites tomentosa, Moench. — Among
plants remarkable for their ornamental foliage,
the Galactites tomentosa deserves honorable
mention. It is a Composite, indigenous to the
shores of the Meditei'anean, growing from two
to three feet high, of erect branching habit, with
spiny divided foliage, prettily blotched with
white, in the manner of Silyhum Marianum,
nearly smooth above, but very cottonv and

white on the under siu-face. The stems and
branches are terminated by solitary flower heads
of a lilac-purple color. If sown as early as Feb-
ruary, the plant blooms the first season, but
stronger specimens are obtained by sowing in
autumn. It succeeds best in good loamy soil. —
Garden.

New Golden Poplar. — We have received fi-om
IMr. Charles Van Geert, of Antwerp, a colored
plate representing a shoot and foliage of his new
Golden Populus canadensis. It is very beautiftil,
and those who know Mr. Van Geert are certain
that he would not circulate any representation
of it which was an exaggeration of the truth.
Our forest scenery is destitute of golden tints,
except in the autumn, and this new gain of Mr.
Van Geert's will add a beauty and variety to it
Avliich has hitherto been lacking. In his pros-
pectus Mr. Van Geert says —

" Its leaves are quite as large as those of the
conuuon Poplar, and the yellow hue, instead of
looking sicklj', has a warm and vigorous tint.
The better nourished the tree is, and the more it
is exposed to the sun, the more vivid is the gold-
en hue. The stalks and the bark of the shoots
become then dark red, ^xhich adds greatly to
the beauty of the coloring.

"This variety, or rather this freak of nature —
for it was spontaneously produced on a single
branch of a large tree — has been observed by
ourselves for more than five years, and during
all this time it has never shown any tendency to
alter its golden character.

"This novelty will be ready for sending out in
March, 1876, and the finest specimens will be
forwarded to the first subscribers." — Journal of
Horticulture.

fREEN tiiOUSE AND ?MOUSE GARDENING.

SEASONABLE HINTS. This plan will not please .skilled gardeners, nor

ought it to do so. They will get along better in

the old way. But an extended experience with

A year ago we called attention to the success window gardening teaches us that the pot plants

ofa lady who filled her flower-pots to the brim ^ almost always fail from too much rather than

and ev6n mounded the earth in the centre. ' too little water, and we feel, therefore, that there

1876.]

AND HORTICULTURIST.

32t

is virtue in the full pot plan. It is almost im-
possible to over-water a pot when it is packed
quite full of earth. Saucers must of course be
kept under window plants, in order to guard the
earpets from water. But the water must not be
allowed to stand in the saucers ; when it has all
jpassed through the pot, the saucers should be
emptied.

Hanging baskets, on the other hand, are gen-
erally too dry. Besides the daily waterings,
about once a week they should be immersed in
a bucket of water.

Window Plants should not be kept very warm
at this season. They should have all the sun
and air, and as little of the artificial heat of the
room as possible. These remarks apply espe-
cially to Mignonette, which is very impatient of
in-door confinement. Succulents, such a Cacti,
are excellent window plants in this respect, as
the dry air does not affect them. To keep
the air about the plants moist, is one of the se-
crets of window-culture. Some who have very
fine windows well stocked with fine plants, make
glazed cases with folding doors of them, by
which, when the room is highly heated and very
dry, tliey can be enclosed in an atmosphere of
their own. In such cases, ferns and mosses can
be grown to perfection, and pendant plants in
hanging vases give a Brazilian forest appearance
to our happy Christmas homes.

The greenhouse will now begin to look more
natural, after having had the stock housed last
month. With many plants having probably been
taken up out of the open ground, dead leaves
will daily appear, requiring frequent removal.
Neatness is one of the chief beauties of a green-
house. Acacias, and Australian plants generally
with hard wood and delicate roots, should be
placed at the coolest end of the house, where lit-
tle water will be required. These plants should
not be watered often ; but when they are, it
should be thorough. Frequent waterings soon
render the roots of these plants unhealthy, when
it is very difficult to restore them to vigor.
Whenever the foliage becomes of sickly yellow
hue, the best plan is to plunge the plant in a
larger pot, filling the space with moss, — and
when the plant requires water, give it only
through the moss, unless the plant seem to be-
come so dry as to suffer, when it should receive
one thorough watering. Very little fire should
be applied to a greenhouse, — just sufficient to
keep it at about 45°. Unless very far north, but
little fire-heat will be required this month.

COMMUNICA TIONS.

VERBENA RUST.

BY W. T. BELL, FRANKLIN, PENNA.

Kobert Palmer (in September number) calls
this Q. fungus, and may be correct, although some
i^ood authorities say it is occasioned by an insect.
In my opinion, it is of more importance to grow
verbenas well. There should never be any rust
to remedy. It is better to throw rusty plants
away, and, get others that are young, clean and
vigorous, and keep them so, and there will not
be need to doctor them for the rust.

[We should be glad to have an article from
our correspondent as to "growing Verbenas
well," for we must confess to seeing rust on
plants, that in old times we should have thought
were under the best treatment. — Ed. G. M.]

RHODODENDRONS UNDER GLASS.

BY MR. GEO. MOORE, WABAN CONSERVATORIES, MASS.

Noticing Mr. Parsons' article on Centennial
Rhododendrons, I observe that all which are not
hardy here he condemns as only adapted to
greenhouse culture, but why could not means be
adopted for their protection by housing them
in the winter in cold houses or cellars? As
another correspondent remarks, they can be
kept out of ground a long time with safety, and
all familiar with them know that from the na-
ture of their roots, removal is practicable and
easy at all times. If Gladioli, Dahlias, and the
like are worthy of the annual care they receive,
surely such superb shrubs as these under consid-
eration will as well repay the effort to thus pro-
tect them. While admitting that those who
plant Rhododendrons without regard to soil,
situation and subsequent care will be sure to
meet with disappointment ; I do not think that
it is fair to discourage lovers of them, by con-
demning them as " utterly worthless when
planted in the open ground," without stating that
many fine varieties besides the " four " alluded
to will flourish if proper attention is paid to the
locality in which they are planted, &c. Mr. Nel-
son took the right course by following nature, as
stated by him in his common sense article in
your Magazine, p. 259, and if your other corres-
pondents had given some directions as to the
best method of planting and protecting, instead
of consigning all, or nearly all of this beautiful

328

THE GARDENEB'8 MONTHLY

[November,

tribe to oblivion, I think the interests of horti-
culture would have been better served.

I have the good fortune to live in the neigh-
borhood of the superb collection of Mr. Hunne-
well, and I think that any one visiting that
gentleman's grounds in the Rhododendron bloom-
ing season, if they had tried to grow them and
failed, wovdd attribute their failure, not to the
want of hardiness in the plants, but to want of
skill or attention in their management.

Mr. Hovey who writes somewhat in the same
despairing style as your other correspondents,
seems to have got himself, or his words rather, a
little mixed, when he says : "The Indian blood
which carries color, also carries with it a perfect
bar to hardihood, of white, pink, rose, rosy lilac,
rosy purple, rosy crimson." Now where
did we get all these crimson tints if not from
Indian blood? And if it carries a ^'perfect
bar to hardihood," whal is the use of hy-
bridizers attempting an impossibility? How
was one of the very kinds recommended as
hardy by your other correspondent, X, (Roseum
grandiflorum) produced if not by a cross with
Arboreum and Catawbiense? We all know that the
latter is purplish lilac, and where could the rose
color have originated otherwise than by hybri-
dization or (more properly) impregnation with a
variety possessing the crimson color so much de-
sired. I am glad to find that you as Editor of
the Monthly take the same view of this subject
as I do, when you saj'^ that nothing is more de-
lightful than Rhododendron culture intelligently
pursued. I have been deeply interested in it for
the past 35 years, and if my practice and views
will be of service to your readers, I shall be glad
to give them at any time you may wish to open
your columns.

[Our readers will be glad to hear from Mr.
Moore at any time. — Ed. G. M.]

EDITORIAL NOTES.

Drying White Flowers. — Mr. Wermig's in-
structions, published in The Garden, from time
to time, in reference to drying flowers and
Grasses, have so much pleased me that I am
induced to ask a few questions respecting the
preservation of white flowers. In some cases I
have succeeded very well with these ; but, in
others, I have failed. The floral leaves, or rather
petals soon curl and turn yellow, especially those
of Roses, when dried in sand. Is there anv

chemical agent which could be used to bleach
them after being dried ? By what process can I
preserve white Camellias, Tuberoses, Pinks,
Roses, &c., so that they will retain their original
whiteness and form ? I have failed to dry white
Camellias without being spotted. In drying the
Immortelle with borax ought the flowers to be
bleached first, or remain in their natural yellow
color? — L. F. Sanderson, River Bank Nursery, San
Jose, California.

[To the foregoing Mr. Gustave Wermig, to
whom this letter has been sent, furnishes the
following reply : — If Mrs. Sanderson did not suc-
ceed in preserving white Camellias, white Roses,
Tuberoses, and similar flowers, she has not had
a worse result than the most experienced pre-
servers of flowers have. Up to this time I do
not know a single instance in which I have seen
a dried specimen of the above-mentioned flow-
ers, and of many others — as. for instance, all the
Orchids, and most flowers of Monocotyledonous
plants. White flowei'S, especially, are very diffi-
cult to manage, as they nearly always become
spotted with a shade of yellow, which gives them
a rather dirty appearance. The only flowers
which are pure white in bouquets of Everlastings
are to be found among the true Everlastings, viz.,
the pretty little Ammobium alatum, white Im-
mortelles, Xeranthemum annuum album, &c.
How to preserve these well, I described in my
former articles. Even among dried white Asters,
although much used and, if well done, pretty
looking, I never could find one which was pure
white; every one had, more or less, a shade of
yellow. It may be that, with the aid of chem-
istry by-and-by. we may succeed in preserving
a greater number of. flowers in their natural
colors; but, up till now, we must be contented
with a limited number. Referring to the other
question in the above letter about the coloring
with borax, Mrs. Sanderson may, without hesita-
tion, take the Immortelles in their natural state;
yellow as they are, they turn to a beautiful scar-
let if managed in accordance with the directions
which I gave in a former number of The Garden.
1 T>iust add, however, that flowers colored with
borax become paler in the course of time, espe-
cially if exposed to the sun ; while those colored
by aniline keep their color much longer. Borax,
however, is cheaper, and gives the finest scarlet.
— IVie Garden.]

Standard Cupheas. — Admirers of the old-
fashioned but extremely pretty Cuphea platycen-

1876."'

AND HORTICULTURIST.

329

tra, so popular about a quarter of a century ago,
will be much pleased with C. Hill tieldiana; for
whilst possessing the neat habit of the older
form, it is of more vigorous growth and has
larger and more richly-colored flowers. It has
a branching habit and usually attains a height
of ten or twelve inches, and is densely furnished
with rich glossy green leaves. The flowers are
trumpet-shaped, about an inch in length, and of
a rich crimson color. It may be had in bloom
during the greater part of the year, and although
its usual period of flowering is from spring to
autumn, it may, by a proper course of culture
and genial temperature, be had in bloom during
the winter months. Small bushes are remark-
ably attractive, but, like C. platycentra, it will
probably appear to the best advantage in the
form of standards upon stems from fifteen to
eighteen inches in height.

I have for many years grown standard speci-
mens of the species last mentioned, and as they
are usually much admired during the time they
are in the conservatory, it is not unreasonable
to siippose that a few particulars of the course
of culture by which examples with well-furnished
heads are obtained will prove useful to some of
the numerous readers of the magazine. A batch
of cuttings are struck in the usual way in the
spring, and after they have been potted off" and
made sufficient progress to show which are likely
to grow with the greatest vigor, the strongest
plants are put on one side to receive the special
training necessary in the production of standards.
The others are sirni^ly stopped, and in due
course planted in the borders or shifted on to
form neat bushes for the conservatory. The
first matter to be considered is .the formation of
a stout stem, and, as in the case of fuchsias and
other plants required for standards, the shoot of
which the plant consists must be trained to a
neat stake fixed in the pot, and the side-shoots
be nipped off as fast as they make their appear-
ance. When the desired height is attained the
top must be nipped off" and all the side-shoots
that push from four to five inches below be al-
lowed to remain. These in their turn will want
stopping at the fourth or fifth joint, and unless
extra large heads are in request there should be
no further stopping.

. A vigorous growth must be maintained by
shifting the plants on as becomes necessary until
they reach pots eight inches in diameter. Very
neat standards may be had in six-inch pots. A
rich and rather light compost is necessary, and

this can be prepared by Avell mixing together
three parts mellow turfy loam, one part each of
powdery manure and leaf-mould, and half a part
of sand. The ])lants may be kept in excellent
condition for several years by simply i-epotting
them annually, and reducing the ball of soil at
each shift, sufficiently to allow of their being re-
turned to pots of the same size.

Cuphea Hillfieldiana, it remains to be said,
was introduced by Mr. Wilson Saunders, and
grown for some years in his gardens at Hillfield,
before it found its way to trade collections. —
Floxoer Gardener, in Gardener's Magazine.

A Geranium Pyramid. — Different people have
different ways, but I shall suppo'ie my waj' to be
the best, and I am quite sure it cannot be the
worst, because we have perfect pyramids solid
throughout with leaf and flower. I first of all
make a mound of good loam, not over steep, but
rising in nicely rounded form. Mine are ten
feet in width, with another border, slightly slop-
ing off towards the w^alk, of three feet Avide,
making the width of the whole affair sixteen
feet.

The plants are of course sorted in lengths, and
there are of course plenty of poles and sticks
and good bast at hand. Now, I must say, first
of all, that to do the pyramid well, you ought to
plant early. I generally get mine made up by
the end of April, and build up a wattled fence ta
protect the plants until the middle of May. If
they got a little punished by frost, I do not much
mind, for they soon come right, and it is a grand
thing to get them well-rooted before hot weather
sets in, for, as a matter of fact, the plants have a
lot of work to do. However, seasons diff"er, so
do climates, and mine happens to be a particu-
larly good climate, which is a nvatter of some
importance.

It is necessary to bear in mind that wlien
your pyramid is in perfection in the month of
July, it may be blown to pieces and scattered
all over the parish by a thunder-storm, for
the gales that occur in the thunder season are to
be thought of in time by the prudent gardener.
For this reason, then, we make our work secure
in the first instance, and the first step is a stout
ash pole well driven into the centre of the mound ,
to serve as the centre-piece of the scheme.
The length of this pole must of course be pro-
portionate to the height of your tallest j^lants,
but it may be a foot taller out of the ground
than your tallest plants, because they will soon

330

THE GARDENERS MONTHLY

[November,

make a growth to cover that much. My ten-feet
pyramids require centre poles twelve feet long;
which, when planted, are nine feet out of the
ground, and my plants are so large that I could
take them considerably higher. Wlien the cen-
tre i^ole is fixed, drive in half a dozen more in
a planting direction and tie them at the top
firmly to the centre. These should not be more
than two feet and a half from the centre at the
base. Now, make up a tent-like frame with
slighter poles between, and plant your tallest
geraniums and train them in carefully, having in
view to furnish the upper part of the pyramid
oiily. It matters not how leggy they are, so long
as they are inclined to grow at top, and have
good roots to begin the season with.

The next work is to build again with shorter
and slighter poles two feet and a half from the
last. They must be driven in only slightly aslope,
and be bent to bring their tops to the inner frame-
work, and of course they must be notched to
prevent the ties slipping, and must be well tied
like the last with tarred rope. Now plant again
with shorter plants and tie as before. As re-
gards the tying of the plants, you cannot be too
severe. Train your pyramid to the stiflest out-
line possible, but take care that every tie is loose
enough to allow for the swelling of the wood.
In my first attempts I trained my plants so as
to ensure— as I thought— a rather soft outline,
but this was a mistake. I found that the tying
in should be in the style of those gigantic pyra-
mid azaleas that startle us at the great London
exhibitions. If you do not make a sharp, hard,
precise pyramid in the first instance, you will be
in a precious muddle before the season is out,
for the growth will floor you thoroughly. But
make your outline severely correct, and you will
scarcely have to touch the thing all the season
through ; the natural growth will soften the out-
line beautifully, and by the time the flowers are
showing freely all the hardness of the outline
will be gone, and your pyramid will satisfy the
eye of taste.

I had almost forgotten to say that before I
plant I nip out all the flower trusses that are
visible, and shorten back any shoot? that appear
to be superfluous or misplaced.

The finishing of the scheme is of course ac-
complished by planting circles of proper bedding
geraniums, &c. I find a good circle of old
bushy plants of Flower of the Day, and a broad
margin of blue lobelia next the gravel, a capital
finishing to a scarlet pyramid ; but tastes differ,

and I shall say no more about the finishing
touches.

^Viien the drizzle of October l>egins, we lift our
l)lants carefully, slightly disroot them, and pot
them in as small pots as possible without dis-
tressing them, and house them in a cool vinery
where they cover the back wall, and being too
tall for the house are tilted all aslant like a lot
of drunkards ; only, perhaps as they all lean one
way, and give no trouble, the comparison is un-
fair. As a matter of course, they get very little
water all winter, and are kept as cool and airy
as possible to be safe. — W. Kemp, in Gardener's
Magazine.

QUERIES.

Rose, Tea Duchess of Edinburg. — ^^Mr. J. S.
Lovett, Red Bank, N. J., writes: — "By this mail
I send you a leaf and flower of ' Duchess of Ed-
inburg Tea (?) Rose,' figured in the Gardener's
Monthbj of August. If it is not too for gone
when it reaches you — particularly^ the leaf — I
think you will agree with me in calling it a Bour-
bon. When I first saw this new rose in bloom
at the Kissena Nurseries, nearly a year ago, it
struck me as strongly resembling the Bourbon
class, which I remarked to Mr. Trumpy. His
reph' was, that he had noticed the same, and
was of the opinion that it would turn out to be
a Bourbon. Having since watched it closely, I
am now satisfied from its habit, appearance of
leaf and flower, that it is a true Bourbon, though
the handsomest one I have yet seen. It pos-
sesses much merit, and is worthy a place in all
collections, yet those who buy it for a crimson
Tea Rose, will, I am satisfied, be disappointed."

[The habit is much of the Bourbon, but how
about the fragrance ? Bourbons are only beau-
tiful; Teas are sweet.— Ed. G. M.]

Gladiolus Brenchleyensis, — B., S. E. Central
O., says : — " Some bulbs of this fine old variety,
planted deeper than usual (four or five inches),
were overlooked in taking the others up last fall.
The past winter was mild, and they seemed to suf-
fer no inj ury, as they started early and have grown
well. They have been in bloom for a week or
more, and are finer than ever before, rivaling
even Meyerbeer in splendor of coloring."

Comparative value of Bronze Bedding Ger-
aniums.— Mr. Geo. Moore, Waban Conservatories,
writes : — " I enclose herewith leaves of what are
considered the three best Bronze Geraniums —

1876.]

AND HORTICULTURIST.

331

Black Douglass, McMahou and Earl Roslyn, all [ posure to the hottest sun, Earl Roslyn bears the
grown together and under the same circumstance?, ' palm. Will you please add your opinion of the

and find that for brilliancy of color, dwarf but vig
orous habit of growth, and ability to bear ex-

leaves enclosed."

[They were very superior kinds.

-Ed. G. M.]

Jruit and Hegetable Gardening.

COMMUNIGA TIONS.

NOTES ON NEW FRUITS.

BY W.M. F. BASSETT, HAMMONTON, N. J.

Southern Thornless Red Raspberry has more
than sustained the promise of last season. Con-
siderably resembling the Brandywine in appear-
ance, it is decidedly better in quality, and cus-
tomers who would not have the Brandywine,
were satisfied with the Southern Thornless Red.

Norwood Prolific does not appear to be adapted
to this section.

Prouty's Seedling Strawberry I consider worth
all the new varieties of the last ten years, for
this section. The foliage is healthy, growth
strong, it bears abundantly, and the fruit is very
firm and the best in quality of some dozen varie-
ties I fruited.

Snyder Blackberry is a very vigorous grower,
and from reports of it from other sections I
hoped to find it a good thing for home use at
least, but the quality of the fruit was not satis-
factory. Probably it requires a heavier soil.

Hoosac Thornless does not succeed on our
sandy soil — growth rather light and fruit small.

BLODGETT'S SEEDLING PEACHES.

BY MR. LORIX BLODGETl', PHILA.

I decided to-day to put some of my seedling
peaches on exhibition, and took nine varieties
out, placing them in Division J., No. 6, of the
Pomological Annex to Agricultural Hall, making
eighteen plates. 1 hope you will see them on
Saturday and find them worthy of notice.

My seedling peaches have now borne six suc-
cessive full crops, the yard 25x150 feet, yielding
on twenty-five trees from thirty to one hundred
bushels each year, last year being the great crop.
They give us a full and continuous supply from
August 15th to October 20th, the latest being the
best and most valuable to propagate; but this

year the continued cold weather leaves them
less bright in color, and less perfectly sweet than
in all previous years.

I have very reluctantly concluded to give
some of them to the public, at least so far as to
name them, and announce that they can be got
of me in the form of cuttings, unless some one
chooses to propagate them.

I hope you will allow me to name the large
October freestone No. 3, (yellow) the "Meehan."
It is the finest peach when perfect that 1 have
ever seen. On at least three occasions some of
them have weighed half a pound each ; the best
were in 1872 and 1874. In 1872 they were sold
on Chestnut street by Bilyeu at $12 a crate
(basket and a half) and retailed at 15 cts. to 25
cts. each. Last year the tree bore nearly fifteen
bushels, and was "much broken then and still
more by the storms of July 10 and September 16,
this year. There are four plates of these on the
exhibition tables. No. 12 is a magnificent gold-
en yellow clingstone ; No. 13 is almost identical
with No. 12 — both perfectly sugary and rich ; Nos.
14 and 15 are very fine yellow freestones, differ-
ing very little, but 14 the most prolific; in most
years it is scarcelj'' distinguishable from No. 3.
No. 11 (exhibited) is the latest, and not yet ripe ;
it is a very rich yellow cling, but not equal in
quality to Nos. 12 and 13.

It is too late for the white melting peaches, of
which I have some very valuable. No. 1 is the
best (poor specimens are on the plate). It is
very large, a freestone, perfectly white, and per-
fect as a melting peach. I have put two other
whole freestones on the stand — Nos. 22 and 24 —
but they are not worth propagating.

In September two very fine white clingstones
ripened which I have never shown. Both are
very large, heavy, rich and melting; but still,
being clingstones, are not so much in favor.

Of the small white melting freestones — most
delicious peaches — coming from September 1st to
20th, I have five different seedlings closely re-
sembling each other. These are the Willow

332

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[November,

Class, and breed true from seed, at least have
almost always done so with me.

I have been engaged in raising seedling peaches
now for more than thirty years, and although al-
ways producing good and even excellent peaches
in reasonable frequency, have never until now^
got peaches of permanent value. These are of
four or perhaps five classes; first, the August
red peaches, similar to the Xew York "Eareripes;"
second. Early September blush and white ; third,
the white melting "Willow," all freestones;
fourth, the blush and white free and cling, late
September, and fifth, the yellow October peaches,
free and cling. Of each of these I have four to
six trees, distinct seedlings, yet perfectly identi-
fiable as a class. Of the fifth class there are
eight trees, four cling and four of freestones, all
worth proj^agating, and without exception very
large in size, rich in quality and the most pro-
lific in bearing.
I have so often sent you specimens of these since
1870, that both last year and this I refrained.
though the crop was conspicuously fine.

NOTES FROM TENNESSEE.

BY B. F. TRANSOU, HUMBOLDT, TEXK.

With your permission I would like to re-
ply to Mr. E. S. N., of Chattanooga, in Au-
gust number. He objects to our round shape of
the genuhie Wild Goose Plum. We consider
Chas. Downing good authority as a poniologist.
In his forms or shapes of pears, says globular or
ovate, both of which will apply to the true Wild
Goose Plum, as you will find both those forms
on the same tree, perhaps a majority ovate.
Mr. E. S. N. says oval. If we take Webster's
definition — oval, egg shape, we protest, as the
true Wild Goose Plum is not egg shape. I am
at a loss to know how the above gentleman can
infer from my article I claimed or said, "our com-
mon old field phim was the \Yild Goose," or that
"we did not graft or bud." No respectable mu--
sery man would send out a seedling as genuine.
He also objects to our statement — "thick as
blackberries." So they are in West Tennessee at
least; may not be, however, in his section.

In speaking of peach pits you inquire, if of
different size. Mr. E. S. N. replies : " Some of
the fruit is large and some small, so also the
seeds are in like proportion, large and small."
We would also call your attention to the fact,
that it is not always the case that the largest

peaches have the largest seed ; for instance, the
Heath Cling is a very large peach, and has a
very small seed, less than many peaches, not of
half the size.

FRUIT IN MICHIGAN.

BY E. D. MASOX, DETROIT, MICH.

The fruit crop of IMichigan for 1876 is fair.
Small fruits, which are now nearly out of season,
have done well, but there is not enough raised
in the State to supply the local demand, and
large quantities are annually imported from
Ohio, Illinois and other States. Straw'berries
were abundant this season on account of the
frequent showers, and raspberries produced well
and were much cheaper than usual. The cur-
rant and gooseberry caterpillars have been very
destructive this year, destroying the foliage and
damaging the fruit. The apple crop is fair, but
will not be heavy, as the fruit did not set very well,
and a considerable part of the crop is already
damaged by the apple-worm, the larva of the
codling-moth. Early in the season there was a
prospect of a fine crop of pears, as the trees
blossomed profusely and set well, but blight has
set in and is unusually destructive. The peach
crop will he fiiir throughout the State.

NEW GRAPES.

BY MR. GKO. HASKELL, IPSAVICH, MASS.

It will be recollected that a few years ago I •
expressed in the Monthly a desire to have my
I seedling grapes tried farther south, in a climate
where they would attain perfect maturity. Noth-
ing, however, was done to secure such a trial,
and I am, therefore, unable to send to the Exhi-
bition, in Horticultural week, ripe specimens of
these fruits. I regret this exceedingly, for I
think the varieties I have raised ought to be
known — to be seen and tasted— especially so, as
I see the Pomological Society's Eeport states
that only the Clinton and Concord succeed, gen-
erally, and they are only tolerable in quality;
certainly they are not hardier nor so good or
earlj' as many of my seedlings.

I am on the sea coast, about midway between
those cool summer resorts; Cape Ann and Hamp-
ton Beaches, and the fruit will not generally
ripen here before the last week in September,
and many varieties still later.

I have put sashes over some varieties, and

1876.]

AND HORTICULTURIST.

333

they may be well colored by the 10th of Septem-
ber, and if they are, I can bring some of them to
the Exhibition, in case, only, it should l)e worth
while to expose them to vieiv ; for a fortnight more
upon the vine will be needed to enable any one
to form a correct opinion of their qualities.

I shall try to send an assortment of thirty to fifty
varieties about October 1st, and regret that the
members of the American Pomological Society
cannot examine them when mature.

I will remark that during the last five years I
have sent some ten or a dozen varieties to the
most prominent horticulturists in this country,
and last autumn I sent ten varieties to Dr. Robt.
Hogg, of London, the highest authority in such
matters in Great Britain ; and all to whom thej'
were sent have expressed the opinion that they
possessed desirable qualities. If this opinion is
correct, it is a public misfortune that they are
not known and distributed in all parts of the
country.

[We may explain to our readers that Mr.
Haskell's position is that, as the raiser of a de-
sirable fruit, he should have his reward by a pat-
ent right. But why wait for that ? They who
have good articles raise large nambers, and then
advertise them for sale. It may be said that
every person who raises a good fruit does not
want to go into the nursery business. In that
case, sell the stock to one who is. But again it
maybe objected, "but they will not give near
what we think it is worth." This may be quite
true, and yet we do not see how a patent right
would help it. As a nurseryman the writer of
this would not give one cent more for a " patent
right," with a new plant, or fruit, than he would
give for the whole stock itself; nor do we know
of any one who would. — Ed G. M.]

THE STRAWBERRY GRUB.

BY G. WRIGHT, ROCK FALLS, WHITESIDE CO., ILL.

We are much troubled here with "grubs,"
which eat the roots of strawberry plants in cer-
tain localities, whether the ground has been ma-
nured or not; and I think the larvae found in ma-
nure heaps is entirely distinct from that which
destroys our strawberries and other roots. The
latter is more slender and hairy than the other,
and does not increase in size so rapidly ; besides
I have never found the young ones earlier than
the middle of July, while full grown grubs are
found in the manure in June. If the smallest

grub touches a root of strawberry the leaves
wilt in the sun, and we seai-ch the rascal out and
save the plant.

I have a plot of ground two rods wide and ten
long, which I have been salting in March for
several years, using a bushel of salt broad-cast
on the strawberries, and have no trouble with
" grubs." The next plot, separated by a row of
peach trees, has only been salted twice, and I
have taken out with the aid of the chickens, over
a thousand grubs, while the next plot is literally
filled with grubs, and I have scarcely saved a
plant for two years. None of this ground was
ever manured, but has been a garden since the
prairie sod was turned. Salt does not kill
the larvae, for I have kept them in brine for ten
minutes, and they crawled away as smart as ever ;
but I think it must be unhealthy for the little
ones.

EDITORIAL NOTES.

Analysis of the Onion. — By Messrs. Welling-
ton & Bragg, under the direction of Prof. Goess-
man, at the Massachusetts Agricultural College
chemical laboratory, being the first authentic
analysis of this plant on record.
1,000 parts, air dry, contain :
Water, 892.000 Lime, 0.354

Organic matter, 103.638 Magnesia, 0.159

Nitrogen, 2.120 Iron (Fe2 03), 0.027

Total ash, 4.362 Phosphoric acid, 0.689

Potash, 1.680 Sulphuric acid, 1.153

Soda, 0.083 Silica, 0.145

— Scientific Farmer.

American Grapes in Europe. — At a recent
meeting of the French Acclimatization Society
there was an interesting discussion on the value
and prospects of the American varieties of
Grapes which have been largely planted in some
of the districts where the ravages of the Phyllox-
era have been greatest. In the Herault alone
some fifteen million American Vines have been
planted, and great hopes of success are enter-
tained. The variety called the Clinton ha.s been
extensively planted, and,- whilst some members
stated their experience with it as a shy bearer, it
was stated that as many as 180 bunches had been
gathered from one cane. The wine produced by
it is said to be highly colored, and without the
unpleasant flavor commonly attributed to it, and
almost as rich in alcohol as Roussillon. The
unanimous opinion was that the American var-

334

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[November,

ieties suffer less from the Phylloxera than the
French ones, and, if not so valuable for their
fruit, they are at least of great use as stocks.

Influence of the Stock on Pears. — One of
the richest of Christmas Pears is Josephine de
Malines, and it is also one of the hardiest, ripen-
ing here — a very exposed situation in Norfolk,
not far from the coast — on bushes in the open
ground. It seems, however, to be a Pear pecu-
liarly susceptible of influence from the stock on
which it is worked. It is here on the Quince,
grafted on the common Pear stock, on the Haw-
thorn, and on its own roots, a pendent bough,
which touched the earth, having become layered
and thrown out roots. In the first form (on the
Quince) it bears early; but the fruit, luscious, is
somewhat under-sized. The wasps attack it first
of all. On the ordinary Pear stock at ten years
old it has not fruited. On the Hawthorn the
shoots are thinner than on either of the preced-
ing; it has had fruit twice, but they did not be-
come soft ; so far it is not a success. On its own
roots it has fruited three times (same age as
others) and the fruit is very unlike that of the
parents from which the bough rooted. The fruit
is somewhat larger, less covered with russet,
greener in hue, more vinous, i\nd less honey-
sweet. It is also later in ripening. This day
(March 2) I have been examining the trees ; on
the ordinary Pear stock, if there be blossom buds,
they are so backwai'd that they cannot be easily
discerned; on the Hawthorn, ditto; on the
Quince the knots of bloom are very perceptible —
as forward as Doyenne d'Ete, the earliest Pear
on its own roots ; but the blossoms are almost
ready to expand — the forwardest in a collection
of about thirty kinds — very abundant too, which
is the first time they liave been so* In the pre-
vious nine years of its separate existence, the
blossoms have been sparse, but have set fairly.
Our trial goes to show Josephine de Malines is
best left to itself— i. e., on its own roots — but is a
good Pear on the Quince. — G. G., in Garden.

Carter's Eouxd-leaved Batavian endive.
Earth-blanchixg. — This is a winter-salad vege-
table of great excellence. Sown in July it has
afforded a supply for winter use which is espe-
cially esteemed. In growth it is particularly
compart, less leafy than many other Batavian
Endives, and consequently more edible in heart
and midrib. Dug-up in November when perfect-
ly dry and the outer leaves carefully folded, it
was buried, root uppermost, in the south sloi^es

of Celery ridges, and a month afterwards, and
onwards, it turned out in fine condition, white as
milk, crisp as anything could be, sweet as a nut,
and with no decay saving in the very outside
leaves. By this simple mode of blanching, any
one having a garden may have a salad at Christ-
mas that Avill add to the appearance of any fes-
tive table, and be as good as it looks. Of course,
it is equally good under Mushroom-house and
other modes of blanching, but the main object of
this note is to recommend a plan, far from new,
but easy and eflfeetive. — W., in Gardenf^rs Maga-
zine.

The Eskbaxk Buxch of Grapes. — In answer
to enquiries made of Mr. Curror respecting the
treatment of the vines at Eskbank that produced
the 26 lbs. bunch of grapes, recently shown by
him at Edinburgh, he has kindly furnished us
with the following : — The vinery in which the
large bunch of Raisin de Calabre gi'ew that I
staged at the international fruit and flower show
at Edinburgh is a small lean-to house with a
southern aspect. It measures 20 feet in length
by 14 in breadth, and 11 feet in height at the
back, and is heated by four rows of 4-inch hot-
water pipes. The vines were planted in 1S68,
and produced four bunches each, the third year
after planting. They are planted 3 feet apart
in the inside of the house, with an outside
border 13 feet wide and 4 feet deep, the soil of
the border being composed of one-half yellowish
clayey loam and one-half light gravelly soil
strongly impregnated with iron. With this soil
are mixed a few half-inch bones and a small
quantity of manure. The border is top-dressed
every year, inside and out, with 3 inches of cow
or horse manure, and gets no i^rotection from
rain during winter. There are five vines in the
house besides the Raisin de Calabre, viz., two
Black Alicantes, one Lady Downes, one Bowood
Muscat, and one Mrs. Pince, all of which carry
biuiches above the average size. The Raisin de Cal-
abre which bore the 26 lbs. bunch produced three
other clusters, one of which weighed 61bs., another
10 lbs., and one that still hangs on the vine is cal-
culated to weigh about 18 lbs. This gives just 60
lbs. of grapes for one rod about 14 feet long. The
vines are usually started about the 15th of Feb-
ruary, when the house is shut up for two weeks
without fire-heat. The third week they are
assisted by a little fire-heat, and are also syringed
several times each day until they break into leaf,
after which the syringe is never used. I leave

1876.J

AND HOBTIGULTURIST.

335

from 2 to 3 inches of air on all night, both at
back and front, according to the state of the
weather, and give very little fire-heat, except
when the vines are in bloom, until the grapes
begin to color. The inside border gets a thorough
soaking with water three times a 3'ear — at start-
ing with clean water, again after the berries
have set, and, finally, just before they begin to
color, with guano-water. Under this treatment
the leaves grow large and leathery, which, with
well-ripened wood, I consider to be the secret of
getting large bunches of grapes of good quality.
— John CwTor, of Eskbank, Dalkeith, in Garden.

Pruning Fruit Trees in Japan. — The Garden
reports a conversation with an intelligent Japan
gentleman, as follows : " The pruning of fruit
trees is considered a matter of veiy great im-
portance, and exact rules are laid down for the
•pruning of each j^articular kind of tree. For in-
stance, in the case of pears, which are largely
cultivated between Yokohama and Yeddo, and
which in the commoner kinds sometimes form
large trees, the stems are grown to something
over the height of a man, at wliich point the
branches are trained in a horizontal position on
bamboo trellises, so that a whole orchard will be
covered with a flat roof of branches, under which
one may walk and gather the fruit with the
hand. The fruit is almost spherical in shajje,
about the size of a child's fist, and is covered
with a greenish -yellow skin, spotted like a
Reinette apple. It is very juicy, but abounds in
stringy threads like an old radish, and is far
inferior in flavor to any of our good kinds of
pear. The Japanese, however, think they are
superior to our pears — a matter of taste. The
Kakis require a special mode of culture. The
principal object aimed at is to have large trees,
and, to this end, they cause them to rest every
other year, that is to say, they allow them
to bear fruit one year, and hinder them from
doing so the following year by twisting the fruit-
bearing shoots. Moreover, it is requisite that
the trees should produce deep-searching and
strong roots. To obtain these, the principal
roots are surrounded with a coating of clay
mixed with stones, which prevents the formation
of small lateral rootlets. The soil also must be
of such a nature that the roots will not meet
with water until they have descended to a con-
siderable depth. In jiruning plum trees, the
branches are allowed to retain their natural
mode of growth, but they are alwaj's pruned so

as to allow the wind to pass through them
readily. A free circulation of air through the
branches is particularly insisted on.

QUERIES.

Fire Blight in the Pear.— J. McP., writes :
" I have had quite a good deal to do with the
fire blight on the pear this yeaj', and I have to
say that Mr. Meehan's friend would require a
very powerful instrument to detect fungi on the
affected branches. Quite a number of people
believe that the trees are struck by lightning;
and certainly the so-called blight of this year be-
came evident almost immediately after one of
those peculiar storms of thunder, lightning and
rain, during which the whole atmosphere seemed
charged with electricity. Now, the fungus may
require that condition of the atmosphere to gal-
vanize it into growth — who can tell ? But if the
the ' blight' is the effect of the lightning alone,
then I would certainly suggest to some scientific
amateur the use of cheap bar iron lightning
rods, set well in the ground and rising above the
trees. This idea was patented in England some
years ago as a preventive of mildew in French
vineyards, and it would, if applied liere, very
likely clear up a fallacy."

[We believe microscopists generally have
powerful instruments. Certainly electricity may
have something to do with the disease, and so
may lots of other things. When we come to
what may he causes, one man's guess is quite as
good as another's. The lightning rod sugges-
tion does not amount to much, as every branch
of a tree is already a rod, and each leaf as good
as a platina point. Already houses and barns
with rods are often destroyed by lightning, —
some say just as often as those without rods.
This being the case with buildings, what would
the rod prove in the tree? Dr. Hunt is too good
a microscopiat to be deceived in his observa-
tions that fungi caused the fire blight; still it is
proper to add that Prof. Farlow, who has been
studying fire blight this season, does not find
any fungus, but cannot imagine any adequate
cause for the appjearances. On the other hand
it may be noted that the Editor of this magazine
stood alone once in showing from analogy that
the plum knot could not be the work of an in-
sect. It has now been demonstrated by Prof.
Farlow to be a fungus, as we showed it piust be.

336

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[November,

and we know of no intelligent fruit-grower who
thinks otherwise.

In like manner we are prepared to say from
similar analogies with all we know practically of
vegetable life, that the fire blight can only be by
fungoid agency; unless there is some entirely
new agency at work in the world of which no
one has yet had a suspicion. But this new
agent is not necessary, because fungoid growths
are quite equal to the emergency, and do simi-
lar things in hosts of instances. — Ed. G. M.]

Elvira Grape. — Messrs. Bush & Son send us
the following from Bushberg, Jefferson Co., Mo.,
dated Septembr 9th : " We send you to-day by
mail a sample of our Elvira grape. It is hardly
ripe enough, but we thought it would carry bet-
ter thus. We shall be pleased to hear your opin-
ion of it."

[Our western friends make a difference be-
tween wine grapes and table grapes. It is, per-
haps, as of the former class that this is es-
teemed. The true test of a wine grape is in the
ultimate product, — we can only say that this has
characters which we suppose entitle it to distin-
guished consideration. — Ed. G. M.]

Fruiting of Pyrus Japonica. — T. S. & M.,
Nashville, Tenn., write : " We send you to-day
by mail a specimen of the fruit of ' P3'rus Japon-
ica ' grown on our grounds. The ' bush ' bore
two of this size and shape, and Jive smaller speci-
mens about the size and shape of a small-sized
nectarine, bearing no resemblance in shape to the
one sent you."

[This has come to hand. They were pro-
bably sent to note their size, as the fact of this
plant fruiting often is generally known. It
might be worth while to select the largest and
best in other respects. It is possible an im-
proved and useful fruit might be obtained. The
perfume is delicious; if only the fruit was not
quite so tough it might be useful. — Ed. G. M.]

Moth in a Grapery. — Mr. H. Hannam, Wil-
mington, Del., writes : "Through the columns of
the Gardener's Monthly or otherwise you would
greatly oblige me, also my employer, if j'ou could
afford us some information regarding the moth
and grub I enclose in a small box, mailed at
same time with this letter. The pest is in our
graperies, and has prevailed for three years, but
this year to an alarming extent, occupying one-
third of the time every day, while there is foli-
age on the vines, killing by hand, grubs and

moths, and with all the time and labor bestowed
on them, we cannot begin to keep them under.
The moth makes its appearance in the spring, in-
serts a gei'm on the foliage, from which comes
the grub, which curls the leaf around it more
and more as it grows in size, till it quite cripples
the leaf, and if not attended to by killing, the
pest would ruin every leaf on the vines before
they had ripened their fruit. I have fumigated
with tobacco (strong), syringed with Quassia
chips, Geshurst's compound, and Paris green,
but all to no purpose. Tlie moths and grubs
this season increase by thousands everj^ day.
I never saw the pest till we had it here, and it is
not prevalent around here.

" I hope you will be able to advise us with re-
spect to extirminating the pest."

[This seems to be a new enemy. Send sam-
ples to Prof. Riley, St. Louis, Mo., who will pro-
bably be glad to see it, and to tell our readers all
about it.— Ed. G. M.]

The Earliest Peach. — A correspondent of
Palmetto, Ga., who is fond as an amateur in ex-
perimenting with all the peaches he can get, '
says he "shall not be suprised to find from
present appearances that, all things considered,
the Alexander will prove the best early peach
for that section."

Brighton Grape. — Under date of September
9th, which is early for Rochester, Mr. Hooker
writes us with a bunch of Brighton grapes. It is
impossible to judge in these days of the compara-
tive merits of grapes, when good ones are so
numerous. But we can say that the Brighton
is an excellent grape, and will, we think, satisfy
the demands of even persons of taste in the art
of grape culture.

Japan Persimmon. — 0., Bucks Co., Pa., writes :
"Some ten or fifteen years ago I read in some
periodical a descriiotion by a traveller in Japan
of a fruit resembling very much our persimmon,
which he described as being very good, but have
not heard anything of it since. This week I
attended the Centennial, and saw some fruit
made of wax in the Japanese department which
looks very much like our persimmon. There are
specimens in their different stages of growth. I
tried to learn more about it, but had very poor
success. No doubt you might be more success-
ful than I would be. I was strange, and it did
seem as if they did not care to bother with me.
Is there no way that I could get a few grafts at a

1876.]

AND EOBTIGULTURIST.

337

reasonable rate ? I feel very desirous to see the
persimmon improved, if it can be done. Would
our climate be suitable to work them on our
native persimmon?

"The above is on exhibition in the Main
Building, and on the south side near the wall.
If not too much trouble, please let me know
more about the above, and oblige."

[We fear our good correspondent is a better
reader of " some periodical " than he is of the
Gardener's Monthly, or he would know that the
Japanese persimmon is not unknown in this
country. Moreover, if he had been as good a
student of the nurserymen's collections on the
Centennial grounds as he was of Japanese wax
•work, and as we suppose the nurserymen hoped
tree lovers would be, he would have seen Japan-
ese persimmon plants in several collections.
There was the place to find out what was in the
country, and we fancy our correspondent, like a
good many more people, has not profited the
half b}' the Centennial that he might have done.
We have no doubt that the leading nurserymen
►near our large cities can soon, if not now, sup-
ply Japanese persimmons. — Ed. G. M.]

A New Grape. — A correspondent says : " I
mail you to-day sample cluster and foliage of a
new grape we have not named. It is an acci-
dental seedling of Fox parentage, grown a little
north of New York. The berries first showed
color this year July 19th, and first cluster was
picked, and good eating, July 31st. To-day, Au-

gust 8th, all the clusters on the vine are ripe and
picked. Hartfords in same locality, and with as
good exposure, only just show color to-day for
the first. This grape is fifteen to twenty days
earlier than Hartford, and will prove of great
value on account of its earliness, vigor, health
and productiveness. The original vine, five
years old, trained as an arbor last year, yielded
two hundred pounds of grapes, which readily
sold at home for 12^ cents per pound. Unlike
Hartford^ the berries adhere firmly to stem, and
do not drop at all, even if left on vine a month,
as has been repeatedly tried."

[We do not remember that the grape above re-
ferred to came before us. It may be, however,
as well to say to those who send us grapes, tliat
good varieties, so far as flavor and appearance
are concerned, are now so numerous, that other
qualities must go to make up a successful grape,
and of these the editor with but a bunch before
him cannot judge. — Ed. G. M.]

California Onion Seed. — A correspondent
says : " I have tried California and Oregon grown
onion seed but one year. It did better than I
supposed it would do, but not as well as eastern
grown seed, and certainly one year's trial is too
brief a test to warrant such unlimited claims to
superiority. If onion seed grown in a warm,
dry climate will tuber as well as seed grown as
far north as it will possibly ripen, it is something
new, and will upset some old notions."

FORESTRY.

CO MM UNICA TIONS.

AMERICAN ARBORETUMS.

BY WM. WEBSTER, LANDSCAPE GARDENER,
ROCHESTER, N. Y.

Since my return from Philadelphia, where I had
the pleasure of examining Mr. Meehan's Arbore-
tum, in the Centennial grounds, an idea has pre-
sented itself to my mind in connection there-
with, that the more I reflect upon, the more
convinced have I become of its feasibility and its
importance. The plan which I propose is sim-

ply the formation of collections of trees or shrubs
by private individuals, and so arranged as not
only to be a pleasure to themselves, but a source
of profit and enjoyment to their friends.

So long as Arboretums in their true sense
must in this country be confined principally to
institutions of learning like our Universities or
large public parks, or belong to the government
like the one at Washington — just so long will
the majority of our people learn but little about
the culture, growth or value of many of the
trees, the timber of which is used in the arts.
Any one who has paid even the slightest atten-
tion to the fine exhibits of the various kinds of

338

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[November,

wood, the production not only of our own, but
of other countries at the Centennial, cannot fail
to appreciate my remarks. Hence what is really
required to render this interesting subject more
popular with the masses is a diffusion of
more general knowledge of the proper culture
and use of trees, through the establishment of
private collections, containing one or more of
the natural orders, with genera, species and va-
rieties. Having made the culture and science
of trees a study, I feel that the importance of
such collections cannot be too strongly urged
upon such gentlemen as not only have the means
but the taste and ground requisite to form such
collections. Some men will spend thousands
of dollars in forming a collection of antique
china, or of old coins or minerals. If
such things become interesting and valued, as
they generally are by the collector and his
friends, surely a fine collection of trees, which
are yearly growing in beauty, must to a lover of
nature, become infinitely more so. For instance,
Mr. A. may form a collection of willows like the
Woburn collection in England. Willows are
simple appearing things in themselves, yet when
planted in the aggregate, are highly interesting.
In the collection just named, there are one hun-
dred and fifty-nine kinds, which are described
and named in the Salicaetum Woburniensis. Or
suppose Mr. B. desires to make a collection of
oaks; he will be astonished at the vast number
of species and varieties that will be brought to
notice, and so of other, through the long list of
natural orders to the end of the catalogue.
Thus, if a number of these collections, each
different in itself, be started in any one place,
like the suburbs of a large town or city, they
would in the aggregate form an Arboretum of
grand proportions, that if scientifically arranged
would afford instruction and amusement to a
large number of people.

Being called in consultation a short time since
in regard to some improvements now in progress
on a large estate situated in the midst of some of
the grandest scenery in the State of New York, I
suggested among other things to the proprietor
the formation of an Arboretum. The idea
pleased him much, and it was decided that as
there were a great number of large and beauti-
ful pines growing on the place, to add to these
all the different kinds of hardy coniferte and
form a Pinetum, scientifically arranged, pro-
perly labelled, and catalogued with a descrip-
tion of each species and variety, so that any

friends visiting the grounds could be presented
with a catalogue, from which they could learn
the name and use of each tree, thus making the
collection as complete in its character as possi-
ble. The location of the place just mentioned
is on a branch of the Erie Railroad, where it
crosses the Genesee Eiver by an iron bridge
which is raised 235 feet above the bed of the
river. Immediately below the bridge there is
a fall in the river of 66 feet, and a short dis-
tance beyond there is another fall of 110 feet,
where the water is so broken in its descent as to
give it the appearance of fine lace. The im-
provements which are being made are on a
level piece of land along the river bank, between
the two falls, and from whence the bridge above,
appears so light and airy that a passing train
seems as it were gliding through the air ; truly a
charming spot,

Down in the glen where laughing waters play,
And stately Pines lift up their heads in light of day ;
There graceful Spruces spread their branches wide,
That with the odorous Fir the magic of the scene divide.

No one need imagine from the foregoing de-
scription that it is one of those places kept up
in the highest style of art, with the accessories
of hot-houses, graperies, and numerous flower
beds, for it is nothing of the sort; everything
being plain but neat; simply Nature, assisted by
Art, only to such an extent as becomes necessary
in the arrangement of the various objects, and
in such a way as to harmonize with the surround-
ings; nothing incongruous but everywhere show-
ing the hand of taste of the proprietor. And
this is a style which must obtain to a great ex-
tent in this country in the future. Trees are
both beautiful and interesting objects for study.
They are the glory and delight of nature, and
yet how few there are that understand any-
thing about arranging them when planting, in
such a way as to produce anything like a pleas-
ing effect, an error which it becomes the prov-
ince of the initiated to correct, and a knowl-
edge of which it is also designed that a study of
these private collections shall impart.

EDITORIAL NOTES.

Meehan's Arboretum at the Centennial
Grounds. — We have not noticed in these columns
the arboretum planted by the editor of the Gar-
dener''s Monthly, as naturally he would prefer them
to be judged l>y his cotemjioraries rather than

1876.]

AND HORTIGULTURIST.

339

by a magazine, of which he is himself the editor.
It was a much greater effort than most persons
imagine to place in first-class condition and pro-
perly name on large labels so large a collection of
trees, and no other person attempted it. We have,
however, much pleasure in placing on record that
the London Gardener's Chronicle complimented
them highly ; the New York Tribune regarded
them as " offering an opportunity of study and
comparison rarely to be enjoyed in this coun-
try;" and the Rural New Yorker had a good
word for them as " 750 kinds of deciduous trees,
&c., mostly hardy," which was kindly intended,
but they are not all "deciduous" — one-third
being evergreens. Other newspapers have kindly
referred to their existence and commercial
worth.

History of the Catalpa. — Field and Forest
for August, a very interesting scientific serial
of the more popular type,published by Mr. C. R.
Dodge, of Washington, has an article on the Ca-
talpa, to prove that it is not ail introduced tree.
We have read the arguments carefully, but think
it does not take in the point fully. There is no
doubt it was here when the white man found the
country, but there are many reasons for doubt-
ing it is an aborigine, in the sense that other
trees are. The probabilities favor the idea that
it and the Honey Locust are wanderers in the
far away past from Asia. How they got here we
have as yet no means of knowing.

The Catalpa timber. — As sound, solid, durable
timber, there seems to be no doubt of the value of
the Catalpa. But it must be borne in mind that
in the Northern and Western States, it is liable
to have its terminal bud destroyed in winter, and
then the stem grows crooked — a defect in a tim-
ber tree. This may be remedied by cutting a
seedling down when it is three years old. A new

tall strong stem results. Li Virginia we learn
it proves very satisfactory.

The Locust Tree Slug. — The. Yellow Locust
through large districts of our country is being
" skeletonized" as bad as the Elm. Prof. Rath-
von says it is done by the larvae of Hispa sidnr-
alis, a small beetle.

The German Forests. — If the accounts we
hear of the change in the climate of Germany
during the last fifty years be true, it cannot be
on account of the disappearance of the forests.
The Department of Agricidture says :

" In the distribution of the kinds of wood the
pine and fir are found in the south of Germany,
oak and beech in the west and south-west, and
the Scotch fir in the north and north-east, while
Central Germany, to a greater or less degree,
contains all these varieties.

" Since 1831 the forest area of Prussia has di-
minished about 5 per cent.; in most of the other
German States a barely appreciable diminution
has taken place, while there has been a steady
increase in Bavaria, Baden and Saxony. On the
whole, Germany has wood enough to meet do-
mestic demand for many years to come."

Tree- Planting. — A correspondent in Livings-
ton, Illii:iois, reports that the planting of trees in
groves and shelter-belts, and for ornamental
purposes, has become very general in that
county. Ten years ago 95 per cent, of the area
of the county was treeless ; but now a farm with-
out a grove is an exception to the general rule.
Black walnut has the preference for i:)rofit and
ease of cultivation ; but elm, soft maple, willow,
Cottonwood, European larch and ash are com-
mon, while evergreens are popular for orna-
mental purposes,and occasionally are planted in
groves and shelter-belts. — Dep. of Agriculture.

1^ ATURAL IMlSTORY AND rSciENCE.

COMMUNIGA TIONS.

TRITELEIA LAXA;— OR SEUBERTIA LAXA ;—
WHICH?

BY MR. W. WEBSTER, ROCHESTER, N. Y.

The communication by W. C. L. Drew in the
September number of the Monthly is not only time-
ly, but an exceedingly interesting one to me. The

flower which he introduces to your readers by
the name of Triteleia laxa, is a very familiar
one to me. The plant but not the name. And
it recalls to my mind very vividly, the great de-
light I experienced on first discovering it grow-
ing in all its perfection of bloom on the hillsides
in California.

Some time during the month of May last,

340

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[NOVEMBBB,

while in company with a friend, we determined
on taking -a ramble among the hills which so
nearly envifon the beautiful town of San Rafael,
of which place the gentleman was a resident ; and
while ascending one of them our eyes were
greeted with a fine displaj' of this, the finest of
California's floral gems. In a-scending to the
summit of one of the highest hills, the flowers
became more profuse and beautiful, and I can-
not refer to any previous botanical excursion,
that ever gave me such genuine delight as I ex-
perienced on this occasion.

That it improves by cultivation was very ap-
parent, for near to where it was growing in great
pr ofusion a piece of ground had been enclosed
for the purpose of growing the Eucalyptus. The
ground on which the trees were planted had
been pretty thoroughly broken up a year or two
previous, and the bulbs which had remained in
the ground at the time of the breaking up of the
soil, had thrown up flower stems over two feet
high , with umbels as large as those of Agapan-
thus umbellata, and of dark blue or violet, very
striking indeed. The plants on the inside of the
enclosure being twice as large as those on the
outside where the ground had not been broken
up.

A short time subsequent to making this dis-
covery, I met Prof. Bolander, of San Francisco,
and to whom I introduced the subject, at the
same time asking him to favor me with the cor-
rect name, which he did in writing, and the
name as he gave it is now before me— Seubertia
laxa— and that there may be no mistake of iden-
tity,! enclose you a small bulb which I dug from
one of the hills in the vicinity of San Rafael.
Please give us the true name.

[The name Seubertia which Kunth gave to this
is more properly appropriated by a genus of
composites nearly allied to the well-known Bellis
or English Daisy ; hence Hookers' name of Tri-
teleia prevails. — Ed. G. M. |

BRODIAEA COCCINEA.

BY W. C. L. DREW.

Among the many wonderful plants found in
the vegetable world of our State, California, there
arc fow, if any, that arc more curious and inter-
esting than the various Brodiaeas, foremost
among which is the B. coccinea, an idea of
which I shall attempt to give the readers of the
Monthly in this article.

B. coccinea was first discovered by Gray a few
years ago ; it belongs to the Natural Order Lili-
acese ; in its native home it is not so well known
under its botanical name as given above, as by
its common and popular name. Vegetable Fire-
Cracker, which name is far more appropriate
than that borne by many flowers.

The flowers are borne in immense clusters or
umbels, each cluster having from twenty to fifty,
and often more, blossoms in it; and are often
found from six to eight inches across the cluster,

Tlie single blossoms are about the size of a
Chinese fire-cracker, which every one has seen
on the Fourth of July; in shape they are also

similar; in color they are of a very bright
scarlet, and ver\' brilliant, and produce a daz-
zling appearance when seen swaying to and fro
in the sunshine, it is to this resemblance to the
fire-cracker it owes its name " Vegetable Fire-
Cracker," and at a distance its resemblance to a
pendant bunch of fire-crackers is very remarka-
ble. The flowers remain fresh for a very long
tune, often three or four months, which point will
make the plant valuable. The stem grows two feet
high, is straight and slender, but very strong;
the leaves are from two to four in number, and
are of a drooping nature ; they envelope the part
of the stem under gi'ound, but above ground
they are almost always found lying flat on the
surface.

The root is a bulb of small size, found very
deep in the ground, never less than five inches.
It abounds in a mucilagenous or starchy sub-
stance, and is relished by the Indians, who seek
it, and consider it a dainty.

It is found in gravelly and rocky soils, on
mountain tops and along the northern part of
California, and always in partial shade, being
under oaks and conifers or in half open woods.
These points will give persons cultivating it a
hint as to treatment.

1876.1

AND HORTICULTURIST.

341

RAIN-FALL AND THE LAKES.

BY J. JAY SMITH, GERMANTOWN, PHILA.

I was very much pleased with your paragraph
on page 310, of the October Magazine, regarding
" Trees, Rain-fall and the Lakes." Writers on
these subjects often run away rapidly with what
appears a good and new theory. But has it been
proved by lengthened observation, carefully car-
ried out, that cutting down the trees prevents
rain-fall ? I observe in some recent foreign publi-
cations that it is doubted, and they bring, in
confutation, observations on the summer drying
up of the Arno, to show that Florence has always
suiJered, though it is but lately that the moun-
tains which feed the river have been in the
course of destruction, or the denudation of their
trees.

Let us try. Have the Falls of Niagara de-
creased in volume, or has the flow of the Missis-
sippi diminished in any material degree ? What
is wanted is " observation with extensive view,"
SinA facts that science can recognize.

[It is a great pleasure to have this brief but
pithy note from so intelligent a source as this.
The Editor of this magazine has had to stand
almost alone in opposition to the deductions of
the celebrated author of "Man and Nature,"
and these too backed up by the full force of the
influential American Association, which adopted
a report of one of its committees in favor of
Mr. Marsh's views. We do not say Marsh's the-
ories are not true, but we do say that the rea-
soning ought not to satisfy a truly logical and
scientific mind. — Ed. G. M.]

EDITORIAL NOTES.

Vernacular Names. — As we grow older we
get out of all patience with what are called
common names. It has been the writer's luck
to be a juror in several departments of the
Centennial Exhibition, — amongst others "Legu-
mes" and grains from foreign countries — in
cases where it was thought his botanical knowl-
edge might be of some service in determining
what the different peoples were talking about.
We all know, for instance, that the English
" common " name of the Anagallis arvensis, is
" Pimpernell," but there are Austrians and
Hungarians in abundance who will stick you
out in an argument that " Pimpernell " is
Poterium sanguisorba. " Algaroba " we all

thought was the Ceratonia siliqua, — and which
receives from our people the common name
of "St. John's bread," — but our experience at
the Centennial teaches us that if you send to
Spain or Portugal for "Algarobas" you may
get a dozen different things. One thing we
noted that whatever they were they were al-
ways Legumes— and perhaps the word is a
generic — a common name, and not a specific one,
as we have alv.ays believed. Again we find
among Spanish leguminous products " Lupins "
thai are not of the genus Lnpinus; and large
numbers of Beans with very different common
names by different growers. In fact we found
to our sorrow that the " common " names of
the world were entirely too common for us, —
and it was a great comfort to find in the mag-
nificent collection of Baron Angelo Porcari of
Palermo, that he had the botanical names to
his labels, as well as the common ones. It
enabled the judges to do full justice in tracing
out the origin of the articles exhibited, and
thus understanding from what they were " im-
proved," and was thus regarded by the jurors
as one of the most sensible and instructive of
all the world's contributions.

We have a suspicion that "common" names
made all that great trouble at the tower of
Babel.

How Error is Propagated. —It is more than
probable that much of the su])posed difl^er-
ences of opinion which prevail on scientific
subjects, between distinguished men, come from
their imperfect understanding of each other's
statements. The writer notices this frequently
in his own case, and it is doubtless so in those
of others. A very distinguished English author
quotes some " observation^ of Mr. Meehan on
trees all growing together in his garden in Ger-
mantoivn." By reference to the paper itself it
will be found that nothing was said as itali-
cised. They were not all growing together,
and any one knowing that fact, but not read-
ing the original paper, might infer that "Mr.
Meehan was not particularly exact in his facts."

Again in the English. edition of Sach's Text
Book of Botany, Meehan is given as authority
for the statement that the various species of
Rubus rarely perfect seed in America. Aa
everybody knows the Blackberries seed freely,
they must have a poor opinion of Meehan 's
facts. But if they will turn to the original
they will^see that what he reallj' said was that
plants from seed in the natural state are of

342

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[November,

the rarest occurrence. And so gentle reader,
when you read of something attributed to some
favorite whom you beheve in generally, but
which seems very absurd on this particular
occasion, be merciful to him and think that per-
adventure he did not do that foolish thing.
So may charitj' claim you for a client, when
your trial day comes round.

Tropical Flora at the Poles. — As every in-
telligent person knows, the remains of tropical
plants and animals are found as far as explo-
rations have yet reached, and puzzle philos-
ophers to account for their appearance there.
Some have thought that through the long
course of ages the earth has gradually, and
perhaps may be still gradually, shifting its axis,
so that what is now the north m^x have been
under the line. The following from a recent
lecture by Mr. Blandet before the Geographical
Societ}^ of Paris, if true, might account for it
in another way, — for if the Sun was so large
every part of the earth would be warmed about
alike. We cannot of course decide between
these theories. The student must take his
choice. —

" Our earth went, during its course in space,
through six periods : 1st. The chaotic period-
absence of all vegetable and animal life. 2nd.
Carboniferous period — the era of the immense
vegetable growth, which absorbed the carbonic
acid from the air, and the products buried
during successive convulsions of the earth, ex-
tended through various zones, as well under
the equator as near the poles. 8rd. The creta-
ceous period. 4th. The oecene period. 5th.
The miocene period — the primitive vegetation
leaves the poles, which cool down to below
the temperature necessary for life ; at the same
time nature, more choice in its products, gives
birth to animals more and more perfect. 6th.
The last or quaternary period, is that in which
we now live.

"The continuous condensation of the sun is
alone sufficient to explain how it has been able
to furnish the prodigious quantity of heat which
it has radiated into space. The calculations
have been made: if it condense only enough
to diminish its apparent diameter one second
of an arc, it generates an amount of heat
equivalent to that which it emits in 18,000
years.

"In the beginning of our earth's existence,
it rolled through a space of fire, the sun's
heated gases were extending beyond her orbit.

The sun had then, as seen from the earth, a
diameter of 180°; this slowly became reduced
to 47°, next to 22°, next to 8°, and finally to
2° apparent diameter.

" Then the quaternary period began ; the
poles commenced to cool, and only the tropics
received heat enough to sustain the luxurious
vegetation of the former periods.

"The miocene period, or the time Avhen the
tropical flora prevailed on the tops of the Pyr-
enees and Alps, and at the poles, when the sun
was 3°, or 180 minutes, or 10,000 seconds larger,
we go back 194,000,000 years before 244,000,000
years. Paris had, even later still, a tropical
temperature, and the eocene period existed
250,000,000 years before that time, or about
500,000,000 years previous to the present day.

"But the carbonaceous era consists of 777,-
000,000 years more, making together about
1,500,000,000 years.

"The earth separated from the contracting
planetary nebula some 4,300,000,000 years be-
fore, making, as a total for the time of its in-
dependent existence, about 6,000,000,000 years.

Vitality of Seed. — When a new form of
plant appears, the Botanist refers to all that
has been known about it before. We should
like to see this sort of knowledge attended to
in other branches. Mr. W. H. Seaman of Wash-
ington, has been doing this good work for U8
in relation to the question of vitality of seeds.
In Field and Forest, he has given references to
all he can find on the subject. There seems
to be little evidence worth considering that
seeds will live for ages in the ground.

Course of the Sap. — Prof. Karl Koch says
in Gardeners' Chronicle : "Among practical gar-
denei's and pomologists not only does this error
respecting a rising crude sap or raw food pre-
vail, but many of the current notions as to the
real nutritive substances are equally at fault;
more particularly that with regard to the direc-
tion of assimilated sap, which goes wherever it
is needed — that is to say, where it can nourish,
as a rule and for the greater part upwards, and
in a less degree downwards. In the first place,
nobody appears to have attempted to answer
the question, When do the leaves become active
or begin to assimilate the nutritive substances,
the carbon-hydrates? Nor, so far as I know, has
it been taken up from a scientific standpoint.
As the leaves are already green when they un-
fold, it has been tacitly admitted that assimi-
lation commences then. But such is by no

1876.]

AND HORTICULTURIST.

343

means the case. The leaves only become active
after the shoot has attained its full development.
Until this point is reached, the leaves them-
selves, as well as the axis of the shoot, need
nourishment, in order to enable them to reach
their natural size, and finally fit them for the
work of assimilation."

[The writer of this can confirm Professor
Koch's views. In experimenting years ago, he
would pick off" the leaves of the pushing young
branches of Ashes, Horse-Chestnuts, and Maples,
as fast as they could be discerned. Nevertheless
the shoots would become wood to a consider-
able portion of the whole length. The material
for the organization must have been partly
stored up the previous year, and partly drawn
from other parts of the plant. — Ed. G. M.]

The Warfake of Plants on one Another. —
Mr. Lester Ward in the Popular Science Monthly
for October, has the following good piece of
reasoning : —

" The most frequent and prominent cause
of these disturbances of the natural fixity
of vegetation is the influence of man. There-
suits of this influence may be said to be the pro-
ducts of agriculture, horticulture, and floricul-
ture, on the one hand; and, on the other, weeds.
But there may be many other causes of dis-
turbance besides that produced by man, such
as the appearance of new animals, geological
revolutions, or climatal and meteorological vicis-
situdes. Anything which destroys the stability
which the perpetiially-operating vegetal forces
impose upon the plants of any region is certain
to reveal a latent vitality, which, when liberated,
proves itself capable of profiting by conditions
far different from, and superior to, those under
which it is originally found. The willow, the
alder, the elm, and the sycamore, hug the banks
of streams because baffled and beaten back at
every attempt to invade the drier ground. The
wild-columbine and the saxifrage are driven in-
to their rocky fastnesses by more powerful rivals
for the rich forest loams. The thistle and the
chamomile flourish in lawns and commons, be-
cause their human foes are less formidable than
the enemies of the plain. The fruit-trees, the
cereals, and the roses, reach those wonderful
heights of development under man's care, be-
cause he not only proves their friend, but wards
off" all their enemies. And just here it should be
remarked that the alleged tendency of culti-
vated plants to relapse, when neglected, into
their original state, upon which Prof. Agassiz

laid so much stress as an unanswerable argu-
ment against transmutation, becomes, under the
law of mutual repulsion, the necessary result of
remanding them to their old conditions. As
man's care and protection were necessary to
enable them to advance, so, when these are
withdrawn, they must be expected to again yield
to hostile forces, and fall back to the level of
their original state."

[We have long known that cultivated plants do
not necessarily go back, as Agassiz urged against
Darwin, when left to themselves. Varieties
raised under culture reproduce themselves from
seed just as well as true species, and we believe
that so far as any inherent law is concerned,
would go in with the ages just as well. They
are crowded out by more powerful rivals. — Ed.
G. M.]

Adaptation to the Environment. — It has
long bqen regarded as a law of life, applicable
alike to animal and vegetable forms, that each
species is exactly adapted to the particular habitat
where it occurs ; and naturalists, assuming this
law, have sought to solve the problem how this
remarkable adaptation has been brought about,
instead of pausing to question the alleged law of
adaptation itself. And yet there have never
been wanting numerous and obvious facts, espe-
cially in the vegetable kingdom, which, if inter-
preted at all, must be conceded to be incompati-
ble with such a law, at least unless materially
modified and greatly enlarged.

Mr. Thomas Meehan has remarked the fact
that " almost all of our swamp-trees grow much
better when they are transferred to drier places,
provided the land is of fair quality. He referred,
among others, to sweet-bay, red maple, weeping-
willow, etc., as within his own repeated observa-
tions growing better out of swamps than in
them." He further observes that "plants as a
general rule, even those known as water-plants,
prefer to grow out of water", except those that
grow almost entirely beneath the surface."

A great many facts are at hand to prove that •
those plants which are found habitually growing
in wet ground may be easily made to grow in
dry ground. The Iris versicolor (blue flag), which,
in a state of Nature, grows universally in
marshes, and keeps perpetual company with
Nuphar (pond-lily) and Sagittaria (arrow-head),
is a common occupant of the driest gardens.
The Lobelia cardinalis (cardinal flower), which I
have found below tide-water mark, is also a com-
mon garden-flower, and not difficult to cultivate.

344

THE GABDENER'S MONTHLY

[November,

Almost as much may be said for Lobelia syphi-
litica (great lobelia). The calla, the caladiums>
and the anthuriums, belong to this class, and the
list might be indefinitely extended, — Lester J.
Ward, in Popular Science Monthly for October.

The Self Fertilization of Plants. — Mr. Tho-
mas Meehan, one of the most acute and thought-
ful of American Botanists, has, several times du-
ring the present year, brought before the Phila-
delphia Academy of Natural Sciences, the sub-
ject of the fertilization of plants. He has observed
that there are plants with conspicuous and
attractive flowers, which are as much adapted to
secure self-fertilization, as other flowers are for
cross fertilization. One of his examples is the
greenhouse annual Browallia elata, belonging
to the order Serophulariacoe, having an at-
tractive blue flower.

Another phenomenon, the " sleep of,plants,"
or closing of the flowers at night-fall, has been
found by Mr. Meehan to result in self-fertilization
in Claytonia Virginica, and some buttercups
which seed abundantly in the absence of insects.

In Ranunculus bulbosa, in the evening fol-
lowing the first day's expansion of the flower,
Mr. Meehan found the immature anthers, and
the young pistils covered with pollen grains. On
examining the flower he found that the outer
series of anthers mature on the first day of open-
ing, scattering the pollen on the glazed petals
which, on closing for the night, drOp it on the
immature stamens and pistils as before noted.
Another remarkable instance of self-fertilization
occurs in Ranunculus abortivus, which does not
close its petals at night, but the slender pedicels
droop, inverting the flower, and thus allow
the pollen to drop on the stigmas. Mr. Meehan
concludes that some deeper purpose than has
yet been conceived, governs the fertilization of
plants. In view of these examples Nature can-
not abhor "in and in breeding," and it can
hardly be that color, fragrance, and honeyed
secretions in flowers have been developed solely
to secure cross fertilization. Evolutionists will
await with interest, further researches by Mr.
Meehan, and confirmatory evidences from other
inquirers. — Nature.

QUERIES.

Seeds Two Thousand Years Old Growing. —
A correspondent sends us the following from the
London Examiner and asks what we think of it :

" A most interesting observation, referring to
the power of germination in seed which is hun-

dreds and even thousands of years old, is said to
have been made by Professor Hendreich in
Greece. In the silver mines of Laurium, only
the slags left by the ancient Greeks are at pres-
ent worked off", in order to gain, after an im-
proved modern method, silver still left in that
dross. This refuse ore is probably about two
thousand years old. Among it, the seed of a
species of Glaucium or poppy was found, which
had slept in the darkness of the earth during all
that time. After a little while, when the slags
were brought up and worked off" at the melting
ovens, there suddenly arose a crop of Glaucium.
plants, with a beautiful yellow^ flower, of a kind
unknown in modern botany, but which is de-
scribed by Pliny and othei-s as a frequent flower
in ancient Greece."

[Wedo not "think of it" much. Glauciums with
"a beautiful yellow flower" are common enough
in Greece. Why do not people who are anxious
to know " what to think " about these things,put
a few' Glaucium seeds in a bottle, seal the bottle
air tight, and bury in the earth. We would give
the " silver mines of Laurium " if we owned
them against the seeds remaining vital five years,
to say nothing of twenty hundred years.
Some day when the Grecians get as many rail-
roads ;xs we have, and as active scientists to in-
vestigate, we fiincy plenty of things " unknown
to modern Botany," will be found all .around
them. We know of no evidence satisfactory to
us, that any seeds have been found vital under
the extraordinary circumstances claimed. The
whole theory of great vitality through long peri-
ods when buried in the earth, is at best founded
on nothing but shrewd guesses, and, in the main
on the evidence of persons of no more import-
ance in a scientific point of view than those who
believe wheat is transformed from chess. — Ed.
G. M J

Orthography of Botanical Names. — J. S. O.,
Cincinnati, Ohio, asks : " Will you please give us
the rule for the terminal i in botanical names ?
For instance,should we write Smithi, or Smithii f"
[It should in Smith's case be Smithii. It is no
use to give you the rule unless you are ac-
quainted with the Latin language. We can only
say that in Latin the form of the genitive de-
pends on its nominative. When the nominative
ends in us, the tis changes to i to form the geni-
tive. Smithius, the Latin of Smith in the nomi-
native case thus makes Smithii in the genitive.
There are two i's only because one is already
there.!— Fxl. G. M.]

18T6.]

AND HORTICULTURIST.

345

JTERATURE, ^RAVELS &

Personal 1?

EDITORIAL NOTES.

The Thwack Raspberry. — We never go out
of our course to notice what people say in ad-
vertisements ; but in relation to the Thwack
raspberry, the circular was brought to our im-
mediate attention, and we were asked to say
what we thought of it. We thought we spoke
very well of the fruit, as far as we could speak
of a thing we had never seen, and we coupled
our praise with a little friendly advice — friendly
as we thought — about extravagant expressions.
In this, as well as in most advertisements, we
really think that over-praise injures a good
thing. Mr. Foster, who is President of the Pike
County (Mo.) Horticultural Society, and, as we
believe, every way a highly honorable and es-
timable gentleman, does not seem to see our
point. He imagines the object was to injure
and not to help his fruit, and so he sends us the
following letter :

" The ThAvack is not ' said to be very good ' by
som,e, ' but is said lo be best by all ' who • have
tested it, and the number is large. Our state-
ments are not ' loose,' unless the best men in the
State of Missouri and Illinois are wholly untrust-
worthy, and have loaned the sanction of their
names to palm off a swindle upon the public;
and besides our raspberry is not a ' very good
thing ' but a choice new fruit. Sorry you con-
sider it a thing ! "

We think there cannot be many who interpreted
our remarks unfavorably of the raspberry, as Mr.
Foster himself has done; and that it is hardly
necessary for us to " rise to explain ; " but lest
there be, we beg to say that we had not the re-
motest idea of condemning the raspberry. Our
remarks had reference to the manner in which
advertisements are often worded. We thought
they would be better if worded differently, and
we hoped to be thanked rather than blamed for
the suggestion. It was but an opinion; but if
our good friends think differently, we have no ob-
jection, only please do not ask us for an opinion of
a circular, and then feel badly because we honestly
give it.

Postal Laws. — A correspondent writes that
we are Avrong about the postal laws on seeds and
plants; that the obnoxious express rates of last

season have been repealed, and that his post-
master receives things from him at the rate of
one cent for two ounces.

Notwithstanding all this, we assure our corres-
pondent that the Express companies' law of last
season is not repealed, and that post-master of his
his may get him and himself into trouble one
of these "days. More than this, we do not be-
lieve the people are strong enough to defeat the
Express companies in this matter. They can
afford to keep men at Washington to explain
their side of the case ; the People have no rep-
resentative. We do not believe the stories of
the sensational newspapers that members of Con-
gress are bought up to vote in these and other
instances. These men, many of whom we
know, are as honorable as any other body of
men, and such charges are as a rule, but the
outpourings of spite and evil dispositions ; but
we mean that plausible arguments and repre-
sentations on one side against little or nothing,
on the other, are bound to tell in the long run,
and this is the advantage the companies have
over us all. Even more, it may after all be good
national policy, as well as to the advantage of
the Express companies, to have the law as it is,
but so far as w'e understand, it does not seem so.
If any of our readers have undoubted facts and
figures to bear on this question we would will-
ingly publish them, and we think a good tem-
pered article in our columns would have weight
at Washington. We do not want mere newspa-
per statements or newspaper figures ; these can
be made to prove any side. But what is wanted
is to show that mailing seeds, cuttings, plants, &c.,
is not merely a benefit to horticulture, but is
no serious loss to the Post-Office Department.

The Gardener's Monthly.— An Iowa corres-
pondent says : — " The September number of the
Gardener's Monthly is a fine number. I am glad
to see by the continued improvement of the
magazine, that it is in a prosperous condition.
It certainly deserves it."

[All such kind notices please the publisher,
who is very grateful for the encouragement. We
may say that there has been a gradual increase
of subscribers since the war, but nothing near to
the extent there would be if the magazine were
agricultural instead of horticultural ; for where

346

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[November,

there are a thousand people who farm for a Hv-
ing, there may be but one who gardens for
pleasure. For the same reason it is very hard
for the publisher to find out where the garden-
loving folks are, and he has therefore to depend
on the good services of friends about subscrip-
tion time, when two can often be sent on as well
as one. As our correspondent remarks, such
encouragement comes back at last to these
friends, for we endeavor to improve with in-
creased encouragement. — Ed. G. M.]

Criticism. — A highly valued friend writes : —
"On page 295, in mentioning the new hydrangea,
'Thomas Hogg,' you give it as a variety of 'H
hortensis,' when you know very well that it was
named in honor of Queen Hortense, and should
be Hortensia, with a capital H. But then we
can't all be perfect. Why don't you insist on
having a good proof-reader? Such things as
'celler' for cellar, and 'mallorn' for mallow,
and a lot of others you of course are not respon-
sible for, but some one should be. While I am
poking good-natured criticism at you, I will add
that the Germans will laugh (p. 295) to learn that
' Maitrank ' is a ' German perfume.' Bless your
innocent heart, the word means may-drink, and
the thing itself is wine, in which the leaves of As-
perula have been infused. The Germans have
been calling the plant 'Wald-meister,' and insist
that it grows wild in this country, but they mistake
for it one of our own Galiums. I don't at this mo-
ment recollect which species it is, but one of them
has quite the same melilot perfume as Asperula.
It is singular that Anthoxanthemum among
grasses, Melilotus and Dipterix (tonqua bean), in
Leguminosae and Asperula and galiums in Rubia-
cese, to which we may add Liatris odoratissima in
Compositfe, should, though so unlike botanically,
have almost precisely the same odor. But this
is preaching. The October number is a good
one, in proof of which I admit to have read it all
through."

In addition to this we have another from an
equally esteemed correspondent : —

" I w^as quite amused on looking at the Gar-
dener^ s Monthly the other day to see a quotation
from a Belgian journal, saying that the Asperula
odorata was used in making the German perfume
called Maitrank. In New England, perhaps, it
might do to call it a perfume ; but in Germany,
where there is no prohibitory law, there is no hesi-
tation in drinking what the Belgian journal calls,
facetiously perhaps, a perfume. In plain En-

glish, Maitrank. as the name implies, is a sort of
punch, made of some light white wine, into
which is put the meisterkraut, or Asperula odor-
ata, apple-blossoms and such things ; clover-
flowers are even said to be used, and I have
known Oxalis leaves to be found floating
in the Maitrank. In short, the ingredients are
as indefinite — although somewhat higher-toned
— as in the root beer of New England. Wine is
indispensible; then, if it can be obtained, As-
perula and in addition any number of other
flowers. The Maitrank is a favorite spring bev-
erage in the valley of the Rhine, particularly in
Baden and Alsace. The traveler will easily find
a chance of tasting it in Frankfort, Heidelberg
or Strasbourg. Amongst other places at the Mol-
kenkur in Heidelburg it is offered for sale about
the first of May, when if one does not fancy the
somewhat weak and acid beverage, he can, at
any rate, enjoy the magnificent view of the nec-
kar and the more distant Rhine. The Asperula
odorata is common all through the Vosges moun-
tains, and it always seemed strange to me that
so prettj^ a plant was not cultivated. One of the
prettiest species of Peronospora, P. calotheca
grows upon it."

[Another friend sends us a postal card, much
to the same eftect. We return our best thanks
for these fjivors. It has been ever our ambition
to make the Gardener's Monthly as near absolute
perfection as possible, and it is a great pleasure
to us to find our friends as jealous of its accuracy
as we are ourselves. Such corrections are al-
ways very welcome. — Ed. G. D.]

The Tomato. — Nothing is more remarkable
than the way in which nations will year after
year shut themselves up in their prejudices, and
keep deaf to evidence that would help them to
facts of great value to themselves. It is within
the time of the present writer that the tomato
was in use only in England by the very select
few, and then merely as sauce. All this time,
and for three hundred years before, the Ger-
mans, to whom we are indebted for its extensive
use, were luxuriating in it. The mass of the
people of England believed the tomato to be
" poison," and many believe so yet. We are re-
minded of this by the following paragraph : —

" Several interesting statements are made by
'Science Gossip" (English), showing the cen-
turies since the culture of the tomato was known
in gardens. Galen, who lived in the second cen-
tury, uses the name Lycopei-sicum, now applied

1876.]

AND HORTICULTURIST.

34T

to the tomato, but it is not known to what plant
he alludes. But an Italian writer, in 1561, thinks
Galen meant the tomato. Dodoens, a Dutch
botanist, describes it as growing in his time (in
1583), and as eaten dressed with pepper, vinegar
and oil. Gerard mentions it in his ' Herbal ' in

extensive use on the table, cooked and uncooked,
about the year 1825."

Miller & Sievers. — Australian Tree Ferns. —
We see by the public papers that for the very
fine collection of Australian tree ferns, which

1597, and calls it poinum amoris, and describes
red and yellow fruited sorts. Parkinson, in 1656,
says it is cultivated only for curiosity, and ' for
the amorous aspect or beauty of the fruit.' A
century afterwards Miller states it was used in
soups. Coming down later, we remember its

formed one the leading attractions of Horticul-
tural Hall, at the Centennial, these gentlemen
have had deservedly an award of honor. That
those who may not have visite 1 the Exhibition
may have an idea of these remarkable trees, we
give the accompanying sketch. The reader

348

TEE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[November,

must imagine the central stem in the picture to
be about ten feet high.

The Early History of the Vine and Pome-
granate.— The Independent of Oct. 5th, notices
the researches of Dr. Birch on "Monumental
Egypt," and that there is in the work an account
of a Botanical collection made by Thotmes III.,
on the pylons of Karnak. The sunflower, vine,
pomegi'anate, and a kind of Arum, are recog-
nized, which we are told were found ''on the
upper Rutennu or Northern Syria, and from
there brought to Egypt." This brings the au-
thentic history of these fruits back to a much
more remote period than we have reached be-
fore, and towards the spot where Noah had "that
high old time," after his miraculous escape from
drowning. It is more than likely that when the
countries east of the Caspian and across the
Himalayas shall have been explored, both in
their botany and ancient records, as Egypt is
now being done, much that is obscure in the
early history of our fruits and vegetables will be
cleared up.

W. Forsyth.— This old writer on Gardening,
The Journal of Horticulture tells us, was born in
1737, at Old Meldrum, in Scotland. He succeeded
in wheedling the Government of England into
giving him $9,000, for mixing cow dung, lime,
wood ashes and sand together, in order to make
hollow trees fill up with sound living wood. A
" commission " was appointed to report. A Dr.
Lettsom and a Dr. Anderson composed it, and
they testified that is was "nothing more than the
truth." History says Mr. Forsyth was "mis-
taken." A modern writer would say he was a
" dead beat," and consider even such slang more
than politeness required.

I. E. Ilgenfritz.— Among the many personal
features thnt give interest to the Centennial,
Michigan receives credit for the above gentle-
man, whom she placed in charge of her exhibits.
Always courteous and energetic, with an excel-
lent knowledge of pomologj^, he is one of the
most promising of the younger 'race of Horticul-
turists, and we made his acquaintance with
pleasure.

Col. Wilder.— As most of our readers know
the good President of the Am. Pomological So-
ciety, was unable to be present with the body at
the great Centennial reunion. But, he was re-
presented by MarchantV celebrated portrait of
him, and by 100 varieties of pears in Horticul-

tural, and 300 in the Centennial Exhibition.
They will be gratified to learn that he is regain-
ing his health, and will heartily wish that he may
long enjoy it.

American Tl^beroses. — We were astonished to
read in a Boston paper recently an article on the
tuberose from the pen of one of Boston's leading
horticulturists, that " the bulbs are imported from
Italy and France, as our seasons are not long
enough to ripen them." Perhaps the season of
Boston is the " our season " referred to, but Bos-
ton is not the United States by any means, and
because they do not ripen there, is no reason for
sending to Italy or France for them. If not
known to this gentleman it is pretty well known
to others that American tuberoses are preferred
in England to the best Italian. We hope Mr.
Rand and his " two distinguished members of
the Massachusetts Horticultural Society " will
not think we are "as bitter as gall on everything
in Boston," because we endeavor to correct a se-
rious error on the part of one of its good citizens.

Sir Joseph Banks. — The London Journal of
Horticidture has a portrait and history of this dis-
tinguished Botanist and Horticulturist of the
last age. He was born in Lincolnshire, in 1743.
He was on the voyage of Captain Cook, and is
well-known to gardeners by name through th©
grand new Holland genus, Banksia.

Worcester Co., (Mass.,) Horticultural So-
ciety FOR 1S75. — In the annual report by E. W.
Lincoln, Secretary, the society mentions some
difficulties to be overcome, but on the whole we
understand that this very useful local society is
prosperous.

The New South.— By Col. M. B. Hillyard,
McComb City, Miss. This is a compilation of
what has been written by Northern men who
have visited Mississippi and other parts of the
South, and gives a great amount of information
as to the astonishing natural resources and in-
dustrial prospects of this beautiful part of the
country.

Ohio State Hort. Society. — Ninth annual re-
port from M. B. Bateham, Secretary, Painesville,
Ohio. There are some admirable essays in this J
volume, especially " pictures on grass," by Frank *
J. Scott. On the whole an improvement every
way on former volumes.

Twelfth Annual Catalogue, Michigan State
Agricultural College. — This is one of the few

18Y6.J

AND HORTICULTURIST.

349

fluooessful agricultural colleges ; and it is a pleas-
ure to read what it has to say of itself. Dr. Abbot
is President, and R. G. Baird, Secretary, Prof.

Kedzie, of Chemistry, Beal, of Botany, and Cook
of Zoology and Entomology, are well known to
our readers.

ORTICULTURAL fS)OCIETIES,

EDITORIAL NOTES.

The Centennial. — By the time this reaches
most of our readers, the great Exhibition will
have closed ; and we shall soon be in a position
to see what gain, if any, has accrued to Agricul-
ture and Horticulture — the last of which it is our
especial business to deal with.

So far as the fruit and vegetable department is
concerned, our readers have been tolerably well
informed through copies of the reports of the
Judges made from week to week, and which have
been kindly placed at the disposal of the Press
by the Centennial Commission. We have not
been able to give all these reports on account of
the length of some of them, and the reference
occasionally to matters from distant parts of
the earth, that, however interesting to the peo-
ple of those districts, could hardly V^e of service
to the majority of our readers. The awards
which will be made on the strength of these re-
ports may perhaps tell more in time than these
reports do now.

We cannot but think that it was a mistake not
to do for Horticulture proper what the Agricul-
tural Department did for fruits and vegetables.
A continuous floral exhibition, would have been
a great charm. This week pansies, and other
things in season — next week geraniums, then
rhododendrons, then roses, then leaf plants for
bedding, then gladiolus, and so on down to chry-
santhemums ; and not limiting the exhibition
to anything named, but allowing any thing to be
brought that was beautiful, and rewarding it ac-
cording to its merits by an honorable mention in
a report, as well as by a special medal and diplo-
ma at the close, in those cases where special
merit was exemplified in the article exhibited.

Horticulture has gained a little by the Centen-
nial Exhibition. It has exhibited good lessons in
landscape gardening, in arranging bedding plants,
and in arboriculture — in any other respect the
great world, which in numbers ranging from near
fifty thousand to two hundred and fifty thousand

a day visited the Exposition, knows little more
than if the Exposition had never been held.

To Messrs. Such, Dick, and Williams of Eng-
land, who at a great expense in personal atten-
dance, kept collections of rare plants in the
building all the season, Horticulture in America
owes a debt of gratitude, and the special exhibit
of Rhododendrons is entitled to no less praise.
The points we have named are the chief redeem-
ing features in one huge blank. Where the
blame for this huge failure rests we have no dis-
position to investigate, and it would serve no
good purpose now. We only know that a Cen-
tennial Horticultural Society was organized, and
hoped to do something. The Centennial Com-
mission hoped to do something. The Chief of the
Bureau hoped, and we know, tried to bring these
good things about. The Penna. Horticultural
Society was no less earnest in its efforts to have
Horticulture well sustained. We have heard
many reasons given why they all failed, and to a
certain extent there seems good ground in every
case to account for the failure. All we have to
do is with " the facts of history," and these un-
varnished facts tell simply that while in Pomol-
ogy we have been able to get a fair idea from the
Centennial as to what fruit-growers are doing, in
Horticulture we have not.

Philadelphia, Sept. 28th, 1876.
Hon. a. T. Goshorn, Director General U. S. Cen-
tennial Commission.

Sir : — During the past week we have examined
a collection of the native fruits of the Philippine
Islands, exhibited by the " Inspector of Woods
and Forests " in the Spanish pavilion. This is a
particularly valuable contribution to the ex-
hibition, making us for the first time acquainted
with the indigenous pomological products of
these Islands. There are 97 kinds in all, some
of them, of course, of little more value than the
wild berries of other countries, but many are re-
garded as of superior excellence. The following
appear to be among the most striking, the bot-
anical names being given as being more intellig-

350

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[November,

able to the civilized world than the obscure
native names.

Aveirhoe Camherala. This is related to our
Sour Grass (Oxalis), but is a tree, having fruit of
the same form, but as large as a small cucuml)er.
It is employed to make acidulated drink.

. Anona squarrosa. This is closely allied to our
North American Papaw. and so highly esteemed
as to be already under extensive culture in the
West Indies.

Dillenia speciosa. A tree not far removed from
our Magnolia, and producing a fruit for acidu-
lated drink.

Artoearpus Rima and A. Carwansie of the same
genus as the celebrated "Bread" fruit and ".Tack"
fruit belong — these are much smaller fruit than
they. Sandoricum indicum ; this belongs to the
same family as our " China " tree of the South
(Melia Azederach), but the apple-like fruit is as
large as a good-sized garden plum. So far as we
can learn, its beauty is superior to its eatable
character.

Diospyros Sapota. This is a persimmon double
the size of ours.

There are- several species of the orange family
(Citi'us nobilus, C. Mitris), mostly smaller than
our popular kinds — Mangoes, Custard Apples,
Tamarinds — and a curiouslj' flattened form of
the common cocoanut, yielding a superior qual-
ity of oil. As we believe this is the first specific
exhibit of the fruits of the Philippines ever made,
and as such especialh^ instructive. We regard
it as highly meritorious.

Tlie New Jersey State Agricultural Society in
Agricultural Hall exhibit watermelons and 90
plates of apples. The specimens were fully up
to the average of the best specimens of the same
kinds as grown any where in size and beauty — the
Kings, Porters and Maiden's Blush rather above
the average. The Washington strawberry apple,
a kind seldom seen in collection, but reported to
be of superior quality, was conspicuous for its
size and beauty. As showing the fitness of the
district represented by this society for producing
superior apples, we regard the collection as
m.eritorious.

Samuel Streeper, Broadaxe, Pa., apples. There
were only 13 kinds in the exhibit, but all of them
of remarkable good character, valuable varieties,
and equal to the highest average in size. A very
meritorious exhibit.

S. W. Noble, Jenkintown, Pa., Pennsylvania has
given birth to a very large number of excellent
apples. This collection of 53 kinds is made up

chietly of these, and on the score of the in-
struction such an exhibit affords we commend
them. The Cornell's Fancy in the collection is
particularly meritorious.

Adam Hoover, two kinds of apples.

James Wardrop, Pittsburg, Pa., Seckel peai*8
of great size, beauty, and general quality. They
measured 8i inches round each way.

Amos Murray, Frankford, Pa., exhibits
peaches.

E. N.Wright, School Lane, German town, Phila.,
Alex. Cox, gardener, Black Hamburg grapes
from glass culture. The berries were not of ex-
tra size, nor of the darkest color, but the bunches
were above an average size (ten inches from the
shoulder), of perfect form and superior flavor,
two bunches being borne on each branchlet. On
the whole, highly meritorious.

The State of Michigan, an additional exhibit
grown by Samuel Hoppin, Bangor, Mich.
This embraces 10 varieties of peaches, including
Early Ann, about 6 in. round, Early York, 7i,
Morris White, 10 in., Hill's Chili and Jacques Rare
Ripe, and Barnard (said to be a popular, abundant
bearer in the State). Apples, 75 varieties. These
were, on the whole, rather superior to the same
kinds as usuallj' grown ; especially superior
were Baldwin (11 inches round). Northern Spy,
Rhode Island Greening, Gilly Flower, Red Rus-
set, Blenheim Pippin, Black Detroit (12^ in.)
Chenango, Strawberry, Maiden's Blush, and Red
Detroit. The last is considered a more profit-
able variety than Black Detroit. In the collection
is an improved Siberian crab — more beautiful
than the Hyslop, and a very valuable crab.
The whole collection is a very meritorious one.

E. Bradfield, Adrian, Mich., per State of
Mich., nine kinds of grapes. One of these,
Bradfield's Prolific, is a large bunch, and the
berries 3} in. in circumference. This is a re-
markable, good-looking, black variety, but
scarcely ripe enough to warrant us in awarding
to it special merit, which, perhaps, when ma-
ture, it may deserve.

E. Engle, Papaw, INIich., per State of Mich.,
nine kinds of grapes, good : Marthas Diana,
good ; Salem, small bunches but extra large ber-
ries ; Barry, good ; Concord, very fine ; Ives',
extra fine. On the whole, worthy of commend-
ation for superior culture.

A. 0. Winchester, Salem, Mich., per State, 25
plates, mostly Concord, Clinton, and Delaware —
good fruit. Salem and Diana, extra fine.

John Whitelesley, St. Josephs, Mich ., 8 kinds

i

1876.]

AND HOB TIG UL T URIS T.

351

of grapes. Rebecca, very good. Concords, very
good — from a trellis the vine covered 48 feet.

George Brinkerhofl", Monroe, Mich., very good
grapes." State of Michigan deserves credit for
this whole exhibit, manifesting how well this
part of the State is adapted to grape culture.

H. E. Bid well, South Haven, Mich., Craw-
ford's late peach, 9 inches in circumference,
clear and beautiful.

J. S. Linderman, per South Haven Pomologi-
cal Society, grapes, 30 plates, 4 kinds very good.

Peninsula Farmers' Club, Grand Traverse,
Mich., peaches, apples, and pears. Of the two
last we have to speak in terms of the highest
praise. The Bartlett pears were not as large as
often grown, but were of a clear brown color,
of a brilliant scai-let on the sunny side, and
with a delicious aroma. The Flemish Beauty
pears were very highly colored, and measured
lOf in. one way by llj the other. Among the
apples, Porter measured lOf by 11 inches round ;
Spice, sweet, 12 in. ; Duchess of Oldenburg, 11^,
Red Astrachan 10|, and very beautiful.
Taking the whole collection, it is highly merito-
rious.

James Courteney, West Philadelphia, celery
and red peppers.

Urbana Wine Co., Hammondsport, N. Y.,
grapes, 113 boxes unnamed, but confined to the
following kinds : Catawba, Diana, Salem, Con-
cord, Iowa, and Delaware, all well-grown, aver-
age fruit, demonstrating the fitness of the locality
for good grape culture.

W. L. SCHAFFER,

A. W. Harrison,
Edwix Satterthwaite,
Thomas Meehan,
josiah hoopes.

Signed,

International .Tury

on Pomology.

Philadelphia, Sept 21st, 1876.
Hon. a. T. Goshorn, Director General U. S. Cen-
tennial Commission.

Sir : — During the week ending with this date
the following additional exhibits have been
placed on the table :

State of Michigan, twenty-five plates of grapes
in 5 varieties. South Haven, Mich. These are not
quite equal to the highest average attained by
the same varieties in other places, but we re-
gard them as superior when the high northern
latitude is considered.

J. B. Seelye, Canandaigua, N. Y., grapes — the
Iowa, Delaware, Concord, Dinaund, Salem.
These were very good specimens ; the ''Concord"
remarkable for the size of the berries, some of
which were three inches in circimiference.

Fruit-Growers' Society of Ontario. Thi.s Can-
adian Society have added during the week to
their already extensive exhibits 120 plates of
apples, 7 of plums, 5 of peaches, 16 of pears, 3 of
tomatoes, and 2 of nuts. This exhibit equal in
many respects in value to some they have al-
ready made, is superior in some respects, the
apple being remarkably fine. The St. Lawrence
apple is especially well grown, being highly col-
ored, and some measured 11 inches in circum-
ference. The Baldwin measured the same ;

these were grown by Hugh Scott, Delaware, Ont.
The peaches were of medium size, but we con-
sider remarkable for Canada.

E. Anderson, Felton, Delaware; pears — Duches.s
d'Angouleme— of remarkable size. One meas-
ured 12J inches one way by 14J the other, and
weighed 20 oz. ; others weighed 17^ oz., 19 oz.,
and 16J oz., respectively. G. M. Younglove,
Hammondsport, N. Y., Diana, Concord, and
Delaware grapes, the last particularly good.

The Berks County Agriculturar Society of
Pennsylvania, 150 varieties of fruits, chiefly ap-
ples and pears, made up by different growers of
that region, and filling 349 plates. This exhibit
is a partiCTilarly valuable one. as exhibiting a
large number of Pennsylvania varieties of fruit of
great merit, bvit which are little known outside
of this region. Here were specimens of the
Krauser, Yacht, Yost apples and the Reading
pear. Other and well-known kinds were in su-
perior condition — the " Fallowater," 13 inches
round, and the Summer Rambo, Hi inches, in
the same exhibit. The old White Doyenne, or
Butter pear, grown by Washington Brookman, a
variety now seldom seen, was of particularly
superior excellence.

A. L. Felton, of Philadelphia, 215 kinds of
fruits and vegetables. Among these were black
Spanish watermelons, remarkable for solidity.
One measured but 36 b}- 49 inches, but weighed
45 lbs. On the whole, the exhibit was veiy attract-
ive to the visitors who crowded round the tables,,
and regard it as particularly instructive.

Chas. C. Hess, Geinnantown, Pa., Germantown
quinces.

Henry Avery, Burlington, Iowa, apples and
pears. The apples were superior specimens, in-
dicating excellent cultivation ; they were of the
varieties Mother and Grimes' Golden, the latter
10 inches in circumference — large for this va-
riety.

J. H. Lambert, jSIilwaukee, Oregon, one the
egg plum, 6 inches in circumference.

Morgan Brown, Fontagany, Ohio, 70 varieties
of vegetables — 17 of these, potatoes, and one
large pumpkin weighing 250 lbs. Having but a
single specimen or so of a kind, the exhibit made
no great display. The quality, on the whole, is
not equal to that of the districts around our
large cities, but as illustrating the capacity of a
comparatively unknown region in Ohio for good
vegetable growing it is regarded as meritorious.

Signed,
International

Judges
on Pomology.

' W. L. SCHAFFER,

A. W. Harrison,

Wm. Parry,

Edw'in Satterthwaite,

JOSIAH HoOPES,

Thos. Meehan,
^ T.T. Lyon (of special exhibit).

Hon. A. T. Goshorn, Director General U. S. Cen-
tennial Commission.

Sir : — Since our last report, and during the
week ending with this date, additional exhibits
have been made and examined by us as follows :

352

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[November,

State of Wisconsin, 11 varieties of grapes.
Taking the whole collection, these are rather
above the average of the same varieties in color
and flavor. A bunch of the Lindlej- was 7 inches
in length from the uppermost berry to the lower,
and weighed 11^ oz. ; Agawam, 7h inches, and
12| oz. , Wilder, 7 oz, This is not only a merit-
orious exhibit for Wisconsin but would do credit
to any State.

W. P. Ottley, Phelps, Ontario Co., N. Y., 10
kinds of apples and pears, under-sized fruit, but
well colored and attractive.

Truman Mabbett, Yineland, N. J., sweet pota-
toes, a full collection of the best varieties--White
Bermxida, Southern Queen, and Mansemund.
These were unusually large, if that is any merit
in a sweet potato, and possessed much interest
in the fact that half of them had been kept since
1875, showing an excellent knowledge in pre-
serving them.

A. Tripp, Albion, N. Y., 5 kinds of apples.

H. M. Engle, Marietta, Pa., 38 kinds of apples
and 2 of peaches. These had been evidently
selected with great care, and on the whole is a
highly meritorious exhibit of good fruit.

D. G. Gyger, Radnor. Delaware Co., Pa., 64
plates of apples in 25 kinds, although none of
these apples exhibited higher characters than are
seen occasionally in the best specimens of their
kinds, yet they were all very good. Seldom, in-
deed, that we find so many kinds brought to-
gether all doing so well, and on this ground we
regard it as of special merit. The Cornell Fancy
weighed 8 oz., and measured 10? inches round.

A. M. Smith, Grimsby, Ont., 20 kinds of ap-
ples ; and White Doyenne, and Louise Bonne
de Jersey pears. Taking into consideration the
high northern latitude, the apples are of superior
excellence. The Calvert, a beautiful specimen,
weighed 7 oz. ; Rhode Island Greening, IIJ oz. ;
Fall Pippin, 12 oz., and others about in propor-
tion to their general growth.

Robert Snyder, per Fruit Growers' Society, of
Ontario, apples— Thorndale, Alexander, St. Law-
rence Chenango Strawberry, Pomme-gris, and a
large, reddish, tart seedling. These were beauti-
ful specimens of their kinds, fully equal to the
best averages.

State of Iowa, a collection of vegetables made
up from all parts of the State. There were 64
plates, and about 60 varieties of potatoes, and
about 50 other kinds of vegetables. The i^ota-
toes, beets, and Mangel Wurtzels, were of re-
markably fine appearance, and showed how well

the State is adapted to their growth. As illus-
trating the vegetable-growing capacity of the
State, we regard the collection as very instructive
and meritorious.

W. L. Shaffer,

JOSIAH HOOPES,

A. W. Harrison,
Wm. Parry,
Edwin Satterthwaite,
Thos. Meehan.

Signed,

International Jury

on Pomology.

QUERIES.

Ohio Fruit at the Centennial. — M. B. Bate-
ham writes: "In your comments on the Centen-
nial Pomological Exhibition, (Oct. p. 319,) you
say ' Ohio had a very fine collection of fruit, but
we understood that the State would pay no one
to properly exhibit them, and so no one knew
names of fruit or of parties who sent them,which
was unfortunate.'

"Though unintentional, of course, your re-
mark casts an unjust reflection upon the repre-
sentatives of Ohio at the exhibition. The Ohio
State Horticultural Society undertook the labor
and expense of collecting and exhibiting the fruit
from this State ; and three of the officers of the
Society were in attendance at the hall, most of
the time, during each day of the pomological
exhibition. The fruit was displayed on a range
of tables assigned to it, the farthest side of the
hall — although our application for space was
among the earliest. It filled over 1100 plates,
and the name of the variety was on each plate.
The name of the Society was painted on two
banner signs, each ten feet in length, stretched
between the pillars, over the tables, and the
names of the twenty or more counties and local
societies from which the fruit came, was on pla-
cards upon the tables. Then a full list of the va-
rieties in the entire collection was made out by
the secretary, and handed to Capt. Landreth, aa
desired. If anything more was wanting for the
' proper exhibition ' of the fruit, it was owing to a
failure on our part to comprehend the duties of
the august occasion."

[We should be sorry to cast reflections on
Mr. Bateham, or any one, and had no intention
of doing so. It seemed a duty to tell our readers
why we gave credit to individuals in other States
and none to Ohio. For this reason we have
to repeat that if there were exhibitors' names
on the productions any time between Monday,
September 11th, and Fridny. September 15th, we
did not see them. — Ed. G. M.]

r

PRITCHARDIA FILIFERA,

TSIf/CUIfl i SO//,UTH. PHLLA.

DiSRAY-fD EXPReSSir fOfi THE GARD£UEf)'S MOHrHLY.'

THE

GARDENER'S MONTHLY

AND

HORTICULTURIST.

DEVOTED TO HORTICULTURE. ARBORICULTURE AND RURAL AFFAIRS.

Edited by THOMAS MEEHAN.

Volume XVIII.

DEOEMBEE, 1876.

Number 216.

,LOWER KARDEN AND if LEASURE GROUND.

SEASONABLE HINTS.

There is not much to do in this department at
this season, but much to remember. It is the
season of thought, if not of work.

How often do we hear people say they cannot
wait a life-time for trees to grow. Well then,
manure, and see how they grow. To-day we
measured a chestnut on a friend's lawn that was
a two-year old tree when transplanted eight
years ago. Four feet in circumference. He top-
dresses his lawn every year. Nothing pays like
manuring ornamental trees where growth is de-
sired. For evergreens the manure must be well
decayed.

If our advice has been followed in the past,
trees are planted very thickly at first. Cheap
ones are put in among valuable ones. As they
grow, thin out the worse trees. Winter is the
time to do it.

Our readers will do well to remember that it is
not so much severe frost that hurts vegetation in
winter, as it is severe thawings following the
freezings. Everything, therefore, no matter how
hardy they may be, will be benefited by having
something thrown over them, to prevent early
thawing. Small things, such as hardy herbaceous
plants, can be protected by a little earth, and
there is nothing better. Seed-beds are also im-
proved by this covering, but if earth is used for
them, it should be very sandy, because it cannot

well be removed, and seeds cannot come through
stiff soil.

It would be well, at this season of leisure, to
examine and decide on the course of improve-
ments for the ensuing year.

Very few understand that an occasional
change of soil is very beneficial to flowers in
beds, though all know how important it is to
flowers in pots. There is nothing better than
surface soil from an old pasture, taken off about
two inches deep, and thrown into a heap with
about one-sixth part old hot-bed dung to par-
tially decay. In addition to this "staple" item,
smaller quantity of different matters should be
gathered together for peculiar cases, or particu-
lar plants. Peat, for instance, will be found
very useful for many kinds of 'plants. This is
not, as is often supposed, mere black sand ; but
a spongy, fibrous substance from the surface of
bogs and boggy wastes. Sand" should be col-
lected sharp and clean ; the washings from turn-
pike ditches are as good as anything. Leaf
mould is best got already well decayed from the
woods. That, one makes for himself from rotten
leaves is seldom good for anything; it is always
sour and seems " indigestible " to vegetation. A
load or so of well-decayed cow-manure is a good
thing for the gardener to have by him, as all
those plants that dislike our hot summers, and
want a cool soil to grow in, prefer it to any other
manure. A small pile of hot-bed manure is
almost indispensable to the garden.

356

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[Decembeb,

tacks the ver^^ tips of the leaves, which should be
disposed of before the leaf is disfigured."

Hardiness of the Silver Thorx.— There is a
hedge of this on Meehan avenue in German-
town, formerly a part of Meehan 's nurseries,
that has been fifteen years entirely uninjured.
Mr. Carew Sanders says, that wherever the Wei-
gela and similar shrubs get killed back in winter,
the Silver Thorn does also. In other respects
Mr. Sanders thinks it a good hedge plant, " stiff,
stocky and hedgy."

The Gladiolus Disease. — When this was first
brought to the attention of the Gardener's
Monthly, now many years ago, we expressed the
opinion that it was of fungoid origin. Of course
we had to make the guess from analogy, as it
requires great knowledge and skill in microscopi-
cal studies to be able to work these matters up
positively. Mr. Worthington G. Smith has re-
cently done this, and finds it is a fungus— a new
one — and he names it Urocystis Gladioli.

NEW PLANTS.

TuLiPA Greigi is the subject of a colored plate
in the October number of the London Florist and
Pomologist. It is a dwarf grower with flowers
about four inches over, reflexed scarlet petals,
and a yellow base with four oblong black spots.
The leaves are rather large, thickly covered with
black spots. It has been recently discovered in
Turkistan and will be hardy in America.

Pektstemon heterophyllus. — Forms neat,
close tufts a foot or more in diameter, from which
arise numerous slender stems eighteen inches
high, bearing a profusion of flowers of a beauti-
ful sky-blue. It is a native of California, and
perfectly hardy. — C. M. Hovey.

Pentstemox Palmeri. — A remarkably distinct
and handsome species. Grows from three to five
feet in height, with panicles of peach-colored
flowers. It is perfectly hardy, and succeeds in
any well-drained soil. — C. M. Hovey^

Alonsoa linifolia. — This new and handsome
species grows from a foot to a foot and a half in
height, with dark green, flax-like foliage. The
centre branches, as well as the surrounding ones,
are so disposed as to form a symmetrical and
graceful specimen, covered from almost the base
to the summit, with innumerable glowing light-

scarlet blossoms. It is easily grown, and sus-
ceptible of both pot and open-ground culture. —
C. 31. Hovey.

i^JLOXSOA MYRTiFOLiA. — This is another new
species ; grows from two to two and a half feet ;
is of very robust growth, and exceedingly florife-
rous. The individual flowers are larger by far
than in any other species of this genus, and of a
fine scarlet. It makes a very good pot-plant, but,
by reason oi its strong growth, is principally
adapted for the open ground. — C. M. Hovey.

QUERIES.

The Centennial Eock-work.— S. O. K., Jack-
son, Mich., writes: — "Since noticing your re-
marks on the display of " Rock-work " on the
horticultural grounds at the Centennial, the query
with me has been why an untutored eye like
mine should have been so much attracted by the
striking effect produced. May it not be that the
perfect harmony and fitness of the plants used in
ornamenting the same, made it somehow befit-
ting in placing it in such strong contrast with ita
surroundings? The Yuccas, Agaves, Aloes and
various plants of this class all seemed in such
harmony with the design that I queried whether
it all had not a right to be there in that promi-
nent and beautiful spot. I noticed also in some
greenhouses in Philadelphia, .slate placed upon
the benches before the covering of sand. I sup-
pose to protect from decay, &c. I think I have
discovered a better plan. I put a liberal sprink-
ling of broken rosin on the benches, then apply
a hot flat-iron, forming a perfect coating, which
is quickly done, and it is all right for all time
to come, so far as I know."

[Yes, the choice of plants for the Rock-work
was admirable. The whole work meritorious.
Slate is used not only because of its endurance —
but it is a better conductor and plants on it are
warmer than on boards.. Ed. G. M.]

Pyracantha Hedges. — C. C, Decherd, Tenn.,
writes : — " Can you, through the Monthly, give
me any information about the Pyracantha hedge
plant? Is it the same as the Virginia White
Thorn? Is there any difference as to hardiness
between the white and red varieties? How far
north can it be grown as a hedge ?' What is its
true botanical name; and how should the seed
be managed to sprout it ?"

1876.]

AND HORTICULTURIST.

35T

[We do not know what is Virginia White Thorn
— probably some " common " name not worth
while vexing oneself about. The Botanical name
is Crataegus Pyracantha. There are two varie-
ties, the common Pyracantha with red berries,
and the White Berried Pyracantha, with (so far
as generally seen) no berries at all. The former
is hardy in Pennsylvania, sometimes only — the
last is always hardy there. It is rather slow in
growth — the white berried one — but makes an
admirable hedge in time. We imagine there can
be no more perfect hedge than an eight or ten
year old white berry Pyracantha hedge. The red
berried variety differs from the other in this, that
it does not grow close and need pruning, and is
not absolutely hardy here. The white berried
variety was first brought to notice by Messrs.
Parsons & Co., and whatever credit may be at-
tached to the idea, is theirs. We suggested, how-
ever, in these pages at the time of its first intro-
duction that the name of "White Berried Pyra-
cantha " should be changed — but the suggestion,
we regret to say, was not acted on, and it is too
late now. Through a large extent of country the
red Pyracantha is of no use as a hedge plant,
while the other is invaluable, but no one would
know this by its name.

The Pyracantha of both kinds is raised by nur-
serymen from cuttings — it is rarely attempted
from seed. All the Crataegus family take a year
to sprout. It is too slow a business whenever
cuttings can be had. As for the white berried one,
it seems very shy of seeding at all. In twenty
years we have not seen a dozen berries, and these

were hardly white. It is hardly necessary to say
that critically the fruit of these plants are not
" berries " — but we are speaking in the common
gardening language, and not for botanical stu-
dents.—Ed. G. M.]

PiCEA Parsonsiana. — B. J., Cincinnati, Ohio,
writes : — " In making out a list of rare trees lately,
and which I sent to a leading firm, I had Picea
grandis and P. Parsonsiana. When the plants
came I had two grandis' sent me, with the re-
mark that the two names belonged to one thing.
As I think the nurseryman must be wrong, I ask
you to decide."

[Yes, the nurseryman is wrong. The form
known as Picea Parsonsiana is a very beautiful
one — superior to the ordinary form of P. grandis
as you buy them in nurseries. The whole of this
trouble comes from the unfortunate English habit
of giving Latin names to mere varieties. If this
had been called the Parsons' variety of Picea
grandis, or even the Parsons' Fir "for short,"
there would have been no difficulty. As Picea
" Parsonsiana " it was thought to have claims to
distinction as a distinct species — a claim the bot-
anists do not recognize — yet, though it may not
be specifically distinct, it is distinct as a variety —
and any nurseryrnan who sends out ordinary
nursery forms of grandis for Parsonsiana makes
a grievous mistake. — Ed. G. M.]

Names op Plants. — C. W. H., Nashua, N. H.
No. 1, Chionanthus A^irginicus ; 2, Gynmocladus
canadensis; 3, Gleditschia triacanthos; 4, Cra-
taegus oxyacantha.

^REEN mOUSE AND MOUSE mRDENlNG.

SEASONABLE HINTS.

Insects are apt to be troublesome in growing
houses, — particularly Red-spider, Green-fly and
Mealy-bug. A free use of the syringe is a good
preventive. Tobacco-smoke, in two or three light
doses, is still the best thing for the Green-fly.
The Red-spider, fortunately, shows his depreda-
tions more villianously than most insects, — light
yellow lines or spots marking almost at once the
scenes of its depredations. If one has good eyes.

the finger and thumb will keep him down, as a
slight and rapid passing of the finger over the
leaves easily crushes his little body. When he
becomes an " army with banners," more scien-
tific approaches must be made to give any show
of success.

Pelargoniums become " drawn," spindly, and
worthless, if they are not allowed to occupy the
lightest and most airy part of the house. If fine
specimens are desired, the shoots should now be
tied down to the surface of the pots and pinched
ofFs£)asto induce them to shoot freely; but a

358

TEE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[December,

too frequent use of " finger and thumb " is bad,
— nothing renders a Pelargonium weaker; rather
encourage them to grow bushy, by the free use of
light, air, and manure-water.

A good supply of young Fuchsias should be
coming on now. Re-pot as their roots fill each
pot; let them not want for moisture or light; do
not pinch off their tops, but let them grow rapid-
ly. The temperature in which they are grown
should not exceed 55°. A turfy loam, moderately
enriched with well-decayed manure, and well
drained with charcoal, suits them admirably.

The Mimulus is receiving more attention than
it has been. Where they are grown, they are
much improved by having pans of water kept
under their pots.

Epiphyllums, as they continue to flower, will
require the warmest part of the house, and a
fair supply of moisture.

The most interesting tribe of plants at this sea-
son of the year is, undoubtedly, the Camellia.
The buds frequently drop off before flowering ;
this may spring from three causes — from the
plants being kept too dry, or from the drainage
being bad, whereby the soil becomes sodden, or
from the house being kept too warm by insuf-
ficient ventilation. As the leaf-buds burst, the
plants are benefited by occasional syringings ;
and, indeed, an increased supply of water alto-
gether, in order to accommodate the demands of
the young growth.

Cinerarias will soon be the chief attraction.
The least frost kills them, yet they will not do
well if kept in a high temperature. They love
moisture, yet are very impatient of damp. No
plant is more improved by the use of charcoal
in potting than this.

The Calceolaria w'lU require the same condition
as the Cineraria.

Hyacinths that have been out of doors, or in
any reserve place for protection, may be brought
in a few weeks before wanted; they should not
have much heat, light or moisture for a few days,
and then only gradually.

Carnations and Pinks are much admired when
grown in pots and flowered there early. They
do not flower well if too much warmth be given
but the usual temperature of the greenhouse will
bring them forward a month before they can be
had out of doors. Whenever the roots make
their appearance through the bottoms of the
pots, they should be shifted into a size larger.
They require very little water, and love the light,
and whatever manures are used to enrich- the

soil should be thoroughly rotten. The Pansy, on
the other hand, delights in half-rotten, strawy
manure and turfy loam. If a quantity of seed-
lings have been raised in the Fall, they will re-
quire potting this month. They do not flower
well here when the weather becomes warm ; but
when grown in pots, and forwarded slightly by
the aid of a cool frame, they do very well.

Cacti and succulent plants generally, will scarce-
ly require water at all, unless in very dry situa-
tions, and then receive but a slight sprinkling
with a syringe. The rule " When you water a
plant at all, let it soak right through," does not,
by any means, hold good with these plants, if
there be not some other good exception.

Oranges and Lemons will require the coolest
part of the house, and to receive no more watef
than will just keep them fresh.

COMMUNICA TIONS.

POT DRAINAGE.

BY F. WELLINGTON BE.4.CH, BLOOMINGTON, ILLS.

Is it necessary to drain my flower-pots? I am.
asked this question many times during the year,
and not only from personal visitors to our estab-
lishment does the question come, but from many
of our friends and patrons from all parts of the
globe. I have come to the conclusion that an
answer to this question through the columns
of your paper might not only be beneficial to
those who have already made inquiry, but to
many others who have not taken the trouble to
inquire into the matter.

To make a short and decisive answer I would
say that pot-drainage is not only useless but
injurious. I expect to be contradicted in my
a.ssertion, and perhaps by those who are inuch
older than I am, but I am perfectly confident
that I can show points where drainage is not only
useless but hurtful to flowering-plants, and I am
confident that I will be upheld in my statements
by some of our leading florists, and those of
many years' experience. My objections are, first,
a waste of time, for where the operator spends
time to pick out the drainage from the bottom
of the ball of earth, and again replace them in
the new pot, before replacing the plant, he
spends at least one-half of his time in the ope-
ration of replacing the drainage, and this would
never do for a greenhouse operative. And in
the second place, where drainage is placed in the

1876.]

AND HORTICULTURIST.

359

bottom of the pot, the roots grow down to the
bottom of and through the drainage, and when
the plant is shifted to a larger pot, you destroy
many of the young fibers, or working-roots, so-
called, for it is impossible to extract the drainage

rectly over the hole in the bottom of the pot;
but this even is useless, if you are cautious not to
give too much water, and this should always be
avoided. If a farmer should remove the top
soil and place a layer of stones under the soil, in

CROTON VOLUTUM.

from the old ball without breaking and otherwise
injuring many of these tender roots, and this
causes the plant to stop making top growth till
it has formed a new set of roots. Some say use
only one piece of drainage, and place that di-

a field in which he was to plant grain, before
sowing his seed, you would pronounce him any
thing but a wise man. I claim that the farmer
has as much necessity of drainage in his field as
we have in our flower-pots. I am asked how I

360

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[Decembee,

know that drainage is not necessarj' ; I answer,
by experience. I do not mean to say that a
plant will not do well if it is drainecT, but I do
mean to say that it will do just as well if it is not
drained. I have tested it thoroughly, and I find
that plants do just as well, if not better, without
drainage. Again, I hear some one say that per-
haps plants can be grown in the sandy soil of the
East without the use of drainage, but drainage
must be used for our loamy soil of the prairie i
but I answer not so, for I have tried them both,
and I find that by a sufficent use of sand in the
potting soil which should consist of rotted sod
from the pasture or road-side, and rotted refuse
hops from the brewery, about two-thirds of the
former and one-third of the latter, with a suffi-
cient quantity of sand to make the soil porous,
that no drainage is necessary. If my friends will
try my plan of growing plants without the use
of those old fogy crocks, and be careful not to
use too much water, I am perfectly confident
that they will have as good, if not better success
with their Flora's Pets. Please give it a fair
trial at least.

CROTON CULTURE.

BY MANSFIELD MILTON, CLEVELAND, OHIO.

This genus of plants comprises some of the
finest ornamental leaved plants in cultivation.
Of late years from the South Sea Islands have
been introduced some of the best species, some
of which are not only attractive in the coloring
of their leaves, but in the peculiar shape of them.
In the collections of Messrs. Veitch and Mr. Bull,
London, England, I saw, this last spring, some
exquisite species of but very recent introduction,
some of them surpassing anything hitherto in-
troduced, as being decidedly distinct in general
appearance, and especially in the shapes of the
leaves.

Crotons are easily managed if sufficient mois-
ture and heat be given them during their season
of growth. If grown in too drj'^ an atmosphere,
they soon get covered with red spider, which
soon discolors the leaves and destroys the vitality
of the plant. A soil composed of turfy loam and
peat with a good mixture of sand is the most
suitable. As they require a good supplj' of water
during their growing season, perfect drainage
is indispensable to insure the water passing freely
through the soil, nothing bting more injuiious
for the welfare of the plant than stagnant water
around the roots.

The species being so numerous I shall men-
tion only such as are well worth growing even in
a small collection. Not but most all kinds are
worth growing, but some are more distinct and
more easily managed than others.

C. angustifolium. — A narrow-leaved species from
the East Indies ; the leaves are long, drooping,
of a bright j'ellow color and very attractive.

C. aucuhsefolium. — The'' leaves of this one are
short and broad, of a bright green mottled with
yellow, having a pinkish tinge on the mid-rib
and veins. Its compact habit gives it a distinct
appearance from most of the others.

C. grande. — This beautiful species is from the
South Sea Islands; the leaves are about 8 inches
long and 3 inches wide, of a deep green color,
spotted with yellow, the mid-rib being also
yellow.

C. Hillianum. — An exquisite species of compact
habit; the leaves being dark green the veins
bright crimson on the upper side ; on the under
side they are of a dark red color. It is well
adapted for decorative purposes, where such
compact plants are required.

C interruptum. — A species assuming often on
the same plant very different leaves in shape,
sometimes a spiral form is seen and in others
nothing but the mid-rib exists for a space in the
centre of the leaf. On a plant here about 6 feet
high scarcely two leaves are alike in shape, some
of them assuming the strangest shapes imagin-
able. The color of the leaf on the upper side is
adarkred, the mid-rib very bright, the under
side a dark purple.

C. maxbmim . — This, when well grown, is a fine
looking plant; the leaves are about 10 inches
long and 4 inches broad, of a bright yellow, with
a dark green stripe on each side of the mid-rib.

C. pidiirn. — An old species in cultivation, but
has few superiors in general appearance ; when
well grown the leaves are about 8 inches long,
and from two to three in breadth, of a bright
crimson color, spotted with green and black. It
is one of the finest-growing species we have, but
like all Crotons, requires plenty of light to bring
out the true colors. The reason so many poor
colored plants are seen is from keeping them too
much shaded when growing. No plants we have
endure a higher temperature with plenty of sun
than Crotons, so long as plenty of moisture is
kept in the house.

C. spirale. — In Mr. Bull's establishment I saw
a fine specimen of this species ; every leaf char-
acteristic of the name. The leaves are about 10

18t6.]

AND HOBTIGULTUBIST.

361

inches long and one inch broad, twisted like a
cork-screw ; they are green, with a yellow mid-
rib, changing with age to a bright crimson. Al-
though interruptum sometimes show^s this spiral
form of leaf, I never saw it so perfectly done as

of which is dark green, blotched with yellow
when young, changing to crimson with age. It
is of free growth and excellent habit : native of
South Sea Islands.

C. vohitiim. — This species I also saw in Mr.

seen in this species. It is one of the most distinct
and beautiful in cultivation.

C. imdulatum. — Of the many Crotons now in

Bull's collection and derives its name from the
peculiar manner in which the leaves are rolled,
about G inches long and beautifully colored, the

cultivation, I think this the most beautiful; the ground color being bright green, the mid-rib.

beautifully undulated edges of the leaves give it
a very attractive appearance, the ground color

veins and edge of the leaf a bright yellow.

C. variegatum. — This species is an old inhabit-

362

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[December,

ant of the hot-houses, having been introduced
about the beginning of this century from the
East Indies. The ground color of the leaves is
green, the mid-rib and primary veins a bright
yellow.

C. Weismannii. — This is a very handsome Cro-
ton, and one of very free growth : the habit is
very graceful, the leaves grow about a foot long,
the ground color being a shining green, the mid-
rib and margin a bright yellow, also large yellow
blotches scattered over the surfaces. For culture
in a small collection this one is to be highly re-
commended.

GLADIOLI FOR WINTER.

BY MR. BENJ. GREY, GARDENER TO E. S. RAND, JR.,

BOSTON, MASS.

It is to be regretted that these highly orna-
mental bulbs are not generally cultivated for
winter blooming. They are as easily grown as
hyacinths and bulbs of a like nature, and their
cheerful appearance for house decoration during
our dull winter weather, will amply repay the
little labor they give.

To insure success, select in spring, bulbs which
have not pushed their buds. These should be
kept dry until about September 1st, when they
may be potted in rich sandy loam, single
bulbs in five-inch pots, or a larger number cf va-
rious colors in larger-sized pots. I sometimes
put as many as twenty-five bulbs into about
fourteen-inch pans, and if the bulbs are chosen
of equal strength and forwardness they will
come into bloom together, and give a splendid
mass of flowers for parlor or other decoration.
As soon as potted they may be placed in the
greenhouse until they have made considerable
growth, after which they may be moved to a
warmer position, and watered occasionally with
liquid manure.

Those who have no greenhouse, may plant the
bulbs about the middle of July in the o])en air
in a rich border. When they have made a
growth of a foot or fifteen inches, they may be
dug up and potted; and before there is any
danger from frost, should be removed to a sunny
window in the house, and kept well sup])Iied
with water. The best time to dig is after a con-
tinued spell of dry weather, when the soil is
rather dry; and if they are potted and well-
watered as soon as lifted, they receive no ap-
parent check whatever, but will give as good
spikes of bloom as those ordinarily flowered in

the open air. I have a bed in an intermediate
house of about three hundred bulbs which I
have lifted in this way, and they are all giving
indications of bloom.

Bulbs grown this season in the open ground,
and well matured, may be potted for spring
flowering ; they do not require to be covered to
induce them to make a root growth, which is the
case with hyacinths and some other winter-
flowering bulbs; but I think it best to avoid
giving much heat in the beginning, as this would
be apt to cause them to make too weak a growth
for bloom when forced in this way.

AGAVE XALAPENSIS.

BY J. F. M. FARQUHAR, FOREST HILLS CEMETERY,
BOSTON.

Last spring this variety of Agave flowered
here. It threw up a central stem to the height
of four feet, on the top of which the flowers were
produced, extending downwards about fifteen
inches. They were bell-shaped, about one inch
across, and of a pale pea green color. Those
lowest down expanded first, and the others fol-
lowed in slow succession for nearly a month.
The effort of flowering seemed to have exhausted
the plant, and its faded appearance afterwards
certainly justified the frequently expressed
opinion of callers, that its days were numbered.
As the plant was a fine specimen, I would have
regretted its loss. I therefore endeavored to
save it, and kept it perfectly dry until it had
sent up a new crown, which it did about the first
of September. From that time it was regularly
watered as it needed, and now, October 2nd, the
leaves have regained their fresh ajipearance, and
the plant seems as healthy as though it never
had flowered.

VIOLETS.

BY RAMBLER.

A great gardening author has stated that if
three flower-pots were kept in a window, one of
the three should be devoted to the culture of
violets. Well did he know how dear that little
flower was to the human heart ; and the more I
think of that, the more I wonder that it is not
more generally cultivated. For I don't know of
any plant easier of cultivation, or that rewards
more liberally the attention bestowed on it,
whether grown in pots or in a frame. And I

1876.]

AND HOETIGULTURIST.

363

am sure there are few of our lady friends to
whom a small "bouquet of sweet-scented violets
would not be desirable in the cold days of winter
and the earlier, stormier period of spring.

Not only for its usefulness and fragrance
should we cherish, but also for its poetic asso-
ciations. How, when in a musing mood, the
sight of this simple flower conjures up associ-
ations, that enables us as " of old " to gambol
amidst " the sweet scenes of our youth " in feats
of skill and wanton merriment ; yea, years have
rolled on, and life with its stern duties has some-
what shaded the little romance within us;
yet the time when the first-plucked violets were
stealthily and bashfully presented to a favorite
fair one, are as present to our memory as when
" youth was young."

The Heart's Ease, from the harmonious com-
bination and contrast of its colors, is often
strikingly beautiful, and is frequently odorifer-
ous, but it holds not the same place in our sym-
pathies as the modest but sweet violet, that has
little to attract the eye, but, like other objects,
human as well as floral, would pass unnoticed
in the crowd were it not for the beneficence they
shed, the fragrance that they yield ; and I only
hope that the time is drawing nigh when this
plant will be more universally cultivated. Any
given rules for successfully growing the same are
unnecessary ; but I have found, myself, whether
grown in pots or frames, they delight in nice
drainage, a little charcoal, light loam, and plenty
of air.

FORCING TENDER ROSES.

The writer wishes it understood that he makes
a distinction between growing plants under glass
and forcing them. We grow, for instance, grapes
in cold graperies ; no gardener would call that
forcing grapes. We grow a variety of plants
under glass for winter-flowering, such as Roses,
Carnations, Violets, Heliotropes, Bouvardias, &c.,
but in general we do not call that forcing. By
forcing, the writer understands the using of extra
artificial means to produce flowers out of their
season, as Roses, Lily of Valley Hyacinths, &c.,
about Christmas. Undoubtedly, Mr. Grey's me-
thod, as given in a former number, is a good one
(or growing roses; as to the forcing of them, the
writer difiers with him in some points. If we
want to force roses, we have first to understand

why it is there is such an abundance of fine
roses in March, and so few about Christmas. It
is on account of the sun being more powerful
in February and March. Mr. Grey speaks highly
of a span-roofed house, facing east and west.
At what angle the roof ought to be built, he does
not mention, and that is a matter of the most
importance. Flat-roofed houses are not good
for growing flowers in winter. Commercial men
know the value of sunlight, as witness their
troubled faces if a week of cloudy weather pre-
cedes Christmas.

If we consider all this, we come to the conclu-
sion that it is light and sum-ays that help us so
much in bringing out the flowers, and we should
build our houses with a steep roof — say at an
angle of 55°, or more. This may seem too much
to some gardeners, but let them consider how
low the sun is when most needed. Houses with
such roofs would be either very high or very
narrow, and a hip-roof becomes necessary. The
northerly roof ought by no means be steep, for
the less glass on the north side the better ; a
warm, hollow wall would be preferable. Best
quality glass should be used, and of 10x12 size,
with all the wood-work as light as possible.

That light is very essential to plant-life is
nothing new, and that fine colors are produced
by it is also well known. Very little airing is re-
quired, for sunheat in those days is more bene-
ficial than injurious.

A forcing-house for roses should always face
South. It will bring on flowers at Christmas
that would not be seen much before Easter in a
span-roof facing east and west.

As to the bed manure, &c., the writer agrees
with Mr. Grey, but not with his method of renew-
ing old bushes by tying them down to the
ground.

The Roses recommended by Mr. Grey can easily
be kept in shape by skilful pruning, provided
they are not planted too thick, a fault which is
rather too often committed, the result of which
is that the plants are forced to grow up too
straight. The exclusion of light from the
side buds causes them to break feebly and pro-
duce small buds as a consequence. As to the
Marshal Niel, that is nowhere so much at home
as when it can run on a trellis near the glass.

Now, as we know that roses near the glass are
generally the best in size and color, let us not
lay the bushes to the ground. Should it become
necessary to make roses break near the ground,
they might be cut in the early part of summer,

364

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[Decembee,

when their flowers can be spared. They will
then have time to make young wood before the
following winter.

Thanks to Mr. Grey for bringing up this
subject, and giving his method of culture.

EDITORIAL NOTES.

Pritchardia filifera, [see Frontispiece.) — We
give as an illustration with the title page for the
annual volume a representation of this beautiful
Palm, the recent discovery of which in the lower
Colorado districts of the United States has caused
so much interest, both in this country and in
Europe. It is, we believe, about five years ago
that we received a leaf for name from Mr. John
Rock, of California, but for want of flowers or
fruit, there was no way to identify it. The his-
tory of its name has already been given by Mr.
Sereno Watson in our pages. As it extends up
the Colorado River region almost to Utah, it will
probably prove hardier than any other Palm we
have; and as it will not be difficult to procure
seed as it is with so many other palms, it will
probably become more popular than any of the
many beautiful things that form the Palm tribe.

Circulation of Hot Water.— In scientific cir-
cles there is some interest taken in the fact that
the soundings of the Challenger expedition shows
that down in the deep water of the Pacific and
Atlantic Ocean there are many places where the
water is but little above the freezing point. Gar-
deners accustomed to the circulation in hot
water boilers can easily understand this, as well
as why the Gulf Stream flows towards the poles
and other similar phenomena. As the water on
the surface at the tropics is warmed and light.
ened, the colder from the poles flows down and
re-places it, and the warm lightened water, of
course, flows over the surface to take its place.

The New Palm.— At the October meeting of
the "Germantown Horticultural Society," the
first premium for new and rare plants was award-
ed to Edwin Lonsdale, florist of that place, for
a plant of the beautiful palm, Pritchardia filifera
We think this is the first time it has been exhib-
ited in Philadelphia.

Hydrangea Thomas Hogg.— This is a pure
white variety of the common form, and will be

very popular. We have before had the pink,
often a blue, and now a white, giving great vari-
ety to this beautiful plant.

Rhyncospermum jasminoides. — This popular
greenhouse plant, which in spite of its long
name, has managed to become well-known, will
in future have to struggle along under Trachelo-
spermum jasminoides.

Remedy for Ants. — The papers tell us that
" a new industry has been introduced in France
— the breeding of ants for their eggs. These eggs
are sold to the breeder of pheasants. As j'et the
business is in the hands of its originator, a woman,
and she already appears to be on the high-road
to fortune." Perhaps they who are pestered with
ants in greenhouses may here see a way out of
their little trouble.

QUERIES.

Lime for Cellar Floors. — M. S. B , Port-
land, Oregon, writes : " I should be glad to
be informed through the Gardener's Monthly,
or otherwise, how to construct ' Lime floors '
for cellar bottoms, and how long after making
before the floor can be used.

" Is sand to be mixed with lime after the slack-
ing ; and is lime considered as good a cement for
cellar bottoms where there is much dampness?"

[Lime for cellar floors should be " drawn "
through water as plaster is — not slacked as it is
when masons use it for brick or stone work-
After being taken out of the water, it may have
from one-half to three-fourths of its bulk of
sand, gravel, or any hard material mixed with it.
It will not "set" or crystalizc as mortar does.
Its solidity will depend on the pressure it re-
ceives.^ It will take two or three weeks to dry,
the time varying according to the dryness of the
cellar. In a very damp cellar it may never get
hard — we have had no experience — for the hard-
ening is due to drying, and this to evaporation.
—Ed. G. M.]

Heating a Cucumber House. — P. W., Winters,
Yolo Co., California, writes : "I wish to inquire
the best way to heat a greenhouse, three hun-
dred and twenty feet long and tnirteen feet wide.
The house is used for the purpose of raising early
cucumbers. I have been in the habit heretofore
of using stable manure for bottom heat, but find
I am so much troubled with the green fly, (or,
lice, as we call them,) on the vines, that it is im-

1816.1

AND HORTICULTURIST.

365

possible to grow them with success. I think the
Hce originate from the manure. Would it not
be better to heat with hot water ? How would it
do to have the boiler in the centre of the house,
and have the water flow each way and return ?
I have plenty of one-inch pipe — would that be
large enough? The thermometer never indicates
lower than 26°."

[It is hardly probable that the lice are especi-
ally favored by the stable manure. Hundreds
raise cucumbers by stable manure without this
experience. If we had an abundance of stable
manure, we should be loth to change it. No heat
is so grateful to the cucumber, as that from this
source. If, however, you will change, hot water
will be best for so long a range, and the boiler
be best in the position you suggest. The objec-
tions to one-inch pipe are that it is very liable
to be obstructed — and water circulates with more
difficulty on account of the greater comparative
friction, and cools quicker. It takes more fire
to keep up a regular temperature in a house
with small pipe, than one with pipe of three or
four inches diameter. — Ed. G. M.]

SuNRAY Fuchsia.— W. C. L. D., El Dorado, Cal.,
says : " In July number one of the Monthly's cor-
respondents desires to know who originated the
Sunray Fuchsia. It originated with a Mr. Rudd.
I think it a very desirable Fuchsia. The Monthly
I consider at the head of all papers or magazines
of its class, and its great popularity I believe en-
tirely due to its untiring and devoted Editor."

[The Editor does take a pride in his work —
but never forgets how much he owes to his ex-
tensive circle of correspondents. These make a
good paper as much as a good Editor. — Ed. G. M.]

Tar in Greenhouses Again. — A correspon-
dent at Ogdensburg, New York, is in trouble with
the greenhouse. The leaves of the plants fall
oS", &c., &c., &c., &c. The pipes are painted by
" some black material," and this tells the whole
story. The predecessor of the present gardener
could hardly have been a reader of the Garden-
er's Monthly or he would not have tarred the
pipes — or indeed put anything on the pipes. If
he left his situation for his bad success with his
plants, he fully deserves his fate.

,RUIT AND VEGETABLE GARDENING.

SEASONABLE HINTS.

Very little can be done now in this department,
except by way of preparation for another year.

Manure can be placed on the ground wherever
required, and Asparagus beds, if not already
done, should have a slight covering of it. Bean
poles, pea-brush, and stakes of all kinds should
be got now, the tool-house gone, over and put in
order, and everything kept in good order and
studiously in its place. When the season of ope-
rations commences, there will then be nothing to
hold back the attention.

Where there can be heat of 60° commanded.
Bush Beans can be usually grown in pots, and
can be gathered in two months from time of
sowing.

If there is abundance of leaves or manure at
command, and small frames, beds may be put
up for early spring salads, at the end of the
month.

Radishes and Lettuces are, however, very im-
patient of too much heat; they will come on
well if the temperature be kept at 45°. When it
goes above that, the sashes should be lifted en-
tirely off".

The same remarks apply to the Potato and
the Early Horn Carrot.

Cauliflowers in frames require all the air pos-
sible. Never allow to be become dry ; this is the
cause of many failures by way of " buttoning
oftV

In the fruit garden, there is not much to be
done besides thinning of branches where too
thick, cutting out weak or exhausted ones, so as
to give place to younger or stronger ones — and,
where there are scale insects on the bark, wash-
ing to get rid of them. When a tree is badly in-
fested, the twiggy portions should be wholly cut
away so as to more perfectly clean the balance.

The best wash is that recommended in our
magazine of Irst spring — Linseed oil.

866

THE GARDENEB'S MONTHLY

[December,

COMMUNICA TIONS.

GRAPES AT BOSTON.

BY W. H. W. READING, MASS.

The display of grapes at the Massachusetts
Horticultural Exhibition in September last was
unusually fine. Some pronounced it the best
that had ever been made. The season was re-
markably favorable, on account of its exceptional
heat, to early and thorough ripening, and as a
consequence, almost every variety grown in
Eastern Massachusetts was shown in its perfec-
tion.

Mr. Campbell's " Lady," of which we had such
complimentary reports, did not make her ap-
pearance. There were many inquiries for her,
and some had strong hopes of at least getting a
glimpse of her face, if not of becoming person-
ally acquainted with her. But probably no vines
of this variety have yet fruited in our region,
and we shall have to wait another year at least.
My own plants have made a very feeble growth,
though carefully nursed, and I hear the same
complaint from one of my correspondents. But
it is just so with Croton, and yet alter it becomes
well established it acquires all necessary vigor.

The " Brighton " was visible only in a single
bunch. As this grew upon a young and feeble
plant, it was probably no fair representative of
the real size and character of the grape when
grown upon a vine that has attained age and
vigor. The bunch shown looked much like a
small Diana, being shorter than the average
Delaware, with the berries about the same size
as these when well grown. If I may judge from
a single grape, the quality is not by any means
equal to Delaware or lona, though much supe-
rior to such varieties as Hartford or Concord.
But perhaps it is unfair to make any criticism
at all upon fruit taken from so young and feeble
a vine. My brief experience with the Brighton
leads me to think it a healthy and vigorous
grower, much more so at least than Lady, and I
look forward to its revelations, when firmly es-
tablished, with a good deal of hope that it will
prove very desirable.

But the very cream of the display (so far as
new varieties are concerned) was Mr. Ricketts'
exhibition of his new hybrids. He had a table en-
tirely to himself, and it was covered with more
than sixty varieties, which of course attracted a
great deal of attention, making, as it doubtless

did, one of the very finest displays of out-door
grapes ever seen in New England. Some of the
clusters were magnificent, two bunches of Secre-
tary being each nearly twelve inches in length ;
and the quality of several of them was superb.
One small white one I thought had the most
exquisite flavor of any grape that ever passed
my lips. There were many and earnest inquir-
ies for the vines, and many disappointed coun-
tenances when the reply was given that no single
plants are for sale.

If the vines from which such grapes as these
can be grown shall prove to be healthy and
hardy, so that they will give us a reliable crop,
then it would seem as if we have already reached
the goal in out-door grape culture, beyond which
no reasonable man need wish to go. But these
splendid varieties have been tested only in Mr.
Ricketts' garden on the Hudson. He is afraid
to part with them for the purpose of having
them tested elsewhere, lest they should be dis-
honorably propagated, and so the ownership of
them be lost to him. It surely does seem as if
the government ought in some way to protect his
rights to these new and valuable fruits, which he
has originated with so much skill and care, as
thoroughly at least as it protects the rights of
the man who invents a new mouse-trap or man-
ufactures a new patent medicine.

[It is dangerous to build much on weak vines.
The Lady grape is not generally a weak grower,
and the reference to the Brighton is so foreign to
its usual character as to excite a doubtas to wheth-
er W. H. W. has the real thing. In regard to Mr.
Ricketts' grapes, the great commercial difficulty
is that he has so many good ones. They com-
pete one with another, and then there are many
good kinds held by other parties — all are in
competition. For all this, Ave believe that any
one who has a good run of grape trade, would
do well to buy the whole stock of one of Mr.
Ricketts' good grapes and push it, even though
he had to pay several thousand dollars for the
right.

Still, here is the point for W. H. W. and others
to consider : — Suppose the government were to
give Mr. Ricketts' a "patent" for one of his new
grapes, who would guarantee that another kind
just as good or better would not be out before
the owner of a " patent grape " could get his
stock well into market? We repeat what we
have said before, that there is not a nurseryman
in the country but would give just as much for
the whole stock of a good thing without a pat-

1876.J

AND HORTICULTURIST.

86T

ent right as with it ; perhaps more, for with a
fruit right he would surely buy law suits. If it
be asked why this is not the case with ordinary
patents to the extent to be anticipated in this,
we answer because the elements of novelty can
be more clearly defined in a machine than in a
fruit. Suppose W. H. W. tries his hand at it in
illustration. Give us, for instance, the points of
novelty claimed for the " Secretary " grape in
such language that a patent office clerk could
tell at once whether any other grapist was in-
fringing on the " rights " of the Secretary. Let
us see how the thing works and save so much
theoretic talk.— Ed. G. M.]

MRS. PINCE'S MUSCAT GRAPE.

BY JASPER STANDSTILL, BROOKLINE, MASS.

By referring to the June number, 1874, page
166, you will find notes about " Mrs. Pince's Mus-
cat Grape." I now send by express a bunch of the
same, an average one of twenty-two. I do this
because I then said, " As to its keeping qualities
it will fulfil the most extravagant wish ; as to its
flavor, it is not that of the Muscat of Alexandra."
At that time it was a " cold grapery;" now a part
embracing the Mrs. P. is heated, and as a conse-
quence its substance and flavor is vastly im-
proved. For its unapproachable keeping quali-
ties it ought to find a place in every establish-
ment where late grapes are desired.

[1 lb. 4 oz. A beautiful bunch, and of admi-
rable flavor.— Ed G. M.]

THE WINTER PROTECTION OF GRAPE VINES,

BY J. M. H., DOVER, N. H.

There seems to be no other way given where-
by the fruit culturist of the Northern States can
combat the cold and frosty weather of these
northern regions successfully, and produce in
perfection the choicest varieties of grapes, ex-
cept by giving them a good winter protection of
some sort. My experience has been that any
grape which has any foreign blood in its com-
position will almost invariably winter-kill, unless
protected in some way. And although so much
has been written upon this subject, still a large ma-
jority of cultivators in this vicinity still neglect
this most essential element in grape culture. A
neighbor being unable to cover his vines as
UBual last autumn, found when spring opened

that his lona, Allen and Rogers Hybrids,
Delawares and Eumelans were killed to the
ground ; while his Concords, Hartfords, and
Northern Muscadines lived, but were late in
starting. This plainly shows that those vines
which are hybrids or contain in some manner
foreign blood are more tender than those of na-
tive origin. Another neighbor interested enough
in grape culture to plant several varieties, but
believing that vines are capable of taking care
of themselves, declares he will not protect his
vines in. the winter ; result of this resolution —
neighbor A. never eats the choicest varieties of
grapes unless he purchases them or has them given
him by some more careful neighbor. I know that
fine grapes can be raised north of the 43d paral-
lel of latitude; that you have only to use the
materials within the reach of all to make it
quite successful. In my own grapery I have
succeeded by giving my vines an annual prun-
ing, not always following the directions of the
"books," but sometimes pruning close and at
other times on the renewal system, adapting the
pruning to the condition of the vine, manuring
moderately with wood ashes or well rotted man-
ure, and by giving the vines in autumn a cover-
ing of leaves, potato tops or what is just as good,
the soil around the vines. In this manner
grajjes can be raised at the North where Indian
corn can be ripened.

THE SICILIAN NUT TREE.

BY ED. S. MASON, DETROIT, MICHIGAN.

Four or five years ago, seeing the Sicilian Nut
Tree extensively advertised as a valuable nut-
bearing shrub or tree, I ordered two plants from
the proprietor, received them by express, and
planted them in my garden in Detroit. They
grew well and stood two winters without any ap-
parent damage. The third wniter, one of them
was killed by the rigors of the season, the other
still survives and puts out a large growth of
strong shoots every year, but as yet has not borne
fruit. It appears to be identical with the filbert,
the improved and cultivated Corylus or Hazel.
The seller, who is a nurseryman in Massachu-
setts, may not have intended fraud or imposition,
as it is probable the nuts from which the trees
were raised were imported from Sicily, as filberts
are extensively grown in, and largely exported,
from that Island.

368

THE GABDENEB'S MONTHLY

[December,

MUSKINGUM PEAR.

BY R. J. B.

This fruit which seems to do well in the north-
east, is not considered valuable in the vicinity of
the city of Zanesville, Ohio, on the Muskingum
river. Since the finer varieties have become
known it has been passed by. The opinion of
the writer, formed from what he could learn 20
years ago, was that it was one of the old time
fruits, like Orange Bergamot, &c. Recently he has
conversed with a gentleman who was secretary
of the Muskingum Valley Horticultural Society,
a year or two ago, (and whose father is now
president of the same) ; and he stated that after
full discussion the society discarded it; its chief
faults being insipidity and mealiness.

THE PLUM CURCULIO.

BY P. H. FOSTER, BABYLON, L. I.

I wish to write to the public through your
progressive Monthly, how we cheated the little
Turk out of some Purple Favorite Plums, this
year, by casting air-slaked lime over the tree
nearly every morning for six weeks ; the conse-
quence is, we have quite a quantity from two
trees, which we never had before. Another idea
may prove of benefit; no rotten plums, as here-
tofore.

[The plums were well earned. The easiest
plan we know to get plums is to put a fence round
the Plum orchard, and keep fowls therein. Throw
grain or other very small feed under the trees,
and let them scratch away for dear life and the
chance is there will be cheap plums. — Ed. G. M.]

JUNE-BUDDING PEACH TREES IN TEXAS.

BY B.

My June-developed peach buds, where T cut
the tops entirely off, are many of them dying ;
but where the young tree was small enough to
bend over, or, where large, was first cut partly in
two (as in plashing osage hedges) and then
lopped over, the buds and stocks are all doing
well. For years past I have adopted this plan
in treating summer-budded roses; and one sea-
son I budded some fine quinces with pears,
layered the quince limbs early, making the top
of the curve just above the bud, and both pear
buds and quince layers grew well. But the top

of peach stock is not worth saving, and an up-
ward cut, half way through, will alloAV the top to
lop over without further care, and keep up a
healthy flow of sap. Where cut off", disease or
death in our hot, dry climate, is inevitable.

EDITORIAL NOTES.

Western Grapes. — New seedling grapes come
in once in a while from the West, only to excite
astonishment East that any one appreciates
them. When examining these, we think people
have scarcely an idea how the grape has been
improved. Some of these would have been
popular fifty years ago. but are hardly endurable
now.

The Tomato Disease. — The Gardener's Chron-
icle says that the identity of the Tomato fungus
with that of the Potato fungus — the Perenospora
infestans — is now undoubted.

Disease in California Cherries. — The Cali-
fornia Agriculturist says :

"Several cherry orchards about San Jose have,
within the last two or three years, showed the
presence of some disease which has alarmed and
puzzled the orchardists not a little. The trees,
one by one, in portions of the orchard, would
commence dying at the top. The topmost
limbs would die first, and so down till, in some
cases, the entire tree would die. In others, after
a few of the main limbs died, the trees would
take a new growth from the bottom limbs and
show signs of recovery. We have visited several
orchards and undertaken to ascertain the cause.
No orchardist could account for the trouble."

[We find the roots of many trees that are
sick injured by gophers, but much doubt whether
such injuries, however harmful, would result
in the appearance as described. — Ed. G. M.]

Lime and the Potato Beetle. — The Garden-
er's Magazine tells its readers that when the
Potato Beetle makes its appearance in England,
not to use the favorite thing on the other side —
an arsenical preparation known as Paris Green
— because it injures the soil, while dustings of
hot lime benefit the ground, and are equally effect,
ual and less dangerous. All this so positively
rendered, reads funny to an American.

18Y6.J

AND HORTICULTURIST.

369

Natural Mistory and ^Icience.

EDITORIAL NOTES.

Rainfall and Forests. — Our European friends
are finding some curious " facts " in regard to
rainfall and forests. In France, a Mr. Fautral
found that there was much more rain fell in a
forest than on a sandy plain not a great way
from it. It so happened, however, that another
forester kept an account in a forest about the
same distance from the sandy plain, and the fig-
ures from the two forests do not agree. Most
persons would have suspected an error in ascrib-
ing much influence to the forests, but these two
fell to discussing the nature of the forests them-
selves; and now it is asked of us to believe, that
while ten per cent, more rain will fall on a pine
forest than on a sandy plain, only five per cent,
more falls on an oak one ! The only wonder is
that 95 per cent, should fall on the treeless plain.

On the Diurnal Opening of Flowers.—
At a recent meeting of the Academy of Natural
Sciences of Philadelphia, IVfr. Thomas Meehan
referred to observations he had made this season
on the nocturnal and diurnal expansion of flow-
ers, and said that, contrary to the popular im-
pression, it was not probable that light or its ab-
sence alone determined the opening of the blos-
soms. There were some plants, as for instance
OEnothera biennis, the Evening Primrose; Anagal-
lis arvensis, the "Pimpernel," and others which
remained open or otherwise longer when the
weather was humid or clear, and were looked on
in consequence as kinds of floral barometers; bvit
from other facts it was clear that it was not the
weather merely, but some other incident accom-
panying the weather that governed the case.

For instance, though Oenothera biennis, and
other CEnotheras opened at evening, — and if the
atmosphere be moist, would continue open
the greater part of next day. — many species
opened only in the day time, and this they did
regularly quite regardless of meteorological con-
ditions. Oi^. serrata, of Colorado, was one of
these. It was regular in opening about noon,
and the blossoms were all closed long before sun-
down.

In other allied families, we saw similar di-
vergencies. In the Cactus family, Opuntia and
Mammillaria opened only about mid-day; while
most of the Cereus opened at night. The night-
blooming Cactus was a familiar example. But
the chief interest was in the fact that many had
their special hours of day or night for the ex-
pansion. The Portulacca oleracea, common
Purslane, opened about eight a. m., and by nine
had performed all its functions; while a closely-
allied plant, the Talinum teretifolium, from the
serpentine rocks of Chester County, opened at
one p. M., and was closed by three. The con-
ditions of the weather did not seem to influence
them.

There was the same attention to daily periods
in the growth of the parts of plants, as well as in
the expansion of the petals. In composite plants,
the floral growth was generally in the morn-
ing, and was usually all over by nine or ten
o'clock a. m. The elongation and expansion
of the corolla was usually completed in an hour
after sunrise; but the stamens grew for an hour
more, and the pistil continued for still another.
There was little if any growth in the floral parts
after nine o'clock in a very large portion of this
order of plants. In grasses, Cyperacese, and
some rushes, the floral parts were very ex-
act in their time of opening. In the Plantains
(Plantago) the pistils appeared a day or more in
advance of the stamens, and these last appeared
at about a regvilar time in each day. In Luzula
campestris, the wood form, he had by a series of
observations timed it exactly. Before nine the
anthers were perfect, but by ten the pollen has
been all committed to the winds, and only dried
membraneous matter remained. So far as he
could ascertain, meteorological conditions did not
influence the time in the least in this case.

The popular impression of light and moisture,
as agents in this behaviour, had seemed to
receive a tacit scientific assent. It was clear he
thought there was "a more powerful agency un-
derlying these, and it was perhaps a gain to
science to be able to see this, though in so dim a
light.

370

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[December,

Metalijc Substakces in Plants. — The number
of metals absolutely indispensable to all plants,
and consequently to fruit trees, is six ; namely,
potassium, calcium, sulphur, phosphorus,- man-
ganese, and iron. There is no doubt, however,
that certaui plants require, in addition to these,
this or that other metal to complete their nour-
ishment. We may even assume that silica,
chlorine and sodium, and perhaps also mag-
nesium, play a part in the functions of certain
plants. If we reckon the four gaseous elements
which furnish plants with their first and princi-

pal food, we have a total of ten, or sometimes
thirteen or fourteen elements, which have proved
essential to the perfect development of plants.
According to Prof. Adolph Mayer's excellent
text-book of agricultui-al chemistry, these ele-
ments are taken up in the following forms : — 1,
as free oxygen ; 2, as water ; 3, in the form of
acids, namely, a, as carbonic acid ; 6, as nitric
acid ; c, as sulphuric acid, and d, as phosphoric
acid. 4, in the form of bases, namely, a, as po-
tassium ; h, as calcium ; c, as manganese, and d,
as oxide of iron. — Journal of Chemistry.

ITERATURE, CjRAVELS & PERSONAL 4M0TES

COMMUNICA 770 NS.

VIEWS OF DISTANT LANDS.

BY W. T. HARDING, COLUMBUS, OHIO.

New Zealand, from the insular position it oc-
cupies, although much nearer the equator than
Great Britain, is said to much resemble it, in the
mildness and moisture of its climate. Probably
it does, but in no other respect will it bear com-
parison. Its topography, when compared with
the wonderful continent of Australia, differs
much in general appearances. The atmosphere
is also much lower in temperature; while the
paucity of its Flora is as remarkable as the
meagreness of its Faima. Perhaps no country
having the same extent of area, 51,584,000 acres,
contains a less variety of either plants or ani-
mals.

True, there is a vast interior as yet unexplored ;
and from the hostility of the natives, is likely to
remain so for some time to come. The learned
Bacon says ; " Man is an animal as well as a
brute, but he is something more." But, in the
case of the ferocious New Zealander, man is noth-
ing less. So devilishly full of evil are they as to
be a terror to well doers. Many a harrowing
tale could be told of their diabolical doings, to
honest and brave men, fair and fiiithful women,
innocent babes and children. As long as the
" red handed " wretches continue to oppose the
approach of the white man, with the war-club
and spear, but little can be known of the hidden
treasures which remain for the venturesome
traveler to gather at some future time. The axe.

the plough and the railroad, the three great civ-
ilizers, are gradually bringing abovit the inevita-
ble change which will people the wilderness, and
make the desert rejoice and blossom as the rose.
But why dwell upon blood-curdling themes,
the gentle readers may inquire, when there are
happier subjects to dilate upon? Surely there
are pretty flowers, beautiful trees, and pleasure
scenes to describe, without introducing us to
nasty, naked, blood-thirsty cannibals. With all
due courtesy, let me inform them that my inten-
tions are not to cause any needless pain. Be it
known then, that I harbor no " bloody thoughts "
or unkind feelings; God forbid. Yet, however
painful it may be, the writer feels compelled to
divulge the fact, that he has willingly associated,
when in Europe, with bloody wall-flowers, Cheir-
anthus Cheiri sanguineus, by name, and with-
out a blush ; and confess to having many times
seen Love lies-bleeding on the ground without
shedding a tear. And, although he well knew
the unhappy East Indian's name, Amaranthus
caudatus, he sorrow-ed not. Without remorse,
or qualms of conscience, he has dug and delved
among blood flowers, at the Cape of Good Hope.
This bulbous rooted subject, Hajmanthus san-
guineus, with such a terribly bloody name, is,
anomalous as it may seem, one of the most sin-
gular and beautiful occupants of the green-
house, and should be in all collections. He has
even taken pleasure in the handling of Blood-
wort, the Sanguinaria canadensis (not meaning
bloody Canadian), of the woods in this hemis-
phere. One of his chief delights has been to in-
dulge in blood oranges, and feast on Bloodgood

1876.]

AND HORTICULTURIST.

sn

pears, blood clingstone peaches and Bleeding-
Tieart cherries.

Even the dark, bloody cinquefoil of Nepal, Po-
tentilla astrosanguinea, and Rubus sanguinolen-
tus, of the Isle of France, well-named, the bloody
bramble; an old acquaintance. However ter-
ribly portentous such technical aj^pellations may
seem, by no means are they intended to convey
the idea that they are the names of herbaceous
vampires or ligneous leeches. Believe me, there
are no raw-head and bloody-bone posies in the
greenhouse, or frightful ghouls in the flower-
garden.

After confessing to such a gory experience,
startle not, ye timorous ones, when the kindly
-editor of this magazine offers to suppl}^ his pa-
trons with blood-beech, blood-birch, and blood-
peach trees to plant; or should he recommend
blood-beets, or onions, or any of the sanguinary
vegetables, be not alarmed; they are meant for
your good.

My apology for writing such a biography,
which seems at first sight like reading a gory
chapter or page of blood, is simply a preface to
what follows, an introduction to the bloody
ferns of New Zealand.

HymenophyUum sanguinolentum is a beautiful
filmy fern, known as the Bloody Fern. It seems
a dreadful name for a prettj"^ fern, but it is more
in the name than in the nature of the thing,
which is anything but repulsive. H. nitens,
with its more euphonious name, is a shining
gem, which with its sanguinary companion-, liter-
ally covered the rocky ravine, through which I
picked my way.

No doubt among the numerous readers of the
Monthly there are many whose hearts are as
fondly attached to the lovely Filices as was the
fair and gentle creature who so feelingly and
emphatically declared, "Ferns are my devotion!"
Such an appreciative soul, having a tender re-
gard for Avhatever is good or beautiful, will ever
manifest its purity of purpose in every state or
condition of life.

Probably no species of fern find more admir-
ers or devoted friends than the filmy ones, under
notice. Whoever has been so fortunate as to
see, or own H. Tunbridgense will admit that it
.is a most lovable kind. Unfortunately the chary
little beauty is constituted with so retiring and
delicate a nature as to modestly hide from view.
Their habitats are generally in some sequestered
nook in the forest, or sylvan shades in some ro-
mantic glen. They cannot exist in the sunshine

as sunnj' flowers do ; and whoever attempts to
cultivate them must never allow a sun-ray to
reach them, or thej'^ "will shrink like parch-
ment in consuming fire." A well-drained War-
dian case, or bell-glass, is necessary to secure
the proper close, moist atmosphere they delight
in. Two other lovely kinds, H. dilatatum and
H. flexuosum, were profusely distributed in fav-
orable spots. Of recent introductions from New
Zealand are Todea superba and T. pellucida, two
most superb filmy ferns.

Dendrohium Ounninghamii, a pretty white-flow-
ering species, and the rare Earina suaveolens, the
peculiarly formed white flowers of which are
exquisitely fragrant, were the only two orchids
I met with.

Edwardsia grandiflora is certainly one of the
grand flowers of the country. It is a splendid
yellow-flowering leguminous plant, and is often
seen in balloon-like masses some ten feet high,
and sixty feet in circumference. They are un-
commonly ornamental when bedded out in the
summer months in this country. Mr. M. Hag-
erty, of Cleveland, produced some admirable
examples of what they are capable of Three
other smaller, yet very interesting kinds, E.
minima, E. chrysophylla and E. microphylla,
are well worthy of a place in the greenhouse.

A little in advance stood a group of palms,
Entelia(?Ed.) arborescens, some 40 feet high. This
handsome palm is an excellent lofty conserva-
tory plant, and would prove to be hardy in the
Southern States.

Fringing a cluster of Myoporum viscosum
some three feet high, and backed with Aralia
trifoliata and Metrosideros robusta, was a ferny
border, which Asplenium bulbiferum, and Platy-
loma rotundifolia, rounded nicely.

Tetragonia ezpansa, with which most gardeners
are familiar as New Zealand spinach, as-
sumed arboreal proportions, from ten to twenty
feet high. The remarkable broad-leaved conifer,
Dammara Australis, is a lofty and bushy tree, but
is rarely seen except on the Northern Island.

Of climbing plants, the most conspicuous is
the Supple Jack, or Ripogonum parvifolium and
Freycinetia Banksii. The natives are said to be
fond of the sweet bractese of the blossoms, which
they eat with savage gusto. Cordylines and
Dracaenas are as common as the tree ferns.

Cyathea medidlaris and C. dealbata are not only
stately but are magnificent and beautiful. I
well remember the time and circumstances
which first brought us together, and whenever

372

THE aARDENER'S MONTHLY

[December,

I see them now, think of them then and there.
Dicksonia antarctica and D. squamosa, were well
represented; but having previously described
them in the October number of the Monthly of
1870, I will pass them by.

Phormium tenax, is a common plant. The
well-known P. tenax variegata, so universal a
favorite, both in this country and Europe, was
an exceedingly scarce plant at the time of which
I write, and was but rarely seen. The New
Zealand flax is one of the most useful plants in
the country, especially so to the natives, who
use it for thread, cordage, mats, baskets, bags
and various things.

Along the margins of rivers, and the rich,
loamy bottoms of the valleys, Caladium esculen-
tum flourishes amazingly. As an esculent the
natives of Australasia not only eat it, but the
roots of Cordylines, as I have frequently seen.
To judge them, according to my civilized
palate, they are the most abominably insipid
trash I ever tasted, Marselia macropus, or Nar-
doo, excepted.

Having erred and gone astray from the way
I ought to have followed, I felt much perplexed
and bewildered in trying to find my way out of
the maze. (The famous maze at Hampton
Court was not a circumstance to it.) The sur-
face over which I stumbled was exceedingly
rugged. With considerable difficulty I scram-
bled and floundered among the matted masses
of Clematis hexasepala, a green flowering kind
of no particular merit. Clianthus carnea and C.
puniceus, two kinds of Glory Peas, having
woven their stems wierdly together with the
Clematises, seemed to conjointly aid in prevent-
ing a passage through. Sitting down to rest, I
thought how pretty and interesting they used to
appear on the greenhouse stages in England.
But oh, that Glory Pea ! How sad the change !
Little did I then dream the time would come
when I should be a prisoner in the woods, las-
soed round the neck with Clematises, and my.
legs fettered with Glory Peas ! Escaping from
the durance of the ligneous forest warders, I
made the best of my way out of Tangle-foot
Gully to a more open ground.

Still among the ferns ; in fact it would be difficult
to find a yard of surface without more or less of
them. They literally cover the face of the
country. They flourish on the surface • of ex-
tinct volcanoes, rocky ledges, deep ravines, al-
luvial plains, sandy and stony flats, swamps and
morasses, the elevated table-lands, plateaus of

volcanic scoria, up to the limits of the eternal
snow which cap the mountain summits of the
Middle Island.

Marattia elegans is decidedly an elegant and
imposing tree fern. Fine specimens will often
reach from twenty to thirty feet above Lomaria
Frazeri and Hypolepis rugulosa, which spread
thickly beneath. Tall and graceful as it is, it is
not unusual to see Cyathea dealbata, wave its
handsome fronds sixteen feet above. When the
writer visited Norfolk Island, years ago, it was
then as common as the noted Araucaria ex-
celsa, unquestionably the most beautiful of all
coniferous trees. It is also found on the Auk-
land, Chatham and Macquarie's Island.

The inviting appearance of a settler's wigAvam
was in view, and which I found was occupied by
a warm-hearted Scotchman and his family from
"Bonny Dundee." Canny Sandy Macduff*, his
guid wife, braw laddies and bonnie lassies, made
me feel as happy as any mortal could. N(. hos-
pitable hearts or willing hands could possibly
have done more to make me a welcome guest.
The honest farmer had left "the land o' cakes"
to grow wool and follow the plough in Australasia.
The moist climate, so favorable to crypto-
gamic growth, produces immense quantities of
ferns, to the detriment of Sandy's broad acres.
Pulling up a fern he said " it reminded him of
Burns' John Barleycorn, which when put down
would come up again." So tenacioi;s are they
of life as to survive and grow again after any
treatment less than fire. On leaving the cosy
sheeling where I spent the night, I in my heart
implored benignant Providence to "lay on
Macduff" and his kind-hearted wife and family
every earthly blessing, and bid them adieu. But
I was not to go alone ; young Robby volunteered
to pilot me through the bush, and see me safe
at Mr. Trotter's, an old friend I was in quest of.
Our way led through clumps and clusters of
Fuchsia excorticata, Pimelia prostrata, and Pitt-
osporum cornifolium, interspersed with the om-
nipresent ferns. Especially numerous were
Polystichum hispidulum, Platyloma rotundifolia
and Goniopteris pennigera, the gem of feathered
ferns. Emerging from a copse of Dacrydiums,
Phyllocladus and Podocarpuses, we reached the
open road in front of Trotter's Nursery. Part-
ing with good Robby at the gate, I was soon in-
side the rustic cottage and made welcome by the
kind and generous people within. But a few
years previous Mr. Trotter was the accomplished
and excellent gardener at Flitwick House, Bed-

1876.]

AND HORTICULTURIST.

373

fordshire, England. I am happy to say he was
flourishing in his new home. As an evidence of
the interest taken in horticulture, the Welling-
ton Horticultm-al and Botanical Society had
been established at Port Nelson before it had
been settled two years. Very pleasant, short
and sweet, I may say, were the few days I spent
with the good folks. They assured me bounte-
ous heaven had blessed their endeavors, as I bid
them farewell on deck of the good ship " Speed-
well." In a few hours after leaving Cook's Strait
the cloudy curtains of night gradually fell over
land and sea, and veiled forever the writer's view
of New Zealand in " its primal dress of sheeny,
cooling green."

VISIT TO CARROLLTON.

BY J. C, WASHINGTOX, D. C.

As the season of beautiful flowers — in the
flower-garden at least — is drawing to a close, it is
perhaps a good time to communicate anything
new or interesting to the Gardener's Monthly, so
that each may have the experience of many.
In a visit recently paid to Carrollton — of Charles
Carroll fame — the countr^^-seat of Jno. Lee Car-
roll, present Governor of Maryland, the
writer was very favorably impressed with the
style of ornamentation in use at this place. A
liberal use is made of flowering-shrubs, p&eonia,
<fec., which commencing to flower in Spring carry
the bloom till the bedding plants proper are in
full vigor. I would here remark, however,
that a freer use of choice evergreen shrubs would
greatly add to the beauty of the place — a matter,
doubtless, which the present gardeiier, Mr. Flit-
ton, a man of great experience and superior
knowledge in the profession, will attend to. But
to the heading proper. The first pair of oval
beds, looking from the porch, are Abutilon
Thompsonii, kept in the centre at about
eighteen inches, graduating to edge, edged
with Achyranthus Gilsonii. Continuing on be-
yond some intervening beds, we come to two
long, irregular beds, edged in front with Alter-
nanthera paronychoides, clumped with Coleus
of the finest varieties — grand in luxuriance and
.coloring — backed with fine plants of Plumbago
capensis. with its profusion of light blue flowers,
showing splendidly above the Coleus. Again,
beyond these, at the extreme limits of the
flower-garden, are two circular beds fihed with
Plumbago and Achyranthus, and edged with a

double row of oak-leaved and scarlet Geraniums ;
looked at from the porch, they have the appear-
ance of the most perfect bouquets; the graceful
outline and perfect blending of colors is some-
thing remarkable. This may not be a new idea
to some, but it is novel to the writer; and I
think the eff"ect of Plumbago capensis, with its
profusion of light blue delicate bloom amongst
and above so much rich coloring must be seen.
to be appreciated. One other little matter of at-
traction consisted of two beds of scarlet Salvia,
the plants about not over 18 inches in height,
liberally covered with long spikes of intense
scarlet flowers, so distinct in habit, and so supe-
rior to other beds of Salvia splendens, in the
same garden, that I am induced to ask, is it an
improvement? Perhaps Mr. F. will inform the
readers of the Monthly, he not being at home on
mv visit.

FOREST HILL CEMETERY, UTICA, N. Y.

BY W. H. ARXOTT.

In paying a flying visit to this famed city of
Central New York, I have been induced to see
its beautiful cemetery, especially its conserva-
tory, which is at present so interesting to all for
its novel use. Upon reaching the cemetery I
found, to my surprise, one of your own corres-
pondents, and late gardener to that famed es-
tablishment of Mrs. Packer, Brooklyn, Rod.
Campbell, who has the entire charge of all here.
Not to dwell upon personalities, I will try and
describe to the readers of the Monthly, through
your kindness, something about this conserva-
tory chapel. This building is built in the shape
of a triple arch, the centre one reserved for fun-
erals and the two smaller ones for plants planted
out in prepared borders, and in ' these beds are
planted some ten huge Camellias, about the best
of whites I have seen in this country as to size
and shape. One of these trees was at one time
the property of Thorburn, of N. Y., and
lately the property of James Parks, the cele-
brated Brooklyn florist. All these trees have
been removed from Brooklyn to Utica, no
mean undertaking for so large plants, or rather
trees, and were planted in this conservatory
chai)el, and are looking remarkably well consid-
ering it takes so long a time for such large trees
to recover and take hold of their new abode,
which is well-known to practical men ; and in a
few years these Camellias will be objects Avorth
looking at, if they only receive proper care,

314

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

[December,

which they will receive in the hands of Mr.
Campbell ; but what ruins more establishments
of all kinds is the continued change of garden-
ers, and more so in corporations of this kind,
where peculiar influence often reigns. But such
is not to be hoped from this cemetery, which has
set a noble example to all others. The city of Uti-
ca may feel proud of its cemetery, and the good
judgment shown by its trustees in studying the
welfare of its lot-owners. In returning to the con-
servatory I have found some nice plants of
Azaleas, and a miscellaneous collection of plants,
all a little too small for such a large house, but
on the fair way to make good specimens. At
one end of the building are two stories 16x20, one
devoted to ferns, of which there is a small col-
lection, but in good health; in the other are
some Palms, Dracaenas, Rex Begonias, and a lot
of other nice things, which will in time make a
nice display. On the roof of the conservatory
are trained some fine Passifloras and roses, such
as Lamarque and Glorie de Dijon, the roses to
take the place of the Passifloras in after-time,
the whole forming a beautiful festoon of grace-
ful vines. Over the vestibule is a gallery, from
which a grand view is obtained of the audito-
rium ; and all around at the north end of the
building, suspended from the roof and almost right
over where the casket is placed, is a white stuffed
dove carrying a bunch of artificial flowers ; a
beautiful thought, representing that symbol on
our earth, of peace as represented by our faith
of old. This idea originated with a Mr. Hop-
per, one of the trugtees of the association, and
the originator,— or might I use the term in-
ventor— of a glass conservatory chapel; a gentle-
man of fine ideas and culture. Off" from the
conservatory are some other houses devoted to
plant-culture; and in one of these is a small col-
lection, but healthy, nice plants of orchids, and
some Crotons, Clerodendrons, Screw Pines, Dief-
fenbachias, Eucharis amazonica, in flower ; Me-
dinella magnifica, Alocasias, Marantas of sorts;
Anthurium Scherzerianus, fine plants of Peper-
omia maculosa, and a host of other good
subjects too numerous to mention; but from
what the writer saw in the city and vicinity the
last-named plants are as yet a little too far in
advance of what the people are educated to,
in our inland cities; but it is to be hoped the
example set at Philadelphia and at the last ex-
hibition of the New York Horticultural Society
will improve the taste of our better class of peo-
ple up to that evinced abroad. Around the

conservatory is a flower-garden laid out in har-
mony with the buildings surrounding it, which is
a very important feature in ornamental flower-
gardening, and of which Mr. Campbell has shown
himself to be a master while in Mrs. Packer's
employ. As yet the flower-garden at Forest
Hill is not complete; but for all there are some
fine beds, especially one made in the form of a
pillow and in the centre is laid out a beautiful
cross, quite in keeping with the cemetery ground,
and its uses ; for the cross is a symbol of all. I
am afraid that in a few years from the present,
if Mr. Campbell is left in the management of
Forest Hill, its namesake near Boston will
have to look out for its laurels; as Forest Hill of
Utica is in a fair way at the present to wrest
from its brow, its past glory. From the flower-
garden I will take the reader to the grounds.
The site of the cemetery is simply grand. The
visitor can see in every direction as far as the
eye can reach, and feast on beautiful land-
scape. Among the finest monuments here may
be mentioned those of Messrs. Lawrence, Crouse,
Farwell, Comstock, Veeder and others, not
omitting that of Mr. Barnard, which is to
the writer the finest thing within the whole
cemetery. It represents a beautiful canopy of
the finest Italian marble, and in the centre of
the canopy or arch is a bust of Faith, by the late
H. PojV'ers, and the last work of that great sculp-
tor, whose works Americans and Europeans
alike admire. Mr. Barnard ought to have the
thanks of his community for placing so valua-
ble a work of art in their beautiful cemetery.
I must now conclude this letter, as I am en-
croaching on j'our valuable space, but I could
say a great deal more. One objection to this
cemetery is the poor way of getting there.
Visitors have at least to walk over a mile to get
to the entrance. Not far distant from Utica is
the famed Trenton Falls, well worthy of a visit.
The writer has a few notes on the Falls, and
surrounding country and vegetation, and would
be glad to communicate the same to the pages
of the Gardener's Monthly, as he is at all times
ready to aid its readers.

EDITORIAL NOTES.

Typographical Errors. — We never object to
anyone's pointing out errors in the Gardener's
Monthly. We prefer to have them do so.
It is our ambition to make the magazine perfect

iste.]

AND HOBTIGULTURIST.

3T5

in every respect, and are glad of all the help we
can get to make it so. We seldom refer to the
errors we see elsewhere, as we do not know that
the perfection we aim at in our work, or at least
the freedom with which we ask for criticism,
would be as well-relished in other quarters. We
do not ask pardon for errors, but if we did should
certainly get the American Naturalist to endorse it,
as it no doubt would do, when even so particular a
magazine uses " venation " for vernation three
times in one paragraph. See pp. 634, 635.

We could fill the whole of the Gardener's
Monthly with such references to errors of our co-
temporaries if it were in our line of work. Just
before us, in a leading scientific magazine, and
in a quarter too which erst has amused itself at
the errors of its contemporaries, is a paper on
the "ostrich," in which occurs the following:

'* He then takes his bow and arrows, and starts
off in pursuit of the ostriches, using all possible
precaution to approach them in such a direction
that the wind may blow from them to him.
Were he to neglect this, the watchful eyes would
soon detect him by the scent, and dash away
where he could not possibly follow them."

Watchful eyes detecting scents, is a new rev-
elation in optics.

The Valentine Bean. — There is a rule in
some part of England that the e:\rliest beans
should be sown on Valentine's day — 14lh of
February. Can our " Early Valentine " bean
have any relation to this custom ?

Bay Tree. — The ancient Bay tree — Bay of the
old writers — is Laurus nobilis. Many things
have now the common name of Bay tree. The
Gardener's Clironicle says Laurus (from which our
common word Laurel is derived) means simply
" berry " tree, and from this the word Bay tree is
also derived.

The Plum. — Our garden plums appear, from
the investigations of our Indian botanists, to be
varieties produced by long cultivation of the
Prunus insititia, a species common in the moun-
tains of Asia, from the Caucasus to the Eastern
Himalaya, but which we have no authentic evi-
dence being a native of Europe. In all the more
accurate European floras, the P. domestica and
insititia are either omitted, or inserted as doubt-
ful natives or escaped from cultivation ; or, if in
some instances positive native stations are given
for the P. insititia, it is generally some variety of
the P. spinosa that has been mistaken for it.
Several varieties of the garden plum were intro-

duced by the ancient Romans from the East, as
we are informed by Pliny, since the days of
Cato, who was born 232 years before the Chris-
tian era. — Gardener's Chronicle.

Mr. C. M. Hovey. — We see it announced
that Mr. Hovey will take charge of a horticul-
tural department in the American Cidtivator. We
are much pleased at these evidences of a dispo-
sition to make eminent attainments practically
useful. Science and high taste in art have gone
on faster than the people have moved. We
think the' great want of the day is, that intel-
ligence in every branch of culture should come
down to the people. The writer of this, in so
far as he is able, has never hesitated to employ
voice or pen in any circle where either could be
useful. It is peculiarly fitting that horticulture
should a.ssist agriculture, and we are pleased that
Mr. Hovey has agreed to take this position, and
congratulate the Cultivator on having obtained
his services.

The Confederate States.— Mr. Andrew Mur-
ray, as quoted in the Gardener's Chronicle, says
the Doryphora juncta, a cousin, if not a brother
of our old enemy the potato bug, inhabits the
Confederate States. _ So far as we know, the only
Confederate States are Mexico and Switzerland;
and it may be worth while for our good neighbor
of the Chronicle to get Mr. Murray to decide to
which of these two countries he refers the beetle.
Perhaps he means the United States, which,
however, is not a confederacy, — a singular, not
a plural term. This surely an educated gentle-
man like Mr. Murray understands.

Geological Survey of lNi)iANA.~7th annual
report, by E. T. Cox, State Geologist. This is one
of the most valuable surveys at present in prog-
ress, and is especially of service to agriculturists
and horticulturists, as well as to the mineralogist
and man of science. This volume has the Flora
of the Wabash Valley, by Dr. J. Schneck, con-
nected with the survey.

Louisiana as it is.— By Daniel Dennett, New
Orleans. This is a paper-covered book of some
three hundred pages, giving a complete account
of the farm-products, grasses, vegetables, forests;
indeed the whole natural and introduced re-
sources of the State. Those who have the good
fortune to know Col. Dennett as the writer has^
will know that he is incapable of putting things
forward in any other way than just as they are;
and we can add, from our own personal expe-

376

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

rience of many matters referred to, that they are , to work xap these advantages are better it strikes

just as stated here. There is no doubt that
Louisiana has the material for building up one
of the greatest States in this Union. The efforts
making by Col. Dennett to get people to see and

us, than millions of political speeches, and we
wish them every success. The book is sent free
by mail by Col. Dennett, New Orleans, for 60
cents.

Horticultural ffociETiES.

COMMUNICA TIONS.

POTOMAC FRUIT GROWERS.

BY G. F. XEEDHAM.

Prof Brainard, Chairman of the Scientific
Committee, read a paper on Pear Blight.

After an elaborate discussion of plant growth,
he said : " The green and tender portions of
the tree are made up of celle, whose membranous
walls are very thin and delicate ; consequently,
when the sap, with which these walls are always
filled, is subject to sudden expansion, from either
high or low temperature, the cell walls are rup-
tured and the sap runs out. A putrefaction con-
dition soon follows, giving rise to fungoid growth,
if other conditions are favorable.

" There are two causes that produce the rup-
ture of these newly formed cells, and their action
is very sudden and certain. These are extremes
of heat and cold.

" In the spring of 1875, in Ohio and along the
lake shore fruit region, after the trees had put
forth their leaves, a sudden fall of temperature
from summer heat to from 12° to 15° below freez-
ing killed outright nearly every pear tree in that
extensive fruit district. I examined many of
these trees soon after, and fomid the external
appearance exactlj' similar to what is called
fire-blight.

" In order to test the influence of heat in pro-
ducing the blight, I have subjected a vigorous
and healthy.branch of a pear tree to an artificial
heat of 108° Far., for 20 minutes. The effect upon
the leaves and soft wood was vastly like the
natural blight.

"The normal heat for the fruit-prodncing sea-
son ranges from 65° to 85°, the mean of which
is 70°. A temperature of 95° is dangerous, and
100° and higher is disastrous.

" From careful observation and inquirj^ I have
found the trees upon a southern exposure much

more liable to blight than tliose on a
northern or north-eastern exposure."

The Prof, then gave several examples to sus-
tain his position, "A gentleman has a pear
orchard near the city, which has a northern
exj^osure. This orchard has not been affected by
the blight, while trees in the vicinity wdth a
southern exposure have been completely de-
stroyed. Another had pear trees on a southern
exposure which were troubled with the blight.
These he removed to a northern exposure, and
they soon became healthj- and fruitful, and no
blight has since affected them. &c. &c.

" Keep your trees low-headed, and plant with a
northern exposure, and you will take the most
important measures to prevent the pear blight."

[We alwaj's give our correspondents free
scope, -and of course are not responsible for their
opinions. The effort of Prof. Brainard to ascer-
tain the cause of pear blight by experiment, will
attract attention at once, as the majority of those
who profess to understand the disease will write
for a year in preference to observing for an hour.
In regard to the experiment itself, the fire-blight
does not commence in the "leaves and soft wood,"
so that the analogy goes for nothing. Fire-blight
commences in spots on the bark, often extending
round the whole stem and girdling it — and not
unless it does extend round and gii-dle the
branch is there any injurious effect on " leaves
and soft wood." The line between the healthy
and unhealthy part is often so distinct as to be
drawn by a hair line, and it is inconceivable that
say one inch of bark should be injured by 108°,
and an inch adjoining, separated but by a line,
should be under the same temperature, and
yet 'absolutely uninjured. The whole course of
the Professor's argument, as well as of many
other recent writers on fire-blight on the apple
and pear, shows that he is thinking of some
other disease than fire-blight, or else has given
the appearances in the real disease, but a very
cursoiy examination, — Ed. 0. M.]

INDEX. — VOL. XVIII.

Abiea alcoqiiiana. 71
" Engeliiiaiinii, 101
" macrocorpa. a new con-
iferous tree, 21
" menziesii, ITS
Acacia, Rose, GralteJ, 322
Aceraceae, 195
Acer striatum, 36
Achillea unibellata, 3f>
Acknowlpclgemeuts, 50
Adansonia digitata, 27
Adaptation to Environment,343
Admission to the Centennial,

128
Adornments of Cities, Public

262
Advertisements, 91

" Biniiing the,

28
Advice, Bad, and worse conse-
quences, 121
Esthetics in Conservatories, 8
^sculacfae, 195
Agave Virginica, 27
Agave xalapensis, 362
Age of Mammoth Trees, 310
" SeedsCapableofGrowth
343
Agricultural College, Plant

House at, 136
Ailanthus glandulosa, 354
Akebia quinata, 324
Alexander Peach, 145, 272
Alocasia odorata, 77
Alonsoa liiiilolia, 356

" inyrtifolia, 3i6
Alton, Ills.. Horticultural So-
ciety, 9G
American Agriculturist, 29
Ai)ples, 82
" Art>oretum, 337

•* Foliage in Europe,

294
" Forestry Assn., 178,

305
American Grapes in Europe,
294
" La" n. The, 156

*' Katuialist, 29, 61

" Nurseiyuien. iMeet-

iug of, 127
" Poiuological Society

32, ISO, 218
" Potatoes in Eng-

82
" Potatoes, Seedling,

111
" Tuberoses, 348

Amherst College, Plant selling

at, 136
Ampelopsis incisa, 301
Arasden Pia<'h '-'72
Amsterdam International

Hort. E.shibitiou, 316
Anacaidiacese, 196
Analysis of tlie Onion. 333
Andromeda arborea, 200
Anemone nemorosa, 199
Annual Register, 29

Rootlets, 186
Annuals f 'r Bouquets. 107
Ar.thurium cystallinum, 268
Ants, Remedy for. 36 1
Aponoge on distachyon, 24
Apple HortT, 17.'5

Blush lii.pin,52
" Chissificalion of the, 143

Apple Crop in Massachusetts,
304
" Hame's, 273
" Lady, 111
" Norihampton, 16
" or Pejr, which, 245
" Peasgood's Non.such, 301
" Pyrus inalu.s, .56
" Red-fleshed. 13
" Sour and Sweet, 308
" Suinnior Hagloe, 305
" Tree, WeKlihv, 145
" Waldbvidge it Edgar red-
streak. 80
" Wealthy 208
Apples, American. 82

" " in England,

176
" Dwarf, 16
" for Soulh-Eastern New

Jersey, 18
" iu New jersey, A few

that do well, 172
" Late, 81
" New, 142
" Variation in, 52
Aquatic I5ouquet, 203
Aquifoliacete, 195
Aracaurea excelsa. Seeding of,

297
Aralia papyrifera. Hardy, 70,

164
Arboretum Americanum, 194,
258
" Meehan's at the

Centennial,338
Arboretums American, 337
Arbutus Trailing, Seeding the,

279
Argument for Tree-planting,

148
Arnebia echioldes, 326
Art of making Wine, 208
Arundo conspicua, 5
Asparagus Culture, 174

" NewCulturefor, 111

Asperula odorata, 295
Astilbe. 300
Attractions at Horticultural

Societies, 160
Aucubas, Setd from male

plants of, 214
August, Hardy Herbaceous

Plants for, 291
Auncula, 296

Australian Grape Fungus. 56
" Gum Wooj, Value

of, 86
" or Parlor Ivy, 168
" Tree Ferns, 347
Automatic Gate, 5
Avenue of Oranges, 70
Azalea Show, Mr. Sargent's,
233

Bad Advice and worse Conse-
quences, 124

Bailey, W. H., Plattsburg, N.Y.
92

Balsa inaceee 198

Baltimore, Cut- flower Trade of,
92
" Private gardens

about, 92

Barabusa argeiitea striata, 325

Banks, Sir Joseph, 348

Baobab Tree, 27

Earnhardt (Cherry, 242

Bay Tree. 375

Bean, Valentine, 375

Beecroft's Wheel Hoe, 4

Be -keepfng, Prolitable, 15

Bees and Flowers, 183

Bedding, Echeverias for, 297

Begonias, 95

Hardy, 36
" Propagating, 77

Belgium Honors Horticultur-
ists, 252

Bent Grass, Rhode Island, 67
" " " Post-

script on 98

Bermuda Gnasi, 279

B.-tulaceae, 197

Billieu's Comet Peach, 14, 27,
140

Binding The Advertisement,28

Bird, the Peach 240

Black Spruce 86
" Walnut 13

Black's Early Peach, 83

Blight, Pear, 240

Blue Roses. Strawberries on
Trees. &c , 92

Blush Pippin Apple, 52

Bonne d' Ezee Pear, 82

Borders, Grape, 52

Borecole, 80

Borer, Apple, 173

Boston Cultivator, 157
" Grapes at, 366

" Parks in, 199

Botanical Bulletin, 29

" Names, Orthography
of, 344

Botanical Names, Pronuncia-
tion of, 152

Botanical Party, 315

Botanic Garden of Harvard
University, 88

Botanic Gardens, 90

Botanico-Horticultural Con-
gress, 96

Botanists, Our Early, 154

Botany of California. 252

Boulder, Colorado, Strawberry
Grower at, 273

Bouquet, Aquatic, 203

Bouquets, Annuals for, 107
" of the Philadelphia

Belles, 265
" Royal, 1.36

Bouvardias. 298

" Humholdtii corym-

biflora, 40

Bouvardias and Carnations.
Winter-flowering, 29S

Box in Washington's Garden,
155

Boynton's Dr., Pear Orchard,
304

Briggs' Red May Peach, 145,
241

Brighton Grape, 336

Brock woiih Paric Pear. 82

Brodia;a Californica, 102
•' Coccinea, 340
" Voluhilis (Baker) 71

Browalliaelata, 301

Bryophylluin calycinum, 171

Beiding. Gun barrel 199

Buist's, R , Catalogue. 199

" Sale of Nurseries,
217

Bureau of Horticulture, Cen-
tennial Advisory Commit-
tee, 216

Buttou-holc Ros's, 9-

C.

Cabbage, Colorado, 241

" Plants l)i3oase in

213
" Earlv, 81
Calhoun, Hon. J. C, Letter

from the late, 154
California and Colorado Plants,

New, 55
California, Botany of, 252
" Flora of, 21S

" Onion Seed, 337

" " and .-eed

Growing in, 239
California Plants, New, 183
" Southern Palms of

245
California Chestnut, 85
Calla /Ethiopica, 9
Callas, A few Facts about, 73
Callirhoe iuvolucrata, 214, 309
Camellias, Double Grafting,
171
" in Florida, Failure,

in, 133
" Suinnier Treatment

of, 171
" Unhealthy, 75

Campanula, Fertilization of,56
Carnation Pinks, 98
Carnations and Bouvardias,

Winter-flowering, 298
Carolina Poplars, 86
Carrollton, Visit to, 373
Carter's Round-leaved Batav-

iau Endive. 334
Catalpa Timber, 86, 339
Cause and Effect, 151
Cedrela sinensis, 295
Celastus scaudens, 35
Celery Fly. Remedy for, 15

•' Wild, 17
Cellar E;ioors, Lime for, 364
Cemeteries, Flowers in, 60
Centennial, Admission to the,
128
" Advisory Committee,
Burea.i Horticulture, 216
" ' England and the, 128
" Exhibition, 30, 6.3, 96,

190, 318
" Exhibition, Let u»

Profit by the, 312
" ■ Flora at the, 219
" Fruits at the, 128
'• " and Lodgings

at the, 159
" Historical Calendar,

61
" HorticiilturalDepart-

ment, 128
" Horticultural Judges

at, 251
" Horticulture at, 251
" Hotel Rates at the, 128
" International Exhit^i-

tion, 160, 221
" International ,Tury

on Fruits 224
" Magnolia Tree, Our,

332
" Meehan's Aboretum

at 338
" Ohio Fruit at,. 3.52
'' Rbododendrous, 2.5S
" RdOts Bulbs jiid Tu-
bers at, 320

THE GARDENER' 8 MONTHLY

Centennial Uo'k \V.)rk, 356
St.Ui.d Displays, 159
" Sf rawborriesat, 160
■' The Great, r.9, 349
Cephalaiuluis occideiitalis, 247
Charcoal, DfiK^O"'^. '•*'
Charier (»ak, ii. 71. 91
Cherry, Baruhardl. 242
Coriii'lian. 243
" and Plum Kuot, 210
" Large Moutmoreney,
82
Cherries. California, Disease

in, 3G8
Chestnut, Californian, 85
Chicago. Ellis Park, 94
€hickory Salads, 209
Chielanthes fragrans. 205
Chimonanthus fragrans, 70, 166
Chi>cocca racemosa, 38
Clirisliuas Rose, 75
Chrysauthemunis after Flow-
ering, 200
Circulation of Hot Water, 3fil
Cities, Public Adornments ol.
262
" Trees in, 35
Clapp's Favorite Pear, 82
Classification of Fruits, 27 1,304
" Minute Fungi

311
" the Apple, 143

Clematises. Baising, 72
•Clematis liirusticiiolia, 77

NewL)iiubleWhile,200
Clover, Fertilization of, 153
Coal Tar, 105
■Cocos nucifera.CocoanutPalm,

311
■Codling Moth, Fighting the,

208
Coffee. Hardiness o'the, 44
Coleus, Chameleon, 11
Colorado Cabbage, 241

" Potato Beetle, Mite
Parasites of, 279
•Colored Plates, 2S4
€ombretura. Culture of, 168

" graiiditlorum, 108

Comet Peach, Billieu's, 14, 27
Coniferae, 198

Conifers, Hardihood of, 34
" Variability "f. 56
Conservatories, .listtietios in,

8
Cope Alfred, Death of, 28
•Corelopsis spicata, 6
Cork Oak iu West Va., 146
" Tree, 118

" " in theU.S., growth
of. 115
Cornacea;, 196
Cornelian Cherry, 243
Correspondence, 2 to 26, 34 to
02, 66 to 95, 98 to 126, 130 to
1.58. 162 10 180. 193 ro213,
226 to 247, 258 to 284, 290 to
317, 322 to 341, 354 to 355,
358 to 354, 366 to 368, 370 to
374, 376
■Corylaceie, 197
Corynostylis hybanthus albifo-

lia. 2'i5
Course of the Sap, 342
Covent Garden Market, Visit

to, 109
Crab, Paul's Improved, 83
Crataegus pyrac-ant ha Hedges,

102
Criticism. 346

Cross Fertilization of Fruits,
58

Immediate EtTects of, 23
Croton Culture, 3i"i0
" spiralis, 361
" undulatus, 268
" Weismanni, 301
Cucumber House, Heating a,

364
Cultivation of Ericas, 11
•Culture, Asparagus, 174

New, 111
" Combretum, of, 68

Culture, Croton, 360
Fruit. 83
" Grape, 175
" Mushroom, 83

Orchid, 188, 202
" Pitchor Plants, 322
" Plum. 52
" l'oinsfttia,202
" Primula sinensis, 264
" Small Fruits, Manual

of, 189
" Trietelia laxa, 279
Vanilla, 210
Cumberland Triumph Straw-
berry, 241
Cupheas, Standard, 269
Curculio, Plum, 368
Currants, Standard, 269
Currant, Versailles, 209
Curves, 227. 284
Cut Flowers, 265

Love of, 75
" Preserving, 36

Ciil-leavfd Sumach, 355
Cvpress, White, 119
Dahlia },'r;i(ilis. 37

.MaximiUiana, 77, 164
Damages, Uedairaing, 124
Daphnlphvllum Roxburghii,

Darwin, Chas., 93 153

Age of, 18S
De CandoUe, Pronunciation of,

55
Decorative Plant, Ivy as a, 169
Decorators, Table, Hint to, 138
Delaware, Forest Trees of, 176

Timber ol, 147
Delphinium nudicaule, 102
Depili of Roots, 24
Desf ruction ol Greenhouse

Plants by Ga-;, 296
Destruction of I he Rose Slug,

226
Deutzia crenata candidissima
pleui, 6
" gracilis. Forced, 137
New Double. 134
Death of Allred Cope, 28
" Dr. Hull, 28
" M. Louis Van Houtte,
218
Dictyogoninia japonica, 77
l)iervilla,121

Diseased Branches ot Oaks and
Maples, 2 >0
" Geranium Leaves, 45

Disease, Cahiornia Cherries,
368
Gladiolus. 356
" Tomato, 368

" iu Cabbage Plants. 243
" Evergreens, 38

Larch, 22
" Palms 11

Viilei Roots, 130
" Violets, 77

Pear, 210
" Poiato.53
Tomato, 90
Distant Lands, Views of, 370
Diurnal Opening of !• lowers,

369
Dogwood Charcoal, 147
Don't use the Hatchet or Saw,

47
Double Clematis, White, 200
" Doutziacrenata, While

201
•• Lobelia, 11,235
Polyanthus, 296
Downing's Fruits, 2ud Appen-
dix, 188
Dracaenas, New Strain of, 6
Drainage, Pot, .358
Dreer's Lima Bean, 15
Drosera Roots and Water, 58
Drying White Flowers, 328
Duche.ssof Edinburg Rose, 193,

230, 330
Durand's Great American

Strawberry, 242
Dwarf Apples, 16

Dye Mosses, Grasses and Flow,
ers, How to, 169

Earliest Peaches, The Three,
50
Peach, The, 336
Early Cabbages and Tomatoes,
81
" Peaches, 241,242
Earth Blanching. 335
Echeverias for Bedding, 297

" Wintering, 5

Editorial, 19

" Notes, 4. 9, 15,2', 27,

30. .>5, 44. 50, 55, .59,63, 70
75. 80, 85, 88, 91. lOD, 106,
111. 118, 120, 121, 127. 132,
136. 1V2. 147, 151, 154, 159,
166, 168, 178, 183, 186, 190,
199, 2'I4, 208,214,215.2ly,-':!0,
2::5, 240, 246, 248, Jol, 2 ;2,
2i)5. 272, 279, 283, 285, 2i)3,
297,303, 305, 310, 314, 318,
H24, 328; 333, 3.38, 341. 345,
349, 3-55, 364, 368, 369, 374
Edgar Red Streak Apple, 80
Edgings, Garden, 101

" Festuca viridis for,
166
Effect, Cause and, 151
Eg? form. 156
Eheagnaceie, 196
Eld red Cling Peach, 15
Ellis, John, 61
Elm, Insect Injury to, 133

" Slug, 230. 246
Elvira Grape, 336
Emblematic Description of the

Passion Flower, 25
Endive, Carter'.* round-leaved

Batavian, 331
England, American Apples in,
176
" attheCentennidl. 128
" Foreigh Friiilsin, 111
" Paulowniana in, 294
" Tulip Tree in, 5
English Maple. 118

" Nurserv. First, I-)6

Oak Timber, 85
" Pears, Large, 112
Peas, The lie.st, 82
•' SpatTow,69, 208
Environment, Adaptation to,

34:^
Ericas, Cultivation of, 11
Error, How propagated, 341
Errors. Typ •giapbical, 120, 374
Eskbauk Kiiiich of (irapes, 334
Eucalyptus. Sub-hardy, 147

'" Virtues of the. 86

Eucharis Amazonica, 75
Euoniinus Americanus, 324

" flave.scens, 325

Eupator'um ligustrinum, 136
Euphorbia jacquinseflora, 10,

299
Europe, American Foliage in,
294
" " Grapes in,

333
Evergreens, 131

" Disease in, 38

" Rare in Maryland,

38
Evergreen, The, 125
Exchanges of Seeds and Plants,

284
Exhibition, Centennial, 30,63.

95, 180, 318
Exhibiiion, Let us Profit by the

312
Explorations in Japan, 155

Facts about Callas, A few 73
Failureof Camellias in Florida,

133
Failure of Paonias, 133
Farmer's Home Journal, 157
Fern, New Variegated, 77

Ferns, HyV-rid. 268
•' Names of, 45

Au<!tralian Tree, 347
Fertility. Re-is- ing Frost, 81
Fertilization ol Campanula, 56
" Clover, 153
" Llies, 184, 215
Sell, of Plan ts,344
Fertilizi^r, Human Hair as a,
113
. " Strawberry, 15

Festivals, Ancient, Roses in

315
Festucca virides for Edgings.

166
lighting the Codling Moth.

' 208
Figs, Preserving, 80
Filbert Nuls, Profit of, 81
Fire Blight in the Pear, 210,

335
Floral Decorations at Tun-
bridge Wells, 106
Flora at ihe Ceuteiuiial, 219
" Caliibruia, 218
" of Hokkaido, 180, 211,

244, 275
" Tropical at the Poles,342
Florida, Camellias in, Failure
of, i:«
" Southern,Trees of, 149
Florist and Pomologist. 234
Flowi'r-beds, Gymnothrix lati-
folia, a good centre plant
for, .37
Flower Garden and Plettsure
Ground— 1, 33, 65, 97, 129,
161, 193, 225, 257,289,321,
353
Flower Pots, 137

" " Machines for, 108

Thieves, 283
Flowering, Chrysanthemums
after. 26i
" of Combretum gran-

diflorum. 108
" of Hoya caruosa,236

" "PauIowuiaiuEng-

land, 294
Flowers, Blcs and. 183

" Cuas. Reads on, 313

" Cut, 265

" Diurnal Opening of,

369
" ill Cemeteries, 60

" " New York. 92

" Naming, lor Pereons,

824
" Prairie, 274, 309

" Vase of simple, 300

White, D.ying. 328
Font Grove Greenhouses, 314
Forced Diulzia gracilis, 137
" Fruit andVegetables,112
" Peaches, Profits of, 82
Forcing Rhubarb, 304
Roses, 234
" Tender Roses, 363

Forest Culture in Minnesota,
156
" Hill Cemetery, Utica,

N. Y.,66, 373
" Trees of Delaware, 176
" Planting lu Massachus-
setts, 35
Forestry— 62, 84, 115, 146, 176,
305, 337
" Ass'n, American, 178,

305
" in Iowa, 85
Work on 87
Forests, German, 339

" Imi)ortauceof. 200

" ol Michigan, 84

Rain-fall and, 369
Sunken, 120
Forsvlh, W., 348
Frnuce, Central Hort. Society

ol,96
Fraxiiias longicuspis, 37
Free and Clingstone Peaches,

13
Freezing of Sap of Plants, 280
Frittillaria uudica, 2011

AND EOBTIGULTUMIST.

FritUUaiia reeurva, 200
Frost, Fertility ResisliDd, 81
Frozen Sap Blight — Pear Trees,

174
Fruit and Vegetablo Garden-
ing—IJ, 45, 7S, 108, 139, 172,
20=>. 288, 208, 301,331,365
Fruit Buds, Kuropeau Sparrow
and, 50
'• Culture, 83
" Growers Ass'n, Ontario,

253
" " Society. Pcuna.

3.', ()(». 94
" " Potomac, 126.

317. 370
" in Michigan, 332
" Ohio at Centennial. 352
" Prospects in Kentucky,

146
" Trees, Barli of. Manage-
ment of the, 47
" Trees in Japan, Pruning,
335

Variations, 309
Fruiting of Hickory Trees, 50

" " Pyrus japonica, 336
Fruits and Vegetables, Forced,
112
" at tliH Centennial, 128
" Classilicalionof,271,304
" Cross-fertilization of, 58
"Im-
mediate edects, 23
" Foreign in England, 111
" Miscellaneous Interna-
tional Jury on, 224
" New, 16, 51, 82, 113,145,

241, 273, 294
" Not s on, 331
" I'atents for, 293, 314
Fuchsia, Lilac-flowered, 171

" Sun-ray, 205, 268, 365
Fuchsias, 137

" Winter-blooming, 75
Fungi, 58

" Classification of, Minute,
311
Fungus cracking the Pear, 23

" Ring-formiDg, 277
Furnaces, Greenhouse, 171,232

Galveston, Gardeners at, 26
Garden Edgings, 101

" Kills and Cures in the,

291
" The, 125

" Varieties.Latin names
for, 59
Gardeners at Galveston, 20
" Landscape, 290
" Monthly and Horti-
culturist, 19, 345
Pleasing the, 132
Gardener, Test of a Good, 217
Gardening for Pleasure, 29
Glories of, 162
Gar<iens. Botanic, 91

" of Germany, Note on,

198
" Private, about Balti-
more, 92
Wild, 30
Gras, Destruction of Green-
house Plants by, 296
■• Lime. 113
Gate, Automatic. 5
Gates, Self-opening, 79
Geranium, Happy Thought, ■fS
" Leaves, Diseased,

215
" Pyramid. 329
Geraniums and Orange and
Lemon Trees, 103
" Bronze Bedding,

Connparative value of,
830
♦• Hedge of, 70

German Forests 339
Oerniantown Hort. Society, 95
Germany. (Jaid^ns of, 1;;S
Geneseo, 111., Grass from. 215
Gillitlowers, Walliuwers and,

2i5
Glactites tomeutosa, 326
Gladioli for Winter, 30.'
Gladiolus Brem hleyensis, 330
" Cruentus. 37

" Disease, 356
" Pronunciation of, 29,
62
Glass. Rhododendions under,
327

Toughened, 23
Glories of Gu clening, 102
Gloxinia-s, New Hybrid, 170
Golden Queen Grape, 80

" Yew, Original, 167
Good Old Strawl>erries, 50
Gooseberries, Stanuaid, 269
" Trained, 50

" Training, 148

Gooseberry, Roe's Seedling, 240
Gould Nur.sery Co., Beaver

Dam, Wis., 125
Gralted Rose Acacia, 32 ;
Graft Hybrids, 306
Grafting, Do Persimmons
Change by, 113
" Druble Camellias, 171
" the Feathery Weep-
ing Cht-rry, 173
" Winter, of the Plum, IS
Grape Borders, 52
" Brighton, 330
'• Culture, 175
'• Elvira, 336
" Fungus, Australian, 56
" Golden Queen, 80
" Growing at Galveston

Texas, 13
" Lady 80
Grape, Mrs. Piuce's Muscat,
367
" New, 337
" Phylloxera, 217
" " on the roots

of, 17
" Vine Milddw, Notes on,

307
" • Vine, Two Sets of Roots

to, 111
" Vines, Water at the

Roots of, 83
" Vines, Winter Pro-

tec ion of, 367
Grapery, Moth in a, 336
Grapes, American, in Europe,
333
at Boston, 30'>
" Eskbank, Bunch of,

334
" for a Colli Grapery, 17
''■ New, .332
" Ireserving for Winter

Use, 50
" Training and Mildew,

49
" Western, 368
Grass, Bermuda, 279
" from Geneseo, 111., 215
" New Agricultural, 151
" Orchards in, 303
" Rhode Island Bent, 67,
90
Grasses in Indiana, 132
Greenhouse .-ind House Garden-
ing—7, 39, 72, 103, 134,
168, 201, 232, 263, 295,
326
" Culture, Work on,

138
" Furnaces, 171, 232

" Plants, Soft- wood-

ed, 266
" " Destruc-

tion by Gas, 296
Greenhou.'ses, Foni Grove, 314
" H<?atins; Small. 1,55

" Tar in, 42, 365

Growing, Peach. 142
Plnm,18

(iiowhin I'oinsettia, 4')
Growth ot I lie t oik Tree in
U. S. 1 1-")
" of Plants as alfected

by Latitude, 151
" ot Timlier Tre^s in

Mass , Ka|)id, 149
" Rapidity of, in Timber

Trees, 23, 84
*• Rate of, in the Oak,119
" Mow Tree, 87
" Wood, Eccentricity of,
279
Grub, Strawberry, 333
Gum Trees, 86
" Wood, Australian, Value
of, SO
Gun-barrel Budding, 196
Gymnothiix latilolia, a good
Centre Plant, Flower-beds,
37

H

Hairs, Root, 213

Halesiaceie, 196

Ilames Apple, 273

Uaniner ]?'each, 241

Hand Book of Fruit Growers.

188
Hardihood of Conifers, 34
Hardiness of Aralia papyri-

fera, 70, 164
Hardiness of the Coffee, 44

" " Silver Thorn,
356
Harding, W. T„ 219
Hard Names, 118
Hardy Begonias, 36

" Herijaceous Plants for

July and August, 261, 291

" Heroaeeous Plants for

October, 3.54
" Market Raspberry, 113
" Rhododendions, 201
" Trees, New, 6
Harvard University, .Botanic

Garden of, 88
Hatchet or Saw, Don't Use, 47
Heat, Artificial, in Horticul-
ture, 156
Heating, Hot Water, 44, 106
■' Small Greenhouses,

135
" a Cucumber House,
364
Hedge of Geraniums, 70
Hedges, Crattegus pyracantha,
102
■' Pyracantha, 356
" Silver Thorn and Py-
racantha, 293
Hemlock in Limestone Soils,

230
Hickories, Planting, 50
Hickory Trees, Planting, 50
Highland Hardy Raspberry,

17. 83
Hints, Seasonable, 17, 12, 33, 39
45,65, 72, 78, 97, 103, 108,
129, 134, 139, 161, 198,201,
205, 225, 232, 238, 259, 263,
208,289, 295, 301, 321, 326,
331, 354, 357, 365
Hint to Table Decorators, 138
History, A Piece of, 19

of the Catalpa, .339
" " Double Lobe-

lia, 235
Hokkaido, Flora of, 180, 211,

244, 275
Hollyhock, 70
Home, A Happy, 226
Houpes' Book of Evergreens,

217
Uoopes, Bro. & Thomas, 125
Horticultural Department of
Centennial, 128
" Judges at the Cen-

tennial, 251
•• Societies,30. 62 94,

126, 157, 190, 219, 254,
284, 316, 349
" Societies, Attrac-

tions at, 160

Horticultural Societies. State.

Winter Meeiings, :j2

" Sccietv, Alton, 111.,

9i!
'' " Central, of

France, 96
" " Gerniantown

Phila., 95
" " Indiana, 187

" " Kansas St attt,

02,95
" " Jlai-yland,

160
'" " Ma.ssachu-

setts, 90, 124,
127, 284
" " Minnesota

127, 252
" " New Jersey

252
" " N. York, .32

127, 287
** " Nortlii'rn

Iowa, 158
" " Ohio, 348

" " Pennsylva-

nia, 319
" " Royal, 160

" " S. E. Kan-

sas, 157
" " Western N.

Y.,96, 12.-;
" " Wisconsin^,

315
" " Worcester.

Mass., 348
Horticulture, Artificial Heat
in, 156
at Centennial,
254, 285
" in New Orleans

121
" Postal Laws as

Affecting,28g
Horticulturists, Belgium hon-
ors, 252
Horticulturist, The, 92
Hotel Rates at the Centennial,

128
Hot-Water Heating, 44, 106

Circulation of, 364
Hovey & Co.'s Arboretum

Americanum, 194, 258
Hovey, C. M., Mr , 375
How Error is Propagated, 341
Hoya carnosa. Flowering of

236
Huckleberries, 174
Hull, Dr., Death of, 28
Human Hair as a Fertilizer, 113
Hunnewell's, Mr , Rhododen-
dron Show, 233
Hyacinth, Proliferous, 167
Hyacinths Making Short Stems

To Prevent, 236
Hybrid Ferns, 268

" ' Pensteinons, 295
Hybrids, About, 216
Gratt, 300
'• Peach and Apricot,
214
Hydrangea, Thos. Hogg, 295'
364

Icing Watermelon, The, 47
Ilgeufritz, I. E , 348
Imperfect Reports, 208
Importance of Fruits, 200
Improved Petunias, 71
Indiana, Grasses for 132

Geological Survey of,
375
" Horticultural Societv
187
Insect Injury to the Elm, V^Z
Insects, both Night and Day-
flyers, 215
" Manure and Straw-
berry, 273
International Hort. Exhibition
Amsterdam. 310

THE GARDENEB'S MONTHLY

Iowa, Forestry in, 85
" Tree Growth in, Ratio

of, '180
" Welding in, 59
lYy as a Djcorative Plant, 153
" Australian or Parlor, 168

Japan, Explorations in, 155
'• Fruit Trees in, Prun-
ing, 335
" Persimmon, 336
Jasminum nudiflorum, 100
Judas Tree, 314
JuglandaceiB, 197
July, Hardv Herbaceous Plants

for, 261
June Budding Peach Trefs in
Texas, 86S
" Peach Budding, 79, 111

K

Kalmias for Winter-blooming,

.204
Kansas Agricultural Rep., 93,
315

State Hort. Society, 62,
95
Kentucfey, Fruit Prospects in,

146
Kew Gardens, visitors to, 284
Killing the Mealy Bug, 236
Kills and Cures in the Garden
291

Laburnum, Poisoning by, 310
Lady Apple, HI
" Gripe, 80
Lakes, Rainfall and the, 310,

341
Landreth, Burnet, 18a
Landreth's Rural Register, 61
Landscape Gardening, 226, 284

" Gardeners, 290

Language of Flowers, 156
Lantana, New Variegated, 107

" Variegated, lOS
Lantanas, Large Keeping, 801
Larch, Disease in, 22
Timber, 119
Large Lemons, 324
Lauracese, 193

Law of Purchasing Plants, 27
Laws for Nurserymen, 215, 247,
312
'■ Postal, 345
" " in Horticulture,

283
Lechee Nuts, 243
Leguminaceae, 195
Lemon and Orange Trees and
Geraniums, 103
" Verbena, 2-i5
Lemons, Large, 324
Lettuce Mould, 80
Liatris pycnostachya, 263, 294,

321
Life Histories of Birds, 253
Ligustrum coriaceum, 133
Lilac-flowered Fuchsia, 171
Lilies, 227, 230
" Fertilization of, 184, 215
" of the valley, 45
Lilium auratum, 230
" " Double-flow-

ered . 325
" Parkmanni, 132
Lima Bean, Dreer's, It
Lime and the Potato Beetle, 368
" Floors, 167
" Gas, 113
" Oyster Shell. 83
Limestone Soils, Hemlock in,

230
Jiinnsea borealis, 215
Linseed Oil for Pear Blight , 240
Literature, Travels and Per-
sonal Note.s, 26, 59, 91, 121,
154, 186, 215, 247,280,345,370
Lobelia, Double, 11, 235
Locust Tree Slug, 339

London Garden, 61
Louisiana as it is, 375
Lucy Grieve Pear, 16

AI

Maakia amourensis, 6
Machines for Flower Pots, 108
Macleya Yedoensis, 107
Magnolia Carapbellii, 37

" Tree.OurCentennial,
322
Magnoliacete, 195
Mammith Rose Tree, 37
Management of the Bark of

Fruit Trees, 47
Mandarin Orange, 82
Manor Born, 155
Manual of Small Fruits, 156
Manure and Strawberry In-
sects. 273
" Tobacco as, 11, 54
Maple, English, 118

" Purple-leaved. 133
" Weir's Cut leaved, Sil-
ver. 321
Maples, Diseased Branches in,

200
Marechal Neil Rose, How Grows
199
Pink, 266
Marshall Pear, 51
Maryland Early Peach, 273
" Horticultural Society,

160
" Rare Evergreens in,
38
Massachusetts, Apple Crop in,
304
" Forest Planting in

35
" Hort. Society,

96, 124, 217, 284
" Rapid Growth

of Timber Trees in, 149
" Tree Planting

in, 147
Mealy Bug, Killing the, 236
Meehan's Arboretum at the

Centennial, 33S
Mexican Ever-bearing Straw-
berry, 142
Michigan Agricultural College
Catalogue, 348
Forests of, 84
" Fruit in, 332

Midwinter, Tuberoses in, 298
Mignonette, 301

" Victoria, 167

Mildew, Grape Vines, Notes

.-n, 307
Miller and Sievers. 347
Mill Stone, The, 189
Minnesota Hort. Society, 127,

252
Miscellaneous Publications,156
Mississippi, Peach Raising

in, 142
Mistletoe, 70
Montmorency Cherry, Large,

82
Moore, D D., T. 218
Motion of Tendrils, 151
Moth in a Grapery. 336
Muhlenberg, Dr., Letter of,151
Mushroom Culture, 83
Mushrooms, 140

Twin, 151
" Subscriber on, 123

Muskingum Pear, 368
Myrsiphyllum asparagoides, 74

N

Name of Plant. 136

'• Plants for, 90
Naming Flowers for Persons,

124
Names, Botanical,Orthography
of, 344

Hard, 118
" of Ferns, 45

" Plants, 58, 107, 357
" " " Common, 155

Names of Varieties, 1.32
" Vernacular, 341
Natural History and Science —
21,52.87,119,149,180,211,
244,274, 306,339,3^9
" Peach Stones, 176
Nectarine Produced from a

Peach, 272
Neunzehuter Jahres-Bericht
des Gartenhaw-Vereins fur
Bremen. 187
New Agricultural Grass, 151
" Ampelopsis, 300
" Apples, 142
" California Plants, 183
" Candidate, Not a, 92
" Coniferous Tree — Abies

macrocarpa, 21
" Double Deutzia, 134
" " Ivy-leaved Pelar-

gonium, Konig Albert, 267
" Double White Clematis,

200
" Double Zonale pelargani-

um. Wonderful, 236
" Early Peaches, 18
" Enemy, Has the Pear an,

302
" Flower, Agave Virginica,

27
" New Fre ich Pears, Two,

83
" Fruits and Vegetables —
16,51, 82,113, 145,!M1,273,
294
" Fruits, Notes on, 331
" Golden Poplar, 326
" Grapes, 332, 337
" Hardv Tree, Cedrela sin-
ensis, 295
" Hardy Trees, 6
" Hybrid gloxinias, 170
" Jersey, A few Apples that

do Well in, 172
" " Hort. Society. 252
" " Southeastern, Ap-
ples for, 18
" Orleans, Horticulture in,

121
" Palm, The, 364
" Plnnts— 5, 10, 37, 71, 102,
107, 132. 167, 170, 2»0, 205,
218,230,236,266, 325,356
" Plants and Fruits, Pat-
ents for, 293
" " Colorado and

California, 55
" South, The, 348
" Strain of Dracaenas, 6
" Tea Rose, Duchess of Ed-
inburgh, 230
" Trees, 295
" Varie 'ated Fern, 77
'' '■ Lantana, 107

" Violet, Prince Consort,

325
" York, Flowers in, 92
" " Hort Society, 32,
127, 287
Nomenclature, 1S3
Norman Strawberry, 145
Norris, Jno. T., 188"
Northampton Apple, 16
Northern Iowa Hort. Society,

158
Notes from Tennessee, 332
" on a Summer's Tour, 42
" " the Grounds of Smith
&, Powell, Syracuse, N. Y.,
280
Nursery Business, Organization
of the, 96
" First English, 156

" Stock, American, low
price of, 59
Nurserymen, American, Meet-
ing of, 127
" and Tree Plant-

ers, 178
" and Tree Grow-

ers Ass'n., 287
" Laws for, 215,247,

312
Nuts, Lechee, 243

Nut Tree, Sicilian, 367
Nympbosa ccerula, 205

O

Oak, Charter, 2), 71, 91
" Cork, in West Va., 146
" Live, 100

" Rate of Growth in the, 119
Oaks, Diseased Branches on,

200
Obituary, 28, 248
Observations in Northern

Texas, 282
October, Hardy Herbaceous

Plants for. 354
Odontoglossum cirrhosum, 203
Ohio Fruit at the Centennial,
352
" Horticultural Society, 348
" Plum Culture in, 209
Oleaceae, 196
Oleanders, Scale on, 139
Olea fragrans, 45
Olive Radish, Early, 112
Onion, Analysis of, 333

" and Seed Grovring in
California, 239
Seed, California, 337
Ontario, Fruit Growers' Asso-
ciation, 253
Orange an^ Lemon Trees and
Geraniums, 103
" Growing, Profits of, 112
" Mandarin, 82
Oranges, Avenue of, 70

" Treatment of, 9
Orchard of G. Zimmerman, 303
Orchards in Grass, 303
Orchid Culture, 188, 202
Orchids, 315

" Money Value of, 204
" Rand's Book on, 218
Origin of Sericulture, 147
Ornamental Deciduous Trees,
Hovey's, 194
" Grounds, Who

shalllayOut,164
Osage Orange Timber, 118
Osmundia cinnamomea, 151
Othera japonica, 6
Othonna crassifolia, 107
Oyster-shell Lime, 83
Ozone, 151

Packing Paper, Waterproof, 4
Paeonias, Failure of, 133
Palm, Cocoanut, 311
" The New, 364
Palms, Disease in, 11
" of Southern California,

245
" on Palm Sunday. 251
Pancratium rotatum, 133
Pansies, White Bedding, 325
Parks in Boston, 199

Public, 293
Parry, Dr.. C. C, 27
Passion Flower, Emblematic

Description of, 25
Patents for New Plants and

Fruits, 293, 314
Paul's Improved Crab Apple,

83
Paulownia in England. Flow-
ering of, 294
Peach, Alexander, 145 272
" Amsden, 272
" and Apricot Hybridfl,214
" Billieu's Comet, 14, 27,

140
" Bird, 240
" Black's Early, 83
" Briggs' Bed May, 145,

241
" Budding, June, 79, 111
" Earliest, 336
" ElJred Cling, 15
" Growing, 142
" Hamner, 241
" Maryland Early, 273
" Nectarine Produced
from, 272

AND HORTICULTURIST.

Peach Raising in Mississippi,
142
" Seedlings. 114
" Stones, Natural, 175
" Trees in Texas, June

Budding, 368
" Wilder, 82
" Yellows, 211
Peaches, Blodgett's Seedling,
331
" Early, 241, 242

" Free and Cling-

stone, 13
•' New Early, The, 18

" Profits of Forced, 82

" Three Earliest, 50

Pea, Dr. McLean, 83
'. " Tree, Siberian. 354
Peas, Best English, 82
Pear, a New Enemy, Has the
302
" Blight, Linseed Oil for,

240
" Clapp's Favorite, 82
" Disease, 210
" Fire Blight in the, 210,

335
" Fungus Cracking the, 23
" Lucy Grieve, 16
" Marshall, 51
" Muskingum, 368
" or Apple, Which? 245
" Orchard, Dr. Boynton's,

304
" Pitmaston Duchess, 145
" Pyrus communis, 56
" Slug, 146
" " How to Destroy,

206
" Souvenir du Congres, 83
" Trees and Underdrain-

ing 210 "
" " Frozen Sap Blight,

174
" Wilder, 50
Pears, Brockworth Park and
Bonne d'Ezee, 82
French, Two New, 83
" Influence of Stock on,

334
" Large English, 112
Peasgood's Nonsuch Apple, 304
Peccan, The, 118
Peerless Rose, 136
Pelargonium Kontg Albert,
New Double
Ivy-leaved 267
" Wonderful, New

DoubleZonale,
236
Pellse ornithopus, 325
Penna. Fruit Growers' Socie-
ety, 32, 60, 94
" Horticul, Society, 319
Pentstemon heterophyllus, 356
" humilis, 6

" Palmeri, 71, 356

Pentstemons Hybrid, 295
Peraphyllum ramosissimum,

167
Persimmon, Japan, 336
" Seedless, 19

" Change by Graft-

leg, Do, 113
Personal, 27
Petition, 16
Petunias, Improved, 71
Philadelphia Belles, Bouquets

of the, 265
Phonetic Magazine, 156
Phormium Colensi variegatum

205
Phylloxera, 120

Grape, 217
" on the Roots of

Grape, 17
Physalis edulis, 283
Physanthus albans, 5
Picea Parsonsiana 88, 357
Pince's Mrs, Muscat Grape, 367
Pine, Umbrella. 70
Pinks, Carnation. 98
" Remontant, 98
" Summer-flowering, 168

Pinus aristata, 55
" cerabra, 36
Pitcher Plants, Culture of, 322
Pitmaston Duchesse Pear, 145
Pittosporuui tobira, 264
Plant House at the Agricul-
tural College, lot;
" Name of, 136
" Selling at Amherst Col
lege, 136
Planting Hickories, 50

" Pyrus coronaria. Plea
for, 2
Plants, Common Names of, 155
" for Name, 90
" Freezing of the Sap of,

280
" Growth of, as affected

by Latitude, 151
" Hardy Herbaceous, for
July, Aug. & Oct.,
261,291, 354
" Law of Purchasing, 27

Names of, 58, 107, 357
" Need Water, Do, 22,52
" New, 218
" " California, 183

" '* " and

Colorado, 55
" Self-fertilization of,o44
" Silver-leaved, 10
" Soft-wooded Green-
house, 266
" Warfare of, on one an-
other, 343
" Where, can be Pur-
chased, 59
Pleasing the Gardeners, 132
Plinian Names, 57
Plum, 375

" and Cherry Knot, 210

Culture, 52
" " in Ohio, 209

" " Progress of, 207

" Curculios, 368
" Growing, 18
" Richland, 242, 305
" Trees, 1 000 acres in 3

years, 207
" Wild Goose, 81,175,239,

303, 304
" Winter Grafting of the,
18
Plums, Species of American,

57
Polnsettia, 138

Culture, 202
" ••rowing the, 40

Poisoning hy Laburnum, 310

" Rhus, 26

Poison Vine, 152
Poles, Tropical Flora at the, 342
Pollen, Mixing Potatoes by.

90
Polyanthus, Double, 296
Polygonium amphibium for

Tanners, 211
Pomegranate, 166

" and Vine, Early

History of, 348
Pomological Report, Interna-
tional Exhibition, 221
Pomological Society, Ameri-
can, 32, 186, 218
Poplar, New Golden, 326
Poplars, Carolina, 86
Populus canescens, 280
Postal Laws, 345

" as Affecting Hor-

ticulture, 283
" on Seeds and

Plants, 156
Potato Beetle, Lime and the,
368
" " Mite Parasites

of, 279
" Disease, 53
" Fungus.Resting Spores
of, 54
Rot, 87
Potatoes, American.in England
82
" " Seedling,

111

Potato Mixing hy Pollen, 90

Pot Drainage, 358

Potomac Fruit Growers, 126,

317, 376
Pots, Flower, 137
Pottsvillc, Pa, 59
Practical Farmer, 61
Prairie Flowers, 274, 309
Preparing Timber, 35
Preserving Cut-flowers, 136
Figs, 80
" Grapes for Winter

Use, 50
Primula sinensis. Culture of,

264
Princeton, Ind., 155
Pritchardia filifeva, 36 4
Prizes f )r Tree-planting, 178
Profitable Bee-keeping, 15
Profit of Filbert Nuts, 81
Profits of Forced Peaches, 82
" Orange-growing, 112

" Tree-planting, 179

Proliferous Hyacinth, 167
Pronunciation of Botanical
Names, 152
" " De Candole

55
" " Gladiolus,

29,62
Propagating Begonias, 77

'■ Roses, 170

Protecting Trees from Rabbits

and Mice, 82
Protection from Tree Thieves,

253
Prouty's Strawberry, 242
Pruning Fruit Tree's in Japan,

335
Prune Shrubs, Time to, and

other Hints, 100
Public Parks 291
Purple-leaved Maple, 133
Pyracantha Hedges, 356

" " Silver Thorn

-and, 293
" " japonica, 0

Pyracanthas, Standard, 137
Pyrus communis, 56
" coronaria, A Plea for

Planting, 2
" japonica,Frultiugof,335
" mains, 56

Q

Queries, 11, 16, 24, 29, 38, 45, 52
58,62, 71,77,83. 87,90,102,
107, 113, 119, 121, 133, 138,
145, 152, 167, 171, 176,200,
205, 210, 215, 230. 236,217,
253, 263, 268, 280, 284, 301,
304,311, 315, 330, 335, 344,
352, 356, 364
Quercus Andersonii,29o

" fastigiata, 167

" vireus, 100

R

Radish, Early Olive, 112
Rainfall, Forest and, 369

" Trees, Lakes and,3I0.
341
Rain, Utilizing the, 35
Raising Clematises, 72
Rare Evergreens in Maryland,

38
Raspberry from Mr. Roe,272

Hardy Market, 113
Highland Hardy,
17, 83
'• Snyder, 208

" Southern Red, 80

" " Thornless

242
" Thwack, 113 303,345

Rattan Trellis, 70
Reade, Chas.. on Flowers, 313
Reclaiming Damages, 124
Red-fleshed Apple, 18
Remedy for Ants, 364

" Celery Fly, 15
Remontant Pinks, 93

Reports, Impel feet, 208
Reprinting the 1st Vol., 02
Responsibility of Seedsmen, 59
Resting Spores of Potato Fun-
gus, 54
Retinosjjora leptoclada 295
Revue de I'Horticulture, Beige,

157
Rhamnaceffi, 196
Rhode Island Bent Grass, 67, 90

98
Rhododendron and American
Yew, 259
" Arboreum 131

Show,Mr. Hun-
newell's 233
Rhododendrons, 259, 262, 290
" and Roses,

230
" Centennial, 258

Hardy, 261
" Under Glass,

327
Rhubarb, Forcing, 304
Rhus paniciformis, 37
" Poisining by, 26
" Rufa, 37
Rhyncospermum jasminoides,

364
Richardia alba maculata, 75
" (Calla) ^thiopica,

1.36
Richland Plum, 242,305
Ring-forming Fungus, 277
Rocicy Mountain SilverSpruce,

25,72, 121, 152
Roe's Seedling Gooseberry, 240
Rofia fibers, 55
Romneya Coulteri, 102
Root Cap, Th-, 119
Root Hairs, 213
Rootlets, Annual, 186
Roots, Bulbs, and Tubers at the
Centennial, 320
Depth of, 24
" Drosera, and Water, 58
" Two Sets to a Grape-
vine, 111
Rosacese, 196

Rose, Acacia, Grafted, 322
" Christmas, 75
" Duchess of Edinburg, 193,

230, 330
" Marechal Niel, How

Grows, 199
" Peerless 136, Pink, 266
" Pink 266
" Pot, A Fine, 75
" Slug, Destruction of the,

226
" Tea,for Market Purposes,

A Good, 167
" " (Niphetos) for Cut-
ting, 1.38
" Tree, Mammoth,. 37
Roses and Rhododendrons, 230
" An Election for, 36
" Button-hole, 9
" Forcing, 234
" for Winter Buds, 44
" in Ancient Festivals, 315
" Propagating, 170
" Tea in Winter, Protec-
tion of, 203
" Tender, Forcing, 363
Rot, Potato, 87
Royal Bouquets, 136,

" Horticultural Society, 160
Rubus roseefolius, 77
Rudgfa macrophylla, 266
Rural Journal, 61

New Yorker, 190
Russian Timber, 118
Rust, Verbena, Remedy for,
153, 2&4, 327

Sage, Variegated, 75
Salads, (hickory, 209
Saliaceae, 197
Santalacese, 196
Sap, Course of the, 342
" of Plants, Freezing, 280
Sapidacese, 195

vni

THE GARDENER'S MONTHLY

Saracenia Drummondii, 323
Sargent's Mr., Azalea Show,

233
Sargent, Prof, C. S., on Tree

Planting, 123
Satterthwait, Edwin, 93
Saxifraga Huetii, 11
Scale, Linseed Oil for, 271

" on Oleanders, 139
Schizostylus coccinea, 101
Sciadoptys verticillata, 70, 355
Scientific Monthly, 29
Seed and Onion Growing in
California, 239
" Lawn from, 230
" Thorn, Raising, 38
" Verbena* from, 10
" Vitality of, 312
Seeding of Aracaurea excelsa,
297
•' the Trailing Arbutus,
279
Seedless Persimmon, 19
Seedling Peaches, Blodgett's,331

"' Strawberry, 242
Seedlings, Peach, 114
Seeds and Plants, Postal Laws
on, 156
" " Exchanges of,

284
" from Male Plants of

Aucubas, 214
" 2000 Years Old, Grow-
ing, 344
Seedsmen, Responsibility of,

59
Self-fertilization of Plants, 344
Seif-opening Gate, 79 ^

Sericulture, Origin of, 147
Seubertia laxa, 339
Shepherd's Manual, '56
Shrubs ol Southern Utah, Beau-
tiful, 164
" Time to Prune and
other Hints, 100
Siberian Pea Tree, 354
Sicilian Nut Tree, 367
Silver leaved Plants, 10
" Thorn, Hardinessof the,

356
" " and Pvracantha,

Hedges, 293
Slug, Elm, 230, 246
" Locust Tree, 339
" Pear, 146

" How to Destroy, 206
" Rose, 226
Smith & Powell, Notes on

Grounds of, 280
Smith's Pres. Lincoln Straw-
berry, 242
Snyder Raspberry, 208
Sour rnd Sweet Apple, 308
South-eastern Kansas Hort.

Society, 157
Southern Red Raspberry, 80
" " Thornleis Rasp-

berry, 242
" Statis Agricultural

and Industrial Ex-
hibition, 63
" Utah, Beautiful

Shrubs of, 164
Souvenir daCongres Pear, 83
Sparrow, English, 69, 208

" European, and the
Fruit Buds, 50
Species of American Plums, 57
Spiraea palmata, 102
" sorbifolia, 36
Spontaneous Combustion, 8S
Spruce, Black, 86

•• Rocky Mountain Sil-
ver, 25, 72, 121, 152
" Weeping Hemlock, 132
Standard cupheas, 328

" Currants and Goose-
berries, 269
" Pyracanthas, 137
State Horticultural Societies,

Winter Meeting of, 32
States, Confederate, 375
Stems, Short, To Prevent Hya-
cinths Making. 236

Sterling Strawberries, 113, 145
Stock, Influence of the, on

Pears, 334
Strawberries at the Centen-
nial, 160
" Good old, 50

Strawberry, Cumberland Tri-
umph, 241
" Durand's Great

American, 242
" Fertilizer, 15

" Grower at Boul-

der, Colorado,
273
" Grub, 333

" Insects, Manure

and, 273
" Mexican Ever-

bearing, 142
" Norman, 145

Prouty's, 242
Seedling, 242
" Smith's Pres. Lin-

coln, 242
" Sterling, 113, 145

" White Alpine, 242

Stropholirion Californicum, 71
Styrax japonica, 6
Sub-hardy Eucalvptus, 147
Substitutes for Wood, 178
Sumach, Cut-leaved, 3-55
Summer-Ftowering Pinks, 168
" Hagloe Apple, 305
" Treatment of Camel-
lias, 171
Summer's Tour, Notes on a, 42
Sunken Forests, 120
Sun-ray Fuchsia, 205, 208, 365

Tacsonia insignis, 44
Tamarix plumosa, 37
Tannin Plant, Western, 280
Tanners, Polygonum amphi-

bium for, 211
Tar, Coal, 105

" in Greenhouses, 42, 36S
Taxaceae, 198

Tea Rose, Niphetos, for Cut-
ting, 139
Tendrils, Effect of Weight on,
184
" Motion of, 151
Tennessee, Notes from, 332
Texas, Geological Survey of, 217
" Grape Growing at Gal-
veston, 13
" June Budding Peach

Trees in, 368
" Northern, Observations
in, 282
Text Book of Scientific Agri-
culture, 61
Thanks, 28
That Little Turk, 48
Vhieves, Flower. 283
Thomas Hogg, Hydrangea, 295
Thorn Seed, Raising, 38
Thwack Raspberry, 113. 303,345
Tiliacese, 195
Timber, Catalpa, 86, 339,
" English Oak, 85
" of Delaware, 146
" Larch, 119
" Osage Orange, 118
" Preparing, 35
" Russian, 119
" Trees in Mass., Rapid

Growth of, 149
" " Rapidity of

Growth in, 23,84
Tobacco as Manure, 11, 54
Tomato, 346

" Disease, 90, 368
Tomatoes, Early, 81
Toughened Glass, 23
Trained Gooseberries, 50
Training and Mildew, Grapes,
49
" Gooseberries, 141
Treatment of Oraoge.s 9
Tree, Bay, 375

I

I Tree, Cork, 115, 118

" Growth in Iowa, Ratio
of, 180
Slow, 87
" Growere'Ass'n, Nursery-
men and, 287
" Judas. 314

" New Hardy, Cedrela si-
nensis, 295
" Planters, Nurserymen

and. 178
" Planting, 339
" " A few Sugges-

tions on, 123
" " Argument for,

148
" " in Mass., 147

•' Prizes for, 178

" " Profits of, 179

" Thieves, Protection from,
253
Trees, Age of Mammoth, 310
" for Nothing, 92
" Gum, 86
" in Cities, 35
" New, 295
" " Hardy, 6

" of Southern Florida, 149
" Protecting, from Rab-
bits and Mice, 82
" Rainfall and the Lakes,
310
Trellis, Rattan, 70
Trictelialiixa, 278,339
Tropical Flora at the Poles, 342
Tuberoses, American, 348

" in Midwinter, 298

Tulipa Greigi, 356

" Tree in England, 5
Typographical Errors, 120, 374
Twin Mushroom, 151

V

Ulmaceae, 196

Umbrella Pine, 70

Underdrainingand PearTrees,
210

Unhealthy Camellias, 75

Utica,N. Y., Forest Hill Ceme-
tery, 66, 373

Utilizing the Rain, 53

Valentine Bean, 375
Value of Australian Gum Wood,
86
" Bronze Bedding Gera-
niums, 330
" Orchids, 204
Van Houtte, Death of. 248
" " Habits of, 315
" " Monument to, 315
Vanilla Culture, 210
Variability of Conifers, 55
Variation in Apples, 52
Variations, Fruit, 309
Variegated Lantana, 108

Sage, 75
Varieties. Names of, 132
Vase of Simple Flowers, 300
Vegetables, Fruits and, Forced,

112
Verbena, Lemon, 283

" Rust, Remedv for
153, 264, 327 '
Verbenas from Seed, 10
Vernacular Names, 341
Versailles Currant, 2u9
Viburnum Awafuki, 37

" plicatum, 295
Vick's Flower and Vegetable

Garden. 61
Victoria Mignonette, 167
Views of Distant Lands, 370
Vine and Pomegranate, Early

History of, 348
Violet, Prince Consort, Mr.
Lee's New 325
" roots. Disease in, 130
" Vicloria Regina, 45, 76
Yellow, 134
Violets, 3i>2

" Disease in, 77
" for Winter Blooming,
265

Virtues of the Eucalyptus, 86
Visit to Carrollton, 373
Visitors to Kew Gardens, 284
Vitality of Seed, 342

W

Waban Greenhouses of E. A.

Wood & Co., 93
Walbridge Apple, 80
Wallflowers and Gilliflowers,

235
Walnut, Black, 13
Warder, Dr., at Centennial,159
Warfare of Plants on one an-
other, 343
Washington's Garden, Box in,

155
Water at the Roots of Grape
Vines, 83
" Do Plants Need, 22, 52
" Melon. The Icing, 47
" Proof Packing-paper, 4
Wealthy Apple Tree, 145
Webster, David, 61
Weeping Cherry, Grafting, 173
" Hemlock Spruce, 132

•• Willow, Female, 25

Weigela amabilis Looymansi
aurea, 324
" Lavallei, 6

Weight on Tendrils, Effect of,

184
Western Grapes, 368

N. Y. Hort. Society,

96, 123
Tannin Plant, 280
West Va., Cork Oak in, 146
Wheel Hoe, Beecroft's, 4
White Alpine Strawberry, 242
" Cypress, 119
" Bedding Pansies. 320
Who shall lay out our Orna-
mental Grounds, 164
Wier's Cut-leaved Silver Ma-
ple, 324
Wild Celery, 17
" Gardens, 36
" Goose Plum, 81, 172, 175,
239, 303, 304
Wilder, Col. 187,348
" Peach, 82
" Pear, 50
Williams' Pacific Tourist and

Guide, 253
Willow, Female Weeping, 25
Wine, Art of Making, 2oS
Winter-blooming Fuchsias, 75
'• Kalmias for,

204
" Violets for,

265
Winter Buds, Roses for, 44
Winter-flowering Carnations

and Bouvardias, 298
Winter, Gladioli for, 362

" Protection of Grape

Vines, 367
" Tea Roses in. Protec-
tion of, 263
Wintering Echeverias, 5
Wisconsin Hort. Society, 315
Wistaria macrobotrys, 37
Wood Growth, Eccentricity of

279
" Substitute for, 178
Worcester Co., Mass., Hort.
Society, 348
X
Xauthoceras sorbifolia, 71

Y
Yanthoxylacete, 195
Yellows Peach, 211
Yellow Violet, 134
Yew, American and Rhodo-
dendron, 259
" Original Golden, 167
Z
Zimmerman, G., Orchard of

303
Zinnia Darwini, 133
Zonale pelargonium, Distiuv-

tion, 77
Zoology, First Book in, 156

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