i

'«':/,

3

UMASS AMHERST

312Dt,b DEbD Mflfl? S

<f^>^/

DDaDanDDDDDDDnanDDDnnDnaDDnaDDaD

f/EHS'\\

UNIVERSITY OF MASSACHUSETTS
LIBRARY

D D

D D

a D

DDDDaDDaDnnDDDnaaDDDaDDnDnnDDDDD

HORTICULTURAL REGISTER, . \

A^JD

GARDENER'S MAGAZINE.

EDITED BY JOSEPH BRECK.

VOLUME IV ,

BOSTON:

PUBLISHED BY JOSEPH BRECK .t CO.AiPANY

1839.

Per

v/. ^

TUTTLK, DICNNF.TT & CIIISHOI.M Priiiteri 17 School Street.

INDEX.

Page.

Asparagus, Cultivation of, 16

Agriculture in France, 76

A Flora of North America; contain-
ing abridged descriptions of all the
known indigenous and naturalized
plants, growing north of Mexico ;
arranged according to the Natural
System, 419

Aster, New England, 421

Blight in Pear, Apple and Quince
Trees, 99

Botany, Parley's Cyclopedia of, 309

Biographical sketch of the family of
Daphne, 361

Blight in Pear Trees and Remarks on
Plants, 432

Camellia Family, a Biographical

Sketch of.

1

Call at Marshall P. Wilder's Green-

House, Hawthorn Grove, Dorches-

ter, Mass.

25

Culture of Pear Trees,

141

Crested Amaranth or Cock's Comb,

remarks on,

359

Dahlia, Remarks on the Propagation
of the, - 267

Enkianthus Quinqueflorus, 58

Extracts from Professor Johnson's
Lectures before the Royal Society
and Central School of Horticulture
and Agriculture in England, 441

Forest Treasures of Guiana, 19
Flowers, 33
Forest Trees of Guiana, 66
Farm and Garden, Experimental, 64
Fruits, a Treatise on the Culture cf, 1 1 1
Forest Treasures of Honduras, 113
Front Yards, Shrubbery, Flowers, 136
Flowers, Fruits and Trees, 259
Flemish Husbandry, 321
French Horticulture, 362
Fruit Trees, Practical Hints on Plant-
ing, 401

Gardens and Ornamental Plantations,
on laying out of, 5

Green House Plants, on the Propaga-
tion of half hardy and soft wooded, 63

General Management of Forcing
Flowers, and Forwarding early
vegetables, 121

Genus Camellia, Monography of, or
an Essay on its Culture, Descrip-
tion, and Classification, 160, 201, 241,
231,344,375.

Grape Culture, 415

Horticulture,'Progression of, in the vi-
cinity of Boston, 13
Hints on the advantage of Winter

Pruning Fruit and Forest Trees, 41
" Horticulture and the Household
Arts, as intimately connected with
the improvement of Agriculture,"
New York State report on, 91

Horticulture in Boston, Progress of, 155
Horticultural Books, new, 159

Horticultural Intelligence from France, 175
Horticultural Writings, 258

Horticultural Register, to patrons of, 478
Horticulture, on improvement in.
Read before the Horticultural As-
sociation of the Valley of the Hud-
son, 458

Instructions for Truffle Searching, 178
IsaLiella Grape Vines, 190

Kitchen Garden, the 235

List of rare and new Plants, 34

Live l<"'ences, on, 60

List of rare and new Plants described
in recent English Publications, 275

Miscellaneous Matters, 37, 79, 118, 158,
199,238,273,318,434.

Manageiiifnt of (.okl Frames for pro-
tecting Cauliflower and Cabbage
Plants during the winter, 188

Massachusetts Horticultural Society's
Annual Meeting, 386

Manning's Book of Fruits, 403, 429

Manure, Artificial, 474

New Year, 31

New and Rare Plants, list of, 34

Nurseries in the vicinity of Boston, 81

On laying out Gardens and Ornamen-
tal Plantations, 62

IV

INDEX,

Page.

Onions, 195

Obituary Notice of the late T. A.
Knight, Esq. President of the Lon-
don Horticultural Society, 315
Orange Groves of Florida, 417

Plants and Flowers in rooms, manage-
ment of, 24
Pruning Timber Trees, 43
Potatoes, Culture of, lie
Premiums of the Massachusetts Hor-
ticultural Society, 231
Plants, notices of fine, 313
Profits of Fruit Trees, 424
Philipodendrum Regium, 476

Quincy Market, 40,80, 120, IGO, 200, 240,
280, 320, 360, 440, 480.

Rose, the Double Yellow, 139

Sensitive Plant, on the, 64

« Page.

Soils and their properties, on the

classes of, 101

Sugar Maple, the 197

Strawberry Culture : modes and prof-
its of, 427

Strawberry, Cultivation of the, 469

Truffle, the natural History of, 147

Treatise of the Cultivation of Truf-
fles, 269, 300, 221
Tulip, on the culture of the, 335

Vine, Review of Hoar's Culture of

the, 22

Vines in Pots, 129

Vegetables, on the general manage-
ment of forcing frames and forward-
ing early, 59

Winter Scenery in the White Moun-

tams, 74

Water and watering plants, on, 7

THE

AND

GARDENER'S MAGAZINE.

JANUARY 1, 1838.

Art. I. — A Biographical Sketch of the Cammellia Family.

We have been often surprised in taking up the periodicals of the
day, to find so little said of this interesting class of our community.
We have but once or twice met with any thing that has given us
any account of their manners, character, or origin, and we have
been the more surprised at this, as biographical notices are so much
the fashion of the present day, and as all acknowledge they are de-
serving much attention.

Our acquaintance with these interesting strangers commenced
sometime in the year 1831. Previous to this we had been introduc-
ed to one of this family, and the impression then made, was of the
most flattering kind, and we can now add, that upon a more inti-
mate acquaintance with them, our admiration has only increased.

We understand they are natives of China. At what precise pe-
riod they came to this country we have not ascertained.

We have heard of large and flourishing colonies planting them-
selves in various parts of Europe at a very early period, but their
arrival in this country is of a more recent date.

It is understood their ancestors cultivated the tea plant to a very
great extent, and that their present high standing in society, is at-
tributable to this cause. We know not how this may be, but sure
we are, that their descendants have no partiality for the beverage
made from this plant, having strictly enlisted themselves under the

2 THE CAMMELLIA FAMILY.

cold water banner. Would that this could be said of all the foreigners
that visit our shores ; were this the case we should find the black and
painful catalogue of crime upon our court callendar greatly dimin-
ished. But to return from our digression. There has been much
speculation concerning these strangers. Some have wondered how
they could leave their own country, knowing that the government
of China was despotic, and that their laws were so strict in regard
to the emigration of their subjects, that the violation of it has been
punished with death. Others again have been surprised at their
wishing to leave the land of their fathers for new and untried scenes,
and various hypotheses have been formed in regard to them.

With the desire to gratify our readers we shall give some of the
reasons, which, to our mind appear the most conclusive. It is gen-
erally admitted I believe, that they belong to the royal family, and
that their ancestors once wielded the sceptre upon the throne of
China, and indeed there is every thing in their appearance to sub-
stantiate this belief. The present Emperor is a descendant of the
Tartar race. It would not require a very excursive imagination to
conclude that as they did not belong to the present dynasty, some
jealousies might have arisen from the fact that they were of that race
that once controlled the destinies of that mighty empire, and which
was now governed by a foreign power. Again, there might have
been those that still retained all their former attachment to the rem-
nant of that noble house which, no doubt, excited the jealousies of
the reigning powers and rendered their situation very unpleasant,
and would be deemed a sufficient reason for leaving their native
country, as others have done before them. Still there are those that
have asked why, as they were so pleasantly situated in Europe, they
should have thought of coming to this country. To this and simi-
lar questions we can only give some of our own conjectures, never
having conversed with them upon this subject. We may suppose
for instance, that they might have had a predilection in favor of our
own republican form of government and its free institutions, and
that they would meet with that kindness and attention which true
merit ever receives from an educated and enlightened community.

Others might have come to the resolution that a friend of ours
did, that they would not live in a country where they were obliged
to pay for that free and common gift to all, the light of heaven.
Whether these conjectures will satisfy the curiosity of our readers,

THE CAMMELLIA FAMILY. 3

we cannot pretend to say. — But of this we are certain, that they
have come among us to adorn and beautify the firesides of our own
happy home.

Our narrative, we presume, would be deemed incomplete, espe-
cially among the fairer portions of our readers, did we not give some
account of their wardrobe, and those that are in the habit of con-
sidering that variety in dress, as well as in life, is the very spice of
it, may be surprised and disappointed to learn that it consists of a
single suit. This we allow, is of the most elegant and delicate tex-
ture, consisting of a beautiful dark green brocade or satin. This
dress is constantly worn throughout the year, and though this is the
general costume of the whole of the family, they are not so fasti-
dious as to require every member to have their dress cut by the
same pattern, leaving this to the judgment and good taste of the
wearer, only requiring that they all be made of the same material.

They observe a number of gala days, which continue for several
months in succession. Upon those occasions you may see them
decked in their most beautiful jewels.

These ornaments are reserved particularly for such occasions,
and are never seen at any other time. This may be an old tradi-
tion of their fathers, the remembrance of which they love to retain,
and as they add such dignity to their appearance, we are not surpris-
ed they should wish to retain it. It is generally understood that
on those days they expect and are much gratified to see any of their
friends, and we find their levees attended by some of the most en-
lightened and elegant part of the community, who express their ad-
miration of them in the most unqualified terms ; we have sometimes
feared lest that latent spark of vanity, so often accredited to our sex
should be aroused from its slumbering at the many and flattering
compliments made immediately in their presence. The number
and variety of their ornaments are in proportion to the number of
their families, every family wearing such jewels as designate to
which particular branch they belong, differing in size, color, and
brilliancy. For instance, the family of Madam Japonica Blanche
are known by the particular kind of pearl they wear. These are of
the most brilliant white, and much the largest of any worn; they are
arranged with so much taste that they appear to make a part of her
lovely self, though the profusion is such that upon any other person
they might appear inconsistent with our ideas of the most delicate

4 THE CAMMELLIA FAMILY.

taste. She has ever been a great favorite with the ladies, and we
are informed that her ornaments have been sought for with great
avidity, and purchased at an exorbitant price, to deck the brow of
some of our fashionable belles, even after they have been worn by
that lady. As for ourselves we scarcely know which of them the
most to admire. When we turn our eyes from Madame Blanche in
all her dignified elegance, to her beautiful sister, Lady Hume, sur-
rounded by her lovely and interesting family, and observe the faint
blush mantle her delicate cheek at the admiring gaze of the multi-
tude, we feel inclined to yield to her the palm of victory, and to ex-
claim in our admiration of her, no beauty can surpass thine thou
lovely one.

Others wear ornaments of different kinds, vieing with each other
in beauty, some of the coral kind, others of the cornelian, and dif-
fering as far from any thing seen in our jewellers' stores, as a com-
mon pebble would from a diamond.

Many other interesting particulars could be mentioned, would
time permit, but we cannot deny ourselves the pleasure of mention-
ing one large and interesting family of them residing at Dorchester,
in the neighborhood of a friend of ours ; this philantrophic gentle-
man has done much to promote their comfort and happiness, and
make them forget that they are strangers in a foreign land. At his
own expense he has erected a large and beautiful house, every way
suited to their dignity and rank, and surrounded them with other
distinguished foreigners, and has had several of their portraits taken
by some of the first artists of Europe, in a very expensive style,
others in wax, and said to be fine likenesses. For all this kindness
and attention they are not insensible, but do all in their power to
express their gratitude, and have called one of their fairest daugh-
ters after one of his own little loved ones.

One of this family have resided with us for several months, and
we can add our testimony to their constant desire [to please, and
though this has been a child of misfortune, her short history may
not be the less interesting. At the time she first visited us, she had
two daughters, one quite an infant, the other at a more advanced
and intellectual age, and as the powers of her mind began to expand
she was the admiration of all who became acquainted with her.
The infant lived but a short time, it fell from its mother's arms and
survived the injury but a few days. Subsequent to this she and her

LAYING OUT GARDENS. 5

only surviving daughter were standing at the window to while away
a melancholy hour, by observing the objects as they passed, her foot
slipped, and they both fell to the floor. On entering the room we
feared they were most seriously injured, but in assisting them to
rise we were agreeably surprised to find they had sustained no ma-
terial injury, and the young lady appeared as fair and beautiful as
ever, and the fond mother, in all the pride of maternal affection was
watching her expanding beauty with the hope that she would be
soon brought out, as the fashionables have it, but whether she re-
ceived an internal injury in her fall that seriously affected her health,
we know not, but just at this interesting period she drooped and
died, thus blasting the fond anticipations of all her friends. We
can only add, that the mother still remains with us in all the silent
dignity of grief. Florella.

Art. 11. — On Laying out Gardens and- Ornamental Planta-
tions.

CHOICE OF TREES FOR ORNAMENTAL AND LANDSCAPE PLANTATIONS.

Much art is required in selecting trees for planting ornamental
grounds ; as parks, lawns, foregrounds to country residences and
such ornamental plantations. The planter should in this case duly
consider the appearance such plantations will have when growing
to maturity ; as the design will then have its full effect. Present
appearances have, in many cases, but little to do with the future,
which is the grand object of landscape gardening.

The first consideration is the nature and quality of the ground to
be planted, together with the different aspects and locations ; these
things must invariably be considered in order that trees which will
thrive best may be selected for planting, and have a pleasing ap-
pearance. To accomplish this, such only should be chosen as are
known to thrive in a similar situation and soil. Native forest trees
will be found, in most cases, to answer the best purpose for ihepark
and exposed plantations (with the exception of some {ew varieties
of foreign trees) their natural properties being particularly adapted
to this climate ; consequently, they always assume a healthy appear-

6 LAYING OUT GARDENS.

aiice, which is the greatest consideration in landscape scenery ; as
ornamental trees when in a sickly state, destroy that pleasing effect
they are intended to produce.

In selecting trees from a nursery or elsewhere, attention should
be paid to choose those that are of a well formed and regular growth,
and from a situation where they have had free exposure to the sun
and air : trees being grown too close together are always of a more
tender nature than those in exposed situations, and are not so fit for
being removed to an exposed place.

If trees are to be selected for planting of a large growth, care
must be taken to choose them in such a manner that their present
and future place of growth correspond. Trees from different situ-
ations are found to have entirely different properties ; for instance,
the oak, maple, elm, and indeed all kinds of trees where grown in
an exposed situation are found to have protecting properties, corres-
ponding to their natural location : their bark is of a thick, coarse na-
ture, their roots are numerous and extend some distance into the
ground, their tops and branches thick and spreading ; this is natural
to trees growing in an exposed gituation : on the contrary, those
growing in woods or confiued places, of the same denomination as
the above, have their bark thin, their branches few and on the top
of the tree, their roots few in number and of a weak, slim nature.
These facts should engage the attention of the planter, in order that
the removing may be done in such a manner that their present and
future soil and situation correspond.

I particularly recommend the planter clearly to investigate this
subject, which is perhaps the best method of learning the physio-
logy of plants ; natural cases are always the surest guides to per-
fection. Nothing can be more pleasing to the horticulturist, than to
reflect on the beautiful economy of nature, which imparts to the ve-
getable kingdom different qualities in the same genus of plants
placed in different situations. The animal kingdom is in some re-
spects similar, although more limited, which is accounted for,
when we consider that they have a sensitive power and motion, and
thus seek protection from storms and sudden changes of heat and
cold. But the vegetable creation in all its natural locations is sta-
tionary, and consequently it has to endure the changes of the ele-
ments in its primitive place of growth.

Thus it appears, that trees and vegetables when removed, require

WATERING PLANTS. 7

to be placed as much as possible, in the same aspect and in a simi-
lar location as they were in their infant state. And it should be the
principal object of the arboriculturist to observe this rule as much
as possible.

NATURAL HABIT OR FOLIAGE OP TREES.

The natural habit or foliage of trees, {by loliich I mean their
shape and various colors and shape of leaves and the like,) requires
some consideration, particularly where they are to be planted singly
as ornamental objects in park scenery or on lawns. The best criterion
that I can recommend on the subject is, that the planter should only
investigate the habits of such trees that are intended to be planted,
and those that are of a large size and exposed so that the sun and
air have access to every part of them. Such as are too much crowd-
ed together, can never be said to be of correct habit, as will be seen
in the oak when growing in confined places in woods and groves as
before mentioned ; it is then tall and slender, and has but few side
branches, but when it is exposed it forms a neat tree of a hemi-
spherical figure ; the Hickory in open, exposed places forms a very
beautiful semi-elliptical shape ; the conical form is seen in the Tu-
lip tree and the Button-ball when exposed : the Balsam Fir forms
a fine pyramid of living green, and the Lombardy Poplar is por-
trayed as a complete spindle shape. To these many intermediate
habits may be seen, as in the elm, ash, walnut, and chestnut, but
any person who is interested in this part of ornamental planting
having duly investigated the above mentioned, he will at once dis-
cover the habit of every tree sufficiently to be master of adapting
them to the most suitable places. Practice in this case is the sure
guide to perfection. I therefore leave this part of my subject to the
consideration of my readers, with the pleasing hope that the will
give the subject the attention it demands.
{To be continued.)

Art. III. — On Water and Watering Plants.

" Water is one of the most considerable requisites belonging to
a garden : if a garden be without it, it brings a certain mortality
upon whatsoever is planted. By waterings the great droughts in

8 WATERING PLANTS.

summer are allayed, which would infallibly burn up. most plants,
had we not the help of water to qualify those excessive heats. Be-
sides as to noble seats, the beauty that water will add, in making
Jet d'eaux, canals and cascades, which are some of the noblest orna-
ments of a garden."

"Sir Isaac Newton defines water (when pure) to be a very fluid
salt; volatile and void of all savour or taste ; and it seems to consist
of small, hard, porous, spherical particles, of equal diameters, and
equal specific gravities ; and also that there are between them,
spaces so large, and ranged in such a manner, as to be pervious on
all sides."

" Their smoothness accounts for their sliding easily over the sur-
faces of one another."

"Their sphericity keeps them from touching one another in mire
points than one; and by both these, their friction, in sliding over
one another, is rendered tlie least possible."

"The hardness of them accounts for the incompressibility of
water, when it is free from the intermixture of air."

" The porosity of water is so very great, that there is at least forty
times as much spac» as matter in it ; for water is nineteen times
specifically lighter than gold, and of consequence rarer in the same
proportion. But gold will (by pressure) let water pass through its
pores; and therefore may be supposed to have (at least) more pores
than solid parts.

"Mons. L'Clerk says, there are these things observable in water,
which naturalists study to know and account for."

" It is transparent; because as some are of opinion, it consists of
flexible particles like ropes, which are not so close as to leave no
pores ; nor so entangled but that there are right lines enough to
transmit the light."

" For since the particles are not joined close together, and are
in perpetual motion, the very fine particles of light do easily pass
through their right lines, unless the water be very deep, or be put
into motion, by some outward cause. Then indeed the transpa-
rency of water is very much obstructed, and it looks of a cloudy
obscure colour, as it is obvious to sight in a rough sea : For at
such a time, the vehement agitation of the water disturbs their
pores, and spoils their straightness."

2 "Water is liquid, but capable of being fixed : water seems to

WATERING PLANTS. -4 ^■/j' >■

■i ^<

be liquid for the same reason as other bodies are so. For since th^
particles of it are flexible, like ropes, and leave pores between > one
another, which are filled with finer matter, when this matter is pat
into a vehement commotion, the particles are easily tossed about ^
every way : yet when the motion of this restless matter is restrained
as it is in winter, then the water congeals into ice ; whether this
comes of cold only, or there be besides nitrous particles, which fall
out of the air at that time, and with their rigidness fix the watery
particles.

3. " It may be made hot or cold. The particles of water being
as has before been said, ice, is soon dissolved by the motion of the
particles of fire : for the particles of fire, getting into the pores of
the ice do mightily shake the fine, flexible particles of ice, and re-
store them to their former motion in a little time. '

" But if this water be set in cold air, the fiery particles will quick-
ly vanish, and the water will become cold as before.

4. '*Wa,ter easily evaporates by the heat of fire or air. This is
because its particles are quickly separated, and got into motion ; so
that the airy particles easily carry those of the water about with
them.

5. " It is heavy if compared with air and other bodies, but much
heavier than air. It has been shown by various experiments that
the gravity of the air, in the place where we live is to that of water,
as one to eight hundred, or something more ; so that water is about
eight hundred times heavier than air. And for this reason, and for
no other, a bladder, or other thing filled with air, can hardly be
sunk under water; and indeed, to make air sink, there must be a
weight added to it, that shall exceed the weight of the water, as
much, and something more, than that of the water exceeds that of
the air. Hence it comes to pass, that water easily supports wood,
and vast ships fraught with the heaviest cargo ; for the weight alone
will never sink them, unless the goods and the vessel should make
up a weight which exceeds that of the water; and as salt water is
heavier than fresh, so it bears greater weight.

" Those things which are heavier than water, as stones, metals
&c. when they are thrown into it, go straight down to the bottom ;
and as their weight is greater, by so much the quicker : while
other bodies which are the same weight with the water, do neither
float on the surface, nor sink quite down, but remain suspended
between the top and bottom, as is seen in the carcases of animals.
2

10 WATERING PLANTS.

6. " Water is insipid and without smell. The reason is, because
its flexible parts slip gently over the tongue, and are not sharp
enough to prick the nerves and affect the taste : but this is to be
understood of pure water, void of all kind of salt ; such as distilled
water is, and next that of rain : for the most wholesome fountain
water commonly derives a saltness from the earth ; though in this
place is not meant medicinal fountain water, the taste of which is
more acute, but such water as is usually drank.

" And that it is without smell. The purer any water is the less
smell it has ; for the reason why the particles do not prick the tongue
is likewise the reason why they don't affect the smell ; the flexibili-
ty and smoothness of water, is such, that they cannot penetrate the
olfactory nerves ; fountain water has indeed some smell, but then it
is a sign that such water is not pure.

7. " Water is subject to putrefy according as the place is where it
is kept. Water will grow thick and stinking, by heat and rest, as
we find it does in ponds and marshes, and in close vessels^ But
here it ought to be remembered, that this was what was spoken of
before, as such, water is not pure, for unmixed water cannot putrefy.
This is proved by distilled water, which may be kept very long
without putrefaction.

"Rain water which is caught in clean vessels and presently
stopped up close and buried under ground, is kept many years
in countries where they want fountains. This shows that the cause
of putrefaction is not in the water itself, but in other things that
are mingled with it; because pure water, such as is distilled or
comes out of the clouds, keeps sweet for a vast while. But then
those vessels, in which such water is kept must be so well stopped,
that the least fly may not get into them, and they must be made of
such stuff as will not corrupt, such as glass or clay,

" But for standing, water in ponds or marshes, that is corrupted
two ways.

" By the nature of the soil, which often abounds with noisome
sulphur, whereby the water is impregnated and comes to smell in
warm weather; as it does at Amsterdam, not only in the trenches,
but wherever the ground is opened for the foundation of houses.
This putrefaction is owing to the soil, and not to the water.

" By the nasty things that are thrown into it, or bodies of insects
which die in it; as also by the eggs of flies, which are dropped

WATERING PLANTS. 11

about wherever they go, and breed worms. Water is corrupted in
wooden vessels, especially at sea, by the sulphureous parts of the
wood, and by uncleanly things, as flies, eggs, &/C.

" Water penetrates the pores of those bodies, whose pores are
wide enough to receive its particles. Thus it enters the pores of
sugar and salts, so as to separate and quite dissolve their particles ;
but it cannot get into the pores of stones, or but a very little way ;
so that it only wets the surface, without diluting them ; hangs on
the outside of them because they are rough, and because the extrem-
ities of their pores are open a little way. But such bodies when
they are wet are soon dried in the air, because the motion of the
airy particles, carries off the soft and smooth particles of the water.

" It is observable that if bodies rubbed over with oil or fat be dipt
in water, they get very little wet, because the roughness of their
surface wherein the water should hang is smoothed and made even
by the fat, and the mouths of the pores are closed up, so that there
is nothing left for the watery particles to hold by, and therefore they
must needs slide off.

" Dr. Cheyne observes, that the quantity of water on this side of
our globe does daily decrease ; some part thereof being every day
turned into animal, metalline, mineral and vegetable substances,
which are not easily dissolved again into their component parts;
for if you separate a few particles of any fluid, and fasten them into
a solid body, or keep them asunder one from another, then they are
no more fluid; for a considerable number of such particles are re-
quired to produce fluidity,

" Most liquors are formed by the cohesion of particles of different
figures, magnitudes, gravities and attractive powers, swimming in
pure water, or an aqueous fluid ; which seems to be the common
basis of all.

" And the only reason why there are so many sorts of water dif-
fering from one another by different properties is, that the corpus-
cles of salts and minerals, with which that element is impregnated,
are equally various.

" Wine is only impregnate^ with particles of grapes, and beer
is water impregnated with particles of Barley, &c. All spirits
seem water saturated with saline or sulphureous particles.

" And all liquors are more or less fluid, according to the greater
or smaller cohesion of the particles, which swim in the aqueous

12 WATERING PLANTS.

fluid ; and there is scarcely any fluid without this cohesion of par-
ticles, not even pure water itself, as will appear from the bubbles
that will soraetiriies stand on the surface of it, as well as on that of
spirits and other liquors.

" Water adds much to the growth of bodies, in that it both ren-
ders and keeps the active principle fluid ; so that they are capable
of being conveyed by circulation into the pores.

" The learned Mr. Halley has demonstrated, that if an atom of
water be expanded into a shell or bubble, whose diameter shall be
ten times as great as before, such an atom would be superficially
lighter than air, and will rise so long as that flatus, or warm spirit
which at first separated it from the mass of water, shall continue to
distend it to the same degree, but when that warmth declines, and
the air grows cooler and withal specifically lighter, these vapours
'will stop at a certain region of the air, or else descend.

" Therefore, if it should be supposed that the whole earth were cov-
ered with water, and that the sun should make his diurnal course
round it as now he does, he is of opinion, that the air would be
impregnated with a certain quantity of aqueous vapours, which it
would retain in it, like salts dissolved in water, and that the sun in
the day time warming the air, that part of the atmosphere would
sustain a greater proportion of vapours (as warm water will hold
more salt in it dissolved than cold) which by the absence of the va-
pours at night would be discharged into dews.

" And in this case he concludes there could not be any diversity
of weather other than periodically every year alike; the mixture of
all terrestrious, saline, and heterogeneous vapours here being ex-
cluded, which he judges to be, when variously compounded and
driven by winds, which are the causes of these various seasons, and
changes of weather which we now find.

" But instead of supposing an earth covered all over with water,
you suppose the sea interspersed about wide and spacious tracts of
land, and also, divided by high ridges of mountains, such as the Alps,
the Appenine, and the Pyrenean in Europe ; the Caucausus, the
Imaus, and the Taurus in Asia ; the mount Atlas of the Moon in
Africa; the Andes and Apalatean mountains in America; each of
which surpasses the usual height to which the aqueous vapours do
of themselves ascend : and on the tops of vvhich the air is so cold
and rarified, as to retain but a small portion of these vapours,, which,
are brought hither by the winds.

HORTICULTURE IN THE VICINITY OF BOSTON. 13

" Then the vapours thus raised from the sea, and carried by the
winds over the low lands to those ridges of mountains, are there
compelled by the streams of the air to mount with it up to their tops,
where the water presently precipitates, gleetingdown by the crannies
of the stones ; and part of the vapours entering into the caverns of
the hills, the waters thereof gathers, as in an alembic in the basons
of stones; and these being once full, the overplus water runs down
at the lowest place of the bason, and breaking out by the sides of
the hills, forms single springs ; many of which running down by
the vallies or guts, between the ridges of the hills, and after uniting
form little rivuiets and brooks, and many of these meeting again
form large rivers.

" Dr. Woodhouse has made these useful experiments of water
following.

" He tells us, that he chose several glass phials, which were all as
near as possible of the same shape and bigness; that he put water
into every one of them, as much as he thought fit, and took an ac-
count of the weight of it, then strained and tied a piece of parch-
ment over the surface of each phial, and made a hole in the middle
of it large enough to admit the stem of the plant he designed to set
in the phial, without confining and straitening it so as to hinder its
growth. This design was to hinder the enclosed water from evap-
orating or ascending any other way, than only through the plant

that was in it.

[To be continued.]

Art. IV. — Progression of Horticulture in the Vicinity of

Boston.

The winter having now made its appearance, and the ground
being frost-bound, in a manner that little can be done out doors,
the green-house is almost the only department that can be attended
to in Horticulture. In this department, the new year is greeted
with perhaps as fine collections of plants as have ever welcomed the
lovers of choice plants and flowers.

December 18. The Misses Sumners, Milton. In calling on the
above, after a polite invitation, I was most agreeably entertained by

14 HORTICULTURE IN THE VICINITT OF BOSTON.

the pretty collection of green-house plants cultivated by them ;
which have been collected from different sources in this vicinity,
and many choice kinds have been obtained from the South. The
green-house, which is a small snug concern attached to the dwelling
house, contains many choice kinds of green-house plants ; and this
year a pit has been erected of twenty or thirty feet in length, for
the purpose of growing the. more hardy kinds of plants, as stock
Gilliflower, Daisy, Wall-flower, and the like. In the garden, also,
in which they take much interest, are many good kinds of hardy
shrubs and herbaceous plants, and indeed every thing relative to
floriculture appears to be ardently cherished by them. It is gratify-
ing to see so much interest taken in floriculture by those who have
the very best taste to appreciate the real beauty and utility of " Flora's
riches." I hope every success wiM attend their enterprize, and
that the pleasing results will cause others to follow their example.

J. D. Williams, Esq. Roxbury. A well constructed green-house,
under the management of Mr Edward Burns, gardener ; the house
is of a fine open construction, partly appropriated to the culture of
green-house plants, of which there is a good collection, and partly
for vegetables, as lettuce, &/C. for culinary purposes. I noticed
several fine specimens of Rhododendrons, Roses, and many pretty
things, that ere long will have a prepossessing appearance, under
the correct treatment of the present management.

Charlestown Vineyard, corner of Eden street. This estab-
lishment, now occupied by Mr Thomas "Mason, situated on Banker
hill, has long been celebrated for many fine varieties of fruit, and
was first established by Mr David Haggerston, principally for the
culture of the foreign grape, on trellis out doors, which for a few
years answered a pretty good purpose, with diligent culture ; how-
ever, owing to unpropitious seasons of late years, the culture has
proved unsuccessful ; and the culture of the grape has been aban-
doned for that of the plum.* The raspberry and the strawberry,
which have been grown to great perfection, and the best kinds have
been selected and introduced in the gardens. On the place are

*Mr Mason has been very successful in raising a fine seedling Raspberry
which he calls " The Grape," which is a superior variety from the Red Ant-
werp and Scarlet Rockingham. The fine specimens shown at the Horticultu-
ral Hall this season, have been an ample proof of its quality, and it can be
recommended as a first rate bearer.

HORTICULTURE IN THE VICINITY OF BOSTON. 15

now extensive vineries ; these being four hundred feet in length, of
glass houses, principally for the culture of the grape, one of which
is a large green-house, well filled with a good collection of green
house plants. I noticed several fine flowers of the Double White
Camellia, and a number of thrifty plants of different kinds of Myr-
tles, which, by the by, are as pretty and appropriate evergreen
plants as can be fostered in a room or small green-house. To these
may be added, an excellent collection of China roses, of which I
shall speak more fully when in flower.

The plants are in a healthy, clean state, and it is much to be
hoped, that as Mr Mason's whole dependence rests on his profession,
he will meet a share of public patronage to reward his expec-
tations.

Mr William Leathe, Cambridgeport, — An amateur in choice
flowers, — who very kindly showed me his pretty collection of green-
house plants, which are well selected. The Camellias are in fine or-
der, and some pretty specimens of the Double White were in flower ;
Hume's Blush and the Double Striped, I never recollect to have
seen in better perfection, which, by the by, when well striped, is
one of the best flowers of the family.

Mr Leathe politely furnished me with the dimensions of his
green-house, v/hich is a clever constructed concern, and may,
perhaps, be of some utility to those who may Be constructing houses
for similar purposes. The house is a span roof, the dimensions of
which are as follows : the length inside in the clear is 34 by 116
feet; the sides and southeast end is boarded three feet high, on to
which is about two feet sashes of glass, and the roof seems to form
an angle of about 40°. In the centre of the house is a span
staging, about 2 feet 6 inches from ihe floor, and 5 feet wide, of 5
shelves, four of which are 8 inches wide, bringing the top shelf in
the centre of the house, which is 14 inches wide ; next to the
centre stage are two feet alleys on the sides, and next to them side
stages of about 3 feet wide. At the northeast end is the furnace,
with a return flue under the stage ; to the furnace is also fixed a
boiler, with revolving pipes, with hot water, so constructed as to
•f pass through a box, 10 feet long, 2 feet 6 inches in depth, and 3
feet wide, which is filled with sand or soil, for the purpose of for-
warding tender plants. The advantage of this house is, that every
part is made< useful, and the plants can be placed in almost any

16 CULTIVATION OF ASPARAGUS.

position, and may be so placed as that even the most tender can be
accommodated, so as to receive their natural temperature and loca-
tion. E. S.

Art. V. — On the Cultivation of Asparagus. By Samuel
Pond, of Cambridgeport.

[We recommend to our readers the following communication of fir Pond,
which we are happy to give a place in the Register, as we think hus remarks
are well calculated to benefit those who are desirous of forming new Asparagus
beds, or renewing old ones. While some horticulrutist give their attention to
one production and make improvement in that particular branch of culture, the
juterest or fancy of another person leads him t» somethingof a different descrip-
tion Mr Pond has given his attention in a particular manner to the culture of
Asparagus, and from the success which has attended his efforts, if we may judge
from the productions he has presented to the public from time to time, and
which we ourselves have witnessed, should infer that he has been eminently
successful in the cultivation of this delicious vegalable. — Ed,]

The cultivation of asparagus, although so general, is, by no means,
as well understood as it should be. Like many other vegetables,
which have for years been cultivated, and which almost every gar-
dener thinks he already raises to perfection and needs no further in-
formation ill relation to their growth, it can still be wonderfully im-
proved in its mode of cultivation. The immense quantity which is
produced in this vicinity, for the market, and its superiority to that
of former years, is a convincing proof, that its cultivation is now
much better understood than heretofore and it is to be hoped that it
will still continue to be grown of larger size and more excellent
quality. In private gardens, in particular some fine specimens have
been produced within the last two or three years, and, with little
more care and expense, the market gardener may as easily supply
his customers with this estimable vegetable in equal perfection
There are several kinds of asparagus some of which have been lately
introduced and have not yet become very well known. That which
I have grown, and which I have proved to be of most excellent'
quality as well as of monstrous size is called the giant asparagus.
It is as yet but little known, and consequently, not very extensirely
cultivated. But so superior is it to the old kinds generally grown.

CULTIVATION OF ASPARAGUS. 17

and of which hundreds of plantations now exist, that it must take
their place soon. Some cultivators do not like to destroy fruitful beds
because the kind is rather inferior ; yet I have no doubt but they
would be more amply repaid in the end, if they were to make new
plantations, and as soon as they came into bearing, entirely destroy
the old ones. Its large size and fine appearance together with its
tenderness and flavor, recommend it to the notice of every market
gardener, who is desirous of any emulation for his productions and
to every gentleman and amateur, who is ambitious of supplying his
table with the most excellent kind. There has been considerable
written upon the culture of asparagus, and there are various opin*-
ions respecting the best method of cultivation. But leaving the
reader to choose which system he pleases, I proceed to detail the
method I have adopted and which I have found to be completely
successful. It is difficult to persuade those who have for years con-
tinued to grow any kind of plants to tolerable perfection to adopt
new modes with the hopes of improving upon the long-trodden path. In
the month of April or May, select a spot of ground sufficiently large
to plant the number of roots intended. If the plantation is to be
large and intended for supplying the market, the ground should be
ploughed to a good depth ; if for a common kitchen garden it should
be trenched to the depth of fourteen inches. Make the surface of
the bed level, after this operation is performed, then proceed to
mark places to dig the trenches for the roots ; they should be two
and a half feet apart; stretch a line the whole length of the bed :
draw the next two and a half from this, and so on to the whole width-
Then proceed to throw out the soil twelve inches wide and twelve
inches deep, laying it up in ridges between each trench ; after this is
done, throw in three or four inches of manure, level the same, and
add about one inch of soil on the surface scraped from the sides of
the trenches; level this also, and all is ready for planting. There
are different opinions respecting the age at which roots should be
planted ; some gardeners prefer one year old roots, some two, and
some even three, when it is desired to have beds ready for cutting
as soon as possible set out ; but I am doubtful whether much if any
thing is gained by this ; for my own planting, I always prefer those
of two years of age, and rather than set out older ones, I would have
those of only one year ; select such only as have good fibres and a

IS

CULTIVATION OF ASPARAGUS.

fine bold crown. In setting out, place them six inches apart, and
lay out the fibres in regular order, and not tumble them together, as
is too often done to the great injury of the plants. Much of (heir
future success I attribute to the care given in setting out. When
all are planted, cover them with about an inch of soil, and the work
is all finished. The plants throughout the summer must be kept
clear of weeds and occasionally hoed, and by these operations and
the summer rains, the trenches will by October be filled up as level
as the bed was before setting out the roots. The practice adopted
by most, if not all growers of this vegetable, is to set out the plants
in deep trenches, and cover them at once six or eight, and in some
instances twelve inches deep. Nothing can be more injurious than
this; for a great part of the roots seldom make shoots strong enough
to force their way through this depth of soil, and consequently
perish or, if they come up they are weak and small and never after-
wards attain to any size. It is an old system, and, like that of grow-
ing celery, now generally exploded, it should be likewise. In the
method I have adopted, the roots have but a slight covering of earth
when planted, and the young shoots come forward very fast ; as they
increase in vigor little more is added, till, by the assistance of the
heavy summer rains which wash the soil from the ridges into the
trenches they are completely covered. Scarcely a root has ever
failed to grow. Upon the approach of cold weather and after the tops
have been killed by frost they should be cut down even with the
ground and carried off: the bed should then be covered with two o
three inches of horse manure, which should remain on until spring,
when it must be forked into the surface of the bed.

In doing this be careful not to injure the crowns of the roots. Just
before the shoots make their appearance, give the bed a good raking
which will destroy the weeds that are starting to grow. It is a bad
practice to plant asparagus beds with radishes, lettuces, peppergrass,
&/C. as they exhaust the goodness of the soil. The first year after
planting, a kw of the strongest shoots may be cut, but very sparingly,
as the roots will be all the better afterwards. Continue to pursue
the same system of culture every year, and the roots will rapidly in-
crease in vigor. The soil that asparagus seems most to delight in, is
alicrht and rich one, neither too wet nor too dry ; when the soil is shal-
low the trenches must not be dug so deep as above recommended-
The manure I made use of was fresh from the hog-pen, and some

FOREST TREASURES OF GUIANA.

19

what strawy ; but I presume any good manure would answer
equally as well. The asparagus is a marine plant, and a light dress-
ing of marsh mud in the fall or spring seems to increase the growth
of the plants. I would recommend it when it can be easily obtained.
Beds prepared in this raanner and yearly attended to will last for a
great length of time, and the produce will be of superior quality-
When I planted out my bed I preferred plants of one year's growth
to older ones ; they can .be set out with more care, for this kind will,
when spread on the bottom of the trench, require the trench to
be from ten to twelve inches wide on the bottom, so as to spread
your roots each way ; I have seen beds set of three year old plants
from which enough could not be obtained to pay the setting out.
When the roots are so large, it is impossible to set them out ; even
if they were so good, the old roots decay, and fibres start anew. In
the following spring after setting my bed of plants of one year old.
I cut grass of a good size ; since then I have frequently had six
spears of the common length, which would weigh one pound. I
have occasionally exhibited specimens from my bed at the Massachu-
setts Horticultural Society's room. SAML. POND.
Cambridgeport, Dec. ^Sth, 1837.

Art. VI. — The Forest Treasures of Guiana. By
C. Mackenzie.

From various papers written by Dr Hancock, of Welbeck street,
as well as from Mr Schomburgh's journal of his recent expedition
into the interior of Guiana, much useful information may be glean-
ed, respecting the vegetable and woody treasures of those hitherto
unexplored regions of South America.

About thirtyfive miles from the mouth of the Essequibo, that
magnificent river is only eight miles broad, and both banks become,
for the first time, visible. Indeed, here it more resembles a lake,
studded with numerous wooded islands, bounded on either hand by
a dense and almost impenetrable forest of timber and fruit trees,
rich in all the exuberant verdure and wildness of a virgin soil and
tropical sun. Ascending the river about one hundred mile?, the
breadth is no more than about 1,520 yards, here the forest reigns

20 FOREST TREASURES OF GUIANA.

triumphant; all traces of civilization are left far behind; above,
around, there is one dense mass of foliage. Pre-eminently above
the other trees towers the majestic !\Iora, with its dark-leaved branch-
es ; the gigantic Mimosa, of the western hemisphere, equal, if not
superior, to the British oak, for the construction of shipping ; the
scarcely less stately, and equally useful Saouari (the Pekea tubercu-
losa of Aublet), which bears a rich and nutritious nut ; the Sirvva-
bally, of the family LaitrinctB, excellent for planking vessels, and
resisting the attacks of worms and insects ; several species of Wal-
laba (the Dbnorpha falcata of Linnaeus); Eperua of Aublet, and
Pauzeria of Willdenow ; the Cecropia, or trumpet tree ; the water
Guava {Psidium Aroinaticum) which replaces the mangrove of the
seashore, and yields an aromatic leaf, very useful for the cure of
dysentery ; and many stately trees, hitherto unknown and undescrib-
ed, of which Dr Hancock gives the Indian names of upwards of
fifty ! Here, too, is seen the parasitic wild vine, or bush rope,
twisted like a corkscrew round the loftiest trees, intertwined like
the strands of a cable, or drooping to the ground and again taking
root, and thus, as it were, securely anchoring the parent, or support-
ing the trunk against the fury of the sweeping blast ; likewise the
wild fig tree, which is an unusual parasite, occasionally taking root
in some of the topmost branches of the Mora, and deriving nourish-
ment from its sap ; and this, again overrun by varieties of the climb-
ing vine. The whole mass of luxuriant vegetation is rendered
bright and gay, by the brilliant blossoms of the Hayowa, or incense
(the .i/ni/ris Ambrosiaca of Willdenow), which perfumes the forest
with its sweet smelling resin, possessing the most valuable medicinal
properties, both in its gum, its flowers, and its bark ; by the scarlet
passion flower, and others of the same species, as white as snow ;
by the Combretum Racemosum, and several species of Bignonia,
the most beautiful climbers of our European conservatories, hang-
ing in natural festoons ; and by the crimson flowers of the Bignonia
Cherere of Aublet, which is conspicuously beautiful here, where all
is bright, magnificent, and lovely.

The general wall-like vegetation on each side of the river, is oc-
casionally broken by the inroads of the stream undermining its
foundation, and laying prostrate many a lofty tree whose withering
trunks occasionally project some distance over the water. A few
miles further up, Mr Schomburgh found a large cluster of Lanah

FOREST TREASURES OF GUIANA. 21

trees [Maripa) which yield a beautiful blue dye, with which the In-
dians are accustomed to paint their faces and dye their clothes. A
few miles farther up, and south of the Warapoota Falls, he found
the Karaasakata, a tree from fifty to sixty feet high ; the Warrakar-
ro, whose seeds resemble the Ahriis ; the Acowri, or bread tree, and
several species of the Wallaba. " Above the Rapids of Twasinkie,"
says the traveller, " we saw sugar canes two inches in diameter,
and with stems of seven feet before tiie branching of the leaves ;
Coffee growing luxuriantly ; and various timber trees whose height
and girth surprised me; accustomed as I have long been to the fer-
tility of a tropical climate."

Beyond the Twasinkie mountains, he found among other orchi-
deous plants, one which was entirely new to him ; its flowers were
an inch and a half in diameter ; the petals of a rich purple and vel-
vet-like appearance, the helmet of the same color, and the labellum
striated with yellow.

Above the rapid of Cooribooroo, Mr S. landed on the eastern side
of a large island, where the first plant he saw on landing, was a
Mikania Angulata ; and in its vicinity, the famed Mikania Guaco.
He had thus an opportunity of comparing the two species — both of
which are medicinal. The young leaves of both possess the hit-
ter much more than the old ones. The natives call the latter Erra-
warang, and use a decoction of the leaves in syphilis ; but their pro-
perty as an antidote to the bite of poisonous snakes is not known to
the Indians of this part of Guiana. Indeed, the reputation of these
leaves as an antidote, is probably fabulous, for the real Guaco of the
Indians consists chiefly of different species o( Aristolochia, and such
other bitter and pungent diaphoretic plants and roots. None of
these, however, are to be relied on, without previous scarification or
excision of the wound. On this important subject to travellers in
tropical countries, the reader is referred to a valuable paper by Dr
Hancock, in the Journal of the Royal Institution for 1829-30. —
Gardener's Gazette,

22

Art. V[I. Review of Hoare's Culture of the Vine.

[Concluded from our last.)

The 7th chapter commences with the construction of walls, for
which many kinds of materials are recommended as flint, brick, &.c.
The different heats attracted by different colors, are also described
and commented upon — with the different lights likely to be
the best adapted to the purpose of producing good crops. Re-
specting the construction of walls it requires but little considera-
tion, for certain it is, that a good brick-wall retains every quality re-
quisite to the purpose, and if a coat of whitewash is given, an advan-
tage will be gained by destroying insects and creating a fine healthy
air to the vines : — other materials to train grape-vines to, as boarded
fences and the like, may be considered under the head o{ protection ;
they therefore, require no comment, only, that the better they are
built the more likely they are to be of benefit.

In continuing the 8th chapter the different modes of propagat-
ing the vine are laid down, as by layers, by cuttings and the usual
methods so often described and most generally followed with good
success if properly attended to ; — this part of the book deserves a
careful reading by such persons as are unacquainted with propagat-
ing grape-vines ; for the system is so clear and practicable, that a
certain success will be the result of adopting it in a faithful manner.

The following chapters comment on the pruning and training
vines ; which like the before named are after a system that has been
fully described by the be.st of European writers in a similar manner,
and the whole as the Calendrial list and the like is a repetition
or a following as it were of other authors. I shall therefore close
my review with some critical remarks oi comparison to the disadvan-
tage the system is likely to meet with in this climate, and leave the
reader to judge of their correctness or prove them by experiment.

In comparing Hoare's system, it will be seen that one of his prin-
cipal objects is to ripen the wood in the best possible manner; by
cutting the vines in the fall, unnailing them and exposing the wood
to the winter ; which he considers a material object in their fruit-
fulness in the ensuing season. The severe winters of this climate
will not allow of this process : therefore, the foreign grape has to be
pruned in the fall and to be covered with earth, or other materials

CULTURE OF THE VINE. 23

to protect it from the winter's severity, and the wood being in the
ground for a long time it rather becomes soft than more hard,
therefore is a disadvantage, saying nothing about the trouble, which
will be considerable in taking the vines from the walls of houses and
the like places.

The observations on the over bearing of grape vines and the dis-
advantages therefrom are written in a clear and practical manner
which will be found a good criterion either in doors or out, in any
country or clime where the grape will flourish. And let me remind
the reader that nine times out of ten, this evil is apparent even in
the culture of the most hardy kinds of grapes cultivated as the Isa-
bella and native varieties. Nature in this case is at first encouraged
by indulgent treatment, and then crippled down by an over burden
of fruit which she is incapable to mature by her own agency. The
table or scale of the different weight to be allowed according to the
certain girt of a vine will be found to be of a great service to the
cultivator — and the aspect and manner or utility of protecting the
grapes, are subjects which deserve especial 'notice from those who
intend to adopt the system.

In closing these remarks I would caution those persons desirous
to cultivate the grape outdoors or upon open walls, for it is my firm
opinion that the system (although in many cases is an excellent one)
will never answer this climate in a general way, — perhaps in some
favorable situations with the most attentive and strict attention good
grapes may be obtained in favorable seasons ; but then the expense
and trouble will be quite equal to the expense of a grape-house
which I believe to be the only sure medium of obtaining foreign
grapes to any perfection for a series of years, and in this case I
should recommend that the spurring system be entered into as soon
as possible.

The weekly or calendrial list it must be noticed is nearly a month
earlier, than in this climate, therefore it will answer only as a guide
in the operation of firing, &c., and to say anything here relative to
the difference of climate will be altogether useless.

Should a second edition of the work be called for, which it is most
probable it will as the subject is now engaging many persons, I
would suggest to the publishers to adapt the work to this climate in
a more condensed form by excluding the winter management, cal-

24 MANAGEMENT OF PLANTS, ETC.

endriel list, &c. — and filling tlie same space with a practical trea-
tise on the management of the Grape-house or vinery — which would
make it one of the be'st works of the kind in print.

Art. VIII. — JManagement of Plants and Flowers in Rooms.
By Edward Sayers.

The present season is perhaps the most precarious period in the
manacrement of choice green-house plants and flowers in rooms
and small green-houses ; as plants at this time are sheding their
leaves and generally in a dormant state ; therefore, they do not re-
quire either too much licat or ivatcr, which in many cases starts the
growth of soft wooded plants in a feeble state, as the Geranium,
Daphne and the like : on the contrary, if plants are kept too dry,
which in many cases happens in warm rooms, the leaves drop off,
and contract a feeble habit, and the bark shrivels up on the
young branches.

The best method and criterion is a medium, namely : the tem-
perature should be, if possible, regular from forty to fifty-five deg. ;
the soil about the plant should be kept moderately moist, too much
water saturates the earth in pots and generally rots the roots ; if
plants are kept too dry, the roots contract and naturally become
weak, and are incapable afterwards of extracting whatever nutri-
ment may be applied in a free manner to nourish them. The
best criterion to water plants is to give a little at a time, as the earth
dries in the pot ; such pots as are very moist and saturated, should
be dried by working up the top of the pot with a fork, or other in-
strument. All dead and decaying leaves should be, at all times,
taken from the plants as they appear : dead leaves often contain
many insects, therefore, should be removed. The plants should
also be often examined, and cleansed of any scaly or other in-
sects that appear on the leaves, with a spunge and warm soap suds,
made from soft soap. Every opportunity should be taken to admit
air of a fine, mild day, and they should be so placed, if possible, as
to have the sun in the forenoon and middle part of the day. A
semicircular stage, with running castors, is the best, which can be
moved, to any part of the room, at pleasure.

At this season of the year plants are much refreshed by adding a
little fresh, rich, earth on the top of the pot.

25

Art. IX — Call at M. P. Wilder s Green House, Hawthorn
Grove, Dorchester.

L\ a previous comimiiiication, we have dwelt largely upon the
magnificent collection of Camellias in possession of the proprietor
of this establishment. We thought the arrangement of the house
very good, when we visited it last winter ; but since that time the
Camellia apartment has undergone a material change ; the walk
removed forward, the stage taken down in consequence of the
large size of the plants, and all arranged on a border covered with
sand. The appearance of the house and the beauty of the effect
is much improved. Much credit is due to Mr J. Donald, the intel-
ligent gardener, for the taste he has displayed in the disposal of the
plants, and for their general appearance of health and vigor. The
houses or apartments are three in number. The first, or eastern
apartment, is devoted to Ericas, Geraniums, Roses, &c. The
second, or middle, to Camellias, Acacias, Rhododendrons, Azaleas,
&c. The third is the stove where the more tender plants find their
congenial climate.

We will first direct our readers to some of the plants in the first
section of the house, although in a collection so large, we feel in-
competent, without more time than we are able to bestow, to do
justice to it, as we have never seen an assemblage of plants so rare
and fine ; in our opinion it exceeds any other in the country. In
this apartment, as well as the others, we found the plants had made
a vigorous growth the past year. The collection of Ericas consists
of from thirty to forty species, in several hundred plants. Epacris
impressa, Crowea saligna, Erica arborea, E. canaliculata, E multi-
flora, and E. carnea were in bloom, also several plants of Lech-
naultia formosa, with beautiful scarlet flowers, in bloom the whole
year, and not commonly met with in the green-house. A fine plant
of Prostanthera purpurea, five or six feet high, was just coming into
flower ; this is entirely new. In this house also are plants of Ma-
raultia, Hersteria, Phyllica pubescens, Dylwinia sp., Beaufortia de-
cussata, Lanibertia formosa, three varieties of the Protea, two va-
rieties of Greviilea, Gnidia simplex, two varieties of Calothaninus,
Verbena Tweediana (new,) Daviesia corymbosa, several varieties of
Diosmas, Polygalas, Podalyrias, &-c.
4

26 M. p. wilder'* greknhouse.

The collection of GeraniaceoB comprises all the new and popular
sorts, consisting of about seventyfive Tarieties. This number will
probably be increased by new varieties from seed, as we saw a col-
lection of one hundred and fifty seedling plants, all of which the
gardener expects will bloom the coming spring : these have been
raised from seed of the best sorts, the flowers of which had been
cross impregnated from other fine kinds. Seeds have been obtain-
ed of Dennis' Perfection, the plants of which resemble the parent
in appearance and habit.

The collection of China, Tea and Noizette roses, comprise sev-
enty or eighty kinds, none of which are yet in bloom. Among the
most desirable and new sorts the gardener gave us the names of
the following Teas, viz : Triumph Luxemburg, Triumph Bohviller,
Triumph de Arcole, Countess of Albermarle, Hymenee, Faquir,
Lamarque, Moreau, Jaune panachee, Belladonna, &c.

Of China; Bengal Triumphant, Bourborn Augustin, Lady of the
Lake, Moliere, Belle Alliance, Belle Chinoise, Gloria de France and
many others.

Of Noisettes; Amie Vibert, Lee, Lafayette, Bourborn, Lady
Byron, &c. &c.

We observed with much pleasure, in this apartment, a variety of
the popular and much admired flower, the Pansy, in pots; as they
are always in bloom, we think they add much interest to a collec-
tion. A plant of the Sarracenia purpurea, taken from a meadow,
in a pot, exhibited its very singular leaves, and were it not indige-
nous, would be considered a very desirable addition to the green
house on account of its curious structure.

Of the Lemons, Oranges, Bergamias, and Bigaradias, there are
more than twenty varieties.

As the Camellia or central house is entered, the whole assem-
"blage of plants is viewed at a single glance, and presents an im-
posino- sight. The whole collection of Camellias consists of nearly
one thousand plants, of about three hundred varieties ; embracing
all the new and rare sorts that could be obtained from England,
Germany, and France. The gardener informed us that Mr Wilder
was expecting daily, some very remarkable varieties from Belgium,
which are thus spoken of: "But of all the Camellias, now most
sought after in this country it is Camellia King, and C. Palmer's
Perfection; the former I paid, last autumn, twenty-six guineas with

M. p. wilder's greenhouse. 27

seven leaves, and the latter ten guineas with two leaves. Camellia
King has clear white flowers with regular scarlet stripes and points,
the centre yellowish, petals undulated, being very full and perfect.
C. Palmer's perfection is said to be the most distinguished flower
ever imported from China."

But few of the Camellias are at present in bloom ; we noticed
punctata, fimbriata, concinna, variegata, althae flora, alba plena,
Lady Hume, Mesteri, anemone, flora alba, Parmenteri grandiflora,
Press' eclipse, &c.

Of the new and most distinguished Camellias that will bloom this
season, for the first time in this country are, Frankfourtensis, Tri-
uraphans, Latifolia nova, Sv/eetiana vera, (English,) delicatissima,
picturata, floribunda, Donkelarri, &/C. Some of the Camellias are
very large. The variety Lady Hume's Blush measures about
twelve feet in height. One Double White measures ten feet in height
and about fifteen feet in circumference, with several hundred flower
buds yet to expand.

Mr Wilder has taken much pains to raise from the seed of some
of the choicest varieties, crossed by others of equal value and pos-
sessed of different qualities, a numerous race of plants, amounting,
we were told, to about two hundred. Some of them are two and a
half feet high, with remarkable luxuriant foliage, a leaf of which
measured, on one [>lant, five and a half inches by three, giving
promise of some beautiful new variety. One young plant, the seed
of which was sown only three months since, had started six inches,
apparently possessing great merits : it is from the variety Colvillii im-
pregnated with elegans. We see no reason why a number of fine
new varieties may not be expected from these plants, as any which
have appeared from foreign countries.

The Camellias predominate in this house, but many other beauti-
ful plants are intermingled. The collection of Rhododendrons, Az-
pleas, and Magnolias here is very large. Of the Rhododendrons
there are from twentyfive to thirty species and varieties many of
which are in no other collection and of recent introduction. There
are several large plants of R. hybridum, one of which measured ten
feet high and about twenty in circumference on which are nearly
one hundred flower buds, which when expanded will truly be a mag-
nificent object. The varieties of R. aboreum, are album, roseum,
hybridum, pallidum, elegantissimum, incomparabile, superbissimum,

28 M. p. wilder's greenhouse.

caucausicum, Smithii Russellianum,CunninghanHi, novum, tiiveum,
pheniceum, Keteleeri, Froniontianum, and others. The Rhodo-
dendrons showed a vigorous growth and hixuriant foliage : one leaf
of the variety Smithii measured 11 1-2 inches by 3. One of the
hybrid varieties, var. Nazarethi, with variegated leaves we very mucl»
admired. Of Azaleas indica there are twelve varieties : among the
new ones are Smithii coccinnea, igiiescens, Vandesia, Gillinghami,
and Youngii. Of Magnolias, there are more than fifteen varieties: M.
conspicua, a large plant eight feet high displayed a number of its
clear white fragrant flowers. Of the genus Banksia there are three
kinds: Aletrosideros seven: Melaleucas nine: Arbutus si.\ : there
are also large plants of Clethra, Diosma, &c. Of the Paeonia arbo-
rea, (tree pasonia) the collection is very rare and extensive, few of
which are in any other in this country : some of them are P. purpu-
rea violacea ; P. pleno purpurea, P. lilacina plenissima, P. albida
plenissima, P. albida semiplena, P. stellata artropurpurea pleno, P.
purpurascens, P. monstrusa alba plenissima. Of the latter variety,
the Brothers Baumann, of Bolwilles, France who raised it, remarks :
" Endeavor sir, to preserve this, for it will be many years before you
will see another that you will so much admire. Since an extraordi-
nary mishap has befallen the propagation of this plant, and we have
but one remaining, having given you the better half'

A large collection of Acacias are interspersed with the Camellias
and other plants numbering more than thirty species, some of them
verv large, measurincr twelve to fifteen feet in height, with nodding
heads, graceful form and diversified foliage giving the whole a light
and tasteful appearance. Among them are A. spectabile, pubescens,
linearis, virgata, conspicua, Houstoni, decurrens, lanceolata, decur-
rens, longissima glauca, cabra,platyphyllas, several varieties from the
Cape of Good Hope, two from S. America with red flowers, &/C.
Most of them are budded for flower and will present with the Camel-
lias, Rhododendrons and Azaleas a mass of bloom unrivalled in the
country.

In the stove we found a large specimen of Doryanthes excelsa, not
yet flowered in America. We have had an account of one of these
rare plants which flowered at Edinburg, that produced a spike of
more than twenty feet in height, on which were innumerable flow-
ers. Here is a plant of the Strelitzia augusta and several large
plants of S. reginae, Pandanus odoratissiraus (screwpine) six feet in

M. P. WILDER S GREENHODSE.

29

height, Chemerops humilias, Auracaria imbricata (Chili pine) Cyciis
revoluta, (Sago pahn,) Phrinium Zebrinum, a plant with broad
siriped leaves of much interest. Astrapa Wallichi, Buonapartea
elegans, Testudinaria elephaniipes (Elephants foot,) Polnsettia
pulcherrima, formerly Euphorbia Poinsettia, displaying its
splendid scarlet bracles and curious flowers; two large j)lants
of Entilla; the New Zealand cloth plant, Brugsmansia san-
guinea : five varieties of Hibiscus sinensis — some of them in flow-
er ; four of Justicias ; two of Ardisias ; three Ficas ; the variety
elasiica is the plant which produces the India rubber; three varie,
ties of the Laurus, viz, L. camphor (Camphor tree,) L. cinnamomura
(Cinnamon tree,) L. toineniosura ; Coflea Arabica (Coffee tree,)
Ginoriacaribeum, Pleroma heterophylla, Exostemma caribeum, three
varieties Tillandsias. A large plant of Hibiscus splendens, ten feet
high attracted our attention ; — we were told it was raised from seed
obtained from the Cape of Good Hope, which was sown last year
We have seen the following description of this plant which we copy
from Edwards' Botanical Register. " This I consider the king of
all the Australian plants, I have seen it twenty two feet and a half
high ; the flowers measured nine inches across ; they were of the
most delicate pink and crimson color and literally covered the whole
plant." Among the climbers we noticed Ipomea Horsfalli, which
had been in flower six weeks, and had a cluster of buds and flowers
numbering sixty or seventy ; color, sparkling rose with white pis-
tils ; the plants has attained the height of seven feet and will probably
extend itself over a great surface, and when covered with its rich
clusters will be a splendid object. Clianthus puniceus planted out-
side of the house and brought in and trained up the rafter, has grown
six or seven feet from a cutting last spring, and is in bud for flower.
Combretium purpureum, another beautiful creeper, has made a growth
of twelve feet the present season. Combretium grandiflorura is in the
collection, also a plant of Tacsonia pinatistipula another new creeper
of the Passion flower family. Of the Cacti, Echinocacii, Cereus,
Epiphyllum and Optunia, the collection is most complete. Of the
new varieties of Cactus we noticed C.Vaucherii,C. coccinneus,C. Par-
aguayensis, C. Napoleonsis two unknown species from the W. Indies
recently received, one of which is quite a large specimen having been
brought home in a large tub with its native soil. A large plant of C. spe-
ciosissimus trained to the wall seven feet high. C. Peruvianus, grafted

30 M. p. wilder's greenhouse.

with C. truncatus and two other species will be a splendid affair
when in bloo-n : the plant is six feet high — C. truncatus grafted on
C. triangularis in full bloom, forming a bushy head four feet in cir-
cumference made an imposing appearance. Of Echinocacti, three
species. Epiphyllum Ackermanii and Cactus speciossimus have been
cross-impregnated with each other and both are bearing large cap-
sules of seeds nearly ripe, and as usual, at that time, delightfully fra-
grant and said to be delicious to tlie taste.

The collection of Orchideous plants, embraces many choice and
rare specimens in a very healthy and flourishing condition, growing
mostly in pots of moss and rotten wood. We give the names _of a
few of the most desirable : Zygopetalous Mackiana, now Eulophia
Mackiana ; a species of Dendrobium with purple flowers ; Oncidium
papilio, Oncidinin flexaosurn, a })lant from which Mr Wilder exhib-
ited a hra?ich at the Horiicultural Society rooms last season ; over
ninety fully expanded flowers have been counted upon the plant at
one time, and was in flower several weeks. Of the genus Cypre-
pedium of the same family, are C. insigne, C. venustum, C. specta-
bile, C. pubescens, and C. calceolas; Bletia, three varieties.

The collection of Arnaryllac.-B is very extensive, consisting of up-
wards of one hundred species and varieties, from which have been
raised about two hundred seedling plants in various stages of growth.

Of the genus Crinum there are ten species and varieties : plants
of C. amobile, C scabrum, and C. augustum are very large : one va-
riety received from England for C. pedunculata has not yet flowered,
but is said to be very fine. The bulb of Brunsvigia Josephina, mea-
sures one and a half feet in circumference.

Of the Gladioli, a great variety : of the new sorts are G. Colvilli,
G. floribundus, and G. pundibundus : the last named, a superb va-
riety, figured in Paxton's Magazine of Botany. Time would fail us
to enumerate all the fine plants in this truly magnificent collection,
and we fear we have already trespassed upon the patience of some
of our readers, but hope we shall be excused, as having begun to
give an account of the place, and having spent some little time in
looking at the plants, we thought best to give a full description.

J. B.

31

Art. X. — The New Year.

There are but few subjects that bring to mind more forcibly the
changes and events of things than the New Year, which dates down
another item in our existence, and calls to recollection the past events
and prepares the mind for the present. Among the many subjects,
nothing is more prominent than HoTti culture, which revolves and
gives new features as the different seasons roll in perpetual pro-
gression— each year brings with it something anew and gives the
closing scene to the past.

Now the vegetable kingdom is in a dormant repose — the trees
of the forest have been disrobed of their annual vesture by the cold
chill of the season, and Pomona has parted with her golden stores
of autumn to enliven the cheerful "fireside" of winter — and all,
all, serve to welcome the new year. Still the landscape appears
cheerless ; for the trees of the forest are disrobed, and their bare
and naked arms are outstretched to the cold blast of winter. The
" Native Flora" has hidden her purest ^cwis in embryo, beneath the
cold vesture of winter's attire : but as the vernal season advances,
and so^ casts his more ^eraza^ beams on the parent earth, then the
vegetable kingdom begins its progressive motion and the frozen
vines of winter, that have long been inert, flow through every
channel, and clothe every plant and tree again in its own natural
beauty.

At this time the greenhouse is the only representative of "Flora,"
for there vegetation is in a continual operation, and the assemblage
presents the most pleasing features that are natives of different
countries ; and contrast the mellow scenes of the more genial climes
with the cold, wintry appearance of the present. But many will say
" what is the use of flowers," meaning their useful qualities as re-
lates to our domestic concerns ; to such we may answer "that flowers
are the very essence of the fruit and vegeteble," and let them re-
flect that the fruit which so merrily passes around the board at new
year, or that cheers the cold winter nights with the merry smiles of
gratitude, were but a short time ago fostered within the gay flowers
of the orchard : and can anything form a more charming feature
of the season, in the landscape, than a fine apple orchard in flower,
which at once enlivens the surrounding scenery and imparts an im-
pression of the real comforts of life ?

32 FLOWERS.

But to conclude, I must say a few words to, and concerning Hor-
ticultural Registers and their patrons. I earnestly hope the
coming year will increase the zeal that has so gradually been im-
proving, and so effectually added to the comforts of all classes and
denominations of people. Indeed, Horticultural Registers are the
principal channels through which the scicncf; and general improve-
ments flow, from one part to another, they unite as it were, in many
cases, the best of feeling among the best advisers of domestic com-
forts; and have been the means, through their different corres-
pondents, of transfering many useful things that could not have been
done so conveniently by any other medium.

1 hope, too, the new year will bring new contributors in the list
of correspondents, and that some of the fair patrons of Flora will
contribute some pretty things to the Magazine, which would add
much to blend that pleasing feature that is always the most enliven-
ing in Horticulture, and give a zest for others, to unite in making
each new year a new era in Horticulture.

Art. XI. — Flowers.

The love of flowers appears to be very generally diffused among
all nations. 'I'hey are the friends of all — the rich and the poor.
The prince courts their presence to grace his pleasure grounds.
In his domains they bloom in lofty splendor and gorgeous magnifi-
cence. They are arranged according to the rules of art, and the
prevailing fashion of the times. At one era they were clipped and
pruned, and made the most grotesque figures, which only showed
how vain for man to endeavor to improve the beauties of Nature.
But the absurdity of this was soon seen, and the practice abandoned.

Around the dwelling of the humble cottager flowers bloom in all
tlie wild luxuriance of nature. They are free from all the restraints
of art; although they have not the same splendor of hue to boast as
those which cover the domains of the prince, yet their beauty is
not less. It has been said by travellers that they could distinguish
a pure minded and more intelligent family, from the appearance of
the house and grounds in this particular. The difference was
striking — the house of the more intelligent was surrounded by

FLOWERS.

33

flowers — the windows displayed them — vines were twined with
care and taste over the dwelling. Another presents a different
spectacle ! The weeds and briers are allowed to hold their domin-
ion. In short, Solomon's picture of the garden of the sluggard is
exactly verified.

The cultivation and study of flowers appears more suited to
females than to man. They resemble them in their fragility, beauty
and perishable nature. The Mimosa may be likened to a pure-
minded and delicate woman, who shrinks even from the breath of
contamination ; and who, if assailed too rudely by the finger of
scorn and reproach, will wither and die from the shock.

Flowers possess, also, a great moral influence. Who is there
with feelings, however vitiated, that does not feel refreshed and
revived when entering a garden filled with these beautiful creations.
To him who leaves a scene of gaiety — a crowded, heated room,
— and wanders forth from the scene of art to gaze on the charms
of nature, where the breath of these lovely messengers greet him,
how soothing their influence. How much softer and better his
heart becomes ! How many remembrances are called up which
before lay dormant in his heart! How humbled, how subdued he
feels ! All the proud visions of ambition and distinction vanish.
He asks himself, if he is indeed the same who a few moments before
had been panting and stirring in the ranks of Fashion. Now he
wishes never again to be in her presence. He thinks he could live
and die in some peaceful, retired spot, surrounded by the flowers
which his own hand would cultivate. There he would be happy,

" The world forgetting,
By the world forgot."

It is strange what thoughts come thronging to our minds at the
sight of some faded flower which we have preserved. It recalls the
friend who plucked it ; the words that were spoken ; the bush upon
which it grew ; the home which we have left ; the spot rendered
sacred by its associations. All these are called up — and by what?
A withered flower ! One who knew not its story would scatter it to
the wind and think not of the tale it could tell to some hearts. It
is a connecting link in the chain of memory, and it adds another
and another till every circumstance is presented. Flowers are
bright spots in life's journey.
5

34 NEW AND RARE PLANTS.

" In Eastern lands they talk in flowers,

And they tell in a garland their loves and cares ;
Each blossom that blooms in their garden bowers,
On its leaves a mystic language bears."

It is strange that this language should not have been more cul-
tivated. They seem to be a very delicate medium of communicating
our thoughts. Censure would not appear to be so harsh when
conveyed through a lovely flower. The words of love would flow
still more soft and gentle. In this way all our feelings and thoughts
might be made known.

" Then gather a wreath from the garden bowers.
And tell of the wish of thy heart in flowers."

Every leaf, every flower, even the smallest and simplest, when
examined, lead to thoughts of the Great Creator. If there was
nothing else to prove the wisdom and goodness of God, these would
do it amply. Could chance form the varieties of leaves which lend
so much beauty to our forests ? Did chance give the Lily its white-
ness, or the Rose its beautiful hue 1 Who will be so blind as to
believe that it did ?

These simple and beautiful creations may give us many a lesson.
They teach the frailty of human life. The Lily of the Valley, when
it meets our eye in some secluded glen, breathes forth a lesson of
humility ; beauty it possesses and none can surpass it ; yet it hides
itself from the gaze of the passer-by, as if it were conscious of
possessing nothing attractive. Thus all convey to us caution,
reproof or example. All answer some wise purpose. Each fulfils
its work, and then renders up its brief existence. — Lady's Book.

Art. XII. — List of New and Rare Plants. Noticed by the
Editor of the Floricultural Cabinet in England.

L Begonia Platinifolia. {Plane leaved.) Begoniaceas. Mo-
UcBcia Polyandria. This very large and handsome species was re-
ceived in iS34 into the Edinburgh botanic garden from Berlin. It
is a hothouse plant, growing to six feet high. The leaves are about
ten inches across. The flowers are produced in cymes, each bios-

NEW AND RARE PLANTS. 35

som being two inches or more across, nearly white. Beonia, \a
compliment to M. Begon.

2. Bolhophyllum Cocoinum. {The Cocoa nut Bolhophyllum.) Or*
chideae. Gynandria Monandria. A native of Sierra Leone, and in-
troduced into the country by Messrs Loddiges, with whom it has
bloomed, and the cocoa-nut scent is so powerful as strongly to per-
fume a whole house. The plant has also bloomed at J. Bateman's,
Esq. Knypersly, Staffordshire. The blossoms are of a pale flesh
color.

3. Clarkia Rhomhoidea. {Entire petalled.) Onagracea. Oc-
tandria, Monogynia. Synonym. C. Gauroides. Seeds of this plant
were sent from North West America by Mr Douglas, and sown in
the London Horticultural Society's Garden where the plant has
bloomed. It is an annual, growing about two feet high. The flow-
ers are an inch across, purple, and white near the bottom of each
petal, spotted with purple. It much more resembles Clarkia ele-
gans, than C. pulchella. Mr Douglas has left some remarks on
another species in California, closely allied to C. rhomboidea, viz.
C. unguiculata.

4. Clematus Florida ; var. Siebaldi. {Siebald's Virgin^s Bower.)
Ranunculacese. Polyandria Polygynia. This handsome flowering
plant is a native of Japan, from whence it was introduced into this
country by Dr Siebald. It has been considered a distinct species,
from that highly ornamental species, long known in the gardens of
this country, viz. Clematis florida ; but on a careful comparison, it
is found to be a variety of it. The present kind deserves a place
in every flower garden, or against a trellis, verandah, or wall. It is
a free-growing sort, producing a profusion of blossoms, of consider-
able beauty. The petals are of a pale cream color, suff'used with a
rich purple, having the appearance of a dark eyed centre ; if the
plant be grown on a dry subsoil, and in equal parts of peat and loam,
it will flourish freely. It is easily propagated by layers.

5. Cynihidium Ensifolium ; var. Estriatum. {Sword-leaved streak'
less var.) Orchidaceae. Gynandria Monandria Synonymis, Epiden-
drum Ensifolium, liimiodorum Ensatum. Cymbidium Striatum.
The present plant grows freely in the greenhouse, where it produces
a profusion of pretty, fragrant, blossoms. The petals are whitish,
sepals greenish white, the labellum is spotted and marked with crim-
son.

36 NEW AND RARE PLANTS.

6. Delphinium Vimineum. {Slender upright Larkspur.) Ranun-
culaceag. Polyandria Trigynia. The late Mr Drummond sent seeds
of this plant from the Texas to the Glasgow Botanic Garden, where
it has bloomed. It is a hardy perennial species growing about a
yard high. The stems are slightly branching. The flowers are
produced in rich racemes, and are of a bright azure blue color. It
deserves a place in every flower garden, being highly ornamental
from July to September.

7. Delphinium Tenuissimum. {Short slender Larkspur.) A har-
dy annual plant, introduced into this country in 1836, seeds of it
were gathered by Dr Sebthorp, near Athens. It has bloomed in
the Liverpool Botanic Garden, producing a profusion of flowers and
seeds. The plant grows to about a foot high, producing its flowers
in loose panicles, they are of a violet blue color.

8. Dipodium Punctatum. [Dotted Jlowered.) Orchidaceae. Gy-
nandria Monandria, Synonym, Dendrobium Punctatum. This ter-
restrial species of Orchideae has been found in Van Dieman's Land,
as well as in New Holland, but more plentiful in the latter country.
Mr Jackson found it there flowering in December. It has bloomed
in the collection of Messrs Loddiges's. The stem is of a dark pur-
ple color, rising from eighteen inches to two feet high. The flow-
ers are numerously produced on a cylindrical raceme. Each blos-
som is of a dark purple, spotted with blood color, and are about an
inch across, producing a very pretty effect. Dipodium, from dis
two; and jjons podos, a foot ; alluding to the two stalks of the pollen
masses.

9. Epidendrum Coriacewn. {Leathery leaved.) Orchidaceae.
Gynandria Monaydria. Charles Parker, Esq. sent this species from
Demerara to the Liverpool Botanic Garden, where it has bloomed.
It had been considered by Mr Shepherd to be a variety of E. varie-
gatum but it appears now to be a distinct species; the leaves are
more coriaceous, more lanceolate, shorter and less striated and
acute ; the spotting of the flowers are also very different. The
flowers are produced in a spike, and the raceme contains from eight
to ten. Each blossom is about an inch across, whitish, beautifully
spotted with red. Epidendrum, from epi upon, and dendron, a tree ;
referring to its native situation.

10. Hahranthust Andersonii var. ; Texamus. Amaryllideae. Hex-
andria Monogynia. Grows in a native state in Monte Video, and

MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS. 37

in Buenos Ayres. The scape is one flower. The flower is an inch
and a half across, of a golden yellow color, with the outside of the
petals, striped with redish brown. Habranthus, from ubras deli-
cate, and anthos, a flower.

11. Hosackia Stolonifera. {Creeping rooted.) Leguminosae.
Diadelphia Decandria. The late Mr Douglas sent seeds of this
plant from California. It is a hardy herbaceous plant, forming a
bush of a yard high, and has much the appearance of a shrub dur-
ing summer. The flowers are produced in nodding umbels. Each
blossom is small greenish, with chocolate colored middles. The
plant blooms in June and growing rapidly and bushy, is found to be
valuable, has an under shrub, filling up vacancies between shrubs.
It increases rapidly by its creeping roots.

Art. XIII. — Miscellaneous Matters.

An extraordinary plant was last January discovered in the river
Berbice, in South America, by R. M. Schomburghk. It is a new
genus, allied to the water lily, and its leaves and flowers are of a
prodigious size. It has been named Victoria Regina, in honor of
the dueen of England. In his progress up the river he arrived to
where the water expanded and formed a currentless basin. An ob-
ject at a distance attracted his attention, and directing his men to
row towards it, he beheld a plant which he describes in the follow-
ing manner :

"A vegetable wonder ? All calamities were forgotten ; I felt as
a botanist, and felt myself rewarded ; a gigantic leaf, from five to
six feet in diameter, salvershaped, and with a broad rim, of a liofht
green above, and a vivid crimson below, resting upon the water. —
Q-uite in character with the wonderful leaf was the luxuriant flower,
consisting of many hundred petals, passing in alternate tints from
pure white to rose and pink. The smooth water was covered with
them, and I rowed from one to another, and observed always some-
thing new to admire. The leaf on its surface, is of a bright green ;
in form orbiculate — with this exception — opposite its axis where
it is slightly bent in, its diameter measured from five to six feet.
Around the margin extended a rim about three to five inches high ;

38 MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS.

on the inside light green, like the surface of the leaf; on the outside
like the leafs lower part, of a bright crimson. The stem is an inch
thick near the calyx, and is studded with sharp elastic prickles about
three quarters of an inch in length. The calyx, is four leaved, each
upwards of seven inches in length, and three in breadth, at the base ;
they are thick, white inside, reddish brown and prickly outside. The
diameter of the calyx is twelve to thirteen inches ; on it rests the
magnificent flower, which, when fully developed, covers completely
the calyx with its hundred petals. When it first opens, it is white
with pink in the middle, which spreads over the whole flower the
more it advances in age, and it is generally found the next day of
pink color. As if to enhance its beauty it is sweet-scented. Like
others of its tribe, possesses a fleshy disc, and petals and stamens,
pass gradually into each other, and many petaloid leaves may be ob-
served which have vestiges of an anther. We met them afterwards
frequently ; and the higher we advanced the more gigantic they
became. We measured a leaf which was six feet five inches in di-
ameter, its rim five and a half inches high and the flower across fif-
teen inches. The flower is much injured by a beetle, Thrincia
species, which destroys completely the inner part. We have counted
from twenty to thirty in one flower.

" Bring Fruits — Bring Flowers." — Upon the visit of Queen
Victoria to Brighton, there v/as a grand floral display; numerous
arches of dahlias and other flowers were formed over the way tra-
versed by the young Queen. About 120,000 persons witnessed her
entrance at the imperial palace. The Duke of Norfolk sent ten
wagon loads of exotic and other flowers. Such an offering was
worthy to be woven into a wreath, of size gigantic, for Britain's
Sovereign — - an offering the most fitting that a loyal heart could
have devised from gallant cavalier to royal mistress. It is said that
John Bull has lost his surliness since the accession of Victoria, and
that he is now all " nods, and becks, and wreathed smiles." Be it
so or not, our friends over the water have shown their good taste by
the way in which respect for their Queen has been demonstrated.

The love of flowers, and of their cultivation, should be encour-
aged. It is humanizing. They are the poetry of creation — and
the heart must be insensible to the sweetest influences of Nature,
which does not admire their beauty and variety. Flowers and shade
trees are favorable indications of good qualities in the persons of

MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS.

39

those in whose houses and gardens, and before whose doors, and on
whose farms they are found. The study of Flowers tends to refine
and elevate; and we never look upon the simplest of them all, with-
out thinking of the last verse of Good's description of the Daisy,
where he introduces thus beautifully a lesson, poetic and moral :

"And flung it unrestrained and free,

O'er hill, and dale, and desert sod,
That man where'er he walked might see

Id every step the stamp of God ! "

— Wilkesbarre Advocate,

Grapes. — While recurring to the articles of the late exhibition,
we may mention a few bunches of grapes left by Dr. Sharpless, of
Arch Street. They were of a very delicate class, but we mention
them less with regard to their excellence, than to say that they are
an additional evidence of the capabilities of every house lot to pro-
duce grapes. Dr Sharpless placed the cutting of the vine, from
which these grapes were raised, ia a little corner, a few feet square,
presenting neither sun nor space, for grape vines — but he con-
ducted the vine to the lop of his building, three stories high, over
which he erected an arbor, upon which the vine having worked to
that height was allowed to expand. On the second year after set-
ting out the slip, one or two bunches of grapes were taken from the
vine, which had in that time attained such an eminence ; and this,
the third year, the vine produced upwards of 70 large bunches of
fruit. What encouragement is here for any one, and every one to set
out a vine. A man at the corner of Pine and Sixth streets, long since
conducted a vine to the roof of his house and was thus enabled not
only to sit, but to sleep under his vine and to make some excellent
wine from its fruit. Aud anybody may do the same thing, and
have as much fruit of the kind as is desired, if they will set out
the vine and let it grow, no matter whether the person owns the
house he lives in or not. Let every one plant a vine, and the peo-
ple will move from vine to vine, just as they now go from hydrant to
hydrant. — Philadelphia Gazette.

40

QUINCY MARKET.

[Ileported for the Horticultural Register.]

APPLES, Winter,

Dried,
BEETS,
BEANS, White
BROCOLI,
CABBAGES,
CAULIFLOWERS,
CARROTS,
CELERY, -
CRANBERRIES,
GRAPES,
HORSE RADISH,
LEMONS,

NUTS, Almonds, (Soft shelled)
(Hard)

Filberts

English Walnuts

Castana,

Pea Nuts,

Shagbarks,

Chestnuts,
ORANGES, (Havana,)
ONIONS,
POTATOES,
PEARS,
PICKLES,

SWEET POTATOES,
SQUASHES, Crookneck,
TURNIPS,

Boston, Jan. 2, 1838.

barrel, 2 00 to 2 50

lb. 5 1-2

: 6i

bushel

67

(7o. 2 OU

2 25

head 12

25

dozen 50

75

head 12

25

bushel

67

root 6

12

bushel, 2 00

225

pound 75

1 00

pound

10

box 3 00

3 50

pound 7

8

do. 4

5

do. 3 3-4

4

do. 5

7

do. 3

4

bushel 1 25

1 50

do. 2 00

2 25

do. 5 GO

6 00

hund. 3 00

3 50

bushel 1 00

1 25

do. 50

peck, 67

gallon 25

bushel 1 50

pound 2

3

bushel

50

TMie

AND

GARDENER'S MAGAZINE.

FEBRUARY 1, 1838.

Art. I. — Some Hints on the Advantage of Winter Pruning of
Fruit and Forest Trees. By Mr Thomas Willot, Boston.

Mr J, Breck — Dear Sir — Having proved the advantage of the
remarks I about to make on the winter pruning of fruit and forest
trees, I submit them for insertion in your Magazine.

It is well known that Jittle can be done in the Horticultural de-
partment, as relates to out doors culture in the winter season in the
Northern States ; and it is also the opinion of many persons that
hardy Fruit and Forest Trees can be pruned with safety only in
the spring; for my part, I see no reason why all kinds of hardy
fruit and forest trees cannot be pruned in the middle of winter,
every fine day ; nor, do I ever recollect of seeing any trees injured
by winter pruning, when judiciously done. The only advantage that I
am acquainted with in spring pruning, is, that the wounds heal sooner
than in the winter ; but, on the other hand, it is necessary to apply
a composition on the amputated part, to keep the sun from cracking,
and the rain from decaying it; there may be, also, another item in
favor of late spring pruning, namely ; the small dead branches are
more easily seen than in the winter.

I will now endeavor to point out the advantage of winter pruning.
In the first case it places you in a forwardness for the spring work,
6

42 WINTER PRUNING OP FRUIT AND FOREST TREES.

ploughing, digging, and preparing the ground for spring cropping,
which may be considered an important point, in a country like this,
where the seasons come on with such rapid progress in vegetation.

The destroying of insects is also another important point in the
the culture and well being of fruit trees, which is effected by clear-
ing and washing the outer bark, a process that I have reason to
believe, can be done more effectually in the winter than in the
spring. The bark of trees is the best winter quarters for in-
sects in a dormant state, and to breed in, which, being exposed
to the winter's severity, they eventually perish. I would recom-
mend that great care be taken in scraping off the loose outer bark
of fruit trees, so that the inner bark is not injured by the operation,
as I am fully convinced, that many trees are often more injured in
this respect, than by winter pruning.

In the operation, care must be taken to remove all the loose
outer bark, by scraping it from the tree so as not to injure the inner
bark. Any large amputations or wounds made, should be pared
smooth with a sharp knife, to which the following wash may be
applied, viz : equal parts of clay and cow-dung, well mixed and
composed together, and a moderate portion of potash added
therewith. This may be applied also to the cracks and wounds,
and should be made of such a consistence as to be applied with
a hair brush; but, if the trees are very badly infected with insects,
I would recommend the same composition, made into a thinner con-
sistence, mixed with a quantity of the wash generally used for de-
stroying the mildew on the grape vine, made of lime and sulphur,
in the following proportions, viz : to eight gallons of the before
named composition add one pint of the wash, which, apply to the
bark of the trees in a thin, regular manner with a brush, after the
outer bark has been cleansed as before directed.

In closing the above article, I cannot refrain from impressing upon
the minds of those persons who have fruit and more especially /brts?
trees to prune, the advantage to be obtained by winter pruning.
I hope they will be induced to try the experiment, and trust the re-
sults which follow will be a satisfactory proof of the utility of the
process.

43

Art. II. — On Pruning Timber Trees, &fc. Extracted from
Professor Lowe's Elements, &c.

[The subject of pruning timber trees has not received much attention in
this country generally, as the great object has been in most places, to cut
down and destroy, rather than preserve, the beautiful woods and groves
which were the pride and ornament of our land. The barren aspect of many
parts of our country for the want of shade trees has been calling the attention
of horticulturists for a number of years to supply the deficiency, by trans-
planting from the woods and nurseries, many of our fine native trees, to orna-
ment their grounds, and the roadsides; we believe the time is not far distant
when large pl.-intations will be made not merely for ornament, but for timber
which will soon be in great demand. The following extracts, we conceive,
will be acceptable to those who are engaged in a work so honorable to
themselves and beneficial to the community, as that of cultivating timber and
shade trees. — Ed.]

The natural tendency of many trees is to rise with a conical stem
shooting forth lateral branches from the base upwards. Some
species of trees as most of the resinous and some of the willow and
poplar kind do not tend to deviate from this form, the main trunk
rising erect, surrounded from the summit to the base by smaller
horizontal branches. But other trees, and these may be said to
comprehend the greater part of the hard wood, do not rise with the
same regularity. Instead of one leading upright trunk, they send
out many large boughs, which rival in size the principal trunk :
such trees become forked near the base, and the principal trunk
below is short, while the top is largely branched.

Now this is a form of a tree which, however conducive to beauty,
is not so to utility. The main object for cultivating wood is for the
timber, and the greater part of the useful timber of trees is con'-
tained in the trunk before it begins to shoot out into boughs. In
the artificial cultivation of wood, therefore, it is important to pro-
duce as great a length of trunk, in proportion to the branched top,
as a due attention to the natural habits of the tree will allow.

Further, it is important for the obtaining of useful timber for the
purposes of the carpenter, that the trunk shall be what is termed
clean for as great a space upwards as possible. To understand the
meaning of this term,when a branch shoots out from the sideof a trunk
of a tree, a part of the vegetable circulation is carried on through

44 ON PRUNING TIMBER TREES.

that branch ; and hence there is at this place an interruption of the
continuity of the circulation and this alters its course. The fibres
of the branch lie in a different direction from those of the main
stem, and this, when carried to a certain extent, is injurious to the
texture of the wood. These twisted fibres frequently constitute as
it were a distinct mass of wood within the body of the trunk. They
often form what are called knots, which greatly take from the use-
fulness of the timber for the purposes of carpentry.

For these reasons, it is important that as great a part of the lower
trunk as possible, be freed from the lateral shoots.

Nature in part performs this process. As the tree rises in height,
the lower branches decay and fall off, so that there are kw trees in
which, even if left to themselves, there will not be a certain portion
of the lower stems, cleared of lateral branches. When trees are
close together, this natural falling off of the lower branches takes
place more quickly, and to a greater extent, than when they are
distant from each other.

In natural forests the trees rise with very tall upright stems, and
are gradually divested of all their branches below to a vast height.
It is from natural forests accordingly that our finest, tallest, and most
valuable timber is derived.

But in the artificial culture of wood we cannot imitate the natural
process, and allow the lateral branches to fall of by themselves. In
the culture of wood we must admit air to the trees, by keeping them
at a distance from each other : and under these circumstances, the
tree tends greatly to shoot out into branches, and thus to produce a
smaller growth of upright stems, as well to have a smaller extent
cleared of branches towards the base.

In the cultivation of wood, then, we must generally resort to ar-
tificial means to form the tree to what we wish it to possess. We
must then endeavor to promote the upright in place of the lateral
extension, and then to have a sufficient portion cleared of lateral
branches.

Further, the later branches should be taken off at as early a stage
in the growth of the tree as is consistent with its health ; for it is to
be observed, that when a branch shoots from a tree, the twisting of
the fibres begins at the point where the branch had originated, and
not, as from a cursory inspection might be supposed, from the sur-
face of the stem.

ON PRDNINO TIMBER TREES. 45

Thus, in a following section of a portion of the stem, a lateral
branch having first appeared on the surface, continues to increase
in thickness as the main stem increases, and in the same manner,
namely, by the adding each year of a layer of wood all round. It
does not therefore commence at the surface of the tree, but in the
interior and each year increases in diameter. The sooner, there-
fore, that this branch is removed, the less will be the twisting of the
main stem at this part. '

As in the practice of pruning there are two distinct purposes to
be aimed at ; first, giving the vertical tendency to the tree ; and,
second, obtaining as great a portion as possible of clean stem ; so
there are two periods in the growth of the tree at which these objects
are to be attended to. The first in the order of time, is giving the
vertical tendency to the tree, and the second, the denuding it of its
lower branches.

Until the tree has attained the height of fifteen or sixteen feet, the
only object that need to be attended to is to give it the upright ten-
dency in question, and to prevent its becoming forked.

The pruning for this purpose consists in merely shortening such
branches as may be rivalling the leading shoot, or stretching out
laterally with a growth disproportioned to that of the others. Fre-
quently the mere nipping of the terminal bud will be completely
effected by shortening the shoot, making it about half the length of
the shoot above ; this is the sole purpose of pruning during the first
period of the growth of the tree ; and it is to be observed, that if a
tree be of itself tending to grow upright and without forking, no
pruning, even of this simple kind, is required. For of all pruning
it is observed, that it is a violence done to the plant, and is to be
avoided as much as possible. By cutting off branches and leaves,
we cut off organs of nutrition. We do not prune that we may in-
crease the quantity of wood, for the operation has quite a different
tendency and effect; but we prune that we may give the tree that
form which is calculated to produce the greatest quantity of timber
in the proper place.

The other branch of pruning, and next in the order of time, con-
sists in denuding the lower part of the trunk of branches, so that
there may be obtained a sufficient extent of clean wood. Although,
for the reasons given, it is important that the taking off these brances
be at as early a period as possible, yet this must be done always un-

46 ON PRUNING TIMBER TREES.

der the conditions necessary to preserve the health of the tree. The
tree should in the first place, have attained sufficient strength and
age to bear the being deprived of its branches ; and in the next
place, the process should be carried on so slowly as not to affect the
healthy growth of the plant, and so gradually, that it may have vigor
to cicatrize, or cover with bark, the wounds that have been made
upon its surface. The period when we may safely commence this
process of denudation, is when the tree has attained the height of
fifteen or sixteen feet.

Now, every tree adds to the length of its leading shoots and
branches from buds which grow on the end of the shoots. Every
year a new shoot is made from the end of the buds, of a length pro-
portioned to the vigor of growth of the plant. The shoots thus
formed in one year, produce each a bud, which, in like manner
produce shoots in the following year ; and thus while the tree is
growing, there is a continued increase of the length of its leading
shoots and branches. Further, when the annual shoot of any branch
is produced, there is usually sent forth at the place where it origi-
nates one or more lateral shoots, so that there is a succession of
branches, or tier of branches from the base to the summit. Were
these lateral branches not to fall off, we could, by means of them,
ascertain the age of the tree, and in the case of many of the Coni-
ferae, we can frequently ascertain the number of years which they
have lived, or that each individual branch has taken to grow, from
the number of these annual shoots alone. A knowledge of this mode
of growth will conduct us to a simple rule in practice for removing,
without violence, the lower branches of the trunk.

When we commence this process of pruning off the branches of
the stem, let us cutoff the lowermost branch or tier of branches,
that is, the branch or branches of one year's growth, and no more :
in the second year let us cut off a second tier, in the third year a
third tier, and so on. In this manner, while the tree in each year
makes one shoot vertically, the lateral shoot of another year is cut
off below. Thus, a tree having made fifteen shoots, and having
risen, we will suppose, to the height of fifteen feet, we commence
the process of pruning by cutting off the lowermost set or tier of
branches. The tree then makes a shoot at the top, so that while we
have cut off the lateral shoots of one year, another year's vertical
shoot will be made. The next year we prune away the branch or

ON PRUNING TIMBER TREES. 47

tier of branches, and again the tree makes a shoot at the top. In
the third year we cut off as before, and again the tree makes a shoot
upwards ; and so we take off each year the lateral shoots of one
year, and never any more.

By this method we shall gradually denude the stem of its lateral
branches from below upwards, while it is increasing in vertical
growth. The extent of clear trunk will thus gradually become
larger in proportion to the uncleared portion or top. Thus, suppose
we begin to prune when the tree has made fifteen years' shoots, then
when it has made thirty years' shoots, we shall have cleared off
fifteen ; that is, half the height of the tree.

Now, when we have cleared half the height of the tree, or a very
little more, we should pause in our further operations, and mark
its state of growth. If it continue to grow vigorously, we may
resume our operation of close pruning, but at longer intervals than
before, so as never in any case to have cleared away more than
one half, or at the utmost three-fifths, of the height of the tree, and
never taking off more than one year's lateral growth of branches
in a season.

Every tree, it is observed, must possess a sufficient top ; that is,
it must extend horizontally as well as vertically, so as to bear
branches and leaves. The leaves are organs of nutrition of the
plant, essential to the healthy exercise of the vegetable functions,
and we must be careful to deprive it of no more of these organs than
consists with our purpose of pruning. Now, by proceeding slowly
in this gradual manner, never taking off more in one year, than
the growth of one year's lateral branches, we shall not usually in-
terfere with the healthy growth of the tree, but shall always leave
it a sufficient power of expansion at top, as to afford it the means of
nutrition and growth. Further, by never cutting off more at a time
than the growth of one year, the tree will generally have vigor to
cicatrize the wounds that have been made upon its trunk ; whereas,
were we to lop off many branches at a time, according to the prac-
tice too prevalent, the tree might not have vigor to cover them with
fresh growth of bark, and thus the wounds might remain, to the last-
ing injury and frequent destruction of the tree.

In pruning in this manner the branches are to be cut off quite
close to the stem, so that the bark may quickly cover the wound ;
and although trees may be pruned in summer, the fittest period for

48 ON PRUNING TIMBER TREES.

pruning, as of all operations upon the living plant, when vegetation
is inert : that is, from the fall of the leaf, to the period of the ascent
of the sap in spring.

Thus, then, the operation of pruning may be said to be begun in
the nursery, but at that time with an extreme degree of temperance,
all the object of pruning at that early period being to prevent the
plant becoming forked. When the trees are transplanted to their
ultimate situation, we may examine them in the third, or at latest, the
fourth year afterwards, and then, if more than one leading shoot is
formed on any tree, we are to select the best, and shorten the others
to about half the length of that which had been selected. And in
like manner, when any branch or set of branches is seen to be ex-
tending laterally, with a growth disproportioned to that of the others,
then, by merely shortening them, the tendency to the lateral exten-
sion will be sufficiently checked to allow the other branches to ex-
tend in an equal degree. And should we find that all the branches
of a tree are tending to extend too much laterally, by merely short-
ening them in a slight degree, we shall give the ascendency to one
leading shoot, and so promote the upward tendency : and this is all
the pruning required until the tree has attained, as has been said,
the height of fifteen or sixteen feet, when the process of pruning the
lower branches is to be begun and carried on by the slow process
described. But even after we have begun the process of close pru-
ning, we may still observe that the tree is ascending vertically, and,
if required, give this tendency from time to time by shortening of any
of the lateral branches.

It is not essential to the success of this method of pruning, that
it be carried on every year. It will be sufficient to approach as near
to the perfect practice as circumstances will allow, observing merely
the general rule that not more than the growth of one year shall be
taken off at a time, and that the process shall not be carried further
than to the clearing off three-fifths of the height of the tree.

The method of pruning by the shortening of the lateral branches,
was brought into notice in England by the writings of Mr Billing-
ton, who had charge of a portion of the royal forests : and it was
further developed and explained, with the addition of the gradual
denudation of the lower branches, by Mr Cree, in Scotland. To
these most deserving individuals is due the merit of having intro-
duced, and to the latter that of having perfected, a system of pru-
ning greatly superior to that which had been before in use.

ON PRUNING TIMBER TREES. 49

Pruning, as it is commonly practised, can scarcely be said to be
founded on any principle. Branches are lopped off vvilhout limit or
caution, and thus the growth of the tree is injured, and wounds formed
upon its surface, which are never afterwards cicatrized. Often in
the case of the young trees, we see the entire branches of succes-
sive years' growth loped off in a season, and nothing left but a bush
at the top. By this system of mutilation, millions of trees are sacri-
ficed. A great proportion indeed of the whole cultivated wood of
the country is annually destroyed, and it were better that the pru-
ning knife were never used at all than thus misapplied. The prac-
tice so common has probably been derived from that of the garden ;
but it is to be observed, that in the garden the object of pruning
is to repress the growth of the wood and produce that of fruit ; and
the principle, therefore, is in no degree applicable to the pruning
required in the forest.

The principal instruments to be employed in pruning are a sharp
knife, chisels with handles for reaching the higher branches, and
sometimes a small saw for the larger branches. The hatchet is on
no occasion to be used in pruning. The Indian saw ought to be
used, which is made to act by being pulled towards the operator, in
place of being pushed away from him like the common saw of
Europe. By being fixed to a long handle, this instrument is adapt-
ed to the cutting off the higher branches.

When the proper direction has been given to the growth of the
tree, and the lower branches have been pruned to the height to which
it has been thought expedient to carry the operation, art has done
all that it can do to render the tree useful. The natural growth of
the tree must effect the rest. The trunk will increase in diameter
by the addition of concentric layers of wood, yearly formed between
the bark and the stem. The longer a tree stands while in a grow-
ing state, the thicker will its trunk become, and the more valuable.
It makes wood rapidly, to use a familiar expression, when the trunk
has become of a good size: and it is an error, therefore, to fell wood
which is intended for timber too soon.

In the pruning of forest trees, one of the most frequent errors
committed is to delay the process till too late. By this delay the form
of the tree is rendered such that it cannot be restored ; and the
lopping off of large branches in the manner often practised, in order
to give the tree a better shape, is for the most part attended with the
7

50 ON LIVE FENCES,

evil of disfiguring it more, and enfeebling its growth. We constant-
ly see those mistaken attempts to repair past neglect, by the lopping
off of large limbs, the places of which the tree now wants vigor to
heal. Vast number of trees are destroyed by this system of mutila-
tion, when all further object in pruning is at an end. Sometimes a
large branch may be lopped off a tree top heavy, or when a branch is
likely to be split, or for some other good reason. But it is an error
which must end in disappointment, to begin this system of lopping
a full grown tree, with the design of compelling it to resume its pro-
cess of increase when it has naturally ceased.

When a tree has naturally been neglected, but is not yet so far
advanced, but that we may hope to restore it, we have merely to
apply the principle of pruning explained to the case of the particu-
lar tree. We have to shorten the lateral branches which are forming
forks, so as gradually to produce the upright tendency of the lead-
ing stem required. The rule is to proceed with the greatest tem-
perance, taking care never to do too much in one season, lest, by
depriving the tree of its branches, we enfeeble its vigor and impede
its growth.

Art. III. — On hive Fences.

Live Fences are annually becoming more and more a matter of
interest to the American public, particularly to the farmers of the
Prairie West, where there is already a scarcity of timber land. Our
fencing timber is rapidly diminishing, and but a small portion of our
country is furnished with stone for fencing purposes. Live fences,
therefore, must be sooner or later resorted to, as a matter of neces-
sity, and they may be resorted to, we are persuaded, as matter of
ultimate economy, in districts where fencing timber or old stones
are scarce or dear. Caleb Kirk, of Delaware, a writer of some ex-
cellent articles upon hedges, states in one of his essays, that an
Englishman, located in his neighborhood, was in the habit of con-
tracting to plant and take care of thorn hedge till it became an
efficient barrier to cattle, receiving his pay as the work progressed,
at one dollar the rod. In a period of twenty years, therefore, the
live fence would cost much loss than the dead fence, with the ad-

ON LIVB FENCES. 51

vantage to the former superadded, that at the end of the twenty
years, the live fence would be complete, and in order, while the
dead fence would be required to be rebuilt with a new outlay. We
are satisfied from our own experience and observation, that we have
abundant materials, in the indigenous growth of our country, for
Jive fences, and that we can, after we have profited more from expe-
rience,— and the sooner we acquire this the better, — advantageous-
ly employ them in growing live fences. The greatest bar to our
progress in the business is, want of patience, and a just perception
of our ultimate interest. If we could grow live fences as readily
as we can construct dead ones, there would be no hesitation in re-
sorting to them, however expensive. But the idea of devoting six
or seven years to bringing them to perfection, perhaps longer than
our natural lease oj life, deters many from planting hedges, as it
does fruit or ornamental trees. The object of the parent is almost
invariably, not to provide the means of promoting his own comfort,
but to lay up an inheritance for his children, and this, he should
consider, is as effectually done by enhancing the value of the acres,
which are to constitute the patrimony, by good and permanent live
fences, orchards of good fruit, and rural embellishments, as by bank
bills or wild lands in the far west. Live fences not only serve to
enclose lands, but afford a highly beneficial shelter to farm crops,
and, if kept in order, add greatly to the beauty of the landscape.

In the few remarks we are about to offer on this subject, we shall
direct the readers attention,

1. To the material to be employed,

2. To the procuring the plants,

3. To the preparation of the ground and planting ; and,

4. To the management of the hedge.

The Material to be Employed. The best material, we be-
lieve, is the thorn {Cratcegus) most indigenous in the district where
it is to be used — because such species must be best adapted to the
climate and soil. The American thorn is generally of stouter
growth than the European, which in the old continent is used for
hedges, at least with us, and is equally well armed with thorns.
Of the native thorn, nine species are enumerated by botanists, viz :

1. Crataegus coccinea, berries large, red and pleasant tasted, and
grows from Carolina to Canada. Two varieties. — Eaton.

3. C. pyrifolia, (pear leaved,) grows from Pennsylvania to Caro-
lina, west to Michigan. — Beck.

52 ON LIVE FENCES.

3. C. populifolia, (poplar leafed,) grows in Pennsylvania, &c.
berries small and red. — Eaton.

4. C clliptica — berries oval, five seeded, small, red — grows
from Canada to Carolina. — Beck.

5. C. Glandulosa, (full of kernels,) fruit scarlet, middle sized ^
oval, five seeded. Canada and Allegany mountains. — Ih.

6. C.Jlacea, (yellow berried,) grows in Vermont. — Eaton.

7. C punctatn, two varieties, one having red and the other yel-
low berries. Tree dwarfish — grows from Carolina to Georgia. —
Beck.

8. C. crus-galli, fruit small, red, mostly one seeded. Long spines
— grows from Canada to Carolina — several varieties. — Beck.
Var. splendens , pyracanthifolin, and salisifolia. — Eaton.

9. C parviflora, (small-flowered,) fruit large, yellow, with five
bony one seeded nuts — grows four feet high, from Canada to Caro-
lina, in sandy woods.

The C Oxyacantha, or quickest thorn of Europe, has been in-
troduced, and used to some extent among us ; but we do not think
it is so well adapted to our climate, particularly north lat. fortytwo
deg., as our native species. After a trial of seven years, we have
been obliged to give it up, and have substituted native plants in its
stead.

There are besides the foregoing, several other plants, which have
been recommended and partially employed in live fences. Among
these we may name the following :

1. Red Cec?ar, recommended by the late John Taylor, of Vir-
ginia, and others. We have seen ihis plant in hedge in Maryland,
but have never seen it make a good hedge.

2. The Wild Crab, though we have not seen it tried, seems well
adapted for live fence — being hardy and well armed with spine.

The Honey or Three Thorned Locust, (Gleditschia triacanthos,)
though belonging to the class of large trees, yet by close planting
and judicious clipping, may be kept to a dwarf size. The male
plant is armed with very long and strong spines, the female plant has
fewer and smaller spines, and bears an abundance of seeds. The
plant is said to be indigenous to the country south and west of New
Jersey, and is found to be hardy in lat. fortytwo deg. N. We are
experimenting with it as a material for hedges, and our confidence
in it is becoming stronger as we progress. It is of rapid growth,

ON LIVE FENCES. 53

and will require clipping probably twice in a season. It will ulti-
mataly make a very strong fence, if properly trained in time.

4. The Buck Thorn — (Rhamnus catharticus.) This may be
termed a small tree, or large shrub, producing an abundance of
black berries, often used medicinally as a cathartic — not armed
with spines, but growing very close and compact. We long doubled
whether this would make an efficient fence, till we were undeceived
by a visit to E. H. Derby, Esq., of Salem, Mass., where we saw one
of the most beautiful and efficient hedges that ever met our eye,
formed of the Buck thorn. We purchased a thousand plants, and
now have them in training as a hedge. We apprehend it will re-
quire a longer time to make them a strong fence, than from the
other plants we have enumerated.

5. Privet or Prim, (Lagustrum vulgare,) an exotic shrub, grow-
ing six to eight feet high, without spines, for the last ten years per-
fectly hardy in the neighborhood of Albany-^ branches very dense,
and retaining their green foliage often to midwinter ; makes a beau^
tiful ornamental hedge about court yards and gardens, when sym-
metrically clipped, and a very usefulone,\x\ time, if we are to credit
the reports of our grandfathers : for in olden time, prim hedges were
extensively cultivated among us, particularly on Long Island, in
Connecticut, &c. In two towns of Suffolk, according to Mr
L'Hommedieu, there were no less than four hundred miles of prim
and black thorn hedges some sixty years ago. The cause of their
sudden and general decay, at that time, has never been satisfactori-
ly explained; yet we are certain of the fact, that for the last fifteen
years the prim in this neighborhood has proved perfectly hardy, and
has not been affected by any disease or insect enemy. It possesses
one advantage over all the other plants we have named : it grows
freely from cuttings, which may be readily transported hundreds of
miles, in winter, with safety.

6. The common Beach is extensively employed in the Nether-
lands for hedges. They are beautiful and strong, the plants being
trained alternately right and left, diagonally, resembling lattice
work, though the labor in training is considerable. Beach mast
may be had in any quantity in the north and may be readily trans-
ported.

7. The Osage Orange, (Madura aurantiaca,) is strongly recom-
mended as a suitable plant for hedges in the southern and middle

54 ON LITE FENCES.

States. Although a native of the south-western states, we are dis-
appointed in not finding it noticed by either Eaton or Beck. It
forms a tree of the second class, is armed with strong spines, and
has a tolerable thrifty growth ; it will not bear our northern winters,
but we think may be cultivated south of the Highlands, or lat. forty.

8. The Cherokee Rose, we are told, makes a beautiful hedge in
the southern states, but we do not learn that it will succeed north of
Maryland.

9. The last plant we shall name is the Japan Quince, (Cydonia
formerly Pyrus Japonica.) It is a shrub growing six to eight feet
high, abundantly armed with spines, handsome foliage and splendid
scarlet flowers — a native, as its name imports, of Japan. The wood
is hard and the branches close, and after a few years a hedge of it
would become impervious to cattle and hogs. It is cultivated in
shrubberries as an ornamental plant, on account of its bright scarlet
flowers. Another species has white flowers. This plant may be
rapidly multiplied, by cuttings of the root.

The Elm, although ranking among the first class of forest trees,
seems to us adapted to this purpose, particularly the species com-
monly known by the name of slippery elm, (Ulmus fulva, of Michi-
gan,) which is smaller in its growth than the common American
kind. Although this plant is not armed with spines, the common
requisite of a hedge plant, its branches and top are so flexible that
they may be readily bent to a horizontal, or recumbent position, and
interwoven with each other, without materially obstructing their
growth ; and when once interwoven in this way, and the fence
having attained a proper height, they present a barrier to the strong-
est animals. Some plants accidentally mixed with our honey
locusts, have given us a high opinion of their fitness for hedges.

Another plant which is used considerably in Europe, in wet
grounds, and which may be found useful in like grounds here, is the
Alder, (alnus ;) but this is calculated to succeed best here, as it does
there, planted on a bank and ditch. On grounds natural to its
growth, the WJiite Birch, (Betula alba,) cannot fail also of succeed-
ing well. We have seen tolerable fences made of this plant, by
merely lopping them in a line; and if they are planted and trained,
they must make a fence.

2. To OBTAIN Hedge Plants. The most certain mode is to
plant the seeds, and to raise the plants in nursery beds. Plants of

ON LIVE FENCES. 55

the indigenous thorn, and of the red cedar, may often be obtained
in large quantities from the pastures and woods. We have a good
hedge of the former, the plants of which were obtained in this
way. When such are used, they are cut down to within a few
inches of the ground, when they are planted. The Prim and Che-
rokee rose are readily propagated by cuttings. They may be planted
on the site of the intended fence, if the ground is properly prepared,
and afterwards kept clean. The alder and white birch are best
taken in stools, or single plants, from the grounds where they grow,
and where they are to serve as a fence. The Japan quince, as we
before observed, may be propagated by cuttings of the root. But as
regards the wild crab, the honey locust, the beech, Osage orange,
elm, buckthorn, and generally the common thorn, the principal reli-
ance is to be had upon plants raised from seeds in the nursery.
Plants of the European hawthorn are annually imported in quanti-
ties. They are obtained in Great Britain at two shillings or two
shillings and sixpence per thousand, one year old. The seeds of
the thorn, of the wild crab, of the red cedar, of the buckthorn, and
of the beach, may be gathered in the autumn, and do best if imme-
diately planted. They will not generally grow till the second spring,
except the crab, and perhaps the beach. These seeds may all be
preserved and planted in the spring, and in that case they should be
so kept that they do not heat. The seeds of the elm should be
gathered as soon as they fall, which they do here the last of May,
and be immediately sown. They grow quick, and attain six to
twelve inches height the first season.

The seed beds should consist of rich earth, well dug, pulverized
and raked. They should be from three to four feet broad, to per-
mit their being easily wed. The seed may be sown either broad
cast upon them, or in drills from twelve to eighteen inches apart,
pretty thick and covered with an inch or more of good mould. The
seed beds should be kept free from weeds, and after a season's
growth, the plants should be thinned, and either the stronger ones
placed in nursery rows, three feet apart, and with intervals of one
foot in the rows — or the smaller plants should be drawn, so as to
leave intervals of three or four inches between those remaining, and
pricked out in separate beds. If plants are left more than one sea-
son in the seed bed, where they stand thick, they grow slender and
feeble, their roots are contracted, and they are not likely to do well

56 ON LIYE FENCES.

when put in hedge. Plants are more profitably put ia hedge when
they have attained the size of the little finger, which is generally at
the end of the second or third season's growth. When transferred
from the seed beds, the tap roots should be shortened to four or six
inches, in order to induce the plants to throw out side roots, or to
multiply them close to the stem. The whole of the plants ought to
be removed from the seed beds the second year, and their roots
shortened, though they be not large enough to put into the hedge.
Plants are more easily taken care of in nursery than they are in
hedge, and should therefore be kept in the former till they are strong
enough to shoot with vigor.

We append to these remarks, Thomas Main's mode of growing
the haws of our indigenous thorns, the first season after they are
gathered. Mr Main was a practical nurseryman, residing in the
District of Columbia. He raised large quantities of quicks, many of
which were purchased and planted in the neighborhood of Troy.
The statement is entitled to full credit. We copy it from the Ameri-
can Farmer of 1821 : —

" The seeds," says Mr Main, '' are to be extricated from the
berries, either by hand rubbing, or any other means. I commonly
put them in a trough, and mash them with a wooden pestle, taking
care to proportion the strokes thereof so as not to break the stones,
and turning over the mass repeatedly during the operation, until all
the berries are broken — after which the stones are to be washed
from the pomace. Put a gallon or two of the mass into a washing
tub, filled with water — let it be well broken and rubbed by the hand
therein — pour off the water gently — the pomace and light stones
will flow over along with it, and the good seed will remain at the
bottom. It will be necessary to repeat this, say ten or twelve times,
until scarcely any thing remains but the clean stones. They are
then to be put in a deep square box, that will hold them with ease,
so that the quantity of seed may not reach within some inches of
the brim. The box ought to be loosely made, or a few gimlet holes
bored in the bottom, to permit the water to drain from the seeds.
It is then to be placed in some secure situation out of doors, in the
coldest exposure that is convenient ; and the seed in the box being
covered with some moist oak leaves, or green moss, they are to re.
main so during the winter. Ground squirrels and mice are fond of
these seed ; the box ought, therefore, to be secure from these

ON LIVE FENCES. 57

animals. It is not necessary to mix any mould with the seed,
neither is it material how often or seldom they are frozen during the
winter.

" At the approach of spring, the seed are to be inspected every
two or three days, say about the middle of March, [middle of April
in lat. 42°,] and as soon as they feel slimy on being handled, it indi-
cates that the shells of the stones are about to open. The weather
being favorable, the ground is then to be digged and prepared for
the reception of the seed. So soon as the small point of the root-
let of some of the seed appears protracted, it is then just the time,
weather permitting, to sow them. Every gardener knows that the
beds ought to be about four feet wide, and that the alleys should be
from fifteen to eighteen inches. The seed ought to be rolled in
plaster of Paris at the time of sowing, and scattered about an inch
apart — half an inch of fine mould is suflScient for their covering.
The plants will appear in a few days, if the weather is favorable.
It is scarcely necessary to add, that to produce fine plants, clean and
careful weeding is indispensable. It will save a whole year's
trouble and time afterwards. The process may be summed up in
one short sentence : Clean the stones from the berries, and keep
them damp through the winter."

We now add, from the same excellent and pioneer agricultural
periodical, conducted by John S. Skinner, John Taylor's, of Caro-
line, Va., method of forming a red cedar hedge : —

" The cedars should be transplanted in the three winter months,
and in March. [We will venture to recommend here, March, April,
and May.] They should be taken up [in the fields,] in a square
sod, of the size of a spade, and deposited in a square hole to be
made with a similar spade, without breaking the sod in which the
young cedar stands, so as to fit as nearly as possible. Any little cre-
vices made by not filling the hole exactly, are to be well closed, with
part of the earth coming out of this hole, and the rest of this earth
is to be crumbled close around the young cedar. The sod with the
young cedar is to be taken up as deep as possible, in doing which
the spade ought to be driven perpendicularly into the ground on
three sides of the young cedar, but a-slant on the fourth, so as to
cut the tap root, lest in raising the sod this tap root should hold the
cedar, and so loosen its roots. The smaller the cedars are, the
better. This will aid the closeness of the hedge at bottom. The
8

58 THE ENKIANTHUS QUINQUEFLORUS.

cedars are also to be two feet apart in the rows, but instead of stand-
ing opposite to each other, [for they are recommended to be planted
in double rows,] across the fence, those in one row are to be placed
opposite the centre of the vacancies in the other. At one year old,
they should be topped with garden shears to one foot high, and the
side branches dipt to within six inches of the stem. This is to be
done yearly or half yearly, except at each dressing the cedars are to
be left four inches higher and wider, until they acquire the height
and width at which they are to be kept by yearly dressings. As
some branches become too large for garden shears, the person dress-
ing the hedge has a knife made of a piece of an old scythe blade,
[the bill hook is better than either,] to cut off these. An annual
dressing is indispensable to the thickening of the hedge. The
richer the ground the sooner the hedge will arrive at perfection." —
Cultivator.

Art. IV. — Enkianthus ^umqueflorus.

It is seldom we have an opportunity of noticing a more beautiful
plant than the Enkianthus quinquejlorus, in the Conservatory of Hon.
T. H. Perkins, which has now been flowered the third time by
Mr William Cowan. It has also been flowered in the establishment
of the Messrs Loddiges, London, from whence the plant was
obtained.

The specimen under notice is about six feet high, of an erect
habit, something similar to the Arbutus ; on the top of the branches
are several twisted floral bractea of a transparent pink color, pret-
tily pencilled with a dark red approaching a purple; from these tuft-
ed clusters, the flowers, five in number, hang in a pendulous man-
ner about an inch long, the strig of which is a beautiful coral red
having a small bractea or floral leaf attached to it — the corolla or
flower cup, is campanulate or bell shaped, with five segments revolv-
ing upwards, of a light pink color — the calyx is five parted, which
clasps the corolla or flower-cup in a close manner from between each
segment of the calyx — at the base of the flower are five nectarea,
containing honey of a transparent red, tinged with purple, which,
when the interior of the flower is examined, has a light red trans-
parent color — but if shaded it gives a purple color — the stamens are

FORWARDING EARLY VEGETABLES. 59

yellow and the apex of the stigma, contrary to most flowers, is of a
green color.

The Enkianthus is a native of China, and is used by the Chinese
as a decoration in their houses on festive days. The plant here is
a hardy green-house, and thrives in a compost of peat earth mixed
with sand and leaf mould. In the propagation, Mr C. has been
successful in striking cuttings under a cap glass, in a compost
mixed of sharp sand and peat mould.

Art. y. — On the General Management of Forcing Frames
and Forwarding Early Vegetables.

The season being now advancing for forcing early vegetables, I
herewith subjoin some papers that have been written at different
times, when opportunities have offered to the most advantage on the
subject.

Before I enter into a general method of forcing frames, it will be
proper to give some directions of size and form of frames best adapt-
ed to the purpose. Where many frames are required, the best
method is to have two sizes ; one for early and the other for late
forcing. The size that I would recommend for early forcing will
be to make a frame of three lights or sashes ; the frame to be of
the following dimensions, viz : the length to be the same as plank
from twelve to thirteen feet back and front, the width to be five feet,
the depth in front ten inches, in the back eighteen inches, which is
to be sloped at the ends — which will give a good slope for the pur-
pose ; the second size for general cropping may be made of the same
length, but one foot under and a little deeper at the back and front.

Compost for Forcing Frames. It will be proper, at all times, to
have a quantity of well incorporated compost for framing, which
should be of such a quality as to answer most purposes ; for which
the best method is to procure a quantity of the top sod of a rich
loamy pasture ; to two cart loads of this add one cart load of good
rotten manure, and if a quantity of leaf mould is incorporated there-
with, the better ; when the compost is collected, it may be formed
into a regular heap and turned over two or three times during the

60 FORWARDING EARLY VEGETABLES.

summer, and if not wanted to be used may be often turned in the
winter.

Tiiis compost will answer most vegetables, with the exception of
adding some maiden-loam for melons, and a quantity of sharp
river sand for radishes and the like. It will be proper to have at
hand a quantity of sand-leaf-mould, maiden-loam, and the like, to
mix with the other composts, that may be wanted for different pur-
poses.

Preparing the Materials and making the Hot-bed. Having point-
ed out the method of adapting the size of the frames, and compost
proper for forcing frames, the next thing is the preparing and col-
lecting the materials for the hot-bed. The best material for this
purpose, is a quantity of hot horse manure from the stable, with
about one half good oak or other leaves, that have been collected
in the fall, mixed therewith ; however, if the leaves are not at
hand, horse manure will do. Having procured the proper quantity,
it is to be thrown into a heap and well shaken together with a fork,
and beaten moderately close on the outside, with the back of it — but
not trod with the feet. So soon as the heat begins to ferment, which
will be in a few days, it is again to be turned and well mixed in the
same manner, and the same process may be followed three or four
times, until the whole is in a lively state of fermentation and the
rank heat is passed of, when the bed is to be made in the following
manner.

The making the Hot-bed. The first consideration is to select a
well sheltered situation, facing to the south, for making the bed ;
having selected the place, the ground is then to be measured off for
the bed, a foot larger all round than the intended frame; this done,
the bed is then to be made, by shaking the manure well together,
and beating it down with the back of the fork — keeping the sides
in a neat, compact, upright manner. The same process may be
followed for all kinds of plants to be forced, and the height of the
bed will depend on the season and the heat required for different
plants.*

FORCING THE CUCUMBER.

Making the Seed Bed. To obtain early cucumbers, prepare some

* In all cases the bed should be made in as mild weather as possible, and the
turning the manure the same : if done in cold days it often gets chilled, and it
is very difficult again to recover the heat.

FORWARDING EARLY VEGETABLES. 6

good horse manure as before directed, to make a seed bed, prepara-
tory to the fruit bed. A one light box or frame five feet by three,
will be large enough for the purpose. Commence the bed as before
directed, in a warm, dry southern aspect — on a level surface ; the
bed may be made from three to four feet high. The bed being made
the frame is to be placed on it, facing to the south, and covered in
order to draw the heat, which when it rises the inside is to be cov-
ered six inches deep with light soil, and a thermometer placed at
the back of the frame to try the heat, which should be from sixty to
sixtyfive deg. by night, and from seventy to seventyfive deg. by
* day, sun heat, when the seed may be sown in the following manner.
Sowing the Seed. Some light, rich earth should be prepared for
sowing the seed, which, when sifted fine, may be put into pots nine
inches in diameter. When the pots are filled with the compost,
they are to be put into the frame to warm the earth, and the follow-
ing day the seed may be sown, about an inch apart in the pots, and
lightly covered ; the pots may then be plunged in the earth nearly
up to the rim, if the heat is not too powerful, but in case of a burn-
ing heat the pots may be placed on the surface of the earth. The
frame will now require to be regularly attended to, by giving air of
a morning and taking it away of an evening, and keeping the tem-
perature as near as possible as before directed ; if there is much
steam in the bed, a little air should be left, by night, at one corner
of the back of the frame, to pass it off, as too much steam is very
injurious to the young plants of Cucumbers.

Potting the Plants. When the plants are eight or ten days old
they will be fit for potting off, which must be done in a fine day,
about twelve o'clock ; for the purpose, some light, rich earth may
be prepared, and some pots the same size as before named —
the pots may be about half filled with soil, when the plants may be
taken carefully from the seed pots, and these plants may be carefully
put into each pot, in a triangular manner, when the pot may be filled
with soil to the rim.

In the operation of potting, care must be taken not to injure the
plants by letting in the cold air : the potting should be performed by
lifting up the sash at the back of the frame and covering the sides
with bass mats. — {To be continued.)

62

Art. VI. — Onlayingout Gardens and Ornamental Plantations.

LAYING OUT APPROACHES AND PLANTING SHRUBBERIES.

In laying out approaches to the mansion or country residence,
some taste is required to give an easy, graceful appearance and con-
venient entrance.

There is a class of respectable residences vi'ithin a few miles and
in the environs of towns and cities, that are particularly deserving
notice of this kind, and combine more to enliven the landscape
scenery around, than any other plantations, when prettily planted
and ornamented, and give ?l foreground to the surrounding country
of the most pleasing nature.

In laying out such places, one principal object is that the entrance
or carriage-road be of an easy approach and so contrived as to ap-
pear convenient, and really necessary to be exactly where it is laid
out.

If the house is near the road side and a square piece of ground
before it, adjoining the road, which is often' the case, an entrance
forming a semicircular carriage-road with a gate at each end, has
a very pretty effect. In such grounds the front part next to the road,
may be appropriated to a grass plot or lawn, planted with a few orna-
mental trees, as the Balsam Fir, Mountain Ash, and the like, which
gives a relief to the carriage road that will pass close to the front
door, and have an appearance of easy access to and from the
house to the carriage. The two side pieces of ground next to the
house, on the left and the right, should be neatly planted with forest
and shrubs : Balsam Firs, mixed with Mountain Ash, Maple, and
the like, will serve an excellent purpose for the back or outline ; the
facing should be gradually brought down to the front with dwarfter
kinds of evergreens, and deciduous shrubs, and the Rose, to within
three feet of the margin of the carriage road, which will require to
be bordered with a grass verge, six inches wide. At the front of the
shrubs, many pretty kinds of hardy herbaceous plants may be plant-
ed to give a neat and pretty effect, and the whole, if well managed,
will have a most happy appearance. — {To he continued.)

63

Art. VII. — Oil the Propagation of half hardy and soft wooded
Green-house Plants. By W. H. St. Clair.

In a former paper I detailed the method practised by Mr M. Phail,
in propagating pinks. At that time I did not wish to occupy too
much of your pages in one article, I beg now to subjoin a few more
remarks on the method in question; for some years past I have en-
tirely discontinued the use of hand glasses in propagating any soft
wooded green-house, or half hardy plants, that have fallen under my
charge, and, except when I have occasion to propagate early in the
spring, I find Mr Phail's method is a far surer mode of propagating,
than by using hand glasses, or giving cuttings the " gentle bottom
heat " so highly recommended by some. In propagating cuttings
under a hand glass, a shady situation is generally selected, and great
care is taken to keep off the sun's rays from affording the least heat
to them ; this is easily done, for a more unfit form for raising heat,
than a hand glass has, cannot be well imagined ; it never occurs to
the person who uses them in propagating soft wooded plants, that a
volume of cold moist air is not as good for raising cuttings as one
fourth the same quantity of moist heated air is ; in like man-
ner, in propagating under frames, the sun's services are almost
entirely dispensed with, a bottom heat substituted, in place of
them ; in Mr Phail's method, cuttings are forced in a comparatively
short time to send out roots, and though a few cloudy days together
may seem to argue against it, no bad effect, from such a cause, has
ever fallen under my notice. In selecting cuttings for this mode of
culture, I use only young, or at most half ripened cuttings, detachintr
them with the hand from the parent plant when practicable, and
after trimming off a few of the large leaves, I insert the heel, or
lower joint of the cutting ; I give the frame a full south aspect, and
raise it a few inches as directed for pinks; I allow only two or three
inches between the top of the cuttings and the glass, and give them
no air till they have given evident proofs of their having struck root,
I shade the sash with several folds of net, pieces of paper, or a thin
mat, removing it between four or five in the afternoon ; on giving a
good watering at planting I find very little more suffices them for
the first fortnight, owing|to the sash being kept close down ; when
rooted, I increase the air gradually. I have used frames of all

64 ON THE SENSITIVE PLANT.

sizes, from one of six inches by nine, to one of six feet in length,
and except that I find it more difficult to equalize the temperature
in a small frame, I find little difference in the success of the cut-
tings. I must add, however, that a large sash requires the shading
to be a little closer than a small one. If a mixed collection of cut-
tings is to be put into the same frame, they should consist of such
as require about the same time to strike root, and by mixing up a
compost of light loam, vegetable mould or peat and sand, under the
treatment detailed above, a good many kinds may be propagated in
the same frame.

Before concluding, I beg leave to enumerate a few of such sorts
as yield most readily to this mode of treatment, and such as I have
propagated for the last three years. Pinks, Carnations, Geraniums,
(tricolor included,) Sollyas, Myrtles, Cistuses, Calceolarias shrubby
and herbaceous, Fuchsias, Pansies, Salvias, Verbenas, Lophosper-
muins, Petunias, &c.; from the certainty and facility, with which
the above and many other plants of similar habits may be propa-
gated, I have no hesitation in recommending the method to any of
your readers who may feel inclined to try it, and I have every
reason to think, if they try it once with cuttings, and subject
those cuttings when potted, to similar treatment for about ten days,
they will be induced to try the same method again. — Floricultural
Cabinet.

Art. VIII. — On the Sensitive Plant.

The movement of the leaves of the Mimosa Pudica have their
origin in certain enlargements, situated at the articulation of the
leafets with the petiole, and of the petiole with the stem. Those
only which are situated in the last articulation are of sufficient size
to be submitted to experiment. If, by a longitudinal section, the
lower half of this swelling be removed, the petiole will remain de-
pressed, having lost the power of elevating itself: — if the superior
half be removed, the petiole will remain constantly elevated, having
lost the power of depressing itself These facts prove that the mo-
tions of the petiole depend on the alternate turgescence of the up-
per and lower half of the enlargement, situated at the point of ar-

ON THE SENSITIVE PLANT. 65

ticulation : and that contractibility is not the principle of these
motions.

If one part of the plant be irritated, the others will soon sympa-
thise, or bear witness, by the successive falling of their leaves, that
they have successively felt the irritation : — thus, if a leaflet be
burnt slightly by a lens, the interior movement which is produced
will be propagated successively to the other leaflets of the leaf, and
thence to the other leaves on the same stalk. Avery clever French
experimentalist, Mons. Dutrocht, found,

1st — That this interior movement is transmitted equally well ,
either as ascending or descending.

2nd — That it is equally well transmitted, even though a ring of
bark has been removed.

3rd — That it is transmissible, even though the bark and pith be
removed so that nothing remain to communicate between the two
parts of the skin : except the woody fibres and vessels.

4th — That it is transmissible, even when the two parts commu-
nicate merely by a shred of bark.

5th — That it may be transmitted, even when the communication
exists by the pith only.

6th — But that it is not transmissible, when the communication
exists merely by the cortical parenchyma.

From these very interesting experiments, it results that the inte-
rior movement produced by irritation, is propagated by the ligneous
fibres and the vessels.

The propagation is more rapid in the petioles than in the body of
the stem : — in the former it moves through a distance of from three
to six tenths of an inch in a second ; in the latter, through from
eight to twelve hundredths of an inch, during the same portion of
time. External temperature does not appear to exert any influence
on the rapidity of the movement, but very sensibly affects its extent.

Absence from light, during a certain time, completely destroys
the irritability of the plant. Such change take place more rapidly
when the temperature is elevated, than when it is low. The return
of the sun's influence readily restores the plant to its irritable state.
It appears, therefore, that it is by the action of light, that the vital
properties of vegetables are supported, as it is by the action of
oxygen that those of animals are preserved, consequently, etiolation
is to the former what asyphxia is to the latter. — Gardener's Gazette.
9

66

Art. IX. — The Forest Treasures of Guiana. By C. Mack-
enzie.

Having arrived at 2 degrees 36 1-2 minutes north latitude, Mr
Schomburgk, on account of the approach of the rainy season, and
the breaking out of intermittent fever among his party, gave up all
idea of exploring the Rupunoony to its sources. The region in
which he now stood, was surrounded by mountain ranges, within
whose circumference and interstices were vast savannahs of a whi-
tish clay, covered with numerous grasses and plants. The river,
(which is of a milk-white appearance, from passing over the clay in
question,) meandering through these extensive plains, marked its
course by a fringe of fruit and forest trees ; indeed, similarly fringed
are all the small streams, of which the Rupunoony is the recipient;
and thus the monotony of a savannah is greatly relieved. Numer-
ous deer, but never in herds, graze here undisturbed.

One of Mr S.'s chief intentions, in ascending the Rupunoony,
was to find, if possible, the plant from which the Indians prepare
their celebrated Ouralie or Wourali Poison ; whilst at the Lower
Rupunoony, he had frequently been told that it grew on the Cono-
con mountains ; and he now found that a journey of about a day
and a half would bring him there. Guides being engaged from the
encampment of Aripay, he started on the morning of the 25th of
December ; his way first led to the South, over pathless savannahs,
fording the Rupunoony at a convenient spot; then through a tre-
mendous mountain-pass, at the further end of which lay an exten-
sive arid savannah. He then turned to the north, through plains
covered with wood, shrubs, and coarse grass, and bounded on all
sides, by rugged mountains. At the distance of about five miles on
this wild and solitary road, which was frequently intersected by the
mountain streams, his ascent commenced. The path, Indian-like,
led over fallen trees, and between boulders of granite ; and it was
frequently so steep, that the party had to use hands as well as feet.
After a march of eight hours and a half, they reached a settlement
of Warpeshana Indians, the chief of which (Oroonappy having be-
fore met M. Schomburgk at a Piwarrie feast,) showed great joy at
his arrival, and treated the whole party with the greatest hospitality.
Among other things, he despatched one of his attendants to his

THB FOREST TREASURES OP GUIANA. 67

field, who soon returned, loaded with some of the finest sugar-canes
Mr S. ever saw : indeed, the fertility of the soil in tliis spot was as-
tonishing, although the height was from 2301) to 2500 feet above the
plains below ; the size of the plantains, and the sweetness of the ba-
nanas, greatly surpassed those of the plains ; and the dark or pur-
ple banana, so much esteemed in the colony for culinary purposes,
grew here in the greatest degree of perfection. The cotton, like-
wise, which grew around this chief's house, was of excellent quali-
ty ; nevertheless, the fertility of the soil profits only a few ; for, the
difficulty of the ascent, and the distance, seclude the inhabitants
from those in the valleys ; consequently, the productions of their
fields rot on the ground, and become useless to man.

Next morning, though greatly dissuaded, he continued his jour-
ney over hill and dale, mostly in a north-west direction. The path
was exceedingly difficult, and Indians only could have guided him ;
they directed their course mostly by broken branches and by marks
cut in the trees ; sometimes hesitating for several minutes as into
which direction they should turn. About noon our traveller passed
a Maran tree — the Copaifera Officinalis ; it was very lofty, with
light grey bark, a fine branching head, and pinnated leaves. The
Indians cut a semi circular hole towards the bottom of the trunk,
and to the very heart of the tree. At certain seasons, chiefly in
February and March, the balsam flows abundantly, and fills the hole
in the course of a day ; next morning it is put into calabashes, when
it immediately forms an article of barter and sale with the colonists.
Mr S. found a large quantity in the hole of this tree, which was of
a yellowish color, and quite clear ; the Indians eagerly ann )inted
their bodies and hair with it. The m(edicinal qualities of the balsam
of Copaiba are too well known to be mentioned here.

At length the Indian guides stopped in one of the glens, near a
spring; and going towards one of the ligneous twiners, which wound
themselves, snake-like, from tree to tree, called out " Ourah !"
which is the name of the plant in the Warpeshana dialect. The
stem of this very extraordinary vegetable production, is often more
than three inches thick, and very crooked ; its bark is rough, and
of a dark greyish color ; the branches thin, and inclined to climb-
ing ; the leaves dark green, and opposite, ovate, acute, five-nerved
and veined ; the young branches and leaves hirsute or hairy ; the
hairs brown ; the fruit of the size of a large apple, round, smooth,

68 THE FOREST TREASURES OF GUIANA.

and bluish-green, and the seeds embedded in a pulp, and consist-
ing chiefly of a gummy matter, which is intensely bitter. Mr S.
saw many heaps of the cut wood, covered over with palm-trees and
leaves, which had been thus left by parties of the Macoosie Indians.
The " OuRALi " grows only in two or three places, which are re-
sorted to by Indians from all quarters — often, indeed, from a great
distance. Our traveller cut some of the sticks, which he carried
away, and returned to the habitation of his friend Oronappy, after
an absence of eight hours. He was highly delighted that, though
he could not behold this singular plant in all its stages of growth,
he had succeeded in collecting a few of its fruits. He has sent a
very full description of the plant, with the Indian mode of preparing
the poisoned arrows, to the Linnsean Society of London. His des-
cription of the latter, however, being taken entirely from the hear-
say of his guides, is exceedingly deficient and erroneous, inasmuch
as he has not stated that the ourali juice, in its natural state, is nei-
ther poisonous nor hurtful to the animal system ; and that it derives
its noxious qualities from fermentation and mixture with other vege-
table juices. In fact, the Indians are exceedingly chary of giving
any real information respecting their mode of manufacturing the
ourali poison ; and were it not for Dr. Hancock's long residence
among them, and his keen anxiety to become acquainted with all
their botanical secrets and medical practice, the scientific world
would still be in ignorance on the subject. The fermentation of the
juices, as well as the domestic medical practice generally, is in the
hands of the elderly Indian females : these doctresses (from his pe-
culiar situation among them, as well as from the great confidence
which they put in his professional knowledge and discretion) were
Dr Hancock's instructers in this important matter.

Leaving the Ourali district, Mr Schomburgk and his attendants
descended into the savannahs by following the course of the river
Maou, whose waters are of a coffee-brown color. Among the moun-
tains, between which it has forced its course, it is about sixty yards
wide, and its valley forms a peculiar mountain scenery, very pic-
turesque, but by no means fertile. It is inhabited by Macoosies. —
In April, these savannahs are inundated, presenting the peculiar
feature of the waters of the Rupunoony and Maou, (the one milk-
white, and the other coffee-brown) being commingled ; and the ex-
tent to which their inundation amounts, has given rise to the fable

NEW AND RARE PLANTS.

69

of the " Lake of Parina.'^ At this season of inundation, an inland
navigation may easily be carried on between Demerara and Para ;
and several large groups of trees, which, during the dry season, rise
like oases out of the savannahs, form small islands during the inun-
dation : two of these groups are not far from the borders of the lake
so called ; and these, without doubt, are the " Islas Ipomucena,"
described by Don Antonio Santos. All the groups or islets consist
of accumulated sand, mixed with vegetable earth — the drift matter
of the currents during the inundation. The soil being richer than
that of the surrounding arid district, seeds of various sorts of course,
first sprang up; these being able to withstand the force of the cur-
rents, assisted in forming a large accumulation of (7e^ri^«s and seeds.
These hillocks, however, though raised scarcely more than from ten
to twelve feet above the savannah, have each their peculiar ^oras,
consisting of the Inga unguis co/i, several cassise, large cacti, \\\\\ch.
raise their limbs like gigantic candelabra, and a species of night-
blooming cereus, which interlaces the other trees and plants. These
are the chief botanical features of the oases in question, but on one
of them Mr Schomburgk found several cashew trees, {Anacardium
occidentale,) in full bearing. Such a discovery is most welcome to
the parched traveller, when water is scarce ; but the fruit, unpre-
pared by proper cookery, exercises the most deleterious effects on
the constitution.

Art. X. — List of New and Rare Plants. Noticed by the
Editor of the Floricultural Cabinet in England.

1, Lupinus Versicolor. {Party colored Lupine.) Leguminosae.
Diadelphia Decandria. A hardy perennial species, a native of Ca-
lifornia, and has bloomed in the garden of the London Horticultural
Society. The stems grow about two feet high, much branched.
The flowers are produced in terminal spikes ; the blossoms are va-
riable between rose-color, pale blue, violet, pink, and greenish white,
on the same raceme, but the lighter colors are generally towards the
top of the raceme. It is a beautiful flowering species, and well de-
serves a place in every flower garden. The flowers are fragrant,
something like the perfume of the field bean. It blooms from May
to July, and produces abundance of seeds.

70 NEW AND RARE PLANTS.

2. Plaiystemon Californicus. {Calif ornian.) Papaverace^,
Poyandria Polygyiiia. A hardy annual introduced into this coun-
try by the late Mr Douglas. The plant grows about eight or ten
inches high, branches terminating with pale straw colored blossom?,
each about an inch across. The flowers much resemble the wild
wood Anemone of Britain, only differing in color. Platystemon
(rom platus broad, and stemon a stamen, alluding to the broad fila-
ments.

3. Rhododendron Arhoreum var. Cinnamomeum. [Cinnamon co-
lored tree Rhododendron) Ericaceae, Decandria Monogynia. In
1S22 Dr Wallich sent to this country, from India, a quantity of
seeds of this plant, one of which has bloomed in the nursery of
Messrs Rollinson at Tooting, Surrey. The present variety is very
like the white sort which has previously been noticed and been cul-
tivated in our gardens for ten or twelve years, but the clusters of
flowers are more compact, and the purple spots on the white petals
are larger, darker and more numerous. The white of the flower is
not so clear as in the old kind. The present kind deserves a place
in every shrub'°border.

4. Blumenhachia MultijidnP^ {Multified-leavcd.) Loasae. Poly-
delphia Polyandria. A native of Buenoa Ayres," and discovered
there by the late Dr Gillies. It has since been discovered by the
late Mr Tweedie, and by him seeds were sent to the Glasgow Bo-
tanic Garden. This species is very distinct from B. insignis, being
a much stronger growing plant, more compact, and more hisped
with strings. It is perfect hardy. The leaves are much larger,
but like B. insignis, they are much lobed. The flowers are an inch
across, white, with a yellow, and red centre.

5. Brodicea Grandijlora. (Large floioered.) Liliacia. Trian-
dria, Monogynia. A bulbous rooting plant, a native of Georgia, on
the north-west of America. Bulbs were sent by the late Mr Douglas,
to the London Horticultural Society. The flower stem rises to eight
or ten inches high, terminating w ith an umbel of about six flowers j
each flower is campanulate, about an inch across, of a pretty blue
color. It is quite hardy and flourishes freely if grown in a shady
situation, and planted in peat soil. Brodicea, named in com-
pliment to James Brodie, Esq., of North Britain.

6. Silene Chlorarfolia. (American catchjly.) Silenacoe De-
candria, Trigynia. A hardy perennial plant, producing numerous

NEW AND RARE PLANTS. 71

pretty flowers, of a pure white, delightfully fragrant. Each flower
is rather more than an inch across. It is a most desirable plant for
either the flower border or a rock work.

7. Cereus Akermannii. {Ahermanri's Mexican Cereus.) Cac-
teae. Icosandria Monogynia. This splendid flowering plant has
generally been considered a hybrid between C. speciosa and speci-
ossimus, but seeds of the original plant were first sent to this country
from Mexico. The flowers are as large as speciocissimus, of a fine
reddish scarlet color, but destitute of the fine azure color which tin-
ges the flower of that species.

8. Cowania Plicata. {Plated-leaved.) Rosacia Icosandria
Polygynia. An hardy evergreen, much branched shrub, a native
of the uplands of Mexico, The blossoms are about an inch and
a half across, of a rich rosy lilac color. The flower in form very
much resembles a single rose, of the size stated. They are pro-
duced numerously, and make a showy appearante. The plant is a
valuable acquisition to our dwarf shrub; the plant was raised from
seeds by Mr Thomas Blair, Gardener to Mr Clay, Stamford Hill.
Coivania, in commemoration of the late Mr James Cowan, who in-
troduced into this country a number of interesting plants from Mex-
ico and Peru.

9. Cypripedium Purpuratum. [Purple stained Lady's slipper.)
Orchidacese. Gynandria Diandria. This new species has been re-
cently introduced into this country by Mr Knight, of King's Road,
Chelsea, from the Malayan Archipelago. It has bloomed in the col-
ection of Messrs Loddiges of Hackney Nursery. Its purple flower
has a very pretty appearance. The foliage is very much like that of
C. venustum.

10. Gesneria Lateritia. {Brisk-colored Jlowered.) Gesneri-
aceae. Didynamia, Angiospermia. This species is a native of
Brazil, received from that country to the London Horticultural
Society's Garden, in 1832, and has bloomed in the plant stove
at that place. The flower stem rises about two feet high, produc-
ing a number of brick-red flowers, each about an inch and a half
long. This species has, till very recently, been considered to be
Gesnera Sellowii, but it is now ascertained not to belong to the sec-
tion of Gesnera, to which G. Sellowii belongs, but to that of G. bul-
bosa. Gesneria, so named in compliment to Conrad Gesner of Zu-
rich, who died in 1565.

72 NEW AND RARE PLANTS.

Gesneria Lindleyi. (Dr. Lindlcy's Gesneria.) Synonym, G.
Rutila, var. Atrosanguinea. This handsome flowering species
is a native of Brazil. It differs from G. rutila in many partic-
ulars. That species has axillary, solitary, flowers and has a
wider mouth. The hypogynous glands are only two, whereas
in G. Lindleyii they are constantly five. The flowers of this latter
species are of a bright scarlet color, each about an inch and a quar-
ter long ; they are produced numerous on a raceme of near two fee ^
long. The flower stem rises from three to four feet high.

6. Grahoicskia Boerhaavlcefolia. [Boerhaavia-Ieaved) Solan-
aceae. Pentandria Monogynia. Synonyms. Lycium Boerhaavi-
folia. Lycium Heterphyllum. Ehretia Halimifolia. A spinous
shrubby plant, introduced to the London Horticultural Society's
Garden, from Brazil, where it is a common shrub in the woods
and fields, and grows to the height of eight or ten feet. It has been
found hardy enough to bear the open air of this country, when
trained against a south aspected wall. It is a very branching shrub,
with leaves much resembling those of Psidiura Catleyanum. Each
flower is about half an inch across, of a pale violet-blue. They are
produced in small branching panicles. Graboicskia in compliment
to Mr N. Grabowsky, an Apothecary at Ohlaf, an author of a work
on flowers.

13. Lobelia Cavanilledi. [Cavannilhs's Lobelia.) Campanula-
cesB. Pentandria Monogynia. Synonym, Lobelia Persicifoiia. A
native of New Spain, and requires to be grown in the stove in this
country. It blooms in August and September. It is an herbaceous plant,
having a flower stem about a yard high, with scarcely any branches.
The flowers are produced numerously, upon long foot-stalks. Each
flower is about an inch and a half long of an orange-red color. The
stamens are united their whole length, and form a long red tube,
which adds to the beauty of the flower. The plant has bloomed in
the Glasgow Botanic Garden. Lobelia in compliment to Mr Lo-
bel.

14. Lobelia Siphilitica, var. Millerii. {Miller's blue American
Lobelia.) Lobeliaccce, Pentandria Monogynia. This beautiful
flowering hybrid has been rai&ed from seed, between L. siphili-
tica ; and L. filgens ; or L. splendens, or some fine scarlet
flower. The color of the flower is the blue of the former, with
the fine scarlet of crimson of cue of the others. It is quite

NEW AND RARE PLANTS. 73

hardy, and produces numerous flower stems rising to the height
of two feet, which continue in bloom from July to the end of
summer. The plant deserves a place ia every flower garden. We
have twelve other fine varieties.

15. Mazillaria Steeli. [Mr SteeVs.) Orchidaceae. Gynandria
Monandria. Synonym. Maxillaria Flagellifera. It is a native of Dem-
erara, from whence it was introduced in 1835. The plant is of a very
singular growth ; the stems are pendulous, and the leaves are very
long, extending three or four feet. They are like so many very
strong rushes. The flowers are produced solitary, each rathermore
than two inches and a half across. They are yellow, irregularly
spotted and striped with large spots, and stripes of dark purple. The
labellum is of a sulphur color with dark purple veins, altogether sin-
gularly handsome. The plant has bloomed in the collection of
Messrs Loddiges's of Hackney.

In the Botanical Register, Dr Lindley has noticed the following
new species of Maxillaria, viz. 1, Maxillaria Rollissoni, in Messrs
Rollisson^s collection, at Tooting Nursery. The flowers are of a
pale Lemon color, with the Labellum dotted in the middle with fine
p urpl e.

2. M. acicularis ; a native of Brazil, in the collection of the Hon-
orable and Reverend W. Herbert. The flowers are of a purplish
chocolate color.

3. M. uncata ; a native of Demarara, in Messrs Loddiges's col-
lection.

4. M. chlorantha ; a native of Demarara; in Messrs Loddiges's
collection. The flowers are of a yellowish green, small ; they are
sweet scented.

5. M. variabilis ; a native of Mexico. The flowers are small of a
deep purple color. This species has been known by the following
names M. atropurpurea, M. concinna.

6. M. tenuifolia: a native of Me.xico. The flowers are of a rich
purple, spotted, and broken into small yellow patches.

10

74

Art. XL — Winter Scenery of the White Mountains. — No. I.

A RESIDENCE of a fevv weeks in a flourishing and pretty town,
about eighteen miles distant from the range of the White Hills, has
lately enabled the writer to visit that spot. Seldom any traveller,
except the man of business, is wont to take such a journey, to gaze
on the magnificent desolation of winter, which reigns for a greater
part of the year over this region. Ascent of the principal peak, the
lofty Mount Washington, is made when the bland zephyr and the
tardy breezes of summer have fanned its sides, and wakened into
life and beauty the alpine plants, which, in daring hardihood, pecu-
liar to themselves, thrive and bloom amidst the waste of rocks and
despite the influence of almost continual frost. I was informed,
however, that the peak in question, was ascended on the latter part
of November of the last year, immediately after a snow storm and
on a very cold day, by an adventurous English gentleman, under the
guidance of Mr Fabyan, who keeps the excellent house, formerly
occupied by Mr E. A. Crawford.

It was in the evening of the second of January, that I rode down
as far as the Willey House, through the stupendous rift of the
" Notch." The moon was in silent beauty and majesty shining di-
rectly over the abyss, and silvering with its mild light the precipitous
mountain clifT on either side. The evening star shone brilliantly
over a range of peaks, now sinking for a moment beneath some
culminating point, now twinkling amidst the feathery crest of shrubs
and dwarfish trees, and anon resting as it were on some bold and
bare level, according as I wended my way through the narrow de-
file. The dense and purer streaks of snow and ice down the ra-
vines, denoted the desolating track of frightful slides produced by
rains. Scarcely a sound broke on the ear. Nature was in its ac-
customed though silent beauty ; the murmur and music of its thou-
sand voices, of merry birds, and leaping, babbling brooks, and
prancing waterfalls had ceased, under winter's imperious sway.
And yet there was the music of harmony and perfection, the elo-
quence of creation, in the silent appeals of grandeur and sublimity.
Deity was walking, as of old, amidst the scene ; invisible spirits
were in attendence to minister unto the higher capacities of man.
I plucked a dried flower stem of the pearly "everlasting" from the

WINTER SCENERY OF THE WHITE MOUNTAINS. 75

rude but proud mausoleum of the humle family, buried beneath the
avalanche four years ago, and retraced my steps to " mine inn."

The mildness of the atmosphere denoted a change of weather ;
nor was I disappointed on the next morning to find the highest ele-
vations enveloped in clouds and mist. A short but pleasant ramble
enabled me to catch a glorious and extended prospect from the sum-
mit of Mount Vision, (or Mount Deception, as it is commonly call-
ed ;) a hill rising to the height of seven hundred and ten feet from
the adjacent plain. The precipice of the " Notch " was the only
unclouded portion of the White Hills — over which the sun was just
breaking from the vapor, and illuminating, with peculiar splendor,
its snowy sides, while far down the gap, in the most distant horizon,
a narrow but clear spot denoted fair weather beyond. It seemed a
glimpse to some goodly and promised land, to the access of which,
were intervening dangers and perils.

I observed the " hybernal vestiges " of many interesting plants ;
while numerous beautiful mosses and curious lichens were visible
on the rocks, now dripping with the humidity of the morning. A
species of Xylosteum seemed the most abundant plant, while the
withered leaves of the diminuative Cornus Canadensis, and the tall
peduncle of an Actma, denoted the garniture of summer, — of
which these were sad but lingering mementos. Further up, the
broad footsteps of the gaunt and grim wolf, easily distinguished by
the print of the two long claws projecting from the track, served as
an excellent guide to the easiest ascent, while the recent
marks of the timed hare, and the screech of the blue jay
reminded me that life was busy even amid the seeming bar-
renness of winter. Nor was 1 unattended. A group of fairy
minstrels, bedecked in a costume peculiar to their vocation and
suitable to the inclemencies of the season, welcomed ray approach.
With their characteristic boldness, they twitted the cheerful "Chick
a dee, dee, dee ! " as they flitted from branch to branch, now near
and now more remote ; a simple lay, but eloquent and touching.
They were the black-capped Titmice, the most agile and prettiest
of native birds, so well known in winter ; nor unobserved amid the
gayer tribes of summer. What child has not noticed them or their
song, when the fast falling snow drives them to the door step, or to
the tall and dry stalk of the sunflower in the garden ; now with
clenched claws grasping a plump seed, and anon splitting it with

76 AGRICULTURE IN FRANCE,

remarkable facility to extract the delicious kernel ? A reception so
gracious, was as pleasant as it was unexpected, and added in no^
humble degree to the enjoyment of the occasion. I could do no
less than join in their cheerfulness and glee, for nature was imprint-
ing on my feelings, the sensations of joy and the luxury of existence,.
which elicit the constant chorus of praise and gratitude to the
Author of All. X

Art. XII. — Agriculture in France. By Dr. Humphrey.

The proportion of cultivated land is considerably greater in France
than in England ; owing partly to the different policy of the two
governments, and partly to the different modes of living in the two
countries. The French eat twice as much bread as the English,
and the English, three or four times as much beef and mutton as
the French.

In England, the farmers own but very little of the soil, and the
peasants none — the land being nearly all held by great proprietors.
In France, the actual cultivators of the soil own a great part of it.
The departments are cut up into an immense number of farms, and
of course, most of them quite small. With industry and economy,
the French peasantry are able to subsist quite comfortably, but the
greater part of them have very little to spare. The agriculture of
the country is said to be in a prosperous condition, and I can easily
believe it is from what I saw as I passed hastily through it in the
month of June. The crops were certainly very fine, and there were
many unequivocal proofs of good husbandry. Still, France does not
compare at all with England, in scientific and practical agriculture,
nor in the beauty and affluence of its rural scenery. The best hus-
bandry in France, is in the south and in the north. In the former,,
the agriculturist is aided most by the goodness of the climate, and
in the latter, by skill in the rotation of crops.

Wheat is the grand agricultural staple of France, as well as of
England. Some districts through which you travel, seem to be al-
most covered with it. I am quite sure, that I never saw so much
in any single day of my life, as from Rouen to Paris.

Next to wheat, rye is more extensively cultivated than other of
the small grains in France. As we approached the capital, I saw

AGRICULTURE IN FRANCE. 77

more of it than I had taken notice of any where else ; not in great
unbroken fields, but in small patches, many of them less than half
an acre, and separated by narrow ridges thrown up with the plough,
at the time of sowing. Barley is not very generally nor very well
cultivated. The French do not want it. They like their own wines
better than English beer.

The sugar beet, which was introduced by Bonaparte, when the
victorious fleets of Britain were blockading the continent, still fur-
nishes most of the sugar, which is consumed by the French people.
The quantity of beets manufactured in 1835, according to the Min-
ister of Finance, was 668,946,762 lbs., and in 1836, 1,012,780,589
lbs. The value of the raw sugar from the harvest of 1835, was
:10,319,340 francs ; and of 1836, 48,980,000. The number of man-
ufactories was 542. This is probably a great saving to the country
even in time of peace, and it renders France entirely independent
of all the rest of the world in time of war. How we at the North
shall succeed in making our own sugar, Is yet to be proved. The
beet flourishes well upon our soil, and I see not why the manufac-
ture may not be carried to any extent, which the demand shall here-
after require.

It is but lately, that the French have found out the value of tur-
nips for feeding cattle and sheep ; and even the potato, that most
valuable of all the farinacious roots of high latitudes, has not long
been cultivated, even as a garden vegetable, in France. But at
present, vast quantities of potatoes are grown in the provinces of
Poitou, Normandy, Limosin and the Isle of France, and in less
quantities in other districts.

The vineyards of France are estimated at about 5,000,000 acres,
or one-twenty -sixth part of the territory; and they are so exceeding-
ly productive, that the grapes form, it is supposed, about one-sixth
part of its produce. They are commonly planted on rocky and in-
ferior soils. The general routine of cultivation is as follows. The
vines are planted promiscuously, from two and a half to four feet. —
About the middle of January, they receive the first cutting. In
March the ground is dug. In April and May, ihe provins or ten-
der sprigs are planted. In June, the seps, or shoots, are hoed and
tied to stakes with straw bands. The vines are hoed again in Au-
gust, and the vintage takes place in September or October. The
Champagne grape vine, it is said, will last 50 or 60 years. It is

7S" AGRICULTURE IN FRANCE.

never allowed to grow more than a foot and a half high, and is prun-
ed about the end of February, pruned again, and tied or propped up
in April or May ; pared and tied in June ; second trimming in Ju-
ly ; third trimming in August ; vintage in September or October.
In Champagne, the grapes are put into a press, and the juice is ob-
tained by two or three quick turns of a screw. " In Provence, the
method of pressing is very rude and simple. A man, and common-
ly two or three children pull off their shoes, and jump into the vats,
where they trample on the grapes till all the wine is pressed out." —
I need not say, that immense quantities of wine are exported from
France every year to England and to the United States ; nor that
if nine-tenths of it were mingled with the waters of the ocean, be-
fore it reaches either country, the loss to merchants and under-wri-
ters, would be great gain to consumers. What well man in a hun-
dred who drinks wine, needs it ? Who does not know, that " wine
is a mocker," as well as that " strong drink is raging V

Nothing is more painful than to think how large a proportion of
the gross produce of the earth is, in christian countries, converted
into poison, first to create and then to satisfy a raging appetite for
narcotic stimuli. In this country the raw materials are chiefly ap-
ples and rye; in England, Scotland, and Ireland, barley ; in
France and Italy, grapes ; in Sweden and all the north of Europe,
various kinds of grain. Anything to " steal away men's brains,"
inflame their blood, scorch their vitals, madden their passions, con-
sume their estates, beggar their families, curse the ground with their
carcases, and send their immortal souls to perdition.

I forgot to say, in the proper place, that the agricultural imple-
ments in France are, for the most part, extremely imperfect in prin-
ciple, as well as bungling in construction. The plough, for exam-
ple, is almost entirely of wood, and so made as to scratch and push
forward the soil, instead of turning it up in furrows. In the neigh-
borhood of Toulouse, a better plough is seen of pretty good con-
struction. The use of oxen in the plough is pretty general in
France ; and their yoke is a piece of wood, one sixth as heavy, per-
haps, as one of ours. It is put across the foreheads of the cattle,
the extremities being neatly hollowed out so as to fit the head, and
lined with sheepskin or some other soft padding. This yoke is fas-
tened to the horns with small leather thongs, and the beam of the
plough being attached to the middle of it, the equipment for labor

MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS. 79

is complete. In the harrows you will see no iron teeth, and the use
of rollers is awkwardly supplied by a plank, on which a boy rides
over the furrows. The carts which I saw would make you smile,
they are so long and narrow and inconvenient. The loads are some-
times bound on with a sort of rude windlass, which it would be very
difficult for me to describe. It is wonderful that a people of so
much natural ingenuity as the French, and claiming to hold the
first rank in all the fine arts, should plod on as they do, from gene-
ration to generation, with such implements of husbandry, as would
hardly do credit to a tribe of half civilized Indians.

Art. XIII. — Miscellaneous Matters.

On striking and subsequent culture of the Orange and
Citron. (By Mr W. Whale, Elcot Park, Newsbury, Berkshire.)
I beg leave to communicate to you my mode of cultivating the
Orange and Citron, which I have practised for many years with
great success, which may be of service to some of your subscribers

— that is from single eyes with a leaf attached to it ; I immure the
eye in the mould about half an inch deep, and they begin to make
roots very soon, sending up a strong shoot at the same time. I have
stuck fifty to a hundred in a large sized pot, and scarce one of them
failed, and of course a plant on its own bottom is preferable to a
plant introduced on another stock. When potted, they should be
watered liberally, and introduced into dung heat and shaded. I
find they strike most readily in a cucumber bed, the pots plunged to
their rims. The compost I generally use is rich loam and rotten
dung, the pots well-drained, and about- three inches of soot at the
bottom of the pot, if a little old mortar, so much the better. I also
find the Dahlia strike very freely from single eyes, and much the
best mode for summer propagation when you wish to propagate
valuable seedlings, as they make strong plants by autumn. I also
find Bignonias strike freely by the same method. If you think this
worthy of a place in your Cabinet, you are welcome to publish it.

— Floricultural Cabinet.

80

QUINCY MARKET.

[Reported for the Horticultural Register.]

APPLES, Russet,

barrel, 2 00 to 2 50

bushel.

] 00 1 50

Baldwins,

do. 2 00 2 50

do.

1 25 1

50

Goldi;d Pippin

.

do.

1 50

Common,

.

do.

75 1

25

BEANS, White

.

do.

2 OU 2

25

BEETS,

.

do.

50

75

CABBAGES,

.

dozen

50

75

CARROTS,

-

bushel

50

75

CELERY, -

.

root

6

10

CRANBERRIES,

.

bushel.

2 00 2 25

GRAPES, Malaga,

.

pound

25

37

HORSE RADISH,

.

pound

8

11

LEMONS,

.

dozen

37

50

LETTUCE,

-

head

10

12

NUTS, Almonds. (Soft shelled)

-

pound

7

8

(Hard)

-

do

4

5

Filberts

-

do.

4

5

English Walnuts

-

do.

5

7

Castana,

-

do.

3

5

Pea Nuts,

-

bushel 1 25 1

50

Shagbarks,

.

do.

2 00 3 00

Chestnuts,

.

do.

5 00 5

50

ORANGES, -

.

dozen

37

50

ONIONS,

bunch, 4 a 6

bushel

1 25 1

50

PARSNIPS, -

.

do.

75 1

00

PARSLEY,

.

half peck 25

PEARS, (Baking,) -

' .

bushel,

2 00 3 00

POTATOES, common, -

bushel, 40 50

barrel

1 00 1

25

Chenangoes,

do. 37i 50

do.

1 25 1

50

Eastport,

do. 1 00

do.

2 00 2 25

SQUASHES, various sorts ,

.

pound

4

6

SAGE,

-

do.

20

25

TURNIPS,

-

bushel

50

75

Remarks. — The markets appear to be well supplied with vegetables and
fruits and common at this season of the year, and prices remain about the sanr:e
as last month's. Potatoes are abundant at the prices quoted. Pears have
disappeared with the exception of the winter baking. Onions are higher than
usual at this season of the year. Of Cabbages there is a good supply.
Squashes are getting scarce.

Boston, Jan. 26, 1838.

THE

GARDENER'S MAGAZINE.

MARCH 1, 1838>

Art. I. — On the Nurseries in the Vicinity of Boston.

Mr Editor, — If you will permit me to use your valuable
publication, for this communication, and, it may be, for some
further remarks hereafter, it is my intention to lay before your
readers a few observations made on the Nurseries in the vicinity of
of Boston in the autumn of the year 1837. So far as my memo-
randums and memory will serve me, at the present moment, the
following is an outline of the establishment of my respected friend,
Mr William Kenrick, at Nonantum Hill, Newton.

The Nursery of Mr William Kenrick is west of Boston ; distance
about five miles. It is chiefly devoted to the cultivation of fine
fruit and hardy ornamental tree?, shrubs, roses, and herbaceous
plants. About 25 acres (out of 60 acres which constitutes the
establishment,] are at present appropriated to the purposes named.
This lot is chiefly situated on a hill ; which, from its exposure on
all sides to winds, is much less liable to be affected by the influence
of the late frosts of spring, or the early frost of autumn, than the
low grounds. Trees thus exposed to the winds, from every quarter,
are rendered hardy; and are the better prepared to withstand the
effects of a change of climate, whether they be sent to the east,
or to the west, to the north, or to the south.

I understood Mr Kenrick to say, that upwards of 60,000 trees
11

83

ON THE NURSERIES IN THE VICINITY OF BOSTON.

had been inoculated in his nursery during the past year. At the
time of my visit, I found some six or eight persons employed in
budding seedling peach trees. The buds, the hands were then
using, I found by the tallies, were from bearing trees, and from
sources to be depended upon. This is as it should be. The want
of proper attention, on the part of nurserymen, has heretofore been
fraught with disappointment, and the loss of much time to the cul-
tivator. To be certain that we have the right varieties, when we
co7)imence planting, is a foundriUon on which we may safely build
our hopes of /i/Zwre SMCcess. A small stock, warranted true to its
name, and in fine health, and vigorous growth, is worth a dozen
doubtful and scrubby trees. The method Mr Kenrick has adopted
to register the different varieties of all his plants, appears to me a
very good one. The nurserymen generally, at least in this section
of the country, have of late years used every precaution, in their
power, to prevent mistakes. I mention this fact, as many of my
friends and neighbors have gone " further and fared worse," when
they sent their orders to persons unknown to them, except by
catalogue. Several hundred trees, of the different kinds and varie-
ties of fruit, have been set out at suitable distances, by Mr Kenrick,
for the purpose of producing specimens in order to pruvc the new
kinds ; a few of which are cultivated for sale.

Upwards of two hundred varieties of choice Pears, lately received
from the garden of Professor Van Mens, of Flanders, and from
the garden of the London Horticultural Societies, at Cheswick ; are
now under cultivation by Mr Kenrick. Other fine sorts are expect-
ed during the present season.

The varieties of the Apples, of the Cherry, and of the Peach, are
on a large scale. Mr Kenrick has, it appears to me, ransacked the
orchards of Europe and America^ for good things. His selections
are choice ; yet very extensive. Gentlemen who are about to com-
mence, or to extend the cultivation of fruits, may here make a se-
lection of much, if not all, that is valuable in the orchard and
garden.

Another portion of the grounds, are devoted to the cultivation of
beautiful and hardy ornamental trees, shrubs, and roses ;

" Which at God's word in beauleous Eden grew ;
Q,ueea of ibe flowers that made that orchard gay,
The morning blushes of the spring's new day."

ON THE NURSERIES IN THE VICINITY OF BOSTON. 83

Additions, of the most choice kinds, are, T understand, yearly made
to this department. Several varieties of the Mulberry — suitable for
silk worms — are cultivated on an extensive scale, particularly the
Morus multicaulis.

Among the herbaceous plants I noticed a fine collection of Paeo-
nies ; containing most, if not all, the best kinds. This is a class of
plants worthy the cultivation and attention of the lover of flowers.
This part of Mr Kenrick's establishment, may be the subject of
some remarks at a future time.

I would here, were it my province so to do, made some sugges-
tions for the improvements in the immediate vicinity of the man-
sion, which is situated on the rising grouud, by a short and winding
avenue from the road. The proprietor will please pardon me for
making the above remark. He has done much to improve his
grounds, and, if I do not greatly mistake, he will — I judge from
hints dropped by himself — do much more.

From the summit of the hill, in the rear of the mansion, you
have a fine view of the city of Boston to the east ; and a delightful
prospect over a diversified country on all sides. The citizens of,
and strangers visiting, Boston, would do well to take a ride across
the Milldam to Newton, and fill their lungs with pure, fresh air, on
a summer's morning, when the " Sun is but half an hour high "
— here they would realize the lines of Douglass when they should
call to memory their visit to Nonantum hill.

'' Dew drops, little diamonds hung on every tree,

And sprinkled silvery lustre o'er the lea ;

And all the verdurous herbage of the ground

Was decked with pearls which cast a splendor round ;

The flowers, the buds, and every plant that grew

Sipp'd the fresh fragrance of the morning dew."

Roxbury, January 19, 1838. S. W.

84

Art. II. — Experimental Farm and Garden.

Within a few years, the science and art of useful and ornamen-
tal cultivation, have become subjects of general inquiry and attention,
throughout the United States; not only by practical farmers and
gardeners, but by statesmen and legislators, the illustrious in letters,
and the enlightened and patriotic, in all the diversified professions
and occupations, in which our enterprising citizens have been en-
gaged. Precept and example have combined to extend information,
and excite a passion for the noblest employment, in which man can
labor ; for it is from the earth, that he derives food and raiment, as
well as the comforts and luxuries of his existence, both physical and
intellectual.

The industrious arts and navigation are the vigorous ofTspring of
agriculture, the secondary means of perfecting, increasing and ren-
dering available, the products and interesting developments of rural
labor, genius and taste ; but it is the teeming and exhaustless earth,
which furnishes the materials for the works of the mechanic, the
construction of the vast fleets of commerce, and chiefly, the rich la-
ding, which they transport, from one hemisphere to another. The
acorns planted by Evelyn, in the reign of Charles II. supplied the
timber for that navy, whose thunders were so triumphantly directed
by a Collingwood and a Nelson ; and the immortal author of Mar-
mion and Waverley, when embellishing his extensive grounds at
Abbotsford, with forest trees, ingenuously declared, that besides the
immediate gratification, which that most interesting of ail his em-
ployments aflTorded, he could not but acknowledge, that he was stim-
ulated in his exertions, from the reflection, that it was possible, his
groves might furnish the ribs of oak, for some future squadron, which
would rival the victories of Aboukir and Trafalgar.

All the nations of antiquity, as well as those of modern times,
most distinguished for their advancement in civilization, attained
their grandeur from the resources of agriculture. The husbandman
furnished the materiel, as well as the persone^ of armies ; and mon-
archs have been powerful, in proportion to the prolificness of the soil,
over which their sceptres extended.

So much does the true and practical independence of nations —
the increase of their population, happiness and wealth, depend on
the indigenous means of support, that it is only when the supply is

EXPERIMENTAL FARM AND GARDEN. 85

augmented, to meet the general demand, and increases with a rapid-
ity equal to that of the inhabitants, that they may be considered, as
•in a flourishing and progressive condition.

Why is it then, it may be asked, that improvements in agricul-
ture have always remained in the rear of the other great branches
of art ? Jovellanos,* a distinguished Spanish author, has assigned
the reason. " Because it is an art more diflicuit to be carried on,
and requires more knowledge and understanding, than those which
admit of greater division ; for it is, in fiict, much less an art, than
an admirable reunion of several of the most distinguished arts."

Before the reign of Elizabeth, England was mainly dependent
upon Ffance, Holland, and other nations for bread and clothing;
but that talented and energetic queen, and her royal successors, —
especially after the revolution of 1668, — gave such an impulse to
agriculture, by a bounty on the exportation of wheat, and other en-
couragements, that the cereal grains soon became staples of ex-
change for foreign articles of trade ; and the woollen manufacturers
were so abundantly supplied with the native raw material, that they
were enabled, not only to meet the demand for home consumption,
but have, ever since, made nearly the whole earth tributary to them,
for their various, innumerable and beautiful fabrics. Indeed, the
history of the agriculture of Great Britain, since the middle of the
seventeenth century, reveals the causes of her mechanical, manu-
facturing and commercial prosperity, — of her wealth, power and
grandeur. It is the universal diffusion of intelligence, among the
cultivators and proprietors of the soil, which has rendered that is-
land more productive, and its whole surface more beautiful, than
any portion of the globe, — v/hich has covered its hills, plains and
valleys, with well-tilled fields, luxuriant gardens, and magnificent
villas.

While Bacon, Locke and Newton enlarged the bounds of exalted
philosophy, and Watt and Arkwright facilitated the labors of the
artist, by their wonderful mechanical inventions, Evelyn, Sinclair,
Young, Coke, and Knight, with a host of zealous compatriots, —
cheered on by nobles, princes and sovereigns, came forth, as the
illustrious apostles of husbandry ; and announced to the shepherd
and the ploughman, that their vocation was among the most useful

* His excellent work, on the Agriculture of Spain, was published in French
in 1806.

86 EXPERIMENTAL FARM AND GARDEN.

and honorable of tlie realm ; and from the baronial castle to the cot-
tage, the mighty influence of their teaching and example, has been
consfpicuously evinced, — thus fully establishing the correctness of
an axiom of Daveuant, one of the earliest writers on political econ-
omy, " that the real and effectual riches of a country, are its native
products." *

So general and emphatic is the inclination and taste throughout
England, for a residence in the country, that no one lives in a large
city, except for the purpose of acquiring the means to become a
proprietor of land ; and it may be truly said, that the dear and pro-
per home of an Englishman, whether noble or commoner, is under
his own roof-tree, in the midst of green fields and majestic groves.
It matters not, why, or where, he may have been compelled to ad-
venture, for fortune or honors; whether amidst the tumults of Lon-
don, and iron din of Birmingham, or in distant colonies, — on the
ocean, or in the battle field, he is animated, encouraged and cheer-
ed on in his arduous and perilous career, by the fond hope, that he
shall, one day, be restored to the venerable mansion of his ances-
tors ; or enjoy the quiet of a cottage, in some well remembered
" blissful haunt" of his youth, when —

" High over hills and low adown the dale,

He wandered many a wood, and measur'd many a vale."

It was in the midst of such a country-loving people, that experi-
ments were eagerly made, by the wealthy, enlightened and patriot-
ic, either for enriching the land, perfecting the implements and
modes of tillage, or improving the breeds of sheep, cattle, horses
and other domestic animals ; while others with equal zeal were suc-
cessfully engaged, in developing the capabilities of the soil and cli-
mate, for the introduction and multiplication of the varieties of cul-
inary vegetables, fruits, flowers and other plants, in the different
useful and ornamental departments of horticulture. Besides these
very efficient means of diffusing information, numerous agricultural
and horticultural societies were established, by w^hose generous and
active co-operation, a knowledge of the science and art of farming
and gardening has been universally disseminated; and now there
is scarcely a county or large town, that has not its experimental or
botanical garden, as well as extensive nurseries and plantations, of

■ His " Discourses on the trade, of England," was printed in 1666.

EXPERIMENTAL FARM AND GARDEN. 87

all kinds of fruit, forest and ornamental trees, shrubs, flowers and
every kind of useful vegetable production, which can be reared in
the open air, or under the protection of Walls, Green-houses, Stoves,
Conservatories and Vineries. r

Like causes and measures have produced the same happy results
in portions of France, Holland, Belgium, Germanv, Italy, and even
Russia ; and it becomes our duty to profit by these examples. It is
not expected that the practical operations of the large land owners,
or that those dearly cherished rural propensities, and that long cul-
tivated taste, which have embellished the scenery, and given a gen-
eral aspect of comfort, ease and substantial happiness, to the great
mass of the people of England aud Scotland, can be imuiediately
emulated in this country. We are, as yet. not sufficiently sensible
to the grandeur, and beauties of the works of nature, or ambitious
of that dignified independence and honorable distinction, which a
spacious, and well tilled farm would confer on the proprietor ; so
far from it, there is a too general proclivity and custom among the
rich and the educated, to hold the country in such terror or con-
tempt, that they either avoid, or gladly flee from it, to congregate
in the thronged emporiums of commerce; rather than seek, like
Sallust and Cicero, Washington and Madison, Webster and Clay,
Scott and Wilson, true domestic peace, manly exercise, exalted oc-
cupation and intellectual enjoyment, on the borders of some of our
spacious bays, noble rivers, romantic mountain streams, or numer-
ous forest embowered lakes. Stiil those other and efficient meana^
which have been so beneficially employed in Europe, should be
adopted here ; for they are admirably calculated to awaken a vigor-
ous spirit of inquiry, create a deeper interest for those exalted pur-
suits, which they are intended to illustrate, eflfect an amelioration of
condition among the hardy sons and thrifty daughters of Massachu-
setts, and exert a powerful and salutary influence, on all the branch-
es of rustic industry, throughout New England.

The Massachusetts Agricultural Society, with those of the several
counties, have done much, to advance the great object for 'Xhich
they were formed, and the Horticultural Society has more than an-
swered the expectations of its founders ; but to fulfil all the condi-
tions of such institutions, an extensive Experimental Farm and
Garden are indispensable, which shall embrace most of the advan-
tages of those, of a like character, that have' been successfully cs-

88 EXPERIMENTAL FARM AND GARDEN.

tablished, in many of the European nations, — either by individual
enterprise, liberal associations, or regal patronage.

The Experinriental Gardens of the London and Caledonian Horti-
cultural Societies of Chiswick and Inverleith, the Jardin des Plants,
in Paris, — which is more than seventy acres in extent, the Institute
Royal Horticole, at Fromont, the School of Rural Economy, at Al-
fort, and the National Farm, at Rambouillet, have been deservedly
celebrated, as among the most useful institutions of modern times.
The invaluable nurseries of Professor Van Mons at Brussels and
Louvain,for creating new varieties of fruits from the seed, have ver-
ified a novel and most important theory in vegetable reproduction,
and established a memorable epoch in the history of arboriculture.
The Botanical Gardens of Chelsea, Cambridge, Oxford, Liverpool,
Glasgow, Edinburgh and Dublin, and those of Leyden, Florence,
Vienna, St. Petersburg, and Moscow, are well known for the great
advantages, which the countries in which they are situated, have
derived from them; and the facilities they have afforded for the ac-
quisition and diffusion of intelligence, upon all subjects connected
with the vegetable realm.

The best model of an Experimental Garden, and School of In-
struction, is that at Fromont in France. It was founded in 1S29,
by the Chevalier Soulange Bodin — one of the most eminent horti-
cultural authors and practical cultivators of the age. The Garden
is at Ris, in the Departn'ient of Sein et Oise, and contains about
one hundred and thirty acres of land. It embraces the study and
knowledge of all plants reared in nurseries and gardens ; — their
multiplication and tlieir application, both to our wants and our
pleasures. Lectures are delivered and illustrated on botany and
physiology, as applicable to horticulture ; — the culture of fruit, for-
est and ornamental trees, culinary and other plants, indigenous and
exotic ; — and the theory and composition of landscape gardens. To
complete the studies, there is a library, a cabinet of demonstrative
instruments, models, implements, and an herbary. For the practi-
cal studies and employments, — besides the various labors of the
grounds, which are performed by the pupils, there are groups of
plantations, for the experimental operations of the Forest and Pomo-
logical Departments, and for the examination and verification of the
species, and variety of fruits, and the comparison and management
of forest trees.

EXPERIMENTAL FARM AND GARDEN.

^

The pupils are admitted at fifteen, and remain from three to five
years. No compensation is required, as their labor is considered
sufficient to defray the expense of instruction and support.

The establishment, which is required in this State, should be so
far enlarged, as to include, besides a branch, like the superb insti-
tution of Fromont, farming in all its details, as applicable to our
soil and climate, and a spacious Botanical Garden, scientifically ar-
ranged.

Each of these three Grand Divisions of the institution, to be un-
der the management of well educated and practical professors, with
able assistants, who are thoroughly acquainted with the theory and
art, and capable of giving instruction and directing the labors of the
several departments, in each of the chief divisions, and the whole
to be under the control of a General Superintendent.

The means for carrying such a plan into successful operation, it
is confidently believed, are immediately available, — for there is a
spirit abroad among the people, as enlightened, patriotic and ener-
getic, as the demand for such a movement is evident and imperious.
By a union of the funds of the Massachusetts Agricultural and Hor-
ticultural Societies, and the Botanical Department of Harvard Uni-
versity, with the generous co-operation of the officers and members
of these three institutions, as well as of the affluent, intelligent and
liberal throughout the State, an establishment, of the character pro-
posed, could be formed in the vicinity of Boston, which would do
more to diffuse a knowledge of the science and art, and a taste for
husbandry, gardening and botany, and to advance the general weal,
than has been accomplished, or it is possible to effect, while each
of those very valuable institutions is acting with limited means, and
independent of the others.

There is a tract of land in Brookline, owned by the Hon. David
Sears, and Ebenezer Francis, Esq., near the termination of the
Western Avenue, where from one hundred and fifty to two hundred
acres could be selected, remarkably well adapted for the various
purposes of a spacious farm, and Horticultural and Botanical Gar-
<iens of Experiment. Its topographical features, and proximity to
the capital, recommend it in preferen « t :t ; i ; < i! • i v iiifi pro-
per distance for the convenience of those persons who may be, the
most active in the foundation, and interested in the success of the

establishment.

12

90 EXPERIMliNTAL FARM AND GARDEN.

Is not such a project worthy of serious consideration? — and as a
first step, is it not expedient that committees be appointed, by the
Agricultural and Horticultural Societies above named, to deliberate
on, and report what measures may be most effectual for accomplish-
ing so desirable an object ? Conferences could be held by those
committees, with the officers of the University, as to the propriety
of the plan, and if sanctioned by each of these institutions, a public
meeting might,be called, and all persons invited to attend who were
disposed to aid in the undertaking. If prosecuted with zeal, there
can be little doubt, that the legislature would afford generous en-
couragement. To what more appropriate purpose can an endow-
ment in land be made, out of the vast tract, owned by the common-
wealth in Maine 1 It will not only enhance the value of the culti-
vated land within our own borders, to an amount far beyond that
for which the former may be sold ; but add thousands of acres to
the domain of agriculture, which are either untilled, or so very im-
perfectly as to afford but little more of subsistence than the wilder-
ness, which it proposed to render tributary to the immediate wants
and comforts, and the future prosperity of the whole people.

By experiments which have been made during the past year, it
has been clearly shown, that large portions of the northeastern
States are capable of yielding, with proper management, as bounti-
ful crops, as those more naturally favored districts of the country,
which have been significantly designated as the " Wheat growing
regions" of the Union. If the Middle and Southern States seek,
as fertilizing materials, the ashes of the East, a-jd the gypsum of the
British provinces, — and the farmers of England collect the bones,
which are wastefully scattered over continental Europe, and even
import them from this country, to enrich their lands, why should
not Massachusetts make her distant possessions subservient to that
intellectual cultivation, experience, and practical skill, which will
render her soil as prolific, as that, from whence \ve annually receive
such a vast amount of the first necessaries of life. Intelligence and
practical skill can convert the most barren earth into luxuriant
fields; and for the attainment of those indispensable prerequisites
of good husbandry, — to accomplish an object so momentous, the
State will not fail to afford the most ample assistance.

Industry, guided by genius and science, and aided by art, have
triumphed over all the obstacles which impeded man in the march

NEW YORK STATE REPORT, ETC. 91

of civilization ; they have unveiled the wonders of astronomy, and
the mysteries of chemistry, — explored the three vast realms of nat-
ural history, — embalmed and perpetuated the wisdom of ages in let-
ters,— illustrated the splendors of architecture, sculpture and paint-
ing,— discovered and approximated empires by navigation, — foun-
ded, multiplied, and facilitated lines of intercommunication by the
construction of canals and railways, — pressed into their service the
mighty elements of fire and water, and bade them perform the of-
fice of the winds on the ocean, and furnish the motive power of
transportation, and the hydraulic energies of the cataract on the
land, — and now, their last and most splendid victories are to be
achieved, for the benefit of the cultivator of the earth.

Columella.

Art. III. — The New York Slate Report '' o7i Horticulture
and the Household Arts, as intimately connected with the improve-
ment of Agriculture." By Alexander Walsh, Esq., Chairman
of the Committee.

(We have been favored by Mr Walsh witli a copy of his interesting report —
which will, we predict, be read with interest by all who desire to see our com-
mon farmers and others overcoming their depravity of taste witli respect to hor-
ticulture. Who that has observed the indifference and utter neglect common
in our country in relation to the subject before us, but would rejoice to see the
proprietors of the soil awakening to the importance of ornamenting their grounds
and supplying themselves with an abundance of luxurious fruits and vegeta-
bles, which we say is in the power ofevery individual who is in possession of an
acre of land. The report of Mr Walsh is well calculated to forward these im
portanl improvements to such as will read. — Ed )

Mr J. Breck —

Dear Sir : — In the recent proceedings of the agricultural society
of thisstate, you will find a report, on the subject of gardening and
the household arts, as connected with agriculture, to which my name
is attached. I would solicit your attention to the report ; not as a
specimen of fine composition, or one which does justice to the sub-
ject ; but as the best I could do, under the limited circumstances of
its production. Had I been at liberty as to time and space I might
perhaps, have treated the subject in such a manner as, if not worthy

:5« NEW YORK STATE REPORT ON

of your approval, might have met your eye with less need of apol"

ogy-

You will consider, it was necessary to adapt the report to the taste*
of the farmers as they are, and not as we would wish them ; and as
we have good reason to hope, at no very distant day, time will make
them. There are many men in the United States, who can appre-
ciate all the advantages and relish all the beauties of scientfjc Hor-
ticulture ; but unfortunately such is the taste, or rather the want of
it, in most of our agricultural community, that they are frightened,
even at the language.

Should the report, with these remarks, merit an insertion in your
most useful Register, I would wish its readers to understand, that
it was intended for the latter class, with a view, simply to coax them
into favor with the subject through thq hope of profit, which is all
that a majority of them can understand. Had it been designed for
the farmer, I should have dwelt with delight on all the rich parapher-
nalia of that heaven taught art. I should have endeavored to treat,
with becoming deference to those of better skill, on all the enchant-
ing beauties of design and arrangement. I should have introduced
the vine covered trellis, burdened with delicious clusters; the richly
stored green-house ; the cooling fountain ; the breeze courting sum-
mer-house ; the busts of interesting characters; the marble vase and
urns ; the bee-hive and sun-dial and appropriate mottoes; interspersed
with fruit of every name and flavor, and with rare exotic plants, and
our native choice gems gathered from the hills and valleys of our
vast and prolific continent. And wherever nature has furnished the
means, I would not have failed to make the rock a grotto and the
brook a cataract, with bridges and other suitable displays of archi-
tecture.

But by committing the subject to your hands, I hope that the per-
suasive influence of your periodical, will awaken the unenlicrhtened
by degrees, to a true sense of their interest ; while those of refined
taste will no doubt continue to find it a source of pleasure and im-
provement. Yours, respectfully,

Alexander Walsh.

Lansinghurgh, Feh. I9t/i, 1838.

The committee appointed to " inquire into the necessity and im-
portance of an increased attention to Horticulture and the House-

HORTICULTURE AND HOUSEHOLD ARTS. 93

hold Arts, as intimately connected with the improvement of Agri-
culture," beg leave to report —

That on investigating the subject in pursuance of the duty as-
signed them, they have become deeply impressed with a sense of
its importance ; and they regret that the necessary degree of brevity
. will only permit them to touch the mere outlines of some of the most
prominent arguments which present themselves in its favor.

By the term horticulture, they understand that portion of agricul-
ture which embraces the labors of the garden — the cultivation of
vegetables, fruits. &c.

It is strange, as well as lamentable, that though this appears es-
pecially designed, by the Creator, as the first and most important
employment of man, yet while every useful art is improving and
perfecting by the light of science, this most valuable art should be
left to grope in darkness — its value remaining unknown and un-
appreciated. All, therefore, that your committee can do is, to en-
deavor to awaken the public mind from ttie apathy under which it
sleeps on the subject ; to remove the strange prejudice which exists
against it ; and to open a way for the reception of those spontane-
ous rays of light which present themselves from luminous sources.

And here at the outset, your committee feel under peculiar embar-
rassments ; for what arguments can be offered, to awaken to un-
derstanding the mind of him who can discover no profit, or receive
no pleasure, from a well cultivated garden.

It is in vain that Infinite Wisdom has exerted its utmost skill in
forming, perfuming and painting flowers to decorate his path, and
sweeten the toils of life, if the same power has denied him a mind
susceptible of the enjoyment. The depravity of public taste, with
respect to gardening, has given currency to a common saying, that
"good farmers seldom have good gardens,'' but never was a sentence
more in opposition to the truth. It is so completely so, that if we
look on even a remote corner of a farm, and see it well fenced and
cultivated, we may almost rest assured that on visiting the dwelling
of its owner, we shall find a neat, tasteful and well stocked farm
garden. Indeed, so intimately connected are the moral and social
virtues, with a taste for admiring aud improving the beauties of na-
ture, that we can rarely find one without the other. There is, per-
haps, no other earthly subject so well calculated to awaken and ex-
pand every faculty of the mind, and fill the soul with pleasing

94 NEW YORK STATE REPORT OX

admiration, as a garden of culinary plants, fruits and flowers, where
art and science have done their duty in assisting nature.

Horticulture, both as an art and as a science, had undergone
great improvements, in several countries in Europe ; and it must be
painfully mortifying to an American of patriotic feelings, who is
acquainted with the subject, to see respectable foreigners, in pas-
sing through our country, notice the almost total neglect of th ia
beautifying and moralizing branch of social economy.

The mpde in which agriculture, if it can be so called, has hith-
erto been conducted, had its origin,' no doubt, in the circumstances
of the early settlers of our country. Those pioneers were not in sit-
uations to indulge refined taste ; being only enabled by their utmost
exertions to procure what would barely sustain life ; and pecuniary
necessity compelled them to cultivate such simple articles as they
could dispose of, in mass, for immediate relief, and the state of so-
ciety afforded no market for fruits or garden vegetables. This state
of things established a distaste for any thing to gratify the eye or
the palate, beyond bare necessity ; and this distaste has continued
with little improvement to the present time.

But a few among those engaged in agriculture, have discovered
that, by rational improvements in the system, not only the same
ground, with the same labor, might be made to double, and even
quadruple its former productions ; but that horticulture, tastefully
and judiciously managed, is calculated to improve the mind, to ex-
cite and expand the intellectual faculties; and especially to increase
wealth, at least as much as any other branch of agriculture.

The ancient prejudices against horticulture, are now beginning
to be overcome, by the convincing evidence of successful results,
and some of the more industrious and thinking farmers begin to see
that a well selected assortment of choice fruit yields a greater profit,
than perhaps any other crop from the same ground ; that.the choice
new garden vegetables cost no more in the cultivation than the '
most coarse and common, while they add comfort and healthy vari-
ety to the table, and lessen the heavier expense of animal food.
They begin in a few instances, to find that the value of a farm de-
pends not so much upon the number of acres as upon its judicious
mode of culture, and its productiveness. They see that a handsome
and convenient, but not a large and extravagant dwelling, surround-
ed by fruit and ornamental trees, but moreparticularly a well-stocked

HORTICULTURE AND HOUSEHOLD ARTS. 95

farm-house garden, not only increase their comforts and respectabil-
ity, and even their wealth while in possession, but if they wish to
sell, attracts the notice of purchasers and enhances the price.

Our forests abound with maple, elm, ash, and olher elegantly
formed ornamental shade trees, which we would recommend our
agriculturists to plant along the road side, bordering their home-
steads. They will thrive in almost any situation, and add beauty
and value to their possessions and improve the general aspect of the
country. " We never pass a tree which has been planted and nur-
tured by man, but we feel gratitude and respect towards the hand
that did it." The cultivation of the Mulberry and the growth of
timber, particularly live oak, locust and cedar, deserve the highest
consideration ; such trees being required, and commanding a high
price for ship building, and in our growing manufactories.

In short, from the palace to the humblest cottage the business of
horticulture, when carried to the perfection of which it is suscepti-
ble, appears to your committee, to be calculated, above all other
branches of industry, to improve the mind and manners; to in-
crease and multiply the comforts, and promote the wealth and
respectability of the community.

We would therefore recommend to all, to use all justifiable exer-
tions to excite a more general taste for horticulture, and to promote
a more thorough and generally diffused knowledge of its principles
and practice. To this end, we would recommend, that those who
have any knowledge of the subject would communicate it to those
who have none, and that more general attention should be paid to
the various periodicals which are published and publishing on horti-
culture, and subjects connected with it — and they would also sug-
gest that should the honorable legislature think proper to lend their
aid to the subject, as they have done in some of the other states,
much might be effected by their employing and paying some suita-
ble person to write or compile a text book as a manual for the use
of farmers and mechanics on horticulture and the household arts,
and particularly on the subject of the growing of silk.

With respect to the " necessity and importance of the household
arts," your committee are fully convinced, that, in the thriftiness,
and good regulations and consequent happiness of society, as much
depends on good housewifery as on good husbandry. It is a com-
mon saying, that " the man who would thrive must ask his wife."

98 NEW YORK STATE REPORT ON

These arts are not only more numerous and complicate, but suscep-
tible of even greater improvements both from the aid of science and
the dictates of common sense, than those which belong to the out-
door economy ; and they principally belong to the female depart-
ment. The culinary arts alone embrace a more extensive and com-
plicated system of knowledge than probably appertains to any one
trade in the compass of the mechanic arts. On that system
depends, not only our comfort and satisfaction in eating and drink-
ing, and our health in the choice and preparation of food, but our
prosperity in the economy of its management. The important
business of the dairy depends almost entirely upon the skill of the
housewife. But a few years ago they were the sole manufacturers
of most of our clothing, and still a portion of it depends for its for-
mation on their ingenuity and industry; even in the cottages of the
poor, we may often admire the talents of the industrious housewife,
where

" The niither wi' her needle an' lier shears,
Gars ouid clathes look aii/aist as well's the new.''

But these important domestic arts, on which our comforts and pros-
perity so much depend, are too much neglected and despised. It
is the duty, and ought to be the pride of every mother in America,
to teach her daughters, first the most substantial and all important
arts of good housewifery; and next to call forth and excite to action
all their surplus ingenuity, diverting it into such channels as will
elevate our national character, and by lessening dependence on
foreign nations, promote independence of our own.

It is natural, and perhaps proper, for females to delight in finery ;
and to this end, nature has invested them with sprightly intellects
to invent, and delicate fingers to construct it. But instead of avail-
ing themselves of these precious gifts of nature, our females gener-
ally appear to have almost wholly lost sight of, or never to have
possessed a spark of that national pride which would prompt them
to turn those talents to their own advantage. It would be deemed
an insult to say that they have not as much inventive talent and
refined taste as the females of France, and yet they appear to have
cultivated a spirit of emulation to outdo each other in servile de-
pendence on French fashions and French finery ; (which fashions
and finery do not arrive here, until cast off in France, so that the
summer dresses of that country become the unsuitable dresses of

HORTICULTURE AND HOUSEHOLD ARTS. 97

this,) until by extravagant importations of those articles, added to
the immense amount paid for silk beyond our means, we have con-
tinued to plunge our country into a state of pecuniary distress, from
which it will not soon be extricated. How much more indepen-
dence should we display if our females would employ their leisure
hours, and exert their ingenuity, in constructing ornamental dresses
suited to our climate, according with their own refined taste, and
let the French follow their own fashions, or servilely copy ours if
they please.

Those of our young females who are destined to receive what is
considered a polite education, are by the present national public
taste, studiously kept ignorant of any thing which can contribute
in the slightest degree to the future benefit of their families or
themselves. Thus, in most of the more opulent families of the
community, those important arts on which domestic comforts so
greatly depend are left to the sole possession and management of
domestics.

It is, therefore, of the highest importance, that females who are
coming on the stage of action, should receive such education as
should fit them in a greater degree for the important stations they
are destined to fill. Without rejecting what are justly considered
polite accomplishments, every female who is to become the head of
a family, ought to have a thorough theoretic and practical knowl-
edge of all the arts which appertain to cookery and systematic
household arrangement. This knowledge would be greatly en-
hanced by an acquaitance with some of the natural sciences, par-
ticularly chemistry. Indeed, so important is a smattering of that
branch of science, in every part of household economy, especially
in the management of a dairy, that no female ought to be considered
well educated without it.

But there is one branch of the household arts which your com-
mittee would strongly recommend.

By the aid of the labor saving inventions, females are relieved
from a great and tedious part of their former labors, and they have
consequently now a considerable portion of leisure.

There are many little household arts, by which they could
manufacture little articles, which would command fair prices in
market.

Many of these arts have been introduced by necessity in other
13

9S NEW YORK STATE REPORT, ETC.

countries ; and a little attention to the subject would render them
sources of profit here.

There is one which we would earnestly recommend, as paramount
to, and probably superceding the necessity of any other. This is
growing and reeling of silk. This is, perhaps, as pleasing an em-
ployment as the human faculties can be engaged in. It is insepa-
rably connected with a branch of horticulture, and will need some
male assistance in cultivating the Mulberry trees, and erecting ne-
cessary fixtures. But the growing the silk is the appropriate work
of women and children. It is periodical, leaving long intervals of
rest; and the reeling is a light, easy and social employment, pecu-
liarly calculated for delicate female fingers.

The profits arising from this business, will be equal, if not supe-
rior to those of any other branch connected with agriculture ; and
will need no other time devoted to it in the female department than
is now devoted to leisure. It is now the heaviest item of our impor-
tations, and will find a sure market among ourselves, or will com-
mand a high price in return for its exportation.

Your committee, therefore, would most fervently urge that a pro-
per attention to horticulture, effecting by art and science all the im-
provements of which it is susceptible, and similar attention to the
household arts, as of the highest national importance, particularly
the growing of silk, affording the surest guarantee to the indepen-
dence and prosperity of our union.

Your committee would also strongly urge the importance of coun-
ty Fairs, as one of the most efficient means of improving both agri-
culture and horticulture, and the household arts, by awakening am-
bition and exciting a spirit of emulation in both sexes. These Fairs
would, as they have already done in many places, call forth new
displays of ingenuity — choice products of the farm and of the gar-
den, in needle work and miscellaneous subjects ; and we think the
legislature would do much to exalt the national character by appro-
priating a small fund to each county, that may have its rural socie-
ty, for the support of such Fairs.

All of which is respectfully submitted.

Alexander Walsh, Chairman-

99

Art. IV. — Blight in Pear, Apple and Quince Trees.

There has been so much written, said and sung on this subject,
that like the everlasting chess question, I can hardly think what I
b^'lieve myself, and it seems from the intricacy of the cause, to be
involved in the same impenetrable obscurity. Theory and specula-
tion are about exhausted, and it is full twelve o'clock with the sub-
ject and high lime that observation and examination took the place
of both.

I have been grievously afflicted with the blight, particularly on
peat trees ; and really it is too bad to watch and nurse a pear tree»
and to put up with their perversity in coming into bearing, and then
not only to find the fruit blasted, but the tree dying, beyond the
power of relief, or hopes of resuscitation.

Now what is the cause ? In the name of St. Michael, St. Ger*
main, and the melting Virgaleuse, will not the lovers of that best of
all good fruits set their noddles to work on this doubtful question,
and trace the disease from its incipient stage to its crisis, and set the
world right on the subject beyond cavil or speculation.

This disease has had as many causes assigned for it as there are
theories for the formation of the globe, and some of them as pre-
posterous, and like Macbeth's witches, " come like shadows to de-
part."

Electricity at one time was indicted and found guilty of the
crime, but I believe escaped punishment from being so subtle a cus-
tomer.

The tap root, piercing the cold and ungenial soil downward to a
redundancy of water, has been shrewdly suspected of the mis-
chief

Too rich earth, and highly manured soil, has also been suggested
as one of the causes, whereby a phthory was produced, and more
sap sent up than the leaves could elaborate, which becomes stag-
nant, and fermentation takes place.

Disease of the leaf, either by the slug or other insect, or by the
honey dew, whereby the ability to elaborate the sap is destroyed,
and the sap becomes unfit for circulation.

Insects, minute and animalcuiar, are also charged as the secret
■and invisible destroyers, who perforate the bark and lodge in the

100 BLIGHT IN PEAR TREES, ETC.

cellular tissue, and destroy and sap the very vitals of life and health;
but it requires a glass equal to the one used by the author of the
celebrated moon hoax to discover them, and in my opinion like that
affair, equally a fable..

Another cause was broached by Mr Goodsell, former editor of the
Genesee Farmer , that it was a virus generated in the young fruit
at the period of blossoming, or from some infection generated in a
blasted fruit from some cause, and sent downward by the returning
sap.

Now, Mr Editor, I will even give you my opinion, and as I don't
charge anything for it, I trust you will have the complacency to
say, thank you, sir — or, thank you kindly — 1 am not particular
which.

Since the theory started by x\Ir Goodsell, I have been making ob-
servations on the progress of this disease, and have come to the con-
clusion that he is right ; for I have never observed a tree to be af-
fected with a blight, until it had arrived at the period of blossoming,
and I have never known a blight to commence except where there
was a blighted fruit, or where it was evident one had dropped.
Now whether the virus is engendered by the vitiation of the sap
in the young fruit, which may have been destroyed and render-
ed imperfect by cold winds, rain, or other causes ; or whether the
disease and cause of death is occasioned by some derangement of
the pollen, by the absorption of some deleterious substance; or by
the adventitious contact of the pollen of the blossoms of other trees,
imparting a noxious impregnation ; or by the disposition by some
insect of its ovum, which in passing through its changes, destroys
and poisons the fruit, is a moot point, which he that is able to lay his
finger upon, will be entitled to be ranked as rather clever, and I
ask of your readers to make observations on these points : — Whether
a tree is ever affected before it comes into hearing and sets fruit —
and whether it does or does not always commence on a stem that has,
or has had, a hlightedfruit upon it 7

I am perfectly persuaded that the tapped root theory is tapped too
low, for a fine lot of trees were blighted last summer, which grew on
the high gravelly bank of the ridge road, in a situation where no
reasonable tap root would ever think of looking for cold stagnant
water.

Quince trees during the last year were generally affected more

ON THE CLASSES OF SOILS. 101

or less, and many orchards of apple trees had many of their twigs
singed.

It is an important inquiry, and worthy of the investigating acute-
ness of your most enlightened readers. — Gen. Far.

Art. III. — On the Classes of Soils, and their Properties.

The soil is the upper portion of the ground in which plants are
produced. Ic forms a stratum of from a few inches to a foot or
more, in depth. It is usually somewhat dark in color, arising from
the mixing with it of the decomposed stems, leaves, and other parts
of plants which had grown upon it, and in part, often by the pres-
ence of animal substances. It is this mixture of the substance of
organic bodies, with the mineral matter of the upper stratum, which
distinguishes this stratum from the subjacent mass of earth or rock,
to which the term subsoil is applied. The decomposed organic por-
tion of the soil may be termed mould ; and it is the presence of
mould, accordingly, which distinguishes the soil from the subsoil.

Soils are very various in their fertility and texture. With relation
to the power of producing useful plants, they may be termed rich or
poor ; with relation to their texture, they may be termed stiff, — and
free or light. The stiff soils are those which are tenacious and co-
hesive in their parts ; the light or free soils are those which are of
a looser texture, and whose parts are easily separated. But the co-
hesive soils pass into the loose by imperceptible gradations, and
hence, though all soils may be termed rich or poor, stiff or light,
they are so in every degree of fertility and texture.

All the soils which possess this tenacious or cohesive property in
a considerable degree, are termed clays, or clayey soils ; while all
the looser soils are termed light or free. And all soils are more or
less clayey, or more or less light, as they possess more or less of iSia
tenacious and cohesive property, or of this looser texture.

The fertility of soils is, cceteris paribus, indicated by the greater
or smaller proportion of mould which enters into their composition.
When soils are thus naturally fertile, or are rendered permanently
80 by art, they are frequently termed loams : Thus, there are clayey

102 ON THE CLASSES OF SOILS.

loams and sandy loams ; and peat itself may, by the application of
labor and art be converted into loam.

The parts of plants which grow upon the surface, and are mixed
with the mineral matter of the soil, may decompose and become and
mould. Under certain circumstances, however, the plants which
have grown upon the surface do not decompose, but undergo a pe-
culiar change, which fits them to resist decomposition. They are
converted into peat, and the soils formed of this substance are term*
ed peaty. The peaty soils are of the lighter class, and are distin-
guished from all others by peculiar characters.

Soils, then, may be distinguished from one another: —

1st. By tlieir texture, in which case they may be divided into two
classes, — 1st., the stiff, denominated clay, 2d., the lighter free,
comprehending the peaty.

2d. By their utility or power of producing useful plants, in which
case they are termed rich or poor.

Soils, too, from particular causes, may be habitually wet or ha-
bitually dry. Soils, therefore, may be farther distinguished by their
general relation to moisture. When water, from any cause is gen-
erally abundant, the soil may be termed wet ; when there is habit-
ual deficiency of water they may be termed dry.

Subsoils, it has been said, are distinguished from soils properly so
termed, by the absence of mould. Plants in growing, may extend
their roots into the subsoil, and decomposing there, be mixed with
it. But this is in small quantity, and for the most part, the subsoil
is readily distinguished by the eye, from the upper stratum or soil,
by the absence of organic matter in a decomposed or decomposing
state.

Subsoils may either consist of loose earthy matter like the soil,
or they may consist of rock subsoils, therefore, may be divided into
two classes, the rocky and the earthy.

When the soil rests directly upon, and extends to the rock, with-
out any intervening matter, the soil will frequently be found to be
similar in the composition of its mineral parts to the rock upon
which it rests, from having been formed by the gradual disintegra-
tion of that rock. This is chiefly found to be the case with the soils
of mountains ; for, in plains, the soil is generally formed, not by the
disintegration and decomposition of the rock upon which it rests,

ON THE CLASSES OF SOILS. 103

but by the intermixing together of the disintegrated parts of differ-
ent rocks and mineral strata.

The rocky subsoils consist of granite, sandstone, limestone, chalk,
and the other mountain rocks of a country. They are sometimes
easily penetrated by the water that falls upon the soil, and are then
termed free or porus; and sometimes they resist the percolation of
water, when ihey are termed close or retentive.

The earthly subsoils may, in like manner, be divided into the close
or retentive, and the free or porous. The retentive are those which,
from containing much clay, are tenacious and cohesive in their parts,
and little pervious to fluids ; the porous are those which, havino- less
clay in the composition, are more readily permeable.

Whether the subsoil be retentive or porous, the soil which rests
upon it should be of good depth. If the soil be shallow on a reten-
tive subsoil, it is affected too greatly by the alterations of dryness and
moisture. And if, again, a shallow soil rests on a porus subsoil, the
moisture of the soil is too easily acted upon and exhausted by heat.

A subsoil, in so far as mere texture is concerned, should be neither
too retentive or too porus. But although this intermediate condition
is in most cases the best, yet in a very cold and moist country, a
free porus subsoil is for the most part to be preferred to one which
is close and retentive. The soil, besides being affected by the tex-
ture of the subsoil, is sometimes also affected by the nature of the
mineral substances of which the subsoil is formed.

If the subsoil be rocky, it is desirable that it be calcareous rather
than siliceous, chalk or limestone, for example, rather than quartz.
Sometimes the subsoil contains matter which is directly injurious to
the growth of plants. This matter is generally found to be the ox-
ides of metals in combination with acids. Subsoils of this kind are
usually distinguished by deepness of color.

Soils, then, it is seen, are affected in their properties, not only by
their own texture and composition, but by the texture and composi-
tion of the subsoil ; and they are divided into the stiff or clayey, and
the light or free.

The clayey soils have as their distinguishing character the ad-
hesiveness of their parts ; and this property alone will enable even
the inexperienced to discriminate them. A stiff clay, when dried
either by natural or artificial heat, becomes so hard as to resist a con-
siderable mechanical pressure. On account of the tenacity of such

104 ON THE CLASSES OP SOILS.

soils, they are tilled with more difficulty than the freer soils. They
require, to fertilize them, a larger proportion of manures ; but they
retain the effects of these manures for a longer time. They are bet-
ter suited to the cultivation of plants with fibrous than with fleshy
roots or tubes.

Soils of this class, as of every other, possess many degrees of nat-
ural fertility. The poor clays form, for the most part, an unprofita-
ble soil, because, vvhile their powers of production are inconsiderable,
the expense of tilling them is large. The clay soils of this char-
acter are generally of little depth, and rest upon a retentive subsoil.
The natural herbage they produce is coarse and little nutritious, and
they are not well suited to the production of the cultivated grasses
and other herbage plants. They are little fitted for the growth of
turnips, orother plants with fles'ny roots or tubers. Such sorts have
every where local names which sufficiently denote their qualities.
They are termed, by not an improper figure, cold soils ; and some-
times they are classed under the general name moor, which term is
often used to denote soils, whatever be their nature, of a low degree
of fertility.

Very different in their value and nature are the richer clays.
These bear weighty crops of the cultivated kinds of corn ; they do
not excel the better soils of other classes so greatly in the production
of oats, and still less in that of barley, in which the lighter loams
rnny surpass them ; but they ate unequalled for the production of
wheat, and, in many places, derive their descriptive appellation from
that circumstance, being termed wheat soils. They are well suited
for the growth of the bean, a plant, with a weighty stem, and re-
quiring a stiff soil to support it. They will yield large returns of the
cultivated grasses, and leguminous herbage plants, though they are
not so quickly covered with the natural herbage plants of the soil,
when laid down to perennial pasturage, as the lighter soils.

Clays, like the other soils, approach to their most perfect condition
as they advance to that state which has been termed loam. The
effect of judicious tillage, and of the application of manures, is to
improve the texture of such soils as well as to enrich them. Thus,
clays in the neighborhood of cities become dark in their color, and
less cohesive in their texture, from the mixture of animal and vegeta-
ble matter, and thence acquire the properties of the most valued
soils of their class.

ON THE CLASSES OF SOILS, 105

Natural chaages, however, yet more than art, have furnished the
ifich soils of clay. The best, for the most part, of the soils of clay,
are those which are formed from the alluvial deposits of rivers or
the sea. The finest natural sorts of this and other countries, are
those which are thus formed. The deposits of rivers, indeed,
are not always of a clayey nature. In mountainous districts
they generally form soils of the lighter kinds. Where the
sea, however, is the agent, or where both the rivers and the tides
combine their action, the deposits generally partake of the nature
of clay. Such alluvial soils have every where local terms to mark
their character and fertility. On the great rivers and estuaries in
England, and in what are termed carses in Scotland, fine and ex-
tensive districts of this kind exist.

The next class of soils is the light or free. These are readily dis-
tinguished from the last by their smaller degree of tenacity. They
are less suited for the production of wheat and beans than the clays,
but they are better suited for the production of plants cultivated for
their roots, as the turnip and potato.

This class of soils may be divided into two kinds or sub-classes,
differing from each other in certain characters, but agreeing in the
common property of being less tenacious in their parts than the
clays.

The first of these sub-classes of the lighter soils has been termed
the sandy.

The sandy soils are of all the degrees, from barrenness to fertility.
When wholly without cohesion in their parts, they are altogether
barren, and are only rendered productive by admixture of other sub-
stances. The cultivated sands part readily with their moisture on
the application of heat. They do not become hard like the clays,
and, making no considerable resistance to external pressure, they
are tilled with little labor.

The poorer sands are almost always marked by the scantiness of
their natural hedges. This character they possess in common with
the poorer gravels. Other soils, even the poorest, may be thickly
covered with the plants peculiar to them, but the poorer sands and
gravels usually put forth their natural herbs with a sparingness which
denotes the absence of vegetable nourishment.

But sand, without losing its distinctive character as a soil, may
possess a greater cohesiveness in its particles, and be fertile by na-
14

106 ON THE CLASSES OF SOILS.

ture, or rendered so by art ; and then the soils denominated sandy,
become of deserved estimation. Rich sands are early in maturing
the cultivated plants, and thence they are familiarly termed kindly
soils. They are fit for the production of every kind of herbage and
grain. They yield to the richer clays in the power of producing
wheat, but they surpass them in the production of rye and barley.
They are well suited to the growth of the cultivated grasses; and
when left in perennial pasture, they are quickly covered with the
natural plants of the soil. But their distinguishing character is their
peculiar adaptation to the raising of the plants cultivated for their
roots and tubers.

The next division of the lighter soils, and allied in characters to
the sandy, is the gravelly.

Sands will frequently be found to be the production of flat coun-
tries, gravels of the mountainous and rocky. The characteristic of
the gravelly soils is the quantity of looso stones which they contain.
These stones will be found to consist of those varieties of rock which
the mountains of the country afford ; and the nature of these rocks
will frequently indicate the characters of the soil ; thus soils, of
which the stony matter is very siliceous, are generally found to be
barren, while those of which it is calcareous, are found to be fertile.

Sands, upon examination, will be found to consist of small parti-
cles of stony matter, and thus sands may be said to differ from grav-
els only in the more minute divisions of their parts. V^et in this
minuteness of division, there is generally sufficient to distinguish the
two kinds of soil. The stony matter of the sand forms its principa]
component part, while the larger stones in the gravel, which give to
it name and character, seem only to be mixed with the other neces-
sary parts of the soil. The stone of the one has undergone a con-
siderable mechanical division, while much of that of the other has
only been loosened, in sensible masses, from its native bed. Any
light soil, mixed with a sufficient portion of stones, is gravel, and
(Travel, therefore, is nothing else than the different kinds of light
soil, mixed with a greater or less proportion of stones.

Gravels, like sands, have all the gradations of quality from fertility
to barrenness. The loose soils of this nature, in which the unde-
composed material is great, and the intervening soil siliceous, are
held to be the worst of their kind. These are, in some places, term-
ed hungry gravels, not only to denote their poverty, but their ten-

ON THE CLASSES OF SOILS. 107

dency^to devour, as it were, manure, without any corresponding
nourishment to themselves. As the texture and quality of the inter-
vening earth improves, so does the quality of the entire soil ; and
gravels, like sands and clays, advancing through all the intermediate
degrees, may become at last of great fertility.

The rich gravels will produce all the cultivated kinds of grain.
Their looser texture renders them less suited than the clays to the
growth of wheat and beans ; but they are admirably adapted to the
growth of barley and oats. They are quick in their powers of pro-
ducing vegetation ; and from this quality, they are in some places
termed sharp or quick soils. They readily admit of alternations of
herbage and tillage, and improve in a state of perennial pasturage.
They are generally trusty soils with regard to the quality of the
grain which they yield ; and in this respect they differ from many of
the sands, in which the quality of the grain produced does not al,
ways accord with its early promise. It is well, then, even in the
best sands, to see a tendency to gravel, which denotes a sharpness,
as it is termed, in the soil. Gravels, like sands, are suited to the
culture of the different kinds of plants raised for their roots and tu-
bers ; and they are in so peculiar a degree suited to the growth of
turnips, that, in some parts, they receive the distinguishing appella-
tion oi turnip soils.

The last division of the lighter soils consist of those termed peaty.
The matter of the soils of this class is dark in color, spongy in its
texture, and full of the stems and other parts of plants, either entire
or in a state of partial decay. It is generally tough and elastic ; and
when dried, loses greatly of its weight, and becomes inflammable.
These, the most observable characteristics of the soil termed peaty,
will distinguish them, in their natural state, from every other ; and
even when they shall have been greatly improved by culture,
enough of their original characters will remain to make them
known.

Peat, it has been said, consists of vegetable matter which has un-
dergone a peculiar change. Under a degree of temperature not
sufficiently great to decompose the plants that have sprung up upon
the surface, these plants accumulate ; and aided by a certain degree
of humidity, are converted into peat, which is either found in strata
upon the surface of plains, or accumulated in great beds on the tops
and acclivities of mountains,or in valleys, hollows, and ravines. Sue-

108 ON THE CLASSES OF SOILS.

cessive layers of plants being added to the mass, it continues to in-
crease, under circumstances favorable to its production. Water is
a necessary agent in its formation, and we may believe, too, a pecu-
liar temperature, since it is only in the cold and temperate, and not
in the warmer regions of the earth, that it is found to be produced.
The plants which form it have not entirely decayed, but still retain
their fibrous texture ; and from the action of certain natural agents,
have acquired properties altogether distinct from those which, in
their former condition they were possessed of. They have now
formed a spongy elastic inflammable body, and so different from the
common matter of vegetables as to be highly antiseptic.

The plants whose progress towards decomposition has been thus
arrested, are very various. Over the greater part of the surface of
the primary and transition districts of colder countries, the peat is
chiefly formed of mosses and other cryptogamic plants, mixed with
the heaths and other plants which had grown along with it. Some-
times the peat has been found in swamps and lakes, and at other
times the humidity of the climate has been sufficient to form it in
one continued bed, covering the whole surface of the country.

Of the heaths which enter into the composition of peat, that hardy
species the common ling, Cailuna vulgaris, is the native inhabitant
of the alpine countries of northern Europe, and grows in vigor, and
overspreads the surface, where hardly any of the larger plants would
live. But although this and other species of heath are very gener-
ally converted into peat, this is not necessarily or universally so.
By the growth and decay of the roots and stems, a soil is indeed
formed ; but then this may take place in the same manner as in
other soils, and without the actual conveision of the upper stratum
into peat. This, however, in the case of the cold and moist coun-
tries of the north of Europe, is comparatively rare, for generally the
heaths, from the slowness of decomposition of their ligneous roots
and stems, are wholly or partially converted into peat. In the cases
in which these plants are not converted into peat, a dry and turfy
soil is formed, different in aspect from that formed by the gramine-
ous and other easily decomposed plants, but still produced in the
same manner, though, like the peaty soils, elastic and inflamable,on
account of the great quantity of ligneous matter in its composition.
The soil itself is generally thin and little favorable to vegetation. It

ON THE CLASSES OF SOILS. 109

usually rests upon a subsoil of siliceous sand, and sometimes chalk,
and then it is comprehended under the class of soils termed light.

The soil formed of peat would, from its vegetable composition,
seem to contain within it the necessary elements of fertility, and yet
this is not to be found to be so. The excess of vegetable matter
which it contains is injurious rather than useful. In this state of
nature it is often found to be as barren as the sand of the desert,
and scarcely to deserve the name of soil, until the labor of art has
been extended to its improvement, and even then it is not entirely
divested of its original character.

The effect of a thorough draining off of the water of peat, contin-
ued for a long time, is to carry away the antiseptic matter which it
contains. When the water of peat has ceased to be turbid and
comes off clear, then we have the assurance that the peat is freed
of the principles injurious to vegetation. This is the greatest im-
provement of which peat is susceptible, and when we have brought
it to this condition, the main difficulty of improving it has ceased.

Peat may then be brought to the state of what has been termed
loam. In this ameliorated condition it becomes a soil of the lighter
kind, well suited to the culture of the larger-rooted plants. It is
dark in its color like the richest vegetable loam, and to the inexpe-
rienced eye may pass as such, — But still, unless greatly corrected
in its texture by the application of the earths, it is found to be po-
rous and loose, too quickly saturated with moisture, and too easily
freed from it. In this improved condition it will yield bulky crops
of oats and barley, although the quantity of the grain will not always
correspond with the weight of the stem, nor the quality of the grain
with its quantity.

Soils, then, we have seen, may be distinguished according to their
texture and constitution, when they may be divided into two classes,
— the stiff or strong, denominated clays, — the light or free subdi-
vided into the Sandy, Gravelly, and Peaty ; and all these, again,
may be distinguished,

1st — According to the powers of production, when they are
termed Rich or Poor ; and

2nd — According to their habitual relation with respect to mois-
ture, when they are termed Wet or Dry.

This simple nomenclature of soils is sufficiently intelligible to the
practical farmer. The farmer chiefly regards soils with relatiim to

110 ON THE CLASSES OF SOILS.

their fertility, and the means of cultivating them, and he naturally
classifies them according to these views. A main distinction between
soils, in practice, is founded upon their comparative productiveness, ,
and this is the distinction which is most important with regard to
mere value. We constantly refer to soils with reference to their
good or bad qualities, without adverting to the particular circumstan-
ces which render them of good or bad quality. We speak familiar \y>
for example, of land worth 30s., 40s., and 50s. the acre, without
considering whether it be a fertile clay, a fertile sand, or a highly
improved peat. We speak of it with reference to its fertility and
value alone. But those other distinctions, which are derived from
its constitution and texture, are essential when we regard the man-
ner of cultivating such a soil; for the same methodof tillage, and the
succession of crops, as will be afterwards seen, do not apply to all
poor soils, but are determined by the character of the soil, as deriv-
ed from its other properties.

Though soils are thus distinguished by external characters, they
pass into each other by such gradations, that it is often difficult to
say to what class they belong. These intermediate soils, too, are
the most numerous class in all countries. The soils termed peaty,
indeed, form a peculiar class, always marked by distinctive charac-
ters; but even these, when mixed with other substances, pass into
the earthy soils, by imperceptible gradations. We may say, there-
fore, that the greater part of soil consists of an intermediate class,
and that it is often difficult to bring them under any division, deriv-
ed from their texture alone. Such soils, however, can always be
distinguished by their powers of production. They are good, bad,
or intermediate between good and bad ; and their relative value is
determined by the produce which, under similar circumstances they
will yield. — Low 's Elements of Agriculture.

Ill

Art. VI. — A Treatise on the Culture of Fruit. By Pomona.

GENERAL OBSERVATIONS ON THE CULTURE AND MANASEM ENT OF

FRUITS.

There are few individual branc^hes of Horticulture, that are
more deserving of a careful observation, than the culture of choice
fruit; and it may be justly said, in many cases, that there are few
subjects connected with the science, that are less generally known
and practically understood, with an exception of a few individuals
that have paid much attention, and made minute investigation into
the natural propensities o^ fruit trees, who have in many cases not
only realized every expectation, but in many ways received a com-
pensation from their labors, of the most satisfactory nature.

Choice fruit of almost any kind, meets a pretty general demand in
most of the markets in the Northern States ; nor has there been any
lack in planting, in most parts, to meet the general demand ; how-
ever, a deficiency is apparent, which must be considered partly ow-
ing to mismanagement ; and unless better modes are applied and
strictly attended to, the deficiency will, in a ^qw years, be severely
felt in many parts of the Union.

In the first place, it will be seen that there is a general misman-
agement in selecting the ground and location to be planted, which,
by many persons is considered a subject requiring no consideration ;
when on the contrary, on it depends the principal chance of success.
For, if the soil and location to be planted, is not well chosen, the
best efforts oi culture vi\\\ be in a measure defeated, and the produce
unsatisfactory. And hence, in many places, an idea prevails, that
it is impossible to bring the desired kinds of fruit into a healthy
growth and bearing ; when the deficiency lies wholly in placing it
in an unappropriate situation.

The most common error of this kind, may be seen in the apple
orchard, and, although the fact is apparent to any intelligent obser-
ver, no exertion is taken to counteract it, by ; many persons
who are engaged in planting orchards at the present time. The
apple-tree flourishes well in almost all parts of the Northern States,
when planted in a sheltered situation, as on the base of small hills
and alluvials, in well sheltered valleys; especially if the soil is of a

112 ON THE CULTURE OF FRUIT. i

rich, mellow, loamy nature, which is often to be found in such lo-
cations. The contrary location is that of unsheltered hills of a
poor, gravelly nature, where the chilly northern winds have their
power on the trees. It seldom happens that trees so located, either
flourish, or bear good crops of fruit ; the trees, both body and bran-
ches, are in such situations, blown all on one side ; the limbs stun-
ted, and the bark covered with tnoss, the true indication of poverty
and stagnation. The fruit from the former is mostly Jine, clean,
and of a good flavor and produce; the latter, small, wormy, and of
a meagre flavor and produce. The Pear thrives well on stiff, clay-
ey soils, in a well sheltered situation. The Plum is more local in
its nature than either the apple or pear ; for it seldom is seen to
flourish well, and fruit in any perfection, but in that of a low, moist
situation, where the soil is naturally rich, or made so by adding
plenty of manure to it ; in such places the plum does well, in most
parts of the Union. The cherry on the contrary to the above, will
accommodate itself to almost any location, soil or aspect, in any
part of the Northern States, (providing it is not winter killed, which
is sometimes the case with tender kinds,) but side banks, and dry
sandy bottoms are best adapted to its health and produce. Every
fruit indeed, will be found to have a natural tendency to a peculiar
soil and location, which I shall endeavor to describe under the dif-
ferent heads of culture, as I proceed.

A mismanagement is also often very apparent in planting trees,
which in many cases is badly done, and is the result of retarding
their o-rowth when young, in a manner that they never fully expand
into a full o-rovvth and vigor; and hence the cause of so nnny stun-
ted trees, that are to be seen in almost every place and everywhere.
In many cases, fruit trees are much crippled in their early stage of
growth, by allowing them to bear a quantity of fruit, by which their
vi^or and vital principal is in a certain degree exhausted, and the
tree never afterwards assumes that habit that it would have other-
wise attained. To the above, may be added the general neglect of
pruning and thinning the branches of trees, and regulating them in
such a manner that the sap has a regular flow to all and every part
of them, their leaves, fruit and the like.

Under the head of culture, one very essential consideration should
always be borne in mind by the cultivator, namely, that of planting
in a proper manner, which is often but little attended to or thought

FORKST TREASURES OF HONDURAS. 113

of: trees are often planted in a careless manner, and are merely left
to chance in culture, which is the very thing that should meet the
most strict attention in young trees. There are indeed but few things
that require more attention than a young plantation of fruit trees,
which should be well worked among, and manured almost every
season. The reverse is often seen by young thrifty trees being plant-
ed in an uncultivated piece of ground, and perhaps neither cultiva-
ted nor manured for some years after the first introduction, when
age, in such cases, most times rather decreases than increases
their size and habit. It is in the infant state, that trees and plants
of all hinds and denominations require the best of culture and nutri-
ment, to expand their organs, and form a good habit ; indeed, the
first formation is the very essence of every other expectation that is
to be realized in culture, either good or bad ; therefore, the result
will be in accordance to the first management.

In closing this article, it will be proper to state, that it is inten-
ded as a text only, to what is to follow ; the principal object of the
treatise being to condense each separate part, under its individual
head, in order to guard against repetition as much as possible ; —
therefore, the reader must not suspect the use of a quantity of paper,
or number of words, to be the object of the author ; but a short and
plain manner of coming at once at the subjects hereafter to be treat-
ed upon. In my next article I shall endeavor to describe some use-
ful hints on the different parts of a tree, and the different food and
stimulants, and how they act on the vegetable system.

Art. VII. — Forest Treasures of Honduras. By C. Mackenzie.

At the first settlement of the town of Balize, and previously to
the use of shingled roofs, the houses of all the settlers were covered
with the leaves of the Palmetto tree, (the Chamoerops Excaslsa;) —
and from thence, these leaves obtained the name of Bay-thatch ;
they supply an excellent and durable defence against the weather,
and are found particularly valuable for plantation buildings. The
wood of this tree, likewise, is extensivly used for all building purpo-
ses, in the Honduras. The roads throughout the neighborhood of
Balize, are profusely lined with a most agreeable variety of foliage ;
15

114 FOREST TREASURES OF HONDURAS.

of which that afforded by the stately Mangrove, (Rhirophora,) the
Manchineel, (Heippomane Mancinella,) and the Poponax, is the
most predominant. The deleterious qualities of the fruit of the
fruit of the Manchineel are well known, as furnishing the deadly
poison in which the Indians dip their darts and arrows. In the
Honduras, however, it is believed that cattle do not experience any
injury from eating it. It seems that the noxious qualities of this
tree on the human economy, are intimately connected with the leaves
and bark ; for a soldier belonging to the 6th West India regiment,
was, some years ago, completely deprived of the sight of one of his
eyes by the accidental insinuation of some drops of rain which had
fallen from the foliage of the Manchineel, whilst he was sleeping
under its shade. The Poponax is a singularly beautiful and pleas-
ant tree ; exhaling the most delicate fragrance from its small yel-
low flowers. One of the species of Mimosa, or Sensitive Plant, is
also lavishly diffused in every quarter.

Whoever has at all become acquainted with tropical countries
must have viewed with peculiar delight the grateful profusion of
fruits with which these are so bountifully furnished by an indulgent
providence ; the whole, or the greater portion at least, being so sin-
gularly adapted, from the exquisite flavor, taste, and other proper-
ties which they possess, to the necessities and even luxurious con-
venience of man. Amongst the choicest of these, which are abun-
dantly obtained in the Honduras, may be enumerated Melons of
several sorts ; Pine-apples in equal variety ; Oranges of superior
flavor; Shaddocks, Mangoes; Guava Apples, Mammee, Cashew
Apples, Tamarinds, Prickly-pears, Avocado-pears, Pomegranates,
Wild Plums of many species, Sea-grapes, &.c. It is, also, worthy
of remark, that the Grape of Madeira was, some years ago, intro-
duced into the Honduras, and that it is now completely familiarized
to its change of situation, being in its produce, both luxuriant and
abundant.

It may be observed here, that early attention was directed by the
settlers at Honduras, towards the probable degree of success which
might attend the culture of most of the vegetable productions pecu-
liar to tropical situations ; and the prospect of advantageous growth
was materially encouraged by the acknowledged superiority of the
climate and soil of this part of the South American continent ; as
well as from the circumstance of its being happily removed from the

FOREST TREASURES OF HONDURAS. 115

discouraging inconvenience of frequent and continued droughts, so
fatal to every agricultural attempt made in other parts ; from which
indeed, the greater nnmber of the West India Islands are not ex»
empt.

The productions common to the islands in question, with a con-
siderable variety of those more familiarly known to that part of the
American continent comprehended within the tropics, are cultiva-
ted at the Honduras, with equal, if not superior success. The su-
gar cane, the most valuable of all, thrives with the richest luxuri-
ance : indeed, previously to the vacation of the Mosquito shore by
the English settlers, several sugar plantations had been formed on
Black river ; and the sugar and rum which they furnished, were
very generally deemed, by the most competent judges, to be by no
means inferior to the same articles from the island of Jamaica. Cof-
fee, now become one of the most profitable articles of island culture,
grows equally well. Cotton is by no means to be forgotten ; there
being many thriving plantations of this valuable tree in the Hondu-
ras. Indigo promises particularly to reward the labor of the culti-
livator; there being an inferior sort which is indigenous. Indian
Arrowroot is abundantly produced ; and Pimento has been for .some
time cultivated with the most encouraging profit.

Contiguous to the banks of the many rivers with which this coun-
try is so amply supplied, the lands would, without question, be
found, from the extraordinary richness of the soil, to be exceeding-
ly well adapted for the growth of rice ; and the periodical rains
would certainly be highly conducive to the perfection of this most
useful grain. That which has been already produced for home con-
sumption, in many situations, on the river Balize, in particular, has
been considered, for goodness of quality, and quantity to the acre,
in every respect equal to the finest rice from the States of America.

Although the foregoing are, doubtless, the most important vege-
table productions, there are others which are scarcely less valuable,
from the fact that they contribute more immediately to the relief of
the wants of men and animals : — among these may be enumerated
several varieties of Maise, or Indian Corn ; Yams of various spe-
cies ; and the Cassava-root, of which a most palatable and whole-
some bread is made by both settlers and natives. Until the Cassa-
va has undergone a very particular mode of preparation, it is well
known that it possesses most dangerous and even poisonous quali-

116 CULTURE OF POTATOES.

ties. Ulloa and others observe that it ought never to be used until
the upper skin has been carefully stripped or scraped from the root;
it is then to be grated and steeped in water, in order to free it from
its acrid juice — the water being frequently changed. Byran Ed-
wards, in his History of the West Indies, remarking on a passage
from Dr Darwin, observes that Cassava, when made into bread, is
rendered mild by the heat it undergoes in baking, rather than by
the expression of its acrid juices ; — both methods, however, are
practised throughout South America, and the product is conse-
quently one of the most wholesome and nutritious breads in the
world.

But of all the vegetable products of Honduras, perhaps the best
known substitute for bread is the Plantain, which flourishes so lux-
uriantly under the congenial influence of a tropicalclimate as scarce-
ly to require the least labor or attention. Every settlement at Hon-
duras has its Plaintain walk ; and many of these comprehend an
extent of one hundred acres ; some much more ; indeed, nothing
can exceed the beauty and richness which the lengthened groves of
these trees display, as the traveller pursues his journey up the course
of the diflferent rivers. The Pine-apple and Melon, being very gen-
erally interspersed between the rows of Plantains, contribute greatly
to heighten the luxuriance of the scene ; and the Mountain Cab-
bage, here and there rearing its lofty head far above the whole, adds
no inconsiderable share of grandeur to the general efiect, — Garden-
er's Gazette.

Art. VIII, — Culture of Potatoes.

Having had numerous applications for single Nos. of the Farmer
from new subscribers, containg Gen. Barnum's account of the man-
ner in which he has raised at the rate of 1000 bushels of potatoes
per acre, we have concluded to republish it. We give in this num-
ber his directions for the preparation of the ground, planting, &.c,
and shall hereafter publish the directions for hoeing, harvest-
ing, &LC.

PREPERATION FOR PLANTING.

Whatever soil may be selected for this purpose, to ensure a large

CULTURE OP POTATOES. 117

cfop it should be highly manured with compost, decomposed vegeta-
bles, or barn-yard manure. The latter I consider preferable when
it can be obtained with convenience ; if raw or coarse be made use
of, it should be spread immediately before the first ploughing, on
the same day, to prevent the evaporation of its best qualities,
which will rapidly depart if left exposed to the sun and atmos-
phere.

The first should be deep ploughing, and may be done as early as
suits the convenience of the cultivator. If a stiff marl or clay soil,
it would be well to have it ploughed late in the fall previous to
planting. Where compost, or other substances not liable to fermen-
tation, are intended as a manure, it is better the spreading should
be omitted until just before the last ploughing, after which it should
be thoroughly harrowed fine and smooth as possible ; then take a
narrow light cultivator, or small plough, calculated for turning a
deep narrow furrow, — with this instrument lay your land in drills
twenty inches asunder and four inches in depth, running north and
south if practicable, to admit the rays of the sun to strike the plant
equally on both sides ; put into the bottom of the furrows or drills
about two inches of well rotted barn-yard manure, or its equivalent
— then drop your potatoes. If of the common size, or what is
more important, that they contain about the usual quantity of eyes,
(if more, they should be cut, to prevent too many stalks shooting up
together,) put a single potato in the drills or trenches ten inches
apart ; the first should remain uncovered until the second one is
deposited, to place them diagonally in the drills, which will afford
more space between the potatoes one way than if laid at right an-
gles in the rows. The covering may be performed witli a hoe, first
hauling in the furrow raised on each side of the drill ; then carefully
take from the centre of the space the soil to finish the covering to
the depth of 3 1-2 or 4 inches. By taking the earth from the centre
of the space on either side to the width of 3 inches, it will leave a
drain of 6 inches in the centre of the space, and a hill of 14 inches
in width, gently descending from the drill to the drain ; the width
and depth of the drill will be euflicient to protect the plant against
any injurious effects of a scorching sun or drenching rain. The
drains in the centre will at all times be found sufficient to admit the
surplus water to pass off. I am not at all tenacious about the in-
strument to be made use of for opening the trenches to receive the

118 MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS.

manure and potatoes ; this work should be well done, and may be
performed with a common hoe with much uniformity and accuracy
by stretching a line to direct the operation. It is true that the labor
cannot be performed with the same facility as with a horse, but it
can be better done, and I think at less expense, taking into consid-
eration the labor of the man to hold, the boy to ride, and the horse
to draw the machine.

SEASON FOR PLANTING.

In this respect they are a most accommodating crop, allowing the
farmer in the southern and central part of the designated district 20
or 30 days to perform the operation. The particular time depends
in a very considerable degree upon the climate. In the region of
my residence, (the 44th degree of North Latitude,) they may be
planted from the 10th of May to the 15th of June. At the extreme
north of the described limits less latitude is afforded for seed time
and harvest. The good husbandman in that climate should make
all practicable preparation for his crop in the fall, and plant as early
in the spring as the ground is sufficiently dry and warm. Here the
growth is extremely rapid, not requiring more than 90 to llO days
to perfect it. The quantity will not be quite so great as with us, bjt
superior in quality. — Gen. Far.

Art. iX. — Miscellaneous Matters.

Elements of Practical Agriculture. — By D. Loio, E<iq. —
We see no greater proof of the general advancement of science than
the publication of works connected with it, and the volume before
us, is among the first class productions on the science of agricul-
ture. Few gardeners are there, who do not more or less practice in
that branch of cultivation which belongs to the farmer ; but if this
were not the case, the rules for general cultivation are so good, the
observations upon soils so numerous, and general crops so excellent,
that the work is invaluable. It is, to use the words of a contempo-
rary " as useful to the gardener as the farmer ;" and the article
quoted in another part of our paper, will illustrate and confirm this
opinion. — Gardener's Gazette.

MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS.

119

A Royal Bouquet. — Mrs Lawrence had the honor of presenting
to Her Majesty, a few days since, (says the London Gardener's
Gazette of Dec. 9,) a most beautiful Bouquet, which, perhaps, for
rarity and beauty, was never equalled in this country, more espec-
ially considering the season of the year. For the satisfaction of
such of our readers as may be anxious to know what may be pro-
duced, even in December, we subjoin an account of the contents,
which we know to be correct.

Oncidium Papillio
Crispum

Bifolium

Divaricatum

Leucaultia

Zygopetalum Mackaii

. var. Pallida

Crinitum Ceruleum

Chortelease

Humilie

Calanthe Densiflora
Maxillaria Picta
New Species

Aromatica

Stapelloides

Dehdrobrium Moniliforme

Cuprium

Nobilis

Guttatum

Alatum

Cycrioclus Ventricosum

Specicosa Nova

Epidendrium Umbellatum

Rosea

Bletia Hyacinthoides

Speciosa Nova

Euphorbia Poinsetta

Splendens

Jacquiniflora, or

Fulgida

• Punicea

Ipomea Horsfalii

Pentaultus

Rubro Cerulea

Lselia Anceps

Laeelia GrandiHora
Passiflora Byloba
Racemosa

Kermesina

Rosea

Nova Specicosa

Capensis
Columnea Scandens
Jasminum Album Hirsutum

Nova Specicosa

Russelia Juncea
Gesneria Oblongata

— New Chilian Species
Gysomeria Oblongata
Longiflorea

Corea Speciosa
— Milneri

Chorizema Nova Speciosa
Begonia Umbellata
Rosea

Silago New- Species
Polygala Grandiflora

Oppositifolia

Hirsuta

— Speciosa

Lechenaultia Formosa
Obletia

Erica

Walkerii

Jasminiflora

Cerinthoides Superba

I'ulchella

Odora Rosea

Picta

Princeps

QUINCY MARKET.

[Reported for the Horticultural Register.]

APPLES, Russet,

barrel, 2 00 to 2 50

bushel,

J 00 1 50

Baldwins,

do. 2 00 2 50

do.

1 25 I 50

Goldud Pippin

.

do.

1_.50

Common,

.

-

do.

"75 1 25

BEANS, White

-

do.

2 OU 2 25

BEETS,

. .

do.

50 75

CABBAGES,

,

dozen

50 75

CARROTS,

-

bushel

50 75

CELERY, -

.

root

6 10

CRANBERRIES,

.

bushel.

2 00 2 25

GRAPES, Malaga,

-

pound

25 37

HORSE RADISH,

.

pound

8 11

LEMONS,

.

dozen

20 25

LETTUCE,

-

-

head

10 12

NUTS, Almonds, (Soft shelled)

.

pound

7 8

(Hard)

-

do.

4 5

Filberts

-

do.

4 5

English Walnuts

-

do.

5 7

Castana,

.

do.

3 5

Pea Nuts,

-

bushel 1 25 I 50

Shagbarks,

.

do.

2 00 3 00

Chestnuts,

.

do.

5 00 5 50

ORANGES, -

.

dozen

37 50

ONIONS,

bunch, 4

a6

bushel

1 25 1 50

PARSNIPS, -

.

do.

75 1 00

^.4RSLEY,

.

half peck 25

PE.'^RS, (Baking,) -

.

bushel,

2 00 3 00

POTATOES, comraon, ♦

bushel, 40

50

barrel

1 00 1 25

Chenangoes,

do. 37i

50

do.

1 25 1 50

Eastport,

do. 1 00

do.

2 00 2 25

SQUASHES, various sorts.

.

pound

4 6

SAGE,

-

do.

20 25

TURNIPS,

bushel

50 75

Boston, March 2, 1838.

THE

AND

GARDENER'S MAGAZINE.

APRIL 1, 1838.

Art. I. — On the General Management of Forcing Frames
and Forwarding Early Vegetables. By Edward Sayers.

[Continued from page 61.]

In continuation of my subject on forcing frames, I shall make a
few remarks on covering and giving air, and proceed on the subject of

FORCING THE CUCUMBER.

Covering of the frames is very essential and should be regularly
done at evening, a little before sun down; it should never be
omitted in the early part of the season of a mild evening, which
perhaps, in the middle of the night will change severely cold, and
the crop will be lost. Recollect one neglect of this kind will des-
troy the whole crop. Uncovering should be as regularly attended
to as the covering ; for nothing injures plants more than to be con-
fined in a frame when the sun is shining strongly on it. The sun
must be considered the best stimulant to vegetation, and a lay-a-bed
framer will seldom succeed. The longer plants are kept in dark-
ness, the more feeble will be their growth.

Giving air, only requires a few hints to be perfectly understood.
In the first place, it must be in all cases done gradually ; that is to
say, begin early in the morning by giving a little, at the back of the
frame, and continue to increase as the sun grows stronger, until noon.
At one or two o'clock the air may be gradually taken away till about
16

122 FORWARDING EARLY VEGETABLES,

an hour before sunset, when the frame may be closed with the
exception of a little air being left at the back to let off the steam.

MANAGEMENT OF THE FRUITING FRAME.

Having a quantity of manure prepared as directed for the seed
bed, proceed to make a bed for fruiting the cucumber. The bed
may be made about three feet, or three and a half feet high, and a
foot all around wider than the frame intended to be put on, as di-
rected for the seed bed. The bed being made, place the frame on
it and draw the heat as before directed, letting off the rank heat at
the back it ; when the bed is in a proper temperature, which can
be ascertained by pressing a pointed stick into it, and drawing it
up, and, by pressing the point in the hand ; then proceed to pre-
pare the hills for planting.

Preparing the compost for planting. — The best compost for the
cucumber is a rich mellow loam, from the top of a pasture where
cattle have been laying and enriching it. This compost should be
collected in the fall, and about one third of good rotten leaf mould
from a frame, or other good manure mixed therewith ; the compost
should be turned and mixed well together before it is used.

Preparing the hills, and planting. — In preparing the frame for
planting, the top of the bed may be shaken up about three inches
deep and levelled all over, when the hills are to be prepared as fol-
lows : under the centre of each sash, put enough of tlie above soil
to form a conical hill in such a manner that the top may be eight
or ten inches in diameter, and about four or six inches under the
glass; when the hill is warmed through, which will be in a day
after it is made, the cucunnbers may then be planted, by making a
hole in the centre of the top of the hill, and gently turning the
plants out of the pot, with the ball entire ; after which, tlie mould
may be carefully drawn around them and moderately watered, to
close the soil to the ball.

Earthing the hills. — The manager should be careful always to
have some compost in the back of the frame, to keep it in an equal
temperature with that in the hill. As the young roots of the plants
are seen to grow through the hill, a little earth may be gradually
drawn around them with the hands, at different times, until they
are large, when the whole of the inside may be earthed, as the
plants will then be well established.

FORWARDING EARLY VEGETABLES. 123

Temperature of the bed. — The internal heat of the bed may be
kept from 65 to 75 degrees of heat, and care must be taken always
to leave a little air at the back of the frame, to let off the internal
steam ; of very cold nights a mat may be hung over the place
where the air is given, to mollify the harsh air as it enters.

Stopping and thinning the vines. — The young plants may be
stopped as soon as they show out two or three rough leaves, by nip-
ping out the centre, close to the first rough leaf. The after man-
agement is, to thin the vines in such a manner that they will not
be matted too close together ; but can in every way enjoy the sun
and air. When the fruit begins to show on the vines, the shoots
are to be regularly nipped off two joints from it, in order to throw
the strength and support into it.

Watering, ^-c. — The cucumber requires plenty of water when
in a growing state, and if a quantity of soap suds or liquid manure
is often applied, the batter. Every attention must be paid to giving
air in a regular manner, covering well of a night, &c. Let the cul-
tivator bear in mind, that strict attention is requisite, and that a
negligent framer must never expect to succeed.

Lining the bed. — When the internal heat of the bed decreases, it
should be renewed, by lining the outside of the bed with two or
three feet of hot worked manure, which must be augmented at dif-
ferent times, to keep a continual and regular internal heat.

FORCING THE MELON.

The melon requires nearly the same treatment as the cucumber,
in the preparing of the bed, the management of the seed bed, and
the potting of the young plants. The time of sowing the seed may
be nearly the same as the cucumber, although it is generally the
practice to sow a week or two later.

Fruiting frame. — The fruiting bed for the melon may be pre-
pared in the same way as for the cucumber, except that the cucum-
ber requires more bottom heat than the melon, the melon being li-
able to have its roots burnt by too much heat. Having the bed in
proper order for planting, a hill may be prepared under the centre
of each light, as directed for the cucumber. The compost may be
nearly the same, only more loamy. The plants being placed in the
hills, the frame should be regularly aired every fine day, and cov-
ered every night a little before sunset, and uncovered in the morn-

124 FORWARDING EARLY VEGETABLBS.

ing as soon as the sun shines full on it ; every attention should be
paid to the welfare of the plants as recommended for the cucumber.
The compost for the earthing of the bed, should be a strong mellow
loam with a portion of well rotted hot-bed manure mixed with it.
The melon does not require so rich a soil as the cucumber, nor so
much watering. Having the compost prepared, the bed should be
earthed in every way as recommended for the cucumber, in a grad-
ual manner.

Stopping young plants. — This ought to be done when the first
rough leaf is fully grown, by nipping out the leader in the centre of
the plant, and again, when the plants have made a growth of eight
or ten joints in length. This last stopping will be the means of
throwing the plants into fruit at once.

Watering the plants. — The melon requires less water than the
cucumber ; and in many cases, when over watered, the vines canker
and rot off, especially if the hills are dished so that the water col-
lects about them. The hill of the melon should be always a little
above the level of the soil in the frame, to let off the surface water
about it. Water, at the roots, on a mild evening, as often as once
a week ; when the frame should be closed and well covered, in
order that the vines and inside may not be chilled. After very hot
days, the vines may be sprinkled over with a water pot with a rose
on the spout, of an evening, about an hour before sundown, and
closed and well covered. In tliis state, the frame will be steamed
inside, which will keep down the red spider, and be congenial to
the growth of the vines.

Thinning the vines. — Thinning the vines must be regularly at-
tended to ; that at no time throughout the season of their growth
they should be allowed to become crowded or matted together.
Every part of the frame should be filled with vines in a regular
manner. Of the two extremes, I should advise the cultivator to
keep the vines rather too thin than too thick, for by crowding the
frame with either too many vines or fruit, the crop will be mate-
rially injured.

Stopping the vines for fruiting. — When the fruit of the first
flowers are swelling as big as marbles, the shoots may be nipped off
one joint from the best formed fruit, in order to throw the strength
into it, and make it swell freely.

Thinning the fruit. — When the fruit is set freely all over the

FORWARDING EARLY VEGETABLES. 125

frame, it may undergo a regular thinning, by selecting that which
is the best formed and of a healthy appearance to remain : and
taking off any deformed fruit, and a portion where it is too thick ;
this thinning will throw vigor into the vines and cause the fruit
left on to swell and form in a handsome manner.

Ripening the fruit. — When the fruit is beginning to color, the
watering must then be suspended ; as too much water spoils the
flavor of the fruit. Plenty of air must also be given at every op-
portunity, when the fruit is ripening.

FORCING RADISHES AND POTATOES.

A moderate hot bed may be prepared at any time after the first
of March for forcing radishes and potatoes. The manner of making
the bed and materials is the same as that recommended for cucum-
bers, with this exception, namely — that if possible, nearly all leaves
are the best to be used to give heat, and the bed should not be so
high, as the heat required will not be over 50 degrees.

Having the bed made place on the frame as before directed to
draw the heat. When the heat has risen cover the whole of the
inside of the frame with light rich earth about eight inches thick
and close the frame again to draw up the heat; when the heat be-
gins to rise the seed may then be sown regularly over the bed, and
some fine earth sifted over it and gently beaten down with the back
of spade or shovel. Care must be taken in this stage of forcing
that the frame is not kept too much confined, but plenty of air ad-
mitted in the day, and some left off at night to let off the steam that
will arise : the temperature should be kept from 45 to 50 degrees,
and never over ; when the radishes begin to appear, which will be
in a few days, every attention should be paid to give them plenty of
light and air or they will be drawn in a weak and sickly state which
they will never fully recover — care must be taken to let off the
steam at the back of the frame, particularly when the sun shines on
it; but this must be done in a cautious manner when it is freezing
severely, or, in many cases, the cold air let in being too powerful for
the internal, freezes the young plants, and the smi acting on them
scalds them in a manner that they can never recover. This remark
I hope will serve through the whole process spoken of in forcing
frames. The temperature may be regularly kept through the pro-
cess of a moderate degree of 50 to 56. Every precaution must be

126 FORWARDING EARLY VEGETABLES.

taken to give plenty of air of a fine day and cover well at night.
When the young plants are coming into rough leaf, they are to
be then thinned to a regular distance of two or three inches apart.
The bed may now be regularly watered of a warm morning about
sunrise if not frosty, and the frame may be closed an hour or two
but not too long to scald the leaves of the plants : this process may
be continued, and if the heat of the bed is declining a fresh lining
may be applied. Recollect the bottom heat should increase with
the season, and not decrease as is often the case.

FORCING THE POTATO.

For forcing the potato a bed may be in every manner prepared as
for that of the radish, with the exception that six inches of soil will
be sufficient at the first commencement : having the bed prepared,
the potatoes may be planted in rows about a foot apart and eight
inches in the rows, the planting may be performed by pressing the
potatoes on the surface of the soil, when the earth is warmed
through three inches, more may be covered over the potatoes; and
after the plants come up some inches, six inches may be given as a
final earthing.

During the process of forcing, plenty of air may be given of a fine
day and every precaution taken to cover well of a night to keep out
the frost, which, if allowed to freeze the tops, will greatly retard
their growth.

FORWARDING CABBAGE— CAULIFLOWERS— LETTUCE.

In order to forward cabbage, lettuce, cauliflowers and other escu-
lent vegetables, a moderate hot bed may be made about the begin-
ning of March and covered with about six inches of good soil, and
in every way managed as for the radish and potato.

When the bed is in order, the seed of the different kinds of plants
required to be grown may be sown in drills three inches apart and
lightly covered with leaf mould — when the plants are come up and
the rough leaf appears they may be thinned to a regular distance
and moderately watered of a warm morning. In order to have the
plants strong and vigorous for replanting in the garden they may be
transplanted out into a second frame two or three inches apart each
way.

In the process of growing the plants every care must be taken to
give plenty of air of a fine day, and covering the frame of a night,
that the frost may not retard their growth.

FORWARDING EARLY VEGETABLES. 127

TOMATO— EGG PLANT— PEPPER.
The above kinds af vegetables may be forwarded in precisely the
same manner as the latter — with the exception that more heat will
be required and less air given. The heat given for the cucumber
will answer, and if manure and frames are not to be had at the
early part of the season ; the seeds of the different kinds may be
sown in large pots and placed at the back of the cucumber frame
until the middle of March, when they are to be transplanted out into
a bed with a little bottom heat in the same manner as recommended
for the cabbage and lettuce. The egg plants must be planted four
or five inches apart in order to give them room to grow to large
plants before putting them out in the natural ground.

HARDENING OP PLANTS FOR PLANTING OUT IN OPEN GROUND.

Before closing the subject of framing, I must give some few
remarks on hardening plants for planting in the open ground. There
is nothing that is more simply done than forwarding the vegetables
spoken of, and few things generally worse managed.

In the manner of framing, the plants are generally at first mis-
managed by growing them too slender, owing to keeping the frame
too much confined, and consequently they are by the heat and steam
drawn weak and succulent. The next common error is that so soon
as a change of warm weather or days appear, the sashes are alto-
gether taken off in the day, and in many cases are left off at night,
and often the consequence is that the plants are frosted and retarded
in their growth. The plants should be gradually hardened off as
the warm weather increases.

FORCING OR FORWARDING VEGETABLES IN TIN CANISTERS.
The credit of this novel mode of forcing or forwarding vegetables
is due to a French gentleman, some years since a superintendent to
the late Doctor Hosack, of Hyde Park, N. Y., who practised it
very successfully at that place. The method is so simple that any
intelligent person may practise it with every facility, when once
acquainted with the process.

The canisters are simply made of a piece of tin forming a tube
of different dimensions, from eight inches to a foot in length. The
width on the top is from three inches to six ; on the bottom from
four to eight. These different sizes must be used according to the
vegetable to be cultivated.

128 FORWARDING EARLY VEGETABLES.

Having the canisters prepared, the bed may then be made in the
usual manner, of a heat corresponding with the nature of the
plants to be forced. The bed being made, place on it the frame
and level the manure; draw the heat, &c. as before directed.
When the bed is in proper order to receive the earth for planting,
then place the tin canisters into it, the largest end downwards ;
when the frame is filled with the canisters, fill them with soil, and
the places between them, so that the whole is level with soil, to the
top of them. This done, close the frame to draw the heat, after
which, seeds of the different kinds of plants required, may be sown
in the centre of the top of each canister, to form hills or the like
for transplanting. The management of the frame must be in every
way corresponding to the nature of the plants ; and they must be
managed in a manner to harden them previous to their being trans-
planted into the ground, as before directed.

Transplanting the plants from the Frames. — The operation of
transplanting must be very carefully done, as the plants will be
much injured if the roots are broken by removing them. The
method I have generally adopted, is, first to take away the frame,
then clear away the soil from the first row of canisters; this done,
take up the canisters carefully, by placing a sharp spade under the
bottom, cutting it from the soil, and carefully placing it with the
ball entire in a wheelbarrow. Having the ground well prepared,
the planting is performed by preparing a hole the depth of the can-
ister, which is placed therein and the earth placed about it in a
neat compact manner : the canister is then gently slipped up, with-
out disturbing the roots, and the plants watered, in order to close
the loose soil about it.

This system is particularly adapted to Indian corn. I hope to
see the time when this niethod will prove of advantage to the
forcing of early vegetables; but I am of opinion that it will be
much improved by making moulds of pot earth of the same con-
sistence as for flower pols, of the same dimensions recommended ;
and I give a word of advice, for potters to commence on a small
scale.

129

Art. II. — Vines in Pots.

The series, of which this is the introductory paper, I dedicate to
the amateur gentlemen, who, with leisure to devote sufficient attention
to a mode of culture, which comprises some of the most refined op-
erations of horticulture, brings to the work a mind free from preju-
dice, and prepared to admire the beautiful phenomena revealed by
the " microcosm " in every period of its daily progress. When the
rapid course to complete maturation, and intense power of fertility of a
little rod, (the roots of which are circumscribed within the limits of
a small cylinder,) are placed in contrast with the expanse required
by the same subject planted in the open border, the mind may be
permitted to indulge itself in some latitude of feeling.

The genuine advocates of pot culture, while they remain true to
their principles, and are in no way daunted by the senseless clamor
of their unintellectual opponents, have never pretended, for one mo-
ment, to impugn the well proved method of growing grapes on the
rafters ; nor to recommend any substitute for that method. They
merely say, that a crop of fine grapes may be produced at any sea-
son, early or late, before or after the one upon the rafters ; or, if a
still more definite object be contemplated, they assert that any one
who wishes to experimentise, and amuse himself, may produce the
finest fruit from plants growing in little more than a peck of mould,
which, with every appurtenance, he may place upon his table, with-
out trouble or inconvenience. I shall begin with the first princi-
ples, and persist, till I have revealed every process, in the order of
its course ; but, as many persons may be supposed to have raised a
stock, of plants from which they hope to take fruit during the ensu-
ing summer, it will be right to say a few words upon the treatment
to which the vines ought to be subjected.

A vine, planted in a pot, requires a certain period of repose, be
its age and condition what they may. Those plants which are short
jointed, having the eyes prominent and numerous, upon a single rod
from five to seven feet long, of well ripened wood, may be consid-
ered fruiting vines of the ensuing spring. They should, at this sea-
son, be in pots of the size termed fours, placed at the foot of a wall
that has a north aspect, to which each shoot ought to be lightly se-
cured by a couple of nailed shreds. These vines, and also the smal-
17

130 VINES m POTS.

ler plants not fully prepared, should equally be thus wintered, and
protected by a bed of stable-litter, or fronds of fern laid over and
around the pots. Nothing further need be done till the period of
forcing approaches, unless, indeed, it be, in the event of very mild,
serene, and dry weather, to give to each a supply of rain water suf-
ficient to keep the mould a little moist, but no more ; in a word, the
balls should never be suffered to become arid,

I shall have occasion to recur to fruiting rods in due time ; at
present, the season of the year calls for immediate attention to the
preparation of young vines. This is of vital importance, and the
term applies to the whole educational progress of the plant, during
which unremitted attention must be devoted to two or three points,
on which depend the ample and fertile developments of the plants,
The foundation stone is laid by a judicious selection of cuttings, be-
cause, as Mr Stafford of Wellersley, has correctly observed, barren-
ness may as readily be extended as fertility. Therefore, the cuttings
ought to be taken from the proved fruit, bearing shoots which are
annually produced by vines of semi-hardy, prolific constitution : such
are the black Hamburgh, now the reigning favorite of the day —
elect above the rest, the Frankenthal-vulgo, Frankendale, with a
more richly tinted black berry ; and as respects raciness of flavor
and musky bouquet, (if this vintage term be admissable,) the true
purple constantia of the Cape, first introduced by Speechley. The
beginner should not affect an extensive assortment, he should be
content with two or three fine varieties, and at this season, obtain a
ievi dozens of fertile spurs, furnished with an inch or half an inch
of two or three year old wood at the base, with three closely set
joints of the yearling fertile wood. Suppose then, these cuttings to
be six inches long; then, let each be fitted to a narrow, deep pot ;
so that, if the heel of the cutting lie on the bottom, close to one side,
the point of the young wood, an inch above the top bud, may rest
upon the rim of the pot on the opposite side. Having thus fitted the
cuttings, let five parts of two-year old leaf-mould be thoroughly blend-
ed with one part of the fibrous and half withered grassy portion of
a turf heap, made early in the autumn from sods collected on a
sheep common or rich pasture, the earth of which is a light unc-
tuous loam. These turves should be broken to pieces, and the raw
earth sifted from them ; thus, an active, open, vegetable compost will
be produced, which will be rendered still more efficient by adding a

VINES IN POTS. 131

sixth of pounded oyster shells, or half that quantity of very finely
crushed bones.

This prepared soil is a medium which can disappoint no one ; it
is truly artificial, and quite free from any perplexing ambiguities
whatever; this cannot be said of loamy composts: though light,
enough of the earth attached to the grass-roots remains, to give te-
nacity and staple to the decomposable matter of the leaf-soil and fi-
bres. In the absence of turfy sods, the earth obtained from decayed
couch, recommended in our last article on the pine-apple, will be
found an excellent substitute, and so it will throughout every stage
of the vine's progress. The cuttings, pots and soil being ready, lay
an oyster shell over the hole, and half an inch of the fibrous mass
from the turves upon the bottom of each pot. Press this till it be
quite solid, then place the cutting obliquely across — its heel (first
pared flat) resting close upon the fibrous layer ; apply the prepared
soil, and put it close around every part of the cutting, bring it up
so as just to cover the top bud, pressing with the fingers, to close
every vacuity, and finish off, by sprinkling a quarter of an inch of
fine sandy earth to produce a level surface at three-fourths of an
inch below the rim. Give water sufficient to make the earth freely
moist, and place the prepared pots in a cold frame, or under the pro-
tection of a shed, till the forcing season arrives. Of that, the next
article shall take ample notice : in the mean time, the physiological
reader will hardly need to be informed, that the embryo eyes which
exist about the point whence the younger wood emerges, are in a
position to develop numerous fibres, the first and second eyes upon
the bearing wood will also be stimulated with their radical appenda-
ges ; and yet they are too deeply seated below the surface of the
soil, to permit them, in ordinary cases, to send up a growing shoot.
The upper bud will grow ; and from a point near its base, some
powerful roots will very probably emerge ; but whichever of the two
upper buds produce the stronger shoot, that alone will be preserved, to
be nourished by the joint efforts of the numerous masses of absorbing
feeders that will assuredly be sent forth into a bed of aliment, which
never can become hard-bound or impenetrable. Of twelve cuttings
of a Hamburgh, and as many of a Frankendale, not more than three
or four produced sub-soil shoots ; and in these cases, the failure of
the uppermost, might he assigned to actual injury. — London Gar-
dener's Gazette.

132

Art. III. — Winter Scenery in the Vicinity of the White

Mountains.

NO. II.

The scenery near the White Hills, especially in winter, is pecu-
liar and interesting. On an elevation of more than seven hundred
feet above the level of the sea, the immediate vicinity, from which I
write partakes somewhat of the Alpine character of the more moun-
tainous region, which rises above it. These lofty peaks have a great
and constant influence on the atmosphere in their neighborhood ;
making long and tedious winders, tardy springs and fleeting sum-
mers. Great fluctuations are thus observable. Mercury has been
known to have congealed at Franconia; (a village noted for its cold,)
and even during the present unusual, mild winter, we have seen the
thermometer denote a degree of cold seldom known, unless in re-
gions like this, or in those of a more northern latitude.

But severe as are the winters, and though protracted their reign,
Nature is not wholly devoid of subjects of beauty. Even the stern
and unrelenting cold approaches so insidiously and exercises its
mighty dominion so noiselessly, that it seems robbed of half its ter-
rors. The dull, leaden, overcast sky of a December's day with now
and then a snow flake uncertain whether to fall or no, will suddenly
towards evening, be broken into masses of brilliant clouds, assuming
in their quick and successive changes the richest hues and combi-
nation of the prismatic colors, as the sun gleams forth in the west
denoting a clear and bright tomorrow. Mountain peak and forest
are lit up with crimson and purple and rosy tints now fading and now
changing into the sombre hue of the evening. The gray and dull
vesture of the hills, produced from the mingled snow and dark
shrubbery, is more resplendent than all the curious mechanism of
art could effect ; while earth and sky compose at such a moment,
the lofty and magnificent altar and dome hung with inimitable tap-
estry, of the temple of Nature's God.

The next day rises still, clear and bright. Not a cloud is percep-
tible. The white smoke ascends in a straight and tall column, un-
broken by the slightest breath of air, and may be seen from many a
cottage amidst the evergreen woods. The distant or more immedi-
ate hills stand out with a remarkable sharpness and distinctness, the

WINTER SCENERY OF THE WHITE MOUNTAINS. 133

loftier glittering in silver sheen, the less elevated, dark with thick
forests, save where a snowy patch denotes the industry of agricul-
ture or the ravages of accidental fire. The thermometer will have
fallen during the night to twenty or thirty degrees below the zero
of Fahrenheit's scale, and winter have assumed in a few hours its
stern dominion.

The clearness of the atmosphere already noticed is worthy of
further observation. The rapid change from mildness to cold pro-
duces not unfrequently a beautiful effect. The vapor during the
day rising from the sheltered valleys, the brooks and other streams,
suddenly congeals in sparkling and varied crystallized forms,
investing in radiant gems each tree, shrub, and twig. This phenom-
enon is unlike that more brilliant but destructive kind sometimes
noticed in other places after a rain and thaw, which loads the forest
and the fruit trees with masses of ice, so injurious to their })rosper-
ty and threatening with disappointment the hopes of the horticultu-
rist. Ours is of a more agreeable nature, less resplendent, but
harmless and short lived. As you pursue your accustomed and sol-
itary walk you cannot help observing the delicate and withered her-
bage just elevated above the snow, hung with these tiny gems. The
panicle of the Poa or perchance the more interesting branched
flower-stem of the Trichodium, (grasses common by the way side,)
are thus bedecked with the exquisite jewelry of the frost-king. Are
you curious to examine them more minutely and at your leisure ?
I presume on the fact, gentle reader! that you are a Naturalist and
can admire the fabric of even a snow flake, when your attention is
directed thereto. Pluck then with care, the sparkling clusters, and with
a pocket lens, which is an excellent companion to the observant
rambler, stop for a moment to admire those elegant angles, those
regular lamina, those fine striae and markings, and even the mimic
prism reflected on the smooth surfaces. And just under that pro-
jecting piece of turf covered with several kinds of mosses, accident-
ally left bare, is a deserted web of the spider, — which forsooth has
sought warmer and safer quarters from its winter residence, leavino-
behind its useless tenement of silken threads : — pendent from one
of its broken fibres, do you see those two little glittering stars so
nicely balanced, veering in the almost motionless air which as they
turn their surface towards you betray their presence ? Add them
to your gleanings ; the keen atmosphere will prevent their resolv-
i ng into the liquid drop f:om which they were formed.

134 WINTER SCENERY OF THE AVHITE MOUNTAINS.

Should I again have thepleasure of your company, our next walk,
reader ! shall be on a siniilar morning of a milder cast, succeeding
a thaw and immediate fall of snow. The atmosphere is clear and
bracing, the sun bright, and the day propitious for an excursion.
The muddy roads, deeply cut by the wheels and now frozen stiff,
scarcely covered with snow, are rather rougher than is consistent
with easy progression ; but pedestrians are not wont to complain espe-
cially when every other circumstance is favorable. The dark foli-
ace of the spruce and fir, the broad pendent limbs of the tall white
pine, and even the mingled bare branches of the deciduous trees are
covered with the pure snow. Observe that better formed and more
spreading evergreen so singularly invested with this mantle as to
resemble in no inapt manner those vernal displays of white blos-
soms and mingled green, which periodically adorn our woods. And
then acain, our very path is radiant with beauty. See how nature
in sportive fancy and with her busy operations, has been amusing
herself some hours since in bedecking with crystals the several ob-
jects on every side. We are the first travellers on this road since
the snow fell, except that solitary individual whose broad footstep,
indented on the soft mud, has left the imprint of his late wander-
ings. Each tract is now frozen in shape, and no snow has fallen to
cover it from observation. But nature meanwhile has employed her
chemist, the obedient frost-king, who with his magic has converted
the rising vapor of the warm earth into stars and rays and needles
and all the configurations of ice. The very track which otherwise
would have marred the smooth and pure mantle of winter, has been
made conducive to its charms. Little thought the plodding trav-
eller, tired perhaps with the exertion of his journey, how his simple
instrumentality would administer to our pleasure and instruction.
Thus in society many a virtuous deed becomes efficacious when its
author has passed into oblivion. — And then too that rude and pic-
turesque watering trough with its long gutter constructed to lead the
pure and sparkling liquid from that little basin just under the stone
yonder, which still bubbles in summer's drought or winter's vigor.
What huge icicles are hanging from its sides ; some transparent as
glass and others of milky opacity, seeming to be alabaster pillars for
its support. Others are mimic stalactites ; and rising to meet them
from the ground are similar stalagmites, such as are increasing drop
by drop in the dark limestone caves of places geologically different

WINTER SCENERY OP THE WHITE MOUNTAINS. 185

from this. There is a broken branch beaded with globules, and here
the very blade of dried grass invested with elegant and symmetrical
forms. The Naiads of the Fountain have hung with brilliants and
diamonds of unrivalled beauty its homely apparatus in honor of the
Monarch of the " inverted year."

Nor are the woods destitute of other subjects of inte est. The
scream of the blue jay announces the presence of one of the most
brilliant denizens of the forest. There is the splendid beau, perch-
ed on the highest limb of that dead tree, erecting his feathered
crest, jerking and nodding, bowing and fluttering to attract admi-
ration. The beauty of his plumage and the hardihood of his con-
stitution in braving our northern winters compensate in some de-
gree for the oddity of his notions and the uncouthness of his voice.
Besides he has the reputation of a notorious thief, varying his luxu-
rious diet with the season, visiting the cornfield at one time for
worms, at another for its golden grain, or pulling from the orchard,
now a cherry and now a caterpillar ; nor forgetful of the delicacy
of a fresh laid egg wherever his eye can discover the momentary
desertion of some smaller bird's nest. With all his faults, we love
to observe him in winter or in summer, thus adding his mite by
his manners and mode of life, to the interest of the season. And
there too is his cousin, the crow, of equally honest character, but
whose reputation has sadly suffered in the estimation of the world,
despite his services in ridding the farmer of not a few of his grubs,
worms and insects. Nor can we possibly neglect, though noticed a
hundred times before, the agile black capped titmice, coming in
merry troops of six or seven through the woods, and gathering
mid storm and sunshine a bountiful meal, regardless of care and
sorrow. And last, we must stop to look at those half dozen birds,
feeding sometimes on the seed of the fir, sometimes on the snow and
generally together. Familiar in their habits, you may perchance
receive a visit from them nearer home, picking up the crumbs from
your doorstep or gleaning around the barn for scattered grain.
They have come from some more artic clime to the comparative
milder temperature of our own and will return on approach of spring
to enter on the important cares of nidification. Let us cautiously
approach to get a nearer view of the rich crimson livery of that
adult male, varied with spots of black and having a bar of the purest
white on each wing, the latter and elegant character not perceptible

136 FRONT YARDS — SHRUBBERY FLOWERS.

in most of the others, which are younger ; nor neglect the more
modest and plainer dress of the female. Perhaps they compose a
family circle, travelling in company for united pleasure and profit,'
blending the sterner wants of subsistence with the envied occupa-
tion of travel. I see by their peculiar physiognomy, that they are
the Grosbeaks, and bear in specific distinction, the imposing title
of Loxia enucleator.

And now, kind reader! it is time to think of parting company.
We have taken a glimpse of the interest of a winter's excursion in
a region of snow and cold. Before we separate let us bid farewell to
those snowy peaks rising so majestically on the horizon. From our
present position we may take in at one view their entire range from
the pyramidal summit of Mount Adams on the left to the Notch on
the right. Summer with verdant foliage, and Autumn in its varied,
unnumbered dyes may combine to render them enchanting to the
traveller in quest of scenery and pleasure, but we will agree that
winter with all its rigors can boast of adding to them a majesty and
grandeur not inconsistent with their sterile summits and bare precip-
itous heights. And reader ! should we meet again, it may be to
gather at a more advanced season, perchance in other fields and
among other hills, the earliest anemone, or the latest, lingering blos-
som of autumn, to listen to the merrier song of feathered minstrels
and to gaze on the mysterious changes of nature.
Lancaster, N. H., Feb. 183S. J. L. R.

Art. IV. — Front Yards — Shrubbery — Flowers.

While the farmers are vigorously preparing to engage in the im-
portant and busy operations of spring, they should not neglect those
employments of the taste that contribute so much to the beauty,
pleasure and comfort of a country residence. Don't suppose from
the caption of this article, that we are going to advocate an inutile,
unproductive expenditure of time and labor ; for if you do, we shall
address ourselves to your wives and daughters — God bless them.
We hold it the duty of every good farmer to render bis home as hap-
py and agreeable as possible ; to combine the solid comforts of life,
with the elegant pleasures of taste. We do not urge the sacrifice of

FRONT YARDS — SHRUBBERY — FLOWERS. 137

substantial enjoyments to those of the taste or fancy — we would se-
cure both ; and he who is most successful in obtaining the one, is
most likely to secure the other. Let every farmer, therefore, appro-
priate a liberal allowance of ground for a front-yard to his house. —
It should be expansive enough to permit the execution of a regular
design, in laying out the lines for walks, groves, rows of trees, shrub-
bery and flowers. It should be handsomely graded, slopino- down-
wards from the house, in front and on each hand. Set it in blue
grass, and of course enclose it by a neat, substantial paling or fence,
painted white. In the selection of the trees, shrubbery and flow-
ers, consult the taste of your " better half;*' and don't spare any
expense she may require, in order to gratify her taste. If she even
fancies exotics, send abroad for them, though we should like to see
our native botany more appreciated; for be assured, every tree,
shrub or flower, will give you and your family a joy and gladness
more exquisite than any derivable from the sordid enjoyments of
wealth. A taste for trees and plants and flowers, is the love an en-
lightened mind and a tender heart pays to nature ; it is a peculiar
attribute of woman, exhibiting the gentleness and purity of her sex;
and every husband should encourage it ; for his wife and daughters
will prove wiser and happier and better, by its cultivation. Who
does not venerate and love some tree, or rose or honeysuckle, plant-
ed, it may be, by the hand of some absent or departed mother, or
sister, or brother ? and who would not protect them with a holy
reverence, as mementoes of a hallowed love as well as contributors
to the gratification of an elegant taste ? The writer remembers well,
the vine planted by his mother's own hand, when he was a little
child. Its tendrils now cling to the topmost branches of a tall tree,
in the front yard ; and he never revisits the scene of his childhood,
without gratifying some of the holiest emotions of his nature by sit-
ting under its shelter, and recalling the earliest and happiest asso-
ciations of his life. And there too, clinging about the columns of the
porch, is the coral honeysuckle, shading the evening window, with
its rich and delicate clusters of flowers ; and at every footstep along
the border, are the many-hued flowers, planted by a sister. And
there also, along the line of the enclosure, are the rows of peach,
pear, plum, apple, quince and ornamental trees, planted by his own
hand, when but a boy. They now, like the writer, who planted
them, have grown to maturity. Every year they pay the rich return
IS

138 FRONT YARDS — SHRUBBERY — FLOWERS.

of delicious fruit, or beautiful and fragrant foliage and flowers; and
every returning summer, as he pays the accustomed visit to the
homestead of his youth, he enjoys a rational pleasure in the mere
sight of them, infinitely greater than the gratification of the most
fastidious palate. It is a great joy, to go to each tree, and, as it
were, renew an acquaintance begun in the earlier years of our youth
and rejoice in the full strength of manhood — 'tis the very poetry of
a gentle and gladsome and nature-loving heart. And these are
modes of enjoyment, which every one should provide for himself,
and for those who are to come after him.

We have deemed such an article as this, necessary to many o f
our Kentucky farmers. There are too many of them who sacrifice
to a supposed utility, all the enjoyments of which we have spoken.
We have known some plough almost up to the walls on all sides of
the house, which seemed to have been taken from some other place,
and set down in the midst of a corn field. Such a taste is extremely
vulgar.

We have but two or three suggestions further on the subject, leav-
ing to the taste of the farmer, the plan of the improvement we de-
sire all to adopt. The row of trees next the hedge fence, should be
large forest trees, such as the black locust or elm. The passage
from the front to the road, should either be through a woodland pas-
ture, or a grass lawn, neither of which should ever be devoted to the
plough. Be content with the pleasure and the pasturage afforded
by such land — they are profits enough. The woodland pastures of
Kentucky, are doubtless more beautiful than the classic groves of
Arcadia. Where there is but a lawn in front of the house, the far-
mer should plant an avenue of trees. For this purpose, we recom-
mend the elm ; but the utilitarian will prefer the locust, a handsome
ornamental tree, indeed, and producing a most valuable timber. —
But who is the Goth, that would think of felling the trees of an or-
namental avenue for their timber ? — none but one thrice steeped in
barbarism. The elm is the finest ornamental tree of our forest. Its
venerable trunk, its graceful boughs, its early, rich and beautiful
foliage, and its entire freedom from the least appearance of stiffness,
should render it the classic favor of the woods. It is surprising, that
it is not more prized as an ornamental tree.

We will add but one remark more, fearing our readers may deem
the length of his article, an encroachment upon more important top-

>rHE DOUBLE YELLOW ROSE. 139

ics. Never permit the suggestions of a momentary cupidity, to in-
duce you to graze your front-yard. The grass may look luxurious
and tempting ; and it may seem " a sin " to lose it ; but better to
mow or shear your yard than to graze it. A cow or horse will, in
one hour, destroy the growth of years. Nothing is more provoking,
to the man of taste, than to see the trees he has planted, the vines
and flowers he has nurtured for years, destroyed a.s fodder for beasts^
O, 'tis horribly vulgar.— l^ra/jMra Farmer,

Art. V. — The Double Yelloio Rose. (Rosa Sulphurea.)

The origin of this very old and beautiful rose, like that of the
moss rose, seems lost in obscurity. In the botanical catalogues, it
is made a species, said to be a native of the Levant — introduced to
our gardens in 1629, — and never to have been seen in a wild state
bearing single flowers. It is passing strange that this double rose
ishould have been always considered a species. Nature has never
yet given us a double flowering species to raise single flowering va-
rieties from ; but exactly the reverse. We are compelled, there-
fore, to consider the parent of this rose to be a species bearing sin-
gle flowers. If this single flowering species was a native of the
Levant, our botanists, ere now, would have discoved its habitats. I
cannot help, therefore, suggesting, that to the gardens of the east
of Europe we must look for the origin of this rose ; and to the Sin^
gle Yellow Austrian Briar — Rosa lutea, — as its parent; though
that, in a state of nature, seldom if ever bears seed, yet, as I have
proved, it will if its flowers are fertilized. I do not suppose that
the gardeners of the East, knew of this, now common, opera-
tion ; but it probably was done by some accidental juxta-posi-
tion, and thus, by mere chance, one of the most remarkable and
beautiful of roses was originated. From its foliage having acquired
a glaucous pubescence, and its shoots a greenish yellow tinge, in
those respects much unlike the Austrian briar, I have sometimes
been inclined to impute its origin to that rose, fertilized with a dou-
ble or semi-double variety of the damask rose, for that is also an
eastern plant.

140 THE DOUBLE YELLOW ROSE.

As yet, we have but two roses in this division ; the double yel-
low, or " yellow provence," with large globular and very double
bright yellow flowers, and the pompone jaune, or dwarf double yel-
low, both excessively shy of producing full-blown flowers, though
they grow in any moderately good soil with great luxuriance, and
show an abundance of flower-buds; but some "worm i' the bud"
generally causes them to fall ofT prematurely. To remedy this, va-
rious situations have been recommended ; some have said, plant it
against a south wall ; others, give it a northern aspect, under the
drip of some water-trough, as it requires a wet situation. All this
is quackery and nonsense. The yellow province rose is a native of
a warm climate, and therefore requires a warm situation, a free airy
exposure, and rich soil.

At Burleigh, the seat of the Marquis of Exeter, the effect of situa-
tion on this rose is forcibly shown. A very old plant ia growing
against the southern wall of the mansion, in a confined situation,
its roots cramped by a stone pavement ; it is weakly, and never
shows a flower-bud. In the entrance court is another plant, grow-
ing in front of a low parapet wall, in a good loamy soil and free
airy exposure. This is in a state of the greatest luxuriance, and
blooms in fine perfection nearly every season.

Mr Mackintosh, the gardener, who kindly pointed out these
plants to me, thought the latter a distinct and superior variety, as
it was brought from France by a French cook, a few years since ;
but it is certainly nothing but the genuine old double yellow rose.

In unfavorable soils it will often flourish, and bloom freely, if
budded on the musk rose, the common china rose, or the blush
boursalt ; but the following pretty method of culture, I beg to sug-
gest, though I must confess I have not yet tried it. Bud or graft
on some short stems of the dog rose; in the autumn, pot some of
the strongest plants, and, late in spring, force them with a gentle
heat, giving plenty of air. By this method the dry and warm cli-
mate of Florence and Genoa may, perhaps, be partially imitated ;
for there it blooms in such profusion, that large quantities of its
magnificent flowers are daily sold in the markets during the rose
season. — The Rose Amateur's Guide.

HI
Art. VI. — Culture of Fruit Trees.

THE APPLE.

When Apple trees for transplanting are to be raised, the stocks
should always be froni seed, and not from suckers, as the latter com-
monly furnish badly shaped roots; and as those varieties which pro-
duce suckers in greatest abundance are chosen, they are apt to be
troublesome from this cause.

The transplanting of apple trees is generally performed with far
too little care ; though their hardiness is such as to enable them to
endure bad management, the thriftiness resulting from good treat-
ment far more than compensates for all additional labor. The mode
of proper transplanting has been described in a former number. —
Where the quantity of land is small, such care is especially neces-
sary.

It is now satisfactorily determined that apples are a most profita-
ble crop for feeding domestic animals ; hence larger orchards than
have heretofore been raised, are becoming desirable. In many parts
of the country, portions of farms, otherwise comparatively useless,
may be thus occupied to advantage. Such as the sides of steep
hills, and ground inconveniently encumbered with large stones. —
Large orchares on good land will occupy less land if placed in the

hexagonal form, thus :

9 ***** m

* * 0 * * *

*******

******

For several years after young trees are transplanted, the ground
should be constantly cultivated. This is easily performed, so long
as the trees remain small. When they become large, an occasional
cultivation, with intervening crops of grass, may be sufficient for
large orchards.

It is too common a practice to neglect almost totally, not only the
cultivation of orchards, but pruning. Irregular and stunted trees,
and small and inferior fruit, are the consequence. This may be
prevented by moderate, frequent and judicious pruning, if the trees
are not already very old. The object is to prevent too thick a growth,
to increase the vigor of the branches, and to admit light and air. —

142 • CULTURE OP FRUIT TREES,

The straightest and most thrifty branches should be left, the dis-*
lance asunder being as nearly equal as possible, and so as to form a
well shaped top. The branches should be cut closely in pruning,
but not so much so as to occasion too broad a wound. If the wounds
thus caused, are an inch or more in diameter, they should be pro-
tected by a coat of thick paint, or of a mixture of brick-dust or whi-
ting with warm tar. This prevents cracking, admission of mois-
ture, and the consequent rotting of the branches. Pruning should
never be done in spring, when the sap is flowing, but may be per-
formed either in winter or in summer. A sharp saw is the best tool
for removing large limbs.

There are many orchards of ungrafted and comparatively worth-
less fruit, which might be greatly improved by changing the tops to
good varieties. This is commonly done by grafting into limbs two
or three inches in diameter ; but this is more difficult to perform,
and the young shoots are much more liable to be broken off by the
wind, than when grafted into small branches. A sufficient number
of young and thrifty shoots may be obtained in one season for graft-
ing on, by cutting off a few of the most central and larger limbs,
when fresh ones will spring up vigorously in their place. As the
grafted branches increase in size, the old ones are to be gradually
removed.

It would be difficult, even for one extensively acquainted with the
best varieties of the apple, to give a complete selected list ; the dif-
ficulty is increased by the great uncertainty of names among culti-
vators, and the multiplicity of .names for the same fruit in different
places. Lindley says,

" In apples, a greater confusion exists in this respect, than in any
other description of fruit. This arises not so much from the great
number of varieties grown, as from the number of growers, some of
whom seek to profit by their crops alone, regarding but little their
nomenclature. Nurserymen, who are more anxious to grow a large
stock for sale, than to be careful as to its character, are led into
error by taking it for granted that the name of the fruit they propa-
gate is the correct one, and no other ; hence arises the frequency of
so many fruits being sold under wrong names. Gardeners, who
purchase trees, become deceived by this procedure, and do not dis-
cover the error, unless they have been imposed upon by the substi-
tutive of something worthless, and obviously at variance with the

CULTURE OF FRUIT TREES,

143

character of the fruit sold them. This is a serious evil, to say noth-
ing of the disappointment of the purchaser ; for unless the mistake
be detected at first, the longer the tree grows before it is discovered,
the more time will have been lost by its cultivation ; and, be it re-
membered, this time is irrecoverable."

It is care alone, that can correct this evil ; nurserymen should
propagate a smaller number of varieties, that they may the more suc-
cessfully attend to the examination of the fruit to prove their genu-
ineness,— because it is much better to cultivate a few select kinds,
than a larger number of inferior quality, or whose names are in-
volved in uncertainty. Purchasers must be careful to obtain them
from those sources most to be depended on ; or if they raise their
own trees, they should, if possible, obtain their grafts from trees
whose genuineness has been proved by actual bearing.

In giving a short list of apples, it is to be remembered that there
are a great many good varieties, and that many must therefore be
omitted ; and to some, such a list may seem badly selected, chiefly
in consequence of the many inferior varieties which are called by
the name of some excellent variety. The following list may assist
the cultivator in selecting good varieties:

Summer Fruit.
Early Red Juneating,
Early Harvest,
Early Sweet Bough,
Summer Rose,
Summer Pearmain,
Sine Q,ua Non,
Woolman's Early,
Buffington's Early.

Autumn Fruit.
Strawberry Apple,
Maiden's Blush,
Sapson,

Summer Queen,
Rambo,
Autumnal Swaar,

Gravenstein,
Stroat,
Fall Pippin,
Alexander,

'Winter Fruit.
Bellflower,
Swaar,

Esopus Spitzenburg,
Ortley,

Hubbardston Nonsuch,
Baldwin,

Rhode Island Greening,
Ribston Pippin,
Newton Pippin,
Roxbury Russet,
Tallman Sweeting.

All of the preceding list, are, in a greater or less degree, suitable
for table fruit, and some of them are also peculiarly adapted to cul-
inary purposes. As the day for the manufacture of cider is passing
away, and a far more profitable use may be made of apples in feed-
ing domestic animals, no varieties expressly for cider are given in
the list.

144

CULTURE OF FRUIT TREES.

To those who have but small gardens, the following are more par-
ticularly recommended :

Maiden's Blush,
Fall Pippin,
Swaar, Baldwin,
Spitzenburg,
Newton Pippin,
Hubbardston Nonsuch.

Early Harvest,

Bough,

Sine Q,ua Non,

Buffington's Early,

Strawberry Apple,

Autumnal Swaar,

The following European varieties are highly recommended, but
should not be extensively propagated until their adaptation to the
climate of this country is satisfactorily ascertained, because many
fruits of first rate excellence in one country, prove of little value in
others. We are assured that many of the first American peaches,
in England proved worthless ; and on the other hand, many north-
ern fruits are found greatly to depreciate in warmer climates, — the
White Astracan apple, for instance, which is described as a most
excellent fruit in Russia, is pronounced at mediocrity at Paris, and
in this country is of little value. The writer has observed that some
English varieties recommended as first rate, are in this country much
inferior to our best fruits.

Summer Fruit.
Margaret,

Spring Grove Codlin,
Summer Golden Pippin.

Winter Fruit.
Old Nonpareil,
Royal Pearmain,
Hubbard's Pearmain,
Barcelona Pearmain,
Golden Harvey,
Golden Reinette,
Dutch Mignonne,
Court of Wick,
Cornish Aromatic.

Autumnal Fruit.

Early Nonpareil,

Keswick Codlin,

King of the Pippins,

Golden Pippin,

Pine Apple Russet.

The uses of apples are becoming yearly better understood, and
their value constantly increasing to the farmer. It is now satisfac-
torily proved that they are not only excellent for fattening hogs, but
are also equally so for feeding milch cows during winter. Horses
may also be advantageously fed on sweet apples. For cows and
hogs, the difference between sweet and sour apples is found to be
far less than has been generally supposed. A moderate estimate of
the expense of one acre of orchard, (remembering that the ground
may be cultivated with crops while the orchard is young) will show
the cost at from three to six cents per bushel ; their value for feed-
ing hogs has been proved to be much greater than the same quanti-
ty of potatoes.

CULTURE OP FRUIT TREES. 141

The Diseases and Enemies to which the apple tree is subject, are
generally not formidable. It has, however, sometimes serious ones
to contend with. Among the chief are, 1. The Caterpillar. 2. The
Borer. 3. The Canker. 4. The American Blight. 5. The Can-
ker Worm.

1. The Caterpillar. — This has hitherto been the most formidable
evil the apple has had to contend with in Western New York, and
in fact the only one of any considerable extent. There are several
species ; but the only one which proves seriously injurious, appears
in the spring as soon as the leaf buds begin to open, at which time
it is not the tenth of an inch long, nor so large as a cambric needle •
it increases constantly in size for a iew weeks, till it is two inches
long and a quarter of an inch in diameter. It then spins a cocoon
and passes to the pupa state. In the latter part of summer, it chan-
ges to a brown miller, and deposits its eggs in cylindrical rings of
several hundred each, round the smaller branches. Every ring of
eggs destroyed in fall or winter, which may be easily done by sim-
ply cutting off the small shoots which contain them, and burning
them, will prevent a nest of caterpillars next season. If left till they
hatch, they are easily killed when they first appear, by a caustic or
poisonous solution, as of lime, ley, or of tobacco, applied to them
with a cylindrical brush on a pole. The later the operation is de-
ferred, their increased size renders the work more difficult.

2. The Borer. — This is an insect which enters and perforates the
wood of the tree at or a little below the surface of the earth. In this
section of country, they rarely become troublesome to the apple tree.
They may be taken out and destroyed by introducing into the hole
they have made, a flexible, barbed wire.

3. The Canker. — This is sometimes termed bitter rot. It is as-
cribed to various causes. By some it is considered as arising from
neglected culture, — poorness or wetness of soil, — or exposed situa-
tion. But the most probable, or the immediate cause, appears to be
injudicious pruning, and bruises. Decay generally commences at
the wounds thus caused, and extends till the tree dies. To prevent
this evil, never prune in spring while the sap is in active motion,
and protect all wounds of any considerable size from air and mois-
ture, by a coat of paint, or of tar and brick dust. The only way to
cure trees already diseased, is to cut away all affected parts, and ap-
ply a suitable covering to the wound.

19

146 CULTURE OF FRUIT TREES.

4. The American Blight, (so called) is caused by the Aphis la-
nata, a small insect so thickly covered with fine white hair as to ap-
pear enveloped in cotton. It is furnished with a small bristle-like
beak, with which it perforates the bark of the branches. Excres-
sences rise, the limb grows sickly, and perishes. Branch after
branch is assailed in turn, and the whole tree ultimately dies. It is
easily destroyed on young trees, and older ones if recently attacked,
by brushing over the affected parts a mixture of equal parts of fish
oil and rosin melted together and applied warm. The operation
should be performed as early in the season as possible, or when the
insect is first perceived. In England, many trees have been greatly
injured, and some destroyed by it. Although introduced into nur-
series in this country, it has hitherto been but little troublesome, and
if carefully watched, will probably remain so.

5. The Canker Worm where it has appeared, is perhaps the most
destructive to apple trees of any insect in America, but it has hith-
erto been confined in its ravages to certain parts only of the coun-
try, particularly of New England. Its habits are thus described by
Kenrick :

" The canker worm, after it has finished its work of destruction
in spring, descends to the earth, which it enters to the depth of from
one to five inches. After the first frosts of October, or from the
15th or 20th, those nearest the surface begin to rise, transformed to
grubs or millers. They usually rise in the night, and invariably di-
rect their course to the tree, which they ascend, and deposit their
eggs on the branches, which are hatched in April or May. They
frequently rise during moderate weather in winter, when the ground
is not frozen, and in March, and till towards the end of May. When
the ground in spring has been bound by a long continuance of frost,
and a thaw suddenly takes place, they are said sometimes to ascend
in incredible numbers."

They destroy all the leaves of the tree, and thus eventually cause
its death. The only effectual remedy yet devised, is commonly done
by tarring. A circular portion of the bark is scraped smooth, and
the crevices filled with clay or mortar ; a strip of canvass, and a
large tow cord to prevent the tar running down, are then bound
round the tree, and tar applied. The operation must be performed
daily, a little before sunset, throughout the season the insect contin-
ues to ascend. — Genesee Farmer.

147

Art. VII. — The Natural History of the Tniffle. Translated
from the German for Loudon's Gardener's Magazine.

Classification. — Two esteemed botanists (Braune in his preface
to the third part of the Flora of Salzburg, and Borkhausen in his
Botany, § 3. and 412,) in their subtleties, have denominated mush-
rooms the spectres of the inanimate vegetable kingdom ; and the
immortal Linnaeus, in his Regnum vegetabile, still more unaptly calls
them vagrants and barbarians, a thievish race, voracious creatures,
&,c. He, who in a capricious fit chooses to give an equally suita-
ble appellation to truffles, may call them the gnomes of the imma-
terial vegetable kingdom ; for they are only a kind of mushroom
which grows under the surface of the earth, and are for the greater
part of their existence externally invisible, being observable only for
a short period, and by certain favored animals, after which they
speedily undergo dissolution.

By some botanists, mushrooms or fungi are assigned to an inter-
mediate kingdom ; by a very few they are referred to the animal
kingdom; but by most they are retained in the vegetable kingdom.
That they are not properly organized plants is correct, for they want
most of the characteristics of plants. No distinct organs of genera-
tion, no decided seeds, have as yet been observed in them, and no
one has, as yet, succeeded in methodically increasing them by arti-
ficicial cultivation, on the same principle as other vegetables, with
the exception of the garden mushroom. Truffles are usually devel-
oped where vegetable life ceases, and where the first step of the
decomposition of vegetable matter has commenced under the requi-
site degree of moisture, warmth, and light.

The counsellor of regency, Medicus of Mannheim, lately deceas-
ed, a very excellent botanist, in his theory upon the formation of
truffles, which has great merit, calls them educts, not products, of
the vegetable kingdom, and endeavors by the idea of a vegetable
crystallization, to present to the senses the manner of their coming
into existence, in which they assume determinate forms, from which
they never vary. Other vegetable physiologists brought the former
seed theory upon the tapis, and endeavored to place it beyond a
doubt, that fungi are simple plants, with most simple imperceptible
organs of generation. (See F. C. Medicus, Pfanzen-phusiologi-

148 NATURAL HISTORY OF THE TRUFFLE.

sche Abhandlungen, 3tes bandchen; Leipzig, Graf, 1803; Borkhau-
sen's Botanical Dictionary (Borkhausen's Wortbuche, Giessen,
1797, 2ter theil, seite 210. ;) and Funke's Lexicon of Natural His-
tory : in which works are found, at length, the different opinions of
their authors on the formation of fungi.) In the eleventh edition
of the Systema Planturum of Linnaeus, truffles are arranged in the
class of plants with invisible organs of fructification, and their place
is there assigned in the genus of dust or globular fungi (Lycoper-
don ;) in the family of subterraneous globular fungi (Lycoperdon
subterraneum,) which comprehends three species, the name Lyco-
perdon Tuber being given to them.

Later botanists have established a new genus, viz. Tuber, com-
prehending four species, and have called the edible truffle Tuber
gulosorum. The French call them truffes ; and the Italians,
tartufi.

We shall distinguish and describe two kinds which are found in
the neighborhood of the Rhine, although our principal object is the
black edible truffle.

Description of Trvfies. — The edible truffle is, as has been
already mentioned, a globular fungus. When ripe, it is covered
with a black, or often a dark brown, nearly regularly shaped (gen-
erally having six sides,) chapped, hard, and rough rind or shell,
which has nearly the appearance of a fir cone before it opens. Later
botanists in their description of this rind are often indistinct, and
call it merely wrinkled. Geoffroy the younger, as early as the year
1711, in his treatise entitled Observations sur la Vegetation des
Truffes, very correctly observes its regular form saying: '^ Les
Truffes sont couvertes d^une espece de croute dure, chagrinee, et
gercee a superfice avec quelque sorte de regularite telle a peu pres
qu'on Vappergoit dans la noix de cypres." No fibre, no small root
is to be seen on this rind, and when the truffle is carefully dug out,
it generally leaves the form of its rind behind it, just as if it had
been pressed against the clay or loam, for the purpose of making
an impression. Its shape is sometimes globular, or of a longish
round or oval, but sometimes like that of a kidney, and it has on
the surface an appearance like tuberous plants, sometimes having
protuberances and sometimes depressions. The truffle, when cut,
shows a difference in it texture and color. It is generally of a net-
ted, cellular, veiny consistence. It is often watered, of a dirty

NATURAL HISTORY OP THE TRUFFLE. 149

white, sometimes flesh-colored, or clouded with grey ; but most gen-
erally., and especially in the vicinity of the Rhine, marbled of a
dark or light brown, and when this is the case, is always strongly
veined with white, or mottled like the nutmeg. This difference of
color depends upon the earth in which the truffle is produced, upon
its situation, upon the place in which it is found, and also upon its
age ; for all our brownish ripe truffles are, till they are nearly ripe,
more or less of a whitish color.

In the veiny consistence of truffles are many cavities, filled with
vegetable mucus, in which are contained several dark points.
These, some take for seeds, and some ior the embryos of other
truffles that have received their form, and, increasing in size, grow
after the dissolution of their parent.

The flesh of truffles is solid, partly juicy, and partly dry like the
kernel of many fruits of trees ; for instance, like that of the oak,
hazel, &c. It is either mealy or soapy to the touch ; and, when
raw, has a somewhat sweet, but peculiar taste. Before it is ripe,
the truffle has no other smell than that of the mouldiness of fertile
earth, or decayed vegetables ; and in that state, therefore, is not
easily perceived, and found by animals that have a delicate sense of
smelling; but as it approaches to ripeness, it attains the truffle smell
so agreeable to epicures, which, at first is fragrant, and often like
musk ; as it is nearer being ripe, it becomes sharper and more urin-
ous ; and when too ripe, or going back, and putrescence or insects
have begun to make their attacks upon it, is disagreeable, and near-
ly resembles the smell of a cow house. There are also truffles in
many places, which diffuse a strong smell of garlic, many of which
are found in a small district of the Weingartner Forest. In hus-
bandry, in trade, and by some botanists, they are, according to
their color, smell and taste, considered as different species; but most
botanists look upon these kinds only as varieties. There is as yet
much obscurity in the mode of ascertaining the different species of
fungi. Many species, even of truffles, may incontestably be discov-
ered, with respect to which, regard, in my opinion, should not be
had to one peculiarity alone, but to several taken together, and es-
pecially to the place where they are found, to the soil, and to their
being produced at one and the same time, in one and the same spot
In a ripe state, truffles are observed by divers animals, even when
deep in the earth, and found, as we shall learn, by certain species
of them.

150 NATURAL HISTORY OF THE TRUFFLE.

There are ripe truffles, from the size of a bean to that of a large
fist, and from a pound to a pound and a half in weight. Heavier
ones were unknown to Geoffroy. I have never seen heavier ones
found, an'l I do not believe that there are truffles, as some maintain
of from twelve to fourteen pounds weight.

Here and there ripe truffles are indeed met with the whole year
through ; but the most of them ripen from the middle of August,
especially when rains fall about that time, till late in autumn, when
frosts come on.

The Swine Truffle, which, in this neighborhood (Carlesruhe,)
grows along with the black edible truffle, is, in its external color, its
shape, and particularly in its smell, essentially different from the
common edible truffle. By some botanists, however, it is esteemed
to be the same in a young state, and by others is said to be a variety.
It has a leathery, thin, yellowish red rind or skin, covered with
small dark warts. Its juicy flesh is, for the most part of the color
and consistence of that of the edible truffle. It is, nevertheless,
very often more coarsely marbled. Its taste, when raw, is not equal
to that of the edible truffle, and its smell is unpleasantly sour, nearly
approaching to that of the swine, from which it derives its name.
Many writers, following each other, enumerate the longish round
truffles, amongst swine truffles, and reject the use of them. I have,
however, found this quite incorrect. The external form is very
various in truffles, and cannot alone afford any characteristic.

When ripe it usually attains the size of a bean, or that of a small
walnut, but sometimes that of a hen's egg. On account of its disa-
greeable taste and smell, it is not eaten ; and therefore when it is
abundantly met with, it is by no means welcome to the truffle hun-
ter, but is immediately thrown away. My own observations have
sufficiently informed me that it belongs to a peculiar species, and
that therefore it properly ought to be called Tuber, or Lycoperdnn,
suile.

Origin and habitat of Truffles. — The circumstances under
which truffles are produced, viz., their growth, and the place where
they are found, particularly deserve the attention of truffle hunters
and foresters ; in order that they may be able to calculate, from what
wood districts, by means of obtaining these astonishing productions,
an accessory advantage may be procured. They are met with in
mould formed from decayed vegetables, or in the upper stratum of

NATURAL HISTORY OF THB TRUFFLE. 151

earth which consists chiefly of vegetable soil, in ploughed land, and
especially in a sand which is mixed with vegetable mould. A pro-
per degree of shade seems to be essentially requisite to their pro-
duction, and they are generally met with in thinly planted forests,
in which rain and warmth can easily operate upon the ground, as
also where there are small groups of trees. They are principally
found in thinly planted oak woods, which have either no under-
wood, or at the most, only thorn bushes that are quite stunted, or
other single bushes. They are also found in thinly planted pole
woods of different kinds of trees, of from forty to sixty years growth,
which contain timber trees of oak and beach ; thirdly, also in dis-
tricts which are covered with pollards of hornbeam, elms, maples,
6lc., along with which there are a few bushes. They are always
most abundant under oak trees, as it has been long ago observed.
They there generally lie near to the stem, amongst the roots, but
sometimes at a distance from them. They grow in the woods near
the Rhine, and almost as numerously under the roots of the white-
thorn (Crataegus Oxya.cantha,) which shoots up with difficulty in
thinly planted woods and pollard districts, as under the oak. Single
ones are also found at the roots of other trees, and even at a dis-
tance from all roots, under thin and not matted grass and similar
plants. That they are never found under apple, pear, and nut trees,
that where a truffle lies no grass or herbaceous plant will grow, and
that this is caused by the exhalation of the truffle, as some maintain,
is incorrect, and contrary to experience. I have often been an eye-
witness that truffles have been dug out from under pear and apple
trees, as also out of tufts of grass, and soil covered with grass seeds.
In shady, moist, and fertile soil, truffles grow larger, and lie
nearer the surface, than in dry and barren places, that are not shadt d.
In the first, they often rise with one half above the earth, so as to
be exposed to sight ; or they lie one inch or at most two inches
deep, and grow to the largest size that truffles ever attain. In the
last situations, however, they are often dug out from the depth of six
inches and only as large as a hazel nut. But it is not merely by
the truffles rising above the surface of the earth, and appearing to
the sight, that they are discovered, there are other indications that
betray their hidden existence. In districts where truffles of the sort
described grow, the earth in certain places is frequently arched up
in the form of a hemisphere, having cracks or clefts in it : one or

552 NATURAL HISTORY OF THE TRUFFLE.

more truffles are usually the cause of this. An insect which pierces
truffles and deposits its eggs in them, a species of fly in considera-
ble numbers, often continues where truffles lie hid, and is, as I have
often observed, chased away by the search. Funke, in his Lexicon
of Art, (Kunst Lexicon,) endeavors, though vainly, to deny this in-
dication; which, indeed, is of no use where truffles are sotight for
by the aid of dogs.

Truffles are sometimes found singly, sometimes a good many
together, in which latter case however, as may be easily supposed,
they are of different sizes, and are never so perfect, as when only a
single one is found, or a few are found together in a favorable situa-
tion. Weidenbach, the most experienced truffle-hunter in the
neighborhood of Carlsruhe, found last autumn (1811,) in my pres-
ence, under the roots of a white-thorn, more than thirty truffles of
different sizes, from that of a pigeon's egg, to that of a bean.
This, as he asi^ured me, was the only instance of his having found
so many together. He had never before found more than from
twenty to twentytvvo together, in a practice of more than thirty
years.

In Piedmont and upper Italy, truffles are said to be found in
stubble-fields, vineyards, and meadows. Whether this be correct
or not, I pretend not to determine. Notwithstanding many inqui-
ries, I have never learnt that a truffle was ever found in Germany
in an open space entirely devoid of trees.

Truffles are extended over the whole surface of the earth, and
are natives as well of the cold north, as of temperate and hot cli-
mates. Linnaeus found them in Lapland, and Ksempfer in Japan,
where also they are eaten as a delicacy. They are dug up in Af-
rica, America, and in great abundance in many parts of Asia.
They are found principally in the temperate countries of Europe,
in England, Spain, and France, especially in the south of that
country; in Italy, in Switzerland, and in the north and south of
Germany. In the last country, they are abundant in the kingdom
of Wurtemburg, and in the Grand Duchy of Baden, along the
Rhine.

Propagntion of Truffles. — Notwithstanding the numerous plans
which have been formed, and the many experiments which have
been made, to effect the propagation of truffles by art, none, to the
best of my knowledge, have succeeded. Even in the neighborhood

- . NATURAL HISTORY OF THE TRUFFLE. 153

of Carlsruhe, the experiments made by the late Margravine Caro-
line Louisa of Baden, the grandmother of the present most illus-
trious grand-duke, an excellent, ingenious, and learned lady, who
was very much attached to natural history, were attended with no
favorable result. Truffles were several times taken up uninjured,
with the earth surrounding them, without their being displaced
from it, and again planted in the same circumstances under which
they had originated : but they always underwent dissolution ; and
no increase or renewal of them succeeded, which, however, must
have taken place, if the truffles had contained either seeds or em-
bryos. Bradley, Von Justi, Count Borch, and Bulliard, have in
their writings, respectively, proposed plans for the propagation of
truffles. They say that a soil should be made choice of for the
purpose, which resembles as much as possible the soil in which
truffles are produced ; that it should be dug about two or three
feet deep ; furrows or trenches should then be drawn through it,
into which pieces of earth should be put or sunk, in which many
truffles have grown, or even single truffles may be stuck into it.
Whether these plans have been already carried into execution, and
have had a more fortunate result than the experiments which have
been made in our country (Carlsruhe) is to me unknown ; but,
though I much doubt it, 1 am not inclined entirely to decide against
the possibility of planting truffles artificially, since success has been
attained in the cultivation of other fungi. Many requisites for the
formation of truffles seem only to be covered with a thick veil,
which futurity, and the exertions of diligent natural philosophers,
will perhaps raise or remove.

The enemies of Truffles, and the remedies against those enemies.
— Man does not alone seek after truffles, which he places on the
tables of the rich ; both wild and domestic swine are fond of this
delicacy. In the woods of which these animals are natives, man
mav save himself the trouble of endeavoring to obtain truffles for
his palate ; as, in this instance, they do not share so fairly with us,
as they did the acorns with our forefathers ; they not only collect
and root out the truffles in order lo eat them, but by turning over
the soil, they prevent their formation.

The badger also, as well as the swine, is fond of truffles. The
gamekeeper, seeing the soil broken, often says: "A badger has
pricked, or has rooted, here." This expression, in places where
20

154 NATURAL HISTORY OF THE TRUFFLE.

truffles are found, means, when translated from the hunter's lan-
guage : " Here a badger has eaten a truffle." The red deer are
remarkable for seeking and eating a peculiar kind of globular fun-
gus or truffle, which is called the hart-truffle, hart-rut truffle (Tuber
cervinum,) and they also consume edible truffles; the roebuck, as
I have been assured, is also very fond of them. As domestic dogs
are made use of in the search for truffles, and sometimes eat them
very greedily, it is not to be doubted that the wild dog and the fox
often dig for them. Squirrels, mice, and red wood snails (Limax
rufus), I lately saw feeding upon this delicacy.

Besides these enemies, many insects lay their eggs in truffles,
and dispose them to putrescence, or at any rate render them useless ;
because the larvEB which arise from these eggs pierce the truffles
through and through, and impart to them a bitter taste. GeofTroy
observed two kinds of flies which pierce the truffle, one blue or
violet, the larvae of which dwelt in the sound truffle, and a black
one whose larvse inhabit the decayed truffle, Morand, and Reau-
mur observed the larvae of another fly, which is of a red brown
color. Together with these flies, I discovered a beetle in truffles
which pierce them in great numbers, making burrows through
them, which it continues in the earth. It is a species bostrichus
(Bostrichus Fahr. 5 Dermestes Linn.) and of the size of the beetle
that destroys the bark of the firs (J9ermestes piniperda Linn.) but
is nevertheless of a lighter red-brown color, has no hair, and no in-
dentations on the wing-coverts.

The Uses of Truffles. — Truffles are made use of as a food ; but
not being found every where, they are consequently rare and dear,
and seldom appear except on the tables of the rich. They were
known as a delicacy by the ancients, and were especially esteemed
amongst the Romans, as a dainty and favorite dish. Dioscorides
and Pliny make mention of them ; the latter {Hist. Mund., lib. xix,
cap. 2), in particular, relates an extraordinary circumstance which
happened at a Roman truffle feast. As Lartius Licinius, the Ro-
man praetor at Carthagena in Spain, was eating a truffle, he bit a
penny piece (denarius,) a Roman silver coin. Whence Pliny infers
truffles arise from the accretion of matter deposited in the earth,
which fact Geoff'roy endeavors to disprove.

They are very nourishing, and are said to be strong stimulants.
They are often eaten, peeled raw, thinly sliced, and then soaked in

PROGRESS OF HORTICULTURE IN BOSTON. 155

wine, or only roasted in ashes. The art of cookery teaches us how
to prepare them in many different ways, and to make them palata-
ble ; ihey are used as an addition and seasoning to meat pies, sau-
ces, and ragouts, and a particular dish is made of them nearly
alone. They are also used for stuffing turkeys, &c. In medicine
they were formerly employed, when boiled, as a cataplasm for the
quinsy ; but now like many other medicines in that disorder are
but little esteemed. Many physicians prohibit their being eaten,
and ascribe colic, palsy, and other disorders to them. The clas-
sical Frank, in his Medicinal Policy, vol. iii. p. 309, also points out
certain consequences as proceeding from their immoderate use.

In trade, truffles perform an inferior part, they are marinated,
(salted, and afterwards preserved in oil and vinegar,) and sent prin-
cipally from Aix, Avignon, Bordeaux, Perigord, Cette, and Nice,
to all the principal towns of Europe, where they are served up at
table even in winter. The merchants have different ways of pre-
serving them. Some, after they are dug out, immediately wrap
them, whilst fresh, in waxed paper, lay them into a glass from
which the air is extracted, and set the glass in a larger vessel filled
with water. Others merely dip them in oil or fat, by which means,
the effect of the air, and in some degree, dryness, withering, and
decay, are for a time prevented. In trade, truffles are distinguish-
ed by different names, which have relation partly to the place
where they are found, as Perigord truffles; and partly to some pe-
culiarity in themselves, as white truffles (bianchetti,) &-c. They
are sold in the neighborhood of Carlsruhe, and in other places
where they are found, at two florins (about half a crown) per
pound, and cost when sent to a distance, especially in winter, from
six to ten florins (from 7s. Qd. to V2s. Qd.) per pound. In the arts,
as far as I know, they are not used. In London, they sell at from
75. to 16s. per pound. — [To be continued.)

Art. VIII. — Progress of Horticulture in Boston.

It is doubtful if there was ever a more beautiful display of plants

and flowers in the different green-houses in the vicinity of Boston,

than there has been the present season : particularly the Camellia,

which has been flowered to a very great perfection, to which many

new varieties have found their way into the collections of the con-

156 PROGRESS OF HORTICULTURE IN BOSTON.

noisseurs. To this class of plants, we may add the Azalea and
Erica, of which some of the finest specimens have been flowered
in the difl^erent green-houses. The Azalea is a charming family
of green-house plants, and will undoubtedly, ere long, become not
only a great favorite which it is already, but find its way into every
collection of the green-house and parlor plants, for certainly it is
one of the finest hardy, shrubby, green-house plants we have ; and
it is probable, in time will be by culture run into endless varieties,
as the camellia. The Erica too, is becoming more general, and it
only requires to be well grown to become a general favorite. I
hope so beautiful a tribe of plants will not be neglected ; especially
by the fair patrons of " Flora," on the supposition that it is im-
possible to cultivate it in rooms ; no such fearful anticipations are
needed, for I hope time will prove them altogether erroneous. The
same idea prevailed some years since with the Camellia, which now
can be cultivated by every lover of flowers, and I trust the same
thing will be in a kw years exemplified in the Erica. But before
a satisfactory proof can be given of this hint, the method of grow-
ing the Erica to accommodate itself to rooms, must be a little al-
tered in regard to season, namely : it must be so managed as to
throw it into flowering a month later in rooms, when air can be
given, and the time of duration of flowers will amply compensate
those who purchase. I hope, too, that gardeners and cultivators of
this pretty tribe of plants will impart everything relating to its cul-
ture, in order to give animation, by the success of those who com-
mence the culture of the Erica. For let them remember, that
sickly plants discourage the amateur, and healthy give a zest to
their ambition. Before I quit my general observations, I cannot
refrain from noticing the fine perfection of the several kinds of
Rhododendrons that have flowered this season, particularly the Ar-
borea and the Hybridium, which have surpassed anything of the
kind ever seen in this vicinity.

In noticing the several places near Boston, I beg leave to name
that of Wm Pratt, Esq, Oakley Place, Watertown, conducted by Mr
Alexander McLennan, which ranks as one of the most compact
establishments in the neighborhood. The mansion wl)ich is lo-
cated on a fine eminence (and well protected from the cold quar-
ter with a fine grove of trees) commands one of the finest land-
scapes in the country ; as its residents can sit at ease, and look over
a fine fertile valley, and view the bustle of the surrounding country,

PROGRESS OF HORTICULTURE IN BOSTON, 157

and that mart of commerce, Boston, at a bird's eye view ; the ap-
proaches which are of a fine easy nature, (and which have been
much improved this fall, by Mr McLennan) are in perfect keeping
with the fine scenery that the establishment commands. To its
compact gardens are attached two glass-houses, and a frame yard ;
the one appropriated to a green-house in the winter, and a grapery
in the summer, the other entirely as a grapery and for forcing early
vegetables. The green-house is stocked with a choice collection
of green-house plants, which have been in good keeping during the
winter ; and at this time exhibits a fine show of the Geranium or
Pelargonium in flower, which is one of the richest treats of the
season in the green-house. But the most interesting thing in the
green-house at this time is a fine specimen o^ ihaWesteria consequa-
nia which is now in flower and covering a large space of the back
trellis. This is perhaps the finest specimen ever flowered in these
parts, and its long racemes of flowers, which are nearly a foot in
length, bearing a dense cluster of fine light blue papilionaceous
flowers, is truly beautiful.

In noticing J. P. Gushing, Esq. Belmont Place, it would be use-
less to call by name the many pretty things that have been in flower
during the season. The show of Geraniums is now as at Mr Pratt's
in a fine state, and it is certainly in good taste to flower the Gerani-
um in private collections at an early season ; when they follow their
predecessors the Camellia and continue a good show to the spring.
In the hot-house I noticed some fine specimens of the Bletia Tan-
kervillicB in fine perfection, and the succession Pine Apple plants
promise to bear some fine fruit in the season. The Pceony moutan
and papaveraceahave been flowered in fine perfection in the conser-
vatory ; but the most attractive specimen at the present is a noble
plant of the Rhododendron arhoreum in flower, of from 15 feet or
upwards in height, containing from 50 to 70 trusses of flowers, and
indeed the whole concern is now, as it is always, a rich treat to
those who have the pleasure of seeing it.

Dr Howard's, Brookline, a pretty establishment managed by Mr
Irish in a neat and successful manner. The glass-houae which
serves the triple purpose as green-house, grapery, and for growing
vegetables, is built with two side wings; and a semicircular centre,
which serves as a staging for green-house plants ; the front and one
end for forcing radishes, sallads amd the like — and grapes are
grown very successfully up the rafters ; which are now breaking
and showing fruit finely.

l53 MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS.

John Lemist, Esq., Roxbury. — This establishment has fuily sus-
tained its reputation this season, in cut flowers, particularly the
Double White Camellia, which has been flowered in fine perfection
by Mr Hutcheson ; at this time the fine specimens of Erica and
Azelias now in flower give a contrast with the other plants of a very
pleasing cliaracter to the lovers of flowers.

Mr D. Murphy, Roxbury, has a good collection of green-house
plants of the different kinds of Geraniums, China Roses, Stock-
gilliflowers, Wallflower, &c., which are grown in a hardy manner
for the purpose of rooms. The plants are in a thriving condition,
and it is to be hoped that the lovers of flowers, as the season advan-
ces, will give Mr M. a call and encourage his object of cultivation.

M. P. Wilder, Roxbury. — His fine collection of plants has lately
received an addition of many fine varieties of Camellias from diver-
ent parts of Europe, some of which are fine specimens of trees five
or six feet high ; several of these kinds are the most choice and are
highly valuable. Indeed Mr Wilder seems to spare neither trouble
nor expense to make his collection one of the most complete.

TuLBAGHiA CEPACEA, Willd : We wcrc gratified in discover-
ing among a collection of Cape of Good Hope bulbs, now growing
in the green-house of W. W. Palfray of Salem, and introduced into
our city collections by Mr John C. Lee, the above rare and curious
plant, allied to the Hemerocallis, but still diflfering in many particu-
lars. T'ough of no e.ssfiitial or striking beauty, yet from the sym-
metrical and fan form of its foliage and from its nodding bells of
alliaceous scented flowers, it instantly strikes the attention of the
botanical florist. Sepals six, green cowl, three parted, dull brown,
with Hidisiinci stamina, flowers pendent from a common bracte,
root somewhat between a tuber and bulb. The genus was original-
ly named in honor of Tulbaghia, a Dutch governor, at Cape Good
Hope, and a patron of botany. Its cultivation seems easy, and is
worthy the notice of lovers of rare plants. *

Spiuncj has come with the blue bird and song sparrow ; while
the hardy snow-drop of England is now peeping from the ground
swincrinff its carols in defiance of east wind and lingering winter
which seem disposed to dispute its authority as the welcome haibin-
ger of blander zephyrs and summer days. J. L R.

March 26.

159

New Horticultural Books.

The American Flower Garden Companion. Adapted to the Northern
States. By Edward Sayers, Landscape and Ornamental Gardener.

This is a beautiful book, just issued from the press, nontaining in a small
compass ample instructions for the cultivation of flowers, and catalogues and
directions for the selection of varieties suited to the meridian of New York
and Massachusetts, and adapted with variations to other states. It is plain,
full, and well arranged ; and may be safely commended to the pationage of
those who have a taste for what indeed is most beautiful in the Creator's works.

The pleasures of the eye are among the most varied, the most abundant, the
most impressive, the most instructive of any of the senses ; we had almost
said of al! the others combined ; and throughout universal natuie, \n all its de-
partments and productions, external beauty is eyery where present and predomi-
nant, that this sense might be cultivated and gratified ; that the eye might be
filled to the full.

The cultivation of a taste for the beautiful in creation, is laying a broad
foundation for innocent pleasures and rural recreations j and multiplying the
instruments and excitements to a grateful piety. This taste, then, should by
every means be encouraged and improved ; and it is impossible in this case that
we should go too far. It is impossible for us to become too much in love with
nature; with the beauty of the land, the ocean, the skies, the forests, the
beasts, the birds, the insect world, the flowers; and the vast and ever changing
procession of animal and vegetable life, as it passes before us.

We greet, therefore, with unaflfected delight, every effort to cultivate and
strengthen this taste, and to lead men away from the grovelling cares and wast-
ing perplexities of common life, to study nature in her vast laboratory ; and
to mark the divine agency in her every operation, and admire and adore that
beneficent prodigality of beauty, which is every where poured out around us.

We cannot forget the delight with which the last season we visited the splen-
did Tulip plantation of a distinguished cultivator in the vicinity of Boston.
This man is a fool, says one, to spend his time and money in the cultivation
of these paltry flowers ! But he was a much greater fool who said it. We saw
in it the truest wisdom. What a profusion and what an endless variety of
beauty! What a wonderful organization; and what exquisite touches, and
tints, and coloring, and shades ! What skill, what wisdom, what beneficeace
illuminated this simple and narrow page of God's earliest revelation, and were
here concentrated in a blaze of glory. What a source of innocent and delightful
recreation to the cultivator; and what a benefaction to others in the pleasures
which it imparted.

Away then with party politics, which madden men to frenzy ; and embitter
all the waters of life. Away with the miserable sophistries, and conceits, and
arrogancies of controversial theology, which disturb the temper, and narrow
the mind, and nourish pride and inflame resentment. Away with the wretched
drudgery of a never-to-be-satisfied avarice, which extinguishes all generous
and noble sentiments; and hardens the heart like stone. Learn to love the
purer, the heart-enlarging, the heart-improving pleasures of nature; diink of the
crystal waters of this exhaustless fountain ; and worship your Creator in this.

160

NEW HORTICULTURAL BOOKS.

his glorious temple ; adore his goodness and perfection in the infinitely multi'
plied forms of beauty, which every where crowd upon the sight ; in the snow-
drop wliich first peeps above the ground to whisper to you that spring is
coming ; in the rose, the queen of flowers, that sits upon her mossy throne and
sheds Jier fragrance upon your path ; in the floating and golden clouds which
draw their glowing folds around the retiring monarch of the day .: and in
the sparkling stars which watch with their eternal fires over your hours of
repose — " See God in every thing and every thing in God."

The Book of Fruits. Being a Descriptive Catalogue of the most valuable
varieties of the Pear, Apple, Peach, Plum, and Cherry for New England
culture. By Robert Manning. To which is added the Gooseberry,
Currant, Raspberry, Strawberry, and Grape, with modes of culture ; also,
Hardy Ornamental Trees and Shrubs. With plates. First series for 1838.

Mr Robert Manning of Salem, well known to the horticultural community,
and distinguished for his skill and public spirit in the introduction and cultiva-
tion of fine fruits, has just published a work under the above title. It is well
printed ; the plates do credit to the engravers ; and the information contained
in the book is adapted to be highly useful. We regret that our limits will not
admit of a more extended notice of the work at this time. We recommend to
every man, delighting in a garden, and having a desire to cultivate fine fruit
without risk in mistaking its character, and to understand the cultivation of a
tree or vine, to obtain this book.

QUINCY MARKET.

[Reported for the Horticultural Register.)

APPLES, Russet,

barrel, 2 00

to 2 50

bushel, 1 00 1 50

Baldwins,

do. 2 00

2 50

do. 1 25 1 50

BEANS, White

.

do. 2 00 2 25

BEETS,

.

.

do. 50 75

CABBAGES,

.

.

dozen 50 75

CARROTS,

-

bushel 50 75

CELERY, - - . -

.

.

root G 10

CRANBERRIES,

.

bushel, 2 00 2 25

GRAPES. Malaga,

.

.

pound 25 37

HORSE RADISH,

.

.

pound 8 Jl

LEMONS,

.

.

dozen 20 25

LETTUCE,

.

.

head 6 1-4

NUTS, Almonds, (Soft shelled)

-

.

pound 7 8

(Hard)

-

do 4 5

Filberts

.

.

do. 4 5

ORANGES, -

.

.

dozen 37 50

ONIONS,

bunch, 4 a 6

bushel 1 50

PARSNIPS, -

.

.

do. 75

PARSLEY,

-

.

half peck 25

POTATOES, common, -

bushel,

40 50

barrel 1 00 1 25

Chenangoes,

do.

37^ 50

do 1 25 1 50

Eastport,

do. 1

00

do. 2 00 2 25

RADISHES

.

.

bunch 6 1-4

SPINACH.

.

.

half peck 25

SQUASHES, various sorts,

-

.

pound 3 4

SAGE,

-

do 20 25

TURNIPS,

bushel 50 75

Boston, April 6, 1838.

THE

:®m®i©ii^^irmikm mm^s^sam.

AND

GARDENER'S MAGAZINE.

MAY 1, 1838.

Art. I. — Monographi of the Genus Camellia, or An Essay on
its Culture, Description and Classification ; Illustrated by two
synoptical tables; the first containing the names of two hundred
and seventy varieties, with the color and form of the flowers, the
species or variety which have produced them, the place of their
origin, and the p«!riod of their introduction into Europe; and the
sect)rid presents two ascending gamuts, in which are painted the
shades of color peculiar to the known Camellias, with their spe-
cific denominations. By the Abbe Berlese, member of several
French and foreign I^earned Societies. Translated from the
French for the Horticultural Register, by Henry A. S. Dear-
born.

TRANSLATOR S PREFACE.

For an opportunity of reading the work of Abbe Berlese on the
Camellia, I am indebted to Miss S. Gibbs of Boston, who has re-
cently returned from Europe: and considering it the most interest-
ing and valuable treatise, which has appeared on the characteristics
and culture of that magnificent shrub, it has, at her suggestion been
translated, for publication, in the monthly numbers of the Horti-
cultural Register, in the full belief, that it would be very acceptable
to that portion of my fellow citizens, who are engaged in the orna-
mental, as well as the useful departments of horticulture.

The highly respectable lady, who, on this occasion, has evinced
such a commendable disposition, to extend the bounds of intelli-

162 MONOGRAPHI OF THE GENUS CAMELLIA.

gence and promote the happiness and prosperity of those, who par-
ticipate in the various branches of rural industry, did not require,
this additional illustration of her enlightened liberality and patriotic
zeal, to foster and encourage a refined and exalted taste, for science,
letters and the arts ; but such renewed demonstrations of her well
known beneficent and enlightened views, in relation to the best in-
terests of her country, are as cheering, as they are honorable, and
merit the grateful acknowledgments of every American.

Whoever returns from a foreign clime, and brings back a single
rare, or valuable seed, plant, or specimen of the arts, — or increases
the national fund of human knowledge, by the contribution of the
smallest volume, is justly to be considered, as a public benefactor.
It was such an interest for the advancement of their country, that
induced the illustrious travellers of all ages, to introduce from every
portion of the globe, whatever they discovered that was in any man-
ner calculated to accelerate its progress, in the career of improve-
ment. The histories of Greece and Rome are filled with the names of
eminent men, who thus distinguished themselves; and all that has
been achieved in the march of civilization, since that long and
dark period, which succeeded the fall of the great empires of anti-
quity, is the result of the bold and adventurous spirit, and command-
ing genius, of a comparatively few individuals, who from age to age,
have appeared, as the pioneers of intelligence, important discover-
ies and useful objects of enterprise.

Alexander directed, that the victors in the public games should
be crowned with the leaves of the peach, in honor of Perseus, who
first brought that fruit from Asia ; Pliny has rendered the Consul
Sextus Papinius forever memorable, by giving him the credit of ac-
climating the nectarine of Syria, durmg the reign of Augustus,
while the names of Martius, Manilius and Appius are perpetuated,
as practical cultivators of the soil, by being given to the celebrated
pears and apples, which they introduced from distant regions; and
the delicious figs of Carthage, were made known to the Romans,
from being presented by Calo to the assembled Senators, to remind
them, that they had not only an implacable but near enemy. The
most meritorious trophies which Lucullus and Prince Potempkin
gained, during their Mithridatic and Turkish campaigns, were the
supurb varieties of the cherry, which they brought from the shores
of the Euxine ; and the agricultural work of Mago was deemed the

MONOGRAPHl OF THE GENUS CAMELLIA. 163

most precious of the spoils, which Scipio transported from the .coast
of Africa, on the triumphant conclusion of the last punic war.

The author, of the Monographi of the Camellia, pursued the only
course, by which any branch of the sciences or arts can be brought
to the highest state of perfection, or proficiency attained in any
moral or physical pursuit. He made the Camellia, a special object of
investigation and experiment, for a great number of years and there-
by became so thoroughly acquainted with the character and habits
of that plant, as to be eminently qualified to give the necessary in-
formation for its successful culture ; as well as furnishing a method-
ical mode of classing and naming the rapidly increasing varieties,
from their form, color, and manner of growth.

The work appeared under the sanction of Chevalier Soalange
Bodin, who from the high reputation he has justly acquired, in con-
sequence of the vast extent of theoretical and practical knowl-
edge he has evinced, in all the departments of horticulture; and the
exalted positions he has long sustained, as proprietor of the celebra-
ted garden of experiment at Fromont, and Secretary of the Royal
Horticultural Society of Paris, is a conclusive testimonial, of the
respectful consideration, in which the labors of the Abbe Berlese
should be held.

Although it is but a few years, since the Camellia has been gen-
erally known and cultivated, in the United States, we can present
several very splenid collections; and that of Colonel Wilder, in
Dorchester, is surpassed by but few in Europe, both as to the variety
and number, as he has over 1000 plants, which include 300 species

and varieties.

Hawthorn Cottage, )

Rozbury April, 26, 1838. ]

PREFACE OF THE AUTHOR.

Being passionately fond of Botany, I have passed the most de-
lightful moments of my life, in the study of flowers ; but was very
much embarassed in making a selection of the kind, to which I
should devote my special attention, from the immense series of the
vegetable families, which presented their respective beauties to my
admiration. At length, after great hesitation, I finally gave the
preference to the genus of the Camellia ; and in fact, what species
of plant is there, which better merits the enlightened and vigilant
care of the horticulturist? The elegance of its form, the beautiful

164 MONOGRAPHI OF THE GENUS CAMELLIA*

verdure of its leaves, and the pure and brilliant color of its larg^
and elegant flowers, sufficiently justify the choice I have made ,'
especially, when not only a vast number of distinguished amateurs
have imitated me in this adoption, but there is not a garden, in
which this lovely plant has not found a place, and where it sparkle*
in the first rank of the vegetable population. Every civilized na-
lion immediately adopted the Japanese adventurer, with emulous ad-
miration, and now the Camellia has become a cosmopolite.

But, in consequence of the eagerness which every one has evinced
to welcome this beautiful stranger into their conservatories, where
it produced numerous varieties, rivalling each other in elegance and
splendor, there has resulted a great confusion, which has conse-
quently occasioned much difficulty in appreciating the obtained va-
rieties, and rendered it very desirable to the cultivators, that a con-
venient mode of classification should be established, to guide them
in this new Dsedalus. And, how could it be otherwise, when the
many different modes of multiplication are considered, which have
been discovered by the science of horticulture, — a science, which
has been carried to such a high degree of perfection in our day ,'
and also, the facility with which this plant produces seeds, especial-'
ly in the southern portions of Europe.

Thus, every where, the number of varieties have increased and
consequently a confusion in the specific names ; so that now the
series present a perfect synonymical chaos, which is often left to
the decision of the ignorant to reform, and we might say, even
sometimes, to the malevolent.

To remedy, as far as possible the evils which have been designa-^
ted, as well as to benefit all those^ who admire and cultivate this
lovely plant, which is the object of my constant predilection ; and
to guide them in their purchases and exchanges, and at the same
time prevent them from being deceived, by intentional or involunta-
ry errors, I have undertaken a labor which, it is not improbable,
may be deemed above my powers ; but I throw myself, with confi-
dence, upon the liberality of all the true friends of horticulture ;
who will perceive, that in this attempt, to establish a nomenclator,
feeble as it is, I have been constantly animated, by a desire to be
useful.

My time having been devoted, for twenty years, to the special cul-
tivation of the Camellia, I have obtained, at great expense and la-

MONOGRAPHI OP THE GENUS CAMELLIA. 165

bor, probably, the most numerous collection on this continent, al-
though I have carefully excluded all inferior and doubtful varieties.
Having daily studied, with minute vigilance, the progress of na-
ture, in this superb genus, I have made numerous interesting
notes on its growth, florescence, fructification and culture ; and
having arranged them with the greatest possible care, they form the
basis of this work, which is now confidently submitted to the ama-
teurs of Flora ; and if I shall be so fortunate, as to obtain their suf-
frages, my ambition will have been entirely gratified.

ADVERTISEMENT.

This work is divided into three distinct parts: the first contains
a full account of the method of cultivating and multiplying the
C-amellia ; the second, a description of the most elegant varieties,
amounting to about two hundred and eighty, — each of which is
annexed to a number that has reference to a corresponding one in
the two synoptical tables.

For the purpose of being easily understood by all persons, who
cultivate and admire the Camellia, a simple and uniform mode has
been adopted, in the descriptions, based on the most striking char-
acteristics of the plant, — as ihe size of the leaves, and the form and
color of the buds and flowers. All the irregularities or resemblances,
which the varieties present, as well as the synonyms are carefully
designated, whenever it has been possible to do so, with certainty.

The buds have been divided, as follows, in conformity to the col-
or of the colycinal scales — which also characterise the more or less
facile development of the flowers. ,

1. Buds with green colycinal scales. Florescence easy.

2. " " yellowish " " Florescence less easy.

3. " " dark col'd " " Florescence uncertain or difficult.

The flowers have been divided into simple, semi-double, double,
and full.

To prevent any doubt in the mind of the cultivator, — who may
often be deceived, with respect to the preceding denominations, the
definitions, are here given. By a siniple flower is understood, such
as have but one rank of Petals ; although in some varieties the sexual
organs occasionally change to the petalous state. Example, Cam-
ellia, dicanthiflora, insignis, &c. These latter are flowers, which
certain gardeners erroneously call double.

166 MONOGRAPHI OP THE GENUS CAMELLIA.

Seini-double are those which have but two rows of petals, with
occasionally petalous stamens.

Double flowers are those which have several ranks of petals in-
termixed, with fertile and apparent petalous stamens, in the centre.

Full flowers have the rows of petals so multiplied, that they have
the form of the hundred leaf rose.

The asteri.-k denotes the distinct species which have been recog-
nized, as such, by botanists; and they are eight in number.

MONOGRAPHI OF THE GENUS CAMELLIA.

C HAPTER FIRST.

Section L — The Origin and Botanical Characteristics of the

Camellia.

The name of Camellia, first given, by Forskal, to Ruellia gran-
dijlora, was immediately applied by Linnaeus, to the beautiful shrub,
which is the subject of this work.

LinnjEus conferred upon it this name, as a testimony of gratitude
to father Camelli, a Jesuit, who, in 1739, imported it from Japan,
into Europe.

The following are the botanical characteristics of this plant.

Perianth double : calyx, formed by the union of imbricated,
squamose, rounded, concave, coriaceous and caducous bractes ;
corolla, of from five to seven petals, — rarely nine, equal in number
to the bractes, which they exceed much in size, alternating with
them, and often united at the base by their claws ; stamens nume-
rous, hypogynous, disposed in the form of a crown, filaments fili-
form, polyadelphian, and sometimes monadelphian, at the base
surrounded by ellipsoidal movable anthers ; ovary one, oval ; styles
three to six, more or less connected ; capsule trilocular, opening by
three valves, trispermus ; valve partitioned, dehiscent, one triquetrous
axis ; seeds rare, fleshy, plump, attached to the interior coat of the
petitions.

The Camellias are shrubs or trees, indigenous to China, Japan,
Cochin China, and the Indies; they are glabrous, evergreen, and
eminently remarkable for the beauty of their flowers.

This plant, heretofore placed near the orange, by M. De Jussieu,
is now the type of a new family, formed by M. Candolle, the elder.

MOA'OGRAPHI OF THE GENUS CAMELLIA. 1"67

under the name of Camellias, which is composed of the genera
camellia and thea; and which that learned naturalist places be-
tween the ternstraemia and olacinia, — adding, doubtfully, that if
the new intermediate genera can be posterially united, the two first
orders may form but one, for the reason that the Camellia only
differs from the ternstraemia by the seed.

In its native country, the Camellia rises to the height of from
forty to fifty feet ; but in Europe, it rarely exceeds from twenty to
twentyfive, and forms a shrub of the most superb appearance, whose
persisting foliage, of a glossy green, and splendid flowers, place it,
without contradiction, in the first rank, among the plants of our
green-houses.

Its branches are numerous, alternate, diverging, reddish when
young, but ash-colored and striated in their adult age ; the leaves
uniformly alternate, large, smooth, generally more or less convex,
thick, coriaceous, of a beautiful deep and brilliant green, margins
acutely, but not deeply dentated ; the flowers, often from two to
three inches in diameter, of a bright cherry-red, terminal, on rising
from the axils of the leaves of the superior branches ; they appear,
in this climate, to gladden our sight, in November and March, when
the frosts have desolated our gardens ; this peculiarity, independent-
ly of the extreme beauty, so remarkable in this plant, has been suffi-
cient to claim for it our preference; it may also be added, that if
nature had not refused an agreeable aroma, it would be the sover-
eign of plants, to which no other could be compared, without dis-
paragement.

It has not been considered proper to describe, as a botanist, the
transformations which cultivation has produced, in the normal type,
{Camellia Japonica,) by the attempts to obtain so many and such
elegant varieties. There is no one who has paid any attention to
horticulture, that is such an entire stranger to the science of botany,
as not to be acquainted with those metamorphoses of the stamens
and pistils, which constitute the semi-double, double, and full
flowers, that are daily produced, in our gardens, among the families
of the roses, dahlias and other choice plants.

Section 2. — The Increase of the Varieties of the Camellia by
Cultivation, and the Necessity of a Classification.

The Camellia japonica, as has been stated, was introduced into
Europe in 1739, and first ornamented the gardens of England ;

168 MONOGRAPHI OF THE GENUS CAMELLIA.

soon after it passed into Italy, then into France, and at a much
later period into Germany. This was the only species known in
Europe for fortyseven years ; it subsequently fructified in several
countries, and furnished varieties which were long esteemed.

But in 1792, the beautiful varieties of the White, the Variegated,
and Double Red appeared at the same lime, when, of course, the
admiration for the type, immediately diminished.

Since these three first varieties, Japan and China have furnished
us with others, equally remarkable, such as the Incarnata in 1806,
the Myrtifolim 1808, the Warrata in 1809, and finally the Pceo-
nicB jlora, and the Pumponia in 1810.

As several of these varieties, and especially, the three last have
fructified in our own gardens, there have been obtained from their
legitimate and adulterous unions, varieties and hybrids of the most
interesting character. Time, culture and accident have, in their
turn, induced these new products to give birth to others, which,
without contradiction, equal in merit those which have been receiv-
ed directly from their native countries. This easy mode of repro-
duction,— by fructification, — having become general, and as the
results are continually augmenting, enlightened cultivators are
united in their fears, that in the future, the numerous varieties
which are daily exposed in the flower market, will soon produce
great confusion, and there will be invincible difficulties to direct
their course in this floral labyrinth, if a clue is not found to guide
them, by establishing an order of classification, which shall quadrate
with the demands of horticulture, and the trade in these universally
admired shrubs. This fear, in which we equally participate, has
encouraged us, to publish our ideas on the subject, and to propose a
method which every one cnn comprehend, and accomplish, so far
as our feeble abilities will permit, the object which we have pro-
posed,— that of being useful to horticulture.

For this purpose, we have adopted the most simple and natural
mode, — that of dividing the Camellias into two classes, from their
general color ; viz. Camellia unicolores, and Camellia hicolores. 'J'he
first class comprehends the simple colors which are more or less
pure and deep ; the second contains the mixed colors, more or less
determinate and striking. The result of these views is contained
in the annexed tables, where are explained, in an abridged manner,
all these differences, besides the form, species, or variety of the
Camellia, its origin, and introduction into Europe.

MONOGRAPHY OF THE GENUS CAMELLfA. 169

The more extensive details are contained in the monography* at-
tached to this work ; but to understand these tables, it is essential
that they should here be preceded, by some information, as to the
means we have employed for establishing the names of the different
shades of color, which are generally exhibited in the flower of the
Camellia.

Our first effort has been directed, to ascertain, what were the rela-
tions, which existed between the different shades of the artificial red
color, with which different kinds of silk and woollen manufactures
are dyed, and between the natural shadesof the same red, which the
flowers of the Camellia present, in order to apply the same denomi-
nations to the latter, which the artists have given to the former ;
but, notwithstanding our assiduous researches, to discover whether
there was any resemblance between these two kinds of colors, we
at last thought, that we should have recourse to the painter, who,
alone, can seize and imitate the various tones of color, which are
so richly displayed by nature; and this thought became a resolution,
which was immediately carried into effect. A very able painter,
surrounded by the natural samples, which our collection of Camel-
lias abundantly furnished, was employed, at various times, to imitate
these colors on paper, and to establish, in precise terms, the specific
names of the coloring materials, which he employed, to compose
each specimen, in the painted representations.

This labor having been accomplished, we considered it necessary
that the result should be submitted to the examination of Mr Chev-
reul, one of the most distinguished men in France, — the director
of the royal establishment of tapestry at Gobelins, and professor
of chemistry in the Museum of Natural History. Mr Chevreul ex-
plained, in his peculiarly lucid and kind manner, all the ramifica-
tions of his system of colors, which has been ably developed in a
scientific work, that the author will soon publish.

The examination of the system of Mr Chevreul, has been of in-
finite service to us, in simplifying our labor, and has induced us to
divide our colors into two series, called gamuts, containing all the
tones and shades, which distinguish the varieties of the Camellia.

We shall develop this attempt for the classification of the varie-
ties of the Camellia, by their colors, after having described the
modes of culture and multiplication.

* In the preceding pages, for " Monograph!," read Monography.

22

170 MONOGRAPHY OF THE GENUS CAMELLIA.

CHAPTER SECOND.

Section 1. — The Cultivation of the Camellia.

The Camellia of Japan is, inconlestably, one of the most beauti-
ful conquests, which horticulture has achieved, during the last cen-
tury. The magnificent form and appearance of this shrub, the
rare elegance of its foliage, the beauty and size of the flowers, the
season in which they appear ; their variety, their abundance and
their duration, are qualities which no other vegetable possesses, in
such an eminent degree, and which assign it a distinguished rank,
among the most admired plants, that are selected, for augmenting
our pleasure and gratifying our taste in floriculture. But all these
advantages are yet, very far, from being generally appreciated, not-
withstanding this plant is every where received, by admirers without
number ; still it is much to be regretted, by enlightened horticultu-
rists, that it is not more extended, more zeal evinced for its acquisi-
tion, and above all, better cultivated.

We daily hear, even well informed persons, observe, that the Ca-
mellia is a very difficult plant to manage, and that it is too dear \
or that it requires green-houses, especially appropriated to it, and
that it is very expensive to preserve them ; while others abandon
them because they have not a sufficient extent of ground for their
accommodation, or a gardener sufficiently well educated to superin-
tend their cultivation ; and finally, many of those, who undertake
their culture, soon give it up, because they do not succeed in making
them bloom freely, and in the most perfect manner.

Devoted, for twenty years to the special culture of the Camellia,
we are emboldened by the experience acquired, during that long
lapse of time, to attempt the removal of all these enumerated dif-
ficulties, by describing, as far as our feeble abilities will permit, the
manner in which this plant can be easily cultivated, preserved, mul-
tiplied, and made to bloom annually.

Although the Camellia is a shrub of a rustic nature, and does
not require an elevated temperature, nor an extraordinary rich soil
for its vegetation ; although it can accommodate itself to all expo-
sitions ; still it is better to be sheltered ; and notwithstanding it can
endure considerable cold, without perishing, yet, to enable it to ac-
quire a vigorous vegetation, and blossom abundantly every year, as

MONOGRAPHT OP THE GENUS CAMELLIA. 171

well as to subject it, with success, to tiie various modes of multipli-
cation, there are the following principal conditions, which are es-
sential ; in the first place, the soil in which it is to be cultivated,
and which is, generally loam, vegetable mould or peat; but there is
some difficulty in the choice of the composts and the mode of ad-
mixture; and for the benefit of the horticulturist, we shall extend
our remarks on this subject, which is so very important to the suc-
cessful results of their labors. By a good soil, we mean that mould
or peat soil, which contains the largest portion of decayed vegeta-
ble and animal matter. It should be light, sandy, does not soil the
fingers, and is of a chestnut^ brown, or deep fawn color. Such, in
particular, are those of Sanois and Meudon, in the environs of
Paris, as will be perceived by the following analysis.
Peat soil of Meudon.

Siliceous sand, ....

Vegetable matter, .....

Earth

Carbonate of lime, .....
Soluble matter, ......

Peat soil of Sanois,

Siiex, ........

Lime, carbonate, .......

Salts, diliquescent, ......

Earth,

Iron, magnetic, ......

Matter not yet decomposed, .....

Loss of apparent foreign substances,

100 00
The portions not decomposed or deliquescent salts, have yielded
by an exact analysis,

Silex, ........ 2 00

Carbonate of Lime, ..... 15 00

Sulphate of lime, 10 00

Muriate of lime aud magnesia, . . . 8 00

Animal matter, ...... 12 00

Loss and water, . . . . . . . 53 00

62

00

20

00

, 16

00

0 80

. J

20

100

00

43

80

7

10

1

10

31

70

0

13

13

25

2 92

100 00

The mould or peat soil of Palaiseau, Beauregard, Longjtimeau,
Vincennes, &lc., is rejected, as too light, and as containing less

172 MONOGRAPHY OF THE GENUS CAMELLIA.

earth than the others. The two preceding are preferred, and
especially that of Chapellen-Serval, which being richer in earth,
they preserve for a longer time their fertilizing qualities, and are
less subject to loss by rains and irrigations. The most objectionable
is that of Fontainebleau, which is taken from low and marshy places,
and whose color is of a dull and faded black, which indicates suffi-
ciently the presence of turf, and renders this soil so compact and
hard, that it is difficult for the roots of delicate plants to penetrate
it. There is a still greater inconvenience, arising from its turfy
nature, for when dry it becomes so hard that it is impermeable to
water.

When a selection has been made, of one of the varieties of peat,
which have been named, as the most suitable to the nature of the
beautiful plant, which engages our attention, it should be cut into
little pieces, about three inches square, and exposed to a free circu-
lation of air, in a shaded position. The preference given to this sub-
stance arises, from its being light, substantial, and the length of
time it retains its nourishing qualities. It is easily permeable to
water, when it has not been dried too much, absorbs and retains a
sufficient quantity of aqueous particles, admits of a free ramifica-
tion of the roots, readily absorbs the atmospheric gases, and finally,
remains for a long time endowed with the principle of fermentation,
according to the quantity of subterranean gas disengaged, and the
dissolution of the carbonic acid, so essential to vegetation.

We shall not speak of the peats of Gand, Turens, Anvers and
Bruxelles, which are of a fawn color ; they are the best of all those
with which we are acquainted.

When natural peat soil cannot be procured, a substitute to a cer-
tain extent, can be factitiously formed, which answers very well,
and to which we give the name of compost, in conformity to the
practice in England, where various kinds are so ably prepared.

Take natural rich and substantial loam, from pastures, or grass
fields, with the turf, light mellow virgin soil from the forest, with all
the roots and herbaceous plants with which it is covered, and rotten
leaves ; mix these well together in equal parts, and form a conical
lieap so that the rain water may easily run off; this pile of compost
is left in the open air, often dug over and replied up, so as to be op-
erated upon by the atmospheric gases which surround it, and a
kind of fermentation, until it becomes a homogeneous mass, which

MONOGRAPH!' OP THE GENUS CAMELLIA. 173

requires nearly a year, when it is fit for use, and affords an excellent
equivalent for natural peat soil.

In England, where proper peat soil is rare, some of the ablest cul-
tivators, such as the Loddiges, Swet, and Young, rear Camellias in
a mellow natural loam, filled with vegetable substances, in a state of
decomposition, mixed with a certain quantity of turf and fine sand ;
others, as Bayswater, employ a mixture of turf, naturally sandy soil,
and a certain quantity of very old barn manure, reduced to an
earthy state; and there are some, as is the case with Mr Henderson,
a Scotch cultivator, who is very celebrated for his splendid collection
of Camellias, makes use of a compost formed of light loam, fine
river sand, and thoroughly decomposed leaves.

In Italy they use soil taken from the forests, mixed with decom-
posed leaves.

In those parts of Germany where peat soil can not be procured,
it is replaced by a compost, formed of one third turf and two thirds
of virgin earth, that is a little sandy, but well filled with decayed
vegetable matter.

But whatever soil or compost is used, for the Camellia, it is
necessary that it should be well pulverized and cleared of all stones,
shells and pieces of wood ; but if it is natural peat soil, take care not
to imitate those unskilful and ignorant gardeners, who pass it care-
fully through a seive, by which inappropriate operation, it is deprived
of a quantity of small roots, and other vegetable substances, which
by gradually decaying, furnish, for a long time, successively prepared
new aliment for the plants.

Before using peat soil, for repotting, it is best to break up the
large lumps with a mallet, on what is still better a little flail, for the
purpose of separating and removing the strong roots and stones ; it
is then passed through a coarse hurdle, or the little lumps may be
pulverized, by rubbing them with the fingers. The soil thus pre-
pared, is immediately used. Only the earth or compost which is to
be employed, for seeds, cuttings and layers should be passed
through a seive.

Section 2. — Repotting^
The spring is the most favorable season for repotting the Camel-
lia. This operation should be performed immediately after flores-
cence, and before the sap begins to be in activity, which is gene-
rally, towards the end of March. It may be done, however, in the

174 MONOGRAPHY OF THE GENUS CAMELLIA.

autumn, or even between the two periods of the flow of sap, which is
in June or July. This process is performed by removing the shrubs
into pots about an inch deeper, and broader, than those in which
they have been growing. The time for doing it, is when the ball of
earth, which surrounds the roots, is a little dry. As much of the old
earth should be removed, as possible, by the fingers. All the dead
and wounded roots should be carefully extirpated. As it is very
essential, to the future health of the plant, that the water which is
used in irrigation, should rapidly flow off, it is necessary that the
bottom should be filled with little pieces of broken pots, or what is
better a quantity of coarse sand or gravel, which prevents the water
from remaining too long. We have been in the habit of scattering,
very lightly, quick lime, over the pile of peat soil, or compost, which
we use for repotting, as long experience has proved to us, that this
mineral body, prudently employed, gives a remarkable activity to
the vegetable qualities of the soil, with which it is incorporated.

We do not insist on the dimensions of the pots, which should be
used for the Camellia, as that is an affair of taste and experience ;
but we should deny as an unwarrantable assertion which
is often repeated, that small pots are best. Some horticul-
turists pretend, that to make this plant flourish well, the roots
should be restrained by a small pot; but the persons who
practise this method, have fallen into an error, which it is easy
to refute, from the greater number and success of those, who
cultivate the Camellia in large pots, boxes, and even the uncon-
fined earth. There are two reasons which induce our nursery men
to raise the Camellia in small pots : first because they occupy less
space in the green-house, do not require so much compost to repot
them, and they are more easily handled; and secondly, being often
obliged to confide the watering of the plants, to inexperienced and
careless persons, they pour on the water without discretion, which
occasions great losses, as the large pots retain the humidity, much
longer than the small, which has the same effect upon the plants, as
too great a quantity of aliment upon the human body, and produces
a true indigestion, which immediately kills the Camellia, after hav-
incr produced disease in the roots, from being long immersed in that
humidity, which they are no longer capable of absorbing. But, as
with a little skill, all these inconveniences can be obviated, there
cannot be a doubt, that the Camellia, will succeed better in large
pots, where the roots can easily extend themselves, than in those of

HORTICULTURAL INTELLIGENCE FROM FRANCE. 175

small size, in which they are confined and compelled to be folded
over, and entangled with each other.

As soon as the Camellia has been repotted, it should be abun-
dantly watered and returned to the green-house, whenever this op-
eration takes place immediately after the period efflorescence; and
the temperature should be from 50 to GOdegrees during the day, and
from 50 to 54 during the night ; but at other times it will be suffi-
cient to place it in the shade for a few days, after it has been water-
ed. The increased warmth of the green-house, at this period, causes
the plants to throw out long and slender roots, and as the heat of the
sun increases daily in its intensity, it is indispensable, that the green-
house should be covered, with linen or cotton cloths, or thin
mats, during the time the rays of the sun fall upon the glass ; for
without this precaution, the young shoots and leaves would be
scorched and spotted.

[To be continued.]

Art. II. — Horticultural Intelligence from France.

The invigorating and pleasing science of Horticulture and Flor-
iculture, has been greatly neglected in this country, in consequence
of the continual demands made by the late Emperor Napoleon,
from among the agricultural classes, to fill up the ranks of his ar-
mies, and it is only since the peace, that horticulture and garden-
ing has become a favorite study with the volatile French nation.
His present Majesty, Louis Philippe and his family, who passed so
many years in England, the emporium of agricultural science and
improvements, are the great patrons for propagating, throughout
the country, the art of gardening, by giving every encouragement
to the industrious nurseryman, not only in allowing him the priv-
ilege of obtaining, from the director of the royal gardens of Fon-
tainbleau, Compiegne, Versailles, St. Cloud, &c., some of the
rarest seeds and graftings, but by an annual distribution of medals,
or money to the same amount. The great progress made by the
Horticultural and Floricultural Society of London, through the in-
defatigable exertions of its scientific secretary, which has been im-
itated throughout all England, and strongly patronised by her most

176 HORTICULTURAL INTELLIGENCE FROM FRANCE.

gracious Majesty dueen Victoria, and the nobility, has had the
best results in giving a stimulus to Horticulture, on this side the
water. Previous to the peace of 1815, a garden laid out in the
English style was not to be met with, but since 1830, so great has
been the improvement in that art, that in the environs of this cap-
ital, Versailles and St. Germain, where many English families have
erected some splendid residences, the grounds are laid out with all
that taste and neatness so peculiar to the British nation. At Bou-
lotrne-sur-Mer and St. Omer, there are many nursery grounds that
would not discredit the first-rate gardeners, planted by amateurs,
many of whom are the fair sex.

The commerce of flowers is of the greatest importance to Paris,
the seat of gaiety and lux, and as the new year approaches, the
shops in the Palais Royal, Boulevards, and leading streets^ present
the appearance of a delightful green-house, decorated with the
rarest festoons, as on that occasion it is customary to make presents
of garlands, nosegays, and bons-bons to one's relations and friends.
From an able article written by M. Hericat de Thury, on the pro-
gress of Floriculture, the sum spent weekly in Paris, during the
winter months alone, in nosegays, flowers for balls and dresses, ex-
ceeds from 50,000 to 60,000 francs, making, in the course of a
year, a sum beyond all credit in this article of fancy, in the higher
circles as well as the middling. Notwithstanding this great de-
mand for flowers, it will scarcely be believed that in this gay capi-
tol, there are not more than twenty to five and twenty floricultural
establishments that are able to supply the market with plants and
nosegays, at a considerable profit, as the demands far exceed the
possibility of procuring them. So backward has that science been
in this country, that a considerable number of plants are obtained
annually from London, and other parts of England, and even from
Spain, Portugal, and Africa, to enable the French nurseryman or
florist to fulfil his orders, and his speculation always meets with
success. In London, the sale of flowers is, undoubtedly, very
great, but in Paris it may be considered at least double, if not tre-
ble, and many a small nurseryman who sat up in business about
fifteen years ago, with only fifty francs, possesses, from the compu-
tation that has been made by the Horticultural Society, at present,
a fortune; and the horticulturist who could afford to place from
50,000 to 100,000 francs (4,000/.) in an establishment, by planting

HORTICULTURAL INTELLIGENCE FROM FRANCE. 177

young trees, &-c., is at this day, a millionaire ! There are four or
five horticulturists in Paris, whose fortune exceed a million of
francs, when, but a few years ago they only had a trifle to com-
mence with, and still the market cannot be plentifully supplied with
plants and flowers to meet the demand. A society has lately been
formed in Paris, under the title of the " French, English, and
Dutch Horticultural Society," at the head of which is his Majesty,
Louis Philippe, the Queen, the Duke and Duchess of Orleans, the
Djke of Nemours, and all the royal family of France, and leading
nobility. The King of Holland, the prince of Orange, and the
King and dueen of Belgium. The necessity of such a society in
this capital, with leading branches throughout the country, has
long been felt by the amateurs of horticultural science, and the
establishing of correspondents all over Europe, and the principal
parts of the globe, has been one of its first measures. The grounds
taken by the society, are at 37, Boulevart Montparnasse, and are laid
out with the greatesttaste, possessing,at present, upwards of400,000
plants, trees, &c., 150,000 rose trees, 20,000 camellias, of va-
rious ages, and the rarest sorts : 100,000 azaleas, rhododendrons,
mimosas, ericas, and rose plants, from New Holland ; 10,000 hya-
cinths, tulips, lilies, gladiolus, crocusses, fcc, 10,000 dahlias, of
five hundred varieties, besides an assortment of 50,000 hot-house
and green-house plants. The society's gardens were opened on
Sunday last to the public, for the first time, and notwithstanding
that the weather was far from being favorable, the throng of vis-
itors was very great, among whom were noticed some of the lead-
ing fashionables, both English and French. The directors were in
attendance to receive the company, and give every information of
the rare qualities of the different plants as the ladies walked through
the various green-houses. The roses, myrtles, geraniums, lilies,
orange trees in blossom, and with fruit, egg plants without number,
young apple and pear trees with fruit, pine apples of extraordinary
size, and the other numerous collection of the rarest flowers from
all parts of the globe, were the admiration of all the amateurs, and
some extensive purchases were made for Louis Philippe. Besides
the gardens, the society has had built a splendid building in the
Boulevard des Italiens, which will be opened on the I5th of Jan-
uary as an exhibition, and for the sale of the rarest plants and
flowers, forming a most delightful horticultural promenade. This
23

178 TRUFFLE HUNTINa.

exhibition will be open to horticulturists of all nations, who may
think proper to send their productions either for show or for sale,
and the greatest care will be taken of their plants by the society.
Those who wish may have their names affixed. Public shows will
take place at various periods of the year, when a distribution of
medals and prizes will be made in presence of some branch of the
royal family, and leading amateurs. An account will be also kept
of the exhibitions of plants that may take place in the departments,
in England, Holland, and Belgium, and the names and samples of
those which may have obtained prizes will be procured by the soci-
ety, should they not possess them already in their gardens. The
society is at present formed of 1,000 shareholders of 500 francs, or
20Z. each, at five per cent, interest, and three per cent, dividend.
The members will receive, gratuitously, every information as to
the cultivating of their plants, &c., by the most experienced nur-
seryman, French, as well as English. So advanced are the flowers,
that from the 15th of January, the society will be able to furnish
from 5 to 800 choice nosegays, per diem, of the finest camellias,
and other rare plants.

Art. III. — Instructions for TriiJ/le Searching. Translated
from the German of V. F. Fischer.

(Continued.)
II. TuUFFI.E-HuNTING, OR TruFFLK SeARCH IN PARTICULAR.

General Remarks on Trujle Hunting, or Truffle Search. — The
act which has for its object the getting possession of wild, useful, or
injurious animals, by searching for them according to art, and
catching or killing them with an apparatus to that effect, and for
the most part by the assistance of domestic animals trained for the
purpose, is commonly called hunting. To the obtaining of other
natural productions from other natural kingdoms, unless we speak
figuratively, we cannot apply the term " hunting," although at the
same time many individual marks of the idea may occur. The
searching for and obtaining of truffles, which are a product of the
vegetable kingdom, cannot therefore be properly called truffle-hunt-
ing, since the taking up of better organised bulbous roots is cer-
tainly not called hunting. No indication of the idea of hunting
occurs in the acquisition of ruffles, except that they are usually

TRUFFLE HUNTING. 179

sought for by trained tame animals, and by particular persons whose
employment it now is; though this has not exclusively, or for a con-
siderable time been the case. It would be better, therefore, to make
use of the term truffle-searching than truffle-hunting, as some writ-
ers who make slight mention of truffle-hunting have very properly
observed ; for example Justi in his Technological Dictionary , and
ihe Qd'iiov oi i\\e Practical Forester and Gamekeeper, and several
others. In the mean time this shall not prevent us from making
use of the expression that has been adopted, and has once been
current ; the question here is merely a verbal one, and in verbis
simus faciles. The use of an expression is not, however, entirely a
matter of indifference, inasmuch as it may easily mislead us to ad-
judge the benefit of truffles to the chase, and to him who has the
right of hunting, as in many countries is actually the case. It by
no means belongs to the chase, but to the beneficial interest in the
forest or wood ; because it occurs almost exclusively only in woods
and wood soil, and not throughout the whole hunting district. In
the proper sense of the word it can be specially enumerated only
amongst the accessory advantages of woods.

The truffle search is practised in various ways : methodically, by
proper truffle-hunters with dogs or swine that are trained, in which
way only ripe truffles are found ; or arbitrary irregular digging, in
those places where indications of the existence of truffles are per-
ceived, in which way truffles of all ages are got, and many embryos
(if I may use the expression) are destroyed, the further formation of
truffles is prevented, and the truffle district ruined.

The last kind may be compared to what the unsportsmanlike
chase of hunting a trail is in hunting, or the unforesterlike use of
the productions of the forest is in the management of a forest, and
ought by no means to be permitted, but always punished as a forest
prodigality. Besides, truffles in later times have become considera-
bly more rare. The many falls of woods, and exterminations of
forests, which have been occasioned by the present wars and the
former calamities of the country, the increase of population, and
the converting of many woods to other purposes, have in several
districts in a great measure extirpated truffles, and consequently
they ought not to be made still more scarce, and in whole districts
entirely destroyed.

I shall, therefore, speak more at large only of the methodical

180 TRUFFLE HUNTING.

truffle-hunting with dogs, by means of which that with swine has
been, in later times, in a great measure supplanted ; and which
former mode, as far as lam acquainted with both, deserves the
preference. I shall treat of that of the swine only superficially.

How long Truffle-Hunting has been practised. — The methodical
search of truffles with dogs or swine seems to be a device of later
times; for I have discovered no traces of it in ancient writings.
Accordingly, the ancients appear to have sought for truffles in the
destructive mode above mentioned ; viz. by digging up whole dis-
tricts.

In Italy, France, and Spain, where rare and exquisite delicacies
were more and earlier esteemed, this mode of truffle searching was
earlier known than in Germany. Nevertheless, as may be con-
jectured from an observation of Geoffrey, it was not practised in the
first mentioned countries before the middle of the seventeenth cen-
tury ; and in the beginingof the last it was transferred to Germany.
Stisser, in his History of German Forests and Hunting, 1st ed. 1738,
chap. vii. sect. 65. informs us that, in consideration of his yearly
delivering a quantity of truffles, a privilege for the searching for
truffles in the principality of Halberstadt was first given to Bernard
Vanino, Italian ; and that the proper hunters had nothing in com-
mon with the truffle-hunters.

In the court of the Grand-Duchy of Baden, the first truffle-hunt-
er existed about seventy years ago, and was a Frenchman. It is
true, this man carried on the search of truffles in a rather expensive
way ; but he may be said to hav« established the art, since several
persons whom he had employed in it learnt it from him. The truffle-
hunter s at the other German courts were also all Italian, Piedmon-
tese, Savoyards, or Frenchmen, who made truffle-searching with
dogs the order of the day.

The requisite tools for truffle-hunting. — The truffle-hunter does
not require for his chase an equipment so carefully made, and such
a numerous collection of instruments, as the huntsman. His tools
are simple, and few in number. A hunting-bag is indispensably
necessary for him, to keep such truffles in as he may find, and for
provision for himself and his dogs ; to which, as is said below, a
morsel, by way of encouragement, must frequently be given. A
sharp, strong, not costly cutlass, is essentially useful, to cut the
shrubs and small roots which may obstruct his digging out the

TRUFFLE HUNTING. 181

truffles. The most necessary to him is a simple instrument, his
principal tool, with which the truffles are dug out. This^consists of
a heart-shaped shovel, of from 3 to 4 inches in length, and 3i inches
in breadth ; and of a hoe horizontally bent, of the same size, and
also heart-shaped. These two pieces must, by means of two hoops,
be both fastened upon one wooden shaft, of about 2 feet long ; the
hoe to the upper, and the shovel to the under, part of it. In using
this instrument, the earth must be carefully scraped away with the
hoe till the truffle is visible : the instrument is then turned, and the
shovel is thrust a {z\v inches deep into the earth near the truffle^
which must be raised out as with a spade.

Of all other instruments which different truffle-hunters get made
after their own ideas, this seems to me the best adapted for the pur-
pose ; besides which it requires no great outlay. The truffle-hunt-
er, when he uses in his search more than one dog, must be furnish-
ed with a pair of dog-couples, to couple his dogs with when he goes
out, to prevent their wearying themselves with running about before
they arrive at the place where they are to search.

Choice and training of truffie Dogs. — Truffles are perceptible to
animals with a delicate sense of smelling, chiefly by the smell
which they diffuse when ripe. The dog, as is well known, is at the
head of domestic animals with an acute smell ; and there is no
doubt that dogs of all races, provided they are somewhat docile, may
be used in truffle-hunting; though water-dogs (pudelhunde) are
preferred for this purpose, and next to them are spaniels and setting
dogs. The last, incontestably, would do quite as well for this
search as poodles or water-dogs, if their instinct did not lead them
away from the search of truffles, to follow the track and scent of
game. Pudel, or as we spell it in English, poodle, is a German
word, and is used to designate that race of dogs which formerly
used to be called water-dogs. Poodles seldoraer pursue such track
of game ; and even if they start it, they appear frightened, and
keep closer to their work, from which property they are peculiarly
fit for truffle dogs. Dogs are taken indifferently of the pure poodle
breed ; no matter whether those from which they are bred have been
truffle-finders or not. The color, upon which some lay a stress, is
of no consequence. The name which is given to the young truffle
dog is of still less importance; and it is extremely ridiculous that
some insist upon the truffle dog being named Putta, in the Italian
language.

182 TRUFFLE HUNTING.

A good truffle dog must be, 1. Very tractable, or be at a call;
2. He must search diligently and indefatigably ; 3. When he scents
a ripe truffle he must hunt for it ; 4. When he has completely dis-
covered it, he must show the place where it is, by scratching with
his fore feet; and, 5. When he has got it completely out, he must
take it to his master without breaking into or devouring it. A dog
that has these qualities may be called quite steady, and is trained in
the following manner : —

The first training is begun very early. When the dog is nine
weeks or a quarter of a year old, he is taught to come at a call.
You must whistle to him, or call to him saying " Here ;" and praise
him when he comes immediately, or punish him, though gently,
when he is inattentive either to the whistle or the call. This must
be daily practised and repeated, till he comprehends, and is obedient
to, his master's voice or signal. If very stubborn, he must, like a
settin<T dog, be led by a cord, and upon a whistle or call, be so long
pulled in, till he is at last obedient of himself. Then a beginning
is made with fetching and carrying, which is the thorough base of
a good truffle dog. This is frequently learnt in play by the young
poodle, with which force is not near so necessary as with the young
setting dog, the latter being often obstinate. To teach the dog to
fetch and carry, a light piece of wood, or a wisp of straw made up
for the purpose, is thrown before him. If he fetches it, he is prais-
ed and rewarded with a morsel of bread. &-c. ; if he does not fetch
it, he must be instructed to do it. The piece of wood is placed in
his mouth ; let him carry it a few steps, and caress him at the same
time. The docile poodle soon comprehends what is required of
him. If he fetches the wood, potatoes, apples, pears, bulbous roots,
and even truffles are then thrown before him. These objects he
fetches just as willingly as the piece of wood. Care, however,
should be taken that dead animals be not thrown to him ; as by
this his love of the chase might easily be awakened. Whenever he
fetches a bulbous root, &-c., he must be rewarded with a small piece
of white or brown bread, and at the same time he must have a
truffle to taste. Although this is the cause when he seeks for truf-
fles that he sometimes breaks into them, yet it is essentially advan-
tacreous; because by this means he becomes perfectly acquainted
with the object which he is hunting for, like a hound that is permit-
ted to eat game. If at that time of the year no truffles are to be

TRUFFLE HUNTING.

183

had, let a little old cheese, which has nearly the same effect, be
given to the dog. But let both be given to him, not only at the
very time of his training, but as a dessert at his usual time of feed-
ing, during the whole time of his instruction.

If the dog fetches every thing without distinction, as metal, gold,
beans, &-C., and is no longer stubborn, the elementary instruction, or
chamber-training, is finished, and the training in the field is now
proceeded to. This is begun by the dog's " seeking what is lost, or
fetching it."' This is first done with wood, with fruit, and with
truffles, which are so hidden somewhere on the surface that he may
easily find them. The instructor may also now begin to make ar-
tificial truffles, when natural ones are to be had. They are pre-
pared from strong-smelling cheese and fresh bread, which are mixed
and formed into the shape of a truffle, to which is added a little of
what is called truffle oil that is, olive oil in which truffles have been
boiled. If the dog does his duty, and easily finds the objects he
has been accustomed to seek, the natural or artificial truffle is light-
ly covered with earth, and the dog is told to " seek what is lost."
If he do not find it, he is led to the place, and attempts are then
made to induce him to scent and grub out what is hidden. The
dog must then be rewarded in the way that has been so often men-
tioned.

The dog is assiduously practised in this ' seeking what is lost •'
the truffle is put deeper into the earth, and the dog is now first
taken into actual truffle districts. The proceeding there is to be
the same as before. Never omit to encourage him when he finds
and points out the place by scratching. By degrees he is accustom-
ed to a continued regular search, like a setting dog; and he is ad-
monished by the thrilling whistle with the mouth, by the expression
" Seek further," or "Go seek," or "Forward." When the dog scents
a ripe truffle, and draws to, or in any way approaches it, as houndsi
do when they scent any thing, his instructor says, " That's ri^ht "
"Gently," &-c., to make him more careful and diligent till he points
it out. Here endeavors are made, by further speaking to him, eith-
er to prevent his injuring, digging out, and eating the truffle; or
else, by the word " Fetch," to make him bring it to his master when
he has completely dug it out, which is easily done when it lies near
the surface.

When a dog begins to break into the truffles, and to eat them, or

184 TRUFFLE HUNTING,

when he refuses to give them up, endeavors must be made to break
him of this by gentle punishment, and by holding out bread to him.
He must likewise be chid for digging after mice, or hunting after
birds and hares, to which poodles are inclined.

By a little practice, the dog soon acquires a certain degree of
steadiness; and, after these two courses of instruction, is immedi-
ately fit to be used in truffle-searching, of which a short outline
will now be added. It must still however be observed, that the dogs
must have good and nourishing food, chiefly of vegetables. They
must not run at large too much, but be confined a good deal to the
kennel ; and to keep them in practice, they must be led out to seek
truffles the whole year through, although no great quantity can be
expected to be met with.

Trvffie-Hunting , or Search, with dogs, — When the truffle-hunter
goes out upon search, he must beforehand be able to form an opin-
ion in what places, according to the districts, truffles are to be found ;
he must be acquainted with the localities. When he goes out upon
search, he must either not feed his dogs at a 11, or very sparingly,
that they may be diligent in seeking. This precept is also obser-
ved in the chase of every kind of game, and with every species of
hound. He must, lastly, be furnished with bread for his dogs, and
with the necessary implements. He can seldom in search super-
intend more than two dogs at a time ; and with these, in districts
that are rich in truffles, he will have his hands full and not be able
tc drive his work quick enough forward. In searching, he proceeds
in the same way that has already been mentioned in the training.
He encourages his dogs by whistling, and mildly speaking to them.
He redoubles the last when the dog finds a truffle and points it out.
In this case he lastly calls him, and immediately gives him a suita-
ble piece of bread (which, with respect to dogs tliat are used in the
chase of animals, is neither so necessary, nor so carefully observed)
truffle dogs are prevented from eating the sound truffles. If the
truffle is not yet visible, it is scratched out and raised with the in-
strument described in section 12, in the manner there directed.
When a truffle is taken out and examined by its smell, it is advisa-
ble to search the place further ; to scratch away the soil with the
hoe part of the instrument, or to dig it up; there are often found in
it more truffles, some ripe and some unripe, as is mentioned in sec-
tion 5. These the truffle-hunter takes along with him also; for a

TRUFFLE HUNTING. 185

few unripe or scentless truffles make, in a large quantity, no great
difference, and do no harm. It is besides advisable, in such a place
to look carefully about, especially when it is perceived to be a good,
fertile, and moist vegetable soil ; as then even with the naked eye,
fine truffles are often discovered only half hidden in the earth,
though they have not the ripe smell that is peculiar to truffles, and
have, consequently, not been earlier found by the dog. He that
chooses to have no truffles but ripe ones, may mark- those which he
has discovered by the eye, and in a fortnight or three weeks after-
wards may seek them out, when they will be ripe, and may be had
if no animals have previously grubbed them up. v

The search is proceeded in the manner directed; but since the
truffle dog does not so easily, and from such a distance, scent the
truffle which is concealed in the earth, and diffuses an earthy smell
around, as a hound scents game in a good wind, a person must go
much more accurately to work in searching a district that produces
truffles, than in seeking for game, and not be impatient at going
through a place twice, and even three times, and at remaining a
long time upon a small spot. The trouble is often richly rewarded,
by the frequent finding of the dogs. Although truffles ripen and
may be sought for the whole year, yet the time preferably made
choice of is from July to November, when the frosts set in, in which
time the greatest number of truffles ripen. The months which
yield the most are September and October; nevertheless, good
truffles are found after the frost has commenced, if it be not too
severe.

It frequently happens that the indication of the dog is deceptive,
and that nothing is found at the place pointed out. In such place a
truffle has generally been taken out, the scent of which was per-
ceived by the dog.

The Trvffie Search with Swine, and the manner of Training them.
— In the 7th section it has been already mentioned that wild and
domestic swine are fond of truffles, and seek them assiduously. It
has, moreover, been more than once remarked, that animals with a
delicate sense of smelling easily find ripe truffles. The domestic
swine belongs likewise to this class of animals ; and upon the two
qualities which have been mentioned is founded their use in truffle-
searching, which has already long prevailed in the south of Europe,
in Spain, in the south of France, and in some districts of Italy,

24

186 TRUFFLE HUNTING.

but which in those countries has in a great measure been supplanted
by tlie more convenient use of dogs, i once saw a French emi-
grant, many years ago, practise truffle-searching with swine; but
this, as he assured me, was more for want of a poodle than from
any other cause. Undoubtedly the search with dogs has the ad-
vantage of that with swine. The dog is more intelligent, more ac-
tive, and may be used a greater number of years. All these quali-
ties are wanting in the swine. I therefore here give the outline of
the training and use of swine in truffle-searching, rather historically,
and to make this work more complete, than because I recommend
its practice.

As soon as the pigs are weaned, a lively one is made choice of,
usually a female, and is separated from the rest. It is more habitu-
ated to human society. Endeavors are made to make it obey the
call and whistle, and follow its master like a dog, either when it is
at large, or fastened by the hind leg. This it does without much
trouble, when it is fed by a person's own hand, and is allured by
food from one place to another ; and when it is sometimes caressed
like a dog. There is a very interesting instance of the taming of
a young boar that was caught wild, which went a hunting with the
hounds. It is to be met with in the delightful Forest Journal of
Hartig, first year, 1806, p. 545. When four months old, the young
pig may, in a proper place, be accustomed to the searh. Either
real or artificial truffles, or fruit that swine are fond of, such as ap-
ples and pears, or potatoes, «Si-c., which have been smeared with
truffle oil, are then hidden, and the pig is allowed to grub them up.
He finds them without much difficulty. They are taken from him,
and his usual food is given to him : a few acorns, chestnuts, fruit,
and such like are the best; and for this he, in general, willingly ex-
changes what he has found. When in his fifth or sixth month, the
swine may be first used in the actual search. He is led whilst fast-
ing or very sparingly fed, into the truffle district, and closely follow-
ed always by a person on foot. If he begins to turn his nose to the
wind, to smell, and to grub up, you can either search the place and
take away the truffle before he has brought it to the day, or let him
root it out himself and take it from him quickly, by way of exchange
as has been mentioned. But swine often devour the truffles so
greedily and so quickly after they have rooted them out, that you
can seldom or never take them from them. In this case, in France,

TRUFFLE HUNTING. 18T

their mouths are bound either by a metal ring, or a leathern muzzle,
which is strapped over the snout, and fastened behind the ears.
Some truffle-hunters put this also in practice with dogs that are
spoiled ; but it is one of those extremes to which a keen hunter is
not easily led, and he generally prefers parting with his dog.

The search for truffles is often tedious and wearisome with swine,
which not only root after truffles, but after other articles of food, as
roots, insects, larvae, worms, &c. Expectation is often disappoint-
ed, and we cannot always be sure of what is found, as with dogs,
when they hunt for and, by scratching, point out the presence of the
truffle. Besides this, a swine can be used for the search only a year
or, at most, two summers and autumns. In the third year they be-
come too large, too unruly, and in a condition in which they must
be made use of with a view to economy ; that is, must be killed.
Proper truffle-hunters, therefore, very seldom seek them with swine,
but leave tliis to the peasants ; who, in the South of France, and
some districts of Italy, pursue the practice. This mode of search
is said to be there carried on chiefly by women.

Conclusion. — Much still remains to be investigated with respect
to the nature of truffles, especially as to their origin and increase.
Foresters endowed with a spirit of enquiry, and some botanical, and
particularly physiological, knowledge, might still make many in-
teresting discoveries with respect to these distinguished productions
of nature, if in their sylvan excursions they would pay a closer at-
tention to them. I will myself at every opportunity, which offers,
endeavor to advance in my enquiries and observations, and, when I
find the latter sufficiently interesting, communicate them in some
periodical paper. I shall particularly endeavor, along with a practised
chemist, to make and puiilish a chemical analysis of truffles; since
the old one, which was communicated, now exactly 100 years ago,
by Geoffroy, whom I have so often mentioned, and accordino- to
which truffles are said to contain sulphur and volatile alkali, now
that chemistry has made such great progress, is no longer satisfac-
tory. If this slight sketch, which was made for the purpose, gives
some instruction to such of my brother foresters as are not experi-
enced in the art, and only half-satisfies the connoisseur, I shall not
look upon my attempt as entirely unsuccessful.

(To be continued.)

183

Art. IV. — Management of Cold Frames for protecting Cauli-
fower and Cabbage Plants during the Winter. By E. Sayers.

In order to complete the series of framing hitherto published in
the Register, I conclude by the management of cold frames, which
although out of season, I hope will be found useful to those who
are desirous to protect esculent vegetables, through the winter for
early planting.

In order to have cauliflowers and cabbage early in the spring it
will be proper to plant and protect them through the winter in cold
frames.

The seed may be sown in the kitchen garden about the middle
of September ; and the plants pricked out into the frames the latter
end of October in the following manner.

Place a three light frame or more, on a south border protected by
a high fence or other means or any well sheltered situation, on the
Jevel surface, or if a little rise the better ; the frame is then to be
filled with compost with a portion of coarse sand to within 4 inches
of the glass; this done the plants are to be dibbled or pricked into
the compost 2 inches apart and lightly watered to settle the earth
about their roots. In this situation they are to remain until the
frost sets in ; when the sashes may be closed of a night and taken
off in the day, in such a manner as to merely keep out the frost;
the more hardy they are kept the better at this season, by which
the severe weather will not have so great effect on them. When
the winter sets in severe, the frame may be lined on every side with
leaves or horse manure to keep out the frost.

The frame will require to be covered of a night and in very cold
weather of a day time ; but in mild changes air may be admitted
and the plants worked between with a small hoe, to refresh the soil
and disturb any insect that may breed among them.

This treatment may be continued until March when the plants are
to be forwarded for planting out in the open ground by regularly cov-
ering and giving air to cause the plants to vegetate previous to their

removal.

WINTER LETTUCE.

In the beginning of August, some Imperial Cabbage Lettuce seed
may be sown for winter use, in the kitchen garden department.

MANAGEMENT OF COLD FRAMES, ETC. 189

When the plants are of a proper size for planting, a frame may be
prepared in the same manner as for a cabbage ; when the plants are
to be dibbled 12 inches apart each way into rows. The frame will
now require regular attention ; by covering of a night, giving air of
a day ; and, every method is to be taken to grow the lettuce to a full
size, before the winter sets in severe, as after that time, their growth
will bo difficult. The frame will require to be protected, and every
way managed as directed for cabbage plants. Great caution must
be taken to keep the lettuce as dry as possible, as the least mois-
ture from rain or otherwise will rot out the heart and eventu-
ally spoil the plants. Frames properly managed in this way, will
give a supply of lettuce through the winter, and until the spring crop
is in use.

WINTER CAULIFLOWERS.

Where frames can be spared, an early supply of cauliflowers may
be obtained by forwarding some plants in the fall, and flowering
them in the spring. The seed may be sown early in July, in the
kitchen garden, and every way managed as directed in that depart-
ment for flowering. It will be prudent to plant more than is want-
ed for the frames in this manner, as the long mild weather in the
fall often is the cause of some of the plants coming to maturity,
in which case they are generally very acceptable.

In the beginning of November, the frame may be placed precise-
ly the same as for the cabbage and lettuce, into which the cauli-
flowers are to be laid in, in a slanting manner, with their heads to-
wards the north ; the frame may be in this manner stowed full in
every part. The management of the frame will require to be in
every respect attended to, as the cabbage and lettuce ; until the
spring, when the plants must have all the air that can possibly be
admitted to them in order to prepare them for flowering. As the
season advances, the frame may be kept more warm, and when the
earth gets dry, it will be requisite to water them, in order to swell
the flowers to proper and handsome size.

By this mode, good cauliflowers may be obtained late in April or
early in May.

190

Art. V. — Isabella Grape Vines. By Alden Spoonek^

Sir, — The cultivation of grape vines and making of wine is get-'
ting to be so well understood throughout the United States, through
the medium of our excellent agricultural periodicals, that what I
am about to write, is probably already known to some of your read-
ers; yet the repetition of interesting facts is often of much benefit,
and the results of experience in these matters can scarcely be too
often repeated.

The very numerous attempts to raise graf>es from foreign vines in
the open air, have resulted in disappointment. The late Mr Par-
mentier, of Brooklyn, Long-Island, devoted much labor and expense
on foreign vines, to very little purpose. Mr Loubat, also near
Brooklyn, planted a large vineyard, and for some years flattered
himself with hopes, which resulted in loss or disappointment. In
some few instances in Brooklyn and New York, where the vines
were protected by surrounding buildings, the Chasselas and other
foreign varieties yielded well, thereby only demonstrating that such
fruit caw 6e obtained, if cultivators will be at the trouble of erecting
proper houses for the purpose.

The Isabella grape vine is supposed to be a native of North Car-
olina. It first obtained its well deserved notoriety at Brooklyn, in
the garden of George Gibbs, Esq. now of St. Augustine, Florida;
and derived its new name from his lady, Mrs Isabe la Gibbs, who
was instrumental in obtaining it from the south for her garden. The
original parent of all the Isabella vines is now to be seen in the
garden of Zachariah Lewis, Esq. on Brooklyn Heights. This fa-
vorite vine has spread itself throughout the northern states of the
Union, in Canada, and has been imported into France, and drawn
forth the favorable notice of the French cultivators. Almost every
garden and dooryard in Brooklyn and New York can boast of its
prolific vine, always yielding abundance to the careful cultivator.

In the year 18:)7, I set out, at a small place near Brooklyn, the
cuttings for about 300 Isabella vines, and 50 foreign vines from
France and Germany. By reason of careless cultivation from bad
tenants, they did not come into bearing until 1831, in which year I
was able to exhibit five kinds of very fine grapes at the horticultu-
ral exhibition in New York. I also sent large quantities to the

ISABELLA QRAPE VINES. 191

inatket, and made about fifty gallons of wine, merely as an experi-
ment, as I supposed myself to be the first who had attempted to
make wine of this grape. This wine was of two kinds, made in
October, 1831, and in the April following was put into bottles, and
one bottle of each kind sent to about fifty persons in different parts,
who were supposed to feel an interest in the matter. One kind
was made of pure juice, to which two pounds of sugar to each gal-
lon was added. The other kind was composed of one third water
to two thirds juice — three pounds of sugar to each gallon — one gal-
lon of brandy to a cask of nineteen gallons. So:ne of this wine
attained five years, and was pronounced very excellent.

In the year 1832, my little vineyard bore very abundantly, and I
made, in October of that year, eight barrels of wine. It was made
in a variety of modes, to test the quality of the grape, and did not
all prove good ; but far the greater part was very excellent, and
improved with age.

I will now proceed to describe my mode of planting and cultiva-
ting the vine, and of making wine.

The cuttings intended for propagation are of any well ripened
wood of the last year's growth, embracing three or more joints or
buds. It is preferred that it should be connected at the lower
joint with some small part of the old wood of the previous year.
These cuttings are taken off from the parent vine at any time be-
tween the first of November and first of March, and immediately
buried in the earth, or put under earth in the cellar ; or sometimes
the ends are put in a box or basket with earth, and set in a green-
house, and water occasionally sprinkled on them. In the spring,
if they are not placed in their permanent locations, they may be
carefully set out in the garden, at one foot apart every way, the up-
per bud being just even with the surface of the earth. If the sea-
son is dry, they will require to be watered several times to insure
their growth. They will grow a foot or more in length the first sea-
son. In the following spring they may be transplanted to their per-
manent places, around buildings, fences, trees, and arbors. I trim
the new sprout down to three or four buds, intending that two only
shall be allowed to grow, and these to be trained off from the root
in different directions, according to the circumstances of your trel-
lis, or supporter. My vineyard was planted in rows, eight feet
apart, and vines eight feet in the rows ; but after a few years the

192 ISABELLA GRAPE VINES.

trellis became so burdened, that I took up and removed one half
the vines, and left them sixteen feet apart in the rows. Each vine,
therefore had sixteen feet of trellis, being eight feet on each side
of the root. The two main branches were tied to the lower rail
of the trellis, and the lateral branches tied to the rails above.

My trellis was composed of four lath, open at the top, as I sup-
posed it was necessary that the sun and air should have a good cir-
culation among the vines ; but I am now convinced that a top sur-
face, as afforded by an arbor, is necessary. The great exuberance
of the vine causes the new shoots to run up into the air above the
trellis, and the wind will prostrate and break them, unless they have
a flat arbor to rest upon. The fruit hangs with great weight on the
branches, which are often broken unless they can rest on an arbor,
or are well tied to the upright supporters.

As there are four distinct prunings, or trimmings, required in
properly cultivating the Isabella vine, I will now describe them ;
merely remarking, that although the vine will give fruit when some
of these trimmings are neglected, yet no cultivator has a right to
expect good fruit without bestowing the requisite time and atten-
tion to these prunings.

First, the winter pruning. This is best done in February or
March, provided the vines are not frozen ; but may be done at any
time between October and April. It consists in reducing the old
wood according to the extent of your trellis, and the age of the
vine, and strength of the root. All unripe wood is cleared off — old
wood thinned out. and ripe wood of the last year's growth shortened
down to two or three buds, except such runners as shall be selected
to cover the trellis. Much depends on judgment in this trimming.
It is difficult to describe precise rules. Those who love the grape
should cut boldly, and acquire knowledge by experience and close
observation. Every branch should at this pruning be strongly tied
to the trellis.

The second pruning, or budding, takes place about the 10th of
May. The buds have then thrown out their branches an inch or
two, and generally two or three branches at every bud, or joint.
These must all be reduced to one shoot, or branch, always leaving
the stoutest or best shoot. They are disengaged with a slight touch
and a short time would suffice for many vines.

The ^Airrf pruning takes place about the middle of June, and

ISABELLA GRAPE VINES- 193

sometimes earlier, and is best performed with a pair of shears or
scissors. At this time I cut off what ore called laterals — a branch
growing out of the green wood on the ' side opposite to the fruit.
These laterals may be broken or cut off quite down to the main
branch at any time during the season ; but it is better to remove
them early, before they have acquired size and strength at the ex-
pense of the rest of the vine.

The fourth ?^nA last pruning is called stopping, ox shortening, and
is done with a shears or a knife. It should be done about the mid-
dle of July, when the fruit has attained about half its growth. I
then shorten all the branches having fruit on them, (except those
retained for permanent runners,) by cutting them at two or three
joints forward of the fruit. This is a heavy and essential pruning,
and divests the vine of much green wood and leaves, and is con-
sidered important to the development and ripening of the fruit. I
would, however, particularly caution the operator against at anytime
removing the leaves of the vine, except such as are attached to the
laterals and shortenings, and come away with them. The leaves
are vitally important to the ripening of the fruit, which is always
the best in the deepest shade. Such fruit as by accident becomes
exposed to the sun, is sure to be very inferior and sour-

About the 8th of June, while the vine is in flower, and throwing
its peculiar and delicious perfume ail around, its great enemy, the
rose-bus;, makes its appearance, and feeds with voracity on the sweet
and delicate blossom. In a few days after their first appearance,
thousands are seen, carrying destruction throughout the vineyard.
The best remedy I could ever devise, is to go among the vines early
in the morning, before the sun has warmed them into activity, and
they are then easily made to fall into the hand or on the ground,
and may be crushed and destroyed. A few mornings spent in this
way will clear the vineyard, as they are a short lived enemy.

In the latter part of July, the blight or rot takes place where the
Isabella grape vines are cultivated in fields, but it is seldom seen
among those cultivated in cities. Great quantities of fruit will be-
come brown, and sometimes black, and fall off. It is not easy to
account for this destruction, which is seen as much on the high as
on the low vines, and no less on fruit exposed to the sun, than on
that in the shade. As an experiment, I discharged with a syringe,
lime-water, sulphur-water, and soap-suds upon them, and also sifted
25

194 ISABELLA GRAPE VINES.

dry sulphur on the fruit, but without any sensible effect. I feared
I should lose all my grapes, but to my surprise, I had a great crop,
notwithstanding the rot. I have since supposed it might arise from
the exuberance of the vine, which like the peach and apple tree,
may perhaps thus disburden itself of a portion of its fruit ; but
even on this principle it is difficult to account for its non-appearance
in cities, where the quantities of pure fruit are quite astonishing.

I have observed in the cities, that spiders and caterpillars are in
some degree destructive to the green fruit. Spiders will get to the
centre of the cluster, and cause the fruit to fall in single grapes, but
the caterpillar attacks the stem, and the whole green cluster falls to
ground.

I have in a few instances trained the vines upon large apple trees,
and the grapes were abundant among the apples; but I do not
think this mode is to be recommended where other supports can be
had. The fruit was inferior.

In the city of Brooklyn, and among high buildings, my vines have
not failed to produce abundantly every season, during the last four-
teen years. This is an interesting fact to all who cultivate the grape.
At my vineyard in the country, they have declined very much,
which I attribute to the neglect and ignorance of the tenants on
the place. Even in the country they are much better around the
buildintrs than in the open fields. There are from three to five
clusters on every fruit bearing branch. I have in a few instances
seen six. The extremities of the vine generally produce the best
fruit, and there is often much difference in the quality of the fruit
on the same vine. They may be trained a great distance over large
arbors, and on the roofs and around the upper windows of our high
houses. New branches will sometimes grow from twenty to thirty
feet in one season.

The vine is sometimes propagated by layers, which consists in
bendincr down the branch into a channel dug in the earth, and bury-
incr it at a proper depth, in a curving line, with the end above the
earth. Roots will start plentifully from the part in the earth, and
when it is well rooted may be cut from the parent vine and trans-
planted. If proper care is taken, the cuttings as well as roots may
be sent a great distance. I sent a quantity of cuttings, packed in
moist sods in a box via New Orleans to Arkansas, and had the sat-
isfaction to learn that they were all alive on their arrival, and had
been successfully planted out.

ONIONS. 195

In March 1832, I sold ten thousand cuttings to William Under-
hill.of Teller's Point, near Sing-Sing, N. Y. I have never visited
his vineyard, but understand he is a successful cultivator.

Nothing is lost in a vineyard, as the green trimmings, in summer
are good for cattle, and winter trimmings when not required for
propagation make good fuel. — Cultivator.

(To be continued.)

Art. VI. — Onions.

On reading an article in the Cabinet of March 15th, 1837, upon
the culture of onions in Wethersfield, I concluded to try the expe-
riment of raising them on Delaware soil.

I dressed an eighth of an acre with four cart loads of well rotted
stable manure, being a part of a parsnip lot planted last year for
spring feeding of milch cows. After the manure was very evenly
spread over the ground, it was ploughed in ridges, and planted with
nine ounces of seed.

I did not pursue the Wethersfield plan of sowing the seed in
rows, but put them in hills, supposing it would take less seed, less
work, and produce equally as good a crop. The instrument to plant
them was made in the following manner : A lath about four feet
long, with four holes bored through it with an inch auger ten inches
apart, which were filled with pegs which projected through the lath
about one and a quarter inches; then a handle of three feet long
was put in the centre of the lath to carry it by ; this instrument
was then laid across the bed, which, by stepping on it with one foot
on each side of the handle, four holes were made ten inches asun-
der; then moving it about a foot, and repeating the operation, the
bed was soon filled with holes ten inches one way, and about a foot
the other. A few seeds were then dropped in each hole, the beds
raked and rolled, which finished the operation of planting.

As soon as the plants began to appear, the beds were raked
between the hills with a small rake made of tenpenny nails, which
retarded the growth of the weeds, and caused the young onions to
advance in size and strength before the time of weeding and dress-
ing them with a hoe had arrived. I regard this little operation of
early raking the beds quite an improvement ; for part of the ground

196 ONION$,

was not managed in this way, and the process of weeding was
much more difficult ; besides, in extracting the weeds, many of the
young onions would fall down, and some of them were pulled up in
consequence of the weeds having acquired a growth equal to the
onions.

They were dressed several times through the season by pulling
the weeds and using the rake and the hoe. The work being done
at intervals, and mostly by children, no very accurate account was
kept of the labor, but it did not exceed ten days' work for a full
hand. They grew very large, many of them measuring thirteen and
a half inches in circumference, and many of the hills had three or
four clustered together ; they are excellent for the table, fine fla-
vored, with none of that rank, strong taste, so common to onions
raised from sets. One of the beds was measured, by which the
average produce was over 50 bushels on the whole ground, which
would exceed four hundred bushels to the acre.

Although the produce equalled Wethersfield in amount, I was
somewhat disappointed on finding several bushels of them not of a
merchantable kind; they had thick necks, sort of evergreens; they
would neither die nor dry, commonly called scullions by gardeners.

I see it stated, I think in the American Gardener, that no crop is
more difficult to accommodate with suitable soil, than the onion, in
consequence of its disposition to behave in the manner I have
stated. The ground this experiment was tried upon, is rather a
stiff clay, but very much softened with lime and manure, yet I pre-
sume it is not exactly the soil they like. I intend next season to
select a more sandy location, for I am rather pleased with the partial
success of the operation.

The onion does not seem to want as much manure as other root
crops, particularly the potato and ruta baga turnip; they require, it
is true, considerable more labor, but the value of the crop would,
upon an average, be double, and more, if the difficulty I have men-
tioned could be surmounted.

I suppose that two and a half or three acres of onions could be
raised by hiring one additional hand through the summer season ;
besides, it is sometimes profitable to increase the varieties of labor
on a farm, when workmen are employed to perform it. In mowing
time and harvest, we frequently have spells of wet, damp weather,
and a field of roots not only gives employment to all hands during

tfllfc SU6AR MAPLE. 197

such intervals, but pays the expense of an additional hand through
the summer, by which the severe operation of gathering hay and
grain is very much reduced. — Farmer's Cabinet.

Art. VII.-^-TAe Sugar Maple.

You are aware, I presume, that immense quantities of sugar are
annually made from the juice of the Acer saccharinum, in the
west of Pennsylvania and New York, with which our forests
abound (Professor Kid, in his Bridgwater Treatise, says they are
" cultivated " !) ; and, as the peculiarities attending the flow of this
juice have puzzled me to explain them, I have resolved to slate
them to you. 1st, It is as completely locked up by continued
warmth as by frost, and only flows by the alternate operation of
these agents ; yet the same degrees of heat, even after frost, have
not always the same effect. Thus, a warm south wind stops the
flowing more than a cool nothwest wind. A bracing wind promotes
the discharge, and a relaxing wind checks it. 2dly, the juice flows
for twenty four hours after a frost, but when a tapped tree has ceased,
tap a new tree, and it will flow considerably, as if a certain quan-
tity was discharged by the frost. The juice flows from all sides of
the incision. 3d, tap a tree early in the morning, after a cold night,
and no juice will flow ; tap it a few hours after, if the day be mod-
erately warm, and the juice will issue in streams. February, and
early in March, are the months in which the sugar is made. The
people encamp in the woods, and remain there until the trees cease
to flow, or they have procured as much as they require. Now, I
wish to know, if the saccharine juice be sap, how it happens that a
moderately cold night is essential to an abundant flow next day ?
The farmers told me, " We can do nothing in sugar-making with-
out cold nights." I thought that the sap never flowed until an in-
crease of temperature took place. State the facts in your Maga-
zine, if you please; but give me the explanation by letter, or add it
to the article. — M. Philadelphia, March, 16, 183/.

The circumstance attending the flow of sap from the sugar ma-
ple of the United States, so accurately detailed by your correspond-
ent at Philadelphia, show, not only what is known from the experi-

198 THE SUGAR MAPLE.

ence of the manufacturers concerning the flow of the juice, but
also under what circumstance the flow is more or less copious.

The movements of the sap of the maple are exactly similar to
those of all other trees at the same season, or that are exposed to
the same vicissitudes of weather. Why do not trees yield a flow of
sap from a wound in summer ? Because every drop absorbed by
the roots in that growing season is required to supply the demands
of the transpiring bark, leaves, and lengthening shoots, with their
flowers or fruit ; so that there is no excess to run out of a wound.
And why does the sap not flow in winter 1 Because, in that cold
season, it is inspissated ; and the pores of the bark are then all na-
turally sealed. On the return of spring, however, the sap becomes
fluid ; and as soon as the buds begin to swell, an ascending current
commences, and continues during warm weather, and is expended
not only in enlarging the buds, but escapes imperceptibly and co-
piously through the porous bark. During this process, should a
frosty night or " bracing wind" happen, the pores of the bark are
shut up, and the sap accumulates within the vascular membranes;
and if, when so collected and pent up, the tree be tapped, an abund-
ant stream will issue out, and continue to run until the surcharge is
exhausted, or until a warm state of the air causes a general evapo-
ration of the juices from every other part of the tree, or lastly, until
the flow becomes arrested by frost.

Thus, the quantity of sap is alternately scanty and copious, ac-
cording to the temperature of the air, or as the tree has been more
or less previously drained during the spring months ; that is, during
the period which elapses between the bursting of the buds and the
development of the foliage.

That sap keeps ascending to, and accumulating on, the recently
formed layers of liber and alburnum, when the juices in the bark
are congealed by frost, may be inferred from what often takes place
in America, and other northern countries, in very hard and long
continued frost; namely, the largest and hardest timbers trees are
rent asunder by the expansive force of the warmer sap, and elastic
gases enclosed therewith. — J. 31. London, April, 1837.

199

Art. VIII. Miscellaneous Matters.

Asparagus, grown in the gardens of private gentlemen, is often
inferior to tiiat raised by market-gardners. The superiority of the
latter is caused by the greater richness of the soil in which it is
raised. Market-gardners being under no control of masters, gen-
erally spare no expense in enriching their soil ; and their beds are
more frequently renewed. But gentlemen's gardners, not being al-
ways free to act as they judge most proper, are often without the
menus of improving the soil ; their beds are frequently old, and
the soil in them exhausted ; when new beds are made, from the
want of more materials, they are generally formed in the same way
which prevailed fifty years ago. The soil is made good about 2 ft.
deep, and laid out in beds 4 ft. wide, with paths 2 ft. wide between
them ; the plants being set in rows 1 ft. asunder. Treated in this
manner, no asparagus will be fit to cut before three years; and by
that time the beds will have become a mass of roots, and two or
three years afterwards the soil will be exhausted.

To raise large asparagus, the soil should be made good to the
depth of 5 or 6 ft. ; then laid out in beds from 4 ft, to 6 ft. wide,
with paths between them of the width of 2 and 1 half ft. The
plants must be put in 2 ft. apart, and the stems not allowed to ap-
proach each other much nearer than 2 ft. ; or beds 3 ft. wide, with
one row of plants down the centre, and the plants I and a half ft.
asunder in the rows would be preferable. It is a very common er-
ror to allow too many stalks to grow close to each other. If this be
permitted, however good the soil, the asparagus is sure to be small ;
as the stalks, when so close draw upon each other. Weak and small
stems produce invariably weak asparagus ; for it is at the bottom of
these that the asparagus springs.

Happening, lately, to take up some asparagus, which had been
planted five years, I found the roots at the depth of 6 ft., in a poor
sandy soil — London Gardener's Magazine.

QUINCY MARKET.

[Reported for the Horticultural Register.]

APPLES, Russet, barrel, 2 00 a

Baldwins, do. 3 00

Pippins, ...... do.

Dried, ..... pound

BEANS, White bushel,

BEETS, do.

CARROTS, do.

CRANBERRIES, .... do.

DANDELIONS, peck

HORSE RADISH, .... pound

LEMONS, - - - . box 2 25 dozen

LETTUCE, ..... head

ORANGES, - - - . box 2 00 dozen

ONIONS, bushel

PARSNIPS, . .... do.

PICKLED PEPPERS, .... gallon

PARSLEY, peck

POTATOES, common, - . - . barrel

Chenangoes, do.

RADISHES bunch

SPINACH, peck

SQUASHES, ..... pound 2

TURNIPS, - - - bushel

WALNUTS, - - - - - bushel

Boston, May 7, 1838.

2 25

3 50

3 00

5

2 00

50

50

2 50

20

8

20

6 1-4

25

2 00

15

50

25

1 00

1 50

6 1-4

20

;j

50

2 00

ERRATA.

In the communication from Alexander Walsh, Esq., in March No. page 92, 16tb
line it should read " former " instead of farmer; and in the same No., page 96, io
bottom line, instead of " unsuitable dresses " it should read unsuitable winter dresses.

THE

AND

GARDENER'S MAGAZINE.

JUNE 1, 1838.

Art. I. — Monography of the Genus Camellia, oi' An Essay on
its Culture, Description and Classijication.

(Continued from page 175. 1

Section 3. — Irrigation, and the kind of loater most proper for
that operation.

It is a principle in horticulture, that exotic plants, with persist-
ent leaves, and which, in our green-houses are in almost a constant
and more or less active state of vegetation, according to the tem-
perature of the air, require, even in winter, a certain degree of hu-
midity, sufficient to afford aliment to the leaves and roots. This is
not the case with exotic plants, which have caducous leaves ; these
plants during the time they are in repose, scarcely require any
water. The Camellia being a plant with persistent leaves, likes al-
most a constant humidity, and especially in summer. Frequent
waterings, during the hot season, powerfully contribute, to reani-
mate and sustain its beautiful appearance. But the second effort of
vegetation having terminated, when the new wood is almost matured,
which is generally the case by the middle of August, and the buds
are formed then, until the period of the next florescence, the dis-
tribution of water becomes difficult and requires great attention ;
for the health of the plant chiefly depends upon the care with which
this is done. Too little, or not enough humidity, has the like inju-
rious effects. The roots either become dry or rot, the whole plant
languishes, the leaves, buds and flowers fall off, and finally it dies.
The first consideration then, is the knowledge of adopting the

202 MONOGRAPHY OF THE GENUS CAMELLIA.

proper mean between humidity and dryness, especially during the
period that the Camellia remains in the green-house.

But what then, is this proper mean which is most congenial to
the Camellia ? What is the, quantity of water which it requires 1
At what hour of the day should it be given ? What kind of water
is best ? All these questions are of great importance, but easily re-
solved. We have said that, generally, the Camellia likes almost a
constant humidity ; but still there should not be given, a great
quantity of water at a time ; it is only essential to repeat the water-
ing often, in order to keep the earth always in that state of humid-
ity, which is sufficient to maintain the fermentation, but by no
means so great, as to prevent it ; which would inevitably be the
case, if the water is too copiously supplied. As to the hours of the
day, which are the most favorable for watering the Camellia, we
can only say, they must depend on the seasons, and especially on
the temperature of the external air. In the winter, whether the
pale and feeble rays of the sun appear to gladden the sad and
dreary aspect of nature, or that she is long deprived of them, as is
most common, it is necessary during those short and cold days, to
water this plant, between nine and ten o'clock in the morning, in
order that the earth may have time to regain its heat, by permitting
the evaporation of a portion of its humidity. If the Camellia is
watered in the evening, the coolness of the night joined to that
of the water, arrests the progress of the sap, and there being no
evaporation, the fall of the buds is the inevitable consequence of
such an untimely operation. In the summer, on the contrary,
when the Camellia is in the open air, it should be watered in the
evening, because the water contributes to maintain the coolness of
the earth during the night, and the plant bathed in this congenial
humidity, recovers from the absorbing effects of the ardent heat of
the day.

It is not sufficient, however, to moisten the roots of the Camellia
When the temperature of the green-house rises too high, which
often happens, during the months of May and June, — for our ad-
vice is, to leave the Camellia in the green-house until the end of
June, — the leaves of this plant require, that the salutary humidity
in which they delight, should be given to them at that time, when
they are exposed, in the shade to the open air. A syringe or hand
pump is made use of, to cause the water to fall upon the leaves of

monography of the genus camellia. 203

the Camellia in fine drops like a gentle shower of rain. The water
should be of a medium temperature. This mode of watering, which
is so beneficial to the Camellia, when it is in the green-house, in
the latter part of the spring, is still more so, if it is frequently done
in summer, when this shrub is exposed to the open air. We think
it also very beneficial at this time to water the surrounding ground
on which the plants stand, to restore to the air, a part of its elastic-
ity, and to the plants those vapors from which they derive their
aerial nutriment.

But although the waterings properly attended to, have a favor-
able effect on the vigor of the Camellia, yet if they are too long
neglected, the contrary result is produced from the aridity of the
earth in the pots, which is the consequence of such omissions. A
too great dryness of the earth, attacks this shrub in its roots, and
when that is the case, there are no means of arresting the evil.
Peat earth, on becoming dry, is incapable of absorbing water, or if
it permits its passage, it is only in the form of an infiltration, and
does not take place except when the water meets no obstacle and
passes through the pot, without refreshing the roots of the perishing
plant. The Camellia, when the waterings have been long neglect-
ed, does not exhibit any symptoms of suffering, but is soon despoil-
ed of its leaves ; the wood becomes shrivelled and stunted, the buds
fall off, and death speedily follows.

To restore the Camellia to life, when this evil is not incurable, it
is necessary immediately to repot it, giving to it fresh earth, cutting
it down short, and placing it under glass in a hot-bed, moderately
hot, depriving it of the air and sun, and watering it very moderately
and only by degrees ; above all, do not soak the plant, with the ball
of earth on it, in water, as is the practice with some gardeners ;
this sudden transition is very injurious, and will complete that de-
struction which the dryness of the earth had commenced. Another
mode of saving the plant, is to put it in the open ground, under the
protection of glass, where it more promptly acquires its primitive
vigor.

The waters of fountains and wells, when they are selenitical or
calcarious, and even those of rivers, as they are often charged in
their course with various salts, are all injurious to the vegetation of
the Camellia; and if any of them are used, they should previously
remain exposed to the action of the sun for at least twentyfour hours.

204 MONOGRAPHY OP THE GENUS CAMELLIA.

hours. Rain water is preferable, and has a salutary influence on
the health of the Camellia. Not being saturated with any of the
saline principles, possesses the property of easily dissolving those
salts which are contained in the earth in which the plant is placed,
and are of the character which penetrate its tissue.

But the best waters for the camellia, are those of swamps, morass-
es and bogs, which have been continually exposed to the influence
of the sun and air. These waters containing, in abundance, the
principles of nutrition, especially when they are found mixed with
the detritus of vegetable and animal bodies, which furnish a certain
quantity of carbon and azote, act in a wonderful manner upon the
voracious organs of the Camellia ; but these waters should only be
employed in the summer, when the shrub is exposed to the open
air. In winter, and when the plants are in the green-house, they
should be moistened with pure water, which has remained for several
days in a cistern, situated in a corner of the green-house.

Section 4. — The removal of the Camellia from the green-house
into the open air.

The period of removing the Camellia from, and returning it to
the green-house, as well as the exposition, which is given to it, du-
ring the summer, have a great influence on the health of the plant
in winter. From the experience of several years, we have ascer-
tained that the period when it should be removed from the green-
house, is that, when it has completely finished its first growth, —
when the new wood is ripe, and when the buds have all appeared,
which generally arrives at the end of June. The Camellia does
not like the full influence of the sun's rays, but on the contrary is
pleased with a shady position and a free circulation of air. A
northern exposure, where the first beams of the rising sun fall upon
it, is the most eligible. If placed in a sunny position the buds are
too rapidly formed, and the florescence is less beautiful, even if they
are complete in their development. The same precaution is to be
observed in removing the Camellia from the green-house, as with all
other plants, which are there cultivated. The most important, is a
shady and airy position ; the most congenial kind of protection from
the sun is a live hedge or a range of cedars, (Thuya orientalis or
Arbor vitjE,) placed from eight to ten feet apart. The latter have
the advantage of offering, by their evergreen foliage, the most desi-
4

MONOGRAPHY OF THE GENUS CAMELLIA. 205

rable kind of protection, and have also a beautiful appearance, as
by proper management, they can be made to form a sufficiently com-
pact screen. With such a protected position, neither the injurious
effects of the violence of the sun's rays, the winds, rain storms, or
even the ravages of frost are to be feared.

We are in the habit of allowing to the Camellia, the advantages
of such an exposition, until the end of August. Early in September,
this plant should be exposed to the influence of the sun, during a
greater portion of the morning, and even until near noon, and be so
left, until it is returned to the green-house. This warm exposure
confirms the last efforts of vegetation, consolidates the buds, and
thus insures to the cultivator the pleasure he anticipated, as the
reward for all the cares he had bestowed, on this admired plant.

The restoration of the Camellia to the green-house. — The heavy
rainsof autumn, which are cold and frequent, enervate the Camellia,
and always render the success of a complete and satisfactory flores-
cence doubtful. The plants should, therefore, be restored to the
green-house as soon as the rainy season commences, and especially,
as the nights become cold, although the days may still be warm, for
this remarkable difference of temperature, is injurious to the shrubs
and should, therefore, induce the amateur to restore them early in
October, or later if the season is mild ; and he should always select
the most pleasant day, for this operation.

Section 5, — The proper hind of green-house for the Camellia.

The Camellia being a rustic shrub, it prospers sufficiently well in
all kinds of green-houses ; but to render its florescence abundant and
beautiful, it should be kept in a medium temperature, and placed,
as near as possible to the light. Those plants which possess great
vigor, and are from six to seven feet in height, flourish everywhere,
if they are not checked, by accidental circumstances, as is frequently
the case, with those, which have a lower exposition. But the young
plants, which have recently been produced by grafting, or which
are not more than a foot high, as well as all the delicate and rare
species, require a brilliant light to bloom well. It is true, that such
a position offers serious inconveniences, and among others, a stroke
of the sun in the spring, which at any moment may scorch and in-
jure the health of the plants. But these accidents can be prevented,
by extending daily, about eight or nine o'clock in the morning,

206 MONOGRAPHY OF THE GENUS CAMELLIA.

clotha over the glass and withdrawing them, as soon as the sun dis-
appears from the green-house.

The double roofed green-houses, which are called English or
Chinese, are excellent for small Camellias ; but they do not present
an agreeable appearance ; still it is well to have one of them, to
make the Camellia flourish, until the period it comes into flower,
when it can be removed to the large green-houses.

The green-house for the Camellia should be furnished, like all
others, with a stove or furnace, well built of masonry, the funnel of
which should be of brick and of a square form, placed in the inte-
rior, against one of the walls ; — that in front is most usually selected
for the purpose. The entrance to the furnace should be on the out-
side, so that the fire can be attended to, without entering the green-
house. This precaution is very necessary to prevent the smoke
from being admitted, as its injurious influence is irreparable; the
fall of the leaves and buds being the immediate consequences.

The confined heat of the green-house produces a vapor, which
attaches itself to the ceiling, glass and walls, where it is condensed
and falls in drops upon the plants. This concentrated vapor, is inju-
rious to the Camellias which receive it, if they are suffered thus to
remain, for any considerable time. In order to promptly remove it, it
is useful, when the exterior atmosphere will permit, to open some
of the sashes, and kindle, at the same time, a fire in the furnace, to
temper the fresh admitted air. If this mode is impracticable, in
consequence of the intensity of the cold, it must be attempted to
remove the moisture, where it is collected on the glass, by the use
of cloths, fastened to a staff. When it is necessary to keep up the
fire for a long time, on account of the cold, it must not be forgotten
to water the Camellias, which are near the furnace and funnel, and
even all the others, if it is requisite ; for if the earth becomes too
dry, it causes, as we have experienced, irreparable disasters.

Section 6. — The ventilation and temperature of green-houses.

The air being one of the most indispensable elements, to the
prosperous condition of plants, it is requisite that it be temperate
and circulate freely in the green-house. An active, dry and cold
air is injurious to the Camellia ; while a humid and warm air is fa-
vorable to its vegetation. A thermometer, therefore, should be
placed in the green-house to regulate its temperature ; and although

MONOGRAPHY OP THE GENUS CAMELLIA. 207

the Camellia may be exposed to some degrees of cold, without suf*
fering ; still to render its florescence certain and perfect, it is neces-
sary that it should enjoy a temperature, of from 45 to 50 degrees of
Fahrenheit's thermometer.

As long as the exterior atmosphere, is near those degrees,—
which should be indicated by a good thermometer exposed to the
north in the garden, the doors and sashes of the green-house may
be left open ; but they should be carefully watched and shut as soon
as the external temperature descends to only ten or twelve degrees
above the point of congelation.

It is useful to give air to the Camellias every morning, even when
the weather is a little cold, if the sun is bright above the horizon.
As the leaves of the Camellia, present quite a large, shining, porous
and slightly humid surface, they attract the dust, which is continu-
ally circulating in the green-house, and soon become covered with
it. These foreign bodies prevent the exercise of their absorbent func-
tions, or rather, obstruct the pores, which are destined to inspire the
surrounding nutritious gases, as well as to expire those which are
disengaged from the plant. It is therefore necessary, that from
time to time, during the winter, this dust should be removed from
the plants. The following are the modes of doing it.

Some persons wash the leaves with apiece of sponge ; but while
the sponge, if it is not continually cleansed, absorbs the dust of the
leaves, and communicates it to those to which it is successively ap-
plied, it also leaves a little humidity on them, which immediately
collects the dust again.

The best method is, to use a small piece of fine and dry linen, or
cotton cloth with which the leaves are to be lightly and carefully
rubbed ; they immediately acquire all their natural lustre and pre-
sent a renewed appearance of health and vigor.

While the Camellia is in the green-house, and even when in the
open air, a kind of moss, which is often produced by the quality of
the water used in irrigation, is formed, which covers the superior
surface of the earth in the pots. It is, therefore, necessary, when
the plants are removed from, or restored to the green-house, that this
moss should be carefully taken off, and with it as much of the earth
as possible, which is to be replaced, with such, as has been prepared,
for the purpose, in the manner, that has been described, and which
has a vivifying effect on the plants.

208 MONOGRAPHY OF THE GENUS CAMELLIA.

Section 7. — The insects which are injurious to the Camellia.

The Camellia is attacked, both, when in the green-house, and ex-
posed to the open air, by several small insects, which are the aphides,
(plant Vice,) formiccB, (ants,) kermes, (a small beetle of the coccus
genus,) cochineal, (also a beetle of the coccus genus,) &/C.

It is not an easy task to destroy these various kinds of insects,
and the process we shall describe requires great care and attention.
The Aphides are developed early in the spring ; they attach
themselves to the most tender shoots, and cover them so com-
pletely, that the bark seems to have changed its color ; and are
constantly pumping the abundant sap, with which the young
branches are filled, and they consequently languish. The leaves
fade and soon perish, if the insects are not either removed by the
cultivator, rains or certain winds which are fatal to them. They
are readily destroyed by burning tobacco in the green-house, washing
the infected branches with soap suds, or, what is still better,
crushing them with the fingers.

Although it is said, that the formicae live at the expense of the
aphides, we believe there are some of the species, which are nour-
ished by the tender twigs of the Camellia ; besides, their numerous
progeny is very inconvenient, especially when they form their hab-
itations, as is sometimes the case, in the Camellia pots. Green-
houses can be readily cleared of these insects, by partly filling small
phials with honey and water, which they are thus induced to enter,
in vast numbers, where they are drowned.

The Kermes, — commonly called the orange-bug, which is often
seen on the leaves and bark of the young branches, and the cochin-
eal, which attaches itself to the new shoots, and in the axils of the
young leaves, draw out all the sap. These enemies are to be
destroyed, by visiting the Camellia often, early in the morning, and
crushing them with a small flat piece of wood.

Earth worms, easily enter the pots, disturb the roots and
decompose the compost. The method of preventing them from
entering the pots consists, in placing a piece of slate under each,
supporting them on planks, or making a bed of fine gravel, or river
sand, two or three inches thick, on which they are to stand.

When these Vv'orms are in the ball of earth, which surrounds the
roots, and they cannot be extirpated, by removing it from the pot,

MONOGRAPHY OF THE GENUS CAMELLIA. 209

they may be coHopelled to leave it, by watering once or twice the roots
with a slight decoction of tobacco. We have employed, with success,
a very slight solution of quick lime : but this method, if it is not per-
formed with great precaution, will completely destroy the most del-
icate roots, when the plant inevitably perishes.

Sectiox 8. — Florescence of the Camellia and manner of forcing it.
The natural epoch of the florescence of the Camellia is, generally,
from the month of December, until the end of March. Still, by an
artificial culture, to which it readily yields, if it is desired to calcu-
late the phases of its vegetation and follow its progress, plants may
be made to bloom, in succession, from the commencement of Sep-
tember, to the end of April. The best course to be pursued, to
insure success, in this extra-natural culture, is as follows.

When it is desired, that a plant should bloom in September, its
vegetation should be excited, at least a month earlier than common.
For this purpose, in the month of February, the plants, which have
not any flower bud, and which are in a vigorous and sufficiently
forward condition, should be selected and repotted, in the manner
which has been described, if it is necessary, and then placed in a
position, where the heat can be augmented, in order that they may
by this artificial means commence vegetation promptly and finish
their first growth, a month sooner than usual. They are to be re-
moved from the green-house, by the end of May, instead of the close
of June and placed in a less shady exposition, than is the general
custom.

In April, the plants which give indications of blooming, should be
retained in a green-house, which must be ventilated, during the
day, but closed at night; and they must be protected, against the
solar rays, by means of cloths, or light mats, and kept in a uniformly
temperate and equal atmosphere. In proportion as the exterior air
diminishes in temperature, that within must be elevated. By this
mode of culture, if it is well conducted, abundant and beautiful
flowers will be obtained, in the month of September. Besides those
plants, which are ready to bloom, may be placed toward the end of
this month, in a hot bed which is kept moderately warm, — care be-
ing taken to screen them from the sun, and give them air in the day
time, and they will continue to bloom in succession.

When it is desirable to retard the florescence of the Camellia, all
36

210 MONOGRAPHY OF THE GENUS CAMELLIA.

the operations which have been described, are but to be performed
a month later, to make them bloom naturally ; and by the means of
a less elevated artificial atmosphere, but which, however, is con-
stantly equal, the development of the flowers may be retarded for
several weeks.

Section 9. — Means of preventing the huds from falling off.
To prevent the fall of the buds, — a natural desire of the horticul-
turists— and induce the Camellia to bloom abundantly every year, it
is necessary to attend constantly and in the most faithful manner
to its culture, especially from the time of repotting, to the develop-
ment of the flowers. We shall not repeat, what has been said upon
repotting, but add : first, that it is indispensable, immediately after
that operation, to keep the Camellia in a temperature, of from 58 to
65 degrees, during the day, and from 54 to 58 in the night ; second,
that as soon as the young shoots have terminated their development,
during which they are still in a herbaceous state, it is requisite to
increase the heat of the green-house from 68 to 77 degrees during
the day, and from 58 to 65 in the night. This augmentation of
temperature, causes the buds to appear more readily, in greater
abundance, and more vigorous. We have observed, that if nature
is not aided, at this period, by an increase of heat, the new shoots,
being left in a too low temperature, are suddenly checked and be-
come hardened, before their natural maturity is completed. In this
conjuncture, the development of the buds becomes more difficult,
in consequence of the hardness of the wood, and is not effected un-
til a later period ; they are often, from this cause, less numerous,
and very imperfect ; and besides, they fall off", on the first change of
temperature. It is probable, that this fatal accident is in conse-
quence of their no longer receiving that lacteous nourishment, from
the herbaceous shoots which contributes so powerfully to produce,
and firmly attach them to the branch, which they are destined to
embellish, at a later period.

When the buds are perfectly formed, — which is, as has been
said, in about three weeks after the first effort of the plant to throw
out new shoots — care must be taken, to diminish, gradually, the heat
of the green-house, until the period, when the Camellias are remov-
ed into the open air ; which is usually towards the end of June.
Finally, being placed in its summer exposition, the Camellia

MONOGRAPHY OF THE GENUS CAMELLIA. 211

demands the strictest observance, of all those directions, which were
given in the fifth section.

But those directions, however well attended to, will not prevent
the fall of the buds, if it is neglected to keep the plant in a uniformly
equal temperature, of between 47 and 50 degrees during the day, and
43 and 45 in the night, from the first of October, until the end of
March. We designedly insist upon the necessity of a strict atten-
tion to this uniformly equal temperature, because, that in fact,
whether the Camellia is kept, during the rigorous season, in a con-
stant temperature of but from four to six degrees above the freezing
point of 32, by only permitting the heat to be augmented by the
exterior atmosphere ; or whether the temperature of the green-
house is always maintained up to between 54 and 60, this double
difference, remaining constantly the same, cannot in either case be
injurious to the florescence. In the first it will be only later and in
the second more precocious; but if, in the last hypothesis, the arti-
ficial heat, is, for even a short period, too violent, in consequence
of the furnace being badly managed, the plant will bloom well, it is
true, but, not having enjoyed a constantly uniform temperature, in
the green-house, up to the usual period of its removal, it languishes,
loses its leaves, and often, it is not in the power of the horticulturist,
to prevent it from perishing. Such is the fate of the forced
Camellia, which are destined to decorate our saloons in winter, and
furnish the tribute of their brilliant flowers, during the season of
magnificent entertainments.

An equality of temperature is therefore, essential, for the preser-
vation of the buds. A too sudden change, whether it arise from the
momentary introduction of cold air into the green-house, at the time
when the heat is up to from 54 to 60 degrees, or from a too great
elevation of the temperature, to from 60 to 65, too suddenly intro-
duced, when the thermometer, indicates but 32 degrees ; both of
these sudden and violent transitions produce the same results, — the
fall of the buds : the reason appears to us evident.

When the buds are near expanding into blossom, a mild and con-
tinued heat causes them to advance rapidly, the vegetation of the
Camellia, being then confined to only this part of the plant. If then,
to an excessive elevation of the atmosphere, there succeeds a consid-
erable reduction of the heat, the sap, operated upon by this sudden
change, is checked ; the buds no longer receiving nourishment, as
abundantly as before, they become dry and fall.

212 MONOGRAPHY OF THE GENUS CAMELLIA.

A physiologist cannot fail to notice, with deep interest, how pow-
erfully the heat and cold, instantaneously acts, upon the buds, when
they have reached a certain degree of development. The slightest
difference of temperature affects them considerably.

The necessity then, cannot be too earnestly insisted upon, of
keeping the heat of the green-house, at all times very near the same
degree of elevation. In the spring, this regularity is less necessa-
ry, because there is nothing to be feared from such sudden transi-
tions, and the solar heat is daily increasing ; but, in winter, the at-
mospheric variations, being so frequent and instantaneous, and the
life of the plants being confided to artificial means, it can be easily
conceived, that much greater vigilance is necessary to regulate, ac-
cording to the circumstances, the temperature which they require.

To act in conformity to these established principles, it is neces-
sary to have two thermometers in the green-house, one being placed
on the rear and the other on the front wall, and to examine them at-
tentively several times every day. When the temperature falls as
low as 38, the doors and sashes should be immediately closed ; and
if, notwithstanding this precaution, the thermometer does not indi-
cate a proper heat, a little fire must be kindled in the furnace ; but
care must be observed not to elevate the temperature either too sud-
denly, or too high ; from 38 to 41 degrees of constant heat is bet-
ter than 54 which is irregular and interrupted. We do not open our
doors, only when the exterior air is of a congenial temperature, or
when the sun sli.i«nes on the superior sashes of the green-house, and
the interior heat has arisen to from 50 to 54 degrees. It should be
recollected, that this plant is like a watch, which requires to be
daily wound up, by a regular process and not at various times and
by jerks.

We have seen the buds fall, within fortyeight hours from a hun-
dred beautiful Camellias, which were enclosed in a green-house, in
consequence of the temperature of 60 degrees, to which the plants
had been accustomed for many days, having been allowed to fall as
low as 38. It can readily be conceived, that such an extraordinary
change of temperature, should disorganize the ascending progress
of the sap, and cause the most fatal consequences.

Finally, to prevent the buds from falling, there is still another
very simple method, which was made known to us, by the late M.
Cels, and which we have practised often with success. It consists

MONOGRAPHY OF THE GENUS CAMELLIA. 213

in placing the Camellia filled with buds, upon a moderately warm
hot bed, four feet broad and three feet in depth, covered with a
glazed sash, and put in fermentation by fresh horse manure, or dry
leaves, well pressed down. The manure should be put in the in-
terior of the bed for the evaporation produced by these confined
substances, is injurious to the florescence. The Camellias when
placed in this hot bed, are managed in the same manner, as those
in the green-house ; that is, giving them air, whenever the exterior
temperature will permit, and covering them with mats during the
night ; if it freezes, the coverings are doubled and kept on until
there is a change to mild weather. The air is then gradually ad-
mitted and they are moderately watered. In relation to this subject
we can relate a sufficiently curious fact.

We saw, in the rigorous winter of 1829 and 1830, M. Cels, con-
fine, under the sashes of a hot bed, which were covered with mats
and straw, the most beautiful white and striped Camellias in full
bud, and leave them thus deprived of air and light, during the
whole winter, and when the hot bed was opened, although the hu-
midity poured out in clouds and seemed to drown the plants, nearly
all the buds were uninjured, perfectly fresh, well nourished, and
some of them beginning to bloom, and all of them in a few days
were admirably developed.

It is here proper to mention some varieties of the Camellia,
whose buds expand into blossom with difficulty and but very rarely,
in consequence of the multiplicity of the petals, which are con-
tained in them : they are the Camellia Dorsetti^ Woodsii, gigan-
tea, Chandlerii, Rex Georgius, Florida, S^c.

The buds of these phnts often only half open, and sometimes
even less ; they remain in this state for several days, and finally
drop off.

If these buds are opened after their fall, a certain quantity of
water is found collected in their calyx, and their central petals in a
state of decomposition. To this stagnant humidity it is most prob-
able may be attributed, the destruction of the vegetable energy of
the short peduncle which sustains the bud, and whose putrefaction
occasions its fall.

This examination has induced us to attempt a particular mode of
obtaining a regular florescence of these varieties of the Camellia ;
and the experiment having succeeded two years in succession, it is

214 MONOGRAPHY OF THE GENUS CAMELLIA.

now made known for the benefit of amateurs. We placed, during
the winter, several of these varieties, and especially the Woodsii
and Dorsetti, in a very airy, light, dry and sufficiently cool situa-
ation ; the number of buds were reduced, that there might be more
sap and vigor for those which remained ; the plants were kept in -a
low temperature, for the purpose of retarding the growth and de-
velopment of the buds, until the season of pleasant weather was
so far advanced, as that the natural heat of the atmosphere became
both more equal and active. At the close of the winter, these Ca-
mellias were removed into the green-house and placed in the most
favorable position, where they were watered frequently, but only a
littte moisture was furnished at a time. In the spring, all these
plants developed their buds easily, and presented a magnificent flo-
rescence. We invite all amateurs to repeat this experiment and
request them to inform us of the result.

Section 10. — The management of Camellias in private apart'

ments.

The Camellia is such a pleasing and elegant plant, that every
one is desirous of decorating their saloons with it : but these posi-
tions being too warm and nnhealthy, the vital principle of its or-
ganization is deteriorated, and it soon perishes.

We have thought, however, that this flower might be enjoyed for
a long time, in private apartments, if it could be isolated from the
influence of the fire and the mephitic exhalations of the human
body, by the means of glass. Place, for example, some shelves,
like steps, against one of the walls of the room, on which may be
stood pots containing several varieties of the Camellia in bloom, and,
enclose these steps in a glazed frame. The plants would not suffer in
such a secure position, and the flowers would have a most interesting
and pleasing effect. Attention will be requisite, to give them air,
in the morning, before the fires are made in the room ; and when
the florescence has ceased, they should be replaced in a green-house
or what is still better, in a glazed hot bed.

Camellias in bloom, might be enclosed between double windows
prepared for that purpose, when the thickness of the walls of the
house is such as to allow sufficient sp^ce ; and if the aspect is a
southern one so much the better. The flowers and the verdure
would be very brilliant in such an exposition, as they would be

MONOGRAPHY OF THE GENUS CAMELLIA. 215

completely protected from the dust, and besides the plant could not
be injured by its removal from the green-house into a habitation so
favorably situated, for the complete preservation of its health.

Section 11. — The cultivation of the Camellia in unconfined earth.

The Camellia, when placed in unconfined earth, whether in a
conservatory, green-house or a hot bed, grows rapidly and in a few
years becomes very much extended, and blooms easily and abun-
dantly; but if attention is not paid to having a proper drainage, to
allow the water to pass off from the roots, or if it is entirely de-
prived of the contact of the open air, — especially in summer, the
earth in which it is planted, is deteriorated, the roots putrefy, the
plant is stripped of its leaves, and perishes.

To avoid this sad result of negligence, it is essential, before trans-
planting the Camellia into unconfined earth, to prepare the soil
where it is to stand, in such a manner that the water shall not re-
main stagnant around its roots, which can easily be done, by first
placing at the bottom of the space, where it is intended to set out
the plant, some gravel, and over that a few inches of sand ; and it
is also advisable to put over the sand, the roots and vegetable sub-
stances which have been separated from the peat soil, when pre-
paring 'it for filling the pots. The Camellia being thus set out,
great care should be taken, to afford it a free circulation of air in the
summer, and especially a humid atmosphere ; and for this purpose,
the sashes should be left open every pleasant night, to enable the
plant to enjoy the refreshing dews, during that season ; and it will
also be beneficial to the plants, to renew the earth which surrounds
their roots, every three or four years.

The Camellia placed in unconfined earth, without protection, is
not capable of resisting, a temperature lower than from 38 to 41 ;
cotisequently it would \^ a useless experiment, to attempt, in the
climate of Paris, to expose it to a greater degree of cold. If the
winter should be mild, it may be preserved, beyond a doubt, vege-
etate well during the summer, and offer a beautiful appearance in
autumn ; but the frequent variations of the atmosphere, at that peri-
od, would cause the buds to fall off.

In warm climates, in a northern exposure, where it can be screen-
ed from the sun, and in a soil which is congenial, the Camellia

216 MONOGRAPHY OF THE GENUS CAMELLIA.

would become a magnificent tree, and present, at the time of its
florescence an enchanting aspect. This prospect can be enjoyed
at Caserta, near Naples, where there is cultivated, in the royal do-
mains, a Camellia, which was planted in 1760. It is more than 40
feet high, and occupies, with its lateral branches, a si)ace more than
twenty feet in circumference. It is covered with thousands of blossoms
n the spring, to which succeeds an abundant fructification, affording
the means of infinite multiplication. We have often visited that
admirable tree, and to perpetuate the recollection, we designed and
colored it upon the spot, with all the exactness, which our feeble pow-
ers would allow. We presented the original painting to our master
and honorable colleague, Mr De Cahdolle, the elder.

Section 12. — Pruning of the Camellia.

There are but few exotic plants, which bear pruning, as well as
the Camellia; and by performing this operation with intelligence
and at the proper time, it assumes the form, which it may be desired
to give it, and blossoms most abundantly. The periods for pruning
are, either the spring, immediately after the florescence, or in the
summer, after the second growth ; that is, about the middle of Au-
gust. If the pruning is performed in the spring, it is necessary, im-
mediately after that delicate operation, to carefully repot the shrub,
place it in a green-house, where there is a considerable elevation of
temperature, to induce it to throw out its new branches vigorously
and in season to get well ripened before the cold weather commen-
ces. If the plants are pruned in August, it becomes requisite to
sacrifice the existing buds, and a year is lost, before the blossoms can
be enjoyed ; for at this epoch the vegetation of the Camellia, is dis-
posed to repose ; but the after growth in the spring, which succeeds
the pruning, will be much more vigorous, and the new branches
with which the plant is supplied, will begin to bear buds the second
year.

Besides, the Camellias which are pruned in August, may remain
in the open air until the common period, when all the plants are re-
turned to the green-house ; but those which are pruned in the spring,
require to be put in a glazed hot bed, immediately after that oper-
ation, as has been before said ; for without this precaution, they
vegetate but slowly, and produce only small and feeble shoots, which
do not blossom for several years.

MONOGRAPHY OF THE GENUS CAMELLIA. 217

Section 13. — The multiplication of the Camellia.

The Camellia is multiplied in three manners : by the seeds, cut-
tings, or layers and grafts.

By seeds. — The seeds are planted, in a hot bed, under glass, in
a peat soil, which has been passed through a sieve. The seeds
which are sown, should have naturally arrived at maturity, which is
easily known, by their falling spontaneously from their hard peri-
carps. The bed should be lightly covered with moss, to keep up,
continually, a slight humidity. The seeds often remain two years
before they vegetate, but sometimes the young plants appear the
first year. As soon as the plants have attained about two inches in
height, they are to be taken up, with a small ball of earth attached
to each, and put into separate little pots, which are to be arranged in
the same hot-bed, and protected from the air and sun, until they are
in a state to bear exposure, when they are to be managed in the
same manner as has been recommended for Camellias generally. At
the expiration of five or six years, nearly all of these individuals, are
in a flowering state; some of them, however, do not blossom for
twelve years, as we have experienced. Seeds of the Camellia which
were gathered in 1819, from the celebrated tree at Caserta, did not
bloom until 1831, and we have two plants, which were produced
from those seeds, that flowered for the first time in 1836, which
was more than fifteen years after they were planted.

To induce Camellias, obtained from the seed, to bloom promptly,
they must be grafted as soon as the wood is sufliciently matured,
which is in their second or third year. This should be done only
on the most vigorous plants, to render the florescence more certain
and rapid.

By cuttings. — This method is employed to obtain free stalks, but
more often to procure subjects for grafting ; and the single red or
pink are usually selected for this purpose.

The following is the most simple manner of performing the oper-
ation.

In the spring, the shoots, of the preceeding year's growth, are se-
lected, from the single, or semi-double Camellias, which are divided
into cuttings, from four to six inches in length ; these are set out
together a few lines distant from each other, in pots filled with peat
soil, which are plunged in a pit of tanners' bark and covered with a
28

218 MONOGRAPHY OF THE GENUS CAMELLIA.

hand glass, or placed in a shaded position of the green-house ; from
tirae to time, it is necessary to raise the hand glasses, and wipe off
the interior humidity, and occasionally moisten the cuttings, with a
little watering pot, made expressly for the purpose. Cuttings thus
managed take root, in about six weeks, and when the roots are suffi-
ciently developed, they are transplanted into small pots, where they
remain until large enough for being engrafted. The Camellia can
thus be multiplied by cuttings, in green-houses, which have no arti-
ficial heat, and without the aid of tan ; but the process is too long
and often uncertain.

The Camellia can also be multiplied by layers; but horlicultu.
rists have generally renounced this mode of operation, because the
subjects thus treated, take too long a time to root, occupy too much
space in the green-house, or hot-beds, besides requiring the sacrifice
of the most beautiful branches ; and the result is not in proportion
to the labor, time and expense, which it occasions ; grafting, there-
fore, is the expedient of multiplication, which every where pre-
vails.

Section 14. — Different methods of grafting the Camellia.

Grafting. — The Camellia, which it is desired to multiply, is gener-
ally grafted upon stocks of the single red variety, or any other single
or double kind, may be selected, which can best be spared for that
purpose. There are now several modes of grafting; but we shall
only describe those which are most generally practised, and espe-
cially that, which the Belgians most commonly employ, to prop-
agate the new and most valuable varieties.

Grafting by approach, or Inarching. — The kind of grafting
most used, the easiest to perform, as well as the most natural and
most ancient, is certainly that called inarching. This mode which
can be practised at all seasons, is, nevertheless, most commonly per-
formed in March.

In performing the operation, a lateral cut or slit is made in the
stock, so as to form a kind of tongue, or a portion of the bark and
sapwood is removed, an inch, or an inch and a half in length, and
as low as possible. The same thing is done on the branch of the
Camellia, which it is desired to obtain. The parts thus prepared
are carefully united, — precaution being taken, that the barks of
both exactly coincide, and they are confined with woollen yarn,

MONOGRAPHV OP THE GENUS CAMELLIA. ^19

hemp, or strips of bass-wood bark, which have been first moistened.
In a few months the parts are united ; but the portion of the branch
of the Camellia, which is united to the stock is gradually separated,
by incisions made at intervals, of from eight to ten days, in the fol-
lowing monthly order. Camellias, inarched in March may be sep-
arated in August, and those on which the operation is performed in
May, in October ; being cautious to commence the incisions a
month before.

Cleft Grafting. — This is the common mode of grafting, which
every body understands, but which was not practised on the Camel-
lia, until the immense results were made known, which our excel-
lent friend, Mr De Soulange Bodin obtained, in his grand establish-
ment at Fromont, near Ris. That learned and skilful horticultu-
rist made use of this method, in preference to all others, because, at
all seasons, it can be performed, by the aid of the artificial means
which is specially used, to excite a flow of sap in the plants, and
cause them to vegetate. Mr Soulange Bodin has substituted this
kind of grafting for that of Belgium, — an account of which we shall
give hereafter ; it offers the same advantages, namely, economy of
time and material, and probably more certainty in the results. By
the employment of this ingenious method, a small twig of the spe-
cies, which it is desired to multiply, having on it a single bud, and
grafted on a congenial stock, produces, in si.K weeks, a complete
shrub.

Mr Soulange Bodin calls this the stifled graft, because the plants,
as soon as they are grafted, are put in a very warm bark-pit and cov-
ered with a bell-glass, where they have the appearance of being
stifled.

Those who say, that this mode of operating, injures the root of
the stock, while it is subjected to the very elevated heat of the hot
bed, are completely deceived. We have had, in our possession,
many Camellias, which were grafted in this manner several years
since, and we have never perceived any disease in them which
could have arisen from that cause. We will cite a characteristic
fact, in support of this assertion. In January 1830, having made
an excursion to Fromont, we selected and brought back, during
intensely cold weather, against the advice of the proprietor, and the
gardener of that establishment, a dozen little Camellias, which had
been grafted according to the above named process, and recently

220 MONOGRAPHy OF THE GENUS CAMELLIA.

removed from the hot bed. In spite of all our precautions, we found
the earth in the pots entirely congealed on our arrival. Still hoping
to save them, notwithstanding this fatal accident, which was solely
occasioned by our obstinacy, they were carefully kept, the whole of
the winter, in a mild and uniform temperature, and in the springy
vre had the pleasure of seeing the whole of our Camellias vege-
tate vigorously, as if nothing had happened. If the manner in
which my friend had treated these young plants, had been perni-
cious and injured their roots, and especially when the severe cold to
which they were subjected was added to that cause, they must inev-
itably have perished, without the possibility of redemption.

The Belgic Graft. — This is a lateral mode of grafting, to which
the Belgians give the preference, and is performed from spring until
autumn. This is the method of operation. A portion of the bark
and wood is cut from the side of the stock, and as low as possible,
in the same manner as for inarching. A small scion of one or two
inches in length, with one bud and a single leaf on it, is taken from the
Camellia, intended to be multiplied, the end cut sloping, on one side
only, like a wedge and so placed on the stock, as that the barks of
both shall coincide, and then secured with woollen yarn.

When this operation is completed, the pot containing the en-
grafted stock, is p!aced upon its side upon an unheated bark-pit, or
dry moss, on which, however, the branches only should rest; then
the grafted part is immediately, hermetically covered, with a bell-
glass. At the expiration of fifteen days, the graft is perfectly united,
and in three weeks, at the farthest, the plant is ready for sale.

It is superfluous to remark, that this graft, during the whole time
that it remains under the bell-glass, to form the desired union, should
always have the protection of a green-house, if the operation is per-
formed in the summer, and of a glazed but unheated pit, if at any
other season.

Inarching — bij a cutting. — Heretofore, in uniting the graft to
the stock, it was planted like a cutting, near the root of the stock,
and a result was produced, very nearly like that which is obtained
by the Belgic graft; but this mode of operating, requiring a branch
of a certain length, the same number of plants cannot be obtained
from the parent Camellia ; but still, this mode, as well as that of the
Belgians, is economical and expeditious.

231

Art. II. — The Cultivation of Tnifles, or Instruction for ar-
tif daily raising and making large Plantatioiis of Black and
White Trufles, in Woods, Shrubberies, and Gardens. By Alex-
ander VON BORNHOLZ.

Introduction. — Ripe truffles, freshly taken up are more different
from those that are dried, dipped in oil, wrapped in waxed paper, or
preserved in glasses, which the Italians and French sell us for Ger-
man gold, than a beautiful Borsdorfer apple is from slices of a dried
apple. Neverthless the best in the woods of Germany are not dug
up, and not unfrequently, either from ignorance or the avarice of
those that deal in them, bad and useless sorts (such as the swine-
truffle) are mixed along with the edible ones. Every admirer of
truffles (and who is not such, when he has once tasted perfectly ripe
ones ?) will rejoice to learn that they may be, and have been, raised
upon situations adapted to them, as well as mushrooms ; and that
the planting of them is neither expensive nor troublesome. Every
one who has a proper situation for them on his estate, will most
willingly make plantations of them according to the directions here
given. At a small expense, he will augment at once the pleasures
of his table, and also his income ; for in a few years the crops will
have so increased, as to enable the planter to offer them for sale.
He will then not only receive back his first expenses, but also a con-
siderable surplus. There is no reason to apprehend that truffles
will, by means of numerous plantations of them, sink in value (as
almost all productions of landed property have done,) so as to be
hardly worth any thing ; since most of those who buy truffles dwell
in large towns, and are so engaged as to have no time to raise them.
On the contrary, by the extension of the cultivation of truffles, the
money now paid for them to foreigners would be spared to our
country, at which every sincere lover of it would rejoice ; and the
consumption of the article would probably be very greatly increased.
We may confidently expect an active participation in extending the
cultivation of truffles, from the exertions of our horticultural socie-
ties. By this extension, not only will the profit of land be increased,
but also the pleasures of society, as these are more promoted by del-
icacies for the table than by the rarest flowers.

Among the various species of fungi which man has applied to his

222 CULTIVATION OF THE TRUFFLE.

nutriment, the truffle is of tiie greatest value. Morels are much
inferior to it. Even the highly esteemed cultivated mushroom is
not to be oonapared with it, still less are other edible fungi. With
connoisseurs it is in higher estimation than the pine-apple amongst
fruits, and oysters amongst bivalves. The high estimation in which
truffles are held, and their dearness, are not however occasioned by
their peculiarly fine aromatic flavour alone, but by the difficulties
which are connected with seeking them in woody situations. Dogs
must be broken in, or swine must be accustomed to discover and
turn them up ; and only a few people understand the art of accus-
toming these animals to resist their natural voracity, and to leave to
man the food they have discovered.

On this account, the truffle in Germany, appears only upon the tables
of the wealthy, and of those who have large landed possessions; in
which they seldom cause truffles to be sought for, but buy them at a
high price from foreigners. Truffles grow in several woods ; but
people avoid the trouble of either digging them up, or of training
dogs and swine, to enable them with facility to take them out of the
earth. German truffles are left as food for worms and for swine,
and people are satisfied with such as the industrious French or Ital-
ians have sought out in their own country, and have sent abroad as
merchandise.

As truffles are produced in woods, the proprietors of woods are
the only persons that are entitled to cause them to be dug out. Only
a few proprietors of extensive landed property or of large gardens
possess woods, or, even if they have such, the soil of the wood does
not possess such a mixture of earths as this species of fungus re-
quires for its production and growth. It cannot therefore be pro^
duced, and the proprietor of landed property is compelled to purchase
fresh truffles elsewhere ; or, since they grow only in few places, and
are crenerally sold to favorites, must accommodate himself with such
bad ones as are offered for sale.

The relish of the truffle arises from very fine matter, which is so
volatile that it rises through the strata of earth, and betrays at the
surface the deeply hidden fungus to certain animals endowed with
an acute sense of smelling. In order to preserve this volatile mat-
ter from escaping, those truffles which are intended for sale by the
French and Italians are preserved or marinated, enclosed in glasses
from which the air is excluded, or dipped in oil, and then wrapped

CULTIVATION OP THE TRUFFLE. 223

up in waxed paper. Notwithstanding all these contrivances, this
valuable matter cannot be completely retained ; and the bought
truffles are as much inferior to fresh ones that have been lately dug
up, as asparagus pickled or dried for winter consumption, or the
beans and peas preserved in the same way, are to the same fresh
vegetables cooked in spring and summer.

It must be very desirable to every proprietor of lands and gardens
to become acquainted with a practice by which he can raise truf-
fles himself. By such means the pleasures of the table will be en-
hanced, or, if he should prefer it, the profit of his landed property
will be increased by the sale of fresh truffles. It is long ago that
the great advantages which such cultivation would produce have
been perceived ; and in the last century many attempts were made,
although fruitlessly, to transplant and cultivate truffles. How, in-
deed, could it have been possible to transplant, with the requisite
skill, a fungus, the nature of which was totally unknown, and the
circumstances under wliich it was possible for it to arise and thrive
were not attended to 1

Whether truffles, as fungi in general, should be ranked amongst
plants or animals, was a disputed point; but now the conviction is,
that they belong exclusively to neither, but stand in the midst be-
tween the two kingdoms, and incline equally to* both. They are not
propagated by seeds, as was formerly believed ; but are formed in
the upper strata of the earth, as hydatids in animal bodies, or the
infusoria, visible only to the eye that is assisted by a microscope, in
water that contains organic matter. Since no man either has seen,
or can see, the seed of fungi, it was assumed to be so small as not
to be visible even by the assistance of the best microscope. This
seed, then, must have filled the air, and laid hold of every small
place which made the germination and increase of the young plant
possible. Such a supposition was admissible in the case of those
fungi that grew in the open air, but impossible with regard to those
which were found in the earth. How, in this case, should the fine
seed escape out of its closed grave, drawn forth by the attracting
powers of the soil, and be carried to distant places to produce in
them new truffles 1

The error, however, was the occasion of trials, which, being
founded upon a wrong supposition, could not be attended by a suc-
cessful result. In order to cultivate mushrooms and truffles, old

224 CULTIVATION OF THE TRUFFLE.

fungi were dug up, and planted in the places destined for them, to
shed their seed, and be the origin of a new race of fungi. Peculiar
care was bestowed upon truffles : they were cautiously dug up from
their ancient place of growth, and taken to the new soil, which,
however, was neither properly prepared, nor the mixture of earths
given to it which was requisite to the prosperity of the fungus. It
then appeared to be inconceivable, why, with all this attention, the
experiment failed ; and the old truffle soon died, without leaving any
successors. It was expected to scatter seed in the soil, but had dis-
appeared without leaving a trace behind it. Was the proceeding
here observed at all different from cutting a hydatid out of one ani-
mal, and inserting it into another? or causing an intestinal worm
to be swallowed, and then imagining that the minute animal should
be increased in its new situation ?

The hydatid and intestinal worm are not produced by transfer,
but by such changes taking place in the mixture of the component
parts of the animal bodies in which we find them, as to occasion
that species of worms to be produced and thrive. We sometimes
find newly born, and even unborn, animals inhabited by worms,
which, nevertheless, are not transferable. Other animals, on the
contrary, are free from worms to the extreme of old age ; for their
bodies present not to these worms such a habitation as is requisite
to their thriving. Just in the same manner fungi, viz. mushrooms
and truffles, which are very obstinate in their choice of situations
(habitats,) arise and thrive only under favorable circumstances, in a
soil suitable to their nature.

Many attempts failed before it was known how to raise mushrooms
upon places where they were wanted, and yet this fungus is not near
so delicate in its choice of a habitat and mixture of soil as the truf-
fle, whose artificial increase was not successful. The secret of
raising the mushroom upon places that were assigned to it, was only
comparatively recently discovered in Italy. Without being able to
give any exact account of the grounds upon which the experiments
were made, the object in view was obtained by means of several ex-
periments. The preparations that were made, and in general, the
whole procedure, were imitated in France, and succeeded. The
raising of truffles would be still easier in Germany ; since here the
proceeding might be commenced with proper views of the nature

CULTIVATION OF THE TRUFFLE. 225

of the fungus-, and of its manner of originating and formation : its
proper treatment could, therefore, be easily pointed out.

There are several kinds of truffles, which must be critically
known and distinguished by any one who proposes to lay out a situ-
ation for this species of fungus. Without this, the planter would be
exposed to the hazard of planting bad and useless kinds, instead of
the good and eatable ones. To enable him to avoid this, the fol-
lowing description of the different kinds will be useful to most
readers : —

Linnaeus and other ancient botanists comprehended all the differ-
ent species of truffles under the genus Lycoperdon, which is said to
be distinguished from the rest of the fungi by having a round body
filled with powdery seeds. The lycoperdons have, while alive, a
fleshy body, with veins running through it, which, by means of ab-
sorbing organs, like roots, either draw their necessary nutriment
from the earth, or sit upon plants and rob them of their juices. For
example, to the first division belongs the commonly known puff ball
{hy coper don Bovlst a ;) and to the last, the grated puff ball (Lyco-
perdon cancellatum,) upon the leaves of the pear tree. When dead,
the inside of the body, of most kinds, quickly becomes an extremely
fine dust, which, for a considerable time, is included in the dry,
more durable, paper-like external skin. Formerly, in this fine dust
the seed was looked for ; and it was supposed to be carried by the
winds into very distant districts. This belief was so strong, that it
could not be shaken by all the unsuccessful attempts which were
made to raise young fungi by sowing the supposed seed.

Later botanists have separated the family of such lycoperdons
as grow within the earth from the two other kinds which grow upon
its surface, and have raised them to a separate genus, under the
name Tiiber. The latter differs much more from the former, than
the cherry does from the plum, or the bean from the pea. The new
genus includes many species, though not all of them ; especially
those which grow in deeper strata of earth are sufficiently known to
be distinctly different. The following are the only ones that are ac-
curately known : —

1. The true truffie {Tuber gulonum, T. gulosdrum, Lycoperdon
Tuber L. Tuber cibarium, Sibth.) — Of a round form, more or less
approaching to that of a sphere, or of an egg, or sometimes kidney-
shaped, and somewhat rough with protuberances. The color of the
29

226 CULTIVATION OF THE TRUFFLE.

surface is, when it is young, whitish ; but in those that are full grown,
it is either blackish, or a deep black. The color of the inside is whitish,
with dark blue and white, grey, reddish, light brown, or dark brown
veins, of the thickness of a horse-hair, which are usually variously
entangled, and which form a kind of network, or mat. Between the
veins are numerous cavities, filled with a great deal of mucilage and
small solid grains. These scarcely visible glands were formerly said to
be the seeds or germs of the young truffles. The less the inside of
the truffle is colored by dark veins, the more tender and delicious is
its flesh. The blackish external rind is hard, and very rough, by
means of fine fissures, grains, and protuberances ; and forms, with
its small facets, which are almost hexagonal, an appearance by
which it somewhat resembles the fir-apples of the larch.

Whilst the truffle is young, its smell resembles that of putrid
plants, or of moist vegetable earth. When it first approaches the
point of time at which it has attained its full growth, it diffuses an
agreeable smell which is peculiar to it, resembling that of musk, but
which lasts only a few days : it then becomes stronger, and the
nearer the fungus is to its death and its dissolution, which speedily
ensues, so much the more unpleasant and urinous is the smell, till
at last it is quite disagreeable and putrid. Whilst young the flesh
is watery, and its taste insipid : when fully formed, its firm flesh,
which is like the kernel of the almond and the nut, has an extremely
aromatic and delicious taste ; but as soon as the fungus begins to
decay, and worms and putrescence to attack it, its taste is bitter
and disagreeable.

Wherever truffles are produced, there they are to be found the
whole year through, from the beginning of spring till late in autumn ;
but in the greatest plenty from towards the end of the month of Au-
gust to the latter end of October. They thrive extremely, like all
fungi, in warm moist autumns, and are then most delicious. After
warm continuing showers, they are found nearer the surface of the
soil, sometimes so high that they form little hemispherical mounds
of earth, in which small clefts are produced by the sun's rays. If
the soil is loose, and dry weather succeeds, the earth which was
raised up falls down, and the truffle is seen half uncovered. Nev-
ertheless, these truffles are of small value, as they are generally
either dead or worm-eaten.

The favorite habitat of truffles is a somewhat moist light wood

CULTIVATION OF THE TRUFFLE. 227

soil, which is defended from the immediate effect of the burning rays
of the sun by large oak trees, standing at a distance from each
other, but is not deprived, by thick bushes, of the free access of
currents of air. Where, in woods, there are places bare of timber
trees, and with but few bushes, or covered with pollarded wood that
does not stand thick, they thrive under an oak, beech, whitethorn^
and even under a fruit tree, and sometimes attain the weight of from
a pound to a pound and a half: this unusual size, however, is only
met with in moist warm grounds. Here they lie nearer the surface
of the soil. The drier the soil is, the deeper they are produced in
it; but are usually so much the smaller: to this the vicinity of
springs is the sole exception.

There are some varieties of truffles which differ in the greater or
less degree of roughness of their external rind, in a stronger smell,
resembling that of garlic, and in a lighter or darker color. Amongst
all truffles, the white variety is of most value, and is preferred to.
every other. It grows in Upper Italy, chiefly in Piedmont. Its
surface is of a yellowish brown, or pale grey-yellow, covered with
protuberances resembling warts. The veins in the inside are more
delicate than in the black kind, and are of a reddish yellow color.
Between the veins, the flesh of truffles that are fully formed, and
their sap-vessels and glands, are of a reddish color. The smell and
taste of the white truffle are much superior to those of the black, and
on that account it is more deserving of cultivation. Only the first
plantation requires to be circumstantially attended to, as living pie-
ces can seldom be procured, and to plant dead ones in new planta-
tions is useless. Since this white truffle never degenerates to the
black, but constantly produces the same, it appears to be not a vari-
ety, but a particular species. It is also found in vineyards, mead-
ows, and even ploughed fields ; but the black ones are found only
near to forest trees.

2. Hog-truffle, Swine Truffle, Wild Truffie (Tuber suillum.) —
This truffle, which is generally kidney-shaped, usually reaches the
size of a bean, and only under very favorable circumstances that of
a small hen's egg. It has a thin, leather-like rind, which is cover-;
ed with many small round warts, without any flat interstices. By
means of these, it is distinguished from the true truffle, which some-
times also assumes the kidney shape. The flesh is juicy, and travers-
ed by coarse veins, which are not very crooked. The smell is die-

228 CULTIVATION OF THE TRUFFLE.

agreeably sour, and is like that of swine's dung, on which account
it has received its name. Its taste is unpleasant and insipid. On
account of its disagreeable taste and smell, it is not used as food ;
and none but avaricious truffle-hunters mix it amongst the edible
truffles, along with which it is often found. There are, neverthe-
less, districts in which none but swine-truffles are to be met with.
Being hardier than the real truffles, they can easily give such prop-
erties to the soil of woods, that it produces none but swine-truffles.
They are usually found in abundance in such tracts of land as are
not mellow, but incline to sourness. Young plantations of truffles
may easily be spoilt, and all labor and expense be useless, if, through
inattention or want of knowledge, this swine truffle is transferred
from its old place of growth into the new. As the real truffle pre-
fers the oak, so the swine truffle seems to prefer the whitethorn, to
all other trees. Under its roots they are formed from twenty to
thirty together; on the contrary, the edible truffle seldom occurs so
many together ; it usually lives singly,

3. Small Truffie {Tuber minimum.) — This species of truffle lives
in much society, and always occurs in great numbers together. It
attains only the size of a pea, and is of an irregular form approach-
ing that of a sphere. Formerly it was thought to be the young pro-
geny of the edible truffle.

4. The Stag-truffle {the Stag-rut Fungus, Tuber cervinum.) —
This is the largest kind. It has a globular form and a loose spongy
flesh, which, in the midst of its body has so little coherence, that it
forms a dusty core or heart. It is not used by man, but red deer
scrape it.

All truffles draw nourishment from the earth ; not by means of
roots, of which no trace is to be found, but by absorbing vessels
which cover their whole superficies, in the form, generally, of small
warts. For this reason they can thrive in none but moist situations,
which offer them, in sufficient quantity, matter dissolved in water.
In proportion as the earth about them dries up, the fungi must
wither away. They have indeed, in their interior, vessels which
contain water, to enable them for a time to do without external mois-
ture ; but, if the drought continues, their internal provision is ex-
hausted, the truffle becomes unhealthy, and must at length perish
from thirst.

Notwithstanding the want of moisture is thus injurious to the cul-

CULTIVATION OF THB TRUFFLE. 229

tivation of truffles, too great a quantity is equally destructive to them.
Acids are generated, mould and numerous other parasitic plants get
a footing upon the surface of the tubes, and by degrees obstruct the
absorbing vessels, and the body of the truffle is consumed or putre-
fies ; the mould also allures many small worms which establish
themselves upon the truffle and live upon its flesh.

Upon the first production of the truffle its size is scarcely perceiv-
able ; as it proceeds in its growth, the earth that is around it is
pressed together and pushed off. On this account the truffle can
prosper in none but a loose soil. If the soil is every where equally
loose, the truffle assumes a globulur form ; but this is changed if
there is on one side a greater opposition than on the other ; as, for in-
stance, by a root or stone. Hence the different forms of the tubers
may be explained. Where the soil is most raoist, whether above or
under the truffle, there it will either rise up or sink deeper. The
degree of power of attraction of the moisture in the earth, to that in
the truffle, necessitates such a change of place. In moist summers,
and in wet winters, we find the truffles near the surface, even pro-
jecting above it. In dry summers, upon poor dry places in woods,
they have often to be dug from a depth of more than a half a foot.
Here is imposed upon them a greater pressure of superincumbent
soil. If the earth is not very light, they cannot be fully developed,
and therefore remain small. The largest are, consequently, in gen-
eral, found not deep under the earth, and in shaded light soil that is
somewhat moist ; they are not, however, so well tasted as those of
middling size ; they are also usually injured, and therefore of a
bitter taste. The access of their enemies, viz. worms, snails, and
quadrupeds, is much facilitated when no deep stratum of earth pro-
tects them against these attacks.

As truffles were found in such soils only as contained many putrid
parts of vegetables, especially roots and leaves, or twigs of trees ; it
was in old times the opinion, that these fungi were neither plants
nor animals, that they did not arise from germs, but that they had
been formed by a globular secretion and attraction of matter found
in the earth. According to this supposition, they no further differ
from minerals than that in them the materials of the earth unite in
forming a new substance ; but here, in the case of truffles, the new
body is formed by parts of plants in solution. Pliny, the Roman
naturalist, was of the same opinion, and adduces as a proof, the ex-

230 CULTIVATION OF THE TRUFFLE.

perience of a Roman praetor, Lartius Licinius. This person, a few
years before, had eaten truffles in Spain, and had met with sorae-
tliing hard in one of them. Upon a closer examination he found a
small Roman silver coin, a penny (denarius ;) which, therefore, being
accidentally present in the mechanical accretion of its compo-
nent parts, was enclosed along with them Taking the fact
for granted, it by no means proves the assumed opinion. If
the coin were really found in the body of the truffle, and had not in
the cooking accidentally found its way in, it had been pressed in by
the quick growth of the fungus. Being a hard body, it did not give
way to the truffle equally with the loose moist soil, and was included
in the substance of the fungus, as nowadays small foreign bodies,
such as stone and metals, are met with in wood, and in the inside
of more juicy plants. When such are met with, they are supposed
to have been accidently included ; because it is known that a tree
or plant continually increases in circumference from its youth to its
old age. There is no reason in these instances, from the presence
of these foreign bodies in wood, to infer a mechanical accretion of
component parts, and there is as little for the inference in the case
of the truffle. This, nevertheless, is still believed by individuals,
who pretend that all fungi are formed from the putrescence of dead
vegetables.

There is, however, some truth in this clumsy representation. As
the infusoria are more readily produced, and in greater numbers, in
water that contains a solution of organized matter, so fungi are pro-
duced where the soil is mixed with such matter as must necessarily
be used for their formation. When truffles are to be produced by
artificial means, nature must be imitated as closely as possible, and
such circumstances introduced as are always met with in the habi-
tats of this fungus.

(To be continued.)

231

Art. III. — PremiuTM of the Massachusetts Horticultural

Society.

The Massachusetts Horticultural Society, established in Boston,
offers the following prenaiums, for Fruits, Vegetables, and Flowers,
for 1838.

The augmented and various displays of Flowers, Fruits, and
Vegetables, and the zeal manifested by the cultivators thereof,
during the past year, have been such as to induce the Massachu-
setts Horticultural Society, to offer, for the present season, the fol-
lowing premiums, to promote the general interest of Horticulture,
and to excite a spirit of emulation among its members for the pub-
lic good.

FRUITS.

Pears. For the best Summer Pears, not less than one

doz., a premium of $5 00

For the best Autumn Pears, not less than one

doz., a premium of 5 00

For the best Winter Pears, not less than one

doz., a premium of 5 00

Apples. For the best Summer Apples, not less than one

doz., a premium of 5 00

For the best Autumn Apples, not less than one

doz., a premium of 5 00

For the best Winter Apples, not less than one

doz., a premium of 5 00

Cherries. For the best Cherries, not less than two quarts,

a premium of 5 00

Peaches. For the best Peaches, open culture, not less

than one doz., a premium of 5 00

For the best peaches, under glass, not less

than one doz., a premium of 5 00

Plums. For the best Plums, not less than one quart, a

premium of 5 00

Apricots. For the best Apricots, not less than one doz.,

a premium of 4 00

Nectarines, For the best Nectarines, not less than one

doz., a premium of 4 00

232

MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

Quinces. For the best Quinces, not less than one doz.,

a premium of
Grapes. For the best Foreign Grapes grown under

glass, a premium of
For the best Foreign Grapes, out door culture,

a premium of
For the best Native Grapes, a premium of
Gooseberries. For the best Dessert Gooseberries, not

less than two quarts, a premium of
Raspberries. For the best Raspberries, not less than

two quarts, a premium of
Strawberries. For the best Strawberries, not less than

one quart, a premium of
Currants. For the best Currants, not less than one

quart, a premium of

5

00

10

00

5

00

5

00

£

GO

5

00

5

00

2

00

VEGETABLES.

Asparagus. Earliest and best in open ground,
Cucumbers. Best pair on or before the 1st Saturday in

July,
Cabbages. Early, the best four heads,
Carrots. Twelve roots, the earliest and best.
Beets. Twelve roots of the earliest and best, by the 1st

Saturday in July,
Rhubarb. Six spears of the best.
Potatoes. Early, one peck the best, by the 1st Saturday in

July,
Celery. Two plants, earliest and best.
Beans. Large Lima, two quarts shelled,

" The earliest and best, dwarf shell, two quarts,
Lettuce. Four heads, the finest and heaviest of the season,
Cauliflowers. Two heads, the finest and heaviest of the

season.
Broccoli. Two heads,

Squashes. Winter, the largest and best pair.
Peas. One peck, the earliest and best, by the first Satur-
day of June,
Melons. Water, the largest and best pair,
" The finest greenflesh in the season.

$4 00

4

00

2

00

2 00

2

00

3

00

3

00

2

00

3

00

2

00

2

00

3

00

3 00

3

00

4

00

3

00

3

00

MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

f233

Indian Corn, for boiling; twelve ears, having regard to
the size of the ears, their earliness, and the quality of
the corn,

FLOWERS.

Roses. For the best display,

" 24 hardy varieties,
" 12 "

" 12 China and other tender varieties.
Hyacinths. Best display,
Carnations. «f h

" six varieties,
" seedling,
Pinks. " display,

" six varieties,
" seedling.
Tulips. " 12 varieties,

Dahlias.

display,

1st

prize.

<<

2nd

24 varieties.

1st

2nd

16 "

1st

2iid

8 "

1st

2nd

seedling.

1st

(t

2nd

Violas. " display,

" seedling.
Geraniums. " display, six varieties in pots,

" seedling.
Herbaceous Plants. Best general display during the
season,

2 00

$5 00
3 00

2 00

3 00
5 00
5 00
3 00
3 00

5 00
3 00

3 00
8 00

10 00

6 00
8 00
5 00
G 00

4 00

5 00

2 00

3 00

2 00
5 00

3 00
5 00
3 00

10 00

A gratuity is also offered for any specimens of new or rare plants,
or for any plant, which may be considered by the Committee on
Flowers, deserving, for its great beauty or superior culture, such
mark of approbation.

It is desirable that the specimens offered for competition should
80

234 MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.

be as numerous as possible, regard being had that none should be
presented but those of a fine quality, and that each kind should be
accompanied by its name.

The society may withhold any prize if the specimen exhibited be
deemed, by them, unworthy ; although a prize may have been an-
nounced for the best production in the class to which it respectively
belongs. And be it further understood, that all Fruits, Flowers, or
Vegetables, brought forward for competition, must be the property
of, and raised by the competitor.

The Society meet every Saturday morning at their rooms, 23
Tremont Row, where articles designed for exhibition or competi-
tion may be presented. The specimens for premiums should be on
the table by ten o'clock, A. M. labelled with the name of the own-
ers. Persons wishing to become members of this Society, will
please make application to any of the officers as above.

All premiums not applied for within six months after they are
awarded, will be considered as forfeited to, and for the use of the
Society.

Committee on Fruits.

W. Kenrick, Chairman, John M. Ives, Salena,

Robert Manning, P, B. Hovey,

Samuel Downer, j L. P. Grosvenor,

Benj. V. French, j William H. Covven,
Edward M. Richards, J, L. L. F. Warren,

John A. Kenrick, I S. Pond.

Committee on Vegetables.

Samuel Pond, Chairman,
P. B. ilovey,

S. Walker,

E. M. Richards,
Aaron D. Williams,
Rufus Howe.

Committee on Flowers.

S. Walker, Chairman,
C. M. Hovey,
Joseph Breck,
S. Sweetseer,

D. Haggerston,
Samuel R. Johnson,
M. P. Wilder,
William Carter.

E. VOSE, President.
R. T. Paine, Corresponding Secretary.

235

Art. IV. — The Kitchen Garden^

General Observations. — The Kitchen Garden may be con*
sidered as the most useful department in Horticulture; its adap-
tation being wholly for the produce of esculent vegetables, and

fruits.

The leading features of a Kitchen Garden are, in regard to its

selection, that it be so situated as to be inclined to a S. E. di'

rection, and protected on the N. W. with a high boarded fence, or

brick wall from 12 to 15 feet high, in order to shelter it from the cold

winds, &c. The soil should be of a deep rich, mellow loam, of an

even surface. Water will also be a consideration, and should, if

possible, be conducted into the Garden, or at least contiguous

thereto.

In laying a Kitchen Garden out, it should be done in the most
simple manner, both for convenience, and a correspondence of its
utility. The most approved method is to have the garden so situated
as to be in a square with the four points of the compass, viz : N. S.
E. W., surrounded with either a boarded fence or brick wall. The
ground will require to be divided into four or six squares, according
to its size, if no more than an acre or two, four will be sufficient ; if
larger, six will be requisite.

The walks will require to be eight or twelve feet wide, according
to tlie extent of the ground, but eight feel at the least, which will be
in parallel lines with the four points or quarters. The ground must
now again be divided round the outside by making a walk entirely
round the ground of the same width and nature as the centre walks,
leaving a border twelve feet wide round the whole of the garden. In
laying out the garden it will require to be managed with all possible
economy; in regard to preparing the different departments for the
various vegetables that are intended to be grown. The first ob-
ject is to stake out the walks, when the earth is to be taken
out to some convenient depth from six to twelve inches, which
is to be taken on the squares or borders, where it is the most
wanted ; the walks are then to be filled with gravel and made. In
preparing the ground, it should, if convenient, be made of a different
component and quality in order to accommodate the different vege-
tables, at different seasons, namely : the South and East borders
should be made of a light rich soil, for early vegetables ; the North

236 THE KITCHEN GARDEN.

and West borders should be of a moist mellow loam, to contain a
moist quality for the accommodation of summer vegetables in the
hot months. The selection of fruits should be of the best quality,
and such as are known to bear well, and give a regular succession.
The vegetables should be of the truest varieties of their kinds;
and of such varieties as are known to be wanted in every department
of the kitchen concerns.

The manner of planting should be of a regular mode, beginning
always at the south part of the garden^ as the south borders, &c.,
and the squares and western borders may be next cropped and so
on in proportion, till the north situations are brought into cropping,
which will be in the hot months if well managed. The fruit depart-
ments, such as currants, gooseberries and the like, should occupy
a department entirely by themselves. The planting of fruit in the
borders of a kitchen garden is always attended with bad consequen-
ces. The seed beds as onions, beets, parsnips, carrots, &,c. should
be planted in a square purposely prepared by working it deep and
well manuring, as most spindle shaped plants or roots, require a
deep rich soil. Such beds should be so managed as to be cropped
alternately , the beets should be succeeded by carrots, parsneps by
onions, &/C. Large perennial plants, as the pie-rhubarb, sea-kale,
artichokes, asparagus and the like, will require a separate square.
Herbs, as mint, thyme, &-c. may be planted on a western border, or
at least in a separate department.

A considerable number of forcing frames may also be attached to
the kitchen garden, which may be considered of great utility in the
first case by forcing vegetables, in the second case by preparing the
manure by a process of fermentation, and in the third by all
noxious seeds I eing destroyed by being fermented, hence great
expense is saved in weeding. No kitchen garden of any re-
spectability, should not be without a good quantity of forcing frames.
The last and great object should be to keep the kitchen garden free
and clean from weeds, or any nuisance that may tend to encourage
vern\ine, or that may be offensive to the eyes.

Succession of Vegetables. — In the management of the kitchen
garden it will be necessary to point out first, some of the principal
requisites, of which, the knowledge of the proper vegetables, must
most certainly be the prime consideration, which will be found in
the list of esculent vegetables with their time of planting, and proper

THE KITCHEN GARDEN. 237

season for table. The second essential consideration, is the obtain-
ing a regular succession of such vegetables, as may be required for
many months, and others perpetually, as the onion, carrots, &c.
To obtain a succession of vegetables the first grand object is to
make every preparation in the early part of the season in order to
forward vegetables of every description at an early period. This
must be done partly by growing the seedling plants, as cabbage,
lettuce, di-c. in frames in the fall, which will require to be protected
through the winter, and partly by well preparing the frames for their
reception by pulverizing, manuring, &c. Another object is also to
be kept in view, namely, the most careful and attentive treatment.

The removal of vegetables from frames or other places where
they have been forwarded, to be planted in the open ground, may be
considered as a sort of mitigation from an unnatural to a natural
soil and situation, consequently great care must be taken that the
change is not sudden which will retard instead of forwarding their
growth. In the first place great care should be taken in the act
of transplanting not to injure the roots, which will be unusually ten-
der, by the process that has been taken.

Secondly. — Every attention must be paid in protecting and cov-
ering, to keep them secure from the cold external air, frosts, colds,
winds, and other causualties, every attention will be required also
as regards culture, as working well about the roots of such plants
and warming the soil in order to stimulate their growth, in this early
season.

The next consideration is early cropping in the natural way to
succeed those raised in liot beds and other artificial means ; this must
be managed by cropping the warm part of the garden, as the south
borders and the most highly cultivated parts, with such vegetables as
will be required to succeed those already planted. E. S.

(To be continued.)

238

Art. V. — Miscellaneous Matters c

Walker's Tump Show. — Mr S. Walker of Roxbury has
again exhibited his bed of fine Tulips; and we are gratified to
learn has received increased patronage. For ten days past his tulip
house has been thronged with delighted visitors. Fortytwo new
varieties have been added since last year. It is undoubtedly the
best collection in the country The Tulips had a fine healthy ap-
pearance, and are evidently superior to what they were at the last
exhibition. So rich and gay an assemblage of plants we do not
recollect of having ever seen before. The bed contains 700 bulbs
in 100 rows, seven in a row, the rows seven inches apart, and seven
inches from each other in the row, making the bed about 60 feet
by 4. The Tulips are well arranged as to color and height ; the
tallest being in the centre of the bed and the lowest growing sorts
on the outside. We cannot attempt to describe the endless variety
and beauty contained in this bed. To have any idea of its splen-
dor it is necessary to be an eye witness ; language and even the
pencil would fail in the attempt.

The Strawberry. — The season approaches, when the strawber-
ry will be in bloom, and it is vain to expect success in the cuhi-
vation of this fruit, without understanding the character of the plant.
It belongs to the class of plants that have the male and female organs
in the same plant and in the same blossom. Yet in all the kinds I
am acquainted with, with two exceptions (the white and the month-
ly) the male organs are defective in one set of plants, and the fe-
male in another, and in some of the largest varieties, it amounts to
a complete separation of the sexes. In some of the varieties, a
sinorle plant of either may produce a few berries, but they will gen-
erally be half formed fruit. Both kinds, are produced from the
seed, and after bearing for years, they never change their character.
One barren vine, is necessary to every ten or twelve bearing ones.
The barren vines require watching for they will form ten new
plants, where the bearing form one An experienced eye can tell
them apart, at any season. They may be distinguished at the dis-
tance of ten feet, when in bloom. The male blossom, is nearly
double the size of the fe nale. In the female blossom, the male or-
gan can only be seen on dissecting the blossom, and bringing it near

MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS. 239

the eye. In the male, they can be seen with their yellow and their
brown heads, at the distance of ten feet, hiding the female organs.
The principle holds good, in all the wild strawberries I have met
with, in different parts of the Union. On dissecting the blossom,
the female organs will be found attached to the stem ; the male, to
the hull. Examine your beds when they have been in blossom a
few days, and you will find the female blossoms have fruit fully
formed, the male none, or very scattering. With proper attention
more fruit may be raised on one hundred feet square, than by
chance culture can be raised on an acre. In setting out a planta-
tion, a person by chance may obtain both male and female plants
and have a good crop. But if suffered to run, in three years, the
male plants would extirpate the females. Vines must not stand too
thick, or the fruit will be smothered, and never come to perfection.
— Cincinnati Express. N. Longworth.

The Botanic Garden. — A meeting of the subscribers to the
Botanic Garden, to be established by consent of the city on the va-
cant lands west of Charles Street, fronting the common, was held
on Saturday afternoon, June third, and the subscription lists bearing
a sufficient number of names and amount of money to warrant the
immediate commencement of operations, the subscribers adopted a
Constitution, and proceeded to the election of Five Trustees to
represent them until the first Monday in October next, which was
appointed as the day of annual meeting. The following gentlemen
were chosen : Horace Gray, Samuel A. Eliot, C. P. Curtis,
George Darracott, J. E. TEgcHEMACHER.

The amount already subscribed, is nearly $20,000. From the
spirit manifested at the meeting, we feel confident that before the
close of the season a commencement will have been made, and an
exhibition of choice flowers presented to our citizens that shall de-
light and astonish them. The subscription lists are still open, and
the advantage, to the subscriber of $100, to the corporate property,
is the free admission of himself and household to the Gardens at
any time during the hours that they are open. A barren waste will
soon be converted into a delightful promenade — a paradise in min-
iature.— Transcript.

240

QUINCY MARKET.

[Reported for the Horticultural Register. J

ASPARAGUS, . - . . per bunch,

10

APPLES, Russet, bushel,

1 25

a 1 50

Baldwins, ..... none.

Dried, .... pound,

8

BEANS, White, Foreign, - - - bushel.

1 50

a 1 75

Domestic, - - do.

2 25

BEETS, ..... do.

75

BROCCOLI, head,

25

CARROTS, .... bushel,

75

CAULIFLOWER, .... head.

25

CRANBERRIES, • - - bushel,

3 00

CUCUMBERS, .... pair,

50

a 1 00

DANDELIONS, .... peck

12

HORSE RADISH, - - - pound,

8

LEMONS, - - - - box 2 25 a 2 50

dozen 17 a 25

LETTUCE, .... head

3

ORANGES, - - - - box 2 25 a 2 .50

dozen

1 17 a 25

ONIONS, bushel.

2 00

new, .... bunch.

6

PARSNIPS, - ... bushel.

75

PARSLEY, .... haifpeck.

25

POTATOES, bushel,

50

RADISHES, .... bunch.

3

RHUBARB, pound.

3

RUTA BAGA, .... bushel,

75

SPINACH, peck,

12

SQUASHES, pound.

3

TURNIPS, - - - bushel,

75

WALNUTS, .... do.

2 00

Apples, with the exception of Russets, are scarce and hardly to be found. —
Beets, Carrots, Parsnips, and Onions are mostly out of market, and with the
exception of Onions, no new ones have appeared.

We have noticed a few Cauliflowers and Broccoli from the garden of J. L
L. F. Warren, of Brighton, the first which have been offered for sale this sea-
ion. With Radishes, Lettuce, Rhubarb and Greens of various sorts the market
appears to be well supplied.

Forced Cucumbers come in in sufficient quantities to supply the demand at
prices quoted.

Boston, June 4, 1838.

THE

AND

GARDENER'S MAGAZINE.

JULY 1, 1838.

Art. I. — Monography of the Genus Camellia, or An Essay on
its Culture, Description and Classification.

(Continued from page 175.1

CHAPTER THIRD.
METHOD OF CLASSIFICATION.

Before describing the species or varieties, it is proper that an
explanation should be given of the method of classification, to
which we have alluded.

This method consists of two series of ascending chromatic ga-
muts, of the tones, and natural shades of the flowers, of the prin-
cipal varieties of the Camellia, all of which, as we have stated,
having been derived from the Camellia Japonica, properly so called.

The first gamut commences with the Pwre White, which passes to
Rose, then to Cherry, more or less deep, and goes on to Amaranth,
or Province Rose, and ends with Purple.

The second gamut commences with Yellowish Carnation, (dingy
white,) which passes to Plash, then to clear or deep Orange, and
ends in Purple.

The flowers of these two gamuts, are, as we have elsewhere
stated, either unicolored or hicolored. The unicolored are those
which do not admit of any modification in the unit of their color,
like those indicated in the first gamut, of the colored synoptical
table.

31

242

MONOGRAPHY OF THE GENUS CAMELLIA.

The bicolors, on the contrary, allow of several modifications, and
present five different division.

The first gamut includes three, which are :

1st. Flowers with a white ground, striped or spotted with rose.

2d. Flowers with a rose ground, striped or spotted with cherry.

3d. Flowers with a cherry ground, striped or spotted with white.

The second gamut includes two, which are :

1st. Flowers with a dingy tchite ground, Jlesh color, striped with
white.

2d. Flowers with an orange red ground, more or less deep,
striped, or spotted with white.

In the first gamut, — and here we borrow the language of the
painter, — the white is not overpowered by any color.

The Rose is either overpowered by the Clear Rose-Lake and the
Naples Yellow, as in No. 1, in the colored table ; or by the Clear
Rose-Lake, Naples Yellow, and Vermilion, as in Nos. 2, and 3, in
the same table ; or by the Deep Rose-Lake, iXaples Yellow, and
Vermilion, as in No. 4 of the same table.

The clear, or deep Cherry is overpowered, either by Carmine-
Lake, which, mixed with more or less Rose-Lake and Vermilion,
produces the Amaranth more or less deep, No. 1 ; or by Carmine-
Lake, mixed with more or less Vermilion, which produces India
Red, as in No 3.

Or by Carmine, mixed with more Verfnillion, which produces the
Provence Rose, or Purple, as in Nos. 4, 5, G, and 7.

In the second gamut, the Dingy White, or flesh-colored, is over-
powered by the Clear Rose-Lake and Cinnabar, as in Nos. ! , 2,
and 3. The Clear Orange Red of this gamut is overpowered by
the Rose-Lake, with more Cinnabar, as in Nos. 1,2, 3, and 4. The
Deep Orange-Red is overpowered by the Carmine, mixed with
more or less Cinnabar, which produces the Poppy, Nos. 5, 6, 7,
and 8.

To enable amateurs to select Camellias according to their taste,
and to base their choice upon more precise notions, we have not
only designated by a special epithet, at the end of each descripton,*
the appropriate degree of merit due to each plant, but have also

*The designating epithets are in the following gradation. Insignificant, rather in-
significant, passable, curious, pretty, very pretty, handsome, very handsome, distin-
guished, beautiful, very beautiful, charming, superb, magnificent.

MONOGRAPHY OF THE GENUS CAMELLIA. 243

given the synonyme, by which it is known in the nurseries, and
flower-markets ; and lastly, to render the work acceptable to all
those to whom we have the honor of being known, whether ama-
teurs, or nursery-men, we have indicated the principal nursery-men,
who may be applied to, with confidence, for selections. Knowing
very particularly the greater part of those establishments, as well as
the intelligence, integrity, and honesty, of those who direct them, we
can assure amateurs, by our own experience, that their orders will
be faithfully executed.

ADDRESSES OF THE PRINCIPAL NURSERY-MEN IN EUROPE.

IN FRANCE.

M. M. De Soulange Bodin, rue de la Chaussee-d'Auiin, No. 44, a

Paris ;
Noisette, faubourg Saint Jacques, No. 51, a Paris ;
Cels freres, choussee du Maine, No. 77, a Paris;
Paillet, rue du Petit-Banquier, No. 5, a Paris.
Mathieu, rue de BufFon, a Paris ;
DuRAND, rue de Buffon, a Paris ;
Cisley — Vandael, rue de Vaugirard, a Paris ;
FioN, rue des Trois-Couronnes, a Paris ;
Daniel Hooibrink, boulevart Mont-Parnasse, No. 37 a

Paris;
Baumann freres, a Bolwiller, Haut-Rhin ;
Margat pere et fils, a Versailles ;
Bertin, id.

Lahaye, id.

DuBART, a Montreuil, pres Pans ;
Cachet, a Angers ;
Leroy, id.

Miellez, a Lille.

IN FOREIGN COUNTRIES.

Knight, London :

LODDIGES, do.

Mechelynk, Gand ;
BuYCKVANDER Meersch, Gaud ;
Verleeuwen, do.

Vangeert, do.

244 MONOGRAFHY OF THE GENUS CAMELLIA.

Veschaffelt, Gaud.
MoENs, Anvers ;
Parmentier, Enghien ;
HiLOT, Bruxelles ;
Oackes, Tourney ;
Martin Burdin, Turin, Italy.
Mariani, Milan, do.

Martin Burdin, Milan, do.
Casoretti, do. do.

Tagliabue, do. do.

CHAPTER FOURTH.
description of the species and varieties.

first gamut.
UNICOLORED CAMELLIAS.

WHITE FLOWEHS.

1. Camellia. Alba simplex. — Shrub vigorous, branches diffuse;
leaves two inches four lines* broad, and four inches and three lines
long, roundish-oval, a little acute, much veined, and regularly den-
tated, deep green : appearance of the C. variegata plena ; buds
large, pointed, scales calycinal, and of a pale green ; blossoms two
and a half inches in diameter, regular, single, pure white ; petals
broad, in number five or six, white, sometimes spotted with red ;
stamens closed in a fascile ; the pistil surpasses them in length.
Produces seed. A pretty variety.

2. C Alba plena. — Leaves two inches and three lines broad,
and four long, elongated-oval, acute ; revolute at the summit ; irre-
gularly dentated, of a dull green, and prominent nerves ; petiole
short ; bud large, oval, with green calycinal scales ; flower very
large, full, regular, deprived of sexual organs, which are replaced
with numerous petals, thick, spiral, imbricated, milk white, forming
a very round corolla, four inches in diameter, and of an extremely
elegant form. — Magnificent.

3. C. Amabilis. — Leaves two inches three lines broad, and four
long, roundish-oval, acute, a little acuminated, horizontal, nerves
conspicuous, regularly dentated, of a dull green ; bud elongate,

♦ The French line is the twelth part of an inch.

MONOGRAPHV OF THE GENUS CAMELLIA. 245

scales greenish; flower terminal, large, while, single, eight petals,
a few stamens in the centre ; it differs very little from the C. alba
simplex. — Beautiful.

*4. C. Axillaris. — Leaves oblong, glabrous, flat, coriaceous, den-
tated at the summit ; the superior almost entire ; flower of a yel-
lowish white. This plant appears to us to be rather a Gardenia than
Camellia ; it requires much heat to grow well.

5. C AnemoncBJlor a, Alba plena. — Leaves medium, of the color
and size of those of the C. Pomponia plena. A vigorous shrub ;
bud very large, depressed at the summit, and almost round ; scales
green and shining ; flower full, very large, four and a half inches
in diameter, of a dazzling snow white ; exterior petals large, folia-
ceous revolute, sometimes spotted with red at the claws, and irregu-
larly arranged ; those of the interior rows, long, erect, cut in a lig-
ulate manner, united and compressed into a large flattened ball, in
the middle of which are confounded a few sterile and almost invisi-
ble stamens. — Superb.

6. Camellia, ^MCTMon^c/ra, Warrata* carnea. — Leaves one inch
and seven lines broad, and three inches three lines long, elongated-
oval, a little acute; form and color of the Wilbancksiana ; bud
small, scales green ; flower white, double, small, resembling much
the little flower of the Pomponia, improperly called carnation, for
there is no tint of flesh color in this flower. — Pretty.

7. C. Candidissima. — Leaves small, one inch and seven lines
broad, and three inches two lines long, elliptical, or elongated-oval,
acute, horizontal, flat, thick, glossy, very finely dentated, of a pale
green, often spotted yellow ; a shrub of a pretty appearance, vigo-
rous ; bud oval, quite large before bursting into bloom, scales light
green ; flower very large, four inches or more in diameter, full, of a
very pure white, petals regularly imbricated, and resemble, very
much, those of the double white Camellia, and are in number from
seventy to seventyfive, broad, a little crenated at the summit, and
diminish in width in proportion as they approach towards the centre.
— Magnijicent,

8. C. Compacta. — Leaves oval, acute, very finely dentated, re-
sembling those of the C. PcBonice flora, but of a duller green •
surface dotted ; bud oblong, small, scales green ; flower small, four-

een lines in diameter, double, of a very pure white ; petals, of the

* This name is often written WarataA.

246 MONOGRAPHY OP THE GENUS CAMELLIA.

three exterior rows, firm, perfect, well imbricated ; those of the
centre numerous, small, erect, fasciculate, regular, in the form of a
lance head, and intermixed with some fertile stamens. — Superb.

9. C. Curvathecefulia. — Leaves like those of tea, three inches
long, and two broad, very acute, the summit singularly recurved, in
the form of a hook, nerves apparent, not numerous ; flower white,
regular, very double, three and a half inches in diameter ; petals
disposed in a regular roseate, of a very pure white : those of the cir-
cumference emarginate, slightly sinuous ; those of the centre irreg-
ular and a little tortuous. — Superb.

*10. C. Euryoidcs. — Branches slender ; stock pyramidal ; leaves
small, ovate-lanceolate, concave, dentated pretty deeply ; flower
small, single, white, a little fragrant.

11. C Excelsa. — Leaves eighteen lines broad and three inches
long, oval, acute, form and disposition like those of the C. Compac-
ta, and of a deep green ; bud of a medium size, scales green ;
flower white, double, three inches in diameter ; exterior petals large,
rather numerous, regularly arranged ; those of the centre small,
cordiform ; a few short stamens, with pale, yellow anthers. — Very
beautiful.

12. C Fimbriata. — The leaves exactly like those of the C. AU
ba; but a less vigorous shrub ; bud large, rounded, scales of a dark
yellow ; flower three and a half inches in diameter, full, depressed ;
petals gracefully imbricated, dentated, or raucranated at their supe-
rior limb. — Superb.

13. C. Gallica alba. — A very vigorous shrub, the young shoots
green ; leaves ovate-oblong, finely dentated and considerably acu-
minated ; bud oval, pointed, scales green ; flower large, three inches
and three lines in diameter, semi-double, of a milk white ; the pe-
tals of the circumference broad, rounded, and cordiform ; those of
• he middle much smaller, elongate, crenated in the heart, and in-
termixed with stamens. — Very beautiful.

14. C. Granclli. — Leaves of a medium size, oval, acute, of a
deep green, glossy ; bud pointed, scales green ; flower irregular,
pretty large, three inches in diameter, double white. — Pretty.

15. C. Kissy. — Leaves lanceolate, not very firm, of a dirty green,
and resemble a little those of the C. Sassanqua simple, but less,
and more acuminated ; flower small, white, single, a little fragrant.

16. C. Lacteola.— heaves two inches broad and three long, well

MONOGRAPHY OF THE GENUS CAMELLIA. 247

arranged, roundish-oval, a little obtuse, very finely dentated, of an
obscure green ; a well formed shrub ; bud large, oblong, scales yel-
lowish, with a black border ; flower large, three inches in diameter,
semi-double, of a pure white ; exterior petal revolute ; those of the
centre erect, a little rumpled, and intermixed with sterile stamens.
— Superb.

17. C. Nivea. — Branches short and slim ; leaves small, oval, re-
curved ; nerves quite distinct ; flower irregular, semi-double, large,
white. — Very beautiful.

18. C. Nobilissima. — Leaves two and a half inches wide and
three inches and eight lines long, roundish-oval, a little acute, much
dentated, and of a beautiful green, bud oval, obtuse, scales yellow-
ish; flowers large, three inches in diameter, full white; exterior
petals large, numerous and recurved ; those of the interior smaller,
crowded, rumpled ; in appearance like the Pomponia. — Superb.

*19. C. Oleifera.^-A very tall shrub, pyramidal ; leaves ovate-
oblong, slightly crenate, flat ; flowers biternafe, white, single, rather
large. From the fruit of this shrub, the Chinese extract an oil of a
sweet odor, with which they perfume their apartments.

*20. C. Olecefolia latifolia — Leaves oblong almost sessile, a lit-
tle inflexed, unequally dentated ; bud small, oval, a little downy,
scales yellowish ; flower single, white, of a medium size ; the cen-
tre is a little yellow and open.

2L C. Palmerii alba, or C. Pomponia semi-plena. — A very vigor-
ous shrub ; grows to the height of from fifteen to twenty feet, and
of a very elegant appearance ; leaves ovate-lanceolate, a little acu-
minated, often recurved at both extremities ; nerves a little salient,
smooth, finely dentated, form, color, and size of those of Pomponia
plena; buds large, rounded, scales of a light green; flower very
large, very nearly four inches in diameter, semi-double, regular, of
a brilliant white, often having a portion of its petals considerably
striped with rose, beginning at the claw, and expanding and be-
coming more faint towards the summit; stamens numerous, disposed
in a fascicle, at the centre of the flower. — Magnificent.

22. Pomponia plena. — Leaves oval, elongate, very acute, smooth
near extremities, recurved downwards, finely dentated, of a dull
green, two inches broad and three long; some of them of larger
size; a vigorous shrub, branches diff"use, and disposed to shoot out
in all directions, without order, if they are not regulated by prun-

248 MONOGRAPHY OF THE GExVUS CAMELLIA.

ing ; buds large, rounded, scales green ; flower very large, four and
a half inches in diameter, full and of a pure white. The petals of
the circumference are flat or undulating, those of the centre are con-
cave, white, at the claw red, with sometimes shades of light yellow.
This beautiful variety, is not uniform in the color of its flowers, for
often there are seen on the same plant, red, rose, and white. — Mag-
nijicent.

23. C. RoUssoni. — Leaves an inch and a half wide, and two and
a half long, roundish oval, a little pointed, horizontal, nerves con-
spicuous, finely dentated, of an obscure green ; bud obtuse, scales
whitish ; flower of a medium size, double, of a milk white, and hand-
some form ; exterior petals disposed in several rows, crenated at the
summit ; those of the circumference are fringed, all are imbricate,
and turned back regularly upon the calyx, as in the C. Excelsa.
The centre is composed of stamens which are nearly all petaloid,
with a yellowish heart.

*24. C Sassangun. — A shrub with open branches, which are
reddish and villous when young; leaves one inch broad and three
long, alternate, oval, obtusely dentated, emarginate, thick, and of a
dull green ; flower small, single, composed of five petals, of a beau-
tiful white, sessile, terminal.

25. C. Splendidissima Bert. — A shrub about three feet high, vigor-
ous, pyramidal; leaves three and a half inches broad, and four and
a half long, oval, rounded, almost cordiforra ; nerves numerous and
apparent, slightly dentated, glossy and of a deep green ; buds large,
oval, obtuse, of the form of the old double white camellia, scales
greenish ; flower four inches in diameter, full, white ; corolla very
near the form of C. Colvilii ; petals of the periphery, broad, numer-
ous, reflexed, undulate, irregular, a little lacinnated on the border,
and of a pure white ; those of the interior are more erect, elongate,
numerous, very compact, curled, as well as those of the circumfer-
ence, and of a less brilliant white. No apparent sexual organs. This
beautiful variety, was obtained by us from the seed. Four journals,
the Constitution, the Times, the Debates, and the Journal of Paris,
alluded, in March 1835, to the beauty of its flowers. See the des-
cription which has been given of it, in the Annals of the Horticul-
tural Society of Paris. C. Spoffortiana. See the first gamut,
striped bicolors, first division.
26. Veymaria. — Leaves small, like those of Pomponia plena ; bud

MONOGRAPH Y OF THE GENLTS CAMELLIA. 249

rather large, scales green ; flower three and a half inches in diame-
ter, white semi-double, form, that of the Pomponia semi-plena \
there is a little of a rose tint in the ground color.

27. C. Wilbanksiana, ox heptangularis . — Leaves one inch and
eight lines broad, and three long, oval, lanceolate, a little acumina-
ted, reflexed, slightly dentated, some of them elliptical, smooth, of a
yellowish green, glossy; bud spherical, scales blackish; flower
white, double, four inches in diameter, irregular, petals of the first
row, broad, crenated at the summit, grouped in the centre, in a man-
ner to imitate the union of several flowers, which are contained in a
common calyx; those of the interior, are smaller, erect, rumpled,
reflexed, intermingled with stamens. — Superb.

FIRST GAMUT.

UNICOLORS.

FLOWERS, CLEAR ROSE;

Dominant color. — Lake mixed with more or less vermilion and
Naples yellow, as in Nos. 2, 3, and 4 of the colored table.

28. C Aiionia. — Leaves two and a half inches broad, and three
and a half long, often larger, ovate, oblong, rather near, regularly
dentated, thick, nerved, glossy, reflex, of a deep green, bud very
large, acute oval, scales green ; flower very large, four and a half
inches in diameter, and often bigger, single, rose. No. 3, in winter,
and cherry-red No. 1. in the spring. This Camellia, where it is a
little vigorous, fructifies abundantly every year ; its fruit resembles
almost exactly, the reinette apple. — Superb,

29. C. Amplissima. — We are assured it is the same as the Aito-
nia.

30. C. Apollina — A vigorous shrub, filled with numerous spread-
ing branches ; leaves two and a half inches broad, and three and a
half long, roundish oval, subcordiform, of a green, almost black,
nerves numerous and apparent; flower large, three inches in diame-
ter, full, of a delicate rose. No. 2 ; petals of the circumference round-
ed and entire, those of the centre, distorted, crenate, and depressed.
— Superb.

3L C. Colored. — Leaves medium, roundish oval, a little acumi-
nated, and slightly dentated; flower very large, single, regular,
32

250 MONOGRAPHV OF THE GENUS CAMELLIA.

rose, No. 4; petals rather broad, considerably elongated, erect, much
crenated at the summit. — Pretty.

32. C. Crouyoud {Lord.) — Leaves about two and a half inches
broad, and four long, much denialed, refle.x, spotted with yellow ;
flower about five inches in diameter, semi-double, delicate rose. No.
4; petals of the circumference two inches broad, rounded and cre-
nate at the summit, shades of rose and cherry red ; those of the cen-
tre small, crowned, reflex, and striped with red. — Very beautiful.

33. C. DahlicBJlura. — Leaves deformed, some of them elliptical,
a little obtuse, others lanceolate, acute; narrow, undulated, wrink-
led, and irregular, sabre or scythe form, of a greyish green; bud
pointed, scales green ; flower semi-double, depressed, two and a half
inches in diameter, rose, No. 3; form of that of C. Spectabilis. —

Very pretty.

34. C Expansa. — Leaves very like those of C Pinck, obtuse-
oval, much nerved, irregularly dentated ; bud of a medium size,
scales blackish ; flower medium, irregular, semi-double, rose, No. 3 ;
petals of the circumference broad and cyothiform, those of the cen-
tre narrow, in two rows, and crenate at the summit ; some of the
stamens in part transformed into irregular petals, red, and striped
with white. — Produces seed freely.

35. C. Fasciculata. — A vigorous shrub, and pleasing form ; leaves
one inch and eight lines broad, and three and a half long, elongate-
oval, close, much acuminated, slightly dentated, of a glossy green;
bud oblong, large, scales greenish, often bordered with black ;
flower from two and a half to three inches in diameter, color rose,
No. 3; petals broad, handsomely arranged, sometimes striped with
white ; some stamens in the centre. — Very handsome.

36. C. Gussonia. — Leaves two inches and three lines broad, and
three inches five lines long, roundish oval, a little acuminated, erect,
with nerves slightly e.xpressed, of adull green ; bud rather large, a little
pointed, scales green at the summit; flower four and a half inches in
diameter, semi-double, rose, No. 3; exterior petals very broad, reflex,
displayed regularly, interior smaller, erect, arranged in a rose form
— Superb.

37. C. Heterophylla vera. — Foliage like that of C. Pseoniseflo-
ra ; flosver medium, regular, flat, double, rose, No. 4 ; elevated in
the centre ; petals of the circumference in two rows, broad, im-
bricate, elongate-oval, a little crenated, expanded, those of the inte*

MONOGRAPHY OF THE GENUS CAMELLIA, 251

rior narrow, short, not numerous, whitish, showing indications of
stamens. — Passable.

38. C. Leindlega. — Leaves of a medium size, roundish-oval, hor-
rizontal, of a pale green ; bud large, depressed at the summit, scales
green; flower large, four inches in diameter, semi-double, of a clear
rose. No 2; petals broad, not numerous, crenated much at the sum-
mit, rounded and reflex, those of the centre, small, rumpled. — Su-
perb.

39. C. PcBonicpjlora rosea, or rubra. — Leaves two inches broad,
and two inches eleven lines long, and often of larger dimensions,
elongate-oval, acuminate, glossy, a little dentated, of a delicate
green ; a vigorous shrub, has a tendency to extend its branches and
requires to be pruned every three or four years, to give it a graceful
form; bud large, rounded, scales green ; flower full, four inches in
diameter, and sometimes larger, of a lively rose, No. 4, often of a
cherry red, No. 2; petals of the circumference rounded, broad;
those of the centre rolled in the form of a cornet, numerous, narrow,
close, erect, rather long, and form a sphere, a little depressed. — Su-
perb.

40. C. Pinck. — Leaves two inches broad, and two and a half
long, roundish-oval, some of them elongate, a little dentated, and
very like those of the C. Pasoniseflora; b-id small, scales blackish ;
flower regular, of a medium size, semi-double, of a clear rose. No.
4 ; petals thick, considerably in)bricated. This Camellia is often
used as a stock, for grafting other varieties upon,

41. C. Perle des Camellia. — Leaves two inches broad, and three
long, ovate-lanceolate, of a pale green ; flower of a medium size,
double, of a pretty rose. No. 4; form, color and disposition of the
petals like those of the Camellia Pseoniaeflora rosea. — Handsome.

42. C. Pulcherrima, or Rollcni. — A vigorous shrub ; leaves two
and a half inches broad, and four long, ovate-lanceolate, much a-
cuminated and veined, finely dentated ; bud oval, oblong, scales caly-
cinal, pale green ; flower five inches in diameter, double, clear rose.
No 4 : petals of the circumference, in four rows, not very numerous,
but regurlarly imbricated, broad, round, deeply crenate at the sum-
mit, clear rose, shaded with carmine from the claw to the limb;
those of the middle in five or six rows, of from eight to ten lines
long, and four or five broad, some only rose, others striped or s|)ot=
ted with white, always intermingled with stamens, which are gene-
rally eterile ; borders a Httle distorted-. — 4fa^»i^<;««*>

252 MONOGRAPHT OF THE GENU3 CAMELLrA.

43. C. Rosea plena Leaves elongate, flat, recurved, nerves

conspicuous, and much dentated ; bud obtuse, rather large, scales
greenish ; flowers three inches in diameter, double, rose. No. 3 ; ar-
ranged, from two to three at the extremities of the branches. — Verij
handsome.

44. C. i?t)scana.— Leaves one inch and a half broad, and two
and a half long, horizontal, roundish oval, a little acute, very finely
dentated; form, color, and dimensions of the C. Spcciosa zera; flow-
er large, full, irregular, of the pale red, inclining to rose, No. 4 ; pe-
tals of the circumference ample, reflex, and slightly crenated ; those
of the centre small, erect, border reflex, some longer, rumpled, and
produce a beautiful effect. — Superb.

45. C. Resplendens. — A shrub of a vigorous vegetation ; leaves
enlarged at their base, abruptly recurved at their summit, two and
a half inches broad, and three long, glossy, nerved ; flower of a bril-
liant rose, No. 4 ; three and a half inches in diameter, double ; the
exterior petals have their edges free, entire, emarginate in the mid-
dle, sixteen lines broad ; within the third row, the edges of the pe-
tals become irregularly sinuous, festooned ; they are regularly arrang-
ed ; the interior forms a kind of cup. — Charming.

46. C. Sinensis rosea. — Leaves smaller than those of C. Rssa
sinerisis, hut alike in form, color and nerves; bud elongated and
pointed ; flower two and a half inches in diameter, often more, dou-
ble, rose, No. 3; petals of the circumference bent down, broad, a
little reflex externally, and notched at the summit; the others small-
er, rumpled, forming an irregular centre. — Handsome.

47. C. Spectabilis. — Leaves large, often of the color and form of
those of the single red Camellia, or those of Variegata plena; buds
with greenish scales; flower three inches in diameter, double, rose
color, No. 4 ; exterior petals regularly arranged in three rows, broad,
sometimes spotted with white ; those of the centre swollen, folded
upon the ovary, twisted, mixed with some stamens and often striped
with white — Very handsome.

This Camellia, which was obtained from the seed in Paris, has
long been called C. Celsiana. The English have sent it to us under
the name of C. <S/jff#a6?7is. In Paris it is also known under the
name of C. Lufetiana.

*48. C. Sassanqua rosea plena, or multijlora. — We regard this
Camellia as a distinct species. Its leaves are small, oval, acumi-
nate, and of a "brownisl' green, resembling much ^he color of green

MONOGRAPHY OF THE GENUS CAMELLIA. 253

tea; bud oval, obtuse, scales green ; flower small, full, petals curled,
or twisted, of a clear or deep rose, according to the season of its
florescence. This flower much ressembles a little pompon rose ;
sometimes the centre is white, and the circumference of a pale rose.
To make this Camellia bloom abundantly it must be pruned very
short, once in two years. — Charming.

49. C. Theresiana, — Leaves elongated ; form, color, and size of
those of C. Pomponia plena: flower large, double, irregular, and of
rose color, No. 3, like that of C. Pomponia plena, when this passes
to pale rose. — Superb.

60. C. Venosa. — Leaves very much resembling those of the pre"
ceding; flower from two and a half to three inches in diameter,
double, rose color, No. 3 : petals broad, slightly veined, with a pale
rose, like those o[ Pomponia rosea, or of C. Theresiana, from which
C. Venosa differs very little. — Very pretty,

51. C. Wilhrohamia. — Leaves two inches broad, and three long
oval, elongate, almost flat, much dentated, of a deep green ; bud ob-
long, scales green; flower three inches in diameter, double, delicate
rose. No. 2; exterior petals not very numerous, but well arranged,
some of them spotted ; those of the centre smaller, intermingled with
abortive stamens ; the form like that of C. Fasciculata nova.—
Charming.

52. Virginica. — Leaves small, oblong, lanceolate, one inch and
two lines broad, and two inches three lines long, much veined ;
nerves prominent, of a brownish and glossy green; bud oblong, scales
green ; flower three inches in diameter, full, of a delicate rose,
scarcely deeper than in the flower of C. Wilhrohamia and like that
of the PcBnicBflora ; having two rows of rather large petals in the
circumference; those of the middle small, short, twisted, tufted.
— Very beautiful.

53. C. Wiltonia. — Leaves of a medium size, a little elongated ;
bud small, pointed ; flower rather small, double, of a rose color, No.
4; sometimes passing to cherry-red. No. 1 ; and often striped with
white ; petals in two rows, imbricate, bent down, those of the cen-
tre small, twisted, erect, often intermixed with stamens, or present-
ing in the middle the pistils alone, being deficient of all the male
organs. — Passable.

:^r^

254 MONOGRArHT OF THE GENUS CAMELLIA,

FIRST GAMUT.

UNICOLORS.

CLEAR CHERBY-RED.

Dominant color. Carmine-Lake, mixed with rose lake and ver-
milion, as in Nos. I, 2 and 3 of the colored table.

54. Camellia Aucuhcpfolia. — Leaves two and one half inches
broad and four and one half long, ovate, oblong, very acuminate,
and very conspicuous nerves, of a deep green and striped, or spot-
ted with yellow, like the Aucuha Japonica ; bud oblong, scales ca-
lycinal, greenish ; flower three inches in diameter, double, well dis-
played, color cherry-red, No. I ; and very near the form of that of
C. Coccinea. — Very beautiful.

55. C, Amerstia. — Leaves one inch and ten lines broad and three
inches long, elongated, oval, acuminate, finely dentated ; bud of
medium size, scales yellowish, flower of medium size, double, of a
carmine rose, or cherry-red. No 1. — Pretty.

56. C. Aniaena. — Stock erect, branches straight, leaves ovate,
oblong, slightly dentated ; flower a little double, color, cherry-red.
No. 2; petals of the circumference regularly arranged, those of the
centre irregular and shorter. The flowers assume very much the
form of a shuttle-cock. — Handsome.

57. C. Augusta. — Leaves rather large, a little curled, finely den-
tated, multi-nerved, of an obscure gre«n ; bud oblong, acute, scales
calycinal and green ; flower of a medium size, irregular, double, of
a beautiful cherry red. No. 3 ; petals elongate, erect, and slightly
crenate at the summit ; those of the centre entire, acuminate and
irregularly disposed. — Pretty.

58. C. Aluntii superha, or Ahnets superba — A shrub of an
aofreeable port; leaves two and a half inches wide and three and a
half long, roundish, oval, reclined and rolled downwards, nerves
strongly marked ; but quite plump, oblong, scales yellowish, flower
about three inches in diameter, double, of a cherry-red, No. 2 ;
petals quite regular, not numerous, and much imbricated, forming a
pretty rosette. — Very handsome.

59. C. BucMiana. — Leaves two and a half inches wide and three
inches two lines long, roundish, oval, a little acuminate, the borders
rather deeply dentated, and of a deep green ; flower full, two and a
half inches in diameter ; petals of the circumference in three rows,
broad, of a. ohorry-red, No. 1 ; those of the ceatre, auaaerous, gmaJ=

MONOGRAPHY OF THE GENUS CAMELLIA. 255

ler, unequal compact, well arranged, of a delicate rose, sometimes
striped with white, and occasionally pure rose. — Very beautiful.

60. C. Belle Rosalie. — Leaves curled, slightly acuminate, nerves
very opponent ; bud large, oval, scales yellowish ; flower large, three
and a half inches in diameter, semi-double, of a carmine red, No. 2 ;
petals broad, in number 25 to 30, mixed with many stamens, petals
sometimes appear in the middle, rolled spirally in the form of a
helix. — Passable.

61. C. Brooksiana. — Leaves two and a half inches wide and two
inches and two lines long, roundish, oval, almost cordiform, hor-
izontal, sometimes spotted with yellow, nerves conspicuous and of
an obscure green ; bud large, oblong, scales green at the base of
the calyx and whitish at the summit ; flower of a medium size, two
and a half inches in diameter, semi-double, at first rose, and pas-
sing immediately to cherry-red. No. 2 ; petals broad, not numerous,
displayed gracefully; flower of the form of that of C roides Pays-
Bas ; a ^e\v stamens in the centre. — Handsome.

62. C. Belle Henrietta. — Leaves of a medium size, ovate, lance-
olate, a litile spotted on the superior surface, of a deep green ; bud
with yellowish scales ; flower double, two and a half inches in di-
ameter, often larger, cherry-red. No. 3; petals well arranged, im-
bricated and rather numerous. — Handsome.

63. C. Berlesiana rubra. — Leaves of a medium size, like those
of C. Rubra simplex, but of a deeper green ; bud oval, acute, quite
plump, scales brown ; flower of medium size, double, of a beauti-
ful cherry-red. No. 4 ; form regular, and a little arched or dome
foruj ; petals roundish and slightly rumpled.

The Horticultural Society, of Paris, has dedicated this pretty va-
riety to the author who obtained it from the seed, in 1S3L

64. C. Blanda. — Leaves sixteen lines wide and three inches
long, roundish, oval, more narrow at the summit, flat, very finely
dentated, rather thick, of a dirty green ; flower tolerably large, full,
of a cherry-red. No. 3; petals of the circumference broad, expand-
ed, crenated at the summit, sometimes striped with white; those of
the centre small and united in a fascicle. — Very beautiful.

65. Boumanni. — Leaves roundish, oval, like those of C. Pinck,
but almost flat, and of a greyish green ; bud with blackish scales ;
flower large, double, of a cherry-red, No. 3 ; which becomes deep-
er, as it expands; exterior petals arranged in several rows, imbri-

256 MONOGRAPHS OF THE GENUS CAMELLIA.

cated ,' those of the centre small and a little twisted. — Very beauti-
ful

QQ. C. Crassinervia. — Leaves large, ovate-lanceolate, strongly
nerved, of an obscure green ; wood vigorous; bud large, scales yel-
lowish ; flower of a medium size, very double, irregular, cherry-
red. No. 3, sometimes of a clear red, slightly marked with white ;
petals generally roundish, and crenated at the summit; those of the
centre rumpled, and deformed ; stamens sometimes apparent, and
at others demi-transformed, — Beautiful.

67. C. Cliviana. — Leaves two inches two lines wide and three and
a half long, ovate-oblong, acuminate, near, numerous, much dentat-
ed, erect and of a muddy green ; bud very large, oval, obtuse, scales
green ; sepals brown at the base and yellowish at the summit ;
flower very large, four and a half inches in diameter, double, cup-
form, sometimes rose. No. 4, and often of a cherry-red, No 3,
more or less brilliant, according to the season. The petals of the
first row, are six in number, eighteen lines broad and twentyfour
long, concave or channelled, forming a star and crenated at the sum-
mit ; those of the next rows, long, oval, acute, and affecting the
same disposition ; those of the centre, swollen and tufted as in the
Anemonaeflora, and forming an elevated and irregular heart, about
one inch and a half in diameter ; some of these last are striped
with white. — Magnificent.

68. C. Chamhvii. — Leaves two and a half inches wide and three
and a half long, oval, a little acute, oblong, acuminate, finely den-
tate ; bud roundish — oval, scales green ; flower large, double, reg-
ular, of a cherry-red. No. 3 ; petals imbricated and rounded at the
summit ; stamens in part demi-transformed. — Vei'y handsome.

69. C. Conchiflora. — Leaves two inches wide and three and a
half long, oval, and little acute, reclined, numerous, of a pale green ;
bud small, scales green ; flower two and a half inches in diameter,
of a cherry red, No. 3, regular; petals sometimes marked with white,
like those of C. Coccinea, and spirally arranged. — Beautiful.

70. C. Conchiflora nova. — Leaves roundish — oval, of a medium
size and pale green; nerves stout and prominent; flower of a me-
dium size, semi-double ; fifteen to twenty petals of a cherry red.
No. 4 ; petals almost entire, unequal, irregular and elongate. —
Pretty.

71. C. Cramoisina Pamentieri. — Leaves two and a half inches

MONOGRAPHY OF THE GENUS CAMELLIA. ^57

wide and about four long, a little acuminated, inclined towards the
stock, reflex very like those of the C. AlthecB flora, finely dentated,
almost flat: bud of medium size, oblong, scales green; flower large,
double, cherry-red, No. 2 ; exterior petals six, broad, creriate at the
summit; the otiiers tufted, numerous, arranged in fascicles, leaning
upon each other, striped with white at their summit and form a reg-
ular ball; corolla very near the form and size of the Anemonce jlora.
— Very beautiful.

72. C. Celsisana. Leaves large, lanceolate : dispersed, curled in-
ward ; bud large, oblong, acute ; flower single, red, large. There
is in Paris, under this name, another Camellia, which is double, of
a rose color, and very beautiful. The English have sent it to us un-
der the name of spectabilis. — See this name.

73. C. Charles Auguste. — Leaves two inches wide and three
- long, roundish oval, nerves very apparent, of a muddy green ; bud

elongated, scales green ; flower three inches in diameter, semi-
double, of a beautiful cherry-red. No. 3, well formed ; petals broad,
rounded, warbled or rather spotted with white ; those of the first
row of the circumference, are reflexed upon the calyx with regular-
ity ; the others elevated and curled ; a few stamens in the centre. —
Sujyerh.

74. C. Conchata. — Leaves two inches wide and three and a half
long, reflected at the summit, strongly nerved, of a deep green ; bud
elongate ; flower rather large, double, of a delicate rose, sometimes
of a vivid red. — Passable.

75. C. Carolus. — Leaves two inches and three lines wide and
three inches long, roundish-oval, much veined, nerves conspicuous ;
bud oval, depressed at the summit, scales green ; flower small, al-
most double, of a cherry-red, No. I, of a pretty form. — Distin-
guished.

76. C. Camptoniana. — Leaves small, one inch and a half wide
and two inches seven lines long, roundish-oval, a little acute, nu-
merous, near, elevated, of an obscure green, bud oval, scales yel-
lowish ; flower medium, semi-double, regular, at first rose. No. 4,
and then clear cherry-red ; corolla well formed ; some stamens in
the centre. — Very Pretty.

(To be continued;)

33

258

Art. II. — Horticultural Writings. By Edwakd Saters.

I WAS ever of an opinion that horticultural writings, when drawn
from practical observation, and lucidly dictated, combine much to
improve our moral understanding and domestic welfare. It is a
species of writing that is gleaned from the very best source of hu-
man happiness, and the subjects aie such, that it is impossible to
convert them into any thing that is disagreeable to the reader, or
imbue his mind with any false representation. For whether we turn
our attention to tlie flower garden or orchard the subjects to be de-
lineated are natural, and consequently we have nothing to dwell on
but the different phenomena that present themselves in the vegetable
kingdom, which leaves no room for delusive suggestion to bewilder
the reader. The subject is reality, and nothing superficial can be
said to be strictly connected with horticultural writings.

There is also much pleasure derived from such compilations; for
it is almost impossible to pen one single article, without having in
view, the many variations that nature has so agreeably diversified
the vegetable kingdom with : — her many tinted flowers — the cir-
culation of sap — unfolding of leaves and flowers — maturity and
usefulness of every thing we have to dwell upon — renders the sub-
ject not only beautiful but sublime in the highest degree. For one
I can truly say that, what little I have read and written on horti-
culture, has been a source of more comfort to me than all the splen-
dor I have seen of the palace or gaieties of what is called " worldly
pleasure." Indeed, in many instances when the little perplexities
with which this world is checkered, have in a measure en-
croached on that fortitude that every person should be possessed of,
I have found the writing on a subject so interesting has always not
only served to solace the little difficulty of the mind, but reclaimed
it into its pristine nature, and in many cases converted evil into the
very best of thoughts. In fact my juvenile days have been spent
in the study of a subject that at this time, the meridian of life, can
only now be realized. For certain it is that granting all the beau-
ties of the vegetable kingdom to be strictly noticed in early life, it
is only at the time of our more ripened understanding of advanced
age that its real beauty and value can be seen in all its be:irings ;
and it is then when every faculty is awakened to the usefulness of
horticulture.

PLOWERS, FRUITS, AND TRDES.

259

In tracing the writings of former and modern horticulturists, we
in many cases find them to flow from a desire to improve and in-
form others more than any pexiniary benefit to the authors ; indeed
generally such communications are not only given gratuitously, but
with a view to inform others of some practical improvement which
has perhaps taken years of research of the author to obtain, and,
in many cases, a great expenditure as a trial of experiment

As a proof of the desire to improve by horticultural writings, we
have instances of some of the very best communications being
penned and published to the world by those who have no preten-
sions to any literary attainments or classical education; but have
been penned and published to the world in a plain and simple man-
ner, as the practice and theory has been obtained ; and on the con-
trary, we find communications of the most scientific nature in hor-
ticulture, have been communicated to the world by the most able
statesmen and learned philosophers of the age. The result of each
class has been equally beneficial to the community at large, for,
while the one has pointed out practical hints of a very useful nature,
the other has been the means of simplifying and bringing into use
many philosophical and chemical experiments that could not have
been communicated so widely in any other way, in so imperisha-
ble a form, as through the medium of the press.

Art. III. — Flowers, Fruits, and Trees. By H. A. S.

Dearborn.

Mr Breck — The season having been unusually favorable for
vegetation, and especially since the 15th of May, the consequent
verdant and magnificent appearance of the country, with the bland-
ness and congeniality of the weather, have induced vast numbers
of persons, to visit the many highly cultivated gardens in the envi-
rons of Boston, several of which have attracted universal attention,
either from the great variety of ornamental plants they C(.ntain,
or the beauty of some favorite kinds, thai have been managed in the
most skilful manner.

Mr Walker's exhibition of Tulips became the first chief point of

260 FLOWERS, FUUITS, AND TREES,

attraction for nearly two weeks, and thousands were delighted, with
the superb display, of that infinitely various and gorgeous family of
flowers.

Other towns, it appears, have also enjoyed a like interesting
spectacle ; but a discrimination must be made between the merit
due for quantity, and that resulting from the excellence of the va-
rieties, and the perfection of their development. The enterprising
gentlemen of Newburyport and Salem, are entitled to great credit,
for the taste they have evinced, in the culture of elegant plants ;
but it is presumed they do not claim precedence, unless they had also
as many kinds, which were as rare and perfect in florescence, as
those which Mr Walker presented ; for the mere superiority in num-
ber, cannot be considered as giving pre-eminence, in any vegetable
production, unless it is of some very peculiar or notoriously useful
species.

To obtain bulbs of the best kinds of Tulips from Holland, Bel-
gium, France, and England, is very difficult and expensive, as every
person has experienced, who has undertaken to introduce any par-
ticular plant from foreign countries. The bulbs, generally sent to
this country for sale, are the rejected of the large nurseries, as all
the most choice and valuable kinds are carefully reserved for the
European markets, where the amateur purchasers are numerous,
and willing and able to pay the highest price, for the remarkable
varieties. Even in our day the extravagant passion for Tulips has
not entirely subsided, and from 500 to 1500 dollars have been
given, within a few years, for a single bulb, while those disposed of,
at our auction sales, do not average more than from five to fifteen
cents, and often not so much. Some of Mr Walker's cost in London
fifty dollars each, and many of them from ten to twenty.

I have cultivated the tulip during a number of years, and had
five thousand in bloom at one time, three thousand of which were
in a bed, and the remainder scattered in the borders of the avenues
and garden walks ; but as a show of flowers, it was, in all respects,
inferior to that of Mr Walker's bed of only eight hundred, from the
inferiority of the kinds, small number of distinguished varieties,
neorlitrent mode of cultivation, and imperfect florescence.

To give this superb flower an opportunity of displaying all its
charming attributes, the soil must be deeply trenched, and enriched
by a peculiar compost of thoroughly decomposed barn-yard manure.

FLOWERS, FRUITS, AND TREES. 26i

river sand, and decayed leaves or other vegetable matter, while a
screen is indispensable to protect the plants, from tlie cold, night
air, the direct rays of the sun, and violent winds, when bursting
into flower and during the period of their bloom. This Mr Walker
provided, at an expense of several hundred dollars, in a neat and
comi)lete manner, in the form of a beautiful pavilion, which was
covered with stout white cotton cloth, so arranged, as to be easily
rolled up, and let down, by means of pullies.

Tulips have been a favorite florist's flower for centuries, not only
in Holland, but in England and other European nations ; and as
early as 1630, Parkinson, after enumerating one hundred and forty
sorts, observes in his quaint manner, that '* to tell of all the kinds
which are the pride of delight, they are so many^ as to pass my
ability, and, as I believe, the skill of any other." He was a cele-
brated herbist and botanist, and acted in that capacity to James I,
and Charles I. His book on gardening is the first which was
published in Great Britain, worthy of consideration. It is entitled
" Paradisi Insole Paradisus Terrestres ; or a garden of all sorts
of pleasant flowers, which our English ayre will admit to be nursed
up ; with a kitchen garden of all mcinner of herbes, roots and
fruits for meate, and sause used with us ; and an orchard of all
softs of fruit bearing trees and shrubbes, fit for our land, together
with the right ordering, planting and preparing of them, and their
use and virtues."

In Parkinson's time tulips were divided into prcecoces, or early
blowers, and scrotincB or late blowers, with an intermediate class of
duhicB inedicB, doubtful or middle blowers, as they flowered between
the two others. The early blowers, have short stems and the Due
Van Throll is almost the only variety in repute, among modern flo-
rists. The great number of distinguished and admired varieties
are all produced from the late blowers, which having tall stems and
much finer colors, engross nearly the whole attention of the culti-
vators of tulips. The modern mode of classing the late blowers by
the Dutch florists is as follows.

Prime Baguets, from the French word baguette, a rod, or wand ;
they are very tall, with handsome cups and white bottoms, well bro-
ken with fine brown, and all from the same breeder.

Rigmit's Hoguets. — This variety is supposed to have received
their distinctive appellation from some individual by the name of

262 FLOWERS, FRUITS, AND TREES.

Rigaut, who was eminent in this branch of floriculture. They are'not
quite so tall as the former, but have strong stems, and very large
well formed cups, with white bottoms, handsomely broken with rich
brown color, and all from the same breeder.

Incompai-ahle Verports. — A particular kind of Bybloemens. Cups
very perfect, cherry-red and rose color and white bottoms, well bro-
ken with shining brown. Some of these are from ten to twenty-
five dollars a root.

Bybloemens, or next flowers, called by the French Flamands.
They have white ground, or nearly so, and are beautifully broken,
with shades of purple and a variety of colors. They are from dif-
ferent breeders.

IMzarres, from the French odd, or irregular. Ground yellow,
from different breeders, and broken with a variety of colors.

Paroquets, or Parrot Tulips. — The edges of the petals are fring-
ed, colors brilliant crimson and yellow, with shades of bright green ;
but still they are held in no sort of esteem among florists.

Double. — These are of various, brilliant red, yellow and mixed
colors ; but, like many other double flowers, are deemed monsters,
and not appreciated by flower fanciers, although they have an ele-
gant appearance, from their upright, tall, and firm stems, and
crowns of large paeony shaped flowers, and when scattered, with
the Parrot, among the small shrubs and other plants in the borders
of avenues and walks, or planted out in separate beds, they have a
pleasing effect.

In the catalogue of Mosan for 1820, there are six sorts of early
tulips, r3ur of Paroquets, twentylwo double, and upward of six
hundred late kinds.

Breeders are such as have been prpcured from the seed, and con-
sist of one color, which is red, purple, violet, gray, brown, black,
yellow, or some other individual color, without any sort of variation.
These are cultivated in a rather poor and dry soil, and become bro-
ken, or variegated, in from one to twenty years, and produce new
varieties ; but so uncertain is the prospect of a favorable result,
that but few persons have been willing to make experiments, for
after many years of patient and unremitted attention, there may not
be one remarkable and choice variety, out of a thousand seedling
bulbs. It is from this circumstance, that a new and superb tulip
commands the high prices in Europe which have been named, and
actually paid, within a few years.

FLOWERS, IRUITS, AND TREES. 263

When the Tulip has broken, the colors are unchangeable, and
are perpetuated by offsets from the parent bulb.

The tulips which are deemed worthy of special attention, by
amateurs, belong chiefly to the classes of Bizarres and Bybloemens ;
and the properties of a fine variegated late variety, according to the
best modern florists, are as follows.

Petals of a graceful form, the three exterior ones larger at the
base than those of the interior; colors delicate, yet cons])icuous,
from the manner in which the tints are displayed, whether spotted,
striped, feathered, blotched, splashed, pencilled, mottled, flaked, or
as the French more significantly term the breakings of this flower
panache ; edges entire and rounded, or but slightly crenated, at the
summit, and so symmetrically arranged, as to form a perfect cup-
shaped corolla, with a round bottom, — except in some anomalous
and remarkable kinds, like that called the Mountain of Snow
whose petals are slightly acuminated, recurved, a little undulate, and
the flower leaning to one side. Stem strong, upright, and nearly
thirty inches high ; radical foliage, long, broad, undulating, and of
deep rich green. The ground color of the bottoms of the cups
should be clear white, or yellow ; the centre of each petal should
contain one or more bold blotches or stripes, intermixed with small
portions of the original color, abruptly broken into many irregular
obtuse points. The colors which are generally held in greatest es-
timation, in variegated striped sorts, are black, golden yellow, pur-
ple, violet, rose, and vermilion, each of which being varied in differ-
ent ways; but such as are striped with three different colors, in a
distinct and unmixed manner, with strong regular streaks, and but
little or no tinge of the breeder, are considered the most perfect.

An uncle of Mr Walker, who resides near Windsor Castle, is
celebrated for his tulips and ranunculuses, having produced several
magnificent varieties of the former and many of tho latter from the
seed. His exhibitions of those universally ad(nired flowers have
been so superb, that his garden has been annually visited by the
sovereigns, nobility, and that numerous portion of the population of
Great Britain who have a taste for ornamental plants. From him
the nephew has received many of his superior roots.

Besides the commendable exertions of Mr Walker to present an
interesting display of well cultivated and choice tulips, he has emi-
nently succeeded in raising from imported plants and seed, nu»

264 FLOWERS, FRUITS, AND TREES.

merous new varieties of the Viola grandiflora, — the most admira-
ble of that large family of charming flowers. He has, in fact,
made this large and brilliant Pansy, known to New England, by the
extensive seminaries which he has estabIi^hed, and the multitiule
of plants which decorate his ground. He had seven hundred vari-
eties in bloom at the time his tulips were in flower, and the corollas
of some of them, were more than two inches in diameter. He al-
so cultivates the ranunculus, — one of the most delicate, beautiful,
but difficult of all herbaceous perennial plants, to bring into a full
and perfect florescence. He has two beds, this season, containing
over two thousand tubers, and one hundred and thirty kinds, which,
if the weather should not have been too hot, will present an exhi-
bition of flowers as rare and interesting as that of his tulips.

To the above named plants and the Dahlia, Mr Walker has de-
voted his sole attention, leaving to others the vast field of floricul-
ture, for the selection of their favorite flowers, and the distinction
they have attained, or may acquire, from the intelligence, skill, and
industry bestowed on their cultivation, and that complete success,
which so amply rewards the ardent amateur.

The necessity of a division of attention to the several depart-
ments of ornamental and useful plants, is as obvious, as that of labor
in the mechanical arts ; and the advantages derived therefrom are
as ctrrtain, as they are conspicuous and satisfactory.

Colonel Wilder is unrivalled, in this country, in the number, va-
riety and successful cultivation of the Camellia, the Rhododendron,
Azalea, and Rose, having over three hundred kinds of the first, and
upward of four hundred of the last named plants.

Mr Manriing, of Salem, has the largest variety of pears, he hav-
ing made that delicious fruit his favorite object of culture, while the
apple and plum have claimed his next regard. Mr William Ken-
rick is well known for his extensive and well managed nursery of
forest, fruit, and ornamental trees, shrubs, and herbaceous flowering
plants ; and for several years he has made most honorable eff'orts to
introduce the Morus Multicaulis and other valuable species of the
mulberry, for affording the best aliment to the silk worm. He has
also the merit of establishing the first extensive nursery in New
Eno-land, and has published a very interesting and useful work on
fruit trees. He, with Mr Manning, first succeeded in obtaining Mr
Van Men's new kinds of pears, and he has a collection of that kind
of fruit troea, of great value, from the number of varieties.

FLOWERS, FRUITS, AND TREES. 265

Mr Pond, of Cainbriflgeport, has become eminent for renring
large numbers of Plum trees of the most choice varieties, and also
for his superior mode of raising asparagus.

The Messrs Winship of Brighton, have a vast nursery, a large
green-house and forcing-house, in which are collected a greater
number nod variety of useful and ornamfmtal trees and plants, than
are to be found m any other like establishment north of Long island.
Their importations of Europeaii forest trees, and exotic shrubs, and
herbaceous flowers, have been extensive, and contributed, in nn emi-
nent degree, to extend a taste for rural embellishment in the eastern
section of the Union. Their collection of foreign new kinds of
Roses, rivals that of Col. Wilder, as they have some 500 varieties.
Paeonies have also claimed their special attention, and they exhibit
nearly 40 kinds.

Other highly commendable efforts have been made to multiply
the fruits, culinary vegetables, and plants of all kinds, and especially
by seeds. The establishments of Joseph Breck & Co., and of Hovey
& Co., are well known, for they have so far kept pace with the rapid-
ly increasing demand, and have so faithfully discharged their very
responsible duties, in either raising or collecting the best varieties
and of the most perfect quality, that they have merited and received
the grateful acknowledgments of their numerous fellow citizens,
who "drive their team afield," or delight in the society, or the
culture of the silent, yet eloqueiit, beautiful, useful, and ever inter-
esting families of the vegetable realm.

As proprietors and editors of three of the most valuable agricul-
tural and horticultural publications in this country, we are under
the greatest obligations to them ; and it is earnestly to be wished,
that for all their diversified and indefatigable labors, they should re-
ceive that encouragement and reward, which will render their pa-
triotic exertions annually more profitable to themselves, and useful
to the public. In the diffusion of intelligence among the farmers
and gardeners, and the extension of a taste for their honorable and
important occupations, as well as for the improvement of the aspect
of the country generally, by inducing a greater attention to all the
branches of cultivation, those periodicals have already accomplish-
ed much, and if they receive that liberal patronage to which they
are justly entitled, the beneficial results will be as universally con-
spicuous as they are desirable.
34

266

FLOWERS, FRUITS, AND TREES-

The new garden at Mount Washington, with its ranges of green
and forcing houses, is becouiing an object of great interest, atid will
soon rank among tiie first, which are now the most celebrated, as
the intelligent and experienced Mr McCollough has fully shown
that he is well qualified for the station he has assumed.

The Cliarlestown Vineyard, with its departments of other fruits,
conservatories, graperies, and valuable, as well as ornamental plants,
has given a well deserved reputation to the Messrs Mason, from the
successful manner in which the whole of their spacious establish-
ment is managed.

The valuable, new, and excellent varieties of the strawberry,
with which our market is enriched, have rendered Mr Wdliain Ma-
son of Charlestown, and Mr J. L L. F. Warren of Brighton, cele-
brated, for the zealous and successful exertions they liave made to
grow that delicious fruit. The Downton, Wilmot's, Keen's Seed-
liiig, Roseberry, Mulberry, Methven Castle, and other distinguish-
ed new kinds, are now abundant and maintain the high character
which they had acquired in England.

Mr Town, of Snowhill street, in Boston, has a neat and well con-
ducted green-house, which may be truly called a floral gem.

There is a humble little cottage garden on the Djrchester road,
near Grove Hall, which reflects great credit on the unassuming and
respectable old man, who carefully tills it with his own hands ; and
many a passer-by has stopped to admire his beautiful collection of
choice varieties of pinks. May he be made happy in his commend-
able efforts to contribute to the happiness of others, is a blessing
which every visiter must spontaneously bestow on the venerable
Meller, and at the same time, attempt to enable him to realize the
benediction, in the purchase of a single root, or a bouquet of flow-
ers. How interesting and imposifjg is it to behold the aged calmly
and studiously engaged in the culture of a garden of flowers. They
appear to be appropriately occupied in a kind of religious rite, and
as if actuated by a presentiment that their end was near, devoting
their last moments in the preparation of the materials of a garland
for the decoration of their own grave, and thus seeming to ask the
grateful tribute of approbation, from a life industriously and repu-
tably passed, and now approaching its close, in the anticipation of
that good name which all desire, and hope encourages us to believe
may have been attained, and will be perpetuated when " we sleep
IQ the narrow house of death."

PROPAGATION OP THE DAHLIA. 267

There is very much wanted a large nursery of native forest trees,
where they shall be raised in such quantities, as to be afforded to
purchasers at as cheap a rate as they can import them from Eng-
land and Scotland. So great is the demand, that not only our nur-
sery-men, but many individuals, have recently imported vast num-
bers. Two gentlemen, one residing in VVatertown, and the other in
Salem, have received ten thousand each, this season, which cost
only a few cents apiece. The quantities which might be sold,
if furnished at even a liberal price, would be enormous; but the ex-
pense of obtaining trees from the forest, the mutilated manner in
which they are taken up, and the consequent difficulty of making
them flourish vigorously, deters those who would be gl id to em-
bellish their estates, or plant out woodlots, or groves for timber, from
making the experiment.

The rapidity of the growth of seedling trees, reared in nurseries,
comp.ired with such as are selected from the forest, is well known
to those who have attempted the culture of both kinds.

A pleasing illustration may be seen on the magnificent ground of
(■ol. Th. H. Perkins, who imported about thirteen years since,
15,000 plants, which were not more than two feet high, and now
they are large, healthy and beautiful trees.
Verjr respectfully,

Your obt. servant,

H. A. S. DEARBORN.

Hatothorn Cottage,

Ruxbury, June 20, 1838.

Art. IV. — Remarks on the Propagation of the Dahlia.

EvKKY cultivator of the Dahlia is aware of the facility with which
it is propagated by cuttings of the young shoots, plunged in a little
bottom heat. Indeed, from a single root, under proper treatment,
several dozens of young plants may be raised in a short space of
time. Consequenily, thi> method is universally adopted by nursery-
men ; they annually requiring a large slock of young plants for sale ;
and by iiidividunls anxious to propagate extensively a new variety.
But it ought not to be practised by amateurs or others, anxious to
o'jtain fine perfect flowers for exhibition or otherwibe, I speak

268 PROPAGATION OF THE DAHLIA.

advisedly, and from experience, when I assert, that plants raised
from cuttings do not produce equally perfect flowers, in regard to
size, form, and fulness, with those produced by plants grown from
division of the tubers, the old method of propagating tiie dahlia. It
has been said that plants raised from cuttings flower more abundant-
ly than those raised by division ; but to this I am not prepared to
subscribe.

Physiological botany readily accounts for the different results of
the two methods. The starch or fecnlent matter, stored in tlie roots,
is intended by nature for the nutrition of ihe animal shoots, not
only, until the tubers have formed, at the commencement of the
vegetating season, the spongioles necessary for the absorption of the
required quantity of pabula ; but also when that the spongioles are
unable, from drought, or other causes, to absorb a sufficiency of
nutrient matter, to sustain the rapidly developing and vigorous veg-
tation.

Plants propagated by cuttings cannot of course, absorb the nutri-
ment prepared and stored, during the last season, in the tubers of
the mother root ; and are forced to finm spriugioles and tubers for
themselves. But the fecula contained in thrse latter is not, till to-
wards the end of the year, suflicient in quantity, or sufficiently ripen-
ed by the deposition of carbon, to be in any way serviceable.

'I he potato might be propagated by cuttings of the young shoots,
in the same way with the dahlia; but such plants would not, in the
early stages of their growth, be nourished by the starch of the tu-
bers ; and, therefore, would neither be so strong and vigorous as
plauts raised in the usual method, nor would they yield a return
equal in weight or quantity.

It is well known that tubers and bulbs, when placed in damp sit-
ualions (the potato for instance, in a damp cellar,) develop iheir
leaf-buds ; and that these continue to grow and elongate, without
the assistance of rootlets or spongioles, so long as there is any fecu-
la in the tuber or bulb; but that when this is exhausted the ste:n
withers and dies. We hence perceive how important the nourish-
ment derived from this substance is to the vigor of the plant, and
why whole tubers of potatoes produce larger crops thin are pro-
duced by cut sets. Hence, too, we may learn why perfectly ripe
sets are so much more certain of success than unripe ones ; the fec-
ula in the former being so much the more abundant, and more

CULTIVATION OF TRCFFLES. 269

perfectly elaborated. To the unripeness of the sets is atlrii>utable
the failure of the potato crops in some parts of Scotland, in the
autumns of l8:Jo and 18-'U), and the consequent misery and starva-
tion of the unfortunate peasantry.

I feel no doubt that uiuch of the disai>pointment and dissatisfac-
tion experienced by buyers of new varieties of the dahlia, arising
from these so rarely answering the expectations formed of them, is
the result of the system of propagating from cuttings. A good
faeedling is raised : the grower is naturally anxious to make the
most he possibly can of it ; he therefore plunges the root iii heat,
and strikes every cutting he can force it to throw outT The young
plants are consequen ly weak and unhealthy, rarely throw out a
good flower during the whole season, and are, probably discarded,
as undeserving o( lurtlier notice. My first plant of Brewer's Rival
King was a cutting from a root, which had been much worked, and
consequently, did not show a good flower during the season. The
next year, I grew it from tubers, and also from cuttings : the latter
always produced imperfect flowers, but the former beautifully per-
fect ones. With many other varieties, I have found the same dif-
ference between plants raised from cuttings and those from tubers.

I would therefore recoinmend, in order to secure a good and sat-
isfactory bloom, that the roots be laid, in March, in a damp warm
place, such as a forcing-house, gentle hot-bed, or even a cellar ; and
that when the buds show themselves, each root be divided into as
many pieces as may be required, retaining a bud to each piece ; and
that they be then planted separately in 48-sized pots. The after-
treatment is the same as for plants raised from cuttings. — Gardener's
Magazine.

Art. V. — The Cultivation of Truffles^ or Instruction for ar-
tificialhi raising and making large Plantations of Black and
White Traffic's, inWoods, Shrubberies, and Gardens. By Alex-
ander VON BOKOHOLZ.

(Continued from last page 2: 0.)

Tmep.e are some varieties of truffles which differ in the greater or
less degree of roughness of their external rind, in a stronger smell,

270 CULTIVATION OF THE TRUFFLE.

resembling that of garlic, and in a lighter or darker color. Amongst
all truffles, the white variety is of most value, and is preferred to
every other. It grows in Upper Italy, chieHy in Piedmont. Its
surface is of a yelhnvish brown, or pile grey-yellow, covered with
protuberances resembling warts. The veins in the inside are more
delicate than in the black kind, and are of a reddish yellow color.
Between the veins, the flesh of truflfles that are fully formed, and
their sap-vessels and glands, are of a reddish color. The smell and
taste of the white truffle are much superior to those of the black, and
on th u account it is more deserving of cultivation. Only the first
plantation requires to be circumstantially attended to, as living pie-
ces can seldotn be procured, and to plant dead ones in new planta-
tions is useless. Since this white truffle never degenerates to the
black, but constantly produces the same, it appears to be not a vari-
ety, but a particular species. It is also found in vineyards, mead-
ows, and even ploughed fields; but the black ones are found only
near to forest trees.

In laying out truffle beds a distinction must be made between
wood land and garden land. The lormer needs not much prepara-
tion, and promises a surer profit than a garden land, with which
must be artificially mixed those species of earth that, in the latter,
have for several years been accumulated by nature. He, therefore,
who can take for new truffle beds wood land, especially that which
for centuries has produced the above metitioned trees, spares both
time and expense.

But, whether the truffle plantation be made in a wood or a gar-
den, the first requisite is a somewhat moist soil in a low situation.
In level ground, such soil is generally found in the vicinity of
brooks, rivers, lakes, and meadows. The ground itself, however^
must not contain any sharp or sour component parts, but must be
mellow and fertile. Least of all are adapted to the purpose situa-
tions in the ncMghborhood of morasses or turf moors; and especial-
ly those low situations the subsoil of which is full of saline or sour
matter. This is easily known by the r^eds, horsetail (Equisetum),
coarse kinds of grass, and mosses, which grow upon their surface,
and, whether green or dry, are rejected by cattle and sheep, or only
eaten by them from excessive hunger.

He who has no such mellow soil, in a depressed situation, upon
his property, may most easily form it by art in the neighborhood of

CULTIVATION OF THE TRUFFLE. 271

springs, or at the foot of a rising ground ; but the first plantation is
thereby proportionally rendered more expensive. The ground de-
signed for the cultivation of truffles must, in the first place, be dug
out from 4 to 5 feet deep, and be lined at the bottom, and on the
sides, with a stratum of clay or very fat loam of a foot tliick, that
the spring water which is conducted to it may not strain through,
and run off. If the subsoil be loam or clay, the thickness of the
stratum of clay to be placed upon it may be diminished ; but, if it
be a dry sand, it must be more than a foot thick. This artificial
depression is then filled with earth artificially prepared, and now the
spring, or small brook, is_^turned upon it. Truffl^-s certainly require
a moist soil, but they cannot endure boggy ground or standing wa-
ter ; a ditch must, therefore, be cut to carry away all superfluous
water. This ditch is either opened or shut accordingly as a super-
fluity or want of water renders necessary. But if, in very hot dry
summers, the supply of water should itself fail, the truffle beds must
be sufficiently moistened with pure river water. This is the expe-
dient to which recourse must be had in dry situations, that neither
possess a spring, nor a small brook for watering a plantation of truf-
fles. Since only small beds, and not large fields, are taken for the
cultivation of truffle*, tite greatest care may be taken in the prepa-
ratory steps, the expense of which will, however, never be so con-
siderai>le as to be much felt by the landed proprietor. He, there-
fore, who has upon his property no such mixture of earths as the
growth of truffles requires, must endeavor to obtain it artificially.

We find the most and finest truffles in a light, ferruginous, calca-
reous soil. Such a one must, therefore, also be given to the planta-
tions. This is found naturally only in particular situations : for
which reason truffles do not grow everywhere. That which is acci-
dentally in the new plantation is looked upon as a welcome present,
and those materials only are mixed with it which the raising of
truffles indispensably requires. A ferruginous calcareous soil is
generally too compact, seldom too loose, and frequently not suffi-
ciently ferruginous. The first fault may be remedied by the addi-
tion of ferruginous sand ; the second, by a mixture with loam ; and
the third may be remedied by beating ferruginous sandstone (which
is to be had almost everywhere) to fine sand, and mixing a fourth
at the most a third part of it, with the natural soil. If ironstone is,
Dot to be had, the want of it must be supplied by iron shavings,

272 CULTIVATION OF THE TRUFFLE.

iron filings, sparks aiid other cheap small refuse which falls from
iron ill inariufacturinff it: this must be added to the mixture of
earths, and made to rust and dissolve by the addition of moisture.

A calcareous or chalky marl forms the groundwork of all artifi-
cial mixtures of soils for the cultivation of the truffle. When this
is to be had in the neighborhood, it is mixed with the fourth part of
iron sandstone. If this mar! be not in the environs, then finely
beaten calcareous stone or beaten chalk must supply its place: to
this must be added from the fourth to the third part of ferruginous
sand, and the whole mixed together as uniformly as possible. With
this artificial calcareous marl the truffle-bed (which has been dug
out from two and a half to three feet deep) is filled up a foot high,
in the place of the natural earth. It is advantageous when the pit,
which is dug out for that purpose, before it is fixf^d with the new
soil, is lined on the sides and bottom with unburnt calcareous stone.
By this tneans, not only will mice, and several kinds of worms, be
prevented from establishing themselves in the new truffle beds, and
preparinof to destroy the young germs of the truffles, but sudden
heavy rains will be prevented from occasioning an injurious mix-
ture of the different kinds of earth. Where calcareous stone is not
to be had, sandstone may be used instead of it, especially if it con-
tains iron ; or, at all events, either other natural stones, or artificial
ones made by the hands of men, may be made use of. The bot-
tom of the pit must not, however, be paved so as to be water-tight,
in order that the water may sink into the subsoil, and not cause an
injurious bng, instead of the moist depression that is intended.

Tf, when the pit is dug out, a compnct subsoil is met with, for ex-
ample, a loamy bottom, the paving of the bottom of the pit is super-
fluous: it would obstruct the binding of the under strata with the
new-laid bottom of the truffle phntation. It sometimes 'happens,
that, in digging out the pit. a bed of chy is met with, which is im-
pervioiis to water. In such a case, it is better to leave the place
and choose another, than to spend money upon the plantation, and,
instead of raising truffles, only to make a small bog.

All the above preparations are necessary for wood lands, and for
plantations in large gardens and English shrubberies; but the fur-
ther filling up of the pit is different for each place. In woods, the
soil contains much vegetable matter ; but that is not enough, espe-
pecially when an artificial mixture of earths is undertaken. In
order to obtain a very nutritious vegetable earth, let pure cowdung

CULTIVATION OP THE TRUFPLE. 27^

be carried into heaps in the spring, and left to fall into earth in the
course of the summer. That is best which is collected as fresh as
possible on pastures and commons. That it may not lose its nutri-
tious matter through drought and heat, the heaps must be made in
a shady place, be turned from time to time, and, in dry weather, be
often moistened with cow's urine, or with soft river water. This
watering must not be so abundant as to allow the dung to become
lixivated, in which case its most valuable powers will be communi-
cated to the ground underneath.

In autumn, when the leaves fall from the trees, the dung is for
the greatest part converted into earth. The fourth or fifth part of
this earth is to be added to the natural wood soil ; and of fallen oak
leaves, or, if these are not to be had, of fallen hornbeam leaves, as
much in bulk as half of the mixture amounts to: the whole must
then be carefully mixed together. The pit is to be completely fill-
ed with the mixture, which is to be covered with a layer of oak
leaves, of from four inches to six inches thick. A wood soil, with
much vegetable earth from oak trees, requires a smaller addition of
oak leaves than a soil that contains less of it. The greatest is
required by the mixture of one half or the third part of natural
wood earth with the before-mentioned ferruginous calcareous marl.
In this case, which often occurs, as many leaves are added as the
proportion of the calcareous earth occupies in space ; and the pit,
when filled, is covered over with a thick layer of leaves.

There is no fear of this cover of leaves being carried away by the
storms that prevail in autumn and winter, as the truffle plantations
are made in low situations, sheltered by trees, and not exposed to a
strong current of air. If, however, this were not to be avoided, the
scattering of the leaves may be prevented by some earth taken from
the mixture being spread over them, or by small branches of oak
being laid upon them, and secured by stones. Such a cover of
leaves is of great service to the planting of truffles ; since by the
moisture of the winter the most efficacious matter is extracted from
it, and communicated to the soil beneath. For this reason, a new
cover must be laid upon it every autumn. Early in the following
spring, the uppermost layer, being exhausted by the air, is to be
taken away ; but the under and moister one lightly dug in, or, which
is still better, raked flat, lest the tender germs of the truffles should
be injured or destroyed ; but, when the truffle plantation is first
made, the whole cover must be dceplv dug down.
35

274 CULTIVATION OF THE TRIFFLK.

Every previous preparation is thus made for the cultivation of
truffles. We now come to tiie mode of causing them to be produc-
ed. Since they are neither sown, nor, like animals, propagated by
eggs and young ones, the only thing that remains for us to do is, to
cause the soil to produce truffles. We know from experience that
many forms (viz. crystallizations) are easily produced, when bodies
of their own sort, already formed, are introduced into the mass of
forming matter. Thus, sugar easily forms into crystals, when crys-
tals of the same sort are hung in a fluid mass saturated with sac-
charine matter. Fungi are also produced in a similar manner,
where living bodies of the same kind, or such as have not long been
dead, or even parts of them lately pulled off, meet with a soil adapt-
ed to them. Thus, mushrooms thrive well if horse's or ass's dung
be mixed with pieces of this fungus. The same takes place with
truffles ; only here greater circumspection is requisite.

The mushroom raises its head above the dark earth, and lives and
thrives in the open air, and in warm sunshine. When taken from
its parent soil, neither the operation of the circumambient air, nor the
genlle access of the sun's rays, immediately destroys it. As long
as its body contains sufficient moisture, it continues to live, and may,
without much precaution, be removed from one place to another.
If the journey does not last too long, it still retains the degree of
vitality necessary to impart to the new soil the property of produc-
ing young mushrooms. On this account, good mushroom beds,
that are carefully made, seldom fail, and the expectation of a good
crop is constantly justified.

Not so the truffle. It cannot bear the immediate access of the
air, and still less of the sun's rays, but dies when it is exposed to
them, as quickly as a delicate fis'.i when taken out of the water, or
an intestinal worm when torn from the animal body of its habita-
tion. A dead body of a truffle, which, moreover, soon becomes pu-
trid, cannot, even under the most favorable circumstances, induce
in the new habitat assigned to it a formation of young fungi of
its own species. This is possible only to the living truffle ; but its
complete vitality is hardly sufficient to give such a direction to the
powers subsisting in the strata of earth, as to produce and form new
truffles in a soil that had never produced them ; but, if this power
of production is once awakened, it is easy to retain it for years.

(To be continued.)

275

Art. VI. — List of New and Rare Plants, described in recent
English Publications.

1. 3Iorna Nivca. Snowy. (Asteraceag syngensia polygamia
aequalis.) An interesting haif hardy annual, raised by R. Mangle's,
Esq. from seeds sent from the Swan River colony. The present
species very much resembles M. nitidia, excepting the flowers,
which are white, whilst those of the other species are yellow. The
flowers of this genus are of the character which are usually termed
everlasting, keeping for years after being gathered, which gives ad-
ditional interest to their neatness. The flowers tems rise to about
half a yard high, produces a profusion of blossoms daring the sum-
mer and autumnal months.

2. Passijlora Nigclliflora. Nigella flowered Passion Flower.
(Pasionflorieae. Monodelphia pentandria.) Mr Tweedie discovered
this species at St Jago d'Estero in 1835, and sent it to the Glas-
gow Botanic Garden, where it bloomed in the stove during last
summer. The plant much resembles P. citiata or gossypiifolia.
The flowers are white, each about an inch and a half across.

3. Thysamotus Proliferius. Proliferous. (Liliacege. Hexandria
monogynia.) This very singularly beautiful green-house perennial
was raised by R. Mangle's, from seeds sent from the Swan River
colony. The flower stem rises about two feet, and bears two or
three umbels of its singular fringed flowers, the umbels being two
or three inches apart up the stem. Each umbel contains from
eight to a dozen blossoms, and a blossom is near an inch across.
The petals are of violet purple, having a lilac line up the middle of
each. The edges of the petals are densely feathered with fringe.
It is a very neat and desirable plant, well meriting a place in every
green-house. Thysamotus, from thysamotus, fringed, referring to
the edges of petals.

4. Aristelachia Saccata. Pouch-flowered Birth Wort. (Aristo-
lechiese. Gynandria hexandria.) This very singular flowering
plant is a native of Silhet, and was sent from the Calcutta garden
in 18-29, to the Royal Botanic Garden, Edinbu«gh, where it bloomed
last September. The plant is a twiner, growing to a considerable
length. The leaves oval., heart-shaped, from a foot to fifteen inches
long, and four to six broad. The singularly formed flowers are pro-
duced numerously in racemes ; each flower is about five inches

276 NEW AND RARE PLAIN la.

long, pouch formed, the tube turning upwards from the middle, and
bending parallel with the other portion of the tube ; the inside of
the tube is a whitish yellow. The mouth and throat of the tube of
a bright golden yellow, with an edging of deep purple. The outer
side of the tube is of a rosy white and pale purple.

5. Boronia Crenulata. Crenated leaved. (Rutacese. Octan-
dria monogynia.) A very handsome flowering species, which is a
native of King George's Sound, where it was discovered by Mr
Menzies. It bloomed in the green-house of Messrs. ^Loddiges's at
Hackney, and forms a neat and bushy plant, with deep green foli-
age. It produces a profusion of flowers of a bright rosy-red color.
Each flower is about a half an inch across. This species deserves
a place in every green-house. Like the rest of the species, it re-
quires to be grown in an airy and light part of a green-house. The
most suitable soil for all the tribe is a sandy peat, using a free sup-
ply of drainage, and frequently shifting each plant into a pot a size
larger. If over-potted they often die. Baronea, so named in com-
pliment to Boranes, who was servant to Professor Afzelius ; this
faithful servant went with his master to Sierra Leone, where he
died.

6. Comus Scabiosoides. Scabious-like. (Asteraceae. Syngene-
sia superflua.) A native of Mexico, from whence seeds were sent
to J. F. Dickinson, Esq. and by that gentleman presented to the
Horticultural Society of London, in whose garden it bloomed last
year. The flowers are produced numerously, each blossom being
about an inch and a half across, of a deep crimson inside with
the stamens, forming a yellow eye ; outside of a deep rosy red. It
is a very handsome species, well worthy a place in every flower gar-
den. It is supposed very probably, that the flowers of the genus
will become double, similar to the Dahlia. There are several other
species of this pretty tribe, not yet introduced into this country,
with pink, bright yellow, or deep purple flowers. There are now,
annually, importations of Mexican seeds into this country; we may
therefore conclude that seeds of these beautiful plants will soon be
introduced.

7. Erica Chloroboma. Green tipped Heath. (EricacefE. Octan-
dria monogynia.) This very pretty flowering species is cultivated
by Mr Young, nurseryman Taunton, Somersetshire, where it has
bloomed. The plant is of an erect habit, and the flowers are pro-

NEW AND RARE PLANTS. 277

diiced upon the young shoots in vast profusion. The flowers are
near three quarters of an inch long, of a beautiful crimson color,
having a green tipped end. They hang pendulously along the
shoots. It is a very neat and desirable species.

8. Erica Florida; var. Campulata. Drooping round headed
Heath. This very beautiful flowering heath is cultivated in the
superb collection at Both well Castle, where it was raised from seed
by the very skilful gardener, Mr Trumble, in 1835, and though but
two years old, the plant is near a yard high, and has produced a profu-
sion of blossoms, of beautiful rose color, and their campanulata
form, show them prettily to view. Each blossom is about a quarter
of an inch long, and the same at the mouth. It is a very desirable
variety of this interesting genus.

9. Goveria Liliacecp,. Lily flowered. (Orchidaceae. Gynan-
dria. Sononym maxillaria liliacea.) A native of Mexico, growing
under the shade of trees, or sometimes grows over their roots. It
is a tuberous plant, having the habits of the Bletia, the flower stem
reaching about a foot high, it is sulphur white, spotted and streaked
with reddish-purple. The first notice of this plant was by M. Her-
nandez, who describes it by the name of Iztactepelzacuxochitl
Icohueyo. The plant is very rare in this country, and probably in
no collection but that of George Barker's, Esq. of Birmingham.

10. Mamillaria Atrata. Dark green Cacteae. (Icosandria mo-
nogynia.) A very handsome flowering species. This truly inter-
esting and singular tribe of plants, grown in the celebrated collec-
tion of Mr Mackie of Norwich. The flowers are produced numer-
ously around the top of the fleshy trunk. Each blossom is upwards
of an inch across, of a bright rosy red color, with the anthers
forming a yellow eye. The singular form of the plant, and the ar-
rangement of the numerois pretty blossoms contribute to recom-
mend it to every cultivator of this tribe of plants.

11. Pentstemon Crassifolius. Thick-leaved. (ScrophulariacecB.
Didynamia angiospermia.) The late Mr Douglas discovered this
pretty species on the north-west coast of North America, who sent
seeds to the London Horticultural Society, at whose garden it
bloomed last year. The plant is of a suflfructicose habit, growing a
foot high, quite hardy. It is of a free flowering species, produced in
racemes. Each flower is about an inch and a half long, of a pretty
lilac color. The lower part of the tube is of a bright rose color.

278 MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS.

It is a very desirable plant for the flower garden, its dwarf habit,
and pretty flowers alike recommending it.

12. Philadelphus Hirsutus. Hairy Syringa. (Philadelphaceae.
Iscosandria monogynia.) This species was found by Mr Nuttall in
Tennessee, on the rocky banks of French Broad River, near to
warm springs. It is a hardy shrub, growing not more than three or
four feet high, blooming in the middle of July. The flowers are
white, each about an inch across, without fragrance. It grows well
in a rocky situation.

Art. VI [. — Miscellaneous J\Iatters.

Forms of Flowers. — It is not a little amusing to watch the pro-
gress of flowers, from bad to better, and even to good forms. It
was some time before the double dahlia was produced with other
than pointed or quilled petals, and now they would not be looked
upon with these faults. The heart's-ease, in the wild and natural
form, is despised — the nearer they now approach the circle, the
more they are prized. The Camellia Japonica is the most beau-
tiful in the country of its flowers ; but all the most double and per-
fect have pointed petals — all that have not are confused or semi-
double. It is only now breaking away from the forms which have
been prevalent so long. Three seedlings have been exhibited this
season with the most exquisitely formed petals, making up into a
beautiful form of flower. One raised by Mr Luttworth was decided-
ly the finest form that could be imagined, the petal was very thick,
of a rich dark red color, and it had beautiful foliage. The second
was a bright rose-colored flower, of excellent form, not quite so high
in the crown, and was exhibited in the best twelve blooms sent out
to Her Majesty, as well as in the collection, in the month of February,
and, like the one already mentioned, is very distinct from all others.
This was the flower named, by permission, Rosa Victoria. The
third was raised at Richmond, and though different from the other
two, possesses the principal improvements — fine round thick petals;
in color it is darker than Rosa Victoria, and lighter than Mr Lutt-
worth's. The three are worthy of a place in the most select and
beautiful collections, though it will be some time, of course, before

MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS. 279

they can be procured. They are now growing as specimen plants,
and except an ugly branch offers itself as a sacrifice, neither will be
promulgated. As the Camellia seems now to be coming into uni-
versal cultivation, we shall be glad of information as to the charac-
ter of new flowers and varieties but little known, for it will serve as
a guide to some of the younger growers. The two varieties, let out
by Messrs Brown, are additions to the general collection — Louis
Philippe being distinctly violet scented, and is a well-growing deep
red color, good-sized flower, in which there are many stamens visi-
ble, and which give, when perfect, a strong perfume. The other,
Cardinal, is the thickest petaled, and the deepest colored single
flower in cultivation ; several other seedlings have been shown this
season, but there was nothing remarkable about them. — London
Horticultural Journal.

Exhibition of Heart's-Ease. — The Royal Society have taken
up the subject of heart's-ease, about the showing of which there is
as much trickery as ever disgraced the dahlia or carnation, pink or
ranunculus. Where flowers have been wanting in the quality of
flatness, pieces of glass, with weights upon them, have been used
to press them down, and nothing could exceed the impudence with
which this trick was carried on. The Royal Society have lent their
rooms to the Metropolitan Society of Florists, for a show of auricu-
las, on Wednesday, May 2 ; and by way of rendering it more
attractive, they of themselves give several prizes — one or two
are for heart's-ease, and the condition of showing is, that if a single
flower in the whole collection shall have been pressed or artificially
flattened, it shall disqualify the collection for a prize, even if it be
the best, and it will have the very best effect; instead of the flowers
being like so many plasters on the box, with their textures spoiled
their petals puckered, they will lie as they grow, they will exhibit
the faults they grew with, and the beauties that belong to them ; and
it is only by making this a condition, that gentlemen can ever com-
pete with florists. Gentlemen will not condescend to the trickery
of exhibiting ; and the only way to induce them to enter the lists,
is to have things exhibited as they grow. The only assistance from
art that nature ought to have, should be in cultivating, not in dress-
ing, in the growth, not in the manufacture ; and every step towards
encouraging the one, and checking the other, will be hailed with
pleasure by all who love the science. — Floricultural Cabinet.

280

QUINCY MARKET.

[Reported for the Horticultural Register.J

APPLES, Russet,

Dried, ....

BEANS, White, Foreign,
Domestic,
String
BEETS, .....
BUTTERNUTS, green,
BLUEBERRIES,

CARROTS, ....

CRANBERRIES,

CUCUMBEKS, ....

CURRANTS, - ...

CHERRIES, ....

CABBAGE, early York,
GOOSEBERRIES,
LEMONS, ....

LLMES,

LETTUCE, ....

ORANGES,

ONIONS, new,

PEARS, ....

POTATOES, new,

old,
RADISHES,
RASPBERRIES, -
SQUASK, summer, ...
STRAWBERRIES,
TURNIPS, . . - .

Russets nre the only Apples now to be found in the market.

A few new Pears have appeared under the denomination of " Independent
Pears," but very small and of infe'ior quality. Of small fruits there is an
abundant supply.

The Vegetable Market is well stored with the usual products of the season.

Boston, July 12, 1838.

barrel,

3 50

pound,

8

9

bushel.

1 25

a

1 50

do.

2 25

peck,

25

bunch.

6

hundred,

50

box.

17

bunch,

6

bushel,

3 00

dozen,

25

quart,

6

do.

10

a

10 1-2

per head.

6

per quart,

12

a

17

per hundred

2 00

(( <(

,50

a

75

head

3

hundred

3 00

buncii,

6

quart

25

bushel,

2 00

do.

50

bunch,

3

box,

25

a

37 12

dozen.

25

box,

25

a

37 1-2

bunch.

6

a

10

Notice. — In our next number we shall insert the plates to which reference
is m.ide in the valuable article on Iho Camellia, translated from the French by
Gen. H. A. S. Dearborn. They should have appeared in the present number,
but we found it impossible to get them ready, as it requires much more time
than we anticipated to color them.

SYNOPTICAL TABLE

COLORS OF THE GENUS CAMELLIA,

Denomination of the Painter,

Dominant color : deep rose
lake, Naples yellow and
vennilion.

Dominant color : clear rose
lake, Naples yellow and
vermilion.

Dominant color : clear rose
lake, Naples yellow and
vermilion.

Dominant color : clear rose j
lake and Naples yel
low.

No. 4.

Denomination of tlie Dyer ,

Clear Cherry.

No. 3.

Do.

No. 2.

Do.

No. 1.

Do.

FIRST GAMUT.

Camellia Japonica.
TYPE.

Synoptical Table of the Colors of the Genus Camellia, ii

DenominauoD of the Painter.

No. 7.

o

Dominant color : deep car-
mine, mixed with ver-
milion.

Dominant color : deep car-
mine, mixed with more
vermilion.

Dorninant color : carmine
mixed vdth vermilion.

Doniinant color : carmine
mixed with more vermil-

Denomination of the Dyer.

Deep Crimson.

No. 6.

Clear Crimson.

No. 5.

Deep Cherry.

No. 4.

Do.

Dominant color : carmine
lake and vermilion.

No. 3.

Clear Cherry.

No. 2.

Dominant color : carmine
lake, rose lake and ver-
milion.

Do.

No. 1.

Dominant color: carmine
lake, rose lake and ver-
milion.

Do.

Synoptical Table of the Colors of the Genus Camellia iii

Dinomination of the Paintsr.

Dominant color : rose lake
and light red cinnabar.

No. 2.

Denomination of tlM Dyer.

Common Salmon.

No.].

Dominant color : rose lake
and very light red cin-
nabar.

Clear Salmon.

No. 3.

Dominant color : rose lake
and cinnabar.

Pale Flesh.

No. 2.

Dominant color : rose lake
and cinnsiiar.

Do.

No. 1.

Dominant color : rose lake
and cinnabar.

Do.

SECOND GAMUT.

Camdlm Japonica.
TYPE-

Synoptical Table of the Colors of the Genus Camellia, iv

Denomination of the Painter.

Dominant color : deep car-
mine mixed with red
cinnabar.

Denomination of the Dyer.

Deep Poppy.

Dominant color : deep car-
mine mixed with more
red cinnabar.

No. 7.

Clear Poppy.

Dominant color : carmine
and red cinnabar.

No. a

Oommon Scarlet.

Dominant color : deep lake
and red cinnabar.

Dominant color : rose lake
and red cinnabar.

Dominant color : rose lake
and light red cinnabar.

No. 5.

No. 4

No. a

Scarlet of Nimes.

Deep Salmon.

Less Deep Salmon.

■!^*

THE

M©mffi©w^^irmAa ma®i^^am.

AND

GARDENER'S MAGAZINE.

AUGUST 1, 1838.

Art, I. — Monography of the Genus Camellia, or An Essay on
its Culture, Description and Classification.

(Continued from page 237.)

78.* C. Decora. — Leaves two and a half inches wide and three and
a half long, obtuse-oval, almost round, dentated, a little veined, of
an obscure green, very glossy ; bud very large, scales whitish at
the summit and dark yellow at the base of the calyx ; flower four
and a half inches in diameter, double, cherry-red, No. 3 ; petals of
the exterior in three rows, almost two inches broad, reflex, festooned^
crenated rather deeply at the summit ; those of the interior small,
rumpled, short, forming a large centre and containing some con-
cealed stamens ; flower depressed, like that of C. Elegans Chand-
lerii. — Magnificent.

79. C. Dorsetti or Parthoniana. — Leaves large, ovate, lanceo-
late, very acuminate, flat, near together, of a handsome shining
green ; sometimes spotted with yellow : bud very large, rounded ;
scales of a yellowish green, flower very large, nearly five inches in
diameter, very full, of a pale cherry -red, No. 1 ; mixed with several
shades of rose, or white ; petals large, close, imbricated, irregular,
numerous; those of the centre smaller, arranged without order,
marked with red and white spots. This flower, which is of a ro-
sette form, blooms with difficulty. — Magnificent.

80. C. Dionthiflora, Cariophyllcefiora, Knightii, or Carnation
toarrata ; it is the same as the C. Knightii.

*In the last number of the Horticultural Register the following variety was acci-
dentally omitted.

75. C. Colla. — Quite a vigorous shrub; branches slim; leaves medium, resembling
a little those of Camellia Rubra simplex; flower double, medium, well formed, of a
handsome cherry-red, No. 3. — Pretty.

C. Carolus and C. Camptoniana should be Nos. 76 and 77, instead of 75 and 76.
36

282 MONOGRAPHY OF THE GENUS CAMELLIA.

81. C. Excelsiana. — Leaves two and a half inches wide and three
and a half long, oval, acuminate, a little carmined, nerves very salient,
of a deep- green ; bud oval, acute, scales green ; flower from two
and a half to three inches in diameter, double, of a cherry-red, No.
3; petals reflex, not numerous; those of the circumference rather
broad, those of the centre small, rumpled, confused, and intermin-
gled with stamens. — Passable.

82. C Exoniensis. — Branches short, leaves of a medium size,
roundish, oval, acuminate, a little carmined, thick, deeply dentated,
almost all curled, or undulating and reflexed, nerves small, of a
deep green ; bud elongated like that of C. Varicgata plena ; scales
calycinal, at first green, and then blackish ; flower in the form of a
rose, very large, four inches in diameter, double, of a pretty cherry-
red, No. 2, which changes gradually from the delicate to the vi-
vid ; petals well arranged, broad, erect, and distorted ; those of the
centre a little rumpled, and striped with white ; a few stamens
which are nearly all abortive and in the petaloid state. — Superb.

83. C. Elegans Chandlerii. — Leaves large, two inches broad
and four long, ovate, lanceolate, nerves not very apparent, much
dentated, and of a dirty green ; bud large, rounded, scales green-
ish ; flower very large, very double, of a cherry -red. No. 2 ; three
inches and ten lines in diameter, and somtimes more ; petals of the
exterior, to the number of twenty, large, oval, red, veined with
rose, and often spotted with white ; those of the interior rows, to
the number of from 140 to 160, long, narrow, numerous, arranged
in fascicles, striped with rose, which united form a depressed sphere.
— Magnificent.

84. C. Ekgantissima. — Leaves a little crenated on the border,
summit very acute ; some of them a little warped, or undulating, of
a deep green, very glossy ; flower full, three and a half inches in
diameter, of a handsome cherry. No. 1 ; sometimes of a rose tint,
shaded with carmine ; petals of the circumference in two rows,
large, imbricated, and form a regular cup ; those of the centre nu-
merous, folded like a demi-cornet, compact and even, affording to-
gether, a very rich group and of a pleasing form. There is another
Camellia under this name, the ground of which is white, striped
with red. See this name at the end. — Very handsome.

85. C Elegans. — Shrub vigorous, branches numerous, erect ;
leaves broad, deeply dentated, terminated by a long point, borders
rolled back ; bud acute ; scales blackish ; flower large, single, of

MONOGRAPHY OP THE GENUS CAMELLIA. 283

an ordinary cherry-red ; petals veined with purple, and rather deep-
ly notched at the summit. There is another variety, of this name,
with a double flower, which is very handsome.

86. C. Evipereur (V Austriche. — Leaves very large, oval, dentate,
of an obscure green ; nerves very salient ; bud large, oval, with
greenish scales at the base, and white at the summit ; flowers three
inches in diameter, double, of a cherry-red, No. 3, on blooming,
and more clear afterwards ; petals recurved, equally imbricated, a
few in the centre, small, curled, marked with white and intermixed
with stamens, which are unequal in height. — Very handsome.

87. C. Florida. — Leaves of a medium size, near, roundish-oval,
recurved, finely dentated ; bud large, scales blackish; flower three
inches in diameter, full, regular, of a cherry-red. No. 2, petals
handsomely imbricated, slightly crenated at the summit ; those of
the centre in the form of a cockle shell, often only half developed,
which has occasioned the name of bird's nest to be sometimes given
to this variety. (C. Nidus ovis.) — Superb.

88. C, Fascicularis. — Leaves pretty large, oval-elongate, deeply
dentated, handsomely veined, of various sizes and of a deep green ;
flower small, regular, of a cherry-red. No. 2. ; petals bifid, hand-
somely imbricated, arranged in three rows, and a little recurved ;
some of them marked with a white spot ; stamens abortive or peta-
loid, united in a fascicle around the styles, which sometimes appear
in that form. — Pretty.

89. C. Flaccida. — Leaves rather large, handsomely arranged, of
a beautiful green, shrub gracefully formed ; flower single, red, not
remarkable.

90. C. Fordii. — Shrub vigorous ; gracefully branched ; leaves
two and a quarter inches broad and three long, ovate-acuminate, near,
shining, of a deep green ; flower broad, very double, regular, clear
cherry. No. 3, three inches in diameter ; petals imbricated ; large,
crenated at the summit, and arranged near each other with admira-
ble symmetry. — Superb.

9L C. Fulgentissima. — Leaves two inches broad and three long,
horizontal, very acuminated, and of a delicate green; somewhat
large, rounded ; flower double, very large, three and a half inches
in diameter, of a cherry-red, No. 3 ; exterior petals in three rows,
broad ; those of the middle long, narrow, near, slit into narrow
strips, crowded, arranged in a curved line, striped with white and

284 MONOGRAPHY OF THE GENUS CAMELLIA.

intermixed with stamens ; this flower resembles that of C. Cliuiana.
— Superb.

92. C. Formosa. — Leaves two inches broad and three and a half
long, with very conspicuous nerves, ovate-lanceolate, acuminated,
of a shining green ; bud ovate-oblong, with greenish scales; flower
very large, double, of a beautiful clear cherry-red, No. 1 ; form ele-
gant.— Superb.

93. C Formosissima. — Leaves two and a half inches wide and
three long, ovate-oblong, some obtuse, others lanceolate, horizontal,
thick, multinerved, of a dark green ; bud obtuse, with greenish
scales ; flower full, three inches in diameter, of a clear rose-lake
color at first, and afterward cherry-red, No. 3 ; petals of the cir-
cumference in three rows, broad, much crenated, reflexed upon the
calyx ; the others smaller, narrow, erect, numerous, irregularly ar-
ranged.— Superb.

94. C. Fraseri. — Leaves oval, a little acuminate, recurved,
nerves prominent, deeply dentated, of a dull green ; flower large,
full, of a brilliant red. — Magnificent.

95. C. Gigantea. — Shrub vigorous, of a magnificent appear-
ance; leaves large, three and a half wide and four and a half long,
ovate, lanceolate, slightly acuminate, firm, thick, deeply dentated,
of a dull green ; bud oval, obtuse, as large as a pigeon's egg, be-
fore it blooms, scales green ; flower four and a half inches in diam-
eter, very double, of a pale red, sometimes rose, and opens with con-
siderable difficulty; exterior petals very numerous, arranged in three
rows ; those of the centre short, less numerous, broad and imbri-
cated in a rosette, whitish, intermingled with stamens. — Superb.

96. C. Grandiflora simplex. — Leaves of a medium size, ovate,
lanceolate, form and color of those of the single red Camellia ; bud
roundish, scales green ; flower single, red, large, bears seed. Mr
Noisette has obtained from the seed a Camellia, very like this, but
the flower is larger. There is also a Grandiflora with double
flowers which is very handsome.

97. C. Gloriosa. — The branches of this shrub are slim and grey-
ish ; leaves of a medium size, oval, acute, reflex, flat, of a beautiful
shining green ; bud small, scales blackish ; flower two and a half
inches in diameter, double, regular, of a beautiful cherry color, No.
2 ; petals irregular, distorted, rumpled, spirally arranged around
some abortive styles and stamens in the centre. — Very beautiful.

98. C. Hollesia. — Leaves large, oblong, much dentated, a little

MONOGRAPHV OF THE GENUS CAMELLIA. 2S5

elevated, of a beautiful green ; bud small, elongate ; flower pretty
large, double, rose color, No. 3 ; the first row of the petals in the
circumference, recurved, acuminated, imbricated distantly ; those
of the middle small, twisted, striped with white, a few abortive
stamens. — Handsome.

99. C. Husseyussoni. — Leaves two and a half inches broad,
and three and a half long, roundish oval, a little acuminated, multi-
nerved, a little curled, reflexed, of a rather deep green ; bud with
green scales ; flower large, semi-double, of a cherry-red, No. I ;
petals of the circumference arranged in two rows and rather broad .
those of the interior, long, narrow, erect, not numerous, intermixed
with some stamens. — Pretty.

100. C. HosacJcia. — A shrub which resembles in its port, the
C. Rubra plena, of which it is an hybrid, and more elegant; the
leaves are broad and of a little deeper green ; bud oblong, large, ob-
tuse, always green ; flower more than four inches in diameter, very
double, of a splendid scarlet color ; it blooms with regularity. —
Vety beautiful.

101. C. Hibbertia. — Leaves very large, thick, firm or stiflT, very
glossy, flat, and of an obscure green, some of them are curled and
almost all are recurved upon their branches ; bud oblong, scales
yellowish, its development very late ; flower of medium size, semi-
double, of a cherry-red. No. 1 ; petals large, mixed with many sta-
mens.— Passable.

102. C. Herbertii. — Foliage beautiful, and port very vigorous ;
bud elongate, scales greenish ; flower rather large, semi-double, of
a cherry-red. No. 2 ; petals broad, numerous and crowded ; some
stamens in the centre. — Passable.

103. C. HeteropJiylla. — A robust shrub, bushy, slim, leaves
elongate, recurved, of medium size, deformed, irregularly dentated ;
bud long, pointed, scales greenish ; flower small, semi-double, cher-
ry-red. No. 3; petals of the circumference in two rows, cordiform ;
those of the interior small, elongated, curved inwards and outwards,
sometimes spotted with white ; many fertile stamens in the centre.
— Passab le.

104. C. Humboldtiana. — Leaves oval, acuminated, very like those
of C. Emperor of Austria ; bud of medium size, scales green ;
flower large, double, of a cherry-red, No. 2; which changes im-
mediately to a delicate rose ; blooms abundantly and for a long
time. — Very beautiful.

286 MONOGRAPHY OF THE GENUS CAMELLIA.

105. C. Hyhrida Colorata. — Port rather graceful ; wood of
the branches blackish, leaves two inches wide and two inches eight
lines long, oval, a little rolled up, point reversed, nerves salient ;
those of the middle, especially, very distinct ; bud large, scales
green ; flower of medium size, of a cherry-red. No. 2 ; often spot-
ted with white, semi-double, petals erect, rounded, mixed with sta-
mens.— Passable.

106. C. Imhricata. — Leaves two inches wide and four long,
ovate, leaves lanceolate, curled, undulating, finely dentated, and of
a dull green ; bud. spherical, rather large, scales greenish ; flower
large, perfectly round, of a cherry-red, No. 2 ; shaded with car-
mine-lake ; petals from 70 to 75, regularly imbricated, oval, broad,
terminating in a point at the summit; those of the centre a little
striped, or marked with white ; is a long time in bloom. — Magnifi-
cent.

107. C. Insignis alba. — Leaves oval, a little lanceolate, one
inch and ten lines wide, and four long ; smooth, reclined, rolled up
on the sides, and of a yellowish green ; flower large, three and a
half inches in diameter, single, of a cherry-red. No. 3 ; six petals
in the circumference, sometimes spotted with white ; petaloid sta-
mens, whitish, slightly striped, with a pale red. — Passable.

108. C. Insignis de Tat. — Leaves two inches wide and three
inches and four lines long, oblong, very acuminate, close, almost
flat ; finely and regularly dentated, of an obscure green ; flower
semi-double, two and a half inches in diameter; of a cherry-red.
No. 4 ; petals imbricated, those of the centre small, and mixed
with stamens. — Channing.

109. C. Insignis rubra. — Leaves large, three inches wide, and
four long, roundish-oval, slightly acuminated, reflex ; bud large, de-
pressed, scales blackish ; flower large, four inches and more in
diameter, single, of a brilliant carmine red ; seven rounded petals;
many abortive stamens, or half transformed petals striped with
white in the centre ; pistils much larger than the stamens. The
last flowers of this variety do not resemble the first. — Very beautiful.

110. C Iddebiana. — Leaves very nearly resembling those of C.
Rubra simplex; flower vase-form, large, double, regularly formed,
of a deep orange-red, No. 7 ; petals, not numerous, broad, elevated,
intermixed with short stamens. — Superb.

111. C. Knightii eximia. — Leaves small, close, oval, very acumi-
nate, reflex at t-he extremity ; much veined and of a dull green ; bud

MONOGRAPHY OF THE GENUS CAMELLIA. 287

at first elongate, pointed, oblong and obtuse, some days before its de-
velopment; flower semi-double, two and a half inches in diameter,
at first rose, No. 4 ; and at a later period cherry-red, No. 2. exterior
petals, imbricated, a little marked with white ; those of the centre
smaller, rumpled, intermixed with stamens. — Passable.

112. C. Latifolia nova. — Leaves three inches wide, and about
the same in length, and in a manner imbricated, rounded at the
base, point recurved, glossy, and much nerved ; flower vase-form,
three inches in diameter, of a cherry-red. No. 3; interior petals
irregular, festooned and curled ; those of the exterior often with
two or three roundish lobes. — Superb.

113. C. Lambertii. — Leaves very much like those of C. Rubra
plena; flowers large, semi-double, and often single, cherry-red, No.
3. — Passable.

114. C. Macrophylla. — There are offered for sale, by the nurse-
rymen, several varieties of Camellia, under this name ; the oldest
has a single flower, and of but little merit; the second has very
beautiful foliage, and a small semi-double insignificant flower ; the
third resembles, much, C. Humboldtiana ; the fourth and last, and
which I consider the true, has leaves, four inches wide and five and
a half long, roundish-oval, nerves very salient, and of a beautiful
green; flower very well formed, of a cherry-red, No. 1 ; petals
rounded, broad, those of the centre rumpled, distorted, and spiral-
ly arranged ; some very short stamens in the middle ; corolla three
and a half inches in diameter. — Sicperb.

115. C. Miss Rosa. — A very vigorous shrub ; leaves horizontal,
oval, almost round, two inches and four lines wide, and four inches
long, acuminate, very much dentated, thick, strong nerves ; petiole
longer than in the other varieties : buds numerous, pointed, like
those of C. Variegata plena ; flower two and a half inches in di-
ameter, semi-double, of a cherry red. No. 1 ; exterior petals, to the
number of from eight to ten, very broad ; those of the centre small,
depressed, and arranged in spirals; blooms full and easily. — Ver7j
beautiful.

116. C. Magniflora simplex. — Leaves very nearly like those of
the single red Camellia; port pyramidal, vigorous and elegant;
flower five inches in diameter; single, of a cherry-red, No. 2;
many stamens in the centre. Mr Tamporet obtained it from the
seed. — Very beautiful.

117. C. Mutabilis Traversii. — A vigorous shrub ; leaves large,

288 MONOGRAPHY OF THE GENUS CAMELLIA.

of a beautiful green, a little curled, resembling those of C. Rubra
plena, nerves very conspicuous j flower regular, double, very
large, three and a half inches in diameter, at first, on expanding,
of a delicate rose tint, immediately it becomes deeper, and shaded
with violet ; petals from 80 to 70, the exterior side of which is mar-
gined with white, and most of them are traversed by a whitish line,
which regularly extends from the extremity to the claw. — Superb.

118. C. Nannetensis. — Leaves rather large, obtuse-oval, reflex,
a little acuminated, veined, of a faded green ; flower double, hand-
somely imbricated, two and a half inches in diameter, cherry-red.
No. 1., sometimes darker; petals not numerous, arranged in a vase
form, nearly all equal. — Vert/ pretty.

119. C. New-imported. — Leaves very nearly like those of C. Raw-
siana ; bud rounded, scales blackish ; flower of medium size, dou-
ble, well formed, of a cherry-red, No. 2.— Very beautiful.

120. C. Osburnea. — Leaves one inch and three lines wide and
three inches six lines long, oblong, glossy, flat, a little acuminated,
recurved towards the stock, and in an imbricated manner, very fine-
ly dentated ; bud pointed-oval ; scales calycinal, greenish ; flower
large, of a cherry-red, No. 1, like that of C. Coniophylldjlora,
that is, composed of eight petals in the circumference, many single
or petaloid stamens, short, united in a compact fascicles, striped with
pale red, and forming a depressed bowl-formed corolla. — Pretty.

121. C. Oxonicmis. — A very vigorous shrub; branches large
and shooting out far, leaves roundish-oval, very acuminate, regularly
dentate ; bud large, oval, scales greenish, sometimes black at the
summit; flower large, double, four inches in diameter, of an in-
tense rose, very difficult to describe; exterior petals arranged
around and toward the centre, recurved, narrowed towards the claws,
very broad in the limb, regularly placed in a vase-form ; those of
the centre small, straight, irregularly marked with rose and white,
which gives a peculiar character of beauty to this flower. The
sexual organs are apparent, some of the stamens petaloid. — Superb.

122. C. Ornata. — Leaves medium, horizontal, of a handsome
green ; bud large, scales almost black ; flower large, broad, double,
of a cherry-red, mixed with a delicate violet. No. 3, well formed,
having some resemblance to that of C. Resa sinensis. — Beautiful.

123. C. Percycn. — Leaves large, roundish-oval, stiff", of a black-
ish green ; bud oblong, scales greenish ; flower large, single, cher-
ry-red, No. 1 , stamens numerous, dispersed, and very regularly re-

MONOGRAPH Y OF THE GENUS CAMELLIA 2S9

curved, instead of being straight and confined in f:iscicles, as in the
C Aitonia ; this disposition of the stamens gives it the form of the
interior of the blossom of a Passifinra. — Curious.

124. C PcncilUita. — Leaves two inches wide and four long,
ovate-lanceolate, very dentate, almost flit, of a beantifui green ; bud
rather large, scales green ; flower two and a lialf inches in diame-
ter, semi-double, of a cherry-red, No. 3; petals of the circumfer-
ence reflexeJ upon the calyx, the others elevated as in the C. Rlx
liatavioi. A few stamens in the centre. — Pretly.

125. C. Parthoninna. See C. Dorsitti.

126. Preston-eclipse — The leaves have a faint resemblance to
those of C. Imperialis, as have also the buds ; flower three inches
and three lines in diimeter, sometimes of a clear rose, i\o. 1, strip-
ed with white, like the C. Punctata plena ; now and then of a pure
cherry-red. No. 4, as in the Camellia Paeoniseflora ; exterior petals,
not numerous, large, recurved ; those of the interior narrow, erect,
slashed, striped, spiral, and form a depressed sphere. — Superb.

127. C. Paradoxa. — Leaves two inches wide and three and a
hilf long, roundish-oval, nerves conspicuous; flower large, single,
regular, of a clear cherry-red. No. 5 ; petals slightly undulate, cre-
nated at the summit ; fliaments of the stamens united for half their
length. — Passable.

12S. C. Pulchella. — Leaves small, of a pale green ; bud with
blackish scales ; flower small, semi-double, of a cherry-red, No. 1 ;
petals straight. — Passable.

129. C. Pceonicpflora rubra.. — A vigorous shrub, has a tendency
to grow tall, and requires to be pruned to give it a handsome form ;
leaves two inches wide, and tv/o and eleven lines long, a little den-
taled, oval, acumimted, shining, of rather a deep green ; bud large,
rounded, scales green ; flower four and a half inches in diameter,
and sometimes larger, of a vivid rose, No. 4, often of a cherry red,
No, 2, full ; petals flat in the circumference ; in the ce-ntre large,
and in form of a cornet, numerous, narrow, close, forming an ele-
vated centre. — Superb.

130. C. Parrksii striped. — Leaves small, an inch and a half
«idc and two long, reflex, recurved at the summit, nerves appa-
rent, but small, of an obscure green, surface uneven ; bud with
green scales; flower large, double, of a cherry-red. No. 2, at first,
aod afterwards rose ; peiab of the circumference broad, finely ere-

37

29D MONOGRAPHY OF THE GENUS CAMELLA.

nafed at the summit ; some stamens in tiie centre ; this flower re-
semblos, a little, that of C. Rusa sinensis. — Handsome.

J3I. C. Palmcrii rubra. — Leaves of a medium size, of the kind
of those of C. Liicida ; ilower rather small, double, of a cherry-red,
No. :J. — Passable.

13'2. C. Plunionin. — Leaves two inches wide and three and half
long, roundish-oval, a little rnucronate, thick, regularly denlated at
the summit, and irregularly at the base, of a sombre green ; bud
elongate, scales green; of a medium size ; flower of a medium size,
single, cherry-red, No. 2 ; petals to the number of from five to seven,
broad, stamens single, mixed with others half transformed into pe-
tals.— Rather insignificant.

1IJ:J. C Reine des Pays-Bos. — Leaves near, shining like those of
C. Rubra simplex ; bud with calycinal scales, greenish ; flower three
inches in diameter^ double, clear cherry-red, No. 2 ; petals of the
circumference recurved and rumpled ; those of the centre erect and
distorted. — Passable.

134. C. Radiata. — Leaves of a medium size, ovate-lanceolate,
of a fided green, nearly nerveless; bud rounded, depressed, scales
blackish at the bnse, and whitish at the summit ; flower two inches
and ten lines in diameter, lull, regular, of a delicate cherry-red. No.
1 ; petals handsomely imbricated, forming a cup, as in C. Florida.
— Passable.

135. C Rosa sinensis. — A shrub with greyish branches ; leaves
large, near, strongly nerved, oval, acuminate, regularly dentate, re-
curved towards the stalk, of a deep green ; bud rather large, in
form and color like those of the C. Varicgata plena ; flower three
inches and three lines, and sometimes more, in diameter, full, regu-
1 ir, of a cherrv-red, No. 2, sometimes rose ; exterior petals recurv-
ed, and a little irregular in the limb; those ol the centre narrower,
and a little rumpled ; some of them striped with white and clear rose.
— Superb.

13(i. * C. Reticulata. — This Camellia came from China. It is
considered by all botanists as a distinct species. It diflTers, in all
respects, froen C. Japonica, by its rounded, flat, and strongly reticu-
lated leaves, as well as by its silken ovary, which is not to be found
in the other species ; bud very large, conical, two inches long before
it opens ; calyx pentaphyllous, of a yellowish green; leaves oblong,
acumiaale, reticuliite> dciilate, of a deep greer: ; Cower very large,

MONOGRAPUY OF THE GENUS CAMEI-LIA. 291

five inches in diameter, semi-double; petals, in number from twenty
to twerityliiree, undulated and inserted in a loose and irreguhr man-
ner, of a bright cherry-red, No. 2, shaded with rose; sia mend nu-
merous and irregularly placed, some erect and others curved ; an-
thers broad, of a dull brownish yellow, which but illy compoits with
the splendor of the petals. This flower much resembles that of
Poeonia arborea rosea, when this is only semi-double, which is often
the case ; of the same color and the same form. — Magnificent.

1537. C. Rubricaulis, — A vigorous shrub, and of a handsome
port; leaves two and a half inches wide and three and a half lo ig,
roundish-oval, near, thick, broad teeth and conspicuous nerves, of a
deep green ; bud ovate-oblong, scales yellowish ; flower semi-dou-
ble, two and a half inches in diameter, of a regular form, cherry-
red, No. 3 ; petals rounded, broad, dispersed ; corolla in the form
of a vase ; many stamens in the centre. It is known in the com-
merce of flowers, by the name of C. Rubricaulis Variegatn ; but
this is the same as the common C. Rubricaulis, wh.ich has m-irbled
flowers when it is forced to bloom early in a very warm green-house.
This peculiarity of producing variegated flowers, hai been remark-
ed in several varieties of the red flowered Camellias, whenfjver they
are submitted to an elevated temperature, to make them bloom be"
fore their natural epoch. The C. Chandlcrii, Sptctabilis, Coccinei,
Rex Batavi(e, Afl(B Rosa sinensis, Corollinn, Belesinna, Wiltonia,
Rubra plena, and others, experience this chatige. TheVariegata
plena is more marbled, or variegated in winter, than in the spring.

l^JS. C. Rosa punctata. — Leaves two inches wide and two and
a half long, roundish-oval, acuminate, near, horizontal, regularly
dentated, of rather a deep green ; flower three inches in diameter,
double, well formed, of a cherry-red, No. 2, with some wh.te spoif .

— Very handsome.

139. C Roscrflora. — Leaves two inches wide and three and two
lines long, ovate lanceolate, acuminate, some of them rolled back,
conspicuously nerved, and of a handsome green , Imd rather large,
oblong, elongate, scales green ; flower regu ar, double, two ai:d a
half inches in diameter, cherry-red. No. 2 ; petals rather numerous,
ovate-oblong, well imbricated, in a rose-form ; a few stamens. —

— Handsome.

140. C. Scintillous. — Leaves two inches wide and two and ten
lines long, oval, a little acuminated ; nerves apparent, of an ordj-

292 MONOGRAPUY OF THE GENUS CAMILLIA.

niry green ; bud ratiier large, a liltle pointei', scales 'yellowish ;
flower three and a half inches in diameter, double, cherry-red, No.
1 ; petals shaded with red and rose, long, narrow, handsomeiy im-
bricated.— Very handsome.

141. C. Senicca. — There exist in commerce tlirce different va"
rielies under this name ; tl)e foliage of the first resembles that of C*
Florida; bud large, roundish, depressed, scales yellowisli ; flower
large, full, of a cherry-red, No. 2, opening gradually in the f(»rni of
a cup; petals of the circumference, arranged in several rows, broad,
rounded, imbricated; those of the other rows aje much smaller,
but of the form of the preceeding, a little rumpled in the centre
sometimes striped with white, a little twisted, and contains two or
three stamens. — It is a superb variety.

The second variety has leaves two inches wide and three long
ovate-lanceolate, very acuminate, of a faded green ; flower large^
of a cherry-red. No. 2, very double, well formed ; petals well ar-
ranged, and imbricated regularly. — Superb.

The third variety has rather large leaves, inclined towards the
earth, and of a pile green, the flower is composed of seven large
y»etals in the circumference ; the petals of the middle very nearly
like those of C. Anemoncejlora. — Passable.

142. C. Superba. — Leaves roundish-oval, two inches wide and
two and a half long, denlated and a little undulated, thick, of a dull
green ; flower large, semi-double, in the form of a broad cup, of a
beautiful cherry, No. 3; a few stamens are found intermixed with
the small petals. — Passable.

143. Staminea simplex., ox Piiicholor. — Leaves very large, three
inches and three lines wide atid four inches and three lines long
roundish-oval, stiff, thick, a little acuminated, strong nerves, of a
pile green ; bud very large, oblong, obtuse, scales yellowish, flowers
four inches in diameter, single, of a cherry-red, No. 2, sometiiiiPg
darker; stamens numerous ; anthers large; filaments short. — Very
beautiful.

144. C. Sjphiana (Poit.) — Shrub vigorous ; leaves oval, slightly
acuminated, denlated rather deeply, of a handsome green ; bud large
conical; flower cherry-red. No. 2, semi-full, three and a half inches
in diameter; petals from 15 to 2'), broad, well icnbricated, reflex to-
wards the summit, convex in the middle and concave at the base ;
petals of the centre disposed as in the corolla of a lily ; the fila-

MONOGRAPHT OF THE CENLS CAMELLIA. 293

merits of the stamens are divided into five or six divergent fascicles.
Obtained from the seed by Mr Alathieu, of Paris, and named by Mr
Poiteau. — Vert/ handsome.

145. Thunbergia. — Leaves one inch and eleven lines broad and
three inches long, oval, a little acuminated, obscurely veined, slight-
ly recurved interiorly, fliit at the summit, and of a beautiful glossy
green ; bud oblon;f, scales greenish ; flower two and a half inches
in diin»eter, semi-double, cherry-red, No. 2, of the form of Camel-
lia Florida, but less double ; petals of the centre curled and distort-
ed ; pistils apparent. — Superb.

I4G. C. SpatulatcE. — Leaves rather large; buds with dark yel-
low scales; flower large, single, cherry-red, No. 3; petals elongate,
bifiil, spatulate, hollowed into gutters having the sunmiit a little re-
curved ; bears seed. — Bcavtiful.

147. C. Tritimphans. — Leaves two and a half inches wide and
three long, roundish-oval, slightly acuminated, nerves very distinct,
a little undulated towards the middle, thick, very like those of tiie
Coloillii ; bud spherical, depressed at the summit, and as lajge as a
small walnut, before it expands into blossom ; scales calycinal, largf,
thick, rounded, of a yellowish color ; flower three and a half inches
in diameter, very full, regular, clierry-red, No. 1, gradually shaded
with a pure rose, whose inte:iseness diminishes from the circum-
ference to the centre ; petals large, a little recurved at the exterior
extremity, imbricated gracefully, slightly veined wiih red and rose ;
sometimes the petals of the centre, which are small, are striped with
while. — Magnifirtnt.

14S. C. \Vnrruta striata. — Leaves lanceolate, two inches wide
and fcur long, acuminated, the borders turned up and forming a
kind of spoon, of a glos.^y green ; bud very large, oblong, scales
clear green ; flower bro:id, irregular, of a cherry-red. No. I, often
pale or dark, and spotted with white; petals six, broad, dt.'Pp!y cre-
nated at the summit, folded back on the calyx, and separated from
those of t!ie centre, which are all composed of petaloid stamens, red,
regular, forming a bowl. — Very handsome.

149. C. Venustissanta. — Leaves roundish-oval, like those of C.
Masterii, two inches and eight lines wide and three long; flower of
the Anemone, large, semi-double, cherry-red. No. 2, sometimes
striped with white lines. — Charming.

loO. C. IVoodtiana. — Leaves two inches wide and three long,

294 MONOGRAPHS OF THE GENUS CAMELLIA.

lanceolate, acuminate, regularly and finely dentated ; bud small,
scales crresn : flower njedium, double, of a cherry-red. No. '2. —
Passable.

151. C. IVuodiii. — Leaves twenty lines wide and three inches
and ten lines long; binceohite, acuminated, a little dentated, of a
deep green ; handsome port ; bud very large, oblong, scales l>Iack-
i^'h ; flower very large, three inches in diameter, petals unequal.

This flower resembles a Provence rose ; blooms with difficuhy. —
Superb.

FIRST GAMUT.

UNICOLORS.

DEEP CHERRY-BED.

Dominant color. — Carmine mixed with more or less Vermilion,
as in Nos. 4, 5, <> and 7 of the colored table.

152. Camellia Alexanclrinna. — Leaves two inches and eight
lines wide and three and a half long, ovate, oblong, lanceolate, ca-
naliculate ; reflex, teeth very distant, of a deep green ; flower large,
three inches in diameter, double, deep cherry-red. No. 6; a little of
a violet tint, form like that of C. Althecjlora. — Very beautiful.

153. C. AUhe(£Jl,)ra. — Leaves two inches six lines wide and
four inches three lines long, near, reflex, lanceolate, of a clear and
glassy green ; bud obtuse, large, with reddish calycinal scales;
flower broad, tiepressed, double, three and a half inches in diam-
eter, cherry-red. No. 6; petals of the circumference in two rows,
large, recurved, separated from those of the centre, which are broad,
short, erect, irregularly veined, notched or slit at the summit an J
intermixed with stamens, which are not very apparent. — Superb.

154. C. Atruviolarea. — Flower large, regular, well formed,
clear red, and afterwards deep; petals of the exterior rounded and
acuminated ; those of the centre narrower, elongate, distorted and
acute. — Passable.

155. C. Anemora mutahilUs. — Leaves two inches and three
lines wide and three inches and two lines long, flat, ovate, lanceo-
late, nerves not very apj)arent, of a deep green ; bud rather large,
oblong, scales greenish ; flower three and a half inches in dia.n-
eter, full, of a deep red, No. (i ; inclining to purple, darker than

MONOGRAPH\ OF THE UENUS CAMELLfA, 295

C. Corollina ; petals in eight rows, handsomely imbricated, the ex-
teriors broad, the others diminish in \vi(ith in proportion as tiiey ap-
proximate to the centre, all crenated at the summit, some of them
verging towards fvhite. — Magnificent.

Joti. C. Ananona Wnrrata rosea. — Leaves four inches long and
three wide, oval, elliptical, acute, imperfectly nerved, glossy and co-
riaceous, point short ; flower more than three inches in diameter,
spherical, of a cherry-red, No. 4; shaded with a purplish-rose , ex-
terior petals large, an inch broad, not very near, entire, a little sin-
uous.— Superb.

157. C. Blackhurniana. — Leaves two inches wide and four long,
oblong, lanceolate, dispersed, dentated, resembling those of C. Dor-
setti of a brownish green ; bud elongate, pointed, with greenish
scales, flower large, three inches in diameter, full ; C(»li»r, deep
cherry-red. No (3 ; petals of the exterior large, recurved, detached
from those of the centre, which are short, near, compact, forming
an elevated heart. — Superb.

15?. C. Braxilliensis. — Leaf handsome ; shrub branched ; port
pyramidal, and very vigorous ; bud with blackish scales; flower
semi-double, red, small. — Insignificant.

159. C. Berlesiana fulgens. — A siirub with tortuous and greyish
branches; leaves near, numerous, of ordinary size, oval, a little
acuminated, nerves not very apparent, scarcely dentated, and
somewhat like those of C. Coccinea ; bud large, elongate, scales
green ; opens gradually and gracefully ; flower three inches and two
lines in diameter, double, rose color. No. 4 ; petals rounded, eleva-
ted, disposed in the form of a vase, not numerous, intermixed with
stamens, which are not very apparent. — Very handsovie.

160. C. Concinna. — Leaves an inch and a half wide and two
and a half long, thick, roundish-oval, the summit very acute, nerves
very salient, but little dentated and of a deep green ; bud pretty
large, pyramidal, scales greenish; flower more than three inches in
diameter, full, hollowed in the centre like a funnel, cherry-red. No.
4 ; petals gracefully imbricated, from the centre to the circumfe-
rence, reflex, and form a perfect rose. — Magnificent.

161. C. Coccinea. — Shrub pyramidal, wood greyish; leaves of
medium size, near, roundish-oval, a little acuminate, smooth, irreg-
uhrly dentated ; bud somewhat large, oval, acute, scales greenish ;
flower axUjarjr, large, regular, dpuble, of a deep cherry-red, *Vo, 4 ;

293 MONOGRAPHY OF THE GENUS CAMELLIA.

petals of the circumference, imbricated, sometimes splashed with
white ; those of the centre sm:xll, rumpled, aud irregularly arranged.
— Ve7'ij beautiful.

16'2. C. Aintotiia. — Floy. It is a sub variety of C. Warrata,
fecmidated by C. Variegata, and obtained from the seed, by Mr
Floy of New York. Tise flower of this Camellia has only a sin-
gle row of large exterior petals, which are stiff, thick, very broad,
of a deep cherry-red. No. 6 ; the centre of the flower is composed
of narrow petals, striped red and white, among which are seen
some stamens and rudiments of pistils like those of the Warrata. —
Very beautiful.

1(5:3. C. Corollina. — Leaves from two to three inches wide and
five long, lanceolate, acuminate, a little inclined towards the stock,
sometimes considerably dentated for one half, and then almost en-
lire towards the summit, of an obscure green ; bud large, obtuse,
scales yellowish ; flower three and a half inches in diameter, and
often more, double, deep cherry-red. No. 6; petals large, broad, not
numerous, sometimes spotted with white ; some stamens in the cen-
tre. The seeds of this Camellia have produced very beautiful sub-
varieties. — Superb.

164. C. DUecta. — Leaves small, of diifirent furms, very little
dentated ; bud small, scales blackish; fl )wer small, semi-double, of
a very beautiful deep cherry-red. No. 6 ; a few petaloid stamens in
the centre. — Passable.

Kio. C. Dernii, or Aug7(st(s. — Leaves elongate, horizontal,
profoundly dentate ; bud oval, pointed; scales yellowish; flower
full, three inches in diameter, of a handsone fjrm, deep cherry-
red. No. 4 ; vivid crimson ; exterior petals in two rows, broad, flat-
tened, gracefully twisted, reflex, and crenate , those of the middle,
form a flattened bowl, are numerous and united in irregular groups.
— Very beautiful.

160. C. Egertoyiia. — Leaves oblong, acuminate, eighteen lines
wide and three and a half inches long, obscurely veined, the point
inclined toward the earth, flat, of a deep shining green ; bud elon-
crate, scales blackish on their borders, green in the middle and
whitish at the summit ; flower two inches and nine lir)es in diam-
eter, full, deep cherry-red. No. 5; petals of the exterior di.^posed
in three rows, broad, recurved, much crenaled at the summit ; those
of the centre, smaller, unequal, separated from the first ; slit into

MONOGRAPHY OP THE GENUS CAMELLIA. 297

narrow portions, the first slit at the top, contorted, short and com-
pact, forming an open centre ; enveloped by a few more regular
petals. — Very bemitifid.

167. C. Elphinstonia — Leaves two inches four lines wide and
three inches eight lines long, roundish-oval, a little dentated ; bud
large, scales of a blackish green ; flower large, cherry-red. No. 5 ;
almost poppy colored, shaded with carmine, sometimes splashed
with white, three inches in diameter, heart arched ; exterior petals
pretty large, well arranged in a cup and notched at the summit ; those
of the centre, small, numerous, rolled like a cornet, grouped and
united, presenting a regular and pleasing sphere. — Very beautiful.

168. C. Flammea. — Leaves narrow, elongate ; flower small,
deep cherry-red, No. 5 ; petals a little pointed. — Insignificant.

169. C. Fulgida. — Leaves two inches and one line wide and
three inches three lines long, roundish-oval, a little acuminate, re-
flex, nerves profound, of a very deep green ; bud large, a little
elongated, scales green ; flower three and a half inches in diam-
eter, single, deep cherry No. 6 ; petals 6, broad, slightly curled,
resembling those of C. Spatulata.

170. C. Fulgens. — Leaves and port of the single C. Elegans ;
flower cherry-red. No. 4 ; single ; stamens as in C. Aitonia; bears
seed. There is a variety which bears the same name, the flower of
which is double, large and very beautiful.

171. C. Gloria belgica. — Leaves handsome, shining, finely den-
tated ; flower large, single, cherry-red, No. 4 ; like that of C. Pa-
paveracea.

172. C. Heugmaniana. — Leaves somewhat large, smooth, two
inches and two lines wide, and three inches one line long, oblong,
very acuminate, strongly nerved, very dentate, reflex, undulated, of
a dull green ; bud of a medium size, obtuse, scales green ; flower
three inches in diameter, double, cherry-red, No. 4; spherical, well
formed ; petals imbricated, regularly elevated, pretty large ; those
of the centre small, a little distorted, a few stamens. — Very hand-
some.

173. C. Hexangularis Monstruosa. — Leaves of a medium size,
roundish-oval, slightly acuminate, obscurely dentate, of an ordinary
green : flower three inches in diameter, well formed, double, of a
cherry-red. No. 4. — Superb.

There exists an old Hexangularis, whose leaf is small, as well as
38

298 MONOGRAPHY OF THE GENUS CAMELLIA.

the flower, which is of a delicate rose color, with numerous petals,
visibly divided into several angular undulations and curved inward.
— Passable.

174. C. Insignis purpurea. — I^eaves large, ovate, lanceolate,
reflex, of a blackish green ; bud elongate, large, scales blackish ;
flower large, very deep cherry-red, No. 7 ; single, with a few abor-
tive stamens, or transformed into rudimental petals in the centre.

175. C. Jolnisonii. — Shrub vigorous, but not much branched ;
leaves broad, of a deep green and often spotted with yellow dots ;
bud large, thick, scales greenish ; flower semi-double, large, of a
dark cherry-red, No. 4 ; crimsoned more or less deeply ; some of
the exterior petals broad and others pointed, not numerous; those
of the middle, lanceolate, smaller than the first, formed into spirals
and intermixed v\rith fertile stamens. — Yery handsome.

176. C. Knightii. — A shrub of an elegant port ; leaves round-
ish-oval, finely dentated, very glossy, almost flat, and of a clear
green ; bud large, spherical, scales calycinal, blackish ; flower
large, single, of a handsome cherry-red, No. 4 ; petals broad, seven
in number ; many stamens arranged in fascicles, some of which
are in a rudimental petaloid state ; bears seed. — Passable.

177. C. Kermesina. — Leaves two inches and three lines wide
and three and a half long, roundish-oval, strongly-nerved, of a very
deep green ; bud elongate, scales green ; flower three inches in di-
ameter ; cherry-red, No. 5 ; double, petals round, erect, spatulate,
like those of C. Ruhricaulis ; a few stamens in the centre. — Very
handsome.

178. C. Lindbria. — Leaves of a medium size, ovate, lance-
olate, very acuminate, recurved at the summit, of a green similar
to that of C. single red ; bud elongated, scales greenish ; flower
semi-double, deep cherry-red. No. 4; like that of C. Camptoniana.
There is another variety of this name, the flower of which is large,
double, of a delicate rose, resembling much that of C. Sinensis
rosea. — Su2?erb.

179. C. Lucida. — Leaves two inches wi^Je, and three long,
ovate, oblong, a little acuminated, shining, flat, horizontal, the old
have the summit acute, the others obtuse, slightly dentated, and of
an obscure green: bud of a medium size, scales blackish ; flower
double, rather large, regular, of a deep orange red, approaching
carmine, No. 5 ; some of the centre petals deformed.— "Ter?/ beau-
tiful.

MONOGRAPH Y OF THE GENUS CAMELLIA. 299

ISO. C. Madame Adelaide. (Berl.) — Shrub pyramidal; leaves
resembling those of C. double white, a little more acute, and more
dentated at the extremity, of a deep green ; bud very large,
like that of C. Aitonia ; flower very large, spherical, double, of
a beautiful cherry-red, No. 5; petals rounded, beautifully imbri-
cated, some of those in the centre slightly distorted ; those of
the circumference arranged horizontally, and those of the centre
erect. — Superb.

181. C. Milleri. — Leaves two inches and two lines wide, and
four and often more long, oblong, scarcely veined, flat, very finely
dentated, of a clear green, as in C. Speciosa vera ; bud very large,
obtuse, scales greenish ; flower large, four inches and eight lines in
diameter, full, cherry-red, No. 4 ; exterior petals broad, not numer-
ous, recurved, sometimes curled, doubly crenate at the summit :
those of the interior of different sizes, some large, others small and
slit into narrow strips like the Speciosa vera. — Magnificent.

182. C. Minuta. — Shrub vigorous ; leaves three inches long,
almost orbicular, a little attenuated at the base and summit, very
glossy and veined ; flower two inches and eight lines in diameter,
of a deep cherry-red. No. 4; arranged into a perfect vase, regular,
petals imbricated, emarginate in the middle, slightly cordiform ;
those of the centre, very irregular, of a uniform vivid red. — Superb.

183. C. Myrtifolia or involuta. — Leaves smaller than in the
other varieties, one inch and a half wide and two long, oval, slight-
ly lanceolate, of a dull green; bud of a medium size, egg-shaped,
acute, of a yellowish green ; flower large, full, well formed, of a
handsome red ; exterior petals deep amaranth, and those approach-
ing the centre, a pale rose color ; petals broad, beautifully im-
bricated, numerous. The flowers of this variety emit an agreeable
odor when they are struck by the solar rays. — Magnificent.

184. C. Myrtifolia grandifiora. — A shrub of rather a slow
growth and not very tall, branches of a greyish green, slim and di-
verging ; leaves two inches long, a little contorted into the form of
a boat, and deeply dentated ; of a deep and glossy green ; flower
very double, four inches in diameter, of a cherry-red. No. 5 ; spot-
ted and striped with carmine ; petals very ample, rounded, borders
of a pale rose ; corolla regular, and approaches very nearly the
the form of the hundred-leaf rose ; like the latter it is a little open
and forms a cup in the centre ; blooms very late. — Superb.

300 CI/LTIVATION OF TRUFFLES.

185. C. Mastererii. — Leaves rounded and acuminate, of a very
dark green ; bud elongate and has reddish calycinal scales ; flower
three and a half inches in diameter, full, well formed, of a deep
cherry-red, No. 5, or deep crimson ; petals of the circumference
oblong, cordiform, convex and recurved; those of the centre small-
er, cut into strap-shaped portions at the summit, not numerous and
sometimes marked with white. — Very beautiful.

186. C. Papaveracea. — Leaves of ordinary size, oval, con-
tracted at the summit, nerves salient, of a pale green, often shaded
with yellow; flower single, five inches in diameter, cherry-red. No.
4 ; petals from 5 to 7, broad, well placed ; many short stamens,
compact, style very long ; bears seed. — Superb.

[To be Continued.]

Art. IL — The Cultivation of Truffles^ or Instruction for ar-
tificially raising and making large Plantations of Black and
White Truffies, inWoods, Shrubberies, and Gardens. By Alex-
ander VON BOROHOLZ.

(Concluded from page 274.)

If, therefore, truffles are to be transported from one situation to
another, and to be promoted to be the ancestors of their species, the
greatest precautions must be taken, lest they die on the journey, and
become useless. This is the greatest difficulty to be encountered
in the planting of truffles, and thus the plantation may easily fail. —
If truffles naturally grow in the vicinity of the new plantation, the
experiment may be repeated without much expense ; but, when
truffles have to be sent a considerable distance, it is very unpleasant
to lose both time and money. Truffles, at their full growth, must
not be chosen for transplanting : at that time their vital powers are
too feeble ; they are then too near dying to cause the production of
this species in their new situation. They are as little able to bear
the violent removal from their ancient situation, and transplantation
into a new one, as an old tree (for instance, a fir or an oak) that has
arrived at its full growth. Most of the early attempts to remove
truffles from one situation to another must have failed, because large,
and consequently old worn-out truffles were chosen for the purpose •
and it was expected that they should survive this treatment, contrary

CULTIVATION OF TRUFFLES. 301

lt> their nature, and combined with iheir transplantation. Already,
during their journey, or even after being planted, they fell a prey
to death ; and their bodies, soon becoming putrid, were unable to
operate efficaciously upon the vicinity assigned them.

Equally injurious is the planting of tender truffle germs, or very
small truffles. They also cannot be taken from their parental earth,
and abandoned to their new situation, without being exposed to the
same hazard of dying as a young hound which is taken from its
mother's breast and left to itself, even with heaps of meat and drink
about it. How could it be even possible that the tender truffle germ
should operate so powerfully upon the new soil, where truffles had
never grown, as to collect about the tender plant the matter neces-
sary for the support of the fungus, and to change it to its nutriment?

Let, therefore, truffles of a middle size, and in the full possession
of their vital powers, be chosen for transplanting. There is no great
difficulty in finding truffles in a place in a wood where many grow.
Truffles are generally found in groups; so that many, of all ages
are found near to fully grown ones. Tf the dog has found the place
where such as are fully grown exist (for he can discover none but
by the smell which is diffused around them, and the young ones
have no smell,) we only need carefully search the ground near to
find more truffles, both young and fully grown ones. In the general
search, the young unripe ones are mostly left unnoticed, but so torn
from their situation, that they must soon die.

Nevertheless, these half-grown truffles often greatly resemble the
other before-mentioned truffles, that are not edible ; and an experi-
enced eye is necessary to distinguish them from such useless kinds
as are frequently met with near them, especially as, in doubtful
cases, the smell decides nothing ; for the edible truffle first receives,
when it is become ripe, that smell which designates it, so as not to
be mistaken. In order that no useless truffles may be brought into
the plantation (viz. the swine truffles,) notwithstanding they would
come quickly forward, let those be thrown away respecting which it
is uncertain whether they are of the edible kind or not. If the place
be known where half-grown truffles are, let them be taken up on a
showery day, or at least a cloudy one, in such a manner as that they
may remain completely enveloped in a ball of earth, and be as little
as possible exposed to the access of the air. If the earth is very
loose, so as not to hold firmly together; or if, through previous

302 CULTIVATION OF TRUFFLES.

drought, it had lost its natural viscidity, which it has not fully recov-
ered again through the last rain ; the place where the truffles are
must have a great deal of water i)oured over it a few hours before
they are taken up. The fungi will then be easily taken up, together
with the earth about them, and put into a wooden case, which must
be filled with moist wood earth, from the place of growth of the
truffles, and closely fastened down. Truffles may thus be sent many
miles, without any danger of their perishing. Only upon long jour-
neys, which last several days or weeks, the case must often be opened,
for an hour at a time, and the earth from time to time be moistened
with fresh river-water, that the truffles may not become mouldy and
putrid. This practice is necessary with respect to the white truffle,
which has hitherto been considered to grow only in Upper Italy, but
can, nevertheless, be transplanted, as well as the black sort.

When the truffles have reached their appointed destination, the
case must be immediately opened in an airy but shady place, and
the earth moistened, if necessary ; after which, they must be planted
as soon as possible in the situation intended for them. It is not
advisable to distribute the truffles over the whole of the bed ; it is
better to plant them on a small part of it. As, upon a newly made
bed, the matter in the earth has not taken the direction necessary to
the production of this species of fungus, it iseasily conceivable that
a single truffle cannot act sufficiently to produce this direction, but
that the united power of several is requisite. In the earlier attempts,
it was, indeed, expected from a single fungus, or even from pieces
cut off, that they should exert this power upon the new soil ; but
the expectation was continually frustrated. According to the nature
of the soil, whether more or less moist, the truffles are set from 2
in. to 4 in., or, at the most, 6 in. deep. The soil in which they
were enveloped in their journey is left upon them, and the utmost
efforts are made to prevent their being exposed to the access of the
air, or even to that of the sun's rays. On this account the planting
of them must take place only in the evening, when the sun is gone
down, or in very cloudy weather. Holes of the depth required must
be made beforehand, the bottoms of which must be strewed with
soil out of the case ; then each truffle must be carefully lifted up,
with the soil that is about it, planted, and the soil that still remains
in the case be distributed in the holes. If the holes are not filled
with this, they must be filled with the soil of their new situation,

CULTIVATION OF TRUFFLES. iJ03

which must be moistened with repeated sprinklings of water. The
new plantation must then be amply covered with twigs cut from the
oali or hornbeam ; and the soil must be planted with young trees of
these kinds, not crowded, but at such a distance as to give sufficient
shade, so as to prevent the land from being dried up.

The best time for transplanting truffles is towards the middle of
spring and in the beginning of autumn, about which latter season
the greatest number of half-grown truffles is to be found. About
this time, the land is usually moist enough of itself, so that it is not
necessary to water it to prevent its being dried up. But, in case
it should be dry from great drought, it must assuredly be moistened
in this manner ; in doing which, the water, nevertheless, must not
be poured on in streams, as the germinating brood would thereby
be easily choked, or entirely destroyed. It has already been observed
that, in the succeeding autumn, the new plantation should be cov-
ered with a layer of oak leaves.

The plantation thus remains undisturbed till the next autumn,
only that it is to be freed from large plants that shade it too much, and
exhaust all the strength of the soil ; but sfii ill fine grasses must be
suffered to remain, as they give the grouiul beneficial shade, and
prevent too great exhalation. In general, at least in the first years,
let endeavors be made to imitate the wood soil as much as possible,
in order to obtain the sooner a rich return of truffles.

In the first year, the truffles will be little increased. These fungi
have, as yet, too little strength to act powerfully upon the environs,
and to compel them to bring forth a large number of tubers. If the
plantations have been made in the spring, there will be found in the
next autumn some few young truffles, about the size of a nut, with
a yellowish outer rind, and of a spongy consistence j an indication
that they must remain a longer time to attain their ripeness, and
along with it, their firm consistence and dark colour. In the mean
time, these young truffles are the most certain indication that the
plantation has succeeded, and that a well-furnished truffle bed will
be obtained in the sequel. It is very advisable, in a large plantation,
to renew the plantation in the succeeding year ; and, for this reason,
at the first planning, to divide the intended bed into two equal parts ;
and, in two consecutive years, to plant these fungi more towards the
middle than towards the ends. If in one year the planting were to
fail, the whole bed is not therefore quite uselessly prepared, but is

304 CULTIVATION OF TRUFFLES.

at least duly arranged on one side, by which means it will be easy
to furnish the second half in the same way.

Hitherto, the question has been only respecting wood soils. As
truffles are produced in this, so also they may be produced in arti-
ficial woods, and in English shrubberies. These have also com-
monly moist low situations, and oak trees also grow in them ; but
places free from trees, and the deep stratum of fruitful wood soil
which has arisen from decayed leaves, are wanting in them. From
the continual clearing of the plantations, the leaves that fall in au-
tumn are removed, and cannot be converted into that fertile soil
above mentioned. Here, therefore, we must have recourse to art.

In such English plantations, a somewhat moist place must be
made choice of, in the vicinity, if possible, of a large oak, hornbeam,
Spanish chesnut, or other deciduous tree with spreading boughs,
which must be freed from tlie other trees and lofty shrubs. In such
plantations, open grass-plots in the neighbourhood of a lofty tree are
the best calculated for the purpose. The tree, however, must not
be one whose large leaves prevent every ray of the sun and current
of air from penetrating, and which form a connected roof, as the
different kinds of maples, horse-chesnuts, planes, and other trees do.
A tall tree with small leaves must be on the south side of the place
destined for a plantation of truffles, to screen it from the burning
rays of the southern sun. In a large plantation, a single tree is
insufficient, and more are requisite towards the south side ; which,
however, must stand so far apart as scarce to touch each other with
the extremities of their boughs. The natural soil which is found
upon this place must be dug out the depth before mentioned, and
carried away, as it has too little resemblance to that of ancient
woods to be used in the mixture of new soil forthe truffles. If good
wood earth of oaks can be had in the vicinity, the filling of the pit
is not at all different from that of lofty woods previously directed ;
but very often there are no woods in the neighbourhood, or, at least,
no oak woods ; and, in that case, soil produced from dung must be
mixed with very rich vegetable mould. This is found under groups
of trees that have stood a long time, upon places that have been
long planted with poplars, willows, or fruit trees, or even upon hills ;
but not in wet and marshy meadows and pastures.

It often happens that this natural soil is too loose or too compact.
In the first case, it contains too much sand, and must be mixed with

COLTIVATION OF TRUFFLES. 305

ciay or loam ; ,but a too compact soil has in its composition too litUe
sand, and requires an addition of loam or meagre clay. If marl is
to be met with in the neighbourhood, especially calcareous marl, it
much improves the mixture ; but, if there is none at all in the vi-
cinity, its place must be supplied by calcareous stone or pieces of
chalk reduced to powder. All these species of soil must, at the
same time that the earth from dung is prepared, be brought together
in a heap, to which must be added as much of the parts of plants,
viz. the refuse of the vegetables used in the kitchen, leaves, sawdust
of oak or other deciduous trees (but not of pines,) or wood earth,
from falls of wood, as the different soils occupy in space. Such a
heap of soil must be turned over every week, and moistened in dry
weather ; and, if not in the shade, must be protected by a high wall
from being suddenly dried by the rays of the sun. It is advisable,
every time that it is turned over, to cover it with young oak leaves,
and to mix them well with it the next time it is turned over. For
want of the leaves of this species of tree, those of other trees (for
instance, hornbeams, beeches, elms, hazels, and others) may be
taken. The heap having been assiduously and carefully wrought
over, the earth, in the course of the summer will have become very
rich in vegetable soil, and in the autumn may be applied to the
making of the truffle bed. The mode of making it differs from that
which has already been described for soil in lofty woods, in nothing
except that, instead of the wood earth, which is there made use of,
this artificial earth is taken.

If all the precepts which have been given have been observed in
planting the truffles, the proprietor of artificial groups of trees may
enjoy the pleasure of raising fresh tubers, as well as the proprietor
of wood soil. It is advisable not to make the first plantation too
large, in order at first to have merely a nursery from which truffles
may be taken at any time. When this is once upon an estate, larger
plantations may be made, which are not restricted to the pleasures
of the table, but also increase the income.

Plantations of truffles in large gardens are combined with more
circumstances and greater difficulties. Here is a want of wood soil,
oaks, and hornbeams, which must be supplied or new-planted. It
would be too tedious a process to plant an oak in a garden, and wait
for its spreading so far as to afford the shade necessary to a planta-
tion of truffles. An old pear tree, a high-trained apple tree, or sev-

39

306

CULTIVATION OF TRUFFLES.

eral plutn and cherry trees, vviil answer the purpose. In the south
of Germany, sweet chesnut and almond trees attain such a height
and spread of boughs, as to supply the place of the oak, and are
preferable to the before-mentioned fruit trees. Even in Italy, the
delicate white truffle is reared under chesnut trees.

In most cases, oak leaves, or at least, the leaves of the hornbeam,
are to be had in the neighbourhood, or, at least, at the distance of
a few miles. If, however, they are not, which would certainly be
a very extraordinary case, a small plantation of young oaks and
hornbeams, that are not too weak, must be made a few years before,
in a corner of the garden, that the necessary foliage may be obtained
from them ; or nurseries of both species of trees be raised from seed,
that there may be a previous supply of young trees for planting the
truffle bed. This, in most cases, will not be necessary, as the young
trees may be obtained in the environs. The preparation of the soil
for plantations of truffles in large gardens is, when a sufficiency of
oak leaves can be had, not different from similar plantations in
pleasure grounds, only the earth is more abundantly mixed with
oak leaves. When all the previous preparations have been duly
made, the truffles are to be planted in the same way that they are
in the tall timber woods ; and the new plantation may be somewhat
thicker planted with young oaks and hornbeams, so as that they
may be the most numerous, viz. in the proportion of two thirds or
three fourths. This truffle bed must also, every autumn, be covered
with a layer of oak leaves about a foot thick, that the earth may by
degrees impart to the plantations a large quantity of the matter of
the oak tree. For the same reason, it is very advantageous, if, in-
stead of wood earth, pounded oak bark, or spent bark, that has al-
ready been used by the tanners, be made use of; nevertheless, the
first is more efficacious, two thirds or three fourths of it having more
efficacy than when the whole is of spent bark. But a heap of soil
consisting of a mixture of the two kinds of bark requires a longer
time than the usual wood earth for complete decomposition, and for
becoming a useful earth. It is necessary, therefore, that it should
be prepared, not in the spring, but in the autumn preceding, thereby
to give it more time to moulder.

The truffle beds made in gardens require constant attention, lest
they should be overshadowed and exhausted by high-growing plants.
All such plants must therefore be early removed ; but the kinds of

CULTIVATION OF TRUFFLES. 307

grass that do not grow too thick may be spared. The truffle plan-
tation must occupy the lowest situation in the garden, that it may
not suffer from drought ; but, as soon as the ground becomes some-
what dry, it requires to be moistened by a moderate watering. Man,
as in all plantations in gardens, fields, and woods, has to contend
with many sorts of animals, which force their way into his posses-
sions, and contend for the property which he has assumed. Truffles
are also sought for and consumed by many animals; and they are
the mose easily detected by these creatures, as they betray their
place of growth by tlie smell which they diffuse around them.

In a lofty wood, inhabited by wild swine, it is not advisable to
make a plantation of truffles : the swine would easily discover and
destroy them, especially as they are fond of low situations. Red
deer and roes, which scrape out and eat them, are less dangerous.
Where, therefore, many red deer are in a forest, the new plantation
must be secured from their attacks by a high hedge. This also
keeps off the fox, which attacks them in the same manner; so also
does the badger, though this animal is become too rare, in many
paits of Germany, to do much damage; and, if one should be de-
sirous of breaking into the truffle plantation, it would be discovered
and become the welcome prey of the game-keeper. More dangerous
than these are the squirrels, which are very dexterous in scraping
up the tubers and eating them ; all the squirrels which are found in
the vicinity of the new truffle plantations, must be shot. Mice also
seek truffles that are ripe, at which time they betray themselves by
their smell. If the plantation be surrounded by a hedge, the mice
may be poisoned, which in one that is not hedged about cannot be
done, lest the game should be destroyed. Mice live in woods generally
only in society ; and, by a little attention, may, in separate places,
be easily dug out, caught, and extirpated.

The security of truffles is combined with the greater difficulties
in pleasure-grounds, which usually adjoin the open fields, from which
they are visited by field mice. Here, catching and poisoning them
is a security only when, at the same time, the whole of the environs
can be freed from these voracious animals. Owls and crows are
the greatest enemies of mice. If these birds, especially the first,
can be habituated to dwell in the neighbourhood of truffle plantations
(which, through complete protection, it is easy to effect,) mice will
not be able to do any great mischief, at least not greater than in

308 CULTIVATION OF TRUFFLES.

every other garden and field plantation. Snails, both the red and
the black wood snails, are only in wet weather injurious to planta-
tions in which the truffles lie too shallow, or rise quite above tlie
surface. Worms do much more damage, especially in such truffle
plantations as are made in gardens or pleasure-grounds. The draw-
ing here of worms from the environs cannot be avoided, as, from
the cover of leaves, they lie warm in winter, and, from the quiet
which the truffle beds enjoy, are not disturbed in summer. The
larvae of many species of beetle (viz. of the Melolontha Dermestes
piniperda, M. horticola, M. solstitialis, A'pate capucina,) the mag-
gots of several flies, scolopendrae, millepedes, &,c., penetrate the
truffles in all directions, give them a bitter taste, and often are the
cause of their death. That new plantations sometimes fail is not to
be attributed either to a process that is defective, or to the impos-
sibility of completing a good one. These worms may be the cause
that all labour and expense were applied in vain. That plantations
which are new are the most exposed to these enemies is easy to be
explained. The earth is not yet sufficiently penetrated by the tannin
of the oak, which is offensive to these kinds of insects, and drives
them away. They are usually brought here by the dung-earth,
especially Vi-hen it contains parts that are not entirely converted into
soil. For this reason, the frequent turning of the heap of earth is
necessary. If, when this takes place, it be observed that many
worms have established themselves in it, only let there be mixed in
it some unslacked lime, or ashes that have not been lixivated, which
will speedily kill these animals. For this purpose, the heap must be
strewed with a thin layer of lime or ashes, and then well stirred. —
The earth may also, some time before the making of the truffle
plantation, be shot into a hot place, and be completely dried ; by
which means all the worms will be destroyed : but, in this case,
before making the plantation, the earth must be sufficiently moist-
ened ; and, from the drying which it has undergone, it will be found
to have lost a considerable part of its efficacy in manuring.

If, by accident or mistake, the first planting of truffles should not
succeed, there is only by this a whole or half a year's time lost ; but
the bed itself has gained, since, by means of the decayed oak leaves,
a richer matter has been imparted to the earth, so that the truffles
removed to it in the succeeding autumn or spring will succeed better
and produce greater numbers. It is advisable, before the repeated

parley's cyclopedia op botany. 809

planting of the fungi, to dig over the place destined for them and
to manure it well with oak leaves. If there be time enough from
the moment of the discovery of the failure of the plantation, to the
time of replanting it, this manuring with oak leaves may be twice,
or oftener, repeated. Too much matter from oak trees cannot be
accumulated upon the plantation ; since experience informs us that
the taste of truffles growing wild in the woods is more delicate and
aromatic in proportion as they have stood nearer to oak trees, and
have grown in their shade. The same experience has been repeated
in the case of artificial plantations of truffles. lie who bestows
much diligence and great care upon such plantations will secure to
himself, in a few years, a rich harvest of well-tasted tubers, and may
thank the author of this small treatise for having helped him to obtain
them.

Art. III. — Parley^ s Cyclopedia of Botany. Boston : Weeks,

Jordan dz, Co.

Of all the natural sciences, there is none combining at once so
much of the useful and amusing as Botany. A very large share of
our sustenance and the largest portion of our medicines are drawn
Irom the vegetable world. This also furnishes support to the mere
animal creation and affords almost all the materials for the arts. It
therefore embraces in its wide compass directly or indirectly, the
sources of almost every human art, and the means of satisfying al-
most every human want. Nor is it less fertile in sources of amuse-
ment. The infinite diversity of its species and the unrivalled beauty
of many of them, the curious gradations from the lichen to the oak
forming ten thousand different groups, making up one entire system
— all this affords scope as well for practical examination as for phil-
osophical analyses and generalization. It is therefore a subject of
boundless resources and never dying interest. It is not only useful
in a high degree, but it is one of those sciences which pay the stu-
dent down day by day for every moment that he devotes to it. It is
peculiarly appropriate to ladies, and above all to youth of both sexes.
We therefore look with interest upon every promising effort that is
made to bring the study of botany home to our families and our

310

PARLEY 3 CYCLOPEDIA OF BOTANY.

schools. We commend the work before us, to all persons who are
interested in the subject and particularly to parents and those who
have charge of the great interests of education. Botany has hith-
erto been treated in such a manner as to repel the general reader,
and youth particularly, from an attempt to discover its beautiful mys-
teries. The very gate placed at the entrance to the science seemed
guarded by a manymouthed Cerberus of hard words. The book
before us is calculated to remove this difficulty and lead the reader
familiarly into the subject. It contains in the first place an intro-
duction embracing the general principles of the science, which any
person may read with satisfaction. It then exhibits the classification ;
but the most material and useful portion of the book is a dictionary
of plants containing under an alphabetical arrangement both scien-
tific and familiar descriptions of about two thousand of the most in-
teresting plants, trees and shrubs. There is an index of common
names, which enables the uninitiated enquirer to turn at once to
any plant about which he seeks information. We copy a few of the
descriptions, and by permission of the publishers exhibit some of the
cuts with which the work is beautifully illustrated.

CASTANEA. 21—7.

C. VESCA, Com!no7i Chesnut : leaves oblong, lanceolate, acuminate.

mucronate, serrate, glabrous on each side. With us, the chesnut is
one of our finest trees, but they are quite eclipsed by some said to
be found in the eastern continent, measuring from seventyfive to
one hundred and sixty feet in circumference. One in France,
thought to be more than a thousand years old, has been known as
the Great Chesnut for six hundred years ; its branches are still an-

parley's cycopledia of botany. 311

nually laden with fruit, and the trunk is perfectly sound. In this
country, it generally attains the height of fifty or sixty feet, the trunk
quite large in proportion. Its leaves are six or seven inches long,
an inch and a half in breadth, coarsely toothed, of a fine brilliant
green color, of fine texture, with prominent parallel nerves beneath.
The wood is coarse-grained, but strong, elastic, and light; it is very
durable, and is much used for fences, which endure the alternate
moisture and dryness of the weather many years. But what recom-
mends this tree particularly to the young folks, is its fruit ; almost
every boy must have his winter stock of chesnuts and shagharks, to
enjoy with his friends during the long evenings.

CATALPA. 2—1.

C. STRiNGiFOLiA, Commoti Catalpa : leaves cordate, flat, smoot h.
In the Atlantic States, the catalpa begins to be found in the forests

on the banks of the river Savannah, and west of the Alleghanies, on
those of the Cumberland, between the thirtyfifth and thirtysixth
degrees of latitude. Farther south it is more common, and abounds
near the borders of all the rivers which empty into the Mississippi,
or which water West Florida. In the regions where it grows most
abundantly it frequently exceeds fifty feet in height, with a diameter
from eighteen to twentyfour inches. It is easily recognised by its
bark, which is of a silver-gray color, and but slightly furrowed, by
its ample leaves, and by its wide-spreading summit, disproportioned in
size to the diameter of its trunk. It differs from other trees also by
the fewness of its branches. The flowers, which are collected in
large bunches at the e.xtremily of the branches, are white, with violet
and yellow spots, and are beautiful and showy. The capsules are
cylindrical and pendent, of a brown color when ripe, three or four

312

PARLEY S CYCLOPEDIA OF BOTANY.

lines in diametei and twelve or fifteen inches in length. The seeds
are thin, flat, and developed in a long, narrow, membranous wing
terminated by a hairy tuft. Each seed, with its wing, is about an
inch long, and a line and a half broad.

That the catalpa is a tree of rapid growth is proved by the distance
of the annual concenlric circles. Its wood is of a grayish-white
color, of a fine texture, very light, and very brilliant when polished.
It resembles the butternut wood, with this exception, that the butter-
nut wood is of a reddish hue, and is less durable when exposed to the
weather. Posts of the catalpa perfectly seasoned have been proved
to be very durable. In the spring, if a bit of the cellular integument
of the catalpa bark is removed, a venomous and offensive odor is
exhaled. In a thesis supported at the medical college of Philadel-
phia, this bark is maintained to be tonic, stimulant, and more pow-
erfully antiseptic than the Peruvian bark. It is stated that the honey
collected from the flowers of this tree is poisonous, and that its effects,
though less alarming, are analogous to those of honey of the yellow
jasmine. Its bark is considered to be a good antidote for the bite
of snakes, the machineel poison, &c.

DION.EA. 10—1.

D. MDsciPULA, Venus' s Fly-trap : the leaves of this most singular
plant are each terminated by an appendage of two lobes, with a gland
in a cavity at the bottom which secretes a fluid attractive to flies.
The edges of the lobes are furnished with long spines or bristles ;
and at the bottom of the cavity are three sharp points projecting up-

wards Whether all this contrivance is intended as a snare, I can-
not say, but whenever an unlucky insect alights on it, the lobes in-
stantly close, catching him

" As cleverly as the ablest trap,"
and pressing him down upon the points, thus impale him alive. —
From the middle of the leaves rises the flower-stalk, terminated by

NOTICES OF FINE PLANTS.

313

an umbel-like corymb of small, white flowers. Grows in wet places
in the southern states.

From these specimens the reader may easily understand the na-
ture of the work. We particularly recommend it to those who are
makincr collections of books for common school libraries. We know
of no one work which might be made so useful in ihe seminaries
throucrhout the country, if teachers could be made to take a little
interest in the matter. Botany is peculiarly the appropriate study
of the country, for country people have at once the best means of
pursuing the science and the greatest need of increasing their means
of innocent recreation. The vegetable kingdom invites them by a
thousand allurements to explore its riches, and they, of all persons,
ought not to be deaf to such an appeal.

Art. IV. — Notices of Fine Plants.

LiLiACE^. — Yucca aloifolia. — A fine specimen of the above, has
been flowering in the collection of E. Hersy Derby, of Salem,
during the past month. The plant was sunk in the border in front
of the green-houses and formed a conspicuous and highly interesting
object. Having some curiosity to ascertain its dimensions, we as-
certained by admeasurements that they were as follows. Height of
stem from apex of flower stalk to the ground, nine feet six inches.
Circumference of old stem at the fairest girth, one foot. Length
of flower stem, two feet and two inches. Circumference of raceme
three feet and six inches. We should judge that something like one
hundred and fifty or two hundred individual flowers, invested in a
mass of beauty the peduncles of the inflorescence. It attracted, ai
it deserved, great attention and may be considered an ornament to
any conservatory.

Liliutn superhiim. L. — Superb American Lily. — The propitious
character of the season has thrown into vigorous bloom several
plants of this elegant native flower in the little collection of the
writer. Several years ago we remember seeing it in great perfection
at the Botanic Garden, and since then only in impoverished speci-
mens, which, curious of remark, were imported among other bulbs
40

314 NOTICES OP FINE PLANTS.

from Holland. We think the species is to be procured in the west-
ern part of the State, the ornament of the month of July, and con-
spicuous amidst our wild flowers.

Rosacea. — Kosa I'zibifulia. — Bramble-leaved rose. This elegant
climbing native and southern species, has appeared in great perfection
at several places where its lateness of flower, easy culture, rapidity
of growth, hardihood of character, simplicity of flower (being single)
have recommended it to notice and cultivation. To cover a trellis
or to serve as a screen, there cannot be its equal. The far famed
Greville though a double variety, in our estimation, is greatly its in-
ferior. On the mansion of T. Lee of Brookline, we were greatly in
doubt, which the most to admire, the rambling bramble-'eaved, or
the delicately sprayed and pure white blossomed Erophylla. A
double variety of rubifolia is said to be in culture at Cincinnati,
whose flowers we have not seen, but whose merits are considered
valuable and great.

PoLEMONiACE. — Pklox Drunimondu. — Patches of this new an-
nual and charming plant, a great acquisition to the florists, were in
successful culture, raised from seed by T. Lea, Esq., at whose resi-
dence we lately had the pleasure of seeing them. Our first acquain-
tance with this little floral gem was at the last year's annual Exhibi-
tion of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, from the garden of
Mr S. R. Johnson. This as has since been ascertained, was a
variety of comparatively inferior merit. The seedlings of Mr Lee
approach to the true character of the species as seen by a friend in
England. The latter are of a rich and almost sparkling ruby crim-
son, while if we remember, the former were of a paler purple. Great
credit is due to the early and successful introduction of both kinds into
public notice, and to consequent universal favor. L.

Musci. — Bryiim argentcum. — Silver Bryum.—Loversof these tiny
plants, the mosses, may find an exquisite species just making its
fruit stems about this time, by noticing in some shady and neglected
seed bed or garden walk, the varied forms of velvet verdure on their
surface. It will be recognized by its minute white foliage of a shining
and argentine appearance. J. L. R.

315

Art. V. — Obituary Notice ofth elate Thomas Andrew Knight,
Esq., President of the London Horticultural Socittij.

The public has sustained an irretrievable loss in the death of
Thomas Andrew Knight, Esq., F. R. S., of Dovvlon Castle, in
Herefordshire, the President of the Horticultural So:iiety of London.
A correspondent of the Athenaeum, with the signature of J. L. (evi-
dently Dr Lindley, who is understood to write the botanical and
horticultural articles for that journal,) has sent the following bio-
graphical notice, written with just and excellent feeling, which we
copy from the Athenaeum of May 19, though, at this late period of
the month, we have not time previously to ask the editor's permission
for so doing :

"Mr Knight was born at Wormsley Grange, near Hereford, on
the 10th of October, 175S. He was the youngest son of the P%.ev.
Thomas Knight, a clergyman of the Church of England, whose fa-
ther had amassed a large fortune as an iron-master, at the time when
iron-works were first established at Colebrook Dale. When Mr
Knight was three years old, he lost his father ; and his education
was, in consequence, so much neglected, that at the age of nine
years he was unable to write, and scarcely able to read. He was
then sent to school at Ludlow, whence he was removed to Chiswick,
and afterwards entered at Baliol College, Oxford. It was in the idle
days of his childhood, when he could derive no assistance from
books, that his active mind was first directed to the contemplation
of the phenomena of vegetable life ; and he then acquired that fixed
habit of thinking and judging for himself, which laid the foundation
of his reputation as an original observer and experimentalist. He
used to relate an anecdote of his childhood, which marks the strong
original tendency of his mind to observation and reflection. Seeing
the gardener one day planting beans in the ground, he asked him
why he buried those bits of wood ; being told that they would grow
into bean plants, and bear other beans, he watched the event, and,
finding that it had happened as the gardener had foretold, he deter-
mined to plant his pocket-knife, in the expectation of its also growing
and bearing other knives. When he saw that this did not take
place, he set himself to consider the cause of the difference in the
two cases, and thus was led to occupy his earliest thoughts with
those attempts at tracing the vital phenomena of plants to their

316

OBlTirARV NOTICE,

causes, upon which he eventually constructed so brilliant a rep-
utation.

It was about the year 1795 that Mr Knight began to be publicly
known as a vegetable physiologist. In that year he laid before the
Royal Society his celebrated paper upon the inheritance of disease
among fruit trees, and the propagation of debility by grafting. This
was succeeded by accounts of experimental researches into vegetable
fecundation, the ascent and descent of sap in trees, the phenomena
of germination, the influence of light upon leaves, and a great variety
of similar subjects. In all these researches the originality of the
experiments was very remarkable, and the care with which the re-
sults were given was so great, that the most captious of subsequent
writers have admitted the accuracy of the facts produced by Mr
Knight, however much they may have differed from him in the con-
clusions which they draw from them.

The great object which Mr Knight set before himself, and which
he pursued through his long life with undeviating steadiness of pur-
pose, was utility. Mere curious speculations seem to have engaged
his attention but little ; it was only when facts had some great prac-
tical bearing that he applied himself seriously to investigate the
phenomena connected with them. For this reason, to improve the
races of domesticated plants, to establish important points of culti-
vation upon sound physiological reasoning, to increase the amount
of food which may be procured from a given space of land, (all of
them subjects closely connected with the welfare of his country,)
are more especially the topics of the numerous papers communicated
by him to various societies, especially the horticultural, in the chair
of which he succeeded his friend Sir Joseph Banks. Whoever calls
to mind what gardens were only twenty years ago, and what they
now are, must be sensible of the extraordinary improvement which
has taken place in the art of horticulture during that period. This
change is unquestionably traceable, in a more evident manner, to
the practice and writings of Mr Knight than to all other causes
combined. Alterations first suggested by himself, or by the princi-
ples which he explained in a popular manner, small at first, increas-
ing by degrees, have insensibly led, in the art of gardening, to the
most extensive improvements, the real origin of which has already,
as always happens in such cases, been forgotten, except by those
who are familiar with the career of Mr Knight, and who know that

OBITUARY NOTICE. 317

it is to him that they are owing. Of domesticated fruits, or culinary
vegetables, there is not a race that has not been ameliorated under
his direction, or immediate and personal superintendence; and if,
henceforward, the English yeoman can command the garden luxu-
ries that were once confined to the great and wealthy, it is to Mr
Knight, far more than to any other person, that the gratitude of the
country is due.

The feelings thus evinced in the tendency of his scientific pursuits
were extended to the offices of private life. Never was there a man
possessed of greater kindness and benevolence, and whose loss has
been more severely felt, not only by his immediate family, but by his
numerous tenantry and dependants. And yet, notwithstanding the
tenderness of his affection for those around him, when it pleased
heaven to visit him, some years since, with the heaviest calamity
that could befall a father, in the sudden death of an only and much
beloved son, Mr Knight's philosophy was fully equal to sustain him
in his trial.

Mr Knight's political opinions were as free from prejudices as his
scientific views : his whole heart was with the liberal party, of which
he was all his life a strenuous supporter.

It is no exaggeration to add that, great as is the loss sustained by
his country and his friends, it will be equally difficult to fill his va-
cancy in science. No living man now before the world can be said
to rank with him in that particular branch of science to which his
life was devoted.

Mr Knight died in London, at the house of Mrs Walpole, one of
his daughters, after a short illness, on the 11th of May, in the eigh-
tieth year of his age. — London Athentxum, May 19.

318

Art. VI. — Miscellaneous Matters.

Massachusetts Horticultural Society. — At a meeting of this
Society on Saturday, July 21, it was voted, — that the society have
an exhibition of Fruits and Flowers, in the month of September
following, between the 10th and 25th of the same, at such time and
place, within the above limitation as a committee hereafter to be
chosen, shall, considering the progress of the season, deem most ex-
pedient. A general committee of arrangements was then chosen,
viz :

Committee of Arrangements — Samuel Walker, Isaac P. Davis,
Thomas Lee, Lemuel P. Grosvenor, Marshall P. Wilder, Ebenezer
Putnam, E. Weston, Jr., Jacob Tidd, Benj V. French, Samuel
Downer, David Haggerslon, Wm. McLennan, Charles M. Hovey,
M. P. Sawyer, Joseph Breck, Jona. Winship, J. E. Teschemacher,
Cheever Newhall, Wm. Kenrick, Robert Treat Paine, Henry Sheaf,
Samuel R. Johnson, S. Sweetser, Robert Manning, J. M. Ives, Dr
J. C. Howard, P. B. Hovey, E. M. Richards, John A. Kenrick,
Wm. E. Carter, J. L. L. F. Warren, J. W. Cowan, J. W. Russell.

On motion of Mr. Grosvenor this committee was ordered to fill
vacancies, and add to its number if found desiralile.

On motion of Mr Richards, a decorating committee was raised
with authority to add to their number. The gentlemen of this
comraitten are the following :

Special Committee to decorate the Hall and take cliarge of the
Fruits and Flowers. — Samuel Walker, L. P. Grosvenor, Col. M. P.
Wilder, J. E. Teschemacher, Wm. Kenrick, E. M. Richards, S. R.
Johnson, C. M. Hovey, D, Haggerston, W. C. Cowan, J. W. Russell,
H. Sheaf, Mr McLennan.

The Poor Man's oa Cottager's Tree. — Such is the Apricot;
and so it has been justly designated by the kw patriarchs of gard-
ening who now survive. Alas ! how are these worthies passing
away !

The apricot originally belonged to the plum genus; it has of late
years been removed from that family, and ranks as the head of the
genus Armeniaca, a word derived from Armenia, the supposed native
country of the tree. It was received in England from the Levant,
so we are told, in 1548. The advocates of the natural system force

MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS. 319

this tree, with the apple, pear, plum, and many others, into their
order Rosaceae, from some fancied resemblance to the rose. There
are natural affinities in abundance, doubtless, and we love to see
them ably illustrated ; but our heads ache at the multifarious ano-
malies which crowd upon and overwhelm the mind.

But, however, this rose of an apricot is the tree of trees to the
poor man. Its habit is to bloom early, before the leaves expand ;
and therefore it is apt to lose its fruit when formally trained in alow
horizontal direction ; nevertheless, when it is favorably planted, as
to soil and aspect, and can run up against a high and broad chimney
where the foliage can soon be early called into action in support of
the young germs of fruit, those germs, while in the bud of the blos-
som, being, as well as the stamens, preserved by the slight yet genial
heat of the brick-work, the multitude of fruit produced is frequently
prodigious. The writer's next door neighbor has two trees; one
faces the west, and is trained very upright against the house-wall —
it bears pretty well. The other is less, but faces the south, and has
a kitchen-chimney, as it is supposed. Last week the man gathered
twice, sixteen dozens and eighteen dozens — in all thirty-four dozen,
and sold them for tarts: numbers remain on. A tall tree (on a sin-
gle main stem,) in the west of England, which required a thirty-
round ladder to reach its top, had one year above 600 ripe and ripen-
ing apricots upon it, when the party inspected it. Such being the
case, the cottager is called upon to cultivate this grateful tree, and
to give it the best situation and greatest attention that his means and
time can afford.

One circumstance, an absolute fact, may gratify and surprise some
readers. On the 27th of March, a tree, that remained for the ma-
jor part little advanced, had one branch, not only completely in leaf
(the foliage being of a bright verdure, and of full healthy vigor,)
but covered with fruit, several of which appeared of the size of
good nutmegs. The tree was planted to face the south-west, but
it stands near the corner of the garden, where the wall takes a di-
rection to the south by east. At the exact angle is the breast of a
vinery-chimney, and its aspect is nearly due souih. Against this
breast was trained the solitary branch alluded to; and the effects
described evince the operation of a warm protective wall upon the
buds, even at a time when the roots remain in the ground exposed
to frost. — London Horticultural Journal.

320

QUINCY MARKET.

[Reported for the Horticultural Register.]

APPLES, early,
Dried,
BEANS, White,
CRANBERRIES,
CUCUMBERS,
CURRANTS, -
HORSE RADISxH,
LEMONS,
LETTUCE,
ORANGES, -

PEARS, summer St Michael,
PICKLED PEPPERS,
PARSLEY,
POTATOES, early,
PINE APPLES,
SPINACH,
SQUASHES,
TURNIPS, -
TOMATOES,
WALNUTS,
WHORTLEBERRIES,
Boston, AugiLst 6, 1833.

barrel.

o OU

pound,
bushel.

5

2 00

bushel,

2 50

dozen.

6i

quart,
pound.

8
8

box 2 25 dozen

20

head

H

box 2 00 dozen

25

quart
gallon

50

peck

bushel, 73 a

25
1 00

hundred

8 00

peck

pound 2

bunch,

20
a 3

6

bushel

2 00

do

2 00

do

2 00

THE

M®msi©i)m®¥mA^ mm^^is^ami

AND

GARDENER'S MAG7VZINE.

SEPTEMBER 1, 1838.

Art. I. — Flemish Husbandry.

The poor sandy heaths, which have been converted into produc-
tive farms, evince the indefatigable industry and perseverance of tlie
Flemings. They seem to want nothing but a space to work upon ;
whatever be the quality or texture of the soil, in time they will make
it produce something. The sand in the Carapine can be compared
to nothing but the sands on the sea shore, which they probably were
originally. It is highly interesting to follow, step by step, the pro-
gress of improvement. Here you see a cottage and rude cow-shed
erected on a spot of the most unpromising aspect. The loose white
sand blown into irregular mounds is only kept together by the roots
of the heath : a small spot only is levelled and surrounded by a
ditch ; part of this is covered with young broom, part is planted with
potatoes, and perhaps a small patch of diminutive clover may show
itself: but there is a heap of dung and compost forming. The
urine of the cow is collected in a small tank, or perhaps in a cask
sunk in the earth ; and this is the nucleus from which, in a few
years, a little farm will spread around.

In another spot more extensive improvements are going on ; a
wealthy proprietor or lessee is trenching and levelling the surface
sowing broom-seed, and planting young fire trees, which are to be
cut down in a few years. In another, the process has gone on fur-
ther, the firs or the broom are already cut down : a vein of loam has
been found, and is dug out to be spread over the sandy surface : the
cart with liquid manure is preparing the surface for the reception of
41

322 FLEMISH HUSBANDRY.

seed, or the same, diluted with water, is poured over the young
blade just appearing above ground. The soil is created, and, if the
cost and labor were reckoned, is paid for at a dear rate : but perse-
verance insures success, and there are few instances of improve-
ments being abandoned, after they are fairly begun, unless they were
undertaken on too large a scale ; but then the land is soon divided
into smaller portions, and improvements go on from different cen-
tres, and with more certainty.

We are here describing the labor of bringing a soil absolutely
barren into a state of cultivation ; but in most of the districts which
have been originally waste and covered with heath, and which are
now fertilized, a less ungrateful soil was found. Deep trenching
and levelling at once presented a surface which required only to be
manured to produce rye, flax, and potatoes. This is what we should
call a moderately good sand, in which a small portion of clay and
oxide of iron produces a certain degree of compactness, so as at
least to retain moisture : under this kind of sand a stratum of loam
is usually found at the depth of two or three feet, and, almost in-
variably between the sand and the loam, an indurated crust of earth
cemented by carbonate of iron, which is well known to all improv-
ers of poor sands by the name of the iron pan; this pan must be
broken up and the loam under it mixed with the sandy surface, be-
fore any cultivation can succeed ; and in this operation the Flem-
ings are very dexterous. The instrument they use is a light wood-
en trenching spade, the end of the blade only being shod with iron .
the handle of this spade is about two feet long, the blade from twelve
to fifteen inches. A light pick-axe is used to break the pan where
it appears. A ditch is dug with the trenching spade, two or three
feet wide, and as deep as the trenching is intended, generally two
feet, or at least twenty inches; this ditch is filled with the earth
which is taken in long thin slices from the edge of the solid side of
the ditch. Every slice is distributed carefully, so as to mix the
whole, and keep the best soil at top, and likewise to fill up hollows
and level eminences. If there is more than can conveniently be
spread level, little heaps are made of the superfluous earth, which
are afterwards carried, in an ingenious manner, to fill up more dis-
tant hollows, by means of horses and an instrument which is called
a moUchart. Wherever there is a pan, it is carefully broken, and
the loam, which is always found under it, is mixed with the sand

FLEMISH HUSBANDRY. 323

dug out. Draining is seldom required here, except that which is
effected by making deep ditches to carry off the superfluous rain-
water, which, in a country almost as level as a lake, is no great dif-
ficulty. A canal near at hand is, however, an essential condition
of extensive improvement, to bring manure, and carry off the pro-
duce of the land, as well as to be an outlet for the water in the
ditches, When Count Chaptal traversed a barren part of Flanders?
accompanying the Emperor Napoleon, the latter expressed his sur-
prise, at a meeting of the Council of the Department, that so great a
tract of land remained uncultivated in so industrious a nation. The
answer was, ' If your majesty will order a canal to be made through
this district, we pledge ourselves that in five years it will be all con-
verted into fertile fields.' The canal was ordered to be made with-
out delay, and in less time than they promised not an unproductive
spot remained. — (See Chaptal, ' Chimie Appliquee a I'Agriculture,'
vol. i. p. 347.) — One great cause of the agricultural prosperity of
Flanders is the ready transportation of manure and produce by ca-
nals. — But to return to the newly trenched land. If there is no
manure at hand, the only thing that can be sown on poor sand, at
first, is broom : this grows in ihe most barren soils ; in three years
it is fit to cut, and produces some return in fagots for the bakers
and brickmakers. The leaves which have fallen have somewhat en-
riched the soil, and the fibres of the roots have given a certain de-
gree of compactness. It may now be ploughed and sown with buck-
wheat, or even with rye without manure. By the time this is reap-
ed some manure may have been collected, and a regular course of
cropping may begin. As soon as clover and potatoes enable the
farmer to keep cows and make manure, the improvement goes on
rapidly ; in a few years the soil undergoes a complete change : it
becomes mellow and retentive of moisture, and enriched by the ve-
getable matter afforded by the decomposition of the roots of clover
and other plants. It is surprising that so few sheep should be kept
on these new farms. Sheep folded would do good by their tread, as
well as their manure, but the management and feeding of sheep is a
part of husbandry in which the Flemings, with very few exceptions,
are decidedly as much behind our light land farmers, as they are
before us in the feeding of their cows, and preparation and econo«iy
of manure.

If about twenty small cart-loads of dung can be brought on

^324 FLEMISH HUSBANDRY.

each acre of the newly trenched ground, the progress is much more
rapid. Potatoes are then the first crop, and generally give a good
return. The same quantity of dung is required for the next crop,
which is rye, in which clover is sown in the succeeding spring ; and
a small portion is sown with carrots, of which they have a white
sort, which is very productive and large in good ground, and which,
even in this poor soil, gives a tolerable supply of food to the cows
in winter. Should the clover fail, which sometimes happens, the
ground is ploughed in spring and sown with oats and clover again-
But if the clover comes up well amongst the rye stubble, it is cut
twice, after having been dressed with Dutch ashes early in spring.
It is mostly consumed in the green state. The clover-ley is manur-
ed with ten cartloads of dung to the acre, and rye sown again, but
not clover. After the rye comes buckwheat without any manure ;
then potatoes again, manured as at first, and the same rotation of
crops follows. It is found that the poor land gradually improves at
each rotation from the quantity of dung used : and, as this is essen-
tial, it will be easily seen that without water carriage the improve-
ment could not go on : for the necessary quantity of dung could
never be brought to the ground by land carriage through the deep
sandy roads, which are mere tracks.

For want of sufficient manure, broora-seed is sometimes sown
with the rye after the clover. The rye is heaped and the broom
continues in the ground two years longer. It is then cut for fuel.
The green tops are sometimes used for litter for the cows, and thus
converted into manure. It is also occasionally ploughed in, when
young and green, to enrich the land. Oats, clover, and broom are
occasionally sown together. The oats are reaped the first year; the
clover and young broom tops the next, and the broom cut in the
third. This is a curious practice, and its advantage appears rather
problematical. All these various methods of bringing poor sands
into cultivation show that no device is omitted, which ingenuity can
suggest, to supply the want of manure.

After the land has been gradually brought into a good state,
and is cultivated in a regular manner, there appears much less dif-
ference between the soils which have been origioally good, and those
which have been made so by labor and industry. At least the crops
in both appear more nearly alike at harvest, than is the case in soils
of different qualities in other countries. This is a great proof of

FLEMISH HCSBANDRY. 325

the excellency of the Flemish system ; for it shows that the land is
in a constant state of improvement, and that the deficiency of the
soil is compensated by greater attention to tillage and manuring ;
especially the latter. The maxim of the Flemish farmer is, that
' without manure there is no corn — without cattle there is no ma-
nure — and without green crops and roots cattle cannot be kept.'
Every farmer calculates how much manure he requires for his land
every year. If it can be bought at a reasonable rate, he never
grudges the outlay. If it cannot be purchased, it must be made on
the farm. A portion of land must be devoted to feed stock, which
will make sufficient manure for the remainder : for he thinks it bet-
ter to keep half the farm only in productive crops well manured,
than double the amount of acres sown on badly prepared land.
Hence also he does not reckon what the value would be of the food
given to the cattle, if sold in the market, but how much labor it
costs him to raise it, and what will be the increase of his crops from
the manure collected. The land is never allowed to be idle, so long
as the season will permit anything to grow. If it is not stirred by
the plough and harrows to clear it of weeds, some useful crop or
other is growing in it. Hence the practice of sowing different seeds
amongst growing crops, such as clover and carrots amongst corn or
flax ; and those which grow rapidly between the reaping of one crop
and the sowing of another, such as spurrey or turnips, immediately
after the rye is cut, to be taken off before wheat sowing. These
crops seem sometimes scarcely worth the labor of ploughincr and
sowing ; but the ploughing is useful to the next crop, so that the
seed and sowing are the only expense ; and while a useful crop is
growing, weeds are kept down. These are the general principles
of Flemish husbandry.

The collection and application of manure is the great secret of
Flemish husbandry. Upon their poor light soils nothing could be
raised without an abundance of manure. It is consequently, an ob-
ject of minute attention to the Flemish farmer to collect as much as
possible, and to apply it in the most advantageous manner. For this
purpose the dung of the different domestic animals is generally kept
separate, especially that of cows, from that of horses; the former
being thought better for dry sandy soils, the latter for colder loams
and clays. They look upon pigs' dung as being cold and inferior,
adopting in this respect the opinions of the ancients. We think

326 FLEMISH HUSBANDRT.

diflferently ; but this may be easily accounted for. The FJemisU
store pigs are fed in the most miserable manner, and are merely
kept alive on weeds taken from the fields, or by very scanty graz-
ing in rough pastures. We need not be surprised, therefore, that
their dung is poor. The cows are better fed, and their dung is
consequently richer. Cow dung is thought to last longer in the soil,
and its effects on the second crop are more conspicuous that that of
horse dung, which stimulates more and is sooner effete. Sheep,
which are so important to the light-land farmer in England and
Scotland, for their manure, are not kept in sufficient quantities in
Flanders, nor well enough fed to do much good to the land. They
are commonly housed every night, and driven about in the day
to gain a scanty subsistence along the roads and sides of fields.
The manure collected in the sheep-fold is carried out on the land,
and its effects are duly appreciated. A flock is occasionally folded
on a clover ley before it is ploughed up, but never on turnips,
which are always given to the cows. This is owing to the small
extent of the farms, which do not allow of a considerable flock of
sheep being kept by any one farmer; but a flock is made up of dif-
ferent lots of sheep belonging to several proprietors, and put under
the care of a common shepherd, or it is sometimes the property of
the shepherd, who occupies no land, but lets out the sheep to fold,
or sell the manure. ,^

But the great auxiliary of the Flemish farmer is the urine
TANK, wherein are collected not only the urine of cows and horses,
but also the drainings of the dunghills. The urine tanks are ge-
nerally sunk below the level of the ground, and have the sides built
of brick, and the bottom paved : they are of various dimensions,
according to the number of cows and horses on the farm. Attach-
ed to the distilleries, where many beast are constantly kept to con-
sume the refuse wash, there are very large urine tanks of an oblong
shape, divided by partitions into different chambers, so that the
liquor may be of the proper age when it is used, which some farm-
ers think ought to be six months. Each chamber is about eight
feet square and six or eight feet deep; these are sometimes vaulted
over, but frequently only covered with loose bords. As urine and
the emptyings of privies are sold wholesale and retail, there are
many large tanks near the rivers and canals, where the dealers have
sometimes great quantities in store. Some of these consist of many

FLEMISH HUSBANDRY. 327

square pits like tan pits, bricked round, and the inside covered with
a cement, which prevents loss by filtration. There is generally in
a corner of each pit a graduated scale, by which the number of
barrels, or tons of liquid in the tank may be ascertained by observ-
ing the height of the surface. These tanks are gradually filled by
boatloads brought from the large towns ; and when the season ar-
rives for sowing, in spring and autumn, the farmers come with their
carts and tubs, and purchase as much as they may want. The
price varies from three to five francs (two shillings and sixpence to
four shillings) per hogshead according to the quality. In a small
farm of thirty to forty acres the tank is generally about twenty feet
long, twelve wide, and six deep, with a partition in the middle, and
arched over, leaving an opening for the pump, and another suffi-
cient to allow a man to go in to empty out the earthy deposit which
falls to the bottom. A trapdoor shuts over this aperture to prevent
accidents. Sometimes the tank is round, like a well, with a domed
top, and so deep in the ground, that it has a foot or two of earth
over it. The situation of the tank is either in the farmyard near
the entrance of the cowhouse, or immediately behind it ; sometimes
it is like a cellar under the building ; but this is apt to cause a dis-
agreeable smell in the cowhouse. We here describe those which
we consider the most convenient : the form and capacity of the tanks
vary according to the means and notions of the proprietors of the
farms : but a tank of some kind or other is considered as indispen-
sible an appendage to a farm as a barn or cowhouse. The farmer
would as soon think of dispensing with his plough as with his tankj:
and no expense or trouble is spared to keep this well supplied. The
numerous towns and villages in Flanders afford great help in the
way of manure. The thrifty housewife and her active substitute
the maid, know the value of what in our households is thrown away
or wasted, and lost. A small tank, or a tub sunk in the ground in
some corner contains all the liquid which can in any way be use-
ful ; soapsuds, washings of dishes, &c., are carefully kept in this
reservoir, until once a week, the farmer or contractor calls with his
tub on a cart, and this, mixed with the contents of privies, which
are frequently emptied, he keeps in large cisterns for use or sale.

But this supply is not always adequate to the wants of the farm-
er, and then he has recourse to rape cakes dissolved in water, or in
the tank, which is expensive, and can only be profitable where flax

328 FLEMISH HUSBANDRY.

bears a good price, this being the crop for which rape cakes are
chiefly used as manure. Every means, therefore, of augmenting
the supply of urine is had recourse to, and the most efficacious is
the establishment of distilleries. These answer the double purpose
of consuming produce and increasing manure by the number of
beasts which are fattened on the refuse wash. It is calculated that
every beast produces at the rate of ten or twelve tons of dung and
twentysix hogsheads of urine in the year. A moderate distillery
has fifty or sixty head of cattle constantly stalled. Here then is a
supply of manure for several hundred acres of land every year.
Formerly there were a great many distilleries in Flanders, but the
duty on spirits and the interference of the government has much
reduced their number ; so that the farmers complain of the loss of
this manure, and the consequent deficiency of their crops.

The dung of pigeons and domestic fowls, where it can be col-
lected in any quantity, is highly valued. The mode of using it is
either in a dry and powdered state, to which it is reduced by thrash-
inof with a flail, when it is sown with the seeds of 'eguminous plants,
or else dissolved in the urine tank, and thus spread over the land.
This manure is chiefly reserved for kitchen gardens ; it promotes
the growth of vegetables and produces no weeds.

The solid dung, from which the liquid has been allowed to run
off into the tank, must be carefully attended to, that it may not be
too dry and become /oxy, as it is called, or burn. It is therefore,
mixed up with earth and any useless vegetable matter which can be
collected into a heap or compost ; and when it appears too dry some
of the liquid from the tank is poured over it, to excite fermentation
and accelerate decomposition, or it is merely watered, when there is
sufficient strength in it to produce heat.

In order to increase as much as possible the quantity of solid
manure, there is in most farms a place for the general reception of
every kind of vegetable matter which can be collected ; this is a
shallow excavation, of a square or oblong form, of which the bot-
tom has a gentle slope towards one end. It is generally lined on
three sides with a wall of brick to keep the earth from falling in,
and this wall sometimes rises a foot or more above the level of the
ground. In this pit are collected parings of grass sods from the
sides of roads and ditches, weeds taken out of the fields or canals,
and every kind of refuse from the gardens : all this is occasionally

FLEMISH HtJSCANDRY. 329

moistened with the washings of the stables, or any other rich liquid ;
a small portion of dung and urine are added, if necessary, and when
it has been accumulating for some time, it is taken out ; a portion of
lime is added, and the whole is well mixed together; thus it forms
the beginning of a heap, which rises gradually, and in due time
gives a very good supply of rich vegetable mould, or compost well
adapted to every purpose to which manure is applied. The place
where this accumulation is made is called in French a croupissoir,
and in Flemish or Dutch smoor hoop, which may be translated
smothering heap.

Besides the manure which is collected on the farm, the vidanges,
or emptyings of privies obtained from the towns, and the sweepings
of streets, a large quantity of peat ashes imported from Holland are
used, principally as a dressing for clover. These are the ashes of
the common fuel in use in Holland, and are sold in Flanders by the
bushel, as the Newbury ashes are in Berkshire.

Wood ashes, after the greater part of the alkali has been extract-
ed for bleaching, are still considered as of great use to the land.
Soapers' ashes are in great request for cold heavy soils; and sugar
scum from the refiners, if it could be procured in sufficient quantity
would be an excellent manure for every kind of soil. Where it
can be obtained, they usually throw it into the urine tank ; and the
mixture is then considered as almost equal to the vidanges, which
are looked upon as the ne plus ultra of manures. Soot is used as a
top-dressing for wheat, or clover in spring, as it is with us. It is
thought to destroy insects and hasten vegetation.

The weeds, which grow abundantly in all ponds, canals and
ditches in this level country, where the current is never rapid, are
mown in spring, and used in the green state as manure for pota-
toes. They are laid in the furrows, and the sets placed over them ;
the furrow is then filled up by the plough, and the weeds decompos-
ing very rapidly, greatly assist the growth of the potato plants : so
rapidly do these weeds ferment, that much of their value is dis-
sipated, if they are left only forty-eight hours in heaps before they
are put into the earth.

The manner in which manure is applied to the land for differ-
ent crops will be explained as these are separately treated of: but
the general principle, which pervades the whole system of ma-
nuring, is worthy of attention. Two great objects are always kept
42

330 PROF. Johnson's lectures on botanv.

in view. The first is to obtain the most abundant crop of whatever
is sown : the next is to impregnate the soil with an increasing
power of production, if possible, or at least to maintain that which
has been obtained. In consequence of this, almost every crop has
a certain portion of manure applied to it, which varies according to
the nature of tht; crop to be raised, and that which has preceded :
experience having taught that some crops exhaust the soils more
than others.

But it is not the mere surface that they desire to manure.
They well know that the deeper the soil is fertilized, the greater
will be the profit and the less the labor. They are not satisfied
with enriching the land to receive the seed, they furnish food for
the growing plant in different stages of its growth, if they think
it necessary. There is in consequence no fluctuation in the growth,
no check at a time when the plants require support. The seed is
made to vegetate rapidly by being in contact with the rich jnices of
the manure ; and hence a much smaller proportion of seed is re-
quired. The young blade is invigorated by a judicious watering,

and is soon out of danger of the attacks of insects. — Library of

Useful Knowledge, Farmer's Series.

Art. H. — Professor Johnson'' s Lectures on Botany.

After recapitulating some of the topics of the preceding lectures up-
on the development of vegetation, the learned professor commenced
with remarks upon the grasses. These grow in all parts of the world
promiscuously, and without cultivation, and being the principal nutri-
ment of man, their cultivation follows him in society and his migra-
tions. The Mogul and Caucasian races of men subsist upon wheat
and barley ; while rice and millet form the food of the Negro and Ma-
lay, and the tribes of ancient Mexico were bounded by the cultivation
of maize. The cultivation of the earth preceded the improvement
of the intellect, and was the herald of civilization. It is remarkable
that we have no direct criterion of the origin of many of those grass-
es met with everywhere in cultivation, as none of them are to any
extent found wild. Some travellers have thought that barley was
indigenous to Tartary, rye to Creta, and wheat to Asia ; but these

PROF. Johnson's lectures on botany. 331

might have been diffused from some cultivated some years previous-
ly. Corn is not only the support of man, but the grasses are the
subsistence of the animals which form his nutriment. The nutritive
quality of grasses, is principally owing to the sugar which they con-
tain, and of which some English grasses contain large quantities,
but the sugar cane is the only grass that is exclusively cultivated for
obtaining this article for commerce. The grasses are applied to a
vast variety of important mechanical purposes ; they are found in
every part of the world, from the Poles to the Equator; on the land,
as well as floating on the water, and are the universal food of ani-
mals. It has been estimated that the daily consumption of corn in
England and Ireland is 1,238,096 bushels of wheat and barley ; be-
sides annually, 100,000 bags of rice, and 450,000,000 lbs. of sugar.
Besides these may be estimated as the immediate products of the
grasses, which consumed by animals form the food of man, a quan-
tity of almost inconceivable amount. In London alone, is annually
consumed 155,000,000 lbs. of butcher's meat. Of cheese, another
production of grass, 11,500 tons are annually introduced into Lon-
don, from Cheshire, about 20,000 tons from Warwickshire, besides
that from several other countries. Of butter, the annual consump-
tion is almost 50,000,000 lbs. the produce of 300,000 cows ; and in
London, between 9 and 10,000 cows are kept for the supply of milk
to the inhabitants, which produce an annual supply of about 30,000
millions of quarts. All these are the immediate products of the
grasses.

Most culinary vegetables belong to the cruciform, umbellate, or
papilionaceous varieties of plants. — The first is so named from four
petals forming the flower, being disposed in the form of a cross, as
in the wallflower. It may be remarked, that not a single species
included in this group is poisonous, but that the whole, if not abso-
lutely employed as food, are not deleterious. The cabbage, cauli-
flower, brocoli, sea kale, turnip, mustard, and almost all culinary
vegetables, but spinach, belong to it. Another extensive group, is
the umbellifera, so called from the arrangement in umbels, the main
flower stalk diverging into a number of spokes like an umbrella.
Although this class contains many used as condiment or food, many
others which are very poisonous, are associated with them, as the
hemlock. We know too little of the natural affinities of plants, to
enable us to distinguish the poisonou3, from those that are not so ;

832 PROF. Johnson's lectures on botany.

as the sweet cliervil of the garden, which is often mistaken for hem-
lock, or the common celery, mistaken for the same. Accidents
from this kind are not uncommon, and it was from eating drop-wort
that grows upon the banks of the Thames and other rivers, instead
of celery, that several convicts died at Woolwich, three or four years
ago. The papilionaceous, include many used for food, as pulse,
beans, peas, tares, saintfoin, and others, and so named from the
fancied resemblance of the flower to a butterfly. The fruit forms a
pod, called a legume, and the plants are therefore called legumin-
ous ; of many of them, the seeds are food for man, and the stem
and leaves of some, are food for cattle ; but the seeds of the albur-
num, and many others are poisonous. Although we are not yet suf-
ficiently acquainted with the characters which may enable us to
distinguish the qualities of all, yet, De Candolle has furnished us
with a sign by which we may in some measure distinguish betwixt
those which are poisonous or not. It is by observing how the leaves
spring from the seed, which are found to be very dissimilar. Some
throw their lobes above the ground, and are of a green color, as in
the laburnum. In most of this kind of plants cultivated for the pur-
poses of food, the leaves remain beneath the soil ; but although this
cannot be taken as an absolute criterion of a wholesome plant, from
the circumstance that some of them throw up their leaves, it is a
well recognized fact that no poisonous plant keeps its leaves beneath
the surface. The potato is a member of a poisonous and narcotic
order, being included in the same as the hemlock, nightshade, and
mandrake. The potato being wholesome, seems to mark another
feature, that some parts alone are poisonous whilst others are not,
and that this poisonous principle may reside in different parts of the
plant In the poppy, the seeds are not poisonous, but on the con-
trary, highly nutritious; in some parts of the continent being a food
both for man and animals. It is used extensively for the adultera-
tion of oil ; a large portion of the olive oil imported from France
being almost exclusively composed of it. The fleshy part of the
plum and other fruits is good for food, and nutritious, whilst the
kernels and leaves are highly poisonous, containing hydrocyanic
acid. The tubers of potatoes when roasted, are good, but the stem,
leaves, and other parts of the plant are deleterious. The tubers,
when on the ground and exposed to the surface of light, become
green, and taste badly. In its history the potato presents the same

PROF. Johnson's lectures on botany. 333

hemisphere as various kinds of corn. It was not known in the
Eastern hemisphere, or the Old World, until after the discovery of
America, where it was found cultivated in Peru, from whence it was
introduced by Sir Walter Raleigh into Virginia, in 15S6. It is sup-
posed to be indigenous to the Andes and Peru, but it is not found
there in a wild state by travellers. In many parts of Asia Minor
the soil is covered with the citron, cherry, pear, and other varieties
of fruits. Although we are ignorant of their native spot, they may
have formerly been introduced into these parts and cultivated, and
point out ancient civilization. Many ages ago, science and civili-
zation were confined to certain parts ; and from countries in proxi-
mity to the Euxine Sea, the gulph of Persia, and other parts, was
Europe indebted for its supply of almost all descriptions of fruit and
vegetables. In the time of Cato, the Romans were neither ac-
quainted with peaches or mulberries ; in that of first Tarquin, the
olive was not known to exist in Italy, Spain, or Africa ; in that of
Appius Claudius, olive oil was rare ; but now all the neighboring
countries derive their supply from these parts. In the time of Pliny,
it was introduced into France and Spain. The vine, all the varie-
ties of which originally sprung from one species, modified by cli-
mate and cultivation, is interesting in its genealogy. It was not
known originally in Europe, but followed man in his migrations. It
is found wild in the Caspian, though we have no reason to suppose
it originally to have been so. — From Greece it was introduced to
Sicily ; by the Phoceans it was carried into the south of France ;
by the Romans to the banks of the Rhine ; from whence it was ex-
tended to the various islands of the Mediterranean. Several of the
fruits so important in the tropical regions, as the banana, the date,
cocoa-nut, &c. have the history of their origin involved in the same
obscurity as the European plants just named.

The solid matter of which vegetable substances are principally
supplied from the earth, is carbon or cliarcoal, which principally
comes through water. In plants growing in the arid sands of tropi-
cal regions, which are scarcely susceptible of supporting vegetation,
we find very little carbonaceous matters, a small proportion of the
solid principle being combined with a large quantity of aqueous
juices. There are certain other principles which must be furnished
from the soil ; and if it be destitute of these, the plant cannot be
fostered, and hence the difficulty of cultivation, from not knowing

334 PROF. Johnson's lectures on botany.

the chemical nature of the eartli and soil. Plants growing in the
neighborhood of the ocean, contain soda, which had its origin in
the spray of the sea to which they are exposed ; the common eryngo
will grow in such situations, but not in a garden, from the want of
sea salt. It has, however, been kept alive under such circumstan-
ces, by watering with water in which sea salt had been dissolved.
The matter of flint, or silica, is contained in considerable quantities
in many plants, as in the common cane ; if two pieces be rubbed
together they will produce a light from this circumstance. When
we examine the cuticle, we find a considerable quantity of minute,
flinty matter, which produces the light. Mechanics are in the habit
of using a vegetable production called Dutch rush, but which is not
common in this country ; it is used by cabinet makers and workers
of brass, for polishing, where it acts like a fine file, caused by an
innumerable number of pieces of rock crystal. Two causes may
be assigned for the presence of this : — it is either imbibed by the
plant in a fluid state, or produced by a certain specific, vital action
in the plant. As we do not know any instance of the latter, the for-
mer may be assigned as the probable cause. Such plants will not
grow without silica, and in situations where plants do not flourish, it
is owing to the circumstance, that the soil does not contain its
proper quantity of proper earth.

Lime is a well known substance, existing in vegetables in various
proportions; in some being contained in a considerable quantity.
It is always in combination with an acid, either the carbonic or the
phosphoric, analagous to chalk or animal bone. One probable cause
of the fertility of lime, when applied as manure to soil, is in the car-
bonic acid which it absorbs from the atmosphere, presenting it in a
form by which it is readily decomposed. The soils which contain
lime are most favorable for. the growth of corn ; and wheat never
flourishes more than where it abounds. It is contained in grain in
such quantities, that it is computed that every person who consumes
1 lb. of bread daily, will, in the course of one year take into his
system 3 lbs. 6 ozs. 3 drachms and 44 grains of phosphate of lime.
This circumstance is the reason why it is of superior quality over
other grain, as it forms the principal part of human bodies. It is
found in milk, where nature seems to indicate that it is contained
for the nourishment of the young animal, from the remarkable fact
that when tliey are able to take other food, the milk loses its proper-

ON THE CULTURE OP TULIPS. 335

tion of this substance. Although phosphate of lime is contained in
considerable quantities in the adult secretions, it is not known in
those of the young, being all taken up for the purpose of nutriment.
The shells of eggs are formed of this substance, and Dr Paris has
ascertained the singular fact, that if the legs of a hen be broken,
she will lay her eggs without shells until these are repaired, for
which the lime is required. Hens will also lay their eggs without
shells if there is" a deficiency of lime in the yard in which they roam.
It is a remarkable circumstance, that although the grain contains
the phosphate, the straw contains the carbonate of lime. Carbon
is, next to water, the principal support of vegetation. In the for-
mation of soil, the earthy and crustaceous lichens are planted first :
these die and form a bed for the seed of the mosses. In the fertili-
zation of land, different operations are going on ; the roots of the
eryngo run five or six feet from the stem, they then die and form
the vegetable matter or black mould which covers the barren rocks
that cover the globe. Nature herself realizes the fable of the
phcenix. Man, the lord of the earth, is subject to the same laws as
all other created beings ; furnishing after death food for others, as
myriads have done before; and we trample on others alike in beauty
and decay. — British Farmer's Magazine.

Art. Til. — On the Culture of Tulips.

From the Hofticultiiral Journal for June,

Information is generally valued in proportion to the happy
choice of time at which it is given. No person cares much for med-
ical hints when in robust health ; but let only a little finger ache,
and at once the physician's aid is welcome. We were ruminating
on the necessity of writing an article suited to the present bright and
balmy period of the year, at which nature delights us by her fresh-
ness and her beauty, when, happening to turn our eyes on our prec-
ious bed of tulips, we were struck with the notion that nothing could
be more apropos than to give some information on the cultivation of
this beautiful plant. An objection immediately occurred to us, which
certainly had some weight, and that was, that the subject had been
often treated before and that the best modes of proceeding in this
country were pretty generally known. We determined then to

336 ON THE CUTTURE OF TULIPS.

choose this momeiu for giving our readers an account of the French
mode of cultivation ; and as the tulip season is now in its prime, we
coiiceive that the hints we lay before them will not be uninteresting
or valueless. The most successful tulip-cultivator of Paris is M.
Tripet, the florist of the Boulevart des Capucines. For seventysix
years his father and himself have been distinguished for the extretne
beauty of their collections, and for the general success of their modes
of proceeding. Any information on tulip-rearing emanating from
them is entitled to great attention ; and we think we shall be ren-
dering our horticulturists a service and a pleasure in laying before
them M. Tripet's plans of cultivation. After having said a few
words on the natural history of the plants, we shall proceed to con-
secrate a certain space to the specific character of the French flor-
ist's mode of cultivation.

The tulip appears to have been altogether unknown to the ancients,
or at least, if mention is made of it, it is under names and charac-
ters not clearly descriptive of its appearance or qualities. Nothing is
found in Pliny which can seem to refer to it ; and if Gesner has sup-
posed that it is the Satyrion Erythronium of the Greeks, or the
Anemone Limuid a o^ Theo\)\\YdiSiu?, — ifBauhin has believed that he
recognized it in the Pythania oi \\\\s\a.9i author — they have foun-
ded their conjectures on such vague grounds, that it is astonishing
they had the hardihood to express their opinions with so much firm-
ness. It was only in the sixteenth century that this superb plant
began to attract the attention of the botanist. It had been cultivated
before this in Europe, and was known under the name of Tulipan,
on account of the resemblance it bore in shape to the head-dress of
the Dalmatians. Conrad Gesner was the first who described this
plant, and gave a figure of it to the public, both of which may be
seen in the works of Valerius Cordus, which appeared in 1560.
Whatever difference of opinion may have existed in the. opinion of
authors, as to the spot where the tulip first was grown — whether it
comes from the confines of China, as some declare, where it was
known by the name of ZaZf; or from India, whence, according to
others, it was brought to Holland by the Portuguese — all agree that
it owes its origin to Asia, and that it was for ages neglected and
without name. The most probable supposition is, that it came to
us from the provinces of Asia, next neighbor to Europe ; in fact it
was from Constantinople that Gesner brought over, in 1559, that

ON THE CULTURE OF TULIPS. 337

species which to this day bears his name. At a later period, in
1575, Jacques de I'Ecluse, a learned botanist, received from Viena,
from Angierus Busbecque, the Ambassador in Turkey, some seeds
of Tulips, which he carried into Belgium, and from which he ob-
tained, six years after, flowers in great variety. The first which
were cultivated in France came from Tournay, and the plant was
soon spread over Europe,; indeed, when once known, how could it
fail to excite enthusiasm ? It became, from the moment of its advent,
a source of rivality amongst flower-fanciers. The great question
was, who could multiply the greatest number of varieties, and who
should possess the finest flowers. In the seventeenth century the
passion for tulips became, amongst the Belgian and Dutch florists,
an absolute madness. An imaginary and excessive value was set
on this plant, and it shortly became a regular object of commerce,
and immense sums of money, or articles of great value, were often
given in exchange for a single plant. Many thousand francs *
have been often given for a single root, and the amount of this ar-
ticle of commerce, in 1637, rose to some millions of francs. Each
day the tulip-mania became more overpowering, so much so that
the Etats Generaux of Holland, convinced of the evil effects which
might result from it, were obliged to interfere, and to pass laws of
great severity against such transactions. At the period of this ef-
fervescence, properties of considerable value were given for a single
flower, and a memorable monument of this outrageous folly is still
exhibited at Lille in the Tulip Brewery, which it is said, though
valued at 30,000 francs (1,200^.) was given by its proprietor for a
single root. In the present day, there is no nation which pushes
farther than the Turks their love for this beautiful plant. With this,
voluptuous people it has become, not only an object of gratification
and luxury, but of religious worship. No festival at Constantinople,
is more sumptuous than the fete of tulips. It is at the period when
their blowing is in all its beauty, that the Odalesques celebrate the
fete in the seraglios with all the magnificence which the Orientals
display on festive occasions. Disposed on stands placed in gardens,
illuminated with thousands of torches, they are considered as almost
worthy of adoration, and are, undoubtedly, the brightest ornament
of the festival given in their honor.

In France, if the tulips do not obtain the extraordinary favor

* A thousand francs is about 20/.

43

338 ON THE CUI/rURE OF TULIPS.

which they enjoy in Holland and Belgium, they still can boast of
numerous admirers, amongst whom may be found names of almost
European notoriety. Each year the amateurs of this plant are be-
coming more numerous, and without meriting exactly the title of
being tulip-mad, they may be justly praised for paying a legitimate
attention to the cultivation of one of the greatest ornaments of the
garden.

The tulip of the florists [Tulipa Gesneriana) is said to grow nat-
urally in the mountains of Savoy, in the Morea, and in the neighbor-
hood of Nice, It furnishes several varieties, of which the two prin-
cipal are — first, bizarres — and second, tulips on a white ground.
The first are remarkable for their exhibiting a yellow tinge, mingled
with the other colors, to the exclusion of white. They were much
esteemed about forty or fifty years ago, but they are looked on with
a Iei=s favourable eye at present. Many persons, however cultivate
them carefully still, to form a contrast, by their dark and strange
shades of color, with the tulips on a white ground. The last named
variety, on the contrary, displays not the slightest trace of yellow.
Sometimes, indeed, at the moment of blowing, a few exhibit a pale
shade of yellow, but the rays of the sun soon render them of a pure
white. These are again sub-divided into two classes; the first, in-
to tulips on a white ground, streaked with red, pink, crimson, &c. ;
and, secondly, tulips on a white ground, streaked with violet, ama-
ranth, purple, lilac, &c. The tulips, commonly called Dutch, are
the only ones now admitted into a choice collection, and of these
there are between 600 and 800 good varieties.

.In order to be admitted into this privileged class, certain condi-
tions hav^ been laid down by lovers of the flower, which the tulip
should^ fulfil, and to fail in even a single regulation is sufficient to
cause U to be rejected without hesitation or pity. These conditions
are, first, regularity of form ; secondly, harmony of proportions be-
tween the several parts; thirdly, firmness of the stalks and petals;
and, fourthly, on each of these a union of at least three colors clearly
defined.

With respect to the first condition, it is indispensable that, from
the point of junction, the petals should bend themselves gracefully
about a third part of their height, and then describe a straight line
to the top, so as to form a sort of cup with a circular opening. The
summit of the petals must not be in the slightest degree obtuse or
jagged at the edge.

ON THE CULTURE ON TULIPS. 339

Referring to the second condition, the width of the flower ought
to be about three-quarters of its height. The nicest harmony of
proportions ought to reign, not only in the different parts of the co-
rolla, but also between this latter and the stem. The bulk of this
ought to be co-ordinate, both with its own height, and with the color
of the corolla. Thus a flower, with breadth equal to its height, a
long stem supporting a diminutive flower, or a fine corolla inserted
into a weak, bending, or ridiculously short stem, are blemishes which
the severe taste of good judges proscribe as fatal.

As to the third law, we may remark that strength and straightness
of stem are indispensable. Here the petals must be well furnished,
for they then resist more easily the power of the solar rays.

To satisfy the fourth condition, it is necessary that at least three
colors should appear, harmoniously combined, so that the eye may
love to rest on the union. They must be well defined, bright, and
formed into regular designs — they must continue perfect up to the
time of the flower going off, without running into each other from
the effects of rain, or becoming weak and dried from the rays of the
sun.

Tulips are obtained in two different manners — by seed and offsets.
Experience proves that any variety of tulip is not re-produced by
seed , and hence the amateurs always have resource to this mode of
propagating the plant when they desire to obtain new varieties, which
they denominate Conquests. In order to obtain the accomplishment
of their wishes with more certainty, they take care not to employ
any seed but that which comes from tulips having the bottom of the
petals of a pure white, because the color of tulips proceeding from
such seed develope themselves more rapidly than those produced
from other seed. Tulip seed ought to be placed in the earth about
the month of October, in ground well prepared for its reception. It
should be protected from the frost by layers of leaves or mats. When
carefully attended to, the plants will appear above ground towards
the end of February. From the size of a pea the first year, the root
will increase considerably in the two following springs. " At each
of these periods, when the young leaves are faded," remarks M,
Tripet, " I spread over my plants about an inch of earth, such as
covered the seed originally. Convinced of the disadvantages, such
as the loss of time and the occupation of a larger piece of ground,
which are necessarily attendant on the taking up of the roots in the

340 ON THE CULTUUE OF TULIPS.

second year, as is the usual practice, I never take up mine until after
the third vegetation, and some later. I replant them at a depth of
three inches, and two or three inches apart. Latterly, each year, I
replant them in fresh ground ; convinced, by experience, that they
reach perfection sooner by changing the earth, particularly if it has
been well manured and fertilized by having contained other plants.
No matter what care may have been devoted to the seed, few perfect
flowers are obtained in the first blow, which does not take place be-
fore the fifth year; in the following years, gradual amelioration of the
colors takes place; and those which at first were vague and inter-
mediate, finish at last, though in no fixed time, by assuming clear
and distinct characteristics, until they reach all the perfection of
which they are susceptible. Every tulip produced by seed, and as
yet in a state of immaturity, is called a red {baguette), or a color
(couleur)* and this state many continued for from two to fifteen
years. From the period that the plant fulfils the prescribed condi-
tions, it takes the name of Conquest, which it retains until some par-
ticular appellation is bestowed on it. From the very first blowing,
all flowers whose corolla is ill made, or whose petals are thin, or
whose stem is weak and bending, or which is tinged with yellow,
are carefully removed. When the petals fall, the seed vessels should
be broken off" in order to give more strength and nourishment to the
root. The inutility of the number of off*sets which spring up about
the young roots, causes them to be rejected during the years which
precede the complete development of the colors. After the fourth
year, the roots are treated as those of a collection already formed.
The offsets of a tulip always re-produce a plant identical with that
from which they draw their birth. The period of their coming into
blow is always relative to their greater or less degree of development.
It is seen from the first to the fourth year. They are planted in
September, two, three, or four inches from each other, in proportion
to their size, in ground prepared the month before. A vast number
would perish from being dried up, if the putting them in the ground
■vvas postponed to November. In taking them up and replanting
them, the same order should be observed as is followed in an estab-
lished collection, in order to avoid all uncertainty in distinguishing
the varieties. The utility of offsets is exceedingly great, as they
serve to repair the losses which a severe season or unforseen acci-

* Synonymous with our breeder.

ON THE CULTURE OF TULIPS. 341

dents may cause to the old collection. Jn a tulip collection, the
size of the roots is not a matter of indifference. It has been re-
marked that some of them, of huge size, produce corollas which are
not properly proportioned. Most frequently they open and lose their
value ; whilst, if the roots had been of moderate size, they would
have been perfect. Experience, however, can be considered the
only safe guide in choosing the roots.

" It is not sufficient to unite the most beautiful tulips in the same
place, as if they are thrown together by chance or without harmony.
Not only must the heights agree, but also the colors. Art in this
respect comes to the embellishment of Nature. In order to display
as much as possible the lichness and value of a fine collection, the
following precautions ought to be attended to, as they will be found
to facilitate the labor in a high degree.

" If, for instance, you have 500 tulip roots to plant, whose height
and color you are perfectly acquainted with, you had better provide
ten drawers, with fifty compartments in each. In these, place your
roots, in some position where the air will have free access. You
can place the drawers in a case, one over the other, with a space
between to let in the air, and the whole had better be surrounded
with a wire grating, to keep away rats and mice. As you know
accurately the classification of your tulips, according to height and
color, you can place the roots in proper order in the compartments.
Its first series should hold those whose stem is highest, and which
should be planted on the top of the bed : the other compartments
should hold others less high, until all are filled. The colors ought
to alternate as symmetrically as possible, so that the same color
should never appear twice together, either longitudinally or trans-
versely. It will result from this disposition of the plants, that, in
looking at the bed obliquely, they will appear like a draught-board,
with lines formed of an uninterrupted color. When you have prop-
erly arranged your roots in these compartments, the next step is to
choose out a piece of ground, not moist, open, exposed to the south-
east in preference to the south-west, and distant at least fifteen fee^
from any wall. It is best to give the bed a certain inclination, in
order first to see the position of the flowers more easily, and next to
facilitate the flowing off of rain or other moisture. Should you desire
to make a second bed, it will be best to place it opposite and paral-
lel to the other, with a walk of about four feet between them, and

342 ON THE CULTURE OF TULIPS.

with the lower part of one bed next to the lower part of the other.
By this means the two beds will incline towards each other. In or-
der to renew certainly the principles which are indispensable to
bring tulips to perfection, the earth should be changed every two
years ; and in order to preserve to the plants, the second year, a
vegetation as favorable as the first, about 250 pints of liquid manure,
of the richest quality, should be poured over the ground in July or
August; and in order that every particle of the earth should be im-
pregnated with the essence of this rich addition, the whole should be
dug up in a month after, and well mingled together. Should liquid
manure not be procurable, the best substitute is manure from the
cow's stable. When the earth is properly prepared thus, from the
10th to the 25th of November, the planting of the roots should take
place. The bed should be carefully measured, and the roots entered
at equal distances. About a wine-glass full of sand should be placed
at the bottom of each hole, and the root ought to be covered with
about a glass full more, as moisture passes through it quickly, and
the roots are protected from insects. When the root is placed thus
in its receptacle, it should be delicately covered by the hand with
a small quantity of earth. Many persons strike down the root with
their fingers, or with a planting stick, but this plan is proved by ex-
perience to be hurtful to the plant : the earth is rendered too com-
pact by the pressure, so that the roots do not vegetate easily, and the
plant is liable to be injured by moisture, which finds some difficulty
in passing through. The borders of the bed should be lined with
green sod, or, what is still better, with stone, which will keep out all
insects and endure longer.

" Although less attention is paid to tulips when mixed up together,
still, in order to obtain satisfactory flowers, it is necessary to turn up
the ground several times before they are planted — not to leave them
in it more than two years at a time, and not to replant them there
but after an interval of from three to four years. A judgment may
to a certain extent, be formed of the height of the stem from the size
of the root ; but this rule has numerous exceptions, though it is the
only one which can direct us in the arrangement of tulips, mixed
together, whose actual height is not ascertained.

" Tulips, from being exposed to the intemperature of the atmos-
phere, are subject to certain diseases, which it is of consequence to
prevent. From the 14th of February to the 15th of April, they are

ON THE CCLTURE OF TULIPS. 343

generally tormented by snow, hail, and cold rains. The cups formed
by the young leaves, at the bottom of which the bud lies shut up, get
filled with rain, and the result is, that the water remains there until
it insinuates itself into the interior of the root, and either spoils it or
impedes its development. Oftentimes a number of roots do not flow-
er at all, or, if they do, the colors are dull and imperfect. To obvi-
ate this and many other inconveniences arising from exposure to the
weather, it is necessary to shelter them with a covering of sail-cloth,
which, by means of cords and pullies, can be extended or rolled up
at will. The bed should be covered with this in unfavorable weath-
er, and should be exposed to the rays of the sun, and to gentle rain
when the buds shall have appeared from under the leaves. When
the blow shall be complete, the covering must be held over the bed
(luring rain, and from nine to four o'clock in case of sun. By this
means the duration of the blow will be prolonged, and the beauties
of a collection may be admired without any exposure to rain or sun.
In the climate of Paris, the blow takes place usually in the first fort-
night of May, and endures for about a month. I forgot to mention
that, notwithstanding all the care bestowed on a bed, both in the
planting and the growth of tulips, it always happens ^that some roots
do not produce their flowers. In order to preserve the symmetry of
the bed, which has been affected by their miscarriage, you should
substitute other tulips, as like them as you can "find in a reserved
bed, which I strongly recommend you to establish apart from the
other. For taking up the plants thus rendered useless, I employ
an instrument, formed with three legs, like a triangle. These close
when you please, and taking hold of the root, easily bring it to the
surface. The tulips thus substituted, should be carefully marked
to avoid confounding them with those whose places they occupied
for the season. It is impossible to preserve the necessary order in
a tulip collection, unless the roots are carefully entered in a catalogue,
with their descriptions — each page might represent one of the
drawers, of which I have already spoken. When the bloom is over,
the seed vessels should be cut off", in order that the roots may profit
by the sap, which would otherwise have been absorbed. The time
for taking up the roots is easily ascertained. When the stems roll
themselves round your fingers without breaking, then you may be
sure that the time for taking up the roots has arrived. This takes
place generally towards the end of June, and should be performed

344 MONOGRAPIJY OF THE GENUS CAMELLIA.

in the same order as was adopted in putting them down. Too ten-
der to be capable of resisting the action of the sun after their extrac-
tion from the ground, a great number of roots perish by being exposed
to its rays during the short period taken up in raisintr them. This
operation sliould not, therefore, be undertaken, unless under circum^
stances calculated to guard them from this danger. When all proper
precautions have been taken, I proceed to raise the roots, and in
this too much care cannot be given to avoid cutting them. Beware
of placing the dibble under them; you will surely wound some, for
they are not placed all at the same distance from the surface. First,
gently uncover the ground at the sides of the plants, and then uncover
the roots; after they have been deprived of their shoots, of their dry
skins, and separated from the offsets, I place them in the cases des-
tined to receive them. I then leave them to dry in the shade from
morning to evening, for four or five days. During a month, I occa-
sionally expose them to the air, in order to guarantee their perfect
dryness. The roots which had been taken away from the bed, on
account of their barrenness, ought now to be placed in their respec-
tive compartments, if they are sound, for at the succeeding years
they may produce magnificent tulips."

Such are the remarks which M. Tripet has thought fit to make
on the cultivation of tulips, and we trust they will not prove uninter-
esting to our readers.

Akt. IV. — Moyiography of the Genus Camellia, or an Essay
on its Culture, Description and Classification ; Translated from
the French, by Henrv A. S. Dearborn.

iCoiitinued frnm page .300. )

187. C. Parksii vera. — Leaves two and one half inches wide and
three inches 4 lines long, almost flat, roundish-oval, slightly acumi-
nate, delicately dentated; smooth, of a clear green, resembling a
little those of C. Specinsa vera; bud large, oblong, depressed at
the summit, scales blackish, full, a cherry-red. No. 6 ; petals of
the circumference in two rows, broad, channelled, some recurved,
compact, others erect and mixed with those of the interior, which
are small, thick, forming an irregular sphere, as in C. 3Iilleri, or the

MONOGRAPHY OP THE GENUS CAMELLIA. 345

Speciosa vera, of which this variety has the form and dimensions. —
Magnificent.

188. C. PrcBcellentissima. — Leaves two inches wide and two
inches and two lines long, elliptical, slightly acuminate, nerves very
apparent, almost invisibly dentate, the summit reflex, as in the C.
Reeswesii ; bud oblong, scales of a yellowish green, flower three
and a half inches in diameter and often more, double, cherry-red,
No. 5, having a little of the tintof that of C. Rivinii ; petals of the
circumference six, oblong, turned back on the calyx distant from
each other, in the form of a star and crenated at the summit ; those of
the interior numerous, short, equally arranged and forming a bowl,
as in the ordinary Warrata ; in the middle are seen the styles which
are very long. — Very beautiful.

189. C. Pictorum coccinea. — Leaves large, horizontal, and hol-
lowed into a gutter, of a deep green, but very little dentated ; bud
large, scales greenish ; flower more than three inches in diameter
and often even four, full, regular, of a cherry color. No. 4 ; petal
broad, handsomely detached, and gracefully imbricated. — Superb.

190. C .Platipetala. — We possess two Camellias under this name ;
the first is very much like C. Imperialis, both in foliage and flower ;
the second has leaves like those of C. Speciosa vera, or of C. Raw-
siana. The flower which is not so dark as that of the two last va-
rieties, has the same form and size ; but the bud before it opens, has
a white point at the summit. — Superb.

191. C. Rubra simplex, or japunica. — The type, from which
nearly all our varieties were derived. See its description at the
commencement of the monography.

192. C. Rubra plena. — This shrub requires pruning, to give it
a graceful port and cause it to flower abundantly ; branches greyish,
numerous, having a tendency to extend themselves far, leaves ovate-
lanceolate, or rounded, curled, reclined, and are often undulated in va-
rious directions, of a deep green ; bud large, oblong, obtuse, scales
blackish; flower three inches in diameter, full, of a cherry-red No,
5 ; petals of the circumference broad, recurved ; those of the in-
terior, swollen, narrow, elongate, numerous, rumpled, and irregular-
ly arranged ; bears seed.

There exists a sub-variety of this Camellia known in the com-
merce of flowers under the name of Rubra maxima ; it is a more
rustic shrub, its flower longer and its port more regular ; but both
44

346 MONOGRAPHY OF THE GENUS CAMELLIA.

of these varieties, retain their buds with difficulty. Still if they are
kept in a continued temperate atmosphere, from the last of autumn
to the moment of floresence, they flower very well in December. —
Superh.

193. C. Rex Batavicc. — Leaves two inches wide and three inches
two lines long, a little recurved at the extremity, nerves very distinct,
often spotted with pale yellow; bud large, scales greenish; flower
three inches and 3 lines in diameter, double, regular, cherry color,
No. 6, becoming darker in proportion as the flower develops ; pe-
tals not numerous, broad, rounded at the summit, hollowed into
gutters and slightly recurved backwardsi; some of those in the cen-
tre rumpled and dislocated ; a few stamens in the centre, with very
brilliant yellow anthers. — Very beautiful.

194. C. Rossi. — Leaves large, ovate-lanceolate, curled, recurved
towards the stock, very dentate, of a dull green ; bud with green
scales ; flower double, three inches in diameter, of a fine cherry-red
No. 4, sometimes spotted. — Very beautiful.

195. C. Rossiana superba. — Branches vigorous and elongated ;
leaves ample, rather deeply dentated, nerves very apparent ; flower
of a medium size, of a deep cherry-red, No. 4, semi-double. —
Handsome,

196. C. Roscii or Rawsiana. — See the next.

197. C. Rawsiana or Roscii. — Leaves two and a half inches wide
and three and a half long, oblong, horizontal, a little rolled, recurved
at the summit, very finely dentated of a clear green; bud large,
scales blackish ; flower three inches in diameter, full, deep cherry-
red, No. 4, form convex and rumpled; petals of the circumference
not numerous, but broad, distorted and thick ; those of the interior
very numerous, pretty large, compact, unequal, reclined, or erect,
some of them marked with a white spot. — Superb.

198. C Sanguinea. — Leaves of a medium size, form and color
of C. Aitonia ; bud oblong, pointed, scales greenish; flower 4
inches in diameter, single, cherry-red. No. 5, sometimes blood col-
or ; stamens numerous, anthers small, styles long, surpassing, by a
third, the length of the stamens ; bears seed. — Beautiful.

199. C. Staviinea plena. — We have compared during several
years in succession, this plant with C. Raiosiana and Roscii and
have discovered so little difference between these varieties that we
think that they constitute but one.

MONOGRAPHY OF THE GENUS CAMELLIA. 347

200. C. Superhissima. (Sacc.) — Leaves two inches wide and
three long ; bud obtuse, scales greenish ; flower of the largest di-
mensions double, of a cherry-red, No. 4, often shaded with rose ;
petals irregularly arranged, but with grace. This variety has been
obtained from the seed by Mr Sacco of Milan. He states that the
mother plant has produced flowers seven and a half inches in diam-
eter.

201. C. Sparmaniana. — Leaves two and a half inches wide and
three and two lines long, roundish oval, very slightly acuminated,
with very distinct nerves, of a green like that of C. Wilbanksiana ;
bud large, with greenish scales ; flower three inches in diameter,
double, cherry-red, No. 6, exterior petals round, recurved, the others
erect dispersed, with the form and dimensions of those of the flower
of C. Rex HatavicB. — Very beautiful.

202. C. Splendens vera. — We possess two varieties of C. Splen-
dens: the first has a single flower, and is not remarkable; the sec-
ond, whose leaves very much resemble those of C. Magniflora plena
has a superb appearance ; its flowers very large, full, regular, deep
cherry-red, No. 5; petals, rounded, imbricated, some of those in
the centre contorted, and formed into two separate hearts. — Superb.

203. C. Speciosa vera. — Leaves two and a half inches wide and
three and a half long, rounded, slightly acuminated, fine teeth, flat,
of a clear green, glossy, very finely veined ; bud with blackish scales
at the base and green at the summit ; flower large, beautiful, full,
of a deep cherry-red ; No. 5, petals of the exterior in two or three rows
large, regular, recurved upon the calyx, those of the centre irregu-
lar, multiplied, close, undulate, rumpled, having a little white spot
on the superior part ; corolla three inches in diameter.-— >S^wper6.

204. C. Tamponeana. (Berb.) — Leaves close, oval, a little lance-
olate, two inches three lines wide and three inches four Hnes long,
with apparent nerves, of a dull green ; bud large, oblong, with ap-
ple-green scales; flower three and a half inches in diameter, cherry
red, No. 5, approaching amaranth, double, well formed ; petals
rounded in the circumference, regularly recurved upon the calyx
the second row gracefuly elevated ; those of the centre smaller,
rumpled, sometimes marked with white spots : a ievf sterile stamens
in the centre ; flowers abundantly and easily obtained from the seed
by Mr Tamponet of Paris.

205. C. Warrata or AnemoncB flora. — Leaves two inches wide

348 MONOGRAPHY OF THE GENUS CAMELLIA,

and three long, obtuse-oval, of a deep and brilliant green, flat, thick,
dispersed, reflex ; bud of medium size, elongate, with scales always
blackish ; flower large, doable, of a deep cherry-red, No. 6, approach-
ing a purple; petals of the circumference broad, nearly rounded, in
number 6 or 7, those of the interior numerous, small, arranged with
admirable regularity in the form of a depressed bowl. This variety
flowers with facility in warm climates; but in Paris, it is sufficiently
inconstant in this respect. When the buds exhibit at their summits
a white spot, it is an indication of a certain and easy florescence.
This variety has produced very beautiful sub-varieties ; they are
covered with fruit in Italy.

SECOND GAMUT.

UNICOLORS.

CARNATION COLORS.

Dominant color, rose, lake and cinnabar, as in the numbers 1,
and 2 of the colored table.

206. C. Alba lutescens, or Roseoflorescens. — Leaves oblong, re-
flex, and rolled downwards towards the summit, regularly dentated,
almost flat, of the form and color of those of C. Wilhanksiana ; bud
obtuse-oval, with yellowish scales, flower three and a half inches in
diameter, of a dingy white, yellowish, carnation, No. 2, full, totally
deprived of sexual organs ; petals broad, arranged in several rows.
— Very beautiful..

207. C. Carnea. — Leaves oval, elongate, two and a half inches
wide, and four inches three lines long, dispersed, very much veined
and dentated, of a yellowish green ; bud obtuse, large, with green-
ish scales ; flower three inches broad, full, flesh-color approaching a
pale yellow, as in No. 3. — Superb.

208. C. Incai'nata. — Leaves two inches three lines wide and four
long, lanceolate, strongly veined and deeply dentated, of a pale green,
flower three and a half inches in diameter, full, arranged in a star,
of a carnation color, pale on opening, and soon after becoming of a
dingy yellow, a shade above No. 3; petals imbricated, tufted, slightly
acuminated, sometimes crenated at the summit, gently leaning on
each other, and forming a kind of star. — Magnificent.

209. C. Kewblurk. — It is a sub-variety of the preceding, flowers,
not so regular and not star-form.

MONOGRAPHY OF THE GENUa CAMELLIA. 349

SECOND GAMUT.

U N I C OL O R S,

ORANGE-RED MORE OR LESS DEEP.

Dominant color, lake mixed with cinnabar-red as in Nos. 1. 2. 3,
4. 5. 6. 7. and 8, in the second gamut of the colored table.

210. C. AnemoncB Jlora Warrata sinensis. — Leaves two inches
wide and two and eight lines long, oval, obtuse, almost flat, the old
roundish-oval, and the new lanceolate, both very finely dentate and
with reddish margins, of a green very nearly like that of the orange ;
bud obtuse, pretty large, with green scales ; flower three and a half
inches in diameter ; full, deep orange-red. No. 6, sometimes shaded
alaove C. Reeveseii, with the heart depressed ; petals of the circum-
ference in three rows, broad, rounded, those of the centre, narrow,
short, mixed with others longer and broader, unequal, and marked in
the centre, with one or two white spots. This flower much resem-
bles that of C. Parksii. — Superb.

211. C. Atroruhens. — A very vigorous shrub ; leaves large, ovate-
lanceolate, attenuated at the superior extremity, very dentate, of a
deep green, coriaceous bud of ordinary size with blackish scales;
flower three inches in diameter, full, irregular, of a deep orange red.
No. 6; exterior petals in three rows, regularly placed, broad, imbri-
cated, recurved and conspicuously displayed ; those of the interior
smaller, short, elevated, distorted, rumpled and separated from the
first, forming a depressed centre ; blooms with difficulty. — Superb.

212. C. Augusta rubra aurantiaca. — Leaves two inches wide
and three inches and more long, very much dentated, ovate-lanceo-
late, acuminated, of a dull green ; bud oblong, a little pointed •
flower three and a half inches in diameter, double, deep orange-red,
No. 8 ; color, form and dimensions like those of C. Corallina. —
Superb.

213. C. China. (Tat.) or Rives-nova. — The branches, leaves and
wood resemble those of C. Rubra plena, of which it is a sub-variety ;
bud large, oval, with apple-green scales ; flower three inches in di-
ameter, full, of a deep orange-red. No. 7 ; petalselevated, numerous,
compact, and arranged as in C. Atrorubens, but of a more open
globular form. — Superb.

214. C. China large. — Leaves long, narrow, reflex, of a green,
like that of C. Rubra plena \ flower about three inches in diameter,

350 MONOGRAPHY OF THE GENUS CAMELLIA.

full, of the form of the preceding and of a very similar color ; petals
of the exterior imbricated, entire, rounded at the summit, the bor-
ders recurved ; a few small petals in the centre, unequal, slightly
spotted with white. — Superb.

215. C. Conspicua. — A shrub which has but little grace in its
port; leaves two inches two lines wide and four long, lanceolate ob-
long somewhat acuminate, undulating, close, reflex, deeply dentated
with long petioles of an ordinary green ; bud oblong, with green caly-
cinal scales ; flower three and a half inches in diameter, regular,
full, of a beautiful orange^red. No. 8, approaching carmine ; petals
of the circumference, arranged in several rows, broad, handsomely
imbricated and deeply crenated at the summit ; some of those in
the centre, long, twisted, and reclining laterally on the ovary. ^jSm-
perh.

216. C. Chandlerii. (Chand.) — A vigorous shrub ; leaves thick,
three inches wide and four long, roundish-oval, horizontal, slightly
acuminated, the points bent laterally, very much dentated, veins
apparent, of an obscure green ; bud large, pointed-oval, with scales
part blackish and part yellowish ; flow-er four inches in diameter,
rose-form, double, depressed, of a superb deep orange-red, No. 8;
petals of the circumference mucronated, imbricated, rounded, regu-
larly arranged^ crenated, those of the centre smaller, erect, elongate,
folded a little in a cornet form, sometimes spotted with white. — 3Iag~
nificent-

217. C. Cactiflora. — Leaves 2 inches and 2 lines wide, and 3
inches 5 lines long, oval, oblong, lanceolate, very acuminate, dis-
tant from each other, deeply dentated, strongly nerved ; bud oblong,
with yellowish scales ; flower double of an orange red. No. 8 ; petals
handsomely imbricated, not numerous, broad and regularly arrang-
ed ; those of the centre, swollen, distorted and intermixed with
stamens — Very handsome.

218. Dcrbiana Vera. — Leaves 2 inches 3 lines wide and 3 1-2
inches long, roundish-oval, very acuminate, nerves very distinct,
horizontal, finely dentated, surface often spotted with yellow, of a
very beautiful green ; bud very large, oblong, pointed with apple-
green scales ; flower 4 inches in diameter, and often more, double,
deep orange-red. No. 7, of a brightness diflicult to designate, and
producing a magnificent effect ; the petals of the circumference ar-
ranged in several rows, broad, a little spoon-shaped, and crenated

MONOGRAPHY OF THE GENUS CAMELLIA. 351

at the summit ; those of the interior, narrow, rumpled, of a rose tint;
a kw sterile stamens in the centre. — Magnificent. There is another
Derbiana, known in the flower market which is not in the least dis-
tinguished.

219. C. Eximia Vera. — Leaves ovate, lanceolate, large, acumi-
nate, very dentate, horizontal, of an ordinary green ; bud large,
flattened at the summit, scales calycinal, yellowish ; flower 3 1-2
inches in diameter, very full, of a deep orange color, No. 8 ; some-
times the petals are worked with a white line ; they are arranged in
six or seven rows, regularly imbricated, rounded, crenated at the
summit, forming a beautiful rose, as in the C. Blanc Double. [Double
white.] — Magnificent. There is known in the flower market an
other Camellia under this name, produced by Mr Knight ; its flower
is semi-double and but little esteemed.

220. Incomparabilis. — Leaves 2 inches 9 lines wide and 4 inches
long, roundish-oval, some of them laceolate, acuminate, with con-
spicuous nerves, of a very brilliant green ; bud oblong, large, point-
ed, with blackish scales ; flower large, 4 1-2 inches in diameter,
single, deep orange-red. No. 7 ; eight broad petals, crenated at the
summit, many erect and compact stamens. There exist, another
Camellia under this name, whose flower is large, full, and like that
of C. Conspicua. — Superb.

221. C. Ignescens. — Shrub vigorous; leaves rather large with
small nerves, but well delineated, sprinkled with spots of clear green,
upon a more sombre ground ; flower of medium size, semi-double
deep orange-red, No. 6, petals flat, imbricated in three rows; many
stamens. — Passable.

222. C. Lauchmani. — A vigorous shrub and of a graceful port •
foliage of a shining green ; flower large, single, of a deep orange-red
No. 6, velvety ; petals ample, erect, bilobed and elongate ; stamens
short, some of them petaloids ; styles very long. — Passable.

223. C. Magnijlora plena. — Leaves large, some rounded and
others oval, subcordiform, thick, stiff, glossy, reflex, numerous, of
an obscure green ; bud oblong, rather large with greenish scales ;
flowers very double, regular, 3 1-2 inches in diameter, of a deep
cherry-red. No. 5, approaching a poppy color ; exterior petals im-
bricated in three rows, very broad, crenated at the summit, those of
the centre swollen, roundish, regularly arranged ; flowers easily and
for a long time. — Superb.

352 MONOGRAPHY OP THE GENUS CAMELLIA.

224. C. Piiniccejlora. — Handsome foliage ; flower 3 inches in
diameter, semi-double, irregular deep orange-red, No. 4, inclined to
a pomegranate color. — Handsome.

225. C. Parvijlora. — Leaves near, lanceolate, oblong, very
acuminate, 2 inches broad and 3 inches 4 lines long, almost flat,
finely and irregularly dentated, and of an obscure green ; bud large,
oblong with blackish scales at the base, and yellowish at the summit ;
flower 3 inches in diameter, full, regular, deep orange-red, No. 7;
petals handsomely imbricated, very numerous, with a depressed
heart, containing 2 or 3 sterile stamens. — Superb.

226. C. Palmerii purple Warrata. — Branches short; leaves
flat, rounded, very finely dentated, nerves not very apparent ; flower
large, full, deep orange-red, No. 8. — Superb.

227. C. Reewesii vera. — Port not very graceful ; leaves few and
dispersed, 2 inches 2 lines wide and 4 long, curled, ovate, lanceolate,
the point recurved, of a deep green ; bud large, pyramidal, with
greenish scales ; flower '3 1-2 inches in diameter, double, deep or-
ange-red. No. 7 ; petals of the circumference in two rows, an inch
broad and 11-2 long, hollowed in the form of a gutter, very much
crenated at the summit ; those of the centre elongate, narrow, slit
into narrow strips and folded at the summit in the form of a dome
and leaving a void in the interior, where appear a few stamens. —
Superb.

228. C. Renira. — Leaves 12 lines wide and 2 1-2 inches long,
lanceolate, oblong, finely dentated, strongly nerved, of a pale green ;
flower 3 inches in diameter, double, deep orange-red, No. 7; petals
of the circumference very broad, oblong, crenated at the summit,
those of the centre not numerous, long, narrow, folded over each oth-
er, and resembling the interior of an anemone. — Superb.

239. Rivinii. — Leaves 1 inch 10 lines broad and 3 inches 6
lines long, ovate, elongate, acuminated, nerved and dentated, hori-
zontal ; petioles 10 lines long, of a pale red, which is often extended
for a third of the length of the main nerve; bud elongate, pyrami-
dal, with green scales ; flower 3 1-2 inches in diameter, of a beauti-
ful deep orange-red. No. 7, very double ; petals of the circumference
in several rows, oblong, a little spatulate, or spoon -form, crenated at
the summit, and arranged in rows ; those of the interior, very nu-
merous, erect, and forming a dome, as in C. Reavesii ; of the same
color and same form. — Superb.

MONOGRAPHY OF THE GENUS CAMELLIA. 353

FIRST GAMUT.

BIC OLOR S.

FIRST DIVISION.

Ground white striped or spotted with rose, as in No. 1. of the
first gamut of the colored table.

230. C. Banksii. — It is the Camellia Imperialis under the name
of C. Banksii, perhaps a little more striped with red, which appears
to us to depend on the vigor of the plant.

231. C. Dianthiflora striata plena. — Leaves 2 inches wide
and 3 inches 2 lines long, ovate-oblong, acuminated, horizontal,
very dentate, a little recurved at their summits, very distinct nerves
and of rather a deep green ; flower large, very double, of a pretty
form, resembling very much that o( Camellia Impej^ialis.

232. C. Delicatissima. — Leaves 2 inches wide and 3 1-2 long,
ovate oblong, attenuated at their two extremities, those of the su-
perior having rather long points ; flower 3 1-2 inches in diameter,
double, rose-form ; heart very large, being 2 inches 6 lines in diam-
eter, petals curled, sinuous, irregular, those of the periphery, larger,
being an inch and more broad, entire or sinuous, all white, striped
with rose, stripes both large and small, and pretty numerous. — Su-
perb.

233. C. Elegantissima. — Leaves large, ovate-lanceolate, strongly
nerved, of a deep green ; flower double, 3 inches in diameter, ground
white, striped with rose. — Superb.

234. C. Gloria Mundi. — There are, under this name, two differ-
ent Camellias ; the first has leaves 2 inches 9 lines broad, and 4
inches long ; form, color, and dimensions of C. Imperialis, when thii
is very vigorous ; bud large, obtuse, with greenish scales ; flower of
a white ground, striped with rose, as in the Camellia above named,
from which it differs but very little ; only the heart is slightly yel-
lowish. The second has leaves very nearly like those of C. Grandi-
jlora simplex; its flower is double, cherry-red. No. 2, and very reg-
lar.

235. C. Imperialis. — Leaves 2 1-2 inches wide and 3 1-2 long,
roundish-oval, very acuminate, rolled backward at the summit,
horizontal, very much dentated, with strong nerves, of a clear green ;
bud egg-shaped, large, with greenish scales ; flower three and a
Jhalf inches in diameter, full, irregular, with a white ground slightly

45

354 MONOGRAPH y or the genus camellia.

tinted or striped with rose ; petals of the circumference broad,
flat, recurved, crenate at the summit; those of the interior narrow,
distorted erect, united and forming an arched centre almost hemis-
pherical, rumpled, resembling a Flemish pink, with a white ground
striped with red. Petals entirely rose-colored are sometimes seen
in this flower. — Magnificent.

236. C. Imhricata alba. — Leaves three inches wide and from four
to five long, dispersed, oval, elliptical, attenuated, at the two ex-
tremities, handsomely nerved, point recurved downward ; flower
*hree and a half inches in diameter, spheroidal, very full and form-
ing a regular rose, the petals of which gradually diminish in size
towards the centre, and are mutually imbricated from the centre to
the circumference, each has a free border, a little sinaous, entire,
two lines broad in the centre and augmenting to twentyfive lines
in the periphery ; they are white with distinct red or white stripes.
— Magnificent.

237. C Punctata simplex, or

238. C. Single striped. — Leaves two and a half inches wide
and three long; form, color and dimensions of C. simplex alba; —
flower of medium size, single, white, striped or dotted with rose. —
Insignijicant.

239. C. Pictanata. — Leaves three and a half inches wide and
four long, near, acuminated at the summit and rounded at the base,
oval, elliptical, the point bent downward, shining ; flower three and
a half inches in diameter, spherical, very double ; petals of the cen-
tre and also those of the circumference curled, sinuous, irregular,
folded ; those of the periphery entire, of a pure white, and occasion-
ally some of them striped with red ; a few stamens. — Superb.

240. C. Regina Galliarum, or

241. C. Eclipse. — Leaves and bud like those of C. Imperialis ;
flower three and a half inches in diameter, full, a little arched in
the centre, ground white slightly spotted with rose ; petals of the
exterior recurved symmetrically, twisted and striped, as in the flower
of C Imperialis ; this has heretofore been caWed the Eclipse ; but
the Messrs. Bowman have named it C Regina Galliarum. — Superb.

242. C. Sabina. — Leaves of a medium size, roundish-oval, slightly
acuminated, bud pyramidal, with green scales ; flower large, full,
and of a very pale or whitish carnation color. — Superb.

243. C. Stryphosa. (Rap.) Leaves of a medium size, oyate-lan-

MONOORAPHY OF THE GENUS CAMELLIA. 355

ceolate, slightly acuminated, much dentated, of a beautiful green ;
flower double, large, ground white, striped or more properly dotted
with rose and red ; handsomely formed. — Superb.

244. C. Spoffortiana. — A vigorous shrub and of an elegant port ;
leaves oval, horizontal, nerves salient, of a deep green, teeth distant
and very acute ; buds very large, with greenish scales ; flower three
inches in diameter, full, of a milk-white with a iew red stripes —
Superb.

245. C. Victoria antioerp iensis . — Leaves two inches three lines
wide and four long, some roundish-oval, others lanceolate, acumi-
nate, of a dull green ; flower very double, three inches in diameter,
exhibiting some rose stripes on a white ground. — Superb.

FIRST GAMUT.

BI C O L O R S.

SECOND DIVISION.

Ground rose striped or spotted with cherry-red, as in No. 1, of
the colored table.

246. C. Colvillii vera. — Shrub very vigorous ; leaves three inches
three lines wide and four inches seven lines long, broad, roundish-
oval, a little acuminated, much dentated, with very salient nerves,
thick, horizontal, slightly recurved downward, of a very deep green ;
bud very large, with scales, blackish on the border and yellowish in
the middle ; flower three inches and ten lines and oftes more in di-
ameter; ground color clear rose, one shade darker than No. 1, and
striped with carmine-red ; form and disposition of the petals as in
the flower of C. Punctata plena, but of greater dimensions. — Ma^-
nijicent.

247. C. Gray Venus.

248. C. Gray.

249. C. Eclipse.

250. C. Splendida.

251. C. Venusta.

252. C. Punctata -plena. — All these Camellias are sub-varieties,
which resemble each other so much, that it is better to consider them
as a single one. See below C. Punctata plena. All these double
denominations came to us from beyond the sea.

253. C. Punctata plena. — Shrub vigorous and of an elegant port ;
Jeaves oval, almost round, two and a half inches wide and three and

356 RIONOCJRAPHY OF THE GENUS CAMELLIA.

a half long, with very prominent nerves, much dentated, of a deep
green ; bud large, depressed at the summit, with apple-green scales ;
flower three inches in diameter, full, ground rose, marked with
cherry-red lines. No. 1 ; petals of the circumference broad, crenate
at the summit, and convex ; those of the centre small, elongate and
erect ; floral form of C Impcrialis, but the mixture of its colors
renders it more apparent. This Camellia sometimes produces flow-
ers, entirely red or rose, and without stripes. We think that C*
Preston Eclipse is identical with this, and that this accidental va-
riety has been established by grafting. — Magnificent.

254. C. Punctata major. — Shrub vigorous; leaves broad, oval,
nearly four inches long and three and a half wide, of a glossy green,
finely veined, dentate, point bent downwards; flower four inches in
diameter, considerably double, of a beautiful clear rose. No. 2, finely
striped with blood-red, and spotted with white; corolla rose-form. —
Magnificent.

255. C. Rosa mundi.

256. C. SplendicU id.

257. C. Venusta id. — See

258. C. Punctata plena.

FIRST GAMUT.

B I C O L O R S .

THIRD DIVISIOlf.

Ground clear or deep cherry, spotted with while.

259. C Agl(B. — Leaves two inches nine lines wide and three and a
half long, reflex, roundish-oval, acuminate; buds with green scales;
flower three inches in diameter, double, ground cherry. No. 2, often
of that color only and sometimes spotted with white ; stamens mixed
with a few interior petals, flowers easily and abundantly. — Very
handsome.

260. C. Adonidea. — Leaves very nearly like those of the Preston
Eclipse ; flower large, very double, of a cherry -red, No. 1, striped
with white, form of a Flemish pink. We think that this dahlia is a
sub-variety of Preston Eclipse, modified by culture. — Superb.

261. C. Cariophyllce flora, or

262. C Dianthijlora. — Shrub very vigorous, of not a very grace-
ful port ; branches expanded, recurved ; leaves of ordinary size, a

MONOGRAPHY OF THE GENUS CAMELLIA. 857

little inclined on the branches, elongate-oval, strongly veined ; bud
with blackish scales, elongate, acute ; flower broad, sometimes dou-
ble and often single, cherry-red, No. 2 ; petals of the circumference
subcordiform, broad, dispersed, in number 7; those of the centre
swollen, erect, numerous, striated with white, and forming by their
union an arched centre. The late flowers are single and the centre
is full of stamens. This variety bears seed and produces superb
sub-varieties.

263. C. Coronata Rosa. — Leaves two and a half inches wide,
and four long, roundish-oval, a little acuminate, strongly nerved,
deeply dentated, of the same green as that of C. Imperialis ; flower
large, double, well formed, deep cherry. No. 1 ; exterior petals broad,
handsomely arranged, gracefully displayed, striped or spotted with
white ; those of the interior, smaller, contorted, and also striped or
spotted with white. — Superb.

264. C. Cardinalis, or

26.'>. C. Moencii. — Leaves pretty large, near, a little curled, bor-
ders very dentate, nerves very apparent, surface uneven ; bud ob-
long, with yellowish green scales ; flower semi-double, rather large
deep cherry. No. 1, with some shades clearer than that of C.
Variegata plena ; petals of the centre intermixed with fertile sta-
mens, of different lengths ; calyx divided into four segments, as in
C. Sophiana, the styles surmount the bud before it expands. —
JIandsome.

266. C. Douklari. — Leaves two inches broad, and four long, flat,
near, ovate-oblong, attenuated at the two extremities, and the superi-
or reflex, of a shining apple-green regularly dentated; bud calyx in
fine green divisions, papyraceous, reddish at the base, five lines broad
and eight long ; flower from three to four inches in diameter ; petals
about 20, an inch broad, and nearly two long, ovate-oblong, obtuse,
entire, cherry-red, No. 1, variegated and sprinkled with white ; the
heart of the corolla is composed of from four to six curled petals,
between which are perceived several fertile stamens, with others in
a petaloid state. — Magnificent.

207. C. Fioniana. — Leaves small, lanceolate ; flower small, red,
splashed with white, double; it is an odd variety, derived from C.
Variegata, which has been established by grafting. — Pretty.

268. C. Melinetti. — Leaves two inches wide, and three and three
lines long, roundish oval, slightly acuminated, deeply dentated,

358 MONOGRAPIIY OP THE GENUS CAMELLIA.

Strongly nerved, recurved in a shell-form, forming a parasol in the
manner of those of C. Colvilliivera; flower large, full, of a beauti-
ful cherry-red, No. 3 ; petals bordered and striped with pure white.
— Superh.

269. C. Marmorata. — A shrub with yellowish branches, leaves
roundish-oval, deeply dentate ; bud small, rounded at the base, a
little pointed at the summit; flower semi-double, cherry-red, No. 1,
a little spotted with white, or rather, marbled with white. — Passable,

270. C. Phillippe I. or

271. C. Mexicana. (Sac.) — Leaves of a medium size, oval, a
little lanceolate, of a deep green ; bud pointed-oval ; flower medium
double, cherry-red, No. 2, spotted with white; it is very like the
flower of C. Fioniana, a little more spotted with white. — Passable.

272. C. Variegata plena. — Shrub very vigorous; leaves, some
rounded and others lanceolate, flat or revolute, very much dentated,
with strong nerves, of a very deep green ; this rustic shrub promptly
attains a considerable elevation, in all climates, and flowers easily
and in a short time; it sometimes bears seeds, especially when in the
open ground. Very beautiful sub-varieties have been obtained from
its seed ; bud large, oblong, a little acuminate at the summit, with
scales always green ; flower three and a half inches in diameter,
sometimes even four, cherry-red. No. 3, irregularly spotted with
white ; petals ample, recurved, some crenate and others entire at the
summit ; some of those in the centre erect and intermixed with sta-
mens. In winter the flower is spotted, in the spring it is almost en-
tirely red. — Magnificent.

273. C. Variegata monstruosa. — Leaves very nearly like those of
C. Crassinervia ; bud large, obtuse, with greenish scales ; flower
large double, of a cherry-red, No. 2, spotted with white. — Beautiful.

274. C. Versicolor. — We have in our collection, several Camellias
under this name ; that here described is a plant which has large
leaves, roundish-oval, attenuated at the summit, near, of a deep green,
and of the kind of those of C Chandlerii; bud oval, scales black-
ish ; flower pretty large, double, of a deep orange-red, No. 4.
with roundish petals dotted with white in the middle; they much re-
semble those of C. Deana Superba. The other Versicolor, has a
flower very like that of C. Variegata plena, the white is a little
more regular; the leaves are reflex and have the point recurved
downwards.

Art. V. — RemarJcs on the Crested Amaranth, or Cock^s Comb,
Celosia Cristata.

The flowers of this plant are so numerous and small, and so
closely set together on an irregular and flatish surface, that it fre-
quently looks more like a piece of rich velvet than a vegetable
substance. We do not find it placed in floral language, and have
therefore given it as the emblem of singularity. It is a native of
several parts of Asia, and is common in Persia, China, and Japan,
where we are informed it is grown to such perfection, that the crests
or heads of flowers are frequently a foot in length and breadth. The
most perfect plant of this kind grown in England, was grown by
Thomas Andrew Knight, Esq., and sent by him to the Horticultural
Society of London in October, 1820 ; a drawing of this extraordin-
ary flower is now to be seen in the library of that institution ; the
flower of this extraordinary plant measured seven inches in height,
and eighteen inches in width, it was thick and full, and of a most
intense purplish red color.

In producing this singular plant, the first object was to retard the
protrusion of the flower stalk, so as to give it as much strength as
possible. The compost employed was of the most nutritive and
stimulating kind consisting of one part of unfermented horse-dung,
fresh from the stable, and without litter, one part of the burnt turf,
one part of decayed leaves, and two parts of green turf, the latter
being in lumps of about an inch in diameter, in order to keep the
moss hollow, that the water might have free liberty to escape, and
the air to enter. There are varieties of cock's combs with yellow,
red, purple, and white corollas.

Erratum.— 1st page of this number, 5th line from bottom, for '-fire" read fir.

360

QUINCY MARKET.

[Reported for the Horticultural Register.]

APPLES, common, for cooking, - . . . bushel, 75 lo 1 OO.

Porter, do. 125.

Fine sweet, for baking, ... - do. 1 00 to 1 25,

BEANS, Saba, quart, 20.

common sorts, - • . - - - do. 12.

BROCCOLI, head, 12 to 25.

BEETS, bushel, 75.

CABBAGE, dozen, 50 to 1 00.

CAULIFLOWER, head, 12 to 25.

CARROTS, bushel, 50 to 75.

CORN, sweet, dozen, 12.

CRANBERRIES, bushel, 1 00.

Eastport, do. 3 00.

CUCUMBERS, for pickles, hundred, 17 to 20,

CELERY, root, 6 to 8.

GRAPES, Sweetwater, pound, 25.

Black Hamburgh, do. G2to75.

HORSERADISH, do, 8 to 10.

MELONS, each, 12 to 25.

NECTARINES, dozen, 50.

ONIONS, bushel, 1 00.

PARSNIPS, do. 75.

PARSLEY, half peck, 25.

PEARS, good sorts, bushel, 2 GO to 3 00.

St. Michael, dozen, 25 to 37.

Bartlett, do. 37 to 50.

PEACHES, bushel, 2 00 to 3 GO.

fine varieties, extra size, - . - - dozen, 25 to 50.

PLUMS, common, quart, 12.

extra varieties, --.--- do. 25 to 37.

POTATOES, bushel, 67 t*. 7i.

PEPPERS, pound, 5.

RUTA BAGA, bushel, 50.

SQUASHES, Canada crook neck, - - . - pound, 1 to 1 1-2.

Marrow, do. 1 1-2.

TOMATOES, - - peck, 25.

TURNIPS, bushel, 50.

Boston, September 12, 1838.

THE

AND

GARDENER'S MAGAZINE.

OCTOBER 1, 1838.

Art. I.— Biographical Sketch of the Family of Daphne.

Me Editor — Having noticed some time since, a biographical
sketch of that iateresting family the Camellia of Japan, I beg leave
to introduce a short sketch of a more modest, although not so po-
pular a family, the origin of which is European.

The family of Daphne's seem to derive their origin or primogeni-
ture from the ancients, as their first data are lost in oblivion, and the
only clue we have to their generic is from the celebrated heroine
of the chase, Daphne, from whom it is pretty authenticaly known
the present modest family's ancestors first derived their praenomen.
Of this lovely family we have but few that have found their way
among us from the other side of the Atlantic Ocean, and it is much
to be hoped, that as the passage and conveyance is now daily im-
proving, more of the relatives of those already among us will be
introduced. Miss Daphne odora, a native of the south of Europe,
was the first, I believe, that was here introduced to the ladies of
America; and her modest attire, and sweet and agreeable demeanor
has gained for her, the love and esteem of every person who has
ever been made acquainted with her ladyship ; indeed, to speak of
her characteristically, she has been truly adored by all who ever
knew her. Her attire is a modest green, and in the winter, when
she is the constant companion of the fair sex, her general costume
is prettily decorated with purple florets, highly perfumed with the
most exquisite fragrance, and she is seen at all the balls, plays, and
place* of resort where the fair sex assemble.
46

362 FRENCH HORTICULTURE-

Daphne coUna, a sister to Miss Daphne odora, was introduced
soon after her sister, and into nearly the same circle of acquaint-
ance ; she is from the same country, and although her costume
and demeanor is nearly the same, she does not appear to have
gained that general esteem as a companion to the fair sex ;
however, she is frequently seen among respectable circles, where
she is more cherished as a domestic companion than a gay lively
belle of pleasure and gaiety. To these may be added Miss Daph-
ne Alpina, originally from the cold Alpine mountains of Italy, where
she assumes a healthy and ruddy appearance , she is of a low, mod-
est stature, and although not so attractive as the elder sister, Daph-
ne odora, she is much admired by the curious for her modest ap-
pearance and little attention to attract the notice of every admirer.
To these sisters a very near kin to Miss odora has found her way
among the lovers of her family. Daphne variegata, who, is very simi-
lar to her elder relative, but her dress is something different, having
her green mantle bordered with a gold or silver lacing which makes
her admired by the gay ; but for sweetness and modesty she is far
inferior to her predecessor. With a hope Mr Editor, that this fami-
ly may become more familiar amongst us,
I remain

Your most obedient,

FLIRTILDA.

Art. II. — French Horticulture.

The modes of cultivation pursued in other countries are always
an interesting study to the horticulturist, whether they present new
and striking features, or merely follow in the path we have traced
out for ourselves. If they agree with our plans of proceeding, they
serve to confirm the correctness of our judgment, and encourage us
to proceed steadily in the course we have hitherto pursued ; if, on
the contrary, they present points of difference, it is not unlikely that
they may suggest such improvements as will eventually prove of
great benefit and profit. It is from a conviction of the utility of
comparing our own notions on horticulture with those of our conti-
nental brethren, that we are always careful to lay before our readers

>RENCH HORTICULTURE. 363

such intelligence as we receive from France and Germany. We
are enabled this month to give some account of a very interesting
excursion lately taken by M. Poiteau, the celebrated French horti-
culturist, in the neighborhood of Fontainebleau. His principal ob-
ject, in making his little tour, was to examine the plantations of
evergreens and American oaks laid down by M. Vilmorin, on his
property near Montargis. This property, consisting of about 1200
acres, is called Les Barres. It extends, without interruption, for
something more than a league from east to west, and is cut in the
centre by a small valley, which serves as the bed of a stream of
some breadth, admirably fitted for breeding fish, and sufficient to
turn any mills that might be erected on its banks. Curiously
enough, the soil to the west of the little valley is silicious, whilst all
the ground to the east is calcareous. The high road to Lyons pass-
es close to the property, and the demesne is crossed in various di-
rections with country roads, establishing an easy communication
with the neighboring habitations. The whole estate is divided into
four farms, of which two, containing about 600 acres, are in the
hands of M. Vilmorin himself, and on them he makes his experi-
ments in planting. It is not our intention to follow M. Poiteau, step
by step, in his interesting examination of this property. We shall
merely choose out such passages as may be of value to the readers
of our Journal generally, giving them in M. Poiteau's own manner.
A Gigantic Apple Tree. — "In examining the country, and
from the appearance of the thickets scattered about here and there,
I am inclined to think that, not many years ago, the whole district
was covered with forests. One sort of tree is seen here more fre-
quently than the others, and that is the sorb-apple, many of which
appear hundreds of years old. One of these trees, in a hedge not
far from M. Vilmorin's habitation, appeared to Bosc not less than
from 800 to 1000 years of age. I am not aware on what calcula-
tions Bosc has formed his] opinion ; but I think that 600 years must
have been the extent of its existence. It is probably the oldest
sorb-apple tree in France ; its trunk, which is about four feet in di-
ameter, is exceedingly short, being divided, at about six feet from
the ground, into five enormous branches. The value of this tree
cannot be well ascertained, but smaller ones, whose trunks were
twelve or fifteen feet without branches, have been estimated at 100/.
or 120Z. The fruit of these trees is carefully gathered to make a

364 FRENCH HORTICULTUHE.

sort of cider, considered in the country far superior to that made
from common apples or pears. The wild pear tree, with small tart
fruit, is common enough in this district ; but a variety of it called
the " sage pear tree," probably because its leaves are white like the
sage plant, is seen in as great quantities as in Burgundy ; and makes
delicious perry. It bears a load of fruit, and is well worth being
introduced into other districts."

State of Agriculture. — " At the aspect of these uncultiva-
ted plains, which are manifestly so ill-adapted for tillage, where a
badly constructed plough just scratches the earth once every two or
three years, it is natural to inquire, why trees are not planted along
the roads, to break the tiresome monotony of barrenness ? M. Vil-
morin asked himself the question on taking possession of his pro-
perty ; and since then he has been constantly engaged in efforts,
both by his example and his advice, to induce the inhabitants to im-
prove the appearance of the country. He had, at first, to combat
both a system of blind routine and a host of deeply-rooted preju-
dices.

'' It is almost incredible that, in the midst of France, within fifty
miles of Paris, in the 19th century, he should have to fall in with
farmers, who, with three or four hundred acres in their possession,
should refuse to grow a single load of fodder, and should purchase
all the hay necessary for the keep of their horses ! — farmers who
sowed their seed on fallows, still covered with thistles — who man-
ured their wheat land at the rate of two or three little cart-loads an
acre, or often put down no manure at all ! Thanks to M. Vilmorin,
his farmers are no longer in a state of such gross ignorance ; but
the thistles of his neighbors still introduce themselves, and defile
his ground. Yet ten years have elapsed since he began his improve-
ments."

Cebars of Lebanon. — " To turn to the best advantage land
which was manifestly unfit for either tillage or grass, M. Vilmorin
planted seeds of various trees, in order to judge which would suc-
ceed best, and he has already experienced the most satisfactory re-
sults in his experiments of evergreens in a silicious soil. The syl-
vestre pine, and all its varieties, the maritime pine and the laricio,
grow there with great luxuriance. The growth of this last-named
tree is a remarkable circumstance, and ought to be carefully noted.
The pinus strobus, and the other American pines, are also there in

VRENCH HORTICULTURE. 365

great numbers. The cedar of Lebanon, the colossus of the vegeta-
ble kingdom, after a long and delicate infancy, has at last pushed
forth most Vigorously, and promises ages of prosperity. M. Vil-
morin's estate will be, perhaps after some years, the only spot in the
world where this tree will be found in any considerable numbers ;
for Mount Lebanon itself does not possess more than twenty, and
few persons plant more than two or three in their pleasure-grounds."

Calcareous Earth and Pine Trees. — "But if evergreens
or resinous trees succeed perfectly well in poor silicious ground, the
very opposite is the case in poor calcareous land. The attempts of
M. Vilmorin on this point have hitherto been exceedingly discour-
aging. He does not, however, despair of seeing trees of this des-
cription at last succeed well enough in calcareous land, to make a
fair return to the planter. He founds his hopes on the fact, that
thousands of acres in Champagne, as chalky as his own, are cover-
ed with pines and evergreens, and promise at last, though at some
distance of time, to recompense the farmer for his time and trouble.
It is only fair to state, that M. Vilmorin has suffered dreadful losses
in these experiments, in calcareous land, from the white-worm. I
may add, that my own experience leads me to believe, that calcare-
ous ground is not fitted to the rapid growth of evergreen resinous
trees. For fifty years I have been in the habit of seeing the mound
in the Jardin des Plantes, at Paris, called The Labyrinth ; and,
during these fifty years, I can perceive little difference in the ap-
pearance of the evergreens planted on it ; they are in the same state
and nearly the same height. Now, if it be borne in mind that this
mound was formed of the remains of old buildings, substances com-
posed of carbonate and sulphate of lime, it will tend to prove that
calcareous earths are not fit for evergreens ; and that the resinous
trees planted in Champagne must still be waited for many years un-
til they arrive at a good growth."

American Oaks. — " These trees have been included, to some
extent, in the experiments of M. Vilmorin, and he can now declare
that no species of this tree will succeed, even in a middling degree,
in bad calcareous land ; vv^hilst some succeed perfectly, and others
tolerably, in poor silicious land. He has planted a great number in
land of this description, and there is every reason to believe that the
results will be most gratifying, particularly as similar experiments,
on a vast scale, made oa a poor sandy soil in the Bois de Boulogne,

366 FRENCH HORTICULTURE,

near Paris, by M. Dandre, have been attended with unhoped-for suc-
cess. It is probdble that, if so few American oaks are seen in
France, after so many attempts made to extend them during the last
century, the reason will be found in the fact, that they were planted
in earth which was not suitable to them."

Poplars. — " M. Vilmorin has made many experiments relative
to this tree, and he finds that the plantations which he has made in
silicious or sandy ground, succeed most satisfactorily for every des-
cription, whereas only a few succeed well in calcareous soil. Thus,
the pop ulus nivea, Fich, of the same age, is a third or half stronger
in a silicious ground than in a calcareous one. The poplar of Ca-
nada, popuhcs Canadensis, Lin., is in the same case ; whilst the
Swiss poplar, populus Virginiana, Lin., grows well in calcareous
land, and astonishingly well in certain parts of it. As to ihe popu-
lus nivea, M. Vilmorin does not consider that, in size or height, it
equals the white poplar of Holland, populus alba, Lin. This lat-
ter species must always be preferred, when a larger trunk and good
height are required, but the other is superior in the beauty of its
foliage."

Elms. — " The twisted elm has always been an object of solici-
tude to planters, from its being the only wood fit for making good
stocks for carriage wheels. M. Vilmorin has received several pack-
ets of plants from various parts of France, and is inclined to be-
lieve that there are at least two distinct varieties. Although bo-
tanists regard this tree as a variety of the common elm, yet arbor-
ists are authorized to believe that it is a natural kind, since the
seed of the common elm never produces it. However this question
may be decided, the twisted elm grows perfectly well in the poor
calcareous ground of Les Barres, and M. Vilmorin plants a great
number every year. It grows there more rapidly than the common
kind, and is a far handsomer tree ; the bark is quite smooth, of a
deep green, and enables one to distinguish the variety at a glance.
When about twelve or fifteen years old, it may be seen that, under
the bark along the length of the trunk, there are formed lumps or
elevations, which appear to be produced by the interlacing of the
fibres, and from these arises that wonderful resistance which the
wood opposes, when an attempt is made to split it. It is this qua-
lity which renders it so appropriate for the naves of wheels. There
is nothing extraordinary in this tree succeeding so well in the cal-

FRENCH HOntlCULTtJRE. 367

Careous lands of M. Vilmorin, for, of all trees, elms are those which
grow best in that description of earth. Near Paris, at Bourg-la-
Reine, there are some splendid elms along the road, and the roots
of these are all fixed in a white calcareous bottom, nearly pure, cov-
ered with only a few inches of vegetable earth. Yet, although
these trees are exceedingly beautiful, and have acquired a vast size
from age, they would be still finer in an aluminous soil, and here is
proof of the assertion : All the land of the plains, through which
the road from Paris to Meaux passes, is of a calcareous nature, but
of good quality. The elms which line the road appear exceeding-
ly fine, as long as no others have been seen ; but when the traveller
has passed Meaux, in taking the road to Ferte-Milon, he sees elms,
no comparison more beautiful, and of a green far deeper. The
reason is, that the earth is no longer calcareous ; it is aluminous,
the soil of all others best suited to the tree. There is this differ-
ence between the beech and the elm, that, although they both grow
so well in calcareous ground, yet the beech is fondest of moisture,
and the elm of a calcareous soil exceedingly dry. Some years ago,
the government desiring to afford pleasure to the inhabitants of Par-
is, by replacing the dark and monotonous green of the elms on the
Boulevarts, by a variety of foliage, applied to the Society of Horti-
culture for a list of trees, either foreign or indigenous, which might
be advantageously intermingled, so as to produce an agreeable ef-
fect to the eye. The Society hastened to fulfil the duty demanded
of them, and remitted to the Minister of Public Works the names
of certain trees, with varied foliage. I regard it as most fortunate,
that the government changed their intention, and did not follow
their first idea, for the soil of Paris has become so eminently calca-
reous from the constant additions it has received from old buildings
and repairs since it was first erected, that there is scarcely a tree
which can grow there satisfactorily, excepting the elm ; and if a
variety had been then planted in place of the elms, nothing would
now be seen but dead or dying trees."

Melons. — " On quitting Les Barres, I repaired to Montargis,
and whilst waiting for the coach, which was to take me toFontaine-
bleau, I inquired if there was not some garden in the vicinity worth
visiting. " None," I was told ; so I went towards some gardens,
situated in marshy grounds, at both sides of the road to Paris, in
which I had perceived, when passing a few days before, a prodi-

368 FRENCH HORTICULTURE.

gious quantity of melons, of which I wished to learn the species and
the cultivation. As I expected, these marsh-gardens were not so
well cultivated as those of Paris; but I was not a little surprised to
see, at this latitude, large squares completely covered with melons,
either ripe or nearly so, the whole springing up in the open air,
without dung, without a bed, without glass, or any shelter whatever.
These gardeners simply make a hole of some feet square, v/hich
they fill with manure and cover with earth. On this they sow their
seed close to each other; they afterwards transplant them in fresh
ground, like cabbages, in a square of the garden. They only cul-
tivate one kind, because it is the only one, they told me, which can
accommodate itself to such simple cultivation.* It is an oval mel-
on, of middling size and netted. The day on which their melon
harvest commences is about the 12th of September. The finest
sell for about ten or twelve sous (fivepence or sixpence). Although
these marshes are inferior to those of Paris in point of cultivation,
yet the gardeners of Montargis are exceedingly intelligent, industri-
ous men. As their gardens produce much more vegetables than is
required for the town, they send their wives eight or ten miles dis-
tance to sell the produce. In course of time they purchase land,
and become small proprietors, and thus it is that the land round
Montargis, formerly so barren, is now in such good cultivation."

Food for Cattle " From Les Barres to Nemours, I saw the

boys and the girls of the neighboring villages, perched up in the
trees, pell-mell, which lined the road. These were elms, and the
business of the young population above, was not only to gather the
leaves, but to break down the young branches, in order to take them
away as food for cows. Many trees had not a single leaf but at the
extremity, where the hand could not reach. I was astonished at
this license, and I spoke of it to an intelligent farmer whom I after-
wards met, and he informed me that it was the custom of the coun-
try, and that the leaves and young branches were a great resource
in feeding cattle. This explanation reminded me that I had seen,
on several properties, elms cultivated with a bull-head, for the ex-
press purpose of enabling a servant to take off the leaves by means
of a short ladder. In such cases I make no objection, for a pro-
prietor can do what he pleases on his own property, but that the

* A clever horticulturist has since told me, that the melon which succeeds best with
a very simple cultivation, is the sugar melon, with white flesh (sucrin a chair blanche.)

FREN'CII HORTICULTURE. 369

government should permit the custom of pulling oflf the leaves, and
breaking the branches of public trees, and that no obstacle should
be interposed to prevent such disfigurement, is what I cannot con-
ceive."

Gardens of Foxtainebleau. — " For sixteen years I had not
seen FontainebJeau. I found there old friends, who received me
with the greatest kindness. I mention particularly M. Souchet,
who replaced me in the care of the English garden* of the palace,
when I was appointed to the Royal Nurseries of Versailles ; and M.
Brassin, entrusted with the care of the Park and the Royal Vinery,
which furnishes the finest grapes that appear at Paris. It may be
easily imagined how delighted I was to re-visit the English garden
of the place, which had passed into my hands, almost on leaving
the hands of M. Hurtaut, who had laid it down. With what inter-
est I sought for those trees which I had planted myself sixteen or
seventeen years before ! As I expected, the general plan was pre-
served in the same form as when I left it; but the grace of infancy,
the freshness of youth, had disappeared, to give place to a physiog-
nomy more decided and more powerful. The huge squares of plan-
tations, which, in my time, looked gay and light, had become vast
forests through which but little light could penetrate. The large
pieces of grass had become narrowed by the branches of trees
spreading out on all sides, and the whole look was different. How
sixteen years increase the growth of a tree ! How mistaken are
they who give as an excuse for not planting, that the enjoyment is
too long to wait for ! The enjoyment comes more quickly than they
think. The land of Fontainebleau is exceedingly silicious, tolera-
ble in some parts, and absolutely bad in others. It is now twenty-
two years since the garden was laid down, and if all the wood which
has been already taken was added to that now standing in it at pre-
sent, the proceeds in money would certainly be greater than could,
by any process of cultivation, be drawn from the same land in the
same length of time."

Dahlias. — " For a very long time M. Souchet has been cele-
brated for his beautiful dahlias. His collection certainly appeared
to me a fine one ; but, without meaning any offence to ray good
friend, I must declare that I have seen finer ones. Amongst many

* The name generally given to the ornamental grounds and shrubberies of a gentle-
man's house in France.

47

370 FRENCH HORTICULTURE.

varieties of phlox obtained from seed by this excellent horticulturist,
I remarked one admirable for its large scarlet flowers. I was favor-
ed by M. Souchet with a plant, in order to multiply it, and distribute
it amongst the nurserymen. A seedling of the salvia fulgens also
has furnished a variety, with far larger flowers and more brilliant
than those of the original, and which will take its place in the
trade."

Grapes. — " M. Brassin has under his care two objects of a very
different nature — the grand park in the style of Le Notre — and
the Royal Vinery ; I intend speaking of the latter object alone.
This vinery, the origin of which is taken back as far as Francis the
First's time, is, without dispute, the finest and largest in the world.
It is a wall about a quarter of a league in length, running from east
to west, about ten feet high for three-fourths of its length, and eigh-
teen to twenty in the rest. It is covered on the south side with a
kind of grape called chasselas, the fruit of which acquires, at Fon-
tainebleau and at Thomery, quality and beauty which do not dis-
tinguish it elsewhere. It is useless to say that, since its origin, the
wall has been many times repaired and rebuilt, and that the vine has
been frequently replanted ; but that which is little known, and little
practised in any other place, except Fontainebleau and Thomery, is
the clearing of the vine, or the replacing the vines of which the
grapes appear degenerated or inferior, by others whose fruit is of
the finest quality. It is by this practice that the Royal Vinery pre-
serves its superiority over all others in the kingdom. There exists,
at present, but one plant of all those which M. Brassin found there
seventeen years ago ; and many of those which he has since plant-
ed have been replaced by others considered of better quality. The
present appearance of the Royal Vinery is really beautiful.

" M. Brassin communicated to me the two following facts, which
I think worth publishing for the sake of horticulture : he had al-
ways been in the habit of following the custom, adopted every
where, of enriching the earth of his grapery with dung, and he at
last is able to prove that this application impairs the quality of the
grape. At present, he applies no more such manure : he gets to-
gether the cleansing of ditches, grass-turf, sweepings of roads, and
filth, and mixes them well together. He suffers the mass, thus pre-
pared, to ripen for two years, and makes use of it in place of dung.
This confirms what has already been ascertained, and what the best

FRENCH HORTICULTURE. 371

authors have recommended ; but the second communication is al-
together novel, and I am going to arrive at it by a transition as na-
tural as possible. When the maturity of the grapes is at hand, or
when in backward seasons fears are entertained that the ripening
will not be easy, it is usual for the greatest number of persons, even
gardeners, to cut and pull off all the leaves which are before the
fruit, in order, as they allege, that the sun may shine full on it, and
ripen it speedily; and although experience proves, that the more
the leaves are removed the less the fruit ripens, custom always
causes the leaves to be taken off in abundance, at the expense of
the quality of the grape, which then wastes away and gets wrinkled
in place of becoming ripe. M. Brassin acts altogether differently
with his. He knows that the leaves cannot be removed in a great
number with impunity, from around the grapes, and he is therefore
exceedingly cautious, and refrains from removing any of the leaves
in front of the fruit. Those which he takes away are those behind,
lying between the grapes and the wall, in order that the heat of the
sun, being reflected by the wall, may strike the grapes from behind,
and produce the effect desired. I have had experience of the effi-
ciency of this proceeding ; and I do not hesitate to recommend the
practice of it, whilst I coademn the old custom of taking away the
leaves in front. One ought ^o possess some notions of vegetable
physiology, in order to take away leaves properly, otherwise the
fruit is sure to suffer."

Orange Trees. — " M. Faucheux, nurseryman at Fontainebleau,
rears orange trees in great numbers. Of two grafts, or modifica-
tions of grafts, which he uses for multiplying them rapidly, one ap-
peared to me so excellent in its results, that I tliink it worthy of
being made known. Get a young citron tree of one or two years
growth — it must be put in sap by the means generally practised, if
it is not so already. When the buds begin to get long, the head of
the plant is cut off above three or four of the best buds ; a slit is
then made with the grafting-knife, between the stem and the second
or third bud in descending, so that the bud and its leaf should ter-
minate the lip. A branch of an orange tree is then taken, of a di-
ameter a little less than the stock ; it is sharpened with a sloping
cut, and is then introduced into the stock in the usual manner, and
tied on with a woollen string. The plant is then placed under a
glass frame, as a graft a la Pontoise, and the same care is bestowed

372 FRENCH HORTICULTURE.

on it. When the union is certain, and the bud pushes forth, the
stock is cut above the graft, and in a short time the marks of the
wound disappear ahogether. The superiority of the Faucheaux-
graft over the Pontoise or English graft, is that it allows one to ar-
range the leaves and the eyes of the stock above the fruit of the
graft which attracts the sap necessary for facilitating the union."*

Grafting of Pine Trees. — " In coming to Fontainebleau, I
not only wanted to see my old friends and the gardens, but I was
anxious to judge what progress had been made in the forest by the
plantation of resinous evergreens, and to view the grafts, on a grand
scale, of the laricio pine, executed on the sylvestris pinus, com-
menced by M. Larminat, the Conservator of the Forest, and con-
tinued by M. Bois-d'Hiver, his successor. It was in 1823 that M.
Larminat conceived the happy idea of executing the grafting of
these trees on a great scale, by means of the herbaceous graft, or
Tshudy's, its inventor, or at least he who brought it into use, for
this graft was already known in the sixteenth century, according to
Francis of Neufchatel. The first sowing was a mixture of the pi-
nus sylvestris, and the maritime-pine on the rock of Avon, which
is nearest the palace. When the success of this experiment had
been tried, many others were made, sometimes separately, and at
others mixed together. The sowing is generally made by scatter-
ing the seedjt though nurseries are also established from which they
can plant out. Some American pines are seen there, but it is rath-
er as an object of experiment, than for the sake of multiplying them.
According to the plan now pursued, the poetic and romantic situa-
tions of the forest of Fontainebleau will disappear under the dark
and enduring masses of verdure which are springing up in every di-
rection. Its rocks, which contain in their interior such crystals as
can scarcely be found in any other part of the world, will soon dis-
appear under the layer of vegetable earth, constantly produced by

* This graft, acknowledged to be the best, the easiest, and the most certain, is
known in some establishments under the name of the triangular-graft. It is excel-
lent for the Camellia, Rhododendron, Clethra, and Alasca.

t At first, the ground was cleared and prepared before they planted the pines ; this
method cost 225 francs (5l.) an acre, and about half was found to fail. Afterwards M.
Larminat thought of a means of getting the seed sown for nothing in unencumbered
places, and for a trifle in more difficult spots. The plan was this : the seed is flung
on the heath, and the poor of Fontainebleau are then permitted to take away the heath,
on condition that they tear it up by the roots.

FRENCH horticulture:. 373

ihe fall and decomposition of the leaves of the pine, which has al-
ready nearly concealed them by its dark and silent foliage. This is
no hyberbolical picture. It is the simple, slow, gradual, but certain
course of nature."

Elevation of the Ground in Pine Plantations. — " It is
now about nineteen years since I carefully examined the first stock of
pines grown in the forest. The pinus sylvestris were then but
twenty or twentyfive feet high, and the matter formed by their fallen
leaves had already filled up the cavities of the ground, and had
formed, in several level places, a bed of undecomposed leaves of
about six or eight inches thick. The leaves of the pine tree take a
long time to decompose, on account of the resinous matter which
they contain ; and I then foresaw, that the depth of this new soil
would increase rapidly.*

" At present, these same pines have attained a height of from
fortyfive to sixty feet, and are generally thicker than a man's body.
The soil produced by the fall of their leaves is so much elevated,
that several rocks, which appeared two feet out of the ground, are
no longer visible ; and others, four or five feet high, are on the point
of disappearing also under the fallen leaves, A moss, a sort oi hyp-
num, has sprung up in several places on the leaves half decompos-
ed, and contributes exceedingly to augment the thickness by its vig-
orous vegetation, and its prompt decomposition,"

Resin. — "In 1822, M. de Lauriston, one of the ministers,
brought two men from La Teste, who were resin makers by occupa-
tion, to try if the pines of Fontainebleau would yield resin by tap-
ping; as we see it produced in the Landes,t near Bordeaux. These
two men submitted to the operation, in two years, about 4000 feet
of maritime pines, and obtained from them nearly as much resin as
in the Landes, that is about an average of two pounds each tree.
The details of this operation were hitherto unknown to the neigh-
borhood of Paris, and I think it may not be uninteresting to relate
a few particulars. Two men are equal to the task of tapping 8000

* I do not think that there is aay tree which produces so much fresh soil by the fall
and decomposition of its leaves, as the pine, particularly the maritime pine. I am not
sure that this soil has yet been analysed, nor any experiments made to arrive at its
properties when in cultivation. The vast quantity of resin which it contains ought to
render it different from all other soils ; and.it would be interesting to ascertain if plants
of all sorts accommodated themselves to it, or if only certain ones.

+ Sandy grounds, generally quite waste.

374 FRENCH HORTICULTURE.

pines, which produce each year 32,000 bushels of matter, at 12 or
15 francs each. This is assuredly an excellent revenue, when it is
considered that the pines which produce it grow in the sands, which
refuse all sorts of cultivation, and many acres of which are sold for
five or six francs. However, another calculation suggests itself —
whether it would not be better to preserve the pines untouched, in
order to obtain from them, by sawing, noble planks for general pur-
poses. When operated on as related above, they are only fit for
vine props, though these are certainly of first-rate quality. Resin
is produced from the maritime pine, but from the pine sylvestris
nothing has been obtained, even when they were four feet in cir-
cumference : perhaps they were still too young. The most curious
part of this matter is, that the minister who commenced this expe-
riment with so much eagerness, finished by paying no more atten-
on to it, and by refusing M. Larminat the means of manipulating
the raw produce which he had obtained. After many applications
without an answer, M. Larminat received at last an order to for-
ward all the resinous matter to the general gas depot at Paris ; and
six months after he had dispatched his last ton, he received another
order enjoining him to take particular care of the resin, and to be
sure and not allow the great heat (in 1825) to produce evaporation
of the essential parts ! We may conclude from this fact, and a hun-
dred others, that when experiments are made, without having per-
sonal interest for a motive, they rarely succeed."

Superiority of the Pinus Sylvestris. — "Of the 28,000
acres which the forest of Fonlainebleau contains, 25,000 are now
covered with pines of different ages, and a million of plants could
be taken from them without being missed. It is in the ancient plan-
tations, now become forest timber, that the superiority of the pinus
sylvestris appears over the maritime pine. This latter at first grows
more quickly, but at present they are of the same height. The
maritime pine sometimes appeared to me to have a larger trunk, but
it scarcely gets higher, whilst the other pushes forward vigorously,
and does not now appear to have arrived at more than half its ele-
vation. It is always as straight as a taper, with a grey bark, but
little indented. The maritime pine, on the contrary, is never per-
fectly straight, and its bark, much thicker and rougher, is of a
darker grey. Hence nothing is more easy than to distinguish the
trunks of the two trees by the bare inspection of the bark."

MONOaRAPHY OF THE GENUS CAMELLIA. 375

Masts of Ships. — *' I said above, that M. Larminat began to
graft, about ten years ago, the Laricio pine on the pinus sylvestris.
] must add here that it was for the useful purpose of multiplying
this precious tree for the benefit of the navy. His first attempts
being crowned with full success, he has continued to execute a cer-
tain number of grafts every year. It is really a beautiful thing — a
graft of the Laricio pine on the pinus sylvestris of ten or twelve
years old : they grow with wonderful vigor, and excel in length and
bulk all the pines of the same age, which have not been grafted.
The expectations of M. Larminat will not be disappointed, and one
day the forest of Fontainebleau will furnish to the navy masts of
immense size. There is so much analogy between these two spe-
cies that their graft never forms a swelling, when not interfered with.
The point of union can only be known by the color and different
roughness of their barks, which are clearly divided at the point of
junction. There are now 15,000 of these grafts in the forest of
Fontainebleau. I have only one more remark to make, and that is,
that the Tshudy graft is executed here more simply than at first —
it is no longer covered with paper to guard it from the sun and wind
— it is simply tied with a flag, and a bit of grass, and it always
succeeds perfectly."

Such are some of the extracts we have selected from this inter-
esting excursion, and we think our readers will agree with us, that
they give ample room for thought, and may suggest many useful ex-
periments.— London Horticultural Jour.

Art. in. — Monography of the Genus Camellia, or an Essay
en its Culture, Description and Classification ; translated from
the French, by Henry A. S. Dearborn.

CConlinued from page 358.)
SECOND GAMUT.

BI C OL OR S .

FIRST DIVSION.

Ground yellowish carnation, striped with white, Nos. I and 2.

275. C. Smctia vera. — Leaves two and a half inches wide, and

four long, ovate-oblong, acuminate, dentate, stiff, thick, or ranged in

376 MONOfiRAPHY OF THE GENUS CAMELLIA.

the form of a parasol, obtuse, very much veined, with strong nerves,
teeth of the borders very large and of rather a clear green ; flovv^er
of a medium size, double, ground yellowish carnation, as in No. 2
of this gamut; petals arranged in three rows, veined vertically or
rather sprinkled with orange-red, No. 3 ; the borders are white,
some of them double, crenate at the summit; those of the centre
small, not numerous, cut into narrow lines, erect, of the same color
as the others, and intermixed with a few sterile stamens. — Magnifi-
cent.

SECONDGAMUT.

BICOLORED FLOWERS.
Ground clear or deep orange-red, striped or spotted with v/hite.

SECOND Division.

276. C. Chandlerii striata. See C. Chandlerii.

277. C. Cuninghammi mutahilis. — Leaves oval, broad, slightly
acuminate, finely dentated ; flower rather large, double, ground
orange-red, No 7 ; petals arranged gracefully, imbricated, and of
different sizes, deeply crenated at the summit, some of them mark-
ed with cross lines of pure white ; a few stamens in the centre. —
Very pretty.

278. C. Imhricata tricolor. — We possess two Camellias of this
name, the first was received from Mr Knight, of London : It dif-
fers but little in its leaves from C. Imhricata rubra ; its flower is
handsomely imbricated, double and of a deep orange-red, spotted
with white ; in the centre are a k\v Siemens.— Very beautiful.

The second is a variety, which was imported by Mr Siebold ; its
flower is semi-double, very handsomely formed, large, and shaded
with several varieties of red and rose. — Very beautiful.

279. C. Loukiana. — Shrub vigorous, of an elegant port ;
flower very double, of a beautiful orange-red. No. 3 ; the petals of
the centre, erect and curled, sometimes striped a little with white,
which gives the flower a very agreeable form and appearance ; oc-
casionally the whole flower is spotted with white. — 3IagniJicent.

280. C. Master double red. — Leaves somewhat large, ovate-obtuse,
rolled under, others inclined towards the stock, strongly nerved of
a deep green ; bud of a medium size, scales calycinal, yellowish ;
flower large, double, of an orange-red. No. 4, sometimes also spot-
ted with white. — Very handsome.

MONOGRAPHY OP THE GENUS CAMELLIA. 377

281. C. Leana superba. — Leaves two inches broad and three
long, rounded, slightly acuminated, glabrous, of a glossy green ; bud
very large, oblong, with yellow calycinal scales; flower, more than
three inches in diameter, double, of a deep orange-red, No. 3 ; pe-
tals from 30 to 35, 14 lines long; those of the circumference are
red, some of them striped with white toward the middle, crenated
or rounded at the summit ; those of the centre are rose-color worked
with white. — Superb.

282. C. Warrata Jlamviula. — Leaves rather large, roundish oval,
a little lanceolate, of a dull green ; bud oblong, with yellowish
scales ; flower three and a half inches in diameter, deep orange-red
No. 3; petals of the circumference 6 or 7, broad, crenated at the
summit, border reflex ; those of the interior are but petaloid sta-
mens ; bears seed. — Pretty.

EPILOGUE.

Here terminate our observations upon the genus Camellia. We
have exerted ourselves to be clear and exact in this treatise, without
being dry and tedious ; it is from the suff"rages of enlightened and
consciencious horticulturists, that we are to learn whether we have
succeeded. Having been solicited to undertake the labor, we owe
it to ourselves to declare, that not any motive of speculation, or of
self-love has guided our pen, but only a lively desire to be useful to
the greatest number.

Finally, we ought to declare, that we regard this work, but as the
base, upon which a more able hand, will be enabled to erect a more
solid monument, and one more worthy the science of horticulture.
The boldness of our enterprise, may, possibly, be disapproved or
censured ; but we accept, in advance all blame, if we have been
sufiiciently happy to render any service to horticulture, and shall be
obliged to every Aristarchus, whose criticism may still more en-
lighten that public, for which we have written ; for our device has

been and will ever be :

The general interest beyond all others.

48

S YNOPTIC AL TABLE.

Indicating the color of the Camellia, its name, the form of its
flower, the species or variety from which it was produced, the place
of its origin, and the period of its introduction into Europe.

The * designates the species from which all the varieties have been obtained.

UNICOLORED FLOWERS.

PURE WHITE.
Page 244.

Name of Camellia..

Form.

Species or trariely.

Origin.

IjiUoduclion.

Alba simplex,

reg. single,

single red,

Europe,

England, 1812.

" plena,

reg. full.

unknown.

Japan,

do. 1792.

Amabilis,

reg. sing.

single red.

Europe,

do. 1825.

•Axillaris vera,

irreg. sing.

a species.

China,

do. 1820.

Anemone fl. alb.

irreg. full,

wrarrata,

Europe,

do. Chandler.

Do. warrata carnea,

irreg. full,

vv'arrata.

do

do.

Candidissima,

reg. full.

unknown.

Japan,

do. 1830.

Compacta,

irreg. dble.

pink.

Europe,

do. Teoting.

Corvatheaefolia,

reg. dble.

unknown,

do.

do. 1833.

*Euryoides,
Excelsa,

reg. sing.

species.

China,

do. 1830.

irreg. dble.

single white,

Europe,

do. 1830.

Fimbriata,

reg. full.

unknown.

Japan,

do. 1816.

Gallica alba,

irreg. dble.

pink.

Europe,

France, 1830.

Granelli,

irreg. dble.

warrata,

do.

Italy, 1834.

"Kissi,

reg. sing.

species,

China,

England, 1825.

Lacteola,

irreg. dble.

warrata,

Europe,

Italy, 1830.

Nivea,

ir. semi d.

unknown.

do.

Belgium,

Nobilissima,

irreg. full.

pink.

do.

do. 1834.

*Oieifera,

reg. sing.

species.

Cochin China,

England, 1810.

*01e8efolia.

reg. sing.

species.

China,

do. 1810.

Palmeri alba, or

Pomponias f.

reg.semid.

pomponia.

Europe,

do. 1815.

Do. plena.

irreg. full.

unknown.

Japan,

do. 1810.

RoUissoni,

reg. dble.

pink.

Europe,

Italy, 1813.

*Sasanqua,

reg. sing.

species.

China,

England, 1810.

Splendidissima,

irreg. full.

variety plena,

Europe,

Paris, Abbe
Berlese,

Weimaria,

reg. semi d.

unknown.

do.

England,

Welbanksiana, or

Heptangularis,

irreg. dble.

pomponia,

China,

do. Wilbancks.

MONOGRAPHY OP THE GENUS CAMELLIA.

379

FIRST GAMUT.
UNICOLORED FLOWERS.

CLEAR ROSE.

(Page 249. — Dominant color- Lake mixed with more or less -vermilion and Naples
yellow, as in Nos. 2, 3, and 4, of the colored table. )

Name of Camellia.

Aitonia or Amplis-

sima,
Apollina,

Coloured,
Crouyoud,
Dahliaflora,

Expansa,

Fasciculata,
Guessonia,
Heterophylla,
Lindleya,
Pseonioe flora rosea.

Pink,

Perle des Cam.
Pulcherrima or

Roleni,
Rosea plena,
Roseana,
Resplendens,
Sinensis rosea,

Spectabilis,
"Sasanqua rosea,

Theresiana,

Venosa,

Virginica,

Viltonia,

Wilbrohamia,

reg. single,
irreg. full,

reg. single,
reg.sem. d.
irreg. s. d.

irreg. s. d.
irreg. dou.
irreg. s. d.
irreg. d.
irreg. s. d.
irreg. full,

irreg. s. d.

irreg. f.

reg. doub.
irreg. d.
irreg. full,
irreg. full,
irreg. dou.

irreg. dou.
irreg. full,

irreg. full,
irreg. full,
irreg. full,
irreg. dou.
irreg. dou.

Species or Tarlely.

single red,
pink,

single red,

warrata,

pink,

do.

do.
single red,
warrata,
single red,
unknown,

single red,

pomponia,

aitonia.

do.

expansa,
unknown,

do.
do.

unknown.

do.

expansa,

do.

pink,

species,

do.
China,

pink,
do.

Europe,
do.

single red.

do.

pink,

do.

single red.

do.

Origin

Europe,
do.

do.
do.
do.

do.
do.
do.
do.
do.
China,

Japan,

Europe,

Eng., Alton.
France, Cachet,

1833.
France.

Belgium, 1834.
England.

Knight.
England.
Italy, Milan.
England,
do.

do. Lindley.
do. IHIO,

Hampden,
do. Middle,

Miss Turner,
do,

do.

Germany.

England.

do. 1833.

do. Vauxhall,

Nursery.
Paris, 1830.
England, 18*26,

Capt. Rawes.
Germany,
do.

England.
Belgium.
England.

(Page 254.

FIRST GAMUT.

CLEAR CHERRY RED.

■ Dominant color. Carmine lake, mixed with rose lake and vermilion, as
in Nos. 1 , 2, and 3, of the colored table.)

Name of Camellia.

Form.

Species or variety.

Origin.

Introduction.

AucubaBfolia,

Amerstia,

Amcena,

reg. dou.
reg. dou.
reg. dou.

single red,
warrata,
single red.

Europe,
do.
do.

England, 1818.

do.
Italy.

380

MONOGRAPHY OP THE GENUS CAMELLIA.

Augusta,
Aluntii superba,
Buckliana,

Belle Rosalie,
Brocksiana,
Belle Henriette,
Berlesiana,

Blanda,
Boumanni,
Celsiana,
Crassinervia or

Crassifolia,
Cliviana,
Chamlerii,
Conchiflora,
Conchiflora nova,
Craraoisina Par-

mentieni,
Charles Augusta,
Conchata,
Colla,
Carolus,
Camtoniana,
Decora,
Dorsetti or Partho-

niana,
Dianthiflora,
Excelsiana,
Exoniensis,
Elegans Chandlerii,
Elegantissima,
Elegans,
Emperor d'Aulri,

Florida,

Fascicularis,

Flaccida,

Fordii,

Fulgentissima,

Formosa,

Formosissima,

Fraserii,

Gigantea,

Grandiflora,

Gloriosa,

Hallesia,

Husseyussoni,

Hosackia,

Hibbertia,

Herbertii,

Humboldtiana,

Hybrida colorata,

Imbricata,

Insignis alba,
do. de Tat,
do. rubra,

Iddebiana,

Knightii eximia,

Latifolia nova,

irreg dou.
irreg. don.
reg. s. dou.

irreg. dou.
reg. s d.
reg. dou.
reg. dou.

irreg. dou.
reg. dou.
reg. sing.

irreg. dou.
irreg. full,
reg. dou.
reg. dou.
irreg. s. d.

reg. dou.
reg. s. d.
irreg. dou.
reg. dou.
reg. dou.
reg. s. d.
reg. full,

irreg. full,
reg. sing,
reg. dou.
reg. dou.
reg. full,
reg. full,
reg. sing.
res. dou.

reg. Qou.
reg. dou.
reg. simp,
reg. dou.
irreg. dou.
reg. dou.
reg. full,
reg. full,
reg. full,
reg. sing,
reg. dou.
irreg. dou.
irreg. s. d.

irreg.
irreg.
irreg
ir.eg

d.

s. d.
s. d.
dou.

irreg dou.
reg. full,
reg. sing,
irreg s. d.
reg. sing,
reg. dou.
irreg. s. d.
irreg. dou .

coroUina,
single red,
anemonjE flo-
ra,
pink,

do.
expansa,
coccinea,

vvarrata,
varieg. pie.
single red,

pink,

papaveracea,
splendens,
expansa,
single red,

warrata,

do
pink,

single red,
coccinea,
pink,
coccinea,

rubra plena,
warrata,
pink,

varieg. plena,
corollina,
warrata,
single red,
coccinea,

coccinea,

single red,

single red,

unknown,

pink,

rubra plena,

varieg. plena,

unknown,

rubra plena,

single red,

warrata,

single red,

coccinea,

warrata,

single red,

single red,

varieg. plena,

pink,

unknown,

dianthiflora,

pink,

anemonaeflora,

unknown,

pink,

staminea sine.

Europe,
do.

do.
do.
do.
do.
do.

do.
do.
do.

do
do
do
do
do

do
do
do
do
do
do
do

do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do

do

do

do
Japan,
Europe,

do

do
Japan,
Europe,

do

do

do

do
America,
Europe,

do

do

do
China,
Europe,

do

do

do

do

do

England.

do. 1820 .

do.
France.
England.
France.
Paris, Abbe

Berlese,1831.
Belgium.
Abbe Berlese.
England.

do.
do.
do.
do.
Milan.

1830.

Pamentierl833.

England.

Italy.

do.
Germany.
England.

do.
England and
Belgium.

do. 1822.
Belgium.
England.
England,
do. Chandler.
Belgium.
Abbe Berlese.

1833.
England.

do.
Italy.
England.
Belgium.
England.
Belgium.
England, 1834.

do.

do.
Belgium.
England.

do.
Floy.
England.

do.
Germany.
Netherlands.
England, 1820.
England.

do.

do.
Belgium.
England.

do. 1830.

MONOGRAPHY OF THE GENUS CAMELLIA.

381

Lambertii,
Macrophylla,
Miss Rosa,
Magniflora simp.,
Mutabilis,

Nannetenis,

New Imported,

Osburnea,

Oxoniensis,

Ornata,

Percyae,

Pencillata,

Parthoniana,

Preston-eclipse,

Paradoxa,

Pulchella,

Paeonise flora rubra,

Parksii striped,

Palmerii rubra,

Plumaria,

Reine des Pays-

Bas.
Radiata,
Rosa sinensis,

"Reticulata,

Rubricaulis,

Rosa punctata,

Rosas flora,

Scintillans,

Sericea,

Superba,

Staminea simp!.,

Sophiana,

S path u lata,

Thunbergia,

Triumphans,

Venustissima,

Warrata striata,

VVoodsiana,

Woodtii,

reg. sing,
reg. dou.
reg. s. d.
reg. sing,
reg dou.

reg. dou.
reg. dou.
reg. sing,
reg. dou.
reg. dou.
reg. sing,
reg. s. d.
irreg. full,
irreg. full,
reg sing,
reg. dou.
irreg. full,
reg. dou,
reg. dou.
reg. sing.

irreg. s. d.
reg. full,
reg. full,

irreg. s. d.

reg. s. d.
reg. dou.
reg. dou.
irreg. dou.
reg. dou.
reg, dou.
reg. sing,
reg. s. d.
reg. sing,
re^. dou.
reg. full,
irreg. s d.
reg. dou.
irreg s. d.
reg. full.

single red,
coccinea,
pink,

single red,
pink,

coccinea,

pink,

warrata,

rubra simp.,

coccinea,

single red,

papaveracea,

rubra plena,

pomponia,

single red,

pink,

unknown,

coccinea,

pink,

dianthiflora,

single red,

coccinea,

pink,

species,

single red,

aitonia,

single red,

pink,

unknown,

single red,

single red,

single red,

single red,

corallina,

pink,

warrata,

pink,

single red,

pomponia.

Europe,
do
do
do
do

do

do

do

do

do

do

do

do

do

do

do
Japan,
Europe,

do

do

do
do
do

ChinEi,

Europe,
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do

Belgium.
Italy.
England.
Milan,Casoritti.
Paris, Tampo-

net.
England.

do.

do.

do.

do.

do.
Belgium,
do. Meens.
England.

do.
Belgium.
England.

do.

do.

do.
Belgium.
Germany.

do.
Eng., Vauxhall,

Nursery.
Eng., Captain
Rawes, 1824
England.

do.
Belgium.
England.

do.
Italy.
England.
Paris, 1834.
England.

do.

do.
Germany.
Belgium.

do.
England.

FIRST GAMUT

DEEP CHERRY RED.

^Page 294. — Dominant color. Carmine mixed with more or less vermilion, as in
Nos. 4, 5, 6, and 7, of the colored table.)

Name of Camellid.

Form.

Species aud fariety.

Origin.

Introduction.

Alexandreana,

Altheseflora,
Atroviolacea,

irreg. full,

irreg. dou.
reg. sing.

warrata,

rubra plena,
single red.

Europe,

do
do

Angers, Cach-
et, 1533.
England,
do.

382

MONOGRAPH Y OP THE GENUS CAMELLIA.

Anemone mutabi-
lis,

Anemone var. ro-
sea,

Blackburniana,

Braxelliensis,

Berlesiana fulgens,

Concinna,

Coccinea,

Clintonia,

Corollina,

Dernii,

Dilecta,

Egertonia,

Elphinstonia,

Flammea,

Fulgida,

Fulgens,

Gloria Belgica,

Heugmaniana,

Hexangularis mon-

struDsa,
Insignis purpurea,
Knightii,
Kermesina,
Lindria,
Lucida,
Mme Adelaide,

Milleri,

Minuta,

Myrtifolia,

do. Grandiflora,

Papaveracea,

Parksii vera,

Praecellentissima,

Pictorum coccinea,

Platipetala,

*Rubra simplex.

Rubra plena,

Rubra maxima,

Rossi,

Rex BatavicB,

Rawsiana or Roscii,

Rossiana superba,

Sanguinea,

Staminea plena,

Superbissima,

Sparmanniana,

Splendens vera,

Speciosa vera,

Tamponeana,

Warrata, or Ane.

reg

full,

irre

?• full,

reg.

dou.

reg.

s. d.

reg.

dou.

reg.

full.

reg.

dou.

reg.

sing.

reg.

dou.

1

irreg. full,
reg. dou.
reg. dou.
reg. dou.
irreg. dou.
reg. sing,
reg. sing,
reg. sing,
reg. s. d.

reg. dou.
reg. sing,
reg. sing,
irreg. dou.
irreg. s. d.
reg. dou.
reg. dou.

irreg. dou.
irreg. full,
reg full,
reg. full,
reg. sing
irreg. full,
reg. dou.
reg. dou.
irreg full,
reg. sing,
irreg. full,

irreg full,
irreg full,
reg. dou.
irreg full,
irreg. s. d.
reg. sing,
■"eg. full,

„r, dou.
reg dou.
reg. fall,
reg. full,
reg. dou.

reg. dou.

corollina,

warrata,
warrata,
single red,
coccinea,
coccinea,
single red,
warrata,
rubra plena,

single red,
single red,
rubricaulia,
warrata,
single red,
smgle red,
single red,
single red,
single red,

coccinea,
warrata,
warrata,
single red,
aitonia,
single red,
single red,

double red,

aitonia,

unknown,

unknown,

single red,

rubra plena,

warrata,

warrata,

rubra plena,

species,

rubra simplex,

do.

do
rubricaulis,
rubra plena,
rubra simplex,

do.
rubra plena,
aitonia,
spathulata,
rubra plena,

do.
rubra simplex,

unknown,

Europe,

do

do

do

do

do

do
America,
Europe,

do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do
do

do
do
do
do
do
do
do

do

do
Japan,
China,
Europe,

do

do

do

do
Japan,

do

do
Europe,

do

de

do

do

do

do

do

do
Japan,
Europe,

do

England.

England, Low,
England.
Belgium.
Abbe Berlese,
England,

do.
Floy, N. York.
Eng., Chandler,

1819.
England.
Germany.
England.

do.

do.

do.

do.
Belgium.
England.

do.

do.

do.
Germany.
England.

do.
Paris, Tampo-

net.
England.

do.
England, J808.
Paris, Noisette.
England.

do.
Germany.
JMilan, Sacco.
England.

do. n.-^g.

Eng., in 1794,
by Preston.

England.

Germany .

Belgium.

Germany.

Italy.

England.

Germany.

Milan, Sacco.

England.

Eng., Clapponi.

Capt. Rawes.

Paris, Tampo-
net.

England, 1816.

MOWOGRAPHY OF THE GENUS CAMELLIA. 883

SECOND GAMUT.

CARNATIOIf COLOR.

(Page 348. — Dominant color. Rose lake and cinnabar, as in Nos. 1, 2, of the color-
ed table.)

Name of Camellia.

Form,

Species and yariety.

Origin.

lulroduciion.

Albalutescens,
Incarnata,

Carnea,
Kewblusk,

reg. dou.
reg. full,

reg. full,
reg. full,

pomp. S. f.
unknown,

do.
do.

Europe,
China,

do
Europe,

England.
Lady Hume,

1806.
England, 1806.
England.

SECOND GAMUT.

ORANGE RED, MORE OR LESS DEEP.

(Page 349. — Lake mixed with red cinnabar, as in Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8, of the
the colored table-)

Kame of Camellia

Form.

Speciei and variety.

Origin.

Introduction.

Anemone flora var.

sinensis.

reg. full,

rubra plena,

Europe,

England.

Atrorubens,

irreg. full,

single red.

do

do.

Augusta rubra au-

rantiaca.

irreg. dou.

corallina.

do

do.

Chandlerii,

reg. full.

corallina.

do

Eng., Chandler,
1829

Cactiflora,

reg. dou.

pink,

do

Italy, Milan.

Conspicua,

reg. full.

corallina,

do

England.

China, (Tat.)

irreg. full,

rubra plena.

do

do.

China large.

irreg. full,

rubra plena,

do

do.

Derbiana vera,

reg. dou.

corallina,

do

do.

Eximia vera,

reg. full,

corallina.

do

do.

Incomparabilis,

reg. sing.

aitonia,

do

Germany.

Ignescens,

irreg. dou.

single red,

do

do.

Lauckmanni,

reg. sing.

single red.

do

Belgium.

Magniflora plena,

reg. full,

rubra plena,

do

Eng., Hamet of
Claftham.

Punicseflora,

irreg. s. d.

warrata.

do

Angers, Cachet,
1828.
do. do.

Parviflora,

reg. full.

rubricaulis,

do

Palmeri purple

warrata.

irreg. dou.

warrata.

do

do. do.

Reewesii,

irreg. dou.

coccinea,

do

do. do.

Revisa,

irreg. dou.

pasonisBflora,

do

do. do.

Rivinii,

irreg. dou.

coccinea,

do

do. do.

Rives nova.

irreg. full.

rubra plena.

do

do. do.

384

MONOGRAPHir OF THE GENUS CAMELLIil,

FIRST GAMUT, .

GROUND WHITE, SPOTTED OR STRIPED WITH ROSE

(Page 353.)

FIRST DIVISION.

Name of Camellia.

Form.

irreg. full.

Species and variety.

Origin.

IniroductioD.

Bancksii,

pomponia.

Europe,

England,

Dianthiflora striata

plena,

irreg. dou.

pomponia.

do

Italy, Milan.

Delicatissima,

irreg. full,

pomp. simp.

do

England.

Elegantissima,

irreg. dou.

single red,

do

Germany.

Gloria mundi,

irreg. full.

pomponia.

do

Belgium.

Imperialis,

irreg. full.

pomponia,

do

Eng., Press.

Imbrica alba.

reg. full,

alba simplex,

do

England.

Punctata simp.,

reg. sing.

single red,
pink,

do

Eng., Press.

Picturata,

irreg. full,

do

do. do.

Regina Galliarum,

irreg. full.

pomponia pi.

do

do. do.

Sabina,

irreg. dou.

unknown,

do

Hor. Society,
London.

Stryphosa,
Spoffortiana,

reg. dou.

unknown.

do

Germany.

irreg. full.

warrata.

do

England.

Victoria antwerpi-

ensis,

irreg. dou.

pink,

do

Belgium.

FIRSTGAMUT.

GROUND ROSE STRIPED OR WITH CHERRY RED

(Page 355. — As in No- 1, of the colored table.)

SECOND DIVISION.

Name of Camellia.

Colvillii vera.
Gray Venus or

Eclipse,
Punctata major,
Punctata plena,
Rosa Mundi,
Splendida,
Venusta,

irreg. full,

irreg. full,
irreg. dou.
irreg. full,
irreg. full,
irreg full,
irreg. full.

Species and Tariety.

pomponia s.

pomponia s.
unknown,
pomponia s.

do.

do.

do.

Europe,

do
do
do
do
do
do

England, 1829.

Eng., Press,
do. do.

do.
do.
do.
do.

do.
do.
do.
do.

FIRST GAMUT,

GROUND CLEAR OR DEEP CHERRY RED, STRIPED
WITH WHITE.

(Page 356.)

THIBDDIVieiON.

Name of Camellia.

Aglee
Adonidea,

irreg. dou.
irreg. full,

Species or variety.

pink,
pomponia,

Or.gii

Europe,
do

lutroduction.

France.
Belgium.

MONOGRAPHY OF THE GENUS CAMELLIA.

Cariopvhllae flora,

reg. sing.

warrata.

Europe,

England.

Coroiiata rosea,

reg dou.

coccinea,

do

England, Low.

Cardinalis,

irreg. s. d.

variegata.

do

Belgium.

DonklEeri,

reg. s d.

unknown,

Japan,

Siebold, 1833.

Fioniana,

irreg. dou.

variegata.

Europe,

Paris.

Melinetti,

irreg. dou.

pink.

do

Nantes, Meli-

Marmorata,
Phillippi I., or

irreg dou.

do.

do

net.
Belgium .

Mexicana,

irreg. dou.

do

do

Milan, Sacco.

Variegata plena.

irreg. dou.

unknown,

Japan,

Eng., 1792, C.
Conner.

do. Monstruosa,

irreg. dou.

do.

Europe,

England.

Versicolor,

irreg. dou.

pink,

do

do.

SECOND GAMUT.
BICOLORED FLOWERS.

GROUND Y E L li O W I S H CARNATION STRIPED WITH

WHITE.

(Page 375.)

FIRST DIVISION.

Name of Camellia.

Form.

Species or variety.

Origin.

lulroJuction.

Ochroleuca,
Swetia vera.

reg. dou.
reg do.

unknown,
do.

Japan,
Europe,

Eng , Siebold,

ld33.
Eng., Swet.

SECOND GAMUT.
BICOLORED FLOWERS.

GROUND CLEAR OR DEEP ORANGE RED
OR SPOTTED WITH WHITE.

(Page 370.)

SECOND DIVISION.

STRIPED

Name of Caraellii

Chandlerii striata,
Cuningharai,
Imbricata tricolor,
Laukiana,
Leana superba,
Master double red,
Warrata flammula,

Form.

reg. full,
irreg. dou.
irreg. s. d.
irreg. full,
irreg. dou
irreg. dou
irreg. s. d.

Species or variety

corallina,

rubricaulis,

unknown,

rubra simp.

unknown,

pink,

warrata.

Origi)

Europe,

do
Japan,
Europe,
Japan,
Europe,

do

Eng., Chanl e r

do.
Siebold.
England.
Eng , Siebold.
England.
France.

49

386

Art. IV. — Massachusetts Horticultural Socicty^s Afinual

Meeting.

EXHIBITION OF FLOWERS.

" Let one great day

To celebrated sports andijloral play
Be set aside."

The annual exhibition of Flowers and Fruits by the Massacmu-
SETTB Horticultural Society, took place at their Rooms, 23
Tremont Row, on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, 19th, 20th,
and 31st of September.

The specimens of Fruit (the particulars of which are herewith
given by the Chairman of the Fruit Committee) were very fine, and
exceeded, both in quantity and quality those of any former season.
Owing to the extreme heat of the weather, and the continued
drought in July and August, Autumn's dueen, the gorgeous Dahlia,
did not appear at the exhibition in all her glory. But notwithstand-
ing the almost total failure of the Dahlia bloom, the floral part of
the show was much better than our friends or ourselves anticipated.
When it was made known to the cultivators, and to the lovers of
flowers, that the place of the Dahlia must be filled up, by such cut
flowers as could be procured, the disposition to contribute became
general, and the supply was equal to our wants. Before the appoint-
ed hour had arrived to open the Rooms for the public, every vial,
dish and basket, was filled, and all was in readiness for the inspec-
tion, and we trust gratification, of the lovers of Flora and Pomona.
The contributors will please accept our thanks and acknowledg-
ments, for their liberal contributions, and their kind aid. If we
have omitted, in our annexed statement, the name of any contribu-
tor, or an account of any specimens sent for exhibition, we solicit
the favor of a communication giving us a list of the plants or flowers
omitted, that they may be added to our report.
From the Hon. John Lowell of Roxbury.

Pandanus utilis, Eugenia myrtifolia, Araucaria excelsa, (rare and
valuable.) This is a most superb plant. The inhabitants of Chili
call this noble ornament of their forests araucanos. " This genus"
Sweet observes " may be termed the handsomest genus of plants

ANNUAL MEETING. 387

with which we are acquainted." Bignonia discolor, Acrostichura
alcicorne, Aspieniurn (?) Casaurina equisetifolia.

From J. P. Gushing, Esq. Watertown.

Astrapaea Wallichii, Epiphyllim Ackermanni, Maranta zebrina,
Amaryllis Belladonna, (several pots in bloom,) Hippeastrums,
(seedlings in bloom,) Erica glauca, Alpinia mutans, Rochea falcata,
Trevirana coccinea, Phienia daclylifera, Mespilus (?) and a fine cut
blossom of Crinum amabile.

From Marshall P. Wilder, Esq., of Hawthorn Grove, Dorchester.

Stanhopea quadricornis, (Air plant from South America in fine
bloom.) " The true species of this genus," says Loudon, " are be-
yond comparison the most delightful productions of the vegetable
world." This specimen was very beautiful, and was greatly admir-
ed. Maranta zebrina. Acacia, (four varieties,) Ardisia crenulata,
Mannettia glabra, Erythrina Crista-galli, Nerine Fothergilli, &c.

From John Lemist, Esq. of Roxbury.

Citrus myrtifolia, (two plants,) Erica cruenta, (two plants,) Cycas
revoluta. Ilex aureo-marginata, and a very splendid bouquet.

From Mrs Bigelow, of Medford, two very fine specimens of Cu-
pressus stricta. These plants were placed at the entrance of the
rooms and made a handsome appearance.

From John C. Gray, Esq.

Two very fine specimens of Cockscomb.

From the Botanic Garden Cambridge, by Mr W. E. Carter.

Ficus elastica, Ficus australis, Diosma ericoides, Taxus Chinensis,
Strelitzia regina, Bigonia Evansiana, Laurus crassifolia, do. evaltata,
do. indica, Banksia, Rhododendron arboreum, do. hybridum, Euge-
nia australis, Pelargonium, Erica CafTra, do. concinna. Erica empe-
troides, Myrtus flora pleno, do. narrow leaved, three seedling Ca-
mellia japonica, Metrosideros saligna, Eriobotrya japonica, Bauera
rubiaefolia, Acacia divaricata, Magnolia grandiflora, Eucalyptus
perfoliata. Ilex crassifolia, Myrtus mucronata, Melastoma nepalensis.
Acacia (?) do. saligna, Hakea, Double flowering Myrtle, Acacia
decipiens, Petunia hybrida, Fuschia grandiflora, Dantana Cammara,
Melaleuca tenuifolia, Calothamnus pubescens, do. quadrifida, Men-
aiesia globularis, Bouvardia coccinea, Beaufortea decussata.

From Messrs Winship, of Brighton.

Cassia sophora3, Citrus nobilis minor, in fine fruit, Eugenia Aus-
tralis, Agave Americana variegata, Sparmannia Africania, two

388 MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY'S

varieties of Cyclamen persicum, Vinea rosea, Aucuba japonica,
Gloxinia speciosa, Eupatorium odoratum, Maranta zebrina, Erica
gracilis, and spuria, Rallota purpurea, Merpilus japonica, Alriplex
halimus, Asclepias persicifolia, Begonia argyrostigma, Ficus elasti-
cus, Daphne variegata, Laurus, communis fol : variegata, Ruscus
racemosus in fruit, Melaleuca diosmefolia.

From Mr H. Bovvditch, Boston.

Fine specimens of Myrtles and Orange trees in fruit, Aloysia
citriodora, Fuchsia, Erica, Acacia, &i.c.

From Messrs Hovey, Oxalis Boweii.

From Jno. Hovey, Roxbury, Yellow tea rose, Verbena melindre,
Passiflora racemosa.

From Mr Mason of Charlestovvn.

Phylica ericoides, Acacia armata, and two other varieties. Verbe-
na melindre, great variety of double ten week stocks, Viburnum
tinus, three varieties of Erica, Rhododendron arboreum, Orange
tree with fruit, and Diosma ericoides.

From Mr William Meller, Roxbury, four plants Citrus Decumana.

From Dr J. C. Howard, Woodland, Brookline, a fine specimen
of Yucca and other plants.

From Thomas Lee, Esq. Brookline, several beautiful little plants
in bloom and a great variety of cut flowers, Roses, &lc.

From J. D. H. Williams, Esq. Roxbury, Taxus communis, Callis-
tenum lanceolatum.

From Mr T. Rundle, Fig and Dwarf apple tree, both in fruit.

From Mr. John Arnold, Boston, Camellia japonica alba pleno, in
fine bloom.

Dahlias. — From Col. Wilder, var. Suffolk Hero, Elphinstone's
Diana, do. purple Perfection, Marquis of Northampton, Conqueror
of Europe, Brown's quilled Perfection, &c.

From E. Breed, Esq. Charlestown, Widnall's Triumphant.

From Messrs Hovey, var. Mrs Rushton, Liberty, Juliet, Rival
Yellow, Middlesex Rival, Conqueror of Europe, Rosa Superba, Ru-
by, Diadem of Flora, &-c.

From Dr J. C. Howard, var. Prince George, Ophelia, Royal Wil-
liam, Countess of Liverpool, Dennisii, Beauty of Cambridge, Desde-
mona. Alba purpurea, Picta formosissima. Lady Fordwich, &c.

From Messrs Winship, var. Countess of Liverpool, Royal William,

ANNUAL MEETING. 38J

Barrett's Susanna, Prince George of" Cumberland, Dutchess of Buc-
cleugh, &c.

From the Botanic Garden, Cambridge, by Mr W. E. Carter,
Dennis's Perfection, Lord Liverpool, Dennisii, Countess of Liver-
pool, Prince George, Ophelia, Mrs Broadwood, Desdemona, Augus-
ta, Picta formosissima.

From Mr Jno. Richardson, Dorchester, var. Lord Liverpool,
Countess of Mansfield, Dennisii.

From W. Phipps, Esq. and VV. Farnsworth Esq. of Roxbury,
each a few fine flowers.

From Messrs O. and W. Wales of Dorchester, var. Red Rover,
Lady Fordwich, Widnall's Perfection, Dennisii, and Dutchess of
Buccleugh.

On the second and third days of exhibition, there was a basket of
choice specimens handed to the committee, with a request that they
should be placed in the stands incog. The request was complied
with. All that we feel permitted to say in our report is, that the
flowers were much admired; we classed them among the fairest of
the fair.

By Samuel Walker of Roxbury, var. Napoleon, Desdemona,
Dennisii, King of Dahlias, Metropolitan, Calypso, Widnall's Perfec-
tion, Mrs Broadwood, Dutchess of Buccleugh, Jackson's Rival Yel-
low, Lady Ann, Douglass Glory, Belledonna, Autro purpurea,
Granta, Well's white, Harding's bride, Ophelia, Beauty of Cam-
bridge, Urania, Barrett's Susanna, and Beauty of Bedford.

Bouquets. — From Mrs J. H. Gardner, of Roxbury ; Dr J. C.
Howard of Brookline; John Lemist, Esq. of Roxbury; W. E. Car-
ter of Cambridge; Messrs Hovey, and S. Sweetser, Esq, of Cam-
bridgeport ; Messrs Winship, Brighton, W. Kenrick, JNewton, and
S. Walker.

A small bouquet, presented by Mrs E. Breed, of Charlestown,
containing specimens of Stapelia pulchella, and Bignonia Evansiana,
was much admired.

Cut flowers of various descriptions from T. Lee, Esq. Col. Wil-
der, E. Breed, Esq. Hon. E. Vose, Messrs Richard.son, Phipps,
Farnsworth, Gardener, Sweetser, Breck, Warren, Winship, Hovey
&- Co., Jno. Hovey, Mason, Meller, and Carter.

From Joseph Breck &l Co., a superb collection of German Asters
of every variety. Thirteen distinct varieties of Zinnia elegans, of

390 MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY'S

the following colors : — white, blush, pink, violet, light purple, dark
purple, salmon, yellow, orange, light scarlet, dark scarlet, light
crimson, and dp crimson. Specimens of Euphorbia variegata,
Centauris of so 's; improved variegated, and other Marigolds,
together with a great variety of other annuals, and cut flowers.

The wreaths were made and presented by Messrs D, Haggerston,
J. W. Russell, and E. Sayers.

We shall close our report with a few brief remarks, and some quo-
tations from various authors on the love, and use made of flowers
by the inhabitanis of several parts of the world.

" Flowers ! " said Mr Bowring, " what a hundred associations the
word brings to my mind ! Of what countless songs, sweet and sa-
cred, delicate and divine, are they the subject! A flower in Eng-
land, [and we will add America,] is something to the botanist, —
but only if it be rare ; to the florist, — but only if it be beautiful :
even the poet and the moralizer seldom bend down to its eloquent
silence. The peasant never utters to it an ejaculation — the plough-
man (all but one) carelessly tears it up with his share — no maiden
thinks of wreathing it — no youth aspires to wear it: but in Spain
ten to one but it becomes a minister of love, that it hears the voice of
poetry, that it crowns the brow of beauty. Thus how sweetly ar3
anonymous cancionero sings :

" Put on your briglUest richest dress,
Wear all your gems, blest vale of ours .'
My fair one comes in her loveliness,
yhe comes to gather flowers.

" Garland me wreaths, thou fertile vale ;
Woods of green your coronets bring ;.
Pinks of red, and lilies pale,
Come with your fragrant oiTering.
Mingle your charms of hue and smell,
Which Flora wakes in her spring-tide hours I
My fair one comes across the dell,
She comes to gather flowers.

" Twilight of morn ! from thy misty tower
Scatter the trembling pearls around,
Hang up thy gems on fruit and flower, '
Bespangle the dewy ground !
Phoebus, rest on thy ruby wheels —
Look, and envy this world of ours;
For my fair one now descends the hills,
She comes to gather flowers.

ANNUAL MEETING. 391

" List ! for the breeze on wings serene
Through the light foliage sails ;
Hidden amidst the forest green
Warble the nightingales !
Hailing the glorious birth of day
With music's best, divinest powers,
Hither my fair one bends her way,
She comes to gather flowers."

It was, perhaps, the general power of sympathy upon the subject
of plants, which caused them to be connected with some of the ear-
liest events that history records. The mythologies of all nations are
full of them ; and in all times they have been associated with the
soldiery, the government, and the arts. Thus the patriot was crown-
ed with oak ; the hero and the poet with bay ; and beauty with the
myrtle. Peace had her olive ; Bacchus his ivy ; and whole groves
of oak-trees were thought to send out oracular voices in the winds.
One of the most pleasing parts of state splendor has been associated
with flowers, as Shakspeare seems to have had in his mind when he
wrote that beautiful line respecting the accomplished prince, Ham-
let:

" The expectancy and rose of the fair state."

It was this that brought the gentle family of roses into such un-
natural broils in the civH wars : and still the united countries of
Great Britain have each a floral emblem; Scotland has her thistle,
Ireland its shamrock, and England the rose. France under the
Bourbons, had the golden lily.

The different festivals in England, have each their own peculiar
plant or plants, to be used in their celebration ; at Easter the willow
as a substitute for the palm ; at Christmas, the holly and the misle-
toe; on May-day every flower in bloom, but particularly the haw-
thorn or May-bush. In Persia they have a festival called the Feast
of Roses, which lasts the whole time they are in bloom. Formerly,
it was the custom, and still is in some parts of the country, to scat-
ter flowers on the celebration of a wedding, a christening, or even
of a funeral.

It was formerly the custom also, to carry garlands before the bier
of a maiden, and to hang them and scatter flowers over her grave :

The Q,ueen scattering flowers .

392 MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY'S

" Sweets to the sweet. Farewell !
I hoped thy bride-bed to have decked, sweet maid,
And not have strewed thy grave."

Hamlet, Act v. Scene I.

In Tripoli, on the celebration of a wedding, the baskets of sweet-
meats, &c. sent as wedding presents, are covered with flowers ; and
although it is well known that they frequently communicate the
plague, the inhabitants will even prefer running the risk, when that
dreadful disease is abroad, rather than lose the enjoyment they have
in their love of flowers. When a woman in Tripoli dies, a large
bouquet of fresh flowers, if they can be procured, if not, of artificial,
is fastened at the head of her coffin. Upon the death of a Moorish
lady of quality, every place is filled with fresh flowers and burning
perfumes : at the head of the body is placed a large bouquet,
of part artificial, and part natural, and richly ornamented with sih
ver : and additions are continually made to it. The author who de-
scribes these customs also mentions a lady of high rank, who regularly
attended the tomb of her daughter, who had been three years dead ;
she always kept it in repair, and, with the exception of the great
mosque, it was one of tlie grandest in Tripoli. From the time of
the young lady's death, the tomb had always been supplied with the
most expensive flowers placed in be-iutiful vases ; and, in addition
to these, a great quantity of fresh Arabian Jessamines, threaded on
thin slips of the palm leaf, were hung in festoons and tassels about
this revered sepulchre. The mausoleum of the royal family, which
is called the Turbar, is of the purest white marble, and is filled
with an immense quantity of fresh flowers ; most of the tombs be-
incr dressed with festoons of Arabian Jessamine and large bunches
of variegated flowers, consisting of Orange, Myrtle, Red and White
Roses, &c. They afford a perfume which those who are not ha-
bituated to such choice flowers can scarcely conceive. The tombs
are mostly of white, a few inlaid with colored marble. A manuscript
Bible, which was presented by a Jew to the Synagogue, was adorned
with flowers; and silver vases filled with flowers were placed upon
the ark which contained the sacred MS.*

The ancients used wreaths of flowers in their entertainments, not
only for pleasure, but also from a notion that their odor prevented

* See Tullv's Narrative of a Residence in Tripoli.

ANNUM, MEETING. 393

the wine from intoxicating them ; they used other perfumes on the
same account. Beds of flowers are not merely fictitious. The
Highlanders of Scotland commonly sleep on heath, which is said to
make a delicious bed ; and beds are, in Italy, often filled with the
leaves of trees, instead of down or feathers. It is an old joke against
the effeminate Sybarites, that one of them complaining he had not
slept all night, and being asked the reason why, said that a rose-
leaf had got folded under him.

In Naples, and in the vale of Cachemere (I have been told also
that it sometimes occurs in Chester,) gardens are formed on the
roofs of houses : " On a standing roof of wood is laid a covering of
fine earth, which shelters the building from the great quantity of
snow that falls in the winter season. This fence communicates an
equal warmth in winter, as a refreshing coolness in summer, when
the tops of the houses, which are planted with a variety of flowers,
exhibit at a distance the spacious view of a beautiful chequered
parterre." The famous hanging gardens of Babylon were on the
enormous walls of that city.

A garden usually makes a part of every Paradise, even of Ma-
homet's, from which women are excluded, — women, whom gallantry
has so associated with flowers, that we are told, in the Malay lan-
guage, one word serves for both.* In Milton's Paradise, the occu-
pation of Adam and Eve was to tend the flowers, to prune the luxu-
riant branches, and support the roses, heavy with beauty. Poets
have taken pleasure in painting gardens in all the brilliancy of
imagination. See the garden of Alcinous in Homer's Odyssey ;
those of Morgana, Alcina, and Armida, in the Italian poets : the
gardens fair

" Of Hesperus and his daughters three.
Who sing about the golden tree ;"

and Proserpina's garden, and the Bower of Bliss in Spenser's Fairie
Queene. The very mention of their name seems to embower one
in leaves and blossoms.

It is a matter of some taste to arrange a bouquet of flowers judi-
ciously ; even in language, we have a finer idea of colors, when such
are placed together as look well together in substance. Do we read
of white, purple, red and yellow flowers, they do not present to us

*See Laila Rookh, page 303. Sixth edition.

50

394 MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETy's

SO exquisite a picture, as if we read of yellow and purple, white and
red. Their arrangement has been happily touched upon by some
of our poets :

" Th' Azores send

Their jessamine ; her jessamine, remote
Caffraria : foreigners from many lands,
Tliey form one social shade, as if convened
By magic summons of th' Orphean lyre.
Yet just arrangement, rarely brought to pass
But by a master's hand, disposing well
The gay diversities of leaf and flower,
Must lend its aid t' illustrate all their charms,
And dress the regular, yet various scene.
Plant behind plant aspiring, in the van
The dwarfish ; in the rear retired, but still
Sublime above the rest, the statelier stand."

COWPEB.

What is here said on the subject of arrangement is of course ad-
dressed to those who are unacquainted with botany ; those who
study that delightful science will most probably, prefer a botanical
arrangement, observing however to place the smaller plants of each
division next the spectator, and thus proceeding gradually to the
tallest and most distant; so that the several divisions will form strips
irregular in their width.

A friend has obliged me, says a celebrated writer, with the fol-
lowing lines, paraphrased from the Greek of Meleager. " This
delicious little Greek poem," says he, " is one of those which I
always seem to scent the very odor of, as if I held a bunch of flow-
ers to my face.

" A flowery crown will I compose —
I'll weave the crocus, weave the rose ;
I'll weave narcissus, newly wet,
The hyacinth, and violet ;
And myrtle shall supply me green,
And lilies laugh in light between :
That the rich tendrils of my beauty's hair
May burst into their crowning flowers, and light the painted air."

Per order,

S. WALKER,
Chairman of the Committee of Arrangements.

ANNUAL MEETING.

3J5

EXHIBITION OF FRUITS.

The exhibition of the fruits, of all kinds, far surpassed that of all
former years, not only in the variety, but also in the increased pro-
portion of the new and finest kinds which never yet have been seen
or known at any former exhibition. Generally speaking, all the
fruits which were on these days exhibited were fine. The fruits
offered by Messrs. Manning and Ives, whose gardens are contiguous,
occupied nearly the whole of the western table, and amongst these,
especially of Mr Manning, were many of the new kinds of Pears, so
lately introduced, and which are now fast coming into bearing.
These above, constituted the finest selection of the kind, which has
ever yet been witnessed in the country.

The following is the account of the exhibition : —

From the Hon. John Lowell, specimens of two varieties of Pears ;
one the Beurre Spence, which M. Van Mons had once designated
as the finest pear he had ever raised ; the specimen an oblong good
sized fruit, contracted near the summit, of a yellow russety color,
the flavor delicious. Also the Beurre Crappeaux, another variety
sent to Mr Lowell by the Chevalier Parmentier, of Enghein ; a
fruit of medium size and turbinate form, bright scarlet next the sun
and yellow in the shade, beurre and of delicious flavor.

From the Hon. Mr Vose, President of the Society :

Pears. — Williams' Bon Chretien, Andrews, Passe Colmar, Lewis,
Napoleon, Duchesse D'Angouleme, Urbaniste, Brocaus Bergamotte,
Julienne, Mouille Bouche.

Apples. — Hawthorndean, English Codlin, Large Red Sweeting.

Peaches. — Grosse Mignonne, George IV., Red and Yellow
Rareripe.

Grapes. — Chasselas ; and an ornamented basket of fruit.

Melons. — A fine large yellow variety of the Rock Melon from
Paris.

Presented by S. Walker, from the garden of Madame Eustis,
Roxbury, a fine specimen of Sweetwater Grapes, of out-door cul-
ture. Also a large basket of fine Peaches.

From J. L. Moffat, Esq. Roxbury, a basket of yellow Tomatoes.

From Enoch Bartlett, Esq. Vice President of the Society :

Pears. — Bartlett or Williams' Bon Chretien, Sylvanche Vert,
Wertemberg, formerly received as Capiaumont, Dix.

396 MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY'S

Apples. — Ribston Pippin.
Lemon Peach.

From Mr Downer, a variety of fine fruits, as follows :

Pears. — Heathcot, Beurre d'Aremberg, Passe Colmar, Dix,
Knight's Seedling, Bezi Vaet, Forelle, Iron, Lewis, Catillac, Beurre
Diel, Roi de Wurtemburg,Williaras' Bon Chretien, Andrews' Moor-
fowl Egg, and Wilkinson.

Apples. — Pumpkin Sweeting, Siberian Crab, Pomme d'api. Pound,
Porter, Seaver Sweet, Hales, Lyscom, Nonesuch, Gardener's Sweet-
ing, Spice and other varieties.

Grapes. — Isabella, Catawba, Miller's Burgundy, white Chasselas,
and another variety, all from the open air.

Peaches. — Rareripe.

From Mr Richards, numerous fine specimens as follows :

Pears. — Howard.

Apples. — Ribstone Pippin, and Fall Sops of wine.

Peaches. — Two varieties, one a seedling.

From Messrs. Winship, of Brighton, beautiful specimens of the
Shepardia Eleagnoides, consisting of branches loaded with fruit j
the fruit fine for jellies and preserves, and highly grateful to the
taste when ameliorated by frost.

From William Oliver, Esq. of Dorchester :

Pears. — Di.x, Wurtemberg, Broca's Bergamotte, St. Ghislain,
Duchess D'Angouleme.

Peaches. — President, Petite Mignonne.

Grapes. — Chasselas, very fine, open culture.

From Mrs Bourne, of Boston, Clingstone Peach.

From Mr John Arnold, of Milton :

Grapes. — Black Hamburg, two fine clusters, one weighing 2 3-4
lbs., and the other 3 3-4 lbs. ; also fine clusters of the Muscat of
Lunel.

From Mr George Newhall, of Dorchester ;

Pears. — Wurtemberg and Fulton, Williams' Bon Chretien, and
Broca's Bergamotte.

Apples. — Porter and Pearmain.

Peaches. — Jacques' Rareripe, Moore's Rareripe, Yellow Red
Rareripe, a seedling variety, also another large Yellow Seedling
Rareripe, very fine.

ANNUAL MEETING. 397

From E. Breed, Esq. of Charlestown :

Pears. — Orange, Julienne, Seckel, Duchesse D'Angouleme, and
Williams' Bon Chretien.

Plums. — Green Gage.

Grapes. — White, Muscat of Alexandria, and a basket containing
fine peaches and a variety of other fruits.

From Mr Wm. Meller, of Roxbury :

Grapes. — Black Hamburgh, and Sweet Water.

Peaches. — Seedling varieties.

From Mr Joseph Balch, of Roxbury :

Pears. — Blanquette, Williams' Bon Chretien, and a variety from
France.

Apples. — A variety from England.

Grapes. — A basket of Black Hamburg, and Black Prince, &c.
all fine.

From Messrs. Mason, of the Charlestown Vineyard.

Grapes. — Purple Constantia, Lombardy, Black Hamburg, and
White Chasselas. All affording ample evidence of the most skilful
cultivation.

From Isaac P. Davis, Esq. of the city. A superb Black Apple,
resembling polished ebony. A most beautiful fruit from the garden
of Mr Cushing, at Belmont, from a dwarf tree received from France,
and said to be of American origin, name unknown.

From Dr J. C. Howard, Woodland, in Brookline :

Pears. — Golden Beurre, Cambridge, St. Michael, Beurre Rouge,
and Bergamotte.

Apples. — Maiden's Blush or Hawthorndean, Greening, and Ruddy
Greening.

Grapes. — Miller's Burgundy, White Chasselas, and Black Ham-
burg, two splendid bunches of the latter on one lateral shoot,
weighing together 5 lbs. and 4 oz. ; also, from out of door culture,
Sweetwater and Isabella.

Col. M. P. Wilder, sent for exhibition the following kinds of
fruit :

Pears. — D'Aremberg, Belle et Bonne, Alpha, Gloux, Morceau,
Buerre Thouin, St. Michael, Archangel, D'Amaulis, Beurre Von
Marum, Bergamotte de Pasques, Bourgomestre of Boston, Passe Col-
mar, Sageret Easter Buerre, Heathcot, Wurtemberg, Beurre Diel,
Bleecker's Meadow, a pear imported for Urbaniste, and a pear name

393 MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY'S

unknown from France. Fortune, a new and celebrated pear, but
not yet at maturity. Also, Kenrick Pear from Van Mons, but may
be wrong.

Plums. — Coe's Golden Drop. Also the Black Rock musk melon.

From Mr B. V. French, from his estate in Braintree, the following
kinds :

Pears. — Gushing, Harvard, Wilkinson, Roman Beurre, Long
Green, Saint Lezain, Old Winter, Roi de Wurtemberg, Williams'
Bon Chretien, Tillington, Spanish Bon Chretien, King's Bon
Chretien.

Apples. — Monstrous Pippin, Yellow Bellflower, Oitley Pippin,
Mela Carla, Fameuse, Duke of Wellington, Hawthorndean, Fall
Sopsavine, Garden Royal, Devonshire Q,uarendon, Porter, Dutch
Codling, Garden Striped, Yellow Newton Pippin, Sweet Greening,
Nonsuch, Sour Sweet, Black Apple, Courtpendu Plat, Well's Pippin,
Royal do-. Scarlet Nonpareil, English do., Danvers Sweet, Red
Doctor, High top Sweeting, Esopus Spitzenberg, Green's Everlast-
ing, Bun, Newark King, Snow, King of the Pipps, Foam's Pippin,
Conway, Osgood, Ribstone Pippin, Alexander, Vandavere, Jonathan,
Surprise, Priestly, Moor's Red Winter, Cumberland Spice, Pumpkin
Spice, Mela de Rosemarino, French Bellflower, Golden Reinett,
Reinett de Autoin, Templeton Winter Sweet, Russett, Long Non-
such, Old Pearmain, Sidehill, Lady Finger, Greening, Lewis,
French's Sweet, Seaver Sweet, York Russet, Downton Pippin,
Pomme d'api, Siberian Crab, Murphy, Burraove, Virginia, Rock,
Adam's Sweeting, Red Calville.

Melons. — Long Carolina Water, Pine, Green Flesh.

Plums. — Red Queen's Mother, a fine fruit.

From Mr Ebenezer Holden, of Dorchester: Porter Apples, a
beautiful specimen.

From Dr. J. Greene, of Groton, the Foundling Apple, a fine look-
ing large red fruit.

From Dr. Joel Burnett, of Southboro', specimens of Burnet Pear.

From William Kenrick, Duchesse D'Angouleme Pear.

From Mr John Rayner, Brown's Buerre, Broca's Bergamotte,
and St. Michael Pears.

From Mr Haggerston :

Grapes. — Black Hamburg, &c. from the garden of Mr Cushing, at
Belmont, specimens of the most perfect cultivation.

ANNUAL MEETING. 399

From Dr. Z. B. Adams, from his garden in Pearl street : Fine
specimens of the old St. Michael which is still generally fine in
cities. Also Seckel.

From Mr Richard Ward, of Roxbury :

Pears. — Seckel, Williams' Bon Chretien or Bartlett, Andrews,
Pondlilly. Wurtemberg, and Bergamotte.

Peaches. — Old Mixon, Red Rareripe, Sweetwater, Yellow Rare-
ripe, White do., Cooledge's Favorite, Jacques, Franklin Seedling.

From Mr A. D. Williams :

Pears. — Williams' Bon Chretien, Summer Thorn, Harvard ; also a
seedling Pear, small, turbinate in form, and handsome, fine scarlet
next the sun.

Apples. — Fall Sopsavine, Porter, and Horn Apple, a large red
beautiful fruit.

Grapes. — Several very large and beautiful clusters of Black
Hamburgh.

From Mr Sweetser, of Cambridgeport :

Pears. — Fulton, Andrews, Chelmsford, Julienne, Seckel, and
Williams' Bon Chretien.

From Mr John Barnard, of Dorchester, a Pear of a new variety.

From Mr Eames of Framingham, specimens of an Apple from
Detroit, a large, splendid red fruit.

From Mr Rufus Howe, of Dorchester, Urbaniste Pears.

From Mr Joshua Gardner, Dorchester :

Pears. — Cushing.

Apples. — Gravenstein, and Pomme D'Api, or Lady Apple, beau-
tiful specimen.

From Mr George Brown, Beverly :

Pears. — A variety without name from France, said to be fine ; a
variety from Holland, a winter fruit, Seckel, and Brown Beurre.

Apples. — A large fine Sweeting, a superior fruit, Pomme D'Api,
and the Drap D'Or of France.

From Mr J. Hovey, a basket of Grapes of out door cultivation.

From C. F. W. of Charlestown, Isabella Grapes.

From Mr Alexander McLennan, from Oaklands, in Watertown,
Pomme D'Api and a variety of fine Peaches, &c.

From Mr Charles Johnson, of Weston, and from the farm formerly
owned by Capt. John Mackay, of the city ; Hawthorndean Apples,
very beautiful.

400 MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY'S

From Mrs T. Bigelow of Medford :

Apples. — Monstrous Pippin, and beautiful specimens of Red
Apples from France.

Peaches. — Some fine specimens.

Grapes. — Fine Chasselas, and Black Hamburg,

Shaddocks. — Very large, from her green-house, a variety of the
citrus or orange tribe.

From the garden of Mr Lemist, of Roxbury, fine Black Hamburg
Grapes ; also a tree of the Lime in fruit.

From Mr Samuel Pond, from his garden at Cambridgeport.

Pears. — Beurre Diel, Gushing, Wurtemberg, and Andrews.

Plums. — White^ Gage, and a variety supposed to be Hulings
superb, Corse's Field Marshal, Blue Imperatrice, a fine fruit which
sometimes has been called Semiana; also Duane's Purple Plum.
All the Plums exhibited by Mr Pond were exceedingly fine ; and
Duane's Purple was very large and superb. Mr Pond has been very
successful with Plums, having raised large quantities of this fine
fruit during the past season. His situation is highly protected, the
soil low, flat, moist, and but recently reclaimed from a salt marsh.
Though very bad, and not at all suited to the Peach, it proves fine
for the Plum.

From L. Baldwin, Esq., of Brighton.

Apples. — Specimens of very large Red, of fine appearance.

From Mr John Hill of West Cambridge, Lemon Rareripe, so
called, a synonyme of Yellow Red Rareripe, the specimens very
superb. This is one of the finest of all Peaches.

From Mr J. L. L. F. Warren, from his garden at Brighton, an
ornamented basket of fruit as follows.

Pears. — Seckel.

Apples. — Baldwin, Greening, Autumn superb, Porter, Lady apple,
Siberian Crab.

Peaches. — Royal George, George IV., Meiacaton, Royal Kensing-
ton, Warren's Favorite.

Plums. — Damson.

Melons. — Cantaloupe, and Green Citron.

Grapes. — Chasselas, Black Hamburg, Purple, Malaga, and
Isabella.

Mr Coolidge, from his garden in Cambridge street, Boston.

Plums. — A fine looking yellow, oblong, and excellent fruit.

[To be concluded.]

TUB

AND

GARDENER'S MAGAZINE.

NOVEMBER 1, 183a

Art. I. — Practical Hints on Planting Fruit Trees.

The planting of fruit trees requires more practical knowledge
and particular attention than is generally apprehended by the inex-
perienced cultivator : for from a mismanagement in planting may be
traced, in many cases, not only a lingering and unfruitful growth of
the tree, but, in many cases, little effort in vegetation after planting
and a certain death of the tree in a few years. This defect may be
traced, in many cases, to improperly planting too deep, which>
in my practice, I have found a universal error in fruit trees
in small city gardens, and other places, when the thing has been
done by inexperienced hands. Planting too deep is more particu-
larly exemplified in the apple, the cherry, and those kinds of trees
whose roots naturally grow near the earth's surface : — deep planting
places such roots in a location where they cannot receive their
wonted stimulants, as the influence of the sun, air, and the like ;
and the food that is conveyed to them, under such circumstances, is
in a crude, acid state, and destitute of those fertilizing qualities it ac-
quired nearer the earth's surface. This consequence will always
happen to trees planted too deep, as the cherry, apple, and indeed
all kinds that do not strike roots from the main stem, as the willow,
button-ball, and many kinds of forest trees, and shrubs, which,
when planted too deep, lose their original roots, and replace them
from the stem near the earth's surface. In contrarity to the above
a mismanagement often happens in the planting of trees, by their
roots being planted too shallow, in which case the drought effects
51

402 PLANTING FRUIT TREES.

their fibrous roots, and they cannot cling to, and draw nutriment
from, the soil ; they are, therefore, eventually dried up, and the folloW'
ing season the main roots have to protrude new fibres to draw nutri-
ment from the soil.

The true system for planting trees is to follow their natural depth
and location as much as possible, which can easily be obtained by
examining the depth and natural position of the roots before its

removal.

From the many authors I have perused I have not read any satisfac-
tory description of a" method of planting fruit trees. They all very cor-
rectly agree, that the hole intended for the tree should be dug larger
than the circumference of its roots, in order to give them a free
expansion without cramping them in the hole, which is often the
case of inexperienced hands. The next consistent thing agreed
upon is the breaking up, mixing and pulverizing the bottom of the
hole, so that the under tier of roots may strike freely and quickly be
established in the soil : after this preparation, the planting is recom-
mended to be done, by placing the tree in the centre of the hole,
filling it up about half way and then gently shaking it upwards in
order to draw the roots in their proper position, and treading
close the fine earth to them. This method I cannot admit to
be correct either in theory or practice ; for in most cases the roots
must certainly be forced out of their natural position ; in the first
place, by pressing the upper tier of fibrous roots to the bottom of
the hole with the earth and treading, which should, according to
their natural position, be placed near the earth's surface. In the
second place, the roots are drawn up and pressed doion by the shak-
ing of the tree, and, instead of their laying in a regular expanded
horizontal manner, if examined, will be found to be bent in an
irregular manner : the over treading also displaces the roots, and
the consequence is, that many of the best fibrous roots being partly
injured and out of their natural position either die or have to make
now roots from their leaders in order to draw a proper nourishment
to support the tree. Hence many fruit trees, after planting, remain
for several years in an almost dormant state, when fruit-buds are
formed instead of wood-buds, which, if allowed to flower and bear
fruit, will dwarf the tree in a manner that it never assumes the size
and habit it would acquire if properly planted at first.

In the practice of planting fruit trees, the operator should

manning's book of fruits, 403

make himself well acquainted witii the natural growth and habit of
both the roots and branches of the tree ; for it will be found that dif-
ferent kinds of trees have quite a contrary natural position of their
roots ; for instance, as before stated, the cherry and apple tree roots
near the surface of the soil, whilst the pear perforates much deeper
into the sub-soil. All these positions should be carefully examined
and understood before planting, for it is in vain to reverse the posi-
tion of roots to any good purpose ; indeed when it is done it is an
act of violence imposed on nature and its ill effects will soon be dis-
covered in the tree.

In the practice of planting, I recommend that the natural posi-
tion of the roots of the tree be examined, the hole dug wider than
their circumference, the bottom of it well broken up, &c., the tree
placed in the centre, and the bottom tier of roots placed in an ex-
panded manner, then apply some fine earth over them as a covering,
being careful that no cavity is left under the hole of the tree ; after
this layer of roots is properly placed and covered, then prepare to
lay the upper tier in their natural expanded position, being careful
not to cramp or bend them, but let their fibres be fully extended ;
this done, fill up the hole with well pulverized earth a little above
the surface, and rather highest near the stem of the tree ; the sur-
face may then be gently trod and the work is done.

That the tree should be supported by stakes, the ground kept in
good order, &c., are too well known to require any comment, only
that they should be strictly attended to.

E. S.

Art. n. — Manning's Boole of Fruits.

The following notice of Manning's Book of Fruits, from the pen of J. J. T.
an able writer in the Genesee Fanner, we give to our readers, presuming it
will be read with interest, by all who are engaged in Horticulture.

This work should be in the hands of every cultivator of good
fruit in the northern States, and especially of nurserymen. Its title,
" A Descriptive Catalogue of the most valuable varieties of the
Pear, Apple, Peach, Plum, and Cherry , for New England culture,"
will explain its character. It is a small duodecimo volume, of 118

404 manning's book of fruits.

pages, containing a few pages of excellent prefatory remarks on the
proving of fruits, but chiefly occupied with short descriptions of
such as the author has himself tried and found worthy of culture.

It also contains 32 pages on the cultivation of fruits, including
the currant, gooseberry, raspberry, strawberry and grape, by John
M. Ives. — The catalogue contains 50 varieties of the apple, 81 of
the pear, including a large number of the new Flemish varieties, 15
of the peach, 20 of the plum, and 14 of the cherry*; besides a very
short catalogue of hardy ornamental trees and shrubs, adapted to
cultivation at Salem, the residence of the author. It also contains
well executed lithographic figures of Williams' Bon Chretien pear,
the Easter Beurre, Coe's Golden Drop plum, and the Black Tarta-
rian cherry.

The great merit of this work is that the information it contains
is not second hand, but is without exception the result of the per-
sonal observation and experiment of the author. No specimen is
described but such as has been actually identified by him ; no
synonims are quoted, and the authority of preceding authors no
farther referred to, than to adopt the names in the Catalogue of the
London Horticultural Society, " the most complete work on this
subject," as the author observes, hitherto offered to the public." We
are, however, much disappointed in one particular. The descriptions
are generally too short and imperfect to be of much practical utility.
The book, it is true, is all it professes to be, — a Descriptive Cata-
logue ; but we had hoped, from the unequalled means which the au-
thor possesses of furnishing full descriptions of so many proved va-
rieties, that we should have been furnished with a work, so much
needed at the present time, containing full and accurate descriptions
of the distinctive characters of fruits. A statement of the quality
of the fruit described, would, in several instances, have been an im-
provement. The great imperfections of works gf this kind, now ex-
isting, and especially those of American origin, which with the ex-
ception of descriptions copied from European authors, are exceed-
ingly meagre, or at best contain statements of general, not distinct-
ive characters, renders such a work exceedingly desirable. The
only one which we have seen, which at all approximates to such a
production, is Floy's edition of Lindley, but that is but imperfectly
adapted to the United States. The qualification of the author of
the Book of Fruits for furnishing so desirable a work, will be un-

manning's book of fruits. 405

derstood when it is known that for fourteen years he has made the
cultivation and proving of varieties of fruit, his unremitting study
and pursuit ; that he has identified more varieties than any other
person in America, and more probably than at any establishment in
Europe, except those of the London Horticultural Society and of
Professor Van Mons, and that he has obtained the best fruits culti-
vated in these two celebrated establishments. The following ex-
tracts will show the course pursued, and the extent and accuracy of
the experiments :

" The Pomological Garden was commenced in 1823, with the de-
sign of forming a large collection of specimen trees of such varieties
of foreign and native fruits as were hardy enough to endure the in-
clemency of a northern winter. After a strict examination of the
produce of these trees, carefully comparing the wood, the leaf, and
the fruit, with the figures and descriptions in the most popular works
on Pomology, it was intended to select, for permanent cultivation,
those varieties which were at once fitted for the climate of New
England, and of high merit in themselves. In furtherance of this
purpose, we have assiduously culled from American catalogues, all
that we judged worthy of trial, and imported from the first European
establishments, the fruits most in repute with the writers of their re-
spective countries. We have never limited ourselves to one speci-
men, but have in every instance, procured trees of each name from
many different sources, in order the more surely to arrive at correct
conclusions respecting their identity, as well as to multiply our
means of estimating their comparative value,"

With regard to the results of these experiments, now published
in the present work, the author says :

'' With the exception of Peaches, we recommend no fruit that
will not ripen in any part of New England or New York, and in the
southern part of Canada. Our selections have been made from
nearly four hundred kinds, which we have raised yearly. Experi-
ence has taught us that many fruits, highly extolled by European
writers, and doubtless of great excellence in their native soil, either
perish or degenerate in our colder regions ; and of these and all
others which we have found improper in any respect for cultivation,
we design hereafter to publish a catalogue."

" We do not claim for all the varieties herein enumerated, the
distinction of first rate fruits ; some are second rate, admitted in

406 manning's book of fruits.

consideration of their size, beauty, and abundant bearing, though
their flavor is not the most delicious. The essential characteristics
of a first rate tree are, health, vigor and fertility; those of a first
rate fruit are magnitude of size, beauty of shape and color, and
richness of flavor. But a small number of fruits, uniting all these
qualities, is known to horticultural science throughout the world.
Besides, in regard to the taste of a fruit, the judgment of individu-
als greatly varies ; what one person would pronounce exquisite,
might to another seem merely tolerable. In commendation, how-
ever, of the kinds described in this manual, we confidently declare
our conviction, that no possessor of any or all of them would will-
ingly relinquish their culture for the purpose of regrafting his trees
with any other varieties."

The pleasure, which the collection and cultivation of valuable
kinds, and more especially the propagation of new varieties, would
afford persons of leisure and taste, has been too frequently over-
looked. The following remarks, in recommendation of this pur-
suit, are well worthy of notice, though it is an error to suppose it
more noble than the study of Natural History, which lies at the very
foundation of Horticultural science :

" To a young man, with the advantage of fortune, and a familiar-
ity with modern languages, researches of this nature would open an
inexhaustible source of enjoyment. He could scarcely be more
honorably or usefully occupied than in ocllecting and identifying
fruits, and introducing them to the notice of his countrymen ; nor
better rewarded than in witnessing his anticipations, from year to
year, continually realized and continually renewed. The same ar-
dor which characterizes the collectors of shells, birds, and insects,
would produce, in Horticulture, far more desirable and more noble
results.

" A division of the pursuit, so that the attention of one person
could be exclusively directed to one species of fruit, would probably
greatly facilitate the progress of investigation, and lead to many
satisfactory conclusions respecting the varieties most worthy of cul-
tivation. If France has produced her Duhamel, Belgium her Van
J^Ions, and England her Thompson, is it unreasonable to seek
amono- trentlemen of leisure and education in the United States for
one, who following in the footsteps of these illustrious men, with
the advantage of the light derived from their researches, shall com-

manning's book of fruits. 407

pensate for the long delay of the Experimental Garden, promised
by our own Horticultural Society."

In common with other cultivators, our author has been seriously an-
noyed and retarded in his researches by the depredations of the birds,
especially as it regards the cherry. " The last season," says he, "we
had but few perfect specimens, except the Bigarreau. We expected
to prove and bring into notice many new and valuable sorts, and
our disappointment may be imagined at finding ourselves in every
instance anticipated by these innocent depredators." We quote this
chiefly for the purpose of suggesting, what we are confident would
prove an effectual remedy for this evil, that is, the employment of
nets to cover the tree during the season of ripe fruit. In this case,
the exterior branches only could be reached. The expense of suit-
able nets for several trees, oiled or varnished for their preservation,
would at most be only a few dollars, and if trees ripen successively,
but few would be wanted at a time. Select varieties could at least
be thus protected.

In allusion to these depredators, however, he has the following
very just remarks. The fact relative to the usefulness of the Cedar
bird, will be new to most readers, and if not sufficient to entitle it
to protection, should certainly receive attention, and not be lost sight
of in horticultural economy :

" In speaking as we have, of the annoyances sustained from birds,
we are still fully pursuaded that these plunderers, as they are some-
times called, more then compensate for their occasional inroads
upon our orchards by their services in the spring, and also during
their incubation, in destroying insects. We too often, perhaps,
notice the former, while the latter are remote, or not obtrusive.

" In early spring and during the breeding season, we see them
every minute of the day in continual progress, flying from the nest
for a supply, and returning on rapid wing with a grub, a caterpillar,
or a small reptile. The numbers captured by them in the course of
these travels, are incredibly numerous, keeping under the increase
of these races. We have seen the Ampelis, or Cherry bird, that
remarkably silent and dove-like [?] species, in great numbers early
in spring, and also during the time of nidification upon our apple
trees, when the canker' worm was about half grown, destroying them
in great numbers. It is also known to every observer of nature,
how extremely fond our common and familiar robin is of grubs,

408 manning's book of fruits

those insidious enemies to our garden crops, as well as the slimy
slug, which often infest our young pear trees; and any individual
who may have had the robin as a cage bird, is aware of the quan-
tities of insects, or worms, he will devour in a day ; and when we
take into view the circumstance of these birds having usually two
broods in a season, of four each, it will give us at least some idea
of the quantity of this peculiar food required for at least four months
in each year. And although called plunderers, they are in fact ben-
efactors likewise, seeming to be appointed by nature as agents for
keeping under the increase of these races. Nearly all our hard-
billed or granivorous birds, are in the spring and early part of our
summer decidedly insectivorous. ' Public economy and utility,' says
one, ' no less than humanity, plead for the protection of the feather-
ed race ; and the wanton destruction of birds, so useful, beautiful
and amusing, if not treated as such by the law, ought to be consid-
ered as a crime by every moral, feeling and reflecting mind !"

While there is much to commend in this volume, we notice a very
few defects. Among those which are trifling, is the orthography of
the name Stckel, which is here corrupted into " Seckle." The for-
mer mode of spelling, is as well established at Philadelphia, where
this variety of the pear originated, as that of any other family name.
That superlative fruit, the Swaar, is thus faintly commended : " This
is a large apple, the form round, somewhat flat, the skin is very
smooth, of a light yellowish green, without any red ; the flesh is juicy
and well flavored, but not rich."* In a list oi fifty one varieties of
the apple, there are but^ue described as sweet, three of which are
winter apples; as this description of fruit is not only desirable at all
times for ordinary use, but is becoming exceedingly valuable for
feeding farm stock, a greater number, more especially those ripen-
ing in summer and autumn, would be important.

But that which we particularly object to in this volume, is the
error, frequently alluded to, and evidently adopted by the author, of
the degeneracy of varieties by old age. This opinion so strenuously
advocated by the late President Knight, seems to have had its
origin in the decline of some varieties in ungenial situations. In
opposition to this theory may be adduced the opinion of the most
distinguished phytologists of the age, among whom are Mirbel, De

* With us, tliis fine fruit often has a rough skin, inclining to russet near the 6tera;
and is commonly of a rich, yellow color when fully ripe.

manning's book on fruits. 409

Candole, Lindley, and Nuttall, who in common with others, consider
the buds of each tree as containing within themselves, all the rudi-
ments of so many distinct vegetables, which may be transferred by
ingrafting, and thus form many distinct individuals, each again sub-
ject without limit, to produce additional ones; the trunk of the
tree thus sustains a race of successive annual plants, itself gradually
passing from living to dead matter. Thus, as it is merely the sup-
port of those buds, "to say," says Nuttall, " that these partake of
the age and accidents of the trunk on which they were evolved, is
improbable if not impossible, as they can in fact be influenced only
by the stock to which they are last transferred."

But we need not refer to theory in disproof of this opinion ; facts
abundantly show its fallacy. The propensity is always strong to
draw general conclusions from limited observation ; and those iden-
tical varieties which Knight referred to as in a state of decline, in
proof of his theory, were in other and more genial situations, per-
fectly healty and retaining all their original excellence. "The
Golden Pippin," says Lindley, " one of the most celebrated and
esteemed apples of this, or perhaps any other country, has been con-
sidered by some of our modern writers on Pomology to be in a state
of decay, its fruit of inferior quality in comparison to that of former
times, and its existence near its termination. I cannot for a mo-
ment agree with such an opinion, because we have facts annually
before our eyes, completely at variance with such an assertion.
Any person visiting Covent Garden or the Borough markets during
the fruit season, and indeed any other large market in the southern
or midland counties of England, will find specimens of fruit as per-
fect and as fine as any which have been either figured or described
by any writer whatever, either in this or any other country." The
Virgalieu pear, (White Doyenne,) which, in the neighborhood of
Boston, is considered as deteriorated, so as to be not worth cultivating,
is, in Western New York, one of the finest and most delicious fruits,
and shows no symptoms of decay. Coxe, though adopting this
erroqeous opinion, gives faithfully the following /rtcfs in opposition
to his own theory. " The Styre apple of Hereford, in England, is
supposed to have long since passed the zenith of its perfection, and
to be rapidly declining there ; yet in the growth and vigor of at least
one hundred of these trees planted in my orchard, there appears to
be no deficiency ; on the contrary, they attract the notice of all who
52

410 manning's book on fruits.

see them, for the extraordinary luxuriance as well as beauty of their
growth." Again, " The climate of America is supposed to have
revived the Red-streak, which had deteriorated in its native soil
from the long duration of the variety." Old age is incurable, there-
fore the decline of those fruits must be referred to other causes.
One of these is clearly pointed out in the following extract from
Lindley. The English Codlin, which he notices " with the view of
directing the attention of the orchardist to it as an old and valued
apple/' is thus spoken of: — " The customary method, for at least one
hundred and fifty years, has been to raise the trees from suckers and
truncheons, as they are called ; and in every old garden where they
are found, they are diminutive, ill-formed, unproductive, and full of
disease, incrusted, as it were, root and branch, with the greatest of
all pests, the aphis lanigera, in consequence of which its fruit ex-
hibits scarcely any of its original character. Healthy, robust, and
substantial trees, are only to be obtained by grafting on stocks of the
real Crab ; they then grow freely, erect, and form very handsome
heads, yielding fruit as superior to those of our old orchards, as the
old and at present deteriorated Codlin is to the Crab itself."

The comparatively short life of the peach tree is well known ;
yet some of our finest varieties are known to be centuries old, and to
show no symptoms of decline. In addition to this, there are many
of the apple and pear, now cultivated as fine, which have been
known from time immemorial.

We have noticed this error, because when adopted it tends to lead
to erroneous practices. It was this which induced President Knight
to estimate grafted trees unworthy of his care, unless the original
seedling was known to be in a healthy condition, and it has led
others in this country to ascribe to this supposed debility of old age,
the diseases known as ^re-blight in pear trees, and the yellows in
the peach trees.

Before concluding our remarks on this volume, it is proper that
we should take some notice of the treatise on the culture of fruits,
which occupies 32 pages, and which was written by John M. Ives.
This contains much useful and judicious matter, and some defects.
Among the important facts, we notice the following :

" We are of opinion, from the use which we have made of the
sea marl or muscle bed, that it is on the whole the best manure,
either for top dressing or shallow ploughing, of any substance in use
among us, particularly when applied to light soils." — p. 14.

MANNINo'l BOOK ON FRUITS. 411

This, of course, is precisely similar in nature and operation to old
or slacked lime and to the marl beds of our swamps and marshes.
As fruit trees are subject to the same laws of growth as field crops,
and are equally benefitted by a fertile soil, the use of lime in their
cultivation is a subject of importance, and should receive more prac-
tical attention.

The remarks on transplanting contain some excellent hints and
cautions :

" In the removal of trees, care is necessary to obtain as much of
the roots as possible, and in re-setting, that none are doubled back
and distorted. Cutting off smoothly the end of each root that may
be [have been] broken or cut by the spade, is indispensible, and all
fibrous roots that are injured should also be cut close to the root upon
which they are attached ; the root or stem should be pressed close
down to the soil, so as to place the roots in a horizontal direction,
and all of them drawn out straight like a fan, or rays verging from
a centre to a semicircle, and the soil thrown evenly over ; the tree
should not be shaken after the earth is placed upon the roots, as is
too generally practiced ; for when a tree is thus raised up, the small
roots or fibres Vv'ill be drawn out of their places, and when the stem
is thrust down again, the roots being too weak to force their way
back into the soil, will be doubled up, which often causes knobs,
and throws out suckers ; neither will the earth require to be trodden
down hard, but gently ; or if it be a dry or loose loamy soil, setting
m puddle, which is to water as you set it; — this last method is un-
doubtedly the best, when an individual has time to attend to it, — it
is a slower process. Copious watering after a tree is set, is often
very prejudicial, by washing the soil from the roots." — p. 18.

The following explanation of the cause of sterility and of fruit-
fulness in young pear trees, will probably be new to some of our
readers :

" Pear trees bear their fruit on short buds or spurs of one, two,
three or more years' growth, from the strongest branches ; and the
same spurs will continue to produce fruit for a great length of time;
but they do not often produce fruit until they have a surface of
branches very large in proportion to the sap supplied by the roots.
Thus we find that when pear trees are planted in a deep, rich soil,
they grow rapidly, and therefore require a number of years to bring
them to a bearing state ; on the contrary, when growing in a light

412 manning's book on fruits.

or dry, shallovf soil, they collect but a small quantity of sap, and
require but a confined surface which is produced in a short time,
and they are consequently brought to a bearing state in a few
years." — p. 19.

Grafting the pear upon the quince, which is adopted for obtaining
dwarfs, has been found very advantageous in promoting fruitfulness,
in causing early bearing, and also in producing larger and finer fruit
in some varieties. A great objection has, however, been found in
the depredations of the borer which so frequently destroys the
quince, but rarely, if ever the pear. To remedy this, pear stocks
have been first grafted with the quince, and these again with the
pear, thus inserting a portion of quince wood into the trunk of the
pear, which produces the same result as before. But the following
method we consider as a superior one :

"The quince stock should be budded at or below the surface of
the ground, when the bark will separate entirely from the wood,
which in this latitude take place about the last of July or early in
August."

" The following spring, when the bud commences pushing, cut
the stock off to within three inches of the bud, and in the next sea-
son finish or cut off the snag smoothly to the bud or shoot. In the
third season, when the trees are removed to the situation in which
they are to remain for fruiting, be careful to re-set them at least one
inch below the insertion of the bud." — pp. 28, 29.

The celebrated new European pear, the Duchess d' Anguoleme,
which is cultivated and highly recommended by Hursery men in this
country, it is stated, " when grown as a dwarf, produces a fine, large
fruit, but small and greatly inferior when grown upon a standard."
This fact, which is doubtles applicable to other varieties, should be
known to cultivators.

The following mode of checking the luxuriance of fruit trees to
cause fruitfulness, is worthy of trial :

" If trees are found to grow too luxuriantly, and to form only wood
for years, even after they are of sufficient size and age for the pro-
duction of fruit, the earth should be removed, just before the frost
sets in, and a proportion of the deepest growing roots cut off."
—p. 20

Among what we notice with less approbation, are the following:
The writer is opposed to winter pruning, and recommends the sea-
fon when the buds are swelling and the sap is in vigorous motion.

manning's book on fruits. 413

At this season, however, the sap flows copiously from the wound and
injures the tree. The objection, that when pruned in autumn or
winter, the wounds are apt to crack, is at once obviated by the
application, which should be made in all cases of the removal of
branches of any size, of a composition of tar and brick dust, or a
similar substance. For budding, we are told that the best buds are
those on the middle of the shoot, not those at the lower end. How-
ever true this may be in case of other fruit, it is far from being the
fact as it regards peaches. We are also directed in removing the
bud from the shoot, to cut nearly half way into the wood, which is
generally much too deep. Neither have we found any advantage in
removing the wood from the bud, which is recommended in the
work; on the contrary it has been found more difficult to insert
such buds properly, and a needless labor. The season of budding,
it is stated, is from the beginning of July to the middle of August.
With peach, apple, and pear stocks we often succeeded nearly a month
later, when they have been in a thrifty state. The direction would
have been of more value had the writer pointed out the essential
requisites for successful budding, and the causes of failure, giving
the rationale of the adhesion of the bud. After giving more than
half a page of directions for the operation, he has omitted to men-
tion the ligature, which is quite essential. He recommends cutting
out the horer ; this will do where this insect has not entered far ;
but when it has penetrated deeply, cutting out would be to destroy
the tree, and the only remedy in this case is to extract it by means
of a friable barbed wire. No remedy is given for the depredations
of the Curculio, that insect being merely alluded to. But we do not
wish to dwell at too much length on these defects.

There is one thing, however, in this short treatise, which we can-
not pass over without noticing. That part which relates to the cul-
tivation of the Strawberry, which is much fuller than that on any
other fruit, is, with the exception of about onejifth, copied word for
word, and even to the italicising, yVo/n an original article on the
tame subject, published under the editorial head of this paper, vol. 6,
page 294, and is offered, without quotation or reference, as original
matter. Until an explanation is given, this must be considered as a
gross plagiarism.

In concluding these remarks, we wish once more to advert to the
main part of the work, which is from the pen of Robert Manning.
Tht errors in the names of the varieties of fruits, which haT« been

414 manning's book on fruits.

multiplied by the absurd practice of attempting to propagate them
by seed, giving to these new varieties, thus obtained, the original
name, and also by the almost universal custom of nurserymen in
this country, in frequently, if not generally, propagating from un-
proved trees, and the desire for long catalogues, which have render-
ed it impossible to obtain genuine fruits with any degree of cer-
tainty or even probability, from many large establishments, call
loudly for a thorough reformation in nursery nomenclature and the
removal of these perplexities. The following extract from the work
before us, is but a sample of the disappointments which frequently
occur, and which, as Manning justly observes, " are inconceivable to
any but a collector : " " The invoices of trees from France frequently
furnish instances of unparalleled ignorance, or even fraud. We
have received from what were considered the best establishments,
large numbers yearly — on one occasion several hundred — all bear-
ing new and high sounding names, and the greater part of which
were suffered to arrive at maturity, but with very few exceptions,
the fruit was entirely worthless."

Such establishments as that of Robert Manning would contribute
greatly to the removal of these evils, and indeed are absolutely
essential to maintaining correct nomenclature. A work properly
prepared, and for which that establishment would furnish abundant
materials, would be an invaluable acquisition to the cultivation of
fruit in this country, and we cannot but indulge the hope that such
a work will be undertaken. The preparation of such a work, it is
true, would require much judgment, care and labor; instead of the
meagreness, or colloquial looseness, which has too frequently char-
acterized American publications on this subject, full and accurate
descriptions, should be furnished, in which common or variable char-
acters should be rejected, and permanent and distinctive points alone
seized upon and employed. In preparing such descriptions, fruits
of each variety should be examined under all different aspects of
growth, and the influence of soils, seasons, and even of different
climates, in producing variations in their appearance and flavor,
should be strictly examined and recorded. Figures of the fruit
would of course increase the expense of such a work, but if cor-
rectly executed, would add greatly to its value. Wood cuts or
lithographic prints, of the outline merely, would be nearly as useful
as colored engravings, and would be attended with comparatively
trifling expense.

415

Art. III. — Grape Culture.

Dear Sir — In one of the late numbers of the Cultivator, Col.
Spooner, of Hempstead, L. I., has furnished your readers with a
detailed statement of the culture of the Isabella grape, and its con-
version to wine. He justly remarks, that much is to be learned con-
cerning the culture of the vine ; to which I add, that its culture has
proved, and will continue to be a most efficient aid to the temper-
ance cause. Such considerations, therefore, must commend it to
the attention of every philanthropist, and induce his aid in extend-
ing its culture.

The great enemy of the grape is the rose-bug, which appear when
the vine is in blossom. The colonel remarks, " in a few days after their
first appearance, thousands are seen carrying destruction through
the vineyard." The best remedy he could devise, he adds, " is to
go among the vines early in the morning, before the sun has warmed
them into activity, and they are then easily destroyed. A few morn-
ings spent in this way, will clear the vineyard, as they are a short
lived enemy." The colonel is fortunate, if his destructive visitors
leave him in a few mornings ; with us, in Kings county, they pro-
tract their visit for weeks.

Rose-bugs, in my neighborhood, have, in some places, entirely
destroyed the crop, both this and the last season ; while my grapes,
which were nearly surrounded with I'ose bushes, escaped their
ravages. It has been the practice of many, to remove rose bushes
to a distance from the grape vine, but without success. The cause
is evident, they attract the bugs, but they serve also as a trap to
secure them. The colonel's plan is doubtless the best when practi-
cable. He would find it difficult to catch bugs on vines trained to a
great height, as they generally are in villages, besides as they can
only be caught when the morning dew is upon them, their exter-
mination would require many mornings' labor, and in the mean time
the blossom would suffer from their voracity. Col. Spooner's com-
munication will, however, prove extremely valuable in villages and
cities, by furnishing the mode of trimming the vine, to thousands
who never would consult a regular treatise on the subject, but would
suffer the impositions of gardeners, who, by making a great mystery

416 GRAPE CULTURE.

of the manner of trimming, contrive to extort large sums for a very
trifling labor. And, en passant, I may add, that article alone is
worth double the yearly price of the Cultivator. The colonel
requests of your correspondents, information in regard to the culture
of the vine, and inquires whether manuring is desirable? What
kinds? and to what extent, di-c. &c. His valuable article entitles
him to any information on the subject your correspondents can
afford ; and I trust it will receive the attention it merits.

My experience has been too limited to afford full answers to his
queries. With regard to manuring, however, there can be no doubt
that ground cannot be too rich for the vine. What kind of manure
is best adapted to the vine, requires the test of experience. I ex-
perimented upon three vines, a short distance from each other in like
situations, and upon the same soil — a rich sandy loam. To one I
applied liberally., unleached wood ashes, three or four times a sea-
son ; to another, animal manure; and to the third vine, I applied
liberally, long unfermented barn-yard manure.

The animal manure produced a luxuriant growth in the vine, and
enlargement of the grapes, which exceeded any thing I ever wit-
nessed in the Isabella vine, notwithstanding the severe drought this
season. The vine " ashed," was also luxuriant, though not equal to
the first vine, but more thrifty than the vine manured with barn-yard
duncr. I do not believe that the ashes are congenial to the vine in
all soils, but in a sandy soil it certainly is. Animal manure, how-
ever, will answer in any soil, and 1 believe for any crop. To other
vines 1 caused soap suds, &;c. to be applied, which I have found of
great service.

Few cultivators consider, that the roots of the vine extend along
the surface of the ground as far as the vine extends above the surface,
and consequently the vine receives its nourishment from a consider-
able extent of ground. I was requested, a few days since, to ex-
amine a vine, which appeared sickly, and upon which the grapes
were withering, although not half grown. I was told that the vine
had been well " manured." On examining I found that within two
or three feet of the vine the ground had been made rich, but beyond
that distance, the top soil had been removed, in levelling the ground,
and of course the sterile subsoil alone left to nourish the vine.
I need only add, that the owner understood the culture of flowers
better than the vine.

ORANGE GROVES OF FLORIDA. 417

My mite of information on this subject, is furnished with the hope
that it may call forth the necessary information in relation to the
culture of the vine. Brooklyn.

N. B. Since writing the above, I have examined the vine to
which I have applied animal manure, and find that it has several
small bunches of grapes just formed, being a second crop. This, I
presume, is owing to the extreme richness of the earth. — Albany
Cultivator.

Art. IV. — Orange Groves of Florida. By Alexander Gordon.

The following remarks are the result of observations made during
an extensive and varied tour, (just terminated,) over an extent of
several thousand miles, in prosecuting which I have seen much
which I consider both instructive and interesting. For the present
I purpose confining myself to a few brief observations on the state
of the Orange groves, &>c. at the city of St. Augustine, E. F.

You, of course, are aware, St. Augustine is one of the oldest, if
not the very oldest city within the jurisdiction of the United States,
and has long been a place of great resort for invalids afflicted by
the pulmonary and bronchial complaints. I had visited this city in
1831, and I confess I was in perfect raptures with its diversified
beauties, but particularly with its Orange Groves. It then appear-
ed like a rustic village, the white houses peering from among groves
of this delightful fruit which grew in the greatest luxuriance. The
clustered boughs covered with their golden produce, yielding a rich
harvest to the owners, and affording a delightful shade to the for-
eign invalid, when he cooled his fevered limbs and imbibed health
from the perfumed atmosphere. While the ear was gratified and
the feelings soothed by the various notes of that delightful songstress
the Mocking bird, which found a ready shelter amid their verdant
foliage. But, alas! on my visit the past spring, in vain did I look
for those rural bowers, so gratifying to the eye and invigorating to
the system. Not a single tree of any magnitude to indicate its form-
er grandeur. The imagination could scarcely conceive such a perfect
metamorphosis. For a long period of years, the Orange had flourished
without interruption from frosts or other casualties. The city of St.
53

418 ORANGE GROVES OP FLORIDA.

Augustine was peculiarly favorable for this semi-tropical fruit. 1 he
soil is naturally sandy, but rich iu calcareous and vegetable deposits,
consequently well adapted to the growth of the orange and other
horticultural pursuits. When I was there in 1831 the Orange had
become the staple commodity of the city's commerce, and subse-
quently to that time I understood several millions had annually been
exported. Numerous groves of young trees were planted, and
$10,000 had been refused for a grove consisting of only 2 or 3 acres.
Extensive nurseries could scarcely supply the demand for young
trees. A vast and lucrative field opened to the enterprising horti-
culturist. On the native orange were engrafted the choicest varie-
ties of other climates with the most perfect success. Prospects of
immense wealth seemed beyond a doubt, but

"There came a frost — a withering frost."
During the month of February 1835, East Florida was visited by
a severe frost, much more severe than any before experienced. A
cutting N. W. wind which blew ten days in succession, but more
violent for about three days. During this period the mercury sank
7 degress below zero. The St. John's river was frozen several rods
from the shore and afforded the astonished inhabitants a spectacle
as new as it was distressing. The Orange, the Fig, and all kinds
of fruit trees were killed to the ground ; many of them were com-
pletely annihilated ; but a considerable number have started again
from the roots. The wild groves in Florida suffered equally with
those cultivated, at all events as far south as Lake George, and the
inhabitants were thus deprived at one fell swoop of their only re-
source. But on my visit, in the month of April last, I was happy
to find the inhabitants were not totally discouraged, for there are
many thousand of young trees now ready for planting out, and in
a few years more it is to be hoped, St. Augustine will again exhibit
its wonted appearance. The oraages grown here were considered de-
cidedly superior to those imported from the West Indies, and as so
long a period has elapsed since they experienced so calamitous a vis-
itation, (I believe not since 1775 — 6,) it certainly is worth while to
persevere.

The Mulberry. — Independent of the Orange there is another
field open for the enterprising, probably equally, if not more lucra-
tive. I allude to the cultivation of the Mulberry. This has been

FLORA OF NOKTH AMERICA. 419

attempted and even carried to considerable extent, so much so, that
in one instance an individual bought a lot of ground for which he
paid $800 and planted it with the Morus multicaulis. At the ex-
piration of two years he sold the lot for $l,60U, having sold as
many plants in the interim as cleared his lot and all attendant ex-
penses. The climate and soil in this section of America is pecu-
liarly congenial to the cultivation of the Morus multicaulis and the
rearing of the silk worm. I saw a considerable portion of the Mo-
rus multicaulis in several gardens ; but for several years the ravages
committed by the rapacious Seminoles have paralyzed every effort
and completely prostrated the improvements carrying on and in con-
templation.

At a former period St. Augustine could boast of a very extensive
Botanic Garden. It was enclosed by a formidable stone wall, and,
I believe, established by Governor White. This place now serves
for the pen of a herd of sioine, which, with the exception of a few
ancient fruit trees, appear the only tenants of a spot once devoted
to the choicest gifts of Flora.

Art. V. — A Flora of North America ; containing abridged
descriptions of all the known indigenous and naturalized plants,
growing north of Mexico ; arranged according to the Natural Sys-
tem; By John Torrey and Asa Gray.

Here is the"tirst number and earnest of a work, which has been
long and anxiously desired by the botanists of the United States;
and which will, doubtless, be cordially greeted by the cultivators of
botanical science, throughout the world. The plants of North
America have always been regarded with a lively interest. They
have at various times, attracted hither a number of botanists from
the old world, who have reaped a rich harvest of discovery in our
forests, on our mountains and prairies, and along the margins of
our almost interminable rivers. A few of our own countrymen have
also rendered important aid in making known the character and ex-
tent of our vegetable treasures. Their labors, however, have been
for the most pan., restricted to the production o^ partial or local

420 FLORA OF NORTH AMERICA.

i^/o7*as, highly interesting, indeed, SO far as they extended, and fur-
nishing valuable materials for a more comprehensive work ; but still
they were severally limited in their scope, and of necessity, incom-
plete in their contents. The materials thus existing in detached
masses, and scattered through numerous volumes, awaited the plastic
operation of some master han.i, to reduce them into one consistent
body, and give to all the parts their appropriate " form and pressure."
It was exceedingly important, that whoever might undertake to pre-
pare a North American Flora, should be thoroughly acquainted with
the labors of preceding botanists ; and by consulting their collec-
tions, as far as practicable, be competent to detect their errors, ad-
just their discrepancies, and determine their various synonyms. We
consider it, therefore, a subject of felicitation, that the work has
fallen into the present hands, as being confessedly those among the
best qualified for the task, in our country; and we rely with confi-
dence upon their receiving the zealous cooperation and encourage-
ment of every lover of the Science of Plants. We cannot for a
moment doubt, that every American botanist will eagerly avail him-
self of the occasion to possess a complete Flora of our widely ex-
tended continent ; and we should fondly hope, that every liberal cul-
tivator of science in our land, would be happy in the opportunity to
patronize so commendable an effort to enhance the national reputa-
tion.

The authors of this Flora have, of course, adopted the natural
system, as being the only one consistent with a truly scientific ar-
rangement of plants ; and they have availed themselves of the latest
discoveries, in order to exhibit the details according to the most ap-
proved method, in the present state of the science.

By issuing this work in parts, or numbers, some advantages will
be secured, which would otherwise be unattainable. The natural
families being complete, even in those detached numbers, the bot-
anists in various parts of our country will have leisure to examine
and verify the particulars of each, during the course of the publication
and thus may suggest, in due time for an Appendix, (which must ever
accompany works on a progressive science,) such corrections, modi-
fications, or additions, as their opportunities or discoveries shall ena-
ble them to make. In this way, much valuable aid may be furnished to
the authors, and the Flora rendered more perfect and comprehen-
sive, without occasioning any material delay in its final completion.

NEVr ENeLAND ASTER. 421

The characters of the orders, tribes, and genera, are well defined ;
and the specific descriptions, though abridged, are sufficiently full
to be clear and satisfactory. They are, moreover, frequently ac-
companied with notes and detailed remarks, (especially the less
known, or newly discovered species,) which seem to supply all the
information that can reasonably be desired, in the Flora of so exten-
sive a region.

The additions derived from the recent discoveries of Mr. Nuttall,
during his journey to the western coast of this continent, are highly
important ; and are here published, for the first time, from the orig-
inal manuscript, furnished by that distinguished and indefatigable
naturalist.

It appears, by a notice affixed to the number just published, that
the work will be issued in nine parts, three parts to make a volume,
and the whole forming three closely printed octavos, of about 550
pages each. The succeeding numbers will appear with as much
dispatch as is consistent with their faithful execution.

Such being the character and plan of the forthcoming Flora of
North America, we conclude our brief and hasty notice with a reit-
erated expression of the hope, that the worthy and accomplished
authors may be adequately encouraged to persevere in their most
laudable undertaking, and thereby be enabled to bring it to a suc-
cessful and speedy completion. — American Journal of Science and
Arts.

Art. VI. — ISew England Aster. Aster Novce Anglce.

To ihe Editor of the Boston Medical and Surgical Journal.

Dear Sir, — About forty years ago Dr Baldwin, of West Stock-
bridge, who was esteemed by Dr Sergeant, sen., as a very judicious
physician, had the care of Mr Barnes's son, say 10 years old, with
an affection of the herpetic kind, a painful, tedious case, called salt
rheum, on one leg from the knee quite down on to his foot Many
things had been used, and a mercurial course, without relief, and
the doctor was ready to despair of curing the boy. While dressing
his leg, one day, an Indian woman passing the house, called and on

422 NEW ENGLAND ASTER.

seeing the leg, says, I think 1 can give you herb will cure that hoy.
What herb? says the doctor. She snys, I call 'em Indian scabious ; a
strong decoction of the herb made and applied by washing the sores
twice a day, and laying over a cerate plaster, and drinking of a tea
of this herb several times daily. It appeared to be beneficial in a
few days, and the cure was effectual. The doctor made a fair trial
of the medicine. I was induced to seek for a name and add it to
my list of articles for eruptive disorders. We then bad a man here
very useful in diseases of beasts, who had a name for many vege-
tables, and his name for it was beeweed (and now known by that
name,) because it flowered late (the middle of September,) and con-
tinued to blossom, one stalk after another, generally till the frost de-
stroyed it, so that it was an autumnal feast for the bees. I have
considered it a species of aster, and as there are a host of herbs of
that name, I have long wished to have it particularized. A few days
since I spent half an hour with Professor Chester Dewey, now of
Rochester, who is delivering lectures now to the students in Pitts-
field. He assured me that it was the New England Aster, Aster
Novae Anglae, and had no other name — so beautiful and fragrant it
might adorn a flower garden in the fall.

He also told me that the article I had so long called cow-parsnip
was in Eaton's Botany called Smyrnium aureum, afterwards sison
aureum, and finally zizia aurea by a French botduist. I asked for
the English of zizia. He said he did not know that in French it
meant anything more than simply an herb. So that it appears that
the old hysterical herb imperatoria, masterwort, must claim the
name of cow-parsnip, and Bartlett's epileptic remedy must be called
by the name of zizia aurea, the golden herb. But it may be a long
time before it loses its name of spondylium, cow-parsnip, with
the inhabitants of the counties of Hampshire and Berkshire, or of
Connecticut, having retained it, probably, wo centuries. Excuse
the digression.

Some years since, say thirty, visting a friend fifty miles from home
on riding out one day we passed a large growth of asters in full
bloom, so beautiful and of such a flavor he observed, " 1 should
think that this might be medicinal." T replied, it is useful for the
salt rheum, but not a sure remedy. He instantly dismounted, say-
ing, ^Af re is a young woman in our neighborhood, who has sat six
successive winters with folded arms, plastered and almost useless, and

NEW EN6LAND ASTER.

423

can do very Utile after the frost comes, and begins now to complain.
She shall try it. My said friend some years after told me that said
young woman was so relieved by washing and drinking, as the said
Indian woman directed, that in a few weeks she was able to do her
necessary work, and persevered using it so that she was cured and
had nothing of the complaint any more. The two cases related are
the only ones I have known where the aster alone was used. It has
been useful in many instances in mitigating the complaint, and
probably curing some others. This aster is with us yet in full bloom.
It is probably described in some Botany, but not in Eaton's. A tea
made from barley malt, sarsaparilla and this aster (the tops and
flowers,) and so bittered with fumitory as to resemble beer in some
measure, I consider a useful drink while curing eruptive disorders.
My circumstantial relation of cases may be accepted as an ac-
knowledgment of obligation to the despised Indians.

I consider the name of an article of but little consequence, un-
less it is of use to me as a medicine. I now have the botanical name
of an herb, given by an Indian to good effect in a case of nephritis,
which I have long esteemed but never saw yet in any dispensatory,
though known to many. If not prevented, I may probably give the
account of its use by the Indians, and of its good effects in several
cases.

Excuse haste and errors. I should have wrote some days sooner
had not avocations prevented. Your friend,

Stockbridge, Ms., 22d Sept., 18S8. O. Partridge.

Remarks by the Conductor. — We were not aware that the
Aster NovK Anglce possessed medicinal properties described above
We have long known it as a showy plant for the garden, and have
cultivated it as such for these 10 years, and often wondered why it
has never been more noticed as an ornamental plant. The genus
Aster embraces ninety species enumerated by Eaton, and probably
many more are yet to be added to the number. Many of the specie,
are very handsome, and would appear well in the flower borders
where they will make a fine display in the autumnal months. Aster
Novae Anglse is a tall plant, 3 or 4 feet high with a brown hairy
stem, and numerous linear lanceolate, entire, acute leaves, continu-
ed at base into a pair &f small, rounded lobes clasping the stem.
The flowers are large, crowded on the top of the stem, with long,
deep purple rays and yellow disk.

424 PROFIT OF FRUIT TREES.

We will name a few other species which we have also cultivated
with much pleasure, and can recomtnend them to the attention of
the lovers of American plants. Why should we not love our own
flowers 1 Why not collect them from the fields, meadows and woods,
and decorate our gardens instead of bestowing all our attention
upon exotics, many of them, far their inferiors?

A. raultiflora, a very fine plant producing beautiful wreaths,
crowded with thousands of small flowers with white rays, and yel-
low disks, — with smoothish linear leaves, of a deep glossy green.
Stems very branching and diffuse, branchlets all one way. Aster
diff'usus is another pretty variety with a profusion of small white
flowers with a brownish disk. Aster cyaneus, is one of the most
common and beautiful species, with fine purplish blue flowers, and
when cultivated grows 3 feet high. The different species in the
wild state do not generally throw up more than one, two, or three
flower stems, but when introduced into the garden soon form large
masses, and when most other flowers have faded these will regale
the sight until the heavy frosts of November. A. puniceus, A. cor-
difolius, A. corymbosus, A. Ifevis, A. diversifolius and a number of
other species are worthy of cultivation and have been under our care
in times past. Add to these some of the finest of the numerous
species of our Solidagos, and we shall make quite an addition to our
ornamental autumnal plants.

Probably many of the species so called by Eaton, may be only
varieties. It is one of the most puzzling as well as interesting fam-
ily of plants to the botanist, (especially to a young one,) which ex-
ists in our country, and he will be often perplexed to identify the
species.

Akt. YU.—FroJit of Fruit Trees.

The profit which might be derived from the cultivation of fruit,
it is believed is more neglected than almost any other crop of equal
importance. The supply of markets might be safely relied on as a
source of income, by those who live in the vicinity of our towns
and larger villages. Predictions of ill success will of course be

PROFIT OF FRUIT TREES.

4d5

repeated by those who see failure in everything, but the scantiness
of good fruit in market, and especially of the early varieties, is well
known ; and our first rate kinds can scarcely be obtained in any
quantity. These, when once procured, may be as easily cultivated
as the worst, and the demand for them would be certain. In our
cities, where alone such can be had in market, the prices of the
finest kinds, instead of diminishing, have rather advanced. In
proof of the demand for such, a case may be mentioned on the au-
thority of William Kenrick, who states that a single tree of Prince's
Imperial Gage Plum, owned by Samuel R. Johnston, of Charles-
town, Mass., has for several successive years, yielded crops which
were sold at from forty to fifty dollars per annum. This, it is
true, is a fine and uncommonly productive variety, but it will grow
in New York as well as in Massachusetts. If finer fruit is demand-
ed than formerly and the public taste is growing fastidious, cultiva-
tors may very easily outstrip this growth by directing their atten-
tion to the best kinds.

To those who do not live in the vicinity of towns, and who are
consequently deprived of a ready market for early fruit, there ia
another channel for profit opened, not less important. This is the
cultivation of fruit, chiefly apples, for feeding farm stock. It has
already received considerable attention, and the value of this kind
of food and its superiority to potatoes, fully determined. But its
cheapness is not perhaps generally appreciated. A great advan-
tage in raising this crop, is the little labor in cultivation which is
required, after the orchard has attained bearing size. The crop
may be said to come without labor, nothing more being needed
than to gather it, and this is in fact less laborious than the gather-
ing of almost any other. The actual cost per bushel may be as-
certained with tolerable accuracy by an estimate. We will first de-
termine the expense of an acre of orchard. Land well adapted to
this purpose may be had for forty dollars an acre : and the number
of trees to the acre may be one hundred, if the variety is the Bough
or Tallman Sweeting, which are of smaller growth than usual. The
price of a hundred trees, if purchased by the quantity, would not
be more than fifteen dollars. A laborer would dig the holes and
plant ten in a day,* so that the planting, at a dollar a day, would

*It is of course taken for granted that the ho]es in this case are large — several feet
across ; and not so small as are usually dug; or barely sufficient to admit the roots,

54

426 PROFIT OP FRUIT TREES.

cost ten dollars. No further care would be needed until the trees
should arrive at a full bearing state, but cultivation, which of course
would produce sufficient crop to pay the rent of the land during
that time. An orchard then in a good bearing condiiion would
cost as follows :

Cost of Land, f 40

" " Trees, 15

" " Planting, 10

The orchard would subsequently produce more if kept generally
cultivated ; the crop obtained from the soil would pay the cost of
the work. The quantity of fruit would of course vary ; but a very
intelligent farmer, whom experience enables to judge, thinks that
an orchard of the Tallman Sweeting would produce on an average,
ten bushels per tree yearly. He frequently obtains much more,
often double, and sometimes triple that quantity. The product of
an acre would thus be a thousand bushels; the cost would be the
interest on the land, or about four dollars and fifty cents, which
would furnish the apples on the tree at about half a cent per bushel.
This is better than raising potatoes, and vrould save much tedious
planting, hard hoeing and laborious digging.

Apples ripening in summer would be of great value, as it is quite
important in fattening animals, to commence early. The common
Sweet Bough would be one of the best at that season, as it pro-
duces good, and uniform crops. The Summer Rose, a sweet apple
of excellent flavor, which ripens about the same time, is according
to Manning, " a great bearer," and would consequently be very val-
uable. The Tallman Sweeting would certainly be one of the very
best for late fall and winter use, as it is a fruit of uncommon rich-
ness and uniform productiveness, commonly bearing abundantly
every year. But other varieties, particularly adapted to this pur-
pose, are a desideratum. — Genesee Farmer.

■which cannot readily penetrate the hard subsoil surrounding the hole, and are thus
limited in growth, to the great injury of the tree.

Art. VIII. — Modes and Profits of Strawbtrry Culture; By
Tunis G. Bergen, Narrows, L. I.

Mr BuEL — Having noticed an article in your August number, on
the cultivation of strawberries, to which my attention has been di-
rected for a number of years, and wishing that the public should
receive all the light upon the subject which can be diffused, indu-
ces me to communicate what little knowledge I possess of the mat-
ter. The kind generally cultivated on Long Island (where I reside)
for the supply of the New York market, I believe to be the early
scarlet, and of these I have at present about three acres under cul-
tivation. We generally transplant, and form our new beds in the
beginning of May. Formerly the universal practice was, to trans-
plant in rows from two to two and a half feet apart, the plants single
from one to one and a half feet from each other in the rows. My
present practice, and that of many others, is to plant them in hills,
about three and a half or four feet asunder each way, placing four
plants in a hill, two and two together, about three inches apart. By
planting in hills there is a great saving of labor, for it takes less
time in transplanting, they are more easily kept clean by running
the cultivator through them both ways, and there is less labor in
hoeing; whereas, by the old method, when planted close, the culti-
vator could not be used in them at all, or at most only one way.
The cultivator is run through them as late as it can be done with-
out serious injury to the runners, hoeing them each time, and it is
seldom, when it is judiciously done, they require it over three times.
I have always, in my practice, found them when properly managed,
to cover the ground with a sufficient number of plants to produce a
good crop of fruit the next season. A piece covering less than half
an acre, of last year's planting, produced this season over 3000
baskets, containing nearly a pint each, which were sold in the New
York markets for $200. This, however, is an uncommon yield,
and is seldom equalled or excelled. New beds almost invariably
yield better than old ones, and produce larger fruit, although apt to
be sandy after showers. It took nearly two acres of my old beds to
yield the same quantity the half acre of new did. The soil I prefer
for strawberries, is light sandy land newly cleared, on which no ani-

428 ON THE CULTURE OF THE STRAWBERRY.

mal or vegetable manure has been used. On. land of this kind,
which has been prepared by previous crops, and on which weeds
have not been suffered to go to seed and take possession, they will
last four or five years, while on old land they are seldom profitable
over two, and often but one.

The greatest enemy to the beds is white clover, which, in old
lands, after the first year's bearing, generally gets possession of the
beds and eradicates the plants. Land lately cleared is not often
troubled with this grass; the great danger is from sorrel, but this is
less destructive. *Our beds cover the whole ground ; there are no
alleys, no clipping of runners, no digging the paths, no burning with
straw, as recommended by some gardeners, for it is doubtful whether
these operations would answer our j'urpose ; whether they would be
profitable and pay cost. At all events, our experience leads us to
adopt the plan I have described. The only attention which I have
found necessary and advantageous, after the first year, is to pull up
and destroy the weeds and grass, and to run a light harrow over old
beds, early in the spring, when matted too thick with plants. As for
manure, it is not customary for us to put any on. I once read an
account of plaster being highly beneficial, which I tried, but it failed
in improving them. Lime might aid in destroying sorrel, but have
not tried its virtue.

Much has been written aibout male and female plants, and of the
necessity of mixing them in the beds to make them fruitful. Now
all this may be necessary with some varieties, but with the one we
cultivate I can assure you it is not; no cultivator in ray neighbor-
hood from which the New York markets are principally supplied,
that I have ever heard of, does it. I once tried an experiment
which appears to be conclusive. I planted a small bed in my garden
at the time when the frait commenced ripening, taking only such
plants as had good and fair fruit on them, and no others. This bed
produced the next year abundantly ; they were all female plants, and
no males in their vicinity to impregnate them. The male and
female blossoms of this variety must be on the same plant, although
to the eye no difference is. presented in their appearance.

If you deem these remarks worthy of notice, you may insert them
in your valuable journal ; and if you desire it, I may at some future
period describe the manner in which cucumbers, melons, &c., are
cultivated among us for the supply of the New York markets, —
N. Y. Cultivator.

429

Art. IX. — JMassachusetts Horticultural Societi/s Annual
- Meeting.

. . [Concluded from page 400. j

EXHIBITION OF FRUITS.

From Messrs S. &- G. Hyde of Newton, a large collection of fine
fruit of varieties as follows.

Pears. — Forelle, Seckel, Coffin's Virgalieu, Urbaniste, Tucker's
Bon Chretien.

Apples. — Doctor Sweeting, Winter Pumpkin Sweeting, Fall
Sopsavine, Pound" apple, Hubbardston Nonsuch, Greening from
South Reading, Dutch Codlin, Flanders Pi[)pin, Gravenstein, Smith's
Gilliflower, Berlin apple, Ben apple, Paeony apple, Vandevere, July
flower, Bough Harvest, Feurler Sapsons, Coggswell, Grand Sachem,
Red Calville, Washington Pearmain, Lyscom, High Top Sweeting,
Scalloped Gilliflovvei;. This last, with many others, were very beau-
tiful. .

Also Watermelons, of extraordinary size, one weighing 39 3-4 lbs.
and one 44 3-4 lbs.

From Mr Philip P. Spaulding of Chelmsford.

Apples. -^ A seedling Green apple, and another seedling fruit,
also a new French fruit called Mons le Cure, and another, De Mar-
seilles, a noble, largo, red fruit of fine flavor.

From Mr Ives, from his garden in Dearborn street, Salem.

Pears. — Beurre Capiaumont of Van Mons, Frederic of Wur-
-temberg, Raymond, Beurre Bosc, Andrews, Bleecker's Meadow,
Bourgomestre of Boston, Napoleon, St. Germain Panache or Striped
St. Germain, a new and curious striped fruit, similar in form to St.
Germain, Hut the specimens were not quite so large. Passe Colmar,
Cushing, L,ewis, and a new Flemish variety, name lost.

Apples. — Pickman, Swaar, Michael Henry Pippin, Mela Carla,
but not that kind which has been so lately received from the Lon-
don Horticultural Society ; Wellington, Rambo or Romanite, Car-
house or Gilpin, Bullocks Pippin.

From Mr Manning, from his garden. Dearborn street, Salem, the
following specimens, many of them new and rare and such as have
iieirer yet been produced in this country.

430 MASSACHUSETTS HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY S

Pears. — Andrews, Green Catharine of Coxe, Jackman's Melt-
ing, large and handsome, Autumn superb, Bell Lucrative, Belle et
Bonne, Beurre Diel, Easter Beurre, Brown Beiirre, large and hand-
some, from Standard Tree, Bezi Montigny, Bishop's Thumb, Bleeck-
ers Meadow, Bon Chretien Fondante, Williams' Bon Chretien, Span-
ish Bon Chretien, Fondante d'Brest, Catillac, Cumberland, Cushing,
Doyenne Oris, D'Angouleme, Glout Morceau, Green Sugar, Mason's
Incomparable, Harvard, Henry Quatre, Jalousie, Johonnot, Lewis,
Marie Louise, Messin, Jean, Long Green of Coxe, Long Green of
Autumn, of new edition of Duhamel, Naurakeag, NewtownVergaleau,
Winter Orange, Passe Colmar, Pope's Quaker, Prince St. Germain,
Rousselette de Rheims, Roussellette Panache, new Winter Royal, St.
Ghislain, SieuHe, Stevens' Genesee, new, Styrian, Surpass St,
Germain, Swan's Egg of Coxe, Egg Pear of Duhamel, Urbaniste,.
Washington, Beurre Bollwiller, Beurre Comte du Fresnel, Beurre
Duval, Hooper's Bilboa, large and beautiful, new, Figue de Naples,
Frederic of Prussia, Fulton, Garnstone, Green Pear of Yair, Joseph-
ine, Jameneite, Austrasia, Sabine of the French, Louise Bonne of
Jersey, fine, large, great benrer, new, Roi de Wurtemberg, Present
Royal of Naples, Reine des Poires, Surpass Vergouleuse, Beurre
Van Marum, Webber's Yellow Autumnal, Alpha, Brugmansbirne,
Encrlish Autumn Bergamotte, French Autumn Bergamotte, Bezi de
Chaumontelle, Crassane, Knight's seedling, Coffin's Vergouleuse,
Petre, very superior, great bearer, striped Long Green, Wilkinson,
Ronville, Cassolette, Summer Thorn of Thoulouse, Doyenne
Blanc— 84.

Apples — Cambuthnethan Pippin, Crovvninshield Sweet, new
seedling, fine, two sorts new seedling Crabs, Rambour d'ete, Orttley
Pippin, Ribstone Pippin, Fall Harvey, Swaar, Yellow Bellflower,
Blue Pearmain, Murphy, new, fine, large, Putnam's Harvey. — 13,

From Mr J. Clapp, South Reading ; 3 fine Melons, beautiful
Peaches, Siberian Crabs and Lady Apples, York Russet, basket
containing Apples, Grapes and Peaches, Piatt's Burgamotte.

From Jacob Dean, Mansfield, Mass. ; Pine apple Peaches, Hay
Boy, Golden Sweet, Golden Russet, Apples, large Early Peaches.

From Thomas Banks, Roxbury ; seedling Pear, Beurre de Roi,
Andrews, Burgomaster, St. Michael's, Hunt's Connecticut Pears,
and Red Calville Apples.

ANNUAL MEETING.

4!^

Prom John A. Kenrick, Newton ; Pumpkin Sweet Apples, Ken-
rick's Heath Peaches, and fine Orange duinces.

From Dr Howard, Cambridge ; 2 baskets containing variety of
Pears, Apples, Nectarines, &.c.

Large basket of Sweetwater Grapes, raised in the open ground by

William Oliver, Esq.

For the Committee,

WILLIAM KENRICK, Chairman.

September 28, J838.

EXHIBITION OF VEGETABLES.

From Samuel Prescott, Elm Hill, Roxbury, six large crook neck
Squashes.

From John Hovey, Roxbury, Tomatoes.

From Mrs Welles, a Squash, (G feet 4 inches in circumference,
weight 88 lbs.) from seed received from Paris.

From T. Thompson, Jr. an African Acorn Squash.

From J. D. W. Williams, Roxbury, Elm Hill, two Drumhead
Cabbages, and two Squashes, weighing 24 lbs.

From Richard Ward, Roxbury, extra fine Lima Beans.

From J. Clapp, South Reading, a crook neck Squash.

From Samuel Pond, Cambridgeport, Pine Apple Potatoes, and
Acorn, Autumnal and one other variety of Squash (name unknown.)

From Hon. John Lowell, Roxbury, Love Apples, (Tomatoes),
and Sweet Potatoes.

From James Eustes, South Reading, a Chili Squash, (wt. 62 lbs.)

From Jonathan Warren, Weston, a large Potato.

From J. L. Moffatt, Esq. Roxbury, Yellow Tomatoes, and an
Autumnal Marrow Squash.

From John M. Ives, Salem, a Smyrna, or Palermo Squash. A
prolific variety, and runs very little.

From Samuel Hyde, Newton, Mangel Wurtzel.

From Rufus Howe, Dorchester, three Valparaiso or Lima Squashes,
and one African Blue Skin Squash.

From Mrs Timothy Bigelow, of Medford, a Seven Years' Pump-
kin, weighing 46 lbs. ; it was in perfect condition, and it is said will
remain sound for seven years. It was raised in 1837, and exhibited
at the annual exhibition of that year.

432 BLiuKT IN PEAR TREES. .

From Abbott Lawrence, Jr. Park Street, an Autumnal xMarroW
Squash.

From Perez Smith, Weston, a Canada crook neck Squash, a trim
specimen, and curious.

From E. Sparhawk, Brighton, a crook neck Squash, (wt. 46 lbs.)

From Capt. Geo. Lee, West Cambridge, a Squash, of mammoth
size, weighing 130 lbs. ; 2 Seven Years' Pumpkins, weighing 81
lbs. ; 2 baskets Tomatoes, and 1 basket Horticultural Beans.

From James L. L. F. Warren, Brighton, Cuba Love Apples.

SA.MUEL POND, Chairman.

Art. X. — Blight in Pear Trees, and Remarks on Plums.

Joseph Breck, Esq. — Sir, I have taken the N. E. Farmer for
the last eight years, the Albany Cultivator from its commencement,
and frequently see the Genesee Farmer and other agricultural pa-
pers and have read all the various articles on the fire blight. From
my own experience I am satisfied that not one of the various wri-
ters knows anything about it. When our medical men shall discover
the cause and cure for the Asiatic cholera, then and not till then, I
fear, will our horticulturists learn the cause and cure of the blight.
I have whittled many limbs into fine shavings, dug up a number of
trees, examined the roots and shavings as closely as possible with a
good glass and am fully satisfied that it is not caused by any insect.
One of my trees in the fall of 1837 produced 10 bushels of pears ;
this season blossomed full ; soon after the fruit was formed, was at-
tacked on the body about four feet from the ground ; a strip around
the body of the tree about 10 or 12 inches wide was entirely killed
in three or four days, whilst every limb was vigorous and healthy.
The bark of the body of the tree was coarse and rough. Could
that have been done by an i;isect ? I had 50 trees, 25 of which
were killed from the seedlings of two years up to those of 30 years
standing. I had the Easter Beurre, Bartlett, Passe Colmar, St.
Michael, Seckle, down to the most worthless seedling. The dis-
ease pays no attention to age, location or quality of fruit. Aly soil
is a sandy loam ; a number of the trees stood in the kitchen garden

BLIGHT IN PEAR TREES. 433

and have been cultivated for 25 years ; others stood in the fruit
garden, which has been in sward for a number of years. One tree
stands within a few feet of a spring strongly impregnated with iron,
and the soil in the immediate neighborhood contains iron ore which
I should suppose would answer as well as to hang old iron on the
limbs of the tree. A Seckle pear tree had 40 or 50 pears of a
very large size ; ripened well ; about two weeks before they were
ripe, the tree was attacked within two feet of the ground, although
the tree was apparently healthy and vigorous above the wound ; ,|he
flavor of the fruit was strongly affected by it. Could this have been
caused by the effect of the sun upon unripened wood 1 The dis-
ease has been known in this section of country about six years ; it,
commenced on my trees this season about the 20th of May, when
the trees were in full blossom and continued till the first of Septem-
ber. The months of April and May were remarkably cold and
wet, the summer hot and dry. The apple trees and the quince are
affected by the disease, but not to the extent of the pear.

As to some experiments that I made on plums (see New England
Farmer, vol. 15, No. 31,) not one of them answered any good pur-
pose.

Doct. J, P. Kirtland, a gentleman who has had probably more
experience than any other man west of the Alleghany mountains,
says, (in a report to the legislature of Ohio) he knows from expe-
rience that hogs, whenever they can have ready access to the tree
to eat the premature falling fruit, and root and rub around the tree,
is an effectual remedy. A gentleman at my house a few months
since, says that he has a plum orchard, which for a number of
years used to be loaded with fruit ; the plums commenced falling
soon after they were formed and continued to fall during the whole
season, so that scarce any ever ripened. Ten years ago he con-
verted it into a hogpen, and since has never failed to have plums
in abundance.

If any gentleman will call at my house in Euclid and examine my
pear trees, and is not fully convinced that the disease is an ep-
idemic, I will give him a plain farmer's dinner.

Respectfully yours, «Stc.

Euclid, Nov. 4, 1838. M. L.

55

434

Art. XI. — Miscellaneous Matters.

Plantation or Fruit Trees. — About the year 1769 a stran-
ger purchased a farm near the village of Bethincourt, ten miles from
Verdun-sur-Meuse. This village is placed on a soil, having a base
of calcareous salt, where fruit trees find great difficulty in flourishing.
The most robust ones never arrive at any great size, and are soon
covered with excrescences and moss. This particular farm, how-
ever, had an orchard, which was quite an object of admiration, for
the extreme beauty of its trees, and the extraordinary quantity of
fruit produced. A new proprietor, wishing to plant the piece of
ground with fresh trees, caused the old ones to be taken up, and in
doing so, there was found under each tree a piece of pavement, or
else a large slab, about four feet square. This was placed there
apparently to prevent the trees from sending down their roots per-
pendicularly, and to force them to spread out in a horizontal direc-
tion through the upper part of the soil, where the trees could obtain
better nourishment than in the ground below. This practice waa
at the time unknown to the inhabitants of the country. Two pro-
prietors determined to try it in their new plantations, and according-
ly they each placed young trees over large flat stones. One of
them, M. Perrin, in 1815, planted in this manner a large quantity
of fruit trees of different sorts, which are now exceedingly produc-
tive, though to all appearance they have not by any means arrived
at the full measure of their growth.

The Society of Horticulture, at Paris, has lately been written to
on this practice, and an animated enquiry has been instituted into
its merits and advantages. On the one side, it has been maintain-
ed that it is useless to pi ace the flat stone under trees when the subsoil
is inferior, because the tap-root is always cut, if one exists, and because
the other roots quickly descend outside the stone, particularly where
the soil is poor. Others declared that the side roots quickly take
the place of the perpendicular root, which has been cut off, so
that cutting off" the tap-root is useless. On the other hand, it was
stated that the roots never make an effort to pass over the stone,
unless when the subsoil is excellent, and more suitable to their
growth and nourishment than the ground above. One old mem-
ber of the society related, that it was the custom, in bis youth, to

MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS. 435

put a tile under the root of trees when planted iu poor land : and
the secretary raised a question of an opposite nature, by stating the
plan pursued in England, of putting gravel under the roots of fruit
trees, when the ground was very rich, in order to moderate the
vigor of the trees, and to render them more fruitful by hindering
the roots from descending too far. Another member confirmed this
view of the subject, by stating that he had known pear-trees to be
constantly barren from too much vigor, arising from the excellence
of the ground in which they were planted.

On this subject we have before us the opinion of M. Poiteau, one
of the most experienced horticulturists in France, and we think we
shall gratify our readers by making it public. " If," says he, " I
consult my memory and my experience, I should say, that a fruit
tree raised in a nursery never has the tap-root when planted out
afterwards, either because it has been lost in the artificial mode of
raising it, or because it is always cut oiF when taken from the nur-
sery. My experience cannot point out to me a single instance where
a fruit tree, whether with stone fruit or kernels, has re-produced
the tap-root after being planted out, supposing that it has been rais-
ed in the usual way in the nursery. There are, undoubtedly, sev-
eral fruit-trees which send down their lower roots deeply enough to
have the appearance of descending perpendicularly, but these roots
never obtain any great growth, even when in good ground, because
the sap abandons them, to distribute itself in the side or horizontal
roots, more favorably placed at a less distance from the surface of
the ground. When the subsoil is bad, and a flag or pavement is
placed under the tree to hinder the roots from losing their time in
making efforts to descend, I think they at once change their direc-
tion, and proceed horizontally along the good ground above, and de-
rive strength from it. In this way a slab or even a tile placed under
a tree, at the period of its being planted, may be of great service to
its growth, in hindering the roots from making injurious efibrts to
penetrate into the inferior soil below. Such is my opinion on this
matter, as well as many other cultivators of my acquaintance, of
great experience in horticultural matters.

" As to the English practice of placing gravel at the bottom of
the holes dug in rich ground, of great depth, in order to prevent
fruit trees from growing too luxuriantly, theory and practice declare
it to be useful. The elements of the sap, derived from a great

436 MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS,

depth, may produce much timber, although but little fruit, and of
inferior quality." — London Hort. Jour.

The Utility of Training Fruit Trees to Planks. — In the
Journal des Connaissances Usuelles, of September, 1837, a passage
occurs which states, that " it has been observed at Utrecht, and
remarked as a singular circumstance, that black grapes, exposed to
the south or southeast, ripen much earlier and better against planks
than against a wall. The support formed of planks ought to be
sheltered by a little roof about two or two and a half inches wide,
to keep off the rain. This is also an excellent mode of preserving
peaches." This reminds me that, about sixteen or eighteen years
ago, in the Rue de I'Ouest, at Paris, a garden was taken off the
street by means of planks, which were covered with plaster on the
side next the street, but left bare on the part next the garden. This
enclosure, though roughly executed, exists still, and may remain for
a long time to come. When I saw it constructed, I at once sup-
posed that the trees fixed to the espalier formed on the planks, would
flourish better, and the fruits be finer and larger than if against the
wall, which, when the sun does not shine on it, is cold and moist.
Planks, on the other hand, become still hotter than the wall, under
the influence of the sun, and are neither cold nor moist when out
of its range. So strongly did the circumstance interest me, that I
made a point of visiting the garden from time to time, in order to see if
my supposition was correct. I found that I had judged quite right;
the fruits are, to this day, better on the trees against the planks, than
in any other part of the garden. The fact, therefore, observed at
Utrecht, is quite natural, and we may take a useful hint from it. It
might not be sufficient to make enclosures for gardens of planks in
all instances, but they may be erected here and there in the enclosed
space with advantage. Thus in the gardens at Montreuil, where
peaches are produced in such vast quantities as to supply all Paris,
plank divisions may, with great propriety, be employed with espalier
attached to them. They should, I conceive, be always lower than
the enclosure walls, for then they would throw less shade. A coping
should be placed on them as usual, both to preserve the timber and
to protect the trees attached to them. A layer of plaster might, in
some cases, be used. If it did not grow damp, it would contribute
much to the preservation of the planks. It might also be necessary

MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS. 437

to fix stancheons at certain distances, to make the construction
more solid. There can be little doubt that the expense of plank en-
closures is much less than that of walls. I would recommend that
this plan be tried in the neighborhood of London, as I am told that
near the metropolis fruit trees on espaliers succeed better than
others. — Ih.

Officers of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society. —
The Annual Meeting for the choice of officers was held at their
room, Saturday, October 20, 1838, agreeably to notice given.

The committee appointed to collect, sort and count the votes, re-
ported the following gentlemen as chosen :
President — Elijah Vose, Dorchester.

Vice Presidents — Enoch Bartlett, Roxbury, Jonathan Winship,
Brighton, M. P. Wilder, Boston, John Prince, Roxbury.
Treasurer — Samuel Walker, Roybury.
Corresponding Secretary — Robert Treat Paine, Boston.
Recording Secretary — Ezra Weston, Jr., Boston.
Counsellors — T. Lyman, Jr. Boston, Augustus Aspinwall, Brook-
line, Thomas Brewer, Roxbury, Henry A. Breed, Lynn, George W.
Brimmer, Boston, Joseph S. Cabot, Salem, E. Hersey Derby, Salem,
N. Morton Davis, Plymouth, David Haggerston, Watertown, Joseph
G. Joy, Boston, William Kenrick, Newton, John Lemist, Roxbury,
William Lincoln, Worcester, Thomas Lee, Brookline, Charles Law-
rence, Salem, Benjamin Rodman, New Bedford, M. P. Sawyer,
Boston, Charles Tappan, Boston, Aaron D. Williams, Roxbury,
Jonathan Winship, Brighton, William Worthington, Dorchester,
Thomas Whitmarsh, Northampton.

Professor of Botany and Vegetable Physiology — Rev. John L.
Russell.

Professor of Entomology — T. W. Harris, M. D.

Professor of Horticultural Chemistry — J. W. Webster, M. D.

standing committees.

Committee on Fruits. Wm. Kenrick, Chairman, Robert Man-
ning, Sam'l Downer, Benjamin V. French, E. M. Richards, John
A. Kenrick, John M. Ives, Salem, P. B. Hovey, Jr., L. P. Grosve-
nor, J. L. L. F. Warren, Samuel Pond, W. H. Cowen.

Committee on the Products of Kitchen Garden. — J, L. L. F.

438 MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS.

Warren, Samuel Pond, Aaron D. Williams, Rufus Howe, Ebenezer
Crafts.

Committee on Flowers, Shrubs, etc. — S. Walker, Chairman, C. M.
Hovey, J. Breck, S. Sweetser, D. Haggerston, S. R. Johnson, W.
Carter, John Towne.

Committee on the Library. — E. Vose, Chairman, R. T. Paine, W.
Kenrick, E. Weston, Jr., C. M. Hovey, M. P. Wilder, Thomas Lee.

Com7nittee on Synonyms of Fruit. — J. Lowell, Chairman, R.
Manning, W. Kenrick, S. Downer.

Executive Committee. — E. Vose, Chairman, C. Newall, B. V.
French, E. M. Richards, E Bartlett.

Committee on Finance. — E. Vose, Chairman, B. V. French, L.
P. Grosvenor.

Col. Wilder proposed the Abbe Berlese, of Paris, as Honorary
Member — and M. J. Rudz, Jr., of Frankfort on Main, Germany, as
Corresponding Member.

Forcing Fruit Trees. — In Austria, Hungary, Moravia, and
Bohemia, a mode of forcing certain fruit-trees is practised, which
it may not uninteresting to mention. In hot houses, fifteen to
eighteen feet high, and from nine to twelve feet deep, square cases
are prepared in the ground about three feet in depth, and equally
broad. In these are to be placed such trees as are fixed on for forc-
ing, such as Reine-claude plums, and other similar fruits. When
the frost arrives after November, care is taken to uncover, in a
great measure, the roots of the trees the day before they are to be
removed. A mass of earth, of about eighteen or twenty inches in
diameter, is left at the bottom of the tree, and a quantity of water
is poured on the roots then nearly exposed. The frost seizes on
this immediately, and the tree feels the effects of the cold more
powerfully in consequence. On the morrow the tree is taken up,
and removed on a machine, prepared for the purpose, to the cases
already prepared in the hot house. The earth surrounding the
roots is left on, and the temperature is immediately increased, and
maintained until the fruit begins to knit. The effects of the frost
on the earth surrounding the roots, by degrees, disappear, and the
tree receives the influence of the heat, as if the spring-time had
replaced winter, and vegetation had commenced. Care must be
taken that the trees be often watered, in order to preserve a proper

MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS. 439

degree of freshness. During the flowering, this may be omitted.
When the fruit has once knit, the temperature must be raised, as
takes place in summer. The maturity of fruit comes, as a matter of
course, and generally the crop is very abundant. — Hort. Jour.

Charcoal, useful in the Preservation of Plants. — One of the
great inconveniences of low and moist grounds is, the difficulty they
present in cultivating flower roots of every description. These are
generally destroyed by a kind of mouldiness which attaches itself to
the shoots below, at different periods of their growth. It is easy to
know when a plant has been thus attacked, for the stem assumes a
dirty green color, approaching a yellow. The yellow soon super-
sedes the other, and the leaves change and sometimes fall off. The
only means of preventing this evil, which moat commonly attacks a
number of plants at the same time, is to place a layer of powdered
charcoal over the parts where the roots are to be planted. The best
kind of charcoal for this purpose is, that which remains in dust
after the large pieces have been taken away. When the earth has
been prepared in the usual way for the reception of roots, about
half an inch of the charcoal powder should be spread over the sur-
face, the whole should then be lightly stirred together, in order that
the charcoal should be incorporated with the earth. We have tried
many experiments to prove the efficacy of this remedy, and in no
instance has there been a failure. Thus, in a bed of roots fifteen
feet long by five wide, situated in a low moist soil, two thirds were
a short time back, prepared in the way above stated, while the re-
mainder were left undefended. The result was, that in the latter
portion the roots were lost, whilst in the other we never had finer
plants. The powder should be preserved dry, and, generally speak-
ing, it may be used with advantage in the flower garden. — lb.

440

QUINCY MARKET.

[■Reported for the Horticultural Register.]

APPLES, Baldwin, barrel,

Russett, ...... do.

Frll, - - do.

Sweet, ....... do.

BEANS, White bushel,

BEETS, - - do.

BERBERRIES, do.

CABBAGES, - - dozen,

CAULIFLOWER, head,

CELERY, bunch,

CRANBERRIES, bushel,

CHESNUTS, do.

GRAPES, Malaga, pound.

Black Hamburgh, - - - - do.

GARLIC, do.

LEMONS, box,

ORANGES, hundred,

ONIONS, ........ bushel.

White, do.

PARSLEY, peck,

PARSNIPS, bushel,

POTATOES, Eastport, barrel,

Chenangoes, .... do.

Common, ..... do.

Sweet, bushel,

PEARS, Baking, do.

Eating, doz.

QUINCES, peck,

RUTA BAGA, bushel,

SQUASH, Winter, of sorts, .... pound,

SPINACH, peck,

TURNIPS, bushel,

Boston, November 20, 1838.

1 75 to 2 OO
1 50 to 1 75
1 25

1 75 to 2 00
1 75 to 2 00

62d

1 50

75 to 1 00

17 to 25

6 to 12

to 175

150

162

25

50

20

to 75

00

50

00

12^

25

75
2 00
162i
150
125
1 50

37^ to

37.i

40
1

25

25

m

THE

AND

GARDENER'S MAGAZINE.

DECEMBER, 1838.

Art. I. — Extracts from Professor Johnsoii's Lectures before
the Royal Society and Central School of Horticulture and
Agriculture, England.

The period of the duration of roots varies much, and the plants
are termed annual, biennial, or perennial, according as they last
for one, two, or several years. The life of an annual plant is an
epitome of that of flowering plants generally, which only last till
the period of maturation, and when they are perpetuated, this being
only from a constant succession of new plants round the bulb.
The cause of plants enduring for a longer period than year to year,
probably consists from their storing up a larger supply of nutriment
than is required for the purposes of its life. A herbaceous plant
after the first shoot developes itself, and then produces flowers and
seeds ; a larger portion of nutriment in the root than what is re-
quired for the subsistence of the plant, enables the centre to throw
out a large number of buds around it.

If we examine a section of a twig by the microscope, we find the
centre occupied with medullary matter or pith, around which is a
medullary sheath, formed of woody fibre and spiral vessels. As the
tree grows older, the pith becomes contracted into a smaller diame-
ter, as well as the sheath, and a mass of other matter is formed ;
the pith of the yearling twig becomes a dark spot in the centre.
56

442 PROFESSOR Johnson's lectures.

That the woody matter is developed downwards, may be proved by
a simple experiment, that of making a continuous wound around
any tree or branch, which will be found to enlarge above, but re-
main of the same size below, and the same effect will be produced
if a ligature is tied round any part. It may also be seen, if we cut
off the bark from a piece of elder, when the thin woody fibres may
be seen descending an inch or two below the bud. In the progress
of their descent to the soil, these fibres occasionally meet with im-
pediments, and they then take a circuitous route. It is this which
forms the knots that give beauty to wood, that is esteemed by the
cabinet maker. In a well proportioned stem, the grain is uniform
from top to bottom, but in a pollard we find many of these curva-
tures, which give to the wood its beauty of appearance. One of
the most beautiful specimens of variegated wood is that of the old
Fairlop oak, which was a pollard of large extent, and part of which
was made into a reading-desk, which is now used at St. Pancras
New Church. In spring, when the buds expand, the bark is easily
separable from the wood, and this is from a secretion of viscid fluid,
called cambium, which is probably the food for the supply of the
descending fibres. Many trees are decayed in the inside whilst
they are yet covered with verdure ; and a most interesting instance
of this is afforded in the Salsey oak, near Northampton, the age of
which is computed at nearly a thousand years, and which is now a
mere shell, from the decay of the interior. If, however, a wound is
made round the bark, it uniformly dies, as no nutriment can be
conveyed to the inner portions of the tree. This operation, termed
girdling, is extensively practised in the back settlements of Ameri-
ca, prior to the felling of the timber in clearing land, as the upper
portion of the tree never vegetates. There will be an occasional
development, because sufficient nutriment may be left in the tree to
cause the buds to expand for one year. There appears to be no
assignable limit to the growth of an exogenous or outward growing
tree, and judging from appearance, many have attained a very
enormous age ; the number of 1,000 and upwards of circles, indi-
cating the successive annual developments of wood, having been
occasionally observed. An attention to the age of trees is of very
great value to antiquarian researches. Near the great lakes of
North America is a very extensive artificial embankment, which it
is evident could never have been constructed by the present race of

PROFESSOR Johnson's lectures. 443

Indians, and is about five or six feet high, evidently constituting a
great continued barrier from the north side of Lake Ontario to the
vast plains of the Mississippi, upon which trees are growing. On
carefully counting the rings, it is ascertained that they must have
grown there for upwards of 400 or 500 years, and it may be presu-
med that they were abandoned some time previously. This brings
the date to a very remote period, and we may hazard the conjecture
that they were the works of the ancient Mexicans, prior to their
migration to the south, a record of which event is preserved in the tra-
ditions of this people, as well as in their hieroglyphical inscriptions.
M. Bose has assigned the growth of trees, as one foot in diameter
for every one hundred years; but this calculation is found to be
fallacious. The celebrated Golenos oak, near Newport, which was
felled in 1810, full of luxuriant growth, was 9 1-2 feet in diameter,
from which it should have been considered, according to this data,
to be 950 years old, whilst the number of circles was only 450.
When the main trunk was sawn through, there was found embed-
ded in it, about six feet from the ground, a large stone, the lodgment
of which, as well as toads and serpents, is easily accounted for, by
their obtaining access into any hole made by accident, and the
wood growing over it, so that, if animals, they have been prevented
making their escape. In scarcely one section of a tree do we find
the pith in the exact centre of the mass, but with a great inclination
to the south, which is accounted for, by the number of buds being
greater in the vessels more expanded, and the fibres deriving more
nutriment in the part exposed to the sun.

Next to the stem, the leaves are the most prominent portion of
the plant. They appear to be formed from the expansion of the
minute vessels of the stem ; the veins have a connection with the
medullary sheath surrounding the pith. Both the upper and under
parts of the leaf are composed of a network of fibres : this may
easily be seen in walking through the woods in summer, in leaves
which have lain a long time upon the ground, where the cuticle has
been removed by insects forming them into skeletons. These may
also be formed by the simple artificial process of maceration in wat-
er, which decomposes the cuticle. These dissections are of value
in vegetable physiology, rendering us familiar with the various forms
of the leaf. Of all the various parts of vegetation, these are the

444

PROFESSOR JOHNSON S LECTURES.

most ornamental. Flowers last only for a short time — a day, a
week, or a month, when all their beauty is gone ; but most trees
retain their foliage for half a year, and those in green-houses through
the whole year. The functions which they perform are not accu-
rately ascertained, although conjecture has exhausted itself upon
the subject. The functions they perform have been considered
analogous to all the involuntary ones of animals; they have been
considered as perspiratory, absorbent, and digestive organs, medi-
ums for conveying the agency of electricity, lungs, 6i.c. This last
opinion is the most prevalent, but their action may be modified much
by time, place, or habit, as well as growth. Unhappily, no depart-
ment of science is so little known as vegetable physiology, although
volumes have been written upon the subject. By an examination
of the human body, and a careful dissection of its parts, we are en-
abled to determine the various parts and functions, and are assisted
in this also by the aid which the analogy of the examination of an-
imals presents. We are enabled by this examination to arrive at a
tolerably correct view of the nature of the lowest grade of animal
which exists ; but the organs of vegetables are so different, and
their general economy so peculiar, that we cannot possibly arrive at
any conclusions from analogy. Their gradual growth and devel-
opment, and at a certain period their decay, show that they are ex-
ceptions to the inertia of matter. By the aid of the microscope we
can recognize a series of vessels in which circulation is going on ;
but comparison goes no further, and beyond this we can only be
guided by conjecture.

Many generations since it was found that a plant would grow un-
der the exhausted receiver of an air-pump, provided some of the
leaves were exposed to the external atmosphere. If a plant be con-
fined under a glass, it will grow for a long time ; but if it be pre-
vented from receiving a supply of pure air, it becomes unhealthy,
and ultimately dies, on account of a change which takes place in
its composition from the growing plant. Air which has passed
through the lungs, is deprived of the property of supporting life or
combustion : and the same change takes place in the air where
growing vegetables are confined. This may easily be shown by
putting saxifrage into a bottle, by which the air becomes vitiated, as
may be shown by transferring it into jars, and making it the subject
of experiment. As oxygen is destroyed by animals, it was a favo-

PROFESSOR Johnson's lectures. 445

rite opinion that vegetables live upon the gas that is formed from it,
and expel oxygen to replace that which is exhausted in the first in-
stance. This was first suggested by Dr Priestly, who, however, so
far from insisting upon it, did not offer it as his own. The theory
was so plausible that it was generally adopted, though few ventured
to examine it ; and the notion of course prevailed, that what was
poisoned by animals was purified by plants. The same effect is how-
ever, produced on air by plants as by animals, in the conversion of
oxygen gas into carbonic acid, formed of the former gas united with
carbon, or the basis of charcoal. This experiment is so simple,
that it may be easily performed ; and similar results will take place
in hundreds of experiments, not only with plants in pots, but from
introducing branches under the receiver. So far from rendering fit
for respiration that which has been unfit, the plant uniformly dies ;
the atmosphere in which it grows having a powerful effect in de-
stroying it. Plants are incapable of existing in any kind of air
which will not support animal life or cojnbustion.

Some have asserted that plants possess a twofold character: that
under the influence of the sun they respire carbonic acid and
throw out oxygen, and at night the reverse takes place. This opinion
it is, however, difficult to support, as nature never takes the trouble
of a twofold operation when one is sufficient for her purpose ; and
it implies that there are two sets of vessels which act alternately, or
that the vessels are provided with different appurtenances at differ-
ent periods — that what is rejected as poison in one twelve hours,
supports the plant the remaining portion of the day.

The late Professor Burnett supposed two different operations in
plants, one by day and the other by night ; one of which was con-
stantly going on, whilst the other required the influence of the sun
to bring it into action. He supposed, that in the day they absorbed
moisture from the leaves, and during digestion threw out oxygen
gas; that, as with animals the taking in of food is suspended during
the night, the functions of respiration alone go on, as in the former
case, contaminating the atmosphere. These opinions were, how-
ever, only supported by a few ill-conducted and inconclusive experi-
ments. Every grower must have noticed that plants grow a great
deal more in the night than in the day ; and how can this be recon-
ciled with the opinion that digestion only takes place in the latter ?
This is more particularly the case with tropical plants ; the leaves,

446 PROFESSOR Johnson's lectures.

as well as the stems of the banana and plantain, being known to in-
crease three or four inches in size.

That light possesses a great influence upon plants, is evident from
the fact of tlieir always turning their leaves towards it. It is the
upper surface which is directed towards it ; and this disposition is
perhaps given to prevent the stomata from being influenced by the
sun's rays, and thus rendered incapable of performing the functions
for which nature intended them. If we anoint the upper surface
of a leaf with oil, it soon dies ; being fatal to insects in a similar
way, by filling up the pores of the bodies through which they breathe.
The leaf is affected in a similar manner; and water will have a
like effect in injuring or destroying their organization ; if we drip
water constantly upon a plant it will be destroyed. The leaves of trees
growing naturally near the ocean, have a covering to preserve the
foliage from the spray of the sea ; and those which do not have it,
when placed in these situations, soon die. Trees may often be seen
inland, many miles from the sea, with theirfoliage blackened, owing
to the spray being carried so far by a strong wind. On one occa-
sion, between Canterbury and Dover, the only vegetables that were
witnessed green were the turnips, which, like cabbages, have their
origin near the sea-side. Where the texture of the leaves will not
repel the salt spray, the salt will lie and perish the plant ; but where
covered, the plant resists it. On cabbages the drops of rain may
be seen like globules of quicksilver ; if it were not for this repelling
power, the water would lay too long and impede respiration. Plants
grown without light are much less solid than others; and they con-
tain a less proportion of carbon, growing luxuriant but blanched.
Gardeners avail themselves of this property to correct those plants
which are hurtful or have a bad taste ; and what are noxious, are
thus rendered wholesome. Green being produced from yellow and
blue colors, it is possible that the blue is produced by oxygen,
through the action of light, as other plants are pale yellow. Culti-
vation has a very great effect in modifying plants ; but it generally
renders them far less luxuriant. In variegated plants, the functions
are far less active than in those of natural growth, and not near so
vigorous.

The blood of animals passes through two extensive series of ves-
sels, in which those changes take place, fitting it for use in the ani-
mal economy. Although we have not actually discovered two series

FROFESSOR JOHNSON's LECTURES. 447

"oT circulating vessels, or a centre of circulation in plants, we are
no less certain that there are two sets of vessels in the leaves ; and
analogy leads us to suppose, that they are for the same purpose as
those of animals. Some curious phenomena connected with this
are observable in parasitic plants. A certain series of these grow
on the pots of others, from which they appear to derive their nutri-
ment. These are of a brownish or yellowish color; the leaves, in-
stead of being broad, are but dry scales, and possess no effect when
confined in air or upon oxygen ; and no stomata can be detected by
the microscope. We find a connection between these and the bark ;
and they appear to feed upon the elaborated sap which has gone
through all the changes essential to vegetable existence. Others,
the leaves of which are green, as in the misletoe, appear to be con-
nected with the wood ; and these may be considered as the two dif-
ferent descriptions of the blood of the plant. The mode by which
plants derive their vitality from the soil, is the solution of nutritive
matter by water. Those soils which are capable of imbibing or re-
taining water, are the most favorable to vegetation, provided they
contain a proper quantity of that principle which gives solidity of
parts. Carbon is not acted upon by the fibres of the root in its solid
state or combined with the soil ; but, as experiments on many kinds
of manure prove, by imbibing the oxygen of the atmosphere, and
forming carbonic acid gas, which is then absorbed by water and
conveyed into the roots. Perhaps the greater growth of vegetables
in the spring is, that the heat of the sun promotes the decomposition
of organic matters, whilst light electric rains descending, convey the
carbonic acid formed into the soil ; and it may probably be acceler-
ated, that organic tissue is rendered more active from the dormant
state in which it has long lain. The whole of leaves are formed of
double masses of fibres, the upper series being connected with the
medullary sheath, and the lower series with the inner part of the
bark. On the latter are deposited the resin, sugar, and other sub-
stances which plants secrete ; and both probably act the double part
of veins and arteries in animals, the upper series being analogous to
arteries, and the lower series to those vessels which carry out blood
to all parts of the system.

The early portion of the lecture was accompanied by several ex-
periments illustrative of atmospheric air, and the action of vegeta-
tion upon it.

448 PROFESSOR Johnson's lectures.

The next subject to which I propose to draw attention, is the
structure of the flower. The most important parts are the calyx or
flower cup, and the corolla enclosed in it, and those parts are called
the floral envelopes. There are also a great number of minute or-
gans, which are most important parts of the plant ; these are the
stamens and pistils, which perform peculiar parts in the functions of
the flower. These complicated and interesting parts of the flower
are only extensions of the branches; and the varied parts of the
flowers may easily be known by an attention to the formation and
parts of the leaves which produce the various modified parts of the
plant, the calyx, corolla, stamens, and pistils. The organs of re-
production derive their origin from the axils of the leaves, the points
of connection between these and the stem. In those where the vi-
tal energy is the most powerful, the plants produce flowers at the
axils instead of the flower-buds, as in the expansion which produces
the flowers of the narcissus. These are an intermediate grade be-
tween the leaves and the ordinary parts of the plant forming the
flower. It is a law of vegetable development, and a fixed rule of
nature, that the leaves are never developed side by side in the same
plane, but opposite each other, or in other positions above or below.
The leaves are either alternate, or of opposite characters ; and this
constitutes a division of natural families. In the examination of
plants minutely, we shall find that the alternate or opposition in the
disposition of leaves will alter ; the cause of this is, that the alter-
nate interlobes, or vacant spaces which are abortive, are occasion-
ally developed as in the luxuriance of spring. The flowers of plants
are composed of a series of metamorphosed leaves, developed on
the flower stalks, and assume the forms of stamens, pistils, &,c.
When they are destitute of corolla and calyx, the flowers are called
naked. The calyx is sometimes called the perianthium, and occa-
sionally assumes a brilliant hue, as in the fuchsia. Where the parts
of the calyx are united together, it is called monosepalous ; but
vi^here divided, polysepalous. Strictly speaking, however, there is
no monosepalous calyx, because every one is composed of verticil-
late leaves. The metamorphosed leaves also form the corolla, and
it is distinguished as mono or polypetalous. If in any instance the
sepals of the calyx are opposite the petals of the flower, it is occa-
sioned by the abortion of a series, which we are in many instances
able to trace. In some flowers, intervening between the petals and

PROFESSOR Johnson's lectures. 449

sepals, are other organs, which were called by Linnaeus nectaria or
honey cups. These were supposed by some to be the organs which
secrete honey ; they are the blue parts of the passion-flower, and
are called by botanists the corona. They are intermediate trans-
formations between the petals and the stamens, and in some are
more or less perfect : they may be regarded as a series of stamens
destitute of tips. The foot-stalk of the leaf may be compared to a
stamen ; and its blade bent and doubled in many forms into a case,
will readily explain the different forms of the flower.

Double flowers are larger flowers, the result of a greater develop-
ment in the plant. In the water lily, the number of petals is very
considerable ; if we examine one when in flower, we can trace the
regular change from the white petal to the yellow stamens, the latter
being only partially folded leaves. In the centre, the color is per-
fectly developed, though the other parts are not ; the yellow color
being owing to the partial development of pollen. This pollen is a
fine powder, escaping from the vessels which contain it, as if they
were opened by a spring and scattering all around. The pollen is
composed of a thin cellular membrane containing a fluid or mucous
matter. On examination by the microscope, it will appear as if
there were a certain number of bodies floating in every direction,
circulating as if alive. The organs in the centre are called pistils,
from an architectural term. They consist of the ovarium, the stig-
ma and the style : the ovarium becomes the seed vessel, and devel-
opes a certain number of minute bodies called ovules. The modi-
fied leaves, forming the pistillum, unite at the margins, at a distance
from the middle rib, and form a cavity by the folding in of the
leaves.

The seed may be called the egg of the plant, and is produced
from the reciprocal action of the stamens and pistils. A communi-
cation must always take place between the pollen-of the anthers and
the stigma of the pistil, before reproduction can take place. At the
time when the tips of the stamens burst, the tops of the stigmas are
always moist, sometimes to such an extent as to assume the form of
a drop of water, more or less according to the nature of the plant.
It was conceived by the earlier botanists, that the dust adhered to
the water on the pistils, and that the minute particles dissolved in
this secretion were taken up and transferred to the seed ; but the
mode by which its impregnation takes place is altogether conjectural,
57

450 PROFESSOR Johnson's lectures.

It is supposed, by Adolphe Brogniart and others, that wherever the
particles come into contact with the fluid, they extend into a tube,
and that these tubes penetrate into the basis of the pistilluni, even
to the seed itself, where we can always detect a minute hole ; and
he even states that he has seen the tubes. In the present state of
botanical knowledge, this inquiry, however, is more curious than
useful. It is found impossible to impregnate certain seeds with some
others ; and this is probably owing to the difference in the size of
the pollen, which varies greatly, some also differing in form — the
globular form, however, being the most common. It may be owing
to the tubes being too large ; and it may also here be stated, that it
is not always the largest flowers or anthers that produce the largest
pollen. The advantage derivable from this knowledge, is in the
culling of anthers, and sprinkling pollen to produce different varie-
ties in plants, which produce individuals resembling neither of the
parents. It is thus that we obtain all the immense varieties of tu-
lips, there being only two or three from which originally they are
all derived. In the same manner the countless nuniber of dahlias
are derived from but two or three varieties ; and it is undoubtedly
from the impregnation of the seeds of one plant with the pollen of
another, that plants are thus multiplied. Nature often acts by these
means; bees and flies, when feeding on honey, rubbing against one
flower, there depositing the pollen they have collected from another.
It is, perhaps, from this circumstance, that curled parsley produces
the wild, from having mixed with its flowers the pollen of the wild
parsley : the golden pippin may thus turn into the austere crab.
From hence arises the uncertainty in the cultivation of culinary veg-
etables and fruit trees. Mr Ray mentions a singular instance of
this, in which, from an ignorance of this botanical fact, one John
Behal, a gardener at Brentford, suffered to a considerable extent. He
had sold large quantities to many individuals of cauliflower seed,
which, however, when cultivated, turned out to be Brassica Longi-
flora, or Brussels sprouts, and for which he was tried in one of the
courts of law, and condemned to pay a considerable sum, for what
was considered an imposition. The fact of the impregnation of
plants in this manner, was not a discovery of Linaeus ; and the the-
ory of the propagation of plants was for some time a matter of con-
siderable dispute. Tournefort, Adamson, and others, treated these
views as chimerical. The first experiment that decided it was made

PROFESSOR Johnson's lectures. 451

at the Royal Academy of Berlin. The palm tree is produced from
male and female trees; and for thirty years, amongst a considerable
number of these, there was not one fruit-bearing tree. A male plant
of the same genus was brought from Leipsic and planted near ; up-
wards of one hundred young fruit were now produced, and the fol-
lowing year eleven young trees made their appearance. This cir-
cumstance, although not generally known, seems to have been un-
derstood by the ancients, who, knowing some trees were barren,
planted others near to make them fertile. The Arabs always act
the same in their date plantations ; and Knapper relates, that in an
invasion of the Prince of Bassorah, he threatened to destroy all the
male date trees.

A remarkable change is produced in the formation of double
flowers — the modified leaves which form stamens are most liable to
this change. A curious practice in gardens has arisen from igno-
rance in the cultivation of the common stock, to plant one single
and two double ones in the same pot; which is with the belief that
the latter will cause the former, by their presence, to produce flow-
ers. In looking for double flowers, we should mark those where
there is the slightest tendency in the stamen to dilate, for it is a
chance that the seed thus produced will turn out a double flower.
This, which is a disease, may be perpetuated, and even carried to a
great extent, in the offspring. Very few plants are naturally double
flowers; but the art of man in their formation, as in every other at-
tempt to improve the works of Nature, introduces monstrosity where
she gave beauty. Generally speaking, double flowers are more lux-
uriant ; they lead likewise to the discovery of the functions of na-
ture. Every lover of nature must take delight in the permanent ex-
istence of many flowers which disclose their beauty, and then raise
regret at their momentary duration ; as well as in the creation of
new forms. This lengthened duration will readily take place, and
flowers of but two or three days' beauty, if the stamens are cut off"
at the tips, may be kept for a week or fortnight in perfection. It
is the same in insects, as the females of many butterflies live for an
indefinite period if the male is kept away ; and the same extension
of life takes place as in plants.

In the last lecture we explained the generally received theory that
flowers are modified branches of the plant — that the whorls first de-

452 PROFESSOR Johnson's lectures.

veloped, form the calyx, next the corolla, then succeed the stamens,
and at last the pistils ; the form being altered so that they may per-
form the various functions of the flower, the pistils also altering more
or less, from their impregnation by the stamen. Frequently, the
calyx unites with the base of the pistil forming fruit ; but in every
instance, it is the base itself which produces it. The pistil consists
of three parts, two of which are essential to its formation, whilst the
third is only subsidiary. The ovarium it is which developes the
fruit ; the long process is called the style, and the knobbed extrem-
ity the stigma. The stigma and ovarium are the two most important
parts, the style being sometimes wanting ; the use of the latter is
only required to elevate the pistils to a level with the stamens, ena-
bling the powder of the anthers to light upon it ; as, although the
dust is thrown out, it would probably descend without fertilizing the
seed. The anther, or tip of the stamen, is a folded leaf, the margins
of which are brought in contact with the middle rib, thus forming
two chambers which contain the pollen.

All the parts of the plant and of the flower receive nutriment be-
fore the pistils, the consequence of which is, that if not sufficient
for them, they fall short in the development ; and some flowers,
which have nine or ten pistils, have only one developed. This is
the case with the common pea where the nutriment developes only
one pistil instead of five. The number of pistils is far from con-
stant in plants of the same species ; and this irregularity is the most
usual in the plants of the class Icosandria. During the progress to
fruit, a great change takes place in the modified leaves, which form
the cells of the ovarium; some are obliterated, others which were
distinct become united, whilst some which were in union become
separate : where the fruit has several cells, there is little difficulty
in recognising the number of leaves which form it. In the inte-
rior of the apple are five cells, each formed of a modified leaf, and
having a fleshy development around. Where the margins of the
leaves meet together in the fruit, a thickening of the texture takes
place, forming the placenta, and to which the seeds are attached.
If we search for the seeds of the apple, we shall find the points of
the pips, attached to the middle core in a particular part of the cell
where they all meet. Wherever the placenta is perfectly developed,
it runs from the Rpex to the base ; and as in the pea, the part where
the seeds are developed, is always the thickest part of the cell. It

PROFESSOR Johnson's lectures. 453

is only where the part is thus thickened, that the seeds are capable
of being produced, or of attaining maturity, as this is a storing up
of nutriment required for its support after impregnation : where but
one seed is developed in a pod, it arises on the margin, and there is
not a thickening of the whole length. The indented line upon
some fruits, as the nectarine or cherry, points out the part where
the junction of the leaf takes place. The stigma always presents
the same number of lobes as the leaves forming the fruit : the poppy
has no less than twelve divisions to the stigma, and it shows twelve
parts.

The partitions of the pistil are not always compact together, but
sometimes, although united at first, they do not remain so ; and
sometimes they shrivel up altogether. Sometimes one cell of the
ovarium is formed of several united pistils, from which they become
abortive. Hazel-nuts and filberts have but one cell, although when
examined and carefully dissected in an early state, the rudiments of
three kernels are very perceptible ; but nature has so arranged it,
that one takes up the nutriment from the others, which stops their
growth. Another instance is afforded in the cocoa-nut, which orig-
inally contains three cells ; it bears three marks and three apertures
through vi'hich nature meant the roots to force. Over this part the
skin is very thin ; but of the three only one comes to perfection,
which pushes aside the others. It is only that aperture which is
over the successful root that is thus thinly formed, which may easily
be perforated, whilst the others are more difficultly so : the same
rule takes place in many other fruits, where a single seed takes the
lead and obliterates the others. Fruit has generally two sutures, as
in the pea or bean, which are called the ventral and dorsal. It is
here where it generally opens to discharge the seed ; but in some
the fruit does not thus open, where the seed vessel decays before the
seed is set at liberty. There are two forms of opening — the one
called loculicidal ; and the other, scepticidal.

The production of the seed is the perfection of vegetable physi-
ology ; it is the ultimate object of the growth of the plant, and it
seems as if nature had produced that beautiful apparatus, the flower,
for no other purpose. The seed is divided into three parts ; there
is the external covering or skin, consisting of two or more coats,
bnt always tvv'o, and enclosing the kernel. This last is a nucleus of
two distinct bodies ; first the albumen, and second, the embryo or

454 piioFFssoR Johnson's lectures.

the future plant. The albumen is the nutritive matter for the sup-
port of the plant; many ripe seeds contain no albumen, the embryo-
occupying the whole portion. Here nature has provided other
means for supplying it, in the absorption of nutriment from the soil.
Every seed in a detached state exhibits a scar, Vvhich in the horse-
chestnut may be recognised as a black patch ; this is the point of
union betwixt the seed and the vessel containing it : it is gener-
ally termed the base of the seed, though the apex is not always
opposite to, but often very near the scar. In all seeds we find a very
minute aperture ; in some sufficiently large to be recognised by the
naked eye, but which is not then sufficient to admit the point of a
needle, through which the impregnation of the seed by the pollen
takes place, and which is usually known by the name of the fora-
men. To botanists the observation of this aperture is valuable, as
indicating the part where the radicle of the future plant is situated.
The point of union at the lobes of the seed, is the growing portion
of the plant ; one portion of it is the plumula, which developes the
leaves, and the other is the radicle of the young root. Where they
join, the vital principle is situated, which is commonly termed the
corculum or little heart. The plumula and the radicle, although
very minute, never invert their functions ; and in this way, the seeds
of a flowering plant differ from those of non-flowering ones, where
whatever part touches the earth forms the root, and the other part
the stem. In the seeds of a flowering plant this does not take place
as the functions cannot be inverted. A most important distinction
in flowering plants is derived from the structure of the seed ; where
there is only one lobe it is termed munocotyledonous, but where
two, dicotyledonous. The bean and pea are instances of the latter,
and throw up two seed-leaves; whilst the onion is of the former
throwincr up but one. There is no part of botany more important
than the evolution of the seed ; the first step is called germination,
and takes place sooner in some plants than in others. In wheat it
takes place in from twenty to twentyfour hours; in barley, in seven
days ; in common garden beans, from fifteen to twenty days; and
in parsley, from forty to fifty days, and in some instances even three
months ; from which torpidity has arisen the common saying " that
parsley seed goes nine times to the devil before it comes up." The
peach and some others are much longer; but nature has provided
many with a fleshy covering, that softens the kernel, and enables
nrerinination to take place sooner.

PROFESSOR Johnson's lectures. 455

The necessary agency concerned in the growth of plants is that of
temperature, water and air. It was formerly supposed that light was
also necessary, but experiment show that the growth of plants is re-
tarded instead of advanced by exposure to it, and Nature has so
ordered it that the seed lies buried under the ground to preserve it
against this influence. Water is indispensable ; and is equally the
•solvent of nutriment for animals and vegetables. Atmospheric air
is equally essential, and oxygen gas seems to be the great principle
of excitability to all organic matter : it gives the red color to the
blood, and effects a similar excitability to vegetables in germination.
We have been told that peas will grow in vacuo, but the experiments
of Homberg, in the latter part of the seventeenth century, are by no
means conclusive on the subject of the growth of plants, under cir-
cumstances in which they are deprived of atmospheric air. He
stated that under the exhausted receiver of an air-pump, the seeds
of lettuce, parsley, and cress, would come up, but that they would
perish soon afterwards. It may, however, be easily understood that
this experiment is not conclusive, from the circumstance that it is
not possible by an air-pump to obtain an actual vacuum, as the air
becomes more rarified and extended in its bulk ; and that some seeds
of less excitability would last longer under such circumstances than
others. When the seed germinates a quantity of sugar is formed ;
this attracts the birds, which are so destructive to the seed when it
begins to sprout : oxygen is required to produce this change. In
malting, the same process of making sugar occurs — the seed being
made to grow, and then the growth is stopped. When the seed is
first germinated, mechanical and other changes by moisture are de-
veloped. The influence of light has been supposed to influence
germination, by its decomposing carbonic acid gas, and hardening
the seed ; but experiments show that it will not harden — that plants
will germinate — and that no less sugar is formed when they are ex-
posed to light. This experiment may be easily shown, by confining
mustard seeds in a closed glass ; and the carbonic acid gas produc-
ed may be recognised, by its immediately extinguishing a lighted
taper introduced into it.

The seeds of some plants are very numerous. Ray calculated
that from one to two thousand tobacco seeds would not weigh a sin-
gle grain, and Woodward pointed out that the seeds of the thistle
are still more numerous. The means that nature has provided for

456 PROFESSOR Johnson's lectures.

their dispersion is not the least wonderful part of her economy.
Some possess wings, as in the feather or cotton grasses, and (he dan-
delion. The feather grass is furnished with a long style at a par-
ticular angle, acted upon by the slightest current agitating it. It
grows on the summit of high mountains, and is driven to the light
crevices of the rock or loose soil, where the wind drivmg it round,
it perforates as with a screw, the bottom part possessing the power
of an augur to perforate the earth, and place it in a firm position.
This is not, however, the only instance in the economy of seeds of
the adaptation of means to an end. Many, as in the cocoa-nut, pos-
sess a firm and light fabric, to buoy them up in the water against
the waves. This tree grows near the ocean shore, and the seeds
become wafted for many miles, from island to island, and even con-
tinent to continent, this fabric also preserving the nut against the
action of the sea-water : Mr Foster, who accompanied Captain
Cook in his travels, gives an account that they are met with in al-
most all the low coral islands. Man has annihilated many animals,
and species which formerly had existence are now extinct ; but veg-
etation mocks all his labors at her destruction, whilst she is under-
mining all his fabrics, and reducing his proudest structures to their
original dust — the minutest mosses being constantly at work for this
purpose.

The present, the learned Professor observed, concluded the pro-
posed course, which had necessarily been restricted on many sub-
jects deserving of more lengthened notice ; and he would now offer
a few observations on the study and utility of botany. Many regard
it as a study of mere amusement — let it be so. They suppose that
the study gives very little satisfaction, that the form of plants is
simple, and their organizantion very minute, — such may be the case.
We are, however, daily acquiring more knowledge upon this subject
and it is not forms alone which are the objects of the botanist's
study. It has produced many, and those the most important, effects
upon chemical and mechanical science. Many errrors arise from a
misconception of effects ; nature to be comprehended must be read
in detail — and he who binds himself to one study is like the geolo-
gist who frames a world upon the model of his native mountains, or
the geometrician who would calculate a polygon from one of its
angles. The influence of vegetation may explain many changes
which have taken place. Many assert that the obvious change and

PROFESSOR Johnson's lectures. 457

amelioration of the climate of our own country is produced from a
very distant cause — the felling of forests in North America. It is
only by studying it in all its connexions that we can properly ap-
preciate knowledge or advantages derivable from it. The history
of mankind is in some respects connected with botanical science.
if we descend into the depths of the earth, we shall find the floor
covered with numerous species of plants not now known to exist,
which furnish undeniable evidence of a world gone by; and give
proofs of our own insignificance, when we view traces of the boun-
ty of Providence to myriads gone before. These collateral branches
are of very great importance; and those who pass them by, take
but a very scanty view of the subject. It may be urged, that the
busy pursuits of a laborious profession, and the incessant toils of
life, would afford little time for its cultivation ; but so little do we
know of the subject, that almost every one may devote his time to
acquire new knowledge, and add to the already realised stores. It
is not the water of the Mississippi that makes the ocean, but the
thousand tributary streams that flow and add their contributions to
its course ; the snow that falls and caps the mountain in eternal
winter, is not the produce of one but many seasons. The skilful
artizan sets the machine in motion by rubbing off" the grains of
sand ; and the rill that sparkles from the mountain may become a
mighty cataract. So it is with the cultivators of science ; and a
host of philosophers are forgotten when the names of Newton and
Linnaeus survive. The humblest votary can confer an advantage
upon the science which he cultivates, and trace new views of Prov-
idence and its beneficence.

58

453

Art. II. — On Improvement in Horticulture. Read before ike
Horticultural Association of the Valley of the Hudsoii, by J.
BuEh, on the 28th Sept. 1838. Published at the request of the Asso-
ciation.

Recently notified that the gentleman selected to address you on
this occasion, would fail in the performance of that duty, I have
hastily prepared so(ne remarks on the objects and promised utility of
this association, which I beg leave to read.

Our first parent was placed in a garden, and commanded " to
dress and to keep it ;" thereby indicating, from the highest author-
ity, that the garden is pre-eminently fitted for the performance ofour
highest duties, and the gratification of our purest pleasures. This
construction of the divine precept, is in accordance with the opin-
ions of every enlightened age and nation. The garden has, by gen-
eral consent, ever been considered a source of utility and of health-
ful employment — the best theatre for concentrating and displaying
the beautiful and wonderfully diversified varieties of foliage, flowers
and fruits of the vegetable world — and a school for civilizing and so-
cializing man, and of inspiring him with love to his creator, and
good will towards his fellow-men. Nor does the injunction seem to
refer to the mere gratification of animal appetite ; — for we read, that
" out of the ground made the Lord God to grow every tree that is
pleasant to the sight, and good for food."

Gardening and Horticulture are in a measure synonymous terms.
Gardening is divided into branches. It " is practised for private use
and enjoyment," says Loudon, "in cottage, villa and mansion gardens;
for public recreation, in umbrageous and verdant promenades, parks
and other scenes, in and near large towns ; — for public instruction,
in botanic and experimental gardens ; — and for the purposes of com-
merce in market, orchard, seed, physic, florists and nursery gar-
dens." In all of these departments of Horticulture, we have great
room for improvement, and great need of it ; in all of them it is the
object of this association to promote improvement, and in all of them
they will effecl improvement, if their efforts are seconded, as I trust
they will be, by the intelligence, the taste and the public spirit of
the opulent gentlemen ofour valley. It is the object of the associa-
tion to introduce into this — our Eden — " every tree that is pleasant
to the sight, and good for food" — to introduce and to disseminate

IMPROVEMENT IN HORTICULTURE. 459

widely, all that is useful and ornamental in garden culture — all the
fruits, flowers or culinary vegetables, that are worthy of culture,
whether of foreign or domestic origin, which our soil will grow,
and our climate mature.

It is not enough that many of the choice productions of the garden
should be found with a few of tjie opulent. Those that are excel-
lent should be known and disseminated widely. We should do good
to others, if we would know the pleasures that spring from a gener-
ous philanthropy. By bringing these productions together at our
semi-annual exhibitions, showing and comparing them, we can de-
termine their relative merits, their proper names and synonymes, —
can publish the result of these comparisons, and recommend and dis-
seminate those which possess the greatest intrinsic merit. " All
men will eat good fruit that can get it," says Sir William Temple ;
" so that the choice is only, whether one will eat good or ill ; — and
of all things produced in a garden, whether of salads or fruits, a poor
man that has one of his own, will eat better than a rich man that
has none." We seek to extend the luxury of good fruits to all, in
order that the poor man who has a garden, may eat better fruit than
the rich man who has none.

As I have remarked, gardening is co-existent with man. Its
early history is too obscure to be traced. Suffice it to say, that in
the best days of polished Rome, it was cultivated with taste and as-
siduity, and ranked with the fine arts ; and that with these it sunk
to obscurity in the downfall of that empire. All of the art that sur-
vived the shock of Vandalism in Europe, wa& preserved and cloister-
ed with the monks during the dark ages. With learning, it re-
vived first in Italy and Holland ; to which countries many ex-
otics, and a taste for cultivating them, were introduced during the
crusades. It was not until the reign of Henry VIIL in the beginning
of the l6th century, that gardening attracted much attention in
England. Previous to this time, cabbages, and even pot herbs, im-
ported from Holland, constituted luxuries, found only on the tables
of the opulent. During this reign, apricots, melons, herbs and es-
culent roots, were first introduced into the royal gardens. Among
the new plants ofthat day is mentioned " the lilacke trees, which
bear no fruite, but only a pleasant flowere." Improvement in Horti-
culture was greatly extended under Elizabeth and Charles I. During
the reign of the latter, the first work upon English gardening was

460 IMPROVEMENT IN HORTICULTURE.

published by Parkinson, under the title of " a garden of all sorts of
pleasante flovvtres, with a kitchen garden, of all manner of herbs
and roots, and an orchard of all sorts of fruit bearing trees," which
is yet quoted with high commendation.

About the middle ofthe 17th century, several valuable publica-
tions upon Horticulture appeared in England and France ; and in
1734 Philip Miller published his celebrated Gardeners' Dictionary,
an original work of merit, which attracted general notice, and gave
a new impulse to improvement. British and other foreign works
upon gardening have been greatly multiplied; and inhprovement has
kept pace with the increase of wealth and refinement, until horticul-
ture has attained to a high state of perfection, as a science as well
as an art in most of the civilized countries of Europe. No gentle-
man of opulence or taste there, deems himself fitted to enjoy the
comforts and luxuries of life, without his garden. Horticultural so-
cieties have been every where established, — princes have been com-
petitors in them, for honorary rewards ; useful and ornamental plants
have been sedulously collected from every quarter of the globe and
innumerable new varieties have been added to the catalogue by the
skill and industry of man. Withip a few years, the splendid Ency-
clopaedia of Gardening, has been added to our horticultural works by
the indefatigable Loudon, professing to give all that is interesting
in the history, and all that is useful in the science, or in the prac-
tice of gardening. The society of London established a garden in
1818, and sent agents into every quarter of the world, to collect
whatever could be found useful or ornamental. One of these agents
after traversing the United States and the Canadas, spent four years
on the Pacific coast of our continent, exploring the country from
California to the mouth of the Columbia, and thence across the con-
tinent to the Hudson Bay Factories, in collecting rare plants and
seeds. In a subsequent voyage to the western border of our conti-
nent, this indefatigable agent was destroyed by a wild bull, upon one
of the Pacific Islands. Yet the name of Douglass will be perpetua-
ted in the cognomen of several new plants which he first brought in-
to notice. Some idea may be formed of the extent of this society's
labors and usefulness from the facts, that in its catalogue of 1S30.
are enumerated as growing in its garden, 3,400 varieties of hardy
edible fruits, and 58 varieties of nuts, exclusive of 89 varieties ofthe
fig, 182 of the grape, 56 of the pine apple, and 131 of the melon ;

IMPROVEMENT IN HORTICULTURE. 461

nearly all of the four last named being cultivated in houses, with the
aid of glass and artificial heat, — makini; an aggregate of about 4,000
varieties of fruits, which administer to the sustenance of man, inde-
pendent of ornamental plants, which exercise a benign influence upon
his mental enjoyments. The fruits in this garden have been classi-
fied, as it regards size and quality, — their form, color, use and time
of maturity noted, and their catalogue thus affords a guide in the
selection of fruits for the climate to which they may be transferred
for cultivation.

Enterprise in the acquisition of new fruits, and new plants, has not
been confined to the London Horticultural Society. European gov-
ernments, Horticultural societies, opulent amateur florists, and pro-
fessional nursery-men, have sent their agents into remote parts of
the world ; — and the towering mountains of Asia, the Isles of the
Eastern Archipelago, the burning sands of Africa, the inhospitable
regions of Siberia, and the wilds of America, have been alike ex-
plored, for valuable and rare plants, to subserve our wants, and ad-
minister to our pleasures. The fruits of all their laborious research-
es lie within our reach, and a prominent object of this association is
to transfer to the valley of the Hudson such of them as may be found
to administer to the wants and comforts of its population.

We are particularly indebted to the Flemings, for a great number of
excellent new varieties of the pear. To the labors of Dr Van Mons>
of the University ofLouvain, an amateur pomologist, we are indebt-
ed for about 400 new and excellent varieties of this esteemed fruit
some of which are in eating through the circle of the year. The
late Mr Knight, till his death, president of the London Horticultu-
ral Society, also produced many new and excellent varieties of fruits
by artificial fecundation. Samples of several of the new fruits thus
produced by Mr Knight and Dr Van Mons are now exhibited upon
your table.

From the comparatively restricted means of a new country, gar-
dening has with us been limited to the useful, seldom aspiring to taste
and elegance. But even in the useful branch we have ample room
for improvement. We have no great central point for collecting
and comparing the indigenous fruits of our country, and for dissem-
inating the excellent through our land. Of the apple, plum and
peach, it is believed we have as fine native varieties as are grown in
the world, and yet they are but partially known and but partially

462 IMPROVEMENT IN HORTICULTURE.

enjoyed. Individual exertions are too limited and feeble to effect
the desired object. It can only be done by the combined exertions
of many, influenced by a common impulse, and directed to a common
end. In this age, no great good can be effected in any branch of
public improvement, without the concentrated exertions of associate
bodies The garden culture of fruits and esculent vegetables, has
hardly yet commenced in many districts of our valley, while in other
districts the culture is but imperfectly understood — the relative mer-
its of different varieties are not appreciated, are their value, in pro-
moting the health, economy and comforts of a family, unknown or
disregarded. Few of the fine varieties of fruit, or of the other
choice products of the garden, are seen in passing through our coun-
try. Yet twenty years has done much to improve our Horticulture;;
and we have abundant reason to anticipate far greater improvements
in the twenty years to come.

How few of our garden products, which are now considered, at
least in imagination, indispensable to our wants, and the natural pro-
ducts of our country. Hardly one in twenty is indigenous in our
soil. Our fathers have been collecting them, and we have been col-
lecting them, through the lapse of centuries ; and yet, how compar-
atively small is our stock compared with what Providence has pro-
vided for the wants and comforts of man. We are strangers to many
that grow naturally in our country. And as to varieties, na-
ture and art are every year multiplying to them, under the same laws
that multiply the breeds- of our domestic animals, and that are di-
versifying the human countenance. Did our gardens contain only
the plants that are indigenous to our country, the supply would in-
deed be scanty. But Horticulture has laid almost every clime,
and every country, under contribution, to administer to our wants,
and to gratify our senses. Most of our grains, and a large portion of
our fruits, and esculent roots, derive their origin from other coun-
tries. The greatest part of them came to us from Great Britain and
Holland, which received them from Italy, Italy from Greece, and
Greece from Asia. Rye and wheat are indigenous in Siberia and
Little Tartary ; rice is the natural product of Ethiopia ; buckwheat
of Asia ; kidney beans of the East Indies ; the beet and onion, of
Spain and Portugal. Peas came from the South of Europe, arti-
chokes from Brazil, peppers and cucumbers from India ; the egg

IMPROVEMENT IN HORTICULTURE. 463

plant from Africa ; the tomato from South America ; the pumpkin
from Astracan ; the ruta-baga from Sweden ; the Cauliflower from
Cyprus ; and the asparagus from Asia. Our fruits originated in
countries equally remote from each other. Without pretending to
decide upon the disputed question, whether all the cultivated apples
have originated from the wild crab, or whether any of our good va-
rieties exissted here when our shores were first visited by Europeans,
I can say this much, that we have esteemed varieties of this fruit
now under culture, which originated on the banks of the Po and the
Danube, of the Rhine and the Oder, of the Seine and the Thames,
and on the shores of the Baltic and C:ispian. The peach came from
Persia ; the plum from Syria ; the cherry from Pontus ; the quince
from Austria; the almond from Barbary and China, and the pear
from Europe. Our pot-herbs and cultivated medicinal plants, are
also most of them exotics ; parsley is from Sardinia, pursley from
South America, nasturtium from Peru, thyme fro.-n Spain, sage
from the south of Europe, savory from France, marjorum from
Sicily, rhubarb from Asia, and balm from Switzerland. So also of
our flowering shrubs and plants ; the pink, the daffodil, and narcis-
sus, are from Italy, the dahlia from Mexico, the ranunculus and
anemone, from Cappadocia ; the hyderange, balsam and camellia
from China and Japan ; the tulip and hyacinth from the Levant :
the tuberose from Ceylon, and our finest peonies from the ''Celes-
tial Empire." And of trees we are indebted to the north of Asia for
the ornamental horse-chesnut, and to the Indian islands, for the
towering ailanthus. These are but a small portion of the contribu-
tions which Horticulture has gathered from foreign lands, for our
convenience and pleasure ; and every year adds to the list new gen-
era, species and varieties. Providence seems to have apportioned
its bounties among the different nations, as if to admonish them of
their mutual dependence upon each other, and to excite in them a
spirit of christian philanthropy and benevolence.

Private gardens of great extent and beauty abound in most of the
countries ofEurope, and they are maintained at a princely expense.
In these not only hardy fruits and vegetables are forced to early ma-
turity, by artificial means, but most of the tropical fruits are brought
to perfection, by the aid of hot-houses and walls. Strawberries, i"
this way, are produced for the table in April, melons in May, grapes
and peaches in June, and pine apples at almost every season. It is

464 IMPROVEMENT IN HORTICULTURE.

assumed, that in Britain, a gentleman may derive from his garden,
with the aid of glass and artificial heat, a more varied and richer
dessert, throughout the year, than is to be met with on the most lux-
urious tables in any other country. And yet the summers of Eng-
land are so cool, that the peach, grape, melon, &-c., requires the pro-
tection of a wall or glass, to bring them to maturity ; and even our
fine Spitzenburgh apple does not ripen well there without a wall.
Gardens of this description, though generally on a limited scale, may
be found in the vicinage of our commercial towns, and will doubt-
less be multiplied as we advance in wealth and horticultural im-
provement. These cases of high improvement, or rather extravagant
refiiieraent, in horticulture, are not mentioned as models for genera'
imitation. They indicate an expenditure, which few here can prudent-
ly indulge in if they would. Yet where there is the ability, and a dis-
position to extravagant expenditure, it may be indulged in, in horti-
culture with advantage rather than prejudice, to public morals and
public usefulness. The examples to which we refer, furnish models
of improvement, which we are at liberty to adopt on any scale that
shall comport with our desires and our means.

Public nurseries which belong to Horticulture, are highly useful
to all communities in which they are located. They serve to intro-
duce and concentrate the vegetable productions of every country,
which are likely to subserve our wants or administer to our rational
gratification. The interchanges which take place between those of
Europe and America, are now managed with such facility, that a
new fruit, or a new flowering plant, which attracts notice, and ac-
quires value, on one continent, in a year or two becomes common in
the nurseries of the other. The numerous horticultural periodicals
of the two continents, make us early acquainted with whatever is
new or valuable in either, and a single season serves to propagate
and to disseminate the desirable plant on both. In this way we
have been enabled to obtain the fine new varieties of Flemish and
French pears, in many instances before they had fruited in Eng-
land. The dahlia, in its natural single flower, was first introduced
into France, in 1801, and subsequently into England. The skill of
the horticulturist has since transformed ti into a double flower, and
imparted to it all the colors and tints which are gratifying to the hu_
man eye. This ornament of the garden, which is now found at all
our nurseries, is termed by common consent, " The King," as the

IMPROVEMENT IN HORTICULTURE.

465

rose has been called the " Q,ueen of Flowers." And as regards
fruits — I was instrumental in bringing into notice, seven or eight
years ago, a fine new apple, the Jonathan, grafts of which I forward-
ed to Europe. Five years ago I noticed it in the catalogue of the
Lon. Ilort. Society, with the names of many other ofourlocal fruits
which I sent, and also in catalogues from the Island of Jersey, and
from Hamburgh. The stroat apple which I sent at the same time
had produced fruit in 1830, in the Lon. Hort. garden, and was class-
ed, as it deserved to be, among the first quality of apples. The
ailanthus was first brought to our country eight or ten years ago, by
one of our consuls, from farther India, and it is now growing, I be-
lieve, in almost every state of the Union.

As having particular relation to those who depend upon market
gardens for horticultural productions, for daily use, I take occasion
to remark, that the quality of market garden productions depend ma-
terially on the judgment and liberality of the buyer. The object of
the gardener is profit ; and so long as the purchaser regards the
price rather than the quality, he will continue to raise those varieties
which give him the greatest products, which are generally those of
inferior quality. The difference in the varieties of the same veget-
able are manifestly great. This exists not only in their flavor, but
in their nutritious and healthful properties : some varieties particu-
larly fruits, being absolutely prejudicial, while other varieties of the
same species, are highly conducive to health. In the potato, for in-
stance, the difference in nutritive matter amounts to nearly a half in
different varieties. Some of the coarser kinds yield but 14 and 16
per cent, of nutritive matter ; while some of the finer kinds have
given 28 per cent. And it is worth regarding, that good quality is al-
most inseparably connected with grateful flavor.

Horticulture as an employment, is highly conducive to the health-
ful vigor of the body, and to an agreeable exercise of the mind.
The labor it demands, is neither severe in degree, nor monotonously
tiresome in kind. It affords continued change and variety. The
interesting objects of which it has cognizance, — as the germination
of the seed, the development of the leaf, the growth of the stock
and branches, the expansion of the flower, the swelling, maturing
and gathering of the fruit, and the diversity of foliage, flowers and
fruit, of the various vegetable families under its care, present to the
mind, capable of appreciating and admiring the beauties of the veg-
etable kingdom, a succession of the most agreeable sensations.
59

466 IMPROVEMENT IN HORTICULTURE.

As a recreation, Horticulture offers all the pleasures I have enu-
merated, without the fatigues which accompany its manual opera-
tions. What more grateful, to the sedentary and the studious, or to
him who is habitually involved in the mercenary cares of business,
than the relaxation afforded by a well kept garden, which exhibits to
the senses the fragrance, the beauty, the order and harmony, which
Providence has imparted to the vegetable kingdom. Here is nothing
to awaken jealously, to excite distrust, to beget envy — or to inflame
any of the grosser passions ; but every object is calculated to tran-
quillize the mind, to soften down the asperities of his nature, and to
beget, towards his fellow beings, feelings of kindness, philanthropy
and love.

As a science, Horticulture is rich in stores of intellectual wealth
and usefulness. It embraces glossology, which teaches the names
of parts of plants ; phitography, or the nomenclature and des-
cription of plants : taxonomy, or their classificalion ; vegetable or-
ganology or the external structure of plants ; vegetable anatomy, or
their internal structure ; vegetable chemistry, or primary principles
of plants; vegetable pathology, or the diseases and casualties of veg-
etable life ; vegetable geography and history, or the distribution of
vegetables, relatively to earth and toman ; and the origin »f culture,
derived from the study of vegetables.

It also embraces the study of the natural agents of vegetable
growth and culture, — as earth, soils, and manures ; the agency of
light, electricity, heat and water, in vegetable culture, and of the
atmosphere in vegetable development.

Whether we regard Horticulture as an art, or a science ; whether
we consider it as administering to our wants, convenience and pleas-
ures, or as promotive of health and useful knowledge, — it has high
claims to our notice and regard.

I present upon your table, for examination, gentlemen, more than
one hundred named varieties of the apple snd pear, collected from my
grounds, which twenty years ago were a barren waste ; and I might
have added many others of doubtful or inferior character. Those
presented have all been recommended as superior fruits, at the sea-
son of maturity, either for the dessert, the kitchen, for preserves, or
for cider. They are the natural products of the northern and mid-
dle states, of Canada — and of Russia, Germany, France, the Neth-
erlands, and Great Britain. They include of course only late autumn

IMPROVEMENT IN HOKTICULTURE. 467

and winter varieties. Yet these fruits form but a small portion of
the kinds which are to be found in our valley — much less in our
country. Though we have a great many good kinds, there must be
but comparative few that can be denominated excellent or best. The
only way to determine which are the best, is to bring the different
varieties together, and to judge of them comparatively, at the season
of their maturity. How desirable it is, that when starting in our
pomological career — when selecting the fruits that are to admin-
ister to our enjoyment and our profit, through life, we be able to se"
lect the best kinds ? But who is now a competent judge in these
matters? What individual knows the comparative merits of half
or a quarter, of the fruits which abound in our land ? Not one
among us, I venture to say. How shall we then acquire the requis-
ite knowledge ? We have at present no competent guide to direct
us in the selection. Individual effort is incompetent to the labor of
classifying and describing all our best fruits. It can only be effect-
ed here, as it has been done in England, by the joint efforts of an
association — by bringing together the various kinds, testing their
qualities, and establishing a standard of their relative merit, for the
various uses for which they are adapted. This subject is so deeply
connected with the comfort of all classes of our citizens — of the
buyer as well as the cultivator of fruit — that I venture to recommend
it to the early attention of the association.

The introduction of new and valuable varieties of fruits, seeds and
ornamental plants, from different sections of our own country, as
well as from the old world, should also engage our early attention.
Many facilities present for effecting this. First, by a correspondence,
and interchange of plants, seeds and fruits, with horticultural
associations at home and abroad. Secondly, through the depot es-
tablished at Washington, under the direction of an enthusiastic
friend of rural improvement, H. L. Ellsworth, Esq., the commis-
sioner of the Patent Office. Thirdly, through our naval, commer-
cial and travelling citizens. Our corresponding Secretary, who has
tendered his resignation in consequence of being about to take up
his residence for some years in France, has kindly tendered his ser-
vices in this behalf — and his services there in forwarding the objects
of the association, may be rendered extensively useful. After all,
much, very much, will depend upon our individual exertions. If we
show a spirit to go ahead, and to be useful to the community, assis-

468 IMPROVEMENT IN HORTICULTURE.

tance will be tendered from every quarter. But only those who do
exert themselves, can, or ought to expect assistance from others.
We must put our own shoulders to the wheel, before we can call up-
on Hercules. We can render this association pleasant and useful
to ourselves, and highly beneficial to the public, if we but resolve to
do so. But unless we set out and persevere, in the resolution to do
so, we had better suffer the association to die in embryo, and to for-
get that we had the ambition to be useful in promoting horticultural
improvement, but lacked the resolution and the spirit to carry out
our laudable design.

In conclusion — to the gentlemen who have interested themselves
in getting up this exhibition, and particularly those of a sister state,
whose contributions of superior fruits and flowers afford the strong-
est incentive to perseverance on our part, I feel myself authorized
to tender the grateful acknowledgments of the association. A mul-
tiplicity of circumstances, and I may say of misapprehensions, com-
bined with protracted bad weather, have tended very much to dimin-
ish the interest of our first exhibition ; and yet I believe I may ven-
ture to say, that there has never on any occasion, been collected in
our state, a greater number of excellent varieties of fruit, or finer sam-
ples, that has been exhibited on this occasion ; and although the sea-
son has been highly unpropitious to the floral department, yet the
exhibition of fine dahlias, the favorite flower of the season, has been
peculiarly brilliant. We have no reason to despond, but much to
induce perseverance and renewed exer.tion. We have laid the found-
ation of improvement in that branch of industry which administers
largely to the wants and elegancies of life. We can rear the super-
structure. We can deserve success, though we cannot command it.
And even the high satisfaction of doing this, is a consoling, if not sat-
isfying reflection, to him who derives pleasure in laboring for the
public good .

469

Art. III. — Cultivation of the Strawberry.

The number of varieties of tliis delicious fruit enumerated in
catalogues, are very numerous. The late President Knight consid-
ed them all as having originated from one species, while others re-
gard them as properly divisible into several species. Passing from
the notice of these, it may be useful to cultivators in this country to
give brief description of the different classes into which the numer-
ous varieties are divided. Mistakes in names are frequent, and this
may assist in rectifying them.

Class I, includes scarlet strawberries, and the general character
is thus described by Loudon : — " Leaves nearly smooth, dark
green, of thin texture, with sharp pointed serratures ; the fruit
mostly of small size, and bright color, with the seeds more or less
deeply imbedded between ridged intervals ; the|flavor acid, with
slight perfume." Examples, Roseberry, Methven Scarlet or Meth-
ven Castle, Old Scarlet, &c.

Class II. Black Strawberries. — The General character is,
" leaves rugose, (or swollen between the veins,) pale green, and
small ; fruit conical with a neck ; seed slightly imbedded ; flavor
rich and highly perfumed." Examples, Downton, Pitmaston black,
Elton seedling.

Class III. Pine Strawberries. — Leaves almost smooth, dark
green, of firm texture, with obtuse serratures ; flowers large ; fruit
large, varying from almost white to purple ; seeds prominent on
a smooth surface ; flavor sweet and often perfumed. Examples
Keen's seedling, Carolina, Mulberry, Southborough seedling.

Class IV. Chile .Strawberries. — " liCaves very villous, hoary,
with small leafets of thick texture, with very obtuse serratures ; fruit
large; seeds prominent; flesh insipid in the True Chile, and more
or less so in the varieties which have originated from it." Example,
Wilmot's Superb.

Class V. Hautbois. — "Leaves tall, pale green, rugose; scapes
tall and strong ; fruit middle-sized, pale greenish white, tinged with
dull purple ; flesh solid and musky."

Class VI. Green Strawberries. — Characterised as the Fragaria
collina and F. viridis of botanists, the varieties of which are little
known and not of much value.

Class VII. Alpine or Wood Strawberries. — Characterised as F.

470 CULTIVATION OF THE STRAWBERRY.

semperjlorens and F. vesca. Examples, Red and White Alpine, Red
and White Wood.

The following are descriptions of some best varieties :
Old Scarlet. — Early Scarlet, or Early Virginia ; fruit middle-
sized, globular, of a very light scarlet color, seeds deeply imbedded,
flesh pale, and very highly-flavored. Although not a great bearer, yet
highly deserving of cultivation, as it ripens several days earlier than
any other.

Grove End Scarlet, or Atkinson's Scarlet. — Fruit large, round-
ish, somewhat hemispherical, brilliant scarlet, flesh pale, with an
agreeble sub-acid flavor. Remarkable for the wide serratures of its
leaves. A good bearer and early.

Roseherry. — Fruit large, conical, with a very short neck, dark
red ; flesh firm, pale scarlet, with a rich flavor. An abundant and
long-continuing bearer.

Methven. — Fruit very large, round, sometimes coxcomb shaped,
bright scarlet ; flesh pale and not firm ; flavor good, but not so
rich as the preceding. Sometimes weighs upwards of half an
ounce.

Downton, or Knight's seedling. — Fruit large, with a neck, often
assuming a coxcomb shape, dark purplish scarlet ; flesh scarlet, firm,
with a rich, juicy, and high flavor ; a good bearer, ripening late.
Requires good culture.

Elton Seedling. — Fruit large, ovate, often compressed or cox-
comb shaped, and not filled at the end of the berry, shining, dark
red ; flesh fine deep red, firm, juicy, with a sharp rich flavor ; fruit
on long footstalks, frequently projecting above the foliage ; ripens
late ; must be allowed to remain on the stem till it become very dark
colored, to avoid too great acidity.

Keen^s Seedling. — This variety requires protection in the winter
by a covering of straw, and is somewhat difficult of cultivation ; but
when it succeeds well, it is an abundant bearer, and has a very fine
appearance. The fruit is very large, ovate, the largest of a cox-
comb shape, dark shining red, especially next the sun ; flesh scarlet,
firm, of a rich and agreeable flavor ; ripens rather early in the sea-
son. It is considered the best strawberry for forcing.

Wilmot's Superb, is only to be recommended for its great size ;
the fruit is round or irregularly ovate, sometimes compressed, pale

CULTIVATION OF THE STRAWBERRY. 471

scarlet, shining ; seeds projecting ; flesh pale red, nearly white, and
wooly at the centre ; flavor moderate.

Prolific or Conical Hauthois, Hudson's Bay, double bearing
Musk, or Spring Grove. Fruit medium size, (large for this class)
conical, very dark dull red, inclining to purple on the sunny side ;
flesh greenish, rather dry, but of a rich and highly perfumed flavor.
An abundant bearer. Considered by some as the finest of straw-
berries. According to the London Horticultural Society's Cata
logue, " of all strawberries, the hautbois are most variable." They
certainly retain a general character, from which they naturally do
not depart ; but constancy of character in varieties, denominated as
distinct, is but little to be depended upon ; the fruit will occasionally
change from globular to ovate, and the contrary, while fertile plan-
tations will produce runners that may, perhaps, be sterile, and seed-
lings, many of which will certainly prove so. The latter ought to
be carefully looked after and extirpated, which can be only effectu-
ally done in plantations newly formed while the plants are single,
and at the time they are in blossom. It is also necessary to observe,
that in all the sorts of hautbois here enumerated, there exist both
the Prolific, and also these sterile plants commonly called Males,
which have long stamens. The latter. ought, in all cases, to be cer-
tainly destroyed." The sterile flowers are distinguished in all the
varieties of the hautbois by their long stamens, except in the Proli-
Jic, which also has long stamens ; from this they are distinguished
by their smaller flowers, and imperfect fructification. Thompson in
Loudon's Encyclopedia of gardening, says : " I believe there is no
such thing as distinct plants of male and female hautbois. Stamens
and pistils are to be found in either a perfect or imperfect state in
every individual flower. Lnperfection generally takes place in the
pistil, together with the receptacle. To see that these are sound is
all that is necessary to be attended to."

Red Alpine. — Fruit the largest of this class, conical, red ; flesh
sweet and high flavored. Bears abundantly in suitable soils and
situations, from early in summer till late in autumn. We have seen
a dish of them on the table picked the first day of the twelth month
(December.) The white alpine is similar to the preceding, except
the fruit is white instead of red. These two varieties are frequently
grown promiscuously together.

The Red Wood and White Wood resemble the alpine, but the
fruit is smaller and rounder.

472 CULTIVATION OF THE STRAWBERRY.

The Bush Alpine is distinguished by not spreading by runners.

It is not so good a bearer as the red and white running alpine, nor

is the fruit quite as good.

The following is nearly the order of succession in which the

preceding varieties ripen, except the alpines, which continue in

succession.

Old Scarlet, Prolific Hautbois,

Grove End Scarlet, Wilraot's Superb,

Roseberry, Downton,

Keen's Seedling, Elton Seedling.

Methven.

Modes of Propagation. — Strawberries multiply rapidly during
their growth, by runners from the parent plant, which, rooting at
every joint, form numerous new plants. To form new plantations,
these need only to be removed to the bed where they may flourish.
This work may be done any time in autumn, or early in the spring ;
the latter is best. If done in autumn, care should be taken that the
plants are not thrown out by frost, especially on heavy soils. This
may be prevented by treading the soil closely about the roots before
the ground becomes frozen. Such beds will bear some fruit the
summer following the transplanting, and will furnish an abundant
supply the second season. The alpines produce well in one year.

The only exception to this mode of increasing, is the Bush
Alpine, which never increase by runners; the only way of propa-
gating this variety, is by dividing the root, and transplanting as
above described.

Strawberries are only propagated from seed for producing new
varieties, except the woods and alpine, which, says Loudon, " come
regular from seed, bring a finer fruit than from offsets."

Soil and Situation. — The best soil for the strawberry is a deep
rich loam, though they will succeed and bear on any soil which is
fertile. The situation should be open and well exposed to light and
air. They succeed very well when planted in single rows as edg-
ings. The alpine and wood strawberries may be placed in a more
shady situation than others; it is during hot and dry seasons of the
year that they are intended chiefly for bearing. They are conse-
quently well adapted to edgings for shrubbery. When the soil is
rich, the advantage of employing strawberries for edging is great, as

CULTIVATION OF THE STRAWBERRY. 473

they succeed in such soils much better when ia single rows than
when crowded together in a bed.

General Culture. — A very general error is to plant too near to-
gether, especially if the soil be fertile and well prepared. Thorough
culture is by far the best, at the same time that it is, ultimately the
cheapest method. It is true that on common rich garden soils, a bed
may be transplanted which will produce fine fruit and good crops with
little care after they are once prepared ; we have known beds to yield
plentifully which were almost untouched for years, not even having
been weeded, the thick growth of the strawberry keeping down,
in a great measure every thing else. But by the following thorough
mode, or one similar, practised by Keens, of Isleworte, in England,
who first raised the celebrated variety known as Keens' seedling,
the greatest amount of fruit may doubtless be obtained for the care
and labor expended, while the quality would be greatly superior.
The soil for this mode of culture, should be trenched eighteen inches
to two feet deep, and mixed with decomposed stable manure ; if the
subsoil be somewhat sterile, it should not be thrown to the surface.
The ground should be prepared at least a month before transplant-
ing. " The best way," says Keens, " to obtain new plants, is, by
planting out runners in a nursery, for the express purpose, in the
previous season ; for it is a very bad plan to supply new plantations
from old plants." The distances of the rows asunder are about two
feet and eighteen inches in the row, for the large varieties, as Meth-
ven and Keen's seedling ; the smaller varieties may be a little near-
er. This distance may seem too great, but it is necessary for sun,
air and culture. " These large distances," says Keens, I find
necessary ; for the trusses of fruit in my garden ground arefre-
quenly afoot long." This fact is a sufficient proof of the excel-
lence of this mode of culture. " After the beds are planted, I al-
ways keep them as clear of weeds as possible, and on no account
allow any crop to be planted between the rows. Upon the growing
of the runners, I have them cut when necessary ; this is usually
three times in each season. In the autumn I always have the rows
dug between ; for I find it refreshes the plants materially ; and I
recommend it to those persons to whom it may be convenient, to
scatter in the spring, very lightly, some loose straw or long dung
between the rows. It serves to keep the ground moist, enriches the
strawberry, and forms a clean bed for the trusses of fruit to lie
60

474 ARTIFICIAL MANURE.

upon ; and thus by a little extra trouble and cost, a more abundant
crop may be obtained. A short time before the fruit ripens, I always
cut off the runners, to strengthen the root; and after the fruit is
gathered, I have what fresh runners have been made, taken off by a
reaping hook, together with the outside leaves around the main plant,
after which I rake the beds, then hoe them again. In the autumn,
unless the plants appear very strong, I have some dung dug between
the rows, but if they are very luxuriant the dung is not required ;
or in some rich soils it would cause the plants to turn nearly all to
leaf. I have also to remark, that the dung used for manure, should
not be too far spent ; fresh dung from the stable door is preferable to
spit dung, which many persons are so fond of."

In England, where the climate is much more moist and less hot
than here, decided advantages are found in watering strawberries
during hot weather.

Beds, once prepared, generally continue in a good bearing state
from three to five years. — Genesee Farmer.

Art. IV. — Artificial Manure.

The Horticultural and Agricultural Societies of Paris have lately
been directing their attention to the value of the receipt left by M.
Jauffret, for making artificial manure. It was at the request of the
minister of agriculture, that the Royal and Central Society of the
Seine undertook the examination of this question : and M. Quenard
having about the same time laid before the society two modes of fab-
ricating manure, different from M. Jauffret's plan, it was determined
to compare the respective plans together, and determine on their
relative utility. M. Quenard is secretary of the Agricultural Soci-
ety of Montargis, and is esteemed as an experienced cultivator. One
of his maaures is a species of compost, and the other is analogous in
principle to the preparation of M, Jauffret. As this subject is con-
sidered of great importance in France, we have thought fit to lay
before our readers a concise account of M. Quenard's method of
proceeding, premising that the commissioners appointed by the
Royal Society of Paris have not yet given in their report.

ARTIFICIAL MANURE. 475

The mode of preparing the compost ia simple enough :

lat. A layer of green stuff taken from a pond.

2d. A layer of quick-lime, ashes, and soot.

3d. A layer of straw and green grass.

4th. A layer of quick-lime, ashes, and soot.

These layers are repeated until they reach a cart load at least.
Holes are then made through the several layers, and a quantity of
water is introduced, sufficient to saturate the mass, and cause a
thorough mixture of the vegetable matters with the alkaline and
sooty substances. According to M. Q,uenard this produces a per-
fect compost. The second preparation differs from the other, inas-
much as the dissolution of the alkaline substances are first obtained
by means of a prepared lye, which is used to saturate the matters
which are to be transformed into manure. The following are the
proportions to be used in turning 1500 lbs. of straw into manure.
In a vessel possessing greater breadth than depth, pour in —

1st. 800 pints of common water.

2d. 125 pints of oven ashes, if they can be procured, as they have
the property of potash to some extent ; if not, you must use the com-
mon ashes.

3d. 75 pints of soot, if possible from kitchen chimney, for this
soot contains more of animal matter, and is more soluble in water.
This mixture must then be well stirred up, and made to incor-
porate.

4th. 20 pints of powerful lime, which must be first slacked with
the usual quantity of water.

The whole of this must now be well stirred together again, so as
to insure a perfect amalgamation of the several matters. From time
to time, during twentyfour hours, this mixing must be renewed, and
at the end of that time the dissolution of the whole will be effected.
This liquid will be found exceedingly powerful, and capable of pro-
ducing fermentation. Plunge into this liquid, while moved quickly
about, in order to hold suspended the insoluble particles which usu-
ally settle at the bottom, the quantity of vegetable substances, which
it is desirable to turn into manure — no matter whether they are dry
or green, easy to be dissolved or refractory, in with them. When
they shall have been well saturated with the liquid, place them in a
trench prepared beforehand, with a channel through the side, to let
the superfluous moisture run off. This you can receive in vessels,
as it will be of use again. As many layers of the stuff thus perfectly

476 ROTAL PHILIPODENDRON.

wetted may be placed as may be required. Care must be taken to
stir the liquid well, each time that new vegetable substances are
put in. As each layer is put on the heap, it should be well beaten
down. The more the whole mass is united together, the quicker
will be the result. At the farthest, the delay never exceeds sixteen
or eighteen days, according to the temperature of the place. The
heat may be increased, and the fermentation quickened, by sur-
rounding the heap with whatever substances may be lying about.
At the end of three or four days, the heap is wetted with the liquid,
from time to time, up to the sixteenth or eighteenth day, when the
manure is found ready for use. It is important to preserye a certain
quantity of the first preparation, to mix with the mass afterwards, to
promote fermentation. Time and quality will both be gained in this
manner. This part of the liquid thus preserved may be considered,
for manure-making, what mother is in vinegar, yeast in beer, or
baum for baking. M. Q-uenard declares, that he has for years tried
this preparation, and that it never, by any chance, has been found
to fail. We place it before our readers, leaving them to try the
experiment on a small scale. — London Horticultural Journal.

Art. V. — Royal Phllipodendron, — Philipodendrum Regium.

This plant is a native of Nepaul, and was introduced into France
by M. Noisette, who met with it in England. He placed it where
it is now growing, in the Jardin des Plantes, at Paris. The root
which he brought over was set in an earthen pot as a greenhouse
plant. After ten years, notwithstanding the care he had taken with
it, it was only three feet high. M. Noisette, who had multiplied it
by slips, distributed it amongst the trade under the name of Betula
bella, and perhaps some few amateurs may possess it under that title.
M. Noisette, having planted a root in the open ground, in a large
tub, it became in a few years a tree of great height. On the 15th
of August, 1837, M. Poiteau, who noticed its extraordinary devel-
opment, perceived that it was sending forth several bunches of
flowers : and after along and mature examination, he was convinced
that this tree must furnish a new species different from all those

ROYAL PHILIPODENDRON. 477

hitherto known, and very difficult to class among the natural fami-
lies already established. He applied for and obtained permission to
dedicate it to the head of the reigning dynasty, Louis Philippe I.

This tree has a most particular and remarkable growth. It re-
mains for the first ten years under the form of a small bush, with-
out showing any inclination to rise ; then it all of a sudden assumes
a new shape and becomes a most beautiful tree.

At the first period it is like a thick bush, more wide than high,
with a number of branches striking out with a most remarkable
lightness, strength, and pliability, and which are susceptible of
being used as strings or ties of great solidity. A short time ago a
basket formed from its branches was presented to the Horticultural
Society. When the tree is young it has a light down on it, formed
with hairs in shape of stars varying in number and length. When
of adult age, it becomes a pyramidal tree and of very fine appear-
ance, but it is not yet known precisely to what height it may attain.
Its branches are well fixed, and their young buds are interspersed
with a sort of hair of a transparent white, of unequal length and
number from two to ten — similar hairs are found on the edges and
upper surface of the young leaves and the young fruits.

The flowers grow in a branchy basket shape : they are small, of a
greenish color, and dioecious, or more properly male on certain trees,
and female hermaphrodites on others. The first has not been yet
seen ; the last exhibits the characteristics mentioned above. M.
Poiteau, from whose notice this is taken, hopes that a male one will
spring forth sooner or later in our cultivation, and perhaps it exists
already in England. Notwithstanding the absence of it, he has dis-
covered sufficient to constitute a distinct species. He has most
learnedly discussed the place which it ought to hold in the natural
families ; and after having exposed the characters which bring it
near the malvaceous and rosaceous plants, as well as those others
that separate it from them, he proposes to consider it as the head of
a new genus, and to place it among the dombeyaceous and bythner-
iaceous plants.

In the north and centre of France, it appears that this tree ought
not to be grown in the open air, unless it can be protected from the
cold. But it would no doubt succeed in the southern departments,
where it would acquire the development which is natural to it, and
would furnish the thready fibres to its bark. Hitherto, it has only
been multiplied by cuttings. A mild and light soil suits it best.

478

To the Patrons of the Horticultural Register.

The publishers of the Horticultural Register and Gardener's Magazine, hereby
announce to those who have heretofore patronized this work, that "they have
come to the determination to discontinue it after the present number. We have
come to this conclusion from a number of considerations which will be unneces-
sary to lay before our readers ; we will, however, name some reasons, which
have had influence upon us.

1st. We publish, as most of the subscribers to the Horticultural Register
know, the JN. E. Farmer and Gardener's Journal a weekly paper, with an ex-
tensive circulation, devoted to Agriculture, ilorticulture, &c. We deem it there-
fore, unnecessary to continue two works which may be embraced in one. We
shall be happy to furnish those gentlemen who now subscribe for the Register,
with the N E. Farmer if not already taken.

2d. The price of the work is not sufficient to sustain it, without a large acces-
sion of subscribers, which cannot reasonably be expected, when there is so much
competition.

3d. The want of punctuality in many of its patrons, to pay for the work, is
another strong inducement to discontinue. jWe would not be understood by this,
however, that all the subscribers or a majority of them are delinquent ; far from
it, many of them have paid promptly, and they have our thanks, but there are
those, who have not paid a dollar since the commencement of the work — they
must not be surprised if we are after them shortly.

We publish below our prospectus for the N. E. Farmer, which we hope to
furnish to all who have taken the Register. The index to the 4th volume, will
be forwarded in a few days.

JOSEPH BRECK &, CO.

PROSPECTUS OF THE NEW ENGLAND FARMER, AND GARDEN-
ER'S JOURNAL,

Volume Seventeenth, — commencing Jwiy 11, 1838. Back numbers can be fur-
nished. Published by JositPU Breck & Co., Ab. 52, North Market Street,
Boston.

To THE Public.

The proprietors and publishers of the New England Farmer ask leave respect-
fully to present their claims upon the continued patronage of the agricultural
community. "Shall auld acquaintance be forgot.-"' The New England Far-
mer was commenced sixteen years ago by the late lamented Mr Fessenden.
The project of a newspaper devoted exclusively to the concerns and interest of
agriculture was at that time a project entirely novel in New England ; the suc-
cess of which was altogether questionable. He brought to it the treasures of
his practical knowledge ; his careful observation ; his varied experience ; and
his persevering and exact inquiry. It soon rose into public esteem, and contin-

NOTICE. 479

ued a favorite of the public until his death. The vast amount of learned, prac-
tical, and useful information contained in its volumes fully justify the patronage
which it has received ; as it is confidently believed that in this respect no work
has been more distinguished ; and the same number of volumes is not to be found
which are richer in varied, sound, useful, and practical knowledge.

No pains or labor have been spared since the death of this excellent friend of
the farming interest, this friend of every social interest, and every useful enter-
prise, to maintain the high character of this journal and to extend its usefulness.
These efforts, from the approbation generally expressed, have not been without
success ; and this success is an encouragement to persevere and to redouble these
efforts. This we promise ; and respectfully ask therefore the continued patron-
age of a reading, a working, and intelligent public.

The proprietors of the N. E. Farmer would scrupulously avoid any invidious
comparisons with other agricultural papers, and desire to enter into no competi-
tion or rivalry ; but they confidently believe that no paper of the same number
of pages, within the last year, has presented a larger amount of original matter
or of interesting practical intelligence ; and their selections have been made
from extensive facilities, both at home and abroad ; with as much judgment as
they can exercise.

They will continue to do their best. The Commissioner of Agricultural Sur-
vey will render all the aid consistent with his public engagements, and make it
the vehicle of all his communications with the public. The various agricultural
and horticultural societies in the state will present all their reports through its
pages ; and some of the best farmers in New England will continue to enrich
its columns with their valuable contributions.

The proprietors hold in utter disdain all mean arts, intrigues or misrepresenta-
tions or fallacious promises with a view to obtain patronage. These would
be wholly inconsistent with the principles and character which the Farmer has
always maintained.

The Farmer hitherto has been eminently a family paper. Its pages have never
been stained with a statement, sentiment, or expression, which would raise a
blush of shame on the cheek of modesty, or infuse a poison in the uncorrupted
mind. We pledge ourselves that in all these respects it shall not forfeit its high
reputation.

Having been the pioneer of agricultural improvement and intelligence in the
State and country, and without the inclination if it had the power, to drive others
from the field, it respectfully asks only a reasonable portion of the harvest of
which it sowed the seed, and in regard to which has performed its full share in
the cultivation of the crop.

The New England Farmer and Gardener's Journal is published weekly in
quarto form, making a handsome volume of 416 pages with an index, at two
dollars and fifty cents, in advance, or three dollars at the close of the year.

Editors of papers with whom we exchange will do us a favor to publish this
communication.

Boston, Dec. 26, 1838.

480

QUINCY MARKET.

[Reported for the Horticultural Register.]

APPl ES, common, bnshel,

barrel,

Baldwin, do.

Golden Pippin, do.

Greening, do.

Russett, do.

BEANS, bushel,

BEETS, do.

BROCCOLI, - - head,

CABBAGES, dozen,

CAULIFLOWER, head,

CELERY, root,

CRANBERRIES, bushel,

CHESNUTS, do.

CARROTS, do.

GRAPES, pound,

HORSERADISH, do.

GARLIC, do.

LEMONS, --.-■.-.. doz.

ORANGES, do.

ONIONS, White, bushel,

common, do.

PARSLEY, peck,

POTATOES, Common, barrel,

Chenangoes, ----- do.

Eastport, do.

Nova Scotia, do.

PEARS, Baking, do.

bushel,

RUTA BAGA, do.

SQUASH, Winter sorts, hundred,

SPINACH, half peck,

TURNIPS, bushel,

Boston, December 2(i, 1838.

50 to

75

1 50 to 2 00

2 00 to 2 50

3 00 to 4 00

2 00 to 2 50

2 00 to 2 25

1 75 to

2 00

50 to

75

12 to

25

50 to

75

12 to

25

6 to

12

1 50 to :

2 00

1 75 to 2 00

50 to

75

25

6 to

12

12 to

20

20 to

25

20 to

25

1 25 to 1 50

1 00

25

150

1 50 to 1

:75

2 00 to 2 50

1 50 to 1 75

4 50

1 50 to 2

:C0

37

50

150

17

25

25

37