UMASS/AMHERST 312066 0333 2995 1 LIBRARY OF THE MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE NO._3_82_34_ DATE J^_-_g.5.-i?»J2^ SO u RCE __Ca\.W^e-— 5.ymds_. -^ er >/.zl g^^K ^v JOURNAL ^ttpl %\i m& ^ttpl Sast% DEVOTED TO HOE.TICULTUEE, LANDSCAPE GARDENING, RURAL ARCHITECTURE, BOTANY, POMOLOGY, ENTOMOLOGY, RURAL ECONOMY, &c. ILLUSTRATED WITH NUMEROUS ENGRAVINGS. VOLUME XXI.— January to December 1866. J».SCB/ILO^-U ^ §m fork: PUBLISHED BY GEO. E. & F. W. WOODWARD, Ko. 37 PARK KOW, , 1866. y PRINTERS, per HT9 INDEX. For small paragraphs not indexed, see Editor's Table and Correspondence. A PAGE. A Trip to Vineland, N.J 20 A Discourse on Winter 65 Antirrhinum " Silver Belt," 76 A New Pear, " Mary," 78 Apples and Pears 91 Abbott Pear 109 About the Grape 129 Among the Raspberries 264 A Chat about Early Summer Apples,. 292 A brief retrospective View of the Past Season's Fruits 359 B Buerre Van IMons' Pear 42 Box or Basket Layers — their True Value and Proper Use 311 C Cleft Grafting Ill Cordon Dwarf Apple Trees 143 Designs in Rural Architecture, No. 13, 101 No. 14, 164 " " " No. 15, 196 " " " No. 16, 230 " " " No. 17, 260 " " " No. 18, 324 " " " No. 19, 356 136 Design for a Grape Arbor Design for a House for Drying Fruits . Discrepancies of the Grape Culture,. . Design for Country House or Parson- age , 68, Diagonal Training in Vineyard Culture 84, Disease of the Vine and its Remedy. . 167 39 132 106 237 PAGE. Esthetics of Rural Life 47 E. W. Bull on Grape Culture 202, 246 Early Fall Transplanting 271 Experience with Grape Seedlings,.... 337 F Fire on the Hearth 33 Flower Pots 43 February 58 Fowls Around a Country Home 178 Forcing Strawberries 215 G Grapes in 1865 10, 45 Gardens and Parks of Germany. . .17, 49, 87, 117 Gleanings 44, 119, 277, 313 Greely Prizes 89 Grape Cuttings from History 144 Glazed vs, Unglazed Flower Pots .... 181 Grapes at Avon Point 262 Grape Mildew versus the Essential Oils 270 Grapevine Mildew 307 Grape Memoranda 327 Growing Asparagus 339 Grapes in City Yards 340 Greely Prize on Grapes 341 Grapes in Kansas 357 H How to Remodel an Old Farmhouse. . 4 Heartt's Pippin 168 Horticultural Matters at the Hawaiian Islands 174 Hebe Pear igg Hints on Transplanting Evergreens. . . 201 Hicks' Apple 333 General Index. I PAGE, Inside Grape Borders 213, 242 Importing Englisli Sparrows 332 Ives' Seedling Grape 358 I. Longevity of Trees — . 13 Leaves 55 Letter to Cousin Selina— 11 248 Laws of Association in Ornamental Gardening 257, 289 Low-Priced Country Homes 300 Ladies' Ear-Drop Apple 359 Letter to Hugh Blank, Esq 368 m My Neighbors and Myself (.' Mildew and Grape Culture 103 Masten's Seedling Apple 110 Margaret Pear 172 My Neighbor and his Guu 176 Materials for Frame and Roof of Green- Houses 214 My Experience with Gooseberries. .. . 275 ^Ir. Neubert and the Essential Oils against Grapevine Mildew 365 New Hybrid Pink " Sarah Howard,". 22 Notes on the January Number, ...... 82 » February " 113 " March " 148 " April " 173 « May " 206 « .June " 244 " .July " 273 " August " 308 " September " 335 " October " 364 New Seedling Carnations 77 Notes on Grape Culture 151 Norton's Virginia Grape 232 New Strawberries 234 Notes on Raspberries and Currants. .. 272 Notes on Magnolias 3f)4 O PAGE. On not Doing x'\.ll at Once 1 Plan for Laying-Out an Acre Lot . . - . 16 Peach Trees in Pots 70 Plan for Improvement of Grounds . . 80, 134 Pears — General Totleben 138 " Emile D'Heyst 138 Planting Street Trees 141 Protection of Peach Trees in Winter, . 168 Plan for Laying-out a Square Acre Lot 170 Pots should be Drained 177 Plan for Laying- Out a Three Acre Lot 197 Plan for Laying-Out Five Acres for a Suburban Villa, 239 Plan for Laying-Out a Ten Acre Lot for Suburban Occupation 266 Pulverized Clay as a Remedy for Mil- dew on the Grapevine. 306 R Remodeling Old Buildings & Grounds, 36 Report on Grapes in Missouri during the Summer of 1865 115 Raising Grapes from Seeds 165 Ruskins' Cloud and Torrent 179 Rogers' Hybri d No. 4 Grape 325 S Should Plants be Crocked 149 Sir Thomas Brown's Garden of Cyrus, 208 Southward Ho ! Fruit Culture in the Southern States 240 Strawberry and Raspberry Notes .... 276 Street Shades 362 Sulphur and the Essential Oils 367 Salt as a Remedy for Pear Blight, 369 T The New Era in Grape Culture 52 The Circulation of the Sap in Trees.. 54 The Currant Worm 75 The Reading Pear 79 The Enemy 97 The Propagation of the Delaware, and other Hard-Wooded kinds of the Grape, Made Easy 140 General Index. v T PAGE. PAGE. Trees in Assemblages 193 Ventilation 161 The Canker "Worm 199 Varieties of Strawberries 225 The Original Red Beech Tree 204 The Campanula 210 ^^ The Delphiniums 268 ^^at Not to Do 12 The Birds of Brightside 305 Wharton's Early Pear 171 The Dorson Pear 334 Within Doors 321 The Orchard 353 Willis Sweeting 361 f nto to €0m^p0nd^nW, A H PAGE, PAGE. Author of " My Farm at Edgewood," 1 Henderson, Peter 12, 22, 76, 149 Author of "Ten Acres Enough,"... 6, 39 Husmann, Geo 52.115 A. D. G 65, 161, 193, 257, 290 Howatt, Gerald .' 70 A. S. F 176 Harney, Geo. E 101,164,196,230, Amon, Frank 292 260,324,356' Hobson, J. C 167 B Horticola 204,307,365 Houghton, J. S 213, 339 Baumann, E. A 80, 134, 136 Hicks, Isaac 276, 333, 334, 361 Balch, D. M 84,106 Burns, A. M 357 I ^ I.H 141 Tvins, E 337 Caywood, A. J 165 Cowan, James 177 J Chatauqua 201 j.^i,; j,i,„ H 168 Crmkshanks, Geo 215 j^^^^^^, ^ g 240 J. S.H 333 D.S.D Ill I. Downing, Charles 138,272 ^ , ,, „c T^ n 1 T^ e inn L. A. M 75 Dewey,Col.D.S ^ 199 ^^^^^.^^^ ^37 ^ Lewis, M. H 262 Elliott, F. R 129, 225, 264, 304, 325 ^' F Merrick, J. M., Jr 45, 202, 234, 246 Masten, C. R. C 110 Fuller,A.S 10 M. H. L 327 Perrand, E 143, 170, 197, 239, 266 P. R. E 178 " Fox Meadow, 242 Oakey, Rev. P. D 68, 132 CJ P Gridley, A. D 13 Parkman, P 210, 268 Index to Correspondents. vii PAGE. PAGE. Quinn,P.T 20 Tyrus, 275 Root, Prof. E. W 17, 49, 87, 117 Viticola 270. 306, 311. 367 Reid, J.S 144,148 Reid,S 181 W Ridgely, Charles W 340 Woodward, G.E 4, 36 S Waybridge, W 3C5 Slade, D.D 33,321 ^ Saunders, Wm 103 Sumner, W 198 Young, H. L 151 THE HORTICULTURIST VOL. XXT JANUARY, 1866. ,N0. CCXXXV. ON NOT DOING ALL AT ONCE. There are a great many ardently pro- gressive people who will be shocked by the caption under which I write. The current American theory is, that if a thing needs to be done, it should be done at once, — with rail-road speed, no matter whether it re- gards politics, morals, religion, or horticul- ture. And I wantonly take the risk of being condemned for an arrant conservative, when I express my belief that there are a great many good objects in life which are accomplished better by gradual progression toward them than by sudden seizure. I shall not stay to argue the point with re- spect to negro suffi-age, or female suffrage, or a temperance reformation, or the clear- ing-out of Maximilian's Mexican Imperial- ism,— which are a little removed from the horticultural arena, where our humbler questions are discussed, — but I shall urge a graduation and culmination of triumphs in what relates to rural life and its charms. One meets, from time to time, with a gentleman from the city, smitten with a sudden rural fancy, who is in eager search for a place "made to his hand,"' with the walks all laid down, the entrance- ways es- tablished, the dwarf trees regularly planted, the conservatory a-steam, and the crochet- ed turrets fretting the sky-line of the sub- urban villa. But I never heard of any such seeker after perfected beauties who was an enthusiast in country pursuits, or who did not speedily grow weary of his phantasy. He may take a pride in his cheap bargain; he may regale himself with the fruits and enjoy the vistas of his arbor ; but he has none of that exquisitely-wrought satisfac- tion which belongs to the man who has planted his own trees, who has laid down his own walks, and who has seen, year after year, successive features of beauty in shrub, or flower, or pathwaj^, mature under his ministering hand, and lend their at- tractions to the cumulating charms of his home. The man of capital, who buys into an established business, where the system is perfected, the trade regular and con- stant, the details unvaried, may very pos- sibly congratulate himself upon the security ExTEREB according to Act of Congress, in the year 1866, by Geo. E. & F. W. "WooDWAEn, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States, for the Southern District of New York. 1 The Horticulturist. of bis gains ; but he knows nothing of that ardent and intoxicating enthrallment which belongs to one who has grown up with the business— suggested its enterprises— shared its anxieties, and by thought, and struggle, and adventure, made himself a part of its successes. A man may enjoy a little complacency in wearing the coat of another, (if he gets it cheap,) but there can't be much pride in it. Therefore, I would say to any one who is thoroughly in earnest about a country home— make it for yourself. Xenophon, who lived in a time when Greeks were Greeks, advised people in search of a country place, to buy of a slatternly and careless farmer, since, in that event they might be sure of seeing the worst, and of making their labor and care, work the largest results. Cato,* on the other hand, who represented a more effeminate and scheming race, advised the purchase of a country home from a good farmer and judicious house-builder, so that the buyer might be sure of nice culture and equipments,— possibly at a bargain. It il- lustrates, I think, rather finely, an essen- tial difference between the two races and ages :— the Greek, earnest to make his own brain tell, and the Latin, eager to make as much as he could out of the brains of other people. I must say that I like the Greek view best. I never knew of an enthusiast in any pursuit,— whether grape growing, or literature, or ballooning, or politics,— who did not find his chiefest pleasure in fore- casting successes, not yet made, but only dimly conceived of, and ardently struggled for. The more enthusiasm, the more evi- dence, I should say, in a general way, of «ncompletion and apparent confusion. Show me a cultivator, whose vines are well trained by plumb and line, whose trees are every one planted mathematically *I shall make no apology for the introduction of these two heathen names, since both authors have written capitally well on subjects connected with hus- bandry and rural life. in quincunx order, whose dwarfs are all clipped and braced after the best pyramidal pattern, and 1 feel somehow that he is a fashionist, that he reposes, upon certain formulas beyond which he does not think it necessary to explore. But where I see, with an equal degree of attention, irreg- ularity and variety of treatment, — tendrils a-droop and fruit-spurs apparently neglect- ed,— I am not unfrequently impressed with the belief that the cultivator is regardless of old and patent truths, because their truth is proven, and because his eye and mind are on the strain toward some new development. When a good, kind horticultural gentle- man takes me by the button-hole, and tells me by the hour, of what length it is neces- sary to cut the new wood in order to in- sure a good start for the buds at the base, and how the sap has a tendency to flow strongest into the taller shoots, and other such truisms, which have been in the books these ten years, I listen respectfully, but cannot help thinking, — "my dear good sir, you will never set the river a-fire." Nor indeed do we want the river set on fire ; but we want progress. And all I have said thus far is but preliminary to the truth on which I wish to insist — that a grad- uated progress is essential to all rational enjoyment, whether in thing-s rural, christ- ian, or commercial. And for this reason I allege thatall things which are proper to be done about a country house, are not to be done at once. Half the charm of life in such a home, is in every week's and every season's succeeding devel- opments. If, for instance, my friend Lack- land, whose place I have described in pre- vious paper?, had found a landscape gardener capable of inaugurating all the changes I have described, and had established his garden, his mall, his shrubberies, and had made the cliff in the coriier nod with its blooming columbines, within a month after occupation, and established his dwarf pears in full growth and fruitage, there may have been a glad surprise; but the very com- On not all at once. pleteness of the change would have left no room for that exhilaration of spirits, with which we pursue favorite aims to their attainment. No trout-fisher, who is worthy the name, wants his creel loaded in the be- ginning ; he wants the pursuit — the alter- nations of hope and fear; the coy rest of his fly upon this pool — the whisk of its brown hackle down yonder rapid — its play upon the eddies where possibly some swift strike may be made — the sway of liis rod,, and the whiz of his reel under the dash of some struggling victim. It is a mistake, therefore, I think, to aim at the completion of a country home in a season, or in two, or some half a dozen. Its attractiveness lies, or should lie, in its prospective growth of charms. Your city horne — when once the architect, and plumber, and upholsterer have done their work, is in a sense complete, and the added charms must lie in the genial socialities and hospitalities with which you can invest it; but with a country home, the fields, the flowers, the paths, the hundred rural em- bellishments, may be made to develop a constantly recurring succession of attractive features. This year, a new thicket of shrub- bery, or a new gateway on some foot-path ; next year, the investment of some out-lying ledge with floral wonders ; the season after may come the establishment of a meadow, (by judicious drainage) where some ugly marsh has offended the eye ; and the suc- ceeding summer may show the redemption of the harsh briary up-land that you have scourged into fertility and greenness. This year, a thatched rooflet to some out-lying stile; next year, a rustic seat under the trees which have begun to offer a tempting shade. This year, the curbing of the limbs of some over-growing poplar; and next year, — if need be-r-a lopping away of the tree itself to expose a fresher beauty in the shrubbery beneath. Most planters about a country home are too much afraid of the axe ; yet judicious cutting is of as much im- portance as planting; and I have seen charming thickets shoot up into raw, lank assemblage of boles of trees without grace or comeliness, for lack of the courage to cut trees at the root. For all good effects of foliage in landscape gardening, — after the fifth year — the axe is quite as important an implement as the spade'. Even young trees of eight or ten years growth, — which stool freely, — (such as the soft maple, birch, chestnut and locust,) when planted upon declivities, may often be cutaway entirely, with the assurance that the young sprouts within a season will more than supply their efficiency. Due care, however, should be taken that such trees be cut either in win- ter or in early spring, in order to ensure free stooling or (as we say) sprouting. The black birch, which I have named, and which is a very beautiful tree, — not as yet, I think, fairly appreciated by our land- scapists — will not stool with vigor, if cut after it has attained considerable size ; but the saplings of three or four years, if cut within a foot of the ground, will branch off into a rampant growth of boughs, whose fine spray, even in the winter, is almost equal to its glossy show of summer foliage. I do not know if I have made my case clear ; but what I have wished has been to guard purchasers, who are really in earnest, against being disturbed or rebuffed by the rough aspect of such country places as com- mend themselves in other respects. The subjugation of roughness, or rather, the alleviation of it by a thousand little dain- tinesses of treatment, is what serves chiefly to keep alive interest in a country home- stead. Some old wall is to disappear one month ; an unsightly patch of ground is to be healed the next month; some capital spot for propagating purposes is to be trenched another month. Thus every sun brings its prospective delights and treasures. I must say, for my own part, that I enjoy often for months together, some startling defect in my grounds — so deep is my assur- ance, that two days of honest labor will remove it all, and startle on-lookers by the change. Thus, if I am not greatly mistaken Tlie Horticulturist. we are accustomed to regard some favorite sin — thinking with ourselves — it will be so easy to mend tliat^ so simple to reform it all ; and we go on coddling the familiar pipe, or glass, or the trifling stretch of our credit, meditating with high glee upon the profound satisfaction with which we will come down upon it all some fine morning — as farmers do, by spasms, upon their weed patches. But (and herein lies the excellence of the rural activities I commend) we keep the sins green and growing, and the sweep never comes ; — while the old wall, and the riotous weeds are one day whisked away under the besom of a new purpose, and the change is magical, inspiring and ex- hilarating. I don't mean to say the conquest of a favorite sin would be any the less so ; I only mean to say, that your chances of making the conquest are far less. An horticultural writer, to be sure, has no right to talk on such topics ; — " let him keep to his weeds " — you say. And I will. But let no rural enthusiast hope to up- root all the ill-growth, or to smooth all the roughnesses in a year. He would be none the happier if he could. We find our high- est pleasure in conquest of difficulties. — And he who has none to conquer, or does not meet them, must be either fool or craven. Edgeicood, Dec, 18G5. HOW TO REMODEL AN OLD FARM HOUSE. E. WOODWARD, AUTHOR OF " WOODWARDS COUNTRY HOMES.' We never build a house for our own use, but what somebody fancies it. Just as soon as vv-e are comfortably settled, our roads in fine order, our lawn in handsome shape, vines, flowers, trees, &c., growing, it cap- tivates some one. Accidentally naming a price for our former home, before we had time to reflect, it became the home of another. Adjoining the property thus sold, was a six acre tract, and on it an old stone farm house, whose foundations were laid a century ago. On the broad and ample hearth the fire blazed before the Revolu- tion, " In old colony times, when we were under the king." The massive walls two feet thick, were as solid as the day they were laid, the timbers and floors staunch and good for a century to come ; but all else gave evidence of the wear and tear of time, the shingles were literally worn through, and all exposed wood work in a state of dilapidation. It might be termed a very hard subject. Fig. 1.- new of the old Farm Souse. Fio- 2 .-P'an of the old House, Making up our mind at once, what could took possession, surprising the owner even be dose with it, we made the purchase and more than we were surprised. Holo to Re-model an Old Farm House. Those who are suddenly turned out on the world, in these days of scarce houses, or rather no houses, can appreciate such cir- cumstances. The main building, as represented by the heavy walls in the plan, we modernized only so far as to make it useful, and to harmonize with the necessary additions. In the parlor was retained all the original features : a moderately low ceiling, the old fire-place, four by six feet, each jamb a solid block of stone, and the deep windows, with twenty-four panes of glass. The only change in the exterior was to project the cornice two feet on all sides, and to construct the Dormer window to light the hitherto un- finished attic. A chimney was added, and the roof entirely reshingled. Fio. 3.— r/te old Farm SCouse Re-modtkd.— Residence of Geo. E. iVoodwxrd. The first addition containing the dining- room was changed, by putting a spacious bay window on the front, which was carried up, and covered by the centre gable, thus giving a convenient, pleasant room above ; this, some day, can be again raised, and converted into a tower, giving greater variety to the sky-lines, and but for a single hill, affording a view of the domes and spires of seven cities, and the passing trains on six different lines of rail- roads. The kitchen apartments were en- tirely reconstructed, with cellar, &c., and so arranged that they may be occupied in- dependently by the gardener and family, if we choose to lock up the house and spend the winters in New York. Fig. i.— Plan first floor improved. If we had been required to draft such a ground plan as is shown, we should have advanced several objections, but a practical use proves it to be exceedingly convenient, comfortable and satisfactory ; and it is of- ten the case in rearranging and adding to Fig. 5. — Plan of second floor. old houses, that plans are developed that prove to bo better than most that are de- vised for new buildings. The plan of the grounds and the changes made we will show in our next number. Boiling Spring, New Jersey, where this The Horticulturist. bouse is located, is situated on the Erie Railway, ten miles from the City Hall, New York, on high ground, being on the dividing ridge between the Hackensack and Passaic rivers. The; Erie Railway run their " broad guage palace cars" almost hourly each way, over a double track, straight and level. Twenty-four minutes is the running time to Pavonia ferry, and fifteen minutes more to Chamber-street, New York. The fare, per annum is ^49.75., which is eight cents per trip, or 20 per cent, less than omnibus fare in the city. To those who do business in town and love to live in the country, rapid and convenient access is necessar}^, and a double track national highway, like that of the Erie road, with its immense resources, affords facilities more reliable than any existing between the upper and lower portions of New York city. Those who live above SOth street, are more remote from business ; and before any of the northern and eastern lines of railroad get clear of the city, we are fairly at home in the country. Whoever wishes to verify this statement, should cross the Pavonia feny from foot of Chamber street, New York. Ifa traveler of some experience, and so fortunate as to take the train drawn by engine No. 7, you will soon discover there is a master hand on the throttle valve, and that the conductor is the right man in the right place. Twenty-four minutes pre- cisely, and the Boiling Spring Station is reached. The station-house is the prettiest one of its size in the United States, finished throughout in hard woods, oiled and var- nished, with roof laid in bands of colored slate; has telegraphic communication with all the rest of the world, and an attentive and obliging agent. If you expect to see a village, or even the beginning of one, you will be disappointed. You have landed in a quiet country locality, where the land is good, high, rolling and handsome ; views extensive and beautiful; situation healthy, and desirable ; fine farms, magnificent springs, good roads, &c. ; but had one been dropped down blindfolded, the wisest head would have been puzzled to say whether he was ten miles or one thousand from the pulsating heart of the great Metropolis. The place has been overlooked ; the rail- road was built 35 years ago, before the days of commutation travel. Those who own the property say nothing about it; the world wags on, we live in rural privacy ; the din of business hours is enough. But farm| life, half an hour from Broadway, cannot last always. New York is over- flowing ; the fever-nests, are full and life too short to travel Spuyten-Dui/vel-wavd, daily, in a horse car. Yes, citizens of New York, you have had your fan out of New Jersey, but your overflowing thousands will have to go there, where thousands of your business men now go to and fro daily. More than all the avenues of travel convey in other directions, Brooklyn excepted, where bet- ter land can be had for one-fourth the money, and where you can live as well for one-half the price. MY NEIGHBORS AND MYSELF. BY THE AUTHOR OF "TEN ACRI The little, unpretending domain upon which I have been contentedly operating for several years, lies within five minutes' walk of the gas lights and the post ofBce at Burlington, New Jersey. The trains upon the great railroad pass hourly within sight of my door, rattling every window in the house, and giving constant cause for won- der as to where so many people can be going to. It fronts on what was once the old royal highway, the first great thoroughfare laid out in colonial days, to facilitate communi- cation between the sea-shore settlements. The last twenty years have revolutionized My Neighbors and Myself. its condition,. as well as the appearance of the country through which it passes. It is now a graveled_jturnpike all the. way from Burlington to Camden. The road bed is level, smooth and hard, almost equaling a tenpin alley, and superior to any race course. A dash of iron contained in the gravel, imparts to it a remarkable soli- dity. It is so well cared for by its owners, that a bad road is altogether unknown. Its construction has doubled the value of every farm upon its track. Everywhere it is lined with improved dwellings, better fences, finer orchards, and more productive fields. Loaded wagons roll over it by aid of a single horse, where two were formerly required, and the pleasure carriages of the neighboring gentry invariably select it for an evening drive. There could be no more convincing illustration of the trans- formation in improvement and population which follows the creation of a superior road. It draws old settlers from remote neighborhoods to locate upon it, and with strangers looking for a lodgment it is the de- termining element which fixes their choice. Thus population clusters about it; and as it is population that gives value to land, so as that thickens do values increase. My neighbors on this favorite thorough- fare have been far more careful of the out- side finish of their farms than myself. They put up fancy fences, establish graveled avenues, and crowd their lawns with ever- greens and shrubbery; and even in these days of extravagant prices, are profuse consumers of paint and whitewash — all this, more- over, without having an acre to sell. Still, while these really cheap embellishments are introduced, they attend with wonder- ful assiduity to their farms, using fertilizers in prodigious quantities, and harvesting Imge crops of everything for which the two great cities are clamoring daily. Long practice has taught them what pays best. They raise corn and wheat enough for home consumption, and strain every nerve for crops of fruit and early vegetables. The successes of some of these men are truly remarkable, and they can afford to make their homesteads attractive. I have done but little at embellishment. The useful, the practical, have occupied most of my time and attention. One may have abundance of taste, and long as keenly as his neighbors for the ornamental, with- out being ready to indulge in it. Hence my extensive front upon the road has received no tasteful touches such as my neighbors have long since given to theirs. But even my time is coming. An adjoining swamp of a few acres has been added to my ground, not because ten were not really enough, but because it was a neighborhood nuisance, grown up, since the foundation of the world, with ferns and skunk root. Some patriot must abate it, and why not devolve the task on me 1 It is now, after three years' labor and attention, drained, filled in, and producing, on a four feet deep foundation of clear peat, a strawberry crop which annually refunds the entire cost of reclamation. Drought never pinches the plants, and manure is wholly unnecessary. Wherever the raspberries come within reach of this deep, rich, and ever moist deposit, the grojvth of canes may be said to be amazing. My Philadelphias, thus situated, have been the admiration of all who have examined them. It has been a great suc- cess, though it drew down upon me the hearty pity of my neighbors, as they drove by and noticed my incomprehensible be- ginning ; but now, when fully completed, securing their equally hearty commenda- tion. It is success that makes one famous, even in ditching. Thus, they consider me a sort of swamp hero. So strong is the imitative faculty in man, that I even hear that some of them are thinking of reclaim- ing little bogs of their own. Some have con- sulted me quite seriously as to the cost of such an operation, as they are now disposed to consider me something of an authority on the subject of pitching dirt. Little confidences of this kind are extremely flattering to one's pride, the more especially Tlie Horticulturist. after having persevered, in the face of in- numerable warnings that the improve- ment wouldn't pay. But the truth is, that the cost of reclaiming even a stub- born swamp is not so serious a matter as is generaly supposed. I am inclined to think that the doing of it will find favor in the eyes of all who once undertake it. It is true the mud may stick to one's garments, but sticking to the mud will be found to pay. Nearly all this work of repairing these waste places of the earth was done during winter, when there was nothing else on hand. In this genial climate, we have but few snow storms, and can plow, at brief intervals, throughout the winter. The Indian summer stretches itself, with grateful attenuativeness, all through De- cember. In the dead of winter we may encounter a cold snap of a few days, some- times of a week, but rarely longer. Then comes a thaw which loosens everything by extracting the frost, and then out-o-door work is resumed. We survive the winter without suffering, and at the earliest sing- ing of the blue bird we begin the regular spring varieties of planting. Such a neighborhood, as may be supposed, is very thickly settled. One never hears of the sheriff being called in to sell a farm, except his action is necessary to unravel some domestic difficulty. I can hardly call my neighbors horticulturists, yet all of them are famous fruit growers. Some have risen from the humblest beginnings, and are now owners of noble farms, Avith spacious buildings, and are annually loan- ing money on mortgage to others of the craft, whose feet are only on the bottom round of fortune's ladder. Not more than half cannon shot from me is one of these self-made men. Nine years ago he was a journeyman shoemaker, in our city, with health so feeble that he would soon have died if much longer confined to the close atmosphere of the workshop. Breaking away from it, he took up a few acres of only half improved land, without a shed upon it, running in debt for almost every thing, and struck out largely into straw- berries. But character was capital, for whenever a helping hand was needed, he could find one by merely reaching his own across the nearest fence. He prospered hugely in every way, though having every- thing to learn. Renewed and vigorous health came bravely to his aid ; he worked intelligent!}'-, having a passion for both fruit and flower, crops were consequently good ; prices were even better, and he has gone on prosperously to independence. New and beautiful buildings, surrounded with shade trees of his own planting, now give elegance and grace to what, ten years ago, was covered with the debris of a pine clearing. Like most of us, the passion for more land seized upon him, and he has gone on absorbing the adjoining fields, until he now counts fifty-five acres. But here he wisely paused. Every inch of it is paid for, and he is lending to others, who in their turn are beginners. A ramble over his beautiful fruit farm would teach an instructive lesson even to the most exten- sive fruit grower, while to pioneers it would be invaluable. There are thirteen acres of strawberries, ten of blackberries, and six of raspberries, with peaches in abund- ance, and great fields of asparagus. His gross annual I'eceipts are nearly five thou- sand dollars. Temptation to part with this productive home has repeatedly been pre- sented in the shape of an enormous price, but the fiimily turns a deaf ear to all se- duction. They are happy on a home of their own creating ; there their children were born; there the father renewed his health ; there the mother is supremely con- tented ; and how could they be bettered by selling? In this world, mere money is far from being the only good. Another, a young man of six-and- twenty, rejoices in the ownership of fifty acres, all which, except the small mortgage yet re- maining on it, is the work of his own in- telligent industry. His forte, also, is the berry culture, interspersed with corn for his own use, melons, truck, and peas for My Neighbors and Myself. the Philadelphia seed stores. There is, moreover, an extensive trellis which is an- nually loaded with the Isabella grape. Until tasting these this fall, perfectly ripened as they were, I never knew the Isabella grape was fit to eat. Struck with the admirable flavor of the fruit, as well as with the perfect condition of each particu- lar grape. I inquired why the fruit nf these vines was so remarkably fine. The owner smiled as he told us that the earth around the roots was the general burial ground for all the cats, and dogs, and pigs, and mules, and horses which had there shuffled oft their mortal coils since he had been upon the farm. What marvellous elaboration there is in nature, I concluded — "from seeming evil still educing good." Try as one might, he could detect no twang of pork, not the faintest flavor of a mule steak. Only this summer a stranger from the bleaker climate of New England, went over his farm and oft'ered to buy. While debating pros and cons, his visitor inquired as to the gross amount of liis sales the pre- vious year. He was unable to answer, having kept no books, nor could he even conjecture the amount. " But," said I, " you owe a mortgage on your farm V " Yes," was the reply, " four thousand dollars." " Were you able to reduce the amount last year ?" I inquired. " Oh, certainl}'," he answered, as if it were a matter of course. " I paid five hundred dollars in July, then three hun- dred more, and I think, three hundred more." " How about the present year ?" I continued. " Why, Sir, in July I paid five hundred, and with what cash I have, and the re- mainder of my crops, I shall make another equal payment at new year." " Do you mean," added the New Eng- lander, " that you kept your family, main- tained the condition of your farm, and paid off a thousand dollars of your mortgage without going into debt somewhere else V " I do," was the reply, " and in three years, my farm will be clear." Taking out a pencil, we figured it up that this farm was clearing nearly ten per cent, of its estimated value, after keeping the family of the owner. There seemed to be no getting over the facts, for he was known among us as a sincere and truthful man. Thus, though keeping no record of his crops, yet the mortgage he owed was the great account-book in whi ory had posted up the true balance sheet of his business. Brought up to that test, his operations became perfectly intelligible. Since this interview I have seen his crop of seed peas, raised for a city retailer, and learned that it produced him very nearly six hundred dollars. But in the lottery of this horticultural life, there arc blanks as well as prizes. Not many minutes' ride from me is a gentle- man of education, possessed of a fine horti- cultural taste, who anchored himself some three years ago upon a farm of forty-six acres, directly on the level turnpike referred to. His hobby was the fruit culture ; but, considerably advanced in life, he has dis- covered, that for one of his years, he has too much land. Ten acres, he believes to be enough, at least for him. Yet the en- thusiasm with which he began continues unabated, and he grieves over the prospect of selling. His predecessor also, was not deficient in taste. Between them theie are no less than four hundred of the choicest pear trees in bearing, peach trees by the hundred, all the best blackberries by the acre, strawberries and raspberries in large quantities, with apple trees, and very productive grape vines. Just behind the dwelling is a natural spring, which fills a pond containing fish of various kinds, and which a fortnight's labor would convert into a pond quadruple the present size. There is a boat upon it, and a grove of pines, covering an acre, runs down to the margin of the pond, a charming feature of 10 The Horticulturist, the summer landscape. Few places can be found in this region which a small expendi- ture would convert into a more delightful retreat. Better, perhaps, than all, there is an inexhaustible bed of superior muck, easily and cheaply obtained, with which the whole farm could be fertilized to the highest point of productiveness. Yet all these rare facilities have been left com- paratively unappropriated because the owner has too much land. Instead of a gross product of some three thousand a year, he shall have half as much more. It is abroad foundation he has laid, on which whoever succeeds him may build to any reasonable height. If to him his farm has proved a comparative blank, to a j^ounger and more driving man it will yet prove a brilliant prize. But having discovered the extent of his capacity as a manager, he is content to give way, and instead of half cultivating a large farm, intends to convert a small one into a perfect garden spot. . I know that little bits of personal gos- sip of this character are somewhat out of place in the classic pages of The Horti- culturist ; but one always likes to know what his neighbor is doing. The scientific gentleman, who, in speaking of the arti- choke, must call it helianihus tuberosus, will doubtless smile over these homelj'- details of New Jersey life, and wonder at the simple, though successful lives we are living. But a true picture, be it never so homely, will nevertheless possess a certain interest with the masses. GEAPES IN 1805. BY A. S. FULLKR, AUTHOR OF FULLER'S GRAPE CULTURIST. Rotted badly; mildewed some; very poor; rose-bugs played the mischief; ex- cellent in our section, and brought a good price. The above, I believe, is a fair report of the grape crop of 1865, Shall I attempt to locate these reports ? if so, I fear that some of the much lauded natural grape lands and situations would be found among the " rotted badly." How is it, in those wonderful locations, where land is so cheap, and vines grow so rapidly, and produce such prodigious crops, that ordinary vineyards pay a profit of fifteen hundred dollars per acre the third year after planting, provided the mildew don't come, or a late spring frost don't cut off the blossoms, or the very severe winter did not kill the fruit-buds ? I do not wish to be partial, therefore I have thought best to give a list of excuses usually made by the grape growers of these peculiar regions, that are said to have been made especially for vineyards. Here, down east, on the Atlantic slope, grapes grow in soils, which, at the creation, were not in- tended for such a purpose, consequently we have very little trouble with grape rot, late spring frosts, or winter killing of the fruit-buds. Occasionally, a few leaves are attacked by mildew, or a stray Catawba, (which originally came from one of the more favor- able regions,) shows a few grapes with the black rot. I believe that the only disease that is at all fatal to the grape, east of the Allegha- nies, is one that is also often found west of them, viz : neglect. Vines that are properly pruned and cultivated seldom fail to pro- duce a good crop ; not always a crop of good fruit, for there are but few varieties which can be called good. And I think it is time for our eastern vineyardists to try and decide which are the best varieties of our native grapes, — not which varieties suc- ceed best, for there are but few that will not succeed if properly cared for. Please remember that I am speaking of localities that have not been surveyed and Grapes in 1865. 11 offered for sale as grape lands, but such as can be found almost any where within one or two hundred miles of the Atlantic coast from jMassachusetts to Georgia. And there are thousands of acres of as fine grape lands within fifty or a hundred miles of New York city, as there is in the United States, and cheaper than they can be had anywhere else in the world, all for less than it cost to make the improvements now on them. So my young friend, if you want to plant a vineyard, and have but little capital to begin with, just take a look in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, or even Delaware. But if you have capital, and wish to spend it in clear- ing up new lands, far away from market, go west, by all means, and spend it. Keally, is it not time that this theory of particular locations for grape growing was checked? or to put it in another shape : can- not grapes be grown profitably, except in localities where Mr. X or Y has accidentally ©r purposely planted a vineyard, and by proper care made it produce a line crop, and then come to the conclusion that it must be all in locality and soil ? Consequently, land goes up in the vicinity, and plenty more of the same kind is for sale at five times of its real value. Will not grapes grow over as wide an extent of country as apples or pears ? — certainly. Will they not grow in as great a variety of soils'? If any one doubts it, let him travel over the country and see in how many different situations and soils he can find vines growing luxuriantly. That some soils and situations are more favorable than others, no one will deny; but that there is such a great difference as fashionable grape culture at the present day would have us believe, I, for one, doubt. But the question arises, what shall we plant? This question is difficult to an- swer, because we have so many that are good. For my part, I would not hesitate to plant for profit any of the following: Delaware, lona, Israella, Concord, Crevel- ing, Hartford and Rogers' Nos. 3, 4, 15 and 19. If this is not variety enough, you may add Adirondac, Clinton, and Isabella. Among the newer varieties, we shall probably get" some that will prove equal, if not superior, to any of the old ones. I am much pleased with Moore's new hybrids, as they show more distinctly that they are hybrids than anything we have before seen. If the Diana Hamburg proves to be hardy and does not mildew, I certainly shall give it the preference over anything I have seen among the hardy grapes. Mr. , Moore has also several others that give promise of great excellence, among which is Moore's Black, Clover-street Black, &c. lona must look well to her laurels, or Clover-street, Rochester, will make a call for them some of these fine days. I regret to say that the Renselaer grape, that I mentioned in my last, has proved to be Isabella. After traveling some two hun- dred miles to see a new grape, and there find old mother Isabella.^ instead of a fine young miss, it's too bad, but this old lady is always to be met when and where she is not wanted. I think this was the twenty-fifth time that I have met her under like circum- stances, and it only goes to prove that she dresses very differently in different parts of the country, just to suit the climate. The Fancher was excellent again this year, and will have to be admitted as dis- tinct from Catawba, as it grows and ripens well at Lansingburgh, N. Y., where the Catawba does not succeed. F. B. Fancher, of the above place, is indefatigable in hunt- ing up the new fruits in his region. He has lately discovered another which he calls Saratoga, a large red grape of the Catawba flavor, but fine. The Maguire is another new variety of the Hartford Prolific style, but will prob- ably be too foxy to go among -the good varieties. Aiken grape, of which so much has been said at the West, is Isabella; Richmond, is Isabella ; German grape from Indiana, is Clinton ; Emma, another new and wonder- 12 The Horticulturist. fill grape, is Catawba, or so near like it tliat I cannot see the difierence. Haskel, from Michigan, is Concord; but really, Messrs. Editors, I Aiust drop my pencil, or I shall hurt somebody's feelings, and prevent some enterprising fellow making a few thousands out of some old variety with a new name. But how can one write about grapes without hurting somebody, especially when mixed up in grape culture? Woodside, Dec. 1st, 18C5. WHAT NOT TO DO. BY PETER HENDERSON, JERSEY CITY, N. J. I HAVE long believed that more real good is often done to the novice in the cultiva- tion of the soil, by telling him what not to do, than by telling what to do. Agi-icul- ture and Horticulture are prolific of charla- tans. I know not whether it is so in other departments of trade ; but, if so, a great part of the industry of the world must be wasted in labor Avorse than useless. A rascal j;^! a tree peddler, not content with ri'^timizing a poor farmer near me in the sale of two hundred worthless apple trees, added still further to the injury by inducing him to put a bushel of stones in the bottom of each hole for drain- age ; which was done at an expense that the poor man was ill-able to bear. I need not tell your intelligent readers that the advice had better not been given. Apro- pos to this subject is the so-called draining of plants grown in flower pots, almost uni- versally practiced by amateurs and private gardeners, and recommended carefull^r in detail by nearly all writers on green-house j)lants. Now, in the face of all these hosts of instructors, I contend that this practise is not only useless, but something worse, as it robs the plant of just so raiich soil as is displaced b}' the drainage (?) without benefitting it in any way whatever. Yet, such has been the practice of thousands for a century, each one following the lead of his predecessor, stupidly and blindly, as we think. This practice has long been discontinued by all the large nurserymen and florists in the neighborhood of New York, who it is well-known grow plants equal to any in the world. This is another negative item. — Again, when some of your lady readers, in trj'ing to increase by slips the number of some favorite geranium, rose, carnation, or fuchsia, turning to the "book" for in- structions, she finds herself bewildered by a score of conditions that has got no more to do with the successful result of her op- eration than the man in the moon ; but she naturally enough ascribes her want of suc- cess to the " want of silver sand," or " not having cut at the right joint," or " not having held the cutting by the right finger and thumb," or some such nonsense as the writer has laid down as necessary to suc- cess. Or a farmer or gardener, whose experi- ence and practice has been confined within the bounds of his own fence, sees under a hot July or August sun, the leaves of his cabbage or cauliflower crop "wilt." Past experience tells him what's the matter ; the plants have become club-rooted, and he knows that all his labor and expense in getting the crop to this stage is lost, or nearly so, and he looks around (as he has often done before, but without success,) for the cause. He is again at fault, but goes and con- sults with a new neighbor who is already renowned for being a savant in all such matters. The case is simple, for the adviser is deep-read in horticultural lore, and it is too often repeated to be easily forgot by him, that club-root is caused by the use of manure from the hog-pen ; and it so hap- Plan for Laying-out a Square Acre Lot. 13 pens iliat liis advice-seeking friend did allow bis pigs to run over bis manure beap, and tbey at once jumped at tbe conclusion tbat tbis is only another corroboration of tbe popular belief. I will state tbat our lai'ge experience in tbe cultivation of cabbage and cauliflower for market, has well proved to us, tbat tbis , in common witb many other horticultural dogmas, is an error; and tbat "club-root" is assignable to another cause. But as tbis is only a negative article, I will give you more positive information on club-root in my next. THE LONGEVITY OF TREES. BY REV. A. D. GRIDLET, CLINTON, N. Y. "We do not introduce this topic witb tbe expectation of being able to say anything new to scholars, but in tbe hope of suggest- ing an agreeable train of thought to those who have not hitherto given the subject much attention. How long do trees live 1 or rather, bow long would tbey live, if not accidentally injured ; if disease did not invade them, or if they did not fall by the wood- man's axe ? Might they not live forever 1 Is there a necessary limit to their exist- ence? Tbe common opinion is, tbat like the animal races, tbey have their periods of infancy, youth, maturity, decline, and old age. They die not by acci dent, but in obedience to certain original laws of their being; their cells become hardened and in- crusted, tbe fluids cease to flow in a healthy manner, and the organism perishes. It wears out, and runs-down like an old clock. So far as the theory of vegetable life and growth is concerned, it would seem tbat a tree ought to live for an indefinite period. Tbe parts of a tree which carry on the processes of life and growth, are the ex- tremities of tbe stem and branches, includ- ing the buds ; the extremities of tbe roots and rootlets, and the newest strata of wood and bark. These are renewed every year. Not so in an animal ; tbe functions of ex- istance are carried on for a whole life-time in one set of organs, and when these wear out tbe animal dies. But as tbe life pro- cesses in a plant are carried on through organs never more than one year old, it would seem to follow tbat tbis order of things might be continued indefinitely. — There is no necessary reason, no cause in- herent in the tree itself, why it should die. Furthermore ; a tree, as viewed by tbe vegetable physiologist, is not an individual, but a communitjr, an aggregat' n of indi- viduals. The orAj real individuiiltafn tbe case, is the first cell of which the plant was originally composed. Every bud since formed, and indeed QYevj leaf may be con- sidered an individual, since it has in itself all the elements of an independant plant, and may be made to produce one. And so, even though the inner parts of a tree be- come inactive and practically dead, the outer do not. Individuals may perish, but the community lives, and is renewed and augmented every year. Trees have been happily compared * to tbe "branching and arborescent coral." — Tbis structure is built up by the combined labors of a multitude of individuals, — " the successive labors of a great number of gen- erations. Tbe surface or the recent shoots alone are alive ; all underneath consists of tbe dead remains of former generations. — It is the same witb the vegetable, except that it makes a dowuwai'd growth also, and by constant renewal of fresh tissues main- tains the communication between the two growing extremities, tbe buds and the * By Dr. Asa Gray, to whom we are much indebted in the preparation of this article. 14 The Horticulturist. rootlfcts." Now, as the coral structure lives and grows indefinitely, though the individ- uals composing it perish, so a tree, consid- ered as a composite structure, may live on in the same way, without any assignable limit to its life. Every joint in its root, as well as every bud on its branches, might be taken off and set up for itself to form a separate and independent tree ; but if all the children choose to remain on the home- stead, need the family die out 1 So much for theory ; and there are some facts which go far to sustain it. But there is another side to this question. So far as theory goes, the human body is the same in its constitution now, as in antediluvian times, when men lived eight or nine centuries; but the stubborn fact is, that "• the days of our years are three score and ten, and if by reason of strength, they be four score, yet is their strength, labor and sorrow, for it is soon cut off' and we fly away." We occa- sionally see a man who inherits no perceptible disease from his parents, and who continues in good health to eighty and ninety, and even one hundred years. Up to this period, nature's laws work with a good degree of regularity. He eats, drinks, digests and sleeps about as Avell as ever ; and no one can tell why he may not live for an indefi- nite period longer. Yet every body knows that this is an exception to the general rule, and that the general rule will soon assert its sway. The old gentleman takes a slight cold, or he stumbles and falls, or his digestion becomes impaired, or some other ailment sets in, and he suddenly dies. Nature could hold out no longer. Theo- retically, he should have lived on for many years, but another law prevailed, (call that law what you may) and he died. So in the vegetable kingdon ; by theory, a tree has no assignable limit of life, but practically, it has. Cases of extreme longevity some- times occur, but they are rare exceptions, and even these trees finally perish. The biography of many an old tree is like this : the tree grows to its allotted height, then expands laterally, both in its branches and girth. After a period, it begins to die at the centre. The rotten portion within in- creases faster than the new wood is formed without. The tree, though now old and hollow, still looks healthy. (It represents the vigorous old gentleman of eighty years). At length the strong winds sway it about, and rack it violently, and a fissure is made somewhere in trunk or branch, into which air and rain soon penetrate. By and by the decay of the centre crojis through the bark near the ground — (The old man takes a cold). The leaves expand bravely every spring, but the rot in the trunk annually increases ; limbs decay and are blown off", one after another, until at length the rot extends all along the trunk, and before many years a gale prostrates the old tree upon the ground, a total ruin. (The aged man dies a hundred and ten years old). Now, theoretically, that tree ought to have lived, but another law supervened, and the tree succumbed. In considering facts like these, the thoughtful man will be impelled to say, surely something evil has happened to the earth since its creation. The natural world seems to sympathise with its chief inhab- itant and lord, bearing part of the woe which has fallen upon him. " O earth ! dost thou, too, sorrow for the past, Like man, thy offspring ? * * * * * * * Dost thou wail For that fair age of which the poets toll, Ere yet the winds grew keen with frosts, or fire Fell with the rains, or spouted from the hills, To blast thy greenness ?" But pei^haps we have dwelt too long upon the theoretical aspects of our subject. One way to ascertain the age of trees, is by measurement of their girth at a fixed point from the ground. This does not give a perfectly reliable result, because some species grow more rapidly than others, and among the same species, difference of soil and exposure produces a difference in vigor of growth ; yet it helps to an approxima- tion. Tlie Longevity of Trees. 15 The " Washington Elm," at Cambridge, is supposed to be upwards of 140 years old, because it is known that the celebrated Whitefield preached under its shade in the year 1744. The Aspinwall Elm, at Brook- lino, is known from historical data, to be about 200 years old. The great Elm on Boston Common, is believed to be of about the same age. Now, of these trees, the first measures 14 feet in girth, at four feet from the ground ; the second measures 17 feet, at five feet from the ground ; and the third, sixteen and a-half at the same height. With such data, one can go about the country, (as the " Autocrat of the Breakfast Table" has done,) and with tape-line in hand, determine the age of trees, with con- siderable accurac}^. Another method is by counting the an- nual concentric layers of a tree. (Of course, the palms and their allies are excepted here). But this cannot well be done without first cutting down the tree ; and even then, the centre of many old trees is found rotten or hollow, so that a little guessing has to be resorted to. When the tree is sound, and the rings can be accurately deciphered, this mode is quite reliable. The old age of trees is perhaps most commonly arrived at, wholly or in part, through historical evi- dence or tradition ; but it is necessary to sift this evidence with great care. Every reader of newspapers and books meets with occasional instances of remark- able longevity in trees. The following, therefore, may not be wholly new to the readers of the Horticulturist: An Oak, lately cut down in Poland, was found to have 700 distinct rings, and the hollow centre of the tree was estimated to repre- sent 200 years more. A Sycamore Maple, now standing near the village of Trons, among the Alps, is believed to be 550 years old. It is known that the famous " Grey League " was rati- fied beneath its spreading branches, in March, 1424. It must have been a century old then. There is a remarkable Linden in Neustadt, Wurtemberg, which was so noted in the 13th century, as to be called " The Great Linden." An old poem, dated 1408, mentions that "before the gate of the city of Neustadt, rises a Linden, whose branches are sustained by 67 columns." These col- umns were pillars of stone, set up to sup- port the immense branches, one of which extended horizontally more than one hun- dred feet! Ita age is computed at about 820 years. The celebrated " Tortworth Chestnut," is probably the oldest and largest tree in England. In the reign of Stephen, which began 1135, it was remarkable for its size. It is now 55 feet in girth, at five feet from the ground, and is doubtless 1000 years old. One of the oldest oaks in England, is the " Parliament Oak," in Clifstone Park, so called from a Parliament held under it by Edward the 1st, in 1290. Who has not heard of the immense oak near Cozes, in France, 90 feet in circumference at the ground, out of whose hollow centre, a room 10 feet in diameter and 9 feet high has been cut out? It is put down at 1500 years from the acorn. The Olive tree attains a great age. One, lately cut down in the suburbs of Nice, in Italy, showed nearly a 1000 years. Of the four now standing on the Mount of Olives, tradition may not greatly exaggerate in making them 1500 years old. The Yew is the longest lived tree of Northern Europe. Several specimens at Fountains Abbey, in Yorkshire, England, are believed to be 1215 years old. The famous " Darley Yew," in Derbyshire, has reached 1350 years. The famous "Big Trees" of California, (Sequoia gigantea) are among the most remarkable curiosities in the vegetable world. The evidence is reliable, that some of them are 90 feet in circumference, and 450 feet from the roots to the extremities of the branches ! We wonder not at the enthusiasm with which the late Dr. Lindley, on first hearing of this discovery, exclaimed, "What a tree is this ! Of what portentous aspect, and almost fabulous antiquity ! They say that 16 Tlie Horticulturist. the specimen felled at the junction of the Stanislaus and San Antonia, was above 3000 years old ; that is to say, it must have been a little plant when Samson was slaying the Philistines, or Paris running away with Helen, or Aeneas running away with good pater Anchises upon his filial shoulders." But there is no end to facts and state- ments like these, and here our record may as well be closed. PLAN FOR LAYING-OUT A SQUARE ACRE LOT. Dear Friend Aqellus : Yours of last month is received. You want me to answer as soon as possible, and to send you a plan for laying-out the acre vou have just bought. One acre ! That's more than I have. "We have books now, entitled, "Ten Acres Enough," "Our Farm of Four Acres." " Our Farm of Two Acres." I hope we'll soon have one, " One Acre Enough." Well, I have tried my best; but I don't know whether it is according to your taste. " De gicstibus non est disputandum,'''' or, as some would say, to have a rhyme, '■'■dispzi- tandihus.''^ But I hope your taste will not very much differ from mine. We are both lovers of a promenade. You must have as many walks as possible ; it is necessary for your health. I have arranged the walks so as to satisfy the eye, the nose and the pal- Plan. ate. When I shall come and visit your I don't write anything about the house new home with our mutual friend Agricola, (A), as you don't want my advice about we may, when walking, not only have a full that. But, friend, don't forget the porches view of your floral beauties, and inhale (B); at least, you should have one. — their sweet fragrance, but may also very Around the house you should put gravel conveniently pick your berries. and sand (G); nothing is healthier for Gardens and Parks of Germany. 17 your bo3's and girls to play on. The stable, (C) with sbed, you will put in the rear on the north side, and the poultry house (E) on the other. A shed should be an- nexed to it for the chickens on wet days. Next to that a house for pigeons (F). The place I have assigned for the poultry house, you will find out to be a good one in after THE EXPL A — House. B— Porch. C — Stable and shed. D — Place for wood. E — Poultry-house. F — Pigeon-house. G — Gravel-sand. H — Board fence. 1 — Bed of Verbenas. 2 — Bedding plants, tender roses, &c. 3 — Bulbs, annuals, perennials, &c. RurL Nov. 13, 1865. years; your chickens, running at large under your plum trees, will save you many a plum from the, curculio. North of the stable will be a good place for wood (D). The symmetry of the plan will, I think have your full approbation. I need only add now ANATIOX. 4— Climbing plants. 5 — Shade trees. G — Ornamental shrubs, roses, &c. 7 — Evergreens. 8 — Fruit trees, dwarf. 9 — Small fruits, currants, &c. 10 — S trawberries. 11 — Vegetables. 12 — Grape vines. 13— Hot-bed. 14— Grass. I remain, yours truly, Aqellulus. GARDENS AND PARKS OF GERMANY. Editors of the Horticulturist: — I send you herewith a copy of an essay, read before the members of the Rural Art Association, of this place, which I hope may prove as acceptable to your readers as it was to us who had the pleasure of listen- ing to its reading. It was prepared by Mr. Edward W. Root, who has spent the past two years at Berlin and Heidelberg, Germanj^j and who has recently been ap- pointed an assistant professor of Chemistrj', in the school of Mines, connected with Columbia College of your city. J. C. H., Sec. Clinton, Oneida Co., Nov. 20th, 1865. "I have been very kindly invited by the Rural Art Association, to occupy a portion of this meeting with a rambling description of any thing of interest which might bave attracted my attention during my residence abroad. But, in order to av'oid an utter confusion of heterogeneous topics and scenes, January, 1860. it will, I think, be best to confine myself within some limits. As tlie object of this Association is the promotion of Horticulture and Floriculture; of rural embellishment and rural comfort; as its object is to aid nature in beautifying our homes and cultivating our sense of the beautiful, I think it will be most fitting for me to ask your attention to some simple remarks on the gardens and parks, on the rural scenes and love of Nature in Ger- many. One of the first things which attract the attention of a sti-anger upon entering Ger- manjr, is the universal love of flowers. Everywhere you see them, and often in the greatest profusion. In all the large tosvns^ the flower dealers and flower-girls are es- tablished and well patronized persons.— Wherever you go you are sure to meet them ; at the cars, on the steamboat, at the table d'hote, the concert and the ball, in the streets and in the reading-rooms. 18 The Horticulturist. In large cities, if there be a bit of vacant ground attached to a dwelling, it is con- verted into a flower-bed; but as people seldom live in a house by themselves, but several families upon the various floors of the same building, all cannot enjoy even a miniature garden, and to make up for this, you find the windows filled with beautiful flowers. I have seen large build- ings in which every window had its floral screen. And way up in the attic windows, which look like loop holes in the steep roof, you see carefully cherished plants, and gracefully trained vines, their lively re- freshing green contrasting very compli- mentary with the red, dusty tiles around them. And who know.-s what a blessing these flowers may be to some lone, wearied seamstress, who year after year sits at her lonely window, with naught for a prospect save the glaring sea of roofs around her, or to some poor invalid, who, month after month longs in vain for the pure air and green fields of a childhood's happy home. I remember one poor woman in Munich, whose rooms were so small that tliere was scarce space enough to turn round in them, who showed me with a just pride, a collection of plants which would have graced any conservatory. The German gentlemen delight to wear flowers in their button-holes. And I used to meet, day after day, certain gentlemen, who never failed to have some beautiful fresh flowers in their coats. Some seemed to show a preference for some particular flower, for you always saw this one with a rose, that one with a geranium, while others would wear little clusters of violets or lilies of the valley. The ladies delight to adorn their hair with beautiful flowers, preferring often some single fair flower to a profusion of glass beads, or steel nonsense ; and T have seen fairy-like exotic blossoms, strangely beautiful, deliciously fragrant, which formed more fitting ornaments for a brow of beauty than the rarest gems. No present is more acceptable than a beautiful boquet, and upon one's birthday it is a customary one. But the flowers are not always from the green-house or the garden. They are fond of wild flowers, and no German family ever returns from a rural ramble without an armful of them. They delight to gather beautiful grasses and ferns, and interspersing them tastefully with flowers to form immense boquets. I had one presented to me upon my birthday, which was at least five feet in diameter and proportionally high. In summer, the Germans love to live as much as possible out of doors, to take their meals and spend their evenings in the pure air and along with nature. In cities, where possible, they have gardens and arbors, where they love to linger, to read, and to sing, or perhaps a spacious balcony, covered with trailing vines, will be the scene of their tea-parties ; but if these be wanting, the whole family will visit some large public concert or tea garden, and securing a table under some spacious tree, will gather around it, and looking up at the over-spreading branches above them, will forget the brick walls and paved thoroughfares which every where en- circles them, while the tuneful orchestra, which ever and anon sends forth its clear strains of sweetest music, makes them for- get for the while, the petty cares and sor- I'ows which pamper their existence. And so in every German city you will find a multitude of these pleasant gardens, and every fine day you will find them filled with families. The mothers, the sisters and the whole young portion of the family — for the whole family goes — will go in the afternoon, taking their work with them, while later in the evening, after the day's business is ended, the father and elder brother drops in and accompanies them home. In the smaller towns, you find almost universally a garden connected with every house, and in this garden a never- failing arbor where the family can take their meals. In a drive upon a pleasant afternoon in the environs of a large city, I have seen scores of families sitting out of Gardens and Parks of Germany. 19 doors drinking their afternoon coffee; some in gardens, some on lawns, and some on little plots of grass in front of their houses, just large enough to place their chairs and tables. The Germans are very fond of little family excursions into the country, both for their own pleasure and that of their children. If some pleasant spot is to be found within no very great distance, per- haps the}'- will walk, taking with them a bounteous luncheon, and sitting around upon the green grass, under noble trees, they listen to the cheery warble of the birds, and drink in the pure air and sunshine, while the children romp and play, chasing butterflies and gathering flowers. And thus they pass a pleasant afternoon, until the evening shadows begin to gather round them, when they turn their steps homeward, all the better and happier for their communion with nature. Sunday being the day when almost every one is at leisure, you will see car loads of people dressed in their best, starting out in the morning for some favorite rural resort, and the highway thither will be lined with carriages and pedestrians. And often in some of these resorts, you will see the rich and the poor all mingled together, — the laborer who has ridden out with his child- ren upon a hard uncushioned third-class seat, and the rich man who has come with his coach and liveried footman. I recollect one beautiful Sunday after- noon in Munich, seeing a strange but inter- esting sight. It was in a beautiful park, called the English Garden. I had been strolling along the broad walks, passing groups of elegantly attired ladies and gentlemen, and fine equipages with well groomed horses and liveried coachmen, whose occupants represented the wealth and aristocracy of the capital of Bavaria, when sounds of music met my ear. Direct- ing my course towards the sound of the music, I soon reached a large open lawn, with an undulating surface, and diversified here and there by clumps of trees. About in the centre stood a .tail open tower, and here were seated a band of musicians Right around the tower were numerous benches, all occupied, while in all direc- tions, upon every side, laying and sitting on the green sward, were hundreds of men, women and children, some in groups, some apart eating their frugal lunch, drinking beer, and listening to the music. I judged that there were several thousand there as- sembled, and all from the lower classes, — day laborers and private soldiers with their families. There was not an unhappy fiice among them, and they seemed as contented as the occupants of the splendid carriages, which every now and then went rolling by them. If you wish to see the population of a German city, and every grade of it, you have only to visit such a park on Sun- day. Here you will see the prince and the peasant, the general and the private, the peer and the artisan, all together, all pur- suing the same object, but still as separated as by walls of iron. Kings and princes, knowing that their subjects are more con- tented when allowed such pleasure, have fitted up magnificent royal parks and gar- dens, and thrown them open to the public. And thus you find all throughout Germany, wherever you go, extensive public grounds. In our own country, such efibrts must either be the result of corporations, or of individual enterprise. In Europe, they belong to and are cared for by royalty. In the kingdom of Prussia alone, I believe there are over forty royal castles, and each of these has its gardens and parks, its con- servatories and hothouses. In this way the poor and middle class in Germany, although unable to do anything in this way themselves, become familiar with, and grow into love of horticulture. The German princes pay a great deal of at- tention to their parks and conservatories. Their dwellings are often tasteless and un- pretending, but they are made beautiful by their surroundings. [To he continued.) 20 Tlie Horticulturist. A TRIP TO VINELAND, NEW JERSEY. BY P. T. QUINN. Have jou been to Vinelaud ? Do you intend going 7 Have you talked witli per- sons who have been there ? What have they said about it ? Is it not an enormous swindle on the public, with a smart en- gineer who makes free use of printer's ink, and keeps the machinery oiled, and whose sole object is to make money ? Those and numerous other queries, are constantly asked by persons who are searching for cheap homes in the country. Having heard so many conflicting stories about this new settlement, I determined to go there and make a personal examination, to satisfy my own curiosity, and if as I was led to believe, it was a monstrous hum- bug, I would do all I could to place the matter before the public in its true light, and ray object now is to state briefly what I have seen there on a recent visit. I started from New York with a party of six gentlemen, and we reached Vineland late on the evening of October 27th. We drove from Hammonton in wagons a distance of 20 miles, which gave us a good chance of observing the character of the adjoining country, before the axe, grub hoe, and stump puller, were made use of. I flat- tered myself during this drive, that my convictions about Vineland Avould be fully confirmed, and that Mr. Solon Robinson had been hood-winked by the proprietor of the Vineland tract. Some time after our party reached the hotel, I accidentally met a friend whom I had lost sight of for the last three years, and who now is connected with Mr. Landis. I told him at once my impressions about Vineland, and said I un- derstood every other man wanted to sell and get away from the place. lie asked me on what terms a person would sell, who was " sick" of his bargain. I said if very much so, at half cost, and if only moderately tired, at actual cost ; that is, the price paid for the land, clearing, cost of building, trees. fences, &c., &c. He said if you find a man on this tract that will sell on those terms, I will pay you double the amount. I said it was a bargain, and early next morning two others started with me in search of persons who had been " taken in," but to our surprise we could find no such indivi- dual, although we walked more than eight miles. I had no difficulty in finding men who would sell, they invariably asked twice and three times the original cost ; that is, if the entire outlay on a place was ^1,500, their selling price would be $3,000 to $3,800. I then made up my mind "sick- ness" did not prevail to any great extent on the settlement of Vineland. At first I thought Mr. Landis bought up all the " dis- contents," but on close inquiry and con- versation with actual settlers, hailing from all parts of the country, I learned that the location, soil, and climate gave satisfac- tion. After breakfast our party started in com- pany with Mr. Landis and a number of citi- zens, to drive through a portion of this ex- tensive tract, to witness what has been growing on the past two seasons prepara- tions, for the coming and otlier novel fea- tures exclusively belonging to Vineland. To a stranger the place gives an impression of newness, wliich is in fact, true, but at once you wonder how so much could have been done in the short space of three years. Then a wilderness of pine and scrub oak, now a busy, bustling, thriving town, sur- rounded by a fine agricultural country. How to fully describe all I saAV would be a difficult task in one short article, but I saw sufficient to satisfy me and each mem- ber of our party, that Vineland is not a humbug. And an industrious man, with moderate means, can do better in Vineland than to go to the far West in search of cheap and fertile lands for the following reasons : 1st. — lie has the advantage of good society. A Trip to Vineland, Neiu Jersey. 21 2nd. — He is close to a place of worship. 3d. — His children can be educated at a very small expense, and 4th. — He is within 3C miles of a good market for all his produce, with the prospect of having direct com- munication with New York at au early date. This land appears to be especially adapted to the growth of small fruits, and just so soon as direct communication is opened with New York, this section of the country is destined to become the fruit garden of the Metropolis. The strawberry is being extensively plant- ed, and for the present the growers look to Philadelphia for their market. Thesame lux- uriant growth of vine can be seen here as in Hammonton, and the settlers are begin- ning to learn that one acre of strawberries well taken care of, will pay more profit than three acres of potatoes, or five acres of common com. The soil is well adapted to the grape. We examined various lots on different parts of the tract, and in all cases were satisfied from what we saw, that the vine will be made a leading feature in this section, and the day is not far distant when Vineland will be as noted for extensive vineyards as Cincinnati, or other grape growing dis- tricts. This locality will have many ad- vantages over other places in being so near New York, the best fruit market in the world. The young orchards of pears, apples, and peaches that our attention was called to, give promise that the soil is equally adapt- ed to large as well as small fruits. These trees, many of them planted last spring, have made a good growth, and would reflect credit on any soil or location. I was assured by many of the owners, that the trees received very little manure, in some cases none, and no extra care. Cucumbers, melons, and sweet potatoes flourish in this soil, and as the season is two weeks earlier than the vicinity of New . York, growing early vegetables for that market will become a profitable business. On the south-east part of the tract, we were shown a fleld of common field corn, and after a careful examination it was ar- gued that the yield would be 40 to 50 bushels shelled corn to the acre. Along side of this lot was a field containing 17,000 cabbages, looking very well, the heads firm and solid. The owner, whose name I have forgotten, settled three or four years ago, with only sufiicient means to make the first payment on four acres, and build a cheap house to live in, but he persevered, and each year bought and cleared a little more land, until now he has GO acres, tilla- ble and entirely free from debt. He has devoted a certain portion of his farm to vegetables, for which he has a good market a few miles distant. The rapidity with which Vineland has grown is quite surprising ; it reminds a person of fairy tales. Three years ago a wilderness, and according to the cen- sus taken in July last, there was then 5,200 inhabitants, and if immigration continues for the next five as it has for the past year, there will be a population of 25,000 people. To give an idea how the place is being settled, I was assured on good authority, that from Jan. 1st, 1865, to January 1st, 18G6, 1,000 new houses will be built on the Vineland tract. Mr. Landis has already opened 160 miles of road at his own expense. This of course is a great advantage to settlers, as their time may be employed in improving their respective places instead of making new roads. There are five public schools in successful operation, so that every resident can have his children educated at a very small ex- pense. In conclusion, I would advice persons in search of cheap lands to visit this section of country, and remain long enough to examine for themselves and witness what this sandy soil will produce even under very indifferent treatment. 22 The Horticulturist NEW HYBRID PINK, "SARAH HOWARD." BY PKTER HENDERSON. This valuable addition to our new plants was originated by A. G. Howard, Florist, of Utica, New York, wbo is well known as an accurate and close observer in all mat- ters pertaining to Floriculture. It is some- thing of a nondescript, evidently a hybrid between some white China pink and Car- nation. From seed sown last Marcli, 95 per cent, came double ; they began to flower in August, and continued in wonder- ful profusion until October, when they were carefully lifted and potted, and are now literally covered with buds and flowers. The color is of the purest white, most sy- metrical in form, fringed, and in the different varieties, (for there are many varieties), varying from 2 to 3 inches in diameter ; as a white pink for winter blooming, in beauty of form and profusion of bloom, it will fill up a blank that has been long wanting On some of the varieties as many as 200 buds and flowers have been counted on one plant. Mr. Howard informs me that it is quite hardy even in TJtica, where the thermome- ter occasionally runs down to 20 below zero, and that when struck from cuttings, or sown early, say in January, it will bloom continued!}' from inly throughout the season. There is little doubt but that it can be hybridized by colored varieties of the Monthly Carnation, when we may ex- pect a rich treat from the opening up of a new class in this most beautiful tribe. Editor's Table. 23 EDITOR'S TABLE. To Contributors and Others. — Address all Communications, for the Editorial and publishing departments, to Geo. E. & F. W. Woodward, 37 Park Row, New York. The Nursery Trade.— The results of the past year have developed some very cu- rious examples of timidity in this line of business — a business that now stands on a broad and permanent foundation, and is as legitimate in its pursuits and results as any other business that can be named, and yet, by a very large number, evidently carried on with the moraentarj^ expectation that all demand will suddenly cease. The ques- tion was asked, upwards of twenty years ago, of a nursery-man who stocked an acre near Hartford, Conn., " Where will you find a market for all your trees ?" and since then nurseries have gone on increasing in numbers and extent, year after year, and now the public are clamorous to know where they can find peach trees, plum trees, crab apples, quinces, evergreen seeds. Con- cord grape vines, and grape vines of all kinds. This kind of questioning is getting to be quite an important part of our cor- respondence, and we must decline answer- ing it in any other manner except through our advertising columns. But the men who trembled the most were those who propagated grape vines the most exten- sively. They evidently thought that a small matter of two or three hundre^l thous- and vines would glut the market ; and the cut-throat game of seven or eight cents a piece for Concoi-d vines was an evidence of fear by which the buyer profited largely. — Now, in the month of December, when prudent buyers are looking out for next spring. Concord vines are scarce at four times the price. We hear a great deal of talk about grape fever, but what does the whole of it amount to ? About one of the most imperceptible things in existence. — How many farmers in all this broad land have a single grape vine? Take all the acres of vineyard from the Atlantic to the Pacific coast, put them together, and how many townships in this State would they cover 1 Grow all the fruit, and make all the wine possible, and this city would call for more. This grape business is only in its infancy, and its progress will not end with this generation. How many farmers take an agricultural paper? Not one in ten. The balance know nothing — they don't want to know anything — and it will take years to educate such men to know the difference between good grapes and poor ones; but it can be done. It requires per- sistent application. There is steady pro- gress ; we have full faith in it. The time will come when every one will not be satis- fied with a single vine ; they will require dozens and hundreds. What our grape vine propagators ought to do is to raise first-rate vines, then let the public know they have them for sale. Advertise boldly, liberally, persistently ; keep at it week after week, month after month ; spend your profits in printer's ink; it will all come back in time, and a goodly fortune besides. Appreciation of Home Productions. — 100 Dollars for six Verbenas. — Dexter Snow, of Chicopee, Mass., sold last Septem- ber, the stock, consisting of six single plants of seedling Verbenas, to Peter Henderson, of Jersey City. The varieties are of the Italian strain ; striped, spotted and mot- tled, and have been brought to their high state of perfection, by the hybridizing of Mr, Snow, who has devoted many years to the cultivation of the Verbena, and to whom we are already indebted for many of our leading varieties. 24 The Horticulturist. Lychni's Senno. — One of the novelties that will be issued in the Spring of 1866. It has been grown in England for the past three years, and figured in most of the illustrated magazines. In our brighter sun- shine it will, no doubt, become more de- cided in its markings than in England. In specimens of it that we saw last summer in the grounds of Peter Henderson, the colors were clearly defined, scarlet and white striped, presenting a most novel and beau- tiful feature in this class of plants. The plant is continuous blooming, and like others of the genus, Avill, no doubt, prove entirely hardy. Reclaiming Drowned Lands has be- come a branch of knowledge where the ap- plication of skill and industry is as sure of the promised result as in any of the de- monstrable sciences. It has been a subject of interest in the early ages of the world, and experiments in this direction have been almost uniformly crowned with success. The histories of Rome, Holland, Russia, Eng- land, and indeed, of almost every country, supply innumerable examples of lands res- cued from the dominion of the ocean ; and the success of human skill in redeeming them is commensurate only with the pa- tience and perseverance with which they have been applied. It is stated that the Bedford Level in England, once a waste, contains 300,000 acres of unreclaimed soil ; the Romney Marsh, 40,000 ; in the counties of York, Lincoln and Cambridge, hundreds of thousands. In the county of Norfolk more than 30,000 acres, composed like the Bergen meadows, of muddy depositions left by the tides and floods, have been reclaim- ed ; and from scenes of utter desolation display rich fields and gardens, yielding, in the fruits of the earth simply, from ten to fifteen per cent, on the capital invested. Holland is an instance on a grand scale. But it is useless to enumerate the enter- prises in foreign countries which have been succesful. Many such have been made in our own land with a similar result. As, for instance, those marshes which formerly surrounded the '• Old Milldam" in Boston, now reclaimed and occupied by solid, sub- stantial, and in some cases positively mas- sive edifices of brown stone. — Journal of Commerce. Those of our subscribers who hive the volume for 1863, by mailing it post paid to this office, can renew their subscription for 1866 with ifc. AGEICULTrRAL, HORTICULTURAL, ARCHITEC- TURAL, and other books can be had at this office, or will be mailed to any part of the country post paid, on receipt of price. Any book, paper, or periodical, on any subject, can be ordered through us. See our book lists: select all the papprs, magazines, and books you wish, no matter in what section of the country pub- lished; send us a postal order or draft on New York for the amount, and the business will be promptly attended to. We send this number to all of our subscrib- ers, with the invitation to those who have not yet renewed tlieir subscription for 1866 to do so without delay. This volume will be fully illustrated, and we are constantly per- fecting our arrangements, to give the best reading matter and instruction that the coun- try will afford. In all matters of horticulture and rural art, we mean to make the Horti- culturist the best authority that can be consulted. YoLUNTARY CONTRIBUTORS Can aid us very much by choosing thoroughly practical sub- jects. We shall have to omit hereafter all ar- ticles that do not convey instruction of some kind. Essays, speculations, theories, &c., we consider of little or no value. The best and most valuable writers for the Press, those who command the highest price and the most readers, by nature or culture possess the fa- culty of expressing themselves in the least possible number of words. Editor's Table. 25 Parties who have ordered Volume IV of " Rural Affairs," and " Cochrane's Farm Bookkeeping." cannot be supplied until some time during the month of January. The diffi- culty of getting paper is the cause of delay. We find it impossible to get our volumes for 1864: and 1865 bound as fast as called for, and the delay of a few days is from this cause. — After this week, we shall be fully prepared to meet the demand, though from present indi- cations the volume for 1864 Avill soon be ex- hausted. Our number for November, 1865, was printed on foreign paper made in Bre- men. Our regular supply of paper was de- layed by the accident to the St. John, Bre- men paper and only just enough for our edi- tion was all that could be found in this mar- ket. With our best endeavors, we were fully ten days behind time. Publishers must look well into the future now if they need supplies of any class. The "Greely Prize" Committee have given the premium to the Baldwin apple and Bart- lettpeai-j as best adapted for general cultiva- tion. The Committee were not unanimous. — The vote was four for Baldwin, and three for R. I. Greening. The Hubbardston Nonsuch was ruled out, as it was said the fruit would not keep in good condition until the first Of February. Tlie vote on pears was four for Bartlett, and three for Sheldon. The Com- mittee then recommended six varieties of ap- ple% and six of pear for general cultivation, to consist of two Summer, two Fall, and two Winter varieties. Summer Apples — Primate, Red Astrican. Fall — Porter, Gravenstein. — Winter — Hubbardston Nonsuch, Northern Spy. Summer Pears — Manning's Elizabeth, Rostiezer. Fall — Sheldon, Seckle. Winter — Lawrence, Dana's Hovey. Dead and gone ! dead and gone ! never more cans't thou come back to us, poor Old Year ! What brave promises were thine ? What weak fulfillments ? There were violets that the night frosts withered ; there were orchard blooms where never came fruit ; there were rosy morning clouds that grew into tempests, and dews that congealed into hoar-frosts ; there were fancies that faded into nothingness before cold realities ; there were hopes, and plans, and endeavors without fruition; there were loves that decayed into forgetfulness, or that ended in hatred, and good intentions that froze into hardness of heart. Shall we lament thee, then, dead de- ceiver, hollow professor? Let us rejoice that thou art gone. But were there no good movings in thy heart towards us ? Dids't thou really bring us no positive bles- sings? Sunshine made every day a glory; winds swept away the deforming tempests from the sky; some good desires were prospered, and worked themselves out into good deeds; some good will was trans- formed into action. The dark cloud of war has disappeared and peace smiles again upon our dear land ; and if we remember, that during the whole time thou wert with us. Old Year, Gon did not once forget us ; we have much to be grateful for. Let us, then, stand on thy grave with holy thoughts, and forgiving all thy short-comings, like a true friend, and weeping over our own, like a true christian, buiy in oblivion that thou hads't not, and cherish in grateful memory that thou hads't. The year has almost fled ; Let's utter a prayer for the well-nigh dead ; Oh, eve and dawn ! Oh, night and morn ! Three hundred times ye have come and gone, While round the fiery-featured sun, One course our ancient earth has ran. For each bright day Now swept away, Wherein we wrought not, Thought not. Prayed not, For the greater gloi-y of Thee, our God ; Oh, let its record swift be trod Beneath Thy foot, while we anew Begin our lives with purpose true ! We come to bury the old and worn ; His brow is furi^owed, his garments torn. We write on his headstone— pause and see, Where thou a twelve-month hence may be ! Toll for the dead, -toll for the dead ; The frozen earth is over his head. Heaven pardon his sins, he meant so well ; Toll, toll the bell ! 26 The Horticulturist. " I NEVER had any other desire so strong and so like to covetousness, as that one which I have had always, — that I might be master, at least of a small house and large garden, with very moderate conveniences joined to them, and there dedicate the re- mainder of my life only to the culture of them and the study of nature. And there, -ft-itli no design beyond my wall Whole and entire to lye, In no inactive ease and no unglorious poverty." Cowley's wish is, like Pope's Universal Prayer, adapted to all sorts and conditions of men. How many thousand times, in each of the two hundred years since the ejyistle to John Eveli/n, Esq. was written, has the same ardent longing been breathed by lips that pant to inhale the fresh breezes of the country, instead of the impure air of the town! Give me but a garden! is the aspiration sighed forth, with more or less of hope, in cities and in solitudes, by children and by their grandsires. From Punch's indication of the season, when to rake mignonette with a silver fork, pass to a sketch like this of an Australian ex- plorer : " Mr. Philips is rather singular in his habits; he erects his tent generally at a distance from the rest, under a shady tree, or in a green bower of shrubs, where he makes himself as comfortable as the place will allow, by spreading branches and grass under his couch, and covering his tent with them, to keep it shady and cool, and even planting lilies in blossom before his tent, to enjoy their sight during the short time of our stay." All this industry repeated night after night, by a weary foot-sore man, merely in the hope to have something like the shred of a garden to look at on waking in the morning. Could there be a more touching expression of the " hortulan" passion which, whether latent, or in full action, remains, like hope, ineradicable from the human breast? It is a natural consequence, too, that those who cannot taste the actual fruition of a garden, should take the greater delight in reading about one. But the en- joyment next below actual possession seems to be derived from writing on the topic. " Had I not observed," says Sir Thomas Browne, is his Garden of Cyrus, " that purblind men have discoursed well of sight, and some, without issue, excellently of generation, I, that never was master of any considerable garden, had not attempted this subject. But the earth is the garden of nature, and each fruitful country a Paradise." The love of flowers is a universal passion. As John Ray expresses it, "All the world are jjhilobotanoV The most highly esteemed favor which the early missionaries at Tahiti could confer on the king and queen, was to furnish them each, on State occasions, with a speci- men of that splendid novelt}^, the sun- flower, to be worn in their dusky bosoms. The men of St. Kilder, who went to pay their duty to their lord, in the far southern island of Skye, could hardly proceed on their journey when approaching Dunvegan Castle, because, they said, the trees, — such beautiful things had never been seen even in their dreams — the trees kept pulling them back. Be grateful, then, ye who live in the country, in a temperate clime, and endeavor to enjoy your Eden truly, by fencing off every unhallowed intrusion, and by the remembrance that for you and yours there grows in the midst a tree of evil, as well as a tree of good. Verily, now-a-days, " the poor we have Avith us always." When I open a volume of poems, I prefer to find a digression from the ordinary talk of this weary working world ; from rhythmical sermons and Dor- cal Society addresses in verse. Do good with all your might, fervently, effectually, thoroughly, but do not talk about it all the time ; at least, do not make poetry the vehicle in which you go about to trumpet your deeds. Alas ! the old triumphal chariot, with its laurels, its milk-white steeds, and the clarion blast that heralded Editor's Table. 27'- it, is turned into a Connecticut pedler's wagon, with iron candlesticks, brooms and patent medicines inside, while a big tin dinner-horn announces its approach. The Muses have become Sisters of Charity, and tramp about with great baskets of clothes and phials. Mars is in prison for fighting a duel, and Bacchus, having suffered re- peated attacks of delirium tremens, has joined the Temperance Society. Nimble- footed Mercury goes round with subscrip- tion papers ; Venus has been sent to the House of Correction. The Graces have put on high-necked dresses, and write for the magazines ; Juno has taken the manage- ment of an Orphan Asylum, and Jupiter has been elected to Congi-ess to legislate for the Freedmen, Reconstruction, general reform, and woman's rights. Alas ! for the good old times, and the romance of the old Mythology. A YEAR is not only an astronomical, but a natural division of time. The first imperfect year of ancient times, must, no doubt, have originated from observing the regular vicissitudes of heat and cold, of the leafing, flowering and fruiting of the various tribes of plants; and the coincidence of these appearances with the laying and hatching of birds, and the production of the young of quadrupeds. This way of reckoning, however, was subject to so many variations, that it was necessary to make choice of some more constant periodical occurrence hj which to mark the annual revolution. The ancient year began in the month of March, and it may seem singular that mod- ern civilized nations should choose to com- mence their year at a period when nature lies almost dormant, in preference to that season when the race of vegetables and animals is actually renewed. In defence of the present custom, it may, however, be said that the time of the renovation of nature varies in different countries, and is affected so much by accidental circum- stances, as to preclude the possibility of an exact calculation ; that now the year does not commence till ten days after the win- ter solstice, and that the lengthening of the day, as it is the chief cause, so in fact, it is the commencement of the spring. So little influence, however, has this change at first, that the month of January is usually found to be that in which the cold is most intense. It used formally to be a subject of much dispute among natural pliilosophers, wheth- er frost was a particular substance, or merely the absence of a certain degree of heat. The latter opinion is now most gen- erally entertained. The little hooked salts, or spiculse, which in frosty mornings are found floating in the atmosphere, or ad- hering to the surfaces of bodies, being found by experiment to be nothing more than small crystals of ice, capable of being re- solved by heat into pure water. The process of congelation is curious and interesting, and it may be that the laws which govern it are too familiar to need repetition. It is well known that water, when frozen, is expanded, and occupies more space than it did before, and hence, that ice is lighter than water, and swims upon it. If a bottle full of water, tightly corked, be left to freeze, the bottle will be broken for want of room for the expansion of the water while assuming the solid form. Water-pipes often bui'st from the same cause, and hoops fly off from barrels ; and in the intense frosts of the northern regions, cannons and bomb shells filled with water, and the apertures strongly plugged up have, in the course of a few hours, been burst. The explanation of this is, that in the process of the congelation of water, needle- like crystals are formed, which unite to each other at angles of a certain size; hence the space between these crystals is much more considerable than between the par- ticles of water ; and on this account, water, when frozen, occupies more space than be- fore, but with no increase of weight. 28 The HorticuUicrist. This same property of water, wlien frozen, tends every year to diminisli the height of the Alps and other lofty moun- tains. The fissures and crevices become filled vpith water during the summer, which is frozen in the winier, and by its irresist- ible expansive power, detaches huge masses of rock from the summits of the mountains, and rolls them down into the valleys below, to the terror of the inhabitants. In its more moderate and minute effects, the operation of this general law is produc- tive of a very beneficial consequence to the gardener or husbandman. For the hard clods of the ploughed lands are loosened and broken in pieces by the expansion of the water within them when frozen. The earth is crumbled and prepared for receiving the seed. Hence the reason and the utility of trenching our gardens in the autumn before the frosts set in. That must be a cold and forlorn heart that does not love flowers. While reading, the other day, in one of our dailies, of the magnitude of the trade in cut flowers, in the city of New Yoik, we were reminded of the following little poem, which was written several years since by one who dearly loved flowers, and knew them well, who has since passed from the enjoyments of the delightful associations of earth, to the higher and purer enjoyments of the " Courts above " : More flowers, moro beauty in my path, More light along my way ; A deeper hue the sunshine hath, A richer glow the day ; And every breeze that sweepoth by, Speaks with a gayer tone, And bcareth with it perfumes rare. Which these sweet flowers have strown. Ay, bring them forth into the sun ; They were not born to be Hidden away from mortal eyes, What joy such flowers to see. Bring crystal water-drops to fling, Xike pearls upon each leaf ; So let them rest in yonder vase, A green and golden sheaf. Father ! who gavest these gems to shine, These buds in bliss to grow, What must adorn Thy courts above, If such are found below ? They say that there e'en rainbow hues Are pale and dim to see ; Then what, O Father ! dyes Thy flowers ? What must their radiance be ? The glorious and genial autumn has but the remembrance of its bright golden days comes back to its by the winter fire-side, like the memory of the sweet fragrance we inhaled in the leafy months which are gone. Of all the delicious states of feeling that ever cross our monotonous pathway, — said the gentle friend whom we have just copied — commend me to a wood- land reverie in a sunny day of autumn. To sit on the warm green turf, just at the edge of a noble old wood, and feel the grateful glow of the unclouded sunshine, while the rustling of the leaves is in your ears ; to watch the slow, rocking descent of one brown leaf after another, and listen to the quick droppings of the acorns, each with its own distinct little crashing; to hear the short, satisfied chiripngs of the numberless small birds that swarm on the bushes, each bush bearing a double burden of berries and of birds ; to note the cease- less labors of the wild bee and the ant, the busy crickets, the careful butterflies ; yet neither to think, moralize, nor meditate upon either of these in particular, nor upon other things in general ; but merely to exist, conscious that you are somehow re- markably well-off, — and not very certain how it came about. This is a true wood- land reverie. Contrast this dolcefar niente condition of the writer with the positive, outspoken feeling of discomfort and dislike of the same, for the inhospitable winter, the glit- tering snows, and the glaring, treacherous ce of our northern climes. But such weather as we have ! Oh, that it was blotted out of the almanac! First snow, then hail, then rain, then "splosh," keeping me in the house all the time. The Editor's Tahle. 29 cold has, for the last three clays, been ter- rible, and the suffering among the poor, great. How I dread the winter and the snow; I never loved it. It is so cold, so glittering, so shroud-like. I think of the earth as one great charnel-house, wherein decay jostles the dead with rudeness. I feel the slow procession of the hours, as separately they pass along in one vast funeral train. I fear the snow, for it turns to a blank all the beautiful book that the south wind and the west wind, and the warm rain opens for us to read. It fright- ens all my little lovers, the ground-sparrow and the tree-sparrow, and the katy-did, and the bee, and it hides all the summer-brooks so deftly that none can find them, save sweet spring, and she sleeps. "Why should I love the snow ? I am faint and shivering when it falls upon me, and I loathe the heavy garments I must don. When I fold away the pretty ado^nings that are fitted to the season of the morning-glory and the sweet-pea, when I consign to the dark wardrobe, the transparent scarf and the pearl-white dres?, I wrap up in their fold- ings many a tear that will fall, despite my Avomanly courage. Maj'- it please Gou, 1 die not in the days of the hoar-frost and the black-frost, of sleet and white driving snow ! I should leave the world gladly, forgetting to thank heaven for its beauty and exceeding loveliness. I should stretch out my hands towards the bannered golden city, builded of emerald, and amethyst, and sapphire, forgetting that even with such had my pathway here been paved. I sliould lie impatiently on my sick couch, " biding my time." I would listen for the melody of the rapt seraphs near the throne, not remembering that the Lord had prepared richest music for my ear many thousand times, when I had not even prayed for it. I should say, "Thank God, I die!" rather than, "Bless God that I have lived." (Incapacity,) like murder, "will out." Some say the defect is in m)^ head 1 think it is in m}^ heel, where there is such a shocking chilblain. I think Thetis must have plunged me in the Styx, as she did Achilles, all but my heel by which she held me, and that this spot is the only one vulnerable to Jack Frost. I have had only one sleigh-ride this win- ter. Judge whether it was a joyful one when it led me to a hovel where an insuffi- ciency of lights, fire, food and clothing made winter dreadful. You know I hate sleighing, and snow, and ice, and all other manifestations of cold weather. When I am queen, in my realm there shall be no winter, but one long, golden, glowing sum- mer. There shall be a perpetual shower of rose leaves on mij grass, and the poplar leaves shall be the only creatures to skiver all the 3^ear round. There shall be a violet- colored twilight to last all night, and sweet south winds in the morning. I am a sum- mer child, and true to the season that gave me birth. How can you like snow ? It is so unmeaning, dead, stifling. I would rather see the coarsest brown furrow in dear mother earth's wrinkled face, than all the brilliancy of frost, and ice, and snow in which poor shivering mortals rejoice. The Editor's Table closes this month with cordial salutations to the readers of the Horticulturist ; A Merry Christ- mas and a Happy New Year. Till we meet ao;ain, Salvete et Valete. CORR-ESPONDENOE. Ithaca, N.Y., December 6th, 1865. Messrs. Editors — Thegi'eat Agricultural College of the State of New York, with its magnificent endowment of half a million of dollars, distinguished by the name of its founder, and known as the Cornell Univer- sity, is fast developing into a reality. Arch- chitects and committees are now consider- ing and preparing plans of the buildings which are to be erected, and the opening 30 The Horticulturist. spring of 186G will witness the hum of tlie busy artisan and laborer laying the foundations. The present arrangements contemplate the erection of five principal college buildings in the foreground, upon an elevation of about 150 feet above the level of Cayuga Lake, commanding a fine view in a northerly direction for thirty miles over its surface, and of the village of Ithaca, '• its lovely valleys, and its hills of green," in a south-easterly course. The situation selected is one of surpassing beauty. On the north and south, at right-angles from the college buildings, foi'ming two sides of a hollow square, will be erected the dwelling-houses for the professors, which will ultimately furnish accommodations for upwards of one hundred families; while in the rear, and upon higher ground, are the sites for the observatory. President's man- sion, (fcc. The approach will be by well- constructed roads, curving by easy grades, so as to reach all parts of the plateau with facility and comfort. The grounds thus en- closed will be ornamented and planted af- ter the plans of the most skilful horticul- tural and landscape engineers. Upon the college farm adjoining are already enough f^xrm buildings for immediate use. These will be increased with all modern improve- ments as they are needed. The plans of the horticultural buildings are yet in em- bryo, but it is understood that they are to be in keeping vrith the whole design, and will be of the best character. The model horticultural farm of Mr. Cornell is situ- ated on Crowbar Point, about seven miles distant on the west bank of the lake, con- sisting of nearly four hundred acres, with a south-easterly exposure. This is already planted with the best well-known varieties of fruits suited to the locality, and others of declared merit are on trial. These or- chards and vineyards are under the charge of a competent horticulturist, and here the student can practically acquire knowledge, while comparing the teachings of Mcintosh, Loudon, and Van Mons with actual results on American soil. The water of Cayuga Lake is a deep spring, which does not freeze over in the severest winters : and this has a meliorating influence upon the climate. — Here the delicate peach ripens without fail- ure, and here we may expect one day to drink the delicious Gunyardo * wines, ri- valing the " delightful poison " of Jeru- sheed. Ithaca will hereafter be known by its literary institutions and its literary society, attracting people of refinement and taste, many of whom will seek a lesidence here for the enjoyment of kindred fellowship, and for the education of their children. — And here the denizen of the city may re- tire from the unhealthy summer atmos- phere, or avoid the approach of the cholera, locating himself on the borders of a lovely lake, among the finest scenery, with roman- tic walks and rambles among numerous waterfalls, and through ravines of the wild- est beauty % with which this country abounds ; botanizing, mineralizing, or en- joying the country sports — driving, fishing, rowing, sailing, &c. ; avoiding or inviting society at his own pleasure. W. A. W. * Poetic Indian for Crorohar ; probably by the same student who consulted the "Old Authors" to find the Indian name of Cayuga. X Nearly one hundred of these picluresaue views have been photographed, embracing some of the finest stere- oscopic views of American scenery. Rochester, N. Y., Dec. 4, 1865. Gentlemen : — In your December number, a correspond- ent " C," writing from Pittsburg, enquires about Rea's Seedling Quince, and says he had written to us for it, but we knew nothing about it. This is a mistake. We have grown Rea's seedling quince exten- sively for more than 10 years, and sold both at wholesale and retail during all that time. We have some 20 large bearing trees of it in our specimen grounds. We consider it the best of the quinces. The Chinese quince your correspondent refers to, is not grown in this country for its fruit, but for ornament, and rarely produces fruit. Yours, Ellwanger & Barry. Editor's Table. 31 Detroit, Mich., Dec. 9, 1865 Messrs. Woodward: Gentlemen,— The November number of the Horticulturist was not handed to me until that for December came. In an- swer to G. S's enquiry, I will say that we always planted the bulblets of gladioli in the spring ensuing their gathering, at the same time as planting the large bulbs. — They generally come up, but I have no doubt that they can be kept for eighteen months, and possibly longer, as these bulb- lets, physiologically speaking, are nothing but seeds. It is also possible, that by being kept over, their germinating qualities are perfected. We have seeds that generally fail to grow the first year after gathering, as we have plants, the qualities of the blooming of which are increased by keeping as long as possible. I shall take pleasure in sending you de- signs for the premiums. E. Ferrand. Resolutions of the Ohio State Pomo- logical society on the department of Agriculture. — The following resolutions were adopted unanimously by the Ohio Pomological Society, which has just closed its session in this city: Resolved^ That we feel deeply interested in the great Department of Agriculture connected with our Federal Government; that we desire its entire success, and be- lieve it destined to contribute immensely to the advancement of Agriculture in the country; that we earnestly entreat the President of the United States to appoint a competent man to be the head of the Department of Agriculture ; the incom- petency of the present incumbent being a source of general remark and complaint from the intelligent agriculturists of all parts of our extended country. It is therefore Resolved^ That in the opinion of this con- vention, a change in the head of the Agri- cultural Department is imperatively^ needed for the best interests of tlie producing classes of the country, and the President of the United States is most respectfully petitioned to listen to the complaints em- bodied in the foregoing resolutions. (Signed,) John A. Warder, President. M. B. Bateham, Secretary. Officers and Directors of theMilford and Orange Agricultural Society, elected at the annual meeting, held Nov. 7, 1865. officers : David Miles, President. Fiber J. Treat, . Caleb T. Merwin, ( Vice Presidents. Elisha E. Benhan, ) Wm. H. Pond, Secretary. Charles F. Smith, Treastirer. directors: milford. Wm. S. Pond, Isaac 0. Smith, Chas. S. Baird, Geo. Cornwall, 2d. Miles B. Merwin, David B. Piatt, Wm. M. Merwin, Elijah B. Tibballs, Joiah P. Isbell, orange. Enoch Clark, Isaac A. Smith, Dennis Andrew, Merwin Andrew, Albert F. Miles, Nelson Tyler, Geo. S. Kelsey, Leveret B. Treat. Jay L. Northrop. BOOKS, &c., RECEIVED. Companion Poets for the people in illustrated volumes. This series contains popular selections from the best American and English poets; each volume of about 100 pages and 12 to 20 illustrations by the best artists. The volumes are handsomely printed on tinted paper, and bound in neat pamphlet form, — price 50 cts. each. Thus far have been issued : Household Poeins, by Longfellow. Songs for all Ssasons, by Tennyson. National Lyrics, by John G. Whittier. Lyrics of Life., hj Robert Browning. Humoro-us Poems, by Oliver Wendell Holmes. Other popular poets will be added to the series. — Messrs. Ticknor & Fields, publish- ers, Boston. 32 The Horticulturist. Ohio Farmer. — Cleveland, Ohio, week- ly, ^2 50 per annum. The Agricultural Department of this paper is presided over by Col. S. D. Harris, one of the most in- dustrious and popular writers on agricul- tural subjects. He keeps himself thoroughlj^ informed, by travel and otherwise, of all that is new and interesting. We commend the Ohio Farmer *as a paper that can be read with profit by the farming community in all sections of the country. The Prairie Farmer. — Weekly ; Em- ery & Co., Chicago ; two dollars per an- num. This is a wide-awake journal, repre- senting the agricultural interests of the Great West, now entering on its twenty- sixth year. It is the intention of the en- terprising publishers to come out in a new dress. We notice they have secured some of the leading writers on agriculture and hoi'ticulture, and mean to maintain a high standard. They also propose to publish monthly a German edition of the Prairie Farmer, the first number of which is now ready ; two dollars per annum. See their advertisement. Atlantic Monthly. — To those of our readers who take this valuable periodical it is quite unnecessary for us to say anything. Few who know its value are willing to live on without it. Those who can be induced to take it may place implicit confidence in our recommendation. We lead no one astray hy calling their attention to this very valuable publication, price four dollars per annum, and well worth the money. Ticknor & Fields, Boston. We notice, also, that Messrs. Ticknor and Fields announce a new literary weekly, to be called Every Saturday. Well, they understand precisely the art of making money in periodical literature. It is sim- ple enough ; this is all of it : publish a first class paper, employ the best talent in the country to write for it, and let the world know it, that is, advertise. Our Young Folks. — The New Year be- gins the second volume of this completely successful magazine. The first six months of its publication it obtained a circulation of upwards of 50,000, proof enough of its popularity. It is decidedly the best of all the magazines for the young, and one that deserves a universal circulation throughout the length and breadth of the land. Two dollars per annum ; with the Atlantic, five dollars per annum. Ticknor & Fields, Boston. Hours at Home. — A popular monthly, devoted to religious and useful literature, edited by J. M. Sherwood, published by Chas. Scribner & Co., No. 124 Grand St. New York. Three Dollars per annum, with the usual discount to Clubs. This magazine, now in its second volume, bids fair to become a popular standard and welcome addition to the magazine literature of the country. It is ably edited, articles, well arranged and varied, and the publish- ers rank among the solid men of this city. Harris' Rural Annual, now owned and published by Orange, Judd & Co., will be sent immediately after publication to those who have ordered them. Dkpartment of Agriculture Report for 1864. — We are indebted to James S. Greunell, Esq., late chief clerk of the Agri- cultural Department, for an advance copy of th s report. The great value of these re- ports of late years, is attributable mainly to the talent and industry of Mr. Grennell, a gentleman of rare ability in all matters pertaining to agriculture, and whom we hope to see placed in the position he is better qualified to fill than any other man in this country, — that of Commissioner of Agriculture. So important are our agri_ cultural interests, and so vast is the influ- ence of the agricultural bureau for good or evil, that the removal of Mr.' Grennell from the position he so ably filled, can only be considered as a serious loss to the country. Designs and Plans for Prepared for the HORTICULTURIST, Feb,, 1866. THE HORTICULTURIST VOL. XXL .FEBRUARY, 1866 ... NO. CCXXXVL THE FIRE ON THE HEARTH. At this present season of the year, we may well turn our attention from without to within doors, and see by what means we may contrive to make tJie country home more attractive not only to its inmates, but to the stranger within its walls. And here at the outset, let it be well understood that our suggestions are intended for those who not only live in the country, but whose tastes and predilections are decided- ly for rural life. We are writing not only for those who are obliged from circumstances to live in an humble manner, but for those who, with ample means, prefer real solid home comfort to pretence and empty show. As we can often form an opinion of the character of a man, from the expression of his countenance, so, not unfrequently, we are able to judge, from the exterior of a country dwelling, what may be the charac- ter of its internal arrangement, and what may be the peculiar tastes of its occupants. Some homes are so cold and forbidding in their external aspect, that it would seem as if no amount of cheerfulness could ever light up their hearth- stones ; while others habitually wear such a smiling and benig- nant expression, that we long to cross their thresholds and make ourselves familiar with every nook and corner they contain ; and is not this the case with old country houses ? Is not this their peculiar charac- teristic ? We rarely see one that it does not awaken ideas of true home comfort, which a more modern structure fails to im- part ; and we think this feeling is common to all persons of cultivation, more especial- ly if they possess strong rural tastes. No matter what may be the peculiar architec- tural arrangement of the house, if time has mellowed it, this home feeling is almost sure to spring up at first sight. It may be the Gambrel roof, with or without its quaint balustrade ; it may be the old New Enteked according to Act of Congress, in the year 1866, by Geo. E. & F. W. Woodward, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States, for the Southern District of New York. 34 The Horticulturist. England mansion, with its two stories in front, and its roof sloping almost to tlie ground behind and overshadowed by some venerable elm ; or it may be the humble red farm-house, with its moss-covered roof. If these old dwellings possess so winning an exterior, in most cases we are not disap- pointed on entering them. We shall find that everything within comports with that air of quiet ease and comfort which is inher- ent, and to which no one thing contributes more than the open chimney place with its blazing wood-fire. The sight of this makes us perfectly at our ease — we want no more cordial welcome ; and herein lies the essence of our present paper — the importance of the fire on the hearth, as a means of im- parting health, cheerfulness and sociability to the inmates of the dwelling. Let there be one room at least in every home, where the family, particularly if there be children, can gather around the chimney place, and watch, as they sit musing or talking, the fiitting flame of either the hickory log, or, for lack of that, the bitu- minous coal; and by all means, let that fire- place be generous in its size — not, perhaps, so capacious as to allow all to sit within its very jaws, and to look up at the bright stars of heaven shining down from above — such a one we remember, years ago, in a rude cottage in the wilds of Maine, where w^ passed a night — but still ample enough for a good-sized log to be rolled behind and committed to its bed of ashes. It is not often that we now see those rousing wood-fires of a former generation. They are no longer an actual necessity. Modern science has introduced many other methods for warding oft" the searching bla*:ts of winter. The screens that were set up at our backs, as an additional means of attaining warmth and comfort, have now been folded up and laid aside. The innumer- able logs of wood, usually sawed in the hottest days of July, by men who were part and parcel of the saw, and who never tired, however long and hot might be the day, are rarely wanted now. The large stout leathern apron, with its convenient handles, by which the wood was carried to the fire-place, is no longer called for. Our thoughts wander back to youthful days, and we call to mind a bar-room wood fire of a country inn in New Hampshire — a fire which never slumbered night or day through the cold season, and which was al- ways ready, with its more than genial warmth, to welcome the shivering stage- passenger. No one of the rising generation, we ven- ture to say, ever saw such a fire upon the hearth — its huge logs piled one above the other, and sending up such volumes of flame that no near approach was possible. That fire has gone out now, and a cold, black fu- nereal stove has usurped its place. So, too, have gone out the liberal wood tires of our fathers' kitchens, before which were roast- ed such ample sirloins, and over whose liv- ing coMs such savory steaks were pre- pared. But if these open fires are no longer a necessity as a means of aifording warmth, are they not necessary as promoters of ven- tilation, cheerfulness and gladness in the household ? We may easily decide this by comparing the atmosphere and cheerfulness of a room lighted up by a bright blazing fire, and one heated only by a furnace or by a closed stove, with every means of obtain- ing fresh air carefully cut oft'. No matter how high may be the temperature of such a room, if we enter it upon a cold day, and see no open fire, an involuntary shudder comes over us — more especially if no rays of sun-light enter to dispel the gloom. HoAV pleasant to those who dwell in cities, and who never know thebrightness of a fire on their own hearths, is the recollec- tion of the cosy wood-fire over which they sat in those frosty evenings of early au- tumn, following the bright, clear sunny days, in the distant farm-house among the mountains or by the sea-shore! The thoughts and aspirations of those happy hours will be far more lasting than the embers by the light of which they were kindled. Fire on the Heartli. 35 Let every man, tben, who builds or oc- cupies a house, particularly if it be in the country, see that he has at least one open chimney place or grate for either wood or coal. If he has any desire that his children should ever have happy associations with home, and that in after years their thoughts should revert with pleasure to the scenes of their youth, let the family fireside be something more than a name. If it be in any way practicable, let there be an open fire-place in every room in the house as a means of ventilation, especially in case of sickness ; and in the chamber, what can be more genial or more conducive to that quiet repose which we seek, than watching the fire-light flashing upon the ceiling ; and in the tedious hours of illness, what a friend and companion is this same fire-light. Does not delightful Irving tell us that it was by the light of the open fire that the bold dragoon saw, as he lay snug in bed, the movements of the portrait, and al- though we may not desire to see anything so terrifying, it is at such times that por- trait and picture exert a new influence upon our imagination, however familiar they may be to us. Yes, we should wil- lingly part with many a luxury before we relinquish what we consider a necessity as well as perhaps a luxury. In the construction of the fire place in the country house, good, even, well-burnt bricks answer every purpose, not only for the back and jambs, but also for the hearth. Soap-stone as well as freestone are now, however, widely used, and in point of ele- gance are, perhaps, to be preferred. Tiles of various patterns and colors make very pleasing hearths, which we in every way prefer to marble. If the old Dutch tiles can be procured, let them by all means adorn the fire-place. Your children will form strong associations with their quaint illustrations of Scripture, If they already exist in the old house which you have pur- chased, consider them as sacred. In the majority of country dwellings, particularly if they have any claims to an- tiquity, we should advise the use of wood in the construction of the mantle-piece. It seems far the most appropriate article for the purpose — certainly, much more so than marble. The wood may be chestnut, oak, walnut, butternut, or even pine, and it should be simply rubbed down and polished, but never varnished. The mantel-shelf should be deep and capacious, so that the articles placed upon it may not easily be thrown oft'. It is often, as we well know, a temporary resting place for almost every thing which goes astray; we should not forget to mention those necessary accom- paniments to the open fire-place, and which are so intimately associated with it, the andirons, formerly iron, or of highly polish- ed brass or steel, the more or less elaborate- ly constructed fender, and the ever useful bellows. Where, from any cause, an open fire- place in the chimney is not practicable, its place may be supplied by the open grate set out into the room, constructed either of soap-stone or of iron. Those known as the Franklin Grate answer an admirable pur- pose, or, perhaps, still better, those manu- factured in Philadelphia, of which the Edi- tors of the Horticulturist speak in their columns. The closed stove and the furnace are well in their places. As Americans, we must have them, and we confess that they are often extremely convenient and useful, but they should not monopolize every room. If we value the health which good air, cheer- fulness, and abundant ventilation are sure to give us and our children, in one apart- ment at least let us keep up a bright fire on the hearth. Chestnut Hill, Dec, 1865. 36 Tlie Horticulturist. REMODELING OLD BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS. BY GEO. E. WOODWARD, AUTHOR OF " WOODWARD S COUNTRY HOMES." The farm we own and occupy consists of and the balance is devoted to ornamental twenty-four acres of handsome upland, ly- ing upon the great broad guage Erie Rail- way, ten miles from the business centre of the commercial Metropolis. Twenty-two acres are in grass for pasturage and hay, grounds and garden. We show, in Fig. G, the plan of two acres about the house at time of purchase, which by a former owner had been fenced into seven different enclosures, in accordance with the prevailing taste. Pio. G.—Original PUiii of Two Acres. 1 r The house is quite close to the road, which is some six or eight feet lower than the grounds. This we propose to treat in such a way by planting as to make the existence of the road unnoticeable to one sitting on the verandah, except, perhaps, by the rattle Fio. l.—rian of Two Acres impi-oved. Remodeling Old Buildings and Grounds. 37 ol a passing vehicle. The house faces the south-east, and the slope is gradual to the cross-road in front of the house. The gar- den spot, in location, protection, and expo- sure, is perfect, and its products, in quan- tity, quality and appearance, not to be ex- celled. In Fig. 7 is shown the plan of the grounds Fig. i.—Old Plan nf Barn. The old barn, 3G feet square, built in 1806, again covered forty years later, is still a thoroughly substantial affair. The old mode of getting to it from the road was to drive around three sides of it. "We changed the plan of it so as to go direct. See Fig. 8 and 9. The removal of the barn-yard, poul- try house, etc., from the front of the barn and out of sight of the house, w^as one of the most effective improvements. These Fig. lO.-TheoU Well House. The old well, built of cut stone, and laid up at a time when work was done honestly, stands about 30 feet from the front of the house. The old well-house is shown in Fig. as altered ; with all fences removed. The effect of this was to increase the apparent size and extent of the grounds. The darker shade on plan represents the part devoted to lawn and ornamental planting, and the lighter shade the fruit and vegetable gar- den. The fruit garden lying next the lawn. HA V, 12X12 1 3 Fig. ^.—New Plan of Bam. enclosures which now hide all wood-piles, wagons, compost heaps, rubbish, etc., are entirely out of way of the orderly neatness of the dress grounds. Tlie fence on the left divides the lawn and garden from the pas- ture ; this fence, being a light one, does not obstruct the view, so that the lawn, apparently uniting with pasture and hay lands, gives great extent of view. The surplus of the garden is easily fed out to the cattle in adjoining pasture. Fig. 11.— r;i« old WeU House improved. 10, and in Fig. 11 we show what we did to it at a total expense of four dollars in these high-priced times. 38 TJie Horticulturist. Directly opposite the end of the veran- dah was the small entrance gate, as shown in Fig. 12. The path from this gate led straight to the corner post and along the edge of the platform. This point of en- trance we removed twenty feet, and now approach the house by a ourved line of walk. Fig. 13 shows the style of entrance we have planned for erection in the spring. For this we are indebted to the serviceable hints of the accomplished author of " My Farm of Edgewood" in the valuable illus- trated articles from his pen, for which sec volume of the Horticulturist for 18G5. Fig. 12.— r/ie old Gate It must not be supposed that in the short space of eight months all these changes have been completely finished, but the heavy work has been done, and a season or two must elapse for the new planting to develope itself and the twining vine to add its beauties to the different structures. Other alterations and improvements are being studied out, which at some future time we shall illustrate. The question might be asked us, why not put these 24 acres into small fruits ? — tomatoes, nursery stock, etc., — would it not pay better than for haj^ ? "We answer decidedly, yes, the income could be made a very large one ; but farming is our amuse- aaent. Our business is to make and publish the best Horticultural and Rural Art Maga- zine in the country, and we make farming pay in this manner. The labor is reduced to the capacity of one man ; the hay lands require top-dressing in winter, and by machinery the crop, when read}', is quickly harvested and stored, with extra assistance for a few days ; the garden is cultivated to its utmost capacity, and horses and cows are fed from the products of the farm the year round. Ahouse of similar capacity (see. Jan'y No.) in New York city, would cost us an an- nual rent of ^1,500. The interest on the cost or capital invested in our farm and the expenses of labor in working it, amounts to $1,500. Our profit consists in family supplies and comforts, as follows : — Milk, butter, eggs, pouitiy, summer and winter vegetables, fruits, fire wood, water, ice, the keeping of, and attendance on a span of horses, increase of stock, etc. — items which in New York would cost at least $1,500 to $2,000 per annum. Add to this the annual increasing value of the fiirm, amounting to fully 20 per cent., per annum. Discrepancies of the Grape Culture. 39 and it lias been more than this for three years past, and it shows how we make farming profitable — a queer way of rea- soning, some might say, but nevertheless a true one for us. It pays well to own and hold on to a farm near a great city, if it is but 24 acres. Wayside. N. /., January, 1866. DISCREPANCIES OF THE GRAPE CULTURE. BY THE AUTHOR OF " TEN ACRES ENOUGH." Novices are by no means useless crea- tures. One can rarely encounter them, whether in politics, mechanics, or horticul- ture, without learning something, either from their acquisitions or their crudities. — Taking position with them on the grape culture, I admit my experience to be limit- ed, though my crudities are extensive. The doctors of the art may learn nothing from the latter, yet they will be courteous enough to bear with me while I set them forth. Touching the planting of grape vines in swampy ground. I have a meadow just re- claimed from the dominion of a thousand springs, which had no outlet until a ditch, 800 feet in length, was opened for the exit of their perpetual overflow. Under-drains, laid down 30 feet apart, stretch away from the ditch into the upland, and have so redeem- ed the soil that what was once a worthless jungle is now productive land, yielding crops of turnips, corn, and strawberries. — On both sides of this miraculous ditch two hundred vines of Delaware and Concord grapes were planted, just two years ago. The soil below them is pure muck, several feet in depth, covered by at least six to eight inches of sand, placed there to raise the meadow to a proper level. Repeated plowings have so thoroughly combined the muck and sand that the dark color of the former now predominates over most of the surface. This whole field is mellow as an ash-heap, nor does it ever suffer from drouth. All stagnant water has been banished by drainage, hence it is into living water only that the vines project their roots. These rows of vines have been subjects of innumerable remarks from visitors, many of whom were experts in the grape culture. — Quite a number declared they would be a success, and quite as many that they would be a failure. But they were planted in the swamp as much for ornament as for use, hence it was not especially important whe- ther they succeeded or failed — they would become an imposing feature in the land- scape, even if they produced no grapes. But they have grown prodigiously, the Concords at least, and last season bore a reasonable crop. Those where most sand was laid upon the muck, have outstripped such as received none. They have made a profu- sion of wood, but only one or two of the Delawares have grown with any degree of vigor ; the soil may be right for Concords, but wrong for the Delawares. I can dis- cover no sufficient reason, as yet, for believ- ing that this moist location will prove un- suitable. No mildew attacked either va- riety— in fact, I never saw a case of mildew — but the leaves of nearly all the Delawares were skeletonised by insects. A friend writes me from Pennsylvania — "I always thought that moisture combined with heat was the cause of mildew. When we have a dry spell in July and August, then my grapes always do well, ripening perfectly, unless it becomes wet and cool in September. Now, at Boston they had heat and aridity, yet they also had much mil- dew. All over the West they complain of rot and mildew; even at Kelly's Island, where the Catawba rarely fails, this year they had rot and mildew. I now know less of the requirements of the grape vine than I thought I did forty years ago. Mr. Saun- 40 The Ho7'ticulturist. ders, foreman of the Propagating Garden at Washington, for a long time contended that aridity was the cause of mildew, then wa- vered, and confined his remarks about arid- ity to the exotic grape, gooseberry, and certain other exotic plants, now says that humidity is the cause of mildew on our na- tive grapes, and by a covering to keep off moisture from the foliage, we can entirely prevent mildew." The same intelligent correspondent is confounded by certain unexplainable discre- pancies which he witnessed during the past season. A friend of his, five years ago, planted three hundred extra quality Dela- wares, which cost him $400. The ground in which they were planted was trenched two to three feet deep, and the best culture was bestowed upon them. This last season, in- stead of tons of grapes, there were not ten pounds of perfect bunches. The leaves were all off by the middle of August, and no new wood for the next year. Other va- rieties were in equally bad condition. — "While these out-door grapes were thus a total failure, yet on the same soil, without extra preparation, a grape-house containing many foreign varieties were in perfect health, bearing abundance of perfect fruit. At the same time, and on the same farm, the Isabella, Concord, and Catawba were bearing largely, free from defects, no mil- dew, fruit ripe a week or more earlier than at other places, and yet these vines are growing in water ! He says — " There are some twenty or more large vines planted along a water-course, some of them sur- rounded with water, most of their roots under water the whole year. Some are close to the spring-house, on a strip of soil two feet wide, water all round, and under- mined with muskrat holes. The soil is sand, gravel, rocks; never has been trench- ed, drained, or cultivated. There is a close sod of grass, which is mowed two or three times every season. The man simply dug holes to thrust in the plants, put up a trel- lis eight or nine feet high, ties up the vines, and takes off'loads of fruit for market every year. Nature does all that the vines require. Here were the finest, largest, and most per- fect and luscious Isabellas, CatawbasandCon- cords that I have seen for many a day, if ever. The foliage was exposed to the drenching rains in July and August equally with all others, and yet was free from mil- dew. How are we to explain these various results? Your vines growing so near a drain may prove a similar success." Certainly they may ; for, excepting the soil and drainage, all the conditions just re- lated are present. After the foregoing re- cital, I have strong faith in their succeed- ing. Up to this time it is an astonishment to the grape doctors that they were ever planted there. Hereafter, they may be an equal astonishment to them that their own vines had not been planted in a similar lo- cality. My friend recites these discrepan- cies as nuts for other folks to crack, being harder ones than he can manage, though for forty years he has been a successful enthu- siast in the grape culture. I content my- self with merely putting them on record, being but a humble follower at the heels of many illustrious predecessors. It strikes me there must be discrepancies of taste as well as of practice. There are those whose palates riot in the rank musk- iness of the Fox grape, but I eschew it as I would physic. So all round the catalogue there is the same contrariety of taste. Two years ago a friend gave me a cutting from No. 3 of Rogers' Hybrids. I cut off an old Isabella that rarely ripened its fruit, some two inches below the ground, split the stump, inserted the graft, covered it up, and that season the graft made a growth of ten feet, ripening one bunch of grapes. The next season, 1865, it ripened thirty bunches, not very large ones, but perfect. It was the treasure of my garden. A multitude of gentlemen tasted of the fruit, no one being permitted the luxury of more than three or four grapes. The testimony in its favor was unanimous — it was the most delightful Discrepancies of the Grape Culture. 41 native grape they had ever eaten, and I agreed with them. Yet the grape writers, as I occasionally see, pronounce it a poor affair, inferior to a dozen others which they name. How do such discrepancies occur ? Is my taste so uneducated that I do not know what a good grape is when I taste it, and are my friends alike unsophisticated ? Can it be because most of us eschew all foxiness ? A recent writer declares that trenching is too costly an operation, and that the re- sulting crops will not be sufficiently remu- nerative to warrant the outlay. But my idea is, that if we expect the top of a plant to feed us, we must first feed it at the bot- tom. Four years ago I took up a Concord vine entire, some forty feet in length, and laid it down in a prepared border sixty feet long, six feet wide, and two and a half feet deep, allowing the branches to stand up for future vines. The earth from this trench was all carted away, except the top soil, which was mixed with half decayed sods from a meadow, and with this preparation the trench was filled. The sods had been co- piously limed, and several barrels of bones had been gathered up, and were scattered through the mass. The growth of this vine was perfectly amazing. A trellis sixty feet long was very soon required, and the past season's yield was equal to anything within my knowledge. One could scarcely touch the vine without coming in contact with a bunch of grapes. The bunches, moreover, were very large, not one of them showing an imperfect berry. As regards flavor, there was an unmistakable superiority over any other Concord I have ever eaten. The quantity yielded was not ascertained, but there is little doubt that the crop, if sent to Philadelphia, would have sold for fifty dollars. The preparation of this border cost a week's work ; but its products have afford- ed convincing evidence of the value of proper preparation of the ground — feeding below as the condition for harvesting overhead. The soil, when all had been combined, was a deep black. Many bunches ripened within six inches of the surface, and, thus affected by the higher temperature reflected from the ground, possessed a luscious flavor which the most uneducated palate could not fail to recognise and appreciate. In one end of the same border are two Delawares, two years planted, which refused to grow. As they happen to be quite out of the way, thoy may remain where they are, a little longer, on trial. Should they refuse to flourish under such elaborate care, the fact will develope a discrepancy for which a nov- ice like myself will be unable to account. "While thus unprofitably gossiping of grapes, let me describe a monster vine which is growing wild within two miles of me. This vine, by measurement made some years ago, was ascertained to be six feet one inch round the trunk at three feet from the ground, and at ten feet high it is three feet in circumference. It has never pro- duced fruit, being a male vine. Its branches cover four large forest trees. It is the great wonder of the neighboihood, and has been ' for generations past, as it is an un- doubted remnant of the aboriginal forest, spared by some thoughtful proprietor when clearing up the land, probably because of its enormous dimensions, a hundred years ago. The celebrated vine at Hampton Court is a comparative dwarf beside this monster. It was probably growing vigor- ously before the continent was discovered, but old age is fast developing evidences of decay. The centre is becoming spongy and rotten, affording strong temptation for some wandering sportsman to apply his wanton match, and precipitate its doom. I have thought of preserving its huge trunk, and having it sawed into sections, for distribu- tion among the archives of our numerous horticultural societies, to be labeled, pre- served, and exhibited to the curious enquirer as mementoes of what the soil of New Jer- sey is capable of producing in the way of grape vines. 42 The Horticulturist. BEURRE VAN MONS. Fkom a specimen of this excellent pear, sent to us from the Mount Hope Nurseries, we have had the annexed engraving made. The tree is described as vigorous and heal- thy, having an upright growth with yellow- brown wood. Fio. \.~Beurre Van Mons Pear, Fruit rather large. Skin smooth. Color yellowish, and a faint tinge of red on sunny side, with minute dots and sprinklings of russet. Calyx small, open, set in a smooth basin. Stem varying, seeds broad ovate. Flesh white, fine-grained, high-flavored and juicy ; ripens in October. From another authority we have the fol- lowing : — Barronne de Mello ; Adele de St. Denis ; Beurre Van Mous — Tree vigorous, upright, productive — an excellent variety Fio. i.— Section. of foreign origin ; fruit medium size, olo- vate, pyramidal, inclining to turbinate, slightly angular : skin yellow, nearly cov- ered with cinnamon russet ; stalk rather short, inserted at an inclination by a fleshy lip, or elongation of the fruit to the stalk by rings ; calyx open, or partially closed ; segments of medium length, a little recurv- ed ; basin small, shallow, uneven ; flesh whitish, a little coarse, very juicy, melting, with a rich vinous flavor, slightly perfumed, quality very good, ripe in October. Flower Pots. 43 FLOWER POTS. Plants and liow to grow them have been the theme of many an interesting article in the pages of the Horticulturist ; the various compounds of soils are frequently- discussed ; we are told that the pots must be well and thoroughly drained, and the mode of placing the earth about the roots of the plants is given with consider- able detail, but we have little or nothing about the pots themselves, or the best material to be used in their construction. A late writer on flowers states that the common pot must be selected — " those which are light-colored rather than those which are brick-red ; the former are soft- baked, and are more porous ; in these the plants thrive better." We are further cau- tioned against the use of " glazed, china, glass or fancy painted pots, they being not porous, and the plants seldom thrive in them." If this advice is given, after a series of carefully conducted experiments have demonstrated its soundness, then it is wor- thy of all attention. But is it so ? Is it not one of the old theories like the drainage subject (so ably disposed of by Peter Hen- derson, in a late number) handed down to us, untested, for generations ? It is argued that the roots of plants need air, which is supplied through the pores of the pot. — How do the roots of plants obtain air, if it is necessary to their existence, in a state of nature ? Is it not from the surface of the ground ? Culture in pots is an unnatural and forced process ; but those succeed best in such cultivation who imitate nature nearest in soils, moisture and temperature. In the propagation of cuttings in pots, they are generally placed around the edge, under the supposition that they root more readily than if in the centre. This is not the case if the cuttings are properly treat- ed, and not over-watered or neglected, as they generally are. In the former case, those in the centre damp off, while those at the sides, having the benefit of the evap- oration through the pores of the earthen- ware, do not receive any great surplus of moisture. By plunging the pots to the rim in sand or earth, and watering with moder- tion, all root equally well. Our large prop- agators discard the use of pots altogether, and plant their cuttings thickly in sand beds, where success is uniform. Now, Messrs. Editors, I, for one, do not believe in following in the old beaten track be- cause all that have gone before us have done so. If thei'e is a better way, let us find it out, and when we are satisfied that we are right, stick to our results at all haz- ards. I have been trying experiments} and my experiments have fully satisfied me that to attain the highest perfection in plant-growing, we must have something better than the common brick clay pot. In the room where I now write are two pots, containing bulbs of that charming winter- blooming plant, Cyclamen Persicum. One of the pots is glazed ; this requires water but twice a week ; the outside surface is of the temperature of the room, or nearly so; while its fellow, a soft, baked affair, re- quires water once a day, and then, even if the room is quite warm, the plant droops by night-fall ; the surface is many degrees colder than the air, and the condition of the plant is inferior to the other. Gardeners are considered slovenly when they allow green slimy growth on the out- side of their pots ; but they well know that this conduces to the health of their plants, preventing, to some extent, the evaporation from their surface that would be otherwise constantly going on, thus keeping the roots in a much lower temperature than they would be if planted in the earth. The editor of the London Cottage Gar- dener truly says : " It was formerly con- sidered important to have pots made of a material as porous as possible ; but a more 44 The Eorticultuy-ist. miserable delusion never was banded down untested, from one generation to another. Stone-ware and china-ware are infinitely preferable, for they keep the roots more uni- formly moist and warm. Common garden pots, if not plunged, should be thickly painted." All practical men know, or ought to know, the superior growth of plants in plunged pots over those exposed in the usual way ; but few are willing to admit the true cause, which is that the evapora- tion from the surface of the common pot is thus prevented, and the roots of the plants are kept in a more equable condition as re- gards heat and moisture. GLEANINGS. Among the most striking scenes of na- ture, I would instance the calm sublimity of a tropical night, when the stars, not sparkling, as in our northern skies, shed their soft and planetary light over the gently-heaving ocean; or I would recall the deep valleys of the Cordilleras, where the tall and slender palms pierce the leafy veil around them, and waving on high their feathery and arrow-like branches, form, as it were, a " forest above a forest ; " or I would describe the summit of the peak of Teneriffe, when a horizontal layer of clouds, dazzling in whiteness, has separated the cone of cinders from the plain below, and suddenly the ascending current pierces the cloudy veil, so that the eye of the traveler may range from the brink of the crater, along the vine-clad slopes of Orotava, to the orange-gardens and banana-groves that skirt the shore. In scenes like these, it is not the peaceful charm spread over the face of nature that moves the heart, but rather the peculiar physiognomy and conformation of the land, the features of the landscape, the ever-vai'ying outline of the clouds, and their blending with the horizon of the sea, whether it lies spread before us like a smooth and shining mirror, or is dimly seen through the morning mist. All that the senses can but imperfectly comprehend, all that is most awful in such romantic scenes of nature, may become a source of enjoyment to man, by opening a wild field to the creative powers of his imagination. Impressions change with the varying movements of the mind, and we are led by a happy illusion to believe that we receive from the external world that with which we have ourselves invested it. II. Science proves, and we believe, such miracles as the following : — The air is capable of solidification, lique- faction and color. A pressure from without of fifty miles deep of such air surrounds the earth. Every adult supports a pressure on his own person of thirty thousand pounds' weight of this air. Except for such an enormous compres- sion from without, man would explode. Except for this air, sound and life, in- cluding within them reason and language could not exist. Many plants breathe, perspire, propagate by sexual distinctions, and possess a circu- lation of sensitive life. The age of many trees which are, as it were, the aristocracy of plants, exceeds four thousand years. There are, at least, no less than seventy tliousand distinct species of such trees and plants. The smallest insects are the architects by whom islands and continents have been built up out of the water. The pyramids are constructed of stones formed of the concretions of minute shells of these insects ; and all the chalk hills and chalk strata of the world are nothing but their excrements and remains. Among land insects, the white ant and the bee have lived for thousands of years under hereditary institutions of established loyalty and order. Grapes in 1865. 45 Others of these insects have thirty thous- and eyes. There have existed tribes of frogs, lizards, flying dragons, equal in dimensions to bisons, hippopotami, elephants. The whole earth was once nothing but slime. The earth, fifty miles beneath its surface, is in a state of fiery fusion. The earth, and as far as we can infer, nature itself, has been at least a dozen times destroyed and again created. If the earth were a little nearer the sun, it would be liquefied, and pass away in smoke by evaporation. If the earth were where any other planet is, or any other planet where the earth is, the whole solar system would be thrown back into chaos. The moon is a world destitute of all vital air, water, vegetation and verdure — a horror of.unbreathing lifelessness. Mercury is a world where granite would instantly fuse. The sun attracts and discharges comets to and from distances of 70,000,000,000 miles from itself. The moon revolves round the earth, the earth round the sun, the sun round a centre in the Pleiades, that centre round some other, and so on from centre to centre, in the invisible Infinite. There are eighteen millions such suns and systems as ours in the Milky Way alone. The Nebulfe, or sun-stars of Orion, give us light at a distance requiring sizti/ thousand years for its transit. This light travels at the rate of ficelve million miles per minute. Beyond the furthest fields of telescopic vision, there are other systems never to be visible to us on earth, because the light proceeding from them is, from their i^emote- ness, decomposed in its transit, before it reaches us. That part of the universe, the vision of which is commanded by the earth, is thus necessarily limited ; — it may not be 1,000,000,000th part of it, There are behind these physical worlds, invisible and semi-immaterial powers: — heat, light, ether, galvanism, electricity, life. in. Cicero, in his work de Natura Deonim, ii, 37, furnishes the following striking pas- sage from a lost work of Aristotle : " If there were beings who lived in the depth of the earth, in dwellings adorned with statues and paintings, and every thing which is possessed in rich abundance by those whom we esteem fortunate ; and if these beings could receive tidings of the power and might of the Gods, and could then emerge from their hidden dwellings through the open fissures of the earth, to the places which we inhabit ; if they could suddenly behold the earth, and the sea, and the vault of heaven ; could recognize the expanse of the cloudy firmament, and the might of the winds of heaven, and "admire the sun in his majesty, beauty and radiant effulgence; and, lastly, when night veiled the earth in darkness, they could behold the starry heavens, the changing moon, and the stars rising and setting in the unvary- ing course ordained from eternity, they would surely exclaim, ' there are Gods, and such great things must be the work of their hands !' " GRAPES IN 1865. BY J. M. MERRICK, JR., WALPOLE, MASS. I propose to give, as briefly as possible, a resume of the behavior of the various kinds of vines I have had under cultivation during the past year. The fall of 1864 was very favorable to the ripening of grape-wood. The summer had been very hot and dry, so that the vines made less wood than usual, but what did grow was very firm and hard. Then frost kept off wonderfully. Here, eighteen 46 The Horticulturist. miles south of Boston, vines, tomato plants, and tender vegetables were as green on the ninth of October as they vpere in June. The first frost that visited gardens occurred on the night of the ninth. Not a speck of mildew, nor a sign of leaf-blight or rot had been seen up to the last moment, and every- thing looked well for 1865. The season which has just ended has been characterised by a very early spring, immunity from late frosts in May, very changeable weather until the middle of August, a hot and dry spell, lasting till the twentieth of September, and by the preva- lence of mildew from the nineteenth of July till the first week in September. Setting aside the ravages of the mildew, the season has been an excellent one for grapes, and very early withal — Concords and Delawares, for instance, ripening full three weeks earlier than the year before. The vines which suffered from mildew with me are the following, which were af- fected in various degrees, those that were the most injured being named first, viz. : — Seedlings from the Catawba, Union Vil- lage, Concord, Diana and Rogers' 19 ; then Diana, Isabella, Adirondac, Israella and Concord. lonas, Allen's Hybrid and Clin- ton were untouched by mildew, and Con- cords only very slightly. allen's hybrid. This vine has made an excellent growth the past year, strong, healthy and vigor- ous— appears to be proof against mildew, and is, I think, the handsomest vine culti- vated. ADIRONDAC. This I have not fruited, and all I can say of it is that it mildews very badly. The Concord, of course, maintains its well-earned reputation for hardiness, health and vigor of growth. Mine were fully ripe on the fifth of September last year, instead of between the twentieth and twenty- sixth, as in 1864. CREVELING. My vines are too young to bear, but they have made an excellent growth of healthy short-jointed wood. DELAWARE. A few leaves mildewed and fell off in August, but the growth of the vines was splendid, and the fruit simply perfect. — • Some of my vines made twelve feet of good wood, and would have gone further had they not been pinched off. Fruit ripe September third. DIANA. Growth exceedingly vigorous, requiring frequent pinching ; leaves a little touched with mildew, and most of the bunches ripened, with tolerable evenness, between the fifteenth and twentieth of September. lONA Not in fruit, healthy, strong, and free from mildew. ISRAELLA. A free grower, mildews badly, wood ri- pened well. ISABELLA. I have cut down all my Isabella vines save one, as worthless incumbrances. I never saw a ripe berry of this variety raised out-doors near Boston. The Catawba is cultivated a little here, under glass. REBECCA. Growth tolerable ; vine somewhat af- fected with mildew. ROGERS' HYBRIDS. All the numbers I have under cultiva- tion that were not touched by mildew, made an excellent growth, and No. 15 ripened its fruit very early. These vines, for excellence, vigor, ease of propagation and elegance of growth, must be ranked very high, and are gaining a hold upon public confidence which will be hard to shake. UNION VILLAGE. Growth strong and vigorous, the leaves showing hardly a speck of mildew, and Esthetics of Bural Life. 47 making quite a contrast with my seedlings, from the same, which were fairly eaten up. I have not seen on my own vines more than a dozen berries touched with the rot, and these were all Concords; but my next neighbor, whose Concords are trained upon a S. "W. wall, loses two-thirds of his crop by rot every year. A slight sensation has been created here by a vine called Mains' Seedling, stated to possess wonderfully good qualities ; but Mr. E. W. Bull has shown, in the Ploughman^ that it is in all probability nothing but the Concord. The " Sanbornton" grape, which has made some stir in the papers, has been pronounced to be " the veritable Isabella'' by Mr. Bull, and we here think twice be- fore we question any of his dicta. When we look over a book like Prince's on the Cultivation of the Vine, and see the enormous number of out-door vines men- tioned by the author — vines even the names of which have utterly perished — we are re- minded how very far we are from having reached the perfect grape, and how well it becomes us to continue our experiments and researches. If I thought that any reader of the Hor- ticulturist would give me an answer, I should ask whether there is any known method of expediting the germination of grape seeds, chemically or otherwise, and I should ask, too, whether any unknown friend is anxious to make me happy by a present of some seed of the lona, Israella, or Adirondac. ESTHETICS OF RURAL LIFE. BY ALGERNON SIDNEY AGRICOLA. Messrs. Editors : — You have applied to me to write an article for theHoRTicuLTURisT, on the Esthetics of Rural Life. You have applied to the right man. Have I not lived and reveled in rural esthethics for two years? Have I not learned to distinguish a hen from a hawk, and a hawk from a handsaw 7 Have I not spent large sums for worthless ma- nures ? Have I not labored to conform to the impossible modes of culture laid down in the books ? Have I not raised wheat at a cost of five dollars per bushel 1 Have I not eaten my own grapes, unripe to be sure, but the product of my own vines 1 Have I not spent twice as much for clothing as I did when I lived in the city, owing to the fact that broadcloth and fine linen have a tendency to get soiled in the barnyard, and that patent leather hath an affinity for lime ? And do I not keep a dog ? You have certainly come to the right man whether he is in the right place or not. Friendly reader, who art confined amid brick and mortar, and brown stone and marble, come to the country for which you so often sigh, and contemplate with me some specimens of rural esthetics. Come with me to the hennery and behold four white, round, beautiful fresh laid eggs, the product of forty-eight hens. Does it take twelve hens to make one egg, do you ask ? My friend, esthetics have little to do with philosophy ? Philosophy inquires into the origin and causes of things. Esthetics ai'e content to admire. Admire the eggs. How beautiful in themselves ! How suggestive of good coffee, buckwheat cakes, and amorningchat with Anna I My neighbor Franco who has not made esthetics a study, afiirms that his white Camelias, now in bloom, are more beautiful than eggs. This wild opinion is not, after all, owing so much to his want of taste as to the fact that his hens do not lay ! Do you call that an egg, do you ask 1 48 The Horticulturist. No, it is a miserable imitation in porcelain. The featherless biped tbouglit he could de- ceive the feathered one. None are deceived by them but the purchasers. Did'nt think hens knew so much '^ I am afraid you adopted your opinion as to their shallowness, from Old Tifi". Hens are acquainted with some of the fundamental principles of political economy. What principles 1 The principle that the pro- duct belongs to the producer, when the producer furnishes the materials. How does it appear that they know this princi- ple? Deeds speak louder than words. The hens often eat their own eggs. Connected with the beauty of eggs is the beauty of sounds. The poet informs us, that rural sounds, as well as rural sights, are delightful. The reader may not per- haps know, that whenever a hen has laid an egg, she makes a vocal announcement of the fact by a scries of notes, running nearly through the entire scale, and more striking if not more beautiful than those oft times issuing from the lips of young ladies bend- ing backwards from a piano. The other inhabitants of the hennery join in the chorus, and repeiit the swelling joy. There are few sounds more pleasant than the cackling of a hen when you are waiting for a newly laid egg. Behold another specimen of rural esthe- tics in the shape of milk, warm from the cow! The Alderney gives eight quarts a day. That's not much, do you say. The quantity is not great, but its qualitj^ ! Whj'- the milk is richer than any cream that was ever sold in the New York market, if there ever was any sold there, a point which I do not regard as settled. Does it make good butter ? Good is not an epithet to be applied to it — nor better nor best. It would be necessary to invent a fourth de- gree of comparison to do it justice. And the beauty of it is, that it costs no more to make it now when butter is sixty cents a pound in the city, than it did when it was twenty cents a pound 1 What did I give for the cow ? Two hundred dollars. How much meal does she eat a day ? You would lead me into statistics: I am dealing with esthetics. Cost is not an element of beauty. What is more beautiful than cream in combination with coffee ? How few of the inhabitants of the city have witnessed that combination 1 What more beautiful than fair, round, puffy biscuit mixed wholly with cream 1 How multiplied are the es- thetics of rural life ? Behold another choice specimen. That is beautiful honey. You may well say so. What element of beauty is wanting in it. Did I make it? No, the bees made it. I may remark, that when I lived in the city, I was not celebrated for quickness at repartee, but it is wonderful what rural esthetics can do for a man. Where are the bees, now ? They are spending the cold weather within doors, like sensible beings as they are. When do they swarm, do you ask ? Well, mine have always swarmed on pleas- ant Sunday mornings, just as we were ready to set out for church. I always stopped and hived them, but owing to some cause, they would never stay in the hive. My swarms have always gone off, but the original stock remains. Behold another specimen or other speci- mens. Pears in winter ! Yes, the Vicar of Winkfield is just in perfection now. Every man and woman of taste, who makes a suf- ficiently near approach to it is charmed with it. Margaret admires it on account of its beauty and its romantic name ; al- though she has sought in vain through the pages of the Vicar of Wakefield for some account of its origin. Nice distinctions sometimes escape the female mind. Behold another specimen in some res- pect superior to all, — -the bird of Jove, Minerva, Venus and Mercury combined ; Nothing but a turkey, do you say ? Why not say of that brilliant that cost fifty bales of stolen cotton, nothing but a dia- mond? Why not say, nothing but a nug- get of gold weighing six hundred pounds ! Nothing but a turkey ! Oh shame 1 Where Gardens and Parks of Germany. 49 is tliy blusli 1 Can see plenty of them in the city 1 Did you ever see in the city, a form like that, so fair, so smooth, so plump ! so powerful to awaken recollections of the past and anticipations of the future ? We have read about the fuII-bosomed nymphs of other days. Homer and Horace were ig- norant of turkeys or we should have numer- ous allusions to their soft and esculent bosoms. If 3'ou wish, 0 inhabitant of the metropolis, to add to your knowledge, that of the true flavor of the turkey as he was made to be eaten, come and dine with me on a corn fed rural turkey. We will make you comfortable. We have no furnace to give out on a cold day. A blazing wood fire will look you honestly in the face. A wife whose voice of affection has never been out of tune ;for more than thirty years shall welcome you. GARDENS AND PARKS OF GEmi ANY.— (Continued.) The finest public garden in Germany is that of the Sansoussci, 'at Potsdam, a town of about fifty thousand inhabitants, situated some twenty miles from Berlin, the capital of Prussia. These grounds belong to the royal family, and contain two royal palaces, built by Frederick the Great, under whom the gardens were laid out. — They are over a mile in length, and about two-thirds of a mile in breadth ; but though so extensive, the whole aspect is much more that of a large garden than a park. The whole surface is laid out in winding walks, while through the centre runs a long broad avenue, cutting the garden into two parts. After entering through the porter's lodge, you pass through an avenue of trees along one side of the private garden of the king, and passing between two colassal white marble sphinxes, enter the garden. Passing by a few parquettes ornamented with bronze fountains, you reach the grand fountain, which throws a single jet 120 feet in height. This is surrounded by a number of allegor- ical statues in white marble. Just at the foot of the fountain rise the magnificent terraces which lead to the old castle of Sansoussci. They are six in number, rising one above the other, to a height of sixty feet. They are very wide, and extend out for many rods on either side of the broad steps by which you ascend them. They are laid out with beautiful beds of flowers, and covered with orange trees ; at the time I saw them ladened with golden fruit j and among the oranges were lemon, and fig, and olive trees, while up the walls of the terrace, the grape and ornamental vines were trained. The whole effect produced by this combination of terraces, as you view them either from above or below, was striking and beautiful, and equalled in no other garden that I have seen. Just at the summit stands the palace, a long, low edifice, with no pretentions to architectural beauty. It is adorned in front and shut off from the terraced ascent by an elegant marble colonade. Leaving the palace, you pass on through groves and clumps of shrubbery, by gracefully laid out parquettes and artistic arbors, among fountains, and marble and bronze groups in almost endless profusion, through the Sicilian garden de- voted to tropical plants, and by tlie pine- tum, losing yourself in the intricate maze of walks and shrubbery, only to come un- awares upon some unexpected beauty. At length, ascending a broad flight of marble steps, you reach a spacious terrace, adorned with fountains, statues and urns. It is fi-onted by an elegant balustrade of light grey marble, while back of it, rises the orangery, a splendid building, one thousand feet in length, and designed as the winter residence of the orange trees which adorn the terraces. Not far from here you see an old wind-mill, with great feather-like sails, rising up above the trees ; and this old mill has its history. When Frederick the Great laid out these 50 TJie Horticulturist. grounds, this mill stood in Lis way, but the miller owned the mill and the ground upon which it stood, and would not sell even to the king; so the king took it, and the miller sued him, and won his mill back. This pleased the whimsical king, and buy- ing the mill sometime after, he pensioned the miller, and declared that the wind-mill should always remain in the gardens of Sansoussci. After wandering through beautifully laid out grounds, for perhaps half an hour, you reach the New Palace, which is not new by any means, being more than a hun- dred years old. It is a very ugly looking immense building of red brick, surmounted by hundreds of stucco statues, causing the palace to look as if a regiment of men had been petrified upon its parapets. The garden contains a multitude of grot- tos, temples and ruins ; here a Chinese, there an antique temple. In one place a mausoleum containing a beautiful statue of Queen Louise of Prussia, while a little at the side of the garden proper is an Italian villa, situated in an Italian garden, and finished with very ornamental Romish baths. To one wandering through this garden it seems quite endless, and one stops so often to look at the various objects around him, that a whole day will pass without your having completed your sur- vey. After going through the new palace, which is as magnificent internally as it is unpromising without, we walked straight back through the garden, down an avenue of grand old lindens a mile in length. Just as we reached the grand fountain, the sun was setting, and the mighty stream of water as it rose in the air caught the slanting sunbeams in its embrace, breaking them into a thousand prismatic rays, and then bending gracefully beneath its own weight, it descended, each liquid drop bathed in a flood of sunlit glory. It has often struck me as strange, that we hear so little about these grounds, and that so few comparative!}' ever visit them. They are certainly the most interesting that I have ever visited. Other gardens may surpass this in some one particular, but there are here a greater combination of beauties. It seems to be a peculiaiity of the Germans to fill their gardens with all manner of little temples, and ruins, and grottos; some of them displaying a great degree of taste, and serving really as or- naments, while others mar rather than beautify. Not far from the city of Heidelberg is the ducal garden of Schwebgingen. It was laid out in the middle of the eighteenth century by the Grand Duke Charles Theodore, and is partly in the old French stj^le. It con- tains nearly three hundred acres, and for- merly some ^20,000 were yearly expended upon it. Of late years it has not received so much attention, but the grounds are still well kept, and are very beautiful. It is situated just back of an ugly old castle, through which you pass by means of large arched corridors. Upon entering the gar- den, you look down a broad vista, and see with a glance a part of the plan. The part nearest you is laid out in the form of an im- mense circle, cut into eight sectors by di- verging walks. A broad avenue of trees bisects this circle, and loses itself in the groves at either side of you ; while straight ahead a broad walk, lined with flower beds, leads to the centre of the circle. The cen- tre-piece is formed by a large bronze foun- tain, representing Arion upon a Dolphin ; while surrounding this are a number of children holding swans in their arms. — Leading away from the fountain are eight beautiful grass plats, and in the centre of each a tasteful bronze fountain. Around the periphery of the circle, upon the one half, run two of the most beautiful arbors that I have ever seen. They were built very simply of small slats, and were many rods in length, forming arcs of circles, and arcs of living green. They were so com- pletely covered with luxuriant vines, that every vestige of a support was concealed. — Leaving the circle, you pass by four colos- sal groups, emblematic of the four seasons ; by fine bronze groups and urns of flowers, Gardens and Parks of Germany. 51 and reach a narrow lawn,bordered on either side by rows of stately old lindens dipt in the French style, so that, as you looked down the vista, you saw a curved and regular fa- cade of dense green foliage on either side. To the right and left of the lawu were groves of fine trees, laid out with walks in regular geometrical forms ; and here the French style ended, for the remainder of the garden was laid out in winding walks, and clumps of trees opening upon green and irregular lawns. At the end of the long lawn was a small lake, and just here two colossal figures, reclining among high grasses and weeds, typical of the rivers Rhine and Danube. The lake branches out into broad outlets, forming charming little islands ; and over these arms were thrown graceful rustic bridges. Everywhere as you pass along you chance upon pretty marble statues, and groups and fountains. In one place, surrounded by a dense thicket, was a huge Pan, seated upon a great rock, play- ing his pipe of reeds ; and I remember once being very much amused by the remarks of some peasant women concerning harmless Pan, for they had concluded, after due de- liberation, that he was a personification of the Devil. In another part of the garden was a round temple, built on a grotto of tufa, and dedicated to Apollo, whose statue adorned it. In front of the grotto two re- clining maidens formed a fountain, by pour- ing water from urns over a series of low stone terraces. To the right of this was an elegant bath-house, which was connected by an arbor with a very curious fountain. In the basin of the fountain sat a bronze hawk, holding in its claws an unfortunate chicken of bronze ; while around above, at a height of some twenty feet, stood a circle of enraged and bristling bronze hens and cocks, upon a bronze roost, in every atti- tude of defiance and rage. From the mouths of these twenty fowls streams of water were pouring down upon the guilty hawk, who in return was sending aloft, as if in defiance, a solitary opposing stream. But these are not half of the many wonders of this won- derful garden. Here, embosomed in shrub- bery, is an artificial ruin ; there an ancient Roman aqueduct; here a mosque, with towering minarets and gilded courts ; and there a temple of botany, designed to re- present a segment of an immense tree This garden, in part, resembles Versailles, and in part Sansoussci ; but it lacks the ele- gance and the fountains of the one, and the extent and terraces of the other. It is not alone the princes, however, who thus seek to beautify their residences. At Frankfort-on-the-Main, in the beginning of this century, the old fortifications which surrounded the city were torn down, and where they once stood are now smiling gar- dens and lawns, neatly-trimmed walks and hedges encircling the city. One can take a carriage and drive for miles through beauti- ful avenues, with elegant mansions amid spacious grounds on the one side, and these public promenades on the other. Certainly the wealth of this great finan- cial centre has been well expended in mak- ing its environs to vie in beauty with those of any other European city. And so it is in the free city of Hamburgh. The old walls have long since been leveled to the ground, the moat filled, and in their places have sprung up beautiful gardens and shady groves — a delight to the stranger, and a source of health and continued pleasure to the citizen. Nowhere have I seen such a profusion of palatial city residences, with beautiful grounds, as at Berlin. There are many streets in the new part of the city which are made up entirely of these private palaces. The houses are all of brick, and are covered with stucco, but so well is this done, that they at the first glance appear to be of solid stone. The Berlin artisans are very skillful in their use of stucco ; and the houses are often most elaborately orna- mented with statues, caryatides, and re- lieves. The stucco work is always painted, and much taste is displayed in the various shades of coloring, giving an agreeable variety, and avoiding monotony. (7b he continued.) 52 The Horticulturist THE I>IEW ERA IN GRAPE CULTURE.— IV. BY GEORGE HUSMANN. But after all this talk of making gsape better ? With all the costly preparation culture easy, Messrs. Editors, I suppose tliat of soil, Thomery system of training, &c., your readers wish to know something about can thej"- do more ? By-the-bye, Messrs. its results. They will naturally sa}?-: All Editors, allow me through your columns, to this talk may look well and enticing ask Dr. Grant, my friend Fuller, and enough, but if the work is made so easy, others to answer a single question. It is will not its results be comparatively light? this: How is it, that they can give us A natural question ; and one which I will theories, very practical even, which look endeavor to answer, by giving the returns very fine on paper, read very plausible, of this season, generally conceded to have ^^et we never hear of the results ? If their been the worst for rot and mildew we have niethod is so very profitable, they would, ever had at the West ; from the same vine- I am sure, do the public a favor, if they yard, which was prepared with the plough, would give us statistics of the growths, at a cost of .^25 per acre, and which my -^viH not our brother grapegrowers gener- tenant has been working on shares for four ally, give us a little bit of history, and years now. Here they are : more facts, through your columns 1 I 500 vines of Concord, planted 1861, distance am sure your readers would appreciate 6x6, about 4-tenths of an acre, pro- , •. duoed 1,030 gallons cf wine ; average value, $2.50 per gallon $2,575 CO And now let mc give a few hints to our 1,200 vines of Norton's Virginia, planted f^j^^^ Reuben, in all friendliness and kind- same distance, about an acre, produced , . . . . , 1,300 gallons of mne, average value, "ess, as I am sure his criticisms are made 4doiiars 5,200 00 in the Same Spirit. He makes objections 100 vinos of Herbemont, planted same dis- ^^ adding the value of the plants grown, to tance, produced 125 gallons, average , , i j_ /• ^i • t i • i value, 3 dollars per gallon 375 00 ^^^^^ products of the Vineyard ; and wishes 50 vines Cunningham, produced 30 gallons, to have Only the returns from the. fruit. average value, 4 dollars.. 120 00 "Well, possibly, this looks a little like fault- 350vinesDelaware, planted 4x6 about g^^j ^j^^^ hlTX^QTS him, or anybody one-fifth of an acre, produced 40 gal- ° i j j Ions, average value, 6 dollars 240 00 else, to figure it up separately, should they 12 bearing vines of Hartford Prolific, pro- SO choOSe. To US, and I think, to every one duced 336 lbs. of grapes, marketed at ^j^^ ^^^ ^^^ g^j^ ^^^ j^^^ ^^^ 20eentsperlb 67^0 ' . ^. ^■^ • ^^ 12 vines Clinton, produced lO.gallons wine, WOOd IS qmte an object, whlch it WOUld value, 3 dollars 30 00 surcly be folly not to use, and let me tell Wine made from other varieties, about 50 ^Lim, that this season's experience shows gallons, at 3 dollars 150 00 - ^.i ^ ^i ^ -t ^t• -l. c ^x, again, that there are not half enough of the Total in bearing, about 2 acres 8,757 20 really valuable varieties in the market yet, Deduct from this for interest from capital, ^^ ^lect the demand. I know that I am labor, casks 1,000 00 ,. . , • * j. i speaking against my own interest here. Leaves a clear profit of $7,757 20 as a propagator of vines ; but I do wish To which may be added 57,000 vines grown (and will do all in my pOWer tO teach from the cuttings clipped from the .^ineyard, them how to do it;) that every grape at an average of 100 dollars per 1,000 5,700 00 '' J o r grower should raise his own plants, at least Total $13,457 20 to enlarge his vineyard. The process is How do you like this record of a bad simple enough. Let him prune his vines in season? Can Grant, Mead & Co. show a the fall, as soon as they have dropped their The New Era in Grape Culture. 53 leaves, and cut all the sound, Avell-ripened wood of the summer's growth, into cuttings of from two to three buds each. These are cut close below the lowest eye, tied into convenient bundles, and buried in the ground, until next spring. As soon in spring as the condition of the soil will per- mit, a good mellow piece of soil is prepared by plowing deeply, and mellowing up well; then take a spade, and set it down per- pendicularlj^, moving it a little, so as to open the cut, and let one follow with the cut- tings, insert them into the cut made with the spade, and press them down firmly, so that the upper eye or bud is even with the ground, and then press the ground firmly against the cuttings with your foot ; make the rows two feet apart ; and put the cut- tings about two inches apart in the rows. Mulch the bed with straw or litter, about two inches deep, and pull out the weeds whenever it is necessary during the sum- mer. You may take my word for it, that you can raise an abundance of good, healthy and thrifty plants in this way, which will answer your purpose better than the majority of plants raised by professional growers under glass, and which are arro- gantly lauded and puffed as " superior to all others grown." In sober truth, Messrs. Editors, I begin to have a horror of these so-called " superior plants," and " layers for immediate bearing," which some of our professional men will advertise with a great flourish of trumpets ; and which a good many simple, confiding souls will buy, with a vision of a fine crop of grapes the same summer before their eyes, and for which they will pay from three to five dol- lars a piece. The whole idea of " immediate bearing" is wrong. Even if they succeed in getting a few sickly bunches from a newly transplanted vine, it is done at an immense cost of the vitality and vigor of the plant. No fruit should be required from a vine until the third summer after planting, and then, if it has been taken good care of, it is able to produce a good crop, whereas you may force a vine to bear a few bunches prematurely, but you will do so at the cost of almost its life, and stunt it for several years to come. It is like putting the burden of a full-grown man on the shoulders of a little child. While I would advise every one to plant good, strong, vig- orous plants, I would caution him also against too early bearing. Let the vine first have the vigor necessary for the task, and it will bear its burden willingly, and bear such fruit as will rejoice the eye, tickle the palate, and make wine which will truly " gladden the heart of man." It is time that our grape growing public under- stand this ; that they comprehend when they task their vines too early, they do so at a fearful cost of vitality and vigor. Many promising young vineyards are ruined an- nually, by their ownei''s over-impatience for a crop ; and it will not do for profes- sional men, who ought to, and do know better, to tell their confiding customers stories of " immediate bearing," simply be- cause it will induce them to pay an addi- tional dollar or so, to put into the propa- gator's pocket. Onr customers should pay us, who grow vines for their benefit, well for reall]/ good plants, but do not let us mislead them into false practices, simply because it may be for our benefit. Aud let us be a little more charitable towards each other. We can all grow good plant-!, as near per- fection as may be, and it is our duty to do so. And let us not be afraid to let the pub- lic know a little of our propagating prac- tices. Even if they do grow a good many plants themselves, we will find enough to do yet, to supply those who do not. Let us make grape-growing easy, wherever we can, so that it may increase and spread over the whole length of the land, from Maine to California. A few words more about friend Reu- ben's criticism on the October number, and I shall not inflict any stronger dose of " grape-growing made easy" upon your read- ers. It is his remark on my method of summer pruning, which ho has evidently not clearly understood. Please bear in mind. 54 27^6 Horticulturist. friend Reuben, that the pinching is done very early ; but instead of robbing the plant of its leaves, the young shoots are pinched lefore the leaves have developed, and by checking the growth of the leading shoot, we force the laterals out, and form and de- "^elope new and vigorous leaves on them, just where they ought to be, opposite each bunch, and that these new leaves will serve as conductors of sap to the young bunch. It is only a gentle checking, not rdblmg of leaves, in fact it " makes four leaves grow, and in a better place, where there was one before. This is, in my opinion, perfectly in harmony with the " laws of vegetable physiology," and the same principle lays at the root of it, which we follow in pinching in dwarf pear trees. Please try it, friend Reuben, on only a sin- gle vine, if you will not risk it on more, and report progress ; or what is better still, come and visit me next summer, and I will show you its results. I think anyhow. that the greatest success is an indication of the best method and theory, and really, some of our artists remind me of one of my neighbors, an old vintner, grown grey in the business, but who follows his method and old fogy practice strictly. He will come and look at my grapes several times every summer, and will admit that 1 grow a great many more, and much finer grapes than he does, " But neighbor," he will say, " you are wrong anyway, your method is not right." My " method" is to find how I can grow the most and best fruit, with the least labor and cost, and as long as I suc- ceed in this, I do not mind the old rules so very strictly. In another paper, I may give your readers a report on the different varieties of grapes, and how each of them has behaved during this, the most trying summer we have had, as long as we have grown grapes here. Hermann, Mo., Dec. 14, 1865. THE CIRCULATION OF THE SAP IN TREES. The first vital function in trees, after the frost is moderated, and the earth is suflS- ciently thawed, is the ascent of the sap, which is taken up by the absorbent vessels composing the inner bark of the tree, and reaching to the extremity of the fibres of the roots. The water thus imbibed by the roots is there mixed with a quantity of saccharine matter, and formed into sap, whence it is distributed in great abundance to every individual bud. The great quan- tity of sweet liquid sap provided for the nourishment of some trees is evident from the prevalent custom of tapping trees, to draw off their fluids for various purposes. — In the tropical regions this method is em- ployed by the inhabitants to procure their favorite liquor — palm oil, and also the sap from which they make India rubber and gutta percha. In the Northern States and Canada the sap of the sugar maple is pro- cured in the same way, which, being boiled down, yields sugar of a well-known pecu- liar flavor and richness. This great accession of nourishment, when the sap begins to flow freely, causes the bud to swell, to break through its cov- ering, and to spread into blossoms, or to lengthen into a shoot bearing leaves. This is the first process, and, properly speaking, is all that belongs to the springing or elon- gation of trees ; and in many plants, that is, all those which are annual or deciduous, there is no other process. The plant ab- sorbs juices from the earth, and in propor- tion to the quantity of these juices, in- creases in size ; it expands its blossoms, perfects its fruit, and when the ground is incapable, by drought or frost, of yielding any more moisture, or when the vessels of the plant are not able to draw it up, the plant perishes. But in trees, though the beginning and end of the first process is ex- actly similar to that which takes place in Leaves. 55 vegetables, yet there is a second process wliicli, at the same time that it adds to their bulk, enables them to endure, and go on increasing through a long series of years. The second process begins soon after the first, in this way : — At the base of the foot- stalk of each leaf a small bud is gradually formed, but the absorbent vessels of the leaf have exhausted themselves in the for- mation of the bud, and are unable to bring it nearer to maturity. In this state it resembles exactly a seed, containing with- in it the rudiments of vegetation, but des- titute of absorbent vessels to nourish and evolve the embryo. Being surrounded, however, by sap, like a seed in moist earth, it is in a proper situation for growing ; the influence of the sun sets in motion the juices of the bud and of the seed, and the first operation in both of them is to send down roots a certain depth into the ground, for the purpose of obtaining the necessary moisture. The bud, accordingly, shoots down its roots, so to say, upon the inner bark of the tree, till they reach the part covered by the earth. "Winter now arriv- ing, the cold and defect' of moisture, owing to the clogged condition of the absorbent vessels, cause the fruit and leaves to fall, so that, except the provision of buds with roots along the inner bark, the remainder of the tree, like an annual plant, is dead. — The leaves, the flowers, the fruit are gone ; and what was the inner bark is no longer organized, while the roots of the buds form a new inner bark ; and thus the buds with their roots contain all that remains alive of the whole tree. It is owing to this annual renovation of the inner bark that the tree increases in bulk ; and a new coating being added everj'- year, we are hence furnished with an easy and exact method of ascertain- ing the age of a tree, by counting the num- ber of concentric circles of which the trunk is composed. A tree, therefore, properly speaking, is rather a congeries of a multitude of annual plants than a perennial individual. The sap in trees always rises as soon as the frost is abated, so that when the stimulus of the warm weather in the early spring acts upon the bud, there should be at hand a supply of food for its nourishment ; and if by any means the sap is prevented from ascending at the proper time, the tree infallibly per- ishes. Remarkable examples of this method of destroying the life of trees are seen everywhere in our new western country, ' where immense forests are killed by the simple process of girdling^ that is, cutting a ring around the tree through the nmer bark, and thus interrupting the circulation of the sap. LEAVES. We are all familiar with leaves^ in the various stages of their life, growth and de- cay. We watch, with interest, their out- bursting in spring, their tender and deli- cate beauty, so refreshing to the eye, after the desolations of the long winter. We admire them in their full summer develop- ment, their rich, luxuriant greenness, and the exuberance in which they clothe the stems on which they grow. Their autumn beauty is not less attractive to the thought- ful mind, when, many-tinted, golden, rus- set, pale-yelloWj brown, and scarlet, they hang, a crown of glory, upon the woods. Has it ever occurred to us to inquire, what is a leaf? Every leaf is in itself a distinct indivi- dual, the blossoms themselves being mere leaves adapted for a special purpose. A tree, like a compound zoophyte, is a colony of individuals, bound into a community, or body corporate, by means of the living bark enclosing and producing a woody skel- eton or support. The leaves of a tree, like the polypes of the coralline, are distinct from each other, 56 The Horticulturist. yet united by means of a living tissue, wliicli commenced its development in the seed — in the pip, in the acorn, or the beechmast. Moreover, as in the polypes of the coral, some are destined for nutrition, others for reproduction ; so in the tree or shrub, some of the leaves are intended as organs of respi- ration, secretion, and the digestion of the flu- ids conveyed to them through the inner bark, converting them into either bitters or sweets, or acids, into nutriment or poison, so far as the animal kingdom is concerned. Others again are modified, and become what we term flowers, exhaling delicious odors, or repellant efiluvia ; and these flow- ers are designed for the continuance of the species. Professor Forbes says, " "We are not in the habit of regarding the leaf as the in- dividual ; popularly we look at the whole plant as the individual ; yet every botanist knows that it is a combination of individu- als, and if so, each series of buds must cer- tainly be regarded as generations." No leaf falls until provision is made for a successor ; and the bud which is developed before the face of the decaying leaf, may be, in its turn, either a leaf only, or that modification of a leaf which we term a flower. Such, then, is a leaf; dying, it leaves its embryo successors ; and the tree may be truly said to pass then into a state of hybernation. There are no longer leaves requiring food from the vessels of the in- ner rind ; hence the activity of these tubes would be to no purpose ; the bark sleeps ; the woody skeleton can scarcely be said to possess organic life ; of the pith we know little. Yet in such trees as the alder, in the youngest branches of which the pith is abundant, and is at this time juicy, though it becomes dry afterwards, we cannot but suppose that it subserves some important purpose. This pith, or medulla, it may be observed, is usually most abundant in young and growing branches ; and some na- turalists have deemed it the seat of that ir- ritability which many plants so remarkably display. Others, again, suppose it to be a re- servoir of moisture, as a supply to the leaves, whenever an excess of perspiration renders such assistance necessary. It is said that a direct communication by ves- sels has been actually traced between the pith and the leaf. " Plants seem to require some such reservoir ; for their young leaves are excessively tender; they perspire much, and cannot, like animals, fly to the shade or brook." But it must be observed in reference to this theory, that all the moisture in the pith of a whole branch, is in some cases too little to supply one hour's perspiration for a single leaf. Nor does observation show that this moisture of the pith varies, let the leaves be ever so flaccid. It is prob- able, therefore, that the pith is in some way, a reservoir of vital energy, but not as supplying moisture to the exhausted leaves. But it is not the purpose of this paper to follow up any mooted point in vegetable physiology, but rather to indicate some of the more obvious phenomena of leaves. Sufiice it to say, that having fulfilled their duties, like all organic things, they begin to fade, and dying are scattered by the winds from olf the rind or bark, between which and themselves a line of demarca- tion is drawn. For at a definite point the sap-vessels lose their vital energy, and be- coming obliterated the supply to the leaf is arrested. A mere touch will cause the leaf to fall at the axillary junction of its stalk or twig ; but then the bud has been duly elaborated, a bud to be unfolded on the return of spring. How cheerless is the garden in Novem- ber ; the sear and yellow leaves are fallen in showers from the trees, and drifted by the wind they strew the gravelled paths, — cover the flower beds, collect around the roots of shrubs and bushes, or are driven into heaps in corners. The summer flow- ers have faded, but here and there a pale blossom of the monthly rose still lingers on its stem ; the showy Dahlia yet holds out, struggling against fate, and the Asters and Chrysanthemums flaunt in colors of regal beauty. The Barberry bush hangs February. 57 out its pendant streamers of wax-like ber- ries, coral red. The holly looks fresher even than ever, and its berries are rud- dy and beautiful. Green is the hedge of Privet, with its jet-black clusters of berries, producing a pleasing contrast. Rapidly, at this season, the deciduous trees and shrubs lose their foliage — their leaves cover the ground as with a garment, affording protection from the cold to the buried roots of plants which need defence from the winter ; but this is not their only use, they serve a second important purpose. As the spring comes on with its warm showers, they fall into decomposition, and afford a rich manure to the roots which they shielded during the severe season. They form in their decay a rich vegetable mould — a natural top-dressing to the sub- jacent soil, and thus render it lighter and richer. Well does the gardener know the value of decomposed vegetable matter as manure ; and one reason why many of our rarer wild flowers seldom flourish when in- troduced into the garden, is the deficiency in the soil of pure vegetable mould ; for gardens are usually cleared from time to time of their leafy litter, while in our woods and copses, and along our fences and hedges, the decaying foliage remains where it fell, and year after year adds fresh nu- triment to the sandy or argillaceous sub- stratum. Thus it is that nature manures the soil, and adds successive coverings of vogetable mould to the surface of the ster- ile ground, or the rocky bed, until plants of a higher order succeed the lichens and mosses which first spread upon the once naked surface, and in their turn add to the increase of the fertile layer. FEBRUARY. The month of February, according to Verstegan, was called by our Saxon ances- tors, Sjjrouf-Me. The kele-wort, which is now called cole wort, was, in times long past, the most common pot-herb used by our an- cestors, and the broth made with it was therefore called kele-broth. This broth sup- plied to a large extent, the winter suste- nance of the Saxon husbandman and his family. During this month the plant began to put forth its young and tender sprouts, and hence the name, Sprout-kele. February had, also, in those early times the name of Sohnonath, which on the authority of the venerable Bede, means Pan-cake- monih. Because at this season the Pagan Saxons were accustomed to offer up " cakes" in their worship of the sun. The Latin Februarius, the original of the name by which we designate the month, is derived from the word februa, which signi- fied an expiatory, or purifying sacrifice offered to the Manes, because in this month the Luperci, or priests of Pan, perambu- lated the city, carrying thongs of goat- skin,with which they scourged delinquents, and this was received for an expiation. On Candlemas eve, the 1st of February, was kindled the Yule-brand, which was allowed to burn till sunset, when it was ex- tinguished and carefully laid aside and preserved, to be used for lighting the Christ- mas log at the next return of the season. The prevailing superstition connected with the preservation of the Yule-brand is thus noticed by Ilerrick : And, where 'tis safely kept, the fiend Can do no mischief there. February can hardly be regarded as a pleasant or comfortable month in any part of the country north of latitude 35 degs. Indeed in some of our northern States the cold and tempest are most severe ; the snow lies in deep drifts ; the waters are fast bound in icy fetters ; and there are no signs except, perhaps, in the perceptible lengthening of the days, and the increase of meridian brightness and heat, of the ap- proach of Spring. In the milder middle 58 The Horticulturist. regions, tlie breaking up of winter ; tlie elemental conflict between the retiring and the incoming seasons ; the freezing and the thawing, are vividly enough described in HowUfs Book of the Seasons : — There is a lack of comfort felt everywhere. In real win- ter weather the clear, pure frosty air sharply saluted the face by day, and re- vealed to the eye at night, a scene of pure and sublime splendor in the lofty and in- tensely blue sky, glittering with congre- gated stars, or irradiated with the placid moon. There was a sense of vigor, of elas- ticity, of freshness about you, which made it welcome ; but now, most commonly, by day or by night, the sky is hidden in impenetrable vapor ; the earth is sodden, and splashy and wet ; even the fireside does not escape the comfortless sense of humidity. Everj'thing presents to the eye, accustomed so long to the brightness of clearfrosts, and the pure whiteness of snow, a dingy and soiled aspect. All things are dripping with wet ; it hangs upon the walls like heavy dew ; it penetrates into the drawers and wardrobes of your warm- est chambers ; and you are surprised at the unusual dampness of your clothes, linen, books, and papers ; and in short, almost everything you have occasion to examine. Brick and stone floors are now dangerous things for thinly-clad people to stand upon. To this source, and, in fact, to the dampness of this month, operating in va- rious ways, may be attributed not a few of the colds, coughs, and consumptions so prevalent in England. Pavements are fre- quently so much elevated by the expan- sion of the moisture beneath, as to ob- struct the opening and shutting of doors and gates ; and your gravel walks resem- ble saturated sponges. Abroad, the streets are flooded with muddy water, and slip- pery with patches of half-thawed ice and snow, which strikes through your shoes in a moment. The houses, and all objects whatever, have a dirty and disconsolate aspect ; and clouds of dim, smoky haze hover over the whole dispiriting scene. In the country the prospect is not much better ; the roads are full of mire. In the woods and copses you hear a continual dripping and pattering of wet ; while the fieldfares, instead of fly- ing across the country with a pleasant chattering, sit solitarily among the com- fortless trees, uttering their plaintive cry of " cock-shute," " cock-shute," and the very rooks peer about after worms in the fields with a drooping air. Instead of the enchantment of hoar-frost, you have naked hedges, sallow and decaying weeds beneath them, brown and wet pastures, and sheets of ice, but recently affording so much fine exercise to skaters and sliders, half sub- merged in water, full of great cracks, scat- tered with straws and dirty patches, and stones half liberated by the thaw. Such are the miserable features of the time. EDITOR'S TABLE. To Contributors and Others. — Address all Communications, for the Editorial and publishing departments, to Geo. E. & F. "W". Woodward, 37 Park Row, New York. Woodward's Country Homes. — This popular and elegantly illustrated book has passed through three editions, and a fourth is now on the press, which we hope to have ready in a week or two. The demand is unabated ; in fact, it increases as the work becomes better known. It has taken its rank now among the very few successful books of the day, and supplies the want long felt of a guide to the construction of houses of moderate cost. Editor's Table. 59 The Delaware Grape,— The original painting for our plate of the Delaware Grape is now in the hands of the litho- grapher, who means to make a first-class picture of it — one suitable for the adorn- ment of any room. We hope to have it read}- for delivery early in February. Price, mailed free, Three Dollars ; but any sub- scriber who sends us two new names and five dollars, in addition to his own subscription, will have a copy sent him free of cost. prolific and larger fruit, similar in shape, color, and flavor, and are no doubt im- proved chance seedlings or Hybrids. Chas. Downing. This Volume of the Horticulturist will be fully illustrated. Architectural de- signs, and plans for laying out small tracts of land will be freely given, and, in accord- ance with many requests, these designs will contemplate only moderate expendi- tures. We also propose to illustrate fully all the newer fruits, flowers, etc., and shall be pleased to receive from our readers draw- ings or specimens for this purpose. We Call the Attention of our readers to the advertisement of the Prairie Far- mer and the Tilden Tomato. By some unaccountable oversight, this advertisement was omitted from our January number ; but let not this error prevent any one of our readers from taking the Prairie Far- mer. Send Two Dollars at once to Messrs. Emery & Co., Chicago, and get a wide- awake exponent of Western agriculture, published by gentlemen who show com- mendable energy in getting up a first-rate paper and letting the public know it. Every subscriber gets a paper of Tilden Tomato seed, out of which he can make money enough to pay for the paper. Stoever Raspberry. — " Reuben" in the December number of Horticulturist, asks information in regard to this raspberry. Fruit small and not of much value. It throws up an immense quantity of suckers, and is not worth the room it occupies. Allen's Red Prolific and Kirtland, has the same habit of suckering, but much more A Western Subscriber asks how to prepare white-oak posts for vineyards to prevent decay. The best remedy is to char; but where that cannot readily be done, we advise to place in solution of cop- peras as indicated by the writer of " Our Method," in Vol. 20, to which we refer him. A preparation of gas tar is some- times used, but is not as cleanly as the other modes. A remarkable instance of the efiect of frost in overcoming the circulation of the sap in trees and destroying their life, oc- curred in London during the spring suc- ceeding the hard winter of the year 1794. The snow and ice collecting in the streets, so as to become very inconvenient, they were cleared, and many cartloads were placed in the vacant quarters of Moorfields. Several of those heaps of snow and frozen rubbish were piled around some of the elm- trees that grew there. At the return of spring, those of the trees that were not surrounded with the snow, expanded their leaves as usual, while the others being girt •with a large frozen mass, continued quite bare ; for the fact was, the absorbents in the lower part of the stem, and the earth in which the trees stood, were still exposed to a freezing cold. In some weeks, however, the snow was thawed, but the greater number of the trees were dead, and those few that did produce any leaves were sick- ly, and continued in a languishing state all summer, and then died. Successful Fruit Raising. — Truman M. Smith, Esq., of Dayton's Bluff, sends us some specimens of fruit raised in his or- chard. He has devoted several years to the culture of fruit and vegetables, and has now one of the finest orchards and nurse- ries in this vicinity, containing a large number of trees and shrubs in bearing. 60 The Horticulturist. Mr. Smith is also experimenting with other varieties of fruit, and we have no doubt that he will succeed in cultivating a number of species of fruit that have not hitherto been raised here — such as peaches, pears, &c. With grapes, Mr. Smith has also been very successful. He has quite a vineyard of hardy kinds, and raises a quantity of grapes every year. Two or three kinds which he has experimented with, have proved valuable and hardy, and must soon become popular. In all he has thirty-seven varieties. He handed us on Saturday a specimen of raspberries, containing about a dozen ripe and partially ripe ones on a vine. To gather ripe raspberries on October 21, is rather a novelty in this country. They are of the " Belle de Fontenay" variety, and are very large and luscious. Some rhubarb and tomatoes which he handed us, are particularly fine, and con- sidering the season of the year, are a re- markable yield. Mr. Smith's experiments in fruit and vegetable raising have been conducted at great expense to himself, but will result in great good to the community, and we hope he may be abundantly rewarded for his ex- penditures. If any of our citizens wish to see model gardens, conservatories, nurse- ries, vineyards, &c., they should call on Mr. Smith. He has a neat and well kept place, and will show it to visitors with pleasure. — St. Paid Pioneer. car Edwards, Northampton, Auditor. The Society is in a prosperous condition and looking towards a vigorous and green old The 48th Annual Meeting of the Hamp- shire Franklin and Hampden Agricultural Society was held at Northampton, Mass., Jan. 3d, and Milo J. Smith, was elect- ed President in place of H. S. Porter of Halfacre, declined. Vice-Presidents Elnathan Graves, Williamsburgh ; John "VV. Hubbard, Northampton ; Rodney Smith, Hadley ; Andrew T. Judd, South Hadley. A. P. Peck, Northampton, Secretary; Albert R. Parsons, Northampton, Treasurer; Os- The article on Tomato Culture, page 391, of December Horticulturist, should have been credited to the American AgriciiUurist, published by Orange Judd & Co., No. 41 Park Row, N. Y., at one dollar and fifty cents per annum. "Whenever a really good thing is found floating about without credit, it will be safe nine times out of ten to credit it to the Agriculturist. Denver, Colorado, Dec. 17, 1865. Gentlemen : — I have concluded to put the price of one bushel of potatoes into papers and monthly's, for the family, so yours is included, the price of potatoes now being 20 cents per lb., or $12 per bushel. Please direct to Denver, Box 366. Yours respectfully, L. K. Perrin. Wild Cotton or Wild Weed. — My attention has recently been directed to the very silky and beautiful fibre of this plant which grows so abundantly in the waste places throughout Pennsylvania, and as it ripens in season, why could it not be turned to some practical use ? A young lady, of Reading, Pennsylvania, gathered, spun and knit a pair of stockings, from the wild cot- ton plant. No doubt they were beautiful, as the fibre is apparently equal to the finest silk. Have any of your readers tried what effect cultivation would have on the plant ? It would, probably, greatly improve the staple. What would the cotton of com- merce be without cultivation ? I send a small specimen herewith for your examination. J. M. H. We think a difficulty would be found in manufacturing thread or yarn from this plant from the shortness and want of strength of the staple. Have any readers had experience ? Editor's Table. 61 Isaac Pullen, Esq., of Ilightstown, N. J., has funiished us witli the following list of peaches which he considers unex- ceptionable for market culture : Hale's Early, Tioth's Early, Large Early York (not the serrate.) Crawford's Early, Old Mixon Free, Stump the World, Crawford's Late, Ward's Late, Jaques Rare Ripe, Smock Peach. Mr. a. M. Burxs writes us as follows from Manhattan, Riley County, Kansas : " This is believed to be the most wester- ly point, east of the Rocky Mountains, where the grape is yet grown. I have cul- tivated the Concord, Diana, Delaware, Clinton, Catawba and Isabella successfully, and since 1859 have had fruit ; have never seen a diseased berry or a mildewed vine in nine years, which shows that this cli- mate is especially adapted to vineyards. — Here, too, land is good and cheap, and homesteads may be had for the occupancy. I have many new varieties on trial, such as the lona, Israella, Aliens' and Rogers' Hy- brids, Hobb's new Seedlings, Yeddo, &c., and wish to test this climate for all and every new grape that has merit. Our success, thus far, induces us to believe that almost any grape will do well here. If your friends will send me any by mail, I will test them carefully and report on them in due time through the Horticulturist. Ask them to send me priced and descriptive cata- logues. The State of Kansas has located the State Agricultural College at this place. Mr. George N. Stack, of Long Branch, New Jersey, desires to inform his neighbor, Mr. S., through the Horticulturist, that to induce fruitfulness in a barren orchard, which has been over stimulated by high manuring, with pruning to match — causing exuberance of growth — he must — 1st. Stop manuring so heavily or plowing so deeply. 2d. Stop severe pruning, removing only weak and crowded branches, allowing the trees (standards) to take their natural form. 3d. Dig a trench eighteen inches deep around each tree, six or seven feet from the trunk, and cut off all the roots that can be cut with the spade. Sweet is the hum of bees, dire is the song of gnats and mosquitos ; gaudy is the clothing of the butterfly, noisome the con- tact of vermin ; costly are the products of the silk-worm and the cochineal ; ruinous the ravages of the weevil, the curculio, the army-worm and the locust. But in our latitude we have fewer destructive and an- noying insects than are to be found in re- gions nearer the tropics. We have fewer entomological beauties and fewer entomo- logical plagues, for which we ought to be thankful. It is true, however, that we have, after all, plenty of insects even here ; but the extreme minuteness and unimaginable variety and transformations of these crea- tures forbid the enterprise by which ordi- nary students might become familiar with their classes and habits. When we have learned their forms, we cannot comprehend or even guess at their senses — their inner mode of life. The study of entomology is, therefore, not only complicated and per- plexing, but, regarded as a science, unsa- tisfactory. For example, it is doubtful whether insects possess the faculty of hear- ing, or how many of the five senses they do possess. They appeal, it is true, to all our several senses, in turn, whether they can hear or not the maledictions we bestow upon them in return. An intelligent bee-master and good gar- dener says that he " fired ofi'a gun close to a hive containing a swarm of bees ; they only stirred slightly; but shaking them disturbs them much more than any noises." 62 The Horticulturist. Their slight stirring might have been the result of the concussion of the air, rather than the noise of the report. If they do hear at all, their scale of audible sounds has been conjectured to lie far at the top of ours, and so to be a nullity for our ears from the highest to the lowest note which it con- tains. The kind of sight that must be the result of looking out through a thousand micro- scopes, is difficult for us to realize ; the language of the antenna3 is more untrans- latable than any cuneiform inscription. For bees, and a few others of their class, there will ever be a genuine fellow-feeling, as well as a selfish interest arising from con- siderations of profit ; but the mob of creep- ing and flying insects will secure no hold on popular favor. What is Oonchology, as seen in museums and cabinets, but a collection of husks and rinds of things that are dead and gone ? "We treasure the envelope, having lost the letter ; the book is destroyed, and we pre- serve the binding. Not one person in a hundred who decor- ates his apartment with shells, can tell whether the living creatures they once con- tained had eyes or no eyes, were fixed to the rock or drifted with the sea-weed, were purely herbiverous, or, by an insinuating but unamiable process, dieted on the vitals of other mollusks, their neighbors, and were, therefore, as we might say, ichthoni- verous. The Radiata, and the rest of their allied tribes, are still less inviting to the common run of men and women, since they puzzle and worry even philosophers and practised naturalists. We are told that Mr. Charles Darwin, one of the most cele- brated and patient naturalists of the age, has been, for some time past, engaged upon the barnacles, and has well nigh been driven to despair by the slipperiness of their char- acter. But the study of Botany may be made easy and interesting to all who have any taste for self-culture. From garden, and meadow, and wood, we may gather grasses and flowers and leaves, which, being neatly preserved and classified, cannot fail to fur- nish interest and pleasure. The field of ob- servation is illimitable ; the number of spe- cimens that may be gathered without going out of our way, or loss of time, is beyond reckoning, and the uses of all this know- ledge, even incidentally acquired, will be invaluable. KiNGLAKE is the most brilliant, and prob- ably the most accurate, sketcher of scenery and incident among modern travelers. His description of the gardens of Damascus, which seem to have remained unchanged from the olden years of Sacred History, is quite worthy of a place in our Table. The Holy Damascus, this earthly para- dise of the prophet, so fair to his eyes that he dared not trust himself to tarry in her blissful shades — she is a city of hidden pal- aces, of copses, and gardens, and fountains, and bubbling streams. The juice of her life is the gushing and ice-cold torrent that tumbles from the snowy sides of Anti-Le- banon. Close along on the river's edge, through seven sweet miles of rustling boughs and deepest shade, the city spreads out her whole length : as a man falls flat, face forward on the brook, that he may drink and drink again, so Damascus, thirst- ing forever, lies down with her lips to the stream, and clings to its rushing waters. Wild as the nightest woodland of a de- serted home in England, but without its its sweet sadness, is the sumptuous garden of Damascus. Forest trees, tall and stately enough, if you could see their lofty crests, yet lead a tussling life of it below, with their branches struggling against strong numbers of wild bushes and wilful shrubs. The shade upon the earth is black as night. High, high above your head, and on every side all down to the ground, the thicket is hemmed in and choked up by the inter- lacing boughs that droop with the weight of roses, and load the slow air witn their damask breath. The rose-trees which I Editor's Table. 63 saw are all of the kind we call damask ; they grow to an immense height and size. There are no other flowers. Here and there there are patches of ground made clear from the cover, and these are either care- lessly planted with some common and use- ful vegetable, or else are left free to the wayward ways of nature, and bear rank weeds, moist-looking and cool to your eyes^ and freshening the sense with their earthy and bitter fragrance. There is a lane open- ed through the thicket, so broad in some places that you can pass along side by side — in some so narrow (the shrubs are forever encroaching) that you ought, if you can, go on first, and hold back the bough of the rose-tree. And through this wilderness there tumbles a loud rushing stream, which is halted at last in the lowest corner of the garden, and then tossed vip in a fountain by the side of the simple alcove. This is all. Never for an instant will the people of Da- mascus attempt to separate the idea of bliss from these wild gardens and rushing waters. An interesting companion-piece to the above fine picture is found in Fortune's Wan- derings in China. The gardens of the Mandarins, in the city of Ning-po are very pretty ; they con- tain a choice selection of the ornamental trees and shrubs of China, and generally a considerable number of dwarf trees. Many of the latter are really curious examples of the patience and ingenuity of this people. — Some are only a few inches high, and yet seem hoary with age. Not only are they trained to represent old trees in miniature, but some are made to resemble the fashion- able pagodas of the country, and others dif- ferent kinds of animals, amongst which the deer seems to be the favorite. Junipers are generally chosen for the latter purpose, as they can be more readily bent into the de- sired form ; the eyes and tongue are added afterwards, and the representation altogeth- er is really good. "When I was travelling on the hills of Hong-kong, a few days after my first arri- val, I met with a most curious dwarf Lyco- podium, which I dug up and carried down to Messrs. Dent's garden. '■'•Haiyali .'" said the old compradore, and was in rapturous delight. All the coolies and servants gath- ered around the basket to admire the cu- rious little plant. I had not seen them evince so much gratification since I showed them the Old Man Cactus (Cereus Senilis) which I took out from England, and pre- sented to a Chinese nurseryman at Canton. On asking them why they prized the Lyco- podium so much, they replied, in Canton. English — " 0/i, he too viuchia handsome ; he groio only a leete and a leete every year ; and suppose he he one hundred year onla, he only so high^'''' holding up their hands an inch or two higher than the plant. This little plant is really very pretty, and often natur- ally takes the form of a dwai^f tree in min- iature, which is doubtless the reason of its being such a favorite witli the Chinese. The author of Barren Honor, says : — Misanthropy is the worst of all philosophy — Epicurean or Stoic, seductive or repel- lant ; it will fail just at the critical time of trial, and its latest pang will be the sharp- est of all. The tough, self-reliant charac- ter that meets misfortune savagely and de- fiantly, like a personal foe, holds its own will for a while ; but if there be not faith enough to teach humble, hopeful endurance, I think it fares best in the end with the hearts that are only — broken. There was no misanthropy, nor mere self- reliance and pride, in the patience and si- lent dignity exhibited by Marie Antoinette during her long trial of bitter suffering. She possessed a faith — a sense of religion — that never deserted her,whatever her weaknesses of character and inconsistencies. And how mournful, beyond words, was her fate. Her sufferings date long before she became a captive, and was menaced with ignominious death. Almost from her first arrival in France she had been exposed to misrepre- sentation and calumny. Young and beau- tiful, and a queen as well as a woman, she 64 The Horticulturist. had long been the butt at which " the most polite and chivalrous nation in Europe," were leveled. We are told that when she walked in the Gardens of St. Cloud, the very children followed and insulted her. Allusions against her were eagerly seized in every theatre, and the lieutenant of police had to beg that she would no longer come to Paris, as he could not answer for the consequences of her presence. Every class seemed bent on ascribing to her the misery of the nation. The nobles calum- niated her ; the people called her Madame Deficit. She bore all in silence ; but every insult, every proof of hatred she received, sank deeply into her heart. Her beauty, once so fresh and dazzling, gradually faded away ; her cheek became pale and thin ; her eyes grew dim with weeping, and with nights of anxious vigils. The sunny smile, which lent so great a charm to her ex- pressive countenance, visited it no more. If she saw not yet the terrible future, she was haunted by the shadow of dark fore- boding thoughts, and a secret terror filled her breast whenever she asked herself what fate awaited her, her husband, and her children. Through every fear and trial she maintained, however, a bearing more com- posed, more truly royal, than that which had marked the days of her splendid pros- perity. She was doomed to drink the cup of sorrow to the dregs, and death itself was grudged her till all she held dearest had been murdered and tortured before her eyes. " Beyond tlic infliiito and boundless reach Of mercy" are the perpetrators of those crimes by which she and hers suffered so bitterly. Most of them, indeed, paid the penalties of their crimes here in the flesh, but the deathless reproach of the nation that en- dured them has not been expiated. Years of revolution and blood have not sufficed to wipe it off, and it may be that a deeper re- tribution is yet in store. BOOKS, &c, RECEIVED. Transactions of the Illinois State Horticultural Society for 1864, at its Ninth Annual Meeting, with Constitution, Act of Incorporation, Horticultural Laws, etc. Catalogue of Officers and Students of the State Agricultural College of Michi- gan, 1865. Catalogue of Plants, with full descrip- tion, &c., of the Kittatinny Blackberry, E. Williams, Mont Clair, N. J. Descriptive Catalogue of Roses, Fruit and Ornamental Trees, Flowering Shrubs, Vines, Green-house, Hardy Plants, &c., cultivated and for sale by G. Marc, Astoria, N. Y. Descriptive Catalogue of Apple Trees raised and for sale by D. L. Adair, at the Sandy Side Nurseries, near Hawesville, Kentucky, P. & E. Transon Bros.' Nurseries, Orleans, France. Nursery Trade List for Autumn of 1865 and 1866. Messrs. Knauth Nachod & Kuhne, 28 Broad-street, N. Y., agents. Catalogue of exclusively Hardy Plants and Nursery Stock, for sale at the Nursery of Eugene A. Baumann, Milton Nursery, Rahway, N. J. Wholesale Catalogue of Fruit, Ever- green and Ornamental Trees, Shrubs, Stocks, Roses, &c., for the Autumn of 1865 and Spring of 1866, offered for sale by John Saul, Washington, D. C. Circular, Report on Grapes and Grape Growing, by J. Paul Sacksteder, Louisville, Kentucky. List of Grape Vines, Fruit Trees, &c., for sale by E. Miles, Sag Harbor, Suffolk Co., L. I., New York. THE HORTICULTURIST VOL. XXI MARCH, 18G6, NO. CCXXXVII. A DISCOURSE OF WINTER. Spring is licre, according to the calendar, but not so in actual experience; and there- fore, while winter still broods over all north- ern climes, it may not be unsuitable to con- sider some of its characteristics, and per- chance to gather up a few of its lessons. He who taught His followers from the sum- mer lilies, doubtless also instructed them from the aspects of nature in winter. To the eyes oi most people, winter is a season of desolation and gloom. The flow- ers are dead ; the bees and other insects no longer hum ; the song-birds have left the sky ; the leaves have fallen from the trees, and are whirled, withered and dead, tipon the blast. The streams are locked in ice ; and snow, like a heavy shroud, is spread over all the earth. Ve^'etable growth has ceased, and even vegetable life is dormant, if not wholly extinct. The sun rides low in the heavens, and, with its cold and slant- ing beams, gives but a brief day. But this is not the whole truth : Winter has other and more cheerful aspects. There is life amid this seeming decay and death. Vegetation absolutely requires a period of rest, and winter is its opportunitj^. The bees are nappi«ng in their cosy cells ; the birds are not destroj'ed, but are gone on pleasure excursions southward, looking af- ter tlieir possessions and friends around the' Gulf. The streams and lakes are frozen — are they ? Well, they make fine skating- parks now, and are having an eye to the creams of next August tVIiat could civil ized man do without their sparkling crys- tals to cool the summer heats 1 It would be a heavy loss to northern commerce, if its cargoes of ice were dissolved. The leaves have fallen — have they ? Well, they were ripe, and of no further use to the branches, and by their fall tliey will now help to fertilize the ground and to promote the trees' growth in succeeding years. Frost, which in some respects is destruct- ive, is also preservative. It checks the too rapid decomposition of vegetable and ani- mal matters, and by purifying the air pre vents disease and promotes bodily health and vigor. Who does not know, by expe- Snteueu acoordin?; to Act of Congress, m the year 18GG, by Geo. E. & F. W. WooDWAEn, in the Clerk's ( of the District Court of the United States, for the Southern District of New York 5 66 The Horticulturist. rience, that the return of the cold season, after the del)ilitating heats of summer, pro- duces an exhilaration of spirits and gives a nesT accession of physical strength ? A friend of the -writer, who spent several years in Bogota, relates that, while at first the perpetual summer was a perpetual de- light, afterwards it became monotonous, tiresome, and weakening to body and mind, and that he often longed for the refreshing winds and frosts of the north. If the in- habitants of northern countries possess any superiority over those of southern lands, it is owing largely to the influence of their climate. It is in cold countries that home is most tenderly loved, and fireside virtues most vigorously flourish. " Oh Winter, ruler of th' inverted year, Thy scattered hair with sleet like ashes tilled, Thy breath congealed upon thy lips, thy chicks Fringed with a beard made wh.tc with other snow ; Than t^o^e of a,'e, t ly orchead wrapped in c ouds, A leafless branch thy sceptre, and thy ihrono A sliding car indebted to no wheels, But urged by storms alou : its slippery way, I love thee, all unlovely as thou seem'st, And dre ided as thou art ! Thou hold'st the sun A pris?n"r in tho yjt undawn'ng east, Shortening his journey between morn and noon, And hurrying him, im;)atient of his stay, Down to the rosy West ; but kindly st 11 Com;)cns iting his loss with ad led hou s Of social convcriC iml instnictivj e so. An 1 gathering at sho:t notice, in one g-oup The family disiicrscd, :ind fixing iliought Not less disperse I by daylight :ind its C-irei. I crown thee king cf int. mate d ; ights, F.re.-ide enjoyments, home-born happincs"^. And iill Ihe comfort that the lowy roof 'Of undisturbed retirement, and the hours ■Of Ion'/, UT interrupted evening, know." One of the most marked features of win- ter is its snow. This interferes with some of our pleasures and profitable labors. The tourist and landscape-painter will seldom flounder through snow-banks in quest of fine scenery. The "botanist — where are the flowers he loved so well? Tlie geologist, entomologist, and indeed the student in al- most every department of natural science finds his sphere of observation reduced to narrow bounds. The gardener must hang up his shovel and hoe, and the farmer can no longer sow and reap and gather into ] barns. | Yet there is a bright side to this picture, j The snows which block up our roads and ' fields bring with them a partial compcnsa- i tion for the discomforts they produce. The • old proverb that " snow is the poor man's manure " is believed to have its basis in sci- entific fact. Chemical anal3^sis finds a ; larger per centage of ammonia in snow than in rain. This at least is true, that snow is j a powerful absorbent, purifying the air and \ returning the impurities as fertilizers to the soil. Melt in a clean vessel a mass of snow Avhich has lain a short time on the ; ground, and the taste will detect foreign j elements in the water. This is most ap- parent in the neighborhood of large towns, ; where the atmosphere is more or less im- i pure. The harshness and dryness produced ii the mouth by drinking snow-water, and . the unpleasant eff";cts on the skin by wash- j ing in it, are ascribed to the impurities it ' contains. The disease called goitre, pre- ' vailing in Alpine regions, is also attributed '\ by some to the use of snow-water. A certain writer illustrates the absorbent ; power of snow thus : " Take a lump of snow (crust answers well,) of three or four inches ; in length, and hold it in the flame of a 1 lamp ; not a drop of water will fall from j the snow, but the water, as fast as formed, ! will penetrate or be drawn up into the snow i by capillary attraction. It is by virtue of ! this power that it purifies the atmosphere, by absorbing and retaining its noxious and noisome gases and odors." Snow also ab- sorbs exhalations from the earth, and re- turns their fertilizing properties to the soil. i Hence, marshes and stagnant pools become inodorous in winter, and the unwholesome ■ (effluvia of vegetable matter everywhere de- j caying is retained, and with the melting of ^ ' the snow in spring is given back to the i earth. So much as this, at least, we fully believe, that " the poor man's manure" is ; as efficacious as some of the patent fertiliz- ers of the day; and it is a great deal cheaper. Moreover, we are told that snow actually ; A Discourse of Winter 67 nourlslies a species of animal life. Dissolve a handful of snow in a glass of water en- tirely free from infasoria, and j"0u will soon discover a multitude of animalcules moving about in it full of life. Every one has read of the famous " red snow" of the Arctic re- gions, which is only another exhibition of this microscopic race. Snow helps the springs and mill streams in winter. Were the ground naked from fall to spring, and frozen meanwhile several feet deep, the springs would dry up, and ■water-wheels of everj^ description would stand idle. As it is, however, the snow prevents the frost from penetrating to a great depth — especially among the wooded hills, which are the fountain-heads of springs and streams — and by their gradual melting keep up a supply of water for man and beast. Not the least important use of snow is the protection it aflfords to tt nder vegeta- tion. Even in northern latitudes, there is a multitude of tender and half tender indi- genous plants which require more or less protection in winter. Nature provides for them most wisely. She hangs over them the branches of neighboring trees and bushes, gathers about their roots a many-folded blanket of dry leaves, and last of all spreads over them a fleecy mantle of snow. With this covering, they pass tlirough the coldest winter safely ; when if transplanted to ex- posed situations they would certainly per ish. But besides, our gardens and fields are stocked with plants and grains which are natives of warmer climates, and need protection still more. Sweep off the snow from our wheat fields and meadows, and at least a portion of the crops would be win- ter-killed. Some of the choicest herba- ceous plants in our gardens, brought from milder regions, will pass unharmed through the severest winters, if only they are cov- ered with snow. So of many tender shrubs. With their branches fastened to the ground, they hybernate in Canada as well as at the tropics. The buds of peach tr(^s are often killed in severe winters, while if a few branches happen to get bent under the snow, they produce a splendid show of fruit. Scientific travelers in Siberia have recorded instances in which, with the tem- perature of tho air above the snow at 72° I below zero, that beneath was 29° above zero, showing a difference of 100°. Dr. Kane, in his " Arctic Expedition," men- tions finding underneath the snow, at lati- tude 78°, " the andromeda in full flower, ' and saxifrages and carices green under the dried tufts of last j-ear." * * * "Here, [ too, the silene and cerathrium, as well as the characteristic flower-growths of later summer, the poppy and sorrel, were al- ready recognizable." * * * u pg^ ^f us at home," he continues, " can realize the protecting value of this warm cover- let of snow. No eider-down in the cradle of an infant is tucked in more kindly than | the sleeping dress of winter about this fee- ble flower-life." AVhen the snow falls early in winter and remains until spring, the ground is seldom frozen at all ; and if frozen a few inches deep before the snow falls, the heat of the subsoil thaws out the frost above it, and the superincumbent snow prevents another freezing, so that in early spring the ground is soft and ready for the plow and spade. Did the space allotted us in these col- umns allow, we might speak of the oppor- tunity which winter affords the farmer and his household for mental and social culture ; of the beauty of the snowy landscape when lighted up by the sun ; of the brilliancy of the winter sunsets ; the peculiar depth and purity of its skies, and the lusre of its stars ; of the pleasure of noting the first in- I dications of approaching spring, and their ^ steady increase until " the time of the sing- ing of birds is come, and the voice of the turtle is heard in the land ;" but here we must stay our pen. A. D. G. 68 The Horticulturist. DESIGN FOR COUNTRY HOUSE OR PARSONAGE. BY REV. P. D. OAKEY, JAMAICA, The desire to produce pleasing effects in the structure of country houses has much in- creased the past few years. The gratifying evidence of this is forced upon our attention on every line of travel. Every one who contributes to this taste Is so far a bene- It is thought that the plan here submit- ted will commend itself to the taste of those who, having a moderate income — and such constitute the bulk of society— and who, having no money to lavish upon merely useless show, would have enough variety m factor to his kind. It has this plea for style, solid embellishments, convenience of universal adoption, that while it violates arrangement, rooms of suitablfe size and no principle of utility, it elevates mentally number — affording sufficient retirement and and morally only by the exercise o; correct accommodation as shall combine to produce judgment without expense. I speak of it a pleasing impression, externally and inter- in its simple, and therefore purer forms of nally, upon which the eye of the stranger cottage building. is welcome to rest, and make the happy lii — Pospectiie and contented family feel that they have a home^ the endeared remembrances of which will never leave them till a home on earth is needed no more. Some of these effects, we think, may be realized in this plan. Enter the gate, and by a nf^atly-trimmed winding-path step upon the veranda and look for 3'ourself It 53 situated on a village lot, say C5 feet fj'ont and 200 deep. It is not built large in front, so that space may intervene on either side for shrubbery and trees to se- cure seclusion and keep out intrusive eyes of neighbors. Yet, in the dining-room a bay window commands a street view. It fronts the east, and hence the rooms used have a southern aspect. The veranda it- self is wortliy of a passing notice, as it is ample, compared with the size of the house, and its form in keeping with the bay win- dows that diversify and give character to the exterior. I would not make the path to the veranda direct in front of it, at right angles with the street, but from a gate near the southern corner of the front lot by a gentle serpentine line, and thus Design for Country House or Parsonage. 69 leave the space of the front yard opposite the parlor window unobstructed, for the exhibition of taste in cultivating some of the smaller flowers and shrubbery, which, with a closely-shaven grass-plat, as the groundwork, never fails to awaken a sense of pleasure. But the entry-door is open— (it opens readily to its friends). Look in ! You would have the hall go all the way back '? Well, that is the old-fashioned way, but it has not the beauty of utility to recommend it. There is no need of it, and the open seams of the " back door" only made sluices for Boreas of the north storm to whistle his ghostly stories through of dark nights, as it used to seem to us in our childhood. Besides making a warmer house, we have 2'^.— Cellar. Fig. ZO.— 1st Floor. Fig. 31— 2rf Floor. made better use of that space, as you shall see when we get to it ; and economy in fuel and space are two important items since the strike in the coal regions of Penn- sylvania and the high price of material. Fig. 32.— Is^ Floor differently arranged, {iiot referred to m descriiMon. ) But in the meanwhile, step a moment into the parlor. It is not overlarge, but cozy, well lighted, well ventilated, and suflBcient- ly large enough for ordinary families, its marble-manteled fire-place offsetting its bay window which enlarges the room, and gives to it an air of i-eflnement , its north and south, windows equalizing each other, the one shielded from the rays of the sun by opening under the shado of the veranda, while in the space on t'lie right of the fire- place, is just the place for the piano. But cross into the dining or sltting-room, and observe, in passing that its door opens right opposite the front door, so that when the clog star is in the ascendancy and air is desired, you can sit with both doors opened, having a pleasant front view unex- posed. This room is of proper capacity, has a good china closet, a plain marble man- tle, an end window commanding the gar- den, and a bay window giving a pleasing ef- fect to the whole, and raising the whole above the monotonous style of mediocrity. As this bay window is quite roomy, 8 feet in the clear, and as it is supposed to face the south, in winter time it would make quite a pretty conservatory for house plants, which, if properly cared for, contrib- ute much to the cultivation of a correct taste. The enjoyment of life consists not so much 70 The Horticulturist. in great things as in extracting items of pleasure from little things. The cultivation of a single house plant — the architectural order of a room — the proper disposition of furniture — never go without their propor- tionable reward. From this room, access to the kitchen is easy. That kitchen is an important place ; it wants good light, a good fire-place, a large closet, a cistern pump, and waste-pipe, easy access to the yard and cellar, and it has them all. A short passage-way leads from these rooms to the cellar steps under tbe stair- way, and to the main hall. Also from this passage-way a door opens into a small chamber, which I have designated as a store-room. This is a useful apartment, and while it wants to be out of the wa}', it needs to be near the kitchen and sitting- room. This room we have stolen from the hall. Our Biddies are not all above suspi- picion ; and where they have so many cousins, all " dacent people sure," keeping house, sugars and teas and soap have the ^faculty of disappearing with marvelous alac- rity. The good housewife» loves to have the key of one door, wliere- her household treasures may bo safely stored, where she may be the almoner of her own ' bounty, without the aid or Miss Culinary Sly, through whom she may be supporting two or three families of the faithful, " unbe- knownst" to herself. Oi if Biddy is hon- est, and this room is not wanted for this purpose, it might, upon a pinch, be used for her sleeping-room ; or if the proprietor wanted a little office to keep his books, papers &c., here, separated from other apartments, is the place. I hope you don't smoke; but if you are guilty of that much- condemned practice, here is just the place for you and your friend to chat, and puff your smoke out of the north window, with- out intruding the aroma of the filthy weed into any other part of the house. If, as Downing says, the poet Cowley confessed to a love for little things, here in this back hall little room, he might indulge his di- minutive poetic idea to his satisfaction. Let us go up stairs. Everything here speaks plainly for itself, so I will not detain you. The rooms are quite large, all have closets, and can be heated, except the small hall chamber, by stoves. Stove-pipe holes are in the chimneys, and swinging sashes over the doors to give ventilation. The chimneys are inside the building, so that all heat is saved. A clothes' room, which might be made a bath room, opens into the large chamber adjoining. The walls are filled in with brick. The roof projects, and the gables have large boards of stout plank. It is thought that in the external a^jpear- ance of this house, and the order of the rooms, there are advantages pleasing to a good tast^ and conducing to the comforts of every-day home life. This house, as it has two fronts, would be a very good plan for a corner house. I omitted to say in the proper place, that placing the closet in the front hall upstairs in the chamber, there would be room for a stairs, over the other stairs, into the attic story, where there is space for three plea- sant bed-rooms. PEACH TREES IN POTS. BY GERALD HOWATT, Growing Peaches, Nectarines, Apricots and other stone fruit has not attained the attention and care that they ought to have. I mean the growing of them in pots ; the simplicity of it is not generally understood; they require no more attention than any other ordinary stove or greenhouse plant. Pot culture is carried in Europe to a very great extent, and I must certainly say that our facilities on this continent are far ahead of Europe, the principal feature of which is, our fine clear and hot weather. As the great desideratum ingrowing peaches, nectarines, &c., is to get our fruiting wood well ripened. Feach Trees in Pots. -il When this point is attained, you can easily master the other difBculties with a little at- tention. The following is my system of grow- ing and treatment from the time of receiv- ing from the nursery to their fruiting. In selecting soil, I take a good strong loam one spade deep, leaving the grass on. I iisuall}^ get this from the side of the road or along an old fence. If it can be got in the fall, and thrown in a heap all winter so much the better; but my usual way is to take it direct from the fences to the potting shed and use it. I have tried it both waj^s, lettmg it be six months, and turning it right in and using it, and never noticed a particle of difference in the growth or fruit. If it is a stiff loam I mix it with charcoal dust, enough to make it free. I al- low one quart of bone dust, the coarser the better ; this keeps the soil porous, and is, in my practice, the best stimulant for those fruits. I give my plants the first year, three shifts, two in growing pots, and the third into the fruiting pot. A quart of bone dust if! divided into three parts ; at the first potting put one part, the second potting the next part, and the third potting the bal- ance. 1 use no manure in my potting. The tree on arriving from the nursery will look like this inches above the roots, looking lil Fig. 34. — Tree Primed for Potting, pruning the roots well, only leaving enough, fibres to start the growing. The plants that I use are only one year old from the bud maiden trees. My first pot is two gallons ; that is, eleven inches deep and ten diame- tei'. In potting I keep the neck of the tree over ground ; that is, leave your roots for a')out three inches thus Fig. Tree in Pot. Fig. 33. — Tree as received from Nursery. I then cut them down to ten or twelve on the surface of your soil My reason for adopting this system is that the boreis can- be more easil}- detected if, unfortunately, they should show themselves. At j^our first two pottings do not let your earth come to the top of your pot. Keep it one inch below this to hold the water ; in your third shift or fruiting pot, keep the earth two inches below the top of your pot ; this is to give room for mulching with manure. Now the time for potting must altogether de- pend on your facilities for starting the trees. If you have pits to keep them in until the middle of May, at least until set- tled weather, I should advise the first potting to be done in March ; this gives a fine long season for growth if that is the case. After potting, water with a rose just sufficient to settle the earth around them, and afterwards very sparingly until they commence to break (grow). I will state one particular item here, that is j'our drainage. Put one large broken shi'ed on the hole, the hollow down, which leaves a space between the bottom of j'our pot and 72 The Horticulturist. yowY shred ; then other pieces around that, and cover the whole bottom of the pot ; when finished let it look like a saucer turned upside down, high in the middle and falling to the sides. Mj'- fruiting pots I have the holes cut with a cold chisel three inches by two. When you pot first do not plunge them, nor until they have made about four inches of growth. This is obvious, as you will bear in mind that there are but few roots to start with, and the weather being chilly, you want the heat on j^our pots (sun), to start the growth of the roots. After a little the new earth will cleave from the side of the pot ; let that at all times be rubbed around with the finger, for if watered without doing this, the water will all run between the ball and the side of the pot, leaving the heart of the plant perfectly dry. If the water should lie on the top of your pot, then there is something wrong in the potting or drainage ; if so, turn the plant out and examine it, and rest assured you will find something wrong. I should have mentioned, in all the pottings, gather the lumps and grass, and place them on top of open shreds at the bottom of pot ; then fine earth around your roots, the best as it comes. In all the shiftings look out for worms ; they are easily discovered by their holes. I generally sprinkle quick lime on top of the pot (on the earth), which draws them out. That's the foundation. When the plants have made shoots six inches in length, select the four strongest for your permaruent tree, or branches, and cut oft" the stem to the upper branch, thus : Fig. Z(j.—Tree at First Pinching, By this system j'ou get more fruit, and your tree looks better, and you get more trees into a given space, which is a great object when the present price of glass and tradesmens' wages are taken into considera- tion ; and I do not see the beauty of, or in an umbrella top. When the shoots are from twelve to eighteen inches in length, I stop them, that is, I pinch the top off" to make them throw out fruiting wood ; when five and six inches long I again stop them, and so on all through the season ; when the wood is too thick, and likely to crowd the middle, remove those shoots that are growing to the middle, and re- move all water shoots, no matter on what part of the tree they are, as they are use- less, those shoots are not much thicker gen- erally than a straw, and runs from the branch about 3 or 4 inches without show- ing an ej^e of either fruit or wood. In the middle of May plunge your pots, that is, insert them in the ground up to the rim and from three to four feet apart. From the first starting of your potting, you should syringe j'our plants evavy morning with a good force pump, and do not be afraid to use it strong. This makes your plants break well. After the 1st of June, syringe them twice a . day, morning and evening. If you have not a barrel sy- ringe, use the next best thing, a hand one, and in syringing be careful and apply the water to the boitom of the leaves as it is there where rests our great enemy, the red spider; they are easily detected, by turning over the leaves you will see them. They look to the naked e)'e as if the leaf were dusted with red pepper, but a practiced eye can detect them at a glance at the surface of the leaf with- out examining it ; the leaf that has them on will look of a dirty white appear- ance. Beware of them, for if they get on your plants, all your trouble is gone for nothing. Syringe as directed and j^ou can tell them do their best. About the first of June your plants will be in a condition to receive liquid manure. In applying this you must use a good deal of judgment. If the Peach Trees in Pots. 73 plant is weak, give it no stimulant. As a general t'aing, let it be very weak. When I can get liquid from the barn-j^ard, I pre- fer it. The first year I use it half-and-half; that is, half water and half liquid. If I cannot get that, I sink two hogsheads in the ground, to within a foot of the top ; one I keep for clean water, for syringing, watering and diluting my liquid manure. Into the other I put one peck of Peruvian guano ; fill up with water ; stir well up until dissolved. When used, add one half clean water to this half In watering stove, greenhouse or other plants, with liquid manure, never apply it when j^our plants are dry. If you do it will kill them. My plan is to water with clear water in the evening, and the liquid in the morning. By adopting this, no risk is run in any waj-. In June, water your Peaches, Nectarines and Apricots, if in good health, twice a week with this liquid ; July, and up to middle of August, three times a week ; after that, give them no liquid, as you must now prepare to ripen and harden your wood. If you have at- tended to the stopping and displacing of all superfluous wood, your plants will by this time have made a fine appearance. My second shifting, I should have said, would be about the 1st of June, into four gallon pots that are thirteen inches deep and twelve in diameter. For this you must use your own judgment. You will see the roots protruding from the hole in the bottom ; then take them out of the pot, and if the roots are all around the ball, repot them ; be sure, in potting, to leave no spaces be- tween the ball and the pot ; in potting, use a flat stick, two inches wide, and bev- elled at the point, so that it will not, if it should come in contact with the roots, cut or bruise them, rounding or half-rounding it for the breadth of a hand from the top. In using it, shove it backwards and for- wards, so that you make your potting com- pact, and do not stamp your pot up and down on the potting-bench to break off" the flbres, like a paver with his mallet on stones. My last shift I do from the begin- ning to the middle of August into my fruit- ing pots or boxes. If pots, they should be six gallons, well drained, and coarse stuff at bottom. I like to have my fruiting plants pot-bound, that is, the roots grown to the outside of the ball. As the after- nourishment of the trees and fruit, I de- pend on liquid manures and manure mulch- ing. Care must be taken not to let the trees, during the summer, become dry, that is, hard dry, in very warm weather; and while they are making rapid growth, they must be watered perhajis twice a day, and when watered at this stage, let it be done copious]}^, enough to saturate the whole mass of earth. The drainage will carry off" the superfluous water. You can easily detect when they are not properly watered b}^ knocking on the outside of the pot Tree at end of First Year. with your knuckles ; if not properly wat- ered, the pots will sound as if they were empty. On or about the first of October, I remove my trees t) the vinery to ripen and harden their wood. This must be well at- tended to, for if the wood is not ripened, it will shrivel and you get no fruit. When they are in the vinery, water them about twice a week in October, as you want no growth; November, about once a week. If. the foregoing instructions be carried out, your trees will now be from six to eight feet high, and from four to six feet through 71 The Horticulturist. — not bad, j'ou will say, for one season's grovvtli in pots ; nevertheless, strictly true. At each potting, examine your tree for bor- ers, just above your roots. On the stem they are easily detected ; feel around the stem, if hollow, you will find the borer. The appearance of gum does not always in- dicate their presence. About the middle of December, remove to a dry cellar to protect from frost. If there is not a cellar, let them be laid down in the vinery and covered with straw or leaves. If this plan is adopted, there will have to be a fire kept in the house sufficient to keep the frost out. 1 start my peaches as I start my vines; peaches and vines being grown in the same house, making three succes- sions. First house starts 1st of Januarj-, second, 1st of February, third, 1st of jNIarch. I only have one knife-pruning, which is done by cutting down to a fruit e3'e, which is distinguished by a double bud. There are single ej-es that are fruit buds ; those bads are round, the wood buds being long, but the single ones we do not generally depend on. Cut out all wood that does not show fruit-buds. I have a walk through the houses, thirty inches wide, a plank, eighteen inches wide, on each side, to hold in the border compost. This border I make stronger than the soil used for pot- lirrg, using three parts loam and one part well-decomposed manure. Let this be tho- roughly mixed ; this is to support the roots that come from the bottom of the pot. I then plunge my pots to the rim, and so close that the branches of each plant nearly touch. Stop them when growing, as mentioned above. I take out all su- perfluous wood ; put on a mulching of cow dung on top of your pot, leav- ing one quarter of an inch to hold water (as it will shrink) ; syringe twice a day with water, same temperature as the house. When 3'our buds begin to swell, use twice a week, in watering, one-third part liquid manure ; as they progress, use one-half liquid, and use it three times a week ; when in flower, water moderately, rather keep- ing them dryish, and avoid syringing until your fruit is set; keep a moist heat, by keeping the floors wet. If your houses arc heated by hot water, keep your troughs well filled, as it evaporates ; if by flues, and no troughs on theTi, keep pans well filled with water. Let all the fruit that sets remain ; don't tuin any, as your plants are strong enough to ripen all, and if too thin, they are liable to crack. — About a week before they are ripe remove them to the open air, and plunge your pot about six inches and water very sparingly with clean water — -in fact, keep them near- ly dry. This will give your fruit a fine flavor and a good color. In removing the trees from the house, cut all the roots off that have grown from the bottom. When Fig. 38. — Tree in Fruit, Second Year. the fruit is gathered, plunge the jDots to the rim in a south or east aspect, to ripen the wood, and use no more liquid manure until you commence forcing the following season ; keep the syringe going. This treat- ment is for growing in vineries, and of course the same temperature must be ob- served if grown in an orchard house. My temperature after the setting would be from 10 to 15 degrees higher all through. An orchard house will save the necessity of removing out-doors to get flavor. The following are the varieties that I use foi pot culture : The Currant Wo7nn. 75 Peaches — Hale's Early, Ilaine's Early, Early York, Early Crawford, Late Craw- ford. George the 4tb, Large Early York, Noblesse, Stump the "World, Troth's Ear- ly, Red Cheek Melacatoon, Cole's Early Red, Early Tillotson. Early Newington, Gross Mignonne, Jacques Rareripe. Nectarines — Stanwick, Boston, Vio- lette Hative, Pitmaston Orange, Elruge. Apricots — Large Early, Large Red, Large Early Moorpark, Peach, Kaisha, Orange. Other varieties may be added to please the taste, but I have found the above the best for forcing. THE CURRANT WORM, Having read in the report of the meet- ing of the Farmers' Club, in New York, something about the Currant Worm, which is hardly more than a guess, very far from the truth, permit me to describe for your readers the insect in all its transforma- tions. It is of a kind known as measuring worms, about an inch and one quarter in length, when full grown ; of a bright IiG. 39. — Currant Worms. orange or yellow color, finely spotted with black ;, is extremely active, and a vora- cious: ieeder. They begin to appear about the middle of May as a very minute, al- most black worm, and increase in size and number? until the middle of June, when they begin to leave the bushes for the earth about their roots. I had them under glass in all stages of growth, and compared them daily with specimens from the gar- dens. With a garden trowel the earth was turned up, and the chrysalis and the worms, half contracted and incapable of motion, were exposed, precisely like those in the sand under my glasses. The chrysalis, small and almost black, would easily es- cape notice. Comparatively few of the worms appear to become butterflies, but still sufficient numbers do pass the chrysalis stage to in- sure a bountiful suppl}^ of worms year aftel year. Fig. 40. — Chrysalis and Perfect Insect. They remain in the chrysalis state two weeks, and emerge as small maize-colored butterflies, with faint gray marks on their wings. They flutter about the gardens, never staying far from the currant bushes, for ten or twelve days, and gradually dis- appear. All those I kept under glass died soon after their escape from the chrysalis state, and I could not discover where those in the gardens laid their eggs, but I am very sure that they are deposited upon the bark of the currant bushes. I buried a quantity of the live worms in a hole about a foot deep, packing the earth over them as hard as I could. For three days they were crawlil^ out of that hole as fresh looking 7G Tlie Horticulturist, as ever, cand measuring tlie road to my gooseberry bushes with hungry haste. No amount of mashing with trowels or spades seem to kill them after they touch the ground, but they can be drowned very easily. Their name is certainly legion, for I have known nine hundred to be shaken from a single bush, at one time. I remem- ber seeing the same worm occasicmally some twenty years ago, but it is about seven and destroyed daily in incredible numbers. I believe that a small lantern, set in a pan of water well soaped, would attract the moths at night, and by falling from the sides of the lantern into the water, they would be drowned, which would be a much easier way of destroying them than picking ofi" the worms one by one with the thumb and finger, as most of my friends do. I should like to tell you about the gray years since they have appeared in ?uch num- worms which ate my pansies, and my toads bers as to become a pest. I do not see any which ate the worms, but I do not know as apparent diminution in their numbers, even you care to hear. However, if you do, let in those gardens where they are pick,ed off me know and I'll tell you all about them. ANTIRRtllNUM.— Silver Belt. BY PETER HENDERSON. A great acquisition to our variegated glossy green, margined on each edge with plants, being (unlike most variegations) white, occasionally tinted with pink ; mak- of robust and healthy growth, leaves ing a compact bushy plant when in bloom Fig. 41. — Antirrhimm. — Silver Belt. of from 18 inches to 2 feet in height ; flow- with me last season among a .ot of seed- ers in dense spikes beautifully marked lings, the seed of which I imported from crimson and white. The plant originated Germany. New Seedling Carnations. NEW SEEDLING CARNATIONS. 77 Fig. 42— Carnations — Flatbush and President DegraM. The montlily carnation being so impor- tant and desirable a plant for winter bloom- ing in our greenhouses, to furnish cut flow- ers for bouquets and table decorations, we take much pleasure in presenting to our rcadpis an illustration of two new seed- lings, which were produced by Messrs. Dailledouze & Zeller, Flatbush, L. I., from seed received from the Botanic Gardens at Geneva, Switzerland. No. 1. Flatbush. — Pure white, re^y large flower, deeply fringed, fragrant; -very full plant ; a strong grower and profuse bloomer. 2. President Degraw.-~-Vure white ; flower very full, and of perfect form, finely fringed and fragrant ; plant of dwarf habit and a profuse bloomer. We consider these, flowers of high merit, and a valuable addition to this class of plants. 78 The Horticulturist. A NEW PEAR. Ohio, through Professor Kirtland, has given the pomological world many varieties of cherries, one or two pears, while other eminent fruit-growers in that State have brought out, from time to time, apples, pears, cherries, raspberries, strawberries, &c., until the State has acquired a renown for fruit-growing. Last summer, we re- MARY."' ceived two varieties of seedling pears from Mr. Christopher Wiegel, a German tree and fruit grower at Cleveland. They were both so good for their season that we at once made drawings, and then prosecuted enquiries as to their habits of growth, ori- gin, &c. Herewith we present drawings of the one Fig. 43.— Ma/'y Pear. Fig. 44, received by us as No. 1, and which Mr. Wiegel now names Mary. Our drawings were made, as will be seen from two different specimens, with a view to get the mean size. The history of this pear is, that Mr. Wiegel, some years since, planted seeds, he thinks, of Seckel pear, and from the trees grown selected two to keep, because of their early coming into bearing, their upright vigorous habits of growth, profuse bearing, and good quality of fruit. The tree of Mary is upright, vigorous in growth; young wood, yellowish red, smooth, and short-jointed ; buds prominent, with a leaf partaking of combined character of Seckel and Flemish Beauty. In bearing, its fruit hangs in clusters all along the limbs on short spurs, and its productiveness is second to none. The fruit is usually a The Beading Pear 79 little below medium size; form generally globular obtuse, pyriform, occasionally one- sided ; stem., three-quarters of an inch long, moderately stout, slightly curved, and planted in a narrow angular cavit}^ ; cW^.r, rather large ; segment.^ erect, or nearly so ; hasin., broad, very shallow, almost imper- ceptible in many specimens : cofor, rich pale j^ellow, mostly overspread and dotted with bright rich red, becoming deep red next the calyx, and showing small grey dots, oc- casionally a little russet near the stem ; /f.s/i, white, finely granulated, almost but- tery juic}^, sweet, "very good" even to the seeds ; core., small, eatable ; seeds., rich brown; season^ before the Madelaine, or early to middle of July. As a market as well as amateur sort, this pear promises well, and should at once go into hands of pear-growers, for trial in dif- ferent sections of the State. We shall give cut and description of the other variety in our next. THE READING PEAR. We have received fine speci- mens of this winter pear from W. Kessler, Esq., of Reading, Penn., who furnishes us with the fol- lowing description : — Has been known for eighty years past in Oley township, Berks Co., Penn., where it is now extensively grown. Tree, vigorous, and a remarkably fine bearer. Fruit large, elongated, obtuse pyriform, angular and ribbed. Skin yel- low, thickly dotted with brown and gray dots, and sprinkled with russet. Stalk long, curved, en- larged and mbbed at its insertion generally in a depression. Calyx open; segments strong, in an ex- ceedingly shallow basin. Flesh whitish, granular, melting, with a brisk, vinous flavor Season, Jan- uary to March. FxG. 45. — Rxtding Pear. 80 The Horticulturist, PLAN FOR IMPROVEMENT OF GROUNDS. BY EUG. A. BAUMANN, LANDSCAPE GARDENER, RAHWAY, N. J. I send a design I have laid out in the vicinity of New York, and which is already grown up sufficiently to show the effect of a systematic grouping, the most im- portant object in laying out and beautifying a Country Seat. This plan, located some two miles off the station of Mamaroneck, Westchester Co., on the New Haven R. R., between several other handsome country seats, lies on Long Island Sound. "When its owner, Wm. G. Read, Esq., gave me orders to remodel it, I found the cottage, stables, vegetable garden and orchards established, but bordering on both sides on a long, straight and quite narrow approach, leading Iroiii the gate to the front of the cottage. On the said front, wherefrom the ground slopes down on two sides, the natural shape of the land had been left untouched, and without any regard to convenience and beauty, there was a turn in the road around a regular oval, of about 15 or IG feet wide. On this tarn, the place whei e the road touches the house, it was at the right ele- vation ; but below the oval, simply designed on the slope, the road was nearly four feet below the upper level, and you had to drive from the door down-hill around the oval, and up-hill again to reach the drive. It W3S an every day's arrangement, good ■,fe&] LJ J J J J J ji ,1 J J J J» J. TABLE YAR Fig. 46. — Plan of Gmcnds. enough on a level ground ; but with such a slope the consequence was, that every shower carried all the gravel fi'om the house behind the oval, undermining this as frequently, and carrying all this stulFon top of the lawn below, which, therefore, could never be kept in a decent order. This was one of the greatest troubles to the gardener. It took more to keep his drive in front of the house, as well as his lawn, in order, than the balance of the whole place. The stable-yard, the pasture lot, orch- ard, small-fruit trees and vegetable garden reached only a few feet from the drive ; the stable-yard was open altogether ; the bal- ance was embellished by a double row of various sorts of trees, hardly 12 feet apart, across the drive, shading this, but leaving a full view of all kinds of crops that may not be always pleasing in a small country seat. The remnant of the plan, which may be considered now as the pleasure-ground or lawn, was planted with a collection of trees and very few shrubs, scattered in a very irregular way all over the place, show- ing trees everywhere without harmony or connection. There was no dense shade nor open lawn, with circulation of air, and the Plan for Improve7nent of Grounds. 81 lawn, besides not being drained, in place of having fine, smooth grass, had more the appearance of a swamp in some places, and in others more moss than grass. I took charge of the place for the very small sum of 1^650, for carrying out every- thing in the line of gardening, and altered the place according to this plan. 1st. The main approach was widened to 14 feet, and correctly graded, and on both sides a border of over 20 feet wide was trenched and prepared for a collection of trees and shrubs mixed, ornamenting the drive, and hiding the vegetable garden, orchard and pasture grounds. Between the stable-yard and the drive, a bold group of evergreens was established, to hide it from persons driving by, but leaving it accessible from both directions. 2d. In front of the house there was a terrace established, wide enough to allow the turning of carriages, and as far as the banks were high enough, an iron railing, 3 feet high, was put up to define correctly the regular outlines of said terrace. The corners of the terrace, outside of the space required for wheeling around, were employed for some flower-beds ; the rail- ing itself was intended to support a large display of climbers, and in the semi-circu- lar projection at B, in the very centre of the approach, there was a piece of statuary, or some seats or benches intruded, with a full view along the drive on one side, and on the Sound on the other. As it will be noticed on the design, the planting around this terrace is intended to make it more prominent still. Openings from the circular projection, and opposite the front of the house and the bay window, have been managed ; and so as to make them more conspicuous, the intervals have been stocked with evergreen trees. 3d. The trees already on the place, most- ly of the leading varieties, or rather the more common varieties met in nurseries, scattered all over the place without idea of grouping, without any idea of harmony of size, foliage or color — were all removed March, 1866. and planted according to the wants of the place, the most important one being to bring near-relatives together in groups, and to leave open lawns on which the grass could grow. Most of these trees, being of large grow- ing sorts, had to be employed on the out- skirts of the place, and partly in the rear of the borders along the main avenue. Trees of smaller size, and flowering shrubs had to be employed in front of them, so as to close up the groups with a diversity of foliage that developed itself from the tops of the tall trees in the rear, down to the grass in front of them. Thus were formed dense groups and belts framing the lawn, and arranged in such a way that hardly one variety was employed that could not be seen from one or more places. The openings left, having their sides treated in the same way, were made thus more natural and more conspicuous. Scattered over the lawn, single speci- mens of rarer varieties have been planted at such distances from the paths, that they can be noticed everywhere ; if planted among the groups or belts they would be lost. 4th, The main approach has received a new, correct grade from the main entrance up to the terrace. The walks have been altogether graded, stoned, and drains man- aged under them, carrying ofl" all the stand- ing water. All the places occupied by trees were well trenched, at over 2 feet depth ; the lawn well graded and spaded 10 to 12 inches deep, and now there is fine grass on it. I saw this place in the latter part of November last, when the foliage had drop- ped, but notwithstanding, I felt a great satisfaction, and so far so much of a suc- cess, to think it worth while to send you the drawing of it, made from memory alone, and therefore, perhaps, not quite correct in all the proportions. Mr. Wm. G. Read furnished all such articles that were not in the gardening 82 TJie Horticulturist. line; the iron railing cost (iron was clieap- improvement did not exceed $1,500 or er then) about $400, put up and painted. $1,G00, and T know from Mr. Read himself Some other expenses for the frames, grav- that he does not regret it, as he was offered el, stones, sods and a summer-house of rus- a veiy large profit on the place as soon as tic work, at A, may have cost some $400 it was done, more. All included, I suppose the whole NOTES ON THE JANUARY NUMBER. Although unable to write notes on the It is the true lover of rural life — the enthu- two last numbers of the Horticulturist siast, if you will, in Horticulture and kin- for 18G5, I assure the writers I i-ead them dred pursuits, to whom we are indebted with much pleasure; and to some I really for the progress that now yearly, almost felt that I wanted to add a word, not that daily, marks the rural life of this country what I might add would of itself be of any and has already placed us, in many things, great value, but that a hint here, and a far in advance of older countries, where the question there, often sets " one a-thinking," working talent is mainly confined to sys- and occasionally draws out mind where the tem and books. During nearly thirty years owner himself know not of its extent, of observation, I find that only those im- In compliance with a courteous request bued with an enthusiastic love of fruit and of the Editors, I propose, during the com- flower, tree and shrub, &c. — such men as ing year, to reaa, monthly, the Horticul- Wilder, Kirtland, Dana, &c., — accomplish TURiST, and jot down such thoughts as its valuable articles may suggest. Should my plain manner occasionally seem harsh, I trust no offence will be taken, as the in or attempt much that lays out of a direct line of truisms laid down in the books. Let no man fear being too enthusiastic in rural pursuits ; it may not always add to tention will be to encourage and assist his bank account, but he will lay up a store rather than to criticise. of enjoyment not to be purchased with The January number comes replete with money, most valuable matter, and as the Editors To the remark, that " most planters are have given us notice that only practical afraid of the axe," I must give a hearty matter will be admitted, we must, in our assent; for in a practice of years, cutting writings, as in our labors, keep the ohject, away has been one of the most difficult steadily in view, and although we may be things that I have had to contend with in criticised by book-makers and those who work by the book, yet, should we " not do all at once," if, at the end of the year, we have studied out some new system, or proven the fallacy or truth of some old the advisement for the improvement of grounds. How to Remodel an Old Farm House. — A good representation of what is often being done ; and could our farming people be commendation, we shall feel that our time ^.QJ-g ^p to a tithe of taste, such re-model- has not been entirely lost. On Not Doing All at Once. — " Gradu- ated progress is essential to all rational en- joyment," says the writer. Let me add that progress in Horticultural or Agricul- tural matters has never been witnessed in the labors of those who go by the book. ings would increase until, instead of taste- less, though comfortable, houses, our farm residences would become pleasing structures ever to be remembered by the outgoing children in connection with their fire-side associations. The farming community, as a whole, are rich, and now is the time to Notes on the January Number. 83 urge upon tbem to use the taste of some other than their village carpenter in the construction of their buildings. My Neighbors and Myself. — A plea- sant record of a New Jersey neighborhood that might be fitted for many other loca- tions. I hope no grape-grower will take his record of the manner of growing grapes as a method to be adopt-ed; it smacks too much of past ages, and returns to mildews, rank, spongy and tender wood, &c. Grapes in 1865. — Coming, as this arti- cle does, from one who claims knowledge upon the subject of grapes, I am surprised at it. All Horticulturists, I believe, ac- knowledge that years are requisite to prove the value of new fruits, and especially of the grape ; but here, in a list of sorts ad- vised for " profit^''' are varieties that two yenrs since were hardly known, and as jat have been fruited in only very few places. The assertion that grapes, like other fruits, will grow in any good soil, is all right, but to assert that an equal quality of grape can be grown in any soil, is simply to belie the teachings of all the past and present. I like to see a man strike out bold, and must, therefore, compliment the writer on that part, and suggest that he be read}^, for I ween he may have to hear of others writing on grapes and giving some different views. What Not to Do.— Here is the kernel in a nut-shell — a short article — and besides telling what not to do, the writer gives two plain, practical items on drainage and making cuttings that, to one who has been accustomed to go by the book, are worth the year's cost of this journal. As Mr. Henderson says, it is worth as much to be able to steer clear of the rocks other prac- titioners have blundered on, as to have di- rections how to proceed. The last are all written, but the blunders are not often told by those who err. Longevity of Trees. — As a rule, few know anything of the natural age of trees, and especially of the exceptions where spe- cimens have weathered the storms of hun- dreds of years. To all such this article will be one of great interest. Plan for Laying out a Square Acre. — A very good plan, but I fear not as often practical as one would be where the same amount of land is embraced in one-half the width and double the depth. Suppose the author gives one in that proportion. To this plan I suggest, however, the change from gravel around the house to smooth? green turf. The turf reflects heat less in summer, is quite as cleanl^r for children to play on, and gives a better relief to the elevation of the house. One more sugges- tion— some place for a cow-paddock; for I if "one acre" is "enough," a cow must be provided for. It is a great item in the ex- pense of a poor man's family. The question of quantity of land, as to how much is enough, I reckon depends very much on the owner's views of expenditure, as well as ca- pacity to take charge of it. I know one man who, from a lot twenty -three feet wide, and one hundred and twenty deep, whereon is placed his dwelling, realized, the past year, three hundred and twenty dollars, from sales, and with this amount and the use of his surplus crops, considers it enough for his wants. Gardens and Parks in Germany. — It always does me good to lead of the Ger- man manner of universal enjoyment, and while reading this article, I imagined my- self sitting beside the various groups on the turf, as I have often done in this coun- tiy. As the writer says, in this country all public gardens are of some private en- terprise, or possibly of Corporation owner- ship, where so many officials in " brief au- thority" hold sway, that, in a measure, part of the enjoyment is lost. St. Louis, Mo , probably, has more places of amuse- ment and recreation, after the family sys- tem of the Germans, than any other city in the United States, and there I have often passed a pleasant hour in what too strict ' disciplinarians call " beer gardens." Amer- icans, as a nation, are money-seekers — ever working, never resting, but like other na- 84 The Horticulturist. tions, winding up their mortal coils with a similar result — i.e., inanimate matter. A Trip to Vineland. — Ah ! here is what we want. Every journal has been issuing call, by way of advertisement, for settlers, until too many of us have come to look upon the item as one in which the ad- vertiser kept the best end of the bargain. Now we have a reliable account, and- from one having, as may be presumed, no '' axe to grind'" The location of New Jersey, between two of the largest cities in the States, possesses undoubtedly better mar- ket facilities than any other section of our country. The highest prices are at once at command of the grower of fruit or produce, no deduction has to be made, as in many sections west, on account of transportation, &c. ; but, while conceding all favorable to New Jersey, it is not quite fair to decry other sections. Most of the new towns of the West have equal advantages of " good society ;" they also possess " places of wor- ship," and their children, judging from the records of the numbers in each State that do and do not read and Avrite, have at least equal "advantages of education at small expense." It is not every man that is fit- ted for a gardening life, or that would be sa- tisfied with ten or twenty acres, and while New Jersey may offer inducements to the truck-grower, or grower of the small fruits, as strawberries, etc., he who would /a?™ it in a strict agricultural sense will find his way west, and gain thereby. To the man of small means, with a love of flower, fruit or vegetable growing, New Jersey offers extra inducements, for, fill it ' as rapidly as you may, and increase the < quantities of fruits and vegetables ever so ; fast, New York and Philadelphia will still ; keep ahead in demand. Looking back upon i peach-growing as an instance — when the I Reybolds planted their orchards on the ; Delaware — we (then of New York city) i congratulated ourselves that only a few - years would elapse when we could buy peaches at a low price. But how has it been ? At no time since 1840 have peaches j sold in New York as cheap as they were ' previous to that time, and peach-growing is \ now more profitable than ever. The same ^ may be said of all fruits, from the straw- ; berry up. When the writer first com- ' menced strawberry growing, he sold at an 1 average of five cents per quart, and counted i that profitable. Now, our poorest markets command seven to nine cents when the crops are contracted, and many growers re- , ceive from twenty to thirty cents per quart on an average. Fruit-growing to the Horticulturist, like stock and grain-growing j to the Agriculturist, may be advised ad in- .\ finitum^ and so long as man lives, the de- j maud, with the price, will rather increase \ than diminish. '• New Hybrid Pink. — From the descrip- | tion, this must be a valuable acquisition. j The Rose, Pink, and Verbena have always | been pets of the writer, and no one thing \ ever gave more satisfaction than a bed of ! Picotee pinks of some sixty varieties, when i in bloom. \ Reuben. '] DIAGONAL TRAINING IN VINEYARD CULTURE.— I. BY D. M. BALCH, SALEM, MASS. sion of viticulture of so much consequence At the risk of being considered tedious, we mean to venture a few remarks on the trite but important subject of vine-training, and to propose a method, which, as far as we know, has never been practiced, but which seems to fulfil certain requirements) and may prove valuable. It is our belief that there is no one divi- as the proper training of the vine ; for on this depends, in a great measure, the health and duration of the vineyard, the quantity and quality of its products, and the recom- pense it shall bestow upon the cultivator for his toil. The many systems that have been, or are Diagonal Training in Vineyard Culture. 85 now in vogue, are valuable by as much as they coincide with, or depart from, certain laws of vegetable growth, which we can not infringe with impunity ; for the fact that the vine, having a facile nature, can accommodate itself to circumstances, is no argument that it will not be restive under ill treatment, or, on the other hand, grate- ful for intelligent care. These systems al- low the vineyardist the utmost latitude for selection, and free scope for the exercise of his judgment; for in a single day's travel among the vines one can see the application of numerous methods, involving all grades intermediate between a dense mass of fo- liage excluding air and light, and on the other hand, a mere network of branches and clusters, half shaded bj'- a few scrofu- lous-looking leaves. One enthusiast, tak- ing Nature as his guide, would permit his vines to wander, as in their native woods, among the boughs of lofty trees, untouched by pruning-knife, and unrestrained in their luxuriance ; while another pictures in his mind the theoretical vine as a short staff, more or less straight, and furnished at re- gular intervals with rich heavy clusters. — But the leaves ? Well, he admits that a few are necessary ; and so arbitrarily limits each vine to a certain number, one or two beyond the fruit, and these he is determin- ed it shall not exceed, if he can prevent it. The former is rational ac least, for Nature is a true mistress, and will not lead her vo- taries astray ; but he defeats certain great aims and objects of vine-training to have the crop within easy reach, to keep it there, and to economise space. But the latter is irrational. Working out his theory with thumb-nail and pruning knife, he trans- gresses natural laws, is continually sapping the vigor of his vines, and will be deserv- ingly punished with unripe fruit, and wage unceasing warfare on that species of veget- able marasmus, mildew : vineta sua ccedit. Against close pruning and defoliating the vine, the following conclusions of Schleiden are a very strong argument ; plants in a state of cultivation are predisposed to dis- ease, tha't is, they are more susceptible of morbific influences than in their normal condition, since we seek, by a peculiar mode of treatment, to develop certain structures, or to increase certain constituents inordi- nately, and thus overthrow the natural equi- librium: '' The general morbid condition pro- duced by cultivation is heightened into speci- fic predisposition to disease when the condi- tions of cultivation are opposed too strong- ly, or too suddenly, to those of Nature." — Now, Nature has not provided each cluster of grapes, like the apple, pear, cherry, and indeed most fruits, with a small bunch of leaves, but has placed it near the base of a free-growing branch, which keeps ever ex- tending as its fruit approaches maturity. — What, then, we ask, can be more unnatural than the restricting this branch to two or three leaves beyond the fruit it is striving to perfect, and persistently checking each attempt that the vine makes to repair the injury 1 We thus give the plant a shock that it feels, no doubt, in the uttermost rootlets, and deprive it of the very organs it most needs. What wonder, then, if mil- dew, be it a cause or a consequence of dis- ease, is so prevalent among the vines, and half-ripened fruit so abundant in the mar- ket? It is well known that sap tends to the extremities, and while flowing freely through a branch, causes a vigorous growth, most of the buds producing twigs; but when we check its flow by bending down, twisting, or otherwise manipulating the branch, it thickens, and induces the incipient wood- buds to blossom. In most systems of vine- training, the fruiting cane is fastened either vertically or horizontally ; in the former we have to fear that the uppermost laterals will be over-stimulated at the expense of those near the base ; and in the latter, that the growth of the laterals will be too vig- orous on account of their vertical position. Training at an angle of 45° has been found very favorable for the production of both foliage and fruit (see the writings of Bre- haut and others), and it is our intention in 86 The Horticulturist. this paper to apply this method of training, " diagonal," or " en cordon oblique^'''' to the vine, modifying it somewhat to meet cer- tain conditions. A practical system of culture for the vineyard should keep all parts of the vine within easy reach, occupy all the ground and trellis-space advantageously, provide for the annual renewal of certain portions of the vine, not infringe too rashly upon its natural habit, and, as far as possible, ensure ripe fruit and healthy foliage, without ex- traordinary skill or tedious supervision. It is not our purpose to write an essay on the cultivation of the vine, so, passing over without comment the selecting and locating a vineyard, and the preparation of its soib about which so much has been said and written that the subject seems nearly ex- hausted, and yet, strange to say, few agree, we turn at once to our theme — the vine itself. The condition of the vine at planting is of the greatest importance. If its constitu- tion has been debilitated, whether by springing from an unhealthy parent or from neglect in infancy, extra care and attention will not succeed in rearing from it a hardy and healthy plant, and our hopes for its future are vain. The large planter who ex- tends his vineyard year by year, will prob- ably raise his own stock, and can watch over it from the bud ; but the beginner will have to content himself with purchased vmes. These, if obtained from reliable par- ties, and of the first quality, will usually do well ; but it is a good plan for him to establish a nursery, in which he can give his purchased vines a year's growth, to re- cover from the effects of transplantation and transportation, and exhibit their vigor. — This nursery may be, like the vineyard, a bed of sandy loam, deeply worked, and only moderately fertile, since it is not our pur- pose to force the vines, but give them a healthy start, and, by a little care and at- tention, accustom them to their new lo- cality. In the Fall, all weaklings ought to be destroyed, and the strong plants trans- ferred to the vineyard. A vine with three or four feet of short-jointed wood, exceed- ing one-fourth inch in diameter, may be considered suitable for permanent planting; and if this be carefully raised, and as care- fullj'- leset, it scarcely feels the shock of re- moval ; our vine is then cut down to six or eight eyes, and a slight mound of earth heaped over stalk and roots for winter pro- tection. With returning ■ Spring, the buds will start, and most of them may be suffered to grow at random, for the growth below ground will match that above, and plenty of roots are needed for next year's work. — The surface of the ground should be well worked during the growing season, and lightly top-dressed in the autumn ; the vines cut down to three or four eyes, and covered with a mound of earth. These di- rections serve only for the establishment of strong healthy vines, and are applicable to all systems of training, which commence in the second or third spring, as the case may be. We will now describe the system of " Diagonal Cordons " as concisely as pos- sible: We have planted our vines forty inches apart (some strong growers may require four feet), in rows eight feet apart, treated them as above described, and have them now pruned to three or four eyes, and cov- ered with earth, waiting for spring. At the proper time, we uncover the vines, and from buds about six inches from the ground allow two shoots to grow, the weaker of which is to be stopped at about the sixth leaf, and not suffered to extend much fur- ther ; but the stronger trained upward to a temporary staks, and permitted to grow unchecked till autumn, merely stopping once or twice over-vigorous laterals, as it is our purpose to g'row a long stout cane. In the Fall, this cane, which ought to carry ten or twelve feet of ripe, short-jointed wood, half an inch in diameter, is cut into eight feet, and the short cane to two buds. We may cover or not, as one pleases, this Gardens and Parks of Germiany. 87 winter; the vines are now well-established, and if the soil has not been so rich as to force a rank succulent growth, but the wood is healthy and well ripened, they ought to be in a condition to stand the vicissitudes of climate in most localities where a grape can be raised largely to advantage. Early next spring, the trellises may be built. Posts are set 13^ feet, or 16 feet. apart, so as to enclose four vines be- tween each pair of posts. To these, hor- izontal pieces are spiked, one at seven, the other at one foot from the ground. The slats are about one inch square, and are nailed to the horizontals at an angle of 45°, and twenty inches, or two feet apart from centre to centre. GARDENS AND PARKS OF GERMANY. -Ct^nimtterL Upon these streets, which are broad, well paved, and lined with trees, the houses are mostly set some distance back, with lawns in front, and often upon one or both sides of them. The fences are generally of iron, while back of these run beautiful arbor- vitae, fir, or box hedges. The walks are generally bordered with beautiful flower- beds and low hedges of box. They are either gravelled, or covered with a beautiful fine quartz sand, of a yellowish hue. The turf is kept closely shaven, and is adorned here and there with some fine evergreen, some bronze group or crystal fountain. — You see a great deal of ivy trained over ar- bors or the walls of the buildings, while sometimes you see it growing intertwined with hedges. Verandahs and balconies are very common, and these are often covered with luxuriant vines. Here and there you see large bay windows, filled with a profu- sion of brilliant plants, many growing down from hanging baskets to meet their compa- nions on the stand below. The wealthy Berliners pay much atten- tion to their hot-houses and conservatories, many of which are filled with the rarest exotics. It is a favorite practice with them to bring their conservatories out into their grounds in summe^, and, placing hundreds of pots together, to build up pyramids of floral splendor and artistic taste on their front lawns, or often on the spacious steps which lead up to their mansions. The effect thus produced is one of wonderful beauty, as 3'ou pass by one after another these floral displays, each seeming to surpass the other in magnificence. The elegant mansions, the green lawns, the clear fountains, the trim hedges, the marble and bronze groups, all uniting to form a fitting accompaniment to these rainbow-hued groups of Nature's most cunning handiwork. In the suburbs of Berlin is an immense locomotive manufactory, employing several thousand workmen. The founder of the establishment, Mr. Borsig, was an amateur botanist of great reputation, and expended large sums of money in his botanical pur- suits. He has passed away, but his son still keeps up the gardens. It is not so much the grounds, as the hot-houses, the green-houses, the pinery, and the palm- house, which renders this place almost without an equal. When I first entered the principal green- house, the effect was wonderful, was amazing. I stood and looked in silence upon the scene before me. You see before you a forest of Camellias and Azaleas in the fullest bloom, artistically arranged in a semicircle, rising up many feet, to meet a a gallery along whose walls beautiful Cam- ellias, trained like vines, formed a living tapestry. The ground was carpeted with a most delicate moss, studded with fair prim- roses. In the centre an exquisite fountain of the purest white marble, crowned with a Tlie Horticulturist. lovely statue, gave a completeness to the whole. The air was fragrant and cooling ; the scene one of the quietest beauty, nought breaking the silence, save the rippling of the fountain — which alone seemed pure enough to commune with the silent won- ders of God's creation round about. Pas- sing to the next apartment, through a large archway verdant with climbing vines, a profusion of splendid Magnolias, rodo- dcndrons, and exquisite plants unknown to me, reared their proud flower-crowned crests above and around us, seeming to flour- ish in all their native vigor and beauty. As a centerpiece, a singularly graceful New Zealand Cypress, rose high above its gayer companions, and then bending in graceful curves, swept the very ground with its drooping tresses. All around us upon stands, were the rarest green-house plants, and the most perfect specimens of the familiar hyacinth, and tulip, lily and salvia. Further on was a third apartment, where a fine collection of delicate ferns, some of great size, rose from a bed of green- est moss. Now leaving the green-house, you pass through a corridor containing an Eden of beautiful flowers, and enter the palm-house. This is in keeping with the rest of the establishment, and is hardly to be surpassed. It is not so extensive as some I have seen, but it is by far the best arranged. It is laid out in tasteful walks and contains several fountains. No where have I seen the strange and gigantic creepers of the tropics, so tastefully trained. One of the finest existing specimens of a singular creeper called the philodendron, was here trained up an artificial rock, for more than twenty feet. Its stem was four or five inches in diameter, and its digitated leaves of a dark glossy green, more than eight inches in breadth. All around rose lux- uriant fan-shaped palms, giant cactaceae, and immense-leaved bananas. Everything looked strange, everything looked tropical. The strange vines, and parasitical plants, the gorgeous-leaved spaecrogynes, the tow- ering bamboo and monster fern, all seemed ■whispering to us of their far off sunny climes. Not the least interesting to me was the house of the Orchidaceae. This was a large hot-house, devoted to rare exotics, many of them belonging to the same class as the common orchid. The building was about 250 feet in length, and constructed of glass and iron. The collection cost originally $30,000, and was once one of the rarest and most extensive in Europe. The young botanist who was then in charge of it was a friend of mine, and it was only through him that I gained admittance to it, as it was not open to the public. Under his superintendance the plants which had been very much neglected under his pi'edecessor, were undergoing a thorough course of treatment. All of these exotics require the tenderest care, and the greatest watchfulness, in or- der to keep them vigorous. If neglected they soon sicken, become blighted, and cease to blossom. The atmosphere re- quires to be kept very warm and moist, the temperature averaging 80 degs. The greatest enemies of these children of the tropics are insects, and from these they have to be zealously guarded. A large number of these plants seem to grow mostly from air and moisture, and are pot- ted in soft moss. Others dwelt in hanging baskets filled with moss, and struck out vigorous air roots through their openwork receptacles, which like the locks of Medusa, seemed living and moving though objects of beauty and not of horror, for from them burst forth strange and beautiful blossoms, some of which shaped like butterflies, as bright and frail, swayed to and fro with the least breath of air. Here were, perhaps, some twenty varieties of the Calceolaria or Moccasin plant, whose singular yellow or pink Mocassin-shaped blossoms, as it grows with us, is known to you all. Here were assembled many curious and beautiful varieties unknown to northern climes. Most of them were almost as re- markable for the beauty of their leaves as Gardens and Parks of Germany. 89 for that of tlieir blossoms. One from the Philippine Islands, had a very pretty spotted leaf, resembling on a lar2;e scale, that of our wild Adderstongue. The blos- som of one was red and white, beautifully variegated; that of another, from Borneo, of a strange glossy green ; while that of a third was of so dark a purple as to seem almost black. Some of the other orchida- ceae were most magnificent, such as the Vanda Suavis of Java, with its superb spikes of white blossoms, studded with purple, or the Brassavola of Honduras, with its fringed flower of purest white. And here were also many strange Nepenthes, relatives of our Fare's Hillpitcher-plants, gathered together by adventurous botan- ists from Brazil, the East Indies, and the islands of the Southern Sea. With us the pitchers form a part of the leaf, but with most of the foreigners the pitchers were in- dependent, connected only by a slight stem three or four inches in length, to an oval leaf. In one case the pitchers, all about the size of thimbles, grew upon the stem of the plant itself Many of these plants grew like vines, and were trained for many feet over trellises. The subtile aroma of these fair flowers, combined with the mois- ture-ladened steaming atmosphere, pro- duced an oppressive strange sensation, dreamlike, trance-conducive. And what must be the effect of such a vegetation as this in its native clime, among the " sum- mer's isles of Eden, in dark purple spheres of sea." Mr. Borsig's place was small, but a gem, and a head gardener and some twenty men were engaged in caring for it. The grounds were tastefully laid out, and contained many of the rarest evergreens and shrubs, some of which had to be kept during the winter, in an immense green- house fitted up for the purpose. Naught could be more pleasant to one tired of the noise and dust of the city, than to make a visit here. To feast one's eyes upon the wondrous flow^ers and plants ; and, strolling through the grounds, to recline under the fine old trees, and to listen to the sweet strains of the nightingale who sang nowhere sweeter than here. GREELY PRIZES." The Committee appointed to award the Greely Prizes on apples and pears, met for that purpose at the residence of William S. Carpenter, Esq., New York, on Dec. 12th, at 3 o'clock, P.M. All the members were present. After the Chairman, Dr. Warder, called the meet- ing to order, the Secretary, P. T. Quinn, read the minutes of the previous meeting, which were accepted. The Committee regret to state that, al- though the time for the action of the Com- mittee has been delayed for more than a year, in the hope that a more liberal res- ponse would be made by fruit-growers in forwarding choice varieties for competition, the following is a list of the varieties presented for examination : Apples. — Huhhanlston'' s Nan Such, Falla- ioater, Sioaar, Bakhcin, Tompkins Co. King, Rhode Island Greening, Northern Spy, Win- ter Pippin, and three varieties of Seedlings. Pears. — Bartlett, Lawrence, Duchessed^An- goideme, Dana's Hovey, Sheldon, Beurre d''An- jou, and Louise Bonne de Jersey. For the information of those interested in the awarding of these premiums, the Committee desire to incorporate in their report the portion of Mr. Greely's original offer, relating to the apple and pear. After speaking of the purpose Ke had in view, Mr. G. says:—" I offer $100 for the best bushel of apples, which combine gen- eral excellence with the quality of keeping in good condition until the 1st of February, and is adapted to the climate and soil of the Northern and middle States. It is not required that the apple submit- 90 The Horticulturist. ted be new, but it is hoped that one may be found which combines the better charac- teristics of such popular favorites as the Northern Spy, Baldwin, R. I. Greening, Newtown Pippin, or a majority of them. Let us see if there is not a better apple than the established favorites ; if not, let us acknowledge, and act on the truth. I further offer a premium of ^100 for the best bushel of Pears, of a specific variety, size, flavor, season, &c. It must be a pear adapted to general cultivation. It need not be a new sort, provided it be un- questionably superior ; but one object of the premium is to develop unacknowledged excellence, if such shall be found to exist. One object of the premiums is to afford a landmark for fruit-growers, in gardens and small farms, who are now bewildered by the multiplicity of sorts challenging their attention, each setting up claims to its unapproachable excellence. I leave the determination of all questions, which may arise as to the propriety of making a prompt award, or waiting further developments, entirely to the appropriate department of the Institute. Signed, Horace Greelky.." The Chairman, Dr. Warder, made some interesting remarks, setting forth the em- barrassing circumstances under which the Committee were called to the discharge of the duty devolving upon them, growing out of the fact that many of our best fruits have their locality in which alone their characteristic excellencies are developed. And hence the apple or pear, regarded the best in one locality, may prove an indiffer- ent fruit in another. But adaptation to the entire range of the Northern and Mid- dle States, with healthfulness of habit in both tree and foliage, as well as size, flavor, and season of fruit, is demanded by the re- quirements. The first ballot gave Hubbardston Non- Such 3, Baldwin 2, Tompkins Co. King 1 ; the chairman not voting. After a full and free discussion of the comparative merits of these and other varieties, the Hubbards- ton was ruled out, as not meeting the re- quirements of Mr. Greely, in keeping in good condition until the 1st of February. On the third ballot, the vote was, for the Baldwin four ; for the Rhode Island Greening three. Whereupon the Chair- man declared the Baldwin to be the choice of the Committee. Messrs. Downing, Ward, Sylvester, and Ferris, for Baldwin ; and Messrs. Warder, Carpenter and Quinn; for R. I. Greening. In the selection of a pear, from the list of candidates above named, the ballot was made, as in the case of the apple, without consultation. The first ballot gave the Bartlett four and Sheldon three. The Chairman declared the Bartlett to be the pear. Messrs. Downing, Ward, Sylvester and Ferris, for Bartlett; Messrs. Warder, Carpenter, and Quinn, for the Sheldon. It was then determined that the Com- mittee should select, by ballot, six varieties of apples and six varieties of pears for gen- eral cultivation, comprising two Summer, two Fall and two Winter varieties. Mr. Hovey, of Boston, who was present, was invited to take part in the vote. It was a matter of surprise when the re- sult of the first ballot was read by the Secretary. Without consultation for the two Summer fruits, the vote was as follows : APPLES. Summer— Vv'waaXe^ 6 ; Red Astrachan, 5. Fall — Porter, 6 ; Gravenstein, 6. Winter — Hubbardston Non-Such, 6 ; Northern Spy, 5. PEARS. Summer — Manning's Elizabeth, 5 ; Ros- teizer, 5. FaM— Sheldon, 8 ; Seckel, 6. Winter — Lawrence, 7 ; Dana's Hovey, 5. The following resolution was then read and unanimously adopted : " Whereas^ in consequence of the reading of a communication from P. B. Mead, pub- lished in the Tribune^ a question has arisen in regard to the action of this Committee as to the postponement of the award of the grape premium, — therefore, The Greeley Prizes. 91 Resolved — That we do reaflBrm tlie action liad at the meeting in September last, when it was agreed, in concurrence with the ex- pressed wishes of Mr. Greely, and in what we believe to have been the unanimous judgment of this Committee, that we should defer action until a future period." It was gratifying to the Committee to examine such choice lots of Winter pears as were voluntarily sent to this meeting. Elwanger & Barry, of Rochester, New York, exhibited 30 varieties, which were highly creditable to them. Their yearly contribu- tions of fruit add much interest to the annual exhibition of the Institute. C. M. Hovey, of Boston, exhibited 27 varieties ; many of them, new sorts, and all well grown. Mr. H. is one of the early friends of hor- ticulture in this country, and his collections of fruit at the Institute Fairs have always attracted attention. Wm. L. Ferris, of Throgg's Neck, ex- hibited seven varieties of Winter pears. Although less in number, they were not in- ferior in quality, but on the contrary, most creditable to the grower. Isaac Buchannan presented one variety, and George Bancroft, the historian, exhib- ited two varieties. Mr. B. is a zealous friend of horticulture, and will soon have an extensive pear orchard at his place at Newport. It was moved and adopted, that the Committee adjourn, to meet at the Fall exhibition of the Institute, to be held September, 1866. The time and place Mr. Carpenter would make known to the mem- bers. Before closing this report it is our pleas- ant duty to render, on behalf of the Com- mittee, a hearty acknowledgment to Mr. Carpenter, at whose residence the meetings were held. Though grateful resolutions were duly passed at the last meeting, the friendly and generous hospitality of our host is firmly impressed upon the minds of those who, in fulfilling the trust con- fided in them, felt their task lightened and supported by Mr. Carpenter's co opera- tion and gentlemanly liberality. Not only horticulturists, but that vast horticultural society, the public, are deep- ly indebted to Mr. Greely for the interest awakened by this entire movement. That its results will prove beneficial none can doubt; but Mr. Greely's offer assumes even more importance when considered in the light of an initiatory idea. When those burdened and surrounded by manifold public responsibilities can take an active part in special developments of horticulture, it behooves men of influence, possessed of abundant leisure and ample means, to take a hint from the " Greely Prizes." John A. Wardkr, Chairman. P. T. QuiNN, Secretary. John A. Warder. Charles Downing. I. M. Ward. Wm. S. Carpenter. Wm. L. Ferris. P. T. Quinn. E. W. Sylvester. APPLES AND PEARS. The result of the deliberations of such men as composed the committee appointed under the auspices of the American Insti- tute, to award the Greely Prizes (as re- ported in the Horticulturist for January, with reference to apples and pears), is one of more than usual importance. It is plain- ly within the province of the Horticultu- rist as a magazine, and the horticulturist as an individual, to call particular at- tention to it, at this time, as one of the guides which may safely be taken with refer- 92 The Horticulturist. ence to tree -planting during the ensuing spring. The reputation of all the apples named is so well established, that the list, so far as it goes, would, doubtless, be accepted by acclamation by any pomological association. The list of pears is especially noticeable and commendable, for the prominence which is given to those of domestic origin. Those who, like the writer of this, have planted, replanted, and transplanted ; grafted, re- grafted, budded, and double-worked a va- riety of foreign pears — and, generally, with but indifl'erent success — will be disposed to join in the wish that they had been favor- ed with such advice twenty years ago ; and unite in commending it with all its brevity, to those who have neither time nor means to throw away in experimental pear cul- ture. Wherever a particular apple or pear has a first-class local reputation, any fruit- grower would, with the greatest propriety, substitute it in, or add it to, any list for general cultivation, however highly recom- mended as a whole. For instance, the Pinneo Pear so-called, (but miscalled the Boston, in certain localities in New Eng- land), would be planted as a summer pear in place of the Rostiezer. So, too, the Roxbury Russet — a well-known and highly popular late keeping apple — would still be retained by many, as the dominant fifth in the harmony which embraces the Early Harvest, the Golden Sweet, the Baldwin, and the Rhode Island Greening. The Primate, by the way, is the apple al- luded to, and partijilly described, in the Horticulturist (vol. 14; p. 471), as the North American Best. It came, originally, from New Jersej^, and was first brought prominently to the notice of the horticul- tural world by means of a communication in Hovey's Magazine, in 1850, accompanied with an editorial description and outline engraving of the fruit. It is exceedingly popular, and widely disseminated in this vicinity. The Dana's Hovey Pear — which finds it- self so suddenly elevated by the action of the committee, to its present high rank among the select few — is of comparatively recent introduction, and its credentials are herewith annexed ; more especially for the benefit of the j'ounger members of " our parish," for whom, in fact, this brief article is particularly penned. We quote from the Magazine of Horti- culture (vol. 25 ; No. 5) : — " This most re- markable production is undoubtedly the richest pear known. To say that it is as good as the Seckel would be praise enough; but it is more than this. It has not the spicy aroma of that old pear, but it has what is more luscious — a peculiar nectar of its own, unsurpassed, and apparently unap- proachable— a refined compound of the aro- ma of all other pears — a sort of honeyed juice, delicately refreshing and luscious. — The tree is almost as remarkable as its fruit. It is a very vigorous, though not rapid grower, making stocky, short-jointed wood, like the Seckel. In habit, it is erect and pyramidal, like the Buffum. It is ex- tremely hardy ; its productiveness appears abundant, and its keeping qualities wonder- ful; never rotting at the core; and with proper care it may be had in eating up to the first of January. Ripe in November and December." So rapidly has this variety strode into public favor, that it is now less than six years since its merits were recognised, and brought to notice by the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, by the bestowal of a gratuity and silver medal upon Mr. Dana for its production. Note.— Our friend, J. 0. Cose, suggests that it is sufficient proof of the excellence of the Dana's Hovey Pear that it has sur- vived such a fulsomely eulogistic descrip- tion, even as it stands abbreviated, as above. Another humorous and poetical (?) friend thinks that " salt saved it," for he says that the description of an article for sale is, generally taken " cum grano salts.'''' Editor's Table. 93 EDITOR'S TABLE. To Contributors and Others. — Address all Communications, for the Editorial and publishing departments, to Geo. E. & F. W. Woodward, 37 Park Row, New York. The Delaware Grape. — This plate just published is the finest illustration of the Delaware Grape that has yet appeared in this country. We have had it prepared with great care, and confidently recommend it to all. On heavy plate paper, handsome- ly colored. Price, post paid, Three Dollarsj or sent free to any subscriber who sends us two neio subscriptions and Five Dollars, in addition to his own. New England Farmer. — Published weekly, at Boston, Mass., by R. P. Eaton & Co. ; Two Dollars and fifty cents per an num. Its contents are carefully prepared. Market reports full and complete, and as authority on all agricultural matters, has few equals. Its circulation is large, and we speak from experience when we say it is one of the best of advertising mediums. Look up their prospectus in our advertis- ing columns, and add this paper to your list. No one loses anything, either in time or money, who pays for and reads all the leading Agricultural and Horticultural jour- nals. The man who steadily goes ba -k- wards is the one who does not take a paper ; his farm can be picked out as easily as oats from wheat. Messrs. Editors. — I would be under ob- ligations if you would give me some infor- mation relative to the construction of a dry house for a small orchard, say 200 trees ; heating the same, &c. James Y. Clemson, Caledonia, 111. Can any of our readers furnish us a sketch and description of a building suitable for the above purpose, for illustration. — Eds. tained the ripe age of sixty years, his death nevertheless strikes the community as pre- mature. There was such a wealth of re- source in the man, so much already per- formed, and so much still to be achieved, that the crown of his busy life seemed to be but the pledge of an ever youthful activity. Settling, in 1846, upon a stony, bar- ren tract of land near Newark, New Jer- sey, he, in time, through an. improved and judicious sj^stem of culture, ren- dered it, as admitted by all, the most pro- ductive and successful farm of its size in the State. Meantime, he started an agri- cultural paper, which he continued to edit for fourteen years, when his failing health forced him to resign. He invented the ro- tary digger and subsoil plow, and other im- proved implements ; advanced and promul- gated many important theories and dis- coveries— among the most striking of which may be cited his theory of the Progression of Primaries in nature. He was among the first to advocate the formation of an Agri- cultural Bureau at Washington, the head of which should be a Cabinet oflicer, hold- ing equal rank with the Secretaries of the other Departments ; and in the course of three years delivered 150 lectures, analyzed the soils of over 200 farms successfully, advising their mode of culture ; and prob- ably wrote more on agriculture than any other man living. The Late Professor James J. Mapes Prof. Mapes, the eminent agriculturist, has passed from earth. Though he had at- RoBERT Reid, an eminent florist, died in this city on the 24th of December, 1865. Mr. Reid was a native of Scotland, and came to this country over fifteen years ago ; he contented himself by following the busi- ness of a florist, and making a very large circle of true friends; but in earlier life he was a well-known character and used to con- tribute, as a writer, to some of the best hor- 94 Tlie Horticulturist. ticultural literary publications in England. He was an honorary member of the London Horticultural Society, and could claim close companionship with such men as Dr. Lind ley, Sir W. J. Hooker, Robert Errington, Donald Beaton, J. C. Loudon, and Robert Thompson, all of whom are well known as authors, and have done more to raise horti- culture to its present dignified standing than any other men. He was one of those veteran horticulturists that we can ill af- ford to part with. Wink from the Clinton Grape.— We are indebted to Judge Woodward, of Reading, Penn., for a bottle of wine made from this grape by John Fehr, Esq., of that place. This wine bears much evidence of skill in its manufacture, which is more than can be said of the majority of native wines that have come under our notice. Though but one year old, it is already of fine flavor and body, and has a character quite dis- tinct. The Clinton deserves a high rank as a wine-grape for those localities, where it can be thoroughly ripened. ington, inculcates similar views, in recom- mending the cutting away of the old part, or top roots of the vine, from year to year, and thus causing it to make new surface roots. Similar are the deductions from the old English practice of a mass of stones, &c., underneath all the border wherever the grape is to be grown. In this matter of depending upon the surface roots, there is undoubtedly much that is correct ; but, at the same time, we must not discard the main roots. The one extreme, heretofore practiced by German vignerons, of cutting away all surface roots, and depending only on the lower and deep roots, it is patent, has shown error ; and we judge the other extreme of only looking to the surface roots would exhibit ■equal error. There is a mean to be taken to en- sure success. Manure for Evergreens. — Years ago, we were taught that animal manures were injurious to evergreens ; but for four or five years past, we have practiced, applying old, well-rotted barn-yard manure to evergreens of all sorts, and apparently with the best possible results. Our trees and shrubs grow vigorously, and put on a deeper, brighter green; while kalmias and rhodo- dendrons flower more abundantly than in our old practice of leaf mold manuring. The Root of the Grape Vine the Seat of Mildew, Rot, &c. — Dr. Schroe- der, of Bloomington, Illinois, an extensive and successful grape-grower, asserts that rot, &c., may be prevented by renewing the vine yearly, by means of layers, and thus cause it to fruit from canes, the roots of which are near the surface. If we mistake not, Mr. Saunders, of the Agricultural Department Garden at Wash- Grafting Grapes. — The practice of en- grafting old standing vines with new sorts, by sawing off the crown just at the surface of the ground, then splitting it and uniting the graft, and afterwards earthing up all around it, is pretty well and generally un- derstood. We have, however, found that splice or whip grafting on to a cane of last year, and then layering the cane, leaving only the last bud of the graft visible above the ground, to be among the good ways of obtaining new sorts, or changing varieties. Grafting cuttings of two buds on pieces of roots, and planting them out early, in the open border, leaving only the open bud level with the ground, and then mulching with some light material, as sawdust, &c., is also a successful way of growing many sorts that do not readily strike from cut- tings in the open ground- Several Varieties of Shrubs in One. — Amateurs of flowers are frequently desir- ous of having all the varieties of lilacs, upright honeysuckles, wiegelias, &c., but have not room to plant them. As a rem- edy, we tell them that an amateur friend of ours takes, for instance, a bush of the Editor's Table. 95 old-fashioned lilac, and engrafts on its var- ious limbs one or more grafts of the Persian, Josikean, Charles X., &c. ; and on one bush of wiegeiia rosea he has amabilis, middenda- fiana, &c., thus giving many varieties and occupying but a small space of ground. Would not plants so grown by nursery- men meet ready sale ? We think so. — What nurseryman will step out of the beaten track, and try the putting of sev- eral varieties of allied shrubs on one bush as an item of business. Fall had nearly double the amount of roots of those left to grow connected with the parent vine. We suggest to practitioners the making trial of cutting away layers from the parent vine this coming season, at different times — say July, August, and Sep- tember— and oblige by sending us account thereof. Peonias. — All herbaceous peonias that have been growing in the same place three or more years should be separated and re planted. Early in spring is the best time. Tree peonias may also be grafted on roots of the herbaceous sorts, and grown success- fully. The use of about four bushels of salt, with one bushel of plaster (gypsum), per acre, and sown early in spring, is found pro- fitable as a manure to dwarf pear planta- tions ; and on grass grounds its evidence of value is so great, that whoever applies it once will hardly fail of doing so in succeed- ing years. A grape amateur at the West — viz., Wm. Muir, £8q., of Fox-Creek P. 0., St. Louis County, Mo., — writes us that he has now one hrnidred and three varieties of grapes growing, the most of which, if not all, will be in fruiting the coming season. He also, with Mr. Hussman, of Hermann, writes us that Rogers' No. 1 promises of great value in Missouri. This is what we should ex- pect, as their length of season and great heat must cause it to ripen perfectly, which, as a rule, it fails to do in its native lo- cality. Creditable. — "The Meramec Horticultu- ral Society," of Missouri, have issued a cir- cular to all fruit-growers of the West and South, in reference to the holding of the next meeting of the American Pomological Society in St. Louis next Fall. They call ^ ^ ^ ^ for action of all fruit men, and for co-opera- Best Time to Separate Layers from ,• „ ^o „,, ^„;. ^ . _ ., ^i ■ • tion ol all railroad men, city authorities, THE ViNES.-A correspondent writes that ^^_^ ^^_^ j^ presenting not only a show of a "large portion of his layers of grape vines ^^^^^^ ^^ ^^^^^^.^ ^^^^ ^^^ ^ ^^.^^ ^^^^ ^^ made the past season, and left on the vine, ^^^^ g^^t^^ ^^ ^^^^.^^^„ members of the con- have already been destroyed by the surface ^,^,^^;^,^ ^ver it, that they may see and un- freezing and thawing, thus breaking oft' the deivstand the adaptation of Missouri to the otted by too u^es of an enlightened people, to its advan- tages as a fruit region, and its value as a Layers, unquestionably, should be cut off country promising abundant remuneration roots, which afterwards are much wet." to the prosecutor of any business. Wq shall look for a good time when the meet- ing convenes. from the parent plant, taken up, and heeled in, in some dry and sheltered position in the Fall. This, we believe, is the common practice of those who grow layers of grape — vines for sale. A little practice of one of Ashes for Poultry When feedin"- our our friends during the past year leads to a hens the past winter, we have practiced question as to when is the best time to sep- arate the layer. His experiment was in cutting free the layer in July, or after it had thrown out roots two inches long; and his statement is, that such layers in the mixing a small handful of wood ashes with the meal, and found an apparent benefit to the fowls. We also give in the meal, twice a week, about one tea-spoonful of Cayenne pepper. Our stock numbers thirty birds. 96 The Horticulturist. Garden Royal Apple. — This variety is among apples what the Seckel is among pears — a fruit of surpassing excellence in quality ; but it is only medium in size, and not particularly showy for market sales. Every grower of the apple should pos- sess one tree of it for his own use. Planting Peas. — In planting peas this spring, our friends should remember that experiments have proven that the pea will vegetate at even one foot deep, but that a mean depth of four to six inches is best — say one furrow depth of plowing, or a spade depth of that implement is used in prepar- ing the ground. If planted too shallow, say two inches, the vines soon dry up ; and if too deep, they are liable to mildew sooner than when a medium depth is had. RocKwoRK. — One of our correspondents writes, that for several years, in the prac- tice of landscape gardening, he has been in the habit of using our common wild brakes or ferns in constructing simple but effective pieces of rockwork, at little cost. "Where a northern exposure is had, or on a bank adjacent to water, even if a south exposure, their growth and beaut}^ is retained as per- fect as in their native wood locations. DiELYTRA Spectabilis Alba. — A Speci- men of this new variety of our well-known hardy herbaceous plant, is now in bloom in our green-house. The flower is in all re- spects like the pink variety, except in co- lor, which at first is a pure white, afterwards changing to blush. The fo- liage is of a light green, even from* the first commencement of growth. It forces well, and is a desirable acquisition, both for the garden and in-door culture. How TO Raise Early Cucumbers. — 1. A good method to produce early cucumbers is the following: — Make a trench at the warmest place of the garden ; into this put old manure — about three inches — and on this good earth — three inches — on this plant the seeds, and cover them with sawdust — ,| two to three inches. Cucumbers thus j treated are said to come earlier, to endure j rain, drouth, and even a little frost, far j better than those treated another way. — Against severe night-frosts they should be | protected by boards. j 2. Take middle-sized flower-pots ; fill them two-thirds with good soil ; put the ^ seeds on this, and cover with sawdust ; * sprinkle with warm water, and put the pots I near the stove. On the appearance of the plants, place the pots near the window. — \ Care should be taken to harden the plants • before transplanting them into the garden, i by admitting air to them both day and ! night. ) 3. Take egg shells (the hole to be on the j upper end three-fourths of an inch), fill \ them with good soil, and therein plant the seeds. Plants thus raised, kept either in i the house or hot-bed, are easily trans- planted. 1 How TO Raise Many Cucumbers. — 1. 1 Never take fresh seed of last season, but ' always take seeds two to four years old. — | Who can not get old seed, should have his fresh seeds dried near a warm stove during several weeks. Some gardeners, in order , to obtain this end, carry their seed in their j pockets. Old cucumber seed will bear ear- j lier and more fruit. Fresh seed will make ! weak plants, and is longer in germinating. 2. Pinch off" the end of the main shoot. This will strengthen the growth of the ! vine, the laterals will come out sooner, and : you will get more fruit before frost sets in \ again. How TO GET Fine Flavored Cucum- j BERS. — 1. Get your seed from a reliable seedsman. 2. Soak your seed in milk for about twenty-four hours before sowing. ■ Agellulus. I Several valuable articles. Table matter, book and catalogue notices, &c., in type, will appear in next number. THE HOETICULTUmST VOL. XXL APRIL, 18G6 ,N0. OOXXXVIIL THE ENEMY. To most of our readers this word may, and doubtlessly does, sound very stale and tiresome. "We have all had enough of war and military glory, and the one aspiration now is for peace ; never before did the word sound so sweetly. We are told in the Gos- pel to love our enemies ; these may be classed under two heads, private and public ; the latter are those whom our Declaration of Independence happily recognizes as " ene- mies in war, in peace friends." Private enemies are bad enough and we leave them to the Gospel dispensation, but the public enemy is our present theme, and albeit we are at peace with all the world as a nation, (and we wouldfeign hope also as editors), yet there is an enemy against whom we find it our bounden duty, as faithful watchmen of the public weal, to lift up our voice of warning, and to ciy aloud. It is a public enemy, an enemy to our nation at large, to every man, woman and child that lives on this blessed continent. An enemy with whom we can make no terms ; who will never yield until utterly conquered; who must conquer us unless we subdue him ; a robber and despoiler, the march of whose army will not be told by desolating swarths of separate columns, but proceeding in a line of battle whose flanks rest on either ocean, will leave one general ruin in his rear. This enemy is Insect Life. He is commanded by two able generals, both as cruel and remorseless as they can be. To personify them, we will say that the com- mander-in-chief is General Curculio, and his lieutenant is the Apple Moth. They have invaded us with full strength, and the cry is still they come. They have no base, but live on the country through which they march. Cruel and unsparing, moving on conquering and to conquer; holding and occu- pying the land. Now then as the vigilant and faithful watchman on the walls, we sound the alarm, and cry " to arms " Our thoughts have been led in this direction by the scarcity of fruit in our markets, and its corresponding high price. The apple for instance, dearer in the New York market, even in its season, than the orange : our Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1866, by Geo. E. & F. W. ■Woodward, in the Clerk' of the District Court o^ the United States, for the Southern District of New York. 1 Office 98 Tlie Horticulturist. own most common and plentiful fruit be- come dearer than an imported and tropical fruit. And yet we may say of the apple, that it is not a luxury, but become just as much a household necessity as the potato. The other fruits we can perforce look upon as luxuries, but not so the apple, this we must have ; our little ones require apples for health sake ; they cry for them more than they are said to do for Sherman's loz- enges, and those cries must be stilled by us at an expense of from three to five cents for every plaint. Apple sarse and apple butter, every-day things of the good old past, are now enumerated among the transitory lalessings of this life. How differ- ent all this from our younger days ! We now live in the State of New Jersey, and we re- member that in our school days, our geogra- phy was wont to describe this State as " famed for its fine fruit." This fame now seems to be a myth, for the more truthful description of the present day would be, fam- ous for its want of fine fruit. We have watched this change with a melancholy in- terest, and it does seem to us as if during the past fifteen years, this change has in- creased with each succeeding year. Proba- bly at no time in the history of the State, has more fruit been planted, or greater at- tention paid to its culture than at present, and yet, certain it is, that never was there so little fine fruit seen in the State. It may be said as true to a general intent, that not a perfect apple has been raised in the State of New Jersey during the year 1865. If any one possesses a perfect specimen of this fruit raised in the State, we would like him to exhibit the same as a curiosity, and will take our sack in hand and make a pil grimage to see it, and do him reverence. We take the apple as our illustration the more especially, because the most import- ant, and generally the most plentiful of all the fruits, and yet the one on which the most wholesale devastation has been wrought. Of the smooth skin stone fruits, such as the apricot, the nectarine and the plum, we scarcely deem it worth while to make men- tion, for no one now undertakes to ft-uit them unless it be under glass. And what we have to say of the State of New Jersey, is equally applicable to the neighboring States, particularly near the sea coast. The great question then is, where is this going to bring up; where is it all going to end ? It needs no prophet's vision to foresee. We can tell you in plain words what will soon be the result, not only in the State of New Jersey but in every State in the Union : and that is, that of no fruit will we ever have an abundance, but with each j^ear an increasing scarcity of all those which for- merly we enjoyed in superabundance. The apple will be more scarce than the pear, and by and by, both will be among the things that were. So too Avith the fruits of a shorter season, the cherry and the peach. The former is already sparse, and the latter must in time yield and come in for its share in the general doom. And all this the result of the remorseless enemy. These are sad thoughts to contemplate. We are not croakers, but speak words of sober truth, however disagreeable they may sound. There is no mistake about it, unless something is done, and done soon, we shall have to bid good-bye to our fruit. As we have said, this enemy will conquer us unless we subdue him. It will be asked^ can nothing be done to avert this calamity ? AVe answer unequivocally, yes ! Yes if we arouse ourselves in time, and fight the enemy without rest. One steady campaign against him until the victory is assured. We have a natural ally in the birds, once on a time a match for the enemy, but now, from our bad treatment, his wasted ranks are over- matched. What we want is concerted ac- tion— pulling together — not like General Grant's baulking team, but all acting to- gether, at one and the same time. We want a general dissemination of practical knowledge in tiie art of conducting this war — practical knowledge brought home to every grower of even a single apple or a single pear tree. Much has already been done in certain quarters ; the science of the The Enemy. 99 Entomologist has been brought into requi- sition, and we have, as the result of his in- vestigations, much valuable knowledge, but it is generally of a kind but little adapted to the wants of plain, practical farmers and fruit growers. We want information stripped of all technical terms and scientific phrase- ology. We want books which shall describe the various insects to fruit and vegetation in such wise that they may be known and recognized the moment they are seen ; les- sons which will teach us to discriminate between friend and foe, to discern either at a glance, and to know their seasons, their transformations, their modus operandi and their whole life. Pictures colored true to nature to assist the learner, for no mere print and description will suffice to identify the insect to the unlearned ; he must have >^^f%f5 Fig. 47. an exact picture in form and color, for the insect tribe is so numerous and various that plain black drawings seem to produce only a confusion in the minds of the ordinary student, and in despair he gives the subject up as beyond his scope. This desideratum has lately been supplied in part by Dr. T. P. Trimble, Entomologist to the State Agricultural Society of New Jersey. The work is entitled " A Treatise on the Insect Enemies of Fruit and Fruit Trees," published by William Wood & Co., New York. The part now in print treats of the Curculio and the Apple Moth, or as it is commonly called, the Apple Worm. The author has done good service to the cause by this work; he seems to have laid aside all pretensions or desire to appear as a book maker, but on the other hand to be animated by an enthusiastic wish to communicate information in a simple, straightforward manner, ignoring all scien- tific phraseology, and teaching his lessons in plain English, without any particular care as to systematic order, so long as he makes himself and his subject thoroughly understood by the reader. His style is quaint, with an occasional smack of quiet humor quite refreshing. The illustrations of the work are done in a masterly style, and as specimens of art, are, in themselves, worth the price of the book. In tliem we have the ravages of the insect brought before the eye, just as we see them in the defective fruit we handle. Of these illustrations we have selected one for this article, which we use by permission. It represents a trap made of a rope of hay, the invention of Dr. Trimble, who says : " Two years ago I took from the crotch of a young Bartlett Pear tree, an old boot leg that had been doubled up and forced into that crotch. It had be- come so hard and dry, and the growing tree had pressed it so closely, that it had to be cut to pieces to get it out. This was in April. That old boot leg contained in its different folds, sixteen of the worms of the Apple Moth, in their larva or caterpillar condition, all snugly tied up in their silken cocoons. When these cocoons were opened the worms would creep off, just as they would have done when taken from apples or pears in the fall or summer before. Since then I have tried everything I could think of that would be likely to suit the fancy of these little caterpillars, having this instinc- tive impulse to seek out places for conceal- ment. The result has been, that the hay rope band, as shown in this plate, is not only the cheapest and most easy of applica- tion, but the best of all the contrivances that I have tried thus far." 100 The Horticulturist. I The mode of applying the hay rope is seen in the cut, and consists simply in wind- ing the rope moderately tight three or four times around the tree, and securing the end so as to prevent its becoming loose and falling off. The marks below the band show the slight cavities made by the Apple "Worms under the rope, as seen after slipping it up and taking out with the point of a knife the cocoons. The tree in the cut rep- resents one in the garden of a friend of the author in the city of Newark, on which he had experimented in this way and caught nearly two hundred worms in the year 1864:. The author says, '' These bands should be put on the trees as soon as the fruit shows signs of the worms being at work, from the middle to the last of June. They should be examined every two weeks, as long as the warm weather lasts, the earlier broods of worms becoming moths, and producing a second crop. If tlie orchard is pastured, the bands must, of course, be put out of reach of the animals. Sometimes it may be necessary to place them round the limbs ; in that case the scales of bark on the bodies of trees below them should be scraped oflF." The tree in the plate, our author further saj's, " showed until some time in June, a promise of a most bountiful crop ; but then the young apples began to fall, and perse- vered in falling till not a dozen were left to come to full maturity." Here we have an evidence of what results from the combined attack of the Curculio and Apple Moth, and we know that there are hundreds of others who can relate a like experience, but who have never investigated the cause. We had the pleasure one fine day in the fall of last year, of witnessing, in company with several other gentlemen, the result of the Doctor's experiments with the hay rope, and can give our unqualified testimony as to his success. It is a very simple, inexpensive and quickly applied method of fighting the enemy, " In examining the traps, all that is necessary is to slip it up the body of the tree a few inches, and all the little cocoons, with the worms inside of them, are so per- fectly exposed that nothing remains to be done but to crush them with the palm of the hand, either with or without gloves ; then push the rope back again to the same place, or lower if necessary, to make it as tight as it will well bear without breaking." Even if these bands should be neglected and time wanting to kill the cocoons, by simply taking oft' the straw, the birds will come and make a feast of them, and thank the foresight of him who, by so simple a contriv- ance, gathered all the worms of the tree into one little compass so easily got at. We feel that this subject of insect enemies is a most important one, that the evil can in no wise be exaggerated, nor the import- ance of a prompt and energetic action be over-estimated. Let every one then, as he hopes to preserve our fruit, begin at once to work ; let clubs be formed every- where, for the purpose of getting informa- tion on the subject and securing a concert of action. Let no one be discouraged at working singly, for he can do much to pre- serve his own fruit, if he does not effect the general result ; but above all let there be a combination, so as to secure the end. Two or three vigorous campaigns and the victory is ours. Let any man who neglects his fruit trees and allows his fallen apples to lie upon the ground to add to the hosts of the enemy, be looked upon as a pest himself in his neighborhood. Let our Agricultural and Pomological Societies everywhere take the matter up. Let our Legislatures give every encouragement by passing stringent laws for the protection of Iriendly birds, and the giving to the masses, instruction in the science of fighting these insects. In the report of the Committee on Agriculture to the Assembly of the State of New Jersey, the subject is given quite a prominency. We quote an interesting passage, viz : " The number of insects known to naturalists comprehend some hundreds of thousands and quite a large number of them are more or less injurious to the farmers' crops; but the insect enemies of fruit and fruit trees do not exceed twelve or fifteen, and if five Designs in Rural Architecture. 101 or sis of the "vrorst of tliem were thoroughly understood and conquered, fruit growing ■would again be a successful business. And this can he done. The 2Jrotection of fruit from these insects can he made a fixed science, so that the man who chooses to go into the business of fruit growing, may be sure of success, provided he permits no other pui\suit to interfere with the proper attention to this, at the right time." We commend our readers for further in- formation to this elegant work of Dr. Trim- ble, which we hope to see carried out to its completion, and put into a shape which shall bring it within the means of every one. DESIGNS IN RURAL ARCHITECTURE. No. 13— A SUBURBAN COTTAGE. BY GEORGE. E. HARNEY, ARCHITECT, COLDSPRING, PUTNAM COUNTY, N. Y. We used to indulge in an occasional tall-: with the members of the worthy brother- hood of horticulturists, concerning their country places — their houses, their gardens, their barns, and their stables, more than three years ago, when we were in Lynn, Mass.; and, in so doing, gave ourselves a great deal of pleasure, while we endeavored to be of some service to them in building their houses, in laying out their grounds, and in appropriately ornamenting them, offering designs for their inspection, and, now and ■•pecttve. then, throwing out what we conceived to be a suggestion for some improvement or other. And now — located here on the banks of the Hudson, nearer the most of our readers than before, in fact, in the very midst of them, and consequently knowing their wants better — we again take up our pen and pen- cil, promising ourself another indulgence in the same pleasure of talking to them, hop- ing to make ourselves acceptable to our old friends, and to make new friends among the newer members of our brotherhood — those to whom as yet we are a stranger. And we offer them at this time, in com- mencement, a design for a small cottage, such as one might build on a village lot of sixty or a hundred feet in width. 102 The Horticulturist. It is of frame, filled in with brick — soft brick, laid on edge in mortar — and covered with vertical boarding and battens, or with narrow horizontal siding ; the roof covered with shingles cut in patterns ; the cellar of rubble-stone ; the wall 20 inches thick, laid in mortar. The frame is of spruce or hemlock (the former is the best, but the latter is the most generally used in this part of the country), and the outside finish of white pine — the details few and simple, but bold and strong — everything meaning something, and tell- ing its own story. The roof is quite steep, and the projection of the eaves broad to shield the sides, and the windows are all broad and airy. The accommodation of the house is as follows : — A verandah, 6 feet wide, shield- ing the front entrance. The hall, con- FiG. 49 — First floor. Fig. 50 — -Second floor. taining the staircases to the chambers and cellar, and opening into the sev- eral rooms on this floor. Parlor, 14 feet by 15, communicating by French casement windows with the verandah on one side, and with an open gallery on the other side, and having, besides, a large hooded mullioned window in the front. — This room has, also, what we consider in- dispensable in a country house, be it large or small — an old-fashioned open fire-place, for burning wood on the hearth, if wood can be had, or, if not, coal in a grate, and, besides, for purposes of ventilation. We think, for practical reasons, the old poetic sentiment of the family fireside and the blazing log should not be lost sight of, and there should be at least one room in every house — the room that is the most used by the family as a sitting-room — made attrac- tive and healthy by this means. The living-room, measuring 13 feet by 15, is provided with two good closets, and opens into a little pantry, which is fitted up with a sink and pump, and other pantry conveniences. This opens out upon a stoop to the yard. There is also on this floor a room 8 feet square, which may be used either as a bedroom or as a store- room ; it has no chimney, though if one were added, as easily might be, it could be used as an outer kitchen or scullery. There is a cellar under the whole house, reached by stairs under the main flight It is provided with a rain water cistern, bins for coal, and the other usual cellar conveniences of lock-up — cold cellar, hang- ing shelves, &c., <&c. It has a separate en- trance of stone steps from the yard, and is 7 feet high in the clear. In the second story are chambers corresponding severally with the rooms below, and each supplied with a closet. — There is no attic, but an opening in the ceiling of the hall communicates with the vacant space above the rooms, and into it ventilates the house, this space having ven- tilators under the peaks of the gables. The fi'ont chamber has some importance given to it by the addition of an oriel win- dow, after the fashion of some old English cottages — a feature v^hich adds greatly to the brightness of the room, as well as giv- ing some extra space. It is fitted up with a seat, and has glass windows on its three sides. The interior of this cottage should be fitted up in simple manner with pine ; the closets all supplied with shelves, and hooks and drawers ; and the pantry with sink and other fixtures. The walls may have a hard finished surface, unless it be contemplated to paper them, in which case a cheaper covering can be used. The inside wood-work may be stained in two shades with umber and oil ; and to add to the effect, the finish for the led rooms Mildew and Grape Culture. 103 may be of selected stock, so that the finest and best-grained wood may be there used. The outside should be painted three coats of some neutral colors of oil paint — say light browns, or drabs, or grays. The heights of the stories are 9 feet each. The posts are 1-i feet long between sill and plate. Cost — This is an important item, but a very diflBcult one to come at in these days of changing prices. Two years ago, we might safely have named the cost of this house at a thousand dollars, but at present prices of labor and material, it would cost at least eighteen hundred dollars. MILDEW AND GRAPE CULTURE. BY WILLIAM SAUNDERS, WASHINGTON, D. C. At page 39 of the February number of the " Horticulturist," in an article on grape culture, I find the following sentences : " Mr. Saunders of the Propagating garden at Washington, for a long time contended that aridity was the cause of mildew, then wavered and confined his remarks about arid- ity to the exotic grape, gooseberry and cer- tain other exotic plants ; now says that humidity is the cause of mildew on our native grapes, and by a covering to keep off mois- ture from the foliage, we can entirely pre- vent mildew." With many others, my attention has, for a long period, been directed to observa- tions on grape mildew ; I have also on several occasions, taken the liberty of ex- pressing my opinions based upon these ob- servations. In order to show how far the views of your correspondent are correct, and how far erroneous, I propose tracing some of my recorded opinions on the subject. Commencing with the " PidladelpMa Florist " for 1852, at page 38 will be found an article by me on grape culture under glass. For several years previous, I had arrived at the conclusion that the cause of mildew on the foreign grape in this country, was induced by aridity. In this article, I quoted from my note-book of 1851, an in- stance where its ravages were checked " by closing all bottom or low ventilation, and keeping the atmosphere moist by liberal use of water on the floor." At page 178, of the same journal for 1853, in the calender of operations for the fruit department, I again direct attention to this subject, and extend my remarks by alluding to the circumstance that various other plants of similar origin, are similarly at- tacked, but as I find that the remarks in that paper are in the main repeated in an article jDLiblished in the " Horticulturist," prefer quoting from it. It may be well to state here that, being fully convinced from my daily practice, of the pernicious effects of bottom ventilation in producing mildew, I had several grape- ries built in which no means were provided for front ventilation. I also advised others to build in this manner ; and having advo- cated and practiced the erection of glass structures on the fixed roof plan, I drew attention to its superiority for graperies on account of the low angle on which the roof could be laid, thereby providing a more equable temperature, and allowing an equal distribution of atmospheric moisture. The first structure built on this plan, so far as I am aware, I had built in 1850. This mode of constructing glass roofs is now very gen- erally adopted. In the volume of the " Horticulturist " for 1855, at jiage 129, there is an article head- ed Grape Mildew, in which I stated my views on this subject, and from which I make the following extracts : * * * " My experience in grape cul- ture leads me to the belief that the true source of this disease has not been fully 104 TJie Horticulturist. recognised. It is well known that fungoid attacks are a consequence of disordered or- ganism, and not a cause. The germs of parasitic fungi are constantly present in the atmosphere, ready to develope whenever they find a proper medium. This medium is found in decomposing organic substances, and such are seized upon, although decom- position is so incipient as not to be visible to the naked eye. The question then is, what occasions this disorganism in the grape ? The answer will show the cause of mildew." * * * " Mildew is so often associated with dampness, that, in the absence of practical observation, such a conclusion seems very plausible. I am of opinion that in this case we must refer it to a deficiency rather than an over supply of atmospheric moisture. Lindler/, in his Theory of Horti- culture, remarks that " mildew is often pro- duced by a dry air acting upon a delicate surface of vegetable tissue," and we can readily suppose that the excessive and long continued heat of our summers would, by great and constant evaporation, weaken and tend to general debility, more especially in regard to exotics. This supposition is further strengthened by the fact that all our native grapes have thick skins, and are thus enabled to resist evaporation from their surface. Early forced grapes, that are ripe before the dry season, are never troubled with mildew. The gooseberry attains great- est perfection in cool, moist climates, with us it mildews. The leaves of many plants, not natives, as the English hawthorn, lilacs, &c., are frequently white with mildew in the hottest and dryest seasons. I have long ago satisfied myself that mildew may be prevented by judicious airing. Admit- ting currents of dry air to come in contact with the young fruit will certainly produce mildew. I consider front ventilators quite unnecessary in graperies, and indeed they could be dispensed with in green houses also." * * * "It may be necessary to ob- serve, that I do not by any means suppose that aridity is the cause of every .kind of mildew. On the contrary, that is only one of many known causes, and I submit that it is the most likely in the present case." During the years 1856-57-58 I prepared a monthly calender of operations for the " HoRTicui>TURisT," and frequent allusions are made in these articles to grape mildew and its prevention, based upon the supposition that it proceeded from dryness. For instance, at page 296 in the volume for 1^56, under the heading Grapery^ in the June calender, I advise to " keei? the at- mosphere moist by frequently sprinkling the house with water; this will tend to prevent mildew. Ventilate exclusively by the top openings, and leave them open to a certain extent both day and night. " Ven- tilate early in the morning and shut up early in the evening," is common advice, and those who adopt such a course need not be surprised if their fruit is deficient both in color and flavor. The fruit will, ripen earlier when the temperature is kept low and cool in the absence of light. ^^ It will be observed that in all these writings I have had reference exclusively to the foreign grape and its culture under glass. No mention whatever is made of the native species or their varieties. So far as I can discover, the first time that I made any allusion to mildew on the native grape will be found at page 536 of the " Horticulturist " for 1858. In a brief note treating generally on mildew, I remark as follows : " The peculiar atmospherical conditions tending to the increase of mildew are not particularly well understood. I have fre- quently repeated my conviction that the mildew seen on the foreign grape under glass, on the gooseberry, lilac, &c., is in- duced by atmospheric aridity. This mil- dew developes in the form of a moldiness on the upper surface of the foliage, and frequently extends and envelops young growing shoots, in which case the bark seems to contract and crack into lengthened openings. Here can be traced a close re- Mildeio and Grape Culture. 105 semblance to the cracking of the pear, going far to prove that it has the same origin. In sheltered city yards, where drying winds are arrested in their sweeping progress, and where a quiet and more humid atmosphere prevails, the foreign grape will frequently attain to a fair perfection. So also the White Doyenne pear is annually produced in its greatest perfection on trees similarly located, while in exposed situations, a few miles distant, a fair specimen cannot be procured. No reason that has ever been brought forward on the probable cause of pear cracking is so philosophical, or so much in accordance with recorded facts, as that which connects it with mildew. The mil- dew seen on the native grape, is apparently a different fungus from the above. Here the under side of the leaf is attacked, des- troying the vitality of the tissue, which is then tender, and is speedily scorched by sun, and the leaves decay and wither. When this occurs during the ripening of the crops, the sudden loss of foliage prevents it from maturing, and hence many bunches will show one half of the fruit black and the other half green. This apparent scorching is most noticeable during the months of August and September, when heavy night , dews are succeeded by hot sun, or after a few dull or rainy days." In the above extract it will be observed that I have attempted to describe the dif- ferent appearances of mildew as presented on the foreign and native grapes ; this dis- tinction I have ever since kept steadily in view whenever I had occasion to refer to this subject. The next article I will refer to is one prepared by request of the American Po- mological Society and published in their report of 1860. In that article, (after considerable inves- tigation of mycological works), I ventured to name the distinct forms of mildew, alluding to them as follows : " There are two very distinct forms of mildew seen upon the grape vine. One of these, which I take to be a form oiErysiinlie^ is mainly confined to the exotic grape, and the other, a form of Oidium,* chiefly found upon the native vari- eties, I am not prepared to state that they do not respectively attack both the exotic and native grapes, for although I have seen the Oidium on the foreign sorts when grown under glass, I have not detected the Erysi- phe on the native grapes. The Oidium, so far as my knowledge of it extends, makes its appearance in the grape house only on vines that have been grown in an excessively humid atmosphere, combined with a high night temperature, the shoots being very succulent and immature, if cold or dull hazy weather succeed a period that has been clear and dry, the Oidium will usually be found on the leaves. It presents itself in small patches, of a whitish color, on the underside of the leaves, and spreads rapidly. The affected leaves are readily detected after a few clear days, the sun turns these parts brown, and it then assumes that ap- pearance frequently termed sun scald." In this article I further directed attention to the species of native grapes most liable to mildew, having found that even in their native habitats the Vitis Labrusca was often mildewed when the Vitis Cordifolia was en- tirely exempt. The Clinton being a culti- vated variety of the last named species, I suggested that attention should be given towards originating improved forms of that sort, so as to secure a race of truly healthy grapes. Referring to the influence of culture I alluded to the fact that " vines allowed to clamber unrestrained over trees and bushes, will retain a vigorous healthy foliage, and ripen fruit, while branches frjm the same root, trained alongside on an open trellis, would be completely destroj^ed, in seasons favorable to mildew.' We have also observed isolated cases of negligent culture, where vines have been allowed to grow during the whole summer unmolested, and ripen a good crop, while those that have been carefully tended, laterals kept in check, and luxu- *I have since been led to believe that this is most probably a Perono pora. 106 Tlie Horticulturut. riant growths carefully pruned, have failed to mature any fruit. Now the reason for this success, where success was not to be ex- pected, is easily explained ; simply the shel- ter of the foliage from the causes ^jredis- posing to mildew ; in the first case by the foliage of the trees, in the other, by the mass of foliage left on the vine." I then proceeded to give examples of the eflBciency of shelter and protection, citing among others that of a common trellis pro- tected by a board sixteen inches in width, nailed flat down along the tops of the posts. 1 will now only further refer to an article at page 495 in the Agricultural report for 18G1, headed Remarks on grape culture with reference to mildew both on the native and for- eign varieties. In this paper I again somewhat elabor- ately stated the result of my observations and practice on mildew, and recommended a form of covered trellis for out door grapes, accompanied with a sketch of the arrange- ment ; remarking that " Undoubtedly shel- ter of some kind from sudden changes and atmospheric currents, is one of the most prominent expedients for preventing or modifying mildew, and every experienced grape grower can recall instances where even a slight protection proved of great value." The following remarks also appear in this paper : " In advancing the opinion that grape mildew is merely the result of atmospheric influences, I do so from a conviction that my observations have been too extensive and too long continued to be mistaken, and too completely free from any preconceived hypothesis, or any ulterior object, to be swayed by prejudice. A further conviction in the correctness of my views, is furnished by the circumstance, that a course of prac- tice, based upon a recognition of this opinion, has proved satisfactory, and has resulted in an immunity from mildew sufficient to es- tablish the truthfulness of the observations which led to its adoption." To conclude, in the Report of the Depart- ment of Agriculture for 1864, at page 608 the following sentence occurs : " Although mildew has been prevalent on many of the varieties, (of native grapes), all have es- caped when grown on the covered trellis ; a description of which was given in the re- port of 1861. Experimental Garden^ Feb. 6, 1866. DIAGONAL TRAINING IN VINEYARD CULTURE— II. lY D. M. BALCH, SALEM, MASS. In our last, we had reached the spring of the first fruiting season, and had just com- pleted our trellises, the vines carrying each one cane, about eight feet long, and a short spur of two buds. Shortly before vegeta- tion commences, the soil should receive a dressing of ashes, and be put into good condition ; wood ashes are an excellent manure for the vine, and appear to supply it with about all its needs ; but of this again hereafter. When the buds are ready to start, the cane is trained its whole length to the diagonal slat nearest it, and disbud- ded so that the bases of the shoots may be about six inches ajjart, and on alternate sides of the cane, sixteen in all. These shoots will probably show two or three bunches of fruit each, most of which it will be necessary to remove, limiting the crop to about one dozen clusters, or not over five pounds. These bearing shoots will require no tying-in ; they may be per- mitted to interlace and grow unchecked, unless a few show a strong tendency to rampancy, when a little wholesome correc- tion will be advisable ; there is, however, little probability that this will be required, unless the vine be over-stimulated ; and al- Diagonal Training in Vineyard Culture. 107 though this third season (from the fact that the phxnt is young, vigorous, extend- ing its roots in new soil, and carrying a very moderate crop of fruit) an excessive wood growth is more likely to take place than subsequently, we have, on the other hand, only alternate slats of the trellis oc- cupied, and consequently plenty of room to indulge the vine in this particular. From the short spur a shoot is trained upright, We have now to consider how to renew one-half the vine annually, so that it can be kept always vigorous and ever young. This second fruiting season, we train up- wards from the spur 0 a shoot, which is allowed to grow unchecked, and form a cane to supply the place of A, which is to be cut out at the Fall pruning. From a bud conveniently situated near the centre of the vine, we grow also a short cane, to this is to form a spur, from which next season a cane is to be grown, to fruit the year following. to grow through the season unchecked, and form a spur for the next year. As to stop- form a fruiting cane for the next year.— pj^g ^nd pinching in the bearing shoots From a bud near the base of this spur, or this season and subsequently, we are no on the trunk of the vine near its centre, a friend to it ; it gives the vine a shock de- third shoot is allowed to make about six trimental to its well being; a few that give leaves, and then stopped and kept short ; decided evidence of outstripping their neigh- bors will require it early in the season; and although the bearing shoots may extend some feet and interlace in all directions, there is little cause to fear that the foliage will become too dense ; grapes are ripened by the action of the sun on the leaves, not on themselves ; moreover, the upright cane, growing freely, will probably appropriate the superabundant vigor of the vine, and check excessive growth elsewhere. If the soil of the vineyard is too rich, or if, from the habit of the vine, or any other reason, we have to anticipate an exuberant growth of foliage, the fruiting cane may be twisted five or six times round its diagonal, and At the autumn pruning, cut in all the thus checked ; this is an excellent plan, if shoots on the fruiting cane (both those the trellises run north and south, so that which have borne fruit, and those which both sides are exposed to the action of the have not) to two buds ; prune the upright sun ; the shoots thus radiate from a com- cane to eight feet, and train it to the in- mon centre in all directions, and produce an termediate diagonals that have not yet open growth very favorable for the admis- been occupied, and cut in the short cane to sion of air and light. But continual sum- two buds. Our vine now presents the ap- mer pruning is against nature, and ought Fig. 51. — Diagonal Training. pearance in the diagram, having two bear- ing canes, A and B, and a short spur, C ; the following season it can bear a full crop. not to be indulged in. At the pruning this autumn, we cut out the cane A entirely, train the new cane thirty-two clusters as a minimum, that is, from the spur C in its place, and cut in one to each shoot ; those from the spurs of the old cane A, can, no doubt, bear two bunches each without injury to the vine, increasing the crop to forty-eight clusters ; this, however, must be left to the judgment of the cultivator. the laterals on B ; we also cut in the short cane to two buds ; thus we have our vine exactly where it was last autumn, except that the relative positions of the spur-bear- ing and budded canes are reversed. These operations can be followed year after year, 108 Hie Horticulturist. keeping aL parts of the vine in the same age and habit of growth, subjecting it to few unhealthy shocks by close pruning, pinching in, dwarfing, or otherwise ; and, accidents apart, securing abundance of healthy foliage, a natural consequence of which is ripe fruit. This method has also the advantage that a considerable length of cane is obtained without increasing the length of the trellis, so that all parts of the vine are kept within easy reach. The trel- lises are, moreover, of cheap construction, and easily repaired. It will be observed that a triangle, containing 18 square feet, is left at each end of the trellis ; this may be filled to advantage by an extra branch from the nearest vine, bent into bow shape, and renewed when necessary. The amount of soil allowed each vine is twenty-seven or thirty-two square feet of surface, according as the distance between the cordons is twenty inches or two feet ; the latter distance will no doubt be found most favorable, and this will allow 1,250 vines to the acre, together with necessary roads, lost space, &c. Now, if we can de- pend upon fifteen pounds of fruit from each vine, a quantity by no means large in suit- able conditions, the total product per acre may be easily calculated in fruit or wine. With regard to the manuring of vineyard, much has been written, and it appears to be generally conceded that nitrogenous ma- nures, and all those exciting a rank growth, are to be avoided. The inorganic sub- stances most abundant in all parts of the vine are potassa, lime, and phosphoric acid ; and as these are indispensable to the healthy growth of the plant, the soil must not be allowed to become deficient in them. The quantity of manure required by a vine- yard is wholly dependent on the disposal made of its products ; if the fruit is manu- factured into wine, and leaves, cuttings, and the residuum from the press are re- turned to the soil of the vineyard, very lit- tle manure will be required for a long pe- riod ; for 500 gallons of must, the average yield per acre, contains less than eight pounds of potassa, and this is everything of importance that is removed from the soil. If the fruit is sold as such, large amounts of valuable mineral salts are removed in the skins and seeds, and must be restored by annual manuring. The best material for this purpose appears to be hardwood ashes, or the ashes of forest leaves, wheat straw, and especially that of bean straw and corn stalks ; all of which substances abound in potassa, and supply phosphoric acid, lime, magnesia, &c., in large quanti- ties. The leaves cast annually by the vines, and worked into the soil, will proba- bly furnish sufiicient humus. Where sum- mer pruning is practised, the trimmings are immediately hoed in, and decay rapidly ; but in the method under discussion, no wood is removed until fully ripe ; and as a part of this is two years old, and would de- cay very slowly if turned under the soil, it is better to burn the trimmings, and return their ashes to the vineyard. In conclusion, we would state that this system exists but in theory. A method of vine-dressing was desired which should al- low the plant to follow its natural habits as closely as possible, with the attainment of certain conditions important to the cul- tivator ; and a result of the examination of many systems, both old and new, is the pa- per now presented. We publish it with the hope that some lover of horticulture may be induced to assist us in reducing theory to practice ; if any such there be, we wish them abundant success. We believe that, by patient experiment, some method of culture might be devised, by which the health of the vines will be ensured, with- out that lavish expenditure of nauseous drugs now so often found necessary. We do not by any means insist on training the fruiting canes at an angle of 45°, or at a distance of two feet ; these are simply the figure? we have adopted in our own exper- iments ; but we are of opinion that that method will be found most successful, in which summer pinching and pruning is re- duced to the minimum, or wholly neg- lected. Abbot Pear. 109 ABBOT PEAR. This is one of the handsome appearing pears that, although of native origin and qualities of merit, has been comparatively overlooked by introduction of foreign sorts. Fruit medium, oblong, obovate, bright clear yellow, with a rich, clear, red cheek in some ; dotted ; the dots in sun being dark Vermillion red; stem long, slender; Fig. ^2.— Abbot P& Fig. 53 Section. set without cavity ; basin, medium depth, regular ; calyx, open, with long, reflexed segments ; flesh white, granular, melting ; coarse granules next the core; sweet, juicy ; core medium ; seeds large, abundant, light brown. Early in October. 110 Tlie Horticulturist. MASTEN'S SEEDLING APPLE. BY C. R. C. MASTEN. This apple originated upon the farm for- merly owned by my father, but now in my possession; in the town of Pleasant Valley, Dutchess County, N. Y. The tree is vigor- ous, with a broad-spreading, well-formed head. The shoots are stout, leaves of me- dium size, and blossoms of a beautiful pink color. It is a very desirable apple for the market, as it always is unusually fair, hav- ing a peculiar oily skin, looking as if rub- bed with a towel, and is agreeable for the dessert or for cooking purposes. Fig. 54. — Masten Seedling Ap2)le. The fruit very much resembles the white Winter Pearmain in shape, being medium, oblong, conic. Skin oily smooth, greenish or pale yellow, with a faint blush or warm cheek, thickly sprinkled with minute light blue and brown spots. Stalk about an inch long, inserted in a narrow, rather deep and pretty regular tri- angular cavity. Calyx closed, and set in a basin of moder- ate depth, which sometimes is a little irre- gular. Flesh greenish white, moderately juicy, tender, with a mild, pleasant, and slightly vinous flavor. Good from December to April. Washington Uolloiv^ N. Y. Cleft-Grafting. Ill CLEFT-GRAFTING. WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO TREES AND STOCKS OF THE APPLE AND PEAR. BY D. S. D. Every recurring spring brings to my ears tlie same enquiry, " Who sliall I get to do a little grafting for me?" My reply is, interrogatively, "Why don't you do it your- self? This second question may be of suf- ficient pertinence to bear substantially, a repetition in the Horticulturist ; and it may therefore be well to ask, why such an interesting recreation is ever neglected by any intelligent pomologist ? No more per- manent gratification, in the way of fruit growing, can be expected— or, perhaps, im- agined— than that of watching, from time to timfe, the coalescent growth of an apple or pear scion, as it gradually identifies it- self with its foster-parent ; until, and even after, its due time of fruitage. Emphati- cally is this true if Nature is thus set to work by one's own individual act ; — a re- creation truly, in its common acceptation, almost a re-creation, in fact ! There seems to be more or less mystery overhanging this whole subject, which is entirely imaginary, at least so for as this department of cleft-grafting is concerned. The manual process is surely a plain one ; the proper reason is restricted within no narrow bounds ; the requisite implements are few and handy ; the labor is too slight to be called labor ; and, above all, the in- ducements and the rewards are not ex- celled in any department of horticulture ; while the conditions of success are easy enough for all. Grafts and grafting wax are matters of merchandise, easily procurable by purchase, and transmissible through mail bags. By so much are we aliead of our forefathers. A brief order, made out by the always- ready assistance of pen, paper, ink, enve- lope, and stamp, accomplishes the wonder, in this case, as in many others, of bringing to our hands whatever we want, and mak- ing the distant nurseryman as near to ns as the nearest post-ofiice. cGrafting mate- rials, cuttings, seeds, vines, potatoes, and so on ; — we can buy them all at the Post- ofiice !) This then, the only slight trouble in the case being disposed of, we choose a plea- sant morning ; take a saw in one hand, and, if needed, a ladder in the other; with knife and hammer in one pocket, and wax, wedge, and scions in the other, and proceed to our diversion. The selected stock or limb is sawed off, the stump split down an inch or more, the wedge inserted, the tapered graft or two placed in position, the wax applied to cover up all exposures, and — the thing is done. After a moment's gratifying survey of the "job," we attach a label, and confidently leave the object of our mis- cegenation in the care of a kind Provi- dence. Even with such general guidance as the above, no one need ever fail of success, af- ter a few trials ; but, to save unnecessary expense of time and patience, let us be more explicit. Any stout two-bladed 'jack- knife,' (the large blade for cleaving the stock, and the small one for shaping the taper of the graft,) and a small wedge of hard wood or metal, will answer ; but a grafting-chisel with wedge attached, is bet- ter. (This, too, can be obtained at the Post Office.) Grafting wax can be easily made, if it is not desirable to purchase it, by the following recipes: — 4 lbs. rosin, 2 lbs. tallow, and 1 lb. beeswax melted to- gether and well incorporated ; or the pro- portion of rosin may be greater, if lard be used instead of tallow; or linseed oil may be ased in the proportion of 1 pint to 3 lbs. rosin and 1 of beeswax. The preparation should not be too sparingly used, (as is sometimes the case,) but every part that 112 The Horticulturist. needs it should be so well covered that it will be sure to last at least through the whole season. One essential point in the operation of grafting is to be careful that the inner barks of the stock and scion shall meet at their edges. Practice will soon make this easy of accomplishment ; but without prac- tice, it can be made sure, by giving a slight inwarn inclin-.tion to the top of the scion, which will bring the edges exactly together somewhere in the desired line of meeting. The wedge-shaped end of the scion should be a trifle thinner on one of its bark-sides, which should be set inwards towards the heart of the stock, in order that the outer and thicker side may receive the greater pressure when the wedge is removed. Sometimes it may be necessary to shield a graft from drying wind, or heating sun, which can be done by tying around it a piece of thick, or oiled, paper. I have cleft-grafted apple trees success- fully, at intervals from the 27th of March to the 25th of July, — a space of nearly four months. How much farther, outside of these limits, the practice may be carried, I cannot say ; but this distance of dates is sufficiently wide to remove an excuse for neglect which is often oifered, in other mat- ters which require more precise and timely action. Some years since, when my knowledge of apples was somewhat more limited, I pur- chased a number of trees of a nurseryman, leaving the selection, in part, to him. Among them was a Gloria Mundi. As soon as I learned its worthlessness for my use I regrafted the whole of it, at difterent times, with choice varieties, until it be- came a propagating-tree, with sixteen dif- ferent kinds upon it. These it was a great pleasure to see growing, and blossoming and fruiting ; and it was an additional gratifica- tian to have the various grafts ready, at all proper times, for my own use, and as gifts to neighbors and amateur friends. Amputation and cleft-grafting may be recommended for the treatment of pear- blight, in some cases, — perhaps in all, — with timely attention. The topmost limbs of a twenty-year'-old pear tree, which had been struck with the blight, (atmospheri- cally?) were sawed oft' some few inches below the marks of discoloration on the bark, and the exposed surfaces covered with grafting wax. as a protection against injury from the elements. In the following spring these were again shortened by being sawed off" a few inches below the original cut, and then grafted with different desirable varie- ties ; — all of which have done perfectly well. The mysterious influence of stock upon scion in promoting early fruit-bearing is also an interesting result of grafting. A few years ago, in order to test the identity of the Boston Pear, so-called, with the Pinneo, I procured a young tree from Boston, and the cuttings which I took from it, and inserted in the limbs of a thrifty old English Jargo- nelle, produced fruit the next year ; while the original young tree did not even blos- som until seven years later. The tardy Dix, too, I have known to commence bear- ing, on a young graft, the first year after insertion. And so of apples, — some of the slowly-maturing kinds have been hurried into early fruitfulness by this method of double-working. Seedlings, also, may be " put through a course of sprouts,'''' " ahead of time," by the same process. It may be that 'l/o^l> knew all about these things before. Perhaps your young horti- cultural friend did not — for him this is written. Notes on the February Number. 113 NOTES ON THE FEBRUARY NUMBER. Fire on the Hearth. — All ! how the reading of this brings memories of the broad old kitchen fire-place of my early- home ; where parents, sisters, and brothers gathered, of a cold, frosty evening in au- tumn, chatting and laughing, the table load- ed with cakes, and various ripe and ruddy fruits from the orchard. How little Americans, as a people, study the after-influence of a pleasant home for the young. While grasping for money and with hints illustrative, but as all reforms are not improvements, so it is doubtful whether a transfer from porous pots to hard-baked or glazed ones may be an ad- 114 Tlie Horticulturist. vancement. The condition of the house, its temperature, &c., &c., all should be re- garded by the intelligent prapagator, and if carefully and common-sensically regard- ed, I think plants will continue to be grown — as heretofore — in porous, soft baked, as well as hard glazed pots Grapjes in 1865. — Thanks for this record. In an extensive correspondence, I have been getting many such records, and it is singu- lar how the whole sums up. Query — Have not all the varieties allied to Isabella, Adi- rondac, Israella, &c., more disposition to mildew, in both wood and fruit, than those sprung more directly from the Catawba 1 Esthetics in Rural Life. — A humorous comment upon the practice of many a would be horticulturist. Gardens and Parks of Germany. — Every line replete with interesting des- criptive record. The New Era /n Grape Culture. — Mr, Husraan has here given us statistical record of profits in grape growing, for which, as one of the readers of the Horti- culturist, he. has my thanks. Neverthe- less, I cannot concede, as yet, that each and every grape grower may realize annuallj^ ^6,000 per acre from sale of his grapes and wine produced therefrom. That Mr. Husman has done so I do not doubt, as he so states it, but it won't answer as a guide-post or prospective view to the grape growers of the States, unless they expect disappointment. If we take Mr. Husman's 500 Concord vines, or, as he says, four-tenths of an acre, and estimate 160 gallons of wine, (which is all a ton will make of ^wi'e juice), to the ton of grapes, we have, as a result, over six tons, or say, fourteen tons to an acre. The balance of the figuring is about the same, and while Mr. Husman may lay claim to that amount of product, I doubt if any other vineyard in the States can do so. Missouri is, undoubtedly, a fine fruit State, and I rejoice at this evidence of her productiveness. Mr. Husman kindly takes me to task, and hints that I am fault-finding in my comments on one of his previous articles . I beg here to assure the gentleman that such an idea as fault-finding never has yet entered my head in commenting on his or other articles. I am a plain old-fogy ob- server, and my notes are written rather to draw out ideas and practical teachings from their authors, than from any vain im- aginings of my capacity to criticise. If I take exceptions, it is not always that I do not myself believe, but that the conclusions or statistics, as the case may be, are so much at variance with generally received opinions as to admit of more light being shed on the subject. Thanks, Mr. H., for telling how to make and grow cuttings ; but in case of varieties like the Delaware, Norton's, &c., that do not strike readily in the open ground, have you ever tried laying the bundles in the ground, on approach of spring, with the lower or butt ends uppermost, and within one or two inches of the surface — leaving them in that position until they have cal- Jused, and then planting them out. One grower of my acquaintance practises in that manner and succeeds. Again, if I mistake not, Mr. GriflBth, of North East, Pa.— a gentleman of sound good sense, and possessor of about sixty acres of vineyard — practises growing vines from single buds only, in the open ground, covering with about half an inch of soil and some three inches of fine mulch. Perhaps in a future number he will tell us his way of doing. Thanks, Mr. Husman, for your invitation to come and see how you prune. Should I do so, it would not be the first time I have enjoyed your genial huspitality, eaten of your grapes, and drank of your wines. Sap in Trees amd Leaves. — Two arti- cles of vegetable physiology that it is well for all to read. They contain no new truths, but the novice in horticultural pur- suits should study them. Reuben. Report on Grapes in Missouri. 115 REPORT ON GRAPES IN MISSOURI DURING THE SUMMER OF 18G5. lY GEORGE HUSMANN. This was one of the most trying seasons for grapes here, the summer being exces- sively wet, and but few varieties escaped altogether. The prospects for a most abundant crop have, perhaps, never been so good than they were about the middle of July. Tlie grapes had set finely, and de- veloped rapidly. But excessive rains brought on mildew, rot, and all the evils to which grapes are subject, and but a few of the most healthy varieties escaped alto- gether. The following observations have been mostly taken on my own ground, and I will let the grapes follow in alphabetical light dry soils, but some of the best Belle i Lucrative pears we ever ate were grown on ; mountain ash stock. j The thorn is hardier than the ash, and < clays and wet do not apparently aflFect it '; more than the quince. Its abandonment , for the quince, we opine, has been rather j from the greater facility of getting quince stocks than any valid objection to the stock Editor's Table. 123 itself. The largest Seckel pears we ever saw were grown on a thorn stock. The apple, although at first uniting with the pear apparently well, and growing, per- haps two years, vigorously, then becomes checked, and within the next two years either dies entirely, breaks oft", or remains a stunted dwarf, that no system of cul- ture that w« have tried would invigorate. Lastly — The question as to difference in varieties of the quince for stocks, we con- sider answered, by saying that there is no more difference in quince stocks to work the pear upon than there is in apple stocks to work the apple upon. If the stock is a vigorous thrifty grower, it is a good stock. Unfortunately, a great many quince stocks have been grown from seed, and used as apple stocks indiscriminately, without regard to their vigor or adaptation to the purpose sought. Other quince stocks have been grown from cuttings, made also without reference to the habit of the plant or tree from which the cutting was taken. This indiscriminate manner of working the pear, as well as the apple, &c., in a great measure accounts for the want of success obtained by some planters, and also for the irregular and unequal vigor of trees When grown in nursery-rows and orchards. Moore's Sweeting, and Talman's are good for winter use. Fine baked apples, eaten with pure rich milk, is about the best sup- per we have among farmers. We find no difference in the market price, if they are only handsome and in good order. An easy and a good way to cook sub-acid apples is to cut them in two, put about a tea-spoon- ful of sugar to a large apple, put them in a dish after cutting out the blossom and stem, put another layer on these same as before, and then cover with a dish or cover that fits close, and cook until done. The taste of the fruit imparted by the skin and seeds is very fine. Baldwin and H. Nonsuch are especially nice cooked by this method. A correspondent enquired a few weeks past about planting an orchard around his house. We like to have an orchard as near to the house, especially the summer varieties, as may be ; but other shade trees are better in close proximity. Give the apple, cherry, and pear trees a field by themselves, and give them the proper care, and they will repay for the attention, but they make poor lawn trees, and, as they require to be cul- tivated, and sometimes get full of weeds, as young orchards are prone to, would pre- sent an unsightly object in front. Isaac Hicks, North Hempstead^ L. 1. Sweet Apples. — Why is it that sweet apples are so little noticed and planted. — We have sixteen acres of orchard, about twenty years planted, and we find, for fa- mily use, sale in New York market, stock, and cider, they are full as valuable as acid apples. We have them on the lable (ex- cept the present year), baked nearly every meal, and are of good kinds. They are ex- cellent to eat as a dessert. Put them in the stove oven when cooking the dinner, and they require no peeling or coring, no sugar, and are a good substitute for pies and pastry, and far more healthy. We have the Summer Bough, succeeded by Golden Sweeting, Jersey Sweet Corlies, Fall Bough, and Willis Sweeting, the best of all. Pound Sweeting, Ladies' Sweeting, Where is there a plant which, during the autumn and winter months, is so gay or beautiful as the Primula? It is also very useful for exhibition or decorative purposes, or for filling the flower vase or bouquet. By artificial light, some of the varieties are very brilliant. During the last season a number of very beautiful double seedlings have been brought before the public, especially those of Messrs. Windebank & Kingsbury, of Southampton, who, at the present time possess some very splendid seedlings. Where high cultivation is aimed at, care must be taken to keep the plants healthy at ail times. I generally sow the seed in March, or in April, in pans placed on the front shelf of the greenhouse or vinery. I 124 The Horticidturist. find that to bring the seedlings up well, nothing is so good as putting a square of glass over each pan, and as soon as the plants appear, I remove this to prevent their being weakened. When strong enough I put them in small 60's (3 inch pots), using for soil half leaf mould, loam, and a little silver sand. I keep them in a close frame for a few days till well established, when I give air freely on all favorable oc- casions. Early in M?lj \ repot the plants into 32's (G inch pots), using the same des- cription of soil as before. I now plunge them in a cold frame, in a shady situation, for the summer months, and in the end of July I repot into their blooming pots, 24's (8 inch pots), using a mixture of half loam eaf mould and a little rotten dung and sil- ver sand. I then replace them in the frame as before, and am always very careful not to allow them to get dry during the summer, as nothing is so injurious to them. Early in September I remove them to the greenhouse, and I thus secure a good supply of bloom for the autumn and winter months. J. 0. HiGGS, Florist and Pomologist. St. Louis Horticultural Society. — At the annual election of this Society, the following named gentlemen were elected officers for 1866, viz.: Norman J. Colman, President. C. M. Saxton, Vice-President. J. H. Tice, Secretary and Treasurer. The Society then took up for consider- ation the importance of establishing a Hor- ticultural bazaar in St. Louis. All seemed to feel the importance of having a Horti- cultural House, where the producer could send all his fine fruits and flowers to sell, and where the citizens would know where to go to buy them. A committee was ap- pointed to take steps towards the organi- zation of a joint stock company for that purpose. A number of samples of wine were test- ed, viz.: Concord, Virginia Seedling, Herbe- mont, Oynthiana, &c. They were present- ed by the President and by Louis Wolfe, Esq. Fuchsia. — Prince Imperial. — We have met with but indifferent success with the Fuch- sia as a plant for winter blooming until we obtained this variety. Mr. Peter Hender- son sent us a small plant last spring, which was planted in the open ground last summer, where it was soon in bloom. In October the plant was lifted, potted and placed in the greenhouse, where it continued to bloom profusely until the middle of January. Af- ter a short rest, it is now, March 1st, a mass of bloom. As a variety for pot culture for winter bloom we doubt if it has a superior. Corolla, dark purple changing to scarlet ; sepals, bright scarlet, plant of dwarf compact habit. Philadelphia, Jan. 19, 1866, Messrs. Woodward: Will you oblige a Philadelphia subscriber to the Horticulturist by giving, in the February number of your journal, some in- formation in regard to the planting of a Peach Orchard, and also a few practical hints on the Peach Tree, &c.? And oblige a regular subscriber who is going to plant a Peach Orchard the coming spring, in the southern part of Maryland. Yours, &c., Philadelphia Subscriber. The soil and site for your proposed orchard is probably already selected, so that it only remains for us to say, it is a mistaken notion that a poor soil for the peach is the best. True, the peach will grow and bear tolerable crops where other fruit trees would hardly exist, but to pro- duce crops of fine fruit, a rich soil of a sandy nature should be selected. Your trees should be planted about twenty feet apart each way, and the ground kept under culture of some kind. For market purposes we would recom- mend the list of varieties given by Isaac Pullen, Esq., of Hightstown, N. J., pub- lished in our February number. Mr. P. has had large experience as a grower for mar- ket, and his selection of kinds can be relied upon. You will have to look out sharp for the peach-borer. Examine your trees twice Editor's Table. 125 every year, spring and fall, and cut the worms out. Do not be satisfied with poking a wire into their holes, which is a very un- certain way of killing them. The best in- strument for the purpose is a half-inch gouge, kept sharp. A small mound of ashes or air-slacked lime, kept around the body of the tree, will keep the borer from entering at or near the root, but will not prevent entirely his attacks. The exuda- tion of gum is generally, but not always evidence of the borer's presence. For the yellows we know no effectual cure, and should recommend the eradication of the tree root and branches on which this dis- ease makes its appearance. Messrs. Editors: I always make it a point to read the ad- vertisements in your Magazine, and am pleased to note that the grape-vine men have omitted any longer to offer the " Box layers for immediate fruiting" as the short- est mode to induce those who are get- ting the grape fever to part with the six dollars for a basket layer, in the belief that it is worth more and will fruit earlier, en- abling the owner to pick nice grapes of his ewn raising the same season of planting. Down with all such humbug in grape cul- ture. Do not teach new beginners to ex- pect impossibilities. Rather let the state- ments be truthful, or even short of it ; they are quite startling enough to make one wonder why men go so far off to seek in- vestments in gold mines, or to bore for oil, when fruit and wine (at present prices) yield so largely It is yowr duty, gentle- men, and I know it is your wish, to guard your readers against frauds and over san- guine estimates. One who has "Suffered Some." FisHKiLL Landing, Jan. 12th, 1866. Mr. Editors: I do not agree with your intelligent cor- respondent's (Mr, Peter Henderson) arti- ticle, called, "Whatnot to do," more es- pecially in that part of it relating to plant- growing. It is just nineteen years since I went a journeyman to Chelsea Botanic Garden, and since that time have been more or less engaged in that branch of gardening — " Plant Growing ;" and I never saw or heard of anybody succeed in growing hard- wooded New Holland plants, such as Heaths, Epacris, Acacias, or even Camellias, &c., without plenty of drainage. In fact, if the soil in the pots is not allowed to get dry enough to receive water almost daily, the plants are not in a thriving condition. For it is not so mucli the soil that feeds the plants, as it is the chemical substances of which the water is composed. Now, for instance, how would epiphytal orchids do to be planted in rich soil? Or you can take terrestrial orchids, if you please, which are not so difficult to grow ; without drainage, they would not grow at all. There are a great many other things I could mention that would not live a sin- gle week by Mr. H.'s method of growing soft-wooded plants ; and if he had to make a living by cultivating hard-wooded plants, he would then be very soon compelled to change his plan. If Mr. Henderson chooses to confess, he saw much better specimens of plants grown in the British Isles, when he was last there, than ever he saw in the neighbor- hood of New York, or any other part of the world. The English journals will be sure to see his article, and will not fail to whip him right and left. I invite him to come up to Fishkill and see how the orchids grow with abundance of drainage. I heartily agree with him in saying that the stones at the roots of the apple trees are of no service whatever — more harm than good, because the water is retained at their roots. I know very well how to grow plants, but would like to hear about the club root cabbages. I am, gentlemen, sincerely yours, James Cowan. 126 The Horticulturist. Hartford, Feb. 20, 186G. Messrs. Woodward : Seven years ago, at the annual meeting of the Connecticut Grape-Growers' Asso- ciation, it was voted that the Delaware Grape •' promises to stand exceedingly high." A i^esolution was also adopted, re- commending for general cultivation, the following grapes, in the order in which they stand, namely, Diana, Isabella, Hart- ford Prolific, Concord. At the recent meeting of the Fruit Growers' Society of Western New York, which was more fully attended than on any previous occasion, (" nearly four hun- dred persons being present,") a ballot for the best varieties of hardy grapes resulted in placing these varieties in the following relative order of merit, namely, " Delaware, Diana, Isabella, Hartford Prolific, Con- cord," &c. Ttie coincidence is noteworthy, and is one of marked significance, which those who are intending to plant grape vines will do well to heed, as such verdicts are intend- ed to go before the public as the authoritat- ive renderings of well-informed juries. This decision, arrived at on general prin- ciples, indicates, probably, as reliable a se- lection as can be made, at the present time, for garden and vineyard culture in South- ern New England, and Southern and West- ern New York, and " certain localities " further west. In some particulars it may not meet all the requirements of each one's particular case, so that, if either one, or more than one, of the above fails to give general satisfaction, in any one place or vi- cinity, it is advisable to substitute some variety which is known to succeed, and to add to them some one or more of the nu- merous untried novelties. My individual practice has conformed to the above, for I have been adding, year after year, to my small vineyard, more or less of all the well-known kinds above enu- merated, (with the exception of the Isa- bella;) while, at the same time I have also planted out, for trial, almost every new kind of promise. I find imperfections in the^i all, old and new. The Delaware mil- dews, the Diana is unreliable, the Isabella is tardy, the Prolific is inclined to drop some of its fruit, the berries of the Concord are thin-skinned and perishable ; Rebecca is delicate, Creveling loose-bunched, Man- hattan, Union Village, Catawba, and Anna late and uncertain, Northern Muscadine foxy, Yeddo tender ; and so on. I have grown and fruited lona and Is- raella, and am disposed to think well of them, but a close-observing correspondent of the Gardener''s Monthly says of the for- mer that "it drops its leaves and shows more marked symptoms of disease than the Ca- tawba which is by its side;" and of the latter, a Massachusetts correspondent of the Horticulturist says, " it mildews badly." The Adirondac looks well, with me, in wood and foliage, and I am inclined to recommend it extensively for trial, al- though the few reports which have been made public with regard to it, during the past year, have not been uniform in its praise. Allen's Hybrid — so far as I have tried it — appears to be more perfect, or, in other words, less faultj^, than any of the new grapes ; and it seems to be gaining in popular estimation. Not one of the whole forty-four of Rogers' Hybrids can be said to have given entire satisfaction ; — and so we might go on with specifications, but the road would lead us around and back to our starting place, and content us, probably, to make use of the few tried varieties which, although lacking in one or more of the ele- ments of perfection, were the best which could be recommended by the Connecticut Congress of grape growers, in 1849 ; and by the New York pomologists in 1866. D. S. D. Mt. Carroll Seminary, Carroll Co, 111., Feb. 7, 1866. Editors of Horticulturist: Noticing inquiry " How to prepare white oak posts for vineyards to prevent decay," it occurred to me to submit my plan for the Editor's Table. 127 benefit of your correspondent, and for the criticism of your readers. I say criticism, because I am an " amateur horticulturist," and " only a woman," and hence do not presume the plan is perfect by any means, and if I can draw out criticism, or sugges- tions or experience of others, by which I may profit, I may be more the gainer than your correspondent. Having about one thousand posts to set in our vineyard the coming season, and wishing to use timber from our own wood-lot, I set about plan- ning some way to improve and make it more economical than to buy yellow cedar, at $28 per hundred. So to my plan. I had my posts cut in the fall and early win- ter, the bark and roughness dressed off", and piled in loose ranks for seasoning. Have a tank made of the best sheet iron, forty inches deep, and over two feet in diameter. Have a grate made of oak sticks about an inch sqare, to cover the bottom inside, to receive the blows, should a post be let down hard at any time. Have an old superannu- ated cook-stove placed out of doors, on which the tank or boiler is set. Fill the boiler with posts placed the top end (i. e., the end that was toward the top of the tree) down ; the ends projecting to rest against frame built up to a suitable height to support them from tipping the boiler. Fill the boiler with gas tar, and build your fire under it. Boil till the wood is well saturated with the tar. Thus the post, so far as it goes into the ground, and some inches above, is covered when dry with a surface nearly as hard and impervious to water as glass. I have often seen tar re- commended for this use, but have never seen any practicable plan given for applying it effectually. I have had it put on hot with a brush, but it seemed to me a very ineffi- cient process. Any improvement will be gratefully received. When my trellis is completed I propose to have the whole cov- ered with a good coat of tar. T have a grape arbor in process of construction three hundred and twenty feet long, ten feet high, and eleven feet wide, and a floor in it, designed for an out-door gymnasium ; hence will want it well covered with vines the year round. This arbor I intend to have thoroughly painted with tar also. Rather a dark picture, you may say, but not so bad methinks as to see the paint and soon the wood destroyed by the moisture under the vines. Now, I have to ask information. "Will some one lolio has had experience give a good and economical plan for fruit-house or cellar and ice-house combined ? Is " Schooley's plan for summer fruit and ice-house" consid- ered a. success? Is it designed to keep fruit as well in winter? I want something of the kind built next summer, and would be grateful for the experience of others. Will some of your readers who have had experience with " automatic gates," and w^ho knoto whereof they write, tell us something about their practical utility? Our stand- ard authority here in the West says, in re- ply to our inquiry on this point: "We have seen many different kinds of automat- ic gates, but none we have any confidence in." We have had some thoughts of trying E. Nicholson's, but would know more about it, and also if there is any better one in use. Yours, &c., Mrs. F. A. W. Shimer. Messrs. Editors. Dear Sirs — Every reader of the Hor- ticulturist would be interested if some way could be devised that would be within the reach of all, for preserving fruit in the natural state beyond the time of ripening. Then fruit-growers would not be obliged to sell when the market is over-stocked, and prices below the cost of raising, and con- sumers would have an extended season for our choicest fruits. I am experimenting with houses for keep- ing fruit, something on the plan of the one in this city, but instead of walls filled in all around with 3^ feet of sawdust, I pro- pose to build with spaces for confined air. Do you, or any reader of the Horticul- turist, know of a successful ice-house with 128 The Horticulturist. confined air spaces ? If so, with what ma- terial is it built, how wide the space for confined air, and does it keep ice perfectly'? There will be a fruit-house erected in this neighborhood the present season, with spaces for confined air, the success or failure of which I will promise to report to your readers. E. Nicholson, Cleveland, Ohio. English Books and Periodicals. — "We are now prepared to furnish English books and periodicals, and import the same to order. In our advertising columns will be found a list of some of the publications which we at present have on sale. BOOKS, CATALOGUES, &c., RECEIVED. Hans Brinker, or the Silver Skates, by Mrs. M. A. Dodge, daughter of the late Prof. James J. Mapes ; published by James O'Kane, New York. An interesting story of life in Holland, combining history and instruction with pleasing details. Those unacquainted with Dutch manners and customs will find them carefully described, and the general reader will find agreeable entertainment in the pages of this neatly-published work Protean Cards, or Box of 100 Games ; suit- able for all ages. John H. Tingley, 152i Ful- ton-street, New York. There is provided for, at the expense of One Dollar, we believe, a good deal more amusement than we have ever seen before at so small a cost. One need never lack entertainment as long as they pos- sess a box of these cards Canary Birds. — A useful and practical manual for those who keep these delightful songsters. Published by William Wood & Co., 61 Walker-street. Price, 50 cents. (See our Book List.) QuiMBT ON THE Bee. — A uew edition, re- written throughout, of this excellent practical work on bee culture. The author has had large experience, and his directions and state- ments can be relied upon. Published by Orange, Judd & Co., 41 Park Row, New York (See our Book List,) McElwain, Bros., Springfield, Mass., Seeds and Vegetable ana Flower Garden Manual Edgar Sanders, Chicago, Illinois, Plants David D. Buchan- an, Elizabetli, Fruit and Ornamental Trees, &c John Crane, Union, New Jersey, Straw- berry Plants.... William H. Bailey, Platts- burgh. New York, Plattsburgh Nurseries D. Redmond, Augusta, Georgia, Georgia Nur- series John W. Bailey & Co., Plattsburgh, N.Y., Grape Vines Peter Henderson, Jer- sey City, N. Y., New Plants Henderson and Fleming, 67 Nassau-street, N. Y., Flower and Vegetable Seeds Hoopes, Brother and Thomas, West Chester, Penn., No. 1, Fruit Trees, &c. ; No. 2, Ornamental Trees, Shrub- bery, &c R. G. Hanford, Columbus, Ohio, Columbus Nursery F. K. I'hosnix, Bloom- ington, Illinois, Wholesale Price List Par- sons & Co., Flushing, L, I., Fruit and Orna- mental Trees, &c J. Vick, Rochester, N.Y., Illustrated Catalogue and Floral Guide Hubbard and Davis, Wayne, Michigan, Fruit and Ornamental Trees, &c Ellwangerand Barry, Rochester, N. Y., No. 1, Ornamental Trees and Shrubs ; No. 2, Fruit Trees; No. 4, Wholesale Trade List Washburn and Co., 100 Fremont-street, Boston, Amateur Cultiva- tors' Guide to the Flower and Kitchen Garden. Wm. Parry, Cinnaminson, New Jersey, Strawberries, Raspberries, Blackberries, &c., &c J. W. Maiming, Reading, Mass., Read- ing Nursery Frost & Co., Rochester, New York, Nos. 1 and 2, Fruit and Ornamental Trees ; No. 3, Select Greenhouse Plants ; No. 4, Wholesale Price List; No. 6, Choice Flower Seeds Alfred Brldgman," 876 Broadway, N. Y., No. 2, Vegetable Seeds, &c.; No. 1, Flower Seeds Transactions of the Massa- chusetts Horticultural Society Capabil- ities and Resources of Grundy County, Illinois, set forth by the Grundy County Agiicultural Society Forty -Seventh Annual Report of the Hampshire, Franklin and Hampden Agri- cultural Society, Northampton, Mass Tiiird Annual Report of the Proceedings of the West Jersey Fruit Growers' Association B. K. Bliss, Springfield, Massachusetts, Spring Cata- logue and Amateurs' Guide Hovey & Co., Boston, Mass., Illustrated Guide to the Flower and Vegetable Garden John A. Bruce and Co., Hamilton, Canada West, Seeds, &c. THE HORTICULTURIST VOL XXI MAY. 1SG6...,..., .,,N0. CCXXXIX. ABOUT THE GRAPE. BY F. R. ELLIOTT. I DO not propose to write a treatise, or give perfect directions liow to select soils — plant and prune vines, etc — but, as I have been studying grapes somewhat, and read- ing all remarks of grape growers that I could have access to, I propose in a desultory manner to make my comments. In the October number of the Horti- culturist was published a letter of mine, on the selection of soils whereon to grow the grape ; some questions having been put to me respecting what I meant in that letter by calcareous limestone soils ; before I say any- thing more, that is considered blind, let me answer : that by that term I mean soils of limestone, originally possessed of such slight coherence, that they disintegrate easily when exposed to frost, fcc, breaking the rock to a sort of calcareous sand. These differ very materially from what are usually termed limestone soils ; the latter resting upon beds of solid limestone, and rarely having in their composition any carbonate of lime, and requiring the application of lime as a manure, as readily, if not quite as much, as soils that were formed from sand, stones, &c. Capillary attraction may assist, and probably does, in supplying lime and other minerals to the roots of plants grow- ing in soils resting on solid limestone. Calcareous limestone soils are not abundant in our States. So far as I know, Missouri possesses the largest quantity ; and had I the grape fever, at such temperature as to make grape growing my own business, I would select my land in IMissouri without delay ; believing as I do, that all grape growers at the West must look to the wine made from the fruit, and not to sales of the fruit, for their profits. So much in explana- tion of what was before written. The classification of soils in which to grow the grape is by some regarded as all nonsense, and, judging from an article in the January number of the Horticulturist, Mr. A. S. Fuller, author of a book on grape culture, evidently considers any soil suited to grape growing ; and, so it is, " within one or two hundred miles of the Atlantic coast," loca- tion is of small consequence. It may be Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1860, of the District Court of the United States, by Geo. E. & E. W. Wood-stxed, in the Clerk's Office , for the Southern District of New York. 9 130 The Horticulturist. that Mr. Fuller is right, and in so far as the mere fact of growing grapes is concerned, there is no doubt of it — but, while hundreds or thousands of acres may be grown around New York, Philadelphia and other large cities, and sold for table use — the hundreds and thousands of acres noio grow- ing throughout our Western States, must find return of profits in manufacture of the fruit into wine. Coming, therefore, down to that point, we have records from the old countrjr, where soil, in a distance of less than half a mile renders one vineyard so valuable as to be unpurchasable ; while another can be bought at a very low rate. In Illinois, some years since, I visited two vineyards, distant from each other not one eighth of a mile, both cultivated and trained alike. One made a good wine, the other only a moderate, or rather poor quality. In my immediate section, or the south shore of Lake Erie, we have grapes growing in almost every variety of soil, and so well is the matter now understood by our best wine makers, that they make a decided va- riation in the prices paid for grapes. Vine- yards of Catawba, growing on sandy or loamy soils, find sale at a very low price to the wine makers. Some refusing to use them at any price, while they pay from seven to ten cents for the same variety upon limestones and clays. Indeed, we have men who claim they can detect the soil in which the grape was grown by seeing the bunch. The author of " Ten Acres Enough," in January number of Horticulturist,' says he " never knew the Isabella grape was tit to eat," until this last fall, when he ate from a vine fed from the burial ground of cats, dogs, mules, etc. E. W. Bull, the originator of Concord grape, while advising a light, warm or good corn soil, says, the flavor of the fruit will be injured by ap- plication of coarse, rank manures, and advises use of bone dust, ashes and gypsum. C. M. Glidden, of Ironton, 0., on clay soil, digs three and a half feet deep ; puts in bones; adds fifteen or twenty inches of stable manure, and waters the vines during summer, daily^ with lime-water. In a trip to one of the islands in Lake Erie, last summer, I saw vines, of different varieties, loaded with fruit ; they had been manured with fish ; and by-the-by it strikes me, were I living oa the same shore, I should act on this item to a certain extent; especially, if showy fruit and rapid growth of vine was an object, as it often is to the propagator and exhibitor. In Missouri, Mr. Husmann, one of our most intelligent of grape men, says the Catawba is unworthy of culture, because of its rotting; while L, D. Morse, Esq., Secretary of the Missouri State Board of Agriculture, says he visited a vineyard on the line of the Pacific Rail- road— soil post oak clay, with pellets of iron intermixed, resting on a stratum of gravel, and that on magnesian limestone ; and here neither rot or mildew affects the grape. Mr. Husmann's ground is a strong clay, and mostly, I think, a side hill. Apparently there is collision in these statements, but in reality none, as no test of the sugar, alcohol or acid, in the vai'ious locations and practices has been made, and the matter of advising manure or no manure rests on the taste of various men, whom, if met together, very likely would differ as much in the eating of the same grape, pro- nouncing on it as they do on soils for its cultivation. Many assert that the appear- ance of grapes grown on sandy or loamy soil is better than those grown on clay, and to those who look only to the surface of the fruit, it may be so ; hence the adaptation of any soil to grow grapes. Unfavorable seasons however, occur to all fruits, the grape neither more, nor perhaps less than others ; but when an unfavorable season does occur, when the rot or mildew affects the fruit, so as to render it undesira- ble for table use ; then comes the test of soils, in giving to the fruit such qualities as will render it valuable for making ^jwe wine ; for remember, we of the West ignore all so-called wines, in which sugar, sorghum, alcohol or other substances may have been About the Grape. 131 mingled. There is yet anotlier point that in the grape culture has perhaps been too much overlooked. It is the adaptation of varieties to soils and climates, or localities. The American Pomological Society once undertook to recommend fruits for general cultivation; but they failed so signally, that their list has never received much attention.. The observing fruit grower soon learns to distinguish what variety will and what will not answer for his soil and localitj^, and when some one or two apples, and as many of pears, seem to succeed everywhere, the majority will not do so. The Concord grape seems apparently to do well nearly everywhere, but its quality is undoubtedly improved or reduced by soil and location ; for while some have claimed to make from it a pure and good wine, others can only obtain a thin, red wine, about equal to claret. The Delaware is, perhaps, on the other hand, a variety that chooses its soil and location, with as dainty a root as any hardy sort. Simple undulations, in a field, with their natural variations of surface soil, often changing it from a vigorous, healthy vine, producing delicious, good-sized fruit, to that of a puny weakling with small, sweet, but insipid fruit. Mr. Fuller, in the article I have before quoted, names a list of grapes to grow for " profit." They are " Delaware, lona, Israella, Concord, Creveling, Hartford, and Rogers No. 3, 4, 15 and 19." Such a recommendation of a list ought to make them succeed everywhere ; but, un- fortunately, with the Delaware, as I have just written, a distancand pounds or more, was ruined by mil- dew. I saw the vineyard again in the fall, the ground under the vines was strewed with the falling grapes, which, although diseased, had up to this late period remained upon the vines and had colored, but now dropping from the stem were without flavor and worthless. For several previous years these vines had been free from every disease, and had borne splendid crops of grapes. No manure of a stimulating character had been used. Since setting out the plants, bone dust has been the only manure applied, and that not abundantly. How could this dis- ease have appeared under such conditions if not through some atmospheric influence, yet eluding the search of our cultivators'? On the appearance of this mildew the Messrs. C. had a|)plied a solution, or rather a mixture of sulphur and lime in water, but apparently with little or no effect in re- moving the disease. The foliage of these vines did not have a healthy look ; the want of a bright green color to the leaves was visible at some distance, yet they were not so affected as to drop off. Although mildew did not effect my ber- ries materially, my crop of Concords was diminished somewhat from several other causes. There was a species of rot prevalent to a small extent, and distinguished by a yellowish rusty spot on the berrj^, as though it had been scalded by the sun, though I do not think it was tlms caused. Another kind of rot prevailed, which caused a prema- ture coloring of the berry; in this case the berry hardened^ instead of becoming softer, and at the time of ripening was red in color and had to be cut out of the bunch when picked for market. This rot, if it may be so called, showed itself in spoiling single berries on the bunch ; sometimes one or two on a bunch, at other times many more. Large bunches of grapes were thus reduced by the necessary thinning out to very small specimens. I think this difficulty occurs during the same kind of weather that seems often to generate the rot on the Catawba. I mean the hot, close weather, which with alternate sun and shower brings out rust upon wheat. My crop of Concords was also shortened by the splitting of the thin skin that envelopes this grape; this happens often just at the point of connection with the stem, and is not perceived until the berry is found to lose its fullness, and to dry up. In picking for market, many berries thus split have to be removed. The birds also inflicted much damage, perhaps as much as was caused by any two of the agencies I have just mentioned. I suppose I am more of a sufierer in this way than many others, because my grounds are thickly planted with trees, and these in groves, and adjacent to the vine3'ard. The determination of the birds to regale them- 154 TJie Horticulturist. selves on my choicest Delawares, Dianas, Concords was most persistent. In my first experience in this line, I merely frightened the birds away from the vines, but this was a lenity for which I dearly paid. I constantly found my choicest bunches of grapes one after another turned into unsightly masses of decaying fruit, and the crop daily dimin- ishing from the attack of these intruders. I was unable to save any superior bunches for exhibition, until I finally covered a few with bags made of coarse millinet, and this protected them. After several seasons of trial I have at last resorted to the gun as the best mode of defence. I do not mean merely the exhibition of this instrument as a terror to evil doers, but something more : I mean its use for the actual destruction of all depredators. I know some will deem the treatment harsh and cruel. If so, then we must give up the cultivation of the earlier and sweeter grapes, or else discover some other means for the constant and effectual expulsion of the depredating birds. Two gentlemen of my acquaintance set up scare- crows among their vines ; these were found serviceable, at least for a time, but they are not practicable on a large scale, as they would have to be distributed at frequent intervals along the trellises. As for driving away the birds by the throw- ing of stones at them, it is useless to attempt it ; made to fly from one corner of the vine- yard, they will alight in another ; then, if pursued, they will most likely take refuge in the place whence they were at first expelled, and so back and forth, until the discomfited pursuer is breathless and dis- heartened, or if the birds fly from the vines into neighboring trees, the wily thieves will wait there, until the back of the vineyardist is turned, and then swoop down again to renew the feast with an appetite only sharpened by the temporary interruption. If you wish to save your choice and early grapes for your own eating, rather than furnish delicate food for the fowls of the air, early in the morning light seize your gun, rush out, and lay low the very first bird found perching on your treliises, or covertly flitting from row to row under the vine leaves. But, hold, I should not say every bird ; I do not think I ever saw the wren, or the blue bird, or chipping bird, or the yellow bird guilty of this wasteful foraging ; but if you see under these circumstances a cat bird, a robin, or an oriole, forget for a moment their sweet songs of a spring morn- ing, and shoot ; it is hard, I acknowledge? but to lose all your grapes right before your eyes is still harder. In addition to the kinds of grapes already named, suffering from the rapacity of the birds, add the Hartford Prolific, and I may perhaps say. all of the very early grapes. The Isabellas are rarely touched, except by an occasional flock of robins ; the Catawbas never. A gentleman living within the limits ofthis city, where we do not ordinarily look for many birds, told me, last summer, that he should give up the cultivation of the Elsingburgh, among the many varieties that he raised, solely on account of the impos- sibility of obtaining any fruit of this sort ; the birds devoured or destroyed the whole of it. Others in this vicinity picked their grapes before they had fairly matured, in order to save them from total destruction by the marauders. Some cultivators complain of the bees and the wasps injuring their crops; I am inclined to think, from my observation, that as long as the grape berry is sound, it is impermeable to the attacks of these insects; but as soon as a Delaware or a Concord splits, as they both will at times, or as soon as they are punctured by the bills of birds, the juice exudes, and then the wasps and bees, with the flies, all congregate to feast on the unimprisoned sweets. I could always tell on my vines where the birds had been at work, by the activity of these insects in th^ immediate neighbor- hood. I am aware that wasps destroy blackberries, and injure pears and peaches, but in these fruits, there is always a soft place frequently of initial decay, which gives opportunity for the first perforation, and Editor's Table. 155 the work is continued by undermining the skin and consuming the tender flesh beneath. The enveloping skin of the grape is equally hard and tough at all points. I speak of our out door grapes ; those grown under glass, with a tender skin, may possibly rbe liable to injury from wasps. These insects, then, do not originate injury but only continue it ; coming to feed where some operation of nature, or the art of a bird, has already opened for them in a fountain of sweet juice, a most inviting entertainment. My rambling notes are perhaps already extended, but as a part of my experience I would like to add the fact, that out of twelve or thirteen or more varieties of grape cul- tivated by me, I find that Rogers No. 15 exceeds them all in his-h aromatic flavor, so much so, that the finest Concord tasted after it, is tame and vapid. I tried this ex- periment on several visitors to my vineyard last summer, and they all acquiesced in this opinion. This grape has not the delicate juices of the Delaware, but, on the other hand, it has a sweet, tender and meaty pulp, highly flavored, and at once reminding the taster of the Black Hamburgh grape, from which^ variety it is said to have been in part derived. The vine itself is vigorous and hardy, and has the merit of retaining its foliage in perfection, an advantage not to be despised, where the Delaware is apt to cast its leaves before maturing its fruit, and of which fact I saw many instances last season. Po'keepsie, Feb'y 1st, 1860. EDITOR'S TABLE. To Contributors and Others. — Address all Communications, for the Editorial and publishing departments, to Geo. E. & F. W. Woodward, 37 Park Row, New York. We have just published, at this office, new and revised editions of Jacques' popular manuals of The Garden, The Farm, The Barn-Yard, and The House. — These treat very thoroughly the subjects named, have been carefully prepared and revised by a popular writer, and we com- mend them to our readers as valuable addi- tions to their libraries. Sent, post paid, on receipt of price. The Garden, Farm, and Barn Yard, $1 each ; Thk House, ^1.50. Early Disbudding the GRAPE.^The old saying of " a stitch in time," etc., is strictly applicable in training the grape vine. As soon as the buds have grown to four inches, they should be carefully looked over, and all shoots rubbed oft' except such as are wanted to grow and leave the vine in good shape lor another year. In vine- yard culture, the shoots to be left, for new and fruiting canes the following year, will vary from one to three, according to the strength and vigor of the root. In the spur practice, buds for new canes are only to be left where an arm or upright is need- ed to fill up, or some old one renewed. The pruning of the grape vine is really sim- plicity itself, notwithstanding so much, pro and con., written upon it. If care is given to disbudding at the right time, — that is, before the shoots have made over 4 inches (better even less) growth, and a little com- mon sense as to how much nature can en- dure, and keep healthy, in the way of wood and fruit, the pruning of a vine would re- quire little use of anything but thumb and finger. Failure of Cuttings to Grow. — We believe many grape and other cuttings fail 156 Tlie Horticulturist. to grow because of too long drying, or being out of the ground from the time of cutting from the vine or bush, until plant- ing out. In our practice, we have rarely lost a cutting whenever we put it in sand or earth immediately after taking it from the parent plant. When we have received cuttings too dry to please us, we have prac- tised laying them horizontally under ground about four inches deep, in a well-drained place, and then frequently saturating the ground with water. "We thus keep them wet, and the wood and buds swell alike evenly, while the well-drained or sandy land prevents any standing water. Remember to pluck off any fruit that may set on a newly transplanted tree or vine. If left to perfect, it will be at the expense of healthy, vigorous growth of the plants, and corresponding depreciation in quantity and quality of fruit the next season. Grape-IIouses. — When the roots are en- tire inside, it is better to thoroughly satu- rate the ground once a week, or as often as necessary, than to be dribbling on water daily. With good drainage, the former course wets and stimulates all the roots alike, while the latter only gives but half a drink to those near the surlace. With good, vigorous, healthy roots, no failures need occur in growing grapes inside. Dahlias and Double Hollyhocks form elegant features as backgrounds to a flower border, and masses of them, at inter- vals, on the sides of approach roads, are very pleasing, and help to give variety and charm to the grounds. In planting out the dahlias, use but one stem at a place ; set them about three feet apart, and as they grow, pinch back, so as to make them grow more like bushes than trees. The waste water from the kitchen — soap- suds, &c., is one of the best manures for the Dahlia. Hollyhocks have come to be equally beautiful in flower as the Dahlia; and, as they can be left in the ground, will prob- ably become more and more in vogue. They should be transplanted and divided, about once in two years. Choice of Roses. — Although the Hy- brid Perpetual Roses give blooms more or less during the season, and are perfectly hardy, so that they may be left out all winter, yet the beauty of a rose-bed — one where buds and blossoms may daily be gathered — will be found to consist in hav- ing a large proportion of Teas, Bengals and Bourbons. Novelties, i.e., new varieties, arc brought out each season, one or more of which every amateur is expected to buy ; but of the old sorts that have proved good with us we name — Adam, Boiigere, Caroline, Sombreuil, and Cels, as of Teas ; Agrippina, Louis Philippe, and Lady Byron, as of Bengals ; Bosanquet, Ilermosa, Sou- venir Malmaison, and Paul Joseph, as of the Bourbons. There are many others, perhaps, equally good, perhaps, better, but the above small list embraces those that have always given us pleasure, as good growers and free bloomers. Flowering Shrubs, such as Weigela, and others that flower on the preceding year's growth, should be trimmed back imme- diately after they have done flowering in June. By so doing, the plants can be kept in just such shape as may be desired by the operator. Roses, as soon as the flowers have open- ed and bloomed one day, should have the decaying flower cut away ; cutting back to a good strong bud, from which will come a new stem and flowers. Attention to this practice of cutting will keep plants bloom- ing almost continuously. The White Sugar Beet, if grown in ground not too rich, we have found more delicate for the table than any other variety, if we except the Bassano. Editor's Table, 157 Beds, or Borders, where Tulips, Hya- cinths, &c., are grown, may be planted with verbenas and other bedding out plants, taking care to so plant that when the time — August — comes for taking up the bulbs, the roots of the bedding plant may not be disturbed. When Transplanting Tomatoes, Egg Plants, &c., set the roots in a pan of mud- dy water. Perform the work just before sundown, and few will fail. If the follow- ing day is a very clear, hot and sunny one, then it is best to shade them during the heat. Shingles, stuck on the south and west side, answer well. stance ; but such expression does injustice to the persimmon, which varies as much in its fruit, as a like number of apples and pears. In Southern Illinois, Missouri, and elsewhere, there are many trees of persim- mons that ripen their fruits in August and September. Seeds of such should be ob- tained, if to be grown from seed, but if young trees can be obtained, it is better to engraft with scions from trees known to produce large fruit, and that ripen early in the season. The late ripening sorts are many of them good, and if left on the trees until midwinter are almost as good as ban- anas, or pawpaws, which they nearest re- semble in taste. Those who have peach trees should not fail to cut them back this spring, and so cause them to throw out new and vigorous shoots, and give improved shape to the tree. Do not cut, however, until about the usual time for the peach to bloom, but then head back severely. Old and scrawny trees will bear to be cut nearly back to mere stubs, or with limbs only one to two feet long. Fruit Trees should be carefully looked over in April and May, and the webs or cocoons of insects destroyed. Any appear- ance of black knot on young trees should be cutaway. If the coccus or scale insect shows itself, wash the bodies at once with strong ley and sulphur. Some advise a wash of salt brine all over the tree at this time ; we have never tried it, and therefore cannot speak knowingly of it, but intend to be able to do so another year. The Persimmon. — The tree of the Per- simmon is one of the most beautiful in its habits of growth, as well as in the glossy character of its foliage ; but, aside from its beauty and adaptation as an ornamental tree on lawn or road side, its fruit is very delicious. Many are under the impression that persimmons are utterly unfit to eat, and the expression " as puckery as a pre- simmon " is used to decry any acid sub- The Peach Worm — Egeria Exitiosa. — May be prevented from doing much injury to the peach tree, by clearing away the dirt, say four inches deep at the crown of the root, and painting it six inches up on the body of the tree, with coal or gas tar ; but the work must be done before the leaf starts. Grape Cuttings. — For some years we have grown more or less of grape cuttings from single eyes, in the open ground ; we first prepare the ground, by trenching and enriching ; then our eyes are cut, with about one and a half inch of wood below the bud, and about half an inch above; we set our eyes carefully, in an erect position, and cover nearly an inch with the fine soil ; then we add about three inches of a light mulch, saw-dust, or fine chopped straw and saw-dust mixed; water thoroughly, if it does not rain about the time of planting — and afterward we look over our beds from time to time, and whenever they appear dry we water; but in most seasons this part of the work is only on paper ; occasion- ally we have had to do it, and only name it here because success depends on keeping an even state of moisture in and around the cuttings ; others may not succeed as we have, but any one can try it. 158 The Horticulturist. New Strawberries. — "We have had our day of entliusiasm on new plants, fruits, etc, and especially have we "gone it" on straw- berries ; our experience, therefore, may per- haps cause us to be now more than careful ere we dictate on the " wonderful " qualities of new sorts, as they are from time to time being introduced. The present season, per- haps, as many or more new varieties are being offered for sale than usual, and while it may be well for the amateur to try all, the owner of a garden spot, wherein he designs to grow strawberries for their fruit, had best confine himself to some two or so of leading well known kinds, that all acknow- ledge to be good in their fruit, vigorous of vine, and productive of quantity. To select these sorts it is only requisite to look into a few of your neighbor's gardens, and use the Yankee's privilege of asking a question. Peas soaked twenty-four hours in urine, then dried off in ashes or plaster, are said to come forward much earlier, and stronger, than when planted in a dry state. Oyster Plant or Salsify — Remember that to grow this plant well, it requires a deep and rich soil. Sow the seed pretty thick, and after the plants are up two inches high, thin out to one in about four to six inches in the row, with the rows one foot apart. No Vegetable is more delicate or attractive to the palate in early spring than the salsify, when it is well grown and well cooked — every garden should have a bed of it. Grafting or Spring Budding the Peach. — When a new variety is obtained in spring, with some doubt of the tree living, or when trees budded last fall have failed to unite, it may be desirable to graft or bud in spring ; to do this, cut the grafts and place them in the cellar about ten days before you design to perform the work ; then use a graft or cutting of two buds, on a lateral, inserting it as in bud- ing, and tie with bass matting as usual in budding ; or form a graft of two eyes, as for a pear or apple, inserting it as described in the books for side grafting, and immediately tie the branch above, over in the form of an arc. If the branch on which you engraft is too large to bend over easily, then cut it off at once, about six to eight inches above the insertion of the graft. Strawberry. — Vines, planted at this season of the year and mulched, will often give a partial crop of fruit — are very sure to live and grow, and increase during the sum- mer ; so that vines now planted three feet apart each wa}^, will by fall nearly cover the entire ground. Spade or plow the ground as deep as possible, say nine to twelve inches, rake level, and plant. Moderately rich ground is better than either very rich soil, or that which is poor. Too rich a soil causes the plants to make too many run- ners and new plants, at a loss of fruit, while too poor ground gives a feeble growth of vine, and a small fruit. If manure is used to enrich, it should be old and well rotted. Celery. — The seed of celery should be but barely pressed into the mold, and then a board laid upon it, say for forty-eight hours; afterwards raise the board up, say about two inches, and keep the celery shaded until it has grown an inch, when the shade should be removed, except in the middle of the day. It is not necessary to have a hot bed in which to grow celery plants for next winter's use ; but if you have a gentle bottom heat from a spent hot bed, all the better. Many burn their seeds and young plants by using too strong a bottom heat. When transplanting to the rows for per- manent growth, trenches may or may not be made. We have* grown just as good celery plants, when planted on level ground — soil having first been made deep and loose, — as we have in trenches. Editor's Table. 159 Salt we Lave found one of the best ma- nures ; use at the rate of eight bushels to the acre, or, if you have animal manure which you design to apply to your celery ground, use half the quantity in proportion, diluted and poured on, and mixed up with the manure before applying it on the land. Plaster Paris. — G3'-psum is extremely beneficial ou every garden wh,ere animal manures have been applied for years. If your garden soil was last year pretty full of worms, leave off the dressing of animal manure this year, and apply at the rate of four bushels of salt, and one and a half of plaster per acre. The Linnceus Wine Plant is one of the numerous barefaced impositions of the day, which is receiving merited exposure in various quarters. This wine plant, as it is called, is nothing but the common garden rhubarb, and yet it is sold, by itinerant swindlers, by tens of thousand dollars worth, in various parts of the country — The American Institute Farmers' Club have tested the liquor made from it, and pronounce it '' a nauseous, unwholesome compound of acid and sugar, partly con- verted into rum, as unlike wine as those who sell the plants are unlike honest men." "We are always interested and gratified in hearing of anything new in the way of material for hedges. "While the necessity exists for every man's fencing out his neigh- bor's stock, every plant that will form a live fence, in the place of the costly and unsightly rails, and boards and posts, which now encumber our lawns and fields, is valu- able, not only in an esthetic, but in an economical point of view. The annual cost of fencing the farms of the United States ' would soon pay the national debt, large as that is. The desideratum for live fences is, to find a hedge-plant that shall be perfectly hardy, easy to propagate, and that shall af- ford protection against the intrusive propen- sities of cattle and other animals. It is said that the common barberry (barhens vulgaris) combines these qualities in a noteworthy degree. The barberry is indigenous to the northern parts of Europe and Asia, but has become thoroughly naturalized — like many other foreigners — to the American soil. — The Wallingford Cirmlar speaks in high terms of the barberry as a hedge-plant, and notes in its favor its " habit of sending up suckers from the bottom, by which, in a few years, it comes to have a base from six to twelve inches in diameter." It occurs to us that this " habit of sending up suck- ers " might become troublesome in the neighboring lawn or garden. However this may be, the barberry is worth testing for hedges. Our Correspondent who inquires as to the expediency of plowing up his lawn, on account of the running out of the grass, is informed that there is a remedy for this difficulty, without the necessity of any such inconvenience as is suggested. The fertility of the lawn may be restored and preserved by thorough top-dressing. Use for this purpose stable manure, bone dust, plaster, muck, ashes — whatever the soil seems most to need to restore and enrich. The lawn should be, of course, properly underdrained, and then, with judicious treatment in top- dressing, rolling, and mowing, it may be kept perpetually in the finest condition. The Gardener's Chronicle (Eng.) re- commends the planting of snowdrops in masses on lawns, and tells us that the efiect in early spring is admirable. The roots are planted in the green sward, and on the melting of the snow, before the grass starts so as to conceal them, they burst forth into full bloom. The leaves of the snowdrop are formed early in the season, and before the grass requires to be cut they have per- formed their functions. The bulbs, there- fore, lie securely under the surface ready to start up into beauty the following spring. "We should be pleased to see this experiment tried on some of our beautiful lawns. 160 Tlie Horticulturist. An elegant testimonial, in the shape of a gold medal, Las been presented to an American savant., Tovvnsend Glover, Esq., by the French Emperor. The occasion was an exposition at the Palais d'Industrie, in Paris, of useful and injurious insects. Mr. Glover has been employed for some time in the Department of Agriculture at Washing- ton. He is well skilled in the science of Entomology, and his researches and labors in the interests of Pomology have been of great value to horticulture. On the occa- sion of the French Exposition, his contri- butions to the knowledge of insects injuri- ous to horticulture, &c., gained him the Imperial gold medal. It is an honorable distinction for our country to be so repre- sented among European savants in the walks of science. The application of manure to fruit trees should be made with a view to feed the roots and not the trunk. We often see a heap of compost, or some sort of fertilizer, piled up around the foot of the stem, where it can do very little good. Fruit trees of six or eight feet in length extend their roots about the same distance on every side. The fertilizer should, therefore, be spread over that amount of surface, worked into the top of the soil, so that its stimulus may reach the roots and rootlets, and so supply nourishment to the tree. Caladiums, to our fancy, are not particu- larly ornamental as house plants for sum- mer, except to hide the nakedness of a greenhouse ; but if they are massed out in the grounds, they grow so large and rapid- ly, and their foliage is so strong, that they make a very distinctive feature in the grounds, and so ornamental. They may be taken up in the Fall, and kept with little or no care, in a cellar that is dry and free of frost. IIovey's Magazine, in a notice of the chief publications on horticultural subjects which appeared during the past year, thus speaks kindly and genially of the two works which have been issued from our office : — " Woodward's Graperies and Horticultural Buildings, an excellent volume, giving a variety of information in regard to the constructing, warming, &c., of such structures ; also, Woodward's Country Homes, a work which may be read to advantage by all who are about building in the country." We observe that the Massachusetts Horticultural Society has made an appro- priation of $3,100 for premiums the ensu- ing year, to be divided between gardens, flowers, fruits, and vegetables. What is the New York Society doing to stimulate competition and encourage horticulture ? BOOKS, CATALOGUES, AND PAM- PHLETS RECEIVED. Rural Affairs. — We have received Vol. IV of this welcome publication. Much use- ful information to those who have a farm or garden to cultivate is to be found in its ];ages. Published by L. Tucker & Son, Albany, Price, S;l 50 Transactions of the Illinois State Horticultural Society. ....Transactions of the Agricultural So- ciety of the County of Plymouth, Mass. . . . John W. Adams, Portland, Maine, Ever- greens and General Nursery Stock . . . .F. B. Fancher, Catalogue of Grape Vines.... Henry A. Dreer, Philadelphia, Flower Seeds G. Marc, Astoria, Long Island, Trees, Shrubs, Vines, Greenhouse, and Hardy Plants E. Ferrand, Detroit, Mich., French H^-brid Gladiolus -John C. Teas, Raysville, Indiana, Raysville Nur- sery E. Y. Teas & Bro., Richmond, In- diana, Nursery Stock John Saul, Wash- ington, D. C, Catalogue of Plants Prince & Co., Flushing, L. I., Grape Vines, THE HORTICULTURIST YOL. XXL. .JUNE, 1806 NO. COXL. VENTILATION. 5Y A. U. CJ. If we mistake not, this subject lias already been touched upon in boolvs and papers, but perhaps it will bear another citing. Much as has been said about it, few persons are sensible of its importance. Many are care- ful to provide excellent food and clothing for themselves and their families ; their houses must be handsome and filled with elegant furniture, but as to the quality of the air they inhale, they give themselves little concern. Providence has surrounded us with an ocean of pure air fifty miles deep, but we bottle up a portion of it and seclude our- selves within it, rendering it poisonous, and then ask one another if this is not domestic comfort? If we exclude air entirely from the lungs longer than three minutes, death will surely follow, but impure air may be breathed for many years, and the patient continue to live. Bad air is a slow poison. That's the trouble ; if it only did its work quicker, and in a more striking and con- spicuous way, men might be deterred from recklessly breathing it. Those who habitu- ally inhale it are rendered insensible to the sweetness of a pure atmosphere ; their taste becomes as vitiated as the air in which they dwell. If any one doubts the importance of ven- tilation, we beg to remind him of a few facts. Science tells us that atmospheric air is composed of oxygen gas and nitro- gen gas ; the former being a supporter of combustion and of animal life, the latter not such a supporter, nor yet positively destructive of either ; its office in the animal economy seeming to be to dilute the oxygen which in its pure state would act too power- fully on the system. In the process of respira- tion, while the nitrogen is given ofi" from the lungs essentially unchanged, the oxygen unites with the carbon of the blood, form- ing carbonic acid — the same gas which is produced by burning charcoal in the open air — and this poisonous substance constantly being exhaled into the rooms we occupy, it would seem important to dispose of as soon Enteked according to A.ot of Congress, in the year 1866, by Geo. E. & F W. Woodward, in the Clerk's of the District Court of the United States, for the Southern District of New York. 11 162 The Horticulturist. as possible. To this it might be added that more or less excrementitious matter passes off continually by insensible perspira- tion through the pores of the skin, which is of the same deleterious character, and urges the same plea for ventilation. We are told, again, that " every twenty- four hours, there flows to the lungs sixty hogsheads of air, and thirty hogsheads of blood."* What is the design of this ? To purify and vitalize the blood. Now, as the health of the body depends largely upon the purity of the blood, and this last upon the purity of the air, we may estimate the importance of looking well to the quality of what we every moment breathe. And these conclusions of science are con- firmed and illustrated by daily observation and expedience. Whence come the pale and sallow faces, languid eyes, headaches, ca- tarrhs, debility, coughs, and consumptions which we continually meet with ? Whence, chiefly, except from long confinement in the unwholesome air of unventilated houses ? And yet we wonder what can be the matter. Are not our dwellings warm and comforta- ble, and perhaps genteel ? We Americans are less robust than our English cousins, men and women. Travelers from abroad, while acknowledging the delicate hot-house beauty of our young ladies; yet tell us our wives and daughters look sickly and frail beside the ruddy, round, elastic figures of their own fair ones. English women live more out of doors, and ventilate their houses better than we do. In the great majority of our school-houses, work-shops, court-houses, hotels, railway- cars, concert-halls and churches, the air is unfit for breathing. As a general rule, the windows and doors are kept closed, and the oxygen of the air being rapidly consumed by the burning of many lamps and fires, and by the inspiration of numerous occupants, it is impossible for one to remain long in such places without serious injury to his health. Whence the nausea and headache next morning after concerts and lectures 1 "Uses and Abuses of Air," by Dr. Griscouk, p. 29. Whence much of the lassitude, listlessness and irritability of scholars and teachers? Whence the dullness of sermons and the drowsiness of congregations 1 True to life is the story of the old Scotch minister who, greatly troubled with the inattention of his auditors, preached to them a series of dis- courses on " The Sin and Shame o' Sleepin' in Kirks," but without any appreciable improvement of their manners ; when, at length, ordering the sexton to partially open several windows during service, the result was all that he could desire. Time was when our dwellings and public buildings were so constructed that ventila- tion came as a matter of course. The doors and windows rattled with their loose- ness. In private houses, the broad fire-place sucked up and carried off the foul air as fast as it was generated. Then, too, men and women lived muck in the open air, and were not afraid of it. Now, we make our doors and windows air-tight ; our rooms over heated by air-tight stoves and furnaces ; fire-places are seldom seen, or are made for ornament, and closed up with fire-boards ; and our food is cooked in air-tight kitchen stoves. These modern improvements cost us dearly, and must continue to do so until we conform more to the laws of health. In sugesting a few hints as to the best methods of ventilation, the writer will speak only of those which may be applied in winter ; for in summer, this matter will mostly take care of itself. To provide fresh air for a dwelling-house, some would say, knock out a panel from every door, and a pane of glass from every window. Others, less heroic, would pro- pose that every door be set ajar often during the day, and that rolling blinds be inserted in every fire-board, to be opened and closed at pleasure. It is an excellent arrange- ment, also, to insert a register, or a valve like Dr. Arnott's patent, in the chimney- breast near the ceiling, which can be con- trolled by a simple pulley and cord. But it is important to bring in a constant supply of fresh air, as well as to expel that Ventilatio7i. 163 which is vitiated by use, and to introduce it in such a way as not to let in also the influenza. When grates are used, it is cus- tomary sometimes to introduce a current of out-door air into a hollow space in the chimney, behind the fire, where it becomes warm before entering the room. But for the majority of country-houses, grates are the exception, and close stoves the general rule : how, then, can we ventilate rooms warmed by stoves ? One simple method is this : — Surround a common iron stove with a neat Russia iron case, leaving a space of six inches between the two, and cover the whole at the top with an ornamental grat- ing. Connect this apparatus with the air out of doors by a tin conductor four inches in diameter, leading from a cellar window along under the parlor floor, and then up through the floor into the open space before described. A damper should be inserted in this pipe, to regulate the amount of air brought in. By some arrangement like this, we can introduce a constant supply of pure air, which, when warmed in the air-chamber around the stove, will flow out in a genial current through the perforated top into the apartment. It is to be supposed, however, that a register or valve is also provided in the chimney flue for carrying off impure air as fast as fresh is brought in. The method thus stated, is the same in principle a? " Clate'e Patent Ventilating Stove," which is used in some of our large public schools. The grate, or the close stove arranged in the above manner, will answer well when only one or two rooms are to be heated ; but when a whole house or large public building is to be warmed and ventilated. The hct-aii furnace will do the work bettor. {"We speak not now of warming by steam or Lot water : for these methods are too expensive for general adoption, and where used do not seem to give entire satisfaction.) • The hot-air furnace, properly constructed, with gas-tight joints, and a large copper pan in the air-chamber for evaporating water, provides a constant supply of fresh, summer-like air, and sends the wholesome current, hour after hour, through all the building. It is, however, an essential requisite of this method of warming a house, that pro- vision be made for a current of air to flow out of every room, as well as one to flow in. Indeed it is difficult to warm a house in this way, unless some such provision is made. Can you blow wind into a bottle, without first displacing an equal portion of the air within it ? * Properly to ventilate a house warmed by a furnace, every room should be provided with a ventilator lead- ing into the chimney-flue or into a venti- duct carried up by its side. For, if not so provided, not only will it be hard to force fresh air into the rooms, but that which is forced in will be drawn down again through the registers into the furnace-chamber, whence it will be returned again and again to the apartments for repeated respiration. This is continually occurring in multitudes of houses, and public buildings. The opening referred to, for the escape of impure air, should be on the side of the room opposite to the register, and should be as near the floor as practicable. If it is made near the ceiling, the freshly-heated air rising at once to the top of the room will pass off" through the ventilator and be lost, leaving the cold and impure air near the floor un- warmed and undisturbed ; whereas, if the opening were made near the base of the chimney, then the newly- warmed air, after first rising to the ceiling, would descend and drive the cold air along the flue up the chimney or ventiduct, and so facilitate * Soon after the erection of the splendid edifice for the Smithsonian Institute, it was found impossible to warm one ( f the large halls of the building, so as to make it comfortable. The windows and doors were made air- tight, and the large furnace in the basement was driven up to red heat. Siill, the air in the lecture-room remained dull and cold — the thermometer indicating only from 45° to 50°. After some time, a man of common sense hear- ing of the difiaculty, called for an auger and hand-saw, with which he soon cut a hole in one corner of the floor about eighteen inches square. Immediately, there was a change in the air— a healthful circulation commenced, and in half an hour, the mercury ran up to 75° ! 164 The Horticulturist. both the warming and the ventilating of the apartment. The escape of the vitiated air up the chimney flue would be helped by kindling a small fire on the hearth or in the grate. Indeed, this arrangement — the fur- nace and a fire on the hearth, constitutes, to our mind, the best known method of warming and ventilating a dwelling-house : the furnace affording a comfortable warmth to the halls and rooms of the entire build- ing, while the ruddy light in the fire-place gives a cheerful, homelike expression to the apartments occupied, which can be gained in no other way ; and both together fur- nishing ample ventilation. Let it be added, finally, that while speci- fying these several plans for ventilating buildings, we have desired to suggest cor- rect principles, rather than to advocate particular methods. DESIGN IN RURAL ARCHITECTURE— No. 15. A SMALL STABLE. G. K. HARNEY, ARCHITECT, COLD SPRING, PUTNAM COUNTY, N. Y. We offer the readers of the Horticultu- rist this month a design for a ?mall stable. It has accommodation for two horses and a cow, besides a separate apartment for car- riages, and another smaller room for har- nesses, &c. The carriage room measures 13 feet by 22. Each horse-stall is 5^ feet wide, and 9|- feet long to the rear of the stall parti- tion, or 17 feet to the partition of the car- riage-room. The stalls are provided with cast iron Fig. 70. — Perspective. mangers and iron hay-racks each secured to opposite corners of the stall. We consider these iron fixtures the best in use, but care should be taken to keep them always coat- ed with some kind of paint, to prevent in- jury to the horses mouths in winter, when they are liable to become frosted. The cow-stall is 4^ feet wide, and is pro- vided with a manger and some suitable fastening apparatus ; for the latter, we pre- fer the ring and chain, though the old- fashioned stanchion is recommended by many. The floors of the stalls should be laid BaiGing Grape Vines from Seeds. 165 with smootlily-planed locust joists, slanted towards the gutter just enough to take away the water — say two inches in the 9^ feet. The harness-room is provided with hooks for harness j a closet to keep brushes, soap, oils, medicines, &c., &c. ; and a small stove to heat water for washing harness, &c. There is a rain-water cistern, built with brick and cement, in the yard, near the rear of the stable, and this, taking water from the roof, by means of tin conductors, supplies all the water required. Fig. 71. — Ground Plan. Rain water is much better for stock than spring water. The pump is inside the sta- ble, as will be seen in the plan, and empties into a trough, convenient to which are chests lined with tin, for holding oats and meal, &c. A ventilating shaft rises from the stable- room to the ventilator shown in the sketch, and this, with the small windows in the head of each stall, provides sufficient circu- lation of air. In the summer, the doors may be taken ofi their hinges, and gates with locks substituted in their place. The little windows spoken of are placed above the heads of the horses — say seven feet from the floor, and are opened by means of pulley and rope. At the rear of the building, a door opens into a yard enclosed by a high fence ; and, if there be a desire to make the establish ment quite complete, there may be bu It around this yard a range of buildings for poultry, pigs, &c., and open sheds for wagons and carts. Such a range of build- ings we shall present at some future time. This stable is built of wood, and covered with vertical boarding and battens; the roof is covered with slate ; the doors all have simple hoods as well as the windows, and the glass for the latter, we would have set in diamond-shaped panes, which, at a little or no extra expense, heightens won- derfully the artistic effect of such a building as this. Paint the building a warm cream color, the eaves, and window-trimmings, and doors considerably darker ; plant a good many trees around it, and set a flowering vine here and there, so as it may run along its walls; take good care of the grass, and keep the drive-way well rolled and clear of weeds, and then we think the eifect of the whole will be rather pleasing than otherwise. This stable will cost at present prices about 1,200 dollars. RAISING GRAPE VINES FROM SEEDS. BY A. J. CAYWOOD, POUGHKEEPSIE, N. Y. Mr. Merrick, in his interesting article on " Grapes in '65," in your February number, asks for information in relation to expedit- ing the germination of grape seeds. "When I came tc this, my mind recurred to my labors for the past sixteen years, in trying to discover some of the enjoyments and luxuries by Nature hidden, but designed to be revealed in time, as necessity demands. The lawyer says he wants the worst of his client's case first, and I would hint to Mr. Merrick that his chances of failure are far greater than those of success. All those who would produce valuable varieties of fruit must expect many disap- pointments, unless there is a more perfect system of hybridization discovered. I think I have tried all the appproved modes of 166 The Horticulturist. fertilization, and from tlie thousands of vices I have raised, many of which I have not abandoned until they were five years old, only two are considered valuable. One is a hybrid of the Diana and Delaware ; the other was raised from Concord seed, not hybridized, at least by any effort of mine. You may call this poor luck, but I think all others who have experimented with grape seeds extensively have shared the same fate, Mr. Rogers being an exception. I am well aware that, in some cases, good varieties have been produced by the first attempt at crossing ; and the process has been continued by the same person for years without obtaining another. I sup- pose this want of success is the result of many causes. The incongruity which may exist between two of the strongest varie- ties might lead to degeneracy — the pollen of one flower being in a more advanced stage than that of the other ; one being naturally stronger than the other ; earliness and late- ness ; the difference in form of flower or fruit : and other differences in the same fa- mily. The effect we can see ; but why crossing in the vegetable kingdom tends to retrogradation we cannot fully explain. It is barely possible that from a single seed, planted without any pretensions to hybrid- ization, might be produced a better variety than any we now have ; while thousands might be hybridized, and all prove worth- less. By this, you will perceive that I do not fully believe the doctrine that the blossoms of the grape cannot be fertilized unless it is done scientifically. We have now, in several instances, the characteristics of two distinct varieties, so completely blended in the chance seedling, that it is no longer a question whether they may become hybridized naturally. If Mr. Ro- gers should succeed in the future as he has in the past, I will conclude that there is not so much uncertainty about grape seed- lings after all, and that he has discovered a more pertain method of hybridizing. It is not my design in the foregoing to discourage Mr. 1)1, in the planting of seeds ; on the contrary, I would advise him, as I have others, to do it. If all who own land should devote two feet square to seedlings, we would, in a few years, have what the present eff'orts would not bring us in as many centuries. Although the prospect would not be flattering to the individual, the general effect would be great. Who- ever, by his indefatigable energy, develops some of the good things now in waiting, confers a lasting benefit on mankind. — Downing, Kirtland, Wilson, Hovey, Bull, Allen, Rogers, Wilder, Grant, Brinkle, Van Mons, Rivers, Le Roy, and a host of others in Europe and America, will be looked upon by future generations as benefactors of their race. I have concluded at several different times to save no more seeds ; but, when the grape season came, I, irresistibly, would prepare a few more for the next spring's planting. I have derived mach pleasure from watch- ing their growth and development. It is a game of chance, which all may play at, and do no violence to the moral law ; a recrea- tion attended with novelty and hope, which well pays its way, even if the goal is never reached. To Mr. M. I would say, grape seeds should be put in earth in a pot or box, im- mediately on being taken from the fruit, and the vessel buried one or two inches from the surface, in order that they may be frozen during winter. A box should then be prepared, of suitable size, ten or twelve inches deep, placed in a hot or cold glass- house, and filled with soil properly pre- pared, within three inches of the top. — About the 1st of April, the contents of the pot, seeds and earth, should be evenly spread over the surface, after having been well mixed. Over all, a quarter of an inch of good soil should be sifted, being careful to exclude the earth-worms, as they will destroy a portion, if not all, of the young plants. This may be done by taking the earth from the surface as it begins to thaw in the spring, the worms being below the frost J or sift the earth if later in the Design for a House for Drying Fruits. 167 season. A portion of the young plants will damp off'. If they should yet be too thick, thin out the smaller ones, not allowing them to be crowded, "When they strike the third leaf, those taken out may be re- planted ; the vines remaining in the box will make from three to fifteen feet the first summer. Those grown out doors will seldom ripen any buds before the early frost kills them ; they may also be successfully grown in hotbeds. Some seedlings will bear at the age of three years, but many more will not until four. As soon as the cluster of blossoms is sent forth, and before the cap of each little flower falls, its gen- der can be easily decided. I say gender, as we here call the non-bearing vines males. The peduncle of the fruitless vines is very small, not larger than a cambric needle; clusters very large, and highly perfumed. You must not expect to see grapes on a clus- ter of this description. When the cap bursts, a small yellow knot will appear where there should be a grape. The entire cluster will fall, and the vine might as well be destroyed. If it does not bear the first time it blossoms, it will never bear after. The cap may be removed, and its character ascertained, a weelc before the young grape woulS be sufficiently developed to throw it off. Now, Messrs. Editors, I hope you will not think these unclassified jottings the communication I have long promised you on this subject, but will try at some future time to redeem my promise. DESIGN FOR A HOUSE FOR DRYING FRUITS, HOBSON, CARDINGTON, OHIO. The following sketch is of a building of moderate dimensions, 4x12 feet, and five feet in height, set upon a wall of brick or stone twenty inches high ; and, to obviate the necessity of going inside when heated up for drying, it is constructed with two tiers of drawers on either side, 23 inches by 5 feet, with slat or wire bottoms • each one made to slide in and out independent of the rest, and each tier enclosed with double doors. The building is heated by means of furnaces extending from either end, and communicating with the flue in the centre. By reason of the drawers meeting over the furnaces in the middle, the heat in rising Fig. 72. — Drying House. is compelled to pass through them, thus the fruit is dried faster than by the usual mode of placing it on shelves against the wall of the house. The number of drawers maybe increased to double the amount represented in the drawing if necessary, which would make them hold a considerable quantity of fruit, say from twenty to thirty bushels. The building should be constructed of light timber, may be weather-boarded hori- zontally or vertically, and made ornamental or otherwise, according to the taste of the owner. 168 The Horticulturist. HEARTS' PIPPIN. Some years since, the writer received and cooks among tbo best. The tree this variety from Charles Downing, Esq. is a good bearer. "We find no published It is not of the higliest flavor as an description of it, except in the Western eating apple, but the flesh is very ten- Fruit Book. Fruit, medium size, roundish, der, of a pleasant, mild, sub-acid taste, flattened at ends, oblique. Color, pale jel- FiG. 73 Hearts' Pippin. low, with suffused shades of whitish yel- tinct, erect, open segments. Basin, deep, low, and a faint blush cheek in the sun. — Flesh, white, very tender, juicy. Core, Stem medium, generally curved. Cavity, medium, or below. Season, November, regular, russetted. Calyx with five dis- PROTECTION OF PEACH TREES IN WINTER. BY JOHN H. JENKINS. We must resort to some protecting system for peach culture, or be disappoint- ed, year after year, by late spring frosts— at least, such has been our situation. For four years, our peach crop has been smitten by May frosts ; and, if we do not grow our trees in the future so that we may protect the buds from hard winter freezing and late spring frosts, we may expect nothing but disappointment for the next four hundred years. The system is simply as follows : — Buy only the best trees, one year from the bud, and if they havn't low heads, cut back to 18 or 20 inches from the ground, as shown in Fig. 74. Plant the tree, in good soil, of Protection of Peach Trees in Winter. 169 course, mixing witli the soil one-half bushel of leached ashes to each tree. Let no stock run in the orchard without the trees are enclosed. The first Fall after planting the tree ought to appear as shown in Fig. 75. The winter preceding the second spring, make, or have made, or go to the woods and cut them, a lot of stakes made from boards 2^ to 3 inches wide, and 3, 3-^ to 4 feet long, sharpened at one end, and with an inch hole inclining at a small angle near the up- per end ; drive in a strong pin, and you have them made. We will suppose the tree has made from three to five strong side-branches the first summer, within 20 inches from the ground, and has sent up a strong leader. — We commence this the second spring with our horizontal training, by bending down Fig. 74. Fig. 75. Fig each side-branch, and securing it at about two feet from the ground with these stakes. The tree has then the appearance of Fig. 76. Of course we cut back, to form the tree to suit our taste, and cut out unnecessary limbs. We let the tree grow, keeping the worms away, hoping to have a good growth by Fall. The next summer we may expect some fruit — a pretty good crop, provided we in- sure the life of the buds. Sometime in November, or before hard freezing, we bend down the side branches, so that they will rest on the ground, and secure them by driving down another stake near the end of the branches, and cover entire with soil, Fig. 77. Fig. 78. say from 1 foot to 15 inches deep, owing to the climate, of course. Then crowd the leader with its branches into a long box, resting on four legs, according to Mr. Palm- er's plan; or, what is cheaper and as good. make straw bands, twisted, and wrap close- ly around the leader, drawing in the side branches as you proceed, until it resembles Figure 77. Figure 78 represents the tree the winter of the second year, the dotted lines 170 The Horticulturist. over the branches showing the earth ; the dotted lines over the leader shows the box. Allow the tree to remain in this situation until the middle of April, or thereabouts, when the soil is to be removed from the branches, and the second stake pulled up. — The branches will then rise, and be about three feet from the ground ; remove the box or straw from the leader ; the tree will then bloom so late as to insure the fruit crop. East Bethlehem^ Washington Co., Pa. PLAN FOR LAYING-OUT A SQUARE ACRE LOT. BY E. FERRAND, DETROIT, MICH. This garden contains everything that can conveniently be established on an acre lot- The stables and out-buildings are separated from the main place by two gates ; one, M, opens the way to the dwelling; and the other, N, leads into the garden. There is a passage, 0, to the street, entirely hidden by the thicket alongside of it, so that hay, manure, &c., may be taken in and out with, out interfering at all with the cleanliness of the place. The shrubbery has been so disposed as to conceal the limited dimen- sions of the place. The greenhouse is con- veniently situated near to the house, and a view of it is afforded from the street. The walks around the kitchen garden are plant- Fig. 79. — Plan of Square Acre Lot. A Dwelling. B Piazza. C Stable, Birn, and other Out-Building:8. D Greenhouse. E Grapery (house). F Flower-beds, H Kitchen Garden, with dirar fruit trees and smal fruits. K Trellis of Grape-Vines. L Yard. M Gate. N Gate. 0 Passage from the Barn to the Street. ed with dwarf fruit trees, and the space de- voted to that garden is sufficiently large to provide a family with the usual vegetables and small fruits. There is a vinery, E, and a trellis of native grapes separating the or- namental from the vegetable grounds. The yard, L, is shut by the gates M and N, and at the entrance of passage 0 on the street, so that horses or other animals may be let loose in that yard without fear of their running away, or through the garden. Wharton's Early Pear. 171 WHARTON'S EARLY PEAK. This pear was distributed many years since by that zealous horticulturist, A. H. Ernst of Cincinnati, but since his death, little or nothing has been heard of it. Can Mr. Downing, or Wilder, etc., tell us aught of it ? Here is an outline of it. Pig. 19.— Wharton's Early Pear. The tree is described as a strong, healthy melting, juicy, sweet and high-flavored ; grower ; the fruit above medium ; yellowish bearing well, and ripening middle of green, with more or less of russet, and flesh August. 172 The Horticulhirist. MARGARET PEAR. ■In our Marcli number we gave an illus- tration and description of one — '' Mary" — of two new pears originated witli Mr. Chris- topher Wiegel, Cleveland, Ohio. We now give outline, figure and description of num- ber two, which he desires named Margaret. Its history is the same as Mary's, and given in our March number. Description. — Size^ medium. Form, ob- long, ovate. Stem, one to one and a half inches ; straight ; inserted without depres- sion. Calyx, large, open, with long, reflexed Fig. -Margaret Pear. segments ; without basin, but irregular, uneven surface surrounding. Color, lemon- yellow ground, when fully ripe ; mostly over- spread with deep, dull-red. small russet dots, with occasional small russet marblings and patches of russet ; where the surface is not reddened the dots appear green under- neath the skin. Flesh, white, finely granu- lated, juicy, vinous, sweet, and free from astringency. Co?'e, small. &erfs, dark brown. Season, last of July, and early August. Notes on the April Number. 173 NOTES ON THE APRIL NUMBER. The Enemy Come, come, good editors, you must not lay all the blame of a scarcity of apples on the codling moth, forsooth. — Because, as you say, apples are dearer in New York market than oranges, must it all be attributable to the depredations of in- sects ? Stop a minute. You say New Jer- sey was once famous for its fine fruit, but now for its toant of fine fruit. I am not a Jerseyman, but I have had some whole- souled friends in that State, and I feel like, in a short way, taking up the cudgel in her behalf, and say, therefore, that you are perhaps mistaken, and your enthusiasm for once has led you to erroneous conclusions. I may not say that New Jersey has pro- duced perfect apples this past year, but I may say that you are making surprising as- sertions. In, say, 1832, and onward to 1840, very fsw perfect apples were grown in the New England States, but the past year their apples have been more perfect than in New Jersey, or onward to Ohio. Michigan, as yet, and the Canadas, are comparatively clear of the codling moth, and their fruits have this year commanded prices over the above-named intermediate space. Now, while I shall go with you heart and hand toward perfect extinction of the insects, and would urge, as you do, " the impor- tance of prompt and energetic action to- wards the destructipn of the apple moth, and all other insects injurious to the horti- culturist," I cannot agree with your pro- phetic vision, " that of no fruit will we ever have an abundance, but with each year an increasing scarcity." I have looked care- fully over fruit-growing more than forty years, and find that occasional seasons oc- cur of adversity in the products of the earth, to be followed soon, if not directly after, with profuse abundance. I will, therefore, as an offset against your prophesy, say that I believe the coming year will be one of great abundance in product of the apj.le and pear, and that, as a feature, there will be less injury from insect depradations than for several years past. I am with you in urging attention of fruit-growers to the study and habits of in- sect life, that they may the better know how to protect their own interests, for it is the interest of every fiuit-grower to ripen as perfect a crop as possible ; and the more he knows of the soil, the habits of the tree and of the insect, and diseases attendant upon tree and fruit, the better is he enabled to guide his labors toward profitable re- sults. Designs in Rural Architectujie — No. 13. — In certain locations, I think that, arch- itecturally, the appearance of this cottage would be very pretty. Its effect on paper is certainly good, and there does not ap- pear any useless ornamentation ; yet most who build at a cost of ^1,800 to $2,000 look for more room, and the rooms of larger size than are here portrayed. I think the house could be spread out on ground plan, and thus improved, at a comparatively trifling cost. Mildew and Grape Culture. — Mr. Saunders is a man so conversant with grapes, and withal so observing, that it is hardly to be expected he can err— but " ain the best aft gang aglee," and I may be permitted to record, that while measurably agreeing with his convictions, that " atmospheric influence is the cause of mildew," I cannot submit to the covered trellis ; because I have seen mildew underneath it ; and also abundantly on vines covering trees. Diagonal Training in Vineyard Cul- ture, No. 2. — With the writers opposition to " stopping and pinching in," *. e., severe summer pruning, I fully agree, and believe that more of injury than good to our native grape vines has been caused by following old country dogmas in regard to this practice: The distance apart of vines I however think is not sufficient, unless it may be such va- rieties as Delaware, Rebecca, etc. If we 174 The Horticulturist, may judge from all our readings tlie ad- vantage to the grower is obtained by placing his strong-growing vines, as Concord, etc., at distances of eight or more feet apart, rather than at less than six feet, as here advised. Abbot Pear. — I am glad to see this good, and handsome pear brought again into notice. I have grown most beautiful, as well as good fruit of it; and were it not for one single fault, viz., that of ripening up too fast, it would be one of the most desirable in all choice collections. Masten's Seedling Apple. — Judging from the description, this must be a most remarkable apple, but perhaps a little too large, and open core. I should like much to see the fruit, and must write Mr. Hasten at proper season for samples. Cleft Grafting A timely article, wherein the writer has remembered that all the readers of the Horticulturist are not experienced in all the practical arts of which its pages treat. I would add, that the old practice of using grafting clay as a wrap over the tie of grafting wax is good as a preventative to dr3nng. Report on Grapes in Missouri— 1865. — A most valuable record ! I am a little surprised at the conduct of Anna and Cuya- hoga, for I have been impressed with an idea that they would prove valuable in Missouri. I would like to ask Mr. Husmann, of whom he procured the Martha, as I sus- pect there are two grapes sent out under this name. Again, I would like to ask, if Mr. H. has Rogers No. 3 — and if so, what observations he made on that. I have a belief that it will make a fine wine, and tolerable table grape for his section. Gardens and Parks of Germany. — All travelers over the section traversed by this writer, join in their praise of the roads, and road-side trees. The example of planting fruit trees by the road side has been ad- vised in this country, and while we acknow- ledge its beauty and usefulness, we are and perhaps ever will be, a too roving and restless people, with too many regardless of laws or property to make the practice de- sirable. As we now are, these very peasants, who so carefully respect the ownership of these road-side-trecs in Germany, no sooner ar- rive here than their first onslaught is on any and all property not protected by fence, dog, etc. Time perhaps, will be when it maybe ad- visable and safe to plant fruit trees on road- sides, but at this stage of our progress I think we had best stick to our elms, maples, etc., for our street shades. Reuben. HORTICULTURAL MATTERS AT THE HAWAIIAN ISLANDS. FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT. In the tropical regions, the vegetation is always of a greener and fresher verdure, the foliage more luxuriant, and the leaves more beautiful in shape and texture, than in your Northern climates — even in the summer months — for the varieties are more numer- ous, and each possessing some marked and peculiar character, interesting to the bot anist and tourist, and every true lover of nature. The frequent, light showers of rain, which occur almost daily, in the warm latitudes, seem a wise dispensation of that over ruling Providence for the beauty and preservation of the foliage, and vegetation, which otherwise would scorch and dry up under the hot rays of the sun. There are a large variety of flowering trees and shrubs in and about Honolulu, of every size and shade of foliage, beautiful and attractive to the eye of every tourist who visits the islands, a description of which, botanical ly arranged and classified, T will endeavor to give you from time to time, as my health may permit. Among them are some indigenuous to the country, and others, exotic in character, which have EorticuUural Blatters at the Hawaiian Islands. 175 been brouglit here by the early settlers, or introduced through the efforts of the Royal Hawaiian Agricultural Society, by Dr. Iliklebrand, who is now in China. The ostensible object of Dr. Hildebrand's mission to China and India, where he has been since last summer, was to obtain suitable laborers for the plantations, having received the appointment of Royal Com- missioner of Immigration. The Royal Hawaiian Agricultural Society, to improve so valuable an opportunity, at the same time, made an appropriation of $500, for the purpose of providing, through Dr. H., seeds, plants, shrubs, and fruit-bearing shrubs and trees of every description that are natives of China and India, and that have not already been introduced to the islands. From his thorough knowledge of botany and the sciences, as well as general information concerning packing and ship- ping plants, no one is better fitted for the important mission. There is every reason to believe, that by the liberal encourage- ment of the Hawaiian Agricultural Society, the mission mmjI result in vast good to the islands, and by the exertions of Dr. II., a large and valuable collection of hitherto un- known plants and shrubs, and spice grow- ing plants, and trees and fruits maj^ find their way to these islands, where there are abundant tracts of fertile soil, suitable to their culture and growth, on an advan- tageous and beneficial scale, and their pro- ducts in time be reckoned among the future resources of Hawaii nei ! Among the many beautiful trees I have seen, in the gardens, is one, in size and shape about the same as your Northern apple- trees, covered with beautiful foliage, very ornamental, and adorned with large, mag- nificent flowers — showy as some of your lilies. The seed pods are from six to eight inches long, of a rich dark brown color, and filled with seeds. I have procured some of these, which I shall send with the other collection I have made, and may make, to the New York State Agricultural Society. The tree would thrive well in any locality, I think, where the magnolia would flourish. I shall be pleased to hear of its successful culture in your State. There is also a species of Acacia tree, which bears a seed pod, long as your arm, and very tough and wood}^ They are quite a curiosity even here, and I shall try and send you one or two the first convenient opportunity. In the beautiful, almost paradisal gardens of Dr. Hildebraud, and Judge Montgomery, President of the Royal Hawaiian Agricul- tural Society, may be seen hundreds of tropical trees, and shrubs, and vines, rich in foliage and bloom, growing luxuriantly, and in other and future letters, I may tell you what I have seen in my walks among the shady avenues and groves, around the trim beds, covered with a thousand gaudy and beautiful flowers, and in the wilderness of luxuriance of those charming Edens of Honolulu. It is a matter of regret that the Royal Hawaiian Agricultural Society is at present in such a dormant state, owing to a want of proper interest and attention to the pro- motion of agriculture at the Hawaiian Islands. Sugar has been and is the great staple commoditj^, and the great trouble has been a disease called " Sugar on the Brain.'''' The climate is unsurpassed, and the soil rich and fertile, and there is an ample field of encouragement for the horticulturist and agriculturist. The Agricultural Society, it is hoped, will again rise to view, where such abroad field is open for their glorious work. Fairs should be held annually, and meetings held for the discussion of vai-ious themes, and to report experiments. As civilization advances, agriculture should keep pace, and where Nature has done so much, man should certainly improve and cultivate, and the avenues of improvement should be opened wider and wider, that all who choose might enter in and study and enjoy. A department of agriculture here should be an obligation of government, and be fostered and protected, for upon this important arm, as is well known, depends in a great measure the weal or woe of an};- civilized country. Honolulu S. I. Nov. 1865. 176 The Horticulturist, MY NEIGHBOR AND HIS GUN. lY A. S. F. Crack ! goes my neighbor's gun, and an- other sweet song-bird comes fluttering to the ground; and what for? Is it because the little songster has been in mischief? Has it been pilfering some stray head of rye, or a few grains of buckwheat ? More likely neither, but probably it was search- ing for the eggs of the tent -worm on that apple-tree from which it fell. Shall I call my neighbor a wretch for killing these innocent birds ? It is certainly a wretched habit that some otherwise good people possess. Why should these little pet friends of mine be killed ? They are guilty of no crime, and how faithfully they work to bless mankind. How that gentle shower, in a warm spring day, opens their throats to warble forth the melody that should find an echo in every heart. Sing and be happy, little birds, for thy Creator is also mine, and I know not which is most acceptable to Him— thy song or mine. How few of those little friends do I meet when strolling in those grand old woods down by the side of Spring Creek. Here are trees in which to build their nests ; they are tall, and their thickly- woven branches would protect them from- intrusive eyes. Here are deep, low vales, with a dense undergrowth — a fine cover for partridge and quail ; yes, methinks a thrush might find a retreat here, and there is a lofty oak on which she might pour forth her song for above the surrounding trees. I know she loves these high wood-marks for song, although she builds her nest so low. Why do I not hear her song ? The day is fine, and it's the time of year for her sweetest note. Where is the redbreast? No song from her this fine spring morn. 'Tis strange that not even the tat-too of the woodpecker or a note from the che-weep breaks the stillness of the fine old woods. I hear no sound from j^onder meadow Where is the meadow lark and bob-o'-link which have so often given forth their quaint song as they floated from fence to tree. Is all nature dead, or asleep — which ? Let us listen. There is a sound — a low buzzing which we hear through field and forest. It sounds like a coming storm, but it is not one that will refresh the drooping foliage of tree or shrub, for it is a storming host of insect-invaders. The winged progenitor of the apple- worm is already dropping its eggs among the blossoms. The enemies of the pear, cherry and plum are among this invading host, and the rose, with all its beauty and fragrance, shall also perish, for I can hear the whetting of mandibles for its destruc- tion. Shall these destroyers go on to their work of devastation without a check ? Alas ! we cannot stay their progress, for my neighbor's gun has either killed or frightened away my swift-winged friends who have ever faithfully beaten back the invading army from j^ear to year. Shall I expostulate with my neighbor and kindly request him to spare the birds ? I have often done so, but he replies : " the law does not forbid it." He professes to be a Christian, and sti'ongly orthodox, so I appeal to his Christianity. He replies that he is not forbidden to kill birds by the Ten Commandments. At last, in despair, I say; " A fig for your law or dogmas ; have you no love for the little pets of j^our Creator?" " Most certainly he has, for he loves to eat them ; a dozen robins," he says, " wiP make a fine pot-pie." This morning, before the sun had shown his face, my neighbor was tramping to the woods, with gun across his shoulder, and a well-filled shot-pouch by his side. At noon I saw him coming home, and I ventured to say : " What luck, neighbor ?" " Fine," replied he; "I got a splendid grey squir- rel." Pots should he Drained. 177 What a magnificent half-day's work for a farmer, whose land yields but ten bushels of rye per acre, because he has no time to haul out muck to enrich it, or to subsoil his shallow cultivated fields. What a fine example he is setting for his son. I pray that he may not follow in the footsteps of his murderous predecessor. Many and long are the black marks which I have scored against that neighbor of mine. There is a long mark under the word squir rel^ and it brings to mind four little chat- tering pels, for whom I have cracked many a handful of nuts on a cold winter day, and placed at the root of the hickory tree they often visited. Then, listening, I thought I could hear them chatter their thanks for such a tree that gave them cracked nuts in winter. But' one fine morning, crack ! crack ! crack ! went my neighbor's gun, and now there is but one of my little pets that visits the hickory tree. Where are those six chubby little quails that came every morning for the little hand- full of wheat I tossed them, or to pick up the grass seed scattered in the barnyard, and all through the day I could see them running through the shrubbery, picking out the seeds from the weeds which had been carelessly left to mature. ^ Mj neighbors gun told the tale. One fine morning and my little quails came no more for their handfull of wheat. Dark as the score is against my neigh- bor, there are others as guilty as he, and may their Creator forgive them, for I can- not. WOODSIDE, N. J. POIS SHOULD BE DRAINED. BY JAMES COWAN. Observing in the last Horticulturist another article, by our highly esteemed friend, Mr. Henderson, headed " Should Plants be Crocked," I beg leave, most res- pectfully to answer his modest question, by saying that plants should not only be " crocked," but all pots in which they grow should be thoroughly drained, it being, in my opinion, absolutely necessary to insure the specimen-grower complete success. Mr. H. also remarks that it is not the pieces of broken pots and charcoal placed at the bottom of the pot that causes my success in plant-growing. I can assure him that it has a great deal to do with it. He must reraerabor that there is great virtue in charcoal and broken pots ; for such ma- terials, together with a little moss, form a thorough drainage. After that, the plant requires careful watering, but not so much so as one that has no drainage. It is my firm opinion that all tropical plants should have the very same treatment June, 1866. as to drainage, with the exception of aquatics. Mr. Henderson has had extensive prac- tice in growing hard- wooded plants, as well as florists flowers, in Jersey City, but he has dispensed with the former, because they did not pay. I really believe it ; for it is quite absurd to attempt to grow hard- wooded specimens without thoroughly drained pots. Mr. Buist, of Philadelphia, says in his book every now and then "drain your pots thoroughly." Mr. H. advised me to place a thorough drained pot, say 8-inch or so, on the bare boards of the stage. I have done so ; and find, by experience, that more than one- half of the water runs out, and at the same time can be seen air bubbles, as the water passes through the soil. Frequent watering carries down the gas of which the air is composed, to feed the roots of plants.- These bubbles could not be seen if there were no holes in the bottom of pots. 12 178 Tlie Horticulturist. I\Ir. II. argues that pots with drainage deprive the plants of so much earth to leed upor?. I maintain that such plants should have larger pots, as I am led to believe that the most useful roots of plants are near the surface, where the}^ can have a liberal sup- ply of atmospheric air, which is most bene- ficial to their growth. I maintain, also, that the same law holds good in the case of pots, as well as in the draining of land. Allow, me to make a few extracts from Johnston's Elements of Agriculture : " The advantages that result from drain- ing are manifold. The presence of too much water in the soil keeps it constantly cold. The heat of the sun's rays, which is intend- ed by Nature to warm the land, is expend- ed in caporating the water from its sur- face, and thus the plants never experience that genial warmth about their roots, which so much favors their rapid growth, whore too much water is present in the soil ; also, that food of the plant which the soil sup- plies is so much diluted, that either a much greater quantity of fluid must be taken in by the roots, much more work done by them, that is, or the plant will be scantily nourished. " The access of air is essential to the fer- tilitj^ of the soil, and to the healthy growth of most of our cultivated crops." " The insertion of drains not only makes room for the air to enter, by removing the water, but actually compels the air to pen- etrate into the under parts of the soil, and renews it at every successive fall of rain. Open such outlets for the water below, and as it sinks and trickles awaj', it will suck the air after it, and draw it into the pores of the soil wherever itself has been." I have made the above extracts to show Mr. Henderson the necessity of draining, and the benefit plants derive from it. I appeal to the gardening community to express their views- in the matter, as this will be my last on this subject. FOWLS AROUND A COUNTRY HOME. BY F. R. E. The advantages and pleasing associat'ons derived by having a cow and pig as part and parcel of the ruralist's homestead, have been portrayed by an able writer in the pages of this Magazine, and while he may gain all the favor of the men on his side in so advising, I think I will have the ap- proval of the women, in asserting that the poultry yard should be attached to every home where half an acre of ground makes part and parcel thereof. The advantages of fresh eggs — of having a fine fat bird to kill, when wanted,— to- gether with the cheerful and life-like char- acter given by the loud and shrill crow of the cock as he rolls out defiance to all the world in defence of his harem of full breasted, well-formed hens, decked in their flaunting garbs of colors, ranging from pure white, to sober shades of graj' and brown, with perhaps an occasional sprinkling of black, are appar- ent to every housekeeper, xilthough a Horti- culturist, with flowers and fruits around me, and where hens delight to bask, sun themselves and scratch, to the often annoy- ance of a lover of neat kept flower-borders, or an enthusiast in examining and testing some new strawberrj^ etc., yet after years of housekeeping, I could no more keep house without my Speckled Dorking fowls around me than without my flowers and fruits. I name Speckled Dorkings, because hav- ing once had a regular course of the "Chick- en fever," during which I paid fancy prices for Brahma Pootras, Buff, White and Black, ShanghaeS; etc., etc., and .tried nearly every breed of poultry, I have settled back to my first impression, viz : that taking all in all, the best breed of fowls is the Speckled or Colored Dorking. They are hardj^, are good layers — do not roam or wander from their immediate roosting house as far as most other breeds, their eggs are more than me- dium size, the chicks come to a size fit for Buskin's Cloud and Torrent. 179 the table sooner than any other breed, and when dressed are full, plump, and round in form, and, corresponding Avith their age, weigh more clear meat and less bone. I have, this past autumn, killed and dressed birds not quite four months old, that weighed four and one-half pounds after be- ing thoroughly drawn. As I have said, I could not keep house without having fowls around me, and this, I believe, would be the saying of nearly every country resident ; yet how few think of the difference in value that might yearly be added by the keeping of some puie and well-formed breed of fowls, over the com- mon dung-hill mixture so generally found, and that cost just as much to feed, but when dressed and weighed only weigh one-half to one third as much. The raiser of only fift}^ chickens a year will have gained nearly one hundred and fifty pounds of clear white meat, to say nothing of the pleasure derived from showing a flock of birds creditable to appreciative intelligence. RUSKIN'S CLOUD AND TORRENT. The most remarkable quality, perhaps, in Mr. Ruskin is his pure and earnest love of nature. Herein lies the charm of his works, which are so familiar to many of our read- ers. To this may be traced the main vir- tue there is in them, and the main utility they possess. They will send the painter more than ever to the study of nature, and perhaps they will have a still more benefi- cial effect on the art by sending the critic of painting to the same school. Mr. Ruskin, in his love for Nature, brings forward and displays the palpable facts of Nature — the sky, the sea, the earth, the foliage, the clouds — which the painter has to represent. His descriptions are some- times made somewhat indistinct by an ex- uberance of words ; but there is a light in the haze— there is a genuine love and ap- preciation of Nature felt through them. And this is the essential point of sympa- thy, we take it, between Ruskin and his readers. We will illustrate this love of Nature by quotmg a specimen or two of his happiest descriptions. We begin with the Cloud.^ and our readers will confess that their first feeling, after the perusal, will be an ir- resistible impulse to throw open the win- dow, and look upon the clouds again as they roll through the sky. " It is to be remembered that, although clouds of course arrange themselves more or less in broad masses, with a light side and a dark side, both their light and shade are invariably composed of a series of di- vided masses, each of which has iu its out- line as much variety and chai'acter as the great outline of the cloud; presenting, therefore, a thousand times repeated, all that I have described as the general form. Nor are these multitudinous divisions of s, truth of slight importance in the character of sky, for they are dependent on, and il- lustrative of, a quality which is usually in a great degree overlooked — the enormous retiring spaces of solid clouds. Between the illuminated edge of a heaped cloud and that part of its body which turns into sha- dow, there will generally be a clear distance of several miles — more or less, of course, according to the general size of the cloud ; but in such large masses as Poussin and others of the old masters, which occupy the fourth or fifth of the visible sky, the clear illuminated breadth of vapor, from the edge to the shadow, involves at least the distance of five or six miles. We are little apt, in watching the changes of a mountainous range of cloud, to reflect that the masses of vapor which compose it are huger and higher than any mountain-range of the earth; and the distance between mass and mass are not yards of air, traversed in an instant by the flying form, but valle of changing atmosphere leagues over ; that the slow motion of ascending curves which we 180 Tlie Horticulturist. can scarcely trace, is a boiling energy of ex- ulting vapor rushing into the heaven a thou- sand feet in a minute ; and that the topling angle whose sharp edge almost escapes no- tice in the multitudinous forms around it, is a nodding precipice of storms three thou- sand feet from base to summit. It is not until we have actually compared the forms of the sky with the hill-ranges of the earth, and seen the soaring alp overtopped and buried in one surge of the sky, that we begin to conceive or appreciate the colossal scale of the phenomena of the latter. But of this there can be no doubt in the mind of any one accustomed to trace the forms of cloud among hill ranges — as it is there a demonstrable and evident fact — that the space of vapor visibly extended over an or- dinarily clouded sky, is not less, from the point nearest to the observer to the horizon, than twenty leagues ; that the size of every mass of separate form, if it be at all large- ly divided, is to be expressed in terms of miles ; and that every boiling heap of illu- minated mist in the nearer sky is an enor- mous mountain, fifteen or twenty thousand feet in height, six or seven miles in illu- luminated surface, furrowed by a thousand colossal ravines, torn by local tempests into peaks and promontories, and changing its features with the majestic velocity of a volcano." The forms of clouds, it seems, are worth studying, and their study will richly repay the lover of nature. After reading this, no landscape painter will be disposed, with hasty slight invention, or with careless ob- servation, to sketch these " mountains" of the sky. Let us see what he says of water, first of a falling stream, and then of running water : " A little crumbling white or lightly- rubbed paper will soon give the effect of indiscriminate foam ; but Nature siives more than foam — she shows, beneath it and through it, a peculiar character of exqui- sitely-studied form bestowed on tvery wave and line of fall ; it is this variety of definite character which Turner always aims at, rejecting as much as possible everything that conceals or overwhelms it. Thus in the upper Fall of the Tees, though the whole basin of the fall is blue, and dim with the rising vapor, yet the attention of the spectator is chiefly directed to the con- centric zones and delicate curves of the falling water itself; and it is impossible to express with what exquisite accuracy these are given. They are the characteristics of a powerful stream descending without im- pediment or break, but from a narrow chan- nel, so as to expand as it falls. They are the constant form which such a stream as- sumes as it descends; and yet I think it would be difficult to point to another in- stance of their being rendered in art. You will find nothing even in the water-falls of our best painters, but springing lines of parabolic descent, and splashing and shape- less foam ; and, in consequence, though they make you understand the swiftness of the water, they never let you feel the weight of it; the stream, in their hands, looks active, not supine^ as if it leaped, not as if it fell. Now, water will leap a little way — it will leap down a weir or over a stone — but it tuvibles over a high fall like this : and it is when we have lost the para- bolic line, and arrived at the catenary — when we have lost the spring of the fall and arrived at the 23hmge of it — that we begin really to feel its weight and wildness. Where water takes its first leap from the top, it is cool and collected, and uninter- esting and mathematical ; but it is when it finds that it has got into a scrape, and has further to go than it thought for, that its character comes out ; it is tlien that it be- gins to writhe, and twist, and to sweep out, zone after zone, in wilder stretching as it falls, and to send down the rocket-like, lance-pointed, whizzing shafts at its sides, sounding for the bottom. And it is this prostration, the hopeless abandonment of its ponderous power in the air, which is always peculiarly expressed by Turner. When water, not in a very great body, runs in a rocky bed much interrupted by Glazed vs. Unglazed Floiver Pots. 181 hollows, so tliat it can rest every now and then in a pool as it goes along, it does not acquire a continuous velocity of motion. It pauses after every leap, and curdles about, and rests a little, and then goes on again ; and if, in this comparatively tranquil and rational state of mind, it meets with any obstacles, as a rock or a stone, it parts on each side of it with a little bubbling foam, and goes round : if it comes to a stop in its bed it leaps it lightly, and then, after a lit- tle splashing at the bottom, stops again to take breath. But if its bed be on a con- tinuous slope, not much interrrupted by hollows, so that it cannot rest — or if its own mass be so increased by flood that its usual resting-places are not sufficient for it, but that it is perpetually pushed out of them by the following current, before it has had time to tranquilize itself — it of course gains velocity with every yard that it runs ; the impetus got at one leap is carried to the credit of the next, until the whole stream becomes one mass of unchecked accelerating motion. Now, when water in this state comes to an obstacle, it does not part at it, but clears it like a race-horse ; and when it comes to a hollow, it does not fill it up, and run out leisurely at the other side, but it rushes down into it, and comes up on the other side, as a ship into the hollow of the sea. Hence, the whole appearance of the bed of the stream is changed, and all the lines of the water altered in their nature. The quiet stream is a succession of leaps and pools ; the leaps are light and springy. and parabolic, and make a great deal of splashing when they tumble into the pool ; then we have a space of quiet curling water, and another similar leap below. But the stream, when it has gained an impetus, takes the shape of its bed, never stops, is equally deep and equally swift everywhere, goes down into every hollow, not with a leap, but with a swing — not foaming nor splashing, but in the bending line of a strong sea-wave, and comes up again on the other side, over rock and ridge, with the ease of a bounding leopard. If it meet a rock three or four feet above the level of its bed, it will neither part nor foam, nor express any concern about the matter, but clear it in a smooth dome of water without apparent exertion, coming down again as smoothly on the other side, the whole surface of the surge being drawn into parallel lines by its extreme velocity, but foamless, except in places where the form of the bed opposes itself at some direct angle to the line of fall and causes a breaker ; so that the whole river has the appearance of a deep and rag- ing sea, with this only difference, that the torrent waves always break backwards, and sea waves forwards. Thus, then, in the water that has gained an impetus, we have the most exquisite arrangement of curved lines, perpetually changing from convex to concave, following every swell and hollow of the bed with their modulating grace, and all in unison of motion, presenting per^ haps the most beautiful series of inorganic forms which nature can possibly produce." GLAZED vs. UNGLAZED FLOWER POTS. BY S. REID, PITTSFIELD, MASS. I HAVE had an article on the above topic partly in and half out of my head for some time, but your correspondent, " B. S.." has taken all the thunder out of it. Well, thunder owes some of its impressiveness to echo; with echoes from them I will be contented. The prejudice against glazed pots, we have had occasion to know, is very general. Offer a lady a glazed pot, and she will re- ply, " I wish I could use them, they are so much nicer and so much easier kept clean ; but everybody says plants will not do as well in them," But who is this every- body ? " 0, I have asked Gen. A's gar- dener, and Col. B's gardener, and Judge O's gardener, and they all say plants do much better in unglazed pots, and that you can 182 TJie Horticulturist. not Lire a gardener who knows anytli ng about his business to use a glazed pot. Is not this enough." Well, let it pass. We like early tomatoes, and to gratify this liking, we usually start the plants in pots the last of February, and have them in full bloom, and sometimes further ad- vanced, by the time the open ground is sufficiently warm and dry to receive them. For pots, we use such refuse ones as come conveniently to hand, some glazed, some unglazed. Now, we have noticed, for a se- ries of at least four or five years, that the plants in the glazed pots uniformly make the largest and most healthy growth. We allow the gardeners experiments to be just as reliable as our own. But the results are contradictory. The experiments are just like those for which agricultural and horti- cultural societies are paymg thousands of dollars annually, and the results are the same — a bundle of contradictions. And such will be the case so long as the circum- stance?,, the very hinges on lohicli results turn, are neglected. " Half the truth is general- ly a lie " is an old maxim, and experiments with half the circumstances omitted give a lying result. We tried our experiments in a dry, stove-heated room, the water ap- plied only to the surface of the earth ; the gardener his, in a green-house, the watering, principally, by sprinkling foliage, pots, benches, stools, &c., with tepid water. — The air of the house is kept loaded with moisture, so that there is but little, if any, evaporation from the surface of the pot. — The air is as ready to give moisture to the pot as to ask it. The pot is not wanted to hold water, but simply to hold the earth, and keep the plant right side up. A gauze pot, had it firmness enough to do this, would answer quite well, while a glazed one would defeat the prime object — a uni- form heat and moisture through the whole concern. Step now, sir, to the sitting-room of any ordinary family — a room warmed b}' a stove, perhaps a coal stove, the air, the fur- niture, carpet, and walls are as dry as a piece of — anything you may please to com- pare them with. If a whiff of steam es- cape from any transient vessel of water, it is drank up instantl3\ Bring into this room, a plant in an unglazed, a porous pot, having the earth well wet ; evaporation from the surface of the pot instantly be- gins; and such is the rapidity with which it goes on, that it almost freezes the very earth in the pot — for all know, or ought to know, that evaporation is a freezing pro- cess; that it is not the melting, but the drying that carries off the heat. In a short time the earth in contact with the pot be- comes dry. In watering, especial care is taken to give the outer edge of the earth its full share, yet it is soon dry ; and, al- though we are cautioned against too fre- quent watering, yet the drooping leaf will remind us that its outer, its fibrous roots are thirsty. The pot in the sitting-room has a very different office from its fellow in the green- house. It is to hold moisture as well as earth, and prevent evaporation with the consequent chilling of the roots of the plant. The plant needs its protection. — Give the plant language, and you would hear it say, " This air is a thirsty old fel- low; I give him drink from the surface of every leaf, but he is not satisfied. He comes into my kitchen, takes the water in which I mix my fooo, and in getting away with it, puts out my fire, and leaves me cold and dry. He should be taught to know his place." The whole matter, then, lies here: A healthy growth of the plant requires a cer- tain degree of heat and moisture, and this kept as uniform as possible. In the green- house, with its usual attending circum- stances, this is best secured by porous pots; in the sitting-room, under very different circumstances, by pots not porous. We feel very confident that, for parlor use, the hard, non-porous pot will give a healthier growth of the plant, keep itself much more neat and cleanly, be more dura- ble, and ask for less care in watering, thus combining economy, beauty, and comfort Editor's Table. 381 EDITOR'S TABLE. To Contributors and Others. — Address all Communications, for the Editorial and publishing departments, to Geo. E. & F. W. Woodward, 37 Park Row, New York. St. Catharines, C. W., 19 Jan. 1866. Messrs. Geo. E. & F. W. Woodward. Various matters requiring my attention have prevented my replying to your favor of 16th November last, relative to my humble experience in the cultivation of the Grape. Although always an enthusiastic Horticul- turist 1 have only of late years turned my attention to Grape Culture and I am pleased to find that it is attracting so much atten- tion in the Horticultural World, it is in my opinion a most delightful and profitable employment and in a very few 3^ears there will be as many varieties of grapes as there now are of apples and pears, I speak with reference to hardy varieties, or what are so called. Look at what already has been ac- complished '. Many can remember when the Isabella was the only grape cultivated and was considered the ne plus ultra of per- fection, and now what a variety of Grape vines are offered for sale in every catalogue we take up, and I firmly believe that grape culture is only in its infancy in this counti'y and that its cultivation is destined to be of great importance in the manufacture of native wine which is already attracting much attention. I have often been much amused at the elaborate articles, appearing from time to time in the different periodi- cals, relative to the management of grape vines, the necessary pruning required and the requisite ingredients to form a suitable soil, a great deal of which in my opinion, is quite unnecessary for the successful cultiva- tion of the grape ; no doubt a certain degree of knowledge is desirable, but the conclusion I have arrived at is, that we should leave more to nature and less to art, and if we paid more attention to top-dressing and less to the number of carcases deposited in our grape quarters, we should hear less of rot and other diseases to which grapes are liable. By making our borders too rich we stimulate the vines to unnatural growth, and vre make the matter worse by taking off this luxuriant wood, and destroying the vigor of the vine. I notice in your December num- ber that one of your correspondents, D. W. Adams, of Waukon, Alamakee county, Iowa, quite agrees with me, he says very pertinently " that the better they are treated, the worse they are diseased " — this subject I should like to see well discussed in your columns. I have been fortunate so far as rot is concerned, the only varieties on which I have seen it are the Curtis or Stetson's Hybrid (an early black grape sim- ilar to Blood's Bhick), badly touched, and Perkins and Concord slightly, Delaware also showed symptoms of the disease in a few berries. I much fear that under our present (in my opinion) erroneous sj-stem of pruning and manuring we shall see much more of it every season. I will now give you a list of such grapes as I have tested, and of my vines, as to their adaptability to our soil and climate, and their season of ripening in this part of Canada; the soil and climate of which, is very similar, to that of your famous Grape Valley, with the advantage of having water on both sides within a few miles of us. St. Catharines is situated at the base of the same range of hills, that run through that beautiful sec- tion of country, and is well described as the Garden of Canada. The varieties I have hitherto tested, are as follows viz: Delaware, Rebecca, Diana, Union Village, Clara, Allen's Hybrid, Cas- sidy, Elsingburgh, Ontario, Louisa, Isabella, Canadian Chief, Taylor or Bullit, Lenoir, 184 TJie EorticuUimst. Logan, Concord, Anna, Perkins, Black Clus- ter, Pelbam Seedling, Secord, Catawba, Hartford Prolific, Curtis, Blood's Black, Tokalon, Rogers' 3, 4, 15, 19, 20, 33 and 41; I have also Lydia, Creveling, Worden's Seedling, Zona, Israella, Rogers 1, 2 and 9, Adirondac, Underbill's Seedling, Maxa- tawny, Cuyahoga, Alvey and some others whose names I do not remember, none of which are yet in bearing. Of the above varieties Curtis, Blood's Black and Hartfoi'd Prolific and Rogers' number 3, ripen with us the first week in Sep- tember, none of them are high flavored and are only valuable on account of their ripen- ing earl}^, the Curtis was badly afiected with the rot; the next to ripen with us are Delaware, Logan, Allen's Hybrid, Concord, Rebecca, Elsingburg, Ontario, Alvey, Secord Perkins and Rogers' 4, 15 and 19 all ripening about the middle of September. The last to ripen here are Isabella, Diana, Louisa, Union Village and Rogers' number 1, the first week in October. The question now arises which of the above numerous varieties would I recom- mend for cultivation. This must depend in a great measure on soil and climate, our soils are various from sand to heavy clay, the climate generally dry and on that account well adapted to the grape. For an early grape I would take Hartford Prolific or Rogers' number 3, of the next in order to ripen, Delaware, Allen's Hybrid, Concord and Rogers' 4, 15 and 19 ; and I should still cling to our old favorite the Isabella, and, where it will ripen, the Diana, which will become one of our best varieties or wiue in favorable localities. I made a wine from it last season for which I received a diploma and first prize at our Provincial exhibition, it requires, however a warm ex- posure and is then a very delicious grape, perfectly hardy, standing our most severe winters, without protection and free so far from all disease, its only fault is that it grows too close on the bunch. Allen's Hy- brid is the finest white grape we have for the table, but this year the flavor did not come up to the mark. Rogers' were all very fine and are destined, if they retain their present good qualities to form a new era in grape culture. Some varieties I have thrown out as w^orthless, viz., Taylor or Bullit and Lenoir, two miserable wild sour things, I cannot call them grapes, the Anna, one of Dr. Grant''s htimhtigs, and I must here express my surprise that a man of his standing should send out such rubbish as this and devote nearly two pages of his catalogue to a description! of this grape, and from which I was induced to purchase a vine now pulled up and thrown away after nursing it with great care for several years ; it would be only occupying your pages un- necessarily to go over bis description of its perfections, suflQce it to say, that it is a miserable flavorless thing totally unfit for general cultivation. I had the Diana close to it ripening perfectly every season and I never had an eatable grape from the Anna, I can get any number of respectable people in this town to substantiate what I say. The Black Cluster and Pelbam Seedling I have also discarded. We have lately formed a Grape Growlers Association for the purpose of encouraging the growth of grapes and the manufacture of wine with every prospect of success, as we think we possess a soil and climate well adapted to the successful cul- tivation of the grape. I fear gentlemen that I have wearied you with my rambling remarks, I shall be well repaid however, if they are the humble means of awakening a spirit of inquiry into the resources of, I may say, otir country and in my opinion of its adaptability in many parts of it to grape growing. Very truly yours James Taylor. Dr. Schrceder's Method. — Messrs. Ed- itors:— In the February number of the Gar- denerh Monthly, is a lecture by Dr. Schrceder upon the prevention of rot in Catawba vines, by continued laj^'ering, so as always to have fruit on new vines, and the author of the plan claims that it is a successful one. Editor's Table. 185 He claims also, that he has discovered the law, that as vines get older they are more disposed to rot, a law of disease that does not seem to hold good with other fruits. "Whether this method of treatment is the true one or not, it is almost identical with a plan recommended for the prevention of mildew (in foreign grapes grown out of doors) by A. J. Downing, in Hovey''s Maga- zine, volume v., page 121. Speaking of a person who grows foreign grapes successfully out doors, Mr. Downing says : " In the month of June, every year, he selects on every vine, a clean shoot, some five to eight feet in length, of which he buries about eighteen inches of the middle part, in the common method of layering. The plants in the vineyard are planted in rows, and the layers are made in the line of rows between the old plants. The second year all the old plants are dug up and flung away, if they are not per- fectly strong and vigorous. In this way he preserves a constant stock of strong, new vines, which are able, by their superior vigor, to resist the attacks of the mildew, and bear abundant and beautiful crops." It will be seen that this plan, published in 1839, does not differ much from Dr. Schrceder's, and as we have Mr. Downing's assurance that it prevents mildew, there seems to be good reason to think that the Doctor's may prevent rot. If it does it will be a blessing, in spite of the labor it involves. J. M. M., Jr. "Walpole, Mass. Remedy for Mildew.— The moment of troubles for vine-growers and garden- ers in general, by the oidium, is getting near, and I thought that some of your readers may read, with some interest, a remedy which is not new, but which proved, in every respect, satisfactory for years, and may, perhaps, not be gener- ally known. For a long time the application of flour of sulphur, in a dry state to plants, was recommended, and is still in use in many places, but has never answered completely. Others recommend the application of flour of sulphur during a wet day, or after syringing the plants all over. This also did not give full satisfaction. In 1852 the French Government recom- mended the following remedy — first pro- posed b}^ a gentleman, M. Grison, in the Journal cle la Societe cV Horticulture Pratique cle PA in : One pound of flower of sulphur, and one pound of slack lime, to which three quarts of water are added, gradually, by stirring the mixture ; the whole put over a slow fire, and to remain boiling, stirring it until reduced to 2^ qviarts. The liquid, after the solid matter has deposited, is to be corked in bottles, and in case of want, mixed with one hundred times the quantity of rain water, and ap- plied all over the plants, first before the buds open, and a second time before the blooming, and the cure generally is radical. I have just applied this remedy, with full success, to a lot of roses which I intend to force. Three weeks ago they were all at once completely checked in their growth, and I could not detect the reason until the leaves commenced to drop. It was sim- ply the oidium, which I cured in this way. There is not the least injury to be feared to any plants from it. By E. A. Baumann, Rahaway, N.J. Peaches South. — This month peach trees in our Southern States will do to bud. As soon as the bud starts, head off the top, and a growth of from three to four feet will be the result by autumn. Trees transplanted this past Spring should be carefully looked over, and if they are not pushing strong will require perhaps more cutting back — perhaps mulching and water- ing. Thoroughly examine them, and attend to their wants iu time. 186 The HorficuUu7'ist. Annuals sLould be carefully looked over tliis montli, and if inclined to grow too rank or misshapen should have the ends nipped off. As they come into bloom thin out some of the vreakly buds, and thei'eby assist the remaining ones to give you larger size flowers and brighter colors. In transplanting annual flowers try and study their heights and colors so that as they come into bloom the flowers and foliage will blend harmoniously ; as a rule, the dark colors to the centre or back ground, shading down to pure white for the margin. Annual vines are usually trained on poles or cords, in cone, fan or other shaped forms ; thej" are also made very attractive as mass- es when trained on a light wire or thread lattice, laid horizontally, about four inches from the ground. If several varieties are so trained together the effect is often very pleasing. The American Cowslip — Dodecatheon 3ie«fZ/a.— Although a native, is none the less deserving a place in all the grounds, and is one of the few plants admirably adopted to shady borders. If to be grown from seeds, thej^ should be gathered and sown as soon as ripe, in a sandy border, pot or frame, shaded from the south sun. If to be propagated by offsets, they should be taken off about the last of July and at once replanted in a shady border, of good, light, rich, sandy loam. Cauliflower and Late Cabbage. — Seed sown early in this month will give good heads late in autumn. If severe weather comes on before all the cauliflowers head, they may be taken up and trans- planted in good soil, in a light cellar or shed enclosure, where they will complete their growth nearly as well as in the open ground. Cabbage plants sown now for transplanting for winter use are much more reliable than plants already advanced. The heads of late cabbages are almost always firmer and keep better. Wash for Bjdies of Fruit Trees. — One ounce of copperas to eight or ten gal- lons of water forms a good wash, and is ad- vised for trial as preventative against blight. One pound of bleachers soda and one gallon of water forms a wash that cleans off all in- sects, and leaves the trees with fresh young looking healthy bark. Mulching or Shading Ground. — Not only does mulching the ground keep more uniform the temperature and moisture about the trees and plants, but it is ac- knowledged that the shade so obtained as- sists in a supply of fertilization. Now is the time, if you have not yet applied a mulch around your young trees, etc., to do it. Newly mown grass we have found one of the best, because it retained its place well, and gave no seeds to vegetate ; but any lit- ter will answer, or if saw-dust or tan bark are easily accessible, they make a durable and neat material. Roses. — Remember, that to keep up a continuous blooming on Tea, Bengal and Bourbon roses, they require to have the blossoms removed, ere the petals fall, and that occasionally weak shoots require pinch- ing back. Keep the ground always fresh and loose throughout the rose bed. Remontant roses should have their first flower buds entirely removed ; because at this time (June), there are abundance of roses, and because by so doing, the plants will form stronger, and more abundant buds to bloom a month hence. Layers should be put down the latter part of this month. If buds occasionally force out on the bodies of your young trees, let them grow — do not rub them off — many trees are injured by exposure of a long bare trunk to summer and winter's suns — let the' buds grow and thus form branches near to the ground, shielding by foliage, and adding to vigor and permanency of the tree. Editor's Table. 187 Thinning Fruit. — "We might write page on page recounting experiments and results of thinning out fruit, but it would only be to prove that which all good fruit cultiva- tors now concede — viz : that one-third to one-half in number of fruits, well distributed on the tree or vine, produce at maturity equal bulk, better quality, handsomer ap- pearance, more satisfaction of mind to the grower, and finally yield in the market a greater pecuniary return. The present and coming months call therefore for attention of fruit growers to this subject. All fruits on young and weakly spurs or twigs should be taken away, and clusters or groups so thinned, that while a supply of foliage will assist in ma- turing each distinct fruit or cluster, they may also be pretty evenly distributed over the tree or vine. Charred Turfs form one of the best ma- terials for cucumbers, melons, egg plants, annual flowers, etc., that we have ever tried. In growing we have used about a peck of char to each hill, and for our annual flowers a handful or so to each plant ac- cording to its vigor and habit. Rustic Baskets filled with Verbenas, Phloxdrummondi, etc., etc., form one of the prettiest as well as cheap decorations to small or large grounds. The Irish Ivy, Clematis, or Pcrriwinkle, each and all are good as a border to run over, and with their rich, green foliage soon hide the rough ex- terior, leaving the form of the basket, with its green surroundings, and its bright and cheery flowers to meet the eye. Baskets may be made with a few boards and strips of bark, or of wires, with twigs interwoven, or of wicker-work, with bark intertwined, and of form to please the taste. Salvias, Petunias, &c., when about to be planted out for summer blooming, in beds or borders, will have their bloom in- creased in quantity, and hastened in matu- rity, by laying the ball of roots from the pot on its side, and. pegging down the branches. Greenhouse plants should be mostly placed out of doors this month. Geraniums and many others are the better for being cut back. In placing plants out of doors, try to have them so that they will be in shade soon after mid-daj^ This is especially a point of importance as we go farther south, where the heat of afternoon suns often rearl3- destroys the plants. The Pear and Cherry Slug may be easily destroyed by dusting them over with air-slacked lime. We usually go through our dwarf pear grounds about twice in a season, sowing broad cast air-slacked lime, at about the rate of four bushels to the acre, by which means we destroy the slug, and apply lime to the soil and wants of the pear. Some soils, we think, would perhaps be more benefitted by gypsum (plaster of paris), in place of lime, and the slug as effectively destroyed. Bee Management. — We are no bee manager, and ourself can never approach one of the little workers without receiving from him a stinging hint that our room is what he wants, not our company. Never- theless, we love the honey, and know many people who know more or less of hives. We have been reading, and from our readings gather the following as principles in their government : To prevent their swarming, keep them moderately cool. Keep them constantly working by depriving them of most of their honey as it is produced. Never allow them to be starved for want of food ; and never allow the larvae to be reared in old cells. Reserve Gardens. — Every garden of any pretension requires a piece of ground set apart for a reserve garden. Its advan- tages will be daily more and more apparent as the place grows older and older, until he who has been accustomed to its benefits will hardly know how to care for a place without such an apportionment, as part and parcel of a good place. Of some of the 188 The Horticulturist. advantages of a reserve garden, we may enumerate the starting at various times of annual seed, to bring forward and transplant in the border, just before their flowering period; for growing slips and cuttings of choice new plants ; for starting bulbs in pots ; for position and shielding of forcing- frames ; for potting and shading of old plants that require a renewal, or young plants yet untested, or sickly and delicate plants. Many more items for the use of such a piece of ground could be stated ; but we have said enough, we hope, to induce every owner of a garden, in planning his grounds, to provide for a reserve garden. Training Trees. — While we do not ad- vise the commercial fruit-grower to expend time in giving variety of form to his fruit trees by other means than the best practi- cal use of the knife, yet we do like occa- sionally to see diversity of form produced by artificial methods, exhibiting skill and control of plant life in grounds of amateurs. Trees in fan shape bordering walks, with spreading flat tops, almost umbrella forms, on lawns, or some points or places where space is a part of the scenery, and elevation not admissible. This month is a good time to train and tie the branches, just before or about the time of forming the terminal buds. Many sorts of trees, those espe- cially of a straggling habit of growth, can be not only improved in forms, but their bearing surfaces often enlarged and increas- ed or improved in character. Gardeners and amateurs can often, with a little labor and care, give additional in- terest and diversity to small extent of grounds by attention to this item of fancy form in training trees. Strawberry Month. — June is unques- tionably the strawberry month over a great part of our Union; and now, while they are in fruit, we shall feel obliged to our friends if they will send us notes of their observa- tions Destroy the Weeds. — It seems unne- cessary ever to hint that weeds require often to be destroyed, in order to keep them down ; but we find some cultivators are like the weeds, and require line upon line, in order to induce their action to that which will result only to their benefit. — June is essentially the month of flowers, and equally so of weeds ; and if the weeds are taken when not more than an inch above ground, a mere brusH with hoe cr cultivator will destroy them rapidly and easily ; whereas, if left until they are firmly fastened in the soil, a great amount of labor is needed to destroy them ; and, besides, they have reduced and consumed a portion of the food in the soil designed for the valued crop. Bulbs of hyacinth, tulip, crocus, &c., re- quire to be lifted during the latter part of this, or fore part of the coming (July) month. Their position of exposure to sun, the soil, &c., will retard or hasten their maturity. When taken up, let them dry an hour or so in the sun, then lay away on shelves, in a cool but dry place. Some practice packing the bulbs, immediately on taking from the bed or border, in dry clean sand. Cut away all leaves, but do not in- jure any of the root fibres. Pack by laying the bulbs on their sides, and so that they will not touch each othei\ Daphne-Mezereum. — Were the meze- reon to be now first introduced, its early flowering and profusion of blossoms would cause a demand for it from far and wide, rich and poor. The plant is perfectly hardy; and a c:uster of the pink and while varie- ties, with their profusion of fragrant blos- soms in Spring, before any leaves expand, command the admiration of every one. — They maybe easily grown from layers, cut- tings, or seeds, and this is a good time for cuttings or layers. The seeds should be sown as soon as ripe. Light, sandy, loamy soil suits the Daphne-Mezereum best, but we have grown it well in clay loam under- drained. Editor's Table. 189 Messrs. Editors. A correspondent in the April Horticul- turist alludes to Mr. Griffitli's plan of rais- ing grape vines from eyesi in the open air, and I beg leave to say a word about raising vines -without heat. For the last two years, I have raised, for my own use. Concord, Diana, Rebecca, and Eogers' 15 and 19 vines, in an ordinary cold frame, without the least trouble. Some Concord eyes, transplanted into the open ground in May, unsheltered, and .never watered once, produced very stocky vines,-with roots four feet long, and as large as a goose quill ; and the same plants, last year, made canes, in the second season, as large as a man's finger. The Diana and Rebecca received rather more careful treat- ment, being kept in the frame all summer. Some of the eyes were put into the frame in April, and some in May, and took care of themselves, with occasional waterings and a very little care — just enough to see that the young plants did not get burnt up. Grapes lead naturally to strawberries, and I wish to ask : 1. Of what is La Constante a seedling, and what are the ancestors of the Agricul- turist ? 2. Where can exact and trustworthy in- formation be found about the Chili straw- berry, and the advertised varieties, viz Chili Orange, Vilmorin, &c. ? J. M. Merrick, Jr. Walpole, Mass., March 31, 1866. Messrs. Editors. — The article in Jan. number, " Dirscrepancies of Grape Culture," reminds me of a similar case : A gentleman of a neighboring town was the owner of a swamp pasture lot. Part of the year this was covered with water. It is situated in a long, narrow valley. The soil a black muck, and quite deep. Through this field was cut several open ditches, through which the surface-water found its exit. "With no other preparation of the land, save deep ploughing, the field was planted out to grape vines. They grew vigorously and healthy, and have been* for some years in full bearing, and the crops they produce are really quite surprising — the vines hanging loaded with fruit. The variety is Isabella, but one would hardly recognize it. Bunch and berry are both unusually large ; color deep, and fine bloom and quality of fruit — better than ordinary. Mildew does not in the least effect it. The experiment is a success. It is a pretty conceit to call Nature a steady, reliable old Dame, and talk learnedly about "immutable laws." But facts, (and by many learned by costly experience), show, that when we try to chain her down to mathematical exactness — to make her work in a harness of our own fitting — she will sometimes play the coquette, bringing your carefully laid plans to utter disgrace and then rewarding some blunderer with provoking success. The one studiously did wrong ; the other accidentally did right. The fault often lies in trying to make Na- ture abide by man's laws ; to make her pro- duce like results under all circumstances, or what seem to be so to man. If some- times she will grow better grapes in a swamp than on a sunny hill-side, plant in a swamp. Go with Nature, instead of trying to make her go with you. Bear good humoredly when her plans and yours don't happen to agree. Learn when she teaches, and you cannot help loving the dear old Dame better and better forever. T. T. S. Detroit, Mich., April 2, 1866. Messrs. Woodward, 37 Park Row. Gentlemen, — Enclosed find three dol- lars, for which send me one copy of colored plate of the Delaware Grape. In the Hor- ticulturist for September 1863, you speak of the Yeddo Grape Mith great expecta- tions. Has it been fruited, and is it suita- ble to this climate ? Please give us more light on it. I have an amateur's collection of the reputed first class vines coming for- ward and wish to experiment with some foreign out-door kinds, A gentleman who has spent several years in China, tells me of a grape, which the same kind is much finer in the northern part of the empire than the 190 Tlie Horticulturist. southern. The finest he saw was in 40° of latitude, and was called " Lang-yein Bee- tree," in Chinese — meaning " Dragon's Eye Grape." which with them was the highest name for excellence they could give it. If it could be introduced here it might prove a valuable acquisition, and if the at- tention of the importers of seeds and plants from that part of the world was called to it, they might be induced to bring over some specimens. Let us hear some more from the Yeddo. Yours truly, S. G. Wight, 503 Jeff Ave. [Has the Yeddo sunk into oblivion that we hear nothing about it of late? What says Mr. Parsons ? — Eds.J We have received the following circular, which will, no doubt, prove interesting to many of our readers : — Painesville, Ohio, March 20, 1866. Dear Sir : At the annual meeting of the Lake Shore Grape Growers' Association, held in Cleve- land the past month, the following preamble and resolutions were adopted: " Whereas, the Emperor of the French has invited our Government to send to the approaching World's Exposition at Paris American products and works of art ; and since it is our belief that the wines made in our country, especially in the regions embraced in this Association, will compare favorably with the best specimens produced in Europe, Resolved^ That we learn with great pleas- ure that one of our directors, Wm. GrifBth, Esq., purposes attending the Paris Exhibi- tion in 1867, and that we hereby appoint him our representative there, and request him to take in charge all specimens furnish- ed by members of this Association. Resolved^ That we earnestly request all our members, and others interested, to for- ward specimens of native wine and brandy, lor this purpose, to William Griffith or J. E. Mottier, South Shore Vineyards, North East, Pennsylvania. Resolved^ That we request Mr. GrifBth to procure all the information he can obtain in regard to grape culture and wine making in his proposed tour in Europe, and report the same to this Association." In behalf of the grape and wine interests of the United States, and in obedience to instructions of our Society, we beg leave to invite your co-operation in furtherance of tlie object of the above resolutions. Mr. Griffith is one of the most extensive and successful grape and wine producers in this country, and we take pleasure in recom- mending him as a gentleman every way competent and worthy to represent these interests at the Paris Exposition. We, therefore, respectfully request you to send to him, for this purpose, specimens of wines made from native grapes, by your- self or others. The wines must be pure, free from addition of sugar, or other ex- traneous substance ; at least two bottles of each variety, distinctly labelled, giving name of grape, location of vineyard, name and residence of maker, date, &c. ; to be sent to William Griffitk, North East, Pa., so as to reach there not later than 1st No- vember, 1866, when they will be inspected and classified by a committee, consisting of L. F. Allen, of New York ; J. A. Warder and Charles Carpenter, of Ohio; and J. E. Mottier and Wm. Griffith, of Pa. For further particulars, address William Griffith, North East, Pa., who will be happy to answer all questions. J. P. Dake, President. M. B. Bateham, Secretary. Flushing, March, 1866. Editors Horticulturist. — The follow- ing extract from a letter received from a prominent lover of grape culture at Great Salt Lake City may not be uninteresting to your readers, as showing the adaptation of the climate of Utah to the culture of the vine. The letter is dated Sept. 12th, 1865, and says : " I received from you quite a variety of fq-reign grapes some years ago, through the Editor's Table. 191 Post Office. Among them were Buckland Sweetwater, White Frontignan, Chasselas de Fontainblcau, &c., all very fine ; and all ripe here now in the open air. I pulled one bunch from the former ten da3rs ago, weigh- ing 3 lbs., less two ounces, and yesterday two bunches, together weighing 4;^ pounds, all from one vine, in the open air, and it had Tperhaps Jifti/ pounds more on." It is certainly one inducement to emigrate to Mormondom if one can have these deli- cious varieties of grapes arrive at such per- fection in the open air. Yours trul}^, Prince & Co. also to keep the trees within such narrow bounds that a large number may be grown within the limits of an ordinary garden. BOOKS, &c., RECEIVED. Grape-Growing and Wine-Making, by George Ilusmann, Hermann, Missouri. G. E. & F. ^Y. Woodward, publishers, 37 Park Row, New York. Price, f^l.50. A new and practical work, fully illustrat- ed, treating of the propagation, training, and culture of. the native vine, both in the vineyard and garden, with a carefully pre- pared list of those varieties which, after extensive trial, are found free from disease, and adapted to our wants. Also, thorough and comprehensive direc- tions for wine-making, with illustrations of all the various instruments and utensils used in the manufacture. Mr. Ilusmann has here given the results of his experience of many years in the cul- ture of the vine and in wine-making, in such a clear and concise manner, that all may understand the various processes. Miniature Fruit Garden, by Thomas Rivers, from the thirteenth English edition. Orange, Judd & Co., publishers, 41 Park Row, New York. Price $1. This work has already passed through thirteen editions in England, which fact would seem to be a suflBcient guarantee of its worth. The author is a well-known practical nurseryman and fruit-grower, and, we ma}' add, has met with great success in his mode of culture. In the work before us, we have a thorough system of pruning and train- ing to induce fruitfulness at an early age, and Essays on Soiling Cattle, by Josiah Quinc}', with a Memoir of the Author, by Edmund Quincy. A. Williams & Co., pub- lishers, 100 Washington Street, Boston. — Price, SI. The subject of soiling cattle, as it is call- ed— that is, feeding them upon green food in sheds or stalls, instead of allowing them to loam at will in pastures — is attracting considerable attention among our farming community, especially near large cities and towns, where farms are small, and the value of land great. The author shows most con- clusively, from his own experience, that there is great economy in the practice, and that our small farmers may, by adopting this system, be enabled to keep as much stock as the possessor of a hundicd acres upon the old system. Six Lectures on Agriculture, by Mr. George Ville. A. Williams, Boston. Price 30 cents. Translated from the French by Chas. Martel. Scientific Essays on the chemical con- stituents of soils, and the crops grown upon them, with results of expeiiments made to ascertain what properties of the soil are taken up by the growth of certain crops 5 with suggestions as to the proper elements to be returned to exhausted lands to renew their fertility. The Book of Roses, by Francis Parkman. J. E. Tilton & Co. Publishers. Boston. Price ^3. The author of this elegant volume will be remembered bj^ our readers as a frequent contributer to the pages of the Horticul- turist during the past year, and is well known as a skilful cultivator, as well as an accomplished writer. Mr. Parkman has given us in this book much useful informa- tion, which if followed, cannot fail to ensure success in the cultivation of this ([ueen of flowers. Explicit directions for culture, both in the open air and in pots, for greenhouse 192 The Horticulturist. and parlor decoration are fully given, as well as the various operations of plant- ing, pruning and training, with lists of the best varieties in their respective classes. The book is a valuable addition to any horticultural library, and an elegant orna- ment for the drawing-room table. Culture of the Grape, by W. C. Strong. J. E. Tilton & Co. Publishers, Boston Mass. Price, igi3. Grape culture is attracting much atten- tion in our country, and more especially in those portions of it, where experiments have demonstrated the adaptability of the soil and climate. The most casual reader of Horticultural and Agricultural periodi- cals cannot fail to notice the frequent articles upon the grape, and if he turns to the advertising pages, he will perhaps won- der where can be found purchasers for the immense number of vines for sale ; and yet all are sold without diflSculty. Now and then a new book upon the subject appears, which cultivators hail with delight, hoping to obtain more information. In the book before us, we have the Grape very thoroughly treated, from the propaga- tion of the vine through the various systems of training, until the fruit is ripened and marketed or consumed, with full remarks on diseases and insects The work is not claimed to be entirely original ; the author acknowledging himself indebted to numer- ous writers in our horticultural monthlies for practical suggestions. This is a valua- ble feature in the work, as much time will be thereby saved to the reader, by having the experience of many collected in one volume. Mr. Strong devotes but little space to culture under glass, and still less to wine- making. Much more might have been said on both these topics without making the book too voluminous. lished fifteen years ago — the last in 1856, — since which time it is almost needless to say, to those of our readers who have kept pace with floriculture, that a vast number of new plants have been introduced to their notice. Much of the book has been re- written, incorporating only those portions of the old editions, where no improvement could be made. About one hundred pages have been added, and the culture of flowers brought down to the present time. Indian Corn. Its value, culture and uses, by Edward Enfield. D. Appleton & Co. Publishers, New York. Price ^l 75. Heretofore no work has been published exclusively devoted to the culture of this most important staple crop. We may say that almost every farmer, however few the number of his acres, finds place for his corn patch, and yet how few cultivate it well enough to obtain the yield that the land is capable of producing. To endeavor to in- struct his readers in the proper mode of culture and harvesting the corn and stalks, is the author's aim in this work, and he has succeeded in giving much desirable informa- tion in a pleasing style. De La Vergne's Sulphur Bellows. — We are prepared to furnish this instrument, which is used so successfully in France and Germany for the destruction of mildew en the grape vine and other plants. Any pul- verized substance can be thrown by it either upon the under or upper side of leaves of plants. Price $3 50. Breck's New Book of Flowers, by Joseph Breck. Orange Judd & Co. Publish- ers, 41 Park Row, New York. Price $1 75. The first edition of this work was pub. We have received a large supply of Eng- lish publications on the subject of Agricul- ture, Horticulture, Landscape Gardening, and Architecture, and are prepared to im- port to order books on any subjects on the most favorable terms. See advertisement of English books in this number. Secretaries of State and county agricul- tural societies are requested to send their last reports, or information to where they may be had to Messrs J. E. Tilton & Co., Boston, Mass. THE lORTICULTURIST VOL. XXI JULY, 1806, ,N0. COXLL TREES IN ASSEMBLAGES. By nature, trees are eminently social : human art alone separates them. When Columbus first touched these shores, he found no lawn trees, parks or avenues ; no groves, even. It was all one wide stretch- ing forest; except, it may be, where the Indian's rude axe or the fire had made here and there a clearing. But nature does not always do things in the best way: a hint, now and then, from art helps her amazingly. In my friend's pleasure-ground, yonder, is a model speci- men of the Norway Spruce, fifty feet high. Its lower branches rest gracefully upon the lawn ; thence midway and up to the apex, the limbs extend outward in unbroken whorls ; the foliage hanging from them like tresses, and swaying in the wind ; near the top are multitudes of bronzy cones, con- trasting finely with the deep green of the leaves ; and the whole tree from the ground to its highest point forms a symmetrical pyramid of waving verdure. Now, if na- ture had had her own way with this tree. she would have set it with a multitude of shrubs on some cold, Norwegian mountain, where, though it might have made good ship timber, its lower branches would have been killed out by the shade of the sur- rounding forest, and its beauty entirely de- stroyed. What say you also, of yonder Elm, standing alone in the meadow, with its colossal trunk so strongly buttressed at the base, then tapering as it rises, until it spreads out and supports a leafy dome, so light, symmetrical and graceful as per- fectly to satisfy the eye with its grand beauty. You don't find such trees in a primitive forest. Exceptions of this sort being borne in mind, let us consider trees socially related. Tne young artist in composing his landscape is apt to set his trees one by one at regular distances on the canvas, like soldiers on parade. Experience teaches him to group them. And the young landscape-gardener is apt to dot his ground over with trees and shrubs the same distance apart, and perhaps E.NTEEEu according to A.ct of Congress, in the year 18GG, by Geo. E. & F. W. Woodward, in the Clerk'i of the District Court of the United States, for the Southern District of New York. 13 194 The Horticulturist. in parallel rows ; but after more study and observation lie finds that a better result can be attained by disposing some of tlicm in irregular groups and masses. There are cases, indeed, where trees should be set in rows and at regular intervals ; as, for in- stance, by the side of streets, and in broad avenues in public parks. Whoever has walked under the elms on Church street, New Haven, that long, Gothic aisle, with natural columns, vaulted roof and twilight shade beneath, will not speak lightly of Buch artificial planting. Yet cases like this are the exception, and the rule prevails in favor of some degree of irregularity. Along )'onder fence-row, several maples have sprung up within a few feet of each other and as they have grown from year to year, they have formed a large, rounded mass of luxuriant foliage. Being a little crowded as they grow, their trunks are thrown somewhat out of the perpendicular, but they have locked arms above, and present to the ej^e one vast symmetrical ball of rich- est verdure. In the field beyond, nature shows a more sportive mood. A scarlet maple has sprung up by the side of a rock maple, and close by is a white ash ; in the rear towers a white-armed buttonwood. Here is little or no symmetry of outline, or uni- formity of color, but the effect is striking in summer, and in autumn it is grandly beau- tiful. One of the most pleasing combina- tions, whether natural or artificial, is seen Avhen a group of round-headed trees is over topped by one or more spiry trees, like the poplar, larch or fir. Nature coes some of her finest works on the banks of rivers and lakes, where the trees shoot out with great irregularity ; some hanging over the water, perhaps trail- ing their branches in it; others throwing their arms abroad horizontally or aloft, wnth ever-varying form and color of branch and leaf. If one would learn the beauty there often is in simple lines, let him study the trunks and limbs of these trees ; the roots perhaps a little undermined by the water; the branches crowded forward by trees be- hind, and bending outward over the stream to get more light and freedom, yet again ascending to maintain the balance of the structure. On hill sides and rocky precipices, trees often assume bold and picturesque forms. If they could be transplanted bodily into a smooth lawn, they Avould be scouted at as coarse and scraggy, and fit only for the axe and fire, but standing where nature has reared them, they possess the highest charm. They are the trees most beloved by painters and poets. Few natural scenes are more unpleasant than a recent clearing in a dense forest, palisaded with tall, gaunt trees, and stand- ing perpendicularly with here and there one leaning and threatening to fall, with no side branches to hide their nakedness, or to conceal the wild undergrowth behind them. The second growth of timber presents us the most handsome woods, where, the trees grow up with some degree of uniformity; those on the outside of the woods especially being well developed, billowy and graceful. Each tree follows its own law of growth, giving variety in outline, branches and spra}', while all together form a pleas- ing, harmoneous scene. " It is curious to see," says Gilpin, "with what richness of invention, if I may so speak. Nature mixes and intermixes her trees, and shapes them into such a wonderful variety of groups and beautiful forms. Art may ad- mire and attempt to plant and to form combinations like hers ; but whoever ob- serves the wild combinations of a forest, and compares them with the attempts of Art, has little taste, if he do not acknowl- edge with astonishment the superiority of Nature's workmanship." However pleasing scattered masses of wood may be, vast, unbroken forests are monotonous and gloomy. Nature, to be most attractive, must be associated in some way with human life and art. Hence it is that a woodman's cottage with its curling femoke, or a fisherman's boat on a secluded lake, gives a Avild forest picture a tender, human interest and a tinge of romance. Trees in Assemblages. 195 Trees exhibit themselves best, socially, in the autumn. During the summer they hold their powers in some reserve. But when October comes, they put on their holiday attire ; they gather up all the rain- bows of the vernal year and twine them about their brows ; they dress themselves in all the tints of sunset, and then call upon man and nature to admire. But, leaving the domain of beauty and poetry, let us look at trees as scientifically related The natural philosopher may not be wholly wanting in itsthctic feeling, yet he finds a peculiar pleasure in grouping trees together botanically. Who will say, too, that his heart does not somewhat inspire his scientific zeal to bring together the scattered members of each household, and so to "set the solitary in families"? But whatever the motive, it is in this way that arboretums have been established, where we find trees of different orders, species and varieties collected from all parts of the world, and classified more or less in a scientific manner. The best arboretums of which the writer has any knowledge, are those of Chiswick and Chatsworth, England. The latter has a world-wide reputation. It embraces forty or more acres, and contains upwards of two thousand species and varieties. The trees, shrubs and plants are set near the margin of the carriage-road, which winds through the premises. They are set far enough apart to allow their full develop- ment, and to admit of the subsequent in- troduction of other newly discovered speci- mens. Being classified in families, it affords an interesting study to seek out the re- lationship where the external resemblance is often very slight. The name of every tree and plant is marked on a wooden label, the letters being so large, and distinctly painted as to be read at ten yards' distance. Each tree is marked with its scientific name, its common English name, its native country, the year of its introduction, and the height which it attains at maturitj^. These trees and shrubs, it will be re- membered, are those only which are hardy in Great Britain, and of course many im- portant species have to be left out. This great assemblage of rare vegetation has not cost the Duke of Devonshire, (the owner of the property,) a sixpence. The ground was prepared, the trees bought, and all the other expenses paid from the proceeds of the tim- ber trees with which the domain was originallj' covered, and which were removed and sold only as fast as the room was wanted for planting. This fact indicates either that this timber was of remarkable quality, or that the price of lumber is much higher around Chatsworth than in our own countrJ^ As this public ground is centrally situa- ted, and is generously thrown open to all visitors, its infltience must be salutary and wide-spread. Many a person imbibes here his first love of rural pursuits. Many a visitor is surprised to learn of the great variety of trees and plants which have been brought into cultivation. The day seldom passes when botanists or amateurs or nur- serymen may not be seen here, examining the trees and making notes in their memo- randum-books, for use elsewhere. As the late Mr. Downing said, when visiting it, " The most perfect novice in trees can thus, by walking round the arboretum^ obtain in a short time much knowledge of the hardy Sylva; while the arboriculturist can solve many a knotty point by looking at the trees and plants, which no amount of study, with- out the living specimen, would settle." We are happy to know that some of our leading nurserymen in this country are establishing arboretums of considerable ex- tent. On some cf the older estates along the Hudson, and around Boston, Philadel- phia and Baltimore, valuable collections are being made, which are interesting as objects of curiosit}', and not altogether lacking in beaut3^ And, not least in importance, several of our first colleges have begun the work of gathering into their grounds speci- mens of all the trees, shrubs and plants which are hardy in their respective climates. Jlay these good works go forward to their completion. 196 The Horticulturist. DESIGNS IN RURAL ARCHITECTURE.— No. 15. BY GKO. K. irARNEY, (OLD SPRING, N. Y'. Our design for this month represents a porter's lodge, built about a year ago by Mr. P. P. James, and situated near the gates at the entrance to his country place iu Cold Spring. It is constructed of rough stone, quarried in the immediate vicinity, lad in its na- tural bed, and pointed up afterwards with light-colored mortar, and — though we ob- ject to the use of this light mortar, prefer- ing the softer tint of the dark — the effect of the whole is very good, the bright green foliage of the trees, by which it is nearly hidden, contrasting well Avith the dark gray tone of the stone. Its walls are low, and its roof projecting boldly, covered with slates cut in an orna- mental pattern. The tower, which is the Fig. 81. — Fcrsjjective. principal feature of the exterior, rises from the angle of the front nearest the public road, and contains the stairways to the chamber and cellar. The plan shows four apartments on the principal floor, as follows : — The hall is approached by two or three steps, leading to a wide porch, covered with a broadly projecting hood, supported on heavy brackets. This hood is, in fact, a continuation of the roof of the main house beyond the eaves, as is also the roof of the bay window on the adjoining side. The staircase in the tower is on the right of the front door, and is separated by an archway from the hall. The room on the left, containing the bay ■window, is the living room, and measures 11 feet G inches by thirteen feet. It opens into a room 15 feot by 11 feet G inches, and is used as a kitchen. The other room is a bedroom, and measures 8 feet Plan for Layirig Out a Three- Acre Lot. 197 hy 9 feet. The kitclien lias a door com- municating with the yard in the rear. The chimney is in the centre of the house, and one stack of three flues answers for all the rooms. There are ventilators on the roof, and a dormer window to light tha attic, which has one room finished off for a sleeping- room. All the principal windows are glazed with diamond - shaped panes of glass. There is a collar under the whole house, containing bins for coal, store closets, &c., &c Fig. ^±— Ground Plan. PLAN FOU LAYING OUT A THREE-ACRE LOT. BY E. FERRAND, DETROIT, MICH. This garden has the appearance of a much larger place than it really is ; in fact, the plan could be applied to a place of ten or more acres just as v.-ell as to the limited space of three. The roads are numerous; it is intended for a lot in the proximate vicinity of the city, and to be occupied by a man who has means to keep it in order ; this also applies to the drawing for a five- acre lot, to be given hereafter. 7^11 these gardens are intended for the same purpose, and laid out according to the fame principle ; that is to say, the most is done to conceal their narrow limits, and leave one to guess how far one may be from the end of it when one is no more than ten feet from the well-concealed fence ; at the same time, all the secondary buildings, such as barns, stables, &c., are very close to the iiiain house, though they are entirely out of sight. In the plan, smoothly-curved walks are drawn in the thickets of large trees ; there is also a vine harbor, which is a handsome ornament. The kitchen garden occupies about 1^ acre, and is in proportion to the whole extent of the place. PVB.ro AD Fig. ^2,.— Plan. EEFERENCES. A DwellingHousp. K Place for Small Fruits. li t-table. Barn, &c. L Strawberries. C Barn-Yard, with Three N Flower Beds. Openings. D Graiery. E Greenhouse. F Water. H Kitchen Garden. J Grapevine Harbor. O Places for Knstic Seats. P Principal Eatranee. K Eitrance to the Barn. S Gardener's House. V Dwarf Fruit Trees. 198 The Horticulturist. '•HEBE" PEAR. !Y WM. SUKNER, POMARIA, S. C. Hebe Pear. — Fruit Jarge ; specimens greenish ; dotted .lU over with russet specks bave frequently weighed 28 ounces. Six of and deep irregular russet blotches. Stem, fair size of this pear generally weigh eight short, thick, in deep basin. Form, round, pounds. Color, lemon-yellow, inclined to obovate, with irregular protuberances, sim- Fig. M.—Hcbe Pear. ilar to the Duchesse d'Angouleme. Flesh, Carolina in December. Tree vigorous, with sprightly, melting, buttery, with slight linely matured wood, free from thorns, vinous flavor; has no matured seeds, and Shape, naturally pyramidal, seldom forms seeds at all. Ripens in South The Horticulturist. THE CANKEK WORM. 199 COL. 3). S. REWET, HARTFORD, CONN. " Qw:e;i &.6e ?" — that is it exactly— ** Who knows" a preventive or cure for the periodical and pestiferous attacks of the canker worm? Do yoii,? If so, have j'ou not hid your light under a bushel ? If not, then are we all equally in the dark. Here now are my fifteen volumes of the Horticulturist, — '51 to '05 inclusive — and not one word of caution or advice on the subject. If science and experience were not somewhat at fault this blank might have been filled. Direct information would have been of incalculable service ; and even negative statements would have been of great value. Can anyone, — will any one, — now furnish a positive and perfectly reliable prescrip- tion for the prevention of the ravages of this cankerpest, which has been such a scourge to certain portions of the country for the past two or three years ? I venture to offer, in advance, a supple- mentary summary of negative testimony on the subject; — a reference to certain propos- ed remedial measures, all of which, I think, and most of which I know, will not and can not be effectually used in the case : that is, without much more than the ordinary, and even extraordinary care which any pomol- ogist can afford to give, or can be reasonably expected to give, to such an orchard as I have in my mind's eye; say of from one hundred to two hundred thrifty twenty- years'-old apple, cherry, plum and quince trees. Failing, as above stated, in my review of the volumes of the Horticulturist, to find printed testimony, recourse was next had to parole evidence. The only knowl- edge thus attainable was that tar was the remedy. So, tar it was; and, for sixteen successive evenings, (commencing March 17th, 18G5,) the application was faithfully made, upon some sixty choice apple trees Many neighbors followed suit; "anyquan tity" of grubs were caught; but the result uniformly showed a perfect waste of time and money. (Mem. Gas tar was freely applied by some, directly upon the bark, without causing any apparent future injury to the tree, contrary to a generally received opinion.) In one orchard of considerable extent, straw was scientifically arranged and tied around vhe trunks of the trees ; in another, the soil around the collars, and for a con- siderable distance beyond, was up-turned in the fall, and left to the action of the frost ; in another, tin collars, or capes, were nicel}'- adjusted, some flat and some flaring ; in others, lime, ashes, and other materials, were spread as a mulch, or piled up around the bodies, and so on \—tliey all failed^ as did, also, even Seymour's and Allen's regu- larly patented tree-protectors. Now, the prime question recurs, what shall we do next ? Mr. Seymour, (the protector-man, whose article was advertised in the Horticultur- ist, last August,) tells me that he can im- prove upon this idea, and give us something, next fall, which will be " a surething." But his plan, (even if it could be warranted,) is rather too expensive for general adop- tion. Mr. Allen, (another protector-man,) has shown me an improvement upon hJ3 ar- rangement, which, he asserts, is cheap and reliable. But " Mr. Allen," said I, " how often is this oil to be applied to your patent tins ?" ■' Once a day will answer." " Once a day ! If that is so, why not use tar, which will remain sticky for at least twenty-four hours, and is comparatively inexpensive ?" I report, in brief, only the substance of our short coloquy; the fact is that the same plan has been tried by others, as well 200 The Horticulturist. as myself, and rejected, as involving too incessant attention. For my own use I, also, compounded and applied a slow-drying varnish, whicli I thouglit was just the thing, but the punc- tured leaves of my cherry and apple trees prove its ineflficiency. ]\Ir. Ilovey tells us, in his j\Iay number, that canker worms " may all be destroyed by a thorough syringing with whale oil soap." My opinion is that farmers and orchardists can never be induced to pur- chase, and apply to such a use, the requisite syringes and soap ; nor be made to think that they can spend their lime in sudsing off the underside of each leaf on a hundred or more trees. Neither do I think that they can be per- suaded to box around the trunks of a hun- dred or more trees, and pack with sawdust, and arrange nicelj'-soldered oil-troughs to entrap the moths and larvas, as recommended by some. Neither have I full faith in the use of the murate of lime, so highly recommended by the Neio England Farmer of April 28th ; but if any union of hydrogen and chlorine with a base from which carbonic acid has been expelled, will compose a material which will destroy insect existence, and, at the same time, increase vegetable vigor, it would seem that its application to soils filled with such noxious things as canker- worms should be made, bv way of further trial. Has any one in " our parish," tried it ?" This incomplete article, — intended more as a simple finger-post to warn off from the wrong way, (or to tell " what not to do,") rather than a correct guide-board to show the true way, — would be more incomplete without the addition of the following brief description of " the enemy," and some of his antecedents and surroundings. We may find the first indication of the dreaded presence of the canker worm quite early in the fall, when forking up the soil under our fruit trees, for their dressing of manure or mulch. It is then made visible in the shape of a light brown chrysalis. (Fig. No. 85.) By the way, these are readily Fig. 85. — Cnjsalis. devoured by poultry, and I judge from my experience, last fall, that if I had but half a dozen choice trees to protect, I could do it quite effectually by carefully exposing the soil, (from three to four inches in depth) and breaking it up so that my hens could get at the chrysalides, and thus make away with them in their embryo state. Its next appearance is in the form of the male miller, (Fig. No. 8G,) and the female 8G.— iliftZe Moth. grub. The male, with the aid of its wing?, can, of course, fly from the ground to any part of the tree ; but the female is obliged to crawl up the trunk ; and it is to prevent her ascent that the main eflbrts of the Fig. 87 Female Moth. fruit-grower are to be directed ; to entrap and destroy the vermin in this stage of its progress, if not previously destroyed while in its chrysalid condition. The precise time of its appearance may vary with the character of the season ; its first occurrence last year was on the evening of March 15th, and its second, October 28th. Fig. S8.— Eggs. Meanwhile, we find it in the egg, (Fig. No. 88,) deposed, generally, in small clusters, in Hirds on Transplanting Evergreens. 201 e forks of tlie spray, but sometimes on developed with the first young foliao-e of spring. It rapidly increases in size until it appears to be full grown (Fig. No. 89) about the middle of June, when it descends to the ground, spinning down its spider-like web from the limbs, whose leaves and blossoms have been entirely consumed by it ; leaving the tree with the appearance of Fig. 83.— CaHA-c;- Worm. having been scorched, as by fire. th. other parts of trees ; and even upon fences. and out-buildings. Finally, we again recognize it in the shape of a tiny black worm, simultaneously HINTS ON TRxiNSPLANTIXG EVERGREENS. BY CHAUTAUQUA. The warm summer months, now at hand, are the best time in the year for trans- planting evergreen trees, and a few short hints on the subject may not be amiss. A large percentage of nursery-grown ever- greens, and probably three -fourths of these trees taken from the forest, are killed out- right in transplanting, simply on account of ignorance of the necessary precautions to be taken in their treatment at the time they are transplanted, and afterwards. The principal thing to be observed is nexer to let the roots see the sun ^ or feel the wind ^ long enough to lose their surface moisture. The reason for this is not agreed upon by all vegetable physiologists. Hon. John II. Klippart, so widely known in connection with Ohio agricultural matter?, in a conver- sation on the subject, gave me, as his opin- ion, that the bark of the roots of ever- greens, and many other plants, is as sensi- tive to light as are the chemicals of the photographist, and that the rays of sunlight, either direct or refracted, produced a chem- ical change in the bark, or vessels therein, injuring them to a greater or less extent. — In support of his theory, Mr. Klippart can certainly show some good evidences. Ever- greens, and some wild flowers and plants from the woods, in his grounds at Columbus, Ohio, are much thriltier if transplanted in the night ! My own theory is, that if the sap in the roots, which is more or less resinous, is suf- fered to become even partially dried by the sun or wind, it (the sap) is rendered thick- er, and becomes almost, or quite, indissolu- ble, choking up the vessels or ducts, and thus rendering the roots incapable of assim- ilating the necessary food for the growing tree from the surrounding soil. Whatever the theory, the fact remains, that if the roots of evergreen? are kept moist and shaded from the sun, these trees, are, as a class, more sure to grow when transplanted than any other living plants, except some weeds. Furthermore, if possible, get the ever- greens from a good nurseryman, vrho is a good propagator, and, if to be shipped to any distance, who will pack the trees so that the roots will keep moist, and the fo- liage and branches cool and dry. Nurseiy- grown trees are already prepared as to their roots for transplanting, many or all the rootlets remaining on the roots, while trees from the forest unavoidably lose nearly or quite all the rootlets, unless the trees are very small when transplanted. As to the time of year, from the first of jMay to the end of August is as good as any time, provided always that the roots are kept covered and moist. I have taken hemlock from the woods in August with better success than in April or lls^j. They seem to do better when the sap is in motion than before or after. Lastl}', set out plent}-, and you will get the benefit, and also the thanks of the next generation. 202 The Horticulturist. E. W. BULL ON GRAPE CULTURE. BY J. M. MERRICK, JR., WALPOI.E, MASS. The Massaclmsetts Phmghvian is publisli- ing a series of sliort, practical papers on tlieopen air cultivation of the grape, written by the Hon. E. "VY. Bull, of Concord, Mass., the originator of the Concord Grape, and a cultivator of the vine, whose experience and success have given him a very honorable position among the horticulturists of this country. The solid basis of fact and experience on which Mr. Bull's papers are founded, and the general soundness of his views, make me think that a brief resw??ie of these Essays, with such criticisms as may not seem im- pertinentorpresumptuous,will be acceptable to the numerous readers of the Horticul- turist, and I therefore ask leave to present a sketch of the learned Vigneron's remarks, with a word of comment of my own. In his first paper, Mr. Bull discusses the question Avhether grape growing is profita- ble or not, and answers it in the affirmative. He says, " the Concord is the only grape 1 cultivate on a large scale, and that for six- teen 3'ears has not failed to give me a remunerating crop. One acre of well-established, healthy vines, will give about seven tons of grapes, worth at wholesale, on the average of the last four years^ fourteen cents per pound, or about 2,000 dollars. This amount, large as it is, has been exceeded in many cases, but if you reduce the result one-half, you still have one of the most profitable crops known to our husbandry." (I may say in parenthesis, that two of the largest grape-growers in this State tell me that they make ^1,200 per acre per annum with the Concord.) " At present, and indeed for a long time to come, the market price of the fruit will be so high as to prevent the making of wine to very great extent ; but whenever the crop of fruit becomes so abundant that the price declines, wine will be made in large quantities, and its manufacture will be found more profitable than selling the fruit. No other f:um crop requires so little of the farmers ready capital, manure, as the grape. I have vines which give me annual crops of one hundred and twenty pounds each, and which have had no manure for ten years. I have no occasion to give the Con- cord any manures except a dressing, once in three years, of twenty bushels of bone-dust, twenty bushels of unleached wood ashes, and five bushels of plaster of Paris to the acre, spread broadcast and harrowed in." I believe that we are gradually reaching a more rational view of tlie wants and re- quirements of the grape, and that Mr. Bull is right in what he says about manures. For vines that are to bring money into the owner's pocket, the days of deep trenching and high manuring are past and gone. Certain kinds of grapes, as the lona and the Delaware need a rich soil and the high- est possible cultivation, and this is a great pity, for if the lona had the freedom of growth and vigor of the Concord, we should not have much further to go to find the perfect grape. A vine that requires constant attention and petting, and a considerable annual out- lay for manuie, can hardly be cultivated with profit on a large scale. I have seen the vines of which Mr. Bull speaks, in full bearing, and can testify to their splendid appearance, vigor, and capa- city to produce loads of fruit. They had had no manure for ten years, but their owner proposed to give them a slight dressing of ashes the present season. Mr. Bull advises planting vines in rows running north and south ; the rows being ten feet apart, and the vines six feet apart in the row. This gives sixty square feet to E. W. Bull on Grape Culture. 203 a vine, and facilitates -vrorking witli a horse and cart in the yineyard. The following is the estimate of the cost of planting an acre : — ■ 726 vines, at $25 per 100 181 50 40 loads compost 40 00 Ploughing G 00 Carting and cross-ploughing 3 00 726 poles at let 7 26 Planting, two men, ten days 30 00 207 70 There ■will be a difference in the cost in various localities, but the above is a Aiir average. Mr. Bull, we presume plants two year old vines, judging from the price he gives, for first class one-year old Concords can be bought for ninety dollars per thousand. The forty loads of light compost is to promote the formation of roots the first year, and the application of the compost is not to be repeated. Mr. Bull's second paper is devoted to the operation of planting, and we quote the substance of it, condensing a little here and there for the sake of brevity : " Having prepared the ground for plant- ing, open a furrow on each side of the line on which the grapes are to be placed, and two feet from it, turning the earth to- wards the middle of the bed and ridging it slightly. Let one man bestride this ridge at the end of the line, and throw out the soil to the depth of six inches over a space four feet square, i. e., let him form a bed for the vine four feet on each side, and six inches below the general level of the field. A ficcond man having placed the vine in the centre of this table and spread the roots out; the first man, still bestriding the lidge, must step backwards and throw out from between his feet soil enough to cover t'.ie roots to the depth of six inches, thus planting one vine and making a bed or table for the second. The earth for covering the last vine in the row is taken from the end of the second row, that from the last in the second, from the third, and so on, and two men can thus plant with ease and rapidity. If the soil is wet and strong the vines should be planted four inches deep instead of six, this being the distance from the surface the roots are usually found when they have the power of selecting fjr themselves. Never shorten the roots of a grape vine. You may cut the top in with- in two eyes of the level of the ground, but by all means save all the roots " To recapitulate, we may say that in these two papers Mr. Bull recommends a light, warm friable soil, not too rich; advocates the use of mineral manures only, and these in small quantities; advises us to give each vine sixty square feet of room ; to plant shallow, without shortening the roots, and, though this we should have put first, ho insists that grape growing is profitable While waiting for the third article of this series to appear, an opportunity is given, perhaps, to say a word or two about the Concord grape, and its relation to other varieties. Passing by those growers who call the Concord " horrible," " containing not a single element of goodness," we come to the class that declares it to be a good grape, but now surpassed by better kinds, and that its day is drawing to a close. Nothing could be further from the truth than this last notion. Neither Mr. Bull, nor the present writer, nor in fact anybody of common sense main- tains that the Concord is the best out-door grape we have, for all know that there are many kinds superior to this variety. The Diana is a better grape ; the Delaware is decidedly superior ; Allen's Hybrid and lona, in point of flavor, leave the Concord out of sight, — and, in fact, we might go on and name other grapes that for table use claim a place in the garden with mach bet- ter right than the variety we are discussing. We met a refined connoisseur the other day who professed to detect something " earthy" (!) in the flavor of the Concord, but without pretending to any such deli- cacy of taste, we admit that the Concord is a second class grape. 204 The Horticulturist. flaking this inevitable concession we find on the other hand an immense Yolumc of testimony in its favor. From vineyards scattered from iSIaine to Kansas comes proof that the Concord is hardy, is a sure and regular bearer, is vigorous and easy of propagation, grows well in a poor soil, and does not do badly in a rich one ; endures the extremes of neglect and ill-treatment, and produces fruit that sells readily, and makes a good wine. Has any one well-known variety now cultivated in the United States an equal mass of evidence in its favor ? We think not. Delaware Grapes were forty cents per pound in the Boston market last year, and Concords twenty- five cents, both these, of course, being the retail prices. The latter kind may have sold so low as twenty cents some days, but we saw none at less than twenty-five. Its wine-making properties have been settled decisively by Mr. Bull, in Massa- chusetts, and Mr. llusmann, in Missouri, and thousands of experimenters on a smaller scale. I solicited last year the opinion of the three largest growers of grapes in Massa- chusetts respecting the Concord, and re- ceived the following answers : The first says, " I know no grape possess- ing so many good qualities, either for the ta- ble or for wine as the Concord." The second writes : " I regard the Concord decidedly the best out-door grape that has yet been proved for field culture." The third says, '' All things considered the Concord is the best grape with which I am practically acquainted." It is needless to accumulate more evi- dence, and I should not have said so much if I were not tired of hearing people talk contemptuously about a grape whose work is not yet half done, and for an index of whose popularity the sales books of our leading propagators may safely be consulted. "We hear that Rogers' 4 and 19 are to take the place of the Concord. If they are better, hardier, more productive and vigor- ous, we shall all welcome them with open arms, but until we have conclusive proof that the Concord is surpassed we shall cling to it as to an old and faithful friend That t!ic best out-door grape we now have is nearly as good as varieties that will appear and be disseminated in less than a score of years, we cannot believe. The chances of getting improved kinds are too many ; the experimenters too nu- merous, and their enthusiasm too genuine to leave any doubt about the result. THE ORIGINAL RED BEECH TREE. BY )IOrvTICOLA. Geo. B. Emerson, in his report on the trees and shrubs of Massachusetts, has the following, in regard to the original red (or purple) beech tree, on page C3 : — " Among the most remarkable, are the purple, or copper beech, and the weeping. The original tree, from which all the varieties of the former of these have been propagated, is said to have been discovered by accident, in a wood in Germany, towards the end of the last century, and is supposed to he still sfandingy If a man of Emerson's extensive know- ledge of trees had no better information of a tree so remarkable, and propagated and planted in all parts of the globe where the climate is adapted to the growth of the beech, it cannot be expected that others arc better acquainted with it. As I was born in a village near enough to the place where that tree is still growing to enable me, when a boy, to go there often to look at it, and to admire it, I concluded to write somethinj: about it, thinkiDs: that such an The Original Bed Beech Tree. 205 account might be of interest to those who like to investigate the history of our cul- tivated plants. The original red beech tree is found in Tlmringia, a part of German}-, lying be- tween the Harz Mountains and the Thurin- gian Forest. Thuringia bad formerly a sovereign of her own ; then the city of Er- furt was her capital. At present, it is di- vided among Prussia, the principalities of Schwarzburg-Sonderhausen and Rudolstadt, the Grand Duchy of Saxeweimar, l%c. Par- allel to the Harz Mountains, at a distance of about ten miles from them, there stretches from west to east a calcareous ridge (shell lime), called the HainleUc, or Hagelleite, which I mentioned in this maga- zine several years ago (See Horticul- turist, 1861, p. 2G2). On the southern declivity of that ridge is the original red beech tree, still growing. The exact spot where it is standing is about live miles to the south of the city of Sondershausen, the capital of the principality of Schwarzburg- Sondershausen. The village nearest to it is Ober Spira. Although I saw the tree often in my child- hood, I did not wish to trust my memory. So many years have elapsed since that time, so many events have crossed my path of life, that I felt unable to depend exclusively on my recollections. I, therefo'e, applied to a gentleman, than whom, there cannot be found a better or more trustworthy author- ity in all Germany. That gentleman is A. F. Magerstedt, D. D., minister of the Gos- pel at Grossen, Ehrich, and counsellor in the highest ecclesiastical board at Sonder- shausen (Consiotorial Rath). His place of residence is not quite five miles distant from the original red beech tree. Dr. Mag- erstedt is not only one of the most profound Latin and Greek scholars, having published a number of books on the agriculture of the Romans, but he is also a scientific as well as practical farmer himself. His zeal and en- thusiasm to excite and promote the interests of farming and farmers is so great, that he founded the Agricultural Society at Son- dershausen many years ago. As president of that society, he has already published twenty-five volumes of its transactions. — His work on tlie management of trees is considered classical, like another one on the gradual development of agriculture in the principality of Schwarzburg-Sondershausen. He is honorary member of a large number of agricultural societies in Europe, and has been honored by kings and princes with orders ; and by universities and literary so- cieties with many tokens of their respect and admiration. To my inquir}-, he replied kindly and promptly. His letter is dated January IG, 18G6. His statements concerning the tree in question are so full and accurate, that it would be wrong to suppress even the small- est part of them : they cover the whole ground, and form the basis of the history of that interesting tree. They are invaluable, both for the scientific botanist and the amateur. The readers of the Horticul- turist will, I hope, peruse the translation of Dr. Magerstedt's letter with pleasure. — He writes as follows : " That the red beech is of Thuringian or- igin, is shown by Dr. J. M. Bechstein, the great ornithologist. See Bechstein's Forest Botany (Forst-botanih), fourth edition from page 238. The original tree is grow- ing in the forest of Oberspira, a village be- longing to the principality of Schwarzburg- Sondershausen, not far from the north west corner of the CM f Valley Meadoto (Klippen- thals-Wiese), in the Hainleite, or Hagelleite, the ridge mentioned in the above. The tree which is an ornament of the beautiful forests of the Hainleite, is standing on a deep clay soil, overlaid with rich vegetable mold. The clay rests on shell lime rock. It is about 100 feet high ; its diameter, from east to west, is 2 feet and 10^ inches , from south to north, 2 feet and 11 15-16 inches. Some branches appear at a height of 20 feet, but those of the true head at a height of 30 feet from the ground. The diameter of the head is, from east to west, 68^ feet ; from south to north, 64 feet. The head is, at 206 The Horticulturist. the south and east sides, not well balanced or proportioned ; it is not compact enough ; at the west and north sides it is better. — The age of the tree is estimated at from 170 to 180 years. There are four common beech trees (fagus sylvatica) in its imme- diate neighborhood, nearly of the size of the red beech. Bcchstein asserts that the seed from the tree rarely produces red,but general!}^ com- mon beeches. Experience shows that he is not quite correct in this respect. If the nuts are taken from branches inside the tree, success is almost certain , while nuts from the outside branches are often the product of the pollen from the neighboring common beeches, yielding, for this reason, beeches with green leaves. This was proved in 1823 and in 1829, by direct ex- periments instituted by the Government, and corroborated in 1839; for in 1842 there were about sixty seedlings, sfiowing the characteristics of the mother plant, grow- ing near it, every one of which was, how- ever, stolen and sold. In order to protect seedlings as well as grafts, nurseries have been established, so that, since 1842. the number of red beeches has very much in- creased. Now the turnpike leading through a narrow defile or ravine of the Hainleite, called The Geshling^ is lined with red beeches. Tliose grafted on the common beech change the color of their leaves gradually, according to their increasing age ; they are darker than those of the mother tree, so that some are black red. Where a number of such grafts of different ages are growing together, it is easy to observe the change of the color of the leaves, the youngest being the lightest, the oldest the darkest. Should you wish to read all that is known and that has been done in regard to the red beech, you will find it in the Translations of the Agricultural Society at Sondershau- sen for the year 1842; page 65." Many readers of the Horticulturist, as weil as scientific amateurs, will be very thankful to my learned friend, Dr. Mager- stedt, for the pains lie nas taken in giving an account so full and interesting of a tree which is so widely disseminated, and which, as a Lusus Naturae, Las inaugurated that love for similar trees and shrubs, now or- namenting our gardens, parks, and pleasure grounds. NOTES ON THE MAY NUMBER. About the Grape. — The writer has given facts and points that may, perhaps, induce some new rules in grape locations ; at the same time, he has cut so hard on some of the " grape savants," and the hor- ticultural world generally, that I shall look to see him handled, as the boy said, " pretty severally." The grape is fast becoming a very important item in its amount of rev- enue to our country, and any and every factor opinion tending to its successful cul- ture should be pleasantly and thankfully received. If the next meeting of the American Pomological Society would ap- point a committee to collate the facts ob- tained and opinions given relative to soils adanted to varieties- as well as the uses aud values of varieties, they would do much in aid of information now accessible only to comparatively few persons. Design for a Country House. — The design exhibits taste, and is well drawn. I have, in previous notes, stated my doubts as to the universal adaptability of this style of architecture. On the borders of the Hudson, some points on the Ohio, sections of Pennsylvania and of Massachusetts, pos- sibly one or two small sections of Connec- ticut, maj', in their natural formations, har- monize with the gothic pointed style of architecture; but, as a rule, I doubt the adaptation of the style. Another thing that in my mind opposes it is, that while it is good when fully carried out, and con- Notes on the May Nwnher. 207 structed of material to sustain its grandeur and beauty, cheap inch board carvings, verge boards, arches, &c., are an abomina- tion, and result more in annoyance and cost for repairs to the owner than in pleasing association to the observer. Some years since, the Grecian column was entailed on every house, from a one-story cottage to state buildings, and with, perhaps, just as much appropriateness as any one style of architecture can be adapted to all uses and situations ; yet we all know how tho use of the Grecian, so common all over the coun- try, came rather to annoy than please. I would, therefore, caution all builders to study well their natural locations, their wants and means of keeping up a style, ere adopting any design, no matter how pleas- ing its architectural effect. Plan for Improvement of Grounds. — A capital design, and, from description, has been well carried out. There is one thing, however, which, although it involves con- siderable labor, I would much like to see connected with these designs, and that is, the showing of position and kinds of the various trees. The grouping of trees, se- lecting forms, habits of growth, color of foliage, ibc, I find one of the items wherein most planters are deficient. It requires a natural taste, and years of careful study, to enable a planter to so arrange his trees, that, with little or no care, the end of ten years will show them well and harmoniously grown and grouped. I have no doubt Mr. Baumann can do it, and suggest that he give us a little plan adapted, say, to a lot fifty feet front by one hundred deep. I re- cently saw grouping of trees in this man- ner, viz., a Scotch pine in the centre, three balsam firs surrounding, and an elm at a short distance, the gardener having obtain- ed the idea, that there must be an unequal number of trees in a group, and that one must be planted a little away from the others, "Was he right, think you ? Design for a Grape Arbor. — A very good design, and one that will Well suit many places. I have no disposition to place my design in competition, but for some years I have superintended the construc- tion, from time to time, of grape arbors in this way : My posts arc turned of locusts or cedar 5 sit three feet in the ground, and seven feet out of the ground ; a quarter inch iron rod is sprung from the top of each post to its opposite, to form the arch, or roof; to the posts on the sides. No. 9 wire is fastened laterally, by staples driven into the post ; and the same wire to the arch rods overhead, by a twist at each end, and by winding with smaller wire at each cross- ing of wires. This forms a light trellis ; the tendrils of the grape cling to the wire, requiring little or no care in training, and there is no breaking away of slats or other woodwork. Pears. — Emile cVHeyst and General Totle- hen — With the first-named I have some little acquaintance, and doubt not Mr. Downing's description, for we all know him in fruits to be generally correct, but he must have had the fruit in better condition than I have. My notes of it, with a shaded draw- ing, made two years since, place it as " villous, melting, pleasant ; good second quality." Propagation of Hardwood Grapes Made Easv. — Thanks for this plain state- ment. It is one more proof that all of grape-growing has not been written in the books, and that experiments are now being made of new methods, resulting in better success than folio w"ig the practise of the old guide books. Planting Street Trees. — I wish every owner of a country home could read and profit by this article, as profit he must who reads it. The filling up around trees with manure is often practised, and counted by those of little acquaintance in tree plant- ing as the " very best way." I recently examined two trees, tho owner of which wondered what had killed them. Both had a mass of manure around the crown and upper roots, tho fermenting of which had affected and destroyed the flow of sap. There is one other item in connection 208 Tlie Horticulturist. with street planting of country roadsides that should be heeded, and that is the mov- ing a fence temporarily — i. e., three or four years— out on to the line of road, thereby narrowing and detracting from the appear- ance and value of the lands as much or more than the trees, hedges, &c., advances it. Add to this the slovenly practice of throwing all the waste brush, dead briars, &c., upon the road side, and you have a man before you that deserves preaching to, if nothing more. Cordon Dwarf Apple Trees. — An ar- ticle illustrative of the practice which the present writer has endeavored to induce some gardeners to adopt. It is even of less trouble, once the form is established, than the keeping in form of dwarf bush trees. 1 am glad to see an advocate, and hope, now the Horticulturist has touched it, that gentlemen's gardeners will devote a little time to its practice. Grape Cuttings from Modern His- tory.— The record here collated of the ca- priciousness of the vine i^ France and else- where, is analagous to what -"^r. Elliott, in his "About the Grape," would apparently have us understand, as a point to study in its culture in this country. All these ac- cords are worthy the attention of those who look to profitable results in grape growing. If that new white grape, superior to Dr. Grant's Anna, produces any fruit this season, I hope Mr. Reid will let us see it. Should Plants re " Crocked." — Thanks to Mr. Cowan for bringing out from Mr. Henderson this article. .Although a little crisp, the readers of this journal have gain- ed in getting full reasoning for a practice new to many. Notes on Grape Culture. — Another collation of facts and observations of value to all grape-growers. I am glad to see this record of the quality of Rogers' 15 grape. I have no doubt this variety will prove one of very best of hardy grapes, both for table and dry wine purposes. Reuben. SIR THOMAS BROWNE'S GARDEN OF CYRUS. Seeing, Messrs. Editors, in your well- spread and abundant Table for January, a tid-bit, or bonne bouch'e, from Sir Thomas Browne — for many years one of my fiivorite and familiar authors — T take leave to send you a brief notice of him, and of his quaint and curious work whose title I have writ- ten above. Sir Thomas was born in London in 1C05. After a liberal education at Winchester and Oxford, he settled at Norwich as a physi- cian in 1G36, and retained an extensive practice in the city and county to the end of his life. In 1641, he married Mrs. Doro- thy Mileham, '■• of a good familj^ in Nor- folk." In 1G42, his Religio Medici was sur- reptitiously printed. Even iu those " dis- sonant times" — to use the gentle phrase of Harry Lawes, who lived in them — this book of serene wisdom found so many readers that two editions were immediately disposed of. It came out under the au- thor's sanction the following year, and nu- merous re-impressions were called for in his lifetime, The splendid success of the Religio Me- dici most likely took its author by surprise. Though possessed of a moderate sense of his own abilitj^, and a respectable independence of spirit, he was far above the arrogance of vanitj'. It may be believed that most wri- ters who eventually attained great popu- larity, although they might have some in- stinctive consciousness of the power within them, were yet unable to guess exactly how or when it would receive a public re- cognition. They just let their inspiration Lave its utterance, Nor, in many cases at least, could they subsequently tell with precision what it was in their writings Sir Thomas Browne's Garden of Gyrus. 209 which ha,d fastened on them so universal a sympathy. The bond of attachment be- tween an author and his reader may be too subtle for analysis. Perhaps, granting even a superabundance of genius, with all the acquired skill of practice, disappointment •would be the fate of him who determined to sit down and compose, resolutely, a book which should take^ as decidedly and confess- edly as the Pilgrini's Progress^ Robinson Crusoe, or the Religlo Medici. All Sir Thomas' subsequent works were written in Norwich; and not a few minor pieces, specially local, were the results of his industry and love of letters. In 1G71, he was knighted hj Charles II., when on a visit to the ancient palace of the Howards in Norwich. In 1682, eleven years later, he died, after a short illness, in the 7Gth j^ear of his age. Of those productions which take high rank in a formal list of 02wra omnia the Garden of Cyrus, which was first published in 1658, is the least inviting, though emi- nently characteristic of its author, as is at once shown by the second title, namely — " The Quincuncial Lozenge ; or Network Plantation of the Ancients, Artificially, Naturally, Mystically Considered." It must be regarded as one of the most fanci- ful of his works ; and the most eminent of his admirers have treated it as the mere sport of the imagination. These are, as Coleridge says, " Quincunxes in Heaven above ; quincunxes in earth below ; quin- cunxes in the mind of man ; quincunxes in tones, in optic nerves, in roots of trees, in leaves, in everything." The quinary theory of created things, as propounded by some few modern naturalists, would have been a wonderful suggestion to Sir Thomas. The Garden of Cyrus is so styled because, as Browne says, " all stories do look upon Cyrus as the first splendid and regular planter. According whereto, Xenophon (GEconomico) described his gallant planta- tion at Sardis, thus rendered by Strobaeus — Arbores pari intervallo sitas, rectos ordines, et omnia perpulchre in quinctmcem directa. — That is, the rows and orders so handsomely disposed, or five trees so set together, that a regular angularity and thorough prospect was left on every side ; owing this name not only to the quintuple number of trees, but the figure declaring that number, which, being double at the angle, makes up the letter X — that is the emphatical decussa- tion, or fundamental figure. "Now^, though, in some ancient and mod- ern practice, the area, or decussated plot, might be a perfect square, answerable to a Tuscan pedestal, and the quinquemio, or cinque point of a dye, wherein, by diagonal lines, the intersection was rectangular — accommodable unto plantations of large growing trees — and we must not deny our- selves the advantages of this order, yet shall we chiefly insist upon that of Curtius and Porto in their brief description hereof, wherein the decussis is made within, in a longilateral square, with opposite angles, acute and obtuse at the intersection, and so upon progression, making a rhombus or lozenge figuration." With this lozenge as his sole guide, Sir Thomas starts at full gallop on his literary steeple-chase. If he halts a moment for re- freshment, it can only be at the sign of the Chequers. He becomes more and more ex- cited by the game ; but diamonds are trumps at every hand. He finds even the Garden of Eden laid out in the Dutch style, and probably full of quincunxes. " Since in Paradise itself, the Tree of Knowledge was placed in the middle of the garden, whatever was the ancient figure, there wanted not a centre and rule of decussa- tion." Of course not ; where there is a will there is a way to lozenges. Again, Sir Thomas — " The networks and nets of antiquity were little different in the form from ours at present. As for that fa- mous network of Vulcan, which enclosed Mars and Venus, and caused that unextin- guishable laugh in Heaven, since the gods themselves could not discern it, we shall not pry into it. * * * Heralds have not omitted this order or imitation thereof, 210 The Horticulturist. while they symbolically adorn their escutch- eons with inascles, fusils, and saltyres, and while they dispose the figures of er- mines and various coats in this quincuucial method. The same is not forgot by lapida- ries while they cut their gems pyramidally or by gequicrural triangles. Perspective pictures, in their base, horizon, and lines of distances, cannot escape these rhora- boidal decussations. Sculptors, in their strongest shadows, after this order do draw their double hatches." And so on, ad infinitum , it might be. Sir Thomas stops only because he chooses to stop, not because he has run himself dry. — There are digressions, it is true, but not of wide circuit. We do not regret them when they contain passages like the following : — " Light that makes some things seen, makes some invisible ; were it not for dai'k ness and the shadow of the earth, the no- blest part of the creation had remained un- seen, and the stars in Heaven as invisible as on the fourth day, when they were cre- ated above the horizon with the sun, or there was not an eye to behold them. The greatest mystery of religion is expressed by adumbration ; and in the noblest part of Jewish types we find the cherubims sha- dowing the mercy -seat. Life itself is but a shadow of death, and souls departed but shadows of the living. All things fall un- der this name. The stm itself is but the dark simulacrum, and the light but the sha- dow of God." But the moment the clock strikes five in any way. Sir Thomas is back again amidst his pentagons, quincunxes, and lozenges. — He nauseates " crambe verities and ques- tions over-queried," and informs us that the " noble Antoninus doth in some sense call the soul itself a rhombus." This proposition is the sum of all things, and therefore, as he says " 'tis time to close the five ports of knowledge" on this transcendental matter. But we cannot even walk away from his symmetrical garden without being remind- ed, finally, that " the incession or local mo- tion of animals is made with analogy unto this figure, by decussative diametrals, quin- cuucial lines, and angles," and that even in the motions of man, the legs " do move quincuncially by single angles, with some resemblance of a V, measured by successive advancement from each foot, and the angle of indenture greater or less, according to the extent or brevitv of the stride." S. T. D. ■<-►<>-»■ -^0 THE CAMPANULA. iY r. PARKMAN, JAMAICA PLAINS, MASS. The family of the Campanula is one of the largest among the Herbaceous Peren- nials, and some of its members are of re- markable beauty. Perennials, a description of plants which a caprice of fashion has for some years past thrown into the shade, are beginning, by a healthy return, to resume their natural place in horticulture. They vary indefinitely in value and character, and while some are mere weeds, others are among the most beautiful of flowering plants. We propose to di-aw attention to a few of them, and we begin with the Campanulas. There are at least a hundred and fifty species in the genus, and some of them have many varieties ; so that of the Campanulas it may be said that their name is legion. Some are perennial, some biennial, some annual, some are hardy, and some are ten- der. There are several allied genera, such as Adenopho7'a, Walilenhergia, Platycodon, ixud Canarina, which some botanists merge with the Campanulus, and which have so close an TJie Campanula. 211 afBuitj^ with them, that for horticultural purposes they may be regarded as one. We will therefore consider them all uuder the same head. Perhaps the best known of the whole race is Campanula Medium^ the familiar Canterbury Bell. It is a biennial, and must be raised every year from seed. There are at least five or six varieties of it ; First, the original species, the old blue Canterbury Bell ; then the white variety ; then the lilac; then all these sorts, double. The double kinds are, to our thinking, less to be desired than the single ; for, with them, the concavity of the bell is stufted with what looks like a confused mass of crumpled petals, which destroy the peculiar beauty of the flower. Unlike many other double flowers, they j^ield seed pretty freely, and this seed produces a good pro- portion of double-floweringplants. Canter- bury Bells thrive best in a rich garden loam. They should be raised from seed in a green- house or hot-bed, and planted out in May where tl\ej are intended to bloom. Treat- ed in this waj^, they will make avery strong growth during the season, and the bloom will be proportionally fine. Or they may be sown in the open border in May ; but in this case^ neither the growth or the bloom- ing will be so vigorous. There is another Campanula, much less known than the Canterbury Bell, but ex- ceedingly fine and well worth cultivation. "We are in doubt whether to call it a true perennial or not. On one occasion, after blooming properly in the second summer, it died like' a Canterbury Bell; but, on the other hand, we have now a bed of it which has remained in fine blooming condition for several yeais, and promises this season an abundant crop of flowers. This species is Campanula Macrantha. The flowers are large, elongated bells, of a deep purplish blue, growing in tall spikes, somewhat like a Foxglove, and the plant, when in bloom, has much of the same stately character. It is exceedingly well worth cultivating. Campanula punctata, sometimes called Cavijoanula nobilis, has long, drooping, tubu- lar flowers, which, in one variety are purple, and, in another, white with purple spots. The latter are very beautiful, hanging in clusters from stems some two feet high, and drooping with their own weight till they are almost vertical. This species, like many others, is easily increased, by divid- ing its creeping roots ; but the best plants are those raised from seed, which flower vigorously the second year. Campanula punctata is a true perennial, and has proved, with us, perfectly hardy. Campanula traclielium, and CamjMnula rapunculoides have no little beauty, and would be well worth a place in the garden, were it not for their vicious habit of throw- ing out long, underground roots, which, if left undisturbed, would take possession of the entire bed. These roots insinuate themselves among those of other plants, grow up under their shelter, and commonly end by overpowering and destroying them. Campamda perskafolia is entirely free from this propensity; for though it increases fast by its oifsets, its growth is open and above-ground, and never becomes a source of annoyance. It is, moreover, one of the most beautiful of the family. There are at least seven varieties of it worthy of notice ; the single blue, the single white, the large flowered blue, or C. persicafolia maxima, the two double varieties, blue and white, and lastly the two crowned varieties, C. persicafolia coronata, blue and white. These are, in fact, semi-double, and are of beauty not inferior to the double sorts. The last are less vigorous in growth than the other members of the family'-, and the double white variety is occasionally winter-killed in New England. Like other Campanulas, they thrive in a good garden loam, well en- riched with rotted leaves and very old ma- nure, and are easily increased by dividing the roots in August or September. Campamda Carpatica is a low-growing kind, sometimes used for edging, a purpose 212 The Horticulturist, for which its neat, compact foliage, and the beauty and profusion of its bell-shaped flowers very well adapt it. There are blue and white varieties, and also a cross between the two, known as C. CarjMtica hicolor^ though the name is inappropriate, for the colors, instead of being distinct, are merged into one, — a white, faintly tinged with blue. Campanula jjyramidalis is, when well grown, a superb plant. It has a thick, fleshy root, a rounded or heart-shaped leaf, and immense spikes of bloom, shooting up from the crown of the root to a height of five feet and sometimes more, and set thickly with flowers from the summit nearly to the base. A strong plant will produce six or eight of these flowering stems. As the flower-buds are innumera- ble, and as they develope in succession, flower succeeding flower along the whole length of the spike ; the bloom is of great duration, continuing for weeks together. This Campanula wa's once in great request as a decoration of halls, staircases and the capacious chimney corners of English coun- tr3^-seats of the last century. Nor is it j^et out of favor. Not all the exotics which English horticulturists have gathered from the four quarters of the globe have availed wholly to supplant it. It requires good culture to develope all its beauties. The best plants are raised from seed, though it may also be increased by cuttings of the roots. In the open border, it makes a handsome and effective decoration ; but to be shown to the best advantage, it should be grown in a pot. The young plants, from the seed-bed may be potted in a four- inch pot — or smaller, if necessary — in a soil rich in vegetable matter, but Avith little or no animal manure. As the roots fill the pot, shift tl;em into one a little larger, and re- peat this process until the plant has reach- ed its full gi'owth. In this country two summers will suffice for this. In England, more are said to be required. The object of this repeated shifting is to prevent it from blooming till it has reached its great- est size and strength. In winter, it must be sheltered in a cold frame or cellar, and kept moderately dry, but, during the grow- ing season, it demands an abundance of water. When its maturity is reached, you will have a dense tuft of vivid green leaves, some two feet in diameter, whence the flowering stems will soon begin to rise. These may be trained with sticks, in a fan shape. Campanula pyramidalis is not per- fectly hardy here. Among all the Campanulas, we prefer the species GrancUJlora, called also Platycoden Grandifiora and Wahlenhergia Grandijiora, In Europe, it is greatly esteemed, but is said to be very scarce, from the difficulty of propagating it, as it rarely ripens seeds there, and its fleshy roots bleed so profusely when divided, that they commonly die. Here, however, it ripens seeds freely, and is certainly destined to be a favorite border flower. Its foliage is compact, and it has alwaj's a neat, clean and healthy appearance. It grows about two feet in height, and, in the blooming season — June and July — hangs out a profusion of very large bells, of a deep purplish blue in one variety, and, in the other, of a pure white. There is also a "crowned" or semi-double variety. The buds are peculiar, and almost as beautiful as the flower, being shaped like balloons. AVe have never known a single plant of this species to suffer from a New England winter. The above, we think, are the best of this very beautiful family. There is a host of others, including the small Alpine Campa- nulas—gems in their way, but which require the winter protection of their native snows, and several fine annuals, among which Campamda Loreii and Campanida speculuin will deserve to be mentioned. Tlie Horticulturist. 213 INSIDE GRAPE BORDERS. BY J. S. HOUGHTON, PHILADELPHIA. In the culture of foreign grapes, under glass, it has been thought that borders en- tirely inside the house promised advantages over oui;side borders, or borders partly out- side, -which rendered such borders worthy of trial, especially in the case of late grapes. Inside borders are, of course, entirely pro- tected against the influence of storms at all times, and the plants may be started or checked at will. If late grapes could be successfully grown in them, the fruit might be kept for many weeks on the vines after the natural period of ripening, without danger of being injured by the autumnal rains, and the crop would then be quite as valuable as early forced grapes. Very ex- tensive and costlj'' experiments having been made with inside borders in the neighbor- hood of Philadelphia, I have thought it might be useful to record the result of these trials, for the benefit of grape-growers gen- erally. The plain fact, then, is, so far as I have seen, that the inside border here is a lament- able and singular failure. Reasoning from all that we know of the conditions necessary for the growth of the vine, and from its success in pots, no one could anticipate such complete and uniform failure as has attended its culture here in inside borders. The vine may be grown with a great show of success for one or two years in such borders, by the aid of plenty of water and a high temperature, but as soon as they begin to fruit, they decline and die most mysteriously. In five or six large grape-houses within my knowledge, this lias been the certain result. These houses were built by Thomas Drake, Lewis Tawes, and Peter Keyser, Esqrs., of Ger- mantown, William Bright, and myself. In all these houses the floor under the borders was made of solid concrete, or bricks, impervious to water, and in several instances the borders were separated from the side walls by air chambers, In some of them air was conducted under the bor- ders by flues, and two or three of them were entirely separated from the floor by four- inch brick work, with the idea of giving them some bottom heat. The suspended and asrated borders proving failures, the air conductors were in several instances remov- ed from the bottom of the pits, and the borders were placed directly upon the con. Crete (good drainage being provided), but with no better success. The most ample provision was made for watering the bor- ders, by means of large rain-water tanks, force pumps, evaporating troughs, and con- crete paths kept constantly wet in hot weather. In borders of good size, the trouble and expense of watering inside borders is not the chief objection. The watering is a for- midable job, even with the aid of a large tank and force pump, but this could be en- dured if the borders would answer the pur- pose. The question of watering, however, is a very perplexing one. How to water, when to water, how much water should be used, and of what temperature— these are questions not yet satisfactorily answered, although we have tried the extra wet me- thod, the partially dry method, water at 55", and water at all temperatures up to 140°. But nothing that can be done by the most skillful will make the vines grow in such borders after the second or third year, especially after fruiting. They ap- appear to sicken and die, and refuse to be comforted or relieved by any appliances of water or manures that have yet been tried. The roots, in almost all instances, become black and cankered, and no new or healthy fibres can be discovered. This disease of the roots is not occasion- ed, in all instances, by over-rich borders, or by over-manuring, for some of our experi- menters have gone to the extreme in mak- 214 Tlie Horticulturist. ing poor borders (for late grapes of strong growth), composed of rotten rock, sand, plain loam, lime rubbisb, &c., with only a little wood ashes and pure bone dust. Butno kind or qualitjrof border appears to answer Avben entirely inside the house, and separat- ed from the earth by a concrete bottom. Now, what is the cause of this general failure of inside borders'? The vine will thrive for many years, if not over -cropped, in a common pot ; then why not in an in- side border, which is in fact only a large pot? I have contended for six j^ears that an inside border must answer, but I am compelled to give it up now. I have tried the inside border in all shapes, and with the most skillful management, but it will not do. It looks reasonable that a vine should do better with its roots all inside the house, perfectly under control, than with part of the roots outside, exposed to very different degrees of temperature, moisture, &c. But the facts condemn the reasonino;. The causes of this general failure of in- side borders I cannot understand. The effect of constant watering which such borders require may be injurious. It may make the borders "sour," as gardeners say. I have also thought that separating the borders from the earth by means of con- crete, prevented the soil fiom receiving some natural moisture by capillary attrac- tion ; and perhaps, al.?o, some magnetic or electric influence from the body of the earth which may be necessary to the life of the vine. The size of the borders has ev- idently no influence in producing the fail- ures, as they are never filled with roots, and therefore are not exhausted. I have been told that inside borders have been much employed about New York city, but with what results I have not learned. I should be much pleased to see reports of the working of such borders there or elsewhere.— //ore^'s Magazine^ February. MATERIALS FOR FRAME OF ROOF AND SIDES OF GREEN-HOUSES. As to whether iron or wood is most economical and best for flov.'ers and vines, provided the rafters are made light, we would unhesitatingly prefer wood, as pre- ferable in both respects. In a wide house, and where lightness is an object, we should prefer the necessary pillars, and even small rafters, being of iron ; but as a general principle, for everj^thing connected with the roofs of plant-houses and. forcing-houses, we prefer wood to iron. True, some of the finest productions in the country are grown under iron-framed houses, but that does not prove iron to be the best material. Its liability to rust, and, there- fore, the need of painting oftener, and con- sequent extra expense, and its heat-con- ducting properties, which cause it to be so hot in summer, and so cold in winter, oc- casioning often additional expense for fuel and glass, crackage and breakage, ought to be thought over by every man putting up iron houses. We know that when kept well painted these evils are lessened, but not removed. And then, suppose you can- not, or do not choose to paint the interior of your house often, the drip from unpaint- ed wood will do no harm to your plants, but from unpainted rusted iron it leaves its scathing mark wherever it falls. A num- ber of years ago we were consulted as to building a conservatory. The owner had set his mind upon iron, as more lasting, &c. ; we urged all these matters in order to have wood, but when we could not positively state that the expense of the iron would exceed that of wood, in the article of fuel alone, £20 per annum, it v/as decided to have iron, and there it is incessantly getting rusty on the roof, and the dripping spotting every leathery leaf on which it falls, it be- ing scarcel}^ possible to keep such plants as Forcing Straioherries. 215 Camellias in a healthy state beneath it. Then think, too, of the bother of ever and anon emptjing houses to get the inside painted, which you must do often^ in the case of iron, if it is to be kept from rusting. A wooden roof, when well done, does not require painting inside so often in a lifetime, if frequently and properly washed. Then, again, as to the expansion of the metal, and the breakage of glass in consequence ; we know that much depends on the glazing, giving the glass ease enough, but in a house well painted the previous summer, and so far neutralizing its conducting properties, wo have gone out on a cold, frosty night, when there was just enough of heat to keep the temperature a little above freezing within, and have heard the panes crack and chip in dismal chorus, when those under similar circumstances on a wood roof never made so much as a chip. In such houses, where no heat was applied, the matter was even worse, though wood roofs wholly escaped, where there were no large laps in the glass. Good, sound deal, say we, for all dimensions and kinds of glass roofing. — Manuals for the Many. — Gi FORCING STRAWBERRIES. BY GEORGE CRUICKSHANKS, ST. JOHNSBURY, VERMONT. In detailing my method of forcing the strawberry, I have nothing new to ofter; still, as some of your amateur readers may wish to practice this mode of culture, I may be excused if I add nothing to the know- ledge of the practical gardener. Plants for forcing are usually obtained from runners from old plants. The earlier in the season these can be procured, the better; and it is also important that they should be taken from none but vigorous plants in the open ground, preferring a young plantation to an old one, as the for- mer generally produces, the most vigorous runners. As soon as the runners have pushed one joint, have ready a number of 3-inch pots, filied with rich, light soil. — Plunge the pots to the rims in the ground near the old plants, so that the joint of the runner may come over the centre of each, and place a small stone upon them, to keep the plant from being displaced until rooted. Unless there is ascarcity of runners, take only one plant from each, thus securing all the strength to the one in the pot. As soon as the small pots are well filled with roots, the plants should be shifted into their (6- inch) fruiting pots. In doing this, use the following soil : Two parts good turfy loam; one part old hot-bed manure. Place one crock in each pot, and cover the bottom with the coarsest of the compost. Fill the pot with the finer material, leaving room enough at the top to hold water. The plants should then be placed in the shade for a few days, until they recover from the repotting, and then plunged in some open airy situation, where they can have the full benefit of the sunlight. A vigorous growth at this season will ensure a future fine crop of fruit. As cold weather approaches, the pots should be moved into a frame, or house, and kept from freezing — some place where they will grow slowly all winter, until required for forcing. About the 1st of February, I place the plants in a span roofed orchard-house, on the west side, near the glass. The forcing is commenced with a night temperature of 40° to 45°, syringing every pleasant day, until the fruit begins to color; even while in flower, use the syringe freely, which will cause the berries to set better. When the fruit begins to ripen, the temper- ature should be raised from 50° to 55°, giv- ing all the air possible in fine weather. By 216 The Horticulturist. following this process, I this year had ripe fruit March 28. The sort cultivated was Triomphe de Gand. The photograph sent you was taken, May 5, of a plant in fruit, on which were fifty- three berries, eight of them fully ripe, and some of them measuring 1^ inches in diameter. This was one of one hundred pots, many of which had larger fruit. In order to be successful in forcing the strawberry, it is important that the follow- ing conditions be complied with : First — Propagate from strong, vigorous plants in the open ground. Second— Give all the light and sun pos- sible, after being placed in the fruiting pots. Third — Place the plants where they will not freeze, but be kept growing moderately until they are removed to the forcing- house. Fourth— When introduced into the forc- ing-house, the night temperature should not at the commencement, rise above 40° or 45°, gradually increasing to 55°, as the fruit ripens. The day temperature, by sun heat, may rise to 75° or 80°, giving an abundance of ventilation. EDITOR'S TABLE. To Contributors and Others. — Address all Communications, for the Editorial and publishing departments, to Geo. E. & F. "W. Woodward, 37 Park Row, New York. Hints for Amateurs and Others. — BY AQELLULUS. — A good many are disap- pointment, when they open the boxes or packages of plants, they have ordered from nurserymen. I do not now mean disap- pointed on account of the nurseryman's not having sent what was ordered, or his having sent, what is worthless. The dis- appointment I refer to, is that in finding the plants in a bad state, viz., dry, branch- es broken, &c., the fault is sometimes in the nurserymen — they don't pack well enough, sometimes with the expressmen and the U. S. Mail carriers, they forget to " handle with care ;" sometimes both are faultless, and the damage is caused by the far distance the plants have to be sent. Disappointment is an evil, and the hints I offer will, in many cases, remedy the evil. Your strawberries you find " pretty dry;" don't despair ! don't throw them away ; don't plant them immediately, but take them to a shady place, and plunge them in water. Let them lie a good while, and yow wall soon see them all, or most of them fresh : then you may plant them. This will apply also' to other plants, roses, geraniums, &c., &c., but some plants wnll require more time to lie in water. You must then wait a little lon- ger. I once received from a friend, living at a great distance, a very rare plant. The friend did not think of packing very care- fully. He put a little earth around the roots, and wrapped it in paper, and mailed it. Well, when he packed it, the earth was wet enough. But the mail ! When I opened the package, I found a good deal ot dust and a few black things, that seemed to have been plants at a former time. I did not despair; I got a tumbler of water, and put the whole mass therein. The next day I saw by means of a micros- cope, something green, but very small. I waited a while and then planted, giving plenty of water. I have just read, in a horticultural paper of the old world of two cases, which, I hope, your readers will find very interesting. They are narrated by a highly educated gardener. In a part of his garden where Editor's Table. 217 — in the month of April — roses had been planted, he found, after two months, one plant that had been forgotten, to be planted out, and therefore was quite dry. He put it in water, in a shady place. Six week's having elapsed, he found new white roots and green sprouts. In the month of July, the crown of a high-growing Remontant Rose was broken off by the wind. It was, when found, quite dry, having been exposed to the sun and wind during six weeks. He put the crown (which had had thirty to forty flow- ers) in water. After three weeks he found life, whereupon he cut it in pieces, both the old and the young wood, and planted them in an old hot-bed. Most all of them grew. assume their proper places, and seek, by study and practice, to acquire a knowledge fitting them to enjoy in reality their pre- sent assumption. Skilful Gardeners. — "We hear frequent complaints from correspondents relative to the blundering and unskillfiilness of their so-called gardeners. We say so-called gar- deners, becatfte we know there are a great many really intelligent men in the class of gardeners who deny these pretenders as much as we can. As a class, we do not be- lieve there are a greater proportion of pre- tenders among gardeners than among law- yers or doctors, &c. ; and we do know that there is in gardening a constant incentive to attain more and more knowledge, by him who has studied even to the point of a pas- sable cultivator. As the gardener rises in knowledge and position, horticultural sci- ence multiplies its inventions, and demands from him more and more study and obser- vation. Changes and improvements con- stantly press downward Tipon the gardener wanting in a love of knowledge, while they assist and heave upward the student. That there are too many unskilled men who pass themselves off upon the uuinstructed amateurs we acknowledge; but, as the amateurs become more and more conversant themselves, these pretenders will be re- duced in numbers. We must not decry the profession, for it is a noble one ; but we, and all true gardeners, must discountenance all and every unskilled pretender, until they We hear frequent complaints of the ex- orbitant prices demanded for new varieties of fruits and flowers, as they appear in mar- ket. Probably, in some instances, these prices are excessive : but it must be consid- ered that the cultivator who brings forward these new plants has spent years, and much care and labor in producing them. If they possess merit, it is only fair that he should receive some remuneration for the time and labor expended. This must be done in two or three seasons, for then they will be in the hands of other propagators, who will divide with him the profits, and diminish the amount of his sales, and bring down his prices. There are many persons who cannot afford to pay these high prices. In a few seasons, however, they will be re- duced so as to come within the reach of all who desire to possess them. Rhododendron beds should now have a mulch of leaf-mold, chopped straw, the re- fuse fine chips or dirt of a woodyard, or its equivalent in vegetable matter, placed all through and over the bed to a depth of three to four inches. Remember that, al- though some of the varieties are found growing wild on mountains, and in clefts of rocks, &c., yet all such positions, on a close examination, will be found ever moist and cool for the roots, hence their cultivation in our gardens should be measurably to the same end, and no better way do we know of than mulching with vegetable debris. — Some writers have urged the use of animal manures, well rotted, around rhododendrons and other evergreens. We have used it ; and while it, at the time, appears to give additional vigor and rapid growth, the re- sult, finally, has been to give to the plant a more immature habit, and less capability to withstand the extremes of temperature. 218 Tlie Horticulturist. Cucumbers may be planted any time before the 10th of this month, July, and produce abundance for pickling. The white spine is the best variety we have grown for such use. All Herbs should be cut from time to time, just as they are coming into bloom. Spread tliem out to dry in a shaded place, and as soon as dry pack them away in paptr bags. Strawberry beds, as soon as they have done fruiting, should be thoroughly wed out, and the present paths or spaces deeply spaded. If the plants are kept in hills, then work the ground all among them. The bearing stems of all Raspberries, except the ever bearing kinds, should be at once cut away as soon as they have done fruiting. Blackberry plantations are also much easier handled by cutting the bear- ing canes away immediately after they are done fruiting. RaspberrIej and Blackberries are among the fruits of this month. We will thank our friends for notes thereon, forwarded as soon as made. Cherry, plum, and pear trees may be budded this month. Much, however, will depend on the stock, as well as the season. If the weather is wet and cool, and the stocks are growing vigorously, it may be as well to wait awhile. If the weather is dry, and stocks are about closing their growth, the sooner the bud is inserted the better. When the Mahaleb Cherry is used as a stock for the cherry, it may, perhaps, be as well to omit budding until early in September; but if the Morello is used, now is the time to bud. With the pear, if the quince is to be the stock, budding may be omitted a month ; but if the pear stock is used, the last of this, or first of next month will be late enouirh. " Pruning Trees to Let the Sun In." — A few days since, happening through a friend's young orchard of apple trees, we found them all pruned, with the heads, or leaders, mostly cut out, and the bare branches and centre of the tree fully ex- posed to the full blaze of the sun. We asked the why, and our answer was, "It was done to let the sun in." We said noth- ing, but thought to ourself that, in this clear sunshiny clime, where shade is essen- tial to vegetable life at mid-day, our friend must have been conversing with some old country gardener, whose practice had been in a clime of moisture, and where to obtain sun, not shade, was a part of his routine. — As a rule, more injury than good is done by this severe pruning. Cut away all crossing branches or twigs ; shorten in all that in- cline to grow too strong, and throw the tree out of shape ; cut away some few little weak shoots; and then throw away your knife, rather than mutilate the tree by cut- ting its limbs, and causing it to try for its life by sending up watersprouts. Dahlias require cai'e this month. If you want the best flowers, tie the rising plants to a stake, removing all but a single stem ; and if they show flower ere the weather becomes cool, remove the bud. If you want a profusion of blooms, rather than particular forms, then peg down all the branches, and head back the leader, thus forming a mass, which, if carefully attended, soon becomes very effective. The best ma- nure or stimulant to growth that we 'have ever used is soap suds water, and chamber lye mixed, four of the former to one of the latter. Carnations and Picotee Pinks should now be layered. Bend the branch down, make the incision, cut on the upper, instead of the under side, peg it carefully, cover an inch with sharp sandy loam, then mulch with some neat material that will not be blown aside by the first wind. Hollyhocks should be firmly secured to stakes, well driven into the ground. Editor's Table. 219 Creeping Plants, such as honeysuckles, wistarias, &c., require to be occasionally gone over at this season — trained, tied, and an occasional shoot nipped in, to keep them neat, and give strength to the remainder. Ice "Water. — Some years since, we re- member, a statement, to the effect that a lump of ice — say ten pound? — placed in a well, will render it delightfully cool, and far more pleasant than water from a pitcher of ice. The ice has to be renewed once in about ten days. Tomatoes may be trained on a wall, or board fence, with little trouble, and give in return an abundant crop of fruit. In the garden, a low Lattice rack — say two feet high, and the same wide — we have found a neat and profitable way of growing them. Dormant Tree. — Record is made of a tree planted in the fall of 1838, which re- mained dormant until June, 1840, when it shot out, and made fine growths. We have frequently had trees remain dormant until July or August of the same year of plant- ing, and once a peach tree pushed no bud until the 3d of September; but this is the only instance we know recorded where a tree has retained vitality in a dormant state during two winters and one summer. How far long pruning and wide planting may be profitable we imagine is yet an un- proved item ; but this looks to us as much an extreme as the practice of three by three or four is the other way. Salt for Mildew on the Grape. — Looking over some old journals, we came across a statement of the use of salt as a preventive of mildew on out-door and vine yard grapes. The practice was a solution of salt in water, just sicfflcient to he percepti- hle to the taste, and syringing the vines two or more times with it. We would like to hear of its trial and the results on some such variety as the Yeddo, or other mildew- determined sort. This and That. — The other day we were reading the transactions of the Eastern Penn. Fruit Grower's Society, at their Jan- uary, 1806, meeting, where we found Mr. Crucknell said "pears worked on quince stocks could not be depended on to live longer than about twelve years. Mr. Meehan said the object of dwarf trees was to obtain fruit earlier than when on stand- ards, and that it was never expected the trees would live to a great age." Now, this may be all correct, but we have ourself pear trees worked on the quince that we planted out from the nursery in 1847, and they are now vigorous and healthy. We have frequently visited gardens where pears on qoince roots were grown, among others, that of Mr. Wilder, Boston, and have found trees varying from twenty to forty years and more old, and in good vigorous bearing condition. Our belief is, that with judicious care in pruning and culture, pears worked on quince will continue good one hundred or more years. Coping for Grapes. — The plan of pro- tecting grapes from dew and rains, and thereby prevent rot, we believe was first tried by Mr. J. Van Buren, of Georgia, in 1852. By some the practice is claimed as a successful and valuable one, fully repaying in one season the cost of erecting ; others say it is of no value. Sixteen and a half Feet Apart. — At the last winter meeting of the New York State Agricultural Society, Mr. Lay, of Greece, Monroe County, reported his vineyard as being planted sixteen and a half feet apart, and trellised eight feet high. He claimed for this distance immu- nity from diseases and permanency of vine- yard! Tradition curiously hath it, that the tree from which Zaccheus saw our Saviour whilst on his way to Jerusalem was the acer pseudo plat'anus, or English sycamore. 220 The Horticulturist. Advice Gratis. — If j^ou are about build- ing and improving a new place, consult your architect in the design and character of your house, and call your ai'chitect and your landscape gardener together, that they ma}^ consult as to tlio position for placing the house in the grounds. The architect may be a landscape gar- dener, but, as a rule, the study of architec- ture has swallowed or detracted from that of tree and plant, hence it is found, that while as an architect he may design an elegant edifice, it may not be in the best style for the surrounding country. He may also know when the position on the grounds will show his house to the best advan1,age ; but it may be the worst position for the landscape gardener to arrange his grounds to produce the best effect. If about to build, then call together the aid of both architect and landscapeist — consult them together, for money expended before making a move, and for such purpose, proves the best part of an investment in building and planting. Calcareous Soil for Dry Wines. — In 1834, a little work was published in London, written by James Busby, and giving an account of the vineyards of Spain and France. He gives an account of the " Hermitage " vines, and mode of making wine, &c. In speaking of soils, and the wines pro- duced therefrom he says : " I met with no vineyard producing dry wines of reputation, which was not more or less calcareous." In the same work the system of renewal of the vine by layering, as recently advised by Doctor Schroeder, is described, and there called "provignage." Progress of Vineyards. — In 1840, the lamented A. J. Downing, first editor of the Horticulturist, estimated the vineyards of the States at 3,000 acres. May we not now estimate them at 100,000 acres ? What say our grape men ? HusMANN-s " Grapes and Wine. " — Readers of the Horticulturist will remember Mr. Husmann, of Missouri, as the author of frequent articles on grape culture, in that journal, for a year or two past, remarkable for sensible suggestions and practical infor- mation. Mr. Husmann, who is a resident of Hermann and, we believe, one of the old- est wine-growers in the United States, has written a book on the Culture of Grapes and the Making of Wine, which has just been published by the Woodwards, 37 Park Row, this city. Mr. Husmann's book is very clear, plain and practical. He gives full and explicit directions for the planting, culture and gen- eral management of a vineyard ; discusses the merits of the different varieties of grapes now used here ; and finally gives the most detailed and practical directions for wine-making. At the close of the book are a number of estimates or statements of the cost of planting a vineyard with different varieties of grapes. We have no doubt these tables will have practical value to any one who will bear in mind that Mr. Husmann writes in Missouri, where wood is cheap, and where probably some of the required opera- tions can be more cheaply performed than in the eastern states. Mr Husmann writes in the spirit of a real lover of the vine, and his book contains a considerable mass of in- formation which will interest the intelli- gent general reader, as well as those who think of trying the culture of the grape. Ten years ago, Mr. Husmann tells us, there were not more than three or four thousand acres planted with vines in the United States ; now he belives there are not less than two millions of acres so plant- ed. Formerly American wine went a beg- ging at one dollar per gallon ; now it sells, as fast as made, for from two to six dollars per gallon. In 1854 not more than two thousand vines were grown and sold in Hermann ; last season tv/o millions of plants were grown and sold in that place ai.one, and the demand was not nearly supplied. The last and perhaps the most important sign of the rapid increase of vine culture in Editor's Table. 221 this country is Mr. Husmann's book itself, which concerns itself with the grape chiefly as planted for wine, and not as a market fruit. His objects are " to make grape-growing as easy as possible," and "to give such sim- ple instructions about wine-making and its management as will enable any one to make a good saleable and drinkable wine, better than nine-tenths of the foreign wines which now sell for two or three dollars per bottle." He has accomplished his purpose very well indeed Eoening Post. Indiana State Board of Agricul- ture.— Secretary''s Office., Indianapolis^ Jan. 6, 1866.— The State Board of Agriculture, at its January meeting 1866, adopted the following preamble and resolutions : Whereas, it is a notorious fact that the present Commissioner of Agriculture has totally failed to satisfy the just public ex- pectation in the administration of the Ag- ricultural Bureau; therefore. Resolved, That in the opinion of this Board, the interests which the Bureau of Agriculture was intended to promote, would be materially benefited by the removal of Isaac Newton, and the appointment of some competent, educated and practical Agricul- turist in his stead. Resolved, That the Secretary of this Board be, and he is hereby directed to furnish the President of the United States and the Secretary of the Interior, with copies of these resolutions. I certify the above preamble and resolu- tions to be a true copy, from the record of the proceedings of the Indiana State Board of Agriculture, made this 6th day of Jan- uary, 1866. Maj. S. Fisher, President. W. H. LooMis, Secretary. Indianapolis, Jan. 5, 1866. The Indiana State Pomological So- ciety, at its January meeting, 1866, unanimously adopted the following : Whereas, The results of the labors of Isaac Newton, the present head of the Agricultural Bureau at Washington, have fallen short of the reasonable expectations of those whose interests he represents; Resolved, That the views of this Society be presented to the President of the United States, through our delegation in Congress, with the respectful request that a man better fitted be appointed for the place. I. D. G. Nelson, President. Geo, M. Beeler, Secretary. From time to time, since the present Chief of the Agricultural Bureau has occupi- ed his position, various agricultural journals throughout the country — as the American Agriculturist, Rurcd New Yorker, and other leading and influential papers, have given the public specimens of the learning and scholarship displayed by the Chief, some of which we have copied for the benefit of our readers. It is now our pleasure — and our mortification, also — to present to our readers one or two examples of his ability and qualifications for the distinguished po- sition he occupies, which have not before been made public. We have it from a source eminently to be relied upon, that the Commissioner was engaged in writing a statement concerning sugar cane seed, and being called away from his desk for a few moments, one of the clerks made a glance at his unfinished manuscript, and found he had written it Shuger cain sead ! And we have ourselves seen a communica- tion, bearing the autograph of Mr. New- ton, in which are declarations exhibiting ignorance upon common farm matters which, if made by a farmer boy of fifteen, would be inexcusable ! And yet, such a man — one who has not the remotest con- ception of the duties of his office, and whose ignorance and incompetency Avould have caused his removal long ago, had it not been for personal friends in high places who keep him in office — is allowed to disgrace the important position which should be filled by a man of learning and good judgment, one of broad and enlight- ened views, and of some executive ability. 222 Tlie Horticulturist. The farmers, it is true, have no represen- tative at Washington to look out for their interests — but thanks to an independent and honest agricultural press, they are be- ginning to get their eyes opened to their true interests in this matter. Through the press and the State Agricultural organiza- tions, President Johnson shall know that the farmers of the United States demand the removal of Isaac Newton from a posi- tion he has not the ability to fill. The Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois Agricultural and Horticultural Societies have passed strong resolutions demanding this. The Maine Board of Agriculture — now in ses- sion in this city — will, probably, do like- wise, and their action will be followed up by New York, Wisconsin, and Michigan, by the Massachusetts Board of Agriculture, and the New England Agricultural Society. We will compel President Johnson to no- tice us and heed our complaints. — Maine Farmer. New Brunswick, May 10, 18G6. Whereas, the New Jersey State Agricul- tural Society have learned that the State Board of Agriculture of the State of Massa- chusetts, at a meeting held on the I5th day of February last, had taken certain action as to the office of Commissioner of Agriculture in the Bureau at Washington, and by resolution passed at such meeting, earnestly requested the President of the United States to appoint some one to that office who, from his practical and scientific attainments,soundjudgment and discretion, may commend himself to the respect and confidence of the intelligent farmers of the country, and wisely promote the agricul- tural interests of the United States. And, whereas, this Society has also learned that this action has been endorsed and seconded by many other States of this Union, There- fore, be it Resolved, that the New Jersey State Agricultural Society do most cordi- ally approve of the action of the State Board of Massachusetts in the premises, and earnestly and respectfully commend this matter to the attention of the Presi- dent of the United States. Resolved, That the Secretary of this Society be directed to transmit a copy of tliese resolutions to the President of the United States, and to the Secretary of the Interior. A true copy. Wm. M. Ford, Recording Secretary. Mr. Editor: I have never yet seen an article giving instruction as to the best method of pack- ing grapes for market in any of our agricul- tural or horticultural papers or magazines. Last Fall I lost two hundred pounds of Del- aware grapes from bad packing, and am now indebted to Mr. Josiah Carpenter for what knowledge I have on the subject. Thinking that among the many members of the Horticulturist family there may be some one who may have a crop of grapes to sell this fall, and who may be as ignorant of the best way of packing them as I was myself; and if there is such a one, then, Mr. Editor, this article will be worth to him what some of the articles in the Hor- ticulturist ai'e worth to all its subscribers — more than the cost of the magazine for a year. Fii'st, then, a box, twelve inches long by nine wide, and tliree and a half or four inches deep, if carefully packed, will hold ten pounds, and is the best size for market. Now the packing : first, select the largest and most compact clusters ; take off the bottom of box and nail on the top ; lay tis- sue, or white printing paper, to cover the inside of top ; then pack in the selected clus- ters, turning the stems inward, taking care to get them as compact as possible, without crushing the berries. After the top is thus carefully packed, fill the box a little more than full, using the small to fill all spaces between the larger clusters ; then press down carefully, using the bottom board, and nail it on. If they are well packed, there will be no movement of the grapes on shaking the box, and on opening from Editor's Tahle. 223 the top, and removing the paper, the fruit will present a solid surface of berries, no stems to be seen. Grapes so packed are in the best possible condition to carry and to sell. If the fruit is intended to be sent any distance, then these boxes must be packed in crates holding nine boxes. The ends of the crates must be solid; the sides, bottom, and top formed of slats, two inches wide, and half inch thick; the spaces between slats about two inches in width. What is most wanted by grape-growers who market their fruit, is a cheap box that can be given to the buyer of the fruit. — why cannot our box-makers offer us as cheap a box in proportion to size and strength, as they now make for strawber- ries, &c. ? Surely there would be a great demand for them, and it would constantly increase, as many who now make wine of their grapes would send them to market, could they get a box that they could afford to give away. As It is, the boxes cost from twenty-five to thirty cents each. They cannot all be col- lected by the commission merchants, and if they could be, they are stained, soiled, and are soon broken, so as to be useless. Would not such a box be the best in which to send cherries and plums of extra quality to market ? Your's respectfully, C. J. May, Wai'saw, Illinois. Office of South Shore Wine Co., North East, Pa, April 3, 186G. Messrs. Editors: Gentlemen — I was quite amused at the remarks of your correspondent in the April number, regarding box or " basket layers " for immediate fruiting. Early fruiting in vine or tree is very de- sirable, but to produce a good vineyard or orchard in much less time than is ordinarily required to bring vigorous trees taken from the nursery at four or five years of age, or well-grown hardy vines of ones year's growth, into bearing, would, in my judgment, be a slight innovation upon the laws of vegeta- ble physiology. Your correspondent is not the only one who has been sadly disappointed in their .expectations of very early returns for con- siderable sums invested in basket layers. — Some of these disappointed amateurs are doubtless less inclined than your correspon- dent to publish their folly, or to admit that they have been made the victims of so sim- ple a sell, and yet- he doubtless discovers the true moral courage in his endeavors to save others from being so cruelly hum- bugged. It certainly is your duty, Messrs. Editors, " as much as in you lies," to protect the uninformed and inexperienced undertakers in horticulture, and to save them from the devices of crafty speculators, since it is found that there are some such to be en- countered, even in this sacred calling. Nor are editors of horticultural journals inclined to neglect this weighty obligation, as their readers can abundantly testify; and cer- tainly this service has not been overlooked by the Editors of the Horticulturist. The writer says he " has suffered some." Is any one curious to knowjust how much he has suffered ? I think I can determine the sum, or very nearly. A good, strong, well-grown yearling plant can be grown for about ten cents ; and as the cutting or bud, except of the '• new and rare " sorts, can be obtained for about half a cent, such vines ought to sell for something less than twenty cents ; and, as this is the true and most valuable vine for vineyard or garden, I am led to conclude that your correspon- dent is out of pocket about five dollars and eighty cents, besides express charges, which would range from one to four dollars, ac- cording to distance. So, then, I do not hesitate to affirm that this earnest seeker for " an early fruiting vine " should have had, or might have procured for the net cost of his "promising box," or "basket layer," from ten to fifty (according to the variety) better vines than the one he has been so patiently nursing. 224 The Horticulturist. From an experience of more than twenty 3'ears, dui-ing which time I have grown some millions of grape vines, one hundred thousand of which I have fruited in my own vineyards, I am fully able to demonstrate that a well-grown one-j^ear-old vine, pro- duced from a single bud in ojijch culture (open ground) is the best and most valua- ble plant that can be grown. Wm. Griffith, North East, Pa. We have received from Wm. Griffith, Esq., of North East Penn., samples of six varieties of native vines, viz.. Concord, Hartford Prolific, Diana, Delaware, Isabella, and Catawba, all grown from single eyes in the open ground. By some peculiar mode of his own, (which we hope he will divulge for the benefit of grape growers) Mr. Griffith is able to produce strong, well rooted vines of the Delaware from single eyes, planted at once in the open ground. We can commend the quality of the vines, which are planted in our own garden, and are making a most vigorous growth. Black Hamburgh Grapes. — We are indebtedto John Ellis, Esq., of FoxMeadow Garden, for a fine bunch of Hamburghs, the produce of vines that have been hard forced for eleven years. The color, flavor, and general appearance of the fruit leaves nothing to be desired. Heyl's Patent Binding Tags, — This is a very desirable article for those who wish to bind their own magazines as they are received, and thus preserve them from loss or mutilation. A box of tags with punch and binding strings sent post paid for $1.00 from this office. Darby's Prophylactic Fluid. — We have used this article, and arc well ac- quainted with the inventor and proprietors, and fully believe that it possesses all the qualities which are set forth in the ad- vertisement, and which render it desirable that it should be in every family BOOKS, &c., RECEIVED. Designs for Street Fronts, Suburban Houses and Cottages. — Price $10 — Cummings & Miller Architects, Troy, New York. A. J. Bicknell, General Agent, Troy, New York. A large work, 11 by 14 inches in size, containing 382 designs and 714 illustrations, of the various features which go to make up the architecture of buildings, as Corni- ces, Doorways, Porches, Windows, Veran- dahs, Railings, Stairs, and French Roofs, straight and curved, and all styles of Mod- ern Finish, &c. It delineates many designs of each of the above in great variety, from the cheapest to the most elaborate ; new in their char- acter, and such as avoid the many defects which mar much of our modern archi- tecture. These designs are accompanied by Working Drawings, made on so large a scale as to render their construction obvious to any workman, and so distinct that they can be readily executed without any doubt as to their effect. These features or details are again given in numerous elevations, showing their effect when combined in buildings of various classes required in this country. (See our book list.) Elements OF Intellectual Philosophy. By Rev. Joseph Alden, D. D., LL. D., Late President of Jefferson College. New York : D. Appleton & Co. 1866. Unlike many text books in Mental Phi- losophy, this book is not a mere recapitula- tion of the views of previous writers. It is thoroughly original in plan and purpose, and might be properly called an application of common sense to philosophy. Its aim is to train the student to habits of clear and accurate thinking, and though designed merely for use in schools and colleges, it can be used to advantage by those who have not passed through a course of college instruction. The author has expressed himself with great clearness and simplicity, and has produced an excellent system of mental gymnastics. THE HORTICULTUEIST VOL. XXL., : AUGUST, 18G6. NO. COXLTL VARIETIES OF STRAWBERRIES. BY F. R. ELLIOTT, CLEVELAND, OHIO. With August again comes the forming of new strawberry beds. To select from the many sorts now offered and catalogued as *' excellent," " very superior," &c., is a task not easily performed. To aid the difficulty of making such se- lection, we have, during the just passed strawberr}' season, made almost daily visits to our own and our friends' strawberry grounds, treating ourself to a delicate, high flavored Ladies' Finger, and anon biting into the Agriculturist, however irregular the form. We have feasted on Jucunda, and, both early in the season and at its very close, have found well-ripened Down- er's Prolific to relish most satisfactorily on our palate. With Triomphe de Gand we have imbibed a peculiar aroma, and with Green Prolific, obtained when fully ripe, the nearest to the perfect in quality of strawberry. We have not omitted our old and valued friend Hovey ; nor could we, if so disposed, have failed to notice Wilson ; but, while we have partaken of the good fruit of dozens of varieties, our limits will not admit of any detailed descriptions. Even a record of the names of all the kinds would occupy too much room ; and, therefore, while we have examined manj^, we only write out our notes of those most prominent at this present time. If our notes fail to make record of any sorts that our friends imagine most deserv- ing of culture, we will thank them for an expression thereon. In our examination, we have taken up two positions, for which, or on which the strawberry should be judged — the one for market purposes, and the other for private gardens or family use. For market, we have regarded vigorous vines, firm, good-sized fruit, and habits of great productiveness, as the leading char- acteristics to be sought. For family use, we have borne in mind quality and size, productiveness, and hardi- hood of vine in their order. Flavor and Enteked according t« A.ct of Congress, in the yrar 1866, by Gko. E. & F. W. Wc ouward, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States, for the Southern District , of Kew York. 15 226 Tlie Horticulturist. quality as a market fruit, we have regarded as desirable, but secondary to the points we have named ; while for family use, qual- ity is a point that cannot be overlooked, even at a gain in productiveness. The season is another matter of account, both to the market-grower and amateur, as the one longer supplies his pocket, and the other his table. The old Early Scarlet, or Earlj'- Virginia, so long and so generally grown, while it has a fine-flavored fruit, is so small, and so much less productive than Ladies' Finger, or Downer's Prolific, or French's Seedling, that we unconsciously gave it the go by in our first, as well as our subsequent exami- nations, and for early ripening settled upon the three last named. Ladies' Finger, we find, ripens its fruit very early, bears abundantly, vines perfectly hardy, enduring even neglect, or rather what some call culture, that is, running to- gether in a mass. We made outlines of this, Fig. 90. — Ladies Finger. as well as many others, more to retain in our mind their general form than to present ,a show picture. This, as our readers will see, is a long, oval fruit ; it is sometimes pointed ; the stem is firmly inserted ; the core is small, and partially hollow ; the flesh fine, light pink ; while outside, it is a deep, rich scar- let, with light yellow, small, and deeply- imbedded seeds. As an amateur or a mar- ket fruit, we consider it among the best. Downer's Prolific we have fruited yearly for several years, and do not feel that we can do without it, although it is too soft for market purpose?. It is a great bearer, carrying its fruit high and clear of the ground. It commences ripening among the very earliest, and holds it until the very last. In quality, unless fully ripe, it is too acid; but when fully ripe, it is deli- cious, and, with a little sugar, makes cer- tainly as good, if not the best mingling of sugar and acid of any of the strawberry family. In form, it is very regular, and nearly round. Fig. 'dl.— Downer'' s Prolific. "With this, as with all our illustrations, we give only an average sized fruit. The large fruit are generally figured by dealers in vines, while the small fruit no one cares to see figured. In color. Downer is a light clear scarlet ; its flesh white ; and, as before remarked, too soft when ripe, to bear carriage any distance, hence it is not desirable for the market-grower. French's Seedling. — This variety we saw but little of this year, our bed being in a very unfavorable position, but what we did see of it has led us to conclude that it has not been over-rated, and we should advise its planting as an early and profita- ble sort for market purposes. JucuNDA. — With this variety we have Varieties of Straivherries. 227 been familiar now some four or five years, and have regarded it as one of the most productive of any foreign variety ; but its vines are a little tender, and the winters, where they are unprotected, cause it to make but a poor show in Spring time. If in good soil however, it recovers rapidly, and produces almost equal to Green Pro- lific or Wilson's Albany. Its fruit is irre- gular, roundish in form, of a dark, rich. Fig. 92. — Jucunda. glossy scarlet, with light yellow and prom- inent seeds. Its flesh, firm, yellowish red, pinky at core: of good, not extra, high flavor; truss of medium height; stout foot- stalk; dark green, broad foliage. Alto- gether, it is a valuable sort fur market gar- dening, or for amateur culture, provided the vines be sheltered during the winter by a light covering of straw, old pea or bean haulm, &c. Green Prolific. — This variety is com- paratively new, and our examinations were made all on new beds, of last August's for- mation. We like it. In real quality, when fully ripe, it is su- perior. Its mingling of acid and sugar is excellent. The vines appear as vigorous as Wilson's, and that is saying a great deal In productiveness, few varieties are its equals. In sizeof fruit, its average is above medium, while they are uniform, not a few large and the remainder quite small, as in some varieties. In form, they are roundish, of a rich glossy scarlet, with dark seeds, moderately imbedded. Perhaps it may not prove quite sufficiently firm for long carriage, but we should feel like trying it, were we planting. The trusses are strong, and well up out of the dirt. Fig. ^2,.— Green Prolific. It is not an early sort, coming in just about as Wilson's are half gone, and hold- ing on late. Agriculturist. — This sort, originating at the same time, and by the same grower, as the one just named, has had so much more of puffing, that it is found ten times where Fig. 94. — Agriculturist. — 1. the Green Prolific is once. Its vines are not as strong and vigorous as the Green Prolific; it is not as good a bearer; the fruit is quite irregular in form, many of them quite a cockscomb shape, while others 228 TJie Horticulturist. have a neck, and are long and pointed. It is a handsame scarlet, witli long, pointed, light yellow seeds ; flesh, moderately firm, a pleasant flavor — above mediocrity, but not really rich ; desirable to the amateur, Fig. 95. — Agriculturist. — 2. but not to the grower for marketing pur- poses. Its trusses bloom abundantlj"-, but do not set well in all cases; and its foot- stalks are so low, that the fruit lies too much on the ground. In hills, and witli extra culture, doubtless it will show well. Wilson's Albany, so well known, and so universally conceded to be one of the best, if not the best market strawberry in existence, that we are excusable for its in- troduction only on the ground that if good, no matter how common, it should not be omitted — forgotten it never will be. We remember the good man who originated this, and who, during his life, was rather unwilling to say much about it, because it had not the quality in richness, or rather soft delicacy of fruit which he had been educated to think requisite in a good straw- berry. In vigor and hardihood of vine it has no superior, if an equal ; in productive- ness, gi'owers repeatedly say they can grow two quarts of this to one of almost any other old sort ; and although it has one failing, viz., that of becoming of a dingy hue, after being picked four or five hours, yet, notwithstanding that and its acknowl- edged acidity, the public are yet willing to buy, and the grower pockets the money. As an amateur sort, few are willing to grow it ; but the public must have straw- berries, and this is one easily grown, pro- lific to the complete satisfaction of every- body, and the public do, and will have it. Fig. 9G. — Wilson'' s Albany. In form, it is very regular, nearly or quite conical ; when gathered fresh, a bright, beautiful, rich, dark scarlet, that in a few hours changes to a dingy, dirty hue. All classes of soils and positions seem to suit it, in so far as gipowth of vine and produc- tiveness are features; while its quality i? undoubtedly best on strong clay loams, and poorest, or most acid, on sandy soils. McAvoy's Superior. — From our obser- vation during this and last year, the variety Fig. 97. — McAvoifs Superior. sent out as Buflfctlo so closely resembles this variety, that we are disposed to think them Varieties of StroAoherries. 229 identical ; if not so, they are so nearly- alike, that whoever has McAvoy's Superior does not want Buffalo. The Cincinnati Horticultural Society paid a ^100 premium for this variety as a superior one. In quality, it has really no equal, if we except Burr's New Pine; but in productive- ness, unless the beds are renewed each and every year, and on good, strong, deep soil, it fails. It is too soft, and too irregular in form, for market. Frequently it is a broken cockscomb form ; but, as a general thing, it is irregular, pointed, round. The vines are liable to kill out in winter, and should be covered with pea haulm, or some other mulching material. Hovey's Seedling. — This is another of the old sorts, too well known for comment. Fig. 98. — Hovey''s Seedling. but yet holding qualities that will yet keep it a place among amateurs. If it had a lit- tle more of a productive habit, and a little more of flavor, it would continue to keep the place it has held for many years. In size, it ranks among our largest ; of handsome color ; firm for transportation ; and when grown on deep clay loams, and impregnated with some variety like Boston Pine, it produces a good moderate crop. In market, for price, it will command more than any other berry, although its quality is hardly second rate, being deficient in acidity as well as sugar. Triomphe de Gand. — This variety, with amateurs, can hardly be dispensed with, but market-growers, as a general thing, have not found it profitable. It is firm ; carries well ; is of a peculiar flavor, pleasant to most people ; of good size; glossy, pale scarlet; but even then, as a general market fruit, does not sell for more than two or three cents a quart extra over Wilson's, which can be produced at half the cost. Cultivated in hills, wo have record of two or more cultivators who have made it a paying sort for market ; but they had cheap labor, and sold at high prices ; in other words, their markets were excep- tions. In good, strong, clay loam soils, and well cultivated, it gives good fair crops, and so unlike most other sorts, that all amateurs should have it. Fruit, of a bright, clear, glossy red, often almost white on one side : irre- gular in form; mainly cockscomb; some- times round. Burr's New Pine is one of the highest flavored sorts ever produced, but its truth and purity is now rarely to be found. In most cases, we find Burr's Seedling grown for Now Pine. The New Pine, when to be had true, is the amateur's berr3^ Burr's Seedling, as above remarked,- is often grown as New Pine. It is a light red berry; of medium size; productive; hardy vine; not high enough flavored for an ama- teur's sort, and too pale in color for market. Prolific Hautbois. — Of all the Haut- bois, we think this preferable. Its peculiar musky aroma, when mingled with the scar- let sorts, give to the dish a character unat- tainable in any other manner. Metiiven Scarlet. — This, and Trollop's Victoria, we have looked over this season, to see how much advance was made in the latter over that of the former. We ac- knowledge an advance, but do not think either desirable. Willey, Longworth's Prolific, and Jennky's Seedling, are all sorts of value, and especially so for carrying purposes; but 230 The Horticulturist. as the Wilson produces most, tliey cannot come in for market-growing. Brooklyn Scarlet. — Don't set well. "We can see nothing in it desirable at this stage of strawberry culture. Progress. — To us is no progress. Vines of only moderate size, and not productive. Cutter Seedling. — Very much like Burr's Seedling. Their day is past. Lennig's White, Deptford White, &c., are of little or no value. The best of this fancy class i? Lennig's, and that re- quires high culture in hills, and good strong soil, to produce a dozen fruit to a vine. La Constants. — A delicious fruit, but vine too delicate. Col. Ellsworth, Emma, Nero, Moni- tor, and some others, we have not seen sufBcient of to speak in their praise. They must do better next year, or stand aside. La Delicieuse, like La Constante, too delicate in foliage, or vigor of vine. Russell's Prolific — Last season this variety took a prominent lead, and this season we notice it has done so in some sec- tions, while other localities have pronounced it of no value. Our belief is, that it re- quires strong soil, and to be renewed each year. The fruit is, however, too soft for a market berry; and, as an amateur sort, there are a number better. Fillmore, as usual, gives some fine fruit, and so does Hooker, but comparison with other sorts above named, places them in a list to be left out, except by large amateur planters. Golden-Seeded and Robinson's Per- fection are two sorts unworthy planting. Austin Shaker, on some grounds, has given fair crops of a large, firm, and good fruit; but, as a general thing, it is not pro- ductive. In closing our notes, we will say one word about forming new beds : First, make the ground as deep as plow or spade can do it ; enrich it with old, well rotted manure ; select your plants ; cut oft all the leaves but the youngest one ; dip the roots in soft mud, or thick muddy water ; if dry weather, give one good watering, say a quait to one plant ; immediately after watering, draw over some dry soil, and, as a general thing, the plants will succeed. They should be hoed in about one week or ten days after planting. DESIGN IN RURAL ARCHITECTURE.— No. 16. BY G. E. HARNEY, COLDSPRING, NEW YORK. This design was built about two years ago, by Dr. P. C. Parker, of Coldspring, and is situated on a fine piece of ground, near and overlooking the village, and embracing beyond, tine views of the Hudson, West Point and the Newburgh Gap, and of the ranges of mountains above and below. The house stands between the approach road and the river, consequently the en- trance porch is on one front — that towards the road — the living apartments and veranda are on the opposite side, fronting the river; by this means .greater privacy is given to those portions of the house usually occupied by the family. The arrangement of the plan is as follows: The front veranda, No. 17, opens by wide doors into a vestibule, No. 1, seven feet square ; No. 2 is the hall containing the staircases, and No. 3 is a small room or re- cess opening by means of a French window upon the" principal veranda which extends round the river side of the house. The hall and recess are separated from the main hall by Gothic arches with ornamental columns and moulded spandrels ; No. 4 ig the Doc- tor's business office, which has a separate entrance, for persons calling specially on him, seen at No. 5 ; No. 6 is a comfortable little library furnished with book cases and having an ornamental chimney-piece ; it has two windows which give pleasant north Design in Rural Architecture. 231 and west views ; No. 7 is a parlor, about sixteen feet squai'e, exclusive of the bay window which projects from its western side about five feet, and around which the veranda extends ; No. 8 is the dining room fifteen feet by sixteen, and No. 9 is a small butler's pantry, fitted up with shelves and cupboards and opening into the kitchen, No. 11. The kitchen is in the Southern wing, and is furnished with sink and other kitchen conveniences ; No. 10 is a scullery fitted up with cupboards and a sink, and supplied with hot and cold water ; the dishes are washed here, and passed into the butler's pantry through a small opening left for that purpose in the wall between tht-m, and on a level with the wide shelf of the pantry. A door from the kitchen opens out upon a private veranda. No. 13, which is entirely shut in by lattice work, and this is used in summer as a laundry or washing room ; No. 14 is the outside stairway of stone, leading to the cellar ; and No. 15 is a water closet, made in a hollow space between two walls, and ventilating through this space into a flue of the kitchen chimney, running along by the side of the kitchen flue. The warmth Fig. 99. — Perspective. — A Doctor's Resiuencf,. of the kitchen flue produces a current of air in the ventilating flue, and by this means the water closet is fullj^ ventilated, and though quite near the house, is always cleanly and inoffensive. Private stairs from the kitchen lead to the chamber floor and to the cellar. The cellar has a laundry under the kitchen, a large store-room under the butler's pantry, and an open cellar under the rest of the house where ai-e the brick cistern, the furnace, coal bins, wine closet, and other conveniences usually found in this portion of the house. In the second story are two square cham- bers, with full ceilings over the parlor and dining room ; two rooms for servants, be- sides a bathing-room over the kitchen ; and a stairway to an unfinished attic over the central portion of the house ; a cham- ber over the library and a large linen room over the ofBce ; all these rooms are well lighted and well supplied with closets. The house is built of wood, filled in with brick, and sided with narrow pine siding ; the roofs throughout, including the window hoods are all covered with slate, put on in alternate bands of green and purple. The interior walls and ceilings are hard finished and the interior wood work is stained and oiled^three different shades being used for 232 Tlie Horticulturist. tlie staining ; dark umber, light umber, and annatto. The exterior is painted three dif- ferent shades of oil paint, of browns and grays, and the doors are grained like oak and walnut. The rooms in the principal story are ten feet high, and those in the chambers are nine feet high. This house was built in a very complete manner, and furnished throughout for about six thousand live hundred dollars. The work was all done by the day, and at a season when labor and building material were higher than they had ever been before, though much lower than they are at present. Ground Plan. NORTON'S VIRGINIA GRAPE. From Husmann's Grapes and "Wine. It was about this time (1848) that the attention of some of our grape growers was drawn towards a small, insignificant-look- ing gi'ape, which had been obtained by a 'Mv. Wiedersprecker from Mr. Heinrichs, who had brought it from Cincinnati ; and, almost at the same time, by Dr. Kehr, who had brought it with him from Virginia. — The vine seemed a rough customer, and its fruit very insignificant when compared with the large bunch and berry of the Ca- tawba, but we soon observed that it kept its foliage bright and green when that of the Catawba became sickly and dropped; and also, that no rot or mildew damaged tlie fruit, when that of the Catawba was nearly destroyed by it. A lew tried to propagate it by cuttings, but generally fail- ed to make it grow, They then resorted to grafting and layering, with much better success. After a few years, a few bottles of wine were made from it, and foimd to be very good. But at this time it almost received its death-blow by a very unfavor- able letter from Mr. Longworth^ who had been asked his opinion of it, and pronounced it worthless. Of course, with the majority, the fiat of Mr. Longworth, the father of American grape-culture, was conclusive evidence, and they abandoned it. Not all, however ; a few persevered, among them Messrs. Jacob Rommel, Poeschel, Laugen- doerfer, Grein, and myself. We thought Mr. Longworth was human, and might be mistaken ; and trusted as much to the evi- dence of our senses as his verdict, therefore increased it as fast as we could, and the sequel proved that we were right. After a few years, more wine was made from it in larger quantities, found to be much bet- ter than the first imperfect samples ; and now that despised and condemned grape is the great variety for red wine, equal, if not superior to the best Burgundy and Port ; a wine of which good judges, heavy impor- ters of the best European wines too, will tell you that it has not its equal among all the foreign red wines ; which has already saved the lives of thousands of sufiering children, men, and women, and therefore one of the greatest blessings an all-merciful God has ever bestowed upon suffering hu- manity. This despised grape is now the rage, and 500,000 of the plants could have been sold from this place alone the last fall, if they could have been obtained. Need I name it ? It is the Norton's Virginia — Truly, "great oaks from Htttlo acorns Norton's Virginia Grape. 233 grow !" and I boldly prophecy to-day, that the time is not far distant when thousands upon thousands of our hill-sides will be covered with its luxuriant foliage, and its purple juice become one of the exports to Europe ; provided, always, that we do not grow so fond of it as to drink it all. I think that this is pre-eminently a Missouri grape. Hei-e it seems to have found the soil in which it flourishes best. I have seen it in Ohio, but it does not look there as if it was the same grape. And why should it? They drove it from them, and discarded it in its youth ; we fostered it, and do you not think, dear reader, there sometimes is gratitude in plants as well as in men ? — Fici. 101.— iVor^ora's Other States may plant it, and succeed with it, too, to a certain extent, but it will cling with the truest devotion to those lo- calities where it was cared for in its youth. Have we not also found, during the late war, that the Germans, the adopted citi- zens of this great country, clung with a heartier devotion to our noble flag, and Virginia Gra2)e. Berries one-third full size. shed their blood more freely for it, than thousands upon thousands of native-born Americans 1 And why ? Because here they found protection, equal rights for all, and that freedom which had been the idol of their hearts, and haunted their dreams by night ; because they had been oppressed so long they more fully appreciated the Tlie Horticulturist. blessings of a free government than those who had enjoyed it from their birth. But you may call me fantastical for comparing plants to liuman beings, and will say plants have no appreciation of such things. Bro- ther Skeptic, have you, or has anybody, divined all the secrets of Nature's work- shop ? Truly, we may say that we have not ; and we meet with facts every day which are strancjer than fiction. NEW STRAWBERRIES. BY J. M. MERRICK, JR., WALFOLE, MASS. The Editors of the Horticulturist en- courage me to give my results with new and old varieties of the strawberry, obtain- ed from my experience during 180^ and the present year, and I therefore present this brief paper. My beds were planted one year ago last spring, in good garden soil which had borne a crop of corn the previous season without manure. The vines were set in rows, the plants being put from eight to sixteen inches apart in the row, according to the vigor of their growth ; and except in the case of new varieties, where it wa3 desirable to multiply plants, the runners were trimmed off as fast as they appeared. Under this treatment. Downer's Prolific, Triomphe de Gand, Bart- lett, and some others, thickened up into what may fairly be called bushes, with im- mense crowns full of buds. The Agriculturist plants, although every runner was encour- aged to grow, thickened up into immense plants, and made the finest looking row in the whole garden. The beds were dressed with an abundance of guano and wood ashes ; but no stable manure was applied, either before planting or during the growing sea- son. All the vines were covered with leaves and pine boughs in November; and these were not removed till the middle of April, when not one plant was found thrown out or injured. I ought not to forget to mention that the guano and ashes were applied at three or four different times through the summer, and that the plants were hoed around two or three times a week, most of the season, thus keeping the surface in good order and subduing all weeds. The present season has been unprecedent- ly cold. March was extremely cold and disagreeable ; we shivered round the stove in April, and in May we had only two or three warm days. The first half of June was cold and cloudy, with east winds and dull weathir, and the second half was not nearly as warm as usual until the last week, when hot weather came on and ripened strawberries very fast. As I have nothing new to offer upon methods of cultivation, I proceed at once to a consideration of the merits of different varieties, taking them in alphabetical order. AGRICULTURIST. In size and vigor of plant, size of berry, and general excellence, this famous kind stands at the head of the list, and surpasses all the other kinds — some thirty-two in number — which I have on trial. Unless some now unknown imperfection should show itself, I do not see why this must not become the great market berry of the country. I give no minute description of this variety, as almost everybody has it, but simply add that my rows of plants have now, July 3d, been for a week the wonder and undisguised admiration of my neigh- bors, some of whom arc well acquainted with common strawberries, but " never saw anything like this." A new variety, A good grower, of dwarf habit, with wedge-obovate leaflets, on ra- ther hairy petioles, and of a dark green color. Flowers large and conspicuous. Bcr- Neiu Straivberries. 235 ries roumlisli-conical, medium to large, bright crimson, sweet, and as good as La Constante. EXPOSITION A CHALONS. A now variety. Not a very strong grow- er. Leaflets wedge-obovate, sometimes cu- riously subdivided, deeply serrate, dull dirty green. In blossom about May 17th. Fruit large, conical, good flavor, bright color • no better nor much worse than the Tri- omphe de Gand. FROGMORE, LATE PINE. Plant a vigorous and handsome grower; leaves large, medium green; leaflets round- ovate sharply serrate, on somewhat hairy petioles. Flowers very large and conspicu- ous ; the first one open on the 15 th of May. Fruit immense in size, brilliant crimson, regularly conical, parting easily from the calj'x ; flesh white, juicy and delicious. The plants are quite productive, and by their size and vigor, and the size, brillancj^ and beauty of the fruit, merit a place in every collection. HAQUIN. Said by Mr. Knox to be the same as Prin- cessc Royale, while Ed. J. Evans and Co. inform me that they consider this kind a little superior to Tiiomphe de Gand. There must be two or more different kinds under one name, for, of all the kinds I ever saw or heard of, the Ilaquin is the most utterly and indesciibably worthless. It is a coarse, rank grower ; with berries as big as large peas, of no particular flavor or goodness, and is a thorough humbug. LA DELICIEUSE. Plants of dwarf habit ; leaflets very long, narrow and slender, some very nearly spa- tulate, and dull green in color. Blossoms small, with very minute stamens, giving it the look of a pistillate kind, and very dif- ferent from the flowers of most of the French and Belgian varieties. Berries in clusters, small to medium, dark red, deeply pitted, and having mucii the look of our wild kind, sweet, juicy and very delicious, but, of course, useless for a market berry. Some of my friends give this variety the preference in point of flavor over all others. LA NEGRESSE. A tolerably good grower. Petioles very long, reddish, and hairy; leaflets deeply serrate, rough, and dull green. Berries very few in number; not very dark colored when fully ripe; regularly conical, very large, sweet and good. This variety has no special excellence, and no obvious claim to the name it bears. LUCIDA PERFECTA. This very striking variety, said to be a cross between the British Queen and the California Strawberry, makes so fine a dis- play of leaves of a very unusual shade and texture, as to attract attention among many kinds. The plant is an extremely vigorous and stocky grower, of a compact and rather dwarf habit, having very large, thick, dark green and glossy leaves. The leaflets are round-obovate, slightly crumpled, with not very deep serratures, much lighter on the under than on the upper side. As the plant gets older, the upper side of the leaf turns very dark green, and shines as though it were varnished. It is an extremlj'- late varietur, the buds on plants a year old and well grown being hardly visible down in the centre of the crown on the 10th day of May ; and on the 1st of July there were still many blossoms remaining. Berries, medium to large, bright crimson, white towards the neck, obtusely conical or slight- ly coxcomb shape ; flesh snow-white and full of rich sweet juice. Plants moderately productive, and curious in the development of the fruit-stalk, which grows to two or three times the length it had when the first blossom opens. For a refined taste, I think perfectly ripe berries of this variety present more attrac- tions than any other kind I know. 236 TJie Horticulturist. LUCAS. A most sp'endid strawberry; a strong vigorous grower. Petioles medium length; leaves large, bright green, a shade lighter than the parent plant La Constante, and very handsome. Fruit ripe about July 3d. Berries very large, some of them im- mense, conical, and very regular in shape; rich, juicy and delicious, with a decided raspberry flavor. This is a berry that ought to make (juite a stir among amateurs. MADAME COLOGNE, I find the name of this variety, spelled in various ways, but the above is the title by which I bought my plants last j-ear. It is a strong healthy grower of some- what dwarf habit, with large, crumpled medium green leaves, the leaflets being very sbarply and deeply serrate, and taper- ing a little at the base. The berries are obtusely conical (with occasionally a long neck), sometimes irregular, not very bright crimson, white-fleshed, and decidedly sweet and good, though not very juicy. Plant a moderate bearer, although I notice that some young vines, eight or nine months old, sometimes sacrifice all their other fruit to produce one enormous berry. The roots of this variety are extremely fine and thread-like, in marked contrast to those of many other kinds. Tolerably strong grower, but very ten- der, and if exposed, winter-kills badly. Petioles nearly smooth, glossy; leaves dark gieen. Berries roundish, large, light colored, sweet and rich, but so very few in number as to make the plant of little value save to the curious amateur. QUINQUEFOLIA. Mr. A. S. Fuller wrote to me last fall that this variety was worthless and a hum- bug ; but my experience this year enables me to say that one of us has not got the true Quinquefolia, for my variety is one of the very choicest. Petioles with scattered hairs, leaflets rounded, crumpled, not very dark green, and not very peculiar in arrangement ; at least I have never found a fine parted leaf. The plants -are very productive; and the fruit is a regular cone of immense size, light red, sweet, juicy and delicious in a very high degree. A most excellent strawberry. Of the older and better known varieties I have a good collection, and w^ould like to say that I consider La Constante, Triomphe de Gand, Lenning's White, Kiver's Eliza, and French's Seedling, indispensable in a good family garden. Lenning's AThite, es- pecially, is an exquisite strawberr}'; and the Eliza, although soft and light colored, is so excellent in flavor, and so wonderfully large in size, that I cannot allow it to be elbowed from amateur's collections without a pro- test. My Russel's Prolifics have borne an im- mense crop of tolerable berries, about se- cond rate in point of flavor. I have no McAvoys' Superior, and there- fore can add no word to the Babel of talk about these two kinds. Those who prefer quantity to quality will raise the Russell's Prolific. It seems strange to me that so few gar- dens are embellished with strawberry beds. Everybody loves the fruit; but to in- dulge in purchased berries in generous quantities throughout the season has to be regarded by many as an extravagance they cannot well afford. It is very easy, on the other hand, for those who own gardens, to raise strawberries enough and more than enough for their own use. Any soil, not absolutely vile, will produce strawberries ; and last year I saw a bed of Wilson's Al- bany filled with five years growth of grass, yet still flourishing tolerably and bearing a moderate crop. Of course neglect is not to be commended. Plant the vines in hills, keep the runners cut off"; keep the start of the weeds after you once get it, throw some leaves and pine boughs over the vines in November, let the Disease of the Vine and its Uemedy. 237 leaves stay in the spring for a mulch — (all this is more formidable when written out than it proves in actual practice) — and little trouble will be experienced in getting a supply of berries, better fruit than which, says Isaac Walton, the Creator mirjht have made, but certainly did not. T believe this saying, by the way, is older than "Walton; but it is nevertheless as true as gospel, whether it be old or new. In brief, I may say that, in my opinion, the best berr}^, taking all things into ac- count, is the Agriculturist; the sweetest and dryest, Madame Cologne ; the hand- somest, Lucas or Quinquefolia; the best white, Lenning's; that which — if it really be a foreign kind— comes the nearest to our wild berries, La Delicieuse ; the meanest, Ilaquin ; and the most delicious, refreshing and palate-satisfying, Lucida Perfecta. DISEASE OF THE VINE AND ITS REMEDY. BY P. LAZARIS, OF ATHENS. Any substance, dried and pulverized, which does not injure the foliage or fruit of the vine, cures the disease of " oidium," with which it is affected. It is because of the same qualities that pulverized sulphur produces the same effect, and not as a spe- cific, as is generally belie s^ed. Those who have thus far applied themselves to re- search, to discover a remedy for the disease called " oidium," have wished to find a specific which would as surely cause it to disappear as does quinine break the inter- mittent fever. Consequently, they have considered that sulphur possessed such spe- cific properties, but no one discovered that any material reduced to very fine powder, and which would not injure the plant or its fruit, would equally well cure the disease. When it is spread abundantly on the grape, where it attaches itself easily, it acts, as I believe, by its drying the parasitic fungus, absorbing its juices, and thus cutting off its nourishment. In some microscopic obser- vations I have made, I think I have seen this effect produced just at the point where the peduncle of the parasitic grains is at- tached to the grape, and possibly on the grains themselves. Having observed that those grapes which lay upon the earth were not attacked by the disease, I concluded very naturally that the most efficacious means to cure it was by powdering the plant with earth. The following experiments led me to con- sider my discovery as an infallible remedy. I powdered my vines with European sul- phur, save one corner of my vineyard apart from the rest, which was saved for experi- ment. This was divided into two portions; one was treated with sulphurous earth of Kalamaki, called '' antirusty" (antigalcuse) the other simply with clay, leaving, at the same time, a few vines in their natural state, to see if the disease would not cease spontaneously. In due time, the three por- tions treated with European sulphur, earth of Kalamaki, and with cla}-, alike showed the cure desired, while the vines not treat- ed at all were entirely destroyed by the disease. Therefore, I concluded that pul- verized earth merited equal confidence Avitli sulphur. As some persons suppose that sulphur exercises an influence at some con- siderable distance, I repeated the experi- ment the following year in a part of my vineyard distant from where sulphur was used, and not forgetting to leave some vines without any treatment. Three months later, the vines not powdered were destroy- ed, while those treated with argillaceous earth were saved, convincing me fully that such argillaceous earth radically cure the 238 The Horticulturist. disease ; yet I resolved to continue the ex- periments daring 1858, and test tlie follow- ing matters: 1st. Tf, in order to save expense and la- bor, tw'o powderings vrould not suffice in- stead of three ? 2d. What is the best time to make the applications ? 3d. If, having omitted the first applica- tion, it would be possible to effect it by a later application ? In order to settle these three questions, I performed the following experiments : I powdered a number of vines before flowering, and twice later, at the times when sulphur is usually applied. The cure was complete. Fifteen days after I com- menced the preceding experiments, I com- menced another series in the same way Nine days had not passed before signs of the disease appeared, when I immediately repeated the application of pulverized earth, and had the satisfaction to see the disease arrested. I repeated the experiment the third and fourth time with the same results. Another series was powdered at the time of the setting or formation of the young grapes, but without success, although the earth was used abundantly. A fourth lot was left untouched in the midst of the rest, which was, like the last, attacked. From these experiments I have drawn the following conclusions : 1st. The earth should be freed from sand and gravel, dried in the sun a few hours, pulverized very finely, and then sifted or bolted like sulphur. 2d. That as common clay is easily pre- pared as above and adheres well to the vines, it is preferable to other kinds of soil. 3d. That the instruments generally used to apply the sulphur will serve for this also, at least for the first and second operation ; but the third time, as the grapes have then some size, it is desirous to have them more abundantly powdered, yet it is possible here to use the same instrument used for sulphur. 4th. The powdering succeeds best when applied after sunrise,- but while the grapes are still somewhat moist with dew. The following times are the best for the appli- cation : a. When the young shoots have scarcely attained the length of a span, be- fore the grape is in flower, h. As soon as the flower has fallen, and the young grape entirely set. c. When these are of the same size as is thought sufficient in sul- phuration. oth. Independently of these, even when performed with care, it is necessary some- times to make extra applications, as, for ex- ample, each time after a heavy rain, after waiting a day. 6th. The removal of a part of the leaves as is usual is advisable, if practiced with moderation, otherwise the vines, deprived of leaves, the grapes may be scorched by the heat of the sun. 7th. If from any cause the first regular powdering has been omitted or neglected, it will be necessary to supply it by two others, with an interval between of eight or ten days. But it is indispensably neces- sary that it be done before the time of the second regular application. 8th. It is necessary always to perform the operation with the greatest care. It is well to have the workman followed by another, who again carefully examines the vines, and powders any that may have es- caped. If, after this, disease reappears, it is proof that the operation has not been well done, and it is necessary to immediately re- peat it with all the care that is bestowed when sulphur is used. [Mr. Lazaris is the proprietor of one of the best managed vineyards in Corinth, and one of the highest authorities on the management of grape-vines. — Ed.J {Floral World.) ». Plan for Laying-out Five Acres for a Suburban Villa. 239 PLAN FOR LAYING-OUT FIVE ACRES FOR A SUBURBAN VILLA. BY E. FERRAND, DETROIT, MICH. }. ROAD Fig. \02.—Plan. EEFEEENCES. B. Coach-House, Stable, andjYard. C. Greenhouse and Grapery. D. Gardener's Cottage. E. Principal Entrance. F. Entrance to Barn. H. Group of Khododendrons and Azaleas. K. Kitchen Garden. L. Entrance on Street. N. Flower-Beds. Iq this plan, the kitchen garden occupies about 1^ acres. 240 The Horticullur\ SOUTHWARD, IIO ! FRUIT CULTURE IN THE SOUTHERN STATES. BY V. H. JACQUES. I AM not disposed to say a word calcu- lated to deter any one, who has the dispo- sition and the means to do so, from engag- ing in the culture of cotton, rice, or sugar- cane in the South. These have always been, and doubtless will continue to be, profitable crops ; but there are thousands who desire to tr};- their fortunes in the sunny South to whom these branches of agricultural industry are practically closed. It is to these, and particulaiiy to persons having some knowledge of fruit culture, that I desire to address myself. It is not generally known, but is none the less an indisputable fact, demonstrated by actual experiment, that a large portion of the Southern States is admirably adapt- ed to the culture of fruits, and especially is this true of what is called the " JNIiddle Country," embracing the undulating and moderately broken region which lies be- tween the low flat belt which borders the coast and the hilly and mountainous " Up- per Country," and running through North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama. Having lately visited this " Middle Country," for the special purpose of exam- ining it with reference to fruit culture, and being familiar, from former long residence in the South, with its soil, climate, and productions, a brief report through the widely-circulated pages of the Horticul- turist may meet the ej^es of many to whom it will prore interesting, and jjerhaps valuable. The region particularly referred to in the following description (though my remarks will apply in the main to a large part of Jliddle Georgia and the adjoining States) comprises portions of the counties of Rich- mond and Columbia, Georgia, and is inter- sected by tke Georgian Railroad, connect- ing Augusta with Atlanta. In contradistinction from the more ex tensive pine lands of the " Low Country," which are quite level, the region under no- tice may be called the " Pine Hills," The face of the country, however, is undulating, the elevations reaching an altitude of oOO feet above the Savannah River. The gra- dually sloping hill sides are susceptibl» of easy cultivation, and are admirably adapted to vineyards, while the plateaus which in- variably form the summits of the^e hills, and vary from ten to a hundred or more acres in extent, are well suited to orchards. The valleys are well watered and fertile, producing large crops of cotton or corn, and adapted to the growth of the small fruits. The scenery is everywhere pleasant, and in some localities quite picturesque and beautiful. The soil is generally sandy. On the hills it is light-colored, and only moderately fer- tile. In the valleys it is darker and richer; and some of the bottom lands bordering the creeks possess a soil equal in fertility to the river valleys of the West. The sub- soil, lying at various depths below the sur- face is mainly a red clay, below which, in some localities, the railroad cuts and the hillside gullies have revealed immense beds of kaolin, or porcelain clay of the finest quallt}"-, and said to be equal, if not supe- rior, to that of which the famous Stafford- shire ware is made in England. The region is watered by numerous creeks, tributaries of the Savannah, all of which furnish clear running water, and abundant water power. The water of the numerous springs is remarkably pure, ex- cept in the few cases, in certain localities, in which it is impregnated with iron. The original forest growth on the hills is the magnificent long-leafed pine of the South — the monarch of the semi-tropical forest — known in its manufactured state to Southward Ho ! Fruit Culture in the Southern States. 241 the timber dealer and builder of the North as " Southern Pine." It is this tree which everywhere gives its peculiar character to the landscape, and indicates the nature of the soil and the climate. Where the pine timber has been partially cut off, there has sprung up a growth of oaks of various species, but mainly of a dwarfish habit, which contrasts strongly, both in size and in the color of their foliage, with the gigantic pines which here and there overshadow them. In the bottom-lands which border the creeks, water oak, hickory'-, sweet gum, blade gum, maple, poplar, and other decidu- ous trees, form the principal growth. Chickasaw plums, persimmons, pawpaws, or wild bananas (rich, sugary and delicious); grapes, mulberries, blackberries, and whor- tleberries, are among the spontaneous pro- ductions of the soil. Figs and peaches grow almost spontaneously, and are found on every farm ; but in general little atten- tion has been paid to them. The principal crops hitherto cultivated here are cotton, corn, Chinese sugar-cane, sweet potatoes, Irish potatoes, and field peas, with some wheat and rye, and the or- dinary garden vegetables. The cultivation of fruits is not an vmtried experiment in the region of which I am writing. Mr. L. E. Berckmans, the distin- guished Belgian pomologist, after having been engaged in fruit-culture — making the pear, however, his specialty — for fifty years, first in Europe, and afterward in New Jer- sey, finally t. selected a place hero as the scene of his future labors ; and Mr. D. Redmond, one of the leading pomologists of the South, and well known for many years as the editor and publisher of the Southern Cultivator, is so well convinced of the superior advantages of this locality, that he is preparing to plant five or six hundred acres Avith fruit trees and grape- vines, and this after an experience here of nearly twenty years. I may add that the finest orchard, without exception, that I have ever seen. North or South, is in the immediate neighborhood of Mr. Redmond's August, 1866.. present fruit-farm. It consists of peach, apple, and pear trees, all in the most per- fect condition, and in full bearing. It is a sight worth traveling many miles to see. — Its proprietor is a Northern man (Mr. Stan- ton), who has brought his Yankee energy, industrj^, and skill to bear upon this gener- ous Southern soil. Nearly all the fruits of the temperate zone may be advantageously [,rown here. — The cherry, the gooseberr}'-, and the cur- rant are, perhaps, partial exceptions. The grape, the peach, and the strawberry reach a degree of sweetness and exquisiteness of flavor utterly unknown in colder climates. Strawberries maj-, by proper manage- ment, be kept in bearing for four or five months in succession, and sometimes they ripen in mid-winter. If planted in the fall, they produce a good crop the next spring, commencing to ripen from the 1st to the 10th of April, according to the season. — They sell readily in the markets of Augusta, Atlanta, Savannah, and Charleston, at from 25c. to $1 per quart, and the supply has never yet equaled the demand ; and they may, probablj^, even be sent to Nashville and Louisville, where they will command still higher prices. Peach trees in this climate come into fall bearing the third year from the bud, and I even saw trees in the nursery rows, two jetirs from the bud, Avith peaches on them. Peaches, carefully packed iis crates, are sent from the neighborhood of Augusta to New York, the earliest varieties reaching this market from the 20th to the 25th of June, and commanding at first as high as from §15 to i[j20 per bushel. An average of at least )^5 may reasonably be counted upon. Once properly planted, one hand can cultivate from thirty to forty acres, ex- tra help, of course, being required to gather and pack the fruit for market. Apples and pears will probably prove even more profitable than peaches, they never failing from frost, as the latter some- times do even here. 16 242 The Horticulturist. Grape culture and wine-making bave proved immensely profitable, the wine pro- duced being superior to that made any- where else in this country. The climate of Middle Georgia is mild, equable, and in the highest degree salubri- ous. No more healthful region, in fact, can be found, either in America or Europe. — The fall and winter are absolutely delight- ful, and may be compared to a perpetual " Indian summer," in which the air is " tempered into a mild deliciousness." The work of the farmer is never interrupted by deep snows and frozen ground, and his heaviest labors are performed in winter. In summer, the temperature is pretty high during the day, but, on these breezy hills not oppressive, and the nights are invaria- bly cool. Strange as it may seem, land admirably adapted to fruit-culture can be bought here, in the immediate neighborhood of the railroad, for from §10 to §12 per acre. The tendency-, however, is upward, and these lands will soon command much higher prices. Persons who, like the writer, are con- templating emigration to the sunny South, will do well to inform themselves in regard to the Pine Hills of Georgia. 389, Broadway, Nero York. INSIDE GRAPE BORDERS. BY FOX MEADOW. Let not the world accept as an impossi- hilily the trial and failure of an object sought to be effected by any m*an, or dozen of men in any part of this known world. For why ? Because if such should be al- lowed to become the rule, man would then acknowledge man to be infallible — and this, as far as the great book of horticulture is concerned— never entered its pages, and never will. As my friends in horticulture, J. S. Houghton, M. D., and "William Bright, of Philadelphia, have had much to say about inside borders for vines, — their excellent qualities and properties, the power of con- trolling, root action, and a host of nice other little things that ought very much to amuse the babies— yes, said more and written more on this one subject than all the host of horticulturists put together in America; we think the Doctor ought to havo come forward to the front ranks in horticultural literature and made his statement, which we see you, Mr, Editor, have copied from " Hovey's Magazine." Why carry such news as this all the way up to our North back door 1 But " open confession is good for the soul," so better somewhere than no- where. Time will not permit me to enter into the details of Dr. Houghton's failures, and others around Philadelphia. Some of those borders he refers to, however, we have seen, also many around the city of New York, and we must confess, that in the whole course of our life we never saw such a lot of ridiculous, absurd, foolish, unnatural con- structed things ! For instance, one house, 200 feet long, vines planted two feet apart, and the supply of water brought in, in a half inch lead-pipe. This house is dying for water. Another large house we could name, is planted with vines three feet apart, and a second row, the same distance apart, along the middle, and the border having an in- clination fvova front to back ! In this house the wiiter has to be carried in by hand. The water all runs to the back of the house^ and common sense will determine the con- sequence. A third house we could name is quite long, about nine or ten feet loide, and sunk dovm, doicn, down beneath the surface of God's Earth, far away from the position where God called forth light and saw that it was good ! Inside Orape Borders. 243 We may contend that this and that, and everything has been done properly for these inside borders, but after all, when some common sense practical man comes to look for the*true cause of the failures, it is seen in a inoment. What practical gardener, of experience in grape culture, would attempt to control the moisture from, or on, vine roots in the Fall of the year ? These absurd notions have been the cause of killing more vines perhaps than all the other ridiculous directions put together. When the border is wholly inside the house, it should be plentifully supplied with water, and so ar- I'anged that the labor of pumping be avoided. Inside borders should have the direct rays of the light shining on them^ and then my friend Dr. Houghton will find that the " some magnetic or electric influence from the body of the earth " can be, and is, of some necessary importance as life to the vine. Inside borders we should always use when the fruit of the vine is required very earljr, but under no other circumstances, unless the condition of things compelled it. Then, we say can be grown as fine grapes with a border wholly inside the house as we can outside the house — only, it requires a little better judgment in the management — a little more care, and a good deal more of determined perseverance. Keep all your nostrums out of vine borders. Make the border never over three feet deep of soil. Apply stimulants to the top of the ground when the vine is in fruit — the time it re- quires it — not when a young plant, to gorge it full of obnoxious ammonias, Tar- taric acids and a host of quack medicines ! Suppose we study the subject of light a little more — its influence and action, and. non-action ou the atmosphere and soil of the inside grape border. If our M.D's. of medicine would study this question of light and its influence on the vine and other plants cultivated under glass roofs one half as much as they have given their attention to the action of light on the human organism, we should find, and gladly too, that the subject of horticulture was greatly indebted to them, above that which to-day stands to their credit. From what Dr. Houghton has written in the article in Hovey's Mag- azine, (and he writes with much force), its logic and influence may produce a similar effect on the minds of its readers, as did his articles when writing of the super-excellence of (now these dethroned, and miserably conceived) aerated, suspended, isolated, de- tached, concreted divided inside borders of Mr. Bright and Dr. Houghton ! Now, what we wish to say is this— that the inference deduced from the Doctor's letter is that " inside borders " are a total failure. That the vines will die and dwin- dle away so soon as they begin to fruit. That this is the Doctor's experience around the city of Philadelphia, at the same time the impression is conveyed to the mind that inside borders must of necessity kill vines everywhere else. I conclude this note by inviting the Doctor to Fox Meadow Gardens, where I will show him two hun- dred and seventy-two feet in length of simon pitre inside horder, which never had a particle of dung or bone in it ; the vines have been in fruit six and seven years ; many of them will measure nine inches in circumference, and from which we have cut bunches of grapes, weighing seven pounds — will prove it by our books, and will be able to sliow some bunches of that weight this present season. Inside Borders a Failure ! Who will Come and See 1 [Fox Meadow, to prove his assertions, that grapes can be well grown by his method, has sent us a magnificent bunch cut from a vine growing on an in- side border. With such proof who can disbelieve 1 Eds.] 244 The Horticulturibt. NOTES ON THE JUNE NUMBER. Ventilation. — In the earlier volumes of the Horticulturist, some fifteen or six- teen 3rears since, its then editor, the lament- ed A. J. Downinfj;, wrote upon the subject of ventilation, and from his writings in- troductory has attention more and more been drawn to the actual necessity of pure air for health. At that time, not one pub- lic hall or church in a hundred had any means of ventilation, except by the doors and windows. At this present time, few who claim to be architects omit the detail of ventilation in making up their specifica- tions and working drawings, so that most of our houses for public meetings are in some measure supplied with pure air. Our small- er houses, the residences of the masses of our people, are, however, as yet, without any means of ventilation, except bj^ the doors and windows, and I am glad to see the Horticulturist again touching the subject. Rural Architecture — Small Stable. — Mr. Harney has my special thanks for this design. It is, to my eye, the best thing I have met with ; and while he esti- mates the cost at $1,200, there are many sections of the country in which readers of the Horticulturist reside, where it may be built for one-half the money. Grape-Vines from Seed. — The writer, I judge, takes much my own view of the probable advantages of scientific hybridiza- tion over that of seeds selected from choice kinds, and with a probable chance of natural cross impregnation. While I would dis- courage no man's careful attempts at artifi- cial or scientific hybridizing, I yet believe his chances of success in the production of a valuable variety equally good Avhen tak- ing seed from a variety surrounded by others, and all choice kinds. We have the statement that Creveling is made to set its fruit more abundantly by having the Concord contiguous. The cause must, therefore, probably be, that the impregnat- ing characters of the Creveling are deficient, and supplied by the Concord; hence', plants grown from seeds of Creveling so impreg- nated would possibly produce a grape re- sembling the Concord, but ripening with the Crevelling. The lona in its fruit partakes of Cataw- ba and Delaware, while the growth is more of Diana, which latter undoubtedly came from seed of Catawba. The cherries originated by Professor Kirtland were obtained from seeds of a yel- low Spanish tree, surrounded with Black Tartarian, May Duke, and other choice kinds, and their impregnation was the work of Nature ; but when Nature had acted, the watchful cultivator seized the seeds, and obtained from hundreds, nearly all showing some good qualities, a few very superior sorts. It was, however, a work of time, and so must ever be the production of anything really an improvement in po- mology. Mr. Caywood's method of sowing grape- seeds differs some from mine, but may be better. I take a small frame ; set it slop- ing towards the north ; fit on ray sash ; have one foot deep of good, rich, sharp sandy loam in it; and when I have a few seeds of a choice grape or poar, I plant them at once an inch deep in the soil, keeping my sash on, occasionally giving air, that it may not get damp or mouldy. In this way, seeds of nearly everything can be grqwn — There is no hastening, it comes in course. House for Drying Fruit. — A capital design, which, as apples promise a full crop this season, I hope to see frequently built, in order that we may have dried fruit clean and wholesome, and not, as is too frequently found, overspread with the filth of flies. Heart's Pippin. — Will not Mr. Down- ing give us some account of this apple, its origin, &c. Protection of Peach Trees in Win- ter.— Mr. Jenkins has given us a practical Notes on the June Number. 245 and descriptive account of his mode of grow- ing peaches yearly out of doors, and in un- favorable climes and beasons. If our seasons are to continue as they have the past few years, we shall find this practice, although embodying some labor and trouble, prove a profitable part of the fruit grower's life. Plan for Laying-Out a Square Acre Lot. — In the main, a good plan ; but there is too much of carriage-way for the amount of ground, and I have always had an aver- sion to circles in front of the house, because if left open, that is, in lawn, there appears no reason for traversing fifty feet to get ten; if massed with shrubbery or trees, with a view to giving a reason for the curv- ing of the road, then the extent of grounds from the house is reduced. In this plan, keeping its main features, I would, on en- tering from the street, dispense with the left hand road, throw in a mass of trees from the gateway on the left hand side, and open the balance toward the house into a lawn, forming my turn way on the side to- ward the stable. Wharton's Early Pear. — Some years since, I ate of this pear at Cincinnati, and then thought it one of the best large-sized early pears in cultivation. Perhaps Dr. J. A. Warder, or Mr. R. Buchanan, will tell us something of it. Margaret Pear. — It is not every new pear that proves of great value, nor is it always the largest sized fruit that proves most profitable. The market-grower, as well as the amateur, requires the tree to jirow freely, prove healthy, bear abundant- ly fruit of good size, and a quality pleasant and agreeable to all, even if it is not of the highest flavor. These new sorts should be tried extensively — if good, retained ; if in- ferior, regrafted. Horticultural Matters at the Ha- waiian Islands.- A pleasant, readable let- ter, promising us a classified list of the pro- ducts of Honolulu, which we shall be most happy to read. My Neighbor and his Gun. — There, now, friend F., you have fired your shot, and if it will only be half as destructive in checking such neighbor's practices as you say his gun is upon the sweet songsters, we may look for a check to this practice. The suburbs of our cities, especially at the West, have other bird destroyers, yet more inju- rious, because they roam at will over your grounds, pulling down fences, and trampling down plants. I refer to more or less of English and German foreigners just over, and who think to handle a gun, and shoot a robin or little led squirrel, one of the great items of living in a/zre country. Pots Should be Drained. — Mr. Cowan has certainly theory, as well as the result of actual practice, to sustain him in the draining of pots or plants. Mr. Henderson undoubtedly is successful in his way ; but it is, perhaps, a query whether the old prac- tice is not the better one. As I have be- fore written, all innovations are not im- provements. Fowls Around a Country House. — All right. I will only say that, while colored dorkings may be all here declared, a cross of speckled dorking and Shanghai make really a larger and better bird for both table and laying purposes ; but remember you must always have a pure dorking male bird, or soon your flock is deteriorated to little bet- ter than common barnyard fowls. Strictly for laying purposes, when chickens are not to be raised, I suppose no breed equals the Bolton Greys, or Creoles. The Black Spanish come next to them, and are cer- tainly— that is, the white faced ones — most beautiful birds. Glazed vs. Unglazed Flower Pots. — Here is a chance for Messrs. Cowan and Henderson. I reckon if the glazed pot were used, some drainage at bottom would be found essential to the health of the plant; and if good drainage is given, I do know that very fine plants are grown in glazed pots in a house living-room, heated by a stove. As Mr. Reid says, the circumstances are not always more than half told, hence the truth is half a lie. The experimenter cannot be too minute in recording the po- sition and circumstances under which he has success or failure. Reuben. 246 Tlie Horticulturist E. W. BULL ON GRAPE CULTURE.— IL BY. J. M. MERRICK, JR., WALPOLE, MASS. The first season after planting, all that is necessary to be done, according to Mr. Bull, is to keep the ground well stirred, by means of the cultivator, so that the roots may easily penetrate the soil. The vines should be allowed to lie upon the ground the first summer, the ends of the growing shoots being occasionally pinched, to set back the sap and consolidate the wood, which, if properly treated, is to last for centuries. If the vines grow so long that the wind rolls them over on the ground, put a stone on them to keep the leaves right side up, remembering that it is better for the vine to be blown about by breezes than to be tied stiffly to a stake the first year. " I do not stop here," says Mr. Bull, " to offer abounding proofs of the fact that it is better for a vine to be blown about the first season, but will only say that I have found by actual experiment that the vine tied up closely will not grow nearly so much in a given time as the vine left free to move as the wind moves it. A grape vine should never be pruned at the time of planting, not even to give it shape, so important is it to get a well estab- lished vine with alnuidant roots before it be- gins to bear fruit." In his fourth and fifth papers, Mr. Bull reviews some of the leading methods of training now in use, including the renewal, or long-arm system, involving the use of two poles to each vine, and which he pro- nounces the best where the vines need win- ter protection ; the short-spur S3^stem, which he afBrms gives the best grapes ; and de- cides, finally, that the espalier mode of training is, on the whole, the best. It costs more at first than other systems, but is economical in the end. For this method, posts are needed from four to six inches in diameter, and eight feet ■ long ; and scantlings two inches square and twelve feet in length. The posts should be set two feet deep and twelve feet apart. — This distance brings the posts between the vines, which are six feet apart; and the scantlings will reach from one post to the third beyond. The strips of wood should be firmly fas- tened to the posts, the lower one eighteen inches, and the upper one six feet from the ground. Wires one-eighth of an inch in di- ameter, should next be nailed on the bars perpendicularly, and at a distance of three inches from each other. This arrangemer;t of the wires is prefer- able, for the reason that the tendrils fasten upon the perpendicular supports readil}', and no tying up is necessary, as in the case where horizontal wires are used. When the vine has reached the lower bar, the shoots from the two upper eyes are to be laid in diagonally, and tied so as to give the vine the form at the end of the season of the letter Y. It is to be pruned back to the well ripened wood, wherever that may be. The next year the buds left on the diag- onal arms will grow, and bear fruit — a light crop should be taken. Superfluous shoots should be rubbed out, and the two terminal shoots laid in diagonallj^, as before. When the trellises are filled with bearing wood, six or seven tons of grapes may be had from an acre. Such is a tolerably fair resume of Mr. Bull's very practical papers on viticulture. The main points he insists on, it will be observ- ed, are— the thorough ploughing of the soil ; no shortening of I'oots in planting ; no trim- ming the vine the first year ; the use of mineral manures only, and those in small quantity ; continually pruning back to tho- roughly ripe wood, and the adoption of the espalier for training the vine, giving each vine two diagonal arms. He does not claim, we presume, that he E. W. Bull on Grape Gulture. 247 advances any ver3' original advice; but we have the satisfaction, in reading Lis papers, of knowing tliat he recommends only what has proved nseful and profitable in his own hands. "We call especial attention to his advice not to shorten the roots at planting, and to the small quantity of manure he uses. In regard to this latter point, the correctness of his view will become apparent when we consider how very small a portion of the constituents of its fruit the vine takes from the soil, and how large a part from water and the air. The grower of out-door grapes in the New England States must be prepared to meet with occasional trials and vexations. Late spring frosts are much to be dreaded. This year, there fell a frost on the night of the 14th of May that really discouraged some of us. My pet vines— Allen's, Rogers' Hybrids, of various numbers, lonas, Tsraellas, and others — which were trained last year as symmetrical as the "pictures" in the grape books, and had made a growth of from two to six inches this season, were very many of them utterly ruined. The hints I had thrown out to my ac- quaintances, to the effect that they might call on me in the foil if they wished to see some of the newer kinds in fruit, have lost much of their significance, as I have now, with my best vines, two years' work to do over again. I think the late spring frosts are much more disastrous than those which sometimes assail the vines in late September. Of making books there is no end, certainl}'- no end of making books upon grape culture. Two works, very different in character and value have just been published, and seem to demand a passing notice. The better and less pretentious of the two is "My Vineyard at Lakeview," a charming little book that professes to give the actual experience of a western grape grower, detailing not only his successes, but his blunders and failures. It is written in a pleasant style, without any attempt at display, and contains much advice that wil. prove very useful to a beginner — the more useful, because derived from the experience of a man who has had no leisure for fancifu^ experiments, but has been obliged to make his vineyard support himself and his family. Of a different class is Strong's new book on grape culture. We must confess that this book disappointed us. It was introduced with so loud a flourish of trumpets, and is so magnificent in ex- ternal appearance, that it was only fair to suppose that its contents would prove val- uable, and furnish growers with some new ideas. Very few new and original suggestions, however, are given by the author, whose whole work, where it is not a mere compi- lation, seems too much inclined to be theo- retical, and to recommend methods of grow- ing and training the vine that have not stood the test of actual trial. Every amateur, of course, on receiving the book, turned at once to the chapter on Newer Varieties, expecting from a grower of Mr. Strong's experience, a full and crit- ical examination of the many newer kinds of grapes, which are to most of his readers names, and nothing more; but it is safe to say that many readers have felt as much vexed with this chapter as with any other in the book. We do iMt regard the book as any im- provement on our old friend. Fuller's Man- ual; and while there is room enough for a new book of new ideas on grape culture, we see no place for mere compilations, and re- lietitions of familiar notions. I am obliged to Mr. Caywood for his en- couraging remarki in the June number, and beg leave to say to him that the greatest vexation I experience in planting grape seeds arises from the fact that not one in twenty of -some kinds ever germinates. — Some come up as even as a row of peas, but most kinds are exceedingly capricious. What seems a desideratum in such exper- iments is uniformity of germination. How can this be attained? 248 The Horticulturist. LETTER TO COUSIN SELINA— 11. My Dear Cousin I can fancy that on this mid-August day, in the old Home- stead, you are all faint, oppressed, and wear}^, with excessive heat. I seem to see Uncle Simon reclining listlessly in his ample chair on the piazza, smoking his comforta- ble pipe, and alternatively dozing and read- ing the country paper, while cousin Wash- ington, his face bronzed with the long summer's exposure to the sun, and glisten- ing with the dews of perspiration, starts afield, after his accustomed nooning, with oxen and cart. How hushed and calm all nature is. The hot sun pouring down a flood of raj'S ; the quivering air which comes and goes in burning waves, like the even breath of a sleeping infant ; the green leaves, turning up their discs towards the sun, or sensitively shivering in his gleam ; the sharp ringing sounds of the insect tribes that love the sun and poise themselves in his burn- ing rays ; the calm unruffled surface of the little lake that lies in the hollow of the hills and gives back the images of banks and rocks, and trees and clouds : " The summer like a victor Ou a car of glory borne, With, a thiinder-roll at even, And a clarion blast at morn. And a wild illumination, l/ighting up the living air. Till our temples ihrob with fever. And we faint beneath its glare." All this I can fancy up here among the New Hampshire mountain*, where the temperature is now so low down in Fahren- heit IS to render the stove in the hotel parlor an object of considerable favor and affection. On my way to the "VYhite Mountains, I took in, as I purposed, a few days' sojourn at Nahant. T should like to tell you about the sea, but one or two persons have men- tioned the subject before, and I modestljr doubt my ability to say anything new. At Lynn it was my habit to go in the morning and seat myself upon a great rock, around whose base the waves, calmed into gentle ripples, lisped and murmured some liquid syllables that I could not translate into the language of men. There, in a little hollow, I rested in the sun, watching how the silver- white flowers were born and vanished on the undulating swells of that faithless blue meadow, and wondering if the sea-serpent were pasturing there ; and if he should chance to come along and snap me up, like a dandelion top, what a paragraph it would make for the newspapers ! At low tide the tops of numberless rocks are visible, covered with thick palls of sea- weed, like half-drowned giants, or submerg- ed Medusas, black and shaky. Few ever visit that cave, and there is no sign of life there, except the liviag, thrilling unrest of the sea, and the " immeasurable laugh " of its waves. The other day, I went out to the long beach in the storm, to see the breakers, and it " paid" well, although I was almost frozen with the cold, altogether buf- feted with the wind, and stunned with the roar, yet I could not resist following the retreating waves down the sands ; but quick of foot was I when back there came a mighty green billow, crested with curling foam, and projecting its spray a long distance beyond me. I did not attempt racing with the breakers again ; but when the under-tow sweeps so gracefully back, one feels an absolute desire to be borne along Avith it. From Nahant to the "White Mountains, I had left behind me the sea, but on the morning after my arrival, I looked down from the summit of Mount Washington upon another sea— and what a sea ! Waves of water at their highest are, I believe, not much higher than the fore-top of a man-of- war. Waves of vapor and mist, they alone are sky-seeking mountains, dashing high, but with no ocean's roar ; and in their silent ascension, all held together by the same spirit, but perpetually changing their beau- tiful array. Here were mountains in a sea. Far up, above and amidst that wondrous Editor's Table. 249 region [of mist, tbrougli >-bicli you hear voices of waterfalls, deepening the silence, you behold an array of mountain tops, blue, purple, and violet, for the sun is shining straight on some, and aslant on others, and on others not at all. Have you not seen sunsets in which the mountains were embedded in masses of clouds, all burning and blazing ; actually blazing with magical mixtures of all the colors that ever were born of light, inten- sifying into a glory that became insupporta- ble to the soul — as insufferable to the eyes, and that left the eyes for hours after you had retreated from the scene, even when closed, all filled with floating films of cross-lights, separating the imagery into gorgeous fragments 1 Such was last night's sunset at the Glen House. Behind us were " the thin, high ridges" of Mount Carter and its spurs, .''),000 feet in height, and green with unbroken forests to their crests. On the south-west, one sees the steep, bony braoes of Mount "Washington, running off, one behind the other, into the Pinkham forests. Directly in front are the out- works and husre shoulder of Mt. Washing- ton itself, and behind this heavy shoulder on a retreating ridge, the pinnacle where the Summit House stands. Associated di- rectly with Mt. WashingtoH, and bending around to the north-west and north, are Mt. Clay, rising over the huge ' Gulf of Mexico ' ; the stout, square-shouldered -Jef- ferson ; and the symmetrical, sharp, and splendid pyramid of Adams, with its peak so pointed that it looks unscalable. This mountain is by far the grandest of all in shape and impressiveness. And next to this, with lines running eastward, is Mt. Madison, which completes the "staff of Washington," and forms that wonderful and magnificent panorama which the gor- geous sunset revealed and glorified. My sojourn among the mountains was short from necessity. If I can persuade myself to a summer's vacation next year. I shall assuredly be off among the White Hills of New Hampshire. . With accustomed remembrances to all the inmates of the Homestead, I remain, your loving cousin, Reuben. EDITOR'S TABLE. To CoNTRTBUTOus AND Others. — Addrcss all Communications, for the Editorial and publishing departments, to Geo. E. & F. W. Woodward, 37 Park Row, New York. Position of House. — In building, the first thing always to be considered is the place whereon the house shall stand. Now we might write a long article on this sub- ject, but shall confine ourself to a few plain and practical truths. First. It is conceded that to look well, a house, if by itself not part or parcel of a block, must have a broad and clear base of say at least ten to twenty feet to stand upon. If the ground right about the house is at once sloped or graded from it, then the house presents the appearance of being on a point, and liable to topple over at any time. Second. There is no loss of ground in placing the house in one position more than another. Each and every portion occupy just the same amount of ground. TJiird. There is more enjoyment usually obtained from the front than the rear of the house, because it is expected all the living rooms of winter will look out toward the front ; and in summer's beat there is the place where of an evening we all do sit. Now, with these conceded features, we 250 The Horticulturist. will assume one more, viz., that the more ground before a building the more is its dignity and character. Enhance and then urge upon those who are about to build, the advantages of placing their house well to the rear of the lot. If a suburban lot near a city, your time mostly occupied away from home, your garden is only an expen- sive luxury — every bean or radish costing you three times what it can be bought for in the market; but fruits of every sort can be managed by yourself; and they are al- ways better from the bush or trees. You can just as well occupy a part of the ground in front of the house with them as with shade trees ; and thus in placing your house well back, you have lost no ground. Of an evening sitting, to be well back from the dust and sidewalk gives that retiracy and homeness which we all seek, and which we cannot have when our house is very near the street. If in the country, on tracts of five to fifty or more acres, the placing of the house well back from the road is even of greater mo- ment, as it gives not only increased charac- ter to the place, by adding appearance of extent, but its advantages are in enabling its owner to look over hi§ place from its residence, and perfect freedom from dust, straggling beggars and thieves. As before said, we might write a long article on this subject, but think what we have said should be sufficient to induce any builder to place his house well back from the road. The Fruit CtvOp. — This year, we believe, will prove less than an average. Cherries have been in many sections a total failure ; in others only a moderate crop. Straw- berries, at the West, were very much in- jured by the winter ; and the currant and raspberry crop is almost a failure. Pears were much injured while in bloom, and, together with apples, are largelj^ dropping before mature. Grapes, through the West, in old vineyards especially, are less than a half-crop, while many vines are entirely destroyed. Mildew on the Grape. — Our readere should remember the mildew and apply such suggestive remedies or preventives as appear plausible. We have advised trial of weak salt water, weak copperas water, flower of sulphur, sprinkling with weak sulphur water, &c., all of which we hope to hear trial made of, and will thank our friends for notes of the results. Grapes from Genoa. — In 1845, Mr. Les- ter, then consul at Genoa, brought to the States, vines from Piedmont and Savoy. They were advertised to be sold on the 4th July, 1845. What has ever become of any of them ? Who can tell 1 Tomatoes. — The first record we have (in our library) of the use of the tomato as food was in 1803, although, we believe,' they were used as early as 1792, and per- haps earlier. Who can enlighten us ? Of varieties cultivated this year, we shall bo obliged to our friends for notes. We liave a seedling with a very broad leaf, that, dur- ing the past two years, has matured earlier than any variety we have purchased. We are watching it carefully again this season, side by side with Tilden. As we write, it has fruit as large as English walnuts, while the Tilden is only in blossom. Perhaps the latter will catch up. We shall Avatch it ! Blight on fruit trees. — Recently we have had accounts from Northern Ohio and other sections speaking of a blight affect- ing the ends of all young twigs in pear, apple and quince trees. In some cases not only is this year's growth affected, but more or less of the last j^ears' growth, until the trees look as if a big fire had been made near and scorched them. Can our entomol- ogists tell us if this be not (as we suspect) the attack of the Scolytus pijri, and is not because of the crude sappy condition of the tree? Shade Trees. — This is the month when we most appreciate shade. And now, good readers, we want you, in the country, to, Editor's Table. 251 for just one moment, while enjojing the cool shade of elm or maple, think of the little children sitting in the one story school house on hard benches — no backs — the sun in open exposure at 105, and not a tree or other obstacle to intercept its effect on the roof. Imagine yourself confined there one half hour, then you will without a doubt resolve to plant shade trees around that school house wherein your and other children have to while away long and te- dious hours in the heats of summer. Our word too, you are less than man if you don't keep and put in practice your resolu- tion. It is desirable that the laborer, as well as the head-gardener, shouH take an interest in, and see, the higher operations of the art ; he will perform the lower ones all the better for the apprenticeship. Though he be likely never to have a vinerj^ or a pinery of his own to attend to, an initiation into their mysteries will help him to treat his children to a plateful of early radishes, and his wife to a dish of out-door grapes, when he has a cottage, wife and children, of his own. We have observed in the gardens of those laborers whose opportunities are above the average of their class, most pleasing evidence of knowledge they have thus ac- quired. Just as a course of mathematics at college would make a man all the more valuable as an accountant. The extreme geographical limit at which horticultural practices have been carried on, is probably marked by Sir Edward Parry's cultivation of mustard and cress, " Sallets good for the scorbute," while ex- ploring that most fearful of cul-de-sacs^ the North-West passage. This was certainly venturing a high, if not a great latitude in gardening, and deserves to be remember- ed as one of a thousand instances of the benevolent wisdom habitually exercised by men devoted to scientific explorations in inhospitable climes. Parry's ship was the Ultima Thule of kitchen, as well as winter gardens. There are between forty and fifty known varieties of the Ivy, some of them arborescent. Many of these varieties are adapted to surface covering, and others are much esteemed for forming belts or margins to flower beds, and for training over wicker work around beds. In this .latitude, the ivy grows better on a north wall than on a southern exposure. The intense heat of our summer suns, at certain stages of its growth, seems to be fatal to the life of the " ivy green." The Spots which we observe on fruit, such as apples and pears, are generally pro- duced by a minute, brown, parasitic fungus, growing beneath the cuticle of the fruit. This fungus, instead of penetrating the fruit, comes out upon the surface, and de- stroys the vitality of the surrounding tissue, and thus " makes its mark." In some fruits this growth is so vigorous as to cause the surface to crack, and in this way, almost destroy the crop. As the growth originates beneath the skin, it is almost impossible to apply a remedy. ViRGILIA LUTEA — YeLLOW-FlOWERING ViRGiLiA. — A short time since, we saw a tree of the Virgilia in flower in a gentle- man's gardeii, and, although it is described as having yelloio flowers, there were icliite racemes, about eight inches long, like a bunch of grapes, only more pendulous; the foliage is dark and rich. Can it be an error of color of flower has been made by botan- ists, or was this a freak or sport of a single plant ? Thin Out the Fruit. — If fruit is set too abundant on your trees, set about thin- ing it out at once. It may now seem sacri- lege and a loss; but if you do not believe one say so. that the one half remaining will, at maturity, be fully as much in bulk, and more beautiful and superior in quality, to what it would had all been left on ; then try the experiment on one tree, and give us a record of results at a future time. 252 Tlie Horticulturist. Fruit at the South. — The late devas- tation of war lias undoubtedly destroyed a great portion of orchards at the South that soon will have to be replanted. The North- ern States are quite unreliable for peaches j but, as a crop, it was, in former years, re- garded one of the most profitable at the South. We have been looking over old re- cords, and find the testimony of nearly all the best growers is, that the best sorts at the North were also the best sorts at the South. In our earlier days, traveling South, we found the Columbia and the Heath both re- produced and grown as seedlings in hun- dreds of cases. Fruit Ladders, for gathering apples or other fruit on tall trees, should always be on hand. The time saved in gathering even the fruit of one tree, will often pay the cost of the ladder, to say nothing of the saving of injury done to the tree, and the fact that all fruit carefully hand-picked brings extra price in the market. Cheap Paints. — Some years since, upon a recommendation in the Albany Cultivator^ we tried the following mixtures for paints, and found them quite successful : 1. Water lime cement, and raw oil, using any dryer common to white lead oil paint. 2. Cement and coal tar, shading the color with ochre — Spanish brown, &c., to suit. Both modes give good results ; and, for coarse buildings, we think the latter even better than oil paints of white lead, &c. The Tilden Tomato has already acquired reputation among those who cultivated it. As far as experiments have gone, it would seem that its good qualities consist in its size and shape, the solidity and firmness of its flesh, its excellent and refined flavor, and its quality of remaining long on the vine after it is ripe, Avithout decaying. If these merits shall be satisfactorily established, after fuller experiments in its cultivation the present season, it will prove a valuable acquisition to the kitchen garden. Save the Leaves. — As the leaves com- mence dropping in the fall, they should be carefully gathered, and housed under a shed, for use as stable bedding, or for mulch protection to tender plants, or for the for- mation of hotbeds in spring. The Mahaleb, or perfumed cherry, so generally used by the nurseryman for dwarfing the cherry upon, is one of the most beautiful of second-class size for orna- mental planting, and especially advisable in grounds of small extent. It adapts itself to, and grows freely in all soils ; is elegant in its foliage and spray ; fragrant in its flowers and foliage; clear of all insects j and retains its foliage quite late in the autumn. Green Houses should be carefully re- paired and cleaned before placing plants again in them for the winter. This month will be found of much leisure for the pur- pose, and the work should not be postponed. Apples as Food. — Somewhere — we do not recollect just where — we have read an analysis of the apple, in which sugar and dextrine, two valuable agents in the sup- port of life, were recorded as largely m its construction. Health, all physicians, as well as common sense observe, is aided by the free use of ripe fruit, and of the apple in particular. Belle Magnifique Cherry. — We have watched this cherry many years, with con- flicting views as to its value. The tree is hardy ; a good bearer ; and when most of other varieties are rotting, or perhaps so abundant as to be no rarity, the fruit of this is quite green. After ^^ard, it ripens up, and gives us fruit from the last of July to middle or last of August. It has, Low- ever, one objection, to the make haste of Americans, in that the tree requires size to produce a quantity of ripe fruit at one time. While the trees are young, only a few specimens may be gathered at a time. Editor's 'Table. 253 Messrs. Editors : A very dry season here, but, apart from ills of transplanting in droutli, reasonably to farm and garden. Fruit crops an aver- age ; cherry above an average ; peaches, possibly one to the square mile hereabouts — in Egypt, southern Illinois, full crop of seedlings ; light crop of budded. Speaking of cherries, the practical sum total of the catalogues for this section is : — 1. May Duke ; indispensable, though least reliable bearer of the set. 2. Early Richmond ; the great staple. 3. Late Kentish com- mon red. or pie cherry ; very like Early Richmond, but ten or twelve days later. — 4. Belle Magnifique ; truly magnificent and worthy ; late ; in season now, and for a week or more to come. 5. English Mo- rello; the earliest, surest, and best bearer of all ; a perfect marvel of productiveness. The fruit is not as good to eat as our all- prevailing common Black Morello, which, were it as uniformly productive as the others, I should certainly include in this list ; as it is, it would be with me the sixth for the West. The Kirtland, Governor Shannon, and Plumstone Morellos, after fruiting five years, prove too shy. The fruit is large, the season now, with Nos. 4 and 5 of the above list. Of strawberries, Wilson is worth all the rest twice over. Russell, even with best opportunities to fertilize, is shy. I notice that the Buffalo and McAvoy's Superior are called the same, which I most gravely doubt. I have Buffalo from a good source, and have seen it two removes only from original grower (so said), and can safely and utterly, in those two cases, deny identity with Mc- Avoy's Superior, which I have known well for ten years, which is irregularly shaped, darker and rougher surfaced in fruit, also later than Buffalo. McAvoy's Superior is one of the very latest old sorts, and a great bearer usually, though pistillate. The foliage, also, is thin- ner, greener, and less crumpled than Buffalo, which, so far as I have seen, is very shy "West; the fruit more polished ; like Hook- er's in general appearance. For a very late berry, nothing here can compare with Georgia Mammoth, Though a light bearer, yet it is so hardy, and the fruit so firm, sweet, and late, 1 would not dispense with it. Especially is it valuable from its utter distinctiveness, and its pos- sibilities as a parent of new sorts. We still have the fruit, though the black raspberry season is over, and fully six weeks from our first ripe strawberries. And now of grapes. Again, and for the hundredth time, the writer begs to ask why not every true friend of the cause take pains to find out the very hardiest, best Northern natives, and introduce them, for the pur- pose of rearing new iron-sided varieties for our mighty vineyard interest. Who but feels that, could we but get up the right varieties, the victory were two-thirds won. And now, with such perfectly hardy na- tives in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Canada, northern New York, New England, why work so persistently with comparatively half hardy sorts, as Catawba, Diana, Isa- bella. Is it not too much like child's play ? To-day, there is rota known acknowledged staple variety, that fills the bill on the all- important question of hardihood in foliage over summer, and wood over winter, leav- ing all other characteristics out of the question. The Concord is nearest perfect in these particulars, and probably in foliage all that reasonably can be hoped for ; but, in vine, it might be much more hard}^ over winter, besides other needed qualifications. The thing is here : the great need of the country when this grape fever first came up has been largely overlooked. Think of the thousands of cultivated varieties in Europe and of the ten thousand native American varieties, and then tell me if the present meagre list of our cultivated sorts here is not discreditable ? There should have been a thousand fierce growers of, and experimenters with new seedlings and combinations. Why not ? And then, in the crowd, we should have found scores of choice, or at least promising varieties. Why not begin this year ? Bloomington^ III. F. K, Phoenix. 254 The Horticulturist. Messrs. Editors: Your sensible and good-natured critic, Reuben, in the May and July numbers of the HoRTicuLURisT, takes the position that gothic or gable houses are out of place, ex- cept in hilly regions, like the highlands along the Hudson River, and similar locali- ties. I know that he is by no means alone in this opinion. Now, without any pretence on my part to architectural knowledge, ex- cept an amateur's taste, I would like to ask, is this so ? Can we have on our dead level plains, where Nature has but little to imi- tate, no variety, but monotonous, square, low-roofed houses, making everything a duller, deadlier level still. Or perhaps on level land, to imitate Nature would be obliged to make the roof concave, like the concave heavens above us. Some one in Brooklyn, E.D., did carry out this idea, only a little more so ; and I should like Reuben to take a stroll there some day, and see the effect of this concave, architectural. Nature-imi- tated building. It would, I think, create a doubt in any one's mind of taking universal Nature as a guide in every specialty, for Nature, physically as well as morally, has some awful gaps. But if the principle alluded to above is true, that gable houses on level lands are not in keeping with correct principles of taste, how is it that the Romanesque and Gothic rural cottages of England are so much praised by travelers, and recommend- ed hj leading architects, such as Downing ? And how is it that cathedrals in the old world, and their imitations in this, with their extreme style of arches, peaks, and gables, though, in most instances, built on the dead level of streets — how is it that they are so much praised, without the least objection to the fact that they are not surrounded by abrupt hills, or projecting cliffs ? Is this taste, though always so much lauded, still a false taste ? My object, Messrs. Editors, is not to crit- icise your good critic,, hut as a learner seek- ing information. P. D. 0. Horticultural Notes from Maine. — Messrs. Editors, — Having room in this en- velope to send an additional note, I will jot a few items of horticultural matters in this extreme of Uncle Sam's dominions. — Though this is not what is considered a fruit-growing region, yet we manage to grow some varieties in sufficient quantities for home use, and quite a surplus for expor- tation. This is the case with the apple? which is the leading, and perhaps I may say, the principal fruit grown here. The Baldwin is the leading variety grown, and we can annually produce specimens that will equal any grown in other portions of the States. They have been selling this spring at ^2.50 per bushel. The prospects for a fruit crop this year are quite good, the apple orchards being just in blossom. — We have two insect enemies of the apple, which threaten to destroy our orchards, and put a stop to apple-growing. They are the borer [Sajierda hivittata), and the tent caterpillar (Clisiocampa americana). The latter has been very destructive the past three years, and their numbers seem to be increasing, in spite of\the war waged against them on every side. Cherry and plum raising has been to a great extent abandoned, because of the black-knot, which has overrun and killed our trees. Grape-growing is as yet in its infancy here, but has already been quite a success. The varieties which seem the best adapted to our soil and climate are the Delaware, Concord, and Hartford Prolific, bearing well, ripening perfectly, hardy and free from disease. Most of the small fruits can be grown to perfection. Currants are a sure and heavy crop j and the southern part of the State is peculiarly adapted to gooseberry-growing. Houghton's Seedling is free from mildew. Strawberries, rasp- berries, and blackberries plenty in the nat- ural state, and grow finely under cultiva- tion. Considerable attention has been paid towards growing cranberries the past few years, with a good degree of success. If you find any items of interest in these Editor's Table. 255 hurried lines, you are at liberty to " cut, and come again." Your's truly, Geo, E. Brackett. Belfast, Maine, June 10, 1866. Horticultural Papers & Magazines IN Germany. — There are published in Ger- many about one dozen horticultural papers- One of them is published quarterly, the others are weeklies and monthlies. The subscription price is from one to five and oue« third thalers. Four or five of them are illus- trated. Advertisements pay from one to two groschens a line. Besides these advertise- ments, the publishers charge for enclosing catalogues, &c., from one and a-half to four thalers. Of one of the papers are printed only 300 copies ; of another 400. The most read weekly has 3,500 subscribers, and the most read monthly 4,500. This last-named seems to be the most favored. It is published in Stuttgart for two thalers (.^2.20 in gold in New York). It is illustrated, having two fine plates every month, one of them colored. The colored plates represent the latest varieties of flowers, e. g., new double fuschias, a new variety of ten-week stocks (blood red), &c. Gardeners and florists generally send the original pictures of their new varieties, painted in oil by artists, to the publisher, who gets them cut and printed without cost to the florists. Besides, every sub- scriber receives a splendid colored plate of flowers as premium. Horticultural advertisements are pub- lished gratis in this magazine, only publish- ers of books must pay for advertisements which are printed on the cover. Its size is about that of the Horticulturist, thirty- two pages, advertisements included. Agellulus. Waynesville, Ohio, June 18, 1866. Messrs. Editors : You enquire in June number of the Hor- ticulturist about Wharton's Early Pear. I took a stroll a few days since to take a look at the original tree. It stands in, a stiff" sod, and is on the decline, but might be restored with the proper course; it is about fifteen feet high. You will find de- scriptions of the fruit and tree in Elliott's fourth edition, with the exception that he does not mention that the fruit-spurs are thorny v/hile young. I have lived adjoin- ing the Wharton estate twenty-five years, and have not seen the pear spoken of to my knowledge. There are several other seedling pear trees standing in the Wharton nurseries- sacred monuments to his memory, some of which are quite promising, especially one, which resembles F. Beauty for size, is a little astringent until fully ripe, then be- comes very good ; is a heavy bearer every other year ; ripe in October. While talking of pears, I will give you the size of a pear tree I am in possession of. Its trunk measures, six feet from the ground, six feet four inches in circumfer- ence ; its branches extend sixty feet in di- ameter. It was planted fifty years ago by Thomas Thomas, an old pioneer. A market man informed me he had one season picked 124 bushels of pears from it. The fruit I have not seen described in the books, and will give it : Ovate, pyriform. Color, light yellow at maturity, with numerous russet dots. Stem, long, curved, set in avery slight depression. Calyx, small, open. Basin, rather deep. Seeds, long, ovate, black. Flesh, white melting, juicy, sweet aromatic. September. Very respectful Ij^, C. L. Janney. Near Dover, Del., June C, 1866. Editors Horticulturist: — Strawberries are nearly a failure in this State; those that depended on small beds in their gardens, are without their usual supply. I am picking to-day, and may get four or five hundred quarts. With a full crop it ought to be three thousand ; this, I think, will be my big day. The first blossoms that made their appearance were blind. I thought these had got a start from the few days of very warm weather in 256 The- Horticulturist. tbe fore part of March. The next blossoms were right, and I had hopes of a pretty good crop ; but they grew beautifully less every day. I noticed a few rods square of Wdson's, that I thought were the likeliest I had ever seen, with berries as large as the end of your finger ; the next time I went to look, they were gone. Thinking that I had missed the place, I went again in two or three days, but they were not to be found. This was new land, and as nice as could be found anjMvhere. It was in good order, and when done setting, it cost me a hundred dollars per acre. When I found out that I had failed in a crop, I laid the blame on the land, and felt like the old fel- low in Shakspeare, who had lost his rum bottle. " I care more about the disgrace and dishonor, than the loss." The last of February I trimmed my grapes, and found them at that time to all appear- ance injured., and about that time I cut off and grafted thirteen worthless vines, with the lona. All of the grafts have put out and look as if they would do well. These were well covered up with stable manure. The vines that these grafts were taken from nearly died after that time. One, a two year Allen's, was killed to the ground. Three or four Concords on the west side of the house are the only prospect I have for grapes. Tiie Russell and Buflalo straw- berries are not worth going over. Yours, respectfull}^, P. IIamm. Wilson's Early Blackberry. — We have again received fruit of this new black- berry (noticed August, 18G5,) from Charles & J. S. Collins, Morristown, N. J. The berries are ripe, and in fine condi- tion, July 16. It is very prolific, and of good size aad flavor ; but its chief merit consists in its time of ripening, which is about a week or ten days in advance of the New Rochelle, thus prolonging the black- berr}' season. We understand that it is being extensiroly planted for market pur- poses. American Pomological Society. — Our readers will remember that the Eleventh Annual Session of this Society will be held at Mercantile Library Hall, St. Louis, Mo., commencing on Tuesda}^, September 4, 1866, at 11 A. M., and continuing for sev- eral days. Packages of fruit, with the name of the contributor, may be addressed as follows : " American Pomological Society, care of C. M. Saxton, corner of Fifth and Walnut Streets, St. Louis, Mo." BOOKS RECEIVED. My Vineyard at Lake View This is a new work, lately issued from the press of Messrs. 0. Judd & Co., New York. It is written in a pleasant, attractive style, and purports to give the author's experience in grape culture in northern Ohio. The au- thor has not seen fit to give his name to the public, which fact will raise doubts in the minds of his readers as to the real'.ty of Lake View, and of his practice and ex- periments there carried on. While we find nothing new upon the cul- ture of the grape, the dry details of other works are here presented in such a readable form, as to create a lasting impression upon the mind of the reader. Price, 1^1 25. Practical & Scientific Fruit-Cul- ture, by Charles R. Baker. Lee & Shep- herd, Boston, Mass. Price, 1^4. This work is chiefly a compilation from the agricultural and horticultural publica- tions of the day. The author has drawn largely from foreign as well as American works, and has given us but little that is new or original. We have a few volumes of the Horti- culturist for 1803 and 1804, handsomely bound, which we will mail, post paid, for Three Dollars each. These volumes are now rare and nearly out of print. Back volumes of the Horticulturist are always acceptable in payment for new subscrip- tions. THE HORTICULTURIST VOL. XXT .SEPTEMBER, 1866 NO. COXLTII. LAWS OP ASSOCIATION IN ORNAMENTAL GARDENING. BY A. D. G. Our country abounds with persons in- tent upon learning and practicing the va- rious arts of rural embellishment. They have read of velvet lawns, leafy groves and thickets, groups and masses, vases and statues, and fountains ; but they have no definite conception of what they wish to accomplish ; much less do they know how to construct the scenes dimly floating in their imaginations. They do not know when to cut down a tree, or where to plant one ; where to clear up shrubberies, or where to plant them ; where, or when, or how to plant evergreens or deciduous trees, singly or in groups. It is noticeable, too, with most writers on this subject, that it is made the highest end of art to produce a scene which shall be simply beautiful, or picturesque, or grand and imposing. The appeal is to the eye rather than to the mind. But may we not proceed a step further 1 May we not so plan and plant our grounds as both to awaken and to express some of the highest and best sentiments of the soul? Each scene will of course demand its own expres- sion. It may be dignity, or grandeur, grace, cheerfulness, tranquility, security. The Creator, it is believed, has given to each vegetable structure its own expression, and these, variously combined, may be used to typify some of the noblest ideas and purest emotions. And the artist who knows how to interpret nature can set about the crea- tion of new scenes, confident of success in his work. He will not be satisfied with simply adorning his gi'ounds with arbors, statues, grottos, and other works of art, or with planting trees, shrubs and gay flowers ; he will desire to go beyond the senses, and to address the memory and imagination, the poetical and moral sentiments. If one tree is really beautiful, he will plant it for the sake of its beauty. If another, though lacking in beauty, yet appeals in some way to man's higher nature, he will plant it for that reason, A quasi amateur once said he would not plant a certain tree in his grounds " because it was not fashionable.''^ The thoughtful gardener will not inquire Entbrbd according to Act of Congress, in the year 1866, of the District Court of the United States, by Geo. E. & F. W. Wc odward, in the Clerk'i for the Southern Distriet ef New York. 17 258 The Horticulturist. ■vrhat is fashionable, but wliat is truly fit and beautiful, and what is interesting from its expression and for the associations con- nected with it. This principle of association in its rela- tion to ornamental gardening deserves more thought than it is wont to receive ; and we wish now to dwell a short time upon it. No small share of the interest we feel in all objects, times and places, arises from the operation of this principle. The rusty coins which the antiquarian treasures up, because they bear the image and superscription of ancient kings, and commemorate important events in history, would not be received at the bank. The relics of old Egypt and As- syria, obtained at great expense and stored up in museums with pious care, what are they Worth more than the lumber of a thousand garrets 1 Are the waters of «the Jordan and the Tiber better than those of the Chippewa River or the Great Pedee? Of what value is a fragment of Plymouth Rock above any other piece of granite — or a branch from the Charter Oak, or from the trees overhanging Washington's tomb ? The chief interest of our national holidays, of our annual State festival, and our various domestic anniversaries, does it not lie in the memories they revive ? And the home of our childhood — what makes it the home it is, separating it from all other places on earth, hallowing its soil and endearing its very walls, unless if be this principle of as- sociation ? Many trees and plants are interesting for a similar reason. They may or may not possess the element of beauty ; yet, if they have become linked with historical facts, or if they symbolize poetical and moral senti- ments, or in any way deeply aifect the mind and heart, they are worthy of special regard. To illustrate our meaning, let us ■ allude first to the Cedai\ This was pecu- liarly the tree of Palestine, bristling along the ridges of Lebanon, and crowning the hills around the Holy City. The temple and the palace were built of this wood : "All was cedar ; there was no stone seen." It was believed that " God loved it more than any other tree." The Palm-tree has both a sacred and classical importance, hav- ing been used from the earliest times as an emblem of integrity, constancy, fruitfulness, patience and victory. So of the Olive-tree : it is associated with the subsidence of the flood, and with important events in the life of the Saviour. It has always been a token of peace. Unlike those we have just named, the Oak is a tree of all climes. Under this, Abraham spread his tent at Mamre. Under an oak, Joshua set up the tabernacle of Jehovah for divine worship. Throughout all the East, no spot was more desired for a burial-place than the shade of an oak. lu Greece, it was "Jove's own tree, That held the woods in awful sovereignty." In England, it has been from the first a national tree, flourishing around her cathe- drals and baronial halls, and imparting grandeur to her parks and hunting-grounds. Her navy proudly sails in " oaken walls"; her army fights with " hearts of oak." The Elm is not without classical associations. The graceful white elm of this country sur- passes all other species in beauty, and has been so universally planted as to have be- come, with the maple, almost a national tree. It is associated especially with the older towns of New England, with their training fields, their village streets and ancient farm-houses. Perhaps no plant is more suggestive than the Vine. Originating in Persia, it found its way very early into India, Greece, Si- cily, and all the temperate regions of the Old World. One has observed that " the classics seem to have been written under its shade ; their pages exhale the sweet odor of its fruit." It is mentioned fre- quently in the Old and New Testaments, as furnishing a pleasing shade, a healthful fruit, and an invigorating and wholesome beverage. It is often used as a symbol of peace and plenty. Our Saviour has for ever hallowed it by styling himself '"The Vine," Laws of Association in Ornamental Gardening. 259 and by constituting the juice of its clusters a perpetual emblem of his love. But we need not speak at length of other trees and plants in their mythological or historical relations. Some trees have a marked expression which renders them sug- gestive, and others have poetical and moral associations which are worthy of notice. Evergreens, as a class, suggest ideas of pro- lection, seclusion, shelter, of smiles amid surrounding gloom, of constancy amid chang- es, of life amid desolation and death. De- ciduous trees are more varied in expression. The maples are comfortable and well-to-do ; tlje white ash is neat and trim, and in the autumn robes itself in royal purple ; the elm is gracefully dignified ; the Lombardy poplar is all aspiration; the aspen is timid- ity, trembling at every breeze ; the oak is strength and sturdy endurance ; the wil- low is affection, bending over the dust of the departed. Nor are flowering plants without expres- sion. Where is there gayety and vanity, if not in the tulip and poppy ? or purity and modesty, if not in the lily and prim- rose 1 or foppery and ostentation, if not in the cockscomb and peony ? Every eye sees deceit in the monkshood, immortality in the amaranth, hope even in misery in the bachelor's button, industry in broom-corn. The snow-drop and crocus are friends in the storms of adversity; unconscious beauty is in the daisy, ambition in the hollyhock, woman's affection and fidelity in the cling- ing ivy and honey-suckle, delicacy in the lily of the valley, unchanging love in the myrtle, remembrance in rosemary, domestic virtues in sage, and substantial worth in thyme. Flowers are the poetry of the vegetable kingdom. They address our most delicate sentiments, and awaken our tenderest emo- tions. They charm us by their richness of form, color and fragrance. Their very fra- gility attracts us ; it touches our sympathy and makes us love them with almost human affection. If proof were needed of the firm hold which they have gained upon the uni- versal heart, we might instance the fact that they are used, in one way or another, to adorn all our daily life. They are woven into our carpets, garments, window-hang- ings, and nearly all domestic fabrics. Flowers are sculptured in marble, carved in wood and ivory, embossed in gold and silver, cast on our stove-patterns, stamped on our wall- papers, engraved in our books, and painted everywhere. Children love them almost instinctively ; maidenly beauty delights to twine them in her hair; they adorn the bride for her husband ; they cheer the chamber of sickness ; they grace the ban- quet-table, and are fitly strewn upon the grave. In respect to their moral associa- tions, it may suffice to mention that the pages of Holy Writ abound in floral imagery, symbolizing man's frailty and his resurrection, representing human virtues and God's providential care. They " typify the benign intent of the universe." Springing up, as they do, on all the face of the earth, they speak of the boundlessness of God's love : they show that He is not satisfied with making man's abode simply endurable, but would have it a paradise of delight. Trees and plants have domestic associa- tions also. Not to speak now of fruit-bear- ing trees and vines, the locust, maple, elm and balsam-fir, the lilac, rose and honey- suckle have been so long planted about every country-house as to form almost an essential part of a rural homestead. Some of the pleasantest recollections of childhood cluster around these familiar objects. But, aside from long established associations, there are others which grow up in one's individual experience, and to which every passing year gives new sacredness and pow- ei". When a man sets out to establish a permanent home, the land, timber, bricks and stones are only a certain number of acres and a certain amount of building ma- terials, costing so many dollars. But as soon as he enters upon the construction of his house, and the arrangement of his •260 The Horticulturist. grounds, tlie land and lumber begin to in- crease in value. The apartments, which he plans with care, seeking to make them at- tractive to his family and guests, the fur- niture which he selects for their comfort and pleasure, are all worth more than the materials of which they were made. And every year, as it adds its varied experience to the history of the household, only height- ens their value. So too, in arranging his garden and grounds, if he does it with zeal, embodying his own individuality in it, he finds that the object of his labor is the ob- ject of his increasing love. Let him but plant a tree with his own hands, he at once becomes attached to it. Let him brace it against the riotous winds, water its thirsty roots, cleanse it of insects, and give it all the care it requires, and no sooner will its roots shoot out and grasp the soil, than his affections will fasten upon it and upon the very earth in which it grows. He will watch its expanding leaves with increasing love. and every year he will take new delight in its spreading boughs and thickening shade. Other trees added to his collection, from time to time, will add new objects of in- terest. In planting this, a darling child held it upright, or with his little spade tried to help, but hindered the work, and, when all was finished, named it his tree. That was the wife's choice, and in its early growth was nurtured by her tender care. This came from the old homestead, the gift of a venerated father. Yonder shrub was presented by a friend, and this flowering plant was the gift of a beloved sister now walking amid the celestial gardens. How can one live and move among such trees and plants, and not feel that they possess a value beyond price ? Each has a history of its own, and is bound up with his history. Nay, each has a life and soul, to which his own heart is linked by the strongest ties. [Concluded in our next.\ DESIGNS IN RURAL ARCHITECTURE— A COUNTRY SCHOOL-HOUSE.— No. 17. BY G. E. HARNEY, COLD SPRING, N. Y. "We present at this time a sketch of a country schoolhouse, of suitable size and accommodation for about fifty pupils, of both sexes. Enough has been already said of the great importance of making such structures comfortable and attractive ; of selecting for them the very best situations the district affords ; of giving them ample grounds, and carefully beautifying them with trees, and shrubbery, and flowers ; and of supplying every improvement for the convenience and benefit of instructor and pupil ; and the good effects of such hints may be seen plainly all about us; but there is great room for improvement yet, particularly in districts remote from the larger towns and villages, where the people are mostly, or all, hard-working farmers, who have little time or inclination to study matters of architectural improvement, and where architecture, as a profession, has hardly, as yet, exerted any special influence. Horti- cultural and agricultural publications have* done a great deal, however, to improve the popular taste ; in fact, the whole credit is theirs, for it is to them solely, and to this very magazine — The Horticulturist — principally, that we owe the first awaken- ing ; and it will be to their efforts in the future that we shall look for a continuation of these improvements, having a more gen- eral circulation, and a more intimate rela- tion with the rural population than other publications. It is to meet the requirements of such localities that we present this design ; and we think it will recommend itself by its simplicity and convenience. It is a plain building of wood, comprising Designs in Rural Architecture 261 a central portion and two wings, one on each side, and lower by three feet. The main building measures twenty-one feet by forty-two, and the wings twelve by seventeen each. The principal schoolroom measures twenty feet by thirty, and is twelve feet high to the spring of the ceil- ing, and seventeen feet high in the centre of the room, the ceiling for a portion of the way following the slant of the rafters, and the principal rafters and braces projecting out so as to show from below. The walls of this room are wam- scotted up to the level of the window-sills — four feet from the floor — with narrow ceiling boards, and above that, together with the ceiling, are finished off with a rough sand stucco finish. The wood-work should all be stained, and the walls tinted some soft neutral tint — gray, or cream, or pearl color. The windows are all sash windows, dou- ble hung for purposes of ventilation ; aud, in addition, there are two ventilating shafts rising from the floor through the attic, and terminating in the ventilator on the ridge of the main roof. These shafts have open- ings near the floor and ceiling, with ar- rangements for opening and shutting at will. They arc made of smoothly-planed, well-jointed pine boards, and measure each sixteen inches square inside. Fig. 103. — Perspective. In order to keep up the circulation, and to supply cool air from outside, a shaft is introduced running along under the floor, and terminating at the platform on which, in winter, the stove, or heating-apparatus, will stand, and from this distributed into the room by numerous small holes in the riser of the platform. We consider the simplest methods of ventilation the best, and the above will be found both simple and eflFective. The great desideratum is to provide means for the discharge of a certain quantity of vitiated air, and to supply its place by the same quantity of pure air, properly warmed in winter. To make the discharge more effec- tive, the stove-pipe may be carried up in connection with one of the shafts, rarifying the air, and making the upward current stronger, but in ordinary cases this will be hardly necessary. There are two entrances to this house, one for boys and one for girls. Both entries are ten feet square, and are in the main building, opening directly into the school- room. 262 Tlie Horticulturist. The wing on tlie right is a class-room, and that on the left is designed fur wood and coal, and for a wash-room, if such be considered desirable. The entries, instead of having hooks for Ground Flan. clothing, have each a sufficient number of boxes, or shelves divided up into compart- ments of about two cubic feet each, ranged along the sides, and carried up in three or four tiers. These boxes are ail numbered, and each scholar has one for his exclusive use ; being provided with a duplicate num- ber as a voucher, there is no opportunity for contention as to ownership, no losing or abusing of hats and shawls, and dinner- pail. The method has been tried, and found much preferable to the old arrange- ments of hooks, particularly for the smaller scholars, and those coming from a distance who bring their dinners. The two porticos measure eight feet by ten ; the windows have all broad hoods and brackets ; the gables have heavy finials, and the ridge is surmounted by a larg-e ventila- tor. The roofs are covered with slates, and the walls are painted two or three coats of oil paint. The cost, at present prices of labor and materials, would be about S2,500. GRAPES AT AVON POINT. BY M. H. LEWIS, SANDUSKY, OHIO. The map of Ohio indicates some irregu- larity in the south shore of Lake Erie, along the northern part of Lorain County. Here, twelve miles north of Elyria and iifteen west of Cleveland, a wide reach of land, known as Avon Point, because of its under- lying shale formation, has most successfully resisted "• the wear and tear of wind and tide." In shape it resembles a trapezoid. The shorter of its parallel bases, three miles in length and distant about three miles from the main land, is the head-shore line. Having just returned from a delightful visit at the Point with E. Boyd, Esq., whose summer residence is immediately upon the shore at the farthest point lakeward in all the region, I propose a simple statement of what has been done there in behalf of the "blessed grapes." Three years or more since, Mr. Boyd had his attention directed to grape culture, and to this locality as especially adapted to such an enterprise. Most of the land along Avon Point, as it abuts upon the water, forms an embankment of ten and oftentimes twenty feet in height. The soil is a heavy clay resting upon a shale formation five or six feet below. In the shale, the salts sulphu- ret of iron and sulphate of alumina seem to abound. The presence of iron is sometimes manifest by the red tinges in the clay, though generally the latter is of a light color. The surface is slightly rolling, and at frequent intervals furrowed out by brook- lets from the interior, making their way on the shale with most of the surface water down to the lake. The aspect of the country seems to be south and south-east. Having satisfied himself that the lacustine influen- ces, soil and lay of the land were just such as to please even the coy and fastidious Catawba, he bought largely of the farmers, who were all unsuspecting of the wealth of unassimilated wine pabulum, ground up and pushed thither in the long ago of the Grapes at Avon Point. 263 glacial period and everywliere contemned as " white-bean " soil. Think of it, vine- yardists of Sandusky and the Islands, hun- dreds of acres of the best Catawba land purchased within a few years at ^40 per acre! He interested other parties at Detroit, Columbus, and especially A. W. Kellogg, Esq., of the well-known firm of Kiggins and Kellogg, New York city, and they have now secured in all many hundred acres in excellent locations. Ten acres of Catawbas planted three years ago are just coming into bearing. The wood is stocky and short- jointed, and the foliage is particularly re- markable for its deep green color — the leaves looking firm and healthful almost as Concord. The vines seem to have been faithful in setting fruit plentifully, but here as in most places on the south shore, to the west of Avon at least, the clusters are imperfect from a heavy fall of rain just at blooming times, which prevented complete fertiliza- tion. His vineyard is trellised with posts and wires. Bj the way, Mr. Boyd has adopted a novel mode of setting posts. He has a pile-driver which four or five men can easily manage. With this he is enabled to drive posts into the earth many times as fast and much more firmly than the same working force could put them in by the ordinary method. Mr. Boyd is eminently a practical man, not a horticulturist by profession, not much given to book-farming, though he does not by any means ignore the vast amount of valuable information in the horticultural literature of the day, but has traveled much, has visited repeatedly all the great centres of grape growing East and West, and always with his " eyes and ears wide open." Hence he has so far been quite successful. Early in the fall of 1865, he secured over 50,000 selected Catawba cut- ting roots and had them stored in sand in a dry cellar until spring planting. He bought at $25 per thousand, and thereby made a clear gain, as it proved, of more than $1,200; for in Marcli following the same class of roots were very scarce at $50 per thousand. Early, too, in the fall, he subsoiled his ground, using a subsoil stirer, to a depth of sixteen inches, and as he could not get it underdrained, he networked it with surface ditches. In the spring of 18C6 , after the thorough work of that most silent and indefatigable of pulverizers, Jack Frost he cross-ploughed and subsoiled again. He had the foresight also to engage a superior vigneron to superintend the whole grape interest — an americanized German of many years' experience on Kelly's Island, and he was every way wisely and fully ready for the stupendous task of planting at one time over 60 acres of vineyard. The advancing summer proves the under- taking a complete success. Not one vine in 200 on an average is lost. The growth is healthful and vigorous. The cultivation has been admirable, scarcely a weed to be seen, and the soil, which usually bakes to stony hardness and cracks in great chinks, everywhere about the young vines seems to be mellow to a good depth. The rows are eight feet apart, straight as human hand can make them, and the vines seven feet apart in the row. This first year he can cultivate both ways. The posts and wires will run north and south. This autumn twenty or thirty more acres will be pre- pared in like manner — a portion to be set with roots at once, and the remainder the succeeding sprmg. Four or five Englishmen, adepts in their calling, are hard at work putting in three feet underdrains at twenty and twenty-five feet distances through the young vineyards of this last spring. Two inch circular tile are used and first covered with hay or straw before the drains are filled up. In fine, Mr. Boyd and his friends have made a great venture, but their well - founded confidence in their locality and soil, their grande confidence, as the Frenchman termed it, in American grape culture, their liberal use of capital, and intelligent em- ployment of all the means to ensure success which recent experience has anywhere es- 2(54 Tlie Horticulturist. tablislied, make them sanguine of the final result and certainly entitle them to the sj^mpathy and even the gratitude of all their co-TTorkers in this broad field of industry. I might add that they command fine sites for wine-cellars, one of which is already pro- i ected, and that they contemplate also build- ing a tug to facilitate a heavy prospective trade with Cleveland. Mr. Boyd's agricultural neighbors have some time since rubbed their eyes wide open and are more than slightly affected with the grape fever; for there are frequent young vineyards of five or ten acres, and the price of land has steadily advanced from !$40 per acre to $200 and even $225, has been paid for unincumbered clay. . AMONG THE RASPBERRIES. BY F. R. ELLIOTT, CLEVELAND, OHIO. We spent a day or two during the rasp- yet good canes were then bearing fine fruit berry season with a friend of ours, who has a choice collection of sorts, mostly in bear- ing. We found him, however, pretty much decided upon liking two or three sorts, and disposed to throw all others aside. Never- theless, we went quietly to work, tasting, and examining, and comparing ; visited a dozen or more places, and got their opinions. Of the white or yellow sorts, we found nothing equal to Brinckle's Orange, the fruit — not equal, of course, to those under a higher state of cultivation, but yet such as to show that the variety could bear grief. The next best of the whites that we met with was Coloni>l Wilder ; not as high fla- FiG. 105. — BrinckWs Oranye. of which was abundant upon the canes, of large size, rather long, a rich golden yellow when fully ripe, and of the richest flavor. The canes of this in our friend's grounds are regularly laid down, and covered on ap- proach of winter. His soil is of a deep, rich, sandy loam, and thoroughly worked. We examined this sort on clay grounds, where we found it doing well ; and here, as well as in a garden of light sandy soil, it had received no protection the past winter, and but poor cultivation this Spring ; and ^^. Fig. 106.— Co/!. Wilder. vored as Orange, a lighter color, but if any- thing the canes a little more hardy. One cultivator of it declared that he could get a good crop of it yearly, without any cov- ering or winter protection. We doubt it. Among the red sorts, of old kinds, we found the Hornet, literally loaded with fruit ; of a dark, rich red ; large size ; fine flavor ; pretty firm ; more so than most of the red ; trusses with fifty to seventy-five berries ; a little later in maturing than some other sorts, but universally regarded as Among the Easpherries, 265 among the, or one of the best. Most of its growers, we also found, had been in the practice of leaving it exposed to the winter; Fig. li)l .—Hornet. but where they had given it a little protec- tion, we think the time and labor were more than twice repaid in the crop. Fastolff we did not find as favorably spoken of as of olden time. One cultivator, however, regarded it yet among his best. Canes strong and stocky; partially hardy. Fruit large, abundant, tolerably firm ; not sufficiently so for long carriage, however. Franconia, like the last named, we found with only a few friends, and they among the amateurs, where large and fine fruit, without much to regard to cost, was a point to gain. KiRTLAND, for so wc must name the sort now grown under this name, although the gentleman whose name it bears lays no Fig. 108.— Kirtland. claim to having grown it. The perfectly hardy ; a light yellow ; bright red ; pretty firm ; large grains ; fruit sets abundantly, and matures well; it is not of the highest flavor nor the largest size, but, with many who have grown it in quantity, proves very profitable. "We learn, also, that the little original patch, from which Doctor Kirtland once gave away plants, now propagated under his name, yet continues in fruitful bearing, and has never had a hoe or manure applied to it. The Allen, or what is known by the mar- ket gardeners about Cleveland, Ohio, as the Red Antwerp, we found in many hands; and everywhere that they had eradicated the barren plants, it proved a profitable sort. One grower from a little piece of three rows, four rods long each, gathered and sold this year to the amount of over forty-five dollars. Where the Hornet or Kirtland can be got, however, we think the Allen will lose cast. Red Antwerp. — This old sort, where it had been protected last winter, we found giving fine crops of a delicious flavored fruit. It is a capital berry; but if those of canes are free from Fig. 109.— Red Antwerp. hardier canes can be had, our people will not take the trouble to lay down any particular sort. Knevitt's Giant. — In only one place did we find this sort, but here the owner thought very highly of it. The canes are more hardy than any other foreign sort, ex- spines. The fruit nearly or quite round; cept Hornet, while the fruit is firm, and of 266 Tlie Horticulturist. excellent flavor. We tliink growers should pay more attention to this variety. Of Vice-Prksident French, Gushing, and others of the Brinckle origin, we found the two we have first named and figured, to have so much surpassed the others in good qualities, that they were only grown by a few amateurs. Of new sorts, the Duhring and Clark, we have not seen in fruit. Both are repre- sented as extra fine; another year, we hope to see their fruit. Philadelphia is very much like Kirtland, and our description would answer for both. Naomi we saw in fruit in two or three places, bearing abundantly : a large, fine, well-flavored fruit, and the canes, thus far, Fig. 110. — Naomi. having proved perfectly hardy. Should it again prove hardy, as heretofore, it will take a first rank among raspberries for gen- eral cultivation. Mrs. Wood is another new sort that we saw. It is not yet offered for sale, nor has it been fully described. Its habit of growth is between that of the Antwerp class and the Black Cap, and is apparently a hybrid. The wood is of a dark bluish shade ; canes very strong, with many lateral branches, on which the fruit sets abundantly. The fruit is of a dark purplish red ; nearly globular; double the size of Black Cap; firm, and with a fine high flavor. We hope to have a full description and illustration of it for a future number. Catawissa — This old double-bearing sort we have found to have stood last winter more than usually well. In some places it was the only sort this spring that retained perfect live canes. In good grounds it gives an early crop, and afterward a second crop ; but to be most profitable, we are told, the canes should all be mowed ofi" in the spring, and thus make it an autumn-bearing varie- ty, rather than twice bearing. The old Black Cap, as a general thing, has been superseded by the Doolittle Black Cap; and this, where the soil was deep and rich, gave enormous and profitable crops. — For many sections, and for deep, loamy, rich soils, this is undoubtedly one of the best hardy kinds in cultivation. Of other old sorts, such as Rivers' Month- ly, Ohio Everbearing, &c., &c., we learned nothing new, most growers confining them- selves to well-known kinds ; while at the same time they are testing on a small scale the new varieties. PLAN FOR LAYING OUT A TEN-ACRE LOT FOR SUBURBAN OCCUPATION. BT E. FERRAND, DETROIT. This place has tw6 main entrances with well-shaded drives. The lodges for the gardeners command the gates. There is an immediate access from one of those cot- tages to the hot beds and garden which is exposed to the full sun. The sight of this vegetable garden is entirely hidden by a belt of ornamental planting. Around the green-house and graperies are flower beds and stumps, with a nice walk around. Plan for Laying-out a Ten Acre Lot. 267 Rhododendrons and Kalmias can be plant- ed on the northern and other shaded sides of the dwelling. The access is very easy to the stables and other out-buildings, with two yards and a direct access to the street. The river and lake occupy about ^ acre. There are two islands, one of which is con- nected to the garden by a small bridge. The space 0 can be cultivated into fruits of any kind or put in grass. It has been my aim to make this a hand- some place wdth but few roads. In fact, a simple glance at the drawing will tell more about the disposition of this place than any explanation. Fig. Wl—Plan. REFERENCES. A — Dwelling. B— GrocnlLOuses and grape ies. C — Stable, barn and interior yard. D— Yard. E and P — Gardeners' houses. H— Principal entrances. J— Entrances. K — Vegetable garden. L— Hot beds. M— River, lake and islands. N-Me.idow. O— Fields, witb two rows of apple-trees. 268 The Horticulturist, THE DELPHINIUMS. BY F. PARKMAN, JAMAICA PLAINS, MASS. It is now a number of years since general attention was drawn to this fine family of hardy perennials, by the introduction of Delphinium Fonnosum. Other beautiful species and varieties had already been known, but D. Formosum was at once so easy of culture, so large, and so vivid in color, that it made an impression never be- fore equalled by any of its kindred. A va- riety closely related to it, D. Hendersoni^ had been introduced before it; but, unlike Formositm, it does not bear seed, and must be increased by the tedious process of di- viding the root. For this reason, though more delicate in color, and fully equal in every point of beauty, it did not become generally known. J). Formosum not only bears seed freely, but the seed " comes true," the offspring closely i-esembling the parent. Now and then one observes some diversity. Thus : in some cases the eye is deeply shaded, and in others it is pure white. An English nurseryman, by carefully selecting and iso- lating his seedlings through a succession of seasons, has succeeded in " fixing " the white-eyed variety, so that seed from it will commonly produce the same again. He has given his new variety, which is merely an improved formosuvi^ the name of Del- phinium hicolor Grandiflorum. We have not yet tested it sufficiently to satisfy ourselves that it deserves this formidable christening. The original D. formosum is an improved variety of a Siberian species, D. cheilcmthum, which is also the ancestor of D. Hendersoni and D. micans, which very much resemble each other. Within a year or two, another variety has been introduced, very distinct, and, without doubt, an acquisition. It has been named Delphinium formosum ccelestinum, and is, in fact, formosum with a different shade of color. While the original variety is of a deep metallic blue, the one in question is of a delicate sky blue, and it rarely fails to come true from seed. The flowers of both are very large. When grown in a rich loam, mixed with peat, of which they are very fond, we have seen them nearly two inches in width. These were flowers of young seedlings; those of the old plants are never so large. Delphinium formosum has one serious de- fect. This is a kind of blight which attacks the flowers, begins by blotching them with blackish purple, and often ends by crump- ling the whole flower-spike into an unsight- ly knot. Delphinium sinense (the Chinese larkspur) and its varieties form another group quite distinct from the above. Its growth is more slender, its leaves finely cut, approach- ing the annual larkspurs; and the whole plant, though less robust, is more delicate and graceful. It grows two feet or more in height, but there are dwarf varieties which sometimes do not exceed a foot. In color, it varies from an intense metallic blue to white. There are bright sky-blue varieties whose tints are almost unrivalled in this way. There are also varieties of a purplish slate color. Some are double and semi- double. The bloom is very profuse, and lasts a long time. Where masses of blue are wanted in the garden, nothing can bet- ter answer the purpose. It will bloom the first year from seed, as will also D. formosum^ and it is entirely free from the defect to which the latter is subject. After two or three years it commonly dies out, unless the root is divided ; but it is perfectly hardy, and \\k.Q formosum, defies the severest winter. The ancestors of both were na- tives of Siberia, Tartary, and Northern China. D. Grandiflorum is a kindred spe- cies, also a native of Siberia, and scarcely distinguishable from sinense. We come now to a third section of the genus Delphinium — that of the erect robust species, of which the old Bee Larkspur may be taken as the type. This section includes The Delphiniums. 269 many species more or less distinct, and ya- rieties past numbering. As most of the species hybridize very readily, and as many that are called species are not to be distin- guished the one from the other, any at- tempt at defining them all would be a fail- ure, but the general characteristics of the entire section are very distinct. To our thinking, the position of the Delphinium family in the world of floriculture must mainly depend on this portion of it. In hardiness, in permanency, and in freedom from disease, this section is unequalled. Its tall, erect spikes of bloom are often of the most perfect symmetry, and the flowers may be developed into the greatest beauty, both of form and color. The choice varie- ties of it are admirable for massing on the lawn, or planting in the middle and back of the border. Its varieties of color are very great. — The old Bee Larkspur is of a deep blue, with a black eye, covered with short hairs, and looking like a bee nestled in the centre of the flower. It is a tall, rank-growing plant, of little value in itself, but capable of great improvement by hybridization and selection of seedlings. Next, we have a deep blue variety, with the eye pure white; then a light blue, with an eye of vivid black ; then a light blue with a white eye, and a light blue with a grey eye. We have seen these last quite as large as D. formosum, and far surpassing it in the symmetry of their flower-spikes. Among double varie- ties, there are some of a deep metallic blue, others of a pure sky-blue, and others of a sky-blue, tinged with pearl and lilac. Oc- casionally, the central petals are striped with red and white, and they are frequently edged with a black line, which, to our thinking, is not an improvement. Many of the double varieties are good seed- bearers. As we have raised many thousands of seedling Delphiniums within the last few years, it may be of some interest to note here some of the " sports" to which they are liable. We have frequently known a Delphinium, with an eye white and per- fectly smooth, to produce a seedling with the eye black and hairy, like the old Bee Larkspur; and the offspring of this again sometimes sport back to the original white. Often a deep blue flower produces a light blue offspring, and -vice versa, though the majority of seedlings approach the color of the parent. Some double flowers produce a considerable proportion of double off- spring ; while others, equally double, result almost exclusively in single flowers. We have frequently known the offspring of one plant to differ more from each other than some of those which are described by bot- anists as distinct species. We have now in bloom a curious example of a sport. It was raised from the seed of a double light- blue variety. The flowers are double, smaller than in the parent, and nearly pure white — the only instance we have ever seen of that color in this section of the Delphiniums. The variety bears seed, though not very freely, and we hope, ulti- mately, to develope something of value from it. Now as to hybridizing. The varieties of the Bee Larkspur section hybridize freely with the section of formosum, producing flowers combining the characteristics of the parents, more upright and robust in growth than /on;?.osTO»; nearly as large; often quite as vivid in color ; and, as far as we have observed, quite free from blight. We have never yet succeeded in hybridizing the Bee Larkspur with sinense ; but where art has failed Nature seems to have done the work, for we have several times observed in beds of seedlings plants which, in their habit and bloom, show strong indications of being hybrids of these species. We have several of them now in bloom. In habit of growth, they approach the Bee Larkspurs, but the flower closely resembles the Chinese (sin- ense). They never bear seed, which affords another presumption that thej^ are hybrids. In this connection, we will mention a disaster which befell us two winters ago From a great number of seedlings, we had 270 Tlie Horticulturist. selected about thirty wliich seemed worthy of names; and as the ground where they stood was to be dug up in the autumn, we placed them all in a frame for the winter. The precaution proved their ruin, for the mice got in, and devoured all but six. We have many hundreds of seedlings which will soon be in flower. The family of the Delphiniums seems capable of a develop- ment greater than it has yet received, and we look with confidence for good results. We have not yet done with this subject, are now at work to repair the mischief, and and shall have more to say hereafter. GRAPE MILDEW VERSUS THE ESSENTIAL OILS. BY VITICOLA. In the Horticulturist for June 1864, "Horticola" publishes several extracts from a letter of M. Neubert, a celebrated vine grower of Saxonj^, whom Horticola endor- ses as a "scientific chemist." Neubert advises the use of a solution or emulsion of essential oils (lavender and rosemary) in water impregnated with salt and salt- petre, as a remedy, or rather as a prophyl- actic for mildew on the grape vine. Neubert being a practical man, and his directions being founded, on his own ex- perience, his recommendations are worthy of a trial, and should not be lightly treated unless the objections to them are obvious and well founded. In a recent work upon Grape Culture, by W. 0. Strong, these directions of M. Neubert are quoted with the following remarks : " He gives no reason for his solution, and we are at a loss to comprehend the benefits of rosemary and lavender. The salt and saltpetre are in such homeopathic quantities, that we cannot understand how so practical and skilful a cultivator as M. Neubert can attach so much value to it. The early and frequent dustings with sulphur must be the secret of his success. We account for the efficiency of sulphur from the known efiects of sulphurous acid gas upon vegetable and animal life. When diluted with a large proportion of atmos- pheric air, it is still so acrid as to produce a sense of suffocation and violent coughing. Every one has experienced the suffocating odor of friction matches. Flour of sulphur is insoluble in water, and decomposes slowly by combining with oxygen, forming sul- phurous acid In the proportion of one part sulphur and two parts oxygen." Upon reading the passage the question promptly occurred to me : Are these ob- jections to M. Neubert's recipe well grounded? If so, there is no use in going to the expense and trouble of trying it. What light does chemistry and vegetable physiology throw upon the subject 1 It is unnecessary to remind every reader of horticultural literature of the widely different circumstances under which dif- ferent classes of plants flourish. Seaweeds grow in brine of such a strength as would prove instantly fatal to land plants; and even in strong solutions of the most acrid chemical salts (sulphate of copper) certain species have been known to thrive. Now it has long been known that amidst these peculiarities of vegetable growth one of the most marked is the fatal effect of essential oils upon most plants of a fungoid character. Hence the ink manufacturer puts a few cloves in his ink to keep off mould while aromatic seeds of all kinds are not subject to mould and their vicinity prevents moulding in others with which they are packed. In an elaborate article on this subject in the Edinburg Philosophical Journal, vol. 8, page 34, Dr. MacCullogh remarks : — " It is a remarkable confirmation of this circum- stance, that Russian leather, which is perfumed with the tar of the birch tree, Early Fall Transplanting. 271 is not subject to mouldiness, as must be known to all who possess books thus bound. They even prevent it from taking place in those books bound in calf near which they happen to lie. This fact is particularly well known to Russian merchants, as they suffer bales of this article to lie in the London docks in the most careless manner, for a great length of time, knowing well that they can sustain no injury of this nature from dampness, whereas common curried leather requires to be opened cleaned and ventilated. Col- lectors of books will not be sorry to learn, that a few drops of any perfumed oil will ensure their libraries from this pest." These facts are well known and they seem to me to offer a full explanation of the beneficial effects of essential oils in warding off attacks of mildew. Salt and saltpetre are equally well known as powerful antiseptics. At first sight I should feel inclined to use stronger solutions 1 oz, of salt in 400 of water, but I would first try the proportions recommended by M. Neubert. His di- rections are probably founded on experi- ment. While upon this subject allow me to say a few words in regard to the explanation given above of the action of sulphur upon mildew. Sulphur when exposed to the air at ordinary temperatures does not combine with oxygen and form sulphurous acid gas. This is a fact known to all chemists. Tt is universally regarded by chemists as an element and we have no evidence that it ever " decomposes." But it volatilizes slow- ly at ordinary temperatures and the higher the temperature the faster does it sublime. It is also soluble to some extent in oils and wax, and may possibly form a combination with some portions of the leaf. It probably acts as a specific poison to the fungus, and its properties, as noted above, lead us to appreciate the directions — apply it only on dry HOT days. EARLY FALL TRANSPLANTING. It has long been a commonly received opinion that all deciduous trees should have one good hard frost exposure, before being dug and transplanted in the fall. That such frost assists in hastening maturity of the tree, wc acknowledge; but that it is ne- cessary to await frost and the falling of the foliage therefrom, before transplanting, we do not believe. The leaves have their part to perform, grow their growth, perform their appointed duty, and gradually fall to the ground. This falling of the leaves takes place much earlier in the season with some varieties of trees than with others. The cultivated sweet cherry commonciug to drop more or less of its leaves in July, and mature nearly all of them early in September, while the Mahaleb does not mature much of its foliage until in August, and rarely drops any of it until the middle of September. The gooseberry and currant drop nearly all the foliage on old wood in August, and much of that on new wood early in September. The pear and apple rarely make any additional extent of growth after the middle of August, and most of their foliage is mature and ready to drop by the twentieth of September. The ash, birch, and many other forest trees have their main leaves all mature by the above time. Looking at this we some fifteen years ago commenced planting out one or more of a sort of tree and plant early in the season, and continued our experiments un- til within the past two years, we have planted our cherries, pears and apples, as early as the 10th of September, and our currants and gooseberries the first week of that month, and have rarely lost a tree or 272 The Horticulturist. plant. We dig and plant in the usual manner, with or without water, as may be, but we make our shortening in pruning, either before the plant is dug, or as soon as it is oilt of the ground. The pruning, of course, takes off all the young and immature wood, and the ground being warm, the roots form anew without delay. One tree we exam- ined last fall had made new roots over an inch long in two weeks from the time of planting. Lindley's Theory of Horticulture, together with general practice, make it much safest to transplant after the leaves have fallen in the ordinary maturity and extent of season, and undoubtedly such is the cor- rect theory and practice, when trees have to be taken from a nursery, packed and shipped a distance ; but where they can be removed from a part of one's own grounds or obtained from a nursery within a few miles, we believe the early transplanting to give the most vigorous growth the fol- lowing year. NOTES ON RASPBERRIES AND CURRANTS. BY CHAS. DOWNING, NEWBURGH. Messrs. Editors : — In the June number of the Horticulturist, you requested notes on raspberries, &c. On examining my collection numbering over forty varie- ties, I find among the new ones that Clarke, Hornet, Philadelphia, Northum- berland, Fillbasket and Belle de Palluau are good and promising sorts, and the latter, I think, will prove a good market variety, the fruit being large, firm and of excellent flavor, and the plant vigorous and productive. The Clarke is a juicy, sweet berry ; plant vigorous, very productive and one of the best for family use, but, I fear, too soft for market purposes. The Phila- delphia is an American variety originated near that city, and celebrated in that lo- cality for its hardiness and productiveness, and seems to be well suited to the light soils of New Jersey, where the finer Euro- pean kinds generally fail — on Wm. Parry's grounds at CiRnaminson, and Edmund Morris' at Burlington, which I visited in picking season; it proved all that had been claimed for it as a profitable market sort. The berry is not as large nor as high-fla- vored as the European varieties. How it will succeed in other localities has yet to be tested. Among the best for family use are Brinckle's ^Orange, Franconia, Clarke, Belle de Palluau, Vice-President French and Hudson River Antwerp. For market purposes in this locality and some miles north and south of here the Hudson River Antwerp is the favorite sort, although I think Franconia, and perhaps Belle de Palluau, will prove on further trial equally as good. There have been several new ones intro- duced of the Black Cap family, but they are so similar to the common and Doo- little, as not to be worth a separate notice. There is one received from Samuel Miller, of Avon, Pa., which he calls Surprise, which is a little larger, more juicy, more conic in form, and has more bloom on it. This, however, is from one year's experience, and may not be correct. There is also a new variety received fi'om Joseph Sinton, of Angola, Erie county, New York, which is like the others in many respects except that it is entirely thornless. This promises to be an acquisition. It is claimed to be earlier and more productive; but having only fruited it the present season and from a plant received the past spring, I am not able to decide correctly. Of the Everbear- ing varieties, the Ohio Everbearing and Belle de Fontenay have proved the best with me. Notes on the July Number. 273 CURRANTS. I find this class of fruits in miicli con- fusion and incorrect. For several years I liave obtained from Europe and this coun- try and from various persons all the good kinds of any reputation ; have made a pretty thorough examination of them the two past seasons, and find but few distinct enough to retain as really good. Among the white ones, White Dutch and WhiteGrape are the best. Transparent white is said to be a seedling, and no doubt is, but is so similar to White Grape in growth, quality and productiveness, that it is not worth while to make a new sort of it. White Provence is distinct, many of the leaves being edged with white, it is the most vigorous of the white sorts. Fruit large, but not as productive as the two above-named ones. Attractoi' is distinct in foliage, being deeply cut or toothed, but the fruit is not equal in quality to White Grape. White Clinton is White Dutch. Imperial Yellow and Imperial White are White Grape. Red Grape and Wilmot's Red Grape, if distinct from May's Victoria, I am not able to distinguish them. Fertile d' Anger's, Macrocarpa and Imperial Red are the same as Versaillaise or Cherry, and these two last are so much alike that it is often diffi- cult to distinguish one from the other. The Versaillaise is said to be a seedling of the Cherry, and often has longer bunches, sometimes not. We sometimes think it less acid, but the difference is slight. Both are large and attractive kinds, and com- mand double the price in market of other sorts ; but are more acid and watery, and not near as rich as Red Dutch and many other red varieties. Red Provence and Gondoin Red, as I received them, are alike. They are the most vigorous of all the cur- rants, with pale, reddish young branches. The fruit is small, acid, and worthless. Red Dutch, May's Victoria, La Hative, Knights Large Red and Versaillaise are among the best of the red ones. Knights Early Red, Knights Sweet Red, Long- Bunched Red and Short- Bunched Red, are of the Red Dutch family, but no better. La Fertile is a vigorous grower, productive, large size, but not equal to some others in flavor. Of the black varieties, Black English and Black Naples are the best. In making the above statements, 1 wish to say that I have no private interests to serve, and have no plants for sale, but give it as my experience of the kinds as received from various sources and at several different times from the same persons ; and if in- correct, I hope others of more extended ex- perience will correct me. NOTES ON THE JULY NUMBER. Tr<:jes in Assemblages. — An admirably conceived and well written article. The writer, however, has overlooked one or two items. First: he says, " Columbus, when he landed, found no lawns or parks." True, he did not ; and yet, at that time, in our western territories, now Wisconsin, &c., were, and yet are, hundreds of native lawns, dotted with their island groves of trees ; and again, extensive parks, with here and there grand old oaks, amid which the timid deer is occasionally to be seen. — Again, it is not alvvaj's grouping of trees September, 1866. that bring out the best results. Nature does her work most admirably, it is ac- knowledged, but she also does it with her tree planting according to the surrounding of her earth formations. Thus, her masses of scrawny, yet bold and picturesque trees, on her hill sides and rocky dells, are not found on her level, sandy, or prairie plains ; and he who studies Nature to copy or improve, by giving her a hint, has a wide field for learning, and may study to good advantage. In this improving on Nature by hints, few are successful. The grouping of trees like 18 274 The Horticulturist. the Norway Larch, Lombardy Poplar, &c., of a pointed or spiral character, would not be Nature on a sandy level, where the scenery for miles was one continuation of the same character j and more and more would it be incongruous if the style of the buildings were of the Tuscan or Italian or- ders ; but, as I said, this article is well written, and I shall be glad to see the writer in print again. Designs in Rural Architecture. — I like this design for the section of country in which it is constructed, but he who copies may doubt its adaptation to all sec- tions. The bold scenery of the Hudson suits well with points and gables. Plan for Laying-Out a Three-Acre Lot. — Decidedly a good plan. The walks are gently curved, not crooked ; and the whole plan, if cari'ied out and cared for, would give satisfaction to the owner. Hebe Pear. — Will Mr. Sumner tell us where this pear originated, and what is the habit of the tree ? The Canker Worm. — Colonel Dewey shall have a credit mark for this expose of our ignorance of the habits and destructive agents of the canker worm. As he says, the worm, while in the chrysalid state, is readily devoured by poultry ; to which I will also add, poultry will destroy it when in the form of Fig. 89. Years ago, I knew an orchard in New Haven Countj^ kept perfectly clear of can- ker worm by means of poultry ; while, in the same season, the grand old elms of New Haven were almost leafless from its ravages. Hints on Transplanting Evergreens. — " Never let the roots see the sun or feel the wind " is truly the maxim of govern- ment to the planter of evergreens. I can not, however, after nearly thirty years of practice, and with hundreds of thousands of plants, concede the recommendation to " plant from May to August." My expe- rience is, that, with cdl evergreens, the very best time is just as they are pushing their buds in Spring. With Norway, Scotch, and Austrian Pines, September is better than July or August. In other words, if they have well ripened the season's growth they may be safely removed American Arbor Vitse and Red Cedar do not do well, removed at any other season than Spring. E. W. Bull on Grape-Culture. — Well, I am disposed to swallow almost anything ill the way of a large story about the pro- fits of grapes, but I must confess I give in- terested parties a little latitude when they talk of their own originating or procedure. This producing seven tons of grapes to the acre should first be shown by the acre, not by computing the product of one vine in a garden, and calculating the number to the acre. The experience of the last winter on the vineyards in Northern Ohio, I think, is a hint to growers that Nature must not be overtasked, many of the vineyards there, that last year produced very heavy crops, being this year almost dead, many vines entirely killed ; while, as a rule, the vines that last year bore no fruit are this year growing a good crop. Is not Mr. Merrick too fast when he says the lona " needs the highest possible cultivation ?" Mr. Bull's item of compost is not regarded as a useful item at the West ; or, if used, it would be considered as a " potting process," not in the line of " grape-growing made easy." With- out desiring to detract from the vigor, &c., of the Concord, too well known to doubt, I only say that I have seen the lona plant ■ ed this year in strong, stilt' clay, and at this time (July) show a growth fully equal to the Concord in similar positions. Do not understand by this that I claim the lona as vigorous as Concord, but that I speak of it to show Mr. Merrick that I think him too fast in placing it as a variety needing to be petted. Mr. Bull's method of planting is too expensive for the western vineyardist, however well it may answer for New Eng- land ; and his advice to save all the roots, and not to shorten them in, does not cor- respond with success in physiological prac- tice. The Original Red Beech Tree. — Thanks, thanks, Horticola, for this account. My Experience ivith Gooseherries. 275 From the history of its seed producing red beeches when taken from inside branches, and green beeches when gathered from the outside, may not our seedling fruit-tree growers learn a lesson, and where it is de- sirable to perpetuate the leading characters of a kind, select their fruits accordingly. Sir Thomas Browne's Garden of Cy- rus.— Occasionally, I like to read Sir Thomas, but, as a rule, two or three pages suffice. Perhaps, few authors have written better; but, then, we more require when reading the want of that " light that makes some things seen." The Campanula. — Who does not know the Campanula, or, as the writer says, the Canterbury Bell ? It is found in every flower-garden from Maine to California. — But the beautj^ of the Campanulas, to my mind, is in the perennials. I well remem- ber a plant of Campanula Pyraviidalis, some years since, at a State exhibition. It was about five feet high, in full bloom, and constantly attracted a crowd of wondrous gazers, whose knowledge of the Campanula had, up to that time, been merged in the old single blue biennial. Inside Grape Borders. — If inside bor- ders will not answer on a concrete bottom, why use the concrete ? Take the soil, good of course ; give drainage as for out of doors, and see the result. Materials for Green-Houses. — This author is right in advocating wood. Forcing Strawberries. — A practical detail, to be read by all gardeners. Reuben. -<.♦».>- MY EXPERIENCE WITH GOOSEBERRIES. I have been paying some little atten- tion to the cultivation of the gooseberry, and from the results^ I am a little surprised that their cultivation, as a market crop, is not more extensive. The English or imported varieties, we know, do not succeed well, on account of liability to mildew ; but our American sorts, such as Houghton, Cluster, &c., I have found to grow and bear most satisfac- torily. My soil is a poor clay, some of it quite on the brick-bat order, and unavailable for growing corn or potatoes ; and yet the gooseberry grows vigorously on it, and per- fects crops of good-sized berries. A friend of mine has tried growing them on a good sandy loam, but quite unsuccess- fully ; and yet I find single bushes in al- most every garden, evidencing their almost universal adaptability to all soils. I plant my bushes early in the fall, hav- ing first plowed my ground as deep as pos- sible with a heavy team and plow. I open out furrows four feet apart, and cross fur- rows at same distance ; then plant,, so that my bushes are four by four feet each way ; leave the ground level until near the close of the season, or just before freezing up of winter, when I turn a furrow up toward each side of the plants, leaving them well protected from heaving of frost, and pro- viding for whatever surface-water there may be at a distance from the plant. I have gathered this year four quarts from a bush, and have sold at four and five dollars a bushel. The varieties I am mostly growing are Houghton's Seedling, Cluster, Mountain Seedling, and Downing, and I appreciate their value in the order in which I have named them, and for the following reasons, which I make part of text descriptive : Houghton's Seedling. — Bush grows vigorously, a little too slender to be just right, because when loaded with fruit it lies partly on the ground until the bushes get age. Sets its fruit profusely, and holds it 276 Tlie Ho7^ticulturist. all until ripe. The fruit is oval; rather small ; smooth skin, of pale, dull reddish brown, with faint green lines ; tender and juicy, but not very high flavored ; shows not a sign of mildew either when grown in the shade, in the sun, in wet or dry ground. Cluster. — This is a little larger than Houghton, but does not set quite as abun- dantly. The bush is of a rather more stocky habit in growth, and more upright ; a little richer and better flavored fruit, and may yet prove with me more desirable than Houghton. Mountain Seedling.— The plant is a very strong grower, rather straggling and slender in its wood ; too much so, for as yet it has had to have support to keep the fruit off the ground. The fruit is nearly one-half, say fully one-third, larger than Houghton ; long oval ; dark brownish red, with long peduncle, attaching the fruit to the wood at such distance as to make picking an easy matter ; skin smooth ; flesh much richer than either the above-named. My bushes of this sort are yet young. Should they grow strong enough to head back well, and set their fruit abundantly, it will prove a valuable sort because of its size. Downing. — The bush is a more compact and upright stiff" grower than either of the others. The fruit sets pretty well ; is near- ly round ; pale whitish green, with the rib veins distinct. Skin smooth, thick. Flesh juicy ; better than the first two ; not as good as the last ; and, unfortunately, with me it burns badly in the sun, so that one- half or more of the berries are valueless. — As a variety for early gathering it may be the most valuable, but for late marketing not as good as the others. At another time, if you wish, I will write my experience with currants for marketing purposes. STRAWBERRY AND RASPBERRY NOTES. BY ISAAC HICKS. The crops of strawberries on Long Island, where they were suitably protected last winter, have been good. Mulching, we believe, pays. One grower, who has three acres mostly "Wilson, on the southern slope of a hill, has marketed over 10,000 quarts. They were well tilled, and kept in hills, and mulched, rows about two feet apart. AnotheT grower had about six acres in bearing, mostly Russell's Prolific, every tenth row French, and allowed to run together ; product near 8,000 quarts. We think that the French is too soft for market. The Garibaldi is larger, more productive, and carries better — a very important consideration to the grower. The Agriculturist, so far as we have heard, have all been allowed to in- crease as much as possible to obtain plants, and we think it has not had a fair trial. It should be grown in hills, under high culti- vation, to bring out its good qualities. We find it valuable as a late berry; keeps a long time after it is picked; of high flavor; and in hills very productive. Brooklyn Scarlet is beautiful ; high fla- vor ; an excellent amateur berry. General Scott is very productive ; large ; not best flavor ; too soft for market. Russell is very prolific, and a good profit- able berry. Cutter is very productive; too soft for market, but excelleut for home use. Lenning's White, very poor bearer. Lady Finger, or Scott's, good, but poor bearer. Austin, too poor flavor for cultivation. Wilson, probably the best yet for market. Bartlett, or Boston Pine, fine, but poor bearer ; the Brooklyn Scarlet resembles it in flavor, and is much better in every re- spect. ^ Gleanings. 277 Triomphe de Gand, fine flavor, but gene- rally few in number ; if kept in Mils, much better. Of raspberries, we have tried a dozen or more kinds, and have abandoned all but the Brinckle's Orange, Doolittle Black Cap, and Philadelphia. Brinckle's Orange, and all others of that class, require too much care in covering, and are not near as productive as the other two. Doolittle is early, large, and productive but a rampant grower, and is quite thorny. The Philadelphia raspberry has borne twice, and, for our soil, it is the best we have yet met with. It is very productive, much more so than Antwerp, Orange, Fran- conia, Fastolf, &c., with us. It resembles the Purple Cane in its taste, and is double the size, just as hard}?-, and throws up suck- ers from its roots like the Antwerps. We have been in search of a good, hardy, productive raspberry, suitable for our light soil, and we have found it in the Phila- delphia. North Hempstead^ L. I. GLEANINGS.— Cojii-irawed VI. It is a strange thing how little, in gen- eral, people know about the sky. It is the part of the creation for which nature has done more for the sake of pleasing man, more for the sole and evident purpose of talking to him and teaching him, than in any other of her works, and it is just the part in which we least attend to her. There are not many of her dim works in which some more material or essential purpose than the mere pleasing of man is not an- swered by every part of their organization ; instead of this, there is not a moment of any day of our lives when Nature is not producing scene after scene, picture after picture, glory after glory ; and working still upon such exquisite and constant princi- ples of the most perfect beauty, that it is quite certain it is all done for us, and in- tended for our profit, not pleasure. And every man, wherever placed, however far from other sources of ioterest or beauty, ha^ this doing for him constantly. The noblest scenes of the earth can be seen and known but by few ; it is not intended that man should live always in the midst of them ; he injures them by his presence ; he ceases to feel them if he be always with them ; but the sky is for all ; bright as it is, it is not " Too bright nor good For human nature's daily food. ' It is fitted in all its functions for the per- petual comfort and exalting of the heart — for soothing it and purifying it of its dross and dust. Sometimes gentle, sometimes capricious, sometimes awful, never the same for two moments together, almost human in its passions, almost spiritual in its ten- derness, almost divine in its affinity; its appeal to what is immortal in us is as dis- tinct as its ministry of chastisement or of blessing to what is moral is essential. And yet we never attend to it, we never make it a subject of thought, but as it has to do with our animal sensations ; we look upon all which bears witness to the intention of the Supreme, that we are to receive more from the covering vault than the light and the dew which we share with the weed and the worm, only as the succession of mean- ingless and motionless accidents, too com- mon and too vain to be worthy of a moment of watchfulness, or a glance of admiration. If in our moments of utter idleness and insipidity we turn to the sky as a last re- source, which of its phenomena do we speak of? One says it has been wet ; and another it has been windy ; and another it has been warm. Who, among the whole chattering crowd, can tell me of the forms and the precipices of the chain of tall white moun- tains that girded the horizon at noon yes- terday? Who saw the narrow sunbeam that came out of the south, and smote upon 278 The Horticulturist. tlieir summits until they melted and moul- dered away in a mist of blue rain ? Or the dance of the dead clouds when the sun- light left them last nig-ht, and the west wind blew them before it like withered leaves ? All has passed unregretted, as unseen ; or if the apathy be ever shaken off, even for an instant, it is only by what is gross, or what is extraordinary ; and yet it is not in the broad and fierce manifestations of the elemental energies, not in the crash of the ^ hail, nor the drift of the whirlwind, that the highest characters of the sublime are developed. God is not in the earthquake, nor in the fire, but in the still small voice. • They are but the blunt and the low facul- ties of his nature, which can only be ad- dressed through lampblack and lightning. It is in quiet and subdued passages of un- obtrusive majesty, the deep, and the calm, and the perpetual ; that which must be sought ere it can be seen, and loved ere it is understood ; things which the angels work out for us daily, and yet vary eter- nally, which are never wanting, and never repeated ; which are to be found always yet each found but once ; it is through these that her lessons of devotion are chiefly taught, and the blessings of beauty given. VII. It is well known that in Holland the tu- lip became, about the middle of the seven- teenth century, the object of a trade un- pai'allelled in the history of commercial speculation. From 1634 to 1637, all classes in all the great cities of Holland, became infected with the tulipomania. A single root of a particular species, called the Vice- roy, was exchanged, in the true Dutch taste, for the following articles : — Two lasts of wheat, four of rye, four fat oxen, three fat swine, twelve fat sheep, two hogsheads of wine, four tuns of beer, two tuns of butter, one thousand pounds weight of cheese, a complete bed, a suit of clothes, and a silver beaker, the whole being worth 2,500 florins. These tulips were afterwards sold accord- ing to the weight of the roots. Four hun- dred perits, something less than a grain, of the bulb called Admiral Leif ken, cost 4,400 florins ; 446 perits of Admiral Vender Eyk, l,r.20 florins; 106 perits of Schilder, 1,G15 florins ; ?00 perits of Semper Augustus, 5,500 florins ; 410 perits of the Viceroy, 3,000 florins, &c. A bulb of the species called Semper Augustus, has been often sold for 2,000 florins ; and it once happened that there were only two bulbs in exist- ence, the one at Amsterdam, the other at Haarlem. One of these sold for 4,600 flor- ins, together with a new carriage, two grey horses, and complete harness. On another occasion, a bulb was sold for twelve acres of land. So great was the rage for favorite bulbs, that they who had not ready money exchanged for them their goods — houses and lands, cattle and clothes. The trade was followed not alone by mercantile people, but also by the first noblemen, citizens of every description, mechanics, seamen, farm- ers, turf-diggers, chimney-sweeps, footmen maid-seivants, old clothes dealers, &c. At the commencement of the rage, every- body won, and no one lost. Some of the poorest people gained, in a few months, houses, coaches, and horses, and figured away like the first characters in the land. In every town some tavern was selected which served as an exchange, where high and low traded in flowers, and confirmed their bargains with the most sumptuous en- tertainments. They formed laws for them- selves, and had their notaries and clerks. These dealers in flowers were by no means desirous to get possession of them ; no one thought of sending, much less of go- ing himself, to Constantinople, to procure scarce roots, as many Europeans travel to Golconda and Visipour to obtain rare and precious stones. Tulips of all prices were in the market, and their roots were divided into small portions, known by the name of perits, in order that the poor as well as the rich might be admitted into the specula- tion ; the tulip root itself was out of the question — it was a nonentity, but is fur- nished, like modern stocks and funds, the subject of a bargain for a time. Editor's Table. 279 Duringtlie tulipomania, a speculator often oflfered and paid large sums for a root which he never received, and never wished to re- ceive. Another sold roots which he never possessed or delivered. Often did a noble- man purchase from a chimney-sweep tulips to the amount of 2,000 florins, and sell them at the same time to a farmer, and neither the nobleman, chimney-sweep, nor farmer had roots in their possession, or wished to possess them. Before the tulip season was over, more roots were sold and purchased, bespoke and promised to be delivered, than, in all probability, could be found in all the gardens of Holland ; and when the Semper Augustus was not to be had, which happened twice, no species was perhaps ofteuer pur- chased and sold. In the space of three years, it is said, more than ten millions were ex- pended in this trade in one single town of Holland. The evil rose to such a pitch, that the States of Holland were under the necessity of interfering ; the buyers took the alarm ; the bubble, like the South Sea scheme, sud- denly burst ; and as in the outset all were winners, in the winding-up very few escaped without loss. VIII. Observers who, in short periods of time, have passed over vast tracts of land, and ascended lofty mountains, in which climates were ranged, as it were, in strata, one above another, must have been early impressed by the regularity with which vegetable forms are distributed. The results yielded by their observations furnished the rough materials for a science to which no name has yet been given. The same zones, or re- gions of vegetation, which, in the sixteenth century. Cardinal Bembo, when a youth, described on the declivity of Etna, were observed on Mount Ararat by Tournefort- He ingeniously compared the Alpine flora with the flora of plains situated in different latitudes, and was the first to observe the influence exercised in mountainous regions, on the distribution of plants, by the eleva- tion of the ground above the level of the sea, and by the distance from the poles in flat countries. Menzel,in an unedited work on the flora of Japan, accidentally made use of the term "geographj'- of plants;" and the same expression occurs in the fanciful but graceful work of Bernadin de St. Pierre, Studies of Nature. A scientific treatment of the subject began, however, only when the geography of plants was intimately asso- ciated with the study of the distribution of heat over the surface of the earth, and when the arrangement of vegetable forms in natural families admitted of a numerical estimate being made of the different forms which increase or decrease as we recede from the equator towards the poles, and of the relations in which, in different parts of the earth, each family stood with reference to the whole mass of phanerogamic indigen- ous plants of the same region. EDITOR'S TABLE. To Contributors and Others. — Address all Communications, for the Editorial and publishing departments, to Geo. E. & F. W. Woodward, 37 Park Row, New York. Woodward's Annual of Architect- ure, Landscape Gardening, and Rural Art, for 1867, is now ready. 120 pages ; 160 engravings ; 12mo. Paper, 75c. 5 cloth, ^1. Post paid by mail. We have just published at this office the first annual number of the above work. It contains 170 original and practical designs for low-priced cottages, barns, and the dif- ferent outbuildings required on country 280 TJie Horticulturist . places, together with numerous plans for laying-out small tracts of land. The de- signs and engravings have been prepared expressly for the work, are executed in the best manner, and printed on fine calendered paper. We confidently recommend this Annual to all our readers, as supplying in part the great demand for "homes for the million;" and the elegant manner in which it hfis been prepared, together with the low price at which it is offered, warrants us in pre- dicting for it a very large sale. The uni- versal circulation of such a work would do much to improve public taste. There is scarcely a family in the land but are in need of the many hints it contains. Raspberry Notes. — "We have noticed a tendency during the past few years to run upon the blackberry, to the neglect of the raspberry, so far as raising fruit for market was concerned. The result is, raspberries are yearly growing scarcer and selling higher, while "plenty as blackberries" is literally true with that fruit, and growers complain of light returns in money, not berries. It is now time to change the cur_ rent and revive the neglected raspberry. For family use BrinkWs Orange ranks No- 1, and when better known will sell where it does not have to be carried far. Flavor ex- cellent, size large, abundant bearer, and ripens its fruit over a long period, thus extending the ra-^pberry season. It is only half-hardy, and should be laid down and covered with earth, or otherwise protected during the winter. The canes are strong and branching, and have the merit of not suckering freely. Doolittle's Black Cap is a valuable variety, to say nothing about its improvement over the ordinary Black Cap. Our own opinion is that high culture of transplanted Wild Black Caps would make the " improved " in a very few years, but as the Doolittle is ^abundantly propagated by nurserymen — it can be increased very rapidly with no skill on the part of the grower — and is now sold at a reasonable price, it is better to buy enough to start with, which need not be over two dozen for a large family. When well established, each root or stool should yield four to six quarts of fruit in a season, so prolific are they. They are perfectly hardy, even as far north as Maine. The objection raised against them are, color, ripening nearlj'- together, and thorny canes. By training upon a high trellis, keeping sheared or tied in, they can be conveniently managed. They incline to a lengthy growth, and after reaching the top of a six-foot trel- lis, may be allowed to bend over and return to the ground, affording a bearing cane both up and down. Even with this length, on rich soil, the extremity will often reach the soil and take root, thus furnishing a new plant, this being the way it propagates itself- The old root will live many years and throw up new shoots close to the bearing canes. They may be trained upon buildings or high fences. Growing in clusters, the berries can be picked rapidly, and, to our taste, are not bad either in pies, puddings, dumplings, as a sauce, or served up raw with sugar. It bears carriage to market well, and is growing in favor both with dealers and consumers. Franconia. Fastolf, and Hudson River Ant- werp, are all good, and each has its favorite among growers. The latter, being firmer, is the great market berry, but for family use we prefer either of the other two in point of flavor. They are all good bearers, of large size, and each should be protected during winter. This protection is a bug- bear to some ; but take them after a rain, when the canes are soft, and they may be bent down along the line of the row, begin- ning at one end and bending each cane to- ward the other end, securing it with a little earth, until all are down, then go along each side and bank up over them just enough to keep them covered during the washings of winter. To afford room for this, the rows should be four feet apart. A person will soon learn to cover them rapidly. In field culture a horse and plough will do most of the labor. Editor's Table. 281 Lindlejfs Fasfolfh reputed to be a seed- ling of the Fastolff, but carries more of the appearance of having sprung from a wildling. It is sufficiently hardy, as claimed, but with us does not yield fruit in quantity, size and quality to suit. We prefer the labor of covering a more prolific, larger and better sort. There are other varieties of merit, but the above are sufficient for all practical purposes. — New York Tribune, Temperature of Plant and Fp.uit Houses. — One of the greatest errors com- mitted by inexperienced gardeners, and those in charge of small plant or fruit houses, is in the keeping of a relative tem- perature day and night. As a rule, the temperature at night is always too high. Plants require rest at night, and can only have it by a reduced course of vital excite- ment. The heat at night should alwaj^s be below the minimum of that during the day, and again, the heat during a cloudy day should not be brought up to the maximum of that on a a clear, bright, sunny day. Hedge Plant — For a compact and beautiful hedge-plant, there* is none that has stood the test of all positions so well as the Buckthorn (RJiamnus Catharticus). It does not sucker ; it bears the shears per- fectly ; it vegetates early in the spring, and holds its leaves late in fall, and, when well formed, and four to five feet high, not a thing can pass through it. The seed should be gathered and sown in the fall, in light mellow land. The following spring it will nearly all vegetate, and form plants of suffi- cient size for transplanting to the hedge- row the succeeding year. The Hybridization of ferns has long been a disputed problem. But it is now claimed that it has been accomplished. The conditions, however, under which the result can be attained, are so difficult and delicate, that hybrids of ferns must be exceedingly rare, if ever found at all. Woodward's Country Homes. — Eighth edition ; eighth thousand ; revised and en- larged; 12mo. ; 192 pages ; 150 designs and plans for country houses and outbuildings of moderate cost, with illustrated descrip- tion of balloon frame. Extra binding, cloth, $1.50, post paid. There is a singular want of appreciation for our own horticultural products among our leading cultivators. An imported flower or fruit stands a better chance of becoming popular, and being sought after by a multi- tude of people, than our home productions, even though they may be superior in every way. We do not mean, of course, to dis- courage the importation of new varieties. On the contrary, we would have our horti- culturists avail themselves of every favora- ble opportunity to introduce superior, well- established, and new varieties of foreign productions. But at the same time, en- couragement should be liberally given to our own cultivators who are laboring to im- prove our native fruits and flowers. We have capabilities of soil and climate, and patient culture to secure varieties superior to anything that can come from abroad. Weeping Larch. — This most graceful as well as curious of weeping deciduous trees, originated by chance in a seed bed grown by W. Godsall, Hereford Nursery, England, about 1834. Grape Yield. — In 1837, the Cincinnati Gazette recorded six hundred and seventy- seven gallons of pure wine as the product of eighteen thousand square feet, less than half an acre of ground. The grower was Jacob Kesor, and the varieties Catawba and Cape. In the same year, Mr. Herbemont, of Columbia, S. C, reported five hundred and twenty-eight gallons from one-sixth of an acre. These records we give to show some of our new beginners, who are at times a little disposed to boast, that large yields have been before their time. 282 Tlie Horticulturist. Grapes and Wine. — Every man who lias a grapevine should get a copy of Hus- mann's new work on the cultivation of the native grape, and manufacture of American wines. A practical book, by a practical and enthusiastic writer full of his subject, and able to impart sound and thorough in- struction. Fully illustrated; i2mo.; 192 pages. Cloth, extra, $1.50, post paid.— Published at this oflSce. Bee Defender. — Charlatan bee men oc- casionally astonish the wondering multi- tude by forming the bees in a swarm all over their heads, &c., and again removing them to the hive, without any injury from their stings. It is related in Addisoii's Indian Reminis- cences, an English work, tha' the use of ocgonim (sweet basil), bruised and rubbed over the person, prevents the bees stinging, and renders their being handled in any way without injury. Western Timber Lands. — ''A long and exhaustive report upon the timber question of the West was on the 2d transmitted to the House Committee on Public Lands by Judge Edmonds, Commissioner of the Gen- eral Land OfBce, in reply to a call for infor- mation, under the resolution of Represent- ative Donnelly, as to the expediency of aid- ing experiments in promoting the growth of forests on the Western Plains. Judge Edmonds states that the vast Western Plains and plateau can only be rendered habitable by planting forests, which will fertilize and moisten the soil, soften and modify the climate, and protect men, ani- mals, and crops, from the desolating winds of those regions. The supply of timber in the Western two-thirds of the Union is shown to be very meager, while the prairie region is vast in extent, until our people have risen from 3,000,000 to 33,000.000. We have gone through and surrounded the pri- meval forests, and now enter upon the mar- gin of the great treeless waste with our original store three-fourths consumed, the demand accelerated, and the consumers to increase from 33,000,000 to 50,000,000 dur- ing this century. Extend the time fifty j^ears into the next century, and unless we commence to grow forests, we may be driv- en to the use of boards three inches wide, as in China at the present time. Ts it not apparent that we should at once cease to needlessly destroy, and commence to pro- duce timber. The Commissioner thinks the object cannot be accomplished by grant- ing alternate sections of land, as the Home- stead Act already gives land upon the con- dition of settlement. For the cost of plant- ing and caring for infant forests, alternate sections of grants would be an inadequate consideration. He is not prepared to re- commend any general system to encourage the growth of forests, but thinks one may be matured after free discussion, and when information is compiled as to the extent of natural forests, &c., which is now being pre- pared by the agents of this office. He closes with three suggestions : 1st. That the Homestead Act may be so amended as to oblige the planting of trees by the settlers. 2d. That Government surveyors be required to plant the seeds of trees adapted to the climate around each established corner. — 3d. That grants may with propriety be made for the purpose of demonstrating the pos- sibility and feasibility of growing forests upon the great Western plains. Such an experiment would stimulate individual en- terprize in that direction, which, after all, is the only trustworthy and eflBcient power for so great a work, and it would furnish facts which might aid in the development of some general system." Budded Roses should be carefully exam- ined, and where any appearance of swelling, the ties should be loosened. Do not free the tie entirely, because, if so done, often the bud will break loose. Loosen the tie and tie again. In strong growing stocks or shoots it is not yet too late to bud, but the ties of the late buds will generally prove best to be left on until spring. Editor's Table. 283 Get all our New Books. — "We have published at this office a series of nine books, on architecture, agriculture, horti- culture, &c. ; just what everyone should have in their library ; all handsomely illus- trated, printed on fine paper, and bound in uniform extra bindings. In addition, we furnish from this office all other publica- tions on the same subjects, and execute or- ders for purchasing and forwarding all mis- cellaneous books. We send books by mail, post paid, care- fully packed ; and the distant buyer can thus be supplied as low and receive his books in as good order, as by a personal applica- tion. Look over our priced Catalogue, send us your order, and it will be promptly ex- ecuted. A scattering of coarse straw manure, not rotten, over the whole, will serve to pro- tect from change of temperature in winter, but it must be raked oflf carefully early in April next. New Lawns The month of September is again the time for forming lawns. We have prepared the ground, and seeded it in September, and obtained a good coat of grass strong and vigorous before the frosts of winter sat in. The ground should be thoroughly trenched two spades deep, for without depth of soil the roots of the grass die out under the burning heat of our summer suns. Make the soil at time of trenching rich by working in it liberal quantities of old well rotted manure, or if the ground is sandy draw upon it freely of clay loam, rake down as fast as you dig, burying all lumps that do not easily break, leaving the top perfectly fine, light and smooth to receive the seed. Obtain at the rate of four bushels of lawn grass seed to the acre — select a per- fectly still time for sowing, and then scat- ter one-half your seed, rake this in finely and yet lightly — go over again cross ways and sow the balance of the seed, then roll all down., by passing the roller both ways over the piece. If the weather should prove dry, directly after seeding it will not matter, the fall rains as a general result will in all seasons bring up the seed, and cause it to make roots capable of enduring the changes of winter. The Peach Worm. — Should be destroyed this (September,) month. Dig away the earth from around the crown of the tree, laying bare the stem two or three inches above and below, observe if any gum oozes from any point, if so, scratch away with a sharp knife cutting all dead bark that ma)^ be around and under the gum following the dead line until y6u meet " the enemy " in form of a little white grub one quarter to three quarters of an inch long as he may be old or young, kill without fear of future trial by civil or military Courts, wash the wound with a plaster of common soft soap, replace the earth raising a little mound around the tree of a foot or so high. Trees carefully cleaned at this time will be found free from grub in April next when they should again be examined. If the trees are now neglected many of them will be past saving in the spring as the grub will be found to have girdled more or less of the trunk. Grape- Vines in the house will now be ripening wood, and care should be taken to give freely of air. Prune away all i;seless wood, that is small and lateral shoots. Vines in the open ground now require only to have some of the laterals stopped ; but do not prune back severely, under the impression that sunlight is wanted to ripen the fruit. It is the foliage that makes per- fect fruit ; and if severely pruned away at this time, a check is given to the vine, often resulting in unripe fruit and a weakness of the vine for another year. Pears should be gathered as soon as the stem will separate freely from the tree by gently raising the fruit. Nearly all pears are better for being ripened in the house. 284 The Horticulturist. Native Wines. — Soma weeks since, we received, from George Husmann, Esq., of Hermann, Missouri, a box of samples of wines of his manufucture. We had con- cluded, after testing samples of American wines that have been sent us for several years past, from different sources, that good wine would not be made in our country.^ — The climate, the particular grape, or the requisite skill in the manufacture seemed wanting to produce a palatable article ; but we are happily disappointed in the product of Mr. Husmann's vineyards, some of which will bear most favorable comparison with the best wines of the Rhine, and must meet with favor among those who are good judges of the article. Among the kinds particularly worthy of notice, are Norton's Virginia, Herbemont, Delaware and Catawba. sion of members of the Bar at the West. — Let us, too, pray you have no more second- rate productions, or untried fruits, offered or sale &S, first premium to gull the public. Do NOT permit any fruit to go to waste. Imperfect, wormy apples or pears, if not in quantity for cider, may be mashed in a tub, the juice pressed, and added to the vinegar barrel. Horticultural Exhibitions. — The sea- son for holding exhibitions, of fruits, flow- ers, &c., is now again with us, and of course new varieties of fruits, &c., will come for- ward for premiums. We beg respectfully to call the attention of committees and offl- cer.i of societies to the fact, that most of our societies, devoted to the agricultural and horticultural interests, have adopted pomological rules respecting the introduc- tion of new fruits to the tender mercies of the public, and at the same time to remind them that, in some strange unaccountable manner, we have almost yearly a list of new first premm7n sorts issued, and never after- ward heard of. This season, we hope no new fruit or flower will receive special favor unless it fully meets all the requirements of pomological rules. Our lists are already overburdened, and any new candidate to public favor should have a more thorough examination even than is given to admis- The Science of Government in con- nection with Government Institutions. —By Joseph Alden, D. D., L.L. D., late President of Jefferson College, Author of Elements of Intellectual Philosophy, &c. New York, Sheldon & Co., pp. 250, 12mo. The author says the object of his "book is to aid the young in acquiring the knowl- edge necessary for the discharge of their duties as citizens of the United States." It contains knowledge which ought to be possessed by every citizen, and it is so clearly expressed as to be perfectly intelli- gible even to those who have not read on the subjects of which it treats. It gives first the general principles of government, then an account of the origin, formation and adoption of the Federal Constitution. Next comes the Constitution itself, by sec- tions, each accompanied by brief, clear, and satisfactory comments ; next the relation of the State Government to the National Government and the general provision of the State Constitutions ; then the relation of city and corporate governments to the State Government ; and lastly, the rela- tions existing between nations, or the gen- eral principles of International Law. It is rare that we find so much know- ledge condensed within so small a space, without obscurity or dullness. The book is designed primarially as a text book, but will be found interesting and profitable to every citizen. Its wide introduction as a text book in our academies and schools would do much to prepare the rising gene- ration to manage successfully our political institutions. If there is any that our youth should study, it is the nature of the government and its institutions whose con- trol will soon pass into their hands. It would seem follr to study the institutions of Greece and Rome to the neglect of those of the United States. Editor's Table. 285 We have now ready, a practical work on the propagation, cultivation, and manage- ment of forest trees, by Andrew S. Fuller, the popular author of the "Grape Culturist" and the "Strawberry Culturist." This work is handsomely illustrated, and conveys just the information desired by practical men who propose to plant for timber and fuel. The book contains about 200 pages, in extra cloth binding, and miiform with the books already published by us, and sent free by mail to any address, on receipt of ^1.50. We predict for it the same wide circulation, and extraordinary success, that has attended the publication of " Wood- WARii's Country Homes," the 8th edition of which, revised and enlarged, is now ready. ■ Transplanting I^vergreens. — We have found the middle to last of this month, September, a good time to remove ever- greens. They have now completed their growth ; the wood is fii-m, and if removed with care and the roots kept from getting dry, the warmth of the soil at this season causes them at once to form new rootlets and prepare for winter. Unless our trees are small and removed with balls, we practice heading back of all the limbs and even the leader fully one- half to two-thirds of the growth. It mat- ters not what the variety, all the evergreen family appear to bear this heading back without injury. In fact, in nine cases out of ten the following year's growth more than compensates. It also helps to thicken up the tree. Rose Cuttings made this month and planted in a cold frame will form roots and come out fine plants next spring. The bed should have gt)od, fine, rich soil at the bot- tom with fine, clean sand at top, then the buds of the cutting will not rot, and the roots as soon as formed, will have food in the good soil. Clean the Ground. — All the grass or weeds around the trees in young orchards should be carefully cleaned away in the fall but avoid digging or plowing deep around them at this time. Stir and loosen the ground two inches deep, then cover four inches deep with some material for a mulch but at no time permitting the mulch nearer than four inches of the body, or the mice may chance to girdle the trees before spring. Mulching Strawberry Beds. — In mulching strawberry beds do not go on the principle that if a little is good, more would be better, for it is not so with prac- tice in this particular. The mulch should be only, say one and half or two inches thick, simply to prevent the roots being injured by frosts during winter. A too deep mulch, say of six or more inches, we have kiiown to entirely destroy the vines. Selection or Shrubs One of our lady subscribers asks for a list of some of the best hardy flowering shrubs for a small garden. In selecting shrubs for small grounds, the beauty of the blossom should not alone be sought, but good foliage and fine habit of growth are desiable in con- tinuing the beauty and show of the grounds during the whole season. Of the many sorts now grown best desir- able to have, we name : Spirea hUlardii and prunifoUa flore jihno ; Deutzia gracilis; Weigela alha and groonewegii ; Ribes gor- doniana; Clethea paniculata; Magnolia pur- purea ; Td^xt&Ti&n bush Honeysuckle; Vene- tian sumac or fringe tree ; Spirea tomentosa and Reevesii Jlore pleuo ; French red and white lilacs, and the white and scarlet Japan quince. Cuttings of the gooseberry, currant, and nearly, if not quite all the flowering shrubs made and planted out this month in lio-ht deep, well drained soil, will callus and often make considerable root and grow vigorously next spring. Propagate Pansies. 286 The Horticulturist. Planting Bulbs. — In our practice with bulbs of all sorts, we have found the follow- ing to give us the best satisfaction. First? make our ground rich with well rotted manure, dig it two spades deep, take off the surface to the level of planting our bulb, place on the bed one inch of clean sand, in that place our bulbs covering them entirely with the sand ; then add our rich soil to the requisite depth of three inches, and then spread over the whole bed some refuse mulch, such as pea or bean, haulm, etc., to a depth of three or four inches. Bulbs should be planted at various times, as those planted early in October will bloom much earlier next spring than those plant, ed in November. We generally make three plantings, one early in October, one in the middle of the month, and a last early in Noveihber. The practice of placing Crocus, Narcissus, etc., around and beneath the shade of large evergreens, or on the border of a shrub- bery, etc., is very effective, provided the lawn is kept closely shaven and all the ground in fine order; but for small grounds, pattern beds, cut out of the turf, filled with the bulbs and afterwards with summer flowering plants, give to our eye the best effects and are the least trouble and ex- pense. Do not be in too great haste to gather grapes; remember that they are not ripe as soon as colored, and that the longer the fruit hangs upon the vine the richer and sweeter it becomes. Grapes, unlike most other fruits, do not ripen any after being gathered. Young plants of verbenas should now be taken up, potted and placed for a few days in the shade to get established. Lay- ers for winter plants, made directly into the pot by sinking the latter in the ground alongside of the main plant, and afterwards separated, are by many regarded the best. Planters of trees in the medium South- ern States will do well to remember the English walnut. These perfectly hardy and well-grown trees have been known to produce twenty or more bushels, making it a profitable fruit to grow. Tie up and prune Dahlias that have grown too straggling, the last of this and first of next month will give the best bloom. Chrysanthemums, if not in pots, may yet be potted and trained for early winter bloom in the family room. Those already in pots may require shift- ing into larger size pots. They should be well watered, and occasionally with manure water. Camellias should be carefully washed, top dressed and got in condition for ready removal to the house as soon as the nights become frosty. Green House Plants of all sorts should early this month be got ready for removal to the house. Heartt's Pippin. — In the August num- ber of the Horticulturist, Keuben in- quires if I can give some account of Heartt's Pippin. Many years since, I saw a line large apple in Mr. Heartt's (I have forgot- ten his christian name) orchard at Troy N. Y., which he did not at the time know the name of, but was called by the neigh- bors Heartt's Pippin. I took buds for trial, which failed to grow, and sent for grafts the following spring, which, by some mistake, proved to be the apple described by F. R. Elliott in the June number of the Horticulturist, which was not correct, and only a small fruity of second-rate qual- ty ; while the apple seen at Mr. Heartt's, was large, ripening in September, and which afterward proved to be the old English Codlin, so that there is really no distinct Heartt's Pippin. Charles Downing. Editor's Tahle. 287 Circular of the American Pomolo- GiCAL Society. — Whereas, the American Pomological Society was ordered to be con- vened at St. Louis, Mo., on the fourth day of September nest, for the purpose of hold- ing its eleventh session ; and whereas, the existence of cholera in several of the cities of the United States has become manifest, thereby creating more than usual precau- tion in regard to visiting places distant from hjme; therefore, in consideration of this fact, and also of the fact that there is a small crop of fruit in many parts of our country, the undersigned, by and with the advice of the Executive Committee and other leading pomologists, does hereby postpone and defer the meeting of said So- ciety to the year A. D. 1867, when due no- tice will be given of its assembling in the aforesaid city of St. Louis. Marshall P. Wilder, Pres. James Vice, Sec. Messrs. Editors : I promised to give the Horticulturist my method of planting, in the open ground, vines started from single or double eyes, in hot-bed or propagating-house, as soon as I could be certain, from another year's expe- rience, that in any weather — hot or cold, wet or dry — there will be no chance of fail- ure. Last year, I transplanted between two and three thousand Delaware and lona vines from a hot-bed to the open ground? and did not lose one per cent. By Fall, they all made large fine vines, and were? this spring, again planted in the nursery (I plant in my vineyard, and offer for sale, only two-year-old vines), and at this age, they are nearly all of them three feet high. For two months past, I have been trans- planting from my hot-beds plants of the Delaware, lona, Diana, and Concord — sev- eral thousand of each. They have been planted in all sorts of weather. Three weeks ago, [ planted two thousand Dela- ware and two hundred lona. The ground was very dry at the time, and for ten days not a drop of rain fell, and there was no dew at night ; everything in the fields was parched, burning up from want of rain, yet with the exception of three small plants, that I did not expect to live when I plant- ed them, the vines are to-day all growing finely. Yesterday morning, I transplanted four hundred Delaware that had been left too long in the bed, many of them one foot high. The thermometer showed intense heat, 98° in the shade ; the plants drooped a little, but to-day look as fresh as ever, though the heat is the same as yesterday's, and the sun shines equally as bright. None of these plants have been shaded or pro- tected in any manner. My method of planting or transplanting is this : 1st. I throw up the ground into beds four feet wide, pulverizing the soil thor- oughly. I plant three rows in a bed, one foot apart in the row. The plants taken from the sand of the propagating-bed are carried in anything that will hold water enough to cover the roots. The planter, taking a plant in one hand, with the other makes a hole in the bed deep enough to take in all of the old wood, and large enough so that the roots will not want for room Then, setting the plant in place, a boy pours in water, filling the hole nearly full. The planter, holding the vine in place with one hand, draws the fine soil quickly around it with the other. The water, when first turned in, floats all the little roots out to their full length ; then taking up the fine soil, deposits it around them in the most perfect manner, and the vine is planted. — Care must be taken not to press down the earth around the plant, and also that not a drop of water comes to the surface, either of which will cause the soil around the plant to become hard, and the vine will die of course. Vines planted in this manner need no protection, except from high winds ; and, if the work is carefully done, and the plants not too large, the}"- will not even stop grow- 288 The Horticulturist. ing. They should be carefully tied to stakes. I have, as I said before, planted several thousand within the last two months ; none have been shaded or protect- ed, and I have not lost a single vine that had foir roots when taken from the hot- bed. I not only plant vines in this way, but everything, from cabbage and tomato plants up to evergreens six feet high. I don't wait for wet weather, or for evening, to set out tomato, cabbage, or the most delicate flowering plants. I set them at mid-day, and in the dryest hot weather. I do not shade or protect in any way, and yet they never fail to grow. I ordered from Rochester this spring about thirty large evergreens, together with a lot of fruit trees. They were over two weeks on the way, and on opening the boxes, I thought they were past saving. — They were all splendid trees, the evergreens being four and five feet high, but the roots of all seemed to be perfectly dry. I plant- ed them all in this way, using a bucket of water to each tree, and to-day every one of them are growing finely. I think this is the only way of thorough- ly planting evergreens grown in nursery ; in no other way can the soil be settled around each little fibre of the fibrous mass. If the ladies will try this way of trans- planting their flowering plants, they will never fail in making them live, and it is much the easiest way of planting. Always graduate the quantity of water by the size of the plaut. Take care t£iat the surface around the plant is covered with fine dry soil, and never press the soil down. Let the water settle it, and it will be right- — Never water after jAanting ; at least, not un- til the plant is thoroughly established. This is the way, and the only safe way, of setting sweet potatoes. Never at plant- ing omit water, in hot or dry weather. Any of the readers of the Horticultur- ist who may try this method of transplant- ing or planting, will oblige me by letting me know of their success or failure. Charles J. May. Herhemont Vineyard^ Warsaio, Illinois. July 10, 1866. A New Agricultural Theory. — The Texas correspondent of the New York Tribune, writing from Castorville, tells the following singular story about plant- ing watermelons : " When we had stopped to feed ourselves and water our horses, about noon on the first, and about five miles from Austin, a superanuated negro man old enough to be mossy, came down to the fence, and after regarding us over the top rail for a minute, inquired if we would buy some millions (watermelons). Several of us went with him to his ' patch,' which was about half an acre in extent. His melons were the largest T had ever seen, but there was one monster that loomed up above its fellows like an ele- phant among oxen. Some one asked him the price of it. ' All I want is the price of the chicken, sah 1 " Seeing no chickins about, an explanation was asked. ' Why, you see, sah, early in de spring, before plantin' time comes I takes a young chicken, as soon as his throat gets big enough, and feeds that chicken with seven dry water- melon seeds — ^just seven — and just as soon as he got dem seven seeds down his throat I kills him, and sah, I plants dat dar chicken in de middle ob de patch.' 'What,' asked one of the party, 'do you mean to say that this is the way you raise melons 7 ' ' Dat is de way I raised dat one, sah,' replied the old man, 'and Fse done dat same thing dis forty year, and long afore I was into Texas." We satisfied ourselves with some twenty smaller ones, whose parent vines had originated in a less objectionable place." Who says negroes have no ideas of their own ? THE HORTICULTURIST VOL. XXI. .OCTOBER, 1866 NO. CCXLIV. LAWS OF ASSOCIATION IN ORNAMENTAL GARDENING.— Conclubed. BY A. V. G. The reference made in a former article to some of tlie associations of trees and flow- ers, will sufiice to show that the work of planting and training them may be made an interesting and elevated employment. Some persons have no love for gar- dens. A splendid equipage, costly furni- tm^e, sumptuous entertainments, and a sur- plus at the bank, are with them the chief good. With others, gardens are places of mere amusement or sensuous gratification. What more comfortable than to lie out- stretched upon a velvet lawn, beneath a spreading shade-tree, regaled with the sight of brilliant flowers, and half intoxi- cated with their perfume ? And then, gar- dens are fashionable ; no gentleman's place is complete without one. Others have no higher conception of gardening than as the mere mechanical operation of laying-out surfaces in artistic shapes, planting them by rule in some conventional method, and em- bellishing the whole with works of art. — But, rightly viewed, it is something more than this. It is dealing with associations at once sublime, tender, and beautiful. It surrounds us with the past as with a con- tinual presence. The great and good of every clime and age are here again, and re- peat before us the words and actions of their daily lives. A thousand fancies flut- ter amid the branches over our heads, and nestle in the flower-cups at our feet. We hear " the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden," reminding us of his con- tinual presence and fatherly care. We find a new charm added to domestic life, which grows stronger with every passing year, and makes home the full realization of its sacred name. The necessary inference from what we have said is, that the principal of associa- tion should be regarded in all attempts at ornamental gardening. It is not enough for us to set out a few of the most com- mon trees and plants which are of rapid growth and easy culture. The ailanthus, maple, horse chestnut, and silver abele are excellent trees ; the cabbage rose, lilac, and syringa are pleasing shrubs, and should be Entered according to /Vet of Congress, in the year 1866, by Geo. E. & F. W. Woodward, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States, for the Southern District of New York. 290 The HorticuUurist. universally planted ; but these alone will not constitute grounds well furnished. — Something more is wanted than trees enough to occupy a given space, and aflFord a given amount of shade. We want those which are truly fit and beautiful, and those likewise which are interesting from their suggestiveness. The balsam fir, for exam- ple, is a good and serviceable tree ; but, where the climate will permit its culture, we should prize the Lebanon cedar more highly. For the same reason, we would plant the oak in preference to the button- ball or bass-wood. The syringa and lilac are handsome, but we would not fail of the hawthorn, the holly, and the yew. The verbena and petunia are gay and desirable flowers, but we would not neglect the violet, the myrtle, and the bee-haunted thyme. Why should not one's grounds contain as great a variety of trees and plants from different countries and different climates as the space will permit — at least so far as this can be done without sacrifice of essen- tial fitness and propriety ? A daily walk in such grounds would be a daily delight. It would bring before us many of the rare and beautiful products of other lands, with- out the exposure of fatigue and travel. It would give us some little idea of the richness and variety of the productions of the vegeta- ble world ; and it would furnish a pleasing study to note well their peculiarities of form, structure, and growth, as compared with those of our own neighborhood. — That some of these trees and plants would require more pains to cultivate them than the common growths of the wayside, would be no objection. This very care would at- tach us to them by an additional tie. Nor would we object to this mode of planting grounds because it requires more studj^ and reflection ; for here the pursuit of informa- tion would bring its own reward. A gar- den scene so constructed would be some- thing above the tangled mass of a wild forest; something better than the formal and monotonous rows of trees and bushes so common in our door-yards ; it would be a scene in which the scholar, the poet, the man of sensibility, the christian, would each find something to quicken his thoughts, and yield him a perpetual de- light. In view of the foregoing thoughts, we will venture a criticism upon a certain canon of writers on landscape gardening. It is commonly recommended that, in choosing a site for a country residence, one should be selected, if possible, that is already cov- ered with native trees. This would an- swer very well if trees were wanted only to furnish an abundance of shade ; but this is a small part of their use. They are wanted for their individual as well as com- bined beauty ; for their fitness, and for the associations connected with them. When forest trees have grown in open situations, detached from one another, they are sometimes all that can be desired on the score of beauty ; but when such cannot be found, it is much better to choose a naked site, cultivate the soil thoroughly, draw up a well-considered plan according to which the grounds shall be planted, se- lect trees and shrubs suited to the place they are to occupy, and then rear them with all possible care. In a few years they will present to the discriminating eje a finer scene than could be produced by any number of tall, naked denizens of the woods. But, however this may be on the score of simple beauty and fitness, we maintain that the aboriginal growth of the soil till now uncultivated is deficient in one impor- tant respect — the charm of association. — The wild forest trees of Massachusetts have not the interest which attaches to the an- cient trees of Cambridge and the Boston Common. The venerable elms overshadow- ing the New Haven Green are more vener- able than elms of the same size and age in the woods of Connecticut. The trees around our oldest family mansions derive their chief interest from the domestic his- tory which has transpired beneath them. — Laws of Association in Ornamental Gardening. 291 "We maintain, accordingly, that, in cboosing a site for a countr}^ dwelling, it is not im- portant to select one already covered with forest trees. Such trees have no history. Their associations, so far as they have aoy, are those of savage life, or of a wild, un- peopled solitude ; and, were a new homo established among them, there would be no proper connection between them and the life experience of that home. — Pleasant, indeed, it certainly would be, on many accounts, to have trees already grown about one's doorway — it would save a vast deal of tmie, and labor, and care ; but a thoughtful man would always feel that there was something out of keeping between the new home and the old trees ; that it would take many years to civilize them ; and that at best their early history would be barren, utterljr void of any hu- man interest. lie would rather plant Jiis trees when he plants his house, and let both grow together, and have a common history. And here follows another criticism. It is deemed important by manj^, in preparing yiew grounds, to remove into them veiy large trees, for the sake of producing an immediate effect ; or, in other words, of p;iving to a new estate, the appearance of an older one. This work is often accom- plished by taking up the trees in winter with huge balls of frozen earth attached to the roots, raising them by means of ma- chines constructed for the purpose, and hauling them to the desired place by pow- erful teams of horses or oxen. Operations of this kind have been performed in Eng- land and in this country with a good de- gree of success. Undoubtedly, there are some advantages in this plan, yet it is open to objections. To say nothing of the mu- tilation of trees thus removed, from which they seldom fully recover, trees thus plant- ed lack the associations which should be- long to them ; nay, they acquire some un- pleasant associations. There is a species of felt deception about groves thus made to order by machinery. They do not belong there ; they did not grow there; they are interlopers; they were brought thither while men slept, by some kind of trick- ery, or at least by some artificial process, and set up full-grown to impose on all be- holders. In speaking of ornament in architecture Ruskin says that its agreeableness arises not only from its abstract beauty, but also from " the sense of human labor and care spent upon it ;" from the fact that " the record of thoughts and intents, and trials and heartbreakings, of recoveries and joy- fulnesses of success" has been associated with it. "As a woman of feeling would not wear false jewels, so would a builder of honor disdain false ornaments." He should use ornaments " wrought by the human hand, not those cast in moulds or cut by machinery to imitate the work of the hand. lie should abhor all short, cheap, and easy ways of doing that whose difficulty is its honor." So say we in reference to land- scape gardening. Pleasant as it might be to have our trees and shrubs brought and planted for us full grown, as by magic, we should hesitate to accept the gift. They would be false, machine-made ornaments, entirely wanting in any flavor of liuman thought, and labor, and care. If a few old trees happened to occupy our chosen building-site, we would not cut them down ; rather would be thankful for their refreshing shade while trees of our own planting were growing; but we. would not transplant old trees into our grounds. "We would select young trees and shrubs ; some for their native beauty of form, branches, leaves, and flowers , others for their associa- tions, whether historical, poetical, domestic, or otherwise. These we would group to- gether into one harmonious scene. "We would do this work, so far as possible, with our own hands — at least, it should be done under our personal supervision. Our own life should be mixed up with the life of each tree and plant. The hearts and hands of those we love should be intrusted and occupied in their cultivation. Day by day, 292 The Horticulturist. and year by year we would watch their progress, nursing their feebleness, rejoicing in their healthy growth, until at length we might sit beneath their expanding boughs, or pluck their abundant flowers and fruit. Such a garden would be worthy of the name. Its very ground would be hallowed. On the branches of every tree would hang gentle thoughts and pleasant memories. Its shrubs and plants would suggest ideas as varied as the forms of their leaves, and fan- cies as airy as the fragrance of their flow- ers. Such a garden would be a charmed spot, because linked with so much that is deeply and permanently interesting to the mind and heart of man. A CHAT ABOUT EARLY SUMMER APPLES. BY FRANK AMON. As I sat in my library a few mornings since reading the Horticulturist, my friend Bradford came in, with the pockets of his coat well stuffed out with apples.— He looked like an old picture I have seen of the jolly farmer, laden with good fruits from his orchard for his neighbor's children. That picture, by-the-by, I have often thought was got up " on purpose," as they say, because its indication is certainly one that shows the wishes of the man to so im- bue his neighbor's children with the love of fruits obtained honestly that they would urge their parents toward planting of trees, or in any event to plant for themselves, if ever they grew to be men ; but as such farmers are not the ones we have now-a- days, why But this is nothing to what my friend Bradford wanted, which came in this wise : Fig. " I am about to plant some early apple trees this fall, and I have been looking overbooks and catalogues until I am all mixed up. I can't, or don't want to plant but a few trees, say one of a sort, but I want those the best. I have been collecting samples, and here I am to discuss them with you." " Thank you," said I, "just what I want too ; for, although I have been looking over 112. — The White Juneating. fruits, and growing and eating them many years, there is nothing I relish so much as a good sensible revision and taste of the subject." " Here, then, is one I have found among the very earliest to ripen, and, to my taste, a fine little eating apple — the White June- ating." A Chat about Early Summer Apples. 293 " Yes ; an old apple, too mucli neglected, mainly because the trees, when young, are slow of growth ; but when they are once in the orchard they seem to grow well — not, it is true, as rapidly as Tetofsky or Red Astra chan, but as well as Earlj^ Har- vest ; while the fruit, although small, is generally fair, and, from its earliness, com- mands a high price in market. It is not as tender as Early Harvest, and bears shipping better." " Here is Tart Bough, or one I obtained under that name." " Right ; the tree is a good grower and bearer ; but as it does not ripen until after Early Harvest, that variety, which we can now see by comparison, is better, and has superseded it. The Early Harvest, how- FiG. 113. — Early Harvest. ever, requires good and abundant food in the soil, in order to grow good fruit ; but in good strong soils, we have no more deli- cate early apple for table or cooking. As a market apple for shipping purposes, how- ever, it does not answer, as it is too deli- cate ; and as the tree does not suit all soils, it will not do for extensive planting. One tree or more on every man's place can be manured and made good ; but we have so many sorts now, that in ordinary cultiva- tion, will pay better even than this under high culture, as to make it only an ama- teur's fruit. You must plant of it, how- ever." " "Well, next I have one called Irish Peach." " Aye ; showy, but watery ; tree a fine grower ; not worth our planting." " Next, I have two old sorts, the Hagloe and Summer Rambo ; and — yes, here is also Early Red Margaret." " True, old sorts; and it is to be regret- ted that the Hagloe has been so neglected. If you can get a tree of it, plant it ; for it is a fine showy fruit, of more than good quality; and a good bearer. The Summer Rambo, ^or Rambo Franc, becomes often- times, as you see this is, quite mealy and dry. The Early Red Margaret is a right good apple, but not rich enough in its flesh for an amateur apple : and for marketing, the Tetofsky which you have there will retui'n more money. This, in fact, for mar- keting, deserves a first place. It is grown around Columbus, in Ohio, as the Fourth of July apple. It is a Russian apple; the tree a strong vigorous grower, seemingly adapting itself to all soils; bearing very young and abundantly a very handsome, 294 Tlie Horticulturist. rather acid, but pretty good fruit; very valuable at that season for sauce. If you have ground to spare, you will find this a valuable sort for earl}^ use in the kitchen ; profit, this and Red Astrakhan would give you more return than any other two early sorts. The specimen here is not a full-sized fruit ; it is certainly one-quarter larger, and and if you were going to plant for market generally very regular, fair, and handsome." ri Fig. 114 " Next, I have summer Queen." " True ; and a right good old apple, and in many sections yet regarded among the best and most profitable. Were you plant- ing in a part of the country where this va- riety was proved universally successful, I .—Tetofskj/. should say plant it in preference to Wil- liams' Favorite, Early Pennock, Red Quar- renden, or Monarch, all of which are good, and only good, in their special localities. — The Queen, Pennock, and Monarch, you see, are of a similar character of flesh; Fig. 115. — Totonsend. while the Williams and Quarrenden are " Well, here is another that, to me, is no quite different, but no better." better than the Queen— the Townsend." A Chat about Earlij Summer Apples. 295 "Yes; not yet quite ripe. I have not quality has been no more tlian second-rate; often n.et with it; but when I have, its and coming, as it does, where there are so Fig. IIG. — Red Astrachan. many extra quality apples, I have not is firm ; but I remember it fruiting well valued it highly. The sample we now have with me one year, and proving quite dry Fig. 117.- and meal}^ It is a large showy fruit, yel- low and red, and in its native habitat may be valuable." Early Straicberry. " Well, here are two that I suppose you think should be planted- Red Astrachan." -the Benoni and 296 The Horticulturist. " Yes, they are botli among tlie best. — Your samples of them, however, like your Tetofeky, are too small, for I have seen bushels of the Astrachan fully one-quarter larger. This fruit (the Astrachan), how- ever, is not truly a table apple, but so val- uable for cooking, and passable for eating, that you must have it. Benoni is one of the table apples, and for private or for mar- ket garden quite desirable." "Next, I have early Strawberry, or, as the man who gave me the specimen called it, Red Juneating." " Good, good ! a capital apple to plant for your own table. The trees are handsome growers, great bearers, maturing the fruit by degrees, so that it is one of the longest varieties in eating that I know ; not, per- haps, a first-class quality, but I find chil- dren, who are said to know good fruit, never fail to eat the Early Strawberry." " "Well, here is Bevan and Kerry Pippin." " Yes ; the former tough as leather ; and the latter as pretty, almost, as the Straw- berry, but not half as good. Let's cut and outline the Pippin, for the purpose of re- membrance, for it is not often that I now meet with the old fruit once familiar to me. The Kerry Pippin is certainly more than good in quality. It is a good bearer, and to one desiring to plant a fruit to transport Fig. 118 Kerry Plpjj'm. long distances, and preserve its character, we have nothing its superior. It, however, is not sufficiently acid for cooking, and it is too firm and crisp to please our American tastes, and therefore will probably never more be grown." " Here are four sweet apples." Aye, Sweet Bough. Indispensable, large ; a regular, not great, bearer ; tender and delicate; sweet for' eating or baking; must plant one tree, at least. Then you have High Top Sweet, of the books ; or Sweet Summer, of Southern Ohio ; and Sweet June, on "West. Many regard it as indispensable ; but I think this one, Golden Sweet, preferable. It is larger; the tree is a great bearer ; the fruit is a rich sweet, perhaps a little too dry for the table, but fine for baking. If you were growing stock, this variety would pay well to plant by the acre ; but for family use, one tree is all j^ou want. Ihe last you have is one called Early Sweet ; and, so far as I know, originated with W. C. Hampton, in Ohio, A Chat about Early Summer A]jples. 297 and lias never been figured. It is deliciously " Wliat more have you, for I see your sweet, juicy, and tender. If you can get a pockets are yet comparatively full." tree of it, plant it. " Ob; quite a number of sorts. Here are Fig. 11'^.— Siceet Bough. two — the Red June and the Penn, or Wil- " Of the first I know a little. It is the liam Penn." popular apple south-west, in Illinois, Mis- Fict. 120.— Golden Sweet. 298 The Horticulturist. souri, &c. ; but east or north it lias made " The Penn, or "William Penn, is another little or no headway in favor. In quality, local apple, probably, to be kept in its own it is about equal with Williams' Red, and, section of origin, for it has been now twelve like that sort, to be kept in its own lo- or fifteen years before the public, and makes cality, no progress in favor. What next?" Fig. 121. — Early Sweet. " Three with an early attached — BufSng- ton's Early, Parson's Early, and Garretson's Early." " The first is a tip-top little apple as you may taste, but the tree is not a good bearer. The second is too acid ; not yet, as you see, Early Joe. quite ripe; of course there is now no com- parison, for. the first is fully ripe, and this is not so. The third is a quite good apple; comes after Early Harvest, and is not as good, but the tree, I think, is a better grower. What more ?" "An old sort highly praised, but I don't find any good fruit." A Chat about Barly Summer Apjoles, 299 " Ha ! the Drap d'Or ! An old sort, truly; and, so far as I kno-sv, never yet a good one- The fruit, like tliis sample is ripened mostly by an insect in the early season ; and dur- ing the last of September, when it should be among the best, it is nothing as a table apple compared with the Garden Royal; or as a cooking or eating as compared with Gravenstein or Myers' Nonpareil. It is time it was laid on one side." " My next is a little fellow — Early Joe." " And a nice little one it is, too ; rich as a pear; delicate and crisp, yet tender; juicy and handsome as a peach; the tree a great bearer. It has two rivals — one the Summer Rose, earlier; and the Garden Royal, later. Here you have them all be- fore you ; and while one is in a good state for eating, there is enough in each of the others to tell you that your amateur plot of apples cannot do without them. We will outline the Early Joe and the Summer Rose, and leave Garden Royal for another time when we look over early fall apples. Have you any more?" " Yes, here is Trenton Early." " Pooh ! old English Codlin ; good for cooking only." " Next, Summer Golden Pippin." " Pooh ! again, I say ; good for nothing." Fig. 123. — Smnmer Rose. " Sops of Wine." "Samples not quite ripe, but a capital little dessert fruit. Some good judges think this should be in all collections, no matter how small. I confess that, while I like the little fruit, I had rather have Early Joe ; but if I had room for two trees to ripen about this time, 1 would prefer one of each to both of Early Joe." " Only one more, and my pockets are empty." " The Sine Qua Non, although the last of your lot, is nevertheless one of the good fruits in quality — in pomological lan- guage, probably, it would rank best-^but unfortunately the tree is a poor grower, and not a good bearer ; therefore, however good the flesh of the apple, we must pass it, because it gives no satisfaction to the owner, either in looking at its growth, or in its number of fruits." Having now, Messrs. Editors, looked over my friend's list of apples, I want to ask who there is, among our horticultural friends, that is making the apple, and the producing of new and valuable sorts, a spe- cial study ? Everybody eats the apple, and everybody who owns land enough for a tree to stand upon plants the apple, have done so, and will continue to do so. As a crop, the apple pays not quite as soon as the grape, but, when once in bear- ing, with far less labor. 300 Tlie Horticulturist. Now, wliy should not some one fall in love with the originating anew early apple, "We want a very early one ; good size, bearer, and all that sort of thing. I suggest to some one the impregnating Early June- ating with Tetofsky, or vice versa, and test the result. Who will try their hand 1 An early, very early sort, would be a fortune to the grower. LOW PRICED COUNTRY HOMES. FROM woodward's ANNUAL OF ARCHITECTURE, LANDSCAPE GARDENING AND RURAL ART, FOR 1867. We give our readers some specimen pages from this new publication. This work has been specially prepared to meet a strong demand for low priced Cottages, Out-buildings, and plans for laying out small plats of ground. The book contains 176 designs and plans in all departments of rural art, and its universal circulation would be of vast benefit to the country. We have spared no time or expense in preparing and procuring practical plans ; have had them engraved with great care, Fig. 124.— and the work has been printed in the best manner on fine calendered paper. Every reader of the Horticulturist should have a copy. It will be published annually from this office, and will be a thorough and practical work in all respects. We extract the following approximate method of computing the cost of buildings : COMPUTING COST. A simple and rapid plan for estimating the cost of any building is by comparison. Lolo Priced Country Homes, 301 If carefully done, it will give figures that may be relied on. We have said before that it would be productive of much mis- chief to name prices in a book like this. The only prices we could give would be local ones, and these are changing here every day. We were of this opinion when we prepared "Woodward's Country Homes," a book that has met with extraordinary success, and has been ordered from every quarter of the globe ; and experience thus far confirms us in the belief that the opinion then formed was correct. The best substitute for prices, on which confidence may be placed, is the following, a plan much used by builders to test the accuracy of their detail estimates : We wiJl suppose that a party desires to erect a building in the vicinity of Madison, Wis., where prices of materials and labor Fig. 125. —Farm Cottage. differ largely from New York prices. Let him select such a house already built in that vicinity as shall represent, in style of architecture and character of finish, about what he desires to construct, and of which the cost of building is known ; then com- pute the area or number of square feet covered by the building; divide the number of dollars of t-mt by the number of square feet thus found, and the price per square foot is ascertained. Thus a house 40 feet by 40 feet covers an area of 1,600 square feet ; it costs ^8,000; and dividing $8,000 by 1,600, shows ^5 per square foot. Now what will be the cost of a similiar house covering 1,400 square feet ? 1,400 X ,'^5 = .'^7,000. 302 Tlie Horticulturist. This plan will do very well to approx- Thus, a house 40 feet by 40 feet, and an iinate roughly to cost. A better and closer average height of 30 feet — 40 x 40 x 30 ^ one is to ascertain the cost per cubic foot. 48,000 cubic feet, cost ^7,200, or fifteen Pig. 12G. — Farmlioiise. cents per cubic foot. Then a house con- would cost §8,550. Where all conditions taining 57,000 cubic feet, at fifteen cents, of comparison are equal, such as equal Fig. 127.— ^a/'«. facilities for buying, equal advantages in certain about the cost of such a buildin^ capital, credit, good management, etc., one he proposes to erect. can very closely, by this last method, as- Low Priced Country Homes. 303 Fig. 128.—- Birr; House. Fig. 129.— Seoi. Fio. \Z^— Entrance Gate. 304 Tlie Horticulturist. NOTES ON MAGNOLIAS. In my practice of landscape gardening during tlie past twelve years, I have plant- ed out many dozens of magnolias. They have made the first season's growth appa- rently healthy. Some have continued a second summer, and a few of my planting ten years since yet remain; but the major- ity of them have died and their places sup- plied with some other variety of tree. I have queried why this should be so, be- cause most of the varieties so planted were perfectly hardy, the trees perfectly healthy, and, as a rule, made the first season a healthy and abundant growth. Now, in the practice of my profession, in making designs for planting grounds, v/itli a knowledge of the beauty of flower and foliage possessed by the Magnolia family, I desire to introduce more or less of the varieties ; but a second thought occurs, relative to their durability, and I fre- quently substitute some other tree, when [ would have preferred a Magnolia. Loudon advises planting only of pot plants, because of the delicate nature of the roots ; but when a plant has taken well in the soil and made a healthy growth of one, two, or even three seasons before dying, I cannot see any special reason for preferring a pot-plant. As I have said, I have queried why, after a season or more of healthy growth, they should die, and have looked about me for the cause. We are taught that the Magnolia will only do well in sandy loam, or a light, well-drained soil, and with this view I have, when 1 could, arranged my planting of the Magnolia in such portions of the grounds as were of light, dry, sandy or gravelly nature. Now, when looking about among the best trees of Magnolia in gardens, I find one of Soul- angea in a light, sandy loam that is twelve or more years old ; blooms abundantly every year; is healthy and vigorous, but while it is only in apparent light, sandy soil, a close inspection reveals that water percolates from springs through the soil underneath at about, say three feet depth. Again, in grounds once possessed by my- self, there are growing some very healthy specimens of conspicua, tripetela, etc., and the soil a poor, gravelly-clay loam, that, before being cleaned and opened to the sun, was termed wet. There is no underdrain- age, and yet the trees do well. Again, trees of Glauca and Macrophylla, planted ten years since, in a barren, poor gravel, but resting on a bed once a swamp (for it is made ground by grading and filling with the gravel), and where water stands nearly the entire year round within eighteen inches of the surface, are growing healthy and vigorous. These observations, with some others of similar nature, together with the appearance of trees grown by Prof. J. P. Kirtland, by budding on the Magnolia acuminata, lead me to conclude that while the Magnolia may start and grow most readily in a light soil, yet, un- less there is moisture reached by its roots during midsummer, its vitality is much im- paired, and it is liable to die on approach of any extreme change of t.mperature. The budding or grafting of Soukmgea conspicua, glaroca, &c., on the acuminata, our native wood tree, here commonly called oucumber tree, has been practised by Professor ' Kit-tland, with complete success. In his grounds now stand, prob- ably, the largest Magnolia glauca in the United States. It is grafted on the acu- minata, and at a rough guess, is thirty feet high and about the same in diameter; it is yearly covered with bloom and ripens i;s seeds perfectly. Several of the conspicua, soukmgea, longljlora, purjmrea, &c., which budded on the acuminata, have made growths already double those of the same The Birds of Brightside. 305 varieties on their own roots. Tliese items, connected with the facts that the acuminata is often found growing in our clay lands, even where before being cleared up, the appearance is as of a wet section of land, lead me to suggest to our growers ot the magnolia for sale — the working of them in the acuminata stock. It is well to say to buyers of the magnolias that they had better pay high prices for a plant budded as acuminata than to have a seedling as a gift. THE BIRDS OF BRIGHTSIDE. BY W. WAYBRIDGE, ESQ. When I came to live at Brightside, one thing struck me as peculiar : there was no bird songs, no music. The ten-acre lot, on the western side of which the buildings stand, was almost nude of trees, and the forests swept around at a respectable dis- tance. The house had not been occupied, the land had not been tilled, smce the com- mencement of the war. I had been living in a village famous for its shade trees and its birds, and on coming to Brightside in the spring of 1865, ray heart sank within me when I found there were no birds ; no morning songs to wel- come the new day ; no woodland vespers to soften and to sweeten its decline. I re- gretted having signed the deed which made the little kingdom mine. There was no music ! It is true that now and then the scream of a blue jay, or the croaking of a crow, would greet the ear from the distant woodlands ; a robin would, once in a while, come and sit upon a twig of a wild cherry tree, and sing a cheerful song to me ; and a phcebe, soli- tary and alone, did return to her nest in the barn cellar, and, by her peculiar note, make deeper still the feeling of loneliness and of isolation which came over me. Save here and there a slender or discordant song, there was no music. But I read again " Ten Acres Enough ;" took heart ; put in the plough, the spade, the hoe, the crop — peas, beans, melons, corn, hops, cabbages, cauliflowers, grapes, and strawberries. I set out trees around my house and barn, and along the road side for some sixty rods or more. I filled my front yard with clambering vines and flow- ers. I spent the season — myself and son — in improving and beautifying the place. I put six of the ten acres into tilth ; and thanks to my peat meadow, and to Him who made the benefaction, was enabled to send some things to market, and to keep the buckets in the buttery (excuse this last old-fashioned word, the alliteration would not come without it) full at home. And what do you think, Mr. Reader ? Why, when the present spring opened, along with it came, as welcome visitors, I assure you, the merry, heart-inspiring birds. It would now do your heart good to hear them salute the morning by their gleeful songs ; to hear them trolling out their melodies still, until the veil of evening is completely shut. A robin has built her nest in an old elm be- side the road, and sings as if her breast were made of music ; the bob-o-link sets up its frolicsome rigmarole in the meadow below ; an oriole sings daily near my win- dow ; a bluebird has built its nest just be- neath the handle of an old pump opposite, and now sits chirping on the top of it ; a sparrow, indeed, has chosen a vine directly beside the most frequented door, for safety during incubation — we do not keep a cat — and what with the sweet song of the mea- dow lark, the notes of golden robin, cherry- bird, yellow-bird, woodpecker, flycatcher, king-bird, yellowhammer, and blue-jay, in- terblending with, now and then, in damp and quiet weather, a pleasant call of " more wet," from Bob White — Perdex Virginiana 306 The Horticulturist. — we have music enough, and better than from lute orsackbut, for the morning; and when the " evening shadows prevail," the brown thv\xsh-:-turdit,s nifus — most voluptu- ous of American vocalists, takes up its " amorous descant " from the topmost twig of yon tall birch tree ; while the wood- thrush — turdifi mustelinus — from the bosom of that clump of alders, charms me with its silvery cadencss ; and the whippoorwill winds up the day, and startles the dull ear of night by its weird-like and myste- rious song. Now, what has brought these birds to Brightside 1 Ploughing up the ground ? But there was food enough for them before. What has called them around us 1 Our own music? We have been too busy to make music. What, then, has gathered them ? The love of man ? Yes, I believe it. Birds are social. They do not frequent the deep and silent forest. They love the habitations of men. They love the garden — its seeds, undoubtedly; but they also love the men that work in it. They have a kind of human as well as humanizing na- ture, and they sympathize with human na- ture. They build just as near to us as they dare to build ; they follow us in our journeys ; they settle where we settle ; they toil for us; they destroy myriads of insects that else would injure the produc- tions of the garden ; they sing sweet songs to us; they make Brightside still brighter, Paradise still nearer, and the steps to it still lighter. Sitting underneath an old apple tree in his garden, late one summer evening, Mr. Webster entertained a group of eager list- eners with his views of coming national events, when suddenly a robin broke forth into a song above the stateman's head. He stopped and listened to its note, and then, as if it were an angel sent from God, he, rising, said, " Gentlemen, that robin always comes to me at night, and sings to me of my poor son ! Let us retire." From out another sphere, these birds bring messages of love to the attentive soul. From the gardens of the Hesperides they come to soften toil, to waken praise ; to lure us by their music, stealing through the flowers of such fair paradises as we, by the aid of your good Horticulturist, man- age to make below, to the music of the flowers of the resplendent Paradise above. Brightside, near Billerica, Mass. PULVERIZED CLAY AS A REMEDY FOR MILDEW ON THE GRAPE VINE. BY VITICOLA. In the Horticulturist for August there is an article by P. Lazaris of Athens (copied from the Floral IVorld), in which dry clay or xiny pulverized substance is recommended as a remedy for mildew. Have we any experience beyond that of Mr. Lazaris ? His experiments are certainly very fair ; but then we must remember that a few cases of cure will not establish the character of any medicine. The proposition so confidently set forth is, that " any substance, dried and pulver- ized, which does not injure the foliage or the fruit of the vine, cures the disease ot 'oidium,' with which it is affected. It is because of the same qualities that pulverized sulphur produces the same effect, and not as a specific, as is generally believed." Now we have in our mind a vine which was every year afflicted with mildew. It grew within six feet of a public road in a large city, and in dry weather it was al- ways well powdered with pulverized road dust. But this dusting did not prevent the mildew. And we are aware of one or two instances in which vines were dusted with finely powdered gypsum or plaster without warding off the evil. Grapevine Mildew. 307 It is curious to observe tlie very opposite opinions wbicli prevail in regard to certain subjects. While one man announces, as a new discovery, the use of powdered earth as a remedy for mildew, some of our older authors caution us against stirring the soil of the vineyards during dry weather, while the grapes are maturing, for fear of inducing disease by the dust which unavoidably set- tles on the vines. We have now in progress a series of in- vestigations concerning the action of sul- phur on mildew. The subject is a difficult one, but the results promise to be interest- ing and important. Meantime, we would offer the following note quoted from Allen's " Practical Treatise on the Culture of the Grape," which goes to prove that sulphur acts as a specific poison to fungi aside from its mechanical action as a powder. In this case, as the reader will observe, the sul- phur was not applied directly to the vine. " Nathaniel Silsbee, Jr. Esq., informs me that in his grapery, whicll is a cold house, he covers the floor twice every summer, with sulphur, and recommends its applica- tion in the middle of the day ; as, at that time part of it will rise and settle on the vine, but in such small particles, as to do no injury. He has found this efficient in preventing mildew." In conclusion, we would suggest to the readers of the Horticulturist that they give their experience on this subject. Who has tried plaster or similar powders, and with what result ? Have vines growing near roads been found less liable to mildew than others 1 An extensive series 'of replies to these questions might throw some light on the subject. GRAPEVINE MILDEW. BY HORTICOLA. In the August number of the Horti- culturist, there is an article on the cure of the Oidium, by P. Lazaris, of Athens, in which he advises to dust the vines with dry clay instead of sulphur. He says he was led to the use of that substance by the fact his own observation had established, that vines lying on the ground were never mil- deioecl. Although it might be difficult to comprehend the similarity of the condi- tion of a vine lying on the ground, and of a vine dusted all over with powdered clay, yet this question is insignificant in the face of the fact, that grapevines lying on the ground are, at least in this country, much more liable to le affected than those which are tied to poles or trellises. It is my custom never to tie up cuttings, from single or more eyes, during the first summer, being convinced that, by checking the upward tendency of the young vines, the root acquires much more strength. I continue this treatment also during the second year, after old vines have been planted in their several places and pruned. There is no trace of mildew on any of my vines trained to stakes or trellises, for I ap- ply sulphur so freely and frequently that all spores of it are destroyed as soon as they are formed. Not quite a week ago however, I was walking through my grounds with two friends, when we simul- taneously noticed those light-colored spots produced by mildew on the leaves of a number of young Crevelings and other na- tive varieties. They had proceeded from several young Yeddos. There is no variety more subject to mildew than the Yeddo. Now all the vines so afected are lying on the ground. One of the two gentlemen mentioned ob- served that it had been his belief that vines lying on the ground were exempt from mil- dew. He was as glad as he was sorry that his belief had been exploded. Many of the 308 Tlie Horticulturist. readers of the Horticulturist will, no doubt, have had the same experience ; but, should it be desirable, I am ready to give the names of bo^h of the gentlemen. This shows that the premises of Mr. P. Lazaris are not founded on fact. As to his inferences, it may be interesting to make some remarks by stating what has been done by others in regard to road dust or powdered clay. The readers of the Horticulturist will permit me to premise the follow'ing state- ment: Requested by the Hon. Isaac Newton, Commissioner of Agriculture, to write a treatise on the sulphuration of the grape- vine and its results, both in this country and Europe, I addressed a large number of letters to the most celebrated vine-growers in France and Germany, in order to obtain full information covering the whole subject. T am already in possession of material so ample and extensive, that I could easily till many pages with it, though it is not com- plete yet, as several gentlemeu addressed by me cannot make replies satisfactory to themselves before the next autumn. I will, therefore, not touch it at present, but re- serve it for the treatise, to be printed in the agricultural part of the Patent Office Report. What I give here is extracted from various literary sources, easily accessible to all. It is not my intention to accumulate facts. According to a communication of the Prussian Correspondent of the year 1857, dust from the turnpikes is as efficacious as sulphur in destroying mildew. Mr. Cres- tien recommended, on the 28th of Septem- ber, 1857, in the Academy of Sciences in Paris, the same very highly. He says sul- phur covers and envelopes the oidium plants so entirely, that the air is excluded, and destroj^s in this way the oidium. As road dust performs that work better and more thoroughly than sulphur, it is much more preferable. On the other hand, many experienced vine-growers assert that sulphur acts spe- cifically upon the oidium by dissolving and destroying it. At all events, nothing is used in Europe but sulphur at present, so that even the French Government reduced, several years ago, the duties on it, so as to bring it within the reach even of the poor- est vigneron. Road dust has had a chance in France and Germanj'-, since 1857, to su- persede sulphur, but it has not been able to accomplish it. I am very far from impugning the vera- city of Mr. P. Lazaris as to doubt the re- sults of his experiments ; but what applies to the dry air and serene sky of Corinth, may not apply to our excessive climates. — Oftentimes nearly absolute dryness of the air is suddenly followed by extreme hu- midity, intolerable heat by chilling winds. As all my vines have repeatedly been sulphurated, I cannot make comparative experiments. Such of the readers of the Horticulturist as may have the opportu- nity to try clay, will have a claim on the thanks of the vine growing community if they will communicate the results of their operations. NOTES ON THE AUGUST NUMBER. Varieties of Strawberries. — A plain practical article, descriptive of some of our leading and most popular sorts. The wri- ter has evidently examined his fruits, and doubtless recorded correctly as they ap- peared to him ; but, to make his record of more value, he should have giveu the soil in which the several sorts succeeded best. It is now, I believe, pretty generally con- ceded that a variety will succeed finely in one character of soil, while if placed in a different one, although within a short dis- tance, it will prove almost worthless. Cli- mate, also, is said to afi'ect the strawberry Notes on the August Number. 309 making some varieties a local rather than a general sort. However true this may be, I cannot of my own knowledge affirm ; but I well remember, some years since, a long pro and con about the Black Prince — a va- riety that in some localities was proved of the highest excellence, while in others it was unworthy growing. Buist's Prize is another, and I think not unlikely Jenny Lind another, as some grow- ers praise it highly, while witlf others it is unproductive. Our Southern friends will find the strawberry question a mixed one with them, their climate being so unlike that of the North and Middle States. In connection, I notice in the report of the Wallingford (Conn.) Community they still hold to the Wilson as their most pro- fitable sort for market. Rural Architecture, No. 16. — I like this very much. It gives one an idea of home comfort with its porch and veranda ; while in its architectural elevation there is an air of refinement and taste, without dis- play of tinsel ornamentation. Norton's Virginia Grape. — Mr. Hus- mann does not say too much in praise of this grape where it can be successfully ripened. It makes a wine heavier than the best cla- rets, and more nearly to port than any other with which I am acquainted. As Mr. H. says, however, it seems to do better in Missouri than in Ohio, although I have seen it on the south shore of Lake Erie growing and ripening its fruit equally as well as at Hermann. To those about to engage in vine-growing in our Southern States, especially in Tennessee, it will prove of the greatest value. New Strawberries. — This, like the first article, shows the practical observer, and gives us a truthful statement of the varie- ties under the writer's treatment. While conceding that the care given was no more than, perhaps, should have been, we must, however be inclined to think it is more than strawberry growers for profit can aiford ; and, while the varieties may be desirable to the amateur, I venture to predict that not one among those carefully described will be found five years hence in a dozen gardens in the United States. Disease of the Vine, and its Remedy. — The writer seems to have found what, to himself, appears a certain cure for the dis- eases of the grape-vine. I hope it may be true; for, although in vineyard culture such powdering three or more times is attended with considerable expense, it is yet better than to lose the whole crop. I confess, however, to be a little of an unbeliever, and to think that the experiments require re- peating. If oidium is a disease of the at- mosphere, and affecting the vine without regard to soil or vigor of the vine, then a change in the atmosphere might have checked the progress of the disease rather than the use of the powdered claj^ If> again, we grant oidium to be a disease of the atmosphere, and attacking only vines in a peculiar condition of vigor, or rather want of vigor, as the ague does mankind, then have we not to go farther back to get our remedy. Plan for Laying-Out Five Acres for A Suburban Villa. — On the whole, a good plan. I should, however, object to so much roadway in front, and should endeavor to mass my trees nearer the approach-gate, ■R-ith the same view apparent here, viz., to shut it from the house, and arrange for but one roadway, thus giving me more of appa- rent extent inside, and liberty to present a more park-like character. Southward, Ho ! Fruit Culture in the United States. — The writer truly says, " a large portion of the Southern States is admirably adapted to the culture of fruits ;" and, where perfect quiet and order, with less of bowie-knife rule, pre vails, our Northern men will doubtless seek and improve the portions of the Southern States best suited to the products that may be found profitable. We Northerners are a go-ahead people. We are ambitious to gain money as well as reputation, but we love the comforts of a quiet home, and a feeling that we can visit from neighbor to neighbor without having to carry a revolver for bodily protection. 310 TJie Horticulturist. Tliat sections of the Southern States are admirably adapted to fruit culture, as be- fore said, is true, but let no man think that fruit-growing is there free from care, or that its returns pecuniarily are any more ready or certain than in our Northern States. Extremes are even greater in the Southern than in the Northern States. — Drought often prevails, as is the case this year, just at the very point vrhen rain is most needed to swell and perfect the fruit* Long-continued rains are more prevalent than at the North, and no man accustomed to the North can labor at the South with anything like the same spirit and ease of the physical frame. Inside Grape Borders. — " Fox Meadow," as usual, writes with a racy pen, and I have read this article with so much satisfaction as to wish I could step in and see his in- side borders. Like him, 1 have faith in in- side borders, but only for those who know how to treat the vine, and so knowing, per- form the labor. E. W. Bull on Grape Culture — No. 2. — In this, there are some, to me, crude notions, one of which is the advice never to prune a vine at time of planting; another is the sj'-stem of training. It may do for ]Mr. Bui), but would never do for me. — There is, in the advice not to shorten-in the grape, a clashing of physiology with the practice ; and, in the mode of pruning, an extra amount of labor, not compensated with fruit as compared with the simple renewal practice advised by Husmann. I will say to Mr. Merrick that it is my impression his vines will be less subject to injury fi-om late spring frosts^ if he will leave them to lay upon the ground, even until after the fruit has set. I am sur- prised at the comments on " My Vineyard at Lake View." As Mr, Merrick says, the author |jro/esses to give actual experience, but how do we know it is anything but fic- tion. Trot out the author, then we will go and see his place, and, seeing, believe or otherwise in the truth of his book. Correspondence. — With your permis- sion, Mr. Editor, I step over among your correspondents, to ask of Mr. Phoenix an account of the Georgia Mammoth Straw- berry. P. D. 0. — My good critic, on a criticism, I have little doubt but that our views of the style of architecture, as adapted to natural surroundings, would harmonize. At any rate, I am glad to have drawn you out in the remarks you have made. My object in criticising the steep roofs and gables was more to check their undue sway and posi- tion everywhere, rather than a thought of discountenancing the style. You ask if the praise by Downing, and other leading arch- itects, of the gothic rural cottage of Eng- land— their appreciation of the old cathe- drals with their peaks and arches — was a fiilse taste ? I reply certainly not. There is a grandeur and beauty in gothic archi- tecture possessed by no other style ; and when the style is fully carried out with depth and finish, and the character of the trees surrounding such a building, if a pri- vate residence, adapted in their character of growth and foliage to harmonize with itj tlie section may be a level or not, and the building in good taste. I cannot, however, believe Mr. Downing, were he once again with us, would assent to the tinsel style of gothic architecture in inch pine, painted white, and built on lots twenty-five feet by one hundred feet. It is this reducing of a lofty order to pigmy ideas that I would particularly com- plain of. Again, as our cheap houses — those cost- ing ^1,500 to §2,000— are mostly con- structed with a view to obtain rooms, &c., at a small expense, why should not our architects occasionally introduce more of the Italian or the Tuscan styles 1 They furnish room, shade, balconies and veran- das, to suit the wants to shield from storm and sun; and their cost of construction, compared with room obtained, is less in proportion. But enough ; my object, I think, has sufficiently been stated, and I leave the subject for, perhaps, some future time. Keueen. Box or Basket Layers. 311' BOX OR BASKET LAYERS.— THEIR TRUE VALUE AND PROPER USE. BY VITICOLA. "We Lave observed some recent notes in tbc Horticulturist strongly condemning basket layers as unmitigated humbugs. Anything may be a humbug when pushed to extremes, and vre freely admit that the impossible hopes that have been held out to the public as baits, to induce them to purchase freely of basket laj'ers, do invest the subject with some of the characteristics of a genuine humbug. For it is possible that while all the promises made about basket layers may be " kept to our ears ; it is tolerably certain that many of them will be broken to our hope." It may be true that such layers will "fruit next season." Ought they to be fruited next season ? and if fruited, will they bear better than good strong plants transplanted in the ordinary way. At the State fair in Elmira a dozen years ago a grape grower exhibited a plant grow- ing in a tub or pail and bearing several bunches of very fine fruit. If we remember right the variety was Isabella. Now this was a layer, and a layer fruited the same season it was made. As an experiment it was very pretty. As an illustration of grape-growing it was worthless. Plants have been grown in pots, and if this was described as " grapes grown in a tub," it was a verbal truth and an actual lie. So that it was either a very pretty experi- ment, or an actual falsehood, according to circumstances. Lest, however, the animal versions which have been so freely lavished upon them and their producers should be applied to basket layers under all circumstances, we take the liberty of saying a word or two in their favor. In his account of the Thomery system Du Breuil says of basket layers : " This is undoubtedly the best mode of propagation, and is that which is preferred at Thomery. Unhappily, on account of the expense at- tending the transportation of basket layers, the cultivator is often compelled to use the unprotected layers, or chevelees." But we do not base our conclusions wholly upon either theory or the "au- thors." We ourselves have had some ex- perience both with basket layers and com- mon layers, although we never bought one of the former. Before giving the results, however, let us consider what we have a right to expect from basket layers. Com- mon sense will teach us that there is a limit to the advantages to be desired from this mode of propagation ; a little consi- deration will show us just where this limit must in the nature of things lie ; and if any vine seller claims that basket layers will do more, then we will do well to doubt his assertions, or at least doubt ou7- ability to equal Jiis extraordinary results. Did you ever lay a stout branch of a vine, laying it down for some length deeply (that is to say ten to twelve inches) below the surface, keeping it moist during sum- mer, and cutting it free from the parent plant in the fall ? If you have made such a layer and taken care of it next year, you are doubtless aware that a plant so pro- duced is capable of bearing a crop of fruit next season, provided it is not moved from the place where it layered. It cannot ripen a very large crop, because the roots which are produced by layers during the first season never ripen as well as those upon plants which have been growing since spring. But it will have a fair proportion of roots, and if not fruited at all, it is capable of making an exceedmgly vigorous plant during the next season. If then you have ever tried this, you have a standard which it is in vain for you ever to hope to surpass by any such contrivances as box or basket layers. This is too obvious to require remark. No one would venture to assert that merely removing such a vine, 312 The Horticulturist. no matter liow it was done, would add to its vigor or hasten its progress. Now even the most inexperienced will have some idea of the extent to which the roots of such a layer as we have described will extend. Are you prepared, " regardless of expense," to remove all the earth within that space ? If so, it is probable that the vine in its new location will bear nearly as well as if it had not been moved. But if you live at a dis- tance from the original vine, you will find that the freight will cost more than the vine is worth. We have under ordinary favorable circumstances layered a branch from a bearing vine, and had it make a strong plant next season — a plant which, during the following year, bore a full crop. To avoid mistake, let us say that if in this year of our Lord 1866 you make such a layer, it will, during 1867, make wood enough to cover a trellis eight feet long and three feet high, and during 1868 it will bear a full crop over that extent, provided it is allowed to remain where it is layered. We base this statement upon our own average experience under ordinary garden culture. No basket layer under the same circumstances could have done mare. But the removal of such a layer would be a formidable undertaking. Take such basket layers as are figured by Du Breuil — they are about equal to those generally offered for sale — where but a few joints are laid down and the amount of earth does not exceed from one-half to one bushel, and the idea of either fruiting them, or building up the superstructure of the future plant upon any such basis, during the first season, would be preposterous. You may fruit such a vine, but every bunch will cost you ten times its value, if the vine is worth anything at all. But, when properly managed, basket layers may be made to do much better than common layers, or " naked layers," as they are called, of the same size. A good shoot from an Isabella vine, layered by the end of May in an old half-bushel basket, separated from the parent plant by the middle of August, and removed on the 5th of September to its permanent loca- tion, ripened its wood so perfectly that two arms of four feet each (which had been grown while the layer was attached to the parent vine) were laid in at the winter pruning. Next year these arms threw up twelve vigorous shoots, all of which would have borne fruit if allowed to do so. But the fruit blossoms were all removed as soon as they showed themselves, and the second season each alternate shoot boie a full crop of grapes without injury to the vine. We have never been able to attain the same success with naked layers, and we therefore regard the use of baskets as capable of saving fully one year. But in all our experiments we have found that the great advantage to be do- rived from the use of baskets is the facility which it gives us of transplanting the young vines before they have done growing. A plant layered by the end of May will begin to throw out roots early in June ; by the first of August these roots will have filled a large basket ; if now, by the middle of August, the layer be placed upon its own resources, the roots and wood will ripen thoroughly. Remove the plant by the first of September to its final resting place, and the roots will not only heal up all their injuries, but will send out multitudes of new fibres, as we have proved by careful observation, and your vine at the close of the season is equal to a good, healthy plant that had been set out in the previous spring and had grown without check the whole season. And it is not a whit better. Would you dare to fruit a common plant the second season after setting out ? But if the plant should be transported to a distance and the roots next outside of the box or basket, should get dry, the plant is worse than a well-transplanted common vine oft]>e.foUoioing spring. So, too, if the transplanting be delayed until late in the fall, or till the following spring, we cannot see how basket layers Gleanings. 313 would prove better than Tvell-transplanted vines removed in the ordinary manner. In- deed, we would prefer the latter, even aside from convenience and cheapness. It is well known to every plant grower that in setting out vines that have been grown in pots and boxes, it is better to shake off all the soil from the roots and spread them out in their new location, than merely to transfer the ball to the border, unless the operation has to be performed during the growing season. It is true that in baskets or boxes made of slats, the roots are not so much confined as they are in pots or tight boxes. Still this would not alter our preference. To us it seems that the great advantage to be derived from basket layers lies in the fact that they can be transplanted so early in the fall as to secure what is virtually equivalent to an extra year's growth. This, and this alone, confers upon them their superiority to common layers or cuttings. That the use of the basket doe.^ enable us to secure this great advantage, we know, for we liave tried it. "Would it not be well, then, for those who desire to extend their vine- yards to give some attention to this sub- ject? Instead of setting out plants in the spring, make a number of basket layers in May or early in June. During the summer the land to be occupied by the proposed exten- sion may be used for any valuable crop that can be removed by the first of September. At that time the ground can be cultivated and brought into the very best condition, so that the plants might be placed in soil mellow and friable to the last degree. If after being planted they were tho- roughly mulched, they would go on and ripen both wood and roots, and become so firmly established that, next spring, they could not fail to make a vigorous growth. And we are perfectly satisfied that the grape grower who adopts this plan in his vineyard will form an opinion of basket layers very different from that of the ama- teur who, in November, receives by express from a distance of a hundred miles or more a box or a basket layer at ija cost of five or ten dollars. GLEANINGS— Continued, [IX, In speaking of the greatest depths within the earth reached by human labor, we must recollect that there is a difference between the absolute depth (that is to say, the depth below the earth's surface at that point), and the relative depth (or that be- neath the level of the sea). The greatest relative depth that man has hitherto reach- ed is probably the bore of the salt works at Minden, in Prussia : in June 1844, it was 1,993 feet, the absolute depth being 2,231 feet. The temperature of the water at the bottom was 91° Fahrenheit, which assum- ing the mean temperature of the air at 49° 3', gives an increase of temperature of 1° for every 54 feet. The absolute depth of the artesian well of Grenelle, near Paris, is only 1,795 feet. It is said that the " fire- springs" of the Chinese, which are sunk to obtain carburetted hydrogen gas for salt boiling, far exceed our artesian wells in depth, some of them are more than 2,000 feet in depth, and one is mentioned by Humboldt which had a depth of 3,197 feet. The relative depth reached at Mount Abassi, in Tuscany, amounts to only 1,253 feet. The boring at the salt works near Minden, is probably of about the same re- lative depth as the coal-mine at Apenda'e, in Staffordshire, where men work 725 yards be'ow the surface of the earth. The rela- tive depth cf the Monk-wearmouth mine, near Newcastle, England is only 1,496 feet. The works of greatest absolute depth that have ever been formed, are for the 314 The Horticulturist. most part situated in such elevated plains or valleys, that they either do not descend so low as the level of the sea, or at most reach very little below it. Thus the Esel- schacht, in Bohemia, a mine which cannot now be worked, had the enormous absolute depth of 3,778 feet. X. According to tolerably accordant experi- ments in artesian wells, mines, &c., it has been shown that the heat increases on an average about 1° for every 54^ feet. The two points on the earth lying at a small vertical distance from each other, whose annual mean temperatures are most accu- rately^ known, are probably at the spot on which the Paris Observatory stands, and the Catacombs beneath it. The mean tem- perature of the former is 51° 5', and of the latter 53° 3', the diflerence being 1° 8' for 92 feet, or 1° for 51.77 feet. If this increase of temperature can be reduced to arithmetical relations, it will follow that a stratum of granite would be in a state of fusion at a depth of about 21 geographical miles, or between four or five times the elevation of the highest summit of the Himalaya. XL It must be remembered that the inor- ganic crust of the earth contains within it the same elements that enter into the structure of animal and vegetable organs. The physical cosmography would therefore be incomplete if it were to omit a consid- eration of these forces, and of the sub- stances which enter into solid and fluid combinations in organic tissues, under con- ditions which from our ignorance of their actual nature, we designate by the vague term of vital forces^ and group into various systems, in accordance with more or less perfectly conceived analogies. The natural tendency of the human mind involuntarily prompts us to follow the physical phenom- ena of the earth, through all their varied series, unil we reach the final stage of the evolution of vegetable forms, and the self- determining powers of motion in animal organisms. XII. During the winter season plants are pro- vided by nature with a sort of winter quarters, which secure them from the effects of cold. Those called herbaceous, which die down to the root every autumn, are now safely concealed under ground, preparing their new shoots to burst forth when the earth is softened in spring. Shrubs and trees, which are exposed to the open air, have all their soft and tender parts closely wrapt up in buds, which by their firmness resist all the power of frost; the larger kinds of buds, and those which are almost ready to expand, are further guarded by a covering of resin or gum, such as the horse-chestnut, the sycamore, and the balm of Gilead. The external covering, however, and the closeness of their internal texture, are of themselves by no means adequate to resist the intense cold of a winter's night; a bud, detached from its stem, enclosed in glass, and thus protected from all access of external air, if suspended from a tree during a sharp frost, will be entirely penetrated, and its parts deranged by the cold, while the buds on the same tree will not have sustained the slightest injury. We must therefore attri- bute to the living principle in vegetables, as well as in animals, the power of resist- ing cold to a very considerable degree. In animals we know this power is generated from the decomposition of air by means of the lungs and disengagement of heat. How vegetables acquire this property remains for future observation to discover. If one of these buds be carefully opened, it is found to consist of young leaves rolled to- gether, within which are even all the blos- soms in miniature that are afterwards to adorn the spring. Editor's Table. EDITOR'S TABLE. 315 To Contributors and Others Address all Communications, for the Editorial and publishing departments, to Geo. E. & F. W. Woodward, 37 Park Row, New York. We have received from Mr. George Hus- mann, of Hermann, Missouri, the prospec- tus of the Bluflfton Wine Company of Cen- tral Missouri. The objects of the Company are : First— The purchase of 2,000 to 3,000 acres of the most desirable grape land sur- rounding BlufFton Landing. A portion of this land may in time, at the discretion of the Company, be sold to suitable persons who may wish to locate upon it for grape- growing or other purpose. The principal part, however, is designed to be lensed for a term of ten years, in tracts of about twenty acres, to persons who, without hav- ing the means to purchase, have the dispo- sition, necessary intelligence and industry for engaging in grape-growing. The leases to be made on terms similar to those al- ready established by Mr. Husmann. This, the grape-growing proper, to be under the supervision of a competent manager, who is able to assist the tenants with advice and instruction when they need it. The terms of Mr. Ilusmann's leases are briefly as follows : — To furnish the tenant a small house to live in, the vines for planting, the wire for trellis if used, about ^150 for his support the first j'ear, and give him one- half of the produce. This plan has been tried for several years by Mr. Husmann, and found to be very profitable and satis- factory to both parties. Second — Under a competent manager, to propagate grapes largely upon the deep, rich, sandy loam soils to be found on some of the creek bottoms belonging to the Com- pany. It is well known by trial that a very superior quality of plants can be produced with great facility upon these soils. In this way the surplus grape wood produced can be used to good advantage. An im- mense amount of plants may be thus grown, and the public fui-nished with vines at a lower rate, and of better quality than can be obtained elsewhere. Third — Build a cellar or cellars of suffi- cient capacity to hold the wine which can be made from all the grapes grown in the vicinity, purchasing the shares of the lessees at a fair value, and also the products of other vineyards in the vicinity. The advantage of making wine on a large scale, and in large and suitable cellars is well known. Add to this the peculiar advan- tage of the soil and location, and it is con- fidently believed that wine will be made at Bluft'ton infinitely superior in quality to any heretofore made in this country East of the Rocky Mountains. This department also to be under the supervision of a com- petent person, who understands the man- agement of still and sparkling wines, dis- tilling the husks and lees into brandy, &c. Fourth — To establish a depot for sales in St. Louis. OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY. George Husmann, President. Dr. Philip Weigel, Vice-President. Dr. L. D. Morse, Secretary. Hon. IsiDOR Bush, Treasurer. We are glad to see an enterprize of this sort put in motion, and by parties of such well-known standing. Mr. Husmann has already demonstrated that its success is certain. Seedling Grape- Vines, magnolias, or- namental shrubs, &c., should be protected the first winter. Many a plant is destroy- ed the first winter that, had it been then protected, would have afterwards proved hardy. 316 The Horticulturist. Lilies — Hybridization. — The Japan lilies, speciostcm and varieties, have now- been for years among the gems of our flower-gardens. More recently the auratum was introduced, and, with its immense size of flower, and beautiful gold band or stripe in the centre of the petals, has caused some amount of excitement, and ready sale for the bulbs at high prices. But the end is yet to come ; and, from what has been told us, and from what we have read, the Messrs. Hovey, of Boston, have, by hy- bridizing the variety of Japan lily called melpomene with the auratum^ produced and flowered a variety surpassing the auratum in splendor, and having the form of flower and habit of foliage of speciosum. This, of course, inaugurates the practice now soon, we doubt not, to be followed by amateur florists, until a few years, we trust, will see our gardens blooming with varieties of thes3 lilies, as much surpassing in beauty the present as the present does that of the old tiger lily. By the by, we suggest to operators the tiger lily as a parent to work upon, to retain hardihood, and bring out colors. Bulbs that are yearly moved and flower- ed m the open ground rarely seed ; but, if left in the same place three or more years, without having been taken up, the main or centre flower stalk will generally produce seed. Plants, however, that are grown in pots in the house nearly always produce seed, hence such plants are advised for op- erating on. Gathering Fruit. — Pears and apples, usually termed fall varieties, should be gathered a week or ten days before they would naturally drop. Pick them by hand ; lay them in barrels or boxes, enclosing them tight ; and place in a cool but dry room or cellar. So cared for, they will often keep till near or quite mid-winter. Winter varieties, especially long-keeping sorts, should be left on the trees as long as the weather will permit. Some claim that, as the ripening process changes the starch into sugar, therefore, in order to keep well, the fruit should be gathered before any such change has taken place ; in other words, that the fruit should be gathered two or three weeks before it is commonly termed ripe. We may err in our judgment ; but many years of observation convinces us that our best fruits in winter and spring have been those that we permitted to hang longest on the tree. Dwarf Evergreens, planted in tubs or boxes where, during the past summer, ver- benas, geraniums, &c., have freely bloomed^ help to make a cheerful and pleasing char- acter to a portion of the garden or lawn that otherwise would present a barren and rather unsightly feature. The evergreens, if not wanted in spring to plant out else- where, maybe kept in the tubs in the back yard, or massed in around and among groups of stately trees. The Kittatinny Blackberry. — This blackberry, it seems, called the members of the American Institute Farmers' Club to an examination of its merits in August last. Their report places it as promising to be more desirable, both for market and family use, than any other variety. It is stated to be as large as Lawton ; to ripen earlier, and continue longer, and to bear equally as well, if not better; the canes perfectly hardy, and the fruit sweet and high-flavored. It originated in the woods near the Kitta- tinny Mountains, in Warren County, N.J. the Hyacinths, for early blooming house, should be potted this month. Strawberry Beds should be carefully looked over, and the weeds thoroughlj"- era- dicated. If not alread}'- mulched, do not delay attending to it. Our southern grow- ers will find this a good month to form new beds. As SOON as the leaves drop, prune out- door grape-vines. Editor's Table. 317 Clethra. — Among our shrubs there are, to our vein, none more -worthy attention than the clethra. Commcn as it is in parts of New England, and so on toward the Con- tinent, it is rarely found in our gardens ; and yet, during the month of August, there is no shrub whose spikes of flowers are more beautiful or more fragrant. It is per- fectly hardy, and should be in all grounds. near Philadelphia, do not think we should choose it as a stock ; but the combined knowledge of the growers in various sec- tions, as reported, shows the pear to be, when grown on quince, very valuable in certain localities and soils — of the latter, clajr seems to have preference. This and That. — Our friendly contem- porary, the Gardener's Montlibj, in its August number, takes us to task for crediting it with the transactions of the Fruit Growers' Society of Eastern Pennsylvania; and, at same time, rather intimates that we had intention to attack its uttered remarks rel- ative to the duration of the pear on quince stocks. Now, we had no intention to credit in- correctly ; nor do we see that crediting to the Monthly or otherwise in this matter is of an}^ import relative to the subject in hand. Again, we wrote our item without being " put up to it," but simply making a record of what appeared as the sayings of a fruit-grower. We had no intention either to do injustice to Mr. Crucknell, but gave the record as we understood the reading to mean. The report in the Monthly^ it seems, reads that Mr. Crucknell "was opposed to quince stocks, from their mak- ing the tree so short-lived, not lasting longer than twelve years." This we quali- fied by saying " dboiLt twelve years." Now, Mr. C. says that his remark was, that " the pear or quince, as a general rule, could not be relied upon to bear and ripen a profitable crop of fruit after attaining the age of about twelve years." To this we have now only to say that, in our knowledge, the best of crops have been produced on dwarf pear trees much more than twelve years old. — Our own most productive and healthy dwarfs are, this year, from sixteen to twenty years of age. We have no special interest to advocate in the pear or quince ; and, were we living Introduction of the English Spar ROW West. — On Staten Island, and about Lewellyn Park, in New Jersey, the Eng- lish spdrrow has been introduced. The re- sult of this introduction has been that an- ticipated, viz. — a destruction of great num bers of insects injurious to our shade and fruit trees. As it will take years for these birds to reach our Western States, where fruit-growing is a feature of business, and where shade trees, as here, are part and parcel of every gentleman's home, we sug- gest to such gentlemen readers of our mag- azine the expenditure by them of a small sum in importing and introducing the spar- row. Gentlemen with incomes varying from ^30,000 to $180,000 a-year, can cer- tainly aflord the paltry sum of twenty-five or fifty dollars toward the introduction of a bird, whose labors will keep our shade trees from defoliation, and our fruits less injured by insects. Let any gentlemen, of city or town — club, if they will, or individually — do this act of introducing the sparrow, and their names will be held in reverence for years, as men who sought not their own onl^-^, but the public good. Grape Cuttings, made as soon as the foliage of the vine drops, and planted out in well-prepared land, will start early in the spring, and make a stronger and better growth than when made during winter and planted out in the spring. Mount Lebanon Grape. — Two years since, Mr. Bacon, of Richmond, Mass., made notice in this journal of a grape, under the above name, that ripened its fruit in August, and promised to be valuable. Will Mr. Bacon please tell us more about it ? 318 The HorticuUurut. Brill's Early Cork. — Of the various sorts of sweet corn, we have to give credit to Brill's Earl 3^, as fully sustaining its repu- tation. We bad our seed of Messrs. Hen- derson & Fleming, and planted of it same day and in same soil with other varieties of sweet corn, and with Early Jefferson. We gathered of Brill's at same time as of Jefferson, and a week earlier than any other of the sweet varieties. The Chihuahua Tomato, in our grounds this year, has proved one of the largest in size ; but, as it is very uneven and late in ripening, we do not esteem it. Roses and other plants, taken up and le- planted this month, should, at the time, be placed in a frame or the house, and shaded from the sun until fully established, say two weeks or more. Budded Trees should be carefully look- ed over this month, and examined that no strings be left to cut and destroy them. If young peach stocks have grown too strong, and there is fear of them breaking off, take the hedge shears and go through them, cutting freely the side limbs, and shortening back the green part of the top wood. Celery. — ^If your beds of celery have not been regularly earthed up, then get some common round draining tile, and draw each stem of celery through the tile, leav- ing to stand on end. It will bleach finel}' in this manner, and continue to grow more freely than when bleached by drawing the earth up around it. Plants that are to be Heeled in should have a dry place, where the rains will run off freely, and, if possible, where they may be shaded from sun after ten or eleven o'clock of the day. Purchasing Trees in the Fall. — A correspondent enquires for our opinion rela- tive to the purchasing of his trees in the fall. He says his ground will not be ready for planting until spring, and that he is a long distance from any nursery. We advise all tree planters whether near or far from a nursery, to purchase their fruit and ornamental trees, except evergreen, in the fall. If the ground is not ready for plant- ing before first of winter sets in, then se- lect a dry place, if possible, shaded from the sun, and heel them in carefully. There are often times in winter when planting out may be done to great advantage ; and, by having the trees on hand, the work can be performed leisurely and carefully. Cause Grape Rot. — The Lake Shore Grape-Growers' Association made an ex- cursion trip to Kelley's and other Lake Erie Islands, in August, and at same time held meetings for discussion relative to rot and mildew. We find, from published re- ports of their sayings, that the caiise of disease in the grape, rot, &c., is ascribed in great measure to permitting the vines to overbear, and thus reduce their vitality and ability to endure extreme changes of tem- perature. To this, and severe summer pruning, if we recollect aright, Mr. F. R- Elliott, of Cleveland, ascribed the cause, in a communication to the Ohio Farmer last year. Summer pruning, as a rule, we learn, is now pretty generally abandoned on the islands. May not this be an error 1 We incline to the practice of summer pruning, but with a knowledge of the object, and not the heretofore blind practice of follow- ing old dogmas. Large Grape Leaf. — A friend, visiting Professor J. P. Kirtland the past summer, measured a leaf of the Coleman's white grapevine, the dimensions of which were eighteen by fourteen inches. This grape, by the by, is entirely distinct from Cuya- hoga, but perhaps not as good. Editor's Table. 319 Messrs. Editors : I should like to say a word in reply to " Reuben's " pleasant and suggestive criti- cism in the August number. He seems disposed to doubt the profits reported from the Concord, and says we should not reckon from one vine, &c. This is very true ; and T, therefore remind him that Mr. Bull's re- sults are obtained from a vineyard of 20,000 vines ; that one of the other gentlemen whom I consulted has six acres in vine- yard ; and that, in Middlesex County, Mass., alone, there are fifty-three acres ot cultivated grapes, not counting small lots. So the matter has been tried on a fair scale. Mr. Bull's trifle of compost is necessary to bring about a connection the first year between the vines and the wretched soil in which, when once established, they flourish, and is a mere nothing in point of expense compared to the trenching and manuring still so obstinate!}^ insisted on by the books. In regard to the lona, all I can say is, that I am willing to wait a little, and to re- fer my want of success with it, and the failure of my friends, to the contemptibly wretched vines thus far sent out from head- quarters and elsewhere, at most exorbitant prices. As wo get vines that do not require four or five years coaxing to get one poor bunch, our opinion may be modified. At Salem, Mass., this year, I saw the Adirondac, purple, sweet, and three-quar- ters ripe, on the 17th of August, in a not very favorable location. J. M. Merrick, Jr. The Essential Oils versus Mildew. — The article in the September number of the Horticulturist by Viticola is both interesting and suggestive, and should en- courage a careful series of experiments, based upon M. Hubert's recipe against mil- dew. Certainly, it would be unwise to re- ject the deliberate recommendation of this careful and skillful cultivator (who is also reputed to be a scientific chemist) without mature consideration or practical testing. The statements of Viticola, in respect to the fatal effects of essential oils upon most plants of a fungoid character, are also to be accepted with confidence. And yet, considering the proportions of the recipe, and the manner of its use, I must still own to a good deal of incredulity as to its complete power to control mildew. Consider first the proportions which are thus given : — Salt, 8^ ounces ; saltpetre, 4 ounces ; water, 36 ounces ; oil of lavender, 10 drops ; oil of rosemary, 10 drops. " Take one part of the solution, and from one hun- dred to one hundred and twenty parts of water." There is an ambiguity in the use of the word part ; but, however its use may be decided the overwhelming preponder- ance of water is manifest. " Now, I believe the science of hom.oeo- pathy, and its wholesome influence upon general medical practice are entitled to consideration. But I submit that, when the above solution is recommended, not for direct contact with disease, but as a wash to be applied to the trellis and cane of the vine, in the open air, before the leaves ap- pear, and months before there are any signs of mildew, it requires a good deal of faith to believe there can be such continued virtue in such small quantities of volatile oils, or even in the salt and saltpetre. If the so- lution were applied at the incipiency, or just prior to the development of disease, and in connection with sulphur and lime, we should have good reason to expect fa- vorable results, though the quantity of salts and of oils is exceedingly small. But I would ask Viticola if it is conceivable that so small a quantity of these volatile oils, when applied in spring, can have any perceptible effect upon mildew in August — the worst month for its ravages ? I agree with Viticola in hoping for good results from the recipe of M. Nubert, and I thank him for indicating that my previous criticism was too sweeping. Still, I think the propor- tions of the recipe, and especially the time 320 The Horticulturist. of application, will be greatlj modified by trial. In this connection, I would ask if any vimj-growers have noticed any immu- nity from mildew to vines trained around red cedar posts? I have thought there was a perceptible difference in favor of vines on cedar posts. We might expect this result, for the aroma from the posts is known to be antiseptic, and it is quite pow- erful when the posts are new. Thanks to Viticola for correcting an in- accuracy of expression. Sulphur dusted upon the vines volatilizes slowly. In the process does it not combine with oxygen, and form sulphurous gas ? I had supposed so, but have no authority' or practical test. W. C. Strong. Messrs. Woodward : A neighbor amateur has this year grown about a bushel of most delicious Imperial Gage plums on one tree, passed over to him some three years since by a brother, who said " No use for him to try to grow plums." After it was planted out one year, the family woodpile |.was corded up under and about it; and after the fruit had set, so long as any fear of curculio, a plentiful shower of air-slacked lime dust was scattered over the top every week or twice a week. Last year it bore a peck ; this year a bushel or so — and here you have the whole story. The writer is a profound believer in the efficacy of a similar course of treatment, so far as dusting with lime &c., not merely for curculio, but for the whole herd of insects^ mildew and fungi generally. I vet believe this mode of throwing dust in trees will force our enemies to yield, if it did not the boy in the old story who was up in the ap- ple tree. So far as large trees are concern- ed, and the cost of material, either lime, ashes, plaster, or sulphur, are entirely within reach and reason, and will be found against cracking on pears, scab on White Winter Pearmain and other choice apples, and mildew on grapevines, an eminently- paying application. Year by year, some of our best fruits are black-balled in conven- tion, because found scabby or cracked, but who proposes better ones in their stead ? Or who faithfully combats their maladies, as he would on live stock, for instance ? We do not yet seem half rid of the old notion that a fruit tree must do all without care or aid. Do pears blight — " no use ; can't raise 'em." Does a White Doyenne crack badly, reject it as an " outcast intol- erable to sight." Seriously, can't we do better? Who will mind this for next 3^ear ? F. K. Phoenix. Bloomington, III, Sept. 13, 1866. ^^ Books by Mail. — We supply from this office all books and publications on Archi- tecture, Agriculture and Horticulture, and mail them free of postage to all parts of the country. In addition, we execute orders for the purchase and mailing of all miscel- laneous books, &c. Order any book pub- lished, through us, and it will be promptly sent at the lowest price. Advertising Columns. — We call the 1 attention of our readers to our advertising j columns this month. It will pay to look j through them carefully. Many new names will be found, and we believe all will deal ' fairly. ■ Each year shows an increasing pros- | perity in the Nursery Trade, and those j who grow good plants, transact their busi- '• ness promptly, and advertise liberally, are | those who meet with the greatest success. So far as Grape Vines are concerned, we i would advise our readers to order early. — i The stock in the whole country is not ' large. We believe the demand will not ' be met, and that larer in the season prices must advance very considerably. THE HORTICULTUEIST. VOL. XXI NOVEMBER, 18GG. ,N0, CCXLV. WITHIN DOORS. It is not alone to the outward embelisli- ment of the country home, that art and taste should be directed. The influence of these should be shown as well in its inter- nal arrangement and adornment, and that too, in a way to conduce to the welfare and happiness of the family, and indirectly to promote that genial, unrestrained sociability which should ever characterize country life. To the full accomplishment of this, our rural communities, possessed as they are, of ample means, need only to have their good sense and judgment properly directed. Towards this end but little has as yet been said or aone, while, on the contrary, much thought has been given to rural embellish- ment in the usual acceptation of the term. How can we hope to efiect that which is so much to be desired ? How can we best make known the necessary suggestions to those who might profit by them ? "We can have no better means than those which the p;iges of the Horticulturist present. There are certain little foibles, of which our country neighbors, particularly in New England, are guilty, which we heartily wish were abolished. For example, we would that the spirit, not always to be attributed to meanness, were done away with, which shuts up every portion of the dwelling even against its own inmates, ex- cepting perhaps a single apartment. In that delightful book, " My farm at Edge- wood," the author gives us a faithful pic- ture of this failing too commonly met with, and the death of poor Dorothy, and the opening of the darkened parlors, is a true sketch of what takes place every day in almost every country village. We would gladly see the money now ex- pended in the trashy, half-made articles of furniture, merely because the uncomfort- able shapes of some of them, are said to be of the latest style, laid out for those which are truly strong and serviceable, and for this reason, elegant. We grieve to know that there are families who would willingly dispose of ancestral . relics — choice heirlooms that they are, in the shape of solid mahogany chairs, lofty chests of drawers, with curiously-wrought brass handles, elaborately carved bureaus, claw-footed tables, &c., all in perfect pre- servation, and all of which would long out- Entkred according to A.ct of Congress, in the year 1866, by Geo. E. & F. W. Wf odwakd, in the Clerk's Officd of .the District Court of the United States, for the Southern District of New York. 322 The Horticulturist. live their present owners, as they have theip preceding ones, to supply their places with modern articles, with chairs and sofas upon which no mortal man could ever sit or re- cline with the least degree of comfort, and with beds and bureaus which soon melt away before the blasts of our modern stoves and furnaces. We would wish that less dependence were placed in these very stoves and fur- naces, and that an open fire-place existed in every room, thus securing ample ventila- tion and cheerfulness, and thereby contri- buting to good health and happiness. That at the proper seasons every blind and cur- tain in the country home should be thrown open to admit the genial sunlight. That the light from the blazing wood-fire as it dances on the walls and ceiling, should show to the belated traveler as he passes, the forms of a happy group gathered about the ample chimney place. These are but a tythe of the changes which we would exert ourselves to bring about among the intelligent of our rural population. As regards the arrangement and adornment of the interior of the country dwelling, in the present paper we shall speak more especially of the dining- room. There is nothing more essential to the comfort, and consequently to the happiness of the family, than that the dining-room, should be, of all the apartments of the house, the most pleasant and the most attractive. And to this end, the first re- quisite is, that it should be properly placed. In building, or in the occupation of the residence already constructed, let that room be selected for the purpose, into which the morning sun at least shall throw its cheer- ful rays. In our cold climate, at no time is its presence more welcome than at the breakfast table. If practicable, let both the morning and evening sun-light illumin- ate the room. These points can be attained by the choice of the southeastern exposure. It is not uncommonly the case, that the most dreary, forbidding room in the house, has been chosen for the daily repasts — a room into which no sunshine, ever pours, and whose whole aspect partakes of that gloomy spirit which too often broods over the tables of our people. "We are great advocates for the admission of the sun, especially into those rooms which are occu- pied throughout the day, and in the con- struction of a country dwelling, where choice of position is almost invariably to be had, this important point is to be kept most distinctlj^ in view. Where his beams pen- etrate household neglect on the part of mistress or dependants, is not so apt to be tolerated. And who can estimate the moral in- fluence which a cheerful, sunlighted, taste- fully-arranged room exerts over the mem- bers of a household, especially over the younger portion. An influence which shall go with them through life, and which shall build up happy associations, to which their minds shall ever joyfully revert, wherever in the broad world may be their habita- tion. In the picture which we should form of what a dining-room ought to be, certainly so far as regards the essential points of which we have spoken, we cannot do better than to present a description of our own, for to us at least it embodies all that is requisite for the growth and encouragement of that home-feeling which we would ever see manifested in our children. We have a decided penchant for all that smacks of antiquity. We like old houses and old furniture, particularly if comely and serviceable. We delight in painting to ourselves the scenes, through which they must have passed ; we believe too that they exert a much greater influence in producing a love for home, than those con- structed at a more recent period. Having premised thus much, we will say that our house is old, with a gambrel roof j that its location is a delightful one ; that we have refined and agreeable neighbors, and those not too near. The dining-room has a bay- window to the southeast, and two windows Within Doors. 323 with a southerly aspect. The morning and evening sun throughout the year gladdens it with its presence. The apartment is of fair dimensions, the ceiling low; so low that in the moments of play and during tempo- rary forgetfulness we have brought the heads of our children into very dangerous proximity. The principal feature of the room, and the one in which we take the most delight, is the big open fire place, which will admit as large a log as one can conveniently bring in. The back and jambs are of brick, well blackened with the soot of many a generous fire. The tiled hearth is broad and long, well-polished brass handirons and fenders^ with the accompanying shovel, tongs and bellows, all necessary appendages to the fire on the hearth, are each in their ap- propriate places. And what would induce us to part with the cheery and happy spirit, which this old fire-place continually infuses into our little family — whether at the morning hour, when we first assemble around the table, or at the "children's hour" between day- light and dark, when we gather around its hearth to listen to some oft read story or to recite some well-known adventure ! A Turkey carpet of pleasing colors, and of thick texture, an article which, in our minds is always associated with substantial old-fashioned families, contributes greatly to our comfort. An antique sideboard con- venient both in its external and internal arrangements, with a half dozen high- backed mahogany chairs, telling of Dutch- land, not to forget a more luxurious arm- chair, constitute the moveable furniture. Simple, unostentatious woolen curtains, hang at the bay and other windows — sup- ported upon black walnut fixtures. These may be easily dropped at night, shutting off, if necessary, the recess of the bay window, and thereby adding amazingly to the cosy, secure feeling in which we love to indulge in the long winter evenings of the country. Numerous engravings adorn the wall, not in gilded frames, but in those made of hard wood, merely polished and not varnished, and simple in design. Be- side the ancient clock and bronze candle- sticks numerous little objects, tokens of kind rcmembiance, adorn the broad and ample mantel-shelf. Plants, whose flowers have delighted us through the drearj' season of winter, find a congenial atmos- phere and plenty of sun-light in the bay- window. It is hardly necessary to state that a convenient pantry and a good closet, adjuncts which cannot be dispensed with in the well-ordered household, are con- tiguous. Such are the principal features of our dining-room. While we have seen many that are more spacious and elegant, we have rarely seen any that contained within it, more that was essential to comfort or that was more calculated to make a stranger feel at home. We have been thus particular in our description, for the reason that we would dilate more fully upon certain points. Of course, we could not hope to govern all tastes, but in such a matter as the se- lection of a carpet for a country dining- room, we should advocate the choice of one modest, not only in color, but in design. So also with the coloring of the walls, whether by paint or paper, we should be governed by similar rules of fitness — giving our pre- ference to some warm neutral tint, and most decidedly eschewing white, as a color totally unfitted for either adornment of exterior or interior. Drapery curtains, however simple in their Jabric or construction, contribute greatly to the appearance of a room, doing away with that bareness which is never agreeable, at least during the cold season. For their accompanying fixtures, the various species of hard wood simply polished, are far preferable to the gilded, which are less suitable in the country, being more tawdry and more easily destroyed. The same remarks apply also to the frames of engravings, and in many cases even those of oil paintings. These may seem to be 324 The Horticulturist. matters of trilling importance, but they all go to show the presence of good sense and a refined taste, ruliug over a house- hold. Plants, whether upon a stand or hanging in appropriate pots at the window, add amazingly to the cheerfulness of any room, contributing to the pleasure of those who care and tend for them. They serve also as useful barometers, telling us, by their condition, of the atmospherical state of our apartments, their delicate organization being unable to stand against the injurious emanation from overheated furnaces. Mr. Rand, in his pleasant book upon flower?, says, " a plant or a stand of flowers is a constant source of pleasure in a room ; it is a spring of sunshine, and its silent influence makes all the household more cheerful and better." Finally, a certain degree of harmony should be preserved in all that concerns the internal embellishment of the country home, a point which is very apt to be over- looked by those otherwise correct in their tastes. Chestnut Hill, Feb., 1866. DESIGNS IN RURAL ARCHITECTURE.-No. 18. BY G. E. HARNEY, COLUSPRING, N. Y. The plan of this house has been adopted there has been made some considerable al- in a number of instances, where cheapness teration in the exterior, to suit the fancies and compactness of accommodation were of different parties, or the requirements of particularly desirable; and in each instance different locations. In the design before Fig. 131.— Pc? •^pectne. us, the principal feature of the exterior is the convenience of the plan, opening as it the covered balcony over the entrance does out of the two principal chambers of porch, which, by its depth of shadow, gives the house, and affording comfort and re- boldness to the front, and adds much to tirement to the occupants. In winter, it Rogers^ Hyhrid. 325 may be shut in by a glass front, and -will form then a very pleasant little conserva- tory— a luxury which houses of this size seldom afford. The front door is shielded by a broad hood, and the stoop has seats protected by a railing at the sides. The front entry. No. 1, is five feet by nine, and opens into the living-room, No. 2, twelve feet by seventeen ; this opens into a pantry, No. 3, which is fitted up with sink, cupboards, shelves, and other conve- niences. No. 4 is the parlor, twelve feet Fig. 132. — Ground Plan. square ; and No. G is a large closet or pan- try, opening out of the parlor, and fitted up with shelves and drawers. The cellar stairs descend from the pantry, and the cellar has coal and wood bins, and hanging shelves, &c., &c. In the second story are three chambers, one over the par- lor, and two smaller ones over the living- room. Each has a closet attached, and the two front ones open upon the balcony be- fore mentioned by means of French case- ment windows. In one of the designs to which this plan was adapted, an extra chamber was made in the place of the covered balcony, and the exterior was finished otherwise in a more ornamental manner. The second story projected over the first about ten inches, and was finished in the vertical and batten- ed manner, the boards being all reduced to a uniform width, and the lower ends, which projected over, were sawn in an ornamental drop pattern. The principal story exterior was covered with shingles, also cut to a pattern, and nailed to hemlock boarding. In another design, the gables were all cut oft", and the roofs, which were much flatter, projected three feet all around, and were supported on heavy brackets — some- what after the manner of Swiss houses — the front and rear projections being con tinuations of the main roof. The house in each instance was built of wood, filled in with brick, and the roofs covered with slate. Both stories measured nine feet high in the clear, and all the rooms had open fi.re- places. The walls were hard finished throughout, and all the inside wood-work was stained a dark color and varnished. The floors, which were laid with narrow plank in courses, were stained alternately light and dark. The exteriors were painted with grays and drabs, varied in shade and tint. This design, which was the simplest of them all, cost in 1864 about ^1,500. ROGERS' HYBRID— No. 4 GRAPE. BY F. R. ELLIOTT. For six years past, I have been examin- ing the various hybrid grapes sent out by Mr. E. S. Rogers, of Salem, Mass. I have examined many of the numbers yearly, and made my own note-book comments, with little regard to the clouds and shadows of public opinion that, from some unaccount- able cause, have long overshadowed them. I find, on referring to my notes in 1862, when I saw the fruit on vines in four difter- 326 Tlie Horticulturist. ''•s,*^-*^'' t :'- *:. "^I"^!''*! :>^; /l?^.-.--. ^^ ^iT Fru. 133.— iZo^o-s' Hyhrid No. 4. Grape Memoranda. 327 ent States, and twenty-seven different lo- calities, on sand, gravel, loam, and clay- soils, that I have written — " As a table grape, ripens with Concord, is larger in size of berry, equally handsome in bunch, and of a superior quality." From that year to this present season, I have had opportunity of seeing the vine in fruit in various localities and soils, and my note-book yearly confirms above re- marks. In vigor of growth and hardihood of vine, I see but little, if any, difference between No. 4 and Concord ; and as neither, in my opinion, can rank as first-class wine grapes, and as size and quality are points to meet the public market demand for table grapes, I cannot but think cultivators err when they plant out Concords to exclusion of Rogers' No. 4, Herewith, I send you drawing and de- scription of a bunch, with one berry show- ing its interior. Bunch large, pretty compact, generally slightly shouldered. Berries large, oblong, round. Color, dark purplish ; almost black when fully ripe ; covered with a light blue thick bloom. Flesh dark, with a fine white outer concentric line next the second cuti- cle, and red on the stem formation next the seeds. Pulp small, rich, vinous ; slightly harsh, or of native aroma. Seeds whitish- yellow. Skin like Isabella in thickness. Ripens with or before the Concord ; or say, in Northern Ohio, from 1st to 15th of September. GRAPE MEMORANDA. EY M. II. L., SANDUSKY, OHIO. — PART I. A FEW weeks in August and September of this season have been very pleasantly and profitably spent in visiting many of the noted and promising localities for grape growing in Ohio, and somewhat beyond her limits along the South shore. If a " plain, unvarnished tale" of facts observed and opinions "bagged" shall be of any sort of service to the vast public interest in grape and fruit culture, I shall not repent having complied with the request of the Editors of the Horticulturist. . THE IVES' seedling AT INDIAN HILL. The unpromising look of the Catawba vinej^ards, on the steep hill sides, as one approaches Cincinnati by the Little Miama Railroad, recalls the wail of Mr. Thomas H. Yeatman, on the unsuccessful "grape- growing in this vicinity," and arouses curiosity to see that grape, " not addicted to mildew nor rot," of Colonel Waring, Indian Hill, which figured so handsomely (netting $2,000 per acre) in the rejoinder of the Cincinnati Horticultural Society. A ride of nine miles through Walnut Hills, where numerous villas "bosomed high, in tufted trees," lend additional charm to a lovely landscape, brought us to the elevated summit of Indian Hill. The top of this hill is a small plateau of gently- rolling surface, and 400 feet or more above the Ohio river. The colonel, who is a very courteous and sensible gentleman of the old school, show- ed his well-kept vineyards with something of honest pride ; for he told us that he now gathered thousands of dollars with ease, where, a few 3^ears since, with toil and anxiety he sometimes realized, but oftenerlost hundreds on his Catawba vines from rot, mildew, or winter's frosts. He has now nearly three acres of Ives in bearing. A portion of these are four, and some six years old. One would not hesitate, at the first sweep of the eye over it, to call it a Concord vineyard ; there is such exuberant growth, such large size of leaf with healthful color and apparent firmness of texture. The soil is a clay loam, never 328 The Horticulturist. subsoiled, I believe^ and not underdrained. The ground is sligbtly undulating, but I sbould judge that a vast pro; ortion of the water which falls on it must find lodge- ment there. The vines are set in rows five feet apart and at the same distance in the row. They are trained to high stakes and as they exceed the prescribed limits, are entertwined with each other along the row. I found many canes stretching across five spaces or twenty-five feet, and this on the 1st of August. It is well known that the Colonel, when he first planted this vine- yard, supposing the soil exhausted, manured an acre or more of it very heavily, and fol- lowed up the process one or two successive years. "While the growth elsewhere is all that could be desired, here it is excessive, as indicated above. It is his practice to trim out laterals on the bearing wood, but the young canes are allowed to grow at will. The vines are prolific. Everywhere they labored under a burden of dark clus- ters, generally quite compact. The heavy rains at the time of fiowering had thinned many bunches, and some, on the part most heavily manured, had been affected by rot. He sadly laments his hundred wagon loads of manure to the acre — and that twice re- peated. Last year his crop of fruit was large, and the must was sold off" at once at lg;5 per gallon. The wood ripened thoroughly, was trimmed oft' in the fall and sold mainly to Mr. McCuUough, of Cincinnati, at ,^20 per thousand. I might add that in the spring following Ives wood was eagerly bought ■ at $40 per thousand. I could not see that the remaining canes were even partially injured by last winter's severe freezing. Colonel Waring helped me to the following account of the origin and history of the Ives: " Henry Ives, of Cincinnati, raised it from the seed. After fruiting it, some twenty- six years ago, he exhibited a few clusters at the rooms of the Cincinnati Horticul- tural Society, and distributed cuttings of it under the name of the Ives' Madeira Seedling. He supposed it to have sprung from the seed of a Madeira grape, which he i had obtained from foreign shores. A fuller i acquaintance with the habits of the vine, j its leaf and its products, convinced many ; members of that Society that Mr. Ives was \ mistaken as to its parentage, and it was j agreed to name it simply Ives' Seedling. When the cuttings were thus first given out, Col. Isaac F. Waring, of Indian Hill, ^ near Cincinnati, received several, planted • them out in his garden, and raised six or \ eight vines. He did this to have on his j grounds a very early grape. ''. The fruit colored by the first of August, and was presented by Ives at once as being ". fully ripe. The appearance of bunch and \ berry pleased the eye, but, as the grape : was really many weeks from being mature, j it did not very favorably impress the Soci- I ety, though recommended for further trial. ! These few vines of Col. Waring remained • many years in his garden, fruiting heavily ' each year, plucked of their black berries in li early August by children and visitors, but 1 unnoticed by the owner, because he did ■ not fancy a comparatively green and taste- less pulp, even though he could have it ; many weeks before his favorite Catawba. i AYhen his vines came into full bearing, at the suggestion of Mr. Rufus Kittredge, his , neighbor, he experimented in making wine ■ from his new grapes, but unsuccessfully, since the pressing took place too early in ( the season. Twelve or fourteen years passed, in fact, before Col. Waring tasted ;! of well ripened Ives'. By accident he found a few clusters hanging on the vines in the middle of September, and was de- lighted with the fine aroma and quality of ; the fruit and the weight of the expressed '' juice. He decided at once that the very ] early rijjening was a mistake, and that he ■ would increase as largely as possible the ' nmnber of his vines. Dr. Kittredge made wine later in the season, which met with : high favor, and for a time this grape was ; known as the Kittredge. The Colonel's confidence was now so great that a failing j Grape Memoranda. 329 Catawba vineyard "was uprooted, and Ives', as fast as they could be multiplied, planted in its place. In a published article he says : ' I have had this grape in cultivation, with fruit every year, for more than twenty years; during this time no mildew has ever been seen upon it. One year, when I had manured my vineyard heavily, an im- mense growth of wood was made. There was some rot, yet the crop that year was a fair one. Never since the vine first came into bearing has there been more than a partial failure, while some years it has produced the largest crops of fruit I have ever seen from any grape. The yearly average product of wine per acre thus far is over five hundred gallons.'" I append the following extracts, which are historically valuable, and which, coming from well known and interested horticul- turists, will give this account more weight in the eyes of many : " Geo. Graham, Esq., President of the Cincinnati Horticultural Society, gave an interesting account of the Ives' Seedling before the Ohio Pomological Society in December, 1865, and among other state- ments, made the following: 'Two years since (1863) Col. Waring made about five hundred gallons of superior wine. * * * It weighed in the must, that year, 86° and the weight of alcohol contained in it 13^ per cent., when separated by a French in- strument. (It would not show so much al- cohol by the German scale.) * * * * Some vineyards in "Waring's neighborhood, where the vines grew in the native soil, without manure, were not affected by rot, and the wine of this year's (1865) pressing is of very high character, selling from the press at four dollars and fifty cents per gallon. Col. "Waring, I believe, expects to get six dollars per gallon for this year's wine. The grape is a dark purple, of large size and large cluster, shouldered and compact as the Catawba. The vine is a remarkably strong grower, carries the leaf very late in tlie season, and grows very freely from cuttings in the open ground, or from buds forced by heat. The wine is a beautiful claret color, of pleasant flavor, and by some connoisseurs is considered as a high character of Bur- gundy ; by others as a very superior claret. "With our German wine-drinkers it is now the favorite wine, and brings the highest prices.' The Cincinnati Commercial of September 3d, 1866, in a report of the proceedings of the Cincinnati Horticultural Society, says : ' Dr. "Warder, R. Buchanan, Geo. Graham, and J. M. McOuUough, paid a visit, during the week, to the vineyards of "Waring, Roberts and Demar, on Indian Hill, to examine the Ives' Seedling. They report that this grape, thus far, has generally resisted the rot, and this year the crop promises well. The vines planted twelve years ago by Dr. Kittredge, had a good crop of fruit, with little appearance of rot. The vines were in a very healthy condition, holding the foliage better than any of our native grapes and showing an unusual strong growth of wood. It may be con- sidered the grape for this climate.' One of the members of the above com- mittee, Mr. McCullough, writes us under date of September 4th: '"We think the Norton's Virginia Grape the best, but very unproductive — the Ives' next best, and very productive, and hence the most profitable in cultivation.' " Let me add that this is a fine table grape, sweet and vinous, better than Concord — never cracks and never drops, and is said to make an excellent raisin. As the time of my stay at the Queen City, was limited, I did not have the opportu- nity of visiting other vineyards of Ives', of which there are now a number of small ones, nor especially, which I most regret- ted, the fine vineyard of Norton's Virginia of Mr. Geo. Bogen and the famous Dela- wares of the veteran John E. Mottier. Mr. B. reported his Norton's in prime con- dition and fruiting fairly but not heavily. He did not think they had ever yielded 330 The Horticulturist. with him more than half as much wine as the Catawba in its favorable seasons. He brought forth a bottle of Norton's three 3'ears old. This he kept in reserve in his home cellar. The must weighed 118°. It was certainly most excellent. It diffused a genial glow through the body, and was quite reassuring to weak nerves in a chol- era panic. He said that tha physicians prescribed both Virginia and Ives' wine, and that during that week he had sold more of the Norton's than for months be- fore. It was stated that many, in all parts of the country, complained of the discour- agements in getting under headway with Virginia vines, Mr. B. replied that he had had no difficulty with first-rate roots. Yet I know that in many cases the vines have died after having made a growth of ten inches the second year. The Catawba promised varied results. With some it had not blighted, and rotted but little. These hoped for three-fourths of a crop. "With others it was already nearly a fail- ure. It was the judgment of Mr. Mottier, Mr. Heaver, and others, that there would be on the average a fair crop. Since my visit, I have learned from A. C. Mottier that later the I'ot had set in again, and there would not be more than half a yield. The Delaware was troubled some in leaf, though not as badly as last year. It was injured, too, with them by the winter's ex- posure. Mr. Mottier expects a good yield from his vines. AT DELAWARE. All who grow or eat the nectarous little Delaware (even the birds), will be anxious to hear from Delaware and Mr. Campbell. His castellated residence is as much of an ornament to the little city of schools and sulphur springs as to his " descriptive list;" and though not enwreathed in nature as in vignette, it is vine-clad, and bespeaks the man of refined tastes and " given to hospi- tality." His grounds near his residence are well occupied with plant and propagat- ing houses of admirable construction. In the nursery were myriads of young plants of all the tried varieties ; but chiefly the clean and delicate leaf of the Delaware met the eye and plainly indicated that Mr. C. had not by any means forgotten his old- time enthusiasm for this favorite variety. Delawares of advanced age, eight and ten years, standing near his residence, branching at will, over its blue limestone walls and aspiring even to the roof, show great healthfulness of leaf, vigorous growth, and are richly garnished with well-com- pacted clusters. There were lonas, too, in the fourth year looking thrifty as Catawbas ; but only fruiting from secondary buds, as the late frosts took the first show of fruit. A Rodger's No. 2 was quite remarkable for its numerous and large bunches with ber- ries like those of the Union Village. Too late for his locality, but he thought it might do well on the lake shore. He has a good opinion of the Underbill Seedling and the Miles — both comparatively new, but well recommended. They are good growers, hardy, and of good flavor — the latter very early. He has many seedlings ; one of which was quite heavy with fruit, colored even then in broad splashes and petted with a net, as if to veil it from pro- faner eyes, though in reality to protect it from the birds. Mr. C. takes great inter- est in small fruits also, and has made up his mind, as almost every one else has, that the Kittatinny blackberry and Philadelphia raspberry must yet be found in all the gar- dens and on all the tables of the land. The Kirtland is high in his favor, both for its quality and hardiness. THE LAKE SHORE GRAPE-GROWERs' EXCUR- SION. On the 15tli of August, the steamer Clinton, of our city, carried fifty or sixty grape enthusiasts over to Kelly's Island, where we found a hundred odd excursion- ists already busily spying out the land and the fruit of the vine. Oapt. John Spalding, of the steamer Lac la-Belle, had generous- ly given them free passage from Cleveland. Grape Memoranda. 331 Among them were many of tlie magnates of horticulture, viz : Hon. Marshall P. Wilder, Chas. Downing, P. Barry, and F. K. Phcenix. Kelly's Island contains 2,800 acres, and a resident population of about 800. So rapidly has vine-planting extended within the last ten years, that 745 acres are now devoted to grape-growing. The annual increase at present is about 100 acres. Last year (1865) 1,865,811 pounds of grapes were gathered, and 80,496 gallons of wine were pressed. The largest yield of wine from one acre was 800 gallons. The crop last year was excessive ; the wood was not thoroughly ripened when winter set in, and the frosts of last Feb- ruary materially lessened this year's pros- pect by destroying one-third of the buds. At the time of blossoming, there were re- peated, and often violent showors, continued at intervals through June and well into July, which made sad innovations upon the clusters, washing away the pollen, blighting parts of the bunches with mil- dew, and in early July inflicting some rot. These destructive causes were generally at work on the islands, peninsula and main- land; and, though there are many Instances of fair crops, especially in the young vine- yards, such as are now in their fourth year, and did not bear heavily in the third, still the crop hereabouts may be safely averaged at one-third. The above estimate is made in reference to the Catawba. With us this year, the Isabella is quite a failure — buds and wood even, sometimes nearly to the ground, destroyed by the cold of the 16th of February last — 16° below zero. Last season the vines of this variety fruited very heavily, did not suffer from rot, but in the fall early, as the berries began to turn, mildew struck the leaves. The fruit ripen- ed but poorly, in some' cases not at all, and the wood was ill-prepared even for the frosts of December. The excursionists, particularly those from the Lake Shore eastward, seemed disappointed at the ap- parent neglect of many vineyardists on Kelly's Island. They attributed it to dis- couragement. No, there is no thought on the islands or elsewhere of throwing up, or of giving careless attendance upon theirwell- cheiished acres, .i It is the teaching of their experience, as they read it, that too con- stant tillage during a wet season induces blight and rot, and that summer pruning in any season is a positive detriment. One feature witnessed here struck every one favorably. In one part of the island there are 125 acres of unbroken vineyard, with several proprietors, who cultivate their in- dividual tracts in perfect harmony without division fences. Universally in this vicinity, islands and mainland, the heavy clays are esteemed the best grape land. To prepare them, they must be subsoiled and well un- derdrained. The vineyards on low, dark soil, or where it is shallow upon rock sub- soil, generally, had yellow leaves and strag- gling clusters. The Delaware everywhere looked well — foliage healthful, good growth of wood and a plentiful crop. We were particularly in- terested in the comparison of an acre of Delaware with an acre of Catawba of the same age, side by side, in Mr. Beatly's vineyard. Of the two, the Delaware had made the more wood, looked the healthier, and was the more heavily fruited. Both were on heavy clay, and neither ever had the least enriching. With regard to manur- ing. I might say that nobody believes in it or practices it here for any variety, and it is acknowledged on all sides that our heavy clay, when well prepared, gives us the most healthful vines and the best fruit and most of it. I allude particularly to such well-tried varieties as Catawbai Isabella, Delaware, Concord and Hartford Prolific. Our party spent the greater part of the day at Kelly's, and then set sail for Put- in-Bay, eight miles distant. This island, also called South Bass, contains 1,400 acres, and has a resident population of 500. There are now 494 acres planted in grapes. Last year there were 1,117,801 pounds of grapes 332 ITie Horticulturist. gathered and 33,805 gallons of wine pressed in Put-in-Bay township, which includes Put-in- Bay, Middle and North Bass, Sugar and Rattlesnake Islands. The largest yield was from Mr. Lorenzo Miller's vineyard. A prize hat was offered by a Sanduskian, C. J. Parsons, Esq., to the man who could prove the largest crop of grapes on an acre of ground. After thorough investigation it was decided that Mr. Miller had fairly won the said clia2Jeau. The yield was eight tons. He sold from five acres 34,500 pounds of fruit, and made 6,000 gallons of wine. The price of grapes averaged 7^ cts. per pound, and new wine was worth 90 cts. per gallon. This gives 3J7,987.50 for a five-acre grape crop, or ,^1,597.50 per acre. These were mostly Catawbas. It may be added that this year Mr. Miller will not be able to show anything like so remarkable a record. His vines are in their sixth year. Pie looks only for a quarter of a crop. The vines were badly winter-killed. Philip Vroman took real pleasure in showing us through " the oldest vineyard on this island." He first set out five aci'es nine years since, if memory serves me. Last year's vines yielded him $900 per acre for fruit. His Catawbas were bearing scantily; but 1,200 Delawares, which bore well last year, were heavily loaded, and layered somewhat besides. He sold last year at 25 cents per pound ; they are generally selling for that this year. In fact, on islands and mainland, the Delaware is winning golden opinions on clay, black soil and sand. I have wearied the reader's patience past forgiveness now, I fear, or I would speak of the wines tasted, the sales of land at fabulous prices, the methods of training and cultivation, the visit to Middle Bass and the hiainland about Sandusky, and subsequent observations on the Peninsula. In a future article I propose to speak of a trip among the vines eastwardly along the lake shore as far as Pennsylvania. IMPORTING ENGLISH SPARROWS. BY J. S. H. In the Horticulturist for October, I observe that you recommend the importa- tion of English sparrows, as a means of protection against the destructive insects which infest our fruit trees in America. I am not prepared to say, positively, that the recommendation is not a wise one, as I am not fully acquainted with the habits of the bird in question ; but I would like to know more about the English sparrow before joining in your advice. In reading the horticultural journals of England, I have noticed that there appears to be more damage done to fruit, in Great Britain, by birds, than there is in the United States. There are frequent dis- cussions of an earnest character, upon the question, which are the most destructive to fruit, the insects or the birds 1 It appears that in England it is necessary to protect cherry trees, and nearly all the small fruits, especially strawberries, with netting, to preserve any portion of the crop from the birds. English black birds, thrushes, finches, and sparrows are, I believe, much more ravenous and destructive than similar birds are in this country. I think I have seen it stated, but I cannot now find the author- ity, that the sparrows even devour the tender fruit-buds of the pear and apple, in early spring, before they expand into blos- soms. I have an impression that the Eng- lish sparrow is a fierce, ravenous, pugnaci- ous bird, and that while he might help us to get rid of some insects, he would prove a dangerous guest in our orchards and gar- dons. Hicks' Apple. 333 I have not felt altogether sure that even our gentle little Jenny Wren was not guilty of eating good plump fruit-buds. I have intended to watch them in the eavly spring, but have as yet failed to do so. Certain it is, that many a fruit-hud, from some cause, proves fruitless. I suspect the birds take many a tender bit from the opening flowers. With these views, I advise caution in the introduction of English sparrows. Let us know precisely what are the habits of these birds ; how much damage they do to fruit-buds, to cherries, strawberries, and other small fruits. I fear it will be found that this sparrow is worse than the insects he destroys. THE HICKS' APPLE. BY ISAAC HICKS, NORTH HEMPSTEAD. Fig. 134.— i?ic/ts' Apple. This apple is a natural seedling, found fruit of fine size and appearance. I consider growing wild in a hedge. It is an early it the best early sweet apple that I have and abundant bearer ; tree a good grower; seen. Season, middle of August. 334 The Eorticulturist. THE DORSON PEAR. BY ISAAC HICKS. The Dorson pear is a seedling, found near gether with the fact that, unlike many Glen Cove, Long Island. It has so far early pears, it will keep a long time, if proved hardy, a good grower, and produc- taken early from the tree, and house ripen- tive. Its very attractive appearance, to- ed, must render a good market fruit. ^ Fig. 135. — Dorsov, Pear. In general appearance it resembles Os- of the French Jargonelle, but superior, in band's Summer, which it, however, sur- every respect to its parent. passes in quality. It is probably a seedling Notes on the September Number-. 335 NOTES ON THE SEPTEMBER NUMBER. Laws of Association in Ornamental Gardening. — Thanks to the writer for thus embodying ideas of association fa- miliar to the student of Nature, but as lit- tle known or understood by the mass of. people as so much Greek. 1 hope that, as the Horticulturist reaches hundreds, this article will revive and encourage mem- ories and associations, and educate to a just appreciation the creations of God's bound- less love for man, until each home of man on earth shall evince in its outward sur- roundings their knowledge that even here He would not have us satisfied with an "abode simply endurable, but would have it a paradise of delight." Designs in Rural Architecture. — Country School-House. — A simple, plain, yet effective design. But why is it that we construct our own dwellings with wide verandas, for comfort and enjoyment in shielding us from sun and storm, and in the construction of our schoolhouses omit every such point? I certainly think a great error has been committed in all schoolhouse designs and buildings, in the omission of wide covered verandas. Let us take practice : The rules of a school are, that the door shall be closed until the ex- act hour of assembling, and if a child is one minute late in entering the room, he is marked " tardy." Now the child has no timepiece t) guide his movements; and if it rains or snows, and he reaches the school door fifteen minutes before time, he has to endure the storm without roof protection ; or if he does not get there in time, as I have said, he is marked down as a laggard. That is one item of practice, where the wide and extended veranda would be a comfort, and often a preventive of sickness. Again, on a rainy day or a sloppy time, as schoolhouses are constructed, the child at recess cannot go out of doors without exposure, and the risk of wet clothing and feet ; but if a veranda were built say on two sides of the building, one side or the other would always be clean and dry for play and enjojanent during recess hours. There may be strong^objections to the ve- randa, and I suppose there must be good ones, for no schoolhouse, to my knowledge, has one ; and yet I never heard a valid rea- son for their omission. Grapes at Avon Point. — A good re- cord of the doings of one energetic perse- vering man, of which, however. Northern Ohio has many samples. Recently I tra- versed the grape-growing region of that section, and with a recollection of years back, when Kelly Island was almost the only point where grapes were grown to any extent. I confess my surprise at the present number of acres in vineyard, and the apparent prospect of their being profit- able as a crop. In earlier days, the Kelly Islandeis counted their lands as the only ones fitted for grape-growing; and when Put-in-Bay and the Peninsula began the work of planting, they laughed at the mat- ter as one of experiment. Now, all the islands in that portion of the lake have grapes growing on them successfully ; and the shore on the south border of the lake, from North-East, Pa., to Toledo, Ohio, has many thousands of acres, some giving pro mise even of better results than the famed lands of Kelly Island. Among the Raspberries. — A practical record. As with the strawberry so with the raspberry, we find that soil and loca- tion make a very great difference in the ac- tual value of the plant, both in its fruit and its hardiness. Planters should, therefore, use sparingly of new sorts. Plan for Laying-Out a Ten-Acre Lot. — It may be I have no taste, or if a taste, not a just and appreciative one ; but cannot fancy a mathematical, curved, or circular line as a natui al roadway. It may be the " line of beauty," but not as I have studied it. Again, as I have studied water, in ninety-nine cases out of a hundred, the extent of ground here occupied would 36 Tlie Horticulturist. present only a ditcli and a mud-hole. It is possible a piece of ground could be found or constructed, where the level would be such as to bring the banks in accordance with this breadth, fhd where the stream would flow rapidly enough to keep all clear; but where one such piece occurred, many others would present, as I have already said, only a ditch and mud-hole. "Water is a difficult thing to handle in landscaping; and unless the grounds are naturally adapted, by clear running streams through thera, or some such connection, the improver of grounds had better let the construction of ponds and lakes, with fancy islands, remain in the pictui'c, rather than attempt their construction in his grounds. The Delphiniums. — I am glad the writer says he has not done with his subject ; for, although I have given the flower little at- tention for some years, I have often thought much might be got from them by skill, care, and time. Grape Mildew versus the Essential Oils. — It is well to keep before the public the beneficial effects of the use of salt, cop- peras, &c. ; but in my experience this sea- son their use has been needless, at least so far as grape mildew is concerned. I have looked for some record of practice this year of their use in blight on the pear. In my grounds I have used salt as a ma- nure, and have had no blight on my pear trees, while all around me the blight has been destructive. Now, how does the salt act in this connection 1 or does it act at all ? Is my exemption anything but chance 1 Early Fall Transplanting. — Loudon, I think, says that trees removed before the young wood is all ripe are injured and en- feebled, but I think he can only have re- ference to plants taken with root entire. — "Whereas, as here recommended, the re- moval of the tree in our natural course and manner of digging, breaks off", and leaves in the ground, at least one-quarter to one- third of the roots ; and, as the shortening in of the top takes off" the unripe wood, it appears to me no injury is done by early removal, but a gain is made by early trans- planting, by means of the new formation of fibrous roots, aiding the tree to endure its position during winter, and enabling it to supply food to the new leaves at an early period in spring. Notes on Raspberries and Currants. — Concise, plain, and practical. No man in our whole country stands more truthful and reliable than the writer of th?se notes; and every horticulturist quotes him as au- thority not to be questioned. I am glad of these notes, because I want to add to my raspberries, and because I now am confirm- ed in my opinion relative to the identity of sorts. It is a most unpleasant item to write in one's note-book, viz., that juniper and red juniper are the same identical kind of currant ; then, when the time comes to make fall purchases, find, in a reliable cata- logue, the two recorded as distinct, rare, and of course a good price appended. I say this is an unpleasant item, because it either leads one to think he has no knowledge, even of his own eyesight and taste, or that the issuer of the reliable catalogue is a My Experience of Gooseberries. — I, like the writer, have often wondered why the gooseberry was not more generally grown. In mj earlier days, we used to have gooseberry pies in February and other winter months, from green gooseberries, kept in Junk bottles, packed in sand in the cellar. To my present recollection, those pies were good ; but now I cannot recollect when or where, of late years, I have met with such a thing. The canning of fruits, as peaches, &c., I suppose, has taken the place of all such fruits as gooseberries and currants ; but when we take into account that these are fruits always to be relied upon, while the peach is at best an uncer- tain crop, it seems to me that the owner of lands from which to realize money, as well as comfort for his family, should plant largely of the gooseberry. Strawberry and Raspberry Notes. — I am glad to see this record. It is one Experience loith Grape Seedlings. 337 more nail in tlie fact tliat mulcliing~pays, and another notch in the paying, as a mar- ket strawberry, of the "Wilson, three acres of which produced 10,000 quarts, to six acres of Russell and French, producing 8,000. The Philadelphia raspberry here again is a success. I hope Mr. Hicks will try more kinds another year, and give us the results. Messrs. Downing and Elliott both record sorts that I would like to see farther tested. Gleanings. — In commenting, I only wish to say, that the tulipomania, as recorded in Holland, reminds me of the stockomania of Wall Street, from 1862 to 1864; and of the mulberryomania of 1836 to 1838. And to this I desire to add, the tulip is one of our most gorgeous flowers 'of early spring, and too much neglected. I have seen a bed of tulips, only six by ten feet, or thereabouts, in extent, draw admirers from every quar- ter, and from all classes; those of educated tastes, as well as those all unused to the knowledge, or acquainted with the terms bybloemen and bizarre. Reuben. EXPERIENCE WITH GRAPE SEEDLINGS. BY E. IVINS, PHILADELPHIA. During the Fall of 1865 I collected a number of seeds of the best varieties of grapes, both native and foreign, as far as I could, selecting from the largest grapes and from the finest bunches. From the North- ern States I selected Creveling, lona, Allen's Hybrid, Adirondac, Delaware, Diana, Con- cord, Elmira,* Isabella, Union Village, Mount Lebanon, Rebecca, Israella, and Catawba. A friend sent me from California, Catawba, Diana. Isabella,! California Mis- sion, Decan Superb, White Nice, Black Hamburg, Flamed Tokay, Chasselas Fon- tainebleau, Muscat of Alexandria, and White Frontignan. I also secured a few White Almeria or Malagas. I put each kind in small envelopes properly labelled and kept them in a box which I placed on the cellar floor in a dark place to keep the seeds from getting too dry. But they did not freeze — a fact I subsequently found to be of vital importance. About the last of December I prepared a box about 2h feet long by 16 inches wide and 10 inches deep; filled it with leaf mould with which I mixed a little lime and ashes ; laid out my * A fine luscious tlack grape, I found for sale in a store at Elmiva, New York, and not knowing the name of it, I was obliged to use this one in order to distin- guish it from the rest. + The following are exotics. rows 2 inches by 1^, planting one row of each kind, marked, about |-inch deep, and placed the box in my office window in the factory, the temperature of which during the day was about 65 degrees Fahrenheit. The balance I planted January 15th, in similar boxes and soil, and kept them in the cellar of my dwelling. On February 26th I observed that one seed had germi- nated in the first box I had planted. I found it in a row marked " Malaga;" on closer examination I found that all the Malagas had sprouted. But no others. It then became evident to me, by examina- tion, that the natives would not, or rather could not, germinate, unless the seeds were first frozen. I then carefully removed the row of Malagas to a box by themselves. And as the weather was still quite cold, I placed the others out of doors with a view to get them frozen. The boxes in my cellar were removed to the roof of the house on the same day and for the same purpose. I would here remark that a careful exam- ination of the seeds of the various kinds that had been planted fully convinced me that it was impossible for the germ to burst the shell, unless aided by frost or some other means, these seeds, after lying 338 The Horticulturist. in good, ricli leaf-mould for nearly two months and kept at a temperature of from 50 to 75 degrees during that time, were nearly as firm and hard as when first planted. True, a small portion of the outer covering appeared to be decompos- ing, but when that was scraped off', the firm, hard, bony shell was tight and per- fect. The Malaga, which germinated freely without freezing, is a native of the southern coast of Spain. In these the shell was, no doubt, thinner, and I must consider the fact as additional evidence of the great adaptability of nature. After placing the boxes on the top of my house (our city lots are so diminutive that this course became a necessity with me), they got two or three good freezings and nothing remained but to patientlj^ await the return of spring to prove the results. About the first of May I discovered a few of the Catawbas making their appearance above ground, and from that time until the end of the month, they continued to come up, including all the different kinds, except Diana and Israella, these two being very late and sparse, and, after a brief existence, they mostly gave up the ghost. With the above exceptions, success of growth, now seemed almost certain, and in my daily visits to them, I derived great pleasure in seeing the beautiful little leaves expanding and assuming that rich green color indica- tive of health and vigor. I may mention that I noticed a few among the different kinds that came up with three primary leaves. These I have marked, to see if their future foliage will differ from the others. The following is about the rate or proportion of the different kinds that came up; Malaga and Catawba, 9-tenths ; Con- cord, California, Mission and Creveling, 8- tenths ; Isabella, lona, Elmira and Allen's Hybrid, 6-tenths ; Delaware, Adirondac, Union Village, Rebecca and Mount Leb- anon, 5-tenths ; White Muscat, Fronti- gnan, Black Hamburg, Flamed Tokay, White Nice, Decan Superb, and Chasselas Fontainebleau, 3 -tenths ; Israella and I Diana, 1-tenth. At first, the Catawba i and Creveling took the lead in size. But [ during the latter part of August the former was much afflicted with blight on the \ leaves, and at the present writing, Septem- ber 26th, Malaga and Decan Superb are ' ahead of all, being from 18 inches to 2 feet i in height. Natives and exotics were all I treated alike, and all suffered the same ' exposure including the frosts and cold ; nights in May, and I really must confess ■ surprise to find at present that the latter < is the most vigorous and healthy. The | California Mission, as well as most of the \ other European kinds still hold their leaves \ which are firm and green, while many of [ our natives, such as the Catawba, lona, 'i Delaware and Rebecca have nearly lost ; theirs with blight. Although the grapes i from which the seeds of the foreign kinds ] were taken, vrere grown in the open air in ] California, I could hardly expect that fact to qualify them to stand the out-door i changes of our climate, yet, with their j present appearance I would scarcel}^ dare :: to deny it. Another year or two however, • will prove more in that respect. It is my ' intention to remove them from the boxes | after the leaves fall in November and cover ' them with earth in the cellar, replanting all the best, in the spring, in the open air, but not in boxes. ' I have read and heard the experiences of | many with grape seedlings, and I would ] not have any of your readers suppose me ' vain enough to think my plans superior to I that of others who have had more expe- ,; rience. On the contrary, being in the city, ) I have labored under great disadvantages | for a proper place to grow my seeds. '^ Neither would I have them think me in- < flated with the idea of producing a superior ) grape. That I have hopes I will not deny. j 1 have considered well the chances and in- | tend to give the subject my best care and { patience, believing that some one will yet i produce the " Great American Seedling." j Ch'oioing Asparagus. 339 GROWING ASPARAGUS. BY DR. J. S. HOULJHTON, PHILADELPHIA. Having tried the plan of growing Aspara- gus from plants only six months old, instead of two years old, as is generally done, it may be worth while to give the result of the experiment. In the spring of 1865, I sowed the seeds of asparagus in a hot-bed, and, as the plants appeared, thinned them oiit and treated them in all respects just as is usual with tomato and cabbage, thinning them very much, or pricking them out into a cold pit, and hardening them off as the season ad- vances. The young plants were then left to stand in the frame or pit till the last of August, when they were transplanted into properly prepared trenches or drills three feet apart, or nearer, and about nine inches apart in the rows. At the time of trans- planting, the tops were shortened a little, to remove part of the foliage. The plants of course made little or no growth the season of transplanting, but took root and maintained their vitality till frost, when they were cut down to the ground, and covered with soil and a mulch of manure. In the spring of 1866, the plants were uncovered as soon as they showed signs of starting, and as they grew, were tied up to small stakes to keep them from breaking down. As soon as it was evident that the large portion of the plants were alive, they were thinned out to eighteen inches apart, and the vacant spaces, if any, were filled with the spare plants. The growth this season, notwithstanding the drouth, and a poor soil, has been highly satisfactory, making large bushy shoots, with numerous shoots from each plant ; and now, after a single season's growth, giving promise of a cutting for the table next year, if desired, although it may not be advisable to take any of the shoots for eating so soon. The argument in favor of this plan of planting asparagus is, that from the start you save all the roots of the plants, and do not check or stunt the young asparagus so much as you do by digging up and planting older plants. Another, and the chief point is this : When two year old plants are dug up from closely-planted seed beds, they are gener- ally in clusters, and are not only rudely torn apart, and thus injured, but many of the roots are lost in digging, and more are usually cut off, so that when the plants are set out (usually too late in the spring) they are bruised, enfeebled and stunted, and do not start into growth till late in the season. Then of course they continue to grow till late in the fall, and do not ripen their stalks or crown buds till after frost, if at all, and the tender crown buds are very apt to be injured by frost and rain, in the winter, and the plants die out the ensuing season. I am much pleased with this metliod of growing asparagus. It seems to me a sav- ing of time and trouble, and I think it pro- duces superior plants. I may add that I have planted my aspara- gus, not in a bed, after the old method, but in rows three feet apart, (as before ob- served) with the intention of working the plants with the horse hoe and plow, just as we do potatoes, which I have no doubt is better than the bed system. I now think the rows should be three and a half feet apart, at least, where land is plenty, as my plants of one season's growth almost meet in the centre of the three feet space. Heavy surface manuring may be applied in the fail, between the rows, and the plants are then to be covered deeply with the plow. This is the best plan I think for growing asparagus for market in large quantities. 340 Tlie Horticulturist. GRAPES IN CITY YARDS. BY CHAS. \V. RIDGELV, BALTIMORE, M. D. After three years of patient waiting, at last I have eaten my own grapes, grown in my city yard, and proceed to tell the reader how they taste here in the " Border States," and how I made room for so many kinds in my diminutive domain. The lona is prince of the hardy grapes. Compress two or three berries gently with your tongue, and your mouth is filled with juice, rich, sweet, pure and vinous. You miss no desired ingredient, you detect nothing unpleasant in the taste ; you spon- taneously say, " that suflBces ; I seek noth- ing better." Besides its excellence, it is early, prolific and the most beautiful of grapes. The Delaware comes next ; were it of equal size, and not so wonderfully sweet, it would rival the lona. The saccha- rine element is in such excess, that it seems almost to have candied, and the grape tastes as if 3^ou were eating sugar. Some- times a bunch may be found juicier than the rest, and not so sugary ; quite as pure and vinous, but sweeter and more delicious than the Ilerbemont. The Israella is large, early and very sweet, with a thick skin. Every one should have it ; but I have not yet fully decided where to place it in my list. If it has not attained to the '■'•first three,'''' it is certainly '• honorable among the thirty." Diana is very rich, vinous and sweet, with an agreeaVjle peculiarity of flavor. Allen's Hybrid is sweet and pure ; but it seems deficient in " vinous refresh- ment." It improved, however, greatly the last few weeks ; and in a wanner season, no doubt, would reach a much higher ex- cellence. Rebecca is excellent; ripening thoroughly, even to the skin ; and by some is preferred to the Allen. Elsinburgh is the smallest of grapes ; rich, sweet and pure ; too raisinish for my taste, but wor- thy a place in every choice collection. The Herbemonts are maturing ; and about the 25th inst., if patiently waited for, will be on hand with a flavor as pure as can be found on the face of the earth, and a vinous energy which no one can forget who has been refreshed and exhilarated by them as often as the writer. My Catawbas ripened as well this season as they ever did ; but retained the tough, acid centre; and the Isabellas, insipid as ever, making me marvel at the avidity with which I used to devour them. About twent)'-five of these vines are growing in my yard, of 30 feet by 20, clear space, in which, after due concessions to domestic claims, I laid off a grape border about 45 feet long and 3 wide, beside the west and north fences ; and another border, 12 feet by 5, a little in advance of the latter fence. Having selected the ground, m}'- first business was to take up the stifl' clay soil to the depth of 2 feet, and thoroughly incorporate it with a liberal proportion of old field sods, street-scrapings, plaster, coal-ashes, cellar-dirt, and sand. Then I procured from Dr. Grant, of lona, New Tork, a selection of his choicest vines, and planted them agreeably to his instruc- tions. They all lived and made satisfactory growth in 1864 ; some reaching a height of 10 feet. Cutting them back to two or three eyes, the second season I permitted one shoot to grow on each ; and when these had reached the proper elevation, pinched off the terminal buds, to develop the two highest laterals, and from them grow the permanent arms of my vines. After test- ing various other plans, I submit this as the surest and readiest mode of obtaining the arms. Last spring, having in most ca-es obtained the two arms for each vine, I cut these back, permitting each arm to produce only 2 or 3 fruit-bearing canes j two are preferable, unless the vine has re- markable vigor ; and now, at the end of the third season, most of my pets are occupy- ing the portion of the trellis designed for them, having produced as much fruit as they could safely mature, and with ample Greely Prize " on Grapes. 341 reserve space in which to grow and expand for the next five years. Possibly, some one may wish to know how T could find room for these vines in so small a space. My method was to plant the vines about 2^ feet apart, and to train them in four courses on the trellis, one above another ; setting up stout posts to support the four horizontal bars, the first placed one foot from the ground, and the others above it at intervals of two feet. Each vine was grown, as to height of arms, &c., with special reference to the position it was to occupy on the trellis. And they were so arranged that those of the third course should be just over those of the first, and those of the fourth just over those of the second ; each vine for the higher courses being carried up to its place behind the horizontal bars, so as not to in- terfere with the lower vines. Each thus has a space on the trellis nearly 10 feet long and 2 feet in height. By care- ful winter trimming and summer pinching- in, almost any vine, when old enough to fruit, can easily and profitably be confined within this space. And should a long- jointed Isabella or Herbemont aspire to reach its neighbor in the next higher course, it may safely be passed behind the bar as- signed to the other, and permitted to ex- patiate at pleasure. The arms may be lengthened by 2 or 3 buds each season ; but this must be done intelligently and cautiously. If too great an addition be made, the older spurs on the arm will suffer, as the sap seeks the extreraeties. In everj'thing that pertains to the vine, festinans lente^ is one of the best maxims we can follow. GREELEY PRIZE" ON GRAPES. The committee appointed by the Horti- cultural Association of the American In- stitute to award the prize of §100, offered by the Hon. Horace Greely, President of the Institute, for the best grape for general cultivation beg leave to report : First, that it is a matter of regret that the offer lias not called out more competition from the thousands of persons now usefully and pro- fitably engaged in the production of this d«licious fruit, of which there were but five varieties presented for our examination at the late session. Second, one of the con- ditions of the offer was, that samples of the fruit be presented for examination by the committee, and therefore we were re- stricted to the consideration of such varie- ties as were brought before us. Thirdhj, at a meeting of the committee held last year, a scale of points were adopted for our guidance in the decision on the grape. One of these points was the necessity of health- iness and hardiness of the vine and foliage, hy which is meant its ability to withstand frost and mildew. Excellence of the fruit itself is, in our opinion, a point of great merit, but of infinitely less consequence for the general planting community than healthfuluess and vigor, hardiness and pro- ductiveness of the vine. Fruit-growers are generally convinced of the importance of selecting such varieties as will prove profitable, and everybody un- derstands what is meant by a "good mar- ket fruit," although it often happens that such are quite inferior to other varieties in their respective classes. We believe this to have been the object in offering the premium, and that we were to select from among those kinds that might be brought before us, such a variety that could safely be recommended to the millions to plant, with a tolerable certainty of being rewarded by satisfactory crops. — With regard to some of the new and choice rarieties brought to our notice as competi- tors, it will be recollected that, at the meeting of the committee held in Septem- 342 The Horticulturist. ber, lb' 65, we declared ourselves unprepared tensive culture in every part of the coun- to make any expression, because we Lad try, to be both hardy, productive, and sat- not then a sufficiently extended opportunity isfactory, in regard to its character as a for seeing the vines tested under varying vine ; while the showy appearance of its circumstances throughout the country. — fruit makes it most welcome to the mil- Another year has brought us into farther lions, with wliom it is very acceptable, acquaintance with the candidates, and bet- For ourselves, however, we must be per- ter enables us to come to a conclusion, mitted to say that we wish the fruit were which, however, may yet prove premature, of a more refined character, in addition to On these grounds, we have awarded the the admirable qualities of this noble vine, premium to the Concord, to exhibitor 33, John A. Warder, W. X. Goldsmith, Newark, N. J., because Wm. S. Carpentek. we believe that, though of less excellence P. T. Quinn. as a fruit than some of its competitors in E. Ware Sylvester. their trial, it is found, under the most ex- EDITOR'S TABLE. To Contributors and Others Address all Communications, for the Editorial and publishing departments, to Geo. E. & F. W. Woodward, 37 Park Row, New York. Lake Shore Grape and Wine Show — A correspondent writes us, giving the fol- lowing short account of the Second Annual Exhibition of the Northern Ohio and Lake Shore Grape and AVine Association : " The meeting was held at Cleveland, on the 10th 11th and 12th of October, and was attended by a large number of grape-growers, not only of Ohio, but of other States. Hon, Marshall P. Wilder, Professor J. P. Kirt- land, George Graham, Esq., Dr. J. A. War- der, Rev. J. Knox, Dr. C. AV. Grant, and many other prominent pomologists, were there, and took part in the proceedings. Notwithstanding the partial failure of the grape crop of old vineyaids on the Lake Shore, the tables were literally loaded with bunches of well-ripened grapes, embracing something over thirty varieties of out-door hardy sorts, and eighteen of foreign char- acter, grown under glass. Of this last, the best collection was grown by Mr. W. T. Harding, of Cleveland — a gardener of prac- tice and knowledge equal to the best, and now open to an ofFtr of engagement. Of seedlings, new, named, and unnamed, the Walter, Saratoga, Modena, and Detroit were all that received much attention. The Walter is similar to the Delaware; a little more sugary; more pulp; a trifle larger ; looser bunch ; claimed to bo per- fectly hardy; of vigorous growth, with wood of close firm texture, resembling in color Delav^'are; free from all diseases ; and to ripen its fruit from 8th to 20th of August; and so rich that, if kept, it will not decay, but dry up like a raisin. Saratoga so much resembles Catawba, that, were it not for the statement of one or two good grape pomologists, we should incline to the impression that it was that variety, onlj'- grown in a sheltered locality. If, as claimed, it ripens in all places earlier than Catav.'ba, it will prove valuable. Modena is a small black grape ; loose bunch; claimed to ripen with Hartford Prolific ; of good quality ; but with the many black grapes competing with it, such as Israella, Adirondac, &c., there are doubts of its growing very rapidly into favor. Editor's Toble. 343 Detroit. — This grape was found growing in a garden in Detroit about six years since, and the present owner says has j-early ripened its fruit nearly as soon as Delaware. The fruit is of the color of a well-ripened Delaware or Catawba; has very little pulp ; is sweet and^rich, with a Catawba flavor; bunch full medium size, say one-half larger than Delaware, and very compact. The vine is stated to be a vigorous grower, never had any protection and never been injured by winter frosts. Hon. Marshall P. Wilder exhibited nine numbers of Rogers' Hybrid grapes, but specimens of No. 15, grown in Cleveland, were acknowledged to be superior, in size of bunch, berry, and in qualit}^, to txnj ever before exhibited. This and No. 4, from the exhibition of specimens here, gave many a grape-man a new and correct im- pression of their great value. Adlrondac, grown on the Lake Shore, was on the tables ; and while the bunches were not as largo as we have seen, the ber- ries were large, and the quality such, that the exhibitor had to watch carefully, in or- der to keep enough to show the committee. Ices'' Seedling was on exhibition, and, in discussion, it was stated that it was a rapid healthy grower, growing freely from cut- tings; a great bearer, yielding five times as much as Norton's Virginia, and second only to that variety as a red wine grape. — The yield was stated at 530 gallons to the acre, the weight of must ranging from 80 to 88, and its acid 8 to 10 per cent. The fruit this year sold in Cincinnati at $13.75 per bushel. The lona was a long time under discus- sion. Its exhibitor from lona Island stated that, as the vines grew older, the fruit ripened earlier than on young vines, and that when packed and transported, on opening held well, i. e., did not drop from the bunch. In the discussion, the testimony from several growers was, that, on clay ground, it dropped its foliage early in midsummer, and hence did not ripen its wood. Other testimony gave it, as well as some other sorts, a character of not ripening fruit or foliage on light loose soil, where the roots ran deep. Good, rich, loamy clay seemed to show it up in its best light. In some remarks relative to the Rogers' Hybrid grapes, Mr. Wilder said they were all strong vigorous growers, and must in their training have plenty of room. That he knew a vine of No. 4, five years planted out, which now covered a trellis seventy- five by eleven feet, and that this year fruited 800 bunches of grapes. The vine, of course, was well supplied with food. In this connection, Mr. W. did not think No. 4 should be compared with Concord, as he did not regard the latter of standard qual- ity. In the market of Boston, his No. 4 sold at 35 cents a pound on the same day as his Concords at 20 cents. Mr. Knox regarded the Concord as the most valuable variety in the country ; and, in inviting all interested in grape-culture to attend his grape show on the 17th and 18th instant, said, of thirty-five sorts, that he would show, the Concord would speak for itself. The partial failure of the Catawba in the old vineyards on the Lake Shore was brought up, but testimony, as heretofore, mostly favored the over-bearing of previous years as the cause. The laws of Ohio for prevention of adulteration of grape wine were read, and the practice of Dr. Gall strongly denounced, as well as its practicers, by Messrs. Griffith, Warder, Leonard, and McCuUocli, the lat-, ter of whom advised the transfering low grade wines to vinegar, rather than raise them by' means of foreign agents. Mr. Griffith introduced a resolution, making obnoxious to grape-growers, and the pomo- logical world generally, the oflFering for public favor any new grape until its merits have been passed upon by some competent association. Mr. Elliott hoped that hereafter origina- tors of new sorts would be required to pre- sent a test of the weight of the must, its 344 The Horticulturist. acid, alcobol, &c., before obtaining favor from committees or journals. Such test, he thought, very important to the grower of grapes for wine. One evening during the session was pleasantly devoted to listening to instruc- tive as well as humorous remarks connected with grape-growing and other pomological pursuits, from Hon. "W. P. Wilder, Professor Kirtland, and others. Before closing the session, a resolution was oifered expressive of the wish of the Society to have Mr. Rogers give to his num- bered grapes special names, that hereafter there may be no more confusion. for winter quarters, or planted out in their i permanent location. Bright clear sun, or a cold, frosty, dry wind, are either very inju- , rious and often are death to trees taken immediately from the packing-case or j bundle. Care of Trees Received from the Nursery. — At this season, many of our readers .will undoubtedly be receiving trees and plants from the nurseries, and a word of caution as to their care on such recep- tion may not be amiss. We know many a person to have received trees in good or- der, but from want of care on their receipt, or injudicious care, to have lost nearly all. Should your trees arrive in a cold frosty time, place the bundles or boxes, if possible, at once in a cellar or pit, where the tem- perature is above freezing point, and there let them remain packed, just as received, until a warm moist day will enable you to open and transplant them ; or if you choose to open them in the cellar or pit, do so; but in taking them out for heel ing-in, wrap the roots carefully from a drying, cold, harsh wind, or a clear burning sun. Should your trees arrive in a frozen condition, if they are in bundles, bury them, just as they are, half a foot or more, or below the frost, in the ground. If they come in boxes, and are frozen, and you have no cel- lar or pit to place them in, prepare a trench, one and a half to two feet deep ; then open the box, and, taking them out as much in bundles as possible, lay them, tops and all, down in the trench, and cover at once with earth. Leave them there a few days, or until a cloudy warm day occurs, when they should be taken out and carefully heeled-in Grapevines out of doors, in vineyard, or about the house, should this month receive their pruning back for the next spring's growth. As to the exact number of buds to be left on each cane, the number of canes to a vine, much, of course, notwithstanding opinions and rules, must depend on the vigor, age, and strength of the vine ; whe- ther it has grown feebly and matured a heavy crop of fruit, or vigorously without any fruit. No universal rule can be laid down for vineyard pruning, but each man performing the work must study general directions, and then follow good common- sense principles, with knowledge of vegeta- ble physiology. Our pages have abounded in practical articles on grape-culture the past year, and yet presume many will for- get that their Concord vines will endure to have more than double the length of wood left on them than the Delaware or Rebecca j Norton's Virginia and Clinton, Ive's Seed- ling, and others of that class, will bear even longer pruning than the Concord, and treble that of Catawba or Isabella. Vines that have borne heavily the past year should be pruned back more severely than those which have only expended their strength in growth. Records show that extra product of this year, as a rule, is exhibited in reduced pro- duct, loss of vitality, disease of vine, or rot in fruit next year. Occasionally, if a favor- able fall has occurred, and stimulating manures applied, this exhibit does not fully show itsell for a year or two, or more after the first overcrop ; but its results will come sooner or later, and the common-sense man will try to aid Nature in her recovery of vitality, by reducing opportunity for continued exhaustion by reason of fruiting. Good vines of Concords, on the simple Editor's Tahle. 345 trellis of wire in vineyard, will carry their canes of four to six feet, while Delawares will not bear more than half that length, and yet set more bunches, because of the shorter-jointed wood. With these remarks, we shall recommend every grape-grower to buy and read one or more books of modern writers on grape- culture. Low Branches. — Whatever you may do in pruning your newly-planted trees this fall, or 3'our old orchards, don't by any means cut away the lower limbs. — Let the limbs branch low from the body, no matter if they almost or quite rest their ends upon the ground as they grow. These limbs will shade the crown of the plant, keep the roots moist, and the tree, in one- half the time, will have increased to double the size of one where the limbs have been pruned away from the main stem to a height of from five to eight feet. We know of an apple orchard that changed hands five years since. It was then six years planted, and the planter had grown his trees with low branches, so that at the time they completely shielded the bodies and roots. The new owner went at once to work, and trimmed every tree up to some eight or nine feet, put a boy on a horse, and man to hold the plough, and broke up the ground and roots as near the trees as he could, cutting away every limb that interfered with the boy on the horse. That orchard at this day is one-fourth dead, and the remainder of the trees do not cover as much surface-ground as when the present owner purchased it. is of that kind. Before you buy any new furniture, think of its use. Remember that a shiny convex hair-cloth sofa, too short to lie down on, and too slippery to sit on, may do for show, but never for your family comfort. Remember that a marble-top ta- ble, with a plain, white-painted wood-work and wall of white, without pictures, is not in keeping, however artistic or beautiful it may be in itself. Think well of your wants, of the association of your furniture with your pecuniary means, and above all, with the use and comfort obtainable therefrom. Do not buy high-backed, stiff, hair-cloth chairs, when you can enjoy more real comfort in a splint bottom wood, sim- ply varnished, and procurable at one-fourth the price. Do not buy a pair of vases, with pictures painted on them professing to represent China scenes, at a high price, and place them on the wooden mantelpiece, where they are all out of character in their false representation. Do not buy a carpet for a small room, with a pattern scrawling like a schoolboy's earlier penmanship, in forms and figures all, every, but yet no- where. Let all carved work, in chair or table, mantel or cornice, alone, unless you have wealth to carry out all in keeping. — Leave out knicknacks of all sorts ; and re- member that your own comfort, and that of your family, is obtained by a free use and enjoyment of all you have around you, and that plain, substantial, and appropriate patterns and colors, without gilding, are always best received and appreciated b}'" your friends or enemies, and that they really contribute most to your own enjoy- ment. House Furniture. — At this season of the year, new carpets are often procured ; curtains arc renewed — that is, the lighter ones of summer are replaced by heavier ones of damask, &c., for winter — and often new furniture throughout for the room is pro- cured. Now, we wish to offer one sugges- tion to our rural friends ; and as we are all practical in our table matter, our suggestion Geranium and other plants, taken from out of doors and potted for sitting-room decoration and enjoyment, should be but sparingly watered this month. It is best to keep them where they will receive only the morning sun, and in a cool just above freezing temperature, rather than, as is often done, place them at once in a warm room. 346 TJie Horticulturist. Make all the planting you can in this month. Heavy soils work much easier and better now than in spring ; and light sandy soils, if now worked, pack closer than when handled in spring. Again, all, or nearly all trees, fall planted carefully, go on healipg their broken roots, and fitting themselves for the draft of spring growth. In landscape planting, think which you will prefer — the immediate effect in a crude manner for show, three to five years ; or an imperfect and comparative baldness in effect, for two to five years, with a then filling up and outlining by growth of tree and plant, to result in the true and happy effects of the artists original plan. The first costs more than double in plants and labor of that of the latter, and unless the plants are judiciously thinned out from time to time, afterward results in anything but a pleasing character to grounds. This thinning is a matter generally neglected, as improvers of new places become more or less attached to each tree and plant, and dislike to cut away, even when their judg- ment tells them plainly it should be done. Our advice is, to plant only permanent trees for the first year or two on a new place, relieving the barrenness of the grounds for the time being with dahlias, hollyhocks, &c., for immediate filling of the groups. Winter Pjiotection to Plants and Trees. — Many of our shrubs, vines, and es- pecially young ornamental evergreen and other trees, although quite hardy in some winters, are again, by some extreme tem- perature of only a night or day, killed quite to the ground when left fully exposed. A slight protection of hemlock or other ever- green branches, stalks of corn fodder, ordi- nary branches of deciduous trees, plaited in with rye straw, and set around the plants or trees, to shield them from both wind and sun, will often render plant- or tree hardy while becoming established, that, without such protection, would be discarded as valueless. FuscHiAs, commonly called Ladies' Ear- drop, are easily kept throughout the win- ter, and if planted where they receive only the morning sun, form one of the most beautiful of summer-blooming plants that decorate the garden. When taken up in the fail, all that is requisite is to see that the roots are covered in the soil, and that during the winter they are just a little moist, never wet, and always free from frost. An ordinarily dry cellar, dark, will generally keep them pcrfectlj'-, without any attention. Grapes to Keep Well, and be really good when opened, should be fully ripe, not simply colored ; in other words, they should remain on the vine just as long as the wea- ther will admit 5 then gather carefully, handling them only by taking hold of the stem ; lay them in a cool dry room, in tiers of three layers ; leave them two days ; then pack in shallow, tight boxes, holding about twenty or twenty-five pounds, layers only two deep ; lay paper in around the whole inside the box, between the grapes and the wood ; nail up tight, and set away in a cool dry room, free from frost. Tree Planting may be continued all this month, or until the ground becomes frozen. All dry soils work better and easier in fall than spring and all hardy trees suc- ceed as well, or better, transplanted in the autumn. Hardy shrubs, also, should be transplanted at this season ; and perennials may also be divided, and successfully trans- planted. Over all the latter, spread a light covering of straw, bean haulm, &c., to pre- vent the frost from heaving them out, and around each tree and shrub draw up a slight mound of earth. Layers of vines, shrubs, &c., are better to be taken up and heeled-in to winter quarters than left on their parent plant. In heeling-in, as we have before said, select a dry spot of ground, and shield it from the sun's rays after nine o'clock in the morning. Editor's Table. 347 Poultry should Lave a warm roosting and laying room, and a sheltered sunny spot for day recreation. Give them food of varied grains, as barley, corn, wheat, and oats, mixed, and kept always by them, or accessible to them. See that they have plenty of broken oyster shells, lime rub- bish, coarse sand gravel, &c., and dry sand or ashes to dust themselves. Every fowl should have one foot of space for roosting, and the roost should always have a good ventilator for escape of foul air. Place dry ashes in the bottom of the nests, and where you can, form the nests of dry moss. Selection of Orchard Sites. — Those •who are about forming new orchards should study well the location, remembering* that an elevation of only a few feet often renders a location free from frost, and thus insures the crop of fruit. Again, it is not only that the hills are more exempt from frost than valleys, but that the increased tem- perature of the valleys in summer causes a more rapid and succulent growth, less capa- ble of enduring uninjured the severity of winter. Set Out One More Tree. — This re- commendation we heard a friend of ours giving a few days since. He said every man, almost, could find room in his grounds for one more ; and that, ere he became aware of it, one or more of his present stock would die out, and then this addi- tional one would make all good. Now, like our friend, we say to the readers of the Horticulturist, find room for one more choice fruit-tree, and perhaps there is yet a space for an additional flowering shrub. Plant it now. Be careful to leave no fence corners or bj^-places occupied with small or large heaps of rubbish of old melon vines, bean haulm, &c., for these are almost invariably the harbors of insects, and if lelt, they will cause 3^ou to regret your neglect another season. In forming footpaths or carriage-drives in a new place, if you have not obtained the advice or aid of a landscape gardener, which you should have done, be earful not to get the curves too strong. A crooked path is, if anything, more objectionable to the eye of taste than a straight line. Let all your curved lines exhibit a reason for diverging from a straight course, and let that reason be apparent to the mind of the most thoughtless. Orchards that have been man}"- years in grass, as well as the trees in young orchards, will receive far greater benefit from plov/ing the ground, and leaving it in a rough state for action of the winter's frosts, than if the work is left until spring. After plowing, go round to every tree with spade or hoe, and clear away all grass or weeds, &c., im- mediately next the body of the tree, so that mice may not harbor there and girdle them. Always have a work bench in your wood shed or a part of your barn, it you cannot aflbrd a room purposely as a tool and work- room. A few tools of the common kinds, a triplicate of saws, some chisels, two planes, &c., will enable yourself, or your man-of-all-work, to fit up and repair, or make many a thing that if you had to hire a carpenter, you would never think of hav- ing, because of its cost. Labels, stakes, melon boxes, &c., can be made up in stormy days of fall and winter, at a great saving. All clay lands, and we may say all good garden lands, if dug or plowed deeply, and turned up rough, and exposed to the win- ter's frosts, will improve in quality full as much as the covering of one coat of ma- nure given and worked in spring. Lose no time in attending to the gather- ing and storing of roots of all kinds. Cab- bages, celery, &c., should at once be trench- ed, and prepared for early obtainment in winter. 348 The Horticulturist. Shaker Russet Potato. — Among the man}^ varieties of potato that we have grown, none have given us better satisfac- tion than one known as Shaker Russet. It forms large tubers, fit for eating early in the season, and that when cooked are dry and mealy, and yet it continues growing until near the very last of the season, pro- ducing abundantly, and nearly all of large- sized tubers. Wood ashes, distributed freely on lawns, will serve to enrich, render compact or loose, as the soil is sand or clay, and stimu- late the roots of the grass. The rate of 200 bushels to the acre will not be too much on worn-out lawns, or those in which wild grasses have come in. All the paths around the house and grounds should be carefully cleaned this month, and any little repairs requisite to comfort about the house and grounds made, that comfort and security from storms, &c., may be had during the cold frost and storms of winter. As every ruralist is supposed to have a horse and cow, we must remind them that warm and dry stables are a great preserva- tive of their health, and that all saving of animal heat, by having a warm room, is a saving of food. Ground for new lawns may continue to be prepared any time until frost prevents the labor, but it is too late this month to sow the seeds of grass. Dig and trench the ground deep ; work in plenty of well- rotted manure, and leave the whole as loose and light as possible, for action of the ele- ments and the air during winter. A BOQUET of flowers may be kept fresh a long time, by sprinkling freely with wa- ter, and then placing them under a glass shade. If you have no shade, spi'inkle the flowers freely at night, and shut them up closely in a covered box. Cultivate the Orchard — By some the practice of cultivating the ground around orchard trees is questioned, as of, at least, doubtful propriety. Their claims as to its value are, that our young orchards, under regular culture of plow and hoe, are more strong, and less injured by insects, than those that have been left in grass. They also claim that, by stimulating the growth of the trees by cultivation, they are more liable to blight, and destructive to the tree. How far such views may be sustained in practice, we know not ; certainly, in our observation, they are not tenable. We have found the fruit in most uncultivated orchards to be small and knotty ; and, when the vigor of the tree has been checked by a close compact sod, if any growth occurs from an unusually growing season, it is gen- erally water sprouts, filling up, choking, and diverting the vitality of the tree from its true and legitimate channel. We do not believe in breaking the ground deeply, tearing asunder roots of half to an inch in diameter, and especially those near the crown ; but we believe the ground kept light and loose, two to four inches deep, and stirred often during the season of growth with the cultivator or Shares' har- row, will give a healthy growth, prevent in a measure the increase of insect life, and render the tree hardy, and capable of en- during extremes of temperature in the best manner. Asparagus Beds, if not already done, should at once have the old tops mowed and cleaned off, a good dressing of salt given, and the whole covered with half- rotted stable manure, say three inches deep. Bean poles, dahlia stakes, &c., should be gathered together, and stacked away care- fully for another season. Azaleas should be kept cool during win- ter. The cooler they are kept, and yet free of frost, the better will be the flowers in spring. Editors Table. 349 Charles J. May, of Warsaw, 111., has sent us samples of lona and Delaware vines, of extra fine qualit}^, wliicli we shall plant out and care for with our best skill. If the vines grow as vigorously as their ap- pearance promises, they will overtop our trellis next summer. Bo NOT attempt to group small-growing shrubs or trees with those of lofty natural habit. A few years will show the error and the loss in effect of all the trees so planted. Geraniums, if kept at a low temperature during the winter, require very little water; and so kept, when put forward in spring, their growth is like magic, and their bloom profusion. Be careful in creating fire heat in the greenhouse at this season of the year. Keep the temperature as cool as possible, so it is above the freezing point. Don't be afraid of the spade in preparing holes for setting trees. Large wide holes, and plenty of good soil, in place of sand, gravel, or poor clay, will repay well the labor. cause we love to chat with them, and be- cause we, as a rule, gather more ideas than in our other associations with professional gardeners. True, these ideas are sometimes crude, and occasionally hint at practices new to the promulgator, but by us known long to have been tried ; but they set us thinking ; and when we get back into our library, with pencil in hand, we have tried to write plainly for the use and benefit of the unpractised. We hope we have, at times at least, succeeded. It is our desire to aid the uninitiated by practical matter, and to give hints to be seized hold of and improved on by the practised amateur or gardener. We shall be thankful for any suggestions, and are always ready to answer questions. " Write for the Poor." — We have had quite a number of letters, asking us to " give more of matter in our table, directly for the interest of those who have no spe- cial garden, gardener, or greenhouse, but who, at same time, live in the countrj'-, and love both flowers and fruit." Some of our letters complain that " too much of the monthly magazine instructions are written apparently by a greenhouse man, and with- out thought of doing anything except by means of a practised gardener." We do not know but these complaints may be just. All we can say is, that we ourself are almost daily among just the people who love flowers and fruits, and who perforaa their own labor in the simplest and plainest manner. We go among them, be- WiNTER Clothing. — It is not, perhaps, in our line, as horticulturists, to write about what we shall wear ; but yearly we see so much of error, as we count it, in the matter of clothing the human frame, and especially in that of the female portion, that we cannot avoid writing just one word. As a people, we are proverbial for heat- ing our rooms in winter. We raise the heat, dry and harsh, in our rooms of a win- ter's day, when the temperature outside is 10°, to a range of 80° to 85°— just such a temperature as in summer we call oppres- sively warm. We pass from the one tem- perature to the other with a shiver or a feeling of oppressive warmth, and find our- selves nearly all the time suffering from severe colds. Let us here urge upon our lady friends, and upon the children, the use of more clothing, so that, in passing from tlie warm room to the cold air, or vice versa, the shock will not be perceptible. With this use of more and warmer clothing, the use of wool- lens—not light thin muslins, and gauzes, we would soon find a temperature in our rooms of 62° to 70° far more comfortable, and far more healthy, giving us little or no shock in passing from the one to the other, and carrying us through from month to 350 The Horticulturist. month, without colds, neuralgia, or other troublesome ills, consequent, as every phy- sician will tell you, upon sudden shocks in temperature to the system. Woodbury, Conn., Oct. 1, 1866. Messrs. Editors — The grape crop in this region, as well as other fruits, this season is a failure. Twenty degs. below zero, and no snow in January, and heavy frosts on the 15th and 24th of May, seem to have been too much for the fruit buds. Our opinion would bo expressed about as fol- lows : First, Concord gives a good crop ; no disease or mildew ; nothing less than the explosion of a 13-inch shell in its vicinity would injure it. Hartford is, like Concord, free from mildew, but not worth cultivating while we have something better. N. Mus- cadine, also free from disease, and a better grape for us to eat than either the former. Union Village too late. Rebecca — feeble "■rower; never fruits. Anna has grown one inch a year for the last six years, and of course no fruit. Diana — a vigorous "•rower, no mildew and have received about one grape annually for seven years past ; but, as Jacob served twice seven years fur Rachel, so we shall wait on this coquette Diana seven years more, hoping she will yield in time. Catawba is free from rot and mildew ; ripens its fruit uniformly every year; vine is on the south side of house. Delaware is by far the best grape yet cultivated and fruited ; vines have mil- dev/ed badly for two years past, but have, nevertheless, given good crops of well- ripened fruit. lona and Tsraella have not yet fruited (second year) ; they made a good growth last year, but this season have mildewed badly, and most of the buds pushed feebly ; hope to fruit them next season. Single-eye, one-year-old plants make a better growth, and I am confident will fruit sooner than vines described by the Lieut.-General (whose head-quarters is at " Zona, near Peekskill") as " vines of ex- traordinary quality and value, grown in pots," &c., and which, in the height of my grape fever, I expected would fruit imme- mecUately. In conclusion, I would say, plant one Concord, and from one to ten thousand Delawares, and twenty thousand Jonas, if the latter fruits as well as Delaware. I am waiting patiently for the doctors to agree on an early grape. Whether that will be Tsraella or Adirondac no one seems to know. Your's trul}'-, Eli Sperry. Readers of the Horticulturist — you grape-growers, I mean — have you grapes ? Have you more grapes than you can sell 1. more grapes than you can at present eat ? Tf you have, let me tell you how a neighbor of mine keeps Catawba grapes until the 1st of April as nice and fresh as the day tliey were gathered from the vine, so that you may go and do likewise with your surplus. First, he gathers his grapes, when iully ripe, on a clear dry day, and lays them on the floor of his attic, there to remain eight or ten days. They are then carefully looked over, taking out all decayed berries (these will be few in number), and placed in boxes or barrels, in layers of one bui^ch in depth, with alternate layers of finely- cut wheat straw, perfectly dry. When full, the boxes and barrels are nailed up and placed in a cool room, where they are left until in danger of freezing. (Usually about the middle of December.) When cold weather comes on, he places them in his pantry, (connected with the kitchen) where they remain until used or sold. The at- mosphere in the pantry is always dry and cool, and the temperature gradual, ranging from 45 to 50 degrees ; and here is the secret of his success. I have eaten Catawba grapes at his house in March having an appearance as fresh as the day they were gathered, and I know they were luscious. And now, as I have told you how he keeps them, would you like to know how he grows them ? His vine is the oldest in Editor's ToMe. 351 our neighborhood of that variety ; stands on clay soil, with a subsoil as retentive of water as a wet sponge. It is trained to the east and south side walls of his house, and covers an area of at least 1200 square feet. It has never been manured except once. Three years ago, one bushel of unbroken bones were placed around it. lie jirunes gently, and receives yearly enormous crops of the most handsome Catawbas I ever wit- nessed. I never knew this vine to miss fruiting. For the last three or four years its yield has been twelve to fifteen bushels. Another vine growing near this is trained to a trellis, and is pruned severely, in order to confine it to the trellis. Two years ago, a branch shot up into a cherry tree from this vine, and the difference in the quan- tity quality, and appearance of the fruit, between that grown on the branch unprun- ed and rambling at will through the tree, and that grown on the vine pruned and trained to the trellis has to be seen to be believed. It is a fact that the branch in the tree produces four times the quantity, and the quality and appearance are so vast- ly superior that comparison is preposterous. Now, I always did advocate with the Ca- tawba long pruning, and what I saw, during a little trip the past season to some of the principal grape regions, where tbe Catawba is and has been grown extensively, fully convinces me that I am right. It may be I am wrong ; who will sa" I am ? John H. Jenkins. East BetJdehem, Pa., Oct. 15, 1866. BOOKS, &c., RECEIVED. " Outpost" is the title of a novel, from an American pen, soon to be published by J. E. Tilton & Co. From a glance over the proof sheets, we should judge it would make its mark. The freshness and origi- nality of the style, incidents, and charac- terization, show an unhackneyed mind The childhood of the heroine is represented with a mingled pathos and humor, such as we have not noticed in ronriance since Dick- ens' Little Nell, and Mrs. Stowe's Eva. — Boston Daily Evening Transcript. Peat and its Uses, by Samuel W. John- son, A. M. Orange, Judd & Co., N. Y. Price, $1.25. This work treats of Peat both as a fer- tilizer and as a fuel. Part I. Origin, Varieties and Chemical Characters of Peat. Part II. On the Agricultural Uses of Peat and Swamp Muck. Part III. On Peat as a Fuel. The best modes of preparing and com- posting Peat for the use of the farmer a£e explicitly given, as well as the process of manufacturing into fuel. This last part of the work is fully illustrated with views of the various machines now in use both in Europe and this country for manipulating the Peat. Second xInnual Report of the New England Agricultural Society, 18G5. "We have received this book from Messrs. J. E. Tilton & Co., Boston, issued in their usual elegant style of binding and typo- graphy, and profusely illustrated with en- gravings. The Historical Magazine, and Notes and Queries concerning the Antiquities, History and Biography of America. Edited by Henry B. Dawson. This long established monthly has been much enlarged since it lately passed into the hands of its present editor, whose well known ability as an author and historian is a guarantee that the character of the work will be main- tained and its interest increased. Dealers supplied by the American News Co., N. Y., and mail subscribers by Henry B. Dawson, Morrisiana, N. Y. Thirteenth Report of the Ohio Po- MOLOGiCAL Society. Descriptive Catalogue of Greenvale Nurseries. W. D. Strowger & Co., Mur- ray St., Geneva, N. Y. 352 TJie Horticulturist. Dealers List of the Erie (Pa.) Com- Price List of Vines. J. F. Martin, MERciAL Nurseries. J. A. Plattman, Mount Washington, 0. proprietor. Grape O^^talogue. H. B. Lum, Sand- ClKCULAR OF THE CaNANDAIGUA (N. Y.) USkj, 0, Propagating Establishment. P. L. Perry, proprietor. Circular and "Wholesale Price List. R. Halliday & Son, Baltimore City, Md. Price List of the West Avenue Nur- series, Kocbester, N. Y. Vick's Illustrated Catalogue of Hardy Bulbs. James Vick, Rochester, Price List of the Dutchess Nurseries. N. Y. Ferris & Cay wood, Poughkeepsie, N. Y. Price List of Small Fruits. M. W. Price List of Grape Vines, Humbolt Johnston, South Bend, Ind. Nurseries, Toledo, 0. Lenk & Co. Circular and Wholesale Prices. H. Manual of Grape Culture and Annual g. Hooker & Co., Rochester, N. Y. Catalogue. J. H. Foster, Jr., Westmore- land, Penn. p,^j^j. Lj^^ ^^ Native Grapes. IL Ren- „ T> -n T, nison, Bloominu;toD, 111. Catalogue OF Bulbs and Flower Roots. ' ° ' Henry A. Dreer, Philadelphia, Penn. ^i t TrTTT-P/-.o ^ ' * ' Price List. M. H. Lewis & Co., San- Cataloguf, and Price List of Grape ^usky, Ohio. Vines. John W. Bailey & Co., Plattsburg, ^rr ^^ t i c i ■^ -y J ■> 05 Wholesale Catalogue. John Saul, Catalogue of Plants and Description of the Kittatinny Blackberry. E. Williams, Mont Clair, N. J. Washington, D. C. Catalogue. J. W. Manning, Reading Mass. Wholesale Price Lists of Reid's Nur- ^«^^^ ^^""^^ ^^'° ^o^^^- ^^^''^^ J^^'^" SERiEs, Elizabeth, N. J. D. D. Buchanan. ^<^"' ^^^* ^''*^^'^' P®'^^- Descriptive Catalogue of Plants, Wholesale Price List of Bronson Vines, &c. J. M. Price, Media, Delaware Gfraves & Selover, Geneva, N. Y. '' ■ Wholesale Trade List of T. C. Max- Catalogue des Ognons a Fleurs et ^^'^ ^ Brothers, Geneva, N. Y. DEs Fraisiers. Vilmorin Andrieux et Cie. Paris. Wholesale Catalogue of Utica Union Nurseries. John Best, Agent. Catalogue and Price List of Grape Vines. J. F. Deliot, Sing-Sing, N. Y. Price List of C. L. Hoag & Co., Lock- port, N. Y. Wholesale List of Hoopes Brothers & Thomas, Cherry Hill Nurseries, West- Catalogue of Amenia Vineyard and Chester Penn. Nursery. Miss J. L. Waring, Amenia, N.Y. Price List of Plants, Trees, &c. E. A. Wholesale Price List. Dinger Conard Baumann, Rahway, N. J. & Co., West Grove, Penn. THE HOETICULTUEIST VOL. XXI DECEMBER, 1866 NO. COXLVI. THE ORCHARD. "When we talk of tlie orchard, it is usu- ally understood that we have apples in our minds' eye ; that we mean a good-sized field well planted with apple trees. If we go back to our verdant days and recollec- tions, we find one grand paramount idea on this subject, and that is a big field, some ten or more acres, filled with old apple trees, exhibiting all sorts of odd and curiously- productions of Nature. Here an old Fig. 136. patriarch, with a trunk as erect as a main- we ever hear it called by any particular mast, and spreading his massive foliage over name ; and what is more, we never cared a quarter acre of ground; we never saw to hear a name for it; 'twasn't worth a very much fruit on it at one time, nor did name. There's a good many such old chaps Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1866, by Geo. E. & E. W. WroDWARii, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United State<, for the Southern District of New York. 354 The Horticulturist. standing around yet. Nest neighbor to this was a queer old fellow, that at some time or other had got a diversion from the perpendicular, and led his trunk a long dis- tance almost along the ground, but at a slight inclination before the superstructure of the tree commenced. We never under- stood the why of this, but in our boyish days it was great fun to walk up this old tree. "We always thought he grew so ; but, sad to say, our maturer philosophy Avas suggestive of September gales and old-fashioned equi- noctials, confound them ! This funny old fellow was our favorite ; we never knew by what name he was called, but one thing is certain, not many of those apples ever found their way into the house. But we can't go through the whole ten acres. As to the rest of the trees, they were pretty much of a muchness. There are, however, other orchards than apple-orchards since our youthful days. — Now we have orchards of the peach, the pear, and the plum. Those of our readers who have never seen an orchard of this last-named fruit may, perhaps, look upon the thing as somewhat mythical. Who is there, in this day of the curculio, that would be so bold as to plant an orchard of plums 1 We do not wish to put our vera- city in jeopardy, but we have seen an or- chard of this fruit, all in full bearing. We have now in our mind's eye an orch- ard of plums, some four or more acres in extent, near Catskill Village, on the Hud- son, just across the Creek, which, at the time of our visit, was a perfect miracle of health and beauty ; every individual tree with clean bark, and weighed down with fruit, the picture of health and beauty. — On asking the proprietor how it was that he could have plums, and whether he never suffered any from the ravages of the cur- culio, his ready answer was, to the latter part of our question, " Oh, jes ; but we have enough for ourselves and the curculio too." But be it understood that this is a locality peculiarly adapted to the smooth skin stone fruits. As a general thing, the orchard is a much abused institution. It seems a bold under- taking nowadays to plant an apple orchard. As usually managed, we do most undoubt- edly consider it such, and think the owner must be a man sanguine of long life, and big with hopes of fruition. We confess that, at our time of life, we should despair of ever tasting of the fruit of any ajiple orchard we should set out, and consider our work as done for posterity. We remember^ however, once expressing ourselves in this way to Mr. Charles Down- ing, on a visit to his model grounds. He pooh-poohed us with the encouraging re- mark, " I was older than you are when I planted these apple trees, and I expect to enjoy their fruit for some time yet." These trees were at the time in full bearing, and any other than an expert would have said they were nearly as old as the proprietor himself; but there are very few Downings among our fruit-growers. The usual method of proceeding is to take a lot which has been cropped to death or kept in meadow until it is no longer profitable as such, and without further preparation than a simple breaking up of the ground, to dig so many lioles^ and plant j-our apple trees ; then the grass is allowed to grow up around them, or the lot is seed- ed afresh, and annual crops of grain or grass taken from the soil. What wonder that orchards managed in this way never amount to anything, and that premature decrepitude follows? We have observed just such orchards, year after year, strug- gling for dear life, the proprietor growing gray waiting for his trees to grow. If they survive the first year after their planting, they live along, showing in course of ten years a misshapen and unsightly head, sup- ported by a trunk of about three or four inches diameter, beautifully garnished with moss and knobs, and other excrescences ; skin bound, and pretty thoroughly perfo- rated with the borer — (all unhealthy sub- jects seem to be the special favorites of in- sect enemies). We have had some dear The Orchard. 355 experience in this line ourselves. At the time of setting out a number of young- trees in an old orchard, two trees were planted in a spot, adjacent to which we subsequently put a cold grapery, the bor- der of which was run close up to these trees. This border being very deep, and constructed with more than ordinary care, showed an immediate effect upon the two trees, which commenced growing very vig- orously, and are at this day beautiful and symmetrical objects ; fruiting well ; large and perfect fruit; and to all appearance double the age and size of the trees in the orchard planted at the same time with them. These two trees have been a volume of instruction to us ; they have shown us the conditions of success in planting, and subsequent management ; and we have learned this much, at least, that it is worse than wasted time to plant an orchard with- out most thorough previous preparation of the soil. We would lay down these two cardinal rules in commencing the work : 1st. Select not a poor piece of ground, which 3^ou think you can spare for an or- chard, but choose rather the best ground you have. 2d. After thus taking your ground, go to work and prepare the soil, just as carefully as if you were going to make a garden, giving especial care to the mechanical man- ipulation thereof. Depend upon it, there is no amount of pains which you take in this i'espect that will not amply repay you in the end, and you will not be long in the realization. We look upon it as of the utmost impor- tance to the future welfare of the tree, that it should have a good start in the begin- ning, and make an early and rapid growth. This will enable it to resist the attacks of disease and insects the better. We have observed, as a general rule, that insects at- tack unhealthy plants and trees in prefer- ence to the healthy and vigorous. People often wonder why it is that our orchards cease to yield as they once did, and why new trees planted in the same ground won't grow. There is no mystery about it. The soil of the orchard has been completely ex- hausted by constant cropping ; every ele- ment required by the trees has been used up; and, as a consequence, there is nothing left for the old trees but sterile old age, and for the new ones planted among them, premature decay and languishing, until they find their way to the wood-pile. In replacing trees in the orchard, whether of the apple or the pear, when it is necessary to place the new tree in the very spot oc- cupied by a predecessor, the greatest care should be taken to remove all the old soil. Enlarge the hole to double its former size, spreading the soil taken therefrom over the surrounding surface, filling in with new soil and properly-prepared compost judi- ciously commingled, keeping away from the young rootlets all heating and stimulating manures. In this way you will avoid all deleterious matter left by the old roots — all sick and unhealthy soil. The contrary course would be like putting a healthy per- son to sleep in the bed of a patient who had died of a highly contagious disease — say yellow fever — which inhuman practice would, in all probability, result in another case of the same disease, with similar fatal results. We merely mention the analogy, simply to show that there is not, after all, such a wide difference between animal and vegetable economy, and that when the rules and wisdom of the one, are entirely ignored in the other, the blunder will sure- ly speak for itself. We speak feelingly on this subject of the orchard, for we have been pained to see the amount of ignorance prevalent on the sub- ject ; to witness the malpractice in planting new orchards particularly; and this not among the untaught farmers alone, but among the wealthy rural gentlemen who expend large sums in the improvement of their country houses. We commend this subject earnestly to the study of our intelligent readers, and 356 The Horticulturist. beg those who can aiford to do so to set an example of a more intelligent and reasona- ble practice in this regard. What we have written of the apple-tree and the orchard is equally applicable to the pear, and in fact to all other fruit trees. We hare heard enthusiastic rural persons speak of their interest in the trees they had planted about their estates, and which had grown up around them to adorn their grounds, and give shade and shelter, and pleasure to the eye, as akin to that of pa- rents in their offspring, calling them " my children." To all such, then, who plant orchards, we would say, treat and train them with the same zealous care you be- stow upon your children, looking for a good return and a golden harvest. DESIGNS IN EURAL ARCHITECTURE-No. 19. BY G. E. HARNEY, COLD SPRING, N. Y. 137. — A Simjjle Rustic Cottage This design represents a simple rustic cottage, for a family of small means. It is built of wood, filled in with soft brick on edge — and covered in the vertical and bat- tened manner, with rough boards and heavy battens — care being taken in laying the boards on, that the splinters of the wood made by the saw in sawing from the log point downwards instead of upwards, to shade the water more efi'ectually. The roof is covered with shingles, and the projections of the gables, which are quite heavy, are relieved by ornamental verge boards sawn from heavy plank. The windows have all bold trimmings, and those on the lower story are protected by broad hoods, and glazed with diamond shaped glass. The verandah, or front stoop, is made with cedar posts and trimmings, but has a plank floor and a tight roof. The chimneys represented Grapes in Kansas. 357 are terra cotta chimney tops of large size, resting upon a blue stone base cut for the purpose. The interior arrangement is as follows : The hall, No. 1, measures eight feet by eleven, and coTitains stairs to the chamber and cellar. The principal stairs arc three feet wide, and the cellar flight is two feet Fig. 138. eight inches, inclosed by a partition with a door at the top. No. 2 is the living room, fourteen feet square, — provided with an open fire place for burning wood, and also having on one of its sides a recess or bay, with side lights only,— the back being made to serve the purpose of a book-case or cup- board. No. 3 is the kitchen, twelve by fourteen, well lighted by two large win- dows, and having a large closet opening out of the side beyond the fire-place. No. 4 is a pantry, measuring five by eight, and opening out upon the back stoop. This pantry may have a sink in it, and may be fitted up with shelves and cup-boards. — Additional room may be got by putting the kitchen in the basement, and using the upper room as a living or dining room, and the front room as a parlor. This would give an opportunity for finishing the parlor in a little more expensive manner, and on that account may be more desirable. The second floor contains two good sized chambers and four large closets. There is no attic to the house, but a space of about five feet in height is left above the chamber and below the peak of the roof— which serves a good purpose as ventilator. The posts are fourteen feet high, and the lower story is finished nine feet high in the clear. The finish of the interior is all of pine, and put up in a simple manner. The walls are all plastered and finished with a rough white sand finish, which may after- wards be tinted in any desirable shade. The outside should be painted two or three tints. GRAPES IN KANSAS. BY A. M. BURNS. In looking over the Horticulturist of October '66, page 318, I find that the mem- bers of the '■ Lake Shore Grape Growers' Association" attribute the cause of grape disease " in a great measure to permitting the vines to overbear," &c. As it is only from the experience of others, as well as our own that we can arrive at correct conclu- sions, I would say that the few — very few — mildewed berries on my vines this season were produced from vines that had never averaged two pounds of grapes during any year since they were planted (1860). They were in 18C3 and 1864 prevented from bear- ing more than one-fourth of a crop by the late vernal frosts, and in 1865 and '66, the rain which poured down in torrents, when they were in full bloom, knocked the flowers off the vines ; while other vines, not then in bloom, which had borne enormous crops were free from any disease. I can account for the mildew in no other way than the vines were planted too close (6 by 8 feet), and were prevented from having the influence of the sun and air as much as they should have had in such wet seasons. 358 The Horticulturist. IVES' SEEDLING. v^ V i_^^cr^; 4.1 1 Fig. 139.— Ji-fs' &f//f//<7. We are indebted to M, II, Lewis, Esq , was made. A full description of the grape, of Sandusky, Oliio, for buiiclies of this its origin, &c., will be found on pages Ji28, grape, from one of w'hich our engraving and 9 of our November number. Ladies' Ear-Drop Apple. LADIES' EAR-DROP APPLE. 359 Fig. 1¥).— Ladies' Ear-Drop Apple. The apple from whicli our illustration was taken, was exhibited by Mr. John B. Tompkins, President of the Yorktown Agricultural Association, Weschester Co., N.Y., at the annual fair. "He describes the tree as a vigorous grower and great bearer. The original tree stands near Croton Lake, on the farm of Solomon Tompkins. The apple? are [all as nearly alike as so many peas, both in size, shape, and color." Color, a beautiful lemon yellow, with a brilliant scarlet cheek ; fruit acid, and of second-rate flavor. As an ornamental fruit for the table, this apple is not surpassed in beauty of appearance. A BRIEF RETROSPECTIVE VIEW OF THE PAST SEASON'S FRUITS. A YEAR of peace, free from din of battle or roll of drum for supplying a draft, we have been left to pursue our labors quietly ; to prune our vines ; plant and cultivate our seeds; revel in the fruits of our strawberry and raspberry grounds ; gather abundantly of apples and pears ; and in a word, while reclining under the shade of our vines, to feel thankfulness and rejoicing for the sup- plies so lavishly bestowed upon us by an unseen, yet by all acknowledged supremely benevolent Power. Notwithstanding a Avinter of apparent mildness, yet in reality of almost unprece- dented destruction to the vitality of vege- table life ; and a spring opening late, yet we were enabled at once to go to work to plow and plant ; and either from the im- proved quality of seeds sold by seedsmen, and the better quality of trees soipplied by tree dealers, success was generally the rule in attendant. Commencing with strawberries, although the uncared for beds, and occasionally those 360 The Horticiilturisf, of late planting and unprotected, yet the extent of plantations tliat were uninjured gave us abundance of fruit superior in qual- ity, if a little reduced in quantity. Quite a number of new sorts liave been brought forward to public notice, and many of last year's introduction further tested ; but among them all none that appear likely to displace the Wilson as a berry for the market-growers. Raspberries were more injured than strawberries ; and had it not been for the Black Cap, our Southern and Western friends would have had to treat imagina- tion rather than their palates with this fruit. Of the hardy kinds that have been well tested, the Kirtlandand Philadelphia stand first among the reds; Orange, although partially tender yet, holds a prominent position among the light colors ; and the Doolittle is the black. Like the strawberry, this fruit has shown quite a number of new varieties, some of which give great promise of characters that will displace the sorts wc have named above. Blackberries, like the raspberries suffered from the last past winter in many sections; and so certain are the promulgators of two new sorts, that they are superior in every respect to varieties that we have heretofore been satisfied with, that we find ourselves too often dreaming over past scenes, when Lawton was in the ascendant, and wonder- ing whether all then was real. Currants, South and West, have this year been a failure ; but East, we believe, a good, fair, if not full crop has been realized, and the character of many determined. In gooseberries, no special novelty to our present memory has been introduced, but their culture has been shown to be, in the neighborhood of large cities, one of profit. The cherry crop has been a light one, and, so far as we know, a singular one, in the fact that a few trees in orchards pro- duced abundantly when their associates gave but sparingly. To the great storm over the whole county, just when they were in bloom, we suppose we must attri- bute the cause, as most trees exhibited bloom in abundance. Why some should escape, however, and others not, when all were alike exposed, we confess is beyond our knowledge. We do not now remember of any new sort of excellence having been introduced. Apricots, unfortunately, are so sparsely cultivated, and the successful fruiters so limited, that we confess we have had but a few opportunities of enjoying their rich fruit this past year. We are seriously of the impression that a fruit-house exclusively devoted to grow- ing apricots would pay. It could be cheap- ly constructed, and the fruit always sold at very high prices. Peaches, with exception of a few isolated cases, have been a failure at the West; a partial crop in the middle Southern section; and while a good crop South, so much afi'ecled by their long drought as to greatly lessen their value. We hear of no new ones of value. Of plums and nectarines we have nothing to say, it not having been our good fortune to enjoy but a few, nor to read of produc- tive crops obtained by others. Apples, although not in profusion, have nevertheless been sufficiently abundant to meet the wants of the people at moderate * prices, and at the same time they have been of superior size and beauty. Trees, as a rule, have not been overload- ed, but the fruit has been evenly distri- buted upon them, swelling and coloring to perfection. A number of new sorts have been noted, but judging of their records, without an opportunity of examining and comparing, we doubt if any of the new sorts will su- persede the older varieties. Pears, like apples, although not in profu- sion, have nevertheless been abundant, and like the apples, have perfected themselves most surprisingly. Willis' Sweeting. 361 Many new sorts have fruited for the first time this year, and others have shown sus- taining marks of their previous good char- acters. "VYe hope to figure some of the new ones in our pages for the coming year. Grapes, although much injured in the vines at the West and South- West, have, nevertheless, reported a fair average crop as compared with former years, owing, we suppose, to the extent of new vines just come into bearing. The rot has appeared in some vineyards, but it has not been as general as last year. East, the crop of grapes has been good, and everywhere they have ripened up bet- ter than in the average of years. Many new seedlings have been introduced to the public for their favor, while others somewhat highly lauded last year have not this season shown themselves. Possibly their owners aie keeping them back to get stock for prospective demand. The old sorts, as a whole, have fully sus- tained their characters, and a few have im- proved on acquaintance. Insects and diseases, we think, have been less prevalent than usual this past season. If we except the blight in some sections West, we have heard of nothing beyond the controlling reach of the careful pomol- ogist. WILLIS' SWEETING. Fig. 141 Willis' Willis' Sweeting was found in crossing Changed by Parsons & Co. to Willis' Sweet- the fence on the farm of Edmond Willis, ing. We consider it the best baking sweet of Jericho Oyster-bay, L. I., about seventy- apple known here. It is quite productive five years ago. It was called the apple of and is a long time in ripening its fruit, the Pear-tree lot — its usual name here. Season middle of August to 1st of October. Isaac Hicks. 362 The Horticulturist. STREET SHADES. If there is any one thing that beautifies and adorns the suburbs of our large cities, our large and small towns, villages and country roads, it is the numerous trees that have been planted from time to time as street shades by the hands of our enterpris- ing, industrious and rural people. As a . nation we progress so rapidly in the accu- mulation of wealth, that perhaps we may with safety be called a money-getting peo- ple ; but, with all our love of money it has fortunately thus far in the course, been gained more for the enjoyments it would purchase, or the good the owner was enabled to do therewith, than for the sim- ple, yet base, purpose of hoarding. Travel- ers abroad speak occasionally of the road- side trees — of a proportion being fruit-bear- ing, and of their fruit being untouched by thieves, etc., by the simple protection of placing a straw band, or some similar de- vice, around the trunk by the owner to designate his wish that such tree be left for his own use, while from all the others the traveler may eat and refresh himself at will. AVhen, however, travelers relate this truth and dilate upon it as a feature so superior to anything of this country, we cannot but think they have gone abroad before travelling over and learning of the beauty and hospitality of the States. "We would be v/illing to place the old elms of Springfield, Worcester, etc., of Massachu" setts — the elms, maples, etc., of NewHaven, Connecticut, or even the younger trees of many of our "Western cities, like Cleveland, Ohio, for instance, in competition with the street trees of any country ; and whenever we find the man, who traveling along asked for fruits to eat and did not freely receive, we will abandon all our present belief in the amelioration of the rough points of man by means of his daily walks and labors in cultivating the fruits of the earth. True, we have not a government so strict as to prevent unjust^appropriation of fruits when growing upon our road sides, and therefore the planting of fruit trees in isolated cases, by liberal, philanthropic men, has been to them a source rather of sorrow than joy. Not that they did not wish the traveller to partake, but that in taking there was often no partition, and also that in so taking they destroyed limbs as well as fruit, thereby disfiguring the beauty and proportions of the tree. We say that we have not a government so strict as to prevent this wrong appro- priation of the street fruits, but while a few cases of peculation of this kind occur, often we believe from an erroneous impres- sion that all fruits of the road-side are pub- lic. How rare do we see a shade tree upon the road-side injured wilfully or even care- lessly, and this too over an immense terri- tory, with, in many places a roving popula- tion made up of ail races, classes and con ditions of men. Our forefathers set us the example of planting street shades : as, witness, nearly all the older towns and cities of New Eng- land ; and their example has been most worthily followed, as their children and children's children have marched towards the setting sun. While we have no law to compel a man to plant a tree upon the road-side for every child born, we have, as a people so much of enterprize and taste, that no matter how Teutonic a man may be wheii first settling in a neighborhood, a short time only elapses ere his farm is bounded on its street side by noble elms or maples. Again, such is the taste and love of trees among us as a people, such the additional adornment to vacant lots of a few shade trees, that the land speculator, even, often freely expends his mone)'- for their planting. We have, it is true, in the preservation of our street shades which now beautify so many miles of our country, had to contend against depredations of roving cows, mules, horses, etc., but thanks to the courts, and more recently to some of our State laws, it is Street Shades. 363 fast coming^ to the comprehension of the multitude that our roadways are public property, only as they may be properly and soberly used as passage ways for all, and that otherwise they belong to the owners of the lands adjoining. When this feature is more generally known and adopted, our roadways and public pleasure drives may be adorned with terrace or lawn, in front of each man's land as may please his taste or suit the position. More variety of trees can also be safely phinted, and as the light wire fences, or well-trimmed hedges gradually take the place of heavy boards, rails or pickets, our roadways will present n\ore the appearance of an extensive park, than path-ways to market. Although our native elms and maples have their sway and are extremely beauti- ful, there are also other trees that at times, we think, would be better suited to the location about to be planted. The English Elm, Ulmus campestris, ap- pears equally hardy as our native, while its habit is more upright and compact, afford- ing a shade almost as dense as the sugar or hard maple. Its branches are slender, but abundantly covered with small, deep shin- ing green leaves that remain on until very late in November. For narrow streets in our cities, or for forming groups in grounds of limited extent, it seems to us better suited than our native white elm with its spreading, expansive habits. The Acer j^latanoides^ or Norway maple, is another tree ot close, compact character in forming its head. It has rich broad foliage of yellowish green, that like our maple becomes red, then yellow in autumn. The young shoots being green make it ex- tremely ornamental, also when out of foliage. The European Sj^camore, Acer pseudo pla- tanus, is, however, the foreign maple most desirable, because of its rapid growth, broad, clean, dark-green foliage, and perfect hardi- hood.. It cannot be called a spreading tree, yet its proportions sometimes measure that of large elm-S : it is, therefore, well adapted to broad streets or road sides, and for form- ing back grounds for trees of less magnitude in growth and of a lighter foliage. The ash-leaved maple, Acer negunclo, of Michaux, is a native that we have often wondered was not more planted. It is easilj^ obtained, grows readily and rapidly, appears to endure patiently all positions, even to the coal-smoke of cities, is beautiful in its yellow- green young shoots when de- void of foliage. Its pale pea-green foliage forms a pleasing diversity and an adm.irable contrast with the sycamore in summer. For small grounds or positions where a too spreading tree would be objectionable, the ash-leaved maple is adapted. It affects moist situations, and transplanted grows most rapidly in moist, yet light soil. The Tulip Tree, Lirioclendron tnlipifera^ is another of our native trees, that has no compeer. Tall, stately, yet spreadingly graceful — every leaf and every branch a line of beauty. Its flowers are of many brilliant colors and so bea,utifully mingled with the rich green of the foliage as to make it of itself one immense elegant boquet. As a town street tree it is not adapted because of its dislike to have its roots trampled upon, but for country road-sides it is one of all to be most desired. There are yet other trees that hereafter we may mention as suited for road-sides and the suburban streets of our cities, but we think it may not be well to say too much or enumerate too many kinds in one article. The Horse Ohesnut does admirably in some localities, and so also does the Linden or Basswood — neither of them, however, succeed well where pavements cover the entire root. But let 3^our taste be what it may for kind and variety, do not forget that trees give shade, shelter, coolness, and with the dew at eve or early morn dropping through their umbrageous foliage, serve to inspire soft, sweet, soothing dreams that act as restoratives from the cares and troubles of life's busy world. 364 Tlie Horticulturist. NOTES ON TPIE OCTOBER NUMBER. Laws of Association in Ornamental Gardening. — I have, in previous notes, expressed myself so favorably upon this writer's subject, and his manner of hand- ling it, that 1 hesitate to make the remark that came to my lips on reading this last, viz., " good ideas, but impracticable." Evidently the writer has never constructed a garden or planted trees and shrubs with thought of their harmony in foliage, habit of growth, &c. Association of ideas with the records of earlier ages as connected with the tree, is certainly a point that should be more cultivated ; but it should never induce the planting of '' a great va- riety of trees and plants from different countries and different climes," without a knowledge of their relative habits of growth, form and color of foliage, and con- stitution to endure our climate, to the end that they may, in after years present effective and pleasing groups. One ill-ap- pointed tree in a group, no matter how beautiful in itself, or how pleasing and en- nobling in its association, will often de- stroy the harmony of effect sought by the planter ; while it is well to inculcate the love of trees and shrubs as connected with their associations, practically, the arrangement of trees and shrubs around one's home should first be made on paper by the landscape artist. As well might you expect every man to be capable of painting a good landscape, as to expect him to arrange trees and plants on his grounds to present when grown an effect pleasing to the taste, or in harmony with his buildings or the surrounding country. There are very few good landscapists. A man must be lorn with the requisite taste, and have added thereto by study and prac- tice, to enable him so to arrange tree and plant upon a place that, at the expiration of twenty years, it will present a pleasing and harmonious result. At the present time, I venture to say that not one place in fifty, throughout our countr}'-, is so ar- ranged that, if left to grow twenty years, it would be regarded as anything but a wilderness, and the new proprietor would, immediately on occupation, commence cut- ting away, transplanting, &c., in order to obtain either harmony of growth or color of foliage. Many men are good cultivators, but very few are found who have carefully studied the law of harmony in colors, hab- its of growth, and associatiou of ideas as connected with trees and plants. Every planter, no matter how small his grounds, should, before setting a single tree, have a map or plan prepared, on which the name and position of every tree and plant should be marked ; and should he desire more trees or shrubs tiian could consistently be placed in his grounds, then let him set aside a plot in rear of his house, for the special Ijurpose of growing such tree or plant as his taste or fancy, or the credit of the day, might render desirable. A Chat about Early Summer Ap- ples.— A good practical article ; but the writer has left out one or two sorts that have many friends — the Pi'imate, for in- stance, which is a delicious little apple, but too tender and delicate for any but ama- teur cultivation. For market purposes, the red color and a pretty thick skin are essentials to render a variety profitable. Low-Priced Country Homes. — Judg- ing from the illustrations here given, the " Annual of Architecture " must be a val- uable work. I wish you would send me a copy. If house carpenters, whose labors are mostly m the construction of cheap houses in the country and the suburbs of our young cities, could, each and every one, be supplied with a copy, judging from these cuts, it would soon result in an improved appearance of the country. We all know that the house carpenter alone has the planning of a majoritj^ of cheap houses, and we also know that such. Mr Neuhert and the Essential Oils against Gi^apevine Mildeio. 365 men, as a rule, do not read, have never studied a work on architecture, and during their whole lives follow out the ideas ob- tained practically when learning their trade. I hope the book has a glossary of architectural terms most in use. On its receipt, I shall show it round, and I hope everybody will purchase — not that I care so much for the book's success, but that the more the public in its lower walks be- come educated, the more is the safety and union of our country ensured. Notes on Magnolias. — I presume the writer is correct in his premises relative to the greater hardihood and durability of the magnolia conspicua glauca, &c., when work- ed on the acuminata; but I also know that many growers are unsuccessful in budding or grafting. Cannot Professor Kirtland be induced to write us a short article, telling us how and when to bud or graft, &c., &c 1 Our good friend, Charles DoAvning, Esq., is, I believe, also a successful grower of magnolias budded on acuminata. "Will n>>t he tell us the secret of success, if any se- cret it is ? The Birds of Brightside. — A pleasant record ; and while, with the writer, we confess to the love of birds and their songs, nevertheless it is terribly provoking to have them come in flocks, as the robins, cedar birds, and some others have, around us this fall, taking our all of Lydia, Re- becca, and some other grapes, of which we had but a few bunches, and then reveling at large on our Delawareo, and finally our Oatawbas. The writer said he " did not keep a cat." I don't keep a gun, and so the birds got off with my grapes. But if I had owned a gun, there is no knowing but that I might have committed some rash act birdward. Pulverized Clay as a Remedy eor Mildew on the Grapevine — and Grape- vine Mildew. — Two articles, touching upon the subject of which I have already written my notes ; and, as I then said, I am a " little of an unbeliever," and disposed to thiiik we must kok farther for perma- nent remedy of mildew than dusting with clay, sulphur, or any other advised specific. We must grow a vine as free from mildew and as hardy as 'the Clinton, with a fruit as desirable for the table as lona or Adir- ondac. Box or Basket Layers.— Like the wri-^ ter, I have noticed the expression that "basket layers were unmitigated humbugs," and, in the sense that I think that ex- pression was mado, believe it correct. Viticola endeavors, and does explain wherein a basket layer may be made and transplanted profitably. I took the expres- sion of " unmitigated humbug " as applied to basket layers, to apply to unscrupulous dealers who, in advertizing and recom- mending them, deceived the uninitiated grape-grower into paying an extravagant price for a plant that, perhaps, with extra care, after a transportation of a hundred or more miles, might possibly yield the first year a few bunches of grapes, but in all probability at a loss of the vine the follow- ing winter. No well-informed grape-grower would ever transport a basket layer any distance, and no honest dealer should ever recommend to the uninformed a practice that he would not himself perform. It is worse than stealing, because it destroys confidence in the culture of the grape, as well as in the honor of horticulturists. Reuben. MR. NEUBERT AND THE ESSENTIAL OILS AGAINST GRAPEVINE MILDEW. BY HORTICOLA. Before entering upon the discussion of ing and correct pronunciation of the name the subject, I wish to call the attention of of a gentleman who is so frequently men- those interested in the matter to the spell- tioned now in connection with grapevine 366 The Horticulturist. mildew. It is spelled as in the above head- ing, not N!tbert, as I saw it lately in print. This wrong spelling has its origin in the English pronunciation of e«, which sounds like u. The eu in German has a sound sim- ilar to oi or oy, as in hoil and loy. Mr. Neubert is a scientific chemist. For such as are acquainted with German cus- toms and laws, it is sufficient to state here that Mr. Neubert is an apothecary in the city of Leipzig, until very recently the very centre of profound learning. Its cel- ebrated University was founded more than 400 years ago — 1409. Thomasius, G. A. Hermann., J. A . Ernest^ and scores of other names, the mere sound of which fills with veneration all who appreciate erudition and are acquainted with literature, were pro- fessors in it, and count their pupils by thousands. An apothecary in such a place must be a scientific chemist. His daily in- tercourse with learned physicians and pro- fessors of medicine compels him to be a scientific chemist. Mr. Neubert is the owner of the White Eagle drug store in Hain Street (Hof-Apotheke zum Weissen Adler in der Hainstrasse). For such as are "not acquainted with German customs and and laws, it will suffice to say that a young man, who intends to become an apothecary in Germany, has to serve as an apprentice for four or five years ; then for several years as an assistant ; and finally he has to study chemistry, botany, mineralogjr — in fact, all the natural sciences, in some university, to enable him to pass the most rigid examina- tion before professors and practical men appointed by the Government. Such an examination lasts, including the time to be spent in the laboratory for the purpose of chemical analysis, required by the Board of Examiners, more than a month. It is conducted in writing and orally. Mr. Neuhert has nowhere said that the essen- tial oils, water, and salts are a remedy against grapevine mildew. The object of the appli- cation of the mixture is only preparatory. Sulphur is the remedy. "We know from the very interesting ex- periments of Mr. de Comini, near Botzen, (Tyrol,) that the germs of the oidium lie, during the winter, dormant in the brown bark of the canes of the vine. He cut, in November, canes with dark spots, the effect of the oidium spores, and kept them in pots, filled with sods and horse manure, in a warm room. After seven weeks, the oidium appeared on those black spots, and covered, in a short time, the whole cane so treated. The solution is applied to destroy the germs which lie dormant on or in the cane. The mixture is not an invention of Mr. Neuhert, but of Mr. Borchers, Superintend- ent of the Koyal Garden in Herrenhausen, near Hanover, in Germany. Mr. Borchers is the author of one of the best manuals on pomology in the German language, I cop- ied the recipe, a number of years ago, from the then last edition of Kecht's classical work on the vine. That Mr. Neubert has adopted it, speaks certainly for its efficacy. The readers will permit me to clear up an uncertainty as to the component parts of the mixture. I give those of the salts in ounces, but in regard to the water I use the word " parts." I ought to have writ- ten ouncei, in order to be unmistakably clear. The quantity of the salts (8^ ounces of common salt, and 4 ounces of saltpetre) in a little more than 100 ounces of water, is very far from being a homceopathic mixture. It is alloeopathic enough for the purpose to be accomplished by it. At least Mr. Neu- bert cautions me, in a letter dated Leipzig, March G, 18C4, against using it when the leaves are expanding or expanded — it in- jured or destroyed them. He advised me, therefore, to add more water, should I wish to use it, when the vine has commenced growing. Viticola's view, first to try a compound, made according to the original recipe, es- pecially when it emanates ffom a trust- worthy source, before an attempt is made Sulpliur and the Essential Oils. 367 to improve it, is good sound doctrine. Mr. such men does one's heart good. By their Strong's frank declaration, shows that he united efforts viticulture will gain, means the thing^ not the person. To meet SULPHUR AND THE ESSENTIAL OILS. Messrs. Editors, Sulphur has long held the first place in the materia medica as a remedy for the various forms oipso^'aj but there seems to be one disease in this class against which it is powerless — Cacoethes scribendi. I trust however that your readers ■will not deem me very seriously afHicted therewith if I venture a few remarks in response to the very pleasant note of Mr. Strong. In my note in the September number, I stated that I regarded the solutions as weak; but, as they have been found efH- cient by IMr. Neubert, it occured to me that we had better give them a fair trial. I find upon examination that the saline solution is sufficiently strong to leave a minute layer of crystals over any surface moistened with it; and, as for the essential oils, if the mere amount diffused in the air by the presence of articles perfumed with them, prevents mildew in neighboring bodies, the prescription may be strong enough. In dealing with specific jjoisons for certain classes of animals and vegetables, he would be a rash man who should affirm that a given amount is too small to effect the purpose required, unless he has experi- mentally proved the truth of his assertion. And, remember, all that I claim is that Mr. Neubert's recipe should have a fair trial. I would also call Mr. Strong's atentiton to the fact that, against the mildew itself, Mr. Neubert uses sulphur; the salt and oils are applied early, so as to reach the un- developed spores. It is obvious that if all the spores on the vine and trellis were destroyed before the vine made any growth, it would not be as liable to attack as if these seeds were left ready to germinate as soon as opportunity offers ? M. Neubert's advice was probably based upon the old maxim : " One year's seeding makes seven years weeding." Mr. Strong's suggestion in regard to cedar posts may prove quite a valuable one. The action of sulphur is not well under- stood. I believe, from certain experiments that I have made, that sulphur is a specific poison to certain classes of animals and vegetables. It seems to be a poison to many of the acaridce and fungi, while to mam- mals, birds and most of tie phanerogamous plants, it is quite the opposite. Under any circumstances, however, sulphur does not act by forming an acid — either the sulphm-ic or the sulphurous. I know that many writers on the grape make this statement ; but no chemist would venture to make such an as- sertion. Dr. Grant, in his Manual (page 60), attempts to give an elaborate " theory of the sulphur remedy." But the Doctor, evidently, never studied chemistry, or he would not have stated that sulphur as or- dinarily burned forms sulphuric acid. M}^ chemical statements are based not only upon my own experiments, but upon the works of Gmelin, Brande, Taylor, Pelouze, Fremy, and others. We know that sulphur volatilizes at or- dinary temperatures, because it will blacken a silver plate placed over it in a sealed bottle, where the air is kept perfectly still ; and we know that, at ordinary temperatures, it does not combine to form an acid, because we cannot detect the acid either by chemi- cal analysis or by our senses ; and if Mr. Strong will burn a little sulphur, and thus form sulphuric acid, he will find out ex- perimentally that the odor of sulphurous acid is not only very easily detected, but that it is very different from the odor of sulphur vapor. Viticola. 368 TJie Horticulturist. LETTER TO HUGH BLANK, ESQ. My Dear Hugh. — FoDowing up the subject of my last letter, I may as well say here, that even in this country, new as it is in culture and embellishment, and im- measurably behind the old ancestral land in all these aspects, there are favored mor- tals who possess gardens, and who have ample means, well-stored knowledge, and intelligent industry and devotion to rural pursuits. They can employ an adequate corps of skilled gardeners, who look up to them for direction and guidance, as the army looks up to its general. Such per- sons are horticultural lighthouses — men who diiFuse, freely and generously, the ge- nial light all around them. The gratifica- tion they derive from their pursuits, and from observing the progress of rural art in the country, much of which is the re- sult of their own example, must be very great indeed. But this class is by no means large, though yearly increasing. They need, of course, less than many other classes of country gentlemen, such information as is furnished by our horti- cultural and other publications relating to rural art, and yet, I venture to saj^, they are the most prompt and liberal supporters of these publications, buying them and read- ing them, with unfailing interest in the sub- jects of which they treat. They do not — nor do they wish to — monopolize the learn- ing and the pleasures of horticulture. On the contrary, they are fountain-heads of patronage (I do not like that word patron- age in such connexion, but [ cannot now command a better) ; they are patterns of successful practice; centres of dissemina- tion and distribution. Without them, and even in spite of them, horticulture would still flourish and grow, but by no means would its progress be what it now is. To name any single individuals, would be in- vidious to the rest of this select and ad- vanced guard. But there is a second class, who are much to ue envied, and that because they have what Dr. Watts, in his Logic, calls a, " learned," instead of a " vulgar. idea," of the hobby which they ride so pleasantly. Perhaps, indeed, there are few who .derive so great an amount of enjoyment from their country pursuits as these every-gentleman- Ms-oion-gardener. They are spared an im- mense number of known nuisances, and revel in a multitude of unknown delights. In the early spring, it is generally sup- posed that the garden can furnish nothing for kitchen or parlor — for cook or cook's mistress. But our horticultural friend comes in with a charming bunch of violets, fragrant coltsfoot, daphne, &c., for the drawing-room table or console, and a quan- tity of the sweetest, greenest sprouts, and whitest, crispest sea-kale for the cook. I wonder, dear, Hugh, if there is no sense of enjoyment — of satisfaction and pleasure, such as no money could buy on any street in New York — in such employ- ments and experiences as these. For ex- ample— inserting, with your own hand, a simple bud on a little branch, and after a few years or months, gathering therefrom a heaping dish of choice fruit, or a great handful of beautiful flowers; of being able to say, " With the sun shining in this man- ner, I cannot go on reading and writing, shut up within these four walls, while the day is so bright and glorious without, and the birds are singing, and the flowers re- joicing in the blessed light — I, too, must out into the genial sunshine, and take my joy therein ;" to be asked to dine with a wealthy neighbor, himself " fat and well- liking," who has his forcing-houses, his hot and cold graperies, and his staff of garden- ers, at nobody knows what wages, and to eat what he sets before you, and to send him better the next day — you keeping only the man, the boy, and yourself; to see the look of thankfulness in a neighbor's eyes when, calling to inquire after his convales- cent wife or his sick child, you produce some dainty from your garden which will Salt as a Remedy for Fear Blight 369 be relished and enjoyed. And these are only specimens of the luxuries of a sensi- ble country life, and of discreet and intelli- gent gardening. Nor are they selfish en- joyments. No such thing, my boy. While you are doing all this for your own satis- faction and pleasure, you are, in many ways, conferring great benefits upon your neigh- bors, and enlarging the sphere of public improvement. Your experience and skill inure to the benefit of those whose expe- rience and opportunities have been less than yours. Your example stimulates others, who observe that, with industry, information derived from horticultural pub- lications, and with comparatively little ex- tra expense, they can have the choicest fruits, and the most charming flowers, and the most beautiful and comfortable homes. And this is not all. Your horticultural pursuits can hardly fail to react beneficially upon your main business pursuits. The habits of order and neatness, and prompti- tude and industry, which are indispensable in your garden and greenhouse, must go with j'ou, without doubt, into your more important daily industries — into your office, or counting-room, or factory. You have already learned, dear Hugh, to appreciate the delights and refreshments of the quiet country home, when the day's work in the busy street is done, and you are at liberty to retire from its crowd and turmoil. With your garden, your love of the country will grow everyyear, doubt- less, because you are likely to take pains to cultivate these rural tastes, and to inform your mind in these subjects and pursuits. Provide yourself with such books and cur- rent horticultural literature as may be within your reach. It is a miserable and mistaken idea of economy to attempt to starve your garden and your borders, be- cause of the cost of the best fertilizers ; or your mind, because works of taste and in- formation require moderate expenditure. I am, yours, Ralph Noire. SALT AS A REMEDY FOR PEAR BLIGHT. In the November number, Reuben asks if salt is a preventive of mildew or blight on the pear. This is a very difficult question to answer, as I believe it is not yet fully determined what the pear blight is. Reuben does not say whether his pears are standards or dwarfs on quince stocks. If the latter, then salt may act in one of three ways. Firstly, as a general tonic for plants. In this case we would class salt with sulphate of iron, which we know to be an admirable tonic for pear trees and grape vines ; being especially a specific on some soils for that want of vitality exhibited by the Delaware which causes it to shed its leaves pre- maturely. The same difficulty seems to exist, and in some cases to a greater ex- tent, in the case of the lona ; and for that too it Kiight be worth while to try a weak solution of sulphate of iron. It has often occured to me that we per- haps pay too little attention to the use of tonics for vegetables. We forget that our trees and vines do not gi'ow in conditions entirely natural, and that if we force them unnaturally in one direction, we ought to supply them with artificial stimulants in another. Secondly, as a specific for the quince stock upon which the pear is worked. It has long been known that salt is a sine qua non for healthy quince trees, even regardless of fruit ; and we suspect that a light application of salt to the quince stocks of our dwarf pears would not be a useless expenditure of the article. There seem to be certain localities where pear trees on the quince thrive better than in others. Rochester, Syracuse, and the near vicinity of the Atlantic coast, seem to be favorable localities. Has the salt which is known to 370 Tlie Horticulturist, abound in these places any thing to do jg a specific local remedy for some human with this success 1 diseases. Thirdly, salt may act as a local specific We throw out these suggestions merely as for the disease in the leaf, just as sulphur hints towards the solution of the question. VlTICOLA. EDITOR'S TABLE. To Contributors and Others. — Address all Communications, for the Editorial and publishing departments, to Geo. E. & F. W. Woodward, 37 Park Row, New York. Messrs. Editors — Perhaps you and the readers of the Horticulturist would like to peruse a few lines, giving the experience, impressions, and views of a "horticulturist," settled away down in the lower part of Delaware. If so, you shall have them forthwith. First for the experience. That is not very extensive, embracing only a year, but it may, nevertheless be somewhat instructive, if not particularly entertaining. I began last October, b}^ planting out some strawberries, the variety, Downer''s Prolific ; the ground was pasture, containing a good deal, or 1 might say a bad deal, of the wild running blackberry — the dewberry of the North. By no means a suitable place, you will say, and rightly, but it was the best I could select. Unfortunately, the season was not as usual, showery, and the plants did not make a good growth. I also neglected to mulch them, an error that might not have had bad consequence, but for the unusually severe cold of the succeed- ing winter. In the spring, my plantation looked poorly enough, and it bore no fruit. In May of this year, I planted a quantity of the French's Seedling; they have by this time, completely covered the alternate spaces between the rows, with fine strong plants. Of tlieir yield, positively and com- parative, I ma}', if desired, tell you next summer. Finding that the necessary weed- ing of the Downer's patch would not pay, on account of the small number of plants remaining, I allowed them to take their chance, preferring to take from them suflS- • cient plants, in the summer, (August) for a new plantation. This new plantation I have made in a corn field, and I am pleased with the result. The ground, from the frequent stirring with the cultivator, was clean and mellow, and the broad blades of the corn sheltered the young plants, and, now that the corn is removed, they show well, very few having died. I did not con- fine myself to these two varieties, but planted from 1,000 to 2,500 of the " Agri- culturist," Brooklyn Scarlet, New Jersey Scarlet, the (so-called) Bufialo, Byberry Seedling, &c., &c. So, I hope next season that I can report on their comparative merits, as they are growing side by side, and with similar treatment, some being allowed to run, others not. The Philadelphia raspberry, of which some 2,500 roots were set, has grown with its usual vigor, though doing best in the soil of the low, heavy bottoms. The same can be said of the Wilson Early blackberry. In this connection, I might call attention to a fact, that goes far, I think, to show the relation the Wilson bears to the Dew- berry, that is, the facility with which it can be propagated, by layering the tips. I spoiled a number of canes in my first ex- periments, and I trust some may benefit by the rules I will give for insuring success. First, the cane must be a principal one, a lateral will not root ; next, it must be in vigorous growth, the wood at the base well Editor's TaUe. Ml matured, but the tip succulent and growing rapidly. It must be buried (the tip) just to the right depth, two or two and a quarter inches, else it will rot, or if too shallow, shoot up without rooting. The ground must be mellow, and not allowed to get packed over or around the tip as buried, till well rooted. Observe these conditions, and you may get, as I have done, five good plants by winter, from the one root planted in the spring, and some of the roots of the larger will be as thick as the quill of a large duck, and over four feet long. So much for the Wilson's ; as to the fruit, I can tell about that next year. I may mention that the winter ('66) was very severe on the Belle de Fontenay rasp- berry, of which I had planted 6,000. I think that suflBcient earth was not thrown on to the roots, as many failed to grow in the spring. A young peach orchard of 1000 trees was on the place when I purchased ; this has been increased to 3000. The apple orchard, mostly of the earliest varieties, numbers 300 trees. The pear, standard, 100, and 300 on quince. These, with 175 early cherries complete the list, not omitting 100 Delaware and the same number of Adirondac vines. The Delawares have not taken kindly to the sandy soil, and even refused to add to their inches when stimu- lated in the summer with horse manure. The Adirondacs, on the contrary, have grown well, ripened their wood thoroughly, and have only just parted with their foliage, in obedience to the hint conveyed by a sharp frost on the night of the 5th of October. I allowed one bunch of grapes to mature on the strongest of the Adirondacs, after reducing the number of berries to five — and some friends from New York who were here when I gathered the bunch, and who were allowed one berry each, agreed that they were excellent. I did not taste, pre- ferring to wait until another season. Thus much for my own place. A neigh- bor has a young vineyard ; when he planted his vines — now bearing several thousand, and of all the varieties of merit, except the Adirondac— used a large quantity of bone meal. He obtained a great growth of wood, but his lonas are nearly all killed, about the only ones that were, by the winter of ('66). His strawberries, being heavily covered with straw, withstood the winter well, but a late spring frost killed a large number of blossoms, and reduced his crop over one- third. Peaches in this section, were a great failure. Apple trees, being usually much neglected by the inh.abitant!=, bore medium crops of worse than medium fruit. Of other fruits here, there are none to speak of. Though I remember buying some tolerable Isabella grapes, on the 8th of September, in the town, for eight cents per pound. It is only within a very few years that attention has been paid to fruit raising here, and even now, it is not done by the natives, they go on in the old routine, growing wheat and corn, alongside of northern men, who make more from one or two acres, than they do from their whole farms. The soil here is a sandy loam, easily worked ; we have one railroad, the Dela- ware, giving us the Philadelphia, Baltimore and New York markets, within eighteen hours by express, and another, the Junc- tion and Breakwater, under way, which via steamers from Lewes, opposite Cape May, will bring us in still closer and cheap- er connection with New York. Our latti- tude is exactly that of Washington, D. C, materially south of Vinelaud. In fact, excepting Norfolk, I believe the place to be the most southernly point where the small fruits are grown for the New York market, and to my mind, is quite far enough, suffi- ciently so to get the highest prices for early fruit, yet near enough to have it de- livered in prime order, to have it compete with the Jersey growers. Northern men are rapidly taking up the available farms, and prices of land is rapidly augmenting. Already we have changed the majorities at the polls to the right side, and a bright, prosperous career seems to be in view for MiLFORD Hundred, Kent Co., Delaware. 372 The Horticulturist Grafts cut this month, before severe cold weather, and laid away in a cool cel- lar with, say one-half their length, the lower half, in clean sand, we consider more likely to succeed when wanted for use than if the cutting is left until some time in Feb- ruary, or after severe cold has to a certain extent reduced their vitality. Carrots, to keep well and not sprout, should have the crown cut completely off, and not the petioles of the leaves only. In this manner there is no loss of the sac- charine matter, as in the case when the crown is left on, and sprouts are continually breaking forth. Baltimore, Nov. 13, 1866. Messrs. Woodward : Gentlemen, — A correspondent, in your November number, on growing grape seeds, concludes from some trials he made, that freezing the seeds is of '■'■vital imiportance ;" in fact, they " could not germinate unless the seeds were first frozen." As my ex- perience differs from his, and as growing grape seedlings is now a mania, it may be well to have as much light on the subject as possible. In the spring of 1865, I hybridized a number of native varieties with foreign pollen, and when the seeds were ripe, I put them in vials, labelled and laid away in a drawer. As the hybridizing cost me some time and trouble, I did not want to lose them ; and as there was so much difference of opinion about the best way to grow them, 1 determined to divide them, plant- ing half out-doors, the other half in my green house. In November, I prepared the best piece of ground for the purpose in my garden, with a layer of sand on top, and planted the seeds in it in rows, marking each kind ; covered them with a few leaves and twigs to prevent being washed by the rains. At the same time I put a like number of each variety in large seed pans filled with good soil, sprinkled over with sand, set them in the green-house, and watered when I thought they needed it. In February, not showing signs of growth, a neighboring florist proposed I should give them bottom heat, on his hot water tank, which I did. In a few weeks they started, and when the weather was warm enough, set out of doors in the pans, where they grew all summer, being carefully watered in dry weather. About 75 per cent, came up ; of the Dela- wares, nearly every seed germinated. Of those planted out-doors, not more than 5 per cent. grew. If the Delawares did so at all, it must have been towards the antipodes ; as not one made its appearance above ground ; and they were examined often during the summer. There was cer- tainly frost enough, as the thermometer was several degrees below zero, which is uncommon in this lattitude ; hence my ex- perience is, that our grape seeds will ger- minate without frost; as those put in the green-house were not in a lower tempera- ture than 40°. That the cold, if not too severe, will not prevent our seeds from growing, is of course correct. I have vines which I grew from picked seeds, that were out of doors all the winter of 1862-63, but the ther- mometer with me was not at any time that winter lower than 12°, and it is probable that too hard a freezing injures the germ so as to destroy its vitality. My conclusion from the above facts is that freezing is not indis2)ensdble; but the best way to grow grape seedlings is in-doors with bottom heat, being careful not to over- water. The hybridized seedlings showed a wonderful variety in the same pan ; some having the thick downy leaf of the native, others the peculiar lobed and thin leaf of its male-parent ; while others again had pecu- liarities of their own. One could scarce credit they were grown from the same native seed. I propose putting them in single pots, and growing them in the green-house next spring, so as to have the wood well matured before being exposed to the frost. Yours, &c., Wm. King. Editor's TaUe, 373 In the Editor's table of the November number, you remark : " Do not attempt to group small growing shrubs or trees with those of lofty habit. A few years will show the error and the loss in effect of all trees so planted." You can, Messrs. Editors, do more than any one to prevent this diffi- culty. Call upon all nurserymen to insert in their catalogues, the height, color and time of blooming of every shrub and plant ; also, if naturally inhabiting dry or moist soil, and if a table of soil, similar to that in Buist's Flower Garden Directory, be added, it will furnish inexperienced persons with a guide which cannot be found in any of the works on gardening, and would probably increase to a great extent the sales of the nursery- men. Such a catalogue can be arranged in col- umns, and in about the same space that the present issues require. I think the old catalogues of Bartram's Botanic Garden, at Philadelphia, were on this plan. It fur- nishes the best " writing for the poor," and the rich also. Boston, Nov. 12, 1866. Watering Trees. — Strange as it may seem to the mind of the practised horticul- turist, there are novices who are under the impression that a newly-transplanted tree requires to be watered from time to time, whether planted in spring or fall. As a rule, we believe watering trees at any time has resulted in more injury than good ; but certainly no person should water a newly- plauted tree, whether evergreen or decidu- ous, except during the growing season, and then only in dry hot weather, when not a wetting of the roots, but a perfect shower- ing of the whole tree should be given. Grafting may be safely performed this month, and indeed any time during winter, upon all hardy trees like the pear and ap- ple. Be careful that the wax covering forms a perfect exclusion of air and moisture. PoMARiA, S. C, Nov. 8, 1866. Editors Horticulturist, — A long and serious illness has prevented me, until now, responding to the inquiries of " Betiben," on the Hebe Pear. It is a new variet}?^; a seedling grown from seed taken from my pea,r orchard ; seeds of the Duchesse D'Angouleme and Easter Beurre having been sown. The product has been what we so much lacked in the South — a native winter Pear of first size and quality. The tree is in habit naturally pyramidal, and comes into bear- ing earl3^ The fruit hanging until the last of October, when we have our first killing frosts, rendering it necessary to take them off". They ripen well in the house, and mature without shriveling. The large size, great beauty, thrifty growth, productive- ness, and the superior quality of its fruit for table or market, renders it the "Eureka" of pears. I am aware with what distrust new fruita should be received, and fully appreciate the responsibility of standing sponsor for nov- elties. In the case of the " Hebe," I chal- lenge the world to produce a superior win- ter pear. In the description which accompanied the engraving, in July number of the Hor- ticulturist, a slight mistake occurred, in saying, "free from thorns." In young trees, the growth is frequently thorny. This va- riety, growing equally well on quinces, re- tains its leaves in good health until frost, a good quality in all pears, and particularly necessary for success in the South. Wm. Summer. Ir the weather continues open, all hardy deciduous trees may yet be planted. "We prefer very late fall, or even mid-winter planting, so that the ground is not frozen, to that of the spring. Mulch all newly- planted trees, taking care that the litter is kept so far from the body of the tree that mice cannot form their nests, and in time of deep snows gather their living by eating the bark, and so destroying the tree. 374 The HorticuUurid. Keeping Apples. ---Fruit houses and special patents for keeping fruits have of late become the rage, and while we are disposed to favor every progress in the sci- ence of horticulture, either as connected with the growing or keeping of fruits, etc., yet we feel unwilling that any of our read- ers should be impressed with the idea that keeping apples for spring uses, is at all a matter requiring either the use of a fruit- house or any special patent. Records are daily made, and have been for years, of the success of keeping apples after being frozen solid, and hundreds of barrels are yearly buried in the earth and brought out in spring as fresh as so many potatoes. The one great feature connected with the pre- servation of a frozen apple is that it be kept in the dark until completely thawed out. And the successful feature of keeping apples in ordinary dry cellars, is to place them in bins, or boxes, of about one foot in depth, and cover them from all light, while at the same time there is kept up a free circulation of air in the apartment. Light and warmth serve to assist the natural pro- cess of maturation, while shade and a cool temperature retard it. Shade, again, in a confined atmosphere, as in the case of apples barrelled tight, often advances decay rather than retards it. This is known to every fruit dealer, and to most men who purchase their winter's fruit from the dealer. On opening a barrel of apples that have been headed up tight for a couple of weeks or more their appearance is fresh and good . but a few days exposure causes them to grow dull looking and of a light colored fruit to soon present the appearance of having been half baked. This is from the steam or warmth and moisture of the fruit. Had the barrel heads and some part of the side staves been bored so as to let off this moisture engendered from the warmth of the fruit so confined, the apples on opening would appear equally well, and with care in hands of the consumer could be kept a long time. It will be remembered, there- fore, that to keep apples, it is not only re- quisite to exclude the light, but that free circulation of air even if it be down to a freezing point, or even below, is also neces- sary, A Hint. — It is one of the great sins of j the present day, that fashion, rather than , cultivated taste, rules in the arrangement of walks and plants in and around many of ! the costly and elegant architectural resid- j ences of our fortunate people. Long straight \ walks, with plants in ribbon arrangement, -■ may be skilfully arranged in their placing ; j long meandering curves, with here and j there a few herbaceous plants, intermin- j gled with shrubs, but without defining the ; boundary of the walk, as for comfort or j convenience ; masses, and irregular plant- ; ings and groupings, or attempts thereat, of ! every new tree and shrub may be the ! fashion, but our fashionables will excuse us \ for once if we claim that there is too much : monotony in the first ; in the second, there is none of the grace and boldness of nature, : with beauty of effect, obtained by masses of distinct varieties of shrubs outlined upon, ■ and sweeping the walk, whose graceful \ curves are made only to avoid real or ap- i parent obstacles, and leading to some spe- cial point, giving reason and beauty in util- ity. The last arrangement, that of the nexo trees, &c., we can only associate in idea \ with the botanist or amateur tree dealer, \ when we should look for grandeur and art : from the combined powers of vigor in Na- i ture and tasteful arrangement of man. We have hinted our hint. Strawberry Beds, if not already mulch- ed, should be attended to without delay Some cultivators argue that strawberry vines are better never to be mulched until after the ground becomes frozen, and that then the mulch should be applied, and so hold the vines in a more dormant condition than if the mulch is applied before frost. However correct this may be, in any event all strawberry vines pay for the labor of light mulching. Editor's Table. 375 Grape Soils. — Much has been said pro and con in the pages of the Horticultu- rist, in that of other journals, and in the meetings of fruit growers, relative to the soils best adapted to profitable grape-grow- ing. The subject has been, and continues to be, one of great interest, as a larger amount of capital is probably being invest- ed in grape culture than in that of any other one crop connected with horticultu- ral, and we might almost say, with agricul- tural pursuits. Each advocate of a parti- cular soil or location, has his " good and sufficient " reasons for his preferment, and as each advances them, he too often con- siders his opponent as ultra and intractable. Good feeling and a conciliatory spirit should ever characterize the remarks of the horticul- turist, for the scope of their pursuits is over the whole world,and unlike the politician no party purpose or office aggrandisement can be embraced as a motive of action. We have watched these advocates of clay soil, of loam or sand, and have no doubt all are sanguine of the truth of their advancements, and from our impression of their stand pointy we do not doubt them. But the extent of climate and the varied condition of that climate also, within a radius of often not more than two to five miles ; the impres- sion of one that fruit for eating purposes is the thing sought; of another that wine only, and that of a particular kind, is the object ; the experience of one with cer- tain sorts of grapes, unknown, in practice, to another, are all points of reason for the apparent differences of opinion. As we have said, we have watched these disputa- tions, and in collecting them bring about something like the following results : — 1st- That the grape of some variety can be grown in almost any location or soil, and that too with satisfactory results in fruit returns. 2nd. That locations adjoining large bodies of water have the greatest cer- tainty of succes with all varieties. 3rd. That with the light colored gi'apes, as Cat- awba, Iona,&c., heavy clayey soil wellundei'- drained, promise most valuable for produc- tion of fruit for wine purposes. 4th. That with the black grapes the character of the soil is not so essential to give satisfactory results or quality for wine purposes. In this last item we may err in our deductions but it is the result of our opinion from our watchings of opinions, and from our years of examination of both grapes and wines in various parts of the States. No one, there- fore, should be deterred from planting, but before investing too largely in the pursuit, it may be well to call the aid of some ex- perienced person and get a knowledge of what is probably best for the locality and soil of the proposed vineyard. All fruit trees should be carefully look- ed over at this season, for the purpose of destroying insects. Borers may have laid themselves up cozily, for winter quarters, in the bodies of the quince, apple, pear, mountain ash, or plum tree. A good, strong, and sharp knife, to cut away dead bark and wood, and a strong piece of wire are the requisite tools for the work, follow- ing it, if you please, by washing or coating the wound with some mixture of soft soap, sulphur, tobacco water, &c., or with a cheap shellac varnish. The eggs of caterpillars should be sought for on the small branches and in the forks of the tree. The cocus, or scale insect, should be de- stroyed by washing the bodies and limbs of trees to which thej^ have attached them- selves. Strong lye water, or a mixture of soft soap and fresh-slacked lime will destroy them. Draining. — The winter is often compar- atively a leisure season. It ra&j be profit- ably occupied in most cases in draining or- chards or vineyards, gardens, &c. Make the ditches narrow, two and one-balf to three feet deep, and use two-inch tile for the primary drains, and four to six-inch tile for the mains or outlets. Leaves, and a good heap of rich loamy soil, should be gathered this month, and placed under cover, for use in forming, hot- beds early in spring. 376 The Horticulturist. Binding Volumes of the Horticul- turist for 1866 can be had at this office, handsomely bound, in exchange for num- bers in good order, on the payment of 75 cents. This number closes the Twenty-first An- nual volume of the Horticulturist, and the terms of subscription o; most of our patrons, all of whom, we hope, will remit early for the new volume. The year now closing has been the most prosperous one on our record ; our subscription list large, and steadily increasing ; and an advertising patronage exceeding our most liberal esti- mate. The volume for 1867 will embrace many new features. We shall make a far more liberal use of illustrations, and increase its value wherever possible. Our terms remain the same — Two Dol- lars and Fifty Cents per annum. Bound volumes, 1866, post-paid, and 1867, ^4.50 ; bound volumes, 1865 and 1866, post-paid, and 1857, $6. In sending in subscriptions for the New Year, please order such books as are de- sired. Our catalogue of agricultural, hor- ticultural, and architectural books is very complete, and embraces all the new publi- cations for this year; our list of English works is also very full. In addition, we purchase and forward books on a;l sub- jects. We send books prepaid by mail on re- ceipt of the stated price. Books ordered through us are selected with great care. We send the best bound copies, and always the latest editions. All boote mailed by us are securely packed, so as to carry safely any distance. Any book published not on our list, can be ordered through us. Prompt attention given to the execution of all orders for the purchase of books, stationery, or miscella- neous articles. All the agricultural and horticultural periodicals are supplied by us ; also, papers and periodicals on all other subjects, no matter where published. Write but one letter ; save your time, postages, and risks : order all the papers, periodicals and books you wish through us ; send us a postal order for the amount, and we will execute the business faithfully and promptly, and at the best rates. South Pass, III., Nov. 17, 1866. Messrs. Woodward : The Annual of Architecture received. I am much pleased with the idea, and the manner of its expression. It is just what the people need : Beautiful homes, and within the means of most livers in the country. I earnestly hope, and have no doubt, that the sales of this number will justify the continuance of the series. Very respectfully, Parker Earle, Pres'klent Illinois Slate Horticultural Society. Avoid giving drenching waterings to all house plants at this season, and remember to keep the temperature of the house low. A high temperature causes very rapid ab- sorption of moisture, and aflacid unhealthy growth to the plant, enfeebling and unfit- ting it to give beauty of foliage or bloom. If you have not yet mulched around your newly-planted trees, do so at once. If possible, at this season, also, use fresh sta- ble manure, as in its nature it imparts more warmth ; and during the winter, more or less of its value becomes incorporated with the soil about the roots, and causes them to make an early and vigorous growth. Look over beds of Japan lilies, hyacinths, tulips, &c., and see that no mice are prey- ing on them. If anj^ evidence of their ap- pearance, place sticks, or strips of cloth, dipped in coal tar, in and around the bed. Should there come a warm, " soft spell of weather," say two weeks, or so, the mulch covering of bulb beds should be re- moved, but a^zain returned immediately on approach of a chaixge of temperature to cold.