MASSACHUSETTS STATE COLLEGE GOODELL LIBRARY _£\o This book may be kept out TWO WEEKS only, and is subject to a fine of TWO CENTS a day thereafter. It will be due on the day indicated below. THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE, BOTANY, AND ALL USEFUL DISCOVERIES AND IMPROVE MENTS IN RURAL AFFAIRS. "Je voudrais echaufler tout 1'univers de mon gout pour les jardins. II me semble qu'il est impossible qu'un mechant puisse l'avoir II n'est poiiit de verlus que je ne suppose a celui que aime a parler et a fairedes jardins. Peres de familie, inspirez l.i jardinomanie a vos enfans." — Prince de Ligne. VOL. XXX. 1864. (vol. v., fourth series.) Edited by C. M. HOVEY. AUTHOR OF THE "FRUITS OF AMERICA." BOSTON: PUBLISHED BY HOVEY AND CO., 23 KILBY STREET. 1SG4. !?•-* xi V.30 HENRY W. DUTTON & SON, PRINTERS, 90 and 92 Washington Street. CONTEXTS. ORIGINAL COMMUNICATIONS. GENERAL SUBJECT. The Progress of Horticulture. By the Editor, 1 Notes on Architecture. By Wilson Flagg, . 14 Roinan Architecture. By Wilson Flagg, . 49 Early English Home Architecture. By W Flagg 130 Seed Sowing. By the Editor, . . .201 The Progress of Thirty Years. By the Editor, 417 Ornamental Planting. From the Garden- ers' Chronicle, 425 HORTICULTURE. Grafting Tines. From the Gardeners' Chronicle, 22 Pear Culture in Massachusetts. By the Editor 41 Tree Protectors. By James Weed, . 60, 13!) The Adirondac Grape. By J. W Bailey, . 62 Grape Culture in Massachusetts. By the Editor, 81 The Framingham Grape. By the Editor, . 93 F'orcing Principally bv Sun Heat. By Jas. Weed 95 The Yokohama Squash. By the Editor. . 100 One Hundred Fine Pears. By the Editor, 121 Horticultural Gossip. By Bev. A. D. Grid- ley, 136 The White Japan Melon. By the Editor, . 143 Horticulture in the West By the Editor, . 161 Hardiness of the Adirondac Grape. By Col D S. Dewey, 208 The Merits of Various Pears By the Ed- itor 241 St. Crispin Pear. By the Editor, . . 249 Hybridization of Fruits. By T. Francis Rivers, 251 Strawberries. By W. G., Jr , . . . 287 Some Thoughts on the Pear and Apple. By D. W. Lathrop, 289 Richardson's Seedling Pear. By the Ed- Cherries. Bv T. Rivers 227 Pyramidal Pear Trees Bv the Editor, . 332 Progress of Grape Culture. By the Editor, 353 New Varieties of Blackberries By Win. Kenrick 358 Grape Vines on the Close Spurring Svsteni. By J. W. Russell, . . . ' . .360 Muscat Grapes. From the Gardeners' Chronicle 362 The Ellis Pear. By the Editor, . . .370 Gathering Pears. By the Editor, . . 385 One Hundred Varieties of Beans. Bv Miss Lucy S. Brewer, . . .391 Orchard Houses. By T Rivers, . . 397 The Hovey Pear By the Editor, . . 409 Suburban Visits 434 Pomological Gossip, 25, 88. 140. 171, 207, 247, 297, 330, 367, 404, 432 ARBORICULTURE. The Magnolia By H. H. Hunnewell. . 56 Japanese Trees and Shrubs By the Ed- itor, 281 The Rhododendron. From the Cottage Gardener, 335 Arboricultural Notice*. . . 209, 295, 403 FLORICULTURE. The Mexican Zinnia. By the Editor. . 29 Roses. F'rom the Gardeners' Chronicle, 67, 102 The Tritoma From the Gardeners' Chron- icle, . 175 The Indian Azalea. From the Gardeners' Chronicle 179, 214 Machaerantha Tanacetifolia. By the Ed- itor 185,255 Double Portulacas. By the Editor. . . 219 Paeonies. From the Gardeners' Chronicle, 301 The Pelargonium Bv the Editor, . . 321 Floricultural Notices. "30, 106, 144, 220,260. 307. 338, 4a5 Garden Gossip, 269 LIST OF ENGRAVINGS. TREES AND PLANTS. fig. rage. 9. Double Portulacas 219 | 8- Machcerantha Tanacetifolia, . . 181 \fig. 1. The Mexican Zinnia, . . . . 29 OPERATIONS. 12. Pentagonal Method of Training Pear Trees, 3. Section of Forcing Pit with Shutters Closed, . .... 4. Section of Forcing Pit with Shutters Open, FRUITS. GRAPES. 2. The Adirondac Grape, . PEARS. 13. Ellis, . 14. Hovey, . 10 St. Crispin, 11. Richardson"s Seedling, VEGETABLES. 7. White Japan Melon, 5. Yokohama Squash, 6. Inside of the Yokohama Squash, 371 410 LIST OF PLANTS. In the body of the Magazine, a few errors occur in the spelling of the botanical names, the capitalizing the generic and specific names, their derivation and accentuation ; these are all corrected in the following list of plants : — Lists of Azaleas, . List of Bedding Dahlias, List of Chrysanthemums List of Dahlias, . List of Gladiolus, List of Hollyhocks, Lists of New Japan Maples Lists of Pelargoniums, Lists of Paeonies, 255, 264 . 299 . 108 . 109 . 350 . 109 210,211 312, 320 277, 305 List of Perpetual Carnations, Lists of Roses, .... List of Spiraeas, .... Lists of Early Flowering Bulbs, List of Hardy Variegated Plants, Lists of New Plants, . List of New Hardy Trees, . List of New Varieties Pyrus Japonica List of Standard Epiphyllums, . . 376 103, 313 . 411 . 311 260, 196 . 212 . 211 . 192 Avcer atropurpiireum, 211 carneum, 211 dissectum, 210 japonicum, Fredericki Gulielmi, 211 juciindum, 211 prfneeps, 211 sangufneum, 211 Meiklta, 210 Negundo variegatum, 429 pfctum veruni, 211 polymorphum dissect- um foliosio mar- ginatis. 263 Wageneri laciniatum, 296 many varieties, 210 Achillea Millefolium varie- gata, 312 Ada aurantiaca, 267 .aichmea distichantha, 340 Agave schidigera, 263 Ajiiga reptans variegata, 311 Alstrcemerta Caldasti, 307 Amaranth us melancholicus ruber, 11 Anchomanes Hookeri var. pallida, 33 Anemone japonica Honorine Jobert, 10* Anthurium ScherzzeWdn- Aphelandra Libomdna, Aquilegia spectibills, Aristolochia leuconeiira, Astrocaryum mexicanum, ! Athanasia annua, I AubrieU'a Hendersont. Aiicuba aureo marginata, limbita, longifolia, japonica, marginata, Azalea var Beauty of Dork Criterion, Distinction, Louise von Baden, Mad. Miellez, Mont Blanc, Suzette, Triumphant, many varieties, Begonia incarnata, Manmi, Biota orientalis aurea 255 255 K is 255 255 •ii,:, 255 256, 264 107 :!o:l Bomarea multiflora, Bouvardm floribunda, grandis. splendida, 337 Bowenm spectabilis, 107, 111 Brahea diilcis, _ 113 Browall/a Jamesom multi- flora, 107 Calceolaria Bijou, 108 punctata, 32 Camellia alba ornatlssima, 438 Carlotta Papudoff Duchesse de "" Fanny Sanchioli, Filipo Parlatore, Jubilee rosea, Napoleon III, Ninfa del Tebro, Petazzi, Causcora Parish;?, Ceanothus aureus latifblius,295 Ceropegia Gardner/?', 308 Chrysanthemum General Bainbridge, 31, 108 Jupiter, 31 LadySlade, 31,108 Lizzie Holmes, 109 Lord Clyde, 108 222 CONTENTS. Chrysanthemum Mrs. Ed- ward Miles, 108 Prince Alfred, 31, 108 Princess of Wales, 31, 108 Robert James, 31 Tenus, 108 Cineraria John Spencer, 109 Snow flake, 109 Clematis florida Standlshii',106 Fortiinen, 106 Jackmam't, 106 languinosa, 307 venosa, 307 violacea, 307 Clianthus Dampiere". 374 Coleus marmoratus, 263 Verschaffeltu. 11, 263 Cord} line Banks?!, 262 Corylopsis spicata, 437 Cupressus Lawsoni'dna, 270 Cyanophyllummagnificum,108 Cycas Rumim'd/ia, 438 Cypripedium Pearcii, 261 Dactylis glonierata varieg&ta, 311 Dahha Brunette, 109 Dwarf Queen, 228 Erebus, 109 Joy, 2 8 King of Dwarfs, 229 Little Wonder, 228 Queen of Summer, 229 many varieties, 109. 22y Delphinium Brunon?d»J«W!,437 Dendrobiuin barbatulum, 308 infundibiilum, 308 luteolum, 308 Desmodium Skinner? var. albo lineita, . 341 Deutzi'a crenita flore pleno, 106, 223 Di&nthus cincinnatus, 223 Marie Pare, 109 niultiflorus hybridus, 109 striatifldrus, 109 DieffenbAch ia Baraquim'dna, 223, 264 grandis, 264 Diervilla multiflora, 145 DipteracAnthus affinis, 14 Dracaevna Cooperi, 263 latifolia pendula, 263 limbata, robiista, terminalis, EchinocActus scopa, £leagnus japonicus, Epiphyllum KusseUid/iww, 192 truncitum, 192 many varieties, 192 Eranthemum leuconeurum,108 rubronervium, 108, 264 Gladiolus Charles Davis, 109 Mrs Dix, 109 sericio-villosus, 222 Gloxinia maeulita var. in- signia, 146 Cnaphilium lanatum, 311 Gymnogramma Pearcn, 263 Gymnostachyum Verschaf- feltu, 34, 108, 264 Gynerium argenteum, 262 Hechtia Ghiesbreghtn, 114 Helimium atropurpiireum var. grandiceph- alum, 113 Helipterum Sanfordn, 117 Kelichrysum Manmi, 267 Hibiscus Huegeli'j, var. quinqueviilnera, 112 HomoiAnthus viscosus, 111 Humea elegans, 225 Ipomaea filicaiilis, 221 Jacaranda digitatiflora, 268 KalAnchoe grandiflora, 437 Lapager/a rosea albitlora, 439 Lewism rediviva, Ligularia llodgsom Lilium auratum, canadense, lancifiilium, Philadelphici speciosum, perbum 10, 212, 10, 14i Pelargonium Diadem, 109 Dr. Lindley, 110 John Hoyle, 312 Princess of Wales, 109 Tarn O'Shanter, 322 many var., 110. 312, 326 Petunia Duchess of North- umberland, 110 Royalty, 110 striata purpurea. 312 Phormium tenax variegat- um, 263 Phyrnium Vanden Heckei, 144 Pitcairnm tabulseformis; 262 Poinsett/rt pulcherrima, 190 Primula alba plena fiinbriata. atrorosea plena fimbriata, 30 106 212 tuberculatum, 107 .Erica exquisita, Eucharis amazdnica, Euonymus radicans, Fontanesia Fortum, Forrest/a hispida, Forsythfo Fortun;', suspensa, viridissima, Fuchsia grandis, Madame Wagner, Marquis de Bellefont, Monsieur d'Offoy, Fugosia cuneiformis, Genti&na bavArica, Lonicera aiireo reticulata, 212. 283, 404 Lychnis senno, 106 Lycioplesium pubiflorum, 107 Machserantha tanacetifolia, 186 Macleani'u speciosissima, 436 Maclura aurantiica varie- gata, 296 Magnolia acuminata, auriculata, cordita, grandiflora, glauca, macrophylla, tripetela, many varieties, Mahonia japonica, MarAnta striata, Massonia cannaefolia, Meconopsis Acule&ta, Meyenia erecta, Vogelidna, Miconia pulverulenta. Micranthella Candollft, il/imulus repens, Ornithogalum capitatum thyrsoideum, 2U1 Osmanthus illicifoleus, 212 Ourisia cocclnea, 106 Pearcii, 106 Panddnus elegantissimus, 108 Pseonia Charles Kouillard, 305 Henri Pingard, 305 Loi Verniory, 305 M. Andre, 305 M. Malet, 305 Moutan, Mad. Stuart 58 58 59 S::;> 32, 107 108 436 266 32 Low, Pres. Lambinon, many varieties. Pelargonium Achilles, Artist, Adonis, Beauty, Bowkeri. British Queen, cortusoides amce^na rosea plena, 30 rubella plena, 30 Prumnopitys elegans. 263 Pyrethruin Delicatuni, 110 Lycias, 110 Princess Alexandra, 110 roseum album, 110 many varieties, 110 Potentilla Louis Van Houtte, 340 M Rouillard, 840 Dr. Andry, V. Lemoine, Wm. Rollison, 340 Quamoclit nationis, 266 Ki-id/H glaucescens, 267 Retinospora ericoides, 212 obtiisa, 212 pisifera, 212 .Rhododendron Batemanii. 32 campanulAtum, 32 catawbiense, 213, 274 Baron Osy, 146 maximum, 213, 274 var. Due Adolphe de Nassau. 34 Prince of Wales, 107 Princess of Wales, 312 many varieties, 274 Richard (a aethiopica, 262 Robinia Pseud-Acacia, 296 Rodinthe Atrosanguiuea, 150 maculiita. 150 alba, 150 Russelia juneea, 224 Saxifraga Fortum'i* var. tri- color, 309 japonica tricolor, 107 sarmentosa, 309 umbrosa variegata, 311 Schizostylis coccinea, 265 Scrophularia aquAtica varie- gita. 311 Scutellaria aurata, 33 costaricana, 268 Sedum Sieboldij. 35 var. fol. variegatis, 35 medio variegatum, 10H, 262. 310 Serissa fcevtida var. fol. aiireo marginatis, 34 Silfene Elizabetho:, 106, 111 Skimmia oblata, 403 Solanum anthropophagorum, 221 Sphjeralcea acerifolia, 112 Sphaerogyne latifolia, 108 Spiraea callosa alba, 296 CONTENTS. ■Spiraea many varieties, 411 Stauranthera grandiflora. 107, ' 146 Stenogaster multiflora, 224 Stephensoni'a grandit'olia, 263 Stuartf'a grandiflora, 260 Tacsonia Van Volxenm, 145 T'axus hibernica fastigiata,166 Thibaudia sarcantha, 340 Thuja Hoveyi, 270 Thujopsis dolobrita, 283 borealis, 270 Thysacanthus Schoniburgu, Trichantha minor, 222 Trichinium Manglesit, 340 Tritelea uniflora, 225 Tricyrtis hirta, 106 Tritoma Burchellir, 179 grandis, 176, 178 grandiflora, 176 Rooperr, 178 Uvaria glaucescens, 176, 178 Tropaeolum Cooper's Defiance, Tussilago Farfira variegata,3 1 1 Urceolina aurea, 435 Valdfvia Gaydna, 107 Verbena Banner, 221 Oompte Bernard Lechi, 111 Lord Craven, 221 Mauve Queen, 111 Othello, 111 White Lady, 221 Yieussieiixm fugax, 268 Waitzf'a corymbosa, 307 Webb /a pinifolia. 147 Weigeli'a hortensis nivea, 339 rosea alba, 106 Zinnia Ghiesbrightii, 29 LIST OF FRUITS. APPLES. All Summer, 406 American Golden Pippin, 162 American Summer Pearmain, 162 Baldwin, 156 Bellflower, 162 Early Harvest, 162 Early Strawberry, 162 Fall Queen, 162 Fameuse, 162 Gilpin, 162 Hubbardston Nonsuch, 162 Jonathan, 162 Lady Apple, 162 Ladies' Sweet, 162 Maiden's Blush, 156 Moore's Sweet. 162 Newtown Pippin, 162 Nonsuch, 162 Northern Spy, 156 Peck's Pleasant, 162 Pittstown, 406 Pryor's Red, 162 Kambo, 162 Ramsdell Sweet, 162 P.awle's Janet, 162 Red Astrachan, 162 Red June, 162 Rhode Island Greening,156, 162 Roxbury Kussett, 162 Smith's Cider, 162 Summer Queen, 162 Tompkins County King, 156 Winesap, 162 Winfield, 406 Lists of Apples, 162, 423 BLACKBERRIES. Albion, 359 Col. Wilder, 360 Dr. Warder, 360 Orange's Crystal, 359 Kittatiny, 407 CHERRIES. Archduke, 329 Belle d'Orleans, 329 Bigarreau, 328 Black Tartarian, 329 Blanchoury, 329 Duchesse de Pallnau, 329 Early Purple Guigne, 329 Empress Kugenie, 'J29 Knight's Early Black, 329 May Duke, Nouvelle Royale, List of Cherries, GOOSEBERRIES. Antagonist, Bratherton's Birchen Lane, Bratherton's F< Eardley's Hannah, Leicester's Smoker, Leveller, Pilkinton's Farmer, Prophet's Diadem, Shingler's Edna, Shiner, Walton's Annie, Walton's Garibaldi, List of Gooseberries. GRAPES. Adirondac, 8,25,62, Aiken, Allen's Hybrid, 8, 84 Arkansas, Barbarossa, Black Hamburg, 22 Black Prince, Bo wood Muscat, Brandy wine, Buckland Sweetwater, Burchardt's Prince, Cannon Hall, Catawba, { Chaptal, Chasselas Musque, Chavoush, Child of Hale, Clinton, Concord, 3, 26, 85, 90. 150, 164. 357, Crevelling, 26, 166, Cuyahoga, Delaware, 8, 26, 64, 164, Diana, 85, 91, 94, 143, 140, 150, 208. 355 83 358, 368 83 408. 432 . 2",, 227. '" 404 83 298, 369 408 , 84, 142 173 405 170 94, 142, ii<;s, -Kit 357, 369 142 86, 143, 170. 357 166,357, Duchess of Buccleugh,172, 299 Framingham Seedling, 8, 83, 93, 358 Frankenthal, 408 Golden Hamburg, 227, 298, 369 Grizzly Frontignan, 298 Grant's Anna, 83 Hartford Prolific, 8. 85, 94, 142, 143, 165, 357 Hyde's Eliza, 83 Iona, 8, 26, 83, 358 Isabella, 8, 84, 142, 166 Israella, 93, 369 Lady Dovme's Seedling, 25, ""228, 405 Lenoir, 83 Marion, 83 Martha, 26 Marchioness of Hastings, 405 Maxatawney, 26 Muscat Hamburg, 24, 227, 331, 405, 408 ;:-,s, 297 Northern Muscadine, Norton's Virginia, Oporto, 83 Pope Hamburg, 175 Rebecca, 8, 143, 165, 174, 209, 357, 369 Rogers's No. 4. Rogers's No. 15, Simpson's Seedling, Trebbiana, 5299 Trentham Black, 298 Underhill Seedling, 89 93 Union Village, 8, 85, 165, 358 West's St. Peter, 298 Winchester, 8, 174, 358 White Muscat of Alexandria. 228,363 Yeddo, 248 List of Grapes, 8, 93 List of New Native Grapes, 26 New Seedling, 405 List of Fine Grapes, 298 List of American Grapes, 423 NECTARINES. Elruge, 253 Fairchild's Early, 253 Newington, 253 Stanwick, 253 Victoria, 207 PEACHES. Acton Scot, 251 Bourdin, 253 Early Ann, 252 Early York, 252 Galande. 252 Grosse Mignonne, 252 Hale's Early, 207 Noblesse, 252 CONTENTS Vll Petite Miguonne 252 Easter Beurr6, 162 Vicar of Winkfield, 154 Petit's Imperial, 20S Edmonds, 7, 153 White Doyenne. 162 Red Nutmeg, 252 fcllis, 370 Winter Nelis, 162 246, 254 ,388 Royal George, 252 Excelsior, 7, 125 List of Seedling Pears, 90 Shanghai, 2512 Flemish Beauty, 162 154, 387 14 Varieties Pears, 02 Susquehanna, 300 Geueral Kearney, 90 100 Fine Pears, 125 White Nutmeg, 252 Glout Morceau, 162 Lists of Pears, 244 ,423 Walburton Admirable, 252 Howell, 162 Hovey, 409 Jargonelle, 253 RASPBERRIES. PEARS. Josephine de Malines 254 Doolittle's Black-Cap, 175 Augustus Dana, -.01 , 12S King Edward's, 254 Bartlett, 1(2 244 3S7 Kingsessing, 7 Barry, 411 Kirtland, 154 STRAWBERRIES. Belle Lucrative, 154 245 Lawrence, 7, 154, 162, 246, 388 Admiral Dundas, 27 Belle Williams, 153 Le Cure, 102, 3S8 Boston Pine, 288 Bergainotte d'Esperen, 254 Louise Bonne d'Avranches, 253 Brighton Pine, 288 Beurre d'Anjou, 154 162 ,247 Louise Bonne de Jersey, 89, British Queen, 27 d'Aremberg, 254 162, 245 Buffalo, 142 Langelier, 388 Mad. Treyve, 174 Carolina Superba, 27 Bosc, 162 Manning's Elizabeth, 386 Due de Malakoff, 27 288 Olairgeau, 254 Marie Louise, 254, 388 Elton, 27 Diel, 127 3S8 Merriam, 387 Empress Eugenie, 27 2^ Giffard, 92, 154, 162, 253, Moore's Pound, 7,125 Hovey, 247, 248 288 3*to Morel, 254 Jucunda, 27 Spae, 330 Muskingum, 125 Keens' Seedling, 27 Superfin, 245 253 387 Nickerson, 88 La Challonaise, 27 Bezi Mai, 254 Norfolk County, 90 La Constante, 9, 27, 248 288 Bloodgood, 125 Osbaml Summer, 154 Marguerite, 288 Bon Chretien, 253 Peters, 408 Marquise La Tour Mau- Boston, 7 125 Passe t'olmar, 129 bourg, 28 Clapp's Favorite, 7 Crassane, 331 May Queen, 27 No. 12, 90 Pratt, 154 Oscar, 27, 288 No. 15, 90 President, 90 Prince Frederick William, 27, Dana's Hovey, 7 369 Richardson's No. 1, 91, 293 2SS De Tongres, 92, 153 240 3'iy No. 2, 91, 293 Prince of Wales, 27 Dearborn's Seedli QSi 154 336 Rostiezer, 153, 162 Reeve's Eclipse, 300 Des Nonnes, 154 Seckel, 7,162 Scott's Seedling, 2*8 Dix, 7 12S Sheldon, 7 389, 407 Sir C Napier, 27 Doyenne Boussock, 102 St Crispin, 249 Sir Harry, ' 27 du Cornice, 300 St. Germain, 254 Sir J. Paxton. 300 d'Ete. 153 102 253 Swan's Orange, 7,387 Triumph de Gand, 300 Duchess d'Angouleme 183 Tyson, 153, 162 Lists of Strawberries, 287 422 LIST OF CORRESPONDENTS. A. D. G Bailey, J. W., Brewer, Miss Luey S, , Dewey, Col. D 8., . Editor, 1, 25, 29, 30, 38, 41, 81, 106, 117, 121, 140, 143, 161, 171, 185. 201, 207, 209, 219, 2J0, 237, 241, 247, 260, 269, 281, 293 295, 297. 307, 321, ; 338, 353, 367, 370, 381, 385, 403, 404, 417, 432, 434, 435 213 Flagg, Wilson, 14, 49, 130 62 Gray, W. Jr., 287 391 Gridley, Rev. A. D., 136 208 Hunnewell, H. H, 56 100, Kenrick, Wm., 358 .187, Lothrop, D. W., . 289 240. Rivers, T , 327, 397 330 Rivers, T. Francis, . 251 •, 409 Russell, J. W., 360 Weed, James, 60, 95, 139 GENERAL INDEX. Adirondac Grape, Hardiness of, . . 208 Agricultural Notices, . 209, 295, 403 Architecture, Early English Home, . 130 Notes on, 14 Roman, 49 Aucuba Japonica, New, . . . 341 Azaleas, New, 264 Azalea, The Indian, . . 179, 214, 255 Beans. 100 Varieties of, . 391 Beaton, Mr Donald, Death of. 33 Blackberries, New Varieties of, 358 Boot, Francis, Death of, 118 Brugmansia, The, 37 Bulbs, Early Flowering, 373 Calvert, Hon Chas. D.. Death of, . 237 Carnation Perpetual, Culture of, . 375 192 ), 106, 144, 220, 260, Cherries, Chrysanthemums, . Clianthus Dampieri, Dahlias. Bedding, . Epiphylhims, Standard, Floricultural Notices, Flowers, Seedling Garden, . . . 312 Forcing, Principally by Sun Heat, . 95 Forsythia, New 209 Fruits and Fruit Culture in Western New York 91 Fruits, Gossip about, in Western New York, 301 Hybridization of, .... 251 Garden Gossip, 269 General Notices, 35, 71, 114. 148, 189, 224, 273, 309,372 411 Gooseberry Culture in Great Britain, . 171 Gossip of the Month, . . . 150, 274 . 353 81 188 142 297 62. 141 Grape Culture, Progress of, . in Massachusetts, Culturist, .... Concord in Illinois, . New Seedling The Adirondac, The Framingham, . Grape Setting, .... Grapes, Fine, ..... Grapes, Discussion on, . in Maine, .... in Horticultural Society's Garden, Muscat, Gray, Wm Jr., Residence of, Harding, W C, Residence of, Horticulture in the West, Progress of, . Horticultural Gossip, Horticultural Operations : — January, .... February, .... March, .... April, May, June July August, llur 207 September, October, November, December, ia Elegans, Cultivation of, . Hunnewell, H. H., Residence of, . Hyacinths, Culture of, in Moss and Sand Lily Bulbs, Transporting, Lilies, Japan, Machaerantha Ta*nacetifblia, . Mackintosh. Mr. Charles, Death of, Magnolia. The, Maples. New Japan, .... Melon, The White Japan, Murray, Mr. Dennis, Death of, Obituary, . . .38, 11' Oranges, Tangieriue, Orchard-House, 115 Culture, . . . 71 Trees, .... 149 Orchard-Houses, 3J7 Pseonies, 301 Pear, Best 14 Varieties of, . . 91 St Crispin, 249 Ellis, 370 Hovey, 409 Richardson's Seedling, . . . 293 Pear Trees, Pyramidal, . . . 332 Pear and Apple. Some Thoughts on, . 289 Pear Culture in Massachusetts, . • 41 Pears, 100 Fine, 121 The Merits of Various, 241 Seedling 90 Pears, Gathering, . Peach Tree and its Fruit, Pelargonium, The, Planting, Ornamental. . Plant, New Decorative Garden. Plants, Hardiness of Japanese, New, of 1863, . New, ... Hardy Variegated, . Variegation in, Poinsettia Pulcherrima, 321 ■125 33S 372 mo Pomological 140, in, 207, 247, 297, 330, 307, 404, 432 Portulacas. Double, Potentillas, New Double Flowered, Primrose, The Chinese, . Pyrus Japonica, New Varieties of, Rhododendron, The, Maximum and its Varieties, Soils, .... Rhododendrons and Azaleas, Rose Information, . 211 187 335 213 114 274 313 102 191 300 201 150 233 148 295 235, 367 275 72 412 Pegging Down, Season in England, The, Seed Sowing, .... Seeds, Germination of Rodanthe, Preparing and Packing, . Raising Minute, Shrubs, New Ornamental, Society, American Pomological, Belmont Farmers' Club, Brooklyn Horticultural, Cambridge Horticultural, Fruit Growers' of Eastern Pennsylvania, 193 of Western New York, 116. 152, 314 Hampden County Horticultural, . 152 Illinois State Horticultural, 72 Massachusetts Horticultural, 37, 73, 156. 197. 236, 276. 318, 312, 376, 413 Address of the President, 73, 343 Annual Exhibition, . . . 377 Donation of H. H. Hunnewell, 318 Election of Officers, . . . 413 Laying the Corner Stone, . 343 Opening Exhibition, . . 237 Report of Building Committee, 157 Finance Committee, 77 New York State Agricultural, . 152 Pittsburg Horticultural, . . 116 Spiraeas, Pruning 411 Squash, The Yokohama, ... 100 Strawberry Festival, Belmont, . . 247 Strawberries, 287 in France, 27 Prize, in England, .... 300 Suburban Visits 434 Ten Acres Enough, .... 187 Thirty Years. The Progress of, . . 417 Tree Protectors, ... 60, 139, 150 Trees, Fruit, Influence of the Stock and Graft 231 Trees, Probable New Hardy, . . 212 and Shrubs, Japanese, . . . 281 Tritoraa, The, 175 Vegetation in the Dark, ... 273 Verbenas, New, 220 Raised Beds for 116 Vine Borders under Gravel Walks, . 190 Vines, Grafting, 22 Grape, The Close Spurring System, 360 Stocks for, 227 Violet, The Russian, .... 71 Wax, A New Grafting, .... 189 Woolen Hefuse 149 Zinnia, Mexican, 29 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. THE PROGRESS OP HORTICULTURE. Another year has come and gone, and we enter upon the 30th anniversary of the issue of our Magazine. The memories of these many years crowd thickly upon us, almost forcing expression, but we repress them to a more fitting time at the close of the volume, giving our attention to the general prog- ress of Horticulture during the twelve months past. Pleasant as it is to announce a greatly increasing zeal in rural pursuits during this period, it is mingled with sadness as we reflect how dearly this returning prosperity has been bought. The unholy war in which we have been engaged still holds on, and while we at home find pleasure, quiet, and luxury in the peaceful toil of tending our gardens, our brothers are fighting the treacherous foe, deprived of many comforts, exposed to sickness, suffering from wounds, and laying down their lives to secure for us the inestimable boon of peace. The trials through which we are passing will end in one grand object, viz., to Americanize America. It will teach us, as a nation, to be independent in everything. Our art, science, and literature will no longer be the reflection of European ideas. Brought by the events which, in our connection with foreign powers, accompany such a severe ordeal, to rely upon our own resources, we have found a wealth not only of mate- rial means, but of thought, which only such events could have made known. Thus, confining ourselves to horticulture, we have discovered that we can produce our own fruit trees ; that the imposition of a duty on them has had a good effect ; it has prevented the importation of trees which annually, by hundreds of thousands, found their' way to our market; and, vol. xxx. — no. i. 1 2 THE MAGAZINE OP HORTICULTURE. as a natural consequence, it lias directed the attention of our cultivators to the growth of both seedling fruits and plants to supply the place of the novelties which are yearly introduced. Not that we would undervalue or reject a fine fruit or beauti- ful plant because of foreign origin ; but because we recognize in the enterprise of American cultivators, and the material we have to work with, the sure means of securing all those objects that excel abroad. A continuation of the prosperity which we now enjoy, will soon show how great has been the change, and how rapid the advance, in horticultural art. Let our horticultural societies encourage the growing taste and zeal for new fruits and flowers, and we shall soon cease to ransack every European periodical and catalogue for novelties, satisfied with our own productions, and looking at the former only as recording the progress of the science abroad. Commercial gardening, from the causes we have named, has recovered, to a great extent, from the depressed state it exhibited a year or more ago. There is a fair demand for trees and plants, and the stock is much less than at the former period, while the demand has increased, and the supply lim- ited mostly to our own dealers. Wealth, resuming its accus- tomed course, seeks gratification in the possession of beautiful gardens and grounds, and plantations of fruit trees ; while the increase of taste, and the influence exerted by horticultural societies, there is a good reason to hope, will give renewed activity to horticultural art. We present a brief summary of the meteorological character of the year : January was an unusually open and mild month, the tem- perature being several degrees above the average. The first week was as fine and pleasant as October ; a week of cloudy and cooler weather succeeded, with the thermometer at 8° on the 8th. It was then mild and fine again to the loth, when a warm rain took all the frost out of the ground. The 17th to the 22d was cooler, with the temperature at 10°. The remainder of the month was variable, but unusually warm, with a light snow, and scarcely any frost, for 10 days. The month of February, as usual, brought with it snow and cold weather. The 3d was cool, with snow ; and on the JANUARY. 3 4th the temperature fell to 8° below zero, the coldest night of the winter ; the day was severely cold, the thermometer reaching only 1° above at noon, 6° below at night, and 3° below on the 5th. On the 6th, an easterly storm carried off all the snow, and it was very mild again, with more snow, to the -14th. Another week of mild weather, with rain, suc- ceeded. The 22d was cold again, with the mercury at 10°, and a cold snow storm to the depth of five inches. The last three days of the month were warm and rainy. March came in mild, with a week of cloudy and snowy weather, when the snow was a foot or more deep. The 13th it suddenly changed, and the temperature fell to 2° below zero, the 14th to 4° below, and the 15th at zero ; the 12th to 21st were the coldest of the winter, the average of the tem- perature being about 12°, accompanied with dry, cold, cutting winds. The 22d was cloudy and warm, and the remainder of the month was mild, with rain and light snows. April was a rather cool month. The first ten days the average temperature at sunrise was about 32°, with snow and rain and frosts. The 11th was warmer, with the temperature at 60°, and the 12th at 70°, the warmest day of the month. On the 14th there was frost ; after this it was warmer ; but the 22d and 23d were frosty again. The 24th an easterly rain commenced, which continued through the 25th, when an unusual quantity of water fell. After this it was cooler to the close of the month. May was but little more seasonable. It was cloudy, showery, and cool up to the 7th, when a cold, easterly storm set in ; after this, it changed to warm suddenly, and at noon on the 11th, the thermometer stood at 83°. It was then cool and showery, with a white frost on the 10th, when warm and fine weather set in; on the 21st the temperature was 92°, and the 22d, 96°, which gave a start to vegetation, and rapidly brought into leaf all trees and shrubs. The remainder of the month was warm and favorable. June commenced warm, with the thermometer at 88°, it was then cool and showery up to the 10th, when it was warm again ; another week of cool, showery weather followed, with the temperature varying from 50° to 60°. The 25th it was 4 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. warm and beautiful, which continued to the close of the month. The month of July was mostly warm and dry, without any excessively hot days, as is usual. The first ten days the tem- perature varied from 80° to 88° ; no rain of any consequence fell until the 14th, when there was an easterly storm, which drenched the parched and suffering crops. The remainder of the month was moderate, with frequent light showers. The 27th the temperature was 92°-, the highest during the month. August was the warmest month. The temperature ranged from 85° to 94° the first week ; it was then cooler and showery; then very warm again, 94° on the 9th and 10th, and 90° the 11th and 12th ; two cool days followed, when it was fine and warm, varying in temperature from 75° to 85°. Warm weather, . with warm showers, closed the month. Over 20 inches of rain fell in August. The month of September opened showery and warm, with the temperature at 80° on the 8th, and 80° on the 16th and 17th. On the 18th a severe rain storm and high wind, almost a gale, occurred, damaging much of the very small crop of fruit. It was then cooler, with the temperature at 32° on the 22d, accompanied with a very light white frost, which, how- ever, did but little injury. The remainder of the month was warm and fine. October was a fine month. The first week the temperature was very even, ranging at 60° for five successive days. The next week it ranged successively at 64°, with fine showers. It was then cooler, the temperature falling to 33°. From the 17th to the 24th the thermometer again ranged successively at 65°, succeeded on the 22d by a light frost, and rain. On the 26th the mercury fell to 26°, which was the first frost to do any injury. The three following mornings were frosty. November continued mild and pleasant throughout,with only two or three light frosts up to the last day, when the temper- ature fell to 18°. Fine and showery weather alternated and plants and flowers were blooming the entire month. December opened mild, but the temperature fell on the 6th, and continued frosty, with the mercury at 8° on 10th and 11th. It was then rainy and warmer, and the ground free from JANUARY. 5 frost. At the time we write, (18th,) a heavy rain storm has carried off a light fall of snow, and the month may be consid- ered very favorable. This summary will enable all who observe the general char- acteristics of the weather, and their relation to vegetation, to compare the last year with the previous one. The season of 1862 was one of the most abundant for fruit for many years, while that of 1863, has been far below the average. It will be recollected that the winter of 1861 and '62 was mild, with the lowest temperature 2° above zero. That of 1862 and '63 had an average temperature but little if any less, yet the lowest range was 8° below zero. In fact, the winter was un- usually open and variable, with but little snow ; and, with the exception of the cold of December, 1862, there was no severe weather till the last of March. Undoubtedly, the vari- able weather was unfavorable for fruit trees. The pear crop was small, the apple crop very inferior, and of peaches there were none ; yet a cold of 8° below zero, in some winters, has not injured the peach buds in the least ; showing, conclusively, that it is the weather which precedes or succeeds the cold, which causes loss of the crop. The year may be characterized as an open and variable winter, a cool spring, a warm and wet summer, and a fine warm autumn. Strawberries, and the smaller fruits, were very abundant, except that the former suffered during a fort- night of dry weather just at the critical season. Grapes were fine, and ripened everywhere ; the frosts of September not being severe enough to do any injury. From the delightful autumn, which has so fully ripened the wood and matured the buds of fruit trees, as well as from the invigorating influence of a year's growth with only a light crop, there is every anticipation that the coming year will be another one of plenty. The vicissitudes of our New England winter may destroy these anticipations, but except- ing the peach, our fruit trees are of too hardy a nature to suffer only from very peculiar or severe weather, and the cul- tivator who has planted well, can have but little doubt of the result of his labors. 6 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. HORTICULTURE. It has been surprising to witness so much activity in horticultural improvement, at a period of so much excite- ment in national affairs. The exhibitions of the year have been well attended, and the interest in them evidently undi- minished. Fine fruits, beautiful flowers, and magnificent plants, have found admiring visitors. It may, we think, be truly said that, as a whole, they were never better than the past autumn, particularly when we consider the rather un- promising year. This, however, is the sure indication of a healthy growing taste, for unless there is a pleasure derived from examining the specimens of the skilful cultivator, there will be little desire to possess what he is enabled to produce. It is, in fact, through the popular exhibitions of our horticult- ural societies, that the public taste is to be educated, and everything that they can do — the most liberal premiums that they can offer — to accomplish this should be zealously under- taken. It is from the magnificent shows of the London Socie- ties, whether of fruits or plants, that, in recent years, so much attention has been given to their cultivation. In fruits, it is true, there is less of improvement due to this cause than to plants ; but, even here, grape growing has received a new impetus from the demand for superior speci- mens. An ordinary bunch or two, such as the market affords an abundance of, cut from ordinary vines, are sent as speci- mens of grape culture ! No wonder superior specimens are so rarely seen, when these common products answer. The rule should be here as with other fruits, if they do not come somewhere near an acknowledged standard to reject them altogether. Where are the Hamburghs, weighing three pounds a bunch, jet black, covered with bloom, and berries as large as plums ? Where the Muscats, of equal weight and size, with golden amber colored berries, the sure indication of the lusciousness of these superb grapes ? And so of other well- known sorts. In their place we have red or purplish colored berries, no bloom, and straggling loose bunches of the for- mer— and clear green half-ripe berries of the latter. We have given many accounts, in our last volume, of the beautiful specimens exhibited at the London Societies, and it is only JANUARY. 7 necessary to add, that nothing short of the excellence attained there should be admitted here. Everything is in our favor — but skill. No subject, at the present time, is of more interest than the production of seedling fruits, and, in order to bring together all the valuable information bearing upon it, we have, in our last volume, given several articles by Mr. Rivers, whose long practical experience renders them of especial value. We have, in addition, copied the remarks of the learned French botanist, M. Decaisne, whose experiments, made with the object of testing the views of the old pomologists on raising seedling fruits, are highly important and instructive. Just as this valuable information appears, and following imme- diately upon it, we have the announcement of the production of an unusual number of seedling pears, larger in quantity, and better in the average quality than has before been brought to notice in one season. This establishes the importance of the information which shall lead those who are engaged in the useful and interesting work of rearing new fruits, in the right direction, that their labors may be rendered as success- ful as possible. A few years have caused an immense change in public opinion, regarding American pears. The late Hon. John Lowell, with his good judgment, said, in 1832 or 1833, that there were only four or five varieties of known American origin that were worth growing ! How stands the matter now ? In the short period of thirty years the number exceeds one hundred, and at the rate of recent increase will soon be two hundred, or more ; and these embrace kinds whose excellence no European pear can equal. In fact, we begin to think foreign pears will soon be considered of as little importance as foreign apples, of which only half a dozen are thought worthy of a place in our orchards. Look at the results of the last dozen years, viz.: The Sheldon, Swan's Orange, Dana's Hovey, Augustus Dana, Excelsior, Moore's Pound, Kingsessing, Clapp's Favorite, and the Edmonds. No other ten pears of their season can surpass, if equal them. If every decade shall give us similar results, how rich in this delicious fruit will American collections be ? We make no account of previous accessions, such as the Dix, Seckel, Lawrence, Boston, and other unequalled pears. 0 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. Nearly all these have been accidental productions, showing how much must be due to our climate, or some other unknown cause, for this excellence ; and if so much has come from ac- cident, what will be the result of skilful efforts made with a view to combine the merits of two varieties, under our present accumulated knowledge of hybridization ? We do not doubt they will be as progressive as similar efforts with other fruits. And of the grape, how immense have been the strides towards excellence. Had the Concord been but half the good grape it is, the impetus its introduction gave to the growth of new seedlings would be alone worth all the disap- pointment which must have ensued. But it has not only exceeded all that was promised for it — standing by all good authority at the head of popular grapes — but it has awak- ened an interest in grape culture that will not cease till even the Concord is as much surpassed as that surpassed its prede- cessors. Already we have the Adirondac, like it in size of bunch and berry, and color of fruit, a fortnight earlier, and superior in quality. It only remains to see if its growth, hardiness, ease of cultivation,.productiveness, &c, are equal to its other acknowledged qualities. If so, for the present, at least, the Concord and Adirondac will be the grapes. And now we have the sum of a dozen years' grape growing, viz. : The Concord, Adirondac, Allen's Hybrid, Rebecca, Delaware, Union Village, Crevelling, Iona, Winchester, Framingham Seedling, and Hartford Prolific. There are still others, among which some of Rogers's Hybrids might be named, but after a careful examination of them for three years, we can see nothing that should give them the name of hybrids ; they are simply improved varieties of the kinds they were named from, and we cannot detect the least foreign blood in them. Who that cultivated the Isabella and Catawba so many years, rarely obtaining a sweet berry, but must acknowledge their indebtedness to the raisers and introducers of these valuable kinds, so hardy, and so early, that they can be grown any- where, and so good that cold-house grapes can scarcely com- pete with them in the market. Liberal premiums for superb seedling grapes will find the above list doubled in number in another ten years. JANUARY. 9 So much information has been given in regard to new strawberries that we need not detain our readers with a rehearsal here. We need something more than mere reports to establish the character of these new seedlings. Unlike the pear or grape, which improve from year to year, the straw- berry shows its best in the seed bed, and, in many instances, has never exhibited the same qualities a second time. It may be so with some of these new seedlings, but we will not prejudge them, preferring to await the result of another trial. La Constante still stands at the head of foreign strawberries. The other small fruits have not been lost sight of; but there is yet room for great improvement, and the goose- berry, current and raspberry should receive more attention. Let us hope they will find zealous amateurs, who will do at least as much for each as Mr. Houghton did for the goose- berry, make one attempt to improve them. Peaches, under glass, on Mr. Weed's plan, are well worthy of attention. He has stated all the facts plainly, and we should be glad to see an attempt made to thoroughly test its value. Such a delicious fruit is worthy of every attention. It is only by this mode, or in orchard-houses, that a crop can be relied upon. The latter mode will give a small quantity of' superior fruit, the former will supply it in abundance. Of orchard-house experience we hope to give more in our present volume. FLORICULTURE. The prominent flowers of the year have been the gladiolus and lilies. Quite unexpectedly, we have been pleased to learn, many cultivators have been raising seedlings, and have already flowered a large number, among which are some really beautiful varieties, quite equal to the best imported sorts, while all have been good. This is a marked peculiarity of the gladiolus. If a quantity of seedling dahlias are raised, but a limited number will be worth saving, and so of many other flowers, but the gladiolus seem to sport into few inferior colors, and if but few are decidedly new in tint, they are at least as good as the average of the older kinds. Under the present almost total restriction to importation it is gratifying 10 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. to know that our own cultivators will soon supply the varie- ties which are sought for in European collections. The introduction of the new lilies from Japan is attracting attention to the whole class of lilies, all of which are highly ornamental, and worthy of more extensive culture, particular- ly the Japanese sorts and their varieties. If L. auratum sur- passes in size and general effect the L. speciosum, it does not excel it in brilliancy of coloring, delicacy of form, or abun- dance of bloom. They will, without doubt, hybridize with each other, and there appears a rich harvest in store for those who may take them in hand, and judiciously intermix them. We have had long experience with the Japan varieties, and have raised many thousand seedlings, and we have noticed somewhat carefully the results of various hybridizations ; with so distinct a kind as L. auratum to work with there is every hope of procuring a new strain of seedlings of great beauty. When we consider how varied are the colors and forms of the different lilies, and how long a period they display their flow- ers— from June till October — as well as their delightful fra- grance and easy culture, it is surprising they are not placed among the most prominent of garden ornaments. Few appear to be aware of the great beauty of our native kinds, the L. superbum, L. canadense, and L. Philadelphicum. The two former growing six or seven feet high, with showy orange and red spotted nodding recurved petaled flowers ; and the latter with upright dark red blossoms. These, with the well known foreign species, and their varieties, make upwards of 20 sorts, all possessing merit enough to find a place in every collection. The Zinnia is still improving under the hands of skil- ful cultivators. The first irregularly double blossoms are now brought to as symmetrical a form as the double dahlia, and the original crimson colored variety is sporting into shades of purple, scarlet, orange, and salmon. It is surprising to see how much has been made of this old and almost neg- lected plant. But these few changes are only the beginning of what is to follow ; for there is no reason to suppose it will not in time give us as great a variety as the dahlia. A new species from Mexico has been introduced ; it is single, like the JANUARY. 11 old zinnia, but its color is so brilliant, and its habit so neat, that even in its single state it is one of the most desirable of newly introduced annuals. So much do we value it that we present some account of it, with an engraving, on another page. As it will undoubtedly hybridize with the others it will still further increase the shades of colors. Hardy perennial plants we again commend to the atten- tion of lovers of beautiful gardens. These have been too much neglected for bedding plants ; yet, when we consider the variety of form, habits, colors, periods of blooming, and particularly their hardiness, requiring only to be once plant- ed, they afford an infinite amount of gratification. The Massachusetts Horticultural Society have recognized their merits, and have established some liberal premiums for the present year, which we doubt not will save them from the neglect they have so long received. We have endeavored to do our share in this work, and shall continue, in our present volume, to bring to notice several deserving plants. The Pseony, too, is growing in favor, as it should be second to no other plant in the magnificent effect of its superb flow- ers, now brought to an astonishing size and elegance of form. A selection of twenty or more of the most distinct varieties should be, next to the rose, an indispensable requisite for ■ every garden. The four weeks of June are made gay with them, even if there is no other plant, and the rose itself does not produce the grand effect of this superb flower in its more improved condition. Something might be said in reference to the fine foliaged plants, so extensively used in England in ribbon gardening, but whose use is limited here, where there are few grounds sufficiently extensive to give an effect of this kind ; but in most gardens they are very showy and effective. Those of recent introduction are the Coleus Verschaffeltii, Amaranthus melancholicus ruber, the former extremely rich with its dark velvety leaves, variegated with green ; and the latter nearly equally so with its bronzy hued foliage. These, with the old Perilla, have a fine effect on a bed edged off with some silvery hued plants, such as the variegated leaved geraniums. The good taste of every lover of plants will suggest the 12 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. combinations which may be made for producing an effective display. Our Floricultural Notices contain an account of all the new things introduced abroad, or produced at home. Ferns and foliaged plants appear to have been those which have been most attractive abroad ; but, though not yet so popular here, we hope the taste is increasing that will soon make them equally sought after by our own cultivators. ARBORICULTURE. Ornamental tree planting is limited ; a utilitarian spirit is yet too prevalent. Trees which do not return a profit, are neglected for those which in the current language " pay." Thus, every suburban garden is filled with pears or other fruit, to the exclusion of ornamental trees, and the larger demesnes are quite too sparing in their use of them. We would not deny any one who has a spot of ground the luxury of good fruit, but it should not be carried so far as to exclude a little that is ornamental. The large stories of the immense profits of pear culture has turned many of our suburban grounds into market gardens, where every tree was to yield almost its weight in gold. This is to be regretted, for besides the picturesque effect which ornamental grounds give to a town or village, the advantages are not commensurate with the loss of real pleasure of which they deprive the proprietor. A sub- urban villa hedged round with pear trees looks well in sum- mer, but when winter sets in how dreary from the absence of a few spruces, pines, arbor-vitaes, junipers, and other ever- greens, and how little shade in the hot days of summer from the overpowering sun ? The rhododendron, the azalea, and other American plants, too long neglected, are beginning to attract more attention, and their great claims to general cultivation more extensively recognized. As we have previously remarked, it has been thought our plants must come from abroad to possess any great value, those of our own country being necessarily com- mon. But those who have entertained this opinion knew little of the wealth of our flora, or that many of our indig- enous plants are far more rare out of their native locality JANUARY. 13 than many of the productions imported from Europe. The more we become acquainted with them the more we regret that they have so long been overlooked, and their place supplied by inferior objects from other climes. The encouragement now offered for the growth of these plants, as well as all hardy trees and shrubs, by Mr. Hunne- well, is opportune. It comes at a time when the rates of exchange and duties almost amount to a prohibition of the introduction of trees from abroad, and so long as this state of things exists, it will divert attention to the production of new things at home ; thus out of a seeming injury good will result. Coniferous trees, so interesting to British planters that no expense is spared to introduce them from every quarter of the globe, have not yet, except in a limited way, found the same class of enthusiastic#admirers, which commend them to such extensive notice abroad. Gradually, though slowly, the really- hardy kinds are more sought after, and we hope, ere long, something besides spruces and arbor-vitaas will orna- ment every garden. Japan has furnished some very remark- able trees, but their hardiness remains to be tested. The introduction of seeds, by Mr. Hogg, is a welcome event, and likely to give us results much sooner than the importation of plants from Great Britain. Will our enthusiastic tree lovers and planters aid us in diffusing a more general knowledge of the merits of every hardy tree and ornamental shrub ? HORTICULTURAL LITERATURE. Little encouragement has been extended the last year to horticultural literature. Our periodicals, devoted to garden- ing, have lost many of their subscribers, and the quantity of reading matter has been curtailed to correspond with the increased expenses of publication. In this state of things it could not be expected that new and elaborate works would appear. With one exception this has been the case ; this exception has been Mr. Burr's elegant work on the Field and Garden Vegetables op America, which we have already noticed. 1^ shows that in the midst of the great struggle now going on that the arts of peace have not been wholly 14 THE MAGAZINE OP HORTICULTURE. forgotten, and that it is more the state of the public inind than any real loss of zeal or interest that horticultural pur- suits have not received far more attention. The Rural Annuals, from the respective offices of the Country Gentle- man and Genesee Farmer, have appeared in their usual ex- cellent style ; and The Annual Report op the Agriculture op Massachusetts, by Mr. Flint, with the Annual Report op the New York State Agricultural Society, by Col. Johnson, form two volumes of the greatest interest to all who would watch the steady progress of the agriculture and horticulture of our country. NOTES ON ARCHITECTURE. COMPILED FROM VARIOUS AUTHORS. The object of the series of essays, of which this forms the first number, is to present the readers of this Magazine some of the views of the best writers on the home architecture of ancient and modern nations. The present essay is chiefly taken from the work on Architecture by Mr. Thomas Hope. The compiler will avoid expressing his own views on the sub- ject, and will adhere to the words of the text, from which the notes are compiled, as literally as the concise form to which they are reduced will permit. The most of the works on architecture are voluminous, and comprehend a great many details, which, though important for the illustration of his subject, are omitted here, both for the sake of brevity, and to render the notes more interesting to the general reader. I shall take but little notice of the architecture of nations who preceded the Greeks, regarding the latter as the first civilized people of whom history gives us any perfect account. The people from whom the ancient Greeks were principally derived, made their first settlement in the neighborhood of Dodona, a region renowned for its immense forests of oaks ; and out of these the first ancient structures were made. The great quantity of oak timber in that country determined the general character of the primitive architecture of Greece. JANUARY. 15 The floor, according to Mr. Hope, required to raise the struc- ture above the wet earth, was probably contrived with trunks laid transversely. The supports were branches raised perpen- dicularly at certain intervals, where only distant points of bearing were required for the roof, and apertures necessary for entrance left open! When for retirement, for protection, or for shelter, close and continued walls were wanted, the intervals were probably filled up with clay or wicker work. The posts were, at their top, tied together, longitudinally and latitudinally, by beams, whose extremities rested on their summits, and whose interstices permitted light to penetrate from without, sufficient for internal purposes. The outer covering was formed by slighter rafters lying on these beams, supporting another layer of leaves or planks or straw, which from its centre received an inclination either way, to carry off the wet. Thus arose the hut, made entirely of wood, an edifice equally different, in materials and in form, from the tent made of hides, and from the grotto dug in stone, and holding a sort of middle station between the extreme light- ness of the one and the massiveness of the other. Now the reason is obvious, why the Greeks, after the forests were con- sumed so far as to make timber a scarce and expensive mate- rial, and when they were compelled to use for their structures the different kinds of stone, should continue to build them after the model of their primitive wooden edifices. It might be supposed that when it became necessary to change the materials used in building, those particular forms and combinations, which were at first required by the charac- ter of these materials, would be omitted. But such has never been the case with any people. In every country where new productions of nature were adopted in building, the shapes and modifications which were found necessary in those which were first adopted, still continued to be, in those of the new sort, preserved, or rather imitated. This custom served also to remind the nation of its past origin, and its primitive arts, and especially of its first structures and places of worship, and with all that could produce the most interest- ing associations. 16 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. their parts, the forms of tents, which were their original type. Chinese homes seem to cling to posts, which when planted in the ground, have struck root and become fixed. The palaces look like a number of collected awnings ; and the very pagodas, or towers, in their loftiness, are nothing more than a number of tents, piled on the top, instead of standing by the side of each other. The aggregated dwel- lings, from the smallest village to imperial Pekin itself, in their distribution, resemble nothing but a camp. When Lord Macartney, on the borders of Tartary, was received by the Emperor, in a real tent, he could scarcely perceive any differ- ence between it, and the millions of stationary buildings he had viewed. The buildings of the Turks enable us to retrace the form of the portable tent of their nomadic ancestors. Their pri- vate habitations, from the tent roof of the meanest cottage, to the porch of the grandest Kiosk or palace, in its low-spread- ing expanse, its widely-extended eaves, broken at various angles, and supported by numerous pillars, and almost reach- ing to the ground, still recall the same model, and differ but little in shape and distribution from the real imperial tent which on the breaking out of every new war is solemnly erected. As the architecture of the Chinese, derived from a proto- type, light and portable, still, in heavier material, reproduces the same original form, so the architecture of the Hindoos, even in forms somewhat less ponderous, represents the cavern dug in the solid rock, or the materials extracted from the bosom of that rock, when piled up in a pyramidal shape on the surface of the ground. The preservation of this same form, in the architecture of the ancient Egyptians, is pecul- iarly striking. Its temples, its mausoleums, all its existing remnants everywhere afford traces of the void cut in the na- tive rock, and the dissevered fragments again raised round the ancient space. All the Egyptian edifices, of a private or public character, resemble the ridge of rock only partially pierced, or the insulated mountain rising from its wide base and tapering to a narrow apex. JANUARY. 17 111 the Greek building of stone, however large its dimen- sions, however sumptuous in its details, the form of the prim- itive cabin of stems and foliage of trees in which it originated, was, to the last era of Grecian independence, preserved with scrupulous and religious fidelity. The hut of Pelasgus, the last entirely wooden cottage in Arcadia, remained the unva- rying model of every subsequent fabric in stone and marble, which arose in Greece. Every later improvement for use, every more elaborate addition for ornament which was dis- played in these, only appeared as a supplement to this funda- mental form, in no way allowed to alter or conceal it. Nay, in proportion as the edifice was of a more public and important character, the resemblance to the wooden hut seemed to be more ostentatiously preserved. But, however scrupulously the Greeks, during the period of their independence, continued faithful, in the essential members of their architecture, to the form of the wooden hut, it is not to be supposed that a nation so lively, so full of imagination, could be so slavishly restricted to that form, as not to bestow upon it all the additions and ornaments of which it was susceptible. Thus in the temples of certain deities, in whose honor garlands of flowers or fruits were hung round their altars, or the horns of peculiar animals sac- rificed to them, these things were, as emblems, reproduced in stone and marble, and used as ornaments to the building. Thus the Temple of Apollo, in Asia Minor, was adorned with the lyre, the tripod, and the griffin ; the Temple of the Winds, at Athens, in each of the eight compartments of its octagon, was the personification of one of the eight winds. Similar emblematic ornaments were affixed to all the Grecian tem- ples. To these imitative additions, intended, as it were, for some direct useful purpose, were added many other modifica- tions, either like simple mouldings and meanders, wholly un- imitative, or, like foliage, flowers, parts of animals and of human beings, imitative, but offering in their imitation no allusion to the peculiar building to which they were annexed, and introduced merely to increase their elegance. Some drops of rain distilled from the ends of the rafters that projected over an architrave, so pleased a certain archi- vol. xxx. — no. i. 2 18 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. tect, that he added them as permanent ornaments to his Doric triglyph. A few rams' horns suspended from the top of a pillar, so struck the imagination of another builder, that he formed out of them the Ionic capital. A wild acanthus, acci- dentally lodged on the top of an ancient sepulchral cippus, and with its foliage embracing a basket placed on the pillars, so charmed a third artist, that he substituted it as a new capi- tal. The most essential of these additions to the form imita- tive of the wooden hut, became gradually consolidated into three distinct combinations, each taking its distinctive denom- ination from the races to which their origin was ascribed. Of these, that peculiar one which is regarded as the oldest, the most primitive, and which reproduces the wooden hut most faithfully and minutely, was called the Doric. The second in antiquity, that in which the volutes were added to the capital, and the ends of the large cross-beams, called tri- glyphs, omitted in the entablature, or those of smaller rafters, under the name of dentiles, substituted, was called Ionic. The third, considered the last of all, in which the capital was again lengthened, and surrounded by foliage terminating in scrolls, was denominated the Corinthian. Mr. Hope contends that the Greeks did not admit those arbitrary rules of propor- tion which the moderns have assigned to the different archi- tectural orders. And in many Grecian buildings of the best era are omitted some of those very parts which the moderns have been accustomed to regard as the essential characteristics of the peculiar orders, and as inseparable from their other features. In Greece the mildness of the climate permitted much of the business of the individual, and of the public, to be trans- acted out of doors, under open porticoes, shady arbors, or the mere canopy of heaven ; and the temperament and habits of the people seem naturally to have produced in them an indis- position to employment within doors. But what the temper- ature of the atmosphere permitted, and the manners of the nation rendered agreeable, the ignorance of the arch, and of the use of glass in windows, rendered necessary. Hence their temples, if destined to receive such a roof of stone as should be complete and durable, not having the support of JANUARY. 19 the arch or vault, must have a very limited area. Their space within, unavoidably narrow, was, therefore, as much as possible compensated for without, in those single and often double colonnades, which preceded and surrounded ancient temples, and which, though we are apt to regard them as mere ornaments, were, in fact, intended to shelter and protect the greatest part of the collected congregation. The temple, says Mr. Hope, became a small hut or kennel, contained in a prodigious envelope. The interior of their temples, in which, for want of glass, much light could not be admitted without exposure to the weather outside, received no daylight but such as made its way through the vast entrance door, or, at most, through interstices left in the frieze, or through gaps in the awning spread over the open part. If more was required, it was supplied by lamps and torches ; and this, not being sufficient to supply the whole space, was concentrated on the principal object — the image of the deity of the respective temples. The rest of the space within was not lighted ; it could not, therefore, be supposed that the Greeks would employ in its decoration the same pains and expense as on the outside. In the states of Greece every citizen shared by right both in the public debate and in the public diversion ; entered by right both the agora and the theatre. Hence, though these . states were small, the numbers that flocked to those places, and were to be accommodated in them, greatly exceeded that which, in our larger states, need be admitted into similar edi- fices. As in these, one half could not, as in the temple, be detained outside, while the other was admitted within, these buildings or places, necessarily of immense capacity, were as necessarily left uncovered, and their dramatic entertainments were displayed in the broad light of day. But, still in a country where the habits, religion, polity, and every other circumstance led to the fullest development of the imitative arts ; and public edifices were decorated with all that sculpture or painting could furnish, especially the outer parts, because the clear atmosphere exhibited the full beauty, and the mild temperature insured the complete preservation of works of art. 20 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. There was one circumstance that is worthy of remark, as a method of accounting for the habits of the Greeks, to adorn their public edifices more than their private houses. That purely democratic organization of the Grecian States, which raised every citizen to a level with all the rest, caused individu- als to be cautious lest an ostentatious display of their own pre- eminence in wealth should awaken the jealousy or mortify the pride of other citizens. This consideration — the fear of being envied and hated — tended as much to keep private hab- itations low and unassuming, as it contributed to render pub- lic edifices vast and pompous. So imperative was it held on every citizen to avoid in his abode all that might attract the public eye, that Demosthenes regarded the pre-eminence of the house of Midias over the other habitations of Elensis, as a just ground of accusation against him. While the place of worship or of debate displayed on all sides externally the most magnificent colonnades, the private dwelling only showed a mere blank surface ; and, like a temple inverted, possessed not external columns, surrounding a solid body, but enclosed its pillars within its exterior walls. But the citizen, fearing to give vent to his pride in his pri- vate habitation, only sought the more to gratify it in the structures destined for purposes of public magnificence or solidity. These have attained in greater number that size of posts, that splendor of decoration, that has made them the wonder of all succeeding ages, while their houses are not stamped with sufficient character to have attracted attention. When we hear of a Grecian house among the dwelling-houses of modern times, we find it to be constructed after the model of a temple, not of a private habitation of the Greeks. Notwithstanding all that has been said of the nobleness of Grecian architecture, it was wanting in one of the most important of mechanical inventions, — that of the arch. The want of the arch necessitated, within and without, an approx- imation and multiplicity of columns, in all the large buildings, for the purpose of bearing masses of stone, at once necessa- rily short, and yet heavy. These columns were an essential part of such buildings, and caused those vast ranges, and va- rious dispositions which give to Greek temples their peculiar JANUARY. 21 denominations, all taken from the quantity of columns in each range, and the number and arrangement of their differ- ent rows. To the last days of the independence of the Greeks, their architecture, like a bird still unfledged and incapable of soaring in the air, showed its deficiencies. To the last, their inability to place any upright supports — whether columns, pillars, piers, jambs, or continued walls, in places where a covered roof was necessary, at a greater inter- val than a block of stone or a beam of wood might span — generated a degree of narrowness and contraction in their enclosed buildings, and only permitted them to wall-in a larger area, leaving the edifice without a roof. To the last, their want of mechanical science produced an enormous amount of materials in proportion to the space obtained. To the last, the internal forms of their edifices must, with all the elegance that could be applied to their limited combina- tions of outlines, have displayed a want of height, an angu- larity, an absence of that curve and swell, which enables the arch, cupola, and vault to produce equal variety, connection, and harmony. The want of glass windows, as well as an ignorance of the properties of the arch, was a great defect in ancient buildings. The ancients seem long to have manufactured vases and other portable objects of glass, before they thought of applying it to its most useful and agreeable purpose — that of excluding from apartments the cold and wet of the atmosphere, while admitting all the heat and light of the sun. The want of thin plates of glass now used for that purpose, only permitted them to throw into apartments a considerable body of light, by exposing them at the same time to every inclemency of the weather. In many cases they were obliged to omit win- dows entirely and depend on lamps, even in the daytime, to illuminate their houses. In general they sought a mean between the extremes, by suffering a few straggling rays of light to penetrate across the ends of the rafters that lay on the walls and formed the ceiling; or by introducing immedi- ately under the shelter and projection of the eaves, a sort of wide low window, which afforded no view of external objects. These restraints influenced the whole of their architectural 22 THE MAGAZINE OP HORTICULTURE. system. The smaller temples received the requisite light through an enormous entrance door, always open ; and the larger ones were necessarily little better than external courts. Such was not only the magnificent Temple of Minerva, at Athens, but even the Pantheon, at Rome, of which the round central opening only shows all the beauties by permitting every passing shower to deluge the gorgeous pavement. It caused the dwelling-house for seclusion as well as for safety to shun all outside windows; to have every aperture for light, as for egress, turned inwardly to a vast open court, and to present to the street, instead of the numerous windows of modern houses, an impenetrable dead wall. It even caused many apartments, of every sort, to be left, for the sake of warmth and comfort, entirely destitute of apertures for daylight, of every description. GRAFTING VINES. FROM THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. The following article is well worthy the attention of all lovers of fine grapes. It is well known that some grapes are of much stronger constitution than others, and grow freely in any good border where other kinds woul$ be weakly or probably fail. This difference is often apparent, but its cause not familiar. Even when two sorts are equally strong, one will often fail to perfect its fruit. This arises from the natural habit of the vines, one growing well in an ordinary border, while the other re- quires one of particular construction, warm, well drained, and dry. When, therefore, the latter are placed in the conditions of the former, they do not succeed well. It is in such cases that grafting may be adopted, to save the labor, and often the great inconvenience, of making a suitable border. The Black Hamburgh will grow in almost any good border, and upon this, those sorts which do not succeed may be grafted. The considerations of the writer, as to affinity of stocks, are well worthy of attention, both as to grafting grape vines and fruit trees generally : — JANUARY. 23 Ought we to graft the more tender or less vigorous varieties of the grape vine upon stocks of the stronger habited sorts, or is there any advantage resulting from the practice ? What says theory ? The effect of grafting a plant upon an older stock, that is, upon one which has attained to something like the full vigor of growth, is in a general way to render the graft more vigorous than it otherwise would have been ; but there are some collateral considerations. There must be a fitness in all the circumstances of the case. The stock must be such as to suit the conditions of soil in which it is to grow ; and there must be a sort of constitutional affinity between the stock and the graft. These points bring this question entirely within the range of experimental cultivation. In the case of the vine, the fitness would depend upon the har- dihood of the stock in respect to its roots, and upon its degree of vigor being such as to suit the constitution of the scion. In other words, the advantage to be derived from grafting a vine would be, that a tender delicate-rooted sort, liable to suffer from even the unavoidable coldness of the soil, might draw up its nourishment through a stem, the roots of which, belonging to a variety of hardier nature, would be less influenced by the amount of cold to which they might happen to be subjected ; while, if the graft were of a sort deficient in natural vigor, a stock of moderately increased vigor would serve to impart to it the very strength it needed. We say, of moderately increased vigor, because there ought not to be too great a disparity of constitution between stock and graft, though this is perhaps of less importance in the case of the vine than in that of many other fruit trees. Besides this influence, which it is well known to exert over the vigor of the graft, the stock also, in some cases at least, exercises an influence upon its productiveness, as well as upon the quality of the fruit. This latter result would lead us to prefer to use as a stock some sort which was known to produce fruit of good quality, as well as to possess the requi- site degree of vigor in its constitution. Such considerations as these indicate at least that grafting may be advantageous; and that beyond the benefit which it may confer by rendering possible the substitution of good for 24 THE MAGAZINE OP HORTICULTURE. indifferent varieties with comparatively little loss of crop — and that it will do this, by reason of the rapidity with which a graft united to a healthy-established stock will replace the bearing rods which may have been cut away to make room for it, is evident. They also seem to be suggestive, that a healthy, moderately strong variety, producing fruit itself of superior quality — such a variety, in short, as the Black Ham- burgh, is one of the best that can be selected as a stock where choice is possible ; and this mainly because of the compara- tive root-hardiness, as well as vigor, which this most estimable grape possesses. This is very well expressed in the following passage from Thompson's Gardeners' Assistant : — " The har- diness of the stock is of great importance in the cultivation of trees and shrubs indigenous to southern climates, for many of such plants either perish or thrive badly on their own roots when planted in the comparatively cold soil of Britain. They are, of course, affected somewhat injuriously by the coldness of our atmosphere, but they are more than doubly so when the roots, upon which their supply of nourishment depends, are also in a colder medium than they are adapted to endure. But when grafted on a stock, the roots of which are not likely to be injured, in a properly drained soil, by the lowest ground temperature which occurs in this country, tender plants that can be properly grafted on such thrive tolerably, in conse- quence of being fed by roots uninjured by cold." The ques- tion of root-hardiness alone will probably explain the frequent failure of such tender-rooted sorts as the Golden Hamburgh appears to be, and on the other hand the success of such vari- eties when grafted on a less tender-rooted stock. This may indeed suffice to account for the different estimates which are formed of the merit of this variety. But what says practice in answer to the question with which we set out ? No doubt we can find a few illustrative cases on record. The vineries at Dalkeith furnish one such case. In Gossip of the Garden (Nov., 1863, p. 372) we read of the Muscat Hamburgh, with rods not quite ripe, bear- ing clusters of fruit of not less than four or five lbs. weight, far more like Barbarossa than the Muscat Hamburgh as visually seen. These vines are planted inside the house, and are JANUARY . 25 grafted on the Black Hamburgh. The difference between the bunches on grafted plants, and those on plants on their own roots, repeatedly seen elsewhere, is so marked, that the writer does not hesitate to recommend Mr. Thomson's plan to all gardeners. In the Florist and Pomologist (Nov., 1862, p. 168), it is stated of the valuable late black variety known as Lady Downes's Seedling, that the fruit is greatly improved by the vine being grafted on the Black Hamburgh, as Mr. Hill grows it. And not to multiply quotations, our own columns have recently recorded (October 17, p. 991), some remarkably fine examples of the Buckland Sweetwater, pro- duced on rods which had been grafted on the Black Ham- burgh. Some of the advantages which, it would thus appear, certainly do result from the practice of grafting, may be attributable to the mere vigor imparted by the older and well-established stock ; but it would also appear that there are in the cases of delicate-rooted and weak-growing, or per- haps even small-berried varieties, decided advantages to be derived from grafting on a comparatively hardy-rooted vigor- ous stock, and among these the Black Hamburgh appears to hold a prominent position. The case is analogous to that of tender-constituted varieties of Indian azaleas, for example, which are well known to be improved by grafting on a more hardy and free-growing stock. We shall be glad, however, to hear further what is the prac- tical experience of cultivators on this interesting question. POMOLOGICAL GOSSIP. The New Native Grapes. — Mr. Hussman of Missouri, who made a visit to the East last autumn, thus alludes to some of the newer grapes. Mr. Hussman is an extensive grape grower, and his experience is entitled to great respect : — Adirondac. — Seen at the Grape Exhibition, New York, October 3. Exhibited by J. W. Bailey.- Bunch, large, com- pact, not shouldered ; berry, large oblong, black, somewhat transparent, without pulp ; juicy and vinous ; very good ; the 26 THE MAGAZINE OP HORTICDLTUEE. nearest approach to a foreign grape I have yet found in a native. Said to be very early, but not more than ripe when I saw it ; it was grown, however, in the extreme northern part of the state. Iona. — A new seedling of Dr. Grant. Seen at the Exhibi- tion, and also at Charles Downing's garden, Newburgh, N. Y. Bunch, large, long, somewhat shouldered, loose ; berry, above medium, of a beautiful wine color ; slightly oblong ; transpar- ent, fleshy, but not pulpy ; vinous and sweet ; sprightly flavor ; quality, best ; said to ripen with Delaware. Martha. — A seedling of the Concord, originated by that zealous cultivator, Samuel Miller, Calmdale, Lebanon Co., Pa., and certainly a grape of great promise. Bunch, medium, rather loose, but will no doubt get larger when the vine gets older ; shouldered ; berry, large, round, pale yellow ; some- what pulpy ; sweet, juicy, very slightly foxy ; quality, very good. Most of the berries contain only a single seed ; very strong grower, healthy and hardy. Promises to be very pro- ductive. Maxatawney. — Bunch, medium, long, compact, not shoul- dered ; berry, above medium, oblong, pale yellow, with a slight amber tint on one side ; pulp, tender, sweet, and sprightly ; few seeds ; fine aroma ; quality, best ; vine seems to be healthy and productive ; the most promising white grape which has yet been sufficiently tried. Crevelling. — Bunch, long, loose, shouldered ; berry, full medium, nearly round, black, with blue bloom ; grape, tender, dark juice, sweet, very good. Said to ripen before Hartford Prolific, of better quality ; hardy, healthy, and productive ; promises to make a good dark wine. Some other kinds are noticed, but they are too little known as yet to attract general attention. Mr. Hussman states that the Concord, Delaware, and other grapes he tasted in New York, were not near so sweet as those raised in Missouri. The Concords looked well, but did not taste like the same grape ; acid, with a tough pulp, quite un- like the Concords in Missouri. No doubt the longer season adds to the excellence of this grape. JANUARY. 27 Strawberries in France. — The Count de Lambertje has published a work on the strawberry, more extensive and com- plete than any that has yet appeared, including the botany, history, and cultivation of the strawberry. The author recognizes eight species, distributed as follows : three Euro- pean, Fragaria vesca, F.elatior, and F. collina ; three Ameri- can, F. chilcensis, F. virginica, and F. Grayana: two Asiatic, F. Daltoniana, and F. nilgheriensis. The first and second parts refer to the botany and history, and the third part contains descriptions of 40 varieties, which the author considers proper for cultivation. These are arranged into several categories, according to different points of merit, as for example : — 1. Sorts possessing all the merits — goodness, fertility, beauty, and hardiness ; of such, 28 are enumerated. 2. Sorts not invariably so productive as some, but of which the fruits are handsome and excellent ; these consist of British Queen and Keens' Seedling. 3. Sorts which are of remarkably fine appearance : Ad- miral Dundas, very good ; Due de Malakoff, good ; Jucunda, very middling. 4. Sorts remarkable on various accounts ; Elton, late, promising all the desirable qualities were it not rather too acid ; May Queen, the earliest of all known varieties ; Prince of Wales, (Stewart and Neilson,) very early ; Prince Frederick William, the earliest after the May Queen, and the first very large strawberry. Among those in the category of such as force well, we observe besides British Queen and Keens' Seed- ling, the names of La Constante, Empress Eugenie, Due de Malakoff, Sir Harry, Sir 0. Napier, and Oscar. According to Count de Lambertye's full and excellent descriptions, the following appear to be most highly deserving of cultivation : Carolina Superba, flesh white, solid, buttery, melting, very sugary, with a delicious perfume ; excellent. La Challonaise, flesh juicy, acidulated, very sugary and perfumed ; excellent. La Constante, excellent. Due de Malakoff, very large, weigh- ing sometimes 1 J ounces ; the flesh light red ; juicy, acidulated, sugary, and perfumed. Elton, a variety of which M, Gloede 28 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. wished both Count de Lambertye and Dr. Nicaise to give up the culture, on account of its being too acid, but neither of them would consent to do so. A fault, the only one that can be ascribed to it, being easily corrected at table by a little more sugar ; while, on the other hand, it has a handsome form, a superb color, and its flesh is juicy and perfumed, the plants immense and vigorous and very hardy ; upward of 300 acres are devoted to the cultivation of this strawberry, in the communes of Verrieres, Sceaux, Chatenay, Fontenay aux Eoses, &c. Marquise La Tour Maubourg, also called Vieount- esse Hericart de Thury, very sugary and high flavored ; one of the best. Oscar, excellent. Prince of Wales, very good. Sir Henry, flavor exquisite. This extract of a notice of the work in the Gardeners' Chronicle, will give the best idea of strawberry culture in France, and allowing for the difference of climate, by which many of the English and French varieties, above named, can- not be successfully cultivated here, we can judge of the ad- vance made in this fruit. Thus the May Queen is called the earliest, and the Prince Frederick William the first large early strawberry. Now the first of these is in reality worth- less from its small size, which is much smaller, not so early nor so good as the old Early Scarlet. The Prince Frederick William is a week later than Jenny Lind, not near so large, nor half as good. Elton was given up years ago, being acid, a shy bearer, burning in summer and suffering in winter. M. Gloede was right in advising the abandonment of its cult- ure. La Constante is the only strawberry named that is worthy of general and extensive culture in our climate. Thanks, however, to Count de Lambertye that he has reduced the number of varieties to 40. M. Gloede has an extensive collection of about 300 varieties, and it is pleasant to see the larger part of these trashy sorts consigned to oblivion. JANUARY. 29 THE MEXICAN ZINNIA. BY THE EDITOR. The recent introduction of the Double Zinnia, after so many years of cultivation in its single state, has been quite a surprise to lovers of beautiful flowers. It is now becoming very popular, and, with further improvement, will take its place with the Aster, among the most beautiful plants for general decoration. More recently a new Zinnia has been received from Mexico, Z. Ghiesbrightii, quite single, like the !. THE MEXICAN ZIN1CIA. old Zinnia, but different in color, as well as in general habit and character. Though only single, it is likely to prove far more attractive than the old kinds, its bushy habit, abundant bloom, and bright golden hue, giving it the highest claims as a garden ornament. 30 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. "We annex an engraving (fig. 1) of this new species, which was found in Mexico by M. Ghiesbright. A single flower does not, by any means, show its valuable characteristics, which consist in qualities we have already named. MM. Vilmorin of Paris, who have introduced it, describe it as fol- lows : Stem, dividing at the base, into numerous branches, forming a tufted bush, of the height of fifteen or twenty inches. The leaves are long, lanceolate, much straighter than the Zinnia elegans. Flowers, terminal, upon all the branches and their subdivisions ; these are large, about an inch and a half in diameter, composed of seven or eight large petals, a little recurved, of a bright golden orange, shaded at the base with dark brown. The flowers are numerous, re- sembling, in their shape, the Indian pink, and have a fine effect, from the vivacity of their color. They open, without interruption, from June until frost. Last year we had this pretty species in great perfection, and the plants were prominent objects of admiration. Speci- mens exhibited before the Massachusetts Horticultural Society were thought very beautiful. The culture of this species is very simple. The seeds should be sown like the Double Zinnia, in March or April, or even in May, and receive the same treatment, planting out in the open ground in May, or early in June, where they FLORICULTURAL NOTICES. The Chinese Primrose. — Great advance has been made in this beautiful winter flower. In addition to the old double white and purple, four other double sorts have been intro- duced, viz. : P. rosea plena, rubella plena, alba plena fimbri- ata, and atrorosea plena fimbriata, the last very large, dark colored and fine. New single ones have also been raised, which add variety, where before we had only the white and purple. P. atrorosea plena is figured in the Illustrated Bouquet, and when grown equal to the specimen represented, JANUARY. 31 is a superb plant. The flowers are large, very double, of a deep rosy purple, and the petals finely fringed. Though not easy to manage, they are all among the most ornamental winter blooming plants. We hope our enterprising plant cultivators will add these new sorts to their collections. Chrysanthemums. — The shows of this fine autumnal flower, around London, have been unusually fine the past autumn, and many new seedlings have been exhibited. Mr. Salter of Hammersmith, who has an extensive collection of two thou- sand varieties, has flowered no less than three hundred seed- lings the past season, and among them are several superior varieties, which will become popular flowers. Among the number is one called Princess of Wales, a truly regal flower, the blossoms of which, as Mr. Salter grows his flowers, meas- ure five inches in diameter, and which will, therefore, come up to the highest standard for size. This variety is also remarkable for the breadth of its florets, which turn inwards quite naturally, to form a full incurved flower head. The color is a pearly white, delicately tinged at the margin with peach color, which at length deepens into a soft rose. To the same class of flowers belongs Prince Alfred, a large sized variety, well deserving, from its excellence, to be associated with a royal name. It has broad florets, and fully incurved flower heads, and the color is a rosy purple, paler and silvery at the backs of the florets. Lady Slade is another of the same type, large, fully incurved, and having broad, well disposed florets. This is of a pale, clear rosy lilac, very dis- tinct in color, very chaste looking, and every way commenda- ble. General Bainbridge and Jupiter are further additions to the same set as the preceding ; the first a very fine amber colored sort, the second a dark red chestnut, with golden tips. Robert James, a full sized variety, with yellow centre, passing off to a coppery tinge at the outside, and leaves a delicate pearly lilac, are still others amongst the desirable varieties of the incurved group. Of the shorter, stiffer, and less incurved florets are several sorts, and of the Anemones and Pompones still others, making a fine addition to this charming autumnal flower. 32 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTUKE. 718. Rhododendron Batemanii Hook. Mr. Bateman's Rhododendron. (Ericaceae.) Bhotan. A greenhouse 6hrub; growing four or five feet high; with crimson blossoms. Bot. Mag., 1863, pi. 5387. A noble plant, with large, broad, open flowers, of a clear rosy crimson, appearing in large heads. As a species it resembles R. campanulatum, and the foliage, which is thick and broad, has the same rusty coating beneath. It was sent from Bhotan to the late Mr. Nuttall, and was flowered by Mr. Bateman in his winter garden. It is a showy half-hardy kind. (Bot. Mag-., July.) 719. Ornithogalum capitatum Hook. Capitate Ornitho- galum. (Asphodeleae.) Cape Colony. A greenhouse bulb ; growing 8 inches high; with white and purple flowers; appearing in winter; increased by offsets. Bot. Mag., 18J3, pi. 5388. A pretty species, from the Cape Colony, producing dense corymbs of white and purple flowers, which appear in Feb- ruary or March. It is of easy culture in the greenhouse. (Bot. Mag., July.) 720. Meyenia Vogelianna Beath. Vogel's Meyenia. (Acanthacese.) Fernando Po. A greenhouse plant; growing 2 feet high; with purple flowers ; appearing in spring; increased by cuttings; grown in leaf mould, loam and sand. Bot. Mag., 1863, pi. 5389. " A lovely plant," which, in many respects, has considera- ble affinity with the pretty M. erecta ; but is far more beauti- ful, with much larger, and more serrated leaves, and larger flowers, with exceedingly large bracts, more than half the length of the corolla, and very thick and fleshy. It flowers copiously in May. This will be a fine addition to our green- house plants. (Bot. Mag., July.) 721. Calceolaria punctata Vahl. Spotted Calceolaria. (Schrophularineae.) Chili. A greenhouse plant; growing 3 feet high; with violet and yellow flowers ; appearing in spring ; increased by cuttings ; grown in light rich soil. Bot. Mag., 1863, pi. 5392. A very ornamental species, with opposite ovate leaves, deeply, doubly, and trebly toothed on the margin, of a shrub- by habit, producing terminal panicles of violet and yellow flowers, remarkable for their form, the lips of the corolla being nearly equal. It was introduced from Chili, into the JANUARY. 33 collection of Messrs. Veitch, and is a distinct and pretty plant. {Bot. Mag., Aug.) 722. Anchomanes Hookeri, var. pallida. Hooker's pale flowered Anchomanes. (Aroideae.) Fernando Po. A greenhouse plant; growing two feet high; with red and greenish flowers; appearing in summer ; increased by tubers; grown in light peaty soil. Bot. Mag., 1863, pi. 5394. A most remarkable plant, whether in leaf or flower ; the spathes open in May, raised on the summit of a slender prickly stem, blotched with purple and green. In the follow- ing July the single leaf appears, the petiole of which is more prickly and slender than the stem, and bears, horizontally, on its summit, the three parted lamina, each of which has two or three leaflets ; these continue to grow till autumn, attaining a foot in length, when the whole dies down to the ground. {Bot. Mag., Aug.) 723. Lewisia rediviva Pursh. Spat'lum or Reviving Lew- isia. (Portulacea3.) North-west America. A hardy or half-hardy plant ; growing three inches high ; with rosy pink flowers ; appearing in spring ; increased by seed ; cultivated in light soil. Bot. Mag., 1S63, pi. 5395. One of our American plants from the North-west, described by Pursh, and named " rediviva," in consequence of the root, long preserved in the herbarium, and apparently dead, hav- ing been planted, revived in a garden in Philadelphia. The drawing was made from a plant which had been immersed in boiling water and dried, and more than a year and a half after it showed symptoms of vitality, and produced its beauti- ful flowers in great perfection, last May, in the Royal Gardens of Kew. It has a woody root, covered with glabrous and glaucous leaves, the whole not two inches high. From the centre appear the flowers, which are two and a half to three inches across, of a bright rose color, with many spreading petals. It is a beautiful plant, and should be introduced into our gardens. {Bot. Mag., Aug.) 724. Scutellaria aura^ta Noble. Golden-flowered Scut- tellaria. (Lamiaceae.) Brazil. A greenhouse plant; growing two feet high; with yellow flowers; appearing in summer; i ncreased by cuttings ; grown in light rich soil. Illustration Horticole, 1863, pi. 368. A pretty species of the Scutellaria, with racemes of yellow flowers, something, in general appearance, like the Salvias. vol. xxx. — NO. i. 3 34 THE MAGAZINE OP HORTICULTURE. It blooms in autumn, and appears to be well adapted for bed- ding out. The leaves are rather large, and the flowers appear in terminal spikes. (III. Hort., July.) 725. SERISSA F03TIDA, TAR. FOLIIS AUREO MARGINATIS. Va- riegated-leaved Serissa. (Rubiacese.) Japan. A greenhouse plant ; with variegated leaves and white flowers ; appearing in spring; increased by cuttings ; grown in light rich soil. Illustration Horticole, 1863, pi. 369. This is one of the pretty variegated-leaved plants, intro- duced from Japan by Fortune. The leaves are quite small, of a deep green, with a silvery nerve through the centre, and an edging of the same around the entire leaf, forming a beau- tiful contrast. This, with its neat white flowers, and bushy habit of growth, renders it a very desirable plant. (27/. Hort, July.) 726. Rhododendron, var. Due Adolphe de Nassau. Gar- den Hybrid. Illustration Horticole, 1363, pi. 371. This is one of the magnificent hybrids, of which so many are yearly raised in Belgium by Messrs. Byls, Verschaffelt and others. It is truly a grand acquisition, perfectly hardy there. The color is a dark purple crimson, shaded with scar- let on the edge, and thickly spotted on the upper petals with black. The stamens and pistils are deep red. The habit of the plant is exceedingly vigorous, and it blooms abundantly. It is probably the finest of all the dark varieties yet produced. {III. Hort., Aug.) 727. Gymnostachyum Verschafpeltii Nob. Yerschaf- felt's Gymnostachyum. (Acanthaceae.) Para. A hothouse plant; with variegated leaves ; growing eight inches high; increased by cuttings; grown in light leafy soil. Illustration Horticole, 1863, pi. 372. A beautiful foliaged plant, with regular roundish ovate leaves, of a bronzy green shade, all the larger and minor veins being of a bright crimson, like a ruby net-work. Its habit is dwarf, and the flower stems are tufted with a few whitish blossoms. It was found by M. Baraquin in Para, and sent to M. Verschaffelt of Ghent. A superb thing. {III. Hort. Aug.) JANUARY. 35 728. Sedttm Sieboldii, var. fol. variegatis. Siebold's Va- riegated leaved Sedum. (Crassaluceae.) Japan. A hardy plant ; growing six inches high ; with variegated foliage and pink flowers ; appearing in autumn ; increased by division of the root; grown in good garden soil. 111. Hort., 1863, pi. 373. This is a variegated leaved variety of the beautiful and well-known S. Sieboldii, common in our gardens, which has been introduced from Japan by Dr. Siebold. It differs from the parent only in the foliage, each leaf having a golden yel- low stripe or blotch through the centre ; but the distinctness of this stripe, and the contrast of green and gold, gives the whole plant, which is dwarf and spreading, a conspicuous appearance. S. Sieboldii is quite hardy, and we presume this variety is the same. {III. Hort., Aug.) dSenud iUtius. Tangerine Oranges. — For many many years — nay for centuries — in England and France we have been cultivating for mere ornament large numbers of a race of fruit trees which Providence bestowed on us for their invaluable fruit. With here and there an exception, home-grown Oranges have been confined to Dreamland, and our best gardeners, misled by an- cestral tradition, have not thought of turning their attention to their culture. We are however awake at last. We are now reminded that the kingdom of Do-nothing has passed away, and that we may soon expect our desserts to be furnished with well-ripened delicious Oranges from October till Christmas, long before any can be imported. We are led to introduce this matter in consequence of having received from Mr. Rivers of Sawbridgeworth a basket of ripe Tangierine Oranges, of most excellent flavor, each fruit having attached to it a cluster of the bright green leaves of the tree ; the fruit when cut emitting a most agree- able odor, and the juice having a delicious briskness never to be found in imported fruit. There are, it seems, two modes of cultivating this kind of Orange; either by forcing it so as to ripen in a single season, or by greenhouse management, under which the fruit produced in June does not ripen till July in the following season, thus hanging on the trees upwards of a year. As the first method seems the most eligible, we extract from the 11th edition of the "Orchard House" the directions given for this mode of culture : — " The best way is certainly by forcing so as to have the fruit ripe in October. Oranges, if properly treated, will then be in the highest perfec- 36 THE MAGAZINE OP HOBTICULTURE. tion, their skins bursting with delicious juice. To carry out this mode of culture, the trees should be removed to the pinery or vinery where early Grapes are being forced, early in the month of January ; the pots plunged in gentle heat in the high temperature of such houses. They will blossom towards the end of February, and should be treated as all other kinds of fruit trees are when in bloom, i. e., the pots and the lower branches may be syringed, but the blossoms kept dry. They will set large crops of fruit, which if too much crowded should be thinned. If possible the pots should be kept plunged or stand on a heated surface all the summer in the temperature of the pinery or forcing vinery ; they will then ripen their fruit early in autumn." We may add that the fruit may remain on the trees, even when quite ripe, till after Christmas. In growing Tangierine Oranges for dessert it seems that we are only on the threshold of Orange culture, for Mr Rivers tells us that the thin-rinded St. Michael's Oranges, of which there are several varieties, ripen freely under the above treatment, the trees beginning to bear when quite young. The Maltese Blood Orange ripens equally well a few weeks after the Tangierine, and is also an abundant bearer, even when the trees are young. Nor can there be a doubt that in time we shall cultivate the large Pernam- buco Oranges and other fine kinds. We may even hope indeed to see some day an Orange grove such as is described in the " Orchard House." It must, however, be always borne in mind that root-heat or " geothermal culture" must be carefully provided wherever Orange trees are planted out in glass houses for the sake of their fruit, or no success can possibly attend the experiment. It is not with fruit as with flowers ; in growing the former, changes are made very slowly. In the case of these Tangierine Oranges it is we un- derstand, 10 years or more since Mr Rivers ate some from trees growing in the garden of Mr. Bellenden Ker at Cheshunt. On that occasion he was so struck with their excellence that he forthwith attempted to make them a regular article of trade cultivation. Having in this been perfectly successful, the growth of other kinds of Oranges naturally followed, and it is now clear that no reason exists why they should not enter into our fruit culture as largely as Peaches and Nectarines, for which they are most especially adapted, because of the fragrance of their flowers, and the beau- ty of their foliage, as well as the universally recognized excellence of their delicious fruit. That the Gardens of the Hesperides will soon be restored in England we entertain no doubt. — {Gard. Chron.) Eucharis Amazonica. — The wonderful specimen of this plant now growing at Syon, is in a 13-inch pot ; the leaves are two feet seven inches long, and six and a half inches wide ; there are 22 flower spikes, each from two feet six inches to three feet in length. The plant measures four feet six inches through. We learn, moreover, that Mr. Saunders of Clifton, has also a very striking specimen growing in a 13-inch pot, and just coming into flower, with nine strong spikes of bloom, well thrown up above the JANUARY. 37 foliage, some of which are 24 inches long by five inches wide. This, too, is something to be proud of, although but a pigmy compared with that at Syon. — {Gard. Chron.) The Brugmansia. — This tender shrub is not employed for out-door sum- mer decoration to that extent which it deserves. For a centre ornament for a large bed, or for a specimen plant in glass it is admirably adapted, and is very manageable, requiring only to be kept free from frost, and to have a slight pruning-in every season. Strong baskets are the best contri- vances to grow the Brugmansia ; they can readily be plunged in the ground with six inches of good rich compost put round them ; into this the plant roots and grows and flowers profusely. At housing, turn them outside roots are cut off; this checks the plant, which is apt to grow with too great vigor when planted out. We have some good sized plants of it at this place, which have been subjected to this treatment year after year, and they are now objects of attraction. What can be more graceful than a plant five feet high, well feathered down to the ground with drooping trumpet-shaped flowers ! In doors, it is much subject to the red spider ; out doors, in this dripping climate, it escapes this pest. The yellow and red blooming kinds are best suited to out-door work. — (Gard. Chron.) llJassacjjusetis horticultural Sonets. Saturday, Dec. 5, 1863. An adjourned meeting of the Society was held to-day — the President in the chair. The Executive Committee recommended an appropriation of $2800 for premiums and gratuities for 1864, viz. : Flower Committee, $1100; Fruit Committee, $1000 ; Vegetable Committee, $400 ; Committee on Gardens, $300. On motion of B. Harrington, it was voted, that the Committee appointed to purchase the Montgomery Estate, be authorized to report the probable cost of erecting a building thereon suited to the purposes of the Society. Jas. Patterson, Cambridge ; Augustus Lowell, Boston ; G. B. Wilbur, Watertown ; and Abbott Allen, Cambridge, were elected members. Adjourned two weeks, to December 19. Dec. 19. An adjourned meeting was held to-day — the President in the chair. The Chairman of the Fruit Committee presented his report, which, after reading, was unanimously accepted. Hon. Joseph Breck announced the death of A. D. Williams, one of the oldest members of the Society, and, after some prefatory remarks, offered a series of Resolutions, expressing the feelings of the Society. The Reso- lutions were accepted. Capt. Austin, Jos. Stickney, and C. O. Whitmore were appointed a Com- mittee to settle with Mount Auburn Cemetery. 38 THE MAGAZINE GP HORTICULTURE. P. Barnes, Capt. Austin, and R. M. Copeland were appointed a Committee to nominate a Committee of Arrangements for next year. Adjourned one week, to December 26. Dec. 26. An adjourned meeting was held to-day — the President in the chair. E. A. Story, Chairman of the Flower Committee, presented his Report, which was read and accepted. D. T. Curtis, Chairman of the Vegetable Committee, presented his Re- port, which was read and accepted. F. Parkman, Chairman pf the Library Committee, made a Report, which was read and accepted. The President, from the Committee appointed to publish a History of the Society, reported progress and asked for further time. Accepted. The Publication Committee were authorized to publish the Reports of Committees and a list of members. Meeting dissolved. Death of Mr. Donald Beaton. — Late English papers announce the death of Mr. Beaton, one of the editors of the Cottage Gardener, and long known as one of the best gardeners and an able writer cm Floriculture and gardening generally. His age was 62. He was suddenly attacked with paralysis, while devoting himself to the culture of his plants, and rapidly sank under the disease. The Cottage Gardener, in announcing his decease, thus speaks of their associate: — " There are none who knew Mr. Beaton personally, and few who knew him only by his writings, who will not regret to hear of this event. For upwards of thirty years he was in the van of English horticulture, and for many years leader of that branch of it which more immediately concerns the flower garden. To Mr. Beaton we are mainly indebted for the direction he has given to the modern style of English flower gardening, saving that part of it which is distinguished as the ' polychrome style ;' and it is gener- ally allowed, that through his articles as published periodically in this jour- nal, his fine taste and skill in the harmonizing of colors have exercised an influence which has operated in all the best garden establishments in the country." iorticnltaral operations FOR JANUARY. FRDIT DEPARTMENT. December was a cool, though rather pleasant month ; and at the close accompanied with enow and rain. The early part, however, enabled all to prepare for the winter, and little work need have been left undone. JANUABY. 39 Grape Vines, in early-forced houses, will now be swelling, and will need constant attention ; very early grapes need less thinning than in later houses, but where there is thinning to be done it should be completed now. Continue to increase the temperature slightly, and keep a damp atmosphere in fine weather ; avoid a high night temperature. In cloudy weather keep up the heat during the day. Top laterals when they are growing too freely, and see that the border is well protected from cold rains; increase the cov- ering if the weather sets in severe. Vines in the greenhouse or grapery should now be pruned and cleansed if not already done. See that all insects are destroyed, particularly the mealy bug. By the middle of next month the vines will begin to break. Vines in pots may now be brought into the grapery or greenhouse where there is room. Orchard Houses should be attended to, as we advised last month. Strawberries, for forcing, may now be introduced into the house, giv- ing them a place on a shelf, near the glass ; water sparingly at first. FLOWER DEPARTMENT. With the increase of sun heat and longer days, plants will now begin to feel the influence of the solar rays, and will soon commence their growth of the year. The sunny autumn leaves them in fine condition for the winter, and a moderate temperature, with plenty of air, will keep them in fine con- dition. The houses should now look well. Camellias ajid azaleas will be- gin to bloom, to be succeeded by various plants. Commence now to lay out the work for the spring, and begin with the propagation in good season. Pelargoniums will now require additional labor and attention. Repot- ting should be commenced and continue till the whole stock is shifted. Keep a little warmer and closer for a few days, and then cool again, with abundance of air. Tie out the shoots after repotting, and keep the plants near the glass, turning them round once a week. Water sparingly, and keep the house dry. Azaleas will begin to bloom unless kept in a very cool house. Water more liberally, and syringe freely such as begin to grow. Specimens intended for later blooming should be kept cool, and only moderately watered. Continue to tie out the shoots, and get the plants into shape. Camellias will now be in their prime, and should have good attention. Syringe freely in warm sunny weather, and water rather more freely at the root. Plants going out of bloom may now be pruned, cutting away old useless wood, and heading back any long straggling shoots. A little atten- tion now will tend to keep the plants in handsome shape and healthy growth. Repotting may be done now if the plants require it. Cinerabias should be potted for late flowering, and plants now showing bloom should be trained into shape. Fumigate for the green fly. Caladiums should be potted now, giving water very sparingly till they begin to grow. Begonias may be divided and repotted. Achimenes and Gloxinias for early blooming, should now be potted, and placed in the wannest part of the house. 40 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. Japan Lilies may be repotted as soon as the earth is full of roots. Amaryllis, now beginning to grow, should be placed on a warm shelf, near the glass, and have occasional waterings. Heaths should be kept cool, and carefully watered. Now is a good time to increase by cuttings. Neapolitan Violets in pots, now brought into the house and placed on a sunny shelf, will soon be in full flower. Monthly Carnations may be repotted. Verbenas, Scarlet Geraniums, Salvias, and other bedding plants, may now be propagated for a spring stock. Seeds of Pansies, Stocks, and other annuals, may be planted the last of the month. Ferns may be repotted during the month; prepare a good compost of leaf mould, loam, and sand, rather coarse, and drain well. Calceolarias should now have a shift into their blooming pots, and have a situation near the glass. Roses now growing and blooming freely should have occasional water- ings with liquid manure. Fuchsias should now be started into growth, pruning well back ; as soon as the young shoots appear repot in good rich soil. Cyclamens may be more liberally supplied with water as they com- mence blooming ; keep in a light place near the glass. Petunias, struck from cuttings in October, should be potted off into small pots. Erythrinas, for early blooming, may now be started into growth. Hothouse Plants of all kinds, after a period of rest, will now begin to grow, and such as need it should be repotted. Bouvardias may now be propagated for summer bedding out. Deutzias and other shrubs potted in the autumn, may now be brought into the house to bloom. Chrysanthemums may be propagated at this season if very large speci- mens are wanted. Acacias, and other free-flowering plants, should have a more abundant supply of water. Cannas, intended for planting out early, to make a good show, may be potted and started slowly into growth. Poinsettias done blooming may be partially headed in, and placed away in a dry warm place under the stage. Callas should be abundantly supplied with water. Orange Trees, now coming into bloom, and setting their fruit, should be more liberally watered, and occasionally syringed. Marantas, Dracaenas, and similar plants, may now be divided and potted in light sandy leaf mould. Miscellaneous Plants should now be looked over, cleansed, pruned, and neatly tied up. PEAR CULTURE IN MASSACHUSETTS. We have in our several volumes so often alluded to pear culture in the old Bay State, that it may appear somewhat hackneyed to refer to it again, yet the one great fact generally acceded, and fully established by the publication of the Cata- logue of the American Pomological Society, that the growth of this fruit has been made a more special object by many cultivators throughout our State, and especially in the vicinity of Boston, than in other parts of the country, induces us to bring forward all the information to be obtained upon a sub- ject of so much importance, not only as an aid to cultivators in other places, but as a record of the progress of pear cult- ure in our immediate vicinity. That the subject is in any way exhausted, all who have undertaken the culture of the pear will emphatically deny ; for though rapid advance has been made, and our markets have been supplied in far greater abundance than formerly with excellent pears, this increased product has mostly come from the gardens of skilful culti- vators, who have given to this fruit that great attention which alone can render its growth successful and profitable. The mass of our people have yet to know even the excellence of the Bartlett, introduced upwards of sixty years ago, to say nothing of those well known for nearly half that period. The pear in its present improved state is far removed from the normal character of the fruit. In many of our unculti- vated fields and hedge rows may be found fine old healthy trees, which the vicissitudes of our climate for a hundred years have left unscathed, bearing annually bushels of per- fect though austere or puckery fruit. Without any culture they give their yearly supply ; but place any of our new kinds in the same condition and what would be the result ? Undoubtedly, very good, but not probably known for the same varieties as they are found under careful treatment in cultivated gardens. That there is great difference in the vol. xxx. — no. II. 4 42 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. adaptation of kinds to particular soils is well known ; and while there arc many — and we hope the time may come when more will be added to the list — which will grow well and bear well everywhere, others must be petted and coaxed by kind management to yield the rich fruits which they invaria- bly do when such treatment is given. But so slow is the process of trial, by which all the merits or defects of the hundreds of varieties are ascertained, it must necessarily be a life-long study, and a few years add but little to our real knowledge of the true value of a particular sort. We need not, therefore, apprehend at present any danger of exhausting the subject of pear culture generally, but gladly avail our- selves of all information and every fact appertaining to the growth of such a noble fruit. These remarks are prefatory to the introduction into our pages of a portion of the very excellent annual report of the Hon. J. S. Cabot, to the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, for 1863, more elaborate, we doubt not, than usual, in conse- quence of his now retiring from a position he has so honora- bly held for several years. A close observer and careful cul- tivator, his communications in our previous volumes have been among the most valuable we have published, and in connection with his annual reports, in whole or in part, which have appeared in our pages, contribute a fund of the most valuable information on pears and pear culture, around Bos- ton, for the last twenty-five years. The report for 1863 is very full, and it would be a pleasure, as we have no doubt it would be a benefit to our readers, to give it entire, but this would require more room than we have to spare. That por- tion of it referring to grapes and grape growing, we intend to allude to again, but for the present we must be content with that upon the pear: — The profit to be derived from the growing of pears, will, under favor- able circumstances, and with the most judicious management, afford but a moderate remuneration for the capital employed and labor bestowed, and it is only by judicious management that this moderate return for labor and capital can be expected. It behooves, then, all who are commencing thia enterprise, to avail themselves of every means tending to insure a propitious result, and to take advantage of the experience of their predecessors, whether manifested in success or failure. Any, who, induced by the FEBRUARY. 43 glowing accounts sometimes given of the great profits attending it, shall enter upon the pursuit without adopting the means necessary to succeed, will probably rue the failure of unreasonable expectations. Besides the difficulty of making a proper selection of varieties, there is, in relation to pear culture, another embarrassment that sometimes meets the beginner at the threshold ; that is, to decide what stocks are best suited to his purpose — the pear being cultivated as standards on their own roots and as dwarfs on quince stocks. The expediency of cultivating the p6ar as dwarfs on quince stocks, is at present less a matter of controversy than it once was, yet has that controversy not wholly ceased, as is evidenced by articles that occasionally appear in the horticultural periodicals in reference to it ; and while the expediency of the practice is in most cases generally admitted, there are yet some by whom it is wholly condemned. At first it would seem that this was a subject upon which there could be no question, that the pear must be the most suitable stock for the pear ; and that the use of the quince for the purpose, could only be justifiable under certain exceptional circumstances. Yet in practice this is found not to be the case. That, though some few kinds of pears will not succeed upon the quince, that the greater part do so; fortunately including among such as do succeed most of the most esteemed varieties, while there are some that seem com- pletely to assimilate with that stock, and whose fruit when so grown is superior to that of the same variety when grown on the pear. The quince as a stock for the pear has long been in general use in Belgium and in France, and is being more and more extensively used for that purpose in this country. Where there is ample space the beginner, and even the experienced grower, will probably best solve the question, and most to their satisfaction, by adopting both modes of cultivation; in planting, set a portion of their trees as standards on the pear stocks, and a portion as dwarfs on quince, but when the space to be appropriated to this culture is limited in extent, particularly if much variety in kinds is thought desirable, the ex- clusive use of dwarfs upon quince stocks will, it is believed, afford altogether the most satisfactory results. Upon quince stocks the trees never attain a large size, and if properly treated can be kept in a very compact form ; they thus can be set much nearer together, than if upon their own roots, and thus tend to protect each other from the injurious effects of high winds. So planted, a given space of ground will, it is believed, produce as great a weight of fruit as if set with trees on their own roots ; and, coming sooner into bearing, the pecuniary results of this mode of cultivation will, it is thought, be fully as satisfactory, if not more so. Other advantages attend- ing the use of quince as a stock for the pear are, that the trees being small and compact they can be managed much more easily, and with less expense in training and pruning the trees, and in thinning and gathering the fruit ; while, the trees being low, the fruit is less exposed to the danger of being blown off and injured. There are, it is thought, really but two objections to its adoption, one is that the quince is subject to the attacks of the borer, and this may be in a great part if not wholly obviated by, in planting, setting the tree, that which should always be done, so deep that the junction of the 44 THE MAGAZINE OP HORTICULTURE. graft and the stock should be, after the earth is levelled, about two inches below the surface. The other objection, that the quince is a much less long lived tree than the pear, is not so capable perhaps as the other of a com- plete refutation, yet, as experience has proved that it is sufficiently long lived for all practical purposes, it is not considered that this objection if valid is entitled to much of any consideration, or should be allowed to have much weight in deciding the question. Admitting that the pear in its natural condition is a much longer lived tree than the quince, yet it will be contended that the pear as cultivated has ceased to be in this natural condition, but that by long cultivation, constant reproduction by seedlings, or some other cause, the character of the tree has become materially changed ; that, instead of a slow, it has become a tree of rapid growth, that its wood is less close and compact in its texture, that it comes earlier into fruit, and its natural life is of much shorter duration. While in its normal condition the pear may be a much longer lived tree than the quince, yet, in its cultivated state, it may be questioned if it has very much the advantage in this particular. At least it is not difficult to find instances of pears upon the quince that have lasted for near half a century, and it is a fact of personal experience that a Louise Bonne de Jersey, upon the quince, has continued for more than twenty-five years to produce fruit, showing now no signs of a want of vigor, or any indications that it may not yet continue, for many years to come, to do so, while pear trees on their own roots contiguous to it, and of not very much greater age, give un- mistakable evidence of old age and decay. Instances, it is true, are occasionally stated of a want of success in raising pears upon the quince, and the facts stated are not to be doubted or questioned ; but these in. stances of failure, as it is believed, arise not from any inherent difficulty or defect in the thing itself, but from some unfortunate fortuitous combination of circumstances, as an unsuitable soil, bad exposure, or improper treat- ment ; and, it is thought, that the expediency of this mode of culture for the pear is amply sustained by the weight of evidence in its favor, the results of the experience of those that have adopted it, and may be safely recommended. In cultivating pears as dwarfs, the training and pruning the tree is by no means an unimportant part of the matter, it should commence with the young plant at an early age, and be afterwards regulary pursued until the attainment of its object. The form usually adopted for the tree, unless trained to a wall, is that known as the Pyramidal, but that might be more properly called the Conical. The training should commence when the plant is but one year old from the bud ; the leading shoot should then be shortened to a length of about eighteen inches, in order to force it to throw out side shoots near the bottom ; these and the leading shoots should again afterwards be yearly shortened, so that when the tree attains its full size, it may appear as a regular cone, gradually decreasing in size from the bottom to the top, becoming when filled with its fruit, a beautiful object. A neglect of the proper training or forming the tree, may perhaps some- times account for a failure in this mode of cultivation with those who FEBRUARY. 45 object to it, this want of success. If the young plant is neglected and left to assume the form it pleases, it may take that of a branching spreading head, with a long naked stem, affording a powerful leverage to be operated upon by high winds striking the bushy top to the uprooting or bending down the tree, or some other equally unfavorable form. This is not felt to be the propel place to attempt to give instruction with respect to the rearing or training of trees further than by this brief outline ; by the uninformed, the necessary information can readily be obtained, by reference to treatises on the subject by various authors, or to the experience of their neighbors — among the first named of these means of supplying information, to a little work, by Mr. Rivers of Sawbridgeworth, entitled the "Miniature Fruit Garden" — as containing useful directions, and many valuable suggestions in relation to this subject. A mode of training dwarf pear trees, so far as is known unique in itself and peculiar to its inventor, has been adopted by one of the most extensive and most skilful cultivators of them in this vicinity, who, as often as any other grower, has succeeded in bearing away from his competitors the first prizes at our annual exhibitions ; an associate, and long an honored and trusted officer of this Society, in a situation of much responsibility ; that, from the success that has attended it, should, as an act of justice to liiin, and for the benefit of its members, be brought particularly to the notice of the Society. The method referred to being that invented and practised by Captain William R. Austin of Dorchester. Captain Austin trains his trees, as he calls it himself, in a wineglass form ; they have a naked stein about two feet in length, that then divides into four or five main limbs, also trained uprightly ; from these main limbs, as fast as they appear, all side growth is at once removed, that by this means are con- verted into fruit spurs, and the fruit being borne on these spurs directly on the main limb, such being upright, easily support the weight, and the necessity of tying up or supporting the limbs to prevent being broken or weighed down by the fruit as when borne on the side shoots, is avoided. Captain Austin is the inventor of this method of training standard dwarf pears, at least no one else is known who pursues it ; it seems to be in principle the same as that known as the Cordon Method, being that adopted and applied by the Rev. T. Collings Brehaut, at the gardens of Richmond House, Guernsey, to peach trees, on walls, and described as follows: — " The trees have each three leaders laid in at an angle of forty- five de- grees, the spurs and successive growth on these spurs are slowly pinched in during summer; as soon as six leaves are developed on any shoot, these are pinched down to three; succeeding growth pinched in to two and one leaf respectively, the whole resembling a thick cord of leaves, shoots and fruit, whence the name cordon." This mode is reported to be so successful, that, with Mr. Brehaut on the trees on the back wall, the peaches average three to each square foot. As Capt. Austin adopted his method of training his pear trees without any knowledge of that of Mr. Brehaut, indeed, as is presumed, long prior thereto, he is as justly as any one entitled to the credit of the discovery, and it would be but paying a graceful tribute to Ifis 46 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. skill to identify him therewith, and thereby perpetuate a remembrance of the fact, by naming it the Austin Method. When Captain Austin first announced his method, and exhibited the trees that had been subjected to the treatment, doubts were expressed as to its value, and misgivings were indulged as to its permanent results ; it has now however stood the test of more than fifteen years' experience, and whatever doubts may have once existed must have long since vanished in the presence of so brilliant suc- cess as has constantly attended its practice. The pruning and forming of standard trees on their own roots, does not always receive the attention that the importance of it demands. Such trees are often neglected, until attention to them becomes absolutely necessary, and then the operations required are frequenlly conducted without any regard to established principles, or ultimate results, the consequence being ill-formed and unsightly trees. There are some pear trees that of them- selves naturally take a regular symmetrical form, as the Urbaniste and Seckel ; but there are others so straggling and diffuse in their growth, like the Rostiezer and Winter Nelis, that they can only be made to take a tolerable shape, by a free use of the knife, and close cutting back or short- ening of the limbs. With standards, as with dwarfs, the pruning and shaping should commence with the young plant and receive regular and continued attention ; in this way the removal of large limbs never becomes necessary, an operation that rarely can be performed on a pear tree without serious, if not permanent injury. The pear tree is, it may be said, impa- tient of the knife, and it may be laid down as a rule that in pruning it no instrument should be used larger or more powerful than a pruning knife ; a rule easily to be obeyed provided the operation begins with the early years of the young plant, but when the young tree has been neglected until it has acquired a thick head, body not properly balanced, with limbs crossing each other in all directions, the use of the saw has to be called into free requisition in the attempt to remedy the consequences of early neglect. Grafting of pear trees is a process of easy performance and safe applica- tion, from which the tree soon recovers when it has been skilfully performed ; it is one to which all must be subjected, except in some rare instances where the seedling plant is found to produce valuable fruits. It had better be performed on the young tree, when the stock is not more than an inch or two in diameter, but can be delayed until the limbs of the tree become sufficiently large, though to do so is generally to the injury of its symmetry. Sometimes the grafting of more than one variety upon the same tree ia attempted, but this is a vicious practice, and should be carefully avoided. The different varieties of the pear differ so essentially in their habits, growth, and vigor, some being upright, some diffuse, some strong, and others feeble, that to graft more than one variety on the same stock is almost to insure that the strong will stifle the weak, or if not, that at all events a most unsightly tree will be the result. Although grafting is an operation easy and safe in its application, yet there is a limit to its practice in repeating it more than twice upon the FEBRUARY. 47 same tree. A tree once grafted may be regrafted with a different variety with perhaps a reasonable expectation of success ; but if this second grafting is not satisfactory in its results the operation cannot, it is believed, be performed a third time without bein?, in the end, very unsatisfactory in its consequences, and it would be, in most cases, a matter of personal prefer- ence to dig up a tree that has been twice grafted, supplying its place with another, to attempt grafting for the third time. The graft and the stock both, perhaps, exercise mutually some influence the one upon the other, and it would probably be desirable that both should be of the same general character; this however it would be always difficult and often impossible to ascertain, and consequently, must be, aj it generally is. disregarded, the strong being grafted on the weak and the weak on the strong, haphazard. So far as a slight personal observation justifies the forming an opinion, it is believed that, so far as the character- of the tree is concerned, a much greater influence is exercised upon the stock by the graft, than upon the graft by the stock ; that a graft of a strong growing, vigorous variety, placed upon a feeble stock, will very probably make in the end a vigorous tree, while a scion of a feeble growing variety, grafted on a vigorous stock, will be very likely to dwarf and make stunted the stock. In some instances a want of congeniality between the graft and stock, and consequently evil consequences thereof that have come under notice, has been strikingly manifested ; indeed, in the cases alluded to, tending to show a want of congeniality between the graft and any slock. The Cross Pear, naturally of a feeble growth and habit, repeatedly grafted and budded upon the limbs of strong growing thrifty trees, has invariably so dwarfed and made unthrifty the trees upon which it was grafted, after a year or two of growth, that they became of no value. And in a still more striking manner the Collins Pear, grafted on the limbs of a healthy long established tree, after growing for a year or two, not only ceased to thrive, but actually killed, at first the limbs on which it was grafted, and eventually the whole tree. If this was an isolated instance, the supposition would be that the defect was in the stock, and that the failure of the stock caused the perishing of the grafts, not that the grafts killed the stock ; but as the same result has happened in repeated instances on different trees, this supposition is ren- dered improbable, and facts go to prove, in the case of the Collins Pear, such a want of congeniality, between its grafts and the stocks on which it was tried, as to kill the stocks. Fortunately as the Collins is a fine pear, it is said, that grafted on young stocks near the ground, to grow vigorously, and that the operation is attended with no ill effects. In this statement, it is intended to merely state facts of actual occurrence without any attempt to theorize respecting them. There is one other subject connected with pear culture that it may not be thought out of place here to refer to as briefly as possible, and that relates to the renovation or attempts at renovation of old trees. This is some times recommended, and instances of success in so doing given, various processes being advised as tending to produce the wished result, as scraping the trunk and limbs to remove the moss and rough bark, the 48 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. digging of a trench around the tree to be filled up with a composition of bones, ashes, and peat, in given proportions, or other methods. This may be all very well, and some good may be the result, but while it is not intended to in the least call in question individual instances of success that may be given, yet it is nevertheless believed that generally all attempts in the direction stated will prove futile, and that those who make the attempt will have little but their labor for their pains. Youth or vigor once lost by age cannot be regained, whether the subjects of the attempt are animals or vegetables. So too, the grafting of aged trees of worthless varieties with better kinds, in their limbs, is sometimes advised, and when performed may result in giving for a year or two a crop of good fruit; but if more than a temporary success from the process is anticipated, disappointment will probably be its result. So far as has been noticed, grafts inserted in the limba of aged trees grow and thrive for a few years, but then begin to fail, suckers are thrown out from the limbs, and, unless the tree dies, the grafts perish, and the original worthless variety regains the ascendancy. No doubt it may be true, that when pear trees have lost their vigor, or even become stunted and feeble from improper management, from growing in thick sward on grass ground, or from a want of nourishment, and even, too, when the cause of the evil is the improper condition of the soil, that the application of proper remedies may correct it, that the digging up the ffmss and loosening the soil to admit the influence of air and heat, applying manure, draining the ground, or other proper measures, may restore health and victor, and should be adopted. But where the evil is the result of old age or disease, remedies are believed to be of but little use, and it is thought that it will generally be found more satisfactory in results, and more economical in practice, to grub up these aged or sick trees and supply their place with young and healthy ones, than to attempt to restore those that, do what may be done, will still prove but cumberers of the ground. Before concluding, the present opportunity is improved to state, what perhaps should have been before said in another connection, that it is thought that growers will find it much more profitable to cultivate those varieties of pears whose fruit ripens in September and October, than those ripening later. Experience proves that the fruit, in these two months, can be sold then much more readily and at better prices than later in the season ; then the demand falls off very sensibly, and it is difficult to sell any but a few of superior quality by the dozen, though it is true, for such, a large price may be obtained. These remarks must now be brought to a close, they are already more extended than perhaps will be thought justifiable ; if so, it is hoped that an excuse for such trespass will be found in this, that the present is the only opportunity in the year for the Committee to bring to the attention of the Society, such considerations as may to them seem important or worthy of notice. FEBRUARY. 49 ROMAN ARCHITECTURE. COMPILED. " Rome borrowing arts from Greece whom she subdued." After a series of struggles Greece was conquered by the arms, or rather by the intrigues of Rome, and became a prov* ince of that empire. A prastor was sent from Italy to govern her ; and the Greeks, with superior talent and ingenuity, flocked for employment and reward to their newly acquired capital. From the lowest condition of meanness, the Roman State had risen to vast power and wealth, unexampled in the annals of the world. With this increase of power and popu- lation, there gradually arose in Rome a demand for buildings on a scale such as the world had never beheld, for public and private purposes, as well as for the diversion of its inhabitants. Stupendous ducts, and cloaca, still unimpaired, though now disused, running in every direction under the ground on which the city stands to an immense distance, were built in the early era of her petty kings. It is difficult to believe that, so shortly after their insignificant origin, they should have been able to execute these vast works. But what Rome, and in process of time, Rome alone demanded, by degrees she acquired the means to obtain. She became the focus of an accumulation of wealth, compared with which, that possessed by any former State was absolute indigence. She collected the various resources of all nations within the circle of her own precincts, and from these she could again direct their productive powers to any single given point. Whatever edifices were required for utility or grandeur in the heart of the capital, or in the districts composed of States once inde- pendent, such they constructed. Aqueducts, bridges, forums, basilicas, temples, baths, theatres, and hippodromes were con- structed on a scale which these tributaries never could have contemplated while existing as separate nationalities. In Rome and its immediate vicinity were constructions for every useful purpose and every object of magnificence : — aqueducts of prodigious length, which, from the adjacent mountains, carried in every direction streams of the clearest 50 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. water across the vast plain into the bosom of the city ; sewers of indestructible solidity, to convey away all sorts of impurity ; roads, capable of lasting forever, which from the capital diverged on every side to the extreme confines of the penin- sula ; and on these roads, bridges massy and durable joined the opposite banks of the widest rivers ; forums or public porticos, for assemblages of the people, numbering forty- five in the time of Augustus ; baths erected by the emperors, each $ palace in splendor and almost a city in size, still astonish the world by their ruins ; basilicas for business and the ad- ministration of justice, vast and superb beyond description ; and even shambles so sumptuous that they might be mistaken for an amphitheatre. But it would be vain to attempt to enumerate, in the short space of a few pages, all the gorgeous palaces, the costly mausoleums, the temples without number, the triumphal arches, which were spread over the whole city. Not less remarkable were the buildings erected in all the provinces. Whether the Greeks or the Romans were the inventors of the arch, the buildings of Rome were distinguished from those of Greece by the introduction of this feature, more than by any superiority of size or splendor. As necessity is the mother of invention, it is probable that the discovery of the arch was caused by the want of quarries of sufficient dimensions for cutting blocks of stone and marble large enough for their magnificent purposes. The Romans, being obliged to use brick to a considerable extent for building purposes on the muddy banks of the Tiber naturally resorted to this invention, which was a real necessity. Hence we find the arch employed on a vast scale in the great cloaca, at a period when, if existing in Greece, it was in obscure constructions ; but we observe it likewise in ancient Etruria, whence the Romans appear to have derived all their earliest arts of elegance and industry, in monuments anterior to the construction of the cloaca and the foundation of Rome. The style of the edifices constructed at Rome, in its first era, and under its kings was, as well as that of their attire, chiefly borrowed from the neighboring Etrurians, and resembled in form as in simplicity and solidity, the Etruscan remains around FEBRUARY. 51 Cortona, Tarquinium and other Tuscan citities. "When afterwards the Romans attempted to add the ornamental to the useful, it was done by adorning these primitive buildings with the ruins of Grecian architecture. The Romans possessing more limited resources of stone and marble were obliged to resort to the arch, by which contrivance a less quantity of materials may be made to cover a much greater space. Skill in mechanics is a faculty wholly distinct from taste in the fine arts ; and where the latter exist not, or lie dormant, the other may still advance with rapid strides. Hence the greater exigencies of the Romans in respect to architecture, the vaster buildings they had to raise and to cover, soon made them seek all the superior means, and develope all the superior powers of the arch. In their aqueducts they multiplied this feature in a seemingly interminable series ; in their baths they gave it a prodigious continued elongation and span. Here, over a cylindrical wall, they turned concentric arches, into a round cupola : there, at the end of a square or circular vacant space, they covered semicircles by semidomes. Sometimes they enclosed smaller in larger arches, or giving to different objects a different tendency, they made them cross and form angles with others differently directed ; the cupola itself was occasionally made polygonal. They gloried indeed in the arch, so that it became a characteristic feature of Roman structures. If the Romans had been possessed of a delicate appreciation of the beauties of art, and had they been gifted with inventive or imaginative genius, they would have devised for their arch some new species of ornamental addition, appearing to belong to its nature. But such powers they did not possess. Their minds were fertile in useful inventions, but sterile in their ideas of beauty and ornament. They were obliged to borrow all their ideas and inventions from the Greeks; and they had not even the taste that discriminates between the inven- tions of others. They dwelt not in their study of ornament on the essential conditions of beauty ; they knew not the prin- ciple on which it must be founded, and they required not in decoration as in objects of utility, that consistency which is needful for the end to be attained. With the Romans, the 52 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. art of creating beauty was called into action by ostentation and luxury, they were guided in their imitation of foreign models more by fashion than by taste, and they wanted only the semblance of Grecian forms, not the substance of Grecian principles. They were satisfied with fragments and patches, however inconsistently applied and united. Under Augustus, who prided himself upon having found Rome of brick and left it of marble, the aberrations from con- sistency in architecture, were observed by Vitruvius, who himself a Greek, seemed to have imbibed many Roman ideas. " The Greeks," he says, " ever mindful not to represent in the copy what could not exist in the original, would, on no account, in the slanting cornices of their pediments have placed the dentiles under the modillions ; since such a pro- ceeding would have been in direct opposition to the original principle of the wooden roof; but the Romans never suffered themselves to be shackled by rules of propriety so minute and so strict. They place both dentiles and modillions just as, and wherever their whim happens to prompt them." Of the original construction, interesting as associated with the origin and national achievements of the Greeks ; pleasing to the beholder, as accounting for every partial form, making beauty arise directly from utility and maintain with it an indissoluble connection, not a vestige was left uncorrupted. Architecture — from being, in the time of its purity, like a young virgin, all health, simplicity and truth, her modest beauties derived from her natural and essential forms — in its degeneracy was over laden with meretricious ornaments, ful- some from their glare and oppressive with their weight and incumbrance. The bad taste of Rome became so general, as to extend to the very heart of Greece itself; and the same defects are observable in the arch of Titus, on the banks of the Tiber, and in the arch of Adrian on the banks of the Ilissus. Yet it cannot be denied, that the Roman archi- tecture, in the curves and convexities of the arch, afforded means of adding much of variety and beauty to the straight lines, flat surfaces and angular terminations, and created a pleasing impression, which its awkward combination of Grecian forms could not destroy, and which it must preserve, whether FEBRUARY. 53 it shut off or remained untrammelled with inconsistent ad- ditions. It is a remarkable fact, that the Romans, who were naturally and by education a practical people, with few ideas except those of utility, lost all sight of this principle in ornamental architecture ; while the Greeks, in their prime, though less practical and utilitarian, were always guided by the principle of utility in their ornamental works. [In this respect the Americans seem to resemble the Romans.] Under the in- fluence of Rome, and in the general decline of art, not only the composition, but the execution of architectural ornaments lost all their former excellence. Plain mouldings no longer contrasted with each other, but tastelessly multiplied, became at once heavy and yet tame, and without effect; imitative ornaments were ill wrought and confused. While yet edifices so vast and magnificent as that of which we see the remains, under the name of the Temple of Peace, continued to be erected, sculpture had already fallen to so low an ebb, that its gigantic marble brackets ornamented with victories, offer a workmanship not superior to the worst of Gothic eras. Under Constantino its powers seemed so entirely palsied that, according to some writers, the arch of that emperor could only be decorated by stripping that of Trojan of bas-reliefs, wrought in honor of another emperor, and recording other conquests. Greece wanted the arch to enable them to carry out all their plans of utility and convenience, and glass to supply the light of heaven, without at the same time admitting the rain and wind. Rome enjoyed the advantage of the arch, but though not ignorant of the use of glass, from a deficiency Of that material sufficient for their wants, many chambers at Rome, destined for public meeting and private habitation, seem never to have had any other light than that of lamps. In the baths of Titus, the Laocoon was found in a room totally shut out from daylight. In these apartments beauty was sought in a less degree from the chaste effect of relief, than from the glitter of costly materials, and the gaudiness of vivid and con- trasted colors. This taste, though alike reprobated by Vi- truvius and Pliny, was carried to such a pitch that the 54 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. richest marbles still had additional spots of different hues, stained or inserted in them, to add to their brilliancy. While apartments of a more magnificent description thus shone with porphyry, and serpentine, and verde, and every species of agate and of jasper, the walls of ordinary rooms were painted in encaustic colors, less expensive, but not less vivid ; and the fanciful combinations of vegetable and animal life, already exhibited in sculpture, became in painting, from the greater facility of execution, still more extravagant. All the decorations of rooms seem, in the later ages of the empire, to have been in that style which the Italians called grotesque, from having seen its first specimens in the grottos and exca- vations which restored ancient buildings to light, and which have since with less propriety been called arabesque, since the Arabs, prevented by their religion from representing animated nature, never knew them at all. Rome, while yet pagan, possessed many structures, either round or polygon ic, — some destined for temples, some for tombs, and some for various other purposes. Of the first class seem to have been those circular edifices, with columns on the outside, one in the city itself, and the other at Tivoli, called Temples of Vesta ; also the Rotunda, now called the Pantheon, and the Decagon, called the Temple of Minerva. Of the second description were the mausoleums of Augustus and Adrian. The architecture of the Romans, in its deterioration, followed so regular a course, that the style which most immediately pre- ceded the conversion of its rulers to Christianity is also the worst. The period in Ancient Greece between the production of the finest works of art and the commencement of their destruction was very short. After the conquest of Greece by the Romans a few only of the principal works, such as the Olympian Jupiter, were left on their appropriate pedestals, because the great weight of the mass prevented their removal. Thousands of others, somewhat less bulky, were carried to Rome, and must have suffered greatly on their first journey, since we find so many with ancient restorations. Thus far, however, the very love of art might be said to have occasioned its losses ; but other dangers than those of indiscreet fondness FEBRUARY. 55 arose while paganism still flourished. The tyrant Maximian had begun to melt down statues, groups, quadrigas, and what- ever else belonged not positively to the altar and the temple, in order to convert its brass into gold ; but this partial de- struction of pagan works of art only, and of such whose materials had any intrinsic value, was inconsiderable compared with that of every object which paganism considered sacred, which took place at the hands of the Christians, on the pro- mulgation of the edict by which Theodosius ordered pagan rites to cease, pagan temples to be pulled down, and pagan deities to be hurled from their pedestals. By that edict marble and bronze, painting and statuary, were all involved in the same common doom, and destroyed for the mere sake of destruction ; destroyed because those forms, in which their authors had sought to embody the choicest gifts of heaven, were, by men ignorant as they were fanatical, considered as animated by the darkest spirits of hell ; because these images of gods were considered actual demons, deluding the world by their engaging appearance. The more, therefore, a sculptured image had, from its excellence, before attracted worshippers, the more it now excited wrath, and the sooner it fell a sacrifice to pious fury. An indifferent statue might escape with the loss of its most prominent limbs and features ; but of a masterpiece of art no trace was left ; and whatever had not in the first hurry of devastation become buried, and thus, to a certain degree, in- sured from further injury under the ruins of its own receptacle ; whatever in the time of St. Gregory still remained visible above ground, was by the order of that holy man, cast into the Tiber, to be forever sunk in its slimy bed. Thus were the productions of Roman architecture and sculpture destroyed by the Romans after they were converted to Christianity. Nor did the primitive Christians make amends for the demoli- tion of pagan monuments, by the production of Christian works. Even the wish to do so would, in the total decline of the arts, have met with only very inadequate means for its accomplishment. The mental darkness which from this time, for several centuries overshadowed the earth, was as apparent in the works of architecture as in those of literature. But as 56 THE MAGAZINE OP HORTICULTURE. learning revived, a revolution took place in building, pro- ducing those various styles which are now universally known as Gothic, as distinguished from the classical styles, and far surpassing the latter in certain sublime and picturesque effects. THE MAGNOLIA. BY H. H. HUNNWELL, ESQ., WELLESLET. For many years past, on the appearance of each number of your Magazine, I have been unable to resist reading and ad- miring the exceedingly happy and appropriate motto prefixed to it, " Je voudrais ^chauffer tout Punivers de mon gout pour les jardins ;" a sentiment which every lover of Horticulture must acknowledge and appreciate ; and it is under this influence that I am now prompted to offer your readers a few remarks on the cultivation of the Magnolia, though it is a tree without the advantage of recent introduction, and I am well aware I can say nothing more than to repeat what has been so frequently urged by you, on many occasions, in favor of the great claims of this beautiful class of trees to the atten- tion of every one who wishes to ornament his grounds and render them attractive. With young planters, however, con- tinually coming forward, and perhaps I may add with older ones, in whom the taste for country life may have become suddenly developed by the acquisition of a fortune in these war times, information must always be acceptable, and if we would " warm up the enthusiasm of the whole world," and produce such results as we hear of in England, we can only do so at the expense even of frequent repetition. Of course it is not to be expected that, with our limited and divided means, anything of such magnitude as we see in England can be accomplished in this country ; but, on the other hand, it is equally true we do not always avail ourselves of the resources at our own doors, to the extent their great merits entitle them to. And then, whilst we criticise our English friends for their interested construction of International Law, could we not, with profit to ourselves, imitate them in the example they FEBRUARY. 57 offer us of a more liberal application of our means to the embellishment of our country estates and to the encourage- ment of horticultural pursuits, thereby improving the public taste, which, it must be acknowledged, is much inclined to sanction extravagance in large expenditures for show and entertainments affording a few hours' gratification, whilst it is too apt to consider as money buried in the earth and thrown away, the trifling sum expended in planting a tree, which may become an object of beauty for a century and cause a man's memory to be cherished and revered by his descendants and kindred. By the publication just made of the Book of the Royal Horticultural Society of London, which has been produced in the most exquisite manner and embellished with numerous photographs and illustrations on wood, and will be found especially interesting to those connected with our own horticul- tural societies, it will be seen that the late Prince Albert accepted the office of President of that Society, not as a mere complimentary sinecure, but with the full and avowed inten- tion of personally performing its duties, which he did most faithfully, enabling the Society through his great influence and exertions, to attain the highest state of success and pros- perity. To give an idea of the extent of their operations 1 may add, that it appears up to 1857, they had expended the sum of .£250,000 stg., and since then, in connection with the Commissioners of the Great International Exhibition, a further sum of £100,000, in building a conservatory and a highly decorated Italian arcade, and in laying out a garden of 20 acres at Kensington Gore. Of the former sum, £20,000 have been applied in prizes for the encouragement of horticulture ; £13,000 for the mere cost of procuring seeds and plants, of which over one-and-a-half millions have been distributed ; and, as is well known, every part of the world has been explored at an enormous expense, by the eminent agents of the Society, producing results which have affected the appearance of all England, so that a day's ride cannot now be taken where the landscape is not beautified by some of the introductions of the Horticultural Society. Although there may be many persons who are ignorant of VOL. XXX. — NO. II. 5 58 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. the different kinds of trees, and many more who cannot dis- tinguish the different varieties of the same tree, yet, it is a fact, there is a peculiar charm in a fine collection of judiciously planted trees which no one can be insensible to, even if unable to fully comprehend the reason. All trees are objects of beauty, especially when standing alone and growing vigorously in a good rich soil, with plenty of space to throw out their branches without injury from man or beast ; yet it cannot be denied that some possess decided advantages over others, and are more appropriate and effective in certain locations. It will be generally admitted I suppose, that of all our orna- mental trees the Magnolia is one of the most striking we have, attracting the attention of the most indifferent with its magnificent foliage and flowers, and producing a tropical effect possessed by no other hardy tree that I am acquainted with ; and yet it is very seldom we see it in this section of the country. It is probably in some measure owing to the impression that the tree is not quite hardy, which is altogether a mistake, as several of the varieties will grow in the most exposed places ; and all, with the exception of the Grandiflora, can be made to thrive in sheltered locations. The Macro- phylla, which has the largest leaf and flower, is of the latter class, and yet requires no other protection than that afforded by other trees, if transplanted when quite small. But who that has a spark of enthusiasm in his character, or the least pretension of a zealous horticulturist, would not consider himself amply repaid for any little extra care and attention bestowed in growing a tree with leaves three feet long, and beautiful white fragrant flowers 6 or 8 inches in diameter, and which no one can pass by without an expression of wonder and admiration ? Then there is the Acuminata, which will grow in any situation no matter how much exposed, with foliage and blossoms not so large, but still of great size when the tree is young, and planted in a suitable soil, attain- ing the height of fifty or sixty feet and making one of the finest lawn trees we possess. The Cordata, also, makes a remarkably fine lawn tree, growing to a large size and re- sembling the acuminata somewhat, but the flowers are not so showy, being smaller, of a greenish yellow. Several winters FEBRUARY. 59 ago I moved one that was fifteen feet high more than ten miles, with a frozen ball of earth, without losing even a twig, and it is now one of the most beautiful trees on my place. The Auriculata and Tripetela do not attain the same size as the others, but are rapid growers, and thrive best when pro- tected by other trees in moist sheltered valleys, where there is a good depth of leaf mould and decayed vegetable matter,' and where their splendid foliage will not surfer from high winds. The borders in which Rhododendrons are planted are well adapted for them, and they harmonize admirably with that delightful shrub. The latter part of the season they have also large conical fruit-vessels, containing the seeds, which turn a rose color in the autumn and are hardly less ornamental than the blossoms. Besides these, I have the Maxima and Triumphans, also the Thompsoniana and Glauca. The latter is a large sized shrub, and is more commonly seen in this vicinity, and is remarkable for the very great fragrance of its blossoms. Independent of these numerous native varieties we have a long list of Chinese, which, although of an entirely different character, are none the less desirable and deserving of general cultivation, especially by those who reside in the country during the winter or go there quite early in the season, as they blossom near Boston the latter part of April or first ten days of May. They only attain a medium size, and are re- markable for their blossoms, which appear before the foliage in the most wonderful profusion, numbering, though quite large, several thousand on a small tree, and presenting the most gorgeous appearance imaginable, particularly when planted in masses with an evergreen back ground. There are several kinds, among which the Soulangeana, with large white and purple flowers, is perfectly hardy and probably the most desirable for general planting in New England. In most seasons it blossoms a second time in September, but then only to a small extent. I have the Norbertiana, Conspicua, and Purpurea doing finely, though in a somewhat sheltered situation, but I have not thus far had very satisfactory success with the gracilis or obovata, which are more or less injured every winter. The conspicua, as is well known, flourishes to 60 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. perfection in Philadelphia, where they have numerous fine large specimens, and the sight of one of them, when in full blossom, will well repay a visit to that favored city, to say noth- ing of its many other attractions. Leroy of Angers has lately sent out a new variety called Magnolia Leiine*, said to be also hardy, but the present winter is my first experience with it. TREE PROTECTORS. BV JAMES WEED, MUSCATINE, IOWA. We continue our record of comparative temperatures, commencing on the 18th of December, the first zero weather of the season. Our experiments this winter include the temperatures of three structures. The one which afforded the data for our table last year, eighteen feet long, twelve wide and twelve high, constructed of a double covering of boards with an intervening space of six inches filled with sawdust, has again answered our expectations. Another, the same width and height, eighty feet long, made by nailing inch square strips horizontally six inches apart on each side of rafters eight inches wide, constituting movable frames, the intervening space of eight inches being closely packed with leaves, with the intention of thatching on both sides with straw. The season, however, only allowed of placing the leaves, which unfortunately contained numerous lumps of snow. These having since melted away on the occurrence of a warm rain, have left many loosely packed spaces, unfavorable to the degree of tightness desirable. The low temperature indicated in this enclosure on the 1st and 2d of January, was probably owing, in part, to a near vacancy in the leaves, admitting a current of air directly upon the thermometer. The third structure, six feet wide, six high and sixteen feet long, consists of a single covering of rough boards one inch •thick and twelve wide, nailed to the rafters after the manner of lapped siding reversed, beginning at the top, thus forming FEBRUARY. 61 the shoulder of the joints upwards, which it was proposed to render air-tight by luting with coal tar, the joints in the gables to be battened with strips bedded in the same material. The weather suddenly changed cold before the joints were closed and simultaneously with the fall of a foot of snow, which has since protected all the joints except those in the gables. This structure encloses several quince and one low peach tree ; near the base of which a cistern was dug, five feet in diameter and eight feet deep, with an open neck two feet wide, constituting a subterranean air-chamber, no water having been admitted into it. The modifying influence of this air-chamber is regarded as important, and we have in view other experiments in connec- tion with it, which, if the weather soon becomes sufficiently mild to enable us to complete the enclosure, we shall report in the spring. TEMPERATURE. Outside. Inside. •O «i n ^ •O J 1 a o o S3 'a - nt - a li o 2 •°.2 • u •5,-3 I3 Remarks. 1863. Dec. 18, 8° 10° —5° 19, —12 2 —6 18° 20, 8 20 20 26° 22. 14 24 24 32° 23, 17 23 23 31 24, 24 23 23 31 29, 12 30, —2 0 28 18 30 Snow. 31, —2 —4 —21 22 0 1864, Jan. 1, —23 — 18 —18 12 —10 26 Clear. % —22 —10 —6 12 —12 18 Clear. 3, —4 4 0 14 4 20 Clear. 4, —7 —4 —6 14 4 20 Cloudy. 5, —12 —6 —9 14 2 20 Clear. 6, —14 —4 —12 14 —2 20 Clear. 7, —22 —2 —13 12 —4 20 Clear. 8, —14 —2 —2 12 —2 20 Hazy. 9, —8 8 7 12 3 22 Clear. 10, —2 10 12 14 4 24 Clear. The fruit-buds of the peach were generally killed by the cold of the 19th Dec, and it is greatly to be feared that the 62 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. extreme and protracted low temperature of the past two weeks will be manifest in its disastrous effects on those of some varieties of the cherry and plum, and also on many trees and shrubs. We are highly pleased to present so favorable a report of Mr. Weed's experiment with his Tree Protector, which has been so fully described in our last volume. The test of the late unprecedented cold weather throughout all the West, is conclusive as to its security against any injury to the trees, the inside temperature of the house covered with shutters and the cavities filled with sawdust having been only 12°, when the outside temperature indicated 23° below zero, and during the whole of the ever to be remembered ten days' cold, varying only two degrees. The other Protectors were probably effective also, as a cold of 10° below does not hurt the peach buds, provided it is not warm previously or suc- ceeding such a temperature. Mr. Weed has sent to Messrs. Hovey & Co. a neat model of his Tree Protector, which is well worthy of inspection by all who feel an interest in the subject. Where, lumber is cheap, there is no doubt they could be erected at very small cost, and a crop of peaches annually secured. Amateur cul- tivators would do well to examine Mr. Weed's mode of accomplishing this. — Ed. THE ADIRONDAC GRAPE. BY J W. BAILEY, PLATT-BURQ, N. T. Being in receipt of frequent inquiries in regard to the origin and other particulars of the Adirondac Grape, I submit the following account of it which may be of interest to the public at this time : — About seven or eight years ago, J. G. Witherbee, Esq., of Port Henry, Essex County, N. Y., purchased a strip of ground, which he enclosed to enlarge his garden. It was in grass, and on it he found an old grape vine, which had been FEBRUARY. 63 neglected, and he supposed it to be a wild vine, and conse- quently dug it out and prepared the ground for garden crops. The next season he discovered a vine near the same place, and supposing it to be worthless, he intended to dig that out also; but it was neglected. The next winter it killed back, but in the spring started vigorously from near the ground, and appeared so well that Mr. W. decided to leave it, and_ since that time he has given it the same treatment as his Isabellas, i. e., pruning, laying down and covering every winter. It commenced bearing fruit five years ago, ripening usually previous to the 10th of September, and before the Isabella had commenced coloring, or had attained its full size, and about two weeks before the Northern Muscadine. The fruit is larger in bunch and berry than the Isabella, of the same color, but perfectly round, the bunches very compact and shouldered ; in flavor, sweet and delicious, and without any hardness or acidity in its pulp, and is very prolific. In September, 1860, Mr. Witherbee sent me a sample of the fruit, wishing for its name. I was astonished to find a grape in existence ripening so early and of such rare excellence. I wrote to Mr. W., in substance, that from my knowledge of the character of all the earliest native grapes, this could not be identified with any of them, and that I was inclined to believe it to be a foreign variety ; and I remarked that I would like to examine the vine, and preferred to visit him for that purpose. I accordingly visited Port Henry two weeks after, by appointment, and on seeing the vine, I decided at once that it was a native, and perhaps a chance seedling of the Isabella. At that time I closed an arrangement with Mr. Witherbee for the entire control of the vine for propagation, and named it the " Adirondac," it having originated at the base of the Adirondac range of mountains. I claim for the Adirondac superiority over all other varieties for open air culture, for the following reasons : First — It ripens decidedly earlier than any other good grape. Second — It is a grape of the highest excellence. If not superior to the Delaware in flavor, I believe it to be fully equal to it, with the important advantage of being more than double its size, and ripening three weeks before it. 64 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. The rare combination of early ripening and excellence in this variety, constitute the desideratum long sought for, viz : A grape of the very best quality, that will ripen in all the Northern States and Canadas. The foregoing was printed in my circular, dated January, 1862, and sent to my correspondents and others at that time. The Claims made by me then have been most fully verified, so far as the fruit has been brought to the test of eminent po- mologists and the public. I will take this occasion to correct a single error, in saying that the Adirondac ripened three weeks before the Delaware. It did so in fact that season, but my Delaware vines were young, and the fruit on them was unripe when the frost put an end to all ripening here on the 10th October ; but by careful observation the two last seasons, I make the difference two weeks, as nearly as possible. It is also several days earlier than the Hartford Prolific. Up to the present time, the Adirondac has fruited only at Port Henry and Plattsburg, but it is believed that it will be fruited the coming season in several different localities, which I feel confident will add largely to its reputation. The fruit produced the past two seasons has been shown at many of the most prominent Exhibitions in different States, and distributed freely among pomologists, and has won its way to public favor. The vine is very vigorous, fully as much so as the Isabella, which it closely resembles in growth, wood and leaf. It has proved, thus far, free from all blight or mildew ; the leaves remaining perfectly healthy until touched by frost. The fruit — bunches large, compact; berries — large, round; color — dark purplish red with blue bloom, becoming quite black when fully ripe; seeds — medium, usually but two; flesh — greenish white, perfectly melting, without any hard- ness or acidity in the centre ; flavor — remarkable for its excellence and delicacy, having a decidedly Black Hamburg flavor, causing many of the best judges (before seeing its growth) to doubt its native origin ; skin — thin and tender. In regard to its bearing qualities, I will say that I know of no variety more prolific. 2. THE ADIROSDAC GR.VPK. 66 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. Two years ago, when the American Pomological Society held its Session in Boston, we had the pleasure of tasting a single berry of the Adirondac Grape, and were struck with its superiority over the general character of our native varieties. But concluding that one berry could be no real test of its merits, we did not think it our duty to speak more particularly about it. The past autumn, however, while on a visit to New York, we had the opportunity of examining several clusters exhibited by Mr. Bailey, and of again tasting the grape. Quite to our surprise we found it even better than the impression we had of it before. It was, in fact, so unlike all our American varieties in the softness and delicacy of its pulp, that we could scarcely believe it one of them, and, but from our knowledge of its origin and history, should have considered its nativity doubtful. With such impressions we sent to Mr. Bailey for some account of it, believing that we could render no greater service than to extend a knowledge of a variety possessing so much excellence. With Mr. Bailey's communication we present an engraving of the grape (fig. 2) which will show the general character of the fruit. After what Mr. Bailey has stated, and what has already appeared in our last volume in regard to it, we need not enlarge upon its merits. Without making any comparison between this and other well known sorts, each of which possess valuable qualities, it will be no more than is due to the Adi- rondac to say that it holds the highest rank among American varieties. A grape of its excellence, ripening with the Dela- ware, would be sufficient to entitle it to a place in every garden, but when we learn that it is two weeks, or even one week earlier than that variety, it becomes doubly valuable, and must, on the score of earliness alone, stand without a rival. If we add to its earliness, a fine large bunch, a good sized berry and a rich bloom, we have a combination of qualities difficult to surpass. Without the exquisite flavor of the Rebecca, or the honeyed-sweetness of Allen's Hybrid, it comes nearer the Black Hamburg than any native grape. — Ed. FEBRUARY. 67 ROSES. FROM THE GARDENER3' CHRONICLE. Op all our garden flowers, prominently the first, as the rose is admitted to be, yet less has been written by our own culti- vators upon its growth and general treatment than almost any other plant. Ordinarily it grows well and blooms abundantly, but the vigor of growth and the quality of its flowers do not seem to have been matters of great importance, contented as too many have been with its ordinary or neglected culti- vation. Beauty there certainly is under any mode of treat- ment ; but like other flowers, superior culture will doubly enhance its attractions and render it, as it certainly is, the Queen of Flowers. If we look back twenty-five years we shall soon discover the vast improvement which has been made in the rose. What then were deemed beautiful varieties would now, with some few exceptions, be banished from our gardens ; and whatever class we bring to mind has been enriched by new colors and superior forms, while the Hybrid Perpetuals are a new creation of the enthusiastic French cultivators, who have, so far, almost exclusively taken the rose under their care, and to whom we are indebted for the superb varieties that now ornament our gardens from June till October. Not long since, in an article upon roses, we noted our intention of bringing it more prominently before our cultiva- tors, and of advocating its more careful culture and superior treatment. But in the neglected state of its growth around us we must avail ourselves of other aid to forward the object, and we have from time to time given valuable information from the best Rosarians abroad, and we shall continue to gather all the information we can find which will accomplish a decided improvement in the cultivation of this flower. England, with its cold damp climate, is very different from warm sunny France, yet the skill of her cultivators has over- come the vicissitudes of climate, and it is doubtful whether the rose growers of France can produce better specimens than are frequently exhibited in London. If the summers are cool and moist, the winters are mild, and, except in seasons of 68 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. unusual severity, the plants do not suffer or lose any of their vitality. Under our severer temperature even the hardiest roses are sometimes injured, and the less hardy often destroyed. But if our winters are cold our summers are warm, and the plants soon make up for what they have lost ; yet we have the disappointment of a year or more, and, besides, our autumns are too short to see the hybrid perpetuals in the perfection they are seen in England and France where they often bloom till Christmas. With this single exception and our cold winters, our climate is more favorable than of England, and there is no reason why roses should not be raised everywhere. That they are not cultivated with better success is for similar reasons stated by the Rev. Mr. Radcliffe, a successful rose grower in England, who gives them in the following article, which is well worthy the attention of every lover of fine roses : Why do not Roses more generally succeed in England ? Various reasons may be given. 1. Climate. — Ours is the most variable and consumptive climate in the word. England is the hyphen between a frying pan and a well — i. e., between France and Ireland. One would have thought that the temperature would be at all times equable ; but such is not the case. We are liable to quick transitions, and also to winter-summers and summer- winters ! The roses being imported, with rare exception from the warm and more equable climate of France cannot but suffer from the change : more especially glass-raised, un- hardened novelties. 2. Sorts. — People fail, because they do not get right sorts ; or they do not get right sorts on stocks suitable to the rose itself, or they do not get right stocks, by which I mean stocks which, being suitable to the rose in some lands, are also suitable to their land. In this climate, robust, hardy, vigorous growers will alone last any length of time : even these will, on own roots, and on all stocks occasionally die, though they be well looked after, which is far from being generally the case. 3. Stocks. — Briars, Manetti, Celine, are all good stocks. Of the Celine stock I know but little : such as I have upon it FEBRUARY. 69 grow and bloom well. Briars are best for moderate growers, and good also for strong growers in strong land. Manetti is good chiefly for strong growers, and indispensable for inferior lands. In very strong lands it would drive the rose into a pole rose, which might not be convenient. This stock, with suitable roses on it, is suitable to all lands. Its triumph, how'ever, is seen in highly manured, shallow and worthless lands, where Briars would do but little. I have many Manetti roses planted in what was a duck pond, bottomed with chalk ; also many in land close upon solid gravel. Between the chalk in one case, and the gravel in the other, I put a bed of black dung and half-inch bones, and plant the Manetti roses on the top of it, and then fill in, tread hard, and tie the plants to sticks ; and nothing can succeed better. I have in the same ground Briars, homebudded, but they bear no relation whatever to purchased roses on the Manetti stock. In either of my lands, both different in their natures, you might as well put a hen against a horse as put a Briar rose against a Manetti rose. In my north-east garden this can be seen any day. 4. Winds. — Roses cannot have too much air and too little wind. Those who are exposed as I am to the violent assaults of the W. and S. W. winds, which, by their violence and pre- valence bend the heads of elms and other trees here towards the S. E. as if they were bowing to the Eastern Magi, know how injurious wind is in early spring and early summer. The sap then rises, but the lungs are destroyed ; and the effect on the new wood is much the same as that of garrotting. The sap is pent back upon the wood, and it becomes bad. Of course good wood and good flowers cannot come out of bad wood. Whatever suddenly destroys the leaves, or impedes their action, whether wind, hail, or fungi, at the early part of the year before the wood is matured, will do great present and future damage. My home Rosery is as exposed to the W. and S. W. wind as Portland or Stonehenge. My house ought to be a windmill. Still I bear the demolitions of wind and hail, year after year, " With that untaught innate philosophy, Which, be it wisdom, coldness, or deep pride, Is gall and wormwood to an enemy ! " 70 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. 5. Drainage. — No matter what the stock is, or the rose upon it, free drainage is absolutely necessary. A rivulet, at the base of my home Rosery, stops the water back upon me. The Manetti roses bear it respectably. The Briar roses were annihilated in the well-known severe winter. 6. Planting, Staking, and Tying. — These are important things. Ground plants in highly protected situations may not require staking and tying, as they do here ; but standards always, in all places, require it. As regards planting, the Briar roses should never be planted deeply — not more than 4 inches ; Manetti roses must be planted sufficiently deep to cover the collar of the bud an inch or two : hence it follows that they should be budded low, or the radius of the roots will be too far from the action of the sun. A Briar rose deeply planted will have weak wood and bad flowers, then weak, wood and no flowers, and then neither wood nor flowers. 7. Aphides and Fungi. — If roses were kept constantly syringed from the time the trees put forth their spring leaves, little or no damage would be done by them. Clean water would cleanse the leaves and rid them of millions of helpless aphides and of the invisible spores of fungi. Orange fungus must be destroyed by hand at once. This can be only effectually done by taking off the leaf with the orange nucleus, which usually adheres to the lower side of the leaf, before it bursts and spreads its spores over both sides of the leaves. In spring you will discover it by a small discoloration of the upper side of the leaf; just beneath that is the orange nucleus. Sometimes it is on the stems. After heavy thunderstorms, I have observed that aphides and fungi greatly disappear. These, then, are some of the main reasons why roses do not more generally succeed in England. There are other reasons, which need only be summed up, viz., improper pruning, pruning at an improper time, cutting the wood of H. P.'s before they have dropped their flowers, insufficient manure, lack of mulching and water in torrid summers, and insufficient root protection (straw is good for it) in severe winters. Finally, a good grower of roses does not necessarily imply a first rate Rosarian ; nor does the winning of prizes neces- sarily imply such a thing. The lands of some arc so adapted FEBRUARY. . 71 to roses that they have little to do but plant and cut off the flowers. Were they stuck in the eye of the wind on my dense chalky hill — chalk all the way to New Zealand, I believe they would be confounded. That man is a true Rosarian, who, surrounded by great natural difficulties, fights, and fights successfully against them ; who studies the various likes and dislikes of roses, and treats them accordingly. " Necessity is the mother of invention," and nothing but difficulties and experience can make a -man a first-rate Rosa- rian. August, September, and October test a Rosarian better than June and July. Central fUims. The Russian Violet. — To those who have to furnish a boudoir or drawing-room with scented flowers during the dull months of November and December, this kind of violet is invaluable. Managed in the way I describe, it flowers here more or less the whole year round. In May I pre- pare a piece of ground for it at the foot of a south wall ; I take off all the strongest runners, and plant them in rows 15 inches apart, and about 10 inches asunder in the row ; I prepare a compost consisting of equal parts sand, loam, and well rotted leaf mould, and in this I plant the runners. No more attention is required except shading them for a few days until they become rooted. Should the summer prove dry, they will be benefited by copious waterings, and if the weather should be boisterous and wet in October, an old spare light may be put over them, setting it on bricks at the corners. This will prevent the blooms from being damaged. — (Gard. Chron ) Orchard-House Culture. — I beg to send for yonr inspection, three varieties of pears, gathered from trees grown in 11-inch pots; lb" pears were produced by the tree whose fruit is numbered 1 ; 28 were gathered from No. 2, and 32 from No. 3. Should you think them worthy of notice, I shall feel obliged by any remark upon them you may be pleased to make, and as I have some doubt about the names, your setting, me right in that matter will be considered a favor. I have under my charge a lean to orchard house, 48 feet long, 12 feet wide ; three feet high in front, and eight feet high at back. This has been built four years, and as I have every year been successful in having an abundance of good ripe fruit, I am partial to the orchard-house mode of fruit-growing, not only because by that system a greater amount of fruit can be obtained than by any other method, but because of its excellence and certainty. I am well acquainted both with indoor and out-door fruit-growing, my experience having spread over some 22 years ; and I must say, that never have I tasted better flavored 72 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. fruits, under any ciicumstances, than those gathered from an orchard-house. We have two rows of trees running the whole length of the house, and most of the peach and nectarine trees were allowed to carry 3 and 3£ dozen fruit each, and some even 4 dozen. Our plum trees this season have been a perfect picture ; Coe's Golden Erop bore 7<£ dozen, which, for color and flavor, were all one could wish. Denyer's Victoria hid 7 dozen. Columbia 6 dozen, Jefferson 7£ dozen, and Washington and others 7 and 8 dozen each. Cherries, figs, and pears have been equally good. Many have visited this house this seasen, and all have not only been pleased with what they saw, but several have made up their minds to have an orchard-house built for themselves.— (Gard. Chron.) Societies. BROOKLYN HORTICULTURAL. At the Annual Election, recently held, the following gentlemen were elected officers of the Society, for 1864: — President, J W. Degrauw. Vice Presidents, W. A.' Anthony, D. P. Barnard, R. W. Ropes, Henry Baxter. Treasurer, J. W. Degrauw. Corresponding Secretary, A. S. Fuller. Recording Secretary, G. H. Van Wagener. Executive Committee, C. B. Nichols, G. Hamlin, Prof. Eaton. ILLINOIS STATE HORTICULTURAL. The Eighth Annual Meeting of this Society was held in Alton on the 27th of December last. The meeting was the largest ever held, and the different sections of the West well represented. The Alton Horticultural Society provided a room in Mercantile Hall, President Long delivered his Annual Address, and the following officers were elected: — President, Smiley Shepherd, Hennepin, Putnam County. Vice President, (at large) O. B. Galusha, Lisbon, Kendall County ; First District, Jonathan Perrain, Thornton Station, Cork Co.; 2d, Dr. C. N. Andrews, Rockford; 3d, A. R. Whitney, Franklin Grove, Lee Co.; 4th, J. H. Stewart, Quincy, Adams Co.; 5th, W. A. Pennell, Granville, Putnam Co.; fith, J. O. Dent, Verona. Woodford Co.; 7th, M.L. Dunlap, Champaign, Champaign Co.; 8th, O M. Coleman, Bloomington ; 9th, C. C. Sturtevant, Beardstown, Cass Co.; 10th, Jona. Huggins, Woodburn. Macoupin Co.; 11th, Chas. Kinnicott, Sandoval, Marion Co.; 12th, Dr. E. S. Hall, Alton; 13th, F. J. Evans, South Pass, Union Co. Corresponding Society, W. C. Flagg, Moro, Madison Co. Recording Secretaries, Parker Earle, South Pass ; C. W. Murtfeldt, Rockford. In another number we shall refer to some of the discussions and decisions about fruits. FEBRUARY. 73 Utassacjiusctts Ijorticullural Jbtbtj. Saturday, January 2, 1864. — The annual stated meeting of the Society- was held to-day — the President in the chair. The President opened the meeting with the following address to the Society : — Gentlemen of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society: — Another year has passed away, and we are assembled on the new year to exchange the salutations of the season, and give renewed assurance of our devotion to the interests and objects of the Society. It must be gratifying to all of us to know, that in the midst of the terri- ble struggle which has convulsed the country, and the trying times through which we are passing, occupying more or less the thoughts of every man who holds Freedom sacred and Union dear — the arts of peace have not been neglected, and that Horticulture, which marks a higher civilization, has received a large share of attention ; that its steady and onward progress is the best evidence of the great importance of associations like ours, whose purpose it is to encourage a taste for, and diffuse information upon, every department of Rural Art. We all have a duty to perform ; and it is ours, who are privileged to remain at home, while our brothers are fighting the battles of our country, to maintain unimpaired the art and science in which we are engaged. The exhibitions of the Society, during the last year, though not so large and varied as in some previous years, have, when we consider the various causes, been as satisfactory as could have been anticipated. The season was unfavorable. Flowers were injured by the early drought of June, and the drenching rains of August ; and the fruit crop, after a year of unusual abundance, was one of limited quantity, and rather inferior quality. Thus it was not possible, however so earnest the desire, to make our exhibitions so attractive and extensive. It is a source of congratulation, however, to learn that the contributors were more numerous and an unusual degree of interest manifested in the exhibitions. The Annual Show was from actual necessity held in our own hall, and though by no means so large as when abundant room has been at our com- mand, it much exceeded the most sanguine expectations of every member. All were astonished that in a season so unfavorable, the specimens should be so fine. The Chairman of the Fruit Committee, in his excellent Annual Report submitted at a late meeting, has admitted that in some particulars, especially in native grapes, the exhibition was the best ever made by the Society. Believing that in the progress of Pomology, some alterations in our pre- miums would be attended with beneficial results, I offered some suggestions last year to attain the object. It is pleasing to know their adoption has proved highly satisfactory, and accomplished a good purpose. Further al- terations, I understand, of a similar character, have been introduced into the schedule of premiums for this year, which the Committee believe will VOL. XXX. — NO. II. 6 74 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. result in a decided benefit to Pomological science. The Flower Commit- tee have also rearranged their list, which, for a few years back, has been in a confused and unsatisfactory state. I doubt not their labors will meet with a corresponding improvement in the weekly exhibitions. I am glad to learn that the Prospective Prizes for superior seedling fruits and flowers, which were struck from the list a few years ago, have been — or a portion of them — restored. This is an important and timely move in the right direction. I shall not detain you with the train of reflections which a consideration of this subject suggests, but would merely remark, that if there is anything which the members of the Society may look back upon with pride, it is the deep interest which has been everywhere awak- ened for the production of seedlings, and particularly in the immediate sphere of our association ; and it is due in an eminent degree to the liberal premiums which were offered by the Society for that object. The production of new varieties of fruits and flowers by seeds is just in its infancy, and is yearly becoming of more and more importance. Too long have we overlooked the treasures to be obtained from this source, and too long have we relied upon foreign cultivators for everything new. With a climate more favorable than most of Europe affords, only a few enthusi- astic men have ventured upon the experiment of raising new seedlings ; but the success which has attended these few efforts has induced others to follow, and encouragement by liberal premiums is only needed to enrich our collections with fruits and flowers excelled by no other clime. A mere mention of the additions which have been made since these premiums were first offered by the Society would exceed the limits of my remarks; a few were named last year, and the others your own information will read- ily supply. During the past year a Committee was appointed to consider the propri- ety of awarding Certificates of Merit. The Committee made a favorable report, with estimates of the cost of procuring suitable certificates. Their report was accepted, and they were authorized to have the certificates exe- cuted, and ready for use the present year. There can be no doubt of the benefit resulting from the awarding of these certificates, which are to be independent of the ordinary premiums. They will be only given for the exhibition of new, rare and beautiful plants and flowers, new fruits and vegetables, for seedlings of unusual merit, and for superior skill displayed in cultivation. The Royal Horticultural and Royal Botanic Societies of London long ago adopted the practice of awarding such certificates, and in the case of seedlings it has prevented amateurs and lovers of flowers from purchasing many inferior things which have no other merit than what in the opinion of the producer they possessed. The stamp of merit by a Society like ours will at once give value to every new flower, fruit or veg- etable which may be brought before it. The Library is in excellent condition. The chairman justly estimates the importance of this department of the Society. While the high rates of exchange have prevented the purchase of larger works, all current periodi- cals and popular books have been added, so that the wants of the members FEBRUARY. 75 have been well supplied, and they have been enabled to keep up with the progress of the art abroad. The sales of Mount Auburn, the past year, are believed by your Treas- urer to be considerably larger than in 1862 ; and as no extra expenses are known to have been incurred, a handsome sum will be realized. A piece of bog land of no value for cemetery uses has been filled up and beautified, and a fountain erected, adding much to the value of the surrounding lots. The Society were only called upon to relinquish all their rights in this lot, and this was cheerfully done, in consideration of the advantages gained. I am happy to state that the finances of the Society are in a flourishing condition. Four thousand dollars ($4000) have been invested in Govern- ment stocks, and there remains in the Treasury a cash balance of §1193 33. After paying the large expenses incident to the purchase of a valuable estate, this must appear highly gratifying. If we add to the amount in- vested and the cash balance, the expenses just alluded to, the accumulation of the year over and above ordinary expenses would exceed $6000. I find on looking over the Treasurer's reports for five years (1859 to 1864) that during the whole period only $8000 were invested, and of this sum, $6000 was from the surplus over and above the mortgage received for the sale of the old hall. Thus has an accumulation begun which it is hoped will go on increasing until a fund shall be established which will enable us to transmit to our successors a splendid estate, unincumbered and free. But, gentlemen, with all this prosperity must be mingled regrets at the loss of those who have so long been faithful co-workers and active mem- bers, friends and companions, whose loss we lament, and whose memory we cherish. The death of Mr. David Haggerston occurred in November last. Of late years he has not been an active participator in the affairs of the Soci- ety ; but for a long period, from its first organization, he was not only a frequent contributor wherever employed, but an active and efficient mem- ber, serving on various Committees and always punctual and faithful in the performance of his duties. Few professional men have done more for the Society, or presented better examples of skilful culture than Mr. Haggerston. The departure of Mr. A. D. Williams in a good old age has just been announced, and resolutions expressive of the feelings of the Society were passed at a very late meeting. Though somewhat retired from the active pursuits of horticulture, he was one of the oldest members, and contributed largely to its exhibitions in former years, and from time to time up to a few weeks previous to his decease. He served on various Committees, and was, with Mr. Haggerston, one of the Council under the old constitution of the Society. Thus are the old members passing away. May those who fill their places feel the deep responsibility which rests upon them to make good their loss ; and may each and all do their share, as they did theirs, to keep the Society on the solid foundation they so earnestly labored to secure. And now, gentlemen, let me pass to the congratulations of the season. First, let me congratulate you upon the large accession of members, much more numerous than any year for a long period. Forty-nine new <0 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTUEE. members have been added, many of them life members, and six have died — making a gain of forty -three. I see by the address of your late President, that in 1859 the total of members, both life and subscription, was 541, and in 1862, 563 — making a gain of only twenty-one members in four years. The gain last year, deducting withdrawals, was thirty. I congratulate you upon having been the recipients of the fine work of art which adorns our room — a lifelike bust of the Hon. M. P. Wilder — the gift of C. O. Whitmore, Esq., a gentleman whose interest in our welfare and progress has never waned, and whose aspirations are that we may never cease our great work until a knowledge of horticulture becomes diffused throughout our entire country. Fortunate indeed it is that this memorial of our friend and associate, and former President, has been placed before us to remind us of his Jong devo- tion to horticultural and pomological science, and especially to the highest interests of the Society. Though prostrated by sickness, and long de- prived of his constant intercourse with us, his most ardent wishes are for our prosperity. It is the earnest hope of every member that he may soon be restored to health, and again be permitted to give us the aid of his val- uable services, always so cheerfully rendered. I congratulate you upon the munificent donation which has been made to our funds by H. H. Hunnewell, Esq., to encourage and promote the growth and introduction of ornamental trees and shrubs, and particularly the Rhododendron and Azalea. How timely has this been made, and how deeply are we indebted to his good taste in selecting the very plants which, of all others, most merit encouragement, but which have been most neg- lected ? Let us hope that the means which he has so liberally placed in our hands will be so judiciously used as to effect the object of the donor, assured that the result must be the diffusion of a taste for some of the most magnificent plants that enrich our gardens and grounds. And, lastly, allow me to congratulate you, upon the purchase of the Montgomery House estate for a new hall— a location one of the most ad- vantageous the city affords. Whatever views may be entertained regarding the erection of a suitable building, there can be but one opinion as to the eligibility of the site over any other which was offered, or was likely to offer. Your Committee labored long and assiduously in the accomplish- ment of their work, believing that no such opportunity would again occur to secure for the Society just the place they thought the only one within the means of the Society to purchase. The unanimous ratification of their acts has shown how much you appreciate their labors. It now remains for you to complete the work so well begun, and to open a new era in the history of the Society. Whether it will be for our best interests to erect a building at once, or put off the work until another time, is for you to decide. A matter of so much importance requires careful de- liberation, and I have no doubt you will give it the attention it deserves. Nothing, however, it appears to me, but actual necessity, should induce us to postpone the erection of a building suitable to our wants, our standing and our means. Second to no other similar association in material wealth, and wielding an influence extending from the Atlantic to the Pacific, it is FEBRUARY. 77 important that the source of this power should be recognized. We owe it to ourselves, and more especially to those who came forward in our hour of need and gave us a helping hand. They had seen our early progress, and believed our resources were equal to our needs. But when with a zeal and earnestness we ventured upon the then hazardous task of erecting a hall which would require something more than we possessed, then were those f >und who remembered us, and endowed us with the means to make the attempt succeed ; and it is due to their memory that we should as speedily as possible put ourselves in the position they helped to place us, in order to carry forward the purposes of its founders. Their object was to endow an institution, not to aid an obscure Society. Truly was it said in the eloquent address at the dedication of our old hall, that " its erection was the most fitting testimonial of our liberality, and its purpose afforded the best evi- dence of a refined and intelligent community." How much more then, at this day, with our enlarged means, will a new hall afford renewed evidence of the great progress which twenty years have accomplished ? Trusting, therefore, that this subject will have your mature consideration, I commit it to your hands. Gentlemen : The New Year finds us a united, harmonious and prosperous Society. Never since its organization has a kindlier feeling prevailed, or so general a desire been manifested to help on the good work. Let us hope that, under the blessing of Providence, our country may soon be restored to peace, freedom become universal, and a love of horticulture a leading pas- sion of our people. On motion of Dr. E. Wight it was voted that the President be requested to furnish a copy of his Address for publication in the papers, and in the Transactions of the Society. The Finance Committee presented their Annual Report for 1863, giving the following statement of the financial condition of the Society: — Receipts for 1863. By cash in the Treasury, December 31, 1863, " dividends and interest, - - " assessments collected, - " receipts from Mount Auburn, - " rents collected, ----- " receipts of Annual Exhibition, - " miscellaneous receipts, - Payments for 1863. To cash paid Premiums and Gratuities, " salaries, $850, Mr. Farnum, #100, " rent, - " Annual Exhibition, expenses, $2,561 41 5,251 14 800 00 4,284 72 1,500 00 432 25 180 90 $15,010 42 $2,218 00 950 00 1,550 00 742 21 - $294 15 330 47 - 2,350 59 287 50 - 4,051 82 212 25 829 90 - 1,193 53 $15,010 42 $102,350 50 - 4,000 00 564 50 - 10,000 00 500 00 - 14,551 82 - 60,000 00 - 5,000 00 1,193 53 78 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. To library, books, insurance, &c, .... '• printing and advertising, .... " Montgomery House Estate, on account of purchase, ex- amining title, &c, - ... - " improvement of Mount Auburn, " invested in government stocks, - " medals, ._.._. " miscellaneous bills, - " cash in treasury, December 31, 1863, Property of the Society. Montgomery House Estate, ... Donations invested, - Legacy of B. V. French, - " of Theodore Lyman, - H. H. Hunnewell's donation, .... Society's investments, ..... H. D. Parker's note, - - - ' - Furniture and library, &,c, - - - - - Cash on hand, December 31, 1863, - $198,160 35 Indebtedness, Mortgage ($100,00G) Sundry Rents, Premiums, &c, $103,762 50 The Committee, appointed to nominate a Committee of Arrangements for the next Annual Exhibition, reported the names of the following mem- bers, who were unanimously chosen : — P. B. Hovey, Chairman; J. S. Cabot, J. F. C. Hyde, E. A. Story, D. T. Curtis, A. C. Bowditch, C. H. B. Breck, P. Parnes, S. H. Gibbens, J. C. Hovey, Abner Pierce, E. W. Buswell, and R. McCleary Copeland. Two hundred and fifty dollars were appropriated for the use of the Committee. The Committee reported that the Exhibition would take place on Tues- day, September 22, and continue, day and evening, till Saturday the 26th. On motion of C. O. Whitmore, a Committee of nine, of which the Presi- dent should be Chairman, was appointed, to consider the expediency of erecting a building on the Montgomery House Estate, and report the prob- able cost of the same. The President, Jos. Stickney, C. O. Whitmore, M. P. Wilder, J. S. Cabot, W. R. Austin, J. F. C. Hyde, H. H. Hunnewell, and L. Wetherell, were unanimously chosen. On motion of Jos. Stickney the thanks of the Society were voted to the Hon. J. S. Cabot, for his long and valuable services, as Chairman of the Fruit Committee, and that a piece of plate, of the value of $100, be present- ed to him, as a testimonial of their respect and esteem. Jos. Stickney, L. Wetherell, and J. F. C. Hyde were chosen a Committee to carry the same into effect. FEBRUARY. 79 iorftolfaral ©^rations FOR FEBRUARY. FRUIT DEPARTMENT. After a fortnight of continued cool weather, with scarcely a day of bright sunshine, the weather moderated, and the latter part of January has been nearly as mild as April. The ground is now free from all snow and ice. This change has been pleasant and favorable, after the long wintry weather, and forcing-houses, of all kinds, will now receive the benefit of bright sun and an abundance of air. Grape Vines, in the earliest houses, will now, with greater sun-heat, make rapid progress, and will show signs of coloring by the close of the month. Keep up a slightly increased temperature, not too high, at night, and give more air, as the season advances. Damp the house well down in clear sunny weather, or when cold nights require a greater heat. Stop the laterals as they require it. Replenish the border with fresh manure, if the warmth is exhausted. Vines in greenhouses and graperies will begin to break during this month. As soon as this is perceived, syringe gently every day, or twice a day, till the buds expand ; after that tie up the vines to the trellis. Begin with a moderate temperature, increasing it grad- ually, so as to prevent too rapid a growth at first, which is sure to weaken the vines. Give air in good weather, and maintain a genial moist atmos- phere. Strawberries, in pots, may be introduced into the grapery, or green- house, and, if placed on a warm shelf, near the glass, will produce a good crop. Such as are now swelling their fruit should have manure water. Orchard-Houses will now require increased attention. As the sun heat increases, ventilation should be abundant, and the house remain open at all times, except when there is danger of severe weather. Figs, Peach Trees, and other fruit trees, in pots, now introduced into the grapery, may be brought forward so as to ripen their fruit early. Scions may now be cut, preserving them in the cellar, placing their lower ends in earth or sand. Root Grafting may be done now, if the roots were laid in so as to be accessible. Place the roots, after grafting, in boxes, in a cool cellar. Pruning may be done this month, commencing with apples and pears. FLOWER department. The main work, at this season of the year, in all places of any extent, is the arrangement of the plants to produce a fine effect, taking away such as are going out of bloom, and filling their place with others just coming in ; keeping all perfectly clean, and free from insects, the pots washed, and such as require it neatly tied up. Propagation of young stock should also be kept up, and plans laid to facilitate the spring work when that season 80 THE MAGAZINE OP HORTICULTUKE. arrives. Hotbeds will be needed next month, and preparations should be made to have the manure and sashes in readiness for use. Pelargoniums should now all be repotted, and arranged with plenty of space, in a good position, as near the glass as possible. Keep rather dry till they begin to grow freely, and give an abundance of air at all times, a night temperature of 45° to 50° being ample for this month. Tie out the shoots of choice specimens, and those intended for specimens next year. Fumigate often. Camellias will now be in full bloom, and water must be given more liberally. Syringe freely in fine weather. Repotting may be done now. Azaleas will now be showing flower, and will need more liberal water- ing. As they go out of bloom, others may be brought forward to fill their places, and a succession of flowers kept up till June. The late blooming plants should be kept cool, and rather dry, to prevent them from starting. Take every opportunity to tie the plants into shape. Young stock, now repotted and placed in a warm house, will make fine specimens for blooming next year. Cinerarias should be very carefully watered. Give them plenty of room, and a place near the glass. Fumigate for the greenfly. Calceolarias require similar treatment to the Cinerarias. Give the plants plenty of room. Shift now into their blooming pots. Ferns, not already repotted, should be attended to this month. Fochsias, growing freely, will soon need a shift into larger pots. Give them a light airy place. Roses, now making a new growth, should be encouraged, by a sb;rt into larger pots. Orange Trees should be frequently syringed, and carefully watered. Heaths, in small pots, should be encouraged, by a shift into a slightly larger size. Keep cool, and w'ater sparingly. Bedding Plants, of all kinds, should be propagated, and young stock potted off. Asters, Pansies, Stocks, Zinnias, and other flower seeds, may now be planted in boxes, or pots, for early bloom. Gloxinias and Achimenes may be potted and placed in the warmest part of the house, or a hotbed, if convenient. Chrysanthemums may be propagated this month. vegetable department. Hotbeds should now be prepared for sowing all kinds of early vegetables. Let the manure be thoroughly turned over before the beds are made, and after the rank heat is exhausted they will be ready for use. Cucumber seed should be planted in pots. Lettuce seed should be planted. Cabbage and Cauliflower may be sown. Egg Plants and Tomatoes should be planted. Cover the beds well with straw mats, in very frosty weather, and protect the sides with a banking of leaves, hay, or seaweed. GRAPE CULTURE IN MASSACHUSETTS. In our last number, in our notice of the Annual Report of the Hon. J. S. Cabot, to the Massachusetts Horticultural' Society, we stated that we should refer to it again, particu- larly that part of it alluding to grapes and grape culture, and we embrace this early opportunity to bring it before our readers, that they may be made familiar with the progress which this interesting and important department of fruit growing is making in the neighborhood of Boston, and to a greater or less extent throughout the State. In a previous number (p. 8) we offered some remarks on the progress of grape culture, and the great advance made in the production of new and superior varieties. It was our intention at the close of the favorable season just past to give a resume of the year's experience in grape growing, and note more particularly the merits of some of the varieties which have been recently introduced, as well as the relative value of the older kinds as compared with them ; but the opportu- nity to obtain all the information required did not occur, and the brief remarks above alluded to were given in the place of a more detailed and extended article. We now offer the views of Mr. Cabot, which have been the result of careful observation upon the very large number of fine specimens presented for exhibition the past year. Though so far north of what may be considered the grape growing region, Massachusetts cultivators may feel a pride in what they have done for the grape, and if we have not the climate or soil which will give us the rich and ripe Catawbas and Isabellas of Cincinnati and Kelly's Island, we can offer in their places the Diana, the Concord, Allen's Hybrid, the Winchester, the Framingham, and probably one or two of Rogers's Seedlings, certainly no mean substitutes — for the best Cincinnati grapes, and so far in advance of those kinds when raised in our climate, as to entirely change the character of this fruit. For, with few exceptions, in very vol. xxx. — no. in. 7 82 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. favorable seasons, the Catawba rarely matured, and the Isabella was an acid and pulpy berry. All this is changed ; and we can now produce an abundance of superior grapes, even in unfavorable years. But what has surprised us is the excellence of the speci- mens which have been produced by the cultivators of Massa- chusetts, particularly around Boston, as noticed in Mr. Cabot's report. We have been present at various exhibitions of grapes in New York and Philadelphia, and with the ex- ception of the Grape Growers' Exhibition in the former city, which we did not attend, we have not noticed the same num- ber and fine specimens as those exhibited before the Massa- chusetts Horticultural Society, and the Cambridge Horticul- tural Society a week later. The varieties embraced Concord, Diana, Isabella, Delaware, Catawba, Union Village, Hartford Prolific, Rebecca, Allen's Hybrid, Fraraingham, Crevelling, Winchester, and Iona, in quantities of six or more bunches each, from a great number of competitors ; and many more kinds in small lots, less known and far less valuable, if we may not add comparatively worthless, varieties. It is evident from the excellence of the specimens that grape growing has been taken hold of in earnest, and that we have nothing in our climate but what can be overcome ; and however favored other and more southern, or western localities may be for some grapes, ours has nothing to prevent us from obtaining an abundance of others, of equal if not superior excellence. The grape does not show its permanent characteristics at once : though less variable than the pear, yet two or three successive seasons are necessary to establish its various merits; and as these are affected and changed or modified by the character of the weather, it is impossible to ascertain the true estimate of a variety without careful observation, and the experience of two or three years. For this reason, a variety is elevated or lowered in the scale of merit, and a de- gree of uncertainty attached to it in one season that disap- pears the next, and another variety apparently established 13 rendered doubtful by the experience of an additional year. Thus by comparing the average of different years, we come at last to the true standard of merit. MARCH. 83 Such will be the result of the accumulated information of individuals and societies. We shall soon know the exact standard of the older kinds, and the newer sorts must pass through the same ordeal before they will find their proper rank. It is this information which all cultivators seek for, and it is our object to supply it. Mr. Cabot's report will add something to our accumulated knowledge of grapes and grape growing : — Of native or hardy grapes, exceedingly interesting displays were made by Messrs. Strong & Spooner, comprising in their collections several that were new or not before exhibited. Among them were the Aiken, that resembles the Isabella, but said to be earlier; the Arkansas and Hyde's Eliza, neither of which were considered of any special promise ; Oporto, a frost grape, that is apt to lose its foliage, is very acid and foxy; Marion, of a dark black color, with showy compact bunches, does not mildew, after frost of tolerable quality ; Lenoir, a small black grape that ripens early, but is acid, and not to be recommended ; Grant's Anna, a white grape that will not probably ripen here ; and Brandywine, a white grape of good size, handsome bunches, that, too, probably will not ripen in this vicinity. From Mr. Oliver Bennet there were specimens of the Fra- mingham Seedling, a new grape, raised by Mr. J. G. Morne- berg of Saxonville ; has a round berry, of good size, black color, with a fine bloom ; said to be a very strong grower, not subject to mildew, or to drop its fruit, and to be early. Mr. E. A. Brackett presented specimens of his new seedling, coming from the Union Village, equalling its parent in size and beauty ; as it has been described in previous Reports it is not felt necessary to repeat its description. As the land of Mr. Brackett is wet and springy, the wet season operated very unfavorably upon his vines, and seriously interfered with his success. Mr. Brackett exhibited, also, specimens of the lona, one of the most promising of the new varieties, a seedling raised by Dr. Grant, from the Catawba, and not yet dissemi- nated ; in bunch and berry it has some resemblance to the Catawba, is of fine quality, and said to be as early as the Delaware. 84 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. At the Pomological Convention held in Boston, in 1862, there were shown some specimens of the Adirondac, a new grape, an accidental seedling, originating near Lake Cham- plain, in Essex County, N. Y., and the President of the Soci- ety presented a few berries of it to some members of the Committee the present season. Those that tasted them con- sidered it a very fine grape ; it is of good size, sweet, of a dark-amber color, and reported to be very early. Coming from about the 44° of north latitude, it would seem suited to our climate ; if, when put into cultivation, such should prove to be the case, and that the fruit equals the specimens and proves to be as early as represented, it cannot fail to be con- sidered a great, if not the greatest acquisition. Allen's Hy- brid, raised for the first time, it is believed, in the open air, was exhibited perfectly ripe, on the 12th of September, by Messrs. Strong & Spooner. That it ripened perfectly in the open air, so early, was an event of some interest, because the only doubt that has existed with respect to the claims of this variety to be placed in the very first rank, if not at the head of the list of out-door grapes, has been in reference to its hardiness and fitness for out-door culture. Although further proof may be necessary to conclusively decide the question, yet the experience of the past year, as far as one year can, seems to solve this doubt. About the great excellence of the variety there has never been but one opinion ; it is certainly a most delicious grape in sweetness and richness, though of a different flavor, rivalling the Grizzly Frontignan. To go back to a period not mere remote than that of the formation of this Society ; at that time, the only out-door grapes of any value then possessed were the Isabella and Ca- tawba, both fine grapes, but both so late in arriving at matu- rity that it was rare, and only under favorable circumstances, that either, and especially the last, became perfectly ripe in this vicinity. With a greater knowledge of the subject, and a better system of pruning and cultivation, these varieties are now more frequently produced in a perfect state than formerly ; but at the time referred to it might properly be said, that, from being so late, the Isabella only rarely, and the Catawba never attained here to perfect ripeness. To MARCH. 85 these two was soon added the Diana, that, being of good quality and ripening earlier, was an acquisition, After a time, the subject attracting attention, endeavors were made at an improvement in this fruit by raising new varieties from seed, that, constantly prosecuted, have, it must be allowed, been attended with great success. One of the first evidences of the success to be afterwards attained, was the production of the Concord, and subsequently of the Hartford Prolific. Neither of these varieties was in quality any improvement on the Isabella, on the contrary they were decidedly inferior to that variety, but the first being of large size and much beauty, and the last named very early in ripening, they were welcomed, as tending to show that an improvement might be expected if the means to obtain it were resolutely pursued. At a some- what later period the Union Village was brought into notice by Mr. E. A. Brackett, and its introduction constituted another era in grape culture. To attempt to relate step by step all the stages of the advance that has been made in the endeavors at improvement of hardy grapes, would require more time and labor than can be given to it ; it is sufficient to say, that the endeavor has been so crowned with success, that instead of having, as was the case but a few years since, only such acid imperfectly ripened grapes that it was performing a penance, rather than procuring a satisfaction, to eat them, there is now the Dela- ware, Allen's Hybrid, the Iona, and Adirondac. Truly the improvement has been wonderful ; the advance from the Con- cord and Hartford Prolific, to the Delaware and Allen's Hybrid, to say nothing of the Iona and Adirondac, as yet but imperfectly known, is one that once would hardly have been hoped for, certainly not expected. Mr. W. C. Strong has long entertained and expressed the opinion, that hardy grapes for the supply of the market could be profitably cultivated, and has with his associate, Mr. Spooner, been attempting it on an extensive scale. Thus far, the experiment has been satisfactory. Mr. Strong has been kind enough to furnish the following account of his method of cultivation, that cannot be otherwise than highly appreci- ated, as giving the views and opinions of a gentleman of 86 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. much mental culture and great skill and experience in horti- culture. Mr. Strong says, "You will recollect that I have differed from the majority of the Fruit Committee in years past, in regard to the practicability of growing grapes for the market in our State. I am inclined to comply with your re- quest to state my method of training, since the request may be construed as a partial admission that my experiment is a success. At the outset I started in the belief that our winters are too severe for the vine. Not that the cane is often killed outright, but it is frequently and seriously injured, and almost invariably the vitality is so perceptibly affected by a full exposure to the cold, that protection must be regarded as an absolute rule, as a sine qua non for vineyard culture. Boards, mats, boughs, hay, leaves, and other such materials are used for winter covering. But these are more or less ex- pensive, they require considerable labor, and harbor mice that are very apt to spoil the vine. Above all, these materials are not a perfect protection. Trailing the vine upon the ground in a line with the rows, and covering with soil, is the simplest, cheapest, and most perfect protection. It is beauti- ful to see how supple and full of life the canes are after such a winter's sleep. They start with, and maintain a vigor that not only increases the size, but also materially hastens the time of ripening the fruit. "I allude to this subject of winter protection, in connection with the method of training, because I would make every method bend to the rule of bending the cane to the ground in the fall. The Thomery method may be admirable for sunny France, and has been admirably drawn out in a series of 'Thirty-nine Articles,' more or less, for America, but I very much doubt its practical value for New England, at least. As your limits require me to be brief, I cannot enter into particulars, but will only state what my experience teaches to be the best conditions. "The best position is a steep side hill, sloping south. For short-jointed varieties, that do not have large and luxuriant foliage, the Delaware, for example, training to a trellis, is probably the cheapest and best method. The rows may be six feet apart, and the vines the same distance in the row. MARCH 87 The posts for the trellis may be fifteen feet apart, and six feet in height above ground. Wire is cheaper, neater, and more durable than lattice. Five wires will be found quite sufficient for a trellis of this height. The first wire running eighteen inches from the ground. In the spring, when the ' vines are uncovered, about April 1st, instead of tying the canes perpendicularly to the trellis, let it slant obliquely at an angle of 45°. Two advantages result from this, the ten- dency of the sap to the top of the vine is considerably checked, and also the vine is in an easy position to be bent to the ground again in the fall. The trellis should run east and west, in order that the morning and evening sun may shine through the rows, and yet the foliage may shade the ground when the sun is in the meridian. This method for short- jointed varieties with rather thin foliage. But there is dan- ger that trellises of this height and distance, covered with the luxuriant foliage of some of our native varieties, will prevent a free circulation of air ; dampness, mould, mildew, black rot, and barrenness, are the natural consequences. The evil may be remedied to an extent by increasing the distance of the trellis. Yet I am inclined to think that for such long- jointed kinds as the Concord, a more free circulation may be obtained, and a greater check to upward growth be given, by training each vine spirally to posts from six to eight feet high. The advantages of this method are very considerable, but too apparent to require mentioning. Three objections stand against it. First — it is considerably more expensive to pro- cure and plant good sized durable posts for each vine ; yet if the plan is decidedly better, the objection is answered. Second — The want of support for the laterals and the fruit, is an evil. It can be obviated to a considerable extent by bending the laterals, and supporting the fruit when found necessary with a tie to the cane ; still this is never so simple and easy as on a trellis. " In regard to the third objection, that when the vines become old and stiff" it may prove difficult to uncoil and bend to the ground for covering, my experience will not allow me to speak positively. Of course, it will be a more difficult work than by the former method, and will require to be done 88 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. very carefully, and upon warm days when the wood is flexi- ble. With care I do not doubt it may be done until the cane becomes of such an age and stiffness as to require renewal for its own good. "Confining myself strictly to the subject given, 'my method of training the vine ' which does not include even summer pinching or fall pruning, I believe I have said all which I have to say. In return, let me ask you the question which I have so often asked you before. If our fences, fields, and woods of Massachusetts are so spontaneously supplied with luxuriant native vines, in such excess of most other kinds of wild fruit, why, in the name of reason, why may we not expect by cultivation to obtain extensive plantations pro- ducing an abundance of good table fruit? How few wild peach, or plum, or cherry, or even pear trees, do we find in comparison with the grape ? Yet, in contrast, how few culti- vated vines in comparison with pears ?" POMOLOGICAL GOSSIP. Nickerson Pear. — Sometime since, in a letter from Mr. S; L. Goodale, of Saco, Me., he mentioned a new pear, called the Nickerson, which he stated originated in that State, not unlike the Louise Bonne of Jersey, " and as good so far as yet produced there." In the Report of the Maine State Board of Agriculture, just prepared by Mr. Goodale, the Secretary, he briefly describes it as follows: — "Inform and general appearance it somewhat resembles the Louise Bonne of Jersey, and the specimens sent me were equal to that variety in quality. The original tree, though not old, and only about seven inches in diameter, bore three barrels in 1860, which sold at twelve and a half dollars per barrel. Young trees have vigorous growth and fine form. The evi- dence of sufficient hardiness and productiveness seems con- clusive." Since this appeared, a meeting of the Board of Agriculture has been held, for the discussion of various topics of fruit MARCH. 89 culture, and the originator of this variety, Mr. H. S. Nick- erson, who was present, gave the following account of it: — "The original tree came from seed planted by Ex-Governor Huntoon, when he resided in Rcadfield, and the tree was transplanted from thence to my place. It has had no care taken of it, and would have been cut down a dozen times before its value became known, had an axe been at hand. It has bore every year, but a larger quantity is produced every other year. The fruit was exhibited at the State Fairs in Portland and Augusta. The Committee at Augusta named it the 'Nickerson Seedling.' The original tree in 1860, only about seven inches in diameter, produced three barrels of pears, which sold for $12.50 per barrel. It is very hardy : several hundred grafts have been set, and not one has died. Does not keep a great while after it is in eating. It was ex- hibited at the Exhibition of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, six or seven years ago, and was called the Louise Bonne of Jersey, by them. A discussion concerning this pear was had in the Boston Journal, at that time, and its claim to originality established. The skin of the pear is hard ; will not bruise when quite ripe, and is never knotty. Should be taken off about two weeks before it is ripe." Mr. Foster, of Gardiner, "had found it to unite perfectly with the quince stock. Had grown it for four years on the quince, but not fruited it. Fruit has not' so bright a cheek as the Louise Bonne de Jersey, is about the same size, and is superior in flavor to that pear." We do not recollect the specimens which are said to have been exhibited before the Massachusetts Horticultural Society seven years ago, and we give the above account as we find it, that those who desire may try it and ascertain its merits. Underhill Seedling Grape. — This is the name of a new variety about to be introduced to cultivators, and described as follows : " This grape, now offered for the first time to the public, inherits to a greater extent all the essential qualities required in a good grape, than any native variety in the mar- ket. Its merits may be summed up as follows : — The vine is hardy enough for the rigor of a Canadian winter; it has an exceedingly robust habit of growth, and cuttings from it 90 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. strike with a facility equal to a currant. The berries and bunches are large, compactly formed, tenacious of the stalk, and properly distributed over the vine. The color is a deep lilac; skin thin; flesh very juicy, with an exceedingly sugary, rich vinous flavor,* rendered more piqvante by a just distinguishable muscat aroma; ripens three weeks earlier than the Isabella." Of its real merits we know nothing more than is here stated. The Concord Grape in Virginia. — Mr. 0. Taylor of Lou- don Co., Va., gives his experience of the Concord grape, in the Gardener's Monthly, as follows: — "As to the quality of the Concord here, it is not good on young vines, generally, but on older vines it improves so much, that the most of per- sons prefer it to the Catawba for the table ; and when in its perfectly ripe state, is very superior to what it is when just colored; so it is not surprising that persons living in different parts of the country should differ as to its merits. With us it gets thoroughly ripe, and if there is any rain about the time it is perfectly ripe, the berries crack open, and if not soon gathered the birds are apt to eat them." Seedling Pears. — In a late magazine we alluded to the large number of seedling pears which have recently been in- troduced to notice. We now quote from Mr. Cabot's Report to the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, the following ac- count of them by the Fruit Committee : — "Dr. Shurtleff exhibited pears, of which one was named President ; that was very large, obtuse, obovate, with a short stem, green color, with brown specks, its flesh, though a little coarse, was melting, juicy, of a sprightly flavor, and good ; another called Norfolk County, large pyramidal, yellow, flesh yellow, juicy, melting, sprightly, and good ; and a third named General Kearney, long, pyramidal, green, flesh white, melting, very juicy, but lacked flavor. Mr. A. J. Dean also exhibited a seedling pear, that was large, pyriform, with a long stem, yellow, flesh melting, juicy, sweet, and very good. Mr. Clapp, one marked No. 12, and another marked No. 15. No. 12 was a medium, oval or Bergamot-shaped pear, of a light- yellow color, sweet, musky, tender, but rather dry flesh. No. 15 was large, obtuse, obovate, with a large, long stem ; it was MARCH. 91 molting, juicy, sweet, a little musky, and not fine grained; and Mr. Richardson, Richardson's No. 1, and No. 2. No. 1 was pyriform, yellow, melting, juicy, subacid. No. 2 was large, pyriform, yellow, with a short, stout stem, sweet, not juicy. Mr. Francis Dana further proved his remarkable success in originating new varieties of pears from seed, by exhibiting two new seedlings, one named George Augustus, and one un- named. George Augustus was of good size, obovate form, with a long stout stem, rather rough, brown yellow skin, with some red, its flesh was fine, not very juicy, little subacid, and well flavored ; the other was obovate, of good size, yellow, with red in the sun, not very juicy, of a pleasant subacid flavor. Mr. Frederick Tudor, in November, exhibited a seedling pear, of a rounded obovate form, almost like an apple, with a 6hort stem set in a very deep cavity, that was melting, juicy, and nearly first-rate quality ; it was worthy of notice from its remarkable form, as well as for its good quality. Messrs. Walker & Co. also exhibited specimens of their new pear, Mount Vernon: they were quite large, larger than has been before noticed, they were of a peculiar spicy flavor. Some of th se pears made a favorable impression, but the Committee felt that the time had not arrived to form a definite opinion respecting them." Fruits and Fruit Culture in Western New York. — The Fruit Growers' Society of Western New York held its annual meeting at Rochester, on the 27th of January. There was the usual attendance of members, and some very good collections of fruit exhibited, among which were well- kept Diana, Isabella, and Catawba grapes, the first named in most admirable preservation, showing its fine-keeping quali- ties. The meeting was opened with an address from the President, S. H. Ainsworth of West Bloomfield. It was de- voted almost entirely to grapes and grape culture. The Society then proceeded to the discussion of the subjects be- fore it, some account of which will be found in our next number. Best Fourteen Varieties of the Pear. — After the discus- sion of the best 14 varieties of the pear, by the Western New 92 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. Belle Lucrative, . - 16 Beurre Giffard, . . 14 Beurre dJAnjou, . . 14 Rostiezcr, . . . . 12 Flemish Beauty, . . 12 Winter Nelis, . . . 12 Beurre Bosc, . . 11 York Fruit Growers, a vote was taken upon the question, and the result was as follows, 21 ballots being cast : — Bartlett, .... 21 Duchesse, .... 18 Louise Bonne of Jersey, 17 Sheldon, .... 17 Lawrence, .... 17 Doyenne d'Ete, . . 17 Seckel, 16 This list corresponds very nearly with the views of eastern cultivators, who consider the Bartlett, Louise Bonne, Sheldon, Lawrence, and Seckel as among the six best pears. We are surprised not to find the Urbaniste enumerated among a selection of fourteen sorts, or even mentioned in the discus- sion which preceded the vote, which we shall copy in our notice of the meeting. Beurre Giffard Pear. — When this pear, which we think has been much overrated, was under discussion in Rochester last month, Mr. C. Downing stated that it rotted easily unless taken at the very moment of maturity; "he had to watch them as a cat watches a mouse, to hit the right moment." This is a capital illustration of the character of this variety. For an amateur collection one tree is very desirable, but as a market fruit it is comparatively worthless. De Tongres or Durandeau Pear. — This variety was dis- cussed at the same meeting as the Beurre Giffard. All agreed that the tree was not vigorous; and Mr. C. Downing 6aid, in many localities it dropped its leaves too soon. Mr. W. B. Smith said, that it was too acid for him. The same objections are made to this new pear by our own cultivators. Last year it would not compare with the Swan's Orange, which has been considered by some as too acid ; the De Tongres is the most acid of the two. It has also failed in many collec- tions, the trees proving tender, though in some places splendid looking specimens have been produced. MARCH. 93 THE FRAMING HAM GRAPE. BY THE EDITOR. So closely does one new seedling grape follow upon another that attention is drawn to the latest, and those of an earlier date are often overlooked or neglected. Thus the Hartford Prolific and Delaware, introduced to notice 10 or 12 years ago, were so immediately followed by the Concord and Rebecca, that the attention of cultivators was diverted from the former and given more particularly to the latter; and their real merits, such as they possess, are just beginning to be well appreciated. Even the Diana, almost the first of the im- proved seedlings, is now, after 20 years, becoming a more popular variety, since judicious culture has brought out and established its excellence. So it is with every new fruit or flower ; there is a charm in novelty, and when this charm has worn off we go over and review the past, and often recover from neglect some of the most valuable varieties. How eager were our cultivators to plant a To Kalon, a Dracut Amber, a Lenoir, or some other new grape now worthless, when such fine sorts as Diana, Union Village, and Delaware were considered com- paratively old and inferior varieties. Just now we have a quantity of new and improved varie- ties, which are brought to the notice of cultivators as possess- ing superior qualities, and worthy of general introduction. These are the Adirondac, Iona, Israella,Winchester, Cuyahoga, Allen's Hybrid, Lydia, Rogers's Nos., &c, and more recently the Underbill Seedling, and the one we are now about to notice, the Framingham. Among this great number, the amateur who has but little space, finds it difficult to make a choice ; yet a choice must be made, and almost wholly upon the representation of those by whom they are introduced ; for, with few exceptions, they have only fruited with the* origi- nators. Upon those therefore who bring forward new grapes the mass of cultivators depend for a correct and reliable account of their merits; that the choice, whether it may fall upon one or another, will at least ensure them of a variety that will be worthy of cultivation. It has been our object to 9-1 THE MAGAZINE OP HORTICULTURE. supply this information, so necessary to such a result, and we are glad to be able to state that in few if any instances have those who have placed any confidence in our opinion been misled. We may name the Diana, Hartford Prolific, and Cjucord as popular kinds, which were first made known and described in our magazine, and are now among the most valuable grapes. Some eight or ten years ago, at an exhibition of fruits by the Middlesex Agricultural Society, at Concord, Mass., there was quite a show of grapes, that attracted much attention. The Concord was then exhibited for the first or second time, and had acquired so good a reputation even then in the place where it originated, that other grapes had less attraction. Among the kinds shown, however, was a seedling from Mr. Morneberg of Saxonville, Mass. ; but the specimens were so large, showy, and beautiful that it was the general belief they were nothing but Isabellas grown in some warm spot, where they ripened at that early day, about the middle of September. We particularly noticed them, and came to the same decision ourselves. We had seen so many instances of such errors, that we passed them over as another to be added to the list. The Concord was a new grape because it was unlike the Isa- bella in bunch, berry, and bloom. Hence all recognized the distinction, while in the other case there was no perceptible one but maturity. We lost sight of the grape after this. Two or three years ago we learned that Mr. 0. Bennett, an amateur cultivator of Framingham, was cultivating a new and superior grape, which originated in the adjoining town of Saxonville ; and, upon enquiry, we traced the variety to the very grape we saw at Concord, and the recollection of its appearance induced us to consult with Mr. Bennett in re- lation to it. He informed us the grape was a seedling raised by Mr. Morneberg of the latter place, which he had taken, to raise a stock in behalf of the originator ; this enquiry satis- fied us as to the identity of the grapes. Last year we pre- vailed upon Mr. Bennett to exhibit some of the specimens, believing it a variety of much merit, if its quality was equal to its appearance. This he did, at the Annual Exhibition of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, on the 20th of Sep- MARCH. 95 tombcr last. The specimens were over ripe, but in quality were pronounced excellent by all who tasted the berries. Upon further enquiry of Air. Bennett, we learn that the Praniingliam is a seedling of the Isabella, as its appearance would indicate, and which it so much resembles in size of bunch, berry, color, flavor, &c. ; its distinctive merit and great value being -its earliness, ripening from three to four weeks before the Isabella, or in the first and second week of Septem- ber. Last year it was the earliest grape in Mr. Bennett's collection, ripening a week before the Delaware, though both were growing side by side on the same trellis. The vine is a strong and vigorous grower, with a thick foliage, which defies the mildew, and for productiveness will rank with the Concord. So far as we are able to judge, from Mr. Bennett's speci- mens, we consider this variety a decided addition to our hardy grapes, and one which will supply the place of the Isabella with those who think so highly of that old but too uncertain grape in our New England climate. FORCING PRINCIPALLY BY SUN-HEAT. BY JAMES WEED, MUSCATINE, IOWA. In conversation with a gentleman from the east, on the subject of protecting trees, he remarked that his father, a citizen of Worcester, Mass., had repeatedly ripened peaches in the winter — cost him $10 apiece — beautiful, fine specimens to look it, but in quality not as good as an apple ; — ten thou- sand dollars for a greenhouse was an item. His father had concluded he could not grow peaches. To produce the choice fruits with certainty and cheaply, has always been regarded an object worthy of the best minds in horticulture, and engaged the highest genius and skill of practical gardeners. Geologists inform us that the earth is a molten mass of matter, pervaded by the most intense heat, except near the surface, which has, in time, become a hardened crust by the 96 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. natural process of cooling. The rate of increase of temper- ature descending from the surface, indicates that its solidity only extends a distance of a few miles interior ; and that the constant radiation of heat from the earth is mainly supplied by its internal fires. When our North Pole, in friendly attitude, inclines in sum- mer to recieve the sun's rays, they operate in conjunction with this original and never-failing source of bottom-heat, and so increase the temperature of the earth's surface and and its superincumbent atmosphere, that the whole vegetable world is forced into vital action, again to rest when it presents the " cold shoulder," and blows its icy breath over our cher- ished gardens and fields, until we measure frost in the soil, of formidable thickness. But the Ice King has his limits, and below the frost it is warm, then warmer, as we descend. Advantage has been sought to be obtained in forcing, by sinking pits below ground, and by placing lean-to bouses against bank walls, not so much to avail of subterranean heat, as to exclude frosts ; and the question arises whether this subterranean heat may not be appropriated to positive results, and applied economically to the purposes of winter forcing of fruits and vegetables. The following illustrations are designed to show the appli- cation of substantial and efficient shutters to forcing-pits, or other glazed structures : — The house may be supposed to be fourteen feet wide, eight high, with rafters eight feet long. The shutters, ten feet high and eight or ten inches thick, consist of the necessary joists and a double covering of half-inch boards, and should inclose in their construction a perfectly shut air-chamber, and close tightly over the glazed structure, as represented in the first cut (fig. 3). The house should extend east and west, and the north shutter, when opened to a perpendicular position, is fastened to substantial posts, and thus forms a back wall eleven feet high, the rocker rails one foot from the ground, which should be mulched with a suitable covering, one to two feet thick. The south shutter is, when open, also attached to posts, and turned over sufficiently to admit the full action of the sun's rays upon the house, as shown in the second cut (fig. 4). MARCH. 97 The base of the shutters below the centre of the circle is weighted with sand or other suitable material, until they are balanced on the centres, when they may be opened or closed with the greatest ease and facility. The ends are closed with similar shutters. 3. SECTION OF FORCING PIT WITH SHUTTERS CLOSED. The objects sought to be obtained by this mode are, so to enclose and protect the house that the temperature may be suffered to decline naturally during the night without endan- gering the plants, to economise fuel, simplify the manage- ment, and to lessen the cost of heating apparatus. If cisterns or subterranean air-chambers are used in con- nection with this kind of enclosure, they will increase the volume of air enclosed without otherwise increasing the dimensions of the house, and when the temperature of the 4. SECTION OF FORCING PIT WITH SHUTTERS OPKN. air in the house approaches 40° its density will exceed that of the air below, and will circulate and become warmed ly passing through the lower chamber, the temperature of which can hardly be reduced below 40°, thus affording secu- rity against frost. Writers on the subject of forcing all agree that the injuries resulting to plants from high night temperature, which is un- avoidable in severe climates, subject to extreme vicissitudes and sudden changes, are among the most serious and difficult to obviate. We are advised to "leave on a little air all vol. xxx. — NO. III. 8 98 THE MAGAZINE OP HORTICULTURE. night," with so many cautions and counter instructions, which, when put together, amount to just as little as possible in the very coldest weather, when the greatest fire-heat is re- quired, and consequently the most ventilation needed. To apply this house to the purpose of forcing the peach economically, put up the frame and shutters, and plant the trees in the border at the base of suitable trellises, and after training the first season, close the shutters over them until ■the next spring; continue the training and allow a few speci- mens of fruit ; in the fall enclose again for the winter, and the third summer a moderate crop may be realized. Thus we secure a perfect condition in the trees, and raise " peaches without glass." As soon as the trellises are filled, and the trees in condition for a full crop and for forcing, cover the frame with hot-bed sash, and when desirable to start the trees, open the shutters daily to the sun and close up securely at night. A common stove and pipe, or simple flues, will be necessary in cold, cloudy weather, and in extremely cold nights ; but there are many warm days in winter when the sun would afford all the heat wanted. The following directions from the Gardeners' Chronicle, for the management of peach trees in pots, indicate that the peach requires much less heat in forcing than the grape : — " The trees started in December should be commenced with a temperature of about 40° by night and 45° by day. After the first fortnight the temperature should rise to 45° by night and 50° by day, with an increase of about 10° with sun heat. At the end of another fortnight the temperature should rise to about 50° by night and 55° by day. The night temperature should not exceed this until after the fruit is set. This is the rock on which so many beginners suffer shipwreck. They forget that the peach must be flowered un- der a comparatively low degree of temperature ; they are frightened to give air, especially if the weather be cold and frosty ; they keep a close warm atmosphere, and "the results are, the petals all drop off without any fruit setting. Whilst peach trees are in blossom, air must be admitted abundantly by day, and a little also at night ; precautions must of course be taken in severe weather to place some material over the MARCH. 99 openings to break the cold draughts of air. So long as the temperature is kept above 35° the blossoms are safe, but only keep a close atmosphere and a high temperature and there is a certain end to the crop. This is a point which cannot be too much insisted on, as everything as regards the crop de- pends on it. By admitting plenty of air, and keeping a night temperature of about from 45° to 50°, if the wood was, pre- vious to forcing, well ripened, a much greater quantity of fruit will set than is ever needed to remain for a crop. When the fruit is all set, and about the size of large peas, the temperature should be raised to from about 55° to 60° by night and 65° by day, with an increase by sun-heat of 10°. Air should be freely admitted. The night temperature should not exceed 60° until the ' stoning' is over, for this is a very critical period in peach forcing. After this the temperature should be raised to 65° by night and 70° by day. Peach trees will stand a high temperature after this. When the fruit is approaching maturity, which, when the trees are started in December, and the foregoing treatment attended to, will be about the beginning of June, it should have all the exposure to light and air possible. Trees thus treated will be in the best possible condition for forcing the next sea- son. The above mode of treatment will apply to the trees started at any subsequent period ; and to have a succession of fruit, a fresh batch should be started every three or four If trees are started the last of January instead of Decem- ber in this climate, the average temperature from sun-heat will increase after the first month, in something like the pro- portion required. When, under the system of pot-culture in orchard houses, in this country, it is recommended to remove the trees to the open grounds, we remove the sash from the house, and use the shutters if occasion requires. The advantages of planting directly in the border, are aimed to be contrasted with pot-culture, in the following quotation from the above authority in 1862. : — " Glass Houses for Fruits. — I am sure that all gardeners must bear testimony to the great stimulus which ' T. R/ 100 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. has given this particular branch of horticulture, and to the indomitable perseverance with which he has continued to fight for a number of years for his ' Orchard-houses,' and for his peaches and nectarines ' in pots.' 'A look into their roots,' he says, ' is like a look into the book of Nature, most valuable to a reflective mind.' I accept the cultivation of fruit trees in pots exactly in this sense. But as a matter of £. s. d. and of supply, I must leave my potted pets to keep company with my geraniums and orange trees, where as objects of beauty they shall have my attention still. That fruits of all kinds can be grown in pots there can be no doubt ; but where a constant and substantial supply is required for table or for market, of the finest quality and in the greatest quan- tity, then there is no question that you must decidedly plant out. If my opinion is worth anything I recommend glass houses of the lightest possible construction, and trees planted out for supply. In this way there will be no disappointment, and if you wish to grow in pots let it be understood that it is for the pleasure which such a fancy conveys, not for profit." THE YOKOHAMA SQUASH. visited Japan two years ago on a botanical tour, and since his arrival there he has sent home a variety of seeds to his broth- er; among them were seeds of a squash. These were planted by Mr. James Hogg, and very carefully cultivated away from all other varieties. The vines made a strong and vigorous growth, running rapidly, and rooting at the joints. They blossomed abundantly, and ripened a large crop of squathos, which proved to be entirely unlike anything we possessed, and so strongly marked as to leave no doubt of its being a new variety. Its appearance is represented in the annexed engraving (fig. 5) and Mr. Hogg sums up its general charac- teristics as follows : — Size, medium, about eight inches in diameter, and four inches deep, weighing from six to eight pounds ; Stem, very M.VUCH. 101 long, woody, and angled like that of the pumpkin ; Surface, strongly ribbed ; Skin, warty, and of a dark green color, THE YOKOHAMA SQ.UASH. which often turns more or less to a dull orange ; Cavity for the seeds, small, and placed near the blossom end (fig. 6) ; Seeds, very small, about the size of the Summer Crookneck squash ; Flesh, very fine grained, sweet, sufficiently dry, and well flavored. Keeps well. 6. THE INSIDE OF THE YOKOHAMA SQUASH. Such is the general description of this new variety. Those who have tried it pronounce it of superior quality. Its fine growth, early maturity and productiveness, give it a claim to our attention, and it seems likely to become a favorite and profitable variety. Mr. Jas. Hogg states that the Yokohama keeps until Feb- ruary, and he has little doubt it will keep till March. It be- comes quite dry by keeping, nearly as much so as the Hub- 102 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. bard. It is excellent for cooking when not larger than an ordinary Bush squash, thus affording a continual supply from July to March. Mr. Hogg calls it the Yokohama, the place where his brother resides, and from whence he forwarded the seeds. ROSES. FROM THE GARDENERS' CHRONICLE. We present our readers with another excellent communi- cation by the eminent rose grower, the Rev. Mr. Radclyffe, upon the cultivation of this beautiful flower. He is not only a practical rosarian, and an enthusiastic lover of the flower, but a thorough and successful cultivator, and frequent and successful exhibitor, carrying off many of the highest prizes. His experience is extensive 'and his judgment reliable, and those who follow his good advice cannot fail of success, bearing always in mind the difference of climate, by which we are prevented from planting some of the kinds he names, in the open ground, except in summer, as our winters are too severe for many of the Bourbons, Noisettes, and Teas. — Ed. The rose cause in England is as yet but in its infancy ; still it spreads. The furor is national. The Rev. S. R. Hole, to whom we owe so much for bringing the rose more promi- nently before the public, has lighted a candle that I believe will never be extinguished. I propose now to answer a few questions that are sometimes put to me. 1. " Would you advise me to have roses on their own roots ?" I can hardly answer such a question as this without knowing other circumstances. I would advise no one to depend en- tirely upon roses on their own roots. To succeed well they require great care, till the roots are firm and strong. Rose- wood roots, when matured, are very hardy. Tea roses for out-of-door purposes, when nursed for a year or two, do well on their own roots. Elise Sauvage, Devoniensis, Silene, MARCH. 103 Souvenir d'un Ami, Gloire de Dijon, are quite hardy on their own roots. As regards other autumnals, except Mal- maison — the finest and best of all light-eolored autumnals — I do- not think that roses on their own roots bloom so abun- dantly, so continuously, or so late, as on alien stocks. There is, however, this advantage in having roses on their own roots, viz., that if the wood of a previous year is bad, or if it is killed by the winter, you may cut it down to the stump ; and if it is injured there, it will still break from the roots. ' My advice is, have some roses on their own roots, and also other stocks. Here, no stock is so early, so bloom-producing, so continuous in producing blooms, or so late a producer, as the Manetti stock. As an old Harrow cricketer I call it the "tip and run" stock. The following autumnals here are (besides being on other stock) on their own roots, and do well: — Malmaison, Gloire de Vitry, Jules Margottin, Geant des Batailles, General Jacqueminot, M. Laffay, Caroline de Sansal, Pauline Lansezeur, Cardinal Patrizzi, Proserpine, Paul Joseph, La Reine, Madame Campbell, Auguste Mie, and Baronne Prevost. The five Teas and those are all that I have on their own roots. 2. " What roses won't die, or at any rate will die least?" This has been partly answered. Confirmed rose roots will last longest ; but, if these questions relate to families, then I answer that the summer roses are the hardiest of all roses. About seven years ago I procured some of Mr. Cranston, on two-feet briars. They are nearly all alive, and they are better trees than when they came here. Half of them are in my home garden, and were removed this time last year; the other half (the same kinds) are in my N. E. garden, and have just been removed for the first time (Nov. 25). I was surprised at their splendid roots — so much better do briars root with summer roses on them than with autumnals ; more- over their heads are splendid, and their wood is uninjured by summer demolitions, from which other kinds have suffered more or less. They do equally well on Manetti. From their freedom of growth, and sucking so freely at their heads, the stocks and roots are kept more healthy. Roses, however, as I have said before, will, on their own roots, and on all 104 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. stocks, occasionally die. The most scientific gardener him- self has not an immunity from decay and death. How un- reasonable then is it to expect that roses should never decay and die ! Even if they were budded on " Lignum vitae," they would be subject to death and to " Time's tyrannic sway." The great wonder to me is, considering what the weather has been for the last four years, that roses, on own roots and on all stocks, have not been exterminated. The demolition in England and in France this summer has been very great. I watered all mine four times copiously during the torrid weather before the rain came, and I saved all but a very few. They gave an excellent bloom, and they are in excellent con- dition for next year. Owing to the mischief done to the foliage there is, however, amongst them more dead wood (this year's wood) than I ever saw before. Still there is plenty of matured wood, old and young. 1 would here ask those who have lost many roses this sum- mer, two questions — first, Did you after the continuous rains of winter fork the ground deeply in the spring with Parkes's fork to make the ground healthy ? Secondly, after the torrid weather set in, -did you water the roses copiously ? If you did not do these two things, they are the main reasons why you have lost your roses, and why I have saved mine. I dare say you divided the blame beWeen Providence and the nurs- erymen ! I hope nurserymen do not listen. 3. " Is it best to move roses ?" This depends on circumstances. My rule is to let well alone. If a rose looks ill, or continues to do badly, I remove it. Roses may be removed annually, or biennially, into fresh ground, if it is done carefully. All depends on the modus operandi. The remover should dig all round the plant in a 10-inch radius, and cut off all the roots before he lifts with the spade under the plants. I have seen some dig the spade down under the plant and force it up. Of course some of the best roots are broken off close to the stock. By the above plan I have just moved 200 briar roses without the least damage to the roots. After the plant is up, cut out all brood suckers, and shorten the roots to a 6 or 8-inch radius, MARCH. 105 preserving the fringy roots as much as you can. If it is not desired to remove the plant, to stop blind wood, the roots may be pruned with good effect. Trees given to blind wood should be thinned out, but allowed to carry a liberal quantity of wood. 4. -" My roses are covered with sedge; what would you do?" Many of mine are much in the same state. I have ordered two bushels of quicklime, which I shall slake and mix with soot; and, having made it into a wash, I shall apply it with a brush. This compost is excellent fur apple trees. Add a little salt, and it is good for American blight. This moss or sedge is owing to excessive moisture, and also to injury done to the foliage ; and, as it grows into the rind of the tree it impedes its healthy functions. It is equivalent to scurf in the skin. Clean rind and clean foliage are essential to the health of the stock, and of the rose on it. A hardy rose often dies because the stock, or its roots die. 5. " What are the best tallies ?" I use none myself. They are apt to be lost, or the name becomes defaced. I plant my roses chiefly in straight lines, and always write their names in a book. The chief object of tallies is to enable the rosarian to know how to prune them, as the habits of roses, even in the same family, are often dis- similar, some requiring merely thinning out and a more lib- eral quantity of wood than others. 6. " What is the best time to prune ?" Taking the average of seven years as regards summer roses and autumnals (excepting Teas and Chinas, which should be pruned later), the 15th of March would be the best time. The two exceptions require but little pruning. On these and many other points, the excellent books of Mr. Rivers, Mr. W. Paul, and Mr. Cranston, give sound ad- vice— indeed, one or other, or all, should be in the library of all rosarians. I believe that I have now answered, as well as I can, ques- tions frequently proposed to me. The questions may seem trifling, but they are by no means immaterial. 106 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. FLORICULTUR AL NOTICES. New Plants of 1863. — Although we have from time to time noticed most of the new plants of last year, we pre- sent the following from the Gardeners' Chronicle, as giving a brief summary of the principal introductions of especial in- terest to cultivators : — To begin with the hardy series, we may observe that amongst shrubby plants there have been 6ome grand additions made to those of climbing habit, in the Japanese Clematis Fortu- neii,with large double sweet scented white flowers; C. florida Standishii, from the same country, with large single purple flowers; and C. Jackmanii, an English hybrid, with flowers of the richest velvety violet purple — all of them decidedly front-rank plants. Deutzia crenata flore pleno, whose flowers are double and tinged with rose, and Weigelia rosea alba, with pure white flowers, both Japanese, are useful and orna- mental dwarf shrubs, whose peculiarities are expressed in their names ; they will doubtless make good forcing plants. There has further been made known a very handsome varie- gated evergreen called Taxus hibernica fastigiata, which has golden yellow leaves with green midribs, and is one of the most ornamental of the upright yews. Of hardy herbaceous perennials, the past year has made us acquainted with the following as garden plants: Lychnis senno, which has red-stained leaves and stems, and very large deep crimson flowers; Tricyrtis hirta, with elegant ovate am- plexical leaves, from whose axils emerge the singular white purple spotted handsome flowers; Primula cortusoidesamcena, which has flowers of the richest crimson, twice as large as in the common form ; Sednm Sieboldii medio variegatus, which adds to the well known beauty of its prototype the additional feature of ornament presented by its centrally-blotched foli- age— all these being Japanese. Silene Elizabeth*, an Italian species, forms a beautiful dwarf tuft, with large rich magenta- colored flowers. To these must be added the Chilian Ourisia Pearcii, a Linariad, with broad crenated leaves, and beautiful Pentstemon-like crimson flowers, which quite eclipses the Ourisia coccinea introduced last year ; and Anemone japonica MARCH. 107 Honorino Jobcrt, a dwarf-habited free-flowering autumnal plant, with large white blossoms. Annuals have not yielded much novelty, at least in the shape of distinct species ; but one, Helipterum Sandfordii, a golden Everlasting, seems to possess an ornamental character, and is likely to become popular. Passing to plants of half-hardy character, we may especially mention Lycioplesium pubiflorum, a shrubby Chilian Solanad, with rather pretty reddish-purple flowers, having somewhat the aspect of those of Lycium, but with ventricose flower- tubes, and probably hardy as a wall plant ; and Valdivia Gayana, a pretty saxifragaceous perennial, quite different in aspect from anything in cultivation, and producing abundant rose-colored flowers. This last will perhaps be found a useful half-hardy subject for greenhouse decoration in spring. Amongst greenhouse plants perhaps the most distinct and ornamental amongst those of herbaceous habit, is the Peru- vian Bomarea multiflora, a climbing species, with drooping umbels of orange-red and yellow flowers. Erica exquisita decidedly takes the first place amongst shrubby plants, being probably one of the finest heaths ever raised, a seedling, it is said, between obbata and some form of tricolor, and remark- able for its thick-tubed salmony-red flowers, with dark con- stricted throat and blush-white limb. Other plants deserving of prominent mention, are the very curious bipinnate Marattia- like Cycad, named Bowenia spectabilis ; a very free-flowering variety of Browallia Jamesoni, called multiflora, with change- able orange yellow, and deep orange-colored flowers ; Eran- themum tuberculatum, a dwarf neat-leaved New Caledonian bush, bearing a profusion of white flowers; a rhododendron, called Prince of Wales, raised between javanicum and retu- sum, and associating narrow-tubed orange-red blossoms with broadish elliptic foliage ; a blue and white statice called Frostii, bred between Holfordii and imbricata, and of orna- mental character ; and a' Japanese Saxifraga, having the leaves handsomely variegated with white and pink, and called in gardens, pending its flowering, S. japonica tricolor. Stove plants have been extensively recruited, but we con- fine our present observations to Meyenia Vogcliana and Stau- 108 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. rantliera grandifolia, amongst the ornamental-flowered series; the first being an erect-habited shrubby Acanthad, with large purple flowers, orange in the throat; and the second a lovely herbaceous Cyrtandrad, witli panicles of short wide-tubed lilac flowers, stained with deep orange at the base. Of the handsome-leaved scries, Miconia pulverulenta, though not equal to either Sphaerogync latifolia or Cyanophyllum mag- nifieum, has a beauty of its own, its broad rugose silvery- ribbed leaves being very effective as borne on young fresh- grown plants. Pandanus elegantissimus again, is a plant aways presenting a graceful aspect, and it does not appear as if it would attain the cumbrous size of some other species of the Screw Pine family. Lastly, we may mention Gymno- stachyum Verschaffeltii, a low-growing perennial, with the habit of Eranthemum leuconeurum,and cultivated in English gardens under the name of Eranthemum rubronervium, which is remarkable for the elegant pinkish-red veining of its broad flat oval leaves. Amongst the novelties of what are commonly called Florists' Flowers — a term which has not now the definite limits it had in bygone times — there have been some acquisitions, a few of which may be briefly mentioned. Of Indian azaleas, the most novel have been Louise von Baden, a bold-flowered and re- markably pure, smooth-looking white; and Beauty of Dorking, also a white and very smooth, but stained with green and flecked with carmine. Of Camellias we have had Filipo Parla- tore, a smooth blush-white with rosy-carmine stripes; Jubilee rosea, a flat but showy imbricated sport of Jubilee, with rosy- pink flowers; Napoleon III., a cupped flower of veined pink, paler at the edge ; and Carlotta Papudoff, a white- blotched carmine-rose — all desirable flowers. Among bedding Calceolarias, Bijou, a rich velvety brown-red, proves to be an acquisition. Chrysanthemums have received meritorious ac- cessions in such flowers as Princess of Wales, ivory-white with delicate peach-colored margin ; Prince Alfred, rosy-purple ; Lady Slade, pale rosy-lilac ; General Bainbrigge, amber-col- ored ; Venus, pearly-lilac — all large-flowered incurved sorts ; Mrs. Edward Miles, clear pale-yellow ; and Lord Clyde, deep crimson, both of the ranunculus form, and of medium size ; MARCH. 109 and Lizzie Holmes, a very perfect yellow Pompon, with reddish-tinted margin. Cinerarias have nearly run their length as named flowers ; the only ones, out of many shown, which may claim a record here were John Spencer, a deep crimson, and Snowflake, a pure white, with blue disk, both selfs, and likely to be useful for decoration. Dahlias were largely shown, but they want novelty. In this view perhaps Enchantress stood as high as any, having good properties, and being of a pale apricot tipped with rosy carmine ; a very showy flower, deeper in color, but not equal to this in quality, was Brunette. Anna Keynes, a blush white tipped with lilac ; .White Perfection, a pure ivory white ; Fairy Queen, a creamy-blush flushed with rose ; Willie Austen and Nonsuch, both amber colored ; [and Magpie, rosy pur- ple tipped with white, were also amongst the most noticeable ; and Erebus is deserving of mention on account of its intensely dark maroon color. The carmine-crimson Dianthus multiflo- rus hybridus, one of the best of bedding plants, and nearly always in flower, has been recruited by varieties of exactly similar habit — striatiflorus, with pale pink flowers flecked with crimson ; and Marie Pare with the flowers pure white. Gladioli have not shown any remarkable progress this season, but Charles Davis and Mrs. Dix, the first a light rosy scarlet, and the latter white with purple stripe, may be mentioned as pleasing novelties. Among hollyhocks one named R. B Ullet, a large crimson, occupies a front rank ; so also does Neatness, deep crimson; The Queen, blush-white with darker base; Mrs. M. Binning, dark rose ; Alexander Shearer, rich deep red ; and Acme, peach color. Pansies, of which a good many have been raised, we pass over, with the remark, that among the fancy sorts Her Majesty, Prince of Wales, Princess of Wales, King of Italy, Hibernia, and Thomas Moore, are amongst the most novel and desirable. Pelargoniums have not taken the position they did in 1862, but nevertheless some good things have been added. Diadem stands highest in our estimation, a rosy purple with dark top petals, and of exquisite form ; Artist, a variety similar in character, but more rosy and less purple ; as well as Achilles, a crimson clouded with maroon, are both fine flowers; while 110 THE MAGAZINE OP HORTICULTURE. Prince of Wales and Princess of Wales, both high-colored crimsons with maroon markings, differing a little in the dis- position of the colors ; and Maid of Honor, with a pale pur- plish-lilac tone, come among the desirable flowers of the year- Many varieties of the Scarlet pelargonium class have been produced, but from the very profusion of sorts one becomes rather fastidious in the selection of novelties. Adonis, how- ever, a scarlet with white eye, is good ; Dr. Lindley is one of the finest of all for form, a light red-scarlet ; Beauty, a white with salmon eye, is well described by its name, both form and marking being beautiful ; Princess of Wales is a good salmon- colored sort, deeper in the centre, and a very free bloomer : Lord of the Isles is a fine bold rosy-scarlet ; Roi d'ltalie is a dwarfish dark-zoned, finely-formed, salmon-tinted scarlet ; and Waltham Pet, for its small foliage, dwarf habit, and finely-formed orange-scarlet white-eyed flowers, deserves to be a favorite. The variegated Mrs. Benyon is a free dwarf vigorous novelty, in the style of Mrs. Pollock as to its foliage, but flowering very abundantly, the flowers scarlet. Stella variegated, a sport from the well-known and deservedly prized nosegay of that name, is an acquisition, having the same character as the original in all but the foliage, which has a creamy margin. Of single-flowered petunias, Royalty and Duchess of Northumberland, both magenta and white-striped sorts, are to be recommended for their fine form. Amongst picotees, Lucy, a light-edged rose, and Exhibition, a heavy- edged red, are useful ; and pinks have been recruited by a very fine one named in memory of a true florist, the late Rev. G. Jeans. The new race of Pyrethrums continues to be recruited by novelties gradually advancing towards perfection in form. Some of the best of these are Princess Alexandra, white ; Lysias, crimson ; Roseum album, rose with white centres ; Fair Rosamond, pale peach ; and Delicatum, lilac. Of roses, so much has been said, that we content ourselves with the remark, that Mrs. William Paul has proved one of the best ; and that Lord Herbert and Lord Clyde, botli English seedlings, have taken a high position. To out-door tropgeo- lums has been added King of Tom Thumbs, a variety raised from Brilliant, which it resembles in its dark foliage and scar- MARCH. Ill let flowers, both rather diminished, hut in its habit is quite different, being close and tufted. Very little advance has been made in verbenas ; Mauve Queen has mauve-colored flowers of fair quality ; Comte Bernard Lechi has white flowers striped with purple ; and Othello is a good mulberry- purple bedder. A large single yellow wallflower called Yel- low Perfection, very sweet and fine, has been obtained by careful seeding and selection through several generations. With this fragrant flower we close our brief sketch of some of the more important and desirable of the novelties of 1863. 729. BOWENIA SPECTABILIS Hook. AUSTRALIAN BOWENIA. (Cycadea).) Australia. A cycadeous plant; growine three feet Meh. Bot. Mag., 1863, pi. 5398. A remarkable plant, differing from all other cycads in the nature of its leaves, which have some analogy to that of the ferns. It was discovered by A. Cunningham, forty years ago, but nothing was known of it till introduced into the Royal Gardens at Kew in 1863. {Bot. Mag., Sept.) 730. Silene Elizabeths Walp. Elizabethan Catch-fly. (Carophylleae.) Italy. A half hardy perennial; growing six inches high; with very purple flowers; appearing in sum- mer; increased by seeds and cuttings; grown in good rich soil. Hot. Mug., 18J3, pi. jlUO. A very handsome and rare hardy (?) perennial, received from the Botanic Garden of Hamburg. It is a native of Italy. It forms a dwarf tufted plant, about six inches high, and throws up stems with terminal panicles of numerous large flowers, of a bright rose color, which have a charming effect. At Kew it blossomed in the open border in July. (Bot. Mag., Sept.) 731. Homoianthus viscosus De Cand. Viscid Homoian- thus. (Composite.) Chili. A greenhouse plant ; growing a foot hi?h ; with blue flowers; appearing in summer; increased by cuttings and seeds. Bot. Mag., 1863, pi. 5101. From its size and habit (not unlike that of our favorite species of Tagetes) and the color of the flowers, it is quite likely to become a good bedding-out plant for* summer flower borders. In June the flowers begin to appear in perfection. Coming from Chili it will undoubtedly succeed with the same treat- 112 THE MAGAZINE OP HORTICULTURE. ment as the salvia, and, as the flowers are large and bright blue, it will prove a desirable acquisition. (Bot. Mag., Sept.) 732. Sphj^ralcea acerifolia Torrey and Gray. Maple- leaved Sph^eralcea. (Malvaceae.) Northwest America. A hard; or half hardy plant; growing two feet Irish; with pale rose or ph:k flowers; appearing in June ; increased by seeds. Bol. Muz., 18,3, pi. 54u4. A fine malvaceous plant discovered by Nuttall on the banks of the Walla Wallah, and since found in British Columbia, and seeds sent to Kew which grew, and the plants flowered in the Royal Gardens in June, 1863. The plant has a maple- like foliage and erect spikes of moderately large flowers, rather thickly set, like the hollyhock, of a clear deep rose color. As it comes from so far north it may probably prove hardy. (Bot. Mag-., Oct.) 733. Eranthemum tuberculatum Hook f I. Tuberculated Eranthemum. (Acanthaccae.) A greenhouse shrub; crowing two feet high; with white flowers: appealing in summer; ii.- cr ased by seeds and cuttings. Hot. Mag., IfeiiS, pi. 5^0*. A very handsome and free flowering shrub, of upright and bushy growth, all the smaller shoots covered with pure white flowers which almost cover the foliage from their number. The flowers have a long and slender tube but are an inch or more across on the limb. As it flowers freely in summer, we have no doubt it will form a beautiful addition to o,ur collec- tions, requiring simply protection in winter. (Bot. Mag., Oct.) 734. Hibiscus Huegelii, var. quinquevulnera. Baron Huegel's Hibiscus, quinquevulnerous var. (Malvaceae.) Australia. A greet. house plant; growing two feet hi;h ; with deep rose colored flowers : appc; rirg in sum- mer; inrreased by cuttings; grown in good rich toil. Hot. Mag., 18j3, pi. 54Uti. A beautiful hibiscus from Australia, which Dr. Hooker considers only a variety of II. Huegelii, or H. Wrayaa. It has a neat and pretty divided foliage, and the flowers, which are of a deep rose, have a. rich dark maroon purple spot at the base of each petal. It a handsome and desirable variety. (Bot. Mag., Oct.) MARCH. US 735. Helenium atropurpureum var. grandicephalum. Large centred Helenium. (Asteracea).) Texas. A half hardy perennial; with orange and purplish flowers; appearing in summer; increased by ■eedi and division of (he root. 111. Hurt., 16U3, pi. 375. A showy and handsome variety of the H. atropurpureum, raised from seeds hy M. Portula, and introduced by M. Ver- schaffelt of Gand. It is quite hardy in Belgium, but will probably require the protection of a frame in our climate. Its large showy flowers are produced in clusters on terminal shoots. (111. Hort., Sept.) 736. Camellia Duchesse de Nassau. Garden Hybrid. Illustration Horticole, 1S63, pi. 376. A very handsome variety obtained by M. Verschaffelt and dedicated to the Duchesse of Nassau. It belongs to the class now called Perfections by the Belgians. The flowers are large and well formed, imbricated to the centre, with large outer petals of a delicate very pale rose, and the inner petal? more numerous, and those in the centre slightly shaded with white. The habit is good, the foliage ample, and the flowers free and abundant. (III. Hort., Sept.) 737. Brahea dulcis Knuth. Sweet-fruited Brahea. (Phoeniciaceae.) Mazatlan. Illustration Horticole, 18J3, pi. 379. This is a new and fine palm, from the mountains of Mazat- lan, found at an elevation of 3000 to 4000 feet. It is conse- quently well adapted to the ordinary greenhouse, or for gar- den decoration in summer, attaining the height of five or six feet, with a beautiful deeply-cut foliage. As most of the palms require a high temperature in winter, this will be an acceptable addition to our collections. (111. Hort., Oct.) 738. p.eonia moutan. new varieties. 1. Mad. Stuart Low. 2. President Lambinon. Illustration Horticole, 18i3, pi. 377. These are two new and splendid tree paeonies, originated by M. Jacob Makoy & Co. of Liege, who have given great at- tention to the improvement of this noble flower. Madame Stuart Low is a bright cherry color, shading off to nearly vol. xxx. — NO. III. 9 114 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. white at the border, with irregular petals, which are lobed and cut at the ends. President Lambinon is of a beautiful crimson lilac, marked with white at the borders, with regular petals, with entire and undulated edges. The color is dis- tinct and unique, and it is a most beautiful variety. The flowers of both are of the largest size, about ten inches in di- ameter. (111. Hort., Oct.) 789. Hechtia Ghiesbreghtii Nob. Ghiesbreght's Hechtia. (Dasyliriacese.) Mexico. A greenhouse plant ; growing two feet high; with crimson and green leaves. 111. Hort , 1863, pi. A distinct and splendid plant belonging to the Agave tribe, with broad toothed fleshy leaves, silvery beneath, and brown- ish purple and green above. A more novel and striking plant has not been recently introduced. It was found in Mexico, by M. Ghiesbreght, and two living plants sent to M. Verschaffelt in 1862. It is as easily cultivated as the com- mon Agave americana, and for decorating the greenhouse in winter, or the lawn or flower garden in summer, is a magnifi- cent acquisition. (111. Hort., Oct.) nurd SUtiees. Rhododendron Soils. — Some cultivators inquire for the best soil for rhododendrons, and the following answers, by several cultivafors, are given : they show conclusively, as we have already stated, that peaty soils are not absolutely necessary. For the benefit of E. S., permit me to state, from practical experience in an extensive tract of forest land, that I find wherever rhododendrons are planted in virgin soil, whether it be clay or loam, black or brown, they invariably luxuriate. To me it seems evident that rhododendrons do not so much require a peat soil, as abounding in vegetable mould, properly so called. If E. S. has not such a soil, he should add to his ordinary garden loam, before planting, as much leaf or other vegetable mould as he can get. After that, I should not hesitate to plant rhododendrons, knowing as I do that time would soon prove that they will not only grow but luxuriate under such circumstances. There can be no question that the rhododen- dron grows best in peat, but it does also remarkably well in loam. I could point to thousands of magnificent plants growing in peat loam, and in some MARCH. 115 instances almost on bare rocks. Where the ground is naturally poor, I would recommend the addition of manure and leaf mould, which will very much assist the plants in their growth. I may add, however, that this neighborhood, and South Wales in general, owing to its moist atmosphere, is well suited to the growth of this beautiful tribe of shrubs ; and I may refer hereafter to some of the more extraordinary specimens to be found at Penllagare, the seat of J. D. Llewellyn, Esq., P. H. R. S., and elsewhere in this neighborhood. W. Barron. — I can affirm that peat soil is not indispensable for these shrubs. I know more than one place in Sienex and Wilts, where they grow luxuriantly, coining up by hundreds of seedlings, in the woods, many miles from any peat. Any light loam with a little sand and leaf mould will grow them well. But there are other circumstances necessary to have rhododendrons in any tolerable perfection, viz. : 1. A loose sandy soil, rather damp, and not too dry in summer. 2. It is abso- lutely impossible to grow them on a chalk or limestone subsoil, even in an artificially-made bed ; as soon as the roots penetrate down to the chalk the plants turn yellow and their health is ruined. It is surprising how small an amount of lime will kill them. Even water from a well on the chalk is injurious. 3. Sea breezes are destructive to them ; it is useless to try them in a maritime district — I suspect Bristol too near the salt water. Messrs. Maule's nurseries are no doubt well sheltered from the sea air. Why not grow the arbutus in such places instead ? Azaleas and rhododen- drons grow well here on loam on a clayey subsoil. As a proof of the way they grow I have measured some rhododendrons this morning, and found them to be 40 feet and upwards in circumference, quite pictures of robust health. If E. S. or his gardener will pay us a visit in June when they are in flower, I will feel a pleasure in showing how well our rhododendrons grow in loam. — (Card. Chron.) Orchard House. — I have been much interested in the discussions which have from time to time appeared in your publication, respecting orchard houses, but I have not seen that any one has compared the quality of fruit which has been obtained from trees in pots, with that obtained in a similar sized house from trees planted in beds in the ordinary manner. I have endeavored with a small portion of a south wall, during the past eleven or twelve years, to grow fruit without protection ; you may judge how I have succeeded when I tell you that my three trees have not during the whole time produced 12 dozen fruit. The trees are in good condition, bloom in abundance every year, but the spring frosts have invariably killed nearly all the fruit. In the spring of 1861, 1 erected a small orchard house, about 30 feet long by 10 wide, in which I placed 24 trees in pots; these in that year produced about five dozen good fruit. In 1862 the trees were repotted into 13-inch pots, the former being only 10 inches ; in consequence of late potting I only obtained about seven dozen fine fruit in that year. The fruit produced in 1863 was as follows, viz.: 5 dozen pears, 12 dozen peaches, 1 1 dozen nectarines, 1 dozen 2 apricots, 9 dozen 7 plums ; cherries on two trees an abundant crop. The fruit has all been fine, and of the best flavor.— [Gard. Chron.) 116 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. Raised Beds for Verbenas, &c. — Amongst the flower beds, those which most attracted attention were raised by rustic larch stakes driven into the ground, so as to leave about 15 inches above the surface, the inside being filled with prepared compost, and planted with a mixture of fuchsias, humeas, geraniums, verbenas, heliotropes, &c, many of which, such as fancy geraniums, were in bloom when planted out, the whole being so arranged as to give, if I may so say, a regular irregularity or good bouquet-like aspect. — ( Gard. Chron.) Culture or the Hyacikth in Moss and Sand. — Of the very many interesting ways of growing the hyacinth, the following is exceedingly (•legant and worthy of special attention : — Fill with silver sand a China bowl, glass dish, vase, or anything of an ornamental character, capable of containing moisture, bring the sand to a point in the centre, and place three or more hyacinths at equal distances, filling up the space between them with crocuses, snow drops, tulips, or jonquils, or a mixture of all. Cover the whole with sand, or push them into it, as may be most convenient, allowing the top of the bulb alone to be seen ; then immerse the vessel in a bucket of water for ten minutes, to settle the sand, and fix the bulbs in their position ; put them in a dark cool place for three weeks, afterwards keep them on a table near to the window, where 'they can have plenty of light and air; at no period should the sand be allowed to get dry, which will be prevented by the vessel, once a week at least, being immersed in water five minutes, in the rmnner previously directed. Hyacinths, &c, when grown in suspended wire baskets, planted in moss, and treated as recommended for those grown in sand, are strikingly ornamental. — (Ibid.) J&ochtits FRUIT GROWERS OF WESTERN NEW TOItK. The annual meeting of this Society was held at Rochester, N. V., Jan. 27, when the following officers were elected for 1864: — President — P. Barry, Rochester. Vice Presidents— Hugh T. Brooks, Joseph Harris, VV. B. Smith. Secretary — James Vick, Rochester. Treasurer — W. P. Townsend, Lockport. Executive Committee— J. J. Thomas, C. W. Seelye, E. Moody, E. A. Bronson, H. N. Langworthy. The proceedings will be given in our next. PITTSBURGH HORTICULTURAL. At a recent meeting the following officers for 1864 were elected — President — George R. White. Vice Presidents— Hon. James P. Sterrctt, E L. Fahneetock, \V. S. Bis- #ell. MARCH. 117 Corresponding Secretary — Hon. Robert McKnight. Recording Secretary — D. Bacon. Treasurer — Geo. G. Negley. ituarg. Death of Mr. Charles McIntosh. — We regret to have to record the death of Mr. Mcintosh, which took place at his residence, Newcome Villa, Murrayfield, near Edinburgh, on the morning of the 9th of January, in his 70th year. Mr. Mcintosh had been under medical treatment for some months, and never completely recovered from a surgical operation it was necessary to undergo. Mr. Mcintosh was born in Perthshire in 1794. For many years he was gardener to Sir Thomas Baring, at Stratton Park. Subsequently, his intel- ligence and energy recommended him to the notice of Prince Leopold, and he was gardener at Claremont for many years. On the accession of Prince Leopold to the Belgian throne, he went to Belgium, and remodelled the Royal Gardens at Lacken. In 1838 he returned to Scotland to take the management of the Duke of Buccleu<>h's gardens at Dalkeith ; and it was he who planned the magnificent grounds and couservatories which form euch an attraction to the palace. After a period of nearly 20 years spent as head gardener to the Duke, Mr. Mcintosh resigned his appointment, to become landscape gardener and garden architect on his own account, since which time he has been engaged in beautifying the villa residences of many citizens, and the gardens and parks of many of the gentry and nobility of the country, his advice being sought not only in Scotland but in England. Prior to his departure from Dalkeith, Mr. Mcintosh was pre- sented by 600 subscribers with a testimonial, consisting of a tea service and purse, the value of which was £325, in token of the eminent services he had rendered to horticultural science. It was while he was gardener for the Duke of Buccleugfi^in 1844, that we had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Mcintosh at Dalkeith, and passing a day with him in looking through the grounds. The kindness and hospitality with which we were received are among the pleasant memories of the past. Our visit was one of the most agreeable during our entire tour. Mr. Mcintosh was thoroughly acquainted with our country ; an admirer of our institutions and government ; familiar with our horticultural progress, and read with great interest our gardening journals. He was delighted to learn that horticulture was attracting so much attention, and appreciated the excel- lence of our new fruits. After a thorough inspection of all the improve- ments which have been made upon the place, including the formation of a new garden and numerous splendid ranges of glass, we passed an hour or two at his residence, in discussing horticultural and pomological matters in Great Britain and America. On our leaving Dalkeith, Mr. Mcintosh 118 THE MAGAZINE OF HOETICULTUEE. presented us with a splendid pine apple, as a specimen of the crop just maturing. Mr. Mcintosh was a volumnious writer, and his publications upon the several branches of the profession are numerous. The principal ones, and those by which he will be best and most favorably known, are the Practical Gardener, The Greenhouse, and the Orchard and Fruit Garden, and latterly the Book of the Garden, in two large volumes, a complete record of modern gardening. He was a frequent contributor to Loudon's Magazine and other gardening periodicals, and corresponding member of various societies, including the Massachusetts Horticultural Society. The Gardener's Chronicle, from which we gather the above, truly re- marks, that " He will be remembered not only as a gardener who during a long life has occupied a prominent position in the horticultural world, and who has in the course of it acquired a varied and extensive fund of infor- mation in all departments of horticulture, but also as one who had con- tributed to the scientific advancement of the profession ; and further, as the genial, kindly, unselfish, and warm-hearted friend of a wide circle of professional associates and acquaintances." Death of Francis Boott, M. D. — This eminent American botanist died at his residence in London, on Christmas day, the 25th December last, at the age of 72. Mr. Boott was a son of Kirk Boott, and was born in Boston, September 26, 1792, and graduated at Harvard University; at an early age he went to England, where he married and has since resided ; making several voyages home in 1820 and 1821, and during these visits collecting Massachusetts plants, of which he had an excellent herbarium, and which were little known then in England. On his final return to England in 1821, he determined to follow the medical profession, and placed himself under the direction of the late Dr. J. Armstrong. Subsequently, and in later years, he carried on a very successful practice in London. But inheriting a competency at a comparatively early age, he devoted himself to literature and botany. Eminent as a physician, it was, however, in connection with the Linnaean Society that^Dr., Boott was best known in London and our own country. He was secretary, and subsequently treasurer of the society, and its present unexampled prosperity is acknowledged to be owing to his moderation and good judgment in harmonizing the opinions of opposing parties. Dr. Boott was remarkable for great force of character, boundless sympa- thy for whatever is good and beautiful, and an enthusiastic admiration for all honest cultivators of literature and science. His principal contributions to botanical science were two folio volumes, published at his own expense, intended to contain 600 plates and descriptions of the carices. Of these, however, only 411 appeared, and he was engaged upon the work a few weeks before his death. It is considered one of the most munificent con- tributions ever made to scientific botany. — (Gard. Chron.) MARCH. 119 ioriimltuml derations FOR MARCH. FRUIT DEPARTMENT. With the exception of one week, the month of February was mild and favorable, with few cloudy, rainy, or snowy days ; in fact there has been less than three inches of snow at any time during the winter. The 17th was the coldest of%the winter, with a very high and keen northwest wind, almost a gale ; a severe day and night for forcing houses of all kinds. Grape Vines will have their fruit nearly or quite ripe and ready for cutting; after this the house should be kept at an even temperature with plenty of air, and as little moisture as will answer to keep the vines in good condition until the fruit is all gathered. Vines in ordinary graperies and greenhouses will now be making young shoots, and will need consid- erable attention, as the first few weeks is the period when they need care. Gradually increase the temperature, and keep up a genial atmosphere by sprinkling the floors or walks often, and syringing before the flowers ex- pand ; dispense with it when in bloom ; give air freely in good weather; tie in the laterals as they advance in growth, and nip off all useless shoots not wanted for next year's wood. Cold houses will not require attention till next month. Strawberries in pots may be brought into the house for a succession of fruit; those already in bearing should have occasional supplies of liquid manure ; keep on a warm shelf near the glass. Orchard Houses will require abundant ventilation this month. Let them remain open night and day in good weather. Fruit Trees in pots brought into the grapery or greenhouse, will give a succession of fruit throughout the summer. Scions of Fruit may now be cut and placed away in the cellar, packed ' in moss or sand or loam. Pruning may be commenced this month. Grafting may be commenced the latter part of the month, beginning with the cherries. FLOWER DEPARTMENT. As the season is now so far advanced that sun heat is sufficient for day temperature, only moderate fires will be required at night. Everything will now begin to push with much vigor, and constant attention will be re- quired to repot and forward specimens and young stock for next year. Look after insects, and use sulphur freely for the red spider, which at this season becomes more troublesome. Maintain a humid atmosphere, and give air freely in all good weather. Pelargoniums will begin to push more freely, and will require more attention both in airing and watering. Give air freely and water thoroughly when the plants require it. Tie out the shoots of specimens from time to time, as they extend in growth, and bring the plants into handsome conical shape. 120 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. Azaleas will now be in full bloom, unless kept in a very cool house, below the ordinary temperature of the greenhouse. Water freely as they begin to open their buds, and syringe often before they flower. Young stock may be shifted now, and forwarded in a slightly increased tempera- ture. Tie out the shoots of such plants as are intended to make specimens. Cinerarias will now begin to bloom; late flowering plants may be repotted and brought forward on a cool shelf near the glass. Fumigate often for the green fly, which are very troublesome to these plants. Camellias will now show signs of making a new growth ; as soon as this appears increase the temperature slightly, and syringe morning and evening in fine weather. Shade in the middle of the day from the hot sun. Fuchsias should now be encouraged. Give specimens plenty of pot room, and a moist-growing atmosphere, and pinch in young shoots as often as they require it, to make bushy plants. Gloxinias and Achimenes should now be started for a succession, and forward plants shifted into larger size. Chrysanthemums should be propagated this month. Verbenas, Salvias, and other bedding plants should be propagated, and early-struck plants potted off. Ferns may be divided and repotted if not already done. Begonias may be repotted, using coarse turfy loam and leaf mould. Caladiums may be started into growth, placing them in the warmest part of the house. Winter-Flowering Plants, for next year's stock, may be propagated. Flower Seeds of various kinds may be planted in pots or boxes, either in the house or in hot beds. Amaryllises should be placed on a warm shelf, and watered as soon as they begin to grow. Lantanas should be repotted. Cyclamens should have a bright airy place when coming into bloom. Monthly Carnations, for next year's stock, should now be propagated. Erythrinas, for early flowering, may now be potted and brought for- ward in the house. Japan Lilies, growing vigorously, may now be repotted. VEGETABLE DEPARTMENT. Hot-Beds, made last month, will soon have their heat partially ex- hausted, and will require a good lining of fresh manure to maintain a good temperature. Continue to plant all kinds of Vegetables for a succession. Egg Plahts and Tomatoes should be transplanted from the seed frames into pots. Cucumbers, raised in pots, may now be tamed out into hills ; one hill in the centre of each light. Cabbage, Cauliflower, and other seeds may be planted. Lettuce, Celery, and other seeds wanted for an early crop, may be forwarded in hot beds. Cover the beds well on cold nights with mats, or loose hay or straw, and prepare manure or leaves for new beds to succeed such as may have their heat quite exhausted. ONE HUNDRED FINE PEARS. Notwithstanding all that has been written upon the cultivation of the pear, in hooks devoted to the subject, in the various periodical works on horticulture, in the re- corded transactions of various State and County Societies throughout the country, and in the proceedings of the various sessions of the American Pomological Society, there is yet a decided want of valuable information regarding the best varieties for cultivation in larger or smaller collec- tions of this fine fruit. Many years ago the late A. J. Downing started the question as to the three best pears. Later, several societies published lists of the best six varieties and the best twelve varieties, and the American Pomological Society in addition to its long catalogue of kinds adapted to general cultivation, requested the numerous State societies and local committees to give lists of the best six or twelve kinds for family use, as well as the best 100 sorts for orchard culture. The information obtained from all these sources has been valuable, and probably as reliable, as far as it goes, as could have been secured in any other way, and has undoubtedly saved much disappointment to those who wtiuld ordinarily make an indiscriminate selection from the four or five hun- dred sorts enumerated in some of the extensive nursery collec- tions, made with a view not only to obtain all the best, but also those of doubtful quality, that their merits might be proved, and the really worthy selected from the mass of unknown kinds. It has not been supposed that many cultivators would add but a portion of this great number to their gardens, even if all were really excellent; because, admitting an equality of goodness, few collections would admit of space for such a large number of trees. The object aimed at has been to ascertain the very best, or the best for especial purposes ; and this has perhaps^ been well accomplished. Yet, after all, vol. xxx. — NO. iv. 10 122 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. when we reflect upon the variety of pears now so well known, it seems an absurd notion to attempt to single out six or twelve varieties which can by any fair means be considered the best. Without therefore questioning the utility of knowing which are the best three or six or twelve varieties of the pear, it may be well to inquire whether all the large number of vari- eties at present known, exclusive of the well proved and now justly rejected sorts, have been so thoroughly tested that we can safely pronounce upon their merits ? We think we may safely say only a limited number, and from that number have been taken the few sorts, on account of their combination of excellences, not quality alone. They are such as have been proved after a series of years, as being best adapted for a par- ticular object, for reliability of a crop and good results from the sale of the fruit. So far we understand them, and they serve a good purpose. But there are many cultivators who care less about abun- dance and profit than variety and superiority. A bushel of some pears would be worth less to them than a dozen of others ; and those who ask " what six pears would you select could you have only six trees," would be answered quite differently by those who have space for a larger number, than by those whose grounds are limited to so small a lot. The six most profitable pears for market culture might be pretty safely enumerated, or the six largest pears, without regard to quality. But the six best, gives a very large margin ; and, as we find, some of our best cultivators range from 6 to 20 varieties in a list of six. In fact, it has been said by some judicious cultivators, that there is but one pear upon which all would agree, and that was the Bartlett ; perhaps the Seckel would be the* next, but after these two the range is broader, the information more limited, and the task of nam- ing four more becomes more and more difficult. There are full six months when the pear is in perfection, and six varieties would give but one a month ; yet we know there are some of the choicest kinds which are in eating less than two weeks, which shows how ill supplied a collection would be with such a limited number. APRIL. 123 The question lias often been asked of us privately, "what pears would you recommend for an ordinary garden, where profit was no,t the main object, but simply an abundance of the very choicest varieties, for the table ?" and we embrace this opportunity to answer it here, that our opinion, passing for what it is worth, may be applicable to a large class of cul- tivators, who, knowing what are already considered the best six or the best twelve, cannot bring their collections within such a limit, many of the kinds they have seen and tasted and approved of not being mentioned in any of these lists, some of them scarcely known only in the localities where pear growing has been carried to high perfection, and where the newest varieties are constantly added, supplying a variety of forms, sizes, and flavors, which give to the pear, above most other fruits, its high claim to our greatest attention. We recently noted the remarks of a gentleman who had a fine collection of one hundred and thirty-five varieties of the pear, and w-as seeking to obtain a still greater number. Judge Hoadley of Cincinnati, an eminent cultivator, who has a collection of over one hundred varieties, in a recent letter, was pleased to commend the article alluded to, (Vol. XXIX, p. 405,) as exactly expressing his views upon the subject, and he embraced the opportunity to state that although his collection was already large, he would esteem it a great favor to have us give him a list of fifty additional varieties, equally as good as those he already possessed. We might name other pear growers who have expressed the same opinion, but these sufficiently show that the attempt to limit the number to six or twelve, except when the object is to produce fruit for the market, leaves out a great many varie- ties, whose general qualities may not commend them for ordi- nary cultivation under all conditions of treatment, but whose particular excellences are of the highest order. It is well to know that there are six or twelve varieties of pears that have been very generally approved by successful cultivators. But, if we look over the list carefully, we shall find that most of them are very old pears ; more or less known, some of them, for nearly half a century, and yet just now recommended as reliable, after so long a trial. If 124 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. we are to follow this rule of waiting the appreciation of soci- eties or the approval of the majority of pear growers, how long will it be before many of our rare and superior sorts will find a place upon these selected lists ? Not certainly for many years : and during this long period will our cultivators be content to dispense with the new and superior varieties, because they have not passed the ordeal of pomological societies, or the approval of those who produce fruits for the market, and ever keep in view the item of profit? We think not; on the contrary, the intelligent and enthusiastic pear- grower will not lose the luxury of a delicious variety because it has not been unanimously accepted, but will continue to enrich his garden with every superior fruit, according to the space at command, and the intrinsic merit of every variety. For instance, the Beurre Bosc does not find a place in the best six, or even the best twelve, because there are objections to the tree, its habit, tenderness, productiveness, &c. Yet no one would be without it. The Dix is another variety rejected often because it is so slow in coming into bearing, and some- times cracking ; yet what good collection could dispense with such a noble sort. The same might be said of many other varieties. The Doyenne du Cornice, Sheldon, Hovey (Dana's), and many other new pears introduced within the last dozen years, are only known in choice collections ; yet to reject them because they are not named in a select list of a dozen sorts, would be to lose some of the best pears ever eaten. Such being our estimation of the pear, obtained after a thorough trial of nearly one thousand kinds, and for the various purposes of the table, for exhibition, and for the market, so far as our experience goes, we should require a tolerably large number in a collection for ourselves, perhaps larger than a majority of cultivators, and we have prepared the following list for a moderate-size garden, beginning with the earliest varieties and continuing through the season to the very latest. These, for convenience, we have arranged in months as they come to maturity : — AUGUST. Doyenne d'Ete; ripe from the last of July to Aug. 10; should be gathered early and ripened in the house. The best very early pear. APRIL. 125 Supreme de Quimper ; Aug. 10 to 20 ; should be gathered a few days before eating ; a slow-growing tree. Manning's Elizabeth ; Aug. 10 to 25 ; should be gathered only a few days before eating; a very handsome pear, grows well on quince. Bloodgood ; Aug. 10 to 25 ; should be gathered a few days before maturity ; tree a slow grower. Brandywine ; Aug. 10 to 25 ; should be gathered early and ripened in the house ; a very superior pear. Osband's Summer ; Aug. 10 to 25 ; should be ripened in the house ; handsome and very good. Dearborn's Seedling ; Aug. 15 to Sept. 1 ; should be gathered a few days before maturity. Boston ; Aug. 20 to Sept. 5 ; must all be gathered by the 20th, at least 10 days before maturity ; remarkably fine. Rostiezer ; Aug. 20 to Sept. 1 ; gathered only a few days be- fore eating ; a small but high-flavored pear. Beurre Giffard ; Aug. 15 to 25 ; slender tree ; decays soon. Tyson ; Aug. 20 to Sept. 5 ; should be gathered early and ripened in the house ; delicious. Muskingum ; Aug 25 to Sept. 10 ; should be gathered a few days before eating ; a large and good pear. SEPTEMBER. Hanners ; Sept. 1 to 15 ; gathered early and ripened in the house ; a very fine pear. Gushing ; Sept. 1 to 15 ; gathered and ripened in the house. Omer Pasha ; Sept. 1 to 15 ; should be gathered early. Excelsior (Dana's) ; Sept. 5 to 20 ; a new and very high- flavored pear. Clapp's Favorite ; Sept. 10 to 20 ; keeps only a short time. Adams ; Sept. 5 to 25 ; a large, handsome, and fine pear. Doyenne Boussock ; Sept. 5 to 25 ; very large and fine. Moore's ; Sept. 5 to Oct. 20 ; gathered early, it ripens in succession for more than a month. Knight's R. I. Seedling ; Sept. 5 to 20 ; should be gathered very early ; a large and fine pear. Rousselet de Mcester ; Sept. 5 to 20 ; does not keep long, but a remarkably fine pear ; good on the quince. Dunmore; Sept. 10 to 25; should be gathered early; to those who like an acid pear it is a valuable variety. 126 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. Belle Lucrative ; Sept. 10 to 25 ; a sweet and delicious pear. Henkcl ; Sept. 10 to 25 ; a large and very fine pear. Buffum ; Sept. 10 to 25 ; gathered early and well ripened the Buffum is a very juicy and excellent pear. Bartlett ; Sept. 15 to Oct. 1 ; should not be allowed to be too ripe before gathering. Andrews ; Sept. 10 to 25 ; a very superior pear. Beurre Montgeroa ; Sept. 10 to Oct. ; ripens in long succession. Merriara ; Sept. 20 to Oct. 5 ; unless gathered before the 22d loses much of its excellence. Cabot ; Sept. 10 to 25 ; gathered a few days before eating ; a very fine pear. Beurre Hardy, known as B. Sterckmans ; Sept. 15 to 25 ; a superb pear but does not keep long. Edmonds ; Sept. 15 to Oct. 1 ; a new and delicious pear. Paradise of Autumn ; Sept. 15 to Oct. ; should be gathered early, or it loses much of its excellence. Pratt ; Sept. 15 to Oct, ; very handsome, and keeps well. St. Ghislain ; Sept. 10 to Oct. ; ripens in succession. Washington ; Sept. 10 to Oct. ; keeps well ; a small but fine pear. Beurre Beaumont ; Sept. 10 to Oct. ; excellent. Collins ; Sept. 10 to Oct. ; tree not very vigorous. Flemish Beauty ; Sept. 15 to Oct. ; should be gathered early, and does not keep long. OCTOBER. Swan's Orange ; Oct. 1 to Nov. ; should be gathered as early as Sept. 25, and ripened in the house ; a large, productive, and superb pear. Sheldon ; Oct. 1 to 25 ; should not be allowed to hang too long on the tree, as it loses its fine aroma. Louise Bonne of Jersey ; Oct. 1 to 20 ; too well known to require any remark ; though valuable it has a slight astringency. Beurre Superfin ; Oct. 10 to 20 ; should be gathered in good season, or it will not keep long; too acid for some tastes, but a fine pear. D' Albret ; Oct. 1 to 15 ; a very superior pear ; but the tree wants vigor. APRIL. 127 Gen. Lamoriciere, known also as Belle Julie ; Oct. 1 to 15 ; a very nice, high-flavored and fine pear. Seckel ; Oct. 5 to 25 ; too well known to need comment. Hull ; Oct. 5 to 25 ; gathered early this is one of the hest pears ; extremely productive. St. Michael Archange ; Oct. 5 to 25 ; a large, showy, and ex- cellent pear ; tree a splendid grower. Abbott; Oct. 10 to Nov.; Gathered early and well ripened it is one of the most beautiful pears, and of nearly first quality. Heathcot ; Oct. 10 to 25 ; few pears equal this, which is in every respect equal to the White Doyenne ; tree a slow grower, and moderate bearer. De Tongres ; Oct. 10 to 25 ; large, showy, and fine ; tree rather tender and delicate in habit. Beurre Bosc ; Oct. 10 to Nov. ; keeps well ; tree rather tender, of slow growth, and only moderately productive. Beurre Kennes ; Oct. 10 to 25 ; a russetty pear, handsome, and of excellent quality. Bergen ; Oct. 10 to 25 ; a new pear, of large size, handsome and good. Duchess of Orleans ; Oct. 10 to 25 ; handsome and fine ; tree a straggling grower. Des Nonnes ; Oct. 10 to 25 ; a very high flavored pear, too musky for some. Oswego Beurre ; Oct. 10 to Nov. ; a high-flavored and ex- cellent pear; requires thinning to get fine specimens. Fulton ; Oct. 15 to Nov. ; an old and fine pear, but the tree grows slowly and produces sparingly ; though introduced 30 years ago it is not a common pear. Kingsessing ; Oct. 15 to Nov. 10 ; a fine growing tree, an excellent pear and keeps well. Urban iste ; Oct. 15 to Nov. 10 ; one of the very best pears ; always good. Marie Louise ; Oct. 15 to Nov. 15 ; one of the very finest pears ; should be well thinned, as the small specimens are often tasteless and poor. NOVEMBER. Beurre Diel ; Nov. 15 to Dec. 15 ; one of the most noble pears, but requires high cultivation. 128 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. Duchess d'Angoulcme ; Nov. 15 to Dec. 10 ; large, showy, and excellent, and keeps well. Doyenne du Cornice ; Nov. 15 to Dec. 10 ; probably one of the best of pears ; high flavored, very sugary and delicious. Augustus Dana ; Nov. 15 to Dec. 15 : a new, superior and highly flavored pear, resembling Winter Nelis. Admirable; November 10 to Dec. ; another of Mr. Dana's pears ; very fine. Beurre Clairgeau ; Nov. 15 to Dec. 10 ; not of the highest quality, but large, showy, and excellent. Baron de Mello ; Nov. 1 to Dec. ; a valuable pear ; russetty; of the Brown Beurre flavor. Beurre d'Anjou ; Nov. 15 to Dec. 15 ; a very fine pear, keep- ing late into December. Nouveau Poiteau ; Nov. 1 to Nov. 15 ; large and showy, but does not color up, remaining green when ripe. Howell ; Nov. 5 to Dec. 15 ; a very large, showy, handsome, and excellent variety. Bezi de la Motte ; Nov. 15 to Dec. ; one of the old pears, but much better than many of the new ones of the season. DECEMBER. Hovey (Dana's) ; Dec. 15 to Jan. 10 ; superior to any pear, surpassing the Seckel in its rich honied flavor; growth and habit of the tree superb ; very productive. Winter Nelis ; Dec. 20 to Jan. 20 ; well known for its ex- cellence. Dix ; Dec. 10 to Jan. ; few pears surpass the Dix, but it re- quires good culture, and the tree is slow in bearing. Lawrence ; Dec. 15 to Jan. 15 ; a well known, productive, and delicious pear. MpLaughlin ; Dec. 10 to Jan. ; a russetty pear of excellent quality, and deserves general cultivation. Beurre Bachelier ; Dec. 10 to Jan. ; very large and very good, but not high flavored. Fondante du Cornice ; Dec. 10 to Jan. ; not equal to the Doyenne du Cornice, but keeps well ; juicy and excellent. America ; Dec". 1 to Jan. 20 ; large, showy, and excellent. Grand Soliel ; Dec. 10 to Jan. ; a russetty pear, in appearance resembling the Sheldon, not very melting but juicy and rich. APRIL. 129 JANUARY. Glout Morccau ; Jan. 1 to March ; one of the most valuable winter pears ; requires good culture. Beurre Langelier ; Jan. 1 to Feb.; a very handsome and fine pear, net so rich as G. Morceau, but juicy, refreshing, and excellent. Columbia ; Jan. 1 to Feb. ; very large, and though not very high flavored or melting, a juicy and good pear; fruit apt to blow off. Beurre d'Aremberg ; Jan. 1 to March; has been called the " Prince of Pears ;" requires good culture and a rich light soil. Sieulle ; Jan. 1 to Feb. ; sometimes cracks, but with good cultivation is a superior pear. Belle Epine Dumas ; Jan. 1 to Feb. ; very handsome and ex- cellent ; a great bearer and requires to be thinned. Doyenne d'Alencon ; Jan. 15 to March ; somewhat resem- bling in quality the Easter Beurre. Passe Colmar ; Jan. 7 to Feb. ; one of the best pears, but the tree requires high cultivation to obtain fine specimens. Le Cure ; Jan. 1 to March ; not of the highest quality, but large, showy, and often excellent. Easter Beurre ; Jan. 25 to April ; the best of all the late pears, but often fails in ordinary culture ; in a rich light soil the specimens are very fine. This may appear to some a long list, but where there is room we should rather increase than diminish it. If, how- ever, the space is limited, and not more than ten or twenty of thirty trees can be planted, a selection may be made which will give a succession of the finest pears for six months. Some cultivators would, perhaps, with abundant space, prefer duplicates of half the number to the whole ; but this would leave out many fine pears, and lessen the variety of flavors which, after all, render this fruit so much superior to all others; it would also limit the constant succession, as some of the sorts are in perfection but a few days, and soon give place to others. It is the perishable quality of some of the finest pears that prevents them from becoming popular sorts. 130 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. These data of maturity have been made up from a record, carefully kept, of the time that the several sorts have been ready for-the market, embracing about the earliest and latest period. It may vary according to the season, but it may be safely set down as the average for the neighborhood of Boston. Farther south, they would ripen from one to four weeks earlier. If this list shall accomplish the object of supplying the information which has often been asked, we shall feel that the labor of its preparation has been well repaid. EARLY ENGLISH HOME ARCHITECTURE. COMPILED FROM SEVERAL SOURCES, CHIEFLY FROM REPTON. At the dissolution of the monasteries by Henry VIII., a new style of architecture was adopted in England, and most of the old mansions now remaining in that country were either built or remodelled about the end of that reign, or in that of Queen Elizabeth. Hence it acquired the name of Elizabeth's Gothic ; and although in the latter part of the reign, and in the anarchical times that followed, the original purity of its character had been corrupted, by introducing fragments of Grecian architecture in its ornaments, yet the general character of these houses is purely Gothic. It may be truly said of these, that the bold projections, the broad masses, the rich fenestration, and the irregular outline of their roofs, turrets, and tall chimneys, produce a play of light and shadow wonderfully picturesque, and amply compensate, in a painter's eye, for their occasional inaccuracies as speci- mens of regular architecture. Among the conveniences observable in Gothic colleges, may be mentioned the uninterrupted communication between the different apartments. This was formerly provided for by clois- ters, that each member of the society might at all times, and in all weather, walk under cover from his respective apartment to the hall, the chapel, the library, or to the apartment of any other member. Such cloisters also yielded a dry and airy APRIL. 131 walk, when the uncertainty of the English climate would otherwise have prevented that sort of moderate exercise necessary to the sedentary occupations of the learned. Mr. Repton gave it as his opinion, that there are only two general characters of buildings : the one may be called perpendicular, and the other horizontal. Under the first, he classed all buildings erected in England before, and during the early part of Queen Elizabeth's reign, whether deemed Saxon, Norman, Saracenic, or Gothic, of the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries. Even that peculiar kind called Queen Elizabeth's Gothic, in which turrets prevailed, though bat- tlements were discarded, and Grecian columns occasionally introduced, belongs to the same category. Under the hori- zontal character he included all edifices built since the intro- duction of a more regular architecture, whether it copies the remains of Grecian or Roman models. The perpendicular lines generally mark the Gothic character of building, the horizontal mark the Grecian style. He further remarks, that the characters of Grecian and Gothic architecture are better distinguished by an attention to their general effects, than to the minute parts peculiar to each. It is in architecture as in paintaing, beauty depends on light and shade, and these are caused by openings or pro- jections in the surface. If these tend to produce horizontal lines, the building must be deemed Grecian, however whim- sically the doors and windows may be constructed. If, on the contrary, the shadows give a prevalence of perpendicular lines, the general character of the building is Gothic. This is evident from the large houses built in Queen Elizabeth's reign, where Grecian columns are introduced, we, neverthe- less, always consider them Gothic buildings. In Grecian architecture, we expect large cornices ; windows ranged perfectly on the same line, and that line often more strongly marked by an horizontal fascia. There are few breaks of any great depth ; and if there be a portico, the shadow made by the columns is very trifling, compared with that broad horizontal shadow proceeding from the soffit ; and the only ornament its roof will admit, is either a flat pedi- ment, departing very little from the horizontal tendency, or a dome, still rising from a horizontal base. 132 THE MAGAZINE OP HORTICULTURE. One feature that distinguishes the early English style of building is certainly variety ; and this was the consequence of that continual straining after novelty that distinguishes a semi-civilized people. " In most countries, (says Kett,) nov- elty, in every form of extravagance, broad humor and carica- ture, affords the greatest delight to the populace. This pref- erence is congenial with their love of coarse pleasures, and distinguishes the multitude from the more polite classes of every nation. The inferior orders of society are, therefore, disqualified from deciding upon the merits of the fine arts ; and the department of taste is usually confined to persons enlightened by education and conversant with the world, whose views of nature, art, and mankind, are enlarged and elevated by an extensive range of observation." On this principle we may account for the many incongruous mixtures not only in the early English houses but in the American houses of a still later date, the most of which were designed in accordance with the taste of men of no education or intellectual culture, who rose suddenly from poverty to wealth, by the exercise of trade. In the earliest English mansions, which were but a sort of castles, and were designed for the extensive hospitalities of the English nobility, we cannot fail to observe a certain grandeur, which we should vainly attempt to imitate in a modern house ; and the great variety observed in their mode of construction was, in most cases, produced by the continued additions made to the orig- inal edifice, for successive generations. So prevalent was the taste for Gothic structures, in Sir Humphrey Repton's time, that he remarked in the neighbor- hood of great cities we see buildings of every description, from the villa to the pigsty, with little pointed arches, or bat- tlements, to look like Gothic, and a Gothic dairy had become as common an appendage to a place, as were formerly the hermitage, the grotto, or the Chinese pavilion. In old Gothic cottages, however, we never see the sharp-pointed arch, but often the flat arch, and there are no more picturesque forms than these buildings of that date, with their lofty perforated chimneys, that contribute greatly to the beauty of their outline. APRIL. 133 The materials used in the construction of houses have been so changed during the present century, that the modern attempts to imitate the early styles, while using different materials, often produces incongruity. In the adaptation of ancient forms to modern uses and inventions, we are often under the necessity of deviating from the rules of the true Gothic. Under such circumstances, it is perhaps better to. apply old expedients to new uses, than to invent a new and absurd style of Gothic or Grecian architecture. The principal error in the imitation of Gothic arises from their not consid- ering the difference of the materials with which they work. If in the mullions of a window, or the ribs of a ceiling, they copy, in wood or plaster, ornaments originally of stone, they must preserve the same massive proportions that were neces- sary in that material, or they must paint it like wood, and not like stone. But if the architects of former times had known the use we now make of cast iron, we should have seen many beautiful effects of lightness in their works. But whenever cast iron is used in the construction, it ought to be identified as a support, it should appear to be metal, and not wood or stone ; otherwise it would appear unequal to its office. The earliest form of houses, (except of laborers' cottages, which in England were never till the last century considered worthy of any consideration,) prior to the reign of Elizabeth, consisted of apartments built round a large square court. There were formerly either castles or abbeys, and often received all their light from the inner courts ; but when afterwards converted into habitations, windows were opened on the outside of the building. The views from a window were of little consequence at a time when glass was hardly transparent ; and, in many of the ancient castles, the small lozenge panes were glazed with colored glass, or painted with armorial bearings, which admitted light without any prospect. The imitation of these lozenge panes in modern houses is perfectly absurd. There was another form of houses of later date, that seem to have had one side of the quadrangle opened ; and thus the line of communication being cut off, this sort of house 134 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. becomes less commodious in proportion to the length of its projecting sides. A form of the date of George I., has com- monly been called an H or half H. This kind of house is distinguished by the centre being one great hall, which breaks the connection of apartments above stairs. The modern style of living differs so entirely from that of former times, that there are few houses of ancient date that would be habitable, without great alterations and additions. Such, indeed, is the constant fluctuation in the customs and habits of mankind ; and so great the change in the luxuries, the comforts, and even the wants of a more refined people, that, in these times, it would be impossible to live in the baronial castle, the secularized abbey, or even in the more modern mansions, built in Elizabeth's reign, preserving all •the apartments to their original uses. The principal rooms required in a house of that era, were as mentioned below : — First, the Hall, for the entertainment of friends and vas- sals. This was a large lofty room, having the floor at one end raised above the common level, as at present in the halls of colleges ; this was to mark some distinction in the different rank of the guests. In modern houses the hall is no longer required. Instead of it, the eating or dining room is used, though it is no longer the fashion to dine in public, hence this room is not so large in its proportions as the hall. The second large room in the Elizabethan houses was a Gallery, for the reception of company in the morning, for dancing in the evening, and for family exercises within doors. Very few books were then in use ; and instead of reading newspapers and pamphlets, as at the present day, the people held conversations in those long galleries, which had large recesses, or bays, hence called bay, or bow-windows, into which some of the company would occasionally withdraw for more private conversation. There is no room in modern English mansions corresponding to this. The third apartment, and one which was deemed absolutely indispensable in former times, when men were more particu- lar in certain religious observances than at present, was the Chapel. This was the room in which the magnificence of the proprietors was particularly displayed. APRIL. 135 The other apartments were one or more small parlors, for the use of the ladies and their female attendants, in which they carried on their various works of embroidery and other needle work. Instead of the present dressing rooms and sit- ting rooms, which are added to each modern bed-room, there was generally a small closet to each, with, perhaps, an oriel window for private morning devotions. " When we look back a few centuries," to follow the' language of Repton, " and compare the habits of former times with those of the present, we shall be apt to wonder at the presumption of any person who shall propose to build a house that may suit the next generation. Who, in the reign of Queen Elizabeth, would have planned a library, a music- room, a billiard-room, or a conservatory ? Yet these are now deemed essential to comfort and magnificence ; perhaps, in future ages, new rooms, for new purposes, will be deemed equally necessary." Architecture has been classed under two very general heads, distinguished as Gothic and Grecian. The Grecian style is said to have been first introduced into England by Inigo Jones, in the reign of James I. Until the reign of Elizabeth, the large buildings of the country had either been castles for security, or colleges and religious retreats. Many of these were converted into private mansions for the nobility, and some of them into palaces; and the changes made in their original form to adapt them to such residences, produced that mixed style called the Elizabethan, or House Gothic. Under the Grecian character were included all buildings in England, for which models were furnished from Greece, from Italy, from Syria, and from other countries, unmixed with the Gothic style. For in all these countries, some inter- mixture of style and dates, in what is called the Grecian character, may be distinguished. Simplicity is not less necessary in the Gothic than in the Grecian style, yet it creates great difficulty in its application to both, if no mixture of dates is to be allowed in the respective styles of each. Thus the English antiquary will discover, and, perhaps, be offended at the mixture of Saxon, Norman, and the several 136 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. dates of subsequent buildings, called Gothic ; but the man of taste will discover beauty in the combination of different forms in one great pile, or he must turn with disgust from every cathedral and abbey in the kingdom. HORTICULTURAL GOSSIP. BY REV. A. D. QRIDLEY, CLINTON, N. Y. Your amateur readers will thank you for the editorial, last December, on " Variety in our Gardens and Pleasure Grounds." And if your subscribers also, whose tastes run somewhat in the ornamental line, would but send in for your pages their notes of experience and observation, we should all be the gainers. Doubtless, the chief ornament of every pleasure-ground is the ground itself. Not the ground as of a meadow, ploughed field, or rough, weedy pasture, but cultivated, dressed ground. The harrow, the rake, and the roller should have cleaned and smoothed it ; fine grasses should clothe it in green vel- vet ; choice trees and shrubs and flowers should give it life and fragrance. Whoever has this, has the essential of all attractive gardening. Yet few will be content to stop here. They will wish to clothe this ground with some further indi- cations of human art. Vines need props to support them, and this will lead to the introduction of ornamental frames and trellises. Spreading shade trees seem to call for tasteful seats beneath them. No flower garden or lawn is complete without an arbor, from which to view the surrounding scene. Streams of water running through pleasure grounds need to be often crossed ; and, for this purpose, while a few planks will answer the demands of necessity, a cultivated eye will be satisfied only with neatly-wrought bridges of rustic work, or of painted wood or iron. Gardens, without running water, lack an essential element of variety. One does not need a lake, or pond, or large stream ; if he has only a living current, large or small, of pure water, he has one of the best things that ever fell to a APRIL. . 137 planter's lot. A horticultural friend of ours, whose ground is unblessed with a stream, declares he shall go to his grave sighing for water. Whenever he rides abroad, he notes, with a touch of envy, every clear trout brook that he crosses, and estimates its relative value to him if only it could be bought. For this one, about three feet wide, he would give fifty dollars; for that, four or five feet wide, one hundred dollars, and so on, if it could be carried up hill to his domain and made to sing through his garden. It will be borne in mind that a stream of water is not only beautiful in itself, but affords the gardener an opportunity to cultivate many plants along its margin, which would otherwise be excluded from his grounds. A brook should not ordinarily be brought into a highly- dressed lawn, but into some side scene, where there is some air of natural rusticity. Let this native wildness be heightened by bringing in boulders and mossy logs and stumps. Set out forest trees and shrubs and vines and plants from the woods, un- til the place is completely embowered, and looks like a little forest. Make the sicles and bottom of the stream jagged with stones, and set out all sorts of water-loving plants along its bor- der. Perhaps a cascade or miniature waterfall can be con- structed. One of the most agreeable incidents in a recent journey of the writer was to a friend's cottage, near which was a rustic scene, like that above hinted at. Of the children's water-wheel, and their fairies' grotto, and their hut, we cannot now speak more particularly. One of the most refined uses of water is for fountains with jets of spray. These properly belong to the highly-dressed ground near the house. When the water is abundant, and the entire fixtures are well made and of a pure classical design, the effect is every way pleasing. What more musical than the silvery plash of water in its marble basin ! When the supply of water is small, instead of attempting a jet, a better way is to have simply a dripping fountain. "A basin of any material," says a high authority, " from the coarsest common stone to white marble, with a block of the same in the centre, supporting a graceful vase, in which the water boils up and falls gently over the rim into the basin, will give more pleasure both to the eye and the ear than any other ap- VOL. XXX. — NO. IV. 11 138 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. plication of the same amount of water." And again : "A small, clear stream may be made to break from an apparently natural fissure in a mass of rock-work, and flow down its side into a pebbly basin below ; a graceful nymph may pour water from her urn ; or many other beautiful uses may be made of even a small quantity of water, always provided it be of crystal purity. But by all means avoid making the likeness of bird, beast, or fish, throwing water from its mouth : in spite of its frequent use in celebrated fountains, this is too much like one of the most disgusting ills that flesh is subject to, to be anything but revolting to good taste." The subject of fountains naturally suggests the kindred topic of vases, statues, and sun-dials, as ornaments of the pleasure- ground. There is an obvious fitness and propriety in their use. Beautiful in themselves, they also give an air of re- finement and finish to a place which nothing else can impart. If a handsome house stands upon a rough, untidy piece of ground, there is an apparent incongruity between the two ; there is a painfully abrupt transition from the finished archi- tecture to the rude, uncultivated land. But surround the wall at its base with a smooth, grassy terrace ; set a few vines here and there upon it to twine about the porch and windows, and what a transformation ! There is now a link, a felt har- mony between the house and grounds. Carry the work a few steps further. Extend the lawn on all sides to the boundaries of the premises, and plant graceful trees upon it ; set here and there on the terrace a classic vase, yonder a sun-dial, and, further on, among the trees, a statue, or fountain; — have we not ascended a step higher ? Nor does this require the outlay of great expense. For those who cannot afford to purchase these ornaments in mar- ble, there is a tolerable substitute in cast iron and terra-cotta. The first, if well painted, will last almost as long as marble itself. The manufacturers of ornamental iron work in our leading cities, have shown much good sense in preparing for market copies of some of the finest vases and statues of an- tiquity. And it speaks well for the public taste that has called for such articles. Whoever will visit one of these establishments will find much to interest him. Here are APRIL. 139 many symbolical and other figures, of which the classical student will say, " Thereby hangs a tale ;" — a tale sometimes extending into remote history. Here are copies of Egyptian, Grecian, Tuscan, and Roman sculptures. To the common eye, many of these will appear attractive only from their symmetry and grace, but to the eye of the scholar they will have an additional meaning. They will recall the pages of Homer, Euripides, Virgil, and Horace ; they will conjure up the memory of heroic actions, of ancient scenes and incidents full of romantic interest. It is no light thing that the public are thus enabled to procure, at moderate cost, specimens of the ancient sculptures which have a world-wide renown. Copies of them set near the doorway, or scattered sparingly upon the lawn, will not only answer as embellishments, but will excite the curiosity of children, and awaken inquiry into their history and significance. They will inspire in the young a love of the beautiful, and will form their taste according to the best models. TREE PROTECTORS. BY JAMES WEED, MUSCATINE, IOWA. We have just passed another scathing ordeal. The record stands thus : — TEMPERATURE. This trial confirms our confidence in the efficacy of shut- ters for the purpose they are designed to answer. 140 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. This cold period, from its commencement throughout, was attended with a high, piercing wind, and the shutters filled with sawdust were found, on examination, to be empty about one foot down from the top, and also from the middle partition, which runs horizontally, leaving the joints open between the boards on both sides ; consequently admitting considerable circulation of air through the inclosure, which was prevented in the side shutters by the snow, in the former cold period ; but the doors closing the ends, constructed in the same man- ner, had the joints open as far as the sawdust had settled down, during the severe trial early in January. The single-board structure, the snow being all off, and the joints being more or less open, was unnecessarily ventilated. The leaf frames showed more efficiency than we expected, considering their imperfect construction and the effect of the late dry weather in shrinking their contents, thus rendering their imperfect packing still more loose. It will be noticed that the temperature in this house rose from 6° below zero on the morning of the 17th, to 2° above on the morning of the 18th, the outside temperature being still 2° below, not having been above zero the day previous. Showing plainly the effects of radiation from the earth, even when its surface is frozen. The buds of the plum, Early Richmond, and Morello cherries, were all perfect and uninjured, after the severe and protracted cold of January ; but the former, and about one- half of the latter, are now killed. Was it the cold that killed them ? We think so, — the sap being up. POMOLOGICAL GOSSIP The Adirondac Grape. — The following extracts from a letter from Mr. Chorlton, of New Brighton, Staten Island, in reference to this grape, will be read with much interest. They are in reply to Mr. Bailey, the introducer of the variety : " I have to thank you for a copy of the Country Gentleman, containing your excellent reply to criticisms on the Adirondac APRIL. 141 grape, and exposure of Dr. Grant. You are no doubt aware that I was one of the committee who gave the decision in favor of the Adirondac, at the 'Agricultural Exhibition.' That decision was honestly given, and you have to thank the quality of your grape for it. There was not a dissentient voice excepting one in that committee ; and no one that I heard, either of the committee or otherwise, excepting one gentleman, but agreed with us. Now much as I respect the abilities of these two gentlemen, they are no more infallible than were the judges who acted along with myself. . . . The class in which the Adirondac was placed first was for quality, which includes many points of excellence, and col- lectively in that position your grape surpassed all its compet- itors. I consider the Adirondac is the commencement of a class which will ultimately become equal in quality to Black Hamburgh, and of similar flavor and texture. I have seen it at two exhibitions last season, and am sure that we are now in a fair way to arrive at what I have recited many times, and have also stated in my Grape Growers' Guide, we shall yet have a quality in the native equal to the exotic. The gentlemen referred to, thought nothing equal to the Dela- ware, and would discard everything in favor of their pet. The Delaware is a good grape, and I have spoken in its favor as much as any one, but there is no reason why we should blind our own perceptions by prejudice. Delaware will lead to a class resembling Frontignans in flavor, while in Adi- rondac we have an approach to the full-flavored and not musky taste of Hamburgh. There is no hard pulp in your grape, and this defect now being overcome, there is a cer- tainty of final perfection if followed up in a right manner by generations of seedlings." In a subsequent letter, dated February 5, in answer to some inquiries by Mr. Bailey, Mr. Chorlton makes the follow- ing remarks: — "You ask respecting fertilizing with Frontig- nan. I would answer do not, because we have already too much of the musky flavor, the which when reduced in future improvements is likely to become subdued into that rich aroma and bouquet now existing in the Muscats and Frontig- nans. The Adirondac has scarcely any, I may say none, of 142 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. tho native foxiness, and if you persevere with further gener- ations of seedlings direct from it, you are always sure to en- tirely obliterate the smell and taste, and secure a class of grapes possessing the fine fleshy and abundant saccharine quality of Black Hamburgh. We must not be satisfied with one flavor ; we have different ones in the exotic, and the very best point in Adirondac is the near approach to the Hamburgh or Chasselas. We have plenty of foxy sorts, and shall con- tinue to have more, but there is no danger of obtaining a superfluity entirely free from this peculiarity. You may depend upon it the public will appreciate such a class, as above mentioned, quite as much as is now the case in the ex- tremes of Hamburgh and Muscat." The Concord Grape in Illinois. — The severe and un- usual weather of the first week of the year throughout the whole west, will long be remembered. It has injured or des- troyed the entire peach crop, and grape vines have suffered everywhere. Dr. H. Schrceder of Bloomington, states that his " Catawbas are killed to the ground ; Isabellas, and the blessed Delaware gave out their breath together, with many other varieties. Concord, the grape for the million, you may plant safely ! It is tested thoroughly, and heads my list. Once more, plant Concord." The most hardy of all is the Concord. Cuyahoga stood well. Hartford Prolific, hardy. The Dr. has 10,000 vines, which he says he neglected to cover, and all are much injured except Concord, which will alone yield a full crop. Those who have contended for the great hardiness of the Delaware will now be convinced that it is not a safe variety to leave unprotected. The Buffalo Strawberry. — This is another new seedling introduced last year. It is stated to have been originated by Rev. N. S. Smith, in Buffalo, N. Y., in 1857, and is described as embracing " all the essential qualities of the most popular varieties." Having been tested five years it is announced by the introducers, "that the Buffalo contains in itself and dis- tinctly and perfectly develops every essential quality that can be found in all the best varieties ; in fact it is not deficient in anything essential to a superior and universally popular strawberry. Its great productiveness, size, flavor, and firm- APRIL. 143 ness, with many other remarkable qualities, make it the best strawberry ever introduced, and the world is challenged to produce its equal." Grapes in Maine. — At a discussional meeting of the Maine Board of Agriculture, an inquiry was made as to the be?t grapes for Maine. Dr. Weston said the Delaware, although small, both in the size of the bunch and berry, had proved successful in Bangor. The Hartford Prolific would grow anywhere and ripen its fruit if judiciously cared for. The Rebecca is not so hardy as the others, but is a good berry ; the ends of the shoots are apt to winter kill. The Diana lias also ripened, but he could not recommend it for general cultivation ; should be trained against the wall of house on the sunny side. Mr. Goodale remarked that the Delaware, Hartford Pro- lific, and Northern Muscadine, were the three best grapes for out-door culture in Maine. They should be protected in winter, for they will bear so much better for it the year fol- lowing. Did not think so much of the Diana as formerly, as it is subject to the dry rot. The great secret in grape grow- ing is to procure good healthy well-ripened wood, and take off three-fourths of the bunches of the fruit as soon as they are fully formed. Mr. Dill regarded the Hartford Prolific as the best he has ever grown. THE WHITE JAPAN MELON. Japan supplies us with some good fruits and vegetables as well as flowers. We have just given an account of the Yokohama squash, and now present our readers with a brief notice of the White Japan Melon, introduced last year (fig. 7). Desirous of trying this new melon we planted it in our grounds the past season, and found it to be a most excellent variety, well worthy of a place among our very best and most popular sorts. It grows as freely as any of the melons, ripens early, and produces most abundantly. Its chief characteristics are a white skin, very thin, not netted ; a yellow flesh, whitish on the outside ; very thick, 14 i THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTUEE. juicy, sweet, and rich-flavored ; size, small to medium, some- what like the nutmeg. /. THE WHITE JAPAN MELON. The seed was brought from Japan, some years ago, and the variety was first introduced to notice by W. S. Carpenter of New York. In its pure state it must be considered one of the most desirable sorts for cultivation. Whether a mixture with our well-known kinds will impair or improve its quality, remains to be seen. Perhaps a judicious mixture might give us some superior varieties. The field is open to enthusiastic lovers of this delicious fruit. FLORICULTURAL NOTICES. 740. Phyrnium Yanden Heckei A. Versch. 8f Nob. Yan- den Hecke's Phyrnium. (Cannacese.) Brazil. A hothouse plant; growing two feet hii>h; with variegated foliase; increased by division of the roots; grown in leaf mould, peat and sand. Illustration Horlicole, 1S63, pi. 380. A remarkably beautiful plant of the habit of the Marantas, with green leaves, barred with very dark green, and blotched with white on the upper surface, bronzy red beneath ; these are borne on long petioles like the calla, and have a noble and picturesque effect. This plant is another of the acquisi- tions due to the researches and zeal of M. Baraquin, who found it in Brazil. APRIL. 145 ited at the Spring Exhibition, gaining the first prize among new and remarkable plants. Under good cultivation its leaves attain a large size, and the variegation and spotting of the leaves much more brilliant than the artist can depict. Its treatment is the same as the Marantas. (///. Hort., Nov.) 741. Tacsonia Van Volxemii Van Volxem. VanVolxem's Tacsonia. (Passiflora3.) New Grenada. A greenhouse climber; '.'rowing ten feet lush; with scarlet flowers; appearing in spring ; increased by cuttings; grown in lighti rich soil. Illustration Horticole, 1863, pi. 381. A remarkable and distinct species from the high regions of New Grenada, and cultivated in the gardens of that country. It was in a garden at Bogota that it was found by M. Van Volxem, an amateur, who introduced it to Europe in 1858. The flowers are very large, solitary, pendent, and hanging very gracefully by the peduncle, which is from six to eight inches long. The flowers are six inches in diameter, of a deep rich crimson, with a small white spot at the base of each petal. According to Van Volxem it is found in a cool region where the thermometer falls to 25°, which demonstrates that it will flourish in the cool greenhouse or conservatory. It grows rapidly, and a plant covered with its brilliant flowers produces a superb display. {III. Hort., Nov.) 742. Camellia Fanny Sanchioli. Garden Hybrid. Illustration Horticole, 1863, pi 382. Perfection among the perfections, this charming camellia is originally from Italy. The flowers are of the largest size, pure white, with an occasional tint of light rose, shading to sulphur in the centre. The petals are large, rounded, bilobed at the summit, imbricated with perfect regularity. Its habit is elegant, its foliage ample and deep green, and the flowers open freely. {III. Hurt., Nov.) 743. Diervilla (Weigelia) Multiflora Von Siebold. Many- flowered Diervilla. (Loniceraceae.) Japan. A hardy (?) shrub; growing two feet hiah; with red flowers; appearing in summer; increased by layers; grown in good garden soil. Illustration Horticole, 1863, pi. 383. A beautiful shrub, with the habit of the Weigelia, but with more delicate foliage, every shoot terminated with drooping clusters of deep crimson tubular flowers, with exerted red fila- 146 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. ments and white anthers, and a long projecting style, which heighten the effect by the beautiful contrast of colors. It is from Japan, and will probably be as hardy as the Weigelia to which it is allied, if in fact it does not belong to this fine group. Introduced by Von Siebold. (///. Hort., Dec.) 744. Gloxinia maculata var. insignis. Elegant spotted- stemmed Gloxinia. (Gesneriaceas.) A greenhouse plant; growing six indies high; with bluish lilac flowers; appearing in summer; increased by cuttings; grown in loam, leaf mould and sai d. Illustration Horticole, lb63, p). 384. This is a new variety of the old G. maculata, having a scarlet stem, spotted and striped with darker color ; the leaves are green, shaded with brown, and reflect a metallic lustre; beneath, they are of a beautiful red. The flower stems are terminated with six or more flowers, of a bluish lilac, with a deep crimson purple throat. The whole plant is covered with short hairs, and this variety forms a pretty addition to this fine class of summer flowers. (///. Hort., Dec.) 745. Rhododendron Baron Osy. Garden Hybrid. Illustration Horticole, 1863, pi. 386. A very delicate and elegant variety, with large flowers in large heads of a clear white, tinted with soft rose, and deeply spotted with crimson and brown. The habit is bushy, the foliage fine, and the variety one of the most desirable to pos- sess. Raised by M. Verschaffelt, and quite hardy in Bel- gium. (77/. Hort., Dec.) 746. Stauranthera grandiflora Benth. Large-leaved Stauranthera. (Cyrtandaceas.) Moulmein. A greenhouse plant; growing a foot high; with lilac flowers; appearing in August; increased by cuttings; grown in light soil. Bot. Mag., 1863, pi. 5409. A charming plant, found in Moulmein, at an elevation of two thousand feet. It forms a branching plant, having suc- culent green terete stems and branches. Leaves, remarka- bly large, often ten inches long; flower stems much branched, producing numerous blossoms, an inch in diameter, of a lilac or pale purple, with a deep yellow spot on the lower side. It will probably grow well and produce its flowers, turned out in the open border, and prove a good bedding plant in our climate. (Bot. Mag., Nov.) APRIL. 147 747. Webbia pinifolia De Cand. Pine-leaved Webbia. (Composites.) Cape Town. Ahalf hardy plant; growing a foot high ; with purple flowers; appearing in summer; increased by seeds; grown in loam, leaf mould and sand. Bet. Mag., 18u3, pi. 5-112. A rich colored and showy plant, witli numerous heads of corymbiferous flowers, which quite compensate for the unat- tractive appearance of the foliage. Seeds sent to Kew pro- duced plants which blossomed freely in August last. These were kept in the cool greenhouse, but Dr. Hooker thinks it will bear the open air in summer, and may be used as a bedding-out plant. The plant forms a much branched and dense head of rich blood-purple level-topped flowers. (Bot. Mag., Nov.) 748. Fugosia cuneiformis Beiith. Cuneate-leayed Fugosia. (Malvaceas.) West Australia. A greenhouse shrub; growing two feet high; with white flowers; appearing in summer; increased by cuttings; grown in liaht peaty soil. Hot. Mag , 18o3, pi. 5413. Nearly allied to Hibiscus, of a branching shrubby habit, with thick, fleshy, narrow, cuneate foliage, and large pure white flowers, crimson spotted at the base. Seeds were sent from Australia, and the plants flowered in August last. (Bot. Mag., Nov.) 749. Dipteracanthus affinis Nees. Splendid Diptera- canthus. (Acanthaceas.) Brazil. A stove plant; growing one toot high; with scarlet flowers; appearing in summer; increased by cuttings; grown in light rich soil. Bot. Mag., 18ii3, pi. 5414. Among the most beautiful of Acanthaceous plants, exhibit- ing a remarkable contrast between the fine deep blue of D. spectabilis and the present species. It is a native of Brazil, and flowers during the summer. It will probably succeed well turned out into the open border, where its bright scarlet flowers would be remarkably showy. {Bot. Mag., Dec.) 750. Ligularia Hodgsoni Hook. Mr. Hodgson's Ligula- ria. (Compositee.) Japan. A half hardy for hardy) perennial; with yellow flowers ; appearing in summer; increased by di- vUion of the roots; grown in good garden soil Hot. Mag., 1S;;3, pi. 5417. A very distinct and perfectly new specimen of Ligularia, from Yezo, the most northern part of Japan, and there is every reason to believe that it will bear the open air in Great 148 THE MAGAZINE OP HORTICULTURE. Britain. The leaves are large, and the plant throws up a thick stem, three feet high, terminated with a dense spike of very large light yellow flowers, which appear in July. (Bot. Mag-., Dec.) §t\\txnl Notices Grape Setting. — Mr. Nicholson appears to attribute his success in this matter to the daily syringing of his vines from the period of starting until the stoning of his fruit. Now there can be no question that gardeners in general are opposed to syringing vines while they are in flower. In my young days the plan pursued was as follows: — From the first day a grape- house was shut up washing was commenced and continued daily until the vines came into flower; then for two weeks or so the engine ceased work- ing, and during that time the temperature was raised up to 70° to 85°. The flues were then deluged with water, causing steam to arise, which heightened the temperature to say 95°, producing what was termed "a firt>t class artificial shower." Unfortunately, however, during these 14 or 1(5 days, red spider not unfrequently established itself on the vines, very much to the damage of the crop. Twenty-four years ago, therefore, it occurred to me, that if out-door fruit set best in a mild temperature with refreshing showers when the trees were in blossom, why should not grapes also set under similar conditions; and ever since I have continued to syringe my vines, whether in flower or not, and in four divisions of vineries I have never lost a crop, neither have I ever been troubled with red spider. Mus- cats, I find, in fact, to set best under the treatment just mentioned, at a temperature of not less than from 80 to 85, but the washing must by no means be continued after the fruit approaches stoning, lest it should inter- fere with the bloom upon the berries. — (Gard. Chron.) Raising Minute Seeds. — The following plan of raising minute seeds is given in a Dutch work on Gardening. The pots are filled with mould firmly pressed in, and made perfectly level at the top, leaving the edge pro- jecting above the soil for about half an inch. The seed is then scattered over the mould, and gently pressed with some flat round surface, as the bottom of a flower pot. A piece of filtering paper is then cut of the size of the pressed surface, and pierced with holes, so as to make it pervious to air, and the paper is kept moist from time to time, with a fine rose. The surface of the soil in consequence is not disturbed and the seeds buried, while the paper can easily be lifted from time to time to see what progress they have made, and may be turned on one side altogether as soon as the seedlings are well rooted. Plants with larger seeds, as for example stocks, it is said, may be sometimes advantageously raised in this manner. — (Gard. Chron ) APRIL. 149 Orchard-House Trees. — Observing in your paper an inquiry by Mr. Watson, whether "J. P." shakes the earth free from the roots of his fruit trees in pots, or merely gives them a larger size pot, and not seeing any reply to Mr. Watson's inquiries, and having had ten years' practice in the management and cultivation of orchard-house trees in pots, I tender my experience in reference thereto. In 1854 I commenced the cultivation of fruit trees in pots, more especially that of peaches and nectarines, and my labor has been crowned with success. I have scarcely during the whole period repotted a tree of those with which I first started, unless I have observed the drainage defective; in that case I have shaken the stagnant soil from the roots, and returned the tree to the original or a pot of the same size. I allow the pots to stand on a bed of soil, into which the roots are allowed to descend ; the pots are not moved till the fruit is ripe. Dur- ing the time the fruit is swelling, the trees receive liquid manure occasion- ally, and after the wood is pretty well ripened they are plnced out of doors until the approach of winter; the old soil is then gently stirred on the surface and a little fresh applied. I have exhibited peach and nectarine trees in pots at Brighton for several seasons, and have always been a suc- cessful competitor. Many of my trees are in as fine health as can be desired, and none are in a bad condition. About the time I commenced the cultivation of fruit trees in pots, a gentleman in this neighborhood, D. Lyon, Esq., had an orchard house erected and filled with trees in pots. At Mr. Lyon's request, I repotted them for him either in 1854 or 1855, and from then until now, not one has been repotted ; but the person in charge finding the drainage choked, repotted four or five of them a few weeks back, and the whole house is, without exception, the very beau ideal of what an orchard house, filled with potted trees, should be. There is not a shoot or spur that is not covered with blossoms. Therefore, Mr. Watson, provided his trees are in sufficiently-large pots, may safely allow them to remain in the same pots, and not trouble himself about shaking out or re- potting.— ( Gard. Chron.) Woollen Refuse. — In reply to Mr. Rymer's request, I can say, that from my own experince of this material as a manure, I am led to consider it valuable for nursery and market garden requirements ; when the soil is of a heavy nature, a liberal application of it will soon effect a wonderful change in its texture and temperature ; on the other hand, however, where the staple is light, I think that the refuse ought to be used sparingly, and principally as a top dressing, as it decomposes more rapidly on the surface than under the soil. My kitchen garden is one-half light hazel loam, and the other half stiff clay. The last-named portion I found principally cov- ered with fruit trees and bushes, and amongst the first things I did after coming here, was to thoroughly drain that part of the garden and to give it liberal applications of woollen waste ; this I have continued to do at inter- vals of two or three years, and the soil is now as light and friable as a mole hill, and my trees and bushes grow and bear freely. For vegetables I would not recommend it to be used alone ; its slow decomposition prevents 150 THE MAGAZINE OF HORTICULTURE. it from doing much good the first year of its application. But I find that when mixed with farm-yard dung to the extent of one half, it is certainly one of the best manures, for sotne purposes, I have ever used. I have grown my celery in a compost of this kind,, mixed with a little salt, when it is in a state of slight fermentation. I also grow my potatoes in the same mixture, with the exception of the salt, and 1 can say that for size and quality I have rarely seen finer; I have had my tubers of Haigh's Seedling or Lapstone Kidney Aveighed, and found them from % to \h lb. in weight, with a skin as smooth as that of the finest apple ; the foliage of one of my vines when I have used it freely in the border is so striking as to elicit sur- prise even from a casual observer. — (Gard. Chron.) Germination of Rodanthe Seeds. — Mr. T hompson, the introducer of the beautiful rodanthes, (atro sanguinea, maculata and maculata alba,) states that it is important to know that seeds of these require to be freely watered, in order to induce them to germinate quickly. The pot in which they are sown may even be plunged under water for a few seconds with advantage; and the soil being thus saturated, will often require no farther watering until the seeds are above ground. If, he adds, the seeds are thus treated and placed in a temperature of 65° to 70°, they will speedily give proof of their vitality, but if insufficiently watered, they will remain dor- mant for several weeks. The hint may be useful now that the seed- sowing season is coming on. — (Gard. Chron.) ferp of tjje Hlonft. Mr. Weed's Tree Protectors. — Mr. Weed, among other things, writes us as follows : — If any of your amateurs should feel disposed to a trial of the mode, I would advise planting east and west, in four rows, for a struct- ure fourteen feet wide, after the plan of the house illustrated in the article I sent you. The shutters may be more economically made of half-inch boards, by procuring inch lumber, say six inches wide, and taking it to mills, and hav- ing it ripped into half inch. Clear flooring boards, in this market, are worth $27 per M., and the charge for ripping is $3 per M., making the covering $15 per M. I shall put on the covering horizontally, after the manner of ordinary siding. The Concord and Adirondac Grapes. — In a recent number of the Country Gentleman, Mr. J. W. Bailey, proprietor of the Adirondac grape, makes an unpleasant exposi of the action of Dr. Grant of New York, rela- tive to this grape. It is unpleasant to refer to such acts, but our duty for- bids us from passing over it in silence, and as the Concord Grape was APRIL. 151 introduced through our agency, we give the remarks of a contemporary journal upon the whole suhject: — "The Concord grape stood sadly in the way of these speculators: hence their bitter hostility. It was a larger, handsomer grape than the Delaware, bunches two or three times the size, productiveness great, vines as hardy as iron, and the flavor of the fruit excellent. The Delaware was far, far be- hind it in everything except flavor. The Concord 'took' with the people — the sales of the Delaware diminished, hence the price had to be reduced, until, seeing the irrepressible drift of public opinion, the grape-mongers in question began, faintly at first, after going into the cultivation of the Con- cord, to mutter its praises and sell all they could ! In connection with this subject, we notice in the Country Gentleman, of the 17th inst., a communication from Mr. John W. Bailey of Plattsbnrg, N. Y., the originator or discoverer of the Adirondac grape, now exciting public attention, in which he exposes, to a most humiliating degree, the conduct of C. W. Grant, a well-known grape-monger of that State, in his efforts to disparage the Adirondac and elevate seedlings of his own. The plan, according to the exposure of Mr. Bailey, was to advertise the Adi- rondac for sale at a low price, without possessing any, and when ordered, instead of filling the order, sending a damaging letter about this grape, and recommending some of his own seedlings ! These letters are printed by Mr. Bailey, and tell their own story. A portion of Mr. B.'s concluding paragraph is appended: ' I submit these facts 1o th