Title: Meehan's Monthly, v. 8 Place of Publication: Phila. PA Copyright Date: 1898 Master Negative Storage Number: MNS# PSt SNPaAg110.2 Volume 8 J 1898 'jk.i: '^w ' ~^ Vol. VUI JANUARY. 1595 ISSUED MONTHLY, $2.00 PER YEAR IN ADVANCE, SINGLE COPY 20 CENTS. CEHANS .£ S/ii?' NTHLY jtO> \^/>^>j^J0*^ ''o^ i ^^^ ^^ .^J (ieneralQiardenins vV. i _& :^|^ LD r LOWERS (snduded b_y TM9MA5/AEEHAN 'W/'/A :^\ >l"^ . M ^ \\ 1 I A\^^^' ,*' '.I YD '■at •Cf'^ No. 1 I I w \ Ornamental Trees, Shrubs, Evergreens, etc* |E have an exceptionally fine lot of lar^e Norway- Maples, Sug:ar Maples, Sycamore Maples, White Ash, American Elm and American Linden, twelve, fourteen and sixteen feet in heigfht, two to four inches in diameter, suitable for planting^ for immediate effect* Fine, strong heakhy stock, with healthy, clean bark, vigorous growth and ample fibrous roots* These trees are not ''overgrown'^ or '^ sur- plus*' stock, but have been cultivated, manured and grown especial- ly for transplanting in large sizes* They can be packed safely for transportation to long distances* Rosa Setigera, Lord Penzance Sweet Briars, New Hybrid Wichur- iana Roses, Climbing Crimson and Yellow Rambler Roses, Viburnum Dentatum, and other new, rare or uncommon shrubs* Rhododendrons, Azalea Mollis and Ghent, Daphne Cneorum, Japanese Maples, Rosa Rugosa, both red and white, Elaeagnus Longipes, true berry-bearing plants, grafted; Caryopteris Masta- canthus, the new blue, fall blooming shrub, superb for massing purposes* Hedge Plants, California Privet, Berberis Thunbergii, Honey Locust, Osage Orange, one year and strong two year plants; Althaea, Arbor Vitae, Hemlock and Norway Spruce* New '^ Allegheny '^ Hollyhocks, Rudbeckia '^ Golden Glow^ and other desirable Hardy Herbaceous Plants* Illustrated Descriptive Catalogue, containing '* Hints on Tree Planting and Pruning '% '* Pruning of Flowering Shrubs" and other information of use to planters, free upon application. THOMAS MEEHAN & SONS, Nurserymen and Landscape Engineers, GERMANTOWN, PHILADELPHIA, PA. tt TWO GRAND PREPARATIONS FOR PRACTICAL USE "SLUG SHOT" AND "GRAPE DUST The first, "Slug Shot," has been used i8 years for destruction of various Insects preying upon vegeta- tion, Sow Bugs that are in the soil, the worms that eat off Smilax, and all other leaf-eating insects ; also Aphis. The •♦ Grape Dust " is an excellent preparation for Mildews, Rusts and Blights ; it is constantly used by scores of commercial florists. These preparations are safe to use, and effective. There is scarcely a SEEDSMAN IN AMERICA who does not catalogue them. In Philadelphia, New York, Boston, Springfield, Indianapolis, Richmond ; Portland, Oregon ; Chicago, Toledo, Cincinnati,' San Francisco, Baltimore, New Orleans, Cleveland, St. Louis, St. Paul, Minneapolis, Memphis, Kansas City ; Jacksonville, Fla., etc., Toronto, Montreal and Hamilton, Canada, all the large seedsmen carry the goods in stock. The ♦' Slug Shot " is put up in pound canisters, 5-lb. bags, and retails in JQ-lb. bags for 50c., and in JOQ-lb. kegs at ^y^z. lb. The - Grape Dust " in 5-lb. bags at 40c., in 25-lb. bags at $K75, in kegs of JOO lbs. at 6c. per lb. For a pamphlet full of information, send address to Hammonds Slujj Shot Works, Fishkill-on-Hudson, N. Y, WHEN WRITING TO ADVERTISERS, TELL THEM YOU SAW THEIR CARD IN MEEHANS' MONTHLY. r t (^ \ .-iyw. r Ornamental Trees, Shrubs, Evergreens, etc* |E have an exceptionally fine lot of lar^e Norway Maples^ Sug^ar Maples, Sycamore Maples, White Ash, American Elm and American Linden, twelve, fourteen and sixteen feet in height, two to four inches in diameter, suitable for planting: for immediate effect* Fine, strong healthy stock, with healthy, clean bark, vigorous growth and ample fibrous roots. These trees are not '' overgrown ^^ or ^'sur- plus*' stock, but have been cultivated, manured and grown especial- ly for transplanting in large sizes. They can be packed safely for transportation to long distances. Rosa Setigera, Lord Penzance Sweet Briars, New Hybrid Wichur- iana Roses, Climbing Crimson and Yellow Rambler Roses, Viburnum Dentatum, and other new, rare or uncommon shrubs. Rhododendrons, Azalea Mollis and Ghent, Daphne Cneorum, Japanese Maples, Rosa Rugosa, both red and white, Elaeagnus Longipcs, true berry-bearing plants, grafted; Garyoptcris Masta- canthus, the new blue, fall blooming sturub, superb for massing purposes. Hedge Plants, California Privet, Berberis Thuiibergii, Honey Locust, Osage Orange, one year and strong two year plants; Althaea, Arbor Vitae, Hemlock and Norway Spruce. New *' Allegheny'^ Hollyhocks, Rudbeckia '^ Golden Glow^ and other desirable Hardy Herbaceous Plants. Illustrated Descriptive Catalogue, containing *^ Hints on Tree Planting and Pnining^, ^Pruning of Flowering Shrubs'* and other information of toe to planterSf free upon application. THOMAS MEEHAN & SONS, Nurserymen and Landscape Engineers, GERMANTOWN, PHILADELPHIA, PA- \.r. Plate 4i TWO GRAND PREPARATIONS FOR PRACTICAL USE SLUG SHOT" AND "GRAPE DUST ff The first, "Slug Shot," has been used i8 years for destruction of various Insects preying upon vegeta- tion, Sow Bugs that are In the soil, the worms that eat off Smilax, and aU other leaf-eating insects; also Aphis. The " Grape Dust " is an excellent preparation for Mildews, Rusts and Blights ; it is constantly used by scores of commercial florists. These preparations are safe to use, and effective. There is scarcely a SEEDSMAN IN AMERICA who docs not catalogue them. In Philadelphia. New York, Boston, Springfield, Indianapolis, Richmond; Portland, Oregon ; Chicago, Toledo, Cincinnati! San Francisco, Baltimore, New Orleans, Cleveland, St. Louis, St. Paul, Minneapolis, Memphis, Kansas City ; JacksonviUe, Fla.,'etc., Toronto, Montreal and Ham Ut on, Canada, all the large seedsmen carry the goods in stock. The •• Slug Shot *• is put up in pound canisters, 5-Ib. bags, and retails in JQ-Ib. bags for 50c., and in JOO-lb. kegs at 4>^c. lb. The ♦^ Grape Dust" in S-lb. bags at 40c., in 25-lb. bags at $^75, in kegs of JOO^I^S. at 6c. per lb. P^r a pampWet full of information, sand address to Hammonds Slug Shot Works, FishkHI-on-Hudson, N. Y. """""'''''"■* ■ ' ■ . , WHEN WnTiNQ TO ADVERTISERS, TELL THEM YOU SAW THEIR CARD IN MEEHANS' MONTHLY. i :l!n-\l SCPL^KIUVX COLOR PLATE IMTCKT'TTrMVT A T Ct?/-ir\lVTr\ C-VDZ-VCT TDC J t A rr-i ■ ' rnamental Trees, Shrubs, Evergreens, etc* |E have an exceptionally fine lot of lar^e Norway- Maples, Sugfar Maples, Sycamore Maples, White Ash, American Elm and American Linden, twelve, fourteen and sixteen feet in heigfht, two to four inches in diameter, suitable for planting: for immediate effect* Fine, strong healthy stock, with healthy, clean bark, vigorous growth and ample fibrous roots* These trees are not '^ overgrown^ or ^' sur- plus*^ stock, but have been cultivated, manured and grown especial- ly for transplanting: in larg:e sizes. They can be packed safely for transportation to long: distances* Rosa Setig:era, Lord Penzance Sweet Briars, New Hybrid Wichur- iana Roses, Climbing: Crimson and Yellow Rambler Roses, Viburnum Dentatum, and other new, rare or uncommon shrubs* Rhododendrons, Azalea Mollis and Ghent, Daphne Cneorum, Japanese Maples, Rosa Rug:osa, both red and white, Elaeagnus Long:ipcs, true berry-bearing: plants, grafted; Garyopteris Masta- canthus, the new blue, fall blooming: shrub, superb for massing purposes* Hedg:e Plants, California Privet, Berberis Thunbergii, Honey Locust, Osag:e Orang:e, one year and strong: two year plants; Althaea, Arbor Vitae, Hemlock and Norway Spruce* New ''AUeg:heny^ Hollyhocks, Rudbcckia ''Golden Glow^ and other desirable Hardy Herbaceous Plants* Illustrated Descriptive Catalog:ue, containing « Hints on Tree Planting and Pruning^, '* Pruning of Flowering Shrubs'* and other information of use to planters, free upon application. THOMAS MEEH AN & SONS, Nurserymen and Landscape Engineers, GERMANTOWN, PHILADELPHIA, PA* ff TWO GRAND PREPARATIONS FOR PRACTICAL USE "SLUG SHOT" AND "GRAPE DUST The first, "Slug Shot," has been used i8 years for destruction of various Insects preying upon vegeta- tion, Sow Bugs that are in the soil, the worms that eat off Smilax, and aU other leaf-eating insects ; also Aphis. The " Grape Dust " is an excellent preparation for Mildews, Rusts and Blights ; it is constantly used by scores of commercial florists. These preparations are safe to use, and effective. There is scarcely a SEEDSMAN IN AMERICA who does not catalogue them. In Philadelphia, New York, Boston, Springfield, Indianapohs, Richmond; Portland, Oregon ; Chicago, Toledo, Cincinnati] San Francisco, Baltimore, New Orleans, Cleveland, St. Louis, St. Paul, Minneapolis, Memphis, Kansas City ; Jacksonville, Fla.,etc., Toronto, Montreal and Hamihon, Canada, all the large seedsmen carry the goods in stock. The •* Slug Shot '• is put up in pound canisters, 5-lb. bags, and retails in JQ-lb. bags for 50c., and in JQO-lb. kegs at 4^c. lb. The "Grape Dust " in S-lb. bags at 40c., in 25-lb. bags at $K75, in kegs of 100 lbs. at 6c. per lb. Po' » pamphlet full of information, send addresi to Hammonds Slug S»)ot Works, Pishkill-on-Hudson, N. Y. WHEN WRITING TO ADVERTISERS, TELL THEM YOU SAW THEIR CARD IN MEEHANS' MONTHLY. Tll^- COLOR PLATE TNTPMTTnMAT QT3r"r»Mr» CYDOCTTOn I I >| -f >» ^! i^'fAiirJi(''li*:'^ii^:^':r!i¥'.- ^:r-:'^''J>'ii^. ■.•^A/^*J*^;ik.'^V;>i'Vli;'.VV •■taM:V-?&i tii-U'^/''' ijr'l'* ViA* _'•-,'■ j ,-. •-• ' ■ i,j\.i-^Li-.ii i,".'- (^ J \iitmmmfiimmi^^ammtmi»t^»m ^r LILIUM SUPERBUM. I^ILIUM SUPKRBUM, L.— Scctioiial character:— flowcrs nodding ; leaves of the perianth recurved, sessile. Specific character :— Stem commonly many-flowered ; leaves smooth, lanceolate, three-nerved. The lower ones whorled, the upper scat- tered ; leaves of the perianth revolute. rather obtuse, orange spotted with purple (Chapman's J^lofa of the Southern United States. See also Gray's Manual of the Botany of the Northern United States, and Wood's Class Book of Botany.) "K^.. The main description of this lily has been taken from Chapman for the reason that, though it reaches its geographical limit in the upper district of the territory covered by that author, in the form known as *' variety Caro- linianutn," it is found much further south. This form grows only half as tall as the typi- cal form, has the leaves scattered instead of mostly verticillate (see fig. i), and these leaves nerved in contradistinction to the strongly three-nerved character of the main species. Then there are seldom more than three flowers on one plant, though in vigorous specimens of the type there may be a dozen, or even more ; while the leaves of the perianth — as the three sepals and three petals are called — are more acute, and less recurved. The earlier botanists regarded the two as quite distinct enough to warrant separate names as separate species, — then came a class that united them, and the names are given as synonymous in many botanical dictionaries. But this brought a new difficulty that, on the same principle of uniting for want of a nicely drawn and clearly marked line, all the species of lily on the Atlantic portion of our continent would have to be resolved into two, — those with upright, clawed petals, represented chiefly by Liliutn Philadelphicum^ and those to which the one here illustrated belongs. Botany, as a science, is the invention ot man, to help him in the study of vegetation. It is found more helpful to retain the sections as species with their distinctive names, and hence the modern tendency is to return to the views held by the early fathers of the science. The variations, however, taken by themselves, afford a very interesting study. In a locality where plants are particularly abundant, scarce- ly any two plants will be found exactly alike. Leaves and flowers both vary. They seldom, however, over-run the line marking other species, though sometimes they seem to do so. The famous historian, Francis Parkman, was a keen observer and enthusiastic lover of nature. In a letter to the author, dated 19th of December, 1877, ^^ remarks : — *' I am glad you find matter deserving attention in my lily experiments. Some of them were carried on under glass, and some of them in the open air, so that I think the general results will be confirmed by future trials, though I am quite of your mind as to the subtile influences of ' environment. ' I have observed very great variations in raising seedlings of Ltlizim super- bum {without hybridization.) The differences of size and color are often very striking ; but, according to my experience, L. Thunber- giafium sports still more. Do not L. supetbum and L, Canadense run together by insensible gradations ? I think I have seen evidence that they do." The tendency of modern botanical thought is, however, to regard forms, or, one might say, species, as having been evolved from some pre-existing species, either still continued or that has passed away into the fossil age. If there be marked distinctions between the centres of these circles, the fact that the outlines over-lap does not militate against the centres of these circles receiving distinctive names as separate species. Many of the marked variations of this lily have re- ceived distinctive florists' names in Europe ; but this has not been attempted here. Of late, some attention has been given to the bulbs of lilies as affording good distinctive characters. A bulb is neither more nor less than a metamorphosed branch, the scales being arrested and thickened leaves. In some species, a new bulb forms close to the old one, — in others they send scaly branches horizon- tally before making the final bulb for the next year. In this species, the flower stem usually pushes out horizontally from the old bulb before assuming the final erect position, and two scaly branches to form the bulbs for next (I) -»».W - *.^*ijl' MEEHANS* MONTHLY— LILIUM SUPERBUM. [Jan, year push out, one on either side of the flower stem, forming two bulbs before the end of the season for the coming year. Many careful comparative observations on the forms and manner of growth in the several species have not, however, been placed on record, — and whether exact specific lines can be drawn from the root system to better advantage than from the leaves and floral parts, requires further ex- amination. The earliest common name seems to have been "Swamp Lily," but, as Lilium Canadense is as ardent a swamp-lover, the name has not been followed by authors. Various English names have been proposed, but none have become common. We rfead of "Great Swamp Lily," "Superb Swamp Lily," "American Swamp Lily," " American Turk's-cap Lily," "American Martagon Lily," — but the names are rarely repeated except by the authors who invented them. Of lily, itself, an old writer says: "When the Prophane Authors, in the Descriptions they make of their Festivals, or of the Presents were given in token of Affection and Esteem, would use the Name of any Flower, they generally made choice of that of the Lilly, which signifies in the Greek, a flower every way lively and charming." The Martagon Lilies, with which the earlier botanists classed Lilium superbum, were known in still earlier times as " the Whorled- leaved Lilies." In the northern portions of the Old World, the species of this class are abundant, and have had their share in furnish- ing the numerous references with which the poetry of the Old World abounds. Ancient history would be tame without allusions to the lily and the rose. The two are frequently associated. A polite French author, Boisjolin, remarks of the lily, "II est le roi des fleurs dont la Rose est la reine." The ancient poetry and legendary love of the lily, however, refers mainly to the White Lily, L, candidum. This, in the oriental fancy, was the original lily. The golden ones were subsequent crea- tions. The White Lily, they prettily planned to have sprung from the milk of Juno, spilled on the ground through the greediness of Her- cules, who hoped to achieve immortality by taking the chance of imbibing the heavenly fluid from the sound-sleeping Goddess. This is the lily which Louisa Twamley, a poetess fond of floral illustrations, refers to in the lines : " Bring Lilies for a maiden's grave, — Roses to deck the bride." and, in fact, it is the White Lily that in almost every instance is the one referred to, when no especial kind is named. American poets have not done much for our own native species. Percival, however, evidently has it in mind in the following : — " Flower of a southern garden newly blowing, Fair as a lily bending on its stem. Whose curled and yellow locks, in ringlets flow- ing* Need not the lustre of a diadem." The bending of this lily and of the Cana- dian may be worth referring to, in view of the fact that there are associated species which never bend. The remarkable point is that, after the flowering is over, if the flower has been fertilized, the growing seed-vessel takes an upward turn and assumes an erect position. (Fig. 4.) This would intimate that the up- right forms had been produced by nature by the production of an additional rhythm of growth, before the unfolding of the flower. In Lilium superbum, nature, it may be said, has made more haste to unfold the blossom than in the making of the class to which Lilium Philadelphicum belongs. The unfolding, which is characteristic of second growth in Z,. super- bum, is all finished in L, Philadelphicum before the unfolding of the blossom begins. It has been found, in recent years, that growth in plants is not a regular, continuous operation, but is of a rhythmic character, and that the number and intensity of the rhythms have much to do with deciding the characters which distinguish one species or variety of plant from another. There are few better illustrations of this principle than that afford- ed by these two classes of lilies. Prof. Conway McMillan notes that it is in Canada, throughout the province of West Ontario, and in the Atlantic portion of the United States, from New England to New Jersey and Georgia, from thence proceeding west- wardly to Minnesota, Missouri and Arkansas. It seems to be found in the greatest abundance in open meadows and low ground; but the finest specimens are found in rich, bushy places. Explanation of the Plate.— t. Upper portion of a flower stalk, from a plant near Philadelphia. 2. Section showing outline and veined leaves, forming a verticial. 3. Opening flower, showing its pendent condition. 4. Matur- ing seed-vessel which has become erect. WILD FLOWERS AND NATURE. NANSBN,— DRIFTING WITH NATURE. To drift with thee, not strive against thy tide, All-powerful Nature ! to pursue thy law. Attentive, — with devout and childlike awe Heark'ning unto thy voice, and none beside ; To drift with thee ! With thee for friend and guide. In fragile bark, careless of cold or thaw, To brave the ice-pack and the dread sea-maw ! — So are man's conquests won, so glorified. The truest compass is the seeing soul. Oh, wond'ring Earth I did not thy spirit glow. Calling to mind the deathless Genoese, As Nausen, pilot of the frozen Pole, Like a young Viking rode the icy floe, Wresting their secret from the Arctic Seas ? — Fi^oRENCE Eari^e; Coates, in Harper's Magazine^ November, 1897. Notes on the November Number op Meehans' Monthly. — From beginning to end, I find so many suggestive articles in this number it is almost impossible to pass them by unnoticed. Dryden's translation of a passage in Virgil carries me back to my long-gone school days, when our teacher, the Rev. B. C. C. Parker, (later Chaplain of the Seaman's Chapel), used to call up our class sometimes by saying ••Come Mr. Virgil." The nest sent you by Mrs. Shepherd recalls a beautiful maple tree in dear old Vermont that sheltered a fine large nest of a Baltimore Oriole with its little family — a lovely family that was not permitted to arrive at maturity, since 'tis just as true as when first penned : that ** Satan finds some mischief still. For idle hands to do." My husband had a distant relative for a guest, who took a fancy to the birdlings and thought he would like to raise them for cage birds to take home to his sister. And he safely climbed the maple tree that ought to have shaken him down, and brought away the beauti- ful young things from their leafy home and mother's prudent care. He was well rewarded for his depredations upon the birds' domain for one and all refused to accept his care, and he picked wild strawberries for them in vain. As it has been said of the North American Indian that he will not be a slave or live in captivity, so these true lovers of freedom re- fused to be comforted, and the young man re- turned home with an empty cage. The Savin as an Ornamental Ever- green.— Just the name of this shrub recalls a New England incident, when, on a winter's day, a Savin branch was placed outside one of our windows, and I gazed upon it delightedly. Yet the fullness of its capacity for beauty was still to be enjoyed. The snow-flakes fell and lodged among its blue-black clusters of berries and among the thick branches in a way to suggest birds' nests, pop-corn balls, or the Guelder Rose, popularly called Snow- ball. But this was but a preface to its charm. When the morning sun shone warmly over the shrub, the snow flowers began to disappear and weep themselves away in a gentle, glittering cataract. But the climax was yet to come — like the prince for the glass-slippered Cinderella. At night. Jack Frost in silence came, but made his presence manifest by turning the drops that formed the little cataract into solid gems and sparkling diamonds, and morning showed a glowing night. Those bright jewels we, in New England, called icicles. I've not seen many on the Pacific Coast. The Savin being considered poison is probably one reason that excludes the beautiful shrub from much cul- ture as an ornament. EuPATORiUM ageratoides. — It is Stated that a vase of these flowers will last fully ten days. Now we have, here, all about the streets (or did have before extensive grading was done), a lovely little pink flower, Erythrcea, which will keep on growing and blooming in a vase, without water, for more than ten days. It is often called Canchalagua, and goes to sleep at night, waking refreshed at day-break to charm us another day. We often gathered these dainty flowers and enjoyed their constant smiles. Some object to flower vases on the table near books, lest, by some advertence, water should be spilled and soil some choice volume. (3) \. MEEHANS* MONTHLY— WILD FLOWERS AND NATURE. [Jan. 1898.] MEEHANS' MONTHLY — WILD FLOWERS AND NATURE. But with a vase of Erythrcea, there is no danger and no fear. DESTROYING ScALE. — This is an article that ought to have a bell attached to command at- tention, and is worthy of letters of gold. Many so like to try useless experiments and neglect the tried and proved. Cooking Potatoes. — At one time, wire baskets were in great favor ; and potatoes could, with their use, be all lifted from the boiling water at once and be placed in the oven or some place where the steam would escape and they still remain hot. The New York Botanical Garden. — It is good to see the familiar name of Prof. N. L. Britton at the head of this new garden of two hundred and fifty acres. Chas. LriNN^. — Ever since having read the sketch of the life of Charles von Linnaeus, in Mrs. Lincoln's Botany, a charm has hovered around the noble name, and a glance at his pictured face has been a delight. It has been said that he was sick unto death when Dahl returned from the New World with the dahlia and other novelties, but he rallied at sight of the new wonders and took a new lease of life. Edelweiss Manufacture. — I have, in my herbarium, an Edelweiss of nature's own manu- facture, from Switzerland. Medicinal Plants. — An important matter, may it be a success. Mrs. E. E. Orcutt. San Diego, Cal. Influence of Light and Humidity on THE Odors of Flowers. — The French botan- ist, Mesnard, has published, in the Revue Ginirale de Botanique, a critical study on the influence of light and moisture on the dis- charge of odors of flowers. In order to make these researches, the author used a thread dipped in turpentine ; the degree of intensity of odors could be measured after more or less time necessary to expose this thread, in order that the smell of the turpen- tine should neutralize the odor for analysis. The experiment was first made on known essences, — rose, musk, etc., then on flowers, cut or otherwise, as Lilies-of-the- Valley, car- nations, roses, etc. The results of the experi- ments were noted after each one, and light was found to be either favorable or unfavorable in the production of the odor of flowers. Thus, the odor of carnations was greater in the light than in the shade ; but it was the contrary with the Lilies of-the- Valley. This probably proves that carnations grow well in the sun- light, if well supplied with dry and good air ; while the lilies grow naturally in the shade and moist air, and are not able to endure the action of the sun's rays on their delicate corollas. It is to be remarked, however, that the un- favorable influence of the light may be com- pensated for by the dampness of the compost ; the plants in our beds diff"use less odor rel- atively when dry than after being watered. A curious fact is that when the flowers are touched the perfume is diff'used. Mesnard draws different results from his experiences. He concludes that the southern coasts of the Mediterranean are unfavorable for the production of floral odors because the action of the light there is very strong with- out being counteracted by moisture, although the province as a whole is a country blessed with sweet-smelling flowers, because there is so much moisture. Translated by Sarah D. Lanning. From La Semaine Horticole, The Witch Hazel. — In the mountains of New England I found, early in September of last year, a bunch of Witch Hazel in full bloom, with the stalks still clad in abundant summer leaves. I was deluded into thinking for a moment that it might be a new species, since it bloomed so early ; and, moreover, certain foUi- culor capsules on the branches, which I took for the pods, were quite different from the ones produced in Pennsylvania. They were green and somewhat puberulent, and covered with small spines or beaks, the whole having some- what the shape of the "bag-worm" cocoons which are so abundant on our cedar and willow trees. A closer inspection forced upon me the disappointing discovery that all these follicles were pathological, — were nothing but hollow green excrescences, each containing one or more minute larvae of some insect to me un- known. It was the only plant of Hamamelis I found in the mountains, and having seen no normal ones, I cannot say whether or no the species blooms naturally this early, or whether this particular shrub was forced by the disease which the insects had inflicted upon it. Newlin Williams. How Nature Makes Flowers. — Every part of a plant is made up of myriads of distinct individuals which we call cells. Within each of these in- dividuals, the whole future plan lies hidden . The most powerful microscope has failed to reveal to us the hidden mystery. No microscope ever will. We take one small cell and examine it with a powerful glass, and note its character. We take another, and it appears essentially the same. But, finally, one cell develops an oak tree, — and the other a buttercup or a rose ! But we may learn something by taking the ultimate production, and looking backwards. The united cells, at first, make very simple organism. With greater union, they make membrane. Uniting with more energy, the membranes twist and make stems, as in mosses — and so it goes. Everything is made from modified membrane or leaves. As we proceed, we find that flowers, even, are but leaves modified in various ways, until frequently a single flower has within its folds numerous other flowers, but so much combined into stem structure as to be completely hidden from human view. Occasionally, with a little more energy in the form of- what we call life, nature lets us see that she has these hidden secrets in reserve. A compound flower, such as a daisy or sunflower, is really a collection of numerous florets that might have been branches with their own leaves and flowers. We are accustomed to say these florets are suppressed branches. We should, more correctly, term them undeveloped ones. A compound flower is not a retrogression, but an advance. Herewith, we give an illustration of what we are teaching now. It is a flower of the garden marigold, in which every ray floret has advanced to stem, bracts, and perfect flowers ! It is a wonderful inside view of the manner in which nature constructs flowers. EXTRA DEVELOPMENT IN A MARIGOLD FLOWER. ing of the stem, and the two fronds springing from a single root, are quite noticeable, both in the photograph and in my herbarium specimen, though in no case have I found two fertile fronds springing from the same root. I looked for plants in last year's locality and could not find a single specimen this July. E. Newlin Williams. Ophioglossum. — The print you published of my photograph of Ophioglossum corresponds closely to the description of the so-called new Ophioglossum found at Wild wood, New Jersey, by the Brittons, and figured in the Philadel- phia Z,^^^^r of August 16th, last. The twist- MiGRATiON OF PLANTS. — During the year 1897, the botanists of New Castle County, Delaware, chiefly Tatnall and Canby, dis- covered 104 species of plants that had either entered their territory or had been supposed to have wholly disappeared during recent years. Plant wanderings are very interesting. The Kew Weed, Galinzoga parviflora, became wild there from Mexican seed. From Kew, it has been distributed freely. f GENERAL GARDENING. THE GOIvDEN APPLE. ** Here also sprang that goodly golden fruit With which Acontius got his lover true, Whom he had longtime sought with fruitless suit; Here eke that famous golden apple grew, The which among the gods false Ate threw, For which th' Idaean ladies disagreed. Till partial Paris deem'd it Venus' due. And had (of her) fair Helen for his meed. That many noble Greeks and Trojans made to bleed." — SpKNSER. The English Walnut.— Possibly few trees in the Old World are more profitable than the English Walnut, which thrives in England and all over the northern part of the continent of Europe. The wood is especially useful for gun-stocks, and for many articles of furniture, and is found profitable from trees of ten years of age and upwards. There is always good demand for the nuts ; so that there are two distinct lines of profit,— by the timber, and by the fruit. In our country, they thrive in any portion of the Eastern States ; although, as they progress northwardly, the tips of the last year's shoots are destroyed by winter. The living portions push out again, however, and generally bear as abundantly as before. In the vicinity of Philadelphia, there are numerous trees, planted by the early German settlers, which bear every year. Single or isolated trees sometimes fail to bear fruit, on account of the pollen-bearing flower maturing and scattering pollen before the nut-bearing flower is in condition to receive it ; and, for this reason, crops are more assured when a number of trees are planted together. In this way, some of the pollen-bearing catkins are conditioned so as to be in bloom before the time that the nut-bearing flowers make their appear- ance. • A Carnation Disease.— It is only of late years that cultivators have come to under- stand that many plants suff*er severely from the attacks of fungus parasites on their roots. When this occurs, the whole of the plant suffers. Just in what way this parasitic attack of the roots affects the whole system is (6) not known, but it is thought that a species of fermentation occurs, which is carried by the sap to every part of the plant. The usual eff*ect is to give a lighter green or yellowish tinge to the whole of the foliage. This is es- pecially prominent in the disease of the peach tree, known as the yellows. In the carnation, the existence of the parasite is also made clearly manifest by the different tint of the carnation leaves. When the plants are growing in the open ground during the summer time, this difference in the tint of color, contrasting with those which have not been attacked at the roots, is very prominent. One may also have an opportunity to witness the progress of the root parasite. There may, at first, be only one or two plants with the yellowish tinge ; in a few v\ eeks scores of plants forming a circle around the central one will be seen to be affected. The fungus spreads by little threads like cobwebs, which can readily be seen with the aid of a pocket lens. The remedy is to wet the unaffected plants with a solution of sulphate of copper. This usually prevents the further spread of the parasite. There are, of course, other carnation diseases from fungus parasites on the leaves ; but this paragraph is intended to deal only with those which affect the roots. JuNiPERUS Sabina— The Savin Juniper.— In the November issue, you say : • ' C. A. Green aptly observes : * The common Ground Savin — would be a fine lawn plant.* " *' Aptly observes ; " Oh, my ! Let him— let you— live on a New Hampshire farm one summer, where such handsome (?) rosettes ornament (?) the hillside. I think the eye would tire of their beauty. (?) And, worse yet, on a flat lawn. By all means, do not let nurserymen get the idea that there is a peculiar beauty in Junipefus Sabina. John A. Wheeler. Milford, N. H. A correspondent in another column, takes a more optimistic view of it. 1898.] MEEHANS' MONTHLY — general GARDENING. Popularity of Dutch Bulbs for Winter Flowering. — It seems safe to admit that no class of plants has so wide popularity as that covering what are known as Dutch or Holland bulbs. And it is not alone the small cost at which they may be obtained that has created their popularity,— though doubtless it is one of several reasons, — but there is a certain charm about them, centering in their different character of growth and habit, and the ex- quisite, fragrant and various- colored flowers they produce. To some, the strength of the odor is excessive ; but to the majority, it is unexcelled. Then, too, the possibility of flowering them in vases of water varies the monotony of pots, and exposes to view the usual secrecy of root-growth— a delightful observation. This recalls to the mind of the writer a time when he produced, as a source of interest to the members of the household, a common Sweet Potato, grown in water as the bulbs above-mentioned, and placed on a man- tel, where the hair-like roots could be seen from the time they appeared in sight until they fairly filled the jar, the stems trailing over the edge of the mantel quite prettily. It is a sim- ple means of enjoyment that is worth anyone's while to secure. A fairly large potato that will rest in the mouth of the jar, allowing about one inch to be covered with water, will be suitable for the purpose. It is perhaps not prudent to make such an important subject of growing bulbs in water, for if carried out exclusively, or even largely, it may prove a nuisance. As one of our readers has well said in substance, vases filled with water are liable to be overturned, to the ruination of more valuable things. Never- theless, safe places can surely be found for a few of such things that are bound to give so much pleasure. While the recital of these recollections has caused deviation from the original thought, it holds us to the subject of the root habit of bulbs, an explanation of which is practically the chief instruction necessary for the begin- ner. Contrary to the habit of almost all plants, these make roots during winter, — even when planted outside, — and as roots must be made before growth and flowers, they must be kept cool and in darkness, to prevent advancement until sufficiently rooted. As a dark, cool cellar or closet is to be found in almost any house, there is no difficulty in giv- ing them the treatment required, and the due reward of bloom is a stupendous return for the little outlay of time, space and money. Is it any wonder that they are so universally culti- vated— in the home of the rich and poor alike ? History tells us that this popularity extends from an ancient, uncertain period, though modern development has greatly improved the various species of that age. It has been but moderately recent that, in Europe, fabulous prices were paid for tulips ; but, thanks to the immense acreage Holland devotes particularly to bulbs, they are now placed within the reach of all. Attempts have been made to produce them in this country, with indifferent success, though efforts in Long Island New York, and Oregon, have been encouraging. The re- ports from the latter State were but recently made, and are being examined with consider- able expectancy. Weeds in Pasture Fields. — O. W. H., Mt. Air, Lawrence Co., Pa., says :— " We are troubled much in our hay and pasture fields by weeds of various kinds, which spread more from year to year. They make the farm look unsightly, spoil the hay, and require much labor to keep them subdued. Could you give us any information on how to exterminate common farm weeds ? '* This correspondent has touched on a matter that presses itself on general attention. Thousands of acres of pasture land are occupied by butter cups, daisies and other plants which cattle will not touch, and among which desir- able grasses have a hard tifhe to exist. The writer recently saw a ten -acre lot so profusely filled with butter-cups, that there was not more than an acre of grass. Only think of nine acres of absolute waste ! In almost all cases the weeds could have been eradicated by em- ploying a boy to pull them, when they first appeared here and there on the property, at the cost of but a few cents per acre. When by this early neglect of the proverbial stitch in time the weeds have secured absolute possession of the ground, the only remedy is to plough it up, put in corn, or some crop needing the hoe and keep thoroughly clean for two years, when the pasture grasses may be again sown. 8 MKEHANS* MONTHLY — GENERAI. GARDENING. [Jan. Umbrella Canes and Walking Sticks. — The lyondon Pall Mall Gazette says : An interesting- article appears in the Novem- ber number of Pearson's Magazine concerning the cultivation of the walking-stick and its preparation for the market. Ash sticks are, it seems, specially grown with a natural handle in this way. Beneath the soil of the planta- tion lies an immense bed of slate. The young saplings encounter this on their downward growth and, being arrested in their develop- ment, turn off in a new direction at right angles. The public have a craze for natural sticks. The pretty markings, the quaint shapes, must not have been added in the factory. All this must be done while the trees are growing. What is known as the Congo stick has little indentations, quite close together, which give the cane its charming appearance. They are natural, and at the same time artificial. The wounds were made by a grower. They were inflicted with a sharp knife, through the green bark, and afterwards bound with a kind of a liniment for the sakeof protection. To give a spiral effect, creepers are trained to grow round the young saplings. As for the twisted thistles that are so popular as sticks, they are seized bodily and twisted in a way that one might think would wrench them from their roots. They continue to grow like gigantic cork- screws. The majority of the sticks may be said to be raised upside down. The roots are turned in- to handles ; the tops become the bottoms. As they increase in size, their training begins. They are twisted this way, they are bent that and tied into fantastic shapes with string. At one time there was a demand for a stick with a crooked handle, its end bound to the stem by a lovers' knot in ivory. The rings had to be slipped on while the plants were growing, and in this way was created the curious spectacle of some ^500 worth of ivory hanging on the bushes, guarded day and night by a peasant armed with a thick cudgel. It is to the cane family that the most valuable of all sticks belongs, a stick that is worth from ^10 to /15 for a perfect specimen. This is the Malacca. The plant itself is as common as the willow in England, but it is seldom that one can be found with nodes or joints so far apart that one length can be made into a walking- stick. One sees, however, many Malacca canes in the hands of people who obviously could not afford to pay ^10 for a walking-stick. Certainly they are carrying Malaccas, but if one knew how to detect it one would find that instead of being made from one perfect length they are in reality composed of two. The tiny protruding shoulder is shaved down and the cane painted. But it is not hard to discover when this is done. The natural enamel of a Malacca cane finishes in a peculiar ridge, which in a genuine specimen may easily be felt with the fingers from the handle to the ferrule. Where a joint has been cut away this ridge must disappear, and no effort or imita- tion can reproduce it below. Peat Soil. — Every one knows that there are many plants which prefer to grow in peat soil, rather than in earth as we are generally accus- tomed to meet with it. Plants which have this preference are usually those which pro- duce an enormous number of very fine, hair- like rootlets. It is not that there is anything peculiar in the soil itself which leads to this preference, but from the often-verified fact that rootlets need air, just as much as do leaves. It is impossible for the plant to live without some proportion of air being absorbed by the roots. A growing plant soon dies when the roots are immersed in water. It is, in fact, smothered for want of air. Roots of comparative strength can force their way through the compact soil, so as to reach the air confined in the various pores ; but the hair-like roots cannot do this. They have not the vigor necessary to force their way. Soil, therefore, which is at once moist and penetrated by atmospheric air, as peat is known to be, gives these plants an op- portunity to readily make their way, — a privi- lege of which they would be deprived in heavier soil. So it follows that the point of the superior value of peat soil, for some plants, is a question of atmospheric air, rather than the chemical condition of the soil. Chinese Primroses. — Some plants which were one time welcomed everywhere are now rarely seen . The demand for cut flowers makes it much more profitable for florists to have a large quantity of a few kinds of flowers rather than a great variety. It is not commercially profitable for the average florist to keep a 1898.] MEEHANS' MONTHLY — GENERAL GARDENING. V great variety of plants on hand. To find this old-fashion type of beauty, the Chinese Prim- rose, one has now to go around to the gardens and greenhouses of the amateur flower lover. Here we frequently find not only old-fashion flowers that pleased us so in our youthful days, but fine grown and magnificent specimens that would have taken premiums in the days of Auld Lang Syne. Last spring, in the window of a country farmhouse, the writer saw a plant with a dozen trusses of bloom, and with the most healthy coronal of leaves sur- rounded that one could well imagine. Hardiness of Quercus aquatica. — There is in Germantown, Philadelphia, a good, sturdy tree of the Southern Water Oak, Quercus aquatica ^ which has now reached an acorn- bearing age, having produced a few both the present and the past season. It is a round- headed tree, about 18 feet in height and some 15 in width. The seed of this oak came from Georgia, some 20 years ago. In its early days it had somewhat of a struggle for life, having its latest growth injured more or less in winter. But, for perhaps 10 years, this injury has not occurred. I have noted like occurrences in other Southern trees. While young there will be some injury every year, but a persistent struggling on sees them at last able to resist the cold. I believe they accommodate them- selves to our northern season, ripening their wood better in time than they do at first. I would mention the Sweet Gum as behaving in the same way when obtained from the South. Joseph Meehan. The Camphor Tree. — A paper on the Cam- phor tree, by Lyster H. Dewey, in circular No. 12, of the Division of Botany of the United States Department of Agriculture, gives an account of the Camphor tree, with an illustra- tion which the Department has given permis- sion to transfer to our pages. There is con- siderable public interest in this tree at the present time in connection with attempts to cultivate it in California and the Southern States, — not only for the beauty of the tree, but for the sake of the grateful resin which it produces, and which is in such universal use in our country. It is very nearly related to our common Sassa- fras, which was long known as Laurus Sassa- fras, while the Camphor tree was Laurus Cam- phora. In the modern making up of plant names, the Camphor finds itself with the Cin- namons, as Cinnamomum Camphora^ — while the Sassafras becomes the type of a distinct genus. Sassafras officinale. The pretty purple berries of the Sassafras are familiar to most readers. It will be noted that the fruit of the Camphor tree has considerable resemblance to it. In common with most broad-leaved ever- greens, it suffers from a dry atmosphere in winter more than from low temperature. In China and Japan, it grows in a wild state on Fig. I.— Camphor tree : a, young leafy shoot, scale one- third ; b, flower cluster, life size ; c, fruit, life size. mountain sides, where condensation, from the clouds, furnishes the moist atmosphere in which it delights. In our country, it would probably not thrive where the temperature falls much below the freezing point. It is not probable that the Camphor tree will ever be planted for profit in the United States, as the resin has to be extracted from old trees only, and these have to be destroyed in order to get at the desired article. About 30 years of age, is the youngest sacrificed, while many believe it is not profitable to cut them till 60 or 70. It is too slow a business for America. 10 MEEHANS* MONTHLY — GENERAL GARDENING. [Jan. The Blackberry as an Ornamental Shrub. — Here it is the first of November. The frosts have made sad havoc with the foliage of most of the vines and shrubs. The beauti- ful roses and the bright autumnal tints are now but dreams of the past. We would fain prolong the season as long as possible, and, upon looking about in the gar- den, I am delighted to find that the blackberry vines are still bright and beautiful — the rich -colors send a thrill of pleasure through me, and the thought of utilizing the blackberry as an ornamental vine is suggested. They might be planted near the fence, about the trellis usually covered with the wild cucumber vine, or wherever a blackberry plant would fit in liarmoniously, in the lawn to the rear of the . house. The plant is not unsightly during the entire season ; it makes its appearance early, the bloom is beautiful, and the berries are delicious as well as ornamental, while it has the added virtue that the foliage is still bright and beau- tiful when most other plants have succumbed to the early frosts. The blackberry has thorns — but so has the rose, and we will not give up the wild rose, the Sweetbrier, etc., be they never so thorny. Mrs. W. A. K. Columbus, O. Fertilizing Orchids by Insects. — We said recently, in response to a question from a subscriber, that orchids in greenhouses, are sometimes made fruitful by bees, or other winged insects. By a singular coincidence, the Orchid Review gives a full account of observations upon this question made by M. Griessen, of Kew. M. Griessen caught an humble-bee with pol- len from three different kinds on its body. Between the eyes, it had two kinds of pollen from Odontoglossum, four kinds from Cattleya on its body, and, between its wings, pollen from the Vanda, which proves that the hum- ble-bee secures its booty from divers orchids^. Another insect, a common bottle fly, had its apparel pollenized from the Cirrhopetalum, It is evident that fecundation has as many opportunities, in a closed greenhouse of plants of the same genera in great numbers, as out- of-doors. Translated by Sarah D. Lanning. From La Semaine Hotticole, The Hat-thrower Fungus. — A very re- markable little fungus is the Hat-Thrower, Pilobolus crystallinus. Spores germinate in old manure, and seem to be especially favored by cow manure. When the spore germinates the case explodes, and the upper covering, just like a small black hat or cap, is thrown upwards to a long distance. Some rose growers have entered their houses of a morning to find all the bloom completely covered with little black dots like pepper, which are the hats that have been thrown up over night by this fun- gus. Of course the flowers are unsalable. It is only in this way that this fungus is trouble- some ; but that is bad enough. The cultivator in these days should not be without a small lens in his pocket, and he should be very alert to use it. With this habit, he would soon be able to detect the first appearance of this fun- gus on the earth beneath the plants, and an application of a solution of copper would at once destroy the little pest and prevent all future trouble. Even without the lens, he may not suffer severely if he applies a solution when a few of the little dots are discovered. MEW 01 RmJt FLi^NTS. AciDANTHERA BicoLOR. — The note on Acidanthera bicolor in the November issue of Meehans' Monthly was probably made from observation of some crushed flowers, and did this plant some injustice. I enclose photo- graph of a flowering spike which conveys a true idea of the flowers and buds, about half natural size. The corms grow with same treat- ment as the gladiolus. The plant does not seem to seed here, but increases very rapidly from bulblets, which are found in great num- bers during the growing season. The flowers are certainly very fragrant, with an odor of the Datura class. (See cut page ii.) J. N. Gerard. Elizabeth, N. J. • THE MifllRI^T fLOWER ^fllRfeEN. Alpine Plants and their Cultivation AT Low Levels. — By the name Alpine region, as applied to mountains, is usually understood, the zone between the extreme limit of the growth of the arborescent species of plants and the line of eternal snow. The aspect of all vegetation of this region is peculiar. What 189S.] MEEHANS' MONTHLY— GENERAL GARDENING. II Strikes one first is, the closeness of the plant stems to the surface of the earth and their dwarfness. The leaves are always seen near to the base of the central stem and are fre- quently in the form of rosettes or tufts, sur- rounding it ; their color is usually an intense green, sometimes a grayish or glaucous green ; and the flowers have especially strong and bril- liant tints and shades of color, much more in- tense than the plants of the same species growing on the lowerlands. These dwarfed plants, especially those of very great altitudes, are usually very small, or only developed near the surface and there spreading out almost like turf, their branching stems frequently lying on the soil or flattened on the rocks. It seems, in the high regions, as if, at a certain distance below the surface, all vegetable life has been frustrated in its growth, and that the Alpine plants have to enlarge themselves on their sides in order to maintain life, growing, flowering and propagating as they do, at a limit which they cannot pass. Another peculiarity of high Alpine plants is, they do not have to depend on a succession of seeds for a continuance of life ; they are perennial and can pro- pagate themselves by creeping roots, by shoots running under the surface, by stolons, and by tubers, and thus continue their species, without requiring, although many of them have, fruits and seeds as a necessary element of con- tinuance of species. In the short, warm sea- son between the two snows, helped by the moisture from the melting snow, the hot rays of the sun cause them to produce leaves, stems, buds and flowers, which rapidly arrive at a complete devel- opment. At the beginning of spring, the fields in the highlands of the mount- ains teem with a marvel- ous spectacle of growth, and with leaves and blossoms of an intense vegetable life, which shows itself in changes of the aspect from day to day, and especially by groups of successive, abundant, and brilliant blooms, which clothe the sides and the sharp and turfy declivities and meadows, and even the steepest crags, with a magnificent vegetation of blue gentian, rosy saxifrage, pink erinus and dian- thus, purple crocus, yellow draba, etc. Under the surface of the ground, vegeta- tion is also moving at this time with great activity ; the rhizomes, runners, roots, shoots, tubers, and all kinds of growth, invade and pierce the soil, more or less humid from the melting snow, and the vegetable life growth dies out after making new forms, not only during this beautiful warm season, but even under the warmth of the snow which protects it against ice and frost. But it is in the springtime that this subter- ACIDANTHERA BICOLOR.-scc paoc 10. lO MEEHANS' MONTHLY — GENERAL GARDENING. [Jan. The Blackberry as an Ornamental Shrub. — Here it is the first of November. The frosts have made sad havoc with the foliage of most of the vines and shrubs. The beauti- ful roses and the bright autumnal tints are now but dreams of the past. We would fain prolong the season as long as possible, and, upon looking about in the gar- den, I am delighted to find that the blackberry vines are still bright and beautiful — the rich <:olors send a thrill of pleasure through me, and the thought of utilizing the blackberry as an ornamental vine is suggested. They might be planted near the fence, about the trellis usually covered with the wild cucumber vine, or wherever a blackberry plant would fit in harmoniously, in the lawn to the rear of the house. The plant is not unsightly during the entire season ; it makes its appearance early, the bloom is beautiful, and the berries are delicious as well as ornamental, while it has the added virtue that the foliage is still bright and beau- tiful when most other plants have succumbed to the early frosts. The blackberry has thorns — but so has the rose, and we will not give up the wild rose, the Sweetbrier, etc., be they never so thorny. Mrs. W. A. K. Columbus, O. Fertilizing Orchids by Insects. — We said recently, in response to a question from a subscriber, that orchids in greenhouses, are sometimes made fruitful by bees, or other winged insects. By a singular coincidence, the Orchid Review gives a full account of observations upon this question made by M. Griessen, of Kew. M. Griessen caught an humble-bee with pol- len from three different kinds on its body. Between the eyes, it had two kinds of pollen from Odontoglossum, four kinds from Cattleya on its body, and, between its wings, pollen from the Vanda, which proves that the hum- ble-bee secures its booty from divers orchids. Another insect, a common bottle fly, had its apparel pollenized from the Cirrhopetahun , It is evident that fecundation has as many opportunities, in a closed greenhouse of plants of the same genera in great numbers, as out- of-doors. Translated by Sarah D. Lanning. From La Semairie Hofticole, The Hat-thrower Fungus. — A very re- markable little fungus is the Hat-Thrower, Pilobolus crystallinus. Spores germinate in old manure, and seem to be especially favored by cow manure. When the spore germinates the case explodes, and the upper covering, just like a small black hat or cap, is thrown upwards to a longdistance. Some rose growers have entered their houses of a morning to find all the bloom completely covered with little black dots like pepper, which are the hats that have been thrown up over night by this fun- gus. Of course the flowers are unsalable. It is only in this v>'ay that this fungus is trouble- some ; but that is bad enough. The cultivator in these days should not be without a small lens in his pocket, and he should be very alert to use it. With this habit, he would soon be able to detect the first appearance of this fun- gus on the earth beneath the plants, and an application of a solution of copper would at once destroy the little pest and prevent all future trouble. Even without the lens, he may not suffer severely if he applies a solution when a few of the little dots are discovered. NEW ©1 li^lIS FLi^IMTS. Acidanthera bicolor. — The note on Acidaiithera bicolor in the November issue of Meehans' Monthly was probably made from observation of some crushed flowers, and did this plant some injustice. I enclose photo- graph of a flowering spike which conveys a true idea of the flowers and buds, about half natural size. The corms grow with same treat- ment as the gladiolus. The plant does not seem to seed here, but increases very rapidly from bulblets, which are found in great num- bers during the growing season. The flowers are certainly very fragrant, with an odor of the Datura class. (Seecut page ii.) J. N. Gerard. Elizabeth, N. J. TIME M/^l^I^T FL®WE1 ^/^IllD)Eff!. Alpine Plants and their Cultivation AT Low Levels. — By the name Alpine region, as applied to mountains, is usually understood, the zone between the extreme limit of the growth of the arborescent species of plants and the line of eternal snow. The aspect of all vegetation of this region is peculiar. What 189S.] meehans' monthly— general gardening. II strikes one first is, the closeness of the plant stems to the surface of the earth and their dwarfness. The leaves are always seen near to the base of the central stem and are fre- quently in the form of rosettes or tufts, sur- rounding it ; their color is usually an intense green, sometimes a grayish or glaucous green ; and the flowers have especially strong and bril- liant tints and shades of color, much more in- tense than the plants of the same species growing on the lowerlands. These dwarfed plants, especially those of very great altitudes, are usually very small, or only developed near the surface and there spreading out almost like turf, their branching stems frequently lying on the soil or flattened on the rocks. It seems, in the high regions, as if, at a certain distance below the surface, all vegetable life has been frustrated in its growth, and that the Alpine plants have to enlarge themselves on their sides in order to maintain life, growing, flowering and propagating as they do, at a limit which they cannot pass. Another peculiarity of high Alpine plants is, they do not have to depend on a succession of seeds for a continuance of life ; they are perennial and can pro- pagate themselves by creeping roots, by shoots running under the surface, by stolons, and by tubers, and thus continue their species, without requiring, although many of them have, fruits and seeds as a necessary element of con- tinuance of species. In the short, warm sea- son between the two snows, helped by the moisture from the melting snow, the hot rays of the sun cause them to produce leaves, stems, buds and flowers, which rapidly arrive at a complete devel- opment. At the beginning of spring, the fields in the highlands of the mount- ains teem with a marvel- ous spectacle of growth, and with leaves and blossoms of an intense vegetable life, which shows itself in changes of the aspect from day to day, and especially by groups of successive, abundant, and brilliant blooms, which clothe the sides and the sharp and turfy declivities and meadows, and even the steepest crags, with a magnificent vegetation of blue gentian, rosy vSaxifrage, pink erinus and dian- thus, purple crocus, yellow draba, etc. Under the surface of the ground, vegeta- tion is also moving at this time with great activity ; the rhizomes, runners, roots, shoots, tubers, and all kinds of growth, invade and pierce the soil, more or less humid from the melting snow, and the vegetable life growth dies out after making new forms, not only during this beautiful warm season, but even under the warmth of the snow which protects it against ice and frost. But it is in the springtime that this subter- ACiDANTHERA BICOLOR.-sce paqc 10. IW^mONAL SECOND EXPOS 12 MEEHANS* MONTHLY — GENERAL GARDENING. [Jan. ranean work of germination and new growth especially proceeds, thus preparing the plants for the opening of those organs which develop subsequently in the open air, and blossom as soon as the snow disappears and the hot rays of the sun vivify them rapidly ; and this growth, even, goes on before all the snow is melted, and in it, frequently, come forth and blossom, the first of the Alpine plants. In those parts of the plant which are underground, in the autumn, are stored and enclosed the nutritive matter, the starch, sugar and album- inoid substances, which are therein kept in re- serve for the new growth in the coming spring, and which pass through winter in vitality under the warmth of the deep snow. In the Alpine zone may be found two classes of plants : — i. Those limited to that zone only. 2. Those which are to be found both in the highest elevations and also on lower lands — and even on the plains. M. Gaston Bonnier, Professor of Botany in the Faculty of Sciences, Paris, has, for several years, been making a series of experiments on the growth of plants taken from lower lands and planted in gardens which he had constructed at high altitudes in the Alps and Pyrenees, in the Alpine zone ; and in the Annales de Geogtaphie of Paris, of July 15, 1895, he tells, with illustrations, the results as to the plants so cultivated ; these were, that plants, moved from the lower lands and plains into the Alpine zone, became dwarfed, the leaves, however, became a more intense green, the flowers more brilliant, vivid, and of a much richer color. He also found the colors of the flowers from the lower lands frequently became darker, — for instance, in the Cam- panula totundifolia, the flowers, dark-blue on the plains, in the Alpine zone became of a violet blue ; often nearly black ; and the pale yellow flowers of Saxifraga aizoides became a rich orange. He also found that the climate of the Alpine zone had a decided action on the anatomy and tissues of plant life, especi- ally as to the structure of the leaves ; they became, as we have said, after removal to it, a • more intense and vivid green and thicker in tex- ture, and the cells containing the chlorophyl were changed ; he thinks this resulted from the greater clearness and dryness of the atmo- sphere in the great altitudes, the general tem- perature being lower, the air less dense, and the humidity in warm weather, resulting from clouds and melting snow, being greater than in the lower lands ; we are inclined to think that something in the composition of the atmosphere may have also assisted in produc- ing the results. He thinks the dwarfness and lowness of the stems and branches came from the weight of snow and the effect of intense cold in blighting the branches, causing them to droop ; we think the strong and rapid winds blowing at great height may also have assist- ed in producing the lowness of growth of the branches and their spreading habit. He says : *' If the plants of the plains are moved too suddenly to the Alpine zone, they will die ; and if the Alpine planls are moved too suddenly to the lower lands, they will perish ; but that there are plants in each region that can be adapted to the other. *' We do not think there is an}' doubt of this, if their habits, soil and necessary nutriment are studied and adapted to the particular plant ; that most, if not all, of both the Alpine and the Arctic plants, can be grown at low levels, especially if raised from seeds ; but a knowledge of the peculiarities and habits of the special plants it is desired to cultivate, must be first obtained and followed in their cultivation. For in- stance, there are Alpines which must be plant- ed in ground which is moist, or kept so, and well drained ; others amongst stones and grit, or surrounded on the surface by stones ; some must be kept dry during winter, under sheets of glass ; others planted on steep declivities and in vertical crevices in a rockery ; and nearly all do better having cracks and crevices for the roots to penetrate, spread and run into ; for in the Alpine zone, many small plants will run their small wiry roots yards away from the portion of the plant above ground, and it is from these moist cracks and breaks that the plant gets life and survives the hot days of the short Alpine summer, during which rain does not fall, the melting snow is all gone and the air is parched and dry. Some must be planted in damp places among peat or moss and decayed vegetable matter, or even in ordinary soil kept damp and drained ; others want full exposure to the sun, and others, shade. We are apt to think that the summits of very high mountains covered with snow most of the year are very cold places. Above the 1898.] MEEHANS' MONTHLY — GENERAL GARDENING. 13 covering of the snow, they are, but for the plants under the snow, the contrary is the case ; its covering is warm during the Alpine winter and preserves them better than those exposed to cold of the low plains, which, although not so intense as that at great alti- tudes, does not give them such a permanent covering of snow. Another thing which in- jures plants on the former, is the frequent freezing and thawing which disintegrates the tissues of the plants. Our own experience, from growing many of them, has been, that nearly all the Alpines can be grown at low levels, on a properly con- structed rockery, and will well repay their cul- tivation, for it is most interesting to have, growing at one's door, Alpines which usually grow 8,000 to 14,000 feet above the sea level ; and the conditions as to Alpines exist as do most of the plants of the Arctic regions, which can also be grown, with but little trouble, near our own firesides. Isaac Myer. Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia. FKMllTS MS ¥E^ETi^PLES. Profits in Banana Culture. — It is re- markable how many people there are among the lovers of fruits and flowers who, in the language of Scripture, '* have eyes but see not and ears but hear not." The cultivation of the banana is the case in point. Banana fruit is now among the commonest of our fruit in market, and it is within the reach of even the poorest, and yet a quarter of a century ago they were scarcely known, to any great extent, out of the land in which they grew. At the present time, shipments are made from Jamaica to different parts of the world amounting to three millions of dollars annually. There is no reason why such an extended culture could not have been started a hundred years ago. It must be said, however, that the cheap and rapid means of transportation, by means of the steamship companies, has undoubtedly had to do with the progress in this industry. Many Varieties on the Same Tree. — It has always seemed a good idea for anyone fond of variety, with a limited amount of space, to have a number of kinds grafted on the same tree. In this way, an apple, pear, peach or plum could be made to produce a varied collec- tion ; but the theory has not worked out in practice, for the reason that some varieties are constitutionally more vigorous than others, and the stronger growing varieties soon take all of the food to themselves and starve out the weaker ones. With a little good judgment in selecting varieties of uniform character, the idea may be worked out to a satisfactory con- clusion,— or weaker varieties may be given a position at the top of the tree, for there is always more strength and vigor to be obtained in that position than in the lower portions of the tree. When there is little difference in the constitutional vigor of varieties, the plan may be worked out to a greater satisfaction. In the peach, for instance, there is very little differ- ence in the characteristic noted. Nearly all peach trees have about the same ratio of growth, and, moreover, the peach is inclined to be a round-headed tree, with about as much vigor in the lower branches as in the upper ones. There ought to be more success in this line of experiment with the peach tree, than with any other class of fruits. Propagation of Rhubarb. — Some varieties of rhubarb have the stalks more tender and larger than others, and again they differ in color, — some when cooked of a bright green, while others of a light pink. There is no pre- ference, except as a matter of taste, the only advantage being that the pinkish tinge is pre- ferred as more brightening the table. The seeds saved from a separate variety generally reproduce the variety pretty fairly, some few varying somewhat, but the majority maintain- ing the general characteristics. Seeds sown in the spring make strong plants by fall, which the following spring may be transplanted to the vegetable garden. It is generally, how- ever, two or three years before rhubarb raised in this way comes to its best. Another way in which it is propagated is by dividing the root stocks. In the course of a few years, a single plant of rhubarb will make a dozen or more offsets or rather strong eyes, and a whole plant can be so divided that a piece of root with one of these eyes can be separated from the original plant and set out so as to go into business for itself. The advantage of propagating rhubarb in this way is that one can get good strong leaf stalks a couple of years sooner than by raising plants from seeds. / 14 MEEHANS' MONTHLY — GENERAL GARDENING. [Jan. The I^eConte Pear. — Since the advent of the LeConte Pear, pear growing in the south has become a commercial success, which can- not be said of pear growing, as a rule, where confined to the old varieties of the European stock. The introduction of this pear and the KiefFer marks a new era in pear growing. They are both believed to be accidental hybrids be- tween the Sand Pear of Asia and some of the varieties of the European race. In regard to the Kiefifer, the Sand Pear and the Bartlett were grown together, so close, in fact, that the branches interlaced. Among the seedlings of this Sand Pear, the Kiefifer originated, on the grounds of a gentleman of that name. The origin of the LeConte is unknown ; but it is evidently a product of a similar circumstance. It is found to be as healthy and vigorous as the original Sand Pear. No disease, so far, has troubled it, and the usual insects that follow the pear seem to avoid it. Under some cir- cumstances the quality is very superior ; but this requires skill to bring about. In a general way, the quality is above the average of pears ; but a special feature of great value is that they can be shipped in barrels like apples, a treat- ment which no other pear will stand. It is re- markable that attempts do not seem to have been made to produce a more extended list of varieties from these. Although hybrids of two very distinct species, they produce seed abund- antly. It is hardly necessary to use the word *♦ although," for horticulturists generally well understand that the dictum of some scientific men, that hybrids are necessarily sterile, is utterly absurd. An Old Pear Tree. — The oldest pear tree in the middle of France was destroyed by a hurricane, last November. This venerable tree, known as Queen Jane's Pear Tree, was said to be not less than six hundred years old. Circles of it have been sent by M. Chaubaud, an old gardener on the grounds who had charge of it, to all the botanical societies of Europe, to ascertain if a similar tree existed elsewhere. — From La Semaine Horticole, The Cos Lettuce. — In the Old World, let- tuce is divided into two great classes. One kind makes heads naturally ; this class is called the Cabbage Lettuce. The other kind has large, broad leaves. To blanch this, the leaves are to be drawn together and tied at the apex. The Cos blanched in this way is esti- mated a much greater delicacy than the ordin- ary Cabbage kind. In America, they are not popular. It is on account of the extra labor required to produce them to perfection. Pear, Beurre d'Anjou. — We are ac- customed to think of California, whenever some admirable specimens of fruit come in sight, but now and then we note instances where this noble fruit-growing State might hand down its colors without disgrace. A small box of Beurre d'Anjou Pears from Ellwanger & Barry, Rochester, New York, has a threatening attitude in this direction. From ten to twelve inches in circumference and weighing fourteen ounces and some over. What has the Golden State to say about it } A Fruitful Apple Tree. — I notice in the last Monthly (Nov.,) that a peach branch, 22 inches long, produced 33 peaches, and the question is asked '* Can anyone report better than this?'* I have preserved a portion of a limb 4^ inches long (Fameuse) from which I picked eleven apples, 2^ inches in diameter, all of an equal size. Timothy Wheeler. Moscow, Vt. Cumberland Black-Cap Raspberry. — Improvements in our native Black-Cap Rasp- berry continue, — the line of improvement being in the increase in size, pulpiness and productiveness. The Cumberland, originated near Harrisburg, Pa., is being introduced by Jackson & Perkins, of Newark, N. Y. The berries are said to be an inch across. The German Prune in New Mexico. — New Mexico seems destined to become a rival to California in plum culture, judging from a box of remarkably fine German Prunes, which reached our office as fresh as if just gathered from the trees. They were kindly sent by Mr. M. J. Nagel, of 6anta Fe. Pruning Currants. — Currants may be pruned during the winter. Red and white varieties should be thinned of young, weak wood, which does not fruit. BIOGRAPHY AND LITERATURE. THE LESSON OF THE FLOWERS. Thanks to that human heart by which we live, Thanks to its tenderness, its joys, its fears, To me the meanest flower that blows can give Thoughts that do often lie too deep for tears. — Wordsworth. Prof. T. C. Porter. — Thomas Conrad Por- ter, Doctor of Divinity, and Doctor of Laws, famous in botanical circles as well as in classical literature, recently retired from his professor- ship of botany and zoology in Lafayette Col- lege, Easton, after filling the chair for over thirty years. The occasion was made memora- ble by tributes from the news- paper press, generally, for the valuable services rendered ; not merely to the institution named, but for many years before his connection with it, and through life for the help- fulness to others in many walks of life. The picture of him, given here, was taken for the Philadelphia Public Ledger, which gave a full account of the ceremonies connected with his retire- ment. He was born at Alex- andria, Pennsylvania, on the 22d of January, 1822, and has therefore nearly reached his 76th year. Well-known and honored as an author in general literature, he will be chiefly associated in the minds of our readers with botanical work. He is the author of the Flora of Colorado, published by the Government as part of the work of the Hayden exploring expedition, and has for many years been collecting material for a Flora of Penn- sylvania. Numerous species of plants have been named '* Porteri," in his honor, — and Dr. Torrey named a pretty Lobeliaceous genus Porterella, with the same intent. Though re- tiring from active teaching, it is a pleasure to record that Dr. Porter is still hale and hearty. PROF. THOMAS C. PORTER, D.D., LL. D. The Establishment op Public Parks. — The importance of bringing together informa- tion concerning the establishment of public parks, cannot be illustrated to better advan- tage than it is in a little publication that has recently come to hand, under the above title and relating to the New York park system, which was prepared by Mr. Gherardi Davis, of New York, and read before the Historical Society of that city. After making a brief statement as to the necessity of public parke in cities and the desirability of guarding them against encroach- ments, he gives the history of the park movement in New York from the first sugges- tion that was made in a letter published in the New York Packet in 1785, and addressed to the mayor and aldermen of the city, calling attention to the fact that '* there is not in this great city one proper spot where its inhabitants can enjoy with convenience the exercise that is necessary for health and amusement." He then goes on to give the history of Bowling Green, the Battery, and the various squares and parks of the city, from the time they were first suggested until they were acquired by the city and de- veloped as public pleasure grounds, giving many interesting historical and other incidents connected herewith. It is difficult for one unacquainted with such matters to realize the amount of careful inves- tigation that is required to bring together and verify the facts and interesting incidents re- lated in this pamphlet. This pamphlet should be the forerunner of similar publications in other cities, for tjie sub- ject is well worthy of the careful investigation of students in local history, and such facts and (15) i6 MEEHANS' MONTHI^Y — BIOGRAPHY AND LITERATURE. [Jan. incidents as are here brought together are not found in any other publications with the excep- tion of the fragmentary and disconnected re- cords in park reports and occasional news- paper and magazine articles. There has never been made until very re- cently a systematic effort to bring together, in any of the important libraries, complete sets of park reports. Some park commissions even have not complete sets of their reports in their own ofi&ces, and almost every park commission is unable to supply many of its back numbers. The Park and Outdoor Art Associations are bringing together as complete a set of park reports and other material relating to out-door art as can be obtained. Information thus brought together will be of the greatest value to all persons who are interested in the park movement, which has come to be such an im- portant question in the development of Amer- ican communities. Warren H. Manning. CuNiivA Mariana-^American Dittany. — The New York Independent says : * 'A good word for Meehans' Monthly, devoted to general gar- dening and popular botany, is always in order. The wild flower illustrated in color in the November issue is the American Dittany and the classic fame of the dittany is here noted, as its modern use. The American Dittany (Cw«z7« Mariana) is so generally in use among the poorer classes in some parts of the South as an herb drink that to many Negroes the word •tea' means only 'dit'ny tea;* and the story is told of a thirsty Englishman in the North Carolina Mountains who gladly accepted a cup of * tea ' from an old colored woman and then, bewildered at its unfamiliar taste, ex- claimed, ' Do you call this tea f What is it ? ' The prompt answer came : * Yes, chile, dat's tea. Some folks make deirs ob horsemint, but I always make mine ob dit'ny.' *' .. Wm. Warner Harper. Proprietor *^^^^^^^'^'^'*^^'»^'»^'^'^'^'^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ WILD FERNS. ^FLOWERS The most beautiful that grow in all countries. I grow and test them in this climate, and sell the hardiest. Hardy orchids, ferns, vines, climbers, lilies, shrubs, trees. Plants for sun and shade, for bog and rock- work, border plants, etc. Surprisingly low prices for the quality and kind of stock. My illustrated catalojjue describes about 700 kinds, tells where to plant and how to jfrow them. Mailed for ac. stamp F. H. HORSFORD, Charlotte, Vt. sS^> ^^^m Four Steps are all that stand between you and suc- cessful rose growing. First you write for the New Guide to Rose Culture, which is sent free. It fully describes, accurately pictures, and plainly directs you how to grow tlic famous D. 6l C. Roses, and a thousand other beautiful flowers. Shows you how to take the next step— to get them by mail on their own roots, ready to grow and bloom in pot or garden. ^Take the first step to-day. A >i jj ^sample of our floral magazinc,k,??|jFli — ''Success with Flowers" also sent if requested. THE DINGEE & CONARD CO., West Grove. Pa. y o> ?etc. advertise themselves. The best always cheapest. iCan supply all your wants from Flower and Vej^etable Seeds fto Street Trees at low rates. We publish one of the leading* ^Seed, Plant and Tree Catalognes issned which we mail free. Try us, our stock and prices will please you. Can refer you to customers in every state and territory in the Union. 43 years of square dealing has made us patrons and friends far and near. Have hundreds of car-loads of FRUIT AND ORNAMENTAL TREES, SHRUBS, ROSES, PLANTS, ETC. We send by mail postpaid Seeds, Plants, Bulbs, Roses, Small Trees, etc., safe arrival and satisfaction guaranteed, larger by express or freight. 44th year. 32 Greenhouses. 1000 acres. THE 8TORR8 & HARRISON CO., Box 53, - - - PAINE8VILLE, OHIO. TREES-SHRUBS-ROSES The largest and most complete collections In America, including all desirable novelties. General Catalogue (168 pages) free. Every intending buyer should have it. *'^n indispensable catalof/ne/' — Countvy Gentleman. ELLWANGER Sl BARRY, Mount Hope Nurseries, Rocliester, N.Y. ARE RELIABLE. RLE. ^% Everything grown in Raid's Nurseries is healthy, well-rooted and true to name. Every effort Is made to save expense to customers. We sell direct and ship direct, saving fifty per cent, on Trees, Shrubs, Vines. Write for cata- logue, estimates or suggestions. Try Star Strawberry, Eldorado Blackberry. REID'S NURSERIES, Bridgeport, Ohio^ I I OWKER'S FERTILIZERS (( 25c. for HOUSE PLANTS, LAWNS, GARDENS, FARM CROPS. Catalogue free. State for what purpose fertilizer is wanted when writing. ^ BOWKER FERTILIZER CO., - - - Boston, l A book on "Window Gardening," and enough odorless fertil- izer for thirty plants three months, sent by mail for LORD St BURNHAM CO. HORTICULTURAL ARCHITECTS AND BUILDERS AND MANUFACTURERS OF HEATING AND VENTILATING APPARATUS ESTABLISHED 1856 Plans and estimates furnished on application for heating and ventila- ting apparatus erected complete, or for material only. Highest awards at the World's Fair. new sectional Hot Water Heater Specially adapted to large ranges. Will heat up to 16,500 feet of glass. Highest economy. Mod- erate cost. Also heaters for smaller work. Send six cents postage to New York Office for latest catalogue of Heating and Ventilating Ap- paratus, WEW YORK OFFICE : 160 Fifth Avenue. Cor. 2l8t St. GENERAL OFFICE AND WORKS: Irvington-on-Hudson, N. Y. WHEN WRITING TO ADVERTISERS. TELL THEM YOU SAW THEIR CARD IN MEEHANS' MONTHLY. WHEN WRITING TO ADVERTISERS, TELL THEM YOU SAW THEIR CARD IN MEEHANS' MONTHLY. ESTABLISHED 60 YEARS HITCHINGS & CO. HORTICULTUBflL flRDHITEOTS AND BUILDERS ii«u"?.l3rl.f Greenhouse Heating and Ventilating Apparatus The highest awards r#- ceived at the World's Fair for Horticultural Architec- ture, Greenhouse Construo- tion and Heating Appar- atus. Conservatories, Green- houses, Palmhouses, etc., erected complete with oni Patent Iron Frame Con- struction. SEND FOUR CENTS FOR ILLUSTRATED CATALOGUES. 233 MERCER STREET, NEJh£ YORK CITY POPULAR SCIENCE NEWS Nature, Invention, Arch^eolosry, UCAI TU Electricity, Chemistry. Hineralogy. IIlAL I M Health, HyKiene, Hedicine- ■■■-"^ (FORMERLY BOSTON JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY.) ENLARGED AND inPROVED. This popular monthly contains a large number of Short, Easy, Practical. Interesting and Popular, Scientific ArticlCvS, that can be appreciated and enjoyed by any intelligent read- er, even though he know little or nothing of science. It is intended to interest those who think. PROFUSELY ILLUSTRATED and FREE FROM TECHNICALITIES. Entirely different from and much superior to other papers with a similar name. flonthly, $1.60 per year. Newsdealers, 15 cents. Largest Circulation of any Scientific Paper in the World. Conducted by BENJ. LILLARD, - - 108 Fukon St., New York. Mention this paper for a sample copy. " Intensive Cultivation is the Keynote to Success !" SUCCESS Waits on all who subscribe to HPIEBIfillll &HME|II|II} $1.00 A YEAR. EVERY SATURDAY. A Complete Practical Guide to Every Phase of Plant Culture in the Open and Under Glass and the De- yelopment of Land and Home Surroundings. The Soil's Productiveness Increased. Send $1 oo for a year's subscription ; it will earn you $100 before the twelve months are up. A VALUABLE PREMIUM TO EVERY SUBSCRIBER. Sample copy free. State where you saw this advertisement and address AM. GARDENING, P. G. Box 1897. NEW YORK, Modern Horticultural Building, Elegant Conservatories, Practical Commercial Houses, and all Classes of Greenhouse Structures Planned and Erected. We build of all Iron, all Wood, or a mndification of either, as desired. Steel or Cypress Sash Bars for Butted Olas. GlaxiDK or lapped OlazioE, with or without putiy. Latest methods ot Ventilation, Steam and Hot- Water HeatinK Iron and Slate, Iron and Tile, or all Wood StaRinR. Contracts uken for Completed Structure. Materials famished to Bmlders. Zxpert adTice at Residence, or Catalogues on application. 4»- l>on't fail to get our Plans and Prices. PLENTY'S HORTICULTURAL WORKS, 148-156 Randolph Ave., Jersey City, N. J. SPECIAL CLUBBING OFFERS MBfiilAMS' MWXHLV* \ **"'^ y***"* ^o** *5»**'^ GAWmN AND Fwfe-f . / retieW«Is. $6,00 S?AW.5if;or*'"""""' } «".re.r..or$3.50 ^JSISft^^^'SXKW} one year, for $a.75 one year, lor $0.50 renewals, 97»$0 neeHAMs* monthly, qarden and forest qaroening; meehans* monthly, dARDEN AND FOREST, AMERICAN OARDENINd, MeGHANS' MONTHLY, GARDEN AND FOREST, QARDENINQ, AnBRICAN OARDENINQ, one yeaft for $5»75 renewals. $6.:25 one year, for $7*^5 renewals, $0.25 Address THOMAS riEEHAN & SONS, Publishers, QERMANTOWN. PHILA. PUBLISHED THE IsT AND 15th OF EACH MONTH BY THE GARDENING COMPANY MONON BUILDING, CHICAGO SUBSCRIPTION PRICE, $2.00 A YEAR — 24 NUMBERS The most practical and valuable American Horti- cultural publication. Dkpartmknts : The FloMrcr Garden, Trees and Shrubs, The Greenhouse, The Window Garden, The Fruit Garden, The Vege- table Garden, Insects and Other Pests, Mushrooms, and others in season. See ^hat subscribers say about this valuable journal. "For oondeosed common sense in garden ins: matters, for reliable, tmptejndiced and aaie iuformatiott, GAaoBHiifo cannot be aurpassed.' and although moderate In size it ex- pands npon pemaal.'^' W. C Koan, Highland Park, 111. **OaIidbicii«o ia the best horticultural paper oriated in Antrica." Chab L. ttxTKR, Spnn'gheld, Mass. "I asn greatly pleased with the paper. It la practical and ■ttgscttive. Its reprod notion of photographic views of plants, flowers and landscapes is a moat admirable feature." W. M. Johnson, Hackensack, N. J. "It is a delightful paper and has been very interesting and InstructiTe to me." Fkakx Hitchcock, Davenport, la. " I have found Gakdbnlng extremely u.seful and interest- ing. You have given your subscribers a great deal more than their money's worth." Chab. B. Brown, Yarmouth, Nova Scotia "Such a publication was long needed in this country. Qrery line of its contributions is a lesson in itself to many proieiafonala as well as to amateurs." JORF Bbbby, Gardener to Senator Wolcott, Littleton, Colo. "1 'I valne Gardbkino highly on account of the very practi- oal character of its contents.'*^ J. A. Pbttzobbw, Supt. Lincoln Park, Chicago "X regard Gakdbnino aa one of the most practical maga- •ln«s IsBUed in the interests of horticulture.*^ W. F. Macaxa, WatetvUle, N. If. "The papier is the most practical of any I read." W. 9. Abbs, Fond du Lac, Wis. "I sBfaacrlb< to all the horticultural and floricultural jour- naU on this continent aa far as I know and find in Gabdbn- iBO the most practicBl one for an amateur like myself." Db. Gbo. T. HaWi^bv, Coming, N. Y. «BT4a. \^^$S>m f **^* SIE0S I'^^^^^^fek'l 1 P|aats,Dttlb4andRequl»lt«a \^^^ ^^^S r They tdre the betl^ at the lowtat oricea. Caleiidar for '98 ma iled free. Address \ PH(UIB€M»MIA.H HEMRY A. DIICf^B. S^mnHjHHM^IpgpKIHpNr TI4. CMCBTNUT St.. PMtLA. to iSfntS for Profit, by John iR. Parry. Thii book is one of th« L>cai ui ti» ciMoa <«&Q Otic iiw pviVSOu tntCfCSt.CKA ir> >iut.~> c*i'. Tribune. " Wise, intelligent, entertaining."— //a r^Vj^^^/fe/y. " Rich variety of remarkable engravings."— .V. Y. Post. " Dignified, pleasing, scholarly."— CAuVtfi-a Evening Journal. " Foremost journal of iU class."— ^oito* Herald. BeanlilDOy IllDstratid. Weekly. $iOOaTeu SPlBCfMe^ COPY PRBC ON APPLfCATfON GARDEN fiiD FOREST PDBLISililG €0. TrlbQBI Building, Hew York WHEN WRITINe TO ADVERTISERS, TELL THEM YOU SAW THEIR CARD tN li«EEHANS' MONTHtY 'i WHEN WRITING TO ADVERTISERS, TELL THEM YOU SAW THEIR CARD IN MEEHANS' MONTHLY. HITCHINCS St CO. HORTIDULTURRL URGHITEGTS RND BUILDERS ESTABLISHED 60 YEARS and largest Manufacturers of Greenhouse Heating and Ventilating Apparatus The highest awards re- ceived at the World»s Fair for Horticultural Architec- ture, Greenhouse Construc- tion and Heating Appar- atus. Conservatories, Green- houses, Palmhouses, etc., erected complete with our Patent Iron Frame Con- struction. SEND FOUR CENTS FOR ILLUSTRATED CATALOGUES. 233 MERCER STREET, NEiH£ YORK CITY POPULAR SCIENCE HEALTH ilClllO Nature, Invention, Archeology, NrWo Electricity, Chemistry. Hlneralogy, iikwi V Health, Hygiene, Hediclne. (FORMERLY KOSTON JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY.) ENLARGED AND inPROVED. This popular monthly contains a large number of Short, Easy, Practical. Interesting and Popular, Scientific Articles, that can be appreciated and enjoyed by any intellijjent read- er, even though he know little or nothing of science. II is intended to interest those who think. PROFUSELY ILLUSTRATED and FREE FROM TECHNICALITIES. Kntirely different from and much superior to other papers with a similar name. " Intensive Cultivation is the Keynote to Success SUCCESS Waits on all who subscribe to 1 M Honthly, $i.6o per year. Newsdealers, 15 cents. Largest Circulation of any Scientific Paper in the World. Conducted by BENJ. LILLARD, « = 108 FuKon St., New York. Mention this paper for a sample copy. $1.00 A YEAR. EVERY SATURDAY. A Complete Practical Guide to Every Phase of Plant Culture in the Open and Under Glass and the De- velopment of Land and Home Surroundings. The Soil's Productiveness Increased. Send $1 CO for a year's subscrii)tion ; it will earn you $ioo before the twelve months are up. A VALUABLE PREMIUM TO EVERY SUBSCRIBER. Sample copy free. State where you saw this advertisement and address AM. GARDENING, P. 0. Box 1697. NEW YORK. Modern Horticultural Building. Elegant Conservatories, Practical Commercial Houses, and all Classes of Greenhouse Structures Planned and Erected. We build of all Iron, all Wood, or a modification of either, as desired. Hteel or Cypress Sash Bars for Butted Glass Gla«ine or Lapped (ilazinp;, with or without put»y. latest nif thods ot Ventilation, Steam and Hot-Water Heating .,J'"°° and Slate, Iron and 'lile, or all Wood Htaging. Contracts taken tor Completed Structure. Materials furnished to Builders. Expert adTice at Residence, or Catalogues on application. 4»" Uon't fail to get our Plans and i'rices. PLENTY'S HORTICULTURAL WORKS, 148-156 Randolph Ave., Jersey City, N. J. WHEN WRITING TO ADVERTISERS, TELL THEM YOU SAW THEIR CARD IN MEEHANS' MONTHLY, SPECIAL CLUBBING OFFERS -^ MEEHANS- MONTHLY, \ <>"« y***^' *««• ^^'^O GARDEN AND F0RE5T, / renewals. ^* f renewals, $6.00 > one year, for $3*50 MEEHANS' MONTHLY, \ ^„^ ^^.^ lor $2.7S AMERICAN QARDENINQ. / one year, for ^-«. 7 5 '■1 '• 1 SO,} MEEHANS' MONTHLY, QARDENINQ, riEEHANS' MONTHLY GARDEN AND F0RE5T GARDENING, one year, for $6.50 renewals, $7 '5^ MEEHANS' MONTHLY GARDEN AND FOREST, AMERICAN QARDENINQ MEEHANS' MONTHLY, GARDEN AND FOREST, GARDENING, AHERICAN GARDENING, one year, for $5*75 renewals, $6.35 one year, for $7»^5 renewals, $0.25 Address THOMAS HEEHAN & SONS, Publishers. GERMANTOWN, PHILA. PUBLISHED THE Ut AND 15th OF EACH MONTH BY THE GARDENING COMPANY MONON BUILDING, CHICAGO SUBSCRIPTION PRICE, $2.00 A YEAR 24 NUMBERS The most practical and valuable American Horti- ctiltural publication. Departments : The Flower Garden, Trees and Shrubs, The Greenhouse, The Window Garden, The Fruit Garden, The Vege- table Garden, Insects and Other Pests, Mushrooms, and others in season. See what subscribers say about this valuable journal. "For condensed common sense in gardening matters, for reliable, unprejudiced and safe information, Garoenino cannot be surpassed, and although moderate in size it ex- pands upon perusal." W. C Eoan, Highland Park, 111. **OARDBifiNO is the best horticultural paper prim America." Cha6 I<. BxrKR.Sprin'gbeld, rinted in Mass. "I am greatly pleased with the paper. It is practical and ■uggestive. Its reprod action of photographic views of plants, flowers and landscapes is a most admirable feature." W. M. Johnson, Hackensack, N. J. **It is a delightful paper and has been very interesting and iastructive to me." Frank Hitchcock, Davenport, la. "I have found Gardening extremely useful and interest- iag. You have given your subscribers a great deal more than their money's worth." Chas. E- Brown, Yarmouth, Nova Scotia "Such a publication was long needed in this country. Qrery line of its contributions is a lesson in Itself to many proieHiionals as well as to amateurs." John Berry, Gardener to Senator Wolcott, Littleton, Colo. "I TRlne Gardening highly on account of the very practi- oal character of its contents. ''^ J. A. Pbttigrbw, Supt. Lincoln Park, Chicago **I regard Gardening as one of the most practical maga- •ines issued in the interest* of horticulture." W. P. Macara, Waterville, N. Y. "The paper is the most practical of any I read." W. E- Abbs, Fond duLac, Wis. "I subscribe to all the horticultural and floricultural jour- nals on this continent as far as I know and find in Garden- i»o the most practical one for an amateur like myself." Dr. Geo. T. Hawley, Coming, N. Y. DREER'S TRY «*«o^~ SEEDS Plants, Bulbs and Requisites They are the best at the lowest prices. Calendar for '98 mailed free. Address HENRY A. DREER. 714 Chestnut St., Phila. Nats for Profit, by John R. Parry. This book is one of the best of its class and one no person interested in nuts and nut culture can afford to be without. It is a complete work of 158 pages, and its 60 illustrations, taken direct from nature, are very accurate and useful. We furnish it, postpaid, for . . 91. OO THOMAS MEEHAN A SONS, Fabiitihers Gerinantown, Pa. NO-463- ^GARDEN. FOREST AJOURNALOFHORTICULTURE-i LANDSCAPE-ART ANDFORESTRY. TREATS of the science and the art of gardening, and is a trustworthy rec- ord of progress in horticulture. The weekly issues contain practical directions for cultivation under glass and out of doors, correspondence on seasonable topics, edi- torials and articles on forestry, and on leg- islation affecting the national forests. The contributors are botanists and specialists of the highest standing. The illustrations are original, accurate, and artistic. " Winning, delightful, and accurate.*'— A^ K* Tribune. "Wise, intelligent, entertaining.''— //ar/^y'j JVeekly. " Rich variety of remarkable engfravings."— A^. Y. Post. " Dignified, pleasing, scholarly."— CAic<7^. UCAITU ntW^ Electricity, Chemistry. nineraloK.v, rlLAL I 11 IlkflU Health, Hygiene, Hedicine- m-ntiii (FORMKRLY HOSTON JOURNAL OI- CUKMISTKV.) ENLARGED AND IIPROVED. This poi)ular monthly contains a large number of Short, Kasy. Practical. Interesting: and Popular. Scientific Articles, that can be appieciated and enjoyed by any intelli^aut read er, even though he know little or nothing of science. It is intended to interest those who think. PROFUSELY ILLUSTRATED and FREE FROM TECHNICALITIES. Kntirely different from and ranch superior to other pai)ers with a similar name. ' Intensive Cnltivrition i» the Kevnotf to Success SUCCESS Waits on all who snbscrilie t«> rionthly, $i.6o per year. Newsdealers, 15 cents. Largest Circulation of any Scientific Paper in the World. Conducted by BENJ. LILLARD, = = 108 Fukon St., New York. Mention this ])aper for a sample ropy. $100 A YEAR. EVERY SATURDAY. A Complete Practical Guide to Every Phase of Plant Culture in the Open and Under Glass and the De- velopment of Land and Home Surroundings. The Soils Productiveness Increased. Send $1 c(. for a year's snhscripti<»n ; it will earn yon ntted UlaHS (ilazinp or lapped (ilazn)<;, with or without putiy. l-^rest nieiho2.75 MEEHANS' MONTHLY. \ GARDEN AND FOREST, / MEEHANS' MONTHLY GARDENING. HEEHANS' MONTHLY, GARDEN AND FORE5T. GARDENING, MEEHANS' MONTHLY, GARDEN AND FOREST, AMERICAN GARDENING, MEEHANS' MONTHLY. ] GARDEN AND FOREST. 1 GARDENING, [ AHERICAN GARDENING, 1 Address one year, for $6.50 renewals, $7*50 one year, for $5*75 renewals, $6.25 one year, for $7*25 renewals, $0.25 THOMAS HEEHAN & SONS, Publishers, GERMANTOWN, PHILA. PUBLISHED THE IsT AND 15tm OF EACH MONTH BY THE GARDENING COMPANY MONON BUILDING, CHICAGO SUBSCRIPTION PRICE, $2.00 A YEAR 24 NUMBERS The most practical and valuable American Horti- cultural publication. Departments : The Flower Garden, Trees and Shrubs, The Greenhouse, The Window Garden, The Fruit Garden, The Vege- table Garden, Insects and Other Pests, Mushrooms, and others in season. See what subscribers say about this valuable journal. "For condensed common sense in gardening matters, for reliable, unprejudiced and safe information, Gardening cannot oe surpassed, and although moderate in size it ex- pands upon perusal.'* W. C Ko AN, Highland Park, 111. ''Gardening is the best horticultural paper printed in America.'' Cuas L. Burr, Springfield, Mass. "I am greatly pleased with the paper. It is practical and suggestive. Its reprodnction of photograph ic views of plants, flowers and landscapes is a most admirable feature." W. M. Johnson, Hackensack, N. J. "It is a delightful paper and has been very interesting and lastructive to me." Frank Hitchcock, Davenport, la. "I have found Gardening extremely useful and interest- ing. You have given your subscribers a great deal more than their money's worth." Chas. E.Brown, Yarmouth, Nova Scotia " Such a publication was long needed in this country. Hrery line of its contributions is a lesson in itself to many proieasionals as well as to amateurs." John Berry, Gardener to Senator Wolcott,I*ittleton, Colo. "I value Gardening highly on account of the very practi- cal character of its contents. ''^ J. A. Pettigrew, Supt. Lincoln Park, Chicago "I regard Gardening as one of the most practical maga- sines issued in the interests of horticulture." W. F. Macara, Waterville, N. Y. "The paper is the most practical of any I read." W. K- Abbs, Fond du Lac, Wis. "I subscribe to all the horticultural and floricultural jour- aals on this continent as far as I know and find in Garden- mo the most practical one for an amateur like myself." Dr. Geo. T. Hawley, Coming, N. Y. TRY DREER'S GARDEN SEEDS Plants, Bulbs and Requisites They are the best at the lowest prices. Calendar for '98 mailed free. Address HENRY A. DREER. 714 Chestnut St.. Phila. Nats for Profit, by John R. Parry. This book is one of the best of its class and one no person interested in nuts and nut culture can afford to be without. It is a complete work of 158 pages, and its 60 illustrations, taken direct from nature, are very accurate and useful. We furnish it, postpaid, for . . 91. OO THOMAS MEEHAN & SONS, Pablishers Germaiitown, Pa. VOL- X. g NO-463' ^ GARDEN /^v N D FOREST A-JOU RNALOFHORTICULTURE LANDSCAPE-ART- AND FORESTRY; f""""-"" ■■"■■-"-"■ .......■■■.■..■ •JANUARY-e-l897 -nniimiiiiiiiii'iltiiiir TREATS of the science and the art of gardening, and is a trustworthy rec- ord of progress in horticulture. The weekly issues contain practical directions for cultivation under glass and out of doors, correspondence on seasonable topics, edi- torials and articles on forestry, and on leg- islation affecting the national forests. The contributors are botanists and specialists of the highest standing. The illustrations are original, accurate, and artistic. " Winning, delightful, and accurate."'— A'' K- Tribune. "Wise, intelligent, entertaining,'' — Harper's Weekly. " Rich variety of remarkable engravings."— iV. Y. Post. " Dignified, pleasing, scholarly."— CAiVfl^o Evening Journal. " Foremost journal of its class.'*— Bos Ion Herald. BeaotiMly Illustrated. Weekly. $4.00 a Tear SPECIMEN COPY FREE ON APPLICATION GARDEN AND FOREST PUBLISHING GO. Tribune Building, New York WHEN WRITING TO ADVERTISERS, TELL THEM YOU SAW THEIR CARD IN IVIEEHANS' MONTHLY, ■^'^^m KnOMM^SEOS ^Hm ^:i iLtjciii i< Landscape Engineering Plans prepared and carefully carried out for Grading, Roadmaking, Planting and the Remodeling of old places /. Special arrangements made when extensive work is con- templated •*♦ Correspondence solicited. THOMAS MEEHAN & SONS Nurserymen and Landscape Engineers GERMANTOWN, PHILADELPHIA EDWARD CAMPBE L/INDSC/IPE /IRCniTECT /IND ENQINEEK ARDMORE, - PA. Sketch plans and planting maps prepared, and suggestions given for Uie laying out and improvement of country and suburban residences, public parks and grounds of every description. Grounds laid out and their construction undertaken by contract or day labor, and carrieil out under strict personal supervision. The choice grouping and effective arrangement of trees and shrubs has been made a special study. Trees furnished and planted by experienced workmen. Draining Plans and Surveys. Fine Crushed Stone for Walks and Carriage Drires. HARDY ORNAMENTAL TREES, SHRUBS, VINES, EVER- The Hn^st ge.er.I .ssTln.e.t or H.rdyOn... BREENS, AND HARDY HERBACEOUS PERENNIALS. iTu"rl/;'rly hardv)8el*'cted plants,3 feet high well set, with l)loora buds. ^2 .25 per doz., S157 50 per 100 Best Named Varieties (entirely hardy), extra selected plants, 3 feet high, well set, with bloom buds. ^^8.75 per doz . 8210.00 per 100. * ' Best Named Varieties (entirely hardy), extra selected speci- mens, well set, with bloom buds. 3 to 6 feet high. §5.00 to S26.00 each. (These specimen plants cannot be bought in this country lor three times the price) 3est Named Varieties, standards, well set, with bloom buds, ' 4 to 6 feet high, each, according to size and form. So 00, $7.50, 810 00, »I5 00, 818 00. and 820.00 each. Seedling Hjbrlds, gronn expressly for the American trade. Perlectly hardy and very beautiful colors, nice bushy plants and AX well set. with bloom buds, about 18 inches hiu'b, 89 fiO per < oz., 864 00 per 100. Seedling Hybrids, fame as above, but finer plants, IM to 2 feet hig • SI 1.S5 per doz., 881.25 per 100. Seedling Hybrids simeas above, extra strong plants, 2 feet hurii an.i np«rard. 81.5.80 per doz., 8110.< 0 per 100. Seedling Hybrids, extra selected, specimens well set, with blotnu bud:4, 3 to 8 teet high, 83 00 to 820.00 each. HARDY AZALEAS. Ghent Azaleas, good plants of the finest known kinds, well bunded, e- tive price list sent on request. J. wiiKiiisoii ELLIOTT, steveQiioii iDiins, PiiisHDnm, Pa. Landscape Architect, Horticultural Buyers' Agent. WHEN WRITING TO ADVERTISERS. PLEASE MENTION MEEHANS' MONTHLY. Vol. VIII FEBRUARY, 1595 No. 2 ISSUED MONTHLY, $2.00 PER YEAR IN ADVANCE, SINGLE COPY 20 CENTS. «• I «> « r; LOWERS I (snduded by TM9m5/^EEHAN COPVRIOHTCO 1S»a ENTERED AT THE PHILADELPHIA POST OFFICE AS SECOND-CLASS MATTER Ornamental Trees^ Shrubs, Evergreens, etc* ^E have an exceptionally fine lot of largfe Norway Maples, Sug:ar Maples, Sycamore Maples, White Ash, American Elm and American Linden, twelve, fourteen and sixteen feet in heigfht, two to four inches in diameter, suitable for planting; for immediate effect* Fine, strong^ healthy stock, with healthy, clean bark, vigforous gfrowth and ample fibrous roots* These trees are not ** overgrown ^^ or *^ sur- plus*^ stock, but have been cultivated, manured and g:rown especial- ly for transplanting: in larg^e sizes* They can be packed safely for transportation to longf distances* Rosa Setig^era, Lord Penzance Sweet Briars, New Hybrid Wichur- iana Roses, Climbing; Crimson and Yellow Rambler Roses, Viburnum Dentatum, and other new, rare or uncommon shrubs* Rhododendrons, Azalea Mollis and Ghent, Daphne Cneorum, Japanese Maples, Rosa Rug;osa, both red and white, Elaeag;nus Long:ipes, true berry-bearingf plants, g:rafted; Caryopteris Masta- canthus, the new blue, fall blooming; shrub, superb for massing; purposes* Hedg;e Plants, California Privet, Berberis Thunberg;ii, Honey Locust, Osag;e Orang;e, one year and strong; two year plants; Althaea, Arbor Vitae, Hemlock and Norway Spruce* New ^'Alleg;heny^^ Hollyhocks, Rudbeckia '^Golden Glow^^ and other desirable Hardy Herbaceous Plants* Illustrated Descriptive Catalog;ue, containing *^ Hints on Tree Planting and Pruning *% ** Pruning of Flowering Shrubs ** and other information of use to planters, free upon application* THOMAS MEEHAN & SONS, Nurserymen and Landscape Eng;ineers, GERMANTOWN, PHILADELPHIA, PA. ' I '1 TWO GRAND PREPARATIONS FOR PRACTICAL USE "SLUG SHOT" AND "GRAPE DUST" The first, "Slug Shot," has been used i8 years for destruction of various Insects preying upon vegeta- tion, Sow Bugs that are in the soil, the worms that eat off Smilax, and all other leaf-eating insects ; also Aphis. The " Grape Dust " is an excellent preparation for Mildews, Rusts and Blights ; it is constantly used by scores of commercial florists. These preparations are safe to use, and effective. There is scarcely a SEEDSMAN IN AMERICA who does not catalogue them. In Philadelphia, New York, Boston, Springfield, Indianapolis, Richmond ; Portland, Oregon ; Chicago, Toledo, Cincinnati, San Francisco, Baltimore, New Orleans, Cleveland, St. Louis, St. Paul, Minneapolis, Memphis, Kansas City ; Jacksonville, Fla., etc., Toronto, Montreal and Hamilton, Canada, all the large seedsmen carry the goods in stock. The " Slug Shot" is put up in pound canisters, 5-lb. bags, and retails in JO-lh. bags for 50c., and in JOO-lb. kegs at 4>^c. lb. The " Grape Dust" in 5-lb. bags at 40c., in 25-lb. bags at $J.75, in ke^S of lOO lbs. at 6c. per lb. For a pamphlet full of information, send address to IlammondsSlu^j Sliot Works, Fishkill-on-Hudson, N Y. WHEN WRITING TO ADVERTISERS, TELL THEM YOU SAW THEIR CARD IN MEEHANS' MONTHLY. i!- l c m Vol All I, Plate N'^ 2. * y • « DICENTRA FORMOSA. OREGON BREECHES-FLOWER. NATURAL ORDER FUMARIACE^. "''"''^^Iv^^^oT.^o^l^^'^^^^^^ a^-ost naked, creeping rootstocks. pinnatifid. Flowers compouHd racemosc^t thrinmm ' "^timate divisions narrow, and incisely Though this pretty species of Breeches- flower is referred to in some botanical works—- notably Wood's Class-Book, as quoted— as being found in the eastern part of Canada, specimens in herbaria from these localities do not accord well with those from the Pacific Coast, and may be forms of Dicentra eximia. One may, therefore, accept the name of Oregon Breeches-flower as its popular one, for there it is most at home, and forms an important part in the wild mountain scenery of that delight- ful section of our country. Like its eastern rel- ative, it may be found in bloom almost contin- uously, from spring-time through the whole summer, giving a charm to the deep, dense woods, where it has been blooming for ages, with no human eye to gaze on it or appreciate its beauty. Here, ** in the continuous woods. Where rolls the Oregon, and hears no sound, Save his own dashings, " Here it has been growing among ''- the hills. Rock-ribbed and ancient as the sun ; the vales, Stretching in pensive quietness between ; The venerable woods ; rivers that move In majesty ; and the complaining brooks That make the meadows green, '* all unknown, till it caught the eye of Dr. Archibald Menzies, the botanist attached to Vancouver's expedition, who seems to have collected it some one hundred years ago in Nootka Sound, one of the objective points of the cruise— Spain having ceded Nootka Island to the British Crown. Few of our native flowers have given more trouble to botanists than the Oregon Breeches- flower. On its first discovery, it was regarded as a Fumaria, and described as Fumaria formosa, — the adjective/ja referring to its especial handsome character. Moriz Bork- hausen, a German botanist, who published several treatises on botany towards the end of the last century, divided those fumarias with two spurs from the rest of the genus, under the name of Dicentra, referring to the double-spurred character, and which was adopt- ed by DeCandolleon Borkhausen's suggestion. It is figured under the name of fii^naria formosa in one of the early issues of the Botaiiical Magazine, plate 1335 ; and, as part of its early history, and its confusion with other species, the account of it is worth re- producing in full : — •♦ From the British Territory. This species approaches very near to Fumarta Cucullafia, No. 1 127, and is the same as those mentioned as being preserved in the Banksian Herbarium under the name of F. erubesce?is. It was dis- covered by Mr. Menzies, at Nootka Sound, and introduced by him to the Royal Gardens, Kew, from whence it w^as most probably ex- tended to the nurseries about town. It has a creeping, fleshy root, by which it increases rapidly. The habit is very similar to that of Cucullaria, but the scape is somewhat longer than the leaves, and is frequently much more branched and flexuose than in the specimen from which our drawing was made. Pedun- cles grow severally from the same point ; are nearly the length of the corollas, which are pendent and of a bright carnation color ; of very much the same form as Cucullaria, but the spurs are shorter and they are turned towards each other. The filaments also adhere slightly in two bundles, but are easily separable into six, inserted below the germen, which is spindle-shaped, and con- tains several elliptical ovules with a large car- uncle attached to the base of each ; a small, linear, colored bract is inserted at the base of each peduncle. Our drawing was taken at Mr. Salisbury's (17) \ Si LOR PLAT INTENTION AT SPrnMrk cvnr^cTTr. i8 MEEHANS' MONTHLY— DICENTR A FORMOSA. [Feb. Garden, in Brompton, and we received very fine specimens from Mr. Knight, in the King's Road, who has observed it to be an excellent detergent, the piece of it rubbed on the hands getting out any stain much more expeditious- ly than soap ; but in a single trial with the outer coat of a walnut, we did not find it to succeed.*' The note referred to in the above extract, as appearing in No. 1127, published in 1808, reads as follows : — "The change in the specific character (re- ferring to F, Cucullaria) was suggested to Mr. Dryander, by a very nearly related species, found by Mr. Archibald Menzies on the West coast of North America, and preserved in the Banksian Herbarium under the name of eru- bescens, distinguished from F, Cucullaria * cal- catibus incurvis ' ' ' As already noted, the earlier botanists seem to have fallen into confusion as regards the species referred to by one another. In the Herbarium of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, is a specimen identified by Dr. Torrey as being the Corydalis /ortnosa of Pursh, which is identical with a specimen col- lected by Goldie as C Canadensis, and which is the species now known under the latter name. On the other hand, specimens from *the Peaks of Otter," by some early botanists, as noted by Schweinitz, are the Eastern Dicentra eximia. In Dr. Short's herbarium, the speci- men from Lexington, Kentucky, where the Doctor says it is abundant, must also be re- ferred to this species. Nuttall with these eastern misnamed specimens before his eyes, found, on the Columbia River region, a form with short, thick flowers, and, supposing it new, named it Dicentra saccata^ irom this baggy character ; but this is now known to be one of the leading characteristics of our species. The incurved spurs, and short, thick flowers are usually in evidence, no matter how much variation there may be in other respects. The broad leaves and leaflets, having the look of some aconite, are also characteristic, as are the stout, creep- ing root-stocks. There are usually fewer flowers on the single stalk than on the species related to it. Under cultivation in eastern gardens, where it seems quite at home, it con- tinues to flower until quite late in autumn. A notable fact in connection with this species, as observed by the author, is, that among plants growing together in one locality, soihe will be found abundantly fertile, while others are comparatively barren. This is par- ticularly true of various species of Dicentra ^ and of allied genera. One may have plants in the garden, of some one species, remarkably productive, and hence, in describing the genus, refer to it as abundantly fertile, not considering that other plants than the one re- ferred to might be barren. In the author's garden, this plant, Dicentra fotmosa, bears seed vessels in ample profusion, though in its native woods many plants are seedless. This variation, in the seed-bearing ability of dif- ferent plants of the same species, has been over- looked by biological authors. Some who have written on the subject would refer the infertil- ity to the absence of insects, and the extra fer- tility of the others to being well fecundated by the insect visitors. Mr. Darwin remarks on the varying character of fertility in individ- uals, though he does not seem to have been aware of it as characteristic of different indi- viduals. He observes that a plant of a close ally of the Dicentra formosa, Fumaria officin- alis, was abundantly fertile when carefully guarded from the visits of insects, and he therefore classes the species amongst those which are self-fertile. We may see, from what has been written in this chapter, that had he chanced on plants of the same species that were naturally infertile, the absence of insects would probably be credited with the barren result. As a matter of fact, our plant must presum- ably be classed with those which fertilize themselves. The stamens and pistil are so arranged that the anther and stigma are in such juxtaposition that only the flower's own pollen can be operative. (See fig. 5.) It is not impossible that a visiting insect might rarely introduce foreign pollen to the stigma, before the flower's own pollen has operated. For the benefit of those who are interested in the personal histories of the early botanists, the collector, referred to as gathering this plant on the Peaks of Otter, was Frederick Pursh, who made large collections there. Explanation op the Plate.— i. Plant proceeding from the end of the root-stock of the preceding year, with bud preparing for the root-stock of the forthcoming one. 2 Flower stem. 3. Mature leaf. 4. Longitudinal section of flower, showing the interior arrangements -one and a half times enlarged. 5. Flower denuded of its floral envelopes showing the close relationship of the anther to the stigma. ' r t ri . %\ r I WILD FLOWERS AND NATURE. THE BROOK. I come from haunts of coot and hern, I make a sudden sally And sparkle out among the fern, To bicker down a valley. By thirsty hills I hurry down, Or slip between the ridges, By twenty thorps, a little town. And half a hundred bridges. Till last by Philip's farm I flow To join the brimming river. For men may come and men may go, But I go on for ever. — Tbnnyson. Carnivorous Grasshoppers. — I note what you say of the *' carnivorous snails '* ; but who ever heard of a grasshopper eating human flesh ? I have known for a long time that the Hoppers will eat clothes hung out to dry on a clothesline. Have known them to eat holes into ladies' dresses whilst the ladies were walk- ing out in the garden. A few days ago, I was sitting near the sunny edge of a woods, talk- ing some interesting talk with an old farmer, when I felt a sharp pain in the soft part of my wrist. Looking down, I noticed a wingless grasshopper, sitting on my wrist. Not being certain that it had bitten me, I watched it. It soon went to work again, and I noticed that it caught up the cuticle with its cutting teeth, working them like scissors. Bearing the pain in the cause of science, I allowed it to work on undisturbed. It soon had the blood flowing. It seemed to enjoy the red fluid. About this time, I stopped the proceedings by wringing its neck. Have been sorry since that I did not let it finish its meal. F. K. STEELE. Fcstus, Mo. • Acclimatization and Hardiness of Plants. — About six or seven years ago, I planted out an English Walnut, which is con- sidered tender in this latitude. This one, however, is living and thriving finely. It has passed two or three quite severe winters. The first year it was killed back about one-half, but seems to be injured less and less each year. At present, it is some twelve feet high, with a trunk about three inches thick, a foot above the ground. The secret of its doing so well I consider to be that it was planted at the north end of a wood-pile and shed, where it is sheltered in winter from the southern sun. It is well-known that it is not freezing which injures plants in winter so much as the winter sun and rapid thawing. Excessive evaporation through the influence of cold winds is also a source of damage. Standing where it is, this tree is sheltered from the sud- den thawing, and also to some extent from severe winds. This is a good point to remember in connec- tion with the Southern Magnolia, which is tender here when young. But if one can get it through a few winters, it gradually becomes hardened and will go through a severe winter all right. One yard here contains £^ magnolia some twenty-five feet high. A few years ago it lost most of its foliage in a severe winter ; but came out again all right. The condition of weather in the latter part of the summer has much to do, also, with hardiness. Growing conditions late are sure to work mischief. A few years ago, an acquaintance kept her roses growing and blooming till very late in the autumn by copiously watering them every few days. The following spring, I enquired particularly about the condition of her roses, as I surmised that she would lose them all. Such was the case ; and there were a hundred or more of them. I have some of the same kinds, and some con- sidered even more tender, which have been growing in the open ground for the past seven or eight years. They include Marie Ducher. Perle des Jardins, Estella Pradell, Etoile de . Lyon, Meteor, Gen. Tartas, Sombreuil, besides a large number of Remontants and Hybrid Teas. Ernest Walker. New Albany, Ind. Even in their own country, the ends of the shoots die in the winter time. (19) 20 MEEHANS' MONTHI.Y — WII r- O > z H PI O >^^ f ♦ * •> ^y.^. -:>?^'^ ?^V f. t> ■'.m'\ »Ik t f ^ fej^'^^/ '^i. '^..^ ^'■yAg^-^ 24 MEEHANS' MONTHI.Y— GENERAL GARDENING. [Feb. ^. An Heru Garden.— One of our corres- pondents, whose residence is known as *'White Birch," at Elmhurst, Illinois, combines pleas- ure with instruction by devoting a portion of the grounds to a garden in which are growing a great variety of useful plants. She calls it the -herb garden." The list will be found very interesting and is given herewith. She says of the collection :— '« I send also the list of herbs in my garden. Of course I under- stand that some of them are not literally herbs, or either herbaceous, but they are akin- used for medicine or perfumes, etc. I have left out some that might as well be included as those I have, such as Slippery Elm, cherry bark, etc. You, no doubt, will not consider many of them relevant, but I take such pleas- nre in cultivating them, that I am in danger of overstepping strict rules : 1898. J MEEHANS' MONTHLY— GENERAL GARDENING. 25 Anemone Pulsatilla, Asphodelus luteus. Yellow Asphodel, Acorns, Sweet Flag, Arnica^ Ani.«Je, Ambrosia, Aconite, Artemisia Abrotanum, Artemisia frigtda, Aristolochta, /iaptisia a u sir a lis, Wild Indigo, Be ton tea officinalis, Boneset, Hasil, Sweet, Bryonia, Borrago^ Burnet, Burdock, Balm, Variegated, Balm, choice, Balm, Purple,— Wild Berga- mot, Bee- Balm. Red, Bergamot, true, Bergamot, 2nd, Blood root. Chamomile, Ant/iemis no- bilis. Chamomile, high, yellow. Chamomile, low (from' World's Fair.) Costmary, Calaminth, Cassia Matilandica, .Senna Coriander, ' Cummin, Catnip, Caraway, Chi vet. Castor Oil Beau , Calendula, Colchicum , Cedronella, Convallaria, Dill. Digitalis, Dogwood, Elecampane, Elder, Fern, Sweet, ' F'raxineila, Fennel, Flax, Figs, Gold-thread, Hellebore. Henbane, Hops, Horehound, Hyssop, Horse-radish, Indian Physic, Ipecac, Iris Florentina, Orris-root Lobelia inflata, ' Lovage Lavender, Lemon Verbena, Lemon, Mertensia I'itginica, Lungwort, Mint Wild, Motherwort, Marjoram, Sweet, Mandrake, Mustard, Mulberrv, Ntgella', Opium Poppy, Pyrethrum, Pennyroyal, Pennyroyal, No. 2, Parsley, Pepi)efmint, Poke- Weed, Rhubarb, Rose, Rosemary, Sassafras, Saxifrage, Sweet Cicely, Sage, Common, Sage, Red, Savory, Summer, Savory. Winter, Santonin, Sweet Woodruff, .Saffron, Spearmint, Sarsaparilla, Snake-root, Thyme, Thyme, Variegated, Thyme, No. 2, Tansey, Tobacco, Tarragon, Vin cetox ic um acumina- tum, Mosfiuito plant alerian. Witch Hazel, Wormwood, Wintergreen, Yarrow, Rose, Cieraniu m maculatu m." The Green Rose.— When figuring the green rose, recently, it was noted that, though grown as a curiosity in past times, it promised to come in again to popular appreciation by reason of its practical value in adding the much-prized green to the brighter tints in a bouquet's make-up. In a recent exhibit of rare and curious flowers, for the charities of New York, held in the Ball-room of the Astoria, this green rose was shown by Mr. John A. Boyle, gardener to Mr. James W. Elwell, of Brooklyn, of whose beautiful grounds we have given illustrations. It was regarded as among the main features that gave interest to the occasion. The New York Herald notes : — " The main collection of violets and roses is in the conservatory, where two wonders were displayed— a green rose and a cluster of mid- gets, the latter the smallest roses ever pro- duced, tiny things little larger than a silver five cent piece. The entire display includes numerous rare floral products, many of them of a variety few persons have ever seen." The physic garden department of .some medi- cal colleges could hardly excel this collection. The Willow in IvAndscape Gardening.— Variety with harmony is one of the canons of successful landscape gardening. Much thought is bestowed on surface lines, and the proper massing and grouping of trees. Not as much a thought is given to the effects in har- monious variety, that the trees themselves may afford. An intimate knowledge of trees should enter largely into the technical educa- tion of the landscape gardener. Too often, it holds a minor place. Few trees offer more capabilities than the willow— the willow in any of its many species. Herewith is a sketch of a White Willow, Salix alba, in con- nection with a wild piece of natural scenery on the Cresheim, one of the tributaries of the famed Wissahickon. The perfect naturalness —the wildness— is the chief charm of this bit of landscape. The willow adds largely to the make-up of the scene. It would be comparatively tame without it. The tree has a somewhat unkempt appearance, and would be utterly out of place on a well-trimmed lawn. But it has found its vocation in the place where it grows. There was not much earth to give it a start in life, but it made good use of this slight advantage. As in the para- ble, the single talent gained. > r X > n OD > X H m O ^^-' temtonal second expos 26 MEEHANS' MONTHLY — GENERAL GARDENING. [Feb. Potting Cactuses.— With the advent of February, it is time to think about re-potting cactuses, where needed, and getting them started for summer growth. It is very seldom, indeed, that re potting must take place, and such times can only be determined by judg- ment and experience. Comparatively young plants will naturally require more frequent potting than older ones. The amateur is more apt to err on the side of frequent potting, as it does seem unusual to cramp the roots as it is necessary to do with this curious class of plants. In many cases, it is only necessary to shake the soil from the roots and replace (in same pot) with new soil. This method is advised wherever possible, and the rcxpotting may then be done more frequently, giving the amateur the necessary experience as to in- crease of roots in a given period. Any roots that appear dried or dead should be cut oflf close to stem ; and, in potting, care should be taken to have the roots spread out as much as possible and not bunched. A dull-pointed stick would be useful for packing the earth well around the roots, which is very essential. As to the proper potting soil, there are slight differences of opinion. The chief necessity is to have thorough drainage, without which the plant will rot off at the base. Gravel placed in the bottom of the pot, or coarse sand, will make a good drain. Lime rubbish is re- commended by some but rejected by others. In small quantities it is doubtless beneficial, especially in the case of the strong-growing kinds, as Ceteus, Oputia, etc. Given thus in moderation, it tends to sweeten the soil with- out absorbing too much moisture. Small pieces of brick are sometimes used to aid drainage, but it is not to be encouraged, as while it loosens the soil it also absorbs the moisture and retains it, making a damp soil. Powdered charcoal, sand and ordinary good loam may be added in equal parts. Leaf- mold is used by some, but it is apt to sour. After potting at this season, presuming that the plants have been kept cool and dry during the winter months, they should be introduced to gradual heat and water, increasing as the season advances. For the stronger growing kinds, liquid manure may be beneficially ap- plied. At all times, plenty of light is needed —place them near the glass, if convenient. Regularity in temperature and watering is very necessary for good growth. While hand- ling them at this time, it would be as well to carefully look for insects that may have escaped notice during the winter. A little at- tention this time will save increased work in a busier period. 89S.] MEEHANS' MONTHLY — GENERAL GARDENING. 27 The Beggar-weed. — I noticed, in the De- cember number of your Monthly, a brief ref- erence to the Beggar- weed. This plant, although having only recently become generally known here, is becoming quite a favorite with Florida farmers. It grows admirably in our sandy soil, and possesses some exceptionally valuable pro- perties as a farm plant. On account of its high feeding value, it is one of our best forage plants ; and, growing rankly, it affords several crops of forage in a single season. Horses and all other stock eat it with great relish ; and, for stall feeding, it is regarded as good a farm provender as the best northern hay. It is one of those valuable leguminous plants that have the property of transferring nitrogen from the air to the soil, and it possesses this property in a high degree. The roots of the plant are very long, and it possesses the unusual property, on that account, of being capable of bringing food for plants of ordinary growth from depths that their roots cannot reach. It is therefore a good plant for improving the mechanical condition of a soil and for renovating exhausted soils. Thos. R. Baker. NEW OR RARE FLINTS. Hybrid Wichuraiana Roses.— The destiny of a new plant is sometimes broadly apparent at the outset. That this is evident in the case of Manda's Hybrid Wichuraiana Roses, can readily be recognized. Of course, the great popularity of the parent Wichuraiana, of whose character the hybrids chiefly partake, is the potent factor in inducing the public to take up with the new on such short trial, for these roses were only first introduced, with small plants, in the spring of 1897. It seems safe to say that the common Wich- uraiana is not now, nor likely ever to be greatly improved in the eyes of those whose tastes lead them to prefer a clear white, single- flowered rose. But, for variety sake, these • t. V 4 hybrids are wonderfully acceptable, and it is surprising their need was not long since noted, though it must be remembered that Wichurai- ana, itself, is comparatively new, being first described in 1871 as Rosa Lucice, and in 1876 by the name under which it is universally known, its general dissemination being within recent years. The chief desirable points of character of both the species and hybrids are their extreme hardiness ; their adaptability to almost any soil or position, but particularly to poor, grav- elly banks, etc. ; their abundant proclivity for blooming ; their glossy green foliage, which retains its bright color until very late in the fall — in fact, early winter ; — and most largely for their closely-trailing habit. Few plants can be said to combine such desirable features, and assuredly no other roses. Because of these advantages, the plants have become popular for cemetery planting, winning the name of Memorial Rose, — and what could be more truly deserving of use for such a pur- pose than a low mat of neatest green foliage decked with a mass of flowers that are the more appreciable because they are roses \ They are likewise suitable for pot- culture and forcing, and, by their trailing habit, may 28 MEEHANS' MONTHI.Y— GENERAI. GARDENING. decorate a group of plants very effectively, young plants, two and three years of age, flowering with extreme productiveness. A remarkable report has been made by the introducer, of a growth i8 feet 8 inches on a young cutting plant of one of the hybrids. Of course, this is beyond the average growth, but it nevertheless shows possibilities not possessed by other running roses. The size of the flowers varies from one and one-half to two inches in diameter, according to the variety. The following description of the four hybrids, is given by the originator, who says : — Manda's Triumph.— Hybrid of free growth and clusters of from twelve to eighteen double white flowers on even a small sized shoot, «weet-scented. Universal Favorite.— A free grower, produc- ing long, branching shoots, and soft light pink, double flowers, strongly perfumed. South Orange Perfection.— This is a gem, with free growth close to the ground, and multitudes of the most perfectly -formed, double white flowers, soft blush pink at the tips, changing to white. Pink Roamer.— This is without question a hybrid between the Sweetbrier and Wichur- aiana, and carries the former's characteristics of bloom ; while the growth, which is very rampant, partakes more of the Wichuraiana. The single flowers, which are produced in close heads, are bright rich pink, with almost a white centre, which lightens up the orange red stamens, producing an effect which, com- bined with the fragrance, makes it one of the most valuable roses. [Feb. Physaus Franchetti.— The attention of the horticultaral world has been recently at- tracted to an introduction, from Japan, of a perennial Physalis under the speciflc name of Frmchetti, and it has occasioned considerable speculation as to its real value. Conflicting reports are heard from different quarters, and one hardly knows whether to think well of it or not. Undoubtedly, the dealers who under- take to push ♦' novelties" have overstepped its true merits in their efforts to sell it, to the in- jury, somewhat, of what worth it really pos- -sesses. A small branch was sent to Meehans' Monthly, and gave a very fair im- pression of it. Its sole beauty lies in its orna- mental heart-shape calices that completely surround the small, tomato-like fruit, both of which, when mature, are of a deep red. Many of our readers may be familiar with its near re- lative, Physalis Alkekengi, commonly known as the Winter Cherry, the fruit of which is con- sidered quite worth preserving, and can draw some comparison between the fruit of the two. The color of P, Alkekengi is a light orange yellow ; and the size of the calyx is only one- half as great as the other. The small branch previously referred to had about six of the brilliant ornaments on, and, if the whole plant had contained as many, it could be considered very desirable. P. Alkekengi would rarely be used for ornamental purposes ; its fruit has a rather agreeable flavor, described by some as similar to a sweet orange. The subject of our sketch has been widely advertised as the "Chinese Lantern Plant," though the resemblance is somewhat distorted. It belongs to the order SolanacecB, which in- cludes the potato, tomato, red pepper, egg- plant, etc. If any of the readers of Meehans' Monthly have had experience with either of these spe- cies, their recital would doubtless develop many interesting facts. Cheaper Plant Food than Ground Bones. —Estimating the value of whole bones at $io per ton and cost of grinding them at $io more, will make the cost of one ton of ground bones $20. Suppose an average ton of bones to contain 60 pounds of organic nitrogen and 400 pounds of phosphoric acid ; 375 pounds of nitrate of soda will furnish 60 pounds of nitrogen and 135 pounds of soda. Thirteen hundred and fifty pounds of powder- ed phosphate of lime 30 per cent will furnish 405 pounds of phosphoric acid- This mixture will cost, with nitrate of soda at 2>^ cents a pound and powdered phosphate of lime at ^ cents a pound, $17.25 for only 1,725 pounds, equal in nitrogen and phosphoric acid to one ton ground bones. The nitrogen in nitrate of soda is in its most available form. There are also 135 pounds of soda, which is not to be had in using bones alone. 1898.J meehans' monthly — general gardening. 29 t; I .h < The phosphoric acid in the powdered phos-. phates of lime is more available than the phos- phoric acid in ground bones, because the powdered phosphate of lime is in a much finer state of division than ground bones, and fine- ness of division is the measure of its availabil- ity. The 135 pounds of soda are equivalent in alkaline action to 202 pounds of potash. Professor Wagner says, in regard to the ef- fect of soda, • ♦ There is a direct effect of it, and this direct effect has proved, during my investigation, of such importance that further researches are of great moment." In his opinion, ** the decided preference expressed by Schultz-Luptiz for a kainit as a potash (kali) salt, is, like the better j'ield produced by the use of nitrate of soda as against sulphate of ammonia, attributable to the eff*ect of the soda which kainit, as well as nitrate of soda, con- tains, and which, heretofore, has not been properly valued.** Andrew H. Ward. Grape Growing in Missouri. -I note your re- marks, on p. 236, under above heading. East- ern grapes are sold at this point (Mo.) at 20 to 25 cents per 10 pound basket — basket included. Where is the profit to the eastern grape grower ? One quarter of a cent a pound is his profit. The eastern grower will grow fat — growing grapes — at such growing prices. But we can- not sell our grapes here at any price. Last fall they rotted on the vines, just because we could not sell them at 20 to 25 cents per 10 pound basket. Just as soon as our grapes had all decayed on the vines, then the eastern grapes began to come in, and as many as 200 baskets were sold here per diem ; and the demand has kept up right along for the past two months. I do not understand it. F. K. STEELE. A Pear-shaped Apple. — Moquin-Tandon says there is, in Saint Val^ry and several other gardens, a female variety of the common apple, {Pytus dioica, of Moench) that is re- markable for its proliferous fruiting by artificial means. This tree, apparently an ordinary apple tree, produces downy peduncles which sustain pecu- liar flowers with a calyx often leaflets arranged in two rows. The corolla and stamens are abortive. There are fourteen styles, slightly hairy at the base, and surmounted by an oblique stigma very apparent. The first few years after flowering, its owner, amazed and disappointed with its not bearing, was going to cut it down, when a physician advised artificial fecundation, which succeeded perfectly. To each flower is applied a perfect flower from any apple tree, and a colored ribbon tied to the fertilized bunch in order that the fruit may be readily recognized. These apples of the hermaphrodite flowers which were used differ from others in size, color, and flavor. Inside, there are fourteen cells, arranged in two parallel parts, of which five are placed like those of the common apple, occupying the middle of the fruit ; the other nine, smaller, are found at the end. From Lyon-Horticole, Cucumbers and Melons Mix. — I planted cucumbers and muskmelons ; the beds joined. The muskmelons vined well, but there were na melons that even started. A cucumber vine found its way into a hill of melons, and in process of time there was picked (before the freak was noticed) a something, (I know not what), similar in form to a cucumber, but the color was that of a muskmelon. In cutting it open, the odor and flavor seemed to be just half way between a cucumber and a musk- melon. Remember, there was no melon in the patch,, only vines. Perhaps this is a common occurrence, though it is new to me. Has such an instance been noticed before ? How did the cucumber acquire the color^ odor and flavor of the melon ? This circumstance would seem to confirm a belief which I have long held, that the surface of fruits is susceptible to atmospheric in- fluences. Timothy Wheeler. Moscow, Vt. In so far as hybridizing — or, as people say, mixing by the pollen — is concerned, it is so easily tested by experiment that there need be no argument. It is understood that Cornell experiments, to have them hybridize, were failures. They would not mix. Water at Planting. — Those who have tried, say that, when planting cabbage in a dry time, water put into a trowel or dibble liole a day before, is better than if applied at planting. I ' ♦ BIOGRAPHY AND LITERATURE. FORCE OF CHARACTER. Ailittle of thy steadfastness, Rounded with leafy gracefulness, Old oak, give me, — That the world's blasts may round me blow, And I yield gently to and fro. While my stout-hearted trunk below And firm-set roots unmoved be. — IvOWBI,!,. Alexander Caie.— In the Old World, the gardeners of the last generation were a grand body of men . In knowledge and general intel- ligence, they raised gardening to the rank of the learned professions. Indeed, in many res- pects, the gardener ,was the more intelligent. While most of the learned professions had the bulk of their followers stu fifed with the learn- ing of the schools, merely, the gardener had practical use for a broad range of intelligence. For all-round knowledge, few professions could produce abler men than that of gardening. In the early explorations of our country, many eminent men were gardeners. Pursh, Lyon, Frazer, Seemann, Drummond, Hartweg, Douglas, and others that might be mentioned^ were all gardeners ; and many of this Old World class found a home in private establish- ments. Most of those who have done such honor to the profession have passed away. One of the most recent to leave us is Alexander Caie. He was born at Partick, near Glasgow, in August, i8ii ; was apprenticed as a gardener, and took a subsequent course in botany under the then Mr. William Hooker, — subsequently Sir William Hooker,— in the Glasgow Botanic Garden. Like so many of the old school of gardeners, he was induced, to make a home in America, by the late Robert Buist. He arrived in Philadelphia in 1838, becoming gardener at the Camac place, now one of the most populous portions of the great city of Philadelphia. Under his management, it became celebrated. Downing 's Landscape Gardening refers to it as a model. For years this establishment was the chief supporter of the exhibitions of the Penn- (30) sylvania Horticultural Society. Though of late years retiring from active life, conversation with any intelligent person was a source of great pleasure to him, and of profit to the listener. Anecdotes of Sir William Hooker, and others ofhis early friends, were always entertaining and instructive. It is to be regretted that ranks, so ably honored by Alexander Caie, are being so rapidly thinned, and the whole race be as the Mound-Builder's story. Dahl and the Dahlia.— Where does Mrs. Orcutt find it recorded that Linnaeus was an- noyed that Dahl returned from the New World with the Dahlia ? Linnaeus died in 1778. The Dahlia does not seem to have been known in cultivation in the Old World before 1802. It was raised from seed, some half dozen years before, by the famous priest-botanist, Cavanil- les, at Madrid, from Mexican seed— all this ac- cording to the records. It would be interest- ing to know if these records are wrong ? I had not, until Mrs. Orcutt stated it, heard that Dr. Dahl ever visited the New World. Georgina. A. R. Whitney. — At Franklin Grove, Illinois, died, on the 15th of December, A. R. Whitney, who was one of the horticultural pioneers of Illinois. He was remarkably suc- cessful in apple culture, and his large orchards became famous. He entered on the manufac- ture of vinegar on a large scale, and Whitney's Cider Vinegar became the standard for all that was good in that line. He was celebrated among his fellows for his kindly nature and merry disposition, and the wide circle, that knew him, parts from him with regret. Elwood Pleas.— Prof. El wood Pleas, emi- nent for his knowledge in many branches of science, and in connection with newspaper life, died at Spiceland, Indiana, on the 20th of De- cember, from blood poisoning through a small scratch, in the 66th year of his age. His ardent love of nature made him an ever- welcome friend. 1898.] meehans' monthi^y — biography and literature. 31 LiNNJEUS. — That good often flows from what seems evil, is illustrated by the error in our magazine which made Switzerland out of Smaland. It has brought the following notes, and a portrait of Linnaeus as he was when a young man in his tour through Lapland. The first note is from Mrs. Seliger, of Hartford, Conn. *' Seeing, in your November issue, the picture of Linnaeus as an old man, I was re- minded to produce a copy of one taken when he was a young botanist, said to be from the only original in existence. I cut it from a cir- cular issued to announce the publication of a German work on plants, called. Das Schuman Gilg^sche Pflanzenreich. It is a sample of the illustration of that work.*' The next note is from Mrs. Kellerman, of Columbus, Ohio : ** In the November number of Meehans* Monthly, a short account of the life of Lin- naeus is given, in which is stated that Linnaeus was born in Switzerland, In the Life of Linnaeus, by D. H. Stoever, published in 1794, it is stated that Linnaeus was born at Rashult, a small village in the province of Smaland, Sweden, which must be correct, as Linnaeus' parents lived in Sweden, and he grew to early manhood in the province in which he was born. It is told, in this story of his life, how he fell in love with the daughter of Moraeus, who was an eminent and wealthy physician. Moraeus objected to Linnaeus because he was poor and because * Botany appeared to him too uncertain a branch of fame and sup- port. ' He therefore advised Linnaeus to become a physician, and said his daughter should remain unmarried three years longer, and, at the expira- tion of that time, he would give his ultimate decision . Think of the hopes long deferred ! Linnaeus had not the means to thus prosecute his education, but his lady love advanced the money for him, and thus he was enabled to win the consent of her father." The three years' probation is correct. That the lady advanced money is a fable. See his letter, Sept. 12, 1739. Garden and Forest. — Lovers of horticul- ture will learn, with great regret, of the dis- continuance of Garden and Forest. In the Old World, gardening, for its own sake, is part of a polite education. A society person would not be thought affected when calling a plant by its botanical name, or for being able to dis- tinguish one species of oak from another. Garden and Forest has battled bravely to make intelligence in the garden and in the forest as respectable and lovable here as in the Old World. It leaves the field with high honor, and its proprietors may feel a pride in their work, though it proved so unprofitable to themselves. The Veterinary Profession. — This is the title of a booklet, sent by Prof. Leonard Pear- son, State Veterinarian and of the University of Pennsylvania. It contains a great amount of valuable information regarding the study of horses and other animals, and appears to be intended for gratuitous distribution. CHA8. LINNE. /'. BIOGRAPHY AND LITERATURE. FORCE OF CHARACTER. Ailittle of thy steadfastness, Rounded with leafy gracefulness, Old oak, give me, — That the world's blasts may round me blow And I yield gently to and fro, ' While my stout-hearted trunk below And firm-set roots unmoved be. — IvOWEI*!,. Alexander Caie.— In the Old World, the grardeners of the last generation were a grand body of men. In knowledge and general intel- ligence, they raised gardening to the rank of the learned professions. Indeed, in many res- pects, the gardener .was the more intelligent. While most of the learned professions had the bulk of their followers stuffed with the learn- ing of the schools, merely, the gardener had practical use for a broad range of intelligence. For all-round knowledge, few professions could produce abler men than that of gardening. In the early explorations of our country, many eminent men were gardeners. Pursh,' Lyon, Frazer, Seemann, Drummond, Hartweg, Douglas, and others that might be mentioned^ were all gardeners ; and many of this Old World class found a home in private establish- ments. Most of those who have done such honor to the profession have passed away. One of the most recent to leave us is Alexander Caie. He was born at Partick, near Glasgow, in August, 1811 ; was apprenticed as a gardener, and took a subsequent course in botany under the then Mr. William Hooker, — subsequently Sir William Hooker,— in the Glasgow Botanic Garden. Like so many of the old school of gardeners, he was induced, to make a home in America, by the late Robert Buist. He arrived in Philadelphia in 1838, becoming gardener at the Camac place, now one of the most populous portions of the great city of Philadelphia. Under his management, it became celebrated. Downing 's Landscape Garde?iing refers to it as a model. For years this establishment was the chief supporter of the exhibitions of the Penn- (30) sylvania Horticultural Society. Though of late years retiring from active life, conversation with any intelligent person was a source of great pleasure to him, and of profit to the listener. Anecdotes of Sir William Hooker, and others ofhis early friends, were always entertaining and instructive. It is to be regretted that ranks, so ably honored by Alexander Caie, are being so rapidly thinned, and the whole race be as the Mound-Builder's story. Dahl and the Dahlia.— Where does Mrs. Orcutt find it recorded that Linnseus was an- noyed that Dahl returned from the New World with the Dahlia ? Linnneus died in 1778. The Dahlia does not seem to have been known in cultivation in the Old World before 1802. It was raised from seed, some half dozen years before, by the famous priest-botanist, Cavanil- les, at Madrid, from Mexican seed— all this ac- cording to the records. It would be interest- ing to know if these records are wrong ? I had not, until Mrs. Orcutt stated it, heard that Dr. Dahl ever visited the New World. Georgina. A. R. Whitney. — At Franklin Grove, Illinois, died, on the 15th of December, A. K. Whitney, who was one of the horticultural pioneers of Illinois. He was remarkably suc- cessful in apple culture, and his large orchards became famous. He entered on the manufac- ture of vinegar on a large scale, and Whitney's Cider Vinegar became the standard for all that was good in that line. He was celebrated among his fellows for his kindly nature and merry disposition, and the wide circle, that knew him, parts from him with regret. ' E1.W00D Pleas.— Prof. El wood Pleas, emi- nent for his knowledge in many branches of science, and in connection with newspaper life, died at Spiceland, Indiana, on the 20th of De- cember, from blood poisoning through a small scratch, in the 66th year of his age. His ardent love of nature made him an ever- welcome friend. '. « a • i v> 1898.] MEEHANS' MONTHI^Y — BIOGRAPHY AND UTERATURE. 31 LiNN^us. — That good often flows from what seems evil, is illustrated by the error in our magazine which made Switzerland out of Smaland. It has brought the following notes, and a portrait of lyinnaeus as he was when a young man in his tour through Lapland. The first note is from Mrs. Seliger, of Hartford, Conn. •'Seeing, in your November issue, the picture of Linnaeus as an old man, I was re- minded to produce a copy of one taken when he was a young botanist, said to be from the only original in existence. I cut it from a cir- cular issued to announce the publication of a German work on plants, called, Das Schuman Gilg^sche PjJafizenreich. It is a sample of the illustration of that work." The next note is from Mrs. Kellerman, of Columbus, Ohio : *' In the November number of Meehans' Monthly, a short account of the life of Lin- naeus is given, in which is stated that Linnaeus was born in Switzerla?id, In the Life of Linnaeus, by D. H. Stoever, published in 1794, it is stated that Linnaeus was born at Rashult, a small village in the province of Smaland, Swedefi, which must be correct, as Linnaeus' parents lived in Sweden, and he grew to earl 3^ manhood in the province in which he was born. It is told, in this story of his life, how he fell in love with the daughter of Moraeus, who was an eminent and wealthy physician. Moneus objected to Linnaeus because he was poor and because * Botany appeared to him too uncertain a branch of fame and sup- port. * He therefore advised Linnaeus to become a physician, and said his daughter should remain unmarried three years longer, and, at the expira- tion of that time, he would give his ultimate decision . Think of the hopes long deferred ! Linnaeus had not the means to thus prosecute his education, but his lady love advanced the money for him, and thus he was enabled to win the consent of her father." The three years' probation is correct. That the lady advanced money is a fable. See his letter, Sept. 12, 1739. Garden and Forest. — Lovers of horticul- ture will learn, with great regret, of the dis- continuance of Gardeji a7id Forest. In the Old World, gardening, for its own sake, is part of a polite education. A society penson would not be thought affected when calling a plant by its botanical name, or for being able to dis- tinguish one species of oak from another. Garden and Forest has battled bravely to make intelligence in the garden and in the forest as respectable and lovable here as in the Old World. It leaves the field with high honor, and its proprietors may feel a pride in their w^ork, though it proved so unprofitable to themselves. The Veterinary Profession.— This is the title of a booklet, sent by Prof. Leonard Pear- son, State Veterinarian and of the University of Pennsylvania. It contains a great amount of valuable information regarding the study of horses and other animals, and appears to be intended for gratuitous distribution. CHAS. LINNE. • <».:*'♦» ENTIONAL SECOND EXPOS I SITUATIONSlWftNTlO, GENERAL NOTES. Laws Against Weeds.— The United States Year Book of Agriculture says : * 'Poison Ivy being so great a public nuisance, it is strange that no legal measures have ever been carried out to suppress its growth. Municipalities protect their people against diseased food by the appointment of inspection agents, and farming communities defend them- selves by bounties against the ravages of animals. Why should not this plant in some way be provided against ? " It is much easier to sit down and write than to ascertain what has been done. Weed laws abound ; but the weeds laugh and grow fat on them. A few years ago, Fairmount Park, in Philadelphia, had some trouble with the Poison Vine. The public prints made an outcry. The reply was the usual one in these cases: "City Councils do not give us enough money." Councils made an appropriation of $i,ooo— enough to destroy every plant. But they were as bad as ever. For several years in succession, appeared the item in the annual appropriation bill— ** For the destruction of Vines in Fair- mount Park, $i,ooo.'* But the Poison Vine flourished more and more ! To day, there is probably no more fertile area of Poison Vine than exists in Fairmount Park. The truth is, law will not destroy weeds,— nor will money. The easiest thing in the world, is the destruction of a weed ; but, strange to say that common sense in these matters is the most uncommon of all things. Neither law nor money will supply a lack of brains. ACCUMATIZING METHODS OF NATIVE EasT Indians.— It is said the native ryots of India will not use imported carrot seeds, but only such as have been acclimatized, and they effect the acclimation in this way : " The acclimatized seed is obtained in West- ern India by digging up the carrot when its root has attained about one-third its full size, and cutting off both the root and the leaves or * tops* (which are eaten as a da/t\ or, as we say, ' greens') of the plant within a couple of (32) inches of * the crown of the root. ' The por- tion of the root remaining attached to the stalk is then deeply incised cross- ways and dipped in a strong compost of the mixed dung of the pig and buffalo and virgin-earth, the lateritious earth of the Deccan being preferred with a little assafoetida added, and as much liquid-manure as will reduce the mass to an adhesive paste. The roots are then, wnth the usual religious ceremonial, planted out and watered, and in due course produce strong flowering stems and large umbels of character- istically aromatic fruit." Plant Names.— Whether we should take names of plants just as they were originally printed, though manifestly ungrammatical or clearly containing typographical errors, or whether we are to be bound to these errors when once made, has been a subject of discus- sion with those who desire to purify nomen- clature. When it was decided to drop the ac- cepted name of Cafya for the Hickories and adopt the barbarous nsLtne of //icon'a , a dispute arose because the printer had evidently taken Rafinesque's bad hand- writing for Scoria. It is well that it was finally settled that the error could be corrected, or it might have to be again changed,— the Bulletin of the Torrey Botanical Club desiring "specimens of //ie- oria ! " Good Roadways.— Philadelphia claims to have a greater length of paved streets than any city on the continent. Possibly some of our readers may take this conceit out of her. Eleven hundred and six miles is the amount paved. There are only two hundred and ninety four miles yet to be paved. Fourteen hundred miles is the total length of the whole city streets. A large number in addition are yet on the plan, but are not yet in the possession of the city. For paving, granite block, sheet asphalt and vitrified brick are chiefly used. There is some little broken stone roadv/ay, but unpopular. Advertisements under this head, not exceeding 50 words will be inserted once for 50 cents, or three times for $1.25. OARDENERS: At all times, we have on our register the names of competent gardeners, whom we would be glad to recommend to persons in need of same as being fully competent to take entire charge of any place, either large or small. Gardeners desiring situations should correspond with us. No charge, whatever, is made for any such service rendered. THOMAS MEEHAN & SONS, German town, Philadelphia. GA R D E N E R— Middle-aged Englishman desires situation. Single; thoroughly experienced in every branch of Gardening and Landscaping. Extensive knowledge of live stock. Good refer- ences. ♦* H. J. S. " care of Mekhans' Monthly. GARDENER — Situation wanted by a thor- oughly practical gardener. Good references from present employer; English, age 38; married, one child. Address " G. J.," care Meehans' Month ivV. GARDENER AND F LOR I ST.- A first-class German, age 35, married, one child, wishes position on gentleman's place. 19 years' experi- ence, good reference. Address, Carl Braemer, 145 West Bridge St., Oswego, N. Y. v \ ■ ;• • ••/ • ; '.V, >:.'' • • «|« «.'•* ■.•v«ij,-.*y..t.i t ^ ' . . . M '-3 Saffaty in Buying Seeds. The great seed house of D. M. Ferry & Co., Detroit, Mich., has sold seeds for the last forty- two years, and the steady growth of the business is a sure indication that Ferry seeds have given satisfaction. Ferry's Seed Annual for 1898 is sent free to persons writing for it. NEW GIANT ESCHSCHOLTZIAS ooidll; Vst NEW GIANT BEGONIAS. -^ NEW GIANT COSMOS. Send 10 cents for Catalogue for Seeds, Plants, Bulbs and Cacti. Mrs. Theodosia B. Shepherd, Yentura-by-the-Sea, Gal. sm WITH THB "INCOMPARABLE" BORDEAUX NOZZLE used on * 'World's Best" Spraying Outfits made onlybyTHEDEMINQCO., Salem, Ohio. Makers of PUMPS FOR ALL PTTRPOSES. W Ask your dealer for Demi nj? Sprayers, valuable illustrated book on spraying?, free. Our Spmyincr Outfits are UHCfl and recommended by leading horticulturists and exTierimentstatiouii. ^ . OEMIMO lEROSEME SPRAYERS , malce an emulsion in the act of pumplnj?. I- *.*', .';•■' ' ;' i.h;. t-.r' Trees and Vines become hardier, and their products bet- ter colored and better flavored when liberally treated with fertilizers containing at least 10% actual Potash. T^n C C An illustrated book which tells PIvClI what Potash is, and how it ■^Hi^^^^ should be used, is sent free to all applicants. Send your address. GERMAN KALI WORKS, 93 Nassau St., New Yoilb THE DIKEMAN The Latest Black Cherry Of j^ood quality ever introduced. It docs not decay, hence is well fitted for shipment and meets the wants of the commercial grower. For Trees, Address, S. D. WILLARD, Geneva, N. Y. C. G. Van Tubergen, Jr., Haarlem.'Holland CHOICE DUTCH BULBS 0 ATTRACTIVE BULBOUS PLANTS CATALiOGUBS Pl^BH C.C. ABEL;& CO., SoleiAgents, Box 920, New York McDuffff Simpson's Patont Forcing and Transplanting Pot makes it easy and a pleasirre to grow Early Melons, Cucumbers, etc. Transplanting with them is •a5y and rapid ; you don't have to touclr the plant or Ks soil, and tenderest plants never wilt. Cheap, simple,, durable. Made in all sizes. Ship- ping expense light. paetofy : Paxton, 111. For descriptive circular and price list address patentee and sole manu- FASTCNINQ SLIP facturer, PARTLY RAISED. McDUFF SIMPSON, Bryan, Tm. WHEN WRITING TO ADVERTISERS, TELL THEM YOU SAW THEIR CARD IN MEEHANS' MONTHLY. HjjWBiwasgsgsawam . ^A\, 1 V ' V > V 'V'^A./V' ^V[yA<, TREES-SHRUBS-ROSES The largest and most complete eollections in America, inclndinr all desirable ■*®Tf*J*«»* General Catalogue (168 pages) ftr«e. Every Intending buyer should have 11. **An tnatspenaable catalogue."— Country Gentleman. JU^WANCER A BARRY, Mount Hope Nurseries, Rochester, W.Y. ■ ^^^ ARE ^^ Everything gro' ARE RELIABLE. Everything grown in Reid's Nurseries if healthy, well-rooted and true to name. Every effort « made to save expense to customers. We sell direct and 7hip^ ^ direct, saving flfty per cent, on Trees, Shrubs, Vines. Write for cata- ^ logue, estimates or suggestions. Try Star Strawberry, Eldorado ^ Blackberry. REID'S NURSERIES, Bridgeport, Ohio f 4 Ours is The Most Complete Department Nursery in tlie U. S. ■»-:.:■■: Cansupplyallyour wants from Flower and Veg^etable Seeds to Street Trees at low rates. We publish one of the leading Seed, Plant and Tree Cata- logues issued, which will be mailed free. Send for it now it will save you money Try us, can refer you to customers m every state and territory in the Union Forty-three years of square dealing has made us patrons and friends far and near Have hundreds of carloads of FRUIT Hants, Koses, Small Trees, etc. 32 greenhouses. looo acres. AND ORNAMENTAL TREES. SHRUBS, ROSES, PLANTS. r.:rT/.rl^l: bate arrival and satisfaction guaranteed; larger by express or freight. 44th vear STORRS & HARRISON CO.. Box 94, Painesville, O. 4 <(. OWKER'S FERTILIZERS 25c. ^ f ^^^ ^or HOUSE PLANTS, A bool< on window Gardening/' Z mKM^ LAWNS, GARDENS. f"^ •"©ugh odorless fertll- 1 FARM PRODQ ' '"'" ^°'' ^^'"^y P'^nta three • TMnivi V^KUKi). months, sent by mall for S -JJf^I^^l^lT.;.-?-!' ^°'' ^^** Pui-Pose fertilizer Is wanted when writing. ^'9999' ^ DESMODIUM PENDULIFLORUM A beautiful flowering plant first brought to the United States by the Japanese for their exhibit at the Centennial Exhibition. Flowers pea-shaped, dark pink, and so abundant that they completely cover the plant ; bloom in Fall when few other plants are in flower ; perfectly hardy ; of herbaceous character, growing from the root each year stronger than the year before. One year old plants flower freely. Very effective when planted in masses. Beautiful colored plate of the Desmodium appears in our new Descriptive Catalogue of Ornamental Trees, Shrubs and Ever- greens. Write for a copy. THOMAS MEEHAN & SONS ! ,/♦- Nurserymen and Landscape Engineers QERMANTOWN, PHILADELPHIA WHEN WRITING TO ADVERTISERS, TELL THEM YOU SAW THEIR CARD IN MEEHANS' MONTHLY. ■Crimson RambUr Rose Yellow Rambler Rose Wow Hybrid Wiehuriana Roses We have a large atock of these Roses, some dormant, some in pot^. Extra large dormant Crimson Ramblers. Rosa Rugose, White and Red , Japanese Rose These Roses arc planted everywhere, as single speci- mens in beds of ten, twenty, fifty or one hundr^or mixed among shrubs in large plantings They create the finest effect when planted in masses, as they are done at Newport, where they attract wide attention Our stock is extra fine, of both the White and Red sorts and can be furnished in any quantity. See our new descriptive Catalogue for prices, etc. THOMAS MEEHAN di SONS r^JoVcVp-VtVamccR. GERMANTOWN, PHILA.. PA. WRITE! For our Beautiful Colored Lithos:raphs Mailed FREE Manhattan Nursery Our wonderful Bismarck Apple Trees will bear beautiful large ap- ples, equal to Greenings or Bald- wins (see /^ura^ New Yorker, Octo- ber 30, 1897) , first season after plant- ing either in pots as a House PHnt, in Gardens or Orchards for Market.' Very prolific, perfectly hardy. One Dollar each. Order now for spring planting. Club offers. Address, Co., Dept. D, 47 Dey St., New York NOVELTIES IN PLANTS. FRUITS, Etc. A. BLANC & CO., 314, 3t« N. ItTH ST., PHILADELPHIA SEEDS! SEEDS ! 74th Annual Priced Catalogue of VEGETIIBLE, FIRM Hi FLOWER SEEDS Is now ready and mailed free to all applicants BridgemaD's Seed Warebonse 37 EAST 19th STREET, NEW YORK CITY FOR 14 CENTS We wish to arain 150,000 new cus- 1 omers. and hence offer , T».^ Pi^«- 13 ^^*y Radish. lOc \ P»K- Early Spring Turnip, 10c 1 " Earliest Red Beet, lOo 1 '* Bismarck Cucumber, lOc \ \ yueen Victoria Lettuce, 15c 1 • Klondyke Melon, 16c 1 " Jnmbo Giant Onion, 15c 3 " Brilliant Flower Seeds, 16c Worth $1.00, for 14 eeiits. Above 10 pkgs. worth $1.00, we will mail you free, together with our great Plant and Seed Catalogue upon receipt of this notice and 14c postage. We invite your trade and know when you once try Salzer's seeds you will never get along with- out them. Potatoes at i 1.50 a Bbl. Catalog alone 6c. No. 0 iKUis A. siALZKR HERD fO., LA CR088B, ^18. iwu A Springr at Each End of a wire mattress won't do. It must ••»!▼«" wherever one chanqes to touch it. So in wire fence, the spring is needed wherever the shook may oome Iwl *"!?^!T"?"" ®^" principal is the only solu- tion, and it belongs to us ouly. See "ad" in next PAGE WOVEN WIBE FENCE CO., Adrian, Mich. to send for our New Catalogue, which tells of IT WILL PAY YDU Hardy Treet, Shrubs, Plants, Rssss," FruTtTand our special stock of Rhododendrons. It will in- terest all who are interested in such matters. ANDORRA NURSERIES, ?I:«Z'p. Wm. Wahnir Harpiii. Proprictor WILD FERNS i FLOWERS The most beautiful that grow in all countries. I grow and test them in this climate, and sell the hardiest. Hardy orchids, ferns, vines, climbers, lilies, shrubs, trees. Plants for sun and shade, for bog and rock-work, border plants, etc. Surprisingly low prices for the quality and kind of stock. My illustrated cauloflTue describes about 700 kinds, tells where to their »•- • J ' plant and how to jjrow them. Mailed for 2c. stamp F. H. HORSFORD, Charlotte, Vt. w Four step Kiv«^ ii are all that stand between you and suc- cessful rose growing. First you write for the New Guide to Rose Culture, which 13 sent free. It fully describes, accurately pictures, and plainly directs you how to grow the famous D. d, C. Roses, and a thousand other beautiful flowers. Shows you how to take the next step— to get them by mail on their own roots, ready , to grow and bloom in pot or garden. vTdke the first step to-day. A .sample of our floral magazine, —"Success with Flowers'* also sent if requested. THE DINGEE 4L CONARD CO., Weat Grove, Pa. ^^<-.' ' \J»- r WHEN WRITING TO ADVERTISERS. TELL THEM YOU SAW THEIR CARD IN MEEHANS' MONTHLY. . aJLU.ULJ. w -; i URPEE'S FARM AIWUAI iras The Leading American Seed Catalogue. The best seeds that grow, »t lowest prices. Twenty-one Grand, New No^eU^^^^^^^^^ ^^/tE^J^DAY: '''' w! A^EE effRPEl ^ CO- PHILADELPHIA, and other DECORATIVE PLANTS, also the newest and best FLOWERING PLANTS including Cannas, Carna- tions, Dahlias, Rosas, ate, HARDY PERENNIAL PLANTS and a full line of for the Garden, Greenhouse and Farm are fully illustrated and described in our Garden Calendar for 1898 the handsomest catalogue of the year mailed FREE to those who will state that they saw this advertisement in Meehans' Monthly. HENRY A. DREER 714 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia * *. CLASS SEEDS Our Ninety-Seventh Annual Catalogue is now ready, and will be mailed FREE on application. It contains the largest collection in the world of YBgetaBiB, Flower I Farm seeds, including every standard variety and every novelty of established merit. For Nearly a Century the Leading Seed House of America. WHEN WRITING TO ADVERTISERS, TELL THEM YOU SAW THEIRCARD IN MEEHANS' MONTHLY. 4 IFYDU WANT STRAWBERRY PLANTS THAT WILL GROW SEND YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS TO W.F. ALLEN JB SALISBURY. MD. AND HE WILL SEND YOU HIS 32 PAGE STRAWBERRY CATALOGUE ONTAINING 17 LARGE NEW STRAWBERRY iLLUSTRATIONS.FREE-ALSO SAMPLE COPY THE STRAWBERRY CULTURIST AND SMALL FRUIT GROWER ■ SEND NOW.IT WILL PAY YOU. r ANY strawberry grower who will seud name and address will get an account of the NICK OHAffER which I regard as the best variety ever offered. M. Crawford, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. Largo, perfect shape vigorous, prolific* drought-resisting. Beat varieties 8trair« berry Plants; alsoAs- paratfusRootSyPeach, Apple and Plam Treen. Peaches grown from nat- ural seed In section free from scale and yellows. Write tor Utert catalog— FRKK. |URBIS<)N*8 HVR8BR1ES, B«rllik Md. A^MMyWWMWMMMMMMMMMyMWMMWN CLOVER SEED Largest growers of Grass and Clover Heeds < in America. 50UU acres. Our Grasa Mixtures last I a lifetime. Meadows sown in April will give a{ rouHiDg crop in July. Prices dirt cheap. Mam-i moth catalogue ana 11 pkgs. Grass and Grains free for but lOc. puntage. Catalogue alone 5c. JOHN A. SALZCR tCCO CO.. La CrMM. Wis. 1^ i^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^a^RF J\ RE what you want to Insure success. 60 •^^ years' exi>erience, with hundreds of testimonials, i>r()ves their real merit. Send for illustratea cataloj^ue, FREE, contain- ingf valuable information. WM. ELLIOTT & SONS, 54 & 56 DEY ST., NEW YORK. Rloodgood "Mursery FLUSHING, N.Y. General Nursery Stock Ornamentals our Specialty KEENE & FOULK Send for Catalogue, mentioning this journal. The Ro^e : It^ (JaltMioD, i^Mvt$, etc. *^ BY H. B. ELI^WANGKR Directions for cultivation; for planting, pruning, propaga- tion, the treatment of diseases and insect enemies, particu- larly valuable for its classification, alphabetical and descrip- tive list of nine hundred and fifty-six varieties. Cloth, i6vo. Price, »l.a5. THOMA8 MEEHAN & SONS, Germantown, Pa. CHINQUAPIN. NUT and FRUIT TREES Of all Desirable Varieties 300 Acres-IHMENSE STOCK-60 Years Book on Nut Caltare, lfi7 pages. 60 illustrations, telling how to propagate, market and cook them. Price, 9 l.OO, or free with an order of Nut Trees for $5. Catalogue Free. PARRY'S POMONA NURSERIES PARRY, NEW JERSEY TROPICAL ORCHARD HOUSE Our new book tells how to grow all tropical fruits under wlass. 15 years' experience. Opens a new industry ; profits greater than anything which can be grown under glas^. An unending source of pleasure to the amateur. Plain and practical and of interest to every gardener. PUCE 25c. PER COPY, silver or postal note MARTIN BENSON, - Dongola, Ills. Jerrys grow paying crops because they're fresh and alivays the l^eat. For sale everywhere. Refuse substitutes. Stick to Ferrjr's Seeds and prosper. 1898 Seed Annual free. Write for it. D. M. FERRY & CO., DetroH, Mich. Fruit, Forest, Ornamental, Evergreen SHRUBBERY, ROSES GRAPE VINES TREES Small Fruits, California Privet, etc., etc. The above-named Trees we grow in large quantities and have a full assortment of fine healthy Trees to offer in large or small quantities. All free from "San Jose Scale." Send for our free Catalogue of 64 pages. Address Stephen Hoyt's Sons New Canaan, Conn. WHEN WRITING TO ADVERTISERS, TELL THEM YOU SAW THEIR CARD IN MEEHANS' MONTHLY, ♦ ■'■■V af»iiiiiiiiMttitiniKimiiii>ii!inniininiiinto«iiuiiiniininiiniiniiininii;itHginiiiiiiiiiuiiiiiiiiiiiniiiiiiiiniiHiiiiinimnniuiiiniMqt ~ " Seeds Heed Not | CAMPBELL'S EARLY BeSwallowede s^FiTBt of all Grnpesii'' Rnys Rural New-Yorker. Scaled 96 points in possible 100. "Wills I ship round ttie world." Early or Late. Insist on our Seals and pet wiiat you buy. 5 S Largest stock of other Grape Vines, Small Fruits. Eleurant Catalogue FREE g B CEORCE S. JOSSELYN, FREDONIA, NEW YORK. s iiniuiuiuiiniiiiaiuuiiuiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiuiuuiiiiiiiiuiiiiiiiiuiiiiiiuiiuiiiiiiuiiuiiiuiuiiniiiiiiniiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiniiiiniiiiiiiiniii£r STRAW RASP BLACK DEW GOOSE LARGE and FINE STOCK, freshly dug, and inspected by the State Nursery and Orchard Inspector Not a plant healed out or cellared ; all freshly dug the same day shipped. No order too small or too large. Full line of Grape, Currant and Quince. Ask for Price List for '98. WM. C. BABCOCK, Mention tbis paper. BRiDGMAN, BERRIEN CO., MICH, D\A/yer's IQQQ Catalogue lUuU a .^^ of Fruit Trees, Plants, Vines and Ornamental Stock ; standard varie- ties and novelties. Prices Low. Stock First-Class. Mailed Free. Fourteenth Year. T. J. DWYER & SON, Cornwall, N. Y. PLANTS AT A BARGAIN VARIEGATED FUNKIA The beautiful and neat-growing Day lyily is well known and appreciated. For edging borders or beds, it is hardly surpassed, and is equally desirable in beds alone. We have also a large stock of green-leaved forms. An assortment yields flowers at diflTerent periods. IRIS GERMANICA Iris are at best advantage when distinct colors are massed. Our collection embraces 20 named kinds. While their foliage demands no edging, a border of Funkia would be appropriate and bloom after the Iris. The Blackberry t,ily (Belamcanda) in the centre makes a charming addition. Write early for information and special prices ; we must clear a portion of ground. THOMAS MEEHAN & SONS, germantown. phila., pa, VENTILATING APPARATUS LOW COST SATISFACTION GUARANTEED FOR FLORISTS Send 5 cents to New York Office for latest catalogue of Greenhou Ventilating Apparatus- Send for estimates on CYPRESS GREENHOUSE MATERIAL. Send for circulars of HOT BED SASH AND FRAMES. se Heating and Lord & Burnham Co NEW YORK OFFICE, 160 Fifth Ave., cor, 21st St. GENERAL OFFICE AND WORKS, irvingtonon-Hudson.N.Y. HORTICULTURAL ARCHITECTS AND BUILDERS POPULAR SCIENCE NEWS Nature, Invention, Archaeology, lirAI Til Electricity, Chemistry, ntneralogy. ffcAL I il Health, H vgiene, nedlclne. " i*^*- ■ ■ ■ WHEN WRITING TO ADVERTISERS, TELL THEM YOU SAW THEIR CARD IN MEEHANS' MONTHLY. (iFQRMERLY BOSTON JOURHAL OF CHKMISTKY.) ENLARGED AND inPROVED. This popular monthly contains a large number of Short, Kasy, Practical. Interesting and PopuJar, Scientific Articles, that can be appreciated and enjoyed by any ictellig^ent read er, even though he know little or nothing of science. It is intended to interest those who think. PROFUSELY ILLUSTRATED and FREE FROM TECHNICALITIES. Kntitely diflerenl from and much 9up<:rior to otlher papers with a similar name. riontlily, $1.60 per year. Newsdealers, 15 cents. Largest Circulation of any Scientific Paper In the World. Conducted by BENJ. LILLARD, - - 108 Falton St., New York. Mention this paper for a sample copy. The only Floral Magazint Published for the Southern Climate SUBSCRIPTION, - $1.00 PER YEAR AttiacHve PsBmiurat and Liberal Ca^ Cotnini^sion to Agents Published on the FIrft of Each Month by Southern Florist and Gardener Co. CHATTANOOQA, TENF*. This is the OT or expense will be spared to make the J ^.r;. a! 1 1 uiiiant success in this pat ticular field. Ni],t«»lo^ JPrpfit. by Jo)jn R, i>rry. This^book is ope. b^Cbfitsclass and one no^^VKon mterested in nu^ an«l sut' culturecan afford to be without.' It is a complete worlji of 158 page?', and Its ^o iltustraiioiis, takeji direct frowi nature, are very accurate and iiseful. We fuppish ,it,.po»tpai4» for ... 91. OO THCIMAS HIBIcHAN & SOWS* Publishers Oermantown. i*a,. PUBLISHED THE Ut AND 15tm OF EACH MONTH BY THE GARDENING COMPANY MONON BUILDING, CHICAGO SUBSCRIPTION PRICE, $2,00 A YEAR -24 NUM^EHB The most practical and valuable American Horti- cuitural publication. Departments : The Flower Garden, Trees and Shrubs, Hie Greenhouse, The Window Garden, The Fruit Garden, The Vege- table Garden, Insects and Other Pests, Mushrooms, and others in season. See what subscribers say about this Taluable journal. "For coadensed commoti sense in gardening matters, for reliable, unprejudiced and safe information, GAUoltmiyo cannot be surpassed, and althou^ moderate in size it ex- pands upon perusal." W. C £oan, Higliland Park, 111. "GARDBif INO is the best horticultural paper j>rinted in America." Chas I^. Burr. Springfield, Mass. "I am greatly pleased with the paper. It is practical and •ogg«itive. Its reproduction ofphotographic views of |>Iants, id landscapes is a most adrnirable feature." W. M. Johnson, Hadcensack, N. J. Sowers and "It is a delightful paper and has been very interesting and instructive to me.*' Frank Hitchcock, Davenport, la. "I have found Gardening extremely useful and interest- ing. You have given your subscribers a great deal more than their money's worth Chas. E- Brown. Yarmouth, Nova Scotia "Sttch a publication was long needed in this country. VittTf line of its contribntions is a lesson in itself to many profeasionala as well as to amateurs." John 9krrt, Gardener to Senator WoIcott.Uttleton, Colo. ' "I valse Gardbnino hi|[hl)' on account of the very practi- oal character of its conients.* J A. Pettiobbw, Supt. Lincoln Park, Chicago "I regard Gardbning as one of the most practical maga- tines issued in the interests of horticulture." W. F Macar A. Waterville. N. Y. "The paper is the most practical of any i read. ' W. E. Abbs. Fond du Lac, Wis. "I subscribe to all the horticultural and noricultural jour- aals on this continent as far as I know and find in Gardkn> I HO the most practical one for an amateur like myself." Dr. Geo. T. Hawley. Coming. N. Y. f|v$>f|?f|:>f^ i^f#:><^<^:)^f^ <^w:^i^w|:><^f|>f^f|^ f^jM^f^Mi^f^f^jf^wt^ p^rk and Cemeterv. An iilusti"^ted' monthly for the ad- _ _ vancement of Art out of doors Prac- ■ ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦f ♦♦♦{>♦♦♦## tical articles of permanent value by competent authorities on Subjects of special interest to Commisskiaers, Trus- tees and Superintendents of Parks and Cemeteries, and those interested in Tree Planting and Towa and Village Improvements. Plans of Parks or Cemeteries, and their architectural and landscape features, illustrated every month. Subscrip- tion $1.00 a year. R, J. HAIOHT, Publisher, 334 Dearborn Street, Chicago. WHEN WRITING TO ADVERTISERS. TELL THEM YOU SAW THEIR CARD IN MEEHANS' MONTHLY. :!t.:i::::: '::>:.":;Mi::iiiiiiit!!ffiiiniiiiniiiiiiiiniifn — ^- ^^ Sr*^ds Heed Not i iCAIwII^'^IELbL. S^ EiAflLl BeSwallowod I E ♦'I'irsf <>t :i II < •r;ip{v>«, s:iys //>/ 'v^' .\ .;/•- } ir/.v •. Sctiicii m. points in j»()ssihh> KW). Willi ssliip I'tMHui IIh' wori'.i.' M;irl> or I^mH'. Jnsi>« nn Mur s.-;il> ;iti(l l-cI w iiat son buy, s E l.:>»<_'-(»st siocl-: «jt'(iiHiiiii.aiuii>iiiiciiiiu.i2>uuiiniiiiuuiiiiiiiiiiiuiMiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiHiii~ STRAW ) RASP BLACK DEW GOOSE LARc;,H anil I-INE STOCK, freshly (lu>^, and inspected '; by the State Nursery and Orchard Insj)cctor Not a plant \ healed out or cellared ; all freshlv duj^ the same day shij)])ed. ; No order too small or too lar^^e. l-'ull line of (irape. Currant ) and ( Hiince. Ask for Price I/ist for '9s. WM. C. BABCOCK, Mtntiontiiispai..:! BRI DG IVI AN, BERRI EN CO., M ICH. ^ '•^>^M ^Y^y^*"^ 1898 ^^taiogu3«v^ of Fruit Trees, Plants, Vines and Ornamental Stock : standard virie- ties and novelties. Prices Low Stock First-Class. Mailed Free. rourteenth Year. T. J. DWYER & SON, Cornwall. N. Y. PLANTS AT A BARGAIN VARIEGATED FUNKIA Tlie In .lutifnl and neat-jLirowitiL; Day l.ily i^ well known :iti(l ;ii)preciattf(l. l"or edj^^MiK bordei^oi beds it {•^ h;ir(ll\ snrpa>^><«l, and i^ ecpiallv tksirabh' in beds alone \\ f liavt- also a larjie slock of ki*^^"''^'^^'*"^ f"i itis Au a>soitnu'!il \ ield^ flowers at iliffei ent i>eriods. IRIS GERMANICA Iri-^ are al btsl adv;tnl;ii;e when nr collection ftnbiaces ..-o named kinds While their folia^^e d»-inani!.v no ed^inji, a border of" liinkia wnnld be ap])roi»t iate and l)lootn after t Ik- Ii i*. The Hlackbei rv I.dv \ belatncaiida in the i cntre makes a chai ming addii ion. Write early for information and special j^rices ; ue must clear a ])ortion ut ground, THOMAS MEEHAN & SONS, germantown. phila.. pa VENTILATING APPARATUS LOW COST SATISFACTION GUARANTEED FOR FLORISTS Send 5 cents to New York Office for latest catalogue of Greenhouse Heating and Ventilating Apparatus Send for estimates on CYPRESS GREENHOUSE MATERIAL. Send for circulars of HOT BED SASH AND FRAMES. Lord & Burnham Co. NEW YORK OFFICE. 160 Fifth Ave., cor, 21st St. GENERAL OFFICE AND WORKS, Irvington on-Hudson, N. Y. HORTICULTURAL ARCHITECTS AND BUILDERS WHEN WRITING TO ADVERTISERS, TELL THEM YOU SAW THEIR CARD IN MEEHANS' MONTHLY. POPULAR SCIENCE i|ril/0 Nature, Invention, Archaeology, lltWo Electricity, Chemistry. Hineralogy, iikiivr Health, Hygiene, Hedicine- HEALTH Cformkrly hostox journal of chemistky. ) ENLARGED AND inPROVED. This popular monthly contains a large uumber of vShort, Kasy, Practical. Interesting and Popular, Scientific Articles, that can be appreciated and enjoyed hj' any intelligent read- er, even though he know little or nothing of science. It is intended to interest those who think. PROFUSELY ILLUSTRATED and FREE FROM TECHNICALITIES. Kutirely different from and much superior to other papers with a similar name. rionthly, $1.60 per year. Newsdealers, 15 cents. Largest Circulation of any Scientific Paper in the World. Conducted by BENJ. LILLARD, = = 108 FuKon St., New York. Mention this paper for a sample copy. ^ Soiiineni Florist "^ Mm\ I The only Floral Magazine Published for the Southern Climate Rfl SUBSCRIPTION, - $1.00 PER year Attractive Premiums anZZZXZ-Z^^Z-ZZXZXZXZ-ZXSZ2^ rXZXXXZZ-XXZXZ2ZXZXZXZXZZZXZZ-Z^ Published on the First of Kach Month by Southern Florist and Gardener Co. CHATTANOOGA, TENN. This is tlie only Ma^a^ine of its c'ass puMishcd in the Smth. It is ;ive the proper attention and (arc to its advertisers. .No Ial>or or expense will be •"pared t>) make the Journal a brilliant success in this patticular field. KXXX-ZXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX-2 XXXXEKXa Nuts for Profit, by John R. I'arry. This book is one of the best of Its class and one no person interested in nuts and nut culture can afford to be without. It is a complete work of 158 pages, and its 60 ilUistralions. taken direct from nature, are very accurate and useful. We furnisli it, postpaid, for . . . 91. OO THOMAS MEEHAN & SONS, Publishers Germantown. Pa. PUBLISHED THE Isr AND 15th OF EACH MONTH BY THE GARDENING COMPANY MONON BUILDING, CHICAGO SUBSCRIPTION PRICE, $2.00 A YEAR 24 NUMBERS The most practical and valuable American Horti- cultural publication. Departments : The Flower Garden, Trees and Shrubs, The Greenhouse, The Window Garden, The Fruit Garden, The Vege- table Garden, Insects and Other Pests, Mushrooms, and others in season. See what subscribers say about this valuable journal. "For condensed common sense in g^ardening matters, for reliable, unprejudiced and safe information, Gardening cannot be surpassed, and although moderate in size it ex- pands upon perusal." W. C Egan, Highland Park, 111. "Gardening is the best horticultural paper printed in America." Chas L. Burr, Springfield, Mass. "I am greatly pleased with the paper. It is practical and suggestive. Its reproduction of photographic views of plants, flowers and landscapes is a most admirable feature." W. M. John.son, Hackensack, N. J. "It is a delightful paper and has t)een very interesting and instructive to me." Frank Hitchcock, Davenport, la. "I have found Gardening extremely useful and interest- ing. You have given your .«!ubscribers a great deal more than their money's worth." Chas. E. Brown, Yarmouth, Nova Scotia " Such a publication was long needed in this country. Every line of its contributions is a lesson in itself to many professionals as well as to amateurs." John Bkrry, Gardener to Senator Wolcott, Littleton, Colo. ' "I value Gardening highly on account of the very practi- cal character of its contents.' J. A. Pettiorew, Supt. Lincoln Park, Chicago "I regard Gardening as one of the most practical maga- tines i.ssued in the interests of hortictilturc." W. F. Macara, Waterville, N. Y. "The paper is the most practical of any I read." W. E. Abbs. Fond du Lac, Wis. "I sub.scribc to all the horticultural and floricultural jour- aals on this continent as far as I know and find in Garden- ing the most practical one for an amateur like myself." Dr. Geo. T. Hawley. Corning, N. Y. llilf k illld IT^ITI^I'^l^l/ ^^f^ illustrated monthly for the ad- V^MI II Mll^ ^^■■■^•'^^ ?♦ vancementof Artoutof doors Prac- ■ ♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦ tical articles of permanent value by competent authorities on subjects of special interest to Commissioners, Trus- tees and Superintendents of Parks and Cemeteries, and those interested in Tree Planting; and Town and Village Improvements. Plans of Parks or Cemeteries, and tlu'ir architectural and l.inING_j.URSKRY, JACOB W. MAXXTNi;, Proprietor. KKADINO. MASS. 31odern Horticultural Building. Elegant Conservatories, Practical Commercial Houses, and all Classes of Greenhouse Structures Planned and Erected. PLENTTS HORTICULTURAL WORKS, 148-156 Randolph Ave., Jersey City, N. J. WHEN WRITING TO ADVERTISERS. PLEASE MENTION MEEHANS' MONTHLY. Vol. VIII MARCH, 1595 ISSUED MONTHLY, $2.00 PER YEAR IN ADVANCE, SINGLE COPY 20 CENTS, L.N^ f. -¥ .-■s,^ ^. gr\ r^ W^ ■t'l/lii* ■^. ':^^^ ff m <^ y^^^l .'.v% f/ ^ %> ^^^ EEHANS' N TM LY • ^ - '."^ i."^. (]ENERAL Gardening// J \ >k \nm. y-\ /> 'h i*^. •■ ' S'/'Sr. -^A ^^i 'h 'A- "<;A \}j}^>. jtf^" U-^ -^- No. 5 ft W u MtW .ii'.i % '(IV vV\ VA A^Jiy> -A ^V \ ,^n LOWERS •fmi \ Ml .M\ '->, )yi' V^V (endcided by .yj ^ •'/,. »*j ^^^ I TM?MA5 t%iwm CO^VRIGMTKD ia*a KNTERKI) AT THK PHILA HKLPH I A POST OFFICE AS SECOND-CLASS MATTER Ornamental Trees, Shrubs, Evergreens, etc» |E have an exceptionally fine lot of larg^e Norway Maples, Sugar Maples, Sycamore Maples, White Ash, American Elm and American Linden, twelve, fourteen and sixteen feet in heigfht, two to four inches in diameter, suitable for planting for immediate effect* Fine, strong healthy stock, with healthy, clean bark, vigorous growth and ample fibrous roots. These trees are not '' overgrown '^ or ** sur- plus*^ stock, but have been cultivated, manured and grown especial- ly for transplanting in large sizes. They can be packed safely for transportation to long distances. Rosa Setigera, Lord Penzance Sweet Briars, New Hybrid Wichur- iana Roses, Climbing Crimson and Yellow Rambler Roses, Viburnum Dentatum, and other new, rare or uncommon shrubs. Rhododendrons, Azalea Mollis and Ghent, Daphne Cneorum, Japanese Maples, Rosa Rugosa, both red and white, Elaeagnus Longipes, true berry-bearing plants, grafted; Caryopteris Masta- canthus, the new blue, fall blooming shrub, superb for massing purposes. Hedge Plants, California Privet, Berberis Thunbergii, Honey Locust, Osage Orange, one year and strong two year plants; Althaea, Arbor Vitae, Hemlock and Norway Spruce. New '^ Allegheny ^^ Hollyhocks, Rudbeckia '^ Golden Glow^ and other desirable Hardy Herbaceous Plants. Illustrated Descriptive Catalogue, containing ''Hints on Tree Planting and Pruning '% ''Pruning of Flowering Shrubs'* and other information of use to planters, free upon application. THOMAS MEEHAN & SONS, Nurserymen and Landscape Engineers, GERMANTOWN, PHILADELPHIA, PA* ff . TWO GRAND PREPARATIONS FOR PRACTICAL USE "SLUG SHOT" AND "GRAPE DUST The first, "Slug Shot," has been used i8 years for destruction of various Insects preying upon vegeta- tion, Sow Bugs that are in the soil, the worms that eat off Smilax, and all other leaf-eating insects ; also Aphis. The •♦ Grape Dust " is an excellent preparation for Mildews, Rusts and Blights ; it is constantly used by scores of commercial florists. These preparations are safe to use, and effective. There is scarcely a SEEDSMAN IN AMERICA who does not catalogue them. In Philadelphia, New York, Boston, Springfield, Indianapolis, Richmond ; Portland, Oregon ; Chicago, Toledo, Cincinnati, San Francisco, Baltimore, New Orleans, Cleveland, St. Louis, St. Paul, Minneapolis, Memphis, Kansas City; Jacksonville, Fla., etc., Toronto, Montreal and Hamilton, Canada, all the large seedsmen carry the goods in stock. The ♦♦ Slug Shot " is put up in pound canisters, 5-lb. bags, and retails in JO-lb. bags for 50c., and in JOO-lb. kegs at 4j4c. lb. The •* Grape Dust " in 5-lb. bags at 40c., in 25-lb. bags at $U75, in kegs of JOO lbs. at 6c. per lb. ^°^ ^ pamphlet full of information, send address to Hammonds Slu^ Sliot Works, Fishkill-on-Hudson, N. Y. WHEN WRITING TO ADVLRTISERS, TELL THEM YOU SAW THEIR CARD IN MEEHANS' MONTHLY. » ARMSTRONO 4 McKELVY I t ^I'uruh. BEYMER BAUMAN I m^lmrj^h. DAVIS-CHAMBERS I III -,l)ur};li. FAHNESTOCK i ' ttsliilr !j\i. ANCHOR I > ( "iiu-ihiiati. ECKSTEIN ) ) N(»w York. < liicft^j'i. ATLANTIC BRADLEY BROOKLYN JEWETT ULSTER UNION S3UTHERN ) r.HIPMAN > f'OLLIER MIKSOUR RED SEAL ( SOUTHERN ' JOHN T. LEWIS & BROS CO I'm:. 1. 1. (■!. ■ MORLEY ,. , , < llVti.lI.lI. SALEM Sii. III. Ma-^. fORNELL liuffal... :.) ) >!. l.'Ulis T ()V need not worry al)oiit your |)aint peclinqr c)jT or colors fading- if you use Pure; White Lead, Pure Lin- ! seed (lil and Nallonal Lead Co.'s Tinting- Colors, and employ a practical painter to appl\- it. lU; surc^ tliat th(^ l)ran(ls are rii^dit. See list of genuine ])rands, which are made l)y the "old Dutch process." FREE !;> ii>iiig \ati..rial I.t-.KJ Co,'-, I'nre U'hite Leaci Tinting: flolors, any <:c>ir«- it-acily <'t)i.iiii'-cl. Pariiphlct Ki\'"g valu- . '.irii >h. .Willi; samples if r. .1. us free ; aUo fouler -Itt.u-iii^ |.i. tur-- ■ f h-iis.- i.aiiued m «iitVr\va!iLii up.ti api'ucatioii to those luteniiiiig lo paint. KENTUCKY I.-ui^ville. X(i/ii)N(f/ f.iiuf Co., roo ]Villia)u S/., Are*.' J'v-/^. AGAINST CATERPILLARS and other NOXIOUS INSECTS. Now is the time to hand your Irnit ami Shade Trees with ERMISCH^S CATERPILLAR Raupenlcini ''Owl Trident Brand/* LIME l«» pTKtect tlnin i^iiiist thr i.iv.i^cs nf Caterpiihirs, Canker \%orm>. hoier*', ."^cales. Pear PsyMa, and other Noxious insects. .\ tini-ly avplicalion t.Y t»ii> tried and ai)]>i.)\etl leiindv will i)ir\rnt injury rnul secure a ^o'ld I nut Ci(»|». Statid.nd k«Mni dy <>( l-oreiyii ( nn ei nnieiit .\L,'riciilttit.il I '« j>ai tnirnt--, I<.iestt y t'onniiissions. Ay;i-lciil tutisl>.et< send loi Circular-^ anuiind pa< kaj^r-i. Insect I'oudcr hv tli«- ko lbs. (ir sinKit* pound. White Hellebore hy the m < Ih-^. ci single pound. Maris (ireen in par'kaijes fiDtn J2 l'> to jS ponnds. lohacco Dust !'y the ^-mule pound or ico pounds. I obacco Stems by thr sinj»le potind or loo pounds. Ihrip Juice tor si ale inserts l)y th< pint or qtiart. (irape Dust foi nnldew, bv the poinul or no pounds. Carbolic Pouder foi j^eiural })tii poses, by the pound or buti
  • binu trees, bv the pound or hundred I ' iincU or in pav kai^e- of i ' , . 2 and 5 pounds. Cnrholic Acid and Whale Oil Soap in -^niall cakes or bv tlic iiiindt ed pounds Ihymo Cresol for dcstroyinj.^ insects on ntiitnals. in -.mall bottles, 01 by the (juait. 'j gallon, gallon. 5 gallon or by the barrel. Oesc riptive Circulars with prices sent to all applicants D. Landreth & Sons 21 & 23 S. Sixth St., Philadelphia. Pa. SEND rOR LANDRETH S 98 CATALOGUE 40,000 NORWAY MAPLES, Vounjr, thrifty and well rooted, 6 to IS feet hish, I to .? inches diameter. Low branched for Parks, Lawns and Cemeteries; Hijch branched for Avenue and Street plantinjf. Suj!:ar, Silver, Wier*s Cut = leaved and Sycamore Maples, Oriental Planes, Poplars, Willows, and a choice assortment of JAPANESE and other RARE EVER(jREi:\ TRKi:S. California Privets, larjje plants for immediate effect, i Specimens and Hedjje Plants.) Our prices and stock will please vou. Trees in Car Load lots a Specialty. CHAS. B. HORNOR & SON, SSg^riS'^RfeI^R?',SIg Mount Holly, Bur. Co., N. J. WHEN WRITING TO ADVERTISERS. TELL THEM YOU SAW THEIR CARD IN MLEHANS' MONTHLY Ornamental Trees^ Shrubs, Evergreens, etc* ^E have an exceptionally fine lot of large Norway Maples, Sugfar Maples, Sycamore Maples, White Ash, American Elm and American Linden, twelve, fourteen and sixteen feet in height, two to four inches in diameter, suitable for planting for i^nmediate effect* Fine, strong healthy stock, with healthy, clean bark, vigorous growth and ample fibrous roots. These trees arc not ''overgrown^' or '^sur- plus** stock, but have been cultivated, manured and grown especial- ly for transplanting in large sizes* They can be packed safely for transportation to long distances. Rosa Setigera, Lord Penzance Sweet Briars, New Hybrid Wichur- iana Roses, Climbing Crimson and Yellow Rambler Roses, Viburnum Dentatum, and other new, rare or uncommon shrubs. Rhododendrons, Azalea Mollis and Ghent, Daphne Cneorum, Japanese Maples, Rosa Rugosa, both red and white, Elaeagnus Longipes, true berry-bearing plants, grafted; Caryopteris Masta- canthus, the new blue, fall blooming shrub, superb for massing purposes. Hedge Plants, California Privet, Berbcris Thunbergii, Honey Locust, Osage Orange, one year and strong two year plants; Althaea. Arbor Vitae, Hemlock and Norway Spruce. New ^* Allegheny^ Hollyhocks, Rudbcckia ^Golden Glow^ and other desirable Hardy Herbaceous Plants. Illustrated Descriptive Catalogue, containing "^ Hints on Tree Plantmg and Pruning^, ^Pnining of Flowering Shrubs'' and other information of use to planters, free upon application. THOMAS MEEHAN & SONS, Nurserymen and Landscape Engineers, GERMAN TOWN, PHILADELPHIA, PA. 4 I ff TWO GRAND PREPARATIONS FOR PRACTICAL USE " SLUG SHOT" AND "GRAPE DUST The first, "Slug Shot/* has been used x8 years for destruction of various Insects preying upon vegeta- tion, Sow Bugs that are in the soil, the worms that eat off Smilax, and all other leaf-eating insects ; also Aphis. The «* Grape Dust " is an excellent preparation for Mildews, Rusts and Blights ; it is constantly used by scores of commercial florists. These preparations are safe to use, and effective. There is scarcely a SEEDSMAN IN AMERICA who does not catalogue them. In Philadelphia, New York, Boston, Springfield, Indianapolis, Richmond ; Portland, Oregon ; Chicago, Toledo, Cincinnati, San Francisco, Baltimore, New Orleans, Cleveland, St. Louis, St. Paul, Minneapolis, Memphis, Kansas City ; Jacksonville, Fla., etc.^ Toronto, Montreal and Hamilton, Canada, all the large seedsmen carry the goods in stock. The ** Slug Shot " is put up in pound canisters, S-lb. bags, and retails in JO-lb. bags for 50c., and in JOO-lb. kegs at i}4c. lb. The " Grape Dust " in 5-lb. bags at 40c., in 25-lb. bags at $L75, in kegs of JOO lbs. at ^C. per lb. ^°^ * pamphJet full of information, send address to Hammonds Slug Shot Works, Fishkill-on^Hudson, N. Y. WHEN WRITING TO ADVERTISERS, TELL THEM YOU SAW THEIR CARD IN MEEHANS* MONTHLY. ARMSTRONG ft McKELVT i'ltinbureli. BEYMER-BAUMAN I'ittsburifh. DAVIS -CHAMBERS I'ittBburarh. FAHNESTOCK Pittflburtrh. ANCHOR ) r Cincinnati. ECKSTEIN i Y ATLANTIO BRADLEY BROOKLYN I JEWETT ULSTER UNION SOUTHERN SHIPMAN COLLIER MISSOURI RED SEAL SOUTHERN New York. Chicago. I St. Louis. JOHN T. LEWIS A BROS CO Pbiliulelphiu. MORLET ^, , , Cleveland. SALEM CORNELL KENTUOKT Salem, Haas. Buffalo. Louisville. OU need not worry about your paint peeling off or colors fading if you use Pure White Lead, Pure Lin- seed Oil and National Lead Co.'s Tinting Colors, and employ a practical painter to apply it. Be sure that the brands are right. See list of genuine brands, which are made by the ''old Dutch process." C D C C ^y "*'"^ National Lead Co.'s Pure White Lead Tinting Colors, r t\[^LZ *"y desired shade is readily obtained. Pamphlet giving valu- able information and card showmg samples of colors free ; also folder showing picture of house [>«inted in different designs or various styles or combinations uf shades forwarded upon application to those intending to paint. National Lead Co,, loo William SL, New York, AGAINST CATERPILLARS and other NOXIOUS INSECTS. Now is the time to band your Fruit and 5hade Trees with ERMISCH'S CATERPILLAR Raupenleim ''Owl Trident Brand.'^ LIME To protect them against the ravages of Caterpillars, Cankerworms. Borers, 5cale5, Pear Psylla, and other Noxious Insects. A tim^'ly application of this tried and approved remedy will prevent injury and secure a good Fruit Crop. Standard Remedy of Foreign Government Agricultural Departments, Forestry Commissions, Agricul- turists, etc. Send for Circulars and Directions. For Sale by all prominent Seedsmen and WM. MENZEL & SON 64 BROAD STREET, - NEW YORK Sole Agents for United. States and Canada. FARMERS, GARDENERS AND HOUSEKEEPERS WANT INSECTICIDES ^^■^■^^^* Slug 5hot by the barrel, hundred pounds, or In 5 and 10 pound packages. Insect Powder by the 100 lbs. or single pound. White Hellebore by the 100 lbs, or single pound. Paris Qreen in packages from ^ lb to 28 pounds. Tobacco Dust bythe .single pound or 100 pounds. Tobacco Stems by the single pound or 100 pounds. Thrip Juice for scale in.sects. by the pint or quart. Qrape Dust for mildew, by the pound or 100 pounds. Carbolic Powder for general purposes, by the pound or hundred pounds. Whale Oil Soap for washing trees, by the pound or hundred pounds or in packages of ij^, 2 and 5 pounds. Carbolic Acid and Whale Oil Soap in small cakes or by the hundred pounds. Thymo Cresol for destroying insects on animals, in small bottles, or by the quart, J^ gallon, gallon, 5 gallon or by the barrel. Descriptive Circulars with prices sent to all applicants D. Landreth & 5ons 21 & 23 S. Sixth St., Philadelphia, Pa. SEND FOR LANDRCTH'S '98 CATALOQUC \ 40,000 NORWAY MAPLES, Young:, thrifty and well rooted, 6 to 15 feet high, 1 to 3 Inches diameter. Low branched for Parks, Lawns and Cemeteries ; High branched for Avenue and Street planting. Sugar, Silver, WIer's Cut-leaved and Sycamore Maples, Oriental Planes, Poplars, Willows, and a choice assortment of JAPANESE and other RARE California Privets, large plants for Immediate effect, (Specimens and Hedge Plants.) Our prices and stock will please you. Trees in Car Load Lots a Specialty. CHAS. B. HORNOR & SON, SSg^riS^Rkm^IS 10Unt Holly, Bur. Co.. N. J. WHEN WRITING TO ADVERTISERS, TELL THEM YOU SAW THEIR CARD IN MEEHANS' MONTHLY mm^ \m Mlk ND EXPOSURE Rhododendrons, Not imported and therefore hardy. Hardy Azaleas, Japanese Maples, Magnolias, (living guaranteed) Rare Evergreens, other Trees, new Shrubs, Hedge Plants: PARSONS & SONS CO., limited Flushing, New York: SEEDS! Cn Kinds Flower Seeds, yy 1-4 lb. KWEET P£A» Mixed, mall free, onlyOn«» «r^0^f^.#»i»» ^ HILLSIDE NURSERtZOC ttSrCatttloffue Free. Somerville. Mass. J i < « WMN AA^^WMN^^^^W EVEB6BEENS }SX?H^^**";'*^*^\*'*^"*ce of 32 pack-apes, u^^ ^,^«*ce, transplanted, 2 ft, $10 prepaid. nowl McS^'i?^' h^;^- v«"^ti«^«. al 1 sizes. .ORNAMENTAL AND FRUIT TREES. SSJI"i?.^;^"f^tl®^*'-. Catalojrue, prices Vlii? *^** barpralns Sent FREE ■ HILL ^lt?M%.''J!Sa Specialist, ■ ■■■fc^f DUNDEE, ILLINOISI Wood Ashes Direct from Canada, col- lected by ourselves in the hard- wood districts, tested, and shipped under our Own guarantee of strength and purity. Buy ashes or other fertilizers only of responsible concerns. Our twenty-five years in business, ample capital and facili- ties, combine to make our guarantee of value. BONE AND WOOO-ASH FERTILIZER, $25 per ton. An excellent combina- tion. Write for particulars. BDWKFR 'FERTILIZER COMPANY, UUIflXLII 43 Chatham St.. Boston. Manufacturers of Special and Gen- eral Fertilizers for all crops and all soils, Jiowker's Lawn Dressing. Everything in the feHilizer line. ► * * > : ■ FOR GA.RDE1V A.1VI> OREENHOUSE HARDY ROSES and ORNAMENTAL PLANTS, Flowering BULBS and ROOTS For catalogues address, c. H. JOOSTEN, Importer. 193 Greenwich St., New York O I A Q C ^^^ GREENHOUSES, GRAPERIES, #% ■ A tf% #^ MLbMOO CONSERVATORIES and hotbeds. LiLASS VANHORNE, GRIFFEN & CO., FRENCH AND AMERICAN GLASS. *g *?. t«e^-^ s^^r' NEW YORK ' When writing mention Meehans* Monthly ^ "^ • "FRUITS OF WATER," jnce of a life of fruit culture. 12(M> acres in fruits '" a new book, new methods, live ideas, up-to-date facts flow t«» «row InrireNt, inoNt beautiful Iriiii fruits. etc.rfVeeVirhthisbooktrtho£wh\V^^^^^^^ Address at once, J. ft. HALE, South «7as[^nbury; t'oli^^^^^^^ ^^^^^M^ LOVERS OF BOTANY SHOULD HAVE THE PliflfiT WORliD An Illustrated monthly Journal of Popular Botany Edited by F. H. KHOCUUTOH, Ph. D. and • sopps of spettialists. In its pages the interesting facts of plant life are treated in language that is strictly scientific but not technical. Sample copy free. Address, WlIiliRf^D ri. CLiUTE & CO. PUBLISHERS BINGHAMTON, - riBW YOI^K. \ FARM SEEDS Salzpr's SmIs are Warranted to Prodoce, R. Walter. LeRajsville. Pa., astonished the world l>.v growiug250 bu.Hhel8 Su1z«t'« corn; J. Ilreider, -Mialiicotl, Wis.. 173 bush, harlcv. and P. Slnnot. Ritndalla, Iowa, bv growing I9« l)u>h. .Salzer's cats piT acre. If you douUt. write th«'tn. We wish to gain Ij0,0(l0 new cmtoiiicr-i. hcucf \\iil s-nd <•» trial 10 DOLLARS WORTH FOR 10c. 11 pkRs of rare farm seeds. Hog Pea. Sand Vetch, •♦Oc. Wheat.' Sheep Rape. Jerusalem Corn. etc.. in> eluding our mamniotli Seed (*ataloi;ue, telling all aUout the |400 sold (irires for best name for our new marvelous coin and oats. "Prodigies,' also .sani[)le of sani<'. all mailed you upon receipt of but I()c. |M»stai;e. po'sitivelj worth flO, lo get n start. 10<),0<)0 bbU. ^'^^ Seed I'otatoea at |1 .T^ ^5 pkgs. earliest vegetable .^^S\ ^^*"1'®»-^B51^^ •eed«. fl.OO. ^^lSFrAtalo«» send this^ftlBW^ ^^^/^f^S^ ^^^^^ Adv. <^loQS-^^^r3S!^^VMfKRi^x^o' "^' '^' and other DECORATIVE PLANTS, also the newest and best FLOWERING PLANTS including Cannes, Carna- tions, Dahlias, Roses, etc., HARDY PERENNIAL PLANTS and a full line of for the Garden, Greenhouse and Farm are fully illustrated and described in our Garden Calendar for 1898 the handsomest catalogue of the year mailed FREK to those who will state that they saw this advertisement in Meehans' Monthi^y. HENRY A. DREER 714 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia SPECIAL SALE OF IRIS ^Pm^n^il'^"*/^ ^^^^ advanuge when distinct colors are massed, and, though their foliaee demands no edging, a border of Punkla would be appropriate and bloom later The BelLT canda (Blackberry Lily) in the centre makes a charming addiUon. STRONG. 2 AND3 YEAR FLOWERING ROOTS. 4 TO 8 EYES EACH, DUG AND SHIPPED IN CLUMPS IRIS GERMANICA. 17 named varieties $"5'^ sToO sToO IRIS CENOIALTI, dark blue, early * I ^ 'a 25 i S« IRIS FLORBNTINA, white (Orrlsrroot) ;.;..: 9 ^ 2 50 I S^ BELAMCANDA(Pardanthu.)CHINENSlS, strong..... 5 00 150 100 50 plants of one species at 100 rates URPEE'S WKITB TO-DAY. _W;^TLEejURPEE A CO., PHILADELPHIA. ' We draw Plans for beds and borders, and make selections of herbaceous plants to conform with location, arrangement according to height, color and flowering period. THOMAS MEEHAN & SONS QERMANTOWN, PHILA., PA. CLASS SEEDS. Our Ninet^y-Seventh Annual Catalogue is now ready, and will be mailed f< REE; on application. It contains the largest collection in the world of VegBtaDlB, Flower M Farm Seeils. including every standard variety and every novelty of established merit. For Nearly a Century the Leading Seed House of America. WHEN WRITING TO ADVERTISERS. TELL THEM YOU SAW THEIR CARD IN MEEHANS" MONTHLY! WHEN WRITING TO ADVERTISERSrTELL THEM YOUSAW TH^CARdI^ MEEHANS' MONTHLY. Crimson Rambler Rose Yellow Rambler Rose New Hybrid Wichuriana Roses We have a large stock of these Roses, some dormant, some in pots. Extra large dormant Crimson Ramblers. Rosa Rugosa, White and Red Japanese Rose These Roses are planted everywhere, as single speci- mens, in beds of ten, twenty, fifty or one hundred ; or mixed among vshrubs in large plantings They create the fine-t effect when planted in masses, as they are done at Newport, where they attract wide attention Our stock is extra fine, of both the White and Red sorts, and can be furnished in any quantity. See our new descriptive Catalogue for prices, etc. THOMAS MEEHAN ^ SONS NURStRYMCN AND LANDSCAPE ENGINEERS GERMANTOWN, PHILA., PA. WRITE! For our Beautiful Colored Lithographs Mailed FREE Our wonderful Bismarck Apple Trees will bear beautiful large ap- ples, equal to Greeninsrs or Bald- wins (see Rural New Yorker, Octo- ber 30, 1897). first season after plant- ing either in pots as a House PHnt, in Gardens or Orchards for Market. Very prolific, perfectly hardy. One Dollar each. Order now for spring planting. Club offers. Address, Manhattan Nursery Co., Dept. D, 47 Dey St., New York NOVELTIES IN PLANTS, FRUITS, Etc. A. BLANC & CO., 314, 316 N. 11th ST., PHILADELPHIA SEEDS! SEEDS ! 74th Annual Priced Cataloj^^ue of VECETIBLE, FIUM AND FLOWER SEEDS Is now ready and mailed free to all applicants Bridgeman's Seed Warehouse 37 EAST 19th STREET, NEW YORK CITY m w. WITH THE 'INCOMPARABLE' BORDEAUX NOZZLE used on ''WoRLn's Bust" Spravlnsr <^>nffits maHeonlyby THE OEMIHti CO. SALEM, OHIO, makemof ALL KINDS OF PUMPS THIS CUT If A--fc*A«^ KNAPSACK shows our I^VlQSOIlO SPRAYER.... M akeK It* own emiilKton in thf act of pumpinfc. Sold by dealers jrenerally. Write the manufacturers or their Oeneral" Western Ajrents, Mfmon A Ht'BBEi.r.. rfirrAoo. » illustrated Book 00 "Spraying" FREE. ' ¥■" t - 1 t^—r '^i^T^'fiil^ijm^^i^st^^Wf^^^'z^^si^^ Most Useful Inventions within live years even, have been "improved" until the inventor himself would scarcely recoKuize them. Pa^e Fence beicun so near ri^ht that after twelve years its compel iton> are content to imitate as closely as they dare. PAGE WOVKN WIUK FENCE CO., Adrian, Mich, IT WILL PAY YOU to send for our New Catalogue, which tells of Hardy Trees, Shrubs, Plants, Roses, Fruit, and our special stock of Rhododendrons. It will in- terest all who are interested in such matters. ANDORRA NURSERIES, Kfflhl^p. Wm. Warner Harper. Proprietor S|\ IXO^TERIMO niTLBS 9\f Postpaid, Only Hyacinths. Tulips, Crocus. I'reezias, Jonquil*, Chinese Lilies, Tuberoses, Gladiolas. Oxalis. Columbian Nuksery, Somerville, Mass. BEAUTIFUL 6R0UNDS HandMunie shrubbery will incre&se their value. THE MONTROSE NURSERIES make h spe<*inltv c»t CHOICE SHRUBBERY, EVERGREENS and are offerintf them ut very low prices. Also a full line of fruit and nut trees. Send for 18»8 catalofnie. >^^;^ .•.sx J ^sample of our floral magazinc,fc.??lTii "Success with Flowers" also sent if requested. THE DINGEE d, CONARD CO., West Grove, Pa. ^fl .V, *.J> WHEN WRITING TO ADVERTISERS, TELL THEM YOU SAW THEIR CARD IN MEEHANS* MONTHLY. Oi. Viii Plate N^.' -^. '' ( PYXIDANTHERA BARBULATA. FLOWERING MOSS. NATURAL, ORDER DIAPENSIACE^. Pyxidanthejia BARBULATA, Michaux.-A Small, prostratc aud creeping evergreen, leafy throughout lonselv branchinir- leaves lanceolate or somewhat narrowed below, subulate-aruminateVwhen young pubescent at the base much ?^^^ n«1„fi«f!!' ">''", ^k"^/ ^^"^U^ abundant (in eaHy spring), closely sessile : corolla white or tinged with ms^ ?,>° i^^' Its lobes (2 inches long) cuneate-obovate, retu^e and obscurely erose ; filaments ligulate {Gt^y^lsynZ- StaLf) ""^ ^^^^rzca. See also Wood's Oass-Book o/ Botany, and Chap nan's Floral/ the Sou th/rn Unfted Seldom have art and science joined hands and traveled along pleasant paths so happily, during the progress of our work, as in the picture of the Flowering Moss here presented. The picture, simply as a picture, will challenge universal admiration ; while the botanical de- tails, more than usually complete, give the student a clear insight of one of the most unique of American wild flowers. No picture has hitherto appeared that does the plant full justice. Dr. Gray, in the work from which the description is here taken, re- fers to plates by Michaux, Gray's ''Botanical Text Book," and Lindley's "Vegetable King- dom,"— but these are concerned chiefly with the peculiar structure of the flowers. A colored picture is given in plate 4592 of Hooker's *' Bo- tanical Magazine ; " but this picture was taken from a small, round tuft taken to England by Sir William Hooker after his visit to America, and which with trouble was made to grow. The difficulty of getting this wildling of nature to submit to the gardener's art, in common with some other distinctively Ameri- can plants, has often been commented on. To fully enjoy all the pleasure the Pyxidanthera is capable of affording us, one must pay it a visit in its native home. This is mainly in the sands of New Jersey, in those sections known as the Pine Barrens— huge flats where Pinus inops, and Finns rigida are profusely scattered, but not herded together as to crowd out herbaceous vegetation. Though it will sometimes flourish under a forest of pine, after the trees become densely packed, and when other kinds of plants have given up the con- test ; it never shows to such advantage as when there is enough light to permit other plants to keep it company. The specimen figured was taken from a spot which, rich in decaying pine leaves, had the asparagus-like shoots of Baptisia tinctoria pushing up among them, and which, later in the season, would charm the lover of nature with their bright golden flowers. Nature's admirers could probably secure no greater treat than by a visit, in early spring, to the Pine Barren region in New Jersey, where the Pyxidanthera dwells. If not the earliest plant to welcome the return of spring with garlands of flowers, it is certainly among the earliest— the violet, beloved and bepraised as it has been by the poets, not excepted. It does look like moss, and, for once, the popular name of ** Flowering Moss " is felt to be appropriate ; and the little, pinkr ish-white pin-heads, pushing out from what appears to be masses of moss— flowerless moss —is one of the pleasant surprises. The tints vary with the location of the plant. Where the sandy soil is rich, and the plant in the midst of abundant food is healthy and luxuri- ant, the flower buds are of a pale pink, as in our picture. Where the soil is poor, or where the plant has in some way had a struggle for life, the little buds have a reddish shade. The lover of elfin stories might readily believe that the fairies had strewn these mossy banks with miniature cherries, brought from the mystic regions where fairies are at home. No one, though familiar with the brightest flowers of city gardens, could fail to enjoy such a trip as described. It takes such an experience to fully appreciate the well-known lines of Wordsworth : — *' Nature never did betray The heart that loved her ; 'tis her privilege Through all the years of this our life, to lead From joy to joy ; for she can so inform The mind that is within us, so impress With quietness and beauty, and so feed With lofty thoughte, that neither evil tongues, (33) ^4^i/k ^ '^% * ^ •^ A if .y PYXIDANTHERA BARBULATA. FLOWERING MOSS. NATURAL, ORDER DIAPENSIACE^. PYXlDANinRRA liAKBli.ATA, Michaiix -A small, prostrate and creeping evergreen, leafy llirougliout loosely briuchinir- leaves lanceolne or somewhat narrowed below, subulate-arutninate. when young p. bescenla^ f..;ir,frate' ".'.'"'l ?'^i """T" 'I'"-''^"' <*" «^«:'y «P>-ingl, dosely sessile ; corolla whte or nged with rosroS^^^ panilate; its lobes (2 inches long) ciineate-obovate, retu=e and obscnrely erose ; filaments lieulate (Grav's Vw SfaL^t'" "^ '"'"" -"'"'""'■ """^ *"*" ''■''°''''' """•*'"'* "/ "olany, and Chapman's Floral/ IheSo^'h^r^. Jmtd Seldom have art and science joined hands and traveled along pleasant paths so happily, during^ the progress of our work, as in the picture of the Flowering Moss here presented. The picture, simply as a picture, will challenge universal admiration ; while the botanical de- tails, more than usually complete, give the student a clear insight of one of the most unique of American wild flowers. No picture has hitherto appeared that does the plant full justice. Dr. Gray, in the work from which the description is here taken, re- fers to plates by Michaux, Gray's " Botanical Text Book," and Lindley's *' Vegetable King- dom,"— but these are concerned chiefly with the peculiar structure of the flowers. A colored picture is given in plate 4592 of Hooker's '* Bo- tanical Magazine ; " but this picture was taken from a small, round tuft taken to England by Sir William Hooker after his visit to America, and which with trouble was made to grow. The difliculty of getting this wildling of nature to submit to the gardener's art, in common with some other distinctively Ameri- can plants, has often been commented on. To fully enjoy all the pleasure the Pyxidanthera is capable of affording us, one must pay it a visit in its native home. This is mainly in the sands of New Jersey, in those sections known as the Pine Barrens— huge flats where Pinus inops, and Pintis rigida are profusely scattered, but not herded together as to crowd out herbaceous vegetation. Though it will sometimes flourish under a forest of pine, after the trees become densely packed, and when other kinds of plants have given up the con- test ; it never shows to such advantage as when there is enough light to permit other plants to keep it company. The specimen figured was taken from a spot which, rich in decaying pine leaves, had the asparagus-like shoots of Baptisia tinctoria pushing up among them, and which, later in the season, would charm the lover of nature with their bright golden flowers. Nature's admirers could probably secure no greater treat than by a visit, in early spring, to the Pine Barren region in New Jersey, where the Pyxidajithera dwells. If not the earliest plant to welcome the return of spring with garlands of flowers, it is certainly among the earliest— the violet, beloved and bepraised as it has been by the poets, not excepted. It does look like moss, and, for once, the popular name of "Flowering Moss " is felt to be appropriate ; and the little, pink- ish-white pin-heads, pushing out from what appears to be masses of moss— flowerless moss —is one of the pleasant surprises. The tints vary with the location of the plant. Where the sandy soil is rich, and the plant in the midst of abundant food is healthy and luxuri- ant, the flower buds are of a pale pink, as in our picture. Where the soil is poor, or where the plant has in some way had a struggle for life, the little buds have a reddish shade. The lover of elfin stories might readily belitve that the fairies had strewn these mossy banks with miniature cherries, brought from the mystic regions where fairies are at home. No one, though familiar with the brightest flowers of city gardens, could fail to enjoy such a trip as described. It takes such an experience to fully appreciate the well-known lines of Wordsworth : — " Nature never did betray The heart that loved her ; 'tis her privilege Throu^rh all the years of this our life, to lead From joy to joy ; for she can so inform The minrl that is within us, so impress With (luictncss and beauty, and so feed With lofty thou<,dits, that 'neither evil tongues, (33) COLOR PLATE INTENTIONAL SECOND EXPOSURE 34 MEEHANS' MONTHLY— PYXIDANTHERA BARBULATA. [March Rash judgments, nor the sneers of selfish men, Shall e'er prevail against us, or disturb Our cheerful faith, that all which we behold Is full of blessings." It is remarkable that a plant so abundant in the Pine Barrens of New Jersey, and within a score of miles of Philadelphia, which at the close of the last century was the great centre of botanical explorers, should seem to have been wholly overlooked by them, and that it should be left to the lynx-eyed Andre Michaux (not F. A. Michaux, as the Century Dictionary states) to discover it, for the first time, in North Carolina, during his famous trip through that region at the incoming of the present century. In these mountains, it does not seem to be very abundant, but is scattered here and there over widely-separated sections. The plants, in these several sections, do not appear to ever have had any close relationship, while the configuration of the earth's surface is there as it is now. As the original home of the plant seems to be near the sea level, its existence in these high regions favor the hypothesis that the mountains of North Caro- lina have been elevated in comparatively modern times, and that these, and other plants now almost confined to the barren sands of New Jersey, were elevated with them It is further remarkable that the genus, Pyxidanihera, has no very close relationship with other genera of plants now existing, its closest affinity being with Diapensia. Diapen ■ sia Lapponica, an arctic plant, is found on the White Mountains in small quantities, and it probably came down with the ice which once covered what is now the peak of this mountain, as proved by Prof. Hitchcock, who, with the writer of this, once found arctic boulders there. Some of the botanists of Michaux's time, indeed, insisted in classing our plant with the arctic Diapensia. Richard Anthony Salisbury, in a work called Paradisus Londtfiensis, and which appeared after Michaux had given the plant the name of Pyxidanthera, remanded it to the older genus as Diapensia cuneifolia, under which name it still occasion- ally appears in botanical works. Our own Elliott, who, in 1816, issued "Sketches of the Botany of South Carolina and Georgia," regarded it as not distinct from Diapensia, and it appears there as Diapensia barbulata, thus giving credit to Michaux's specific name. Two years later, Nuttall issued his ♦• Genera of North American Plants," and, for the first time, Michaux's acuteness was recognized. Nuttall writes of it as Diapensia barbulata, and says, '*that Michaux's creation of the new genus, Pyxidantheta, for this species, should 'probably' be accepted," — and it has been generally accepted, since Michaux based the distinction from Diapensia on the singular manner in which the anther opens, as if with a \\^,—Anthera pyxidis instar trans- verse dehiscens, — and this has been held to be a valid distinction. The name is derived from this circumstance. ♦ ' Pyxis, " says the Century Dictionary, •♦ in ancient Greek and archaeology, is a type of cylindrical vase or box with a cover, used especially by women, as for the toilet;" and Anthera, of course, refering to the anther. This is well shown in Fig. 2, of the plate,— and better in the enlarged side view in Fig. 3. The specific name refers to the hairy or slightly bearded base of the leaves and young shoots, but which is a character subject to more or less variation. In these days, when the genesis of species commands close attention, there is much differ- ence of opinion as to the nearest relatives of this singular plant. Its association with Diapensia is undoubted, and the two together make a section known as Diapensiece. But whether this section is to be placed near PolemoniacecB , or some other natural order, is where the difference of opinion arises. Even the best botanists change their own opinions from time to time. Lindley, in the " Vege- table Kingdom " cited, places it near Logan- iacece, and indirectly with HydrophyllacecE . Dr. Asa Gray, in his earlier work, made Diapen- siecE but a sub-section of Polemo7iiacece ; but in the "Synoptical Flora," from which our de- scription is taken, he gives DiapensiacecE full rank as a natural order, taking in Shortia and Galax, with Diapensia and Pyxidanihera, and places the order in close alliance with Statice and Plumbago. Plants often give hints as to their relationships by abnormal growths. These should be studied, in this case, by those interested in the derivation of species. What are often called monstrosities, are often keys to the plan on which the plants are formed. Kxpr.ANATioN OF THE PLATE —I. Plant from the Pine Barrens of New Jersey, gathererl April 5th. 2. Front and side views of highly magnified stamens. 3. Stamen magni- fied 250 times, with a side view of the box and lid-like anther. 4. A leaf considerably magnified. WILD FLOWERS AND NATURE. THE PERFUME-LADEN BREEZE. •" Come gentle air ! and while the thickets bloom, Convey the Jasmine's breath divine ; Convey the Woodbine's rich perfume, Nor spare the sweet-leaved Eglantine." — Shenstone. Rhythmic Growth in Plants. — Mr. Egan •notes : "In reference to the intervals between the rhythmic growths, as observed in the pen- dulous flower of the lily assuming an erect position on the secondary efforts, reminds me that the drooping flowers of the Yucca filamen- iosa pass thro' the same change, the seed ves- sels standing upright upon the side-arms of the stalk, like sailors on the yard-arms on dress parade." Color and Productiveness. — Hugh Mil- ler, in his " My Schools and Schoolmasters" {pages 266-268), says : '• For about six weeks [at Gairloch], we had magnificent weather — clear, sunny skies and calm seas ; and I greatly enjoyed my evening rambles amid the hills, or along the sea-shore. I was struck, in these walks, by the amazing abundance of wild flowers which covered the natural meadows and lower hill slopes — an abundance, as I have since remarked, equally characteristic of both the northern and western islands of Scotland. The lower slopes of Gairloch, of western Sutherland, of Orkney, and of the northern Hebrides generally, — though, for the purposes of the agriculturist, vegetation languishes, and wheat is never reared, — are by many de- grees richer in wild flowers than the fat, loamy meadows of England. They resemble gaudy pieces of carpeting, as abundant in petals as in leaves. Little of the rare is to be detected in these meadows, save, perhaps, that in those of western Sutherland, a few Alpine plants may be found, at a greatly lower level than else- where in Britain ; but the vast profusion of blossoms borne by species common to almost every other part of the kingdom, imparts to them an apparently novel character. We may detect, I am inclined to think, in this singular floral profusion, the operation of a law not less influential in the animal than in the vegetable world, which when hardship presses upon the life of the individual shrub or quadruped, so as to threaten its vitality, renders it fruitful in behalf of its species. I have seen the princi- ple strikingly exemplified in the common tobacco plant, when reared in a northern coun- try in the open air. Year after year it con- tinued to degenerate, and to exhibit a smaller leaf and shorter stem, until the successors of what, in the first year of trial, had been vigor- ous plants of some three or four feet in height, had, in the sixth or eighth, become mere weeds of scarcely as many inches. But while the as yet undegenerate plant had merely borne atop a few florets, which produce a small quantity of exceedingly minute seeds, the stunted weed, its descendant, was so thickly covered over in its season with its pale yellow bells, as to present the appearance of a nosegay ; and the seeds produced were not only bulkier in the mass, but also individually of much greater size. The tobacco had grown productive in proportion as it had degenerated. In the com- mon scurvey-grass, too, — remarkable, with some other plants, for taking its place among both the productions of our Alpine heights and of our sea-shores, — it will be found that, in proportion as its habitat proves ungenial, and its leaves and stems become dwarfish and thin, its little white cruciform flowers increase till, in localities where it barely exists, as if on the edge of extinction, we find the entire plant forming a dense bundle of seed-vessels, each charged to the full with seed. And in the gay meadows of Gairloch and Orkney, crowded with a vegetation that approaches its northern limit of production, we detect what seems to be the vsame principle chronically operative ; and hence, it would seem, their extraordinary gaiety. Their richly-blossoming plants are the poor productive Irish of the vegetable world ; for Doubleday seems to be quite in the right in holding, that the law extends to not only the inferior animals, but to our own species also. (35) 36 MKEHANS' MONTHLY— WII.D FLOWERS AND NATURE. [March The lean, ill-fed sow and rabbit rear, it has been long known, a greatly more numerous progeny than the same animals when well cared for and fat ; and every horse and cattle breeder knows that to over-feed his animals proves a sure mode of rendering them sterile. The sheep, if tolerably well pastured, brings forth only a single lamb at a birth ; but, if half starved and lean, the chances are that it may bring forth two or three. And so it is, also, with the greatly higher human race. Place them in circumstances of degradation and hardship so extreme as almost to threaten their existence as individuals, and they increase, as if in behalf of the species, with a rapidity with- out precedent in circumstances of greater com- fort. The aristocratic families of a country are continually running out ; and it requires frequent creations to keep up the House of Lords ; whereas, our poorer people seem in- creasing in more than the arithmetic ratio. In Syke, though fully two-thirds of the popula- tion emigrated early in the latter h < If of the last century, a single generation had scarce passed ere the gap was completely filled ; and miserable Ireland as it existed ere the famine, would have been of itself sufl&cient had the human family no other breeding-place, to peo- ple, in a few ages, the world. Here, too, in close neighborhood with the flower-covered meadows, were there miserable cottages that were swarming with children, — cottages in which formerly the half of every twelvemonth, the cereals were unknown as food, and whose over-toiled female inmates did all the domestic work, and more than half the work of the little fields outside. " Has this law been noted in the vegetable kingdom by other observers ? Frank N. Tillinghast. Grcenport, N. Y. A number of questions, with little relation to each other, are confused in Hugh Miller's mind. Although life and nutrition are co-re- lated in the animal and vegetable kingdoms, the manifestation is, in most cases, subject to different influences. So far as plants are con- cerned, fertility is well known to be co-related with the struggle for life. Root-pruning, graft- ing vigorous growers on dwarfing stocks, ring- ing the l»ark, transplanting, are among the illustrations. Bright colors are also co-related with the same struggle both in leaves and flowers. It is through fighting against cold^ and with failing aid from nutrition, that leaves color in the fall, — and from the severe struggle with soil and climate that Alpine flowers are so pretty. It has not been found the rule that sterility is more constitutional with the rich than with the poor, even though there may seem a diflference in the average number in the families ; though perhaps red cheeks and blue noses may be aided by a struggle with Old Boreas, as an Alpine plant would have to do. But the comparison would probably have to end at about this point. lyiLiUM SUPERBUM. — The illustration of Lilium superbum^ in the January number of the Monthly, is, I think, the best that has ap- peared, so far. The description of Z,. s. var. Carolt?iianu?n agrees with a number of speci- mens I found, a number of years ago, in a swamp b ck of Hunting Park, in Nicetown, Philadelphia, none of which ever grew over four feet high in the three years I visited the locality, and the flowers did not recurve near- ly as much as the specimens found in other localities ; and I considered it, at the time, an intermediate form of L. superbiim and Cana- dense. The place has since been built upon, and all the botanical treasures have disappeared. The remarks, in a former number, in refer- ence to the rotation of hard woods and pine on cleared land, bear on the subject of the Z. superbum. I have noticed, in my rambles in woods of over 20 feet high, large numbers of lily plants, from 6 to 18 inches in length and very weak in the stem, not an eighth of an inch in diameter, which never flower in the shade ; but when the woods are cut off* for a few years the place is ablaze with lilies, in August, which are gradually smothered as the new growth of trees shut out the sun and light, till they are finally reduced to the weak condi- tion again. Geo Redles, Jr. Germantown, Pa. Leaf Variation.— The varying forms of , leaves on the same plant always attract the attention of the curious. On the mulberry and others some leaves will be quite entire ; others are deeply lobed. In none of our text-books does there seem to be any explanation of this. From what we read in elementary works, one might almost believe that the tree first 1898.] MEEHANS' MONTHLY — WILD FLOWERS AND NATURE. 37 formed the nerves of the leaves, as if a sort of skeleton frame, and then spread the green matter of the leaves over it. But it would seem that these veins are to support the leaf, — that is to say, to give strength to it. If this be granted, the leaves will not make veins or ribs when it has no green blade that needs this strengthening. When, therefore, there is a low degree of vital-energy, and not much leaf-blade material formed, there would be no need of these sup- porting ribs. May we not, therefore, say that it is from some local weakness in not produc- ing material to warrant the production of leaf- blade, that accounts for the absence of the ribs, and which then results necessarily in a lobe where, otherwise, the leaf would be entire ? Lester Bernstein. Philadelphia. CALIFORNIA'S EMBLEM. Golden-hued eschscholtzia, fair. Blooming on the hillsides, where The breezes softly kiss thy velvet cheek ; In thy dress of molten gold, Gazing on thee, we behold Jeweled rosaries, heaven's richest treasure to the meek. Thou art queen among them all I E'en the sturdy sunflower, tall. Bends to thee his sunn^, beaming face ; Wrought in gold, and jewelled tipped, Sunny heart, and smiling lipped. Thine willingly, we kneel before thy grace. In thy gold and amber dye, Nodding midst wild wheat and rye. Thou dost wave above a carpet green ; Heaven's cup distills, the dew, Each day, jewels, bright and new, Nestle round thy stem, and brightly gleam. Light, dancing in the summer air. The skies are blue ; the world is fair ; Thy home, the broad and boundless realm of space ; The hills, thy beautiful palace hall ; Thy friends, the lofty trees so tall ; And hill and dale alike, thy fit abiding place. Ah, yes, to us thou art doubly dear ; California's fields thy native sphere ; The " Golden State ; " the garden of the West ; Sunny-born eschscholtzia, fair. Nodding here, and waving there, Of all, thou art the one we love the best. — R. Johnson. Black Walnut Variation. — In the pre- liminary report of the Pennsylvania Commis- sioner of Forestry for 1896, Dr. Rothrock figures and describes a Black Walnut, growing near Pleasant View PostoflSce, in Juniata County, which occasionally bears fruit with a four- parted husk, as we find in the walnuts' close neighbor, the hickory, instead of the single, undivided husk that a well-behaved walnut should always wear. It may be remarked that the outer husk of the walnut is primordially of four parts, as in the hickories, as may be inferred from the fact that in the flower the calyx is four-cleft both in Juglans and in Carya. The husk of the walnut is, therefore, but a four-cleft involucre that has become perfectly consolidated. Know- ing, in these days, that these consolidations and separations result from slight variations in growth-energy, it is remarkable that we do not more frequently see these illustrations of the close relationship between Juglans and Carya. In the hickories, however, we often see cases where the four-cleft involucre of the Carya, as it should be, has assumed the in- dehiscent husk of the walnut or Juglans. The Pignut, Caty a glabra, often has trees with the husk indehiscent, as if of the walnut family. In the case presented by Prof. Rothrock, we have the same behavior as we find in the Navel Orange. The arrestation of longi- tudinal growth, that occurs when nature un- dertakes to produce flower and fruit, was not quite complete on the first effort, a second and, of course, weaker effort was attempted, with the results noted. We may conclude from these facts that it takes a greater degree of life- energy to produce the husk of a walnut than the husk of the hickory. GENERAL GARDENING. THE SPRING DANDELION. My childhood's earliest thoughts are linked with thee ; The sight of thee calls back the Robin's song, Who, from the dark old tree Beside the door sang clearly all day long, And 1 secure in childish piety, Listened as I heard an angel sing With news from heaven, which he could bring Fresh every day to my untainted ears, When birds and flowers and I were happy peers. IyOWKIrioMa, cVc. The most ^orvfcous and handsume flowers for S s gardens, lawns and parks now known. New Rambler Roses— t.'rinison. Yellow, Pink and White. 5 s Solannm Wendlaiidll. New C'rlmtiou Spirea, and hundreds of other choicest roses, plants and bulbs s £ for Spring planting. NEW FLORAL GUIDE, 84 pages, FREE ON REQUEST. | Ours is the most Complete Department Nursery in the United States. Can supply all your wants from Floiver and Vejfeta- ble Seeda to Street Treeis at low rates. Try us, can refer you to customers in every state and territory in the Union. Forty-three years of square Jealing has made us patrons and friends far and near. Have hundreds of carloads of FRUIT AND ORNAMENTAL TREES, SHRUBS, ROSES, PLANTS. . We send by mall postpaid, Seediv, Bulbs, Rones, Plants, Small Trees, Etc. Safe arrival and satisfaction guaranteed; larger by express or freight. OUR CATAIiOOUE, an elegant boo:c magazine size, profusely illustrated tells it all, FRKE. Send for it today and see what values we give for a little money. Last chance as this will not appear again. 44th year. . 32 greenhouses. 1000 acres. THE STORRS & HARRISON CO., Box487. Painesville, O. Rloodgood KJursery FLUSHING, RY. General Nursery Slock Ornamentals our Specialty KEENE & FOULK Send for Catalogue, mentiouing this journal. IFYDU WANT STRAWBERRY PLANTS K^S^^S^kJHAT WILL GROW ^^'^^^^^ SEND YOUR NAME AND ADDRESS TO W.F. ALLEN JB SALISBURY.MD. AND HE WILL SEND YOU HIS 32 PAGE STRAWBERRY CATALOGUE ONTAINING 17 LARGE NEWSTRAWBERRY ILLUSTRATIONS FREE • ALSO SAMPLE COPY THE STRAWBERRY CULTURIST AND SMALL FRUIT GROWER • SEND NOW, IT WILL PAY YOU. ^NY strawberry grower who will send name and address will get an account of the DE5M0DIUM PENDULIFLORUM A beautiful flowering plant first brought to the United States by the Japanese for their exhibit at the Centennial Exhibition. Flowers pea-shaped, dark pink, and so abundant that they completely cover the plant ; bloom in Fall when few other plants are in flower ; perfectly hardy ; of herbaceous character, growing from the root each year stronger than the year before. One year old plants flower freely. Very effective when planted in masses. Beautiful colored plate of the Desmodium appears in our new Descriptive Catalogue of Ornamental Trees, Shrubs and Ever- greens. Write for a copy. THOMAS MEEHAN & SONS which I regard as the best variety ever offered. M. Crawford, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. PEACH TREES at wholesale or retail. Officially declared free from scale or injurious insects. Best stock ?:rown. Strawberrji Plants— ti^i varieties; all rom new beds. Apple, Pear, Plum, and other stock. Send for new Catalogue to-day. HARRISONS NURSERIES, Berlio, Md »^MWWWWMMWWWWMWWWMWWWWMW I POTATOES *'-^ a Bbl. ' Largest Seed POTATO srowem In Amcrloo. The'*Kural New- York«r" jclvci* S«I«erV Early WlMcoBnln a yirld of 7SA buKheU per uvre. Prlfi'H dirt cheap. Our c>^nt f^eed Ilook. 1 I Farm Ae<'d Kamplcm worth #1 0 to set astarttfor i 1 Oc.poMtase. JOIIN A.SAL/.KR SKED ('0..1^<-roiiiu>.HIii. ^f^^t^^^t^^^0^t^^^g^^m0^fi^0^m^^^^^ Nurserymen and Landscape Engineers QERMANTOWN, PHILADELPHIA WHEN WRITING TO ADVERTISERS. TELL THEM YOU SAW THEIR CARD IN MEEHANS' MONTHLY. 2 RE what you want to insure success. 60 years' experience, with hundreds of tostimoiiials, proves their roil merit. iSend tor illustrated catalogue, FREE, contain- ing- valuable information. WM. ELLIOTT & SONS, 54 & 56 DEY ST., NEW YORK. TREES Fruit, Forest, Ornamental, Evergreen SHRUBBERY, ROSES GRAPE VINES Small Fruits, California Privet, etc., etc. The above-named Trees we grow in large quantities and have a full assortment of fine healthy Trees to offer in large or small quantities. All free from "San Jose Scale.*' Send for our free Catalogue of 64 pages. Address Stephen Hoyt's Sons New Canaan, Conn. The Ro^B : \U dultivatioD, Varieties, etc. *^ BY H. B. ELLWANGER - Directions for cultivation, for planting, pruning, propaga- tion, the treatment of diseases and insect enemies, particu- larly valuable for its classification, alphabetical and descrip- tive list of nine hundred and fifty-six varieties. Cloth, i6vo. Price, »1.35. THOMAS MEEHAN & SONS, Oermantown, Pa. NUT and FRUIT TREES Of all Desirable Varieties 300 Acres-IMHENSE STOGK-60 Years Book on Nut Culture, 157 pages. 60 IlloHtrations, telling bow to propagate, mat ket and cook them. Price, S 1.00, or to free with an order of Nut Trees for 95. Catalogue Free. PARRY'S POMONA NURSERIES PARRY, NEW JERSEY CHINQUAPIN. DWARF PAPAYAS Grandest decorative and bedding plant ever offered; as beautiful as the finest Palm ; grows 10 feet high the first year in open ground. Best novelty offered for years. Send 2 cents for our book, " The Tropical Orchard House," con- taining a half-tone illustration of a bed of these plants. X>oii(i:ola., Tils. In buying seeds *' economy is extraTavance," because the cost of cultivation wasted on Inferior seeds always largely exceeds the original cost of the best and dearest seeds to be had. The best In al^vays the cheapest. Pay a trifle more for FERRY'S SEEDS and always get your money's worth. Five cents per paper everywhere. Always the best! Seed Annual free. D.M.FERRY& CO., Detroit, Mich. WHEN WRITING TO ADVERTISERS, TELL THEM YOU SAW THEIR CARD IN MEEHANS' MONTHLY. . .■^' ■» ;. * ■•* [CAMPBELL'S EARLY ^rJ:,nr1 S •♦First of all Grapes," says i2wraiiVeM;-yorA:er. Scaled 96 points in possible 100. ••Wilis 5 ship round the world." Early or Late. Insist on our Seals and get what you buy. I Lafgeststockofother Grape Vines, Small Fruits. Elegant Catalogue FREE | , GEORGE S. J088ELYN, FREDONIA, NEW YORK. I kiiiuiiiaNmiiuuiuuiiuiiiuiiiiiiiiiiiiiiuiuuiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiuiiiiiiuuuiiiiiiuiiiuiiuiuiiniuiiiuiiiiiiiiiuiuiiiinMiimiuiuiniiiJ STRAW RASP BLACK DEW GOOSE tARGE and FINE STOCK, freshly dug, and inspected by the State Nursery and Orchard Inspector Not a plant healed out or cellared ; all freshly dug the same day shipped. No order too small or too large. Full line of Grape, Currant and Quince. Ask for Price List for '98. WM. C. BABCOCK, Mention this paper. BRlDGMAN, BERRIEN CO., MICH, D\A/y of Fruit Trees, Planis, l^ines and Ornamental Stock ; standard varie- ties and novelties. Prices Low. Stock First-Class. Mailed Free. Fourteenth Year. T. J. DWYER & SON, Cornwall, N. Y. LIVINGSTON'S NEW Emerald « Cucumber Color Dark Green and always so. The Coming Cucumber. Facket, lO cents. LIVINGSTON'S NEW Honor ^ Bright '^Tomato OUR LATEST AND BEST. Packet, lo cents. Superb Catalogue (96 pp.) free if you send 10 centa for a packet of either. A. W. LIVINGSTON'S SONS Box 150, Columbus, Ohio CAMTOH GARDEM PLOW THREE SHOVELS AND RAKE ATTACHMENT. CANTON. WEIGHT, 20 POUNDS SS.TS EACH. CASH WITH ORDER. Parlin & OrendorfT Co. LarvMt and oldeat permaaeatljr MUb> Ibkrd Plow FaeUry la Aaif rtea. . . - . ILLINOIS. Tick** Flower and Veg^etable Garden. A book of over aoo pages. Hundreds of illustrations and six colored plates. Full of practical directions for the cultivation of flowering, ornamental and kitchen garden plants 91JiO THUlf AS MKKHAN A SONS, Germantown, PhlU. LORD 8c BURNHAM CO. Largest Builders of Write to New York Office for Cir- cular and estimates. Send five cents postage for latest Catalogue of Greenhouse Heating and Ventilating Apparatus. Send four cents postage for Cata- logue of "Patent Iron Construction." Write for Circular of Hot Bed Sash and Frames. ANb Red Gulf Cypress strictly free from Sap. New York Office No, I6O FIFTH AVENUE Cor. 21st Street General Office and Works IRV|NGTON-ON-HUDSON New York liCIIIO Nature, Inventloo, Archaeology, .tlCil TU NCWd Electricity. CIteaiiatry.nifteralogy. flCKLin Ukif V Health, Hygiene, n«dicine- ■■•-"■-■■■ (FORMRRLY BOSTON JPURHAL OF cIlEMISTRV.) ENLARCIED and inPROVED. This popular month^^ contains a large number of Short, ]$aiiy, t^ractidal, Intterestiag and popular, Scientific Articles, thftt cati*be appreciated and enjoyed by any intelligent read- er, tvetttHoagh he Icnow liJtle or nothing of scieiice. it is ihtecdcd to ipteitast thbsc Vho think. PROFUSELY ILLUSTRATED and FREE FROM TECilMCALmES. Entirely differ ent from and much snp rior to other papers with a siuiilar uame. rioatbly, $i»6o per year. NewRdeelers, 15 cents. Largest GircuIatiOD of asy Scientific Paper in tiie World. Conducted by BENJ. LILLARO, - - 108 Fukton St., New York. Mention thi»^ paper for a sample copy The only floral Magazine PubHshtd for the Southern CUmate SUBSCf^lPTION, - $1.00 PER YEAR Attractive Prrm*unis and Lit>era1 Cash Commission to Aj^nts Published on the First of ^ach Month by Southern Florist and Oardener Co. CHATTANOOGA, TENN. Tlii<- tv t!,^ ,,i,iy M itT,;rJne of Hs c'.iss i>ui.;isl)c.l la the S ulh. If i»de^ r 1 re of l-')nwcr«. Plants and GardeniiisF. It U pobliiJ.cii iii ii,t r of •.-'. readers and wiH g-iv- t^,- ji'-nper attention and care ; --i». No lat>or or tx< -i l>e spared to makethe joumai a hniiiant success in this pat iicuiar held. Amoid^a Frlift Gultiiprlai^f' by |oht»/j.^tliMii^^^^ pefl^ia^I^ ta every* 9iif^ %lfr^fjdJii fr^ts. C3b|itiAf tical ^i^cDc^s'fi^r tite «r^§M% |ind cuf^ig^ Trnttfi tdapled to the U;S. Revijkd. f>itit|>«id and dete in f veiy particular. Yeiy cmnlete J Nearly %e tt9i«es a«d '^ tNTtreciif i)lu8tratlQ0». Hri<«e, vUh ^Vkk J^glliiii miisim bStwi^ir, tPI ^50, pOiKt-paid THOMAS MX^HAN & P01^8, l»ubli«Uer», Oel*i«iantown, Phllt*. f»UBt»8HgD THE liT AND 16t» OF fACH MONTH BY THE GARDENING COMPAhlY MONON BUILDING, CHICAGO T ■ SUBSCRIPTION PfUC€, $2.00 A YEAR 24 NUMBERS The nfost practical and valuable AfixtricftaHoni- cultural publication. DKPAlttftNiit^ cannot oe aurpaased, and although moderate in si«e it ex- pands upon perusal." W. C EOAi^, Highland Park, HI. "Gardbnino ia the best horticultural paper printed in America." Cbas L. Burr, Spring&eld, Maaa. **1 am greatly pleased with the paper. It is practical and saggestive. Its reproductiou orphotogratihic, views of plants, flowers and landscapea is a most adtnirable feature." W. M. JOuMSoN, Hackensack, N. J. "It is a delightful paper and has been very intere^ing and htstructive to me." Frank Hitchcock, I>avenportj la. " I hare found GARDBHiito extremely useful and interest- ing. You have given your subscribers a gn'^^tdeal more than their money's worth." Chas. %. Brown, Yarmouth I Nova Scotia "Buch a publication was long needed in this country, Bvery line of its cotitribntions is a lesson !n itself to many proieaslot^la as well aa to amateurs."; John Berry, Gardener to Senator wolcott,t,fttl'eton, Colo. "I value Gardbnino bighlv on account of the vifery practi- cal character of its contents.' J. A. Pkttigrsw, Supt. Lincoln Park, Chicago "I regard Gardbnino aa one of the most practical maga- sincs iaaued in the iateresta of horticulture." W. F. Macara, Waterville. N. Y. "The paper ia the most practical of any I read." W. K. Abbs. Fond du Utc, Wis. "I subscribe to all the horticultural and fioricultural jour- aala on this continent as far aa X know and find in Gardbn- : wo the most practical one for an amateur like myself.'' Da. Gbo. T. Hawley. Coming, N. Y. ■ l^l^k i|nd f^^ltl^i'^f 1/ An illustrated monthly for the ad- V^VVl im Mll^ ^^■■■^•'^" 7* vancementpf ArtoutofdooiB. Prac- ■ ♦»»♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦»»♦»»♦♦»♦♦♦♦♦♦ tical articles of permaneiit v^J^.by competent authorities on subjects of Especial interest to Cottinlssl0tief8f^Tlni«f tees and Superititendents of Parks and Cemeteries* and those interested ij^ Iftet Planting and Town and VHiage improvements. Plans of Parks or Cemeterifcs, and their architectural and landscape features, illustrated every month. Subscrip- tion $1.00 a year. R. J. HAiOHT, Publisher, 334 Deari>om Street, CItleago. WHEN WIUTINQ TO ADV^BTISCRS, TELL THEM YOU SAW THEIR CARD IN Mf EHASs' MONTHLY. WHEN WRITING TO ADVERTISERS, TELL THEM YOU SAW THEIR CARD IN MEEHANS' MOMTHLY. .. .> ±,' Minim iM miiiiiiuiin iiiiiiin».iiiui iiiiiiniiiiuiiiiMuuuiiiiiiujiuiiiuuiiiiiiiiiiiMiiiiiiiniiiiiiiiiniiiiniiiiininuni ■ CAMPBELL'S EARLY ^I'w:;;itr1 z "First of iiW Gmpea,'' says Rural New'Yorker. Scaled 96 points in possible 100. *'Will S sslnp round the world." Early or Late. Insist on our Seals and pet what you buy S = Largest stoclt of other (Jrape Vines, Small Fruits. Klejjrant Catalogue FRP:e S I GEORGE S. JOSSELYN, FREDONIA, NEW YORK. I ■iiiiuiuiHiiiiiiiiuiiuniuiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiuiuuiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiuiiiiiiiiuuiiiiiiuiiuiiiuujiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiniiiinuuiiiiiiiiia STRAW RASP BLACK DEW GOOSE LARGE and FINE STOCK, freshly dug, and inspected by the State Nursery and Orchard Inspector Not a plant healed out or cellared ; all freshly dug the same day shipped. No order too small or too large. Full Hue of Grape, Currant and Quince. Ask for Price List for '98. WM. C. BABCOCK, Meutiou this paper. BRIDGMAN, BERRIEN CO., MICH. D\A/yer's IQQQ Catalogue of Fruit Trees, Plants, Vines and Ornamental Stock ; standard varie- ties and novelties. Prices Low. Stock First-Class. Mailed Free. T- J. DWYER & SON, Cornwall, N. ¥• Fourteenth Year. LIVINGSTON'S NEW L.I VII>ILi:3 I UIN ^ INLW Emerald * Cucumber Color Dark Green and always so. The Coming Cucumber. Facket, lO cents. LIVINGSTON'S NEW Honor ^ Bright '^Tomato OUR LATKST AND BEST. Packet, lO cents. Superb Catalogue (96 pp.) free if you send 10 cents for a packet of either. A. W. LIVINGSTON'S SONS Box 150, Columbus, Ohio PLOW THREE SHOVELS AND RAKE ATTACHMENT. WEIGHT, 20 POUNDS 33.75 EACH. CASH WITH ORDER. Parlin & OrendorfT Co. iinr***! and oMmI prrnmnenllv est«b. lUhed Plow Factor) in .^imrlra, CANTON. ILLINOIS. Vick'8 Flower and Veg^etable Garden. A book of over 2cio pages. Hundreds of illustrations and six colored plates. Full of prac tical directions for the cultivation of flowering, ornamental and kitchen garden plants S1.60 THOtlA8 MEKU AN & SONS, (;«rniantown, Phlla. LORD & BURNHAM CO. Largest Builders of Write to New York Office for Cir- cular and estimates. Send five cents postage for latest Catalogue of Greenhouse Heating and Ventilating Apparatus. Send four cents postage for Cata- logue of "Patent Iron Construction." Write for Circular of Hot Bed Sash and Frames. AND Red Gulf Cypress strictly free from Sap. New York Office No, I6O FIFTH AVENUE Cor. 3 iKt Street General Office and Works IRV|NGTON-ON-HUDSON New York WHEN WRITING TO ADVERTISERs/tELL THEM YOU SAW THEIR CARD IN MEEHANS' MONTHLY. POPULAR SCIENCE lirillO Nature, Invention, Archaeolofry, .IJCAITLI RtW^ Electricity, ChemUtry.nineralogy, nLALIll llkft U Mealth, Hygiene, Hedlcine- •■^ni-i •• (FORMERLY BOSTON JQURHAL OF ctlEMISTRY.) ENLARGED AND inPROVED. This popular monthly contains a large number of Short, Ka.sy, Hractical, Interesting and Popular, Scientific Articles, thAt can be appreciated and enjoyed by any intelligent read- er, even though he know little or nothing of science. It is intended to Interest those who think. PROFUSELY ILLUSTRATED and FREE FROM TECHNICALITIES. Kntirely diffetent from and much sup rior to other papers with a similar name. rionthly, $1.60 per year. Newsdealers, 15 cents. Largest Circulation or any Sclentlflc Paper in the World. Conducted by BENJ. LILLARD, - - 108 FuUon St., New York. Mention this paper for a sample copy soutniini Florist -^ Mm\ The only Floral Magazine Published for the Southern Climate SUBSCRIPTION, - $1.00 PER YEAR Attractive Prrmuims .iiid Liberal Cash Commission to Agents RJ Published on the First of Each Month by Southern Florist and Gardener Co. CHATTANOOGA, TENN. Thik is th<; only Magazine of Ks c'ass Duhlished in the S nth. It is devoted to the ruliurc of (-lowers. Plants and Gardenia?. It is published in the interest of its readers and will jjive the proper attention and care to its advertit>ers. No labor or expense will be spared to n.ake the Journal a brilliant success in this particular field. American Fruit Culturist, by J[ohn J. Thomas. Indis- pensable to every one interested in fruits. Contains prac- tical directions for the propagation and culture of all fruits adapted to the U. S. Revised, enlarged and up-to- date in every particular. Very cfrfiplete. Nearly 8( o pages and 796 correct illustrations. Price, vilh fine Kngli»h muslin binditig, )flk$S.50, po5it-paid THOMAS MKEHAN & ^^ONS, IMtblisliers, Gerinantown, Pliila. PUBLISHED THE 18T AND 15tm OF EACH MONTH BY THE GARDENING COMPANY MONON BUILDING, CHICAGO SUBSCRIPTION PRICE, $8.00 A YEAR 24 NUMBERS The most practical and valuable American Horti- cultural publication. Departments : The Flower Garden, Trees and Shrubs, The Greenhouse, The Window Garden, The Fruit Ganlen, The Vege- table Garden, Insects and Other Pests, Mushrooms, and others in season. Sec what subscribers say about this valuable journal. "For condensed common sense in gardening matters, for reliable, unprejudiced and safe information. Gardcnino cannot oe surpassed, and although moderate in size it ex- pands upon perusal." W. C Koak, Highland Park, 111. **Gardbnino is the best horticultural paper printed in America." Cbas L. Burr, Springheld, Mass. •'1 am greatly pleased with the paper. It is practical and inggestive. Its reproduction ofphotographic views of plants, Oowers and landscapes is a most admirable feature." W. M. Johnson, Hackensack, N. J. "It is a delightful paper and has been very interesting and iostnictive to me." Frank Hitchcock, Davenport, la. "I have found Gardening extremely useful and interest- ing. You have given your subscribers a great deal more than their money's worth." Chas. K- Brown, Yarmouth, Nova Scotia '* Such a publication was long needed in this country. Every line of its contribntions is a lesson in itself to many proteasiona Is as well as to amateurs." John Berry, Gardener to Senator Wolcott, Littleton, Colo. "I value Gardening highlv on account of the very practi- eal character of its contents.' J. A. Pkttiorbw, Supt. Lincoln Park, Chicago **I regard Gardening aa one of the most practical maga- sines issued in the interests of horticulture." W. F. Macara, Waterville, N. Y. "The paper is the most practical of any I read." W. E. Abbs, Fond du Lac, Wis. "I subscribe to all the horticultural and floricultural jour- nals on this continent as far as I know and find in Garden- : NO the most practical one for an amateur like myself." Dr. Geo. T. Hawley. Coming, N. Y. Elill^K iltld iTiMfli^i'^l^l/ An illustrated monthly for the ad- ■LTMI II MIIM V>% ■ I ■% I'^l ^# ^ancementpf Art out of doors Prac- ■ ♦»»♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦♦ tical articles oi permanent value by competent authorities on subjects of special interest to Commissioners, Trus- tees and Superintendents of Paries and Cemeteries, and those interested in Tree Planting: and Town and Village improvements. Plans of Parks or Cemeteries, and their architectural and landscape features, illustrated every month. Subscrip- tion $1.00 a year. R. J. HAIOHT, Publisher, 334 I>earborn Street, Chicago. „ - -v WHEN WRITINQ TO ADVERTISERS, TELL THEM YOU SAW THEIR CARD IN ME EHA^^S' MONTHLY. Il iifll !: \\ !i %AiMM^Su%kf^ NAL SECOND EXPOSURE a»nnnMmnmnmiiniiiiiiiniiiiiiiiiiniin..iiu ••iiiiiiiiiuiiiiiiiiiiijiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiuiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiniiiiniiiiiiiinuni ICAMPBELL'S EARLY VeT„S^rl s "FirKt of nIMlrapes," says 7v*Mm/ AV?r-l'or^-f•/^ Scaled m points in possible 1(K). "Wilis ssiiip round the world." Karly or Lalt-. Insist on our Seals and k*'1 what you buy. S = Lary:est stock of other (irape \'i!ics. Small Fruits. l<:iciranl ( 'atalus^Mic I'KKF * S I CEORCE S. JOSSELYN, FREDONIA, NEW YORK. I DIIIIIIUWIIIIIIIIUIIlUIIUI!IIIIIIIUIIIilllllllUUIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIUIIIIIIIIJUIIIIIIIIIIIIIIimilllllllllllllllllllll||||||||||||||i||i,,,,,,,,,,,,,J STRAW RASP BLACK DEW GOOSE I,ARGK aii»> Fii ill \iiitTii'H, CANTON. ILLINOIS. Vick'K Flower and Vc^<>tal>l«> <;ardeii. A hook of over 200 pajj;cs Huniircci"' ot illustrations and six toiored pUtrs Full of pra' tical tiim tions for tlie cultivatinn of lloweriny, ornamental ami kitchen nartlen plants Sl.oO TIlOtlAS MKKI1AN & SONS, (ieriiiaiitowti, PIiIIh. LORD Se BURINHAM CO. Largest Builders of Mtm simciures Write to New York Office fur Cir- cular and estimates. Send five cents postage for latest Catalogue of Greenhouse Heating and Ventilating Apparatus. Send four cents postage for Cata- logue of *' Patent Iron Construction." Write for Circular of I lot Bed Sash and Frames. AND Red Gulf Cypress strictly free from Sap. New York Office No, I6O FIFTH AVENUE Cor. t»Ist Street General Office and Works IRV)NGTON-ON-HUDSON New York WHEN WRITING TO ADVERTISERS, TELL THEM YOU SAW THEIR CARD IN MEEHANS' MOMTHLY. POPULAR SCIENCE NEWS Nature, Invention, Archseoiogy, Electricity, Chemistry, fllneralogy. Health, Hyi^iene, fledicine* HEALTH (FORMERLY HOSTON JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY.) ENLARGED AND inPROVED. This popular monthly contains a large number of Short, Ka.sy, Practical. Intere.sling and Popular, Scientific Articles, thAt can be appreciated and enjoyed by any intelligent read- er, even though he know little or nothing of science. It is intended to interest those who think. PROFUSELY ILLUSTRATED and FREE FROM TECHNICALITIES. Kntirely diflTeTent from and much sup rior to other papers with a similar name. nonthiy, $1.60 per year. Newsdealers, 15 cents. I Lar(!est Circulation of any Scientific Paper in the World. Conducted by BENJ. LILLARD, - - 108 FuWon St., New York. Mention this paper for a .sample copy .. somieni Florist >^' eariieiier H The only Floral Magazine Published for the N Southern Climate g SUBSCRIPTION, - $1.00 PER YEAR W Attractive Prrnrums .itid Lit>eral Cash Conimissiun to Ajjents J^ K^ZXX^2XXXXXXXXXXXZX'XXXXXXXZXXXX;d f^XX-XZ'XZ XXXZXXXZXXJK'XXXS ZXXXXZ^ Published on the First of Hach Month by Southern Florist and Gardener Co. M CHATTANOOGA, TENN. 13 This is till* only Matja/ine of its c'ass ouMisheri in the S nth. 1^ It is points in possible I(K). *'Will = SKliip rountl tiie world." Karly or LuU'. Insist on onr Stals and ^t't what you buy = a l.arjfest stock ofoIlKM- (Jrapo N'ines, Small Frnils. Klcirant ( 'afaloj^no FKKK g I GEORGE S. JOSSELYN, FREDONIA, NEW YORK. I nilllllUUIIIIIllllUIIIUIIUIIIlllllllllllilllllllUUIIIIIillllllllllllUIIIIIIIIJUIIItllllillllllUllJIIIllllllllllllllllllllllliiiiiiiiiiiii,,,,!,,,,,,,^ STRAW RASP BLACK DEW GOOSE LARGE and KINE STOCK, freshly .lug, aii.i inspected by the Slate Nursery and Orchard Inspector Not a plant healed out or cellared ; all freshly dug the same day shipped. No order too small or too large. I'uU line of Grape, Currant and Quince. Ask for Price List for '98. WM. C. BABCOCK, M«.tiuuihis,,a,.c. BRIDGMAN, BERRIEN CO., MICH. Dwyer's IQQQ Catalogue of Fruit Trees, Plants, l/ines and Ornamental Stock ; standard varie- ties and novelties. Prices Low. Stock First-Class. Mailed Free. T- ]• DWYER & SON, Cornwall, N. Y. Kourteenth Year. Emerald * Cucumber Color Dark Green and always so The Coming Cucumber. Fa«ket, lO cent;-.. LIVINGSTONS NEW Honor ? Bright Tomato OITK LATKST AND BEST. Pa« k#»t, lo vvuXs. Superb Catalogue 196 pp.< fret- if vou ,send i.. cents for a packet of eithtr. A. W. LIVINGSTON'S SONS Box 150. Columbus, Ohio CANTON. PLOW THREE SHOVELS AND RAKE ATTACHMENT. WEIGHT, 20POUNDS 33.75 EACH. CASH WITH ORDER. Parlin& OrendorffCo. I.iirsr***! hihI oMi'sI |t»'rniiin»*iitl> eslnW- li-ln'il ri(>«» Kaclorj in \inrrifa. - - - - ILLINOIS. Virk's Fliiwer and V ♦*«;«•! :ih I «• <;ar(l*'ii. A hook of over 2<>o pa^es Hiin()rfd'> ct illiistrati<»ns and six colored |)l;*trs. I-iill of pr.ic tical nirri tii.ns for the cuhivation of flowering, ornatnenial and kitchen garden plants i(|.r>4> TIIO^IAS MKKIIAN & SC»NS, (;eriiiaiitowii. Plilla. LORD & BURNHAM CO. Largest Builders of W rite to New York Office for Cir- cular and estimates. vSeiitl five cents postage for latest Catalogue of Greenhouse Heating and Ventilating Apparatus. Send four cents postage for Cata- logue of •' Patent Iron Construction." Write for Circular of i lot Hcd Sash and Frames. ANb Red Gulf Cypress strictly free from Sap. New York Office No, I6O FIFTH AVENUE C:or. '^IkI street General Ofiice and Works IRVINGTON-ON-HUDSON New York WHEN WRITING TO ADVERTISERS, TELL THEM YOU SAW THEIR CARD IN MEEHANS' MONTHLY. POPULAR SCIENCE IICIIIO Nature, Invention, Arch«olog:y, ljr|| TU NrWA Electricity. Chemistry, nineralogy, nLALIn IlkflU Health, Hygiene, nedicine- ■■i-n^.m (FORMERLY BOSTON JOtTRNAL OF CHEMISTRY.) ENLARGED AND inPROVED. This popular monthly contains a large number of Short, Basy, Practical, Interesting and Popular, Scientific Articles, thftt can l)e appreciated and enjoyed by any intelligent read- er, even though he know little or nothing of science. It is intended to inteiest those who think. PROFUSELY ILLUSTRATED and FREE FROM TECHNICALITIES. Kntirely different from and much sup rior to other papers with a similar name. rionthly, $1.60 per year. Newsdealers, 15 cents. Largest Circulation of any Scientific Paper in the World. Conducted by BENJ. LILLARD, - - 108 FuWon St., New York. Mention this paper for a sample copy I Soutfter!) Florist ^ Mm\ I II The only Floral Magazine Published for the Southern Climate SUBSCRIPTION, - $1.00 PER YEAR Attrac tive Prrm'uins and Liheral Cash Commission to Agents ^ &^ZZZ^ZXZZZXX-ZZXSZZZ-XZXXZZZZX^^-:d $^piZ'ZZ'ZZ'ZZ'ZZ-ZZXZ^XZZZXZ'ZZX2 ZZXZ'ZZ^ Published on the First of Kach Month by Southern Florist and Gardener Co. CHATTANOOGA, TENN. This is th(; only Mnpazine of Its c'ass nuMishcf! in tlie S nth. It is eis No labor or expense will be spared to inak"? the lonmal a l.riilinnt success in this particular field. KEC-I-ZZZ'XXZXXXZZII-XIZ-^CZZXZZEEK5 American Fruit Culturist, by John J. Thomas. Indis- pensable to every one interested iu fruits. Contains prac- tical directions for the propagation and culture of all fruits adapted to the U. S. Revised, enlar^^ed and up-to- date in every particular. Very c^mplete. Nearly 8(0 pages and 796 correct illustrations. Price, with fine Kngii^h musliu binding, }#2.50, post-paid THOMAS MKKHAN & SONS, ]>iil>1lKliers, (ireriiiani(>wii, PIiIIh. PUBLISHED THE IsT AND 15th OF EACH MONTH BY THE GARDENING COMPANY MONON BUILDING, CHICAGO SUBSCRIPTION PRICE, $2.00 A YEAR 24 NUMBERS The most practical and valuable American Horti- cultural publication. Departments : The Flower Garden, Trees and Shrubs, The Greenhouse, The Window Garden, The Fruit Garden, The Vege- table Garden, Insects and Other Pests, Mushrooms, and others in season. See what subscribers say about this valuable journal. "For condensed common sense in gardening matters, for reliable, unprejudiced and safe information. Gardening cannot be surpassed, and although moderate in size it ex- pands upon perusal." W. C Egan, Highland Park, 111. "Gardening is the best horticultural paper printed in America." Chas L,. Burr, Springfield, Mass. "I am greatly pleased with the paper. It is practical and suggestive. Its reproduction of photographic views of plants, Oowers and landscapes is a most admirable feature." W. M. Johnson, llackensack, N. J. "It is a delightful paper and has been very interesting and instructive to me." Frank Hitchcock, Davenport, la. "I have found Gardening extremely useful and interest- ing. Vou have given your subscribers a great deal more than their money's worth." Chas. E. Brown, Yarmouth, Nova Scotia "Such a publication was long needed in this country. Every line of its contributions is a lesson in itself to many professionals as well as to amateurs." John Berry, Gardener to Senator Wolcott, Littleton, Colo. "I value Gardening highlv on account of the very practi- cal character of its contents.' J. A. Pkttigrew, Supt. Lincoln Park, Chicago "I regard Gardening as one of the most practical maga- sines issued in the interests of horticulture." W. F. Macara, Waterville, N. Y. "The paper is the most practical of any I read." W. E. Abbs, Fond du Lac, Wis. "I subscribe to all the horticultural and floricultural jour< aals on this continent as far as I know and find in Garden- : NO the most practical one for an amateur like myself." Dr. Geo. T. Hawley, Corning, N. Y. f^t^f^t^f^t^f^trtf^t^ f^t^f^t^f^^f^1Sf^t^(^1S f^^f^^f^t^f^t^f^t'^f^t^f^^f^trtf^^f^^ r^^f^t^f!^f^1Sf^t^^^f^t^<^T^ Dark and Cemcterv. I ##♦♦« An iiluEtrated monthly for the ad- vancement of Art out of doors Prac- tical articles ol permanent value by competent autliorities on sul)j('cts of special interest to Commissioners, Trus- tees and Superintendents of Parks and Cemeteries, and those interested in Tree Planting and Town and Village Improvements. Plans of Parks or Cemeteries, and tlicir architectural and laiidscajie featnres, illustrated every month. Subscrip- tiun $1.00 a year. R. J. HAIQHT, Publisher, S34 Dearborn Street, Chicago. WHEN WRITING TO ADVERTISERS, TELL THEM YOU SAW THEIR CARD IN MEEHANS' MONTHLY. ill t i ^ ^""m^ URE HITCHINGS St CO. ESTABLISHED 60 YEARS HORTIDULTURflL (IRCHITEGTS AND BUILDERS Greenhouse Heating and Ventilating Apparatus and largest Manufacturers of 8£ND FOUR CENTS FOR ILLUSTRATED CATALOGUES. The highest awards re- ceived at the World's Fair for Horticultural Architec- ture, Greenhouse Construc- tion and Heating Appar- atus. Conservatories, Green- houses, Palmhouses, etc., erected complete with oar Patent Iron Frame Con- struction. 233 7WVERCER STREET, NEiAZ YORK CITY Landscape Engineering Plans prepared and carefully carried out for Grading, Roadmaking, Planting and the Remodeling of old places /. Special arrangements made when extensive work is con- templated •*. Correspondence solicited* THOMAS MEEHAN & SONS Nm-gfymen and Landgcape Engineers QERMANTOWN, PHILADELPHIA EDWARD CAMPBELL--'— 5 L/INDSC/IFE /IRQHITECT At*b ENQINEEK ARDMORE, - PA. Sketch plans and planting maps prepared, and suggestions given for the laying out and improvement of country and suburban residences, public parks and grounds of every description. Grounds laid out and their construction undertaken by contract or day labor, and carried out under strict personal supervision. The choice grouping and effective arrangement of trees and shrubs has been made a special study. Trees furnished and planted by experienced workmen. Draining Plans and Surveys. Fine Crushed Stone for Walks aad Carriage Drives. ARDY ORNAMENTAL TREES, SHRUBS, VINES, EVER- The nn^m ,..er.i a..r....< .r H.rd,or... 6REENS, AND HARDY HERBACEOUS PERENNIALS. iTi^'r^od":.::;!;^^^^^^^^^^^ tion. Flans and estimates furnished. Send your list of needs for special rates. THE RBAIirNQ NURSERY, JACOB W, MANNING, Proprietor, READING, MASS. H 3Iodern Horticultiiral Building. Elegant Conservatories, Practical Commercial Houses, and all Classes of Greenhouse Structures Planned and Erected. r-^ We build of all Iron, all Wood, or a modification of either, as desired. Steel or Cypress Sash Bars for Butted Glass Qlazinic or Lapped Glazing, with or without puty. Latest methods ot Ventilatioti, Steam and Hot- Water Heating Iron atid Slate, Iron and Tile, or all Wood Staging. Contracts taken for Completed Structure. Materials furnished to Builders. axpert,advice at Residence, or Catalogues on application. i»- Don't fail to get our Plans and Prices. PLENTY'S HORTICULTURAL WORKS, 148-156 Randolph Ave., Jersey City, N. J. WHEN WRITING TO ADVERTISERS, PLEASE MENTION MEEHANS' MONTHLY. >L. VIII APRIL, 1595 No. 4 ISSUED MONTHLY, $2.00 PER YEAR IN ADVANCE, SINGLE COPY 20 CENTS. L.\. A ^ -'!^, W >.- ^D >llMil ^.^ •"I /III' k, \ \^ >^ VC -y. \ 3. .f .^ ■;>:'^' '/(if. ?*' m,. i^' /^ y v- i'*.. -^^ >J ^^^ / -K I ^> EEHAN N TM LY M '''A- -^.l u m o.^^ .x-^^i w \w ,U»-ii ^xi ■m levQ led -^>;^-' vY CSN^ ENERALV:]ARDENIN5 tOWERS (gnduded by rM9/nA5 t%iwm L» 17 I VJ» ^X'i>x 2-1 ,^)'^ m ■^.ib )^'\. ^\ H'' ^ \0 per 10, i|»12 00 per 100 3 " «♦ 35 cents •• *« 50 •• lO. $15.00 • 100 4 " •« 8tron{>:, 50 cents •< «:{.50 •• 10 Beautiful colored plate of the Desmodium appears in our new Descriptive Catalogue of Ornamental Trees, Shrubs and Evergreens. Write for a cop}-. THOMAS MEEHAN & 50NS 9 Nurser^'tnen and Landscape Engineers QERMANTOWN, PHILADELPHIA l\ [iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiaiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiniiiuiiiiiiiiiHiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiniiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiwiiiiiiiiiNiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii^ i THE CONARD ^ JONES CO. | Rose and Flower Growers, West Grove, Pa. I = Headquarters for the NEW AMERICAN PEDIUREE CANNAS, Rose Mavvr, FliUadelphia, Dnke and S = Ducltess of Marlboroiif^lk, Maiden's Bliisli, Gloriosa, iV:o. The most gfor^eoiis ami handsome llowers for = s gardens, lawns and parks now known. New Rambler Roses— Crimson, Yellow, l»ink and White. = 5 Solaniim \%>ndlaiidll. New Crimson Splrea, and hundreds of otiier choicest roses, ))lants and hulhs = S for Spring planting. NEW FLORAL GUIDE, 84 pages, FREE ON REQUEST. = niiiiiiiiiiiimminnrmmimniiiiiiiiiiiiiiniiaimimiiiiuiiiiuiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiijiiiiiiiiifiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiuiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii II li'i AGAINST CATERPILLARS and otber NOXIOUS INSECTS. Now is the time to band your Fruit and 5hade Trees with ERMISCH^S CATERPILLAR Raupenleim '*OwI Trident Brand/^ LIME To protect them against the ravages of Caterpillars, Cankerworms, Borer*-, Scales, Pear Psylla, and other Noxious Insects. A tiitfly arpHcation of this tried and api>roved remedy will prevent injury and secure a good Fruit Crop. Standard Remedy of Foreign Governmeut Agricultural Departments, Forestry Commissions, Agricul- turists, etc. Send for Circulars and Directions. For Sale by all prominent Seedsmen and WM* MENZEL & SON (A BROAD STREET, - NEW YORK Sole Agents for United States and Canada. FARMERS, GARDENERS AND HOUSEKEEPERS WANT INSECTICIDES and 10 Slug Shot hy the barrel, hundred pounds, or in 5 pound packages. Insect Powder by the ico lbs. or single pound White Htllebore by the 100 lbs. or single pound. Paris Green iu packages from 14 lb to 28 pounds. Tobacco Dust by the single pound or ico pounds. Tobacco Stems by the single pound or 100 pounds. Thrip Juice for scale insects by the pint or quart. Qrape Dust for mildew, by the pound or 100 pounds. Carbolic Powder for general purposes, by the pound or bundled pounds Whale Oil Soap for washing trees, by the pound or hundred pounds or in packages of 1 J^, 2 and 5 pounds. Carbolic Acid and Whale Oil Soap iu small cakes or by the hiuidred pounds. Thymo Cresol for destroying insects on animals, in small bottles, or by the quart, 14 gallon, gallon, 5 gallon or by the barrel. Desc'iptive Circulars with prices sent to all applicants D. Landreth & 5ons 21 & 23 S. Sixth St., Philadelphia, Pa. SEND FOR LANDRCTH-8 '98 CATALOGUE il 40,000 NORWAY MAPLES, Young:, thrifty and well rooted, 6 to 15 feet high, I to 3 inches diameter. Low branched for Parks, Lawns and Cemeteries ; High branched for Avenue and Street planting. Sugar, Silver, Wier's Cut-leaved and Sycamore Maples, Oriental Planes, Poplars, Willows, and a choice assortment of JAPANESE and other RARE EVERGREEN TREES. California Privets, large plants for immediate effect, (Specimens and Hedge Plants.) Our prices and stock will please you. Trees in Car Load Lots a Specialty. CHAS. B. HORNOR & SON, SSS^riS^pkl^^'iSI^ Mount Holly, Bur. Co.. N. J. WHEN WRITING TO ADVERTISERS. TELL THEM YOU SAW THEIR CARD IN MEEHANS' MONTHLY :Vo|, \ji| t^LATK W^ 4. I f • * r^ k \ POLYGONATUM BIFLORUM. LESSER SOLOMON'S SEAL. NATURAI, ORDER LIUACE^. POLYGONATUM BIFLORUM, EHiott. — Glabious, except the ovate-oblong or laucc-oblong nearly sessile leaves, which aie com- monly minutely pubescent, at least on the veins (but sometimes smooth), as well as pale or glaucous underneath ; stem slender (one to three feet high) ; peduncles one to three- (but mostly two-) flowered ; filaments papillose-roughened, inserted towards the summit of the cylindrical-oblong perianth. (Gray's Manual of the Botany of the Northern United States. See also, Chapman's Flora of the Southern United States, and Wood's Class-Book of Botany.) The Solomon's Seals are not gaudy flowering plants ; but there is a graceful style of beauty in their habit of growth that renders them very attractive. They have always been popular favorites, as is well indicated by the common name, Solomon's Seal, by which they are universally known. The origin of this com- mon name is wrapped in obscurity. There is a six-pointed or star-like figure formed of two equilateral triangles placed over each other so as to make a star-like outline, and which is known as Solomon's Seal. To account for the term in connection with this plant, commenta- tors tell us that when the underground root- stock is cut across, the outline represents this figure. Every effort to trace such a figure on a tran verse section has failed, so far as the ex- perience of the author goes. It is far more likely that the name was suggested by the seal-like form of the flower, — the more sug- gestive from the fact that the grayish-green of the flower, itself, recalls some precious mineral. But though the Seal may be thus accounted for, the connection with the Solomon is not clear. It is probable that the plant had in past ages some popular history or legend connected with it, but which has become so utterly lost that nothing is left to us but the bare title of the story. In connection with this subject, it is re- markable that in spite of its suggestive name and presence over most portions of the North- ern Hemisphere it has not attracted the notice of polite writers. While one of its brethren, the Lily of the Valley, has adorned many a pretty tale, Solomon's Seal has been wholly passed over. Referring to the former, Thomson, in his pretty poem entitled "Spring," admonishes us to \ '* Seek the bank where flowering elders crowd, Where, scattered wide the Lily of the Vale Its balmy essence breathes, where Cowslips hang The dewy head, where purple violets lurk, With all the lonely children of the shade.'* Solomon's Seal, with its many points of in- terest, may well feel jealous in regard to the celebrity which its humbler brother has achieved. Some have said that the scar made by the disarticulation of the leaf from the rhizoma has the appearance of a seal. All that can be said is that for ages past the origin of the popular name has been a question. Gerarde, writing in 1636, observes: " Dioscorides writeth: That the roots are excellent good for to scale or close up greene wounds, being stamped and laid thereon, whereupon it was called Sigtllum Solomonis, of the singular ver- tue that it hath in sealing or healing up wounds, broken bones, and such like. Some have thought it took the name Sigillum of the markes upon the roots, but the first reason seemes to be more probable." Another clue to the origin of the common name, may be furnished by the term Lady's Seal, by which in common with Solomon's Seal, the plant was designated several hun- dreds of years ago. It was used in the cere- monies connected with the festival of the Vis- itation. In some way unknown, the name Lady's Seal has been transferred to the Virgin Vine, or the Wild Bryony of the Old World. The botanical name, Polygonatum, is referred by modern authors to Adanson, Desfontaines, or Tournefort; but it is the original name under which the plant was known to the Greeks of ancient times, and which name the Polygonatum multiflofuni of the Old World still bears among the Hellenic races. What is now the Lily of the Valley, was known to (49) ■-ii,- ^R PLAT i f I .1 . POLY(;ONATUM BIFLORUM. LESSER SCJLOMON'S SEAL. NATURAI. ORDER ULIACE^K. PoLYCONATUM HiFLORTM. Klliott.—C.labious, except the ovateobloiig Of laiiceobloDg nearly sessilc leaves, which are com- monly niinntely pnhescent, at least on the veins (but sometimes smooth), as well as pale or glaucous underneath ; stem slender (one to three feet high) ; peduncles one to three- (but mostly two-) flowered ; filaments papillose-roughened, inserted towards the summit of the cyliudrical-oblong perianth. (Gray's Manual of the Botany of the .\or them United States. See also, Chapman's Flora of the Southern Tnited States, ^m The Solomon's Seals are not gaudy flowering plants ; but there is a graceful style of beauty in their habit of growth that renders them very attractive. They have always been popular favorites, as is well indicated by the common name, Solomon's Seal, by which they are universally known. The origin of this com- mon name is wrapped in obscurity. There is a six-pointed or star-like figure formed of two equilateral triangles placed over each other so as to make a star-like outline, and which is known as Solomon's Seal. To account for the term in connection with this plant, commenta- tors tell us that when the underground root- stock is cut across, the outline represents this figure. Every efibrt to trace such a figure on a tran verse section has failed, so far as the ex- perience of the author goes. It is far more likely that the name was suggested by the seal-like form of the flower, — the more sug- gestive from the fact that the grayish-green of the flower, itself, recalls vSome precious mineral. But though the Seal may be thus accounted for, the connection with the Solomon is not clear. It is probable that the plant had in past ages some popular history or legend connected with it, but which has become so utterly lost that nothing is left to us but the bare title of the story. In connection with this subject, it is re- markable that in spite of its suggestive name and presence over most portions of the North- ern Hemisphere it has not attracted the notice of polite writers. While one of its brethren, the Lily of the Valley, has adorned many a pretty tale, Solomon's Seal has been wholly passed over. Referring to the former, Thomson, in his pretty poem entitled '•Spring," admonishes us to id Wood's Class-Book of Botany.) " Seek the bank where flowering elders crowd, Where, scattered wide the Lily of the Vale Its balmy essence breathes, where Cowslips hang The dewy head, where purple violets lurk, With all the lonely children of the shade." Solomon's Seal, with its many points of in- terest, may well feel jealous in regard to the celebrity which its humbler brother has achieved. Some have said that the scar made by the disarticulation of the leaf from the rhizoma has the appearance of a seal. All that can be said is that for ages past the origin of the popular name has been a question. Gerarde, writing in 1636, observes: " Dioscorides writeth: That the roots are excellent good for to scale or close up greene wounds, being stamped and laid thereon, whereupon it was called Sigillum Solomonis, of the singular ver- tue that it hath in sealing or healing up wounds, broken bones, and such like. Some have thought it took the name Sigilltnn of the markes upon the roots, but the first reason seemes to be more probable." Another clue to the origin of the common name, may be furnished by the term Lady's Seal, by which in common with Solomon's Seal, the plant was designated several hun- dreds of years ago. It was used in the cere- monies connected with the festival of the Vis- itation. In some way unknown, the name Lady's Seal has been transferred to the Virgin Vine, or the Wild Bryony of the Old World. The botanical name, Polygonatutn, is referred by modern authors to Adanson, Desfontaines, or Tournefort ; but it is the original name under which the plant was known to the Greeks of ancient times, and which name the Polygonatum multiflofum of the Old World still bears among the Hellenic races. What is now the Lily of the Valley, was known to (49) I i OLOR PLAT 50 MEEHANS' MONTHLY — POLYGONATUM BIFLORUM. [April the earlier botanists as Lilium convallium album. Out of this Linnaeus founded the genus Convallaria, uniting the older Polygona- tum with it though retaining the proper name as an adjective under the style of Convallaria Polygonatum. Desfontaines, however, in the Annales du Museum d'histoire Naturelle of Paris, (not Memoirs du Museum, etc., as quoted by Pursh), in a " Memoire sur le Genre Con- vallaria,'' which appeared in the vol. for 1807, carried all the axillary-flowered forms of Con- vallaria back to Polygonatum y in which view all modern botanists have concurred. But there is still a difference of opinion as to the limits of the species. The first notice of our plant as a distinct species seems to have been by Thomas Walter, who published a Flora of Carolina in 1788. He describes it as '' Pedunculis solitariis bifloris axillaris, — floribus flavescentibus. ' ' Michaux , approving of the new genus Polygonatum, supposed this to be the same as Polygonatum multiflorum of the Old World ; and though the subsequent author, Elliott, in his '• Sketch of the Botany of South Carolina and Georgia," published in 1816, es- tablished it under the distinctive name Poly- gonatum biflorum, he seems to doubt its dis- tinctiveness from the P. multiflorum as de- scribed by Michaux; while Pursh can see little difference between it and the Convallaria Poly- gonatum of Linnaeus. The plant is seen under so many different forms that, even to-day, there may be a reasonable doubt whether it is worth while to make any distinction between the American form and the European, and whether the adopted name may not be Poly- gonatum multiflorum as Michaux supposed it was. Dr. Gray remarks that the hairy fila- ments, which are characteristic oi Polygonatum multiflorum in the Old World, he has never seen in plants of America ; but, as he notices in the present form that the filaments are *' papillose-roughened," we may as reasonably look for a development of hair as to find the presence or absence of hair on other portions of the plant. Indeed the opportunity to ex- amine a large series of specimens of the genus, from many parts of the world, leads to the conclusion that all three species, of Grafs Manual of Botany cited, Polygonatum biflo- rum^ P. giganteum, and P. lati folium, are not essentially different from P. multiflorum of the Old World. It is very interesting to note the variations as they occur in different places. Along the mountains of Virginia and North Carolina, the leaves are very narrow, — so narrow that one might almost take the plant, at first sight, for a broad-leaved grass. A specimen in the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, with a Rafinesque label, appears as if he in- tended this very narrow form to represent a new genus Sigma Maria biflora, whatever he may have intended by that, is written on the label. A specimen gathered by Michaux, but out of flower, is so much like a specimen of P. multiflorum from the Mountains of Pied- mont, that it is not surprising Michaux sup- posed the American and European forms iden- tical. Specimens from New England have roundish leaves, with the underside glaucous ; and specimens from the Tyrol, collected by Ball, are glaucous like-wise. In size of leaf and vigor of the stalk, there are the same gradations; while the biflowered pedicels occur in European specimens. The specimens of P. multiflorum, from the Old World, vary among themselves in the same lines that ours do. In specimens from Switzerland, the main axillary pedicel has the flowers arranged in racemes instead of in terminal clusters, with depauper- ate leaves as bracts to each pedicel. If we take, as we probably may from these illustrations, the American and European forms as all representative of Polygonatum multiflorum, it gives the plant a remarkably wide distribution over the surface of the earth. In our country, it is found in all the territory lying between the higher portions of Canada, South to Arkansas, and from the Atlantic Ocean to the Rocky Mountains ; while the European branch is found through most of the temperate portions of Europe and Asia. As already seen by the reference to Dioscor- ides, it has had some reputation for many ages in connection with medical usage. A decoction is used in sore mouth and throat affections. The starchy roots are good when cooked ; and the young shoots may be pre- pared and eaten like asparagus. A beautiful and permanent green dye has been prepared from the leaves. Explanation of the Plate. — i. Rhizoma with base of flowering stalk from a plant growing near Philadelphia. 2. Upper portion of the same taken in June. 3. Section with berries taken in August. •♦K. .,/ >-r V . y » \ WILD FLOWERS AND NATURE. SANGUINARIA. Or Sanguinaria, in her virgin dress Plaits the sweet coronal of transient Spring. — Soi^OMON Conrad. IviLiUM SUPERBUM. — The January plate, Lilium superbum, is a magnificent reproduc- tion; and while, perhaps, no better than many others issued by you, the subject is very familiar. I have found that, in our district at least, the best specimens are taken in some- what stiff clay ground subject to annual spring inundations. Here they grow upwards of seven feet tall, rearing their brilliant cande- labra far above the writer's head, sometimes more than twenty blooms upon a plant, while those of seemingly richer soil never seem to at- tain either the height or abundance of flowers ; but different parts of the continent may pro- duce other effects. J. M. Dickson. Hamilton, Canada. Green Roses. — Referring to a note in vol. vii, page 193, a correspondent says: — ** Will Mr. Meehan state whether he saw any' green- flowered forms in Alaska, as a friend of mine (a gold hunter) brought down a spice can full and said that there were thousands of bushes covered with green flowers on the Pacific slopes? " The two roses, commonly wild in North-east Alaska, are the Nootka Rose, Rosa Nutkana, a very pretty species in color, and not unlike in other respects the well-known Rugosa Rose, — and the Alaska Climbing Rose, Rosa gymnocarpa, which sends its slender stems high over other shrubs, and covers them with its numerous, small, red seed-vessels, as if the shrubs were covered with hawthorn ber- ries. The green roses referred to were probably cultivated. Southern Alaska, on the borders of the State of Washington, is a paradise for the rose. The cultivators send far and near for varieties, and doubtless the green rose has been favored among the rest. Opuntia Rafinesquii. — Mrs. B. D. Fergu- son, Troy, New York, furnishes the following notes regarding the beautiful hardy cactus, Opuntia Rafinesquii, growing near that place : "Monthly, Vol. II, page 81, I find illus- trated Opuntia Rafinesquii. This plant is growing wild on the top of, what is called on the map, * Mount Marino,' just south of the city of Hudson. When we bought the place, fifteen years ago, it was there and has spread very little since. We have left it undisturbed, with the exception of forking up enough to complete a drive-w^ay through it to the top of the Mount. It is very beautiful when in full bloom, as there is a quantity of it. I think this is the farthest north that it grows ' wild,' is it not? No one seems to know when or how it came there, — at any rate, it seems per- fectly at home. ' ' Hardy opuntias in a wild state are sights worth seeing. Can anyone report Rafinesquii or other species further north ? Correspond- ents from Missouri have mentioned this species, but no other. Surely O. vulgaris is to be found in some portion of that State. Rhododendrons in North Carolina. — A correspondent from Blowing Rock, North Carolina, says: — *'When I arrived here, in early May, 1897, the flowers were most beauti- ful. Rhodora and Rhododendron Catawbie?ise were in full glory — and many others besides. There was nothing, though, in quantity and purity to compare with the Kalmia. The whole country seemed to be covered with drifts of pink and white snow. I was pleased with your article on our * Wampee, * Lilium super- bum. In Uncle Elliott's Botany he speaks of the variety with acute and auriculate leaves as being rare and rather small, whereas it now grows everywhere, and I have seen plants five feet high, with blossoming spikes 6 and 7 inches in length. I have not his work with me, and I cannot recall just now its specific name. > I (51) . r 52 MEEHANS' MONTHLY— WILD FLOWERS AND NATURE. [April ^'>N f 1898.] MEEHANS' MONTHLY — WILD FLOWERS AND NATURE. 53 Lilies and Local Botany. — Doubtless many readers of Meehans' Monthly have occasion to regret, that they are not more particularly posted on the localities where cer- tain plants may be seen and enjoyed in all the beauty of natural surroundings. They are not so situated as to be able to conveniently search the woods and fields, for such flowers as may have appealed to their interest when described or illustrated by some more fortun- ate of Nature's admirers. Take, for illustra- tion, the much-admired colored plate oi Liliutn superbum, which appeared in a recent number of the Monthly. Were a canvass made of all those who saw the picture, it would be found that comparatively few have enjoyed a sight of this flower in its home ; yet not one but re- joices to see the representation that is more or less familiar to every one. Because of the infrequency of actual con- tact with Nature, it is impossible to receive a lasting impression of every flower, fruit or leaf that is seen on a general trip. But with an object in mind, memory centres on that point, drawing others into the w^hirl, and the '* jaunt," though short, proves wonderfully interesting and the information well defined. Within easy reach of all cities, are many plants that are much talked of and written about, but never seen by the majority of persons. Let a person pay his respects to these plants in their homes, and he will return home with satisfaction and profit. Unfortunately, the general public are called upon to throng the exhibition halls, where the instinct is trained to regard with greatest interest the monstrosities and scarcely useful variations in color and shapes produced by the florist — notably in the case of chrysanthe- mums. It is not to be wondered at that the heavy heads of chrysanthemums require hun- dreds of stakes, for they would otherwise bow in humility from their real uselessness. As the train passes through New Jersey, from Philadelphia or Camden to the numerous coast resorts, some may have noticed small dashes of reddish-brown in rather low portions of ground. As a rule, these patches cause but a momentary reflection, and the pretty Liliutn superhum, that had appeared in view, remained unidentified. Were they aware of it, some would not hesi- tate to spend a few hours in visiting these spots. The above-mentioned species may be* found in New Jersey in the early part of August; L. Canadense and L. Philadelphicum, are also there, but in bloom a little earlier. The bulbs are readily transplanted, even at that season, and if the finder will care to trans- fer a few to his garden, he may do so without ravishing the little clumps, by lifting them very carefully and keeping the bulb moist until promptly placed in his own garden, in rather low ground where they will not suffer for want of water. Learn to know plants, as individuals, in their homes ; encourage your friends and fam- ily to do the same ; take them nature seeking just as you go a- nutting ; treat the flowers you find to more than passing thoughts of admiration, and you will surely find a new interest of a thoroughly happy kind. Will not the readers of the Monthly profit by these remarks and open the way for others to go and ''do [see] likewise **? M. Apocynum. — North- AND South Root. — Dr. Gray mentions two species of the dogbane, Apocynum, and several variations. The plant under consideration approaches more nearly to the description of A. cannabinum or Indian Hemp. It has always been a wonder to me that the bark of this plant has not been utilized for textile fabrics. The inner bark is very strong, soft and white, with a stem pithy and soft. Its root has many uses for medicinal purposes. It will cure chills and fever and all malarial disorders. It is very bitter ; and I know men who dig it and, when troubled with chills, chew it. It is also used in decoctions with May-apple root {Podophyllum pellatum,) Rhus copallina (Dwarf Sumach,) and the roots of the Wild Indigo, which is found growing in the pine woods of the western shore of Maryland. The roots of these plants are boiled and given in the last stages of syphilis, and are always a sure cure. I know a man who has made many cures with this decoction when doctors had given up their patients to die. It is known only under the name of North-and South Root, and these practitioners make a good thing of it in curing these dis- eases. These people claim that the root always grows north and south ; but it is not so, for I have dug many of the roots which i * I », grow to suit themselves. There are two main roots which extend laterally in opposite direc- tions. The young shoots of this plant boiled with asparagus make a mess which once tried will never be tried again. A brother was col- lecting the shoots of the Wild Asparagus, which grows in immense quantities on the salt-water shores of Maryland, and the shoots of A. cannabinum were observed growing in plenty. They had a tender, inviting look, so he gathered a handful and we boiled them with the asparagus. We had to throw the mess away, for we thought ther« was death in the pot, they were so bitter, and we lost the best part of our dinner by so doing. The bark of the root of Rhus copallina^ Dwarf Sumach, is an excellent cure for heart- burn or indigestion. A little of the bark is chewed and swallowed and the disagreeable sensations soon pass away. It is used either fresh or dry, and is pleasant tasted. It al- ways cures me, and others say the same. The Wild Indigo, Bapiisia tinctoria, or False Indigo, has pretty yellow, pea-shaped blossoms, and small oval leaves, thick and simple, with a disagreeable smell when bruised. The most use I have ever seen made with the plant is placing the plants beneath the bridle head- stall on the horses* heads, to keep the carniv- orous flies from plaguing the horses, whilst on the roads or at work. F. K. STEELE. • Pestus, Mo. Our Wild Cherries. — In the early history of America, two species oi cherry were found wild. The common one grows to a large tree, and was named, by the botanists, Cerasus serolina. This is what is usually understood when referring to the Wild Cherry. Wild Cherry bark and Wild Cherry Tonics of the Drug Stores are obtained from this species. There is another species which seldom makes a tree of any size, and is more commonly known as a large shrub. This is the Cerasus Virginiana. It is better known, in distinction to the other, as the Choke Cherry. It is more closely related to the Bird Cherry. The Bird Cherry is known as the Cerasus Padus. Since the introduction of the common cherry of the Old World, birds have carried seeds from the gardens to the woods, and this cherry has now become almost as common in some of the woods around certain cities as though it were indigenous here. This is even called the Wild Cherry, when speaking comparatively with the garden one. But the names tend to confusion with the American Wild Cherry. Nurserymen, in order to prevent confusion, have almost universally adopted the name of Mazzard for the wild forms of the garden cherry. Sweet Pea Description. — Many amateurs and some professionals are frequently at a loss for proper words in describing certain flowers. The Sweet Pea, for instance, is so arranged that the average person does not know what to term the parts of the flower. The accompany- ing sketch will assist those who desire to un- derstand what are getting to be every-day terms among lovers of Sweet Peas. The broad , upper petal, marked "V" in the illustration, is the vexillum or banner. The two lateral petals, '* A," are the alee or wings. The two lower, interior petals, '* C* sometimes united, form the carina or keel. As a whole, the arrangement constitutes a papilionaceous flower (butterfly-shaped) ; and this type is the foundation for a sub-order, in the botanical arrangement of families, known as Papilion- aucB (Natural Order LeguminoscB). Changing Botanical Names. — Whilst every botanist would agree that the compli- ment to Prof. T. C. Porter is a deserving one, in commemorating his name by giving it to a genus of plants, how do these botanists, now clamoring for the rights of priority in this matter, reconcile the making of this change with their latter-day doctrines and practice ? Some of the names we have been familiar with since childhood, we no longer find in " up-to- date (?)'* botanical publications, because they \ ^ 54 MBEHANS' MONTHLY — WILD FLOWERS AND NATURE. [April *^'>>^ have been discarded for a still older name that we knew not of but for which priority is claimed. On what grounds, then, can these same authorities justify creating and sub- stituting the name Porterella for that of Gerardia ? The genus gains nothing by the change ; but another element of confusion is added to vex the future student. A short time back, I saw an article with the title '* Catalpa Catalpa,'' and thought I was going to read of a new species ; but the name was delusive, or I was not " up-to-datQ, " as it proved to be an article on our old friend Catalpa speciosa. Our lamented contemporary, Garden and Forest, has been giving some ex- cellent articles on cultivated conifers; and, in one of the series, I observe the old Norway Spruce remains no longer Picea excelsa^ but is Picea Picea. There may be substantial botani- cal reasons for making generic and specific names identical, but I do not know them, and possibly that is why they appear to me as verging towards the ridiculous. Madison, N. J. A. HERRINGTON. It was Laiirentia, and not Gerardia, that Porterella was associated with (see January issue, page 15). What our correspondent calls ** up-to-date" practices, are confined to a limited circle. These changes are not rec- ognized by the great majority of botanists over the wide world. It has been found utterly impracticable to adopt these changes in horticulture. Horti- culturists freely grant that the law of priority should have prevailed ; but they object to being made to suffer because botanists them- selves did not see that priority did not prevail. When, some twenty years ago, horticultur- ists were told that the Norway Spruce, which they had known for a century as Abies excelsa, should be Picea excelsa ; and the Silver Fir, Picea pectinata, should wheel about and here- after be Abies pectinata, a few leading nursery- men fell into line. The effort to change was made in their catalogues and writings. Not one but has not been sorry it was attempted. They are in no humor to go over that labor again, especially in the wholesale way sug- gested. The readers of Meehans' Monthly will find the plant names employed here to be those that are generally accepted by botanists everywhere, and not those in comparatively limited use. Influence of Light and Humidity on THE Odors of Flowers. — When .Fredrika Bremer visited the United States, in 1849 ^^^ 1850, after having been in Cuba, she remarked that the atmosphere of Cuba absorbed all odors. Everyone smoked, yet the air was free from the taint of smoke. Also, she observed that a rose, elsewhere very fragrant, was without perfume in Cuba. I had observed, when onions were used that were imported from Cuba, the odor was much less intense than from those raised in New England. Miss Bremer also remarked that in coming to the United States from Cuba, every day seemed to be a cloudy day ; the contrast was so great with the brilliant light of Cuba, where the sunshine was intensely bright. If Miss Bremer had come to Southern California, she might have found some bright days. But at that time it was a wild place, devoted to Mexicans and their horses, sage brush, cacti and coyotes. When we came to California in 1879, I was at first much impressed with the clearness of the atmosphere. The planets seemed exceeding- ly bright and all the stars almost like near neighbors. E. E. Orcutt. San Diego, Cal. Seedless Oranges. — C. K. Meredith, Hampton Falls, N. H., says: — "Is the absence of seeds in the orange a natural condi- tion, or is it caused by artificial means?'* The variety known as the Navel Orange is seedless. It is a natural variation or sport, with which art has had nothing to do. The core or seed -producing part has not remained at rest as in the normal orange, but has started to make a further growth resulting in another small orange at the apex of the old one, instead of bearing seeds as it should have done. It is propagated by budding or graft- ing, and here, alone, does the art of man take part in the production. Ophioglossum. — Referring to the note on Ophioglossum in a recent issue, a Ctlifornia cor- respondent says that Ophioglossum nudicaulCy the serpents tongue, was formerly abundant in the vacant lots about San Diego. So far as known to the writer, there has been no record of any species of Ophioglossum being found in California hitherto. (•;■•. I w' f GENERAL GARDENING, OBSERVE THE ARBOR DAY. Let all observe the annual Arbor Day ; Without excuse for want of time, or age ; Blend manly toil with cheerful, happy play. And in a noble work of trust engage. The boy when grown to manhood's graver years. In contemplation sits beneath their shade, In vision's magic glass again appears, Many a scene in seeming life arrayed. Will see again his father plant the tree, When he with boyish hands heaped up the ground ; Will hear his sisters' loud and girlish glee, In memory still with joyous songs resound. Ah, he's a benefactor of our race, Who lives not for himself alone, or pay. But with a kindly heart of trust and grace. Will plant some useful trees on Arbor Day. — C. L. LOCHMAN. Bethlehem, Pa. Time of Blossoming of Different Trees AND Shrubs.— In the list below is given, for the season of 1897, the dates of flowering of many trees and shrubs in this locality. Hen- derson, Ky., is in the Lat. a little below 38° and Long, nearly 11®. I also add short notes on some of the different kinds for this locality. Peach April i Plum April 4 Pear April 8 Spircea prunifolia (Bridal Wreath) April 8 The latter, is with us, a valuable shrub. Holds its flowers about 30 days. Form good, when not trimmed at the bottom. Leaves color well in the fall. Black Haw April 10 Cherry April 13 Red Bud (American Judas Tree).. ..April 13 Bush Honeysuckle, Pink April 15 Very beautiful in the early season, but with us, in the heat of summer, quite unsatisfac- tory in habit. Upon the whole, not desirable with us. Oaks April 16 Apple April 18 Calycanthus (Does well with us)... .April 21 Lilac April 21 Of late years, the lilacs have not done well with us. Takes them a long time to get established and of any size ; and, even then. l^ r' are rendered unsightly by the white blighting of the leaves in mid-summer. Dogwood, Cornus florida April 25 Admirable in flowers, summer habit and autumn color. Not sufficiently appreciated. Nothing can be more beautiful than its hori- zontal lights and shadows in a summer*s sun. Taken all in all, the most beautiful, small- sized tree we have. Spircea Van Houltei April 25 Both in flower and habit, a very beautiful and satisfactory small shrub. Its flowers, however, do not last more than ten days. Bush Honeysuckle, White April 25 Same remarks as to the Pink above. Common Wistaria Vine April 25 Snow-Ball May i Does well with us, and very satisfactory for a coarse and large shrub. Very beautiful at a distance, but the Japanese is better near a dwelling. Weigela May I Most beautiful and satisfactory in all points. Grows very luxuriantly with us. Deutzia gracilis May 6 Beautiful small shrub. Mock Orange May 10 Very satisfactory. White Fringe May 13 Does well with us. A beautiful shrub both in flower and in its rich dark green leaves. Blackberry May 13 Like a lady of good taste, Mrs. W. A. K., in your January number, has said some good things for the blackberry, but it should only be used in the wild garden or at a distance. Let me here suggest an excellent use of the blackberry. If your horse and cow pasture joins your pleasure grounds, instead of the usual ugly fence, plant a belt of blackberries about ten feet wide. They should be planted quite thick and the bed should be well man- ured. In a short time, you will have a very picturesque and quite effective barrier against your horse and cow. The cow will nibble the ends of the shoots on her side, but you will not see this on your side. (55) m 56 MEEHANS' MONTHLY — GENERAL GARDENING. [April Of course, such a hedge should be at a dis- tance, and not seen in conjunction with the ornate portions of your grounds. And, just here, permit m^ to animadvert against the ex- treme view which now seems in fashion con- cerning tjjie natural in landscape art. Under the proper environments, the wild and picturesque will always deeply impress a man of refinement ; but the environment must be right. Brought in juxtaposition with the artistic forms of our habitations, the result will be incongruous, and hence will do violence to all cultured minds. Tulip Tree May 15 Grows luxuriantly here. This tree should never be planted near the house, as it is liable to be overthrown by winds. Common Ivocust May 15 After a few years, it is worthless as an orna- mental tree. Garden Roses May 18 With us, the only ones suitable for lawn effects are the common, hardy, vigorous grow- ers, that bloom only once in a season. Deutzia (Excellent) May 20 Red Haw or Hawthorn (Cockspur)..May 20 While young, much infested with plant lice. Common Privet May 27 Does well with us. A very valuable shrub. Catalpa speciosa May 29 Too frequently attacked by a very large and peculiar worm to be used as a lawn tree. Crimson Rambler Rose June 6 Beautiful. Rudbeckia fulgida June 10 Nothing more suitable for the borders of the wild-garden. Blooms from six to eight weeks. Clematis (Carolina Blue Bells) .June 10 Common Elder June 10 A vigorous grower. Beautiful and pictur- esque at a distance and in the wild garden. The golden and the variegated are less robust. Elders require much sun. Hollyhocks (Perennial) June 10 Do well with us. They of course look very effective in the borders. Wild Running Rose .June 15 Very suitable for the wild garden. Native Hydrangea .June 15 Rich growth. Wild garden. Magnolia grandiflora J un e 20 This beautiful evergreen becomes acclimated after a winter's struggle. Althsea .June 26 Does well. Common Trumpet Vine July i This and the Virginia Creeper are excellent to cover decrepit trees. Phlox, Rose Color JulyS Beautiful. Blooms nearly all summer and fall. Wild Flag or Lily July 10 Good in the wild garden. Rudbeckia (Golden Glow) July 20 Phlox, White ..July 21 Beautiful, but not so lasting in bloom as the rose color. Hydrangea pan. grandiflora July 27 With us, this beautiful plant should only be planted in reach of the water hose. Garden Chrysanthemum Oct. 15 G. M. Alves. [Reports of this nature from different sec- tions would prove of some benefit to those contemplating planting.] Longevity of the Nasturtium.— -There are few plants better known than the common TfOpcBolum or, as many flower-lovers have come to briefly call it, *• Sturtipn," for this is the way in which its name is quite frequently pronounced. It is a remarkably interesting plant, wholly aside from its curiously-formed and yet showy flowers. Even the most ad- vanced scientific botanist may derive very in- teresting lessons from its study. Mrs. Keller- man recently gave the readers ofMEEHANS* Monthly an interesting account of its varia- tions, which were particularly instructive to the teratologists. Another interesting fact is, that although recorded as an annual in botani- cal works, plants have been known to live for many years. The fact is, a very large number of plants which are annuals in some climates, or under certain conditions, are perennials under other circumstances. Even our cotton plant, which is an annual as seen in our cotton fields, be- comes a perennial in some parts of India and other portions of the world. There really does seem to be numbers of plants that insist on living for but one year ; but even these can be continued by cuttings for an indefinite period of time. The writer has a Nasturtium plant which is already four years old. and is yet as hale and hearty as anything of life can be. The inter- esting point to the scientific person is that, r 4 -L^ ■ \ ■ I89S.] MEEHANS' MONTHLY — GENERAL GARDENING. 57 although we may find the stems of the plant three or four years old, there will not be found any woody tissue. You cannot tell the age of a Nasturtium by counting rings of wood as in other perennial stems. The stems are, in fact, quite hollow. But we do find annual circles of bark by carefully examining them with a microscope. There is no thickening of these stems, therefore, so far as diameter is con- cerned ; and yet there is a thickening of this circular structure from the inside, — that is to say, there is a lessening of the diameter of the of the Academy of Natural Sciences, over a quarter of a century ago, that plants have to ex- pend a large proportion of the nutrition they receive in opposing gravitation, — that is, in supporting themselves. Where they receive support from outside, this expenditure is saved, and the nourishment, usually required for self- support, is spent on the increase of structure. A Nasturtium, supported in a comparatively mild conservatory, may make a growth of three feet in two weeks, while it would not make a foot ofgrowth when left to its own means of sup- ^''^•J #•1. _. ••bw^^ .. .•■♦»v • •» :r-m%'h<^' .V;.j)OkJIKr n||>' »*»H'**' .^"^^^li ^r'^ -^^ f ^ ■"^y^:^^^,. VIEW IN THE GARDEN OF JA8. W. ELWCLL, BROOKLYN, NEW YORK.--sck paqc es. interior cavity. It is in this way that the in- creased longevity is attained. It seems to be a case where the bark system has possessed the power of perpetuating itself independently of the usual woody foundation. Another interesting fact, to be observed on this plant, is the extraordinary growth that the stems will make when they find support from some neighboring plant, as compared with the growth when the branches are made to support themselves. It is a fact, placed on record by the writer of this, in the Proceedings port. This fact, gathered from an observation ofthis plant, isofvery great practical use. Those who have the care of twining plants save much by helping to support them. A grapevine, when it has a chance to run over a tree, will make a vigorous, healthy growth to three times the extent in one season than it will when the branches find nothing to cling to. Another lesson is the fact, that however botanists may play ** battledore and shuttle- cock *' with botanical names, it is not possible to change a name when it once gets intogener- 56 MEEHANS' MONTHLY — GENERAL GARDENING. [April A', . Of course, such a hedge should be at a dis- tance, and not seen in conjunction with the ornate portions of your grounds. And, just here, permit me to animadvert against the ex- treme view which now seems in fashion con- cerning tile natural in landscape art. Under the proper environments, the wild and picturesque will always deeply impress a man of refinement ; but the environment must be right. Brought in juxtaposition with the artistic forms of our habitations, the result will be incongruous, and hence will do violence to all cultured minds. Tulip Tree May 15 Grows luxuriantly here. This tree should never be planted near the house, as it is liable to be overthrown by winds. Common Locust May 15 After a few years, it is worthless as an orna- mental tree. Garden Roses May 18 With us, the only ones suitable for lawn effects are the common, hardy, vigorous grow- ers, that bloom only once in a season. Deutzia (Excellent) May 20 Red Haw or Hawthorn (Cockspur)..May 20 While young, much infested with plant lice. Common Privet May 27 Does well with us. A very valuable shrub. Catalpa speciosa May 29 Too frequently attacked by a very large and peculiar worm to be used as a lawn tree. Crimson Rambler Rose June 6 Beautiful. Rudbeckia fulgida June 10 Nothing more suitable for the borders of the wild-garden. Blooms from six to eight weeks. Clematis (Carolina Blue Bells) .June 10 Common Elder June 10 A vigorous grower. Beautiful and pictur- esque at a distance and in the wild garden. The golden and the variegated are less robust. Elders require much sun. Hollyhocks (Perennial) June 10 Do well with us. They of course look very effective in the borders. Wild Running Rose June 15 Very suitable for the wild garden. Native Hydrangea June 15 Rich growth. Wild garden. I\fa_L:ftolia grandiflora June 20 This beautiful evergreen becomes acclimated after a winter's struggle. AlthiL-a June 26 Does well. Common Trumpet Vine July i This and the Virginia Creeper are excellent to cover decrepit trees. Phlox, Rose Color July 8 Beautiful. Blooms nearly all summer and fall. Wild Flag or L^ily July 10 Good in the wild garden. Rudbeckia (Golden Glow) July 20 Phlox, White July 21 Beautiful, but not so lasting in bloom as the rose color. Hydrangea pan. grandiflora July 27 With us, this beautiful plant should only be planted in reach of the water hose. Garden Chrysanthemum Oct. 15 G. M. Alves. [Reports of this nature from different sec- tions would prove of some benefit to those contemplating planting.] Longevity of the Nasturtium. — There are few plants better known than the common TfOpcBolum or, as many flower-lovers have come to briefly call it, " Sturtion," for this is the way in which its name is quite frequently pronounced. It is a remarkably interesting plant, wholly aside from its curiously-formed and yet showy flowers. Even the most ad- vanced scientific botanist may derive very in- teresting lessons from its study. Mrs. Keller- man recently gave the readers of Meehans' Monthly an interesting account of its varia- tions, which were particularly instructive to the teratologists. Another interesting fact is, that although recorded as an annual in botani- cal works, plants have been known to live for many years. The fact is, a very large number of plants which are annuals in some climates, or under certain conditions, are perennials under other circumstances. Even our cotton plant, which is an annual as seen in our cotton fields, be- comes a perennial in some parts of India and other portions of the world. There really does seem to be numbers of plants that insist on living for but one year ; but even these can be continued by cuttings for an indefinite period of time. The writer has a Nasturtium plant which is already four years old. and is yet as hale and hearty as anything of life can be. The inter- esting point to the scientific person is that, • i * > y «^ « • 189S.] meehans' monthly — GENERAL GARDENING. 57 although we may find the stems of the plant three or four years old, there will not be found any woody tissue. You cannot tell the age of a Nasturtium by counting rings of wood as in other perennial stems. The stems are, in fact, quite hollow. But we do find annual circles of bark by carefully examining them with a microscope. There is no thickening of these vStems, therefore, so far as diameter is con- cerned ; and yet there is a thickening of this circular structure from the inside, — that is to say, there is a lessening of the diameter of the of the Academy of Natural Sciences, over a quarter of a century ago, that plants have to ex- pend a large proportion of the nutrition they receive in opposing gravitation, — that is, in supporting themselves. Where they receive support from outside, this expenditure is saved, and the nourishment, usually required for self- support, is spent on the increase of structure. A Nasturtium, supported in a comparatively mild conservatory, may make a growth of three feet in two weeks, while it would not make a foot of growth when left to its own means of sup- VIEW IN THE GARDEN OF JAS. W. ELWELL. BROOKLYN. NEW YORK. --sec page sa. interior cavity. It is in this way that the in- creased longevity is attained. It seems to be a case where the bark system has possessed the power of perpetuating itself independently of the usual woody foundation. Another interesting fact, to be observed on this plant, is the extraordinary growth that the stems will make when they find support from some neighboring plant, as compared with the growth when the branches are made to support themselves. It is a fact, placed on record by the writer of this, in the Proceedings port. This fact, gathered from an observation ofthis plant, is of very great practical use. Those who have the care of twining plants save much by helping to support them. A grapevine, when it has a chance to run over a tree, will make a vigorous, healthy growth to three times the extent in one season than it will when the branches find nothing to cling to. Another lesson is the fact, that however botanists may play "battledore and shuttle- cock *' with botanical names, it is not possible to change a name when it once gets intogener- \ m I ■'! >* I n 1 ■I '■'i HI ^ INTENnONAIrSEajNUEXPOS 58 MEEHANS* MONTHLY — GENERAL GARDENING. [April al use. When lyinnseus reformed botany, he found the name Nasturtium to many genera. He dropped it, in this case, and made Tropceo- htm of it, — the name being of Greek derivation, from its shield-like leaves. But the people would have none of it. Their dear, old favor- ite is Nasturtium yet, though reduced to ••Sturtion " for short. Ornamental Gardening. — The illustration on page 57 represents a scene in the garden of Jas. W. El well, of Brooklyn, New York, which is under the charge of Mr. Jno. A. Boyle, as gardener. As a specimen of perfect art in the gardenesque style, it would be difficult to criticize unfavorably. If anyone can suggest a weak point, these pages are open for the pur- pose. Hardiness of Trees. — To those of your readers living in Pennsylvania, the coast line of New York and Connecticut, the statement of Ernest Walker, that the English Walnut is considered tender in the latitude of New Albany, Indiana, will seem strange, for, in the places named, it is hardy enough for all pur- poses. But Mr. Walker gives a very good rea- son why it is not hardy, and his remarks are along the same line the Monthly has taken on several occasions. It is the hot sun follow- ing a heavy freezing that does the damage, hence the advantage of planting anything of which there is doubt in a place free from the winter's sun. The practical gardener under- stands this when he thaws out frozen gera- niums in cold water in the shade. If he thaw them quickly in the sun, they die, just as the walnut and the Magnolia grandiflora do — or, at least, the foliage of the latter. We do not need to select a sheltered place for the walnut here, but plant it wherever convenient. We do try to get a shady place for the magnolia, and this is all it asks. So it can thaw gradu- ally, it does not mind the freezing. There are large trees standing out alone, which were pro- tected from the sun when young, which now take care of themselves. The foliage on the south side gets disfigured towards spring, but not that on the north and east. There are so many leaves that one protects the other; still, where practicable, shade for the southern side is advised. Germantown. Pa. JOSEPH MEEHAN. MEW OR R/flRE FL/^NTS. Physalis Franchetti and p. Japonica. — . Physalis Fra7ichetti has not proven with me and a neighbor as desirable as the catalogues had led me to expect. Seed planted last March germinated readily enough, but by the end of the season, the plants were still very small and had shown no signs of blossoming or fruiting. Three plants obtained in May were set out in good soil and sunlight, but made but slow growth, although they had every attention. By the end of the season two of the plants had one fruit each, but the third had none. Some Physalis Japonica (catalogued by one firm, last year, as a novelty) were grown immediately alongside of the P. Franchetti, and grew to a height of over four feet, blossomed and fruited profusely, but alas ; the fruit was green and remained green to the end. These Physalis Japonica were raised from seed started the same time as the Franchetti, but made greater pro- gress than did even the plants of the latter, which were about four or five inches high when procured from the florist. With me, the P. Franchetti was anything but attractive, and the color of the husks was a dull red. I should much like to hear the experience of other amateurs with this extensively-advertised and lavishly-lauded plant. The texture of the leaf is such as to invite the attacks of red spider, and this I found to be the case, com- pelling me to wash the underside of the leaves often. On attempting to pot a small plant of the P, Frafichetli in the fall, I found that the root had extended in a lateral direction under- ground to a greater distance than the height of the plant, which leads me to believe that it may prove an undesirable inhabitant of the garden if growing shoots are sent out all along these spreading roots, as it is said to be a hardy perennial. L. C. L. Jordan. Bergen Point, N. J. This report on a candidate for popularity is very valuable to those who have not yet se- cured their plants ; but possibly a difierent treatment may yield better results. Can any- one add to what has been said } As noted, the color is a dull red, — deep red was suggested rather indefinitely in the previ- ous article, — but this lack of immediate per- sonal charm will not prove an entire drawback, as it is claimed valuable for arrangement with /^ "^r > ; i ^ .1 « # /' i iE 1898.] meehans* monthly — general gardening. 59 bunches of other material in decorations where a harmony or contrast of color would be desirable. Physalis Japonica is advertised as the Abys- sinian Tomato, valuable as a garden fruit and not for ornament. In the same strain, Burpee says : ** We do not recommend it. The growth of the plant is too straggling to make it ornamental and the fruits are not edible, as claimed. Two of our boys tried eating some the past summer and became uncomfortably sick ! We have had it on trial for two years." The conductors of Meehans' Monthly have eaten a few of this species, and found it unpalatable in a raw state ; but P. Alkekefigi is rather agreeable and preserves well. Geranium Madame Bruant. — One of the most pleasing geraniums ever seen by the writer is the variety Madame Bruant. The productions of Mons. Bruant are so generally recognized as being extremely meritorious, that the mere fact of the name given our sub- ject, would tend to assure one of its worth. The flowers are single, of large size and pro- duced in large trusses, have a large centre of white, lightly carmine-veined, distinctly and regularly bordered with bright solferino. Because of the peculiar arrangement of colors of the flowers, it is undoubtedly shown to best advantage as a pot plant, though beds viewed at short distances should show equally as well. Messrs. Storrs & Harrison Co., of Paines- ville, Ohio, are propagating it largely, and they report it to be " a vigorous grower, very free flowering and a continuous bloomer winter and summer." BOWIEA VOLUBILIS. — A LEAFLESS PLANT. — A plant without true leaves is frequently as interesting as any with leaves. The Bowiea volubilis is one of this character, leaves de- veloping only in its second or third year. It is a plant that one delights to watch in its growing season. From an odd, fleshy bulb, one or two herbaceous twining stems arise to the heighth of two or three feet. These stems are delicate looking and of a pretty green color, and ramble gracefully over a little trellis. A subscriber, to whom the conductors are in- debted for this interesting specimen, says his plant is growing at a rate of half-inch a day. Ariscema fimbriatum. — The genus Arisoema belongs to the family of aroids. It is nearly related to the Arum and Arisarum, and com- prises a half-hundred species, the largest num- ber belonging to Asia or America. One of the most remarkable is A. Jimbriatum, with its dark purple spathe, streaked lengthwise with white lines, and its long hanging spadice all covered with hairy, purplish filaments. It is a very curious plant, introduced from the Philippine Islands by the establishment of William Bull, of London. It is of easy cul- ture, and needs only to be taken in early and placed in a temperate bed, that it may rest until towards the end of summer. It can be forced into rest by not being watered, which retards its vegetation. Translated from Lyon- Horticole by Sarah M. Lanning. Dahlia imperialis. — One would hardly imagine, from the illustration, on page 61, the subject to be a dahlia — at first sight. The popular impression would suggest it to be something of a lily, — and, indeed, "Lily- 6o MEKHANS' MONTHLY— GENERAL GARDENING. [April Dahlia" has been suggested as a common name for it. Plants of the dahlia family are, however, easily distinguished from other families closely related by the small, green, leaf like series of scales at the base of the head of florets, as well shown in the accom- panying illustration. It was first discovered by the late Benedict Roezl, in 1863, i" Mexico. Its specific. name, imperialis, is from its im- perial or majestic growth. Mrs. Theodosia B. Shepherd, of Ventura, California, has found it to reach 10 or 15 feet in height. In a wild state, the color of the flowers is somewhat like that of the Cosmos— 9i vermillion pink ; but in the hands of improvers like Mrs. Shep- herd, we may soon see it broken up into numerous shades of color. Sweet Peas for 1898.— The Sunset Seed & Plant Co., in their third edition of the *' Sweet Pea Review," enumerate the following 1898 introductions, placing them in three classes, according to merits shown by their tests : First Class. Golden Gleam, (Yellow.) Salopian, (Crimson.) Prince Edward of York, (Scarlet-crimson.) Lady Nina Balfour, (Mauve-bluish.) Shahzada, (Deep Maroon, or closely- allied deep tints.) Triumph, (Deep Maroon, Standards and wings of slightly different tints ) Kmily Lynch, (Same shades. Flaked and Clouded.) Countess of Powis, (Same color; rich metallic.) Striped Celestial, (Variegated ; Bluish- Mauve.) Columbia, (Tricolor.) Second Class. California, (Pink.) Coronet, (Variegated Orange-rose.) Third Class, Queen Victoria, (Not true) (Yellow.) TME HiflRI&T fLOWER ^/^RfeEN. Herbaceous Perennials for the Ama- teur AND THE Florist.— Now is the time to plant herbaceous perennials. The demand for them of late years is rapidly increasing, not only in the great cities and private parks, but they are also admired by the owners of small city yards and farmers' gardens, — and they do well everywhere, planted for effect in big masses, as well as single specimens. Herba- ceous plants are unequalled for planting in front of shrubs and evergreens in beds, or borders, and are very effective mixed with decorative grasses on the borders of creeks and water sceneries. The great value of using this class of plants lies also in the fact that lots of them can be planted in dry, sunny spots, as well as in quite shady places where hardly any of our annuals could be used with success. The great nurseries now catalogue grand collections of these plants. A few with very effective flowers are: — Achillea Millefolium rubra, Agrostemma Coronaria, Althea rosea fl. pi. (Hollyhock.) Aquilegia (Columbine.) Armeria maritima, very useful for edging borders. The pink flowers are very pretty, rising only 6 inches above the compact, dark green foliage. Asters in different varieties are unequalled for planting in groups. They flower in the autumn and are excellent for cut-flower pur- poses. Astilbe (Spiraea) Japonica is valuable as a border plant. If so desired, it can be trimmed to any shape. Boltonia latisquama is very attractive in autumn. Centaurea varieties. No perennial collec- tion should be without these effective flower- ing plants. Convallaria majalis and majalis fol. varie- gata, for half shady situations, are well-known as Lilies-of-the- Valley. Corontlla varia is exceedingly pretty and a freq^uent bloomer. Funkia assorted ; of the greatest value to plant in shady parts, under trees, the, smaller varieties as edging plants. They are very decorative. Geranium sanguineum. The flowers of this last a very long time. Helianthus of various kinds. These peren- nial sun-flowers, growing 4 to 5 feet high, have very showy flowers. No garden, large or small, should be without them. Hemerocallis varieties are very desirable for r ^1 4 A i 1898] MEEHANS' MONTHLY — GENERAL GARDENING. 61 planting in low ground, although they will thrive under trees and even in hot and dry soils of various kinds. They grow, almost any where, from 3 to 4 feet in height. Iris in assortment, especially the so-called German and Japanese, make a grand display in the border. They are very easy to grow in almost any soil. Lysimachia vulgaris and clethroides are both exquisite for border planting. Paeon ies may be planted in groups, and will stand for many years without requiring transplanting. Some varieties are quite fragrant. Pent stern on Digit- alis. It is to be re- gretted that this fine plant is so seldom found in gardens. Ph lox decussata . Every year brings new varieties of this elegant bloomer. Valuable for shrub- bery beds, or to plant in groups or borders. Phlox subulata is a creeping Phlox, ^ind unequalled, in 1 iif shady, moist situ ations, for covering the ground. Polygonum cuspi- datum. A very rapid grower, excellent as a single plant, or to hide fences and small buildings during the summer. It reaches a height of ten feet in good ground. Saxifraga, Sedum and Sempervivum of vari- ous kinds are especially valuable for planting in dry locations. There is nothing better for rock works. Solidagos (Golden-Rod) are effective as fall bloomers. Spircea filipendula fl. pi., with its hand- some, fern-like leaves and double white flowers, and other varieties, as ulmaria, alba plena and veyiusta, no garden should be without it. To grow vigorously they want good soil. DAHLIA IMPERiALIS.--scc PAac BQ. St achy s lanata will be admired planted in borders, as the silver foliage and pink flowers are very pretty. Tradescantias grow in either dry or moist ground and have pretty flowers. Veronicas are dwarf growers and easy to cultivate. Vinca, of the various kinds, are good grow- ers in any situation, being very useful for covering the ground under trees. But not only the amateur should plant these herbaceous plants more fre- quently. There is money in them for the professional flor- ists. Many herba- ceous plants would very easily supply the florist in winter and early spring with useful cut- flowers and decorat- ing material. Let us, in short, review these varieties. Anthericum Lili- ago is a good pot plant for early spring. Belli s per en n is (English Daisy) is excellent for plant- ing in boxes, pots or in cold frames, for mid-winter and early spring use. Campanulas make good pot plants if potted late in fall, kept cool over w i n ter and forced from 40 to 50 degrees from February on. Convallaria majalis (Lilies-of-the- Valley) are well-known to the florist. They are easy for amateurs to force in a room. They should be kept warm and moist, no dry heat, planted in moss, and set away from light until they get three inches long. Dicentra {Diclytra) spectabilis is one of the prettiest plants for pots, both in leaves and flowers. They can be had in bloom in Febru- ary. 6o MEEHANS' MONTHLY— GENERAL GARDENING. [April Dahlia " has been suggested as a common name for it. Plants of the dahlia family are, however, easily distinguished from other families closely related by the small, green, leaf like series of scales at the base of the head of florets, as well shown in the accom- panying illustration. It was first discovered by the late Benedict Roezl, in 1863. in Mexico. Its specific. name, imperialis, is from its im- perial or majestic growth. Mrs. Theodosia B. Shepherd, of Ventura, California, has found it to reach 10 or 15 feet in height. In a wild state, the color of the flowers is somewhat like that of the Cosmos— 2. vermillion pink ; but in the hands of improvers like Mrs. Shep- herd, we may soon see it broken up into numerous shades of color. Sweet Peas for 1898.— The Sunset Seed & Plant Co., in their third edition of the " Sweet Pea Review," enumerate the following 1898 introductions, placing them in three classes, according to merits shown by their tests : First Class, Golden Gleam, (Yellow.) Salopian, (Crimson.) Prince Edward of York, (Scarlet-crimson.) Lady Nina Balfour, (Mauve-bluish.) Shahzada, (Deep Maroon, or closely-allied deep tints.) Triumph, (Deep Maroon, Standards and wings of slightly different tints ) Kmily Lynch, (Same shades. Flaked and Clouded.) Countess of Powis, (Same color ; rich metallic.) Striped Celestial, (Variegated ; Bluish- Mauve.) Columbia, (Tricolor.) Second Class. California, (Pink.) Coronet, (Variegated Orange-rose.) Third Class, Queen Victoria, (Not true) (Yellow.) rrSE M/fflRI^T f LOWEl ^i^ll&IE Herbaceous Perennials for the Ama- teur AND THE Florist. —Now is the time to plant herbaceous perennials. The demand for them of late years is rapidly increasing, not only in the great cities and private parks, but they are also admired by the owners of small city yards and farmers' gardens,— and they do well everywhere, planted for effect in big masses, as well as single specimens. Herba- ceous plants are unequalled for planting in front of shrubs and evergreens in beds, or borders, and are very effective mixed with decorative grasses on the borders of creeks and water sceneries. The great value of using this class of plants lies also in the fact that lots of them can be planted in dry, sunny spots, as well as in quite shady places where hardly any of our annuals could be used with success. The great nurseries now catalogue grand collections of these plants. A few with very effective flowers are: — Achillea Millefolium nibra. Agrostemyna Corofiaria. Althea rosea fl. pi. (Hollyhock.) Aquilegia (Columbine.) Armeria maritima, very useful for edging borders. The pink flowers are very pretty, rising only 6 inches above the compact, dark green foliage. Asters in different varieties are unequalled for planting in groups. They flower in the autumn and are excellent for cut-flower pur- poses. Astilbe (Spirnea) Japonica is valuable as a border plant. If so desired, it can be trimmed to any shape. Bolto7iia latisquama is very attractive in autumn. Centaurea varieties. No perennial collec- tion should be without these effective flower- ing plants. Convallatia majalis and majalis fol. varie- gata, for half shady situations, are well-known as Lilies-of-the- Valley. Coromlla varia is exceedingly pretty and a frequent bloomer. Fu7ikia assorted ; of the greatest value to plant in shady parts, under trees, the smaller varieties as edging plants. They are very decorative. Geranium sanguinejim. The flowers of this last a very long time. Helianthus of various kinds. These peren- nial sun-flowers, growing 4 to 5 feet high, have very showy flowers. No garden, large or small, should be without them. Hemerocallis varieties are very desirable for ♦ . fc' <' i « » » J 1898] MEEHANS' MONTHLY — GENERAL GARDENING. 61 "ww-^if~'!ni^[P« planting in low ground, although they will thrive under trees and even in hot and dry soils of various kinds. They grow, almost any where, from 3 to 4 feet in height. Iris in assortment, especially the so-called German and Japanese, make a grand display in the border. They are very easy to grow in almost any soil. Lysimachia vulgaris and clethroides are both exquisite for border planting. Pcneonies may be planted in groups, and will stand for many years without requiring transplanting. Some varieties are quite fragrant. Pentstemon Digit- alis. It is to be re- gretted that this fine plant is so seldom found in gardens. Ph I ox decussata . Every year brings new varieties of this elegant bloomer. Valuable for shrub- bery beds, or to plant in groups or borders. Phlox subulata is a creeping Phlox, and unequalled, in half shady, moist situ- ations, for covering the ground. Polygomun cuspi- datum. A very rapid grower, excellent as a single plant, or to hide fences and small buildings during the summer. It reaches a height of ten feet in good ground. Saxifraga, Sedu?n and Sempervivum of vari- ous kinds are especially valuable for planting in dry locations. There is nothing better for rock works. Solidagos (Golden-Rod) are effective as fall bloomers. Spircea filipefidtda fl. pi., with its hand- some, fern-like leaves and double white flowers, and other varieties, as iilmaria, alba plena and ve?iusta, no garden should be without it. To grow vigorously they want good soil. ^^.k. DAHLIA IMPERIALIS. Stachys lanata will be admired planted in borders, as the silver foliage and pink flowers are very pretty. Tradescantias grow in either dry or moist ground and have pretty flowers. Veronicas are dwarf growers and easy to cultivate. Vinca, of the various kinds, are good grow- ers in any situation, being very useful for covering the ground under trees. But not only the amateur should plant these herbacecus plants more fre- quently. There is money in them for the professional flor- ists. Many herba- ceous plants would very easily supply the florist in winter and early spring with useful cut- flowers and decorat- ing material. Let us, in short, review these varieties. Anthericum Lili- ago is a good pot plant for early spring. Belli s perennis (English Daisy) is excellent for plant- ing in boxes, pots or in cold frames, for mid-winter and early spring use. Campanulas make good pot plants if potted late in fall, kept cool over winter and forced from 40 to 50 degrees from February on. Convallaria majalis (Lilies-of-the- Valley) are well-known to the florist. They are easy for amateurs to force in a room. They should be kept warm and moist, no dry heat, planted in moss, and set away from light until they get three inches long. Dicentra {Diclytra) specta bills is one of the prettiest plants for pots, both in leaves and flowers. They can be had in bloom in Febru- ary. 'SEC PAGE SB. 1 Si ^1 ENTIONAL SEC ui^ie EXPOSURE 62 MEKHANS* MONTHI.Y — GENERAL GARDENING. [April Funkias, especially undulata fol. vatiegata, are unexcelled for use in jardinieres. They are easy to force in a dark place until the leaves are two inches in height. Unequalled for flower arrangements and designs. He who forces them once will not fail to do so again. Hellehorus niget, the so-called Christmas Rose, flowers easily in pots or boxes in mid- winter, in a temperature of 40 to 45 degrees. The new large-flowering- varieties in different colors are very handsome. Ihetis sempervirens and Tenoreana are nice low bushes for pots in winter. Pseonies. If these are wanted to be forced, they should have a little frost before they are taken up. They are very decorative flowered in 10 inch pots. They need much light, and, after buds are set, frequently manure them. Spirseas are much used for forcing. Spitcea Afuncus is a very showy and decorative pot plant. The most of the named plants for forcing should go through a few degrees of frost before they are potted. how it stands the public test. Mr. John F. Beaver, an Ohioian, is the originator. M. Crawford, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, is largely interested in its dissemination. rR'yilTS S5 ¥E^ET/^PLCS. The Pomona Currant.— The Pomona is a new variety of red currant, introduced by Albertson and Hobbs, of Bridgeport, Indiana. Small seeds and great productiveness are claimed for it. Pequea Gooseberry.— At the recent annual meeting of the State Horticultural Associa- tion of Penna., much interest was centered in a new seedling gooseberry, Pequea, some canes of which were placed on exhibition by Messrs. Mayer & Son, of Lancaster. The cause of such attention was the remarkable growth, the canes shown being 6 feet in length. Mr. Mayer said that he had seen growth on his plants 8 feet in height. No especial claim for flavor was put forth for the fruit, though it was said to be equal to any. Nick Ohmer Strawberry.— Among 1898 introductions, is a strawberry, Nick Ohmer by name, for which is claimed a vigorous growth, perfect blossom, productiveness and large- sized regular fruit of excellent quality. Meehans' Monthly would be glad to record Topping Raspberry and Blackberry Plants — In commercial fruit-growing it is almost a universal practice to top the canes of raspberries and blackberries when growing, in order to make them stocky and self-support- ing, as this is a great saving of time and ex- pense. The canes have their tops pinched off when about two feet high. The side shoots, which come then, add another foot or two of length before the season is over. This process gives stout bushes, which sustain themselves without any staking or support. When the winter is over the side shoots are clipped back a little, and nothing else is required. These stocky, self-supporting canes, though bearing more berries than those not treated as these were, do not bear more weight of fruit. The largest berries come from plants let grow as they will for the season and cut back to 3 or 4 feet in early spring. Growers must de- cide between large berries and self-supporting plants. J* San Jose Scale.— Oil is sure death to all insects. Like everything else, it requires to be mixed with brains when using it. Orchard trees have been known to be painted all over with Linseed Oil, killing every insect, and the trees flourished under the treatment. Others have used it, and every tree died. Speaking of the San Jose Scale, Mr. S. A. Pease, in a lecture before the California University Farm- ers' Institute, remarked, "Kerosene is all right,— //jv^w know how to use it.'* Spraying with Kerosene Emulsion kills about 80 per cent ; but enough insects escape to renew the race rapidly. Fumigation with hydrocyanic gas is now resorted to. Light tents are made to completely cover each tree. Two and a half ounces of cyanide are used for each full grown orange tree. The tents are left for forty minutes over each tree. Three ounces of cyanide make a safe amount. If too light a dose be given, the insects are not all destroyed. The lecturer said one company had fumigated 1500 acres of orchards, comprising various kinds of fruits. f' • t r^ 4 1 > ,«• ;^ ' h ^ f SITUATIONS WANTED. ^^y^^^^vcitx\\% under this head, not exceeding 50 words will oc inserted once for 50 cents, or three times for I1.25. G |ARDENERS: At all times, we have on our register the names of competent gardeners, whom we would be glad to recommend to persons in need of same as being fully competent to take entire charge of any place, either large or small. Gardeners desiring situations should correspond with us. No charge, whatever, is made for any such service rendered. THOMAS MEEHAN & SONS, German town, Philadelphia. QARDENER — Situation wanted by a thor- y^ ougliiy practical gardener. Good references from present employer; English, a^e 38; married, one child. Address '* G. J.." care Meehans" MONTHI^Y. ARDENER AND FLORIST.~A first-class ' German, age 35, married, one child, wishes position on gentleman's place. 19 years' experi- ence, good reference. Address, Carl Braemer, i4«; West Bridge St., Oswego, N. Y. QARDENER AND FLORIST wants private ^^ place; German, age 33. married, one child ; references. "I. D. N," care of Meehans' good MONTHI^Y. AA^^Wi^^^W Wood Ashes Direct from Canada, coi- lected by ourselves in the hard- wood districts, tested, and shipped under our own guarantee of strength and purity. Buy ashes or other fertilizers only of responsible concerns. Our twenty-flve years in business, ample capital and facili- ties, combine to make our guarantee of value. BONE m WOOD-ASH FERTILIZER, $25 per ton. An excellent combina- tion. Write for particulars. BOWKFR '"'^RTILIZER COMPANY, UUITIXLn 43 Chatham St.. Boston. Manufacturers of Special and Gen- eral Fertilizers for all crops and a' I soils, nowker's Lawn Dressing. Everything in the feHUizer line. ► ► ► ■MV^^^^^MV F. O. RRATT GoDGord liuFseries CONCORD, MASS. SEND FOR PRICES FOR Bprberis Tliunbergii, B. vulgaris and B. Sinensis. Ciftlira ainitolia. CoriiiiH »(*ricea and C. pauiculata. C'yle »Hrd<*n. A book of over 200 page^ Hun- reds of illustrations and six cnlore.i plaits. Full of prartii al . irections for the culiivai on of flowering, oriiamentaf anil kitchen garden plants lll.uO TU01IA8 MEKUAN & 80>'8, Oenimntown, Plil|». OWKER'S FERTILIZERS fop HOUSE PLANTS, LAWNS, GARDENS, FARM CROPS. montha, sent by mall for Catalogu© free. State for what purpose fertilizer is BOWKER FERTILIZER CO., A book on Window Gardening," and enough odorless fertil- #>r Izer for thirty plants three /hp wanted when writing. Boston. WHEN WRITING TO ADVERTlStBS, TELL THEM YOU SAW 1 HEIR CARD IN MEEHAl^FM^^iTSLY, Potash IS one of the three im- portant ingredients of a complete fertilizer ; the others are phos- phoric acid and nitro- gen. Too Httle Potash is sure to result in a partial crop failure. An illustrated book which tells what Potash is, how it should be used, and how much Potash a well-balanced fertilizer should contain, is sent free to all applicants. Send your address. GERHAN KALI W0RK3, 93 Nassau St Free New York, ''Fixin' Fences 7J every sprlnj? Is needlf>es. No ' 'ton rails' ' to lay tip, nor need to chiise down the lane after every storm if Pnire Feuce is used. Send for **sprln*f styles" and prices. See our ad. in next issue. PAGE WOVEN WIRE FE>TE CO.. Adrian, MIfh. Our wonderful Bismarck Apple Trees will bear beautiful large ap- ples, equal to Greenings or Bald- wins (see Rural New Yorker, Octo- ber 30, 1897). first season after plant- injf either in pots as a House PHnt, in Gardens or Orchards for Market. Very prolific, perfectly hardy. One Dollar each. Order now for spring planting. Club oflfers. Address, Manhattan Nursery Co., Dept. D, 47 Dey St., New York WRITE! For our Beautiful Colored Lithographs Mailed FREE SEEDS! SEEDS! 74th Annual Priced Catalogue of VEDETIIBIE, FIIIM AND FLOWER SEEDS Is now ready and mailed free to all applicants Bridgeman's Seed Warehonse 37 EAST 19th STREET, NEW YORK CITY w: WITH THE ^'INCOMPARABLE' to send for our New Catalogue, which tells of IT WILL PAY YOU Hardy Trees, Shrubs, Plants, Roses, Fruit, and our special stock of Rhododendrons. It will in- terest all who are interested in such matters. ANDORRA NURSERIES, ^H'ShT >. Wm. Warnfr Harper. Proprietor BEAUTIFUL BROUNDS Handtiome t»hrubberv will increase their value. THE MONTROSE NURSERIES make a specialty of CHOICE SHRUBBERY, EVERGREENS and are offering them at very low prices. Al«o a full line of fruit and nut trees. Send for 1898 cataloprue. E, S. M*M':TKRS€PV, ytontrofte, N. 1'. Four Step •(■?m: ca>», '^ (■ BORBEAUX NOZZLE used on ''WoRLp's Bkst" Spravlnir Otitfit« made " OHIO THIS shows ^_^ — wr Makes Itn own emulnlon'in tliV'a'rof pumping. Sold by dealers jjenerally. Write the manufacturers or their General We8t«m Afl:ent.s, Hrnion A Hubbkll. Cuwaco. Illiistnited Book oa «*Spraying" FREE. are all that stand between you and suc- cessful rose growing. First you write for the New Guide to Rose Culture, which is sent free. It fully describes, accurately pictures, and plainly directs you how to grow the famous D. A, C. Roses, and a thousand other beautiful flowers. Shows you how to take the next step — to get them by mail on their own roots, ready to grow and bloom in pot or garden. ^Taice the first step to-day. A >x il ^sample of our floral magazinc,^.?!l?Ii —"Success with Flowers" also sent if rccjucsted. THE DINGEE & CONARD CO., West Grove, Pa. \j> ^ •-^ o.'V"'*^ *^«i ^■.f"'«-<. If you want good Lawn Grass Seed which Is entirely free from weeds aud positively reliable, or the best Lawn Mowers it will pay you to purchase at Micheli's Seed Store 1018 Market St., Philadelphia A very extensive stock of Fertilizers, Garden Tools and Implements at very moderates prices. WE GUARANTEE SATISFACTIOJi Illustrated catalogue and price list sent free. DONT SYRINGE WITH COLD WATER U ,ow..s the W.a„t. or ,our^S.oc._, -t.;';^.^^^- p^,H;c^u,ars o^^^ TempeHn, Apparatus. ^ BUILD AND HEAT YOUR GREENHOUSES Kxpert Advice and PlHn« furnished. l-fr7>IVTrk%/ m«7 ><^ ■ r^ r^ .^ .. . ^ Kstlmates free. llENRY W. GIBBONS ^34-136-138 LIBERTY STREET. ^^*^*^ NEW YORK. TREES and especially all Fruit Trees, should be propagated with a view to Lona Life and Productiveness. Our principle is correct and needs no defense but if in doubt wni furni.h proof. Well-gu.rded Parentage in propal Ration results m Sturdy, Vigorous Constltut-on in ail pfant life. No job or bargain lots." Customers in cold regions witness to Constltu- dom from disappointment. New Catalogtte Jead"y^' "«^^''"««« ^^ °"^ Trees. We only promise best values and free- Cayuga Nurseries. Established 1847 WILEY & CO., Cayuga, N. Y. and other DECORATIVE PLANTS, also the newest and best FLOWERING PLANTS including Cannes, Carna- tions, Dahlias, Roses, etc., HARDY PERENNIAL PLANTS and a full line of for the Garden, Greenhouse and Farm are fully illustrated and described in our Garden Calendar for 1898 the handsomest catalogue of the year mailed FREE to those who will state that they saw this advertisement in Meehans' Monthi^y. HENRY A. DREER 714 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia URPEE'S FOR 1898 I he Leadiof American Seed Catalo^e. WKITB TO.DAT. .W:.ATLlE»URPj|l a CO., PHILADKLPHIi^ WHEN WRITING TO ADVERTISERS. TELL THEM YOU SAW THEIR CARD IN MEEHANS' MONTHLY. \t WHEN WRITING TO ADVERTISERS, TELL THEM YOU SAW IFRii^/^^D IN MEEHANS' MONTHLY. • « Rhododendrons, Not imported and therefore hardy. Hardy Azaleas, Japanese Maples, Magnolias, (living guaranteed) . Rare Evergreens, other Trees, new Shrubs, Hedge Plants: PARSONS & SONS CO., l'm'ted. Flushing, New York: lAdfc^Ai -*-'*--*>'*--*--*-'*>'*--*--^ '*-'*-'*--*- -*--*--*- WILD FERNS i FLOWERS The most beautiful that grow in all countries. I grow and test them in this climate, and sell the hardiest. Hardy orchids, ferns, vines, climbers, lilies, shrubs, trees. Plants for sun and shade, for bog and rock-work, border plants, etc. Surprisingly low prices for the quality and kind of stock. My illustrated catalofifue describes about 700 kinds, tells where to plant and how to gfrow them. Mailed for 2c. stamp F. H. HORSFORD, Charlotte, Vt. EVEBBREENS 100 6 to 8 in., $1.00 ; choice of 32 packajsres. 100 choice, transplanted, 2 ft. $10 prepaid. Millions to oflFer; all hardy varieties, all si7.es. ORNAMENTAL AND FRUIT TREES, Shrubs, vines, etc. Catalogue, prices and 40 >?reat barprains SentFREE. ttTCrOod Ixx'ul Affents Wiinted. DU II I Evergreen Specialist, ■ nikky DUNDEE, ILLINOIS. EVERGREENS. Largest stock in Amei^ lea, including Colorado Blue Spruce and Douglas Spruce of Colorado. Also OmamentaU Shade and Forett Trees^ Tree Seed$, Etc, « R. DOUCLA8* RONS WMkecsB. 111. - PEACH TREES at wholesale or retail. Officially declared free from scale or injurious insects. Best stock grown. Strawberry Plants— «^ varieties; all nrom new beds. Apple, Pear, Plum, and other stock. Bend for new Catalogue to-day. HARRISON S NURSERIES. Berlin. Md Zl RE what you want to insure success. 50 •^^ years' ex|)erlence, with hundreds of testimonials, proves their real merit. Send for illustratea catalojrue, FREE| contain- ingr valuable information. WM. ELLIOTT & SONS, 54 & 56 DEY ST., NEW YORK. TREES Fruit, Forest, Ornamental, Evergreen SHRUBBERY, ROSES GRAPE VINES Small Fruits, California Privet, etc., etc* The above-named Trees we grow in large quantities and have a full assortment of fine healthy Trees to offer in large or small quantities. All free from "San Jose Scale." Send for our free Catalogue of 64 pages. Address "* Stephen Hoyt's Sons New Canaan, Conn. XOUIS CAUTHIER," ST. JOSEPH'^ and other English, French, CtmifhorrW Phlltc German, Alpine and American OiiailUoMj 1101110 and Seed. Also Currants, Gooseberries, Raspberries, and Dewberries. Handsome illustrated catalogue. A. T. 60LDSBOROU6H, Wesley Heights. Washington. D. C. CHINQUAPIN. NUT and FRUIT TREES Of all Desirable Varieties 300 Acres-IMHENSE STO€K-60 Years Houk on Nut Culture, 157 pages. 60 lllaHtratioiis, telling bow to propatiate, mai ket and cook them. Price, S 1 .OO, or [to free with an order of Nut Trees for %S. Catalogue Free. PARRY'S POMONA NURSERIES PARRY. NEW JERSEY DWARF PAPAYAS Grandest decorative and bedding plant ever offered ; as beautiful as the finest Palm ; grown 10 feet high the first year in open ground. Best novelty offered for years. Send 3 cents for our book, "The Tropical Orchard House," con- taining a half-toue illustration of a bed of these plants. X>oiiirola.9 Ills. The best seeds grown are .^Ferry's. The host' seeds sown are Ferry's. __^^ ^pp^^The best seeds known are fl^^H ■5^^^erry''8. It pays to plant ^1 rPERRY'S^ I Famous Seeds j 1^ Ask the dealer for them. Bend for Mi M^ FERRY'S SEED ANNUAL ^M B^H^ and get all that's good and^M^fl Ask the dealer for them. Bend for FERRY'S SEED ANNUAL and get all that's good and) new— the latest and the best. 0. M. FERRY & CO., Detroit, Mich. r ARM8TKONO A McEELVT l-'it Bburirb. BEYMER-BAiniAM t'itiKbur^. DAVIS -CHAMBEX8 Pitlitburffb. FAHNESTOOK Pittobure-h. ANQHOB I t Cinoiunati. ECKSTEIN J ATLANTIO BRADLEY BROOKLYN I JEWETT ITLSTER UNION SOUTHERN 8HIPMAN COLLIER MISSOITRI RED SEAL SOtTTHERN New York. Chicago. \ St. Lonis. JOHN T. LEWIS A BROS CO Philadelphia. Cleveland. «ATrEM CORNELL KENTUCKY Salem, Maas. BtifFalo. Louinville. THE statement made by many repu- table practical painters, that two coats of paint made with the **old Dutch process " White Lead is equal to three coats made with White Lead made by quick process, is fully warranted. As the cost of applying paint is about three times the cost of the materials, it follows that White Lead made by the '* old Dutch pro cess *' is by far the cheapest. It is also the best. P D P P ^^ "*'°* National Lead Co.'s Pure White Lead Tinting Colors, r l\CC *"y desired shade-is readily obtained. Pamphlet giving valu- able information and card showmg samples of colors free ; also folder showing picture of house painted in different designs or various styles or combinations of shades forwarded upon application to those intending to paint. Natio7ial Lead Co,, 100 William St,, New York. HARDY ROSES and ORNAMENTAL PLANTS, Flowering BULBS and ROOTS For catalogues address, C. H. JOGSTEN, Importer, 193 Greenwich St., New York \ CLASS I i FOR GREENHOUSES, GRAPERIES, /% | A O" O CONSERVATORIES AND HOTBEDS. ^ k/% W W VANHORNE, CRIFFEN 6l CO., FRENCH AND AMERICAN GLASS. *S^?. tPre^-^^H^lr** NEW YORK. When writing mention Meehann' Monthly SPECIAL SALE OF IRIS Iris are at best advantage when distinct colors are massed, and. though their foliage demands no edging, a border of Funkla would be appropriate and bloom later. The Belam- canda (Blackberry Lily) In the centre makes a charming addition. STRONG. 2 AND 3 YEAR FLOWERING ROOTS. 4 TO 8 EYES EACH, DUG AND SHI PPED IN CLUMPS Per 100 Per 25 Per 10 IRIS OERMANICA, 17 named varieties $ 5 00 $2 00 $1 00 IRIS CENOIALTI, dark blue, early 8 00 2 25 1 25 IRIS FliORENTINA, white (Orris-root) 9 00 2 50 1 50 IRIS KiEMPFERI (Japanese). 5 best named varieties. 15 00 4 25 2 00 BELAMCANDA (Pardanthus) CHINENSIS, strong 5 00 1 50 1 00 50 plants of one species at 100 rates ^7e draw plans for beds and borders, and make selections of herbaceous plants to conform with location, arrangement according to height, color and flowering period. THOMAS MEEHAN & SONS QERMANTOWN, PHILA., PA. WHEN WRITING TO ADVERTISERS. TELL THEM YOU SAW THEIR CARD IN MEEHANS' MONTHLY. ^1;> WHEN WRITING TO ADVERTISERS. TELL THEM YOU SAW THEIR CARD IN MEEHANS' MONTHLY'. STRAW RASP BLACK DEW GOOSE hv .h^ c=?? ''Z^ ^^^^ ^TOCK, freshly dug, and inspected by the State xNursery and Orchard Inspector Not a plant healed out or cellared ; all freshly dug the same day shipped: No order too small or too large. Full line of Grape, Curraa and Quince. Ask for Price List for '98. '-"rram WM. C. BABCOCK, Mention this paper. BRIDGMAN, BERRIEN CO., MICH, BISMARCK STRAWBERRY. SI.OO per lOOO. D\A/y< ofFruif Trees, Plants, Vines and Ornamental Stock ; standard varie- ties and novelties. Prices Low. Stock First-Class. Mailed Free. Fourteenth Year. T. J. DWYER & SON, Cornwall, N. Y. i {^':^^-:$:;... LIVINGSTON'S NEW Emerald • Cucumber Color Dark Green and always so The Coming Cucumber. Packet, 10 cents. LIVINGSTON'S NEW Honor ^ Bright ^ Tomato /lANTON GARDEN OUR LATEST AND BEST. Packet, lO cents. Superb Catalofirue (96 pp ) free if you send 10 cents for packet of either. a A. W. LIVINGSTON'S SONS Box 150, Columbus, Ohio PLOW THREE SHOVELS AND RAKE ATTACHMENT. CANTON WEIGHT, 20 POUNDS 33. -75 EACH. CASH WITH ORDER. Parlin& OrendorfTCo. I4irr4*«t and nldent peraianrntlyeatal^ lUhed Plow Fartory In Amrrtea, - - - - ILLINOIS. NOVELTIES IN PLANTS, FRUITS, Etc. A. BLANC & CO., 314, 316 N. 11th ST., PHILADELPHIA Cypress Hot- Bed Sash mi Frames Freight allowance covers freisfht to most points in Kastern and Middle States. Send to New York Office for circular and price list. Send 5 cts. postage for latest Catalogue of Greenhoujie Heating and Ventilating. Send 4 cts. postage for Catalogue of Patent Iron Greenhouse Con- struction. Estimates furnished for Cypress Green- house Material. "THE BEST IS THE CHEAPEST" SUPERIOR IN EVERY RESPECT NEW YORK OFFICE, 160 Fifth Ave., cor. 21st St. GENERAL OFFICE AND WORKS, Irvington-on-Hudson, N.Y. WHEN WRITING TO ADVERTISERS. TELL THEM YOU SAW THEIR CARD IN MEEHANS' MONTHLY. "FRUITS OF WATER," a new book^oew oi«|j;hod», live Idteas, up-tto-dut^ fttot? ail »o«ir<» Re Wct ^-t '* Queen Victoria Lettace, 15o ' Klondyke Melon. 15c " Jumbo Giant. Onion, 15c ' Brilliant Flower Seeds, 16c Worth $1.00, fbr 14 eeuts. Abore 10 pkgs. worth $1.00, we urill mail yon fr-r. together with onr great Plar d Seed Catalogue upon receipt oi this notice and 14c. poBtase. We invite your trade and know when you onco try Ralzer's .j, ht'edsTon will never get alonff wlth- t»at them. Potatoes at J t. 50 a nbl. Catalog alone 5c. JNo. 6 SAW5KU SKKIJ CO.. LA I'ROSSE, WIS. or Garden" free. GEO. B. MOULDER, Lily Park,Smith'8 6rov«,Ky f»U8LI8HED THE 1st AND 15th OF EACH MONTH BY THE GARDENING COMPANY MONON BUILDING, CHICAGO POPULAR SCIENCE SUBSCRIPTION PRICE, vEAR 24 NUMBERS UCUIC Nature, Invention, ArchaN>logy, HLfff U Electricity, Chemistry, ninerafogy, Healtn, Hygiieae, Hedici^e* (FORMESLT B06T0If JOUAWAJ. OF CHEMISTRY.) ENLARGED AND L^PROVED. This popular monthly contains a large numl>er oi Short, Easy, Practical. Interesting and Popular, Scientific Articles, that can be appreciated and enjoyed by any intelligeivt read- er, even though he know little or nothing of science. It is intended to interest those who think. PROFUSELY ILLUSTRATED aad FREE FROM TECHNICALITIES. Friti-rly dift'cicni. frum and much superior to other papers w If irailar name. flonthly* $i.6o per year. Ne^adealers, f 5 cents. Largest Circulation of any ScieDtitic Paper in the World. Conducted by BENJ. LILLARD, ^ « 108 FuHon St., New York. Mention thia paper for a sample c LOVERS OF BOTANY SHOULD HAVE THE Plifll^T WOl^LiD An illottrtted monthly Journal of Popular Botany ■ditcd by F. H. KnOCUliTOH. Pb. D. «nd « eopps of ap^cialiats. In its pa^es the interesting facts oi plant life are treated in language that is strictly scientific but not technical. Sample copy free. Address, WlIiliflf^D fi. CliUTB 6t CO. PU LI8MCRS BIflOHAMTOfI, M fiBW YOI^K. The most j>ractical and valuable American Horti- cultural publication. DKPARtMKNTS : The Flower ev lir Al Til Gafd«Ji» Trees and Shrubs, The Greenhouse, The iiogy. HlALIH ^^intlow Garden, The Fruit Garden, The Vege- Uble Garden , Insects and Other Pests, Mnshrooins. and others io season. See what subscribers say about this valuable juumal. "For condensed common sense in gardening matters for reliable, nnprejudiced and safe information, Garobni>jg cannot be aurpasaed. and although moderate in size it ex- panda upon perusal.'^ W. C Bo an, Highland lark, 111. "GAai>Ki«tNO ia the beat horticultural paper printed in America." Chab ly. Burr, Springfield, Mass "I am greatly pleased with the, paper. It ia practical and suggestive. Its reproduction of photographic views of plants flower« and landscapes is a most admirable feature." W. M. JOHKSON, Hackensack, K. J. "It is a delightful paper and has been very interesting and instructive to me." Frank Hitchcock, Davenpprt, la. I haye found Gasdbnino extremely useful and interest- •*'--*-- • • - ••-...•.>.« * ^__. ..a. " a K*«,«.. vt«.«jL UtUlC LUHU , Brown, Yarmouth, Nova Scotia "Such a publication was long needed in this country Kvery lint of its contributions is a lesson in Itself to many prof eaiionala as well as to amateurs.' John Bbrky, Gardener to Senator Woicoii.uiUcton, Colo< "I value Gardxnino highly on account of the very practi-^ oal character of its Contents. ''^ J. A. Prttigrew, Supt. Lincoln Park, Chicago, "I regard Garou-ming as one of the most practical maga- sines issued in the interests of horticulture." W. F, Macara, Waterville, N, Y; "The paper is the most practical of any I read." W. B. Abbs, Fond du I^ic, Wis. "I subscribe to all the horticultural and floricultural iour- aala on this continent as iar as I know and find in Gaaimuv iKo the most pratftica) o|iefor an amateur like mjaeW^^ Dik. Gbo. T. Hawlkt, Coming,' N. Y. Ivacr yTr%t% Y^^^ta «vI«va«« »*r^«««* *«'«WM«^«-tV^«MN«« «» ^i^^^^^a Jtw^^^ . . . . d« their money's worth. *^ Cbas. K. Brown, American Fruit Cnlturlst, by John J. Thomas. pensaMe to «very one Interested in fruits. Contains d tical directions for the propagation and culture of all India- Contains prac- fruits adapted to the U. S. Revised. enUrged and up-to- date in every particular. Very complete, l^early 800 oaies and 796 correct illustrations. Price, with fine EngiYKh muslin binding, HKS.ftO, post-paid. THOMAS M£KHAN & SONS, Publishers, German town, Phlla. WHEN WRITINO TO ADVfERTISERS. TELL THEM YOU SAW THEIR CARD IN MEEHANS' MONTHLY. J I m^^mm- STRAW RASP BLACK DEW GOOSE l.v /.'.n't;?';' "v' ''''^'''' ^"^"^'^- ^•■^^'''y •'"«• «"'• inspected >y llic Male Nursery and Orchard Inspcclor Not a' plant healed out or cellared; all freshlv d..< the same d^y shipped No or,|er loo small or loo lar„c. I-ull line of Orape, Currant • md (j'liiice. Ask for I'ricc List for •9^. ^ WM. C. BABCOCK, Minii.Miihis paper. BRIDGVIAN, BERRIEN CO., MICH. BISMARCK STRAWBERRY, $I.OO per lOOO. ^^^ «->liil>- llr li»lii-<| rii.«% |-.iiliii\ ill \iiii-rli;i, CANTON. ..... ILLINOIS. NOVELTIES IN PLANTS, FRUITS, Etc. A. BLANC & CO., 314, 316 N. 11th ST.. PHILADELPHIA Cypress Hot- Bed Sash and Frames THE BEST IS THE CHEAPEST SUPERIOR IN EVERY RESPECT 1 1 l-reijfht allowance covers ijt-iulit to iikjm points 111 I astern and Middle .Males. Send to New York Office rr)r «.ir(ulai and price list. Send s cts jjostapr- for l.itest Catalogue of (ireenhouse Meatin(( and Ventilating;. Send ; cts. pustape for C.'italojfne of I'.Uent Iron C.reenlKMise Con- struction. Kstini.'ites furnished for Cvpress r.icen- house Material. ^<- NEW YORK OFFICE, 160 Fifth Ave., cor. i!l.st St. GENERAL OFFICE AND WORKS, Irvingtonon-Hudson. N.Y. WHEN WRITING TO ;^VERT.SERS, TELL THEM YOU SAW THEIR CARD IN IVIEEHANV MONTHLY". ■'i. y^. I • V " FRUITS OF WATER, anna r^f n litr^ ,^t f-m-„i*- »nl4....„ 10<>/> • o •. ' f 9 a new book, new methods, live ideas, up-to-d.ite facts How to tfrow larKi'Nl> inoNt Ix^Hiitiliil i'mii at imiiail cost. Reduces ftrtiiizer bills. IrureaKes ??nTt«"lt^ 'll""' f.-it-nlture l:JO(, acr;s"ir."^rit7 Cafflo^iJ? niJlVeaVlJB?j!;?a''n*p*;"A;; «lonbur>, roiin. FOR 14 CENTS | We wish to cain 1,50,000 new cus \ omers, and hence otter 1 PkK. l{Day Radish, 1 Pkgr. Early Spring: Turnip, Earlie.st Red Beet, Bismarck Cucumber, Oueen Victoria Lettuce, Klondyke Melon, Jumbo Giant Onion, Brilliant Flower Seeds, 10c lOo 10c 10c 15c 15c 15c 16c Worth $1.00, for 14 cents. Above 10 pkgs. worth $1.00, we will mail you free, together with our great Plant and Seed Catalogue upon receipt of this notice and 14c. ijostage. We invite your trade and enow when you once try Salzer's seeds you will never get along with- out them. PotatooNat ^1.50 a KbI. (catalog alone 5c. Nd. 6 SAI./KK SKKU CO., LA ( ROSSE. WIS. POPULAR SCIENCE HEALTH liril/Q Nature, Invention, Archaeology, ||[,ff ^ Electricity, Chemistry, Hineralogy, Health, Hygiene, Hedicine* (FORMERLY HOSTON JOURNAL OF CHEMISTRY.) ENLARGED AND IHRROVED. This poi)ular monthly contains a large number of Short, Easy, Practical. Interesting and Popular, Scientific Articles, that can be appreciated and enjoyed by anv intelligent read- er, even though he know little or nothing' of science. It is intended to interest those who think. PROFUSELY ILLUSTRATED and FREE FROM TECHNICALITIES. Kntirely diflfetent from and ranch superior to other papers w ith a similar name. rionthly, $1.60 per year. Newsdealers, 15 cents. Largest Circulation of any Scientific Paper in the World. Conducted by BENJ. LILLARD. - - 108 Fulton SL, New York. Mention this paper for a sample copy. LOVERS OF BOTANY SHOULD HAVE THE PliA^T WOt^UD An illustrated monthly Journal of Popular Botany Edited by F. H. KNOCUUTON, Ph. D. and a eoppB of spacialisrs. 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M^#%WW VANHORNE, CRIFFEN & CO., FRENCH AND AMER/CAN GLASS. ''llrt''r.'i%V.?c^^^^r- NEW YORK. When writing mention MeehanH* Monttily WHEN WRITING TO ADVERTISERS, TELL THEM YOU SAW THEIR CARD IN MEEHANS' MONTHLY. > I 4 } ii a Vol VllI Plate N? 5. s -^ ROSA SETIGERA. PRAIRIE ROSE. NATURAL ORDER ROSACEA. Rosa setigera, Michaux.— Styles cohering in a protruding column. Stems climbing, armed with stout, nearly straight prickles, not bristly; leaflets three to five, ovate, acute, sharply serrate, smooth or downy beneath; slalks and calyx glandular; flowers corymbed.— sepals pointed; petals deep rose color changing to white; fruit globular. (Gray's Manual of the Botany of the Northern United States. See also, Chapman's Flora of the Southern United States, and Wood's Class-Book of Botany.) The Prairie Rose is a distinctively American rose. As a rule, roses are so closely related that it is difficult to define the species, and those from one section are often found closely related to others that may be in localities far apart. As often noted of late, species native to the Atlantic portion of the United States are often found repeated in the flora of Japan, or closely related to some Japanese species. Even in roses, there is one Japan species iden- tical with a species in the Southern United States; but there is nothing very closely allied to the American Prairie Rose in the Asiatic flora, though Rosa hysttix, of the North of China, has some few points in common with it. In another respect, it differs from other American roses in having the styles united in- to a single column, as well shown by the artist in the upper flower of the picture. In other American roses, the styles are separate. In its remarkably sarmentose character, or, as it is popularly called, "climbing character," — it is different from other American roses, unless Rosa gymnocarpa, of the Pacific Coast, may prove somewhat of a competitor. The author has traveled through woods in British Colum- bia, along Indian trails, with this rose arch- ing overhead, much as he has found the Prairie Rose in the woods of Kentucky. Again, other American roses possess a grate- ful fragrance, while this species is characterized as odorless. The strong, sharp bristles or setae on the calyx and peduncle, are specially characteristic, and obtained for it the name of setigera^ or the setae bearing rose. Some of these supposed exclusive characteristics may possibly have to be revised as the plant be- comes better known in its native localities. It is often classed as wholly scentless; but Torrey and Gray, in the •* Flora of North America,*' properly qualifies this by the ex- pression "nearly odorless.*' Florists, or at least a leading florist, the late John Feast, of Baltimore, undertook to produce a double race, and three have become popular in gardens as "climbers." They are known as Prairie Queen, Baltimore Belle, and King of the Prairies. The last named of these is quite fragrant, — and the flowers on the plant from which the present plate was prepared had a pronounced delicate fragrance. As all species of plants are more closely investigated, how- ever, variations are expected to a much greater extent than was formerly supposed, — and variations in fragrance may be looked for as well as in any other character. It is indeed possible, that the form growing in the woods and thickets of Kentucky and Tennessee, may be found distinct enough from the form pecu- liar to the prairies to merit distinction, and that the two names, Rosa setigera and Rosa ruhifolia, as given by the early botanists, may not be as closely synonymous, as monograph- ers now regard them. It may be here remarked, as part of the his- tory of this rose, that it was first made known and described by Michaux in his Flora of North America, published in 1803. Masson, a Scotch botanist, came to America for explora- tion purposes, but died, in Canada, in 1805. From some of the seeds he sent, it is said in 1800, the first Prairie roses in England were raised, and it was described in the Hortus Kewensis oi 181 1. It would thus appear that, though Masson was its first collector, the length of time before it was described and published, gives Michaux's name, setigera, priority ; unless, as it may be, that Masson's is really different from the plant of Michaux, a suggestion which any one who can compare the colored plate in Lindley's Rosarum Monographia, with the one given with this (65) • i COLOR PLATE \oi VI] I I ATI: \ t) i r / I i i '/ ROSA SETIGERA. PRAIRIE ROSE. NATURAIv ORDER ROSACEA. Afanuai of the Botany of the Northern United States. See also, Chapman's Flora of the Southern United States, and Wood's Class-Book of Botany.) I The Prairie Rose is a distinctively American rose. As a rule, roses are so closely related that it is difficult to define the species, and those from one section are often found closely related to others that may be in localities far apart. As often noted of late, species native to the Atlantic portion of the United States are often found repeated in the flora of Japan, or closely related to some Japanese species. Even in roses, there is one Japan species iden- tical with a species in the Southern United States; but there is nothing very closely allied to the American Prairie Rose in the Asiatic flora, though Rosa hystrix, of the North of China, has some few points in common with it. In another respect, it differs from other American roses in having the styles united in- to a single column, as well shown by the artist in the upper flower of the picture. In other American roses, the styles are separate. In its remarkably sarmentose character, or, as it is popularly called, "climbing character," — it is different from other American roses, unless Rosa gyinnocarpa, of the Pacific Coast, may prove somewhat of a competitor. The author has traveled through woods in British Colum- bia, along Indian trails, with this rose arch- ing overhead, much as he has found the Prairie Rose in the woods of Kentucky. Again, other American roses possess a grate- ful fragrance, while this species is characterized as odorless. The vStrong, sharp bristles or setae on the calyx and peduncle, are specially characteristic, and obtained for it the name of setigera, or the setae bearing rose. Some of these supposed exclusive characteristics may possibly have to be revised as the plant be- comes better known in its native localities. It is often classed as wholly scentless; but Torrey and Gray, in the "Flora of North America," properly qualifies this by the ex- % pression "nearly odorless." Florists, or at least a leading florist, the late John Feast, of Baltimore, undertook to produce a double race, and three have become popular in gardens as "climbers." They are known as Prairie Queen, Baltimore Belle, and King of the Prairies. The last named of these is quite fragrant, — and the flowers on the plant from which the present plate was prepared had a pronounced delicate fragrance. As all species of plants are more closely investigated, how- ever, variations are expected to a much greater extent than was formerly supposed, — and variations in fragrance may be looked for as well as in any other character. It is indeed possible, that the form growing in the woods and thickets of Kentucky and Tennessee, may be found distinct enough from the form pecu- liar to the prairies to merit distinction, and that the two names, Rosa seiigeta and Rosa rubifolia, as given by the early botanists, may not be as closely vSynonymous, as monograph- ers now regard them. It may be here remarked, as part of the his- tory of this rose, that it was first made known and described by Michaux in his Flora of North America, published in 1803. Masson, a Scotch botanist, came to America for explora- tion purposes, but died, in Canada, in 1805. From some of the seeds he sent, it is said in 1800, the first Prairie roses in England were raised, and it was described in the Hortus Kewensis of 181 1. It would thus appear that, though Masson was its first collector, the length of time before it was described and published, gives Michaux's name, setigera, priority ; unless, as it may be, that Masson 's is really different from the plant of Michaux, a suggestion which any one who can compare the colored plate in Lindley's Rosatum Monographia, with the one given with this (65) • lA(l.^ I ■ ' / • I 1 COLOR PT ATI INTENTIONAL RV^c^K^T^ r^T T V A 66 MEEHANS" MONTHLY — ROSA SETIGERA. [May chapter, and who may remember the plant as gro\^ing in Kentucky woods, will think it at least possible. There is no record of the locality from which Masson obtained his seed, the general term ** North America," being all that is given in the history of his plant ; but Michaux describes his as from South Carolina, and the plant here illustrated is clearly the one intended by Michaux. The drawing was made from a plant grow- ing on the border of a wood in Philadelphia County, Penna., in which County occasional plants have been found by the author, appar- ently as indigenous as any plant could be ; but, singularly, not one has ever been found seed-bearing, the individual plants having evidently been there for many years, — but un- less it could be that, in some former time, fertile plants had been destroyed by cultiva- tion, infertile plants alone could hardly tra- vel, or long maintain themselves. A safe theory of their origin in these localities can scarcely be formulated. Authors, generally, give the species a wide range. Wood jspeaks of it as ''The Michigan Rose," a native of Michigan and other States west and south. Torrey and Gray, "From Michigan to Arkansas, Louisiana, and Geor- gia,'* and Dr. Gray, in his •' Manual,** adds Western New York, indigenous ? '* to the list. Chapman gives the more southern locations as "borders of swamps, Florida to South Carolina and westward." Chapman gives "June** as the time of flowering in the South. In Pennsylvania, the so-called "June roses** are out of bloom before the Rosa setigera of Pennsylvania opens. The last week of June and the first week of July, is its season there. Beckwith's report on the Botany of his expe- dition notes its collection at Fort Washita, — the only species observed on the exploration. It is remarkable how sentiment rules the world. In no way has the rose ministered to the physical wants of man. But it has reached the highest place among flowers in the affec- tions of mankind. Poetry would have been comparatively barren had the rose not been born. American roses have not entered mater- ially into American poetry, the nation is too young to make any great mark in distinctive- ly American literature. But our wild roses have now and then shared in giving the poet inspiration. Bryant, the great American poet of nature, in the ode "JThe west wind,** sings of the rose. " Beneath the forest's skirt I rest, Whose branching pines rise dark and high, And hear the breezes of the West Among the thread-like foliage sigh. Sweet Zephyr ! why that sound of woe ? Is not thy home among the flowers ? Do not the bright June roses blow. To meet thy kiss at morning hours ? ** Though it is not the Prairie Rose, that skirts the pine forest, the Rosa lucida being probably the one in the poet's mind; but if one might substitute a forest of deciduous trees, the Prairie Rose might well serve in the picture the poet presents. In the borders of woods, and in open places in Missouri where tall growing shrubs or bushes predominate, the Prairie Rose adds materially to the midsummer beauty of the woodland scenery. To the author's mind, it seems more at home in Missouri than in more Northern regions. It might as worthily claim title to the term " Missouri Rose ** as " Michi- gan Rose * * which is one of its familiar ones. Later in the season, following the floral beauty^ the small red hips, as the fruit is termed, en- liven the appearance of the woodlands and give a charm to the landscape which endures far into the winter season. The fruit is small in comparison with that of other species of rose, especially with the species of the Old World, familiar in gardens, and again suggests a resemblance to the rose of the Pacific Coast, Rosa gymnocatpa already referred to. It is remarkable that the simple beauty of this wild rose of our country, has not been more appreciated by cultivators. The hybrids referred to, are beautiful enough in their way, as double flowers usually are — appreciated more perhaps because they are double and in this way regarded as an improvement on nature; but they can scarcely equal in attrac- tiveness the wild simple lorm of nature. We may rarely find a plant in gardens however. A pleasing exception might have been seen a few years ago, in the gardens known as Dosoris, the Long Island residence of the late Mr. Charles A. Dana, where an arbor was constiucted es- pecially for it, and which constituted one of the special features of the beautiful grounds. Explanation OF THE Plate.— i. Opcningr flower show- ing the column of united styles. 2. Older flower, changing to white. 3. Branch of a panicle with unupened buds. 4. Growinglshoot for next season's flowering. r WILD FLOWERS AND NATURE. THE ODOR OF THE EGLANTINE. And so it is that still to-day I cannot choose but sing. Remain a foster-child of May And a suckling of the spring. That to Nurse-Nature *s voice and touch I shape my babbling speech. And still stretch feeble hands to clutch, Something beyond my reach : That in my song you catch at times Note sweeter far than mine, And in the tangle of m^ rhymes Can scent the eglantine. — Ai,FRED Austin. Notes on Asclepias. — A South Carolina correspondent says : — '* In the December issue, 1897, pages 221 and 222, with illustra- tion, you describe Asclepias Cornuti as white- flowered or greenish-white. In reading, at every new line, I hoped you would speak of a variety here native, so like your illustration, Plate No. 12. But since you did not, I want to describe one native out of many — to me the most lovely here. We have A. tuberosa, A, Syriaca (or Cornuti) and an unknown, small, slender, one-stemmed, three- flowered, pure pearl-white variety. But my variety, which we have ignorantly called Cornuti^ has four long, many-branched, tuberous roots, many stout stems, branching, growing fully 5 to 6 feet in height, with long, branched clus- ters of almost rose-colored flowers. Contrary to your species, Plate No. 12, this variety has downy leaves. The blooms open from late July until late August, side shoots forming new clusters long after the first are over. This plant is very abundant here, vigorous, long- lived. A neighbor of mine has one with an ugly, purplish-pink or magenta-colored bloom, dwarf in growth, which was bought from a florist. Can you tell me the name of the var- iety I have described ? One big, strong, healthy plant will have from three to ten strong vigorous shoots. * * Most of the species of Asclepias vary much among themselves. One of our leading botan- ists wrote, on the appearance of our plate, commenting on the slender pedicels, which reminded him of an allied species. Noting these variations has become, of late years, one of the pleasures of botanical study.. Maintaining Color in Dried Specimens. ^A South Carolinian correspondent says: **For some years past, I have been collecting and mounting specimens of the indigenous plants of this and adjoining sections. I notice that the greater portion of the highly colored bloom of plants lose almost entirely their original color when pressed, generally becoming a nut brown and, in many instances, almost black. Some fade very slowly, others losing their color in a few months' time. This is especially so with trilliums, ladies-slippers, monks-hood, hepaticas, blood-root, gentians, uvularias and many others too numerous to mention. The foliage also fades very much. I wish to know, if you can tell me, of anything used to pre- vent this, or partially so. I very naturally suppose, that if there is anything of this kind known, you possess the information. I would be very grateful if you can give me any infor- mation on the subject." To preserve the colors of leaves and flowers, you must kill the specimen as rapidly as possi- ble, and not have it die slowly between your drying papers. Some plants, like stone-crops, orchids and other succulents, will live for months, and then the leaves and flowers will rot away in dreary blackness at last, — besides throwing off" their leaves and flowers, giving only a few dry sticks for one's trouble. The best way to effect this desirable taking of life, is to dip the specimen for a few seconds in boiling water. After taking from the water, the specimen may be allowed to dry a little before putting it in press. Walking Toads. — Popular Science News notes, as something exceptional, a toad walk- ing on its four feet instead of leaping. The writer of this has frequently noted this manner of pedestrianism on the part of the toad. It is amusing to see the old fellows trotting along on all -fours. (67) 68 MEEHANS' MONTHLY— WILD FLOWERS AND NATURE. [May 1898.] MEEHANS' MONTHLY — WILD FLOWERS AND NATURE. 69 Leaf Variation. — In the note on leaf variation, p. 37, Meehans' Monthly for March, the writer says : *' May we not say that it is from some local weakness in not pro- ducing material to warrant the production of leaf-blade that accounts for the absence of the ribs which results in a lobe, where, otherwise, the leaf would be entire?" There certainly must be other cause than *' some local weakness " that shapes the lobed leaves of the young branches of the mulberry. It is on the young and vigorous branches that the lobed leaves are found, hence it could scarcely be claimed to be diie to a " low degree of vital energy," as the writer suggests in the note referred to. The leaves of the young Liriodendron trees grow to double or even quadruple the size of those produced by old trees ; but it is the leaves of the young trees which are deeply and extreme- ly lobed. Then again, take the leaves of the Sassafras. It is claimed that those produced by the fruiting branches are entire, that the growth -energy is largely consumed by the elaboration of the fruit, hence the old time en- tire leaf predominates. It is a question, therefore, what the lobed leaf does indicate, — whether a low or high de- gree of growth-force. The ferns, which grow so rank and abundantly back in the carbon- iferous age, produced, in the finely-divided frond, what is comparable with our lobed leaves of the present. Fossil specimens have been preserved in which some of the pinnae are only partially divided ; transitions between the lobed and entire form. Such transition forms are occasionally found among our present ferns. Lubbock and others who have made a care- ful study of leaf variation say that the primi- tive, the ancestial type of leaf was entire. This statement, any one may verify more or less extensively, by studying seedling plants. It is claimed that the first leaves (succeeding the cotyledons) are typical of the ancestral form. The first leaves of the chestnuts, oaks, etc., are nearly or quite entire — those of the walnut, hickory, etc., are almost or quite sim- ple instead of compound. Whether leaves become cut, divided, lobed, etc., because of lack of energy to produce the entire leaf, or whether there is a significance in the lobes, points, etc., which we may better understand as studies in electricity in relation to plant-growth are more and more extended, the future will reveal. Mrs. W. a. Kellerman. Columbus, O. The correspondent who started this interest- ing inquiry, is now of the party exploring for the Nicauraugua Canal, on which, through his love of nature studies, he sought a place. Mrs. Kellerman 's suggestions seem sound, — on the other hand, there must be local causes for the differences on the same branch. When on the fig, sassafras, mulberry, and others, we find lobed and entire leaves on the same branch, it would seem legitimate to suspect local influ- ence. Mistletoe on Firs. — Referring to a little article published under the above heading in the February edition, I think it necessary to state that your correspondent is not entirely correct in suggesting that •* Witch's Broom '* or "Crow's Nest" branches on coniferous trees cannot in many cases be taken for the mistletoe, as this parasite will probably have an objection to the evergreen as host plants, probably on account of the resinous sap that most of this class of plants have. I am able to report to have met, oftener than once, the common mistletoe Viscutn album growing on Pinus sylvesttis, the pine tree or fir of the European woods. I deeply regret that I have not at hand some samples at pres- ent, to send them to you together with this note; but I hope some weeks from now that I may come across them. The growth of the Viscum differs, of course, somewhat according to the host plant they vegetate upon; and the botanists, Boissier and Renter, found it necessary to give a special name to the form growing on Pimis sylvesttis^ which is Viscum Icetum. So far as it concerns the coniferous trees in North America, it is a known fact that the genus, Atceuthobium, is oftener met with upon them than in Europe, though some species of Arceuthobium have been found on Juniperus Sabina, Juniperus Oxycedrus, J. drupacea, etc., throughout the Mediterranean countries, extending east to Persia, and upon Pinus excelsa in Central Asia. M. Gkbhardt. Erfurt. Germany. \ / Geotropism in Vegetation. — Geotropism is a hard word. It means a tendency to turn towards the earth. There are many mysteries yet unsolved awaiting the attention of ambi- tious students. Why do some branches of trees go on steadily upwards, as in the trunk of a pine tree, and then take a notion, as some individuals do, to curve downwards and be- come weeping trees ? How can stout, woody branches, which it would take a force of many hundred pounds to bend — branches that for years have been perfectly straight — come to curve upwards or downwards, as the case may a beautiful scene on the lovely Wissahickon, on which the branches of a beech tree, almost erect in the early stage of the life of the tree, have come to an affection for the naids in the stream. For the present we must set philo- sophical speculation aside, and admire the picture for its own sake. Regeneration in Variegated Leaves. — Miss Bessie L» Putnam, of Harmonsburg, Pa., send s some leaves^ of the^ variegated abutilon which'present some interesting puzzles to the biologists. In this* variety, the lobes of the w - .. - -^ •-• f ^ ** * m f % •^ '^" 4 . .. • * r tm,. • ^1 ' *%. ■ i— ^^^HiflF A SCKNC ON THE WISSAHICKON. be, — or at times simply bend down towards the earth, as often seen in curved trunks in forests, and in the downward direction of branches on hill-sides and along streams? The only answer is that there are two contend- ing powers in vegetation, — the geotropic and the helioscopic. At times, one has the ascend- ency and at times the other. But this is merely re-stating an obvious fact. It explains noth- ing. All that we are doing, now, is to represent leaf are regular in outline, the yellowish white variegation bordering the leaf. But in some instances, the lobes are deformed by the addi- tion of green, ear-like appendages, projecting beyond the white borderings. In these cases, the serratures of the normal leaf disappear along the lines of the additional portion . This may afford a clue to those who love to work out the causes of these aberrations. The principle affecting the variegation of leaves can be communicated by inoculation. 68 MEEHANS* MONTHLY— WILD FLOWERS AND NATURE. [May Leaf Variation. — In the note on leaf variation, p. 37, Meehans' Monthly for March, the writer says : " May we not say that it is from some local weakness in not pro- ducing material to warrant the production of leaf-blade that accounts for the absence of the ribs which results in a lobe, where, otherwise, the leaf would be entire?" There certainly must be other cause than " some local weakness " that shapes the lobed leaves of the young branches of the mulberry. It is on the young and vigorous branches that the lobed leaves are found, hence it could scarcely be claimed to be due to a *' low degree of vital energy," as the writer suggests in the note referred to. The leaves of the young Liriodendron trees grow to double or even quadruple the size of those produced by old trees ; but it is the leaves of the young trees which are deeply and extreme- ly lobed. Then again, take the leaves of the Sassafras. It is claimed that those produced by the fruiting branches are entire, that the growth energy is largely consumed by the elaboration of the fruit, hence the old time en- tire leaf predominates. It is a question, therefore, what the lobed leaf does indicate, — whether a low or high de- gree of growth-force. The ferns, which grow so rank and abundantly back in the carbon- iferous age, produced, in the finely-divided frond, what is comparable with our lobed leaves of the present. Fossil specimens have been preserved in which some of the pinnae are only partially divided ; transitions between the lobed and entire form. Such transition forms are occasionally found among our present ferns. Lubbock and others who have made a care- ful study of leaf variation say that the primi- tive, the ancestial type of leaf was entire. This statement, any one may verify more or less extensively, by studying seedling plants. It is claimed that the first leaves (succeeding the cotyledons) are typical of the ancestral form. The first leaves of the chestnuts, oaks, etc., are nearly or quite entire — those of the walnut, hickory, etc., are almost or quite sim- ple instead of compound. Whether leaves become cut, divided, lobed, etc., because of lack of energy to produce the entire leaf, or whether there is a significance in the lobes, points, etc., which we may better understand as studies in electricity in relation to plant-growth are more and more extended, the future will reveal. Mrs. W. a. Kellerman. Columbus, O. The correspondent who started this interest- ing inquiry, is now of the party exploring for the Nicauraugua Canal, on which, through his love of nature studies, he sought a place. Mrs. Kellerman 's suggestions seem sound, — on the other hand, there must be local causes for the differences on the same branch. When on the fig, sassafras, mulberry, and others, we find lobed and entire leaves on the same branch, it would seem legitimate to suspect local influ- ence. Mistletoe on Firs.— Referring to a little article published under the above heading in the February' edition, I think it necessary to state that your correspondent is not entirely correct in suggesting that " Witch's Broom " or "Crow's Nest" branches on coniferous trees cannot in many cases be taken for the mistletoe, as this parasite will probably have an objection to the evergreen as host plants, probably on account of the resinous sap that most of this class of plants have. I am able to report to have met, oftener than once, the common mistletoe Viscum albufn growing on Pi7ius sylvestris, the pine tree or fir of the European woods. I deeply regret that I have not at hand some samples at pres- ent, to send them to you together with this note; but I hope some weeks from now that I may come across them. The growth of the Viscum differs, of course, somewhat according to the host plant they vegetate upon; and the botanists, Boissier and Renter, found it necessary to give a special name to the form growing on Phuis sylvesttiSy which is Visai7?i Icetum. So far as it concerns the coniferous trees in North America, it is a known fact that the genus, Arceuthobium, is oftener met with upon them than in Europe, though some species of Arcetdhobium have been found on JiC7iipenis Sabina, Jtiniperiis Oxycedrus, J. drupacea, etc., throughout the Mediterranean countries, extending east to Persia, and upon Pi7ius excelsa in Central Asia. M. Gebhardt. Erfurt. Germany. fe • ; :■ 1898.] MEEHANS' MONTHLY — WILD FLOWERS AND NATURE. 69 Geotropism in Vegetation. — Geotropism is a hard word. It means a tendency to turn towards the earth. There are many mysteries yet unsolved awaiting the attention of ambi- tious students. Why do some branches of trees go on steadily upwards, as in the trunk of a pine tree, and then take a notion, as some individuals do, to curve downwards and be- come weeping trees ? How can stout, woody branches, which it would take a force of many hundred pounds to bend — branches that for years have been perfectly straight — come to curve upwards or downwards, as the case may a beautiful scene on the lovely Wissahickon, on which the branches of a beech tree, almost erect in the early stage of the life of the tree, have come to an affection for the naids in the stream. For the present we must set philo- sophical speculation aside, and admire the picture for its own sake. Regeneration in Variegated Leaves. — Miss Bessie L. Putnam, of Harmonsburg, Pa., send s some leaves^ of the^ variegated abutilon which['present some interesting puzzles to the biologists. In this' variety, the lobes of the A SCENE ON THE WISSAHICKON. be, — or at times simply bend down towards the earth, as often seen in curved trunks in forests, and in the downward direction of branches on hill-sides and along streams? The only answer is that there are two contend- ing powers in vegetation, — the geotropic and the helioscopic. At times, one has the ascend- ency and at times the other. But this is merely re-stating an obvious fact. It explains noth- ing. All that we are doing, now, is to represent leaf are regular in outline, the yellowish white variegation bordering the leaf. But in some instances, the lobes are deformed by the addi- tion of green, ear-like appendages, projecting beyond the white borderings. In these cases, the serratures of the normal leaf disappear along the lines of the additional portion . This may afford a clue to those who love to work out the causes of these aberrations. The principle affecting the variegation of leaves can be communicated by inoculation. 1 TENTIONAL SECOND EXPOS ) GENERAL GARDENING. JACQUEMINOT. The roses at her supple throat Were opening to their coming close, With those deep tinges which denote, The coloring of that reddest rose, The Jacqueminot * * . — Krnkst McGaffby. Making Wai^king Canes.— Possibly few matters brought to public notice through Meehans' MoNTHi^Yhave attracted more at- tention than the suggestion to combine amuse- ment with instruction in the matter of making walking canes out of living plants. The Hon- orable J. Sterling Morton, formerly United States Commissioner of Agriculture, says : — ** I was very much pleased with the paragraph upon ♦* Curved Trees," which are very inter- esting to me. For some years, at Arbor Lodge, in Nebraska, I experimented in the curving of trees, and among other curios, have now an elm tree which shows that in its in- fancy I braided together, in three strands, three twigs which have since become united in a single, three-braid limb. There are great possibilities in the matter of curving, into curious forms, growing trees — both forest and fruit.** A pretty employment for young people may here be suggested. Nothing could be more grateful than to receive, as a souvenir, a cane actually worked out for use by the friend who gave it. In this strain, a correspondent writes : '* For many years my father carried a cane, given him by one of his grateful patients, that, when growing was twined about with a large grape vine, making the grooves wide and deep.'* Scale Insects.— The boy in ^sop's fables cried wolf! wolf! when there was no wolf. Nobody helped him when the real wolf came. In our own country. State after State has been quarantined against the San Jose Scale. Ger- many has thought there was something more in this than a mere cry to get appointments for useless inspectors. So Germany started (70) a quarantine on its own account. Scale-infest- ed fruit has been yellow-papered. Germany is now told we were only in fun. There is noth- ing the matter with the fruit. But the truth is, the Scale doesn't need looking after, — not by law, for the scale will travel in spite of all law, and its useless expenditures, — but by encourag- ing cultivators to look for them and destroy them. It is as sensible to make laws that there should be quarantines against weeds, as against insects. Like love, they laugh at locksmiths. Licorice — Licorice has been grown for a number of years, in California, in a limited way, on the light, silty soils bordering a sec- tion of the Sacramento River. The plants grow rampant and are a nuisance to get out of the ground, when established. No system has been followed in its cultivation and harvest- ing and it has not proved profitable as a hap- hazard crop. Ramie roots are in plenty in California, your correspondent can have a wheelbarrow load from my garden for the taking. Emory E. Smith. University of California. Aquatic Culture op Cannas.-^M. Molin, horticulturist of Lyons, has produced wonder- ful Cannas as a result of cultivating them in water. They were first planted in a basket and then sunk in a pond. The roots were not long in breaking through the rush switches which seemed to hold them fast. An extra- ordinary, strong foliage and marvelous flowers were the result. —From La Semaine Horticole, Oranges and Olives —Official figures must sometimes get stale. Referring to some re- cently reproduced in this magazine, the Cali- fornia Fruit Grower says that Riverside, in that State, has some 12,000 acres in oranges, two thirds of which are of the Bahia or Navel variety,— and, as to olives it is estimated that there are 45»ooo acres on the Pacific Coast devoted to olive orchards. 1898] MEKHANS' MONTHLY— GENERAL GARDENING. 71 \ • The Elm City. — Every one knows New Haven, Connecticut, as the Elm City. Few can appreciate the beauty these trees give this place, celebrated as it is in so many ways. The illustration below represents one of its avenues taken from a photograph kindly furn- ished by Mr. Felix Chilling worth. The trained landscape gardener will regret that half the trees were not removed in their earlier stages of lifd. Beautiful as the scene is now, it would then have been transcendent. Still, tree-lovers are thankful for the share of beauty that has been fortunately preserved for us. It is the White Elm, Ulmus Americana, ■:^i H - ^ * 1 1 1 i . » ^ > r' r rf I rr- ,4 a ^iil^> Ferns for a Small Border.— Among the most suitable plants for small borders, ferns may be mentioned. Nothing can be much prettier than a thriving bank of ferns,— and such a sight is easily possible — so easy, in fact, that it is strange our smaller residences are not more frequently seen with such surround- ings. The best efifect can be usually had in a spot shaded from the sun when at its height,— say on the northeast side of a house, — for there is to be found the most moisture. All ferns do not require a great deal of moisture, but it does seem as though the most slender and f^/j* .^^ ■ "^ ji^'^jt^' i^l-c 1! Si, ;V M^t^-y\ W r !j' TlJ-S^-r _^^-.__ < ( A SCENE IN THE ELM CITY. i Kn GENERAL GARDENING. JACQUEMINOT. The roses at her supple throat Were opening to their coming close, With those deep tinges which denote, The coloring of that reddest rose, The Jacqueminot * ^ . — Ernest McGaffby. Making Walking Canes.— Possibly few matters brought to public notice through Meehans' Monthly have attracted more at- tention than the suggestion to combine amuse- ment with instruction in the matter of making walking canes out of living plants. The Hon- orable J. Sterling Morton, formerly United States Commissioner of Agriculture, says : — ** I was very much pleased with the paragraph upon " Curved Trees," which are very inter- esting to me. For some years, at Arbor Lodge, in Nebraska, I experimented in the curving of trees, and among other aitios, have now an elm tree which shows that in its in- fancy I braided together, in three strands, three twigs which have since become united in a single, three-braid limb. There are great possibilities in the matter of curving, into curious forms, growing trees — both forest and fruit." A pretty employment for young people may here be suggested. Nothing could be more grateful than to receive, as a souvenir, a cane actually worked out for use by the friend who gave it. In this strain, a correspondent writes : ** For many years my father carried a cane, given him by one of his grateful patients, that, when growing was twined about with a large grape vine, making the grooves wide and deep." Scale Insects.— The boy in ^sop's fables cried wolf! wolf! when there was no wolf. Nobody helped him when the real wolf came. In our own country. State after State has been quarantined against the San Jose Scale. Ger- many has thought theie was something more in this than a mere cry to get appointments for useless inspectors. So Germany started (70) a quarantine on its own account. Scale-infest- ed fruit has been yellow-papered. Germany is now told we were only in fun. There is noth- ing the matter with the fruit. But the truth is, the Scale doesn't need looking after, — not by law, for the scale will travel in spite of all law, and its useless expenditures, — but by encourag- ing cultivators to look for them and destroy them. It is as sensible to make laws that there should be quarantines against weeds, as against insects. Like love, they laugh at locksmiths. Licorice — Licorice has been grown for a number of years, in California, in a limited way, on the light, silty soils bordering a sec- tion of the Sacramento River. The plants grow rampant and are a nuisance to get out of the ground, when established. No system has been followed in its cultivation and harvest- ing and it has not proved profitable as a hap- hazard crop. Ramie roots are in plenty in California, your correspondent can have a wheelbarrow load from my garden for the taking. Emory E. Smith. University of California. Aquatic Culture of Cannas.— M. Molin, horticulturist of Lyons, has produced wonder- ful Cannas as a result of cultivating them in water. They were first planted in a basket and then sunk in a pond. The roots were not long in breaking through the rush switches which seemed to hold them fast. An extra- ordinary, strong foliage and marvelous flowers were the result. —From La Semaine Horticole. Oranges and Olives —-Official figures must sometimes get stale. Referring to some re- cently reproduced in this magazine, the Cali- fornia Fniit Grower says that Riverside, in that State, has some 12,000 acres in oranges, two thirds of which are of the Bahia or Navel variety,— and, as to olives it is estimated that there are 45.000 acres on the Pacific Coast devoted to olive orchards. 1898] MEEHANS' MONTHLY— GENERAL GARDENING. 71 ' The Elm City. — Every one knows New Haven, Connecticut, as the Elm City. Few can appreciate the beauty these trees give this place, celebrated as it is in so many ways. The illustration below represents one of its avenues taken from a photograph kindly furn- ished by Mr. Felix Chillingworth. The trained landscape gardener will regret that half the trees were not removed in their earlier stages of life. Beautiful as the scene is now, it would then have been transcendent. Still, tree-lovers are thankful for the share of beauty that has been fortunately preserved for us. It is the White Elm, Ultnus America?ia. Ferns for a Small Border.— Among the most suitable plants for small borders, ferns may be mentioned. Nothing can be much prettier than a thriving bank of ferns, — and such a sight is easily possible — so easy, in fact, that it is strange our smaller residences are not more frequently seen with such surround- ings. The best effect can be usually had in a spot shaded from the sun when at its height, — say on the northeast side of a house, — for there is to be found the most moisture. All ferns do not require a great deal of moisture, but it does seem as though the most slender and f A SCENE IN THE ELM CITY. t:RIMa 72 MEEHANS' MONTHLY — GENERAL GARPENING. [May 1898.] MEEHANS* MONTHLY — GENERAL GARDENING. 73 graceful do prefer it, and that is the class that is so effective. If the front of the house is toward the desired exposure, so much the better, as there is likely to be a porch, along which these moisture-loving ferns will grow easily, as naturally, there the soil will not dry out as readily as would that close to the wall of a house. The preparation of the bed to receive the plants is a comparatively easy matter. Bear in mind that you want to have the condition of soil as nearly as possible like that from which the plants are to come — light, deep and cool. Most persons are within reach of some little patch of woodland, and it will repay them to make a trip to such a place and bring away some of that rich, light soil which is made and annually added to by the fallen leaves of the forest. But if this cannot be made con- venient, don't consider the planting useless, by any means, but fork up the bed to the depth of a foot or more, breaking it up fine, add a little fine manure, if it is to be had con- veniently and it is thoroughly rotted, and the bed may be considered ready. If the soil is inclined to be very heavy or clayey, add some fine stones, broken bricks and a good lot of sand to make it more porous. After the plant- ing is accomplished, cover the soil with a good mulching of leaves. If this mulching is repeated year after year, the soil will soon become like home to the plants, and they will respond to the treatment in a way that will reward for the little labor spent. A very heavy, wet mulch in winter is not desirable — particularly for evergreen spe- cies. The selection of plants for the bed may de- pend somewhat on what may be convenient to get. Those who can spare the time will de- light in gathering the plants from the woods, or they are readily purchased. Of those to be found in quantities near Philadelphia (readeis from other sections are better able to supply lists suitable for their location than could be furnished by the writer), are the Cinnamon Fern {Ostnunda cinnamomed); the Royal Fern {Osmunda regalis)—rdXh^r scarce ; Asplenium thelypteroides (Silvery Spleen wort); Aspidium spinulosum (Spinulose Shield Fern); Onoclea sensibilis (Sensitive Fern) — combines well if used in small quantities, as its broad fronds are not as graceful as most ferns; Aspidium matginale (Evergreen Wood Fern); Asplenium FiliX'foemina (Lady Fern); Asplenium acrosti- choides (the well-known Christmas Fern); New Yoik Fern (Aspidium Noveboracense); Poly po- dium vulgare (Common Polypody); the fore- going list graduates from tall ones to the short in the order named. Three others should be mentioned, but they are more suitable in a little rockery of their ovTn,—Polypodium hexagonopterumS^risingnldir Polypod); Adiantum pedatum (Maiden-hair Fern); Asplenium ebeneum (Ebony Spleen wort). The following, which can be placed with those first mentioned, and which are likewise graded according to height, are readily purchased if they cannot be collected: Onoclea SttuthiopteriSy the graceful Ostrich Fern, a very tall grower in wet soil ; Osmunda Claytoniana, Flowering Fern; Aspidium Goldia?ium, Goldie's Fern; Woodwardia Virginica ; Asplenium angusti- folium. The following, of those above mentioned, are evergreen, and may be placed where their presence in winter would be appreciated: As- pidium spinulosum, A. matginale, A. acrosti- choideSy Asplenium ebeneum and Polypodium vulgare. The Brake or Bracken (Plerisaquilina), famed for its poetical connections, has become well naturalized, and is frequently found occupying large areas. Its rapid-spreading nature does not permit of its general use in cultivation. The roots may be easily transplanted in spring, summer or fall, though if in the spring or early summer, an efiect may be had the first season. Syringe the foliage well, just as with other garden plants, every day during the warm months, and a charming bed will be the result. The Confederate Jasmine.— It is to be regretted that some flowers, which would be household pets, are burdened with very hard names. One of these is the Rhynchospetmum jasminoides, now also known as Trachelosper- mum. As a pot or tub plant for the decoration of summer gardens, few things are more acceptable; and in the South, where it is free from frost, or nearly so, it is one of the most desirable of hardy climbers. The white, waxy flowers have a delicious odor. The odor is even more agreeable than that of the jasmine. Mrs. Drennan says, in the Southern Florist, ^^4 '^ that it is known through the South as the Confederate Jasmine. She speaks of it as being in perfection in April and May; but in gardens about Philadelphia, grown in pots for summer decoration, as already noted, it is at its best in July. The Blackberry and Grape — Ornamen- tal AND Useful. — It is an excellent idea fur- nished in the January Monthly suggesting blackberries for ornament. Many times I have walked in a garden where plants and shrubs were blooming, and from not one of them could NEW 01 RmS, FLINTS, Umbrella China Tree.— What is known in the southern portion of our country as the China tree, is, botanically, Melia Azederach, a native of the East Indies. Though it is said to be from the Himalayas, it will not endure much frost. Azederach is the common name by which it is known in India. It is a very orna- mental tree. A form has been produced which has a strikingly dense habit, and reproduces itself from seed fairly well. It is known in the South as the China umbrella tree. The accom- UMBRELLA CHINA TREE. be picked a plum or berry to moisten thirsty lips. Beauty we must have, but let there also be utility. How very attractive is the Bitter-sweet vine; yet a grape vine, with its purple clusters would be as graceful, and further be refreshing at times. Victor Hugo made one of his characters say : * ' The beautiful is as useful as the use- ful and sometimes more so." B* panying illustration is furnished by Reasoner Brothers, Oneca, Florida. A Hybrid Orange. — It is said that plants have been raised in the gardens of the Depart- ment of Agriculture at Washington from the hardy orange Citrus ttifoliatay and the common orange of commerce. Hills of Snow Hydrangea. — Under the heading of '* New or Rare Plants," I note that you say "that Meehans' Monthly, freely offers its pages to the discussion of new plants. *' I have a new plant, but was afraid to write anything about it for fear that it may have the appearance of a free advertisement, which was undesirable. I am propagating it, and when I have enough plants, ahead, will dispose of it. This plant is a hydrangea. I parent is H. arborescens, and is an everbloomer. I have named it Hills of Snow. It begins i to i ^2 MEEHANS* MONTHLY — GENERAL GARDENING. [May graceful do prefer it, and that is the class that is so effective. If the front of the house is toward the desired exposure, so much the better, as there is likely to be a porch, along which these moisture-loving ferns will grow easily, as naturally, there the soil will not dry out as readily as would that close to the wall of a house. The preparation of the bed to receive the plants is a comparatively easy matter. Bear in mind that you want to have the condition of soil as nearly as possible like that from which the plants are to come — light, deep and cool. Most persons are within reach of some little patch of woodland, and it will repay them to make a trip to such a place and bring away some of that rich, light soil which is made and annually added to by the fallen leaves of the forest. But if this cannot be made con- venient, don't consider the planting useless, by any means, but fork up the bed to the depth of a foot or more, breaking it up fine, add a little fine manure, if it is to be had con- veniently and it is thoroughly rotted, and the bed may be considered ready. If the soil is inclined to be very heavy or clayey, add some fine stones, broken bricks and a good lot of sand to make it more porous. After the plant- ing is accomplished, cover the soil with a good mulching of leaves. If this mulching is repeated year after year, the soil will soon become like home to the plants, and they will respond to the treatment in a way that will reward for the little labor spent. A very heavy, wet mulch in winter is not desirable — particularly for evergreen spe- cies. The selection of plants for the bed may de- pend somewhat on what may be convenient to get. Those who can spare the time will de- light in gathering the plants from the woods, or they are readily purchased. Of those to be found in quantities near Philadelphia (readeis from other sections are better able to supply lists suitable for their location than could be furnished by the writer), are the Cinnamon Fern {Osmunda cinnamomed); the Royal Fern (Osmunda rega lis)— rsiiher scarce ; Asplenium thelypteroides (Silvery Spleen wort); Aspidium spinulosum (Spinulose Shield Fern); Onoclea sensibilis (Sensitive Fern) — combines well if used in small quantities, as its broad fronds are not as graceful as most ferns; Aspidium 7narginale (Evergreen Wood Fern); Aspknium Filix-foemina (Lady Fern); Asplenium acrosti- choides (the well-known Christmas Fern); New Yoik Fern {Aspidium Noveborace?ise); Polypo- diuvi vulgare (Common Polypody); the fore- going list graduates from tall ones to the short in the order named. Three others should be mentioned, but they are more suitable in a little rockery of their Q'^n,— Poly podium hexagonopterumXXx\din%\x\2iX Poly pod); Adiantum pedatutn (Maidenhair Fern); Asplenium ^/^^w^ww (Ebony Spleen wort). The following, which can be placed with those first mentioned, and which are likewise graded according to height, are readily purchased if they cannot be collected: Ouoclea Sttuthiopteris, the graceful Ostrich Fern, a very tall grower in wet soil ; Osmunda Clayto?iia?ia, Flowering Fern; Aspidium Goldia?ium, Goldie's Fern; Woodwardia Virginica ; Asplenium a7igusH- folium. The following, of those above mentioned, are evergreen, and may be placed where their presence in winter would be appreciated: As- pidium spiriulosum, A. marginale, A. acrosti- choides, Asplenium ebeyieum and Polypodium vulgare. The Brake or Bracken iPterisaquilina), famed for its poetical connections, has become well naturalized, and is frequently found occupying large areas. Its rapid-spreading nature does not permit of its general use in cultivation. The roots may be easily transplanted in spring, summer or fall, though if in the spring or early summer, an effect may be had the first season. Syringe the foliage well, just as with other garden plants, every day during the warm months, and a charming bed will be the result. The Confederate Jasmine.— It is to be regretted that some flowers, which would be household pets, are burdened with very hard names. One of these is the Rhynchospermum jasminoides, now also known as Trachelosper- mum. As a pot or tub plant for the decoration of summer gardens, few things are more acceptable; and in the South, where it is free from frost, or nearly so, it is one of the most desirable of hardy climbers. The white, waxy flowers have a delicious odor. The odor is even more agreeable than that of the jasmine. Mrs. Drennan says, in the Southefn Florist, 1898.] MEEHANS' MONTHLY — GENERAL GARDENING. 73 ♦' that it is known through the South as the Confederate Jasmine. She speaks of it as being in perfection in April and May; but in gardens about Philadelphia, grown in pots for summer decoration, as already noted, it is at its best in July. EW ©H ^mJt FLiSNTS, The Blackberry and Grape — Ornamen- tal AND Useful. — It is an excellent idea fur- nished in the January Monthly suggesting blackberries for ornament. Many times I have walked in a garden where plants and shrubs were blooming, and from not one of them could Umbrella China Tree.— What is known in the southern portion of our country as the China tree, is, botanically, Melia Azederach, a native of the East Indies. Though it is said to be from the Himalayas, it will not endure much frost. Azederach is the common name by which it is known in India. It is a very orna- mental tree. A form has been produced which has a strikingly dense habit, and reproduces itself from seed fairly well. It is known in the South as the China umbrella tree. The accom- UMBRELLA CHINA TREE. be picked a plum or berry to moisten thirsty lips. Beauty we must have, but let there also be utility. How very attractive is the Bitter-sweet vine; yet a grape vine, with its purple clusters would be as graceful, and further be refreshing attimes. Victor Hugo made one of his characters say : ' * The beautiful is as useful as the use- ful and sometimes more so." E. panying illustration is furnished by Reasoner Brothers, Oneca, Florida. A Hybrid Orange. — It is said that plants have been raised in the gardens of the Depart- ment of Agriculture at Washington from the hardy orange Citrus ttifoliatay and the common orange of commerce. Hills of Snow Hydrangea. — Under the heading of "• New or Rare Plants," I note that you say "that Meehans' Monthly, freely offers its pages to the discussion of new plants." I have a new plant, but was afraid to write anything about it for fear that it may have the appearance of a free advertisement, which was undesirable. I am propagating it, and when I have enough plants, ahead, will dispose of it. This plant is a hydrangea. I parent is H. atborescens, and is an everbloomer. I have named it Hills of Snow. It begins: to TENnONAL SECOND E 1 74 MEEHANS* MONTHLY — GENERAL GARDENING. [May bloom the last of May and blooms straight along until stopped by the frost. Its bloom is terminal and consists of convex cymes rang- ing from four inches in diameter to ten and twelve inches. This plant is water loving. It requires a cool place on the north sides of buildings, or northern exposures and shade. It would not answer on the south side of a house unless it had plenty of water and shade. The shade keeps its large, veiny leaves dark green ; the sun yellows them and takes away the beauty of its foliage as well as the large size of its cymes. It blooms on year-old plants and on rooting cuttings. F. K. Steele. Festus, Jefferson County, Mo. A photograph came with this note, showing the ordinary inconspicuous fertile flowers turned to barren ones, as in the Chinese Hy- drangea and the Hydrangea paniculata grandi- flora. It will be an interesting addition to the list of ornamental flowering shrubs, and should be as popular as the varieties named above. Physalis Franchettl— The recent notes on Physalis Franchetti have been especially interesting to me, as I have been growing the plant since its introduction by Messrs. Veitch, two or three seasons ago. My experience with it, is, that it is a very welcome addition to the herbaceous border. The first year having been grown from seed, it was very late in the fall before any of the fruit colored, and those we potted and brought into the greenhouse, did not seem as if they were to be of much use as an ornamental plant. The next year, the roots having stood our winter without any protection whatever, the plants made a vigorous growth and in late summer and up till killed down by severe frost, were a perfect mass of beautiful rich colored '* lanterns. " Many people admired the large bunch ex- hibited in my collection of hardy perennials at the American Institute Fair in Madison Square Garden last autumn. I think if your correspondent, L. C. ly. Jor- dan, or his neighbor, will give it another year's trial, leaving the roots just where they were last season, thin out the smaller shoots and tie up the stronger ones, so that the mass will not be too thick, they will be rewarded with bright colored, large fruit; and as the fruit hangs on to the stems all winter, if not cleared away, there is no danger of it becoming a gar- den pest like some of the native varieties. As a preserve, the fruit has no comparison with P. Alkekengi, or even the native P, viscosa. I tried the variety catalogued as P. Japonica last seajjon, but it proved of too little value to be grown for the fruit, and no value whatever as an ornamental, so that it was at once dis- carded. John W. Duncan. Greenwich, Conn. Ann B. Branson, Clear Brook, Va., after one season 's trial of the Physalis under discussion , is disappointed in the results of her plants. They were planted in pots and carefully tended out-of-doors during the summer, but yielded no fruit. From the way the plants rooted in the pots, she is confident that the plant would prove a troublesome occupant in any garden, and she would not recommend any one to plant it out in open ground. While the conductors of Meehans* Monthly have not had the plant under trial further than recent seedlings, they are not inclined to give up the plant without a thorough hearing. They do not fear a plant that spreads rapidly at the root as much as one whose seeds scatter and produce plants far and wide. A root- spreading plant is easily kept in check by hoe- ing off" the young growth as it appears above ground in its growing season. No plant can stand several cuttings like this when the foli- age is needed to support the plant. If this Physalis will produce the colored fruit, which is undoubtedly brilliant and ornamental, it is worth a little trouble in keeping it in check. From all accounts, it is not satisfactory in its fruiting character the first year. I^et us hear more from those who have had it the second year. Physalis Japonica, Mr. Jordan says, was intro- duced by Mr. Burbank, but not disseminated by him. He says it is larger than Franchetti in growth and fruit and very productive. The plant is coarse and by no means ornamental. He further says of Franchetti, that a person of great experience describes it a " perfect nui- sance ; never fruits (where he is) and is a weed.** It does seem that this novelty needs the light of further experience. 1898.] meehans* monthly— general gardening. 75 THE HflRI^T PLOWER QflRfeEN, ■u \ / Heuchera sanguinea.— The pretty Heu- chera sanguinea is one of the most delightful of hardy herbaceous plants. Though dis- covered long since in New Mexico, it has but recently been introduced into gardens. Most of the great family of Saxifrages have white or yellowish flowers, — and this bright red form is therefore more welcome. The plant figured is from a plant flowering under glass in winter time, and it has therefore a sparser appearance than when grown in the open ground ; but it shows well the general habit of the plant. It is a perpetual bloomer, and forms a bright spot in the border, though small. Day lilies.— B. G. Stillman asks ** why do my Day Lilies produce no flow- ers? They seem in a thriving condi- tion.** If they have had plenty of food, there should be no difficulty in flowering them. Sometimes in very deep shade they do not flower as well as when par- tially exposed to the sun. BOCCONIA CORDATA, THE PLUME POPPY. — One of the many delights to those whose interest in plants carries them be- yond research for purely practical infor- mation, is the comparison of plants in relation to kinship. And especially is it interesting to the amateur when he comes in contact with some genus — new to him — that is related to a familiar plant in the same family. As an instance of this, the case of the Bocconia may be cited. How many persons who are famil- iar with this plant know that it is a mem- ber of the poppy family, Papavetacecs ? Yet this is a fact ; and it is known by some as the Plume Poppy, because of the relation. To the average eye, there is no resemblance to a poppy, — and indeed, there is little, even botanically. When broken, the stems emit an orange-colored juice, similar to the well-known Blood- root, — Sanguinaria, — which is also a member of this family. The poppy from which opium is made, Papaver somni/era , also emits a juice, but it is white in color, and it is this, dried in the sun, that fur- nishes the drug. While the Bocconia is, under proper treat- ment, a very tall grower, frequently attaining seven and eight feet in height, its stout stems are entirely herbaceous. Its leaves are large, lobed, and make a good effect. The white £owers are individually small and inconspicu- ous, though as they are grouped in good-sized, terminal panicles, they show fairly well — suffi- ciently to make it, with its foliage, an interest- ing plant. HEUCHERA SANGUINEA. (Flowers Blood-red.) 76 MEEHANS' MONTHLY — GENERAL GARDENING. [May 1898.] MEEHANS* MONTHLY — GENERAL GARDENING. 11 The roots are of an unusual appearance in in color and shape, the former a counterpart in resemblance of the juice previously described. This portion of the plant is likely to prove ob- noxious if the gardener is not watchful, as it developes with extraordinary rapidity, but it furnishes a good source of propagation, one year shoots, if potted and grown on in the fall, blooming the following year. Within recent years, a flesh colored variety oi cordata, carttea, has been introduced, but for some reason has not become popular. Doubt- less a clear white color contrasts best with the foliage, and hence the lack of popularity. Can anyone relate personal experience with it ? B, cprdata is frequently seen written with Jedo'en- sis attached, but that is a mere synonym, the species having once been separated to Macleya JedoensiS' ANb ,^ET/^PLES. Deep Soil for Vegetables. — The agricul- tural Editor of the Toronto Globe says : — ** Double the crops can certainly be obtained from ground loosened in this manner, as Meehans* Monthly states, but this is not understood by the ordinary cultivator. Those who are engaged in the culture of the beet, especially, know that land is always doubled in value when sub-soiled — that is to say, when the under surface is deeply loosened. It is now well understood that a pulverized soil will hold air and moisture, so necessary to suc- cessful culture, to a much greater extent than earth that is packed solid, so that air and moisture cannot be retained. In the dryer weather, plants will not grow and flourish when under ordinary shallow culture. The plants struggle along and appear tired of life." Here is another way to look at it. — '* I am a great lover of new things, new ideas, new theories or new ways of doing old things. I love to keep up to the front — * to keep well up to the rack, fodder or no fodder * — I have not much patience with people who will hold on to the old in preference to the new, because the old they have tried, the new they are afraid to try, so they condemn the new. Try all new things as they come along and hold on to the best, is my motto, and let the old things go if the new are better. Trenching soil for grapes has passed away, with me, never to return. I have learned a better way. Deep loosening of the soil for garden purposes has had its day with me. Why loosen the soil deep ? It is for the purpose of obtaining moisture. The gard- ener quoted on page 44, who dug deep whilst sluggards sleep, who made two acres of land where only one stood before, did not know where he was. Ignorance is considered a vir- tue if one only digs deep. If this gardener had plenty of water (and water is so easy to obtain nowadays) and understood how to make use of it, he would have stopped digging deep. An abundance of water coupled with modern ideas, how to make use of it, will for- ever bury trenching and deep digging or loosening of sub-soil — bury it clean out of sight with never a return. I am willing to take the 6, 7 or 8 inches of top soil of an acre and spread it out on a rock or plank, and then with a good head of water make better crops right along than that painstaking gardener, who dug so deep, could possibly make. Of what use is it to emphasize an old thing — an old way — which has had its day. Let it rest in the old-time musty books of the past gener- ation and let us old people join the young gen- eration and swing along the new things which are bursting forth like the buds on the seed- ling trees. I am hinting at the pent up waters which rest on every hill-side, or will rest on every hill- side just as soon as the famous, gardeners, horticulturists and land diggers catch on. How are plants grown generally in hot houses ? Six inches of soil on a plank, — heat below and above and plenty of water. Where does deep digging stand here ? Will deep digging make beets grow any better ? Will it make beans any tenderer ? Will it make strawberries any juicier? No! Let us stop talking and writing about deep digging for plants. Deep digging is all right at Klon- dike. F. K. Steele. Festus, Jefferson County, Mo. Mr. Steele's paper is a good illustration of the maxim that there are exceptions to all rules. Water is all right when it can pass readily through the soil ; but if there is no hole in the flower pot, so that the water can- not pass away, it would be an evil. There would be no use, certainly, as he says, in deepening soil that is naturally well under- drained. I y The Currant or Gooseberry Worm. — At the first appearance of the destructive Currant Worm, prompt action is necessary if complete relief be desired, as the voracious appetite of this pest is wonderful, and the plants are rapidly denuded of their leaves. Probably the best remedy is White Hellebore, which may be used without fear of injury in its contact with the fruit. It may be applied diluted in water and syringed on the leaves ; or the plants may first be syringed with water and the powder dusted over them, — or the latter following a rain. For a small number of plants, the powder dusted will perhaps be found the best, as it seems to attach itself more lastingly to the leaves. A second application, about ten days after the first, will usually be found necessary. In the course of an hour after the applications have been made, the ground will be found covered with the dead or dying worms, and the bushes entirely abandoned. Decay of Immature Plum Fruit. — The CuRCULio. — The signs of attack of the Curcu- lio and the course to be pursued for its riddance are well known ; but continued inquiries, as to* the cause of decay of immature plum fruit, show the necessity for repetition. The chief enemy of the plum is the insect curculio, and its ravages for a while caused a cessation of planting this fruit in many sections ; but with a little atten- tion, such as all fruits will require, serious trouble can be avoided and perfect fruit had. Perhaps the oldest plan for ridding the trees of the pest is to violently jar the trees, with a small, padded log, from time to time after the leaves have appeared, when the insects would first appear. A sheet arranged beneath the trees catches the insects that fall by the jar- ring, and they are thus collected and destroyed. At this period, the mature insect, in the form of a beetle, is at work feeding on the leaves. If let alone, the real destruction is begun as the fruit is set, when eggs are deposited there- in in great numbers, — it is said at the rate of ten a day by each female. Even in small, private orchards it is now being found advantageous to resort to the spraying of all fruit trees, and by many it will be found equally convenient to use this method of destroying these insects. A solution of the well-known Bordeaux Mix- ture and diluted Paris Green would be effec- tive in this case and would at the same time act upon any fungus that might be present. Many of our private gardens lack the plum, on, f \ Dahl and the Dahlia. — Chamber's Ency- clopaedia of date, 1889, says, that the dahlia is a native of Mexico, and all the two thousand varieties are derived from two species, Dahha variabilis and D, coccinea, but chiefly from the former. The name was given in honor of Dahl, a Sweedish botanist, but because another genus of plants had received the same name, an attempt was made to change it to Georgina. which is sometimes used on the Con- tinent, but Dahlia universally;|prevails, both popularly and among botanists in Britain. Dahl being a pupil of Linnaeus, and the dahlia being named for him, it was associated with the following, which, thanking Georgina, for the reference, is here quoted from Mrs. Lincoln's Botany. *' Kalm, a pupil of Linnaeus, whose name is given to the Kalmia (American Laurel,) spent three years in America, and returned to Europe laden with botanical treasures ; the sight of the American plants brought by his pupil, many of which were entirely new to him, is said to have produced such an effect upon Linnaeus, that although lying ill of the gout, and unable to move, his spirits were rekindled, and in the delight of his mind he forgot his bodily anguish and recovered from his disease." It is elsewhere stated that the four last years of the life of Linn^ were years of mental and physical suffiering. Mrs. E. E. Orcutt. San Diego, California. Poems. — By Florence Earl Coates, published by Houghton, MiflBin & Co., Boston. Our readers have occasionally enjoyed verses from the pen of Mrs. Florence Earle Coates. It is a pleasure to know that she has been in- duced to make a selection of one hundred, and that they have been issued in book form. They are characterized by a deep love of nature, and pay exquisite tribute to human affections — the essence of true poetry. The lover of the ancient classics will be especially delighted. After reading Mrs. Coates' version of the trans- formation of Hylas to a frog, one may hardly look on this amphibian without pity. ** That Hylas, once so ready to aspire. There harshly croaked, contented in the mire." To Study American Forests and Foricst Trees. — The richness of our list of American species of trees and shrubs is more than ever attracting attention in the Old World. Mr. Rehder, who is one of the editors of Moeller^s Deutsche Gartner Zeitung, will spend the whole spring and summer in studying them in our country, and has probably arrived before this meets the reader's eye. He will make the Arnold Arboretum, at Boston, his headquarters, and trusts to visit many portions of our country before his return to Germany. 8o MEEHANS' MONTHI.Y — GENERAL NOTES. [May <^C1NIEK/^L NOTES, Camphor Uses. — Camphor is extensively used in the manufacture of explosives and celluloid, and for which purpose there is said to be an increasing demand. A Canna Disease. — It is stated in a recent bulletin of the Trinidad Botanic Gardens, that a yellow rust has appeared on a certain strain of Canna from Brazil. The disease is claimed to be of a very deadly nature and difficult to overcome. Popular Botany. — Mr. Edward Reagan, gardner to L. A. Thebtaad, Esq., of Morris Plains, New York, gave an address recently before the Gardeners' Club of that city, which has attracted considerable attention. The popular love for botany has been injured by the abstruse position it is made to occupy in colleges and learned institutions. Addresses, like that of Mr. Reagan, do great service by showing that little more learning is required for an intelligent interest in botany than for growing a crop of potatoes. Forest Fires. — The following is taken from the PresSy of Newport News, Virginia : ♦ * A traveler, who had occasion to make an encampment on a ledge of rock in an unbrok- en forest, asserts that he witnessed the begin- ning of one of the most destructive forest fires that ever occurred in that region. A dead tree of enormous size blew over and lodged against another tree, which it bent almost in the form of a bow. The fierce wind swayed the top of the bent tree which supported the trunk of its fallen neighbor. It so chanced that there was a space of several feet where the fallen tree was smooth and rested on the other. The force of the wind in sweeping the bent tree back and forth soon ground the bark from the trunk of the tree. The friction caused by this grind- ing developed a high degree of heat, and the tourist, to his astonishment, saw the wood of the dead tree burst into a flame. The top was soon consumed and fell, scattering burning embers upon the dry leaves for some distance around. These fanned to a flame by the wind, soon created a fierce fire that swept over miles of valuable timber. " Attar-of-Roses. — Why should not Attar- of-Roses be produced in this country^? The process is simple, the outfit inexpensive, and the price of the output uniformly large. It nearly all comes from such countries as Bul- garia, Persia and India, where chemical skill is unknown, except as something entirely in the heads of foreigners. It seems certain that modern inventive skill might devise a more satisfactory and cheaper way of separating the oil than the distilling process. G. Merchantville, New Jersey. Curling Peach Tree Leaves. — In many sections, peach tree leaves are disfigured by the early leaves becoming blistered, curled, and apparently covered with a powdery sub- stance. This powdery material constitutes the fungus parasite known as Exoascus defor- mans, A tree which loses its early leaves always suffers in vital power, — that is to say, it loses ability to resist other depressing in- fluence. It is said that the tea plants of China have to be replaced every ten years, on the average, on account of the loss of leaf power through the continual deprivation of their leaves. When the peach blister first appears on the foliage, no time should be lost in spraying with copper solutions. Annual Expenses of Royal Horticultur- al Society. — It will fill any American with amazement to examine the '• Annual Revenue and Expenditure Account of the Royal Horti- cultural Society for the Year of 1897." The "Establishment Expenses," which include salaries, printing of journal, etc., 1,960;^^ 14s. 3d. Shows, meetings, prizes, etc., cost, i,494;£ IIS. 8d. The total expense, including that of Chiswick Gardens, is 5.481^ 6s. 3d. On the contra side, 3,824/ 12s. 6d. are re- ceived by annual subscription ; Shows and meet- ings bring in 1,528;^ iis. 5d. Other amounts make up the remainder of 6,303/ 13s. yd. The membership numbers several thousand, having increased by 325 during 1897. Monument to Jean Ijnden. — Few men have done more for horticulture than the intrepid explorer, the late Jean Linden. It is proposed to erect a monument to his memory. Subscriptions may be sent to Corate O. de Kerchove de Dentergheim, President, — or to Q. Lubbers, Secretary, Brussels, Belgium. > ? ^ SITUATIONS WANTED. Advertisements under this head, not exceeding 50 words rill be inserted once for 50 cents, or three times for $1.25. (^ARDENERS: At all times, we have on our register the names of competent gardeners, whom we would be glad to recommend to persons in need of same as being fully competent to take entire charge of any place, either large or small. Gardeners desiring situations should correspond with us. No charge, whatever, is made for any such service rendered. THOMAS MEEHAN & SONS, German town, Philadelphia. GARDENER — Situation wanted as gardener on private place, where a thorough, practical and reliable person is required. Life experienced ; best of references ; English, age 35, married, small family. Address, S. Bolton, Johnson, St. Jamaica PI., Mass. GARDENER— A young single man, age 35 years, wants situation as gardener. Under- stands vegetables and flowers, also horses. Reli- able and trustworthy and strictly temperate. First class reference. P. McCormick, 51820 Knox Street, German town. ARDENER AND FLORIST wants private place; German, age 33, married, one child ; good references. **I. D. N.," care of Meehans' Monthly. NOVELTIES IN PLANTS, FRUITS, Etc. A. BLANC & CO., 314, 316 N. 11th ST., PHILADELPHIA SEEDS! SEEDS! 74th Annual Priced Catalogue of VEGETIIBLE, FIRM AND FLOWER SEEDS Is now ready and mailed free to all applicants Bridgeman's Seed Warehouse 37 EAST 1 9th STREET, NEW YORK CITY ^aoRO Pk w. WITH THE^'INCOMPARABLE' BORDEAUX NOZZLE niwd on ••WoRtn's Bkst" RprRvJne Outfits maHeonly by THE. .DWHIHti CO. JA.IEM, iftkt'rs of AIL OF PUMPS. im CUT irArAftAnA|f}j;uia. Kosa Carolina; K. lucida, K. nititla, K. multiflora, K. rugfosa, K. rubigiuosa, and Scotch White. Kubu8 odorata Syniplioricarpos vulgaris. Purple Lilacs. Xantliorrliiza apiifolia. AiiipHlopMis quiiiquefolia and A. Teitcliii. lionicera Haileana and L. variegata. Matrimony Vine. Ueleuiuni autuninale. BY THE THOUSAND OR LESS. fi^^ Large Stock of these varieties, which must be sold. NEW GIANT ESCHSCHOLTZIAS GoidlSwest NEW GIANT BEGONIAS. ^^ NEW GIANT COSMOS. Send 10 cents for Catalogue for Seeds, Plants, Bulbs and Cacti. Mrs. Theodosla B. Shepherd, Yentura-by-the-Sea, Cal. C. G. Van Tubergen, Jr , Haarlem, Holland CHOICE DUTCH BULBS ^ ATTRACTIVE BULBOUS PLANTS Orders for importation only. CATALiOQUES PRBH 0. C. ABEL & CO., Sole Agents, Box 920, New York S FECIAL OFFER Garden and Forest Twenty-five copies, consecutive or selected numbers, in any recent year. One Dollar ; one hundred numbers, Three Dol- lars, post-paid. Bound Volumes, Two Dollars, carriage paid. J. H. GRIFFITH Room 1317 American Tract Society Building NEW YORK CITY LOVERS OF BOTANY SHOULD HAVE THE PliflHT WORLiD An Illustrated monthly Journal of Popular Botany Edited by F. H. KMOUJUTON. P^- D. and a sopps of speeialists. In its pages the interesting facts of plant life are treated in language that is strictly scientific but not technical. Sample copy free. Address, WlIiliAf^D \i. CIiOTH St CO. PUELISHERS BINOHAMTON, « J4ew YORK. WHEN WRITING TO ADVERTISERS, TELL THEM YOU SAW THEIR CARD IN MEEHANS' MONTHLY. Corn responds readily to proper fer- tilization. Larger crops, fuller ears and larger grain are sure to result from a liberal use of fertilizers containing at least 7 % actual Potash Our books are free to farmers. GERMAN KALI WORKS, 93 Nassau St., New York. IT WILL PAY YOU g^g^ Hardy Trees, Shrubs, Plants, Roses, Fruit, and our special stock of Rhododendrons. It will in- terest all who are interested in such matters. ANDORRA NUHSERIES, PSSZ! Pa. Wm. Wahnpr Harpcr. proprietor BEAUTIFUL GROUNDS Handsome nhrubbery will Increase their value. THE MONTROSE NORSERIES make a specialty of CHOICE SHRUBBERY, EVERGREENS and are offering them at very low prices. Also a full line of fruit and nut trees. Send for 1898 catalogue. PUBLISHED THE Ut AND 15tm OF EACH MONTH BY THE GARDENING COMPANY MONON BUILDING, CHICAGO SUBSCRIPTION PRICE, $2.00 A YEAR 24 NUMBERS The most practical and valuable American Horti- cultural publication. Departments : The Flower Garden, Trees and Shrubs, The Greenhouse, The Window Garden, The Fruit Gaiden, The Vege- table Garden, Insects and Other Pests, Mushrooms, and others in season. See what subscribers say about this valuable journal. "For condensed common sense in gardening matters, for reliable, unprejudiced and safe information, Gardenino cannot be surpassed, and although moderate in size it ex- pands upon perusal." W. C Koan, Highland Park, 111. "Gardening is the best horticultural paper printed in A.merica." Chas L. Burr, Springfield, Mass. "I am greatly pleased with the paper. It is practical and guggestive. Its reproduction of photographic views of plants, flowers and landscapes is a most admirable feature." W. M. Johnson, Uackensack, N. J. "It is a delightful paper and has been very interesting and instructive to me." Frank Hitchcock, Davenport, la. "I have found Gardening extremely useful and interest- ing You have given your subscribers a great deal more than their money's worth." Chas. E. Brown, Yarmouth, Nova Scotia "Such a publication was long needed in this country. Every line of its contributions is a lesson in itself to mauy professionals as well as to amateurs." John Berry, Gardener to Senator Wolcott, Littleton, Colo. "I value Gardening highlv on account of the very practi- cal character of its contents.' J. A. Pkttigrew, Supt. Lincoln Park, Chicago "I regard Gardening as one of the most practical maga- cines issued in the interests of horticulture." W. F. Macara, Watervill-v N. Y. •'The paper is the most practical of any I read." W. E. Abbs, Fond duLac, Wis. "I subscribe to all the horticultural and floricultural jour- nals on this continent as far as I know and find in Garden- ing the most practical one for an amateur like myself." Dr. Geo. T. Hawley, Coming, N. Y. Water Lilies and Aquatics are without question the most interesting subjects in the garden, and every garden, large or small, should have an aquatic de- partment. We are the largest growers of this class of plants in the world, and will be pleased to make selections and furnish esti- _ mates for stocking anything from a tub to a m lake. Catalogue Free, if you will men- tion that you saw "ad" in Meehans' Monthly. HENRY A. DREER 714 Chestnut St., PHILADELPHIA, PA. WHEN WniTINQ TO ADVERTISERS, TELL THEM YOU SAW THEIR CARD IN MEEHANS' MONTHLY. \ \ ■■'p.\ ii^j; New York. ABMSTROHQ * McKBUVY Pitii^ralvh. BBTKBK-BAiniAJr Pltr«borgh. DAVIS -CBAXBBEi Pittsburgh. FAHHKgTOCK HtUbargh. \ Cinouinati. E0K8TEXH i ATLAMTIC BRADLEY BBOOSLYV JEWETT ULSTEB trmoN / SOtrTBS&X 1 SHIPMAlff ) COLUBB MIBSOTTRI RED SEAL BOXTTHERN JOHN T. LEWIS * BROS 00 Phil*deli»hia. A DEPARTMENT STORE advertises. ''St Louis Strictly Pure White Lead, J2^/i, 23, 50 and ioo4b. kegSy guaranteed.'' Analysis ot this mixture shows it to be : Zinc, 26.03% Chioafpo. 8t, I- Barytes, 73 97 MORLET 8ALSM COEf^ElL KBNTUOKT Cleveland. Salem, Mm*. Buffalo. LooisTiUs. White Lead, none. Zinc is cheaper than White Lead, and barytes is sold at about }^c. per lb. Moral : Buy White Lead from reputable dealers, and make sure that the brand is right. See list of genuine brands. g-^«^ f^f^ By using National Lead Co.'s Pure White Lead Tinting Colors, |h |y |-< H any desired shade is readily obtained. Pamphlet giving valu- 1 l%l-< l-^ ^ble information and card showing samples of colors free ; also folder showing pictures of house painted in different designs or various styles or combinations of shades forwardea upon application lo those intending to paint. National Lead Co., loo William St., New York. Cypress Hot- Bed Sash and Frames ADAPTED FOR GROWING VEGETABLES, VIOLETS, Etc "THE BEST IS THE CHEAPEST" SUPERIOR IN EVERY RESPECT Freight allowance covers freight to most pointa in Hastern and Middle States. Send to New York Office for circular and price list. Send 5 cts. postage for latest Catalog; ue of "j^ Qre«nhou5e Heating ^ and Ventilating. <> Send 4 cts. postage for Catalogue of Patent Iron Greenhouse Con- struction. Estimates furnished for Cypress Green- house Material. New York Office, St. James BIdg., Broadway and 26tli St. General Office and Works, Irvington-on-Hudson, N.Y. The Fo^e : It^ daltivation, yarietie^, etc. *^ BY H. B. ELLWANGRR. Directions for cultivation, for planting, pruning, propaga tion the treatment of diseases and insect enemies, particu- larly valuable for its classification, alphabetical and descrip- tive list of nine hundred and fifty-six varieties. Cloth, 16^0. Price, WLaS. THOMAS MfSBHAN & SONS, Germantown, Fa. Henderson's * Practical * Floriculture. BY PETER HENDERSON. A guide to the successful propagation and cultivation of florists' plants. The work is not one for florists and garden • era only, but the amateur's wants are constantly kept in mind, and we have a very complete treatise on the cultiva- tion of flowers under glass, or in the open air, suited to those who grow flowers for pleasure as well as for those who make them a matter of trade. The work is characterized by the same radical common sense that marked the author's "Gardening for Profit," and it holds a high place m the estimation of lovers of horticulture. Beautifully UlusU-ated. New and enlarged edition. Cloth, lamo. Price, •l.ftO. THOMAS MEBHAN & SONS, 0«rmantown. Vick's Flower and Vegetable Garden. A book of over aoo pages. Hundreds of illustrations and fix colored plates. Full of practical dfa-ections for the cultivation of flowering, <"™*2*5^jJ and kitchen garden plants •l.oO THOMAS MKBHAlf St SONS, Gernnantown, Phlla. WHEN WRITING TO ADVERTISERS, TELL THEM YOU SAW THEIR CARD IN MEEHANS' MONTHLY. ^ Corn responds rt-aJily to proper fer- tilization. Larger crops, fuller ears and laro-er ijrain are sure to result from a liberal iist^ of fc-rtilizers containing at least -]''(, actual Potash Our books are free to farmers. GERMAN RAM WORKS, g3 Nas:«au St., New York. IT WILL PAY YOU !£Hk; Hardy Trees, Shrubs, Plants, Roses, Fruit, and our special stock of Rhododendrons. It will in- terest all who are interested in such matters. ANDORRA NUrtSERlES, ^Hr.tlTe'fJhlL': >. WM. WARNfR HARPFR. OHOPHIFTOR BEAUTIFUL GROUNDS H;»ii(l>uMH- -hi iililtii V \^ ill incn u» i ri. ii- \ .iliit . THE MONTROSE NURSERIES inakr a ^ptM-iaUy dt CHOICE SHRUBBERY, EVERGREENS aiKl an- otr«'rinu' tln'in nr vny low prices. .M-o »• tull line t.f triiit \\\u\ tint i r. . - S. iid i<.i l ^'•K (•aral"'L'nf. j;. .•*. #»i;'#'f;f/*»ov. ff«i#/#«%#'. >v. i . PUBLISHED THE Ut AND ISrHOf EACH MON I H BY THE GARDENING COMPANY MONON BUILDING, CHICAGO SUBSCRIPTION PRICE, $2.00 A YEAR 24 NUMBERS The most practical and valuable American Horti- cultural publication. DkpartmhnTS : The I'lower Garden, Trees and Shrul)s, The (;rcenh«.use, The Window Garden, The Fruit (Maiden, The Ve^c- taV)le (harden, Insects and Other Pesis, Mushrooms, and others in season. Sec what sul)scrii)crs say about this valuable journal. "For condensed common sense in K'>r(1eninK matters, for reliable, uni)rejmlice(l aiul safe infotnialion. C.akiikmng cannot i>e surpassed, and aUlu.uKh moderate in size it ex- pauds upon perusal. '• W C Kgan, Hiuhlaml I'ark, 111. "Gardkning is the best horticultural i>ed with the paper. It is ]>ractical and suggestive. Its' reproductioti of ph()lonrn])hic views of plants, flowers and land.sci*pes is a most admirable feature " W. M Johnson, liacken.sack, N.J. "It is a drliKhtful paper and has been very interesting and instructive to me." Hkank Hmcmcock, Davenport, la. *• I have found (lAROKNiNt; extremely u.scful and interest- ing. You have given your subscr!l)ers a vnveat deal more than their money's worth.'" Chas. K Hk«.\vn. Yarmouth, Nova Scotia "Such a publication was long needed in this country. Hvery line of its c«jntribulioiis is a le.s.son in itself to many professionals as well as to amateurs." John Bkrrv, C.ardener to .senator \Volcott,l,illletou, Colo. "I value Gardknint, highly on account of the very practi cal character of its contents." J. A. PkTTiGKKW. Su])t. Lincoln I'ark, Chicago "I regard Gaki)I-.nin(. as one of the most practical maga- tincs issued in the interests of horticulture." W V. Macaka, Watervill N. Y. "The paper is the most practical of any I read " W. H. Ahhs. Fond du Lac, Wis. "I subscribe to all the horticultural and floricultiiral jour- uals on this continent as far as I know and find in C.ardkn- ING the most practical one for an amateur like myself." Dr. Gko. T. Hawlkv. Corning, N. Y. Water Lilies and Aquatics are without (incstion the most interesting subjects in the garden, and evcrv j^arden. Vkx'^v or small, should have an afjiuitic de- })arlnicnt. We are the larj^est >;ro\vers ()f this class of ])lants in the woild, antl will be j)lcascd to make sclcitions and linnish esti- mates for stocking aiivthing from a tid) to a lake. C'alfil«>;4ll<» I'^i-'P^'^, Greenhou5e Heating %^<^^i^y„».••••• > ^' -^f^'^^^^iii/^. New York Olce, St. James Bldg., Broadway and 26th St. General Olce and Works, Irvington-on- Hudson, N.Y. The Ro^e : It^ Cultivation, Varieties, etc. ^ BY H. B. ELLWANGKR. Directions for cultivation, for planting, pruning, propaga- tion, the treatment of diseases and insect enemies, particu- larly valuable for its classification, alphabetical and descrip- tive list of nine hundred and fifly-six varieties. Cloth, i6vo. Price, »1.35. THOMAS MEEHAN & SONS, Germantown, Pa. Henderson's * Practical * Floriculture. BY pp:tp:r hp:ndkrson. A guide to the successful propagation and cultivation of florists' plants. The work is not one for florists and garden- ers only, but the amateur's wants are constantly kept in mind, and we have a very complete treatise on the cultiva- tion of flowers under glass, or in the open air, suited to those who grow flowers for pleasure as well as for those who make them a matter of trade. The work is characterized by the same radical common sense that marked the authors "Gardening for Profit," and it holds a high place in the estimation of lovers of horticulture. Beautifully illustrated. New and enlarged edition. Cloth, i2mo. Price, »1.50. THOMAS MEEHAN & SONS, Germantown. Vick*8 Flower and Vegetable Garden. A book of over 200 pages. Hundreds of illustrations and six colored plates. Full of practical directions for the cultivation of flowering, ornamental and kitchen garden plants ©LSO THOMAS MEEHAN & SONS, Germantown, Fliila. WHEN WRITING TO ADVERTISERS, TELL THEM YOU SAW THEIR CARD IN MEEHANS' MONTHLY. i WHEN WRITING TO ADVERTISERS, TELL THEM YOU SAW THEIR CARD IN MEEHANS' MONTHLY. "Vitay^yny il^lllS^S j- ' kU' w)|\tl^. HITCHINGS 5 CO. HORTIDULTURflL fIRDHITBGTS BND BUILDERS ESTABLISHED 50 YEARS and largest Manufacturers of Greenhouse Heating and Ventilating Apparatus The highest awards re- ceived at the World's Fair for Horticultural Architec- ture, Greenhouse Construc- tion and Heating Appar- atus. Conservatories, Green- houses, Palmhouses, etc., erected complete with our Patent Iron Frame Con- struction. SEND FOUR CENTS FOR ILLUSTRATED CATALOGUES. 233 MERCER STREET. HEM YORK CITY Landscape Engineering Plans prepared and carefully carried out for Grading, Roadmaking, Planting and the Remodeling of old places ♦*. Special arrangements made when extensive work is con- templated .% Correspondence solicited. THOMAS MEEHAN & SONS Nm'scy'"^" **"^ Landscape Engineers QERMA[MTOWN, PHILADELPHIA EDWARD CAMPBE L/INDSC/IPE AIRCniTECT /IND ENQINEEK ARDMORE, - PA. Sketch plans and planting maps prepared, and suggestions given for the laying out and improvement of country and suburban residences, public parks and grounds of every description. Grounds laid out and their construction undertaken by contract or day labor^ and carried out under strict personal supervision. The choice grouping and effective arrangement of trees and shrubs has been made a special study. Trees furnished and planted by experienced workmen. Draining Plans and Surveys. Fine Crushed Stone for Walks and Carriage Driyes. H AROY ORNAMENTAL TREES, SHRUBS, VINES, EVER- Th. «a.st .o„.ral ...ortment or Hard, Om.. ^.^.....A >>•■« II m m.m\M ■■ »i Mn a A p Mil M nf r\p>ftiki I • i A mfiital Plant s In Amerlf*. 1 wo hundrpd paee GREENS, AND HARDY HERBACEOUS PERENNIALS. iHustruUd descriptive catalogue on applica. tion. Plana and eatimates furniahed. Send your list of needs for special ratea. THE REAIilNG NURSERY. JACOB W. MANNING, FropH^tor, RKADTNG, MASS. Modern Horticultural Building. Elegant Conservatories, Practical Commercial Houses, and all Classes of Greenhouse Structures Planned and Erected. We build of all Iron, all Wood, or a modification of either, as desired. Steel or Cypress Sash Bars for Butted Glass Glaxing or I^apped Glazing, with or without put y. Latest methods ot Ventilation, Steam and Hot-Water Heatmg Iron and Slate, Iron and Tile, or all Wood Staging. Contracts taken for Completed Structure. Materials furnished to Builders. Zxpert. advice at Residence, or Catalogue? on application. 9^ Don't fail to get our Plans and Prices. PLENTY'S HORTICULTURAL WORKS, 148-156 Randolph Ave., Jersey City, N. J. WHEN WRITING TO ADVERTISERS. PLEASE MENTION MEEHANS' MONTHLY. OL. VIII JUNE, 1595 No. 6 ISSUED MONTHLY, $2.00 PER YEAR IN ADVANCE, SINGLE COPY 20 CENTS. L.V. A it. '', 15 fi %^ M ^^ V^ ;#: k.. '^ .ji. K /' I -a.' -T^ ^* >CS ,1 'h Jk i^' ^' V_ r\ >r.Hv\*!: il'et^ ^-^ / • ' '.X '^^> EEHANS' ^'M m I :>. /<] '^ N TM LY -'o. m i«i»"** '^y/'o ^^^^=o^ ■■^j^"^^ Ul< < .».^>>: General vaARDENiNQ lOWERS nXi ^ cS«^ • W^'i •'.;, y> f h A,\i^, .^ ■.An I r. J}- I I ^ * (enduded by 'm ■II,.. f-j ■'feT ^i '•^fP *»■•? iTMo-m^ MEEHAN COPYRIGHTED 1898 ENTERED AT THE PHILADELPHIA POST OFFICE AS SECOND-CLASS MATTER '^-^j A FEW OLD-FASHION FLOWERS SPIDER-WORTS, ANEMONES, WAKE-ROBINS and BLEEDING-HEARTS This group is designed to embrace plants that will thrive best in partial shade. They combine well and may be prettily arranged in a border with the Dicentra specta- bilis in the rear, the Anemone, Tradescantia and Trillium next in order. But few collections will give greater pleasure. Flowers may be had from early Spring until Fall frosts. Edge the beds with Lilies-of-the-Valley. Strong, flowering plants in every case. TRADESCANTIA V.RG.N.CA WRITE FOR LISTS AND PRICES We are always glad to assist customers in making suitable selections and arranging groups. Plans and plantings carefully executed. THOMAS MEEHAN & SONS, GERMANTOWN, PA. EVERGREENS. Largest stock in Amer- ica, including Colorado Blue Spruce and Douglas Spruce of Colorado. Also Ornamental, Shade and Forest Trees, Tret Seeds, Etc, ^ R. IM>r<;LAK* RONS Waukesan. 111. * to send for our New Catalogue, which tells of IT WILL PAY YOU Hardy Trees, Shrubs, Plants, Roses, Fruit, and our special stock of Rhododendrons. It will in- terest all who are interested in such matters. ANDORRA NURSERIES, ^fi'^^IL'! >. Armed Intervention is not necessary to the peiu-e of st(»ck or safety of crops about whicti Puice Fence in erect«'d.. PAGE WOVEN WIRE FENCE CO., Adrian, Mich. WM. Wahner Harper. Proprietor BEAUTIFUL GROUNDS Handsome siuuhbery will increase their value. THE MONTROSE NURSERIES make a specialty of CHOICE SHRUBBERY, EVERGREENS and are offering tiiem at very low prices. Also a full line of fruit and nut trees. Send for 1898 cataloKue. JE. S. PETKRSOX, Montrose, N. F. JOfi^ Im ■( \m WITH THE'INCOMPARABLE* BORDEAUX NOZZLE used on ''WoRLn'! Bf>T" Spriyln? Outfits T,..vi.onivbv THE DEMIHdcd. SAIEM, OHIO. 'Mil«"of ALL KINDS OF PUMPS. i;iiis err If arncftllfi BUCKET^ RhowN our IVCl U96IIV SPRAYER- MukewltH own cmuNloii m lae act of |»tiiiipin(f. Sold by dt-nlt-rs pcntnlly. Write the in.iniifacturfrs or thfir Gener-il Western A;rent<<, IIkmov AHl'bbkll. Cuicaco. Illustrated Book on **Sprayiag' FREE. Slug Shot Kills Bugs Preserves vegetation from destruction by insects, preserves foliage and is always safe. In use since 1880. Is sold in nearly all towns and villages by dealers in seeds. «* Cattle Comfort" keeps cows and horses free from flies, gnats, etc. For Pamphlet on Buy^s and Blight, Address, B. HAMMOND, Fishkill on Hudson, N. T. s 3 WHEN WRITING TO ADVERTISERS, TELL THEM VOL' SAW THEIR CARD IN MEEHANS' MONTHLY. tmntmm Voi.\/ Plate N ? ft \, \ < X ^ f :^ V ^ AMPHICARPUM PURSHII. PURSH'S AMPHICARPON. NATURAL ORDER GRAMINE^. AMPHICARPUM PuRSHii, Kunth.— Culms tufted, erect from fibrous roots, naked above; leaves lanceolate, rather thin, clothed, like the sheaths, with spreading, rigid hairs; upper flowers in a strict panicle; those at base of the culm perfect; grain ovoid-oblong, terete. Culm one to three feet high. Glumes of the upper flower five-nerved, of the lower one white, many-nerved. (Chapman's Flora of the Southern United States. See also, Gray's Manual of the Botany of the Northern United States, and Wood's Class-Book of Botany.) Although there are possibly some five thousand species recognized as composing the order of the grasses, there are but few that could be popularly distinguished as having special attractions over others. To the popular mind, a grass is simply grass and nothing more. A few have been gathered together, by florists, under the name of orna- mental grasses, — some to be admired for their size and grandeur, and others for their plumy panicles or showy forms. Narrow, green leaves are indeed characteristic of the whole family, and when the term graminifolia is used by descriptive botanists, no one fails to understand what the grass like leaf should be. But if grasses fail to attract by reason of a certain monotony in general form. they compen- sate the lover of nature by variety in detail which might almost be termed infinite, — and will often present cases of great beauty. The one now illustrated, Amphicarpum Purshii^ is a good instance of this. There are many plants with showy corollas that could not permit of such a pretty picture being formed as this presents. But those who can command a good pocket lens find a rich treat in studying the grasses. When one has formed a taste for their close study, few sections of the vege- table kingdom afford more pleasure. In human economy, mankind would be badly off but for the grasses. All of our cereals, — wheat, corn, oats, rye, and others, are family friends, and by far the larger of what we know as grazing and forage crops be- long to the grass family. Yet it is remarkable that few grasses have contributed to the realm of sentiment, and which plays such an import- ant part in human happiness. That *• all flesh is grass " is a trite metaphor, — but it has had little to do with human emotion aside from this comparison. It was used, in ages long since passed, as an emblem of submission, and to which the old English poet, Michael Dray- ton, refers in *' The Barons' Wars" : ** About his temples grass they He, Himself that so behaved. In some strong siege by the enemy A city that he'd saved." This is explained by a reference in Herodotus as translated by Mrs. William Wirt, *' amongst the ancient nations of the West, to show that they confessed themselves overcome, or that they surrendered at discretion, they gathered some grass and presented it to the conqueror. By this action they resigned all the claims to their country they possessed." The Rev'd Hilderic Friend, in his great work on •* Flowers and Flower Lore,*' has gathered all the facts within his reach relating to the sentimental in the vegetable kingdom, but seems to have come across nothing in which grass played a part. All he found was the following, which relates only in the most distant way to grass : **A lesson in each flower, A story in each tree and bower. On every herb on which we tread Are written words, which, rightly read, Will lead us from earth's fragrant sod To hope, and holiness and God." We can hardly conceive of sod aside from grass, so that thus remotely it may claim a place in Dr. Friend's regard. But if not in general literature as a grass, Amphicarpum Purshii has a very interesting story to relate and lesson to impart to those who love knowledge for its. own sake. The little bulb-like bodies among the roots, as seen in the picture, are exceptional among grasses. But they are really flowers, which become per- fected without expansion, and mature the seed wholly in secret, as one might say. The pro- duction of such a class of flowers is now found (8i) .OR PL "] 4. % • » I I AMPHICARPUM PURSHII. PURSH'S AMPHICARPON. NATURAIv ORDER GRAMINE^. AMPHICARPUM PuRSHii, Kuiitli.— Culms tuftcd, erect from fibrous roots, naked above; leaves lanceolate, rather thin, clothed, like the sheaths, with spreading, rigid hairs; upper flowers in a strict panicle; those at base of the culm perfect; grain ovoid-oblong, terete. Culm one to three feet high. Glumes of the upper flower five-nerved, of the lower one white, many-nerved. (Chapman's Flora of thf Southern United States. See also, Gray's Manual of the Botany of the Northern United States, and Wood's Class-Book of Botany.) Although there are possibly some five thousand species recognized as composing the order of the grasses, there are but few that could be popularly distinguished as having special attractions over others. To the popular mind, a grass is simply grass and nothing more. A few have been gathered together, by florists, under the name of orna- mental grasses, — some to be admired for their size and grandeur, and others for their plumy panicles or showy forms. Narrow, green leaves are indeed characteristic of the whole family, and when the term graminifolia is used by descriptive botanists, no one fails to understand what the grass like leaf should be. But if grasses fail to attract by reason of a certain monotony in general form, they compen- sate the lover of nature by variety in detail which might almost be termed infinite, — and will often present cases of great beauty. The one now illustrated, Amphicarpum Purshii, is a good instance of this. There are many plants with showy corollas that could not permit of such a pretty picture being formed as this presents. But those who can command a good pocket lens find a rich treat in studying the grasses. When one has formed a taste for their close study, few sections of the vege- table kingdom afford more pleasure. In human economy, mankind would be badly off but for the grasses. All of our cereals, — wheat, corn, oats, rye, and others, are family friends, and by far the larger of what we know as grazing and forage crops be- long to the grass family. Yet it is remarkable that few grasses have contributed to the realm of sentiment, and which plays such an import- ant part in human happiness. That " all flesh is grass" is a trite metaphor, — but it has had little to do with human emotion aside from this comparison. It was used, in ages long since passed, as an emblem of submission, and to which the old English poet, Michael Dray- ton, refers in '• The Barons' Wars" : * 'About his temples grass they tie, Himself that so behaved. In some strong siege by the enemy A city that he'd saved." This is explained by a reference in Herodotus as translated by Mrs. William Wirt, *' amongst the ancient nations of the West, to show that they confessed themselves overcome, or that they surrendered at discretion, they gathered some grass and presented it to the conqueror. By this action they resigned all the claims to their country they possessed." The Rev'd Hilderic Friend, in his great work on " Flowers and Flower Lore," has gathered all the facts within his reach relating to the sentimental in the vegetable kingdom, but seems to have come across nothing in which grass played a part. All he found was the following, which relates only in the most distant way to grass : **A lesson in each flower, A story in each tree and bower, On every herb on which we tread Are written words, which, rightly read, Will lead us from earth's fragrant sod To hope, and holiness and God." We can hardly conceive of sod aside from grass, so that thus remotely it may claim a place in Dr. Friend's regard. But if not in general literature as a grass, Amphicarpum Purshii has a very interesting story to relate and lesson to impart to those who love knowledge for its own sake. The little bulb-like bodies among the roots, as seen in the picture, are exceptional among grasses. But they are really flowers, which become per- fected without expansion, and mature the seed wholly in secret, as one might say. The pro- duction of such a class of flowers is now found (8i) i^i I ^LOR PLATE T A ▼ 82 MEEHANS* MONTHLY— AMPHICARPUM PURSHII. [June to be frequent, and is termed cleistogamy. The most succint explanation of this is given in the Century Dictionary, *'Cleisto — or clistogamy. A peculiar dimorphism in the flowers of a plant, when, in addition to the fully developed condition of flowers, there are others in which development is arrested in the bud, but which are still fertile and produce an abundance of seed. These latter flowers are inconspicuous, without petals, nectaries, or fragrance, with small anthers containing few pollen grains, and the pistil much reduced. They are necessarily self-fertilized, but are always fertile, while the more perfect flowers of the same plant are often nearly or quite sterile." The fact that some plants, especially the violet, produce these two forms of flowers, was known to some of our oldest English plant historians; but it is only within recent years that their significance has been perceived, — and it is mainly through the labors of Mr. Darwin, in relation to the cross-fertilization of flowers, that their nature has been closely studied and their importance in biology un- derstood . Our plant escaped the observation of the many earnest collectors of plants who became famous during the last centurj^ and it was left to Frederick Pursh, in the early part of the present century, to come across it near Egg Harbor City, in New Jersey; and it was first described by him in his Flora of North America, pub- lished in 1 814. He considered it, however, but a species of Milium, and he named it Milium amphicarpon, giving, at the same time, a very good picture of the plant. But Rafinesque, a little later, pointed out that there were good distinctions from Milium, and took Pursh's specific name as the designation of a new genus, Amphicarpon. Kunth, later, changed the orthography to Afnphicarpum , and he is often referred to as the author of the genus, — a credit which properly belongs to Rafinesque, for all the Greek spelling of the Latin name. The name is derived from the two forms of fruiting already referred to, though it has been doubted in some quarters whether the sup- posed perfect flowers, on the panicle proper, ever bear seeds, these being confined to the cleistogene flowers near the ground. The author's opportunities for examination have not been numerous, but he has never found a perfect seed in the parts above ground. i* :^ The flowers, indeed, do not seem absolutely perfect. In our picture, the flowers are just expanding (Fig. 4, enlarged in Fig. 5). The two plumose pistils are not as long as the bracts. This shows weakness, as in most grasses they are exserted during some por- tions of their existence,— a fact which is relied on in arguments to show that grasses are arranged for cross-fertilization. The closed or fertile flowers push out in slender spikes near the ground (Fig. 6), and when considerably developed, as in Fig. 3, force their way into the sandy soil in which the plant loves to grow. Another species has been discovered south of Georgia, by Dr. M. A. Curtis, which he names Amphicarpum Florida?ium , which has a much more diffuse habit, and cane-like character. Nuttall seems to have early discovered that this grass was no true Milium, for, though in his "Genera," published four years after Pursh published his ♦• Flora," he still retains Pursh's name of Milium amphicarpon, there is a jspecimen of his in the Herbarium of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, collected by Read, on which he has written, for a proposed new name, Gandiyia amphi- carpa. As already noted, there has been much interest shown of late in plants which bear these cleistogamic flowers. It is not common in grasses, though Dr. Asa Gray notices it specially in the White Grass, Leersia. In relation to this, he says, " Flowers crowded on one-sided, panicled spikes or racemes, perfect; but those in the open panicles usually sterile by the abortion of the ovary; those inclosed in the sheaths of the leaves close-fertilized in the bud and prolific." In these fertile flowers, the stamens bear very little pollen, and this fact has been interpreted to mean that the plant economizes where there is a certainty of securing fertilization. But this explanation does not consider the immense waste of energy in producing so many sterile flowers. On this point, the further argument has been offered that the upper flowers, seeminglj'^ perfect, are so arranged as to secure an occasional cross. But if they rarely seed, the reason does not seem a substantial one. Explanation of the Plate.— i. Plant from New Jersey 2. Upper portion of panicle with barren flowers. 3, The subterranean fertile flowers. 4. Expanded barren flowers. 5. The same enlarged. 6. Fertile spike in the early stage. 1 1 ^ * ? WILD FLOWERS AND NATURE. MEADOW FLOWERS. And cups, the darlings of the eye So deep in their vermilion dye. Ah, me ! what lovely tints are there, Of olive — green , and scarlet bright : In spikes and branches, and in stars, Green, red, and pearly white. — Wordsworth. Root-storing Mice. — I came across a feat- ure in gardening, to-day, (March nth,) that I have not seen noted. When uncovering some roses, I found several * 'caches" of fresh- looking bulbs of the English and Spanish Iris. There were from ten to a hundred bulbs in each de- posit. The burrowed channels through the bed, and leading to the plantation of Iris, some ten feet away, indicated at once the presence of field mice — the short-tailed, mole-like nuisance, that in cold frames may be caught in the ordin- ary mouse trap, baited with cheese. Two empty nests, formed of leaves of grass, were found, but the deposits of bulbs were generally not near them. I could find no evidence of the bulbs proper being used for food, but am led to believe that it is only the young growing roots they desire. At the base of some bulbs, , slight signs were noticeable, where the teeth, in endeavoring to get all there was of the roots, had scratched them. The bulbs were fresh and plump, and had started into growth an inch or more, but no signs of roots were visible, each bulb having been shorn of them. These Iris had been planted in groups of a dozen each, the groups being in a line, and about fifteen inches apart, so as to allow spreading annuals to be planted between to cover them when the leafage dies in mid-summer. The burrows led in a straight line from the rose bed to the Iris, crossing a line of hardy pinks, one of which they cut, because it was in their way. Then, straight down the line of Iris, com- pletely encircling each group. On examining the ground where the Iris ought to have been, I found it full of fresh roots, showing not only that the bulbs had been there comparatively recently, but that they had been forcibly torn out from their places. I pulled up one bulb they had overlooked, and found that, while many rootlets broke off and remained in the soil, quite a number adhered. I also found some Iris bulbs in among a batch oi Lilium candidum. While their burrows ran close to the lilies, I could find no evidence that they had injured them. I have had them injure Anemone coronaria and Ranunculus, in cold frames, but not bring the tubers to the surface. To dump about a peck of these bulbs on the soil pile at this season of the year, is not con- ducive to early or late piety. Where I have been endeavoring to grow Prunus triloba, and numerous other things, even the Cut-leaved and Purple Beech in shrubby forms, the rabbits have cut back all they could reach, heavy irons enabling them to get up 3 feet. * ' It was ever thus since child- hood *s hour," etc. W. C. Egan. Highland Park, Illinois. The Swamp Cabbage as a Cut Flower. — The Swamp Cabbage {Symplocarpus fietidus) has generally been regarded as a sort of joke among spring flowers, although there are those who hail with pleasure the appearance of its purple streaked hoods in the bogs of late winter. The general public has been rather inclined to turn up its nose at the humble plant and its flowers. That it is by no means unde- serving of a place, however, in the spring bouquet, was made manifest this season to the writer, who saw cut specimens of it set in vessels of water in at least two windows front- ing on business thoroughfares in Philadelphia. The cuttings had been made at a •point six or eight inches below the base of the spathe, and so as to include both flowering and leafstalks. The effect was really striking and picturesque — the rich colors of the hood standing out boldly against the green background of the great opening leaves, in a way that must have arrested the attention of all that looked in the windows. C. F. Saunders. (83) 84 MEEHANS* MONTHLY— WII*D FLOWERS AND NATURE. [June \4 1898.] MEEHANS* MONTHLY — ^WILD FLOWERS AND NATURE. 85 Large Honey Locust. — In reference to re- cent notes on the Honey Locust, Mrs. E. E. Orcutt, of San Diego, California, says: **It reminds me of a tall, slender tree covered with graceful foliage and many pendent racemes of fragrant white flowers. The tree grew with great rapidity, and it was said to bloom every month of the year in its native place. But it decayed as rapidly as it grew, and our Vermont sidewalk knew its fragrance and beauty no more, for its greatest admirers would not plant another, its life was so short. It must have been the Robinia pseud-acacia that I knew so well ; but the Honey Locust recalled its beauty, and to read of a locust raised from seed in 1830 and still alive, is passing strange. The Honej' Locust tree of America is a Gleditschia ; the locust of West Indies is Hymencea Coutbaril, a gigantic tree, whose pods supply nutritious matter. The name locust is also given to the Carob tree, a relative of Acacia, the unshelled pods of which it was supposed the Prodigal Son would have partaken in his self-exile from home and native land. *' Just what was meant by the translation ** locust'* in the New Testament, has not yet been finally decided. Most commentators assume it to have reference to the pods of the Carob tree, and which is sold in our con- fectionaries as ** St. John's Bread." The late Professor Riley, however, insisted that the text meant what it said. Veritable locusts, he be- lieved, were eaten in these deserts. He averred, from his own culinary experiences, that fried locusts formed a dish fit for a king. Navel Oranges. — The so-called Navel Orange is a delight; it is also a curiosity. Its external aspect at once attracts attention, and is now familiar to everyone. But it IS the interior that especially excites wonder. We are frequently asked to explain its construction. We will venture lo give our own idea of it, premising that this hypothesis may not be the correct one. It need not excite our marvel that it is seed- less. That condition is usually the result of long continued cultivation and selection. Many other fruits, as, for instance, the banana, show the same, or nearly similar, deprivation. In the banana, as generally seen, minute specks alone represent the seeds. Indeed, these in their perfect state are rarely seen except in some far- Eastern islands. The plant is propa- gated by off-shoots or cuttings. It mustbe borne in mind, in this connection, that very many plants manifest two modes of reproduction ; that by the seed, and that by some form of budding. Hence all the pro- cesses of layering, grafting, etc. So much for the first point ; the second is not so easy to demonstrate. It will be recalled that in the Navel Orange we have, as it were, one fruit within another, like a succession of telescopic pill-boxes. The inner, as well as the outer, may have a rind, but usually it does not. It varies much in size, and of course is, by situation, smaller. Again, the smaller it is, the better the regular fruit, for the interior berry is rarely as juicy and luscious as the outer. We attribute the inner berry to supernumer- ary carpels. To explain, we will say that the generally-accepted theory of the formation of the pistil of a flower, is that it is composed of one or more metamorphosed, leaves. If it is a simple pistil, there is but one such leaf or car- pel ; if compound, there are two or more carpels. According to the way in which these leaves or carpels fold and touch, there results a one, several, or many-celled ovary. The last is the condition in the orange as represent- ed by its segments. The cross-section of an ordinary Messina or Valentia orange shows these parts radiating like the spokes of a wheel from a common centre or axis. Now the whole flower, of which the pistil is the central part, is but a branch (a conception which we owe in part to the poet Goethe), and the carpels are peculiar leaves of that specialized branch. We take it that in the Navel Orange the branch or shoot continues to grow, producing another tier of carpels above or within the first set. The lower set is more vigorous, presses upon and crowds the inner, forming, at last, the characteristic dimple or navel which gives the fruit its name. Such prolification of a flower-branch is seen any day in the two or more storied inflores- cense of Chinese Primroses, or in the still more striking cases when a cherry, rose, or apple blossom continues a leafy shoot through its middle. Could we but observe the flowers of the orange from bud development to fruit, it would , y \ be possible to tell how nearly correct is this tentative explanation. William Whitman Bailey. Brown University, Prof. Bailey*s conception of the manner in which the Navel Orange is constructed by nature corresponds with that described in a paper published in the *' Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences" several years ago, and is undoubtedly correct. QUERCUS MACROCARPA AND QUERCUS LYRATA. — I send you, lo-day, five specimens of the Overcup Oak Acorns, Quercus macro- carpa. They are from two trees. Those marked No. I are from a tree growing near the Plattin Rock, on the river Plattin, this county. Those marked No. 2 are from a tree growing on the Swashin River, near the famous Shot-tower Rock, where in past times bird shot was made. The lead was melted on its summit and, in its melted state, was emptied on sieves of differ- ent degrees of fineness, to form the differ- ent grades of shot, from thence falling down over a hundred feet to a circular basin cut out of the rock. The basin, as it so happened, contained an ever flow- ing spring of pure limestone water. The shot, dropping into this water, were after- wards gathered together and sold to the hunters in the surrounding country. I note what you say of the Quercus lyrata, in your Monthly, page 48. This oak — the Overcup Oak, — is very plentiful in this section of the country, and it varies very much according to its situation. It seems to thrive better, grow larger and with larger nuts and burs in the neighbor- hood of watercourses. On the hills, they are stunted and with small burs and nuts, and one seeing them would think they were another species of oak . But , whether the tree grows on the hills or on the bottoms, the leaves remain green until the frost kills them, and they remain on the trees all winter — or until the rising sap throws them off in the spring. This oak generally makes a handsome tree. The lower limbs horizontal, the upper limbs upright and much forking, and they grow on the rich bottoms, to a goodly size, with straight trunks. Their nuts are mild, free from astringency and form the best of the most found in this section. Hogs feed on them in preference to other acorns; and they are very fattening to horses. Cows also find them good food. F. K. Steele. Festus, Mo. Trillium grandiflorum.. — I enclose photo of a remarkable Trillium taken last spring, a grandiflorum freak, petals green, edged with white, three long-petioled leaves inserted about I Yz inches above the tuberous rootstalk. Brit- ton & Brown say *' A monstrous form, with two long-petioled leaves, was collected by Dr. Pitcher, in Michigan" but this specimen is one leaf better or worse. The stem was injured during transportation and was crudely propped in pot to be protographed. See the following illustration. J. M. Dickson. Hamilton, Canada. ABNORMAL TRILLIUM FLOWER. 84 MEEHANS* MONTHLY— WILD FLOWERS AND NATURE. [June i 1898.] MEEHANS' MONTHLY — WILD FLOWERS AND NATURE. 85 Large Honey Locust. — In reference to re- cent notes on the Honey Locust, Mrs. E. E. Orcutt, of San Diego, California, says: **It reminds me of a tall, slender tree covered with graceful foliage and many pendent racemes of fragrant white flowers. The tree grew with great rapidity, and it was said to bloom every month of the year in its native place. But it decayed as rapidly as it grew, and our Vermont sidewalk knew its fragrance and beauty no more, forits greatest admirers would not plant another, its life was so short. It must have been the Robinia pseud-acacia that I knew so well ; but the Honey Locust recalled its beauty, and to read of a locust raised from seed in 1 830 and still alive, is passing strange. The Hone)' Locust tree of America is a Gledilschia ; the locust of West Indies is HymencBa Courbaril, a gigantic tree, whose pods supply nutritious matter. The name locust is also given to the Carob tree, a relative of Acacia, the unshelled pods of which it was supposed the Prodigal Son would have partaken in his self-exile from home and native land. " Just what was meant by the translation •' locust" in the New Testament, has not yet been finally decided. Most commentators assume it to have reference to the pods of the Carob tree, and which is sold in our con- fectionaries as " St. John's Bread." The late Professor Riley, however, insisted that the text meant what it said. Veritable locusts, he be- lieved, were eaten in these deserts. He averred, from his own culinary experiences, that fried locusts formed a dish fit for a king. Navel Oranges. — The so-called Navel Orange is a delight; it is also a curiosity. Its external aspect at once attracts attention, and is now familiar to everyone. But it is the interior that especially excites wonder. We are frequently asked to explain its construction. We will venture lo give our own idea of it, premising that this hypothesis may not be the correct one. It need not excite our marvel that it is seed- less. That condition is usually the result of long continued cultivation and selection. Many other fruits, as, for instance, the banana, show the same, or nearly similar, deprivation. In the banana, as generally seen, minute specks alone represent the seeds. Indeed, these in their perfect state are rarely seen except in some far-Eastern islands. The plant is propa- gated by off-shoots or cuttings. It must be borne in mind, in this connection, that very many plants manifest two modes of reproduction ; that by the seed, and that by some form of budding. Hence all the pro- cesses of layering, grafting, etc. So much for the first point ; the second is not so easy to demonstrate. It will be recalled that in the Navel Orange we have, as it were, one fruit within another, like a succession of telescopic pill-boxes. The inner, as well as the outer, may have a rind, but usually it does not. It varies much in size, and of course is, by situation, smaller. Again, the smaller it is, the better the regular fruit, for the interior berry is rarely as juicy and luscious as the outer. We attribute the inner berry to supernumer- ary carpels. To explain, we will say that the generally-accepted theory of the formation of the pistil of a flower, is that it is composed of one or more metamorphosed, leaves. If it is a simple pistil, there is but one such leaf or car- pel ; if compound, there are two or more carpels. According to the way in w^hich these leaves or carpels fold and touch, there results a one, several, or many-celled ovary. The last is the condition in the orange as represent- ed by its segments. The cross-section of an ordinary Messina or Valentia orange shows these parts radiating like the spokes of a wheel from a common centre or axis. Now the whole flower, of which the pistil is the central part, is but a branch (a conception which we owe in part to the poet Goethe), and the carpels are peculiar leaves of that specialized branch. We take it that in the Navel Orange the branch or shoot continues to grow, producing another tier of carpels above or within the first set. The lower set is more vigorous, presses upon and crowds the inner, forming, at last, the characteristic dimple or navel which gives the fruit its name. Such prolification of a flower-branch is seen any day in the two or more storied inflores- cense of Chinese Primroses, or in the still more striking cases when a cherry, rose, or apple blossom continues a leafy shoot through its middle. Could we but observe the flowers of the orange from bud development to fruit, it would \ p \ be possible to tell how nearly correct is this tentative explanation. William Whitman Bailey. Brown University. Prof. Bailey's conception of the manner in which the Navel Orange is constructed by nature corresponds with that described in a paper published in the *' Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences" several years ago, and is undoubtedly correct. form the best of the most found in this section. Hogs feed on them in preference to other acorns; and they are very fattening to horses. Cows also find them good food. F. K. Steele. Festus, Mo. QUERCUS MACROCARPA AND QUERCUS LYRATA. — I send you, lo-day, five specimens of the Overcup Oak Acorns, Qiiercus macro- carpa. They are from two trees. Those marked No. I are from a tree growing near the Plattin Rock, on the river Plattin, this county. Those marked No. 2 are from a tree growing on the Swashin River, near the famous Shot-tower Rock, where in past times bird shot was made. The lead was melted on its summit and, in its melted state, was emptied on sieves of differ- ent degrees of fineness, to form the differ- ent grades of shot, from thence falling down over a hundred feet to a circular basin cut out of the rock. The basin, as it so happened, contained an everflow- ing spring of pure limestone water. The shot, dropping into this water, were after- wards gathered together and sold to the hunters in the surrounding country. I note what you say of the Quercus lyrata, in your Monthly, page 48. This oak — the Overcup Oak, — is very plentiful in this section of the country, and it varies very much according to its situation. It seems to thrive better, grow larger and with larger nuts and burs in the neighbor- hood of watercourses. On the hills, they are stunted and with small burs and nuts, and one seeing them would think they were another species of oak . But, whether the tree grows on the hills or on the bottoms, the leaves remain green until the frost kills them, and they remain on the trees all winter— or until the rising sap throws them off in the spring. This oak generally makes a handsome tree. The lower limbs horizontal, the upper limbs upright and much forking, and they grow on the rich bottoms, to a goodly size, with straight trunks. Their nuts are mild, free from astringency and Trillium grandiflorum. — I enclose photo of a remarkable Trillium taken last spring, a gra7idiflofum freak, petals green, edged with white, three long-petioled leaves inserted about lyi inches above the tuberous rootstalk. Brit- ton & Brown say ' ' A monstrous form, with two long-petioled leaves, was collected by Dr. Pitcher, in Michigan" but this specimen is one leaf better or worse. The stem was injured during transportation and was crudely propped in pot to be protographed. See the following illustration. J. M. Dickson. Hamilton, Canada. ABNORMAL TRILLIUM FLOWER. NTIONAL SEC $£'^ *k GENERAL GARDENING. A DEWY MORN. All twinkling with the dew-drop sheen The Brier rose fell in streamers green, And creeping shrubs of a thousand dyes Waved in the west-wind's summer sighs. — The Lady of thk Lake. Beeti.es on Asters.—*' What will prevent black beetles from destroying asters ? ' ' asks B. G. Stillman, New York City. The Spanish Blister Beetles are probably intended. They could readily be destroyed by Paris Green, but this is not pleasant to use among flowers. On our grounds, we have a boy go over the plants, shake them to the ground, and crush under- foot. Spraying Machines. — No garden is now complete without some kind of spraying ma- chine among its tools and implements — with trouble from insects and fungi, the sprayers deal admirably. Some of them are small and adapted to house plants, — while on a larger scale the garden and orchard can be well served. Crimson Rambler Rose for Cutting. — In choosing flowering plants for ground deco- ration, it is well to consider what may also be available for cut-flower purposes, for who does not enjoy the cutting and arrangement fresh from the garden, not to speak of the adornment to the house by vases filled and renewed at pleasure. A correspondent who is always on the lookout for plants suitable for this purpose, asks what climbing rose would be useful to her. Perhaps nothing better fills the want than the new Crimson Rambler. It furnishes a very long stem, and a large cluster of flowers of the most desirable shade of crimson. The numer- ous flower buds do not all open at once, and the branch should therefore be cut soon after enough are opened to give a proper effect. The old Crimson Boursault is not to be des- pised, as it furnishes a good-sized flower and quite fragrant, in which the Rambler is lack- ing, but unfortunately the stems are not as long as is desired for cut- flower work. (86) Hymenocalus lacera as an Aquatic. — Some years ago, a successful attempt was made in growing Hymenocallis laceta as an aquatic, and it was intended that other species, known usually as growing in dry soils, should be tried. Most plants will adapt themselves to unusual conditions, and the subject is worthy of further attention. It is hoped that the ex- periments made by Mr. Oberwetter (see page 44, Vol. I,) may be extended. Grafting wax. — The old style of having to warm grafting- wax when to be used was in- convenient. Some improvement was made when, once softened, it was put into alcohol, and introduced as liquid grafting-wax. This has never been entirely satisfactory. The Chemical Specialty Co., of Cleveland, Ohio, have introduced an article which can be kept ready for use at anytime, and which they con- tend, meets all requirements. Thinning Trees. — The great beauty of many trees lies in the horizontal spread of their branches. In laying out ornamental tracts, trees have to be planted closer together, for immediate effect, than would be desirable at a. later stage. They require thinning out after growing together for a number of years. But this is seldom thought of by the planter. When the necessity for thinning arrives, he cannot do it, as it sacrifices trees he has learn- ed to love. Henceforward they have to go on struggling with each other as best they can. After the trees have journeyed well on toward maturity there is nothing gained by thinning. Trees advanced in years will never assume a pretty horizontal spread of branches. To cut away mature trees, does not benefit those left, but rather places them in an ugly light. It is better to leave them do the best they can to- gether. One cause of the short lives of many trees is the struggle with each other for the scant supply of food. In this case, though thinning will do little good, a liberal surface dressing of manure will work wonders. 1898] m'':ehans* monthly — general gardening. »7 I ^* t \ FrEESIA refracta alba. — When Linnaeus founded a botanical system on the sexes of flowers, Freesia, with its three stamens, would have been in his class Triandria, — and its single pistil have gained for it a place in his order Monogynia. Modern botanists, in re- ducing plants to a system, take some one prominent genus as a type for others. The Iris has been taken for the order with which Freesia should be grouped, and hence it is said to be an Iridaceous plant. At the present time, the Freesia is one of the most popular flowers for cultivation, by florists, for winter blooming. It is said there are two species, and two or three varieties. They are natives of Cape of Good Hope. They are very beautiful winter blooming plants. The bulbs increase very rapidly, and should be well ripened off*, before they are allowed to get dry. They grow well in baskets and should be given plenty of light and air. In the basket illustrated, which is nine inches square, forty-nine bulbs were put in it. Each bulb sends up one spike, which has between twenty-five and thirty flowers on it. If a truss is cut as soon as the first two flowers are open, the remaining buds will open, if kept in fresh water. Flowers: Calyx two-leaved, short. Perianth 2% inches long, white, with about six violet lines in the throat, yellowish at the base, and with a blotch of yellow on the lower segment of perianth. Some flowers are pure white, and all are delicately fragrant. The original form is purplish. John Coulson. FREESIA REFRACTA ALBA. 4 '1 ^ \ GENERAL GARDENING. A DEWY MORN. All twinkling with the dew-drop sheen The Brier rose fell in streamers green, And creeping shrubs of a thousand dyes Waved in the west-wind's summer sighs. — The I^ady of the Lake. Beetles ON Asters.— " What will prevent black beetles from destroying asters ? ' ' asks B. G. Stillman, New York City. The Spanish Blister Beetles are probably intended. They could readily be destroyed by Paris Green, but this is not pleasant to use among flowers. On our grounds, we have a boy go over the plants, shake them to the ground, and crush under- foot. Spraying Machines. — No garden is now complete without some kind of spraying ma- chine among its tools and implements — with trouble from insects and fungi, the sprayers deal admirably. Some of them are small and adapted to house plants, — while on a larger scale the garden and orchard can be well served. Crimson Rambler Rose for Cutting. — In choosing flowering plants for ground deco- ration, it is well to consider what may also be available for cut-flower purposes, for who does not enjoy the cutting and arrangement fresh from the garden, not to speak of the adornment to the house by vases filled and renewed at pleasure. A correspondent who is always on the lookout for plants suitable for this purpose, asks what climbing rose would be useful to her. Perhaps nothing better fills the want than the new Crimson Rambler. It furnishes a very long stem, and a large cluster of flowers of the most desirable shade of crimson. The numer- ous flower buds do not all open at once, and the branch should therefore be cut soon after enough are opened to give a proper effect. The old Crimson Boursault is not to be des- pised, as it furnishes a good-sized flower and quite fragrant, in which the Rambler is lack- ing, but unfortunately the stems are not as long as is desired for cut- flower work. (86) Hymenocallis lacera as an Aquatic. — Some years ago, a successful attempt was made in growing Hymenocallis lacera as an aquatic, and it was intended that other species, known usually as growing in dry soils, should be tried. Most plants will adapt themselves to unusual conditions, and the subject is worthy of further attention. It is hoped that the ex- periments made by Mr. Oberwetter (see page 44, Vol. I,) may be extended. Grafting wax. — The old style of having to warm grafting- wax when to be used was in- convenient. Some improvement was made when, once softened, it was put into alcohol, and introduced as liquid grafting-wax. This has never been entirely satisfactory. The Chemical Specialty Co., of Cleveland, Ohio, have introduced an article which can be kept ready for use at anytime, and which they con- tend, meets all requirements. Thinning Trees. — The great beauty of many trees lies in the horizontal spread of their branches. In laying out ornamental tracts, trees have to be planted closer together, for immediate effect, than would be desirable at a. later stage. They require thinning out after growing together for a number of years. But this is seldom thought of by the planter. When the necessity for thinning arrives, he cannot do it, as it sacrifices trees he has learn- ed to love. Henceforward they have to go on struggling with each other as best they can. After the trees have journeyed well on toward maturity there is nothing gained by thinning. Trees advanced in years will never assume a pretty horizontal spread of branches. To cut away mature trees, does not benefit those left, but rather places them in an ugly light. It is better to leave them do the best they can to- gether. One cause of the short lives of many trees is the struggle with each other for the scant supply of food. In this case, though thinning will do little good, a liberal surface dressing of manure will work wonders. 1898] m':ehans' monthly— -general gardening. 87 I ^ FrEESIa refracta alba. — When Linnaeus founded a botanical system on the sexes of flowers, Freesia, with its three stamens, would have been in his class Triandria, — and its single pistil have gained for it a place in his order Monogynia, Modern botanists, in re- ducing plants to a system, take some one prominent genus as a type for others. The Iris has been taken for the order with which Freesia should be grouped, and hence it is said to be an Iridaceous plant. At the present time, the Freesia is one of the most popular flowers for cultivation, by florists, for winter blooming. It is said there are two species, and two or three varieties. They are natives of Cape of Good Hope. They are very beautiful winter blooming plants. The bulbs increase very rapidly, and should be well ripened off", before they are allowed to get dry. They grow well in baskets and should be given plenty of light and air. In the basket illustrated, which is nine inches square, forty-nine bulbs were put in it. Each bulb sends up one spike, which has between twenty-five and thirty flowers on it. If a truss is cut as soon as the first two flowers are open, the remaining buds will open, if kept in fresh water. Flowers: Calyx two-leaved, short. Perianth 2% inches long, white, with about six violet lines in the throat, yellowish at the base, and with a blotch of yellow on the lower segment of perianth. Some flowers are pure white, and all are delicately fragrant. The original form is purplish. John Coulson. V' I ^ I M FREESIA REFRACTA ALBA. fiffENTfONAtSECOND URE 88 MEEHANS' MONTHLY — GENERAL GARDENING. [June T Azalea calendulacea. —Among azaleas, A, calendulacea is without doubt the most brilliant in the color of its flowers. These are of a deep orange color, — or flame color, as it is usually described,— and quite large, though of less size than A. mollis. Even as a lone speci- men, it demands admiration from everyone; massed, it is beyond description. It is one of those many plants that an enthusiast would speak of as being required to make any garden complete. Water Lilies in Tubs, Tanks and Ponds, — When and How to Plant Them. — May is the ideal month in which to plant Water-lilies, though the season begins in March and continues into July, being regu- lated by the climate and the varieties one wishes to plant. Aside from natural waters, there are three receptacles used for growing Water-lilies, namely: tubs, tanks and ponds. Tubs are less used than tanks or ponds, coming in as an invaluable makeshift to those lacking better facilities. Ordinary half-barrel tubs are the most numerous, though tierces, vats, hogsheads, etc., are often sawn down and used. The tub is filled to within 8 or 12 inches of the top with soil, the lilies planted, the tub placed in full sunshine and kept full of water (should be wintered in the cellar.) Tanks or cement basins, either under glass or in open air, are most satisfactory places to grow all kinds of water plants. The size and shape of the tank are matters to be adjusted by the owner and the purpose for which it is in- tended. Circles, ellipses, and parallelograms are mostly used. We prefer the latter; irregu- lar and naturalistic character may be given in the planting; 6 by 12 feet or 12 by 20 feet and 2)^ feet deep are convenient dimensions for small tanks; 20 by 50 feet and 3 feet deep in the middle is a good size for larger nym- phseas. Victorias should have at least 700 square feet of water surface. The tank should be given a sunny location. In the absence of water-works, water to replenish with during the summer will have to be provided for from a spring, well, lead-trough from the roof of some building, or olheruise. Two barrels of water per week will supply a 12 by 20 tank during a scarce time. The most economical tank is made by digging into the ground. Soil from the exca- vation may be thrown around the margins, sufficient to make a neat embankment if de- sired. Before the masonry is begun, a sup- ply, an overflow and a drain pipe should be put in place, and, if the tank is to be arti^ ficially heated, connections for the flow and return pipes should be put through the walls in course of construction. The walls should be of brick or stone laid in cement and the soil well packed around the outsides. In cold climates, they should be 13 inches thick; in the latitude of southern Kentucky, 8 inches; further south, 4 inches thick will suffice. For the bottom, beat the soil down firm and cover to the depth of 4 inches with coarse gravel or broken brick or stone. On this, pour thin mortar made of one part sand and two parts cement, seeing that the gravel are coarse enough and the mortar thin enough to run freely to the bottom everywhere. Then finish both bottom and sides with a good coat of Portland cement. In latitudes where there is no danger of hard freezing, or in greenhouses, a good coat of cement plastered to the soil, without a wall, will be sufficient. Care should be taken, in this case, to pack the soil solidly together as there is danger of the plaster bursting from the heavy pressure of the water. Lilies should not be planted in a tank for a few days after completion while the water is strong of cement. The construction of ponds is less intricate. If the water is to be had from surrounding hill- sides, from springs or streams generally, the lowest part of the ground is the most suitable place. If the pond is to be made by building a dam across a stream, due preparation should be taken against freshets by throwing the basin to one side in order that the current may not rush pell-mell through the lily plantation. The water line or edge of the pond should be determined by a spirit-level or otherwise, and the soil removed to the depth required, either by an ordinary pond-scraper or with pick, shovel and cart. If desired for water plants wholly, three and one-half feet is deep enough; but for large ponds, it is recommended that considerable depth be attained and only the shallower places be used for lilies. Where the soil is porous or gravelly and the water supply scant, the whole basin should be plastered with a three or four inch coat of stiff clay 1898.] MEEHANS' MONTHLY — GENERAL GARDENING. 89 : % \ t \ mud; but where the soil is naturally of a clayey texture, a good pounding with mauls or allowing stock to tramp the place for a season will make the bottom almost as reten- tive as if cemented. Doubtless there are a greater number of failures in Water-lily culture arising from an undue knowledge in l/ie selection of varieties than from any other source. If tubs are to be planted, select stock adapted to tub culture — the same with tanks and ponds — and do not expect plants from Sweden to flourish along- side of those from Brazil. In tubs of the hardy Water-lilies, any of the Nymphcpa pygmcea, N. Laydekeri, or N, odorata families may be grown well. The Matliacea varieties are rather large. Ntlum- bium, or lotus, make fine tub plants — espe- cially N, speciosum and A^. album gtandiflorum, because they have been under rigid cultivation in the Orient for centuries. Of the tender varieties, N. Mexicana, N. flava and N, gracilis are the best. The Zanzibar lilies, N. dentata, JV. scutifolia and A^. Devoniensis may be "dwarfed " in tubs, where they do splendid- ly, but cannot be brought to themselves in water of less than 10 feet in diameter. The other tropical lilies submit with reluctance to limited quarters and should be given plenty of room. In a Water-lily tank, without artificial heat in open air in this latitude, all the tropical Water-lilies, including the Victorias, may be planted out after June ist and be flowered with success; strong, healthy plants and plenty of food being the chief requisites. All kinds of hardy lilies may be grown in tanks. In natural ponds of proper depth and mud bottoms, that are not supplied by cold springs and that are not too much shaded, all the hardy Water-lilies will thrive and live over winter without protection anywhere in the United States or Southern Canada. All the tropical Water-lilies may be grown success- fully in open ponds, but require the protection of a greenhouse or warm cellar over winter. No Water-lilies do well in swift streams; but slow streams and coves may be utilized with perfect satisfaction. In swamps or sloughs where the soil is barely covered with water, the lotuses may be grown with good effect. The soil for growing aquatics is of the simplest kind. They are strong but not choice feeders. Heavy loam from the garden, made rich by well-decayed, manure is an ideal artifi- cial soil. If commercial fertilizers or fresh manure are used, in decomposing they give a stench to the water and cause it to stagnate. For planting, the soil may be placed either in boxes or spread entirely over the bottom of the tank or pond to the depth of 10 inches. Planting in boxes is preferred in ponds where the water is liable to rise and fall during the summer, in order that the young plants may be kept at congenial depths until established, discretion should be used in planting the small varieties in shallow water and the stronger sorts in deep places ; care should be taken never to bruise a Water lily root, especially a lotus, as it often proves fatal. In planting, dig out a trench in the mud with the hands and lay the root in horizontally — not set up end- wise— and cover to a depth twice the thickness of the root. If there are fish in the water, poultry netting, slab stones or something more available should be placed around the roots for protection. Being judiciously selected and planted in favorable quarters. Water-lilies need practically no further cultivation and are sure to succeed with anyone. GEORGE B. Moulder. Smith's Grove, Ky. ". • Raffia for Budding, Grafting and Tying. — On every private place of any pretension as to size, there is more or less grafting and bud- ding to be done. Various materials are in use for tying in the grafts or buds, but none are the equal of Raffia. It is broad, soft and plia- ble, and does not bind the bark as readily as others. Bass bark was once the popular material for these purposes, but it was less convenient, requiring wetting at the time of using. Raffia is procuied in long plaits, the strands of which are cut up into desired lengths. It is the product of the leaves of a palm, Raphia pedunculata, which grows only in Madagascar. The quality is chiefly shown in its color, which should be of a brownish white. As a pound is considered sufficient to tie about two thousand buds or grafts, that amount would last a long time, if kept dry, on a private place. It may also be used for general tying around the greenhouses, among tender plants, because of its breadth in comparison with string. 90 MEEHANS' MONTHLY— GENERAL GARDENING. Propagating Cyclamen. — This plant, though belonging to the primrose family, has large fleshy seeds, produced in seed-vessels which, before maturing, project above the foli- age; but later the peduncles twist themselves into a close spiral, bringing the ripening seed- vessels close to the soil, and no doubt in its natural habitat, into the soft soil or humus commonly found in shady places, when the seeds germinate. Let us take a hint from this, and prepare our pans or boxes by making the soil firm, then sowing the seed, and covering with sifted leaf-mould mixed with a small quantity of fresh loam. When the little corms have reached the size of Sweet- Pea seed, they should be carefully pricked out into boxes avoiding thereby breaking or injuring the roots; water copiously, and shade for a day or two. On no account permit the soil ever to Ret dry. Keep the plants growing freely in intermediate-house, and when they have de- veloped five or six leaves, they may be potted into small 6o's. The final shift into 48's should be made as soon as the roots reach the sides of the pot. The soil used for this shift should consist of leaf-mould one-half, and well. decayed cowdung; fresh loam, and a little sharp sand, forming the remaining half. June to August is the best time to sow seed of the cyclRmen.'— London Gardeners Chronicle, Seaweed as a Fertilizer.— Though the use of seaweed as a fertilizer is quite common in Great Britain, its value as such is little known in this country. Its chief element is water, and on this account, it is said, it is par- ticularly beneficial to succulent crops, as pota- toes, asparagus, etc. Potash and salt are other prominent constituents ; but it is practically destitute of minerals, rendering its period of value brief. It is necessary that it should be used as soon as possible after being collected, and may be either spread on the surface or worked into the soil. To get the full value of the fertilizing elements, however, it should not be exposed on the surface. The seaweed most commonly seen on the New Jersey coast, Fucus vesiculosus.—the; one with curious little inflated bladders between the tissues of the leaves, —is said to be one of the most valuable. It should be effective on soils naturally dry, by reason of the hygrometrical properties of the salt, adding moisture to the ground. [June NEW ©1 RARE FL/^NTS, A Japanese Blood-leaved Maple Hedge. —Considering the many wonderfully beautiful effects to be had from the arrangements of plants unknown to the general public, it is puzzling that some of our more wealthy citizens of leisure do not interest themselves more in beautifying the surroundings of their large and expensive residences. The resources are unlimited. Take the subject of this paragraph , for instance. A hedge of this lovely Japanese Maple would surpass any effect ever attempted in landscape arrangement, and so simple, too. It would cost no more than a good-sized bed of rhododendrons and be exactly eight times as effective, for the charm of such a bed ceases with the fading of the flowers. During the last week in April, the writer drew inspiration for this commendation from a view of about a dozen nursery rows of these maples, the leaves just expanded, each ex- tending a distance of one hundred yards. Their beauty was unsurpassed! Can the readers of Meehans' Monthly who have seen single specimens imagine such a mass of coloring? Oh! for a Horticultural Worth to start some fashions worthy of the material. Flowers of the Hardy Orange.— Quite a feature of the shrubbery beds near Horticul- tural Hall, Fairmount Park. Philadelphia, consisted of some blooming plants of the Hardy Orange, Ciinis trifoliata. The plants have been kept back by pruning, making bushy specimens, which bloom profusely. The flowers are similar to those of ordinary oranges, but not nearly so fragrant. Con- sidering the heavy "cock-spur" spines, the small oranges and the flowers, this makes quite an interesting plant. It is barely ever- green in the vicinity of Philadelphia. Tufted Pansies.— The pansy is a species of violet,— Viola tricolor. Some thirty years ago, the Dicksons, nurserymen of Edinburg, Scot- land, crossed a wild violet of Scotland, Viola amcena, with the garden pansy, and the result was a beautiful hybrid. Other species of wild violet were subsequently tried, until the dis- tinct race, known as tufted pansies, was pro- duced. > t 1898.] MEEHANS' MONTHLY — GENERAL GARDENING. 91 Begonia erecta cristata. — Under the name of Begonia erecta cristata^ appears the annexed illustration in the catalogue of Georges Bruant, of Poitiers, France. The crested arrangement of the stamens in this variety brings in a wholly new feature in this interesting class of window flowers. Begonia erecta, of which this is a variation, is a Brazil- ian species. Morning' Glories. — The old-fashion Con- volvulus, which we all know as the Morning Glory, constitutes one of the fancy flowers of Japan. The florists make every effort to get new strains of varieties in the form of growth as well as colors. Any florist, who can origin- ate a new spot, stripe, or wrinkle on a blossom , is in a fair way for an Asiatic fortune. THE M/flRfeT FLOWEM ^/flllD)EN. Healthy Roses. — Mr. McPike, of Alton, Illinois, says that the plague of fungi and in- sects on roses is not a serious one. He uses kerosene emulsions. He adds "I can spray all my rose bushes in an hour or two, and one spraying is generally sufficient. '^ A New Forsythia. — The Forsythia, or Golden Bell, seems lia- ble to many variations. The three already in gardens from China, viridissima, suspensa, and Fortunii, are all forms of one thing. Another form, quite as distinct as the others, is said to have been dis- covered in Albania. -.1 A Yellow-berried Holly. — Rumors of a discovery of a yellow- berried holly are afloat. While it is doubtful that such a color would be prettier than our charming red one, it is to be hoped that some- thing may develop from this find, for the sake of variety. Violet, Mrs. J. J. Astor. — This new violet is described as of a lovely shade of rosy- heliotrope, the fine flowers are rather darker than Mme. Millet, and the growth more vigor- ous. It is also a surprisingly free bloomer, early, and very sweet-scented. A long stem is now considered essential to constitute a first-class violet. BEGONIA ERECTA CRISTATA. Do PEONIES Mix ? — Some years ago, roots of pink and white paeonies were planted but a few feet apart. " They will mix, " said a friend, later. But I regarded this as a whim, based on the fact that seeds are frequently crossed. Yet now the paeony, which was at first pure white, is more or less tinged with pink. Is its prox- imity to the colored variety responsible for this ? and if so, why ? Bessie L. Putnam. The idea suggested is that the pollen of one kind, absorbed by an- other kind, has influ- enced the latter to be- come changed, just as a hybrid plant would do when raised from seed. Though this is a popular impression, no proof has ever been given of the correctness of this notion. On the contrary, such direct experiments that have been made to test its correctness, have pro- duced negative results. The ability of plants to sport is so great that there is no need for calling in what appear to be physiological impossibilities to account for them. Canterbury Bells. — In the case of the Bellflower, popular endorsement is given to the botanical name. Campanula, which has the same signification. All of the several hundreds of species are Bell flowers by common consent. Many have special associations. There are the Blue-Bells-of-Scotland; and the Canterbury Bells, of which a specimen from Gardening Illus- trated is represented on page 93. As simply the ' .;i- ' 'I 92 MEEHANS' MONTHLY — GENERAL GARDENING. [June 1898.] MEEHANS* MONTHLY — GENERAL GARDENING. 93 Canterbury Bell, Campanula Medium, a native of the South of Europe, has long been known and appreciated in gardens. Of late years, the florist's hand has been at work, and given us many forms, curiously different from the original species. The one illustrated is a specimen of this handiwork. Instead of the ordinary blue flower, with a green calyx, the corolla is white, and the calyx has been trans- formed into a sort of white lace collar placed around the neck of the flower. In many other ways, the Canterbury Bell has been made to vary with great interest to the cultivator. Unfortunately, this species is but a biennial, though hardy. There are some species of Platy- codon — most frequently known as Campanula — that are equally interesting in their way, viz : P. grandiflorum, P, var. album and P. var. Mariesii. They are valuable features in a hardy border. Phlox Varieties.— The Royal Horticul- tural Society distributes plants to its Fellows, with the idea of disseminating new or little used kinds. Of 449 plants offered, 237 are varieties of the well-known garden phlox. What a task for the amateur gardener ! Twenty-five would give an ample assortment. Who can name that number of distinct and meritorious varieties ? Phlox decussata or panlculala, which are very much hybridized, are referred to. Currant Culture. — One of our gardeners brings unusually fine currants to our market, while the currants of others have but few berries to a bunch because, as they say, the Currant Worms eat up and skeletonize the leaves of their bushes, notwithstanding their being dusted with Paris Green and other poisons. I asked this gardener how he managed to keep the caterpillars off of his currant bushes ? He said: *• When the leaves of the currant have attained about the size of a silver dollar, the fly lays its eggs on the under- side of the leaves. The eggs hatch out and the little worms puncture the leaves with numerous holes the size of a pin head. I watch for the punctures in the leaves and on the first discovery of them I walk along the rows of my currant bushes and with my fingers and thumb crush the little worms under every punctured leaf. They are all there in a nest, as it were. It takes but a short time to de- stroy all the little worms in that way, and I thus keep my bushes free from the nuisance and get perfect fruit from them. In watching for the punctured leaves and killing the young worms, a stitch in time does not only save nine, but it saves the whole garment. Dayton, Ohio. HORTICOLE. Late Vegetable Seed sowing. — There is much to be done in June in the way of sowing vegetable seeds in many temperate localities. Such as beans, corn, cucumbers, okra, salsify, melons, squash, pumpkins, and canteloupes are best deferred until the soil is thoroughly warmed. Many of the earlier sowings should be re- peated to furnish crops in succession. Most all gardeners keep this in mind respecting peas and overlook others equally desirable. Cucumbers for pickling may be brought in as a late crop. It may seem a consideration of little moment to those who have but small gardens, but to keep the soil up to the highest condition pay attention to the location of certain things. Put deep- looted plants where shallow- rooted ones have been previously. Propagating Strawberries. — If one has a variety of strawberry desirable for propaga- tion, it is a good practice to peg down the earliest runners close to the ground. If small stones are at hand, one placed at the end of the runner will do as well. Pegs are easily made, cutting twigs into lengths of eight or ten inches, and splitting them. They will then bend like hair-pins; or tooth-picks may be utilized. If small pots of rich earth be placed under the runner's bud, so much the better for an early and strong plant. . Cabbage Worms. — *• An amateur lady-gar- dener '* says the Florida Farmer " dusted her worm-infested cabbage patch with buckwheat flour and reported satisfactory results. Another gardener being troubled in a like manner, and hearing of said remedy, but having no buck- wheat flour, used the so-called middlings, with killing effect. The best time to apply the flour is when the cabbage is covered with moisture, either after dew fall or rain." «1 ^ Strawberries and Water. — Experiment in a small way is the only way to learn. Now there is much talk of irrigating strawberry plants whilst they are fruiting. I am not claiming that irrigation is new, by any means, nor that irrigation of this crop is new; but I do claim that there are very few men who irri- gate their strawberry patches for the purpose of producing more fruit, larger fruit, extend- ing the season and making the last berries as large and as fine as the first berries. All of this can be done with water, therefore water must be held in a plentiful supply and in a cheap way. Nearly every farm in hilly sec- tions can have receptacles for holding a large supply of water. If a person has but one hill- slope, it would cost but little to make a spring in the upper portion of it. Then, planting the strawberry plant midway of the slope or at its lower end, there would be a head of water powerful enough to be used through the hose. In building this spring, the earth can be cheaply moved by a plow and scoop. The spring should be dug horizontally with the hill and about 40 feet from its top and a space scooped out 80 or 100 feet long, 8 or 10 feet wide, 3 or 4 feet deep; but these conditions must vary according to the width of the hill and circumstances sur- rounding. Rock ought to be plentiful, for this has much to do with its cheapness and its perfect work. After the hole is excavated, the pipes for the outlet should be placed in position. For a small spring, one line of pipes, buried beneath the soil out of the way of the plow and frosts, with small hydrants at fre- quent intervals will an- swer; for larger springs, from two to several lines of pipes, and many hydrants, will do the business. If the exca- vation is made through clay, several barrels of cement should be used, mixed with sand, to make the bottom and sides impervious to water. One coat will be enough. Then rock, carefully laid on the bottom, (the larger the chunks of rock for the bottom, of course the better) with wide spaces between, then thin flakes laid on thin tops [?], on the top of these other rocks, and so on, always observ- ing to leave as large spaces around the rocks as possible. When there is about six or eight feet of rocks in height, then the small inter- stices should be filled in with smaller rocks, and then a foot or more of earth laid on, ex- cept near the edge of the hill on its upper side, — here then should be stone, broken fine, or coarse gravel a foot or more deep, for it is here that the water comes in from above, and the small stone or gravel is to keep the sedi- ment from entering the many caverns beneath. The outlet pipes should be turned up inside the excavation with sewer pipes screwed on their ends, although hardly necessary if there is plenty of fine stone or gravel for filtering the water before its ingress into the rocky caverns beneath. These springs will furnish cold water all the year round, and enough for CANTERBURY BELLS. --sec paqc 91. •-r 92 MEEHANS' MONTHLY — GENERAL GARDENING. [June 1898.] MEEHANS' MONTHLY — GENERAL GARDENING. 93 Canterbury Bell, Catnpanula Medium, a native of the South of Europe, has long been known and appreciated in gardens. Of late years, the florist's hand has been at work, and given us many forms, curiously different from the original species. The one illustrated is a specimen of this handiwork. Instead of the ordinary blue flower, with a green calyx, the corolla is white, and the calyx has been trans- formed into a sort of white lace collar placed around the neck of the flower. In many other ways, the Canterbury Bell has been made to vary with great interest to the cultivator. Unfortunately, this species is but a biennial, though hardy. There are some species of Platy- codon — most frequently known as Camparmla — that are equally interesting in their way, viz : P. grafidiflomm, P. var. album and P. var. Mariesii. They are valuable features in a hardy border. Phlox VARiETiES.—The Royal Horticul- tural Society distributes plants to its Fellows, with the idea of disseminating new or little used kinds. Of 449 plants offered, 237 are varieties of the well-known garden phlox. What a task for the amateur gardener ! Twenty-five would give an ample assortment. Who can name that number of distinct and meritorious varieties ? Phlox decussata or paniculala, which are very much hybridized, are referred to. PK^ITS ANb E^ET/^PLES. Currant Culture. — One of our gardeners brings unusually fine currants to our market, while the currants of others have but few berries to a bunch because, as they say, the Currant Worms eat up and skeletonize the leaves of their bushes, notwithstanding their being dusted with Paris Green and other poisons. I asked this gardener how he managed to keep the caterpillars off of his currant bushes ? He said: '• When the leaves of the currant have attained about the size of a silver dollar, the fly lays its eggs on the under- side of the leaves. The eggs hatch out and the little worms puncture the leaves with numerous holes the size of a pin head. I watch for the punctures in the leaves and on the first discovery of them I walk along the rows of my currant bushes and with my fingers and thumb crush the little worms under every punctured leaf. They are all there in a nest, as it were. It takes but a short time to de- stroy all the little worms in that way, and I thus keep my bushes free from the nuisance and get perfect fruit from them. In watching for the punctured leaves and killing the young worms, a stitch in time does not only save nine, but it saves the whole garment. Dayton, Ohio. HORTICOLE. Late Vegetable Seed sowing. — There is much to be done in June in the way of sowing vegetable seeds in many temperate localities. Such as beans, corn, cucumbers, okra, salsify, melons, squash, pumpkins, and canteloupes are best deferred until the soil is thoroughly warmed. Many of the earlier sowings should be re- peated to furnish crops in succession. Most all gardeners keep this in mind respecting peas and overlook others equally desirable. Cucumbers for pickling may be brought in as a late crop. It may seem a consideration of little moment to those who have but small gardens, but to keep the soil up to the highest condition pay attention to the location of certain things. Put deep- looted plants where shallow-rooted ones have been previously. Propagating Strawberries. — If one has a variety of strawberry desirable for propaga- tion, it is a good practice to peg down the earliest runners close to the ground. If small stones are at hand, one placed at the end of the runner will do as well. Pegs are easily made, cutting twigs into lengths of eight or ten inches, and splitting them. They will then bend like hair-pins; or tooth-picks may be utilized. If small pots of rich earth be placed under the runner's bud, so much the better for an early and strong plant. • Cabbage Worms. — "An amateur lady-gar- dener" says the Florida Farmer •♦ dusted her worm-infested cabbage patch with buckwheat flour and reported satisfactory results. Another gardener being troubled in a like manner, and hearing of said remedy, but having no buck- wheat flour, used the so-called middlings, with killing effect. The best time to apply the flour is when the cabbage is covered with moisture, either after dew fall or rain." J i '1 •- Strawberries and Water. — Experiment in a small way is the only way to learn. Now there is much talk of irrigating strawberry plants whilst they are fruiting. I am not claiming that irrigation is new, by any means, nor that irrigation of this crop is new; but I do claim that there are very few men who irri- gate their strawberry patches for the purpose of producing more fruit, larger fniit, extend- ing the season and making the last berries as large and as fine as the first berries. All of this can be done with water, therefore water must be held in a plentiful supply and in a cheap way. Nearly every farm in hilly sec- tions can have receptacles for holding a large supply of water. If a person has but one hill- slope, it would cost but little to make a spring in the upper portion of it. Then, planting the strawberry plant midway of the slope or at its lower end, there would be a head of water powerful enough to be used through the hose. In building this spring, the earth can be cheaply moved by a plow and scoop. The spring should be dug horizontally with the hill and about 40 feet from its top and a space scooped out 80 or 100 feet long, 8 or 10 feet wide, 3 or 4 feet deep; but these conditions must vary according to the width of the hill and circumstances sur- rounding. Rock ought to be plentiful, for this has much to do with its cheapness and its perfect work. After the hole is excavated, the pipes for the outlet should be placed in position. For a small spring, one line of pipes, buried beneath the soil out of the way of the plow and frosts, with small hydrants at fre- quent intervals will an- swer; for larger springs, from two to several lines of pipes, and many hydrants, will do the business. If the exca- vation is made through clay, several barrels of cement should be used, mixed with sand, to make the bottom and sides impervious to water. One coat will be enough. Then rock, carefully laid on the bottom, (the larger the chunks of rock for the bottom, of course the better) with wide spaces between, then thin flakes laid on thin tops [?], on the top of these other rocks, and so on, always observ- ing to leave as large spaces around the rocks as possible. When there is about six or eight feet of rocks in height, then the small inter- stices should be filled in with smaller rocks, and then a foot or more of earth laid on, ex- cept near the edge of the hill on its upper side, — here then should be stone, broken fine, or coarse gravel a foot or more deep, for it is here that the water comes in from above, and the small stone or gravel is to keep the sedi- ment from entering the many caverns beneath. The outlet pipes should be turned up inside the excavation with sewer pipes screwed on their ends, although hardly necessary if there is plenty of fine stone or gravel for filtering the water before its ingress into the rocky caverns beneath. These springs will furnish cold water all the year round, and enough for bj I \: ^ ■ CANTERBURY BELLS. --sec page qi. INTENTIONAL SE D EXPOSURE 94 MEEHANS* MONTHI^Y — GENERAL GARDENING. [June i^' all irrigating purposes. They catch the sur- face water from every rain, hold it and it is purified, fit for man to drink, free from insects, never liable to get out of order, no pumping nor heavy work, only to screw on a hose- coupling, turn the stopcock, and the water is rushing; and when one of these springs is well made, it will last forever. Let us all ex- periment a little this year. F. K. Steele. Festus, Jeflferson Co., Missouri. Gooseberry culture. — It is well-known that, in the dry, warm climate of America the gooseberry is not a success. At least, this is true as regards the foreign variety of goose- berry. They are attacked by a species of mil- dew which not onl}^ interferes with the ripen- ing of the fruit, but also weakens the vital powers of the plant. A bush which has suffer- ed from mildew is more likely to be injured by frost than one which is free from the attention of this little parasite. In a recent walk through the garden of Mrs. Betton, in Germantown, near Philadelphia, (which by-the-way, is one of the most beautiful of all the existing old- fashion gardens around Philadelphia,) it was surprising to notice the absolute health and vigor of large numbers of English gooseberry plants. They were perfectly healthy and bear- ing as large and fine fruit as could be seen anywhere. The gardener informed the repre- sentative of our magazine that his practice was to reduce dry lime to absolute powder, and then sift it over the plants early in the season. This he regarded as a perfect preventative to the mildew. As this is done every year, with good results always following, it does seem certain that this dry powdered lime is really effective. Burdock as a Vegetable. — What is even regarded as a vile weed can, with a little stretch of imagination, be turned into an ornamental plant or delicious vegetable. This is especially the case with the common Burdock, Lappa major. Schoolboys all know it from gathering thsburs and compressing them into a ball, they being held together by the curved points of the floral involucre. This is all they know about it. It is difficult to see anything more to be despised in the Burdock leaf than in the leaf of the Rhu- barb. It appears that it is largely used in China for food. But it is stated that, if the stalks be cut down before the flowers expand and then be boiled, the taste is relished equally with asparagus. The leaves, when young, are boiled and eaten as we eat spinach. In Japan, it is in universal use. Thousands of acres are de- voted to its culture. But in this case, the root is the object. It requires deep soil to get the roots to the best advantage. The common name, in China, is Gobbo — a name, however, which need not replace our common one of Burdock. Dewberries. — Several attempts have been made by selection to improve the dewberry so as to make it a valuable garden fruit; but with a single exception of one variety, namely, Lucretia, none have become popular, — and even this variety seems to be confined to the gardens of amateurs. As it is naturally a trailer, it has to be tied to a stake. As they ripen two or three weeks earlier than the varieties of the common garden species, they are appreciated by those who grow fruits for their own use. The general public, however, would give no more, probably, for the early blackberry than for the later ones, and as they are not so productive, they cannot be raised at this rate to a profit. This is probably the reason why they do not appear in the list of market-grown fruits. Preservation of Fruits. — It is not gener- ally known, that a strong element in the suc- cessful preservation of fruits, is healthfulness in the tree that bore them. An apple, pear or grape that can be kept for three months after gathering from trees in a perfect state of health, will show evidence of decay in much less time than if taken from trees in a less vital condi- tion. Some fruits will of course naturally keep longer than others. There are autumn pears and apples and winter pears and apples. This condition is a result of a constitutional difference; but aside from this constitutional difference, vigorous life-power has much to do. Celery. — In serving up celery, modern caterers cut off the root. To many, this is the choicest portion of the whole. One variety is grown for the sake of its roots alone. It is known as Celeriac. Both root and leaf-stalks are regarded as a choice edible. It is seldom seen in our markets or grown in our gardens. BIOGRAPHY AND LITERATURE. BY THE WATERFALL. The merchant, deaf with the city's roar. And weary oi counting his dollars and worn, The student, wont o'er his books to pore And the wounded in spirit that silent mourn. May fill at fountains of freshness here, A cup with a draught that never palls. And the soul with beauty, for far and near, The woods resound with the waterfalls. — Howard Worcester Gilbert. Thomas Cartledge. — It is only within recent years that the trade in cut-flowers has risen to such prominence as to be a business of national importance, and capable of sustain- ing a number of able trade papers. One of the leading pioneers in this laudable enterprize was the well-known firm of Pennock Brothers, of Philadelphia, in which Thomas Cartledge bore the leading part. His death on the 17th of May, in his 63d year has been announced. His broad intelligence and lovable character as a man, gave an additional charm to his su- perior business capacity. The Author OF Primula veris. — Attention is called to an error in crediting the poem. Primula veris^ in the May issue. Lenau was the author, and Henry D. Wireman the trans- lator. The correspondent has words of praise for similar translations by Mr. Wireman, some of which will furnish treats for readers of future issues. The Witch Hazel. — "Can anyone tell why it was once supposed by some that a branch of this shrub would involuntarily turn in the hands, of the right person, and indicate the presence of water in the earth ? " E. E. O. Correspondents of Meehans' Monthly are permitted to use Witch Hazel instead of Wych Hazel because modern dictionaries seem to authorize either. It is unfortunate as it tends to confound distinct matters. Our plant has no connection with the magic of the water hunter. The Black Thorn of England, Prunus spinosa^ was the wood used in these divinations or whatever these superstitious practices may be termed. Hazel had a very wide meaning in the olden times, and the elm, as well as the nut now known as such, was Hazel. One of these elms, now known as Ulmus montana^ was the favorite wood for making wyches or provision chests, and was therefore known as the Wych Hazel. In the present day it is the Wych Elm. Our Hamamelis received from the early settlers the name of Wych Hazel from the resemblance of the leaves to those of the Wych Hazel or Elm of the Old World. Language reformers imagining that wych should be spelled witch are responsible for the confusion. Wych Hazel is the correct term for our plant. Greenhouse Management, — Fruits and Flowers Under Glass. — By L. R. Taft. Published in New York, by Orange Judd Com- pany. It is nothing against this book that its author is Professor of Horticulture in Michi- gan Agricultural College, general as the im- pression prevails that one who may be a suc- cess in college teaching is found wanting in the balance of practical work. To our mind it is one of the most useful guides, in the field it occupies, that has yet appeared. The florist or fruit grower, who has to look to profit for his returns, as well as the amateur flower or fruit grower, whose returns are to be weighed in the scale of pleasure, will alike find the book eminently useful. The Crimson Rambler Rose. — A corres- pondent of the London Journal of Horticulture says : '• The Crimson Rambler Rose was pur- chased for Mr. Jenner, by commission in Japan, in the year 1878, through Professor B. Smith, residing in Tokio at that time, but who was presently, if not still, at Mason College, Bir- mingham. Mr. Jenner was particularly pleas- ed with its free-flowering and very striking ef- fect, and it was grown for about a dozen years in a private garden. Then Mr. Jenner pre- sented the entire stock to Mr. Gilbert of the (95) 96 MEEHANS* MONTHI^Y — GENERAI. NOTES. [June Bulb Nurseries, Bourne, Lincolnshire, and he, with his consent, sold it to Mr. Turner of Slough. It was originally called The Engi- neer, I believe, because an engineer first brought it to Mr. Jenner's or Professor Smith's know- ledge; indeed, it was actually shown as such at the Royal Horticultural Society, and received an award of merit on July 8, 1890. Mr. Jenner consented to the name being changed to Crim- son Rambler, which is most appropriate. . . The gold medal of the N. R. S. was unanimous- ly awarded it at the C. P. exhibition of 1893, when it was described as a climbing Polyantha Rose/* ^EMCRiSL MOTES. City Foresters. — The April issue of the Forester has an able article on forestry in its relation to arboriculture, and has a judicious thrust at the modern affectation, by city garden- ers, of the cognomen of * ' City Foresters. ' * Forestry in Minnesota. — The Chief Fire- warden of Minnesota reports that there are, in seventy-five townships alone, 600,000 acres of land that could be more profitably used in the culture of White Pine timber than in any other way. Public Parks. — The need of public parks, open spaces, and play-grounds for children in all our large towns and cities is appreciated in these times as never before. The Park and Outdoor Art Association, founded last year, is doing yeoman service in these lines, and de- serves hearty support. It meets this year in Minneapolis on the 22nd, 23rd and 24th of June. Among the eminent landscape garden- ers who will address the meeting may be noted W. W. Folwell, J. H. Patterson, Fred. Kanot, B. E. Fernow, Chas. M. Loring, O. C. Simonds, O. B. Douglas, Chas. N. Lowrie, J. A. Pettigrew, A. C. Clas, and C. H. Wahl. Warren H. Manning, Boston, Mass., is Secre- tary and Treasurer. It is believed special railroad rates will be secured. Quarantining Plants. — The Canadian Government has prohibited absolutely the in- troduction of certain nursery stock from the United States to the Dominion, for fear of in- troducing the San Jos6 Scale. Americans can not much complain, as most of the States have been quarantining each other ; and Ger- many, alarmed by our own excitement, has prohibited American fruits. To show how silly this is, it is only necessary to say, that the insect already exists in most of these places, and if not can easily get there, in a multitude of ways aside from traveling by nursery stock. The Colorado potato beetle simply took a ride on a railroad train for the East ; and the Scale can get across the line on a bird's foot or feather, just as well as on a tree, and no doubt can breed just as well on a native forest tree, as on any tree from a nursery. Puck says, — "What fools these mortals be.** Nature Studies in the Public Schools. — For years, there have been efforts to have science taught in the public schools. It seemed to require special teachers for special subjects, — a method too expensive for the public school system. Some science is, how- ever, a very simple thing. To teach the young to see, to compare, and to judge is the best foundation for a truly scientific character, and this habit any teacher of good judgment is able to form in the average child. This course of teaching, under the name of nature study, is now prevalent in advanced public schools. Hartford, Connecticut, always in ad- vance in educational matters, has gone further than some others, and has started the forma- tion of Public School Herbariums. Premiums of $5.00 for a collection of not less than 100 native flowers, down to $3.00 and $2.00 for 50, are offered the children. Dr. G. Pierrepont Davis seems to have been the originator of the movement, — and Mrs. Wilhelmine Seliger, and Superintendents of Keney Park and the general City Parks, Messrs. Parker and Wirth, all of Hartford, his worthy co-adjutors. The park superintendents offer to name the plants for the children in difficult determinations. The appointments of city gardeners, city foresters, or whatever else they may be termed, were, primarily, with the view of giving infor- mation to citizens. — though in many cases this has degenerated to little more than planting Holland bulbs in public plots. To be useful in public school education, as the worthy people named purpose to be, is a new de- parture well worth the attention of other cities besides Hartford. •v* y r. ^ ■'A cf Vl ♦ SITUATIONS WANTED. Advertisements under this head, not exceeding 50 words will be inserted once for 50 cents, or three times for $1.25. OARDENERS: At all times, we have on our register the names of competent gardeners, whom we would be glad to recommend to persons in need of same as being fully competent to take entire charge of any place, either large or small. Gardeners desiring situations should correspond with us. No charge, whatever, is made for any such service rendered. THOMAS MEEHAN & SONS, German town, Philadelphia. GARDENER— Situation wanted as gardener on private place, where a thorough, practical and reliable person is required. Life experienced ; best of references ; English, age 35, married, small family. Address, S. Bolton, Johnson St., Jamaica Pi., Mass GARDENER— A young single man, age 35 years, wants situation as gardener. Under- stands vegetables and flowers, also horses. Reli- able and trustworthy and strictly temperate. First class reference. P. McCormick, 5820 Knox Street, German town. G ARDENER AND FLORIST wants private place ; German, age 33, married, one child ; good references. **I. D. N.," care of Meehans* MONTHI^Y. GARDENER— Young English Gardener wants situation. Married, age 32, 3 children. Entire life devoted to gardening. Experience in all branches and on good places. Excellent references. E. T. B., care of Meehans' MONTHI.Y. GARDENER— Engli-h, age 34. married, I child, desires situation on private place where his ability will prove of some consideration. Exten- sive and practical experience in all of gardening and landscaping. Forcing expert. Fine references. C. H. R., care of Meehans' Monthly. ARDENER — Situation wanted on private ' place as head gardener by Englishmen, age 32, married, no children. Thorough knowledge of his business. Experienced in forceing fruits and vegetables. References unequalled, E.J. B., care of Meehans' Monthly. NOVELTIES IN PLANTS, FRUITS, Etc A. BLANC A CO., 314, 316 n. iith St., Philadelphia SEEDS! SEEDS ! 74th Annual Priced Catalo$i^ue of VECETIBLE, FIRM M FLOWER SEEDS Is now ready and mailed free to all applicants Bridgeman's Seed Warehouse 37 EAST 19th STREET, NEW YORK CITY F. G. PRATT GoDGord JIuFseFies CONCORD, MASS. SeND FOR PRICES FOR Berberls Thunbergil, B. vulgare and B. sinengU. Clethra alnifolia. Cornus sericea and C. paniculata. Cydonia Japonica. Forsythia su^pensa. Lig^ustrum vulg^arix, L. ovalifoliuxn and JL, Ibota. Rhamnus Cathartica and R. Frangula. Rosa Carolina; R. lucida, R. nltida, R. multiflora, R. rugoHa, R. rubiginosa, and Scotch White. Rubus odorata Symphoricarpos vulgaris. Purple Lilacs. Xanthorrhiza aplifolia. AinpHlopHis quinquefolia and A. Veitcliii. Lionicera Halleana and L. variegata. Matrimony Vine. Helenium autumnale. BY THE THOUSAND OR LESS. jB^'Large Stock of these varieties, which must be sold. C. G. Van Tubergen, Jr , Haarlem, Holland CHOICE DUTCH BULBS 0 ATTRACTIVE BULBOUS PLANTS Orders for importation only. CATAUOQUES PREH C, C. ABEL & CO., Sole Agents, Box 920, New York S FECIAL OFFER Garden and Forest Twenty-five copies, consecutive or selected numbers, in any recent year, One Dollar ; one hundred numbers, Three Dol- lars, post-paid. Bound Volumes, Two Dollars, carriage paid. Wanted— Nos. lo, 31 , 32, 33; Vol. I. Nos 71 , 76, 77, 78; Vol. II. Nos. 97, 98, 99, 107, I20, 134, 141, 149 ; Vol. III. Nos. 153, 192; Vol. IV. Nos. 496, 500, 502, 505 ; Vol. X. J. H. GRIFFITH Room 1317 American Tract Society Building NEW YORK CITY 4 BEAUTIFUL CHRYSANTHEMUMS Offered by no one else. GRB:EN and gold, a new departure in Chrysanthe- mums with handsome light green toliage distinctly varigia- led with creamy yellow. Very double creamy white flowers. Perfectly exquisite under glass and very showy in the gar- den. A beautiful foliage plant, strong vigorous grower, so cents each. „ j • . ]VIAD<)NNA. A snow white anemone flowered variety, beautifully formed, splendid habit of growth A medium early varietv and a perfect beauty, 25 cents each. WHITE WINGS. A very distinct and esthetic semi-double rtower, very large with broad petals, a lovely satiny white, exquisitely incurved and curled. A delight to the eyes. 2S cents each , . „ SUSAN «. ANTHONY. A jtlorious pure white flower, like drifted snow. Immen.se in size with very broad droop- ing petals dt)uble to the centre. Very handsome light gretn foliage, flowers on long .stems Invaluable for cutting. Medium late bloomer. A splendid variety, 25 cents each. 20 Varieties of namen Chrysanthemums not labeled sent Post- paid for $1 16. 1 vkX of choice Chrysanlhemum Seed sent FREE with cither of the above collections Send ID cents for Catalogue of Plants, Bulbs, Seeds and Cacti. MRS. THEODOSIA B. SHEPHERD VENTURA, ( BY-THC-SCA > CALIFORNIA WHEN WRITING TO ADVERTISERS. TELL THEM YOU SAW THEIR CARD IN MEEHANS' MONTHLY. / TRY DREER'S GARDEN SEEDS HENRY W.CiBBONS GREENHOUSE BUILDER AMD NCATINC ENMNEER ne Ulf RTY STMCT NEW YORK, NY leeNTs. Plants, Bulbs and Requisites They are the best at the lowest prices. Calendar for '98 mailed free. Address HENRY A. DREER, 714 Chestnut St., Phila. EXPERT ADVICE. ESTIMATES. ^LANS. RTABLE GREENHOUSES FOR SMALL ESTATES, COnPLETEFOR $JtOOL*o A material has been discovered for glazing which after thorough test has been proven far superior to pulty, it iscalled 7v\: Mastica is easier to apply and when once put on it stays. It is not affected by extremes of weather, and is thus especial- ly adapted for grecnhouses,conservatories,graperics,hotbeds, etc. Endorsed by prominent florists throughout the country. «. Send for descriptive circular of flastlca and Hastlca ulazlng riachines. I=. O. RIERO© CO., Sol* |ianufa«tui>«vs 170 pVUTOn STRHHT, ^ NBW YOt^K 14 WASHINGTON ST., BOSTOfi QRIFFITH A TURNER CO.. 206 N. Pact St., Baltimore, Md. EDWARD S. SCHHIO. 712 12th M , N. W.. Washington. DC. HENRY A. DREER, 714 Chestnut Street. Philadelphia. Pa. HENRY F. MICHELL,10I8 Market Street, Philadelphia, Pa. Residential Sites and Environments, by Jos. Forsyth Johnson. A handsome cloth bound volume, containing fifty-four practical plans and diagrams drawn by the author, with lucid descriptive text and all necessary infor- mation for the development of the surroundings of a residenre, showing principles and adaptious of planting suitable to all requirements from Villa to Mansion. To amateurs this work will prove invaluable, enabling them to determine well in advance the form of development they prefer, and a reliable guide in their selection of material, price, 83.00. THOMAS ME£HAN & SONS, Pabllshers, Germantown, Phila. The Spraying of Plants, by E. G. Lodeman. A concise account of the history, principles and practice of the appli- cations of liquids and powders to plants for the destroying of insects and iungi. 399 pages, 92 illustrations, price. 81.00, postpaid. THOMAS MKEHAN & SONS, Publishers, Germantown, Phila. The Forcing Boole, A manual of th cultivation ol vegeta- bles in glass hou.ses. It is a convenient record of long experience and practical and careful experimentation iBv Prof L. H. Bailey. 280 pages, 88 illustrations, 81.00, post-paid. THOMAS MBEHAN & SONS, Publishers, Germantown, Phila. Principles of Fruit Growing, by Prof L H. Bailey. A complete treatise on fruit growing in general, comprising the inventory of fruits, the location, tillage and fertiliiing of fruit lands, planting and care of fruit plantations disea.ses of fruit trees, harvesting and marketing fruits Cloth, 508 paces, 114 iHuHtrations, 81. 25, postpaid! THOMAS MEFHAN & SONS, Publishers, Germantown, Phila. LOVERS OF BOTANY SHOULD HAVE THE PliA^T WORUD An illustrated monthly Journal of Popular Botany Bdltad by F. H. KNOOJIiTOfl, Ph. D. and a •oi>ps of specialists. In its paj;es the interesting facts of plant life are treated in language that is strictly scientific but not technical. Sample copy free. Address, WlIiIiflt^D fi. CliUTe & CO. PUBLISHERS BmOHflMTON, « flHW Yon^. Tick's Flower and Vegetable Garden. A book of over 200 pages. Hundreds of illustrations and six colored plates. Full of practical directions for the cultivation of flowering, ornamental and kitchen garden plants 81.50 THOMAS MKBHAN & SONS, Germantown, Phila, PUBLISHED THE Ut AND 15tm OF EACH MONTH BY THE GARDENING COMPANY MONON BUILDINQ, CHICAGO SUBSCRIPTION PRICE, $2.00 A YEAR 24 NUMBERS The most practical and valuable American Horti- cultiiral publication. Departments : The Flower Garden, Trees and Shrubs, The Greenhouse, The Window Garden, The Fruit Garden, The Vege- table Garden, Insects and Other Pests, Mushrooms, and others in season. See what subscribers say about this valuable journal. "For condensed common sense in gardening matters, Sot reliable, unprejudiced and safe information, Gardbnino cannot be surpassed, and although moderate in size it ex. pands upon perusal." W. C Eoan, Highland Park, III. "Gardbnino is the best horticultural paper printed in America." Ch as I*. Burr, Springfield, Mass. "I am greatly pleased with the paper. It is practical and suggestive. Its reproduction of photographic views of plants, flowers and landscapes is a most adnnrable feature." W. M. Johnson, Hackensack. N. J. "It is a delightful paper and has been very interesting and instructive to me." Frank Hitchcock, Davenport, la. "I have found Gardening extremely useful and interest- ing. You have given vour subscribers a great deal more than their money's worth.**^ Chab. E. Brown, Yarmouth, Nova Scotia "Such a publication was long needed in this country. Every line of its contributions is a lesson in itself to many professionals as well as to amateurs." John Berry, Gardener to Senator Wolcott, Littleton, Colo. "I value Gardening highly on account of the very practi- cal character of its contents.' J. A. Pbttigrbw, Supt. Lincoln Park, Chicago "I regard Gardening as one of the most practical maga- aines issued in the interests of horticulture." W. F. M AGAR A, WatervilU. N. Y. "The paper is the most practical of any I read." W. E. Abbs. Fond du Lac, Wis. "I subscribe to all the horticultural and floricultural jour- aals on this continent as far as I know and find in Gardbn- ino the most practical one for an amateur like myself." Dr. Geo. T. Hawlby, Coming, N. T. AB9CB¥S0ir« « McKELVT Rr*M*EAATikAir R|tt*bur«h. UAtlB-CSAlISIEBS Pitubarffk. FAHNKSTOOK V ^^ ' ' PittdftuT-fc-h. AHOHOit 1 ^ , \. > Cinciuniiti. EOEBTEnt ) ATLAMTIC \ B&ADLE7 I BEOOKLTHf ^ ^ , > New York. jBWErr / \ J'il Chicftgro. "^t. Looi«. ay to mis- represent them. Itis theniixtures, the '' sold for4es6-money '' sorts, the ** White Leads'' which are something else, that are sold under liLLlL i . : : . j:„ -- 1 . 1 - ; lie makers assume no responsibility, and are usuallv unkno^^n. Safety lies in making- sure that the brand is right See list of genuine brands. 8AL£U GOr^NELL KEUTUCKY Bv using Naliohai Lead Co. '» Pure Whit* Lead Tinting Colors, r^.i ^hide 13 readily c^tainet-i. Pampbiet giying valu . lai n anil carti snowing' samples <.f c(»lors free ; i-U > fuklii- shuwinf piciurcs < repaint'- different desij^isor various styles r cumbinaUoas of shades forwarded upoa appiicatidri to those iotesdicg to paint- FREE National Lead Co., loo Winiam S^. New York, The HortieultuTist's Rule Book, by Prof. L. H. Bailey. A comi>endium of useful information for everyone at all interested in horticulture. In no other volume is contained such a quantity of valuable information in soch handy form. Fourth edition, illusf^ated. 81« paices, 76c. THOMAS MSEHAN St SONS, Pablisliers, Germantown, Phil a. Tlie Nnrsery Book, A complete guide to the multiplication of plants, by Prof L. H. Bailey. The book is the most cotnplete treatise of its kind in the English Langtonge. Third and enlarged edition, 365 pageH, 152 helpful illustrations, SI. 00. THOMAS MJKEHAN & SONS. Publishers, GeimaDtow'Ti, PTilfa. -■^ g w\ ♦ I i » ll I LORD St BURNHAM CO. HORTICULTURAL ARCHITECTS AND BUILDERS AND MANUFACTURERS OF HEATING AND VENTILATING APPARATUS Plans and estimates furnished on application for heating and ventila- ting apparatus erected complete, or for material -^ only. Highest awards at Send 4 cts. postage for Catalogue of Patent Iron Greenhouse Cocstrtiction . new sectional Hot Water Heater Specie tlv adapted to large rn .^. Will heat u|) to 16,500 feet of glass. Highest economy. Mod- erate cost. Also heaters for smaller work. Send 5 cents postage to New York Office for latest catalogue of Heating and Ventilating Ap- paratus. Estimates fur- nished for Cy- press Green- house Material. NEW YORK OFFICE, St. James Building, Broadway and 26th St. GENERAL OFFICE AND WORKS, Ifvlngton-OB-Hudtos, N. Y. ^ "- -^- WHEN WmTiNQ TO ADVERTISERS, TELL THEM YOU SAW THEIR CARD IN MfcEHANS' MONTHLY, WHEN WRITING TO ADVERTISERS, TELL THEM YOU SAW THEIR CARD IN MEEHANS' MONTHLY. « \WC0f}~7y TRY DREER'S GARDEN SEEDS Plants, Bulbs and Requisites They are the best at the lowest prices. Calendar for '98 mailed free. Address HENRY A. DREER. 714 Chestnut St., Phila. HENRY W.CIBBONS GREENHOUSE BUILDER AND HEATING ENGINEER IS6 IIBEBTY STRtlT _ . ,^ NEW YORK , N Y._.^< "W CATALOGUES aCENTi. ^ J, EXPERT ADVICE. ESTIMATES. ,<;^;;v^^..^ PLANS, -rST^^^C^ PORTABLE GREENHOUSES FOR SMALL ESTATES, COMPLETE FOR $StOO., '.•o A material has been discovered for ^la/in^ which after thorough test ha.s been pi oven farsuperior topufty. it iscalled 7V^ Mastica is easier to apply and when once piit on it stavs. It IS not affected by extremes of weather, and is llius especial- ly adapted loi Rreenhouses.conservatories.jjrH peiies, hotbeds etc. hndor.sed by prominent florists throughout thecountiy' Send for descriptive circular of Hastica and flastica Ulazins Hacliines. F. O. RIERCe CO.. Sole Monufastupers 170 pUliTON STREET, 14 WASHir^GTON NEW YORK ST., BOSTOfi ?51f.^iI"AV^"'^^'' ^° • 205 N. Paca St., Baltimore, Md EOlWARD S. SCHKIIO. 712 12th bt . N W., Washington. D C. HENRY A. DKEER, 714 Chestnut Street Philadelphia Pa HENRY F. MICHELL.IOia Market Street. Philadelphia. Pa Kenidential Sites and IliivironiiientM, by Jos Forsyth Johnson. A handsome cloth Ixnind volume, containing fifty-four piaciical plans anul>li«lierK, Oeriimiitown, I'liila. Ihe Sprayins: of IMants, bv i:. O. I.odeman. A concise account of the hi.story, i)nnciples and practice of the appli- cations of licpnds and powders to plants for the de>.troyitiK of insects and ftiuKi. MiU passes, i)'i illustrations, price. J*m.OO, poNtpaid. THOMAS \li:i:n.\N »V SONS, I'ubliNlMis, Geriiiantown, Flijla. The Forriny^ Hook, A maTiual of th cultivati It is a convenient record of long experience and practit al and careful experimentation by Irof L. H^ liailey. «K(» pa^en, «S illiiMlratioiiM, *I.OO. poKt-paid. THOMAS MKKHAN .V SONS, l'ubfislier«, 08 paeis. Ill IHustialioiis, *l.',i.-,, iio.stimid. THOMAS MKFIIAN * SONS, r..l,liHhei h, <«l.oO THomAS MEEHAN&SONS, <;©rmantown. Pliila. PUBLISHED THE Isr AND 15th OF EACH MONTH BY THE GARDENING COMPANY MONON BUILDING, CHICAGO SUBSCRIPTION PRICE, $2.00 A YEAR 24 NUMBERS The most practical and valuable American Horti- cultural publication. Dkpartmknts : The Flower Garden, Trees and Shrubs, The Greenhouse, The Window Garden, The Fruit Garden, The Vege- table Garden, Insects and Other Pests, Mushrooms, and others in season. See what subscribers say about this valuable journal. "For conden.sed common .sen.se in gardening matters, for reliable, unprejudiced and safe information, (iARDENiNO cannot be surpa.ssed, and although moderate in size it ex- pands upon perusal." VV. C Hgan, Highland Park, 111 "Gardening is the best horticultural paper t)rinted in America." Chas L. Burr, Springfield, Mass. "I am greatly pleased with the paper. It is practical and suggestive. Its reproduction of photographic views of plants, flowers and land.scapes is a most admirable feature." W. M. Johnson, Hackensack, N. J. "It is a delightful paper and has been very interesting and' instructive to me." Frank Hitchcock, Davenport, la. "I have found Oardkning extremely u.seful and interest- ing. You have given your sub.scribers a great deal more than their money's worth.' Chas. K. Brown. Yarmouth, Nova Scotia "Such a publication was long needed in this country. Every line of its contributions is a le.s.sou in itself to many professionals as well as to amateurs." John Bkrry, Gardener to Senator Wolcott, Littleton, Colo. "I value (Jardening highly on account of the very practi cal character of its contents." J. A. Pettigrew, Supt. Lincoln Park, Chicago "I regard Gardening as one of the most practical maga- sines issued in the intere.sts of horticulture.'' W. F. Macara, WatervilK' N. V. **The paper is the mo.st practical of any I read." W. H. Amhs. Fond du Lac, Wis. "I subscribe to all the horticultural and fioricultural jour- nals on this continent as far as I know and find in Garden- ing the most practical one for an amateur like myself." Dr. Geo. T. Hawley. Corning, N. Y. WHEN WRITING TO ADVERTISERS, TELL THEM YOU SAW 1 HEIR CARD IN MEEHANS' MONTHLY. New York. L r ,1 ABMSTBONO A McKELVT Pit sburgli. Br 7MEB-BAUMAN Pittsburgh, DAVIS -CHAMBERS Pittsburgh. FAHNESTOCK Pittsburg-h. ANCHOR ) ^. . . ( Cmciunuti. ECKSTEIN 3 ATLANTIC BRADLEY BROOKLYN JEWETT ULSTER UNION SO'JTHERN SHIPMAN COLLIER rnssouRi RED SEAL COUTHEBN JOHN T. LEWIS & BR03 CO I'liiladoliiliiu. nOlLEY Cleveland. SALEM Salem, Mass. COrvNELL BuflTalo. KEIITUCHY Louisville. M Chicago. > St. Louis. AKERS of honest goods brand them correctly, and aire responsible for them. It does not pay to mis- represent them. It is the mixtures, the *' sold- for-less-money '* sorts, the ''White Leads" which are something else, that are sold under fictitious and misleading brands. The makers assume no responsibility, and are usually unknown. Safety lies in making sure that the brand is right. See list of genuine brands. Dy u<-ing National Lead Co.'s Pure White Lead Tinting Colors, any desired shade is readily obtained. Pamphlet giving valu- FRFF * MVI— *E-^ a .lo information and card showing samples tf colors free ; lLo folder showing pictures of house painted in ciifferent designs (T various styles ( r combinations of shades forwarded upon application to those intending to paint. Natiofial Lead Co., loo William St,, New Yo7^k, The Horticulturist's Rule Book, by Prof. L. H. Bailey. A compendium of useful information Tor everyone at all interested in horticulture. In no other volume is contained such a quantity of valuable information in such handy form. Fourth edition, illustrated, 818 pa^es, T.'ic. THOMAS MEEHAN & SONS, Publishers, GeruiantowD, Phila. The Nursery Book, A complete guide to the multiplication of plants, by Prof L. H. Bailey. 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THE PAdry'S—2i word made up of two Greek words, drys, an oak, and Chamai, on the ground. As we pursue our studies further, we find, that in ancient times the forms of leaves were taken as one of the leading characters in classifica- tion,—and thus plants growing low on the ground, and with leaves of the form of the English Oak, would be drawn together into a genus of dwarf, oak like leaved plants, or Chamcedrys. One of the species of TeucHum '/ of the Old World had such leaves, and hence it was classed with the genus Chaynccdrys. The original is now believed to be Teucruan Chamce- ^rv^,— though the one which the ancients had in view was probably Teucrhan Scordhim or its near relative Teuctmyn Scofodo7iia, and with which our American Germander is closely al- lied. Even so recently as the earlier part of the last century, we find the celebrated Tourne- fort writing of our plant as '* Chayyicedfys Ca?ia- decisis, urticcefolio stibtus mcano,' '—thsit is to say, the Canadian Chamaedrys with nettle like leaves, hoary beneath. As early as 1636, how- ever, we find Gerard, protesting against this promiscuous union. He remarks "The old writers have set downe no certain kindes of Germander.— yet we have thought it good, and not without cause, to treat of more sorts than have been observed by all, dividing those under the title of Teucrium from ChamcBdfys, although they are both of one kinde, but yet differing very notably." This division left the beautiful blue speedwell of English hedgerows, Veronica Chamcedrys, to represent the old families. This is the Germander referred to by Ebenezer Elliott as " eyebright." •' Blue eyebright ! loveliest flower of all that grow In flower-loved England! flower whose hedtje- side gaze Is like an infant's, what heart does not know Thee, clustere'd smiler of the bank, where plays The sunbeam on the emerald snake and strays The dazzling rill, companion of the road." The ancient inhabitants of Troy were known to their enemies as the Teucrei, which is said to have been derived from one Teucer, who is believed to have founded that city, and whose daughter married Dardanus, the first Trojan king. It is said that Teucer first employed the plant medicinally, and that it is on this account that the plant was called Teucrium, (97) f LO^P 98 AIEEHANS* MONTHLY— TEUCRIUM CANADENSE. [July In what way he used t, is not clear. The European Scordiuni is said to have an odor of garlic,— and, referring to our plant, Rafin- esque sums its whole medical history in a single paragraph: " ' Teucrium of Linnaeus * —The Germander— a prolific genus, but few American. T. ChamcBpitys groves in Virginia, according to Schoeff. All more or less aromatic, bitter, stimulant tonic, pellant, menagogue, useful in agues, chlorosis, gout, rheumatism, hematuria, etc. T. Canadensis has a sub-allia- ceous smell." Gerald says, the name Scordi- uni was given to that species * * from the smell of garlicke. " One of the European allies of our species is said to have undoubted medical pro- perties, having cured Charles V, King of France, of the gout. But as it is stated that the King had to persevere with his Ger- mander tea for sixty days before the gout would leave him, it is probably regarded as too slow a remedy for the moderns, as it seems to have no reputation in medicine at this time. The earlier botanists and collectors of our country considered there were two species under what we regard as Teucrium Canadense, The other they named Teucrium Virginicum, Linnseus regarded them as distinct, as did botanists generally until the incoming of the present century. Our acute botanist, Nuttall, regarded the two as distinct. It is very diffi- cult to decide from the descriptions of botanists as to whether the two forms should be regarded as one species or not. If they be, the descrip- tions should be revised. Beck, in 1823, seems among the earlier of our botanists to suggest that they were identi- cal; but as he describes both as having * 'leaves ovate and serrate." it may be well doubted whether he was familiar with many forms. It is more than likely that the early botanists were right, and that the division into Teucnum Canadense, and Teucrium Vir^g^inicum, should still prevail,— but it would be difficult to decide which form should bear the descriptive name. When a large number of specimens by differ- ent collectors from many parts of the country are examined, it will be seen that one form is always densely and sharply serrate, while the leaves of the other form arc always widely crenately- serrate. There may be variations in the length or width of the leaves,— the hairi- ness or hoariness of the foliage,— the length of the spike or the character of the bracts; but the special character of the serratures never seem to change. But which is which? Before the author is a specimen labeled by Nuttall as 7. Virginicum, from **Salt marshes near the sea in Long Island Sound," the leaves of which are about two inches long and but half an inch wide, much reticulated beneath, and finely and sharply serrate. The narrow-leaved Texan forms are all finely serrate. A remarka- bly vigorous two-feet specimen by Buckley, from Austin , with leaves three inches long, but only ^ inch wide, is also very finely serrate. Pitcher hasone from Arkansas.threeincheslongand but a half inch wide, also finely serrate. Oblong- ovate leaved specimens from the Middle States have the serratures the same as these, and for all the forms of foliage, would be classed to- gether by the observer. On the other hand, there is a broad, and crenate-leaved specimen from Kentucky by Rafinesque,— and one from ♦'the coast of Massachusetts" by Pickering, so much like our picture, that one might assume it served for the copy. Our plate will stand for the true Teucrium Canadense, — it is probable that the finely serrate forms will yet be established as distinctly Teucrium Virginicum. In other respects there seems to have been a want of close observation of our plant. Green , in his Universal Herbal, notes that " Teucrium Canadensis is very like our T. Scordium, but does not creep as that does, — and even the acute Darlington in ♦' Flora Cestrica,'* refers with some surprise to a farmer's statement that it is a pernicious weed, hard to get rid of; though Clayton, our early Virginian collector, told Gronovius that it had creeping roots, and many good herbarium specimens show that this is really the case. Dr. Gray gives the range of the species as from Canada to Texas and Mexico, referring to the Eastern portion of the United States. It seems to be very much at home in Ohio, where it is very common. Coulter does not admit it into his Flora of Colorado, though there is a specimen in the Herbarium of the Academy of Natural Sciences labeled "Fremont's Exp." and from ♦'The Platte." The closely allied Teucrium occidentale takes the place of our species westwardly ; and southwardly, Teucrium inflatum comes in. Explanation of the Plate.— i. Branch from the banks of the Schuylkill River. 2. Upper portion of the same. 3. Drawing of a fuU-aixed flower, just at iU full expansion. ^ \ WILD FLOWERS AND NATURE. A SUMMER GUST. Then, methought, I heard a sound like the roar of winds Amid the forest oaks, when the whole sea Of branches tosses, as the coming tempest Stoops from its car of clouds, and scourges them, Till the wide wilderness bows to the dust Before its anger. — PERCIVAI,. Carnivorous Grasshoppers.— I was quite interested in an article in a late number of the M0NTHI.Y, touching the carnivorous habits of the grasshopper. Some years since, while watching the holes of a colony of sand-wasps, I turned up, out of one of them, a large foot- less grub which was promptly attacked by a <:ouple of small red ants. Finding their prey too large to manage, they disappeared and «oon returned with an army of companions who fell on the grub, which shortly, as the result of their bites, became covered with drops of limpid fluid. Not long afterwards, a large grasshopper, which I had not noticed, deliberately approached the grub, fastened its labium in its body, and began absorbing the exuded liquids. I left before any of the wasps returned, and am not able to say whether he paid the penalty of his rashness in thus venturing into the lion's den. I mentioned the circumstance to the late Prof. Leidy, who said he had never witnessed a similar disposi- tion in the grasshopper. Crickets, I believe, are highly carnivorous. F. W. I^ewis. PhUadelphia. Cerasus Pennsylvanica. — In the April number, (p. 53) you enumerate, as '• Our Wild Cherries," only Cerasus serotina and C Vir- giniana. We have both those species in Maine, very common, the first called "Wild black cherry," the other "Choke cherry." But more abundant than either of these is the wild • red cherry, Prunus (or Cerasus) Pennsylvanica, and this is the species that would be in the mind of almost any native of this State when using the term ♦ ' wild cherry. » » According to Gray, this species has a range from Newfoundland to North Carolina and Minnesota, but I judge it is not very well known in the State that gave it its name. It is a pretty good stock on which to graft cultivated cherries. C. G. Atkins. East Orland, Maine. DiCENTRA SPECTABius.— A Correspondent kindly observes: — "The February number of the Monthly is a superb and lovely one. The selection of poetic lines is especially appropriate. Is not capacity for appreciation near neighbor to the same excellence and beauty? The dainty Dicentra formosa reminds me of the beautiful Dicentra spectabilis, of the same natural order, FumariacecB. At my first acquaintance with the very attractive flower, the brilliant yet delicate spray making a wreath or half a crown. It was called Dielytra, but I soon had to learn its new name, Dicentra spectabilis. The admiration it won from all beholders, and the quaint names given it, of Red Drop, Jewel, etc. , is a pleasant memory, now, after many years, restored by this illustration. *' Imperfect Pansy Flower.— One of the sunny days in March, in looking over our pansy ground, where seed was sown last August, I discovered a strange little blossom, with pansy-like calyx, small purple centre, re- sembling an English violet, with one row of dark purple petals, straight, stiff", and pointed as if cut from paper. It grew directly at top of the plant. It withered before I could make a drawing of it, or show it to members of our bot- anical section. Those to whom I mentioned it thought it a new departure in the pansy family. Can any readers of the Monthly enlighten me in regard to it 1 S. B. Bowerman. Lake Ave. Ridge Road, Rochester, N. Y. The pansy, being a member of the violet family, may have the general character of the other members, and fertilize occasionally in the bud,— technically be cleistogamous. No case with the pansy can be recalled, but it looks like one of that class. * (99) lOO MEEHANS* MONTHLY -WILD FLOWERS AND NATURE. [July Cynthia. — This genus of plants grows on the hills in this section. There are two species, one C. Dandelio7i the other C. Virginica. They are found generally growing side by side on wooded slopes. C. Dandelion is the earliest to bloom, beginning in March on the warm ex- posures among the sand rocks, blooming whilst very small, only a few inches tall and keeping up its growth and blooming until July. They are fond ofshowing their golden disks to every passer-by. Thechildren call them "little suns." They are among the first blooms plucked by their little hands; and they carry them to the city of crosses, and deck the graves of those departed — those who died young. They have nice long peduncles for boquets, free from side shoots and leaves. The leaves of this species are all radical, linear-lanceolate, with but few lobes, which have the appearance of spines or prickles. They have singular bladder like tubes, soft and spongy, slightly bitter to the taste, about an inch in their longest diameter, of an oval form, ending the tap root, with fibrous roots above it. The C. Virginica grows lower down the face of the hills, is taller, about two feet high, with a similar flower. It loves moisture and is more often found on northern slopes. Its root-leaves are broader, with winged petioles, and has from one to two clasping stem leaves and involucre at different heights on their stems and peduncles, two to five flowered. Its period of blooming is throughout June and July and it lights up the hills with the golden orbs. All the roots of this plant are fibrous. Both species are peren- nials. They belong to the order Compositce. F. K. Steele. Festus, Jefferson County, Mo. Clematis verticillaris. — I send you several specimens of Clematis verticillaris, D. C., or Atragene Americana, Sims, collected by myself, May 12, 1898, at Conewago, Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania, where it grows plentifully. It is one of the handsomest of our wild, northern vines, and has its leaves in virticils or whorls, flowering about the middle of May, — some- times earlier, — and in September has large, light purple-blue flowers. The styles are large and produce handsome tufts. It was not known to belong to Lancaster County prior to 1869. Since that time it has been found growing wild in several different localities, mostly in stony places, making a handsome addition to our local flora. I was almost too late, as most of the flowers had fallen off". I have collected it as early as the 29th of April, never later than May 14th. The fruit I send was collected at Conewago in 1891. Mrs. Amelia F. Eby. Lancaster, Pa. The early blooming of this Clematis has been overlooked. The fact should give it a claim on cultivators in addition to its beauty. In the writer's younger and ardent collecting days, it was found in some abundance on Monocacy Hill, near Reading, Pennsylvania. 1898.] MEEHANS' MONTHLY — WILD FLOWERS AND NATURE. lOI Fasciated BRANCHES. — I saw a very inter- esting specimen of fasciation, this morning, which had been sent to the Botanical Depart- ment of the Ohio State University, by Miss Ruth E. Brockett, of Rio Grande, O. It was a thistle plant, nearly four feet high, with a flat- tened stem its entire length. This stem, at about a foot from the top, reaches a width of six inches, where it divides into several fascia- ted branches, each terminating in a head of flowers, which also, in most cases, are strongly fasciated. The stem is covered with leaves which are abnormal only in their excessive number and somewhat slender shape. Mrs. Kellerman. Papers discussed before the American Asso- ciation for the Advancement of Science, and the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadel- phia, and published in their Proceedings, many years ago, show that fasciation is the result of a low vital power. This is the reverse of popu- lar opinion, which regards it as an extra effort of life force. What causes this deprCvSsion, re- mains to be discovered. Water in Plants. — When a grape vine, or some other plant, is cut back in early spring, what is known as " bleeding " often occurs. The quantity that flows is often wonderful. As much as a pint of liquid a day has been collected from a stem not much thicker than one's finger. As the stem itself would not hold all this liquid at one time, it shows that the roots are actively at work. They are the real pumps. The plant is merely the dis- tributing pipes. ^ Luminosity in plants. — Many instances have been recorded of flowers being luminous at night. They only seem to do this on rare occasions, hence they are to be envied who have the good fortune to witness the phenomena. Though the writer has often endeavored to get fortune's favor, she has never smiled on him but once, when he saw the phosphorescent glow from fungi in a hollow tree, just like the glow of a match when rubbed in the dark. A German naturalist, Herr Haggren, seems to have met with a number of instances in his country, — or rather the night watchman he employed did. He concludes the phenomena is more likely to occur when it is dark after rain fol- lowing a sunny day. July and August gave the most instances. Occurrences began soon after sunset, and there were none after dawn. He could not decide on the cause of the luminosity. the mud, and after the tree has developed it sends down rooting branches in every direc- tion. These hold fast drift matter and refuse of every kind till eventually the surface is high and dry above the water level. The illustration was taken by one of the conductors of Meehans' Monthly in a Florida swamp. The Toad's Favorite Flower.— A corres- pondent of the Popular Science News had a pet toad which was kept in a small greenhouse, where it was particularly useful in devouring noxious insects. It made its home in the earth among the roots of a Calla Lily. Though moved continually to other quarters quite as comfortable, it would vacate and be always found in its favorite lily home. Mangrove Swamp. — The lover of popular science derives much pleasure from noting how the most stupenduous operations of nature are often dependent on causes, seem- ingly to man, of the most trifling character. Darwin, has shown us, for instance, what a wonderful agent the humble earthworm is in pre- paring the fertility of the earth for the agriculturist, — and even abstractionists have taught us how one single feather may break a camel's back. The Mangrove, Rhizo- phora Mangle, is another il- lustration. Most intelligent persons have heard of the Mangrove Swamps of Florida, and other subtropical and tropical portions of the earth. It is one of nature's agents in turning maritime swamps and shallow lagoons into dry land. The plant not only perfects the seed in the seed vessel, but the seed sends out a long root before it is cast off* from the parent tree. When it falls in the water or marshy ground, this root loses no time in penetrating A Rose Congress.— The universal popu- larity of the rose is evidenced by the fact that a '^congress," in which the rose only is to be discussed, covering the loth to the 12th of July, is to be held in Gotha. The proceedings will be published in the Rosen- Zeitu7ig, a pub- lication wholly devoted to the rose. IN A MANGROVE SWAMP. TOO MEEHANS* MONTHLY -WILD FLOWERS AND NATURE. [July 1898.] ■ 1 Cynthia. — This genus of plants grows on the hills in this vSection. There are two species, one C. Dajidelion the other C. Virgiiiica. They are found generally growing side by side on wooded slopes. C. Dandelion is the earliest to bloom, beginning in March on the warm ex- posures among the sand rocks, blooming whilst ver}^ small, only a few inches tall and keeping up its growth and blooming until July. They are fond of showing their golden disks to every passer-by. Thechildren call them "little suns." They are among the first blooms plucked by their little hands; and they carry them to the city of crosses, and deck the graves of those departed — those who died young. They have nice long peduncles for boquets, free from side shoots and leaves. The leaves of this species are all radical, linear-lanceolate, with but few lobes, which have the appearance of spines or prickles. They have singular bladder like tubes, soft and spongy, slightly bitter to the taste, about an inch in their longest diameter, of an oval form, ending the tap root, with fibrous roots above it. The C Virginka grows lower down the face of the hills, is taller, about two feet high, with a similar flower. It loves moisture and is more often found on northern slopes. Its root-leaves are broader, with winged petioles, and has from one to two clasping stem leaves and involucre at different heights on their stems and peduncles, tw^o to five flowered. Its period of blooming is throughout June and July and it lights up the hills with the golden orbs. All the roots of this plant are fibrous. Both species are peren- nials. They belong to the order Compositce. F. K. Steele. Festus, Jefferson County, Mo. Clematis verticillaris. — I send you several specimens of Clematis verticillaris, D. C, or Atragene Americana, Sims, collected by myself. May 12, 1898, at Conewago, Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania, where it grows plentifully. It is one of the handsomestof our wild, northern vines, and has its leaves in virticils or whorls, flowering about the middle of May, — some- times earlier, — and in September has large, light purple-blue flowers. The styles are large and produce handsome tufts. It was not known to belong to Lancaster County prior to 1869. Since that time it has been found growing wild in several different localities, mostly in stony places, making a handsome addition to our local flora. I was almost too late, as most of the flowers had fallen off". I have collected it as early as the 29th of April, never later than May 14th. The fruit I send was collected at Conewago in 1891. Mrs. Amelia F. Eby. Lancaster, Pa. The early blooming of this Clematis has been overlooked. The fact should give it a claim on cultivators in addition to its beauty. In the writer's younger and ardent collecting days, it was found in some abundance on Monocacy Hill, near Reading, Pennsylvania. MEEHANS' monthly — WILD FLOWERS AND NATURE. lOI Fasciated BRANCHES. — I saw a very inter- esting specimen of fasciation, this morning, which had been sent to the Botanical Depart- ment of the Ohio State University, by Miss Ruth E. Brockett, of Rio Grande, O. It was a thistle plant, nearly four feet high, with a flat- tened stem its entire length. This stem, at about a foot from the top, reaches a width of six inches, where it divides into several fascia- ted branches, each terminating in a head of flowers, which also, in most ca.ses, are strongly fasciated. The stem is covered with leaves which are abnormal only in their excessive number and somewhat slender shape. Mrs. Kellerman. Papers discussed before the American Asso- ciation for the Advancement of Science, and the Academy of Nattiral Sciences of Philadel- phia, and published in their Proceedings, many years ago, show that fasciation is the result of a low vital power. This is the reverse of popu- lar opinion, which regards it as an extra effort of life force. What causes this depression, re- mains to be discovered. Water in Plants. — When a grape vine, or some other plant, is cut back in early spring, what is known as " bleeding " often occurs. The quantity that flows is often wonderful. As much as a pint of liquid a day has been collected from a stem not much thicker than one's finger. As the stem itself would not hold all this liquid at one time, it shows that the roots are actively at work. They are the real pumps. The plant is merely the dis- tributing pipes. > Luminosity in plants. — Many instances have been recorded of flowers being luminous at night. They only seem to do this on rare occasions, hence they are to be envied who have the good fortune to witness the phenomena. Though the writer has often endeavored to get fortune's favor, she has never smiled on him but once, when he saw the phosphorescent glow from fungi in a hollow tree, just like the glow of a match when rubbed in the dark. A German naturalist, Herr Haggren, seems to have met with a number of instances in his country, — or rather the night watchman he employed did. He concludes the phenomena is more likely to occur when it is dark after rain iol- lowing a sunny day. July and August gave the most instances. Occurrences began soon after sunset, and there were none after dawn. He could not decide on the cause of the luminosity. the mud, and after the tree has developed it sends down rooting branches in every direc- tion. These hold fast drift matter and refuse of every kind till eventually the surface is high and dry above the water level. The illustration w^as taken by one of the conductors of Meehans' Monthly in a Florida swamp. The Toad's Favorite Flower. — A corres- pondent of the Popular Scie?ice News had a pet toad which was kept in a small greenhouse, where it was particularly useful in devouring noxious insects. It made its home in the earth among the roots of a Calla Lily. Though moved continually to other quarters quite as comfortable, it would vacate and be always found in its favorite lily home. Mangrove Swamp. — The lover of popular science derives much pleasure from noting how the most stupenduous operations of nature are often dependent on causes, seem- ingly to man, of the most trifling character. Darwin, has shown us, for instance, what a wonderful agent the humble earthworm is in pre- paring the fertility of the earth for the agriculturist, — and even abstractionists have taught us how one single feather may break a camel's back. The Mangrove, Rhizo- phora Mangle, is another il- lustration. Most intelligent persons have heard of the Mangrove Swamps of Florida, and other subtropical and tropical portions of the earth. It is one of nature's agents in turning maritime swamps and shallow lagoons into dry land. The plant not only perfects the seed in the seed vessel, but the seed sends out a long root before it is cast off* from the parent tree. When it falls in the water or marshy ground, this root loses no time in penetrating A Rose Congress.— The universal popu- larity of the rose is evidenced by the fact that a "congress," in which the rose only is to be discussed, covering the loth to the 12th of July, is to be held in Gotha. The proceedings will be published in the Rosen-Zeitmig, a pub- lication wholly devoted to the rose. IN A MANGROVE SWAMP. I 1^ TENnONAL SECOND EXPOS f 1898] MEKHANS* MONTHLY— GENERAL GARDENING. GENERAL GARDENING. THE RUSTIC ARBOR. The rustic arbor, which the summit crowned, Was woven of shining smilax, trumpet-vine, Clematis and the wild white eglantine, Whose tropical luxuriance overhung The interspaces of the posts and made For each sweet picture, frames of bloom and shade. —Bayard Taylor. Raising Conservatory Plants from Cut- tings.—It is a common error, on the part of amateurs, where propagation has never been extensively followed, to make most curious looking cuttings or "slips," some of which, by fortunate conditions or because they are hard to kill, take root and grow. As a general rule, the proper wood to take for propagation is growing shoots. The best wood is not very soft nor very hard, but rather the young growth that snaps when bent in- stead of requiring a twist to be broken. This is only a general rule, and the practical appli- cation of it will soon define the few variations. The length of the cutting also depends on the individual plant; but amateurs usually err in taking off a long stem, which has to be supported until it can make root. Roots are nearly always made just below a leaf joint— or node, "as it is properly called— and so a clean cut through the stem should be made just there to facilitate rooting. As previously stated, the cutting should not be burdened by unnecessary wood or foliage, which will at once droop when support is lack- ing. Therefore, but one or two leaves of average size are sufl&cient to have remaining. In the axils of each leaf— the junction of leaf- stem and branch— are buds, which must be preserved, as these are to furnish the new growth. These buds are sometimes very minute and not easily discerned, but are al- ways present if not destroyed. Some propagators pinch out the soft termin- ation of the stem; but if the entire piece is short, this may not be done. Where the former mode is adopted, the side or previously dor- mant buds are relied on for future growth; but (102) undoubtedly the other method insures more rapid growth after root has been made, the- only objection being that surrounding condi- tions of moisture and shade must be more per- fect to prevent the withering of the young shoot. The best atmosphere for cuttings is that furnished by aid of a bell-glass or other glass covering. The heat of direct sunlight is wel- come provided the leaves are not deprived of a moist atmosphere, which is necessary to keep their cells in good condition. To have these conditions, place a bell-glass completely over the cuttings, permitting the edges to rest on the soil in the pot or bench. Water the cut- tings with a fine sprinkler as often as it ap- pears necessary, which will not be so frequent following this method. Of course, ventilation must be given at times by tilting the glass occasionally. Where close coverings, such as described in the preceding paragraph, are not used, the cut- tings should be shaded or else very frequently watered. Clear sand, closely packed, is best for cut- tings. There are many grades of sand, and the finest and *♦ cleanest,'* permitting of a rapid passage of water, is best. Drainage, in most cases, is a necessity, though in some in- stances (as with oleander) cuttings may' be rooted in bottles of water. Potting Cactuses. — Those who love the spiny offspring of the desert, will do well to remember that a cactus is the child ofthe sun, and flourishes, most supremely blest, amid the dry, hot sands of the desert, where it gets no- more water, generally, than the Arab who said to Sir Samuel Baker, •* You have saved my life," having snatched from him and drank the scant two quarts of water in which Sir Samuel and his wife had allowed themselves the luxury of a bath. Their attendant had ex- pected to have helped himself, but as Sir Baker kept the water-key, he was fain to refresh him- self as best he might. E. E. Orcutt. 103 ^ ^ '1 Good Use for Broken Flower Pots. — A correspondent of the London Gardening Illus- trated had a flower pot broken in halves, and made good use thereof to propagate an Indian Rubber plant, as shown in the annexed sketch. It will be noted that the pot is applied near the end of the branch, — only at the third leaf from the tip. The branch has to be slit at the point where it is enclosed by the broken pot, — and a wedge inserted to keep the tongued slit apart. Ground Moles. — What progress has been made since 1827, in the art of destroy- ing ground moles? Gardeners know ground moles to their cost, and the learned know how they have eaten potatoes this year. However, neither one nor the other seem to have made much progress in becomingacquaint- ed with them nor finding out how to destroy them. My grandfather knew as much about it as his grandson, and, in 1822, M. Verardi published the reci- pes which ran through the jour- nals for a hundred years. Judge for yourselves, my dear good use for bro brethren. "When ground moles are numerous in the garden, and when they are not numerous also, one may be contented with throwing into their holes some water containing a few drops of oil. When they find themselves inundated, they come out, impregnated with the oil floating on the surface, and perish on the field; in light ground and in soils, this method would be use- less, because the water would filter across the walls of the holes and not go to the bottom. When there is a large quantity of them in a bed where they are attracted by heat from the manure and by insects, this method may still be employed, but with some modifications. The bed is dug up, and the soil and manure turned over, the frightened moles are forced back into the holes they have frequented at the bottom of the bed; upon carefully raising a small por- tion ofthe surface ofthe ground, their galleries may be discovered; throw a sprinkling of water over these haunts into which a glass of oil must first be spread, and they will perish as we have said before. But when these animals have multiplied very much, these methods are insufficient, and we must resort to other proceedings. In the fall, a month before the frost sets in, squares are made, in each of which are two or three holes of about three feet in di- ameter and about the same in depth; these are filled with warm manure to within six inches of the edge and covered over with earth. At the first signs of freezing, the moles will re- assemble here in large numbers and become enfeebled (torpid); when the ground is frozen hard, they discover the manure, go out of the hole, and if one looks carefully he may catch every one of them. Another way is used by other gardeners to as much advantage. They make boxes of spruce eighteen inches long, as many in depth, and any determined width; the boxes are filled with warm manure and forced easily into the ground to five or six inches. Every fifteen days they are taken up, first taking off the earth on top of them, forcing the moles to retire to the bot- tom; where they are found and killed, the box is then replaced. Finally, there is still another way which is KEN FLOWER POTS Ill v««v- «f'»-f-5i 104 MEEHANS' MONTHLY— GENERAL GARDENING. [July used,— not only to destroy moles, but all in- sects and animals which injure our gardens. In a flat strip by the side of a wall, bury some varnish pots or bell-glasses reversed, deep enough that the edges will be one or two inches below the surface of the soil; pour into them three or four inches of water,— moles, toads, and even house mice and field mice, promen- ade there during the night, and fall into the vases, unable to climb out over the sides and are drowned. —From Lyon-Horticole. Wire Fences.— The question of suitable fences, whether for strength and durability or for ornament, is one of considerable moment, and one that should be dealt with thoroughly. Possibly iron fences are most durable and ornamental, but the expense is greater, and their style or formation not just desirable for certain positions. Then wire fences come forward for attention. Recent improvements, resulting from close study of varying needs, bring them to the front rank among fences. Pioneers in these improvements are the Page Woven Wire Fence Co., of Adrian, Michigan, and the many recommendations of their goods, and the re- sults of severe tests of endurance, call for a favorable notice. Their chief claim is for strength, and this is founded in the peculiar construction which gives a rebounding power to the fence. By arrangement of the strands of wire composing the fence, it is easily made proof from the passage of animals of any size, without making dense meshes higher than necessary. It has the feature of coming in any desired height, still maintaining perfect strength. Injurious Weeds.— From time to time this country is startled by publications issued from high schools and colleges, as to the appear- ance of this or that weed in some localities and warning cultivators against them. Learned and long descriptions are given of these particular weeds, and general alarm is excited by a supposed new trouble. Very few of these new weeds are worthy, however, of a thought, so far as particular cultivation of the soil is concerned The cultivator expects to hoe and cultivate among his crop, and one weed is no more to him than another. This is especially true of annual weeds, and which do not flower until after the cultivator has been through. The Prickly Lettuce is an illustra- tion of this,— its botanical name is Lactuca scariola. Continuous warning against its ap- pearance is heard everywhere; but it does not come into flower until July, and long before that the cultivator has destroyed it. No culti- vator need fear any annual weed. Serious trouble comes from those which have running root stocks. In this case, every little piece of root will make a new plant. In this list we might name the Canadian Thistle, the English Bind-Weed— G?«w/z^«/«^ arvensis, the so-called Sachaline — Polygonum sachalinense, Solatium Catolinianum and the Couch grass— Triticum repens. And even these can be destroyed by two or three successive hoeings or cultivatings. It is an exceptional case when a plant lives without leaves during one season. The old question of dealing with destructive weeds is a very simple one,— we have either to hoe them out before they have a chance of making seeds, or preventing them from having perfect leaves duriiig one season's growth. The in- telligent cultivator knows this so well that he is not alarmed by the appearance of a new weed, but rather enjoys it, as it adds somewhat to his botanical knowledge. Variations in Garden Evergreens.— Some years ago, considerable interest was ex- ercised by the introduction of an arbor-vitae through the famous firm of EHwanger & Barry, and which they called Tom Thumb. The leaves were not appressed to the branches, as in the ordinary arbor-vitae. but were free and heath- like. Indeed, about the same time a similar form was introduced by Booth, of Hamburg, who named it Thuja ericoides, which signifies a heath leaved arbor-vitae. Even profound botanists at that time doubted the origin of this peculiar form from the common arbor- vitse. The first to say conclusively that they were undoubted seedlings from the well-known species, was Mr. Josiah Hoopes, of West Ches- ter, who, in his valuable work, " The Book of Evergreens, " clearly pointed this out. It is now well understood, that all plants of the arbor-vitae and juniper family have these free leaves during the first few months of their ex- istence. Some of the individual plants, how- ever, carry this infantile character with them through life, or, at least, until they are con- 189S.] MEEHANS' MONTHLY — GENERAL GARDENING. 105 siderably advanced in years. Indeed, some plants, like the common cedar, carry both forms of foliage with them through life, — the weaker branches bearing the free leaves, and the stronger ones having them appressed to the branches. When we speak of weak leaves, we indeed characterize the whole behavior. The class of evergreens with free leaves were aptly styled, by Dr. Gray, ** the imbeciles of the €vergi een kingdom. ' ' A large number of these forms came from Japan, and have received dis- tinct botanical names. The beautiful Retini- spora squarrosa is well-known and popular, but this is only an infantile form, carried along with mature years, of Retinispora pisifeta. When the plants reach some fifteen or twenty years of age, they will frequently send out strong branches with appressed leaves. When they reach this condition, they grow with im- mense rapidity, which is another illustration of the fact that the retention of the free-leaf character is to be accounted for by the infan- tile weakness, out of which they have not grown. Climatal Conditions. — When we say that this plant or the other plant is adapted to cer- tain climates, the idea of temperature is the one which is usually prominent in the mind. But this is only one of the necessary conditions which come to make up what we understand by climate. Atmospheric moisture is an important con- sideration. Some plants thrive better where the atmosphere is continually moist; while others prefer that which is warm and dry. This is the reason why plants from our moun- tains thrive better in England than they do in lower altitudes in our own country. The higher elevations are usually comparatively damp, and the moist atmosphere of England consequently helps to make up their natural climatal conditions. Very often there are other elements, which come to make up the natural surroundings of which we seem to be ignorant. For instance, one would never think that the Palmetto Palm, which thiives so well in the Carolinas, Louisiana and the lower Mississippi regions would not do well in California; and yet it is said, that although many other palms thrive as well in the temperate parts of California as they would in their native homes, the Palmetto of the Atlantic States refuses to thrive. Thinning Out Avenue Trees. — A corres- pondent writes: •'We have an avenue of Sugar Maples, set out about 60 years ago, 40 feet apart. We have been advised that they are suffering for light and air and should have alternate trees cut out. As this would involve at least a temporary impairment of the beauty of the avenue, we should be pleased to have thy opinion as to the desirability of the removal. The trees seem healthy, and questions in- volved are: 1 . Will they fill the gap ? 2. Will the avenue as a whole live longer by the cutting?" Trees 40 feet apart, with nothing front or back of them, would suffer materially, though 60 years planted, by being that much near each other. The branches within the line of the trunks probably meet, and have less vital power than the others. Cutting away alter- nate ones would expose these branches to the wind and weather, and the trees would look shabby on that side for years. The writer has never known trees to be much benefitted by thinning out, after the vigor of youth had passed. They usually suffer more for the want of food, at 60 years, than from any other trouble. A good surface dressing of manure in the fall would help them more than anything else. Root Suffocation. — It is difficult to get people to understand that trees can die from drowning just as animals can. Trees feed primarily by the roots, but there must be a certain amount of oxygen in the soil to enable them to make use of the food. Standing water prevents the action of the life-giving oxygen. A Boston correspondent refers to two large Horse Chestnuts which were moved last spring with the greatest skill, but they died. In the fall, an examination was made, and the holes found to be full of water within one foot of the surface of the ground. The holes were really flower pots without the necessary holes in the bottom to allow the water to escape. There can be no better lesson in gardening than to be continually remembering why it is necessary to have a hole in a flower pot! io6 MEEHANS* MONTHLY — GENERAL GARDENING. [July 1898.] MEEHANS' MONTHLY — GENERAL GARDENING. 107 Shading Hedges.— A correspondent says : *' I covered a honeysuckle hedge with an old tennis netting to keep the balls out while play- ing. Removing it in part a year or so later, I noticed that the vines seemed affected ; a part of the hedge still covered, — say four years, — by the remnants of the netting, is nearly dead in appearance. Can it be that a netting with meshes an inch across, partly over a healthy hedge, would cause this ? ' ' Partial shade, by so far as it is shade, is in- jurious to young growth. It is for this reason that it is injurious to permit vines to scramble over trees. The trees that support the vines get some light for their young growth, as well as do the young growth of the vines; but the supporting trees soon pass into decrepitude. Honeysuckles are often permitted to run over hedges. The writer has one in mind where only three years ago one was permitted to spread a few of its branches over an osage orange hedge, one of the most vigorous of any kind of live fence or hedge. There were but a few branches the first year spreading over the osage plants, but the ill effects were plainly seen. The honeysuckle is still there, but the osage plants are nearly dead. The fact is that the young growth of any tree or shrub will not willingly share its right to the whole field of light it desires. Open AIR Culture of the Cockscomb. — The cockscomb is usually treated as a pot- plant. It does not seem to be generally known that it thrives in our gardens. During the hot and dry summer weather, there are few things that will continue to give so much satisfaction as this flower. Indeed, the hotter and dryer it is, the more it seems to flourish. Many bril- liant effects in ornamental gardening can be made by the judicious employment of this flower in massing. Mud as a Fertilizer. — There seems a difference of opinion, among those who have tried mud from river fronts, or the beds of streams, as to its value. Some report profit- able results — others find it worthless. There are various kinds of mud. When every par- ticle of vegetable matter has been washed out, it can be of little value. It should be worth something when it contains a good proportion of vegetable matter. Premature Fall of Maple Leaves. — During the summer of 1897, many specimens of fallen maple leaves were sent to Meehans*^ Monthly with inquiries concerning the cause for their dropping very early. It will be re- called that that season was remarkable for the great number of honey aphis which covered the leaves of many trees, making the leaves sticky with the exudations of that insect. The falling of the leaves was credited to the aphis, while in reality it was due to a fungus attack at the base of the petioles — or juncture of the leaf-stem and branch. The attacks in no in- stance were suflficient to do any permanent in- jury to the trees, and were merely the cause for an alarm. The remedy for all such fungus ills is Bordeaux mixture, sprayed early. These troubles did not seem to affect lindens and sugar maples. The season was a rather un- usual one in character, and a repetition of these troubles need not be greatly anticipated. Peat Soil. — Referring to the January issue,, a correspondent observes that the article on Peat Soil '*was something very desirable for those I know who are desirous of raising delicate woodland flowers." It must not be forgotten that air is just as important to roots as moisture. Delicate- rooted plants like azaleas, rhododendrons, can- not force their way through compact soil, as plants with stronger roots can. There is nothing suits them better to this end than the sponginess of peaty soil. To Destroy Ants in Lawns. — The follow- ing recommended formula for the destruction of ants is given in response to the inquiry of a subscriber: Mix one tablespoonful of bisul- phate of carbon in two or three gallons of water. Pour this into holes six inches deep and twelve inches apart, filling in the holes immediately after this has been done. The fumes penetrate the soil and destroy the ants. Water Lily Cultivation. — There is great enjoyment in the cultivation of water lilies. They can be easily grown in tubs on a small scale, — as on a larger scale in gardens. Mr. Geo. B. Moulder, of Smith's Grove, Kentucky, deserves much credit for the efforts he has made to popularize this beautiful department of gardening. NEW ©1 Riffll^E FLi^NTS, c Hybrid Cypripediums. — I send you with this a photograph of two seedling Cypripediums which originated here at the greenhouses of S. R. VanDuzer, Esq., of Rosenhof. The seeds of these weie sown December, 1894, and the plants flowered in November, 1897. The seed-bearing parent was C. Harrisi- anum f and the pollen parent was C Spicet ianum. The leaves of the one to the left in illustration are dark, lurid green, slightly ruled and closely resembling those of its pollen parent, C. Spiceri- anutn. The flower scape is 8 inches long, dark brown, stout and standserect without support. The predominating white in the dorsal sepal is very clear; the base of the sepal is green, over- laid with purple, which is shaded off at the extreme upper edge to a beautiful rose or light purple. The petals are undulated, like its pollen parent, green at the base and yellow at the apex, with purple lines running through the whole. Thelabellum is purplish brown or brown under purple lines. This flower is in many respects intermediate be- tween its parents. The seedling on the left in il- lustration has numerous leaves which are beauti- fully tassellated, light and dark green, like its seed-bearing parent, and, like that variety, is a free and robust grower. The flower scape is 12 inches high, dark brown and covered with black hair. The flower, in size and general appearance, is much superior to either of its parents. The dorsal sepal is 2 '^ inches in width and 2 inches deep, reflexed at base. The predominating color is white with green base, overlaid with brown spots and pencilled with lines of rosy purple. The petals are 3>^ inches long and I yi inches wide, pale yellow in centre with a band of purple along the margin, — and all beautifully lined with green and brown veins. The labellum is large, in shape like Harrisi- anum, purple in front, shading off at the point to light brown. This is a large, massive flower, which stands out quite prominent among other Cypripediums. Duncan Aird. Newburgh, N. Y. Hairy Chrysanthemums. — The hairy- flowered chrysanthemums, which started in American popularity with the variety Mrs. Alpheus Hardy, has proved even more popular in the Old World, mainly through the industry of French florists. A large number of varieties now appear in furtign catalogues. HYBRID CYPRIPEDIUMS. .1 io6 MEEHANS* MONTHLY — GENERAL GARDENING. [July Shading Hedges. — A correspondent says : ** I covered a honeysuckle hedge with an old tennis netting to keep the balls out while play- ing. Removing it in part a year or so later, I noticed that the vines seemed affected ; a part of the hedge still covered, — say four years, — by the remnants of the netting, is nearly dead in appearance. Can it be that a netting with meshes an inch across, partly over a healthy hedge, would cause this ? ' ' Partial shade, by so far as it is shade, is in- jurious to young growth. It is for this reason that it is injurious to permit vines to scramble over trees. The trees that support the vines get some light for their young growth, as well as do the young growth of the vines; but the supporting trees soon pass into decrepitude. Honeysuckles are often permitted to run over hedges. The writer has one in mind where only three years ago one was permitted to spread a few of its branches over an osage orange hedge, one of the most vigorous of any kind of live fence or hedge. There were but a few branches the first year spreading over the osage plants, but the ill effects were plainly seen. The honeysuckle is still there, but the osage plants are nearly dead. The fact is that the young growth of any tree or shrub will not willingly share its right to the whole field of light it desires. Open AIR Culture of the Cockscomb. — The cockscomb is usually treated as a pot- plant. It does not seem to be generally known that it thrives in our gardens. During the hot and dry summer weather, there are few things that will continue to give so much satisfaction as this flower. Indeed, the hotter and dryer it is, the more it seems to flourish. Many bril- liant effects in ornamental gardening can be made by the judicious employment of this flower in massing. Mud as a Fertilizer. — There vSeems a difference of opinion, among those who have tried mud from river fronts, or the beds of streams, as to its value. Some report profit- able results — others find it worthless. There are various kinds of mud. When every par- ticle of vegetable matter has been washed out, it can be of little value. It should be worth something when it contains a good proportion of vegetable matter. Premature Fall of Maple Leaves. — During the summer of 1897, many specimens of fallen maple leaves were sent to Meehans^ Monthly with inquiries concerning the cause for their dropping very early. It will be re- called that that season was remarkable for the great number of honey aphis which covered the leaves of many trees, making the leaves sticky with the exudations of that insect. The falling of the leaves was credited to the aphis, while in reality it was due to a fungus attack at the base of the petioles — or juncture of the leaf-stem and branch. The attacks in no in- stance were sufficient to do any permanent in- jury to the trees, and were merely the cause for an alarm. The remedy for all such fungus ills is Bordeaux mixture, sprayed early. These troubles did not seem to affect lindens and sugar maples. The season was a rather un- usual one in character, and a repetition of these troubles need not be greatly anticipated. Peat Soil. — Referring to the January issue, a correspondent observes that the article on Peat Soil **was something very desirable for those I know who are desirous of raising delicate woodland flowers." It must not be forgotten that air is just as important to roots as moisture. Delicate- rooted plants like azaleas, rhododendrons, can- not force their way through compact soil, as plants with stronger roots can. There is nothing suits them better to this end than the sponginess of peaty soil. To Destroy Ants in Lawns. — The follow- ing recommended formula for the destruction of ants is given in response to the inquiry of a subscriber: Mix one tablespoonful of bisul- phate of carbon in two or three gallons of water. Pour this into holes six inches deep and twelve inches apart, filling in the holes immediately after this has been done. The fumes penetrate the soil and destroy the ants. Water Lily Cultivation. — There is great enjoyment in the cultivation of water lilies. They can be easily grown in tubs on a small scale, — as on a larger scale in gardens. Mr. Geo. B. Moulder, of Smith's Grove, Kentucky, deserves much credit for the efforts he has made to popularize this beautiful department of gardening. 1898.] MEEHANS' monthly — GENERAL GARDENING. 107 NEW ©M 1/filRE FL/^MTS, Hybrid Cypripediums. — I send you with this a photograph of two seedling Cypripediums which originated here at the greenhouses of S. R. VanDuzer, Esq., of Rosenhof. The seeds of these weie sown December, 1894, and the plants flowered in November, 1897. The seed-bearing parent was C Harrisi- anum, and the pollen parent was C Spice f z'anum. The leaves of the one to the left in illustration are dark, lurid green, slightly ruled and closely resembling those of its pollen parent, C. Spiceri- anum. The flower scape is 8 inches long, dark brown, stout and stands erect without support. The predominating white in the dorsal sepal is very clear; the base of the sepal is green, over laid with purple, which is shaded off at I he extreme upper edge to a beautiful rose or light purple. The petals are undulated, like its pollen parent, green at the base and yellow at the apex, with purple lines running through the whole. Thelabellum is purplish brown or brown under purple lines. This flower is in many respects intermediate be- tween its parents. The seedling on the left in il- lustration has numerous leaves which are beauti- fully tassel lated, light and dark green, like its seed-bearing parent, and, like that variety, is a free and robust grower. The flower scape is 12 inches high, dark brown and covered with black hair. The flower, in size and general appearance, is much superior to either of its parents. The dorsal sepal is 2 '4 inches in width and 2 inches deep, reflexed at base. The predominating color is white with green base, overlaid with brown spots and pencilled with lines of rosy purple. The petals are y/z inches long and \yi inches wide, pale yellow in centre with a band of purple along the margin, — and all beautifully lined with green and brown veins. The labellum is large, in shape like Harrisi- anum, purple in front, shading off at the point to light brown. This is a large, massive flower^ which stands out quite prominent among other Cypripediums. Duncan Aird. Newburgh, N. Y. Hairy Chrysanthemums. — The hairy- flowered chrysanthemums, which started in American popularity with the variety Mrs. Alpheus Hardy, has proved even more popular in the Old World, mainly through the industry of French florists. A large number of varieties now appear in foreign catalogues. HYBRID CYPRIPEDIUMS. i^ TENnONAL SECONETEXPOSUR r IK 1 08 MEEHANS' MONTHLY — GENERAL GARDENING. [July Chrysanthemum frutesckns Halleana AUREA — The Yellow Paris Daisy is a fine thing for private places, where good flowers are always in demand. It is far preferable to the White Paris Daisy, as the stems are much longer, and the flowers will easily last a week or ten days in rooms. If the cuttings are rooted about the end of July, that will be early enough. Pot on, as they need it, till they are in 6 or 7 inch pots, (good, turfy loam is the best for them). Keep all flower buds pinched off till November, when you will be astonished at the number and size of flowers you can cut from one plant, right through the winter, with the help of liquid manure. F. Ibbotson. Roxboro, Philadelphia. It is to be hoped that the improvements in this species will end with the *'Aurea," or botanical names will get as long as some com- mon names, where such as " Robin run-in the hedge " or " Old-man with-a-water-pitcher" often try the patience of the listener. TUE nn^KhJ FL®WE1 <^/^Ill^EIM. The American Crane's BiLL.—The Ameri- can Crane's Bill, Geranium maculatum, has already had a place among our colored illus- trations, and many have learned to love it who have never seen it grow. Those who have seen it and admire its wild beauty, will be pleased with the evidence that a little civiliza- tion adds still more to charms that the repro- duction, on page 109, from a photo., shows it to be capable of It was kindly sent to us by Mr. Harry Wilbur, of Bethlehem, Pa , who describes it simply as "growing in his yard." White Forget-me-not and Clematis ver- TiciLLARis— Specimens of both white and blue forget me-nots have been received by Meehans' Monthly from Mrs. Seliger, Hart- ford, Conn. They were sent to show the con- trast, which is indeed pleasing. The white form is not new, but is very uncommon in gardens. It is pure white, and quite the equal of the blue; but sentiment connected with the well known form will doubtless prevent its ever becoming more popular. The perennial species o{ Myosotis are worthy of any garden. They prefer a slightly shaded and moist situation. The shade need not necessarily be dense; that furnished by other perennials of tall growth is suflScient. From the same source, are also received, flowers of Clematis verticillaris^ an account of which appears elsewhere in this issue. The thanks of the Conductors are extended for the specimens. Such kindnesses are always appreciated. Flowers in the Fern Border.— A well- arranged bed of ferns is doubtless much more handsome than when flowering plants are in- troduced to the same bed; but where there is room for a break in the bed, a choice selection of woodland flowers maybe utilized. Such as thalictrum, spiraea, columbine, Solomon *s-seal, bleeding-heart, anemone. May apple, trades- can tia,trillium, polemonium, lily-of-the- valley, spring beauty, bird's-foot violet, etc., can be introduced to make the border very attractive. The height attained by the plants in the fore- going list varies according to the species and location, but will be found something like the order in which they are named. P^ONiA TENUiFOLiA. — Among paeonies, the finely divided foliage of P. tenuifolia, coupled with the rich red color of the flower, nestled in the foliage in early spring, draws the most attention. Unfprtunately, the single flower is rather evanescent, but the foliage makes up for this, being effective at all times, and extremely useful for working in bouquets. Florists are already using it extensively for forcing pur- poses; but it requires gentle pushing. There is also a double-flowered form. They seldom grow over eighteen inches in height. ANb Apios TUBEROSA.--This beautiful, wild, climbing vine produces a root as large as a hen's ^^%. The root was usually used by the Indians as an article of food. When cooked, it is equal to any vegetable cultivated, so far as the flavor and attractive taste is concerned. It is much to be regretted that no attempt seems to have been made. Though with the large list of native edible roots, to introduce this into our gardens, would doubtless yield a good margin for some improver in this line. J 1898.] meehans' monthly — GENERAL GARDENING. 1 09 The Potato Stem-borer. — Frequently a whole crop of potatoes will show decay at an early stage of their growth. This was at one time believed to be due to what was called a sun scald. Some forty years ago, a noted entomologist of Germantown, Philadelphia, Miss Margaretta C. Morris, discovered that this was rather from the work of a small beetle, a stem-borer, which was in scientific language named Doryphora decemlineata. Since this knowledge has been gained, our cultivators have kept the insect down pretty well by pull- ing up the stems and burning them as soon as evidence of deca}- appeared. More than this, Minister of Agriculture as to the proper method of fighting these ingenious little in- sects. We prepare this paragraph in the inter- est of our French exchanges. With our ex- perience, they ought to have very little diffi- culty in guarding themselves against this trouble. Seedless Raisins.— In California, there were experiments in stoning raisins so as to have them as free from seeds as the ordinary currant. Success has followed, till now, seeded raisins are becoming an important item among the fruit industries of California. THE AMERICAN CRANE'S BILL, .sec paqc loi the application of Paris Green to the potato plant in order to destroy the Colorado Beetle seems to have had an influence in restricting the work of this smaller beetle, although it usually gets in its work earlier. At any rate, the potato grower is less troubled by the ravages of this insect in these times than at the time when its presence was first made known. It appears, however, that it has taken its course eastwardly, and the French growers are getting as nearly alarmed at its increase in France as they were when they fir«5t discovered the Phylloxera on the grape. Officials from many places in France are addressing the Good Varieties of Grape.- Some fruits seem to degenerate more rapidly than others. New varieties are continually called for to re- place the old. But among grapes, some of the oldest are found remarkably reliable. The Brighton, Concord. Lindley, Diamond, Moore's Early, and Worden, are still generally popular. A Fruitful Apple Tree.— In the orchard of Mr. Lucy, at Puyallup, Washington State, is one tree, 5^ feet in circumference, 35 years old, of the variety known as Waxen, which has been bearing between 50 and 75 boxes of apples annually during the past 20 years. io8 MEEHANS' MONTHI.Y — GENERAL GARDENING. [July 1898.] MEEHANS' MONTHLY — GENERAL GARDENING. IC9 % ^3 1 Chrysanthemum frutkscens Halle an a AUREA — The Yellow Paris Daisy is a fine thing for private places, where g^ood flowers are always in demand. It is far preferable to the White Paris Daisy, as the stems are much longer, and the flowers will easily last a week or ten days in rooms. If the cuttings are rooted about the end of July, that will be early enough. Pot on, as they need it, till they are in 6 or 7 inch pots, (good, turfy loam is the best for them). Keep all flower buds pinched off till November, when you will be astonished at the number and size of flowers you can cut from one plant, right through the winter, with the help of liquid manure. F. Ibbotson. Roxboro, Philadelphia. It is to be hoped that the improvements in this species will end with the "Aurea," or botanical names will get as long as some com- mon names, where such as " Robin run-in the hedge" or " Old-man wnth-a-water-pitcher" often try the patience of the listener. TME M/^lRfeT FLOWEl ^/^!1[D)1H, The American Crane's Bill— The Ameri- can Crane's Bill, Geranim?i tnaculatuvi, has already had a place among our colored illus- trations, and many have learned to love it who have never seen it grow. Those who have seen it and admire its wild beauty, will be pleased with the evidence that a little civiliza- tion adds still more to charms that the repro- duction, on page 109, from a photo., shows it to be capable of It was kindly sent to us by Mr. Harry Wilbur, of Bethlehem, Pa , who describes it simply as ''growing in his yard." White Forget-me-not and Clematis ver- TiciLLAR is. —Specimens of both white and blue forget me-nots have been received by Mekhans' Monthly from Mrs. Seliger, Hart- ford, Conn. They were vSent to show the con- trast, which is indeed pleasing. The white form is not new, but is very uncommon in gardens. It is pure white, and quite the equal of the blue; but sentiment connected with the well known form will doubtless prevent its ever becoming more popular. The perennial species of Myosotis are worthy of any garden. They prefer a slightly shaded and moist situation. The shade need not necessarily be dense; that furnished by other perennials of tall growth is sufiicient. From the same source, are also received, flowers of Clematis verticillaris, an account of which appears elsewhere in this issue. The thanks of the Conductors are extended for the specimens. Such kindnesses are always appreciated. Flowers in the Fern Border.— A well- arranged b:?d of ferns is doubtless much more handsome than when flowering plants are in- troduced to the same bed; but where there is room for a break in the bed, a choice selection of woodland flowers maybe utilized. Such as thalictrum, spiraea, columbine, Solomon's-seal, bleeding-heart, anemone. May apple, trades- cantia.trillium, polemonium, lily-of-the-valley, spring beauty, bird's-foot violet, etc., can be introduced to make the border very attractive. The height attained by the plants in the fore- going list varies according to the species and location, but will be found something like the order in which they are named. P.EOXiA TENUiFOLiA. — Among paeonies, the finely divided foliage of P. teyiuifolia, coupled with the rich red color of the flower, nestled in the foliage in early spring, draws the most attention. Unfortunately, the single flower is rather evanescent, but the foliage makes up for this, being effective at all times, and extremely useful for working in bouquets. Florists are already using it extensively for forcing pur- poses; but it requires gentle pushing. There is also a double-flowered form. They seldom grow over eighteen inches in height. FK^mrS 2SS ¥E^ETi^PLE a leading supporter of a natural history society, and the father of the great American industry in par- lor matches. For many years he was super- intendent of public parks in Wilmington. Few men have led more useful lives, — few have died more sincerely regretted. Rksidentiai. Sites and Environments. — By Joseph Forsyth Johnson, — published by the A. L. de la Mare Printing and Publishing Co., New York. Mr. Johnson is well-known by his work "Natural Principles of Landscape Gardening. ' * The present work is of the same character, though dealing more with practical details than abstract principles. A point in laying out grounds is seldom thought of, namely, how to make the grounds of our neighbors, or of natural scenery belonging to others, come in to add to the beauty and general improvement on our properties. This is well treated of here under the newly-made fashionable term of environment. Any well stocked library would be enriched by adding this beautiful volume to it. Thomas Nuttall. — M., Philadelphia, says: '* In reading a local notice of the great botan- ist Nuttall, I learn that he was a poor boy who came to this country to seek his fortune. He got employment as a printer. One day he was interested in the growth of our Virginia Creeper, and took it to Dr. Barton. After this visit, he became interested in botany, and sub- sequently famous in that line. His works show him to have been a Greek and Latin scholar, and, indeed, a man of high education. Do you know where he pursued these studies?" It is to be feared that this story about Nut- tall will have to be stored with the wonderful tales told about all great men, saints and sin- ners, and which are known as the "truths of history.*' Nuttall himself, in a publication he made in America in 1853, when about leav- ing the country, as he thought, forever, says: ** Thirty- four years ago, I left England to ex- plore the natural history of the United States. * * A poor ignoramus, with no taste for natural history until a Virginia Creeper struck his at- tention in Philadelphia, could hardly have penned such a sentence. Wisteria or Wistaria.— A subscriber to Meehans' Monthly called my attention to an article, in the May number of that magazine, entitled *' Wistaria or Wisteria," with the re- quest that I should answer it; permit me there- fore to say that NuttalPs reason for naming the plant Wisteria is quite apparent, as I shall endeavor to convince you. The late Mr. Charles J. Wister, of German town, being an intimate friend of Nuttall, as well as a relative (III) 112 MEEHANS' MONTHLY — GENERAL NOTES. ( July i^ of Dr. Caspar Wis tar, called the former's atten- tion to the fact of his having named the plant Wisteria in honor of the eminent professor, notwithstanding that he spelled his name with an a. Nuttall said that he was quite aware of that, but since the families of Wistar and Wis- ter were one, and that Wisteria was more eup- honious than Wistaria, he had preferred and adopted the former. W. J. C. Fiat JMsticia, mat cesium, Germantown, Pa. Nuttall says, in a foot-note to the description of Wisteria, " I name it in honor of Dr. Caspar Wistar. " If he had added • 'but for the sake of euphony, I changed the spelling to Wisteria,^' there could be no excuse for Hooker, Gray, Bentham and others supposing it to be a typo- graphical error, and changing it to what the foot-note, as it stands, clearly suggests it to be. Native Country of the Indian Corn. — The Indian Corn, Zea Mays, has not been found wild in any country yet explored. Botanists are coming to the conclusion that it may be a development under ancient Mexican civiliza- tion from EuchlcBna luxurians, a coarse Mexi- can grass, the botanical characters closely re- lated with that of maize. This grass is known under the Mexican name of Teosinte. ^EMER/^L IN1®TCS. Colored Plates of Native Ferns. — For the particular benefit of those most interested in matters pertaining to ferns, a complete list of plates that have appeared either in the ''Native Flowers and Ferns of the United States" or Meehans' Monthly, is here pre- sented. Other plates will appear from time to time. Adiantum capillus- veneris. Vol. II, Series 2. ♦ •* pedatum. Vol. III. Aspidium acrostichoides. Vol. II, Series i. cristatum. Vol. II, Series 2. fragrans. Vol. I, series 2. ♦ *• Goldieanum. Vol. VI. ♦ •• marginale. Vol. V. munitum. Vol. I, Series 2. Nevadense. Vol. I, Series 2. ♦ " Thelypteris. Vol. IV. Asplenium ebeneum. Vol. II, Series i. ( ( (( I ( « < ( ( t ( Asplenium ebenoides. Vol. I, Series 2. * " Filix foemina. Vol. VII. * *♦ montanum. Vol. II. parvulum. Vol. II, Series i. pinnatifidum. Vol. II, Series 2. trichomanes. Vol. I, Series i. Botrychium ternatum. Vol. II, Series 2. ** Virginianum. Vol. II, Series 2. Camptosorus rhizophyllus. Vol. I, Series 2. Cheilanthes Californica. Vol. II, Series 2. *• vestita. Vol. I, Series 2. Gyninogramnia triangularis. Vol. I, Series 2. Lomaria Spicant. Vol. II, Series 2. *Lygodium palmatum. Vol. V. ^Notholaena dealbata. Vol. I. Onoclea sensibilis. Vol. I, Series 2. *Osmunda Claytoniana. Vol. IV. Pellaea atropurpurea. Vol. II, Series 2. * " gracilis. Vol. III. ornithopus. Vol. II, Series 2. Polypodium Californicum. Vol. I, Series 2. falcatum. Vol. I, Series 2. incanum. Vol. I, Series i. *• vulgare. Vol. II, Series i. Schizaea pusilla. Vol. II, Series 2. *Trichomanes Petersii. Vol. III. * *♦ radicans. Vol. II. Woodsia obtusa. Vol I, Series 2. Woodwardia angustifolia. Vol. II, Series 2. •• Virginica. Vol. II, Series 2. (Those designated by an asterisk (*) ap- peared in Meehans' Monthly and the others in the " Flowers and Ferns.*') In addition to the above, the following have been illustrated in the former work in the ordinary way, without the two-page text that accompanies the plates: Ophioglossum vulgatum. Vol. VI. Scolopendrium officinarum. Vol. VII. Illustrations of mixed borders of ferns are desired, and if the readers of Meehans* Monthly have any that clearly show the kinds composing the bed they will be received with the thanks of the publishers. t i ti Strawberry Plants. — It is a mistake to suppose that some specially favored location or land condition is needed by the strawberry. It can be successfully grown anywhere that corn or potatoes will thrive. Pot grown plants are a great advantage over layer plants, from the fact that when set out in the late summer or fall they will bearan abundantcrop the next season. *■ s- I \ \ SITUATIONS WANTED. Advertisements under this head, not ezceeding 50 words rill be inserted once for 50 cents, or three times for $1.25. QARDENERS: At all times, we have on our register the names of competent gardeners, whom we would be glad to recommend to persons in need of same as being fully competent to take entire charge of any place, either large or small. Gardeners desiring situations should correspond with us. No charge, whatever, is made for any such service rendered. THOMAS MEEHAN & SONS, Germantown, Philadelphia. QARDENER— Situation wanted as gardener ^^ on private place, where a thorough, practical and reliable person is required. Life experienced ; best of references ; English, age 35, married, small family. Address, S. Bolton, Johnson St., Jamaica PI., Mass. QARDENER— A young single man, age 35 ^^^ years, wants situation as gardener. Under- stands vegetables and flowers, also horses. Reli- able and trustworthy and strictly temperate. First class reference. P. McCormick, 5820 Knox Street, Germantown. QARDENER AND FLORIST wants private ^^ place ; German, age 33, married, one child ; good references. '*!. D. N.," care of Meehans* MONTHI,Y. QARDENER — German wants position on ^^^ private place, age 28, married, no children. Has a thorough and practical experience in all branches of Gardening and Landscaping. JOHN T. FISCHER, West Conshohocken, Pa. QARDENER— English, age 34, married, I child, ^ desires situation on private place where his ability will prove of some consideration. Exten- sive and practical experience in all of gardening and landscaping. Forcing expert Fine references. C. H. R., care of Mkehans' Monthly. QARDENER — Situation wanted on private ^^-* place as head gardener by Englishmen, age 32, married, no children. Thorough knowledge of his business. Experienced in forceing fruits and vegetables. References unequalled, E.J. B., care of Meehans' Monthly. NOVELTIES IN PLANTS, FRUITS, Etc A. BLANC & CO., 314, 316 N. 11th ST., PHILADELPHIA SEEDS! SEEDS! 74th Annual Priced Catalogue of VEGETABLE, FIIIIM IND FLOWER SEEDS Is now ready and mailed free to all applicants Bridgemao's Seed Warehouse 37 EAST 19th STREET, NEW YORK CITY A material has been discovered for glazing which after thorough test has been proven far superior to putty, it is called TV^MSTICK. Mastica is easier to apply and when once put on it stays. It is not affected by extremes of weather, and is thus especial- ly adapted forgreenhouses.conservatories.graperies.hotbeds, etc. Endorsed by prominent florists throughout the country. Send for descriptive circular of ilastica and flastica Qlazing naciiine&. F=. O. PIERO© CO.. Sol* Manuf««tupeps 170 pUIiTON STJRHHT, N, HHW YOI^K 14 WASHiriGTOfl ST., BOSTO|4 GRIFFITH & TURNER CO.. 206 N. Pact St., Baltimore, Md. EOMTARO S. SCHMIO, 712 12th St.. N. W., Washington, D. C. HENRY A. OREER, 714 Chestnut Street. Philadelphia, Pa. HENRY F. M1CHELL,1018 Market Street, Philadelphia, Pa. HENRY W.GIBBONS CRCENHOUSC BUILDER AMD MEATIN6 ENCINECR ^^' 116 UtERTV iTMlT ^^^f^^^ NEW YORK . N.V. — <«^ 'V^:^ CATALOCUli • CCNTt. iEXI»ERTADVICL ESTIMATES. PLANS. RTABLE GREENHOUSES FOR SMALL ESTATES, COMPIiTEFOR %%QO*9 DREER'S SEEDS Plants, Bulbs and Requisites They are the best at the lowest prices. Calendar for '98 mailed free. Address HENRY A. DREER. 714 CHcaTNUT St.. Phila. POT GROWN Strawberry Plants FOR SALE BY THE ELIZABETH NURSERY CO., Elizabeth, N.J. We are making a specialty of potted Strawberry Plants. You will do well to correspond with us as we are growing 60,000 plants of both new and old varieties. 8end for Straw- berry catalogue also catalogue of Nursery stocls, STUDENTS' HAND BOOK OF MUSHROOMSjEAMERICA By Thomas Taylor, M.D. Author of "Food Products," etc. Illustrations in color and half-tone; Svo, Price Paper, $2.50; Cloth, $3.00. A. R. TAYLOR, Publisher, 238 Massachusetts Avenue, N.E., Washington, D. C. Principles of Fruit Growing, by Prof. L, H. Bailey. A complete treatise on fruit growing^ in general, comprising the inventory of fruits, the location, tillage and fertilizing of fruit lands, planting and care of fruit plantations, diseases of fruit trees, harvesting and marketing fruits. Cloth, 508 pages, 114 Illustrations, (Hll.25, postpaid. THOMAS MEKHAN & SONS, Publishers, Germantown, Phila. WHEN WRITING TO ADVERTISERS, TELL THEM YOU SAW THEIR CARD IN MEEHANS' MONTHLY. tgmr I i I 4 BEAUTIFUL CHRYSANTHEMUMS Offered by no one else. GRB£N AND GOL.D. A new departure in Chrysanthe- mums with handsome light green toliage distinctly varigia- ted with creamy yellow Very double creamy white flowers. Perfectly exquisite under glass and very showy in the gar- den. A beautiful foliage plant, strong vigorous grower, 50 cents each. MADONNA. A snow white anemone flowered variety, beautifully formed, splendid habit of growth A medium enrlv varietv and a perfect beauty, 25 cents each. WHITE WINGS. A very distinct and esthetic semi-double flower, very large with broad petals, a lovely satiny white, exquisitely incurved and curled. A delight to the eyes. 25 cents each SUSAN B. ANTHONY. A glorious pure white flower, like drifted snow. Immense in size with very broad droop- ing petals double to the centre. Very handsome light green foliage, flowers on long stems Invaluable for cutting. Medium late bloomer. A splendid variety, 25 cents each. 20 Varieties of namen Chrysantkemums not labeled sent Post- paid for $1 16. 1 pkt of choice Chrysanthemum Seed sent FREE with either of the above colleciions. Send ID cents for Catalogue of Plants, Bulbs, Seeds and Cacti. MRS. THEODOSIA B. SHEPHERD VENTURA. (BY-TH£-SCA> CALIFORNIA s FECIAL OFFER Garden and Forest Twenty-five copies, consecutive or selected numbers, in any recent year, One Dollar ; one hundred numbers, Three Dol- lars, post-paid. Bound Volumes, Two Dollars, carriage paid. Wanted— Nos. 10, 31,32,33; Vol.1. Nos 71,76,77,78; Vol.11. Nos. 97,98, 99. 107, 120, 134, 141, 149; Vol. III. Nos. 153, 192; Vol. IV. Nos. 496, 500, 502, 505 ; Vol. X. J. H. GRIFFITH American Tract Society Building NEW YORK CITY Room 1317 FT GoneoFd JlaFseries CONCORD, MASS. SEND FOR PRICES FOR Berberis Thunberg^i, B. vulg^are and B. sinensis. Cletlira ainifolia. Cornus sericea and C. paniculata. CydonIa Japonica. Fursythia suxpensa. LigUMtruin vulg^ariH, L. oTalifolium and L, Ibnta. RliHmnus Oathartica nnd K. Frangula. Bosh Carolina; R. lucida, B. nitida, R. multiflora, R. rug^oHa* R. rubig^inosa, and Scotch White. Rubus odorata Syiiiphorlcarpos Tulgarls. Put pie Lilacs. Xanthorrhiza apiifolia. Aiiip*4lopMiH quliiquefolla and A. Veltchii. Li«»nic«ra Haileana and L.. variegata. Matrimony Vine. Heleniuni autumnale. BY THE THOUSAND OR LESS. g^^Larg^e Stock of these varieties, which must be sold. Re«idential Sites and KnTlronmeutt, by Jos. Forsyth Johnson. A handsome cloth bound volume, contaiuitt)^ fifty-four practical plans and diagrams drawn by the author, with lucid descriptive text and all necessary infor- mation for the development of the surroundings of a residenre, showing principles and adaptions of planting suitable to all requirements from Villa to Mansion. To amateurs this work will prove invaluable, enabling them to determine well in advance the form of development they prefer, and a reliable guide in their selection of material, price, 9/2-50. THOALAS MKFHAN & SO vs, Publishers, Germaniown, Phila. POTTED STRIIWBERIIV PLtllTS New and Old Varieties. Write for our catalogue. JAMES McCOLGAN & CO., Atlantic Highlands, N.J. » ^^^.— — ^^— — — ^.— i^^— LOVERS OF BOTANY SHOULD HAVE THE PliflHT WOt^llD An illustrated monthly Journal of Popular Botany Edited by P. H. KFIOCauTOH, Pb. D. and « sopps of sp««l«llsts. In its pages the interesting facts of plant life are treated in language that is strictly scientific but not technical. Sample copy free. Address, WIIiliflf^D N. CliUTB & CO. PUBLISHERS BINOHAMTON, - NHW YORK. '3. "^JL. PUBLISHED THE 18T AND 15tm OF EACH MONTH BY THE GARDENING COMPANY MONON BUILDING, CHICAGO SUBSCRIPTION PRICE, $2.00 A YEAR 24 NUMBERS The most practical and valuable American Horti- cultural publication. Departments : The Flower Garden, Trees and Shrubs, The Greenhouse, The Window Garden, The Fruit Garden, The Vege- table Garden, Insects and Other Pests, Mushrooms, and others in season. See what subscribers say about this valuable journal. "For condensed common sense in gardening matters, for reliable, unprejudiced and safe information, Gardbnino cannot be surpassed, and although moderate in size it ex- pands upon perusal." W. C. Koan, Highland Park, 111. **6akdbnino is the best horticultural paper printed in America." Chas L. Burr, Springfield, Mass. "I am greatly pleased with the paper. It is practical and ■uggestive. Its reproduction of photograph ic views of plants, flowers and landscapes is a most admirable feature." W. M. JOBNSON, Hackensack, N. J. "It is a delightful paper and has been very interesting and instructive to me." Frank Hitchcock, Davenport, la. "I have found Gardening extremely useful and interest- iag. You have given your subscribers a great deal more than their money's worth." Chas. E. Brown, Yarmouth, Nova Scotia "Such a publication was long needed in this country. Erery line of its contributions is a lesson in itself to many profeasionals'as well as to amateurs." John Berry, Gardener to Senator Wolcott, Littleton. Colo. "I Talue Gardening highlv on account of the very practi- cal character of its contents.' J. A. Pettigrew, Supt. Lincoln Park, Chicago "I regard Gardening as one of the most practical maga- sines issued in the interests of horticulture." W. F. Macara, Watervill N. Y. "The paper is the most practical of any I read." W. E. Abbs. Fond du Lac, Wis. "I subscribe to all the horticultural and floricultural jour- nals on this continent as far as I know and find in Garden- ing the most practical one for an amateur like myself." Dr. Geo. T. Hawley, Coming, N. Y. WHEN WRITING TO ADVERTISERS, TELL THEM YOU SAW 1 HEIR CARD IN MEEHANS' MONTHLY. I ARKSTftONG A MoKifLVF PllMiburgh, DAVIS -CHAMBSBft FAHHSgTOCX Pittakurgb. AHOHO* ) > Ciucinnati. E0K8TIXM i AVhAHTZO BEAOLST EROOKl^Tir JBWETT ULSTEB unoN / BOtJTHSKN I 8HIP1CAK ) COLUSft MI880UStI SBDBEAL soTnrHS£v N««rYork. Chieikgo, SLlxmiui. JOHN T. LSWZ8 * BS08 00 PbilMislpbia. 1 MOEUT SALBH OQRNSLL E -EVERYBODY who knows anything about painting knows that Pure White Lead and Pure Linseed Oil make the best paint; but there is a difference in White Lead. The kind you want is made by the *^old Dutch process/' It is the best. Let the other fellow who wants to experi- ment use the quick process, '^sold-for-less- money," sorts. See list of brands which are genuine. CD C 1-4 ®^ a*ia« National L«ad Co.'s Pure Wliite Ut6 TintinM Colors, rlvCC *?7 deaired shade is readily obtained. Pamphlet girmg v a?'e information and card showing sampJef of colors free ai^o folder showing pictures of house oaintcd in different designs or various sty'lss or combmanons of shades forwarded upon application to those iotending to pSnt Cleveland. Buffalo. KMfTUOKY LonI«viUs. National Lead Co,, wo William SL, New York, Pot (if own Strawberry Plants will bear crop next season. Ffuft trees, celery, cabbaee plants, e'. — ^^^r^ t»^-p - iti thenurseryUne. Send our free Summer and Autumn catalogue T. J. DWVf!R A SON. Box -. Cornwall, N. Y. 4>6ebire ft Sons ••'J' CALVAD ... -ft ^.C. ABll. d CO. KJ.Box -JO. s ■■ '^rX. LORD & BURNHAM CO. HORTICULTURAL ARCHITECTS AND BUILDERS '^-^ m. «*««A.Jui«is (|uiiiqiiefolia and A. Veit<;liii. I^onicera HaHfana an 1 s i ARMSTBONa A MoEBLVY Pittsburgli. BEYMEB-BAUMAir Ktiabura-h. DAVIB-0HAMBSS8 Pittsburgh. FAHNEBTOOK Pittaburgh. ANCHOR ] \ Cinoinnati. ECKSTEIN j ATLANTIO BRAOIJBT BROOKlTN I JBWETT ULSTER UNION SOUTHERN SHIPMAN COLLIER MIS80URI RED SEAL SOUTHERN New York. Chicago. »St.Loai«. JOHN T. LEWIS * BROS 00 Philadelphia. MOEIET j^„^j_ 1 SALEM CORNELL KENTUOKT 8«lem, Mam. Baifalo. Lonicrills. £-^VERYBODV who knows anything about painting knows that Pure White Lead and Pure Linseed Oil raake the best paint; but there is a difference in White Lead. The kind you want is made by the '^old Dutch process.'' It is the best. Let the other fellow who wants to experi- ment use the quick process, **sold-for-less- money," sorts. See list of brands which are genuine. C D P D ®^ "i'°^ ^*'i°°f ^ ^^^ ^''' '» P"""* White Lead Tinting Colors. rKCC *P,y ^*^"'*'* ^.^^^^ '^ ^«^^''y obtained. Pamphlet givinR vaJu- ^ able information and card showing samples of colors free • also folder showmg pictures of house painted in different designs or various stvltB or combinations of shades forwarded upon application to those intending to pSnt Natimial Lead Co., loo William Si., New York, Pot Crown Strawberry Plants will bear crop next season. Fruit trees, celery, cabbage plants, etc.— everythmg in the nursery line. Send your address for our free Summer and Autumn catalogue T, J. DWYER A SON. Box -, Cornwall, N. Y. 4> 6EBIRE & 50AJS )i 0<>^'^ Sou A.[N,s -n US Am.r^c. ""^I'-C^T*!! C.C.ABEL a CO. P.O.Box 9 . A new departure in Chrysanthe mums with handsome light green toliageilistiuctly varigia- ted with creamy yellow Very double creamy while Howers. Perfectly ex(iuisite under glass and very showy in the gar- den. A beautiful foliage plant, strong vigorous grower, -,o cents each, MADONNA. A snow white anemone flowered variety, beautifully formed, si)lendid h:ibit of growth A medium enrlv variety and a perfect beauty, J5 cents each. WIIITIi: WINCiS. A very distinct and esthetic semi-double flower, veiy large with broad ])etals, a lovely satiny while, extjuisitely incurred and curled. A delight to the eyes. 2> cents each srs..\TS' 15. ANTHONY. A glorious pure white flower, like drifted snow. Imuiense in size with very broad droop- ing petals double to the centre. Very handsome light gieen foliage, flowers on long stems invaluable for cutting. Medium late bloomer. A splendid variety, ascents each. 20 Varieties of namen Thrysant^emums not labeled sent Post- paid for $t 16 1 pkt of choice Chrysanthemum Seed sent FREE with either of the above collections Send 10 cents for Catalogue of I'lants, IJulbs, Seeds and Cacti. MRS. THEODOSIA B. SHEPHERD VENTURA, (BV-THC-SEA> CALIFORNIA s FECIAL OFFER Garden and Forest Twenty-five copies, consecutive 01 selected numbers, in any recent year. One Dollar ; one hundrecrK;ii, H. \ iiI};;Hre aiul 1(. siiiciiNiH. (It'tlira Hlnit'olia. CoriiiiM sfTicea aiul <'. paiiinilata. Cydoiiia Ja|><»iiica. F<>rs>tliia Hii*ipensa. Li);iiNtriiiii \iil{;ari>«, I... ovalit'oHiiiii and I.. IholH. KliaiiiiiUK <'atliai-ti<-a and K. I'lanKiila. KosH Carolina; K. Iiieida, K. iiiti>4a, K. riihi^iiioHH, and Scotch White, liiihiis odorata Syiiiphoricarpos vulv^Hi'iM. I'm |)i«* l.ilaes. \aiithorrhi/.a apiiiolia. .\iiip»'h>pois (ininfiiu'folia and A. Veitchii. I.onirfra llaileana and I.. varic|;ata. >lairiiniranis drawn by the .'Uilhor, \\ ith lucid desci iptive text and all necessarv intbr- tn.'dion fnt roundings of a residenre, shovvintj principles and atiaptioiis of j)lanlinj< sniiahle to all recpnrements honi Villa to .Mansioti. I'o atnatenrs this work will prove invHhiable, enablinji them to deteiniine well in advance the lorni of development they t>refer. and a reliable ^uide in their selection of matetial, price, !*»»'!. ."»<». THO.MAS i>IF:KIIAN A SONS, l»ul>Ii.shers, CierniHiitow n, Phila. SOJOI POTTED STRIIWe[Rliy PUIIiTS New and Old Varieties. Write lor our caial..t;ue. JAMES McCOLGAN & CO., Atlantic Highlands, N.J. LOVERS OF BOTANY SHOULD HAVE THE PUAflT WGRliD An Illustrated monthly Journal of Popular Botany Edited by F. H. KNOUJUTON, Ph. D. and a 30Pps of speoialists. In its ]nigcs tlie interesting facts of plant life are treated in lanj^aiage that is strictly scientific but not technical. Sample co])y free. Address, WlIiUARD N. CbUTE & CO. PU cLISHERS BINGHAIVITON, - NEW YORK. PUBLISHED THE 1st AND 15thOF EACH MONTH BY THE GARDENING COMPANY MONON BUILDING, CHICAGO SUBSCRIPTION PRICE, $2.00 A YEAR 24 NUMBERS The most practical and valuable American Horti- cultural publication. Dkpartmknts : The MovNCr Garden, Trees and Shrubs, The Greenhouse, The Window Garden, The Fruit Garden, The Vcj^e- table Garden, Insects and Other Pests, Mushrooms, and otliers in season. See what subscribers say about this valuable journal. "For conden.sed common sense in gardening matters, foi reliable, unprejudiced and safe information, (iAkOK.Ni.Nti cannot be surpassed, and although moderate in size it ex- pands upon perusal." W. C Kc.a.n. Highland I'ark, 111 •'Gardening is the best horticultural paper j)rinted merica." Cmas L. Uitkk, Springfield, Ma« )rinted in tss "I am greatly pleased with the pai)er. It is practical and suggestive. Its reproduction ofphotograi^hic views of plants, flowers and landscapes is a most admirable feature " W. M. JoH.N'SoN, Hackensack, N. J. "It is a delightful paper and has been very interesting and instructive to me." Frank Hitchcock, Davenport, la. "I have found (iAKDKNiNG extremely useful and interest- Ingf. You have given your subscribers a great deal more than their money's worth * Chas. K Hkown, Yarmouth, Nova Scotia "Such a publication was long needed in this country. Kvery line of its contributions is a lesson in itself to many professionaLsas well as to amateurs." John Bkrry, Gardener to Senator Wolcott, Littleton Colo. "I value Gardkninc; highly on account of the very practi eal character of its contents." J. A. Pkttigrkvv, Supt. Lincoln I'ark, Cl.icago "I regard Garokning as one of the most practical maga- cinea issued in the interests of horticulture." W. F. Macara, Watervill N Y, "The paper is the most practical of any I read." W. K. Ahms. Fond du Lac, Wis. "I sub.scribe to all the horticultural and floriculHiral jour- nals on this continent as far as I know and find in (iAROKN- INO the most practical one for an amateur like myself.'' Dr. Geo. T Hawley. Corning, N. V. WHEN WRITING TO ADVERTISERS, TELL THEM YOU SAW THEIR CARD IN MEEHANS* MONTHLY. 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Pamphlet givfne valu- . able mformation and card showing samples of colors free • also folder showing pictures of house painted in different designs or various stvl«6 or combmations of shades forwarded upon application to those intending to pilnt Cleveland. Salem, Mass Buffalo. Louisville. Natio7tal Lead Co., loo William St,, New York, 4 \ I Pot Grown Strawberry Plants will hear crop next season. Fruit trees celery, cabbage plants, etc—everyihinJ in the nurser> line. Send your address for our free .Summer and Autumn catalogue T. J. DWYER & SON. Box -. Cornwall, N. Y. I tJ'" Sou AoENrs rr^ U.S.Amirica 5 Canada ^^ \f^Ki% C.C.ABEL & CO. P.O.Box 920. New York. '^ LORD (fc BURNHAM CO. HORTrCULTURAL ARCHITECTS AND BUILDERS STEAM AND HOT WATER HEATING ENGINEERS Plans and estimates furnished on application for Greenhouses, Conservatories, etc.. erected complete with our patent iron construction ; or for material only, ready for erection. 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THOMAS MEEHAN & SONS Nurserymen and Landscape Engineers Germantown, Phila., Pa. IT WILL PAY YOU !£c.SK Hardy Trees, Shrubs, Plants, Roses, Fruit, and otir special stock of Rhododendrons. It will in- terest all who are interested in such matters. ANDORRA NURSERIES, ^SShT >. Wm. Warner Harper. Proprietor jD 6EBIRE^ & SOAIS A GENERAL ', CALVADOS. fsm '" -- Co^NTRt- ?9m \m Low- ^^^m^iJ^Lj"^^^ l"^^ C.C.ABEL & CO. P.O.Box 920. New York. ' ' (t IT KILLS WEEDS SCIENTIFICALLY" Fairmount Weed Killer This is an effective Liquid for Clearing Gravel Paths, etc., of Weeds, Mosses *a1f Organic Growths Net Prices )4 Gallon drum for making 25 Gallons of Treating Liquid, . . $0.75 I •• <• t< 50 1.25 5 •• cask *• 250 6.00 ID *♦ <• •• 500 11.00 35 barrel •• 1250 . 25.00 50 •* «• «( 5000 • . 45.00 Will not discolor Gravel Paths, Marble or Stone off any kind, but MAKE them CLEAR and BRIGHT. If used as directed, one dressing will keep Paths and Roadways clear and bright right through the summer; this means a great saving in labor and time. Packages are liquid tight and marked POISON, as an effective WEED KILLER must be of a poisonous nature. .... One gallon of our Weed Killer dissolved in 50 gallons of water is sufficient to effectively dress 150 to 200 Square Yards of Paths or Roadways. Full directions given on each package. No extra charge for containers. Above prices are Net F. O. B., Philadelphia. . . . . IF YOUR DEALER CANNOT SUPPLY, WRITE TO THE ONLY MAKERS, Fairmount Chemical Laboratory, SJ™r«nt^ir 'Vhr WHEN WRITING TO ADVERTISERS, TELL THEM YOU SAW THEIR CARD IN MEEHANS' MONTHLY. A^OLA HI Pl,ATK N i) 8 4 \| t HABENARIA BLEPHARIGLOTTIS. WHITE FRINGED ORCHIS. NATURAL ORDER, ORCHIDACE^. Hauenaria BLEPHARIGLOTTIS, Hook. — Lcaves oblong or lanceolate, — the upper passing into pointed bracts, which are shorter than the ovaries ; spike oblonj?, rather closely many-flowered ; flowers white ; petals spatulate, slightly cut or toothed at the apcc; lip ovate, or lanceolate — oblong, with the irregular capillary fringe of the margins usually shorter than its disk, one-third the length of the spur. Variety holopetala has narrower petals with the toothing obsolete, and the lip less fringed. Orsiy'A Afanual of the Botany of the Northern United States. See also Wood's C/ayj-i?oo* o/^rt/anr (under /Va/a«/Atfrrt,)— and Chapman's Flora of the Southern United States (as Platan- thera ciliaris variety blephariglottis). >. It has been stated that what is or is not a genus, a species or a mere variety, is simply the opinion of an expert. Nature knows no such distinction, and they are referred to their respective stations by man, for the purpose of facilitating the study of nature's works. It is recognized, however, that, in development, nature advances and pauses, forming, as it were, links in a chain instead of a direct line; and the effort of the botanist, in the building up of a system, is to get the boundaries of these links as nearly as possible. It is not possible, however, to clearly define the exact line, and thus opinions must vary with the value of the facts in influencing different judgments. The truth of this proposition is well illus- trated in Hahenatia blephariglottis. The acute botanist. Nuttall, could not distinguish it from Orchis. He made it Orchis blephariglottis, fol- lowing, in this reference to Orchis y the older l)otanists. Linnaeus had our species in mind before he thought to introduce the binomial system, and in one of his earlier works (1740) wrote of it as *' Orchis bulbis indivisis, nectarii labio lanceolato ciliato, cornu longissima.'' This appears to have been from specimens sent by Clayton, whose editor, Gronovius, claimed that the white and the yellow were mere varieties of each other. But Clayton seemed, himself, to have looked on them as distinct. This particular form he refers to as '* Orchis testicu- lata floribus niveus speciosus spicata.'' When the binomial system was introduced, Lin- naeus made it Orchis habenaria, the specific name referring to the long, rein-like spurs or nectaries. Habenatia was subsequently used as a generic division of Orchis, but our species was left by Willdenow as Orchis blephariglottis, — the latter name from the ciliateor *'eylashed" "tongue" of the labellum. Subsequently it found itself removed to Habenaria, — and when Habenaria was again divided, it became a Pla^ tanthera, and to this day authors, as seen by the quotations at the head of the chapter, can- not agree as to just where its place should be. What is true of its generic position is equally true of its specific appellation, whether it should or should not be separated from H, ciliatis, be regarded as a mere variety, or con- sidered exactly the same, differing only in color, is a mooted question. Michaux contend- ed for it as a mere variety, and has it under cili- ariSy var. lutea, and var. alba. Beck, in his botany, remarks that it is * ' so near ciliatis as not to be distinguished except by its white flowers." Yet, as seen in the quotations. Dr. Gray not only sees a marked distinction, but enough to make a distinct sub-species, to which he has given a distinctive name. Nothing can be clearer than that genera and species are but expert opinions. It may be noted, however, that a few years before his death. Dr. J. Gibbons Hunt, emin- ent for his botanical acumen, exhibited, before the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadel- phia, sets of specimens of the yellow and the white from New Jersey, and not even with microscopes could the slightest diflFerence be seen in any respect but in color ; and now the botanists, of that section of our country, do not attempt to look for any other lines of sepa- ration. When they gather the yellow form, it is placed with H. ciliaris, and the white as H, blephariglottis. The resemblance, of the flowers of many orchids to various insects, gives the plants of the order a special interest. C. Smith, a poet (113^ r 1 \ • r > u - ^ HABENARIA BLEPHARIGLOTTIS. WHITE FRINGED ORCHIS. NATURAIv ORDER. ORCHIDACE^. Haukxaria HLEPHARir.LOTTis, Hook.— Leaves oblong or lanceolate. -the upper passing into pointed bracts, which are shorter than the ovaries; spike o])lon^, rather closely many-flowered ; flowers white; petals spatulate, slightly cut or toothed at the apec; lip ovate, or lanceolate— oblong, with the irregular capillary fringe of the margin's usually shorter than its disk, one-third the length of the spur. Variety holopetala has narrower petals with the toothing obsolete, and the lip less fringed. i\xiK\'}i Manual nf thr lintany of the Northern United States. See also W'ooiVs Class-Hook of Hotanx nxwdcY Platanthera,)— And C.hii\n\M\\\'fi Flora of the Southern United States (as Plaian- thera ciliatis variety hhphat iglottis). It has been stated that what is or is not a genus, a species or a mere variet}', is sinipl3' the opinion of an expert Nature knows no such distinction, and they are referred to their respective stations by man, for the purpose of facilitating the study of nature's works. It is recognized, however, that, in development, nature advances and pauses, forming, as it were, links in a chain instead of a direct line; and the effort of the botanist, in the building lip of a system, is to get the boundaries of these links as nearly as possible. It is not possible, however, to clearl}' define the exact line, and thus opinions must vary with the value of the facts in influencing different judgments. The truth of this proposition is well illus- trated in Hahenaria blcphariglottis. The acute botanist, Nuttall, could not distinguish it from Orchis. He made it Orchis blcphariglottis, fol- lowing, in this reference to Orchis, the older botanists. Linncxus had our species in mind before he thought to introduce the binomial system, and in one of his earlier works (1740) WTote of it as '* Orchis biilbis indivisis, uectarii labio lanceolato ciliato, cormi longissima.'' This appears to have been from specimens sent by Clayton, whose editor, Gronovius, claimed that the white and the 3'ellow were mere varieties of each other. But Clayton seemed, himself, to have looked on them as distinct. This particular form he refers to as " Orchis testiai- lata floribus niveus speciosus spicata.'' When the binomial system was introduced, Lin- nreus made it Orchis habenaria, the specific name referring to the long, rein-like spurs or nectaries. Habcnatia was subsequently used as a generic division of Orchis, but our species was left by Willdenow as Orchis blcphariglottis, — the latter name from theciliateor "eylashed'* "tongue" of the labellum. Subsequently it found itself removed to Habe?iaria, — and when Habe?iaria was again divided, it became a Pla^ tanthera, and to this day authors, as seen by the quotations at the head of the chapter, can- not agree as to just where its place should be. What is true of its generic position is equally true of its specific appellation, \^hether it should or should not be separated from H. ciliatis, be regarded as a mere variety, or con- sidered exactly the same, differing only in color, is a mooted question. Michaux contend- ed for it as a mere variety, and has it under cili- aris, var. lutea, and var. alba. Beck, in his botany, remarks that it is '• so near ciliatis as not to be distinguished except b}- its white flowers." Yet, as seen in the quotations, Dr. Gray not only sees a marked distinction, but enough to make a distinct sub-species, to which he has given a distinctive name. Nothing can be clearer than that genera and species are but expert opinions. It may be noted, however, that a few years before his death. Dr. J. Gibbons Hunt, emin- ent for his botanical acumen, exkibited, before the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadel- phia, sets of specimens of the yellow and the white from New Jersey, and not even with microscopes could the slightest difference be seen in any respect but in color ; and now the botanists, of that section of our country, do not attempt to look for any other lines of sepa- ration. When they gather the yellow form, it is placed with //. ci liar is, and the white as H. blcphariglottis. The resemblance, of the flowers of many orchids to various insects, gives the plants of the order a special interest. C. Smith, a poet 114 MEEHANS' MONTHLY— HABENARIA BT.EPHARIGLOTTIS. [August 'f speaks of them in the earlier part of our century: — " The orchid race with varied beauty charm, And mock the exploring fly or bee's aerial form.'* But it is still an open question whether this mockery or mimicry comes from a mere coincidence, or really has any bearing on the question of relation between insects and flowers. In his wonderfully interesting work ••on the fertilization of orchids," Mr. Darwin gives numerous facts indicating the close rela- tionship. He says, ' 'from the observations with respect to this and Habenaria^ it is a safe gen- eralization that species with a short and not very narrow nectary are fertilized by bees and flies, — while those with much elongated nec- taries (as in Habenaria) are fertilized by butter- flies or moths, — these being provided with long and thin proboscides." But observations, since Darwin's time, have brought out other curious facts. There is a tendency to dioecism in orchids as in other plants, and this tendency often commences by having apparently perfect anthers, but which have really imperfect pollen. Dr. J. Gibbons Hunt, in the paper before cited, states of Habenaria blephariglottis, that the pollen masses "often extracted by the visiting insects, were utterly incapable of performing the work of fertilization.'* He attributed it to the fact that the pollen was extracted from the flowers in this species "before it was ripe;" but in other orchids, especially in the curious exotic genus of Cycnochis, it is found to be barren from a tendency, wholly developed in that species, to dioecism. It is safe to say that much more remains to be discovered as to the economy of the peculiar arrangements of orchids than has yet been observed. Some of the most beautiful orchids of the Old World love the shade of woods, as the Rev'd John Birdlakesays: «« # * * every flashy vale Each dry entangled copse, empurpled glows With orchis blooms. * * * " Our species, with most of its relatives, are lovers of the "flashy" places, — usually grassy or mossy swamps, in various localities from far north in Canada to Florida. It is worthy of note that the yellow form gets rarer as we advance northward, until at last only the white, our present subject, prevails. A remarkable fact, connected with the geo- graphical distribution of the genus, is that, while the genus itself has a remarkable range over the world, the species are comparatively local. Some four hundred species have been named by describers, and many of them are found in every one of the four quarters of the globe; but rarely are there many species in any one locality. In the northeastern portion of our country, there are but eighteen species, — and, in Japan, but three, and these are quite different from those which we have. A very few, like H. hyperborea and H. dilitata, have managed to see more of the world than some of the rest. In many works, our species is described as having palmate roots, but this is evidently a misapprehension. Our picture shows but one fleshy tap-root, from the apex of which numer- ous thready but coarse fibres push somewhat horizontally. When the plant is about to flower, a very short stolon or runner, terminat- ing in a bud, pushes out from the base of the flower-stalk. From this bud, another fleshy tap-root descends. The old original or parent tap-root dies after flowering, leaving the younger to continue the living plant for the following season. So far as the author has ascertained, this is the course with every plants seeming to indicate that though one plant can perpetuate itself indefinitely, the increase in numbers can be brought about to any great ex- tent by seeds only. A singular circumstance in connection with orchid seeds is, that they are very nice in the conditions required for their germination. It is to this fact that so many species are so rare. Though a plant in any given locality may ripen seed annually, young plants may never appear in consequence of the conditions having changed since the plant's first location there. There may have been a swamp in the long time ago, — but during the ages rains clear an avenue for the water, and the swamp becomes dry land. The plant does not mind, — but the seeds are not satisfied. In the swamps where the Habenaria is usually found, there are young ones in abundance. Plants increase in num- bers continually. The nice conditions re- quired by the seeds continue from age to age. It is a beautiful lesson in plant life. Explanation of the Plate.— i. Complete plant from New Jersey. 2. Tap-root of flowering specimen. 3. Young offset forming plant for subsequent year. ^. Outline sketch showing more clearly the "blephariglottis" or eye-lashed tongue. ? \ : WILD FLOWERS AND NATURE. BEFORE THE GUST. It was still, the winds were silent, and the forest boughs Stood hushed without a motion, and their leaves Sent out no more that harmony of sounds By which the unseen ministers of air Utter their low-tuned voices. — Percival. 4^ >■ Kalmia latifoua, the Wood IvAurel. — '*If He so clothe the lilies of the field which to day is, and to-morrow are cast into the oven, how much more will He clothe you." The true lover of nature is never a doubter of this divine power. Every day and almost every hour brings him to a new realization of the fact. The tiniest flower, the most somber plumaged bird, each has its place, each has its mission to fulfill, and the requirements neces- sary for its fulfillment. No plant more than our common Wood Laurel shows that its construction is not mere- ly a case of "happened so," but a plan of di- vine ordering. Cross-fertilization is absolute- ly necessary for seed formation in this plant, and the way in which it is secured is truly wonderful. Each little bud has ten notches into which the long filaments of the stamens are fastened. These filaments spread out from a pistil which stands up in the center. It has been likened to the handle of an umbrella of which the fila- ments represent the ribs. The honey is stored at the base of the pistil, consequently when a bee comes in search of its food it brushes over these filaments and they are dislodged from their notches, springing back with such violence as to cover the bee with the pollen. On going to the next flower the bee is almost certain to rub some of the pollen against the pistil and in this way cross-fertilization is secured. The experiment of covering some of the flowers with gauze was tried, thus exclud- ing the insects, and no seeds were set. In many parts of our country, the hillsides during June are a dream of beauty, being almost covered with this beautiful shrub. In England, where it is a carefully cultivated plant, our stories of its profusion here can scarcely be comprehended. On one estate near London (Barewood Gar- dens), are to be found some especially fine specimens. The papers advertise the approach of the flowering season, and people come from miles to see this plant in bloom. Laurel has various local names: Calico bush, probably from the markings of the flowers; also Spoon-wood, the Indians using the wood for cooking utensils. Its botanical name, Kalmia y was given it byLinnaeus after one of his pupils, Peter Kalm, who first introduced this plant to the notice of the great botanist. It frequently grows to a height of fifteen feet. The leaves are evergreen. The roots as- sume fantastic shapes and are much used in rustic work. Amanda Langdon. Canaan, Conn. Insects and Colored Flowers. — No fair- minded man would accuse a professional ex- pert of wilfully mis-stating facts, yet the evidence that they unconsciously testify in accord with their sentiments, is manifold. It is so with the earnest devotee of science. He readily observes that which favors his hypothe- ses, and is oblivious to others equally plain. In America, the unprejudiced observer notes that members of the bee family are intelligent creatures that can profit by experience. They soon learn to distinguish a withered flower from one that is fresh and fair. That color in a flower is one of the guides to this experi- ence, is undoubted, — but that they could or would not detect nectar unless flowers were colored, American observers would regard as a proposition hugely extravagant. A Pro- fessor Plateau, in the Old World, has re- cently shown that American observation is correct. Sir John Lubbock takes issue with the Professor. The Sea Holly, Eryngium maritttnum, is a favorite with bees. It has a colored involucre. Sir John cut ofl* a few of these involucres. The bees then failed to at- ("5) Ii6 MEEHANS' MONTHLY— WILD FLOWERS AND NATURE. [August tend to these heads. Of course they failed. The bees had learned that when the involucres had withered and gone, there was nothing worth their search. But on this simple experience, Sir John hastens to inform the London Linnsean Society, that all the large array of facts collected by Plateau must be worthless ! If Sir John had cut off all the bracts instead of a few here and there, the bees would have soon found out that the enthusiastic baronet .had been fooling them. If he will plant a few Echinops along side of the Eryngium, which have heads remarkably alike, but with no bracts to the former as "color guides,*' he will find no difference in the visits of these creatures, unless, indeed, the English bee is a dullard in comparison with her American sister. The Neglected Smilacina stellata. — Smilacina stellata is one of the handsomest little plants that grow in our woods. The stem and leaves are glabrous. It is ordinarily about a foot high, terminated by a little raceme of very delicate, pearly white, stellate flowers. It prefers moist, partially shady places; just such places as the Lily-of-the -Valley flourishes in. It is the easiest plant in the world to cul- tivate, and is one of the few wild flowers that do not deteriorate by cultivation. Plant out a stalk of it, let it lalone, and in two or three years you will have a thick bed from one to two yards square. About the first of May, it flowers, when but few things make as pleasing an appearance. J. T. Stewart. Habits of Toads. — You mention, in your note, on page 67, the singular fact that ** toads walk." We have a Cake which walks in this country as well as a walking Hat. Did you ever hear of toads fishing ? Around the Relay House, in Howard County, Maryland, some of the people of the City of Baltimore spend their summers. It is a great place for toads. It is also a great place for gravel, which is naturally in the soil. This makes the road-beds firm and hard, and are pleasant to travel over. These roads are the places on which the very fSishionable toads love to congregate and dis- port themselves. At dusk of a pleasant even- ing, the toads troop along these gravelled avenues in droves. The occupants of the dwellings provide themselves with long cane rods, to their small ends a short line is tied on and to the end of the line is fastened a small piece of red flannel. As the toads hop along the dusky paths, the red flannel is dangled before their eyes. What the toads consider the red flannel to be, I do not know. Anyhow, they try to get it into their mouths. When they succeed, which they often do, they are hauled up and they hang on for dear life, and are swung around considerably, until all of their teeth are pulled out, when they drop down in a miserable heap on the ground, where they sit awhile thinking over their experi- ences. F. K. Steele. Festus. Jefferson County, Mo. Water Hyacinth.— Dr. Thomas R. Baker gives an interesting account of the obstruc- tion to the navigation of the St. John's River, Florida, by the Eichomia crasstpes, in Popular Science News. It is a South American plant, and has found its way to the river as an escape from cultivation. It is figured in our magazine for January, 1892. It became a serious obstruction to naviga- tion in 1896— already the steamer is delayed an hour, in its regular trips, through having to plough its way through the mass of vegeta- tion; while danger from striking hidden logs is very great. How to destroy them, is a problem. If there were some method of protecting water birds from the sportsman, the problem could be easily solved. It might pay the transporta- tion companies to take special methods to pro- tect the birds, just as people in some countries have to employ shepherds to care for sheep, or cow-boys to look after cattle on the plains. The birds, in the end, would help to pay the expenses. Majanthemum Convallaria. — Driving through a pretty piece of hillside woodland in May, the writer could not refrain from a five- minute stroll to catch a glimpse of some of the beauties known to be there. The accustomed eye has no difiiculty in locating something of interest on every side. Besides several species of ferns, in a small area were found Polygonatum multiflotum, Solo- mon's Seal, nearly related to the subject of this sketch; Azalia 7iudiflora, Wood Honey- suckle; Claytonia Virgbiica. Spring Beauty; Viola pedata, Bird's Foot Violet; Cypripedium vJ ^ 1898.] MEEHANS' monthly — WILD FLOWERS AND NATURE. 117 acaule. Lady's Slipper, the species readily de- tected by the leafless flower-stalk. Majanthe- mum Convallaria was perhaps most interest- ing. The leaves lie close to the ground, are of a shining green, and look as though scatter- ed there loosely rather than attached to stems. From these leaves, arise flower-stems produc- ing a very small raceme of fragrant, white flowers. They are easily transplanted and are excellent for ground-covering in somewhat shady places. Large patches are not infrequent and are pleasant sights not soon forgotten. It is commonly known as Two-leaved Solomon's Seal. It may be well to note that in most American botanies the name employed is Smilacina bi/olia. Monstrous Anemone. — A Chicago corres- pondent sends a specimen of the garden Ane^ mone, in which theinvolucral bracts are largely increased, and the petals mostly appear as leaves. It is an evidence that imbecility pre- vails in the vegetable as well as in the animal world. The teachers of modern sciences in colleges and universities represent these abnor- mal conditions as • 'reversions to some ancestral types." If the ancestors of our cauliflower, cabbage, brussells sprouts, kohl rabi, turnip, etc., were once running all over the wide, wide, world, and are now •' reversions" merely, the old folks were better off than we are. The Swamp Cabbage as an Ornamental Plant. — The recent note ohont. Symplocatpus calls to mind the fact that the sidewalk mer- chants had the roots for sale, this spring. The flowers were hardly open. E. S. Miller. Floral Park, New York. Mimicry in Nature. — The sensational lit- erature of botany gives a special interest to that study that is very agreeable to some minds. But it is well to remember that these speculations are not the real science itself. A supposed mimicry in plants and animals, for instance, has been taken to show these peculiar forms were taken to fool the observers. Some insects, for instance, may have wings like leaves. In these cases it is represented that the insect has gradually been '* adapted" to this condition for protective purposes. But when this principle is enlarged it is found not to work. Here is an instance, presented by the Popular Science News. It represents the pupa of a West African insect, described as Spalgis sig7iata. The ''News'' credits Psyche with the account, which reads : ♦'The collector, Rev. A. C. Good, Ph. D., remarks, * here is mimicry, but to what possi- ble purpose ? Or has Dame Nature for once laid aside her usually practical character and decided to amuse herself?' ** The fact is that in the numerous gradations in variation, evident in all things, some lines must cross each other so as to have similar appearances. In some of the pupa cases of MIMICRY IN NATURE. our common insects we may very nearly see a resemblance to the heads of animals. Some very interesting resemblances can be suggested by a study of that of Danais Archippus, — but no one really believes these resemblances were purposely assumed with the idea of deceiving the looker-on. Anyone can see that variety is essential in the order of nature. One thing could not be distinguished from another without it. There is nothing fanciful in believing that the law of variation is for the sake of varia- tion in a great measure, though it undoubtedly may have special uses to serve besides. It is not mimicry as we are taught to understand what mimicry means. .•^ . i 1898] MEKHANS* MONTHLY— GENERAL GARDENING. 119 GENERAL GARDENING. THE GARDEN INSPIRATION. I have a garden filled with sound Of thrushes ; paths that circle round ; And one straight walk more sweetly set With lavender and mignonette, Sweet herbs of grace, whose scent lives on Like virtue, after life is gone ; My Sanctuary, for so I call That long straight path beneath the wall. There do I muse— how Nature's self Moves upward; how, from shelf to shelf Ennobled through perpetual strife She issues in a grander life. And as I think how one small bud Engrafted tames the wildest wood. Sweet fruitage for man's use to bear, And of its sweetness leave an heir ; Seems it — ah, may my faith be true — Grace has its power in Nature, too. *Tis grace that lurks in kindly soil ; *Tis grace attends the tiller's toil ; Grace works in every flower that blows ; And in each briar there lives a rose. —Spectator. Raising Carnations — English horticultur- al papers contend that carnation plants raised from layers are better for winter flowering than by the method, universally in practice in America, of raising them from cuttings. It is said that layers put down during the summer will make plants strong enough to flower the following winter; and this is given as the chief reason for the practice. They also con- tend that such plants are healthier than when raised from cuttings. There may be a some- thing in the last named complaint, as it is well known that plants raised from cuttings, under glass, are very liable to carry with them the seeds of root-fungus, which is very destruc- tive. But so far as the plants themselves are concerned, American growers will show just as large, and even larger and better, plants from the cuttings than European growers will from layers. The plants are raised very early in the spring, and set out in the open ground just as soon as the spring season advances. With good culture and management, these plants will be much larger and stronger in every way than it would be at all possible to raise from layers around a mother plant. (118) Violet, The California.— The California Violet is a good one for the amateur to grow. If properly handled, it will bloom eight months in the year. The best way to grow them is to start them from cuttings about the first week in March. I take good strong cuttings, and put them in shallow boxes, using half sand and half loam. In about a month, these cut- tings will be well rooted, when I put them in a cold frame and keep them cool until it is warm enough to plant them in the open ground. I plant about ten inches apart in the row, making the rows eighteen inches apart. I am very careful about keeping weeds out and also the dead leaves. Once during the summer I go over them and cut all the long runners oflf. This is done about the first of July. I plant them in the frame about the first week in Sep- tember. When planting, I never cut any run- ners off, which would injure the crop of violets for the winter. By this time the plants have very large roots. I lift them with a ball sometimes as large round as a waterpail, and set them right in the frames. It is better to have the frames a little deeper for the single violets then for the double, and they do better in a frame about twenty inches from the glass than they do in shallow frames. I have started to pick a week after planting, and continued until May first. Yonkers, N. Y. HOWARD NiCHOLS. Care of Hardy Ferns. — During the hot and dry summer months, the fernery should be watered frequently, particularly that contain- ing delicate-leaved plants like Osmunda regalis and Onoclea sensibilis. These require plenty of moisture to be at their best, and there should be no excuse for not having small beds look well until cold weather. At least keep the soil cool around the roots by a light mulch of ripened hay. All evergreen kinds can well stand a certain amount of dryness, and for this reason, as well as for the winter effect, they should always be included in plantings. Hydrangea paniculata grandiflora. — Few kinds of plants have given more pleas- ure to flower-lovers than Hydrangea pani- culata grandiflora. It is easy to manage, flowers when young, is remarkably showy with age, and holds on to its beauty for a long time. The flowers are slow in withering, and hence the plant is a favorite with those who grow flowers for decorative uses. The plants in the illustration are but two years planted, though the individuals themselves are about Clean Pots. — The inside cleansing of pots previous to use is work done only by those who have found by experience that such little details pay in the long run. The advantages are not always visible, but a little reasoning brings confidence that good results are only accomplished as a rule by thorough work. Water always takes the easiest course, there- fore, hard soil clinging to the sides of pots will always be passed by water and will always remain more or less hard. That is so much HYDRANGEA PANICULATA GRANDIFLORA. four years old . The photo was taken in the gar- den of Mr. John G. Bullock, near Philadelphia. The original species, Hydrangea paniculata ^ is a native of Japan, and received its name from Von Siebold, in 1829. The showy white flow- ers are barren. The female flowers are small and insignificant. It is the greater abundance of the barren flowers in the variety grandiflora that gives it so much prominence in ornamen- tal gardening. Severe pruning in the spring induces vigorous growth and large heads of flowers. less soil for the young roots, for they will not penetrate the hard soil. Then there is another important consideration : it is necessary that the sides be perfectly smooth so the ball may be removed intact when re- potting. Old soil, clinging to the pots, will surely disturb the ball when it is removed, and young roots will be damaged. Pots that have been cleaned will release the ball perfectly, the roots having gone right to the sides of the pot. After cleansing the pots, let them dry before putting in the soil, or it will cake and defeat the objects. 1898] MEEHANS' MONTHLY— GENERAL GARDENING. 119 GENERAL GARDENING. THE GARDEN INSPIRATION. I have a garden filled with sound Of thrushes ; paths that circle round ; And one straight walk more sweetly set With lavender and mignonette, Sweet herbs of grace, whose scent lives on Like virtue, after life is gone ; My Sanctuary, for so I call That long straight path beneath the wall. There do I muse— how Nature's self Moves upward; how, from shelf to shelf Ennobled through perpetual strife She issues in a grander life. And as I think how one small bud Engrafted tames the wildest wood, Sweet fruitage for man's use to bear. And of its sweetness leave an heir ; Seems it — ah, may my faith be true — Grace has its power in Nature, too. 'Tis grace that lurks in kindly soil ; 'Tis grace attends the tiller's toil ; Grace works in every flower that blows ; And in each briar there lives a rose. — Spectator. Raising Carnations — English horticultur- al papers contend that carnation plants raised from layers are better for winter flowering than by the method, universally in practice in America, of raising them from cuttings. It is said that layers put down during the summer will make plants strong enough to flower the following winter; and this is given as the chief reason for the practice. They also con- tend that such plants are healthier than when raised from cuttings. There may be a some- thing in the last named complaint, as it is well known that plants raised from cuttings, under glass, are very liable to carry with them the seeds of root-fungus, which is very destruc- tive. But so far as the plants themselves are concerned, American growers will show just as large, and even larger and better, plants from the cuttings than European growers will from layers. The plants are raised very early in the spring, and set out in the open ground just as soon as the spring season advances. With good culture and management, these plants will be much larger and stronger in every way than it would be at all possible to raise from layers around a mother plant. (118) Violet, The California.— The California Violet is a good one for the amateur to grow. If properly handled, it will bloom eight months in the year. The best w^ay to grow them is to start them from cuttings about the first week in March. I take good strong cuttings, and put them in shallow boxes, using half sand and half loam. In about a month, these cut- tings will be well rooted, when I put them in a cold frame and keep them cool until it is warm enough to plant them in the open ground. I plant about ten inches apart in the row, making the rows eighteen inches apart. I am very careful about keeping weeds out and also the dead leaves. Once during the summer I go over them and cut all the long runners off. This is done about the first of July. I plant them in the frame about the first week in vSep- tember. When planting, I never cut any run- ners off, which would injure the crop of violets for the winter. By this time the plants have very large roots. I lift them with a ball sometimes as large round as a waterpail, and set them right in the frames. It is better to have the frames a little deeper for the single violets then for the double, and they do better in a frame about twenty inches from the glass than thej' do in shallow frames. I have started to pick a week after planting, and continued until May first. Youkcrs, N. Y. HOWARD NiCHOLS. Care of Hardy Ferns. — During the hot and dry summer months, the fernery should be watered frequentl3% particular!}' that contain- ing delicate-leaved plants like Osniufida regaiis and Onoclea seyisibilis. These require plenty of moisture to be at their best, and there should be no excuse for not having small beds look well until cold weather. At least keep the soil cool around the roots by a light mulch of ripened hay. All evergreen kinds can well stand a certain amount of dryness, and for this reason, as well as for the winter effect, they should always be included in plantings. Hydrangea paniculata grandiflora. — Few kinds of plants have given more pleas- ure to flower-lovers than Hydrayigea pajii- culata grandiflora. It is easy to manage, flowers when young, is remarkably showy with age, and holds on to its beauty for a long time. The flowers are slow in withering, and hence the plant is a favorite with those who grow flowers for decorative uses. The plants in the illustration are but two years planted, though the individuals themselves are about Clean Pots. — The inside cleansing of pots previous to use is work done only by those who have found by experience that such little details pay in the long run. The advantages are not always visible, but a little reasoning brings confidence that good results are only accomplished as a rule by thorough work. Water always takes the easiest course, there- fore, hard soil clinging to the sides of pots will always be passedby water and will alwa3^s remain more or less hard. That is so much HYDRANGEA PANICULATA GRANDIFLORA. four 3'ears old . The photo was taken in the gar- den of Mr. John G. Bullock, near Philadelphia. The original species, Hydratigea paniculata, is a native of Japan, and received its name from Von Siebold, in 1829. The showy white flow- ers are barren. The female flowers are small and insignificant. It is the greater abundance of the barren flowers in the variet}' grandiflora that gives it so much prominence in ornamen- tal gardening. Severe pruning in the spring induces vigorous growth and large heads of flowers. less soil for the young roots, for they will not penetrate the hard soil. Then there is another important consideration : it is necessary that the sides be perfectl}^ smooth so the ball may be removed intact when re- potting. Old soil, clinging to the pots, will surely disturb the ball when it is removed, and young roots will be damaged. Pots that have been cleaned will release the ball perfectly, the roots having gone right to the sides of the pot. After cleansing the pots, let them dry before putting in the soil, or it will cake and defeat the objects. TENnONAL SECOND EXPOS )20 MEEHANS' MONTHI^Y — GENERAL GARDENING. [August Pruning Neglected Hedges.— P. B. asks : *• What is the best time of the year to cut back an arbor-vitse hedge? one that has been neg- lected, and is considerably over-grown ; fine, healthy plants, possibly thirty or forty years old, about eight or ten feet high, and almost as thick. Will a beech hedge stand cutting back severely ? its dimensions are almost like the above." The pruning of such hedges should take place early, while the plants are making growth. But the lower branches, which are likely to be weak, must not be touched ; they will receive the benefit of additional susten- ance, which would otherwise have gone into the upper branches, and the hedge will then become broad and full at the base, as all hedges should be. Should strong growth be made during the summer, it may be necessary to trim it all slightly, after the season's growth is about completed. Fire Blight. — In reference to some recent suggestions in the magazine, regarding the disease known as Fire Blight in the pear, a cor- respondent says: ** Are you not mistaken as to the cause ? I have condensed the follow- ing from one of the bulletins of the National Department of Agriculture, which is regarded as of the highest authority on all matters pertaining to these subjects : * Apple and Pear Blight is commonest upon the pear, where it is known as Fire Blight, but also attacks apples, quinces and allied fruits. Its bacterial origin was first demonstrated at what is now the Illinois Experiment Station. The methods of infection and prevention have been well worked out. The parts affected are the flower clusters, young fruit, and the more suc- culent woody tissues and foliage. The disease runs down the living bark to the larger limbs and trunk. While it attacks the leaves to some extent, the discoloration and wilting of the foliage is mostly due to the destruction of the twigs. The affected portions are quite con- spicuous, and all portions below the point reached by the spread of the bacteria will be healthy. While the disease is progressing, the discolored portions of the bark blend gradu- ally with the normal-bark, but when the disease has run its course the line is sharply drawn. From a long series of experiments conducted by the Department of Agriculture, it was learned that the chief means of spread- ing the contagion was through the visits of bees, the first point of infection seeming to be at the nectaries. The disease is accompanied by a flow of gum, and it is thought probable that the first flowers are infected by bees, flies, etc., that have visited the gummy deposits.' *' No one desires to have a controversy with the intelligent people connected with the De- partment of Agriculture. But there are intel- ligent observers elsewhere as well as in the Department. Their conclusion is that the original location of the disease is at some point below, and that the zymotic influence pro- gresses upwardly from that point, and in this view Meehans' Monthly concurs. It is a& destructive on young trees as trees with flowers. Destroying the Blister Beetle. — I note remarks in a recent issue of the Monthly about the Blister Beetle. They are friends oi mine, and visit me each season. They are very fond of the Clematis paniculata, C. grav- eolens and C. Virginiana^ preferring them on my ground to the asters. The first appeared in my trial grounds, where a C. paniculata was growing ; and, at each renewed annual visit, they seemed to turn up at that one spot. Having my finest specimens of clematis around my porch, some 200 feet away, I was afraid they would hear of them and try their edible qualities, so I concluded to let the one on my trial grounds remain as a bait. I have tried various methods of exterminating them— Paris Green, Persian powder, etc. — but without avail. Turning the hose on them, will drive them over to your neighbor's garden, but he soon learns the trick, and getting out his hose, sends not only your quota back, but his croj> also. The easiest way to get rid of them is to take a wide mouthed vessel, or a small pan, fill it with an inch or so of water, then pour in a little kerosene oil. The oil floats on the top. Hold your can under the plant and shake them into it. The same oil may be used for a week or more. They are fond of the Kentucky Coffee tree. W. C. Egan. In Mr. Egan's note on '* Root storing mice, ^* page 83, *' heavy irons enabling them to get up 3 feet," should have read " heavy snows. '^ 1898.] meehans* monthly — general gardening. 121 Asparagus, Ferns, etc., for Decorative Work. — Green foliage, for working in bou- quets, and for general decorative purposes, is essential on every private place of great pre- tension. Maiden-hair Fern for the boutonniere and bouquet, smilax for graceful, hanging deco- rations, and the more- recently used asparagus for table and general use are chief representa- tives of this class of material. Within the past couple of years. Asparagus Sprengeri was introduced, and has been found valuable as a graceful plant and for its long keeping quali- ties when cut. But it is not expected to take the place of A. plumosus, the foliage of which is somewhat fern-like and useful, where the other is not. This latter is a very strong growing climber, requiring, frequently, houses of unusual height in which to grow it to its full extent. There is also a dwarf variety, but which nevertheless attains a remarkable height, and has even finer foliage. Ferns are perhaps the most troublesome to grow satisfactorily, yet they are so desirable that trouble is scarcely a consideration. Then if their requirements as to treatment are care- fully learned and provided for the trouble is reduced to a minimum. It is lack of attention that makes additional work here. Good drain- age, subdued light and a warm but moist atmosphere are essential conditions. Perfect plants should not have old and damaged fronds mixed largely with young ones, therefore, it is best to harden them oft' by bedding them out in a convenient, shaded place, where they may be gradually partly dried off. This should be done in the latter part of summer. When ready to be taken in, their tops may be cut and the crowns divided, if desirable, into pieces not too small. The Maiden-hair varie- ties and the graceful Farley ense are best known for cutting purposes, though there are a num- ber of others quite desirable. Plants may be raised from spores, and will prove interesting, though strong young plants are cheaply pur- chased from large growers. Smilax is raised from seed sown in mid-win- ter or later, the plants being advanced in pots until ready for planting in permanent beds, from which three to five crops are usually taken. A rather insignificant flower is pro- duced, which has a decidedly agreeable odor. Asparagus plumosus is raised from cuttings or increased by root division, the plants being chiefly valuable during the second and third years. During the summer the plants should be dried off*. Asparagus Sprengeri is not distinctly a clim- ber, though it is being worked in this direc- tion by a prominent florist, who expects early success. It is either tied up or permitted to fall, which it does gracefully. This may be raised from seed. It also makes a beautiful pot or tub plant when stationed on a pedestal or other elevation and allowed to droop around it. Potting Rooted Cuttings. — It is not ad- visable to leave cuttings in sand after they have become sufficiently rooted to permit of their removal, as fine sand, in which they are rooted, may not contain a sufficient mixture of necessary food, and richer soil is better, par- ticularly while the cutting is adding root and growth. Then, too, transplanting is effected with less danger of a check in growth, as the smaller and few roots will be less likely dis- turbed than if they are numerous and long. Young roots ^re covered with tiny hair-like fibres which are the chief parts that take up- food. These are likely to be injured in lifting the plants from the cutting bed, and, therefore, the plants should be shaded and the soil kept moist for a few days until the roots can become established and support the leaves and young growth, which, if left to the mercy of the sun and dry air, might quickly wilt from loss of moisture in rapid evaporation and transpiration. The first potting soil should be light and the pots small. The roots should be carefully spread out in the pot, and the earth placed in close contact with them, but not packed, for the free passage of air and water is essential . That these elements may reach the roots easily, the roots should not be placed too deeply in the pot, though this is hardly prob- able where small pots are used. The length of time required for a cutting ta root depends upon the kind in question. Fleshy stems, containing a good store of nourishment, will at times root within four or five days ; the average of soft-wood plants would require about two weeks. To watch them, one or two can usually be carefully re- moved and replaced without injuring them. The roots should be from one to two inches long. 122 MEEHANS' MONTHLY — GENERAL GARDENING. [August 5898.] MEEHANS' MONTHLY — GENERAL GARDENING. 125 The Oak as an Ornamental Tree.— The great popularity of the oak for ornamental purposes, during the past three years, is one of the marvels in American gardening. Fifty years ago, the one who should recommend the oak was recorded as a dreamer. It is said they grow too slowly, and it is contended that it is impossible to transplant an oak successfully. But it is now found that they transplant as readily as any other tree and, indeed, are much more successful than some trees that were formerly so popular, — and as for growing slowly, some of them progress remarkably in this respect. Under favorable circumstances, a large number of species of oak will be 30 or 40 feet in height in twenty -five years. There are very few trees, aside from poplars and Soft Maples, that can do better than this. They have many advantages which some trees, formerly more popular, do not possess. There is a variety in the growth of the trees and the forms of the foliage. The splendid color of most of them in the fall of the year gives them a special charm. Some have bright golden leaves in the autumn time, and various species of the Chestnut Oak division are of this charac- ter. Of the bright-colored-leaved class, we have the White, Red, Scarlet and Pin Oak. In many other valuable points, the oak has come to be recognized as desirable. So great, indeed, has become the demand for this class of ornamental trees, that some of the leading nurserymen tell us the demand has exhausted the supply. It goes to show that the people of to day can be educated to good things, when the good things recommended are really good. Evergreens for Kansas. — The vital dif- ferences in climate, atmospheric moisture and exposure between one section of a country and others make it important for the planter to acquaint himself with the results of trials in his own vicinity. Many excellent, desirable plants that would prove invaluable for certain effects are debarred from use through mere ignorance of their capabilities to stand the changes in environment ; and those, who are interested in establishing plants practically unknown to certain regions, confer great bene- fit, that becomes mutual, to the horticultural public, in making known their experiences. A correspondent from Kansas takes particu- lar note of the behavior of evergreens trans- planted to that State, and reports enthusiasti- cally of his success with Rollinson's Golden Arbor- vitae, Biota elegajitissirna, which stood several hot, dry summers and in loose soil. He says that **last summer we had 44 days during which, at noon, the thermometer was not lower than 106° and often 110°. Scotch, Austrian and Ponderosa pines, and all the Colorado evergreens do well here. Retinisporas and the Silver-tipped Arbor- vitae do not seem fitted for this country, though growing finely up to July. American Arbor-vitae, Norway Spruce and White Pine have been tried several times, but wont stand the heat and drought.*' EW OH M/flRE FL/flNTS. Forestry Speculations. — The Florida Fanner says, — *'The theory that deforestation causes failure of rainfall, occurrence of frosts, depletion of the soil and, finally, decadence of the human race itself, has become so generally diffused that probably nothing that can be said will ever eradicate it." This expresses the exact truth and has always been the stand taken by the writer of this paragraph. The speculations have done great injury to true forestry interests. Our native forests will eventually disappear. Trees will not live for- ever. Rotten trees and rotten underbrush in- vite forest fires, and while these conditions exist forest fires will prevail. When the native forests disappear, as disappear they certainly will, we shall have to do as other nations do, plant new forests. New forests will only be planted when it is to the individual interest to do so. Up to the present time there has been little necessity for the investment of capital in this direction. The opening of railroad lines has brought available forests within the reach of the lumber dealer. Until these are ex- hausted, new forests will not be planted to any great extent, although it has already been thought advisable, and, if some intelligent effort was given in this direction, the true interests of forestry would be vastly served. Cryptomeria Japonica. — Many beautiful and rare trees get a bad name, because of a few of the earlier trials resulting discourag- ingly. Cryptomeria Japonica is one of these. There is a general impression that it will not do in America. On the estate of '• Upsal," in Germantown, are some fine specimens, thirty years old, perfect in all respects, and lovely. ^ Eremurus robustus, — The Half-Century Plant. — Mr. W. C. Egan has the following pleasant reflection on the flowering of that re- markable plant, Eremurus robustus. It is a native of Eastern Asia, and a relative of the Century Plant, whose centurial habit of Hooming it is evidently competing with. ** When I am in trouble, I come to you. I liave just bloomed an Eremurus robustus, and have a flower stalk left that is eight feet four inches high. I want your advice. Would you retain it, and use it for a fishing rod, or try to sell it for a telegraph pole ? I have observed the de- velopment of this plant with interest, and it has taught me this, viz., that while vir- tue has its own reward, so also has patience, if one is patiently patient. That if one desires his son to enjoy the bloom of this Eremurus, the seed should be started at his birth, and, if each live and thrive, the moustache of one and the flower stalk of the other will appear simultaneously ; and then the question arises. Which will he be the most proud of? All this is preliminary. What I started to write you is this. It is the first bloom stalk of the plant. It is maturing thirteen seed pods out of hundreds of individ- ual flowers. These are all about midway up the bloom- ing part of the stalk, which part was four feet four inches long, from which I imagine that the stalk possessed its greatest vigor at the time these flowerswerematuring, that it was gaining strength to this point and losing afterwards. This plant is shaded by an oak at the south from, — say 10 am. to 3.30 p. M. — The sun's rays from then until evening are the strongest. As a consequence, all seed pods are on the west and south-west sides of the stalk, thus showing the influence of Old Sol. Query : Could he influence them enough so that the resultant — if the seed were sown — would be a hybrid between a sun-flower and an eremurus ? ' ' Vigor in plants has various interpretations. Plants never flower till vegetative vigor is ex- hausted. A transplanted tree, or one slightly injured so that vegetative growth is checked, bears fruit earlier than one still growing vigor- ously. The weakening conditions, prepara- tory to the incoming of what we might term the reproductive force, had not arrived until I EREMURUS ROBUSTUS. —8 fool 4 inches high. V- 122 MEEHANS' MONTHLY — GENERAL GARDENING. [August The Oak as an Ornamental Tree. — The great popularity of the oak for ornamental purposes, during the past three years, is one of the marvels in American gardening. Fifty years ago, the one who should recommend the oak was recorded as a dreamer. It is said they grow too slowly, and it is contended that it is impossible to transplant an oak successfully. But it is now found that they transplant as readily as any other tree and, indeed, are much more successful than some trees that were formerly so popular, — and as for growing slowly, some of them progress remarkably in this respect. Under favorable circumstances, a large number of species of oak will be 30 or 40 feet in height in t wen t}'^- five years. There are very few trees, aside from poplars and Soft Maples, that can do better than this. Thej^ have many advantages which some trees, formerly more popular, do not possess. There is a variety in the growth of the trees and the forms of the foliage. The splendid color of most of them in the fall of the year gives them a special charm. Some have bright golden leaves in the autumn time, and various species of the Chestnut Oak division are of this charac- ter. Of the bright-colored-leaved class, we have the White, Red, Scarlet and Pin Oak. In many other valuable points, the oak has come to be recognized as desirable. So great, indeed, has become the demand for this class of ornamental trees, that some of the leading nurserymen tell us the demand has exhausted the supply. It goes to show that the people of today can be educated to good things, when the good things recommended are really good. Evergreens for Kansas. — The vital dif- ferences in climate, atmospheric moisture and exposure between one section of a country and others make it important for the planter to acquaint himself wnth the results of trials in his own vicinity. Many excellent, desirable plants that would prove invaluable for certain effects are debarred from use through mere ignorance of their capabilities to stand the changes in environment ; and those, who are interested in establishing plants practically unknown to certain regions, confer great bene- fit, that becomes mutual, to the horticultural public, in making known their experiences. A correspondent from Kansas takes particu- lar note of the behavior of evergreens trans- planted to that State, and reports enthusiasti- cally of his success with Rollinson's Golden Arbor-vitoe, Biota elegantissiyna, which stood several hot, dry summers and in loose soil. He says that *'last summer we had 44 days during w^hich, at noon, the thermometer was not lower than 106° and often 110°. Scotch, Austrian and Ponderosa pines, and all the Colorado evergreens do well here. Retinisporas and the Silver-tipped Arbor-vitoe do not seem fitted for this country, though growing finely up to July. American Arbor-vitai, Norway Spruce and White Pine have been tried several times, but wont stand the heat and drought.'* Forestry Speculations. — The Florida Farmer sa3'S, — "The theory that deforestation causes failure of rainfall, occurrence of frosts, depletion of the soil and, finall}', decadence of the human race itself, has become so generally diflfused that probabl 3' nothing that can be said wull ever eradicate it." This expresses the exact truth and has always been the stand taken by the writer of this paragraph. The speculations have done great injury to true forestry interests. Our native forests will eventually disappear. Trees will not live for- ever. Rotten trees and rotten underbrush in- vite forest fires, and while these conditions exist forest fires will prevail. When the native forests disappear, as disappear they certainly will, we shall have to do as other nations do, plant new forests. New forests will onl}' be planted when it is to the individual interest to do so. Up to the present time there has been little necessity for the investment of capital in this direction. The opening of railroad lines has brought available forests within the reach of the lumber dealer. Until these are ex- hausted, new forests will not be planted to any great extent, although it has already been thought advisable, and, if some intelligent eff^ort was given in this direction, the true interests of forestry would be vastly served. Cryptomeria Japonica. — Man}^ beautiful and rare trees get a bad name, because of a few of the earlier trials resulting discourag- ingly. Cryptomeria Japoyiica is one of these. There is a general impression that it will not do in America. On the estate of •• Upsal," in Germantown, are .some fine specimens, thirty years old, perfect in all respects, and lovely. I \. I I i > » 1898.] MEEHANS ' monthly — GENERAL GARDENING. 123 EW ©1 RARE FLifllNlTS, -d "„ Eremurus robustus,— The Half-Century Plant.— Mr. W. C. Egan has the following pleasant reflection on the flowering of that re- markable plant, Eremurus robustus. It is a native of Eastern Asia, and a relative of the Century Plant, whose centurial habit of blooming it is evidently competing wHth. " When I am in trouble, I come to you. I have just bloomed an Eremurus robustus. and have a flower stalk left that is eight feet four inches high. I want your advice. Would you retain it, and use it for a fishing rod, or try to sell it for a telegraph pole ? I have observed the de- velopment of this plant with interest, and it has taught me this, viz., that while vir- tue has its own reward, so also has patience, if one is patiently patient. That if one desires his son to enjoy the bloom of this Eretnurus, the seed should be started at his birth, and, if each live and thrive, the moustache of one and the flower stalk of the other will appear simultaneousl}' ; and then the question arises. Which will he be the most proud of? All this is preliminary'. What I started to write you is this. It is the first bloom stalk of the plant. It is maturing thirteen seed pods out of hundreds of individ- ual flowers. These are all about midway up the bloom- ing part of the stalk, which part was four feet four inches long, from which I imagine that the stalk possessed its greatest vigor at the time these flowers were maturing, that it was gaining strength to this point and losing afterwards. This plant is shaded by an oak at the south from, — say 10 am. to 3.30 p. M. — The sun's rays from then until evening are the strongest. As a consequence, all seed pods are on the west and south-west sides of the stalk, thus showing the influence of Old Sol. Query : Could he influence them enough so that the resultant — if the seed were sown — would be a hybrid between a sun-flower and an eremurus ? ' ' Vigor in plants has various interpretations. Plants never flower till vegetative vigor is ex- hausted. A transplanted tree, or one slightl}' injured so that vegetative growth is checked, bears fruit earlier than one still growing vigor- ousl3\ The weakening conditions, prepara- tory to the incoming of what we might term the reproductive force, had not arrived until ^^*^ v^ ^i '■' -5^--%^^' ^■^: i ■ ■ ■ Vifc H'. I - u. X'^ EREMURUS ROBUSTUS.— S fool 4 inches high. i§m »i ^inBk>:fs OSURE 124 MEEHANS' MONTHLY — GENERAL GARDENING. [August 1898.] MEEHANS' MONTHLY — GENERAL GARDENING. 125 the middle of the spike had been reached. Beyond this point, nutrition failed. The greater number on one side may be a coinci- dence. Aside from all this, the flowers may be like the yucca, its close neighbor, and require insects to help pollination. It takes sharp eyes rather than distant speculations to settle questions like these to any satisfaction. Yellow-Berried Hollies. — In the Month- ly for June, on page 91, I notice reference to the yellow-berried holly. Near England, a small town in Lonoke Co., this State, there are three or four trees in a group bearing each season quantities of orange-yellow berries. They are growing along side of the red berried variety, the only difference in them being, the color of the berry. These are the only trees of the kind I have ever known of, although the holly grows in profusion through the State. Arkansas. MiSS M. MATTHEWS. New Hardy Evergreen Roses. — The pro- prietor of a prominent New Jersey establish- ment announces that he has successfully crossed Tea Roses and ^ y Fig Culture. — The fig may be grown to a much greater extent in the northern States than is usually thought possible. The branches are readily destroyed by frost, when exposed without protection. But, when wholly covered with earth, they will escape injury even in the severest weather. It seems it is the loss of moisture, rather than from any other condi- tion, that destroys the wood, and evaporation is checked when buried under ground . To grow figs so that the branches can be thus protected, the plants have to be kept in bush form, and not permitted to ^row to small trees. When the winter sea- son approaches, and the earth covering necessary, a trench is to be dug on the side of each, and the branches are to be -drawn under. A like trench must be dug on the opposite side, so that the whole root can be bent over. When the whole plant is thus turned -down, the covering- becomes very easy. This operation i s much more easy to work than to de- scribe in print. Wi til out such a trenching of the earth, the branches would break off near the ground on being bent. The plants should be set in rows, so that trench- lilium pcrcgr es could be easily dug along the whole line. In the spring, when the earth is taken off*, of course, the roots will have to be set upright again. When this is done each year successfully, no diflficulty is found in bending over the plants in the described manner. preference may decide, for objections can be found to all those in common use — Marianna, Myrobolan, St. Julien and Mirabelle. Probably Myrobolan is the most extensively used in this country, followed closely by Marianna. Each has its supporter, depending somewhat on the locality. The Myrobolan stocks are raised from seed, and as they have been found to bud more easily, may be considered an ad- vantage over the Marianna, which is propagated entirely from cuttings. But it is thought to sucker from the root more readily than the latter, though really its suckering is but little. That this is not sufficient to over- come its good qual- ities, is shown by its long popularity and general use. It has been about fifteen years since the intro- duction of Marianna as a stock, and at that time it received very general atten- tion ; but its use seems to have grad- ually diminished in , proportion with the Myrobolan, without many reasons being given. One that had this suckering habit to an unusual extent, the M i r a - belle, was quickly done away with in this country. The St. Julien is chiefly confined to European use, and is practi- cally little known here. After all, whether any kind throws up suckers or not is often more a matter of local conditions than of constitutional habit. NUM. --sec PAaK 114. The Best Plum Stocks. — The question is frequently put: *'What is the best plum stock for plums? " but only personal experience and Iceberg Blackberry. — Under the name of Iceberg, Mr. Luther Burbank, of California, has originated a blackberry of the light, bronzy character, known as white when applied to fruits that are not red or black. It it said to be a very desirable variety. 1898.] MEEHANS' MONTHI.Y — BIOGRAPHY AND LITERATURE. 127 BIOGRAPHY AND LITERATURE. <( THE EVERLASTING jFLOWER. And thou, pale flower, henceforth shalt ever be Of intellectual beauty type to me — The beauty of the soul that fadeth not, For, brighter blooms forget. Thy fadeless and perennial flowers Their fragrance lose not in the gloomy hours That follow to the funeral of the year, When all the woods are sere. " — Howard Worcester Gii^bert. Geo. S. Conover. — In the death of Mr. Geo. S. Conover, amateur horticulture has lost a distinguished patron. He died in Geneva, New York, in his 74th year. He was born in Brooklyn. New York, on November 7, 1824, and, in 1870, settled in Geneva, starting a nursery business. He had a genius for his- tory, and wrote much concerning the territory round about. He wrote four large volumes of Indian history, of which he made four copies, which are preserved as rich treasures in the libraries of various historical societies. He was elected President of Geneva, in 1873. serv- ing to 1879. His home was famous for rare plants and flowers, and the great eminence of Geneva, as a centre of horticulture, is mainly due to Mr. Conover's early encouragement and influence. Vaughan's Vegetable Cook-Book — Ladies who go shopping tell us the valuable goods are usually in small packages. This may be so in book-making, if this small book- let of 64 pages be in evidence. How to cook garden vegetables in every shape and form, is briefly but clearly told. The following pre- face to the story of mushroom cooking, show- ing how to detect the true from the false, is a specimen of style and treatment. *'The highest authorities say an edible mush- room can easily be distinguished from a poisonous one by certain characteristics ; a true mushroom grows only in pastures, never in wet, boggy places, never in woods, never about stumps of trees ; they arc of small size, dry, and if the flesl^ is broken it remains white (126) or nearly so and has a pleasant odor. Most poisonous varieties change to yellow or dark brown and have a disagreeable odor, though there is a white variety which grows in woods or on the borders of woods, that is very poison- ous. The cap of a true mushroom has a frilly the gills are free from the stem, they never grow down against it, but usually there is a small channel all around the top of the stem, the spores are brown-black, or deep purple- black and the stem is solid or slightly pithy. It is said if salt is sprinkled on the gills and they become yellow the mushroom is poison- ous, if black, they are wholesome. Sweet oil is its antidote." It IS published by Vaughan's Seed Store,. Chicago and New York. The Illustrated Flora of the Northern United States and Canada, — By Dr. N. L Britton and Hon. Addison Brown, New York, Charles Scribner's Sons. The third volume of the Illustrated Flora, completing this unique and valuable work, has now appeared. It takes in from "Dogbane to Thistle," or, as the botanist would say, from Apocynacecs to Com^ posita. That such a stupendous undertaking,, as drawing and engraving every species of plant known in the territory covered, should have been accomplished — and so well accomplished — in such a short period, is one of the marvels of our time, and one that will always stand to the honor of this generation. The authors and publishers should be classed with the great public benefactors of the age, and are deserv- ing of the special thanks of every lover of our native flowers. Quaint Titles to Books.— We smile at the odd titles to books of the past, but modern works seem comical also. In reading of •• Harris on the Pig," one might wonder how he managed to hold on; and it certainly is marvelous that there should be "Money in Hens.'' Engelmann Canon, Colorado. — Some time since, noting the slip-shod manner in which many histories are constructed, Mee- HANS * Monthly took occasion to say that Mr. Chas. A. White was in error when he stated, in a recent sketch of Dr. Engelmann, that Engelmann Canon was named by Dr. Parry. Dr. Parry, nor anyone, so far as known, ever knew anything of the Caiion until it was ex- plored by Thomas Meehan, alone, in 1870, and it was named by him in honor of Dr. En- gelmann. Williams Caiion was named at the same time by Mr. Williams, the leader of the party of which Mr. Meehan was a mem- ber, in honor of himself, the privilege having been accorded to those two gentlemen to give names to these hitherto unknown Caiions. General Cameron, who was at the head of the surveying party, no doubt deposited his maps in the Survey Bureaus of Colorado, and this statement could no doubt be ascertained from the Department in Colorado, by Mr. White, if he wanted to. Most of the 16 members who comprised that exploring party have passed away, but Messrs. Wm. Canby and Josiah Hoopes are still living, and know that the facts are correct. This Mr. White did not write to Meehans' Monthly for any specific information on the subject, but has publivshed a statement in the London Garde?iers' Chronicle^ reiterating his former error, and saying that Dr. Parry, him- self, told him he named it; and h^ adds that no one who knew Dr. Parry will question his truthfulness. He alio quizzes the " honor claimed by Mr. Meehan " for " an event that occurred over a quarter of a century ago." It may be a sur- prise to this Mr. White to know that honors to Mr. Meehan commenced over half a century ago, beginning with his unsought election to membership in the Royal Wernerian Society. It may be added that Dr. Parry spent several days with Mr. Meehan as a guest, on the lat- ter's return from Colorado, and knew of his naming the Caiion for their mutual friend; and that Dr. Engelmann knew from Mr. Mee- han that the Caiion had been so named, to which he replied pleasantly. Some years after he wrote an account to Mr. Meehan of his visit to the Caiion, expressing pleasure that he found the name given by Mr. Meehan was still in general use. Surely, there need be no occasion for questioning the "truthfulness of Dr. Pairy" in a case like this. The reader can put his own construction on Mr. White's statement. We repeat, it is another illustra- tion of the so-called " truths of history. " Many pleasant recollections are associated with that exploration. Mr. Meehan found a chenopodiaceous plant, which he supposed new, and wanted it named for his friend, Josiah Hoopes, as he had named the formerly " Unknown Canon" for Dr. Engelmann. Parr}- decided it to be Obione Suckleyana. After leaving Mr. Meehan 's house. Dr. Parry went to spend a short time at Cambridge. In the course of time came the following note from Dr. Gray: " Parry tells me you found Obione Suckleyana in Colorado. I don't believe it, but I might if I saw a specimen." This deli- cate hint for an addition to his berbarium, having been taken, the following card was received: "Yes! it is Obione Suckleyana \ You must have sharp eyes to have caught this, when so many before you missed it !" It was not so much sharp eyes as sharp hands to hold on to cedar roots across chasms some two hundred feet deep, that led to the successful exploration of the "Unknown Cafion." Vegetation and Scenery in the Metro- politan Reservation of Boston. By Char- les Eliot. — This is a booklet, chiefly com- posed of beautiful views, accompanied by a treatise on the methods of controlling and changing the vegetation in the interest of the scenery. It deserves wide reading by all of those interested in the transformation of wild lands into public parks and civic grounds. The report is presented by Messrs. Olmsted, Olmsted & Eliot, of Boston, and appears to be intended for gratuitous circulation. Th« New York Independent. ^This able paper, which has been always more of a maga- zine than a newspaper, — and which covers a very wide range of intellectual activity, — is to appear in magazine form as well as character hereafter. Frauds of Nurserymen. — The world must certainly be getting better, if history be truth- ful. Parkinson, who wrote the Paradiseus terrestris in 1656, says,when writing of cherries: "^ » 128 MEEHANS* MONTHIyY — GENERAL NOTES. [August *• The Arch-Dukes Cherrie is one of the fairest and best cherries wee have, being of a very red color when ripe, and a little long more than round, and somewhat pointed at the end, of the t>est rellish of any Cherrie whatsoever, and of a firme substance; scarce one of twentie of our Nurserie men doe sell the right, but give one for another; for it is an inherent qualite almost heriditarie with most of them, to sell any man an ordinary fruit for whatsoever rare fruit he shall aske for: so little are they to be trusted." In these days, the chances are 19 to 20 that the buyer would get the kind asked for, which is something to say of modern civilization. Parkinson was a druggist. It might be well to know whether dealers in pharmacy were as bad as the *• Nurserie men ** two hundred and £fty years ago. ^EMEI^/^L INIOTES. Beautiful Park Scenery. — Some of the large parks surrounding large cities in America, boast of different spots for which each of them claim some special point of beauty of which they are justly proud, — for instance, in the California Golden Gate Park, of San Francisco, they have a water-fall surrounded by rock •scenery which will be hard to match in any part of the world. Those who visit San Fran- ■cisco for mere pleasure-seeking, should not fail to visit this grand piece of natural beauty. City Parks and Play Grounds. — The meeting of the Park and Out-door Art Associa- tion of America, held at the end of June, in Minneapolis, was a greater success than the most sanguine anticipated, there being dis- tinguished representatives from most of the Eastern and Western States. The essays and addresses were of an intelligent and practical character, that gave vigor to the new-born body. In the absence of President Castleman, of Louisville, who has gone to the war, Vice-Presi- dent Holden, of Detroit, presided. Professor Folwell, of Minneapolis; Ed. J. Parker, of Quincy, Illinois; P. H. A. Balsey, of Detroit; C. M.'Loring, of Minneapolis; Geo. W. Haz- ard, of St. Paul; Mr. Shuey, of Dayton, Ohio; Mr. Blake, of Mankato; O. C. Simonds, of Chicago; Lewis Johnson, of New Orleans; Mrs. Robert Pratt and Mrs. Henry Brown, of Minneapolis; Mr. M. P. Hurlbut, of Detroit; R. H. Warder, Cincinnati; Mrs. Fannie Copley Seavey, Brighton, Illinois; Charles N. Lowrie, of New York; J. H. Patterson, of Dayton, Ohio; Warren H. Manning, Boston; Mayor Pratt, of Minneapolis; were among the leading speakers. There was considerable rivalry among some cities for the honor of the next year's meeting,but Detroit carried off the prize. The influence on public opinion for city open spaces and public parks exercised by this meeting was evidently deep and lasting, — and it promises to have a highly popular and use- ful career. California Poppy. — The California Poppy, or Eschscholtzia Californica, enjoys a special reputation along the Pacific Coast of North America as a soporific and analgesic. Some varieties appear to be more active than others. It is supposed to contain a small amount of morphine, but Professor Shoemaker states {Month. Mag. /%fl^w) that other principles not yet completely isolated contribute towards producing its effects, and among them the active principle called sanguinarine. It has been found to be an eflScient and harmless soporific agent, especially for children. It re- lieves pain and induces sleep, relieves tremor and agrees well with the digestive organs. The CaliTornia Poppy is used in the form of a fluid extract or as a syrup, half a fluidram to Ave fluidrams at a dose. It is said to be a good addition to cough mixtures where the use of opium is not considered advisable. The cumu- lative effects in human subjects resemble those produced by codein . Though its narcotic effects are not very decided, they continue for a con- siderable period after the medicine is discon- tinued.— Western Druggist. Large Pear Trees. — In my father's garden in the dear old Fatherland, th^re was a pear tree not less then four feet in diameter, and with an immense spread of branches ; but it was not very high — perhaps forty feet or so. I have not seen another one of equal size in my travels, which havq been over a goodly part of this and other lands. Ocean Springs. C. FORKERT. : SITUATIONS WANTED. Advertisements under this head, not exceeding 50 words will be inserted once for 50 cents, or three times for $1.25. (^ARDENERS: At all times, we have on our register the names of competent gardeners, whom we would be glad to recommend to persons in need of same as being fully competent to take entire charge of any place, either large or small. Gardeners desiring situations should correspond with us. No charge, whatever, is made for any such service rendered. THOMAS MEEHAN & SONS, German town, Philadelphia. f«ARDE,NER— Situation wanted as gardener ^^ on private place, where a thorough, practical and reliable person is required. I^ife experienced ; best of references ; English, age 35, married, small family. Address, S. Bolton, Johnson St., Jamaica PL, Mass. QARDENER AND FLORIST wants private ^^ place; German, age 33, married, one child ; good references. "I. D. N.,*' care of Meehans' MONTHI^Y. QARDENER— English, age 34. married, I child, ^ desires situation on private place where his ability will prove of some consideration. Exten- sive and practical experience in all of gardening and landscaping. Forcing expert. Fine references. C. H. R., care of Mrehans' Monthi^y. QARDENER with life-long experience and ^^ holding highest of references desires position on gentleman's place. Employed at present, but would like to make a change. Thomas F. Martin, Bay port, L. I., N. Y. NOVELTIES IN PLANTS, FRUITS, Etc. A. BLANC A CO., 314, 3I6 N. Htm ST., PHILADELPHIA WEED KIIiliER. A cheap, effective and practical Weed Killer is manufactured by the Fairmount Chemical Labora- tory. Their advertisement appears on front adver- tising page. The preparation is of great value to every one interested in an economical method of keeping paths, etc., neat, clean and bright. 1,000,000 Peach Trees ^rowD on thp bank of Lake Erie, two miles from any prach oirhards and *fuar- anteed froe from Scale, Borrrs, Yellows, etc. Larf^e pho.... ix • , ^y^^V of Pear, Plum, ^nerry guinceand immense supplv of Small rniit plants. Headquarters for Ornamental i/r'i;""''i?^J'^^'r- ^ quarter of a million of low down budded roses. 32 (irernhouses fUlrd with Roses, Palms, Araucanas, I-icus, Dracenas, Pat.dai.us, etc! Win have immense stocks of best Holland Bulbs for fall. 45tbyear. lOOOacres. Correspondence and personal inspection solicited. THE STORRS & HARRISON CO., "®* '» Painesvilie, Ohio. Potash is as necessary to plants as bread is to man. Some crops need more Potash than others, but none can do without it. The character of soils must also be considered, some soils being more deficient in plant food (Potash, phosphoric acid and nitrogen) than others. Every farmer should read our pamphlets containing full particulars of the large number of experiments made by Experi- ment Stations with fertilizers on different soils and crops. These pamphlets can be had free on application. QERHAN KALI WORKS, 9J Nassau 5t., N. Y. A material has been discovered for glazing which after thorough test has been proven far superior to putty, it ia called Mastica is easier to apply and when once put on it stays. It is not affected by extremes of weather, and is thus especial- ly adapted for greenhouse8,conservatorie8,graperies,hotbed8, etc. Kndorsed by prominent florists throughout the country. Send for descriptive circular of Hastica and nastica QIazIng nachlnes. O. PIE Sol* IHanutaatufcits • • 170 pULiTOrt STHBHT, *- JiWM YOl^l^ 14 WASHINGTOI4 ST., BOSTOft GRIFFITH A TURNER CO.. 205 N. Pact St.. Baltimore, Md. EDWARD S. SCHMIO, 712 12th St.. N. W., Washington. D. C. HENRY A. DREER, 714 Chottnut Street. Philadelphia. Pa. HENRY F. MICHELL,1018 Market Street, Philadelphia, Pa. HENRY W.CIBBONS CRCCNHOUSE BUILDER AMD NEATINC INCINEER n« UMKTV STMtT NtWYOBK.NY CAIKLOGUfS lecNTs EXPERT ADVICE. ESTIMATES. FLANS. RTABLC CREENNOUSES FOR SMALL ESTATES. COMPLETE FOR %%QO^ POT GROWN Strawberry Plants FOR SALE BY THE ELIZABETH NURSERY CO., Elizabeth, N.J. We are making a specialty of potted Strawberry Plants. You will do well to correspond with us as we are growing HOfOOO plants of both new and old varieties. 8end for Htraw* berry catalogue also catalogue of Nursery stock, WHEN WRITING TO ADVERTISERS, TELL THEM YOU SAW THEIR CARD IN MEEHANS' MONTHLY. ■MUlMiWIWi I fc ■■■ If you have not received col- ored plates of the Yellow Rambler ^ Hybrid Wichuraiana Roses send 2C. stamp and they will be mailed to you. Thomas Meehan & Sons Qermantown, Philadelphia, Pa. FIRST TO FRONT. When the soldiers reached Ghickamauga, there was Paere fence— first in the field. Landed in Cuba —there* b the Page. It* s a * 'path -finder. ' • PAGE WOVEN WIRE FENCE CO., Adrian, Mich. ARE NOVELTIES, SEEDS, PLANTS, BULBS, CACTI i^ND SUCCULENTS. . . Qrown by Mrs. Theodosia B. Shepherd Send IOC. for cat. Ventura-by-tha-Sea, California MENTION PAPER DREER'S ^ny GARDEN SEEDS Plants, Bulbs and Requisites They arc the best at the lowest prices. Calendar for '98 mailed free. Address HENRY A. DREER, 714 Chcstnut St.. Phila. Sovtnem Florist -^ lianleiiei The only Floral Magazine Published for the Southern Climate SUBSCRIPTION, - $1.00 PER YEAR Attractive Premiums and I.ilieral Cash Commission to Agents Published on the First of Kach Month by Southern Florist and Gardener Co. CHATTANOOGA, TENN. This is the only Ma^^azine of its class published in the South* It is devoted to the culture of Flowers. Plants, and Gardening. It is published in the interest of its readers and will give the proper attention and care to its advertisers. No labor or expease will be spared to make the Journal a brilliant success in this particular field. POTTED STRIIWBEIIIIY PUNTS Now and Old Varieties. Write for our catalogue. JAMES McCOLGAN &. CO., Atlantic Highlands, N J. LOVERS OF BOTANY SHOULD HAVE THE PliflHT WOt^liD An illustrated monthly Journal of Popular Botany Edited by P. H. KflOCUUTOfl. Pt^- D. and a eopps of speeialists. In its pages the interesting facts of plant life are treated in language that is strictly scientific but not technical. Sample copy free. Address, WlIiliflf^D N. CLiOTH St CO. PUBLISHERS BlNOHAMTOfl, - flHW YORK. PUBLISHED THE IST AND 15tm OF EACH MONTH BY THE GARDENING COMPANY MONON BUILDING, CHICAGO SUBSCRIPTION PRICE, $2.00 A YEAR 24 NUMBERS The most practical and valuable American Horti- cidtural publication. Departments : The Flower Garden, Trees and Shrubs, The Greenhouse, The Window Garden, The Fruit Garden, The Vege- table Garden, Insects and Other Pests, Mushrooms, and others in season. See what subscribers say about this valuable journal. "For condensed common sense in gardening matters, for reliable, unprejudiced and safe information, Gardbnino cannot be surpassed, and although moderate in size it ex- pands upon perusal." W. C. Eoan, Highland Park, 111. 'Gardening is the best horticultural paper printed in A.merica. Chas t,. Burr, Springfield, M "I am greatly pleased with the paper. It is practical and suggestive. Its reproduction of photographic views of plants, flowers and landscapes is a most admirable feature." W. M. Johnson, Hackensack, N. J. "It is a delightful paper and has been very interesting and Instructive to me." Frank Hitchcock, Davenport, la. "I have found Gardening extremely useful and interest- ing. You have given your subscribers a great deal more than their money's worth." Chas. K.Brown, Yarmouth, Nova Scotia " Such a publication was long needed in this country. Bvery line of its contributions is a le.sson in itself to many professionals as well as to amateurs." John Berry, Gardener to Senator Wolcott,I«ittletoa, Colo. "I value Gardening highlv on account of the very practi- cal character of its contents.' J. A. Pkttigrew, Supt. Lincoln Park, Chicago "I regard Gardening as one of the most practical maga- sines issued in the intere.sts of horticulture." W. F. Macara, Watervill- N. Y. "The paper is the most practical of any I read." W. K. Abbs. Fond du I^ac, Wis. "I subscribe to all the horticultural and floricultural jour- nals on this continent as far as I know and find in Gardbn- ino the most practical one for an amateur like myself." Dr. Geo. T. Hawlby. Coming, N. Y. WHEN WRITING TO ADVERTISERS, TELL THEM YOU SAW THEIR CARD IN MEEHANS' MONTHLY. ARMSTKONa 4 McOLVT Pittfftmrirb. BBTHBS-BAVMAH Pituborgh. DAVZS-OHAMBBM Pittsburgh. FAH1CS8T00S Pittsburgh. ANCHOR ) > CineintMti. EOKBTBUr J ATuureio BRADXJST BROOKLTKI JBWSTT VC8TB& soirrasRH BHXPMAH GOLLIBS i Missomz EEOSBAI. SOUTHERN New York. ChicAgo. I St. Louis. JORH T. LEWIS ft BROS CO PbilAdeiphi*. Cleveland. KORLBT SALEM CORNELL KEHTtrCXT fialem, Buffalo. Looikviile. WE believe that Pure White O made by the '*old Dutch pro- cess,'* and Pure Linseed Oil, make the best paint ; and all we ask is that makers and sellers shall brand and sell their mixtures for what they are, rather than as *' White Lead," '^ Pure White Lead,' '* Tinted Lead," etc. Buyers and consumers are certainly en- titled to know what they are getting. See hst of genuine brands. r^rj CC ^y using National Lead Co.'s Pure White Lead Tinting Colors, r^nTl^f^ any desired shade is readily obtained. Pamphlet giving valu- *^ ■-<■-• able information and card sh.owing samples of colors free ; also folder showing pictures of house painted in different designs or various styles or combinations ol shades forwarded upon application to those intending to paint, National Lead Co., loo William St,, New York Pot firown Strawberry Plants will bear crop next season. Fruit trees, celery, cabbage plants, etc. — everything in the nursery line. Se-v^ vr>'i- n -'d'-"^<: for our free Summer ?nd . , ae. T. J. DWYER & SON, Boy 6a. Cornwall. N. Y. C. G. Van Tubergen, Jr , Haarlem, Holland CHOICE DUTCH BULBS t ATTRACTIVE BULBOUS PLANTS Orders for ixnportation only. CATAIiOOUHS PI^EH C. C. ABEL &, CO., Sole Aflents, Box 920, New York VENTILATING LOW COST SATISFACTION GUARANTEED £OR FLORISTS Send 5 cents postage to New York Office for latest catalogue of Greenhouse Heating and Ventilating Apparatus. Send for estimates on CYPRESS GREENHOUSE MATERIAL, also for our PATENT IRON GREENHOUSE CONSTRUCTION. Send for circulars of HOT BED SASH AND FRAMES. Lord & Burnham Co NEW YORK OFFICE, St. James BIdg., Broadway aaif 26tli St. GENERAL OFFICE AND WORKS, Irvlngtonon-Hudson, N. Y. HORTICULTURAL ARCHITECTS AND BUILDERS WHEN WRITINQ TO ADVERTISERS, TELL THEM YOU SAW THEIR CARD IN MEEHANS' MONTHLY. If you have not received col- oR^i plates of the Yellow Rambler «ji^ Hybrid Wichuraiana Roses send 2C, stamp and they will be mailed to you. Thomas Meehan & Sons (iermantown, Philadelphia, Pa. FIRST TO FRONT. When tln' soldiiTK nsichcd (Miirkamantra. there \va> I'm:,'*' f<'iic«» lirst in tli«' field. Landed in I'uha Uier..'^ th.. J';ii,M'. It's a "piitlitinder." IM(;K \V<>VK> WIKK VVMV (O.. Adrian, Mich. ARE NOVELTIES, SEEDS, PLANTS, BULBS, CACTI ^^ SUCCULENTS. . . Grown by Mrs. Theodosia B. Shepherd Send K'C. for . ai Ventura-bv-the-Sca, California MTNTION PAPER __\ 1838. 1892 ZJL ^ PHILADCLPHIA TRY DREER'S GARDEN SEEDS Plants. Bulb5 and Requisites They are the best at the lowest prices. Calendar for 'gS mailed free Address HENRY A. DREER. 714 Chestnut St., Phila. pomilTiiiiRy mm New and Old Varieties. Write Um our rataloj^ue. JAMES McCOLGAN ^ CO., Atlantic Highlands, N.J. LOVERS OF BOTANY SHOULD HAVE THE PUAflT WOHliD An illustrated monthly Journal of Popular Botany Edited by F. H. KNOOiUTON, Pf->. D- and a» aorps ot .speoioliBta. In its pa^os the itilciestiiig facts of plant life are treated in lan,i;na^e thai is>trictlv seientifie but not techni«.'al. Sain])le copy free. Address, WlUliRRD N. CLiUTE & CO. PU BLISHERS BINGHAMTON, - NHW YORK. ' N\C%f f 11 Ti iuiiiiimi ., I soutiiern Florist ^^^ Gemener i s u The only Floral Magazine Published for the Southern Climate M M Southern Climate M Ihl SUBSCRIPTION, - $1.00 PER YEAR ^ M bM-xxxxxx2xzxxxi ixxzrxx-xi-rX'XZXi X iji ^TXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX-:^ ^ I'ubli^lied on the l-iist of l^icl'. Month hy JJ ^ Southern Florist and (iardener Co. ^ M CHATTANOOCiA. THNN. H M M W^ I l;r. I-, ilie i.iiiy .Nt.i,,'.-i/iiie «.t it^ ;ia-s puMislieil in tl.- Sontli M ^ It IS lrv.it. -,1 t., the . iili';r»; of I-|..wcrs. Plant .. and <;, If. N-mnjj. h M |j| is pii!,lish<-(l III \\v inicr.-st ..t it. r-jailfrs an. I will jrjvr ilie prop'-r Q M all. ntion ani art" to Its .i.lv.rtis.T .. Nu laliot oi e.xpPBs.- vmII I.e W CT sparnl treiii(lited anil sate infot niatii.n, ('. ak riK.MNti cannot i)e snrpasseil, anknin<. is the l.e>,t lioi ti«. tiltni al papei jtiinted in A.metica." Cha.s I. IttrK k , .Spi injjtiel*!, Mass "I am gieatly plea>ed with the j>apei. It is piaiticai aiii; and instructive to me " I'Kank Hiiciict»cK, Davenport, la " I have found ( fAK i»i- .m.nc, exliemely useful and inteiest- Ing. You have ^iveu yout snbsi i ihers a J4reat deal moie than their money's woith ' ('mas h Mhown, Varmouth, .Nova .*->cotia "Such a publication wa.s lon^ neede»l in this country. K^ery line of its conli ibiitions is a lesscjii ni itself to many profe.ssionals as well as to amateurs." John Bkkk y, C.ardener to Seiiat Cincinnati. ECKSTEIN i ATLANTIC BRADLEY BROOKLYN i JEWETT ULSTER UNION SOUTHERN SHIPMAN COLLIER MISSOURI RED SEAL SOUTHERN New York. Chicago. \ St. Louii. JOHN T. LEWIS * BROS CO Piiiladeiiihia. Cleveland. MORLEY SALEM CORNELL KENTUCKY Saleui, Mass. Buffalo. Louisville. WE believe that Pure White Lead, made by the *'old Dutch pro- cess," and Pure Linseed Oil, make the best paint ; and all we ask is that makers and sellers shall brand and sell their mixtures for what they are, rather than as *^ White Lead," ^^Pure White Lead," *' Tinted Lead," etc. Buyers and consumers are certainly en- titled to know what they are getting. See list of genuine brands. r^D r^ r^ By using National Lead Co.'s Pure White Lead Tinting Colors, ■^lYr^r^ any desired shade is readily obtained. Pamphlet giving valu- *^*-*«-« a(jie information and card showing samples of colors free; also folder showing pictures of house painted in difTerent designs or various styles or combinations of shades forwarded upon application to those intending to paint. ■i National Lead Co., loo William St., New York. Pot Grown Strawberry Plants will bear crop ne.xt season. Fruit trees, celery, cabbage plants, etc. — everything in the nursery line. Send your address for our tree Summer .-"lid Autumn cat.iiogue. T. J. DWYER & SON, Boy 63, Cornwall. N. Y. C, G. Van Tubergen, Jr. , Haarlem, Holland CHOICE DUTCH BULBS ^ ATTRACTIVE BULBOUS PLANTS Orders for iuiportation only. CATALiOOUES PREH ^ C. C. ABEL &. CO., Sole Agents, Box 920, New York VENTILATING APPARATUS LOW COST SATISFACTION GUARANTEED Eo_R FLORISTS Send 5 cents postage to New York Office for latest catalogue of Greenhouse Heating and Ventilating Apparatus. Send for estimates on CYPRESS GREENHOUSE MATERIAL, also for our PATENT IRON GREENHOUSE CONSTRUCTION. Send for circulars of HOT BED SASH AND FRAMES. Lord &, Burnham Co. NEW YORK OFFICE, St. James BIdg., Broadway and 26th St. 6ENERAL OFFICE AND WORKS, Irvlngtonon-Hudson, N. Y. HORTICULTURAL ARCHITECTS AND BUILDERS WHEN WRITING TO ADVERTISERS, TELL THEM YOU SAW THEIR CARD IN MEEHANS' MONTHLY. li , u NHONAL SECOND iggQSURE HITCHINGS St CO. HOBTIDULTURBL HRCHITECTS BND BUILDERS ESTABLISHED 60 YEARS Vol. VIII SEPTEMBER, 1595 and largest Manufaoturers of Greenhouse Heating and Ventilating Apparatus 7^4rV"rv The highest awards re- ceived at the World's Fair for Horticultural Architec- ture, Greenhouse Construo- tion and Heating Appar- atus. Conservatories, Green- houses, Palmhouses, etc., erected complete with our Patent Iron Frame Con- struction. SEND FOUR CENTS FOR ILLUSTRATED CATALOGUES. 233 MERCER STREET. NEW YORK CITY I • «na Landscape Engineering Plans prepared and carefully carried out for Grading, Roadmaking, Planting and the Remodeling of old places /. Special arrangements made when extensive work is con- templated .*. Correspondence solicited. THOMAS MEEHAN & SONS Nurserymen and Landscape Engineers , QERMANTOWN, PHILADELPHIA EDWARD CAMPBELL^^^ L/INDSC/IFE /IRCniTEQT At^b ENQINEER ARDMORE, - PA. Sketch plans and planting maps prepared, and suggestions given for the laying out and improvement of country and suburban residences, public parks and grounds of every description. Grounds laid out and their construction undertaken by contract or day labor, and carried out under strict personal supervision. The choice grouping and effective arrangement of trees and shrubs has been made a special study. Trees furnished and planted by experienced workmen. Draining Plans and Surveys. Fine Crushed Stone for Walks and Carriage Drives. HARDY ORNAMENTAL TREES, SHRUBS, VINES, EVER- The flnpi^n.r.i.HsoHn..nt.fHi^.^^^ ■ ' ..^ ...«.»,. .•■.^MXkVMiiJl n^Mrkikii a I A nie«t»l rUnit* In America. Two hundred page SREENS, AND HARDY HERBACEOUS PERENNIALS, illustrated descriptive ctalogueon applict tion. Plant and eatimatei furnished. Send your list of needs for special rates. THE BEADING NURSERY, JACOB TV. MANNING, Proprietor, READING, MASS. Modern Horticultural Building. Elegant Conservatories, Practical Commercial Houses, and all Classes of Greenhouse Structures Planned and Erected. We build of all Iron, all Wood, or a modification of either, as desired. Steel or Cypress Sash Bars for Butted Glass Glasing or Lapped Glazing, with or without putty. Latest methods ot Ventilation, Steam and Hot-Water Heating. Iron and Slate, Iron and Tile, or all Wood Staging. Contracts taken for Completed Structure. Materials furnished to Builders. Bxpeit adyice at Residence, or Catalogues on application. 4^ Don't fail to get our Plans and Prices. PLENTY'S HORTICULTURAL WORKS, 148-156 Randolph Ave., Jersey City, N. J. WHEN WRITING TO ADVERTISERS, PLEASE MENTION MEEHANS' MONTHLY. No. 9 ISSUED MONTHLY, $2.00 PER YEAR IN ADVANCE, SINGLE COPY 20 CENTS. copvmaHrro i«»8 ENTBRED AT THE PHILADELPHIA POST OFFICE AS SECOND-CLASS MATTER IT WILL PAY YOU -" -^.S'o^" Hardy Trees, Shrubs, Plants, Roses, Fruit, and our special stock of Rhododendrons. It will in- terest all who are interested in such matters. ANDORRA NURSERIES, ?!;a",l.':p. Wm. Warner Harper. Proprietor ageneral__?SYcalvaDOS.FR^^^ ^^-. I CJ'^"" Sou Agents for U.S. America & Cakaoa. ■^" V"^I.OGU[ pp., C.C.ABEL & CO. P.O.Box 920, New York. '^^^ e^Z'^X'22^2'XZS^E^E2XZ^^'Z3^2Z^^l^^S21^X7-ZS) Southern Fionsi an^ The only Floral Magazine Published for the Southern Climate SUBSCRIPTION, - $1.00 PER YEAR Attractive Premiums and Liberal Cash Commission to Agents 1^ H £^K^]^Z3^Z^1^2-XX-2-ZZX2-rZ2^Z^SXS^Z27Z-XZa p^szsz-xxxz-x^i^xzszxxxzxxzzxx-zxxx^c?^ Published on the First of Kach Mouth by Southern Florist and Gardener Co. CHATTANOOGA, TENN. This is the only M.Ttjazine of its class published in the Soutli It is devoted to the culture of Flowers, Plants, and Gardening. It is published in the interest of its readers and will give the proper attention and care to its advertisers. No labor or expense will be spared to make the Journal a brilliant success in this particular fie'd. M N M N KlZg^ZZZZZZZZZZISZZZZZZZZZ'ZZZXZZ^ The Horticulturist's Rule Book, by Prof. h. H. Bailey. A compendium of useful information for everyone at all interested in horticulture. In no other volume is contained such a quantity of valuable information in such handy form. Fourth edition, illustrated, 812 padres, T6c. THOMAS MKEHAN & SONS, FublisherH, GeruiantowD, Phila. PUBLISHED THE 1st AND 15th OF EACH MONTH BY THE GARDENING COMPANY MONON BUILDING, CHICAGO SUBSCRIPTION PRICE, $2.00 A YEAR 24 NUMBERS The most practical and valuable American Horti- cultural publication. Departments : The Flower Garden, Trees and Shrubs, The Greenhouse, The Window Garden, The Fruit Garden, The Vege- table Garden, Insects and Other Pests, Mushrooms, and others in season. See what subscribers say about this valuable journal. "For condensed common sense in gardening matters, for reliable, unprejudiced and safe information, Gardening cannot be surpassed, and although moderate in size it ex- pands upon perusal." W. C Egan, Highland Park, 111, "Gardening is the best horticultural paper printed in America." Chas L. Burr, Springfield, Mass. "I am greatly pleased with the paper. It is practical and suggestive. Its reproduction of photographic views of plants, flowers and landscapes is a most admirable feature." W. M. Johnson, Hackensack, N. J. "It is a delightful paper and has been very interesting and instructive to me." Frank Hitchcock, Davenport, la. "I have found Gardening extremely u.seful and interest- ing. You have given your subscribers a great deal more than their money's worth. Chas. K. Brown, Yarmouth, Nova Scotia " Such a publication was long needed in this country. Every line of its contributions is a lesson in itself to many professionals as well as to amateurs." John Berry, Gardener to Senator Wolcott.Iyittletou, Colo. "I value Gardening highlv on account of the very practi- cal character of its contents.' J. A. Pettigrew, Supt. Lincoln Park, Chicago "I regard Gardening as one of the most practical maga- einea issued in the interests of horticulture.'' W. F. Macara, Watervill;. N. Y. "The paper is the most practical of any I read." W. E. Abbs, Fond du Lac, Wis. "I subscribe to all the horticultural and floricultural jour- nals on this continent as far as I know and find in Garden- iNO the most practical one for an amateur like myself," Dr. Geo. T. Hawley, Corning, N. Y. The NurHery Kook, A complete guide to the multiplication of plants, by Prof L, H, Bailey. The book is the most complete treatise of its kind in the English Language. Third and enlarged edition, ^i65 pa^j^es, lii'Z helpful illustratioHM, sijil.OO. THOMAS MKKHAN A: SONS, Puhlishers, Geruiautuwn, Fhila. NEW SEED STORE D. on 10th September remove their Retail De- partment from 21 and 23 South 6th St. and LANDRETH & SONS OPEN A SEED STORE FOR RETAIL BUSINESS NORTH-WEST CORNER 10th and market This Seed Store will not only be the most attractive in the city, but the finest in America, An inspection will demon- strate this assertion. This Store will be supplied with every requisite for use on the Farm or in the Garden, Orchard, Con- ^^IY^JL°^y ,,r^^^!f^"^*^ *"^"^^°" is asked to the extraordinary large importation of HVAClfSTMS, TULIPS, CROCUSE3, NAKCISSU5 and other Bulbs and Roots for September and October planting. Florists and Private Gardeners are asked to inspect the establishment. WHEN WRITING TO ADVERTISERS, TELL THEM YOU SAW THEIR CARD IN MEEHANS' MONTHLY. Vni..V'[|! P1.ATK N° 9. ', •■ s ■ \ t \ t- \i % \ i / '^5 V <# H ^ « «i '. r^ > ' I GILLENIA TRIFOLIATA. INDIAN PHYSIC. NATURAI, ORDER. ROSACEA. • "GiLLENiA TRIFOLIATA, Mocnch.— Leaflets ovate-oblong, acuminate; stipules linear-setaceous, entire; flowers on long pedicels, in pedunculate, corymbous panicles. A handsome herb, two to three feet high, slender 'and nearly smooth; lower leaves petiolate; leaflets two to four inches long, one-third as wide, pubescent beneath, sub-sessile. Flowers axillary and terminal. Petals rose color or nearly white, eight lines long by two wide. Seeds brown and bitter. Wood's Ciass-Book of Botany. See also Gray's Manual of the Botany of the Northern United States, Aud Chap- man's Flora of the Southern United States. The histories of plants are not complete without an account of the personalities con- nected with them. Indeed, the individuals who have had part in bringing to our special notice a plant or its relations to humanity, seem to us as if they were an essential part of the whole story. Very often the generic or specific name of a plant is given in honor of some individual, and we naturally desire to know in what respect he deserved the honor. Gillenia would seem, from its construction, to be the Latinized form of some one's name ; but no satisfactory explanation has been offered. The plant, itself, has been long known to botanists, as it was among those sent to Europe, in 1680, by the Reverend John Banis- ter; but it was classed with the Spircea fam- ily,— at least, to that section of the Spircea family known, at that time, as Ulmaria, Morison, who published a history of plants, in 1715, before the binomial system was intro- duced by Linnaeus, described it as Ulmaria Virginiayia trifolia, floribus candidus amplis longis etacutis, — and Linnaeus, himself, having in his earlier works united Ulmaria and SpitcBa, describes \\. 2i^ Spires a trifoliata./oliis ternatis serratis subcequalibus floribus subpani- £ulatis. In establishing the binomial system, his evident practice was to retain the first or last term for his specific name. Though not always appropriate, this method preserved the connection of the plant with its earlier his- tory. In this case, the term ttifoliata is suffi- ciently appropriate. It continued as Spircea until 1802, when Conrad Moench, in a supple- ment to a local flora of the city of Marburg, in Austria, noting its tubular campanulate seed- vessel, included stamens, and its peculiar car- pels, named it Gillenia, as distinct from Spitcea, which determination has been accepted by subsequent botanists. But why he named it Gillenia, has been a matter of doubt. The author of this chapter has not had access to the original work of Moench. Indeed, beyond the fact that he was a Professor of Botany somewhere in Hesse Cassel, and that he was the author of a few local Floras, little is known of him. Of Gillen, if there ever was a person by this name, nothing is known. Paxton, in his Dictionary, says, the plant was "named by Moench, probably after Gillen, some obscure botanist." The always- careful Dar- lington says, '* Derivation of the name not well ascertained. * ' Dr. Asa Gray has it that it was "dedicated to an obscure German botanist or gardener, A. Gille, or Gillenius. ' * The ' * Cen- tury Dictionary" enlarges a little on this and says ** named after Dr. Arnold Gill (Latinized Gillenius), a German botanist;" and it gives the pronunciation Ji-16-ni-a. There are good phil- ological i^asons against the latter suggestions. Wood brushes away the whole line of argu- ment, and suggests the derivation from a Greek word signifying hilarity, from the well- known use of the plant by the Indians, but even here the orthography — two Ts being cm- ployed in the name — is against the conjec- ture. It is most reasonable that the genus was named Gillenia in honor of some good cultivator of plants at Marburg. The city was, in Moench's time, a famous seat of learn- ing, with reputable schools and colleges ; while the gardens of its citizens were filled with rare plants from many countries. The SpircBa ttifoliata was, in the language of Sims, "a plant much coveted, increasing but little, propagated with difiiculty, and liable to be lost unless placed in soil and situation highly favorable to it. It is scarce in the gar- dens about London." This was in 1796. Moench (129) ■*^..r^>. I '/ :« M . Pit \ » » < f *■(* > r > '^ ? CILLENIA TRIFOLIATA. INDIAN PHYSIC. NATURAL ORDER, ROSACEA. man's The histories of plants are not complete without an account of the personalities con- nected with them. Indeed, the individuals who have had part in bringing to our special notice a plant or its relations to humanity, seem to us as if they were an essential part of the whole story. Very often the generic or specific name of a plant is given in honor of some individual, and we naturally desire to know in what respect he deserved the honor. Gil/em'a would seem, from its construction, to be the Latinized form of some one's name ; but no vSatisfactory explanation has been offered. The plant, itself, has been long known to botanists, as it was among those sent to Europe, in 1680, by the Reverend John Banis- ter; but it was classed with the Spircea fam- ily,— at least, to that section of the Spircea family known, at that time, as Ulmaria. Morison, who published a history of plants, in 1715, before the binomial system was intro- duced by Linn.'uus, described it as Ulmaria Virgt?iia?ia tri folia, Jloribus candid us amplis lofigis et aaitis, — and Linnceus, himself, having in his earlier works united Ulmaria and Spircea, describes \\. 'as» Spircea trifoliata, /oliis ternatis serralis siibceqnalibus Jloribus subpani- ailatis. In establishing the binomial system, his evident practice was to retain the first or last term for his specific name. Though not always appropriate, this method preserved the connection of the plant with its earlier his- tory. In this case, the term hifoliata is suffi- ciently appropriate. It continued as Spircea until 1802, when Conrad Moench, in a supple- ment to a local flora of the city of Marburg, in Austria, noting its tubular campanulate seed- vessel, included stamens, and its peculiar car- pels, named it Gillenia, as distinct from Spircea, which determination has been accepted by subsequent botanists. But why he named it Gillenia, has been a matter of doubt. The author of this chapter has not had access to the original work of Moench. Indeed, beyond the fact that he was a Professor of Botany somewhere in Hesse Cassel, and that he was the author of a few local Floras, little is known of him. Of Gillen, if there ever was a person by this name, nothing is known. Paxton, in his Dictionary, says, the plant was "named by Moench, probably after Gillen, some obscure botanist." The always- careful Dar- lington says, "Derivation of the name not well ascertained." Dr. Asa Gray has it that it was "dedicated to an obscure German botanist or gardener, A. Gille, or Gillenius. ' ' The ' ' Cen- tury Dictionary" enlarges a little on this and says " named after Dr. Arnold Gill (Latinized Gillenius), a German botanist;" and it gives the pronunciation Ji-le-ni-a. There are good phil- ological reasons against the latter suggestions. Wood brushes away the whole line of argu- ment, and suggests the derivation from a Greek word signifying hilarity, from the well- known use of the plant by the Indians, but even here the orthography — two I's being cm- ployed in the name — is against the conjec- ture. It is most reasonable that the genus was named Gillefiia in honor of some good cultivator of plants at Marburg. The city was, in Moench's time, a famous seat of learn- ing, with reputable schools and colleges ; while the gardens of its citizens were filled with rare plants from many countries. The Spircea trifoliata was, in the language of Sims, "a plant much coveted, increasing but little, propagated with difficulty, and liable to be lost unless placed in soil and situation highly favorable to it. It is scarce in the gar- dens about London." Thiswasin 1796. Moench (129) COLO TM'Tr:M'T ' T TuCKAHOE. — **In clearing our forest land, there is frequently found, not far below the surface, a vegetable product in color and gen- eral appearance somewhat like a cocoanut. But it is not uniform in size and shape, like the cocoanut, being smaller or larger, and either round, oval, or irregular in form. Nor has it a hard shell; and a perfect specimen is rarely secured, as they are almost always cut up by the grub-hoe, and the pieces are scat- tered. Inside of its firm brown coat, it is a mass of grayish white matter, of the consist- ence of a firm paste, homogeneous, without fibre or grain, or any sign of vegetable organs. Its taste is slightly sweet, and it slowly dis- solves in the mouth or in water. On drying, it cracks, and becomes hard like old putty. The white man calls it ' Indian Bread ; * the Indians say ' Tuckahoc. * It is said to be men- tioned as an article of food, in the accounts of the country written by the early explorers, and any persons having access to such books would confer a favor on the curious, by quoting the passages in which it is named. It is some- times said to present no indication of having been attached to the roots of trees as a para- site, — on the contrary, in the somewhat numerous specimens that I have examined there has always been a distinct mark of having been detached from some stem. *'The Tuckahoe has long been a puzzle to naturalists. Professor John Torrey made a chemical examination of it, and while he failed to detect, by chemical tests or by the micro- scope, the presence of starch, he ascertained that the mass consisted almost entirely of pectin, which, in some of its modifications, is the jelly of fruits." Winter Park, Fla. M. E. BrOWN. There is no doubt of the Tuckahoe being of the fungus family. It has been described by mycologists as Pachyma Cocos, — the specific name being derived from the resemblance to a cocoanut, as described by our correspondent. It might be popularly described as a giant puff*-ball, growing under ground. The truffle of Europe might also be used in illustration of its natural affinities. Though most forms of fungi grow on decayed vegetable matter, there are others which prey on other fungi. The puff-balls are examples. They can seldom be found attached to such material, — but the odor, which has been described as mushroomy, is evident in the earth where such puff-balls are found. It may, therefore, be conceded that the Tuckahoe may, at times, be found wholly disconnected with the roots of trees. Poison Ivy — Rhus Toxicodendron. — In the spring is the time for people to be poisoned by this plant; any one may handle it with im- punity at any other time. Just when the new growth is beginning and the sap is running riot through its system, buds bursting, with free growth all along the line, it is at this time that the effluvia of the past year is pour- ing out into the atmosphere from its every pore through branch and leaf. One may see a silvery sheen on its leaves in the bright sun- shine. Touch it not at this time. It does not poison all. I am not subject to it at any time. I would not dare to pull the leaves, bruise them and smear them on my face, in bravado as I have seen children do in years gone by, for I feel certain that it would poison me; but other- wise I handle it, work amongst it at all seasons of the year and receive no harm. There are immense quantities of the vine in this country. Nearly every tree in the woods has a plant or two clinging to it and the fences are loaded with it. I have met with men who have de- clared to me, that the Boston Ivy and Virginia (131) 132 MEEHANS' MONTHI.Y— WILD FLOWERS AND NATURE. [Sept. Creeper, Ampelopsis quinquefolia , would poison them just as easily and as quickly as the R. Toxicodendron and that they dare not go near either of them in the spring. But I have always looked upon this last experience as a case of mistaken identity. The two vines generally grow together, are seen clinging to the same trees and the two plants are much alike when denuded of their foliage. As a cure for the poison, Nightshade — 5^/^««w nigrum — \s used; its leaves bruised, mixed with cream as an emollient ; also Healall, Brunella vulgaris. Both are used in outward applications. These are the old-time remedies. Doctors must have better methods now. The Nightshade is poisonous (said to be) and used as a poison to correct another poison. In this part of the world the chief complaint of rhus poisoning comes from colored leaf gathering in the fall. F. K. STEELE. Festus, Jeff. Co., Mo. Flora of the Indian Territory.— A trip through the prairies of the Cherokee Nation has exploded several ideas prominent in my mind. The leading one was, that the prairies were as level as a floor; but I find it more hilly and uneven than my native county in East-central Indiana. Limestone crops out in many places and hills are always in view and often several hundred feet high. Nowhere is one out of sight of timber; and small trees and bushes are to be found far from any stream. Instead of the flora being limited mainly to the grass family, it is widely represented, and many new (to me) and beautiful flowers have already come under my notice, even at this late season of the year. One is an Asclepias, with greenish lobes of the corolla y% inch long. Stamens and crown are purple and white. Another plant is a tall mint, with brilliant blue flowers ^^ inch long, which blooms pro- fusely for a long time and is quite conspicuous, bearing spikes of bloom six inches to a foot in length. Two new solanums are abundant, and one very pretty with its numerous bright yellow blossoms, and fruitlikeachestnut bur— except in size. The other is not interesting, except for its narrow, crink^ly-edged leaves and the white appearance of the entire plant. The flowers are large and of a beautiful blue, with orange-colored stamens, but are so scattering as to be hardly noticeable. The principal feature of one of the ragweeds here is its almost pinnate leaves, with very large intersecting veins. Many varieties of the wild sunflower grow in abundance, rang- ing in height from two to ten feet. The lotus, I hope to be able to mention later, with an illustration. One other surprise for me was that some of the leading business men here are Indians. Oologah, Ind. Tcr. C. E. PLEAS. The Senior Conductor of Meehans' Month- ly journeyed through the whole Indian Ter- ritory, some thirty years ago, and found the Indians— Cherokees, Creeks and Choctaws— had, at that time, reached a high state of civi- lization. This was chiefly owing to the over- powering genius ot one of their chiefs, Se- quoi-yah, who, among other things for which his memory should ever be venerated, invented an alphabet. Even at that time, they had their newspapers, printed in their own language as we have them in ours. The Mammoth Tree of California, — head and shoulders above its fellows, as this Indian was among the members of his race in intellectual capacity,— is believed to have been named, by Endlicher, Sequoia, in remembrance of the good work of this great Indian. And the trees and the flowers— they are as grand and beautiful as our correspondent de- scribes them. The Vitisificisa, one of the most admirable of all hardy, herbaceous, climbing vines, now pretty well known in gardens, was first distributed from plants collected in that country, on the journey above referred to. Specimens, difiicult to dry, are scarce in herbariums. Microbes. — A scientist, looking for microbes, says there are absolutely none on the Swiss mountains at an altitude of 2,000 feet. Here is the place for the purity party ; and scaremon- gers, who are for ever horrifying the public with the dismal fear of microbes; they would have to take their supply with them, most of which are useful to man. It is pleasing to observe that the microbe does not give himself lofty airs, but as a fellow-creature comes down to our level and dwells cheerily in our midst. — Revue Scientifique . M 4 ' ♦ V ^ r^ 1898.] MEEHANS' MONTHLY— WILD FLOWERS AND NATURE. 133 The Manchineal Tree.— In view of the military operations in Cuba, and other places where the Manchineal— or in Spanish, Manza- nillo— grows, Governor Daniel Hastings, of Pennsylvania, has had the State Commissioner of Forestry, Dr. J. T. Rothrock, prepare a cir- cular for free distribution, to guard against suflfering from the juice of this tree which is so common in those countries. It is botani- bad character given it. At any rate, the best that can be said for it is bad enough. "It is from 40 to 50 feet high; has oval, pointed, toothed, shining leaves, which are from 3 to 4 inches long. When the fresh leaves are pulled off, a drop of milky juice comes from the leaf-stem. The fruit is a yellowish-green, fragrant, and somewhat resembles an apple in shape. BRANCH AND FRUIT OF MANCHINEAL TREE. r-' cally Hippomane Mancinella, one of the milky- juiced Euphorbia family, which have all a more or less caustic character. The senior conductor has a serious recollection of a sore spot over the eyebrow by a drop of the sap from an allied individual. Dr. Rothrock has drawn up the following account of what has been said of it— without guaranteeing that the tree deserves all the If bitten into, it makes the mouth very sore for a time, and may produce serious results. After handling any part of the tree,— root, leaves or fruit,— rubbing the eyes may cause them to become seriously inflamed. Mucous membranes (such as the red margin of the lips or eyes, or anus) are particularly subject to its poisonous effect. It is said by many of the natives to cause 134 MEEHANS* MONTHLY—WILD FLOWERS AND NATURE. [Sept. poisonous effects even if the tree is not touched, but by simply being in its neighborhood. Many persons are alleged to have been injured from being under the tree during a shower, when the drops of water fell upon them from the tree. Some persons are more sensitive to the effect of this poison than others. In fact, there area few who are not affected by it at all, just as is the case with our poison oak or poison ivy, the chief difference being that the manchineal affects the mucous membranes, above alluded to, more than the skin proper, whereas the poison ivy affects the skin much more fre- quently than it does the mucous membranes. Many persons of experience in the tropics assert that it is unwise to camp near this tree. If poisoned by the Manchineal, and beyond reach of your surgeon's help, the best thing to do is to wash the part affected freely with salt water. It is sometimes called by the natives manza- nilla (pronounced man-za-ne-ya). Temperature and the Blooming Season. —It has been demonstrated only during recent years, that flowers, and even separate parts of flowers, are called into activity by special temperatures adapted to each case. One might suppose that some plants that would grow rapidly under a high temperature would still grow a little under a lower one. But the fact is, they will not move at all until the special degree of heat has been reached. This fact has been found of great value in the culture of nut trees. The aments, or pollen-bearing flowers, will perfect and discharge their pollen before the female flowers appear, if a tempera- ture occurs high enough to start them, but not high enough to satisfy the female flowers in venturing a growth. It is for lack of pollen that it has such an early grave, and that nut crops are at times failures. Hence planters of nut trees prefer to select plots for planting where the sun's rays may not encourage a precocious advance of the catkins until the temperature required by the female flowers has been secured. Another practical use of the discovery is in accounting for the failure, at times, of apple, pear and other crops. The stamens will grow and mature under a temperature that is not sufficient to encourage the pistils. The pollen is therefore scattered before the stigmas are re- ceptive. This, too, can be guarded against in some respects by the planting of a few late flowering kinds to help fertilize the earlier bloomers. Again, the knowledge is useful in teaching us that the old idea of a floral calendar is not possible. A flower that will bloom earlier than another one season, will be later another. For instance, in the vicinity of Philadelphia, the lilac is expected to be in bloom the first of May, and the cherry comes falling in right after. In this year of 1898, the pear and cherry were in full bloom by the 20th of April, while it was rare to find a lilac in bloom at the regu- lation time. Even in the sharp controversies between strictly scientific people, the knowledge will have a mollifying influence. In the specula- tions on cross-fertilization, stress is placed on a supposed characteristic of some species to have the stamens mature before or after the receptiveness of the stigma,— but, according as the season may be gradually temperate or suddenly warm, the same species will be pro- terandrous one season and may be proterogy- nous the next. The White-flowered Forget-me-not.— Mrs. Seliger says: ''Since sending the white forget-me-not, spoken of in the July number of your valuable magazine, I have found out that it is a wild flower of Southern California, where the people call it Pop-corn Flower, on account of its snowy resemblance, in color, when big patches grow together. It is delight- fully fragrant, and the early Mission fathers called it Nievitas, after the Spanish settlers who named it so." The Botany of California says that, in Cali- fornia and Oregon, there is a form of Myosotis verna—B. white-flowered species— that has the nutlets unusually large, and which is the variety macrosperma of Chapman. This is probably the one referred to in the above para- graph. It does not seem to have been noted before that it is sweet-scented. Philippine Island Botany.— If the United States acquires a controlling interest in the Philippines, what a rich and almost virgin field will be opened to the botanical collector. C. W. Greene. '1 i . \ rS V GENERAL GARDENING. THE GARDEN. And all about were dotted leafy trees — The elm for shade, the linden for the bees ; The noble oak, long ready for the steel That in that place it had no fear to feel ; The pomegranate, the apple, and the pear. That fruit and flowers at once made shift to rear ; Not yet decayed, therefore, and in them hung Bright birds that elsewhere sing not, but here sung As sweetly as the small brown nightingales Within the wooded deep I/aconian vales. — William Morris. f ^ A Natural Leaf mold Pit. — Almost every large private establishment is able to make good use of leaf-mold. It may be desired for mulching or digging in beds of such plants as rhododendrons, azaleas, ferns, etc., that de- light in a cool and moist but well-drained soil, or, in fact, for mulching almost any plant that is located in a dry place or that has been re- cently transplanted and in need of a regular supply of moisture. Or the mold may be used for making a compost pile for potting purposes ; nothing more admirably forms a suitable potting soil, as it is moisture retain- ing, yet porous — it lightens up the soil, enab- ling its easy penetration by the roots, and lurnishes most desirable plant food. Leaves are plentiful almost everywhere, and it is worth the trouble of collecting them, — in fact, it is necessary to gather them from the lawns arid road-ways, and it only remains to dispose of them in a convenient way. The most admirable use of a natural situation that the writer has ever seen, was at Mrs. Thomas A. Scott's charming residence, near Darby, Pa. The spacious grounds afford many opportuni- ties for the exercise of skilful gardening, and the gardener, Mr. Joseph McGregor, has in many ways shown his capabilities in this res- pect. The house is on high ground which slopes off to the Darby Creek, embracing a large piece of woodland. This latter has been preserved in a natural state, and not * ' beauti- fied' ' by clearing out all the small growth and charming flowers and ferns — a mistake so fre- quently occuring. The declivity in some parts is quite great, and, in one small ravine, the leaf- mold pit is located. The drive- way through the woods enters and passes near the top of the pit, and as the leaves are gathered they are easily dumped over the edge. In this position, the heap is at no time unsightly, and it is easily handled. Twice a year, the heap is turned, the first occasion being about the mid- dle of July, thus making the decay general throughout the immense pile. This little woods should not be lost sight of before mentioning the delightful springs of water which have been captured and finally pumped to the house. The cool, refreshing drink they furnish is a finishing touch to the charm of these woods. Shrubbery Beneath Treks. — Frequent inquiries are made for a list of flowering shrubs that will thrive beneath old trees. The chief difiiculty is in the matter of feeding material in the soil and not so much a question of shade, which is not expected to be really dense. Near the surface of the ground beneath old trees, there is a great net-work of roots, which must extract a very large amount of moisture and food. These roots, being more numerous and stronger, do not permit a newly-planted shrub to get much of the necessaries of life, and the new comer is slowly starved to death. There are a number of plants that delight in shade, and if the soil be kept in condition, there should be no diflficulty in growing them in such locations. The main attention should be in heavily mulching the ground above the roots with well-rotted manure, which will fur- nish both food and moisture. The following selection would prove very desirable and well adapted for such locations: Ceanothus Ameri- canus, azaleas, rho^o^^n^rons, Pyt us Japonica^ Clethra alnifolia, Comus Mas, Ilea Vitginica, Ligustrum vulgare, Pavia parviflora, Berberts Thunbetgii, Spitcea Bumalda. Laurus Benzoin, Hamamelis Virginica, mahonias, kalmias, hy- pericums, Dietvtlla trifida. Many additions could be well made to this list. (135) 136 MEEHANS* MONTHLY — GENERAL GARDENING. [Sept. 1898.] MEEHANS' MONTHLY— GENERAL GARDENING. 137 The Night-Blooming Cactus. — The only true night-blooming cactus, especially so- called, is the Ceteus gtandiflotus. This last long specific name implies its beauty and grandeur. It is one of the most delightfully scented of all the cactus family, blooming, as noted, at night. A large plant, covered with blossoms, is a sight of beauty once seen that is never to be forgotten. The round stems have numerous small angles on them and are covered with delicate spines. These stems are usually about as thick as one's finger. Of late years, another member of the cactus family has usurped the name of night-blooming. This is Phyllocactus latifrons. It is one of the broad, flat-leaved kinds, and is so readily propa- gated that it has now become common. It has a long tube to the flower, which curves downward like a siphon. It does bloom at night, and in one sense is night-blooming ; but, it bears no comparison in any respect with the original Night-blooming Cactus. Watering Trees at Transplanting. — A correspondent of Green's Fruit Gfowet says, — ** I have planted, perhaps, a million of trees in my lifetime. I have met with but few failures, and cannot remember having watered any of these trees. If the soil is made thoroughly fine before planting; if the soil about the roots is pressed in very firm, as firm as a fence-post; if the soil is left loose on the top, and kept continuously loose by cultivation; the trees will live even though the season may be dry." In connection with this paragraph, it may be noted that, on one occasion within the ex- perience of the writer, a large number of trees that had been planted in the spring, and had grown tolerably well, showed signs during the following very dry summer of wilting their leaves for want of water. An examination seemed to show that although the trees had been well planted in the common acceptation of the term, yet the earth in many cases was not packed closely around the roots. It was not convenient to water them. The owner was recommended to pound the earth around the trees with a heavy paving rammer. This was done. It is almost impossible to convey an idea of the force used on this occasion. A force was exerted fully equal to that employed by the regular rammers in paving the streets. The earth being very dry was reduced to fine powder by this process, and moisture drawn upwards by capillary attraction. In a couple of days afterwards, there was not the slightest sign of wilting, although no water had been applied, and they continued to grow without any evidence of suffering for want of water until the next rain came. Had the soil not been heavily beaten in this way, their death would have been absolutely certain. Beauty in Potato Vine. — Sweet-potatoes in hyacinth bottles as window ornaments, — a pretty idea this of making beauty out of a mere potato vine. I am reminded of a re- mark of a Swiss girl in this connection, who said they so eagerly desired something green during the long cold winters in Switzerland, that families often put boxes of earth in the cellars in which they sowed lettuce seed from time to time and thus had a little luxury for the table. E. E. Orcutt. Melon Cactus. — This class of the cactus family, usually round, or, as we might say, melon-shape, produces a dense mass of small spines at the crown. This mass has very much the appearance of a dense covering of moss. The flowers, appearing among this mass, are not showy, generally, but the crown always gives an interest to this class of the family. One interesting feature, however, is the pro- duction of reddish or purplish fruit. This fruit appears about the same time as the flowers. It is not generally known that the fruit of this class of cactus takes a whole year to mature. The flowers are, of course, fertilized at the time of opening, but after that time the ovarium or seed-vessel remains wholly dormant. It simply makes a green speck at the bottom of the faded flower. About the time when flower- ing is again resumed, this green speck de- velops and the mature purplish fruit is the re- sult. This long resting season of the fruit is not peculiar to a class of cactus. There are many similar instances in other families of plants, but it is still a fact of great interest to those who study the life history of plants. All motion is rhythmic. Advances are always by leaps; but there is a vast difference in the de- gree, and rests between the lines are sometimes of but a few hours duration, — at others there are weeks of intervals, and then again, as in this cactus illustration, a whole year of rest. The Care of Public Grounds.— One of the greatest difficulties in the way of securing public sympathy for open street spaces and public parks is that of getting them properly managed after the grounds have been secured. Few managers are sensible of their own defi- ciencies. They are unable to distinguish between men who are capable and men who are mere pretenders. In some cases, the man- agers realize their weakness in this respect and take the trouble to apply to those who know, for intelligent assistance. In this way, we have a few parks and pleasure grounds in our country which are well conducted. The f- 1 L*i» «W V 8TRELITZIA REGIM>C.--Bcc PAQC 139. 136 MEEHANS' MONTHLY — GENERAL GARDENING. [Sept. The Night-Blooming Cactus. — The only true night-blooming cactus, especially so- called, is the Ceteus gfandiflotus. This last long specific name implies its beauty and grandeur. It is one of the most delightfully scented of all the cactus family, blooming, as noted, at night. A large plant, covered with blossoms, is a sight of beauty once seen that is never to be forgotten. The round stems have numerous small angles on them and are covered with delicate spines. These stems are usually about as thick as one*s finger. Of late years, another member of the cactus family has usurped the name of night-blooming. This is Phyllocadus latifrons. It is one of the broad, flat-leaved kinds, and is so readily propa- gated that it has now become common. It has a long tube to the flower, which curves downward like a siphon. It does bloom at night, and in one sense is night-blooming ; but, it bears no comparison in any respect with the original Night-blooming Cactus. Watering Trees at Transplanting. — A correspondent of Green's Fruit Gtowet says, — ♦* I have planted, perhaps, a million of trees in my lifetime. I have met with but few failures, and cannot remember having watered any of these trees. If the soil is made thoroughly fine before planting; if the soil about the roots is pressed in very firm, as firm as a fence-post; if the soil is left loose on the top, and kept continuously loose by cultivation; the trees will live even though the season may be dry." In connection with this paragraph, it may be noted that, on one occasion within the ex- perience of the writer, a large number of trees that had been planted in the spring, and had grown tolerably well, showed signs during the following very dry summer of wilting their leaves for want of water. An examination seemed to show that although the trees had been well planted in the common acceptation of the term, yet the earth in many cases was not packed closely around the roots. It was not convenient to water them. The owner was recommended to pound the earth around the trees with a heavy paving rammer. This was done. It is almost impossible to convey an idea of the force used on this occasion. A force was exerted fully equal to that employed by the regular rammers in paving the streets. The earth being very dry was reduced to fine powder by this process, and moisture drawn upwards by capillary attraction. In a couple of days afterwards, there was not the slightest sign of wilting, although no water had been applied, and they continued to grow without any evidence of suffering for want of water until the next rain came. Had the soil not been heavily beaten in this way, their death would have been absolutely certain. Beauty in Potato Vine. — Sweet-potatoes in hyacinth bottles as window ornaments, — a pretty idea this of making besputy out of a mere potato vine. I am reminded of a re- mark of a Swiss girl in this connection, who said they so eagerly desired something green during the long cold winters in Switzerland, that families often put boxes of earth in the cellars in which they sowed lettuce seed from time to time and thus had a little luxury for the table. E. E. Orcutt. Melon Cactus. — This class of the cactus family, usually round, or, as we might say, melon-shape, produces a dense mass of small spines at the crown. This mass has very much the appearance of a dense covering of moss. The flowers, appearing among this mass, are not showy, generally, but the crown always gives an interest to this class of the family. One interesting feature, however, is the pro- duction of reddish or purplish fruit. This fruit appears about the same time as the flowers. It is not generally known that the fruit of this class of cactus takes a whole year to mature. The flowers are, of course, fertilized at the time of opening, but after that time the ovarium or seed-vessel remains wholly dormant. It simply makes a green speck at the bottom of the faded flower. About the time when flower- ing is again resumed, this green speck de- velops and the mature purplish fruit is the re- sult. This long resting season of the fruit is not peculiar to a class of cactus. There are many similar instances in other families of plants, but it is still a fact of great interest to those who study the life history of plants. All motion is rhythmic. Advances are always by leaps; but there is a vast difference in the de- gree, and rests between the lines are sometimes of but a few hours duration, — at others there are weeks of intervals, and then again, as in this cactus illustration, a whole year of rest. 1898.] MEEHANS* MONTHLY— GENERAL GARDENING. 137 ■.t - The Care of Public Grounds.— One of the greatest difficulties in the way of securing public sympathy for open street spaces and public parks is that of getting them properly managed after the grounds have been secured. Few managers are sensible of their own defi- ciencies. They are unable to distinguish between men who are capable and men who are mere pretenders. In some cases, the man- agers realize their weakness in this respect and take the trouble to apply to those who know, for intelligent assistance. In this way, we have a few parks and pleasure grounds in our country which are well conducted. The 1 '^ i: i^ .\>- I .^ ' STRELITZIA REG«M>E.--sEc p*GC 13*. lONAL SECOND EXPOS 93 >i^ 138 MEEHANS' MONTHLY — GENERAL GARDENING. [Sept. money is spent and the good work tells for it- self the wisdom of the managers ; but, in a large number of cases, men are selected so utterly unfit for the position they occupy that the public grounds fall into disrepute. For a while, it was necessary to educate the people up to the desirability of having open spaces and public parks in the vicinity of all towns and cities; but a combined effort for the diffusion of general intelligence on horticul- tural subjects among the people is of great importance. Comparison is often made between the intelligence, displayed in the management of these grounds in the Old World. The chief reason for this is from the fact that intelligent love of horticulture pervades the whole com- munity; and the managers, as well as other people, became alive to what is required to make horticultural work a success. It is the ignorance of the managers, and not the fault of the people, that public grounds are not more popular. Bright-twigged Shrubs. — The one who has a large collection of trees and shrubs, or who has the privilege of visiting such a collec- tion, finds something to attract and please him at all seasons of the year. In the winter sea- son, evergreens are particularly interesting, and many of them, hardly noticed in summer, are found to possess many beautiful features when examined at this season. The change of color of foliage which so many make when cold weather comes, is what gives a good deal of pleasure. There are many shrubs which change the color of their bark with the advent of cold weather, and it is of these I wish to refer to at this time. The most notable of these are to be found among the willows and dogwoods. The best of the willows that I have met with are the vitellina and its variety, Britzensis. Vitellina is yellow and Britzensis bright flame color. Planted near each other, in masses, the con- trast is a most pleasing one. Among the dogwoods, the best are alba^ sericea and sanguinea. Alba is by far the best. The twigs, especially those of the latest growth, are blood red. The other two become of a light red. Andromeda arbor ea becomes of a deep red. Fraxinus aurea yellow, and Tilia laciniata rubra of a dark red. The last named is most beautiful in the winter season. It may not be generally known that these bright-twigged shrubs are only bright in winter. When spring comes and foliage is made, the bright colors disappear, — or nearly so, — not to return until cold weather comes again. Joseph Meehan. Scarlet Runner Bean. — The Scarlet Run- ner Beans are not alone excellent to eat when young, but, to me, the principal delight in them is their attraction of the Ruby-throated Humming bird, which constantly hovers about them when they are in bloom. Then this lit- tle bird is the only kind which comes so far north from its southern home ; with us, it builds a tiny nest of lichens on a maple bough, and generally eludes the watchful eyes of those who might otherwise capture it. I plant my beans together with a few sunflower seeds on the growth of which they later twine and give a good covering for unsightly places, — besides the sunflower seeds, as soon as they mature, are greatly sought by the Yellow Warblers; while the chickens, underneath, watch for every seed the birds drop. Life is very enter- taining for those who have an eye for it. Hartford, Conn. MrS. W. SELIGER. Care of Century Plants.— Replying to an inquiry from a correspondent concerning the proper quantity of water for a Century Plant, her specimen having been overdosed, — it requires little or none at all in winter if kept moderately cool . Keep it dry from hence- forth. If you have any chance to plant it in the open ground, in the full sun, during the summer, it will doubtless recover. Re-pot it again in September or October. Then keep it rather dry the following winter. If no oppor- tunity occurs to put in the open ground, put it into another pot or tub with fresh earth, in April next, and give the plant all the sun you can during summer. Cave Palms. — It is stated that, in Yucatan, there are various species of palms growing in caves. These ought to be tried in artificial culture. C. W. G. Palms do not require as much light as other plants; but, that they could perfect themselves in utter darkness, should be confirmed before finally accepted. 1898.] MEEHANS' MONTHLY — GENERAL GARDENING. 139 II *►-■' % Red Spider.— How does the Red Spider hibernate ? I have a large American Wistaria growing up against my house, which was a great beauty not only when in bloom but also by its thrifty and luxuriant appearance. For the four or five years last past, it has been attacked by the Red Spider at the end of June or middle of July, and the older leaves turn yellow and drop off, robbing the vine of its rich and luxurious appearance. The leaves nearest to the ground are first attacked, after which it seems to work its way upward. Is there a way to destroy the eggs or larvae of the Red Spider in winter ? What can be done to get rid of this nuisance out-doors ? Dayton, Ohio. HORTICOLE. Spraying with Kerosene Emulsion has been found a complete protection against Red Spider. But the first appearance of the in- sects' work should be carefully noted. When a few leaves are seen to be mottled green and yellow, it is probably the work of this insect. A pocket lens, which the garden-lover should always have at hand, will aid in easily detecting the little pest. Though not of the true spider family, it will seem like a minute spider, and it makes a minute web, as a real spider does. Many do not note the presence of the in- sect, until most of the leaves have been destroyed. NEW Om RilRE FLINTS. Strelitzia Regin.*:. — We have pleasure in introducing to our readers what probably but few of them have seen, one of the most attrac- tive of floral beauties, and which, as in the case of a later competitor for royal honors, Victoria regia, it was deemed could not be fitly named otherwise than with a royal title. The plant in question is the Strelitzia Regina. A writer on gardening, of the early part of the century, says of it, "In honor of her late majesty, Charlotte Sophia, Queen of Great Britain, of the family of Mecklenburgh Stre- litz, and an illustrious patron of botany.*' It was collected by Sir Joseph Banks, at the Cape of Good Hope, when he was the natur- alist in Cook's voyage around the world. It flowered in the Royal Gardens at Kew*, about I773» and received the name it bears from Banks himself, in Aiton's Hortus Kewensis. The plant belongs to the same family of plants as the banana, — that is, MusacecB, The lower, horizontal portion, looking like a horn in the picture, is a spathe, out of which some six or eight flowers successively arise. The corollas — the upright portions seen in the pic- ture— are of a bright orange-yellow, while the nectary— the arrow-pointed, horizontal portion of the flower — is of a bright steel blue. In- side the folds of this nectary are the stamens. If the pollen be taken and placed on the stig- ma, it seeds freely, but never otherwise under cultivation. Like most Cape plants, it flowers only during the winter season. The plants are rather scarce, and bring high prices,— old specimens, which produce an abundance of flowers, are highly prized. The illustration on page 137 was made from a photograph kindly furnished by Mr. John Coulson, gardener to Hon. Stephen Salisbury, Worcester, Mass., in whose collection the plant is growing. Mr. Coulson writes that ''The plant illus- trated was raised from seed. It has eleven spikes of flowers, which last about two weeks in perfection. Plants may be propagated by divisions or seeds,— the latter, by-the-way, are said to be eaten by the Kaffirs. This is a fine species, attracting universal attention." Browallia speciosa MAJOR. — The pretty purple- flowered novelty recently introduced from New Granada, Browallia speciosa major, is quite an acquisition to the general list of greenhouse flowering plants; and, as it is of easy culture, ought to become a favorite with the amateur gardener. Its upright, sturdy bush-form adds greatly to the usefulness in conservatory or window decorations ; also in sitting-rooms, where plants will remain in fairly good condition, if properly watered, for a considerable time. It is also good for cutting, lasting very well, and for mixing with other flowers it is very acceptable on account of color. It can be raised easily from seed or cut- tings. If from seed, sow in the usual way, in pans or boxes, using rather a light compost composed of equal parts of loam and leaf- mold with a good dash of sand, which answers the purpose very well. Cover the seed very lightly with equal parts of sand and leaf-mold that has been passed through a fine sieve, such I40 MEEHANS' MONTHLY — GENERAL GARDENING. [Sept. 1898.] MEEHANS' MONTHLY — GENERAL GARDENING. 141 as is used to sift flour through. I may here remark that I have found that to be the most satisfactory covering for small seeds of all kinds,— -it is light, does not pack hard, and holds moisture thoroughly. If the sand and leaf-mold are dry when shifted, it does not take but a very few minutes to run enough through the fine sieve to cover a dozen or more boxes of good size. When the seedlings are up and large enough to handle, they can either be placed singly in small pots, or pricked out in boxes, later to be potted into three and four-inch pots, using a fairly good rich compost. Two parts loam and one of leaf-mold with a dash of bone flour, and enough sand to keep it porous, answers very well. In fact, after it is pretty well started along, it does not seem to be par- ticular about soil (that is, mixtures). A good rich loam, with sand, answers just as well. Seed can be sown either in early fall for winter and spring flowering or spring for summer and fall flowering. Those two sowings will cover the whole year easily, it lasts so long in flower, and if potted on until the plants occupy seven or eight-inch pots, there will be no diffi- culty whatever in having plants in bloom the year round. When the sun becomes strong in the early spring months, it is advisable to shade the plants in flower;— the sunlight robs the flowers of their color. For temperature, it seems per- fectly at home in a cool or intermediate one, 45° to 55° at night, in winter, and 55° to 65° during day. During summer, a cold frame is sufficient. As regards water, it should not become dry. Keep it moist all the time, but it should not be- come sodden whilst in a young state. Amp. THE M^Rl^T FLOWEl ^/^RI^EN. Trop^olum speciosum.— Isaac Myer, Esq., of Thorp's Lane, Chestnut Hill, Philadel- phia, on the 19th ult., brought us flowers of the TropcBolum speciosum (Flame- flowered Nas- turtium,) a hardy perennial vine native of Chili. This plant is very difficult to grow in this vicinity. Mr. Myer has been importing roots of it from Holland for six years, and this is the first year he has been successful in bloom- ing it. The blossoms are of a brilliant scarlet and very attractive. He would like to be in- formed if others in the United States have it in bloom. Winter Propagation by Cuttings. — As a rule, it is time and money saved to purchase in the fall or spring such stock that it may be desired to increase, as considerable care and conveniences are demanded for paying success. But, frequently these two necessaries are easily had, and it will then be found a subject of in- terest even if not strictly profitable. Most of our border plants root readily from cuttings, and to secure stock plants for winter propagation, strong roots should be lifted, be- fore the ground freezes, and potted. Of course, it is desirable to encourage vigorous, healthy growth, so roomy pots and rich soil should be used. Do not be in a hurry to take them into the propagating house, as a perfect rest is absolutely necessary in order to get the best growth; so after potting, they may be plunged in soil or ashes and left there for a couple or three weeks. To avoid a forced, weak growth, they should be introduced gradually to heat. Wild Flowers and Ferns under Culti- vation.— In almost every phase of life, human nature is prone to overlook the beauty and good qualities of those things that are near at hand — that have become common sights from child- hood— and be continually searching among un- familiar things for morsels of interest. Children, almost alone, have full appreciation for the ordinary field flowers — daisies, buttercups, golden-rod, bluebottles, Quaker-ladies, Stars- of-Bethlehem, violets and even clover are never too abundant to be slighted. It would be foolish, perhaps, to recommend cultivating any of those in yards in the open suburbs of a large city where they are to be found abundantly near at hand; but it would not be out of the way to advise such a course for more confined locali- ties, where common flowers are only occasion- ally met with. The fall season is the natural period for transplanting wild plants to the garden, as the tops show for certain what is being removed. Early fall, while the leaves are yet on, is favora- ble as respects weather conditions. By cutting about half the tops off", leaving a few leaves to support the plants forthe few remaining weeks, will insure success in nearly every case. A light mulching of leaves should be placed over IM .-> t^ \ them when winter arrives to prevent their being drawn out by the frost. Many additions to the foregoing list, accord- ing to the locality, could be made. Especially interesting, is the notice of variations,— such as there are among the golden-rods. Frequent- ly, it will be found that cultivation brings per- fection; golden-rods, in the writer's garden, attain a great height, making magnificent specimens. Lysimachia clethroides.— So many beauti- ful plants have been introduced from Japan, during the last half century, that one might be pardoned for wondering what our gardens did for attractiveness before we had these in- troductions. The one here introduced to the reader, is one of the comparatively recent ad- ditions. It is one of the losestrife family. We have a number among American wild flowers, but these are yellow, while the one here represented is white. It has no common name, and we must introduce it as Lysimachia clethroides. The resem- blance of the flower to the head and neck of a bird is suggestive of some suitable appellation. It is a charming hardy her- baceous plant, flowering profusely just after mid- summer. It is rather inclined to spread un- duly, but easily kept in close quarters by a little care in due season. For cut-flower purposes, it is scarcely excelled, by reason of its graceful and lasting flower-spike. As may be inferred from the illustration, the flowers open successively, com- mencing with the lower ones, making their bloom- ing period very much ex- tended. Its common name is derived from an early legend that it was a peace-maker. The name has therefore been rendered lose-strife in- stead of "loose-strife." FK'UIITS as ¥E^ETi^PLES. Grapes in Greenhouses. — In consequence of the improved methods of transportation, with which we are all familiar in recent years, less attention has been given to the raising of fruits under glass than was given in former times. It is so easy, now, to get "hot-house" grapes from California, or from the Old World, that one does not think it worth while to raise them in greenhouses as it was formerly the practice to do. One could scarcely think of putting up houses for raising grapes as a mat- ter of profit in market culture. Still, there is great pleasure in raising hot-house grapes. A glass house filled with the ripening fruit of the vine, with the vines themselves in perfect health, is as much an object of pleasure as a house full of roses or carnations. Aside from this, the fruit itself is far more tasty than that which is imported from distant centres. A decline of grape culture under glass is much to be regretted. LYSIMACHIA CLETHROIDES. > • w^mmfsr *<-<»^ -»«»*tflfctfc"■ V I A' ^ 1898.] MEEHANS' MONTHLY — GENERAL GARDENING. 141 them when winter arrives to prevent their being drawn out by the frost. Many additions to the foregoing list, accord- ing to the locality, could be made. Especially interesting, is the notice of variations,— such as there are among the golden-rods. Frequent- ly, it will be found that cultivation brings per- fection; golden-rods, in the writer's garden, attain a great height, making magnificent specimens. Lysimachia clethroides.— So many beauti- ful plants have been introduced from Japan, during the last half century, that one might be pardoned for wondering what our gardens did for attractiveness before we had these in- troductions. The one here introduced to the reader, is one of the comparatively recent ad- ditions. It is one of the losestrife family. We have a number among American wild flowers, but these are yellow, while the one here represented is white. It has no common name, and we must introduce it as Lysimachia clethroides. The resem- blance of the flower to the head and neck of a bird is suggestive of some suitable appellation. It is a charming hardy her- baceous plant, flowering profusely just after mid- summer. It is rather inclined to spread un- duly, but easily kept in close (quarters by a little care in due season. For cut-flower purposes, it is scarcely excelled, by reason of its graceful and lasting flower-spike. As may be inferred from the illustration, the flowers open successively, com- mencing with the lower ones,making their bloom- ing period very much ex- tended. Its common name is derived from an early legend that it was a peace-maker. The name has therefore been rendered lose-strife in- stead of "loose-strife." FIK'^HTS ^ ¥E^ET/^PLES. Grapes in Greenhouses. — In consequence of the improved methods of transportation, with which we are all familiar in recent years, less attention has been given to the raising of fruits under glass than was given in former times. It is so easy, now, to get "hot-house" grapes from California, or from the Old World, that one does not think it worth while to raise them in greenhouses as it was formerly the practice to do. One could scarcely think of putting up houses for raising grapes as a mat- ter of profit in market culture. Still, there is great pleasure in raising hot-house grapes. A glass house filled with the ripening fruit of the vine, with the vines themselves in perfect health, is as much an object of pleasure as a house full of roses or carnations. Aside from this, the fruit itself is far more tasty than that which is imported from distant centres. A decline of grape culture under glass is much to be regretted. LYSIMACHIA CLETHROIDES. ^ • NnONAL SECOND EXPOSURE 142 MEEHANS* MONTHLY — GENERAL GARDENING. [Sept. Columbus Gooseberry. — I herewith send you a sample of Columbus Gooseberries. They were picked as they grow, as the enclosed two branches will show. We grow them as single- stem or standard form of bushes, in the open, without any shade whatever and within almost a stone's throw of the salt water. We are never troubled with any signs of mildew whatever, having grown them this way for the last three seasons with equal success. We grow, also, Industry, Pearl and several other sorts, but Columbus is the leader, though they are all equally free from disease. The only pest that troubles them is the. Currant Worm, but it is easily destroyed with hellebore or Hammond's Slug-shot which we find very eflfective. The bushes receive no special attention what- ever, only a liberal manuring in fall or spring, with the ground well tilled and kept free of weeds. Greenwich. Conn. JOHN W. DUNCAN. It is said that the great perfection to which the gooseberry has been brought in England, is mainly due to the weavers of Lancashire, who make a hobby of growing them in their cottage gardens, raise new kinds from seed, and enter into a friendly rivalry as to who shall have the largest and best. Those sent by Mr. Duncan are a smooth white kind, and equal in size and productiveness to those which the Lancaster weavers would be proud of. We are also glad to have this endorsement of Hammond's Slug-shot, which we have long looked on as one of the simplest and best of insecticides, and which is now coming into general use. Order Opposed to Garden Pests. — There is important work to be done in the fruit and vegetable garden in late summer and early fall, in getting rid of insect pests. Such work is frequently neglected for two reasons, viz. : the effects of insect ravages are not as noticeable at that season, permitting a forget- fulness of what has happened ; and one is apt to consider it fruitless to attempt an attack because his neighbor is negligent in that re- spect, and the pests may travel to his garden. No garden can be too small to call for good attention, in fact, the responsibility is greater, though the reward may be chiefly in feeling that the work has been thorough. It would at least set an example to others and start them to make comparisons. Fruit trees — particularly apples— should be examined for borers which bore under the bark and a short distance into the wood. The chief injury is done by one which enters at the base of trees, just at the surface of the soil. Scrape away the soil and the loose bark with a knife to locate the entrance of the borers, though they are easily traced by the sawdust. By inserting an easily-bending wire, the worm can be crushed. Other kinds of borers run through the stems of vegetables. By burning all rubbish, like potato tops, as soon as possible, these are destroyed. Raspberries, currants and goose- berries, are troubled in the same way, the larvae, or young, remaining in them all winter in a dormant state. Examination of the canes will soon reveal the presence of a hidden foe, as they will appear weak and not solid. The course of destruction is the same as for the others. Old wood- piles and rubbish heaps are winter quarters for many kinds of insects. Even the loose bark on large trees will be found to shield cocoons. To defeat the enemy in this position, many persons coat their trees with lime- wash, or else scrape off the loose bark. The immensely destructive Codlin Moth, the cause of so many wormy apples, would be greatly held in check if cleanliness were more the rule. De Tongres Pear. —Dr. Geo. W. Russell tells the Hartford Times, that a Belgian variety of pear, De Tongres, of great reputation in its own country, has been in bearing for 12 years in his garden, near that city. He finds it ex- cellent in quality, and very handsome. It ripens from the middle of October to the mid- dle of November. Mrs. Seliger, whose notes in the Hartford Times are models of intelli- gence, says it is regarded as one of the eight best pears in Germany. It was raised by Mons. Durandeau, of Tongres. Famous English Apples.— English Gar- deners have found no apple to supersede the old Ribston Pippin in popularity. This, with Blenheim Orange, and Cox's Orange Pippin, they regard as their three best. ^^ A' ^ i ^ ', ^.l t <| BIOGRAPHY AND LITERATURE. THE ACTIVE MAN. O'er vales that teem with fruits, romantic hills, (Oh, that such hills upheld a freeborn race!) Whereon to gaze the eye with joyance fills, Childe Harold wends through many a pleasant place. Though sluggards deem it but a foolish chance. And marvel men should quit their easy chair, The toilsome way, and long, long leagues to trace, Oh! there is sweetness in the mountain air. And life, that bloated Ease can never hope to share. —Byron. The Metric System. — Prof- Benjamin Smith Lyman, the well-known geologist and Civil Engineer, of Philadelphia, has issued an able pamphlet against the proposed legislation by Congress, legalizing the French Metric System. Among other good things, he says: '•If our early predecessors, in learning to reckon, had but omitted to count their thumbs, and had taken eight instead of ten as the base of notation, they would have saved the world a vast deal of labor, and would have almost abolished the use of vulgar fractions. The most natural, easiest, and therefore common- est mode of subdivision is by halving again; the next easiest is by dividing into thirds; then, much less easy, into fifths, sevenths or tenths. If eight, instead often, were the base of our arithmetical notation, so that every place to the left gave a value eight times greater, and, in fractions, every place towards the right from the comma a value eight times less, the fractions of halves, quarters and eights would be expressed simply by a single figure; six- teenths, thirty-seconds and sixty-fourths by two figures, and so on. Comparatively seldom would it be necessary or desirable to express other fractions than these most natural ones, that are constantly required even with our un- congenial decimal fractions. The present measures, with the foot, bushel, hogshead, gallon, pint, pound, and others, would harmonize admirably with the eightfold notation and numeration, and comparatively trifling changes only, without the slightest confusion or effort, would be needed for perfec- tion, if exact correspondence of the parts should be considered desirable. The foot itself would be ideally beautiful, natural, universal, non- political, rational unit, derived by twenty- seven times progressively halving the equatori- al circumference of the earth." The Age of Trees. — Meehans' Monthly of April, 1894, says : ** There is a Tulip Tree known to be two hundred years old, in Ber- wickshire, England.'* Humboldt describes an oak tree he saw in France, which was estimated to be two thou- sand years old. In the Louvre, Paris, Mrs. Bullard saw, in 1850, an orange tree produced from seed in 1 42 1. After flourishing under eighteen reigns, and blooming 430 years, it was then supported with iron rings, etc. Cologne has a 300-year-old rose-tree, it is said. In a glass house in Hampton Court, Eng- land, a grape vine has been exhibited as being 250 years old. Dr. Rothrock says the age of trees cannot always be known by their rings. That in the tropics trees sometimes make three or four rings annually. Also that the rings may be more on one side than another. The Weeping Willow. — Alexander Pope in- troduced the Weeping Willow into England. Seeing some unknown twigs around some article from the Orient, he planted them in his garden at Twickenham, saying they might be something new, and so it proved. Slips were sent from the poet's willow to a friend in the United States from whence have sprung thou- sands. Pope died in 1744, and his willow fell to the ground in 1801, notwithstanding the utmost care. Thoreau spoke of its being only the pistillate plant in this country, while some think the staminate may have later been introduced from Europe. The maple trees of dear New England, so vivid in their autumn coloring, both the Sugar Maple and the smaller Rock Maple, outvie (143) I 144 MEEHANS' MONTHLY— GENERAL NOTES. [Sept. in memory any exotic ; and the seed lobes children played with as table knives, it seemed so pretty to have them in pairs, though a seed was found only in one, so lavish is nature of order and beauty. San Diego. California. MrS. E. E. OrCUTT. The age of the tulip tree referred to was not as a specimen of longevity, but as indicating the probable first appearance of this American tree in English gardens. The story of Pope and the Weeping Willow tree, like so many of the so-called truths of history, has long been remanded to the region of the myths. No basket was ever made from branches of the Weeping Willow. The branches are like glass— too brittle to weave. It is now conceded that the most probable sup- position is that it was brought from China by the Dutch, who alone had intercourse with China, — and from Holland was sent to Hamp- ton Court. ^EMERi^L MOTES. Boulevards in Cities.— The great boule- vards of the Old World are magnificent in comparison with the comparatively narrow avenues to which the name of boulevard has been given in America. It is rare that the name of boulevard is given to any avenue in the Old World that is less that 200 feet in width. idea uppermost, and ten thousand to make a beginning of the great work after a compre- hensive plan shall be adopted. A. S. Eisen- hower, Chief of the Bureau of City Property of the city, has the matter in charge. There are to be arrangements for summer boating, winter skating, covered play spaces for chil- dren, drilling ground for military and police organizations, ground for athletic sports,— and besides these, beauty spots with umbrageous trees, where the aged and the thoughtful can have quiet nooks to themselves. City Play-grounds. — Out of the grand movement for public parks in towns and cities, has grown a greater desire for open spaces or play-grounds within the brick and mortar area itself. Philadelphia is keeping pace with this evolution of civic thought, and the movement, originated by Councilman Meehan, in 1886, for small parks in Philadel- phia, is being developed considerably in that direction. One of these, the John Dickinson Square, situated in one of the squalid portions of the city, has been fitted up wholly as a play-ground for smaller children, and is re- garded as a model of its kind. Another of these plots, comprising nearly 300 acres, in an unimproved part of the city, yet which cost over $300,000, also situated in the poorer portion of the city, is to be fitted up mainly under the play-ground idea. The city has voted a thousand dollars as premium for plans that are to keep this play-ground Park Degeneration.— Some of our great public parks are degenerating to mere ceme- teries, in appearance, with little else to attract but monuments and civic public works. Garden and Forest in the past published many articles on the dangers to public parks, and the attacks on them, not only by the ignorant and vicious, who deny their utility and wish to ex- ploit them solely for their own pecuniary benefit, but those of sculptors and architects, who regard the parks simply as good places for the display of monuments and statues. In one of its articles, the editor remarks: "It is certainly clear that parks like Cen- tral Park are, in themselves, more valuable, even from the artistic point of view, than any object which can be placed within them, and that their beauty is of such a kind that it may easily be marred by the intrusion of an object in itself artistic.** The once famous, and still beautiful. Fair- mount Park, at Philadelphia, embracing 2,791 acres, is fast following in this degenerate path. It was used one year as a camping ground for the State Militia, with many thousands of spectators daily to see the drills. A large num- ber of valuable shrubs were totally destroyed, and partial destruction was everywhere. Huge water reservoirs, with unattractive banks, have been placed within it; and, at the present time, acres of sand- filter beds are being talked of to be located there. A trolley line has been con- structed through it, and more "ornamenta- tion " in the line of marble and granite is under consideration. It is no wonder that talented subordinates get disheartened, and try to take life as easily as possible. If they come at 9 A. M., and go at 3 p. m., and draw their salaries, they feel that they are at least keep- ing ignoramuses out of place. \ K ^< SITUATIONS WANTED. Advertisements under this head, not exceeding 50 words will be inserted once for 50 cents, or three times for $1.25. (^ARDENERS: At all times, we have on our register the names of competent gardeners, whom we would be glad to recommend to persons in need of same as being fully competent to take entire charge of any place, either large or small. Gardeners desiring situations should correspond with us. No charge, whatever, is made for any such service rendered. THOMAS MEEHAN & SONS, German town, Philadelphia. ■^ --nifrMrii i i ■■ mm i i«- r -ii ti- i 1 r^ARDENER — Situation wanted as gardener ^^ on private place, where a thorough, practical and reliable person is required. Life experienced ; best of references ; English, age 35, married, small family. Address, S. Bolton, Johnson St., Jamaica PI., Mass. QARDENER AND FLORIST wants private ^^ place ; German, age 33, married, one child ; good references. **I. D. N.," care of Meehans* MONTHI^Y. QARDENER— English, age 34,married, I child, ^^^ desires situation on private place where his ability will prove of some consideration. Exten- sive and practical experience in all of gardening and landscaping. Forcing expert. Fine references. C. H. R., care of Mbehans' Monthly. (^ARDENER with life-long experience and ^^ holding highest of references desires position on gentleman's place. Employed at present, but would like to make a change. Thomas F. Martin, Bayport, L. I., N. Y. NOVELTIES IN PLANTS, FRUITS, Etc A. BLANC & CO., 314, 316 N. 11th ST., PHILADELPHIA \A/ A M "T P" P) — We would like to procure a vvrAiN I L.Ly few copies of "The Ameri- can Hand Book of Ornamentai. Treks," by Thomas Meehan. Published in 1854 and now out of print. State condition, price, etc., to THOMAS MEEHAN & SONS, Publishers SPRING FLOWERING BULBS AMERICAN GROWN DAFFODIL, Kmperor 12, $1.25. ioo, $7.00 impress 12, i.oo. 100, 5.00 Hor«fieldi 12, .60. 100, 400 Sir Watkin 12, .80. 100, 6.00 -. . _,.,_^-,_-^ JTinceps .,..12, $0.20. 100, li.oo. 1,000, 900 M AKUIS8U8, Pocticus Oruatus, 12, $0.20; 100,10.75; 1,000,17.50 Tulips, Late Flowering: Bizancs, Byblooms and Roses. A fine collection. 12, 2octs.; 100, 75 cts.: 1,000, |6 00. First-class Bulbs. By express as above. M. CRAWFOBDr cuyahoga falls, o. -¥ *»• THE NEED of Potash to make a successful fer- tilizer is well known* Phosphoric acid and nitrogen ^^ ^ V" VI without ^ or Potash without them^ is not economy* Most fertilizers do not contain sufficient Potash* The amount required varies* See our book* pr^p'p' Our books contain the results of actual experiments on various crops and soils in different sections of the United States. They have helped thousands of farmers to make comparatively barren fields yield profitable crops. Free to all farmers. Write for them. OERMAN KALI WORKS. 93 Naisau St., N. T. A material htts been discovered for glazing which after thorough test has been proven far superior to putty, it is called TV^KSTICA. Mastica is easier to apply and when once put on it stays. It is not affected by extremes of weather, and is thus especial- ly adapted for greeahouses.conservatories.graperies.hotbcds, etc. Endorsed by prominent florists throughout the country. Send for descriptive circular of Hastlca and Hastica Glazing riachines. F=* O. RIERCe CO.. Sol* ]«!anuta«tup«ps 170 pUIiTOH 8TRBHT, » NBW YORK 14 WASHINGTOri ST., BOSTOfl GRIFFITH & TURNER CO.. 205 N. Paca St., Baltimore, Md. EDWARD S. SCHMID. 712 12th St . N. W., Washington. D. C. HENRY A. OREER. 714 Chestnut Street Philadelphia Pa. HENRY F. MICHELL,1018 Market Street, Philadelphia, Pa. HENRY W.GIBBONS GREENHOUSE BUILDER AMD NCATINC INOINEER IS* tliCBTY STMIT ^^<.-^ NEW YORK. NY. ^^ CATALOCUiS ICCNTS. i EXPERT ADVICt ESTIMATES. PLANS. RTABLE CREENNOUSES FOR SMALL ESTATES. COMPLETE FOR |XOO«e TREES. Everything good, either old or new, in the Hardy Tree, Shrub or Plant line is described in our new catalogue. Contains many fine illustrations and is full of valuable infor- mation. Sent for six cents. THOMAS MEEHAN & SONS, Germantown, Penna. i i\ I i WHEN WRITING TO ADVERTISERS, TELL THEM YOU SAW THEIR CARD IN MEEHANS' MONTHLY. t*",- /■ Prettiest of all Spring flowers — no trouble to grow ; planted in Fall they never fail to give good returns. As an in- ducement for everybody to try them, we offer the following collection at much less than cata- logue prices. Three strong flower- ing Bulbs each of the following four flne sorts: Golden Trumpet Daffodil, Chalice-cup or Star Daffodil, Poet's Narcissus, Double Trumpet Daffodil, 12 Bulbs in all sent postpaid to any address in U. S. for i'/i 5 collections for $i .oo.j Full cultural direc- / tlons, illustrations and descriptions of the besti BULBS, PLANTS, and' 5EEDS, will be found in ourl handsome Autumn Cataloguei'l Mailed FREE on application. Henry A. Dreer ' 714 Chestnut SU Philadelphia. PEACE WANTED. The "Tranquillity Stock Farm," at Alamuchy. New Jersey, has It, They use only Page Fence— 15 miles or more. We sell this peace maker. PAGE WOVEN WIRE FENCE CO., Adrian, Mich. ARE NOVELTIES, SEEDS. PLANTS, BULBS, CACTI AND SUCCULENTS. . . Qrown by Mrs. Theodosia B. Shepherd Send IOC. for cat. Ventura-by-the-SeM, Califurnia MENTION PAPER LOVERS OF BOTANY SHOULD HAVE THE PliA^T WORliD An illustrated monthly Journal of Popular Botany Bdltttd by P. H. KNOCUUTON. Pb- D. aod • •opps of specialists. In its pages the interesting facts of plant life are treated in language that is strictly scientific but not technical. Sample copy free. Address, WmiiAHD ti. CIiUTE & CO. PUBLISHERS BIflOflAMTOri, - flHW YORK. HCDOC OF CALirORNIA PRIVET ( LIGU 8TRU M OVALIFOLIUM) DO YOU WANT A HEDGE PLANTED? We would be pleased to give estimates for furnishing and planting hedges of all descriptions : Hemlock, Arbor-Vitae, Privet, or any other hedge plant. Full information on application. We have an immense stock of Ornamental Trees, Shrubs, Vines, Ever- greens and Herbaceous Plants. Catalogue for six cents. Nurserymen and Landscape Engineers THOMAS MEEHAN & SONS, Qermaotown, Phlla , Pa. ARMSTRONO A McKELVT Piti8biir»rh. BEYMERBAUICAN PitiKhurgh. DAVIS -CHAMBERS Pittsburgh. FAHNEStOOK PittBburgh. ANCHOR ) > Cincinnati. ECSBTEIK ) ATLAKTZC BRADLEY BROOELTN I JEWETT ULSTER UNION SOUTHERN SHIPMAN COIdJSR MISSOURI RED SEAL SOUTHERN New York. ChicAiiro. I St. Lonis. JOHN T. LEWIS A BROS CO Pitiiadelphia. MORLET c,^^^^^^ SALEM $alen). Mans. OOBimXi Buffalo. LET us send you a pamphlet giving information con- cerning paint — the kind that lasts. It is made from Pure White Lead and Pure Linseed OiL Pamphlet also contains samples of colors or shades made with Pure White Lead (see list of brands) and Tinting Colors, and gives full directions for mixing and applying them. ; 1 XENTUCKT Louisrille. National Lead Co., lOO William SL, New York. Pot Grown Strawberry Plants will bear crop next season. Prult trees, celery, cabbage plants, etc. — e\<"" •^•ng in the nursery line. Send your at or our free Summer pnd Autumn catalogue. T. J. DWVBR & SON, Boy 6a, Cornwall. N. Y. C. G. Van Tubergen, Jr , Haarlem, Holland CHOICE DUTCH BULBS 0 ATTRACTIVE BULBOUS PLANTS Orders for importation only. - CATADOaUHS PREH C. C. ABEL & CO., Sole Agents, Box 920, New York The Sprayinur of Plants, by E. G. LodeaiaD. A concise account of the history, principles and practice of the appli- cations of liquids and powders to plants for the destroying of insects and tungi. 399 pages, 93 illastratlons, price* 91.00, postpaid. THOMAS MKEHAN ft SONS, Publishers, German town, Phila. The Forcing Book, A manual of th cultivation of Tegeta- bles in glass houses. It is a convenient record of longr experience and practical and careful experimentation. By Prof. L. H. Bailey. 280 pages, 88 Illustrations, Sl.OO, post-paid. THOlVf AS M££HAN & SONS, Publishers, Gerniantow^n, Phila. LORD & BURNHAM CO. liorticultural Architects and Builders Larj:e8t Builders of Qreen house Structures Red Qolf Cypress Greenhouse Material strictly free from sap LARGEST STOCK OF AIR-DRIED CYPRESS IN THE NORTH. Write to New York Office for Circular and estimates. Send five cents postoge for latest Catalogue of Greenhouse Heating and Ventilating Apparatus. Send four cents postage for Catalogueof "Patent Iron Construction." Write for Circular of Hot Bed Sash and Frames. riBW YORK OFPICB^St. J«m«s Building, Bfoftduiay and 26tb Street. OBftBRAIi oppiCB AND WORKS— IfVindton^On^HudsoD, |4eui Yot«k. WHEN WRITINQ TO ADVERTISERS, TELL THEIM YOU SAW THEIR CARD IN MEEHANS' IMONTHLY* «i(l m. m WHEN WRITING TO ADVERTISERS, TELL THEM YOU SAW THEIR CARD IN MEEHANS' MONTHLY. Ijb* 1\ /y mm - #-01 NAKCISSUI \ I Prettiest of all Spring Ji^ \ rtowers -no trouble lo ,| grow; planted in Fail they ne\tr fiiil tt) u^ive ^ trfxxi returns As an in- (liKM'nu'nt for t'«ry Itody to try them, u«' <)tr<'r tlir following oolk'cMion at much Uss than cata- logue |>ri<'('s. Three strong tlo\v«r- ing liiilhs each of the following four tine sorts: • Golden Trumpet Daffodil, y Chalice-cup or Star Daffodil, y ;#>, Poet's Narcissus, Double Trumpet Daffodil, 12 Bulbs in all sent p()Stj)ai(l to any address in U. S. for 25c. J 5 collections for $1 .oo.f ■4 / J Full cultural direc- ud %^'i. •est JK^ / tlons, illustrations and descriptions «>f the I BULBS, PLANTS, and 5r:ri)S, win I.e found in i.iii- hniidsome Autumn Catalot'u \ : rt s^ Mailiii F-REE on application. k/^^^'C Henry A* Dreer, ^^ 7H Chestnut Su Philadelphia. - 'i^. .. PEACfci WANTED. The •'TraiKiiiiililv Slock Fariu," at Al.iiinic)iy. New Jersey, ha* it. 'thf^y use only l':e-re Ketict' - If) niilesor iiiore. \V«' ••ell tJii» peace iiiaUei . PAiiK WOVKN >VIUK FKX K ( ()., Adrian, >Iioh. ARE NOVELTIES, SEEDS. PLANTS, BULBS, CACTI AND SUCCULENTS. . . (irownby Mfs. Thcodosia B. Shepherd Send Kc. toi tat. VeiUura-by-the-Sc*t, Cahturn.a MtNTION PAPER R LOVERS OF BOTANY SHOULD HAVE THE PliA^lT WORLiD An illustrated monthly Journal of Popular Botany Edited by F. H. KNOiiibTON, Pt^- D. and a oopps of spesioUsts. In its pages the interesting facts ot' plant life are treated 111 lan^aia^e that is strictly scientifK- but not technical. Sample c<)]'> free. Address. WIULiARD H. CbUTE & CO. PUBLISHERS BlflGHAIVITOJM, - NHW YORK- HEDGE OF CALIFORNIA PR I V ET r LI C U STR U M O V A LI FO LI U IVI i DO YOU WANT A HEDGE PLANTED? We would be ])leased to ^ive estimates for furnishinj; and planting luMJ^es of all descriptions : Hemlock, Arbor-Vit.x, Privet, or any oiIut licdj:\- plant. luill information on application. We have an immense stock of Ornamental Trees, vShnihs, \'iiKr>, l'"ver- greens and llerhaceous Plants. Catalogue for six cents. LrdSrVn^/leer, THOMAS MEEHAN & SONS, (iermantown. I'hila , Pa WHtN WRITING TO ADVERTISERS, TELL THEM YOU SAW THEIR CARD IN MEEHANS' MONTHLY, s \ ARMSTRONG s. B\iffalo. LET us send you a pamphlet giving information con- cerning paint — the kind that lasts. It is made from Pure White Lead and Pure Linseed Oil. Pamphlet also contains samples of colors or shades made with Pure White Lead (see list of brands) and Tinting Colors, and gives full directions for mixing and applying them. KENTUCKY Louisvjlle. National Lead Co., lOO William Si., New York. Pot Grown Strawberry Plants will hear cnip ne.\t season. Fruit trees, ( elery, cahbnpe j)lants, etc. — c\er\ thing ill th«! nurscr) line. Soul your ;i(:di t-is for our tree Siiiuiiier ."ixl -\imnnri c.itaiopue. T. J. DWYER & SON, Boy 62, Corn waU, N. Y. C. 6. Van Tubergen, Jr , Haarlem, Holland CHOICE DUTCH BULBS ^ ATTRACTIVE BULBOUS PLANTS Orders for importation only. CATALiOQUES PREB C. C. ABEL &, CO., Sole Agents, Box 920, New York The Spraying: of PlantH, by K. G. Lodeman. .\ conci.se account of tlie history, principles and practice of the appli> cations of liquids and powders to plants for the destroying of insects and fungi. '6W^ pages, O'j illustrations, price. ]>iil.OO, postpaid. THOMAS MKKHAN & SONS, rubli.sliers Germaiitowii, Phila. Tlie Forcing Book, A manual of th cultivation of vegeta- bles in glass houses. It is a convenient record of long experience and practical and careful experitncntation. By Prof. L. H. Bailey. 280 pages, 8S illustrations, $1.00, post-paid. THOMAS MEEHAN & SONS, INiblishers, Gerniantovvn, Plilla. LORD 8c BURNHAM CO. Horticultural Architects and Builders Largest Builders of Greenhouse Structures W lli^-fMiu' 't@» . _ . ,1. . . ", '"iiii'* ii..,ii.'.i ,,,,r/,ir«v!i/;i/(llf/.lpl^^ ■'••i^'i.'- .,' .* 1 1 * Red Gulf Cypress Greenhouse Material strictly free from sap LARGEST STOCK OF AIR-DRIED CYPRESS IN THE NORTH. Write to New York Office for Circular and estimates. Send five cents postage for latest Catalogue of Greenhouse Heating and Ventilating Apparatus. Send four cents postage for Catalogueof "Patent Iron Construction." Write for Circular of Mot Bed Sash and Frames. » > riHW YOt^K OFFICE— St. Jam«8 Building, Bfoftduiay end 26th Stfeet. GBiMBt^ALt OFFICB A14D WORKS— iPvington^On^Hudson, fl«ui Yoxk. WHEN WRITINQ TO ADVERTISERS, TELL THEM YOU SAW THEIR CARD IN MEEHANS' MONTHLY. m^m^msm^ t t ibT :,««,-*'./• I j--!»- V.-.j ESTABLISHED 60 YEARS HITCHINGS 5 CO. HORTICULTURAL ARCHITECTS HHD BUILDERS Greenhouse Heating and Ventilating Apparatus Vol. VIII OCTOBER, 1595 No. 10 and largest Manufacturers of s^tSJJ^jrir-rv.- » The highest awards re- ceived at the World's Fair for Horticultural Architec- ture, Greenhouse Constmo- tion and Heating Appar- atus. Conservatories, Green- houses, Palmhouses, etc., erected complete with oar Patent Iron Frame Con- struction. SEND FOUR CENTS FOR ILLUSTRATED CATALOGUES. 233 MERCER STREET, HEM YORK CITY ^ — I ■ ■■ ■ ■■ ■ ■ I- ■ ■^ — ■ ■ ■■■— I ■ ■ ■ - . - ■ ■ I ■ ■ —■ » ■ — I -I ■■ I ■ 1 ■».,— ■ I I ■ I ■ ■ I ■ I n » Landscape Engineering Plans prepared and carefully carried out for Grading, Roadmaking, Planting and the ^^^V Remodeling of old places .% Special arrangements made w^hen extensive work is con- templated •*. Correspondence solicited. THOMAS MEEHAN & SONS Nurwyne" and Landncape Engineers OE.RMANTOWN, PHILADELPHIA ^^g,^ ■ ■■ I I I I EDWARD CAMPBELL^-'-~i L/INbSC/IPE /IRCniTEQT AND ENQINEER ARDMORE, - PA. Sketch plans and planting maps prepared, and suggestions given for the laying out and improvement of country and suburban residences, public parks and grounds of every description. Grounds laid out and their construction undertaken by contract or day labor, and carried out under strict personal supervision. The choice grouping and effective arrangement of trees and shrubs has been made a special study. Trees furnished and planted by experienced workmen. Draining Plans and Surveys. Fine Crushed Stone for Walks and Carriage Drives. H ARDY ORNAMENTAL TREES, SHRUBS, VINES, EVER-Tb,n.»t^.,r......rt„....fH.rd,o„^ GREENS, AND HARDY HERBACEOUS PERENNIALS. .rrreXlVp""'?.U:^e ^X^^ tion. Plans and estimates furnished. Send your list of needs for special rates. THE READING NURSERY, JACOB W. MANNING, I'roprietor, RKADING. MASS. Modern Horticultural Building. Elegant Conservatories, Practical Commercial Houses, and all Classes of Greenhouse Structures Planned and Erected. We build of all Iron, all Wood, or a modification of either, as desired. Steel or Cypress Sash Bars for Butted Glass GlasiDK or Lapped UlaziDg, with or without put y. Latest methods ot Ventilation, Steam and Hot-Water Heatins Iron and Slate, Iron and Tile, or all Wood Staging. Contracts taken for Completed Structure. Materials furnished to Builders. 2xpert advice at Residence, or Catalogues on application. 9^ Don't fail to get our Plans and Prices. PLENTY'S HORTICULTURAL WORKS, 148-156 Randolph Ave., Jersey City, N. J. WHEN WRITING TO ADVERTISERS, PLEASE MENTION MEEHANS' MONTHLY. i 't (snducled by TM?/nA5>AEEaAN BNTBRBO AT THB PHILADBLPHIA POST OPPICB AS SBCOND-CLASt MATTBK rieehans' Monthly PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY Thomas riEEHAN & Sons, Oermantown, Phila. SabscFiption Ppiee $2.00 per year. $1.00 for Six Months. Back Numbers 20 cts. Each. Two Subscriptions for $3.50 per Year. i^DVEBTISIN6 RATES ON APPLfCATION Forms close on the 20th of each IMonth, preceding date of issue. Address all Correspondence relating both to Editorial and Advertising matter, to THOMAS MEEHAN & SONS, Publishers Germantown, Phila., Pa. LOVERS OF BOTANY SHOULD HAVE THE PliflHT WOJ^liD An illustrated monthly Journal of Popular Botany Edited by P. H. KflOCUliTOfl, Ph. D. and • eorps of spsaialists. In its pages the interesting facts of plant life are treated in language that is strictly scientific but not technical. Sample copy free. Address, WlIiliAl^D fl. CLiUTE St CO. PUELISHERS BINGHAMTOfl, NEW YOf^K. sontnem Fioilst -" nanieiief M The only Floral Magazine Published for the M Southern Climate I SUBSCRIPTION, - $1.00 PER YEAR g Attractive Premiums and Liberal Cash Commission to Agents g Published on the First of Each Mouth by Southern Florist and Gardener Co. CHATTANOOQA, TENN. If uTl']ll^ltH^* °Ji}^ Majjadne of iti class published in the South' ?ii,^Kn!K*!J**°i*'*^"''"'* of Flowers. Plants, and Gardeninir. It att^em on »n7 'J"" !"'V"^ °^ '^' '"^"^ »"d will give the pWr attention and care to its advertisers. No labor or expense will be spared to make the Joiirn.il a brilliant success in this particula^ field A GENERAL ^5 SV CAlX^OS. f^^Z >^^„rr r .STOCK iN T.. CO^Nl RK ■ PRlCt i fj1 [OW- PaCMNG 5fCURFn / f Ol"^" Soit AotKTS roR U 5 America & Canada^ "'^'''■V C.C.ABEL & CO. P.O.Box 920. New York. S FECIAL OFFER Garden and Forest Twenty-nve copies, consecutive or selected uumbers iu auy recent year, One Dollar ; one hundred numbers Three Dol- lars, post-paid. Bound Volumes, Two Dollars, carriage paid. Wanted-Nos. 10,31.32,33; Vol.1. Nos. 71, 76, 77, 78; Vol.11. Nos. 97 98 99, 107, 120, 134, 141, 149 ; Vol. III. Nos. 1=^3. 192; Vol. IV. Nos. 496, 500, 502, 505 ; Vol. X. J. H. GRIFFITH AmeNcan Tract Society Building NEW YORK CITY Room 1317 PUBLISHED THE IsT AND 15th OF EACH MONTH BY THE GARDENING COMPANY MONON BUILDING, CHICAGO SUBSCRIPTION PRICE, $2.00 A YEAR 24 NUMBERS The most practical and valuable American Horti- cultural publication. Departments : The Flower Garden, Trees and Shrubs, The Greenhouse, The Window Garden, The Fruit Garden, The Vege- Uble Garden, Insects and Other Pests, Mushrooms and others in season. See what subscribers say about this valuable journal. Ji^uf*^®"*^*"®.^*!,.^®?*"®" sense in gardening matters for reliable unprejudiced and safe information, Gardenino ainnot be surpassed and although moderate in size it ex- pands upon perusal." W^. ^qan. Highland Park, 111. 2^^^^''^'''^ '^ **^« ^X^ horticultural paper orinted in '""'*'• Chas L. Burr, Springtfeld, Mass. America.'' "I am greatly pleased with the paper. It is practical and •uggestive Its reproduction of photographic views of plaits flowers and landscapes is a most admirable feature." W. M. Johnson, Hackensack, N. J. 1 "/* *1* delightful paper and has been very interestinir and instmctive to me." Frank Hitchcock, DavenpSrt, la i«-^ H?''*^ t?"""^ Gardenino extremely useful and interest- ing You have given your subscribers a great deal more than their money's worth." Chas. K. Brown Yarmouth, Nova Scotia wC^?^^n«! publication was long needed in this country. Kvery ine of its contributions is a lesson in itself to minv professionals as well as to amateurs " "^ John Berry, Gardener to Senator Wolcott, Littleton, Colo. «.V^3*^"^^^^^.?^'^° highly on account of the very practi- cal character of its contents.'' ^ Piacii J. A. Pbttiorew, Supt. Lincoln Park, Chicago "I regard Gardening as one of the most practical maira- sines issued in the interests of horticulture.'' ^ W. F. Macara, Waterville N. Y. "The paper is the most practical of any I read." W. H. Abbs, Fond du Lac, Wis. nl\l o«*^[i*^ *?••" '?* horticultural and floricultural jour- ?ilf ♦v" ^***® continent as far as I know and find in Garden- iifo the most practical one for an amateur like myself '' Dr. Geo. T. Hawley. Coming, N. Y. WHEN WRITING TO ADVERTISERS. TELL"?Sii;r7oU SAW THEIR CARD IN MEEHANS' MONTHLY. Voi.Ain Plati-; N^? i0.1 EPIPACTIS GIGANTEA. DOUGLAS' HELLEBORINE. NATURAL ORDER, ORCHIDACE^. Epipactis GIGANTEA. Douglas.— Stoul and leafy, one to four feet high, nearly smooth : leaves from ovate below to nar late near the base, the dilated summit ovate-lanceolate, entire, somewhat wavy-crested- Anther nearly two lines long: capsules oblong, eight lines long, reflexed or spreading.— Brewer and Watson's Botany of California See also QowMct's Manual of Rockv Mountain Botany. In common with a number of interesting native flowers, Douglas' Helleborine is not ostentatiously showy, blazoning with a glare of color the woods and meadows in which it grows; but, like so much we meet with in the world that improves with acquaintance, the flowers are beautifully marked when examined with a pocket lens; and, when numbers are found growing together, the plants present, in their general habit and character, a striking appearance. It was not known to American botanists, till discovered by Nuttall and by Douglas in our northwestern territory early in the present century. NuttalTs specimens were gathered on the Wahlamet River. He supposed it was a new species of Seraptas, and he proposed for it the name of Setapias ma- crophylla. It does not appear that this name was ever published. About the same time, Douglas was collecting it on the Columbia River about Fort Vancouver, and Fort Scouler, and referred it properly to the genus Epipactis which had been separated from Serapias, and under the name of Epipactis gigantea of Douglas, it was first published, by Sir William Hooker, in his ''Flora boteale America?ia,'' \n 1840. The plant varies very much in its habits and characters in different localities, some- times approaching closely its near relative, the Epipactis palustris of the Old World. The author's first acquaintance with it was while collecting in the Yosemite Valley, in Cali- fornia, in 1883. It was found only in a scat- tered condition, having no marked effect in the wild-flower scenery. The specimens were counterparts of the drawing given herewith, l.iken from a plant from Franktown, Nevada, kindly furnished by Mrs. Ross Lewers. This may therefore be taken as its average type of form. The leaves, in some localities, may be broader or narrower, but its chief variations are in the stiffness or slenderness of the flower stem. In some instances, this is slender and coiling, as if half inclined to take on a twin- ing habit. Its popular history can only be considered in its genealogical relationship. In the far-away past, they were all known as Setapias. A number of these were separated, eventually, 2iS Epipaais,^''hy Heller," says Watson,— "by Robert Brown," say Britton and Brown,— ••by Swartz," says Willdenow,— a diff*erence of opinion which shows how difficult it is to decide questions of priority in connection with botanical nomenclature. The Serapians were distinguished from other families of orchids early in botanical history. In the celebrated •♦Herbal" of Gerarde, published in 1636, it is noted that " there be Sundry sortes of Serapias, whereof some be male and others female; some great and some of a smaller kind, vary- ing likewise in the colour of the floures, whereof some be white, others purple, alter- ing according to the soile or clymat, as the greatest part of bulbous roots do. Moreover, some grow in marshie or fenny grounds, and some in fertil pastures lying open to the sun, varying likewise in the shape of their floures; retaining the form of flies, butterflies, and gnats." Of the S. pa/7istris, the Old World representative of our species, the "Herbal" says "It hath a thick knobby root, divided into fingers like those of Pa/ma Christi, whereof it is a kind: from which rise thick, fat and spongeous stalks set with broad leaves (145) COLOR PLATE % EPIPACTIS (}1GANTEA. DOUGLAS' HELLEBORINE. NATURAL ORDER, ORCHIDACR.B. Ki'ii'ACTis oiGANTKA. Doujiflas.— Stout and leafy, one to four feet liiRh. nearly smooth: leaves from ovate below to nar- rowly lanceolate al)ove. three to eight inches lonj^^, acute or acuminate, somewhat scabrous on the veins beneath- raceme pubescent; flowers three to ten. greenish, strongly veined with purple, with large foliaceous bracts on' slender pedicels two or three lines long; sepals ovate-lanceolate, six to eight lines long, the upper concave- petals slightly smaller, lip as long, the saccate base with erect, wing-like margins, strongly nerved and the nerves callous tubercu- late near the base, the dilated summit ovate-lanceolate, entire, somewhat wavy-crested; Anther nearly two lines long; capsules ol)long. eight lines long, reflexed or spreading.— JJrewer and Watson's Botanv of' California See also CowMer's Manual of A'ockvMounlaiH liotativ. In common with a number of interesting native flowers, Douglas' Helleborine is not ostentatiously showy, blazoning with a glare of color the woods and meadows in which it grows; but, like so much we meet with in the world that improves with acquaintance, the flowers are beautifully marked when examined with a pocket lens; and, when numbers are found growing together, the plants present, in their general habit and character, a striking appearance. It was not known to American botanists, till discovered by Nuttall and by Douglas in our northwestern territory early in the present century. Nuttall's specimens were gathered on the Wahlamet River. He supi)osed it was a new species of Serapias, and he proposed for it the name of Serapias via- crophylla. It does not appear that this name was ever published. About the same time, Douglas was collecting it on the Columbia River about Fort Vancouver, and Fort Scouler, and referred it properly to the genus Epipactis which had been separated from Serapias, and under the name of Epipactis gigaiUea of Douglas, it was first published, by Sir William Hooker, in his ''Flora boreale America?ia,'' \n 1840. The plant varies very much in its habits and characters in diflerent localities, some- times approaching closely its near relative, the Epipactis palustris of the Old World. The author's first ac([uaintance with it was while collecting in the Vosemite Valley, in Cali- fornia, in 1883. It was f(mnd only in a scat- tered condition, having no marked effect in the wild-flower vScenery. The specimens were counterparts of the drawing given herewith, taken from a plant from Franktown, Nevada, ■>^ kindly furnished by Mrs. Ross Lewers. This may therefore be taken as its average type of form. The leaves, in some localities, may be broader or narrower, but its chief variations are in the stiffness or slenderness of the flower stem. In some instances, this is slender and coiling, as if half inclined to take on a twin- ing habit. Its popular history can only be considered in its genealogical relationship. In the far-away past, they were all known as Serapias. A number of these were separated, eventually, 2iS Epipactis, --''hy Heller," says Watson,— *'by Robert Brown," say Britton and Brown, — *'by Swartz," says Willdenow, — a difference of opinion which shows how difficult it is to decide questions of priority in connection with botanical nomenclature. The Serapians were distinguished from other families of orchids early in botanical history. In the celebrated "Herbal" of Gerarde, published in 1636, it is noted that * • there be Sundry sortes of Serapias, whereof some be male and others female; some great and some of a smaller kind, vary- ing likewise in the colour of the floures, whereof some be white, others purple, alter- ing according to the soile or clymat, as the greatest part of bulbous roots do. Moreover, some grow in marshie or fenny grounds, and some in fertil pastures lying open to the sun, varying likewise in the shape of their floures; retaining the form of flies, butterflies, and gnats." OC the S. pa/ristris, the Old World representative of our species, the • 'Herbal" says *'It hath a thick knobby root, divided into fingers like those of Pa/ma Christi, whereof it is a kind: from which rise thick, fat and spongeous stalks set with broad leaves (145) COLORPi:AtF IMTPMTTrMvT A T 146 MEEHANS* MONTHLY — EPIPACTIS GIGANTEA. [October like those of plantain, but much longer, even to the tuft of flowers, but the higher they rise to the top, the smaller they are. " This would be a very good popular description, even for our plant at this day. They were also called Hellebonne in these ancient times — an adop- tion from Greek signifying a plant like a Hel- lebore,— that is to say, the Verattum from which Hellebore powder is made. The leaves of the species generally resemble leaves of the true Hellebore, as may be noted in our illus- tration. The Hellebore plays an important part in the mythological but dramatic story of Philomela. Progne, Philomela's sister, vowed vengeance on Tereus, and tried to induce Helleborus to poison him. He refused, but was finally dragged into a plot to destroy Tereus* son, in vengeance for his treatment of Philomela, Just here the gods interfered, — so goes the story, — and Progne was turned into a swallow, Philomela into a nightingale, and. Helleborus into a poisonous plant still known by his name. This class of orchids is still known by the common name of Helleborines, in England, and this has been adopted in this chapter for this species. The plant figured was sent by Mrs. Ross Lewers, in July, 1879, with the following in- teresting account of its locality and associ- ates ; — It is found in green patches among our pine timber clearings, and in the bottoms of the hills, and in the sage-brush plains. A number of springs rise along our mountain sides, and by the sides of the streams flow- ing from these, alder and willow bushes grow, shading the ground, in some places, and hav- ing open sun-lit spots in others. Occasionally, little pools of water are formed, on the surface of which the Mimutus luteus and the little musk plant seem to float. On the moist ground around these pools and borders of the streams, is a covering of green herbage — green even when under the snow. Mosses, asters, lupines and golden-rods abound. In the higher and drier ground near by, blue pentstemons love to grow. Higher on the hill sides, the Manzan- ita. wild laurel and shrubs, with yellow ber- ries appear, together with yellow dock, and young pine and libocedrus, which are taking the places of the alder trees that have been cut away. These are the homes and compan- ions of the Epipactis. The largest and tallest plants are found among the rotting bark and branches of the former pine trees cut away. The true Hellebore, Veratnim album, grows with its mimic, the Helleborine. A study of the plant as collected in many widely separated localities, affords a valuable lesson in regard to the diflSculties botanists have in defining the limits of species. A speci- men gathered on the Wahlamet, by Nuttall, and on which he founded his Setapias niacro- phylla, has the lower leaves very broad and tapering to a point, very suggestive of the specific name he proposed. These are about six inches long, and two and a half wide. When the flowering stage is reached, there are three pendulous pericarps in the axils of the large leaves which we now, by reason of the flowers, come to regard as bracts. Another growth of several flowerless leaves follow, before the formal flowering stage is reached. From this forward, the stem is so slender and flexuose, that an ill-informed examination might well suggest that we were dealing with a climbing plant. Other specimens, collected by Brandegee at Priest's Rapids, Washington, show this inclination to twine. Texan speci- mens, collected by Charles Wright, do not commence flowering till the twelfth leaf has been reached, while the pericarps are remark- ably long and slender, — about one inch in length, and not over a line wide ! In many other ways, are there striking variations. The one illustrated by Hooker, has the stiff, solid spike, with no apparent tendency to become slender and twining, as in the one from Nevada, that we here represent. In a letter from Mrs. Lewers, in 1896, she remarks that she has never seen any tendency of the plants, of that portion of Nevada, to become as slender and flexuose as the ones described. Large patches of over twelve or fourteen feet form striking objects. Some of the specimens were five or six feet high, and the leaves large, and with a bright glisten when the sunbeams caught them. Near these, for companions, were Lilium, — probably Bloomeriam^m. — vfiXii roses and bracken, with currant and thimble- berry bushes. ExpLANATON OF THE PLATE.— I. A plant fioni Nevada, showing the fleshy fibrous roots 2. Remains of the flower stem of the past year 3 The new flower stem, proceedinjf from a bud formed at the base of the one of the previous year. 4. The upper portion of the same. 5. A flower of the natural size. Small section of a stem from another plant, .showing the nearly mature and pendulous secd-ves.sel with the remains of the flower at the apex. ' WILD FLOWERS AND NATURE. AN OCTOBER MORN. It was a pleasant morning, in the time When the leaves fall — and the bright sun shone out As when the morning stars first sang together — So quietly and calmly fell his light Upon a world at rest. There was no leaf In motion, and the loud winds slept, and all Was still. The lab'ring herd was grazing Upon the hill-side quietly — uncalled By the harsh voice of man. — N. P. Wir,i.is. Epipactis gigantea. — In addition to what has been said of Epipactis gigantea in the main chapter it may be further noted that in studying the different variations as they occur in different localities, we are apt to refer them to the influence of differing conditions. In brief, we say the environment induced the change. Although it seems as if this must be, no one has any clear idea of what is meant by the expression. Changes quite as great as any found in distant places may be often noted in the nearer localities. Widely-differing plants, growing side by side,— and, frequently, the differences, widely separating the individual plants, may have been produced from seed all maturing in the same seed-vessel. But these variations, once coming into existence, are hereditary, — and it may be that the variations, attributed to environment, might, with as much justice, be referred to the peculiar plant which originally founded the colony. At any rate, plants of one class of variation show no tendency to be influenced by the environment when brought together with some other form. Mrs. Lewers' notes, in the letter referred to, remark on a plant brought from Emerald Bay, in Lake Tahoe, in 1893, w^hich came up among some gentians brought from there, which never reaches an annual growth of over ten or twelve inches. It has a rather wide range over our conti- nent, especially if we consider a closely allied form in the northeastern part of the United States, which Dr. Asa Gray named Epipactis Helleborine, but which is believed now to be identical with Epipactis viridiflora of Reich- enbach. The acknowledged species, in its various forms extends along the mountains of the Pacific Coast from Washington to South- ern California, from thence westwardly, from Nevada, Colorado, to Western Texas. The Bracken in a New Home. — I send you, under separate cover, a specimen of a fern which has been growing for the last five years, to my knowledge, in the joints of a cemented stone retaining-wall which is on either side of the N. Y. C, and H. R. R. R. Co.'s tracks in this city. The tracks are depressed below the street surface from six to twenty feet. The wall was built about 1870 or 1871, and, at 53rd Street, where this fern was found, is about 16 feet high; the fern growing about 12 feet above the tracks in an angle of the wall formed by the abutment of the 53rd Street bridge, and is exposed to the direct rays of the sun from about 10 A. M., until sunset. The joints between the stones are very close, — hardly ^ inch, — and the ferns are growing in the crumbling cement. It struck me as strange that the ferns should be found growing in this location which is so dry and exposed to the full sun, in a closely built-up city. Will you please name the fern for me } Frank S. Curtis. New York City. This was a barren frond, and its broad pin- nules and soft, flimsy character, made it a puzzle for a time. By examining the herbar- ium of the Academy of Natural Sciences, of Philadelphia, it was seen to be one of the out- lying forms of the common brake fern, Pteris aquilifta. There was here a mate to it from the herbarium of that erratic botanist, Rafines- que, who was evidently so impressed by its special characteristics that he was disposed to make a new genus of it, and had given the specimen the provisional name of Pteripteris aquilinoides . This plant has certainly earned some family distinction by growing out of the fissure in a stone wall, — or possibly from the collected dust on the capping of an abutment I (147) p 148 MEEHANS' MONTHLY — WILD FLOWERS AND NATURE. [October Flora of Burned New England Forests. — North and west of the greater mountains of New England, in the valleys of the larger streams, where, in our ascent, cedar has long since given way to balsam, larch and spruce, lie level terraces or uplands from which the timber has in large part been removed by fire or axe. Some of these barren terraces have the look of neglected fields, which might now well be called heaths, for nearly all their flora be- longs to the heath family. What struck me, on passing one of these heaths for the first time, was the quantity of Pearly Everlasting {Anaphalis) that whitened large areas. I made a search for Gnaphalium decufte?ts, but missed it; finding, however, stunted bushes oi Kalmia glauca in fruit ; and the graceful bunches of pink downy seed-vessels of Rhodora, with a long withered thread of a style from the tip of each. The bilberries revelled ; sweet and dried up Canadian Blueberry, with leaves hairy beneath, was chief. Bright-colored Viburnum cassinotdes was quiie abundant with deep blue and bright red fruit in the same corymb, and leaves of many shades of orange, purple and crimson. The curious magenta flowers and long rod- shaped pods of Fire-weed were abundant, some of the pods splitting and showing a plumose arrangement of the downy seeds arranged in two rows along a central axis. Some mountain maples had intruded and were already (Sep. lo) crim- soning. The low, bushy tree {Acer spicatum) seems to favor lands which have been cut or burned off as does also the Choke-cherry {Prufius Virginiand), so common in the White mountains, often lining the roadside with ten- feet bushes, from the branches of which hang abundant clusters or racemes of translucent red fruit, like immense currants, but food only for the birds,— -though I myself enjoyed them about the middle of August, before they were fully ripe and before the astringency was ex- cessive. It seems, unlike the persimmon, to be less astringent when just ripe, and to become more so as it progresses into dead ripe- ness and its stage of withering. None last until the first frost. It is rare to see a Choke- cherry in the middle of September. I cannot leave the terraces without speaking of a certain aster {Aster paniculatus), vihioh was so typical of road-sides and open places all through the mountains. The aster was an especially handsome species, stem a little tinged with rose, all of the abundant leaves a clear dark green ; and the ample, somewhat flat-topped panicle of white flowers, a compact mass well supported at the top of the stout, column-like stem. Tawny grass occupied such portions of the field as were not otherwise occupied, and bright skies and dark firs for a back-ground made the place a color study of unwonted attractiveness. A. Newlin Williams. Amphicarpum Purshii. — In the June issue of Meehans' Monthly, a plate is presented of Pursh's Amphicarpon, a singular grass that pushes its flower buds into the sand and perfects seeds after the manner of the ground- nut. The grass is confined to a few localities along the Atlantic coast. Our generous cor- respondent, Mr. C. F. Saunders, 1441 North 1 6th Street, Philadelphia, has been fortunate in drying a number of specimens from near the locality where Pursh originally found it, and will send a specimen freely and cheerfully to any one enclosing to him 5 cents in stamps for postage. Mr Saunders, also furnishes the following new facts in relation to the life-history of this remarkable grass. **My plants are young and some of them have not developed the panicle of conspicuous flowers; but all are supplied with the under- ground buds or pods, which form the special interest of this grass. I was interested to note that the subterranean flowers got to work and finished up so much sooner than the conspicu- ous ones. One youthful plant, hardly an inch high, had already started its subterranean bud. I also noticed that in almost every plant, of the dozens I gathered, the shell of the seed from which the plant sprung still clung amid the roots.** Freezing of the Sap in Living Plants. — Among a number of paragraphs which have come to the ofl&ce of Meehans' Monthly, the following is a curious one. It is from the pen of Mr. H. E. Van Deman, in the Rural New Yorker. '* Professor Burrill told me, in a conversa- tion several years ago, and he has stated the same thing publicly on several occasions, that the sap of trees certainly does not freeze at as 1898.] MEEHANS* MONTHLY — WILD FLOWERS AND NATURE. 149 low a temperature as 12 degrees below zero, and possibly not at all. He has tested the matter repeatedly with the microscope in the open air. But he said that a part of the water of the sap within the cell walls is sometimes forced, by the contraction of the woody tissues about them, to give up the chemical combina- tion with the various materials that go to make the sap, and pass outside the cell walls ; then it will congeal and form icy crystals." The coming here for comment is curious from the following circumstance : Over thirty years ago, Mr. Meehan was en- gaged to give a series of lectures before the very university of .which Prof. Burrill is now an eminent professor. In one of these lec- tures, Mr. Meehan elaborated this point, and it obtained wide attention. Some one brought it to the notice of President Clark, then at the head of Amherst College. Said he, *'How absurd ! of course the sap of living plants does freeze. " There could be no appeal from such a power- ful argument, and Prof. Burrill must be care- ful of a crushing blow if there be any Prof. Clarks yet left in the land. Verrascum Thapsus, Common Mullein. — The mullein is a very common weed, consider- ing that it does not belong to this country. As a stranger, it has made its home amongst us and is one of the most valuable plants we have. Such strangers as this plant is are always welcome, for it contains, beneath its woolly coat, juices which are extremely valuable in a medicinal way. The leaves, green or dry, boiled down make an extract which, mixed with sugar, is one of the very best medicines to cure colds and all lung troubles as well as kidney troubles. The leaves dried are used also in a pipe for smoking, many persons pre- ferring to use them thus— to cure their colds. There is a story, which used to go the rounds, of an old man who was blind yet rode horse- back. He was always accompanied by a negro body guard, also on horseback. This old man made his living by finding good land in the poor worn out fields of the east for the owners of these fields. The latter would pay him good prices for showing all the rich spots in the fields. On his arrival at one of the fields on which he would operate, he told his bodyguard to hitch his horse to a mullein stalk. If there were none around, his man would tell him so, when he w^ould ride on. If there were no mul- lein stalks in the field, there would be no good land in the field. If mullein stalks were plenti- ful, large and tall, he would show the good land by having his horse hitched to the tallest stalks. The land has got to be desperately poor if it will not grow mullein. Festus, Jeff Co.,Mo. F. K. STEELE. Absorption of Moisture by Tree Trunks. — Do bodies of trees absorb moisture from the atmosphere ? Some noted men deny it. Last spring, when trees were in full leaf, I painted the entire body of a small maple, and, in three weeks every leaf would crumble in the hand. Another experiment I tried last summer with a large Sugar Maple. I found that, when the mercury in the barometer stood the highest, the tree would take in water faster than when it stood lower, and finally it would take none, when the tree would stand *'at Zero,** as I call it. Moscow, vt. T. Wheeler. Self-sacrifice in Nature. — Prof. Thomas Meehan, concluding an essay on the enormous waste of sweet secretions in the vegetable kingdom, in the "Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia,** remarks: "So far as we can now see, there is no use whatever to be served by the plant in the great battle of its life, and this, Mr. Darwin frankly owns. To him it is an act of excretion of use- less matter. "To us who believe individual life is not wholly for itself, but that every act is of some use in the general economy of nature, the new field opened up is one of extreme interest. Observations in this beautiful field are too limited to warrant any general deduction as to the purpose of these stem-bearing glands.** The Redwood. — Of the beautiful Toxodu um semperviens, or Redwood, a Californian friend says: "Our world-renowned Redwoods, rising to a height of over 400 feet and enlarging while yet young to a diameter of 30 to 40 feet, with a life of 3,000 to 5,000 years, are not approach- ed by any vegetable growths elsewhere.** . GENERAL GARDENING. WHY PLANT WE THE APPLE TREE. What plant we in this apple tree ? Sweets for a hundred flowering springs, To load the May wind's restless wings When from the orchard row he pours Its fragrance through the open doors ; O world of blossoms for the bee ! Flowers for the sick girl's silent room : For the glad infant sprigs of bloom, We plant the apple tree. — Bryant. An Evergreen Screen. — A correspondent asks what would be a good screen to place before a neighbor's barn and subject to a north- west exposure. To obtain the desired result most quickly, nothing can excel the Norway Spruce. Should a thick screen be desired, it must be watched, and pruned judiciously if a rank growth commences. It is hardy and scarcely shows the effect of a severe winter in the loss of a few leaves at the tips of branches. Where the area permits, and at least two trees are used in the screen proper, a tasty arrangement could be made by putting some of the rarer evergreens in front of the spruce to form a group. The spruce would form an admirable background for such colored retin- isporas as squarrosa and pbimosa aurea and at the same time be a protection to them from the winds. Vermin in Hot beds — B. J. Stillman, New York, asks how to keep rats and mice from violet beds under glass. They are usually trapped or poisoned. The Florists' Weekly Review gives the following as being particular- ly effective : '• Get some of the old-fashioned black sul- phur matches, now generally called eight-day matches. Cut off" the black ends and put six or seven of these black tips in some bread that has been moistened in milk, and roll the bread into marbles about the size of common playing marbles. Have six or seven tips in each mar- ble. Rats seem crazy for this poison, and after eating one marble they will not live to see another day. ' ' (150) Tree Trumpet Vines. — It is hard to con- ceive of a prettier object in its way in mid- summer than a trumpet vine which has been trained in tree form. Its large scarlet, trum- pet-shaped flowers are then displayed on every side, brightening up a lawn as nothing else can do as well at that season. These tree-shaped vines are easily made. Set a vine to a stake stout enough to last for three or four years without rotting. Tie a strong shoot of the vine to this stake. Let the stake be three, four or five feet high, as tall as the tree-vine may be desired, and then top the vine at the height of the stake, that it may branch out to form the tree. By the time the stake rots away, the vine will sustain itself. Joseph Meehan. Selecting House plants. — Occasion has been taken to caution the public not to arrange for more gardening work than can be well un- dertaken. By or near the time this paragraph is printed, householders may be thinking of what they will use for house-plants during the winter, and it is, therefore, appropriate to re- iterate the caution, as it applies just as particu- larly to those who may intend merely to con- vert their window-sills into flower gardens. The writer has seen houses so burdened with plants that the busy occupants might be ex- cused for not giving them all regular attention. The temperature of a dwelling is not congenial to all kinds of plants, and unless individual attention is given, these plants are likely to suffer. Injurious insects are expected visitors, and where there are very many plants to look after, these intruders are very likely to soon change a healthy plant into a sickly object. Love for plants will most frequently encourage a large collection; but for the sake of the plants, there should be a little restraint. A dozen fine- looking, vigorous plants are much preferable to three dozen of which one-half are poorly. Variety is naturally desirable, and forethought should be exercised in making a selection, varying it each season. 1898.] meehans' monthly — general gardening. 151 A Pot-Scrubber. — Remarking the article on cleaning pots, in a recent issue of the Monthly, attention is called to a machine patented by Richard Lewis, Cruger's Island, N. Y., which is designed for those having a great number of pots for cleaning. A conical brush, made in several sizes, is made to revolve over a small tank. The pot is dipped in the water in tank and held to cover the brush, which must surely clean it well. A large, flat, circular brush is also attached to clean the outside. The whole thing is so arranged that it must be a very convenient and necessary machine. as Asparagus medeoloides. The one illustrated , for which we are indebted to The Housewife^ of New York City, is comparatively new, but has been found so useful for decorative purposes, that it has become popular much more rapidly than has been the case with other beautiful and useful introductions. It is es- pecially valuable as a basket plant for windows and parlor conservatories. Asparagus Sprengeri. — Those who know asparagus only as a garden vegetable, are sur- prised at the idea of its use as an ornamen- tal plant. They have no idea of the great range of habit and other character that pre- vails in the genus. There are, probably, one hundred and fifty different species known in the genus, most of these are climbers or trail- ers, and very different from the stiff*, formal habit of our garden friend. They are scat- tered over Europe, Asia, and Africa, and one of the most remark- able facts in botanical geography is, that for all the large number of species known, and their wide distribution over the other conti- nents, not a single spe- cies has been found on American soil. Most of them have rigid leaves, though these may be attached to slen- der, graceful stems, as in the species here il- lustrated ; but some have broad leaf- blades, as in the famous one known by florists as **smilax." This was once referred to another genus and known to the early cultivators as Myrsiphyllum aspara- goides, but modern bot- anists will not have it so. They calalogue it Peat for Fuel. — A correspondent says : ** Could you give any information regarding peat earth, giving directions as how to find, recognize and prepare it for use as fuel ?** A. Bridgeman. Peat for fuel is simply cut into sections like brick, and thoroughly dried in the sun, just as we dry bricks before burning. There is no better way to ascertain the burn- ing quality of peat than an actual test. You should cut out a few sections, dry them, and then apply fire and note the result. As it is the result of a deposit of sand or clay on moss, or like spongy growth, carried there by inundations of water, all being thor- oughly mixed and decayed, it must be searched n Uji ASPARAGUS SPRENGERI. .-4 K r". ' . GENERAL GARDENING. WHY PLANT WE THE APPLE TREE. What plant we in this apple tree ? Sweets for a hundred flowering springs, To load the May wind's restless wings When from the orchard row he pours Its fragrance through the open doors ; O world of blossoms for the bee ! Flowers for the sick girl's silent room : For the glad infant sprigs of bloom, We plant the apple tree. — Bryant. An Evergreen Screen. — A correspondent asks what would be a good screen to place before a neighbor's barn and subject to a north- west exposure. To obtain the desired result most quickly, nothing can excel the Norway Spruce. Should a thick screen be desired, it must be watched, and pruned judiciously if a rank growth commences. It is hardy and scarcely shows the effect of a severe winter in the loss of a few leaves at the tips of branches. Where the area permits, and at least two trees are used in the screen proper, a tasty arrangement could be made by putting some of the rarer evergreens in front of the spruce to form a group. The spruce would form an admirable background for such colored retin- isporas as squarrosa and pbanosa aurea and at the same time be a protection to them from the winds. Vermin in Hot beds — B. J. Stillman, New York, asks how to keep rats and mice from violet beds under glass. They are usually trapped or poisoned. The Florists' Weekly Review gives the following as being particular- ly effective : ♦♦ Get some of the old-fashioned black sul- phur matches, now generally called eight-day matches. Cut off the black ends and put six or seven of these black tips in some bread that has been moistened in milk, and roll the bread into marbles about the size of common playing marbles. Have six or seven tips in each mar- ble. Rats seem crazy for this poison, and after eating one marble they will not live to see another day." (150) Tree Trumpet Vines. — It is hard to con- ceive of a prettier object in its way in mid- summer than a trumpet vine which has been trained in tree form. Its large scarlet, trum- pet-shaped flowers are then displayed on every side, brightening up a lawn as nothing else can do as well at that season. These tree-shaped vine/; are easily made. Set a vine to a stake stout enough to last for three or four years without rotting. Tie a strong shoot of the vine to this stake. Let the stake be three, four or five feet high, as tall as the tree-vine may be desired, and then top the vine at the height of the stake, that it may branch out to form the tree. By the time the stake rots away, the vine will sustain itself. Joseph Meehan. Selecting House plants. — Occasion has been taken tocaution the public not to arrange for more gardening work than can be well un- dertaken. By or near the time this paragraph is printed, householders may be thinking of what they will use for house-plants during the winter, and it is, therefore, appropriate to re- iterate the caution, as it applies just as particu- larly to those who may intend merely to con- vert their window-sills into flower gardens. The writer has seen houses so burdened with plants that the busy occupants might be ex- cused fornot giving them all regular attention. The temperature of a dwelling is not congenial to all kinds of plants, and unless individual attention is given, these plants are likely to suffer. Injurious insects are expected visitors, and where there are very many plants to look after, these intruders are very likely to soon change a healthy plant into a sickly object. Love for plants will most frequently encourage a large collection; but for the sake of the plants, there should be a little restraint. A dozen fine- looking, vigorous plants are much preferable to three dozen of which one-half are poorly. Variety is naturally desirable, and forethought should be exercised in making a selection, varying it each season. 1898.] MEEHANS' MONTHLY — GENERAL GARDENING. 151 A Pot-Scrubber. — Remarking the article on cleaning pots, in a recent issue of the Monthly, attention is called to a machine patented by Richard Lewis, Cruger's Island, N. Y., which is designed for those having a great number of pots for cleaning. A conical brush, madein several sizes, is made to revolve over a small tank. The pot is dipped in the water in tank and held to cover the brush, which must surely clean it well. A large, flat, circular brush is also attached to clean the outside. The whole thing is so arranged that it must be a very convenient and necessary machine. as Aspatagus medeoloides. The one illustrated , for which we are indebted to The Housewife, of New York City, is comparatively new, but has been found so useful for decorative purposes, that it has become popular much more rapidly than has been the case with other beautiful and useful introductions. It is es- pecially valuable as a basket plant for windows and parlor conservatories. Asparagus Sprengeri. — Those who know asparagus only as a garden vegetable, are sur- prised at the idea of its use as an ornamen- tal plant. They have no idea of the great range of habit and other character that pre- vails in the genus. There are, probably, one hundred and fifty different species known in the genus, most of these are climbers or trail- ers, and very different from the stiff, formal habit of our garden friend. They are scat- tered over Europe, Asia, and Africa, and one of the most remark- able facts in botanical geography is, that for all the large number of species known, and their wide distribution over the other conti- nents, not a single spe- cies has been found on American soil. Most of them have rigid leaves, though these may be attached to slen- der, graceful stems, as in the species here il- lustrated ; but some have broad leaf- blades, as in the famous one known by florists as •*smilax." This was once referred to another genus and known to the early cultivators as Myrsiphyllum aspara- goides, but modern bot- anists will not have it so. They calalogue it Peat for Fuel. — A correspondent says : " Could you give any information regarding peat earth, giving directions as how to find, recognize and prepare it for use as fuel ?'* A. Bridgeman. Peat for fuel is simply cut into sections like brick, and thoroughly dried in the sun, just as we dr}' bricks before burning. There is no better way to ascertain the burn- ing quality of peat than an actual test. You should cut out a few sections, dry them, and then apply fire and note the result. As it is the result of a deposit of sand or clay on moss, or like spongy growth, carried there by inundations of water, all being thor- oughly mixed and decayed, it must be searched ASPARAGUS SPRENGERI. l'\ 152 MEEHANS* MONTHLY— GENERAL GARDENING. [October for in low places where these combinations are possible. Of course, there will be different qualities, according to the amount or quality of the several ingredients. Naturally, there must be sufficient fibre or clay to keep the bricks from crumbling when dried, yet not too great a proportion of the latter to keep it from burning readily. Peat, as used in potting plants and other gardening purposes, is lighter, having less heavy soil in its make-up ; but its nature is the same, and that for burning could fre- quently be found in its neighborhood. Flowers in Sick Rooms. — I find very few flowers, excepting roses and violets, that have fragrance, adapted to the sick room. Aromatic flowers, like the nasturtium, are of a strength- ening, welcome nature. But sweet peas, even, have too much odor. And all lilies having perfume must be discarded, even the delicate Fairy Lily has a fragrance that will be too noticeable soon. The Bermuda Lily is so penetrating that even those in health, often admiring them, banish then to the porch for the night-hours. A cluster of orange blos- soms, with vivid contrast of their bright green leaves, may give one much pleasure for a little time, but the fragrance is so pro- nounced, distance will soon lend enchantment to the view. And the mignonette, whose freshness is so much admired in a room, often will set an invalid to sneezing. The Lily of the Valley is so delicate, it might be added, but there are plenty of flow- ers that are lovely without being possessed of the added gift of fragrance. It seems roses were given beauty and fra- grance on purpose to comfort an invalid. Some one has said the rose is the queen and the lily is the king. But I think there are kings among roses as well as queens, — and princes, too. A few well-arranged flowers, with the stems cut evenly, ready to put in a vase, are much more acceptable than a much larger number that will require some one's precious time to rearrange. There is also compensation, when picking flowers, to have them all of the same day and generation. Often has a large, fragrant Jacqueminot Rose, still in its prime, the delight of all beholders, been sacrificed because other roses in the same vase were dropping their petals, — like poor dog Tray paying the penalty for being in bad company. The beloved Queen Louise, the mother of Emperor William, said : *' To be contented in our inmost nature, needs not much of material things ; healthy air, beautiful views, large trees, a pair of flower beds, an arbor — this is enough when my husband and children are here. " Those who study and enjoy natural objects care less and less for artificial productions. What is the brightest artificial flower to one who is delightedly watching the development of a bud on some new or rare plant ? We have many cacti from Mexico and the desert. The pink, also the white, Echinopsis are now in bloom and quite, if not more, dainty than any rose. Passion flowers, both the blue and pink, are also again in bloom, reminding us of the legend associated with them. San Diego, Cal. MrS. E. E. OrCUTT. DuFFERiN Island, Niagara Falls.— The former owner of the now famous Duflerin Island, at Niagara Falls, owned— and his heirs still own— a beautiful estate comprising sev- eral hundred acres, with a stone mansion built right on the edge of the high bluff" above the islands, containing Mr. Street's library and most of the grand old furniture just as he left it. These may soon pass away, but the trees that he planted will remain living monuments for years to come. These are grand old maples, elms, catalpas, crabs, hedges of wild plum, a large odd-shaped bed of roses— that must have been glorious in its day; a fine Calyca7iihus, of which the old keeper seemed very anxious to obtain the name, a Kilmarnock Willow of unusual size— 28 inches in circumference, with an immense top. But the finest of all are the Norway Spruce; of these, there are quite a lot, set out in regular rows on the lawn about thirty feet apart apparently, 20 years' old. These are simply perfect specimens. The yearly growths have been short but very regular, and they have never been trimmed. There is also one specimen, estimated to be about 50 years old, of singular, picturesque beauty, the long branches standing out horizontally, thickly clothed with fine short branchlets hanging perpendicular from the large ones with few, 1898.] MEEHANS' MONTHLY — GENERAL GARDENING. 153 and, in some cases without any, other branches. One of the large branches measured 29 feet, 7 inches, and the trunk measured 7 feet 5 inches in circumference about 60 feet high. There is no coal gas to destroy these trees nor has the knife interfered with their natural growth, hence their charming grace and ele- gance. Few visitors find this charming retreat, as it is entirely hid from view by a dense natural growth of trees and shrubs, but there is a good terraced walk on the north bank, as well as steps and walk on the eastern bank of the estate. Buffalo, August 8, 1898. ChAS. D. ZIMMERMAN. Choice Hibiscus Varieties. — Without Althaeas, — by which name the shrubby Hibis- cus Syriacus varieties are commonly known, — gardens would be practically bare of flowers in late July and August, not taking into consid- eration herbaceous perrennials, and the indis- pensable hydrangea, which may not always be suitable where the larger shrub would. But there are althaeas and althaeaes, — a fact which few planters consider. While very few could be pronounced really undesirable, some are highly preferable if only a small collection is wanted, and it is the object of this article to enumerate only a few of the best. Anemonaeflora is a large flowered variety, with distinctions that mark it as one of the best. The flowers are double, the stamen-petals making a tufted centre much shorter than the true petals. These latter are broad and con- spicuous ; deep scarlet at base, distinctly ex- tending into veins to almost the edges of the petals. The general color of petals is a beau- tiful dark pink. An important character is its late-booming. In the vicinity of Philadel- phia, the wood is partly killed back the first year or two, but its excellency makes this unworthy of great consideration. Camelliaeflora is just as desirable as the pre- ceeding variety, by its distinction in color. The large white flowers are handsome and showy, the broad, true petals, extending much beyond the inner stamen — petals. The rich crimson eye, which occurs in almost all varie- ties, is by contrast very marked in this one. Carnation -striped, has red stripes on pure white petals. The flowers are full double, and of medium size. Comte de Flandre, though the flowers are not large as the preceeding, is worthy of men- tion for the dark rose color. Enchantress is practically unknown to the public, not having been yet disseminated. Its flowers are single white, with the usual crim- son eye and a dash of rose tipping each petal. The appearance of this color, regularly located on the petals, is unique and pleasing. It is fully expected to receive great favor when in- troduced. Paeoniaeflora at its best produces a magnifi- cent, large flower, resembling a Pceonia on a small scale. The inner petals are nicely arranged, filling out the whole flower, and not loose or cramped as in others. In color, they are a fine, clear pink, occasionally light. Totus-albus produces paper-white, single flowers. The crimson eye is absent. Variegated - leaved (double - flower). As a flowering variety, this variegated one should not be included in this list, though it does flower. The flowers remain in the bud un- opened, just showing the tips of dark red petals. These buttons are somewhat orna- mental, surrounded by abundant foliage ; but the leaves are most important, the variega- tion being a good yellow and green. Many others might be named, including single purple and single pink, but it is not in- tended that this list shall be a large one, and they are therefore omitted. The assortment at command and their great utility call for a deeper investigation by those interested. Watering Palms. — When should a palm be afforded water ? is with gardeners and ama- teurs an all-important query ; and so far we have never seemed to have the right answer, because there have been mainly guesses at the reasons that should govern the application. Dr. Dammor says "by the turgidity of the leaves and stem, which can readily be ascer- tained by the inability of the tips to be bent easily around the finger. " If a plant be dry, the tips can be coiled round the finger with ease. The whole matter is made clear to the least botanically-instructed readerby a descrip- tion of the construction of the stem and the leaves. A little wilting does no harm. Warm water should always be used for palms kept in rooms and hothouses — as warm indeed as 68® Fahr. 154 MEEHANS' MONTHLY — GENERAL GARDENING. [October Raising Polyantha Roses From Seed. — A correspondent asks how and when the new Polyantha Roses are to be sown ? He also wishes to know how to flower them in six weeks from sowing? These are very pretty little flowers, cheap, and easily raised, and as they have been much advertised, we give a short article upon their culture. To flower them in six weeks is not so easy. It would need rapid growth and careful treatment. Even then the seedlings would only be 4 inches to 6 inches high. We have seen several batches in bloom two months after sowing, but they are more often three months. We would recommend a more steady treatment. Sow as soon as possible, using a pan or box filled with a compost of leaf-soil, with a little extra sand and light loam. Only just cover the seeds and stand the pan upon a warm hot- bed or a warm part of the greenhouse, keeping a sheet of glass over all as an additional in- ducement towards quick germination, also to keep away insect foes. When 2 inches high, lift them out very carefully and repot into the same compost. Place three plants around the edge of a 5-inch pot and take great care not to injure the roots. Sow the seeds very thinly, and if they have germinated fairly even, turn them out of the pan entirely. This will allow of your removing them from the light com- post without harming their tender roots. Any greenhouse temperature will suit them. The strongest plants, placed singly into quite tiny pots, soon form interesting and novel little plants for the dinner-table and window. The largest we have seen was about 8 inches high and as far through. As an edging to flower borders they can take the place oi Lobelia ^ but will never be so showy. If left in a pan as sown, they grow more quickly, but are not so even and novel in appearance as when in tiny pots. — Gardening Illustrated, ^^^^^^^r^^M [life hii A ^^B^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^l ^ 1 r^y/ ^^*^M ^^^^M^ 'v Yifl ♦■^^k it it^^0^^^ ^Bv ^ ^ ^^5^^a ^ JBr .>« w mf^ ..... ^^^^^^^^^^^^^1 ^Mfl^HkL. ^ T ];pl %% J , i f B&^-^J % ^s^^'^iBipr ^p^'^' ^^;]^H^H HC^ Wj Jj^H ^^ffc^fci 'l^H^HF ^frli J! ALLEGHENY HOLLYHOCK. --sec paoc ist-— Size Wintering Potted Evergreens. — The fol- lowing questions come from a New York cor- respondent who has a few Golden Retinisporas in pots for summer decoration v *' Kindly tell me how to proceed in winter- ing my little evergreens that are kept in terra- cotta pots? Would the pots likely burst if exposed ? I am afraid they would not live if placed in the cellar. Would they stand trans- planting to the garden each winter ? *' They could neither be wintered in a dark- ened cellar nor the pots exposed withoutdangerofbursting. Could the pots be plunged in dry soil, covering their rims, and a thick strawy mulch added, there would be a chance of the pots surviving ordinary winters. To preserve both pots and plants, it will be best to set the latter in the garden, mulching them well. Early fall, while the ground is yet warm, would be the best time to move them. So- called water- proof pots are manu- factured and sold, and would doubtless be an excellent thing to preserve the balls over winter while in the ground. In reference to the bursting of pots during exposure to winter weather, it is only necessary to remember that water, frozen, is expanded about one-fifteenth. As the soil in the pot is sure to contain more or less moisture, reduced. this expansion must either be 1898.] MEEHANS' MONTHLY — GENERAL GARDENING. 155 accommodated or the pot must give way. Poorly- made pots, where they have not been well pressed, will be flaked or chipped by the expansion caused by frozen moisture which the porous pots have taken up. Flowering OF The Ethiopian Calla(Rich- ardia) in Winter. — In order to obtain flowers from this plant in winter, it is necessary in summer to put them in the open air, forcing a rest by not watering, and protecting them from rain. In August, the ball which is com- pletely dried in the pot, is taken out, the dead parts cut ofl" and the bulb planted in fresh, sandy soil, which has been well dried ; the pot must be put in the sunshine, abundantly watered, and left out-doors as long as possible. It will flow^er soon after it is taken in. — Translated From La Semai?ie Horticole. By Sarah D. Lanning. Anthuriums. — Included in the genus Anthuriufn, are some very useful stove plants, both foliage and flowering. The month of February is about the best time to repot, as the roots are then coming into activity again. Specimens that have become long and lanky should have their tops taken off, and then be put into smaller pots. The old stems may also be potted up, which if kept moist, will soon make new breaks. The compost I have found to suit them best, is one-half good, clean sphagnum moss, the other half charcoal and fibrous peat in equal quantities. The best six species are Andraanum, cristallinum ^ Ferrierense (x), Scheryetianuyn ^ Veitchii and Watocqueanum. The temperature, in winter, should not fall under 60 degrees; and in sum- mer, plenty of .heat, moisture and shade will make them grow like weeds. Wynuewood, Pa. JnO. ThATCHER. Disease In Japanese Lilies. — The disease, in the Japanese Lilies imported from Bermuda, known as the Harris variety, has been traced to the ravages of a minute fungus named Rhizopus necans. As in the higher orders of plants, these lower classes propagate in two ways, — by spores which are the analogues of seeds in the higher plants ; and by masses of the plant itself, called sclerotia, which are the analogues of the root-buds in herbaceous plants. The higher plants can be easily killed by fumigation with sulphur, or spraying with sulphur compounds, as copperas; but neither seeds nor spores can be destroyed in this way. But when the little spores begin to develop to plants, they can be easily destroyed. The way to overcome the disease is to carefully tend a few plants with the sulphates during the growing season, and from these to raise a new crop of healthy roots. The florist, who would put this scientific suggestion to practi- cal work, would reap a financial harvest. Spontaneous combustion of Hay.- This is explained, by M. Cahn, of Breslau,as through the augmentation of heat which is produced under the influence of the vegetation of a parasitic mushroom, Aspergillus fumigatus, already cited as injurious to the germination of barley by interference with natural heat conditions. The temperature produced by this mushroom may attain 60° C, at this rate combustion of hay becomes almost inevitable. — La Semaine Horticole. A singular fact in connection with this sub- ject is that, if a mass of common pine tree shavings be watered with a solution of glue, it will evolve heat to as great a degree as hay or straw. The glutinous matter in the hay is probably the material that feeds the ferment fungus. • ^— — Transplanting Beech. Trees.— The writer met with many beech trees, during the past summer, showing bad effects of transplanting. They were all moved in the spring in good time and under favorable circumstances, and ranged from small plants, four or five feet in height, to immense, fine specimens, the branches covering a diameter of perhaps fif- teen feet. It was clearly evident that the pruning-knives had been insuflficiently used. With great care and attention, many plants may be moved without much pruning, but not so with the beech. Experience with this plant leads many to cut the branches into almost a pole. As a rule, beeches have an abundance of branches, and it would doubtless be better to prune out all of the weaker ones, and shorten in the others about one-half. The same end will thus be gained, while leaving the trees with better appearance and without the necessity of sending out buds from old wood — a difiicult thing for almost any tree. 156 MEEHANS' MONTHLY — GENERAL GARDENING. [October NEW 01 1/^RE FL/^NTS. New Hardy Evergreen Roses. — The ac- companying illustration of Gardenia Rose is one of the new type recently noticed in Meehans' Monthly and is reproduced by courtesy of the originator of the roses, Mr W. A. Manda. Among several illustrations, this of Gar- denia was selected as best showing traces of the male parent, Perle des Jardins. It is often difl&cult to portray the individuality of certain varieties of popular flowers ; but in this case, the softness of the petals shows the parentage from the Perle. With the glossy, evergreen foliage, abund- ant bloom, and spreading growth, all charac- teristic of the seed- parent, Rosa Wichuraiana^ these roses ought to prove popular. Evergreen Gem is the result of a cross with Mme. Hoste ; Jersey Beauty and Gardonae- flora are also of Perle. NEW HARDY EVERGREfN ROSES 1898] MEEHANS* MONTHLY — GENERAL GARDENING. 157 TME H/ffll^l^T FLOWER ^i^RIbEN. Allegheny Hollyhocks.— Some time ago, an illustration of four Allegheny Hollyhock flowers appeared in Meehans' Monthly. Only an imperfect idea could be obtained from such a plate, but it was used as being the best to be had at that time. It has ever since been the conductor's desire to present a better illustration, and in this they have been suc- cessful, as note on page 154. But yet they are not satisfied, — in fact, it is almost impossible to show what is best seen in nature. There is more in this new strain of holly- hocks than has yet developed. The most notable departure from the ordinary type is in the grace of the petals. The regular, solid, rosette-like shape of the old flowers is in a measure pretty and neat, and very desirable ; but it becomes monotonous. Allegheny petals are more loosely arranged, not very double, as a rule, and gracefully fringed. Another prominent feature is the size of the flowers ; they range in various sizes from four to seven inches. They are also remarkable for a free, bloom- ing character, tall spikes being produced that frequently give bloom until frost. Seedling plants grow vigorously and occasionaly bloom perfectly the first season: The colors are various, from very light pink — " shell-pink," as it is called — to a brick red. Lilies for Shrubberies. — To avoid monot- ony in landscape gardening, the designer must carefully prepare for certain features that will be attractions at different periods, or in vari- ous parts of the grounds. The opportunity for such efforts is presented with great force in planting groups of shrubbery. It is diffi- cult to make any large selection of flowering shrubs to cover the entire summer by their blooming periods. Here, the advantage of having abundant material among herbaceous plants, perrennial and annual, is apparent. There is always something blooming among them. In comparison with shrubs, they occupy very little room, and can be placed in natural spaces without interfering with the large plants. Among the most interesting plants for such purposes, are lilies. The present chief enjoy- ment of them is as they are flowered for Easter decorations, yet they are just as interesting in our gardens. The White Lily — Lilium candidum, and the Tiger I^ily — L. tigrinum, are perhaps most common in gardens, though all are now being more generally planted. Those from Japan are chiefly sought, and include Z. autatum (Golden-band Lily), L. speciosum and L, tigrinum. Because of the huge flower, aura- tuni might be considered the most showy, white being the predominating color, other- wise the flower is not as handsome as a vigor- ous Tiger. Doubtless, the forced flowers are better colored than those grown in the full sun-light. L. speciosum has handsome flowers, beauti- fully shaded with pink, and should always be considered in selections. The flowers oicandi- dum are small, white and early, of a different type from the others mentioned, and produced abundantly. For utility, tigrinum is possibly best, producing from ten to twenty orange-red flowers on one stalk, — and especially where the soil is cool and moist, yet it is being pushed aside for others more widely advertised. L. tigritium splende?is is supposed to produce larger and showier flowers. While Japan is getting credit for such fine flowers, let not our native species be over- looked. L. superbum makes large growth and produces flowers of the best color, but L. Can- ade7ise has smaller, yellowish flowers, produced usually in abundance. Lilium elegans is a little-known species from Japan, which promises to be popular. L, longiflorum, of which the Harris Easter Lily is a variety, is valuable for the peculiar long, showy tubular flower. Being bulbs, the planting can take place after the beds have been otherwise planted and when the effect can be better foretold. Planted deep, from nine to twelve inches, in rich soil, but light at least around the bulb, they will all prove hardy and thrive. Geranium maculatum — I am pleased to see the note in a recent number of Meehans' Monthly regarding the value of Geranium mac- ulatum in cultivation. For some years, I have grown it in my wild flower garden, the only care necessary being a generous pruning and trimming down to its rightful limits after the blooming season. For, like the common blue 158 MEEHANS* MONTHLY — GENERAL GARDENING. [October violet, it soon encroaches upon its neighbors unless somewhat restrained, — though never to the extent entitling it to be ranked among weeds. Like many other native plants, it in- creases in size and luxuriance with cultiva- tion. Bessie L. Putnam. Harmonsburg. AMb :^ETi^PLES. Strawberry, The Gladstone. — The Glad- stone Strawberry, is a variety that has ap- peared in the garden of Mr. F. F. Merceron, Catawissa, Pa. It was Mr. Merceron who first gave prominence to the Sharpless, which originated in the same locality. He is a good judge of the value of a new fruit. Bartlett Pears for the Old World. — It is said that experiments made b}' Californians, of shipping Bartlett Pears to England, has proved entirely successful and profitable. They reach that country long before the same variety comes into use in that part of the world. It is known there as the William's Bonchretien, and sometimes simply as the William's Pear. Strawberry Notes, — We are now prepar- ing our strawberry bed for another season. Our plan is to dig in an extra coating of barn- yard manure, the ground having been well manured when subsoiled the fall or spring previous. A crop of any early vegetable has already been taken off the ground. The plants are set in rows two feet apart and the plants twelve inches apart in the row. We fruit two seasons; the second year allowing all runners to remain between the plants so as to make close rows, still keeping those cut off between the rows to allow cultivation. We find Marshall the best variety for four reasons: it has color, size, flavor and is a good yielder, and these combined make it undoubted- ly the best for home use. It is probably too soft a berry to stand shipping to market. Brandywine, we find very good, coming in a little later than Marshall, and, though not quite up to the former for flavor, still it is what may be termed a good serviceable sort. Mary, which we have tried this season, is too tart to be grown for table use, so we shall discard it. Glen Mary is a large yielder, and, so far, has given us a favorable impression of Michels*^ early, we grow a few for earliest use. Other sorts, we have discarded, as three or four varieties we consider enough for general purposes for home use. Greenwich, Conn. JOHN W. DUNCAN. The Gravenstein Apple. — Of the Graven- stein Apple, it is said, by authorities, that it needs, to perfect its unsurpassed flavor, the salt air or winds of the sea coast. For this reason, the Gravensteins grown in the Baltic provinces are the most sought after in the markets. Should not this also be the reason that Connecticut peaches, while raised under the same climatic conditions, are of such pro- nounced superiority over those of more inland States ? Mrs. S. in Hattfotd Times. Fruit Culture in Boise Valley. — Boise Valley, though in Idaho, is, in its cultural and other relations, an outgrowth of Utah, and is a sharer in the wonderful prosperity that has followed this settlement at Salt Ivake. The Salt Lake City Tribune says of this Valley : ♦'Success in growing fruit in Idaho's fruit belt is limited only by inferiority of intelli- gence and lack of willingness to work on the part of the grower. Good winter apples always pay handsome profits. Pears do equally well; and our prunes, when dried, are as good as gold. Sometimes, when the prunes are shipped in the green state and the market is glutted, the profits are smaller ; but prunes are grown to be dried, especially in Idaho, as the amount of saccharine matter in our prunes, compared with those produced in our sister States, is truly wonderful. **The average yield of a good prune tree, five or six years old, is about 200 pounds, though a single tree has been known to pro- duce as much as 915 pounds of prunes. The average yield of our apple trees is harder to determine. For a good, sound tree of about ten years it might be placed at about 50a pounds, while the maximum yield reached fully 2000 pounds. As to varieties, the Wine- sap, the Ben Davis and the Rome Beauty seem to be the most profitable, both on account of a good average yield and a ready demand for the same in market ; though some other varieties might do equally well, when once introduced." BIOGRAPHY AND LITERATURE. LIFE'S AUTUMN. A fitful wind about the eaves. That sways the creaking door ; The shadows of the falling leaves Flit pass me on the floor. The autumn skies are clear above, But silent is their song ; Oh, spirit of the changeless love, Keep back my autumn long ! In vain with gold the forest weaves Its sylvan greenness o'er; The shadows of the falling leaves Flit pass me on the. floor I It means the world is growing old, It means no birds to sing ; Oh, not for all the autumn's gold Would I forego my spring ! — Macmillan's Magazine. Geo. W. Campbell. — Mr. Geo. W. Camp- bell died at Delaware, Ohio, on Jul}^ 15, in his 82d year. He was the editor of a local news- paper, but, early in life, became warmly inter- ested in horticulture. He was one of the pio- neers in the great eminence American grape culture attained during the last half century. He will be best remembered by his introduc- tion of the Delaware grape, which still holds a place in the front rank of fine table grapes. Stephen Lincoln Goodale.— A memorial address, on Stephen Lincoln Goodale, one of the fathers of Maine agriculture, by Samuel L. Boardman, has just been issued. Horticultur- ists, as well as agriculturists, will hold his memory in grateful remembrance. The superb Goodale Pear was the result of one of his ex- periments. It was raised from the McLaugh- lin. He died at Saco, Maine, Nov. 8th, 1898, in his 82d year. Prof. Geo. Lincoln Goodale, Director of the Cambridge Botanic Garden, is one of his sons. IsiDOR Bush.— The death of Isidor Bush, which occurred on the 5th of August, removes another of the intelligent men who have ele- vated horticulture, of which the present year, 1898, has given us so large a list. He died at St. Louis, of which he had been a citizen for 49 years. He was a co-worker with Dr. Engelmann, and together they made the "cata- logue of grapes" on the Bushberg nurseries, a marvel of botanical research and practical uselulness. It has gone through two editions, and has been translated into several European lan- guages. He was preparing a third, which had been called for and which his death may prevent. It was mainly through his knowledge that Europe became acquainted with what are known as non-resistant grapes, — a useful dis- covery that saved the great wine interests of the Old World from utter destruction. He was born at Prague, Bohemia, in 1822. Taking part in the revolution of 1848, he came to America. During the Civil War, he wasSecretary to General Fremont, and in 1865 was a member of the State Convention of Mis- souri. He leaves one son, Raphael, now at Bushberg. Few have departed from the hor- ticultural circle who were so widely useful, or so universally beloved. Albanus L. Felten.— Albanus L Felten, a noted market gardener, of Philadelphia, died on the 19th of August, in his 84th year. In a great measure, he was the father of profitable raspberry culture in America. Up to his time, varieties of the European race were experi- mented with, and the newer popular varieties, such as Herstine, Brinkles Orange, and others of the Antwerp, the names of which are familiar to the older generation, were as far as improvers could go. They were too tender for our winters, and the fruit too soft for profitable marketing. The Philadelphia, and Felten's prolific, im- proved American varieties, changed the whole course of Pomological thought. To-day, only varieties of American species are found in the raspberry markets. He was also an improver in strawberry growing ; and, indeed, in the whole range of market gardening, he was famous for the intelligence he brought to bear on his business. The wonderful pro- (159) i6o MEEHANS' MONTH I.Y— BIOGRAPHY AND LITERATURE. [October gress made in market gardening, and from which the whole community profits, owes much to Albanus L. Felten of Philadelphia. GiLLENi A.— Changes in Plant Names. — F. B., Peoria, Illinois, says : Your article on GilUnia trifoliata needs some correction. Arnold Gille, to whom Moench dedicated the plant in question, was a gardener in Kassel, who published, 1627, a list of foreign plants cultivated in Kassel — Hortus cassellanus. The name should not be pronounced Jilenia, as the Century Dictionary proposes, but Gillenia, as the German G sounds like the English G in give. Conrad Moench was professor of botany not somewhere " in Hesse Cassel," but Marburg, Hesse Cassel, one of the oldest universities in Germany, founded in 1527. Marburg in Austria, (prov. Styria) has nothing to do with the professor of botany, Conrad Moneh (i 744-1 805). Linnaeus proposed that only the names of the most meritorious botan- ists should be used as generical names, and I think that is right. Now, although I do not hold that the obscure gardener Gille is one of the meritorious botanists, a name now in use since a century should not be cancelled only to give our botanists a chance to mutual complimenting. You are right, Gillenia will probably prevail for our plant. ' ' And J. H. Stanfordville, Dutches County, N. Y., says: '* I am pleased that you gave Dr. Britton a rap on Gillenia, We might have as many names for each plant as there are presuming persons who imagine that there is some value in their innovations*" The author of the chapter on Gillenia desires to say that as a director of public schools of 20 years' standing, he has long ago abandoned the practice of "rapping" any- body— much less would he " rap' ' his excellent friend Dr. Britton. Dr. Britton and his friends were confronted with a grave problem. They found a canon for botanists to follow in the use of names, that had not been followed, — namely, that the first name given with a description, should prevail. They determined to enforce this rule at any cost, just as martyrs have died in the past for their faith, and as the dervishes in Egypt are doing to day. Though we feel that Dr. Britton and his friends are attempting an impossibility, we must admire the heroic attempt. They cannot see, as mar- tyrs in many instances fail to see, that the evils following their train, are greater than the ones they try to cure. The fact is, those who helped to found the original Canon, that priority should prevail, failed to provide for what should be done when it did not prevail. One thing is clear to the writer of this, that after a name has once become established, and diffused through general literature, no effort will succeed in replacing it by a prior name. A BOOK RELATIVE TO CHEMICAL INFLUENCE ON THE Colors of Flowers. — A correspon- dent inquires : "Can you refer me to any pub- lished matter relating to the influence of the varying constituents of the soil on the colors of flowers, or any experiments in the applica- tion of any chemical substance with a view to influencing the color of flowers; or any experi- ments on the influence on flower-colors of lights varying in intensity or character .»* " We do not know of any such work or paper. Meehans' Monthly is unable to recommend anything to meet this request. Can its readers give the desired information.** ^ENEK/^L MOTES. Abies Douglasii. — California pines, as well as evergreens generally, feel quite at home in the moist climate of Great Britain. In Devonshire, England, a specimen of the Douglas Spruce is growing that has already attained a height of 80 feet, and is 12 feet in diameter. At Dropmore there is a specimen 120 feet high, — though in other respects less handsome than the Devonshire specimen, says the London Journal of Horticulture. Belgian Estimation of Gardening. — In most countries it is the military hero that gains popular applause. Those who destroy life secure the bronze or marble monuments, — those who add to the pleasures of mankind are seldom recognized. Belgium is an exception. Its great men receive public decorations which come to kings and conquerers only, elsewhere. Van Houtte, Linden, Verschaffelt, De Smet, Van Gert, Baumann, Roezl, Wallis, Warce- wicz. and other great friends of horticulture, received almost royal honors when living, and monuments when dead. Why should not other communities appreciate the heroes of life, as well as the champions of death 1 SITUATIONS WANTED. Advertisements under this head, not exceeding 50 words rill be inserted once for 50 cents, or three times for $1.25. r^ARDENERS: At all times, we have on our register the names of competent gardeners, whom we would be glad to recommend to persons in need of same as being fully competent to take entire charge of any place, either large or small. Gardeners desiring situations should correspond with us. No charge, whatever, is tnade for any such service rendered. THOMAS MEEHAN cS: SONS, German town, Philadelphia. GARDENER, — Position wanted where a thor- ough and practical training in every branch of gardening and landscaping will be of service. Age 32, married, one child, abstainer. Fine refer- ences. Wm. J. Faulkner, 5528 Pulaski Avenue, Germantown, Pa. QARDENER AND FLORIST wants private ^^ place ; German, age 33, married, one child ; good references. **I. D. N.," care of MeEHANS' MONTHI,Y. f^ARDENER— English, age 34. married, I child. ^^ desires situation on private place where his ability will prove of some consideration. Exten- sive and practical experience in all of gardening' and landscaping. Forcing expert. Fine references. C. H. R., care of Mkehans' Monthly. Y^ARDENER with life-long experience and ^^ holding highest of references desires position on gentleman's place. Employed at present, but would like to make a change. Thomas F. Martin , Bayport, L. I., N. Y. NOVELTIES IN PLANTS, FRUITS, Etc A. BLANC AFFODIL, Emperor 12, $1.25. 100, I7.00 Etnpress 12, i.oo. 100, 5.00 " Horsfieldi 12,. .60. 100, 4.00 Sir Watkin 12, .80. 100, 6.00 _^ *' Frinccps 12, $0,20. 100, |i.oo. 1,000, 9.00 riAKCISSUS, Poeticus Oruatus, 12, $0.20; 100,10.75; 1,000,17.50 Tulips, Late Flowering Bizarres, Byblooms and Roses. A fine collection. 12, 2octs.; 100, 75 cts. ; i ,000, $6,00. First-class Bulbs. By express as above. ■1. CBAWFOBDy CUYAHOGA FALLS, 0. POTASH. To underfeed and overwork an animal is not economy. It is equally unwise to treat your soil in like manner. In these days of small profits it is neces- sary to get the largest crops from the least number of acres. This can be accomplished by thorough cultivation, suitable rotation and proper use of fer- tilizers. Failures occur when- ever fertilizers are deficient in Potash. If you want to learn all about fertilizers, their com- position, use and effect, send for our free illustrated pamphlets on this subject. GERMAN KALI WORKS, 93 Nassau St., N. Y. HENRY W.CIBBONS GREENHOUSE BUILDER AMD NEATINC CNCINEER n« UMRTY «T»ttT NEW YORK. NY CA1KL0CUIS « CENTS EXPERT ADVKi: ESTIMATES. PLANS. RTABLE GREENHOUSES FOR SMALL ESTATES. COMPLETE FOR $JtOO.«o VY/OOD ASHES ^■^B Canada, hardwood, imleachcd, fine screened, ^^^^ high test. Cost less than other fertilizers and last loneer. No weed seeds, no odor. Golf clubs, parks and cemeteries use them. An Ideal Fertilizer for Lawns Delivered at railway station in box cars anywhere, in any quantity. Get circulars and price. Now is the time to apply them. MY SAFE AND SURB INSECTICIDE is death to Worms. Non-poisonous and odorless. WM. P. PERKINS, 364 9th Street, Brooklyn, N. Y. s END FOR CATALOQUE OF--^ Ornamental Trees, Shrubs ^ Vines All Kcown at the Concord Nurseries, Concord, Mass. No better stock grown anywhere. Specialties of Wild Roses, Boston Ivy, Clethra and Mat imon Vine. F. Q. PRATT, Concord, Mass. WHEN WRITING TO ADVERTISERS, TELL THEM YOU SAW THEIR CARD IN MEEHANS' MONTHLY. 1-O.LJ^.ARCJSSI Prettiest of all Spring ^ flowers — no trouble to ' grow ; planted in Fall they never fail to give good returns. As an in- ducement for everybody to try them, we offer the following collection at much less than cata logue prices. Three strong flower- ing Bulbs each of the following four fine sorts: ^^\ w,| Golden Trumpet Daffodil, Ghalice-cup or Star Daffodil, Poet's Narcissus, Double Trumpet Daffodil, 12 Bulbs in all sent postpaid to any address in U. S. for r 5 col lections for $ I. oo. Full cultural direc- tions, illustrations and descriptions of the best BULBS, PLANTS, and SEEDS, will be found in our handsome Autumn Catalogued Mailed FREE on application. Henry A» Dreer,' 7J4 Chestnut St. Philadelphia* ^ THE MONTROSE Rare Ornamentals. Choice Ever- greens, Shrubbery, specialties. Prices rock bottom. Privet, 3c. Illustrated catalogue free. E. S. PETERSON, Montrose, N. Y. For the best in the nursery line, both In FRUITS AND ORNAMENTALS and at prices to suit the times, consult THE STORRS & HARRISON CO., Box 20 Painesville, Ohio. Correspondence Solicited. Catalogues free. ARE NOVELTIES, SEEDS, PLANTS, BULBS, CACTI ^:^ SUCCULENTS. . . Grown by Mrs. Theodosia B. Shepherd Send IOC. for cat. Ventura-by-the-Sea. California MCNTION PAPER ELASTICITY In wire fenre l8 now an admitted n»»ceKHit.v. That's wliat our coil !•* for. We own it. Catalotrne free. PACjK MOVKN WIRK fence CO.. Adrian. Mich. HCDGC OP CALIFORNIA PRIVET ( LIGUSTRUM OVALIFOLIUM) DO YOU WANT A HEDGE PLANTED? We would be pleased to give estimates for furnishing and planting hedges of all descriptions : Hemlock, Arbor-Vitae, Privet, or any other hedge plant. Full information on application. We have an immense stock of Ornamental Trees, Shrubs, Vines, Ever- greens and Herbaceous Plants. Catalogue for six cents. ga"nT^g;^Engineer5 THOMAS MEEHAN & SONS, Germantowo, Phila., Pa, WHEN WRITING TO ADVERTISERS, TELL THEM YOU SAW THEIR CARD IN MEEHANS' MONTHLY. illllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllH |mQUI>1IhL[!M£DIII DC ^^^.^ I TO PLANT I i BULBS Hyacinths Tulips Daffodils Crocus and all other BULBS for Autumn Planting STRICTLY FIRST QUALITY AT MODERATE PRICES. Send for Illustrated Catalogue t. and Price List. MICH ELL, 1018 MARKET STREET | PHILADELPHIA • I aillllllllllHHIHHHIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIMIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIMIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIilllinillllllHmilHIHIHHIIIIIMIIIMIIIMIMIMn: Hardy Perns ^2£ Flowers You will find over 40 varieties of hardy r ERNS in my Catalogue, beautiful and easily grown. « CYPRIPEDIUMS large White, Yellow, etc. Herbaceous Perennials Irls.Trllllums, Larkspurs, etc. 3tiRUB3 Rhododendrons, Kaimlas, Azaleas, Roses, etc. Send for Descriptive Illustrated Catalogue. EDWARD GILLETT. Southwick. Mass. 1840 Old Colony Nursorli 1898 HARDY SHRUBS, TREES, VINES BYBROREENS AND PERENNIALS. A large and fine stock of well-rooted plants grown in a sandy loam. Good plants, best sizes for planting, very cheap. Priced Catalogue free on application. T. R. WATSON, Plymouth. Mass. to send for our New Catalogue, which tells of Hardy Trees, Shrubs, Plants, Roses, Fruit, and our special stock of Rhododendrons. It will in- terest all who are interested in such matters. IT WILL PAY YOU ANDORRA NURSERIES, gSSKSKv. Wm. Warnir Harper. Propriktor NEW . SEED • STORE The old established firm of D. LANDRETH &, SONS, now in its 115 Years of continuous business, has REMOVED ITS RETAIL DEPARTMENT •FROM 21 AND 23 SOUTH SIXTH ST., TO THE NORTH-WEST CORNER OF 10th & Market This very attractive Store has been fitted up on a plan entirely new in the Seed Trade, and it will in •11 things be conducted on new methods. lysdies who have gardens or conservatories are especially invited to visit it to inspect the extensive assortment of Hyacinths, Tulips, Narcissus, Lily, Crocus and other Bulbs for planting in October. WHEN WRITING TO ADVERTISERS, TELL THEM YOU SAW THEIR CARD IN MEEHANS' MONTHLY. '«■ •:■■■•«-.■■ v.- -at...^-*,. ..1^J-^;^ ^?^^ A l^eautiful, Rich, C"^^^ Green Lawn is maintained by the yearly application of THEIR use will produce and re- tain a beautiful^ rich, d a r k-g r c e n growth throughout the summer* Canada Unleached Hard Wood Ashes They contain^ practically, nearly all the fertilizings elements of stable manure and none of the disag:reeable features of it. They have no odor, are easily handled and applied, and, in fact, they are the most valuable fertilizer for the lawn, field or pasture* Apply one to two tons to the acre, according: to the condition of the soil, or for small lawns J 00 to J 50 lbs* to the t,000 square feet of sod. Ashes should be put on in the fall, early winter or springs, and they must be evenly distributed over the gfrass* NOTE THE FOLLOWING- Ashes have no disagreeable odor. They keep borers away from trees* They are easily and quickly applied* They carry no weed seeds with them* Some ashes are cheap in price but dear when quality is considered* Ashes are used almost exclusively on the grass in parks and cemeteries. They arc valuable fertilizers for renewing the soil around fruit and shade trees* "Wood Ashes will destroy the mossy growth found under the grass on old and sour lawns* They stiffen and renew lawns that have become brittle or sour from the fre- quent applications of stable manure* "We put them up in 50 and J 00 pound sacks and in barrels containing about 200 pounds* St/ >!^ si/ s/ M/ St/ I St/ St/ St/ St/ SI/ St/ SI/ SI/ SI/ SI/ w St/ St/ SI/ St/ PRICES 50 POUNDS - JOO POUNDS - 250 POUNDS - ONE TON $1.00 1.50 2.50 18.00 Thomas Meehan SPECIAL PRICES given by letter on car load lots in bulk or barrels TELEPHONE 9411 A & Sons vf/ Qermantown, Pbila. }!^ I A&MSTEONO A McK£L7T i'rt 8l)Utvh. BETMSB-BAVMAH PUtsburffh. DAVIS -VHAHBBBfl Pittsburtrh. FAHNB0TOOX Pitt«burtfh. ANOBOB ) f Cincinnati. EOKSTBIN J ATLANTIC BRADLBT BBOOKtTll JEWETt TTLSTEB M N«w York. /' SOUTHERN 6RIPMAN COLLIER m33DUEI R^D 8BAL rO'ITHEEM Chicago. \ St. Loait. J DIN T. LEWIS A BEOS 00 I'hslAdelphia. MOatET r., ^ A Olt-veland. SiLEM Saiem, Man. CORVELL Buffalo. ANY of the *' mixtures ** branded and sold as Pure- White Lead contain little if any White Lead, but are zinc and barytes. Barytes is used because It IS cheap, not because it has any value as paint. Protect yourself by using brands which are genuine and made by the old Dutch process. See list of genuine brands. Nalional Lead Co., loo WUliam St., New York. Pot Grown Strawberry Plants will bear crop next season. Fruit trees. celery, cabbare pbtots, etc.— everything »n the nursery line. Send your address for our free Summer »ik1 Autumn catalogue. T. J. DWYER « SON. Box 6a. ComwaH. N. Y. C. 6. Van Tubergen, Jr., Haarlem, Holland CHOICE DUTCH BULBS 0 ATTRACTIVE BULBOUS PLANTS Orders for importation only. OATAUOOt«r38 PREB C. C. ABEL &. CO., Sole Agents, Box 920, New York The Spraytnir of Plant*, by E. G. I^odeman. A concise account of the history, principles and practice of the appli- cations of liquids and powders to plants for the destroyhiE ^L*"^^«5t"^ *"°8^» 3*® I»«es, 92 Ulustratlons. price* 81.00. postpaid THOMAS M&EHAN & SONS. Publishers. Germantown. Phlla. The Forcing Book, A manual of the cultivation oi vegeta- bles in glass houses. It is a convenient record of long experience and practical and careful experimentation. By Prof L. H. Bailey. ««0 pagres. 88 illustrations, Sl.OO, post-paid. THOMAS MKEHAN & SONS, Publishers, Germantown, Phiia. LORD & BURNHAM CO. LARGEST BUILDERS OF GREENHOUSE STRUCTURES and Manufacturers of Heating and Ventilating Apparatus Plans and estimates famished on application for Heating and Ventilating Apparatus erected complete or for material only. Highest awards at World's Fair. Send 4 cents postage for catalogue of Patent Iron Greenhouse construction. Standard Hot Water Heater in 4 sizes. Specially adapted for moderate ranges. We also make Sec- tional Heaters for large ranges. Highest economy. Reasonable prices. Send 5 cents postage to New York Office for latest catalogue of Heating and Ventilating Apparatus. Esti- mates fumished for Cypress Greenhouse material. Write for circular of Hot-Bed Sash and Frames. WHEN WRITING TO ADVERTISERS, TELL THEM YOU SAW THeFr CARD IN MEEHAN8' MONTHLY. W^Y. Office, St. Jainet BIdg., Broadway and 26th St. General Office and Works, Irvinstonon-Hudeon. N. Y. WHEN WRITING TO ADVERTISERS, TELL THEM YOU SAW THEIR CARD IN MEEHANS' MONTHLY. .«5»f5^ (US (US (i^ (KS (Us (US (Its (Its (US (Its (US (Its (Its (US (its (Its (US (Its (Its (IS (its (Its (Us (Its (Its (US (Its (US (Its (Its (Its (Its (its (Its (US (its (its (Its (its A l^eautiful, Rich, C^'^J Green Lawn is maintained by the yearly application of THEIR use will produce and re- tain a beautiful, rich, dark-green growth throughout the summer. Canada Unleached Hard Wood Ashes They contain, practically, nearly all the fertilizing elements ot stable manure and none of the disai^reeable features of it. They have no odor, are easily handled and applied, and, in fact, they are the most valuable fertilizer for the lawn, field or pasture. Apply one to two tons to the acre, according: to the condition of the soil, or for small lawns tOO to t50 lbs. to the 1,000 square feet of sod. Ashes should be put on in the fall, early winter or spring;, and they must be evenly distributed over the §:rass. NOTE THE FOLLOWING- Ashes have no disagreeable odor. They keep borers away from trees. They are easily and quickl/ applied. They carry no weed seeds with them. Some ashes are cheap in price but dear when quality is considered. Ashes are used almost exclusively on the grass m parks and cemeteries. They arc valuable fertilizers for renewing the soil around fruit and shade trees. Wood Ashes will destroy the mossy growth found under the grass on old and sour lawns. They stiffen and renew lawns that have become brittle or sour from the fre- quent applications of stable manure. We put them up in 50 and 100 pound sacks and in barrels containing about 200 pounds. PRICES 50 POUNDS - $1.00 Thoma 100 POUNDS - 1.50 250 POUNDS - 2.50 & ONE TON 18.00 5PI-CIAL PRICES jfiven letter «n car load lots in hulk or barrels by THLEPHONI: oil| a (iermanlown. Phila. \»/ SUf SUf \ .^Vl fi ^: • ^ s\^ ,^l .ij /:.. 7^1 '-rf "i/iii* "1?^ ^: .-!* •^ (JjHi 'A'l^ \ /' .^W;; V'J m i-^s ^^ -^^ !5!^Wf. «S^..*, e/yJ ^. / A/ -:^lA < ^^ .<^/ EEHANS' N TM LY H5^. lem o^ r^ - A M 'yyif %l m />. -lUi r<^^^. :^\ ^fe» ^1 J''* M ■i.-i"^ General Gardening >: ^^ ^'•' t ,aO\ LOWERS ii .*'/.■ ' -^ \ lu ^ X (enduded b^ ^ •'/„. ''} JM.'i ud/h. ■£) e^ **'^ TM9MA5 MEEHAN [cJAomcui . OTkf coPvnioHTco ia*s ENTERED AT THE PHILADELPHIA POST OFFICE AS SECOND-CLASS MATTER W U^\ fleehans' Monthly PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY Thomas riEEHAN & Sons, Germantown, Pbila. SobsGFiption Ppiee $2.00 per year. $1.00 for Six Months. Back Numbers 20 Gts. Each. Two Subscriptions for $3.50 per Year. ^DVERTiSINB RATES ON APPLICATION Forms close on the 20th of each Month, preceding date of Issue. Address all Correspondence relating both to Editorial and Advertising matter, to THOMAS MEEHAN & SONS, Publishers Germantown, Phila., Pa. JUST COMPLETED the first volume of the PLANT WORLD More than 50 of America's leading botanists have con- tributed to this first volume, it contains 192 pages, upwards of 175 articles, and numerous illustrations. Printed on the best of book paper. PRICE SI.OO, if ordered now. Send for it. Volume II will be enlarged and improved in many ways. No effort will be spared to make this a journal of interest to every plant lover. Subscription price, Sl.OO per annum. Sample copy free. Address, WILLARD N- CLUTE & CO- BINGHAMTON, N. Y. Sontleni Florist '^^ HanlGQiir The only Floral Magazine Published for the Southern Climate SUBSCRIPTION, - $1.00 PER YEAR Attractive Premiums and Liberal Cash Commission to Ajjcnts Published on the First of Kach Month by SoMthern Florist and Gardener Co. CHATTANOOGA, TENN. • This is the only Ma(;azine of its class published in the South It is devoted to the culture of Flowers, Plants, and Gardening. It is published in the interest of its readers and will give the proper attention and care to its advertisers. No labor or expense will be spared to make the Journal a brilliant success in this particular field. iD 6EBIRE> 6c SOAls A GENERAL ^ ^T ^T. CALVADOS. r^^^y ^..cO^REE, .() , a general ^ -^ssort/a&mT^! RGtST d1U^" Soif Agists ^x J.S, A«f^ ca5 Camoa^ '^"^^ V\ •^REENS, s FECIAL OFFER Garden and Forest Twenty-five copies, consecutive or selected numbers, in any recent year, One Dollar ; one hundred numbers, Three Dol- lars, post-paid. Bound Volumes, Two Dollars, carriage paid. Wanted— Nos. 10,31,32, 33; Vol. I. Nos 71, 76, 77, 78; Vol. II. Nos. 97, 98, 99. J07, 120, 134, 141, 149 ; Vol. III. Nos. 153, 192; Vol. IV. Nos. 496, 500, 502, 505 ; Vol. X. J. H. GRIFFITH Room 1317 American Tract Society Building NEW YORK CITY PUBLISHED THE Ux AND 15th OF EACH MONTH BY THE GARDENING COMPANY MONON BUILDING, CHICAGO SUBSCRIPTION PRICE, $2.00 A YEAR 24 NUMBERS The most practical and valuable American Horti- cultural publication. Departments : The Flower Garden, Trees and Shrubs, The Greenhouse, The Window Garden, The Fruit Garden, The Vege- table Garden, Insects and Other Pests, Mushrooms, and others in season. See what subscribers say about this valuable journal. "For condensed common sense in gardening matters, for reliable, unprejudiced and safe information, Gardening cannot be surpassed, and although moderate in size it ex- pands upon perusal." W. C. Egan, Highland Park, 111. "Gardening is the best horticultural paper printed in America." Chas L. 3drr, Springheld, Mass. "I am greatly pleased with the paper. It is practical and suggestive. Its reproduction of photographic views of plants, flowers and landscapes is a most admirable feature." W. M. Johnson, liackensack, N. J. "It is a delightful paper and has been very interesting and instructive to me." Frank Hitchcock, Davenport, la. •*I have found Gardening extremely useful and interest- ing. You have given your subscribers a great deal more than their money's worth." Chas. E- Brown, Yarmouth, Nova Scotia "Such a publication was long needed in this country. Every line of its contributions is a lesson in itself to many professionals as well as to amateurs." John Berrv, Gardener to Senator Wolcott, Littleton, Colo. "I value Gardening highly on account of the very practi- cal character of its contents.' J. A. Pettiqrew, Supt. Lincoln Park, Chicggo "I regard Gardening as one of the most practical maga- sines issued in the interests of horticulture." W. F. Macara, Watervillc, N. Y. "The paper is the most practical of any I read." W. E. Abbs, Fond du Lac, Wis. "I sut>scribe to all the horticultural and fioricultural jour- nals on this continent as far as I know and find in Garden- ing the most practical one for an amateur like myself." Dr. Geo. T. Hawley, Corning, N. Y. WHEN WRITING TO ADVERTISERS, TELL THEM YOU SAW THEIR CARD IN MEEHANS' MONTHLY. i vu L.VlIi. Plate N? 1 1 i > >' It ' 4 ^ MIMULUS CARDINALIS. CARDINAL MONKEY-FLOWER. NATURAL ORDER, SCROPHULARIACE.i^. MiMULUS CARDINALIS, Douglas.— Villotis, with viscid hairs; leaves ovate and the upper often connate, the lower commonly obovate-lanceolate, all eroselj' dentate; corolla scarlet, with tube hardly exceeding the calyx; the limb remarkably oblique, the upper lip nearly erect with the lobes turned back, the lower reflexed; stamens projecting.- Brewer and Watson's Botany of the California Geological Survey. See also Gray's Synoptical Flora of North America. The natural order, Sctophulariacece, to which the genus Mimulus belongs, is largely repre- sented among the native flowers of the United States, there being no less than thirty-eight genera included in Dr. Asa Gray*s "Synopti- cal Flora." Many of the genera are, how- ever, illustrated by but few species. A few, like this, with Pe?iistemo7i, constitute the greater part of the order in North America, — these two alone comprising about one-third of the whole — of Mimulus, about fifty species. Of these, two only — and these scarcely ad- mitted into the genus — are all that find a home in the Atlantic States. As the botanist ex- tends his search westwardly, he finds about eight in the Rocky Mountain region. All the rest are found mainly along the line of the country washed by the Pacific Ocean. In this territory, they occur over a very extended range northwardly and southwardly, reaching, indeed, the Arctic Circle. It has been noted that there is a remarkable correspondence between the flora of the Atlantic portion of the United States and that of Japan, — rarely any close relationship between the species of the Pacific Coast and Asia; but, in this in- stance, a species, M. Nepalensis of Bentham, is found in Japan, not distantly removed from the well-known musk-plant, Mimulus moschatus, which is found throughout the Pacific mountain range. On the other hand, though the two Eastern species, sometimes referred to as Linder7iia, are very nearly re- produced in Japan by an allied genus, Mazus, which, with but a single species there, M. rugosus, was known to Thunberg as Lindernia Japonica. In the first series of the Native Flowers and Ferns of the United States, Vol. IL, p. 73, the history of the name Mimulus is given under the illustration of a Rocky Mountain species, M, Jamesii. This has small, yellow flowers which is the prevailing color in the genus; though red, orange, violet and rose are represented in various species. The ** Monkey- Flower" of the florists was originally yel- low,— Mimulus luteus, — but having a natural tendency to vary, the varieties produced by selection under the florists* hands have been very numerous, — not only in form, but in many shades of color between yellow, crimson and brown; none, however, with any tendency to encroach on the beautiful cardinal color pre- sented by Mimulus cardinalis, here illustrated. Florists usually have the credit of produc- ing the garden forms of flowers which are so common, but they do little more than take advantage of a tendency to vary, which they find in the plants themselves. This is illus- trated in this species. It has been under the hands of the florist since 1835, but only a few slight varieties of it have been recorded. It has no tendency to vary, as some of the others have. According to one authority, it is common- ly known as the Cardinal Monkey-Flower. Common names are sometimes misleading, and this may be confused with one referred to by Gilder in the lines: ** When fades the cardinal flower, whose heart-red bloom Glows like a living coal upon the green of the mid- summer meadows,** for it is supposed the *• Cardinal Flower" here intended is the Lobelia cardinaliSy though it is not in bloom till long after the "mid- summer meadows'* have had the mowing machine pass over them. But '* Monkey- Flower " has been adopted as a derivative of its lyinnaean name, Mimulus ^ which was suggested by the ape-like faces of painted clowns in circuses, which the flowers of some kinds present; and "Cardinal Monkey-flower" (161) < ,! Mi.Mi-i.r^ cAK'r^iN.M.is \^ Platf 1 L 1 t. H I .. MIMULUS CARDINALIS. CARDLNAL MONKEY-FLOWER. NATURAL ORDER. SCROPHULARIACKJ:. MiMTLUS CARDINALIS, Doti^las.— Villoiis, with viscid hairs; leaves ovate and the upper often connate, the lower commonly ohovate-lanceolate, all erosely dentate; corolla scarlet, with tube hardly exceeding the calyx; the limb remarkably oblique, the upper lip nearly erect with the lobes turned back, the lower reflexed; stamens projecting- brewer and Watson's />\>/iinv of the Califotnia Geological Sutvey. See also Gray's Synoptical Flora of North Atneiica. The natural order, Scfophulariacece, to which the f^^enus Mimulns belongs, is largely repre- sented among the native flowers of the United States, there being no less than thirty-eight genera included in Dr. Asa Gray's "Synopti- cal Flora." Many of the genera are, liow^- ever, illustrated by but few species. A few% like this, with Peutstemon, constitute the greater part of the order in North America. — these two alone comprising about one-third of the whole— of Mimulns, about tifty species. Of theses, two only — and these scarcely ad- mitted into the genus — are all that find a home in the Atlantic States. As the botanist ex- tends his search westwardly, he finds about eight in the Rocky Mountain region. All the rest are found niainl}' along the line of the country washed by the Pacific Ocean. In this territory, they occur over a very extended range northwardly and southwardly, reaching, indeed, the Arctic Circle. It has been noted that tliere is a remarkable correspondence between the flora of the Atlantic portion of the United States and that of Japan, — rarely any close relationship between the species of the Pacific Coast and Asia; but, in this in- stance, a species, M. Nepalensis of Bentham, is found in Japan, not distantly removed from the well-known musk-plant, Mimulus vwscJiahis, which is found throughout the Pacific mountain range. On the other hand, though the two Eastern species, sometimes referred to as Lindeniia, are very nearly re- produced in Japan by an allied genus, Mazus, which, with but a single species there, Af. rugosns, was known to Thunberg as Lindernia Japonica. In the first series of the Native Flowers and Ferns of the United States, Vol. II., p. -^^^ the history of the name Mimtilus is given under the illustration of a Rocky Mountain species, M. Jam est L This has small, yellow flowers which is the prevailing color in the genus; though red, orange, violet and rose are represented in various species. The "Monkey- Flower" of the florists was originally yel- low,— Mimulns luteus, — but having a natural tendency to vary, the varieties produced by selection under the florists' hands have been very numerous, — not only in form, but in many shades of color between yellow, crimson and brown; none, however, with any tendency to encroach on the beautiful cardinal color pre- sented by Miynulus cardinalis, here illustrated. Florists usually have the credit of produc- ing the garden forms of flowers wdiich are so common, but they do little more than take advantage of a tendency to var}^ which they find in the plants themselves. This is illus- trated in this species. It has been under the hands of the florist since 1835, but only a few slight varieties of it have been recorded. It has no tendency to vary, as some of the others have. According to one authority, it is common- ly known as the Cardinal Monke^'-Flower. Common names are sometimes misleading, and this may be confused with one referred to by Gilder in the lines: "When fades the cardinal flower, whose heart-red bloom Glows like a living coal upon the green of the niid- suninier meadows," for it is supposed the " Cardinal Flower" here intended is the Lobelia catdinalis, though it is not in bloom till long after the "mid- summer meadows" have had the mowing machine pass over them. But " Monkey- Flower " has been adopted as a derivative of its lyinniL'an name, Mimulus^ which was suggested by the ape-like faces of painted clowns in circuses, which the flowers of some kinds present; and "Cardinal Monkey-flower" (161) \ 1 . . . . RPfcAf l62 MEEHANS* MONTHLY — MIMULUS CARDINALIS. [November \^ *M follows from the cardinal color. Cardinal color came to be the term for light scarlet, from robes of that color being the special pre- rogatives of the Cardinals, high dignitaries of the Roman Catholic Church, from among whom and by whom the Popes are chosen. The peculiar bright color, hitherto unknown in the genus, created quite a sensation when introduced into cultivation for the first time, which resulted from the journey of David Douglas, who was employed to go to the Pacific Coast, in 1832 (a second trip), to collect seeds of plants, under the auspices of the English Royal Horticultural Society, for the gardens of the Old World. He suggested the name, Mimulus cardinalis, which was adopted by Bentham, who drew the first published description. Douglas, however, did not live to participate in the pleasure derived by the admirers of beautiful flowers from the seeds he sent home, having been trodden to death in the Sandwich Islands, in 1834, by a wild bull in a pit into which both had fallen soon after each other. Almost all of the family love to grow in damp places, — or if on stronger rocky ground, in the vicinity of waterfalls, or in locations where the atmosphere is saturated with mois- ture. This species grows along the banks of streams and water-courses, often in large masses of three— or even four feet in height, and making a gorgeous display in the rural scenery. As seen in the annexed illustration, the flowers come singly from the axils of the leaves, borne on short pedicels, which bear them beyond the foliage, and these are produced continually as the flower stem grows. They may thus be found in blossom at any time, from midsum- mer till autumn has fairly set in. Its native home covers a wide range on the Pacific Coast, it being credited not only to Oregon and Cali- fornia, but to Arizona also. A specially interesting feature of the study of the living flower is the sensitiveness of the flat lobes of the stigma. This was made the subject of an interesting chapter in the Ameri- can Agriculturist for 1878, from the pen of the late Professor George Thurber, and copied en- tire into the London Garden for 1879. It may be noted that in many plants of the order to which Mimulus belongs, — SctophulariacecB,?in& an allied natural order Big7io?iiacecB, som^ genera have the stigma composed of two flattened plates. These plates are usually closed; (Fig. 2, where they are commencing to expand) but when the flower is fully open, they spread and continue expanded until the flower has faded (Fig. 5). I^. however, they area little roughly touched, either during the visit of an insect, or by the point of a pencil, they slowly— not "suddenly," as the accounts cited say— close. What "motive," so to speak, the flower can have in exhibiting such an excitable disposition, has been a subject of much speculation among students of botanical philosophy. Usually, in the modern discus- sions on these subjects, it has become the custom to regard it as being in some way connected with arrangements for avoiding self- fertilization. As will be seen in Fig. 4. the anthers discharge their pollen before the pistil is mature. If the plates, with their interior stigmatic surfaces, were expanded at that time, they would become covered with the flower's own pollen. But the pistil elongates, subse- quently, to the discharge of the pollen (Figs. 3, 4), and not till then do the lobes expand. Any visiting insect, covered with pollen of other flowers, may then communicate some of this pollen to the plates. This may be a legi- timate speculation to account for the closing of the plates at the time when the stamens mature and shed their pollen ; but the subse- quent pollination, by insects or other agencies, appears to be in noway aided by the irritability. The plates expand again, subsequently, and remain expanded unless again intruded on, until the flower fades (Fig. 5). The whole plant, and especially the stem, is covered by hair having a viscid exudation at the apex or, as the description states, cover- ed with viscid hairs. Here, again, philosophic speculation may be indulged in, while a large number of the species of the genus are clothed with these sticky hairs, nearly as many are perfectly smooth. What gain to the plant is associated with this kind of hairy investiture, may be a question. Adaptation to environ- ment can scarcely have caused the difference, as among the twenty-seven species native to the Pacific Slope, smooth and hairy species often grow together. Explanation of the Plate.— i. Upper portion of a flowering stem. 2. Flower mature with lobes of the pistil ready to expand. 3. Back view of flower, a little younger. 4. Front view showing mature anthers. 5. Faded flower, showing expanded lobes of the pistil. ^^ V % I ^ i WILD FLOWERS AND NATURE. MOUNTAIN WOOD. Unconscious nature with voice subdued, Soothes the soul with its various tones — The muffled roar of the wintry wood ; Or the sigh of the pines, where the south wind moans, Or here, where the spray of the foam-cascade — Keeps green forever the moss-robed walls, Whose ferns and vines are an emerald braid, Amid the murmur of waterfalls. — Howard Worcester Gilbert. TucKAHOE, — Pachyma Cocos, Again. — See- ing an article in the September Monthly, the thought struck me that perhaps I could add a few words of interest concerning the growth of the Tuckahoe. Having been much interested in it for the past ten years, and examining hundreds of specimens, taken from the soil by myself, I have learned something of its curious habits. It was only about two years ago that I learned the secret of their existence and became con- vinced that they had no roots of their own. I had found numerous ones that appeared to be formed around roots of trees, (as Fig. 2), but there was no trace of the woody fibre. While digging in our garden, one day, in Arkansas, I found a specimen about two feet long and as large as my arm. I carefully dug it out, as I was then collecting some for the Agricultural Department. It was growing on a black hickory root that was so near decayed as to be very brittle, and it broke in two. (Fig. i). The fungus was yet in its infancy and was quite hard and watery and of a light, silvery-gray color instead of a pearly white- ness, as the mature speci- mens are. The root itself was about one-and-a-half inches in diameter, and, slicing it open, I found that where the fungus was largest, (3-4 inches in diameter), there was not a vestige of wood to be seen, while nearer the ends, the chestnut brown particles of wood became visible, surrounded by grey masses of fungus ; and finally, the wood was predominant and all traces of the fungus lost. In other words the fungus had not yet extended along the entire root. It spread both ways from the point of attack and occupied about two feet of the root. Its spores seem to penetrate every pore of the wood and as they grow and swell, separate it into small particles. Although I have found the Tuckahoe in all stages of its growth, I have never seen one with any trace of roots of its own, and I sel- dom found one that did not bear conclusive evidence that it had formed in or on some tree root. So far as I have been able to determine, it confines itself to roots of the hickory. It doubtless requires a considerable length of time for this fungus to come to maturity, — perhaps all the season, and as specimens are found in a perfect state of preservation, at all seasons of the year, I am inclined to think they may last longer ; and as the roots are not aft'ected until in an advanced stage of decay, it is quite possible that small roots, to which it Fia. 3. --START ON A DEAD ROOT. (163) 1 64 MEICHANS* MONTHI.Y— WII.D FLOWERS AND NATURE. [November often attaches itself, have become wholly oblit- erated when the mushroom is found. This will account for their being, as you say, *• sometimes wholly disconnected with the roots of trees." C. B. PLEAS. Chipley, Fla. Though the subject has been so well dis- cussed, we find a place for this excellent com- munication. As before said, the fungus does not appear to be a parasite, but finds on the decaying wood, and sometimes independently of any decaying wood, the fungus with which it proposes to be mutually helpful in getting a start in life. TucKAHOE. — The article, •• Tuckahoe,'* mentioned in the Monthly for September, re- minds me of my own native place. Central North Carolina. My father, in cleaning up an old fence-row, got hold of a vine — dead of course — a little difficult to remove. He found, at the lower end, it was still adhereing to something, and upon further investigation, found it fast to a bulb, nut, tuber, or whatever you will call it — potato shaped, but very large and irregular ; of a brownish, rugose coat. We dug it up entire, and it was as large as a man's soft hat. We cut a piece off, and it was as white as milk on the inside and had a sweetish, starchy taste. We took it to the house and put it, after it was washed, on the lower shelf in the cupboard, where it soon dried and was very hard. We frequently cut oflf pieces and ate them, and the taste was like arrow-root. It finally dried and cracked in many places, and still we would break off pieces and eat them, until finally it became so hard we had to take a hammer or little axe to get oif pieces. An old man came to our house, one day, and we showed him the thing. He at once pronounced it Indian bread, and said that many years ago, there were quantities of it in North Carolina. My father told me (I was a boy then), that it was the root of a large Convolvulus, and I did not dispute it. Since that time, I saw some tubers — larger than that one — in Mexico, but the vine bore large, bright- red-purplish glories. This tuber — if that is what you will call it — certainly had starch in it. I have one of the tubers now in a tub, at south side of my house. The vine, this very morning, had over loo fine, large, red-purplish flowers upon it. I have to take it up (tub sunk in ground) every fall and put it in cellar. The bulb or tuber increases in size every year. I think it will now weigh twenty pounds. The point where the vine is attached to the tuber is very small,— not so large as the handle of the pen I am writing this with,— and I should think, if it was to be severed, it might be hard to find where it was attached. The vine grows up every year, and it is no larger at the point of attachment, than it is six feet from it. We have found trufiles here, and I think they do grow and have a fine vine of some kind, which wholly separates from the tuber, which grows with but little foliage. R. J. Mendenhall. A valuable discovery of recent years is that some plants live on fungi, but the same fun- gus that supports the plant, lives on the plant in turn. This is known as the principle of symbiosis. It was often a puzzle to find plants, supposed to live on dead vegetable matter, and called saprophytes, without a particle of any vegetable matter to feed on. In these cases, the mushroomy odor may be easily detected in the soil, though no dead root be present. In brief, the fungus and the flowering plant, like the lion and the lamb, are lying down in friendly companionship together. Even those leathery structures on rocks and trees known as lichens, are but water weeds and mush- rooms (algae and fungi) that have agreed to join hands and travel through life together. The Tuckahoe is a fungus, related to the puff"- ball family, but living wholly underground. The facts collected by Meehans' Monthly in- dicate that in all probability it is in symbiosis with other members of the mushroom family. These fungi may need dead wood for some phase o^ their development, and the initial development of the Tuckahoe, coming along at that time, goes on as if it were itself a lover of deadwood ; but as in other cases noted, it may form a connection with the fungus when it is free from its regular work. Then it can be found without any trace of deadwood for a matrix. The pretty vine with the tuberous root, noted by our correspondent as belonging to the Co7ivolvulus, is the '• man-of-the-earth," roots of which have been said to reach the size of a ** wheelbarrow." The truffle is a subterranean fungus, and not a vine. 1898.] meehans' monthly — WILD FLOWERS AND NATURE. 165 .r Nature in Autumn. — An enthusiastic lover of nature is a curious being. He is prone to wander off" alone — or with but few companions where the solitude of undisturbed nature may give to his sensitive heart emotions that are alone lent by grandeur. Similar feelings may be called up by less natural means, such as the effect of a speaker before a great assembly of men where his words find sympathy and response in the hearts of his listeners. But nature, alone, has the true power of impres- where flowers are best appreciated when most peculiarly wrought, by patronizing florists, to innumerable fashionable colors, or to mon- strosities in size ; where a cocoon would be considered a ''nest" of "one of those pesti- ferous worms;" and where a tempting, stout puff ball would be "a poisonous toad-stool." Ye field and wood-roamers, stand up, and tell your city -stuffed friends what brightness h?s been added to your life by just a little knowl- edge of what nature reveals on every side ! STORM-BROKEN TREES. -sce page ie». r|^- sion. She speaks, and it is unforgotten ; she fills the heart with sympathy, and it remains. Cruelty and passion are extinguished when she is heard and regarded. Surely, sin and vice will grow less in the world when our children are brought up to interest in the pur- ity of nature. It is natural for humanity to lean towards sin and what are called mere worldly pleasures. But what is to be expected of those who are bred within the walls of a city, where birds are known only as " a nuis- ance" or as the source of brilliant millinery; Tell them that woodlands are not merely to provide shade for picnics on a hot day, nor fields merely for pasturage. Explain that though nature appears to sleep at times, her fall and winter wardrobe is charming, and here and there are hidden lingering faces or awakening traces. Bicycles are mentioned in connection with many subjects — why not with nature studies. There is nothing particularly natural about bicycles, unless it be the trudging of the pedals or the monkey-like hump of many 1 64 MEKHANS* MONTHLY— WIIvD FLOWERS AND NATURE. [November often attaches itself, have become wholly oblit- erated when the mushroom is found. This will account for their being, as you say, ♦•sometimes wholly disconnected with the roots of trees." C. B. Pleas. Chipley, P'la. Though the subject has been so well dis- cussed, we find a place for this excellent com- munication. As before said, the fungus does not appear to be a parasite, but finds on the decaying wood, and sometimes independently of any decaying wood, the fungus with which it proposes to be mutually helpful in getting a start in life. TucKAHOE. — The article, "Tuckahoe," mentioned in the Monthly for September, re- minds me of my own native place. Central North Carolina. My father, in cleaning up an old fence-row, got hold of a vine — dead of course — a little diflficult to remove. He found, at the lower end, it was still adhereing to something, and upon further investigation, found it fast to a bulb, nut, tuber, or whatever you will call it — potato shaped, but very large and irregular ; of a brownish, rugose coat. We dug it up entire, and it was as large as a man's soft hat. We cut a piece off, and it was as white as milk on the inside and had a sweetish, starchy taste. We took it to the house and put it, after it was washed, on the lower shelf in the cupboard, where it soon dried and was very hard. We frequently cut off" pieces and ate them, and the taste was like arrow-root. It finally dried and cracked in many places, and still we would break off pieces and eat them, until finally it became so hard we had to take a hammer or little axe to get off pieces. An old man came to our house, one day, and we showed him the thing. He at once pronounced it Indian bread, and said that many years ago, there were quantities of it in North Carolina. My father told me (I was a boy then), that it was the root of a large Convolvulus, and I did not dispute it. Since that time, I saw some tubers — larger than that one — in Mexico, but the vine bore large, bright- red-purplish glories. This tuber — if that is what you will call it — certainly had starch in it. I have one of the tubers now in a tub, at south side of my house. The vine, this very morning, had over loofine, large, red-purplish flowers upon it. I have to take it up (tub sunk in ground) every fall and put it in cellar. The bulb or tuber increases in size every year. I think it will now weigh twenty pounds. The point where the vine is attached to the tuber is very small,— not so large as the handle of the pen I am writing this with, — and I should think, if it was to be severed, it might be hard to find where it was attached. The vine grows up every year, and it is no larger at the point of attachment, than it is six feet from it. We have found truflleshere, and I think they do grow and have a fine vine of some kind, which wholly separates from the tuber, which grows with but little foliage. R. J. Mexdenhall. A valuable discovery of recent years is that some plants live on fungi, but the same fun- gus that supports the plant, lives on the plant in turn. This is known as the principle of symbiosis. It was often a puzzle to find plants, suppo.sed to live on dead vegetable matter, and called saprophytes, without a particle of any vegetable matter to feed on. In these cases, the mushroomy odor nia\' be easily detected in the soil, though no dead root be present. In brief, the fungus and the flowering plant, like the lion and the lamb, are lyin^: down in friendly companionship together. Even those leathery structures on rocks and tiees known as lichens, are but water weeds and mush- rooms (alg?e and fungi) that have agreed to join hands and travel through life together. The Tuckahoe is a fungus, related to the pufl*- ball family, but living wholly underground. The facts collected by Meehans' Monthly in- dicate that in all probability it is in s^-mbiosis with other members of the mushroom family. These fungi may need dead wood for some phase of- their development, and the initial development of the Tuckahoe, coming along at that time, goes on as if it were itself a lover of deadwood ; but as in other cases noted, it may form a connection with the fungus when it is free from its regular work. Then it can be found without any trace of deadwood for a matrix. The pretty vine with the tuberous root, noted by our correspondent as belonging to the Convolvulus, is the '• nian-of-the-earth," roots of which have been said to reach the size of a " wheelbarrow." The truflle is a subterranean fungus, and not a vine. I f ♦*• .r • 4 * ii'' 1898.] meehans' monthly — WILD FLOWERS AND NATURE. 165 Nature in Autumn. — An enthusiastic lover of nature is a curious being. He is prone to wander off" alone — or with but few companions where the solitude of undisturbed nature may give to his sensitive heart emotions that are alone lent by grandeur. Similar feelings may be called up by less natural means, such as the effect of a speaker before a great assembly of men where his words find sympathy and response in the hearts of his listeners. But nature, alone, has the true power of impres- where flowers are best appreciated when most peculiarly wrought, by patronizing florists, to innumerable fashionable colors, or to mon- strosities in size ; w^here a cocoon would be considered a "nest" of ''one of those pesti- ferous worms;" and where a tempting, stout puff" ball would be " a poisonous toad-stool." Ye field and wood-roamers, stand up, and tell your city-stuffed friends what brightness h?s been added to your life by just a little knowl- edge of what nature reveals on every side ! STORM-BROKEN TREES. -sce PAceieo. sion. She speaks, and it is unforgotten ; she fills the heart with sympathy, and it remains. Cruelty and passion are extinguished when she is heard and regarded. Surely, sin and vice will grow less in the world when our children are brought up to interest in the pur- ity of nature. It is natural for humanity to lean towards sin and what are called mere worldly pleasures. But what is to be expected of those who are bred within the walls of a city, where birds are known only as *' a nuis- ance" or as the source of brilliant millinery; Tell them that woodlands are not merely to provide shade for picnics on a hot day, nor fields merely for pasturage. Kxplain that though nature appears to sleep at times, her fall and winter wardrobe is charming, and here and there are hidden lingering faces or aw^akening traces. Bicycles are mentioned in connection with many subjects — why not with nature studies. There is nothing particularly natural about bicycles, unless it be the trudging of the pedals or the monkey-like hump of many TENnONAL SECONPEXPOS UN . it^a,fm\:'f^-: \ ^ 'i" 1 66 MEEHANS' MONTHLY— WILD FLOWERS AND NATURE. [November backs — a good point for Darwinians; but their possible aid in opening up the outlying coun- try is worthy of thought. It is true that not many years back, botanists and naturalists were obliged to carry on their explorations by means of wagons or a- foot, and doubtless they saw much more ; but the present idea involves particularly those who are not over-burdened with leisure time, and must make short trips. Already, several Philadelphia botanists have largely adopted this method for reaching fairly distant spots, where, the wheels hidden in some favoring clump of bushes, they are left free to roam as they choose. What would be more enjoyable to an ama- teur wheelman than to spin along rural road- sides in the cool of autumn, through rustling woods in their varicolored glory, — and finally the restful wandering among them; the find- ing of such familiar evergreen beauties as the Partridge Berry, with its scarlet twin-fruits, and the variegated foliage of the Pipsissewa or Chimaphila, the ferns, moss and the odd little lichens. Then there are the bright bunches of dogwood berries, and those of the Deciduous Holly, bitter-sweet, roses and False Solomon* s-Seal. Here and there are stray flowers — perhaps violets or asters. Even the character of trees, and their bark, more dis- tinct with the falling leaves, may be noted with interest. It is safe to say that such a * 'tramp'* would drive away many a care and furnish pleasant memories for all time. M. The Poison Vine. — The article on Poison Ivy, in the September monthly, prompts me to say a few words. The author says in opening : "In the spring is the time for people to be poisoned by this plant," and at the close, he says: '*In this part of the world, the chief complaint of Rhus poisoning comes from colored leaf-gather- ing in the fall." Now, my long experience with this family of plants, both the Poison Vine, the Poison Sumach, or Poison Ash, gives me facts to sus- tain both of these opinions, and to contradict them both. One party, 30 years' old, immune from boyhood, was recently poisoned by the vine, from contact in the spring. An octoge- narian— a man of observation and education, a hunter, fisherman, soldier, — gathering colored leaves in autumn, was badly poisoned by the Poison Ash, or Poison Sumach. A slip, going the rounds of the papers, says : "That the colored-leaved species of the sumach are not poisonous." Now it is a fact that both the R. toxicoden- dron and R. Vemix have bright-colored foliage at times. They are also easily distinguished in fruit, which is of a brownish or greenish white color. Burning the Poison Ash in the brush heap, or the wood in the kitchen stove, has caused very bad poisoning. All persons are not sus- ceptible. In the hay field in mid-summer, some of a gang of men and boys of a half dozen are frequently poisoned by the vine and the others escape. Some persons have never been affected ; others are so susceptible that they have been poisoned in going through swamps, where were Sumach bushes, but, to their knowledge, not touching them. The Poison Ivy is not supposed to act except from contact. Having often suffered from the ivy in the hay field, I have learned that having been ex- posed to it, and feeling the burning, itching sensation that precedes the eruption, washing the exposed parts with salt water, will kill the poison and serves somewhat as a preventa- tive on exposure. A solution of sugar of lead after the blisters appear allays the irritation and favors a cure. This is an old remedy, perhaps modern materia medica may do better. An Indian gave me the name of a remedy which I have never tried, i.e. Clear- weed — Adicea pumila — of Britton & Brown. T. S. Gold. It did not seem that there was contradiction in Mr. Steele's paper, — but that he was refer- ring to actual contact at one season, and the infection by vapor at another. In many ways there is evidence that " what is one man's meat," may be " another man's poison." Mosquito bites can scarcely be termed •' meat " to anyone, but they irritate some less than others. That "Rich-weed " is a good antidote for Rhus- poison, is believed. In regard to Adicea, the Kew Index makes Adicea of Rafinesque (not Britton & Brown) synonymous with Urtica, the true nettles, — while it refers Adicea pumila, of the same author, to Pilea. We had better stick to the widely known Pilea pumila until the doctors, who differ, agree among themselves. 1 % « I I GENERAL GARDENING. "PLANT A TREE." Plant oak or ash in useless spots of ground, A birch or willow at the murmuring brook, . Some flowering shrub upon the grassy mound, Or useful tree in any vacant nook. The graceful maple and the fragrant pine, In school-house grounds where children love to play; Some hardy trees along the highway's line To shade the traveler on his tiresome way. —Charles L. Lochman. The Purple American Spindle Tree. — A South Carolina correspondent has this to say of that beautiful shrub,-— or, we may almost say small tree, — the Purple American Spindle Tree, " Of berry-bearing plants for winter decoration of grounds — have you ever seen Euo7iymus atropurputeus, known by pharma- cists as Wahoo, natural order Celastracece. Advise those desirous of adding to their pos- sessions of this genus of plants to include this in their collection. With your readers, it can be recognized, as bearing smooth, five-celled drupes with the berries hanging on through the entire winter, here. This is not the Euonymus Americanus, or Spindle Tree, but a much grander one. My tree was sent me over fifteen years ago, and is now fifteen feet high, branching to ten feet diameter. With rigid thinning-out of an over- crowded head, I throw all the strength with new growth and blooms, and the result is that the tree has been a blaze of coral — shaded, smooth, five-celled seed-pods ; the inner lin- ing of the pale, reddish, outer seed-pods are a deep golden yellow. The tree has a wide- spreading head (which the Euonymus Ameri- canus has not), with the exquisite seed-pods crowded on slender, short and long stems, which can be cut, used easily and gracefully as house ornaments, or left hanging on tree, as desired.** The early botanists, that made Philadelphia their headquarters a century ago, introduced this plant, and it is now often found in the old gardens around there. It justifies all that our correspondent says of it, and more, for it claims attention by the beautiful autumn color- ing of its leaves. It certainly is not as com- mon in general cultivation as it deserves to be. TheGinkgo AS aStreet Tree— I think for a curb-stone tree among the best is Ginkgo of the Japanese, Salisburia adiantifolia, or Maidenhair tree of the botanists. Two of these interesting trees have flourished in Washing- ton for sixty years or more, apart, however, and being unisexual, no seed was produced. We were two years rooting a hard-wood cut- ting, and have a good tree thus propagated. Mr. Jardine, a Frenchman, an importer of trees and shrubs, sold to the British legation two Ginkgos to plant each side of the port cochere. He charged $7.50 apiece for them. The bill was disputed, and we were made referee. The matter was compromised at $5 each. Shortly after, when searching for street trees, we visited Hoopes Brothers & Thomas, West Chester, Pa. Walking through the nursery with my friend, Josiah Hoopes, we came to a large block of Ginkgos. ••There,*' he says, "you know that's a good thing, but our agents won't touch it. It won't sell." ''What will you take for it?** I asked. "I'll take 40 cents apiece, just to get rid of them," was his reply. We bargained for three hundred. Pierce Street, Washington, D. C, is now plant- ed with them and another short street, i7X» just west of Lafayette Square, where they are not so fine as on Pierce Street, owing to their being robbed by adjoining elms in the square, and the soil not so good. Here may be seen the effects of planting too close; nevertheless, they are very fine, and fruit freely. I have never seen an insect near them. This tree has a very interesting Boston history, which we find in Hooker's Kew Gardens Miscellany, vol. 2, 1850, under the heading, "TheGinkgo in Boston Commons.** A Ginkgo tree former- ly stood in a garden belonging to Mr. Green, which garden was in the centre of Boston. After his death (1832) the house and grounds (167) ' 1 ('1 ' II i68 MKKHANS' MONTHI^Y— GENERAL GARDENING, were sold. This tree was removed at the par- tial cost of the city (each of Mr. Green's child- ren paying $ioo toward the expense) to the wall encircling the Common, and planted be- fore the windows of Mrs. Green's house, in which she resided since her husband's death The tree is a native of China, and was of full size when Mr. Green. Sr., purchased the gar- den in 1798. It is now in fine leaf and beauty. The accompanying lines appeared in the public papers some months after the tree's removal. Dr. Bigelow is the author. This poem con- sists of fifteen stanzas. We quote the last: * 'And so thou hast survived thy fall And fairly disappointed all Who thought to see thee down; And better days are stored for thee, Long Shalt thou live, triumphant tree And spread thy foliage broad and free* A credit to the town." ' Is this individual tree still triumphant ? If not, how long did it live? Mr. Downing, three years afterward, wrote with approval of the operation of transplanting it. He gave its height as forty feet and its circumference as three feet. How is it now ? A full history would be interesting. w. R. Smith. What is a Brier ?— Custom-house officials, as well as some importers, appealed to Mee- HANS' Monthly to decide what is a "Brier" on which Congress placed an import duty. The intent of the law was plain. The in- tention was to tax stocks for grafting the finer roses on. But we were asked simply to define what was a - Brier. " The answer was thatj" Brier" was an English term, devised by English nurserymen for English purposes, and they would not include Manetti, Multiflora, Boursault, and others in this term. As the custom-house desired to lax the Manetti, the decision was not wholly acceptable. The fol- lowing paragraph, from Gatdening Jllusirated, accords with that decision, at any rate. "To distinguish Brier from Rose foliage (^. A'.)-The common hedge Briers, although a numerous and varied family, are quite dis- tinct from cultivated Roses in leaf and wood. They have seven leaves, but many of the latter have seven also. Those of the Brier are about one half the size of the majority of Roses Each leaf is of a long lance shape, prettily ser- rated, wood light green, and covered with numerous brown prickles. There are many [November kinds of foster-stock employed for Roses beside the Brier, among them being the Man- etti, with very light green leaves and reddish prickles, the De la Grifferaic, a rampant clus- ter Rose, of a pink color, with large foliage of a woolly appearance. We think from the specimen leaves sent that they are those of the latter, but we could have been more positive if you had enclosed a piece of the wood." Buster Beetle.— I recognize the fact that all creatures were created for some wise pur- pose. What that purpose is in the case of the beetle, whose works— but not name— I have known, I cannot divine. The name I now find on page 120 of the Monthly— Blister Beetle— what do the naturalists call him? My first acquaintance with him was when I set out some annual asters, then I found that he knew where my Clematis paniculata ^nd Aralia were located, and is exceedingly de- structive to Anemone /aponica. Until I over- came my timidity and realized that he has neither bite nor sting for me, destruction was tedious. Fingers without gloves (not nice work) I find effective with him as with the rose beetle (and what is his name)? I pmch them without compunction. J. Harmanus Fisher. There are a number of species. They be- long to the genus Canihatis, as we used to know it,-though possibly,as in other branches of natural history, moderns may have divided the genus or changed the names. EuoNYMUs Berries.-A remarkably fine specimen of Euonymus Japonicus, recently noted, showed plainly its great value in its production of an abundance of scarlet fruit As a winter effect.-the berries contrasting well with the dense evergreen foliage -it is no mean rival of the holly, it is easy to grow, and has but one serious enemy-the well-known Euonymus scale. This insect spreads rapidly, and. if unchecked, will finally cover the stems. There is no difficulty in de- tecting it. being white in color, and destroying It by several applications of kerosene emul- sion, finely sprayed on the bushes, or bv a coating of slaked lime. The dark green foliage IS very effective in summer, as well, and is at its best If protected from the sun in winter. 1898.] MEEHANS' monthly — GENERAL GARDENING. 169 t; Storm-broken Trees. — In the early part of the present year, an unusually heavy ice storm swept over Monroe and part of Pike counties in the northeastern part of Pennsyl- vania. The ice gathered on the forest trees and shrubs to a thickness of from one to two inches, and large trees were bent to the ground and in some instances trunks of from four to five inches in diameter were broken short off. Great limbs were twisted and distorted by the heavy weight as easily as a small twig would be in the hands of a child. For miles of forest ted list valuable as representing plants that are easily cared for. No house- plant can be considered a lazy man's plant— all should have some daily attention; but those mentioned bear up well under adverse circumstances. Rubber Plant, both variegated and green; Dracaena, variegated and green; Cypripedium insigne, a satisfactory species of Lady's Slipper orchid, the flowers of which last from four to six and eight weeks ; Chinese Primulas ; begonias, Umbrella Plant, or Cyperi4S, in several kinds; geraniums; Pepetomia, Ardisia, Cyclamen^ h \ STORM-BROKEN TREES. and shrub land, scarcely a tree escaped injury, and after the lapse of six months bent and twisted limbs were still plainly visible. The greatest distortions, however, began to disap- pear about the beginning of April, and back- woodsmen say that gradually most of the branches which are not broken will resume their normal positions. The illustrations were made from photographs kindly furnished by Mr. Howard A. Chase, Philadelphia. Ophiopogon Jap07iica, Pandanus utilis. Limit- ing the number to sufficient for placing around in rooms, in houses of average size, the sug- gestions are sufficient with the addition of the interesting Dutch bulbs, such as hyacinths, narcissus, etc. Palms, of course, are indispen- sable, though somewhat burdensome to clean when attacked by scale. House-plants Requiring but little care. — Busy people will find the following abbrevia- FiRES from Imprisoned Heat. — In caution- ing against enclosing wood work over steam pipes, a recent author says fires will eventual- ly occur, unless the wood is where it can be 1 i68 MEKHANS' MONTHI^Y— GEJ^ERAL GARDENING. were sold. This tree was removed at the par- tial cost of the city (each of Mr. Green's child- ren paying $ioo toward the expense) to the wall encircling the Common, and planted be- fore the windows of Mrs. Green's house, in which she resided since her husband's death. The tree is a native of China, and was of full size when Mr. Green, Sr., purchased the gar- den in 1798. It is now in fine leaf and beauty. The accompanying lines appeared in the public papers some months after the tree's removal. Dr. Bigelow is the author. This poem con- sists of fifteen stanzas. We quote the last: "And so thou hast survived thy fall And fairly disappointed all Who thought to see thee down; And better days are stored for thee, Long Shalt thou live, triumphant tree And spread thy foliage broad and free' A credit to the town. " ' Is this individual tree still triumphant ? If not, how long did it live? Mr. Downing, three years afterward, wrote with approval of the operation of transplanting it. He gave its height as forty feet and its circumference as three feet. How is it now.? A full history would be interesting. w. R. Smith. What is a Brikr ?— Custom-house officials, as well as some importers, appealed to Mee' HANS' Monthly to decide what is a -Brier" on which Congress placed an import duty. The intent of the law was plain. The in- tention was to tax stocks for grafting the finer roses on. But we were asked simply to define what was a - Brier. " The answer was that^- Brier" was an English term, devised by English nurserymen for English purposes, and they would not include Manetti, Multiflora, Boursault, and others in this term. As the custom-house desired to lax the Manetti, the decision was not wholly acceptable. The fol- lowing paragraph, from Gardening Jllusirated, accords with that decision, at any rate. ''To distinguish Brier from Rose foliage {E, A".)— The common hedge Briers, although a numerous and varied family, are quite dis- tinct from cultivated Roses in leaf and wood. They have seven leaves, but many of the latter have seven also. Those of the Brier are about one half the size of the majority of Roses. Each leaf is of a long lance shape, prettily ser- rated, wood light green, and covered with numerous brown prickles. There are many [November kinds of foster-stock employed for Roses beside the Brier, among them being the Man- etti, with very light green leaves and reddish prickles, the De la Grifferaic, a rampant clus- ter Rose, of a pink color, with large foliage of a woolly appearance. We think from the specimen leaves sent that they are those of the latter, but we could have been more positive if you had enclosed a piece of the wood." Buster Beetle.— I recognize the fact that all creatures were created for some wise pur- pose. What that purpose is in the case of the beetle, whose works— but not name— I have known, I cannot divine. The name I now find on page 120 of the Monthly— Blister Beetle— what do the naturalists call him? My first acquaintance with him was when I set out some annual asters, then I found that he knew where my Clematis pankulata ^m\ Aralia were located, and is exceedingly de- structive to Anemone Japonica. Until I over- came my timidity and realized that he has neither bite nor sting for me, destruction was tedious. Fingers without gloves (not nice work) I find eff-ective with him as with the ro.se beetle (and what is his name)> I pmch them without compunction. J. Harmanus Fisher. There are a number of species. They be- long to the genus Cantharis^ as we used to know it,-though possihly,asin other branches of natural history, moderns may have divided the genus or changed the names. EuoNVMUs Berries.-A remarkablv Hne specimen of Euonymus Japonicns, recently noted, showed plainly its great value in its production of an abundance of scarlet fruit As a winter eff-ect.-the berries contrasting well with the dense evergreen foliage ^it is no mean rival of the holly. It is easy to grow, and has but one serious enemy--the well-known Euonymus scale. This insect spreads rapidly, and, if unchecked, will finally cover the stems. There is no difficulty in de- tecting It. being white in color, and destroying It by several applications of kerosene emul sion, finely sprayed on the bushes, or by a coating of slaked lime. The dark green foliage IS very effective in summer, as well, and is at Its best If protected from the sun in winter 1898.] MEEHANS' monthly — GENERAL GARDENING. 169 ' ; • Storm-uroken Trees. — In the earl}^ part of the present year, an unusually heavy ice storm swept over Monroe and part of Pike counties in the northeastern part of Pennsyl- vania. The ice gathered on the forest trees and shrubs to a thickness of from one to two inches, and large trees were bent to the ground and in some instances trunks of fiom four to five inches in diameter were broken short off". Great limbs were twisted and distorted by the heavy weight as easily as a small twig would be in the hands of a child. For miles of forest ted list valuable as representing plants that are easily cared for. No house- plant can be considered a lazy man's plant— all should have some daily attention; but those mentioned bear up well under adverse circumstances. Rubber Plant, both variegated and green; Dracrcna, variegated and green; Cypripedium insigne, a satisfactory species of Lady's Slipper orchid, the flowers of which last from four to six and eight weeks ; Chinese Primulas ; begonias, Umbrella Plant, or Cyperus, in several kinds; geraniums; Peperomia, Ardisia, Cyclafnen, STORM-BROKEN TREES. and shrub land, scarcely a tree escaped injury, and after the lapse of six months bent and twisted limbs were still plainly visible. The greatest distortions, however, began to disap- pear about the beginning of April, and back- woodsmen say that gradually most of the branches which are not broken will resume their normal positions. The illustrations were made from photographs kindly furnished by Mr. Howard A. Chase, Philadelphia. Ophiopogo7i Japonica, Pajidanns ntilis. Limit- ing the number to sufficient for placing around in rooms, in houses of average size, the sug- gestions are sufficient with the addition of the interesting Dutch bulbs, such as hyacinths, narcissus, etc. Palms, of course, are indispen- sable, though somewhat burdensome to clean when attacked by scale. House-plants Requiring ijut little care. — Busy people will find the following abbrevia- FiRES r ROM Imprisoned Heat. — In caution- ing against enclosing wood w^ork over vSteam pipes, a recent author says fires will eventual- ly occur, unless the wood is where it can be w fliLtLt NDEXPOS MR % i 170 MEEHANS' MONTHLY — GENERAL GARDENING. [November kept damp. But it is never damp on the in- ner side when enclosed. Wood should never be air-tight around heat pipes of any kind. Air circulation should always be provided for. E FL/^NTS, Improved Cannas. — The canna proves one of the most valuable kinds of plants for decor- ating American gardens. American florists have done wonders in the way of their improve- ment. In their natural condition, they are too leafy in proportion to bloom. The im- proved forms have showy flowers. Begonias as Bedding Plants.— Begonia Bruantii. — The past year or so, much use has been made of the many species and varieties of Begonias as bedding plants in open-air garden- ing. Under the shade of a wall or fence,or where the soil is rather moist, they do admirably. The species illustrated on p. 171 is from a photo sent by Mr. John Coulson, gardener to Hon. Stephen Salisbury, Worcester, Mass. It is dwarf and remarkably floriferous. It is prob- ably a hybrid, raised by that successful French florist, Bruant. Physalis Franchetti. — I promised, last spring, to send you a final word, as far as con- cerns my own experience regarding what I am disposed to call that monumental floral "fake," the Physalis Franchetti, alias the Chinese Ivan- tern Plant. My experience, last year, as you know, was eminently unsatisfactory. I thought I might have better luck the second year, after the plant had had a chance to get established. I found that it is strictly herbaceous, but the new plant does not spring from the place where the old one was. On the contrary, the root runs underground for nearly a yard, and at intervals of every three or four inches shoots are thrown up, thus making it a veritable weed, which would be difl&cult to exterminate if not taken in time. If these shoots are sev- ered to make new plants, they do not seem to flourish. Of those left undisturbed, some dragged on a miserable existence for a few months, with leaves turning yellow, badly rid- dled by some undiscoverable flying insect, and all needing constant washing to keep down the red spider. Two or three other plants have lived until now (Aug. 26th), but not growing over eight inches at the utmost, one bearing one blossom, but the fruit not coming to perfection. On the whole, the result is even worse than last year. The experience of a neighbor is very similar to my own, and it is absolutely incon- ceivable to me, in the light of two years' ex- perience, what there is in the plants to justify the boundlessly extravagant encomiums with which it was introduced. L. C. L. Jordan. Bergen roint, N. J. TME M/fflRlDiT FLOWEl ^/^RI^EM. Utilizing Hardy Plants in the Conser- vatory.— Although a change from one class of plants to another at the arrival of winter is as a general thing agreeable, there are some hardy flowers that one does not like to lose sight of, or that, by reason of absence or diver- sion at the time of blooming, could not be en- joyed; or perhaps it may not be convenient to get or care for others. In such cases, many of the early-flowering plants, that have already done duty during their regular season, may be brought into use. While, in some cases, plants will continue to grow, and with vigor, regard- less of a rest, most require, and all will prefer a period for rest. They should now be potted without delay, and the pot plunged in soil or ashes, until a few frosts give assurance that the rest must be perfect. Brought in-doors, they should be introduced gradually to heat, light and water. The stock in hand will chiefly decide what shall be utilized. Any of the following will be found suitable and pleasing: Aquilegia Canadensis (Scarlet Columbine), Armetia maritima (Sea Pink), Astilbe Japonica, Convallaria majalis (Lily-of-the- Valley) and its variegated-leafed form, Dianthus plumatius (Scotch Pink), Dicentra spectabilis (Bleeding Heart), Epimedium roseum, Geum triflorum Lamium variegatum, Polemonium reptans, Saxifraga crassifolia, violets, bloodroots, hepati- cas, etc., etc. BuLBLETS ON LiLY STEMS.— I have in my flower bed, a curious development on the stalk of a lily of the kind usually called Annuncia- tion lyily. I am not sure of the botanical name, but it has a bulb with strict, succulent^ 1898.] MEEHANS* MONTHLY — GENERAL GARDENING. 171 leaf-like parts, (foliations), very easily broken and divided. The stalk, of which I speak, sprang up strict and strong, apparently to form a flower stalk, to the height of six or eight inches. Then it was abruptly checked by some unknown cause, when all the leaves and the terminal bud withered, leaving a short, stout stalk. To-day there are, at the base of more, apparently trying to reach the ground. Thinking that this might interest the readers of the Monthly, and perhaps servejas a text for one of your instructive notes, I send it. Yours very truly, Sarah D. Munro. Buffalo, N. Y. Nature has here started to practice the florists^ art. Wherever there is a leaf on a stem, there BEGONIA BRUANTII. --SCC PAQC 1TO. this stalk, springing from the places where the leaves were originally, eight well formed, little bulbs, about ^ inch in diameter with succulent foliations, and other less perfect bulblets, higher up. In some of these, there are two bulblets from one leaf bud. Several of these bulblets have put out two or more strong root- lets, that run down the stalk for an inch or is or should be a bud. This is known as an axillary bud. In some lily stems, we do not see them, but they are there, and the wide- awake florist knows it. He desires to increase the kind. He does not allow the blossoms to expand. In fact, the buds are pinched off as soon as they are formed. The flower stem is then peg'd down to the surface of a bed of 172 MEEHANS' MONTHLY — GENERAL GARDENING. [November ^ sand, a peg being placed at each joint so as to have the joint pressed against the sandy soil. Buds soon appear. They become bulblets, and, pushing down roots into the rich sand, get food and become a fair size in one year. In our correspondent's case, nature assisted the growth, and the bulblets ensued. Anb ¥E^ETi^PLES. Planting Fruit Trees. — It is frequently asked whether it is better to plant fruit trees in autumn than in spring. Many prefer autumn, doing the planting early in October, stripping the foliage from the trees, if it has not already fallen. One year old peaches are excepted, as they do better set in spring, at least in the north. But these could be pro- cured in the autumn, if desired, and heeled in, that tops and all are under ground for the winter. When impracticable to plant in early autumn, it matters but little whether the work be done later or in the spring. As a rule, when pruning at planting is attended to, fruit trees are not difficult to get to live, planted at either season. Joseph Meehan. Mid-Winter Asparagus Growing. — The Missouri Experiment Station has been experi- menting for the past two years with aspara- gus-growing, and has successfully grown asparagus in the open field in mid-winter by running steam into shallow tunnels between the asparagus rows. The asparagus field was first covered with 6 or 7 inches of heating horse manure, and the steam forced into the soil from the greenhouse boiler. By this means a large j^ield of fine asparagus was ob- tained throughout the months of December, January and February; the finest quality being gotten in the middle of January when the weather was coldest. Many of the sprouts were 12 or 14 inches long and an inch in diameter, bleached perfectly and very tender and delicious. The amount of steam required was very small, and for persons located near a good market the winter growing of aspara- gus would prove very profitable. Bulletin No. 43, by Prof. J. C. Whitten, Horticulturist, fully described this process and the results ob- tained. This illustrated bulletin is for free distribution among the farmers and gardeners, and may be had by addressing the Director of the Experiment Station, at Columbia. Preserving Apples. — It is not the freezing, but the thawing in the light, that is the chief agent in the destruction of vegetable life. As regards apples, Mr. McPike recently said, at a meeting of the Alton, Ills., Horticultural Society : — "Dr. Long, in taking care of his apples, one winter, lost two barrels. During the winter, in passing through his orchard, he found these barrels, the apples being frozen hard as bricks. They were taken to an open shed and left there till thawed out, gradually, and when opened the apples were found per- fect in every way. The deduction we make from this is that we, as a rule, do not keep our apples cold enough. Mr. McPike then showed an apple, fine and sound, which he said had been frozen ; it was given him by a man in Upper Alton. He threw the apples on straw in the barn and covered them with blankets. They froze hard ; then thawed out gradually, and when examined were in perfect condition. In old days, many apples were kept in half cellars or holed in, and, I believe, those apples kept better than ours do in our modern cellars. Hereafter I shall keep mine outside and try re- sults. *' Winter Cracking of the Bark of Trees. — The following is a good, old-fashion remedy, and perhaps unknown to many professional as well as amateur horticulturists, and gave good results wherever a fair trial was given. It often happens that, in January and Feb- ruary, the sun's rays put the thermometer up to 40 or 50 degrees and more, and, conse- quently, thawing the bark ; but at night it freezes again. This will hurt a fruit tree, and especially a young one, if it occur many days in succession; therefore, save the trees from bark-cracking by planting a tree in autumn. Put, first of all, a strong pole on the south side, then prepare a solution of i grs. lime to 2 gal- lons of water, with a little fresh cow manure to make it stiff enough, to be easily applied with a bruvsh. It is advisable to apply this solution up to the crown of the tree, but not on bark one year old, as it would do some harm. In certain localities, a tree with this 1898] meehans' monthly— general gardening. 173 V application would look unsightly, but under circumstances a little mixture of dark-colored clay would make it more presentable. This remedy is unusually good for peach, plum and apricot trees. J. P. Lichens on Fruit Trees.— Whenever I go down south, I am struck again with the vast accumulations of lichens on the trunks and branches of pear and plum trees where they are not getting the best care. It is a sight to see, in some orchards. I am frequently asked if the mosses and lichens do any damage to the trees, and while we have always been taught on the theoretical basis that they do not, it has always seemed clear that such heavy growths of foreign plants, parasitic or only epiphytic, is incompatible with the thrift of a good orchard. This opinion prevails very generally among horticulturists at the present time, and it is interesting to note the remark made by an Englishman, William Salisbury, in 1816, in his *' Hints addressed to Proprie- tors of Orchards and to Growers of Fruit in General." He says: •' The cleaning of trees by scraping and cutting off all the moss and mistletoe, and thinning the trees of the wood where it is necessary, washing the trees all over in the winter season with hot lime and water, with a little oil or soft soap, to which sulphur and soot are excel- lent additions ..." He does not include a predicate in this sentence, but it is clear what he means, especially as he adds at once: ** No insect can exist in such a mix- ture ; and those materials are also certain antidotes to all species of Lichen, the moss that usually grows on apple trees." In a foot-note he adds : ** All species of moss bloom in the winter, at which time they are most easily destroyed." F. A. Waugh. The Sand Cherry. — Among our wild arborescent plants, there is a great differ- ence in the growth in different localities. For instance, the Said Cherry, as it is found along the Atlantic Coast States, is univer- sally a dwarf, yet in some parts of the West with other dwarfs, there are varieties which become large shrubs — or even small trees — at times. It is particularly the case with the Sand Cherry. Some of the Western cul- tivators have selected some of the individual plants that show special excellence, and it is more than likely that the Sand Cherry will eventually be admitted into the list of good market fruits. Etiolates. — By etiolates is meant garden of produce, the leaves of which are developed and blanched in a shaded light. Bitter chic- ories, forced in caves, are better known under the name of Bearded Capuchin. Those set in the ground, and finally covered with a layer of manure, sell under the name of Witloof. Many of the composites with thick roots may be blanched ; for example. Dandelions, Viper's-grass, and Salsify. Viper's-grass is excellent. Radishes and Turnips, grown in the shade, make an excellent salad. It is said that milfoil, etiolated, makes a pretty salad, of a pure and agreeable odor ; we do not know whether or not this remark is well founded. From Lyon Horticole. LICHENS ON FRUIT TREES. T* 1 ' BIOGRAPHY AND LITERATURE. HUMBIvE WORTH. A lowly roof may give us proof That lowly flowers are often fairest, And trees, whose bark is hard and dark. May yield us fruit, and bloom the rarest. — CHARI.KS Swain. The Flora of the Upper Susquehanna, — By Willard Nelson Clute.— Published by Willard N. Clute & Co., Binghamton, N. Y. A botanist can not well do without complete works. The manuals, class-books, and illus- trated floras are indispensable. But it is the simpler tasks, local floras especially, that are the great feeders of botanical society. Any populous centre that has achieved an eminence in botany will have their local floras to point to as the chief fountain source of their dis- tinguished reputation. This work of Professor Willard Clute is another star in this brilliant firmament. In many respects, it is the best we have seen; for it tells in a few brief words all that is needed by a collector to know, leaving the full descrip- tion to the larger works which all advanced students have. Indeed, it tells more, by adding points of general history. These notes are so valuable that others besides those collecting in the upper Susquehanna will find it a little book profitable to have at hand. In brief, it is a good thing for general reference. Chapters on the Natural History of THE United States. — By R. W. Shuftldt, M. D. Published by Studer Brothers, 156 Fifth Avenue, New York. Popular education has made great strides in advance of late years. Children now are not given dictionaries to learn by heart, nor are they expected to turn their heads into encyclopoedias. The best educators are those who encourage children to learn what they love to learn, — to train their faculties, not to twist their brains. In defense of the old system of driving it in, it was said that as the twig is bent, the tree is inclined; but we find that the twig needs no bending, but asks (174) our help to go straight on in its search for the light. And all children want to know some- thing of all that is about them. It is delight- ful to go into school where nature studies are in order. The teacher need not be proficient in any branch of science as was formerly thought essential in a teacher. She now simply encourages the children to see, to compare, and to judge. The foundation for a strong character is thus laid, and the rest follows as a natural course. But all this is now considered by the best educators. The volume before us is just in that line. A child would read it over with as much pleasure as he would the Arabian Nights or Robinson Crusoe. We could not have a better wish than that a copy could be in every school house, — and in every intelligent person's library. Caryopteris Mastacanthus. — This beauti- ful blue, flowering shrub of recent introduction has too hard a name for general use. It is no wonder the people at large searched for an easier one. Blue verbena, with which the plant started under these conditions, is unfor- tunate, for though it is a member of the ver- benaceous family, there is little in common with the verbena itself. That common name is grossly deceptive. Nicholson tells us that the original name, Mastacanthus, is derived from the bearded flowers, suggesting a moustache. It would be well to follow up this explanation by calling the shrub Moustache Plant. Boston Public Parks. — The question of public parks has become so universal, that it will be profitable for those interested to know what the older parks are doing. The twenty- third annual report of the Boston Park Com- mission is replete with useful information on park construction and management. We are indebted for the courtesy of Mr. John A. Pettigrew, the able superintendent of Frank- lin Park, Boston, for a copy, and from whom, doubtless, other copies may be obtained. 1898.] meehans* monthly — biography and literature. 175 i 1 The Bahia Or angk.— -Having noticed the remarks of my friend, Prof. Emory E. Smith, of California, in a recent issue of Meehans* Monthly, and as there are some errors which I am sure he will be glad to have corrected, I take the liberty to give a brief history of this valuable orange. About the year 1866, Mr. Wm. Saunders, of the U. S. Department of Agriculture, heard of a choice variety of orange growing about the city of Bahia (pronounced Bah-yah), Brazil, and with the assistance of a lady traveling in that region, he had twelve little trees budded and sent to Washington, which arrived in 1870. All of them were at once planted in the orange house of the Department of Agri- culture and grew. From these twelve trees, Mr. Saunders indiscriminately propagated many young ones, by budding on seedlings which he grew for that purpose. It was these yowig trees that were distributed and not any of the original ones. Prof. Smith has fallen into the same error that many others have, in supposing that one of the original trees had been sent to Riverside, Cal. Instead, two of the young trees grown at Washington were sent to Mr. L. C. Tibbetts and planted near his house, where they bore, and first proved the great value of the variety for that State. I plucked and ate fruit from both these trees in 1888. It was the abundant fruitage of these two trees and their progeny that caused many to think that they were of a different type from the other Navel Orange trees that emanated from Washington at the same time and from' the same stock ; because, the variety proved to be much more productive there than in Florida and Louisiana. Somehow, the cli- matic conditions are more favorable to the set- ting and holding of the fruit there than else- where; but the flavor of that grown there is more tart and the skin much thicker than of that grown in Florida. Why the trees are thus variable in productiveness, is a mystery that orange growers are anxious to have solved, because it cuts off", in a large measure, the profitable commercial growing of this choice orange in the Gulf States. Its stamens in all climates where I have seen them, are •utterly devoid of pollen, and its pistils are abnormally corkStructed, except in very rare cases where seeds have been known to have been formed in the fruits. And, in such cases, it is quite probable that the seeds were the result of pollination by other varieties grow- ing near by. How or where this orange originated is not known. Whether it came into existence in the province (not "island" as E. E. S. says) of Bahia, Brazil, or was taken there from Europe or elsewhere, is uncertain. One thing that leads me to believe the latter, is, that Mr. Wm. Saunders, of Washington, D. C, ob- tained the same variety, under the name '^Afelitensis,'' from, the far din des Pla?ites, in Paris, France, immediately after the Franco- Prussian war. It had been grown there in the houses as one of a collection of exotic fruits of many kinds, made for the U. S. Govern- ment, but from whence it was brought, is not certainly known, though it was, probably, from the Mediterranean region. It was one of a few that escaped destruction by the German bombardment. While the name Bahia (Bah-yah) is the cor- rect one, according to all pomological rules, it is not, and perhaps never will be, the popu- lar one ; "Washington Navel" superceding it. The latter was given it in California first, to distinguish the variety from one called "Aus- tralian Navel," which is of inferior quality. There are other "Navel" oranges, all being so called by reason of their peculiar umbilical mark at the apex of the fruit. This results from the abnormality of the pistillate organs. There is a multiplicity of deformed ovaries, the interior ones forming a secondary orange, which is often very small and ill-formed, and which enlarges and protrudes enough in nearly every case to form a navel-like opening. I I have seen some navel varieties bearing an abundance of pollen and sometimes seeds. The navel mark occurs occasionally in many varieties, especially in the seedlings from Italy and Spain. Some of the Japanese kinds show it indistinctly, but quite commonly. H. E. Van Deman. August 7, 1898. Prang's Standard of Color. — The grand invention of Louis Prang, by which color in all its shades can be as definitely described as we can tell the temperature by a thermometer, has called for a popular edition which is now before us. Unlike an expensive thermometer 176 MEEHANS' MONTHLY — GENERAL NOTES. [November it can be secured for the low price of fifty cents. Published by lyouis Prang, Boston, Mass. Howard Worcester Gilbert. — Poets are said to be born, not made. It is unfortunate for the world that reputations do not follow the same rule. Modest worth, like humble violets, abound, — but, so like the violet covered with fallen leaves of mightier growths, that it has often to be searched for before seen. Rhymes- ters abound, and even where beautiful thoughts float on the surface, they are so covered by tortured language that they pain rather than please. True poets are not rare, but remain unknown. Of Mrs. Florence Earle Coates, we get a glimpse once in a while, but Mary Bryan Clarke, Lloyd Mifflin, Howard Worces- ter Gilbert, and some others that might be named — poets that may fairly rank with our own Bryant, I^ongfellow, and Lowell, come and go, and the world knows little of treasures it possesses. Gilbert gave only a few friends the knowledge of his worth, by the printing for private circulation only, his exquisite verses. Some taste of their sweetness, the readers of Meehans' Monthly have enjoyed. A local New Jersey newspaper, refers in a casual way, to his ♦• recent death." When Keats, in despair, dictated for his own epitaph *• Here lies one whose name is writ in water," he could have extended its application beyond himself. ^EMEKi^L IM®TES< Plums— A Reward for Industry. — Whe the writer was in Alaska years ago, and th only white men there were zealous missionarie among the Indians, he was present at a con- vocation where the missionary was instruct- ing the half-converted natives. Suddenly an athletic Indian rose and surprised all by de- claring, "I tell you, I have no more to do with Jesus. You tell me ask, and I get I ask Jesus to send me hatchet and keg of nails. He send me no hatchet, no nails. I pray to Him no more.'* The missionary seemed to feel he had to meet the man's ideas on his own ground. He talked at him, as one might say, by address- ing the others assembled. ''Look at John ! See his strong limbs," and so he went on as if he were detailing the good points of a pugil- ist, and then asked "did you ever know John work? You know how he lazys and loafs around, what would he do if he had a hatchet and keg of nails? I tell you friends, Jesus has nothing to do with lazy men." The elder ^'brethren'* evidently showed by their countenances, that they considered the missionary had the best of John. The lesson was taught in what we may con- sider a somewhat uncouth way, but it is surely in evidence in horticulture that nature has no use for a stupid, lazy man. The ravages of weeds, blights and insects, fearful to the lazy and indifferent, are providential happenings to the industrious and intelligent. The former folds his hands and starves, — the latter * 'mounts barbed steeds and fights the fearful adversaries" as Shakespeare would say, and he conquers. A few years ago plum-growing was abandoned. "They won't do any more." Fungi and insects had the field to themselves. But the industrious Geneva horticulturists set to work. Willard, E. D. Smith, and others devised plans for successfully opposing the enemy. With little competition in the market, they have placed their products everywhere. They are profiting by their industry. Verily nature has no use for lazy men. Dakota Vetch.— Under the name of Dakota Vetch, the United States Department of Agri- culture recommends a wild plant of the '• Rocky Mountain Region of the Northwest," as being one of the "most highly prized native forage plants." The plant, it tells us, is Lotus Ameticanus. This is probably some mouldy name repoli«:hed. The genus Lotus is wholly an Old World set of plants. There is no known species described in any work treat- ing of the plants of the Rocky Mountain region. It is questionable whether there are a score of intelligent agriculturists who have the remotest idea what the Department is talking about. Utility op the Birch Tree. — Russian leather, remarkable for its flexibility, its water- proof character and especially its peculiar odor which drives away insects, owes its qualities to oil drawn from the birch tree with which it is impregnated. —From La Semaiyie HorticoU, : ; ; r SITUATIONS WANTED. Advertisements under this head, not exceeding 50 words rill be inserted once for 50 cents, or three times for $i.25« /^ARDENERS: At all times, we have on our register the names of competent gardeners, whom we would be glad to recommend to persons in need of same as being fully competent to take entire charge of any place, either large or small. Gardeners desiring situations should correspond with us. No charge, whatever, is made for any such service rendered. THOMAS MEEHAN & SONS, German town, Philadelphia. QITUATIONS FOR GARDENERS *^ D. Landrelh & Sons, at their Retail Depart- ment, cor. loth and Market Sts., Philadelphia, in- vite Gardeners to register their wants when desir- ing to change their situations. OARDENER, —Position wanted where a thor- ^-^ ough and practical training in every branch of gardening and landscaping will be of service. Age 32, married, one child, abstainer. Fine refer- ences. Wm. J. Faulkner, 5528 Pulaski Avenue, Germautown, Pa. QARDENER AND FLORIST wants private ^■^ place; German, age 33, married, one child ; good references. **I. D. N.," care of MeEHANS* Monthly. QARDENER— Knglish,age34.married,ichild, ^^ desires situation on private place where his ability will prove of some consideration. Exten- sive and practical experience in all of gardening and landscaping. Forcing expert. Fine references. C. H. R., care of Mkehans' Monthly. (T^ARDENER with life-long experience and ^*^ holding highest of references desires position on gentleman's place. Employed at present, but would like to make a change. Thomas F. Martin, The Vanderbilt, 42nd and Lexington Avenue, Ne York City. \A/ANTED — A. situation as landscape gardener, '^ " nurseryman or manager of a place. Have good general knowledge of trees, shrubs, plants and landscaping, having just laid out an important place. Address, W. L. S., care of Meehans' Monthly. NOVELTIES IN PLANTS, FRUITS, Etc. A. BLANC ^|\ tain a beautiful, " ...,,. -^^>^^ ..^.^.^.^.^s^,^^ m^ ^ r£lP^' Hard Wood Ashes t /k They contain, practically, nearly all the fertilizing: elements of y/ i|V stable manure and none of the disagfreeable features of it. They have y|jf ;!c no odor, are easily handled and applied, and, in fact, they are the most c|^ 2? valuable fertilizer for the lawn, field or pasture. S^ CiN Apply one to two tons to the acre, according: to the condition of Mf m the soil, or for small lawns J 00 to ISO lbs. to the t,000 square feet of sod. W ^\ Ashes should be put on in the fall, early winter or spring:, and S^'f i^ they must be evenly distributed over the g:rass. ^jf /is if 250 POUNDS - 2.50 ^ SntlQ }K ONE TON 18.00 ^*^ iJVFlIO yy iiv '^'^Teue^n'V.Mo.S^ToTs '^ TELEPHONE 9411 A Qermafltown, PWla. Sjl f.l^ in bulk or barreU l5r WHEN WRITING TO ADVERTIISERS, TELL THEMYOU^AW THEIR CARD IN MEEHANS' MONTHLY. Fall=Flowering Perennials SUITABLE FOR CUT-FLOWER PURPOSES Realizing the difficulty in selecting desirable Howers, we have singled out the following as a few we can especially recommend for late summer and autumn flowering : scribed and illustrated in MEfiHANS' MONTHLY, anit proves v^ry inttrcsting. July to September. Price, 25 cents each, Si.ooper 10, j?8,ooper 100. BOLTONIA ULASTiFOLIA has pretty, astet-Iikc white flowersi produced in profusion, and very tfftc tive in masses. The foliage and growth are neat. August and September. Price, 25 cents each, $1.00 per 10, $7. 00 per 100. rich yellow fldwers on spikes five and six fi et long. The best of it$ class. October. Price . . cents each, Si. 25 per 10, SS.'co per k . ASTER TATARICDS is anol.le ^^^:At^' species 0? unusual Chara^'t-'c i^'r^ducing p.in,. u-.; ut iH.;ht t,sj}- pie Of bliie flowers on stout sterns, from six to seven feet In height. The flowers appear in October, kn6 last a long while. Price. 25 cents each, Si. 25 per 10, $8.00 per TOO. Thefor*frnln^ are nice as single specimens, but most effective in masses. We make a special offer of 5 each (20 plants) for $^.00, 20 each (80) $7.50. I>esoripti¥e catalogue on appltea- Uon. I>eiiikgum, planting plans and old-fasliion garden* fo]*DJshed. Thomas fleehan & Sons Germantown, Phila., Pa. IT WILL PAY YOU IHBil, Hardy Trees, Slirube, Plants, Rases, fruit, and ovir special stock of Rtisdodendrons. It will in- terest all who are interested in euch matters. ANDORRA NURSERIES, ^^S^Sfl;^ WMU WARNKR HAMPf R. PROPRICrOR C.G. Van Tubergen, Jr., Haarlem, Holland CHOICE DUTCH BULBS 0 ATTRACTIVE BULBOUS PLANTS Orders lor importation only. OllTnbOOUfiS PUBH C. C. ABEL L CO., Sole Agents, Box 920, New York Cypress Hot-Bed Sash and Frames ADAPTED FOR QROWIIIG VEDETABLESp VIOLETS, Etc. "THE BEST IS THE CHEAPEST" SUPERIOR IN EVERY RESPECT Freight allowance covers freight to most polnti tn Eastern and Middle states. Send to New York Office for circular and price list. Send 5 cts. postage , for latest Catalogue of "%. Qreenhouse tfeatiag and Ventilating. Send 4 cts. postage for CatolOKne or Patent Iron Greenhouse Con- struction. Estimates furnished for Cypress Green- house Material. v; New York Office, St. James BIdg., Broadway and 86th St. General Office and Works, irvlngton-on-Hudson, NJ. '.I? " * WHEN WRITINQ TO ADVERTISERS, TELL THEM YOU SAW THEIR CARD IN MEEHANS' MONTHLY. (US /IS (Its /♦s (Its (is (Its (US (Its (Its (Its (Its r/ eautiful, Rich, Qreen Lawn is maintained by the yearly application of THEIR use wiil produce and rf- tain a beautiful, rich, d a r k - g r c t' n growth throughout the sumnivr. CanadaJlJnleac^ Hard Wood Ashes (Its (Its (US (US (Its (l^ (Its (Its (Its (US (Its (l^ (Its (Its (US (Its (Its (Its (Its (US (Its (Its (Its (Its (US They contain, practically, nearly all the fertilizing elements of stable manure and none of the disa§:reeable features of it. They have no odor, are easily handled and applied, and, in fact, they arc the most valuable fertilizer for the lawn, field or pasture. Apply one to two tons to the acre, according to the condition of the soil, or for small lawns lOO to 150 lbs. to the 1,000 square feet of sod. Ashes should be put on in the fall, early winter or spring;, and they must be evenly distributed over the g;rass. NOTE THE FOLLOWING- Ashes have no disagreeable odor. They kct'p borers aw^ay from trees. They are eas,ily and qui:kly applied. They carry no weed seeds with them. Some ashes are cheap in price but dear when quahly is considered. Ashes are used almost exclusively on the grass in parks and cemeteries. They are valuable fertilizers for renewing the soil around fruit and shade trees. "Wood Ashes will destroy the mossy grow^th found under the grass on old and sour lawns. They stiffen and renew lawns that have become brittle or sour from the fre- quent applications of stable manure. We put them up in 50 and 100 pound sacks and in barrels containing about 200 pounds. PRICES 50 POUNDS 100 POUNDS 250 POUNDS ONE TON $1.00 1.50 2.50 I3.C0 5PHCIA1. PRICI-S K'ven liy lettei on car l<»aJ lots in bulk or barrels Thomas Meehan & Sons TixKPHONi: 04IIA (jermanlowii, Phila. 4 M/ \f/ M/ \»/ \f/ M/ \»/ \»/ Nf/ \f/ \t/ \t/ vf/ \f/ \f/ \l/ \»/ M/ v»/ >♦/ VM SK \»/ \»/ i ^^k. * ^k^. * ^^^ * ^^^^ * "^^ ' ^^^ ' '^^^* ^^^* ^^^* ^^^* ^^^* ^^^* ^^^* ^^k* ^^^* ^^^* ^^^* ^^^* ^^^* ^^^* ^^^* ^^^* ^^^* ^^^* ^^^* ^^^T WHEN WRITING TO ADVERTISERS, TELL THEM YOU SAW THEIR CARD IN MEEHANS' MONTHLY. i V ^ ^ / > Showy Fall'Flowering Perennials SUITABLE FOR CUT^FLOWER PURPOSES Realizing the difficulty in selecting desirable flowers, we have singled out the following as a few we can especially recommend for late summer and autumn flowering: HELIANTHUS MAXIMILLIANI is a glory in its rich yellow flowers on spikes five and six feet long. The best of its class. October. Price, 25 cents each, LYSIHACHIA CLETHROIDES was recently de- scribed and illustrated in MEEHANS' MONTHLY, and proves very interesting. July to September. Price, 25 cents each. Si. 00 per 10, $8.co per 100. BOLTONIA QLASTIFOLIA has pretty, aster-like white tlowers, produced in profusion, and very effec- tive in masses. The foliage and growth are neat. August and September. Price, 25 cents each, Si. 00 per 10, S7.00 per 100. Si. 25 per 10, S8.co per 100. ASTER TATARICUS is a noble, Asiatic species of unusual character, producing panicles of light pur- ple or blue tlowers on stout stems, from six to seven feet in height. The tlowers appear in October, and last a long while. Price, 25 cents each, Si. 25 per 10, S8.C0 per 100. , The foregoing are nice as single specimens, but most effective in masses. We make a special offer of 5 each (20 plants) for $2.00, 20 each (80) $7.50. Descriptive catalog^ue on applica- tion. DeHigns, planting plans and old-fashion gardens furnished. Thomas fleehan & Sons Qermantown, Phila., Pa. IT WILL PAY YOU N"""c.Xr ■ ■ ft Ifcifc. ■ n ■ I VW which tells of Hardy Trees, Shrubs, Plants, Roses, Fruit, and our special stock of Rhododendrons. It will in- terest all who arc interested in such matters. ANDORRA NURSERIES, ^^X,XZ^ Pi. Wm. Warncr Harper. Proprietor C. G. Van Tubergen, Jr., Haarlem, Holland CHOICE DUTCH BULBS 0 ATTRACTIVE BULBOUS PLANTS Orders for importation only. CRTALtOGUES PI^HH C. C. ABEL & CO., Sole Agents, Box 920, New York Cypress Hot-Bed Sash and Frames ADAPTED FOR GROWING VEGETABLES, VIOLETS, Etc. "THE BEST IS THE CHEAPEST" SUPERIOR IN EVERY RESPECT Freight allowance covers freipjht to most points in Kaslern and Middle States. Send to New York .,-,,.-. ,^.,. Office for circular and ,''".':, \fi'' price list. s-:-, ■^•vr^:.- -.*"-... ■■'-...-*-•" ..*'*-. Send 5 ct.««. postage ,y,. ''.-NKi for latest Catalogue of j'^idy;/.-'-''//^ Qreenliouse Heatinsr % < -'^^i^'-- ,x.,vu,.v^^-ByuiMiMM and Ventilating. ^ ^-^^^^90$^^^ send 4 cts. postage '"' '^-^' ^^^^^^^ for Catalogue of Patent Iron Greenhouse Con- struction. Estimates furnished for Cypress Green- house Material. II,, I, ^/o/A^^/>,. '•' i'^''' ^ ..-'•»" r^^. V '//^ ///,„ -c^ V/A.>^ New York Office, St. James Bldg., Broadway and 26th St. General Office and Works, Irvington-on-Hudson, N.Y. WHEN WRITING TO ADVERTISERS, TELL THEM YOU SAW THEIR CARD IN MEEHANS' MONTHLY. ■ssp;^' HITCHINCS 5 CO. ESTABLISHED 60 YEARS HORTICULTURAL RRCHITECTS HUD RUILDBRS Greenhouse Heating and Ventilating Apparatus and largest Manufacturers of SM^4r*"rv ... The highest awards re- ceived at the World's Fair for Horticultural Architec- ture, Greenhouse Construc- tion and Heating Appar- atus. Conservatories, Green- houses, Palmhouses, etc., ^ erected complete with our "* Patent Iron Frame Coo- stniction. SEND FOUR CENTS FOR ILLUSTRATED CATALOGUES. 233 MERCER STREET. HEM YORK CITY EDWARD CAMPBE L/INDSQ/IFE /IRCniTECT /IND ENQINEER ARDMORE, - PA. Sketch plans and planting maps prepared, and suggestions given for the laying out and improvement of country and suburban residences, public parks and grounds of every description. Grounds laid out and their construction undertaken by contract or day labor, and carried out under strict personal supervision. The choice grouping and effective arrangement of trees and shrubs has been made a special study. Trees furnished and planted by experienced workmen. Draining Plans and Surveys. Fine Crushed Stone for Walks and Carriage Drives. • LANDSCAPE ENGINEERING- Wc are fully equipped to prepare and to carry out plans for every branch of landscaping^ making new places, remodeling and improving old ones, planting, grading, draining, roadmaking, etc. Effective and artistic grouping of trees and shrubs and the arrangement of views is made a specialty. "We have the ability, the experience and every facility for doing the highest class of work at the least expense to our patrons. All work is under the supervision of our Mr. J. Franklin Meehan. Correspondence solicited. Advice given and estimates furnished. THOMAS MEEHAN & SONS, Nurserymen and Landscape Engineers, Long Distance Telephone GERMANTOVN, PHILADELPHIA, PA. HARDY ORNAMENTAL TREES, SHRUBS, VINES, EVER- The l.nest.e„.ral.s.orW„t of Hard, Or., BREENs, AND HARDY HERBACEOUS PERENNIALS. ui:::::j:az::r:^':^:i:;:^^^ tion. Plans and estiinatea furnighcd. Send yniT list of neoda for gperial ratei, THEJtEADING_j;fURSKRYj^ ^V. MANMNf;, Proprietor. READING, IVf A.S8. Modern Horticultural Building, Elegant Conservatories, Practical Commercial Houses, and all Classes of Greenhouse Structures Planned and Erected. We build of all Iron, all Wood, or a modification of either, as desired. Steel or Cypress Sash Bars for Butted (41&m GUunng or Lapped Glazing, with or without pufy. latest methods ot Ventilation Steani and Hot w»tAr H«aV,„t i™ and SUte, Uon and Tile, or all Wood Staging: Contracts taken for CompleteSSkum mS erial« f^"teherto /^ Expert advice at Residence, or Catalogues on application. «- Don't fall to get our Plans and Prices. Builders. PLENTY'S HORTICULTURAL WORKS, 148-156 Randolph Ave., Jersey City, N. J. WHEN WRITING TO ADVERTISERS. PLEASE MENTION MEEHANS' MONTHLY. Vol. VIII DECEMBER, 1595 No. 12 'AZ \ ISSUED MONTHLY, $2.00 PER YEAR IN ADVANCE, SINGLE COPY 20 CENTS. ^ J)eva1e (lENERALLAN Bailey. rrovidcncc, R. I. The Variegated Periwinkle. —There are few more valuable plants, suited to ornamen- tation in wMndow and conservatory culture, than the Variegated Periwinkle, l^/nca major variegata. As its growth in pot culture is always drooping, it is admirably suited for placing on brackets or shelves in connection with loftier growing plants ; while the creamy white of the variegation, in contrast with the remaining green portion of the leaf, renders it very attractive. The large blue flowers are very showy, though produced sparingly. What is more in its favor, with those who have no great amount of horticultural knowl- edge, is that it is willing to put up with almost any treatment and to thrive in almost any situation— in sun or shade, in a dry at- mosphere or a moist one it makes itself at home. ntional second exposure 1S9S.] MEEHANS' MONTHLY— GENERAL GARDENING. 1S7 Anthurium Veitchii. — I send a picture of a specimen plant of ^7-'//////;^///;;/ Veitchii, grown here, and recently donated b}- Mr. 1^11 is. to the New York Hotanical vSociety. I have found the AfitJui) ium to do extra work in the new potting compost, "Jadoo h'lbre," although the plant in (juestiou was grown in a compost similar to that recom- mended by Mr. Thatcher, in the October num- ber of the Monthly, page 155. While they need plenty of water, 3'et they don't like stag- nant water aiK)iit their roots, and it is there- fore, ini])()Ttant to give good drainage. A flower pot, several sizes smaller than that to be used, inverted inside, with plent\' of char- coal or potsherds around it, is a good way ; in potting it is also well to keep the crown of the plant a few inches above the nni nf Hie pot — it improves^^their appearance When leaves are forming, it is impDrtant that they be ])rotected from injury, as they grow very fast and are conseciuently tender. I have found the leaves ot -/. Veitchii, when forming, to stretch two inches every twenty-four hours. Ali:xander MacLellan. duced into a tree in this manner that would enter into circulation with the sap, but there have been no experiments placed on record, so far as the conductors know, made by parties capable of judging of the relations between cause and efl'ect. In this case, it may be noted that all trees, that lose their leaves before the normal time, push out new foliage " as if in spring." This is well-known with fruit trees that lose their leaves early from leaf-blight. Not only new leaves, but flowers towards fall, often follow. If even a tree could absorb sulphur, as Mr. Hudson believed it did, and if he will treat his trees in spring, before the caterpillars come, he will find no more eflfect on the caterpillars and leaves than the '* brimstone and treacle," which no doubt the gentleman's grandmother used to dose her children with. Sl'lphur Injections. — A Buffalo correspondent calls attention to a statement made by a Mr. \\. W. Hud- son, of 183 Fort vStreet, Detroit, that by boring a hole in fruit trees that had been wholly stripped of leaves by caterpillars, and filling the hole with sul- phur, new leaves came out as if it were spring-time. The day following the opera- tion, the withered leaves and dead caterpillars fell to the ground. " We all know," saysourcorrespondent, "sul- phur to be a mineral sub- stance, not easily dissolved. Please explain through the Monthly. It is not improbable that something might be intro- ANTHURIUM VEITCHII. i88 MEEHANS' MONTHLY— GENERAL GARDENING. [December Pruning Transplanted Trees.— The ques- tion that often presents itself to gardeners at this season is concerningthe wisdom of pruning trees and shrubs newly planted at this time. Is pruning best postponed until the spring before the sap rises, or soon after planting? Some claim that the tree has not so much to support if pruned just after planting. An Eastern Gardener. Port Chester, N. Y. It is difficult to lay down a general rule for these cases. So much depends on the kind of tree, and the spot where the trees are planted. If we remember why it is desirable to prune, we may know how to act in special cases. Where trees die after transplanting, in all cases, whether in winter or summer, it is because the moisture passes from the branches faster than the roots can supply the waste. If cold drying winds in winter, or warm drying winds in summer, are likely to follow trans- planting, pruning lessens the quantity of moisture the roots are to be called on to sup- ply. Hence if a tree should have poor roots, — or if the earth is not packed tightly about the roots, or if the trees are to be exposed to harsh cutting winds, the judgment of the one in charge as to how to prune or whether to prune or not, must be founded. It must be remem- bered that when a party buys a large tree it is always unfortunate that it should have to be cut at all. In a large number of cases where the conditions noted are favorable, there is no need of any pruning. It is a question for in- telligent judgment rather than lule. Cinnamon Vine. — There are a number of very beautiful climbing vines that are listed with herbaceous plants. These are very use- ful where it is desirable to have dense, low growth in summer time. Woody plants so often get naked below. Moreover, herbaceous climbers grow with wonderful rapidity. The Japanese yam is one of unique beauty. It was introduced under this name as a veg- etable ; but when it got into gardens, it became Cinnamon Vine. It i^ Dioscorea Japonica, Golden LEAVED Geranium. — The old Golden leaved Geranium '• New Life" is one of the most effective ornaments in combining leaf-colors in conservatory ornamentation. A plant by itself has rather a sickly aspect ; — but, when surrounded by normal green leaved varieties of its own species ; the effect is charming. The Country Seat of H. H. Hunnewell, Esq., Wellesley, Near Boston. — A Phila- delphia correspondent, who has had oppor- tunities for seeing fine gardens in many parts of America and in Europe, says, under date of June loth, '* on Wednesday I had the pleasure of visiting Mr. Hunnewell, at Wellesley. His place is remarkably fine. In fact, I think it the best I have seen in this country. The show of rhododendrons, azaleas and pines, and the care he gives to everything, is really remarkable for one of his age, being eighty- eight years old to-day. He received us most cordially." NEW ©1 Rfll!!E PL4NT5. Antigonon leptopus. — Under the head of a novelty, and with the pleasing name of *' The Mountain Beauty," this plant is accorded a full page colored illustration and a full page of description in the catalogue of a well-known florist. It is asserted to be perfectly hardy, to be a rapid grower, to cling to wood and stone like the Ampelopsis Veitchii and to flower pro- fusely the first year from young plants sent out. It is further stated to be a native of ^lontana, recently introduced from Germany. Now there is something very peculiar in all this. Nicholson states that it is a native of Mexico, discovered in 1868. It is certain that ^ seeds and plants hav^e been offered by some florists for years. I myself have tried it from both seeds and plants for three years. As re- gards its hardiness over winter, I found that a clumpof large tubers which had been well cover- ed with manure were solid and sound in May. They had not yet started new growth. On being transplanted, they never started growth. I received a plant from a friend in Mobile, who says it is a very beautiful climber, and flowers well in that latitude. The plant I received from there has made but little growth and shows no signs of blooming. It has no ten- drils with which to cling to wood or stone. It may be said that tliis is not the true Antigonon leptopus catalogued by the firm mentioned. The answer to this is that it is exactly the 1898] MEEHANS' monthly—general GARDENING. 189 same thing as the plants sent to me by the firm itself. This also has grown but very slowly, has no clinging tendrils, and shows no signs of blooming. Nicholson says it is a beautiful plant, but very hard to make bloom. The de- scription in the catalogue says it will cover the whole side of a house like the Ampelopsis Veitchii, and in addition be filled with its gorgeous racemes of pink flowers. If this were so, then indeed we should have a veritable treasure. But what a pity if there should be some mistake! L. C. L. Jordan. Bergen Poiut, N. J. The Afitigonon leptopus is a South American plant, and will live out in winter time wherever the orange and banana will thrive, and nowhere else. It is to be regretted that people are so easily deceived. In one of the papers where there was an account of this wonderful fraud, the Editor advised a corres- pondent that it was possible to graft a rose on an apple tree, — but it would not be lasting, as in a few years the rose branches would bear apples, and there would be no rose bushes finally left. The only cure for these things is the spread of intelligent knowledge through the community. THE HflRI&T f LOWER ^^l^^EM. A Cheap and Effective Insecticide. — The past year was one of great injury to rose- bushes and many other shrubs. Aphides, worms and slugs had made sad havoc with them. But I succeeded in keeping my plants in good condition by the use of a new insecti- cide which has the merit of being cheap, easily prepared, and extremely effective. It is made from the ordinary Ivory Soap of household use. I shave one-quarter pound of it up finely, cover it with water, and put it on the stove until it dissolves. Then I add it to five gallons of water, and spray the plants in such a manner that it is sure to reach every part of them. I consider it much superior to Whale- oil Soap, Kerosene Emulsion, or hellebore. For green-houvse plants use eight gallons of water instead of five. Shiocton, Wis. EbEN E. REXFORD. Desmodium penduliflorum.— East spring, I purchased some nursery stock, and a plant of Desmodium penduliflorum was among the plants received. The plant was perhaps two years old. Same has done remarkably well. The main stem is something over six feet tall, and there are numerous side branches. About eighteen inches of the upper end of the main stem, as well as the side branches, are loaded with sprays of dark, rose-colored flowers. It is a sight to be seen. It keeps in bloom a long time, and is a very desirable plant. As much as I am aware of, Desmodium penduliflottim is as yet little known and planted, but it surely deserves a place in every garden. The plant is herbaceous, and the top dies down with the approaching winter. The roots penetrate the ground to a great depth. The plant will prob- ably require covering of some kind during the winter in a colder climate; southward they do not need protection. C. Forkert. Ocean Springs, Miss. In a note accompanying the above, the writer says the plant is not the Desmodium penduliflorum he saw some twenty years ago at Erfurt, Germany. This is another case arising from the change of names. The plant referred to by our correspondent in the article above was distributed by European nursery- men as Desmodium peyiduliflorum. It was not until it became widely distributed under this name, that it was given out as wrong. It should have been Lespedeza bicolor. Desmo- dium penduliflorum is quite another thing. It has become so well known under the name of Desmodium pe?iduliJIorum, that it has been found a financial loss to nurserymen to change it. In this case, a change to the genuine name would be advisable for all the loss and confusion, if the r^2\ Desmodium pe7idulifl or um should get the popularity which this beautiful but mis-named plant has been made to bear. rRqiTS as ¥E^ETi^PLES. Water Cress in Germany. — An interest- ing translation of an article on water cress, from the German Practical Gardener, by Mrs. Wilhelmine Seliger, appears in the Hartford Daily Ti^nes. Erfurt is not only famous for seed growing the world over, but has a terri- tory in which market gardening is permanent. It is known as the Dreinbrunnen districts. Deep ditches or canals are carried over the territory through which cool water flows, — igo MEEHANS' MONTHLY — GENERAL GARDENING. [December and the narrow beds between the ditches are where the vegetables grow. The streams grow the water-cresses. Fifty thousand bunches have been sold from this one tract in one season, bringing in $2,600 of our money — a little fortune in Germany. The water cress business was started in 1665 by one, Hans Hartzan, who rented the ground for a small sum. Two brothers, named Matthew and Simon Bngelhardt, took up the start made, and in 1687, ran the net-work of ditches over the land. Old plants produce too hot and toothless an article, as all know who have had water-cress in an American restaurant. In these Erfurt streams, the plants are torn out twice a year, and new plantations made from the young tips. The bottom of the shallow streams are heavily manured, the tips planted, and the plants kept down by boards till the roots have taken hold. Of course, provision for keeping down the boards has to be made. This boarding process is one of the essentials of culture. The crisp, juicy product would not be secured with- out it. It bears the same relation to good water-cress as blanching does to good celery. With the tough, peppery stuff on American tables, it is no wonder water cress is not popu- lar. Abnormal Apple Blossom. — In the spring of 1896, I found a blossom on a two-inch limb, one of the lowest. The bloom was within three feet of the body of the tree. This bud and bloom issued from a smooth limb. In due time, the bloom fell off and an apple formed about the size of an Alaska pear, then it ceased to grow and it fell off. The mystery is, how could a bud be formed in the spring ? How could a bud issue out of a smooth two-inch limb ? Why did the apple fail to mature? Could I in any way have assisted it to mature ? Please explain. T. Wheeler. Moscow, Vt. Cultivation in the Amateur's Orchard. —Every one likes good fruit, and but few gar- dens, however small, are thought complete without it. But notwithstanding the apprecia- tion for good fruit, it is seldom found perfect in small gardens or orchards. The fault lies in too much dependence on the trees or rather a lack of interest in cultural methods. Trees are planted out in perhaps the most careful manner, after which they are expected to care for themselves and produce good fruit abund- antly. The fact is, they need continual atten- tion just as much as we do. This need not develop into a burden if regularly and proper- ly attended to. Now, one of the most important conditions to insure thrift is a soil mellow and cool in hot and dry weather, yet how frequently may trees be seen growing in sod or together with some crop that does not require cultivation. Such trees quickly outlive their usefulness, and their stunted branches can only produce under-sized and immature fruit. Then old trees are expected to live on a small allowance of food. It is forgotten that the roots of a tree have to get their food from nearly the same soil year after year, and in the case of sod-land, even this food must be divided. To have good fruit, health and vigor must be encouraged— not rank growth, which might be induced by over- feeding, for this is opposed to fruit-bearing. For most moderate-sized orchards or gardens, it would be desirable to commence cultivating by plowing between the rows in late fall ; but in light soils, summer harrowing is suffi- cient. Judgment must be exercised, as to the extent of cultivation, depending on the con- dition of the trees. Experience must teach how far from the tree trunk the roots extend, for care must be taken not to disturb them during the summer or feeding-time. Good stable manure may be spread on the surface of the soil after the latter is frozen, provided the ground is comparatively level so the fertilizing constituents may not be washed away. As the feeding roots are principally on the outside, the manure need not be spread at the base of large trees, but in a circle several feet therefrom. Another, but more laborious method, is to dig shallow trenches running towards the base of the tree, and fill in well- rotted or composted manure. Root-pruning, to make too-vigorous trees more productive, and top-pruning to thin out old wood, letting light and air amongst the branches, are also good subjects for the amateur to look into. BIOGRAPHY AND LITERATURE. A LESSON FROM THE WOODS. •Forgot the love Which she had learned from nature and the woods, That beauty's chief reward is to itself. And that the eyes of Love reflect alone The inward fairness, which is blurred and lost. Unless kept clear and white by duty's care. — IvOWElones 28 Plants, hardiness of 19 Plants for house, requiring little care 169 Plants in conservatory, utilizing hardy 170 Plants in school-rooms, growing 64 Plants, luminosity in loi Plants, notes on 5, 35, 42, 100, 179 Plants, sap in 148, 180 Plants, succession in flowering 124 Plant-stands T 40 Play-grounds, city 144 Pleas, Elwood 30 Pleasures, winter and summer 64 Plums' 77, 176 Plum stocks, the best , 125 "Poems" 79 Poison Ivy 131 Poison vine, the 166 Polygonatum biflorum 49 Poppy, theCalifornia 128 Porter, Prof. Thos. C 16, 15 '»i ti PAGE Potato stem-borer 109 Potatoes, cooking 4 Potato vine, beauty in 136 Pots, clean 119 Pots, good use for broken 103 Pot-scrubber, a 151 Primroses, Chinese 8 Primula stellata... 43 Primula veris 95 Prune, the German, in New Mexico 14 Pruning transplanted trees 188 Public Grounds, care of 137 Purchases, advantage in early 23 Pyxidanthera barbulata 33 Quarantining plants 96 Quercus aquatica, hardiness of. 9 Quercus macrocarpa and Q. lyrata 85 Raffia 89 Raisins, seedless 109 Raspberry and Blackberry plants, topping 62 Raspberry, Cumberland Black-Cap 14 Rattlesnake cure 192 Redwood, the 149 Rehder, Mr 79 *' Residential Sites and Environments'* iii Rhododendron m North Carolina 51 Rhubarb 13, 45, 77 Roadways, good 32 Root suffocation 105 Roses, green 24, 51 Roses, hybrid Wichuraiana 26 Roses, new hardy evergreen 124, 156 Roses, notes on 91, loi, 154,192 Rose, the Crimson Rambler 86, 95 Rosa rugosa 47 Rosa setigera 65 Royal Horticultural Society, annual expenses of... 80 Sap in living plants, freezing of. 148 Savin as ornamental evergreen 3 Scale, destroying , 4 Scale insects 70 Scale, San Jose 62 Scenery, beautiful park 128 Screw Pine, the 41 Shrubbery beneath trees 135 Shrubs, bright-twigged 138 Smilacina stellata, the neglected 116 Soap Tree, the Chinese 46 Species, origin of lyo Specimens, maintaining color in dried 67 Spider, red 1^9 Spindle Tree, the Purple American 167 Spraying machines 86 Spraying mixture ^y PAOB Strawberries, notes on 45, 92, 93, 112, 158 Strawberry, the Gladstone 158 Strawberry, the Nick Ohmer 62 Strelitzia regiuae 139 "Students' Hand-Book of the Mushrooms of America" 78 Sulphur injections 187 Swamp Cabbage 83, 117 Sweet Peas, notes on 53, 60, 63 Tatnall, Edward in Teucrium Canadense 97 Toads, notes on 67, loi, 116 Tobacco growing 185 Tomato, the best late 77 Trees and shrubs, time of blossoming 55 Trees, notes on : 48, 58, 142 Trees, removal of large 16 Trees, storm-broken 169 Trees, thinning out : 86, 105 Tree trunks, absorption of moisture by 149 Trillium grandifiorum 85 Trillium variations 182 Tropaeolum speciosum 140 Trumpet Vines, Tree 150 Tuckahoc 131, 163, 164 Umbrella Canes and Walking Sticks 8 Varieties on same tree, many 13 '* Vegetable Cook Book, Vaughan's" 126 Vegetables, notes on. V 76, 92, no Vegetation and scenery in the Metropolitan Reservation of Boston 127 Verbascum Thapsus 149 Vetch, Dakota 176 Veterinary profession, the 31 Violet, Mrs. J. J. Astor 91 Violet, the California 118 Von Mueller, Baron '. 46, 191 Walker, Ernest 48 Walnut, the English 6 Walnut variation, black 37 Water-cress 45, 189, Water-lilies, — when and how to plant them..88, 106 Water, purification of drinking 16 Watering Trees at transplanting 1 36 Wax, grafting 86 Weeds and weed laws 7i 32, 63, 104 Whitney, A. R 30 Willow flowers 22 Willow in landscape gardening, the 24 Wisteria or Wistaria 47, iii Witch Hazel, the 4, 95 Wood, a very hard 16 Wood-oil Tree, the 64 Worm, the Currant or Gooseberry 77 Wych, or Witch Hazel 19 SITUATIONS WANTED. Advertisements under this head, not exceeding 50 words will be inserted once for 50 cents, or three times for $1.25. QARDENERS: At all times, we have on our register the names of competent gardeners, whom we would be glad to recommend to persons in need of same as being fully competent to take entire charge of any place, either large or small. Gardeners desiring situations should correspond with us. No charge, whatever, is made for any such service rendered. THOMAS MEEHAN & SONS, German town, Philadelphia. QITUATIONS FOR GARDENERS ^^ D. Landreth & Sons, at their Retail Depart- inent, cor. loth and Market Sts., Philadelphia, in- vite Gardeners to register their wants when desir- ing to change their situations. QARDENER,— Position wanted where a thor- ^^ ough and practical training in every branch of gardening and landscaping will be of service. Age 32, married, one child, abstainer. Fine refer- ences. Wm. J. Faulkner, 5528 Pulaski Avenue, German town. Pa. QARDENER AND FLORIST wants private ^^ place; German, age 33. married, one child ; good references. **I. D. N.," care of Meehans* Monthly. QITUATION WANTED as gardener or to take ^^ charge of a private place by a straight man of practical experience and ability in all branches per- taining to the care of a gentleman's place. Ad- dress, G, care of Thomas Mechan & Sons. QARDENER with life-long experience and ^^ holding highest of references desires position on gentleman's place. Employed at present, but would like to make a change. Thomas F. Martin, The Vanderbilt, 42nd and Lexington Avenue, New York Citv. VA/ANTED — A situation as landscape gardener, nurseryman or manager of a place. Have M,ood general knowledge of trees, slirubs, plants and landscaping, having just laid out an important place. Address, W. h. S., care of Meehans' Monthly. NOVELTIES IN PLANTS, FRUITS, Etc. A. BLANC & CO., 314, 316 N. 11th ST., PHILADELPHIA ORCHIDS— ORCHIDS We have the largest and finest stock of Orchids in the United States, all in fine condition. Fall price list now ready. L/IQER £r HURRCLL Orchid Growers and Importers SUMMIT. N. J. Bound Volumes of Meehans' Monthly ** I ^HE complete issue for 1898 can now be •■■ furnished handsomely bound in cloth^ gilt cdgCf and in a style and color to match preceding^ volumes, for $2*50 pet volume* Subscribers can return unbound parts for J 898 and have them bound in cloth for 75 cents* Missing: numbers supplied at 20 cents each* For 25 cents extra we will deliver this volume to either your express or post-office* In returning: your numbers for binding:, write your name and address on the outside of the packagfe, but put no writing:, what- ever, inside* We can also supply cloth bound volumes i and 2 (bound in one book) for $3*50, and each of the succeeding: volumes for $2.50* THOMAS MEEHAN & SONS Publishers Gcrmantown, Philadelphia, Pa* HENRY W.CIBBONS CRECNHOUSC BUILDER AMD NCATINC INCINCtR IW LitCRTV ;t«ut NEW YORK . NY CA«LO«UIS accNTs. i EXPERT ADVICt ESTIMATES. PLANS. RTABLE GREENHOUSES FOR SMALL ESTATES. COMPLETE FOR $ JlOO^o S END FOR CATALOaUE OF- Ornamental Trees, Shrubs -^ Vines All grown at the Concord Nurseries, Concord, Mass. No better stock grown anj'wherc. Specialties of Wild Roses, Boston Ivy, Clethra and Matrimony Vine. F. Q. PRATT, Concord, Mass. 1838. 1892. ^^ t^^i PHILADELPHIA TRY DREER'S GARDEN SEEDS Plants, Bulbs and Requisites They are the best at the lowest prices. Calendar for '98 mailed free. Address HENRY A. DREER. 714 Chestnut St., Phila. WHEN WRITING TO ADVERTISERS, TELL THEM YOU SAW THEIR CARD IN MEEHANS' MONTHLY. A MAGNinCENT WORK I UNDER the title of "The Native Flowers and Ferns of the United States/' four magnificent volumes were issued. Each one contains forty-eight accurately drawn and finely colored lithographs of some of our native flowers and ferns. With each plate is four pages of really interesting and instructive descriptive text. The plates in Meehans* Monthly were intended for "The Native Flowers and Ferns" and would have been used in it but for the death of the publisher, which was the only cause for its discontinuance. Meehans' Monthly is, to a certain extent, a continuation of this famous work. " The Native Flowers and Ferns" is a worthy addi- tion to any library. It is unexcelled as a work of refer- ence and will be prized greatly by everyone interested in our native flora. To those having Meehans' Monthly and desiring to make the set more complete, the possession of the four volumes would be a great pleasure. We can furnish the four volumes in handsome and substantial binding at the following prices. The half morocco style is particularly desirable as its luxurious binding has such a rich effect. Cloth, gilt edge, $7.50 per vol.; half morocco, gilt edges, $9.00 per vol ; full morocco, gilt edge, $10.50 per vol. THOMAS MEEHAN & SONS PUBLISHERS Germantown^ Philadelphia^ Pa* THE MONTBOSE NURSERIE!) Rare Ornamentals. Choice Ever- greens, Shrubbery, specialties Prices rock bottom. Privet, 3c. Illustrated catalogue free. E. S. PETERSON, Montrose, N. Y. For the best in the nursery line, both in FRUITS AND ORNAMENTALS and at prices to suit the times, consult THE STORRS & HARRISON CO., Box 20 Painesville, Ohio. Correspondence Solicited. Gatalogrues free. ARE NOVELTIES, SEEDS. PLANTS, BULBS, CACTI f^NP SUCCULENTS. . . Grown by Mrs. Theodosia B. Shepherd Send IOC. for cat. Ventura-by-the-Sea, California MCNTION . . ' - T - T T T T T ] ! T T 7 T" T r f _ ^ _ -1^ ■ ; ; ■^ "■ — X-4 ^ ^[ T -r ^ - ' ■ ■ ^TT" "^ — T ' I - J 1 T T T 7 T- r _ * ' "■ ^ + - ^ ■ - - ' ■ - - ■ —hf ■■ ■" "" ■" T 3 T - T- X T "4^ -'■ "^ "" , _ - i 1 ^ 1 +-_.+ ' J T *■ "^ "' ■* T ^ ' ■ " ■ ■ =^#=H -- 3 3 34-44-^^ : : w --'m ••■■TT I .'fniff'. '. IHST^ No Place Like Home for doraentic aninialH. IlortM>8, rattle, sheen, h(>i:». |M)uHry alMove to roam. "Moral Kiiabion^' won't utop them. There's no ••pernuader" like Faict; MCi«n«ltir WIKKFKM ECO., ADUIAN, MICH. MEOGt OF CALIFORNIA PRIVET ( LtQU STR U M OVALIFOL'UMj DO YOU WANT A HEDGE PLANTED? We would be pleased to give estimates for furnishincr and planting hedges of all descriptions: Hemlock, Arbor-Vita, Privet, or any other hedge plant. Full information on application. We have an immense stock of Ornamental Trees, Shrubs, Vines, Ever- greens and Herbaceous Plants. Catalogue for six cents. THOMAS MEEHAN & SONS, C.ermantown, Pliila , Pa. Nurserymen and Landscape Engineers WHEN WRITING TO ADVERTISERS.TELL THEM YOU SAW THEIR CARD IN MEEHANS' MONTHLY. Special Clubbing Rates We have made arrangements with several of the best horticultural and botanical publications, which enable us to offer them in combination with Meehans' Monthly at greatly reduced rates. When you renew your subscription to Meehans' Monthly you can save time, money and labor by subscribing for the other magazines at the same time. One check will pay for all and you will not have to wait for separate receipts— ours will cover all. MEEHANS' MONTHLY, \ one year for «^ mn QARDENINQ, [ <>"« y«»»^' »o»^ J^3-50 MEEHANS' MONTHLY, \ «„« veur lor <-» A^ AMERICAN QARDENINQ, / one year, lor ^j.50 I one year, for $^.30 I one year, for $2. o5 nEEHANS' MONTHLY, QARDENINQ. AHERICAN QARDENINQ MEEHANS' MONTHLY, > LANT WORLD, MEEHANS* MONTHLY. SOUTHERN FLORIST AND QARDENER, } one year, for $3.75 The publications offered are all good ones and should be read by all lovers of horticulture. These prices are good only to December 31, 1898 Special prices will be given on other combina- tions, if desired. THOMAS HEEHAN & SONS, Publishers, QERMANTOWN, PHILA., PA. POPULAR SCIENCE ,. ,-^__ Nature, Invention, Archaeology, iNcW3 Electricity, Chemistry, Miner- alogy, Hygiene, Medicine, Health Formerly Boston Journal of Chemistry. ENLARGED AND IMPROVED. This popular monthly contains a large numler of Short, Easy, Practical, Interesting and Popular, Scientific articles, that can be appreciated and en- joyed by any intelligent reader, even though he knew little or nothing of science. It is intended to interest those who think. Profusely Illustrated. Free from Technicalities. Entirely Different from and Much Superior to other papers with a similar name. Monthly, $1.60 per year. LARGEST CIRCULATION OF ANY SCIHNTII IC PAPKR. Edited by Edward F. Bigelow, formerly of the Observer, and now part of Popular Science. LILLARD & CO., 108 FuUon Street, New York. *«>* Mention this paper for a sample copy.'t*j| EVERY SUCCESSFUL farmer who raises fruits, vegetables, berries or grain, knows by experience the importance of having a large percentage of Potash m his fertilizers. If the fer- tilizer is too low in Potash the harvest is sure to be small, and of inferior quality. Our books tell about the proper fertilizers for all crops, and we will gladly send them free to any farmer. QERHAN KALI WORKS, . C. e. Vaa Tubergen, Jr, Haarlem, HoUand CHOICE DUTCH BULBS 10 ATTRACTIVE BULBQ(» PLANTS OKderi for Importotioa onfy. anTJuiooaas ptmn C. C. ABEL & CO., Sole Agent«, Box 920, New York L.ORD 8c BURIMHAM CO HORTICULTURAL ARCHITECTS AND BUILDERS AND MANUFACTURERS OF HEATING AND VENTILATIMfi APPARATUS M # ^ Haus and estimates luruished on application for heatinir and voatila- t i rig -dpi )a ra t u s e rected complete, or ?o: -fia'ctnal only. IfijjflK.; i vardsat the WI)rM < I i . Send 4 cts. postage for lent In.;; T>. 1 ( *' ^ t #!** WeW YORK OTFrCE, St. James BulklWfl, Bfoadway and 26ih St. gew wSm WHITING TO advertisers; TELL THEM YOU SAW THEIR CARD IN liEEHANFiSSNmi^. Catalog I V of GrcetihouscC NKW SECTIONAL Hot Water HE^rtr *■■■,.■" ' " > ian t iuM s Will heat np to io,snd shade trees. Wood Ashes will destroy the mos^y ^rcv/lh found under the gra ^ on old and sour lawns. They stiffen j.nd renew lawns that have become brittle or :.ovn trom the ire- quent applications ot stabl: manure. We put them up in 50 and 100 pound ^a.k.. ani :n b.irrel. containing about 200 pounds. (US (US (US PRICES 50 POUNDS - 100 POUNDS - 250 POUNDS - ONE TON $1.00 1.50 2.50 Io.'.0 SPrXIAL F»RlcnS Kiven by letter on car load lots in bulk or barrels Thomas Meehan & Sons ti;lk!'H()m; 'MiiA (Jcmianto'An, Phila. /^ v»/ St/ Vf/ V»/ Vf/ M/ \l/ \»/ \y St/ \»/ M/ >f/ M/ \»/ M/ \»/ \l/ \f/ M/ \»/ WHEN WRITING 70 ADVtRTISERS, TELL THEM YOU SAW THEIR CARD IN MEFHANS' MONTHLY NTTONAL SH GSURE VALUABLE SUGGESTIONS Rudbeckia ''Golden Glow/' ^' """""" ^^^'' superfluous to say much in ™..™_.^ JZ:^JzZZ^^^ of this comparatively new . , ^ double-cone flower^ it has already received so much merited praise^ Briefly, it is one of the best herbaceous plants For livening: up shrubbery and herba- ceous beds, For cut-flower purposes, For continuous flowering in August and September, For planting in masses. For single specimen clumps. For furnishing a tall background. For perfect vigor and hardiness. For all-around purposes* nl« J?' ^*"*'*"^ ^^^^ °i y«"T i^o^^s, profusely bom on long stems, cannot fail to please anyone. 25c. each, $1.50 per 10, $10.00 per J 00. DC8CRIPTIVE CATALOGUE ON APPLICATION. DESIGNS, PLANTING PLANS AND OLO-rASHION GARDENS TURNlSHED. THOMAS MEEHAN & SONS GERMANTOWN, PHILA., PA to send for our New Catalogue which tells of IT WILL PAY YOU Hardy Trees, Shrubs, Plants, Roses, Fruit, and our special stock of Rhododendrons. It will in- terest all who are interested in such matters. ANDORRA NURSERIES, ^i!S^lZ;„ WM. WARNfR HARmR. PfVOPRieTOR C. G. Van Tubergen, Jr, Haarlem, Holland CHOICE DUTCH BULBS 0 ATTRACTIVE BULBOUS PLANTS Orders for importation only. CATAIiOQUBS PREH C. C. ABEL & CO., Sole Agents, Box 920, New York HORTICU LORD 8c BURNHAM CO. LTURAL ARCHITECTS AND BUILDERS AND MANUFACTURERS OF HEATING AND VENTILATING APPARATUS Plans and estimates furnished on application for heating and ventila- ting apparatus erected complete, or for material only. Highest awards at the World's Fair. Send 4 cts. postage for Catalogue of Patent Iron Greenhouse Construction. new sectional Hot Water Heater- Specially adapted to large ranges. Will heat up to 16,500 feet of glass. Highest economy. Mod- erate cost. Also heaters for smaller work. Send 5 cents postage to New York Office for latest catalogue of Heating and Ventilating Ap- paratus. Estimates fur- nished for Cy- press Green- house Material. NEW YORK OFFICE, SI. Jame, Bulldin,. Broadway and 261h S>. OENERAL OFFICE ANO WORKS, IrvlnBton.on.Hud.on. N. Y. WHEN WRITING TO ADVERTISERS. TELL THEM YOU SAW THEIR CARD IN MEEHANS' MONTHtV. ' ^TS&Ti**'" ESTABLISHED 60 YEARS HITCHINGS & CO. flORTIDULTUBflL flRCHITBCTS AND BUILDERS Greenhouse Heating and Ventilating Apparatus and largest Maiufaoturers of •tVf<5V^-:'?v The highest awards re- ceived at the World's Fair for Horticultural Architec- ture, Greenhouse Construe- tioD and Heating Appar- atus. Conservatories, Green- houses, Palmhouses, etc., erected complete with our Patent Iron Frame Con- struction. SEND FOUR CENTS FOR ILLUSTRATED CATALOGUES. 233 MERCER STREET, HEM YORK CITY EDWARD CAMPBE L/INDSC/IPE /IRCniTECT /IND ENQINEER ARDMORE, - PA. Sketch plans and planting maps prepared, and suggestions given for the laying out and improvement of country and suburban residences, public parks and grounds of every description. Grounds laid out and their construction undertaken by contract or day labor, and carried out under strict personal supervision. The choice grouping and effective arrangement of trees and shrubs has been made a special study. Trees furnished and planted by experienced workmen. Draining Plans and Surreys. . Fine Crushed Stone for Walks and Carriage DriTes. LANDSCAPE ENGINEERING^"^^ We arc fully equipped to prepare and to carry out plans for every branch of landscaping^^ making new places, remodeling and improving old ones, planting, grading, draining, roadmaking, etc. Effective and artistic grouping of trees and shrubs and the arrangement of views is made a specialty. We have the ability, the experience and every facility for doing the highest class of work at the least expense to our patrons. All work is under the supervision of our Ms* J, Franklin iUleehan, Correspondence solicited* Advice given and estimates furnished, THOMAS MEEHAN & SONS, Nurserymen and Landscape Engineers, Long Distance Telephone GERMANTOWN, PHILADELPHIA, PA, HARDY ORNAMENTAL TREES, SHRUBS, VINES, EVER- th* nn^i^..r.in...rim.;^.tn^jor.^ BREENS, AND HARDY HERBACEOUS PERENNIALS. iTiu"^rLt':d"'d'^^^^^^^ tion. Plant and estimates f\irnished. Send ycur list of needs for special rates. THE BEADING NURSERY, JACOB W. MANNING, Proprietor, READING, MASS. Modern Horticultural Building. Elegant Conservatories, Practical Commercial Houses, and all Classes of Greenhouse Structures Planned and Erected. We build of all Iron, all Wood, or a modification of either, as desired. Bteel or Cypress Bash Bars for Butted Glass Glaiing or Lapped Glazing, with or without put* y. Latest methods ot Ventilation, Steam and Hot-Water Heating. Iron and Slate, Iron and Tile, or all Wood Staging. Contracts taken for Completed Structure. Materials furnished to Builders. Expert adyice at Residence, or Catalogues on application. 49* Don't fall to get our Plans and Prices. PLENTY'S HORTICULTURAL WORKS, 148-156 Randolph Ave., Jersey City, N. J. If' WHEN WRITING TO ADVERTISERS, PLEASE MENTION MEEHANS' MONTHLY.