Re A a ty Pe uit i: . . A \'is ot}s~ Din tp ef Wy \ i Wy Z my i, is i's “4) Y f cow af, iL aindigs yeaa hpty in Sao VOLUME. I. 1852-3. = ESSE AOE PLR NE EN STE NTE TR ES ; f Ns ‘ y cet i] . ee, ee ne nae — a —_ _ - THE C Da bP el LA FLORIST AND “ A MAGAZINE OF * Horticulture, Botany, Agriculture, and the Kindred Rene Coins bya Sie Sues of Practical Gardeners. R.ROBINSON SCOT'T, Editor, No. 48 S. Third Street, above the Girard Bank, up stairs. Vor. f{.j PuiItaDELpHia, May, 1852. [ No. 1. NATURAL SYSTEM OF BOTANY: ITS SUPERIORITY. Read at the Stated Meeting of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, March 16. The legitimate duty of any society being to take advantage of all plans whereby the objects for which it has been founded may be aid- ed or facilitated, I have taken the liberty to offer a few suggestive remarks on the superiority, of the natural system of classification in the vegetable kingdom over the Linnean or artificial. The: opinion of most persons is settled upon the matter, who are at all acquainted with Botanical science; and many who are encouraged to abandon _the old landmarks which the great Swede had set up, by men who haye tested the efficiency of each, and the high character and novelty of this comparatively modern system—are at a loss to know why the natural systems of Jussieu, or DecanDo.1ez, or LinpLey, or ENDLICHER are so much extolled as an infinitely superior means of acquiring a knowledge of the mass of objects which comprise the vegetable crea- tion—why the efforts and achievements of the venerated Linneus should be depreciated, or his scheme superseded, and his system which first cast light upon the apparently confused mass of individuals which comprise the Vegetable Kingdom, should, after so much service, be cast aside to give place to what appears an intricate and difficult means of obtaining the necessary information, viz: the technical name of a plant. CouldI, a working gardener, “unsifted in such perilous cir-. cumstance”’ as the disputes of scientific devotees, who know nothing c_ of nature but from actual contact and observation, aided of course by D .) 4 little reading and enquiry, could I open up to view the gratification G -) ‘ .~ 2 = ° RS ET NE SCO y) THE PHILADELPHIA FLORIST. [May Oe 2 ee = and knowledge which I have acquired from my slight study of this oa) » tural system, and the complete disappointment and dissatisfaction ex- ‘ / perienced in wading through the Diandria and Diadelphia of Lin- \ neus, and his Diecia and Syngenesia, I think I should obtain for Dr- CANDOLLE and Jussirv a little more consideration, and yet allow no disparagement to their great original—for Linneus himself had the ~ rudiments of a natural system in his hands when nature lost her great expounder. And here it may be conceded, that since the object of any system of classification is to aid in imparting knowledge procured by actual observation of nature, and the opening up of some channel whereby the knowledge of great minds may be conveyed to the less extensive intellects, and the finite and contracted mind of man may aim at a knowledge in detail of the infinity and unlimited provision of Providence for his pleasure and use--that system must be consider- ed the most useful which accomplishes this object in the simplest and most satisfactory manner, no matter if it were the emanation of a Brahmin or a Turk. We are informed by Scripture history, that at the Creation all creatures received a name; that a distinctive term was appropriated by our progenitor to each object which holds a place in the family of nature, for man’s convenience in his journey through the material world. Could these original names (simple undoubtedly they were,) have been handed down to us preserved or even modified, how great a saving of labor, of anxiety, of earnest investigation, and of oppressive study. But in the gradual corruption of society, men looked away fromthe simple charms of nature and her creation, and forgot the uses as well as the beauties of these gifts of a provident Fa- ther. Yetin the midst of the corruption of vice and apathy, of sensu- | al indulgence, an inherent desire of discrimination springs up in the . human intelligent being—a desire to know why springs up the blade of grass or stalk of corn true to its time and place and individuality— to what purpose the nutritive potato lies imbedded in the earth—mat- | ter stored up in its fleshy tuber, and the poisonous Tapioca, or Cassava | | plant Jatropha Manihot, or Manthot utillissima contains in its organ- ization a deadly poison, disappearing when reduced by the arts to an article of food; why the sugar cane should contain in its cells true su- gar so useful in animal economy, and comprise with the sugar maple and beet, a storehouse for the chemist. But examples are infinite as nature herself. And then the variety of size, and form, and coloring, | and smell, who has defined—who can define, their laws or limits, from the gigantic Banyan Ficus Indica, and the venerable Baobab or Monkey bread, (.¢dansonia digitata,) of the tropics, not forgetting the sturdy Oak: to the Chaffweed of Britain—(Centunculus minimus.) the minute speedwell and dwarf willow, which are produced on Alpine summits. Men born with an innate spirit of enquiry and dis- 4S ge SO oa 1852.] THE PHILADELPHIA FLORIST. 3 1D ee Ose 2 crimination, began to admire and regard these offsprings of a common % » parent; nor more startling to Galen, was the appearance at his foot © of the first human skeleton he had seen, than no doubt was, to Hum- boldt and Bonpland, to Linneus and Park, the majesty of the gigan- tic inhabitants of the forest of tropical climates, or the minute objects which at times riveted their attention in their journeyings over the arid plains, the still and humid jungles and cold mountain tops, whither their thirst for science had led them. And who can behold the uncouth forms of Cacti, which adorn the sandy plains of Central America, and in some cases wander into the fields of an adjoining State, without admiring the variety of forms which comprise the Vegetable Kingdom, and the still more interesting orchids or plant animals, which hanging from trees, seem to contend in form with the gaudy flies that flock around them. Many of these now adorn the plant houses of your vicinity, which, while they astonish and please, instruct the humble student of Nature. Man, the reasoning steward of God’s creation, preserves, encourages, and loves these objects his co-partners in the great field of life. A key is required to make the study in- . | tellectual, to read the Book of Nature. God has told Linneus, Decan- | dolle, Humboldt, to write the history, and they with a host of others have obeyed the summons. I now come to the consideration of the practical portion of this en- quiry. It hasbeen proved by experience that the simple plan devised by Linneus, is useless as a means of classification, that it conveys nothing more to the student than a comparative fact, of trifling mo- ment. Unites dissimilar individuals, and separates those already united, | by the natural perceptive facuiiies of the mind. Who would for a mo- | Sment think of enumerating in the same category, the Poa annua, | (annual meadow grass,) which annoys the Gardener by springing up | every where within his privileged domain, and the Polycarporn tetraphyllum, or All seed, so rare in gardens and so dissimilar in habit and form, or still greater anomaly the Arundo Donax, with its tropical aspect, and strong stems with the Holosteum umbellatum, so minute and characteristic of a temperate climate. Who would expect to find a majestic and stately tree the congener of the minute herb, as we find it in the Natural System? the enquiring student who studies structure we answer! for in the most perfect modification of that scheme, first indeed suggested perhaps, by Linneus himself, or atleast at a very early period in his Fragments of a Natural System, we- in it find a complete description of the entire plant, its roots, stem, leaves, stipules,, petioles, bracts, peduncle, inflorescence, calyx, corolla, petals | \ stamens, ovary, fruit and seeds; following still further its embryo, with } cj) its surrounding albumen, if any be present, and the germinating pro- Y 2) cesses hilum, micropel, radicle, plumule ; but we cannot Kai to G oe) = 4A THE PHILADELPHIA FLORIST. [May MOT ~ CER (S enumerate the multitude of perfect and minute parts, which make up 2) ? the perfect and minute whole. We must exclaim with the Poet— / “These are thy wondrous works Parent of good, Almighty! Thine \ this universal frame, thus wondrous fair; Thyself how wondrous then.” Penn. Hortl. Society, R. R. SCOTT. Stated Meeting, March 16th, 1852. —— + oe To the Editor of the Florist. STATISTICS OF HORTICULTURE, BY DUNS SCOTUS. My Frrenp :—You ask me what position gardening and floricul- ture had attained 25 years ago about Philadelphia. I can give you the facts so far as my memory serves me, and allow you to draw your own inferences, whichyou are very capable of doing from your keen perception, tact, extensive and well founded horticultural knowledge, obtained in the best botanical schools in Europe ; with your additional experience on this side of the Atlantic. Twenty-five years ago! How times are changed!! ‘There were then only five nurseries where pot plants could be obtained in this vicinity, Bartram’s, McMahon’s, Landreth’s, Maupay’s and Hibbert’s. There were three Tea Gar- dens, Birch’s, Smith’s and McAran’s. With regard to private green- houses in the city proper: Messrs. Longstreth’s, Pepper’s, Coleman’s and Peirpont’s I believe embraced the whole, the two former gentle- men only, kept gardeners. [| presume I am not far astray, when Ig state, that there are now more trees and plants sold in one week in this city and county than the entire combined ‘stock of these public and private collections. Such a sight as flowers at the corners of the street was not then thought of. A small plant of the daily rose sold at one dollar. Camellia flowers, for the hair, at one dollar and fifty cents each. The country seats which had any pretensions to good gardening and which possessed a greenhouse were those of Messrs, Pratt, Hamilton, Gratz, Clapier, Butler, Breck and Girard. About this very period horticulture and the love of flowers began to be very generally infused amongst those of refined taste, especially amongst ladies. D’Arras, gardener to the Hamiltons, and Hibbert | the Florist were looked upon as the great growers of the day. The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society was regenerated and its first ex- hibition in 1829, gave a fresh impulse to the art till Philadelphia is now the city of fair fruits and flowers. : [To BE CONTINUED. | C | kOe 1852. ] THE PHILADELPHIA FLORIST. 5 al EB \S “THE PHILADELPHIA FLORIST.” S GY / To THE Epiror :—A work like the one you project is a want long \ felt, and I congratulate you on the merit of endeavoring to supply it. The midland States require an organ of intercommunication, while the residents of all towns and cities feel much the absence of a cheap hor- | ticultural work, wherein the information necessary to the management | of their few flowers or small garden plot may be obtained. While | endeavoring to make your Magazine interesting to the practical gar- dener, and useful to the scientific man, you will at the same time un- | doubtedly be well rewarded by the increased interest which your en- . _ deavors will give to the city lover of flowers, and in the assistance | which you will give to the management of our small city eardens, | There isa large field for a Horticultural Magazine. I believe that the proprietor of a few window flowers, or a small garden in a town, derives far more pleasure from his possessions than many do who live in the country-—certainly far more interest is taken in them; and if things be valued in eee to their rarity, it is natural and is as it should be. I have been led to these considerations by so often having to answer the enguiries of citizens respecting their floral favorites ; and I propose to offer you a few remarks occasionally on window and town garden- ing, which I trust will be serviceable and seasonable. So far as Phila- mn) delphia is concerned just now, much cannot be done. As I am writ- ing this, the snow is six inches deep, and promises to continue ; when- ever opportunity offers however, attention should be paid to the prun- ing and trimming of vines and shrubs. ‘There are few gardens in towns, no matter how small, which do not possess some of these. The Rose is a universal favorite everywhere. It is deservedly so ; | but its beauties are enhanced by skilful pruning. This season Jack Frost has been rather too officious, and Roses in many places have considerable portions of them killed; all dead wood should at once be cut away. There are several kinds of roses generally grown in small gardens; each kind requires a separate system of pruning. For general use the rule is best which requires the division to be in two classes: those of a strong and those of a weak habit of growth. Roses | of a weak habit may have their last year’s shoots cut into three or four eyes of the place whence they started. If the stronger growing kinds are so treated, they will produce only shoots again; these should be shortened to about two-thirds their length, and the weak shoots cut out entirely. If the space appropriated to a strong growing rose — be limited, one-half the strong shoots may be cut down to an C\, eye or two, and the rest left at nearly their whole length. This, while ( () affording abundance of flowers, will afford shoots for another season, G ” 6 THE PHILADELPHIA FLORIST. [May i “ORR, : G ‘when those which have flowered may be cut away in the same man-o » ner as the former were. No manure is too strong for the Rose—the © richer the ground, the finer the flower. The,Grape Vine, like the Rose, is a necessary accompaniment to every garden; generally these are pruned by practical gardeners, and — are all “‘fixed” by this time. Where they have not been, they should be at once attended to. There are two objects to be attained here, namely: the covering of the trellis with healthy shoots; and secondly, that of anticipating a good proportionate crop. As a generalrule, the weaker the last year’s shoot, the closer it may be pruned ; a weak one for instance, may be pruned to one eye, and a strong shoot to three- quarters its length. If the shoots are very abundant, thin out some ofthem. It-is very late, however, to prune grape vines; they will probably bleed—and many gardeners do not like this; but it will not hurt them. Tuomas MEenan. Strict attention will be given to the important department our friend speaks of, under the head of ‘* Window and Yard Gardening.” [ Eid. Fiorist. ——D + ee The Theory and Practice of Pruning, By Txos. Hutcurnson, or PHILA. A knowledge of the principles and practice of pruning is one of the many necessary qualifications to a gardener. We often see trees pruned in such a manner that, to say nothing of their beauty being destroyed, what is of more ee the chance of .a crop of fruit, is cast aside. While not unfrequently again we observe trees killed outright, or forced into an excessive growth that endangers the crop of several successive years. Perhaps the pruning of fruit trees is of all others, the most important, And to this part of the subject I shall then endeavor to (as well as I am able,) give a theoretical and prac- tical explanation of the questions. Why do we prune? When should we prune? ‘lo prune then is either to increase the strength of the shoots or diminish it, or to reduce the shoots in number. To prune in order to produce wood shoots, or to prune to produce fruit buds. When a portion of a healthy plant is cast off, all that sap which would have been expended in supporting the part removed is directed by the vital force into the parts remaining, and especially those parts in the immediate vicinity of that part from which it has been removed. ‘Thus—if the leading bud of a growing branch be stopped, the lateral ones, which otherwise would have remained dor- a are forced to push, as gardeners term it. If a growing branch 2/is shortened, the lowest eyes which on push are brought into) vals [es eu. 1852.] THE PHILADELPHIA FLORIST. 7 Reo clo ae Gi action, hence the necessity of cutting a useless branch entirely out, ©) Wai, the cutting of one leads to the production of many other 7 superfluous and useless ones. This is not a universal principle— | sometimes the first effect is to produce an accumulation of sap in a certain branch, which is forced into the remaining buds and there stored up against.a future year. In ordinary cases it occurs that by this means, short or bearing branches, or spwrs are obtained in great abundance. The cultivators of the Filbert (Corylus vellana,) — | procure by this practice a greater abundance of bearing wood, than | nature unassisted would furnish. For as the hazel nut or Filbert is always borne on the wood of the previous year, it is desirable that every bush should have as much as could be obtained of that wood (to this consideration all others are sacrificed ;) and such is readily obtained by observing a continued system of shortening the young branches of two-thirds, the effect of which is to force all the lower buds into growth the successive year and thus a shoot of bearing wood produce many others. The effect produced upon one part by the abstraction of another ° | thus shown, is the development of buds, which would otherwise have been dormant. This may be shown in many other ways; thus if all the fruit of a plant is taken off one year after its formation, the fruit will be finer and more abundant the year following, which naturally occurs when late frosts destroy our crops; if of many flowers only one is left, that one fed by the nourishment intended for all the others becomes so much the finer. And also of two unequal branches, the stronger is shortened and stopped in its growth, the other becomes stronger ; and this is one of the most. useful effects connected with pruning; because it enables a skilful cultivator to equalize the growth of all parts of a tree and as has already been stated is one of the most important consequences of the operation; for example, we may say that a seedling tree has a hundred buds to support, and consequently the stem grows slowly and the plant is stunted ; but being cut down so as to leave only two or three buds, these push with great vigor and it becomes luxuriant. Nothing is more strictly to be guarded against than the disposition that some plants have to bleed, such asthe vine and some climbers that are very milky, &c. when pruned, to such an extent as to threaten them with total exhaustion. It is also not unfrequent in fruit trees with eum- my mucilcginous secretions, such as the plum, the peach and other stoned-fruits. This property arises from the large size of the ves- sels, which vessels are unable, when cut through, to unite suflici- ently to close their apertures, and so long as the roots continue to , absorb their fluid contents from the soil so long will this emission (x */take place ; and if it is allowed to go on, the system of the plant BID _ i! COR ae x 8 THE PHILADELPHIA FLORIST. — [May ROP et ‘® becomes so much deranged, that it either becomes very unhealthy or 9 dies. The only way to avoid this difficulty is not to wound such trees at the time their sap begins to flow, but to prune early and thus give sufficient time for the sap vessels to close. ‘This shows how extremely necessary it is to perform the operation of pruning with care. The first thing to be thought of is the peculiar nature of the plant under operation, and the manner in which its special habits may require a special mode of pruning. For example the fruits of the walnut and fig is borne by the wood of the same season. ‘That of the filbert and peach of the second season, and the pears and ap- ples on the wood of several years growth—so that it is perfectly clear that of those three kinds each will require a distinct plan of pruning for fruit. The pruner has also another object in view than that of thinning the branches, so as to allow the free access of air and light to the fruit. If this purpose is wisely followed out by merely removing superfluous foliage the end attained is useful. [TO BE CONTINUED. | Taomas HutcuHinson. —=23 + @&——__ FOREIGN GRAPES. DESCRIPTIVE LIST. PREPARED FOR THE PHILADELPHIA FLoRIST, BY JAMES POWELL. Mr. Epitor:—I will cheerfully furnish you the list you desire of Vines that I can describe from actual observation of such as have been under my charge. I think you can rely on the descriptions at all events as Philadelphian. he E's April 10th, 1852. No. 1.—Black Moro¢¢o— young wood reddish, smooth, foliage rather large, dark green with lobes, these deeply serrated; footstalks long crimson colored. Bunch, large, rather loose. Berries large, oval, of a dark red or purple color, thick skin, sweet pleasant flavor, large and hangs a long time on the vine—second rate. No. 2—Black Hamburg—This well known grape scarcely needs description, asit is the one commonly grown for a general crop under glass, (in this country) being one of very best (af not the ‘best) either as regards a certainty of crop or flavor ;. young wood of a light green color, smooth. Foliage light green, broad, and smooth on the upper side. Bunch, above medium size, with short shoulders. Berries good size, roundish, oval and deep purple when ripened, but when the vine is burthened with too much fruit it never assumes that fine dark color so much admired, but has a reddish hue, “and then become what is commonly known as the Rep Hamsure. Cie , 2) 1852.] ‘THE PHILADELPHIA FLORIST. —- — oe SEM (@ There are doubtless a great many seedlings from this grape or sports 4 ~) from vines in peculiar, soils and situations. These have had names bestowed on them to please the fancy, and sometimes the vanity of | embryo cultivators or entlyusiastic amateurs, but so near the present that they do not merit the distinction. Such are the Rep Hamsure, Hampton Court Vicroria, FRANKENTHAL, OR FRANKENDALE, &C., &G., 3.—Black Ferrar—Young wood dark green, smooth, foliage, ‘light green lobes not deep, irregular serrated; foot stalks short and rough. Bunch loose, berries large, oval, black, thick skin, sweet flavor, very similar to Black Morocco, No. 1. | No. 4—Bishop— Young wood reddish, foliage dark green with fine deep lobes, (botanically quinquefid or pentifid) deeply serrated ; pubescent, (dark crimson) foot stalks. A very strong grower, (which I consider not worth cultivating,) bunch large loose ;, berries reddish, purple, large, oval, thick skinned, flesh fine, sweet, differs little from Black Morocco, No. 1. | cen: coer perenne nine ee a dl ee” (og James PowE tt. Philadelphia, April 10th, 1852. The importance to amateurs and even practical gardeners of a useful descriptive list of Foreign Grapes is so generally conceded, that we cordially write observations upon Mr. Powell’s list as it , appears. It will be continued in future numbers.—Ed. The Patriarchs of Horticulture and Botany. _ The tomb of Old Flanders’ family of the Tradescants is dilapidated, | and the admirers of ancient Botanical spirit and enterprise intend re- | storing it. Who does not know Tradescantia, or spider plant, discolor | and T. Zebrina? Why the latter is all about. I saw a plant of it luxuriating in a window in Poplar street a few days ago, in the north- east portion of the city. But more, the Tradescants introduced many North American novelties to Britain before Bartram’s day; even one of the Hacamarai or Tacamanat, (Populus alba,) and the Fox Grape and Marve. or Peru, (4 0’clock.) Will not gardeners perpetuate even in Britain, the glory of their order. Subscriptions will be re- ceived by Sir W. Hooker, at Kew, for the ahove purpose. Alas, gar- deners are poor men. Of John Bartram’s memory we shall speak | again. . ¥ —
The Botanical name, Hactshish, about which there is. some-
thing in the papers, is not properly spelled ; ’tis Cannabis Indica, not
Cannabris. The common Hemp of commerce is Cannabis sativa, a
\ plant of the natural ord. Urticacea of Linde, and of course partaking rn
R of the strong diuretic properties of the common nettle, Urtica dioica,
% so much used as a vegetable i in freland, and very medicinal. ~ Naas i)
RIOD, , | cL)
aie v
10 . THE PHILADELPHIA FLORIST.
OO, al Seao
2) NATURAL SCIENCE.
é Methodum iateliea nature convenientem qu nec alienas species conjungit,
_ nec cognatas separat. 2. Rage Sylloge, pref., p.15.
BOTANY—SYSTEMS OF CLASSIFICATION. |
Much inquiry begins to be made as to the best system of Botany
to study by beginners; we should say begin by all means with the
most useful and most complete, the fullest, most perfect and withal
the most easily understood and applied. But this leads us at once to
the important discussion of the merits of the several systems now
before the scientific world; if it seem desirable, however, let the
matter be fully and fairly discussed, and to this end I propose the
question :— |
What system of Botanical classification is the most perfect and
commendable? We shall receive any communications on the subject
which may be offered, and meanwhile will prepare a paper ourselves.
FACTS IN POPULAR BOTANY. |
The Ground Nut of the fruit shops is the rachis hypogea éfau-
thors, called Munduli by the Negroe and others, a plant included in
the N. O. Leguminose, or Pod plants (the Fabace of Lindley—)
to this Nat. Order also belongs the sensitive plant which being
furnished with a peculiar petiole, or leafstalk, droops when touched
by any object; a superstitious idea was attached to this seeming
phenomenon, known no doubt to many of our fair readers. The
common annual sensitive plant is Mimosa pudica of authors; another
species is called senst/¢va—not an annual, of more robust habit, and
not so sensitive as pudica ; another species less sensitive than either,
but more beautiful, is called Mimosa prostrata, a green-house trailer.
The scarlet sorts are familiar to amateurs inthis neighborhood, having
once been connected with the Acacia genus or family. The Cream
Nut or Brazil Nut—a triangular rough nut, sold in the shops of your
city, is the produce of Bertholletia excelsa of authors, a lofty tree
of Brazil. The most lofty tree of the old Brazilian forests, is said
to be one which belong to the same Natural Order as the Brazil nut,
namely Lecythis Ollaria. The cannon ball tree’ also belongs here,
called so from its round, large seed. Drinking vessels similar to the
calabash, are made from the fruit of one of these trees, and many
parts of them are used _by the natives in their domestic economy.’
The name of the Order is LECYTHIDACE—no doubt a difficult
name for a child to get around.
The Ginseng of commerce is procured from a plant called Aralia,
some of its congen are natives of the United States—of the Nat.
Ord. ARALIACEZ. Aralia is a peculiarly striking and majestic |
plant to be found growing at Bartram’s perdet near the wooden
: bridge’ over the Baltimore Rail Road.
1852.) _ TRE PHILADELPHIA FLORIST. 1]
. er “SSG ene"
‘2 Cochineal used to color various materials, cheese amongst others, >)
is procured from the Cochineal insect, which luxuriates, and hangs on
to Opuntia Cochinilifera, one of those Cacti by the way which we may
see at the next annual exhibition for the society’s medal ; these Cacti
are sharp and spiny dogs. Visnaga is not to be sneezed at, at least
not to be touched by the nasal organ with impunity—it was once at
Kew in all its deformity five tons weight. The old fellow stank, and
was cast out and trodden on. pay oF Ma |
ss Imperious Ceesir dead and turned to clay ©
May stop a hole to keep the wind away.”
|
Vanilla which gives its flavor to ice cream, is obtained from the
seed pods of an Orchid, N. Ord..ORCHIDACEAGH, a most varied
and interesting group of nature’s most outlandish creation is these
same Orchid tribe. Native Botany shall have a large share of our
| attention; as yet the woods and wilds have not donned their vernal
t
| clothing ; when such takes place we shall be there. .
|
|
|
|
|
Entomology.—The season unusually backward, has left our en-
thusiastic friends in this department nothing to communicate; any
stray flies which may appear, will I have no doubt fall into their traps,
for some of them are cute ones, and always about. Digging has not
been much proceeded with, therefore nothing could be observed in
that way—we shall see what a few weeks will do.
[> The few Spring days brought out a few flies, and as was appre-
hended they are caught. Vanessa Antiopa, a butterfly, black wings,
with a yellow margin, seen in Fourth street below Chestnut, on the
15th—and a SMe Me ctobTosch sp., caught at Kingsessing. ..I shall
be on the look ouit'and commmunicate from time to time. © W. H.
| Agriculture.—On this important subject we must be brief yet
| convinced of its paramount interest and importance, ,we shall
| gealously watch for any hint calculated to benefit those who hope to
| derive some information from our pages in connection with farming
| operations. The interest that continues to be manifested in regard to
the Bureau of Agriculture, now in contemplation, gives hope to the
| Agricultural student, of some means being provided for his improve-
ment and instruction. We can number amongst our best friends and
correspondents, Thos. Kirkpatrick, M. D., head Agricultura! Inspector
| to the Board of Education in Ireland, whose report for the year
| 1850 and 1851, is now before us. John Donaghy, Esq., superinten-
| dent Model Farm, Glasnevin, Dublin, Ireland—Alexander Campbell,
| Horticulturist to the National Board of Education, Ireland, and many
\ others of standing in this science. Many of the men who are now
6. 5 in charge of Model Farms in Ireland are our personal friends, and
5 will supply information on every branch of this engrossing subject. @,
yi OCIS. 6
E @ )*-~ oo. ( Cs) Q id i
o ow, ™ tg J Ri ee ee 2 a i WEY ft
12.‘ THE PHILADELPHIA FLORIST. [May
SOO | eer
‘2 We solicit communications from the farmers around us, statistical and 4
5 general, with plans of cropping, and feeding, nature of soils in the %
different districts of this state; quality of the breed of cattle, &c.,+
&c., in order to give some idea of the actual state of Agriculture in i,
this country. We shall be ready to answer any inquiry on the sub- ~ |
ject of Agriculture to the best of our ability. In our next number -
we shall furnish a few extracts from the report of the Agricultural
Inspector, Ireland, for the years ’50-51.
— + =
INDICATIONS OF THE CREATOR IN. THE VEGE- |
TABLE KINGDOM.
In the great procession of the events of the moral universe, and the
silent but not less beautiful sequence in the natural world, we are de-
termined by the constitutions of our minds to view all in the order of
cause and effect; or at least of antecedent and consequent, for some
deny the reality of cause altogether, admitting only the notion of time
or succession in the relation of any two events. Whether there is’
any power in the antecedent to produce the consequent, is a metaphy-
sical question which is foreign to. my present object... The notion of
cause is all but universal. In the simple curiosity of the child, and the
more enlightened reflections of the man; in the rude Indian, who hears
the voice of the Great Spirit in the deep-toned. thunder, and the phi-
losopher who asks what power originated and sustains this great thea-
tre.of our existence ? Whence comes this idea of causation? Isita
primary idea—the product of the universal reason, rising spontaneous-
lv in the mind of every child? Or is it the result of intimations from
without, associated with the notions of time? On the first hypothe-
sis, the idea of a first cause is direct, intuitive, an indestructible fact,
or state of human nature. On the second, it is the result of reflections
upon. the phenomena outside of the soul. It isthe last analysis, the
cause of which all other, causes are effects. If we do not accept the
first theory, our argument. for a first cause must consist entirely of the
inference of cause from effect.. If we do admit this theory that the
idea of a first cause is innate or primary, the argument from effect to-
cause is by no means UnnECeSSaaee for it supports the other ina very
satisfactory manner ) - Ue
In the ee of the external world, we observe the most per-
fect adaptation of means to ends. In this we see contrivance, and we
know nothing of contrivance but as the result of intelligence, - Thus
comes the idea of a great intelligence, which may account for all
known phenomena. Now let us look at plants to see what indica-.
tions they afford of the great first cause. ‘The position of the vegeta-
a Ee king sina relations to the other departments of nature, affords’?
ow Ae - ‘ :
1852.| | THE PHILADELPHIA FLORIST. | ie
ee | GER
(Sve very powerful evidence of a great, intelligent, designing Mind. T° »
cP see the force of this point, we should endeavor to obtain enlarged, %
( comprehensive views of the universe. It is only by surveying. the
parts separately, then by a-higher effort of mind seeking to grasp the .
whole, that we can arrive at those subtile, beautiful, endless relations
as the productions of one Great Mind. The chemical constitutions of
. plants isthe same as that of animals; and indeed, all their elements
| are found-in inorganic nature. Then the form of. the ultimate par-
| which bind ail things into one great whole, and forever stamp them
}
ticles, of which plants and_all matter is composed, »1s probably the
| same. Now just conceive of the material universe reduced to these
| homogeneous particles, all chaotic, motionless, clear. What but an
| Infinite intelligence could lodge the rocks in their silent dwelling
| place, build the mountains on, their everlasting foundations—clothe
| their naked limbs with garments of beauty ; or send the ox to browse
at their feet, and the eagle to perch on’ their heads. The vegetable
kingdom holds an intermediate position. There is inorganic. matter
| on the one hand, and the highest form of organization, the animal, on
| theother. Now the inorganic is evidently to be regarded as a means
| to something ulterior. Its office is to forma theatre and a_ sub-
| stance, which by combination with the principle of life, curious
_ and beautiful orders of being are to be formed. But animals can-
| not be formed directly from and sustained by matter in the inorganic
| state. Their food must be organized. There then comes in the
agency of plants; they stand in direct contact with inert, matter, and
| transform it into a state which animals can assimilate. Now it seems
| unnecessary to point out the marks of design in this great arrange-
ment. They are sufficiently obvious. The globe was evidently in-
tended to sustain animal life, but this would be impossible without
the mediation of plants. Inthe order of creation, plants preceded an-
| imals ; what but Infinite intelligence could see so far—determine and
arrange with such admirable precision. But leaving the boundaries
of the kingdom, we find numberless instances of the most consummate
skill within its own borders. For instance, in the structure of plants,
what can be more striking than the simplicity of the elements, and the
untold variety in the complicated results.. A few little germs, differ-
ing but little in size and shape, constitute the elementary organs of all’.
plants. But their combinations how various and beautiful! The root
that penetrates the eaith, the stem that extends into the atmosphere—
the leaf that fans the element that surrounds it—the flower of every
imaginable color, the delicate stamens’ and pistils—and the seed, the
_ consummation of all. An architect can build houses of various forms,
95 with the same bricks; but how few are his variations in comparison
(s) with the wonderful variety in the domain of Flora. How inferior ue
IC s OW oss
Sv o 4 e, a patie
a
'
14 THE PHILADELPHIA FLORIST. [May
(= fittings and joinings to the exact adaptations in the humblest plant— ~
7 how stiff and inelegant the outlines of his works, compared with the
perfect symmetry in every plant. The position assumed by the plants
of the embryo in germination, is one of the-most convincing proofs of |
skilful contrivance 1o be found in nature. Why does:the radicleal- »
ways seek the soil, and the plumula as invariably ascend into the at-
mosphere? Does gravity explain the phenomena? If it will account
for the downward direction of the root, how can it ‘account for the
stem ascending into the atmosphere? Shall we. with some, place it
among the vital phen’mena of vegetation? What is that »but saying
that the plant isso created, that its parts observe these respective di-
rections; and what could so arrange this but Infinite wisdom and pow-
ert This fully accounts for the phenomena, and we know of nothing
else that can.
Again look at the functions of the leaves, observe their perfect
pneumatic structure, how micely adapted to the various. degrees of
heat, light and moisture, to which they are exposed—when the sit-
uation is unfavorable to respiration; the leaves are fitted with this
epidermis, and large active stomates, but when the situation naturally
favors it, to too high a degree, it 1s counteracted. by a thick leathery
skin, and small stomates. In the case of leaves growing under water,
the stomates are entirely absent. Why? simply because they could
be of no use there. |
In the clothing of buds we find evidence of. striking adaptations. |
In trees natives of cold climates, the buds are formed during the sum-
mer, but they are not to be developed till the following spring.
These buds are of the higkest importance for they contain the rudi-
ments of branches, leaves, flowers, fruit and seeds; they are very —
tender, now how are they to be preserved during the severities of
winter 2 In this way nature has provided for them,—+they are cover-
ed with scales adapted in number and thickness to the exposure of
different species. ‘The arrangement and packing of these scales is so”
perfect that art cannot imitate it. And this is not all, in some, as the.
horse-chestnut the whole is covered with a coat of gum, which
forms a very powerful protection. ‘The whole process. of reproduc- |
tion, offers many illustrations of the existence and care of the Creator. ©
Look at the end—the perfection of the seed, observe it is indicated in
every part of the process. The stamens and pistils are placed near
each other, that the fertilising influence of the pollen may not be
thwarted, and they are both matured at the same time for the same
_ purpose. ‘There is beautiful contrivance in the relative position of
these organs, they are long or short, erect or drooping, and all for
_ Q. the one purpose of conveying the pollen to the ovules.
‘The constitution of the seed is one of the finest examples. - the)
y)
IY
—
S52.
ae
Fe >
—
THE PHILADELPHIA FLORIST. 15 .
= = TNC e = oe
ane is composed of the germ, and of provision both for its preserva)
¢
a
eg
S)
©
se
tion and support in the first stages of growth. The embryo is one of C%
the most brittle and tender substances, yet it is folded up in. the most —
perfect security within the integuments and the albumen of the seed. |
So great is the conservative power, that seeds have been known to
germinate, when more than a thousand years old. The preservative:
power prevents both decay, and untimely germinations. Before the
germ can assume the active state, the preserving power must be over-
come, and when it is no Ionger needed for that purpose, it subserves ”
another not less important. Namely, the support of the young plant,
before it can live by its own proper functions. ‘All this is effected in
the seed itself, which is a perfect laboratory.
I cannot close these remarks without noticing the large develop-
ment of beauty in plants, that ethereal presence which lends such a
charm to all material objects. Plants supply us with food, and this
indicates the goodness of God. But they minister to higher wants,
delighting the soul with their elegant forms, and their lovely colors.
Now this beauty which is so profusely lavished on the daughters of
Flora is far more than a rigid utilitarianism demands, and if we could
suppose mere mechanisms to be the result of chance, we must look
higher for the exquisite, artistic finish, which characterises all the.
members of the vegetable kingdom. _ It is needless to specify cases—
the most important thing is to view the subject from the right point.
Then is every fact we acquire, and every law we discover a testimo-
ny to the great doctrine we have been considering. Habit has so
familiarized us with these beautiful objects, that many of us forget
to bestow a thought upon them. . We eat our bread, wear our linen,
and sail the ocean in our majestic ships—without a recollection of
the growth of the corn, the flax or the oak. Let us be more mindful
in the summer that is opening upon us. May we draw from the
study the consoling inference, that “If God so clothe the grass,’’ He
will not forget us, his rational creatures. Thus, shall we rise from
nature up to nature’s God. Ji. niN Es
—D + oe
The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society.
There is “something” going on in the pages of the Horticulturist
about our society, and societies in general. Several dangerous look-
ing shells have exploded, but as yet-no body seems to be much hurt.
The war has already lasted three months, and to all appearance, “the
end is not yet.””. Now, with every respect for the gentlemen engaged
in this controversy, I do not see that there is much to found a differ-
ence upon. One gentlemen, “a working gardener of Philadelphia,”
33 does not consider the society absolutely perfect, believes it might
KOO
.
16 | THE PHILADELPHIA FLORIST. © [Mav
ROO a.
Qe ; * of : ~ a
(5 serve the cause of horticulture far more than it does, and that some & |
ah ‘ So
<() ideas of his own would be advantageously adopted. In this opinion ©
[ he probably does not stand alone, nor from his censure could any .
society be exempted. No society is perfect—there is always room
| for improvements, and each: individual member of such ‘societies, ~
would be worth Barnum’s attention, had.he not some little idea of
the superiority of his own ideas. But a society is not an individual,
and some members must concede something in al] detail matters. So
far I do not see that our society is such a very scandalous affair. He
considers that gardeners have no: direct influence in the management
of the society. This. must be a misconception /If so, I do not see
{hat the society is to blame. No good gardener has, to my know-
ledge, ever been refused admission to membership inthe society ;
every detail, no matter how small, is laid before the members as-
sembled at each monthly meeting, the majority of whom are
gardeners generally, and by them adopted or rejected. If any mem- |
ber, let him be a gardener or an amateur, or neither, have any
suggestions to make they are always attended to. Now it seems to
me, that if the arrangements of the schedule of premiums, are so
very defective, and if such important improvements could be made |
in it, the society would have been proud to receive them when the
schedule was proposed for adoption. It is neither fair, just, nor
generous to sit quietly by in a meeting, assent (tacitly) to all that
passes, and then come out with such a “did you ever!” before the
world. Is it fairto condemn the usefulness of the society because
plants “‘grown by the yard” are brought there? Does the society
grow the plants? Does the society colour the grapes? I rather
‘couess ”? the society is better pleased with good specimens than with
bad ones. Let the “working gardener”’ bring his Chiswick grown
specimens there—it will be time enough then for the society to turn
out the lean ones. Sam Slick tells us never to “say we can go -
ahead, but go.’’ A clever fellow that same Sam—should lke to see
a few more of ’em. ‘There are many things in the management of a
society, which those who are not.in its actual machinery deem ob-
jectionable, but yet would wear a very different aspect under other
circumstances. Now with regard to gardeners not being on the.
committee—our friend considers this a great grievance-—this is a
matter of opinion. I, as a gardener, would rather ‘be off them; I
have never felt more ill at ease than when I have been on committees
under which the inspection of my own things have fallen. So with
regard to the desizns—I have no doubt but that the majority of the —
members consider them most wntasteful objects. But a society must
be pecuniarily as well as scientifically successful,and if the committee ,
of management-err in deeming the designs important to these ends,
: Coe
492]. THE PHILADELPHIA FLORIST. af
oi a SLO
they would no doubt be glad to act on a better when pointed out fia
thet. Some novelty or some show with the mass of the public Ca
seems to be necessary. Had not Mr. Cope’s liberal contribution of \
the Victoria, been a good substitute. for the absence of the designs
usually there, I fear many. of the citizens would have deemed the
exhibition a failure last year. |
Tuomas MEgnan.
While our talented friend has changed the Venue in this cause, let
us hope that he has not drawn an old house about our ears while yet
in a state of helpless infancy, and still more anxiously let us hope
for an impartial verdict on the merits —Kd. P. Fl.
—2 +
A few species of native plants are in bloom. Of these we may
note—.4nemone thalictrioides, (Meadow rue like Anemone.) ‘The
English name used for Anemone is wind flower ; a pleonasm which
we by no means admire or encourage. We shall do our best for
those simple speaking persons, who eschew pedagogism, as a French
friend of ours terms it. But we must preserve intact the fundamental
rules of technical science, which so much facilitate the study of na-
ture, and are so much valued by scientific minds. The technical
language of chemistry is justly esteemed one of the greatest achieve-
SnD EEEEEREReeeeeeeeeemEEEE cee
ments of the human mind.
| Our small friends are waiting for their turn in the list—these are
Drobda verna, early whitlow grass, so common everywhere in cultivated
| ground, with its minute size abundance of white and delicate flowers,
and curious siliguea or pouch. Linneus’s system merges in the
_ elassification of the tribe, to which this plant belongs, into the natural
system, for he takes into account the structure of the seed-vessel, and
arrangement of the seeds. We shall explain this in the dissertation
_ promised on the several systems of Botany. We have yet Epigea
| repens, a beautiful American plant, which will not be naturalized in
_ Britain—at least it is with difficulty kept alive there from its peculiar
habits, and the nature of its roots ; it luxuriates only on its native
soil, as nature intended it should. Caltha palustris has flowered al-
ready in the Jersey marshes ; this is the May-flower of Britain, which
the pent up citizens of their manufacturing towns collect when a
day of respite is allowed him at the approach of spring. All love
flowers if they knew it. We have yet Saaxifraga rupestris in abun-
dance ; every one who walks into the country sees it; and Claytonia
Virginica, and Symplo carpus fetidus or skunk cabbage—the roaches
\ know this plant, [ am told, by colored inhabitants of our vicinity,
©.who sell it for the discomfiture of this pest of housekeepers. Next y
fe) «month we shall give more natives. G)
BID?>. SCR
~ *
, | a | aE
3 TRANSACTIONS OF SCIENTIFIC SOCIETIES. ©)
Taney BritisH, Marcu 2d, Rotts Brown, Fisq, s5 iT pe Chee
A collection of specimens from the Herbarium of the late Dr. Sibth-
orp, illustrative of his tour in Greece, and collected by him, were
presented by Dr. Daubeny. Mr. A. White exhibited specimens of
the Eurostus validus of Dallas, captured by Fortune in Northern
China. Attention was directed to the fact, that although the insect
when dry was brown, when immersed in spirits of wine, it presented
a beautiful green color. The importance of ascertaining the color
before death was enforced, as many important characters are thus ob-
tained which do not exist in the preserved specimens. A series of
drawings from the Misses Harriet and Helena Scott were exhibited
to illustrate the Entomology of Australia, a work by their brother ;:a
paper by Mr. Swainson accompanied these accurate and beautiful
drawings, confined chiefly to butterflies and moths—many rare species
are found in Australia. A fruit of Araucaria Bidwillu, was present-
ed; this tree a congener of A. imbricata, the Chili Pine, attaining a
| height of 80 or 90 feet in its native locality, with fruit as large as a
(common) man’s head, and quite as hard no doubt. Dr. Ths. Thomp-
son elected a Fellow. Abridged from London paper.
Entomological British, March, in our next.
a
Britisu Hort. Lonpon, Marcu 2nd, Str C. Lemon, Bart. M. P. in
the Chair.—Fellows elected, Lady D. Nevil and M. Sneyd, Esq.. A
curious Cynoches (Orchid,) was sent from Messrs. Rollisons, new to
gardens, purchased at a sale; also from J. H. Schreeder’s sarden a col-
lection of orchids, Celogyne cristata, covered with bloom; nsellia,
Africana, Dendrobium Heyneanum (white) best ever exhibited, Epi-
dendrum odoratissimum and Lycaste, high colored Var. Skinnerit. A
Knightian medal awarded. Messrs. Jackson, Nurserymen, for Maran-
ta sanguinea, (one of the arrow root family, , a Banksian Medal. This
is a South American plant, flowered for first time in England. Hayes
of Edmonton, sent two single fringed seedling Primula sinensis, Chi- ~
nese primrose; from Messrs. Veitch, a branch. of Acacia dealbata, cut
trom:a standard tree 20 feet high, at present in bloom at their Nur-
sery—perfectly hardy tree S.E. of London. Messrs. Standish & No-
ble sent a new seedling, Rhododendron, in flower, named R. cilia-
tum, and really pretty, “only 6 inches high, forced, hardy if grown out
doors—a Banksian Medal awarded. A Cyclamen from Mrs. Atkins,
Painswick, Gloucestershire, a cross between Perdicum and Coum—a
certificate awarded. (There i is such a var. in our vicinity. Ed.Fl.)- A
certificate awarded; a Ripley Queen Pine Apyle, weight 3lb. 30z.
by Mr. Jones, gardener to Sir J. Guest, Bart. Bunches of black Ham-
burgh Grapes just ripened, from Mr, Mitchell Brighton; a certificate—
(outdoor temp. at this time about an average of 40° Fah. Ed. Fl.—
New “yellow crowned” Seakale, from Mr. Prestoe, gardener to E.
W. Blunt, Esq., Kempshall Park, ‘The Nepal Berberry was by far
the most remarkable plant furnished ; ashleaved Berberis Nepalen-
sis, from London Hort. Society Garden, Chiswick, described from |.
Oatacamund in the Neilgherries found by Fortune. Cuttings of fruit _
trees were distributed to Fellows of the ape es ; some plants were
furnished from the Society’s garden.—J0. 3
KI
- Pe
THE PHILADELPHIA FLORIST. 19
KS | ee
G Literary Deportmt, =
¢) | |
{ Without a little enthusiasm, the world would be at a stand still.—w. H. F.
Gardeners can read and write sometimes, and many know something
| of the literature of the day. A few are good Botanists, Musicians,
| Artists, Poets, Entomologists, and all are critics more or less. _We
| propose then to indulge in the taste for literature at the expense of the
| mere practical gardener. Poetry and Flowers are closely connected,
Without flowers we should have had little tasteful poetry; without po-
etry who could paint the fowerst’ How many have deified the Rose
_ in verse—how many roses have the poets painted? The Gorse, or as
| the Highlander has it, the whin, or furze we are told, was almost wor-
| shipped by Linneus; that is, he found init another incentive to ador-
| ation of the God of Nature. Ow fair readers, gentle and rosy-finger-
| ed, I hope, will grace this department with their chaste effusions; if |
_ hot, we must appeal to the hard-handed mechanic, who in our need
| has already aided us with the following: )
[For the Philadelphia Florist. ]
The Lily, Rose, and Violet.
Who does not love these beauteous flowers?
Sweet ornaments of Nature’s bowers;
What eye so stoical can view
Their dazzling white, and red, and blue,
And not think on the kindly powers
Which gave to earth these heavenly flowers?
|
!
|
|
|
|
I love all nature—from the trees
Which sigh and moan with evening’s breeze,
To where the oak, with mighty crash,
Falls thaundering ‘neath the lightning’s flash!
I love the floods, and rocks, and rills—
The gloomy glens and sun-lit hills—
The sun, and gales, and balmy showers:
But dearer far I love the flowers!
I love to see thee, lily, shine,
Yet my love’s bosom’s white as thine;
And underneath its hills of snow
A thousand fond aff-+ctions glow—
A heart beats fond and true to me—
I love her better, flow’r, than thee!
I love thee, Rose, for thy bright flush
Is like my Mary’s modest blush,
a
The Emigrant’s Adieu.
Farewell, farewell! my Fatherland!
Before me lies the broad blue sea,
Whose waves will waft me far from thee.
The ship’s afioat, the decks are mann’d—
Bat, ere I leave the hallow’d earth, ~
Where first this changeful life had birth,
My knees shall bend in prayer above,
To guard the country of my love.
_
Farewell, farewell! my Fatherland!
They say the sunny clime I seek »
2) Will bring back freshness to my cheek,
e) By thousand odorous blossoms fann’d;
ier
BI
pe
Beaming with truth and happiness,
As on her cheek I plant the kiss
Which tells of faith and fond devotion,
And love. deep, boundless as the ocean;
Yes, Rose, I love your beauties rare—
But far beneath my Mary fair!
I love thee, Violet, and why?
Because thou’rt like my Mary’seye,
When thy dear leaves are steep’d in dew,
And sparkle with their heavenly blue :
Then thou art like those orbs so bright,
Which beam on me with purest light;
Meek and more artless than the dove,
Reflecting deep and changeless love. :
T love the Rose and Lily, yet
I better love the Violet: ~
For cheeks and lips may blush and smile,
And bosoms heave, and still beguile;
But rarely are eyes less that true
Whose color is that heavenly blue—
Especially if fringed with jet;
Yes, I best love the Violet!
. J. C.
t
But what shall soothe my soul’s unrest,
What cheer my sick and aching breast,
When, fond familiar faces gone,
I stand on foreign shores—alone!>
Farewell, farewell! my fatherland!
Farewell, my mother’s peaceful tomb! .
Farewell ye flowers that round it bloom,
Which now I pluck with trembling hand!
Farewell, the scenes of childhood’s glee,
Where step and spirit bounded free !
The village church—the sabbath bell—
Home, love, and country--fare tN vel ! Gs
. M. Mag.
ie eh”
*
20 THE PHILADELPHIA. FLORIST. [May
Ae Labor’s Cry--By 4 Lasorer. @)
Tis hard—’tis hard !—to wander thro’ this cheery world of ours, “0
Beneath a sky of smiling blue, on velvet paths of flowers,
With music in the woods—nought there but pleasure known—
Angelic midst earth’s solitudes, and yet with want to groan;
To see no beauty in the stars—in nature’s sunny smile,
To feel accursed by misery, willing, but dare not toil—
There’s burning sickness at my heart—l die for lack of bread ;
God of the wretched, hear my prayer—I would that 1 were dead!
Heaven reigneth down its manna still, in many a golden shower,
And, feed with fragrant breath the leaves, with silver dew the flower ;
There’s honey’d fruit for bee and bird, with bloom laughs out the tree,
And food for all God’s happy things, but none gives food to me.
Yet earth in plenty’s garland crown smiles on my aching eye,
The purse-proud, chilled by luxury, disdainful pass me by;
I’ve willing hands, and eager heart, yet may not work for bread:
God of the wretched, hear my prayer—I would that I were dead!
T. G. M. BucxineHam.
—=»D + eo
Armanp Marrast, who was once a great man amongst the great
men of France, was borne to an unhonored tomb by unhonored men,
but one was there who knew him; who was not afraid to say he
knew the Armand Marrast, of Feb. 1848. He spoke of him, as one.
injured Patriot might speak of a ruined comrade, spoke of him asa
man, the great relationship of the world. Noone can cavil atthe eloge
funebre of Lamartine, at the grave of Marrast! No one can help feel-
ing that there is still some purity in the human mind! No one can
call down on the soothed Republican leader, the wrath of a mock re-
publican tyrant—they dare not so insult the tomb which they may
wish to honor.—PAzlopatria,
—— > + =
Schools of Design, are evidences of refinement in all communities,
they are numerous in France; there every schoolboy learns some
branch of the fine Arts. There is a flourishing School of Desingn, in
Dublin, the Metropolis of Ireland, and one in Belfast, the Athens of
that Country. At alate examination in the Dublin Establishment,
a premium of a copy of Prof. W. Harvey’s, Sea-side Manuel, a trea-
tise on the N. Ord., 4/g@, or sea weeds, was presented to each suc-
cessful Student by Lord Clarendon. ‘These books were paid for out
of the funds of the Committee of the Royal Dublin Society, and not
presented at the expense of the Government, through Lord Clarendon
Her Majesty’s Representative, as has been erroneously stated.—Cor-
respondent of London Paper. age
——
[> A large and influential meeting, was held at the Earl of Charle- /
monts, Dublin, for the purpose of organizing a testimonial to the ,
e} memory of Thomas Moore Esq., the Irish Poet and Historian. © _. c)
ot Dei
pp
1852. | THE PHILADELPHIA FLORIST. 21
spl occ a
© Che Florist and Worticultural Sournal.- ©
\
\
| 3 Philadelphia, May, 1852. |
OUR APOLOGY.
For what? Not for being what we are: a, number of plain
Philadelphia Gardeners, unaided by any friendly clique or influence
of notable patrons. Not for trying to be what we are-not; Authors
instead of Workingmen. Not for venturing upon our undertaking
without previously enlisted support, and trusting to the appreciation of
the community in which we live for our patronage and support.—
This would be to apologize for Philadelphia. Shall our apology
then be for Philadelphia? Philadelphia as wanting in interest in
Horticulture? O/d Philadelphia, that boasted the first Green Houses
on the American Continent, whose Bartrams, more than one, were
among the first collectors of the world, and that was foremost, almost
without competition in the great work of introducing the floral natives.
of the new to the old world, and naturalizing those of the old world
the new. Or is it the Philadelphia of the Horticultural Socety, s¢zll
substantially the only Horticultural Society of the Union that now
founded twenty-six years, goes on with every year increasing in means
and usefulness? Or Modern Philadelphia is it, the Philadelphia that
sends its bouquetsto the reigning belles of the whole Union ; that sup-
ports they say its 1500 Gardeners and 5000 Garden laborers,—of
whose florists one has over 20,000 square feet under glass; the city
that imports so many varieties of exotics every year, and that is
known to possess collections of rare and beautiful plants in value ex-
ceeding $200,000% Or are we to mean the Philadelphia of the past
year, itself, that has seen the Victoria Regia blossom in glory—the
past year in which we discover that two of our fanciers alone
have paid the sum of $280 and $400 each, for exotics imported by
them from Europe and introduced to the United States for the first
time? Or the Philadelphia of the month in which we write, the
Philadelphia of April 15th; when, at an entertainment given by a
lady, one of the brightest ornaments of elegant and refined society,
her drawing-room conservatory presented the most admirable specta-
cle of at least eight thousand dollars worth of flowers in full and
perfect bloom. The foreigners who were there, admitted how few
Palaces in Europe could array that charming sight. No! no, Phila-
delphia may be;slow in publishing and proclaiming her own merits ;
\ but she never has been deficient in zeal for Horticulture! - y He
C Still why should we not be content to keep our mouth-pieces at the
5 North, where they say they are getting to do all the talking and wing
BP ae a ee A He:
al
22 THE PHILADELPHIA FLORIST. [May
Ee a
“e of the rest of the Union.. Why not continue to depend upon them ; why @
not specially patronize some such excellent periodical as Downing’ so
Horticulturist, or Hovey’s Magazine 2 Because the self-willed sub-
jects of the kingdom of Flora, persist in acknowledging geographical
differences and sectional distinctions. They require an organ strict-
ly local, the exponent of their wants, that depend upon latitude and
longitude, and the peculiarities of climate and season. ‘The Horti-
culturist,”” isan excellent organ for the North River Country—good
for the Gennessee Country, not far out of the way perhaps for Upper
Canada, even; but the season at Albany, where it is published, is
earlier and later by just one lunar month, than the season at Phila-
delphia, its indigenous Flora differs from our own: and the same
/
exotics either cannot be raised in the two places, or requires a totally
different climate treatment. And there is no Journal of its kind pub-.
lished South of the Horticulturist ! Our Florist will be literally, alone’
between Albany and New Orleans. Surely if the gentlemen Florists
of Northern cities can sustain their several Journals, those of: Phila-
delphia can maintain one! ) |
But we don’t count merely upon the favor of the rich—we look
and hope for our chief patrons among those of like degree | with our-
selves. Philadelphia has been called by two good names! The —
City of Mechanics, and the City of Flower Gardens. ‘The first manu-
facturing city of the Union, her mechanics are mainly of the class
who are moral and intelligent, and who cherish the refinements as. :
part of the comforts of their homes. The City of Deep Lots—it is by
reason of the many gardens attached to her long rows of even houses,
that our town plot spreads over an area of ground more than one
fourth greater than the Metropolitan City of New York. And who |
among us does not know how many floral gems of beauty bloom in
Philadelphia South-side windows—how many choice fruits are ripen-
ed in humble Philadelphia back yards?
The Yards and Gardens, have no Organ. It does them no earthly
good to have at second-hand, the statistics of English noblemen’s con-
servatories, or how Pines can be raised at less than a Guinea a pound |
We shall try to write for the yards and windows. We invite com-
munications of all kinds from the yards and windows. We shall
never need to apologise for the short comings of the rich, so long as
we can insure a sufficient number of Yard and Window Patrons. met
No, indeed, our apology is offered for nothing of the kind. Our
apology is for the present number of the Florist, and the
circumstances of haste under which it is produced. ‘The late
unusually inclement season has given rise to a general call from
the Yards and Windows, for a Calendar of Operations for Amateurs (2
ae the commencement of the Spring Season. A particular desire was)
m