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LIBRARY
OF THE
MASSACHUSETTS
AGRICULTURAL
COLLEGE
No....?l.4-L^--DATE..4.rJ.§Jio
SOURCE.
i\
This book may be kept out
TWO WEEKS
only, and is subject to a fine of TWO CENTS a day thereafter. It will be due on the day indicated below.
MAY 1 4 19»(,
AN
ILLUSTRATED PERIODICAL
DEVOTED TO
Horticulture in all its Branches.
CONDUCTED BY
Elias A. Long, Author of '"Ornamental Gardening for Americans" " The Home Florist," Etc., Etc.
Mark the matchless workings of the power, That shuts within its seed the future flower: Bids these in elegance of form excel, In color these, and these delight the smell; Sends Nature forth, the daughter of the skies, To dance on earth, and charm all human eyes.
— Cowper.
Volunie 1, 188o = H6.
BUFFALO, N. Y.:
Popular Gardenino Publishing Co.,
202 Main Street.
V. I
■^INDEX**-
TO
Volume I of Popular Gardening.
A
Abutilon. The 85
About the Place, in Nov.. 23; Dec,
3:3; Jan., 45; Feb., 57; AprU, 78:
May, 90; June, 103; July, 114;
Aug., 126.
Achimenes 104
Adam's Needle 40
Airing Conservatories 38
Air-layering ( lUustnt ted) 63
Algte, The 45
AUamandas [Illustrated) 68
AUamandas 104
Amazon Lily 4
America, the worst Fruit Growing
Country y 55
Amaryllis. Twelve in pot 116
Amaryllis. The 124
Amaryllis and other Flowers 68
American Pomological Society.. . 20 American Horticultural Society. . . 65 American Horticultural Enterprise 77
Ampelopsis Veitchii 75
Annual Flowers 129
Annuals, The best Blue Dwarf .. 62
An Alarming Measure 63
Ann\ia\», A Chapter on {Illustrated) 77
Antidotes for Poisons 60
Ants 105, 108
Ants, Black 116
Ants. To destroy 100
Apricot, The Russian .. 32
Apple, The Duchess (Illustrated). 113
Aquarium, A simple 127
Arctic Plants 90
Asparagus Bed , 8
Astilbe, Japan (Illiist rated) 14
Asparagus, The Climbing 57
Asparagus, Have you? 77
Aspen, The Trembling 85
Asclepias Tuberosa. 114
As to the Future 135
Auricula, The ilUusfrated) 75
Audubon Society, The 109
A Universal Favorite 42
B
Back Yard, The {Illustrated) .... 5
Balsam, Impatiens Sultana 17
Bamboo, The 48
Balsam, A new 116
Balky Horse 126
Begonia Weltoniensis 1
Begonias, Tuberous-rooted 87
Beds, About our 12
Bees: Wintering, 2:3; Late Pastur- ing, 23: In Dec, S3; Where to locate, 57; In Early Spring, 78; Swarming, 102; In a bad plight, 103; Clustering, 114.
Bee-moth Worms 90
Beet Seed, Saving 134
Beet, The . . . . 44
Begonias 20
Began at the Foot 59
Begun at Home 140
Behavior towards the Sick GO
Berry Custard 1.32
Bell-tlowers or Campanulas (///.).. 136
Binomial Nomenclature 78
Bird Seed, Raise your own 79
Birds and Insects 89
Birds, Bathing for, 91 ; Spare the, 92
Birds Robbed of Home... 115
Birds have Friends, The 128
Blackberries, New Growth in, 138
Blackberries and Rust 8
Blackcurrants. 77
Bleeding Heart, The 92
Bleaching 96
Botanical Budget; Jan.. 45; Feb., 57: March, 70; April 78; May, 90; Jime, 102; July, 114; Aug., 126; Sept., 137; Oct., 8; Nov., 30; Dec, 33;
Botanical Names and Bugs 29
Botanic Garden Statistics 102
Botany, Study of, 8; Study of Plantsin Winter, 57; In America, 33; For Young People, 78; Horti- culture and, 78; For the Sick, 90; Sedentary Pursuits and; 126. Botany at the Science Meeting ... 137
Border. The Mixed (3 III.) 18
Borders of Hardy Plants 123
BougainviUea 78
Bouquet, A beautiful 90
Bouvardia 105
Bouvardia Humboldtii 119
Bouquets, Making 114
Bouquets, Instead of 137
Boutonuiere, The. . Vi7
Borer, Protection against 125
Boys doing Housework 132
Bridal Rose 20
Brides" Bouquets 137
Breaks 80
Breathing Habits 30
Bridal Dinner, A 102
Burdock, eradicating 1
Bulbs, Successive crops. 1; In grass, 1; Hardy Dutch (7/^.) 6: Summer Flowering; 89. Buds, Blossoms and Leaves, short items, Jan., 40; Feb., 52; March, 64; April, 80; May, 92; June, 104; July, 116; Aug., 128; Sept., 140; Oct., 4: Nov., 16; Dec, 28.
Buds but no Flowers 95
Butterfly Weed 114
Butter, To keep hard 144
Buffalo Parks 117
Caterpillars on Geraniums 1
Catnip for Bees 11
Cats and Horticulture 16
Cardinal Flower 17
Canary Birds, Care of, 33; Un- healthy, :S5; Breeding, .59; Bel- gian, 71 ; Nests for, 103.
Cabbage Plants. Raising :33
Cabbage Worm. Days of. Num- bered, 137.
Cabbage Worms 113
Cabbage from Slips 102
Canker on Pigeons 35
Carpets 108
Carpet Sweeper, Have you a ;56
Carpet-bag Flower 136
Carpet Bedding of Plants (3 III.}.. 86
Carpet Bedding 123
CaiTot Seed, Saving 134
Catalpa, The Hardy 4fl
Carnation. The {Illustrated) . ., 42 Cage Birds 47
Catalogues. List of 51 , 63
Cannas in Winter 40
Canna from Seed 53
Canna Ehemanni ( Illustrated) 88
Cat Worship, Ancient 71
Cactuses, Two Fine {Illustrated) . 81 Cactuses, About (5 Illustrations) 110
Cactus not Blooming .39
Cactus, Spin- wheel {Illustrated).. 138
Cactus, How often to water 119
Catalogue List, continued 83
Carpeting Gladiolus Beds 88
Camellias. Watch the 97
Calceolarias ] 00
Canning Fruit 108
Cattleya Mossiee 112
Cat in Fruit Time, The 115
Callas, Growing young 119
Catnip plant for Bees 126
California Fruits 128
Cement for Mounting 8
Celery, Trenching {Illustrated). .. 15
Celery for Seven Months 113
Celery, Tiles for 1:51
Century Plant. Too long to wait. . . 91
Century Plant in Bloom 116
Cellars, Clean 90
Cereus, Night-blooming 131
Childhood. Dull 9
Chrysanthemum, The (/Hiwfra^ed) 30 Chrysanthemums. Resting, 27, 39; Shows, 31.
Chrysanthemums from Seed 41
Chrysanthemums. How to grow; (4 Illustiations) 53.
Chrysanthemums, Southern 105
Chrysanthemum. Likes of 12Vt
Chrysanthemums, Culture m Sep- tember, 142.
Charcoal as Kindling 24
Cholera, Fowl 34
Children, Where do they sleep 36
Christmas Gifts 36
Chickens, Raising in Winter 46
Chicken Yard Now 132
Chicks. Eggs for feeding, 72; Young. 73.
China, To Cement 144
Christmas Rose, The {rihtsfrafed). 134
Cherries, A.ho\\t\ Illustrated) 56
Cherry, Double Flowering, {III.).. 76
Cholera, Chicken 96
Cissus discolor 39
Cinerarias 105
Climbers, Tie up the canes 28
Climbers for Greenhouse 62
Cleaning Plants 41
Clematises, grafting, 66; Other col- ors than blue {Illustrated), 67.
Clematises in Beds 105
Clematis. Crispa 93
Cleaning Mixture 84
Clubfoot and Cabbage Flies 125
Cotton Bands, Take down 5
Cotton and Caterpillars 134
Combination Plants ... 5
Corsage Favors for Lunch 20
Coleus in House 27
Coal-oil Barrel. Cleaning a :B2
Cold, Catehing 'ii>
Cocoanut. Dessicated 48
Cocoanut Pudding 36
CowsHps in January {Ilhtstrated) 41
Coal Ashes, Save up the 44
Cow, Feeding the 45
Cobsea, The Variegated (.III.) 65
Corn Popper, The 71
Corn, Sweet {Illustrated) 89
Country and Town 79
Convention, Nurserymen's 118
Crocuses in grass, 1 ; Arranging in masses, 2.
Crocus, A fine {Illustrated) 37
Crab Apples, The t Illustrated) .... 13
Crates. Shape of 44
Crepe Veils and Health 60
Crescent, The 102
Cultivating Strawberries 138
Currant Worms 95
Currants, Standard 113
Curtains, Washing 108
Cut Worms 131
Cypress, How named, The 35
Cyclamens. Care of 52
D
Dahlias from Seed, Single 64
Dahlia, The Single {Illustrated)... 87
Dandelions. The 91
Daisies. Field 114
Daffodils flowering Twice 1 16
Designs, Four-leaved Clover 33
Deep Planting 89
Deceived Flower Buj'ers 93
Decorations. Midsummer 126
Dibbling Plants ilUustrated) 2
Dish Washing and the Hands 36
Dish Water and Plants 100
Dicentra .«pectabilis 92
Dogs as Helpers 22
Dog-house Door 47
Dog Ringing Bell 71
Dog Trainers, Monks as 103
Dominiques, Good looking 46
Double-flowering Cherry {III.) 76
Dr. Nichols's Fruit Cellar {///.) ... 133 Drenching Board (Illustrated).... 26
Dry Earth as an Absorbent 33
Draining to Excess 33
Drains, House 90
Drying Fruits 113
Ducks in the Garden 34
Ducks. Rouen ( Illustrated) 46
Earache 48
Easel, Cherry-stained 48
Early Flowers 93
Earth in the Stable 110
Edelweiss. Protecting the 33
Edging Iron (Illustrated) 62
Education, Effects of 103
Educational Collections 137
Eggs in Winter, 22; Importation of, 22; From Cheap to Dear, 108; By Weight, 124.
Eucharis Amazonica 4
Eulalia. Zebra 37
Eulaha, Japonica zebrina(/i/.) — 85
Eutoca 80
Evaporated Fruit, Hold on to 138
Evergreens at Lyndale,;37: Arrange- ment of. :37; ivs'. Fruit Trees, 64; Soil for, 104: Shape up the. 104.
I isr ID E x.
Evergreen Leaves (/ilJM/ra/cd)... 59
Exercise for Girls 12
Example. Power of 80
Fall Sowing of Lawns 135
Fattening Swine 23
Fan Palm, The aUustraUd) 40
Ferneries ... 14
Fernery 100
Fertilizer, A Home-made 53
Fence, To cover Stone 40
Fences for Poultry Yards 58
Ferns TO
Feathers, Eating 120
Feather Trimming 48
Fish-tank, The 10
Fire-place. The 86
Flowers. Packing, 8. 33; Trade in, 8; Long-stem. :53: Protecting, 3:5; For the Sick, .53; In Arranging Follow Nature's Suggestions, 57; Perfume, 47; Cheaper in June ^Jllustratrd), 57: Shipping, 78; For Gifts, 80; Our Second Child- ren. 5; Of What Use, 80; Talks about. 80; Nip the First, 92; Eat- ing of , 102. Flower. A PuzzUug i Illustrated), 9; Holders, ;^3.
Flower-loving Employees 17
Flower, An Early-commencing(/fi.) 21 Flowerpots, Adorning(//(i(s<rci*ed) 82 Flower Garden, in Oct., 2; Nov., 14; Dec, 26; Jan.. 38; Feb., 50; March, 62; April, 82; May, 94; June. 106; July. 118: Aug.. 130. Sept. 142. Floral Fashions ; Jan., 45; Feb., 57; March, 70; April, 78; May, 90; June, 102; July, 114; Aug., 126; Sept., 137; Oct., 8; Nov. 20; Dec, .33.
Flowers and Table-spreads 137
Flowers for the Sick 137
Flowers on the Hair 137
Flora of Greenland 137
Floral Clock 20
Floral Crescent and Owl (/li.) 45
Floral Designs, Pansy 78
Floral Gift for Babes 70
Floral Chime 90
Floral Muffs 137
Floral Ring, Golden 102
Floriculture. Fitness in 6
Floriculture, Improved 41
Flowering Maple, The 85
Florists, Those Designing ( :•) 123
Florist Business, Big Stories about 76 Florists, Philadelphia Meeting of.. 141 Fowls tor Table and Eggs, 10; Breeds for the Farmer, 11 : Ham- burgh. 34 : To Know the age of, 46; Good Looking, 46; Eating Feathers. 108; Guinea, 96.
Fowl Cholera M
Foliage, Plants of Striking Ill
Foliage, Effects in 114
Found Out at Last 35
For the Fun of it 68
Fruit Garden, in Oct., 3: Nov., 15; Dec , 27; Jan , 39; Feb., 30; March, 62; April, SS: May, 94; June, 106; July, 119: Aug., 131; Sept., 14;J. Fruit Under Glass in Oct., 3; Nov.. 15; Dec, 27; Jan., 39; Feb., 51; March, 63; April, 83; May, 95; June. 107; July, 119; Aug., i:Jl. Sept., 143.
Fruits from Seed .New 32
Fruits, In Choosing Market 44
Fruits, Drying 113
Fruit Time, Cat in 115
Fruit, On Choosing Varieties of, 7; Shipping, 7; Shipping fresh, 32; Culture in Manitoba, 69; Canning, 108; Thinning, 118; Bee's Injur- ing, 124.
Fruit in Western New York 138
Fruit Bores ... 137
Fruit, Picking and Packing (/«.) . . 143
Fraxinella or Burning Bush 5
Frosts and House Plants 53
Freezing, Effects of, on the Soil. . . 44
Fuchsia Fruit 57
Fuchsias AiUng 143
Fussiness in Housekeeping 84
C
Gardening, Great Men and 6 Pleas- ures of, 80; Apron (/(/.i, 94; Pro- gress in, 42.
Garden, Selecting the W
Geraniums, Caterpillars on, 1; To Keep Over. 83; A Sportive, 92; In the Cellar, 93; Massing, 123.
Geese. Keeping 2;^
Glass, Plant Culture Under, in Oct.. 2; Nov.. 14; Dec, 26; Jan., 38; Feb., 62: March, 62; April, 82; May, 94; June, 106; July, 118; Aug., 130; Sept., 14:).
Glass, How to Compute 65
Gladiolus Beds, Carpeting 88
Gladiolus, Mulching 141
Glue for Herbarium 96
Gloxinias, About 109
Glory of the Snow [Illustrated) 141
Gooseberry C\ilture 32
Gooseberrj-, Is the English Worth Growing, 19.
Gooseberries Without Mildew 125
Goldfish, The 35
Gold Fish, Water tor 79
Golden Wedding Decoration 90
Good Treatment: What it Does 66
Good Move, A 102
Goats and Gardens 128
Grape, Wild, 13: The Niagara, 20; Rejuvenating Old Vines, .32; The Jessica, 69.
Grape Vines, Summer Pruning . . 109
Grape-vine Mildew, Remedy for. . . 135
Grass Vases. Italian {III.) 29
Grass Under Trees 52
Green Growth on Pot Soil 15
Green Dinners 90
Greenhouses for Amateurs (3 III. ) . 124
Growth. Undesirable rapid 29
GraftingiiH.) 50
Grading 80
Graves. Periwinkles for 105
Guinea-fowls, About 96
Guinea-fowl, The 144
Guard for Street (.Illustrated) 82
H
Hamburg Fowls (III.) 34
Hard Wood 45
Hardy Plants, Garden of 121
Hanging Gardens of Babylon ... 79
Helianthus Maximilari 25
Heliotrope in the House 28
Heliotrope From Seed 143
Hellebore, The (Illustraled) 134
Hedge, Quick Growing 51
Heating With Coal-oQ (III. I .38
Hen House, Stoves in 58
Hen, To Cook an Old 60
Hens, Setting the 72
Herbarium, Glue for 90
High Quality Costs Something 136
House Plants, in Oct., 2; Nov., 14;
Dec, 26: Jan.. 38; Feb., 50; Mar.,
62; April, 82: May, 94; June, 106;
July, 118: Aug., i:W; Sept., 142.
House Plants, Select Lists 67
House Plant, The Smallest 78
House Drains. 90
House-top Gardens 17
Hollyhocks 140
Hollyhocks for Bouquets 134
How to Pot a Plant (2 flls ) 135
Hot-bed Making (;H.) 51
Hot-bed, A Miniature 76
Horse-radish 89
Hoi"se-chestnut, Growth of 90
Horse-chestnut, The Red 104
Horticulture and Botany 78
Honey Combs and Frosts 45
Honeysuckle 141
Home Upholstery 60
Huntsman's Cup (///((.sfra(ed) 91
Hyacinths, Starting, Forcing, 2;
In Glasses, 26; After Flowering.
86.
Hyacinth and its Name. The .35
Hj'drangea 92
Hj'drangea, PaDicle-flowered 121
I
Ice Plant. The 17
Impatiens Sultana 17
Incubators, Using 46, 58
Insect icicle, A New .52
Insects in < Irchard 63
Insects, Killing 101
Insects, Well Begun Half Done. ... 140 Insect, Enemies, 113; A Useful Gar- den (/(/.I, 126.
Iron Pipes, Painting 41
Isle of Natal, The 41
Is it Necessary 72
Is Watermelon King? 137
Ivy for Decoration 137
Ivy in Funeral Designs 45
J
Japanese Gardening Notions 41
Japan Creeper 75
Jamestown Weed as an Insecticide 137
Jewell Strawberry, The (/«.) 141
Jerusalem Cherry (Illustrated) 142
Johnson Grass 78
July. Lifting Plants in 109
K
Keiffer Pear, The 44, 69
Kennedyas 81
1,
Lawn, in Oct., 2; Nov., 14; Dec,
26; Jan., 38; Feb., 50; March, 62;
April, 82; May, 94: June, 106;
July, 118; Aug., 130; Sept., 142.
Lawn Mowers, Fifty Thousand 53
Lawn, Mow Frequently 93
Lawns, Making by Seeding, 73;
Running to Ruin, 125; Seeding
vs. Sodding, 128.
Lawns, Fall Sowing of 135
Lachenalias 27
Latania Bourbouica (III.) 41
Laying Power of Hens 72
Lasiandra 104
Layering i llhistrated) 118
Layering Plants 138
Lady-bird (or bug). The (.111.) 127
Label the Trees 89
Latanias, Large 139
Leucojum Aestivum 7
Leaf Falling 13
Lesson for the Children, A 29
Leaves, As to Size, 57; Internal
Structure of, 70; Beauty of (III.)
35.
Lifting Plants 142
Lily of the Valley, Forcing 8
Lily of the Valley, Not Blooming.. 29
Lily of the Valley Dress, A 45
Lily Beds, Carpeting 88
Lily, White or Madonna (/«.).. .. 128
Lilies, Cover the 41
Lilies 93
Lilium Candidum (7 llust rated) 128
Linnaeus, In Memory of 8
Liquid Manure for Pot Plants 15
Liquid Manure 81
Little Things at Right Time 19
Lilacs, Forced 45
Lindens, Flowering of Ill
Lightning Rods 126
Lightning, Trees as Protectoi-s. .. 6
Living For the Most Good 132
Lobelia Cardinalis 17
Luncheon Decorations 136
Lycium barbarum I
Lyndale. Notes. 1, 13, 25, 37, 49. 61,
111, 123, i;w.
Lycaste Skinneri i //(. i 25
91
Matrimony Vine 1
Madras Curtains, etc 13
Marechal Neil Rose, Southern 44
Maiden Hair Ferns 45
Making Garden in the Fall 183
Maples in Pots, Japanese 41
Manure, Gathering, 57; Liquid, 81; From One Cow, 102.
Manure, .Summer Waste of 137
May Number, Notes on 99
Jlaiden Hair Fern for Table 114
Mastiff, The 127
Meat, Unwholesome 24
Mealy Bug, Scale and 38
Memory, The 47
Melons, Shading li!5
Mildew, Remedy for 135
Mistakes that are Natural 35
Moccasin or Carpet-bag Flower... 136 Mock Orange, Large-fl'w'ng (III.). 19
Mocking Birds 22
Mother of Thousands 29
Morning Glories 41
Morning Glory Tree, A 134
Monkeys 59
Montbretias ■ Hlu.strated) 100
Mulching. Materials for 113
Mulches 42
Mulleins, The 114
Mulberries, About (Illustrated). . . 61 Mushrooms. Edible and Others 5
Nature. Study 5
Narcissus. Early-flowering 17
Narcissus, Not Blooming 104
Nature as a Builder (4 III.) 79
Nasturtiums 80
Nelumbium speciosum 70
Nmpha?a Odorata, Culture Ill
No Discounting Nature 144
Not Clear 9
November Flowers 13
Nothing to Sell Here 113
Nui-serymen's Convention 117
O
Oak, The Golden Leaved 17
Oleander. The 117
Oleander Slips 65
Onions, Winter Treatment of ;32
Onion Seed, Saving 134
Orchard, in Jan., 39; Feb., 51;
March, 68; April, 82; May, 95;
June, 107; July, 119; Aug., 131;
Sept., 143; Oct., 3; Nov., 15;
Dec, 27.
Orchards, Cultivating 8
Orchards, Planting New 139
Orchid, An Easy Flowering (III.),
35; A fine (III.), 55; For window,
1!2. Orchids. 102; Of the North, 136.
Ordering Nursery Stock 49
Overbearing 64
Oxalises, Spring-flowering 70
Oxalis, Rose Colored 42
Oysters, To Fry 12
I» Parrot, A provoking, 9; Feeding, 10.
Pansy Bed. A Great 41
Pansy Floral Design 78
Pansy. The Time to Sow (/!(.). ... 120
Pansy Seed, Home-sown 134
Pansies, How to Raise (III.) 122
Pansies. About 117
Palms for House 131
Palms for Greenhouse 53
Packing Flowers 8
Pancakes 48
Parsnip Seed, Saving 134
Partridge Cochin Fowls 10
Pasture, Lots in Fall 23
Pasty Soil Expeiments in 86
Palace Car for Babies 84
Patching and Darning 144
Pacific Coast Letter, A 136
Pear. Reliabililj- of. 8; Louise Bonne. Si: Culture for. 69.
Peai"s, About Ripening I'M
Pea., The (Illii.itrated) 69
Pet Birds. Animals, etc., Oct, 10; Nov,, 22; Dec, 3o: Jan.. 47; Feb., 59; March, 71; April, 79; May, 91; June, laS; .July, 115; Aug, 127: Sept., —
Peach Yellows 4;)
Perfume of Flowers 47
Petunia.s. The 69
Petunias. Rilising Improved 113
Pei'cnnials, ( >u Sowing 122
Periwinkle for Graves 105
Philadelphius (Illustrated) 19
Phlox Urummondi, Wild 116
Pigeons, Carrier 23
Pigeons, Canker on 35
Pigeons, About 116
I nsr X) E! x:
Pipes, (ias and Tar 65
Pine as a Fruit Tree. The 71
Pine-apple, The iUhi.itrated) 71
Pine-apples, Cannius 108
Pitcher Plant, Asiatic {Illuatmted) 91
Pitcher Plants, Asiatic 140
Plants for an Invalid, 27; When need Water, S<.l; For Shade, 3i).
Plants, Modification of by Chmat« 33
Plants, Cleaning 41
Plants and Animals 45
Plants for Under Stages 51
Plants, Dish Water on 100
Plants Have a Party, The (TU.) .... 115
Plants in Rooms 117
78
Plants, Lifting
Plant, The Barest (.Illustrated), 47: Culture at South, 80; At Sleep, 115.
Plant Life in the Arctics
Plant Box I nl list rated)
Plant Multiplies, A
Plant, About the House
Plantain Lily not Blooming 27
Planting, Tree 62
Planting; After Fifty 137
Plums, Something About 76
Plungmg Pot irilustrated) 106
Platycodon grandiflora 4
Poetry; Three Roses, 4; Choice, 4: Fruit Talk, 10; Leaves Turning Brown, 16; An Autumn Hostelry, 21; Old-fashioned flowers, 20; When the Woods turn Brown, 28; The Violets, 40; Ou a Green- house, 40; Each Has its Place, 33: The Rose Buds Tale, 45; Winter Aconite, 52; What They Say, .52; City Flowers, 57; To the March Flowers, 64 ; Summer shut in, 64; Cultivate Chrysan- themums, TO; Oh March, 70; My Easter Lily, 78; April, 80; Far reaching, 80; Trees have no His- I tory, 80; A Bunch of Rosebuds, 90; May Day, 90; Firstlings of Spring, 92; A Spring Song, 92; June, 97; Ode to the Rose, 102; A Dispute in the Garden, 102; Roses, 104; Butt^-rcups, 104; A Summer Picture, 109; Daisy Nur- ses, 114; Wild Roses, 116; Sum- mer Hymn. 121 ; Roses Dead, 126; Cat-tails, 128; How the Pansy was Made, 128; September., 133; Thistle Down, 137; Marigolds, 140; The Reason, 140.
Poetical and Practical 127
Poets and Gardening 140
Poultry; Preparing for Winter. 10; Care diu-ing Moulting, 11; A Farm, 11; Neglecting, 11; Sun- flowers for, 2;i; Preparing for marliet 23; To keep Large Flocks., 2:3; In Russia, 23; To treat colds in, :i4: Best stock for Winter Laying, :34 ; Sent the food to, 34; Comfort, :54: Some great figures, 46; Cleanliness for, 46; Scratching for. 46; Salt in the Food. 46; Fences for Yards, .58; Keeping Individual Records, 58: Roosts, 58: Incubators, .58: More Food with Laying. .58; Not Enough Light, 58; Improved Breeds, 72: How to Begin Busi- ness, 72: Feed for Shells, 72; Necessaries in Raising. 84; Go- ing for them Sharp. .SI: Not a Revolving Chair. &4 : Green Food for, 84, Profitable Raising, 96: Future of Business, 108; Profit- able, 108: Disease. Aim to Pre- vent, 108: In Large Flocks, 1:32. Poultry, Condensed Notes: Oct., 11; Nov., 22: Dec, 24; Jan., 46: Feb., 58; March,, 72; April. M; May, 96; June, 108; July, 120; Aug.. 132: Sept., 144.
Poultry Manure 139
Poultry, Fattening 144
Potting 29, 40
Pot a Plant, How to 135
Pots, Too Large 28
Potatoes, Newer Species 20
Portieres 60
Poisons, Antidotes for 60
Poison Ivy, The 126
Poppies and Railroads 65
Pond Plants 100
Primus. Pissardi 25
Prune When You Plant {2 III) 66
Pruning Trees 14 Illustrations) .- . 30
Privets, for Ornament 37
Progress in Gardening 42
Primrose Convention, A, 45: The
Chinese, (Illujitrated) 49.
Propagating Pots (.Illustrated).. . . .53
i Primrose, Hardy 75
Putty, Substitute needed 5
Puss and Birds 109
Public Squares as Markets 64
Q
Quack Grass m
Quality not Quantity 141
Questions and Answers 138
R
Rabbits, To keep from Trees, IT;
Scurf on, 22; And Trees, 64.
Radish. Long, Black Winter (III.). 44 Raspberry, The Red (///.), 101; Canes, 125.
Raspberry Clearing 1.39
Raspberries. New Growth in 138
Raspberries, Cutting Back 1.38
Raspberries, Trimming Away Old Wood, 138.
Remedy Worse than Disease :i5
Red Spidei-, The (Illustrated) 65
Reticule, The 96
Rhubarb, A Large Bed 117
Ring Doves lO
Rice, A Delicious Dish of 24
Riches Flying Away .. 90
Roses: Sweet Brier, 1; Dog, 1; Flowers that Combine with, 20; The Marechal Niel, South, 44; Old-fashioned, 52; Propagating. 8:3; Hardy, A Bed of, 93; Moss (/((.I, 98; A Screen of {III). 99: Insects of, 99; For Amateurs, 105; Select List, 105; Tree, 111; Yel- low, 116; La France (III.), 117; Slugs on, 119; Mulch for, 128.
Rose Culture in America 97
Rose-!eaf Pillow. A 97
Rose Slugs 93
Rosebush, A Celebrated 41
Roots and Drains 5
Rochester Convention 68
Rock Work 93
Robins 113
Rustic Vase, Costless 76
Rural Adornment 101
Rush Ornaments 137
Salsify (Illustrated) 8
Salsify Seed, Saving 134
Saxifraga sarmeutosa 29
Salvia, The Scarlet i Illustrated) ... 92
Scale and Mealy Bug 28
Scattering the Seed 47
Scarecrow not Scaring 103
Scarlet Runners 54
Scilla. Bell-flowered (Illustrated). 17
Scratching for Food 144
Seed Trade and the Government . . 16
Seed Sowing 134
Seeds, Vitality of, 45; Slow-start- ing, 52; Sowing fine, 106.
Seed, Greenhouse Plants from 53
See-weed, An important 53
Seedsman, Meeting of 142
Selling and Selling 56
Seckels, Prolific 80
Seasoning 96
Setting Hen. Breaking up 120
Shetland Ponies 10
Shade in the Hen Yard 11
Shrubs, .Specimen, 14; Why not more planted, 25; Select, 28, 39; Pruning, 50; A Selection of good, 73; July lull in Flowers, 111.
Shakespeare and Strawberries 18
Sharing Equally 21
Shirts, Starching and Ironing 24
Shrubbery Walk 25
Shortia galacif oha Ullustrated) ... 47
Shiny Clothes 60
Shifting backwards 65
Shade for the Well 78
Shady Gardens 85
Shipped Plants 93
Sis "Keeps" 16
Single Dahlia (Illustrated) 85
Small Fruits in Shade 8
Small Fruits, Shall we Plant 138
Small Fruits, Fall Planting of 138
Small Farming in England ... .57
Smilax Leaves, 20; Culture in House, 80.
Smilax Insect, New 52
Smilax in England 70
Society ol Am. Florists 5
Soil, Good 29
Soil, Fitting it up 49
Soup 60
Sodding . . 62
Soot for Plant 54
Sprouts. Keep down the 91
Squashes, Keeping ( Illustrated). . . 32
State Fairs, List of 142
StephanotLs ^onh\nda.(Ulustrated) 1
Study Nature 5
Strawberries. Shakespeare and ... 18 Strawberries, Have a plenty, (6 II- lustrations) 74.
Strawbenies. Planting 125
Strawberry Vote, A, 20; Rust- White, 101.
Starching and Ironing Siiirts 24
Straw Mats tor Protection 25
Steam Heating a Success 32
Stockings, Washing. 48
Straight Lines in Planting, (2111.) 67
Street Trees 128
Street Trees, Guard for, (//(.) 83
Stencil Plate, Have a 90
Stones as a Mulch 125
Stones for Layering 140
Sugar and Fruit ( anning 144
Sulphide of Potassium 139
Summer Snowflake 7
Sunflowers and Sun Worship 74
Sweet Peas 81 ; 114
Sw-eet Potato Culture 88
SvffulCoTu (Illu.itrated) 89
Sweet Potatoes, Keeping 139
Swarming of Bees 108
T
Table Covers, 12; Screen, 24; Cloths, 36: Decorations, 114.
Tacsonia from Seed 51
Tea-drinking Delusions 12
Tea Remedy, A 140
Teeth. Care of 132
Tendrils of Cireubitaceous Plants. The, 137.
The Weeds 137
Title Page and Index 141
Tools, Keep Clean 89
T'other Side's Always Best (III.).. 115 Trees, Mounding up (Illwitrated), 3; It pays to plant, 4; Peisia, Large, 5; Protectors from Light- ning, 6; For Windy Place, 15; Starvation for, 18; About Pi-un- ing, (4 III.], 30: Ti-ausplanting, (2 III.), 43; Thinning, 49; Grass under, 52: Plant, 52: Trees, Value of, 61.
TreePaeony 45, 65
Tree, Severing a boulder, 71 ; Agents, 51, 75.
Tree pets in China 7
Tree Roses Ill
Trees. Healtbf ulness of 133
Training Animals, etc 10
Trenching (/;h(s(™(ed) 14
Transplanting Large Trees, (2 III.) 43 Treeclimber's Talks, Oct., 9; Nov.. 21: Dec, 35; Jan., 47; Feb., 59; March, 71; April, 79: May, 91; June, 103; July, 127.
Tritomas 105
Tuberose. A branching 4
Turkey, Fattening, 11, 22: The American (Illustrated) 23.
Turkeys, Food for 84
Tuberoses, Pearl 13
Turnip Seed, Saving 134
i;
Umbrellas, Care of 46
Union there is Strength, In 112
Varieties running out. 20
Varieties, Too many )25
Vegetable Garden, in, Oct., 3; Nov.,
15: Dec, 27: Jan.. 39: Feb.. 51;
March, 53; April, 83; May, 95;
June, 106; July, 119; Aug., 131;
Sept., 143. Vegetables under Glass, in Oct., 31 ;
Nov., 15: Dec, 27; Jan., 39;
March, 63; April, 83; May, 95;
June, 107; July, 119; Aug.. 131;
Sept., 143.
Vegetation at the Equator 33
Vegetables, Some of the Newer. .. 56
Vegetable, Found by a 59
Vegetable Fly-trap, A (Illustrated) 103
Vegetable Pillows 140
Vegetable, A New J41
Verbascums J14
Viburnum, The Japan or Plicate.. 140
Vinca for Mounds 25
Vines, Propagating from Single
Eyes 56
Violets 70, 107
Violet as an emblem. The 78
Visitors and Visiting 120
■w
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Watering, A Mistake in |
5 |
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Washing Plants (Illustrated) . . . |
26 |
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Water, Pure |
45 |
|
Wasps' Nests |
57 |
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Washing Compounds, About |
72 |
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Water, How to Cook |
72 |
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Waterside Plants (rilustraled). . . |
73 |
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Walks, Grass in |
105 |
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Water-lily Culture |
111 |
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Water Lily, Rose-colored |
114 |
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Watering Troughs |
114 |
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Washing, Care in |
120 |
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Wax Plant, A fine |
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Wedding Branch |
90 |
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Weeds, An Eye to |
125 |
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Weeding Tool (Illustrated) |
106 |
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Why Men Cannot Fly |
21 |
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White Worms 80 |
S3 |
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White Grubs |
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Whiflletrees Barking Trees |
101 |
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Whitewash. A Dm-able |
102 |
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White Lilies (Illuslraied) |
128 |
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What one Giri Did |
129 |
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Wild Garden at Lyndale |
1 |
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Wine in the United States |
20 |
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Witch Hazel (Illustrated) |
21 |
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Window Drapery |
24 |
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Wind Screen |
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Window Box in Winter, The |
31 |
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Window Box, The |
.54 |
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Winter Flowers, Plants for |
97 |
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Wild Garden, A Miniatm-e |
102 |
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Wild Sprouts, Look out for (///.). . |
112 |
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Work of the Season, Oct.. 2; Nov., |
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14; Dec, 26; Jan.. 38: Feb., 50: |
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March, 64; April. 82: May 94: |
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June, 106: July, 118; Aug., 130: |
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Sept., 142 |
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Women as Commercial Florists . . . |
30 |
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Work Not to be Evaded, 47; Shall |
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the Giris, 48. |
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Word to the Men Folks, A |
48 |
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Worms in Flower Pots .80, |
83 |
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Wyandot tes. The |
96 |
Yards, The Back {Illustrated) . 5
Yards, What neat ones do 90
Yard Cleaning 114
Yucca filamentosa 40
Zebra Grass. Japanese (///.) 85
0..
LR, l8^§Sh,
POPULAR GARDENING
FOR TOWN AND COUNTRY.
■VOL- I-
Garden Notes from Lyndale.
BY A. H. E.
October 2. Few plants of a large collec- tion afford greater satisfaction than Begonia Weltoniensis. Several late-starled ones, standing in a shady border are yet covered with clouds of rosy bloom. For many weeks they have been very attractive.
This Begonia is easy to manage, and assumes a fine form without either stakes or tying up.
A few days later I will lift the plants, set the roots firmly into pots of earth, water and then gradually drj' off. During the winter the pots are laid on their sides in a temperature of about 50 degrees, and are not watered. In the spring I start them up at intervals for a succession.
*** The Matrimony Vine, Lyfhdm barbarum,zom- mon and almost weedy thing that it is, displays such richness in its fruit now, to say nothing of bloom earlier, that for my part I really don't care to be without it. But every plant in its place. I confine this vine to a pile of boulders on the hill side, letting it clamber about and tangle up as it chooses. Here the clusters of orange-scarlet berries show most attractively; I can think of nothing in this line to equal them in beauty, from now on.
October jih. About the only insects to trou- ble out-door Geraniums here are caterpillars of several species. While they are voracious feeders on the leaves, their numbers are not so great, but that with looking out for them daily, they are kept from spoiling much.
These large hairy worms when at it feed as if they meant to have the plant. I kill everyone met, thus destroying a present cause of trouble, and cutting off future increase, for next year will find the moth of every one that escapes this year, laying many eggs apiece, a thing equivalent to much future trouble.
» * *
Coming in possession of a strip of land a year ago that was burdened with several patches of Burdocks. I took in hand to eradicate them. And I succeeded, but it was a job. This
by arming myself with a butcher knife and de- capitating every plant just below the surface, as it first appeared in sight. They gave up first.
*
.•\lthough I am rather fond of a dressy gar- den, that part of Lyndale devoted to a Wild Gar- den certainly yields much satisfaction.
For one thing this piece of rurality costs but little care, it being chiefly in the direction of eradicating weeds and such plants as would soon become weeds if allowed to. What enhances the value of the spot is the happy freedom with which all the plants are growing.
There is no time, from the dawn of spring until freezing weather in autumn, but that some object may, in a walk through the Wild Garden, be met to please the eye, and the other senses.
*** October Sl/i. I mentioned the Matrimony Vine as being attractive with fruit now. Fur- ther along in the W'ild Garden, are some clumps of Sweet Brier and Dog Roses, which also dis- play a showy crop of fruit.
Much as I prize the improved Roses of the borders, these wild sorts would be greatly missed were they to be taken away. The plants have always had very much their own way. They are now eight feet high and with droop- ing branches that one can walk undsr.
No one would care to come very close to these thorny chaps one might think, and yet when they were in bloom a shady nook in the Sweet Briers afforded a very inviting sitting place. Here at that time I found much to admire in the delicate beauty and contrasts of these two species of Roses, loaded down with their hundreds of pretty single blooms. * ^ *
October loth. In planting my Dutch Bulbs to-day, I repeated a plan for successive crop- ping of flowers in the spring, on two small beds that in the past has usually pleased me greatly. These beds are only two feet across and lie conspicuously on each side of the front walk near to the steps. I set out Crocuses, Hyacinths and Parrot Tulips all in the same beds.
My way of planting wasas follows: First, I dug up the soil well, mixing in some manure during the process, and after shaping up the top tramp- ed it rather firmly. Then I dug out each bed exactly five inches below the surface. On this bottom fifteen bulbs each of Single Hyacinths and Parrot Tulips were set, and covered with a layer of two inches of soil. This new surface was for the Crocuses, and on it I placed six dozen imported bulbs, dividing the spaces between them uniformly.
Early next Spring there will be sheets of Crocus flowers over these beds. These will soon be followed by Hyacinth, and later yet will come along the Parrots.
After the Tulips are done, the same beds are planted with summer flowers, thus securing to me an almost perpetual period of bloom from March until October.
* .„ *
*
October iSlh. I notice a growing interest in the planting of Bulbs in grass plats, which I like to see.
For this purpose it is hard to conceive
of anything that does better or is finer than
the old-fashioned Von Sihon Daffodils. They
grow compactly and strong, and when seated
on the grass are exceedingly handsome as the
flowers are swayed too and fro by the Spring
breezes. A strong point in their favcr is, that
the plants grow in close clumps, thus allowing
the grass from the ver)' earliest mowing in the
Spring to be kept closely cut right up to them,
maintaining a neat appearance.
* * «
Crocuses succeed well in the grass but better in the cultivated border. The objection to them in the lawn is, that the grass must be left uncut until the bulbs have made their growth for the season, thus tending to a general ap- pearance of untidiness.
In the Wild Garden where tidiness is at a discount, these as well as Snowdrops and others of similar needs, are exactly in place growing in the grass. Here of all places an abundance of Crocuses should be found.
POPULAR GARDENING.
October,
In planting Crocuses and similar things, why is the custom so common of arranging the bulbs in rows or blocks ? Nature never arranges in lines and squares, and we would do well to take lessons from her in setting these little bulbs. When I plant such things either in grass or borders, I set them in irregular masses, allow- ing these to die out through a thin sprinkling of bulbs into nothing. When several colors are used each one is kept somewhat by itself, but is usually allowed to blend with the other masses in their edges.
October Sjth. My last Hyacinths for winter blooming in the house and conservatory were put into pots to-day. I never feel that I am ready for winter until at the least some dozens of these most charming and easily managed bulbs are under way.
Whatever the extent of the stock contem- plated, I divide up my bulbs into about three lots.and plant these then at dififerent times.
HOUSE PLANTS.
October is an important month in the window gardener's calendar. It marks the beginning of the in-door season of growth. Before the month is past the plant windows should be furnished, and a reserve of stock be found in the cold pit or cellar for bringing in during the coming months.
This is a most favorable season for rapid and healthy growth in plants, as light, air and heat are all easily provided now. Let this be taken advantage of to the utmost, for securing to every subject a large degree of vigor preparatory to the imtoward condition of things which will follow later.
Abutilons lift easily from the open ground; count them among the best plants for both foliage and flowers.
Agapanthus. Beautiful in summer now they must go to rest. Store in a dry, cool place, as in a frost-proof cellar— it need not be very light — and give a very little water occasionally.
AmiNG. Look upon this as a great lever, for getting up a momentum of vigor at this season to carry the plants through the dark months. Air freely, you cannot over do it.
AsPinisTRAS. Shift such as are growing rapidly, provided many roots show around the ball of earth. No one fails with this plant.
Azaleas now need light, air, about 50 degrees of heat and careful watering.
Bulbs. See article on page 6.
Callas. Give ample sized, but not over-large pots and rich soil; don't crowd the leaves.
Carnations, Monthly . See Lifting . Those grown over summer in pots, should with the lifted ones, go into their flowering pots now. Pots larger than 7 inches or less than 5 inches across, inside measure, will seldom be wanted. Give moderately rich earth, 45° to 55° of heat, plenty of air and never excessive moisture.
Chrysanthemums must have plenty of water; a top dressing of old manure on the surface or else liquid manure, occasionally ,until flowering is begun, is very helpful to the bloom. Look out for cater- pillars on them.
Cyclamens. With warm light soil, and kept near the glass these plants will do well.
Daisies succeed as winter plants if grown in 6- inch pots. Give plenty of sun, air and water; allowed to get parched the red spider will soon appear, to annoy you.
Ferns. Keep in a cool window, with little or no sun, water freely at the roots, but never over the fronds.
Forget-me-nots. Fine for a sunny window in the winter. Get a-growing in ample sized pots of about
6 inches across, keep in a cool place where it does not freeze and give plenty of air until January. Then begin to force them.
Fuchsias for winter flowers, should be in their final pots now. Light rich soil, sunshine, moderate airing and freedom from insects are chief requir- ments. When in bloom give plenty of water.
Hardy Plants. The Dicenti-a spectabilis or Bleed- ing Heart, Japan Astilbe, Lily of the Valley. White Christmas Rose Hellebore Niger all succeed easily in the window. Lift strong roots about Nov. 1st, and pot, crowding the roots somewhat.
Insects. Some there will be, for they come in from the outdoor plants. Keep a watchful eye for them; when discovered concentrate a pound of pressure upon each one through the smooth side of the thumb nail.
Lifting Plants. Above all else retain every root possible. A firm ball of earth about the roots is desirable, but generally less so than is supposed; it may fall to pieces before it is reduced to fit the pot. Cut back the leading branches of rank grow- ers, like Geraniums and Coleus, about one-third, but do not prune winter flowering plants that have been pruned throughout the season. Lift all kinds before sharp frosts appear.
Pot firmly, using good soil to fill up the spaces; draining with pot sherds in the bottom of the pots. Keep the plants well watered, closely shaded and out of the wind for a week, at the same time sprinkling the foliage lightly twice a day. Inure them to the confined air of the windows or plant house gradually.
Palms need only the most ordinary treatment in the window. But few ever fail with them.
Petunias. These are gay winter bloomers. Plants brought along in pots are the best.
Roses. Lift and pot about the middle of the month. They need fibrous, moderately rich soil, partaking more of clay loam than sand. Provide ample drainage.
Tea Roses for early bloom, should be gradually brought into the close atmosphere; when used to it, allow no draughts to strike the plants.
Keep Hardy Roses for spring flowers in the cold pit until February.
Shrubs. The Deutzia, Mock Orange, Lilac, Har- dy Azalea and Japan Snowball all flower well in the dwelling or greenhouse. Lift by end of month, pot firmly in scant sized pots and subject to at least one sharp frost, before bringing in to force. Do not prune. Store in cold pit until forced.
Verbenas. Old plants are not worth bothering with to lift; strike new ones from soft cuttings.
Violets . See lifting. Keep all the runners trimmed, and give the plants plenty of air, and light with a low temperature.
LAWN AND FLOWER GARDEN.
Annuals. Early in this month seeds of Sweet Alyssum, Candytuft, Centaurea, Clarkia, Callirhoe, Calendula, Larkspur, Lupines, Mignonette, Nemo- phila, Portulacca and Poppy may be sown for spring flowering, whenever the ground is light and dry. These will flower earlier, better and larger than if sowing is deferred until spring. In the South, all annuals but the most tender sorts may be sown in October.
Bulb Planting. See article on page G.
Caladidms. Treat like Cannas.
Cannas. Lift after the frost has hurt the leaves; remove the tops and dry in the shade. Winter in dry sand, in a cool place, away from frost.
Dahlias. Treat hke Gladiolus, but store the tubers in a frost-proof cellar, as one would potatoes
Dibbling. If Pansies, Hollyhocks, and other Har- dy Perennials were sown in August and September, they will need transplant- ing now. For this use the dibble is a simple tool that is so handy, every gard- ner should employ it often. For a few small plants a dibble the size of a finger How to Use the Dibble, but longer, made of wood neatly whittled to a point will answer. In using, first make a clean hole in the soil to receive the roots. Then with one hand set the plant into the hole, holding it at a proper height, with the other, prick in the dibble near hole number one, as shown in the engraving, forcing the soil that is between, against the roots. Do this
so firmly, with one or two additional picks if neces- sary, that in drawing on a leaf it will break off, be- fore pulling up the plant. Unless the soil is quite wet, water afterwards.
EcHEVKRiAS. Take up, divide and plant closely in shallow boxes of earth. Store these in any cool, half -lighted place where it does not freeze, keep- ing the soil almost dry.
Flower Beds. By ])rotecting the finer ones with canvas, or other covering, through frosty nights, they will be handsome for the weeks of fine weather we usually enjoy after the first sharp frosts.
GLAnioLus. Take up after the first keen frost, dry thoroughly, and store in paper bags away from freezing and moisture.
Hardy Plants may be divided and reset where the soil is light. Paeonies especially, succeed much better if reSet in the fall, instead of spring. The same is true of hardy Lilies. All fall-transplanted stock should receive a mulch of leaves or coarse litter before winter sets in. for protection. Divid- ing and removing hardy plants into fresh soil every third year, is what they need for doing their best. Improvements, such as draining, trenching, and grading cannot be done at a better time than just in advance of the fall rains. The soil then handles lightly, and the weather is invigorating for work, both important factors in such matters. Doing these operations when the ground is sloppy, is up- hill business.
Lawns improve in this month, with its cool weather and increased moisture. Mow regularly but not very close ; they will be in all the better shape next spring for it.
Leaves must be cleaned up often, where regard is had to tidiness. Either pile up to rot or to us© ; for mulching, store for bedding, or if there is no I other possible use for them, burn. Lifting. See under House Plants. Maueira Vine. Treat like Dahhas. I Seeding down new lawns is yet in order if I done at once. There is no better time for sodding I than this. Uneven parts of the lawn may how be I leveled up; if depressions, cut and rollback the ' turf, not detaching it, fill in new soil to even up the i place, returning the turf; if mounds take the same '' course, except to level by removing surplus soil. I Tidiness. Don't give the garden over to chaos I with the first hard frost. Gather up the blackened I plants; in lifting roots and other stock, level the j surface afterwards a little, rake up leaves, and so on, for enjoying order and beauty here during the weeks of delightful autumn weather to come. Tigridias. Treat like Gladiolus. Tuberose. Treat like Gladiolus but winter In not less than 45° of heat.
Walks ANn Drives. Clean them of weeds, touch up the surface with the rake, and attend to the edges now, and their care will be about ended for this season.
Weeds. Many kinds grow rampantly in cool weather. Keep watch to prevent this in borders, the wild garden and every where else.
PLANT CULTURE UNDER GLASS,
Abutilons do better for being cut back occasion- ally.
Chrysanthemums need liquid manure, but less as they show color, and none at all after the first flowers are open; water freely. Thin the flowers on plants that are to be cut from.
Cinerarias need light, plenty of fresh air, free watering and an occasional dose of liquid manure. They cannot tolerate having their roots pot- cramped.
Climbers are indispensable; quick growing ones like Tropaeolums. Passion Flowers and Jasminums are to be recommended, because of the free-cutting back they will bear, thus ensuring plenty of young handsome-looking shoots.
Dutch Bulbs. See article elsewhere in this issue.
Hanging Baskets for winter adornment should befitted up. A basket of drooping Ferns is ex- ceedingly handsome. Any of the greenhouse droop- ers will answer.
Insects. Attack them promptly now, and they will trouble very much less later; for green fly or aphis, burn J^ pound of refuse tobacco for each 500 square feet of house from once to twice a week. Dusting any affected plants with tobacco powder will kill them quickly. Moisture created by syring' ing is the safest remedy against red spider. Scale and mealy bugs are easily destroyed by washing
1 88s.
POPULAR GARDENING.
and brushing any parts affected, with soapsuds or tobacco water heated to about 125° , rinse after- wards with clean water. Kill angle worms in the soil, by soaking the earth with lime water.
Label the plants and varieties if you would be- come famiUarwilh them. Attention to this point will help beginners more than any amoimt of book study. Revise names when plants are in bloom.
Orchids as a rule need less moisture as the days shorten. Prepare them to go through the winter at as low a temperature and as near dorment as possible. Most growers hurt them with too much moisture and heat in the winter. Keep clear of insects.
Cool Orrhids will need no artificial heat until the temperature falls to 45° at night. These can stand more moisture than the other classes ; in sunny weather the atmosphere will not be too moist even with daily sprinkling about the house. Such as are in Bower will bloom stronger next spring for removing some of the flowers now.
Priuulas now want heat, light and moderate moisture in the air. Give weak manure water to blooming plants, both double and single, once every two weeks.
Pkopagation can, especially in bedding plants, be carried on to any required extent now, that out- door cuttings are abundant. Cuttings also strike readily without the help of bottom heat at this time. Set them firmly into beaten down sand, sprinkle lightly and often, shade from the sun and admit air freely, but not in draughts.
KosES. Syringe twice a day, aiming to wet aU the leaves, but not causing excessive wetness to the soil. Anight temperature of from5.i° to6.i° is the most suitable for flowers.
Prune Tea Roses as the buds are cut, by taking off each shoot back to within two eyes of its base ; occasionally also pass over the plants and remove all "bUnd shoots," in other words such as have ended their growth .
Stephamotis. Keep rather dry and cool until early spring. Keep down mealy bug.
Stocking Up. It any tender plants that are needed yet remain in the outdoor beds, no time should be lost to get them in. See Lifting, under House Plants. Give newly brought-iu plants plenty of space, air, and the foliage a light sprinkling with water about six times a day for a while. JMost kinds will then bear the change from out doors to in-doors without showing it.
TrnERosES. Keep in a night heat of 60® to 65° . Avoid chilling draughts, water moderately.
FRUIT GARDEN AND ORCHARD.
Cider should only be made from perfectly clean and sound apples, to be good . Insist on cleanliness being practiced, at every stageof the making. For preserving it, there should first be slow fermenta- tion in a cool place and after fermentation, bung tightly. In a short time the cider will become clear, then rack off into clean barrels.
Cuttings of Currant, Grape, Quince and Goose- berry are easily made by anj'one and may be cut and set this month. Make 6 inches long each; place in lines about 4 inches apart— in trenches, packing the soil firmly against them. Cover with coarse litter, to prevent winter-heaving.
Grapes. Pick for winter or for wine only after fully ripe; all may not color at the same time, be patient up to hard frosts. Ripeness is known by the stem turning brown and shrivehng somewhat.
Grapes unUke some fruits w^on't ripen after gath- ering. Gather in fair weather and between dews, place in shallow drawers in a cool room until as- sorted, and packed.
Marketing. Pack uniformly, whether in barrels for shipping, or in crates or baskets for the home trade. Strict honesty is the best practice; once let a grower obtain the reputation for "facing" his packages more than they will bear, and he will find difficulty in selling, as he deserves to
Nuts should not be gathered until frosts start dropping somewhat.
Planting. One season with another, we prefer to plant fruit trees of all but stone fruits, in this month, provided the ground is properly drained. Raspberries and Blackberries, we think, also do bet- ter to set now on such land. Whatever planting cannot be done before the 10th of November in the Northern States, had better be deferred until spring. The work may begin as soon as the leaves show
maturity by their color; if they persist in hanging, strip off with the hand.
In planting shorten all the main shoots, some- what, as shown in the en- graving. Have the hole large enough to receive all the roots without bending. Spread them out naturally, bring fine earth between and against all the fibers and other parts, and pack the soil firmly. In finish- ing the job. raise a mound of earth against the tree as shown in the cut. This Mounding Up,
will steady the tree, shed water from and protect the roots. In exposed places a stake should also be provided .
Any trees or plants received too late for fall planting, should be buried root and top in earth in some dry spot . Some who prefer spring planting, advocate this course with all the stock to be set out.
Seeds of fruit may easily be saved by washing the pomace of such kinds as are made into cider. Small quantities may be gathered up, when hand- paring and quartering is done. Wash clean, dry and keep until planting time in boxes of sand. Peach and other stones as well as nuts for seeds should be packed in sand and set out doors to freeze hard, during the winter.
Weeds, should be kept down with the hoe to the end of the season. Manj' kinds grow rapidly now, and to kill them will save work next year.
Winter ArrLEs and Pears. Leave on the trees while growth keeps up, unless freezing weather is expected. All fruit not intended for cider should be 'hand picked. Bruises from falls cause rot. Keep wormy fruit from the sound. Store in a cool dry room in heaps for several weeks, in order to dry out somewhat, before consigning to winter quarters. For winter, store in shallow bins that ad- mit of a circulation of air through them.
Sweet Potatoes, will suit these. A cellar, unless warm and dry, is too damp for them.
Stakes and Poles if housed after use, will last much longer than If left out; place in the dry.
Sweet Potatoes. Dig before hard frost-s, han- dle carefully, as bruises lead to rot; store in a dry warm place, in a temperature near 60 ° . In many cases, a shelf of the kitchen closet would do.
Tomatoes. Plants not yet touched by frost, will if protected by a frame and sash, ripen fruit for a month longer. Green fruit that is three fourths or more developed, at a time when no longer safe to leave it outside, will ripen if brought under shelter, as in the dwelling or greenhouse.
VEGETABLE GARDEN.
Beets. Gather and store in a cool cellar, after the growth is checked by frost. The quality and flavor will be better retained by packing in sand. If there is a large crop, they may be kept in pits over winter. Locate these in well drained ground, covering with straw and earth, to prevent hard freezing, and sudden changes of temperature.
Brussels Sprouts . Treat like Cauliflower.
Carrots. Treat as directed for Beets.
Cauliflower. When indications of freezing weather appear, gather those not fully headed, and plant in boxes of soil in a cool cellar. Similar- ly treated in glass-covered pits will also answer.
Celery grows well now, and will need close at- tention in earthing up. The early crop may go into trenches for winter.
Chervil. Treat as directed for Parsley.
Chicory, for use as a salad in winter, should be lifted by the end of the month, stored in a cool part of the cellar, and brought mto a warm place for growth as wanted .
Digging over. As the crops are gathered dig over the earth, so that the air and frost may have full effect upon it. By such a course, the larvae of many injurious pests will freeze to death.
Greens tor spring use, such as Spinach and Corn Salad, should be thinned if needing it; keep the ground clean.
Lettuce can be cut from the open ground for a month or more yet. Some brought on in frames, will answer a month later than that.
Onions. For the earliest crop next year, plant some sets about the middle of the month in rich, drained land ; protect with hay or leaves over winter.
Parsley. This is easily brought along for use, either in a cold-frame, window or green-house, by lifting the plants now, and setting them in pots or boxes. The leaves may also be dried, and in this shape be preserved for use .
Parsnips. The main crop should stand until spring; lift some for winter use and store in pits or the cellar.
Radish. Dig the winter sorts after hard frosts, store in light earth in the cellar.
Salsify or Vegetable Oyster. The same as Parsnips.
Sijuashes. The directions given tor storing
FRUIT AND VEGETABLES UNDER GLASS.
Grapery. Houses with fruit that is not yet fully ripe, should have the temperature kept at about .Vi " at night, and 10^ or more higher by day . A gentle fire heat may be needed for maintaining this, and for keeping the atmosphere of the house dry and favorable to ripening the fruit and leaves.
Prune successional houses as soon as the leaves fall, also cleansing the canes. This is also the time for washing or painting interior wood work.
Lettuce tor use by Christmas and later, may now be planted in hot-beds or green-house; 55o of heat with proper airing suits it.
Mushroom beds for winter supply must be pre* pared, if not yet done. Collect plenty of short, fresh dung, and lay in small heaps until you have a barrow load, then mix it up with half its bulk of fresh pasture loam, that is free from fungi. Turn the heap daily until enough of the material is se. cured to stock the bed, directions for making which, will be given next month.
Radishes can be grown at any season where .'■)5° of heat, and an abundance of light and air with suitable moisture can be provided.
Rhubarb is so easily forced in the winter, even as a " house plant," that we wonder it is not of tener done . The large root stored full of nourishment, is what the growth must depend upon mostly; if in addition, there be warmth, moisture and a little light, the conditions needful to raise a crop of fresh pie-making material in the winter are all at hand. After several hard frosts is the time to start in on the work, by lifting the roots and storing them away from hard frosts, so they can be got at . .
Strawberries to be forced, should now be strong plants with well formed crowns and occupying six inch pots. If they were treated right when shifted, the pots were then plunged to the rim in sawdust, coal ashes or the like, on some smooth surface where angle worms could not get into the pots. Here they should stand until November.
^/
nqujc
UIRR
This beina th^ PeopWs Paper it is open t<> ail their In- quires, beartiiij on Gardening.
on the vtlu-r hand, anstrers to published inquirea are earnestly requested from readers.
The editors and special contributors are ready to do a la rue share of the answering, but the rxjterience of many being more valuable than of the fete, hoteever varied that i«, andconditivns andloealities being so different, they prefer to receive answers, etvn several of them to the same quea tion, from readers everi/ichere. /)on7 hesitate to xcrite because yon may feel you are no fine tcriter: give facts and ideas and the editors tcill see that they a/»pear in credi- table shape.
In tcriting, give the number of the qxteation you are an^ swering; your lucaldy and name, the latter not for publica- tion unless you desire. Write only on one side of the jtaper
Flowers will be gladly named provided first, that no more than three be sent at one time. Second, that these he fully prejiaid. Third, that several sjtecimena of each reach us in good shape. We cannot undertake to name florists' varie> tiest
1. —Green Growth on Pot Soil. The soil
in my Camellia pots, is covered with a preen prowth. How shall this be prevented and remedied?— E. F. DeS.
2.— Liquid Manures for Pot Plants. Will some one kindly say what is the best manure water for greenhouse plants? Is diluted ammonia of any use?— A. P. C.
3.— Weeping Trees. Whatkindsare to be preferred for a lawn exposed to strong southwest winds y-Mrs. R. L., Oil City, Pa,
5._Select list of Shrubs. We are making improvements about our grounds, and* would Uke to set out some hardy shrubs, such as give flowers for a long season, will some one name a hst or a dozen or twenty.— A Flowbr Lover.
POPULAR GARDENING.
October,
1
A Column devoted to the Paper's Interests.
IT XS ISTOT
OUR INTENTION
To keep secret the fact that this paper needs many subscribers. So, because some depart- ments are not much crowded yet, we take one column to talk of the matter.
First of all we want to impress the fact, that we design to make of Popular G.\rdening,
The Brightest, The Cheapest,
The Most Useful and
The Most Popular
paper of its kind in America, and one that will be wanted in hundreds of thousands of families. This number is a fair sample of what will follow, excepting that some departments are yet undeveloped. A constant aim will be to render all parts of Popular Gardening reliable and concise in character. Any contributions that will not, on the part of their writers, allow of reasonable editorial revision in our hands, if needed to get at their substance in the fewest words, are not wanted. Some say the
PRICE IS TOO LOW:
that no well edited paper can live at such rates. We are aware that the price is low, e.'cceeding- ly low, but w^e have faith in the people, to be- lieve that this feature is all right. Many of our best papers are among the cheapest of papers. What looks like a defect here to some, appears all right to the masses, and they make up for this in increased patronage.
And this is what we shall count on them— may we say on You kind Read- er among the number — to do in our case. With 50,000 subscribers as a basis soon, we can furnish a paper that shall be won- derful in beauty, in worth and in price. This
50,000 at 60 Cents,
50,000 at 60 Cents,
50,000 at 60 Cents,
let us say, we shall work hard to secure, within one year if possible, but only because we expect to offer a paper in every way worthy of them. And now.
To all Persons In Town or Country who love Flowers, Plants, and fine Lawns we are free to say we want to count you among our first 50,000 suppor- ters! Look over the paper carefully. Can you af- ford to be without such a mass of interesting matter, when 60 cents will buy it for a whole year?
To all who grow Fruits and Vegeta- bles! We want you among our subscribers at once . You cannot possibly invest the price of this paper to better advantage, than to subscribe.
To you, Botanists; to you, Poultry Raisers; to you, Aparians; to you. Housewives; to you, Children! We want to see the names of one of you from every family, at least, among our subscribers. We promise you all a rich treat of matter throughout the year.
Remember that 60 cents, or only 50 cents In clubs of five, will secure this paper crammed with choice matter for one year.
TO CAUTIOUS PEOPLE.
See Page 1 3.
Three Roses.
All bright, dewy-tipped, and fragrant.
Delicate, dainty, and shy, A secret sweet in its bosom,
A tear and a smile in its eye; This opening Moss rose which blushes
Its fringes of green above. I choose, for its grace and beauty.
As symbol of maiden's love.
For its lustrous, matchless splendor.
For joys its beauties impart. For the lavish way it squanders
The richest sweets of its heart. For its queenly air and color,
The depths of its velvet hues. Symbol of wifely devotion.
This royal Red rose I choose.
For purity fair and spotless,
For breath fresh as early mom. Because its warm heart is golden.
Because it has ne'er a thorn. Because its blossoms are unfailing,
So sweet none can e'er refuse. Symbol of mother's affection,
This modest White rose I choose.
—Dart Fairthome
Choice.
Ihave a garden full of blooms;
Oh will you choose ? I know them by their own perfumes.
Their varied hues. And when between their ranks I walk I kiss the hly on her stalk, I touch the rose and mignonette And smile to see the pansy wet.
With piuple dews. I have a heart so full of friends
I cannot choose.
— Kathertne Lee Bates.
Roses now improve.
Garden intelligently.
Bone manure suits Lilies.
Dutch bulbs art superior.
Walk in! Chrysanthemums.
Smilax won't grow from slips.
Are the flower pots on hand ?
Why not set some Parrot Tulips ?
Hit us with a club — of subscribers.
Water enough, but don't overwater.
Subscribe for Popular Gardening.
Pl.\nt bulbs in masses rather than rows.
We never raise our own Daisies from seed.
New York City has 150 cut-flower stores.
Be free to ask us questions about gardening.
This Paper may be obtained of newsdealers.
Lantanas came from the West Indies, 1692.
Never pay fancy prices for untried nov- elties.
Flowers, are jewels for the rich and poor alike.
All successful gardening is pleasure gar- dening.
In France the Oleander is called Rose Laurel.
Forget-me-nots suffer more from wet than from cold.
If you want to plant a Beech, be sure to do so in the fall.
The fate of flowers — In doing their best they get blowed .
Stand up and be counted among the first 50,000 subscribers.
St. Paul's Church, New York, has a con- servatory of its own.
Messrs. Cassell are publishing "Familiar Trees" in monthly parts.
Measure a g.\rden as you would a picture, not by size but by quality.
Messrs. Kelway & Son.. Longport, Eng- land, grow 20 acres of Gladiolus.
If you are puzzled how to manage some plant, ask Popular Gardening.
Will the Bennet Rose take Gen. Jacque- minot's place is the question of the day.
Reader ! Can you not give us some idea or information of interest to others. Ic would be welcome.
One German seed catalogue, that of Haage & Schmidt, of Erfurt, offers more that 13,000 distinct sorts.
Alw.\ys exercise care in handling or prun- ing the Oleander; its juices are known to be poi- sonous to persons.
Christ.mas Hyacinths are possible to be had in the house, by starting bulbs of the White Romans at once.
The Agroste.mma or Rose Campion, a plant easily grown from the seed, blooms well in the house. So says a correspondent.
On the Occasio.v of Mr. John Frost's, aHas Jack Frost's, evening visits to the flowers, paper hoods are to be a leading feature of dress.
It p.\ys to plant trees. Set a dollar tree to- day and in ten years a hundred dollar bill wouldn't buy it. What other investment to equal this?
Why Not Work a little for this paper among your friends. To be candid, it needs just such help now. Only 50 cents a year in clubs of five and more.
Why trees lean towards the East so gener- ally, is a question puzzling to the savants. It is claimed that more than the wind has to do with the matter. We don't believe it.
Get up a Club for Popular Garden- ing. You will find this, at its low price, an easy task, by applying to your friends to subscribe. Only 50 cents a year, in clubs, remember.
If you wish to promote your love for plants hear what Mr. C. L. Allen says: Understand the plant and its wants, study it, take it into your heart and mind, become familiar with it.
A branchi.n'G double Tuberose, has appear- ed in a Chicago collection. If the freak will be repeated in the progeny of the bulb pro- ducing it, a remarkable race will be the result.
Rusticus wants to get a " tree box " and asks where. If a tree of that name, at a nursery, if a box, patronize a carpenter. Merely to see a tree box, a boxing master ought to be able to advise.
Plant shelter belts of trees, especially Evergreens about your grounds. Then you can grow a thousand things well where now but a hundred will succeed, and have the arboreal beauty too.
How to help promote a wider love for gardening in your vicinity. Get your neighbors to join with you, in ordering this paper at the club rates of 50 cents a year for five or more subscribers.
.\ Neighbor who knows how to garden, both for pay and for pleasure, has two secrets. Here they are for our readers: a large manure and compost heap always, and, never let weeds propagate.
Looks as if the Lily of the Amazon (Euckaris Amazonica, ) must be given up as a blooming plant in the average hot-house. What it needs is about 100 degrees of heat, and little fussing with besides.
Those who have the free flowering Platy- codon grandijlora, white or blue, growing in their gardens, will be glad to know that a rosy- violet variety has been introduced from Japan by Mr. Maires. It is to bear his name.
To Amateurs. If you know of a brighter, better or cheaper paper than Popular Garden- iNii by all means subscribe for it, and let us know, that we may do likewise. If you don't, send in your subscription to this office, and you wont miss it much.
Let not how much, but how well, be your aim in gardening matters. Give us three plants well grown, rather than twenty scrawny, ill- treated things; two square rods of vegetable garden in good order, than half an acre crowded down with weeds and otherwise ill-attended.
iSS:;.
POPULAR GARDENING.
Cactaceous Plants. Under this title Mr. Lewis Castle, of the London Journal of Horti- culture, has published a little treatise on the history and culture of these plants that will prove useful to amateurs, in America as well as in England.
Take Down the bands of cotton, put around the trees in June to starve the caterpillars. They can be of no possible use after this, and will soon be tattered and stained, looking worse than a dirty, frayed collar on a well-dressed person's neck.
Sound. — The editor of Libbys American Garden never put more sound advice for amateurs into few words, than when in speak- ing of Pansy culture, he said : "It is useless to expect good flowers from poor seed ; better pay well for the best than accept poor seed as a gift."
The Histories of great men show, that most of them have been lovers of gardening or farming. It has always been so. Com- munion with nature broadens and invigorates the mind, as well as restores it when tired out. The same remedy is one that will help tired- out women folks.
This paper has come to stay. It is backed by abundant capital, ability and enterprise to fully establish it. Those who subscribe for PoPUl..*^R Gardening now, will in after years, find great satifaction in knowing they were among its earliest subscribers. It will be something to be proud of.
Think of the Tulip Craze of 1635, when one sturdy Hollander gave twelve acres of val- uable land for a single bulb, of a variety called Semper Augustus. Now you can buy more beauty in Tulips for twelve cents than he did for twelve acres. By all means have a Tulip bed, so beautiful and yet so cheap.
The price at which Popular Gardening has been placed, is really experimental. It certainly will remain as it now is for one year; we believe for always. But this is a matter that depends upon the support the paper receives. A subscription list of 50,000 or upwards will ensure the present price permanently.
There are no purer, more noble or more satisfying delights, than those which spring from the successful managment of flowers, plants and other things of the garden. To lovers of Nature, few things possess equal charms, to those revealed by the study of the nature and historj- of plants, and the noting of their peculiar habits and characteristics.
It is an old tradition that the Fraxi- nella catches fire when a light is brought near to it, hence it has been called the "Burning Bush." The notion no doubt gained currency, from the fact, that the stem is set with oil-glands, which on being touched, give out a strong scent. We have tried to ignite the plant and have failed to see it burn. Drop the old name.
Persia, in the Old World, is as famous for her large trees as is California in the New World. In the former country, a Plane or as commonly called by us a Buttonwood tree, at Tadjrich, is widely celebrated for its great pro- portions. This wonderful tree measures over 48 feet around the trunk. Only think of it, a Plane tree one rod in diameter. The ponder- ous limbs are themselves, it is said, as large as ordinary trees.
A SUBSTITUTE FOR PUTTY NEEDED. Putty answered well enough under the old system of plant houses with heavy timbers and small lights; that era has passed away, and for the lighter houses now demanded, in which light bars and larger panes of glass are used, some- thing more elastic and lasting than putty is needed. Every owner of a range of glass has felt this. Let our inventors help out here, and help themselves to a source of income at the same time.
" The American Florist." — On August 15th the first number of this semi-monthly appeared from its publication office in Chicago. It is a trade paper for the commercial florist. In the present progressive state of the plant and flower trade, we do not see how any florist can get along without the market reports, prices, descriptions of new designs, directions
, 2. Improved Plan of Back Yard.
for cultivation, advertisements, &c., which each issue contains. Price, one dollar a year.
Tree Roots have often been known to cause trouble in drains. A stoppage occurs, the pipes are taken up. when it is found that roots have penetrated between the joints into the pipes, sometimes filling them completely. This would seem like a serious matter indeed, were it not one that can be obviated with slight ex- pense when the drains are laid. Pipes with sockets should be used in the vicinity of all trees and shrubs. Fill their ends with cistern cem- ent in putting them together.
Is This Your Mistake? We often see plants in pots suffering severely from dryness at the root, and yet watered every day. You ask how this can be ? Well, when the ball of earth in a pot once happens to get perfectly dry to the center, it takes in water very slowly. At the same time it also shrinks in size, so as to leave a narrow space between the earth and the pot all around. To dash a teacupful of water into the pot every day, may keep the surface — the only portion one sees — wet, and some water may find its way down the sides to show in the saucer below, thus satisfying the eye that it is watered enough, while in fact most of the earth is left about as dry as powder. Remedy; dig into the earth a little, if you find it very dry, set the pot and its contents into a bucket of water for twenty minutes.
Combination Pl.\nts. — Not nearly as much advantage is taken of combinations among plants as they are capable of affording. Last June we noted a plant of the Bladder Senna, Colutea arborescens, and the Amorpha frutescens, which had managed to grow to- gether forming one stock; that both coming into bloom at the same time, one with bronzy purple, the other with orange yellow flowers, had a very pretty effect indeed. So says, Thomas Meehan in the Gardeners' Monthly.
Study Nature. Many a clump of shrubs or trees in wild-places, is fit for a model, to im- itate in embellishing the home yard. When such a clump, that would beautifully adorn your place if it was there, is met, make a sketch of it. gi\-ing outline, and the location of indi\nd- uals approximately, to use as a guide, when planting. With all the attractions of this kind to be met about meadows, hills and swamps, there is really nothing to equal what it is easily in our power to create on our lawns. Tr>' your hand at some handsome groups on the lawn.
Our Second Children. Some one speaks of plants and flowers as our second children, — a not inapt term, surely. .\ few days ago, we heard a lady who had raised a fine young India Rubber Tree say, that if she knew it would be neglected while she was gone on a contemplated visit, she wouldn't go. The lady loves that plant, with a love as for a child. It has grown up from a weak slip into a handsome specimen, by her care, and is still dependent on her for its ver\- existence. One may soon tire of the finest work of art, but never of a plant or flower raised into a thing of beauty by one's own hand.
Mushrooms Edible and Poisonous. The Messrs. Prang & Co. , of Boston, Mass. , are en- titled to the thanks of ever)- .American, for issu- ing in a handy form. Mr. Julius A. Palmer's work on this subject. No countr)- is richer in Fungi than America; the people of no country in the world, perhaps, know so litttle about which of these are food and which poisons as our own. Result, the absolute waste of a vast amount of valuable food. Messrs. Prang & Co's new work affords a remedy. In it are given chromo representations of zS-of the com- monest k'nds. both edible and poisonous, so perfectly that anyone can determine by them, at a glance, the good from the bad. Directions for
using the former are also g^ven. The price of the work, $2.00, could in thousands of instances soon be made up, by the new food supplies it would introduce its owners too.
We think no one will discover much stiff- ness or formality of style about POPULAR Gar- dening. We mean they never shall. Whatever anyone has to write or say or ask concerning gar- dening matters let them out with it, when ad- dressing this paper. Be natural; write your letters just as you would talk to us if we called on you in your parlor, kitchen or garden. Never mind spending time in fixing up a postal card or letter in a " very proper " style. "Tell us about your successes and your failures; items we will be'glad to weave into the warp and woof of the paper. Let us mention one thing about which we are particular: all matter in- tended for the editors, should be written with plain ink. and on one side of the paper only. We cannot explain why here, but in handling much matter this will make a great saving of labor to them in the aggregate.
Society op American Florists. This, the first society of its kind in America, was organized at Cincinnati on August the 12th last, and the dkys following. There were present some 300 florists from all parts of the country. Mr. John Thorpe, of Queens, N. Y., was elected President of the Society. During the three days of the convention, besides the business of organizing, there were read and discussed papers bearing upon leading subjects of interest to florists, including among them such extreme topics as Steam Heating, and Protection against Hailstorms. .\ most de- lightful features was the excursion tendered to the florists by the C. H. & D. railroad to the Soldier's Home Park, at Dayton, Ohio. The new Society is in the hands of efficient and wise officers, and must prove a great benefit to the future flower interests generally, of the countrj'. The florists, who naturally are a home-staying, hard-working set, were much pleased to see what a fine, wide-awake-looking lot of fellows they together make, when in this, their opportunity, they could see each other face to face. The meeting of 1886 will be held at Philadelphia.
The Back Yard. It is often more puzzling to treat the back part of a lot, with good effect, than the street end, be- cause the former is usually surrounded by high fences or buildings that detract from garden effects. A common arrangement by those who care to grow flowers here, is that shown by fig. I. This consists of perhaps a cross line of shrubs at the extreme end, and some flower beds of geometrical outline cut into the grass. Let us suggest the far better style of arrange- ment shown in fig. 2. Here not only are the Fig. I. Plan of Back Yard shrubs kept next to the devoted to Lawn, Shrubs fence, but all the flowers and Flowers. with them, are placed in
a continuous irregular border outside of the lawn, with this latter kept open in its centre. The advantages of this plan are, 1st, that the open central lawn gives character and dignity to that part of the ground, in a degree it is impossible to secure by spreading; out flower beds over the area. 2nd, the flowers and shrubs have a setting of grass in effect, as seen from any point fonvard. 3d, there is grace and naturalness about the latter as against the formality of the former, which is worth much forappearances. Lastly the opportunities for in- trcxlucing more shrubs and flowers, and thus great variety, with the effect that the more of these brought in, the better will the fence be hid, by material in the highest d^ee orna- mental. One portion of this outside border might be devoted to rockwork. The principles here involved are worth careful study by all improvers of home grounds.
<r
POPULAR GARDENING.
October,
Hardy Dutch Bulbs: Plant Now.
What are known as the Dutch bulbs, em- bracing Hyacinths, Tulips, Narcissus and others, must be planted in the fall months if at all. Because people often fail to grasp this fact, the work is neglected at the proper time, only to be repented of, when the blooming season comes around. The culture of the entire list of kinds set forth in the dealer's catalogues, either in the window, conservatory or garden is
GROUP OF SINGLE HYACINTHS.
SO simple, the prices of choice bulbs so low, and the results invariably so satisfactory to growers, that we always feel to recommend their culture. They are a class, that even the inex- perienced succeed with. Several of our adver- tisers this month, offer these bulbs.
Hyacinths are justly very popular. They bloom early, are very sweet, handsome and durable when in flower. We can suggest no flowers that would be finer next February and March in the window, then some dozens of these brought along in pots. For forcing, the single varieties should generally be chosen, a group of which is shown in the accompany- ing engraving. A half dozen fine singles mak- ing a variety of color, would be Argus, dark blue, Grand Vedette, pure white. Norma, deli- cate rose. Priestly, delicate lavender. Queen Victoria Alexandria, bright crimson, Marie, blue. Among doubles that force well, La Virginite, rosy white, Czar Nicholas, pink and Bloksbergen, blue, are favorites with us.
We are not sure, but Tulips are more thought of than Hyacinths. They lack somewhat the ■ long-keeping qualities when in bloom of the former, and perhaps, also, in delicacy of color and fragrance, as compared with them. But on the other hand Tulip bulbs are very cheap, the flowers exceedingly varied and brilliant, and once the bulbs are planted they continue to thrive for years. In forcing Tulips no one ever fails, we believe.
Narcissus or Daffodils, while they have always been favorities, have received more attention from growers in late years than any other one class of Dutch bulbs. As a result, the improve- ment in the flowers and the increase in the number of the varieties has been remarkable. No one ever regrets investing some money, in these fine ornaments of the spring garden.
The Crown Imperial {Fritillaria imperialis) is a grand old plant, which seems to be gaining favor again with planters, as it deserves to do. We wish we could speak well of its odor, but because one might not care to fondle the plant or its flowers on account of their peculiar smell, is no reason why the plant may not occupy a prominent place in the border. Here it is an admirable subject, for the effect its coronets of bright-colored blooms produce.
The smaller hardy bulbs such as Crocus, Snowdrops, Scillas, and the like, are in- dispensable to every good flower garden. The cost of the bulbs is quite insignifi- cant. They thrive year after year with being set once. Any of these also force well in the window.
As for starting bulbs in pots, Hyacinths and those of a similar size, should have a pot 4 or 5 inches across inside for a single bulb, or 7 inches for three bulbs. Smaller kinds may be set proportionately close. The soil should be rich, and made light by the use of sand. Drainage, in the shape of some pot sherds in the bottom of each pot, is essentia?. In planting keep the bulb near the surface with its tip in sight; press the soil firmly. After setting them, our practice is to plunge the pots in coal ashes or soil in a cold frame, shed or cellar, and covering six inches deep with the same material. If it freezes where they stand, no harm, provided straw is used for protection in case of much cold. In about six weeks after starting, they will be fit to bring into heat.
To grow bulbs in glasses, keep the glasses so filled with soft water, that the bulb will just touch it. Set them away in a cool, dark place, but where it does not freeze, for six weeks, when they may be brought into light for top- growth. Any water lost by evaporation or otherwise, must be made up for.
Outdoor bulb culture is a very simple matter. Here they all like a rather rich soil. Plant those of the size of Hyacinths and Narcissus 6 inches deep, and the smaller ones about 4 inches deep. For distance apart, this may be a little closer than the depth in inches, recom- mended. About the ist of December, the beds of bulbs should be covered over with coarse litter or evergreen branches for protection.
Fitness in Floriculture.
Whether one gardens for pleasure or for pro- fit, the fitness of plants or things for any given end must not be lost sight of. Every species and variety in the Vegetable Kingdom is adapted to some particular end, and this it will, under proper conditions, reach and fit better than any other one possibly could do.
Attempts are often made by amateurs to grow such Roses as Marechal Neil, Cornelia Cook or others of a similar class in the window or sum- mer flower beds. Such attempts illustrate what may be called an utter disregard f»r fitness in floriculture. Here the culture of a most valua-
ble class of Roses is undertaken, in a way that in nine cases out of ten, leads to the most com- plete kind of failure, because the conditions of culture are unfitted to the plants.
Take the Marechal Neil, and it is certmnly one of the grandest Roses ever originated. Its fame is world-wide; it is deserving of all that has ever been said for it, regard being had to fitness. The writer knows of a single plant that has yielded 8,806 large, perfect, golden buds in the space of one year. It may be said that there was no month in the twelve in which less than 120 buds were cut. From this num- ber the yield ran as high as 1,800 buds in a sin- gle month.
Now this valuable Rose is both highly es- teemed and extolled, just as it should be. It is offered in the catalogue of every large grower of Roses, and this also as it should be, unless pains are taken by said growers to misrepresent its value for window culture and bedding. We are not aware that this has been done in the catalogues. Indeed, as the result of some pains taken to look into this matter, it must be said that no overdrawn description or improper recommend of the Marechal Neil, has been found in many catalogues examined.
Still thousands of Marechal Neil and similar Roses are bought and tried every year, with about the same number of failures attending. Undoubtedly most of these cases of disregard for fitness arise out of pure ignorance. Knowl- edge is power in gardening, as in anything else.
It shall be within the sphere of Popular Gar- dening, to so diffuse information on gardening matters, that at least its readers, may be on their guard against committing errors of this kind. Such errors are now not only very com- mon, but really prove to be a great drawback to progress in popular gardening.
Trees as Protectors from Lightningr.
For many years the writer has labored to encourage the planting of trees. His main arguments, have been aimed to show, that
A FINE TULIP.
trees directly afford beauty, shade and shelter, besides in a general way soon adding to the value of a place, a hundred fold more than their cost.
In addition to the old arguments, the com- paratively new one, of planting as a safe-guard against lightning can now be added. To be able to rid the summer showers with their flashes of deadly electricity, of all terror, by planting, and also reap every other benefit that
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POPULAR GARDENING.
comes from this, is well worth our considering.
The Electricians of the Old World, are among the latest strong advocates of employing trees as protectors from lightning. Investigation leads them to conclude, that the greatest protec- tion a building can have is to have tall trees near by. The branches are so many points, con- ducting the electricity by the trunk to the ground.
As to what particular trees are the best for this purpose, there is some question, but all agree that tall growers are the most desirable, also that those with erect branches are better than such as have spreading ones. Perhaps all tall grow- ing kinds like Oak, Poplar, Hickory, Horse-chestnut, Elm, Pine or Spruce, are of nearly equal value.
It is an old belief that a Beech tree is never struck by lightning. Instances are on record to show that this tree has been struck, but these are so few, as to lead to the belief that at the most, it rarely attracts the electric bolt. But this being true it is of course against the use of the Beech in the close neighborhood of building, for the trees wanted here as guards, are those that are not obnoxious to lightning, but will attract it and thus keep it away from the buildings.
The place for a tree like the Beech, would rather be in parks, cemeteries, pastures and similar places remote from buildings. Then persons and animals could find comparative safety under them, during sudden thunder storms. The Chestnut is also believed to be repulsive to lightning.
In planting to protect buildings, a distance of fifty feet away would be proper. To have the trees closer there would be danger, in case of a stroke of lightning, that the fluid would follow the ground to the building. A small pond between the tree and the building would render the protection about complete.
sembles somewhat a tall, vigorous Snowdrop, the pure white flowers being tipped with green at the ends of the petals, inside and out. The season of bloom is early summer. The plant somewhat resembles that of the DatTodil, thrives in any soil, and multiplies by the division of the bulb. It forms a pleasing object either in the mi.xed flower border, or in the margin of shrub- beries. Indeed so readily does it succeed, that we are not sure but it would take good care of itself, in the uncultivated wild garden. The only American catalogue in which we find the
A Good, Hardy Plant— The Summer Snowflake.
It shall be the aim of Popular Gardening from month to month, to introduce plants of merit to the attention of its readers. Not only will we attempt to show by descriptions and engraving what they are, and where and how they should be grown, but what is often of more importance to growers, where they may be procured. While this may, as in the present case necessitate the mention of the names of growers or dealers, this will always be done with the utmost impartiality. Let it be under- stood once for always, that this paper is the organ of no concern, but the helper, first of amateurs, and then of all growers and dealers of articles of the garden, whoever they may be.
The Summer Snowflake (Leucojum astivum) is a handsome and graceful plant, bearing flow- ers of the size and form shown in the engraving, on stalks from i foot to lA feet high. It re-
some
advertisers
autumn or the spring. In any case the plants would flower somewhat during the following season.
THE SUMMER SNOWFLAKE.
Tree Pets In China.
No doubt the people in China have as good a right to adopt pets after their own fancy, as other people have. While we have no fancy for curiously dwarfed tree pets that may be fifty years old, and yet not more than a foot high, still we must state a preference even for the taste which produces these, to that shown by some Christians for dwarfed canine pets, cham- eleons and the like. But these dwarfed trees, aside from being marvels in their way, teach a lesson on the adaptability ]of vegetation, worth
noticing. It is wonderful to see minature aged Oaks, Chestnuts, Pines and Cedars, growing in small flower pots. The dwarfing process con- sists in commencing with the young plant, and cutting off its tap root and placing in good soil. Rapid growth is checked by shortening the roots. The leaves grow smaller year by year.
On Choosing Varieties of Fruit. "What shall I plant," is a common and natural question addressed by a great many prospoftive planters, to their gardening papers. It would, in most cases, be better to consult local authorities and learn pre- cisely what kinds succeed best, in any given locality, than to rely upon the judg- ment of men living far away. Local meteorological influences, soil and situa- tion, are such important factors in deciding upon such points, that general advice in this, is compara- tively without great value.
The importance of good selections needs hardly to be urged. It may be said, however, that a dozen trees in kinds exactly adapted to a certain locality, will at any time yield many times better results, than a dozen trees that are ill-suited to the place.
Watch the doings of your neighbors who raise fruit. Be on hand where they sell their products and it may soon become apparent which kinds stand in the highest favor with producers and consumers both, and which command the best prices. Kinds that are conspicuous in such respects, and which are known to be healthy growers and good bearers, are the ones it is safe to decide upon. Don't hesitate to seek an acquaintance with neighboring fruit growers, with a view to consulting them about this matter. Generally you will find these ■ men an open-hearted class, that in a marked degree are unguided by narrow princi- ples, and who will be glad to give you such advice as lies in their power. It is worth while to be at a good deal of pains in deciding on what to plant. Trees once planted are, or ought to become, permanent features of one's possessions. Poor calculations at the start will probably work against the planter's interests for a life time.
Shipping Fruit.
In shipping fruit, mark plainly, including your own name or initials, and take receipts for all packages, from the carriers. Make out com- plete invoice and advice, which send by mail, with duplicates in a marked package. Study to patronize the quickest transportation lines.
POPULAR GARDENING.
October,
S^f.^i
^^To^
-fTOP H C I E S >
Bring Lilies tor a maiden's grave,
Rces to deck the bride. Tulips tor all who love through lite
In brave attire to ride: Bring each tor each, in bower and hall.
But cull the Columbine tor all.
previous to their out-door flowering time. But some years ago Valley Lily blooms began to be seen in the market as early as October and November ot each winter, and still later, in about every month of the twelve This remarkable achievement is to be credited to the skill of Mr. CarlJurgens, of New- port, R. I., who is now widely known as the " Lily ot the Valley man." Mr, Jurgens possesses some secrets by which he seems to rule the habits of this flower, and which not a few florists would give a small fortune to possess. He appears to have a " corner " on supplying the flower to the florists, tor about eight months of the year.
ADDITIONAL FRUIT AND VEGE- TABLE NOTES.
Marigolds are wet weather flowers. The sentiment of Moss is Maternal Love. , Wreaths of natural flowers are beginning to be worn on the hair.
The craze tor Orchids in floral decorations, is even more manifest in Europe than with us.
Funeral designs made ot a single kind of flower
and this not white, are now considered appropriate.
For evening wear, young ladies place one small
tuft of flowers in the hair and another on the
shoulder.
Cut flowers will keep longer for changing the water daily, and at the same time snipping back the stem ends a little .
A St. Louis florist boasts of having the finest photograph album of floral designs in the country. Will the Chicago florists see about this?
Baskets and Vases of Birch bark are now in vogue as flower holders. This material is very elegant while partaking of a rustic nature.
One year with another the taste tor " large bud " roses increases. The old favorite Satrano, has al- most been crowded out of some cut flower shops.
For a light, graceful and inexpensive bouquet for the table or mantle, nothing can be flner than Car- nations with long stems, set in their own foliage. A narrow vase is the most suitable holder.
When all other trades are retrenching, the flor- ists seem to be biulding up as much glass as ever. It is a healthy indication of the deep-seated love tor flowers, when people forego necessaries that they may enjoy these luxuries.
With the increasing use of long stem flowers along with their own leaves, the demand for Smilax is said to be falling off in a measure. Well, tor such good reasons let it. Every flower is more beautiful for being supported by its own foliage.
The growth of the cut flower and plant trade in America during the last twenty years is one ot the wonders ot the ninteenth century. No doubt, tor every commercial greenhouse establishment that existed twenty years ago, we now have not less than twelve, and many ot these are ten times larger than the average one ot the previous time referred to. Mr. John Thorpe, in his address recently, before the Convention of American Florists at Cincinnati, put the number of florists in America to-day at no less than 8,000. Allowing 4,000 feet of glass-covered surface to each florist, would give a totalof 3.200,000 square feet or 730 acres of glass. This would be equivalent to six farms of 120 acres each, covered over with glass for growing plants and flowers, for the American people. The num- ber ot private establishments devoted to a similar use, would swell these figures largely.
In packing flowers to send by mail or express, the inexperienced often make the mistake of plac- ing them so loosely in the box, as to cause them to shake about to their damage. The best way of packing is to place some springy material like crumpled leaves, hemlock twngs or even cotton in the bottom ot the box first, covering this with water-proof paper, on which to place the flowers. Lay the firmer kinds, like unopened Rose-buds, Carnations and the like in first, and finish with the more fragile ones If a tubular flower like the Calla is to be sent, place a bit of cotton in its throat to prevent crushing. Finish off at the top with paper and of the other material used in the bottom. The contents as finished may stand out above the box somewhat, so that with closing the cover, a gentle pressure will prevail throughout the mass. In packing, most kinds of flowers should be sprinkled hghtly, but Carnations, never. The Lily of the Valley is naturally a spring-bloom
!)0t9.nic^l0)^d^et
Stems, when green, perform the ofllce ot leaves. The Sweet Potato is a root the Common Potato a tuber.
The University of Nebraska has established a Botanic garden .
To THE Botanist every plant possesses some points of interest.
The bark, leaves and cones ot the Alder have value tor tanning.
The late George Bentham bequeathed £1000 to the Linnaean Botanical Society.
The Herbarium of Cornell University has been estimated to be worth $1000, by evidence given in a recent wiU suit.
A SMUT on cultivated Violets, named Uroctjstis VioUe, has appeared in France, and is proving very destructive.
Birches have a wide range throughout the northern hemisphere. Some stunted shrubs are found north up to the limit of perpetual snow.
It is more logical to say that a plant multiplies than that it divides by branching. A vegetable may thus be looked upon, not as an individual but as a collective being, or as an aggregation ot individuals nourished in common like the zoophytes of a coral.— La Maout.
Make Frequent Excursions to the fields and forests, while pursuing your botanical studies, it you would find them full ot interest. A closet botanist never yet made attainments that were worth much. Text books are valuable aids, but the book of nature should be the main reliance.
Cement for Mounting Plants.— Mr J. H. Oyster, ot Paola, Kansas, says, that the best cement he has ever used for specimens is made by dissolving crude India rubber in bisulphide of carbon, of any desired quantity to make the proper consistency. This is a strong cement always ready for use, and adapted to many purposes.
A GOOD SIGN tor the future of botany as a study in America, is found in the fact that now it is looked upon as a branch necessary to a fair education. As an interest in this study increases, a field also opens up for private instructors in botany. We caU to mind the case ot one woman who has such a class ot seventy students.
The PEOPLE ARE MANY, who would be glad to de- vote more attention to the study ot botany, were increased encouragement given to them in the shape ot books, written by scientific men in non- technical language, to meet a popular want. With this demand well supplied, there would follow such a hungering tor more knowledge on this subject as would soon lead many a non-scientific reader to become a scientific student.
The Memory of Linn.eus, the great Swedish Botanist, is not in danger of soon dying out in his native land. Recently there was unveiled in the j Humlegarden Park of Stockholm, amid much ! ceremony, an imposing statue to the great natural- ist. Its central figure represents him at sixty, meditating over a bunch of flowers. Four allegorical female figures, representing botany, zoology, medicine and mineralogy respectively surround the main one.
"Agassiz Bulletin," is the name ot a 4-page monthly published in this city, from the State Normal School, and^ devoted to natural sciences. Its contents are of an attractive character, as well ing plant! and one tha't tew others can equal for i to the ordinary reader as to trained naturalists, charming qualities. It is to many people's minds Although a small paper, it is all " meat," no adver- the ideal flower tor bride's bouquets. The tore- tiseraents being inserted. The August number ing of the flowers out of their natural sea- 1 contains an excellent article on " The Enemies of son, has long been practised with success so ; Our Shade Trees," by Prof. D. S. Kellicot. Fifty far as concerns a period of three or tour months i cents a year is the paper's price.
yi
Clear op after the crops. Let Beets grow until sharp frosts. Tod cannot raise fine berries on poor land. Don't let manure come against the roots at planting time.
There is little use ot trying to make raisins from our native grapes; its not in the blood.
Some of our readers may not know that the
Black Raspberries are much hardier than the Beds.
A lady recently stated at a horticultural meeting
that she planted Raspberries forty five years ago
that are bearing good crops yet.
A GOOD DEAL ot difference exists between red cabbage heads. Give us our choice for pickling and we take those that are plump, dry, solid.
Until it is tried, few growers have any idea of ■what can be done in working up a home market for fruit, and vegetables. It's a reliable one.
A Mrs. Mitchell, ot Oxford, Ohio, says the best Grape trellis she knows of is a tree. On this the fruit never mildews or rots. The best specimens are at the top.
Where rust prevents success with Blackberries, it is said that to sow red clover among the bushes after they are well established, and allowing the clover after each mowing to remain as a mulch, the disease will be prevented . This is easily tried. _
The Pear is, for family use, a more reliable fruit on an average, than the Apple. It's crops are more certain, and come earlier in considerable quantity. No tree takes care ot itself so well. This has been our experience; we believe it is a universal one.
Salsify or Vegetable Oyster. This delicious and healthful vege- table is not found so often as it should be in American gardens. Why this is so, it is difficult to con- cieve, for it is grown with the greatest ease. The same treat- ment that will suit the Parsnip suits this plant also. But it may be said that where any person fails with either ot these winter vegetables, it must be because either the ground is not rich or deep enough, or else the plants are too much crowded during the time of growth. Directions tor planting Salisfy will be given in Popular Gardening early next year. Here we wish to say that the roots may be wintered in the ground where they grow, the same as Parsnips. But a portion ot the crop should be lifted before the ground freezes hard, or kept in pits or in the cellar, to be used from during the winter.
The bush small fruits, includ- ing Currents, Goosberries, and Raspberries, do not object to some shade. A good place tor them is in a row against the garden fence. Here with a light rail in front of the plants, and the fence behind them, the branches, whether of prickly kinds or not, are kept well out of one's way. By setting a six inch wide board on the ground under the rail, and filling in the space back of it with leaves every tall, the trouble of cultivating the plants will be about done away with. This is what we call a simplified course of culture.
Cultivating Orchards. Evidence accumulates to show that orchards in grass are more productive than those kept cultivated, provided there is no lack ot fertility along with the grass culture sys- tem. No continued good results can be expected from the orchard without manuring, whatever the plan of management is. October is a good month to top-dress the grass-clothed orchard with manure. Let this be done every year.
If AN Asparagus bed is wanted to supply the family, we can hardly recommend the plan of a friend, who, in his first attempts at gardening, bought a paper of the seed along with Radish and Lettuce seed.and sowed them.expecting Asparagus tor the table in a month or two. It takes several years to grow this root to a productive size from seed. As strong nursery grown roots two years old, can be bought tor about two cents apiece, I what's the use of bothering.
SALSIFY.
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POPULAR GARDENING.
A PUZZLING FLOWER.
All my young friends no doubt enjoy puzzles, especially when they command the answer end. One plant which grows near my climbing place, is as good a puzzle to the eye, as any met in the books. It is a Wild Violet with blue oder-
Mr. TreecKmber Introduces Himself.
To the young readers of PopUL.vu Garden- ing I present myself as the man who lives in the tree tops, that is, some of the time. From this, do not make out that I am some odd individual who cannot live as other folks live, but must climb and climb like a squirrel, in or- der to be contented. It is true that in my boy- hood days, I had a great passion for treeclimb- ing ; my love of trees, the strange scenes to be met in their tops, and their products often leading me up into them. I think it was the ones that held mellow apples, luscious cherries or sweet nuts that attracted me the oftenest. Now my climbing is of a kind, that better be- comes legs and arras, which have lost much of the gripping power for tree trunks which they once possessed.
I will explain. In a grove to the rear of the house in which I live, is a large Walnut tree, with dark furrowed bark and a spreading head. At about eighteen feet from the ground, in this tree, is an arrangement of branches, which years ago suggested to me the idea of laying a floor upon them. To have a sitting place, a real arbor up in the Walnut, w'as a thought not to be put aside and it was soon built. The floor which is ten by thirteen feet in size, is enclosed by a railing three feet high, for safety. To reach the platform, a winding stairway was built connecting it with the ground. This also had a side rail to make ascending and descend- ing easier. With such a delightful bower in mid-air, I think you can easily understand how it is that I am a somewhat noted tree-climber, here where I am known.
During warm weather, every day finds me for some hours, in my "perch" in the tree top. Here I read, write and enjoy the rare pleasures of the spot. I often have visitor tree-climbers, too, — you may be sure this is a place that pleases the boys and girls to visit; they are always welcome. The birds also come near, for they have learned that the occupants of this " nest " are their friends.
There is another reason why my young friends like this place besides the novelty of its situation. It is because I am always ready to tell them about what I see, and have seen in the beautiful book which Nature holds open to our gaze. They say that I see so many inter- esting things which their eyes miss entirely. So I loan them the use of my eyes, as it were, and show how they may employ their own to better advantage.
Now in my tree perch, or in my study I can never expect to receive more than a small number of visitors. But the publishers of Popular Gardening, have very kindly asked me to invite their thousands of young readers to my quarters, through their handsome paper, which I gladly do. So in the space they allow me to occupy each month, I will talk of flow- ers, botany and other matters relating to natural history. I hope by this means, to interest you in many of the beautiful and curious things which surround us in this world of ours, and which, having eyes we should cultivate them to see. Timothy Treeclimbkr.
Puzzling Violet Flowers.
less flowers, a drawing of one of which I here show. These, like all violets, blossom early in the spring, but they seldom give seed.
A month or two after the spring blooms are gone, many large seed-pods like the one shown at c, strangely appear on the plants. These could not come from the spring flowers, for it is too long since. More than that, the seed-pods keep increasing in numbers steadily until fall ; each good sized plant yielding hundreds of these all full of white seeds. Where do the pods and seeds come from is the puzzle? for we know that true seeds — and these are true seeds — can only be the outgrowth of flowers, that have organs of reproduction. For my summer visitors, young and old, during the last season, I here had a standing puzzle, and rarely was it made out.
But this puzzle like all others is easy enough when you know it. Here is the answer: This Violet, in common with some other, has the re- markable quality of yielding, aside from their showy flowers of spring, others that are so small they can only be seen by very sharp look- ing. Figure b shows such a one drawn to life- size. These minute flowers never open, the process of fertilization taking place within the closed parts. On this account botanists call them by the rather long name of Cleistogamous flowers. While there is no sign of a flower about them to the eye, careful dissection and the use of a magnifying glass, reveals the stamens and pistils clearly.
What looks very strange is, that the flowers, as at a which one would natuially look to for seed, rarely produce it, while these tiny ones like figure b, completely hidden by the sepals, yield large plump seeds that grow freely when planted. Why all this is so, unless to puzzle us, and lead us to examine things closely, is more than can be told to his young friends by Treecli.mber.
Dull In Childhood, Not Always Dull.
We heard a business man who had recently employed a new boy, for choring about his store, say, " He is not as bright as the boy I had before him, but he will make a smarter man. He is slow, but sure. " A bright child is apt to rely too much upon his or her ability to comprehend any matter easily, and thus loses the benefit of the close application, which is a necessity to a dull child. But this training of the dull child, to labor hard for whatever is
acquired, often enables him to outstrip his brighter companion, in the long run.
Sir Isaac Newton was known as a dunce in his early school (lays. One day, the "bright boy'" of the school gave him a kick wliich caused him severe pain. Tlie insult stung young Newton to the quick, and he resolved to make himself felt and respected by improved scholarship. He applied himself resolutely to study, and ere long stood in bis cla.ss above the boy who had kicked him, and ultimately became the first scholar in the school.
Oliver Goldsndth was the butt of ridicule at school for his duliness His relatives, teachers and schoolmates ail told him that he wa-s a fool, which verdict he did not dispute, but took good-humor- edly. And yet by close applir>ation, he made up for his youthful dullness ana became famous.
.\dam Clark, the great connueiitator on the Bible, was pronounced by his father to be a *' grievous dunce."
Sir Walter Scott was a dull boy, and even at college went by the name of " The Great Block- head." But he wasted no lime on trifles, and pursuing a course of study that he loved, was per- severing and methodical. His knowledge increased, until it lay hke a great volume in his mind. When he began to make use of that knowledge, society gave him another name, "The Great Magician."
A Provoking Parrot.
The remarkable power parrots have of imitating human speech, gives them an inter- est possessed by few others, of the lower creatures. While in a measure they are docile and affectionate, often they are capricious and prove very annoying, by bad behavior when good deportment would much better become them. The following incident shows, that a talking parrot is not to be trusted too far in good company.
" Children's Day " was observed in a church at Rexford Flats. New York, recently, and the room was decorated for the occasion . There were not only Howers on the walls, but canaries sang from their little gilt cages, hanging here and there among the evergreens. One lady, not having a canarj-. brought her only pet bird, a parrot, which she thought would add to the looks of the room. The parrot behaved very well for a few hours, and was an object of interest to the boys and girls, who crowded round the cage. Later the parrot fell from grace, and became very naughty indeed. When a little boy mounted the stage to speak a piece, the parrot began to mock him. much to the annoyance of the lad, and amusement of the con- gregation. Finally the parrot screeched out, ■'Hey. j'ou little rascal!" which cau.sed the boy to go crying to his seat, and threw the audience into an uproar. The offending bird was taken out of church in deep disgrace.
Not Clear.
The feats of modern engineers, and the inven- tions of modern thinkers as shown in railroads and their equipments, look strange enough to those who are unfamiliar with them. So it was with the man who opposed Stephenson, when he first set forth his wonderful invention.
" Suppose that when a train is going at the rate of ten miles an hour, a cow should get on the track, wouldn't that be very embarrassing?"
'■ Aye," returned Stephenson " very embar- rassing— for the cow."
At the time of the building of the Cincinnati Central Railroad, the civil engineer found some difficulty in tunneling a mountain on the bank of the Cumberland River. That river is now spanned by a fine bridge leading to the tunnel, but there was? then no sign of the structure.
One morning a Tenuesse "corn cracker" rowed across the river and engaged in conversation with the engineer.
" Yon seem to be scatterin' dirt and gravel round here pretty peart."
" Well, yes; we're getting through the hill quite lively."
" Who's payio' for all this fuss?"
" The city of Cincinnati."
" Well, it must cost a heap of money. What's it fur, anyhow?"
The engineer explained that he was engaged in building a tunnel, and further that it was cheaper to bore a hole through the mountain for the cars to run in than to level it. or make a " cut " down the grade.
The native took it all in, and then queried, —
"So the steam-kyars is goin' to come right through this tunnel away north?"
"Yes, that's just it "
" Well, major, that's askin' too much for a man to believe," said the cracker, " that every time that ere iron boss of yourn jumps across the river, he's goin 'to strike this little hole right squar' an' far. No, sir; I can't swaller it."
10
POPULAR GARDENING.
October,
Said Mr. Baldwin Apple
To Mrs. Bartlett Pear;
" You're growing very plump, madame,
Aiid also very fair.
And there is Mrs. Clingstone Peach,
So mellowed by the heat.
Upon my word she really looks
Quite good enough to eat."
And before the month was ended,
The fruits that looked so fair
Had vanished from among the leaves.
And the trees were stripped and bare.
CAGE BIRDS, PET ANIMALS, ETC.
Feeding Parrots.
Although in a wild state Parrots thrive on the simple diet of grain and water, in captivity something more delicate is also desirable for them. Caging, with lack of exercise, alters the constitution and digestive powers. Canary seed should be the main article of food. Hemp- seed tends to impair digestion if fed freely, but a teaspoonful once a week mixed with the Can- ary seed is beneficial. A little dry bread and all the raw fruit they will consume, is proper enough. Celery is a treat now and then. All foods such as meat, cake, biscuit or milk, that contain the slightest amount of grease, salt or pepper, must never be fed. Hot foods and soups are also bad; the feeding of such may prevent the return of feathers after moulting. Keep everything about the cage very clean, and avoid draughts of air upon the bird.
Ring Doves.
The common complaint that these are quar- relsome, is not heard where the birds are prop- erly paired off. Whenever there are several hens and one male, the former will quarrel, break their eggs, and otherwise behave as if possessed.
Ring Doves unlike many cage birds, are adapted to be kept in a plant conservatory. They thrive best on a feed of small grains such as millet, hemp and wheat. Green food does not appear necessary to them, but they will sometimes eat of it. Plenty of clean water for drinking and bathing, are among the essentials in their management. When properly paired, Ring Doves breed with readiness.
The list of suitable kinds is not small . For ordinary sized tanks we would suggest Cape Pond Weed, {Aponogeton (//j-^air/y';«), Eel Grass, {Vallisneria spiralis,) Arrow Head, {Sagittaria naians or lanceolata) and Small Duck Meat, (Lemna minor). All but the first one named, are natives, familiar to nearly every botanist, and can be gathered where they grow. When this is impracticable, they can usually be had, together with the Cape Pond Weed, of dealers in aquaria.
About Training Birds, Dogs, Etc.
For training it will be found that to select from breeds known to possess readiness in learning, will be a great gain. Sufficient train- ing may make an inferior bird, dog or other animal tolerably good, but the time wasted upon such a one would train two or three good ones. A good trainer soon discovers an animal's capacity for learning, and it is a waste of time to train a stupid one if another one can be had.
Because any boy or girl might not succeed in training an animal quickly, it does not follow that the same animal in the hands of a profes- sional trainer, would not show capacity in that direction. Usually it is the better way for the ! inexperienced to buy a well-trained pet, and after becoming familiar with its ways and attainments, it would be a far easier matter to take in hand another one for training.
The Fish Tank.
Failures with goldfish and other species would be less common, if the necessity of grow- ing plants in the tanks was understood. Plants give the air to the water which the fish require.
The Shetland breed of ponies are natives of Great Britian. When imported they possess a rough and shaggy appearance, which is lost in a measure after the second generation is reached in this country. They grow a little larger here than at home, but only to render them so much more valuable.
Minks submit to domestication readily if they are taken when young. They breed readily, and command high prices to those who raise them .
poultry.
Partridge-Cochin Fowls.
The Cochin breed of fowls was introduced into England about the year 1847, and soon after into this country. To this event is to be attributed what will long be known as the " poultiy mania," when as high as $500 was repeatedly paid for a single cock. If no other good had come out of introducing this breed, than the stimulus it gave to improving all breeds
PAIR OF PARTRIDGE-COCHINS.
of fowls, then their introduction would have been one of great importance.
The Cochin breed proper, embraces four principle sub-varieties, the white, black, buff and partridge. All of these are favorites, but the white and bufl are perhaps the best known. The Patridge-Cochins are much admired both for their beauty and their productions. In the hens the neck hackles are bright gold, striped with black, the rest of the body being light brown, pencilled with a very dark shade of the same color. The hackles and saddle of the Partridge-Cochin cock are a bright red, striped with black; wings and back are a dark red, the former crossed with a bar of metallic green- black; breast and under parts black.
The principle merits claimed by breeders of these fowls is hardiness, tameness, rapid growth when young, excellence as winter layers, and ability to do well in limited quarters.
It is true that with all these good qualities there are also defects. The flesh is inferior, though very fair when eaten young, and the meat of the leg is more tender than is usually
the case with other breeds. The hen, while an excellent layer, is sometimes troublesome from her desire to sit unduly; but on this account she is valuable where the raising of many chickens is an object. On the whole, the breed is a family rather than a market fowl.
Fowls for the Table and for Eggs.
The breed best suited to the wants of the average poultry keeper, is one that combines both the quality of laying well and affording good flesh when killed. The fowls should also be of good form so as to present a fine appearance on the table.
The too common practice of breeders, in having more regard to plumage, comb and other fancy points, than to size, quality ol flesh, and laying capacity, is entitled to severe cen- sure. Even our old favorite, the Plymouth Rock has not escaped the present absurd regu- lations as to color of plumage, size and carriage of tail laid down by judges.
As combining both of the good qualities first referred to the Plymouth Rocks and the Hou- dons stand prominently. The flesh of both possesses firmness and delicacy, while they are of good size and handsome shape. Let breeders not carry their so-called improvments to such an extent, as to give us impairment in these quali- ties of great importance.
A judicious cross may be productive of cap- ital table fowls. One that can be recommended is the Game crossed with the Brahma. Here is secured^the delicate flavor of the former with the size of the latter. Turn a Game cock two years old in with half a dozen large dark Brahma hens and a satisfactory result will be certain. Hatch the chickens of such a cross in March, and with proper care and feeding, they will suit the cook in three or four months.
Another good cross is the Houdon cock with Brahma hens.
Preparing for Winter.
BY L. P. RAINSPUK.
October is none too early to put the poultry house in order for winter. It would be strange if there were not some cracked and broken lights in the windows, if so the latter should be replaced, while the same is usually true of the former if they are cracked way across. .Short cracks or small corners broken out, can be repaired by the help of putty.
If the heat of summer has opened cracks in the boards by warping, they should now be stopped up or battened. For adding warmth to the house, old newspapers or building paper tacked over the inside surface, with liberal laps, will do wonders. The newspapers can be had almost for nothing, or perhaps enough could be saved up in the house to answer the purpose; building paper costs about i}( cents a square foot by the roll, in either case the slight expense attending this kind of papering, will soon be made up by the increased productions of the fowls. Where the paper is lapped, light strips of wood, or tacks with leather heads, which anyone can cut and put on, will, if used, make a better job of work. To promote cleanliness and freedom from vermin, the paper after it is on, should receive a coat of lime whitewash. It may be added that tarred paper affords an excellent winter lining for poultry houses, and in itself possesses the advantage of being re- pulsive to all insects,
i8S5.
POPULAR GARDENING.
1 1
It ought to be needless to say that south and west windows give the best light for poultry quarters, and yet I sometimes see houses in which this fact seems to have been lost sight of. Horizontal windows are belter for diffus- ing light over the house, than those running up and down. These should be set so as to admit a good deal of light upon the roosts.
The providing of lime must not be neglected; usually there is no trouble to get a hold of some old plaster or brick mortar where house repairing is going on. Oyster shells from the restau- rants, burned in the stove or in brush heaps are excellent. Bones broken to the size of peas, will be eaten with avidity by hens that are lay- ing; they are a necessity, place them in broad shallow boxes in a place convenient for the hens to get at. Attention to such points as I have referred to, or their neglect make a great i difference in the results, in poultry keeping.
The Breeds for the Farmer.
Improved fowls they should be, of course, but let it be remembered, that such are only better than common ones, with having better care also, and then they are far more satisfac- tory.
One of the first requisites for keeping im- proved breeds of poultry, is a warm house in the winter. With this provided, we would place the Silver Gray Dorkings among the best breeds for the farmer, especially where roaming can be allowed. They are fine table fowls, and lay well until seven or eight years old, are handsome, and good setters and mothers.
With a warm hen-house in winter, the White- faced Black Spanish are the most profitable where eggs are the chief object. They lay very large white eggs in great numbers. An objection to them is, that they are subject to loose feathering in the summer, a trouble that may in a measure be averted, by giving fresh meat regularly and not over feeding with corn.
Care During the Moulting Period.
In all birds the feathers are periodically cast off and renewed, a process which takes place with fowls during the period from August until cold weather of each year, varying with kinds and ages. During this time the tax upon the system, in making a new growth of feath- ers, is a great one, and this should be aided by special care for a spell. On this subject we re- produce an article from that excellent periodi- cal, the American Poultry youriial, which will be of service to our readers :
The treatment should be especially kind, at this critical period. The sexes should be sepa- rated and kept in different yards by themselves, especially the larger varieties. Let the feed be light, nutritious, and not especially fattening.
Wheat, oats, bone-meal, cracked corn and plenty of green food with fresh water once or twice daily, will keep them in good thrift and bring them out in fine shape to begin laying early in the winter.
A few drops daily of Tincture of Iron, mixed with either their food or drink, will assist in di- gestion and strengthening the system.
Some varieties have more difficulty in moult- ing than others do, taking longer time, which of course is more exhaustive on the system. Among these are the non-setters, and it is late in the fall before they get their new growth of feathers.
It may be said, that this is one reason why the non-setters do not lay better during the winter, they do not fully recover from the effects of moulting until cold weather comes. It is then hard to get them in good laying con- dition, while the larger breeds of the Asiatic class are heavily feathered, and are belter pre- pared for the cold weather, hence are considered the best layers in a northern climate.
During the moulting period super-abundant animal matter, which during the spring and early summer went into eggs is now used in the production of new feathers. It is for this reason that the fowls seldom ever lay during moulting.
Good kind treatment not only benefits the health of the fowl, but also shortens their moulting season and leaves them in excellent condition for the winter.
CONDENSED POULTRY NOTES.
Fowls dislike sloppy food.
You can't clean the coops too often.
Whitewash the roof also, on the inside.
A half-starved hen won't lay many eggs.
Petroleum ointment is a specific for vermin.
Ungalvanized iron vessels are the best for water.
Surface water is as unfit for hens, as for persons.
An egg in the winter is worth two in the summer.
Fowls and vermin caunot both thrive at the same time.
Divide the skimmed milk between the swine and the hens.
Don't keep confined fowls, if you cannot tend them well.
Young Pullets should be the main reiianee for winter eggs.
If sickness in fowls does not yield earlj' to treat- ment, the axe is the best cure.
Both buyers and sellers suffer injustice from reckoning eggs by count. Will this sign of Amer- ican backwardness ever be removed ?
A correspondent says he sows a patch of rye for his poultry every fall, for early greens in the spring. Has sown as late as November and got a good stand.
The end of money making at poultry keeping, is often defeated by building a large house, to start in with. Small houses and more of them, is a better course.
In building a hen house study 1st, comfort, light, and ventilation; 2d, convenience; .3d, roominess; and lastly, economy with all, where profit is the main consideration.
We have known fowls to hold off from eating large sunflower seeds, as if from fear. Crush a few first, in such cases, and they will soon take kindly to whole ones, no matter how large.
A ton or more of turkeys are too valuable to leave out nights now. Feed at night-fall, enticing them into the house, have a good lock on the door, and then make it your own business to see that it is locked every night .
C. Whitcher of Holland, N. Y., the other day found a hen's egg contained within another egg. both shells being perfect. The inside egg was com- mon size, the outside one being very large and having quite a thin shell.
"Can't they sit down" asked Uttle Freddie, on his first visit to the farm, from his city home, last summer, after he had been watching the busy movements of thi! " chicky birds" for some time. Tired, he thought, because always on their feet.
The average cur of the country is useless, Iience to feed him is a waste. The average flock of poul- try is very useful and ought to be very profitable, but too often is not, because of scant feeding. Shoot the useless dog, and turn his food in for the chickens.
It you are looking for a profit in the chicken house this winter, make up your mind from the first to feed meat regularly. Scraps from butcher- ing or the same bought of butchers, is an inex- pensive article, that can be turned into expensive eggs to those who buy.
Shade in the summer in the hen yard is of great benefit. A good bush for this purpose is the Cur- rant. It will thrive in any out of the way place;
does not require much room, and the hens like to hide under its branches. The fruit is also accept- able and seems to do them good. We mention this now because now is a good time to get the bushes. Stand a line of laths around each to keep the hens off of the freshly handled earth.
There are farmers who neglect their poultry, but who would not think of neglecting their horses or other live stpck. Properly managed, and there is no more profitable source of returns on the farm for the outlay, than through the poultry yard. Of- ten those who insist that poultry don't pay. are the ones who should restrict themselves to saying that poultry won't pay for poor management or for money thrown away in needlessly elaborate build- ings.—Loi'is.
Turkey fattening should soon progress rapidly for early sales. In mild, early autumn weather, these birds lay on fat rapidly with good feeding. At first they need to be fed only at night; they should go to their roosts every night with full crops. This will not prevent their morning excursions. Turkeys prefer corn to any other food ; it should be ground, mixed with water and fed warm. The addition of mashing boiled potatoes,will help their relish for it. As insects drop off, flesh and scraps should be increased. For the last six weeks of his life he should be plied with com.
A PotiLTRv Fabm —There is a poultry farm of 8,000 Plymouth Rocks at Lancaster, Mass. Mr. Hawkins, its owner, calculates to have about 8,000 fowls every fall, and carries over a,.'')00 laying hens through the winter. His farm contains 85 acres, and his poultry buildings occupy an acre and a half. These comprise six or seven sheds 200 feet in length. Each shed is divided into apartments of 12 by 20 feet, and about 2.5 bens are kept in each division. A yard is made in front of each apart- ment, Mr. H. believes that if confined poultry have their wants attended to, they will do as well as if allowed free range. He bases this belief upon several actual tests. In hatching time he sets 200 hens on one day, and puts 500 eggs in an incubator which is due to hatch on the same day, the chick- ens from which will be distributed among the 200 hens. His sales of fowls and eggs for hatching at fancy prices are large, about 90 per cent, being profit. He also has a standing order for sixty to ninety dozens of eggs daily, for which he gets the highest market price. Mr Hawkins began, at the age of 21, with 100 hens, and by careful manage- ment and economy, his business has enlarged so that, at the age of 29. he has a very handsome in- come. The poultry manure is quite an item; he sold last year 500 l»arrels, at $1.50 per barrel.
NOTES FOR BEE KEEPERS.
Bees usually do well in cities.
An eastern slope for an apiary site.
Use the smoker and you won't get stung.
Honey from sugar is of an inferior quality.
Flower-raising— a natural adjunct to bee-keep- ing.
A queen from Palestine was received some time ago by mail, by a Pennsylvania bee keeper.
Women find apiary work, quite as suitable tor themselves, as it is for men. Equal rights here for the sexes .
Before fretting long about what market to take your honey to, try the home market. Put your product up in an attractive shape, offer it at the neighboring stores for a reasonably paying price, and you'll find customers enough, we'll warrant.
The bee men at the fairs, who attract crowds by handling hives of bees as by a charm, are looked upon as a wonderful set The good temper of the bees is largely accounted for by their being from home, and being kept overfed, conditions always lending to make them tame.
Those who enjoy flowers and gardening, usually find it easy enough to get interested in bees, and by taking the step, derive pleasure, profit and plenty of table sweets, even if engaging in it in only a small way. Popular nAKr>ENi.\o will offer a good deal of assistance in this line, during the year.
Bear in nitnil that the common Catnip is one of the most valuable plants for bees. The flowers are rich in honey, and for several months commencing with .Tune of each year, yield it freely at all hours and in every kind of weatlier. A patch may easily be raised from the seed, sown the latter part of summer or early in the spring.
12
POPULAR GARDENING.
October,
"^e Household
About Our Beds.
On an average we spend more than one-third of Hfe in our beds; let us study the comfort and healthfulness of these more. The best bed of all is the woven wire mattress.in which comfort is chiefly secured by the peculiar construction of the web, without the intervention of any body of elastic material, which must tend to prevent the circulation of air upwards through the bed. In the summer a single blanket over j the wire makes it a cool and easy couch ; while as the season advances, additions are required only to correspond with the colder atmosphere.
Ne.\t to a wire mattress a husk or straw tick is the best, either one being preferable to hair. Of the two first named, the husk bed is the favorite usually. Husks are very com- fortable, it the tick is not filled so full as to ren- der it hard — a common fault. Before putting in the husks, split them with a fork for making a softer bed. It is well to prepare these before using, by soaking them in water; drying after- wards on sheets spread in the sun. A slit should be formed in the top of every husk bed for daily stirring up the contents; fasten with buttons. By washing and scalding husks every other summer, they will last for years. Feather beds are now recognized to be a nuisance. Bed- ding should be kept very clean, it is our night clothes. Woolen blankets are the healthiest covering, and much better than quilts. The latter tend to confine the exhalations of the body, the former to release them, an important point. To convince yourself of the difference between the two as to this, place one and then the other over a kettle of hot water, and notice how the steam goes up through the wool but not through the other. To wash a quilt properly you have first to loosen up the pressed cotton in it; a woolen blanket can, with very slight labor, be washed and dried in a few hours time.
cause we have underrated the taste of Americans for flower culture and kindred matters. We do not believe we have. Will you support our ef- fort to place the best matter on these subjects before the public at the lowest possible price, by becoming one of the first 50,000 subscribers?
Tea-Drinking Delusions.
Tea having been in use asadrinkforages,it is not strange that some delusions should be asso- ciated with its use. It does not possess all the virtues popularly ascribed to it, while in a pure state — to say nothing of very harmful adulter- ations that are common — it holds some object- ionable properties. Tea contains a quantity of tannin, as is shown when a drop is allowed to remain on a steel knife, by its leaving a black spot. The presence of tannin in the stomach after one has eaten fresh meat, tends to interfere with digestion. As to the value of tea for food, wrong ideas prevail. Dr. Wilson of London, England, has the following on this point:
Tea is a stimulant. It is not a food in itself; and those who spend money upon tea. in the delusion that they are purchasing a food, really illustrate a practice which is comparable to that ot the man who swallows whiskey or brandy under a like de- lu.sion. The only persons who can really afford to take tea, are those who have plenty of true food to eat. The sooner the common delusion regarding the place of tea as a food is exploded, the better will it be for the national health at large. Tea- drinking, as ordinarily practiced, is really at the bottom of as much illness, and of as many cases of disordered digestion, as alcohol; and this for the reason that, though probably not so rapidly injuri- ous in its action, the habit of drinking tea at all hours is more widely practiced than alcoholic im- bibition.
Brieflets.
The less spice, the better health. A feverish patient cannot take cold. Employment is the true remedy for troubles. Brighten the house with plants in every favor- able window.
Chew thoroughly; you cannot have the good ot food, without.
Cocaine the new pain reliever, affords instant relief in bad burns or scalds.
With the first chilly nights, get around the extra flannels, for old and young. Were this practice common, you would hear less of "this is the worst season to take cold."
Many families never use arrowroot. It must be from ignorance ef its value. The article gives rich- ness to sauces, rendering less butter necessary, than when flour is used for thickening.
Lemon jelly is delicious. Grate the rind and take the juice; add one cup sugar and three eggs for each lemon; beat together thoroughly, boil, setting the vessel in water on the stove.
For a layer cake, this receipt can bg perfectly rehed upon:— One cup sugar; one-half cup butter, one and a half cups flour; whites of three eggs; one half cup sweet milk ; two teaspoonf uls of baking powder. Makes three layers.
Don't place any reliance on steady warm whether after this date, and you may save a bad cold or intermittent fever. In our uncertain climate , the stoves and fire-places should now be in order, for starting up heat on short orders.
Sidney Smith made it a rule of his life to cause each day to be a happy one for some fellow crea- ture, as a result of a special act of his. He said " if you send one person, only one, happily through each day, that is three hundred and sixty-five in the course of a year; and suppose you live forty years only after you commence thatcourseof med- icine, you have made 14,600 beings happy— at all events, for a time."
This is Orra Raymond's receipt for frying oysters in batter "as we get them at hotels"— Put the oysters in a colander to drain off. Then roll each oyster in cracker dust and dip in beaten eggs seasoneb with salt and pepper, next into the cracker dust again. Have ready a kettle of good hot lard, the same as for doughnuts. Drop in each oyster thus prepared, and when a light brown, they are done. Put on a platter on which a napkin or cloth has been spread to saturate what grease will cling to the oysters.
Teach your girls the value of exercise in the air and sunlight; they will naturally take to this, unless their minds have become preverted by the notion that life in the parlor with fancy work in the hands, is more " lady like." Nothing will be more helpful in such a direction, than to encourage them in light gardening. Let them have plenty of plants and flowers to look after, both indoors and out. Aid them all you can to become interested in botany and perhaps entomology, insisting that they keep up the study of these when out of school. The ex- ercise such a course will incite, will preserve the bloom on the cheeks, and add strength and enjoy- ment to their lives. Besides an abundance ot air there should be wholesome food, regularity ot diet, and healthful modes of dress, for securing healthy bodies and happy minds.
Of covjrse you, reader, will subscribe for Popular Gardening. Fifty thousand sub- scribers is the figure down for this paper to reach within a year. If we don't get them it is be-
Notes on Dress and Home Art.
Stripes are in great favor.
Large hats; small bonnets.
Long veils are fashionable-
The Polonaise is to be revived .
Sashes of all sorts are very popular.
Silver jewelry is worn more every day.
Screens are always in season for one use or another.
Lace jackets with silk lining are coming in fashion.
Imitation stained glass papers are not to be re- commended.
Trimmings placed on one side only, are now a prominent feature.
"Bunchy " side draperies for dresses have passed entirely out of style.
Pale pink, cream and gray receive honers about equally in popular favor,
Knots,ot everything tied around the neck, should be located just back of the left ear.
Velvet belts from the side seams forward, are fastened in front by buckles of hammered silver.
In mounting a deers antlers never decorate them,
they are handsomer in their own natural beauty.
For traveling dresses the darker shades ot green
and blue, lead color and russet brown are much
represented.
Jenny June says, English girls carry tight lacing to a much greater degree of absurdity than fash- ionable American girls do.
A new fabric ot woolen for mourning wear, is called crepe imperial. It looks very much like crepe, but surpasses it in durability.
Some of the new velvet jackets are crossed in front, the parts being fastened by a single jeweled button of gold, at the waist.
Chair tidies look well indeed, but they are voted a nuisance by the average man. Let there be one or two comfortable chairs without them.
The sensible jersey is still retained for home wear in demi-toilette. It is a useful garment to go with black silk skirts that are somewhat worn.
The shaggy fabrics, the rougher the better, are to be fashionable for day wear this fall; for evening dress elegance must be the prevailing mark
Ruchings tor neck and sleeve finishings, continue to be very popular, notwithstanding the prediction of their going out of style ; those with edge lines ot gilt and tinsel are worn, also the pretty ruchings of crepe lisse.
Plomb, or lead, is a leading color in millinery at this time. For tall bonnets, combinations ot red with bronze and moss green are to be in favor. Fancy stuff's of two or three kinds are to be used tor dress bonnets.
Madras muslin bed spreads are very pretty. They should pass up over the bolster. In fashionable houses pillow shams are not used. For pillows.only the small soft ones used for sleeping on are used, and these should be kept out of sight during the day.
Madras curtains costing in the large towns from about forty cents a yard and upwards, are inexpen- sive and yet attractive. These however, as do most kinds of cheap curtaining fade somewhat when ex- posed to the full light, but are quite lasting when hung in windows with blinds or shades.
A wooden screen, oak framed and enclosing frieze panels of wood, on which are painted two symbol- ical figures.are quaint and charming in appearance. The figures may be those of "Luna" and "Aurora" the former reclining on the curve of a cresent moon, and this drawn along the evening sky by a procession of bats; the latter shown wafted in clouds with a back ground ot the rising sun.
For an inexpensive but neat table cover for a common room choose a square of cretonne with very small figures, and ot not too bright colors; tor a border put a band of linen around it— dark drab linen; fringe this out quite deep; where the row ot linen joins the cretonne, on the seam put a fine feather stitching and on the corners also. Dust does not show on this spread, and can be easily shaken from it.
The leaves ot the Virginia creeper, when they are turning red and bronze in autumn, are a favorite subject for painting. In speaking ot the paints which should be used tor the purpose. The Art Interchange has the following:
Use for the red leaves, madder lake, vermilion, light red, white, raw umber and a little ivory black. In the shadows, use burnt sienna, Indian red, raw umber, ivory black, and whatever white is needed. For the high lights, use white, vermilliou, madder lake, yellow ochre and ivory black. The bronze- green leaves are painted with terre verte, burnt sienna, white, yellow ochre and ivory black. For those having a richer, deeper tone ot green, add Antwerp blue, cadmium, and madder lake to the terre verte and other colors already given. To paint the purple berries, use permanent blue, light red, white, ivory black for the general tone. In shading use permanent blue, madder lake, raw umber, ivory black and burnt sienna. In the high Ughts, use permanent blue, madder lake, white 1 yellow ochre and ivory black.
i885.
POPULAR GARDENING.
Amateur gardeners a»fi botanists often hare an exeesn of some kinds nf Seeds, Plants, Specimens, etc., while in tratit of others. This department is designed to bi-ing about free ejcehanges in such eases among our renders.
In The Exehange maybe given the names of tehut can be spared in any case, and what is wanted in return, also the address. Noprice figures admitted. Any offer that may appear objectionable to the publishers, they reserve the right not to admit, A'o responsibility leill be assumed for any results connected with The Exehange. Those using the column should correspond with each other, with a viejo to a dtjinite understanding, b^ore sending articles
1. -Seeds of the pretty little Maiden Pink (Dian- thus deltoides,} the Scarlet Lychnis and of the showy-leaved Bupthalmum cordifolium. will be given for Seeds of pretty Wild Fknversof the ex- treme Western States Address before November 1st. Mrs. A. M. Sweitzer, Pines, Mich.
2 —Will exchange six of the finest i/arrf|/ Phloxes of a large collection, for same number of named Gladiohis. of extra quality. Miss Esther Summy, corner 14th and Connecticut Streets, Buffalo. N. Y.
3.— Have saved seed of some beautiful hardy Double Maroon Pinks, also Delphinium form osum which will exchange for choice plants for Rock Work, Carrie E. Baker, CG Ashland avenue, Buffalo, N. Y,
Pr tljepriner
Push the fattening.
Clean the open ditches.
Oil the harness twice a year.
Grass is nature's remedy for sick animals.
The drouth in England recently, must help the price of grain.
To breed swine for best results, raise only one litter of pigs in a year, from each sow.
Reduce the fencing ; one and one third billions of dollars is the estimate of the cost of farm fences in this country.
Put it down as a rule, that manure lying in the yards a year, will in one way or another deteriorate one fourth in value.
The corn crop in Missouri, according to Cole- man's Rural World promises to be about one-sixth below the average of five years past.
Grass, as well as any other crop, is much more valuable for being grown upon drained land, in- stead of such as is frequently loaded with water.
Those who have facihtles for growing German carp fish, can procure a stock by writing to Prof. S. F. Beard. Fish Commissioner. Washington, D.C.
A Mitchell county, Kansas, report says, wheat and rye are short crops, say fifteen to twenty bushels to the acre. Spring wheat and oats are good, in fact were never better.
Denmark butter makers reckon on wheat, bran, oats and rape cake as first-class butter foods; barley as second-class food; while peas, rye and linseed cake are placed as low as third class.
Repeated croppings of leguminous crops may so exhaust the soil, as to render it what is called **clover" or "bean sick.'' ^his condition may be remedied by the growth of other crops for several years.
Clean fence rows, add 50 per cent to the appear- ance of any farm, as compared with one which has its fence corners crowded with weeds, briers and tangled grass. It's a good time now to start im- provements here. If the chance exists on your place, try it.
A little forethought displayed when erecting a com crib to have it mounted on posts several feet above the ground, and these capped on the top with inverted metal pans, will save enough grain from rats and mice each year to pay for the im- provement.
Rye may still be sown for pasture; it should oftener be relied upon for early spring grazing as well as for seeding. If lambs are late in the spring nothing will help them along toward market faster than an abundance of early pasture. Rye will fit in capitally for this.
It rests a horse greatly to be relieved of his har- ness during the noon hour. A hurried rubbing over the surface of the body with a wisp of straw before putting the harness back will be grateful to the horse. Practice these little acts of kindness, they bring comfort and strength to the animal and peace to your own mind, as his keeper.
Marks of Character In Horses.
A great width between and prominence of the eyes indicates a teachable and tractable horse. Width between the ears indicates courage, noble- ness and strength of character. Roundness and elevation between the eyes indicate mildness of disposition, and desire to be caressed and to re- ciprocate kindness, but never trust one that shows much white above the pupil of the eye. or with white in that organ.
Sore Shoulders.
Always be on guard against these on your horses- See that the collars are kept clean, and if they have become hard, beat them limber before making your horses work in them. Wash the sweat off from the shoulders after a hard day's work. If there is an inclination to soreness in any spot, relieve it by cushioning around this spot. Were such means more practiced, this faithful beast would be sub- jected to far less cruel suffering than he is now forced to endure by brutal owners. Many a balky horse became so through being worked with a sore neck. Be merciful to the faithful horse.
Accidents on the Farm.
A life insurance man has informed the writer, that more deaths and accidents come from the kicks of animals than from any other one cause. Every year the number of accoimts of death and injury to farmers from all kinds of farm machin- ery is surprisingly great. These facts indicate that it is part of the farmer's duty to cultivate carefulness in himself, his children and help, at all times. Great risks are often run by boys and others in climbing up on vehicles over the wheels or while these are in motion. Only lately a lad in Connecticut while attempting to jump into a wagon which was moving rapidly, ran his leg between the spokes of the wheel, and had it twisted off just below the knee, soun caused his death. Be more careful boys.
Loss in Stacking Hay.
Not much argument is needed to see that barn stored hay is worth far more than that which is taken from the stack. We think that an estimate of the loss of one quarter in stacking is not wide from the mark. There is a Iofs from moulding at the bottom of the stack, for the old rails, boards or straw placed at the bottom of the stack can not wholly prevent it. Then the whole area of the ex- ternal surface, which numbers many square feet, is weather beaten to some depth, causing the less of much of its sweetness and nutrition, while it is not improbable that impairment of the quality may extend through the whole stack. Why then follow a practice that entails so great a waste. If one's hay that goes into stacks is worth $500. ac- cording to the estimate made, such a man pays $125 a year for the privilege of stacking. But if besides this, the hay is fed at the stack, the loss above alluded to, is but a small part of the entire loss. It costs no less than an increase of one-third in the feed, if animals are fed and kept in the open. These are strong arguments for more barn room.
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It has the lai-pest corps of practical Breeders as editors and correspondents, of any Journal of its class in the World. Vol. 17 l>egina Januaiy, 18*6,
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How to Pack Butter to Keep.
The question was asked in a recent number of the Farm Journal, "The best way to pack down butter to keep till next winter " It was answered by a Lancaster Co., Pa., correspondent as follows: I will give my plan, which has proved to be a good one with me: Make good, firm butter, and work the bntter-milk well out of it, then put into a stone jar, a few pounds at a time, and press down well with a wooden potato-masher, beingcaref ul to leave no room for air to get in around the edge of the jar; leave two or three inches of space at the top of the jar, then lay a thick piece of muslin close over the butter, then All in fine salt enough to fill the jar full, then tie paper closely and cover on top with a slate or wooden cover, and keep in a dry, cool place.
I put some up in this way last August and Sep tember and used it last spring, and it was ealen by good butter judges about the last of May, and pro- nounced as good as fresh butter. I never wash butter, but try to keep it as clear of water as possi- ble, and do not like even any pickle about it.
Grind y®""" "*" ^»"«'
WIIIIU >i^.,,_ Oyster Shell.,
. Oyste IQR.VIIAM Flour iind C'ura
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A Paper for Hard Times.
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To Receivers of Specimen Copies.
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IIF ITGTJ
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IV
POPULAR GARDENING.
October,
WINTER AND SPRING FLOWERING
BULBS.
Jf2/«ci»(/Kv, finest named, double or single, all colors, tor Glasses or Pots, $3.50 per doz. Good quality tor Bedding, $1. 50 per doz. Tulijis from 60 to 75 cents per doz Crocus, $3 50 per hun- dred. Glasses tor Hyacinths $2 per doz , 20 cents each. Flower Heeds tor greenhouse or conservatory. Catalogues tree. Miniature earthen vases for growing Italian seed, 15 and 20 cents, with seed, and by mail 30 cents.
ORANGE W. CLARK, Seedman, 59 Seneca Street, BUFFALO, N. Y.
BULBS
For Fall Planting. For Winter Blooming
FLOWKRS
For Gifts and Various Uses.
Thomas Young, Jr.
U/t?ole5ale plori5t,
No. 11 West 27th Street.
-n^E"vsr iroi?/K:.-
CHOICE ROSES A SPECIALTT.
Send for Catalogue, which is furnished free, and mention Popular Gardening.
HARRY CHAAPEL
Williamsport, Pa.
IJIiu/T) J^ar^i88i,
Better known as the Bermuda Easter Lily, the best in the world for forcing for Winter flowers. We are
HEADQUARTERS FOR THIS LILY
and supply them at wholesale and retail in this country and in Europe. All strong, field-grown Bulbs, from our own grounds in Bermuda.
We also make a specialty of the magnificent, hardy
JAPAN, OR BOSTON IVY,
Ampelopsis Veitchii, and furnish strong plants. Address for Prices, etc. ,
F. R. HIERSON & CO.,
Florists & Seedsmen, TARRYTOWN, N. Y.
V3lUGH:lN'S
BULB LIST
Is Ready. Illustrated.
Address J. C. VA UGH AN,
42 La Salle Street,
CHICAGO.
B!sta.TDi±si>.ecL i7eB.
HARDY PLANTS
AND
IB TJ Xu B S
We make a Specialty of the above articles and | have to offer for Fall planting an extra fine stock ' of well-grown, thrifty 1
PLANTS AND BITLBS.
If you wish to ornament your grounds with plants which do not require to be renewed every , season, and that increase in size and beauty every year, send for our large Catalogues, containing ! full directions for growing all
HARDY HERBACEOUS PLANTS. A. H. HEWS & CO.,
Sent by mail to all applicants enclosing a stamp.
\Xir\f\\ or"\M JP /^r^ Manufacturers of Hand and Machine M.-jde
Lock Drawer E. PASSAIC, N. J. f^l^v*i»y^«. F^y^^/^
Orchid Pots in Great Variety.
Grass-Growing Vases in Various Shapes and Sizes.
Illustrated Catalogue free on application.
Address,
North Cambridge, - Mass.
CARNATION PINKS,
WHITE VIOLETS, ROSES. Etc..
For Winter Flowering. Catalogue free,
BANNOCKBURN GREENHOUSES,
ROCHESTER. N. Y.
s
EED WHEA
Karniers. send your address for particular _ .jt new varieties of Wheat. We have Wheat I that alwavs yields five to ten bushels ni . _ — per acre than Fultz. and will make % oi a. — _ crop when Fultz or Clawson entirely winter kills. We don I claim each of a dozen kinds to lie the best. We kn..w which are the best and sell you such. BE SURE to slc .u, cata- logue for reliable information bcf.>re I'li' iin: y-ur '-"-ft''- in- troducers of and headauarlers for tnn/ Martin AmDer
Wheat. J. A. EVERITT & CO., Seedsmen,
Watsontown, pa., or Indianapolis, Ind.
A. BLANC,
314 N. nth street, Philadel- phia. I
Engraver for Florists. '
Seedsmen and Nurserymen.
10,000
Electros for sale cheap.
Large hook free, to those
sending their catalogue.
Mankato Clay Works,
T MANUFACTURERS OF
Fire BM& Clay Drali Tile
DEALERS IN
VITRIFIED SEWER PIPE,
Retail and Wholesale, MANKATO, - MINN.
Keep a good stock constaotly on hand .
GARDENING FOR PLEASURE
Includes fruit, vegetable, and flower-gardening, greenhouses and window-gardening. By Peter Henderson. 2,50 pages. Price Sl'iO by Mail Pre- paid. Address Ransoh, Long & Co., Buffalo, N. Y.
PANSY
Grand collection of all the most elegant and distinct varieties of Pansies, including the latest novelties. Strictly First-class Seed only. Descriptive circular mailed free on application.
ALBERT BENZ, Pansy Specialist,
Douglaston, Queens Co., N. Y.
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Subscriptions for the following Publications, will be received at this office, in connection with Popu- lar Gardeni.n'G, at the low rates named.
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DERMADOR
Owes its origin to the discovery of Homer Anderson, A. M,, late professor of Chemis- try, in the Clinton Institute, of Oneida County, N. Y. In experimenting for the purpose of making Prussia Acid, a residuum was left, which, on being applied to bruises and inflamed parts, by the students of the Institute, was found to possess the remark- able property of cooling down and carrying off the inflammation and soreness at once, and restoring the parts to health without pain or irritation.
ITS CHARACTER.
Dermador is uot a heating Liniment, but acts by its peculiar chemical qualities in dis- solving and scattering any soreness and inflammation of injured parts. By a free application, the surface soon becomes cool and moist, and is reared to natural health without suppuration or destruction. Alike suitable for Jlan and Beast.
DOCTORS USE IT.
Dr. C. W. Noble, Barton, N. T., says: "I have used Dermador in my practice with good success; and am now using it in some cases of Chronic Affections, in which I think it is likely to perform some remarkable cures."
Dr. G. W. P. Wheeler. Garrattsville, N. Y., says: "I have tried Dermador, in ex- treme cases of inflammation, with entire satis- faction. It is a valuable compound.
Dr. William Bassett, of Morris, N. Y. , said: " I tried it with the happiest effects, and must say, as an external application for local Inflammations, Bruises, Cuts, Burns, etc. , it far surpasses any other remedy offered to the public."
Dr. J. C. Wycofl, Otselic, N. Y., said:
" For Bruises, Lacerated Wounds, Sore
Eye, and acute local inflammations, I know
of nothing which is equal to the 'Dermador."
Sold by all Druggists.
POPULAR GARDENING
FOR TOWN AND COUNTRY.
■'ACCUSE NOT NATURE, SHE HATH DONE HER PART; DO THOU IH'T 7'//7.VK."-MrLTON.
Vol. 1.
IiTO"VE3S^nBEia, 1885.
No 2.
The Crab Apples.
Both as Drnaiueiital aud fruit-beariuj;- tieus the Cral) Apples, possess vaUie; wliy they are not more planted, must be because of their merits uot being well enough known.
The true Crabs, of which the Siberians are the type, are, as the name indicates, natives of Siberia, which fact, accounts for their sujierior hardiness among fruit trees. Num- erous sorts have sprung from the originals, hut among the.se all, the latter continues to occupy a high place.
The chief merits of the Crab Apples, may be summed u]i as e m b racing gi'eat hardiness, beauty of habit, foliage and flowers, and their value for fruit-bearing. Considered merely as ornamental trees, their culture has been much neglected; no other apple pro- duces such a quantity of beautiful flowers as the Crab, — the trees being smothered with bloom in its season. Planted as single specimens on small lawns, or in numbers, as an ojien group on a large [irea, and any of the varieties wo\ild afford satis- faction.
Although dwarf in stature, the Crabs grow freely and flower and fruit consideralily, in about three years. Later on they bear profusely, — the writer remembers once count- ing 127 apples on a branch thirty inches in length. The fruit is valuable for making into preserves or jellies.
Of the various Crab Apples, the Transcendent variety shown in the engraving, is one of the largest and most useful, very handsome, bein.s;- golden yellow, with a crimson cheek in the sun. This variety is valued as a table fruit in some sections. The Large, Yellow Siberian Crab and the Red Siberian Crab are still among the most u.se- ful kinds of this interesting class. Trees, of these and others, are procurable fnmi the leading nurserymen. They transplant read- ily in the fall months. It may be mentioned that there is a Double-flowering Crab Apple, which is s|iecially recommended as a lawn tree, on account of its fine flowers, but tliis sort pos.sesses no value for fruit.
leafing to late-leafing kinds, then — otlier things Ijeing equal, so for this season, those kinds with attractive foliage, be it in green or the rich autunm tints, are preferred to kinds that early become bare. Indeed the choosing and arrang- ing of these, with a view to fine autinuu effects, after the last flowei-s are past, and the season's desolation has set in, has always been a favor- ite study with me, in managing mj- collection. -■Vmong a large collection here, I find the fol- lowing are now attractive in leaf, the colors
The fruit is
Garden Notes from Lyndale.
BY A. H. E.
Niii-ciiihi-r ■'>. The diflfereuee in the leaf -fall- ing time of ibfferent trees and shrabs, is even gi-eater than is the difference of their time in coming out, in the spring. As I prefer early-
TRANSCENDENT CRAB APPLE.
varying somewhat. Conspicious among those of a good green now, ai'e the Ash, Cork Maple, Purple Fringe in part. Birches, Sycamore Ma- ple, Norway Maple, European Linden, Balsam Poplar, Weeping Beech, Rosemar^'-Ieaved Wil- low, Lilacs, Japan Quince, Forsjthia, Privet, Vibui'num Opulus, Weigela, Berberry, Rough- leaved Viburnum, Snowtjerry, Corchorus, Ce- lasti-us, and some others.
Kinds that show a good deal of yellow, are the Cut^leaved Bu-cb, Balsam Poplar, Mulberry, some Elms, some Lindens, Tulip Tree, White Fringe, Fortune's Spira?a and so on.
Of kinds that are now brilliant with crimson, orange and other rich tints ai-e the Red Oak, Liquid Amber, Bird Cherry, Sumachs, Sa.ssa- fraji, Ko:-lreuteria, Thorns, Native Viburnums, Red-barked Dogwood, Plimi-leaved Spu-aea,some Purple Fringe, Flowering Currants, Blackber- ries and Virginia Creeper.
* * *■
Noceiiibi-r 7. Of all the months, flowers are the scarcest, I think, in NovemlK?r. But while .so many others fail now, the Chrysanthenuim— the Glory of the Autunm— never fails.
I should have said it never fails with I'e'-eiv- ing tolerably fair treatment. Quite hardy as the plants are, there is no use to eoiuit on How- e!"s in the open gi-ound, unless the buds and blooms receive some shelter from untoward autumn weather.
Several years ago I had a fine lot of Chrys- anthemums in a border against the grapery, that flowered IjeautifuUy with being eovere<l with sash, dui'ing bad weather from October 1st on. For my main supply of flowers I count on i)lants growing in jKits in the conservatory or window, these having mostly been lifted from the border a month or more ago. With having them inside I can get the good of them any day or hour, which is not always the case when they are outside, even If under sashes.
* * * Some Pearl Tuberoses in the
conservatory keep company in their blooming, with the early > Chrysanthemums. These are
from a select lot of bulbs, that were kept dry and cool through the spi'ing and up to August 1st, before starting. Then they were put into light rich soil in six-inch pots, a bulb in each jjot, aud kept in a frame until eai'ly in October. The Tuberose is a plant that requires heat, sun aud air liljerallj- to, produce good bloom ; without these now, the buds would lie likely to blast before a flower develops, causing the loss of much trouble.
* * * IVoiviiibi'r 12. A large Wild
Grape Vine, climbing over a
Maple tree, in the wooil near
by, is full of interest to the
children of the neighborhood
just now. It is of the species
kno«Ti as the Frost Grape,
Vifis vofdifolin. Before the
recent frosts, the .small black
fruit was " soiu' grapes" indeed; the youngsters.
who have access to better fruit, would by no
means touch it. But lij' this time the autumn
frosts have so improved the flavor of these
grapes, that now they are.for novelty,uot whoUj'
unpalatable.
The Ix^auty of this old Grape Vine, which neaily covei-s its supporting tree forty feet in height, and the sweetness of its flowers in sum- mer, leads me to s-jx'ak in praise of the (rraiK", as an ornamental climber. For this purpose, the free-gi-owing, clean-leaved wild sorts, or neai- relatives in cultivatit>n. are the most suit- able. Among kmds advertise<l in the cata- logues, none is more ornamental in foliage, or more vigorous than "Taylor " or "Taylor's Bullet." As it has larger leaves than the wild sorts, to which it is neai-ly related, it may well be placed at the head of the list for this pur- pose. The fruit is inferior.
Planted to cover a trt»e, arbor or verandah, gi-apes of this cla.ss, I think, are always satis- fai'tory. In fact, for ilensity of shade, U-auty of the foliage and grace, few ifany othei- hardy
H
POPULAR GARDENING.
November,
climbing shnibs tail excel them. There is a neatness and richness in their appearance, which rendei's them in keeping with the trim- mest of gardens.
* * *
November 2o. One constantly heai-sniuch of the growing of specimen plants in the window or greenhouse. I am a lover of specimen shrubs or trees on the lawn, and feel more proud of these perhaps, than I do of my specimen plants in pots and boxes. They possess the quality of pemianeuc>- in a gi'eater degi'ee.
To gi'ow such well, only requires that they have a well-prepared and suitable s<^il, an abun- dance of room for development, and no injus- tice done them in pnining and other aft^r cai-e.
A list of handsome specimen shrubs that have gi'own up quickly on our gi'ounds, as the result of good treatment, embraces Lilacs, Weigela,Deutzia gi*acilis,Forsythia viridissima, Double-flowering Plum, Spiraeas. Japan Quince and Euonjinus.
THE HOUSE PLANTS.
From now until after the winter solstice near De- cember's end, when the days again begin to length- en, we are in the dull season of window gardening. Both sunlight and heat, those important elements to plant life now recede. The former, we have no means of augmenting by art, the latter can be pro- vided for, in fair degree.
Along with the lessened sun power, is apt to come much cloudy weather, so that were it not for what was gained in the past, in stored up plant strength, to help now. and then the hope of the future, the task of plant growing would be discouraging. But if there was no lack of attention (hiring summer, to have all plants strong and healthy, these sustaining conditions will serve now to make our windows not only not desolate, but they may show some bloom.
Cactuses. Keej) quite, but not wholly dry; in moderate light, if full light is not to spare. Much heat is not needed. See Epiphyllum.
Gallas. Encourage growth by free watering, and ample light. The soil should be rich.
Camellias like a temperature of 50° to ^6" now. Water moderately: keep the foliage clean by fre- quently sponging it.
Carnations should be showing bloom : water mod- erately, keep staked, but don"t crowd the leaves into bunehes when tying up.
Cinerarias need coolness, and ample pots always.
Cleanliness about the plant stand, in the way of picking off dead leaves, wilted flowers and the like, as soon as any appear, and then in brushing over the surface where the pots stands daily, helps ap- pearances much.
Cuttings struck last month and earUer. should now be in small, clean pots.
Deutzia and other shnibs may. for early bloom- ing, now lie brought into moderate heat.
Dutch Bulbs may yet be started in pots and glasses. See (_)ctober number.
Epiphyllum. Enconrage early bloom, by giving a light, warm place; moderate watering, until growth starts, then more. The soil must be light, open, and well drained.
Ferneries or plant cases should now be under way. Plants with attractive leaves, and especially Ferns and Lycopuds should be ehietly relied upon. Most bulbous tlowei-s do well in these however. Plants with fiiiit like the Ardisia or the hardy Partridge or Squaw berr}- Mitchelht repens, of the woods are very useful. After plantmg, air daily, by tilting up the cover, water with extreme caution, as there is great danger of overdoing this part.
Geraniums kept from bloom last summer, will now be full of fl^owers. Over-watering is injm-ious. For fine specimens as seen from the room, turn the plants often: to be finest as seen from the street. never turn them.
Heat. A night temperature ranging from 4.5* to tK)* suits the average collection. Do not thnik that high heat can make up for dark days; ifs the other way, in cloudy weather there should be less heat, than in sunny weather.
Hydrangeas should now be at rest, by keeping the soil all hut dust diy. Alight cellar is the best place for them through the wint-er.
Insects increase less rapidly at this season than at most othei-s. but they increase. Head off future trouble from these, by clearing off every one seen.
Ivy. See that no scale insects are on the leaves or stents, to remove which, use an old tooth bnish and soapsuds, cleansing later with clear water.
Japan Astilbe. a cut of which is given below, as well as the other hardy plants mentioned in this department of the October nundjer. may still be lifted for forcing. The roots shouhl be quite closely crammed into the pots.
Lemon. Treat like Oranges.
Oleanders. Treat like Hydrangeas.
Oranges. Water less freely than in summer. If sickly, lack of drainage most likely is the cause, in which case repot providing plenty of clean drain- age. For scale treat as for Ivj'.
Ozalis. To encourage bloom, keep in a light, warm place and water moderately.
Primroses. Future well doing, depends on good care now. Keep near glass: water moderately.
Roses. Monthlies that were lifted, shoiUd remain in a pit or other cool place this month out at least. Those smnmered in pots, may be urged on for bloom. Tliey need a warm, light place, and fre- quent leaf -sponging. Mildew must be killed, by dust- i ig flowers of sulphur on the leaves wdien wet.
Sponging off the leaves frequently, is one of the secrets of successfid plant culture. It must take tlie place of syringing as practised in hot houses, a thing that is done here evei'y day. Accumulated dust on the leaves is destructive to plant life.
Stocks. Treat like Primroses.
Verbenas that were stuck last month, .should have the tip pinched out to induce branching. Small pots, a cool, light, airy place and no stint of water suit them.
Water plants that are strongly in flower, more than those that are not; such as are making httle growth less than those gi'owing more.
LAWN AND FLOWER GARDEN.
Christmas Rose, HfUeboms nider. This remark- able plant, which blooms in the winter if the season is mild, svicceeds well with the slight protection of a cold-frame. Plants lifted, and taken to the win- dow or the plant house flower well in either place.
tection over the roots in the fall, to prevent alteniate thawing and freezing during winter. In places ex- posed to winds, there is no better cover than ever- green boughs; if hay or similar material is used, some boards or brush should be thrown on this, to keei> it from being scattered about by the wind.
Lawns showing slight irivgidarity of surface, may easily be evened up now. by spreading some fine eaith intothe depressions; next spring the grass will spring up through this.
Leaves. These are valuable to use for mulching,
[ protection, compost, etc.. and a good lot should be
gathered now. For the foraier uses, they make a
light and effective coat. When used as a mulch, do
not remove in the spring but spade under.
Pansy plants are hardy, but suffer from alternate freezing and thawing: cover after the first bard freeze, with a light coat of bay or leaves.
JAPAN ASTILBE.
Chrysanthemums gi'owing outside must be staked. If shelteretl liy sash, or in l)ad weather bj' matting, they will Idooin much finer for it.
Daises. Treat as for Pansies.
Drains, (.'lean these generally and see that the outlets are clear. New ones, when needed, should be put down this fall in i)reference to spring, then to badly delay other work.
Dutch Bulb planting, while the earlier done the better, need not cease, so long as the ground remains unfrozen. About the end of the month, cover over the bed with coarse litter or evergreen boughs, for protection.
Evergreen Shrubs, including Mahonia, Box and Rhododendrons, suffer less from cold than from sun and wind in the winter; they should be protected somewhat. Place Evergreen boughs, say one or two onthesouthsideof each shrub, the butt ends thrust i ito the earth to steady the boughs.
Forget-me-nots. Treat as for Pansies.
Hardy Plants growing in beds and rockeries, suc- ceed better year by year, if they receive some pro-
B
wMMmmwm
TRENCHING ILLUSTRATED*
Summer Flower Beds. Dig over before winter, tmiiing in some manure at the same time. Heavy land, that is to remain unoccupied until spring, should be left rough without breaking the clods; the effects of rain and frost will reduce these to powder by spring.
Tree Planting. For trees and plants of undoub- ted hardiness, there are some advantages and no great I'isks in fall planting. Some kinds like Larch. Birch and Beech it is always best to plant in the fall. With Evergreens it is different; plant only in the spring or just after midsummer. After several hard frosts, the earlier that fall planting can then be done, the better: if leaves remain, strip them off. Stake securely in windy places: mound up as illustrated under Fruit (iarden and Orchard last month. Never plant a tree or shrub deei>er than the collar.
Trenching is a suitable operation for this season; it should lie practised wherever gardening is done, especially on a small scale. For large areas subsoil plowing often takes its place. Trenching consists in working over not only the surface earth of fertile nature to its full depth, but also the comparatively poor subsoil beneath, to at least a spade's depth. How this is done the cut will help to show. First the surface soil at A, say 4 feet wide and running across the bed or plat is thrown entirely out ex- posing subsoil D. This is then worked over with the spade its entire length, intermixing some manure at the same time. Now the soil of space B is thrown into the vacant space A, exposing subsoil at E. This is treated the same as D w^as, and so on across the piece, returning the first soil thrown out, into the vacancy that occurs at the end.
PLANT CULTURE UNDER GLASS.
Achimenes. Keep in about .50° of beat, with the earth dry during winter.
Airing as to time and amount, must depend upon the weather and the kinds of plants. There will be warm spells yet when the ventilators over most plants, may be kept open fi*om morning until night, and perhaps some into the night. When it is chilly and windy outside much less air should be let in. At such times, open the ventilators only so much, that the draft will be felt but about three feet from the opening. This for the generality of kinds, but Carnations, Violets and others that dis- like heat, may have more upon them. In chilly or windy weather lift the sashes on the side of the bouse away from the wind.
Amaryllis should now be at rest. The evergreen sorts must not get so dry that the leaves will shrivel; deciduous kinds may get quite dry.
Bouvardia. This plant blooms as well when bedded as ua pots and with less trouble. If grown in .5.5° of beat, the form and color will be better than in a higher temperature. Stake in such a manner that the air and light can reach the soil.
Boronias. See that they are free from mildew and given-rty.
Caladiums. Treat like Achimenes.
Camellias. Give full sunshine from now until early spring. Syringe twice a week, air freely in fine weather. .50° to .55° at night, affords the best temperature during the blooming season.
Carnations need plenty of air even in cold weath- er. A slight touch of fi'ost, while it does them no good, would hiu't them less than continuous close confinement and dampness.
Cyclamens. The early plants should have for blooming 45° to.5U° of heat at night, with some more in the day. To retard plants for later bloom, keep them in a temperature of not above 45°
1885.
POPULAR GARDENING.
Eclieverias to be raised from seed, slioiild have this sown now fur next year's beddmg phmts. Euphorbia. Treat as for Poiusettias.
Gardenias with advanced buds should be kept at im^ ni^rhl. and later plants somewhat cooler, water carefully but with moderation. If the i>ots of I>lants about to bloom are full of roots, sprinkle a little br>ne dust on the surface of the soil. Gloxinias. Treat like Achimenes.
Hyacinths, for early bloom, may come into heat as soon as the ball of earth is well marked by roots.
Lig'Ilt is very imi)(.irtant at this season; if the glass is clouded with summer whitening or other substance, clean it.
Lilies of the Japan spec ies. for forcing, should Ije potted early in the month: keep in cold pit for some weeks before Ijringing into heat.
Lily of the Valley uiay >>e brought in for forcing into early bloom, towards the eud of the month.
Mignonette for spring bloom should be sown.
Orchids. At this season may be seen the ad- vanta^'e of ( >rchid houses, with divisions for those requiring different treatment. In absence of this, any kinds in a growing state might be moved into the hot-house or forcing pit. so as to allow of the cooling down of the house containing the main col- lection, for securing complete rest. In this state they should be comparatively cool and dry; 50° by night and (iiP by day will suit. Fumigate the houses for thrip and fty.
Pansies. Directions for Violets will suit.
Poinsettias for earlj- should now have brisk heat, with tlie lu'Uvls all but touching the glass.
Roses. Climbing Noisette Roses under glass need to have their shoots cut back to four eyes afttr each crop of tli>wers. The Marechal Neil needs the same treatment, but this should have been applied when the summer flowering season was over.
Tulips. Treat as for Hyacinths.
Violets keep near the glass, air very freely day and niglit, provided upwards of 4()° of heat can be maintained. Kept too close and warm there | will be no Howere. Trim off runnei-s and dead leaves.
FRUIT GARDEN AND ORCHARD.
Blackberries- Trim out the old wood now, to save time in tlie spring.
Clear off "id rubbish, prunings, etc,, and' bum. Loose material lying about will afford a harbor for insects, many of which but for this would freeze.
Cutting's of Grape Vines, Currants, Gooseberries and Quinces, can now be made and buried on a dry knoll \mtil spring, when they will grow more readily then if cutting is deferred until that time.
Fruit Cellars. Keep weU ventilated in fine weather. The utmost regard to cleanliness, and the prevention of decaying substances in the apart- ments, should receive attention.
Grapes. To pre.serve fresh, a cool, diy room or cellar is needed. Keep the temperature within a few degrees of 3H if possible: here they will keep readily for months, with little trouble. Pack in boxes, in Iayei*s, the bunches close together, with heavy paper between the layere. Before this, they must be freed of moisture by exposure to the air. An excellent way to keep large handsome speci- mens, is hy passing the stem through a perforated cork into a liottle of water and .sealing with wax.
Grape Vines. Throughout the north the best winter treatment for these is to prune soon after leaf-falling; then lay down the remaining parts and cover with a small amount of earth or sods, for protection until spring.
Grafts uiay be cut this month. Tie in bunches and set one third of their length in sand in a moder- ately cool cellar.
Packing in Barrels. Use clean barrels. Those for Pears must be lined with straw-paper to prevent wood stains : tVtr Apples this is not needed. Take out one head and place the fruit in nice layers, starting against the other end which is to open fii"st. Fill in without bruising the fruit, setthng or shaking the barrel occasionally, until it is a httle more than full ; bring the head in place with a lever. Apples may be pressed to advantage in jjacking. so those against the bottom head will even bnaise a little, but Peai-s not. Choice Pears are usually packed in boxes holding a bushel or less, with each speci- men wrap]>ed separately in paper.
Pits and Nuts for planting, should be mixed with sand, amt l>e set in an exposed place to freeze.
Plowing and Spading* of land to be planted with fruit m thr siiring, snould- be done now. The hai'row will ht it up for work then at planting time with little delay.
Boot Cuttings afford the means of propagating Blackberries and Kiispberries. Roots the size of a pencil antl smaller, are cut into pieces two or three
inches long. These are placed in layers alternately with earth in a box. which tlien is Inn-icd in a dry place until spring. Then the cuttings are jilanted.
Strawberries. Mulch with leaves or straw just as winter sets in. to prevent their being lifted by freezing and thawing. The m_ulch can then renuiln until after fniiling to protect the crop from dirt.
Vinegar making is in order. Apple cider is the foundation stock for this usually, but the juice of any fruit will answ er. Water cider, made by satu- rating the pomace after it is removed from the press, with water, and re-i)ressing it. makes good vinegar. In any case allow the cider to ferment, after which add some old vinegar or mother, keep- ing the casks in a warm place.
Young Trees. Bank up as directed last month, both tu steady them and to prevent mice girdling.
VEGETABLE GARDEN.
Artichokes. Jerusalem or Sunflower Artichokes should be lifted before hard frosts and treated like Potatoes. Give Globe or true Artichokes, a protec- tion of leaves or litter just befoi-e winter, to keep them over alive.
Asparagus. Mow the tops and burn. Now is a good linu* to manm-e the beds, a thing that .should be done lihtMally when needed.
Broccoli sometimes does not head before hard frosts. Lift such carefully with earth on the roots, and set in a damp cellar to develop.
Cabbage. When growth has ceased becau.se of cold, pull and store. Placing it heads down, close together on a dry spot hi the garden, and covering over some weeks later with straw or leaves, as high as the roots.'and on this some s n\ sheltering all with boards it will keep well until March. A small stock for use, during winter, may be kept in a barrel or box that is set up on eud in a dry place, and which is banked all around and to its top with earth, and covered with a close fitting double cover of boards.
Celery. As long as gi*owing weather i-emains- and Celery grows in pleasant autumn weather, even though cool—keep earthed up. Before very hard frosts, tlie main ^ ^ '
crop for winter and - _ - -
spring use should go into winter quartet's. Some for using soon, may be tied in bunches, and packed in sand in a cool, dark cellar. The balance should go into narrow trenches a foot or less in width, and of depth suitable to the height of the stems, as shown in the cut. These must be located hi dry ground, where there w ill be no d a ng e r of water accumulating in them. Pack the Celery close in the trenches. Cover as the weather giv»^\s cold with straw ami boards, increasing the thickness as the season ad- vances, to prevent hard freezmg and allow of easily getting some as needed for use. In the Southern States Celeiy may be left standing where it grew.
Drains. See under Lawn and Flower Garden.
Plants of Cabbage and Cauliflower raised from seed sown in Septenil)er. may be wintered in cold frames for an early crop next year. This hardly pays. h'>wever. as plants from an early hot-bed. are quite as good and less trouble.
Rhubarb, liberally manured now, will advance all the more raiiidly for it next spring, hoth in earliness and quality.
Roots, such as Horseradish, Parsnips. Salsify, Scorzonera freezing does not hmt. Of these the maiuY-rop may.be left where they gro^\-. over winter, but some slutuld be dug and stored in the cellar for winter use.
Trenching. See under Flower Garden and Lawn.
7/y Celery in Trench.
FRUIT AND VEGETABLES UNDER GLASS.
Asparagus uiay be forced as directed for Khubar-b last montli.
Grapery. Where fruit is to hang a long time, all Iterries that show a touch of decay, must be cut out from time to time, and the atnios[>here kept dry.
in early houses, the vines of which are breaking, an increase of heat must be gradually applied. The stai*t shoukl be made at an average of .j5" at night. with 10" higher during sunshine.
Lettuce in'ids abundant airand about 55" of heat.
Mushrooms. Directions for preparing the material for beds, was given in the October issue. With this on hand, make the Ix'ds under a green-
house stage, in the cellar or any place where from 45^* to )k»* of heat can iM'liad. In making, distribute the material in layers over the surface, beating <h)wn firmly, the more solid the betl^'r, until some H inches in depth is reached. To spawn the bed while the heat in it is liigh, .say about 05°. woulil be loss of tune. When a temperature of \W is i-eached, insert the spawn in holes at about u foot apart, all over the bed, healing lightly after this operation. In H) days spread several inches of fine loam over the l>ed. ami on this 3 or 4 inches of straw, then wait for your crop, wliich will not \yi very long in coming.
Peaches grown for forcing, now nee<l a thorough dres.sing: clean the house, prune the trees, tie in and wash the stems, mulch the border, and give it a thorough soaking with tepid water. Keep the house close at night but arlmit air freelj' <m fine days.
Pine Apples iu fruit need to have a moist air and good b..tt..ni heat. For the general stock alow tempt*ratiirt' shmild in »w be maintained, say 55* for a rniniiiium. witli never higher than 75"^ hy day.
Strawberries. The potted plants that are still staiuling outdoors, should be moved to the cold frame before hard freezing weather, and the pots plunged fn their rims in some light material tn keep the np<itsri-nni freezing. Ilt-re they may remain a montli longer iH-fuiv forcing. Give water sparingly when it is needed.
HQUto
This being the People's Paper it is open to all their In- quiren. bearing on Gardening.
On the other hand, answers to published inquirea are earnestly requested from readers.
The editors and special contributors are ready to do a large share of (he answering, but the experience of many being more valuable than ofthefeic, hotoever varied that is. and conditions and localities being so different, they prefer to receive answers, even several of them to the same quea tion, from I'caders everywhere. Don't hesitate to write because yim may feel you are no fine writer: give facts and ideas and the editors will see that they appear in credi- table shape.
In writing, give the number nf the question you are an- sicering: your locality and name, the latter 7iot for publica- tion uitless you desire. Write only on one side of the paper
Flowers will be gladly named provided first, thatnomore than three be sent at one time. Second, that these be fully prepaid. Third, that sei'eral specimens of each reach us in good shape. We cannot undertake to name fiorists' varies
5— Easily Grown Plants. I would be glad to have named a good Hst of easily grown window- plants, for u jiersiin who is unable from (Hsease to give them much care— An Invalid.
6— Day or Plantain Lilies not Flowering. I have a number of large strong plants, but they have not tiowered in late yeai-s. What can be done to bring them into bloom.— SIrs, H. C. F., Stmn Street Bufffiln. X. y.
7— Night Blooming Jasamine. I have a Night Blooming .lasamint' Iliat has just gone out of blos- som for the tirst rimr. What shaU I do with it? My experience is hniit^'d as I liavp had it but one year. Does it slip readily/— M. E. B.. cv,,s7/7e, X Y.
8- Tuberous Begonias. How .shall I keep these through the winter/ L'au the bulbs be dried off or not"/ — J. C. B.. Ciiledniiia. Ohio.
9— Coleus. Last winter I met a beautiful Coleus that was said to have been grown in the window. I have taken up several plants for my own window, will someone tell nie the best treatnient for the win- ter?—Mas. (;. L. W.. CVn7/(,r</e. Mo.
10-Lachenalias, \h>\v should these be treated in general and win -m si ion Id they be repotted? Mrs. M. B.
11 -Hardy Ivy. Is the evergreen Ivy hardy as far north as this place? Some say it is. othere de- clare just the opjiosite. Will you please inform me before next planting season?— S. S.. Jack.^oii. Mich.
ANSWERS TO PAST INQUIRIES.
1 -Green Growth on Pot Soil. Frequent si in-ing of the carlli hy a sharji slick or i>eii-kuife will pre- vent and be a remedy also.- Sister Gracioi's, De- troit. Mirh.
1— Green Growth on Soil. Scrape this and the soil off to depth of one-half an inch, and replace with fresh soil eonsisting of one-third shari) sand.— A. H. K.
2 Liquid Manures for Pot Plants. A tea made from tlie sooi shjikt-n liom a slow pipe, applied once a week is good. Also, jiour water over cow manure, let it stand a day or two. then apply once a week. Last winter 1 bought at the seed sl'ore. a line black powder called Plant Fotni. and use<i it with good effect. It is nicer to apjWy than either of theothei-s. Sister (JRACior.s. I>rin>it\ Mich.
3- Weeping Trees for Windy Place. Birches. Wiers >hi|)It'. Wr.-piiiK^ Larch. Weeping Linden, and the vaiions Weeping Khns would lie suitable.— L. R., Geuevii. .V. y.
3- Weeping Trees for Windy Place. I have both the Cnt-Leavi'd Birch and the White Weeping Birch growing on nn exposed knoll, and thev succeed well. G. K. L.. Miliraiikcv, Wa.
i6
POPULAR GARDENING.
November,
When the Leaves are Turning Brown.
Never is my lieart so gay
In the budding month of May. Never does it beat a time Half so sweet in blooming June.
Never knew such happiness
As on such a day as this. When the autmuu dons her cro-mi
' And the leaves are turning brown.
Breathe, sweet children, soft regrets
For the vanished Violets; Twist yom* cbaplets in young June, Maidens— they will fade full soon;
Twine ripe Rose.s. July — red.
Leaves for the dear ones head; I will weave my richer crown ^\Tien the leaves are turning brown.
— Elizabeth Akens Allen.
The sober robin hunger-silent now.
Seeks cedar-I>erries blue, his autumn cheer; The squirrel, on the shingly shagbark's bough.
Now- saws, now lists with downward eye and ear.
— Lou-elL
Camellias appear.
Violets rlislike heat.
Specimen copies free.
Don't delay the Club.
Have you subscribed?
Fansies succeed iu i)nts.
For Mildew use sulphur.
Frimroses need full light.
Write for yoiu- own paper.
Wanted, .i(i,000 subscribers.
Lantanas are good house plants.
Immortelles are now appreciated.
Cobaeas tough-out the season well.
Crowding plants or trees is harmful.
Know e\-ery plaut by its right name.
Slugs cannot travel over dry sawdust.
Single PaF'i )nies are becoming popular.
Flant cm knolls rather than in hollows.
The Snow-white Pansies are shy seeders.
Never apply ga.s-tar to the bark of trees.
Fropagate double Nasturtiums from slips.
Flowers are messengers of grace to the sick.
An out door Coral plant — the Barberry in fiiiit.
Fill up the outside plant boxes with Ever- greens.
Clove Carnations do not come with certainty from seed.
Eucalyptus leaves, it is said, will remove scale from boilers.
The first seed store in New York City was c»penefl in 1802.
A Magnolia, in Attica, N. Y. , bloomed twice dui'iug the past sea.son.
By digging over ground this fall, many kinds of weeds will be put back.
For a lasting inheritance to your children's children plant some trees.
A Cotton plant with bursting seed-po<ls, is in- teresting in the greenhouse.
Roses carry pistils,— the War of the Roses is of cc.iursc. thus easily accounted for.
The building of greenhouses for amateurs, iiftoi-ds a lai'ge business in England.
A Flower Sermon is preached every year at St. Katharine Kree Church, London.
The feathery see<l heads of oiu' native Clt- matis work into winter bouijuets well.
The Chrysanthemum now so charming, is of Chinese origin; introduced to Europe lTfJ4.
Mowers that leave a "ribby " lawn, are not geared high enough, or else have too few knives.
.ffiolus has freely let loose the winds of late, and leaves have come down like snowflakes.
To have particularly fine flowei-sof any kind, remember one thing ; namely, thin out the buils.
Poly Ann Thus. With but a single exception or two the flowers you ask about, are as hardy as Tulips.
Don't err, by taking the forcing bulbs from the plunge heap, before they are well furnished with roots.
For every person interested in flowers and gardens twenty years ago, there are now a hun- dred pei'sons.
Flowers are everywhere over the earth, evi- dently a reminder that there is an Eden and we may regain it.
An amateur friend says she never accoimts the attention she gives her plants, work, be- cause it is all pleasure.
An east side dealer advertises "Rows Perta- ters." His tubers are having a ten-ible spell — we wouldn't trust them.
November has not a good reputation as a floral month; but one thing is sure, the Chrys- anthemums are not to blame.
We want every amateur gardener, poultry raiser,etc. , to see Popular Gardening. Speci- mens free to such. Send in their names.
Hay is better material than straw to cover beds for winter, being more springy it does not settle down close, to smother the plants
We give away this paper now, that is. om- offer of it in clubs with other popular periodi- cals, in another colimin, amouuts to this.
No other pursuit can compare with gardening in the quick returns of plea.sm-e, profit and re- laxation, for the time and money invested.
On a lawn within our view is an Elm tree eleven years planted, and then smaU, that is now nearly .30 feet high. A secret: Good soil.
A Changeable Hydrangea, //. Hortennix, 3 feet liigh anrl ."i feet through, with 200 heads of flowers, was met bj' one of our editors la-st month.
We knew that if you would dally around about getting in the tender things some would get nipped ; don't blame us, we said a month ago it was time.
We didn't apologize for No. 1 of Popular Gardening, nor we ilon't propose to blow our horn over the improvements visible in No. 2. It's not our way.
Sometimes we forget how important are the conunon. simple and cheap flower pots in plant growing. They virtually endow plants with locomotive powers.
Six "keeps" in growing house plants: keep clear from dust, keep free from cold cb-aughts, keep fairly watered, keep out of gas, keep off insects, keep from frosts.
A common comijlaiut against the Wistaria is that it is slow to bloom. This is true: little bloom need be looked for during the first half a dozen years after planting.
Last month we said "Hit us with a Club." A gotxlly number have responded. We stand it well. It is in fact delightful. Keep it up until cm- .50,000 subscribers are iu.
A good many pei-sons. have stood up as we suggesteil last month to lie counted iu the first .50,000 subscribers, but the quota is very far from full yet. Are yuu cotmted reader?
Levi P. Morton has given the city of New- port. R. I., where he has a summer residence, .«(jO,ooo for a jjai-k. That is quite like Mr. Mor- ton, His hands and heart are alwaj's open.
The American Garden, published by E. H. Libby. (Greenfield. Mass., will enlarge to a two liollar paper on January 1st next. It is an able anil iudependeut journal, over whose pros- perity we rejoice.
Thank you ! for the kind words showered upon us, on the success of No, 1 of our paper. This to thousands whom we cannot answer in per- son; too busy. Such a hearty greeting all around, shall lie an inspiration to the editors and publishei-s to do better j-et.
There is no end of competent judges who have travelled, and who pronounce Mr. Herman De Vry's annual display of flowers in the Chicago Parks, as unequalled by anything the great gardens of the world besides affords.
Gardening interests are with everything else, rapidly developing in the west. Mr. John M. Clark of Chicago, writes to this paper, that at the recent Illinois State Fair, the show of Vege- tables, Flowers, Seeds, etc., was much in ad- vance of an}- previous year.
For mailing small sums — the price of this paper for example — U. S. Postal Notes are very convenient. Every postmaster in the land keeps them and will furnish at 3 cents each. Try a 150 cent one on us. See our club rates for leading periodicals on another page
Sweet are the uses of forgetfuluess. With but a darkeneil recollection of forgone seasons, we feel that the beauty of the autumn leaves, or of the simimer flowers, or of the spring de- lights of the present season are the finest, ever seen. Thus are we the more happy.
Cats are useful iu their place ; but their place isn't on the greenhouse roof, breaking entrances through the glass on cold nights. If anj- cat attempts this trick, catch him Iwe are will- ing to allow it is a Thomas.) take to an open meailow. and there "shoot him on the spot."
It has been truthfully said, that the seed trade is the only line of business in which our govern- ment is in competition with its citizens. We are glad to see the voice of the justly indig- nant dealers raised against our infamous gov- erment seed shop. Let it be razed from the earth, why cumbereth it the gj'otmd?
The Bell-Flowered Scilla. See Opposite Page.
Aside of the many subscribers coming to Popular Gardening from Buffalo, many are also coming in from other large cities and towns. We expected this. In England, the numerous excellent gardening perif>dicals, se- cure a large share of their readers from cities; it ought not to be different in America.
" I like to know about these things." said a lady addressing the writer with some questions about Pansies. There never was a time when such a demand for information concerning flowers and gardening prevailed, as at the pres- ent time. The mission of this paper is to in part meet this demaiid. Are we succeding ?
The way that subscribers and clubs of sub- scribers begin to come in to Popular Garden- ing, leads one friend of the paper at our elbow, to say, "you can ti-ust the people to know a
1885.
POPULAR GARDENING.
17
goofl thing wIk'U tliey see it." There is no dis- counting" the common sense of tlie peoi»Ie, that's certain. By tlieui true worth is ajipreciated.
A teaspoonful of tinc-ture of a.ssafietichi in half a liui'ketful of liijuid nmd, apjilied with a brush to the stem an<l branches of 3'ouug trees, will preserve them from the attacks of rabbits and other pests, without iujui-y to the trees. Two or three applii'ations during the winter will be sufficient. So says the Kinjliuli (larili'ti.
The Golden-leaved Oak, Qitt'rr}fs Rithur ronrtinliti is one of the handsomest, small- growing lawn trees we know of. The leaves are of a rich yellowish hue. ami present a remai'kably waxy appear- ance. The peculiar color is retained throughout the season, thus rendering the tree most efTeetive for plant- ing in conjunction with " blood- leaved ■' trees, for creating strong contrasts. We notice this tree is offei'ed by Ellwanger & Barry. Rochester, N. Y., and Parsons & Sons, Flush- ing. N. Y.
Impatiens Sultana. This new Balsam, while not as showy in our garden as we anticipated it would be, still proves very desirable. The gi'owth has been free.' the flowers faii'ly numer- ous since July: perhaps if our seasons now for two ,veai's, had not been both cool and wet, the gi'owth in both, would have went more to bloom and less to plant. We would not however give it up, even a.s a wet season bedder.
A doable significance attaches itself to the botanical name of the well known Ice Plant. Mcst'inhrijaiithfininn rrystaUinifni. Crystalli- uum refers to the appearance of the watery pustules with which the plant is covered, and which glisten in the sun like fragments of ice. On the other hand, in the Canary fslands where the Ice Plant is at home, large quantities of it aj'e gathered and bui-ned, the ashes being sent to Sijain for use in the making of glass.
"I read every word of number one" writes an admiring correspondent from Michigan. This we take as the highest fonn of praise for oui- work. There is so much wordj' trashy, reading afloat concerning gardening matters, which no one can caa'e to read, that when in the estimation of readers we succeed in our purpose to make of Popular fiARDEKiNO a paper every word of which is to the point and interesting, we ai'e well jileaseil.
No objectionable oi- um/outh advertisements will lie admitted into this paper. Gt.iod adver- tisers will thus alwavs find themselves in good company in our columns, with theii" anuounce- uients set up in gooil looking pages. That a better class of readers can be foimd anywhere, before whom t<3 place advertisements, than the readei-s of Popular Gardening, no one will assume. To advertise in this paper can hardly fail to jirove a good investment.
Flower-loving employei's and flower-loving employees do nt )t always come together. Usu- ally the complaint is heard from the former, that their help are intUfferent to the beauty or well-<loing of flowere. The other day the writer hearil a ca.se just the revei-se of this. A coach- man who also attends the garden, and is more enthusiiustic perhaps over tine flowers than over horses, ordered some choice Tulips (>f one of our dealers, saying he must have them; if his em- ployer wouldn't pay for the bulbs he would, and set them in his own little garden.
Early Flowering Narcissi. There are two Narcissi r>f special value for the production of flowers at mirl-wint^i'r, found in nearly every bulb dealer's stock. These ai'e the Ro- man, which has iloulile white flowers, and the Paper White, which ha.s snuiU single white flowers. Both are especially suitalile for cut flowers, and also for conservatory decoration.
For the latt<'r ])un»se, grow in five inch pots, a bulb to each. But when intended for cut flowers, gi-ow in iians or boxes, as they then re(iuire much less space. Their re(|nircments in the matter of soil do not difl'er matt'rially from those of any other bulbs, a soil that is light and rich suiting them well.
A Horticultural Directory of great merit has recently been issued by Isaac f). Sailer, Phila- delphia, Pa. It is the work of Mr. C. F. Evans,
many suKscriliers, 'M.m) in fact. Now wliile we are much encouragwl at the gi-oHth of our list of subsi-riljoi-s since starting this paper, we are free to say it ought to grow still faster, considering the nature of our papei- and its price. If you are not a subscrilKM-, mav we not count upon you as one at once, and not only this but that you will interest yourself to get up a cluh. In this way, you can help along our needed .")ll,i)0() subscribere, at a jumping rate.
Location of Auturrin Flowers,
The Mixed Flower Border" page 18.
of that city, a gentleman qualified for such a task as few others are. The directory proper embraces the United States. In addition to this there is "Supplement A," giving the names and addresses of those engaged in the Horti- cultui-al trade in the British Isles, and "Supple- ment B," the same covering Continental Em-ope, Australia, Africa, India, Japan and Brazil. A careful examination shows this work to be remarkablj' correct in detail, while the above outline is sufficient to indicate that no directory could be more comprehensive.
The Cardinal Flower, Lobelia Cardinalis, is one of the most brilliant flowers known. The flowers are of a deep scarlet, produced on short pedicles in a handsome nodding raceme. The plant is hardy and a native, found in moist meadows and along streams, in many parts of our country. Although it likes moisture, it is of ea.sy cultivation in the common border, and even in clay soils. It succeeds well on the shady side of a house. Its time of bloom is from late summer until October, There is also a white- flowering variety. The plants are procurable at those nurseries, which make a specialty of hardy perennial plants and bulbs.
Count them. An enthusiastic friend of Popu- lar (Jardexing— anil the paper has many such already — tells us what we ourselves were not aware of, that last month's issue contained .34.5 sepai-ate and distinct articles and items of infor- mation. Whether the present issue contains more or less we cannot say, but one thing we know, and that is that our endeavor is to make each succeeding number better than those be- fore it. But let us take om- friends count, and figure a little. At this rate, a yearly volume would contain over 4000 such articles or (!9 for fetch cent the paper costs. Who that loves flowers or gardening can afford to do without such a paper?
House top gardens will perhaps never be as popular in America as in Europe ; land for gar- dens lieing so plenty here. Still we maintain there are many places in which if the needed patch cannot be secured on term firiiiii, that the right thing to do would be to gai'den on the roofs. It would be easy in nuiny such cases to Ht these up, so far as gi'ade, and other mattei's are concerned, for the purpose. The objection has been raised, that the sparrows would injure such gardens; we would not expect much trouble. Snap a gun at them every time they are around, and you can frighten them from being verj' bad. Their occasional presence would be some help in keeping down insects.
Reader : Your aid nml influence in behalf of swelling the subscription list of this periwlical is solicited, and will be greatly appreciated. To furnish such a handsome and valuable paper as this one is aihnitted to lie, at the present low price, requires not only subscril)ei-s, but very
A new red label for exjiress packages of cut flowers, has l)een designed for, and as we are told, has been adojited by the Society of Ameri- can Florists. We hope there may be some mis- take about the last |)art of this statement. A sample before us, shows the label to he about as far from what such a latel for general use should be, as it could be made. The designer evidently had in mind to create a fanciful effect, with ornamented letters and words all jumbled together, so as to l:)e almost um-eada- ble, instead of making a card so plain, that he who runs as express caiTiers do, may read. Fancy seeing shipping agents all over the coun- try .spending time in unravelling the muddled lettering of this label, which should tell them at a glance, that the contents of the package are quickly perishable, fresh flowei-s ! It is not a label we expect to see practical shippers adopt, whatever the Society's committee may have done about it. Try again, gentlemen !
How is this. Either we failed, after a good deal of pains, to make clear the fact in our last issue, that Popular Gardening is an inde- pendent paper without a single seed, bulb, sprout, root, cion, jdant, shrub, trailer or tree for sale, or else the jjerson who sent us a postal card with the following matter on it, must have skipped a good deal of what we wrote ;
N, J., Sept. 21, 1885,
Messrs. Ransom, Long »£ Co, Dear Sirs:—
Will you plea.se send to nie bj- return mail your prices of Double Hyacinths, Tulips and Sum- mer Snow Flake, and oldige.
We have nothing in the world to sell, but this paper and a few incidental hooks. We don't aspire to more than this, provided we get the 50,000 subscribei-s we have now made a good beginning on enrolling. Our resjiected but possibly careless reader, is referred to our advertisci-s for the information he is in want of.
Bell-flowered Scilla. Sometimes the botani- cal name of a genus, is prettier and easier to use than the conmion name it is knowni by. In such a ca.se the former should be used for the icmnuon n.ime. An instance of this kind, is found in the Scilla, or as it is often called Squill. We greatly prefer foi- the s])ecies fig- ured on the opposite page, the name Bell-flower- ed Scilla to BeU-flowcrcd Squill. But najiie a.side. this is a desirable Spring-flowering bulb that should oftener l)e seen. It is harrly in the ojien ground even in the nt)rth, but a slight cover over the bulbs during wintci- is lieneficial. The color of the species is a l)eautiful hyacinth blue; but there are also varieties of white and other colorivl flowers. Plant the bulbs in the fall months, at any time liefore the gromid fri'ezes. They can be bought for about 7.5 cents a dozen from dealei-s in Dutch Bulbs. The bulbs also force easily for flijwers, in the window.
i8
POPULAR GARDENING.
November,
The Mixed Flower Border.
As this is a goiid season for planiiing^and starting the work of nialvinsr a mixed flower border, illustrations for arranging the prin- ciple plants of one, are herewith given. This one is designed to be largely composed of hardy plants. The kinds of these to choose, and the manner of placing for having the same border showing hard_v flowers at the different seasons, is the object in showing
entire bed. Such persons must continue to look to the free-flowering tender bedders chiefly, which while constantly very attrac- tive in hot weather, call for an expenditure for new stock each sjiring, the old perishing with the fall frosts.
But the true lover of nature sees beauty in plants when they are out of bloom, as well as when in bloom. For most of .such, the large variety of sorts, and the succession
^ Anemones. J^"^/-* I'aiuii-s \(
Locatioq of Spriqg Flowers,
Fig 2. Locatioq of Sumnier Flowers.
THE MIXED FLOWER BORDER,
The three figures .showiiiK liimls of hardy Huwers in liloom at difTerent seasons, and location of groups in the same border. The hultis and tender plant.s to occup.y intervening places, are not named. Scale about 10 feet to the inch. See page 17 for Fig. 3.
three engravings of the same lied. In the original bed which furnished the idea of these figures, many tender plants and Itulbs were planted between the groups each spring, but lack of space forljids naming such in the diagrams. Aside from print- ing these plans, which were carefully en- graved expressly for Popular G.\RDENrN(i, little if anything is left to be said, concern- ing arrangement. It may be remarked how- ever, that in general the lower or front part of the bed is devoted to low growing kinds of |ilants with taller ones, graded as to height, further back, the highest of course in the rear. In introducing the tender flow- (Ts and bulbs into the border in the spring, re,gard is had to the same principle.
A liorder of this kind has the merit of ;ifTording perhajis the greatest degree of in- terest and attractiveness, for the least outla}' of money, of any style of adornment in this line that can be employed. With due atten- tion to planting some good tender stock each spring, between the permanent hardy flowers, not only will there be a display of bloom from early spring until late fall, but every week will see a pleasing variation in the ap- pearance of the bed, from that of the W(>eks that have gone before.
To be sure along with using hardy flowers largely, that have but one time of bloom in each season, there will also neces- sarily be seen, many blank spaces between the resiJective clumps of flowers throughout the season. This is the chief obJecfi<iu raised to this style of bediling, by those who can be satisfied with nothing short of a bril- liant and constant sheet of bhuini over tlie
of flowers if somewhat broken in places, of the mixed border, afford satisfaction as no formal bed of a few sorts of summer liloomers could possibly do. The botanist would also quickly decide in favor of the mixed border for main display, over any other style of flower bed.
In thus calling attention 1o the mixed bor- der, we would not desire to make less of summer bedding, but_ more of this style of planting. Both have their place in the adornment of our grounds. Before the time of planting out next spring, arrives, numer- ous beautiful designs for summer flower beds will be given in these i)ages, so that all styles may be fairly rejiresented. Of one thim; we are sure, that the more general the intelligence, concerning all modes and uses of employing decorative plants, the better will the true interests of both growers and planters of flowers, be promoted.
So far as actual work on starting a mixed border goes, it is important that the ground be thoroughly put in order this fall, by trenching. This operation is described on another page, under "Work of the Sea.son." Then soine time before the planting season, in the spring, the plants and seeds for stock- ing up the beds .should be ordered, so that setting them out may then take place at the first suitable time for getting to work on the ground in the early .spring months.
Starvation for Trees,
Does any reader (if Popfi„\R G.\ni)ENiNO thiidv that a street, shade or fruit tree, becau.se it is a tree, has less need of good soil than a hill of corn or a sipiasli vine hasV If so let
the notion be dropped. There may be varia- tions in the degree of richness needed but all plant life requires fertility of soil for thrift.
It is true and a pity, that thousands of persons set trees into any kind of poor, un- fertilized earth, some even into sand or gravel banks and call this tree planting. Then they wonder why trees don't grow fas- ter. We do not want one of our readers to be clas.scd among such planters.
Let it be understood that
, ^ a tree can no more grow
.^. ^ without suitable food, than
a pig or an ox can. What would be thought of a farmer who would keep his animals at the starving point, with protruding ribs and hipbones, year in and year out, and call this stock raising. Many who set trees act no wi.scr.
If the soil is poor where trees are to go, enrich it with fine old manure, or with loam, if very poor scrape out a pot-hqle to make several cart loads, and replace with soil from a cidtivated garden or other rich spot, and in this Jilant the trees.
If trees that were .set some years ago, are in a starving, stand-still condi- tion— and this nine times in ten is what ails them when they don't gro\\- well — treat to overcome the trouble. In most cases let them be taken up, the soil ])roperly fitted, replanting again. If tf)o large to take up, fertility may be supplied in good measure by toivdressing the surface over the roots with good stable manure. Now is the best season for doing this. Let the coat be two or three inches thick, the rain and frost will then r<'duce the manure and wash its substance into the soil. By next season the roots will get the benefit, andlhrougli the roots the tree aliove.
C tuberoaa i
Shakespeare and Strawberries.
Students of Shakespeare have noticed the following passage in Richard III, Acts 3, Scene 4.
My Lord of Ely, when I was last at Holborn I saw good strawberries in .your garden there, I do beseech you send for some of them.
This quotation is interesting, first as show- ing that the great dramatist missed nothin,g, and second, that in his remote time, horti- culturally speaking, strawberries passed for good fruit.
In those daj's the delicious berry we are now accustomed to, was wholly unknown. The kind cultivated at Holborn most likely was the Alpine, now commonly met b}- travelers in Switzerland. But with the rapid advance made in gardening since Shakes- peare's day, the Strawberry has received due attention at the imjirovcrs' hands, A\ith very remarkable results.
It may be of interest to stale, that not un- til the beginning of the present century, did the Strawberry begin to assume the import- ant position it now holds. In 1824. by order of the Botanical Society of London, Mr. James Barnett, of Cheswick, drew up a re- port of the kinds tlien under cullivation.
1885.
POPULAR GARDENING,
19
with tlio rvsnU of t^ffccting increased interest in the fruit, nnd the production of new vari- eties of greiit value.
In hiter yt'ars, the advancement made in improving tins fruit has been more rapid in America than abroad. Not a year now (lasses, l)ut a manlier of new sorts are otTered to the jiublic by their originators here. With all of our present attainments in this tield, it is iirobablc we shall yet .see better kinds tlian any now known.
But of oiu' present luscious Strawlu'rries, what could Shakespeare, had he known them, have said, when he could notice with favor the very inferior kinds familiar to his age.
The Large-Flowering Mock Orange.
Not even a small collection of shrubs is (•(jmiilete. if it does not include at least one >Iock Orange, or Philiidelphns. to use the botanical name. The shrubs are very hard}', adai»ted toall places and soils, and are par- ticularly noted for the beauty and sweetness of the flowers. Indeed t h e C o m m o n G a r 1 a n d Mock Orange, the flowers are .so highly .scented, that some persons are found wlio object to them on this account, .just as some persons do not like the Tuliero.se fra.granee.
Among the dilTerent Mock Oranges none are more gen- erally desirable than the Large-fl(jwering one, of which we present a spirited engrav- ing herewith. It belongs to tile section of free growing sorts. In time a bush will reach the height of ten feet or more, with eight feet or more tlirough. It is slightly strag- gling in habit, only to render it the more ornamental for this.
Besides producing flowers that are mtich larger than I hose of the Com- mon Garland s p e- cies, the.se are less stron.glv fra.grant. which will be looked upon as another point in favor of this sort, over the we 1 1 known old one. The large pure white flowers, which aji- jiear along the twigs in.June. areremark- alily showy, in con- trast with the dark green leaves. For cutting to use in tnble vases, few shrub blooms are more effective.
When planted in mas.ses with other shrulis, this, like the other strong growing Mock Oranges, should be placed somewhat in the rear, because of its taller growth, which is above the average of flowering shrubs. For the same reason it is better placed in the back portion of the lawn than near the street, wliere it might cut ott' the view too much from till' house.
While this shrub ma.v not be found in every nursery which sells ornamental trees and shrubs, we And it offered in enough nursery catalogues, to show that any one de- siring to |)lant it can ea.sily procure the slock.
Is the English Gooseberry Worth Growing by Us-
II came very near lieing iilaced on the Re- jeted List of fruits, by the American Pomo- logical Society at one of its meetings some time a.go. That such an act would have been one of injustice to a fine and wholesome fruit, is shown by the accounts of success in growing it in America, that are constanllv eimun,g up. It now seems (piite certain, that where there is failure with this fruit, 'it is
open culture circumstances must dictate how to shade, I tind bast mats answer well.
For surface mulching, the best way is to remove the top soil down to near the roots, in a circle of three or four feet in diameter. Any uncovered roots must be covered agaiii a little, .so as not to let the manui-e come di- rectly in contact with the roots; then four (H' five inches of old rotten manui'(\ laid on and ti'oddeii; then rejilace the earth, rake, and the manure will scarcelv be seen.
THE LARGE-FLOWERING MOCK ORANGE.
owing to mismanagement. Here is wliat Mr. T. Bennett, a successful grower, lately had to say about the English Gooseberry in the GiirdcKcrs Monthli/, his remarks being somewhat condensed by our editors:
It flourishes best in a clay soil or heavy loam, but will glow in much lighter soils. The [ilants only need sufficient shading and good summer mulching, with at least one good watering, when going out of blossom, to yield and rijien large crops of its delicious fruit. It will grow under shade lieller than any other fruit, and does well trained up to the north side of a fence or building. In
Little Things at Right Time.
Too many plant - growers are like N a a m a n of old, anxious to do some great thing in a lordly style, instead of attending to the simple little reiiuire- ments that lead to success.
It may be seen for example, that better actual results at plant culture are sometimes found in the kitchen window of the most humble dwelling, where there is a fight against frosts all through the winter perhaps, than in elaborate plant houses, excelling in facilities to meet the wants of jilant life. In the one case there is close attention to the small require- ments which the true lover of flowers is ever ready to he- stow, in the other a rule-limited haj)- ha/.ard way of ear- ing for the subjects.
An esteemed cor- respondent of Poi"-
I'L.M! G.\l{I)KXI.N(i
living in Detroit, -Michigan, who signs herself "Sister (irac'ious," Ijils the nail squarely on the head, in giving her "only.secrel " of successat liloomiii.g Gerani- ums, Begonias and .so on in midwinter. She writes on this mailer as follows:
"I think of them at the right time. For instance, a night promi.ses to be extra cold, so I siiend five minutes ])utling iu'wspai>ers lietwen the .gla.ss and the jilaiits. Then when to water, bothers some folks. It i.s well to have a set time for this, say after the silling room is put loriirhls. Push up the soil with the finger, if it is damp, pa.ss it by. if dry and dusly pour on \v;iriiiish water.
Another thing: wash the leaves once a week. I lake a tub, put the plant in, and cleanse with a fine sprinkler. The leaves thank me for this by their bright looks afterwards. A small whisk broom, dipped in water and shaken over I he plants also answers.
As for lime, it lakes me about half an hour a da.v, and the work is such a delighlfnl ehanire it rests me, mind and bodv."
20
POPULAR GARDENING.
November,
^ff^-^fcT^lf
o
^i^o^}p^:^<^]-y^.
PNC
f^s^'
Fair Aral>ella.'_talking slang.
Cannot endiire old-fashioned flowers—
'■ Cheap flowers, you know, so awful slow.
That in poor peoples' gardens grow.
And only watered by the showers;
I like a liloom that costs a guinea! ""
Fair AraljeUa, you're a ninny.
And think, perhaps, park air's too common
To please so superfine a woman!
And that the sunshine could be sweeter
If bought like gaslight, by the meter.
Chrysanthemum days.
Willows wfpp now. if ever.
Autumn's glory is declining.
Fond Lilies are being forced.
Marechal Neil Koses, run scarce.
Scarlet and crimson blooms suit brunettes.
Flat bouquets for brides, are coming more into use.
In using ribbons with flowers, take complemeutal colors.
Corsage bunches of Mignonette with Adiantuni fringing are exquisite.
Cut blooms of Doulile Bouvardia must not lie sprinkled; it will blacken them.
Fern fronds keep fresh longer, if immersed in water for an h<jur before using.
Clasped hands, made of Immortelles, on the face of funeral pilluws, is a new featiu'e.
Chrysanthemums brilliant, lasting and cheap when bdught. are unequalled for wear.
Standing" pieces are now preferred to hanging designs, like liells and balls for weddings.
In San Francisco, Violets, Stocks. Candytuft, etc., are produced at extremely low rates, by Italian market gardeners.
Report,niakes the surface devoted to winter-bloom- ing Carnation plants, this year less than the average of former seasons.
Sprays • >f that common and easily grown favorite. Libonia flftribunda, associate well in table glasses, with the blue Salvia.
The handsome blooms of ras.siflora qnadrangu- laris, sliow with charming effect when arranged singly in finger glasses.
Few flowers are prettier for the coat, than the Sw.'et Jasmine, which should now be in bloom. A bit of its own foliage. Ls the most suitable, asagreen.
No flowers grown are easier to arrange with good effect than the Chrysanthemums, provided only, they are cut with long stems, and are kept un- crowded.
It is said that the ])retty scarlet hemes of the Rivina Hinnilis. if applied to the cheek will give it a healtliy. natural biiniette blood color, that is last- ing and defies detection. We cannot vouch fortius.
The Rose grower who will build up an estabhsh- ment for forcing the finer kinds <if Roses, to be sold at wholesale, somewhere midway between Chicago and Boston, near the line of the lakes, could doubt- less soon work up a paying business.
Flower holders, of basket ware, but in the form of pitcliers. are favorites. Filled with Roses having long stems, or other flowers similarly furnished, with some of these hanging over one side, to nearly touch the table, they look most gi-aceful.
A Floral Clock. Our correspondent, Mr. John M. Clark, of Cook Co.. 111., writes that among many beautiful floral designs, shown at the Illinois State Fair recently, one in the form of a clock, was especially so. This design represented an old-timer. five or more feet high, with its various external parts shown almost perfectly, in flowei"s and buds.
Not every flower combines well with the large Roses, and particularly with Uen. Jacqueminot and other Hybrid sorts. To use these alone however in bouquets, tends to a lack of freedom in the effect. By scattering sprays of well grown Mignonette. Lily of the Valley or Slaiden Hair Fern fronds among the Roses, tlic bunch may be livened sufficiently.
We cannot credit the statement that the general demand i.s nmning for the comjiact. old style bou- quets, in which the flowers are crowded beyond al- lowing of fair individual display. Ultra-fashionable people may ask for such, but not people of taste. The step from the style referred to, to the natural
arrangement in bouquets of recent yeai*s. is one of the most pronounced signs of improved taste in these matters.
For a lunch or tea-drink, individual corsage favors, as many as there are lady guests, may be used for making up the chief table piece of flowers, be- fore distributing them to the wearei"s. These should be composed of long-stem flowers, Roses being gen- erally preferred. They may be tied with ribbons, and should be finished complete for wear before making into the large piece. For the holde^r. pro- cure a deep, basket with flaring rim. Into this place the bunches, using Fern fronds or Smilax around the edge, and between the flowei"s for keep- ing them in place. Everything must be dry. or the ribbons wiU become soiled: if the stems are not so. dry them with soft paper before tying. The lunch over, pass the basket, each lady taking a bouquet.
D)otanicalB)\id^et
KootS absorb mostly by their tips. Lilac stems annually become two forked. Of all plant organs, leaves are the most varied. Many so-called Vines are not such: the Grape is a Vine.
A Chrysanthemum, precisely one-half of which was iif a purphsh ro.se color, the other pure white, has been met.
Mr. A. Blanc reports a plant of the Marigold, that Ijeai-s both single straw colored, and double orange blooms on the same plant.
Dr. Hexamer strongly claims, that the male plant has through the poUen a powei'ful special influence, not oidy ou the offspring, but also on the female.
A comparison of the flora of New Brunswick with the same species of that further inland, shows that the low temperature and damp air of the former place has quite a pecuhar effect.
The so-called White Bridal Rose, grown in pots in the \\ indow and greenhouse, is a Branil>le instead of Rose, being veiy near the Raspberry, and known botanically as Rulms rosrefolius.
Mosses and Liverworts. In her new catalogue of these. f<ir Amei'i<'a n<irlh of Mexico. Clara E. Cuni- niings. cpf Wellt^sley. IMass.. records HW species of the former, 231 of the latter, besides many varieties.
The newer species of Potatoes, inchiding the P^xi- zona Potato. .S'«/n»um JffTXfs/, and the Darwin Po- toto. S. magliu. together with the possibility of em- ploying them for the improvement of the esculent potato, are receiving much attention from garden- el's and }iyliridizei"s.
What pass f'>r leaves in the well-known, but eiTO- neously named Smilax. Mi/rsijiJiylluni asparoyoifieii, are not leaves at all. but leaf-branches called clado- phylls, which perform the oflice of leaves. The true leaves consist of thin and minute scales, which take careful looking for to discover.
It is gratifying to note, that at the recent meeting of the American Association for the A<lvanoment of i Science, the interest shown in the botanical branch of I the work of this society, excelled that of all others. I Says a report, "the best atteiuled meetings are those ' of the Botanical Club, where no formal papers are presented, but merely short notes and observations, i which are discussed. The success that has attended j the work of this club is very encouraging iudeed."
The death of Judge G. W. Clinton, at Albany, N. j Y.. on Septemlier 7th. removed a great jurist, a de- I voted student of Botany, and a most estimable citi- ; zen. Although his attainments as a Botani.st were i far above the ordinary, he pursued this, his favorite study in Natural Science, only as a recreation from i his legal labors, and because of a simple love of Na- i ture. We wish more of our professional and busi- i ness men. could learn the secret of his joyous life, by finding recreation in the ample field of Nature, as , he did. Botany in New York State will not soon find , another more devoted follower than was this learned, i simple-mannered and good man.
" Talks Afield " is the name of a delightful trea- | tise of 178 pages about plants and the science of ! plants, adapted to the wants of non-scientific readers. [ It is from the iien of L. H. Bailey. Jr.. who. in various ways, in recent years, has done a good work in pop- , ularizing the science of Botany. The present work ' will go far as a first-book in supi^lying the wants of i that large class, who feel tlie need of being inform- , ed on the conunon principles of this subject; we , venture to say that those who turn from the average , work on Botany as being dry reading, will not long lay aside this hook until its la.st chapter is reached. From the Riverside Press of Houghton. Mitfiin & Co., Boston, Mass. i
ADDITIONAL FRUIT AND VEGE- TABLE NOTES.
Sort before storing away.
The more fruit the better health.
Vegetable roots keep weU in coal ashes.
Garlics winter best when hung in a Avy, cool place.
The Romans, according to Pliny, had 2:2 varieties of aju^les.
The Long Island Cabbage seed crop is reported 1.5 per cent below average.
Twenty acres have been set to Figs, by Major Russell, in Baker county. Florida.
The Concord graj^e is said to have originated as one, out ()f a total of '^*2,iX)0 seedlings.
Plenty of manure makes tender Rhubarb and prime Asparagus. Try at least a part of the patt'h. and see.
Insects multiply rapidly, but invention and hu- man ingenuity more than keep pace with them, said Prof. A. J. Cook, at the Orand Rapids, Mich., Ponia- logical Meeting.
It is estimated that the fruit yield of the Hudson River district this year is running :W per cent ahead of that of former years. The shipments of Grapes will reach about 5,250 tons, valued at S3fi7,500.
A Strawberry vote reported from six different Western Slates, to the Prairie Former, ran thus: the most profitable strawberry stood. Crescent, nine ; Wilson, four. The vote on second best was. Wilson, four: Crescent, three: and the others scattering.
Varieties Running Out. The accomplished edi- tor of the (Titniriiirs' Mimthly has little faith in this. Varietes may be moved to soil or climate or both unfavorable to health and here wear out. There is no known reason why varieties should not last bnndreils of years.
The culture of the BluebeiTy is finding an advo- cate in Mr. Delos Staples. West Sebewa, Mich. The plants are of the "tiiie blue"'" as regards hardiness. .'Standing 4()° below zero, without injury. They are said to be capable of producing li^l bushels to the acre, under ordinary treatment.
Wine in the United States. The Wine and Fruit Qroirrr of New York, predicts that the annual pro- duction will soon reach HX1 million gallons. Al- though France leads all other countries in her pro- ducts of the vine, it is claimed that there are in the United States 1(X) acres adapted to grape culture, for every one in France.
"We smile al the story of the boy who planted a sixpence, thinking more would gi'ow. The boy was, perhaps, not over bright. But we can suggest, if not the actual planting of money, something that will do as well as ever the boy desired, namely, the depositing of tiO cents. as"'seed." with the publishers of PopiT^R Gardening, and receive in return a prepetnal and large crop of valuable ideas and in- formation, throughout the year. Try this kind of husbandry.
The Niagara. Popilar Gardening takes hearty pleasure in adrlinga word for this new Grape. which originated in the neighboring city of Lockport. Of the lieantiful and delicious fruit it is enough to say, that in the Buffalo market it readily fetches from 15 cts. to 25 cts. per pound, alongside of Black Grapes selling at 5 cts. As to vigor, young vines set last spring, grew twelve feet during the season. It proves to be an enormous bearer. Being perfectly hardy as far north as Lockport. it must prove so everj-where in our country.
A new book on Fruit Culture. When a man with the ripe experience at fruit growing possessed by Mr. Wm. C. Strong, of Boston. Mass., writes a book on this subject, it may l>e expected to be of more than ordinary value. We have before us such a volume recently written hy this gentleman. It« value imjjresses us so favorably, that we feel to re- commend it to every cultivator in need of a guide of this kind. Our space does not allow of an extended notice. In brief, it may be said that the book covei"s the entire groimd in an admirably clearstyle. Pub- hshed by Houghton. Miffiin & Co.. Boston.
American Pomological Society. The meeting held at Grand Rapids. Mich., in September, was one of the best ever known, notwithstanding the opposi- t^n that early prevailed against holding it in what some called an "out of the way place." An exhibit of 4,0(K) di.shes of fruit was brought together. The essays and discussions were of an order never before equalled, in interest and value. Much regret was manifested at the absence of the venerable president Wilder, of Boston. The offtcers re-elected and elected, are Marshal P. Wilder, Pi-esident, Patrick Bariy. Vice-President, B. Smith. Treasurer, Charles Garfield. Secretary. Boston. Mass.. was chosen as the uext place of meeting two yeai*s hence.
1885.
POPULAR GARDENING.
2 I
Treecllmber's Talks.
AN EARLY-COMMENCINO FLOWER.
In my jauuts away from the tife-top, I fre- qviently get into the outlying meadows and woods. A walk here is rarely taken in Octolier without running across my interesting old frienil .the Witeh-hazel, in bloom. This shrub has the queer habit of flowering late, after all other blooms are past, and even when its own leaves are ripened ami falling. I she > w au en- gi'aving of a leaf and some flowers of the bush.
These late flowers, so far as their more im- portant functions of maturing seed is concerned, belong to next sea.son. The}' are merely com- nienciu.g the coming year's operations in the end of this year, in which rcs|ject they are like the schools that have commencements at the end of each yearly term. The blossoms, of a jiale vellow. showing prettily along the twigs, remain in a (hied state where they are. through the winter. When spring comes thev develop into fruit, and require the season to mature.
I never see the Witch-hazel blooming in this unseasonable mouth, without thinking of the special perniit it seems to have from mistress Nature, of thus getting the start of her sister flowere that bloom in the spring. But nature appears to delight in allowing these odd caprices sometimes, as we see in many singidar habits and forms in the vegetable world. The Creator who ordered things so, saw that it was good, and we cannot but en jo}' in this bush the pleas- ing variations of some flowei-s late in the fall, amongst the sombre aspect of natm'e at this sea.son. The flowers ajipear much more attract- ive now than they could if their opening was deferred until spring, among the many early flowers. As a lawn flowering shi-ub this late bloomer is of value. A friend in another state reports a handsome specimen ten feet high, in the shape of a sugai- loaf, which every autumn is charmingly coverefl with golden bloom.
Now you may want to know about
THE NAME WITCH-HAZEL.
This shrub of singular habit has long been associated with supei-stitious notions. Those who have read from the poems of Token, may have seen the following allusion to it:
Mysterious plant : }\'liose golden tresses wave With a sad beauty in the dying year. Blooming amid Xoveinber's frost severe. Like a pale corpse-light o'er the recent grave. If shepherds tell us true, th.v wand hath power, With gracious influence to avert the harm Of ominous planets.
The fact that the shrub was formerlv thus regarded, together with its close resemblance to the trae Hazel, easily accounts for its common name. It is known lx)tanically as HatnttmHis \'iryiniana. The branches were formerly in re- pute as "divining rods" by means of which deep springs of water, and precious metals were supposed to be revealed. All intelligent persons know V)etter now than to believe that anj'thing possesses such power, and the notion meets with ridicule. That the Witch-hazel has some medical virtues is not doubted, and an extract from it is a popnlar remedy.
Timothy Treeclimber.
can never rea.sonably lie expected to be done, is thus set forth by a recent writer:
Tocarr.v the \iiuly nf even a small women, weigh- ing, say, Km pounds, wonlil reifnire a machine hav- ing at leasl four liiirse power. This would call for wings, supjiosing we hail the machine to work them, of enormous size. The liirds fnmid far out at sea, known a.s Mother Carey's chickens, seem t<i he lal'Kc. but when killed, and the body stripped of feathers, it Ls not much bigger than a canary bird. And so of
Why Men Cannot Fly. What boy as he has watched the gracefid flight, and free and rapid movements of birds through the aii-. has not wished that he could fly ; Inventors for ages have dreamed of a time to come, %vhen men could put on wings and fly. Much money has been spent in devising and building flying machines, all thus far without securing anything capable of serving any prac- tical or useful pm-pose. Why flying Viy men
pounds of jams and jellies: tinne<l meats. 6,(100 pounds: di-ied beans, :).iK»i pounds: rice, •'j.mniixiimds; onions, .-j.mil pounils; potatiH's. *> tons: Hour. 300 barrels, and egtcs. l.'Jim dozen. Kresh vegetables, dead meat, and live bulli>cks, sheep, piKS, geese, turkeys, ducks, fowls, fish, and casual game are genei'ally supplied at each port, so that it isdiftieult to estiimil<. them Probably two ilozeii bullocksand si.\ty sheep would be a fair averaee for the whole vo.vage. and the rest ma.v he inferred hi projjortion. During t he sunnner months, when traveling is hea\'y. twenty-live fuw Ls are often used in soup for asiugle dinner.
lie
pen
Read hit to me.
AN EARLY-COMMENCING FLOWER
all birds capable of extended flight. Man's strength, it is estimated, would have to be increased some thirt.v fold before he could fly. and then he would be forced to confine himself to dead calm weather. CmTents of air have often a velocity of twenty miles per hour, a fact which .shows how might.v must be the power man must command before he can launch himself upon the air and compete \\ ith even the slowe.st birds. Aside from au extreniel.v jtowerful motor there must be some apparatus that will do the same special .service for man that feathers and wings do for birds.
Sharing Equally.
The visions of Socialists and others, who be- lieve that an equal distribution of wealth among all mankinil is needed for securing the highest sum of happiness, can never be realized. Even if it were possible to be carried out. the results would not effect any material change in the condition of the poor.
During one of the revolutions in the city of Paris, several t-ough-looking men entered the banking house of Rothschild and demanded nione.v. saying that all men were brethren, and that the lich should share with the poor.
" Here is your .share." said the banker, handing each man a" five-franc piece: "there are many of my poor brethren in Parts." An Eastern parable runs thus;
.4. very poor man went to a very rich man and said. "We are two sons of Adam and Eve: therefore we are brothers. 'V'ou are very rich, and I am verj- poor; give me a brother's share."
The rich man gave to the poor man one cowrie — the smallest jiiec-e of mone.v. a tiny shell.
'The pour num said. "O sir. why do , von not bestow upon me a brothers share "r"
To which the rich man rei>lied. " Be content, my good friend : if I give all luy poor brothers one cow- rie each, 1 shall not have any remaining.
Writing not Easy Work Colonel "^'erger's negr<i Sum, although very useful as a general utility man about his mas- ter's j)laee, found it exhausting to wiite letters. According to Ti.nis Siflinris he thus applied to his employer for some clerical aid, with the re- sult stated :
"Boss, I wants yerter write mealetteiter Waco."
"All righl, Sam, I'll do it."
"Has yer got de paper an' de ink ready dar'r"
" \es, Sam. go ahead."
" Write Austin, Texas."
" All right."
" Has yer got hit written?"
"Yes."
" Allobhit?"
"Certainly."
"What has .ver got written? boss."
" An.stin, Texas."
" Pat's right. Now write June de fourteenf."
".\II right. Sam."
" Has 3'er got hit down boss. alread.v."
" Yes."
"(i'wa.y. boss, .you am jokin'. Read hit ler me."
".Tune fourteenth."
"Y'ou has got hit down all right. Now. boss, reail hit all ober from de heny begiimin'
"Austin. Texas, June fourteenth."
" Dat's right. "V^Tiew : I say. boss, let's res' awhile, I's tired. M.v head aches like hitwasgwintersplit."
Satisfied that tha Earth is not Round.
We, who are amuseil at the theories of un- civilized or ignorant ]>eople concerning the shape of the earth, should reflect that it is only a few hunch'e<l years, since even wise men, were ske])tical as to the matter of its rotundity. Following is an account of the pros and cons on this same subject and a test of the I'a-se, by two braves of an Indian village, near Quebec, some time since, and printed in the Golden Days:
One held that it was round, because men had trav- eled in a straitrht line and had come back to the ver.v spot whence the.v had started.
To this it was rei>iied that men were apt to travel in circles, as they often do when lost.
Then it was urged that white men said so, and they knew more than the Indians: hut it was an- swered white men frequenth' lied, as the Indians ver.v well knew,
■The matter was settled finalfv as follows: A stake was driven into the groimrl. and at night an apple was placed upon the stake. In the morning the apple was still there: whereupon the chief, who was acting as referee in the ca-se. <leclared that if the earth had revolved in the nij^ht the apple would have fallen off.
Professor dooking at his watch) : " As we have a few more minutes, I shall lie glad to an- swer any question that any one may wish to ask."
Weary Student : "What time is it, plea-sef
The pleasantest things in the world are pleas- ant thoughts, and the greatest art in life is to have as inmiv of them as [wssible.
Provisions for an Ocean Steamer.
Persons from the interior, who for the first time see a large ocean steamer, are quite cer- tain to be impresswl, by its vast proportions. And yet its cupatity for holding freight and pa.s.seugei-s, and the extent of the ojierations of loading and fitting ui) the vessel for a voyage, are hanl to be realized liy the casual si>ectator, as a large portion of the vessel lies out of sight beneath the surface of the water. The Loiidtin Tiinrs thus descriiies the provisiimiug of a large vessel, for passengers and crew :
In each vessel Ls packeil away :i..'>00 pounds of butter rj.iwohams; l.liW pounds of biscuits, exclu- sive of those supplied for the crew: S.lXKl pounds of grapes, almonds, figs, and other dessert fruits: l,.'jil0
An investment in knowledge always pays the liest interest.
An Autumn Hostelry.
It was the dear «)ld appU* tree.
^\1lo took me for his gue.st : He gave me shelter, gave me food.
And welcome of the best,
A hetl I foiuid for slinnlier sweet,
< If sfiflest mosses made: The host himself he covered me
With cool and pleasant shade.
.\nd when I asked what I owed.
He shook his leaves at me. Be blessings on ,vour tieatl for a.ve.
You dear olil aiiple tree.
— t'///and.
22
POPULAR GARDENING.
November,
CAGE BIRDS, PET ANIMALS, ETC.
Dogs as Helpers,
One of the pleasant things about the service of dogs is that they delight to serve. Their work is not for pay, Imt only kind words, gen- tle treatment, and now and then a bone, sufBces to attach them to their masters, for lite and in death. Man has not been slow to avail himself of this willing helper. A new use to which the dog has been put — carrying letters tor a little mining camp in California, is thus reported by a paper :
The place is hardly big enough to liaveanarae, and of course cannot thiik of having a [..ist (■fflce; but the few niinei's there want their letters just as badly as though tliey lived in New York city itself. They could not tinil a man to hi-ingtliem three miles from the nean-st [lost-c iffice. f. ir cxei y man in a camp wants to dig lor K'old. so they liav.. Iaut,'lit a dog to doit. Dorsev is the nanieot Hip faitlilnl lellow. and he run his three miles every dai . from t'alico where the stage stops, to Bismark, the camp, in twenty minutes, with the letter bag strapped to his back.
Care of Canary Birds.
A common nustake with those who undertake to have a canary for the first time, is to keep the cage suspended too near the ceiling. The heat and impurities of the atmosphere rise to the ceiling, and in these the bird can never be healthy, and an unhealthy bird does not sing.
To keep a bird in a room where gas is burned at night for illumination is also not good, un- less the cage is hung low while the gas is lighted, and is kept covered. A friend who complained that her bird never sang, and moulted continu- ally, was atlvised to move the cage into a room imlighted by gas. Here it put on a splendid coat of plumage and soon began to sing with vigor.
As for feeding, this is a more simple matter than many suppose. On this point the f olliiwing from the pen of Mrs. Silas Hill, in the PhiUt- delphia Frcas, but somewhat condensed by us, is to the point:
I have had good success with raising canary birds, having had one bird that lived to lie si-xtcen years and six months old. I have alH ays inl tlii-m every- thing that 1 knew they like to eat inclu.lint; liread. crackers, with boiled potatoes, licet, turnip, lettuce cabbage and cWck weed, I'or srril I get liemp anil canary Imt mostly hemp, as my ninlslike itthehest. I always give my tiirds plenty ot water tor drink anti to ha the in. Plenty ot sand in the cage, cuttle-houe and red peppers, 'i have never had any trouble in raising young birds, 1 give the lit! le ones uard boiled eggs and bread and mnk wiili a sininkling ot sugar in It, One year 1 raised thirteen oirdstroin one pair; eight of them were singers.
Food for the Mocking Bird.
Mr. Ruth an experienced bird fancier of Reatling, Pa,, prescribes the followiiig food for these birds:
"Take the yolk of a hard boiled egg, and about the same amount ot a boiled potato, and mix. Then add as much prepared food to ecjual the amount of the egg and potato. I'Ved in a smalt dish. Mi.x all up thoroughly, feed fresh every day. Give plenty ot clean water and strew the cage with gravel. \V ash out the cups every morniug. A meal worm or a grasshopper every tlay, and once in a while some raw beet, is aloo very good. If the bird gets droopy, feed it a spider.''
Scurf in Rabbits.
Accortling to The Featlti'n'il [Viirld, tliis ail- ment comes from scantiness of fresh green food, or else contagion. The remedy suggested is to wash the parts with warm water, cleaning away every sign of scurf. Half an hour later apply a solution of strong tobacco and water, say an ounce of common shag to half a pint of boil- ing water ; using it luke warm. Continue this treatment every other day for a week. Healthy animals must be kept apart from affected ones.
Carrier Pigeons MightOften be made Useful.
Cai'i'ier pigeons have been employed for some time by Dr. Harvey, of Berlin, as assistants. In going tmt on practice the doctor takes sev- eral birds along with him in a small basket, and after seeing a patient, ties the prescrip- tion I'ouiul the neck of one of them and libei'-
ates him, when he flies straight home to the sm*gei".y, where the meiiicine is prepared and sent to the patient without loss of time. Should any patient be very ill, and an early report of his condition be desired by the physician, a bird is left with him to bring the later tidings. This use of these birds, seems to show that in many cases they might be used to advantage.
A Berlin paper reports the death of a parrot in Paris at the age of one hundi'ed years. Since the government of Napoleon III it is said to have spoken very little.
Sunflower seed makes a good addition to the food for hard-billed, seed-eating birds, sucli as all classes of cardinals, grossbeaks, parrots, cockatoos, etc.
In selecting globes for gold flsh, choose those with thin glass.
oviltry.
How to get Eggs in Winter.
When hens fail to lay in the winter, it is be- cause they ai'e not fairly treated. Suitable feed and shelter should start pullets in laying this month, and to be kept nij steadily through the cold season. The difference in the actual cost of keeping over in good condition for lay- ing, andof keeping them in a halfway condition, ought not to be above a fraction of the increase in the income that attentLs good cai'e, through the high prices winter eggs always command.
To induce winter laying, rests chiefly, but not wholly with the feetling. The staple food of Indian corn is unequalled for furnishing heat and fat, but is deficient in albumen and phos- phates. For some breeds like the Asiatics it is rather too fattening. Wheat is a more perfect food , as it is also preferred Ijy fowls, when they have a choice of both. A mixture of the two is desirable, with some oats added for a change. There must be at least some variety in the grain fed, for the best results.
In addition to grain animal food is needed. Where milk in any shape is at hand, it is one of the best of foods. Refuse from the butchers, scrap cake and oft'al from the flsh market fiu'- iiish valuable material for making eggs. We at one time h,ad access to a slaughter house, where hogs lungs coulil be had by the bushel basketful, briven to the hens the)' were tle- voured with avithty, and aided in the return of large yields of eggs in the winter. To feed an- imal lungs, they should have a string tied tightly around the middle, and be hung on strong nails. Then the hens can easily eat them, but if thrown in loose they cannot.
Vegetable food in some form is also necessary. Potatoes and turnips boiled and mashed with Indian meal is hard to equal. Cabbage is always acceptable, and where there is an ab- sence of other vegetables, provision should be made each season, to have a good stock laid up for the fowls in winter. For lack of ever)' kintl of green vegetables, not a bad substitute may be hatl in clover hay. Those who have never fed this will be sui-prised to .see how fond fowls are of it, at this .season. If fowds have the run of the grounds, and there is no snow laying, they will manage to pick up some green food outside ; this should not be too much counted on. But to aid in the grinding of the food that is going on in the gizzard, and also to afford material for the formation of egg-shells, it must not be forgotten to provide laying hens with small gravel aiitl grit, broken bones, shells and the like. They should have free access constantly to all they will care to consume of such things.
Properly fed, and kept in a warm, well-lighted and well-ventilated house during the winter, and hens will not fail to lay well. Provisions for heating the house a little during the coldest
weather, is a form of expenditure that repays amply for the outlay, however warm the' house may otherwise be.
No Small Matter.
Too often we fail t^i realize how impoidant a part, the egg product plaj's in the food supply and commerce of our land. On this point Mr. C. P. Dewey sometime since, contributeii some interesting figures to the American Arp-icul- furist, from which we condense the following :
Five million dozen of eggs are annually im- ported from the Dominion of Canada alone. The egg import from Em'ope is also large. Eggs pay no duty, and when we reflect, that this product comes from millions of humble sources — the poultry yards of small farmers — and that it is only the surplus that goes to market, we may well wonder, where and how the billions of eggs consumed in the United States are produced. It is probable that the egg consumption of our fifty million inhabit- ants is not less than three billion a year, at a valuation of from twenty -five to thirty millions of dollars. There are " egg trains " on the rail- roads of the northern frontier. The import of eggs at Ogdensburg alone, was valued at one hundi'ed and fifty thousand dollars for the last fisc.al year. At Buffalo and in two districts in Maine, nearly thi'ee times this traffic in im- ported eggs is done. These eggs are taken from the original packages, carefully examined by candle or lamp light, ami then repacked, the defective eggs being laid aside. If transporta- tion is not immediate, the eggs are placed in colli storage warehouses, where the temperature is a few degrees above freezing, anil there kept until shipped.
About Turkeys and Fattening Them.
A better illustration of the turkey in his prime, is seldom seen than the artist and print- er have set forth in the accompanying engrav- ing. How it came about that this noble American bird, which receives so much atten- tion during our holiday feasts, was given its present name is not known. Some suppose that it arose through a mistaken idea wdien first in- troduced into England, that the bird came from Turkey. But his meat is as sweet and tooth- some, and the profits he affords to his raisers as acceptable under this, as any other name.
Those who raise turkeys are well aware that the critical time in the life of the fowl, is in the chick state. Indeed so much peril is associated with the rearing of young turkeys, that many Persians maintain that all things consiilered, the matter of profit in growing them is very ques- tionalile. AVe think this is one of those things which depend largely upon circumstances. When these are of such a chai'acter as to iiermit of some special care being given, the raising ot turkeys for market becomes a decidedlj' profit- able business. As a rule the housewife succeeds best in the management of poultry, and the turkeys usually tall to her share as a special perquisite.
At the present season we have to do with preparing turkeys for mai'ket, rather than with the difficulties of early mouths. Chickens that were hatched early, wiU be large enough to fat- ten this fall, while with older ones this process may be well under way now, for nieeting the demand of Thanksgiving day. For fattening, Indian corn should be chiefly relied upon. By the addition of some oats, gi-inchng both of these grains into a meal, and scalding this with hot sweet milk, a food that fattens quickly is obtained. The atldition of some boiled potatoes or roots to the diet once a da)% will iiniu-ove digestion with goixl effect. Turkeys are gross feeders and lovers of variety ; almost anything that would ordinarily get into the pig trough, will prove acceptable to them.
Ply the feeding freely and often. Especially in the last three weeks of his life, there must be no stint in pruyidmg corn. A lean turkey will not bring a fat price.
1885.
POPULAR GARDENING.
CONDENSED POULTRY NOTES-
Long iicrks sliow inferiority.
Fowls dou't pay stingy feeders.
Spare some wlieat for baekuaril chicks.
Give soft food in the inorniii}^. liard at nijfht.
In France inoval>le i>ouItry houses are popular.
Hen manure when dry loses httle strenj^th with a^e,
Pick out the l)est cockerels for stock, market tlie othei"s.
Small potatoes niay he turned into larj^e ej^j^s, by feeding- Delay is especially dangerous, when ai>plied to puttint^ coops in order.
In our 3'ard we notice the cocks displa.^■ the ego- tism, the liens the eggs.
Don't go into the winter with a flock of fine fowls, and a miserable cold house.
Air-slacked lime is a simple and elticient deodor- izei- about the hen house. Use it frequently.
Closeness of the poultry hovise is important in winter, but it must not be at the ex- pense of good ventilation.
Where lime in every other forui is unavailable for fowls, bone-dust or even pulverized chalk mixed with the food will answer.
The product of one hen for a slKirt time will pay for Pop- ixAR Gardening for a year. Really, at such a price you cannot afford to be without it. Suppose you subscribe now, while the thought is on your mind.
To be a raiser of fancy poul- ti-y. there is one thing more im- portant than some others to lie <lone. and that is. that j-ou look to their wants yoursei/ every day without fail. Fix this fact in your mind if you go no fur- ther.
In keeping geese, fall is a good time to buy. The com- pact birds are the best; even the neck should not be long. A chief point when buying is to note the size of the abdomi- nal pouch, for the larger it is the less is the value, because the gi'eater is the age of the bird.
A chicken louse is a minute affair, but multitudes together are enough to cause failure in any poultry growing venture. We read in Our Countrif Home lately, how a hen that seemed to be dying with lice, was '^
caught, sprinkled with Persian insect powder, and rolled into a newsjiaper for HO minutes. When shook out there was a full t^^aspoouful of these red coop lice, gorged with the hen's blood a lousey hen looks pale.
Poultry in Russia. Poultry breeding is univer- sal, and a very important adjunct to peasant life; statistics are not to be had, tiiough the product is valued at 75,OO0.OiX) dollars. The people are great egg consumers, besides j'early exporting more than KK1.00(J,000. The millions of large eggs and poultry coming to St. Petersburg are mostly from beyond Moscow. Estimates based on the annual egg pro- duction indicate the existence of 52,800,000 chickens. —Orloff.
Mr. Lang, the Cove Dale, Ky., poultrj- grower, recommends a good device for catching the drop- ings from roosts. It consists of a V shaped trough, but with only one end piece. This is made of two 14 inch wide boards, the length of the perch, nailed to- gether. One of these troughs sprinkled on the in- side with a little dirt and lime is hung under each pole. Every morning or everj- second one it is emp- tied of its contents into a barrel and replaced. Cheap, simple and cleanly.
To keep large tlocks of poultry free from lice, the following method, according to the Poultry Monthly, is adopted by not a few extensive breed- ers. With a gallon of crude petroleum and a spraymg bellows, or a brush if you have nothing better, saturate everj' part of the inside of the houses. This will rid them of every vestige of lice,
large or suuill, and as the small ones mostly leave the fowls in the nu)rning, it will soon kill all. A touch of lard oil and kerosene, half and half, under the wings will kill any large lice. Hut every per- son who has many fowls should have a sjiraying apparatus, and with this, spray the house once a month with kcroseru' frnulsion. This can be quickly done at niglil, wlieii tbr fowls are at roost.
Preparing Poultry for Market. The prices one can coiiimand depend laiKfly on how the billing and preparation is done. The birds should be fat and have empty crops. No one is liable to be de- ceived into jiaying the price of poultry for the little corn that may be in the crop, while its presence may prejudice good customers against buying. Don't catch the bii-ds liy running them down, and then after chopping off their heads allow them to "tlop'"about violently, to bruise and disfigure them- selves. Catch (juietly; hold each liird (iriul>' and tie the wings and legs, and hang them alive one after another on a pole. When a few are thus sus- pended, take a sharp knife and sever the head of each fowl closely, letting them hang afterwai'ds
threi' Ut three and a half feet apart and twelve tt^ eighteen inches in the rf)ws. I cultivate with a horse when 1 lind the hoe is too tedious. Such a distance between the ro«s atToi;*l*«-H»itu»tilent space for the coops of hens with, tlii-irlDroOds. ""Yhti-iJlants make excellent shade aufl Up- occasitMKiJ i,idliv;ni4.'U gives the chicks fresh w^i^ih t»j enjoy themsehxs in. When the seeds jV* ^"'^'^"'''Vly ripmed f.jr fo<)U, 1 bend the stalks o^tlu* smaller/ J'njads over; so tftv (lowers will hang ih^x^T Uvelve ificljeH'/rotii Jht*. gruunil. Tliis allows nu.'Cliiwks and fowls ti»dot heir I own harvesting of these; but leaves Uie larger ones' to'i'i]H'n fidly. when thi-y may begalbered treshod with a Hail, run through the fanning luUl^.auil kept for future u.se. No other food will at al! compare with them to pi'<.dii<-e eggs or to give a tine glossy plumage.
No wonder
THE AMERICAN TURKEY. [See Opposite page.]
until all the blood is out of them. If the fowls are to be shipped, plucking the feathers should be done di-y, conunencing at once while the body is still warm. Pidl a few at a time, the way the featheis lay and they will come easily. Let the birds hang until cold, when they should be wiped with a damp cloth. For marketing near home, the fowls may be more easily cleaned of feathers by first dipping in scalding water, for not over five seconds. By this course they will not keep so well, but will look plumper, because of the skin shrinking slightly. The fat on the surface is also melted, perhaps by this jjrocess, for by it the birds take on a clean, yellow look, wln'ch is attractive.
The Sunflower for Poultry. This stately, if somewhat coarse looking plant, has some claims on the attention of those who keep poultry, aside of its use for ornament, in the value of the seed for feeding. The (juick growth of the plants, and the ample shade they soon afford if planted where fowls assemble, is also an argument in their favor. An enthusiastic grower of the plant in coimection \\ ith poultry keeping, thus speaks of it in the September Poultry Journnl:
As a sha<le for fowls and growing chicks the plants are unequaled; the birds preferring them to corn- field, shrubbery or artificial shades of any kind. Again a given quantitj-of gi'ound will produce more bushels of sunHower seed than of corn, and it iscer- taiuly superior as poultry foo*,!. I plant it in rows
ABOUT THE PLACE.
Plan to have an ice hou.se. Leaves make good stable l)edding. Granulated sugar is the l»esi bee food.
A smooth animal coat indi- cates health.
House all tools, stakes and portable trellise.
Extracted honey keej.sthe
best in open vessels.
In selling honey, a neat ap- l)earance is one half. \r Let neatness adorn all parts of the home grounds.
Eye may yet be sown for early spring cow feed.
In building stables, make sure of the future comfort of the animals.
Posts or stakes, with their
gi'ound ends charred, and dip- ped in boiling coal tar. will be more lasting than if not so treat, -d.
For calves and yearling cows, bran and oat meal are t he best gra in food . These should be treated for keeping thrifty without forcing.
Bees, to be wintered on the stands, either in chaff, hives or in packing, need little care after this, beyond seeing that the entrance is kept clear of ice or snow.
Pasture lots need manuring as well as any other land from which crops are taken. This is the best month to apply top dressings to these. The manure should be old and fine; if fresh it will not have so good effect, l)esides this will render the gr'ass distasteful to the animals ~=^^^T:^^^ when next turned out.
'''■^ Fattening of swine or any
<tther animals should now be jjushed. The farther the mat- ter is deferred into cold weath- er, the greater will be the consumption of feed 'to secure the same gains. The cooler weather does not yet make great draughts on the feeding to secure additional animal warmth, while it does stimulate the ai^iietite,
Late Pasturing. Now when the frosts affect the gi-ass unfavorably for feed, is a tiying time for milch cows or other animals, unless foddering in addition to pasture is freely practiced. Without this the cows are apt to fall away rapidly, and may meet a condition not fitting them for wintering well, or even disease l>e contracted. The wise course is to be on the alert with careful, systematic feeding, according to the actual needs of the case. But to feed carefnily, anil then neglect proper sheltei- from chilly or wet fall weather, would not be wise. Shelter shoidd accompany the feeding.
Swarms <»f bees to be wintered in the cellar should be taken in during this month. Thej- should be dis- turbed as little as possible in the moving. Once in jilace, the covei" sliouM be taken olT the hive and a piece of carpet ov other coarse clitth. that will admit ofthcescapeofmoisture.be thrown over instead. If the cellar be dark, well ventilated, and of a tem- perature within live degrees above or below 42* Fahrenheit, the bees will need ver>- little care until April. So long as they are ipiiet they are all right. if ivstle.ss and loud bu//ing proceeds from the hive, allowing them to Hy *ni the fii-sl warm, pleasant day is desirable.
24
POPULAR GARDENING.
November,
"^e Household
How to starch and Iron Shirt Bosoms.
To a neat and painstaking liousewife, few things are more exasperating, than to have the starching of shirt bosoms not turn out well. The applying of the starch is au important pai-t of the work. Some succeed with cold starch, but a better course is to nse hot aud cold both. If a little more work to use both, this is repaid by a handsomer and more lasting finish to the bosom, and there will rarely be a shirt to go back into the wash.
In using both hot and cold starch, the for- mer is applied first, allowing it to ch*y before using the other. For the hot starch, count on a teaspoonful of good di'y starch for each bosom. It should not be made very thick, and iu applying, the hotter it can be put on the Ijet- ter. Of this i>repared starch, spread on a table- spoonful at a time, rubbing in well before put- ting on more. Apply first on the right side and later from the under side, keeping at it iintil the linen will take up no more, with- out showing a mussed appeai'ance. tThe starch must be well rubbed in, if it is not, the iron will stick, and sjiecks and blisters appear.
Following on this, the shirt shctuld be di'ied, after which the cold stai'diing may l_)e done. In making uj) a batch of cold starch for use ahead, as should always be done, the following well tested receipt, will provide enough to last for some months. Take two ounces borax, one ounce white laumii-y wax, one teacup wa- ter, three cups of starch. Dissolve the borax and wax in the water, sufficiently heated for the purpose, but not so hot as to scald the starch ; into this mix the starch after pulver- izing aud passing it through a flour seive. Dry on platter ami keep iu box. In using, take a teaspoonful of this prepare<l starch, dissolve in water not so cold, but that the wax in it will soften. Applj' by dipping the bdsom, already treated with hot starch and dried, a.s described, into this new batch, and i-inging (nit; rubbing but slightly. After au hour or moi'e, iron.
In ironing, tu'st rub the bosom carefullj' with a cloth wrung out of hot water, to equalize the starch on the surface. For the first time of passing the iron over the bosom, lay a thin cloth between. Then remove this, dampen the sm-face of tbe bosom a little, and iron carefully, repeating several times, and until the finish is satisfactory. If the outside cover of the iron- ing board he of flannel, the shirt will not stick. Careful attention to these details, will be re- warded by shirt bosoms so white and glossy as to give full satisfaction for the pains taken.
Some Facts About Unwholesome Meat.
Dr. Eli H. L<Mig, of Erie County, N. Y., sends in the following interesting facts, about unwholesome meat, to our columns. He says:
" Our present knowledge, points to decompo- sition in meat as the source of substances that ai'e positively poisonous, and as such very dele- terious to health. The odor of putrefying flesh for example, it is well known, may cause vom- iting and diari"h<ea. Probably the cases of sausage poisoning we heai- of, come from this kind of poison, iu old meat in the sausage.
The notion that meat and game is the better for hanging some time before using, becoming more tender by the means, is a dangerous one to ailopt. It is true that meat thus grows ten- der, but let it be borne in mind, that this soft- ening process, is the beginning of piitrefaction, and with it, comes unwholesomeness. The fresher meat is, the more wholesome it is.
The practice of eating raw or rare meat, is not a good oue. This not so nmch because such meat is in itself unhealthy for f(jod, as of the danger of introducing the parasites of tape worm, trichina and the like, into the system. The flesh of different animals, may contain
these pai-asites in their undeveloped state, one of the most familiar examples of which is found iu " measly " pork. Swallowed alive in flesh that is raw or partly so, the parasites, in embryo in such pork, soon develop, into the much dreaded tape worm.
For readers to learn these facts, need not alarm them lest they have tape worm, because of eating rai-e meat, for not all meat contains these parasites. But to be safe from all danger in the future, eat no meat unless it be well cooked. The cooking process, may be relied upon as certainly desti'oyiug the miimte crea- tures in their ever3'- form.
Trichina, the other commonly dreaded meat parasite, usually infests the muscles of animals, but never the fat, as many people suppose. It is not the flesh of swine alone, that contains these, but that of a number of other animals, as well. With these, as with most other such parasites, they remain dorment in the flesh until swallowed by some other animal, when they become active, multiply and cause disease. A sure preventive, as in the former case alluded to, is found in thoroughly cooking the meat.
Brieflets.
Boiling, weakens vinegar.
Pepper is half p's anyway.
Keep cake in tin or a stone jar.
Plenty of stove holders save the hands.
Beef .tongue and ox-tail soup make both ends meet.
To dry wet shoes iu good shape, stuff with dry paper.
Prick pntatnes before baking, that they may not bui-st in the fiven.
In blacking the stove, slip the brnsh Jiand in a paper ba^ for iiri)tectiou.
Bar soap Iiought in quantity and dried before usiuK. K'»"*s much farther than if used fresh.
If Specks tlake otT from tlje tiat irons, wash hi soap snds and dry quickly to prevent rusting.
Strong lie will clean tainteil porl^barrels or other vessels, also tin paint cans coated with paint.
It is said that Sassafras bark scattered through dried fruit, will keep out worms. Easily tried.
Never tise tea, for washing out the eyes if weak or intlauied; it is injurious. Tea is not a bad article to nse on house-plants.
A lamp standing for some time in a cold room and then filled full of coa! oi!, will run over through tlie expansion of the oil when taken to where it is warm. Then the lamp may he blamed for leaking. To tibviate this, never fill the lamp quite full.
What nonsense is sometimes offered as advice. Here it is again iu directions to hold a pin between the teeth while peeling onions, to keep the eyes from smartinji;. Have the onions under water in a dish while paring them, aud you'll not be troubled.
If the broom is wearing away unevenly, place its bottom part in boiling water for a moment or two, shake out as dry as possible, tie a string around it to improve its shape, and finish drying in sun or near the stove. When dry, trmi off the ends that are inieven. Whisk brooms may l)e similarly treated.
Cultivate in your ehiUlreu the hahit of breathing only through the nose; many distressing ailments are due to the evil effects of mouth brealhing. If there is the disposition to throw the head back when asleep, inducing breathing through the mouth, cor- rect it as often as is necessary, by gently bringing the head forward somewhat.
Charcoal as Kindling. This is obtainable in most places at twenty cents a bushel, or even less. At this rate it affords 'one of the cheapest, handiest and best articles to use as kindling, especially coal fires. A good handful or two at most, of charcoal, will be sufficient to ignite even hard coal. Paper alone will serve to fire the charcoal. Tried once, it will always be used.
Here is how to get up a delicious dish that will suit most all tastes. Boil one-fourth part of rice in a pint and a half of milk, adding two ounces of sweet almonds, anil white sugar to suit the sweet tooth. Boil until the rice is soft, sturiug as little as possible; to shake the vessel in which it boils will save some stirring. It is to be served in cups, which should be first wet with cold water. Fill to leave a space at the top of each cup, in which put a spoonful of jelly with cream poured around it, or whipped cream and powdered sugar, or a chocolate frosting like that for cake.
Notes on Dress and Home Art.
Beads are much worn.
Plain black silks are stylish.
Astrachan continues in favor.
White skirts are going out of style.
Cream is a favorite color for evening.
How many shades of green are there?
Water-proof cloth is again coming out.
Striped mantles are among the novelties.
Mats inq)rove cheap engravings in frames.
Bonnets call for feathei-s more than flowei-s.
Staining wood work, is in better taste than grain ing.
The rage for '■* crazy '' patch work is more modi- fied,
For a much used parlor, choose a medium dark carpet.
Carved wooden beads are very stylish for outside adornment.
Embroidered cloth bonnets go with embroidered costumes.
Kilt skirts continue to be proper for young ladies aud misses.
Short, plain waists are made slightly pointed in front but round behind.
On felt bonnets and hats, gay wool scarfs, in bundled up bows, will be much used.
Deep cherry paint for the wood work, and dark red witli olive paper suit the dining room.
Congress canvass or grenadines afford an inex- pensive material, for bureau or table spreads.
The pretty peasant dress, with full round skirt and short plain waist, continue to be very stylish for little girls.
Little Jack.— "My mamma's new fan is hand- painted." Little Dick— "Pooh! who cares? Our wlnile fence is.''
The cloak of medium length has had its day; they must either be very long or very shoit. For these, dull red clotli is coming in favor.
No more sensible and tasty outside wrap can be made for children than the newmarket. For fabrics plush, honiespun and astrachan are used.
An elegant cover for a small table may be made of a copjier colored jilush scarf, with silk tassels of same cohir. run through crescents at the edge.
If the little dog that is made to stand guard by the parlor door or window, is placed upon a thin, soft cushion, covered with scarlet, he will look more lifelike aud at ease.
Engravings Lhal are printed on tliick handsome paprr should not have mats in framing. There must however be a white margin of some inches in width around the print.
A curtain for the lower sash of a window, made up plain of cotton scry m, painted in bold designs of Morning Glories, Nasturtiums or other showy flowers is very effective and pretty.
The newest mantles and coats are made without pleats in the back. Green billiard cloth very similar to that used on billiard tables is a novelty for tailor jackets, to be worn by young ladies with black, green and brown dresses.
Where windows are not wider than the usual width, and one feels they cannot well afford double curtains, single ones may be draped so gracefully that they will answer well. Do not loop back with ribbons, but pin or tack them back in several places. The tacking should he started quite high, to prevent a drawn and awkward apiJearauce lower down.
The hideous black water-proofs must go, those of fine cashmere or silk in desirable colors, taking their place. Will the meufolks give up the gossamers tooy While ladies could very sensibly use the gar- ment as a complete protector from wet, nothing ev- er occurred more ridiculous to the writer's eyes, than to see the sterner sex adopt the same garment, which .serving only to reach a little below the knees, conveyed the th'ip into the pant bottoms and boots. Table Screen. A novel and easily made screen for the talile, is described in the October Aiiiericati Agi'iriiltiirist. For a base, a wicker covered bottle or flask is used. Such a one as the Italian wines come iu, and which may usually lie had at hotels for a very little or nothing, are admirable. Into this insert the handles of three small Japanese fans, spreading the fans as widely as possible above to form the screen. A ribbon may be tied around the fan handles at the moiith of the flask, with a bow on one side. Silk cord ending tu a tassel, may be twined loosely around the neck of the flask. The fans selected should be light and brilliantly colored. The covering of the flask may be adorned by staining or gilding, and with ribbons. Sand or shot should be filled into the flask to give it stability.
POPULAR GARDENING
FOR TOWN AND COUNTRY.
"ACCUSE NOT NATURE, NHE HATH IHINE IIEK PART; DO THOU HUT 7'///,VK."-Milton.
Vol. 1.
X)EGB3VIBEia, 1885.
No. 3.
An Easily-grown Orchid.
Oni' of lla- best Orchids for i;rowcrs, who lack both experieuce iind facilities for liaml- lin.i;' a collection of these plants, is Lycaste Skiiincri. It is what is known as a cool winter-flowering Orcliid; it has even been calleil the coolest of cool sorts. Tlie plant will bear a great deal of knocking about, not that it thrives so well by .such treatment, but we mention this as showing, that it has a chance of succeeding, with h.'indling that woidd kill most other kinds, outriglitly.
( )nce fairly under way, and this Orchid is one of the easiest things to grow. After lieing well and jiroperly potted it only needs close attention to two point.s, namely: that it be kel)t always cool and always moist. When the large leaves begin to unfold, it i.s astoni.sli- ing how mucli water it will take. The temperature suited to the f'ineraria would suit this phmt well. If there is any time when it needs more heat than at others, it is when it is making its first growth, and then a warm green-liouse will answer.
As for potting material, this should consist of lumps of fil)erv peat, chopped up Sphagnum and cliarcoal. In potting, the operation should be tinished by having some Si)hagnuin and charcoal at the top. But it may be added, that if in this some bits of old perfectly dry cow-manure be in.serted, it will be a great source of strength. Without this, the plant should receive an occasional treat to guano water, when growing.
If Lj'caste Skinneri is not the very handsomest of tlie Ij)'castes. it is one of the cheapest to Iiuy, as well as the easiest to manage. We notice them offered in .some of the florists catalogues at from one to two dollars each.
Some one may wish to know whether this desirable orcliid. would stand any cliance in the window garden. Any experienced grower of window plants ought to succeed with it readily here. It is an orchid tliat svicceeds admirably in a dwelling, if brovight in just as blooming commences.
flowered with us for the first time this season. It is a hardy perennial sjiecies, of handsome growth, with large flowers, for this section. In general, it is not excelled in beauty by any of the vai'ious bandsome pei'ennial suiitiowei's. But coming in flower about a mouth later than the others, and when flowers begin tcj I'un very scarce, it proves to be, perliaps the most valu- able of all the species.
Notes from Lyndale.
BY A. H. E.
Dcrrinhi'r .5. To plan for having the gai'den gay with bloom in Spring and Summer is easy enough ; not so to provide for Octotier and No- vemljer flowei'S liere. I wa.s nuich pleased lately with the addition made to the fall bloomers in our garden, by the not conunon Sunflower Hflhiiitliiis Maj-imiliaii, which
AN EASILY-GROWN ORCHID.— LYCASTE SKINNERI.
I take pleasure in i-eporting on the new Pur- ple-leaved Plum Pntniis Pisscirdi, in my grounds. It ceilainly stands at the head of purple-leaved shrubs and trees in more respects than one. It is a free grower, while no othei- purple-leaved sort with which I am acciviainted, can begin to equal it for richness and perma- nency of the peeidiai- color. The PuriJlc-leaved Barl)erry is a mild looking shnrb side of it. Unlike the Pui-jjle-leaved varieties of Filbert, Peach,Beeeh and Maple,— which, although rich- ly colored in the sprnig, lose much of this by fading, later on,— this new Plum increases in the richness of its purple color as the season ad- vances. This sort needs to be classed as one of the most ])romising new shrubs or small trees, that has been introduced for a long time. It Ls said to be a free bloomer, bearing rosy flowere. * * *
JJi'ri'uibyr VZ. In my la.st entry, I spoke* of a pronusing new shrub in jjai-ticular, let me now say a few words for my slu'ubs in general. The Shrubbery Walk at Lyndale is one of the fea-
tures of the place. It is a winding walk, some four huniln'd feet in length, skirti'd on each side by irregidar-sha|)ed clumiis of shrubs, on lawn that stretches away on eai'h side.
Here are chmips of early-flowering sbi'ubs: clumps of late-flowei'in^ shrubs, and elumps of intermediate sorts. Here are masses of varie- gated leaved, cut-leaved, common-leaveil and evergreen shrubs. Some gi'oups are made up ofilwarf ami formal-looking sorts, such as the . dwarfer kmds of Mock Orange, Deutzia, Hypericums, (..V)rchorus etc\, others are composed of tall or straggling growers, includ- ing Smoke Trees and Altheas, fully twelve feet high eai'li.
There is hardly a <Iay in the year but I can fin<I some attrac- tions along the Shrubbery Walk, while in the height of the blooming season, this part of the gi-ounds is a perfe<'t little Paradise; so beautiful in foliage, flowers and general sweetne.ss. * u. * Who can tell why the hardy shrubs are not more i>lanted t Every home with a quarter of an acre or upwards of lawn and garden, ought to have its Shrulibery Walk or some clumps of shrubs. The gotxl qualities of shrubs for orna- menting grounds, can be summed up in a very tew words. They cost but little money to begin with, they transplant and start into gi'owth easily; they develop into beauty almost in one season; they possess the quality of permanency; they require hai'dly any cai'e. What other ornamental growths, can excel them in as many ))ar- ^-»A, \ ticulars as these named ;
^^ Deveiiihei- 18. Last night we
hauled out the straw mats to
protect the lower end of the
cool gi'eenhouse from a peneti'a-
tiug ''Norea-ster" that had
spnmg up before dark. The
almost inunediate result of this
course, was a rise of .5 or (J in
the temiierature, a point we aimed to gain, for
the Christnuis bulbs in this part of the house,
to hurrv them along into bloom.
* * *
I sometimes question whethei- the value of outside i)rott'ction to gla.ss is well undei-stood. In times of storm, or in cold damp weather, when the fires burn poorly and si"emt<i give out no heat, the straw units on the outside have a wonderful ell'e<t. Then wheie ordinarily a saving of fuel is a special object, inst4»id of firing hard towards sundown let the fires be checkefl, and mats Iw applied by twice going over the job to avoid a t<)o sudden rise of the tcmi)erature, anil the house may be brou;?ht through the night in jiood sha|)e with a de- cided saving of fuel. The .same piineiple holds good in protecting pits, fi-anies or any glass.
* ... * *
DcremhiT 23. It seems to me it is not gener- ally known what a u.seful jjlant the conunon Periwinkle or \'iiirii, (sometimes wrongly calleil myrtle) is for ornumenting grounds, by cover-
26
POPULAR GARDENING.
December,
ing a mound of earth on a la\^^l or elsewhere, with it. I have a mound of this kind here, occu- p>'ing a drculai- space about S feet across on a lawn. The mound is shapely and rises about 3 feet above the sm'f ace at its highest point. The Periwinkle forms a solid mass of foliage, which with being of a much darker shade of gi'een than is the grass, presents a contrast that is decided- ly pleasing. AVhen the plants are in bloom the mound looks still handsomer. This kind of an embellishment is one thatisnotonly most read- ily made, but one that is actually less trouble to care for, than the same sjiace devoted to grass would be.
* I am satisfied from long experience that more plants are injured bj^ having the pots too large than too small. This is especially true in the eai'ly winter season when plant growth is in- active. More than once I have taken plants in band for treatment that were not thriving at all well at the time. But by knocking them out of the pots, reducing the balls of earth about two-thirds, and repotting into pots several sizes smaller than they stood in before, using good earth, they have conmienced to improve quickly and well. The main trouble was found in the fact that the pots had been too large.
THE HOUSE PLANTS.
To keep the window plants vigorous through this month of much cloudy weather, dark days, and cold, is a sure test of a grower's ability. With tlie coming of January, there may be no less cold— in fact there will be an increase of cold, but with it there will also be more sunshine, a condition the lack of which, can never be made up for by artificial means, while heat in a measm'e can be.
Let growers not therefore begi'udge any extra pains that plants maj' now take, for the better the health of these now, the larger will be the reward when the time of more natural growth again comes.
Adiantums ^r Maiden Hair Ferns, succeed quite readily in the window, with the same care that any ferns need. They requu'e no direct sunshine.
Christmas Roses or Hellebores that were lifted in the fall, will blortni freely, in a cool window.
Cobcea Scandens. Few plants succeed better in the house: its worst enemy, green tty, nmst be guarded against closely at all times.
Callas ought to be ^crowing with vigor, and if so- will need plenty of water. This plant, let us not forget, is a s\ib-aquatic, hence, little in danger from over-watering; more, of not being watered enough. The saucers may have water much of the time.
Chrysanthemums after bloom. may be removed to any place where there is little or no frost; if the temiieratiu-e is low enough to prevent growth, light is nut needed. Here they may remain until spring.
Cytisus kept in a cool place, not too dark, suc- ceeds well; much heat with dryness of air invites the red spider. The plant blossoms in the spring.
Dutch Bulbs of the earlier kinds, like Komau Hyacinths and Due Von ThoU TuUps, that were pot- ted early in October ought now to be near bloom; all of the early batch should be in heat.
Hyacinths like sun; Tulips get along well with little light. High heat suits neither of tliese, or anj' others of this class, as well as does a temperature of So*". But there must be no frost. Admit air freely, it will promote a sturdy gi-owth that will assure fine, enduring flowers. Growing bulbs, need more water than the average of plants. Manure or soot water applied as the shoots develop will help the bloom.
Fresh air. Natural light and heat both lack somewhat now. but fresh air, so important to plants, is not lacking. See that the collection receive a plenty in all mild weather; even when the weather is cold, some should be admitted. One reason why plants do so well in kitchens, is that the oft-opened outside door admits fresh air freely, here.
Fuchsias nmst not be crowded. Give g^rowing plants plenty of pot room, with light, rich soil.
Hyacinths in Glasses. It is yet time to start these. The single varieties are preferable to the doubles. Low glasses that are broad at the base are better than tall ones, because less liable to be upset: the flowei-s can be better supported in them also. Colored glasses suit root growth better than clear ones do. but the roots in the latter can be so much better seen, that a few of these are also desii'able.
To start, fill with soft water to near the base of the bulb, when in its place. Set in a cool, dark closet, but where no frost entei"s. for four or six weeks, after which bring to light. Inspect the gla.sses oc- casionly from the first, reijlacing any water that may have been lost by evav>oration. Charcoal in small pieces in the water tends to keep it pure.
Insects. For small collections, we have gi-eat faith in the thumb-nail as a remedy against all kinds. But on some plants, hke the Stocks or Gilly-Howers, Callas, etc., they get into the buds and ilowers. and cannot be easily reached. Then we use tobacco dust on the pests, such as can l>e had at the cigar shops for almost nothing, and nm through a fine sieve for the sittings. This proves very effective.
Lily of the Valley brought in after it has had frost, will grow and fiower well in the window.
Mignonette. Keep the soil open by stirring the surface occasionally. The nearer to light the better.
Over-Watering. There is some danger of this now when plant growth is not rapid. Geraniums and Primroses are especially susceptible to injury from this. Whenever we are called to look at plants of these that are ailing, we expect to see the cause, in too much water given, and are rarely disappoint- ed. Do not however run into the other extreme. I Palms. All these if suitable in size, succeed well in the window. Keep the foliage perfectly clean.
Propagation. There may be slips suitable to root, of (ieraniunis, Fuchsias. Verbenas, iUyssum, etc : put in now. these will be strong plants by spring. ' Stapelias must be kept dry now like Cactuses.
Stocks sown this month will tlower by next April.
Violets. Remove the runners and all dead leaves.
Washing Plants. This is such a desirable thing ' to do. and to do often, that we urge it frequently. For the task, a Drenching Board like the one here- with figured, is very useful. No explanation is needed beyond giving this cut, save to name the dimensions. A good size is 2 ft. liigh at the rear, with the front so that a pail can stand beneath to catch the water. The board may be IH in. wide at the upper end, and a little narrower further down. With such a board, there is no excuse for dirty plants.
LAWN AND FLOWER GARDEN.
Evergreens. Small globe-headed Arbor Vitres, and other kinds, often suffer in winter from snow settling into their tops, dividing them. A shed made of two boards to form a letter V. and this inverted over any such, will prevent this, and prove a good protection otherwise. Where fine Evergi-eens are much exposed to the wind, a screen across the path of the prevailing winds, will be of good seiwiee.
Fountains and artificial plant aquariums must have no water in the basins over winter to freeze and injure them. A shed of boards should also be placed over them to keep out wet and snow. It is well to bank up around these to prevent injury to the masonry from severe freezing.
Hardy Flowers. Ifs a mistake to think that hanly jjlants need no winter pi'otection; they will live without it. but their growth and bloom will be better next year for covering the roots now. Nature sets us the ti-ue example: each faU she sheds down leaves as a winter cover to the roots of plants and trees in the ground. Hay or leaves form the best material for this purpose; they may be applied to a depth of several inches.
Lawns that need mamuing, as all do occasion- ally, may be treated now to advantage. But where it is objectionable to have manure laying all win- ter, as near the house, the applying may be deferred until spring, with fair results. The best manure is that which is so old, as to give oif no bad smell, and so fine that nothing remains to ever rake away.
Roses. The Bengal and Bourbon sections among the Monthlies, maybe wintered where they stand in most sections with safety, by attention to covering. This is best done, by taking a spadeful of earth away, next to the plant on one siiie, depositing it close to the hole on the side away from the bush. Then bend over the plant in the direction of the hole, and cover it with a small m<.»und of earth, or else with sod, the grass side up.
Tea-roses cannot be protected to live in the open ground during winter, in the Northern States.
Hybrid Perpetuals should be cared for as directed for recently planted shrubs, imder Shrubbery. Hyb- rid Teas need the care prescribed for the Bengals.
Shrubbery. For appearance sake, if nothing more, the surface of cultivated shrubberies should be pointed over (spaded shallow) in the fall. There is also no better time for applying a coat of manure, if the growth made by the shrubs the past season shows this is needed. Use onlj- well decayed manure ; any with straw in it is apt to invite mice and this will lead to trouble, by their girdling the shrubs.
Recently planted shrubs, should have their branch- es protected with straw, and their roots sheltered by some kind of cover for several wintei-s at least, after planting. It is easy to straw them up neatly and well. Bring the branches closely together by the use of strong twine, then set straight straw closely around, binding with twine. Bend over the Ujp of the straw, to bring it under the upper circle of twine.
In renovating old shrubberies, cut out all dead wood, and trim the plants according to their require- ments, to prevent the forming of a jungle.
Trellises, Stakes, Vases and fixtures that are movealtle, as a rule, should be brought under cover for the winter. To repair and paint them is in order.
Walks. A single line of plank, a foot or more wide, run along the center of these, for the winter, is a decided improvement. Be prompt in keeping all walks and drives that are used and especially street walks, cleared of snow. If the work is hired done, or any way. let it be attended to very early in the morning, both to accomodate early passera, and to prevent the snow being tramped, hindering the clearing.
PLANT CULTURE UNDER GLASS.
Achyranthes. See directions for Alternanthera.
Alternantheras and similar heat -loving bedding lilants kept up for stock to propagate from, must have fair attention in these coldest months. Usually such are grown with the greatest ease, if but a tem- perature of 60° is provided and common treatment besides. If much young stock is wanted in the spring, propagation may begin at once to the extent of all good cuttings, not taking them close.
Alyssum wanted strong in the spring, should now be propagated either from seeds or cuttings.
Camellias. Water moderately; too much or too little water at the root, is a common cause of the discouraging trouble of buds dropping. This plant does not soon show diyness, for the leaves never Hag from this or any other cause. Too much wet at the roots causes the root fibers to become in jiu-ed, hence, impaired and disaster to the fiower buds is quite sure to follow. If the pots are over -large, this
DRENCHING BOARD.
last named condition is also liable to be met. Lightly sprinkling the plants three or four times a week, is a necessary course at this season.
Carnations. These useful flowers should now be in full bloom. They cannot tolerate much shade for best results. When bedtled under glass as is now usually done in commercial houses, there is some danger of keei^ing too wet at the root. In pot cul- ture, they do not care for larger pots than about six inches across. An occasional dose of liquid manure or lime water, is of great benefit.
Centaureas or Dusty Millers continue to be popu- lar. The species Candida, both in young and old plants, is now liable to injiu*y from over-watering.
Cinerarias. Given a moderate tempeiature, say 45 degrees at night, a light place, plenty of air, and ample space and pot room, and no plants are easier to grow or more rewarding for the trouble required than these. But while on the one hand they cannot stand heat, on the other a frost injures them quickly.
Coleus, Observe directions for Alternanthera.
Ferns. These requu-e no shading overhead from now on. Adiantums delight in warmth, but it must not be at the expense of too little fresh air. Because they love moisture, it is often too freely applied in the way of syringing. Keep near the glass.
Fuchsias. Winter-flowering ones should be en- couraged by ample pot room, fertihty and free watering. Strong plants trained to the roof, for having the fiowera danghng from above, have a charming effect. Start up spring and jnununer flowering plants, cutting them back and shifting into fresh soil, using small pots to commence on.
1 885-
POPULAR GARDENING.
27
Geraniums. Propagration of thes** in all sorts, f<ti- nsf ui'Xt summer, may go on, as slips apijeur.
Geraniums, Fancy Leaved. These are not strouj? pro\vei"s naturally, hence must be favored at this season. On shelves near the glass, in a t<'mperature of from ."»<i- to GO'', is the kind of place they need.
Heliotrope. Propagate for early spring plants.
Lobelias. The dii-ections for Alyssum will apply.
Lycopodium. It is a good time now to divide these, for getting up fine plants by next spring.
Maurandia. The directions for Alj'ssum will suit.
Mignonette. Sow now for early spring bloom. The Summer-raised plants designed for winter bloom, should have a warm, light place. Flower- ing plants will bear liquid manure occasionally.
Odd jobs lit in well at this season, when work luuler glass does not crowd much. It is a time for washing every soiled pot on the place; for putting sash, hand glasses, frames, etc., that will be wanted in early spring, in order: forgetting up the neces- sary plant stakes, labels and the like, ^^^len a few only of these are wanted they can easily be whittled out; if many, it is much the cheapest way to buy.
Orcllids require a watchful eye among them. So many diverse climates are now represented in col- lect ions of these, that it is dilticult to rest all together. Such kinds, therefore, as should now be kept grow- ing hke Coelogyneas. Ada aurantiaca or C'idium macranthum. it is better to move into a growing tem- perature, than to risk keeping them with the others, which are now treated to a cool atmosphere. While Cool Orchids require no more than 45" to 50° of heat, and will bear free airing, still they must not be submtted to strong or chilling draughts.
Pelargoniums should be helped to make a free growth at this season, a thing they will readily do if not neglected. Along with this, there must be attention to pineliingback for making bushy plants.
Koot Cuttings '^f Anemone. Bouvardia. and simi- lar plants that propagate by the roots, may be made and started, by putting into light earth, in ]nr>derate heat, and keeping moderately wet.
Temperature. Aim at uniformity: respect the needs of the majority. In almost everj- plant- hoiise a considerable variation in the heat is found in different parts. Place the heat-lovers in the warmest i)arts, and so on. If separate apartments are had for the Stove or Hot-house plants and for the Green-house plants— and this is the best way- aim at from 00° to 70° for the former and about 45° to 50'^ for the latter at night.
Verbenas. The directions for Geraniums apply.
old stocks that were housed before freezing weather. After grafting, pack the grafted stock in boxes of earth in the cellar until spring. A jirejudice is afloat against root -grafted trees: there is reason in this, as applied to grafts upon pieces of root; not so when grafte<l on stocks at the (M)llar.
Vines set out last spring, may before winter Ih* pruned down to about three buds. Those .set a year ago and longer, should have the canes that are to bear next si'ason. cut l)ack to six. seven or eight buds each, according to the strength of thei>lant. Whatever system of priming is ailopted. let it be re- membered that there is more danger of not pruning enough, than of over-pruning. Also that the object of pruning shoiUd be to secure strong shoots fo?" bearing, and to replace these annually by new ones. After pnining. the vines should be laid down and covered as directed for Raspberries.
above f»0° should be kept up in the daytime, but this may be allowed to fall to i't' or even less in secure weather at night. Plants for late fruiting should !>e in the pit. freezing that will not break the pots will do them no hiu't if it iseonlinuotis.
FRUIT GARDEN AND ORCHARD.
Now that the work of the year is about all done , in this department, it is a good time to look back over the results of the season, and forward to mak- ing improvements. It should be remembered that \ the best success here usually attends the greatest degree of practical intelligence appUed; new ideas concerning kinds and methods should be sought in the winter's leisure, by visiting and consulting other fiiiit growers, by reading horticultural l)ooks and periodicals, ete. In communities where the inter- j est in fruit culture is somewhat general, a Fruit i Urowei-s" Club is a good thing; now is a proper time to establish it. Let it be largely informal in 1 its character and methods. Let the meetings be held once or twice a month at the houses of in- terested persons,— then the social features will also ' aid in strengthening the work.
Manuring. Whether the orchard is kept culti- vated or in grass, it needs a hgbt dressing of ma- nure every year for best results. This is the best month for ai>plying, by top dressing. Let it be fine j and old. Composts are excellent. ;
Peach trees when young, can readily be pro- tected by digging on one side of the tree, taking some earth out from under the body, then cutting some of the roots, bending down the tree and peg- ging it to the earth. Then the roots should be heavily covered with soil and the top either with soil or straw, the former we think the l)est, in light soils. Trees as high as ten feet have l»een thus cov- ered every year, with the result of bearing heavy crops of fruit even in the North.
Pests. Mice and rabbits injure and kill nuiny yomig trees each winter by gnawing the bark. Wi-ap tarred felt around the trunks to prevent this.
Baspberries niay yet be protected if it was n<it done last month. Bend over the canes carefully, not to t>reak them, in the direction of the row. and cover slightly with earth. One man can do the work. but two men will doit more than twice as fast.
Root grafting is work for the w inter season, as it is done in the house upon the roots of oue-year-
VEGETABLE GARDEN.
Cabbage and Cauliflower Plants. < »n raising these next spring, see article elsewhere in this issue. A main part to observe now. is to prepare the soil of the seed bed before winter. The land can hardly be made too rich. Apply a heavy coat of old tinely- divided manure, either as a top dressing or by spad- ing it in. Fresh manure will not answer for the purpose.
Celery. In the Middle States and further south, the directions of last month may apply. In the North thetrvnchesshoul I receive their final covering.
Composts and manure should now be aceumu- lated into heaps, and worked over occasionally, so as to be in proper condition for the lan<l in the Spring. Have an eye to seeming any valuable fer- tilizers, that may be going to waste, or which can be bought at a small cost in your neighborhood. The place one can usuallj- strike such is about slaughter-houses, bi'eweries. and like places.
Crops like Spinach, sown in the fall for spring use. should receive a two inch coat of leaves or hay. when hard cold is at hand.
Digging over unoccupied areas, can usuall^v be as weU done this month as any time. Deep stirring and successive freezing of the soil is of gi'eat benefit to the crops, and for best results not a square rod of the empty beds should be left undug.
Improvements and alterations about the gardens may yet be made. Where old bushes are to be grubbed up, or underdraining or trenching is to be done, this is a suitable time for the work.
Leaves. A good lot should be gathered for mix- ing with fresh manure to make hot -beds next spring. Allowed to decay, thej- afford an excellent material to mix with soil, for any kind of plants.
Peas and Lettuce may now be sown at the South.
Seeds. Let «.ild stock be overhauled and the worthless thrown out. Keep the good in a cool, dry place, and away from mice and I'ats.
Tools should all be housed and in clean order.
FRUIT AND VEGETABLES UNDER GLASS.
Cold Frames or Pits. The object of these is not to advance the i>lants. but merely to prevent too severe freezing and injury from exposure to wind. On all mild days admit air freely.
Cucumbers. Seed sown in Septeml>er will bear by Januar\- and later, in a suitable temperature. Their culture in winter re'iuires a bottom heat of nearly 70°. produced by the use of leaves with a slight addi- tion of stable manure; a t<-)p heat of 70° at m'ght and 80° in the <lay with 00° in the sun. They should not be encouraged too much with stimulants, unless the plants are strong. Train the leaders up their entire length, before stopping, then stop all side shoots at the second joint.
Grapery. Where Grapes of late vineries have been allowed to remain on the plants until this time, they now should be cut. as they will keep better in the fruit room than on the vines. After tbe plants of late vineries have been cleared, they shoidd be pnmed and cleansed: dress the cuts with .styptic and throw the ventilatersi>pen in suitable weather to bring them into rest.
Lettuce. Plenty of ventilation on all fine days must be afforded, and all decayed leaves must be picked off the plants as observable, for if left they will souii cause damp.
Strawberries. When flower stems api>ear the plants shouhl go to the lightest and most aity place of the house, that the plants may not become tlrawn. and to favor fertilization of ttie Howei-s. Water only enough to promote healthy growth and syringe the plants in the foreut»on of bright days. A heat of
This being thf People's PafKr it is open to all their In- quires, bearing on Oardening.
On the otht-r hand, ansirers to published inquirea art fiimfstlu requested from readers.
The editors and sjiecial contrihutOTV am ready to do a Inrge shitre 0/ (ht- tuisteering, but the experience of many being nmre vaiua/>le thnn of thrfcic, hotrt-ver tytried that is. and coudit ions and li^ralitieit bt-ing so different, they pr^er to receive ansicers, even several of them to the name quet tion, from readers eferywhere. Don't hesitate to write because you may feel you are nojlne writer; give facta and ideas and the editors teilt see that they appear tn credi- table shape.
In writing, give the number of the question you are an- stpering; your locality and uarnt; the latter not for publica- tion unless you desire. M'riteonly on one side of the pajter
Flowers will be gladly named pi-ovided first, thatnomorr than three be sent at one time. Second, that these be fully prepaid. Third, that several specimens of each reach us in good shape. We cannot umlt-rtake to name florists' varie- ties,
12.— Chrysanthemums. Please state how long a rest potted plants ..f these need, and should they be allowed to get dust <lry:' Will suckers that have appeared thus early, answer as well for next year's stock as spring pi'opagated ones? Japanese C'hrys-
ANTHEMX'M.
13.— Black Insects. Whal will keep these from
Chrysanthemums. A L.. Detroit, Mich,
14.— Ferns for Bouquets. Will someone give nie the names of in\e or two Fi-rns besides Maicfen hair, suitable for making buttonhole bouquets and suit- able for growing ni a gret-nhouse. Novice.
ij.— Indian rubber Tree. I shall be thankful if some reader of Pop. (Jardenino will give me in- formation for iiroi'agating this plant. I tried sev- eral cuttings last y^-ar but failed with all. New Beginner.
1(5— Tree Pseony. My plant has lost every flower bud by blasting just before the time of opening. Can any one tell how this may be prevented in the future. L. E. L., Angola. X. Y.
17.— Plants for shade. Can any reader give a list of plants that will succt>ed in a much shaded yard? Mrs. Bell. M'ln/nt.shoro, Pa.
IS.— Cissus discolor. I have been told that this plant renuires nuich heat, but does it want sun or shade l)esides: J. E. Wales, IVabash. hid.
Ui. -Cactus. What will make my Cactus bloom? It is four years old and never had a tlower. Rainbow,
ANSWERS TO INQUIRIES-
5.— Plants for an Invalid. Plants easily grown in a window, are English, (Jei'uum and Kenilworth Ivies. Tradescanthia can lie grown in water. Cfilxea. a vine, will be veiy satisfactorj". Geraniums, when well started, simply need watering now and then. Sister Gracious.
0.— Cpleus in the House. This can be easily raised in the window, if only care is t-aken against frost. Mme succeeded well' on a shelf half waj- up the window. The dark red-leaved kind is the "best to winter. Si.'^ter (iRAciot's.
5.— Plants for an Invalid. The Begonias in var- iety are among the easirst grown and the most sat- isfactory plants both in f<)liage and flowers. They bear the close, hot atmosphere of our coal-heated rooms acUnirabiy: they are of neat habit and orna- mental, aside from the blossoms. The Cyclamen is a lieautiful bulbous plant: with embroideretl leaves and curious tiownrs r.n long stems. Freesias grown in clumps in a hanging pot. are lovely. H3'acintbs are very easUy grown in pots or glasses, and are so sweet and lovely. 1 would not fail to have them.
10.— Lachenalia. These should be potted in Oc- tober, in light tibrous soil with a little sand inter- mixed and watered m. tdt^rately. They bloom in the winter. After tlowering. they need to be watered until the foliage Ix-^ins to ttu'u yellow. They should be kept in the soil. dry. during the summer. Mr.s. M. D. Wellcome. Yanii'mth. Mt .
0— Plantain Lilies not Blooming. I would sug- gest that Mrs. H C. F. lift her plants early next spring, divide each one int«i three or four and reset in fresh soil, A. H. K.
7.— Night Smelling Jasamine. it will keep all winter in a room oi- greenhituse that is moderately warm. It is set out in May and flowers steadily through the season. .Shps "grow easily in a wann propagating bed. A, H. K.
s.— Tuberous Begonias. After flowering, the tulHn*s may In- Kurii-d in dry sjind or earth and win- tered in any out of the-way place, where it d(»ejs not freeze. M. F. Wallace. .Yr"- Lisbou. O.
11.— Hardy Ivy. We should exi)ect the Irish Ivy to be hardv at .iaeksun. Mich., if grown in good soil imthf north side of n l.uiMing. Kn.s. P. (i.
i-i. -Chrysanthemum, in resting iiot chrjsanthe- nuuns we would not allow them to become dust drv. although m-arlv so. They do not need light when at rest. To rest them until April is not to*3 long, ludess you <lesiiv to propagate them from sliijs, in whii'h ca.se start up m Febniai-j . Wf would much iirefer young sprnig propagated plants tosuckei-s otfall. although the latter should also succeed if kept a growing. Eds. V. G
28
POPULAR GARDENING.
December,
When the Woods Turn Brown.
How will it be ivhen the roses fade. Out of the garden and out of the glade y When the fresh pink bloom of the sweet-brier wild. That leans from the dell like the cheek of a child, Is changed for dry hips on a thornj' bush? Then, scarlet and carmine, the groves will flush. How will it be when the woods turn brown. Their gold and their crimson all dropped down. And crumbled to dust ?
O, then as we lay Our ear to Earth's lips, we shall hear her say, •' In the dark I am seeking new gems for my crown." We will dream of green leaves when the woods turn brown. —Lncij Uiroim.
Announced by all the tnmipets of the sky.
Arrives the snow, and driving o'er the fields. Seems nowhere to alight. * * The housemates sit Aroimd the radiant fire-place enclosed In a tiniudtons privacy of storm.—
— Emerson.
Hyacinths detest heat.
Dirty pots are abomiuable.
Primroses should be iu bud.
Flowers are emblems of purity.
Fragrance varies with the hour.
The glory of Chrysanthemums wanes.
July sown Sweet Alyssum is in bloom.
Children easily become lovers of flowers.
Philadelphia is i-alled the hull of Roses.
"A Christmas Gift" is oflFered elsewhere.
In choosing bulbs look to weight rather than size.
Of sun, most l>looming plants cannot get too nincli.
Write to Popular Gardening about y<nu- plants.
Large saucers for plants tend to keep ofT insects.
Include this paper in your list of familj- read- ing for issi;.
Wanted! Enough subscribers to swell our list to ol 1,(11 III.
To find pleasure in flowers, is one sign of a sweet ilisposition.
Dogs, by their fllthiness, are death to small Evergreens, in towns.
Sudden and great changes in the temperature, are ruinous tc:> plants.
The Feverfews or Pyi-ethrums are natives of the Caucasus mountains.
Autumn feeds spring, through the richness that comes from the leaf crop.
About a hundred species of AiliKiitiiin in- Maiden hair ferns are known.
In potting, the hnnps should go to the bottom, of the pots, the ttne earth above it.
We would like the showy fruiting Jerusalem Cherry l>etter. but for its unplea.sant odor.
Boom Gardening. When Bachelor's Buttons are being sewed (on) by the wearers themselves.
Who ever bestows a second look on the pots of artificial flowers, handsome as they may be;
Room Plants have one enemy not knowii to the greenhouse, namely, dust. Easily van- qitished.
You need the Floral Note Book offered on the next to la-st page, a-s a gift to new subscribers until Christmas day.
The language of flowers was never better ap- plied than to the Mignonette, "Moral worth superior to beauty. "
Soft-wooded plants shoidd stand nearest to the light, the hard-wooded ones, liack, if all cannot have equal light.
Why paint the flower pots '! They are both better and more becoming to the eye, in the natin-al color of burnt clay.
The Tomato is still known as the Love Apple in England and Germany, a name once com- mon for the fruit in this country.
Chrysanthemum Shows were held with great success in several cities, during the past month. It's ea.sy to get up enthusiasm for this flower.
Have you a friend, near or far away, who might like this paper? Kindly send us the ad- dress and we will mail a cojiy for examination.
Imagine the sight of this earth stripi)ed of ever}' vestige of plant life, you who say " who cares for looks," when tn'ged to set out some flowers or trees.
A young poetess told her " secret to the sweet Wild Rose." This was imprudent. Soon the sweet wild rose will "blow" and then she'll wish she had kept her secret.
To be or not to be healthy, has much to do with plants being free or otherwise from insects. Certainly insects may appear on the healthiest of plants, but notice that they are the thickest on the weak subjects always.
Clubs are easily made up for this paper. Its lieauty, worth and price do the business, wliere there is only someone to help the matter along a little. Reader, will you not see what you can do for it among your friends ?
The pleasure to be derived from gardens is by no means measured by their size. A well- flUed bay-window may cc mtain more real inter- est than a lar-ge gi-eenhouse. A quarter-acre garden than a ten acre park.
Some plants in the garden should have a change of position every year. This is especially true of Verbena-s anil Daisies; when there is failure with these plants, it is almost always because the soil is Verbena-sick or Daisy-sick.
Shrubs, If we had room for Imt one free-growing flowering shrub, it shoidd be a Weigela; if for two, a Golden Bell or Forsythia should be added, and if three, we would take in the Large-pan iclci I Hydrangea besides.
If those having a lawn to sow, think that no grass but j> mixture will answer, they are mistaken. One kind alone, say the Kentucky Blue Grass, usually gives the best of results. Do not understand by this that Popular Gardening opposes good mixtures.
One high American authority declares, that it does not matter whether the water used on plants in winter is cold or not. We differ. Experience ha.s shown us that plants do better with the water at the same temperature as the room, in which they grow, than if colder.
Starch has not always been the common and inexpensive article it is to-day. We are told that in the time of Queen Elizabeth, the bulbs of the Blue-bell were used for starching the ruffs, then worn. The starch in these also served in- stead of paste and glue. The fresh bulbs of this plant are said to be poisonous.
Mexicans are said to be very fond of flowers. Their gardens being brilliant with bloom, and their city markets thronged with flower sellers the year round. Many of their native plants being grown iu our greenhouse collections, it is not strange that the same as well a.s others, should be much made of at home.
A sign. Many of the dry goods and furnish- ing stores of the larger cities now make an elaborate display of plants and flowers, at their annual openings. This is done because the public appreciate such efforts. Another sign of the spreading taste for gardening and its pro- ducts. Years ago such things were not done.
The largest club of subscribers received from any person for Popular Gardening to date, numbered forty. Many of fifteen, ten and five subscribers each have reached us. We see by such efforts of our friends, that they are deter- mined to do their share, towards our getting .5(1,(1(111 subscribers in a j'ear. AVill not many more join in the good work ?
Scale and Mealy Bug. These common of- fenders are best dealt with by being on picket duty against their approaches, and when any show up, kill. If they have made some headway to begin with, go at them with warm, almost hot soap suds and brush, cleaning them away entirely. If the water shows 12.5' of heat, it will destroy in a way that cold water cannot do.
We told you so ! Concerning the new ship- ping lal)el for cut flowers to which reference was made iu the last ntnnber, Harry Chaapel, a wide-awake florist of Pennsylvania, wTites, "you hit the " Artistic Flower Tag " hard in the last number. I am with you, though I do think the design is handsome. One of our express- men read it " Free Flowers" at arms length."
The Illustrated Garten Zietung, of Stuttgart, Germany, gave a chronn:> plate of a new Bego- nia, witli mottled leaves which remind one of Farfugium gran<le, in its September issue. But its botanical name is horribly long, Bcffo- via nuniirafa aifira-uHtfii/afa. Its introdu- cers should have started it oft' with a more simjile name, or else with an easy common name, in addition.
The Inquiry Column. This is designed to be a most useful department of Popular (iARDEN- ING. It is intended to afford the i>ai"ticalar information needed to suit pai'ticular cases. So whoever of our readers does not meet with just what he or she wants to know about gar- dening, in any of the other deiiartments, has only to ask tiu-ough this one, and an answer will be forthcoming.
ITALIAN GRASS VASES. [See opposite page].
Heliotrope. Our friend " L. L." of Erie Co., New York, has related to us about her success with this plant a,s a winter bloomer. She starts with a rooted slip iu the summer. This is planted out in good soil: is pinched back occa- sionally and about the time of early frosts, is potted up for the winter. Result: Ample growth, plenty of flowers all throtigh the win- ter, and rarely an insect to be seen.
The canes of verandah climbers, are not pleas- ing if left whipping and dangling about the posts and rails all through the storms of winter. Let them be taken down, be brought together, bound and then laid on the ground next to the foundation, until spring. Or if they ai'e too large for this, tie the loose ones up close to their supports where they are. Left loose, they slash about like the whip of an ox-driver, mak- ing impleasant sounds.
Shall Popular Gardening have .50.(ill(i sub- scril lers by the end of one year .' That depends upon what you and you and you all around, who see it for the first time, shall say and do. We know there are .50,1(00 persons in this country who will take it when they but know of it. Are not you reader of these ; If so, let us enter your name at once. At the same time kindly send us the name of any friend who might be interested in the paper, that we may send to such person a specimen copy.
iS85.
POPULAR GARDENING.
29
A friend complains that her Lily of the Vallej- never Ijloc mis. Some iuquir}' has brought out the fact, that she each season mows off the foliage soon after the ordinary time of bloom. This is a mistake. A plant without leaves or with these imjjaired, is much like a person with lungs that are wasted by disease. There can be no healthy growth under such oouditions, and no wonder that Hi 1 wers are lacking.
A good lesson to fix in the mind of children is that all (lowers, even the most common ones arc beautifid. Poets have ever delighted to honor the simple little primroses, snowdrops, \iolets, anil the like. More sweet verses have lieen a.scribed to wild-roses thanto thedouble-cui)pe<l and flaming florists' sorts. AVe look upon the inci'easing taste for single and " old fashioned" flowers, as a real sign of advancing taste.
Mother of Thousands. This in England, is the connnon name for the well known Sii.ri- friii/d saniii'iitii^ii. We prefer it to Strawberry Geranium, a name sometimes applied t<j the same plant. It is no geranium; not even a relative, so it is better that this name should not be mixed up with that plant. This is one of the best of plants for drooping over the sides of banging lia-skets. Everyone succeeds with it.
In Potting cuttings and shifting plants, many amateurs, perhaps the majority of them, and also some florists, press the earth, but lightly as if they were afraid of hurting the roots of the plant. Let us say that to lightly press the soil only, gives to the roots no fair chance to lay hold of the food for them, in the earth, and the plants suffer to correspond. Press the soil vei-y firmly in these operations, as a rule. The soil of course must be light, porous and fb'y.
How can I tell when my plants need water I is sometimes asked. A bright Dublin gardener gives his rules thus: 1. By the appearance of the soil or feeling it with the finger. [He might have added, if dust can be worked iijj.] 2. Tap- ping the pot with the knuckles. The pot has a sharj) hollow sound or "ring '" when the earth it contains is ch'v.aud a dull, heavy "thudding" s<iuiid when moist. 3. By lifting the pots and ti'sting their weight, wet soil of course being niucli heavier than dry.
Rapid growth is seldom desirable in house plants. When plants shoot uji quickly, the leaves ai-e more apt to timi yellow and drop early, than if the growth is slower. Miss M. E. Benedict of Castile, N. Y., in referring to her success with plants says, "I give plenty of cleai' water, but rarely anj' manure water ami seldom ivpot them." If there is one time more than any other, that plants can be given stimulants to advantage, it is when they are in bud, ready to break out strongly into bloom.
Horticulturists ought to be, and no doubt gen- erally are. a iiainstaking class of persons, yet among them are some who do not take much care in wi'iting their <_>wn names. We often receive well written iettei's, that are jjerfectly legible until it conies to the name — usuallj' the most important part. This is dashed off in a free st}de, which may make it clear to those familiar with it, not so to strangers. A word to our lady correspondents: Please always write your name the same, — not Mrs. Elvira Smith one time and Mrs. Joshua Smith next.
" We are coming." This is what hundreds of new suliscribers are saying right along in effect, in answer to the request we made for .50, ()()() subscriliers by the end of one year. But the quota is }'et so far from full, that we would urge many more to come. Look the paper over carefully, its contents, the quality of its reading, the engi'avings, the printing and then the jirice, you who have received a copy for the first time; If you love flowers and gardening or if you do not, can ytju afford to be without such a paper, at its low price i We need you as a I'eader; we think you neeii the papei'.
The beauty of Popular Gardenini; apart from its reailing, has been widely noticed l>y the people and the press. For this we desire to render credit where credit is due. The printing
is done by Messrs. Haas & Klein, of this city, who make a specialty of fine jjeriodical jirinting. Their «"t)rk speaks for them. Our spirited en- graved heading and most of the otiier original cuts used to einlielish our pages, are from the Art Printing Establishment of Matthews, Northrup & Co.. of Buffalo. This establishment, in a number of its departments, is widely ac- knowledged as standing at the head of Art Printing Works in America.
A worthy namesake. We were glad lately to meet a most charming namesake, in volume one of C<isst>irs Popular Gctrclt'tu'nr/^ issued by Cassell & Company, limited. New York and London. This is a liandsoine book of li^o large, double column pages, and several hundred en-
FIG. 2. —RESULTS OF BAD PRUNING. (SEE PAGE 30.)
gi-avings, inchidiug a beautiful chromo fi-ontis- piece of Roses. The work treats in clear and pleasing style of almost every conceivable sub- ject relating to flowers, fruits and vegetables. While it is an English work, and some of the directions may not be adapted to American practice as to details, still it must prove of great value to our people, in showmg them how in- telligent English gardeners manage. It is in every way a desirable book for Americans.
Begonias of the sorts grown for winter flow- ers, are an attractive class of plants at this sea- son. The old sort usuallj- known as Carnea, (perhaps more correctl3- dipetalai of a delicate rose color is a favorite one, on account of its free blooming qualities. The flowers are un- equalled for cutting, to use in all arrangements of loose flowers. A varietj" of this one appar- ently, and called Incarnata, is in some places crowding out the other — it having advantages as a pot plant in being of dwarfer growth. The flowers are also of a deeper color, rendering them more attractive in the ej'es of some. Be- gonia Fuchsioides is an elegant pot plant, a little later than this, loaded as it will be with droop- ing cymes of bright scarlet-colored bloom. Grown as specimens for the dinner table, this sort is almost unequalled.
Without good soil, no one can succeed in growing house plants well. We have little faith in clii]) dirt for plants for best results: we have great faith in what gardeners call " fi- brous loam " for the same pnipose. Those who live in the country, find it an easy matter to have a good lot of this artcle on hand at all tunes. City plant growers can procure the same of the florists at a small price per bushel. You maj' be sure they have it in stock if they know what is what: their bread and butter it might be said, depends upon whether the potting soil thej' use is full of fibers or not. How to get it up is told in a few words. Procure sods two or three inches thick, from a rich pasture lot, or from the roadside, at some spot where the earth is good. Stack it up in some out of the way place until wanted. Break this into pieces the size of acorns, and plants will find in it all the elements really needed to their existence. Or if it seems poor, add a little old fine manure. No need of nibbing siich soil through a fine sieve before using.
Italian Grass Vases. These novelties in win- dow gardening, intrcxluced from Italy a year ago, are so charming and soea.sily managed, that they deserve attention here, Thi'ough the courtesy of Messi-s. A. H. Hews & Co., of North Caniliridge, Mass., who have come out with a handsome line of these vases in this country, we are able to give the engravings'opposite of two of them. To start these grass vases into gi'owth is a most simple matter. The va.ses being made of porous earthen ware, by filling them with water the clay is constantly moist on the outside. Now by sprinkling any kind of grass or other fine seeil over the vase it will adhere to the moist .surface, and will remain there so long as water is kept in the inside. AVliat follows is. that the .seed sprouts and gi-( tws, and in a short time there is a gi'een lawn-like object the jirecise shape of the vase. The whole affair is so iiretty and inexpensive, that it is not strange these have growii very popular in the large cities. The vases being small, are safely iirocnralile by mail ; those who sell them usually fui'nish seed for sowing gi'atis.
Botanical names and Bugs. An editor of a milling journal pul>lished in Western New York is getting interested in gardening mat- ters, as a result of reading Popular Garden- ing. Some time ago, in visiting a neighboring town where lives an amateur gardener who has a large collection of plants, he early made an opportunity to call on this gentleman, and see, what was widelj' know, as a first-class garden. Now this respected editor and reader of P. G. as an enthusiastic seeker after gardening knowl- edge, walks with his eyes wide open. Here in this large and well kept gai'den he met many, to him, new and interesting sights. He saw before him a carrying out in part, of the gar- den he himself hoped some day to own.
Being possessed of a quick and penetrating mind, as a result of long practice in looking fui'- ther into millstones, than most folks can do, om' friend arrived at man}' striking conclusions about gardening, in this one day spent in a fine garden. These things he stored up in his mind for future application in his own case.
One conclusion soon reached, was the mani- fest potency of certain long and not easy to be remembered names, for keeping bugs away from plants. Here in this gai'den, at the side of nearly every one of hundreds of plants, wa.s a nice looking stake projecting about one foot out of the earth, and on this was painted in I clear letters some such words as DrlphiniuDi fonnosum, Ht'iiwrocallis Kwantio rarii'i/afit , Anthfi-ifVin lifittsfri'iii orthelike. Evei\yplant looked thrifty and perfect, as it stood out upon the well tilletl surface. And he noted with par- ticular interest that seemingly not a bug or worm was an^'where around. He remembered how at home, in a bed of six or seven plants in the back yard, there was no end of bugs, slugs and ' gruiis disporting over and fattening themselves on these, notwithstanding maii.y vigorous weeds, some as tall as the plants, which he ha<l left, as he claims, for these little pests to consume, if they must be there. But he had set out no such stakes with long names on them. Putting this and that together, he was not slow to see that here was the cause of all his trouble. And now in his kind-hearted way he is going about and freely offering to all his friends, this valuable discover}- for keeping bugs from flower beds.
It may lie addeil that so far as the case of our philosophical friend of flouring interests was c(mcernerl. the season was too far gone to allow him to work any improvement by hisdiscovery in his own back yard, this year. But, next sunimeiv we are a.ssured, he will spare no stakes or long words to ward off from his patch the evil-doing insects. In the meantime our read- ers ma)' expect, — perhaps next month — in Pop- ular G.\Ri)ENlNi;, some of the rea.sons why fine gai'dens are usuall.\' seen where stakes with long names on tlu'in are fi'eely used, and rii-f rrrstt. Besides this we will give the reasons why b()t- anical names, if they are sometimes ini'onveni- eutly long, are a real necessity.
30
POPULAR GARDENING.
December,
About Pruning Trees.
In no part of what may be called popular gardening, is there greater need of increased knowledge, than in that which relates to the pruning of shade and other trees. The damage done every year by bad pruning is simply appalling. To say that some self- styled tree pruners never touch a tree with saw and knife but to sadly mar it's beauty, and shorten its life by years for each bung- ling assault, is not away from the truth.
Fig, l.-Bad and Good Pruning, tlie former shown to the left, the iatter to the right, side.
Tree owners, especially in our villages and towns, submit to the imposition of this class, when if they were to order them off the place and themselves direct the work of pruning, it could be rightly done as easily as otherwise. We propose in the present arti- cle, to throw some light on this subject, and especially as to pruning large branches.
It is on street trees more than any others that the pruning away of comparatively large branches is done. Trees planted here, are usually from ten to fifteen feet high when they are set. So far as looks go, or as the matter of providing shade early is con- cerned, a liberal top is wanted on these from the day they are planted.
For the first ten years, therefore, there is no thought about pruning, usually. But l)j- and by the tree tops reacli upward and out- ward on all sides, and the branches soon meet those of their neighbors, or nearly so. This point reached with most kinds, and there is not only an obstruction to the view of the street as seen from the house, but also closeness is created about the place through the shade, and the intei'ferencc of the tops with a free circulation of air. To prune the lower branches off, properly comes as a sug- gestion to the owner's mind.
To the left side of fig. 1 is shown how many ignorant pruners leave the job of cut- ting away a branch. As the easiest way of doing the work, they sever it, some ways from the trimk, leaving a stump, as if to hang a horse collar on. Right in this act is where trouble begins.
What a tree owner should know enough to do if his workman does not. is to insist in all pruning. Ihat in.stead of leaving a snag like tliis, the cutting be done close to the main part, as shown by the scar on the right side of the same figure. Tlien the scar .should be thickly painted to keep out moisture.
Pruning of rather large branches, is at all events a harsh stroke to a tree. But nature in such cases if not hindered, at once sets about recovering the tree from it. One of the first things is to heal the exposed part, by covering it with new bark. This is most important for preventing the exposure of vital parts to the elements and to decay. It is as to this point, that the difference between
the good and bad pruning illustrated, comes in, as may be seen by our other engravings.
The projecting stump of fig. 1 alluded to, of course prevents any closing up of the wound by new bark, here, for its end dries up and prevents growth where the cut was made, and there is no chance for this any nearer to the trunk. Fig. 2 on page 39 shows the appearance of such bad pruning six years later. One has not to walk the shaded streets of any town far, to meet illustrations of this.
Fig. 3 represents another stage reached in the effects of bad jjruning. But this is not the last, for now an opening has rotted out, exposing the very heart of the tree to moisture and air. With this comes as a consequence, decay to the center. The final end of such blundering work is early death.
Fig. 4 on the other hand, bj' illustrating two scars, .show the later results of rightly jiruniug close to the trunk. The one scar is almost closed over with new bark; the other is entirely so, leaving this part of the tree as sound and well protected as any other part, just as it should be.
A fine tree ordinarily is of great value, requiring many years to reach Its prime. What a great pity it is, that so many trees are sacrificed to ignorance in pruning, every year. If the simple points laid down in the foregoing are observed by our readers, they need make no mistakes in this matter.
Women as Commercial Florists.
That women may find in some of the lighter branches of horticulture employment that is both pleasant and remunerative to them, has frequently been jjroven in late years. This is especially true in that con- stantly increasing business, namely: the growing and selling of flowers.
In each one of half-a-dozen cities that could be named, there are female florists who are meeting with perfect success at their business. We refer here to such as are themselves jjroprietors and managers, and who have to comiietc with florists of the other sex, recognized for their ta.ste and bus-
Fig. 4.— Scars of Rightly Pruned Branches healed over.
iness qualifications. The women in these cases seem, with little effort in the way of advertising or outside display, to work into a thrifty business that adheres closely to them. Besides as being propriet(irs, many wo- men work at fair wases at the flower coun- ters, in arranging bouquets and designs, stemming, and so on. For this kind of work a woman really has some advantages over a man. She naturally possesses a keener sense of what is jjroper in comljining flowers, and in handling them her fingers are more deft. These are points customers appreciate.
In the managing of a large range of green houses, merely as growers, as is done about the large cities, we are not aware that wo- men are often proprietors. But in the neigh- borhood of small towns and in the villages, to meet the demands of a moderate general trade, this is frequently the case. In such instances, it usually amounts to this, that a good share of the business is in cut flowers.
It .should be remembered, that the growing and selling of jilants and the growing and selling of flowers, ma.y be quite distinct. It is more particularly in the latter branch, which is considered to be the most profit- able, as it also is the lightest and most pleas- ant branch of the business, in which a woman usually finds herself best at home.
Fig. S.^Decay as a result of Bad Pruning. Besides the cut flower trade there are the pursuits of growing fruit, vegetables, plants, seeds, and the finer arts of hybridizing, teaching botanj' and others, all of which are suitable for females to engage in. It being the mission of Popul.\r Gardeneng to throw light upon these subjects as they bear upon pleasure and profit seeking, there will be in future issues other matter relating to these as occupations for women.
The Chrysanthemum.
It is not too much to say of this fine Asi- atic flower, that in the present da}' it is hon- ored by attentions such as no other flower, the Rose alone excepted, receives. And yet while positively everybody is acquainted with the Rose, the same thing is quite far from true, as regards the C'hrysanthemum. Go where one might and persons of intelligence could be found, who woidd be unable to name the flower if they saw it.
Only the other day at the Chrysanthemum Show in Buffalo, a reporter on his first visit here, pointed to a group of large Palms jiujt inside the hall in which the show was held, and asked in all earnestness, "are those Chrysanthemums?" Whoever .sees but the life-like engravings of this flower herewith, ought never to make such a l)lunder.
But the Chrysanthemum is fast growing in popularity. Tliis is evident for one thing in tlie Shows devoted every year to this flower alone, in nearly all large towns. The fact that it is possible to get up successful exhibi- tions, year after year, mostly of one flower, speaks much for its worth; few indeed are the kinds that eotdd bear this test.
Let us glance at the qualities which go to give the Chrvsanthenuun its prominent place among flowers. First of all, it is one of the easiest of plants to succeed with. Amateurs, however unskilled they may be as plant grow- ers, are sure of a liberal reward in flowers, for the pains they may bestow on plants of these, while accomplished plant raisers as
i
i88s.
POPULAR GARDENING.
31
well as growers of new sorts, meet with results (juite niiirvclous. for tlie outlay they make.
The form, brilliiuiey and profuseness of the bloom are \uiequalleil among flowering plants for effeetiveness. The vigor of the plant, its ease of jiropagation, its liardiness, and its freedom from disease and insects, together afford a list of qualities quite unsurpassed.
Neither is t he Chrysanthemum a mere flow- er of fashion. Its merits are of a kind, that have for ages found appreciation in other lands; it is destined to fare as well here.
Has this flower no undesirable qualities? These are few indeed, and whether such as we shall attempt to name, would be gener- ally considered objectionalile, is a question. For one thing, the season of bloom is limited to a few weeks; this does not suit those peo- ple who are alwaj's after continuous bloom- ers. But if the flowering season is somewhat
In plants exhibited, there were upwards of i 400 specimens, most of them marvels in the j way of size and beauty. Many of these | were fully three feet and a half in diameter. Tho.se shown in the amateur's class, were quite as striking as any shown by the florists. ]
An attractive group consisted of grafted Japanese standards embracing 25 varieties. Some of these were eight feet tall, with hun- dreds of open flowers. One .specimen wliicli attracted nnu'h attention was seven feet high and had six different colors grafted into it.
The finest specimens among the bush or low Chrysanthemums were the President Cleveland, three feet in diameter, loaded with hundreds of pure white 1)lossoms, and the Jlrs. R, Brett, a new American seedling, with plume-like flowers of a golden shade.
In the department of cut Chrysanthemums the display wa-s grand, there having been over
earned. Indeed competent judges who were present, and who had visited the .shows of the larger cities, were free to state that in general, this one was not excelled by any other. Both amateur and professional grow- ers were among the exhibitors, and some hundreds of fine specimen plants, attested to the skill of the growers in managing this Queen of AtUiunn flowers.
The Window Box in Winter.
Oureorresjjondent, Jlrs. M. I). Wellcome, of Yarmouth, Maine, is so much plea.sed with an inside window box she has now had in use for five winters, that she has kindly described it for the readers of Popular Gardeninc;.
" It is made of zinc, size 3 feet by 14 inches, and 7 inches deep. Were I to have another
JAPANESE CHRYSANTHEMUM, MRS. N. HALLOCK
short, it comes fittingly when few plants are in bloom. It fills up the " November gap" in flowers most completelj'.
Then the plants are somewhat large for the window, when grown to full size. But this point can be overcome, by raising plants of smaller size for hei'c. Such would stand no chance at the Shows for prizes perhaps, Init they would .satisfy in their place. Im- Ijrovements are also being made, in raising new sorts small in stature for window culture.
A GOOD CHRYSANTHEMUM FLOWER-
8000 in competition, including 600 varieties. I would add twoorthree inchesto the width. Among the Japanese varieties were many j To give it strength, it is framed in a box of flowers each over six inches in diameter, wood. Such a box can be painted any color The incurved Chinese sorts, forming almost one fancies, or the wood may be walnut or perfect globes of bloom four inches and a ^ some other kind of natural color, half high, were much noticed. Of single , "In this box I find room for about forty flowering varieties, with conspicious centers, plants; none of them large; the highest aver
there was a good exhibit, in which the colors were remarkably striking.
Without any doubt the most marvelous specimen of the raisers' skill in the cut flow-
As house plants, the Chrysanthemums, if er exhibit was the new seedling Porcupine,
somewhat bulky, are on the other hand most accommodating. They can be grown out- side until within a few weeks of blooming. Then, given a place within while the flower- ing is going on, they may at once after bloom be moved to the cellar or store-room for the winter, to give no more trouble.
Recent Chrysanthemum Shows.
Of the New York show held during the first week of November, our representative, Mr. John Thorpe, Jr., reports as follows:
grown Ijy Mr. J. Thorpe, of East Hinsdale, New York. This flower was of terra-cotta shade, with entirely tulmlar petals, and is the first of its kind ever produced.
In the second week of N(jvember. Chrys- anthemum Shows were held in Pliiladelphia and Buffalo respectively. Of the former no report has reached us beyond a few words by postal card from one who attended, and which .states that it was " perfectly grand." The Buffalo .show, the first of its kind ever held here, was a great success as far as the extent and variety of the display was con-
age ten or twelve inches, and this size make up about one-half the number. The small ones I set mostly on the outside.
" As to kinds, I use liberally of such as have ornamental foliage in Abutilons, Palms. Marantas, Begonias and the Tri-col- ored Geraniums. To these I add Fuchsias and other green-leaved plants.
"This liox fairly under way, is a veritable garden and of bvit little trouble. A gen- erous shower bath from the sprinkler once a week is sutticient in the way of water. This method keeps the foliage clean, and there is no overflow nor dirt as from pots.
"In filling the box I first put in a layer of coarse stuff for drainage, gravel and bits of coal from the siftings. Then I fill with good earth, such as I use for plants."
32
POPULAR GARDENING.
December,
The Louise Bonne of Jersey.
When the same fniit has numerous names, it is always presumptive e\'idence of goodness. In this respect, the old French pear named at the head is fortunate, both in the synonyms it bears, — having no less than a dozen, and in real worth. Let it not, however, be con- founded with the variety known simply as Louise Bonne, which is quite distinct.
Wherever the Louise Bonne de Jersey suc- ceeds, it is a favorite dessert fruit, and profit- able for market. Where it is not know^l to succeed, it should be tried in the fii'st list of sorts planted.
The tree comes in beai'ing among the very fii'st, as to age. It is a rapid gi-ower and a great beai-er; no pear succeeds better as a dwarf budded on the quince.
The f i-uit is large, pyriform ; gi-eenish yellow, mostly oversjiread with browiiish-red, and with a red cheek in the sun. The ilesh is delicious in more than ordinary degree, being very juicy, rich, rineous, and melting in the mouth. It is an early autimin peai-.
Keeping Squashes: The Hubbard.
In keeping Squa.shes over winter, one must not forget that this vegetable is a native of the warm parts of the earth. To jnit them in a cool, damp cellar, that would suit most roots and vegetables would be to invite their decay.
Most of the winter varieties of Squash, and of which the Hubbard, herewith illustrated, continues to be the leading sort, if iilaced in a ch"y room, with a temperature, from forty to fifty degrees, wiU keep until spring. Indeed, the Hubbard is only in jjerfectiou when it has been kept until late winter or eai-ly spring. Such earlier kinds as the Boston marrow may have their season much prolonged b}' proper care in this way.
When winter squashes are grown on a lai'ge scale, they are usually carried through the winter in bins, arranged one above another in a dry apai'tmeut. This room is provided with a stove, in which to keep a little fire whenever there is danger of freezing. For family use, w'here but a small munber are wintered, an upper shelf in a closet leading from a room where there is some fire, is a suital^le place for keeping this vegetable.
It should be added, that one of the most im- portant points connected with keeping squashes, is that they be handled carefully. Au exten- sive grower of this crop saj's he handled it as he would handle eggs, and never allows rolling or tossing them about carelessly. The smallest bruise received will lead to decay.
system of piping seems as near perfect as can be, working nicely at two and thi'ee pounds pressm'B. But this, like any other system takes coal, when we want heat.
We consider steam heating a success with us, though we pay $-l..50 per gi'oss ton delivered for large broken hard coal, and it has cost us over S4U( I for coal the winter just past, to heat oui" entire place.
Steam Heating a Success.
For some time the fight has been going on in the gai'dening periodicals, conceniing the mer- its of steam for heating glass structures, as ; against hot water. Popular Gardening has no I'oom for the long-winded arguments set forth on both sides. It takes pleasure, however, in stating facts, hence makes room for the few words which follow, from our friend H. Chaapel of William.sport, Pa., and which first ap- peared in the November Gardener\'< Monthly.
I have about 12,0110 square feet of gla.ss, a packing house 1(1x40, a dwelling of eight rooms, and my office, using about (i,000 feet of 11-1 inch pijie. lam using the '* Exeter'' Boiler No. 2, 33 sections, including the "Exeter" 1 manifold valves, automatic dampers, etc. The I
Raising Cabbage Plants.
Gardeners will no doubt be early on the look- out, to see that the scarcity of the cabbage plant crop of 188.5, will not be repeated next year. Various causes conspired towards the dearth of these, of the past season. Perhaps the most common one was, that less seed was sown than usual.
Then insects destroyed the sowings of some gi-owers, who had never before been seriously troubleil by them. This lesson should lead us to be on om' guai-d against inviting destruction to the fruit of our labors, from insect ene- mies in the future. On this subject Joseph Harris presents some valuable advice in the Oc- tober Anifncan Agricvftio'fsf as follows:
The chief es.sentials for success are: Rich, waiTU, and well cultivated land, good seed and a liljeral ch-essing of superphosphate. Perhaps the last is, practically, the most important.
A chief cause of failure is the Black Jumping Beetle. Lime, ashes, soot, cheap tobacco dust, or snuff, dusted on the plants, will more or less benefit. The true remedy lies back of this. Plenty <if planh, unit rapid (iroirth.
There is nothing that will push a cabbage plant forward like superphosphate. The seed contains very little food for the young plant ; superphosphate, under the seed, has a magical effect. We sow in rows twenty-one inches apart. This enables us to go thi-ough the rows with a horse-hoe.
Get the land thoroughly prepared and heav- ily manured in the fall. If the land is light and sandy, it will need nothing but a little sur- face cultivation before sowing the seed. Sow the supen>hosphate, at the rate of three pounds to five pounds to the square rod. Work it into the soil au inch or two deep, if convenient. If not, sow on the surface and trust to the rain washing it down to the roots of the plants.
Winter Treatment of Onions.
A warm place never answers in which to
store onions over winter. Warmth will stai-t the bulb into gi'owth — a direct blow at its vital- ity for keeping. Onions keep much better in a frozen state, through the winter, provided the thawing out in the spring can Ije gradual, and provided further, that there is no liability of alternate freezing and thawing during this time.
In a bai'u loft, covered with hay or straw a foot or more thick, the conditions for perfect keeping are well met. The onions should not be in lai-ge piles, l)ut rather in layers of not more than one foot through. Bj' this course of treatment, the risk of keeping is light in- deed, and those who a.ssume it, may expect a reward, in much higher prices in the spring, than if sales had l^een made before winter.
Production of New Fruits From Seed.
From that pai-t of Hon. Marshall P. Wilder's adih-ess, reail recently before the American Pomological Society's meeting, in which he spoke of the raising of new varieties of fruit from seed, we take the following:
These ai'e the means, and the only means, provided for the improvement of our fruits. With a cai'eful study of the tendency of varie- ties, and a judicious selection of breeders, we shall go on to produce fruits which will be adapted to every part of our land where any species of fruit may be grown.
When we see what nature has done without the aid of manipulation — in the cold regions of
the North, as in Russia, from whence came the Oldenburg and Tetoftsky apples, the Black Tartarian cherry, and other good fniits, who can doubt our abilitj' to produce fine fruits even in tiie ct^lder regions of oiu' country ?
The art of ci-ossing varieties for their improve- ment was scarcely known until our day, and see what wonders have been accomplished by it. Who can doubt that we may yet produce a pear with the richness of the Seckel, the form and size of the Bosc, and the vigor and productiveness of the Boussock. And so we may go on to improve other fruits, until all shall be made as perfect as ever were gi'own by "the grand old gardener of Eden."
Can a coal-oil barrel be fitted for holding cider, vinegai', or the like J The American Afjrieultttrist in effect sa)'s " Yes, and ea,sily enough," in the following words : "Take one head out of the kerosene oil barrel, start a fire in the bottom, and put a bushel of dry straw or long shavings in to keep it burning long enough to draw tlie kerosene out of the wood ; let it burn a few minutes, and just before the wood commences to burn, turn the open end to the gi-ound, and the flames will be smothered. Use the barrel for water a couple of weeks, put the head in again, and they ai'e read)' for cider or anything else one chooses to put into them. The barrels will be worth double the price of common ones. Of course the other head should have simihir treatment."
An Ohio amateur gooseberry grower succeeds in gi'owing very fine fruit, both in size and quality, on a cool, clay soil, keeping the plants open in the centre bj' pruning. AVhen they start into growth in the spring he immediatelj' disbuds, to pi"event them from becoming too dense, and thus admits a free circulation of ail-. He mulches heavily during the sununer. With this ti-eatment he is little troubled with mildew.
The Russian Apricot according to the Or- chard tiiitt (rardcti is more than a mere novelty. It says; " It is the only good apricot which we ever have been able to fruit in this latitude in the orchard or open field. Other varieties do well enough in the South, but it woiild not pay to plant them in Northern states. The Russian apricot succeeds anywhere where our conunon fruits grow. "
If you have fresh fruit to ship a long distance, and especially fine specimens, by first wrapping each specimen in paper which has lieen soaked in salicylic acid it will cany the safer for it. If to be shipjjed very far, use double thickness. We say this cm the authority of Professor Budd.
A Grape vine wliich from old age yields in- ferior fruit, and little at that, niaj' be rejuve- nated in measure by cutting it clean away to the ground and manuring freely at this season. Result: next year new sho<its will spring up, which will come into bearing like young vines.
Apples are on the rise in price in this coun- try and are bringing from .$:!.00 to -*.5.00 per baiTel in England. On the whole the apple crop is not so large, but that growers, who have good fruit on hand may expect very satisfac- tory prices.
According to Mr. Patrick Bai-ry a Mr. Lewelling of California has 40 acres planted with the cherry currant. The yield per annum is about 1.50,000 lbs. and fetches at the rate of 10 cents per pound.
Darkness is one of the essential conditions to the keeping of fresh grapes. Tliey should be placed so as not to come in contact with one another.
T. S. Hubbard, the great gi-iipe grower of Chautauqua county, N. Y., advises deep plant- ing for vines. Tends to prevent winter killing.
More cabbage is spoiled in winter by storing earl\- and keeping too warm, than by freezing.
Culture and not nndching for Grape vines, mulching and not culture for Goosberries.
Keep down the suckers of Raspberries.
i88s.
POPULAR GARDENING.
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The rose said to the Hly: "'Thou must Iiow Thyself in holj" reverence to me; For it is I. ahout whose scented brow The purest love is twined so Ki'ii<-*i'>"sly" The lily said: " To nie is beauty given - Love is thine alter, iiinueenee my shrint-- Death stole my blush, and addiiiic it to thine. Hath fitted thee for earth, and me for heaven." The poet said: ■■' Sweet sisters, oh, be still: To eaeh of ye was given a separate birth. To each a separate and an envied worth. Then bloom both rose and lily: bloom and till The air with all your purity and love: Earth's harmony, oh, rose, fair lily, life above."
—Tapley. Carnations are staple. The fringy sweet Stevia is in. Flowers blush without crime. Violets signify modesty in floral language. The broken wheel as a funeral design is in use. The florists, dream of Holiday orders and fat imrses.
Look out famous old ''.lack " Ritse: yomig Wni. Bennett means to push you bard!
Now that flower's are scarce, take a lesson in not crowding lliem, till their beauty is largely gone.
For trimming' the casket of au aged person, gar- lands of Ivy leaves around the outside, are appro- jiriate.
An autumn effect in tluwers recently made, con- sisted of a liasket of White C'hi*ysanthemums edged with autuuui leaves.
The " Oh's !" and " Ah's !" drawn from admiring dames and misses at the C'hrysanthenuim shows, ai-e only equale<l in numlier and sincerity, by those vdiced at the Rose shows of early summer.
Winter flowers are the cheapest of all forced vegetable products; compare prices of these, for ex- aniple. with those of forced Strawberries and Mnsh- r(.»oms. and the same all around, in smiimer.
At a state meeting of the la\vyers of Illinois, at Sju-ingtleld. some time ago, a wind mill wasthe lead- ing floral design at the bantiuet. Enough " wind " is said to have beeu raised, to turn the wheel several times around.
The commercial florists are now a large and in- fluential body of men. .'^ince tlowei-s are considered so nuicb a uecessity. More fiowers are grown for l^iu'ely commercial demands, than for all other pur- poses combined.
Advanced style in table decorations, calls for all tlie fli>wei-s in high vases, so that the guests can look underneath the flowers. The Carlsbad beer glasses called "■schooners'* are favorite holdei"s f<)r these high-waving bouquets.
If flowers are to be carried througli the street pi'otect with paper, even if it is not freezing at the time. Air and sunshine are needed when growing tlow'ers. it is tnie, but once flowers are cut. the less exposed to these elements the longer will they last.
At a recent show of the Massachusetts Hoi-ticid- tui-al Society, an attractive display of Water Lilies in a large tank was niade by Mr. Stini/evant of Bor- dertown, N. J. Ten varieties of Nymphteas both liai'dy and tender were shown, one the blue Devo- niensis. w itli tltpwers a foot across.
Packing cut flowers. On this point a writer in the Aiitenian Fhnist says; Dining thirty > ears ex- perience I have never found flowers, particularly Roses, travel well when cut and packed immediately; on the contrary, where they have been cut and placed in a vase of clean water for a few hours and carefully packed. I have never had a complaint that they did not reach their destination in good order.
The true lover of flowers seldom orders a made bouquet foi- his or her own pleasure, but wants the blooms louse and with long stems. How sensible. AVe wouhl rather see three flowers with liberal stems to them as they are cut from the plants, placed with- out a thought of arrangement, in a glass on the table, than a score of blooms crowded closely into a bouquet or basket. Let us remember that nature arranges flowers quite uncrowded,and always with fine effect.
Four-leaved Clover designs, so called, belong to a class we iirvi-r cfuld appreciate. As usually made \i\t there is a base of four Hat baskets, each T-epre- sentiug a clover-leaf. From the point where these
I come f<>getber at the center, three long stems i)ro- I ject upward, each one surmounted by a ball which i is to be worked into a "clover head." Usually these ' heads are made up stiffly of Violets,— as if clover of
such a color ever grew. Tbr whole idea is alwurd.
and like tbt- Imtcbniairs "(iates A.iar" needs a
label, to tell what if is.
The flower holders made of Birch bark, are as handsome as anj' novelty we have seen in this line for many a day. Those made to represent a section of a ti'ce trunk, perhaps nine inches through and a foot or more long, are at once simple and elegant. The bark is left with all its nuirks and loose curling ends, just as it was on the free. ( )ne of these "fnmks'^ filled with a free arrangement of Roses ami other long-stemmed flowers in the top. and then partly en- circled by a garland of bloom, is a charming thing to behold.
DotanicdlB)\](I^et
Flowers ai-e but colored leaves. Species is the unit in botanical classiHcatinn, No two individuals or organs of the same kind, are exactly alike.
The famous Botanic Ganlen at Kew, London, cover an area of 200 acres.
The Castor-oil plant, an aimual in the United States, is a i>iM'enuial in warm climates.
The growth of biennials is divided into two stages; first year vegetation, second fructification.
Dr. Asa Gray asks that botanists who can do so conveniently, will send him seeds of Coreopsis an's- tosff, Bmitisia h'ucojjhcea and B leucantha. Ad- dress him at Cambridge. Mass.
A German naturalist, finds that the eastern hemisphere affords 2i>'.t plants and fifty-eight ani- mals useful to man, while the western world contri- butes only fifty-two i>lants and thuteen anmials.
The Common Daisy Bdlis perennis hortciisis is, perhaps, the most divisible plant in the garden. Each separate branehlet may be removed with its modicum of root, au<l every l>it will form a plant.
Protecting the Edelweiss. The Austrian Cen- tral Tourist Club has addressed a petition to the Assemblies of the Austrian Alpine Provinces, to pass a law jirohibiting the wholesale uprooting of this plant now carried on. The petitioners point out that hundreds of thousands of the plants are dug up and sent abroad, even to America, so that there is a fear that the favorite plant of the Alps will be totally wiped out. except in n few remote places.
Modification of Plants by climate. Mr. A. a. Crozier, of the University of Jlichigan, has pubhshed a thesis on this subject. In it he sums up con- cerning the matter as follows: '" It seems to be established that as plants move from the locality of their largest development toward their northei-n limit of growth, they become dwarfed in habit, are rendered more fruitful, and all parts become more highly colored. Their comparative leaf surface is often increased, their form modified, and their com- position changed. Their period of growth is also shortened and they are enabled to develop in all respects at a lower temperature."
Vegetation at the Equator. "I never was any- where more foi-cibly inq)ressed with the thought that the productive powers of nature on receding from the pole, had collected themselves iu their greatest strength near the equator, spreading their gifts with open hand, and manifesting the abund- ant fertility of the soil, than when I first beheld the famous Water Lily. Victoria Regia, in the river Rupunuri. The wiiole margin of the water was bordered with its gigantic leaves, many of them 7 1-3 feet in diameter, interspersed with the magnifi- cent flowers of all shades from white to junk, the largest 14 inches across." Dr. R. SchomhnniU.
Botany in America. An Englishman wlio at- tended a recent meeting of the Botanical Chib of The American Association for the Advancement of Science, was greatly surprised at the interest shown in Botany here. He had never seen anything like if at home he said, and he took it as a sign that bot- any is much more appreciateil as a jtopular study in Atnei'ica. than it is in the l >Id World. These for- eigners begin U^ recognize the fact, that when once Americans awaken to. and take ahold of any matter. we show the same Zealand progressi\eness hei'e, which enabled us to clear up and improve this country as has been (.lone. < )ne o\ these days oiu" conservative friends of Europe will find that we have out-distanced them also in the department of popu- lar gardening, a thing less easy to be done than sonie othei*s. It will yet come, depend upon it.
! The Labiata ordei- to which such common plants
I as Salviii. Rosemary. Monarda, Coleus.Sage. Thyme
and so on belong, enjoys the distinction of being
one of the most natural groups of plants.
I By this is meant, that the character of its several
I thousand numiber.s. are more distinef and uniform
than is generally the case in a natural unler. In
1 fact the variations from one type throughout the
I family, is no greater than is often found in a single
I genus of other orders.
I The chief characteristics of this oriler are stems, hei'baci'ous or sub-wooily. usually squai'e: leaves o]iposite or whorled. exstipulate and usually aro- matic; flowei-s labiate orlip-.shaped mostly irregular. While it requires but a slight fanulitirity with bot- any to determine the order of any Labiate met. the disci'iminalion of the genera is often quite difficult.
ABOUT THE PLACE,
Now '(^>y a comjiost heap. Drain away from the well. Manure is the measure of results. Bevise the labels before the winter sets in. Rubbish about fences and trees, draws nuce, to the injury of the latter.
If you have a wheat field try a light umlch of coarse manure on part of it at least.
Ladders are needed about every place, and now there ought to be time to get one or more made. Don't forget this.
Potato tops are well worth carting to the barn yard for increasing the nuinure pile, they are rich in potash. Left where they grow, they dry up or are blown about to waste.
If a pump freezes, procure a lead pipe or any kind of tube, and lower it to rest on the ice. Into this pour hot water with a funnel. The force of the water on one spot, will cause the ice to melt rapidly.
Those suffering from depredations of rats will be glad to Unow that the i-odents have so great an aversion to chloride of lime, that they will vacate the premises where it is scattered freely.
The net proceeds of a bee-keeper in New York State for thirteen years, from an average of forty- six hives, was $]2.800. an average of $04(5 a year. He thoroughly understood the business, however, and gave it his whole time and attention.
There are now more cattle of the favorite little Jerseys in this country than in tlie Isle of Jei-sey where they orginated. It is doubtful, ti.)o. whether any better animals remain at home than we have, for American money has tempted away the prime animals.
Most dairy farmers have learned from experi- ence that tm-nips or turnip tops when fed to milch cows should be given du-ectly after they have been milked. When this practice is not obsei-wd. the turnips will cause an unpleasant flavor in the milk, which \f ill also be imparted to the butter.
Bees retpiire little attention this month, but what is needed should not be withheld. The maintenance of an e(|ual temperature in the hives is essential, as extremes of either heat or cold at this season is ■what tries the swarms. The risk of their suffering from warmth is slight, and yet there may be days when the .sun's heat woidd be felt enough on the hives to .start flying, which is not desirable. At such times a shed of b()ai'ds or straw is a good thing. But protection fn'Ui cold is of more import- ance, and the kind of shelter alluded too iib<»ut will sei've for this also.
There is some absurd talk in the papei-s against draining to excess, and, that on some land tile draui- ing is outlay lost. Considering the labor and expense ueces,sary to underdraining. it is not likely these cases ever occur. AVhere draining would do m > good, the land is in such a shape, tliat the need of it would never occur, hence no one would be stupid enough to undertake it. But where tile draining is econom- ically done on land that will bear it, tin' gains in im- proved crops will always warrant the cost. In a great majority of cases judicious underdraining has paid for itself in two or three crops.
Lucky is the man who in connection with- hLs stable has a well filled bin of dry muck or earth, if he cares to have the.se sweet and healthy. Dried earth~-and nmck especially— have a wonderful ca- pacity as absorbents of the Uquid and gaseous substances about stables. A few shovelfuls of earth scattere<l over the floor after cleaning will rentier the air of the apartments imre and wlmlsonie. Then all who liave gardens coimt iq>ou the increase of the manure yield. We have no doubt that the value of the sea.S(m"s manure jtile may be d<inl)hM|. by the free use of such absorbents. The strength of the gases and liquids aiisorbeii are retaini-d. and are the very essence of good manure.
34
POPULAR GARDENING.
December,
poviltry.
Ducks in the Garden.
Of ^^•hat ,nre termed large 'water-fowls, in- cluding Dueks, Geese and Swans, the former ! are well entitled to consideration for use and ornament about gardens and elsewhere, even if living water for them is lacking. Not but that it is f ai- more desirable that ducks have access to a lake or stream, than otherwise, but they will get along with a small supply of water in a jiond or tank a few feet across, in a waj' that the others could not near so well do.
Kept in such a manner, and ducks will not ouly be found profitable and ornamental about a garden, but serviceable; the}' offer the ad- vantages of being voracious insect consum- ers, and of neither .scratching up seeds or roots or flying about mischieveously. It is a special recommend that they will destro}' those gi-eat plagues of the garden, namely, slugs, a thing that even hens will not do. One of our friends, once had a gai'den on sandy soil, which as a result of the heavy manuring needed to fit the soil for vegetation, tecame ten-ibly filled with slugs, cutworms and other insects ; the young plants were destroyed and roses and other bushes greatly marred.
Some ducks was suggested. Eight or nine of these were bought, tiu-ned into the gai-den and given free range. The result was most as- tonishing ; in a few months the insects seemed entirely used >ip, after which the flock of ducks was reduced to three, and these kept to guard against further trouble.
To be sure, some things can be brought against the keeping of ducks in the garden, butthese do not offset the benefits. They have a gi-eat Uk- ing for Strawlierries, about the onlj' fruit they will trouble. Keep them from the Straw- berry enclosm-e during fruiting time, and trouble is averted. The Muscortes eat buds and young shoots, — we can keep other kinds which do not. But ducks do trample domi the plants and tilled earth, and eat young leaves. This is the most serious charge against them, but it may be reduced to a small thing, by not giving them free range at all times. Turn them mto the garden only for an horn- or two hours daily, and that in the morning, when the dew is on the plants. Then they wUl seek mostly for slugs and similar pests. At other times they may be about the lawn. Where there is no natural bed of water for ducks, pains should be taken where they are kept, to proride a change of water in a clean tank ever)' day. This should be located near the water tank or other supply, for convenience.
the long run is to kill the birds affected. As is often the case, in spite of all that can be done, the disease develops into roup, which is known by a foul breath, in addition to the other sjTuirtoms already described, and by a swelling up of the eyes and face. Then all dishes and troughs had better be washed with some disinfectant, such as cai'bolic acid or Lit- tle's Phenyle, and the coops be well white- washed to prevent contagion. If possible, let the recovered birds be removed to fresh ground, and a little lime spread thinly over the vacated iims, so as to purify the ground.
Colds in Poultry: How to Treat.
At this season, when human beings ai'e so subject to colds, fowls, too, often suffer from the same cause. Neither are the sjinptoms wholly different in the two, these being usuaUj' such as a running at the nostrils, watering of the eyes and sneezing.
Cold, says the EmjUsJt Lire Stock Journal, is by no means difficult to cure if taken in time, but neglected, it may soon develoji into roup or consmnption, both of which are speedily fatal, though the latter is seldom seen save wheu there is an inherent tendency to it.
As soon as there is noticed any secreti<.)n at the nostrils, the biixl should be separated from the othere, and i)ut in a warm, comfortable place. The food should be of a nourishing nature, and for medicine we know of nothing better than tincture of aconite, of which a suffi- cient dose for a young chick will lie a half of a teaspoonfnl of water, in which a single ch'op has been put.
A little camjihor may also be jmt in the drinking water when the sneezing is connuon. B3' these means the disease will generally be stamped out, but if not, the cheapest way in
SILVER SPANGLED HAMBURGHS.
Hamburgh Fowls.
On the whole these fowls can be strongly recommended for profit. While rather small for marketing, they will in the production of eggs exceed all other breeds. They lay ueai-ly every day all thi-ough the year, except during the moulting sea.son, hence have been called "Dutch e very-day layei's." An annual pro- duction of from 3(10 to 3.5(1 eggs per hen in a year, is not uncommon. For family use they are especially desirable, as aside from their value as laj'ers, all the breeds ai'e decidedly ornamental.
The varieties of Hamburghs, are the Black, Golden and Silver Pencilled, Golden and Silver Spangled and A\Tiite. The jjencilled breeds should be classed among rather delicate birds, but their beauty and free laying propensities, ai'e a sufficient reward to many growers, for the extra care they requii'e. This class is rather liable to roup if exposed to cold or wet, hence they should be hatched somewhat late. The Spangled Hamburghs, of which we show an engraving, are hardy and lay larger, if per- haps fewer, eggs than the pencilled. For profit, however, we would be disposed to place the Black Hambm'ghs ahead of all the others, both on account of the large size of the eggs and theii- productiveness, which certainlj' exceeds that of all breeds known.
Although Hamburghs naturally love a wide range, there is no real difficulty in keeping them in confinement, provided only that clean- liness be closely attended to. None of the varieties ever show any disposition to sit, un- less it is in a state of gi'eat freedom.
While the objection is raised to Hamburghs of being too small to figiu-e much on the table, it may be said that the bones also are small, and really carry more meat than might lie sup- posed from the appearance, and what there is of it is delicious, both as to qualit)' and flavor.
CONDENSED POULTRY NOTES.
Avoid ovcr-crowiling.
Divide up the large flocks.
Fatten the tall, thin turkeys.
Provide a plenty of nest boxes.
The Bronze turkeys are the best paying.
To the block at once with egg-eating hens.
Feed warm nuish. not too hot, on cold mornings.
On cold days go over the nests for eggs several times.
Our experience has lieen that barley freel.v fed, impaii's fivedoni in laying.
A little celery fed to fatteunig dueks. adds a delicious flavor to the meat.
Dry. warm quarters for your hens now, will soon make dry silver quartei-s for the pocket.
Wyandottes. The demand for these at present is remarkably brisk, but prices tend downwards.
If you are only beginning the poultry business, start in with twenty fowls rather than with a hundred.
"With wheat comparatively cheap, it is entitled to a leading position in feeding both heavy and light breeds.
We believe that half the diseases of fowls could be traced to their being forced to drink stale and polluted water.
Time of hatching. Hens' eggs hatch m twenty days; turkeys' and dncks' in twenty -eight days; geese's in thirty days.
The number of poultry associations started with- in the past year is reall.v surprising. This shows wbich way the wind blows as to poultry interests.
A poultry raiser near the writer's place, makes it a rule to allow six square feet, say two feet by three feet, of floor room for each fowl above six.
No hen should be kept beyond her second laying season, as a rule. Because many pay no heed to this point, but keep hens along three, five or more years, they wouder why they lay so poorly.
Turkeys for breeders. Only select ones should be saved back for this purpose. Old gobblers, say from two to fotn- years, are the best. Choose out such as are broad across the back, short -legged and square built.
Soaking Grain. Contrary to what the practice of many ixinltry keepers would indicate, the diges- tive apparatus of fowls, does not require that grain be soaked before feeding. In fact, to soak the grain, is to fill the bird's crop with a quantity of water to no pnn>ose. Fed dry and the grain is better rel- ished and does more good.
Fowl cholera. This is also a disease of the sea- son. It is more easil.v prevented than cured. Thor- ough cleanliness in every jjarticular. pure air, pure water, moderate feeding, avoiding excess of fat, and a healthful variety of food, including plenty of fresh bones finely crushed, will help to evade the disease. Teaspoonfnl doses of .saturated solution of hyposulphite of soda, given daily, an entire absence from food for several days, have been found an effective remed.v in cases not too far advanced. — Agriculturtst.
Look well to the comfort of your fowls at this seasou; imcomfortable hens never do much. Mix with the morning feed of graiu, a little boiled meat, cheap offal from the butcher's, bullock's tripe, liver, or anything in that wa.v, twice or three times a week. From half an ounce to one ounce is quite sufficient at a time, for each bird. .\lso do not for- get to add some green food right along. Then if the house is in good order, and the breed right, you will be paid for your pains over and over, by the frequency of the cackle, teUing you of the addi- tion to the store of eggs, at this time, when they are worth picking up.
Suit the food to the time it is fed, for the best re- sults. To do this, give ungruimd grain at night be- fore roosting time, and soft food in the morning. The former will last in the crop longer into the night with benefit. The grain food given at the morning meal, allows of digestion commencing at once. This is beneficial, for nothing seems to tell so stronglj- against the well-doing of a fowl, as to remain for hours with an unoccupied stomach. Let the' morning feeding be done as early as possible in the morning, and that of evening just before going to roost, if the fowls are confined, and with no chance iif picking up anything through the day, they will require another feeding about noon.
Best Stock for "Winter Laying. We agree with a writer in the Atneriron Pitnlti-r/ Journal on this subject. He says: The most desirable stock to have on hand, at any time, is early-hatched pidlets. The.v become large and well developed by fall, gen- erally begin laying before cold weather, as they do not moult the first season, and with proper care will keep laying throughout the winter. Then, by spring they will have laid several litters of eggs, and will be fully as desirable for breeding purposes as adult hens, and will, in tlieir turn, bring off nice, early broods, to take their place the following season.
Late-hatched pullets are even worse than old hens, both for winter laying and early spring breed- ing, for they will be small wheu the coM weather comes, which will serve to stunt them more or less, and they will not begin laying until the warm weather of spring, and then the eggs are so cheap that they hardly pay for feeding and taking care of the fowls. Besides this, the first litter of eggs laid by a pullet are not fit to iLse for breeding purposes, as they will not produce near as strong and healthy chicks as those coming from older hens.
i885.
POPULAR GARDENING.
Treeclimber's Talks. leaves: their absence.
But a few weeks ago, aud all the trees and Iiusheswere elothed with leave.s, now most of these ai'e bare. What a great change has come over the face of nature Ix^cause of this.
We do not, however, mind the absence of leaves so much, l)ecause we know that in a few months a new crop will come forth, seem- ingly more fresh aud beautiful than any of former years. Examine even now ahuost any ti'ee, and the buds of next year's growth may reailily be seen : they are only waiting for the warmth of next sprmg. to shoot out into new verdure. When that time arrives, we will enjoy the sight all the more, for the winters break, of several months" duration, in leaftime.
RE.\UTV AND VARIETY IN LEAVES.
I want to speak somewhat of the beauty and variety found in leaves. The beauty of flowers is constantly on the tongiies oi people, and in the poet's vei-ses. but not so of tlie hardly less beautiful leaves. I have made a ih'aw- ing in outline of four leaves which the publishei-s have had engraved very well, to show something about this matter of shapes and beaut}'.
The engraving represents some very common leaves. The one to the left is that <.if Grass, next to anil jjartly under this one, is a divided leaf of the Lupine, a common garden Hower raised from seed; the finely-cut leaf to the right is that of a si^ecies of Pojjpy, and back of this, a small leaf taken from a tree of the common Chestnut.
Here are but f om- forms ; how differ- ent they are, and how pleasing to look at. But the forms found in nature are endless, and af- ford a degree of vai-iety in their shapes that is truly a.stouishing. We have but to open our eyes as we walk out in the season of leaves, to see very many of these. Their forms ai-e the mai-ks by which we may distinguish one kind of plant from another. The more striking shapes of leaves have names, and to gain an acquaint- ance with these is one of the eaa-hest and most useful things to be leanied in studying botauy.
FLOWERS AND LEAVES.
I have said, that we hear more of the beauty of flowers than of leaves. Much as I love the flowers which natm-e spreads out over the earth, I think that so far as the office of adorn- ing the earth's sm-face is concerned, the leaves are more important even than are the flowers themselves. The beauty of the gi-een gi-ass which gTows everywhere the world over, hes in the leaf, and the same is chiefly true of the forests: no quantity of beau- tiful flowers could make up for the complete absence of these from this earth.
I do not draw this compai'ison, as if there was any rivah-y between flowers and foliage as adorning matei-ial. Both have their place and fill it well, but in the constant admiration which flowei-s call fortli, I desire to incite more attention to the beauty of leaves.
ABOUT THE HYACINTH AND ITS NAME.
The Hyacinth which is so well known by all, Is a native of the oldest mhabited parts of the world. In such eastern countries as Asia Minor, Syria and Pensia, it is found growing wild, abundantly. We can readily accept the fact that it has also been in cultivation from the remotest times, for no flower to-day is more highly es- teemed, or more easily managed. Its present
name has come down to us through all the ages, from ancient Greece, and is interesting on this account. Grecian fable links the origin and name of the flower witli the character's of an- cient mythology. A legeml relating to this subject, whiili wa-s lately handed to me by a friend runs as follows:
"Apollo, god of the arts and .sciences, became very fond of asliephenlyouth, whose name was Hjacinthus, ami took great delight in throw- ing tlie discus with him, a ]>a.stime much in- dulged in by the old Greeks and Romans. One day while engaged in this sport, the discus thrown by .4pollo struck Hyacintluis in the head, aud killed him on the spot. Apollo, very much grieved bj- the sad death of his favorite, chauged liim into a lovely flower which he called after him Hyacinth. "
HOW THE CYPRE.SS WAS NAMED.
Another fable told of this same god, and which accounts for the name of the Cyi>ress
aihnirable as this may l)e, may not prevent the road from being systematically cheated, for a long time, without detection, but also that wrong-doing nmst .sometime have its end, and the wrong-doer l>e made to sutt'er.
-Vbout fouryeais ajjii sdiiic repairs wei-e made to a small bridge, some miles awnv from auy station, on a railroad in Illinois, and iit' course the bridge gang had jmt up a signln.ai-d ■■|-iui slow," on either siile dnnng the day iir so the liriclgc was weakened. .Just about a.s they hud finished their work the sign- hoards disappeared, and tlievilidnt take the trouble to hunt them uj).
Some weeks afterwartis tliese signs reappeared in the former places. Xohodv cared. The section mennodoubt thought the bridge men had done it. It was none of the enf^ineei-s' business why tliey were there— their dnty ivi|nir-ed them to slow dow'n at all such signs, luid this they <licl. For about four years not a train had pas.s..d over that little bridge without .slowmt; almo.st to a standstill, costing the coinijany thousands of dollars, to stop and start trains.
How it all came about, was this: An unscnipu- lous fanner near by stole these boards and put them up again at his leisure. For four yeai-s he ha.s been going into the town or coming from it on the trains, getting on or off right at his own door. It was a slick scheme, but his game is uii now. and the engineers are having their revenge by keeping up an infernal screech- ing of their whistles at all houi-s of the day or night whenever they pass that farmhouse.
LEAVES OF VARIOUS SHAPES-
tree was, that Apollo was also very much at- tached to another shepherd -hoy, for this god was the guardian deity of the herds and flocks. The boys name was Cyjjarissus, and it is said that he had the inisfortime to accidentally kill one of the favorite stags of the god. This so grieved him that he pined away and died of a broken heai-t. Apollo then transformed him into the Cypress tree, which has ever since borne his name,
Timothy Treeclimber.
Mistakes that are Natural Enough.
It is not strange that chikh-en should make many mistakes, before they master the ai-t of spelling words with silent letters in them. Usually there is very little to indicate what the silent letter might be, by the sound of the word or syllable, containing it. A difliculty somewhat like this is found, in mastering the use of words which liave the same sound but are flifferently spelled, or have different mean- ings. So,too,in the application of namesthatare aUke, or nearly so, as the Pine, which may re- fer to either the tree by that name or to the Pineapple, In view of this fact relating to the word pine, and also tliat the fruit of the pine- apple somewhat resembles a pine-cone, the mis- take of the boy here alluded to was natural enough.
One day last ni.intli a lady in Maryland gave her son, a lad of five years, iierniission to eat a " pine- apple." although she wondered at the time wTiere he could get a pineapple. Later she saw him sit- ting in the yard trying to chew a pine-cone that he had pulled from a neighboring tree, under the belief it was a real pineapple.
Found Out at Last.
The following amusing incident told by the Chhayu Hi-nild, shows how the work- ing out of all the details of a gi-eat railroad,
The young ai-e apt to look upon discipline and early responsibility as a form of adversity. On the other hand the exjierience of this world teaches, that in the long run, the tiling we call good fortune — shelter from hardships ; indulgence of all kinds and money aid for every venture, or every fancy, more often work against the true in- terests of the young throughout tlieir lives than otherwise.
PET BIRDS, ANIMALS, ETC.
If you have more than one cage, re- member that birds get jealous, over hav- ing their neighbors perch higher than
they do.
The Goldfish is a carp, and a native of the warm jiarts ot China, It is now natur- alized in many ot the .streams of southern Eiu'ope, and also in American waters. Its perfect adaptability to glass globes in living rooms, is partly accounted for by the fact of its thriving Ijest in water kept above the ordinary temperature.
At night, in cold weather, unless the bird cage is kept in a warm room, it should be covered. For this an old woolen shawl is better than anything else. It not only keeps the bu-d warm but through darkening the cage, makes him later in waking in the morning, and thus leaves you to finish your own nap, without being disturbed by his early cries.
Bad as a disease is, the remedy may be worse. A friend had a bird that was troubled with vermin ; an authority was consulted as to what to do, A re- medy for the trouble ran thus: "Wash both cage and bird m hnseed or rape.seed oil." These instruc- tions were followed to the letter; although it killed the parasites, it left the bird m a most uncomfortable condition, veiy near killing it. The oil was only removed by the light use of refined benzine on the feathers, taking a tew at a time.
For Canker about the head of pigeons, says a writer in the Piiullry ^fontllll/,the best application is nitrate of silver- Touch with this to begui with and afterwards apply twice a day a solution of one part of L-arbolic acid to ten parts ot glycerine ; keep the parts clean by a sponge dipped in permanganate ot potash. To make this, add a tcaspoonful of potash to a quart bottle of water, and shake till dissolved. This is a capital disinfectant for sprmkling about the nests or shebes. or the Kjft generally.
Unhealthy Canary Birds. .Sometimes when ca- nary birds are not doing well, and one cannot im- agine what the trouble is, it hes in then- being affected with the red mite. To ascertain whether such may be the ca.se, cover up the cage at night with a white cloth, and in the morning you will see the tiny red mites on the cloth. To get rid of these pests, dust the bird with insect powder, wash the cage with scalding water, and keep it also dusted with the powder. It is also a good plan to give the bird a bath, have the water tepid, and put some flowers ot sulphur in it. This is to be repeated every other day. Two or I liree drops of sherrj- in its water as a tonic is also desirable. I^t it have lettuce or any green food you can get.canary .seeil or inga seed.
36
POPULAR GARDENING.
December,
th.
"^e Household
Where do the Children Sleep?
A friend noteil tor her good common sense, tells about having been approached b)- an anxious mother, concerning the iU-health of a daughter of seventeen, when she in return asked to see her sleeping room. The mother was sure nothing could be w]-oug here, for servants had attended it daily, to see that it was warm, and that no dampness could enter.
The room reached, it reminded the visitor of the Catacombs: not a ray of simshine l)eing ever admitted—' ' I^ight hurts Sarah's eyes " was the excuse. The most noticeable thing in it was a close, musty smell. When asked whether it wasever aired, the answer was: only on sweep- ing day. Ventilation at night being suggested to allow the carbon exhaled by breathing to ^ give way to pure air, the mother replied that such a course would kill the girl, as she never could bear tb-aughts and damp ail-. Our friend gave the mother such wholesome advice, as we are sure will prove a gi-eat benefit to that girl's health, if it is heeded.
This incident shows, what we have long no- ticed with pain, that many parents are careless as to the sleeping place of children and young people. No doubt the same are careless of their own sleeping rooms also, but bad effects from such causes, tell less liard against the old, than against the young.
Dm-ing the whole period of growth in a child, the constructive operations of the body ai-e very active in sleep. This fact demands, that if children are to lie healthy, the conditions that surround them at night must be conducive to tliis. It is of the gi-eatest importance that plen- ty of fresh air be admitted at some of, if not all, the tmie of the twenty-tom- hours. The window or windows of the room, should be throwii wide open soon after the hour of rising ; the bedding be well exposed to the air; so to remain for some hours at least. The children may be taught to thi-ow back the cover them- selves, when they get up. In all but the sever- est weather, the year around, air should be ad- mitted at niglit.
A common and most grievous mistake, is to have chilch-en sleep with aged persons. A sti-aw pallet on the floor would be fai- better. During the nutritive regeneration of the tissues, which takes place during sleep in all persons, the child would be the heavy looser, if lying in sleep, close to a penson of declining years. In- stances are not lacking to prove the truth of this statement. No one has a right to rob a child of the birthright of sound health, to grati- fy the selBsh whims of aged persons, who are often to blame for urging children to this coui"se.
As fai- as can be done, chilih-en should have separate beds, even if two are in the same room. It is both better for health, and more conducive to sound, refreshing sleep which is much the same thing. Pai-ents, as they regai-d the lives of the young under theii- cai-e, should see to it that they do not suffer during the important period of early life, that is given to sleep.
Air, hut don't sun, feather ticks and pillows; the siiii ihaws the oil. making an unpleasant smell. Regard the feelings of naturally shy children, y realize agonies j-ou cannot understand.
Brieflets.
Lard should go into tin.
Start the night with warm feet.
Unsunned rooms, cause unsound health.
Hang up the brooms: they will last longer.
Keep tlie bedsteads away from the windows.
Clogged wicks can he cleaned, by boiling tlieni in so.iji suds.
A part of dish washing thoroughly enjoyed— haiiKing away the dish pan.
If you have no dark place for the f i-uit cans, wrap each one sepai'ately i" heavy paper.
Drop potatoes or fruit as they are pared into water, and the color will not change.
Good dishes and bright silver or other tableware, make iileasant work of housekeeping.
In serving lunches or tea, a well-bred hostess errs on the side of plainness, rather than on that of ovrr-nnuiiticence.
Much of the ordinary bother of washing lamp chinmeys on the inside, can he saved hy using a stick with a sponge tied to the end.
Cocoanut Pudding. This is one of the most ac- ceptable of easily -made puddings, brought to our table. One quart of milk and tour eggs serves as the foundation. To this is added one eup of dessi- cated cocoanut, one slice of bread broken up finely, and a small lump of butter. Sweeten to suit taste. For frosting, keep out the white of one egg, beat to a stiff troth, and add two tablespoonfuls of sugar, spread tliis on top, return to the oven to brown.
It's an honor to he a good housekeeper, but we have known instances, where that honor was bought at too dear a sacrifice of strength and health. We know of one sensible woman who saves much of the work of ironing, thought necessary by some, by putting awayjnany things of the week's wash, clean and very neatly folded, but not u-oned. In this Ust are found, woolen tuiderwear and clothes, sheets, towels and the like. Passing an u-on over these things after folding will make them look remark- ably well, iiroviding the folding was evenly done.
, Dish 'Washing, and the Hands. A writer for i the Hiiiisihold. who ought to know, claims, that with a little care dish washing wiU aild to the looks of the hand, rather than detract from its beauty. She says: "My hands were swollen and red but this lasts but a shoit time, with it they are also pliable, soft and warm, rubbing them with cream or vaseline at night keeps them so. Dora Smith always wishes to practice on the piano after washing dishes, because then her hand is in the best order for the keyboard. The best work for any- one troubled with cold hands is dish washing.
Have you a Carpet Sweeper! Those housekeep- ers who have not. can hardly realize what they are , missing. The implement makes light of tlie daily work of taking up the dust and dirt from carpets. It can be rolled back and forth by a child or weak person wdio cannot handle a broom. The dirt is gathered up by a rotating brush, which receives its \ motion from the movement of the sweeper. Another point: little or no dust is stu-red up m the room to settle again requiring later brushing or wiping up. The revolving brush is enea.sed, and the gathered dust is deposited in the case, in a way that saves it j from being circulated and deposited agam, on car- pets and furniture. Such a sweeper is far less I wearing to a carpet than is a broom. An excellent one can be bought for about |3. and will last for years. j
Catching Cold. Which travels the fastest, heat or cold' runs the old conimchnmi. Answer: heat. ; for you can catch a cold. It is very easily done. Here are some directions how. all to be avoided if yon would avoid colds. Go into cold rooms when you are warm, without something over the | head or additional wraps. Keep on wet shoes and clothes after coming in on a rainy day. (io calling with thinner shoes on than you wear at home, and no over-shoes. Let children throw off their hats or bonnets when heated from play in chilly weather. Set in draft at an open window or door: a .street car is a good place. Change from heavy wraps to light ones in a hurry when you come in. If a man or boy, let the hair lie cut and shampooed just when a change is takmg place ui the weather. If a woman go out on a windy day, ^^■ith your back hair done up high, when you liave been used to wearing it low.
Too Good. --^ thing or a person may come recom- mended as having too many good qualities, to be desirable. An acquaintance of the writer's, lately turned off an agent who was tallving up a stove im- plement, capable of doing a dozen things, with the remark, that she didn't want it. it could do too many things. The lady to whom Mrs. McNamara applied, seeking a situation for her daughter, felt quite simi- larly, as stated in the New Yurk Tinii-s:
Lady— Is your daughter Bridget a good girl, Mrs. McNamara?
Mrs. McNamara— That she is. mum. She's a dacint gtirnil. She goes to mass ivery marnin' at H o'clock, and tnicet on a Smiday, an' she nathur ates mate on Fridays, nor cooks it. mmn. an' she be- laves in ebsarviu' the Sabbath day an' kapiug it howly an' niver cooks imthin' on that day, mum, an' confisses her sins i>ncet a wake, an'— Lady— I am afi-aid she is too good, Mrs. McNam- I ara.
Notes on Dress and Home Art.
Plainess for .lerseys. Silks were never cheaper. Jackets vary without end. Flush is more in favor again. Braid or cord lacing is much used. Dishes "f cut glass are fashionable. Bright Colors w ere never more popidar. Green for gowns of rich fabrics, continues to hold its place.
Eed cloth jackets are favorites with young ladies for driving.
Eed is nmch used as a third color with brown and blue c'.)stmnes.
Underskirts of black next to the dress, are be- coming very popular.
Fur, and especially sable, is used f or trinuning all kinds of cloth and velvet tlresses.
Gray and pearl-color gloves, will be more woni than they have been for many seasons.
Bretelles the name for the V-shaped trimmings, are nuicb in favor on dress waists and mantles.
The colored glassware of the table now so often seen is very pretty, but too gaudy for lasting good taste.
Spirits of Ammonia rnblwd over nickel orna- ments, by applying with a saturated woolen cloth, will keep them bright.
For a stylish collar, the dog collar two inches in height, made of velvet, lined with silk and adiM-iied with beads or chenille, prevails. Now the old-fashioned quilted skirts of our grand
mothers, have been reached. For warmth, they de- sen-e renewal after their long rest. The hang across the nape of the neck is out of
the back hair. of the head, for
style, but crinqjing is still applied to before it is carried up to the crown • coiling there.
No one can object to the use of some bright rib- bons about the parlor, on braided and other chairs, baskets, frames and the like, but being easily ap- plied the custom of using these is often carried far- ther than good taste sanctions.
On wool and velvet costmnes. a group of three large buttons on each side of the corsage, anil of six or eight on the skirt in the lengthwise pleats or panels at the sides, is very fashionable. The but- tons are metal and flat, with raised (lowers or other figures, and of a color suited to the di-ess.
Table-cloths. The latest departure in these, is highly embroidered linen, with elaborate floral pat- terns in crewel, cotton or washable silk, extending from the hem far up into the center. Curious and handsome doyleys of Turkish embroidery are put trader the glass finger bowls. These being interest- ing objects, give guests something to talk about.
The fire-place is receiving more and more atten- tion from builders of new houses, as years pass on. It seems destined to again occupy much of its old- time prominence and glory. The time was. when the fire-pliice was the center of attraction in the home, 1 and much could be said for promoting it to this ]50sition again. In the finer class of houses now built, nearly every room has an open fh-e-place. '
Some Christmas gifts that are elegant, useful and easily made, are the following: .\ visiting-card case of olive velvet, lined with red, size five by seven inches: in making, use some , stiff canvass between the velvet and the lining: a silk pocket three inches deep is set on the inside of each cover: on the up- per cover should be embroidered in Japanese gold thread, initials, a motto or other device. A stand of wickerwork for music or drawings, may be pur- chased, and if Uned with embroidered plush and set oft with handsome fringe and ta,ssels, is an elegant affau- for the parlor. Pincushions for the parlor, the library or any other room, now so much in style, are very appropriate as Holiday gifts. Some beau- tiful designs for these are small bellows made in cardboard covered with satin, or a doll dres.sed as an undergraduate, in cap and gown, and a w heel- barrow made after the same order, the cushion be- ing located inside the barrow. Quite the newest idea is a tin.v wooden sabot converted into a pin- cushion, being stuffed inside. A perambulator is also adapted to a work-case, reels of cotton forming the wheels. A large silk, satin or plush sack is a good notion for a pincushion. One of the prettiest kind, however, is hung against the wall, covered with velvet, having an appliiine of open brass work on either side, taken from horses" harness, which only now have been turned to this new purpose. For bedrooms there is a new coronet pincushion, made of an octagonal box of pasteboard and the sides covered alternately in plush and satin.
POPULAR GARDENING
FOR TOWN AND COUNTRY.
"ACCOSE NOT NATURE, fiHE HATH DONE HER PART; DO THOU BUT THINE.-^iliuros.
Vol. 1.
J'-A.2SrjJJ^:Ei,-Z', 188S.
No. 4.
A Fine Autumn-blooming Crocus.
Altogether the Crocus nciuis is a verj- ex- tensive one, and is known to embraoc no less tlian seventy species. So far from all lieiug spring-tlowering sorts, like the common ones {('roi-iix tvrnii/< anil varieties) of our gardens, it may be said, that the various species to- gether afford a continuous succession of tiowers from the beginning of August, until April. But of all these, with their varied season of bloom, it is only the earlier autumnal or the distinctlj- vernal, .spe- cies that can be relied upon in the north for garden decoration. Far enough towards the equator, as in the parts of Asia, where many of the species are at liome, and where frosts, even in winter, are not severe, the winter sorts flower abundantlj'. One single species of the fall-flowering class is well known in cultivation, as the Saffron plant, Ci-uciik niitirim^of our gardens. This one blooms handsomely in September and is espec- ially valued for the medicinal virtues of its large stigma.s.
Borj''s Silver Crocus, C. Bari/i. of which we give an engraving, is another autumnal bloomer, and one of marked beauty. No Crocus can very well be fairer than this little species, which blooms in October. Its flowers are of the size shown in the engraving. They are beautiful in all stages; the purple- streaked buds and the half-opened, cup- shaped blossoms being in their way as lovely as the pure white orange- throated starry flowers themselves. The leafage — as if to suit the delicate flowers — is most slender and elegant.
This species while quite hardy, does not bloom well without the protection of glass, the rains and frosts of October lieing sufficient to prevent the develop- ment of the dainty little flowers. In a frame protected with sash it ought to succeed well eveiTwhere.
This Crocus like others of its same season of bloom should be planted in midsummer. The plants delight in a rich, well-drained soil; the conns should be liuried about three inches 'deep, in planting. At the approach of winter, all those sorts which lack some- what in robustness, as does the one figured, should have a coat of straw or leaves over their tops, and between them and the glass of the frame in which they are growing.
dale. But these kinds show so many variations in appearance, that to one unacquainted with trees, there might seem to be many more kinds. * * * The fine winter effect produced by the Ever- greens here, is owing chiefly to three things: first, the sorts planted are such as are adapted to the climate and the place; second, the ar- rangement, is on a plan that tends to enhance the beauty of individual sorts, and lastly, Init in
Noteafrom Lyndale.
BY A. H. E.
■Ifiiiuary 3. Visitors to Ljndale in the win- ter are much attracted by the beauty of the Evergreens on the place. It is not so much that the number of kinds growing here is very extensive, as that what there are are thrifty and attractive. Indeed, when it comes to the matter of kinds, it may be said that the Pines, Spruces (including Hemlocks anfl Fii-sl,Juni- jiers. Arbor vitfes and Retinsporas, constitute fully nine-tenths of all there are grown at Lyu-
A Fine Autumn-blooming Crocus.- Bora's Silver Crocus.
its way perhaps more important than anything else, is the fact that every tree planted is well planted at the outset.
* * *
Let me speak of the planting first. 1 lielieve in giving every Conifer (Cone-beai-er) that I set, plenty of good soil to grow in : no tree is expected to do well if not thoroughly well planted at first, few fail to do well under this provision. In planting, the process is suited to the nature of the soil where the tree is to go, as nearly as possible.
A fir-st step in this operation is to make a hole three feet deep. The subsoil is kept separate, and if pai'ticularly unfavorable to the growth of roots, none of it is returned. Such mater- ial as old sods from the roadside, or old put- ting mould, the rougher the better, is the main reliance, either used alone or mixed with the soil just thrown out.
I take special pains in placing the roots when the work is being done. The tap-root is allowed to descend perpenrliculajdy into the bed of new soil; the others are spreafl out in the directions they lay where they grew before. Then each tree is laised somewhat above the orthnarv sur- face,in a way that leaves it on a slight elevation
as the planting is finished. This has the effect of throwing the water off from the base of the tnnik, when there are but few roots to the parts on whii-h the feechng roots exist.
* * *
./tiniiurii 10. Reference was made to the arrangTuent of Evergreens here. Let me en- large on this. Fir.st of all be it understood that I detest the indiscriminate mixing up of kinds in planting. As a rule, I plant either as isolat- ed specimens or else in uatiu-e-gi-oups, but chiefly the latter. The groups consist either of one species or a mixture of the different varieties and species of the same kind. To illustrate, I will say, that one conspicuous grou]) of about 7") feet in length, and from one-third to one-fourth of this width, consists of Spruces. At one end there are seven of the free-growing Norway Spruce in a loose clump. At the other end is a mass of the dwarf and compact Finedon Hall Spruce; there are also a few clumps of the same here and there along the front edge of the lai'ge group throughout its length.
Between the tall Norway's at one end and the dwarfs at the other end of this elongated group are planted several dozen of the small Pyramidal Spruce, backed by half as mauj' Glaucous White Spruce. Throughout this group, as in all my ai'- rangements of this kind, I do not clearly define the minor groui« but allow the members of different ones to mingle with each other at their edges. The general outlines of the compound groups is de- cidedl}- free, that is to say it is not regular. The description of this one group, will give an idea of the principle I adopt in all my plantings of this kind.
■/iiiiudrii ICi. In holding up the claims of the Privets for ornamental iilauting, not enough is generally made I think of the fact that they are half-evergreen in character. During November and pai-t of December, when most deciduous trees and shrubs ai'e leafless, these are as green and lively in appearance as at any pi-evious time. A mass of two kinds, the Common and the Oval-leaved, near a side path, is quite certain to catch the eyes of all going that way, during the fall months, by their liright green foliage in the midst of autmnn desolation. But it is not the leaves alone of the Privets that prove attractive to the eye. for all during fall and winter the shrubs carry a quantity of handsome black berries about the size of peas, and ai-ranged in clusters. Then flowering late in the spring as these shrubs do, and when the majority of June bloomere ai-e done, they also prove decidedly ornamental because of then- free crop of white, svveet-scentetl flowers. * « «
JiniKdrii 'J-'. I am much i)leased with the Zebra Eulalia as an ornamental plant. In the garden b«Ls during summer it is not excelleil by any other hardy grass of equal size, for effectiveness ; its zebra-like cross variegations of .yellow on the green ground of the leaves, giv- ing to the plant a very striking api>earance. But aside from its value in the garden, it is a fine i)ot [jlant for the conservatoi-y the year around. When the plant was first introducerl from Japan, here under glass, was suiniosed to
POPULAR GARDENING.
January,
be its place imtil its hardiness became known. As a pot plant the Eulalia is delicate and gi-ace- ful looking- in a decided degree, and along with its peeular markings is sure to attract atten- tion in any rolleci'tion of plants. * * *
Janudi'if 28. In managing a plant conser- vatory, I have found through yeai's of exper- ience, that, to have "air on" as the florists say, for a longer or shorter time by one or two hours daily, makes agi'eatdifference in the well doing ' of the plants. My rule in all mild weather is to go over the house four times daily, in open- ] ing and closing the ventilatoi's.
As soon as the outside temperature begins to i rise a little, I open the ventilators, a little only ; then in perhaps an hour I go through the house \ again, and open them as much as they will beai' ; i in the afternoon this plan is reversed.
Those plant growers who find too much trouble in this system, are sure also to find something else that I don't often meet, namely: unhealthy plants, and along with these insects without end, to cover them.
>>g^:^^^T^.
THE HOUSE PLANTS.
If plants put forth flowers at all in tliis dark, cold, opening month of the year, it must be mainly on the strength of earlier stored-up vitality.
There are the Hyaciuths. Tulips and other Dutch Bulbs, however, which are exactly suited by natui'e for now doing this, and doing it well, if allowed to. The bulbs of these are receptacle of acquired plant food, and in a measure which permits of growth and bloom imder conditions decidedly adverse to most plants doing much.
On these, therefore, we may depend for flowers in January, when so few other plants are disposed to bloom. But this class of bxdbs are so well adapt- ed to house ciUture and afford so much beauty and varietj' in their flowers, that it is easy with these, and the few Callas, CameUias, Carnations, Cycla- mens, Heliotrope, Libonias, Chorozemas, Primroses, and so on that are now likely to come out to have quite a presence of fine flowei's even now.
Towards the end of ihe month, the greater length t.'f the (.lays will tell favorably on the growth and bloom of other plants, helping their attractiveness. The non-flowering (under common culture) kinds, such as Palms, Aspidistras, Rubber Trees, Ivies, Dracaenas and so on, should now be looking well. These ought to be rehed upon, to give a charming tone in leaf beauty, to the winter collection.
Air. On all mild days treat the plants freely to outside air; in all but the coldest weather, at least some air shoidd Ije admitted daily, if only after the morning sweeping. Much dryness in the air is un- favorable; a vessel of water on the back of the stove to evaporate will help this matter greatly.
Begonias of either the Rex or the flowering sorts are among the best of house ]>lants. "WTiile they have no need of bright sunshine— in fact dislike it, yet a light place in other respects suits them. The Rex division delight in a moist atmosphere.
Camellias. Keep in a temperature near 50°, be- low rather than above; sponge off twice a week.
Cinerarias. Great care needs to be taken against their becoming pot-bound; growth must be constant.
Cyclamens, when done blooming, are usually dried off; a better CO ui"se is to keep them growing until spring, then turn them into the border for the Bummer.
Daphnes like coldness and humidity with low heat.
Dutch Bulbs. As the earUer started ones pass out of bloom they should have their tlower stalks cut out. Those to be save<l for future use in the garden should be kept in a cool, light place until planting out time, in May.
Late started ones may be brought into heat for a succession for a month or two yet. These, as we earlier directed, should, after potting, be kept in a cellar or other dark, cool place, until they are well provided with rootn. Before showing a good lot of rootH on the outside of the ball of earth, it is
really useless to bring them in, expecting good re- sults. As for watering these plants when growing in heat, it can hardly be overdone^Hyacinths and Crocuses, will gi-ow and flower with their roots in water, only,— a wonderful thing for plants to do. and indicative of the great love of these for wetness.
Fern Cases. Keep moderately wet; too much moisture in the soil tends to soxu- if. When water- ing is necessary, follow this act by opening the case to allow surplus moisture to readily escape. Air should often be admitted besides, but never while any dust of the room is in motion.
Frbzen Plants. If any have been caught, re- move at once, and without handling the leaves if you can, to a temperature a little above the freezing point, say at So^. A careful douse of each plant into cold water at this stage will also be helpful. Here many will recover with but shght damage, that in a higher heat would be much injured. If the desired temperature is lacking, let the room in which they are standing be heated gradually. Sev- eral hghted lamps placed on the floor will help well at the start. Avoid above all else ninning up a strong heat— keep it below 4CP until the frost is all out, and even some longer.
Fuchsias placed in a cellar in the fall may be brought into heat; when they begin to show new leaves shift into pots, a size or two smaller than those previously occupied, shaking out most of the old earth. The soil should be fresh, light and well enriched with old decayed manure.
Ivy and like plants with heavy leaves, should be often washed, for the sake of health and looks.
Lemon Verbenas. See directions for Fuchsias.
Propagation, Where slips of any kind are large enough they may go into sand for rooting. Plants kept to supply cuttings do not need free shifting, as this tends to excite a quick and succulent growth that is not so favorable for making young plants. Give the cutting box a light and even sunny place.
Seed Sowing. For early plants of Mignonette, Petunia, Maurandia, Dusty Miller Centaurea gym- liocarpa, Golden Feather, and Ten Week Stocks, the seeds should be sown during this month.
LAWN AND FLOWER GARDEN,
Little can be done m this department diuiug Jan- uary, save to plan and to prepare for the future. But as om* success In gardening depends so much upon the intelligence and foresight brought to bear upon our work, we should look upon this first month of the year, wfth the large amount of leisure for study aud deliberation that it brings, as a most im- portant one in the garden calendar.
Catalogues should be ordered from the uui-series, seed liouses aud implement dealers early, that am- ple time may be had in studying up one's needs. First come first served is the rule in filling orders by those who furnish stock, so there is no danger of making out ordere too early. Better have them reach the nui"sery a month before spring, thus securing the stock early, than to get there so late that plant- ing may be delayed dangerously. Seeds especially, should be gotten around early in anticipation of the early sowings.
Flower Beds. As no one ever thinks of planting the same beds alike year after year, so the sooner the coming season's plans are decided on, the better for getting up the needed stock bj- plauting-out time.
Hollyhocks. By sowing seed now in the w'indow or under glass, and planting out in Maj', these plants will tlower as annuals in September.
Hybrid Perpetual Roses earthed up a foot deep for the winter, are sure to come thi'ough safely. If this was not done in the fall, coal ashes from the stove may yet be apphed instead. ^Mien emptying them out, sprinkle them with water to prevent their blowing away.
Mice are prone to girdle trees and shnibs when supplies of food are cut off. They work under the snow ordinarily, hence if the snow be kept tramped about the trunks of trees and shiiibs, their oppor- tunity is taken from them. Their food being scarce now, trapping with tempting bait.works well.
Pansies t'< 'r spring bloom may be sown now.
Rabbits often make bad work gnawing the bark of yovmg trees. Some bloody meat or liver I'ubbed i>u the trunks will prevent this.
Bock work in some shape is desirable in nearly every place. This is a good season for gathering material with which to construct, so that when spring comes formation may be begmi early. One or two kinds of stone look better usually in construc- tions of this kind than more would, the idea being to make it appear as if the stone were natural to the place. In the absence of stone, fair substitutes may be had in the odd shaped chnkei-s that come from fiunaces. and distorted burned bricks from kilns.
Eustic work may now be made. Cedar is a favor- ite and easily worked wood for this purpose— now that the swamps are closed it is readily procured. Lam-el w^ood. and especially its roots, is another fav- orite material; but many other kinds that will work up well may be used. AVith a little ingenuity rustic tables, seats, arbore, vases and so on may be maile that will be both beautiful and inexpensive.
Snow drifts so high, where young trees are stand- ing, as to reach above the place of branches leaving the tnmks. are liable to cause the limbs to break,
Heating with a Coal-Oil Lamp, wheu later the snow settles away. A little shoveling will prevent this. Snow that has accumulated in the tops of evergreens or shrubs should be shaken out ivhen it is Hght and soft.
Tree Pruning, if any part of a tree lacks in free growth, by pinming now, the shoots will push with increased vigor next year. See article in December issue. All scars above an inch across should be coated with paint or tar to keep out moisture.
PLANT CULTURE UNDER GLASS
Amaryllis. Repot those showing signs of growth, watering very little at fii"St but gradually increasuig.
Azaleas coming into bloom need plenty of water. A collection may be had in tlower over a much longer season, if different temperatures are at com- mand, by bringing some into high heat by degrees, for early, keeping others cooler, some quite cool.
Begonia Rex may be propagated now from leaves. Turn well matured ones of these bottom side up, and with a sharp knife cut the main ribs here and there, and just below dividing points, at about, say nine places. Then lay on sand, with the right side up, in a heat of ()()<^ with a httle sand on top of the leaf to weigh it down. The ah should be moist. We have Hung the leaves under bedded Rose bushes, grown for Rose buds, and without fiu*- ther care have found them to root well.
Broken glass must have immediate attention. In our greenhouse we keep " life preservere,*" made in several sizes on hand, to close up any breaks until they can be repaired. These consist of pieces of board a trifle larger than one, two or more panes of glass respectively, and which are used to lay over any breaks. A screw-eye is put into one ^ide near the center of each board, and to this is attached a cord, holding a weight, for keeping tlie board in place over the opening. These serve their purpose well.
Bulbs like Gladiolus, Tuberose and the like should be looked after at this season that they are in good order. Ciladiolus, Cannas and Dahhas are often kept under the greenhouse stages; see that no moisture comes to them to induce gi'owth now. Tuberoses and others should be cleaned up, and have the offsets removed during the winter's leisure.
Flowering Begonias that have gone out of bloom should be pruned somewhat and kept rather dry. When signs of new growth appear, repot. Avoid over*watering always.
Fuchsias should now be struck for nice spring plants. Once in jjots they are impatient of cramped root room ; let them not want water or light. Plants stuck after this should not have their tops pinched off, but should be grown naturally and quick.
Geraniums. Fall propagated ones wiU be putting on new signs of vigor now^; see that they are not in the way of being crowded with the fii"st in- crease of growth l)y standing to close. Repot to produce a good growth for spring. Geraniums of the tricolor section being less robust than the com- mon sorts, need a little extra attention. They de- light in a warm place, say bo", and much light,— shelves near the glass in a Bouvardia house suiting.
Heating. For heating a small plant house or to provide extra heat in the colder parts of one, a coal oil heater may often be used to advantage. The ac- couipanyiug cut shows such a stove with hot water
i886.
POPULAR GARDENING.
attachment, ami pipes to convey the heat for some distance. Ttie upper part consists simply of a cone shaped water jacket of copper or galvanized iron, to wbich is connected a continuous pipe (shown broken in the eutt two or more inches in diameter, for circulating the hot wat^^r to impart heat. Un- derneath is a movable base in which I be lami> is set. A pipe for conducting any smoke or smell arismg from combustion to a chuuney or stove pipe is provided. Heaters of this or a similar style are much used in England. One advantage possessed is the slight care needed to manage them.
Orchids at rest should have a complete rest, with not a drop more of water than is absolutely needed to prevent the bulbs shriveling. Better if they nmst suffer, that it be from too little instead of too much moisture. Cattle3"as, (^ncidiimis, and othei-s with large fleshy bulbs need even less water than the Vandas. Saccolabiums. Aerides and. those of a sim- lar st.vle of growth. AMieu watering is really nec- essary, do it eai'ly in the day and so carefully that the tender foliage wUl not become splashed over. The temperatiu'e for Orchids should he very regular 1 as a general thing, but during excessively cold spells it would be better to allow the thermometer to drop a few degrees below the average, than to employ vei'y strong firing in ordei' to reach its reg\i!ar height.
Pelargoniums. The beauty of these attractive spring flowers later, will depenil upon free growth now. The plants like rather a warm dry place, plenty of room, air and sun-light.
Feperomias. Propagate by division or else by in- serting the leaf stalks into sand, to have the leaf lying closp down to the same.
Petunias. Du'ections for Geraniums will apply.
Roses. The chief requirements of the ever bloom- ing class nr.w. is a uniform temperature of from 5.5'= to 60° by night, with 15° or 20° higher by day; syr- inging twice daily; a flttle air on all suitable days, and if the soil shows signs of exhaustion, liquid ma- nm'ing once a week. The plants should be gone over at intervals and have all blind shoots as well as unduly straggling ones removed. If in cutting Roses these are taken off with stems running back to the second eye from the uext larger branch, little other pruning besides this mentioned will be needed.
Hybrid Perpetuals now under way, must have an abundance of water, and plenty of air. A high temperature is not needed.
Seed sowing. See under The House Plants.
Spring plants should be propagated according to their habits; those flowering only after consider- able growth has been made first, while quick bloomers may have this deferred. Favor kinds of which stock is scarce for hurrying up the growth of cuttings.
Ventilate freely in bright and mild weather to keep the atmosphere sweet.
FRUIT GARDEN AND ORCHARD.
Catalogues- See under Lawu and Flower Garden,
Currants niay be pruned by shortening the last seasons growth, and trimming to fonn open head.
Cuttings. If Grape or Currant cuttings were made in the fall, the^- should have slight protection now; an inch in thickness of straw will answer.
Gooseberries. Dn-ections for Currants will apply.
Grape Vines in localities where they are not covered, and are not yet pruned, should be pruned in mild days before spring, to prevent free lileeding. It is not known that bleeding does any real hurt, it certainly does no good, being unnatural, and it looks unsightlj' so had better be prevented.
Insects. Very few are visible at this season, and yet a sharp eye run over the branches, may detect the rings of tent caterpillar eggs on them: and also cocus insects when present. Wherever found remove them; each one of the former destroyed now. is equivalent to lessening the caterpillars of uext season by three or four hundi'ed.
Lahels on trees, if left as they come from the nvirserj'- "'i^ *^y their wires as the branches enlarge in time, cause strangulation. Serious damage is often done to trees in this way. On mild days, go over the trees and i-emove any that are liable to do this. For permanent labels, use pine, making them heavy, and painting, or else use zink and in either case, copper wire about size Xo. H5. for fastening to the trees making the loops so large that in years the growth will not fill them.
Mice and Rabbits. See under other depai-tments. Shelter Belts. The winter season is a good time to consider the etfects of these on the orchard. Before spring we shall say more on this subject.
Tree Pruning may be done in mild weather. More harm comes from over-jiruning than from not pruning enough. Week and impeif ect shoots should come out, as also such as cross each other in close
conjuction. Weak or stunted trees may often be helped by a severe cutting back. Aim in piiming to open the head,.that air and sun can enter.
Tree Trunks may be scraped of loose bark, and if infested with moss orscale.be painted with a mixture of lime, soot and clay. Work the brush vigorously that t!ie lifpiid may get into every crevice. Some fruit growers find in liuseed oil one of the best washes againsi bark insects, and it adds to, rather than detracts from the appearance of trees.
Winter Covering. If this has been displaced, re-apply. Some dirt or moLst coal ashes on them may serve to keep down light covei*s.
\im\i
VEGETABLE GARDEN.
At the South farly vegetables may be sinvn from January to April. Vegetables like flowers, may be classed as hardy and tender, the former ineludiiiK Peas. Parsnips, Parsley. <^nion. Leek, Lettuce. Cab- bage, ( 'auIiHower, Cress. Spinach, Beets, etc. , may be sown as soon as the conditi(>n of the soil will allow, in any section. Tender kinds such as Beans, Toma- toes, Cucumbei's and Melons, can only be sown with safety South, North, or anywhere at Corn-planting or Cherry-blossoming time.
Cabhage plants in frames neetl an abmidance of air whenever the temperature is to the thawing point and abo\e, below this they need net be urtcovered even for days together.
Hot Beds. For these horse manure should be ac- cumulated in a dry place, but not piled so deep as to induce free heating before it is needed. A few boards or rails laid up slanting where the manure is deposited to prevent close settling, will aid in this.
Lettuce in frames. See on Cabbage jjlants.
Manure. Plent.r of manure, with tillage are al- most the only secrets of raising large crops. In cold j weather and with frozen ground manure hauling ' may be done with greater ease to teams, than at any other time. Manure should not however be spreail at this season but so distributed in heaps, as to be quickly available when needed. The piles should be in a compact rather than a loose scattered form, to prevent waste by the washing out of the strength before the earth Ls thawed to receive it.
nice are often troublesome in frames, cold pits, root cellars and the like, now that their food is scarce. Fix up some " pills " for them, by soaking peas in water until they sweU, then roll in arsenic and bury just below the surface in some light earth. They will take these in preference to plants or veg- etables, and it will be better that they should.
Straw mats will be needed where there are sash beds, A good size is to make them the width of a sash and a halt, and of a length to hang down half a foot at top and bottom of sash over edges of bed. Tools. Put in order. New ones that are needed may be made or ordered in the winter's leisure.
FRUIT AND VEGETABLES UNDER GLASS.
Asparagus. Observe dh'ections for Rhubarb.
Cucumbers in bearing, will require much light, a moist but not very hmnid atmosphere, and a brisk temperature. An occasional watering of bearuig plants with weak hquid manure will be of use. Fumigate for Greenfly or Thrip.
Graperies that are now being started up should have not above .^5'' of heat at the outset, and be well syringed twice a day, to assist the breaking of the buds. As the young gi-owth appears, sufticient air must be admitted to prevent the growth from being weak and the foliage thin, .\dvantage should be taken of mild days to air the structure freel.y.
Mushrooms. The nearer the temperature of bear- ing beds can be kept to liO° the better. Steady temperature will greatl.y prolong the bearing of the beils. ^laniu-e should be saved up for new beds.
Rhubarb under glass, nuist be kept well watered.
Snow on Glass, On warm forcing houses it usu- ally soon melts, but where the temperature inside is kept rather low. it may need removing. A snow scraper three feet long is one of the safe.st articles for removing .soft snow. If a shovel nuist be used, let it be of sufflcient width to reach over at least two bars. Cold pits that are frozen up should not have the snow removed from the glass, but frames that are unfrozen inside nuist be kept clear of snow.
Strawberries must not Vte allowed to overbear, or the fruit will be small: a modei-ate number of large berries are much more satisfactory than many snmll ones. When enough have set. clip off the remaining flowers, and then later count some in removing the smallest ber-ries also. Appl.v the syringe to keep down red spider. .\voiiI both drouth and overwatering at the root.
This being the PeopWs Paper it ia opeii tu all their In- quires, bearing on Gardening.
On the other hand, answerit to published inquires are earnestly requested from readers.
The editors and special contributors arc ready to do a large share of the an steering, but the extterience of many bring moi'e vatualile than of the feir, however varied that is. andconditions andlocalitieN heiiig so different, they prefer to receive ansteers, even several of them to the same ques tion, from rea<lers ei^erytcherc. Don't hesitate to rerite because you may feci you are no fine writer: give facts and ideas and the editors wilt see that they appear in credi- table shape.
In writing, give the number of the question you are an. steering; your locality and name, the latter not for publica- tion unless you desire. Write only on one side of tlie paper
Flowers will be gladly named provided first, that no more than three be sent at one time. Second, that these be fully prepaid. Third, that several specimens of each reach us in good shape. We cannot undertake to name florists' varie- ties,
^'.— Can you give the methods adopted bj- the florist, who get up such fine specimens of Chry- santhemums, reported in the pai)er? When are cut- tings i>ut in :■ Are they pot grown?— H. H. H.
21.— Will you tell me what plant the enclosed leaves belong to? It was sent me niinurs a name — bore large ciustei-s i whitish flowers I which remained long on stem. Is it Hyilrangea or Abutilon? — Mrs. RoBT. Earl.
'2. — Chrysanthemums, How do florists increase their stock of the.se '; Are t he plants left in the green- hou.se unpi-uned, or are they cut back or divided? Must I water or dry .off.— Mrs. J. S. R. T.
3:1—1 have a grand vine of Ipomea Nocturna or Evening (ilory, a pure white, star-pointed flower, pale green stripes to each point, deliciously fragrant, which I desire to increase but do not know first step to such accomplishment.— Mrs. J. S. R, T.
34— Plants for Growing under Stages. Could you name a hst of jjlants for this use? My conserva- tory runs east and west, and I desire, especially, to stock its space underneath the six feet wide central stage.— Novice.
2.5.— Tacsonia. I have heard it said that Tacso- nia's can be raised from the seed, if so will you please direct here.— J. G. H.arts.
•21! —Palms for Greenhouse. Oblige 'Ignoramus'
b,y naming some of the best Palms tor a cool green- house.
2r.— Quick Growing Hedge, AVhat plants do you recommend fur making a liedge. along m.v fruit garden, that soon will be fid! and handsome. — Walter Gaims. (''iltitftntijus Co., X.Y.
REPLIES TO INQUIRIES.
4.— Select Schrubs, For twelve excellent flower- ing Shrubs, we would include Golden BeU or For- sythia, Japan Qninee, Flowering Plum. Plum-leaved Spirtea, Lilac Persian. Lanced-ieaved Spira?a, Large- flowered Jlock l.)range. Double Deutzia, Weigela, Japanese Spira;a, Altlia>a, Lange-panicled Hydran- gea. For increasing the nimiber to twent.v, add to the above, Mezeron. Bush Honeysuckle, Dwarf, Snowball. Alder-leaved Clethra, Purple Fringe.— A. H. E.
12.— Black Insects. Dust the Chiysanthemums with tobacco powder, obtained by sifting the refuse of cigar shops, through a fine seive.— Mrs. Geo.
WiLSGER, Lltkv i'll.. Ohio.
l.i.— India Rubber Tree. The matter of propa- gating this tree, will receive full attention m the coming March issue.— Eds. Popclar Gardening.
Ki.— Tree Paeony. It would be impossible to point the cause of the flower buds blasting, without see- ing the plant, its l.>catioii, etc. I have noticed that they grow ami blimin lietter in a sunny exposiu-e then where there is shade. They delight in a rich loamy soil.— -V. H. E.
31— Names Wanted. It is not possible as a rule, to name plants from leaves alone. These enclosed are certainly not Abutilon. they may be some species of Hydrangea, jierhaps H. Hortensi's.— Eds. P. ti.
22.— Chrysanthemum. See answer to No. 13, page 27, December number. Previous to going to rest, as there reterreil t.i, the i>lants are cut down to the groimd. Florists pr.^iiagate their stock in Febru- ary and March iisuallv. in which case the old plants should be started into new growth, the latter part of this month. Young shoots spring up from the roots, and these are used for propagation.— A. H. E.
ir.-Plants for Shade, On our place the follow- ing succeed well in a sliaily yard. Sweet \ lolets, Dicentra or- Bleeding Heart, Bloodroot, Tiilhums. Hepatica's, some Campanula's. Vinca, Moueyvine, several of the Herbaceous Spirii's and Saxifrages among plants ; Tree-Box. Privet, Ivy, Daphne aiid Kalmias, among hard wood growths.— Mrs. R. L. Wade, Biirustnlttc Co., .l/r/.ss.
18.— Cissus discolor. Aside from requiring the accominnil,itioiis of a hot -house temperature, this plant nerds huuiiditv and shade. Care must be taken not U' syringe the leaves of the plant, tor this will destroy their exquisite luster.— Williams Bros.
m— Cactus not Blooming. You do not specify the kind of Cactus you have. In general it may be said, that Cactuses are natives of regions where there is an excessively dry season, and an excessively wet season in each year. Such a condition should be imitated in our culture of them: the winter season should be the ili'v season for most sorts.— .\. H. E.
40
POPULAR GARDENING.
January,
The Violets.
Under the heiige, all safe and vvai-in. Sheltered friini boisterous wind and storm
We Violets lie
With each small eye ( 'kisely shut while the cold goes by. You look at the bank, mid the biting frost. And you sigh and you say that we're dead and lost;
But Lady stay
For a sunny day. And you'll find us again, alive and gay.
— Loui!<a Ttramley.
On a Greenhouse.
Here, front earth's dwdal heights and dingles lowly ; The representatives of nature meet; Not like a Congress, or Alliance Holy 01 kings, to rivet chains, but with their sweet Blossoming mouths to preach the love complete. That with iiearlcl mistletoe, and beaded holly. Clothed them in green unchangeable, to greet Winter with smiles, and banish melancholy. I envy not the Emathian madman's fame. Who won the world, and built immortal shame On tears and blood; but if some Hower, new found. In its embalming cup might shroud my name. Mine were a tomb more worthily renowned Than Cheops' pile, or Artemisia's mound.
—Horitrc Smith .
This is Priiiinise time.
The Sunflower is American.
Azalea blooms last for weeks.
Now, we prize the Chorozeraa.
Heliotrope is too fragile for wear.
Dirt from hollow trees is poor stuff.
Start the year right by subscribing.
We enjoy variety; in plants we get it.
Flowers are the smiles of the Creator.
The Gladiolus came from South Africa.
A starved Rosebush will not blossom much.
Plants, like people, grow puny for lack of siui.
The Mountains are in fashion : they are claJ in Firs.
See our offer of papers at club rates else- where.
A popular act: Subscribing for Popular
r-rARDEXIXi:.
The Yucca is known as the Dagger Plant in some places.
There are more than fifty named varieties of the rHeander.
The 'Wood of Privet is so hard that it is used for shoe i^egs.
In gardening, every day brings its portion of new deliglit.
The word taste, as used Ijy the world at large, is of vague im])ort.
The craze for carpet bedding is certainly on the decline in Europe.
In Winter water the house plants in the morn- ing: in summer, at night.
Your Roman Hyacinths must lie counted as late, if tile first are not in yet.
The Dahlia was named in honor of Andrew Dahl. a celebrated Swedish botanist.
In our garden perennials give more satisfac- tinn than annuals, but we grow both.
Narcissus of the beautiful Tazetta section grow wild by the acre on the Isle of Corsica,
A Rosebush in Charleston, Ma.ss., thirty-five years old liears over one thousand flowers annu- ally.
In the worst of seasons at gardening, the re- wards more than make u]) for the disappoint- ments.
Gardening for pleasure combines repose and
activity. It is rest in work and work in rest.
Popular Gardening welcomes notes, articles,
and questions about gardening from all its
readers.
A gardener of our acquaintance objects to large Box trees near the dwelling, because of the odor.
" There are no ancient gentlemen but gar- deners. They hold up Adam's profession."— Hamlet V.I.
To Advertisers. Matt«?r tor insertion should reach us by the 14th of the month, for the month following.
To he one of the first .")0,(«lOsubscril)ers of our successful paiier, will be a thing to feel proud of in years to come.
Don't make the common mistake of growing more plants than you have room for, be it in the windows or in the glass house.
A yearly subscription to this pape)' makes a splendid New Year's gift, and one to call to mind the donor all through the year.
The Gardeners Monthly for December con- tains an excellent likeness of F. J. Scott, the author of ' ' Scott's Suburban Homes. "
An old Elm in Kingston, N. Y"., is a favorite nest building place for birds: more than '200 nests have been built in it in a season.
Reader, have you yet subscribed for this pa- per ; If not, do this creditable act at once, for the sake of yourself, your family and the paper. Look out to have the tobacco that is burned, to kill fly in the greenhouse, damp enough not to create a blaze, for this would create a dan- gerous gas.
An old Calla. Our correspondent, Mrs. E. 'S P., of Trout Rim, Pa., writes of having had the same Calla and its young, in cultivation for twenty years.
Cannas in Winter. Mr. A. KatoU, of this city, tells us that in a temperature upwards of (50° high, this jilaut may be kept growing the year aroimd without receiving rest.
The Old White Lily, /.. ranclirluiii. might almost be called an evergreen bidb. Blooms in early summer; doi'mant soon after; growth of leaves follow in the fall and spring.
Wax Plants. Because these seem to stand it well in the darker parts of a room, do not ex- pect them to do much at flowering next sima- mer, if wintered here, away from the light.
A stone fence, unsightly though it may be, is susceptible of being turned into an object of the highest picturesque beauty, by planting Wistaria, Clematis and other climbers along its course.
Be content, even if you cannot grow flowers as large as they do in California and other countries so favorable to growth. Their large flowers are neither as sweet nor as lasting as those we raise.
John, the tree pruner of " heighteen years hexperience," would have no vocation among the Hindus ; their heathenish religion prevents them from treating even plants and trees other- wise than tenderly.
Adam's Needle, Ym-ca Jilaiiicnfosa, deserves more attention, as a hardy lawn plant. It is an Evergreen ; it is picturesijue in appearance ; it is a handsome bloomer about Jidy 1st: and it is grown with the greatest ease.
In the South — we learn fi-om a correspon- dent, the Chrysanthemmn is not considered a reliable flower, notwithstanding the lon.g sea- son that ought to be favorable to its bloom. The trouble; hot, dry summers. Is this the general experience of our readers of the South; She would help: Husband — Hulda, dear, I see the Asparagus is large enough to cook, would you like to gather the first fruit of the season, your.self ; Y'oung wife (anxious to con- ceal her ignorance) — I tell .vou what Adolphus, we will go together, then you pluck it while I hold the ladder.
To our friends ! For remitting small sums, say the price of this paper, the new postal notes, are a great convenience. They cost but three cent.'> erirh, and are to be had of ei-ei-tj post- master in the United States, Don't send checks on your local banks, they cannot be collected here without discount.
Oliver Wendell Holmes, in a letter to the American Forestry Congress, held last Septem- bei" in Boston, in which he referred to the wanton destruction of forests, said pertinently, he hoped the people would allow the country to retain " leaves enough to hide its nakedness, of which it is already beginning to be ashamed. "
The Hardy Catalpa, so called, C. xjjeviosa, according to the Bulletin No. 7 of the Agricul- tural College of Lansing, Michigan, proves to be no hardier in those parts, than the Common Catalpa, ('. bignoniaide.'t. The latter species is a handsome and hardy tree in most sections of the country if not greatly exposed to high winds in winter.
With 50,000 subscribers on our books within one year, and the price of this pajjer will re- main permanently at 00 cents a year. Will you who read these words, if you are not a subscriber now, do your share towards our reaching this end '. Most any one of you could easily get one or more neighbors to subscribe also. This woidd help greatly.
Those who try their hand at potting plants for the first time, usually manage to fill the pots even full of soil at this first efl'ort, but not often afterwards. They soon see, or ought to, that the water applied wiU not disobey the laws of nature, even for a novice, by staying on the soil for soaking in, uidess the pot rim or something else is there to hold it.
THE FAN PALM— ILATANIA BOURBONICA).
Plants receive not all their food through the roots, but also a good deal through their leaves from the ail-. Indeed, some kinds like Air plants of the Orchis and other families live on air wholly. These facts point to the importance of pm-e air for plants. An atmos- phere charged with gas or other deleterious substances soon plays havoc with jilant life.
Oh, now be fair! We refer to those exchanges who drop down on our carefully prepared col- umns, clip out matter wliich is solely our own. and print it in their jiages without giving Pop- ular (tardexln-g due credit. We detest such a practice as we detest thieving from our or- chard or from our purse. Clip if .you wUl, but give credit where credit is due. That's aU we ask.
With January 1st, Mr. E. H. Libby's pajjer, The American Ganlen, assumes the dignity of an enlarged «2.00 monthly. Popular Ctar- DENING so far from being envious at this sign of prosperity, wishes this excellent paper great success, in its new departure. We go f iu^;her ; we offer Popular Ctardening and the Garden together for one year for *2.(K), the price of the latter alone.
We like to meet people who think that their own flower gai-den is the best in the neighbor- hood, just as we like to see parents having high opinions of their own children. If a prize could
i886.
POPULAR GARDENING.
41
l)e offei-ed for the best flower garden in any one county that, might lie named, there would no doubt lie many entries for the prize. The cul- ture of flowers admits of a large amount of good uatUT-i'd ri\alry.
The celebrated Rosebush at Hildasheim. iu Hanover, l)elieved to be l,tKlli years old (tradi- tion says it was planted by Charlemagne), never bore so many roses as in the past season. The shoots grafted on its ti-unk in recent years are growing admirably. The bush stands at the outer wall of the catheih-al crypt. Its branches extend about ;is feet high, and 34 feet in width. It is an object of much curiosity.
The Japanese have some unique notions of garden adornment. One of these is the mak- ing of borders to walks, some two feet wide, and filled in with variously colored clays, which are so abundant in Japan. The nearest thing to this which we have met, was the use of snow whitt' gravel and small shells of difl'erent colors, used along with plants in the formation of some elaborate carpet beds, in past years in Linct)ln Park, Chicago.
There is a great need in some parts of the great West for sound inf ( irmation on gardening. For example, ahnost anything would be better than ridiculous trash like this, which lately ap- peared in a floral .iournal of that region: "With Heliotrope, Fuchsias, etc. , of a tender woolly nature, split the ends of your slips and insert an oat ; tie with a .string : the oat swells in a day or so, and will nourish the plant and assist the cutting to root. " Fudge !
"As juicy, and rich in good meat as an apple," is what Mr. Or. L. Heinhoklof Wayne Co., Fa.. says of Popular Uardenin<;. If wewerechs- posed to follow the example of some publish- ei-s we would give column after column of kind words, which our subscribers have to sa3' for this paper. The above extract is .so full and pointed, that it is given as a i'e]jresentation of all these. Our rule is to let the papei' speak its own praises, by the valuable matter we insert.
A good paper. Our table is every month visited by a neat 6md excellent journal from Highland Park, Chicago, called the Floriil W'oilil. It treats chiefly of the beautiful and cm'ious things found in the floral world ; surely there ai'e enough of these to well occupy one paper. It also contains floricultnral directions suited to amateui's. Harleigh Gillette is its publisher, and M cents a year its price. We can, by special arrraugement, furnish this paper and Fopri.AR (iARDENixii for one year at '.10 cents.
Fainting Iron Pipes. Few things add more to the good appearance of a plant house, than to have the pipes and other iron work kept painted a jet black. .1 bad paint for this pur- pose and one often tried with disappointment, is lampblack mixed with linseed oil — it doesn't dry well. Instead, use 1 lb. of ordinary black jjaint, 1-1 lb. patent dryer, and thin for use with one-third vai'nish and two-thirds boiled oil. This will dry anywhere or on any surface that is clean. Two thin coats well worketl- iu are bettei- than one thick one.
A great Pansy Bed. It is located at the Assembly grounds, Chautauqua Lake. It is called the '" Pansy Plat." and has a fountain in its midst, and neatly trimmed grass around. Seed for the bed was received from interested persons in various states, and this was sow'n, thelxfl properly prepared andplante<l. and now is protected for the winter. Next year " Pansy Plat " will be one of the tirst objects sought out by nmltitudes of visitors to Chautauqua, and the little flowers will look up with sweet glad faces to welcome all comei'S.
Get up a Club. Many persons have up to this date succeeded, with a little eflfort when out on calls and visits, in getting up clulis for this paper, thus securing in clubs of five, a copy free, in etfect. They pronounce the work remarkably easy to do, toi' the handsome paper, its instructive engravings, its miuss of informa- tion, and then its low jn'ice make foi' it friends
at once. But we net>d many more clubs liefore our quota of ."i(l,(KIII sidwcribers is full. Will not you, reader, help along the goo<l work ; Single subscrii)tions (Id cents. In clubs of five and upwards, .')(> cents each.
COWSLIPS IN JANUARY.
The Fan Palm, Lnlania Honrlnmivii. illus- ti'ated opposite, is one of the best known of all the Palms. It is suitable as a window plant, or for summer decoration in the open ground, and no collection of greenhouse plants is con- sidered complete without one or morejjlants of it. Under gla.ss it sometimes reaches the height of twelve or more feet ; but it cannot be said that its beauty increases with size. In fact as it acquires age, it loses the compactness of form, which is one of its greatest charms when young. The Palm-leaf fans so familiar every- where ai-e made from its leaves.
It is indeed gratifying to the publishers and editors who are working hard to make this paper what it is, to see the interest taken by its many friends in swelling the subscription list of Popular Gardenlng. We oui-selves have never set our expectations higher than .iO.Olin subscribers at the end of one yeai". But many of om- subscribers are so elated over the worth and popularity of the paper, that they are anxious we shall have twice as many sub- scribers in that time. And a most hopful sign is. that they ai'e seconding their good wishes by their good work, iu securing for the paper many subscribers.
Chrysanthemums can easily be grown from seed by anyone whti cares for this sort of thing. The seeds are procurable of the seedsman, and may be sowni during January or February. They will soon sprout, and by spring will make plants of about equal strength with good ones struck from cuttings in March. Then treat as you would those from cuttings, up until fl(jwering. But the flowers of plants raised from seed will prove to be very inferior as a rule, to the named sorts from cuttings. There is, however, to many people, a charm iu rais- ing seedlings which no one knows for the life of them how they will come out, that more than ott'sets the lack in the quality of the bloom.
The Isle of Natal,near the southern extremity of Africa, is almost the perfect home of flowers. No frosts ever blast vegetation here. Roses of such fine sorts as Souvenir de la Malmai- sou grow to the height of ten feet in the open air, and are loaded with magnificent flowers. Tulips, Narcissus, and hosts of garden flowers we here prize, grow wild along the roadside. Oleanders and Myrtles are so common that their wood is usetl for fuel, Dracsena and Yucca reach the stature of trees. The Passiflora, Bougainvillea and Tacsonia. which are grown in the north under glass, climb the stat<?ly Olive trees and crown the highest roofs of the buildings.
Japanese Maples in Pots. In some parts of England these are thus grow n with satisfactory results. It now seems certain that they are not to l)e lelied upon as hardy trees for com- mon culture with us. But being small of size, and hence adajited to growth in jiots, there is no reason that we can see, why they should not l.M' much emjjloyed in this shape. They could
be wintered in the cellar or ou1>house, some- thing like Oleanilei's. So far as their orna- mental value is concerned, nothing can exceed the showiness and divei-sitv of their foliage in its range from bronzy black to the most fiery crimson. With some size, these Maples afforil the most striking forms of leaf-coloring our gardens possess.
Morning Glories. This subject may appear unseasonable nou, but we may at least recall the l>eauty of these flo\\"crs in jiast sea.sons,and plan for their use in the<'omingone. Mrs. Ella (i. Campbell, owner and manager of large greenhouses in Cleveland, Olno, and surrounded by a large collection of <;hoice flowers, fiiuls en- joyment in turning to t he simple lieauty of these vines. She wrote to us of their use in this strain lately. " One of the most beautiful fea- tures our place is its vines. Mother has built screens and aivhes and covered fences, bams, chicken-houses, as well as the house with vines. And at the present writing the Morning (ilories are indeed in their glory. An old greenhouse chinmey in ruins, is a living monument to their beauty combined with several screens and the fences near by, all covered with the same."
Cover the Lilies. A number of our fine Lil- ies, the little L. tennuifolium for example, are natives of northern latitudes like Siljeria, yet they as a rule ijrove tender with us. Why is this; Simply be<'ause in their home, although the winters are nmch colder than with us, they ai'e well protected by that best of winter cov- ers— snow from fall until spring. Once there is a coat of snow on the ground in the fall, iu those northern regions, it never leaves until the general break-up of the next season. Let us ib'aw our lesson, and apply a cover over the choice Lilies to imitate a heavj' coat of snow. Let it be earth, coal ashes or straw ; if of the two former, bank it up somewhat heaping to shed excessive wetness. It is not so much from hard frost, as from alternate freezing and thawing, that Lilies and things of similar nature suffer.
Improved Floriculture. What is the use of it; The naturalists claim that nature produces no bad work, the roughest weeds are really the equals in pure beaut.y to the finest florists flow- ers, hence, to improve is to waste time and labor. To this the favorite flowers, the im- proved garden fruits, vegetables, and many things besides join in giving answer. Thej' say: the use of art is the improvement of nature. That to accept nature « ithout the im- provements that art has made, would be to live on wild berries and crouch in nakedness iu any cave that would ort'er shelter from the weather. It is through the improvement of nature by the hand of man, that we have obtained not alone improved flowei-s, and other jiroducts of the garden, but even our bi-ead and clothing, and the very artificial thing called a house. Will our ultia-natnralists be consistent and in all things accept what nature offei-s, nn- marred by the arts of man's busy hands;
In cleaning Ivies, (Jleanders and like plants that ai-e subject to scale insects, peojjle often wonrler why a new lot of these pests show up so soon after the ta.sk, taking the place of those cleaned away. Plain enough: the means em- ployed for destroying these were not effective ao'ainst the young broods, so small as to escape detection, when the plants were gone over. Now to prevent just such vexatious hap]K'n- ings, we use water in wa.shing plants, that is shari^ened to about 120 of heat, and by the addition of tobacco juice to give it a color like weak tea. or else whale oil or common soap, to create suds freely. Such a liquid starts up young and old alike, and the former if they should not hapiMui to lie brushed away, l>ecause overlooked, are not likel.\- to settle back and thrive. Some advocate the use of hot water alone, we prefer the aildition of eithei- toliacco or soap. The washing thoroughly done, then wait a little, after whii'h <lrcni'h oH' tl»> strong licpiid with clean water.
42
POPULAR GARDENING.
January,
A Universal Favorite— The Carnation.
Wherever flowers are cultivated, the im- proved Carnation is a leading favorite. It possesses the beauty of form, color, and the sweetness, if not the hardiness of the much esteemed Clove Pink (which is its pa- rent), and then the great additional quality in its improved sorts, of being a perpetual liloomer. To such an extent is this last named quality appreciated and made use of, that now in every well-conducted florist establishment, the supply of Carnation blooms may be said to be con- stant the year through.
The Carnation as to color is brought under various divisions, the va- riety afforded here cover- . ing a remarkaljle range. Before this favorite loom- ed up so prominently as a commercial flower, the two main divisions were consifiered to l.)c the Bi- zarres and the Flakes, with distinct classes un- der these. Now, at least in ccmimercial import- ance, the Selfs^tliose in which one or more colors are distributed all o\er the flower, receive the most attention. The Pi- cotees are a leading class also and distinct in color; it is a question wlietlier they are a distinct species of the Diiiiithiix genus or liut a variety of D. Cdi-y- </ji/ii/lhiK along with the Carnation.
To the average ama- teur, the terms Bizarre, Flakes, and other color distinctions of this flow- ers, are perhaps not veiy clear. Let us so describe these as to render the matter of colors easily understood. Bizarre is from the French, imply- ing something fantastic, and in flowers signifies variegation in irregular spots and stripes, traversing the same wa.y and of at least three colors, varying from dark to light.
Flakes have heavy stripes of two colors, extending from center to outside of the pe- tals. The prevailing colors are scarlet, pur- ple and rose, hence we have Scarlet-flaked Carnations, Purple-flaked Carnations, etc.
" Fancies" include Flakes or Bizarres of unusual colors or neutral tints, or such as are pricked with little flakes and spots.
Sclfs, also called CUoves or Self-cloves, are flowers in which one color usually runs evenly throughout the flower. The old crimson Clove, referred to in the begining above, can be met with in many gardens.
Picotees have a white or light ground, sometimes 3'ellow, with either red, rose or purple color evenly penciled more or less heavily round the edge of each petal.
Witli the improvement in the Perpetiial Carnation, there was added not only an in- valuable feature to winter-blooming plants in the greenhouse or conservatory, but also a plant well adapted to pot culture in the
window. For this purpo.se, only the free- growing and liloomingsorts should be chosen. The limits of the jiresent article does not admit of entering upon the details of cultiva- tion here. It may, however, be said that to secure plants for next winters liloom, rooted slips sliould lie procured within the next few months, growing them over summer either in pots or by bedding out.
A good deal of attention has of late been paid to raising dwarf forms of these plants; the old idea of a "tree" Carnation not being counted desiralile. The accompanying en-
United States from abroad, would fill the gardeners of past generations with great won- der, could they behold it. And this interna- tional trade is rapidly on the increase.
Incidentally we call to mind a statement from the trade circular of one American firm, which shows a peculiar phase of this trade, as well as serving to illustrate Ameri- can enterprise. It is in the matter of Asiatic Lily bulbs. This firm offers certain of these bulbs at two prices, for what is really the same quality, the difference in the cost being due, to one lot of the same crop reaching America con- siderably earlier than the other. The quicker and also more expensive route is a western one, the cargoes landing at San Francisco. The other is mainly by steamer, from the east and through the Suez canal. Together the h u 1 b s shipped by the Japanese house, literally girdle the globe.
It may be said that all foreign c o u n t r i e s in which gardening has made any considerable progress, look upon our great n a t i o n as a rich market for the stock they grow. And yet with all our importations, in many departments, there never was a time when such large quantities of seeds, plants and nursery stock in general, have been raised at home, as is being done in t h e present day.
The gist of the matter is, that the gardening in- terests of this country, are progressing at an un- paralleled rate. The day is not very far off when America must loom up as conspicuously among the nations of the earth, for her improved gar-
THE CARNATION-A DESIRABLE DWARF FORM OF THE PLANT. dening.in both U.SefuUnd
ornamental branches, as graving shows a type of the Carnation plant, 1 she to-day does in so many things Ijesides. that is much sought after. Several sorts re-
cently sent out, it is claimed are quite as dwarf as the plant illustrated.
Progress in Gardeningf.
On the same day recently, catalogues of bulbs and seeds reached our desk from Japan, from Belgium and from Germany, respectively. Could the mail receipts of half a week have been brought into this same day, the day's mail would have con- tained trade announcements, from at least half a dozen other countries of the globe.
"We refer to this matter, to show how in this age of railroads, rapid steamers, tele- graphs, cheap printing, postage, and so on, the spirit of the gardening trade is moved to take advantage of all modern inventions, in furthering gardening interests. The quantity of seeds, bulbs and stocks that are in this day sent to and fro, throughout the earth, between countries near and far, but particularly thai which is received by tlie
A House Plant None Need Fail With.
Reference is had to the Rose-colored Oxalis, a plant that seems to occupy about the same place among flowering house plants, that the Ivy does among those not grown for the bloom. And what a wonderful bloomer it is, under the most common conditions! We re- call the case of a plant owned Ti.v a friend that l)loomed constantly for sixteen months. Then it was given a rest of several months when in it started again. Wliat this lady succeeded in doing in the (ailture of the Oxa- lis in her window anj' one else can do also. It may be added that the genus Oralis em- braces many .species and tiieir varieties, but among them all none is better adapted to house culture than the one named.
Concerning culture and some other points relating to this favorite, we were pleased lately, to receive the following letter from a subscriber, Mrs. A.J. Griswold, Cook Co. , III. , to be published in Popri.AH Gahdening:
i886.
POPULAR GARDENING.
43
" III the many years I have grown phints, and of a hirtje number of kinds tried. I have found nolliing more easily l)roiight into bloom and which thrives so well with little attention as this. Even a small bulb will ijive an abundance of bloom the first season. In my collection are three colors — white, pink, and yellow. The two former
Figure I. A Simple Tree-mover.
I have had for several seasons in a hanging basket; there is no prettier i)lant for this pur- pose. Mine is now in full Ijloom the second time since February la.st.
' ' The chief ueed.s of the Oxalis are plenty of sun and water and a moderately rich and light soil. It will bear a good deal of heat, and yet is in no sense very tender. My bulbs bloom during February, March and April, and then show signs of exhaustion. After this, gradually dry off and in Mav turn the pot on its side in some shad}- corner and let it remain until signs of sprouting appears. Then I break away the earth from the fibrous roots, pot up in fresh soil, and begin to water. The new growth of leaves and buds begin to appear very .soon afterwards."
Bullis of the Oxalis may be procured of most of the florists, we think, and also of dealers in bulbs. This is a good time to start in on their culture.
Transplanting Large Trees.
There are eases wiiere a shorter cut can be taken in stocking a place with trees, or in making up deficiencies, than to plant ordin- ary nurserj- trees. We refer to where trees of some age and size that are suitable, may be had. These might be such as need to be thinned out from plantations that are too close, or they might come from meadows and wild places, if the kinds were suitable and the development good. The nurseries, too, some- times have large trees to sell, a matter, it may be said, in which English nurseries are ahead of our own.
In the transplanting of any trees, but es- pecially those of large size, saj' five inches in diameter and upwards at the collar, two of the most essential points to observe is the preservation of the small fibrous roots, and keeping these from drying out in the opera- tion. In the case of large trees there is of course a greater loss of these fine roots than in small ones, because of the wide extension of the roots. This renders it all the more im- portant that whatever roots can be saved to the tree, be kept as much as jiossilile from exposure to air in handling.
To accomplish this end most effectively, it becomes desirable to take as much earth with the tree, and without sepaialing it from the
rootsas it is po.ssible to move well. Butearth is heavy, and a great ma.ss of it adhering to the roots of a tree, makes the handling of the tree not an ea.sy job. unless one has suitable appliances for doing so. Where the moving of trees haxing some age is nuich done, as in the large parks of our cities, large and ex- pensive tree-moving trucks arc owned and used, and the task becomes a comparatively easy one. For the use of those who have not so very much of this kind of work to do, we show plans of two tree-movers; the one in figure 1 so simple as to be easily impro- vised by any person who can command a common road wagon, using the hind axle and wheels; the other, figure 2. a frame work and windlasses supported by wagon wheels.
The operation of moving large trees with earth attached to the roots, can best be done in the winter time, because of the perfect ad- herance of earth when frozen. A favorite course is to prepare for the work in the fall or early winter by digging a circular trench some feet from the tree, and several feet deep, in a waj' to leave a ball of earth with the tree standing in the middle of this. This then is allowed to freeze solid, when it can be moved with safety by the use of thclrucks illustrated or any others.
To lift a moderate sized tree, as shown in figure 1, the trunk near the ground is pro- tected by coarse canvass or old carpet. An iron ring is then fastened to the tree at this point. A strong pole, to be used as a lever and supporter, is laid over the axle and in- serted into the ring, which then allows by bearing down at b of lifting the tree with earth attatched from its bed. It is then moved to where wanted by attaching chains and w h i f f 1 e t re e, as shown in the cut, a horse being hitched for draw- ing, while a man keeps down the pole at h.
For larger trees a truck with windla.ss and ropes like that shown in figure 2. answers much better. One like this can be con- structed at a small cost In' anj' wagon maker. It might be owned by .several persons.
In figure 2 is shown another feature of this business, namely, thai o f m o V i n g the tree when the ball of earth is not frozen, and is in danger of .going to pieces, as in the spring. '■^^- Here staves a r e s e t around the earth and drawn together against it, by the aid of ropes
to keep the soil together. Heavy canvass or matting could l)e used instead of the staves, bj' liinding it on securely.
In moving a tree with a frozen ball in the winter, it should only beset in its final place, with no attempt to fill in ground — which now is frozen. Earh' in the spring the space around the ball can then be filled with good
soil. In tlie mean time protect this trench with straw, manure or sawdust. Large trees when moved must have their branches freely pruned back, to correspond somewhat witli the loss of roots which has resulted in the taking up.
Peach Yellows— The Potash Remedy.
The microscope reveals in all cases of this serious disease, the presence of different forms of fungus growth on the surface of the bark, or penetrating throughout the woody tissues. But wiiether these fungi are the cause of the disease or a consequence of the impaired vitality of the tree is not yet fully known. It seems probable however, that this parasitic growth is invited, just as such a growth is l)rought upon Pear trees in the case of fire blight, and on Grapes and Gooseberries, when these are mildewed, by an enfeebled condition of the tree.
Working on this theory, experiments have been for some time under wa}' at the Massa- chusetts Agricultural College, for imparting vigor to trees affected by " yellows," by a liberal supply of the deficient element of pot- ash. Professor Goessman states, that chronic cases of the disease have been recovered after being treated for three or four j-ears, by the application of muriate of potash to the roots. He recommends the use of three or four pounds of this article to a tree six or eight
Figure 2. Tree-mover for Large Trees.
years old, spreading it over the roots, but keeping one foot away from the tree. A mulch spread on top of the potash insures its better distribution.
This disease proves to be contagious. Where it has put in an appearance, it would be well to prepare any unatfected trees against its at tacks, by treating them to the potash application.
44
POPULAR GARDENING.
January,
The Marechal Niel Rose at the South.
Oue of oui- readers at Spartausburgh, South Cai-oliim, takes exception— so far as the South- ern States are concei-ned, — to the statement marie in an eai'ly number of Popular Garden- ing regarding the unfitness of the Marechal Niel Rose for out door culture. We give her report of two instances in that part of the coun- try, where this rose has succeeded remai-kably well, as follows:
" Some 1-3 years ago, my father, an ardent lover of roses, purchased a small plant in a pot, of Marechal Niel, which was planted in the open ground, in a dark, damp sticky loam, where once was a pond. This rose grew, tlu-ived and bloomed. It was the admiration of all beholders. Each summer vases filled with cut roses from this plant almost became monotonous— so freely were they used in every- thing that would hold water and flowers about our house. Sometimes over one hundred buds were cut in a day. It grew in the course of three yeai's to such a size, that a lattice wall, four sided, was built around it, fully 5 feet high and then its branches trailed over that and fell to the earth outside.
" In Charleston, this state, I saw in the garden of Mr. Casper Chisolm, an arbor full 12 feet high, 12 feet wide and 2.5 feet long, built as we here in the south put up supports for grape vines, on which was Marechal Niel, Lamarque and Solfaterre, so thick that the wood of the arbor was concealed. I think there were thou- sands of each variety in full bloom at one time. He told me the plants were grafted or budded."
Save up the Coal Ashes.
Years ago we satisfied ourselves that the notion, then very prevalent, that hard-coal ashes were injurious to crops, was all wrong. AVe found in the case of pot plants in a green- house, which stood on a bed of ashes, that the roots of the former would pass through the holes in the bottoms of the pots and run into the ashes below, and by theii- healthy appearance, showed that they derived benefit from the ashes. Frequent experiments on a small scale since that time have fully corroborated this view of the case. Now we not only keep up for the garden all the ashes yielded by our own heaters, but those of a near neighbor besides, and the larger the heap of this material is by each spring, the better are we suited.
Our garden is not what could be called heavy -oil, but rather a black loam. On this soil we (ind that a coat of coal ashes turned in every season is of real value. It renders the soil more open and easily worked than without, and the crops are the better for the good effect of this material on root growth. The effect may come, more from the mechanical action of the ashes on the soil than from any manurial value possessed, although this is also consider- ble, no doubt. Oue thing is certain, plant life is more vigorous where the ashes ai-e used, than where they are not.
We also use sifted coal ashes as one ingredient (say making it oue-fifth of the whole) of our hot bed loam, or of any soil used for seed beds, potting and similar purposes, with good results. But the value of coal ashes in the gai'den is not limited to its good effects in fitting the soil for the growth of roots alone. It is now recog- nized as of great worth for meeting the attacks of some of our worst insect enemies. Experi- meuts have shown that a liberal dressing of coal ashes, thoroughly mixed with soil in which Radish seed is sown, will prevent the maggot from injuring this vegetable. This will be good news t« those pereons wh<i have lieen, for years, unsuccessful in growing the Radish, be- cause of the attacks of the larva" of the fly. It may be added that the effect of the ashes as a preventive in this case, does not tell fully until the second year and later, after applying.
In combating the attacks of the wonn on (_'ni-i'ants and Gooseberries, coal ashes also jios-
sess positive worth, if used freelj' a.s a mulch to plants. Whether the presence of the ashes over the roots proves obnoxious to the worms, or whether the increased vigor of the plants by their application have to do with the matter
LONG BLACK WINTER RADISH.
we cannot say, nor do we much care, so long as the fact remains that the worms are scarce. when the ashes are plentifully used, as is the case. By their use as a mulch the plants may be brought thi'ough the "worm season" with- out resource to poisoning the leaves, and with it in some degree the fruit |X)ssibly.
These various considerations should lead at this season to the saving up of coal ashes, as a valuable and cheap material for the uses indicated, wherever gardening is done.
The Long Black Winter Radish.
This continues to be a standard Radish for winter use, and varies but little except in aj)- pearance from the Round Black Winter Radish and the Long White Spanish Radish. All the Radishes of this class are remai-kable for their keeping qualities. If but pains are taken at the end of the growing .season to bury them in an abundance of earth in a cool cellai', or else to put them out of doors, they will keep crisp aU winter, affording an agreeable table relish. When to be used, the winter radish should be placed in colrl water for an hour before coming to the table. It may not be generally known that the Radish possesses some gentle medicinal virtue. The part that is eaten, is both demul- cent and stimulating in character. The juice mixed with sugar candy, is a popular and use- ful (iermau remedy for hoarseness and cold.
Effects of Freezing on the Soil.
Spade or plow a piece of land late in the fall, leaving it in rough clods through the winter, and spring will find the roughness largely re- duced to fineness. Run the rake or harrow- over it now, and with little labor it will be in fai- better shape for croi)sthan it possibly could be had the fall spa<ling or iJowing been left un- done. Just how freezing, thi'ough exjjosing the soil in this wa^'. benefits it, is told as follows in the Aitif'rh'dn Afjrivulfnrist:
It is a well-known fact that water in the act of freezing, expands considerably, and with a force that is irresistable. It is the fi'eezing of water in their crevices and pores that causes the rocks to be gradually worn down, and " weathei'ed" as it is called, into soil. It is this
also which is continually reducing the soil to finer fragments, and which breaks up the hard clogs and mellows the ground. Fall plowing or spading assists this effect by breaking up the compact soil into lumps, which are further broken into small particles. As water and air can only act upon the surface cif these pai'ticles, it is clear that the smaller they are, the more surface is exposed to the weather, and the soil is made soluble. If a block of hard soil of 12 Inches cube is exposed to the weathei-, there are 864 square inches only of it affected ; if it is broken up into cubes of one inch lH,:i68 squai'e inches are exposed to these beneficial influences ; if the soil is further broken up in fragments of one-twelfth of an inch, there are more than 124,1100 square inches thus affected. This fact shows how gi-eatly the effects of frost benflts the soil, and therefore how necessary it is that the land should be fall plowed ; and opportuni- ty given for this beneficial action of the weather. In the garden, even, all the soil possible should be spaded before it freezes.
The Winter Meetings of the following named Horticultural Societies will be held during Jan- uary onthe dates given:
Western New York: at Rochester, Januaiy 27, P. C. Reynolds, Rochester, N. Y., Secretary.
State Horticultural Society of Pennsylvinia: at Reading, Pa., January 3(>, E. B. Engle, Waynesborough, Pa., Secretary.
Ontai'io Fruit Growers Association : at Strat- ford, Ontario, January 31, D. W. Beadle, St. Catherine, Out., Secretai\v.
Buffalo Horticultural Society, at Buffalo, January 13. W. Scott. Buffalo, N.Y., Secretary.
The Keiffer Pear has now been weighed, and found utterly wanting. As a tree it blights badly and is tender in winter. The finiit if not unattractive in appearance, is utterly wanting in flavor, and would not be sought for a second time by the eater. More trees of it are cut down now every year, perhaps, than ai'e planted. So much for another one of the long list of worthless varieties that are introduced at high prices with a flourishing of trumpets, flnd- ing many eager victims. Stick to the well tested sorts, kind readier, until new comers prove their worth beyond a doubt. It's the safe rule.
The Beet draws its nourishment from an area of twelve to twenty square feet for each plant. This has been proven by exploring to the ends of the roots carefully, it being found that these extend dowuwai-d and outward in all directions for several feet. It is evident that where size of root is desired, the plants must be given plenty of room.
In Choosing Market Fruits, Mr. Lyons, a vet- eran fruit growei', would look first to produc- tiveness: next tokeepingand shipping ([uahty: then to size: then to appearance and lastly to eating quality. The points of merit should stand in a different order where the object is fruit for the home table, iu fact should be just reversed, placing quality first.
In shipping by the Express Companies, much fruit is injuried by being in cars that are too warm. On this account many shippers do not patronize these carriei-s and by the means save largely on freight also. A temperature of between 4(i° and .W is the most suitable for fruit transportation.
Shape of Crates. Parker Eaile offers the good suggestion, that fruit crates should not be made so nearly square as at the present time. When of this shape, it cannot be readily seen which side belongs up, and the fruit suffers from bad handling and bad ]iositions iu ship- ping-
A good New Year's resolve: to make ycjur berry patch double its present size.
Even the hardiest Strawben-ies do better for a winter covering.
Plan to have the best garden you ever saw, this year.
Cut the small sappy shoots from A]jple trees.
1 886.
POPULAR GARDENING.
45
kON C I
ES
The Rose Bud's Tale.
Thoug^li the^■ whisper, he and !\Iay. I can hear eaeh word they say :
For I rest,— Cliagiugto the ball-room's queeu. 'Mid the laee and silken sheen—
At her breast
*' Give me but that rose of thine. I will build for it a shrine
Near my heart." From my bed she draws me out. For a moment seems in doubt —
Then we part .
In his waistcoat, crushed. I lie— 'Mid cigars and purse I die :
Ere the daj' Am forgotten, and, ere night. Trophy of a conquest light.
Ttu-own away I
Roses are in lietter color. Poinsettias are firey -looking now. Camellias with long stems last well. The Horseshoe design is out of style. Hot houses lonk bare after the Holiday plucking. Single Primroses are finer as vase flowei-s. than douiile ones.
Londoners use the Ivy leaf as green for winter button hole bouquets.
Chorozema, the dainty la-illiant tiower. is used with etTect for hair sprays.
Lilies should seldom be mixed with other tlowers ; they l«iok better by themselves.
If you would have your tioral arrangements al- wa,^'s interesting, keei> out of the rut of sameness in making.
A florist should have a special taste for tlowei-s, and the essence of his ambition will be to prefer na- ture's best work to her more ordinary.
Cleaning Flower Vases. When gla.ss vases be- come discolored or furred, a weak solution of hytb-o- chloric acid will easily remove the stain, a better plan than undue rubbing, which endangers the glass.
FLORAL CRESCENT AND OWL.
"Why are cut tlowers so dear," is a question often asked at this season. The owner of a range of hot houses requiring 400 tons of coal to keep them warm through one winter, could quickly answer.
In keeping flowers over night it is well to exclude air as entirely as possible from them. If you can- not place them in a refrigerator, they may go on the cellar tloor, sprinkling lightly and inverting a tub or tight vessel over them.
Maiden Hair Ferns. No green is more charming fur intermixing with cut tlowei'S or for touching up tloral designs, than the fronds of these. Yet, as with all other fine things, their use might be over- done. We have seen such cases.
A Lily of the Valley Dress ! Wlmt ovild that be like? One so called was recentlj' worn by a bride in New York. The corsage and overdress of white silk tulle, over pearly satin, was strewn thickly with the deUcate sprays of this favorite bloom of young brides. The eflfect Ls said to have been exquisite.
Flowers, the measure. ^liss (jascom spoke uf a funeral she had liei-n tu as a tmiching atfair and the most devotional occasion she ever witnessed. >Irs. Harland was not so impressed, she saw no tears shed and no emotion. " But the flowers, Mrs. Harland," said Miss Gascom. "' why one of the pyramids was five feet high."
The Crescent and Owl. This grotesque rtoral <ie- sign of which we give an engraving, received the
first premium as a novelty at the last show of the Buffalo Horticultural Society. The Crescent was composed of yellow Chiysjinthemunis. the solenm bird of night, of Marie I^ouise Violets. The jiiece was suspended from the ceiling and attracted much attention. It was one of the exhibits of Long Brothers, the well known florists of this city.
Forced Lilacs. With December came the earliest of these in the markets. The first crop was held at about $1 for each clu.ster. nuxking them a costly flower. The purple varieties are the ones chiefly gi'own. and these by being forced in the dark, yield rt*iwers of a waxy white. In this color they are in demand for bridal bouquets. When grown in the light, the color is a shade lighter than garden ones, and much moi-e delicate looking. A cluster of Marechal Niel Roses fringed with these delicate pxu"ple lilac tassels, is incomparable. The odor of hlacs remains long after the bloom lias withered.
The Ivy Leaf in Funeral Designs. At the fun- eral of John McCullough, at Philadelphia recently, there was brought together a remarkable collection of funeral designs. Among these were a number, in which the Ivy leaf was a leading article used in construction. There was a five-foot column of these imbedded in a sloping base of flowers, which in turn surmounted a six -inch base of Ivy leaves. On the slope against the column on one side was a sheaf of wheat and on the opposite side some palm leaves. A four-foot column of Ivy with a small sheaf at- tached to it was also present. There was an elab- orate urn four feet high of solid white flowers, trimmed with pale roses and draped with festoons of IV3- leaves, with some of the same also worked into the two-foot square base. A five pointed crown and the points well turned outwards was composed of elegant white flowers in the inside, with Ivy on the exterior. There were many besides, in which flowers alone entered, altogether some twenty fine designs were pi-esent, w^orth from $25 to $100 each.
The dark parts of roots do not lengthen.
Seeds and spores differ widely in structure.
The study of Botany should begin in childhood.
The thorns of young Locust trees, disappear with age.
A Botanic G-arden has been started at Reikjavik, Iceland.
Dr. Asa Gray completed his 75th year on Novem- ber isth last.
" Gold " Ferns receive their color from a farina- cious substance.
The wood of the large Tupelo i-oots, is so light and springy as to be useful for corks.
The Rocky Mountain Flora is treated on exhaust- ively by Professor J. M. Coulter, of Crawfordsville, Ind.. in a volume soon to appear.
The plants <'f the earth, in the flowering divi- sions are I'ut at about it6,000 species, by such recent high authorities as Bentham and Hooker.
A Jack Fruit. Artocarftu.'^ itifegny<}liiiff. weigh- ing over 82 lbs. from Rio .lanerio, was shown at a recent meeting of the Roya! Botanical Society of London.
The Algae, t^r plants of the open sea, often live at coiisitierable depths. Udotea vitifolia has been brought up from a depth of 250 feet near the Cana- ries. Peron and Mange have dredged up brilliant living Algae from '>C^^ feet.
The Microphytes have a wonderful power of re- sistance. Professor MeHendrick. found that after subjecting organisms like Bacteria to a temperature 120'^ below zero, and then thawing the fluids con- taining them. living organisms yet remained.
Astonishing ! A si>ecirnen of the Giant Puff- ball, Lycoperdon (jignntruni^ of the immense size of five feet four inches its largest way, and four feet six inches the smallest way in diameter, was in 1877 found by Pn.f. R. E. Call, in Herkimer Co.. X. Y.
Plants and Animals. The laboi-s of Botanists and Zoologists have long been directed to discover absolute differences Itetween these two, but in vain. There are points in the scale from the higher to the lower orders in each, where no line can positively be di'awn between the two kingd<)ms.
Hard wood, a '.rvi- known as the Desert Iron Wood, and gi'owing in the dry wastes along the line of the Southern Pacific Railroad, is reported as l>e- iugoneof the hardest woods in existence. Its specific gravity almost e<iuals that of Lignum-vita?. The heai-l which is black, when well seasoned will turn the edge of an axe. and can hardly he cut by a well tempered saw.
Vitality of Seeds. Professor Real reports the re- sults of experiments maile in the growth of seeds tliat had been enclosed in sand in bottles, and buried for five yeai's at a depth of twenty inches In-low the su>-- face of the earth, as follows, the numbers indicating per cents: A ni<irtin th k.s retro flex uk, forty -two : Ambrosia artcmisia'/itlio, none: Brassicn nigra, none; Bromus m-ralimts, none: CapHcUa Imrsa-jjaji- toris, one hundred; Lepitfiuni virf/iiiirum, ninety- four ;^i(7j/)f>/7>/a ninculdto, none: QCnofhfro biennis. eighty-two: Plantago major, none: i\)lf/gotiiim Jii/- dro-piper^ six; Portulaca aleracea, th irty -eight : Quercus rubra, none; TrifoUum rcpens^ four; Verhaatinn iiuiiiKua^ eighly-four.
A Primula Convention, international in its na- ture, will be held in London. England, commencing on April 23 next. It will be conducted somewhat after the plan of the great Orchid Convention of last year, which resulted so well in advancing the general knowledge of Orchids. At the coming Convention, the Polyanthus, .\uriculas, American Cowslips. Cyclamens, and other favorites of the Primnlarefv. will each receive a share of attention. The high character of the meeting is sufficiently indicated by the fact that the committee for the United States consists of Prof. Asa Gray, of Harvard, Prof. Thur- ber of Xew .Jersey, Prof. Sleehan of Philadelphia and Prof. Lawson of Halifax. Nova Scotia.
ABOUT THE PLACE.
Corn is a warming food.
Plan improvements by this weather.
Store pigs will consume a little clover hay with profit, if given the chance.
To scatter ashes on icy walks costs nothing; broken limbs are very costly.
The use of the easily made A-shaped snow scrap- ers, may save much tiresome trudging through the unbroken paths.
Many a valuable horse has been crippled by sli[)- ping <in the ice. To the shop at once if the shoes are smooth, and the roads shppery.
Surplus honey combs should be exposed to hard frost in order that the eggs of the moth or miller may be frozen. Rats and mice will destroy comb when somewhat pressed for food: they must be kept out of their way.
In the depth of winter, it is important, tliat stables, water pipes, cisterns, root pits and cellars, be very thoroughly protected; now if this kind of work was neglected earher, don't rest easy for one day until it is attended.
Pure Water. The water for farmers" families, says the American Cultivator, is quite as apt to be bad as that in cities, w^here boards of health step in and enforce sanitary regidations. The best way to insure pure water is to use that from the hou.se roof. passing it through a filter to remove impurities. In the West this practice of storing rain water in cis- tenis is quite common, and the cisterns are made very deej) to insure cold water in summer.
Mulches. A (Tcrman experimenter. Prof. K. Wollny, has fouud that soil covered with living herb- age or dead vegetable matter is coldei- in sunmier and wai-mer in winter than bare soil imdei- other- wise similar conditions. The difference of tempera- ture is greatest in summer and least in spring and autumn. Bare soil heats more quickly in the spring and cools more quickly in autuum than that covered with living i»r dead vegetable mattei".
We trust that not a single reader of Popc[^» Gardening, is obliged from lack of feeding eon- veniences, to throw the corn or other grain, fed to hogs, on the muddy or snowy floor of the pens. We confess it was only recentlj' we met a case of this kind of feeding, and the man was one who can't afford to take a paper not even Popular (Jardening, at (U> cents a year. The i>ractice is as wasteful as it is abomniable, fully one-fourth of the food being lost, we are smv.
Feeding the cow, when choice is to be had be- tween good timothy and clover hay, feed the lattei". If of good quality, not too coarse, ami not smoky, it may be fed long. Unless it is flret-rate, it will go further for being cut. but otherwise will be no better for the ciiw. Our choice in such a case, if the sup- ply- is ample, would be not to cut. and let her reject the pooi'er parts. (Jood bright corn fodder, cut up short, are fully the equal of good hay for feeding. For meal, gi'ound oats is to be preferred above any other kind : a mixture of half and half oats and corn, groimd. is excellent for the milk yield. Half a pint of linseed oil cake or cotton seed cake daily, will keep the system in fine tone, and increase the milk. Several quarts of roots per day. isanotiier addition to the food not to be gotten along without, wheit- the Iwist results are aimed for.
46
POPULAR GARDENING.
January,
poviltry.
Raising Chickens in Winter.
The desiiability of hatching uhiol^ens early in the season, whether the object ahead, Is early broilers for mai-ket, or eggs in winter, is not in question. Tlie matter of the best ways and means to such ends, is the one which deserves our best attention at this season.
For the earliest broods, the start at hatching may be made at any time now. As to the rela- tive advantages of hatching by hens or by in- cubators, we shall only say that with judicious action and close attention either course may be successful for extra early hatching. With hens, it is not necessary that tlie nest boxes be in a warm place, neither should they be where it is cold. Not more than nine eggs should be given to each hen at this season.
As soon as the chicks are out, a special house or room must be provided. This should be ar- tificially heated to be comfortably warm. A coal stove is better than a wood stove tor this purpose, because of the more uniform heat possible with it. The floor of the room should be kept covered with fine dry soil or coal ashes, and the utmost care be paid to cleanliness.
Wheie incubatoi-s are used, some hens should also be set when the eggs are started, with a view to acting as mothers to the otherwise motherless chicks, This they will readily do. As many as from M to llJt) chicks may be had to follow one hen: they will be more contented with the clucking of a "mother " to lead them.
The best food tor the young chicks at first is stale bread crumbs, moistened very slightly in sweet milk. But little corn meal should be fed until they have become fuUy feathered, and that should be well cooked. We ai-e great ad- vocates for making sweet milk a leading article of food for early chicks after they are some weeks along. It must never be allowed to get sour, as this would disturb the digestive organs, a thing to be avoided, if we would have broilers by asparagus time. For variety some cracked wheat, rice, oaten gi'its " Cottage cheese," etc.. may occasionally be fed, all of which are most excellent and not so heating as corn meal.
No trouble is ever found in turning early hatched chickens to a very profitable account. For marketing when weighing from two to four pounds per pair, they go off readily at high i-ates, sometimes retailing at S;1..50 per pair in good markets. If the prices are not too temi)ting, by keeping the pullets through, they will commence laying iu September, or earlier, and continue to do so right through the winter with the most ordinary fair treatment.
How to Know the Age of Fowls.
Soon after pullets reach the age of a year or fifteen months, they take on an adult look, which renders it not easy for a stranger, or even their owner, sometimes, to distinguish them from hens at least a year their seniors. For a person then to be deceived by buying old stock when young was wanted, or selling off young stock good for future serv-ice yet, when only the number of the older ones was to be reduced, is, in either case, most exasperating. These ideas suggest the importance of being able to keep track of the age of each member of your own flock, or to know the age, very nearly, at sight of those of any other.
As for always knowing the exact age of each fowl in your own charge, it is not difficult to so mark the broods of each successive year, that they may be readily detected ever after- wards. Let all birds that were raised in the past year for example, be caught at this time, and marked by twisting a small piece of, .say brass wire, loosely round the left leg. Then let the brood of the present year 1880, be sim- ilarly marked in the fall, but on the right leg. A year later similarly mark the fowls of 1877 on the left leg with copper instead of brass
wire, and further on, those of 1888 with the same wire on the right leg. In the year after that, you could stai't in with the bra.ss marks again, and so on by romids of four years indefi- nitely. In this way, a mark on the left leg would always indicate the odd numbers of years ; on the right the even numbers. Such a ring attached by a few twists would, if loose, be no annoyance to the fowl, while it would serve as a sure mark of the age.
With the best judges, there are found no true signs of the exact age in external appearances. Yet some indications are comparatively relia- ble. Rough legs for one thing are a tolerably
A PAIR OF ROUEN DUCKS.
true sign of age, the legs of the young Ijcing generally very smooth. Another clue, although not an infallible one, is the time of year at which a fowl moults. As a rule bu-ds moult later every year, so that if a hen changes her feathers early in the autumn, it may be taken for granted that she was hatched the year pre- vious. Again, fowls get lighter in color as theii- years increase. And lastl)', in old birds there is an absence of that sprightliness com- mon to youth, and, at the same time, they car- ry that appearance of age which ought not to deceive even a novice at poultry keeping.
Rouen Ducks.
Of the two principle varieties of the domestic duck, the Rouen and the Aylesbury, the former appears to be the greater favorite. Perhaps a sufficient reason for this is found, iu the fact that they do better iu many parts than the Aylesbury. They also have a reputation for superiority of flesh, in the fall months especially. As for appearances, the Rouen easily leads the white in the estimation of the masses. Indeed, nothing can exceed the beauty of a drake of the former when he is in full plumage.
The points that should be aimed for in ducks of this variety for breeding purposes, may be summed up about as follows : The di'ake should have a shapely form and a commanding ap- pearance. The head should be green and pur- ple, with a long clean bill, having a yellow ground with a very pale wash of green over it, and the "bean" on the end of it jet black. There should be a sharp closel.y-defined ring of white ai'ound the neck, save that it should not quite meet at the back. Breast a clear claret- brown to swell below the water line, where it should pass into a beautiful French gray for the under body, shading into white near the tail. The back ought to be a rich greenish black with wings of a grayish brov^^l, bearing distinct purple and white ribbon-marks. The flight feathers must be gi-ay and brown, no white. Legs a rich orange.
In the duck the bill should be shorter than in the drake; orange brown as a gi-ound color, shading off at the edges to yellow, and at the top a nearly black mark. Any approach to slate color in birds of either sex, would be a fatal blemish. The head of the duck is dark brown; the breast a pale brown, delicately penciled with dark brown, the back with black on a dark brown ground. BeUy a light brown with the feathers delicately penciled to the tip.
CONDENSED POULTRY NOTES.
Soughing it won't do for hens. Make low roosts for large-sized breeds. Many diseases may be laid to cold and wet. Notice how fowls will fret if the food comes lat^?. One thing is sure: china nest eggs never break from frost.
Not much use looking for winter layers in hens over two years old.
To neglect tlie morning feetUng, an experienced poultry man tells us, will make few eggs for that day. If we wish eggs when eggs are dear, we must hatch early or push the medium early pullets rap- idly when hatched.
A warm hen house, not a very close one, is wan- ted: there should be ventilation at the top for draw- ing out the foul air.
Lime is good for fowls, but it must not be mixed with food, or they may get too much of it. Keep it in a shallow box. where they can take of it at will. A thought for the New Year: Don't spend all the money on ornamenting the house and barn: put some touches also on the poultry house. Have you never noticed how much a tasty-looking, well- painted hen house adds to the appearance of a place? Those of our readers who tliink of usinp an incu- liator this s]iring for hatching chicks should have it on hand now or shoidd order it right away. It is prudent to become acquainted with these machines by running them a few days, before entrusting to their care oue or two hundred high priced eggs.
Salting the food, wliile it is a^oodplan toa slight extent, especially when there is a disposition to feather eating, must be guardedly done. We call to mind the ease years ago of a neighbor who was told that to feed salt woidd increase the laying. He fed salt, not sparing it, and liow his hens did begin to lay--on the dung pile. dead.
Scratching is good afternoon exercise for hens. To get them at it have a drv place on the floor in some part away from the roost, and defined by boards ten <>r twelve inches high. Into this place several inches of dr,y earth, sand, coal ashes, chaff,, or anything the hens can scratch. Then every noon scatter some buckwheat or other grain on the surface, working it in with the foot, and let the hens go to work. Its fvm to watch them.
If you want a t'owd that looks good anywhere, writes a correspondent of the Journal— in the fowd yard, the field, the pot, that acts hke a good fowl should in the laying nest, the incubating nest or brooding coop — you mu.st hunt long and dillip;ently to tind the equal of the well-known but too little prized Dominiques. Its only the careless, shiftless poidtry keeper, who is heard to complain about chicken ailments as a rule. Give your fowls good care, and our wonl for it you may laugh at most diseases.
Talk and Cleanliness. There is a good deal of talk about cleanliness in the poultry house, but what does the word mean here? it means remove all the excrement every day, not half of it; renew the nests often, using clean material at each start; to keep the walls nice and sweet, bv the application of a lime-wash occasionally: to aim at having the fowls clean of insects, by dosing the roosts with some vernun kiUer, as well as the nest boxes, cor- ners, etc., to provide a suitable bathing place— even if the material of the bath is nature's strange choice for fo%vls. dry dust. All these things are wanted before we can call the hen-house in a clean and healthy state. Frequently brushing up the floor, of scattered dust and filth is also necessary.
Great Figures iielong to a great country like our own, of course. The last U. S. census brought out a good many of these, most of which are altogether too immense for our minds to anything hke near grasp. For instance, here as to domestic fowls: In the country at the time the census of 1880 was taken, there were of common fowls 10a,^'2,]:3.5, and of other fowls, which we suppose includes turkeys, geese and ducks '53,33.5.187, or a total of ia.5,507,:K8 fowls of all sorts. From such a number the product is something enormous. It is not imreasonable to suppose that the average product from each fowl would be flve pounds of dressed poultry for market, worth yj cents per pound. The market value of this product would be $7.5,:W4,:3i)3.2(1.
The number of eggs reported was 4.5ti,910,iilG doz- ens. It is not stated whether this is the number laid or the number sold. But as it only allows 43 eggs to a fowl we suppose it is the number sold. Allow- ing 15 cents per dozen as a fair average price the season through and the country over, we have a market value of $(i8,.'):3i),l)37. Adding the meat and egg product we have a grand total of $143,841,030 as the vahie of the poultry product of the United States.
i886.
POPULAR GARDENING.
47
owGjfeppue^
Treeclimber's Talks.
ABOUT THE RAUKIST AMERU'AN PLANT.
Some plants, like the Dandelion and Chick- weed, are so (.-oiuniou that everybody knows them. This is also true of sueh shrubs as the Hose and the Lilac,audof Maple, Elm and Poplar trees, which shade our streets, and yrow in the forests. Of course we all know that many other kinds of plants are less common ; it is not a strange thing to hear people say when they visit other peoples' gardens, " I never saw this plant before," referring to one sort or another, that pei-haps is not common. No one can know evei-y plant.
I desire now to introduce my young readers to one o( the rarest plants of America, or indeed of the world. It is so rare, in tact, that it has almost became extinct. For a plant or an animal to become extinct, you know, means that it has died out on the face of the globe, a thing which has occurred to numbere of both plants and animals. The plant I here refer to is the
PRETTY LITTLE SHORTIA GALACIFOLIA.
This plant has been found growing only in two small spots on the globe, one in Japan, the other in McDowell Co., North Cai'olina. So being it is an American, in part at least, we of this country shoiild take the greater interest in it. The ac- companying engraving shows the plant at about one-half its natural size. As you may see, the flowers are primrose-like in form; the leaves ai'e dai'k green and glossy, resembling somewhat those of the Wintergreen plant of om' woods.
To show how comparatively scarce the Shortia is, it may be said that while the common little Dandelion opens its bright golden flowers abun- dantly on this continent, from the Atlantic to the Pacific, and from the Gulf of Mexico northwards to the Ai'ctic regions, wherever man lives, this only known habitation of Shortia in America, in the county above named, is a space of less than ten feet wide by forty feet long, and here not over one hundi'ed plants have been found.
For many years after the existence of such a plant in Amei-ica was first suspected, by the presence of a dried siiecimen of it in a Paris mu- seum, labeled as from this country, its localitj- was unknown. Much search was given to finding its whereabouts, but for a long time without suc- cess. At last, however, some eight years ago, this small patch of it was discovered to the great joy of aU our botanists. The place has of lat« years been visited by many lovers of rare plants.
THE PERFUME OF FLOWERS.
Whenever you are shown a handsome flower, one of the first things you want to know, is, whether it is sweet or not. No matter how gaudy may be its colors or pleasing its form, if it lacks fragi'ance you thiuk less of it. About the only charm possessed by the modest Mignonette is its odoi-; yet that is enough to cause it to be loved by everyone as few other flowers are.
It maj" be noticed that such sweet flowers as Mignonette, Violets, Lily of the Valley, Car- nations anil Roses, are the greatest favorites with true lovers of flowers. They please the nose as well as the eye ; without such as these a nosegay cannot be made.
Little is known about the perfume of flowers besides the mere fact that it exists. No one can describe it, exept by saj-ing it resembles the odor of other flowers or things. I have often been amused to hear how many people will say> when they smell of the Heliotrope,
IT .SMELLS LIKE ICE CREAM,
they could more properly Say it resembles the odor of vanilla, an article ranch used for flavor" ing ice cream and candies. We can say of the Gilly flower, tliat it has a fi'uity fragi'auce, of the Tubei'ose that it has a Jasamine-like smell, and of the leaves of the Rose Geranium, that their sweet odor closely resembles thai of Roses, and thus convey an idea of these, but further than this no one can describe a fragrance so that another would know it from the descrip- tion given.
The perfvmie of flowers is gathered and pre- served for later use in [Jerfumery. All boys and girls, I believe, like perfumery of one kind or another. Perfumery of some kinds is derived
This is utit a iin-tty picture, but it is a tnie one. Wliere there's a will t<i get money there's a way. The world is a big place; tlieie are a tliousaiiil olmnces appearing every day for those who can see them; thei-e is work for tliose who can ilo it; there are good ami equal laws to protect you in winning and keeping money, and there is a free, fair chance for- all.
The Memory.
The power of retjiiuing impressions made through the senses ui>on the mind, is oni' of the most wonderful gifts tcj mall. "Why some tilings should be readily retained in the memory, and then others of equal importance shoulrl he as easily lost has puzzled many witliout a solution of the matter being reached. It is Siiid that memory depends upon attention, or that the more we attend to a thing the better we remember it. The old remark that a person never forgets a debt owing to him, perhaps illusti-ates this. Cicero after long thinking about the memory, found in it a striking proof to his mind of the immor- tality of the soul and the existence of a God. Samuel Smiles recently remarked on this subject as follows:
The most extraoi'Uinary instances of memory are those furnished by the ages which pre- ceeded the art of printing.
Plato, Socrates, and the philosophers of their time, depended entirely on their memories. Seneca could repeat two thousand proper names in the order in which they had been told him. without a mistake.
After prmting had been invented, but while books were still rare and dear, memory con- tinued to perfonn its great teats. Bot'tigella knew by heart wdiole books verbatim.
It is recorded of Pascal, that he forgot nothing of what he had done, read or thought, in any part of his rational Hfe. He knew the whole Bible by heart, and could at any moment cite chapter and verse of any part of it.
THE RAREST AMERICAN PLANT— SHORTIA GALACIFOLIA
from animals as in the case of musk, but plants furnish the most of that used. In these it is due to a volatile and highly inflammable oil known as otto. The chief pai't of the per- fumer's ai-t is to separate this oU from the vegetable matter in which it exists. Some sub- stances, like the peel of oranges or lemons con- tain so much of this oil, that it can be squeezed out with the hand.
Timothy Treeclimber.
A Condition not to be Evaded.
One of the conditions of our existence in this world is, that we must work. It is n,ot always an easy idea for the young, those who have plenty of the needful things of life all about them, provided by the hands of others, to come to. But it must be done if we would be truly independent and happy throughout life.
Let one look about him, and if he is a close student of humanity he wiU see that those who ai'e busily employed, are the most contented, while the few who try to get tlu'ough life with- out labor, however wealthy they may chance to be, ai'e anything but happy. The ranks of the "tramps" aresoouer or later mostly made up of those who ridiculously boast that the world owes them a living, without their work- ing for it.
On the subject of work and money making for the young, Mr. Charles Barnard says, in the Youth^:^ Cniiipttniitn :
Must a fellow work to get money "/ Thafs a sorry end to the matter. Is there no other way of getting money y No. The fact is the world is a hard place to live in for lazy folks; unless you can do some- thing; unless you can pick money out of the ground, or the sea; unless yon are wilUng to work for some one wdio has money, you can cohie to w ant with the greatest ease.
If you cannot work by reason of any defect, the public will supply your needs— in a hospital. If you will not work, down, down yon go, deeper and deeper into poverty, poorer and poorer, till at last there is the poorhouse, with its bare doors, its coarse bread and miserable end— a nameless grave in the Potter's Field.
PET BIRDS, ANIMALS. ETC.
The Goldfish does not bear cold well. Never let the cage door slain, it you want a tame bu-d.
Where Goldfish are common flsh, they are eaten as a delicacy.
Name your pets when you fu-st get them: use the name and it will soon be learned.
If the door of the dog-house be at the side near the end, instead of in the end as usually made, there will be better protection to the animal from wind and ram. The bed in winter should consist of plenty of fine shavings or wheat straw; change at least once eveiy fortnight. The house needs to be raised from the earth, to pi'event dampness.
Has the Bell Yet. About twenty fouryears ago. just a little before the war of the rebellion, a turkey buzzard was caught, and a bell attached to his neck. This bird has occasionally been identified, and again quite recently by the ringing of the bell. This fact goes to show what has long been known, that the turkey buzzard is long hved. In most of the South- ern States, it is unlawful to kill them, because of their value as consumers of carrion. They are further presen-ed by the superstition of the negroes, that it is liad luck to hurt them.
Scattering the Seed is a troublesome and waste- fid trick in a bii'd. Mi-s. Helen Jliller writes that if you wish to avoid this, never p;it twt> kinds of seed together, and never leave shells on lop of the seed. ^Vllat leads to the practice of this trick, is that birds get ui the way of looking for a favorite kind, and this they learn is to be found under other kinds some- times. Always put fresh seed in the dish even if it is not half eaten, blowing out all shells first. lu giving two kinds have two dishes or else — what is better— put one kind on the ground.
Cage Birds do not require any special attention at this season of the year. The chief points are, to supply them with suflicient food and no more, to avoid coddling them, on the one band, and ex- posing them to cold draughts on the other. The cages should be suspended in a light position and near the window, or other position where they will have a fair amount of air. In gas-hghted rooms the tops of the cages should be from three to four feet from the ceiling, because of the impurity of the atmosphere of the npi>er part of rooms where special means are not adoiited for carrying off the vitiated air. The food with which the birds are suppheil should be generous, but not overheating or too fattening, and the supplj" of green food nuist not be neglected. At the present time there is no green food to surpass \Vatercress,grown under glass, and groundsel, for Canary and other small birds.
48
POPULAR GARDENING.
January,
"^e Household
Pancakes.
A writer in the Cuiik comlemus pancakes in the most vigorous terms, particularly buck- wheat pancakes, which he considers chief of all dietetic abominations, because buckwheat is heating. We imagine that the principal injury ai-ising froni the use of buckwheat pancakes is when the use of these is overdone.
That the gi-ain of buckwheat is nutritious is indisputable, containing as it does, about 10 per cent, of gluten and 52 per cent, of starch, besides about (i per cent, of g-um and sugar, but that it has an injurious action on the blood, causing skin eruptions, and perhaps also a bad effect on the brain, seems also to be established. As a supplementary ai'ticle of food it is entitled to use in a reasonalile degree, and then no harm would need to be expected. To bring the cakes hot from the greasy pan in American style on the table once a day, and then make of them almost the sole article of food is too overdo in their use ; such a rule iu vogue should be broken.
That we may di-ive further terror into the heart of the luxurious buckwheat cake eater, we print the closing flourish of the article, by the writer referred to :
•'Their one merit, that of increasing the tem- perature of the consumer, is in nearly all ca.ses an evil. Were a man residing at the North Pole, he might warm himself by eating buck- wheat cakes; but in any decent latitude, buck- wheat injuriously c i verheats the blood. All the benefits of buckwheat cakes could be obtained by swallowing cotton while sitting on a mod- erately hot stove. At the same time, one of the evils of buckwheat— the blood-poisoning and cutaneous eruptions which mark the victim of buckwheat— could be avoided. People with their circulatiou stimulated and their stomachs and livers inflamed by buckwheat, are unfit for pursuing the ordinary affairs of life, let alone anv others."'
Shall the Girls be Taught to Work?
The popular verdict seems to lie that they should be taught everything except useful work. Of a practical knowledge of housekeep- ing, a young woman is not unfrequently al- lowed to remain in entire ig-n(3iance all through girlhood. Every right thinking person must see in this a great error, aud will agree with the following sensible words, relating to this question, by Ida Hinman, in the Chrixfian Wmnan:
What father would think of setting his son up in business without giving him some prac- tical knowledge of it i But the daughter, in many cases, is allowed to enter upon her life work without the least prepai-ation.
It is wonderful that she succeeds as well as she does ; for housekeeping is one of the most difficult of trades; it is a combination of many trades in one. Circimistances may not compel her to work, but then ignorance places her at a disailvantage with her domestics.
That manual labor is not honorable is a mis- taken idea, yet this is lai-gely the feeling in re- gard to girls. For this polite society is chiefly to blame. There is no reason why a girl who can cook a good dinner, or make a di'ess well, does not deserve as nuich credit as one who can play the piano or paint a picture; she is cer- tainly more useful. A good housekeeper is en- titled to dignity and respect; there is no more honorable calling.
We would not have a young girl made a drudge and kept in the kitchen, or spend any gi'eat part of her time there, unless circum- stances demand it ; and we are not saying a word against her liberal education. Let her study all the languages, dead or modern, for, which she may have inclination. Let her take a regidar college coiu'se with her brothers, and
add music and painting if she has talent for them. Let her study what she will and all she will; but let her also have some practical knowledge of household duties; for it she has not this, she has not a liberal education.
Brieflets.
Cold air is cot always pure.
Have at least three dish towels.
Health is easier retained than regained.
Sixty-eight to seventy degrees is the best room temperatiu-e.
Lay aside the cai-es of housekeeping too. when the work is done.
Paper nibbed over tin will produce a better sbine than (lannel will.
Chloroform will take out paiut from any material if well rubbed in.
Fresh fish soaked for half an hour in salt water before cooking will be the nicer for it.
When your tooth lirush is badly woi-n, get a new one for the teetli. usingthe old one for cleaning lamp burners, window sash and the like.
The battle is not always to the strong: else the onion would always be ahead. The most it does is to wring tears from those whom it opposes, but never as a real victor.
Earache. This distressing ailment so connnon to childhood, may be relieved almost immediately by the use of the following simple remedy which is to be found in every family: Take a bit of raw onion and beat it to a pidp. Si)rend this on a piece of thin mushn. and roll into a form that may be placed into the opening of the ear. This is all, and a care may l)e exi>ected when other remedies fail.
Washing stockings is a disagreeable part of the wash day work. It can l>e made easier and less re- pulsive by putting the stockings to soak in luke- warm water to wdiich a little pearliue has been added, at the beginning of washing. Then leave them nntil the last thing, when it will be fotnid that the dirt and perspiration held will be loosened so as to come out easily without hand-rubbing. Stockings, like any other w-ooien garment, should be washed without rubbing. This process is very wearing and shrinks the material. When clean, wring them from the water in which they were soaked: rinse in blue water: stretch int" shape and dry at once.
Make your own Dessicated Cocoanut. Now that tile cocoanut season opens anew, let us give some simple directions for preparing this delicious article of the cook room, to be both better and much cheaper than that which is sold at the stores. Buy the nuts, remove the shells and reduce through a coarse grater. Before the grated substance has a chance to dry, stir in as much pulverized or granu- lated sugar as the moisture will cause to adhere to the particles. Dry quickly but without iiigh heat, to prevent its turning sour: stir repeatedly. After it is thoroughly dried, put into paper bags, which should then be kept in a dry pantry or chest. Use the same as the article wliicli may be bought.
A Word to the Men Folks. Although your oc- cupation takes you out of doors and away from home, do not at this season which is so trying to the housekeeper, neglect to give whatever aid yon can in her department. The fact that you are much away, and to this extent relieved from the extra cares of winter housekeeping, makes it all the more desirable that you sometimes lend your help.
The writer who comes over to these colmuns to say so, happens to know verj- well how a man's judgment, or his strong arms occasionally offered, can lighten the additional labors that come with the winter here, and this too, whether there is hired help or not. See to it that the heating is well furnished in fuel and kindling right along— let the wife be re- lieved of any cares about this matter. Provide utensils, and if needed, sometimes muscles, for keep- ing draughts clear of clinkers and pipes and chim- neys in order. Fi'ee burning fires are wonderfully cheering to home life in winter, and promotive of happiness all around.
Then the snow shovel is out of place in a woman's hands if there be a man about, who has time to handle it. By this we mean reasonable time, and few men are so situated but that they can keep the walks and steps clean of snow every day in the winter. This suggestion might seem uncalled for, were it not that the writer knows of cases where women clean the walks and the men are idle. One man in particular we have heard about, keeps his lazy body to bed mornings now-a-days, while his wife rousts about tending the fires and shoveling off walks. Such men are an unmitigated ilisgrace to civilizatittn.
Notes on Dress and Home Art.
Kid gloves are low in price.
Yellow is growing more popular.
A plain tailor suit, is a safe investment.
Sonnet strings three inches wide are worn.
Press seams with a warm, but not hot iron.
Women are in high feather; look at the hats.
Velvet is in full fashion for elegant winter wraps.
The old-fashioned pumpkin hood is to be re- vived.
For Childrens' costumes very small buttons are in vogue.
Puffed draperies are considered in poor taste for children.
Furniture polish of good quality may be made by combining sweet oil aud paraftine.
Braid should alwa3-s be shrunk in warm water and irtaied before putting on the bottom of skirts.
For economy in dress goods, black is the color; it does not bear its date so soon as do figured or col- ored dresses.
The shelf-like bustle seems to have been '■ shelved ■■ at last. We have noticed that it has long been going Iceland.
A room crowded to discomfort with furniture and ornaments, no matter how costly, has more of the aspect of a museum than of a restful home.
For dressy evening bonnets this winter, those of white or pale-tinted satin are forsaken for black velvet, trimmed with soft shades of pigeon gray and various shades of pink.
Flacques of brass or bronze are an elegant ad- dition to prints and paintings for the adornment of walls. The prices this season are so moderate that all can afford at least a touch of their solid beauty.
A dark and gloomy room may be relieved by placing ebonized shelves over the doors and win- dows, grouping bright scarlet, yellow or gilded fans upon the walls, and placing pretty bric-a-brac and vases where they will have a cheerful background.
Feather trimming may be a becoming, and not an expensive garniture, but it is not satisfactory in the best sense. Both cold and dampness soon affects the natural oil of the feathers, and they fall and look duU and soiled. Holding before a brisk fire may for a time renew the soft, fluffy appear- ance which is their first attraction, but the improve- ment is not lasting. As they last w-ell for one sea- son and wide bands can now be purchased at a small cost, they are used by many to renovate last year's wraps, for which they are admirable.
The Bamboo funiishes a natural basket-making mateiial, and by means of it the ingenious Orien- tals produce work of unrivalled beauty and finish. The bamboo wicker-work with which the Japanese inclose their delicate egg-shell porcelain is a mar- vellous example of manipulation, and they and the Chinese excel in the application of bamboo wicker- work to furniture. Some extraordinarily delicate baskets made by Siamese artisans are to be seen iu the collections, those intended for ladies' use being as fine as lace-work in their decoration.
Cherry-Stained Easel. A subscriber of the.tr( Iiiteirliiimji- gives these suggestions for staining and adorning a plain pine easel. Rub iodine, such as is sold at the di-uggisfs, on the wood until it is covered, with a bni.sh. The addition aftenvard of a strong solution of logwood would give the cherry effect. Some mouldings or rosettes of Lincrusta- Walton fastened on the easel and stained with this will make it look like a carved easel. After stain- ing, when drj-. go over the easel with Saddler's pol- ish, using clean cloths to apply, and afterwards rub dry. ■garnish may be removed by flist rubbing with fine sand-paper until the hard upper gloss is removed, then by washing in a strong, hot solution of wa.shing soda. Finish by rulibing off with a wet rag sjiriukied with fine pmnice powder.
TJmbrellas, says the Boston Cult imtor, very sen- sibly, will last far longer if when wet they are placed handle downward to dry. The moisture falls from the edges of the frame and the 'fabric dries uniformly. It stood handle upward, which is commonly the case, the top of tlie umbrella holds the moisture, owing to the lining underneath the ring, and therefore takes a long time to dry, thus injuring the silk or other fabric with which it is covered. This is the prime cause of the top of the umbrella wearing out sooner than the other part. Umbrella cases, too, are responsible tor the rapiil wear of the silk. The constant friction causes the tiny holes that appear so provokingly early. When not in use leave the umbrella loose; when wet, never leave it open to dry. as the tense condition thus produced makes the silk stiff and it soon cracks.
POPULAR GARDENING
FOR TOWN AND COUNTRY.
"ACCUSE NOT NATURE. SHE HATH DONE HER PART; DO THOC BUT THINE."— Uiuioi
Vol. 1.
IFEBK-TTJ^ia-S-, 188S.
The Chinese Primrose,
The Garden Primroses have been favorite flowers, no one can tell Jiow far liaek into the ages — prol)a1)ly from the \ery liei'inuina' of floriculture. Most of. the hardy species, enibrat'in.i;- tlie comnwrn sort, the Cowslip and the Auricula, are natives of Europe. Being these, as a class, find a climate better .suited to their ■nants abroad — and especially in England, than with us, the^' have always received more attention from the .gardeners of the Old World than from our own. Still, .some of the kinds are ami>ng our most val- uable garden flowers.
But with the introduction of the beautif\il lender Chinese Primroses, some flft_y years ago, there came into our hands a class quite as desirable for cultivation in America as in Europe. This valuable section needs the protection of glass almost the year around, hence the conditions of growth are about as well met in one place a.s in another. What the hardy Primrose has for ages been as an out-door flower, this tender Asiaticau has proven to be for in-door use, namely: Every- body's flower. As a plant for window culture, no less than for the c o n s e r V a t o r j^, we know no other one that is so sure to bloom as this. From the holiday season until hot weather of eacli year, it is one of the sorts capable of adding much to the beauty and life of every plant collection.
These tender Primrose.s, so far as the handsome single- flowering sorts, and some of the double ones, are con- cerned, are easily raised from the seed. This is sown in the summer, and by the following winter the plants raised should be of a blooming size.
Where the raising of plants has been neglected they can be bought of almost ever}- florist for a small price per pot, at this season of the year. In purchasing, select such as have not been forced, but only exposed to the heat of a cool greenhouse. If the forms of the plants are dwarf, .something as .shown in our engra\'ing, this may be taken as a sign tliat they were well grown: choose such.
In culture. Primroses need a light place, l)ut do best in a room that is not very warm. The flowers should be picked off as soon as they are past their prime, as seed-bearing will needlessly exhaust the plants.
young growths will stand closely from the start, to create good effects very soon. Then I count upon this thinning-out process year by year, to prevent the subjects from gettint,' bfjdly crowded.
By planting- closely, in well-prepared soil at the first, 'one needs never to be heard saying: " It takes a lifetime before such things make any show." The fact is, that by such a course an excellent showing may be made in shrub- bery and hardy plants the verj' year of plant- ing, to be gi-eatly improved by the second year and later. Trees take about twice the time for producing good effects that shrubs dn.
My method of close planting is to arrange the shmbs or trees that are to be- the i^erma-
Ft'h
Notes from Lyndale. BY A. n. E. 'iiiirij 3. The winter and spring seasons
never have come ai'ound since the trees and shrubs at Lyndale have gotten fairly started, that some thinning-out of these has not been done. I believe in so planting these that the
A FINE TYPE OF THE PRIMROSE PLANT.
nent subjects of any group, first. These go in at what seems like a good distance apart for the youug specimens, say from fom- to six feet apart, on an average, for shnibs, and nearly thi-ee times as far for most kinds of trees. Then between these I place, for shrubs, either of the same kinds or else some free-growing sorts, such as Sprisea, Houe3-suckles, etf., that quickly become attractive. In trees, free- growers, like the Poplars, Birches and Silver Maples,are used as the filling-in material. Such robu.st and strong growers serve also to "nurse" the more delicate ones by breaking the winds.
* * * Fvbniiiry 7. Let me supplement a previous note by this cautionary one ; I would never ad- vise close planting excepting to those persons who give enough thought and care to their grounds, to see that the plantations are thor- oughlj--well thinned out as needed later. A lack of trees and shrubs in a gm-den is bad enough, as e\eryone not devoid of taste knows, but to have these standing so thick from the close- planting but never-thinning system as to cause excessive shade and closeness is even woi-se. I say, therefore, to the careful gardener who
gives a good deal of time and labor to keeping up his place, plant close at the start and rely on thinning afterwards; to those who are disposed or compelled to follow a hap-hazard style of gardening, do not plant too thickly. The former will have the most beauty from the start, but it will come, as it naturally should come, from some increase of cost and care.
*** Febridirji Vo. If there is one thing more than another, to which may be attributed the success met at Lyndale in gardening, it is to the matter of thoroughly fitting up the soil for every operation. I have often heard people among my visitois attribute the ill-looking condition of their own flower beds to the par- ticular kind of soil of the beds, as being unfa- vorable. I smile at such apolo- gies, for I don't much believe in the bad-soil theories.
My experience in the grow- ing of flowers, vegetables and fruit here, has been in all kinds of soil, from clay to light sand and "chawed rock." I have met, if not equal success in all, at any rate very good success in all. My pi-eference is for a loam, neither heavy nor very li.ght, failing in that as I do in some parts of the grounds, I take what I find, knowing that to render it fit for supporting plant life is chiefly a matter of what 1 bring to it as plant food or else take from it.
* * *
In the first place, in fitting up
my grounds I have taken from
every part of them except the
bog, the excessive moisture of
the soil, by under-draining.
Then I have in each ease of a
bed or border fitted up, brought
on an ami)le stock of plant food
in the shaiie of well-decayed
raanm-e. To the teds in heavy
soil I have, besides the manure,
added sand, or coal ashes, for
reducing the tenacious quality of the eai-th.
To some of the beds in light soil, vegetable
matter from depressions in a half-clearecl forest
not far away.
Then, I practice deep tillage, incoiiiorating
these substances referred to, with the soil to
the depth of at least eighteen inches. This is
done by trenching. The roots of the plants are
thus encouraged to extend downwai-ds and
outwards to a gieat length. They find an
abundance of sustenance wherever they go,
this being the one thii.g needed for jironioting
vigor and teauty. 1 jilant to lm\c things
gi'ow, not to lia\e them starve.
* * *
Fi'linidi-ij IS. To-day I made out my ne«-
order for fruit trees and ornamental shrubs and
plants, to sevei'al nurseries. It may be six or
eight weeks yet In't'ore the orders can be fiUeil,
but there is the satisfaction of knowing that to
get them in early the orders will be fille<l early.
1 want all luy hardy-planting stock around just
as early after spring ujiens as possible, and
planting to be done at the earliest day aftei-
the soil is fit. Setting out these things several
weeks earlier oi- later makes a gi-eat difference
5°
POPULAR GARDENING.
February,
in their chance for doing well, according to my notion of things. I dislike above all else to plant after the leaf buds begin to burst.
K
TO THE 12,000
ftbePloral World.
eaders 0
Right here, after other parts of the paper are in print, the editorial stuff of Popular Gardening, must crowd out a bit of room, to extend to you their cordial greeting. You are welcome, heartily welcome to join our large family of reader.?. So walk right in, and make yourselves at home. Take these best seats, and enjoy our good cheer. Here is spread the monthly board — the best the house affords, and prepared in our usual painstaking manner, with spice and flavor not overlooked. Ta.ste and see, that in all departments it is good. Be free at all times to use these columns for your letters and queries on gardening. The paper is yours. You are truly welcome.
THE HOUSE PLANTS.
February sun. and the longer days, will start all healthy window plants into vigor. They will appear as if awakening from the half-sleepy winter state. We know of no time in the twelve months, when plants are more enjoyed than just at this season of fre.sh activity, carrying with it as this does, the promise, of a new term of beauty and of bloom.
From now on, it is easy to keep healthy plants looking well. But it will not do to grow careless, either as regards general requirements, or earing for them in the cold nights, yet sure to come. These fresh movements in growth must lie backed by treatment that will ensure the formation of healthy roots anil wood; such alone can bring a large re- ward of future plant attractiveness.
Begonias of the free-blooming sorts, shoidd now lie in their glory. Water the plants but moderately.
Btilbs should continue to be brought in from the i-ellaror pit. At this season they grow and bloom remarkably well. Such as are in glasses must have the water kept properly replenished.
Camellias are impatient of close confinement in a dry atmosphere, hence should have air freely (but not cold draughts), in all suitable weather, and a frequent spongmg of tlie leaves on both sides.
Clirysanthenmms. See article on page .53.
Fuchsias that have been at rest should be started up, if this has not yet been done. Those that have made some growth, may have slips, if there be .strong ones, taken from them, to root. As to prun- ing, the state of the plants and one's taste should govern. As a rule, we think old plants are more satisfactory for being cut back at this season, and grown in a liushy form. Young plants usually reach a better shape for the first year, without any cutting back, unless it be side-shoots occasion- ally, for inducing symmetry. Guard always against their beconung pot-hound : growth must be constant.
Geraniums, especially of the Scarlet or Zouale class, sliuuUl be showing fine slips for rooting now. All the plants, with the exception of some wanted for present bloom, nuiy be severely cut back for propagation : the slips of such will make fine plants tor bedding, while the old ones will come out well for summer bloom, either in pots or tor bedding.
Heliotrope slips struck now. make fine plants for summer. Shift, old plants as they get pot-bound.
Oleanders. It one cares for flowers in May, start up the plants now. As growth begins, water well and give some stimulant to the roots.
Plants in cellars and pits may well be treated to air occasionally for hardening them. It the earth in the pots or boxes is very dry, give water.
Pruning. As a rule amateurs are too much afraid of the knife. In soft-wooded growths, one can hardly prune too freely for good shape; with it, fine, bushy forms, springing from the ground, re- sult; without it, detestable long-legged plants.
Roses, of the monthly section, will begin to show growth and bloom. Avoid keeping them too warm; give a good sunny position. By all means keep down the green fly. Hybrid Perpetuals, potted in the tall and wintered in pots, may come into heat, and will quickly stait up. When buds appear, a stimulant like liquid manure becomes desirable.
Seed Sowing. Kinds like Mimulus, Maurandia, Ice Plant, Sensitive Plant, Snapdragon, Chinese Pinks should now be sown for good plants for spring and summer decoration. All annuals may be sown in boxes for early, Ipy the end of the month.
Sweet Alyssum. Propagate from slips or seed.
Watering. See under Plant Culture Under Glass.
LAWN AND FLOWER GARDEN.
Bedding Plants. Arrange early for whatever stock will lie wanted, whether you raise your own or buy. If to be bought, contracts may be made with florists thus early at reduced rates, usually.
Hedges of deciduous kinds should receive their winter pruning in mild spells. Mice often do great damage by girdling the trees under the snow Une. Prevent by trampiug down the snow occasionally.
Hot Beds. One of these is a great help in bring- ing along pot and bedding plants for summer use. See directions for making on the opposite page.
Labels, stakes and like necessaries to the gai-den, should be made or bought now, for spring use.
Pansies. It no stock has been brought over, by sowing seeds now, in moderate heat under glass, good spring-blooming plants may be raised.
Plans. Now should be a good season for reading and planning. The main operations to be carried out the coming season should be studied and de- cided on before outdoor activity opens. Well- laid plans not only tend to the making of better gar- dens, but they are economical, in the sense of allow- ing the work later to be tm-ned off with advantage. Boot grafting may be applied to ornamental shrulis, climbei-s and trees. See engraving.with the explanation under Fruit Garden and Orchard.
Seed Sowing. At the South, hardy annuals may be sown out of doors. In the North, annuals tor specimens and summer bedding, such as Balsams, Cockscorabs,01obe Amaranths, Portulacas, Scbizan- thus. Phloxes. Brachycomes, Stocks, Trapasolums, Cobaias, Lophosphermums, Acrocliniums and the kinds named under The House Plants, may be sown in heat before the mouth is out.
Shrubs. In the South, pruning of these may now take place, but further North, next mouth will be about the right time. In approaching these with knife and shears it must be borne in mind not to treat all kinds alike. For instance, the class includ- ing Roses, Hardy Hydrangea, Burning Bush, Coro- nilla, Amorpha, Hypericmn, Althaeas, Late-flower- ing Spu-aes. and a few others that bear their bloom on the new growth of the season, may be cut back very severely at this season with good results. But about all other shrubs besides these named, produce their flowers from buds on the old wood, and to prune these now is to prune away just so many flowers. On such, little more pruning should be done at this time, than to cut to improve the genera! shape, leaving most of the work to he done just after the blooming season, some months further along.
PLANT CULTURE UNDER GLASS.
Angle- worms in the soil increase rapidly as sun- heat increases. The perfect remedy against them, is to soak the soil thoroughly about once a month with lime water.
Carnations for next winter's flowering should all
be struck from cuttings before this month is out.
Later then, keep the young plants robust by fi-ee
I airing. Flowering plants should be gone over and
i restaked, tying them out larger if needed.
Cytisus, when done blooming, should be cut back.
Insects come out with great rapidity at this sea- son of high sun-heat and closeness. No pains must be spared to keep them down. Prevention is better than cure, hence the usual remedies of fumi- gating twice a week with tobacco smoke, for Green
Root-grafting.— See opp. page.
fly, and others; syringing daily tor Red Spider and so on, in houses of high heat, must not be neglected. Scale and Mealy bug increase more slowly than these, but do not yield to treatment so well. Hand- picking, washing or brushing, the best remedies.
Mignonette is one of the annuals that may be sown now to good purpose. Then the plants will,with the sunnier months to come, make rapid growth, and by the time of mild weather will be much prized for win- dow and consei-vatory decoration.
Orchids that begin to grow during the time they are in flower, should be shifted immediately the beauty of the flower is past. The best materials for the shift are good fibrous jieat, sphagnum moss, broken crocks and charcoal. Ae rides, Van das, Saccolabiums, Den- d r o b e s, Cojlogy nes and several other genera do best in sphagnum with small crocks or sharp sand. Cattleyas, Lselias, Oncidi- ums and Odontoglossums do equally well in peat mixed with crocks and a few nodules of charcoal; whUst some do best in a mixture of peat and moss. Pelargoniums are in their making time now. Water freely, especially in warm, bright days, to set every rootlet in action. Over watering is bad, however, causing as it does, spotted leaves.
Potting. All yovmg slips should go into pots as soon as roots appear. Use small pots and light, rich soil, potting rather firmly. In potting or shift- ing plants, place broken pots or gravel into the bottom of every pot larger than three inches across, for drainage. In pots six inches or more across, there should be on top of the hard drainage a layer of sphagnum or hay before filhng with soil, to keep the lower drainage from cloggmg with soil. Eoses. See last month. From now on is a favor- ite season for propagation. Select the cuttings from the best and the strongest wood of recent growth; a bad cutting must make a bad plant. From the time the cuttings are put in until the young ])lants are fit to set out. they must never be neglected tor want of water, as this would stunt them, a condition that is always bad.
Salvia Splendens as to stock plants, nmst not have the growth greatly checked at any time in the winter, for if so, it will be difflcidt to get up good plants for next year. Ample root room, and a cool temperature suit the plants at this season.
Stove plants need a general going over at this time or a Uttle later. Those that have Iwen bloom- ing in the winter, require to be cut back, and en- couraged to break: then to be shifted to larger pots if needfiU. or have top-dressings. Any of these plants-in flower, must be kept dry over-head.
Verbenas detest any but fresh, sweet soils. If the plants are at a stand still, by shaking out and re- potting in rich, fibrous new earth they wfll usually improve quickly. The plants need to 1» kept near the glass and have plenty of air.
■Watering. Let no plant suffer from dryness, none from over-watering, to avoid both of which needs a watchful eye. Notice which kinds dry out soonest— there is a great difference as regards this, also in which parts of the house dryness is fh-st to be met, and act accordingly. To water all kinds alike is to do great injustice to some.
FRUIT GARDEN AND ORCHARD.
Firming the soil over the roots of StrawbeiTies or any other plants or shrubs set in the fall, by ti amping it as soon as it thaws, is a good stroke to put in, with the early spring.
Manuring. Top-dressing such orchards as are not growing with vigor, may now be done. Spread the manure, which should be old and fine, evenly.
Pruning. Push in comfortable weather. See last month's issue under this head.
Recording Maps of the orchard and fruit gar- den, should be kejit to ensiu'e against loss of names and confusiou, by the accidental losing of labels. Such are easily made. Use smooth, strong, heavy paper, sti-iking lines and cross lines as many as there
i886.
POPULAR GARDENING.
51
are rows of trees or plants, and then write the name of every variety clearly, in its proper place.
Root grafting is work for this niontli. It is much practiced for increasing the apple, but answers as well for many other plants and woody growths. Whip grafting is the method usually employed, and this we will illustrate, as for the apple. For a stock, the root of a seedling that was stored in earth or sawdust in the cellar in the fall, is used. This .should be about the diameter of an ordinary lead pencil. The graft to be used, should come from the sort of tree that is to be increased, and may equal the stock in diameter, or be a little smaller. In grafting, the roots are washed perfectly clean. Then a root is tak- en in hand, and with a sharp knife, a smooth slop- ing cut is made upwards at the collar A, tsee engrav- ing), and in this, a slit or tongue is made downward, as at B. A graft three or foiu- inches long is cut in a similar manner, excepting with a downward slope and upward slit as shown at C. The two are then closely united, tongue within tongue, sloi>e against slope, as shown at D. The bark of the two parts should be even, at least on one side. Tightly en- closing the joined parts by a strip of paper or cloth saturated with grafting wax, completes the opera- tion. Put away the grafts as the work proceeds into boxes of earth, in the cellar, here to remain un- til the planting-out time arrives. The entire matter is so simple any one may expect to succeed with it.
Top Grafting. Do not be imi)atient to get at it. If the grafts have been cut and properly buried in earth (this may yet be done, if done at once.t to keep them naturally moist, late grafting, ay just at the time the leaf -buds burst, is better than earlier. With such grafts on hand, it may be done, even in June, with success. By that time the sap is in a condition to support larger grafts than if the grafting were to be done earlier, and the use of such proves to be a gain.
should be on hand for covering the glass every cold night. The hot-bed is a suitable place for sowing all kinds of seeds for early plants, starting Sweet- Potatoes, bulbs, etc.. rooting cuttings, growing early vegetables, pot and bedding plants, and the like.
Lettuce sown in a box in the window, hot-bed or green-house now, will give nice jilants for frames w a warm spot in the garden in April, to mature in May. Curled Silesia is one of the best for early.
Bhubarb, if covered in the beds with boxes or barrels, and plenty of manure is packed around these, will come weeks earlier than without this.
Seeds, Uet around a complete supply in ample , time. Test old ones.
I Site. In choosing a site for vegetables, a south- east aspect should be preferred, as aiding earliness. Lay off in squares, with plenty of narrow walks be- tween the divisions, devoted to different crops.
VEGETABLE GARDEN.
At the South, Asparagus, Rhubarb and Horse- radish beds may be made. Potatoes may be planted, and in the more southern i)arts the seeds of Squashes and Melons, provided some means of pro- tection are at hand against hard weather. The most successful gardeners are always ready to take some risks in starting their crops early. See last month, under this heati.
Cold Frames. As the weather grows warmer, Cabbage, Lettuce, etc., in these will need more air.
Dig Parsnips, Horee-radish and Salsify when the groimd is open.
FRUIT AND VEGETABLES UNDER GLASS.
Cucumbers. Any fruit that shows before the plants are tolerably strong, nip out. When fruiting may go on, the hills will want earthing up some- what with nice light loam. As bearing begins, stop regularly one joint beyond the fruit.
Figs that are being forced should now be freely syringed. They need more water also, at this time,
Grapery. Vines started early should be kept trainetl. and have the laterals disbudded. After blooming, care should be taken not to syringe the biuiches, but every ineh of wall and path should be well moistened to keep down Red Spider. Avoid the extreme, however, of creating so much mois- ture as to generate mildew. On newly starting up vines, see directions in the January issue.
Lettuce is a crop that grows finely under glass during this month and later. Provide about 45° of heat at night, (iive an abumlance of air in mild weather. Water liberally, but not to excess.
Orchard House. Peaches or any other trees in these, will set their fruit better for free airing while blossoming is going on. Keep the atmosphere as dry as possible at this important stage, but after the fruit is set syringe freely, using tepid water.
Bhubarb may be had early by taking some roots under glass or to any warm place, even if it is not well lighted.
A Small Hot-bed for Family Use
Hot-beds. Some hot-beds are made by market gardeners for early crops during this month, but for family use, next month ought to be early enough in most parts of our land. A small hot-bed of several sash or upwards in size, is a pleasant addition to any garden. It comes in during the early spring months as a minature green-house at a trifling cost. The heating agent, besides the sun, is horse and other manure, but chiefly that of the former. A frame is made of plank, or better yet, double-walled of studs, covered inside and out with matched boards, and of a size to suit the munber of sashes to be used. These are to slide on the top, supported by cross-bars, and made to fit tightly.
What is wanted, as to manure, is a body of this which is fresh, not spent by heating. It should be of a size two feet longer, and wider than the frame of the bed, and about two feet deep, closely packed by tramping. This may be placed above ground or it may be lowered one or more feet into the earth, with some saving of heat. If above earth, the ex- posed manure should be sheltered bj- banking some soil, tanbark or similar material against it.
After the frame is in place, some fine, rich loam, enough to cover the manure three or four inches deep, should be put into it. A thermometer now thrust into the manure ought to soon indicate as high as 100 degrees of heat. AVheu such a degi-ee of warmth subsides to 90 degrees or less, the bed is ready for use. Straw mats or light board shutters
The Annual Spring Gardening Cata- logues. These are now reaching us, one after another in quick succession, from seedsmen, florists, nui-sery- men and othere, with more yet to be heard from. From fu-st to last these yearly trade publications are a re- markably handsome and useful class of prints, and, with rare exceptions, show much care in their preparation. Indeed, we question whether any other line of business in existence, bestows an equal degree of attention to retail trade announcements as is here shown. But the people are, after all, the real catalogue makers. As the fountain cannot rise above its source, so the catalogues, as to their beauty and worth, must be taken as an index of the taste and the expenditures in this line, of the people, who support them. The American gardening catalogues, indeed, speak well for the growing taste for gardening in all its departments among our people. Hailing, as Popular Gardening does, gladly, every sign of advancement here, we take pleasure in call- ing the attention of our readers to all such cata- logues received at this office. A number of these are also announced in our advertising columns.
DeVeer & BooNEKAMP, ID Broadway, N, Y. Cat- alogue of Dutch BuU.is and Plants for Spring, IBSG. Benjamin Hammond. Fishkill-on-Hudson, N. Y. Circular of Hammond's Slug Shot Insect Killer and Lawn Fertilizer.
Peter Henderson & Co., 35-37 Cortlandt St., New York. Manual of '* Everything for the Garden." A remarkable catalogue, of i:38 pages, containing hun- dreds of engravings and three colored plates of flowers and vegetables. It contains descriptions and prices of all desirable garden requisites.
Hill & Co., Richmond, Ind. Catalogue of Roses and other plants. This is a large, handsome pam- phlet of 00 pages, bearing many marks of taste and originality in its get up.
T. S. Hubbard, Fredouia, N. Y. Wholesale and special price list of grape vines.
J. E. Jeffords & Co., Philadelphia, Pa. Illus- trated List of Flower Pot*!, Seed Pans, and other Florists' crockery supplies.
W. H. Johnson, Mineral Ridge. O. Circular and Price List of the Plum Tree Poultry Yards
C. A. Kuehn's, St. Louis, Mo. Catalogue of Pal ent Clamp Florist's Designs.
D. Landreth & Sons, Philadelphia, Pa. Kitchen Garden Price List of American Pedipi'ee Seeds.
Chas. Lorenz, Erfurt. Prussia. A handsome UO- page catalogue of garden seeds, issued from this German house for amateurs, and printed in the English language. Well illustrated.
W. E. Morton it Co.. Portland, Maine. Morton's Annual, a work of -IK pages, substantially bovmd in cloth. Besides containing prices of plants and flow- ers, it gives the Language of Flowere. Floral Knowl- edge, etc., and is altogether interesting. No price is given.
Stark Nurseries, Louisiana, Mo. Spring Price List and announcement of the Mariana Plum.
Herman Perlich, 18:^ South Broadway, Baltimore, Md. Circular of Excelsior Fumigator.
Pratt Brothers, Rochester, N. Y. Announce- ment of the Empire Stato Grape, with handsome colored plate.
Chas. A. Reeser, Springfield, O. Winter offer of Roses and Greenhouse Plants.
James Vick, Rochester, N. Y. Floral Guide com- bined with the January number of Vick's Magazine, and together forming an elegant and useful work of nearly 2(K) pages.
This being the People's Paper it is open to alt their In- quires, bearing on Gardening.
On the other hand, ansicern to published inquires are enrneslly requested from readers.
The editors and special contributors are ready to do a large shure of the unswerving, but the experience of many being more vaiuaiiie than of the fen', however varied that is. ayidconditiuns and localities being so different, they prefer to receive answers, even several of them to the same ques tion, from readers evet^uhere. Don't hesitate to write because you may feel you are no fine writer; give facts and ideas and the editors will see that they appear in credi- table shape.
In writing, give the number of the question you are an- swering: your locality and name, the lattei' nf>t for publica- tion unless you desire. Write only on one side of the paper
Flowers will be gladly named provided first, that no mart than three be sent at one time. Second^ that these be fully prepaid. Third,4hat several specimens of each reach us in good shape. H'e cannot undertake to name fiorists' varie- ties,
28. —Budding Chrysanthemums. We would like information on this subject. —Two SrsscRiBERS.
29.— When to buy Orchids, which is the proper time to get Lycaste Skiuneri:'— Mrs. H. W. S., Bel- mont Co.. Ohio.
30.— Passion Vines Fruiting. I>o either of these bear under cultivation, and if so, how should they be treated for this/— W. Shinton, Paterson, A'. J.
31. — Bouvardia. I would like some one to tell me how to treat Bouvardias twe never have any frost, so I have all my i>lants in open ground). Are they ever-bioomei-s or not? Mine bloomed in the fall and now stand still.— B. H. Young, *'fl;i Dieyo, Cal.
32.— Seedling Lemons. I planted seeds two years ago and the plants fr(tm them are now only nine inches high. What will liasten their growth?
3;i.— Puny Geraniums. The leaves are very small and they sprout from the root. What is the trouble?
^34.— Plant Fertilizer. Please tell me what is good to enrich the soil.
;i5.~Puny Fuchsia. How should such an one be treated. Would it be well to cut it back.— Mi.ss Fannie Purple, AVw York City.
REPLIES TO INQUIRIES.
15.— India Rubber or Ficns Trees can be raised from seeds.— B. 11. Yoitjo, tian JHegn, Cnl.
in.— My Cactus was 5 years old and luid never bloometl in the house, so I sunk the j^ot in the
f round in my garden last spring, and then it loomed well — B. H. Young, Son Dieyo, Cal.
24 —Plants for Growing under Stages. Trades- canthia, zebrina. Isolepis gTaeilis. Selaginella deu- ticulata, Fittoiiia ufg.\rea, and Ferns of the Pteris tribe, succeed with the greatest ease here, while many others,such as Begonia. Rivinias,Gymnostach- yms, and so on, do nearly as well.— A. H. E.
25.— Tacsonia. I have raised these by sowing seed in Marcli. in a warm i)lace, to be '^^ feet in length, ill l^< mouths time.- A., sfaten Ishiud. ,V. V.
20. —Palms for Greenhouse. In answer to "Ig- noramus," 1 would Siiy. llie tollowing do well witli me; Fan Palm, clioiiiii^rojis t'.rccls(t, African-hair Palm, CUamwrops hmiiiliu,, Bourbon Palm. Latanitr borhonica. Bungalow Palm, St-n/orthia ei('(j(tns, and Kentia australis. I pot in loam and sand and keep nicely moist. Cii.\s. H \'<\siiM.\.,^teitbin Co., y. Y.
27— Quick-Growing Hedge. Honey Locust, Privet and Norway Spruce are all rapid growers in good soil. -A. H. K., En'r Co., A*. Y.
:^!t.— When to Buy Orchids. At most any season when they are out of blouni. L.ycaste Skiuneri, being a winter bloomer, should be bought between spring and autumn.— Mrs. P. L. Wade. Barmtultle Co.,, Mass.
POPULAR GARDENING.
February,
Winter Aconite or Eranthis.
Flower that foreteil'st a spring thou ne'er shalt set'
Yet sniiiest still upon thy wintry day.
Content with the joy -giving destiny.
Nor envying fairer llowers thy festal May. —
O golden-fhalieed Aconite: 1*11 la.y
To heart the lesson that thou teaehest me:
1. too, contented with m.y times will be,
And still a placid aspect will display
In tempest-troubled seasons,— nor repine
That others, coming after, shall enjo.y
-\ calmer day, a sunnier sky than mine:
To speed the present, be my sweet emplo.y :
To cast into a storaiy world my mite
Of cheer, like thee, gloom -gilding Aconite!
— Thomns Nofh
What They Say.
The Red Rose sa.vs, " Be sweet," And the Lil.y bids, " Be pure; '' The hardy, brave Chrysautheraum. " Be patient and endure." The Violet whispers " Give, Nor gioidge, nor count the cost; " The Woodbine, " Keep on blossoming. In spite of chill or frost."
-Phil'a Call.
More sun, more flowers.
There is a double Oxalis.
Patronize our adyertisers.
A beautiful catalogue crop.
Overshaded houses are unhealthy.
Abutilons come readily from seed.
The Fuchsia is a Tropical-American.
February is a good time to subscribe.
The Medlar Tree is not a meddler iu fact.
Subscriptiona may begin with any mouth.
Violet is the name of a Missouri Post-office.
Some one call.s the Snowdrops, "Fair maids of February."
Thank you ! To our many friends who have sent iu clubs.
Success with Smilax as a house plant is by no means uniform.
The plural of Forget-me-not is forget-us-uot, said one little girl.
The catalogues, on the whole, are a very in- structive literature.
The Rose of Jericho is not a Rose ; botanicaUy it is nearer a cabbage.
Cranberries— 90il,UOO bushels, is the latest esti- mate for the ci-op of 188.5.
In looking up a list of late-flowering annuals don"t forget the Godetias.
Plants do Shoot. A gardener advertises Roses " well I'ooted, many shooted."
Looks as if Anthuriums could never be i^couuted on as window plants.
Should Horticulture receive State recogni- tion ! is a pi'e.sent question iu England.
Children love the beautUul ; let them engage iu the innocent pastime of light gardening.
Iron-plate staging for hot-houses is in use in Laing & C'o's nurseries, London. Thej- are in- destructible, of course.
The charming, but rare Maiden Hair Fern, Adiantuin Fiirleijensis is propagated by divi- sion and not from spores.
A subscriber truthfully claims that florists, as a class, pa5' too Uttle attention to the cor- rect laljelliug of plants.
Washing the leaves of a plant, like washing the face of a child, helps wonderfully for good looks and general sweetness.
" Oh how hard is my lot I " groaned Tom, as he laid aside pick and spade, after half an hour's work in fineing up the surface.
The secret at the bottom of growing the common Maiden Hair Fern, Adiantum cunen- tnin, is high heat and much moisture.
Do you, kind reader, take a good gardening I^aper : If not, why not, when only 6U cents will bring this one every month for a year.
The young folks are sending in manj- clubs to this paper. They find the work of securing subscribers easy, and of course it is pleasant.
Oranges must soon be scarcer. Mr. Ives, of the Finritla Fntit Kvchanyt', puts the loss by frosts to this fruit in January at one millon dollars.
Sun heat on plants and flowers seems to start them up like magic. Sun heat is life to plants. A continuous high artificial heat, without siui- shine, is death to them.
A Hint to Growers. It woiUd be better for you, for dealers and for consumers alike — if one-half or more of the present varieties, in all departments, were weeded out.
Look out I One introducer of a new potato is Just that anxious to have them look well and sell at a fancy price that it is said, he has col- ored those he exhibits, artificially.
We enjoy this being hit with Clubs, greatly, and, what's cm-ious about it is, that the more we are hit the pleasauter is the sensation. So go in, and we'll stand the consequences.
Among Palms, which a writer to a gardening paper tinds the best for window cultiu-e,are the Fan Paliu, Lataniii boidhoiiira, (figured last month) , and Kentia AustraUs and Baknoreana. Every issue of tliis jjaper is complete in itself, so just arrange yourself in the ranks of the 50,000 subscribers to be reached b\- the end of the year, iu anj' mouth. Only don't defer it until forgotten.
A new insect, some relative of the turnip fly, sa3-s Prof. Riley, turns up as a troubler of the Smilax. Tobacco smoke seems not to kill it, as it does the ordinary Aphis, but insect pow- der is a good remedy.
A Nation of Planters. It is said that in Spain an old custom among the countrj- people, is never to eat fruit out of doors without plant- ing the seed. The roads are lined with trees whose fruit is free to all.
Fumigating the apartments where plants are grown, we suppose, will always be the main reliance for killing plant lice. An utensil for doing this neatl3', effectually, safely, is described in our advertising columns.
The best blue hardy annual we have is un- questionably the Dwarf Morning Glory, Con- volvulus mino}-. It makes an effective small bed or an edging to a large one. The seed may be sown where it is to flower.
Cyclamens are particular as to watering. They suft'er quickl}' from being too dry, and just as quickly from too much wetness. Many of these plants die annually from lack of free drainage, which causes a water-logged soil.
Grass under Trees. The Gur(:lriu'i\s Monthly advises a correspondent to sow the English Sheep Grass, Festuca orina, and the Flat-stem- medBlue Grass, Foil comp/csso, here. We would add another to the list as good — the Creeping Bent Grass, Aijrosfis sfolotiifi'rti.
Plant trees and shrubs, for they serve to purify both the earth and the air : the former by sucking up unwholsome organic matter, the latter by absorbing carbonic acid and return iug life-giving ox3'gen. But don't plant, trees especially, too thick, or too close to the house.
When Europeans send out a new plant, thej' are almost sure to hang a long name to it. We often meet worse cases than that found in the excellent new Rose, William Francis Bennett. But even this is too long for American notions. Let us all drop the first two-thirds. Bennett alone answers better.
We place our love for the Hybrid Perpetual Roses second to no one else's, but \'et we do
think there is too great a tendency towards elbowing out the old-fashioned Summer Roses and Prairie Climbers, that this newer class may be given more place. We say, give all classes a chance, according as the5' deserve.
Slow; that's all ! Many a pot in which Mau- randia, Caima, ArcUsia or other slow-starting seeds have been sown has had the soil turned out, in the belief that the seeds were dead, when a few weeks longer of waiting would have found the plants coming through all right. It may take several months time in all.
The bothersome, white-complexioned. Meal}- bug belongs to the same family as the red Cochineal insect, from which the Cochineal dye is obtained. We draw the color line here in favor of the red-skin, every time. Brush the pale-face away whenever one shows up on a plant. Not safe company to have around.
A New Insectcide. In France, tons of bisul- phide of carbon are used in the vineyai-ds to check the ravages of the Phylloxera, with good results. What is good against that louse ought to answer for destroj'ing many other insects. The objection to this di-ug on pot plants is, its odei' is offensive. Don't forget to trj' it in the garden, though.
We have received at this office Mr. J. H. Tryon's ' ' Practical Treatise on Grape Culture, with Instructions How to Prune and Train the Vine. " Perhaps the greatest merit of this prac- tical essay is its brevity, and yet Mr. T. man- ages to put a good deal of the " How to do it " in the dozen well-filleii pages. His address is Willoughby, Ohio.
Our clerks have had an unusually busy time during the last month, entering the new sub- scribers received. But they had been pretty well drilled for it, and knew just what to ex- pect. The .50,0(XI subscribers we are working towards: readers, club agents, publishers, all, vrill take some work to handle, but we are ready; so, forward, all I
Pots Arranged for Propagating.— See opposite page.
Too bad: Our young friend Angelina has, with sorrow, thrown up learning to paint floral subjects. We cannot think this was wise, and j-et, on the face, the case does look bad enough. An acquaintance of hers has made the trouble by mistaking her last group of yellow Pansies for Bluebells. We tell Angelina that we think her friend is color blind.
To Subscribers. We know that some friends of }-ours would like to take Popular Garden- IN(;, if they knew how useful, beautiful and cheap a paper it is. So if you wiU send in the names of any such, we will gladly mail to each a paper. We would also appreciate very greatly any direct personal work you might do in introducing the paper to others. A new- paper needs a good deal of this kind of help, to be sure.
Josh Billings used to say ; ■ ' I don't care how much people talk if the}- will only saj" it in a phew words. " On that point we agree exactly with the lamented philosopher. It is the one aim of Popular Gardening to not oidy give sound instruction on many subjects connected with the gardens of the people, but to say it iu a few plain words. No hunting for a needle in a straw heap here. It beats all, how some writers for papers can spread out ' ' talk "' over
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sheet after sheet of paper ; sometimes the less
to say the more words used.
Canna or Indian Shot from Seed. We hear that some fail to get tliese hard sliot-like seeds to grow. Here we fire a charge of directions that we'll warrant will bring them along if they have life : Place in a dish ; pour on boiling wa- ter to cover them; keep in a warm, but not a hot place (for example, on the givenliouse water pipes or a shelf near the stove,) for four days: then plant in a pot of earth, keeping the pot in a temperature of upwards of sixty de- grees. With this treatment they will come up like Peas.
A sign of improved gardening: Fifty thou' sand lawn mowers are now made yearlj' in the United States. In consulting files of old pa- pers, we cannot find one lawn mower adver- tised for sale in this country previous to thirty- five years ago. Everj'body knows that each law^l mower stands for one neat garden. How many more of these there are to-day than twenty, thirt}', or more years ago! A next step forward : Every one of the hundreds of thousands of present owners of this popular implement, should be a taker of the populai" garden helper— Popclar Gardening. They are fast commg to this.
A Good Paper. The Voiith^s (Ainijjaninn, iniblished at Boston, is not far from our ideal of a journal for the young. Indeed, we are free to say that, in some of its main features, we take pleasure in looking upon this able paper of ripe experience as a model to pattern after in our own paper. It is a handsome, well-printed paper; it is thoroughly edited, and crammed with matter of the most varied and interesting character ; it abounds in short, pithy articles by the ablest American and for- eign wi'iters ; its illustrations are of a superior quality. That it meets a popular want is sufK- ciently shown bj' its having ueai-ly 3.50,000 sub- scribers. It is a weekly, at .*1.T.5 a year.
An important Sea-weed. According to Dar- win, it is a fact, strange as it may seem, that the fate of one nation hangs on a Sea-weed. Reference is had to the giant Sea-weed Mricro- cystis pi/i-ifi'i'ti, which abounds in the tropical seas and near the laud of the Fugeans. Amid the leaves of this plant niunerous species of fish live, which nowhere else could find food and shelter. Were the Sea- weed absent, these fish would be lacking, in which event the many cormorants and other birds, the otters, seals and poipoises would soon perish also. These largely afford the food supply of this cannibal people, and was the source cut off, cannibalism woujd increase, their numbers be diminished and they would perhaps cease to exist.
Propagating Pots. Double flower pots, made expressly for propagating purposes, have long been in use. But these are not always easily attainaljle. In the accompanying engraving we show how two common flower pots, say a 0-inch and a 4-inch, may be used together, in- stead of the combined ones as made by the potters. The space between the pots is filled with sand, into which the cuttings are [ilaced ; the inner pot is packed with Moss or Spagh- num, which, during propagation should be kept constantly saturated with water. A bell glass, of a size to fit the rim of the outer pot, and inverted over it, would aid to the making of almost a complete propagating apjiaratus for amateurs. This would be found particu- larlj' successful with hard wooded cuttings, which so often fail.
A Home-made Fertilizer. One of our corres- pondents, Mrs. L. D. Richardson, of Mitchell County, Iowa, who has been a cultivator of flowers for many yeai's, sends us her met hod of making a fertilizer for pot plants, which we are glad to print: " From a blackismith shop I obtain the clippings of the horses hoofs, and as they sweep the floor, some of the coal dust and the steel or iron cinders and filings also. I fill a pail about one-fourth full of this sub- stance and then add boiling soft water enough
to make the pail full. Once a week, then, I give the plants a thorough bath, usually set- ting the pots for a while in the liipiid. I have found this treatment most excellent; it seems to furnish a complete food, for the jilants at all seasons have the freslmess ami greenness of June, au(.l arc remarkably prolific in flowering.''
From Seed. Sometimes we meet the inquiry as to whether Fuchsias, Geraniums, Heliotrope, Lantanas, and other plants in the same line, can be I'aised tVom seed. Certainly they can, and quite easily, too. But whether the gains are worth the pains is quite another tiling, for seedlings of such plants ai'c, with very rare ex- ceptions, vastly inferior to the common kinds of the florists. You might raise ten thousand seedlings each of Fuchsias and Geraniums without getting one to equal the old Elm City of the former, or General Grant of the latter, a small slip of either of which may be pur- chased for a dime. Still there is a fascination in raising new sorts from seed, not knowing what is to come forth, that many will consider a sufficient reward for the trouble, even though the quality of the flowers raised is , inferior. How to proceed in this matter is to procure the seeds to be sown, now, sow in about fom'-inch pots that have been filled to withiu half an inch of the rim with fine soil. Water before solving. Then cover the seeds thinly with light earth or sand, afterwards putting a pane of glass on the pot until the young plants appear, when this can be gradually removed. The pots will need an occasional watering.
Flowers for the Sick. Those very practical- minded people, who talk about the uselessness of flowers, could never, we are sure, have seen how a sick person may find pastime and recre- ation in a nosegay of bright blooms. The company of fresh flowers will often cheer up a despondent patient as nothing else possibly could do, and no doubt may sometimes even turn the tide towards recovery. One of our readers from Erie County, New York, who stands high as a helper in sick rooms, sends us the following, concerning flowers for the sick: "Send fresh, sweet flowers to the sick, but not such as have a <lepressing odor. Carnations, Roses, Violets, Ten-Week-Stocks, Rose Gerani- ums, and the like in sweet flowers ai'e always acceptable, while Jasmine, Orange, Tuberose, and sometimes Heliotrope and Mignonette would prove offensive. Pansies are great favorites with the sick, because of their interesting faces. Gera- nium flowers are bright and cheering, hence, always suitable. Nasturtions usually please patients. If the giver can remember some favorite of the sick one, the thoughtfulness will be doubly appreciated. The patient will often enjoy looking at and handling them before be- ing arranged in a vase. Set the flowers near the bed it convenient, but always where the eyes — often weary of everything else — can rest upon them without turning uncomfortably. Never set the vase directly between the patient and the window."
Frosts and House Plants. It is often a mat- ter of great concern to bring the house plants safely through a very cold night untouch d by frosts. The further North we live the more difficult do we naturally expect this to be. A sub- scriberto Popular Gardening, Mrs. Minnie R. Waggoner, living in the state of Minnesota, where the thermometer sometimes indicates 'id' below zero, has sent us her method of providing extra protection to keep off frosts, when needed, which ought to be of use to many of our readers. " I use a paper shutter of my own make, which I place between the outside shutter and the glass. This is made of two sheets of heavy manilla paper of the exact size of the window. Where there are l&rge windows two of these might be better. I stitch them together on the machine and bind them with cotton flannel, working two small eyelets at what is to be the top side. Two screws are fixed over the top of each window, on the outside, and I am ready for the first severely-cold night, which can come. On all such occasions since they have
been put up, the shutters have been closed upon them, and not a particle of frost has ever gathered on th<' window panes. A year ago the slats of the wooden shutters were S.I loose that the wind swayed them at will, so last fall I liad made frcjui matched flooring three tightly-fitting bliiuls, the east and west ones to fold back against the house, and the middle one to lift away. I am nmch pleased with these, but on intensely-cold nights the papers go up, also, and then Jack Frost is com- pletely outwitted. The pajiers I have described wear well with care, and I like them much better than any arrangement of double sash I have ever seen."
How to Grow Chrysanthemums.
We have been much pleased at the num- ber of letters lately addressed to PopfT.AK Gardening, on the subject of Clirysanthc- mum culture. Most of these have been in- quiries from subscribers who desire to know more about how this Queen of Autumn flowers should be managed. In this may be seen an awakening as to the worth of this flower, wliich promises well for its future in America. As is always the case with tis in dealing with our readers, we are glad to present practical suggestions on plant
-.._,„. „ . . management as want- fig, t.— The Cutting Put In. , ' a- ., J. , ^ ed, hence offer the fol-
lowing on Chrysanthemum culture.
Propagation. We start with this simple process, by saying, that to increase the Chi-ysanthemum, either by striking soft cut- tings two or three inches long, as shown in figure 1. from plants recently started up, or by dividing the suckers of an old plant, each to have a few roots, is a task so easy as to need no further explanation re- garding details. As to the time of propaga- tion any month in the winter season will answer, but it is w-ell to bear in mind that the earlier it is done, the larger may be the plants grown by tlie flowering season next fall. Most large-sized exhibition plants are struck in November or December, but great tilings can be accomplished with phiiits prop- agated in this month, or even in March.
Soil. This for the young plants, or for plants at any time when growing in pots, should be a rich and substantial compost. To consist of one part well-rotted manure, to two parts de- composed sods, is aliout t li e thin g. When the plants are grown b_y bed- ding out during the summer, moderately rich soil in the beds is the best. In potting, tliere must be free drainage by the use of some pot-sherds in the bottom of each jiot, for a pasty soil is, above all things else, det- rimental to these plants.
Shifting, Etc. At all times while in the greenhouse or window, the young plants should have as much air and light as possi- l)le. With this treatment free growth will ensue. The rule as to shifting is to not over-shift or under-shift. When by ex- amination, the roots begin to show some dense mats on the outside of the ball, then shift. The middle of June readied, and the plants should be fit for eight-inch pots, or else to be bedded out, if tlwit is to be the course.
Stopping. As to how this important part should be done, or whcllicr to be done at :in
Fig. 2-A Plant After Second Stopping.
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POPULAR GARDENING.
February,
depends upon tlie kinds of Chrysantbemums grown, and upon the stjie or shape of plants wanted. When you find by the label on your plant.that it is a fine Incurved or a Late- flowering variety, do not stop the plant at all. So too, wliere the object is the growth of large and handsome flowers for cutting
Fig, 3. Standard or Tree Chrysanthemum.
or for exhibition, without special reference to the form of the plant, then the plants need no pinching.
On the other hand, the Reflexed, Free- Howering and Early-flowering kinds in all classes, may be stopped twice, and all of the Smaller flowered sorts as often as three times. The first pinching back of these should take place as early as April, by tak- ing out the point to cause a break of side liranches. Those to receive only a second pinching back, .should have this done in June, while the kinds suitable for a second and a third pinching, may receive these in the end of May and the end of June, respect- ively. Fig. 2 shows a plant just after being stopped a second time. The pinching back, should, as a rule, be done about one week in advance of a needed shift.
Forms of Pl.\nts and Staking. No matter what form of plant is grown, stakes are necessary to properly support the heavy growth and crop of bloom. The simplest form of plants, and that requiring the least attention, is the biish form. By this we re- fer to plants grown bj- bedding-out in the latter part of May or in June, stopped all over about the middle of the latter month, and to receive no other attention until the fall lifting, theu an occasional watering if the soil is dry, and a stake to keep the top from being swayed by wind. By the end of Sep- tember these ought to lie compact bushes, budded all over, and which, with going into large-sized pots now, will give a great show (if bloom such as it is, in the window or the (■(inservatory, all for a very little trouble.
The round-headed form shown by fig. 4 is one that calls for greater painstaking than the last, as regards the following points: First it is to be grown in pots throughout
the season, reaching a seven-inch or eight- inch size by June, and a ten-inch or an eleven- inch size by the end of July, the last shift. Then it is to be kept carefully staked and handled, spreading the branches properly by tying them outward to hidden stakes, that are thrust into the soil near the edge of the pots. At all times the plants must be per- fectly watered, and frequently syringed, with some help occasionally given in liquid manure, after the last shift. Finally, the buds must be thinned out to some such [ an extent as is shown in the engraving, for large flowering sorts, and some less for small bloomers, all about the end of summer.
The standard or tree form shown in fig. 3, is an attractive one. To raise these, select of the strongest plants in March, and treat specially as follows, giving the general care, prescribed in the foregoing: Shift into five- inch pots in March or April; favor the growth of the plant uprightly all you can, by keeping it tied to a light stake, and by pinch- ing back all side shoots as they appear. But these must not be stopped closely to the main stem; sufficient growth must be allowed to each, for carrying the one or two leaves needed for aiding the growth of the stem itself. When this is high enough, pinch out the tip; then tie the upper side-shoots as they appear, carefully, to tall, light stakes set in the pot. After four or five inches of growth shows on these, pinch to cause branching. This should bring us up to June, after which, pinch once more, and for the last time about July first, save the side spurs along the stem, which should finally all come away just before flowering time.
Flowering. During the interval between the last shift, or in case of summer bedding, the lifting time, and the time of bloom, the plants must be kept freely watered, or you may whistle foi' fine flowers. An occasional dose of liquid manure, say once a week, is also needed, up to the burst-
to succeed in raising some fine Chrysanthe- mum plants. Where there are to be autumn shows, efforts should be made by many to raise exhibition plants that will capture prizes. Chiysanthemum growing is an employrhent that, with judicious action and the use of good sorts, alwaj's brings gratify- ing returns to the grower, whether prizes are worked for and secured, or not.
The Window Box, Now.
Where space in which to grow plants is limited, a window box comes in play as well al this season indoors, as the same does in the summer on the outside window ledge. The advantage of the window box is, that a number of plants subsists on one and the same mass of earth, instead of each on a sep- erate lot, as in pots.
Take a dozen plants for example, and they will thrive on less soil, if that soil is in one mass, than if the same be divided into twelve masses, for in the former case the roots of different plants go over the same ground, each absorliing the food best adapted to it- self, without, in any great degree, impover- ishing it for others. This really is the secret why plants seem often to get along so much better in window boxes, than in pots.
A Fine Orchid for the Greenhouse.
The recent sale of a large private collec- tion of Orchids at auction, in New York city, amounting to some $23,000 for these plants alone, has attracted wide attention. Some buyers from as far away as Europe came to it. As high as a thousand dollars apiece was realized for some of the plants. Single specimens in other collections have been known to bring as much as $3,300.
The space at our command at present, does not permit of going deep into a consid- eration of Orchids and their culture now. This must be deferred to some future time.
FIG. 4. ROUND-HEADE
ing of the first flowers, only. The plants must, besides, be uncrowded, and receive both plenty of aid and light, but not much direct sunshine, right up to flowering. The thinning out of the buds as alluded to, is also a very important operation as effecting fine results. Now, we think any of our readers ought
D CHRYSANTHEMUM.
But we are strong believers in the principle, that the way to begin any branch of garden- ing is to begin, and with none more so than that of Orchid culture. The kind of begin- ning, however, which we advise, is one on a very moderate scale. The acquaintance with one subject, or a few subjects taken in hand, the wants of such and how to meet
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tliem then comes graduall}' ami prepares for larger operations in the same line.
So we limit this article to calling attention to one of the finest and most easily managed of the winter blooming Orchids, fivhigyne riistiita. It is a kind well suited for begin- ners to invest in for a first trial. Ko special apartment will need to be fitted up for it. as it succeeds well in an ordinary greenhouse. Neither is its price exorbitant; Mr. Bracken- bridge, of Govanstown, Md., offering liealthy plants of it at from $1 to .f3 each. The fine engraving of this Orchid wliich we lay before our readers, we are sure will lie much admired.
As to manage- ment.the follow- ing outline is offered: It should be grown in shallow pans suspended from the roof. A common green- house, where the temperature rarely rises to 60° except during the months when sun heat sends it up, will answer for it, in the main. During the summer m o nt h s the plants should be kept compara- tively dry and exposed to air freely. In No- \' e m b e r t h e j" may come to a heat of from .50" to 55°, in which t hey, at C'hrist- mas, commence to expand their lovely dove-like blossoms. After flowering thej' are to be re- potted, or the roots to be exam- ined and sup- plied with suit- able soil. This, we must mention, should consist of an admixture of fibrous peat, leaf mould and Sphagnum (packing moss) chop- ped very fine, and clean sand.
Specimens of this Orchid are in cultivation, which annually bear from two to three hun- dred robust spikes of flowers. To succeed in raising one of such iDroportions, is an aspira- tion worthy of the mind of an}' amateur florist.
Is America the Worst Fruit-grow- ing Country on Earth ?
(.)f Apples it is enough to sa}' for the quality and perfection of our products, that so high an authority as Wm. Robinson, of London, pronounces the American Apple the grandest fruit that ripens imder the sun. He, with other Englishmen, have for many years now had ample opportunity to test the qualit}' of the fruit we raise, in the large surpluses an-
nually shipped by us to the English markets. As bearing upon the extent of our crop and especiallj' as to our foreign shipments, it may be said that in one week recently, there was exported from four American ports the grand aggregate of 440,875 liarrels of prime apples, and even this quantity was less than the quantity exported in the corresponding week of the year previous. And the.se heavy shipments have been kept up for many weeks in each fall and winter of late years; yet they
A FINE ORCHID FOR THE GREENHOUSE.— CCELOGYNE CRISTATA.
have, in the aggregate, amounted to but a fraction of all the prime apples grown and marketed by our orchardists.
In Pear culture, to be sure we have suffered some from fire blight — in some places alarm- ingly so, but what effect has this had upon the yield of this fruit year by year. The fact is that our markets were never so abun- dantly supplied with fine pears as in the year just past. So large has been the yield, that for once itmaj-be.said, that nearly every American has had a chance of tasting a good Pear at a moderate price. Along with the rapid increa.se in our population, however, it would seem as if the increa.se in the yield of this fruit, and of others, has, on the whole, no more than kept pace. This certainly does not look as if those engaged in Pear culture were abandoning the pursuit very fa.st, either on account of blight or other cause.
The outlook for Grape culture in America is a very hopeful one, at the present time. When fruit culture first received attention from our forefathers, it was early seen that the delicious European Grape, Viti/! linifcm, was not adapted to our climate. (Later it was found to succeed on the Pacific slope.) Native grapes were met growing everywhere but they were immeasurably inferior to those of Europe. They possessed, however, what the others did not, namely: full adaptability to our climate. With this char- acteristic as a foundation, cul- tivators and hybridizers soon went to work to evolve improved sorts from the sour natives. The results up to the present day have been most remarkable and the end in improvement is no doubt yet far away. When the year 1858 was reached the then new Isabella was looked upon as a wonderful at- tainment in the wa}' of American Grapes. It poss- essed a certain q u a 1 i t y that could be called very good, and was found to be a reliable grower over a large range of countrj-. From that time pro.gress h as been steady and rapid in the rais- ing of better .sorts, until to-day t h e proud Isa- bella even, is r.arely kept iij) in culture, except as a curiosity, The Concord, now so justly regarded as the .greatest of
American grapes, all things considered, too seems in danger of soon being consigned to a back place with the Isabella. Among the many new claimants for a high place, there are some of such undoubtedly great merits as to lead to the belief, that we shall yet pro- duce a grape which shall be pronoimced very excellent by o\ir famous grape-growing cousins across the Atlantic.
In the meantime let no one who has a garden, hesitate to plant an abvmdance of fruit, at least for their own use, not overlook- ing the easily grown and very productive Small Fruits besides Cherries, Plums, and others, to which no reference has here been made. If the matter be taken a hold of judi- ciously all may feel assured of fair rewards for the outlay made. As for managing, shoidd you who desire to plant be un.skilled, PopuL.^^B G.\RDENiN(i offers vou aid.
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POPULAR GARDENING.
February,
About Cherries.
'Cherries are ripe"' is, in its season, a wel- come sound to all lovers of country life; to none more so than to the cliildren. The earli- ness, beauty, juiciness, delicacy and richness of the cherry, together serves to make this fruit everywhere highly esteemed. But, naturally, we must plant before we can gather fruit, hence this part of the case is now in order to be considered, as the spring season draws nigh.
As to cultivation, no fruit tree is easier to manage than the cherry. Indeed, when grown as a standard— and this is the form chiefly to be recommended— it might almost be said to require no cultivation. Of pruning it needs very little or none; manuring, it needs less than most other kinds of tmit trees; it will bear large crops under neglect that would hin- der fruitage in apples or pears. It is a fruit to give large re- turns for small outlay, and one well suited in every way for the novice at fruit growing.
What of soil; The cherry is easily suited, save in one or two respects. It will not bear an undrained soil that is wet, neither does it delight in heavy clay, so avoid these. Any light, di-y, loamy soil, that is moder- ately but not very rich, vrill do exactly. The tree will grow in thinner and drj'er soils than any other fruit tree we know of. But on land that is over-rioh the growth becomes so luxuriant, and the wood so gross, that (i-uiting will be retarded and the trunk be liable to split open in an aggravating manner, and even to cause early death.
The cherry, as to sorts, is brought under several classes. There are the Heai-t Cherries, the fruit of which is heai-t- shaped, the flesh tender and sweet. The trees of this class are of rapid growth, with large, soft, drooping leaves; leading varieties incluile the Early Pur- ple, Kniglit's Early Black, Black Tartarian, Black Eagle, and some others.
The Bigan-eaus. of which the accompanying engraving shows the type, are chiefly distin- guished from the preceding class by their firmer flesh, (jn this account they are favor- ites as dessert fruit. From among the sorts of these, choose the Yellow Spanish or Bigar- reau. Napoleon Bigarreau, Elkhorn or Trades- cant's Black Heart, and the Rockport Bigarreau, and you will not miss it, in planting.
The Duke and Morello Cherries are classes very distinct from the foregoing. The trees ai-e of smaller size, and grow slowly ; the fruit is generally round, from red to brown in color, and sub-acid to acid as to taste. The common sour cherry of American gardens belongs to this class. Among the best sorts are the Early Richmond, Belle Magnifique, May and Late Duke, Donna Maria, Montmorency and Morello.
Planters should choose some trees from each of the classes named, for a good assortment.
was fifty cents for a small plant, so small in fact that the enterprising salesman could carry his stock with him, delivering as he went.
From all we can learn of the plants sold, they must have been at least two weeks from the seed bed; had they been good sorts — which it is not likely they were — they might have been worth three cents apiece. So far were the plants from blooming that the peddler could have traveled to the land of Primroses be- fore the "sell" as to color could be revealed. Of course no one has ever seen a blue Primrose.
After all, how shrewd some of our slu-ewd business men are, when it comes to matters of flowers and gardening. The agent understood this well enough, when he went to the offices
A Bigarreau cherry, the elkhorn.
and sold plants to the husbands for their wives, instead of going and dealing with the wives themselves. A case of the selection of the fit- test. Let us prescribe for this kind of selling : Twelve doses of Popular Gardening taken in a year, at intervals of one month. Keep it up until there are visible signs of improvement.
Selling and Selling.
Mr. Tree-Agent and his near relative Mr. Plant-Peddler are the men who walk to and fro in the earth selling their stock and selling the buyers at the same time. At least in some cases they do this. A new case of such a double kind of selling has just come to our notice in this city.
A man "from Boston " just before the recent holiday season, went about canvassing among business men in their offices for the sale of some fine "Primrose plants." He could fur- nish yellow, blue and rose-colored varieties as his customers preferred. The plants, it is said, went otT like a "blue streak." The price
Propagating Vines from Single Eyes.
With ordinary varieties of (iraj^es, the wood is commonly so abundant that there is little need in stopping short of the use of long cuttings in propagation. Not so with new sorts which it may be desirable to increase rapidly.
Where there is a propagating house, to in- crease the stock from single-eye cuttings, is easily accomplished. It may not be known that the same thing is readilj' possible with the use for about a month in the spring of a glass-cover- ed frame. But the process is somewhat diiler- ent. In tliis case the wood should be cut up and mixed with sand or light earth, in shallow boxes. These should go into the frames, or they may be set in a greenhouse three or four weeks before planting-out time, say at May 1st in the north.
When the gnnind becomes warm, later, plant out in light, warm soil, covering about an inch and a half deep. In favorable seasons good plants will result, and especially in the case of free-growing sorts.
Some of ttie Newer Vegetables.
The Chairman o( the Michigan Hoi-ticultural Society, Prof. W. W. Tracy, reports on new vegetables of recent introduction, after actual experience with every sort named, as follows:
Most of the new beans, it is feared mark no real advance on old sorts. The Black-eyed Wax Bean, while handsomer than the Golden Wax, is a little inferior in quality. It is an abund- ant and early bearer, and on this account may prove valuable. The Godard or Boston Favor- ite is lai'ger, handsomer, more hardy and pro- ductive than the Horticultural, and promises to take the place of that variety. The Beans of the type of Canadian Wonder are not prov- ing especially desirable. Ivy-pod and Crystal- pod, while possessed of some striking qualities, cannot crowd out the Valentine or Golden Wax. The Dwarf Mont d'Or proves to be inferior for general use to tlie Black Wax, while the Green Flageolet makes little headway. Of Pole Beans, no new sorts are unquestion- ably superior to the old sorts.
In Celery, the White Plume and other "self blanching" sorts, while proving successful in some private gardens, have not seemed to meet the wants of a single commercial grower; they are not equal in quality to the Golden Heart and other well-known standai'd sorts.
Of Corn, the Marblehead has, with the exception of its red cob, seemed to be all that could be hoped for in the way of very early, but Corey, with a white cob proves a little earlier. This new sort seems entitled to first place for extra early.
The Kolb's Gem Watermelon is very promising. It seems to do as well at the north as at the south, and succeeils where many other varieties fail.
In Peas, in spite of the many new sorts offered we think the ordinary grower will be best suited with First and Best for extra early. American Wonder for dwarf. Premium Gem and Yorkshire Hero for general crop, and Champion of Eng- land for late, but Evei-bearing, Abundance, Strategem, Market Garden, are all worthj- of trial. In Radishes the Chartrers promises to be a real acquisition, and to take the place of olil Long Scarlet. It is lai-ger, of a lighter color, does better out of doors (but not for forcing), and remains crisp much longer than Scarlet.
The Pineapple Squash, although popular, hahdsome and distinct, is not of so good quality as the Perfect Sun and some others.
The same writei' says that the limit in the improvement of Tomatoes seems to have been reached in the Favorite or the Optimus.
As for the Beet, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Carrot, Cuciunber, Egg Plant, Lettuce, Muskmelon, Onion, Parsnip, Parslej', no improvements have been made as to varieties that aie worthy of notice. He concludes his report with the cau- tion that while it is a good thing to " prove all things," it is also well to remember to " hold fast to that which is good."
A Veritable Bull's Nose. A new and giant Bull-nose Pepper that has fruit 7 to 8 inches long, and 4 to .5 inches in diameter is announced from Europe. What mangoes they will make!
Those fond of Spinach should calculate to sow some as early as the soil can be worked, to follow the fall-sown <'rop. A second spring sowing may follow the first, by two weeks.
Fresh manures excite trees into rapid growth injuriously; the wood becomes feeble and watery.
Soil has much to do with the flavor ol Sweet Potatoes; best on light, sand}- land.
Test-sowings of old seeds is good pastime now.
Plums do the best on a clay loam.
Plan now for an early garden.
i886.
POPULAR GARDENING.
57
City Flowers.
Oh citj- flowers, what kiu are you
To country eliildreii of sun and dew:'
Hothouse-bred posies, glad to be sold,
To bloom and be sweet merely for gold I
Willing to play your prettiest i>art
For Jack and the bride of his honest heait;
Or to fill the air with perfume rare
As Ethebel waltzes with wild Dick Dare.
And yet though I know you sometimes go
With a message of hght to the home of woe -
And weary and woeful things are you
To the little flower girl, " tired all through."
Nature disowns you, O flowers of town.
And even when Sorrow shall laj' you down
On the new-made grave, you are worked in a
wreath. As lifeless and cold as the clay beneath.
—Puck: Roses come line now,
Lent begias on March 14th.
The Violet signifies faithfulness.
One florist forces Sweet Peas in winter.
Large flowers are the choice this season.
Croton leaves i^re called for, in bouquets.
The graceful Deutzia appears this month.
Easter Sunday falls on Aj^ril 25, this year.
Orchids are very fashionable— but the price 1
Don't pronounce Smilax as if it was spelled Smilox.
Floral Valentines are much in vogue in eastern cities.
Berthe capes of fine flowers are worn b}- misses and debutantes.
Stylish, gowns for evening wear, are more em- beUished than ever w ith flowei"s and light gi'eens.
Not a more exquisite novelty lias appeared for years than the new double Violet. Swanly White. It is a pin-e white and not a tinged soi-t.
Sashes of Hoses, thrown across the breast from one shoulder to the side of the skirt and ending in a tassel of Lily of the Valley or Lilacs, are in style.
Bunches of fresh Violets stowed away beneath the garments, afford the only perfumery some of our belles will have about them. We admire their taste.
The pressed fan-like leaves of the not very com- mon (iiukgn or IMaiden Hair Tree, are said to be used by New Yttrk florists for creating Japanese effects.
We are free to denominate the " Rock of Ages" design when properly made, and with the base in imitation of various-sized rocks, as the niost sublime floral conception of the day.
' Yes, they're Lovely, but they'll be cheaper In June."
Mignonette, "the sweetest flower of the garden yet," is much improved by the increase of sunshine and lengthened days. It is in large demand for wear with walking costumes.
A large Floral Piece, There was recently made in New York city, aTi elab':>rate floral reproduction of tile Parisian Arc de Triomphe, 38 feet high and ;i4 feet in spun, and 3 feet in thickness.
Make a note of this: The American Beauty Rose is to take a high place among forcing roses. It is large, atti'active, prolific and very easily grown. Peter Henderson's new catalogue shows a fine col- ored plate of one.
Where Camellia plants are large and some leaves woidd not l)e missed, a few of these retained with
the flowers when cut add much to tlieir beauty, A dab of niucilage aroimd the base of the blooms, will often hold the petals together much longer than otherwise thej' would be.
The floral screen has this season supplanted the bell and thearlior as a chief piece at fashionable weddings, the contracting parties standing before it during the ceremony, or if this was performed in church, for receiving congratulation. The screen is made chiefly of foliage and Roses in clusters.
A handsome costume with its floral adornments is thus decrilietl: Tin- material was a peai-h colored silk with overdress ipf Canton crepe of the same tint. Pale pink Begonia blossoms, each drooping petals of which seemed frosted with silver, were profusely scattered over corsage and skirt, each bunch being held by a coral branch of that faint rose color, so rare and costlj-.
In disposing of flowers in designs, follow nature's suggestions. For instance, if there is an upright design, use kinds about the base of the piece like Lily of the Vallej-, Violets, Daffodils and so on. which grow and bloom near the earth, and Roses, Azaleas, Carnations. Orchids that grow higher up, in the top parts of the design. Not that this rule should be obeyed very strictly, but if observed in the main, there will be no mistake made.
The Climbing Asparagus. Were florists to start in and grow this new relative of the Smilax plant on a large scale, we believe they would miss it. Al- though possessed of a certain kind of deUcate beauty, there is something common looking about the gi'owth— remindful of the garden asparagus— that does not tend, to fascinate buj'ers. As a stand- ard garlanding material, after the craze for it as a- novelty is past, it cannot take the place of Smilax; for use as an edging gi'een, or for touching up floral work, the feathery Maiden Hair and other ferns are yet far ahead.
Dotanic^lOvid^et
All flowers naturally turn towards the light.
Leaves with parallel veins are rarely divided,
America has more of the Japanese flora than Europe has.
Dr. Asa Gray's portrait is given in the .January number of the Botanical Gazette.
The stomata, or breathing pores of leaves that float on the water, all belong to the upper side.
Of the Hickory group there are but ten known species, nine of which belong to the United States.
A new Botanic Garden has been incorporated at Montreal, recently, and is in fidl working order so far as is practicable. With the opening of spring, the grounds will be laid out and buildings will be put up.
Characteristic names of plants, while the best do not always hold true, for example, the Chiys- anthenuuu was so called from its golden yellow- blossoms. Now there are many white flowered species.
Leaves vary in size with the latitude. In the warmer jiortions of the earth, they are the largest, the sizes growing smaller as we move towards the frigid regions. Of large leaved plants of the tropics, we have striking examples in the Paln:is, Tree-ferns, Bananas, Victoria regia, etc.
The temperature of growing fruit according to Dr. Urd, as given in the British Medical Journal,, is one or two degrees lower than that of water in a bottle suspended at the side of the fruit. A dif- ference of a degree was also recorded between the two extremities of the fi"uit, which represents dif- ferent stages of growth.
Fuchsia Fruit. All who have grown the Fuchsia must have noticed the fleshy fruit which holds the seeds. This, as at present known, is not lacking in a flower that is fair to the taste. It was long ago suggested that gardeners paj* attention to imijrov- ing this fruit in size and flavor; we have yet to hear of any jirogress made. Who shall raise tlie first edible-fruited Fuchsia?
The Study of Plants in Winter. -Ul our peren- nials have winter states wlticli are full of interest to the student. The writer of this note has taken classes of young people, who knew nothing of Bot- any, and set them at work in mid-winter studying the out-of-door vegetation, with nothing but their eyes, pocket-knives, pencils and note-books in the way of apparatus and helps. The structure, posi- tion and functions of buds, the structure of twigs antl branches, including wood, bark and pith, the structure of the fruits and seeds, of various trees and shiiibs, were taken up in succession, with con- stantly increasing interest. No text-book was used,
the pupil depending upon his own resources entirely. By the time that spring came witli its bursting buds, lis leaves and its flowers, these trainee! young eyes were eager for- their study.— --l/ncr/cfnf .V((^»- nilist.
The Botanical Gazette. Populah GAHUKNiNn hails every indication of an advancing taste in Botany, with delight. This is especially true when it comes to the matter of a demand for, and the supply of information iin botaiucal suljjt.'cts, suited to the wants of the peojile. We are lead to these remarks by seeing in the last issue of the Botanical duzrtti-, published by John M. Coulter, Crawfords- ville, Indiana, that this excellent journal is being enlargi'd to a Iwcnty-fuur page paper, With the enlargement there are to be various other iniprove- nienls, among which is to be an increase in the number and quality of tlie engravings. A feature of great merit is to be the one giving the latest ad- vances in every dejiartment of Botany, in popular language for general readers. AVe bespeak for the Gazettt, in its new departure, a very successful ca- reer. Its price is ^'-IM a year,
ABOUT THE PLACE.
Be sure the stable lamps are safe.
Put ladders and such things in order.
Fences are often weed harbors; lessen them.
Crude i)etroleum is one of the best preservatives of im painted woodwork.
You don't need spring weather to make plans, if you do to carry them out.
If gates or fences are out of order, it never will pay to postpone repairing until the busy season.
It's not economy to work along with poor tools. Now there is time for looking into the merits of any new ones.
The manure f i'»;>m the hog-fattening j^en is nearly as rich as poultry dung: just the thing for the gar- den. Save it uji with scrupulous care. *
Small Farming. In England the opinion is more and niore gaining ground that in this, together with special culture, is to Ije foimd the greatest im- provement in future agriculture. That is a lesson we, too, shall yet learn by experience.
The old Wasps' nests that hang about looking whohy untenanted are not always so. They may have perfect insects in them in a dormant state, and on this account should be deslroj'ed. You can count that every female killed now will prevent a bother- some nest the coming season.
Are you starting in bee-keeping, or are you about to move your collection of bees to a new site? Then listen to our advice as to location of the apiary. Don't set the hives in a place too quiet and secluded. Bees that rarely see hiunan beings, be- come savage and troublesome, whereas if tiiey see people passing, and have the advantage of human society, they become very docile, as if the going into society had a refining etTect on them as it does on some i>ei>ple.
After coming up through the yard, into the house, during some of these fierce and biting gales, take enough of your leisure at the warm fireside to plan for setting out some etfective evergreen wind-screens next spring. Don't know what kind to sety We tell you, freely, that the White Pine, Austrian Pine and the Norway Spruce are among the quickest growing of these, and they are not at all expensive. Start with young trees, planting, say five feet apart, and not too regular; make the soil rich, keep it cleau of weetls and the tree will be eight feet high in a few years. Then, the addition to the comfort and beauty of the home, will be worth a hundred times more thau the cost amount- j ed to. A word to the wise is sufiicient.
The man who finds no interest iu a growing
compost or maniu-e heap can find little interest in
tilling the soil. Manure is food to plants, just as
j hay and oats are food to horses. If we would
i have vigorous, beautiful iilauts, and the products
' uf plants, the food must be right. This month is a
I very favorable one for gathering up manure.
Wherever there are teams owned about gardens
and farms, these are now comi)aratively idle so far
I as other work goes, and can be put into use at ma-
, mu'e hauling. The roads are favorable, too, now,
being either iu order for sledding or else frozen so
solid that a pavement might be said to extend from
every stalile to evei*y field. These hard roads will
not keep long; the most should be made of them.
Let the manure be gathered u]) and hauled out into
heaps of a load or more each, near where wanted,
j and then the distribution over the lantl will be a
I short job when spring opens. Put notyoui* trust tn
bone or other commercial raamu-es, so long as stable
manure can be bought at $3 or less per ton,
58
POPULAR GARDENING.
February,
0\1
Itry.
Fencesfor Poultry Yards.
No inateiial would seem to be more suitable for fences than woven galvanized wire, were it not that this, of its own accord, provides no protection from winds in winter. Where the yard is well sheltered by plantations of ever- green trees, not too far away, this objection, of course, loses its force. Then with the gi-een verdure of the trees in neai" conjunction the year round, a well-painted woven-wire fence presents a neat and pleasing appearance.
A picket fence six or seven feet high makes a complete kind of a bai'rier, but the expense is an objection to many. Where something cheaper is wanted we would suggest a lath fence. One of these, if rightly built, will last for three or more years, and answers for all ordinary pvirposes well, indeed.
In making a lath fence, a height of six feet, at least, should be aimed for. If it be seven it would be better. The addition of a board next to the ground would of coui'se bring the six-foot length, which we recommend for the lath part, up to this.
Posts for the fence should be set eight feet apart. They should bear three strips length- wise, on which to nail the lath ; or the lower one might be dispensed with, nailing directly on the bottom board. The middle strip should be raised two feet above the lower strip, or board, and the top one three feet higher.
As to lath : Use four-foot ones in whole and half lengths. The former are to be nailed from the middle strip npwai'd, and will project be- yond the upper rail one foot. The latter should be used on the lower space, between the hori- zontals. As these are but two feet long, if placed close together, say an inch apart, and well nailed, the bottom of the fence wiU be strong enough to resist considerable pressure, keeping off dogs, and even larger animals. The upper section may have the laths some- what further apart, say two inches.
The outlay needed for such a fence is very small. If it be well made and treated to a coat of crude petroleum thickened somewhat with mineral paint, and applied with a brush, it will not only look remarkably neat, but will last for a number of years.
Keeping Individual Records.
Mr. E, L, Requa, of Higland Mills, in this state, is right when he says that if we kept in- dividual records our poultry would soon be lay- ing more eggs. By this course one can see ex- actly which birds produced the largest number. Poor hens can be weeded out, with no poor progeny to follow. Here are his practical ob- servations on this matter, from the Ponltrij Bulletin:
Take, then, 12 hens of any breed, as a good number to try with. Do not let them run at large, or you lose track of the eggs laid in stolen nests. The true test is one year's time, with hens well cared for; this will give the ex- cellence of the flock as egg layers. Keep the male bu'd confined by himself, except during the breeding mouths.
In keeping an egg record you will learn many things about your birds that you never before noticed. Thi-ee hundi-ed and sixty-five days is a long time to keep a daily record, but it is in setting down the figures of mouth after month that you will find out the valueless na- ture of any record taken at some particular season of the year, when the hens are either laying very well or very poorly.
If the record shows poorly for certain fowls it will cause you to look into the reasons why it is so. If it shows well you may then know- just what to do to make hens lay, as you've only to go right on as you've begun. There- fore, I say, keep an egg record: My egg
record is as follows : 13 Leghorns — number of eggs laid between November 1st, 1883, and No- vember 1st, 1884, 2916; average per hen for year, 243 eggs. This I call a big record.
About Roosts.
Nearly one-half of a hen's short Lifetime is spent on the roosts. We should, therefore, not be always planning for her when off of the roosts, and then giving the matter of night accommodations hardly a thought.
As for room on the roosts, each hen in a house should have at least one foot of space. One hundred hens would then reqiure ten roosts ten feet long. Keep them as near level as you can, else there will be strife for the higher places; with "upper ten" crowds, consisting of the pluckiest.
The perches should be placed not nearer than a foot apart — fifteen inches would be a better distance. Make them part of a frame that is hinged against the wall, and which can be raised up out of the way for cleaning out the droppings. Another thing: We cannot ap- prove of placing the roosts as high up as they are often put, but rather within two feet of the floor. Our reasons: The air is less pure the higher up we go — a most important consid- eration for the health, — and fowls, especially heavy ones, are often lamed by flying down from high roosts.
For the perch, a rough pole with the bark on answers better than any other. To such an one the claws cling more readily than to a smooth one ; besides, the bark is softer than wood. By far the greater number of perches are too light. In om- houses we want them not less than three inches in diameter, and from this running up to four inches. Small and smooth perches are a prolific cause of deformed breast bones, for the fowls cannot cling to them without an undue strain as to posture and to certain important muscles of the body.
Incubators and Handling Them.
Mr. P. H. Jacobs, a correspondent of the Rural New Yorker, writes on this subject as follows: It is impossible to state which is the best incubator. Many are offered, each with some pai'ticular merit of its own. Though some of them are well equipped for regulating the heat, supplying moisture, and turning the eggs, yet, aft^r all, almost everything depends upon the operator. The novice may have been led, by the exaggerated praises of the makers, to rely upon the machine too exclusively, and thus have been induced to overlook many little details that require hiunan attention. While it would require a lengthy article to fully de- scribe an incubator, it may be said that any device, by which the temperature can be kept uniformly at 103°, with proper provision for air and moisture, will hatch eggs, though suc- cess depends largely upon the vitality of the pai'ent stock.
In operating any incubator, the common errors are the handUng of the eggs too much, and the meddling of curious people. Let method and business-like conduct prevail. The first two days the eggs should not be disturbed at all, not even to turn them, as the heat should be well maintained at a temperature fully up to 103 degi'ess, and without variation, in or- der to give the germ an advantageous start, which is very important. After the second day the eggs should be turned twice a day (morning and evening), and cooled well once daily. A pan of water under them, with a few moist sponges in the egg di-awer, will usu- ally supply all necessary moistm-e where there is not a constant stream of warm air flowing through the incubator. When the chicks have nearly reached the time for brealiing the shells, they wiU pai-tially heat the egg drawer with th6ir bodies, and at the time of coming out a temperature of 102 degrees is better than a higher one. At Hammonton, New Jersey, all the incubators used are home-made, some being
heated with lamps, while others ai'e operated simply by pouring in a supply of hot water once or twice daily, and the hatches vary from 40 to 90 per cent, according to the quality of the eggs and the cai'e bestowed upon them during incubation. Upon one farm two young ladies managed thwhatching of 3,000 chicks last winter and propose to double that number this season. The prices obtained for the chickens ranged from 3.5 to fi.5 cents per pound, according to earliness.
CONDENSED POULTRY NOTES
Neatness is its own reward.
Brown eggs are favorites with bu.rers.
Hens are early risers; feed to correspond.
Never breed Javas from red-feather fowls,
A very common tault^allowing too mauy fowls to run and to roost together,
£ggs laid without shells come from overfeed- ing, and lack of lime in the feed.
The best plan is to change the poultry run once a year. With portable fencing it can readily be done.
Time. It perhaps ought to be told for the ben- efit of some, that hens' eggs hatch in 20 days; tur- keys' and clucks" in 28 days; geese's in 30 days.
For lining coops and houses tarred felt is to be preferred to an}- other material; insects have decided objections to taking up their residence within the layer.
Bats are a pest about the chicken yard. Cats, sometimes, are almost as bad. Do you know how the former detest chloride of lime? If this is scat- tered about their runs freely the.v will clear out.
Meat, in some shape, is always recommended as one important element of the l^ood of laying hens. But meat is not alw ays to be had for this purpose on farms, A good substitute is milk, in one form or another, and no farm is without this.
In considering tlie profit of keeping poultry about the home, too often we forget the large item of home consumption of the products. Now, we suggest that you keep a close account of this, day by day, during the year. You'll be astonished at the footing next December.
We visited some poultry houses a short time ago, tiie lloors of which were asphalt, of smooth surface. On this was scattered an inch deep of sawdust. The appearance certainly was clean and nice. The sawdust was swept up with a hand broom and replaced, every Saturday,
Not enough light, especially the sunlight, is very objectionable in a poultry house. Too much light is also not good, for this means much glass surface, and glass is cold. Put windows of ample dimen- sions, and make them movable to admit of their use as ventilators. Shutters, to close up against the windows in cohl nights, are of great value.
The poultry raisers are taking a lively inter- est in P, G., and this we expected. Some even de- clare that its contents yield as much pith and sub- stance on hen matters as the regular journals in this line. This we will not contradict. Now, what we want, is, that every poultry raiser hatch out a club of ten subscribers for us. That 50,000 must come, somehow ! The earlier at it the better.
With laying begun, there will be an appetite for more food: with more food there should be more exercise, so don't neglect now to get up an ample scratching box. Most any kind of light, di*y material in it, into which some gi-ain has been scattered, and worked in a little with the food, will do. Remember how that hens, more than any other live stock, naturall.v exercise themselves in gather- ing food. Besides roaming about for it. they scratch, scratch, and peck, peck, almost constantly, working the muscles of the body at a great rate. It is policy to meet this natural w-ant. How verj- easily done.
Stoves in the Hen House. The Poultry Joumul is of the opinion that the principal value of ar- tificial heat in the poultry house is when its sit- uation is against getting the full benefit of the winter sun. In such cases the use of a small heat- ing stove during the coldest w-eather will Iw found very beneficial. A little heat will guard against anv danger from frost-bitten combs and wattles, and will matei'ially aid in producing a more satisfactory supply of eggs. However, where the house is fitted up wanu and comfortable, and there is plenty of glass in the south side of the coop, which will give the fowls the f uU benefit of the winter's sun, there is but httle need of any artificial heat, as they will get .ilon^ nearly as well without it.
i886.
POPULAR GARDENING.
59
-^W
outiGjfepPL4^
Treeclimber's Talks.
EVERIiREEN LEAVES.
My remarks ou leaves in the December issue, have brought out a request from a young reaii- er iu Western Peuusvlvania, that I say some- thing about the leavesof Evergreens. I suppose the beauty of some Pines or other Evei'greens, neai" my correspontlent's home, leads him to think that this class, which have such attractive coats of green in the winter, are more entitled to attention now, than such kinds as ai'e not. If so, I think him quite right.
The most striking difference between the leaves of Evergi'eeus and of decid- uous trees (the kinds that shed their leaves annually) is found in their
TIME OF DURATION.
Those of the latter, we know, fall at some time not long after the end of each season's growth, a new crop ap- pearing the following season. The leaves of evergi'cens, on the other hand, not only keep their color and live through the winter, but in some in- stances reach considerable age. Those of numerous sorts get to l)e three or four yeai's old before falling; while kinds like Spruce and Fir hold theirs six or seven years, and the Yew, of which an engraving is shown, even longer.
My young friend, no doubt, has noticed the leaves of evergreens closely enough to see, that in structure they are well fitted to endure for a long time. Take the leaves of other trees, and it is a common thing to see them
MARRED BT BREAKS
and cracks before the end of their season, because of being somewhat fragile in stiiictui'e. Not so with the needles of Pines and other evergreens, whioh usually possess a tough texture, that prevents this very effectually.
Then when an early fall of .snow arrives, our Maples, Horse-chestnuts, and so ou, have their leaves often much broken by the snow, that ad- heres to them. But evergreens are rarely s^eu to suffer from snow-falls, however heavy they may be, for their leaves, being glossy, tend to cast off the snow, Indeetl, young evergreens may be completely drifted under, and yet owing to the nature of their leaves, they will suffer little, or none, when the banks settle and melt away.
And did you ever see
CATTLE BROWSE OFF THE LEAVES
of evergreens? I think not, although they will freely devoui" the young leaves of deciduous trees, when they can reach them. Here, nature has again provided for their protection, but in different ways for different kinds. In most of the resinous evergreens the leaves have either an astringent or aromatic taste which render them dista-steful. You can easily test the dif- ference between evergreen and other leaves, in this respect, yourself.
Then there are a number of otlier kinds of evergi'eens. the leaves of which are
PROTECTED BY THORXS AND SPINES.
SO that uo browsers care to nip them. Of this class, the Holly, with needles set firmly along the edge of the leaves, is a familiar example. The branches of this bush, which are nmch used for room and chui'ch decoration at the holida)' season, can only be handled with im- punity to delicate hands, by wearing gloves. The Junipers, in numerous sorts, afford another example of this, the sharp points to the leaves
pricking almost like thistles. The Hemlock, and in fact, most kinds of evergreens possess, to some extent, this armed feature for defense. I am glad my young correspondent has in- vited notice to this subject of evergreen leaves, for those of no other class are more interesting or beautiful. Indeed, as we consider that they are present both along with the leaves of de- ciduous kinds, and also in their absence, lend- ing a peculiar cliarm to the snowy scenes of winter, we nmst count upon them as among the most desirable of all the herbaceous embel- lishments of the Temperate Zone.
Timothy Treeclimber.
ping from the Ciiirininili Eiiijiu'rcr, sliows in a striking light the great rise of some of our leading men since their youth:
111 ISS'3, a (liniier party was given in New York ("it.v- Senator Henry (t. Davis sat at one end oi the tahlp. Kx-Secretary Simon Cameron of Pennsylva- nia sat at the otlier. and (ieii. W. T. Sherman at the head. The (ieneral be^aii a rcniiniscenee of his life by saying:
" Wheii I was a Lieuteuant "
"Come. now. Sherman," interrupted Mr. Iiavis. " were yon ever a Lieutenaiity "
" Ves'. Davis." he replied. "I was a Lieutenant about the time you were a brakenian on a freight train."
" Well, boys," observed Cameron. " I don't sup- pose either of you ever cut eordwood fur a living, as Irtid. •
A Lost Ring Found by a Vegetable, i "Is this my train?" asked a traveler of a A curious instance of this kind transpired dejiot lounger, " I don't know," was the reply ; some time ago in Sweden, A lady at garden- ' "I see its got the name of some railroad com- pany on the side, and expect it belongs • to them. Have you lost a train any-
where?"
A child who is taught to observe and to think is educated. The child who is taught to remembei', only, is merely loaded as a pack-horse. He carries a great deal, but it does little good.
EVERGREEN LEAVES OF THE YEW TREE.
making time, neglected to remove a gold ring that she had on her finger, when she went out to sow some seeds. During the work, the ring- unconsciously sli])ped from her finger, and when missed, could nowhere be found. As the sequel goes to show, she must have dropjjed it into one of the holes made when setting out some ('eleriac. The ring was given up for lost, and with the exception of an occasional regret at this, attention to the matter passed awaj'. But when winter came around, some C'eleriac was being prepared one day for soup, when, imagine the surprise of the woman, to find her lost ring on one of the finger-like roots of the vegetable. This root somehow found its way through the ring, aud here continueil to gi-ow until filled out, aft«"rwards holding it securely.
They Began at the Foot-
Ixeneral Garfield once said that he always felt like doffing his hat to the ordinary Amer- ican boy, because of the possibilities that were wrapped up in him. He said that he might be saluting a future president or senator in the hoy. Boys, and especially those of poor pai-ents. are not so apt to take such a view of the case, and yet they should remember that a large proportion of the great men of our country started life as poor Ixiys, in very humble circumstances. The following olii)-
PET BIRDS, ANIMALS, ETC-
Mocking Birds must be kept warm.
Canaries set two weeks, or a day less.
Avoid draughts on cages if you would avoid colds.
Young Cuban Parrots, warranted to make talkers, can be bought for $6 each.
A queer, whisper-like cough in a bird, should be looked upon as alarming; it may lead to asthma and death. The best remedy is a little Cayenne pepper sprinkled over the food.
The tenacity of pussy's life is prover- bial; she has, "niue lives." as the saying goes. A western editor whose office cat was accidentally killed by a pi-inting press, announced the circumstance with a strik- ing head-Hue, as follows: " dreadful acci- dent 1 NINE I.IVES lost! ''
Breeding Canaries, Hatching reciuiies care, for not all birds will mate. An old cock and a .young hen or vice versa should go together; so too, those with well-con- trasted colors, — for instance, a Jonque cock should have a mealy heu, and a green bird a yellow mate, or a clear yellow cock be mated with a variegated greeu aud white hen; two crested birds must never be put together, or the progeu.y will be baldheaded. Keep the birds to be mated in separate cages until they attract each other and show a loving mood, when they should, after a da,v or so, be put into a perfectly clean breeding-cage. For the nest, provide a nest-bag and sc^me moss, cow hair and cotton wool— not too much uf the latter, lest the birds get their claws entangled in it. After this, no more needs to be done besides the ordinary care in fee<l- ing, keeping clean aud so on, but to wait for results.
Monkeys, It is hard to account for the pre.iudice against monkeys as pets, fvv they are amusing, in- telligent and not hard t.o care for in cages. The,v learn to eat and driuk almost everything that is used by man. aud show a great fondness for sweet things, and, it must be added, for alcoholic liquors. As to kiuds, (rntden Ihiys lately had the following to Sii.v: There are about four kinds of ])et monkeys kept for sale. The ring-tail, from .\frica, is so called because it s\\iiigs and heljts itself to climb with its tail. AU others i-Iimb with their hands only. The pig-tail monkey comes from the Isthmus of Panama aud is about the same size as tlie ring- tail. His tail is stubby aud short, like that of a pig. If not considered a handsome monkey, he is ver.v popular. The .Java monkey has along tail, but it seems to be more for ornament than use. All of these monkeys are worth from twenty to thii-Iy dol- lars each, according to size. The little maniioset. a native of Brazil, is the most diminutive of known monkeys. In fact, he is too small to he very healthy- in our harsh climate. They can he readily pnr chased for ten dollars each. Placed in company with a larger monkey, they seem to tlii-ive better. The bigger one takes gi'eat care of the smaller one. shielding him, as far as practicable, from the cold, and exerting himself to keep him clean. Some times, indeed, he kills him with kindness.
6o
POPULAR GARDENING.
February,
^e Household
Home Upholstery.
The covers of well-made chairs, sofas and other upholstered fiirnitirre, yield to wear and tear long before other parts do; the woodwork, ill fact, should outlast a number of covers. It is less of a job to re-cover such furniture than some would suppose, and many a dollar could be saved by frugal housewives, with littledetri- ment to the appearance of the work, if they would uudertake the doing of this themselves.
The old cover, carefully removed by di'awing the tacks, and laid out on new fabric , at once furnishes a perfect pattern for the new cover. So of any linings, back-covers, etc., that ought to be replaced. Care should be taken to maj'k the place of the buttons on the new cloth before it is brought into position for fastening.
Fsually, but not in all cases, the springs will need to be changed for new ones. You can procure such of any upholsterer at about the price he would charge if he was to put them in himself. Buttons, tacks and other trimmings can be picked up at dry goods and furnitui-e stores ; as a general thing the expense for these is very small. The cloth ma3' be procured from the same source. In choosing a fabric do not be misled into taking one of poor quality because the price sounds low. The best is the cheapest here in the long run, always.
One of the best fabrics for covering furni- ture is mohair plush. It is handsome, and in point of durabilitj' can hardly be excelled by any other material. Do not confound this with the more showy and equally expensive silk plush; the latter will not begin to give equal satisfaction to the other.
Ready for the work, put the springs, linings, and so on in place precisely as thej- were be- fore. The outside cover should be exactly the same shape as the old one was. This brought in place, should first be secured by buttoning down. For this use a long darning needle and double linen cord. Push the needle up from the under side, string on the button and return the needle a little to one side of the stai-tiug place. Then tie the threads tightly.
After the buttoning is eveiilj- done all over, tack down the edges. Do not start at one place and finish completely as you go, but fii'st stretch out the cover and drive in a stay tack here and there, all around, first. After tack- ing, trim off the edges of the cloth where needed, and finish with upholstering braid, either fastening this with ornamental tacks or sewing it on with a crescent-shaped needle. A coat of furniture varnish or oil over the wood- work, will complete the job.
Behavior Towards the Sick.
Sickness is one of the conditions of our error- committing humanity: every home, sooner or later, sees more or less of it. But with an ad- vancing civilizati(m the knowledge of how to treat the sick, and how to render them more comfortable, is on the increase, while less of drugs are in use than ever before.
We have asked a proficieut nurse, a graduate from the Buffalo (Teneral Hospital Training School, to prepare a few notes on the subject at the head of this article, for our columns, to which she very kindly responded as follows:
" Convince any patient under youi' charge of your willingness to serve, then allow her to do about all the asking as to whatever will add to her comfort. When leaving the room it is jjroiJer enough for the nurse to inquire whethei' ' anything more ' can be done, thus making it easier for the patient to ask for the little ser- vices which, while often important, might otherwise be passed by.
" Never appear fussy in the sick room. Never appear hurried, for no sick person can feel comfortable in requiring aid from an attendant who is 'flying around" as if she had no time
to spai-e for her. Never hurry a patient in making up his or her mind; weak or aching heads often think slowly.
"Creueral visitors, as a rule, ai'e the di-ead of every good nurse, and sometimes the death of the patient, I verily believe. Why persons who are interested in the recovery of a .sick friend should persist in fatiguing that friend by a visit, when every effort is being made to add strength to strength for her recovery, is one of the mai-vels. While injudicious visiting is to be condemned, let not tlie well neglect pay- ing attentions to the sick; it really is a gi-eat comfort to those who are afflicted, to know that their friends in the busy world remember them. This can be done by making inquiries, men- tioning your name and regards, or by sending a s.vmpathetic note or message, or an occa- sional bunch of flowers, books, fruit or little deUcacies which it has been ascertained can be eaten. All these attentious are in order and will afford helpful pleasure without exhausting the strength that is being so carefully hus- banded. A golden rule for all friends of sick persons should be this : ' Consider your own satisfaction secondary to the welfare of the patient.'
"Convalescents, chronic cases, and some sur- gical cases, usually enjoj' visitors. But even then, as a rule, visits should be short and only by members of the family or intimate friends. They should not follow each other so closely as to preclude the needed rest between."
convulsions from having overloaded the stomach, an instantaneous remedy is a heaping teaspoonful of common salt and as much ground mustard, stirred rapidly in a teacup of water. It is scarcely down before it begins to come up, bringing with it the remaining contents of the stomach. Lest there be any remnant of poison, however small, let the white of an egg and sweet oil or butter or lard— several spoonfuls — be swallowed immediately after vomiting, because these very common articles nullify a larger number of vu*ulent poisons than any medicines in the shops.
Brieflets,
Weighed in their own scales— fish.
Dry lli>- lin dishes before puttiug away.
Good sleep and good health go together.
Blue for table-ware does not harmonize with white.
Use a « arm knife in cutting warm bread and the like.
A layer of leather in the ironing liulder makes it cooler ti) use.
In changing dinner com-ses have the plates removed from the right side.
Celery has two good qualities on the table; strictly useful, strictly ornamental.
Unaired and unclean cellers are very unhealthy. It the emanations from them do not kill in a night, they frequently do undermine the health of families in the comse of time.
Prunes. They are not appreciated as the.v de- serve. The}' are easily digested, and wholesome even to stomachs that will not bear much variety. They are refreshing and healthful to all; the}' are inexpensive. They are conveniently prepared. Stew slowly for two hours.
Soup, It is said that " many cooks spoil the broth,'" but instances have occurred where one cook has not succeeded in making good soup. Here are thi'ee fundamental principles in the art: Start with the meat in cold water; don't salt it until after the skhnmiug: boil slowly, or better yet, keep it at a simmer.
Don't whine about your real or imaginary com- plaints. As a common thing people who always ap- pear well and happy are the most popular. When asked about your health, make a favorable reply if at all possible. It doesn't make you feel any worse, and your interlocuter will go away in a better frame of mind than if you had given him a full and de- tailed account of j'our many aches and pains. If yon must tell your internal troubles go to the doc- tor, who is paid for listening to just such matters.
To Cook an Old Hen. I killed a hen. more than six years (■Id, liut in good condition. Cooked in the onliuary way she would have been uueatably tough. Instead. I gently stewed her about four hours. I cannot guarantee to the maintenance of the theoretical temperature, having suspicion of some sunmering. After this she was left in the water until it cooled, and on the following day \\ as roasted in the usual manner. /. c, in a roasting oven. The result was excellent; as tender as a full grown tender chicken, roasted in the ordinary way. and of quite equal flavor, in spite of the very good broth obtained by the preliminaiy stewing. A writer in Clientistri/ of Cooking.
Worth Knowing. A medical journal, the name of which we cannot now command, gives the fol- lowing simple anti'lote for home use: If a person swall<iwsany poison whatsoever, or has fallt-n into
Notes on Dress and Home Art.
Light tan-color for gloves.
" Home spun " fabrics continue in vogue.
Clocks mounted on helmets is a late device.
Odd and new colors are sought for in velvets.
Black is the favorite color for dress trimmings.
Marbled note paper is the latest English novelty.
"Velvet with a'sbort, thick pile is better than that having a long, showy nap.
Horse-chestnut foliage and buri-s. appearing as on a branch. aff«jrd a favorite design for embroider- ing.
Short women should wear long slender wraps covering the wearer from neck to foot, and length- wise trimmings
For spring dresses pretty, soft shades will be worn, not ci-xide hai-sh colors. Delicate greens will be among these.
A new photograph album is designed, with a place in the cover for the last picture received, here to remain on view until another coiner arrives.
Why are the tailor-made suits so satisfactory, it might be asked. Because they are plaiulj- made, and the material is usually good wf)Ol— two ster- ling qualities combined-
A rule rarely to be departed from in dress-mak- ing where two fabrics are used, is to select a plain material for the most important parts, and figured stuff or stipes for the accessories.
To Clean Engravings. Pin the paper at the four corners on a board, and tilt it an angle so the water ma.v run off; pour boiling water over the sur- face untilitisclean. So directs the Art Interchange.
Thank common sense, the attempt to introduce low-necked and short slee\'ed frocks for babies is not successful. They are allowed to be attired in tnU yoke dresses gathered at the neck, with long lace-edged sleeves.
If velveteen is to be the material of your cos- tume, be sure to choose the best. You will be quite in good style and have the satisfaction of having a garment that will wear much better, and keep its original shape much longer.
Crepe "Veils and Health. Ur. Robert B. Morison, of Baltimore, is >>f the opinion that the long thick crepe veil is very injurious to the complexion and health of those wearing them. The rough crepe, he sa.vs, in rubbing the skin takes in the poisonous matter into the circulation in that way, as well as car- ries it into the lungs in breathing. Such a veil worn for two consecutive years seldom fails to produce evil results. Similar goods about the neck, and black silk and black cotton goods, also produce bad effects. Paris has a feather dyer's disease, produced from the dye in which the feathers are dipped.
Portieres or hangings for doorways and walls continue to be a favorite adornment for parlors and other rooms. A set of these of exquisite appear- ance is thus described: The ground was pale-yel- low silk canvas wrought in crewels, with a great branch of bor.se-chestuuts. This branch showing the foliage of autumnal coloring, and accompanied by great bristling burrs from a border of deep terra- cotta plush on the right hand side of each section. The plush was also carried across the bottom in a much deeper band than the upright one. Rising from this deep plush dado, were a tangle of grasses and ferns embroidered boldl.v in greens, reddish greens, reddish bi'owus and so on.
Bemedying Shiny Clothes. No one enjoys .seeing his or her best clothes come to the point of wearing shiny, and few can indulge themselves by then casting them aside. "We find in theSc/cHf //*(-■ Atneririin tlirections for remedying this trouble, which coming from such a i eliable source, we gladlj' print: Take of blue galls bruised 4 ounces, logwood, eopiJeras, iron filings free from gi-ease. each 1 ounce. Put aU but the iron tilings and copperas into 1 quart good vinegar, and set the vessel containing them in a warm water bath for twenty -fom' hours: then add the uon filings and the copperas, and shake occasionall.v for a week. Keep in a well corked bottle, and apply to glossy or faded spots with a soft sitonge.
POPULAR GARDENING
FOR TOWN AND COUNTRY.
"ACCUSE NOT NATURE, SHE HATH DONE HER PART; DO THOU BUT r///A'jB."^MlLTON.
Vol. 1,
3Sd:.A.K,CI3:, 1886.
No. 6.
About Mulberries. Within a few years, not a little spare, in some nursery catalogues, has been given to illustrations, descriptions, etc., of the liussian Mulberry. The attention thus bestowed quite suddenly on a Slulberry,* reminds one, mildly, of the craze which was incited some thirty odd years ago over the Chinese Mul-
NEW AMERICAN MULBERRY.
berry and silli culture with us, and which now, so far as the tree is concerned, is rarely heard of. We have no fear whatever, of a Russian Midberry fever at the present time, to be followed by serious results, but we think it timely to make some general remarks on Mulberries, for the benefit of our readers.
Of the various species of ]\Iull)erries known, the Black (Morus nigra), the Wliite (M. alba), and the Red (M. rubra), but espec- ially the two former, have long been promi- nently before the world. All other culti- vated sorts, of which there are many, are mostly descendents of these. Of the genus Mulberry or Mun/x, it may be said that it is clcsely related to the Fig, the Osage Orange, and more distantly to the Bread Fruit tree and the Cow tree of the Tropics.
Tlie Black (also called the English Mul- berry) has been grown from the earliest times. The berry is large, black, of a sugary and rich flavor, and much esteemed wherever known. In this country it is scarcely hardy enough to thrive north of New York, except in sheltered places. The tree has large, deep- green heart-shaped leaves, and is valuable as an ornamental tree aside from its fruit.
The White Mulberry, the most famous member of this genus, is so, because of its furnishing in its leaves the best known food of the silk worm. It is grown on an exten- sive scale wherever silk culture is followed. The fruit is yellowish white, and while borne aliundantly, is insipid to the taste, hence of little value. The tree is hardier than is that of the Black .Mulberry.
Having been much cultivated along with silk raising, from time immemorial, the White has become the parent of countless varieties. Among these are the Russian Mulberries, referred to above. The Cliine.se
Mulberry also mentioned, is another variety. As for the Russian sorts, the discription giv- en of the parent, will apply in part. These were introduced by the Ru.ssian Mennonites quite largely into the West some years since.
There is no distinct variety known as the Russian jMulberry, for being raised as these have been from seed, thej- vary much in minor respects. The trees are good enough to grow for silk or for timber, being of rapid growth — hence very desirable in treeless regions — but for fruit, they possess no marked value, especially where other good fruits abound. Let us add that these are excellent trees to plant for shade in poul- trj' runs, as the growth is quick, the shade heavy, the fruit is much relished by the fowls, and its time of ripening extends through several months. It has been ob- served too, as an excellent point in favor of this class, that where planted, birds take of the fruit in preference to garden fruits.
The Everbearing or Downing Mulberry, I is a vigorous and productive American seed- ling, surpassed by none except the Black English, while it is hardier, and possesses the same rich sub-acid flavor; ripens grad- ually, a long time in succession.
The New American Mulberry, of which an engraving is shown, is regarded ver_v higlily by those who have grown it for fruit. It« bearing season, extends through about six weeks. The fruit is said to be jet black when ripe, and of an agreeable flavor.
The Red Mulberry is a native sjiecies of more value as an ornamental tree than for fruit, although this is not unpalatable.
As ornamental trees, the JIulberries, for the most part, have hand.some shining leaves, that present a singularly fresh and luxuriant appearance, even in drj' seasons. Were it not for a fault of taking on with age an open style of growth that is not consistent with beauty, they might be ranked among orna- mental trees of the first-class. As it is, they must be consigned to the back-ground.
Between the fruit and their other attrac- tions, one or more Mulberries would be well in place in every fair-sized garden. They do the best in a deep, rich, well-drained loam.
Notes From Lyndale. BY A. H. E.
What is a tree worth? I think the value of established trees is not sufficiently ajjpreciated. Last Saturday I was called upon by the owner of grounds to he taken in by, a new street, to testify as to the value of the trees on the place, before a commission of appraisers.
On the place I found 10^ trees, shmbs, and vines, including 8(i Rasplxriy bushes, that would be destroyed. They had mostly been planted from three to seven years ago. After a careful examination of these, and after i mature and unbiased deliberation, I plated my estimate of their worth at .?82T, feeling, however, in my own mind, that if there was a mistake, it was on the side of this being rather low. The figures, accompanied by explana-
tions, met with no opposition from the commis- ' sion ; the owner was well satisfied.
***
Now, a point I want to direct attention to in these Notes, is, that the owner of the trees re- ferred to had at first not thouglit they were worth enough to say anything about. Then he called to mind how he had, one sesusim after the other, paid out a good deal of money for the stock, and for careful jjlanting. The care given them, in the meantime, was also worth something, he well knew. Besides, the fruit trees were beginning to bear handsome crops of fruit, the cost of which in the markets, if bought, would be considerable. Some Pear [ trees last season bore three pecks of fruit each.
Being a sensible business man, he concluded to call in the services of one familiar with trees, to estimate on their worth, with the result noted. He will hereafter have greater respect for the worth of trees.
The estimates made, and accepted were as follows: 13 Apple, .S to 11 feet high, S12 each; IT Dwarf Pear, 7 to 13 fc^;t high (the soil seemed remarkably well adapted to this tree), $30 each; 1 Crab apple, 10 feet high, $30; 7 Plum, 0 to 9 feet, $.5 each; 2 Cherry, 10 to 12 feet, $10 each; 4 (irape vines (last year jjlanted), $2; 30 Raspberry, $1 each; 3 Horse-chestnut, 1.5 feet, $30 each; 2 Hard Maple (3 years plant- ed), $4 each; 4 Silver Maple, 20 to 2.") feet, $1.5 each; 2 American Mountain Ash, 13 feet, $5 each; 1 European Mountain Ash (handsome), $20; 1 Magnolia, .5 feet, $8; 1 Clematis, $4; 1 Lilac, $3; 1 Norway Spruce (not thrifty), $1; 6 Ampelopsis, $1.50 each.
* * *
While the owner of these trees felt that I fully appreciated their worth, more so, in fact, than he himself had done, yet I claim, as al- ready intimated, that the figures were, if any- thing, below rather than above the true worth.
Take the Pears, for example, a number ot them bore three pecks of magnificent fruit each, last season. This would have cost, to have bought it, no loss than $1,.50 per basket, or say $2.25 per tree. And $3.25 is the interest, at six per cent, ot about $37 for one year, which, to make no allowance for care and garden room, might be considered as representing the worth of the tree. But I estimated these trees at only $20 each, and they will go on continu- ing to improve in bearing right along for years to come. While by this kind of reckoning, the price seems even too low, yet at this rate, it made the planting of the trees years ago a good investment indeed, just such in fact, as I am satisfied usually attends judicious planting. ***
Much is from time to time printed in the pajjers concerning tree agents and their ras- calities. Of this, no doubt a great deal is well merited, yet we must remember that not all tree agents are rascals. While not a tree or a shrub of the hundreds growing at Lyndale, was bought ot an agent, because for myself, I never deal with the class, yet after all I feel to i)at them on the back — that is the honest ones, who represent reputable nvusei-ies— and wish them success in their work. In a sense they are mis- sionaries of horticulture. By their enterprise and persistency in inducing planting, they have in cases without end, converted land own- ers, who were not tree planters, to become such, and in time to further become ardent lovers of trees, and prosperous fruit gi-owers.
62
POPULAR GARDENING.
March.
As I have said, I do not patronize the agents. This is because I can deal more cheaply and with vastly more satisfaction, directly with the nurseries; but I was converted to horti- culture years ago, and by a different process.
These buyers to whom I have referred, would perhaps never have gone to the nurseries to buy. They probably paid to the agents much higher than I do by direct dealing, for the same stock, but that is far better than for them never to have planted at all. So I say that the honest horticultural missionary is worthy of the added price above catalogue rates which he gets, but I have no use for his services.
* * *
A neighbor who built a small greenhouse in connection with his dwelling last summer, came to me to-day for advice on stocking it with some handsome climbers. Being a new be- ginner at running a glass house, I directed him to try some of the kinds that may easily be raised from seed to form beautiful festoons and masses with ordinary care. I refer to such plants as Maurandyas, Eccremocai-jms, the former lilac and white, the latter rich orange; Thunbergias, j^ellow and white with that striking dark eye; Trapseolums, various and many othei-s, the seed of which, if sown now, will soon form handsome climbers.
Of course where one is somewhat skillful in managing plants, I would, along with these, recommend such kinds as the Habrothaniuus, Lapageria, Clematis, Fuchsias, Plmnbago, Hoya, etc., by all means. All of these kinds which I have named may be successfully grown in a cool greenhouse.
HOUSE PLANTS.
Begonia. The Weltoniensis— one of the best, should be cut down about this time, if unattractive looking, and given a dry -soil rest for six weeks.
Carnations, Young plants for next winter's bloom should have much Hght. but not much heat, until planting out time, a month or two later.
Chrysanthemums. As young plants are obtained, they should be given a light place, to urge them on; the hot-bed being a very suitable place.
Dormant plants in the cellar or pits, such as Ole- andei"s. Hydrangeas, Cactuses. Lan tanas, Pomegra- nates, Laurustinus. and so on, that can be accommo- dated in the window, may now be brought in. Where room for them is lacking, they can remain at rest until the season allows of moving out doors.
Gas. Its use for illuminating is a drawback to plant culture in the same rooms. If the plants can at night be cut off by partitions, or moved to unhghted rooms, it should be done. If not, harm may largely be prevented by capping them with paper covers, while the gas is Ughted. Plants are better off, for be- ing in rooms that are never light-ed much artificial]}'.
Geraniums propagated this mouth make the best plants for winter bloom. Grow in pots; keep down the flowers until fall.
Half-hardy plants kept in pits must receive plenty of air on tlie mild days now at hand.
Insects. Be vigilant in meeting these now, for at no other season would they increase more rapidly, if once they get a start. Keep them so scarce, that the thumb nail remedy is all that is needed.
Oxalis are now at their best, provided they have plenty of sun; in the shade the flowers do not open.
Propagation. This is the most suitable season for general propagation. Cuttings of soft-wooded plants hke Geraniums, Coleus. Petunias, etc., are now very readily struck in sand, in a light, warm place. Choose such slips as are neither over-hard nor yet very soft.
Aii'-layering, which we illustrate on page 63, as ap- plied to a Rubber Tree, is one of the best means of propagating ordinary hard-wooded plants. The process is so simple, anyone may succeed with it. Several leaves are first removed from the shoot to
be used, nearest to where the cut is to be made, as shown at A. Then a light stick is attached by twine to the shoot for support, keeping one place near the centre clear of twine, when winding, for an inch or more in length. In this clear place a sloping cut is then made upwards fully three-fourths way through the branch, and a small pebble or other substance is placed under the tongue to keep it open, all as shown at A. The operation is finished by clapping a double handful or more of soft moss, containing a slight admixture of soil, around the cut portion, and binding it as shown at B. This ball of moss must then be kept well watered, and in the course of from three to eight weeks the shoot above the cut will have roots, and by potting will at once make a handsome dwarf plant.
Bichardia for iiots should be started this month.
Shade for the sunniest windows, during midday, is a good thing. Primula flowers and Camellia plants especially receive injury if not shaded.
Soil for pot plants, should be carefully prepared always. For this, there is no better foundation than well decayed turf that is full of root fibres. Many plants would need nothing more; strong feeders should have manure added. Perhaps the soil that will best suit the majority, is two parts de- cayed turf to one part of well rotted manure.
Violets for winter bloom: treat as for Caniatlons.
Watering needs close attention at this time,
LAWN AND FLOWER GARDEN.
Annuals of all kinds may be sown, the hardy ones out doors as soon as the ground works up well, the others, half hardy and tender sorts, if want^:■d early, in the windows, hot-bed or greenhouse.
Borders must not be dug until quite dry; to add a a coat of well-decayed manure every season is the right course— spading it in.
Box edgings if to be set should have this done early, using only well-rooted plants.
Bulb beds planted and covered in the fall should be uncovered, but not all at once. First take away, say, two-thirds of the cover, then when they begin to push through, the remamder.
Canna and Caladium tubers should be started.
Edgings to walks and drives, when kept properly attended, add much to the beauty of a place, hence an edging hoe should be owned for use. If one can not be bought in the vicinity, then have one made. We show by an engraving taken from the ^me?-iCrtrt Ag7-iculturist^ how this may be done out of a com- mon hoe by anj' blacksmith.
Lawns should early be rolled to take away the roughness of surface, that is brought on in the winter; the sward will be finer all the season for this. Now is the time to apply fertilizers where needed, as is the case with all lawns everj' second or third year. For lawns about the home, our choice is for bone manures, as being less offensive both to the eye and the nose than stable manm'e, and quite as effective. Nitrate of soda at the rate of 2 or 3 pounds per square rod is now considered to be an
EDGING IRON; AN EASILY MADE ONE.
excellent fertihzer for lawns. Take much pains to have whatever manures are used spread evenly.
Pansy Beds. See directions siven for Bulb beds.
Paeonies. If any are to be planted or reset, jt should be done at the earhest possible moment.
Planting, lu general the earlier the planting of hardy trees, shrubs, vines and plants can be done, after the ground is dry enough to work up well, the better. From the time the stock is dug in the mu-sery, until it stands newly planted, great pains should be taken to keep the roots from drying out. Where any time intervenes between receiving it and setting out, the roots should be protected by heehng in— that is, covering closely with fine earth. As to pruning, see article on page ti(i. In planting set the trees as deep as they stood in the nursery only. Use plentj- of fine eai-th, working it weU between the roots, and Jinn it thoroughly (you can scarcely make it too compact) as the hole is beuig filled.
Roses, Uncover and prune as soon as hard freezes are t^ast, which should now be the case in the southern tier of states; next month will be early enough for the north. Monthlies of small growing kinds that were wintered outdoors, should be cut back severely, leaving not more than three eyes to each stem. The stronger growers maj' have twiee as many left. Hybrid Ferpetuot and .Sftmmer sorts should be cut back to half a dozen eyes to the shoot,
or if any shoots happen to be specially strong, ten may be left. Moss Roses of free growing sorts may be similarly pruned, but the shy growers as well as all Yelloir Rosi's retjuire no pruning at all, save to cut away any dead wood. This should come away from all kinds at pruning. Climbing Roses need but little trimming, except to regulate general form.
Seeds of heat-loving plants designed for sub-tropi- cal effects, such as Castor-oil Bean, Japanese Striped Maize, Perilla, Tobacco and so on should be sown.
Sodding. Theearlier it is done the better. Choose close turf as free from weeds as possible— that from a sheep pasture being the best. In lifting use a sharp spade ; cut of an even thickness, not less than an inch nor over two inches thick. It may either be divided up into slabs 12 to 15 inches square, or else be in pieces about a foot wide each, and four feet long, rolled up as it is cut with the spade, for con- venience in handling. In laying have a well pre- pared sm-f ace to receive it,with the soil, in the main, well firmed by rolling or otherwise. Bring the pieces closely togethcF, using a knife for trimming, to se- cure evenly fitting joints. Should any pieces be thinner than others, some loose earth must be worked underneath to properly bring up the surface even with the surroundings. After laying, beat with a turf mallet to settle the root surf ace well into the bed, and unless quite wet finish by watering.
Trellises, arbors, and other garden structures, should be repaired and painted before pressing spring work or the new verdure interferes.
Walks and Drives. As soon as the frost is out of the ground, those of gravel should be well rolled. Once in every few years the gravel should be worked over in the spring, following with a good rolling.
PLANT CULTURE UNDER GLASS.
Achimenes. Some of the tubercles should be started each month up to May, for a succession of bloom. When they show an inch or two of growth, transplant into the pots in which they are to grow. They need heat, moisture and shade; they are a class well worth the attention of amateurs.
Begonias, belonging to the fine-foliage class, should now be having plenty of root encourage- ment to i^ush them rapidlj^ along in growth.
Camellias as they go out to bloom, should receive a higher temperature, say 00° or 70°. and a moist atmosphere, with shade from the sun's rays, for this is the season of new growth. Shifting into pots one size larger than before occupied, should precede the growing season.
Cineraries neglected but once, to suffer from drouth— and they now need much water— will show it very perceptably in foliage and bioom. Guard against it by all means. Air freely. Use liquid manure often, nothing will help them more.
Double Primroses propagate now from slips.
Crloxinias. The directions forAchiraenes will apply
Insects. See hist mouth, also pages 64, 65.
Orchids will require an abundance of atmospheric moisture now, and general attention to plants newly-potted, and those coming into growth.
Palms. To raise from seed, sow all such now.
Pelargoniums need close attention. Air strong plants freely, and give liquid manure once a week.
Propagation of Coleus, Alternatheras. Heliotrope, Verbenas, Chmbers and Droopers. for summer use may still go on. Also of all winter flowering plants for next season.
Roses, Be not deceived by the brightness out- side into admitting cold air too freely upon these, for this is a common cause of mildew. Air must be admitted, but when raw and chilly, only in small streams, and on the side away from the wind.
Watering. Now that growth is rapid, too much attention cannot be given to watering. The houses must be gone over on every bright day with pot or hose, and some plants will even need looking after several times daily all through the spring season.
FRUIT GARDEN AND ORCHARD,
Arranging. As a general rule, plant the Apple and Cherry trees on the outside of the fruit garden, and especially towards the prevailing winds, to provide protection, to the more delicate other kinds.
Black Knot or Plum Wart must be cut out at first sight. It should be looked for on the Cherry, too.
Cuttings of CiuTants and Grapes should be plant- ed very early, of such kinds as it is desirable t-o in- crease. To take such off close to the old wood, they will be more certain to root than if made from long pieces cut up. Set at a depth so that but one eye of the Grape cuttings, and two of other kinds, show above the sm'face of the ground.
i886.
POPULAR GARDENING.
63
Girdled trees, froui mice, rabbits ami tlie like, afford a sorry looking: sight, but if the inner bark is not entirely gone, they may be saved by binding on a plaster of fresh eow dung and soil. If the in- jury is severe, and the tree valuable, grafts are sometimes set in around the trees, with one end in- serted in the bark below, and the other in that above the wound, to save it. This plan, iu theory, seems to be all right, and may be wortli trying, but permanentl.v good results from it are rather rare.
Grafting- Commence with Oheny very early to avoid failure; Plums almost as early; Apples and Pears later still, while the Grape is usually grafted in June with the best success.
Insects. There is no time for fighting some of our worst insect pests like early spring. Take the Tent CattrpiUar for one, you can destroy 2<X) or more eggs, (equal to that many worms later), as easily now as a single worm in June. Their nests encircle small branches of Apple trees near their ends and are easily seen. Out out and burn. Early in the spring is the time that the female moths of the Cniiker-irorm ascend the trees. The simplest preventative and destroyer is a tight band of tarred paper a foot wide, around the trunk, and kept painted with tar and jjrinters ink. To this, the moths will stick and soon die. Renew this paint every time it becomes glazed over. Troughs of metal, filletl with kerosene, are also used, and with less trouble, but the fh-st cost is much greater. To scrape the trees of rough bark, will take away the chance of the beetles of the Flat-hetirlecl Borer's finding a secure place t4> lay eggs later. Do not scrape harshly.
Pruning. See directions in previous months. If any branches have become broken during wiuter, cut them away. All large wounds from whatever ' cause, .should have thv surface thickly painted.
ach, Turuips, as soon as the soil is tillable. A good distance for garden rows is 1.5 inches apart.
Spinach. Uncover the fall sown plants. .Sow for spring and summer use in drills one foot apart.
Tomatoes. Directions under Peppel-s will ai>ply. The gain in earliness of fruit that comes from sow-
)
VEGETABLE GARDEN.
Asparagus. Now is the time to make new beds for family use, do not bother to raise from seed but buy one or two year old roots, at from $l.W to 83.50 per hundred, jjrepaid : thus gaining a year or more.
Cabbage. Sow out doors as early as the soil will work up well. To avoid disaster from the Black .Jumping Beetle, sow three to five pounds of super- phosphate to the square rod, for hastening growth beyond their reach. It is a good plan to sow in drills twenty inches apart, with a drill of Turnips midway between, to attract the appetites of the Beetles. Dusting the young Cabbage plants with lime, ashes or soot will help to save them from these pests. The seed-bed should occupy new soil each season. For small quantities, sowing in seed beds elevated four feet, will place them above their reach
Cauliflower. Treat as for Cabbage plants.
Chives, Trim off the dead leaves. For new beds divide old plants, and set in rows 12 inches apart, t; inches in row.
Cold frame plants ma.v now go much uncovered —the .sash can be used, to forward Lettuce, or on hot-beds. In case of cold, board shutters will an- swer to protect them for a brief time.
Culture. Do not be impatient to work the soil very early; a wet soil unduly worked will not get into its best condition all season. In forking or plowing it should crumble freely when turned. Use plenty of manure ; for most vegetables the ground cannot very easily be made too rich.
Egg Plant. See directions below for Peppers.
Hot-beds. March will be early enough to start these in most places north. See last month's notes.
Parsnips. Dig those left in the ground, and sow for a new crop in drills 15 inches apart.
Peppers. Seed should be sown in a wanu place in the hot-bed, window or greenhouse, if not yet done. As soon as the seedlings can be well handled transfer singly to small pots, or plant in boxes. To allow them to become crowded and choked is very in,iurious. Use Ught rich soil.
Plant Potatoes and (jnion sets among tu-st things.
Radishes are a favorite crop. They need a deep, rich soil, the growth must be rapid. Sow as early as the gi'ound works up well; they may be sown in the sanie line with Beets or Carrots. The maggot is the dread of all: an abun<lance of coal ashes well mixed with the soil will prevent their work.
Rhubarb. The earlier new plantations are made j after the soil is fit to work, the better. Choose deep ' rich soil, plant stout pieces of several eyes each.
Salsify. Treat as directed above for Parsnips.
Scorzonera. Treat as directed for Parsnips.
Sowings in the open ground may be matle of such hardy kinds as Early Beets, Cabbage, Carrots, Leeks, Cress, Lettuce, Radish, Peas, Parsley, Spin-
Air-Layering of an Indian Rubber Tree (Reus.) See Propagation on Opposite Page.
ing in heat over sowing in open ground about May 1st, is. however, not as great as is generally supposed.
FRUIT AND VEGETABLES UNDER GLASS.
Asparagus, in forcing pits, must have air and light to develop well. The growth should be quick.
Cucumbers. Stop regularly beyond the fruit. Beds that have lately been started should be care- fully aired every morning to let off rank steam,
Figs in forcing, need liberal watering and syring- ing. Stop growmg shoots at about the sixth joint. Give steady heat.
Grapery. In early houses pinch latei-als; thin out superfluous bunches as soon as the berries are fairly set, the thinning to be done with a bold hand ; air freely, but avoid chilly draughts, water abundantly. In colder houses as the leaves begin to expand syringe daily until fully out.
Pinery. Plants that are required to start for fruit- ing must not have too high a temperature. To" for bottom heat and 65° degrees for top heat will be about the thing. Ventilate freely, to keep the young growth stocky from the very first.
Strawberries. Fruit just ripening off must be freely exposed to the light and air to bring out the full flavor. Drop the use of liquid manure as soon as the fruit begins to show the first signs of color.
The Catalogue Crop; A Grand One, and not all in yet.
The mission of Popular Garde.ving is to popular- ize improved gardening. In the many fine cata- logues put forth by American Seedsmen, Florists and Nureerymen, and which now are being sent out, it recognizes an able class of helps in the same field. We therefore gladly bring all such as reach this otifice, before the attention of our readers, for the mutual advantage both of the publishers and the people. These catalogues contain an immense amount of practical information, as well as tine en- gravings of flowers, fruits and vegetables. As they are mainly free, we hope our readers will gather of the crop, and make good use of it. If they will, when ordering, mention being of the Popular Gar- dening family, they may be sure of receiving real good, perhaps a little e-vtra, treatment. See last month's li.st.
AUyn Bros, Pahnyra, N. Y. Nursery Stock.
Irving Allen, Springfield Mass. Small Fruits.
S. L. Allen & Co., Philadelphia, Pa. Implements.
J. Bolgiano & Son. Baltimore, Md. .Seeds, etc.
W. Atlee Burpee A Co., Phila., Pa. Seeds, etc.
Robert Buist, Jr., Philadelphia, Pa. Seeds, etc. *J. J. Bell, Windsor. N. Y. Seeds.
Bloomington Nui'series. Bloomington, 111.
A. Brackenbridge, (iovanstown, Md. Orchids.
Wm. E. Bowditeh, Boston, Illass. Plants, etc.
Hugo Beyer, New London, Iowa. Seeds.
Geo. W. CampbeU, Delaware, ( ). Grape vines, etc.
O. W. Clark & Son, ButTalo, N. Y. Seeds, etc *Harry Chaapel, Williatusport, Pa, Plants, etc.
J. Lewis Childs, Floral, N. Y'. Plants, etc.
A. D. Cowan & Co. New Y'ork, N. Y'. Seeds, ♦Henry A. Dreer, Philadelphia, Pa. Seeds, etc. *The Dingee & Conard Co., W. Grove, Pa. Roses. *Jno. F. Da.vton, Waukon, Iowa. Small Fruits.
Z. DeForest Ely, Philadelphia, Pa. Seeds, etc. ♦Ellwanger & Barry, Rochester, N. Y'. Nureery. ♦Ellis Bros., Keene, N. H. Seeds, etc.
Exeter Machine Works, Exeter, N. H. Heaters. *J. A. Everitt i: Co.. Watsontown, Pa. Seeds, etc.
D. M. Ferry, Detroit, Mich. Seeds, etc.
Frank Ford, & Son., Clyde, <.>luo. Seeds, etc. *J. A. Foote, Terra Haute, Ind. Seeds, etc.
Jas. J. H. Gregory, Marblehead, Mass. Seeds, etc. *L. W. Goodell, Dwight Mass. Seeds, etc.
Edward Gillett. Southwick, Mass. Wild Plants.
Cljiis. A. (in-en. Kn.hcster. N. Y'. Nureery Stock,
Hale Hr'>s. South Glastonbury, Conn. Nursery.
Hill ,Si Co., Kichmoiid, lud. Roses, Plants, etc.
Jolm. W. Hall. .'Maiioii Station, Md. Small Fruits.
J, Hornerc'i: Son, M.-r.liantville, N. J. Small Fruits.
.lo.-icph Harris Seed Co,. Rochester, N. Y'. Seeds.
R rt Halli.lay, Hallimore. Md. Plants, etc.
C. -■>l. Hovey & I'll,. Boston, Ma.ss. Seeds, etc. ♦HiiiipesBro, \ Thiinias. W.Chester. Pa. Roses.etc.
Jno, G. Hartel. Keokuk. Iowa. Seeds. *M. C, Henley. Ricliiiiuiid, Ind, Fences.
W. H. Jones. Phllaili-lphia, Pa. Seeds, etc.
Livingston's Sons, ( 'olujubus, O. Seeds, etc. *J. T. Lovett. Lit lie Silxer, N. J. Nursery Stock *S. F. Leonard. Cliicago. III. Seeds. *F. N. Lang, Baraboo. Wis. Seeds.
Wm. S. Little, Rochester, N. Y. Nursery Stock •Win. Henry Maule Philadelphia, Pa, Seeds
Wm H. Moon. Jlorrisville. Pa. Nursery Stock.
,lno. B. Moore i Son, Concord, Mass. Small Fruits.
J. O. Manson. Hanford, Pa. Seeds.
Thomas Meehan, Philadelphia. Pa. Nursery Stock *F. H. Mooers, Pittston. Me. Seeds.
Munroe County Nurseries. Rochester, N. Y. *JohnR. & .4. Muidiick. Pittsl)iM-gh, Pa. Seeds, etc.
J. W. Manning. Reading. Mass, Nursery Stock.
Michel Plant i Seed Co., St Louis Mo. Seeds, etc
A. C. Nellis & Co., Canajoharie, N. Y'. Seeds.
Nanz & Neuner, Louisville, Ky. Plants, etc.
Paragon Seed and Plant Co , Newtown, Pa.
Paul Butz & Son, New Castle, Pa. Plants & Trees.
Geo. Pinney. Evergreens, Wis. Nursery Stock.
Herbert Post. Selma. Ala. Seeds.
E. D. Putney. Brentwood, N. Y. Small Fruits.
Clark Pettht, Salem, N. J. Nursery Stock.
R. B. Parson & Co., Flu.shing. N.Y'. Nursery Stock.
Price & Knickerbocker, Albany, N. Y'. Seeds, etc
A. M. Purdy, Palmyra, N. Y. Small Fruits. *Chas. A. Reeser, Springfield, Ohio. Plants, etc
S. E. Rogers, & Son, TUt. Holly, N. J. Nurserj-. ♦Beach A' Co., Richmond, Ind. Plants, etc.
Wm. Rennie, Toronto, Out. Seeds.
Arthur C. Rendle, New Y'ork, N. Y. Glazing
E. H. Ricker & Co., Elgin. IU. Nursery Stock. J. B. Root & Co., Rockford, 111. Seeds Wm. H. Smith, Philadelphia, Pa. Seeds. Wm. W. Sterling, Cutchogue, N. Y. Seeds. Hiram Sibley, Rochester, N. Y. Seeds. R. H. Shumway, Rockford, IU. Seeds. ♦John Saul, Washington, D. C. Plants, etc. ♦The Storrs, Harrison Co., Painesville, O. Nursery. Chas. T. Starr, Avondale, Pa. Plants. I. N. Stone, Fort Atkinson, Wis. Small Fruits. Anton Schultheis, College Point, N. Y. Roses, etc. E. D. Sturtevant. Bordentown, N. J. Plants, etc. A, E. Spalding, .\insworth. Iowa. Seeds. Sedgwick Bros.. Richmond, Ind. Fences. J. F. Tillinghast, La Plume, Pa Seeds. J. M. Thornburn i Co., New Y'ork, N. Y. Seeds. E. Y'. Teas, Dunreith, Ind. Nursery Stock J. H. Tryon, Willoughby, O. Grapes. *J. C. 'Vaughan. Chicago. III. Seeds, etc. West Jersey Nurser.y Co., Bridgeton. N. .1. Samuel Wilson, MechanicsvUle, Pa. Seeds, etc Wiley & Co., Cayuga, N. Y''. Nursery Stock. A. Whitcomb, Lawrence, Kan. Plants. ♦■WTiitney-Noyes Seed Co.. Binghainton, N Y' ♦See Advertisement elsewhere in this issue
An Alarming Measure. It Should be Opposed Mightily. Lately a bill was brought before Con- gress, by Senator 'VVilsou, of Iowa, to double the rate of postage on Fourth-Class Mail Mat- ter, which includes Seeds, Plants, Cions and similar articles. It is believed to have been instigated by the Express companies. For such a measure to become a law, would work serious iujiu-y, especially to the gardening in- terests of our country. Not onlj- would all dealers in garden requisites be greatl}' embar- rassed, but the people themselves would suffer through the increase of price on all seeds, plants, etc., and in their inability iu many cases to procure these at all. This would be felt vastly more on the frontiers of our coun- try, where Express rates, from lack of compe- tition, are very heavy, than in the interior. Instead of putting up postage, it should be de- creased to the lowest rate possible. This course is the only one consistent with American de- velopment and progress. AU citizens are sat- isfied with low postage rates ; the %vealthy Ex- press companies, alone, find fault %vith them. They have a rich income at stake, and it would, at the present crisis, be folly to uuder-estimate their influence and power in pushing this measure. All interested persons should at once communicate with their Representatives in Congress, and urge their influence against this bill. Blank forms of petition have been pre- pared, and will be furnished from this office, to all who apply. Send for them, obtain sig- natures and then forward to your Representa- tives promptly. Let the Popular CiARDENiNG family make itself felt, in this matter. Every member should act. Delay, is indeed dangerous.
64
POPULAR GARDENING.
March,
To the March Flowers.
Keep your muddy covers close, flowers,
Nor dare to open your eyes. For all this month your lover, the sun.
Will only tell you lies.
Trust not, ye modest Violets
His promises to you. Nor dare upon his fickle smile
To broaden your kerchiefs blue.
Oh Daisies, stay in your grassy house.
Ye poor deluded things; And keep your little white fingers shut
Away from his golden rings.
Ye Meadow Lilies, leopard-like.
Under the mould so deep, Crouch close, and keep your spotted cubs
For a month yet, fast asleep.
— Alice C'ary.
How sweet to come when storms hold reign. And winds sweep the meadows wide.
To my little summer all shut in. From the frozen world outside;
To watch the beauteous pot plants grow. From the bud to the open flower.
While the outer world lies under the snow. And bound by the ice kings' power.
Azalea time.
The months March
Set some trees every year.
The aim— ,"10,00(1 subscribers.
Welcome F. W. Stibscribers.
Don't spell Lily with doulile 1.
Plant nut some Gladiolus early.
The pleasures of gardening are pure.
Plant some fine climbers somewhere.
Careless sowint;; imperfect growing.
The Mountain Ash is not a true Ash at all.
Advertisements should reach us by the I.t inst.
Just in ; a (Floral) World of new subscribers.
Winter Aconites venture to lift their heads.
A yearly subscription makes a splendid pres- ent.
Pleasure and plant vigor are near of kin in gardening.
A country seat that always rents — the barbed wire fence.
Carnations were used in the floral chaplets of the Romans.
With the first open weather lift some Pansies for window bloom.
The finest Double Petunias come from seed, not from cuttings.
Why not set out one or more clumps of Ever- greens, this.spring ?
Even a nosegay bespeaks the taste of the l)erson arranging it.
The higher the civilization, the greater the love for fine gardening.
There is a varigated-Ieaved Grape Vine, suit- able for ornamental planting.
Hov7 eager the Snowdrops seem to have spring come — they can't wait.
Snowflake Tree. This is what our White or Virginia Fringe is called in Germany.
To transplant the Holly, cut back very se- verely and remove every remaining leaf.
There is no better way of helping on this paper, than to get up a club of subscribers.
Its wonderful how much outright abuse plants will bear. The}' complain only by feeble looks.
George Eliot used to say she imagined that her (lowers saw her, and could read her thoughts.
A number of seedsmen ofler a semi-double Phlox Dummondi. True from seed, they say. To be well watered, plants should not have well-water : cistern or liydrant water is better. Floral World readers ! behold here is a miua- ture " Floral World " department: as witness, its engraved head.
Many are doing what they can towards the .50,000 subscribes, but some are not. How is this, kind reader ?
Popular Gardening would like to see more money laid out on embellishing the grounds, less on the buildings,
Poplars. Mr. G. H. Wright, of Sioux City, Iowa, reports that the Lombardy Poplar is worthless for his State.
A flower bed a mile long is con- templated by the proprietor of the Van Buren Point (Lake Erie), sum- mer resort.
No " continued stories " in Pop- ular Gardening, therefore one month is as good a time to subscribe as another.
Says a Massachusetts subscriber: " I have kept house plants for over thiity-flvo years, and love them more than ever."
Mossy Lawns are usually a sign of poor land. Top dress with manure, scattering in some fresh seed at the same time.
Parisians are largely vegetarians, the smell of Onions is one of the first things to greet a visitor to the French Capital.
If your forcing Violets fail to show good color, look to lack of proper light, and unsuita- ble heat and airing as the cause.
The Oak-leaved Lettuce, one of the recent novelties, is said to be superior for table use, at the same time that it is decidedly ornamental.
We count every Floral Wnrld subscriber just a.s much oue of our own subscribers now, as if they had subscribed direct. We want you all to feel this.
" Peanuts," says Mrs. I. L. White, of Illinois, "may be sown in the house, and soon make beautiful plants." Of course the seed must "be of imroasted ones.
We want all correspondents of the Floral World, to be free iu going right on with their communications the same as formerly, but ad- dressing this paper instead.
Gardening in its every branch, is for one, a business that is fair towards women who en- gage in it. Equal pay for equal work here, sometimes even superior pay.
English Sparrows dirty up everything if al- lowed to take possession of climbers against the house. Stone them when about to occupy and they'll clear out. They did from ours.
"He who would ha ve Chrysanthemums in his garden, must have Chrysanthemums in his heart," says Mr. Allen, of Woodbridge, iS". J., one of our most skillful amateur florists.
If only the flowers of the new Jasminum gracillimum did not drop so soon, they would be the nc phis ultra of stove climbers. The plant is a mass of bloom during the winter.
It will not do to become so enraptured over the way plants shoot ahead, now under glass, to forget that insects at the same time increase with rapidity. The insects must be kept down. " I would rather part with my fruit treees than with my Evergreens. I could buy fruit in the markets, but the charm of these Ever- greens about my house could not be bought." —Parker Earti:
Soot for Plants. "N. M. P.," formerly a Floral Tl'ii/Vt/ subscriber, flndsthis an excellent fertilizer for house plants used as stated: On a teacupful of soot turn three quarts boiling water; apply, when cool, to the soil.
Subscriptions that came through the Floral World transfer, will be dated one month ahead,
for we understand no paper was issued from the Floral World oflice for January. We pro- pose to squarely make up for that skip.
The trees in the parks in Boston are labeled with the names by which they are known to science, so that the tramps cannot by any mis- take loll under an Acer pscudo platanus instead of hrterophiiUuiu. — Syramse Standard.
Rabbits and Trees. A subscriber at Rock- port, Ind., offers an improvement on our pub- lished remedy against rabbits gu-dling trees. It is simply this : Grease the tree for oue foot from the ground, with hog's lard. He says
VARIEGATED-LEAVED COB/EA SCANDENS.— See opposite.
he will warrant no rabbit will touch the bark after that.
To Our Readers. Now that the gardening season is opening, couldn't you help along towards that .50,000 subscribers, by introduc- ing this paper among your friends who have gardens, and sending in a club? We are almost sure you could do this.
Single Dahlias from Seed. Mrs. I. L. White, of Knox Co., 111., finds much pleasure and no difficulty in raising these. She says she starts the seeds, bought of the seedsman, iu boxes in the house, keeps them here imtil wai'm weather, when she sets them out.
Many of our readers now will be getting up clubs for seeds, plants and so on. But while at this, be sure also to put in some telling work for Popular Gardening. Remember that 50,000 subscribers must come somehow. We are sure you'll not slight us.
Over-bearing. In gardening we naturally enjoy the prospect of a good yield ; this often leads to the fault of harmful over-bearing. Try a few flowering plants or a few fruit trees and thin out the new-forming products, if you would learn how great is the former fault.
Let TTs Try It ! One of the former Floral World subscribers, but whose name has been detached from the communication, else we would give it, says that a weak solution of camphor gum iu water, sprinkled over house plants, will aid in ridding them of insects, and prove beneficial to the plants.
Horticultural Art Journal. A new journal by this name has reached our table from the publishers, Mensing & Stecher, Rochester, N. Y. It aims to disseminate a knowledge of fruits, flowers and other garden products, by means of first-class lithographic plates. We shall watch for the future issues with interest.
Scarlet Runners. A correspondent of the Gardrno's Chronicle informs us that this well- know climber may be stored away and pre- served over winter in a similar manner to Scarlet Geraniums. Coming so easily from seed as it does, we woiUd see little occasion for such a course, excepting when seed is scarce.
A lady of Flushing, N. Y. , in subscribing for Popular Gardening, along with saying some very complimentary things for the paper, adds: " I am indeed very much obliged to whoever sent you my name for a specimen copy, other- wise I should, perhaps, not have known of it. ' A hint to all our readers who have friends that would like such a paper. Send in their names and a specimen will go to each one of them.
How is this for an European idea of utilizing public squares as market places, without inter-
i886.
POPULAR GARDENING.
65
fering with their use as parks. The marketing is done in the momiug of certain days only. Tents are used for stalls, and long before noon of each daj' everything is moved away slick and clean. This leaves the place free for after- noon visitors and loungers, with hardly a sus- picion of the use it had been put to in the moi-n- ing. A Parisian idea, and said to work well.
The Variegated Cobsea. I^ufortunately the variegated form of C'oba>a scandens, of which we give a small representation, cannot, like the parent, be grown from seed. The only means of propagating it is by means of cuttings, and it is not, at that, the easiest thing in the world to succeed with. They should be taken in a young state, at about this season, or a little later. In.sert in pots of sandy soil, in gentle bottom heat. Those amateurs who do not suc- ceed iu raismg it can usually buy of florists.
" Feet of Glass." Friend Meeban, of the (lonlcnn-s' Monthh/, reasonably enough thinks, that gardeners should adopt some general standard of meaning, when speaking of " feet of glass,"' in connectiou with heating and the like. Now no one can tell whether the actual surface of the vitreous substance in sloping roofs, gables, laj)n, and every part that may be figured in, or merely the number of feet of the earths surface covered over is meant. As be- ing the most convenient, we prefer to have the phrase indicate squai'e feet of earth surface.
Learning. A Jamestown florist has been making rapid progress in this, but on too costly a scale. He had worked hard and long to be- come established in business. Last fall his houses were well stocked, everything thiiving aud prospects good for the winter cut flower trade. Then he thought to improve appear- ances about the greenhouse, and so blacked the st«am pipes with gas tar. They did look nice and shiny, but the loss in plants ran way up in the hundreds of dollars. He has our hearty sympathy in this matter, but we must publish the ca.se, that our readers may guai'd against similar harsh experiments.
Political Floriculture. An English editor who deprecates the practice of making flowers of any kind the badges of party politics, or religious sects, because of the hatred liable to be evolved towai'ds the innocent things through partisan or sectarian feelings, very sensibly gave expression to his ideas in his paper. The result of this was a general outbreak of explo- sions from Canons, thunders from Exeter Hall, protests from Radicals and growls from Tories, putting the editor completely into hot water. He still stands up for the innocent flowers as against the party men who woiild press them into their turbulent circles.
FloralWorld subscribers, who happened also to be direct subscribers to Popular Gardening when the purchase of the former by the latter was made, will have their credit extended on our books for the entire time the combined sub- scriptions will pay for, provided they vprite to us stating the facts in the case. This they must do, or they will receive two copies of the present paper, for it is hardly likely that we could, with our thousands of names, detect the repetition, A better plan, we think, would be for you to get some friend to take one copy, notifying us to such effect. This then would be helping towards those ,50,000 names, you see.
Tree Faeonies. These hardy shrubs, are so attractive, that it is not much wonder that their cultivation amounts almost to a mania among the Chinese, where they are at home. But why not oftener seen with us; They are hai"dy and thrive in any good garden soil. A well estab- lished plant will bear a hundred or upwards of the large showy flowei'S in a season. The plants may be bought of the nurseries for about one dollar each. Propagation may be done by layer- ing or by renewing the suckers that often spring up around the old plants It is not advisable to divide the plants, as they receive a serious check from this, which it takes a long time to recover from.
Leigh Hunt, in speaking of gardens on the streetside of town homes, says: Imagine (what, perhaps, will one daj" be the case) whole streets adorned in this manner, right and left; and multitudes proceeding on their tasks through avenues of Lilies and fieraniums. Why should they not? Nature has given us the means, and they are innocent, animating, and contribute to our piety towai'ds her. We do not half enough avail ourselves of the cheap riches wherewith she adorns the earth. We also get the most trivial mistakes in our head, and think them refinements, and are afraid of being "vulgar!" A few seeds, for instance, and a little trouble would clothe our houses every summer, as high as we chose, with dra- peries of green and scarlet.
Shifting Backwards. " Did you really mean," writes Mr. B. H. Young, of San Diego, Cali- fornia, "that Fuchsias in being started from their dormant winter state should be shifted into pots a size or two smaller, as you said on page 38;" Yes, that was ,iust what we meant to say. The remark was based on a long ex- perience in Fuchsia growing. The reason for such a course is, that until the dormant plants referred to get fairly underway in growing, the soil in full sized pots — rich as it is likely to be — might become sour and lie uufit for the roots before it was occupied bj- them. With the soil scant at the beginning, the roots can soon spread throughout the mass, taking in nourishment and moisture. Then as the soil proves inadequate, shift up into larger pots one time after the other as fast as required.
Not in the Business. Requests frequently come to us for catalogues of seeds, plants and so on,as if we were dealers in this line of things. Nothing is further from the truth. We haven't a thing in the world to sell but this paper and a few incidental ' books, we will not even offer seeds and plants as premiums, because we think it unfair to compete with those in this trade. We do aim to give every subscriber the full worth of his money or more, in the paper itself. When Popular Gardening (unlike some other so-called garden journals) recommends a plant, it is from an unbiased standpoint, and not be- cause it has some of the stock to dispose of. So don't send to us for catalogues, it will be a waste of trouble and expense. Apply to those who publish them and who advertise in our columns ; or if they do not, who ought to. See the list of catalogues recently received at this office, given on page 63.
A Fine Volume. The members'of the Ameri- can Horticultural Society must feel that they are well dealt with, in return for what it costs to belong to this society, as they read the year- ly volume of transactions, furnished to each one of them, not to speak of other advantages. Here before us lies the volume of this kind for 188.5. It is a large, handsome, well printed and illustrated work of 257 pages. It is loaded with the wisdom of our' prominent horticultural writers, as put forth in the essays and discus- sions delivered at the last annual meeting of the society. One such volume goes to each mem- ber. This thriving association should have many more members than it now has. Were these had, horticulture in general would greatly be the gainer. We would like to see the names of many of our readers enrolled. Pull particulars, by addressing the secretary, W. H. Ragan, Greencastle, Indiana.
The Red Spider. Allow us to introduce this insiduous enemy of the plant-grower by giving his portrait. But he is such a very minute fellow that we give it on a largely magnified scale. Our object in doing so is to show plant- growers, that this common and troublesome pest is not a spider at all, although it spins a sort of web. Many people heai" about the Red Spider and look for it on their ailing plants, hav- ing the ordinary spiders and their webs iu mind. Then they wholly miss finding the troubler. What they should look for, is a grayish discol- oration on the under side of the leaves, aud the scarcely noticeable web. Along with these
look for exceedingly minute and rapidly mov- ing brownish insects, perhaps present in great numbers. This then is " Red Spider." It is very destructive, and yet there is one simple remedy that is sure death to it, namely, the free use of water iu washing the under side of the leaves, and more moisture in the air. Double Poppies and the Railroads, Perhaps these .■psthetie and gorgeous flowers will soon be met along all our railroads at intervals, raising their heads and bowing to us as we speed by. At any rate, some French railroad managers have used of these plants with success for fixing the loose soil of newlj'-made embankments along their lines. They should succeed as well with us. Unlike the Grasses that are used ordinarily, but which need sev- eral months for developing a considerable mass of roots, the Poppy germinates quickly, and by the end of two weeks, it is said, grows enough to give some protection, with a rapid increase later. Though the plant is an annual, it sows itself freely after the first year. Let our own railroad officials give the Poppy a trial for such purposes. But Popular Gardening suggests in the interests of the public, that distinct colors of the fiowers be sown in different plots ; this would add greatly to the effect, from an ornamental point of view.
Grafting Clematises. This is the course pur- sued in propagating the improved varieties; it accounts, in part, for the plants costing more than do those of most other climbers. A cor- respondent, who is at work in a nursery, thus tells in an interesting way about the operation : About the middle of February a few plants of each kind are placed in a slightly-heated greenhouse, and syringed once or twice a day. This ti'eatment soon causes them to start, and as soon as the shoots are firm they ai"e taken off and cut up into lengths for grafts, the two leaves and the piece of .stem forming the inter- node being quite sufficient for each graft. The stocks upon which the grafting is done are the string-like fleshy roots of Clematis Vitalba or C. flammula, every root thick enough to take the graft being used. Either wedge or side grafting answers, and the tying is done with grafting cotton. Each grafted root is then potted into small 2 1-3 inch pots, the roots be- ing twisted round in the pot so that the point of union is just buried. They are then plunged into a propa- gating frame, and very soon are ready to V>e hardened off. Oleander Slips. As The Red Spider -Greatly the experience of our Magnified. correspondent, "Aunt
Addie,"of Bergen Co., N, J., shows, it is much better not to give up in despair in floriculture, if our first efforts seems not at once to promise success. She writes: "The slip was given to me last June and I was sure it would root nicely, for there were two branches on the main stalk. Into a bottle it went, and the bottle in a sunny place. As late as November no roots were yet in sight, although the branches were fresh. I was disheartened and thought to throw the whole thing out. Off came a branch, then another; when my com- passion arose iu behalf of the pet, and plead to give it one more chance. So one branch was again put into water, and imagine my surprise and delight, to behold, only five days later, roots starting from the torn end. Now, at date of writing, the plant is well established in a pot of soil, aud I see visions of floral beauty ahead," To which we add, that the trouble was in using too old and hard a sec- tion of growth, it having been a main stalk, with branches. The single branch was of a better age, as the result shows. See how patient the slip was to outlive ignorance, aud do so well when it but had a chance,
66
POPULAR GARDENING.
March.
Prune When You Plant. That a wide-spread need of common infor- mation on gardening matters prevails, is shown by the fact that about three out of every four persons who set out shade and
winds and cold, the root becomes overtaxed and enfeebled, and it will be a wonder if the tree escapes with its life — millions every year fail to do so. If it does escape, the chances are it will be stunted in nature, never to make the tree that a com- rade would in the hands of a judicious pruner. Neither can free watering or rich soil ever make up for the absence of roots in a'young tree.
that often the sorts accompanied by the largest descriptions are not the best for your particular garden. Once a good line of sorts is struck, be slow to trifle with it in the way of supplanting good ones by new comers. But let some novelties be tried, of course.
FIG. 1. THE TREE BEFORE AND AFTER PRUNING.
fruit trees, never prune wlien they plant. The one-fourth who do prune' embraces, we think, mainl}' the intelligent fruit-growers and other planters of the country, and they usually cut severely at this time.
Suggest such treatment to the non-prun- ers, and )'ou are met with the response, that it spoils the tree; they don't want to wait a life-time for it to get large, by cutting one- third away at the start. We have drawn up an engraving, to throw light on the fact, that it is just the other way. The man who prunes freely at planting, gives his trees the best kind of a start for shortly regaining vigor in the new situation, and for rapid future development.
Fig. 1 shows a young, thrifty tree before transplanting, much as it is in reality, name- ly: with top and roots about evenly balanced, as to length of parts. Because the roots are out of sight in the earth, we fail often to realize what extent the}' liave. But young growths, that are lifted with care, frequently show even a greater relative proportion of roots to the top, than is seen in the engraving.
Now, in the ordinary digging of trees, it is easj' to understand by Fig. 1 , that a large proportion of the roots must staj' in the ground. If as many of these as are shown inside of the dotted line A. and of the spade, remain in digging, the planter maj' feel himself well off. With this view of the case, common sense at once would sug- gest that such trees should lose about the same proportion of the top, saj' about as much as lays outside the dotted line B. The head should not, however, be cropped off rounding. The better way is to cut back the last season's growth from one-half to one-third in the main, and remove some other branches throughout the top entirely, to reach the right measure. Fig. 1, should appear after pruning, aliout like Fig. 3 now does. Then the top will suit the root, the root the top, and with good planting, the tree will be in a promising shape. The same rule applies to evergreens and shrubs also.
To not prune at planting, gives the ej'e more to rest on at the start to be sure, but the tree is left in the sad plight of having more top than the remaining roots can sup- port. Then come the vicissitudes of drouth,
What.Cood Treatment Does.
To claim that there is no difference in the merits of the different varieties of flowers, fruit or vegetables would be absurd. Yet we come forward to say that the differences here have less to do with results, than has the difference in treatment usually given by different growers. In other words, a good gardener will very often manage an inferior variety, to far excel some superior sort, in the hands of a poor cultivator.
At the annual fairs of the fall sea.sons, crowds stand around the exhibits of big Squashes, Pears, Pansies and what not, tilled with admiration. Thej- wonder at such amaz- ing possibilities in the light, perhaps, of some scrawny and diminutive products of their .own gardens. They do not see the fertile garden, the manure water tanks and the high tillage that are really at the back of the wonderful display. It would be well for gardening if something more tangible could be done in the way of exhibiting these. The products are there, the agents that produced them are too often lost sight of.
Now this is the season when the catalogues of seedsmen, nurserymen and florists arrive in grand array, to interest customers. They are a class of publications we are proud of — their value in promoting, an interest in ga rdening matters, is beyond all measure. Much can be learned by reading these thoroughly, not ex- cepting even the adjective- larded descriptions of novelties. But while we would not advocate poring over and studying the catalogues less, we would say, study methods of gardening even more. Let your hopes of success be based rather on good tillage and soil improve- ment, than on the special merits of the sorts and kinds to be employed, im- portant as these are. Manure is really more potent than are splendid catalogue descriptions.
The true course in gar- dening of any kind, is to start right as to soil, fertility and good tillage. Then, with these, make a trial of the various standard sorts offered, to learn which are best suited to the circum- stances of each particular garden, and for securing proper variety. We speak here, of course, to the inexperienced. You will be surprised in this way, to tind
Clematises of Other Colors than Purple.
Perhaps the most popular hard}' climber of to-day is the violet purple Clematis Jack- manii. This is easily accounted for, on the grounds, that the plant possesses numerous and exceptionally good qualities. It is an immense bloomer throughout the summer, and until freezing weather — in this respect being equalled b}' no other variety. The flowers are so distinct in appearance, with their intense, velvety richness, that they at once command attention. The plant is per- fectly hardy, commences to bloom freely in its second year after planting, and never fails to produce large sheets of bloom while in health. It therefore advertises itself, and whenever once it is planted in a community, there seems to be no end to the call for the
A WHITE-FLOWERED CLEMATIS.
plants on the nurserymen who raise them. But the very fact that this plant is so con- spicuous in beauty and so successfully grown.
1 886.
POPULAR GARDENING.
tends to make it somewhat (•ommon in localities where a raife for it once exists. The object of this article, is to impress the fact, that there are many other species and varieties of the Clematis now offered by our nurserymen and florists. While few, if any of these can produce an cqvially large quantity of bloom with the Jackmanii, they
67
and then plants by tliem. Then the won- der very often is, why we lind so little real attraction in our own plantings.
It is our desire, to show by the aid of the accom]ianying two drawings, and^'a few brief remarks, that it is
in one or the other of the lists; perhaps .some of our readers with wide e.xperience in plant culture, would .substitute others or change them about in the classes. We invite them to do .so, and at some future time will be
Fig, 1, Grounds Planted in a Stiff Style, Everything in Straight Lines,
are all attractive, and some, we think, are even handsomer, because flowering not in such solid sheets of bloom. Our eye finds more satisfaction, for instance, in se\-eral scores of the large white flowers of Otto Fra'bel, or the pale la vander blossoms of Mrs. James Bateman, scattered over a given sur- face, than in several hundred of the smaller flowers of .Jackmanii, over a similar area. This is esjiecially true, after having become somewhat sated with the — in a degree — monotonous beauty of the latter.
Our growers are offering altogether some dozens of different Clematises that are well adapted to- this country. The colors range from white, through French gray, lavender, reddish purple, claret, violet purple to mulberry black. By employing other col- ors largely, and not the violet purple of the Jackmanii almost alone, you will at lea.st have the satisfaction in time to come, of not having it .said that your Clematises are "like everybody else's," while the greater variety in color will be sure to be pleasing.
Straight Lines or Not, in Ornamental Planting.
Nature never arranges trees and plants in straight lines, it is man who does this. Na- ture displays lessons everywhere on how to dispose of the beautiful material she gives us in trees, vines and flowers, for creating effects to satisfy the eye and mind. Man takes of the same material, and .seemingly with a lofty contempt of nature's suggestions, {as if that good dame did not know best how to arrange the material she offers) lays off squares and rows, and circles, and sets slakes exactly in every fair-sized center, and at ex- actly the same distance apart on the lines,
so utterly disregard the teachings of nature in the matter of arran.ging. We want to impress the idea, that the straight line in general planting should usually be dropped, as being at the bottom of most of our un- satisfactory planting.
Figure 1 shows home grounds, as often met, and which are planted with ornamental trees, shrubs and flowers, mostly arranged in straight lines. Figure 3 shows the same grounds planted with similar material, but with nothing set in straight lines. This we call the natural style of planting. Even the walk leading from the street to the house, is made to conform to the laws of beauty, as set forth in graceful curves.
It does not need more than a careful glance at these two plans, to show how well the natural style of arrangement is adapted to small grounds, and how vastly superior it is to the stiff, straight-line style for affording real satisfaction. Study figure 3 and one may find even here on a small plat, that strength of character, that freedom, that breadth and openness, which give to the natural landscapes and woods their greatest charms. In figure 1 these are largely absent. Let another important point be noticed in the two plans shown. While" there is precisely the same breadth of lawn between the house and the boundarj' on each side, in the two, there seems to be a much larger area on all sides (observe especially to the front and rear of the house) in figure 3 than in the other. This is a matter of great signfi cance, for if one can lay out, plant and keep up a lawn of jvist one acre to appear as large as an adjoining plat that is really one and one- half acres, and requiring such a surface to be prepared, mo\\ed and otherwise kept up, that certainly is a great gain, say nothing of the beauty. And such a gain always presents itself in .some degree in natural plantations over more formal styles of arrangement.
Let us in conclu.siou lay down the three fundamental principles involved in natural arrangement, so that all our readers may be- come familiar with, and apply them in practice. First, absence of straight lines. so far as all leading features are concerned (in .some future number we will take up this matter further, and show where the straight and geometric lines in planting may be ap- plied). Second, arrangements mainly in ir- regular clumps or open groves (.see upper right hand corner), with each class of growths such as shrubs, evergreens, etc., mostly by themselves. Third, the presence of open central areas of lawn here and there in con- spicuous parts. This last matter is one of the most important, that can engage the attention of planters, and yet it seems to be the one most freciueiitly disregarded.
great mistake to , glad to publish their suggestions.
At any rate no one can go much amiss, to rely directly upon the selections here ma<!e.
Fig, 2. The same Grounds Arranged More Naturally, with Nothing Set in Straight Lines.
Adaptability, ease of management and at- tractiveness, were the leading points kept in mind in making up these lists:
10 HOUSE PLANTS
Aspidistras.
Calla.
Gt?raniums.
Ivies.
Pandanus or Screw Pine.
WE CLASS AS BEST.
Begonias, flowering. Fieus or Rubber Tree. Hyacinths. Oxalis rosea. Tradescantias.
30 HOUSE PLANTS
Abelias.
Amaryllises.
Cobsea .Scaudeus.
Farfugium grande.
Laurustinus.
Myrtle ( Myrtus 1.
Petunia.
Pttris Ferns.
Tulips.
Narcissus.
30
Popular Gardening's Select Lists of House Plants,
To aid our readers, and especially the in- experienced, in the work of making good se- lections of house plants, lierewith are offered three lists of what we can recommend as
HOUSE PLANTS
Abutilons.
Al,vssuni.
.\zaleas.
Carnations.
Chrysanthemums.
C.vpe ruses.
Cytisus.
German Ivy.
Hydrangea
Lemon or Orange.
Lycopodium.
Mignonette.
Palms.
Peristrophe.
Solainnns, itc.
WE CLASS AS 3nd BEST. Agapanthus. Cactuses.
Dracaenas (Cordyliue,). Fuchsias. Maurandya. Oleander. Primrose. Roses. Vallota. Wa.\- Plant.
WK CLASS AS 8kD HEST. AraUa.
.\ucuba~Gold Dust Tree Balsam.
Catalonian Ja.samiue. Cuphea-Cigar Plant. C.velamens. Eiiouymus. HeIiotroi>e. Lan tanas. Lobelia. Mahernia. Neprolepis Fern. Pittosporum. Richardia. .Stocks.
Beyond these selections, there are many other plants, which tho.se who are well versed in plant culture woidd succeed with about the house, under fair circumstances,
among the best, if not the very best plants and which all plant growers might try with suitable for this jjurpose— sixty altogether, some hope of success. Neither has any It may be that we have skipped scmie very 1 special reference been made, to kinds that excellent ones which ought to be included ; are suitable for the fernery orWardian ca.se.
68
POPULAR GARDENING.
March,
Do You Crow Allamandas?
Whoever can gain access to winter quarters under glass, having a temperature of 50° to 60°, for some good sized plants, ought to be able to grow Allamandas. The genus gives us some of our most desirable stove and gi'eeuhouse plants; their management is quite easy. They are much grown as climbers, but some of the sorts are readily managed as pot shrubs.
In this place we invite notice to several of those Allamandas that are most suitable to grow in the bush form. To illustrate our article we were fortunate in securing the use of a fine en- graving of one of the sorts, A. Hendersonii, from the catalogue, and thi-ough the kindness, of Messrs. Hill & Co., who are growers of Roses and other fine plants at Richmond, Indiana. The engraving shows the flower reduced in size, the individual blooms being usually three inches and upwards across. The color is a soft golden yellow, tinged ^ith brown on the outside, and very agreeable to the eye. In form and tex- ture the flowers are really charming. Add to these qualities the fact that they are pro- duced in gi-eat profusion for about nine months in succession, and the appreciation with which the plant is held by those who grow it, is easily understood.
Another species quite as desirable as the last, but with smaller flowers, is the Oleander-leaved Allanianda (A. nerifolia). On account of its floriferous habit through many months in succession, it is unequaled for decorative purposes, while as an exhi- bition plant this Allanianda is excelled by none. The leaves are decidedly handsome.
Of late years the shrubby Allamandas have gained some fame in eastern cities as out-door summer bloomers. For this pur- pose they are grown under glass from September until May or June, when they are plunged, pot and all, in the flower border for the summer. It should be added that the time to shift the plants is just previous to putting them out into the summer border. One thing that goes far towards making the culture of these plants a pleasure, is their singular freedom from insects. They are treasures, for this.
Allamandas require but ordinai'y good soil, say such as consists of two parts rotted turf and one part of thoroughly decomposed manure. A little sand added is very useful. The plants enjoy good drainage in the pots, free watering and syringing when in a growing state, with an occasional treat to weak liquid manure during this period. To grow lai'ge specimens never allow the subjects to become pot-bound. lu the winter months Allamandas require but little wat«r. The time of pruning is in January or February of each year. Plants can be bought of the leading 'florists, including the firm re- ferred to above, at 2r> cents and upwards each. Such are of small size ; they grow quite rapidly.
"Well, sisters of the Flornl World, we find ourselves transferred to pastures new, but with the same common interests. Let us feel at home, write our letters as of old and do what we can in the good work."
Amaryllis and Other Flowers.
Our new correspondent, Mrs. S. A. B. Sher- win, of Minnesota, may well grow enthusiastic over her Johnson's Amaryllis and Petunias, for both are among the best of house plants. It is no strange thing for the former to bloom in the latter part of winter. Here is her letter :
"My Johnsonii has surprised me this winter, by throwing up two flower scapes, each develop- ing one lovely blossom, another is to follow. My other varieties are growing thriftily, Vjut show no signs of bloom as yet (Feb. 10th). What pleasure flowers do afford at this season, I must tell of my grandiflora varieties of Petunias last season : The flowers were enor- mous and of such dazzling brilliancy that they attracted all passers. Many could hardly be- lieve they were Petunias. No ordinary varie- ties for me after this. I would say that the grandiflora strain of Drummond's Plilox is also superior; the flowers are larger than others, and each %vith a large white eye.
Selecting the Garden.
BY N. J. SHEPHERD.
Where a garden is to be selected pains should be taken to secure the best site. It should be convenient to the home; it should be accessible with team and wagon, that manure di-awiug, plowing and fitting up the soil can be done without unnecessary trouble.
Good drainage is very important. Often a piece of land can be chosen that is naturally under-drained; if not, then thorough tile drain- ing should be done, or a good and early garden is out of the question.
A plot that slopes to the south or southeast, is better than one that is flat or sloping other- wise. Either an eastern or a western slope is
ALLAMANDA HENDERSONII.
better than one to the north, for such an one takes a long time to wai'm up in the spring.
For soil, a light loam should be the first choice. You can make a garden on clay soil, by bring- ing some lightening material in addition to manure to it, but this calls for a good deal of work, and when done it will never till as read- ily or warm up as early in the spring as lighter loam. A cold, wet soil is always un.satisfactory. Light sand or gravel do not make the best of gardens, but by the use of enough manure, either one may be rendered passably good.
A good size for a family garden, is fifty feet wide by one hundred feet long. The advan- tage of having it in this shape is that a large share of the work of preparing the soil, and even of tillage, can be done by horee power. As compared with man or women power, horse power is so much cheaper, that its employment should be much more common about gardens.
Shelter from cold winds is important. If the natural lay of the land or the near presence of the farm buildings do not effect this, then a belt of Evergreens on the north and west sides should be provided. It is not desirable to have either buildings or large trees so near to the garden, that they wiU shade the surface.
For the Fun of It.
Mr. S. Q. Lent, a correspondent of the Mirh- irjan Horticulturi.tt, has some notions about gardening, with which we quite agree. He says, in substance, that he wants to see people
do more in raising flowers, flne trees, fruit, etc. , for the comfort and satisfaction they bring, and not forever singing "wasted time" or " money out of pocket." Money is not good for anything unless it makes us more comfortable and happy; and time isn't worth saving unless we can spend it in some way to enjoy it. A lady may spend her time the whole summer long in growing a set of plants that shall take the flrst premium at the fair; the pi-ize may be almost nothing, but there is no measure to the enjoyment gained by the effort.
A little girl may spend a large amount of time in growing a seedling (.Teranium until its flower is opened. The flower may not be as good as thousauds of others, but she has grown this one as her own, has enjoyed its development, and if she has had the sympathy of her parents and the family, she has secured "lots of fun " out of the experiment.
We have a great deal of sympathy with the amateurs who are growing flowers, plants, vegetables and fruits, not for what they will bring in the market, but for the enjoy- ment of watching for new forms, colors and flavors. No time or money is ill spent that contributes to the true happiness of the one who spends it, and besides adds, as everything about gardening does, joy and comfort to the household.
The Rochester Convention.
When the leading fruit growers, who have made Rochester and Western New York famous for nurseries and orchards, get together on a winter's day to talk over horticultural matters, the sparks of wis- dom must fly. Such a meeting was the one held by the Western New York Horti- cultural Society in the last week of Janu- ary. There wei'e present, Patrick Bai-ry (who is president of the Society), J. J. Thomas, George EUwanger, Dr. Hexamer, Chas. A. Green, and more than 1.50 other prominent nurserymen and f niit growers, all brought together to discuss an interest- ing line of subjects. The following is the substance of the leading ideas brought out ; President Barry : When fruit is sorted, and only the best sent to market, you may keep the other grades at home, and the gross receipts would be neaily or quite as great. . . . Fruit crops may soon be doubled by enriching the soU, good culture, careful pruning, thinning, gatjfiering.pack- ing. . . . With the low prices of last year, results on the whole were more satis- factoiy than farming. . . . For winter storage uses, a barn over a cellar, the walls of which (the bam) are double sheated with straw between the layers; double doors; the cellar provides some warmth; during severe colil straw mats are thrown over the boxes and barrels. ... A new Weeping Apple was mentioned, as suitable to plant, both for fruit and for ornament.
J. J. Thomas: Keep the young on the farms by making the surroundings attractive. . . . Ilire men who board themselves, that the women folks may have time for rest and cul- ture. . . . Reported proflts of some Black Cap Raspberries, at $200 per acre, the fruit selling at 8 to 16 cents per quart ; Strawberries $300 per acre, fetching .5 to 8 cents per quart; one grower realized $80 for one-fourth aci"e of Strawberries; an Apple orchai-d gave 144 bushels per acre, at from $1.2.5 to $1..50 per bushel, a part planted to Potatoes yielded the best fi-uit. . . . Three best market Plums, Bradshaw for early, Lombard for medium, Riene Claude for late. . . . Best fertilizer for Plums, he finds is barn-yard manure. . . Plum rot iu the fruit is no doubt caused or increased by over-bearing. . . . Pears on a mowed lawn yield flne fruit.
Chas. A. Green: Fashion demands birds for millinery purposes, and insects increase. . . . Estimated ten rnlllinna ai'e slaughtered in America every year. . . . One swallow will kill more insects than a farmer with his Paris Green mixture.
Dr. Caldwell: Salt does not add fertility to land but only makes fertility more available. . . . Salt is not so good an absorbent as earth, plaster or gypsum, does not prevent es- cape of ammonia. . . . Salt keeps ma- nure moist and prevents fire-fang.
i886.
POPULAR GARDENING.
69
On Raspberries: With Mr. Van Dusen the Shaffer produces more than any other red. . . . Report«l to have yielded 4,5(1(1 quarts per acre on light sandy soil. . . . The Marlboro deserves more attention : is healthy, vigorous, productive, of acceptable qualit)'. Hansel has not done well in Western New York.
Grapes; For keeping, Mr. Saunders deems the following points important: uniform tem- perature, darkness, packing simply in baskets as for marketing. Concords now as fresh as when gathered. . . . Bagging before ripen- ing prevents damage by rot, birds, insects, fowls, and aids better perfection. . . . The Worden has too delicate a skin fordistant shii>- ment; early, hardy, productive. Average yield per acre of Concords is from three to five tons. . . Protect young
vines for two or three winters after planting.
Miscellaneous: Dr. Hexamer reports salt as of no benefit to Asparagus. . . . Mr. Cay- wood gets no Quinces without applying salt. . . . Others use salt for Plums and Fears with good results. . . . Apples have a choice of soils. . . . Mr. Woodwai'd covers joints of tile in the orchard with cement, to keep roots from entering and clogging them. . . . Mr. Caywood dusts slackeil lime over Cherries and Plums in fruit after showers, to ward off curculio and other insects.
mould; cover the seeds slightly and stand in 00° of heat, and they willstai't (luickly. When the plants can be handled, move sing]}' into small pots, giving them soil similar to that first
A Favorite Vegetable— The Pea.
Among green vegetables few, if any, are preferred above the Pea. To be most de- licious it .should be in its half grown state, and properly served ; then it affords a dish to suit the most fastidious ta.ste. The Pea has this ad- vantage over most other vegetables ; it can be grown on land not inch enough for most kinds of garden crops.
The Pea succeeds best on light soil. To keep the table well supplied, sowingsjshould be made as soon as the grouud can be worked, and then every fifteen or twenty days apart up to the middle of June. After that it would, for some time, be useless to sow, as a rule, for the Pea is not much of a hot weather plant. Bj- .sowing an early sort, again about the middle of Au- gust a fine fall crop may often be raised.
In the kitchen garden. Peas are usually ''brushed." As this is in itself something of a task, a saving may be made in furnishing brush by sowing two rows of Peas to one line of brush. In this case the two rows are brought within eight inches of each other, with the brush be- tween. Then a space of two feet is left on each side of the double line for a passage-way. About one quart of seed is needed for each seventj'-five feet in length of single drill.
In field culture brush is seldom used for sup- port. The seed is often sown broadcast here, but a better way is to mark out with a one- horse plow, rows thi-ee feet apart, and sow in these. Some well decayed manure or bone fertilizer may be applied in the furrow at the same time. One bushel and a quarter of seed will go over an at're. A hundred or more bushels may be coimted on as the crop per acre on good soil.
The varieties of garden Peas are numerous, their names are vastly more so. A good col- lection for family use might embrace the fol- lowing: First of all, American Wonder, Mc- Lean's Little Gem for earliest; Champion of England, White and Black Marrowfat, and Stratagem tor general crop. The engraving is of the Stratagem, which is a fine wrinkled Pea.
Petunias and their Culture.
The progress alreadj' made in improving the insignificant looking species of the Petunias that were first brought from South America, some fifty years ago, has been most remarka- ble. Our seedsman all now off> r the fruits of this improvement, in the shape of fine seeds, that may be relied upon to produce a large percentage of very fine flowers. Although tender evergreens, the jjlants of which may be kept up indefinitely, it is better to raise young plants every year. Seed may be sown this month in the window or greenhouse in pans filled with sifted loam, to which has been added some sand, and if it is had, one-fifth of leaf-
Faith in the Kieffer Pear. John S. Collins, of Moorcstown, N. J., claims to have this, and would seem to strongly show it by his works. He states that he has an orchard of 10,U()() trees phmted to this variety alone.
Given a temperature of ;W with moderate moisture, and the Roxbury Russet Apple wiU keep no one knows how long.
Clover, Thf Nitshville Anwrirdn says, is " the grand elixir of our agricultural life."
Plant steep and rocky liill sides with the .4pple.
It's the early gai-dener that catches the high prices.
A feeble young tree rarely amounts to much.
Fruit gardens are often over-crowded.
STRATAGEM ; A WRINKLED PEA.
used; keep close for a few days, then admit more air, and plenty of light. Nip out the points of the shoots as soon as they begin to grow freely, giving a little shade from midday sun, with air and water as required. In six weeks move them into .5 or 6-inch pots, now using the soil without sifting, and adding to it some rotten manure ; again stop the shoots, and after they have grown so as to need support put small sticks to each. By this course you may have plants that will bloom all summer, and if assisted with manure-water once or twice a week, even much longer.
Fruit Culture in Manitoba. An official report of the Manitoba Department of Agriculture, states that, generally speaking, for that region, ordinary fruits are abundant in their season. Among the fruits cultivated, the principal are currants, gooseberries, strawberries, apples, plums, raspberries and crab apples. Of these, currants, gooseberries and strawberi'ies are the most generally grown and with the most suc- cess. Apples have not been wholly satisfactory thus far, lint experiments are being carried out with kinds from northern latitudes, the results of which will be watched with interest.
When a gardener for any reason gets so en- thusiastic over the use of artificial fertilizers, that he thinks they can as well as not wholly take the place of stable manure, he is, as a tiller of the soil, on the road to ruin. Turn right about face! Stable manure is the stuff.
Culture for Pears. Mr. Patrick Barj-y tells us that in his wide experience, he has found that Pears yield the largest crops and the finest quality, if the soil is kept cleanly tilled, but not so deep as to disturb the roots. Mr. Barry knows about these things.
The new Canadian ( ii-ape, Jessica, is said to have given great satisfaction in Canada la-st year. Such having lieen the case thus far north, and in a season not at all favorable to the Grape, indicates well enough for the sort.
The Readers, the Paper and the Editors.
( tur Popular Gardening Family, with having ]-e- ceived last month a new accession of menil)ers from the Floral Worlds is now not only an extensive one, but it is growing more rapidly than ever. There are members in every State in tlie Union, in Canada and other foreign lands. But however near or far apart we its members may be. all must be possessed of the one desire to find increased pleasure and profit in gardening.
Now the sum of knowledge concerning gardening matters, possessed by the members of our family, is in the aggregate ver^ great. Could this be properly set forth so as to be available to all members, its in- fluence for improved gardening would be vast. If kept hid, its power for good will mostly be lost.
But PopcLAR Garde.nixg designs that the light of our experience and knowledge shall not be covered a.s with a bushel. Tlie paper is here as a means of family intercourse. It is the mouthpiece of everj- member to speak to all other members. The de- partments are all open to their letters.
So we want every one of you to be sociable, speak out and get acquainted. Tell us how you manage your flowers, fruits, etc. Sister A., of Elaine, Sister B., of JIaryland, Brother t'., of iVlinnesota, and so on all througli the family. There will be nearly 3t),(KX) others who wfll be glad to read what you have to say. Tell us what you know, and what you don"t know but would like to. Occupy every department of our paper, and please oljserve that we want to bear of the useful little things as well as the great things of popular gardening. ^Vhatever you meet when at yom' work that will be of real worth to the family to know, out with it.
The editors of Popular Gardening, however, must lay down one or two restrictions in the interests of the common family good, as regards correspon- dence. First, we desire above all, to print facts: our columns are too much crowded io admit of long- spun theories, fancies or rambling talk. So we say give facts, and " be brief, evennore be brief."
Let each one who writes, bear in mind the rule which has made this paper so successful: " ir/i< re ten linen will answer any end, tn-enti/ vini'f he used; if ten words trill do, tlien ten lines are not adm itted." Whatever is printed must be worthy of our near 3(l,(X)0 readers (that is a large number). Pos- tal cards, let us say, are a great convenience for family intercourse, for here we don't stand so much on the form of things. -\s for poetry, little can be admitted; it must be of a high order. Sketches of appliances and methods are always acceptable, in many cases they will be engraved for our pages.
With these various remarks let no member of the family be frightened with doubts as to their ability to write well enough for this paper. Our editors are of the " family," and whenever necessary, they will most gladly see to it that your ideas are set forth clearly and with credit to yourself. It is due to them to say that they are practical gardeners, who ai'e as apt with potting stick, pruning knife and plow. a.s with the pen. They can follow and shape up a line of ideas in unskillful composition concerning gar- dening matters, as easily as to clean up a row of young Pansies or Peas in the midst of early weeds. They can also prune down "over grown " articles to the good of the s;iine, as readily as to overhaul a greenhouse full tif rampant growths, or dress up an orchard.
< >f couree these remarks do not apply to all om- correspondents. i)ut they are made to encourage every member to send in something. As for the drawings alluded to. send such along, however crude they may be, our artists can catch the idea, and bring them out in good shape.
Members of the Pt)Pul^R (Jardening fauuly. let us hear from each one of you through the jiages of this, oiu' medium! Everybody send stimething.
70
POPULAR GARDENING.
March,
PN^C
I KS.d
^-^ -. .— -
When all the autumn leaves were pressed,
Sighs from the maitlen's bosom came; Her heart with sorrow was oppressed.
For life was now without an aim. But. as one pleasure takes it flight,
Another comes and griefs assuaged; The maiden has a new delight —
In horticulture she's engaged. The upright grand no more she plays.
The banjo's strings no more she thrums, Enraptured by the latest craze —
She cultivates Chrysanthemimis.
—Boston Courier.
Oh, March ! we know thou art Kind-hearted, spite of ugly looks and threats, And out of sight, art nursing April's Violets. —Helen Hunt.
The plumey Astilbe is in.
The Lover's Knot is still in vogue.
One florist forces Clover blossoms.
Floral muffs is one of the latest ideas.
How increased sunshine does suit Violets 1
"Water Lilies are brought from the South.
The Red Tulip signifies declaration of love.
Spring Howers have a fascination of their own.
Flowers nre as gaudy during Lent as at anj'" time.
Marechal Niel buds sometimes weigh an ounce.
Would the Forget-me-not really be as pretty by any other name?
Orchids have taken the place sometime held by Orange blossoms at weddings.
The exquisite Swanlj' White Violet is a favorite flower for boutonnieres on evening dress occasions.
Home Dinner Favors. The leaves of the India Rubber Tree, with the name of the guest lettered on them in gilt. They are in use.
Let our fashionable belles assert their rights, by refusing to carry the monstrous stiff "mushroom Vjouquets.'" Good taste surely repels the innovation.
To wreath the hand-rail of the stairs with costly Orchids, as on one late occasion was done, seems to be carrying decoration too far. Suppose there be a lame guest present, who needs the rail to lean on.
Not an Elephant Either. One of the wed- ding presents received at the recent marriage of Princess Marie d'Orange, has a queer sound to American ears. It was from Baron Edmond de Rothschild, and consisted of a splendid collection of Orchids, estimated to be worth 25.0(X1 francs. ($.5,000).
Have flower lovers noticed how satisfactory is the loose arrangement of some simple kind of a flower in a receptacle of quiet form and color? It's the way we want cut blooms displayed on om* own table. There should also be foliage of the same kind of plant intermixed when possible, Even a few leaves are better than none.
He Didn't- Young Mr. De L., (in the conserva- tory!—May I i>resent you with a bud, Miss Societie, from this beautiful plants Miss Societie (blushing) —Oh, thank you. You are veiy— Fairy of the Household (tripping in)— I guess papa wouldn't like you to pick any of the flowei-s; they are only rent- ed for this evening.— iV. Y. Sun.
Some of the pieces at Mrs. Secretary Bayard's funeral, are thus described: At the head of the casket rested a pillow composed of large white Camellias, interwoven with Maiden Hau- Ferns, an offering from President Cleveland. There was one massive cross of purple Violets, with a bunch of Callas bursting from the centre. One pillow was made of Violets, bordered with Lily of the Valley.
Violets, with their impression of modesty and their sweet clean perfume, are very much sought for the corsage bouquet. These are made up in shaded effects like those of Roses and Carnations. The top of the bunch is composed of the pale Nea- politan Violets, then follow the deeper Marie Louise, and after these the dark purple Czar, and the single Russian Violets. In making up Violets all matting of the flowers should be avoided. The more they show footstalks and foliage the prettier the cluster.
A floral-gift to new-born babies is quite in order. The cradle, in a small pattern, fifled with bright Roses, and other delicate flowers, stands of course, at the head of appropriate designs. Still there are some othere, quite as suitable, and more dainty. One of these is a pair of tiny silk socks, filled with delicate flowers. They should be fastened together i
with narrow ribbon. If one contains sprays of Valley Lilies and tlie other Forget-me-nots, and some bright Rose buds, they will be exquisite.
Smilax in England. When the writer was in Europe, in 1881, he neveronce came across this plant, now so famous in America. Well-informed gardeners there knew of it, if they did not grow it, but again and again when florists were asked about Smilax, or more properly Myrsiphylluin asparagoides^ they had never heard of the plant. However, it seems that our British cousins are slowly waking up to its worth, and some of them now grow and use it judging by this item in a recent issue of the London Garden, on table decorations, to wit: " We find that the Smilax or Myrsiphyilnni aapa ragoides, which is largely employed in table decoration in America, gives great satisfaction here also, and we cultivate a number of plants now, especially to afford a good supply of thriving growths." Americans are entitled to the credit of discovermg the great merits of this plant for decoration purposes. First introduced by the Engli.sh from the Cape of Good Hope as far back as 1702, it was soon discarded. Again it was received at Kew, in 1861, and from there it was dis- seminated American florists being the first to rightly appreciate it. Having been taking lessons in gardening from the English so long, it is some satisfaction to be able, once in a while, to give them points like this one, concerning the use of Smilax.
Dotanic^lO^cI^et
Scab on A]ii>le is like mildew, a disease.
Shelf Fungi four feet across have been found.
Root fibers are analogous to leaves, being renewed annually.
Wheat natm'ally an annual, becomes biennial by fall sowing.
Roots absorb, stems transmit, and leaves digest the plant's food.
In the main the line of plant migration has been from west to east.
Because of the bright yellow wood of the Bar- berry, doctors formerlj' administered it for jaundice.
One Sequoia or Giant tree of Cahfornia which has fallen, measured 31 feet in diameter and 3ti3 feet in length.
A study of plant distribution, shows a marked tendency in the smaller order of plants, to localiza- tion in a prirtion of the globe.
It is rumored that Prof. J. M. Coulter, of Craw- fordsville, Indiana, will succeed the venerable Asa Gray, at Harvard College, who desires to retire be- cause of advancing years.
It is a singular fact, that of the two known species of the Podophyllum or May Apple, one grows here and the other in the far-off Himalaya region. How is this for the theory that different species have descended from the same parent plant, some- thing as varieties have done.
Mr. Henry Shaw whose well known generosity has done so umch for horticulture and botany about St. Louis, Mo., has founded a school of Botany, endow- ing it with real estate, which even now produces an income of S5,tKX) a year, and turned it over to the city of St. Louis as a gift, it being made a depart- ment of Washington University.
Mr. Sturtevant, of Bordenstown, N. J., has met with great success in naturalizing the Nelumbium speeiosuui or Sacred Bean of India iu his vicinity. The plant covers about half an acre in a mill pond near his home. Its growth is said to have been marvelous during the past season, as many iis a hundred of the noble flowers appearing daily. This plantation affords in its season one of the most wonderful exhibitions of plant life to be found out- side of the tropics.
The internal structures of leaves of the same species often varies according to where the plant grows. For example, if it is exposed to the light and air, its palisade cells will be well developed, its fibrous tissues the better marked. If growing m water, the inter-cellular and aerial passages will be large in proportion, and the frame work thin and weak, inasmuch as the water supports the leaf, thus requiring no stiff frame work. Plants of differ- ent species vary a good deal in relation to the effects of air and light on plasticity.
The Spring-flowering Oxalises are in l>loom. They are among the prettiest of small flowering plants, showing much beauty when the sun shines enough to open then- blossoms. In dull weather the buds have been known to decay, without having once been wooed by a htttle sunlight to unfold. The leaves too, fold at night— a very general habit of the whole family. Mr. Darwin spent many hours of patient watching of the sleep movements of the
Oxalises, as we may see in what he says of them in "Movements of Plants."
Ferns. Abundant as these are in the United States, they are vastly more so in tropical America. They reach their maximum concentration amongst the dripping rocks of the higher level of the Andes, the forests of their slopes and ravines, and-the dense humid flats that border the innumerable branches of the Amazon. They require shade and a damp atmos- phere, hence are the most abundant in their native fastnesses, where the sun's rays and the wind never penetrate. The geographical distribution of this order may be summarized something like this: Tropical America, 950 species, (42 per cent, of all known fernsV, tropical Asia and Polynesia, 863 spe- cies, 427 being peculiar; tropical Africa and islands 346 species, 127 peculiar; temperate South America, 153 species, 21 peculiar; temperate North America, 114 species, 37 peculiar.
pQUJC
wm.
This being the People's Paper it is open to all their In- quires^ bearing on Gardening.
On the other hand, answers to published inquires are earnestly requested from readers.
The editors and special contributors are ready to do a large share of the answering, but the experience of many being more valuable than of the f etc, however varied that is, and conditions andlocalities being so different, they prefer to receive answers, even several of them to the same qites tion, from readers everywhere. Don't hesitate to write because you may feel you are no fine tcriter; give facts and ideas and the editors will see that they appear in credi- table shape.
In writing, give the number of the question you are an- 8W<ering: your locality and iiame, the latter not for publica- tion unless you desire. IVrite only on one side of the paper
Flowers will be gladly named provided first, that no more than three be sent at one tiine. Second, that these be fully prepaid. Third, that several specimens of each reach us in good shape. We cannot undertake to name fiorista^ varie-^ tiest
36.— Petunias. What makes the leaves of a young growing Petunia curl back, and then the plant itself collapse later? What is the best soil? Mrs. L. S. H. Graffan.
37. —Propagating Roses. What is the best meth- od of Propagation / Can Hybrid Perpetuals be raised from seedy G. Q, S. Mass.
38.— Violet not Flowering. Mine is seven months old and thrifty, l>ut does not bloom. Who will tell me why? Flora. Holliaton, Mass.
311 — White Worms in Pots. How can I prevent those minute worms doing injury in the flower pots? How can I destroy them? Maria,
40.— Camellia. How old must a Camellia Jap- onica be before it blooms y What treatment ought it to receive? Maria.
41 —Geraniums. I would like to know of a sure way of keeping through the winter, in the cellar? I mean such as have grown in the garden all sum- mer, and are too large for pots? Heretofore, I have lost every one in the cellar. Maria.
42 —Sword Fern. Are the plum-like growths in the Sword Fern poisonous? E. G. O.
43.— Hardy Plants for Shade. Please ask m your Inquiry Column for a list. E. D. R., Flushing., N. Y.
44 —Books. Will you give a list especially adapt- ed, with information, for window gardening and for tht- house conservatory. Mary L. Disbrow.
45 —Conservatories. I would be glad to see an article on these, their size, location, arrangement and conveniences as best adapted for "non-profes- sional "■ care and for the home. Mary L. Disbrow.
REPLIES TO INQUIRIES
;J8 —Violet not Flowering. The trouble is you have kept the plant too close and warm The run- nel's must also be kept down. A. H. E.
25.— Tacsonia. -L G. H. will find Tacsonia's grow easily from seed, but they are long coming up. Sow in early spring, in a temperature of 60°, here to be kept until the plants are 3 feet in height. — Mrs. R. W. B., West Eaton, Pa.
■iS. -Hardy Plants for Shade. On our place the fol- lowing succeed well in a shady yard: Sweet Violets, Dicentra or Bleeding Heart, Bloodroot. Trilliums, Hepaticas, some Campanulas, Vinca, Moneyvine. several of the Herbaceous Spirses and Saxifrages, among plants; Tree-box, Privet, Ivy, Daphne and Kahnias, among hard wood growths. A. H, E.
31.— Bouvardia. This plant is not strictly a per- petual bloomer. By growing young plants during the summer, keeping them bushy by trimming back occasionally, they will, with careful lifting and handling, flower very freely at intervals later, under glass. W. H Bauks, Galesburg, JU.
:35 —Puny Fuchsias. We advise cutting in and shifting backwards (see note on page 05, this issue) into light, rich soil: if of decayed turf, with fine old manure and sand added, the best results may be expected. Eds. P. G.
33. Puny Geraniums. I would encourage the sprouts to gi'ow, and later cut away the parts with small leaves. Root seems to be in better order than is the top. Mrs. H. M. Garton, Willo^ighby, Maine.
1 886.
POPULAR GARDENING.
ouNGjfepPLe
Treeclimber's Talks.
THE PINEAI'ri.E.
^ There are several reasons why I open my talks to the yonng gardeners of America this month by alluiliug to the Pineapple. One of these is that the fruit is American, being a native of the countries from Mexico southward to Brazil, hence it is well for us to know all we can about it. We may feel'that we have little to do with, and are far from Mexico and South America, and this as regards most readers of Popular Garden- ing, is true. But if 3-0U were to travel abroad, and talk with foreigners about Pineapples, Orchids and like plants that are peculiar to some parts of the Americas, you would very likely find, as I did, that they would quite naturally
EXPECT TOU TO KNOW all about these things, precisely as if they grew right about your home. This places one, under such circumstances, in an awkward position, if he knows little or nothing about our noted American plants. To blunder out, as some most likely would have to, that you never knew the Pine- apple was American, would at once show you to be very ignorant, in a well- informed foreigner's estimation.
Another reason for speaking of the Pineapple here is, that this delicious fruit of the tropics quite readily submits to
OnLTIVATION UNDER GLASS
in northern regions. This can not be so well said of all tropical fruits. Not only is the raising of the fruit under gla-ss not very diffi- cult, but the product here is far superior in size, quality and beauty to the fruit we meet in the markets. This is to be accounted for in two ways: first, the imported fruit is gathered in an immature state, to aid its keeping. Sec- ond, the cultivated varieties have been much improved just as most of our- garden fruits have also been. I trust that among my young readers there are many who take enough inte- rest in gardening, that in time, they will be sit- uated so they can try their hand at this fine branch of under-glass gardening. Not only will they find the plant interesting for the fruit it bears, but as may be seen in the en- graving, it is also decidedly ornamental. There is a variety which has beautifully striped leaves that is solely grown for ornament.
You understand, of course, that if the Pine- apple is a product of an American plant, it is
A COMPARATIVELY NEW FRUIT
to the world. Of the Banana, Orange, Cocoa- nut and other well-known fruits, it may be said, they have been known and cultivated from remote ages. The first Pineapple was taken to Europe only in 15.5.5. It was received, among other products of this newly discovered country, with great interest. Sometimes its singular appearance seems to have incited fear. It is said, for instance, that the suspicious king, Charles V, of Germany, when given a hand- some Pineapple, mistrusted it, and would not taste it. Every boy or girl who reads this knows better about the fruit than this king did, hence is just so much better off.
While the Pineapple is a native of America, it has been introduced into the tropical parts of the Eastern hemisphere very generally, by the present time. I but lately read an account by a traveler in the Congo Valley of Africa, in which he speaks of this fruit growing wild
AS COMMON THERE AS BLACKBERRIES
do with us. He tells how this was brought about, but before I relate this I ought to explain that the plant propagates by suckers appearing
below the fruit, and which root readily when the fruit is mature. The top of the fruit will also root and make plants.
This traveler says that along the trade routes of the Congo regions, the way-sides are strewn with the leavings of tlie fruit as it is eaten, and these taking root in the rich, red soil, serve to spread the plant along the ]iath for very long distances. The inhabitants come a great way to the valley for the golden fruit, vvhirli forms a large pai-t of their <liet. It is said that the very skin of the people turns yellowish from almost wholly living on the golden flesh. So connnon is the fruit in fact, that even the dogs,
THE PINEAPPLE PLANT IN FRUIT.
cats, pigs and goats, live on this cUet. They would seem to have a Pineapple "picnic" all the while.
THE NAME PINEAPPLE.
Just how this pleasing name became attached to this fruit, may not be known. To the Span- iards, perhaps, is owing its origin, for the)' early called it Pinas, because the .shape resem- bles the fi-uit of a species of Pine. From this name, one can see that it would be but a short route to Pineapple, the name by which it is everywhere known by English speaking peo- ple. Its Brazilian name is Nana, and this was turned to Ananas by the Portuguese. An- anasa sativa is its botanical name,
THE EVERGREEN PINE TREE AS A FRUIT TREE.
I said that the Pineapple was called Pinas by the Spaniards because it resembled the fruit of a species of Pine tree. It may not be known to many of our young people, that there are species of evergreen Pine trees that bear deli- cious edible fruit. One such a species is a na- tive of the extreme western parts of our coun- try and is called Nut Pine or Edible-fruited Pine. The edible part is the seed ; it is about the size of a Hazel nut, and sweet. Another species is the Stone Pine of Southern Europe. The seeds of this one are about thi-ee-fourths of an inch long, and when fresh, have a sweet I taste, resembling that of Ahnonds. Were it not that they soon become rancid, after gath- ering, no doubt these nuts would be met in our markets. Occasionally, they are to be had in European cities, being brought in the cone, in which way they can be kept longer. But the bulkness of the cones is against this method of transporting the fruit, hence it can never become common. So we shall probably have to get along without the fruit of the Pine tree somehow.
Timothy Treeclimber.
ing that suits all youngsters, but of which our grand parents in their youth never knew.
Tlif various parts were cut the reiiuireil shape 1(1 sewed together with small wire. Several were
In Ihe winter of IH-w, Francis I'. Knowlton i)ur-
duised a sheet of wire iiettiiif; in Hopkiiiton, New
llmnpshire, and constructed the lirxt <;ini puijiii-r
ihiit trits cvt'V made.
Tlie
and _ ^. ..^...„, „^.,.
made and sent to various parts of the United States as curiosities.
Mr. K.. thinkiiiL' that he eonid see a field rif use- fulness tor till- ni'wlv invcnli-il ail icle. made n few and took tliciii ti> a lumlwaiv sl<ii'c in Conconl, liiip- inK theivliy to inlnuluL-e and .sell tlicni.
His pniiiui-lion was scorned and ridiculeil l)V Ihe pnipiiKtois. and they at first refused to have 'any- tliiuK to do with them. He was finnllv told that he might leave one or two. if he would piiy storage
From necessity he took the others liuuk to Hopkinton, little dreaining from the rehuffs received that, in so .short a time, they would be found in almost every homestead in New- England. At least, shortly after this Mr Kelley began pressing theni into the reiiuired shape, and soon after they found favor in the market.
No patent has, so far as can be learned, ever been applied tor. Within a short time, the identical corn popper has been i)iesented from Mr. Knowlton, of Littleton. Massachusetts, to the Antiquarian Society at (.'■■utoucook. New Hampshire. — fr'oMe/i Days.
The First Corn Popper.
Are the boys and girls, who enjoy the snowy product of the corn popper, aware, that within the recollection of our middle aged people, the corn popper was unknown ; Such is really the case, and in Pop-corn, which many of us never think to miss planting, we enjoj- pleasant eat-
A Tree that Severed a Boulder.
That "constant dropping wears away rocks," is a truth that has been handed down to us from our forefathers. It ap- pears, however, that other seemingly mild powers, can sever hard stones as well as water can.
While George Barkman, of Dayton, Ohio was walking on the farm of Mr. Brooks, near that town, some weeks ago, he found a stone which had been forced open by the power of vegetation, for a tall tree stood within a big crack at one edge of the boulder. The stone measured eight feet in length and five in breadth, and the thickness was about three . feet. When looked into, it was seen that the tree had sprung from a seed dropped into a hoUow place in the stone, and that the growing representa- tive of the vegetable kingdom had made the big mineral give way before it.
PET BIRDS, ANIMALS, ETC
The Cinnamon Canaries have pink eyes.
If American-bred Canary birds are mferior to imported ones, it is owing only to careless mating.
Birds in draughts sometmies become asthmatic, which may be known by short breathing. Only remedy: pievent the draughts.
When Parrots incline to pull their own feathers, by giving a piece of wood to gnaw at, they may find' employment that will lead to giving up the fault.
Before the telegraph was invented Carrier-pig- eons were employed to cany messages between Halifax and Boston. Flying, as these can, nearly one hundred miles an hour, they afforded the fast- est possible means of oarrymg word from one point to another.
Beauty of appearance and quality of song do not always go together. The Belgian Canan'. than which there is no moi-e attractive variety, has a poor voice and short song. The birds are very tame and handsome, hence much esteemed, but be- ing delicate require a great deal of attention.
Dog Ringing Bell. A lady in Scotland tells how she got a doji, witliin three weeks, to ring a bell. She began by letting "Tiny- smell the bone of a mutton chop, and then tied the bone to the string of the bell. At first "Tiny " was in a great tremor, but by taking her kindly and stroking her, she found that she could iiidtu-e her to inill at the bone and so ring the bell. After that she tied a small piece of wood to the string, but the dog would not pull it. At last she pulled her gently back until the bell rang, and in this way, in the short coui-se of three weeks, with not more than one or two lessons a day, the dog would go and ring the bell by being told"— " ' Tiny,' go and ring the bell."
Ancient Cat Worship.— Wherever the cat is found as a domesticated animal it is held m great esteem. This feeling was carried to its greatest ex- tent by the ancient Egyptians. On the death of a cat. the inhabitants of the house shaved otf their ej-ebrows, and the deceased animal was endialmed and buried with great solemnity in a sacred spot. Many cat mummies have been found in the Egyp- tian tombs, and some are to be seen in the British Museum. Some were wrapped separately in ample bandages covered with inscriptions. Their move- ments and their cries were consulted as oracles, and the murder, or even the accidental felicide of one of them, was punished by death.
72
POPULAR GARDENING.
March,
"^e Household
About Washing Compounds.
Washday comes ai'ouiid with gieat regular- ity once a week, iu all good house-keepiug; a day of hard labor. Much experimenting has been done iu the past, with a view to the use of preparations that shall act upon the dirt in clothes, in a way that will separate this readily from the fabrics, thus making less labor of rub- bing and cleansing them. The trouble with many of these is, that although they may have the desired effect on the dirt, they also prove injurious to the fibers of the cloth. The fear of such results, in the minds of pnident house- keepers, makes them often slow to adopt any so-called washing preparations ; they prefer to apply more labor at the task than run the risk of injury to the clothes.
We have the pleasure of introducing in this place, directions for making a most reliable, simple and safe compound for relieving the burdens of washing da3\ It is Better, safer and cheaper than pearline, and most other com- pounds offered at the stores. Years of use has shown that it will not rot the clothes or tuni them yellow, and it does not harm the hands-.
Into 8 quarts of soft water, put one-half pound of lime and 1 pound of washing soda, from the dealers in groceries. Place on the stove and have come to a boil. Afterwards let it settle, and pour off the clear liquid into jugs or bottles, for future use. The prepara- tion is chiefly used when boiling the clothes — one teacupful in the first boiler, and after that half a teacupful to each succeeding boilerful. But iu soaking the clothes the night before washing day, a half teacupful added to a tub of clothes, will be very helpful. This compound is unequaled for cleaning unpainted floors.
Brieflets.
Ammonia will soften hard water.
A chain dish cloth for cleaning iron.
Keep <-*old water from the children's ears.
Salaratus is less used than formerly. Good.
In cooking vegetables, start with boiling water.
Have some plants iu every suitable sunny window.
A bit of baking soda will restore milk that has sli^'htly soured.
Start early on the spring sewing. We'll warrant you'll not regret it when June conies.
For Grocers. Think twice before mixing chop- ped hay with the tea. Honest tea is the best pohcy.
The holder should have its place, and be kept in place. This will save you a burned cake or pie some- time.
Try the meat saw for severing squashes. Even tile ordinary hand saw would not be harmed by such a use.
To the Housekeeper ! Do your part towards planning a good vegetable and fruit garden. And don't forget earliness.
When " tired to death " don't eat heartily ; start in with a cup of tea and a cracker, or beat up an egg in a half-pint of milk, sweeten and drink it.
Coffee and tea both lose theii- flavor if not kept in a e-lose can each by itself: the former will impart its odor to other articles it comes near, if exposed.
SatchetS of silk or satin, for holding gloves, hand- kerchiefs, letters, watches, jewelry and endless other things, were never more popular than now,
A small shelf near the stove kept for an extra pepper and salt dish, will save miles of weary walk- ing, in time. Merely for exercise, far better walk in the open aii*.
The very fact that the Creator has provided so great a variety of food in fruit, vegetation and flesh, on the face of the earth, should lead us to see the need of variety for our bodies, and to study to make the best use of it.
It's not always easy to start a fruit jar cover. Instead of wrenching your hands and bringing on blistei-s, simply invert the jar and place the top in hot water for a minute. Then try it and you wjU fi,nd it to turn quite easily. The law that " heat ex- pands " accounts for this great difference.
To those who have not tried the non-greasing, perforated tin baking pans, which never "stick."' we would say that they are excellent in every way. Most tin-ware dealers now have them ; the cost is but little, if any, above that of common ones. Our housekeepers must give them a trial.
There is nothing like getting out sometimes to an interesting lecture or concert, and away from the home cares, for inducing sweet and wholesome sleep. In absence of these, drop a good share of the evening work, read, converse and visit. Work will turn off easier the next day for this course.
A thoughtful woman sends in this item: "Paste on the sewing machine this query: ' Is it necessary or really beautiful '; Is it worth my time, strength and thought y ' Measure the sewing by that rule, and it will beat all how those torments of the mother, who does her own keeping of clothes iu order, namely: tucks and ruffles, will vanish."
How to Cook Water. Few people know how to cook water, Charles Delmonico used to afflrra. The secret is putting good fresh water into a neat ket- tle already quite warm, and setting the water to boil quickly, and then taking it right off to use in tea, coffee or other drinks before it is spoiled. To let it steam and simmer and evaporate until the good water is all in the atmosphere and the lime and iron dregs only left in the kettle, bah: that is what makes a great many people sick, and is worse than no water at all. He says the Delmonicos were the first to recommend the new hot water cure to guests who complained of having no appetite. "Take a cup of hot water and lemon and you will feel better," was the formula adopted. The lemon juice takes away the insipidity of hot water.
poMltr/.
Setting the Hens.
Improve and pi'aise the patent incubators as we may, still the hatching of hens eggs will always be left, by the mass of the people, for the hens to do. We urge early hat^^hing, say in this month, to deferring it much into the future. Even where eggs and not early chickens for marketing, is the object, there is a great gain in begimiing the hatching season early. If chick- ens are hatched in March they will lay before Christmas, if not hatched until June, the chances are against perfect development by winter, and with it poor wintering and poor laj'ing the first season.
In setting give no hen moi'e than thirteen eggs. If the nest can be made on the ground hatching will be more certain. A sod placed in the bottom of an ordinary nest furnishes a fair substitution. To have the hatching done in a separate apartment, where other hens can- not disturb the sitters, and lay eggs with her, is an advantage. Otherwise the hen will try to cover all added eggs, thus endangering those first giveu by just so much. Marking then also becomes necessary. Small hens should not be used for sitting. The Brahmas are a pref- erable breed for this business. As they never get too much of sitting, it is well when the broods of the same date are hatched, to give them to one-half of the mothers to care for, re- turning the other half to new nests of eggs.
Never feed your sitting hens on the nest, it is better for them as well as for the eggs that they leave the nest occasionally— they will not stay too long. The room where they are kept, should be furnished with dusting boxes, drink- ing vessels and well-supplied feeding troughs.
CONDENSED POULTRY NOTES
Large fowls: small layers.
Ice cold water is bad for hens.
Keep a record of dates, in hatching.
A lime plastered hen-house has advantages.
Clean the trough every time before giving water.
Sprinkle the hatching nests with a little sulphur.
One cock bird to twelve hens, is the safe rule when hrttehing is the aim.
Hens have been known to lay 2,000 eggs in a life time. Useful lives indeed.
Add a panful of fresh ashes to the dust bath oc- casionally, say once a week.
Five million dozen eggs from Canada last year! The American hen must be put to work in earnest.
Let every meddlesome pei-son tinker over your incubator, and you may whistle for a successful hatch.
Chicken raising and gardening go well enough together, provided only, that a six foot picket fence separates the two.
If possible set all the eggs that are to be set at from one to three separate times only. Our reason: you can attend to one hundred chickens, with hardly any more trouble than half that number.
Carbolic acid is a most potent insectcide. A small quantity of it in solution with a canful of water, and this sprinkled with a fine rose over the floor, walls and roosts of the hen-house, will keep down insects very effectually. The liquid imparts a wholesome smell at the same time.
Young Chicks, after twelve or fifteen days old, need some grass, for best results in their growth. But if the chickens come before the grass does, a httle may be raised artificiallj' for them. If no better method presents itself for this, sow a box of oats in a frame, or in the kitchen window or the greenhouse.
Do the thaws and spring rains make the floor dampy Then you must not wonder if colds and roup set in, unless you remedy the situation. The floor, of course, needs to be raised. If this cannot be done permanently so early in the season, then take the next best step: put down some rails, and on these some boards, and litter on top to keep the poor cheerless fowls directly out of the wet.
Wemust not forget now that the limy substance from which shells are formed must first be con- sumed by the hens. Burn all the old bones and break them fine; getoysteror other shells and burn them; take raw limestone and reduce as fine as peas or finer, and have these convenient for the fowls to reach at pleasure. It will be observed that these substances will disappear and need replenish- ing at times, and the egg shells will be strouger.
How to Begin. Which is the best way to begin the p'.'ultrj' business, to buj' eggs or fowls? is a frequent question. Mr. \V. H. Johnson. Mineral Ridge. Ohio, answers the question like this : If you get the "hen fever'" in the fall, buy young stock; if in the spring, buy eggs, as no breeder will then part with good stock, excepting at a high price. Three or four settings of eggs from the best yards will not cost more than a good trio at that time; from them you niay get a good start, including, perchance, some prize birds.
Eggs for feeding to newly hatched chicks should be boiled half an hour, mashed or chopped fine and mixed with bread crumbs. Sprinkle clean, coarse sand on a board and drop the food on this, and let the little fellows help themselves. As soon as they begin to eat they need gravel, and this the coarse sand supplies. Cracked corn, cracked wheat and coarse oat meal fed dry, may form a part of the diet of young chicks from the start, provided water or milk be supplied. We think that at least two- thirds of the food should be fed diy. and we are in doubt about the other third. — Farm Joiirmil.
Improved Breeds. A score of years ago one could hear a good deal of opposition talk to these. To-day they are the rule rather than the ex- ception, where poultry interests receive anj" atten- tion. Their coming in has almost revolutionized the old system of poultry-keeping, for with being more costly to get a start with, and requiring better care on the whole, more thought and care has been he- stowed upon the entire matter of management. So we can see that the improved breeds, while often over praised, are entitled to a good share of credit for the present state i>f improved poultry raising.
Sense and Nonsense about Laying Power. The statement that a hen has a certain number of germs or ovules in the ovary at birth, and that every one of these, no more no less, must niatui'e into eggs at certain periods of her life, is nonsense. At birth a hen has no apparent ovules, and the ovary is not fully formed. With age and size this grows and matures, by much the same process by which the bone, muscles and other parts of the system are produced, that is, fi'om the blood which is made from the food that is eaten. And all this accords with good sense. If there is a lack of sufticient food for all demands of the system on it, life is just sus- tained and the reproductive functions must be dwarfed. A hen will therefore not lay eggs unless fairly fed, simply because the ovules that should develop into eggs are wanting, because of the lack of forming substances that must come from food. The better the feeding, the greater will be the pro- duct of eggs always, other things being equal.
POPULAR GARDENING
FOR TOWN AND COUNTRY.
"ACCUSE NOT NATURE, SHE HATH DONE HER PART; DO THOU BUT T/f/iY£."-MiLTON.
Vol. 1.
J^F:Ei,XXj, 1886.
No. 7.
Waterside Plants.
The opportunities for waterside gardening are not very common perhaps, but where present, they are worth making the most of. A rill, lakelet or larger body of water on the grounds or bordering it, will afford the situation; those plants natural to wet places.
A BIT OF WATERSIDE GARDENING.
the materials, for producing some of the most charming garden effects obtainable.
Once the brook plants are set out there should be little more trouble with them. The kinds suitable to the place, are chiefly such as take care of themselves in grass or in a wild state; moisture at the roots being one of the great needs of their natures.
Among plants suitable for the purpose, we would include the Blue Flag, and other native Irises, the .Japan Irises (I. Koemp- feri and seedlings), and the German Iris, as being among the most attractive ones. Our illustration shows some of thera employed in this way. In addition there might be the pretty yellow-flowered Marsh Marigold (Caltha palustris), the Marsh Calla (Calla pal- ustris) with white flowers, the brilliant Car- dinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis), the Blue Cardinal Flower (Lobelia .syphilitica), the Arrow Head (Sagittaria purpurea), the Cat- tail or Reed Mace (T}-pha latifolia), the Pitcher Plants (Sarracenias), the Fringed Orchises (Habenarias), of different colors, and so on. Some of these could be procured in wild places along streams or in swamps, with no cost whatever but the trouble of gathering. Many of the Sedges and Ferns which abound in such places are also decid- edly attractive in this style of gardening.
In fact, any wild plants of pleasing appear- ance, but not too weedy in character, that could be found in wet soil could be utilized. Some of the regular hard}' plants of our gardens, besides the few included above, would answer very well at the water side, provided they were set a little in from the edge. We would mention for this, .such sorts as the Day Lilies (Hemerocalli.s), Golden- spurred Honeysuckle (Aquilegia chrys- antha), Canadense and Superbum Lilies, Bell- flowers (Campanulas), Phloxes, Forget-me- nots, Loosestrifes (Lysimaehia.s), Spir;T?as Anincus, Palmata, I'l- maria fl., pi, Vcnusta, Lythrums. Epilobiums, AVood Lilies, etc. The Great Reed (Arundo Donax) and the Eula- lias, among ornamental Grasses are great lovers of moisture, and when planted where they can enjoy unlimited draughts of it at the assume great proportions in stalks and branches, jielding a most picturesque effect. Where the soil, in places to be devoted to waterside gardening, is fairly rich in black vegetable matter, little preparation will be needed to fit it up for any of these plants. Often along streams it will be quite other- wise, then we would recommend a course of preparation to suit any other kind of plants, on poor and shallow .soil, namely: working in manure or rich garden loam, or both, to a depth of a foot, in all parts.
A Selection of Good Shrubs.
For years we have been urging, as best we could, the free use of flowering and other hardy shrubs in planting both large and small places. It has afforded us great pleas- ure, therefore, to receive the inquiries of sev- eral readers of Popular G.^rdexing for lists of these, and to answer all such, by appending the selection of good, easily grown sorts, which follows below.
The aim in making up this list was to provide for a continuous display of beauty throughout the year. The months follow- ing each name indicate the time of flowering, or of the greatest attractiveness otherwise:
Mezereon Pink (Daphne mezereumi, April. Golden Bell (Foi-sytbial. early May. Japan Quince iPyrus Japonioa), May. Double Flowering Plum iPrunus triloba i. May. Flowering .\lmond (Piiinusi, Maj'. Thunberg's Spirtea (Spirsea Thunbergii, May. Plum-leaved Spirsea i Spiraea prunifoliai. May. Lilacs (.Syringia), many sorts, May. Tree Pa?ouy. Itay.
Busb Honeysuckles (Lonicera), May. Rough-leaved Viburnum iV. rugosura.i. May.
Lantana-leaved Viburnum (V. lantanoides), Slay. Garland Mock Orange (P. coronariust. June. Double-tlowering Mock Orange. June. Large-flowered Mock Orange ( P. grandiflorus). Silver Bell Shrub iHalesia), June. Lance-leaved Spiraea (S. lanceolata), June. Roses, Summer, Hybrid Perpetual, etc.. June. Dwarf Snowball (Viburnum plicatumi, June. Graceful Deutzia (Deutzia gracilis). .Tune. Double Deutzia. in several varieties. June. Weigela Rose and varieties, June. Red Branched Dogwood, June. White Fringe (Chionanthusi. June. Alder-leaved Cletbra ( C. alnif olia i. July. BiUiard's Spiraea (S. Billardii. .luly. Fortune's White Spirgea iS. callosa albal, July. Fortune's Spiraea iS. Callosa i, July. Japanese Spirgea iS. species Japonica). July. Oak-leaved Hydrangea (H. quercifolia), August, .althaeas Double and Single (Hibiscus*. September. Large-panicled Hydrangea, September. Purple Fringe (Rhus cotinus). July to October. Moneywort -leaved Coteneaster, August and later. Prunus Pissardi. dark red foliage, all season. Purple-leaved Berberry, dark foliage all season. Varieg'td Cornelian Cherry, white-blotched foliage Silver-leaved Corchorus, white-edged foliage. Holly-leaved Mahonia. evergreen. Box. in different varieties, evergreen.
Making Lawns by Seeding.
Any but lawns of the smallest area, and in unfavorable places, can be made in this way for about one-third the expense of turfing. To be sure, it requires waiting for several months, before anything like a fair-looking sward will appear (by good turfing a pre- sentable lawn appears almost at once). But then we are of the opinion that a good seeded lawn, in the long run, is finer than one made in any other way.
The three essentials for securing a fine, close sod, by seeding, are; Rich ground of a suitable character, seed of good quality thickh' sown, and frequent mowing.
In preparing the soil for the sowing it pays to be at a good deal of pains at the start; results extending through years of time will depend chiefly on this part. With plow or spade, the surface should be worked over to the depth of one foot at least; if it could be three or six inches deeper yet, all the better. Along with this process, some fineh'-divided manure, say at the rate of a good two-horse load to each four square rods of land, should be worked into the soil.
As the bed is finished, it ntust be seen to that at least .six inches of good soil (that is, not sterile subsoil,) is present in all such lawns as are not to be kept watered in dry weather; but this is quite as essential to those made liy turfing as to any others. Wherever the surface is broken l>y walks, drives, flower- beds and the like, the edges next to these should be made of sod to a width of six or more inches. This will keep the sowed parts from breaking away, as it would do if not thus protected. All stones and roots lying at or near the general surface must be cleaned away, the area be made even and finn with the proper implements, and the surface be worked up fine by the use of a rake or light harrow — the finer the better. Use good seed and plenty of it, applying at the rate of one
74
POPULAR GARDENING.
April,
quart and one-fovirth per square rod. As for seed, the following is a superior and inex- pensive "mixture:" 3 parts June or Blue Grass (Poa pratensis) to 1 part Red Top or Bent Grass (Agrostis). Sow evenly, this may best be done by double sowing. By this
JTig. 1. A Perfect Strawbeti'y Flowct\ somewhat enlarged, with both PL'^tils {A^ and Stametis (B) present.
Fig. 2. The Sliarj)less Strawberry.
the seed needed for sowing
we mean, to divide a given area into two equal lots one-half of it over the plat walking back and forth across it one way, and then the remainder by walking crosswise of the first sowing. After this rake the entire surface lightly, then roll.
Mowing must commence with the first sight of any growth high enough to cut, be it grass or weeds (these will be present and perhaps ahead of the grass), and this must be kept up regularly tliro\igh the season. To pass over the lawn with the mower once in each week, in growing weather, will not be too often; in dry weather something less than this will answer.
With the work of sowing done before the middle of this month, by the course pre- scribed above, there will usually be a per- fect mass of grass by mid- summer. In rare cases there may come just enough unfavor- able weather, after seeding, to cause a mis- carriage of one's plan. No one should be dis- couraged hy this from trj'iug the seeding over again. One of the best lawns the writer ever made was sown on the 6th day of June, but as a rule there is far more risk in such late sowings than in earlier ones.
Pig. Z.— Rightly planted, wiilt all the roots properly spread, out.
Have a Plenty of Strawberries.
Not every tiller of the soil has Strawber- ries in abundance, who might have.
It cannot be because the plants are costly to buy, or difficult to grow; good plants can be had for less than a cent apiece, by the hundred, and at much less by the thousand, while no useful plant is easier to succeed with in culture.
It can hardly be because the fruit is not appreciated when it is grown. We know human nature too well for that. We have a distinct recollection that when our own ample-sized bed has been loaded with ripe, blushing fruit in the June time of past years, no visitors at our house Lave been known in a single instance, we think, to need a second
which, like the Wilson, -bear perfect flowers. See figure 1. Some varieties that are grown are without stamens (B. in Fig.l), needing the near presence of others with perfect flowers, in order to bear. The catalogues usually designate the former as " Pi.stillate " or by the letter "P." signifying that they have only the pistil organs of reproduction. For a small additional list of varieties bearing perfect flowers, we would mention Sharp- less, shown in figure 2, Charles Downing, and for late, the Kentucky.
Two S3'stems of planting the Strawberry prevail, the matted, or easj' system, allowing the plants to throw out runners, and the hill-culture, or careful system, in which all runners are kept cut. It is well to try both. For the former, set the plants in rows, three feet apart, and a foot apart in the row. In hill-culture, plant at fifteen by fifteen inches apart, the rows extending across the bed, and then skipping every fourth row to provide pathways.
The operation of planting is a simple one, and yet it is often badl}' done. Figures 3 to 6 inclusive, impart a lesson as to how, bet- ter than we can do with the pen. A garden trowel is a very convenient tool for the pur- pose. We will only add that the soil .should be pressed very firmly about the roots. After planting, practice scrupulously clean culture.
invitation to walk over to it and partake. Then when the same persons have been in- vited to sit up to Strawberries smothered in cream and pulverized sugar added, at tea time, we cannot recall now that such a thing as a "regret" that they could not po.s.sibly
accept, has ever
been offered. It is
a verj' old saying.
that the proof of the
pudding is found in
the eating. It cannot be that
people who have
land to till, are with
out plenty of Straw-
berries for the
excuse so often
heard against plant-
ing fruit trees,
namely: we must
wait a lifetime for
the fruit. Plant
Strawberries this year, and next year brings a full crop. No other fruit will do so well as this. Even ten- ants with a two year's lease, can, if there is land to spare, have bushels 'of fruit before they quit the place. For such to plant Currants, Cherries or Apples would be foolishness; to plant Strawberries the part of wisdom.
The charge, if made, that the Strawberry comes at an unseasonable time, or when other fruits are plentiful, would not stand. With the Cherry alone it oilers itself as the first fruit of the summer. It comes at a time (June and July) when the .sj-stem is much benefited bj' partaking freely of a fresh fruit diet. It is also a most wholesome fruit, being easily digested. Unlike most other fruits, it does not grow acid by fermentation. Let us, too, not forget, that the great Lin- naeus attributed the cure of his gout to the free use of Strawberries as food.
The absence of anything short of the uni- versal culture of the Strawberry by land holders, can only be accounted for on the ground of neglect to plant. The common time for setting the plants is in the busy spring season, and in the crowd of work, this job is too often shoved by. It shoidd not be so. We should take into account all the advan- tages of having an abundance of this fruit for next year and later, and then should set ourselves rigidly about to planting a patch — and a big one, at that.
And this is how to go about it: Select a spot of fertile soil, not less than two square rods in size, for a small family, and from that up. It should be in a sunny exposure. The deeper and richer the soil is, (of course there is a reasonable limit in this), the larger will be the berries.
Procure plants from a reliable nursery or from some grower of the fruit. As to kinds, let us cau- tion the novice (others will not need such advice) to procure only
well tried sorts. Fig. 4. A young plant set «" \i~' ' \ Fig. 6. Planted with roots
The catalogue ^ot deep enough. Fig. .5. One set too deep.' all in a mass.
statements not- how not to plant strav^'berries,. (or anything else.)
withstanding, we still insist that take our , the true taste of the Wilde-man, to see the country over, the old Wilson variety would development of these earth-suns. The seeds
Sunflowers and Sun-Worshippers.
The people of civilization are not alone in their appreciation of the long unrecog- nized charms of the Sunflower, It comes to us, on good authority, that now this same blossom of conspicuous brown centre and halo of yellow raj's, has become a much adored favorite with the aborigines of New South Wales. The facts seem to be, that these people, who are worshippers of the sun, find in our large American Sunflower, a blossom which they accept as a gift from their god, to whose worship they conseci'ate it.
We are quite ready to believe the report that this is the only flower ever introduced into that land, from the world outside, which the natives have shown a liking for. They, as a people, are not given to floriculture, for its own sake, yet they worship this flower more truly than it would seem possible for any aesthetic lass or swain of civilized lands to do. The Virgins of the Sun, it is said, when officiating in the ceremony of the tem- ples, are crowned with the huge flowers, bearing many in their hands as well. Some are worn also at the breast — the corsage- bouquet idea having perhaps reached them.
It is. further stated by travelers, that the natives procure the seed, plant them in IMtches about their huts, and delight with
give the best satisfaction to three out of every four inexperienced growers. Another point for the inexperienced; Choose only sorts
are looked upon as being almost sacred. They are carefully gathered and put away in bags each year — not for hen-feed, as we
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POPULAR GARDENING.
75
do here in the north ; not for oil with which to smear tlieir own dusky skins, as might l)e done, but only as seetl-stock with which to raise new crops of the " Sun plants " later. Incidentally, it may be said that the writer of these words, converts a wet patch of land beyond his ice-ho\ise into a thick grove of Sunflower plants every year, for the sole purpose of giving their thirsty roots a chance to suck up the surrounding moisture, and the possible malarial influences.
Hardy Primroses— The Auricula.
Everyone of our readers, we are sure, has heard of the Auricula — that member of the Primrose family which is made so much of throughout Eng- land a n d Scot- 1 a n d — but per- haps not one in a thousand has au intimate ac- quaintance with it, derived from cultivating the p 1 a n t s. This last fact is, per- haps, sufficiently accounted for. on the simple grounds that the plant is ill3-adapt- ed to our hot summers a n d harsh winters.
The Auricvda, Primula au ric- vla, is a native of the Switzer- land mountains. Even in Eng- land, where so much has been done for improv- ing the species, it re<iuires pains- taking culture. But then its great beauty — in a measure set forth by our engraving — is a sutficient reward for all this trouble. That it can be grown in Amer- ica under cer- tain favorable circumstances, is also true. We are informed by
a very successful florist of this state, that with him it has succeeded for more than thirty years, by growing it in rich, heavy soil, on the north side of a house. The plants are raised from seed sown in spring, these flowering the second season afterwards. For winter protection, a sod is inverted over each plant late in autumn.
But if we cannot easily have the Auricula everywhere, we can at lea.st have its beauti- ful relatives of the hardy Primroses, which do succeed readily in our gardens with com- mon culture. Take for one class of these, the old fashioned Polyanthus. Priinuhi reris {milgaris of some). Our bcautifid engrav- ing of the relative will l)ring these to the minds of many. They are beautiful, free- flowering plants, that in the spring months are the delight of all beholders. The colors vary from a delicate straw color, to dark
maroon and pure white, with an endless variety of shades and markings. The plants are hardy, thrive in any fair garden soil, and are increased by division or by seeds.
Another valuable sort for the American climate is Siebold's Primula, P. cnrlimoides, the tj'pe of which is a iJretty little plant si.\ to nine inches high, and bright lilac flowers. Within the past few years a great many beautiful varieties of this hardy Primrose have been obtained, and are now lieing of- fered for sale. We notice in the catalogue of Woolson it f 'o. . the extensive growers of hard}' plants, at Passaic, N. J., the men- tion of colors of this one, ranging from pure white to the deepest red. in varieties suitable
HARDY PRIMROSES— AN ENGLISH AURICULA.
either for out-of-door or pot culture.
It is to be hoped that, with the increased attention now being given to all classes of hardy flowering plants, we shall yet see further improvements made in this class. Then we might still more easily be recon- ciled to the fact, that the true Auricula hardly meets the conditions of climate and culture that generally prevail with us.
Notes from Lyndale.
BY A. H. E.
In this season of planting, I desu-e to say to those persons who are not yet acquainted with the Japan Creeper lAmpelopsis trit-iixjiithifri, sjTionym Veitcliii,) or, as it is often called, Veitch's Ampelopsis, get in line at
once in cultivating it, or you will soon be " behind the times." Of course, everybody knows the Virginia deeper, or American Ivy {Aiitpi'lripsis qiiuupiffolid). This othercreeper from Japan is a sister species, and one which, in time, must largely crowd the American sister out, I feel quite certain.
* * * Besides the chai-ms of thLs creeper of lieing new (compai-atively) and distinct, it appears to have every good trait of the older sort, with some superior traits in addition. The leaves are smaller, and, while varying some in form, are chiefly of a lobed or cleft form, sometimes heai-t-shaped, and in general ;iook more hke those of the English Ivy than of our common Ampelopsis. As a creeper it has the tenacity and the beauty of the true Ivy, covering what^ ever it overruns, with a smooth, dense sheet of green, the leaves overlapping like shingles on a roof. In this re- spect it is of sur- passing beauty. The plant is hardy, (still I cover my young plants for one or two winters), vigorous, al- though short- jointed, and in every way satis- factory. It should be in every col- lection. I see that plants may now be bought of all nursery-men at fift)' cents, or less, apiece.
How long, O, how long will people suffer from dishonest, swindling agents .' Until they be- c o m e educated t o discriminate between the honest and dis- honest salesmen, and no longer.
It is perfectly astonishing what an amount of business these wolves in sheep's clothing manage to devise. Only the other day, one of my neighbors, as I was visiting him, called my attention to what I at once saw was a specimen of these fellows' work. He pointed out some " Dewberry Stalks" that he bought and planted last spring. He paid $3 apiece for three of them. A glance showed that they were nothing more than some of the cheapest off cast grape vines, such as had perhaps been bought up af- ter sorting in the uui-series, for almost nothing. The agent, by making great claims for the •' Dewterry," showing a " specimen " of some- thing in a glass bottle, took .s9 out of my neighbor's pocket, and in return, gave plants that had cost him, very Ukelj", not above half a cent apiece. Of course he sees and admits he was humbugged, and the probability is that the next agent that comes along will be harshly dealt with, perhaps more so than he deserves.
* * * ■WTiat I told my swindled neighbor I state as good advice to all, in the matter of treating the approaches of agents, namely: First, re- member that to buy of agents at all, you must pay considerably more than if you bought di- rectly from the growers of the stock. Second, if disposed to deal with them, ask prompt Iv to see their letters of introduction from the nur-
POPULAR GARDENING.
April,
series they represent. If some are carried from reputable nurseries, and are of recent date, then you are measurably safe to order from them, otherwise not. Be especially wary of the men who offer wonderful new fruits and flowers, a thing the regular agents seldom do.
A Fine Flowering Tree.
We think that not enough attention is paid by flower lovers, who have lawns, to those hardy trees and shrubs which possess value for their flowers. Take, for example, the large Double-flowering Cherry, of which an engi-av- ing is herewith shown. It is a tree which on general accounts is deserving of a place on every fair-sized lawn. But when, in the month of May, it is loaded with its large pure white blossoms as double as Roses, and so numerous that they completely hide the branches, it presents a fine sight, unequalled by but few objects in the whole realm of flower-bearing plants.
"Why should not, therefore, such a tree be common on the grounds of flower-grow- ers, instead of being but rarely seen, as at the present time ? The tree is not costly, for we notice in the cata- logue of Ellwanger & Barry, Rochester, N. Y., it is ofifered at fifty cents per tree, and we presume in others also. We do not know how else one could invest such a sum, and the cost of transporta- tion added, to secure a greater amount of satisfac- tion in the long run.
Just here is a point about this and all other flowering trees and shrubs which per- haps is too much overlooked. It is that an investment once made for stock, secm-es de- sirable results, not for one or a few years only, as in the case of many plants, but for a life time. Suppose the tree costs you one dollar, and then say for thirty yeai-s it contin- ues to give you that great measure of satisfac- tion which fine flowering trees alone can give, what is the cost per year? This is the common sense way of viewing things of this kind.
Our engi'aving on this page was taken from Ellwanger & Barry's catalogue of ornamental trees, &c., referred to above. We cannot close this article on flowering trees and shrubs, with- out speaking a word for this valuable work issued by the lai-gest growers of hardy orna- mental trees, shrubs and plants in our country. It contains 140 pages, and many original en- gravings, descriptions, cultural directions, se- lect lists, etc., and is devoted entin-h/ to hardy ornamental stock. Its price is but twenty cents; it possesses an amount of information not to be found in any one dollar book on simi- lar subjects, with which we are acquainted. It should be owned by every lover of fine gardens.
formed on the subject — answers, that to divide this figure by Irn would be nearer the truth.
The paper again speaks of there being in Boston " Twenty-seven florists doing an annual business of something Like flve million dollars." This is probably just about four times too high. In speaking of flower growing, the same paper remarks, that " a man with a small plant of a covple of hundred feel can secure profitable returns." A " couple of hundred feet " is equal to a house 10 x 20 feet in size, a mere hencoop of a greenhouse.
In opposition to all this the same writer continues further on in this sensible style, " Extravagant statements about the profits to be made from growing floweijs are especially
ter piece a large Gen. Grant Geranium, with others around it of diflJerent colors. In addition I used two plants of Vinca Harrisi and two of Parlor Ivy to droop and twine around, edging ofif with Al) ssum and Lobelia. In the grass at the base of this vase I laid out a bed of Maltese cross shape, and set it with Achauia, Abutilon, Geraniums, Coleus, Heliotropes, Pinks and Pansies. It became the wonder of our neigh- borhood for the season."
THE DOUBLE-FLOWERING CHERRY— FLOWERS WHITE.
vicious. The sooner the public knows that the business of raising or selling flowers is one of incessant toil, full of disappointments, and re- quiring great skill and constant attention in order even to make both ends meet, the better it will be for the public and for the florist. Let it be thoroughly understood that fortune does not come any faster in this business than in any other. Florists complain about the competition coming from men of wealth who have made their money in other lines of trade, and who have now built vast establishments for the production and sale of cut flowers. But, pray, who is responsible for this, if not too often the florists themselves t Would these men have invested their money in greenhouses if it were not for the extravagant and absurd stories about the business and its profits which these same florists have invented and circulated, and which the daily newspapers in their turn have spread before the public ? "
Big Stories About the Florist Business.
Some newspaper men, aided on, as it would seem, by certain florists themselves, never know where to stop in getting up exaggerated accounts of the profits of the florist business.
Concerning this matter, "W. J. S.," a leading florist of Boston, calls attention in the Ameri- can Florist to how a daily paper of his city sometime since committed some striking pranks of this kind. Here is one of the things that was said, " It is estimated that more than ."iOO,- 00(1 violets were sold at Christmas in Boston alone." This cori-espondent — and he is well in-
An Almost Costless Rustic Vase- How It Was Used.
Our subscriber, " T. R. T.," of Lee's Summit, Mo., when he wanted a rustic lawn vase, instead of going to a dealer in vases, for an imitation affair at a fancy price, as many people would have done, introduced the real article from the woods. Here is what he has to say to our household of gardeners about it, and how it was used with good efl'ect:
" I got a three-foot section of a hollow tree, 2 1-3 feet in diameter, and set it on my front lawn. After flUiug it with good soil, and some large stones to retain moisture, I set for a cen-
Somethingf About Plums.
BY JOSIAH HOOPES.
There is little doubt that Plums may be grown successfully in every section of the North. Perhaps no other fruit will return more profit to the skilled person, but the trouble is, few seem will- ing to give the care needed. The Plum is mostly re- stricted to heavy soils well underdrained, growing with more vigor here than on lighter land. In the case of light soil, however, the trees may be budded on Peach roots and with rarely an exception will thrive quite as well as the Plum roots on clayey land. In either case this fruit needs constant cultivation and a rich soil; experience shows that it is useless to undertake to raise it unless properly cared for. That arch enemy, the Curculio, is not so numerous in some districts as former- ly, but in others it ruins the crop. The remedy, and it is almost a complete one, is systematic jarring of the tree over a sheet spread on the ground beneath.
For the di-eaded "rot " no cure is yet known, nor are we assured of its cause. The most reasonable theory at- tributes it to a low order of Fungi. I have employed wood ashes as a destructive agent with marked effect. At any rate, the potash thus intro- duced to the tree through the soil caused a more vigorous growth. Planting in the chicken yard is in vogue with many who feel sure the fallen Curculio are devoured by the poultry. Others have stated that fowls never eat the insects.
Some varieties appear less liable to rot than others, but when largely prevalent none, not even the Chickasaw sports, are exempt. All varieties do not succeed well on the Peach root, so that owners of light soils must govern their choice of kinds accordingly. The following are among the best: Coe's Golden Drop, Yellow Gage, Duane's Purple, Schuyler's Gage, Gene- ral Hand, Damson and its seedling Richland, Lawrence's Favorite, Imperial Gage, German Prune, Prince Engelbert and Huling's Superb. Where the plum-on-plum is grown exclusively, the following may be substituted for some of the above: Washington, Bradshaw, Green Gage (true) , Reine Claude de Bavay , Columbia, Jefferson, Smith's Orleans, Lombard, Bleecker's Gage, McLaughlin and Red Diaper. The Dam- son family yield immense crops, and when free from disease will perhaps pay as well as any other, but some seasons the crop is entirely ruined by rot. — In Xew York Weekly Tribune.
A Miniature Hot-Bed— Capital Idea.
" Sister Gracious," of the Michigan branch of our famil3% lives where, as she cleverly puts it, "the springs ai-e generally, winter continued." So she has to wait until near May for garden- making time. This has led her to devise a
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POPULAR GARDENING.
n
miniatm-e hot-bed for the house, to get a start on the season by bringing along young plants eai'ly. She writes about it as follows :
" I took several cigar-boxes, in which I planted seeds of Chi'ysanthemums, Petunias,
this, that they require heat for making progress. Both of the last two classes are frequently sown under glass and grown to some size hefoi'e the time for planting out arrives. Having now defined classes, let us advance to
der annuals at the time most suitable for the hardy sorts, and rive rrrxo. To be sure, hardy annuals may be sown at intervals in succession for several months after the fii-st early sowing is made, but from no sowing will plants and
The California Pi>pp\j.
A Fine Aster Plant. The Lacinattd CItinese Pink.
USEFUL FLOWERS THAT COME FROM SEED.— See "A Chapter on Annuals."
Single and Double Calliopsis.
Oxalis, Pansy, Larkspur, etc. , using sifted soil that had been kept in the cellar since fall. After sowing I covered each box with a woolen cloth, resting it on the earth, and poured warm water on the cloth. This filtered through, wet- ting the soil, but not disturbing the seeds. Then I kept the boxes on the water-tank of the stove. Ever}- morning I took off the cloths dipped in warmish water and returned them. " I expected it would take ten da}'s or more for the seeds to come up ; on the third morning some sprouts were out ; then the cloth was dis- continued. Two months more will see them in thumb-pots, and these iu a discarded lai'ge tin baking-pan, with some earth under and be- tween them to prevent rapidly drying out. After that I shall put them iu a sunny window, and know I shall take more pleasure in watch- ing them grow here than later ou iu the garden. "
A Chapter on Annuals.
The annuals ai-e well entitled to be called everybody's flowers. They are inexpensive, they are beautiful, they jneld returns sooner after the investment than do most other kinds ; while, added to this, no class is easier to manage.
So far from annual flowers being cheap in quality because cheap in price and trouble to raise, we have but to ask: What flower is sweeter than the Mignonette ; what ones richer in color and textm-e than the Chinese Pinks, Zinnias or Balsams ; Where can lovelier blossoms be found than the Sweet Pea or the Nasturtium afford ; a grander flowering plant than is found in the improved Asters? Yet these and man}- others equally fine are annuals, or may be treated as such.
Addressing itself, among othere, to many new beginners in gardening, w-ho are unac- quaiuted with plants, Popular Gardening will say that the special characteristics of an- nuals are that they owe their perpetuation, iu our climate, to seeds which need to be started newly every year. The plants from these grow up, flower, produce a new crop of seeds usually, and then die — aU in one season. Annuals are brought under different classes, according to their hardiness, namely Hardy, Half-hardy, and Tender Annuals.
Hardy annuals are such as may be sown in the open ground at early garden-making time : they are in this respect analogous to peas, let- tuce, oats, wheat, etc., among the garden and farm crops. Some kinds may be sown even in the faU of the year to advantage. Half-hardy annuals ai-e more like corn, beans and tomatoes in their requirements, and should not be com- mitted to the soil outdoors before "corn-plant- ing time '■ — that is, when warm weather is near at hand. Tender annuals are even more deli- cate than the last named, being much like squashes, melons, egg-plant, pepper, etc., iu
the matter of kinds. The limits of our article wiU not permit us to go into descriptions at the present time. Neither is this necessary, for any one of the hundreds of catalogues issued by seedsmen who sell flower seeds, and which can easily be procured, lay sufficient stress on descriptions of kinds to answer all ordinary needs. What we desire to do is to help those amateurs who, in consulting a catalogue, are confused by the large number of kinds offered, not knowing which to choose.
We therefore present some selections of kinds, to guide, especially our inexperienced readers, in choosing judiciously,referriug to the dealers' catalogues for further particulars. In the lists offered, each name is followed by an abbreviation, which at once shows the class to which it belongs, as to hardiness. The abbre- viations are these: h for hardy annual, hli for half-hardy annual, t for tender annual ; a star (*) indicates a running vine.
A SELECTION OF TEN "NO FAIT," ANNU.U.S FOB BEGINNEHS.
Balsam, hh, *Nasturtiuni, hh, Chinese Pinks, /i, Phlox Dnimmondi, /( ,
Larkspur, h. Portulaca, ii.
Mignonette, h, Poppy, /(,
♦Morning Glory, h, *Sweet Pea, li.
A SELECTION FOR THOSE WHO WANT ONLY THE CHOICER KINDS OF ANNUALS.
Aster, /t/i., Phlox Dnimmondi, /j.
Balsam, /)/), Portulaca, h,
'Canary Bird Flower, hh, Snap Dragon, A, Candytuft, h. Stocks, hh,
*Cob0ea Scandens, t. Sweet Alyssum. k.
Cockscomb, t. Verbena, hh,
♦Cypress Vine, t. Zinnia, h.
Larkspur, h, *Sweet Pea, h.
Marigold, /(, *ScarIet Runner, t.
Mignonette, A, *Maurandya, (,
♦Morning Glory, h, Chinese Pinks, h,
♦Nastm-lium, hh. Pansy, h.
Petunia, hh.
A SELECTION OF GOOD ANNCALS, BUT HARDLY EIJUAL TO THOSE OF THE LAST LIST.
Abronia, A, California Poppy, /t,
Ageratum, /(, Erysimum, h,
Calliopsis, h, Godetia, h,
CaUirhoe, h, *Gourds, t.
Campanula, h, *Hyaeinth Beau, (,
Batchelors' Buttons, li, Suntiower, h, CoUinsia, h. Lychnis, hh,
DwartMomingGlorj',/1, Lupin, h, Centranthus, h, Flora's'Paint Brush. /(,
Clarkia, h, Gaillardia, hh,
Browallia, hh. Salvia. /,
Four O'Clocks, t, Mourning Bride, k,
Nigella. h. Sensitive Plant, t.
Poppy, /(. Sweet Rocket, h.
Salpiglossis, h. Swan River Daisy, hh,
Thunbergia, t.
As to cultui'e we advise, in the first place, a close observance of their natures and needs as to hardiness. Do not, for instance, commit the blunder of putting out the seed of the ten-
flowers be so fine as from the earliest one.
Likewise with half-hardy and tender annuals, while nearly all gardeners sow some in heat to get an early start, there is not near as much gain in earliuess (while there is with some kinds positive loss in quality) by this move over that of sowing directly where they are to flower, when warm weather opens, as some suppose.
For directions on sowing see Work of Season.
American Horticultural enterprise is being recognized abroad, as may be seen by what Messrs. Dickson & Co. , the great nurserymen of Edinburgh, recently said in the Garden: "It certainly speaks volumes for the energy, enter- prise and intelligence of American fruit-grow- ers that they have, Iu a comparatively short time, raised hundreds of varieties, both of apples and pears, which are better suited to their climate than the best sorts brought from countries where fruit culture has for centm-ies been carried on. Fruit-growers of these islands, should be stimulated by their success, to devote fai- more attention to the raising of new and better varieties of our oi\-n."
Have You a Good Asparagus Bed t If not, why not ! In ordinary soil, that is properly worked up and manured, no crop is easier to manage, none is more certain to do well. Once a bed is started, it does not require renewing every year like a lettuce or onion bed, or every two or three years like a strawberry bed, but goes on and on, yielding freely for an indefinite length of time. Turn over the soil to a good depth by trenching, make it rich as deep as it is worked. Set the plants 20 inches apart and 4 inches beneath the surface. Should the soil be inclined to be wet or heavy, it is better to plant in raised beds. Give clean culture.
Black Currants. Many who despise the com- mon sort, w-ould think well of the variety known as the Black Naples. While similar in general appearance, it is larger and in every way finer. Another improved .sort and the largest of all is Lee's Prolific. The plants suc- ceed well where any Currant succeeds. Neither the Currant Worm, nor any other injurious in- sect ever troubles them. The fruit is useful for Jam, jelly or wine.
The Michigan Celery-growers propose to or- ganize a Celery Exchange. They shipped §25,004) worth of the crispy product in 1H8,5 Well done, as to the last; a genuine good move, as to the first.
A Correspondent from vVtlanta, Ga., writes: **We Ihuik the Wilson StrawbeiTy is the best for this climate, after growing it alongside of both Crescent and Sharple.ss."
" Popular Gardening " insists tliat you can tell whether a man is a good gardener or not by the straightness of the rows he makes.
Don't manure against the roots in planting.
Onions nuist he put to bed early.
Till Deep and laugh at drouths.
78
POPULAR GARDENING.
April,
L'='^^t«2'!
t>N C 1 ES^^cJ
My Easter Lily.
In the black earth the root I laid—
A dry. unlovely thing. It seemed so tar from what was fair. ' I only waste.'' I thought. " my care." ' Nay, nay; it holds a royal flower:
It keeps a pledge of spring. Wait," whispered Faith, "in patient trust; Thou shall see beauty rise from dust." To-day thy shining-silver robe,
O Easter Lily, wear. Unfold thy golden heart; make sweet
With incense all the air. Sing with mute lips, thy Easter song. I hear it. and my faith grows strong. He sees, who waits in patient trast, Immortal beauty rise from dust.
—Hariier's Bazar.
The Pansy season opens. Roman Hyacinths are done. Cut flowers keep best m a cool, close place. Red and yellow is a fashionable combination. Baskets of Pansies are favorite souvenirs now. Jacqueminot buds have declined to a decent price, lily of the Valley signifies the return of happi- ness.
Spring flowers are in good demand with aU flower buyers.
A more elegant affair than a miniature ship loaded with Howers can hardly be conceived.
Why Not. A tew Sundays ago the pulpit of one of the churches of Brooklyn was embellished with a bouquet made of the stems and leaves of the White Plume Celery.— ifino; iWic Ymker.
At a recent dinner at Delmonico's, in New York, the centre piece on the table consisted of an im- mense flat Ijasket, filled with Golden Dawn Gera- nium flowers, with an edging of leaves of the same. A vase-shaped flower basket, filled completely with English Violets, excepting a bunch of Valley Lilies in the center, was one of the attractive pieces at a recent wedding. The Violets were loosely arranged, harmonizing to a charm with the gilded holder.
The Violet is the emblem of the Bonapartes. Whilst the first Napoleon was in exile this little blossom was adopted by his followers as an em- blem, and a small bunch of the flowers hung up in the house, or worn l\y a Frenchman, denoted the ad- herence of the wearer to his fallen chieftain.
We have no objection to the use of flowers at funerals or in cemeteries. What we would like to see would be more bouquets used as gifts to the living— to wives, sisters, mothers, and to the unfor- tunate in sickness, where the gift can cany the idea of appreciation along with it. as it cannot after death.
The Chrysanthemum— the national flower of Japan-is honored every year by a special Imper- ial Chrysanthemum Garden Party in the palace grounds at Akasaka, one of which was lately given by the Mikado. The Chrysanthemums there are unequaled throughout the world, and some of the plants display from SIB to 4m fully-developed blos- soms at a time.
Pansy Floral Designs. For funerals no others are more appropriate, or handsome, than those covered with Pansies alone. The designs of wire should be filled full to firmness with soft moss. Light wire, cut in lengths of an inch and a half, with one end then thrust through the base of the flower, and bent down, answers as to stemming. These should insert easily into the moss. In naking up we do not like to see the indiscriminate mixing of colors Sort out the flowers according to color and shade, then begin at the top of the design, working in the darkest ones first, in cross or oblique lines, and so on down through the colors, with the light yellows or whites at the base.
Bougainvillea branches are an attractive mate- rial in floral decorations, but often poorly used for best effects. For one thing, its striking purple color does not harmonize well with most other kinds of flowers. Used alone in one heavy garland for adorning chandeliere, not by looping or winding it about much— for this cannot be done— but by bring- ing it around from top to bottom in one bold sweep, even if it be rather stifBy, the effect is superb. It is
just the article to use here or about large mirrors by those who tire of the more "fussy" arrange- ment of finer greens, as often used. Callas, how- ever, combine Well with this material wherever their use is appropriate. Cypripediimis and Alla- mandas are other kinds that harmonize charmingly with Bo\igaiiivillea.
Shipping Cut Flowers. The American Express Co.. recognizing the growing importance of the cut flower trade, has determined to favor it in a most worthy manner. Mr. Antisdel. General Superin- tendent of the N. W. Division, has instructed all his agents to give special attention to packages of flowers having a mark consisting of a white label. 4 by 6 inches, bearing the word " perishable," in red letters and a large red leaf covering nearly its en- tire surface. They are to be kept right side up, and as nearly as. possible, at a moderate tempera- ture. They are also to be delivered promptly. When refused by consignees, the shipper is to be notified by telegraph and asked for instructions. So says the Prairie Farmer.
Buds have scales only in cold climates. Nature makes the useful, the beautiful. Plant leaves are arranged in a definite order. Decay in the wood affects the quality of the fruit. In hot climates deciduous trees lose their leaves in the dry season.
Many evergreens have leaves only of annual dura- tion: the old ones <lrop after the new crop appears. The marvelous stories about grain growing, that has laid in the hands of mumnues for thousands of years, are without foundation.
A Warning. The conunon thistle plant is found to contain an average of Cri.iKK) seeds, and the bur- dock :jH.(i<X). Jlany other weeils are quite as prolific. Linnseus, the greatest of naturalists, whose life, at an advanced age, closed nearly a century ago, had several American correspondents, one of which was His Excellency Cadwaller Colden, Governor of New York.
Young botanists may find interest in studying the ovary or seed vessel of the Mignonette. Curi- ously enough this is open from the first, and as it develops, the seeds become exposed to the sight long before they .are ripe
Young trees produce larger and more .iuicy fniit than old ones, because the materials whicli enter into the fruit are conducted through shorter and more open courses. But the fruit of old trees is richer and higher flavored.
Binomial nomenclature, that is, where each species is indicated by two names, the one standing forthe genus, the other for the species, is a great im- provement over the older method of distinguishing each one by explanatory phrases. For example, rialamnina was a hundred years ago known as riula fiiliix ri,nlati.'< obliDigis. pedunenlli fere racliratis.
Botany for Young People. Interesting as the study of botany is to all. it is particularly so to youiig people, as it appeals to their natural curiosity I and their desire of knowing about things. The study of iilants and flowers first, by the young, and : then aftei-wards of the other natural sciences, is one of the most profitable, as well as interesting, trainings young minds can be put to. It would be an advantage to have this study begin even before that of language.
The Smallest House Plant. Our studious friend, Mr. C. D. Zinunerman. of this city, .says that the Yeast Plant is the smallest cultivated house plant, and no doulit he is right about it. To " make Yeast" '. as the bakers say. is in his estimation as absurd as i to talk of making Geranium plants or Maple trees. Yeasf inci-eases by growth ; when in bread-baking the " Sponge " is set in properly sifted and warmed flour, aud kept at a temperature of about «0°, the Yeast multiplies very rapidly and in a short time is sufficiently strong for the dough if is intended for. Horticulture and Botany. Says the L-IIIu.'^tra- tiun HurHnilv: The progri ss of horticulture, had it need of proof, would find one in the development of the botanical gardens everywhere, and in the greenhouses established in these institutions. The Jardin dis Plantes. at Paris, has a new winter gar- den. The houses of the garden of Glasnevin have been renovated and made larger. The botanical institution of Liege has attained vast proportiors. The greenhouses of the botanical garden of Gi'efs- wald. under the direction of Dr. Edm. Goeze, have been rebuilt, and now in turn those of Tubingue: the Legislative Chamber of Wurtemburg has voted
18.3,000 marks to this purpose. We also learn that there will be tour iron frame houses in the botanical garden of Bnmswig. The enlargement of the fern house in the gardens of Brussels is just completed. Plant Life in the Arctics.-During this short sum- mer, the plant life of the -\rcfics grows very rapidly under the constant stimulus of an ever-shining sun; and before the snow is oft the ground, flowers will be in bloom so near the banks of snow that, with the foot, they may he bent over against them. The vitality in these hardy Arctic plants appears phenomenal, and they almost seem endowed with intelligence in knowing what a brief time they are allowed to spring up. blossom and bear seed They commence early, and hold tenaciously on to all their growth after plants which we are used to seeing, would be prone upon the ground. Midden- dort has seen an Arctic Rhododendron, in Siberia, m fidl flower all over it. when the roots and the stem were solidly encased in frozen soil as hard as ice. On King Willam's Land, we had four nights in July and thirteen in August, when the thermometer sank to freezing: and yet I picked flowers in bloom, to within the last three days of the latter month.— Lieut. Schwatka, in Independent.
ABOUT THE PLACE.
Little wastes cari*y away profits. Tile draining promotes eariiness. Soapsuds should go to the compost pile. A cheap implement is usually a dear implement. Make up your mind to have a lawn mower this year, if you never have had one before.
Slats across the pig trough, will prevent the
stronger animals from plow ing away the weaker.
"I am satisfied a well-fed cow will make from
her droppings at night iilone, $25 worth of manure
in a year."— F. C. Furmiin.
Dr. Holland makes one of his characters say, " The peg (pigi'll ate wot there won't nothing else ate. and thin you can ate the peg."
A neighbor of ours keeps his milch cow as clean and well-carded as he does his carriage horse. The cow is a picture fo look at. It's the right way.
Johnson Grass. As to its probable value as a . pasture grass in warm climates. the American Agri- cultnrist says; We have seen this grass growing in Georgia, and were favorably impressed with it. It is a very tall and coarse grass, and would be better for soiling the cows than for pasturage Where manure costs nothing but the transportation, and the land can be irrigated at will, we should advise a trial in the South, not only of Johnson grass iStniiliiim Halepense). but of the " Peiirl Millet" and of the different kinds of Sorghum advertised by seedsmen.
If there is a lack of trees, shrubs and vines about the place, fake our advice, and before this month is out, order and plant a good assortment of these. Then give the trees some fair care and they will pay for themselves two-fold with every year that comes around. This will be in the actually increased value of your place, in case you wanted fo sell, to say nothing about the increased pleasure and com- fort fo be derived from such a course. Without the beauty and quiet influence which a good showing of trees and shi ubs will produce, your home may be so cheerless and unattractive that no one about it can work with energy, or take pride in it.
Shade for the Well. More than one advantage comes from it. Trees, or even vines, (the latter supported by trellises), growing near enough to shade the pump, render the water cooler in summer, hence more refreshing fo man and beast, than without it. Then, too. there is more or less waste of water from apiunpiuthe process of drawing it; if there are roofs of trees or vines fo absorb this, it's return to the well, besides an unhealthy moisture in the soil, is in a large measure prevented. Trees and the like grow very fast usually about wells on this ac- coimt. Another consideration is that trees growing near wells, in some degree proride winter shelter for them. So we say at this season, plant trees or vines to shade the wells.
Early spring weather is very trying to bees; the sunshine of some days alluring them out of the hives, and cold winds chilling and often destroying them in large numbers, before they can get back. At other times the temperature may be so mild that their thght and return may be made without any loss. This, then, is a gain forthe bee.s. Rye meal, placed in shallow boxes in the sun near the hive, win .attract them: and large quantifies will he car- ried back for food for the young brood. Should there be a lack of pollen in the hives, as might be the case, such feeding becomas veiy important. They may also be fed a thin sugar syrup, to stimu- late lireeding. Oflering these near the hives, tends to prevent wide ranging and its perils at this season.
1 886.
POPULAR GARDENING.
oiwGjfepPLe
Fig, 1. Bricks as ar ranged in buildittg.
Treeclimber's Talks.
NATURE AS A BUILDER.
As soon in the spring as the sun drives the frost out of the earth, a great stir begins to take place under ground, for the plants stai-t to grow. The subject of what plant growth is, its various forms, and extent, ought to be a very interesting one for all of my young friends, as well as for older people, to consider at this, its season of beginning. All about us, now, there are endless millions of tiny seed- lings and larger forms of plant life to be found in weeds, grasses, useful plants, bushes, and on up to the great trees of our meadows and forests, all starting into activity, as if there was no time to be lost in getting at the work of making the growth of the year.
Great, indeed, will be the change that a few months will bring about, as the result of this plant growth. At the time of this writing I cannot yet see one new leaf on tree or plant : in a short time there will be
MILLIONS UPON MILLIONS of them to be seen in all directions. Each small seedling that survives will soon have formed a plant of some size, each healthy shrub and tree will have enlarged by many new shoots. Besides this, every growing trunk and branch will have gained in size, by the taking-on of a layer of new wood over all its parts, and crops of flowers and fruit will appear liefore the season is ended.
Now, let me aid my young readers in taking a peep at the process by which all these mar- velous changes, of the next half year, are to be brought about. To go into all the knowTi de- tails of this matter would be impossible here. But I can at least introduce you to the great fundamental factor in the case, namel}-,
THE VEGETABLE CELL.
that minute part, from which all plants are built up in the process of gi-owth. Even as to the vegetable cell, so much has been discovered and written, that I cannot expect to treat of more than some of its forms and its importance here. To give an idea of the former, I show a few, among many forms, in the ac- companying f i g- ures, 2, 3 and 4. But these engrav- ings show the cells magnified several hundreds of times i n diameter, for ordinarily they are much too min- ute to be discerned with the naked unaided eye.
To convey a con- ception of the relative nature of the vegetable cell in plant growth, let me compare plants to build- ings, and the cells of plants to the stone, brick or other materials, that enter into the construction of buildings. As buildings, by the work of masons and car- penters, enlarge from small beginnings by the
ADDITION OF BRICKS UPON BRICKS,
stones upon stones, etc., (see figure 1), so plants enlarge in all their pai'ts — roots, branches, leaves and fruit, by the addition of cells upon
Fig. 2. \'egt't<ihl<' L'cHa in the stent of a Vetcli, magnified about 300 times.
Fig.
cells, until the full development of parts or of the whole is reached.
Now, as the materials of different buildings vary a great deal in size, shape and density, so it may be said that vegetable cells also are far from alike. When they begin to grow they are usually spherical in form, but in time many of them become curi- ously changed by the pressure of one upon another. Some become so much elongat«l, that they may well be likened to lath and boards in the walls of buiklings.
But there is a great difference, after all, between plant cells and building material, in one respect (not to speak of the va-st difference in size). It is that while the latter is dead inorganic matter, which must be moved and put into place by some outside power, as when we build,
PLANT CELLS ARE LIVING ORGANISMS,
which are produced in the growing plant itself, by a kind of propagation, either through mul- tiplication or division, and which is perpetually going on in growth. In figure 3, showing the cells of a plant, at A, is seen one of these in the process of increasing to two cells, by division, the dark line across it being where a complete cell wall, as at B, is directly to appear.
In this figure 2 is given a section of the stem of a plant showing the cells magnified nearly 300 times. Figure 3 represents the outer layer of cells on a small rootlet, some of the cells being extended as root hairs. In figure 4 is shovra what will interest especially many of my young friends who have nice fiower beds, namely, the highly magnified
SURFACE OF A PANSY FLOWER
showing the cells. Here, as may be seen, the cells are more or less prolonged outward, giv- ing rise to the rich velvety appearance of the petals of this favorite blossom. Were we to examine the beautiful texture of our other fine flowers with a powerful microscope, it would be found that they, in many instances, would present quite a similar appearance.
Now, as you see plants all about you enlai'g- ing by growth, just remember that this process is the increasing of the vegetable cells in these, in all of their young parts. And as our towns grow by adding brick to brick and timber to timber, so all the plants and trees of the world increase by the addition of cells to cells. Then you maj' rightly comprehend not only how na- ture builds, but also what a great builder she is. Timothy Treeolimber.
their tastes so warped by cultivation as to en- joy the din, clatter and gaietj* of town life, but to the person who is ojjcu to all the impres- sions of nature as found in the country, the change from living here to living in the city
^fagnified Celts at t/ie sur- face of a Mnpte rootlet, some e.r- tending as mot hairs, tafterOray).
Fig. i. Prolonged celts on the petal of a Pa nfiy flower.
The Hanging Gardens of Babylon.
No doubt the young gardeners who read this paper, have heard of those famous gardens of ancient times, which were reckoned among the wonders of the world. Perhaps you have been troubled to know whether they were really gardens suspended in mid-air, something after the fashion of our popular hanging baskets. While they did not exactly hang in a similai' manner, as these miniature affairs of ours do, yet they were held far up in space, by means of strong pillars and arches, and were literally grand gardens in mid-air. One of the descrip- tions of these gardens is as follows :
They formed a square, with an area of uearly four acres; Init rising in terraces curiously con- structed with stone pillars, across which were i>Iaced fiat stones of large size, covered witli cement, brick- work and lead, to prevent the leaking riown of moisture, and finally with a sufficient layer of earth to support trees, shrulis and plants.
The upper terrace was elevated three hunilred feet above the base, so that, with the intervening ones, at a distance, the whole presented the appear- ance of a pyramidal w^joded hill. A lar-ge reservoir for watei-. witli which to irrigate the gardens, and to sup|»ly the many foiuUaihs. was at the top.
Fountains and banqueting rooms were distributed throughout the immerous terraces. Lawns and avenues of large trees, as well as parterres of flow- ers, <liversified the scene.
Country and Town. " Man made the city but ttod made the coun- try" goes the old saying, and it is a very prop- er way to look at things. People may have
is a grievous one to be endured. Most, if not all of the great men of the world, are lovers of the country, and have lived here. The men who are our most successful merchants, lawyers, manufacturers, and even presidents, were, in nine cases out of ten perhaps, country urchins in their da}-. These things indicate what whole- some surroundings those who live in the country have, as compared with livers in towns.
Take a country boy for the first time to see the wonders of the town : he is bewildered, then amused : at last wearied, and then he wants to go home. But bring out your city boy into the green fields. Let him romp upon the broad lawn, run up and down among the flower-beds, or by the stream: does he want to go home? Not a bit of it. And what is more— you can let him take his fill of such enjoy- ments, for you are certain it will never vitiate his tastes, nor corrupt his heart, nor injure his mental, moral or physical health. — Nature.
PET BIRDS, ANIMALS, ETC
Metal perches produce cramps.
Provide lukewarm water for the bird bath.
Canary hirds have been taught to speak words.
To split a parrot's tongue, that it may learn to talk, is as foolish as it is cruel. Never do it.
You will always find a wide difference between the condition of a dog that gets much e-xercise, and one that does not.
Hatching hirds are liable to become infested with lice: a slight dusting of insect powder about the nest will prevent this.
Do not leave matches within the reach of mock- ing birds or parrots— they may be poisoned by peck- ing the phosphorous end.
Water for Gold Fish. River water is best, and filtered water the worst, for the fish. Do not use rain water in towns, nor any that is not compara- tively fresh. With river or pond water no feeding is necessarj-. Small insects should be given at times, and hard biscuit, when very pure water is used. The water should be changed every other day, drawing the old by the use of a siphon of light rub- ber hose, or by baling.
Raise Your Own Bird Seeds. The heaps of paper boxes in the stores show an immense trade in bird .seeds. Such seeds are no better.for passing through the hands of jobbers, wholesale dealers and retail- ers, each exacting a high profit. So why not grow them ourselves: it is nice, light work for the children, to raise crops of food for their feathered pets. A Mr. E. S. Gilbert, in the Xeu- Yorl; Trilmne. gives some good instructions in this matter, as fol- lows: Canary gra.ss. rape, and hemp seed make sufficient variety. A bed ten feet square will pro- vide for at least one bird, if soil and culture are good. Canary grass is an annual from Central Asia, as easily raised as oats. Sow in drills a foot apart and thin to three inches. Cut off the heads as thes' ripen— there will be a succession until frost, if not too dry— and hang them in a dry place. Rape, which is a turnip, e.vcept that it has no edible root and nms up to seed the first year, may be drilled, and thinned to eight inches. Pidl the plants when ripe and dry them. Hemp ma3- be in hills. 2x2 feet. The male and female rtowers are on sei>arate plants — one or two male plants will be enough to fertilize the females, which are known by their thick leaf spikes: pull the rest of the males soon as they show their flowers. Do not sow imtil danger from frost is past, and hoe often. In addition, let us tell of a trick of the bird-seed men. Most bird mixtures contain millet, which is seldom eaten; the packages might as well be weighted with sand instead, and $« a bushel is pretty high for seed that is mostly wa-sted. The scientific accuracy of the mtxers, which printed labels insist upon, amounts to noth- ing, since each brand differs from all others.
8o
POPULAR GARDENING.
April,
April. .
Come up April, through the valley. In your robes of beauty drest, Come and wake your dowery children From their wintry beds of rest. Come and overflow them softly With the sweet breath of the south ; Drop upon them, warm and loving, Tenderest kisses of your mouth.
— Phoebe C'ary.
Far Reaching.
We scatter seeds with careless hand. And of the act think little more; But for a thousand years Their fruit appears. In weeds that mar the land. Or healtliful store.
*' Ye have no history. I ask in vain
Who planted on the slope this lofty group
Of ancient pear trees, that with spring-time burst
Into such breadth of bloom. One bears a scar
Where the quick lightning scored its trunk, yet still
It feels the breath of spring, and every May
Is white with blossoms. 'VMio it was that laid their
Infant roots in earth, and tenderly
Cherished the delicate sprays. I ask in vain.
Yet bless the unknown band to which I owe
This annual festival of bees, these songs
Of birds within their leafy screens, these shouts
Of joy from children gathering up the fruit
Shaken in August from the willing boughs.''
— Brya n t.
Daisies like a cool soil.
As ye sow, so shall ye reap.
Crocuses keep the bees busy.
Going to seed : the gardener.
The 'Weigelia dates from 184.5.
Remember that ."iO,000 suliscribers.
We say ti'y some new things everj' year.
'Mums is the short for Chrysanthemums.
Never surrender in the war against insects.
Has the lawn l.>een rolled ? Don't forget this.
The flowers appear glad for April's coming.
Flowers: ever a rich theme for poet's songs.
Look out for putty adulterated with blue clay.
Flowering Fuchsias need free draughts of water.
Pussy Willows are an attraction to all young- sters, we think.
At garden-making time many a person would subscribe if asked.
Drummond's Phlox has got a stai't as a wild plant in some pai'ts of Florida.
Advertisements must reach us by the 1.5th of the month, for the month following.
We Thank You. This we say most heartily to our many friends who have sent in clubs.
A Butterfly came out to greet the Crocuses in her garden, the other day, writes one sister.
Hardy garden flowers show off the best in wide beds, having a back ground of evergreens.
A variegated Ficus repens,of striking beauty, is reported from Cambridge Botanic Gardens, Boston.
A friend, complaining to us about her plants not blooming, says they look as if they felt ashamed of it.
In tying up plants, see how few strings you can have in sight, instead of how many, as some seem to do.
An idea for spring : — Do a little now, in en- larging our family circle, for now if ever .people will want the paper.
Let the children have some of the responsi- bility of the light garden work. They nat- urally incline towards gardening.
The Eobin and other spring-songsters are on hand again, to charm us with their sweet music. It seems sweeter than ever before.
No use to look for flowers on newly planted Chinese Wistarias under half-a-dozen years; but when they do come,they pay richly for the waiting.
One's name may not live far down into the ages, but he who plants a tree does an act that is destined to carry blessings through many generations.
Blood-leaved Trees. The three best for the I lawn are,perhaps,River's Purple-leaved Beach, Blood-leaved or Schwerdler's Maple, and the Purple-leaved Birch.
To get half-a-dozen persons to unite with the P. fi. family in your neighborhood, would tend to improve the tone of the gardening about you most decidedly. Try it.
Pleasure Gardening had made considerable progress under the ancient Romans ; it is be- lieved that the Italian style of gardening is very nearly a perfect continuation of it.
■When ordering anything from our adver- tisers do not fail to mention where you belong —that is in the Popular Gardening family. It will bring special attention, mind you.
Trees, whether planted for ornament or in or- chards, do best for the society of other trees near by, through affording mutual protection from winds, and extremes of heat and cold. But dou't crowd them.
Small, Sweet, Numerous. A Pennsylvania correspondent writes, that although he thinned out 1,200 pears from one Seckel tree in his gar- den, last summer, those remaining footed up 1,7.50 at gathering time, total 3,950.
If you want Vii-ginia Creeper it's hardlj' worth while to buy the plants, if some wood can be hatl. Make into cuttings a foot long, set these uprightly in the soil, with an inch out of the ground, and you'll soon have plants.
Flowers for gifts are as adaptable as they are charming; where, in all creation, is there anything like unto them. A queen may give them to her subjects; the poorest child can obtain and fitly pi-esent them to a monarch.
White worms in flower pots are sometimes a gi'eat torment. One member of the family who modestly signs herself " N. M. P.," offers to the others this remedy : add one teaspoonful of car- bolic acid to one quart of rain water, and with this water the plants.
The Eutoca is an easily grown Californian annual, with bright, intensely blue flowers. The plants are rather coarse-looking, but being easily grown, and the flowers good tor cutting, it is worth giving a place sometimes. Branches set in water will continue to flower for weeks.
Still Ahead. Wife — "There! the paper sa3's that the Redwood family, out in the Yosemite valley, are often seen with trunks forty feet in diameter. Now, don't you ever complain of the size of my trunks again, Richard. These Redwoods aren't much of a family, either. I never heard of them."
The power of example is often well shown in gardening. A single enthusiastic amateur in a neighborhood, will plant trees, improve his lawn and set out some flowers and vines for a year or two. Then others will take up the same course in a small way, and very soon the signs of such improvements will appear through- out the entire village or region.
It makes a difference where the break comes in. The florist's heart warms with gladness when his plants break forth in vigorous growth. But when some panes of the greenhouse glass overhead crack and break under the weight of prowling cats, on some cold winter night, it's perfectly shocking how the chills run down his hack — through the house.
In grading your lawn, keep in mind that you work to please the sense of sight, but that this
sense is often deceptive. To bring the surface to a true plane, for instance, there would really be the appearance of sagging through the center, and this is not pleasant to see. The remedy is obvious ; finish each plat to be a little crowning, at least, in the middle parts.
February Numbers Wanted. The call for our February issue was so heavy, that before we were aware of it, our stock was very low, and now we need some. Should any of our readers happen to have copies on hand, in clean shape, which they could spare, by returning such to this office, we will be glad to advance their sub- scriptions by two months on our books.
Of what use are flowers and plants ? Let the words of one of our readers answer : "Our garden consists of two windows, and these in the room of an invalid mother who is entirely helpless. We cannot afford many luxuries, so the plants are almost our only recreation, and how much joy they do give. At this date (Feb. 9) they are blooming beautifully."
A Fair Offer. Mr. Benj. Hammond, the maker of Hammond's Slug-Shot Insecticide, takes a most effectual waj' of silencing those who are disposed to question his claims as to its great worth. He comes right out and offers every reader who wishes to know the article, a .5 pound package as a sample, if they %vill but pay the transportation charges. There readers ! you have what we call a straight and business- like offer, with no risk to run on your part. His address is Fishkill-on-Hudson, N. Y.
Nasturtiums. What could be more delight- ful than an abundance of the sweet, fragrant and bright-colored flowers of these, for the table next summer '. Most easily secured. Sow the seed any time during the spring in common garden soil ; they will soon start up, and after a brief spell will begin to bloom abundantly, giving an endless number of fine long-stemmed flowers for months. A mixture of good seerl can be bought for about 15 cts. an ounce. Here is something for the children to take a hold of.
Talks About Flowers. Our readei-s are a cla.ss who enjo.y "talks," of this kind, as we happen to know very well. So we take pleasure in introducing to their notice the charming little book by this name, written by our corres- pondent, Mrs. M. D. Wellcome, of Y'armouth, Maine. It is just what its name indicates, while the language is direct, comprehensive, sensible, and deals practically with several scores of sub- jects. There are 101 pages. Mrs. Wellcome is her ovm publisher, to whom orders for the book should be addressed.
Gardening is capable of affording pleasures which nothing else can do. Friends of W. K. Vanderbilt say that he is arranging plans which promise him a vast deal of substantial pleasure. He will sever his connection with a good many business cares, will abandon specu- lation, and establish one of the finest country residences known to this land, where he will devote much of his time to leisure. We beUeve that in time, such a course will be followed much more largely than at present, by many of our men of wealth.
Plant Culture at the South. Mrs. L. M. H., Atlanta, Ga., has this to say about her plants under date of Dec. 25th last : ' ' M3- Wax plant has done remarkably well. A year ago last August it was a cutting without root : now it has two main runners several yards in length, with some side ones also. It seems as though it would certainly bloom by the time it is two years old. Last summer my plants all did very well. Among these were the Sceirlet Tecoma and the Night^blooming Jasmine, the latter with its sweet odor perfuming the house and grounds, from evening through the night."
Smilaz. A two line allusion to this plant in the house, in the February issue, has aroused sevei'al readers to inquire as to the essentials to its successful culture. A long experience in growing the plant leads us to answer as follows : It delights in a moderately damp atmosphere, with a uniform temperature of between 50° and 60' ; it dislikes a dry heat and dust.
i886.
POPULAR GARDENING.
8i
Wherever the former t'oiiditious can be suppUed and the latter obviated, there the plant will grow. A soil consisting of two parts of rotted sods and of old cow-manure will be suitable. The plants, unless they be in their first year, should have partial i-est during the summer.
Peter Henderson, the veteran florist of Jersey City, N. J. , spent a good share of last summer
growth, and when a stronger growth or a more prolonged sea.son of growth is desired. This month may find numerous jilants in the green- house fit to receive it. Let it be weak, but ap- ply often. How to make: The neatest way is to have a tub for the purpose, over which, rest- ing on two cross sticks, is placed any kind of a barrel having holes bored in it. Fill the bai'rel
mm
Old M<nt Vartus.—Filocertt^ senilia.
Echinoreru^ Coespitoswi.—Rosy Purple.
TWO FINE CACTUSES.
in Europe. In spealcing of his stay on the Isle of Wight, he refers to some common plants he there saw, as follows; "We have seen some wonderful things in Fuchsias and Geraniums, which often attain twelve feet in height, in this favored region, where the thermometer ranges from about 40° to TO in the shade the whole year. At Arreton Church, Isle of Wight, we saw a Scarlet Geranium that is said to be fifty yeai's old. It had been so cut for slips that it is at present but four or five feet high; but still as vigorous and healthy as in its youth."
What Popular Gardening now really needs more than anj-thing else, is a great increase of subsci'ibers. We believe it is within the power of its present friends to easily help us to these. Is there one reader in our family, who, with such a paper in hand at such a price, could not readily interest from one to ten persons to be- come subscribers to it; Many have done as well. We feel certain that every one could do this. Such a lift would place the paper on a fail- paying basis, and admit of a number of contem- plated improvements, which its publishers even at present have in view. Now we feel disposed to assume just so much for the good will which every one of our friends bears toward this paper, as to believe that they will try (if they have not yet done so) , the very thing we suggest. Let us have a rousing inci-ease of subscribers, in this fair spring month of April.
If there is to be found as fine a trade publi- cation in the gardening line, in the whole world besides, as that issued by the B. A. Elliott Co., of Pittsburg, Pa., then we have not seen it, and our acquaintance with such publications is not slight either. It is not a catalogue in the common sense of the word, although in part answering that end. It is a magnificent pamphlet on ornamental gardening; size of page, 7 1-2 inches by 10 1-2 inches, with engrav- ings, presswork and general appearance on a level with the fine work peculiar to the Coituni and other high-priced magazines. Need any- thing more be said ' Admiring, as we do, fine engravings, paper and printing, as all readers of Popular Gardening must know by this time, we must pronounce this a work after our own heart. An announcement on another page gives some further particulars.
Liquid Manure. Ever}' successful florist uses it. But plants are not at all times in shape to receive it and here is where the inexperienced often make mistakes. To suppose for instance that when a plant is in a feeble, stand-still con- dition, that liquid manure will help it, is a mis- take. At such a time leave it awaj-. Just when to apply it is when plants are in active
with manure, packing it somewhat ; then pour in water at intervals, and theleachings into the tub are what you want. Dilute before using.
All Helping. When even the good contem- poraries of Popular Gardening are interested in seeing us make an excellent paper for our readers, the outcome surely must be good. Our friend of the Floral CabhicI, who has made the geographical location of plants much of a study, calls our attention to an error in our issue of four months ago, in which we unwit- tingly confused the Isle of Natal with the Dis- trict of Natal, places both so obscure as rai'ely to be given notice in the geogi-aphies. For this he has our sincere thanks. But why will not this esteemed contempora ry , aside from thus assisting us on to perfection in our work, notice the number of fine and instructive engravings which appear in each issue of Popular Gar- dening ? We are lead to this question, through perceiving that the journal referred to, persists in a.sserting that it gives ' ' more illustrations than any other periodical devoted to the same topic."' Readers of both papers must '"smile" at such a statement, when it is seen at a glance or by count, that our paper averages more than twice over the number of engravings per issue on gardening matters, to be found in the issues of that paper.
Kennedyas. Here and there may be met a greenhouse in which some of these handsome climbers are kept up in good shape. Wherever such is the case, from even earlier than this, on, may be seen a remarkably grand display ! of pea-shaped blossoms, scarlet, blue, pink, etc., according to the variety. The plants have neat evergreen foliage. They are not too difficult for the average amateur, who devotes careful oversight to his plants, to undertake. The best plan for getting up stock is to raise it from seed. The seed can be obtained from dealere who furnish seeds'of greenhouse plants. Of these K. Oniiptoniand, K. Miirnj- altiir, K. riibiciiiuin and A', monophylla are among the best. Sow early in the spring in well drained pots of light soil, soaking the seeds before sowing. During after culture, shift promptly before the roots become much matted on the surface of the balls. The soil should be composed of two parts turfy jieat, one part well rotted manure, with the addition of some shai-p sand. Good drainage, careful watei-ing and free syringing are important at all times. Keep perfectly clean of the small, white scale, which is the princi])le enemy of these plants.
" Floral World " Premiums. Occasionally a letter is received at this office making inquiries about such premiums, perhaps referring to
their non-receipt or the like. As our own readers know, we have never gone into the plant and seed premium business. This is be- cause, first, we prefer to give for the price asked for our paper, the full worth and more in the contents of the paper itself ; second, we have always had a notion, that somehow such a premium business is unfair to those in the seed and plant trade. Of course, on such grounds we preferred not to become interested in an}- OK ^^■|■^/(■ premium contracts; hence, in the recent transfer of the " Floral World " to us, it was done with the distinct understanding that the late proprietor of that journal , fulfil! all pre- mium obligations due formal- subscribers, he hiirinij ivlniiiril nil flu' iiiuneij irhirli fell In the pi-i'iniiim accounts. Therefore, while we most gladly include every one of those readers as members of our family cii-cle, (we expect to keep them with us) and shall supply them with the full quota of papers for which they paid, we must ask them to address all matter concerning "Floral World"' premiums to Mr. Gillette, of whom they were originallj' ordered.
Sweet Peas. Who does not love them ? Who would not have them, so beautiful, so fra- grant, so convenient for use with their long stems, next summer, from June until fi-osts? You easily can, either in the garden or in boxes, by following Popular Gardening's five rules for raising them. Here they are: Fii-st, choose for them, the coolest, dampest (not a wet, undrained,) spot in the gai-den, if you have a garden, if not, make a good-sized veranda, window or roof box, say T inches deep, 10 inches wide and of any length: the site for the Peas should be in the sun, at least one-half of the time. Second, plant with the first things planted, that is, as early in the spring as the ground is found to work up decently ; the seeds should be covered at least two inches deep. Third, at half a foot high, give brush, trellises or strings,five feet high. Fourth, with the bursting of the first flowers, mulch liberalh- over the sur- face of the roots, say two feet on each side of the row in the garden, using hay, straw or lit- ter ; this is designed to provide that most impor- tant need of the plants: moisture.it the roots; if there is drouth, water in addition. Fifth, sooner or later cut everj- flower before it devel- ops into a seed-pod. These rules followed, and you may have plenty of Sweet Peas the sum- mer through.
Two Fine Cactuses. Mr. A. Blanc, of Phila- delphia, whom we must style America's most enthusiastic Cacti grower, has furnished us with the fine engravings of those shown here- with, also with some notes. The " Old man "" Cactus, Piloivnis .sc/i j/i's, will at once attract notice ; it is one of the curiosities of the plant world. It derives its name from the long sil- very white hairs (really soft weak spines), which cover the upper portion of its stem, and impart a peculiar resemblance to the hoary head of a man. The plant is easily managed in cultivation, provided the simple precaution of gi-owing it under a glass shade, to keep the dust from it, is observed. Our other subject, we must introduce by its botanical name, Ecliinocemt.s Ca'spifosu.'<, foi- w-e know of no other one. It is neai-ly related to the Cereus section of the Cactuses, among which the large Night-bloom- ing Cereus is so famous. This plant is conve- niently dwarf in habit. making it desirable for the window. It is easily grown by amateurs. It flowers freely, bearing rosy purple blooms. But the feature which renders it attractive at all seasons of the year is its fine and pretty spines symmetricall)' arranged. Popular Gardening is glad to see that Mr. Blanc is disposed to give the public the benefit of his attainmepts, in collecting and growing (out of pure love) the many subjects of this too much neglected famil)-, by offering some of them for sale at reasonable pric.-es. We have h)ng known the gentleman as a leading artist aiul engraver, and the head of a large fine-art estaldishment. We hope to know him long in the future, as a promoter of the culture of fine Cacti.
82
POPULAR GARDENING.
April,
THE HOUSE PLANTS. r
Air. The plants have for a long time been with- out an abundance of fresh air; admit it freely to them; set them out doors in warm days, and espec- ially in warm showers, if such there be
Callas. See answer to Inquiry No 53, on opposite page. The treatment thus given is equivalent to a rest. If kept growing steadily on all summer, their power to blooni next, winter will be impaired.
Camellias now, more than at any other season, need fret|uent syringing or sponging off.
Chrysanthemums. Care must be taken that they do not get pot-bound; their growth must be constant: for late plants cuttings may still be struck
Flowers should now be abundant in the windows, If bedding plants are to be bought from the florists, it is well to select some of these n-iw. Keep them in the window for their bloom here until the plant- ing out time is at hand A pretty plan for temporarily covering window Hower pots, especially if they should b» unsightly, is here shown. Sheet cotton bat- tmg is used for the cover, and this is kept in place by two or three ribbon ties. Colored paper is sometimes used instead of the cotton.
Tuchsias in bloom, aside from needing much water, are benefited by an occa- sional dose of weak Hquid manure. On shifting, see Heliotrope, as follows: ^, j ^ ^
Simple method of adorn-
Heliotrope. The beauty ,■„,,;,,„,, p,. p^,,. see of this plant depends on ..;>,„,,.,,,.^. .^ never allowing the roots to
become pot-bound; before this occurs shift. Large shifts suit these plants and some othei-s like Fnch- sias. Cinerarias. Callas, and so on admirably.
Mignonette should be sown where the plants are wanted, whether in pots or in the garden, as few kinds of flowers transplant so poorly.
Oleanders of small size do better for being bedded out fur the summer, taking them from the pots.
Petunias. If old plants have grown unshapely, a thorough cutting in now will improve them much in the course of six weeks or two months.
Propagation may now be going on with many kinds of plants for stock to bloom next winter.
Start up the dormant Dahlia. Canna, Richardia and Caladium tubers that have been kept over.
LAWN AND FLOWER GARDEN.
Annuals. This month is the time ftn- early sow- ings, over a large range of our countiy. We prefer sowing in drills, to sowing broadcast. Drills about an inch deep should be opened in which the seed should be scattered quite thickly. A covering of fine earth should follow; it is a good plan to use some light mould that has been sifted for this purpose. Spat down the covering afterwards with the hoe or the back of a spade.
Half hardy and tender annuals may be started under glass, or in a sunny spot that is sheltered from the wind by buildings, and which may be sheltered by mats or shutters in cool or frosty nights.
Bedding plants of all kinds are much better off to be in hot-beds for the last six weeks before plant- ing. Then in warm days the glass may be wholly removed, and this will tend directly to the making of strong, robust plants.
Cold frame and pot plants should at this season be hardened off by full exposure.
Evergreens may be planted some weeks later than is well for deciduous trees. They should be pnmed at transplanting, the same as any other kinds. For general pruning, this is the best season.
Hardy Bulbs Beds of these should in all cases be lightly raUcd over before the plants appear.
Hedges may now receive their annual pruning.
In staking trees bind them fast by means of a strip of duck or leather, i-ather than with a cord. A piece of such material brought around the tree and crossed on top of the stake, di'iving one or two nails through into the stake, is all that is needed.
Lobelia— the blue kind— as a bedding plant af- fords a rare color, but it does not remain handsome very long. It should be managed by getting up successive propagations, replacing the plants in the beds about every two months. Propagate by divis- ion, slips or by sowing the seed.
Lawn. The directions of last month followed out in the spring, and httle needs be done to a lawn all during the season, except to mow whenever the grass gets to be one or two inches high. Mow carefully, that no uncut strips will ever be seen, and attend to having the gauge wheels elevated alike on both sides. See Weeds.
Lilies, if to be planted, should have this done early. Fall is a better time, excepting for the old Candidum, which should be transplanted in August.
Roses. Plant hardy ones as early as they can be procui-ed, and the soil is fit to receive them.
Street trees should not be planted unless pro- tected against the gnawing of horses, (they some- times do great damage), by some kind of a guard. Those made of slats are better than such as are made of boards, for injurious insects find a safe re- treat behind the latter. We notice by their cata- logue, that J. R. & A. Murdoch of Pittsburgh, Pa., make and sell a circular tree guard of pickets, which we think so well of, that we have taken the Hlierty ot reproducing it in an engraving.
Tender Bulbs. SuchasCannas,Caladiums, Dahl- ias, etc., ought to be starting and getting into shape for planting. Have your supply of Gladiolus, Tiger Flower, Tuberoses, etc., ready for putting out as soon as warm. Some authorities recommend doing early planting for Tuberoses, saying that they pi-oduce more and larger flowers if started while the soil is cool.
"Weeds have no place in a well-kept garden. Some kinds, like the Shepherd's Purse, Chickweed, and so on start up, fiower and seed very early; they should be speedily destroyed as soon as seen. Dandelions. Plantains, etc.. make themselves at home in lawns if allowed to, giving them an infer- ior look. Remedy: Cut them out with a short, strong-bladed knife, just below the crown.
sufficient or poor soil, their vigor and beauty will be much impaired. Use clean pots always; the reason why plants do better in new pots, is because the pores are unclogged, hence air has ready access to the roots, and this is wanted. Thoroughly washed old pots have a nearly similar good effect on them.
Stove Plants. Rapid growers among these, such as Gesnerias, Gloxinias and the like should now most hkely be shifted ; if given bottom heat directly after- wards it will be a great help.
Verbenas propagated the fore part of April will be early enough for making good bedding plants.
FRUIT GARDEN AND ORCHARD.
Berries. Plant Raspberries in rows 4 feet apart and 3 feet in the row. Blackberries in rows, 8 feet apart, and 3 feet in the row. Strawberries may be set in rows 3 feet apart, and 12 inches in the row. The soil should be fertile, but good cultivation counts better than much manure for all of them.
Currants would give better satisfaction if not so generally slighted. They repay very Uberally for manuring and fair care.
Cuttings. See last month's paper under this head.
Grapes. In planting young vines cutback to two eyes.
Insects, See last month's paper under this head.
Manures. Wood ashes, where available, are the cheapest fertilizer for fiiiit trees. In their absence, bone manure three parts, and Muriate of Potash (German Salts) of high grade, one part, make a superior article, having the strong endorsement of the Massachusetts Agricultiu-al College.
Old Orchards should be manured and plowed, using lime and ashes.
Strawberries covered last fall should have the cover drawn apart where the plants are.
Trees, as soon as they arrive from the nursery, should be heeled in by the roots, until wanted one by one for planting. Should, however, any be re- ceived in a shriveled up condition, bury the whole tree in the ground for several days, until plumpness is restored. If they become frozen e7i route, do not unpack while in this condition, but place the pack- age in a cool cellar that they may thaw gradually.
PLANT CULTURE UNDER GLASS.
Achyrantlies for good color need heat and light.
Alt em anther as are a fine class of bedding plants, well adapted to our hot summers. By dividing the stock on hand up in pieces so small that but each one has a bit of root, potting separately and set in a close frame rarely admitting air (they love high heat), each one will make a fine plant for bedding out in six or eight weeks.
Annuals sown early must not get crowded ; trans- plant or thin out; straggling ones should be topped.
Azaleas after flowering should be shifted, and when the growth of the season is pretty well over should receive an increase of air. Water and syringe freely.
Carnations, if given a top dressing now, will re- pay the trouble by a great increase of bloom later.
Climbers for summer, like German Ivy, Mauran- dya. etc., will be the better for cutting back now.
Crowding at this season is a common foe to the well-doing of plants. Make hot-beds or frames to accommodate the overplus untU planting out time.
Cuttings lately put in sand should be frequently examineil, and immediately that roots, however small, are present, they shoiUd go into pots.
Fall Plants. Propagate for fall use, Alyssura, Heliotrope and any other plants thus needed.
Ferns. Shift or renew the soil of those in pots; in doing so break up the old outside roots some- what .
Ivy Geraniums if cut back at once wUl get into fine sliape for summer use by June 1st.
Orchids. At this season keep up the moisture by sprinkling the paths and shutting up early. Any plants requu'ing repotting nnust be attended to as soon as in a growing state. Shade from the sun as directed under " Shade."
Koses *"e liable to be troubled with fly now; fumi- gation is the simple and safe remedy.
Shade lightly with whitewash or with naptha and whitelead over Cameflias. Azaleas, Fuchsias, Double Primroses, Caladiums, Callas, Fancy Coleus and Geraniums, Ferns and other plants liable to spot. Sometimes a blister in the glass will cause a streak or spot. Spy it out and paint on the under side.
Shift all subjects as they require more root room, for if active plants have their roots confined to in-
H\
VEGETABLE GARDEN.
Asparagus, The time to cut is when the shoots are C to 8 inches long Careless cutting spoils many stocks. Use a knife with a pointed blade and cut with the point, so as not to injure any other shoots that are out of sight.
Beets are better sown in well dug soil without much manure. They then make small, handsome well-color- ed roots, such as are most desirable.
Cauliflowers, A good crop can be looked for only on ground that is well en- riched before planting.
Celery, for main crop, should be sown early in April, in a nicely prepared seed bed in the open ground
Culture. Keep the soil between plants and drill rows frequently stirred to free them from weeds.
Hot-beds, Give plenty of air in the day time ; keep close at night using mats, also when frost or wmd threatens. For watei-ing at this sea.son use water with the chill taken off.
Onions. Use manure freely, or a good crop need not be expected. When large enough to weed, a good top-dressing of wood ashes will help the crop.
Parsley may be sowed thinly in drills and then if covered with tiles or stones for about ten days, the seed will begin to showitaelf , in- stead of its taking as com- monly,several weeks for its A circiiUir Guard for germination. Street Trees.
Fleas on Plants, Watch the Turnip and Cab- bage plants for these pests, and as soon as they show themselves dust with soot, wood ashes or air- slacked Imie, going over the plants repeatedly.
S
11
i886.
POPULAR GARDENING.
BadisKes. Sow two weeks apart, for succession.
Seed Sowing. Do not trust seeds of doubtful vitality, l)Ut lest tbem first. Count out two dozen seeds, sow iu a tlower pot or other vessel of soil, covering but lightly, and note what share conies up. Sow the kinds mentioned last month under this head, before the middle of the month. Start in a well prepared seed bed such kinds as Brussels Sprouts, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Celery. Endive, Kale. KohlRabi, Lettuce and Parsley. Where frosts are over plant Bush Beans, and start Lima Beans iusods in (he hot -bed.
Sweet Herbs. Look ahead to a supply for next winter, by sowing now for later transplanting. Sage, Thyme and Sweet Marjoran. Siunmer Savory must grow whei'e it is sown.
Sweet Potatoes. Start these toward the end of the month in the hot-beds, for plants to be ready for planting out by the first of June.
Tomato plants that have been brought along iu hot-beds or seed boxes. must be transplanted prompt- ly to frames, (using pots, boxes, or not, as you choos^), before they become di'awn in the least by crowding.
Tools. Put each one in working order before the the day it is called into use.
Wet land ought to be well drained, as such is always late in the spring, before it is ready to work.
FRUIT AND VEGETABLES UNDER GLASS.
Cucumbers in Frames. Continue to use linings to keep tliem growing; if stable manure is scarce some other material like grass may be used now instead.
Grapery. Where the Grapes of early vines are changing color, air freely, leaving ventilators open a little at the top during the night Keep the air rather dry to prevent shanking, but it is a mistake to maintain a parched atmosphere at this time; sprinkle the floor but withhold the syringe for the present. Where new vineries are started or old ones replanted, this is a good time for planting. Attend to former directions concerning graperies.
Peaches that are being forced will now be swelling fast, and the last thinning must be done without delay. Water thoroughly at the roots and use ma- nure water freely till tlie fruit shows color. Syringe twice each day. Good heat and much air are necessary at the fruiting stage.
Pines that shuw fruit should be given manure water, warm and weak. Before shutting up. syringe. Robust growth may be induced in plants for suc- cession by free ventilation.
Strawberries in heat ought to be hardened grad- ually after fruiting, if the plants are required for new l)eds, before removing them outside.
List of Catalogues Continued.
Here is another long list of catalogue publishers, who have sent to us their catalogues since our last issue. It is a pleasure to bring all of these to the attention of the lO.(XX) families who now receive Popular Gardening. Om- only regret is that space cannot be spared to describe them to a unit, as thej" deserve. But all are at the command of the public, and our readers can order such as they may desire to use and judge of then- worth for themselves. Some publishers, reasonably enough, ask that the postage (but a small fraction of the cost) be advanced, a matter concerning which, can readily be determined by postal card inquiry. You had, in any case, better mention being of the Popular Gardening family.
As more than once intimated iu these columns, all these fine American Gardening Catalogues, in- dicate a healthy and growing interest in gardening matters with us. Popular Gardening as a journal for the million, commits itself to earnestly and faithfully do its full share in promoting improved gardening iu all its branches, hence it also takes pleasure in mentioning aU catalogues in this line. And while, as it trusts, the people may find increased pleasure and profit through its humble work, it should also follow that the dealers, too. should be benefited by any improvement here, through the more intelligent and liberal patronage that natur- ally must attend this. Thus we hope to merit the confidence and good will of both of these impcn-tant classes, while striving always to benefit both:
H. S. Anderson, Union Springs, N. Y. Nursery. C. E. AUen, Brattleboro", Vt. Plants, etc. Chas. H. Anderson, Baltimore, Md. Nurseiy. R. H. Allen Co., Water street. New \'ork. Seeds. Alneer Bros., Rockford, IU. Plants, etc. Albertson & Hobbs, Bridgeport, Ind. Nurseiy. Beach & Co., Richmond, Ind. Plants, etc. Joseph Breck & Sons, Boston, Mass. Seeds. Bassler Bros., Manhattan, Kan. Seeds.
John G. Burrow, Fishkill. N, Y. Grapes. Caleb Boggs, Morton, Dei. Fruit. Alfred Bi'idgeman. New York. N. Y. Seeds. J. Butterttin, Hanimonlon. N. .]. Small Fruits. *Bailey & Hanfurd. Makanda. III. Tree Seedlings. Brown Chemical Co.. l^altiiiMTt*. Md. Fertilizers B. L, Bragg it Co., Springli.-ld. Mass. Seeds. L. G. Br'agg & Co.. Kalaina/Aio. Mich. Nursery.
E. Bonner ^t Co., Xeuia, O. Plants, etc. Baunockliurn Greenhouses. Rochester. Fruits.etc \Vm. C. Becker. Allegheny, Pa Seeds. James E. Bonsjill, Salem, O. Plants, etc. Bowker Fertilizer Co., Boston. Mass. Chemicals.
F. Barteldes & Cn,. Lawrence, Kan. Seeds. Everett Brown. Bluff Point. N. Y. (Jrapes.
♦Martin Benson. Swanwick. III. Tropical Plants. Crosman Bi-os . Rochester, N. Y. Seeds. John S. Collins. Moorestown. N. J. Small Fruits. H. G. Corney, Cornwall-on-IIudson. N. Y. Fruits. R. G. Chase & Co., Geneva, N. Y. Nursery. S. \V. Call, Perry, Lake Co.. O. Nursery. W. E. Chapin, DesMoines, Iowa. NurseVy.
B. P. Critchell & Co,, Cincinnati. O. Plants, etc. R. Douglass .S: Sous, Waukegan, III. Nursery.
♦Peter Devine. Chicago. 111. Heaters. Albert Dickinson. Chicago, III. Agricultu'l Seeds. *B. A. EUiolt Co., Pittsburg. Pa. Plants, etc.
E. S. Fitch. Bay City. Mich. Fertilizers.
R. & J. Farquhar & Co., Boston, Mass. Seeds. S. Freeman i!t Sons. Racine, Wis. Iron Goods. Frank Finch. Clyde, N. Y. Seeds. Wm. L. Ferris, Jr., Poughkeepsie.N.Y. Seeds, etc. S. Green & Son. Perry, O. Nursery. P. M. Gideon & Son, Excelsior. Minn. Nurserj'. Graham. Emlen&Passmore, Phila.Lawn mowers. David Hill. Dundes, Kane Co.. IU. Evergreens Harketfs Floral Nui"ser\-, Dubuque. Iowa. Plants. Harvey Bros., ButTalo. N. Y. Seeds. Hance S: Borden, Red Bank, N. J. Nursery. Geo. W. Hawkins, Newburg, N. Y. Nui*sery. W. W. HUborn, Arkona, Canada. Small- Fruits. Island Seed Co.. Muscatine, Iowa. Seeds. Iowa Seed Co.. Des Moines, Iowa. Seeds. Johnson & Stokes. Philadelphia. Pa. Seeds. Ed. Jansen. New York City, N. Y. Floral baskets. J. Jenkins, Winona, O. Grapes, etc. Geo. S. Joselyn, Fredonia, N. Y. Grapes. Fred W. Kelsey. New York. Trees & plants. ♦Geo. J. Kellogg, .lanesville. Wis. Small Fruits. J. N. Kramer & Co.. Marion, Iowa. Florists. Samuel Kiusey, Kiusey, O. Nursery.
C. P. Lines. New Haven, Conn. Nursery,
J. & J. L. Leonard, lona, N. J. SmaU Finiits. Aaron Low, Essex, Mass. Seeds. Louis C. Lischy, Nashville, Tenn. Nursery. Chas. C. McColgan & Co., Baltimore, Md. Plants.
F. E. McAUister, New York. N. Y. Seeds. MendenhaU A Co., Indianapolis, Ind. Implements. J. M. McCullough's Sons, Cincinnati, O. Seeds.
D. S. Marvin. Watertowu, N. Y. Grapes.
T. C. MaxweU & Bro"s, Geneva, N. Y. Nursery. Niagara Wh. Grape Co., Lockport, N.Y. Grapes. Wm. Parry, Parry P. O., N. J. Nursery. J. C. Plumb & Sou. Milton. Wis. Fruits & Shinibs. Plant Seed Co., St Louis, Mo. Seeds. F. S. Ptatt, New Haven, Conn. Seeds. Phcenix Nuisery Co., Delavan. Wis. Nm"sery. *F. R. Pierson,Tarrytown, N.Y Garden Supp'l's Rakestraw & Pyle^ Willowdale, Pa. Nui-sery Wm. B. Reed. Chambersburg. Pa. Plants, etc. Robert C. Reeves, New York, N. Y. Garden Imp.
E. C. Selover, Geneva, N. Y. Nursery. R. A. Swain, Philadelphia, Pa. Heaters. Thos. F. Seal, Unionville, Pa. Carnations. Schlegel & Fottler, Boston, Mass. Plants, etc. John A. Salzer, La Cross. Wis. Seeds.
C. H. Thompson & Co , Boston, Mass. Seeds.
S. Templin 6: Sons, Calla, O. Plants, etc.
Trumbull, RejTiolds *S: Allen, Kansas City. Seeds.
Thos. Tugwell, Sooke, British Columbia. Seeds.
Wm. Toole, N. Freedom, Wis. Pansies.
T. C. Thurlow, Newbrnyport, Mass. Nursery.
E. B. Underhill. Poughkeepsie. N. Y. Sm. Fruits.
Robert Veitch *t Son, New Haven. Ct. Seeds, etc.
C. L. Whitnev, Warren. O. Evergreens.
J. C. Wood it Bro.. Fishkill, N. Y. Nursery. ♦Albert Williams, Sharon, Pa. Plants, etc. ♦Woolson & Co., Passaic. N. J. Hardy Plants.
A. ^\'hitcomb, Lawrence, Kan. Plants, etc.
Wm. C. Wilson, Astoria, Long Island. Roses, etc. *See advertisement elsewhere in this issue.
UIHR
Well Done! Gardeners of America.
Prospects of even Cheaper
Postage.
That the members of our Populaji Gardening family, together with other American gardeners (^florists, etc., of course includedl not yet with us, are a power in the land, is forcibly shown, by the prompt revereal of the increased postage prospects as to seeds, bulbs, etc., referred to iu our last issue. As a result of the influence brought to bear upon the introducers of the "'increased postage" bill, by om- readers and others, not only has the bill been promptly revised to exclude all gardening articles, but we are also happy to report, that iu view of the hght given on this subject in general to the Postal Committee, there are good prospects now that postage on this class of matter will be reduced from ime cent an ounce to one cent for each two inince-s. But as this measure has not yet fully passed, we advise any of our readers who have as yet not com- municated with their Representatives at Washing- ton regarding it. to do so at once, and thus aid in making assurance doubly sure. We desire here also to recognize the valuable service done in this matter, by the Society of American Florists, and their elh- cient organ, The American Florist, of Chicago.
This beintj the People^ s fhiycr it is open tu all their In- quires, hearing (ill Gardening.
i)n thf other hand, ansifcrti to published inquires are earnesllu requested from readers.
The editnr:^ and speciut contrihutor^ arc ready to do a lar^e share of the nnntceriug, but the experience of many heiny vinre vainnOle than af the few, however varied that is. and<-i>nditit/ns and luralities in-iinj so different, they prefer to receive ansxvers, even several of them to the same auea tion, from readers everywhere. Don't hesitate to write because you may feel you are no fine toriter; give facta and ideas and the editors tcill see that they appear in credi- table shape.
In writing, give the number of the question you are. an- su\rinij; ifour locality and name, the latter nut for publica- tion unless yon desire. Write only on one side of the paper
Flowers will be gladly named provided first, that no more than three be sent at one time. Second, that these be fully prejtaid. Thivd, that several specimens of each reach us In good shape. We cannot undertake tu name fiorists' varies ties,
4().— Agapauthus. How old must this plant be to bloom*' Jri.i.\ D Sh.\nklin.
4T.— Oxalis. What shall I do to make Oxalis bloom? Does it want to be wet, and to have sun?
4H.— What treatment do Anuiryllis Treatea need? I have a bulb two yeare old : has made another bulb, but never blossomed. Mrs A. L. Van Scry, Brew- ster. N. Y.
m —Currant Worms. What will destroy the green worm on Currauts and Gooseberiies. that are .so destructive to them:- and oblige. A New Sub- scriber. Bi'Iford, hill.
TjO.— Hyacinths and Daphnes. What time must Hyacinths be planted to liave spring bloom? How should Daphne (Jdorata be treated to have bloom nest winter? A Reader.
51.— Curculio and Salt. Will a liberal sprinkling of salt under the Plum trees in the spring, destroy the Curculio? E. 31, Van Aken.
r)2.— Rose Cuttings. I never had luck with Rose sUps, Can any of the ''Popular Gardners'" en- Ugnten us on the subject? Sister Gracious.
53.— Callas. Will you be kind enough and tell me how to start Calla Lilies? I have some young ones from last fall that are long and slender How shall I treat an old plant, the leaves of which curl down- ward? A Reader, Buffalo, N. Y.
54 — CannaS. I would like to know how to raise from seed, and how to treat them during winter.
55 —Callas. Do Calla Lily bulbs bloom the first season? N. H. E.
5ti.— Buds, hut No Flowers. Will not some one of the family tell ine how to treat my [ilants so they will flower? They biul profusely, but the buds hardly ever open. Those of the Fuchsia nearly open, then drop. Geraniums blight in the buds. Coleus are sickly, with only a few leaves at the top. I aim at a good temperature. I sprinkle them and faithfully care for them, but they disappoint me " Earnestine," West Fc a body, Mass.
REPLIES TO INQUIRIES.
41.— Geraniums— to Keep Over. Procure small boxes, say from grocers, and when j'ou lift your Geraniums put them in these, and pack a spade- ful of earth firmly over the roots. For a damp cellai", have the earth dry; if a dry one. then let it remain moist. I am always sure of mine coming out well in the spring. F., Erie, Pa.
51.— Curculio and Salt. We would have no faith in salt as a remedy, but if applied very moderately it would have a good etTect as a fertilizer, and to that extent help. See article on Plums, page 7ti. Eds. p. G.
37 and 52.— Propagating Roses. Nearly ripened wood, made mto cuttings of two eyes each, with most sorts propagate quite easy. (Juard against excessive moisture and heat, and admit air to the cuttings freely. I have had excellent success with striking cuttings of about four eyes each in October, putting them in a box of sand for one half of their length. Hybrid Perpetuals cannot, in the ordinary sense, be propagated from seed. A. H. E.
3!'— White Worms. I have used a very weak solution uf Carbnlie Acid for white worms and find it a sure cure. N. H. E., MV/^t';7f»o, Out.
30.— Petunias, it must be a defect in the root or else the soil. Sometimes cuttings stand a long time, having the appearance of rooted plants, but without one root— eventually these behave as you speak of. Petunias like a rich' light soil. A. H. E.
40.— Camellia. In greenhouse culture, young Camellias ofteu bear one flower at two yeai-s old. They retiuire a moderate to cool temperature, plen- ty of air, frequent sponging of the leaves, and thor- ough draining in the pots. R. II. (i., Baltimore, Md.
44. Books. Henderson's Hand Book of Plants, (Price #3.1X11. The Home Florist, (Price $1.50), we think would best answer yoiu" purpose. Both can be furnished fruin this othee. Eds. P. G.
53.— Callas. Plant in a rich bed of soil this spring, taking them from the pots. Lift in August, potting in good soil. They uui^- drop their leaves by this course, but no harm, m the end they will be all right. Practical Florist.
54.— Cannas are easily raised from seed, if first soaked in lukewami water for four days. A. H. E.
84
POPULAR GARDENING.
April,
'^e Household
Fussiness in Housekeeping.
We are of the belief that there is no one com- mon foe to domestic peace and comfort, like that of fussiness— a making much ado about trifles. It arises more often, perhaps, from a lack Of system or plan in managing the affairs of the house than otherwise. The house- cleaning season, now upon us, proves to be a time for aggravating this unpleasant quality in a more than ordinary measure. It is there- fore a fit time to study to avoid it. Some women when cleaning stir up every room in the house at one time, a step that must add directly to the discomfort of the family. The riglit plan of procedure, is to sit down at the beginning of the cleaning campaign and quietly survey the field of work, deciding promptly what must be done to begin with and what will bear deferring. This done, then begin at the beginning, and 1 oUow out systematically the course decided upon. The vrise housekeeper never gets into a "stew"; she aims right at the maj-k through every movement of hand and foot. She studies especially to take no useless steps in doing her work.
System is as essential in the government of the household a,s to that of the State. Order, punctuality, industry and good judgment ai-e necessary and efficient forces in the home; by adding cheerfulness, patience, and a thoughtful care for the general comfort and happiness of its members,you will avoid unpleasant friction, and make the home what it should be— the center of all that is best and dearest to the human heart.
Brieflets.
A wet knife cuts hard soap, with ease.
Plates are more aiul more Japanese in tone.
Narrow plaiting on the edge of skirts tends to graceful etTects.
Half a teaspoonful o£ table salt dissolved in cold water, will relieve heart-burn or dyspepsia.
Salt-cellars are looking up; a favorite device is a silvei' vase, about two inches high, with a shell to hoUl the salt.
Stand at your work when you must, of course, but never, when the work is of a kind that can be done as well seated.
How much easier it is to get along with damp wtuxi for fuel, if you till the oven with it after each meal to dry it for getting the next one.
In French Cashmeres for early spring ilresses, the nutst prominent colors are the bronze and moss green shades, and all ecru and beige tints.
Knives and forks are now to be had with crystal handles set in silver. These come from Bohemia, and are very ornamental and clean-looking.
" One who knows " writes to Popular Garden- ing thus; If you want bal)5- to learn to go to sleep without being rocked, choose a day when he has been unusually bright and happy; keep him up and awake, until a little after his regular hour for sleep, then give him a cup of milk nicely sweetened and warm; have the bed soft and cosy, and on this lay him down gentlj- and soothe him with a httle kissing and patting, and, if not spoilt, he will soon close his eyes in the sweetest kind of sleep.
A cleaning mixture, excellent for removing grease and stains fro[n carpets and clothing, accor- ding to a popular English journal, may be made as follows: 2 oz. lump ammonia, 2 oz. white Castile soap, 1 oz. glycerine. 1 oz. ether. Cut the soap fine, and dissolve in a pint of water over the fire; afterwards adding 2 quarts of water. This article should then be well mixed with water at the rate of one teacupful to a common pailful of water. In this, wash any soiled and greasy articles. To remove spots, apply with a sponge or clean flannel, and rub well afterwards with a dry cloth.
It is well for every mother and girl (not to say every young man), to face the fact, that a yonng woman who deliberately marries without under- standing the art of cooking, is taking upon herself a serious burden. Especially is this true of those in modest circumstances. Sour bread, leathery steaks and wishy-washy coffee are not conducive to happiness. One may thoroughly understand art.
music, science and philosophy, be familiar with astronomy, mythology, politics, &c., yet if the sim- ple ai t of maidng a loaf of good bread has been neglected, the education is sadly incomplete.
Here is an idea from " Babyhood," that.ought to interest mothers who have young children. It re- lates to what the one who gives it, calls a " Palace Car." It is designed for protecting babies from draughts while on the Hoor. To make it, take a box three feet long by two feet wide, or larger, if you choose, and just high enough for baby to look over as .she sits in the box. Fasten strong cleats to each end underneath, and into these put good casters, that it may be readily wheeled. Pad the inner sides and cover with pretty calico; cut pictures from linen picture books and " button hole " them on the sides. Place several layers of newspapers in the bottom, and over this, a piece of carpet. The child will soon get to like its palace car and with it can learn to creep as well as to stand; the sides being soft, a bump will not hurt her.
poviltP/.
Summing Up the Necessaries in Poul- try Raising.
Thore are many thiugs and appliances about poultry keeping that are useful, convenieut and ornamental, but not strictly necessary to success in the business, yome other things, are indispensable to the best, or even good results, and these should be made much of, by all who keep poultry. The Paulfri/ Wnrfti has something to say on indispensables lately, from which we condense the following:
A good house is one. It may be a part of some other building, or it may be a separate structure. It must be comfortable, light and properly ventilated. The style of architecture may be anything from a low shed up, but it must be suitable for the fowls, and the sanitary conditions be complied with.
Variety in food is another need. Fowls can live upon a single article of diet, but protits under such circmustances are not to be expect- ed. Variety in diet promotes health, health secures activity of the reproductive organs and upon this profits largely depend.
Fresh water is indispensable.' Without it there will be disease, and sick hens are not a paying investment. To expect dividends in eggs, if fresh water is not provided, will surely end in disappointment.
Cleanliness must be provided. The drop- pings corrupt the air, which leads to disease, then to vermin, to sap the life of the fowl. The health of hens demands its frequent removal.
Good stock is also indispensable. Get the best. Beauty in figure, carriage and plumage may not add to usefulness but they do add much pleasure to the business. But what is necessai-y to success is strong, vigorous and productive fowls. If eggs are an object, a lay- ing strain of the chosen breed should be select- ed, for there is a great difference in strains of fowls of given breeds. It is not enough to pro- cure Leghorns, but it is necessary to procure a good family of Leghorns. It does not suffice to purchase Plymouth Rocks, but it is requisite that a good strain be obtained.
Good care is decidedly indispensable. This means, that in addition to providing proper food and drink and keeping things clean, that every little detail should be attended to when it needs attention. Flowers flourish best when attended by those who love them; the same is true of poultry. Loving care is the best of all care; it sees little wants and ministers unto them. It sees what others would overlook, and to see a thing means with it to do that thing.
CONDENSED POULTRY NOTES.
Clean cai-e, clean profits.
Don't give lip tlie incubator on one trial.
Pale combs may indicate lice on the fowls.
Fowl diseases often spring from the use of foul water.
Burning the old nests: A sure cure for vermin in them.
Very small chicks need very small seeds. Millet answers well here.
Nearly all the winter shows of poultry have been successful financially. We like to hear this.
Enough of dust the year around, to suit the hens' desires, will play havoc with the thrift of vermin on their bodies.
A Michigan Plymouth Rock hen leads in earli- ness of bringing off a brood we think. A full hatch came off on the 27th of January.
Equal rights for the sexes prevail in poultry raising; in fact we think the woman ahead in this, because possessing some superior natural qualifica- tions for the work. _
One of the first jobs of spring should be to scrape up all manure, and decayed refuse about the yard, and sprinkling afterwards with some dry lime to sweeten up the place.
Few Against Many. One correspondent from the Badger State, has found greater profit in keeping tweuty-five hens well fed and cared for, than a hun- dred after a fashion that is yet too common in her section and elsewhere.
Sand alone is not the materia! that hens would fii-st choose for a dust bath ; in fact, they can hardly be said to like it. Common soil is about the best material— that from the chip yard or barn yard, and containing more or less foreign matter being much enjoyed.
Green food is so necessary to the well-doing of confined fowls, that the matter of providing some should always hold a prominent place in the keep- er's miud. Where there is no grass run, some grass sods thrown to them are excellent. Fresh-cut grass is good. At this season some quick growing plants like Lettuce, Spinach or Oats could be sowed to permit green food later. Onions chopped fine and mixed with the soft food of non-layers and chickens, is wholesome and often prevents or checks disease; if fed to laying hens they will taint the flavor.
Food for Young Turkeys. Not so many young turkeys would die, if greater attention was devoted to their food, from the start. For the first week equal quantities of hard-boiled eggs chopped fine, and good wheat bread will suit them. This may be followed by curd made of sour milk, and bread made of coarse flour or wheat shorts. If confined, some chopped roots or Dandelions, as well as some clean sharp sand should be furnished. Beyond six weeks old, screenings or small wheat may consti- tute a large part of the food. Young turkeys need frequent feeding and pure water.
He Don't Lay It to a Revolving Chair. Mr. F. A. Mortimer, a correspontleut of the Poultry Monthly^ writes as follows about successful man- agement: We are frequently asked the secret of our success. It is this: We do our own work, and know at all times the condition of every bird on the place. We know of no other way to be a successful fancier. We do not run a poultry farm as some do, on a revolving chair in front of an office desk. Now that the spring months are upon us, we look out for dampness. If the floor of the poultry house is not perfectly dry, look out for roup. Board it over and cover with dirt and ashes. A stitch in time saves nine. Also keep an ej'e on the chicks; keep them perfectly dry, and keep them confined morn- ings until the dew is off the grass. If you expect success, breed only from your best birds Pay strict attention to health, vigor, S5^mmetry and plumage, and j'ou can mate to produce any desired results. Cockerels and hens, vica versa, make the best matings. Remember, in mating, that the male influences symmetry and style, the female size of the progeny. A word to the wise is sufficient.
Going for Them Sharp. <^ur friend of the Ohio J^or;(if'r believes in doing so when he wants eggs, or else he would not deal out such sharp directions as these which follow, but which w'e believe are well worthy of being observed by readers of Popi'- LAR Gardening: To make hens lay, put two or more quarts of water in a kettle, and one large seed pepper or two small ones, then put the kettle over the fire, ^^^len the water boils stir in the coarse Indian meal until you have a thick mush. Let it cook an hour or so: feed warm. Horse-radish is chopped fine and stirred into mush as prepared in the above directions, and for results we are getting from five to ten eggs per day; whereas, previously we had not had eggs for a long time. We hear a good deal of complaint from other people .about not getting eggs. To such we would warmly recom- mend cooked and spiced feed given warm. Boiled apple skins seasoned with red pepper, or boiled potatoes seasoned with horse-radish, are good. Corn, when fed alone, has a tendency to fatten, rather than produce the more profitable egg laying. A spoonful of flowers of sulphur stirred witii their feed occasionally, will rid them of vermin and tone up the system with fine effect.
POPULAR GARDENING
FOR TOWN AND COUNTRY.
"ACCUSE NOT NATURE, SHE HATH DONE HER PART; DO THOU BUT THINE."— Ujltoh.
Vol. 1.
l^J^Sr, 188S.
No. 8.
Japanese Zebra Crass.
In our garden the hardy ornamental grasses have alwa3's been favorites. But among our collection of these, comprising many sorts, there is no other one kind which gives better — we were about to say gives equal — satisfaction, to the Japanese Zebra Grass, EiihiUn japonicn zehrina
The acconipunying engraving af- fords a very good representation of the plant we are speaking of. Unlike all other variegated grasses, this one has its striping or marking across the leaf, instead of longitudinally. It grows tjve or more feet in height, forming a most striking and graceful plant, resembling nothing else that we know of, in cultivation. The ex- panded flower spikes resemble the ostrich plumes, and when dried, last for j'ears.
This variegated Grass we find use- ful in many waj's. In the mixed border amongst herbaceous plants it is a pleasing and striking object, and in a cut state for tlic decoration of large vases it is most valuable, as its graceful arching leaves gives a degree of brightness to floral arrangements not otherwise obtainable. The varie- gation, too, is clear and well defined, a circumstance which adds to its beauty. It is a great gain to be able to cut spikes of it four feet high for indoor decoration.
When first introduced from Japan it was believed that this plant would not prove hardy. Years of cultiva- tion with it as far north as Buffalo proves it to be entirely so, and we are able to cut from it in the open borders up to the end of November.
Anj' soil not too rich suits it; in rather drj' poor material we find that the variegation is more clear and defined. We have grown it in pots the year around, and find that it makes a capital plant for mixing with Ferns and other fine foliaged plants in the con.ser- vatory.
This very desirable plant may now be had of all dealers in hardy plants. It can also be raised from seed, packets of which can be bought for about twenty cents each.
inches of the tips, and this leads quickly to the putting forth of two or three side branches. After these have grown suffi- ciently, I cut these back also and thus keep on until the plant has seven or eight branches. Of course siich a method retards the blooming somewhat, liut is it not far better
The Abutilon, or Flowering Maple-
BY MRS. M. D. WELI.COMK, YAR-MOI'TII, >rE.
This Is one of the best of plants for the window, garden and bedding out. It is a strong grower, does not mind the close heat- ed atmosphere of our dwellings, and it is not fastidious in regard to soil. It needs some training, for it seems in so much of a hurry to grow, and all, that it rarely stops to branch, unless forced to do so by being de- capitated.
In viiy management of the plants, when they are about a foot high I cut off a few
THE JAPANESE ZEBRA GRASS.
to have half a dozen branches full of flowers a little further on, than one tall stalk earlier?
As Abutilon plants do not generally bloom very much during the earlj- part of winter. I begin in December to cut back the plants, and by ilarch they are ready to bud. This year I counted 22 Inids on one plant in March, and they were only the beginning of an abundance to follow.
The double flowering Abutilon is a beauty, both in foliage and blossom. Those mottled- leaved are very attractive, even should they never have flowers. Due de Malakoft' is specially beautiful with its large niajile leavesmarbled witli green, yellow and white.
Not only do I cut back Abutilon, as indi- cated above, but all plants that are disposed to grow tall and branchless. Fuchsias I train a good deal In this way.
Shady Gardens.
The grounds of many homes are .sliaded heavily by trees and buildings, a condition of things not at all favorable either to the growth of grass or an abundance of flowers. When trees cause most of the trouble, if
sufficient courage could be summoned to thin them out freely, the results in most every way would be more satisfactory.
In our opinion it is a wholly wrong notion,
that heavy, extended shade, is more pleasant
than shade that is broken up by numerous
open spaces. Such spaces admit sunsliine
to give comfort in cool weather and
breezes in hot weather, and together
life and health to grass and plants as
well as to the dwellers in the home.
But even with thinning the trees a good deal, some dark shaded spots against buildings and elsewhere will still exist. These are usually a source of great perplexity to the manager, regarding how to have the surface furnished to look well. Too often such places are perfectly bare, even of grass. Ordinary grass, or such as is brought by the sodders from meadows, is illy adapted for use here, as countless experiments have shown ; but by preparing the ground for seed- ing— and then .sowing such kinds of grass as the Creeping Bent (Arjrontiit slohiiifini), or Green or June Grass {Toil pratenms), both of which do well in partly shaded places — a respecta- ble looking cover might be had in many such spots that now are bare.
Aside from this class of grasses, there is quite a long list of pKants that will thrive where it is shaded from one-half to three-fourths of the day. At the head of the list stand the Ferns, and such bulbs as the Tidip, Hyacinth and Crocus. Then there are the Snow-drops, Tiger Lily, Val- ley Lily, Solomon's Seal, Wake- Robin, Spring Beauty, Periwinkle, Money-vine and other hardy perennials which seem to prefer partial shade.
Among annual flowers that need but little sunshine, are the Adonis, Daisy, Pansy, Whitlavia, and JIarigolds.
Fuchsias, Lobelias, silver-leaved Gerani- ums, Achyranlhes, Begonias. Callas, Alter- nantheras, and Caladiums, from the green- house, all succeed fairly well in shade.
With an array of materials like this, it ought not to be difficult, in most cases, to make tlie shady places beautiful witli foliage or flowers.
The Trembling Aspen.
This is a favorite lawn tree with many planters. Henry Ward Beecher, a gentle- man whose knowledge of trees is very wide, is for one, enthusiastic in recommending it. It is a species of Poplar, and is known liotan- ically as PopnliiK tnmti'uides.
Aside from the characteristic charms this tree possesses, through its leaves being agi- tated in a lively manner by even the slightest breeze, it assumes a handsome form and ma- jestic proportions under the most ordinary circumstances. Unlike some of the Poplars,
86
POPULAR GARDENING.
May,
it does not send up shoots from the roots, ] their natural condition, and to nature, the to interfere with all attempts at neat gar- more freely may they be emploj-ed for orna-
dcning. It is in every way a tine looking tree for large sized groimds and streets.
mentation, if generally appropriate, without
CARPET BEDDING.— PLANS OF TWO CIRCULAR BEDS.
Although the Aspen is a native tree, it is well known and much employed in orna- mental planting throughout Europe. Per- haps tlie fact that it was taken 3.000 miles across the water tends to make it more popu- lar there than at home, a state of things quite common as regards many such matters. But let us hear how one English lover of the tree picturesquely referred to it some time ago, in Woodn and Forests, of London.
Every country place should have that very coquette among trees, the Aspen. It seems never to sleep. Its twinkling fingers are playing in the air at some arch fantasy, al- most without pause. If you sit at a win- dow with a book, it will wink and blink and beckon and coax, till you cannot help speaking to it. That must be a still daj' that does not see the Aspen quiver. A sin- gle leaf sometimes will begin to wag, and not another in the whole tree will move. Sometimes a hidden breath will catch at a lower branch, then, shifting, will leave that still, while it shakes a topmost twig. Though the air may move so .gently that your cheek does not feel it, this sensitive tree will seem all a shiver, and turn its leaves upward with a shuddering chill. It is the daintest fair}' of all the trees. One should have an Aspeu on every side of the house, that no window should be without a diance to look upon its nods and becks, and to rejoice in its innocent witcheries.
To illustrate: Grass is embellishing mater- ial that is very near its natural condition. With plants and flowers and arrangement of the average carpet bed • it is different, they are largely in the line of artificial productions. It certainly is true that most of our richest plants and flowers, thus used, are in their improved states, the result of high artificial cultivation. Now, one might devote a small town lot, or any other area, up to a plat of manj' acres, to grass alone, and there would be nothing distasteful in the effect. But plant every foot of similar areas solidly, with improved plants, arranged in geometrical lines, and the effect would be positivel}' shocking. It is eas}- to overdo in the use of the one class of materials or styles of ar- rangements; not so with the other.
This leads us to conclude that the formal carpet style of bedding has its place in adornment, but it must be as a minor fea- ture, in the general embellishment. Bril- liant and rich in its character, it is to the garden what rich jewels or briglit riblions are in dress, and like these must be used in
gardener will not hesitate to emploj' substi- tutes cither in kinds or in other colors, where this would be desirable in adapting his available planting stock to the plans given.
Pot Hyacinths, After Flowering.
One of the commonest questions asked by flower- growers at this season is, What shall be done with Hy- acinths that have bloomed in the winter indoors "? We have received from !Mrs. L. D. Hamlin, of Bennington, Vermont, a contribution to Popular G.\RDENiK(i, in which she tells of her way of managing such bulbs after flowering. She says:
"I cut the b!os.som stalk away and keep the plant grow- ing until the leaves begin to decay. Then I graduall}' dry off the bulbs, and later store in paper bags till fall. In September I take these same bulbs that had flowered in- doors once, and plant in a bed of light rich soil outdoors. Before winter I give a slight protection of litter or leaves to the bed. The bulbs thus treated will bloom the following spring, thus doing double duty, and they will continue to do well with little care for a number of years.
"Let me tell 3'our readers that I have grown a bed in that way that is 80 feet long by 4 feet in width. It now has in bud and bloom 360 spikes of lovel}' Hyacinths. Some of these are of immense size, and they show every variety of color.
"Growing with my Hyacinths are Daffo- dils, Trimipet Narcissus, Crocus, Grape Hy- acinths, Jonquils, Star Pink, Snow Drop, etc. As I write all of these are in l)loom, and looking very ga}' and beautiful. The lied is close to the walk on Main street, and is the admiration of every passer-b}'."
Experiments made in sowing a row of Peas very early in the spring, when the soil
Carpet Bedding of Plants.
We do not agree with those advo- cates of an ultra-natural style of garden-making who hold that the carpet bed is wrong, both in princi- ple and in taste. Neither do we agree with those persons who run into the other extreme, and hold that no st3'le besides the formal, geometrical style of embellish- ing grounds is worthy the attention of intel- ligent gardeners. We take middle grounds and say that all styles of gardening are right in their place.
In the use of flowers and plants of every kind for embellishing purposes, tlie extent to which, and the style in which any kinds may be used, is to be determined by their individual characters. We should observe that the nearer materials and styles are to
CARPET BEDDING.— PLAN OF AN ELONGATED BED.
a limited degree and subordinate to some- thing else that possesses less capacity for ornamentation. Such beds seated here and there on ample areas of lawn, and these perhajjs skirted by trees and shrubs, serve to embellish the parts where tliey are intro- duced ver3' richl}', and here nothing could be more appropriate than their presence.
The accompanying engravings show some pleasing designs for carpet beds. The names of some plants that are suitable for the va- rious parts are given on the plans to aid in the planting. Of course the intelligent
was in a pasty condition from wetness, re- sulted in failure; a few plants only showing above ground and these never became robust. Seed of the same lot was later sown in dry ground, at a seasonable time, and a strong growth, seeminglj' a jilant from every seed, and a heavy crop was the result. In germi- nation, seeds need air, as well as moisture, without the former rot must ensue. In the desire to have the garden started early, no doubt seed is sometimes sjioiled bj- injudi cious planting in wet. Then the seedmau is perhaps accused of selling bad seed.
i886.
POPULAR GARDENING.
87
The Single Dahlia.
The Single Dahlia is not a new flower; it is older than the well-known double ones. The fact is, the doubles sprang from the single ones. The Single Dahlia is a Mexican plant. For a long time previous to a few years ago, as everj' one knows, there was a great rage for double flowers of all kinds. It .seemed as if single flowers were almost despised by florists. It was a great thing in favor of any flower during that time, if it tended to- wards doubling.
The Dahlia was ac- commodating. In the hands of ambitious florists, it doubled and doubled, until it be- came as full, formal, still and gigantic as possible. Then the Dahlia was thought to be a great flower. For a long time every- body tried to believe it was very handsome and very desirable; how- beit some persons with notions of their own about such things would talk about stiff- ness, and unloveliness. But later on, a change occurred in the popular taste. The double flowers began to be pronounced against, and the more simple forms of these were sought out again. Fashion, very sensible, for once at least, declared in favor of the Single Daisies, Asters, Dogwood, and many like flowers. The reform was taken up in all directions; even the long-despised Single Dahlia was given due notice. Now the atten- tion of florists was devoted to raising beautiful single forms of these, and with results really astonishing.
To-day the Single Dahlias, the Mexican Butterfly Flowers, are in their improved forms among the most popular of flowers. But they are even less so than they would be, were it not for the pre,judice against them because of the present distaste for "Dahlias." To .show their ap- pearance, as near as it is possible to do in black and white, we pre- sent herewith a very fine engraving of these flowers. This it is our privilege to do through the kindness of Mr. F. R. Pierson, Tarrytown, N. Y., who loaned us the engrav- ing for this use. Mr. Pierson, we may add, has paid a great deal of attenti&n to procuring fine varieties of the Single Dahlias, and in his beautiful and valuable catalogue, " Garden Supplies of all Kinds for Country Homes," he describes his fine collection. This catalogue should be in every gardener's hands.
The advantages of tlie Single over the Double Dahlias are very obvious. They are much more suitable for cutting. They are light, elegant, brilliant, entitling them well to be called Butterflv Flowers, and I
are wholl.y unlike the double sorts in ap- pearance. They flower earlier, and the blooms are not .so readily injured liy dull or wet weather as the double sorts. Lastly, they are just as easily grown as the old sorts, with the one advantage that they may readily be raised from .seed, treated as annuals. We
are free to say that no flower garden should be without some of these very charming and easily grown flowers. JIany florists now furnish the started plants at a low price.
Tuberous-
Rooted Begonias.
In England these plants have reached a great
j degi-ee of popularity, both as bedding plants
j and in pot culture. From here an<I there, in
this country, favorable reports have been
heard in late j'ears, as to their well-doing.
WTierever Tuberous Begonias do suc<ee<J, there are good reasons why they are umch thought of, l)eing of excellent habit, profuse in flower- ing; ranging as to color, from delicate yellow to a brilliant scarlet, and they are of lonipara- tively easy culture. To be sure, dilferent varieties i-equire different treatment, some standing the sun almost a.s well as the Gerani- uin.s, which they rival in brilliancy. Others do best in partial shade, and many are une- qualed for culture in pots. For planting out in beds, some varieties prove very satisfactory. However, let me fore- warn those who under- take the culture of Be- gonias, that failure often results friim neglect of having free drainage, both in beds and in pots. Thev delight in a light, rich, loamy soil, through which water percolates freely, pre- \enting stagnation, as the plant detests this. •Shelter from strong winds is also desirable, or they may sutler from being broken off at the ^;round.
As for procuring stock of the Tuberous Be,go- iiias, many of our most skillful florists favor raising from seed. Good strains of seed can be obtained from most all reliable seedsmen. As the seed is very small, much care needs to be taken in sowing. Place in a pan or box con- taining several inches of potsherds, on top of w h i c h place a thin layer of moss. Then fill with light, fine soil to within 1-4 inch of the top. After sowing, scatter over enough fine sand to keep the seeds in place, (.'over with glass, and on this papei', and kee)) in a tem- perature of li."> to TO till the plants are up. Gradually harden t« the air, transplanting when they have roots 1-1 inch long. As the plants are very deUcate, the.v nmst be handled geutlv at all times. Keep shaded for several days, after which place near the light, pro- tected from the direct rays of the sun. Keep shifted and grt)wing till safe to jilant out. Those to be grown in pots should finally reach the T and 8 inch size. It is dvu'ing the growing season that the bulbs are formed.
-•is to keeijing over the bulbs, allow tho.se in pots to remain over winter in a warm place and quite dry. though not dry enough to wither. The soil should be renewed after start- ing, each spring.
Those bedded out shovdd Ije lifted at the same time as Dahlias, dried and then kept in a tem- perature of .50 to OU , covered with chai-coal dust. Start up early in the spring and later plant out into good soil. E E S
88
POPULAR GARDENING.
May,
Remarkable Canna: Ehemanni.
The haudsonie engraving of Canna Ehemanni which we present on this page, can after all give but an impei-fect idea of this magnificent plant and its flower. The flowers are shown at about one-half of their natural size, being about three inches long and two inches wide. They are of a magnificent glowing crimson color, and may be used to advantage in bouquet mak- ing, being singularlj- rich in appeaiance.
We take especial interest in calling the at- tention of our readers to this recent plant ; first, because of its great superiority, and second, be- cause, in common with all Cannas, it is very easilj' growm. It is (luite distinct in appearance from all other Cannas, its rich green tropical foliage resembling the Musaor Banana.
Its greatest merit, however, lies perhaps in the flowers, which are nearly as large as, and more attractive than, the finest Gladiolus blooms. They are produced in masses on the summit of whip-like stalks, single plants hav- ing seven or eight stalks, with a score or more of flowers on each.
One remarkable quality of this plant is that, after flowei-ing in summer, the roots can be lifted, and will bloom all winter in the conser- vatory, and perhaps in the house. During a recent visit to the Government Botanic Gardens, at Washington, we met this plant in bloom in the midst of numerous flow- ering exotics, in the temper- ate house, and were pleased to see that the flowers even here, were in general at- tractiveness, equaled by few, and excelled by no others in the collection.
It may be said of the cid- ture of Cannas in general, that they grow with the greatest vigor, either as pot plants or bedded in the garden, and produce a stately tropical efl'ect, with their broad massive foliage and beautiful flowers, with little care. There is only one thing to be particular about in managing them, and that is to provide a rich soil and plenty of water and then they will produce astonish- ing results. The Canna is freely propagated by di- vision of the root at plant- ing time. During the winter the roots should be kept in dry sand in a cellar, frost- proof room, or under the bench in the conservatory. Bulbs of the Ehemanni variety may now be bought of all the leading plantmen at half a dollar or less a piece. Those who give the plant a trial can hardly f aU to be gratified with their investment in it.
Carpeting Gladiolus and Lily Beds.
Our correspondent S. L. W., of Chicago, III, instead of cultivating the surface of his Gladi- olus and Lily beds, sets out some interesting low-growing plants to keep the ground covered. We think this is a plan worth trying and gladly give space to his account of the com^e taken : — After having properly set out the Gladiolus bulbs, I plant over them Otiiuitna ri-(issifolia, close enough to cover the ground by the time the Gladiolus get half grown. Linanit ci/jji- hahiriri will answer the .same end and spreads very rapidly; both these plants cover the ground with a nice gi'een carpet figured abundantly with small flowers. Such a carpet adds considerably to the beauty of the bed and
Canna , at the same time answers as a mulching for the
Gladiolus, with benefit I think.
I take the same course with my Lily bed, but here use the hardy Araliia iiplina with its fra- grant white flowers. In early spring this plant covers the ground close and I find under such a coat the Lilies grow and flower to perfection.
The Tritelia and Lobster Cactus. A Vermont Sister's Experience.
Mrs. M. De Pouter, of New Haven, Vt., rightly says that the sisters of our family are to blame if they do not keep up an interesting gardening correspondence through this, their medium. So she briefly gives her experience, with two of her favorites, about which we were very glad to leai'n.
FINE canna: CANNA EHEMANNI.
"I had a gift of a Trildin iinijiind la.st fall, the name of which implies solitary flowers. It was new to me. I watched it closely, and judge of my surprise when the first bud opened, it developed into two sweet star like flowers. All the others of which there were six, were solitary.
"^Vhat a pleasure it is to watch a new plant bud and bloom. I have a Lobster Cactus that blossomed as usual in the fall, is in bloom again now, and more buds coming, I never have had one do so well before. Some look upon the care of flowers as work, to me it is a great pleasure, I hope to hear from some of the other sisters soon."
fusion that prevails in the names and synonyms of Vegetables at the present time. j Careful tests and compai'isons made last year on the State Farm, with seeds procured from leading dealers, go to show that in numerous instances the same variety is sold under many different names by the different seedsmen. For this, the seedsmen themselves are largely to blame, through the too common practice of associating names of their own devising, along with standard sorts.
Just how far this evil has progressed, may be seen for one thing in the case of the French Horn Carrot. This Carrot is now offered and sold under no less than a dozen different names, in the same number of catalogues. A planter might make a selection of French Horn CaiTot from one catalogue, of the Early French Scar- let Forcing from another, Eai-ly Forcing Horn from another. Early Frame from another. Early Short Scarlet from another, and so on through a dozen or more catalogues, naturally enough thinking, he was getting as many different Carrots as the number of those names would indicate. But when further along his crop would show only one and the same sort in all of these, then it would verj- likely dawn upon his mind that he was the victim of a great wrong, somewhere. And this cer- tainly would be true. In the case of garden Peas this multiplicity of synonyms, is fuUy as bad, while no leading vegetable is free from the trouble.
It is evident that here is room for a great reform. That the work of effecting this, as referred to, is in good hands, no one will question. But it can only go on to the best results through the agreement of those who sell seeds, coupled with the vol- untary efforts of some such unbiased growers as those of the Experimental Sta- tions. We trust that by this time all dealei-s and growers begin to realize the folly of and the actual hin- drance there is to gardening interests existing in this confusion. We trust also that they will render the aid which easily lies in their power to assist the institu- tion referred to, in its praiseworthy efforts to go on and establish a true nomenclatm'e and description of vegetables.
The Confusion of Names.
The Directors of the New York Experimental Station at Geneva, have taken upon themselves a task for which the}' are entitled to the thanks of all gardeners. We refer to the large and difficult work of straightening out the con-
Sweet Potato Culture.
From the latter part of May, to July 4th, the rooted Sweet Potato sprouts should be trans- planted to the field or garden. Break the land thorouglily, but not necessarily deep; low, level and damp lands will not do; high, di-y, mellow or loamy soils are best, and the'fresher the better. Lay off rows three and a half to four feet apart, and in these furrows, apply two to four hundred pounds of ammoniated superphosphate, containing potash, per acre. If home-made manure is used, be sure that it is old and thoroughly decomposed, and if possi- ble mix some ashes and acid phosphate with it. Cover this furrow by nmning on each side of it with a one-hoi"se turn plow, thus making a naiTow ridge, on which plant the slips eighteen inches apart; keep clean of weeds and gra-ss
i886.
POPULAR GARDENING.
89
until the vines begin to run freely, then hill up and lay by. It is as well not to permit the vines to take root lietween the rows, as this will diminish the crop. Loosen up the vines occasionally. A fork hoe is good for the pur- pose. Just liefore or soon after the frost in the fall, dig the potatoes and store away in a dry, warm place for winter. In the South, a good way to do this, is to select a spot on the ground where water will not stand, and throw up the earth three or four inches above the natural surface, in a circular shape, about four or five feet in diameter: press down firmly, and on this, place twenty-five or thii-ty bushels of po- tatoes piled up in a cone-shajje, shai-p at the top, cover with corn stalks or gi-ass two or three inches thick, then cover with eai-th six or eight inches deep. Place a few boards over the top to keep rain out. Make as many of these banks as you please. In the Northern States it is advisable to store in some good, warm, dry cellar. Leave the top of the bank open a day or two, as the potatoes will sweat some- what when first banked ; after this cover up entirely. Be sm-e to keep them wanu. The vines make very good cattle feed. Most of the cultivation may be done with a plow. — M. W. ./., iti Anwrican Aifriculturist.
Sweet, or Sugar Corn.
No kitchen garden should be without this rich and delicious vegetable, unless the product in its green state maj' be bought for a reason- able price. By proper management as regards the time of planting it may be had on the table from July until frost. The first planting should be made before the middle of May, and be followed by others at intervals of three weeks, until the latter part of July.
All varieties of Sweet, or Sugar Corn, may be either sown in rows four and a half feet apart, and the seeds placed about eight inches apai't in the rows, or planted in hills at distances of three or four feet each way, according to the variety grown or the richness of the soil. The taller the variety, or the richer the soil, the greater should be the distance apart.
A well-worked light loam is the be.st for Com. While it may succeed in some that is disposed to lie heavy, provided it is well drained, still for an early crop it should go onlj' on that of a light nature. It is desirable to have it at least moderately rich by the use of well-rotted ma- nure appUed before planting. Bone dust, used at the rate of 'M) or 4(KJ pounds to the acre, answers a good purpose as a fertilizer.
Numerous varieties of Sweet, or Sugar Corn, are offered by seedsmen. Among the more recent ones introduced, the New Egypt (illus- trated herewith) is highly spoken of. Concern- ing this variety, Peter Hendereou & Co. say, in their last catalogue ; The ear is of large size, and the flavor peculiarly rich and sweet, and so superior that hotels and families using it will have no other kind as long as this variety is to be had. The introilucer, who is a large grower and canner of corn, states that the superiority of this vai'iety is so well understood in his neighborhood, that the prices he receives for it, both in the canned and green state, wiU aver- age nearly one-half more than he can obtain for any other sort he grows. Like all other large sorts, it matures late.
About Some Summer Flowering Bulbs.
BY SIRS. T. L. NELSON OF WORCESTER, MASS.
Some of the summer-blooming bulbs are bet- ter kept in pots or tubs. There are many places in the garden and about the house where a pot of Valliilri jiurptirra is very ornamental. Amiiriillis luli'n is a hardy variety, blooming in early autumn when yellow flowers are scarce. A. Hallli is a lovely pink variety, blooming in August. The Zephyranthes in all its varieties of pink and white is desirable. They require no care beyond planting in
spring, digging up in autumn, and storing in a dry place. .-1. Hi'llitdonna^ major, mhiur, and nllia, are all summer -blooming bulbs. They flower in August and September, and re- quire entire rest after tliey have matured their foliage. Aiiuiryllis Jnfnisintii will bloom in the ground, and is used by some to lied out in the sununer bj- keeping the bulb dormant through the winter. Isnirnr nihifliinii is beau- tiful in the garden, the plant being fine with- out the flower, i 'Imrrtis aflnis and J'lfuciuithnn I'dlKfliiiiuiii, like all those mentioned in this paragraph, belong to the Amaryllis family, and require the same general treatment.
The Tuberose is as ca.sil}- flowered in the ground as any other bulb, but as it takes about four months to bring it into flowering, it must
NEW EGYPT SUGAR CORN.
be started either in a hot-bed or a greenhouse ; but if you have neither of these, plant the bulbs, after the ground is thoroughly warmed, in a sunny place, and after they have started give plenty of water. When they are well budded, pot them in rich soil, so that they can be removed to shelter when in danger of frost. Tritoina umrin (jrandifloni (Red-hot Poker) and Hjittritifhus canfJiransRve two conspicuous plants which form a fine contrast to each other. Agnp<fnfhtt:< iiinhi'Hatusinone of the few I'eally blue flowers. It does well taken from the pot and planted in the border. Calndhiin t'scitlfn- tum, RiclKirdiii alba maculntd (a very orna- mental species of Birhnrdiii .I'Jtliinjiicd, our common callal and A}nitrphophidtus li i re rii are desirable plants. The Tit/ridiiis (Tiger flowers) in the different varieties, are all showy. T. rjrnndifiura allui forms a beautiful contrast to T. cintrhijfnra and T. P(n-oniti. MiUfi fn'/fora is quite new, and has slender, rush-like foliage, and white tulmlar star-shaped flowers, on long slender stems. The Dahlia is a very imjiortant tuberous-rooted plant; its oidy drawba<"k is that it requires too much room to grow it ; but there are places where such plants are very much needed, and the jiompons and single varieties are esjiecially desirable. — Krinict from an essay contribidcd to llw Mas.'tttfhusetts Horticultural Society on February VSfh.
Deep Planting. People who set out orna- mental trees, or for that matter, any kind of trees, shrubs, or flowers, often have a notion that very deep planting is beneficial. Scarcely an}' thing could bo fartliei- from the truth. It one is setting out kiiuls that have heavy tap I'oots, like Oaks or Standard Pears, in lightish soils, it does not matter so much, but with the ma- jority of kinds, to set them deejier than they grew in the nursery is decirledly hurtful. Especially such fibrous rooters as Maples and Ashes should Ix' kept quite near to the surface, while things whic-h have a mass of fine roots, such as Rhododendrons and Azaleas, need to be kept almost on top of the surface, unless growing in very light soil. The clump of roots in a Rhododendron should as a rule be only partly bedded into the eai'th, and then, bringing a low mound of soil over the roots, to beat it down quite firm.
Forced Fruits and Vegetables. On the 1st of Febniary a reporter of a Philadelphia paper found that Strawberries, of the Sharpless va- riety, grown in a Wilmington, Del, hot-house, brought ?!7 per quart. "They are also received from New York State. Ordinary-size<l Cucum- bers, from the Continental Hotel farm, raised in hot-beds, sell for 7.5 cents each. For New Jersey hot-house peaches of not unusual size, the sum of SI. 50 each is asked. The sales of these are said to be slow. Continental Hotel hot-house Asparagus is also on sale at .lO cents per bunch. A Wilmington, Del., hot-house also furnishes ripe Tomatoes, for which iSO cents per pound is asked. Winter hot-house (xrajjes, it is said, are about gone, and the spring production will not be here until May. City-grown Mushrooms are also on sale at 7.5 cents per quart." — G'irdriters' Monthly.
Label the Trees. There is great satisfaction in having all trees and shrubs properly labeled, a mat- ter often neglected. The labels that come on the trees from the nursery should not be reUed on, as the names soon wash off. These also are fastened on with wire, and that, too, is an objection, for in time as the branches enlarge the wire is liable to be- come filled out. cut into the gi'owiiig branch, and kill it sooner or later if not removed. Sheet zinc cut in the form of a long tapering wedge, makes the best cheap label we know of, being indestnictible, easily applied, and can never injure the tree by strangulation if rightly put on. This is done in the easiest possible way by merely coiling the tapering end around a small branch several times, and thus it will yield to the increase of the size The writing may be done with a common lead pencil, and will increase in distinctness with time.
Horse-radish, The best product comes from ver^- rich gr.iund. The roots to be set in starting a plan- tation should be strong ones, but these may be cut into lengths of less than an inch each. In planting, a hole at least a foot deep, should be made with a crowbar or stake, and one piece deposited at tlie bottom, filliug up the hole afterwards. The root will easily find the surface and make a straight, clean root in the future.
Keep the Tools Clean. This is a lesson for the boys to learn, and also for some men. Loss of time, strength, and satisfaction in doing the work must be endiu-ed. if it is not dune. It takes but little time; its neglect is a sure sign of a poor or slovenly gar- dener Now then, boys, fix upon good habits in this matter as well as in others.
Unpleasant as is the sight of fruit-robbing by bu-ds, it should be remembered, that all in all, they do vastly more good in the insects they kill than harm by the other. Even those kinds which Uve partly on insects and partlj- on vegetable substances destroy inuuensc quantities of insects, particular!}' ' in the spring, fiir feeding their young.
Some Strawberries may be ripened earlier by placing sash over a part of the bed, resting them on a frame, or even on bricks or stakes.
Burning a light layer of straw on Strawberry plants, it is said, wilt kill many injurious bugs.
The toad is a garden a,ssistant ; he dest roys t wenty to thirty insects jier hour. l)ou"t kill the toad.
While the cuttins; season of Asparagus lasts, no shoots shoukl lie allowed to grow. Give Peas limsh before they aresi.x inches high. A white Black Ciu-rant is aunounce<I. The Apple hkes a rich soil. Weeds consume profits.
9°
POPULAR GARDENING.
May,
C I E
A beautiful hunch of Rosehuds Some one gave to my little boy; Half open, and dewy and fragrant— His eyes just danced with joy. And with tenderest care he watched them As they faded day by day. And when the last had fallen. He said in a wistful way: "If I could choose me a present, Do you know, mamma, I'd take Some more of those little roses That weren't quite wide awake."
—Bessie Chandler.
The Daisies peep from every field. And Violets sweet their odor yield; The purple blossom paints the thorn. The streams reflect the blush of morn. Then, lads and lassies, all, be gay For this is Nature's hoMday.
—Pindar's May Day.
Jamesoni and occupies a prominent position. Man- tels are banked with Calendulas and fringed with Othonna. Bushes of Genesta in full blossom are placed on pedestals and are formed in an arch against pier glasses The golden harp is made five feet high, and with cords of bulHon for strings. This piece is usually placed in a corner where it is highly decorative It should have casters to be easily rolled
" Green Dinners " are stiU much in vogue. Table cloths of white satm show off the lacy foliage used, more elegantly than others Chains of vines, such as Asparagus, Lygodiuin scandens or Ivy extend through the table, garlanding candelabra. The cen- ter effect is made of Maiden Hair Ferns, and the favors are fanciful bunches of Ferns with a cluster of Geranium leaves or Lemon Verbena to provide odor. The Clover Leaf, made on a light wire frame of delicate foliage, is a popular favorite for these green decorations
►lanic^lO^d^et
Arbutus flowers are in request. White 'Violets are in demand for bridal flowers. Bitter with the sweet-the florist's all night work. The language of the Narcissus is egotism, over- confidence.
Pink-tinted Lilacs and pink Larkspurs are sought for festooning.
May weddings will display a profusion of blush- colored blossoms.
Dark crimson flowers harmonize well with golden ones in floral arrangements.
Outdoor 'Violets now crowd their cousins of the flower stores against the wall.
This department is enriched by numerous para- graphs from our regidar New York contributor.
The wedding bunch is made of medium size of white Violets with a cluster of Orange blossoms at one side. Violet leaves finish the edge. The breast bunch is a small knot of Violets, and the veil is fastened with a trail of these interspersed with Orange buds.
The wedding branch is to be formed of Apple Blossoms for a May wedding. This branch or bough is formed naturally on wire so that it spreads and bends gracefully. It is thickly covered with flowers and is one of the most charming pieces for a wedding canopy, it carefuUy finished.
Those who preferred not to indulge in bouquets of Jacqueminot Roses during the winter, because of their high price, may be gratified to know that they are now sold as low as Tea buds were two months ago. Being very large, they are the cheapest Rose in market. They smell just as sweet as at any other price.
'We saw a beautiful home-made bouquet at a fun- eral lately, which showed what can be done in this line without having access to the florist's stand, even in early spring It was made wholly of single Snowdrops and the handsome dark -green foliage of the Periwinkle, both of which grew freely in a home garden near by.
The choicest luncheon parties have been deco- rated with Clover or Sweet Pea blossoms, both of which are to be had, for their price. The satin cloth is the palest pink; Sweet Clover or Pea blos- soms are arranged in low dishes of glass. Corsage bunches of the flowers tied with narrow sashes of blush colored ribbon are the favors.
Young ladies' luncheons are made with English Primroses for the center embeUishment and Daffo- dils for the favors. The stems of the latter are left long and are bound with a piece of gi-ass. Cottage- maid TuUps are also much in demand for young ladies' luncheons. Hinsdale or Grace Wilder Car- nations are used for "pink luncheons." For rose- bud parties, Bon Silene buds are chosen.
The " chime " is the most fashionable piece de resistance for weddings; under this, which is com- posed of from three to five bells, the nuptial cere- mony is performed. The bells in the chime are all of different sizes, the largest being swung over the bride and groom. The inside of' the bells are made of two different colored flowers, which contrast handsomely. The bell pulls are satin ribbons.
Golden wedding decorations are elaborate. The pyramid is made of Daffodils or Streptosolon
Leaves absorb one part of the plant's food from the air.
The little Spring Beauty is a near relative of Portulaca .
The fragrance of flowers varies in strength throughout the twenty -four hours,
■We clip the following lines regarding Dr. Asa Gray from a receut London Gardeners' Chronicle: English botanists claim Asa Gray as one of them- selves, despite the accident of his birth on the other side of the Atlantic, and he is held in as great es- teem here as in the land of his birth.
A clump of thrifty Mandrake, {Podupkijllum pel- tatum 1, plants graces a lawn near by. They seem to be almost as much at home here as in the woods, and flower well. We encourage the idea of seeking out attractive wild flowers and giving them a place in culture, for many of them succeed admirably.
Botanical students are sure to be richly reward- ed for their weary tramps through the meadows, choppings and woods during May. The Wake-rob- ins, Spring Beauties, Wood Anemones, Blood Roots, Adders' Tongues, and numerous species of Violets are now to be met with almost everywhere North, besides many other less attractive wild flowers.
The Horse-chestnut is an interesting grower among trees All the growth of one season is made in the space of a few weeks in the spring. During this time the shoots extend very rapidly on vigor- ous specimens, in tact one can almost "see them grow," as the saying is. As the growth of this tree proceeds from a comparatively small number of buds, it is always a misfortune to have any of those injured or broken, for thereby the symmetry of the tree is sure to be impaired.
Arctic Plants. Sergeant Elison, one of the vic- tims of the Greeley expedition, was an enthusiastic botanist and collected some very rare Arctic plants, two of which had never been classified. The plants are from six inches to two feet m height, and under a magnifying glass present a very beautiful appear- ance. Of the thirty -two classified specimens, all but two were flowering plants. At the latitude at which they were gathered (81° 44') the sun is quite warm in July and August, and vegetation, though stunted and short-hved, is not a rarity.
A Glue for the Herbarium. Carriage glue is an excellent medium tor mounting. It is always ready, and one dispenses with the intolerable nuisance of a water-bath. Work which accumulated on my hands to a formidable amount I have been able to quickly and surely discharge by its employment. The glue, which is a semi-fluid, easily thinned by water, comes in tin cans of various sizes and prices, from thirty cents upwards. Given the glue, the curator has then only to provide the small boy to apply it.— ir. ir. Bailey, in Botanical Gazette.
Botany for the Sick. Says Popular Science Monthly: "InvaUds, as a rule, have a great deal of leisure on their hands— more of it than they Uke— and to fill this time pleasantly is a question involv- ing a good deal more than mere amusement. The miportanoe of mental distraction to invalids is a fact too universally recognized to caU for comment here, my object in this paper being merely to sug- gest a mode of distraction that, in my own experi- ence, has not only been attended with the happiest results physicially, but has proved a source of in- tense and never-failing pleasure. I allude to the study of botany— not the tiresome, profitless study of text-books, but of the woods and fields and meadows.
"The beauty of this pursuit is that it takes the student out-of-doors, and throat and lung troubles.
as has been truly said, are house-diseases. I am speaking, of course, to those who have begun to fight the enemy before he has captiu-ed the inner defenses, and who are supposed to be strong enough to do a reasonable amount of walking, and some solid thinking, for botany, though the simplest of the sciences, cannot be mastered without some effort. You are met right at the threshold by that fearful, technical vocabulary, which must be con- quered before advancing a single step— a labor so formidable and repellent, when undertaken accor- ding to the old school-book method, that I do not wonder so many have shrunk away from it in dis- gust or in despair."
ABOUT THE PLACE.
Have dry walks ; l>o not wade mud. Pine water pipes average fifteen years. If not yet done, bee-hives, and all necessary ap- pliances, should be gotten around in anticipation of the swarming season near at hand.
An Iowa correspondent says that the benefit de- rived from having a small fruit patch surrounded by evergreens surprised him very much. It doubled the amount of fruit, and the plants were better than those not protected.— Honie and Farm.
Bee Moth Worms. These show up on the bot- tom boards of hives, on chilly mornings, in the spring. Destroy every one that can be discovered. By so doing much loss and vexation in the future may be avoided, as they increase very rapidly; every one now killed being equivalent to hundreds at the end of the season.
Neat and attractive yards add very much to the appearance and value of any home, and there is a direct money return for the labor and trouble expended in the additional value which .such at- tractiveness imparts to the property. Besides this additional value which a weU-kept lawn always im- parts to the property, everything which will add to the attractiveness of a home brings its own re- ward in making what is all essential in a happy home— beautiful and attractive surroundings.
Riches Flying Away. The an- of every stable reeks with the fumes of ammonia, unless it is ab- sorbed as it should be. Ammonia, slippery article that it is to hold, is one of the most valuable ele- ments of plant food. Allowed to escape through the stable, besides being lost, it unfits the air for breathing, and takes the lite out of the well-oiled harness, which it can reach. Dry muck and earth makes most excellent absorbents. They will draw ammonia into their keeping as a sponge draws up water. Dry muck will hold more moisture than any other available substance. Dry, loamy earth ranks next in this quality, and in the absence of muck will do very well for a stable absorbent. A few shovelfuls of either muck or earth sprinkled over the stable floor after cleaning out will make the air sweet and pm-e by absorljing into itself the im- pure substances
House Drains. Disease and death often lurk in the house drain. It is a treacherous thing, Itisput in, covered up, and finished with a receiver and the house-lord congratulates himself on having made a genuine, good improvement. Some weeks or months later, the hopper is found stopped and run- ning over. If in the winter, it may be from freez- ing; but if summer, it is choked and may be opened; that done, a nauseating sight is disclosed and a stench given off enough to poison the lungs and blood of a whole neighborhood. 'Where there is considerable fall, and free outlet for the slops, and free inlet for purifying air to circulate, a drain may serve well excepting the loss of the manurial mat- ter. It is much safer and also more economical to carry all slop to the compost heap. This is a mat- ter of so great sanitary and economic importance that it can scarcely be too much impressed.
Have a Stencil Plate. The cost of a good plate with its accompaniments, but little to begin with, would pay it back many times on every farm, through preventing the loss of bags, horse blankets, Buffalo robes, umbrellas and similar articles, by having all such plainly marked. One can be gotten up at home if not convenient to patronize a regular maker of plates, by marking the letters out plainly on a piece of sheet lead, copper, tin, or even a heavy grade of manilla paper, and cutting them out with chisels and knife. In letters that have loop parts, such as O, R and A, the centers must be con- nected with the outside by some uncut parts, to give them a complete shape. In using the plate, thin paint should be applied with a short brush, using but a small quantity at one time. Thick paint, and much of it. is what causes blurred letters. Let the plate lay close to the article to be marked, first laying this out on a flat, even surface.
1 886.
POPULAR GARDENING.
91
Treeclimber's Talks
A CUEIOUS
PLANT— THE PLANT.
ASIATIC PITCHER
Plants ai'e often classed as useful plants and ornamental plants. While this is for many purposes quite necessary, still I think that the true lover of nature finds beauty in all useful plants, and use and value in all plants, even such as are merely ornamental.
But there is another class, that may well be called curious plants, and among these none are perhaps more so than the Pitcher Plants.
Of what are termed Pitcher Plants, there are a number of different kinds, belonging to dif- erent botanical orders. One of these is an American kind, also known as
THE huntsman's CUP,
and the Side-saddle flower. 0£ this one, no doubt many of my young readers have met specimens growing wild, for it is found in many parts of America thriving in peat-bogs. The leaves, very curiously, have the form of an open cup, and are usually half filled with water, much of which may be rain. In this water many insects find their way during the season, only to di'own.
But even more curious than the common American Pitcher Plant, is the Asiatic Pitcher Plant, of which an engraving is herewith given. It is over sixty years ago since the first species of this was met by Europeans, in China, and introduced into their hot-houses. Since that tune vai'ious other species have been found, but none is more interesting than the one here illustrated. This one is known botan- ically as \epenflics Hookeriand.
In the engraving the peculiar appendages to the apex of the leaves, which give it its very appropriate name, are conspicuous. This for- mation is a veritable Pitcher,
EVEN to the lid, which is hinged to one side. When the Pitcher is in a young, forming state, the lid in some species is closed. As it develops, it opens, and even then, water is found in the receptacle, which proves that this fluid is a secretion of the plant. After the lid is fully open, no doubt additions are made to the water by rain and heavy dews. In this water, insects and even small animals are often di-owned. A very re- markable quality of the fluid is that it
HAS A CERTAIN DIGESTIVE POWER,
and it is believed that the plant derives some direct benefit to its growth bj' the consump- tion of insects. Plants of this class have there- fore been called Carnivorous or Insect-eating plants. The Pitchere vary in size to hold from half a pint to near a quart of water each.
The Asiatic Pitcher Plants are no strangers to American hothouses. The plants require in cultivation, conditions of treatment not very unlike those suited to the Orchids. When any of my young readers have an opportunity to visit a good collection of hot-house plants, no doubt their eyes may meet some specimens of these interesting exotics.
THE DANDELION.
From rare plants let us turn to this common flower, which all youngsters of all lands hail with gladness at its first appearing. I really wonder if there is in creation another flower
that turns up so many pretty posy-faces to the sun as does this one.
If each rod of lawn in our laud does not show from a dozen to a thousand of the brilliant double blossoms, it is, I presume, only because a very close-cutting lawn mower has prevented, or else that a systematic t-oursu of weeding has expelled the plants, or by barest luck that none ever got a footing.
AT HOME IN ALL LANDS.
The Dandelion is at home in many lands be- sides our own. Indeed, wherever civilization has extended, and even far beyond this,
A CURIOUS PLANT.— THE ASIATIC PITCHER PLANT.
throughout the globe, it has become natu- ralized and comes forth to greet the sight of man in the spring. It is supposed to be a na- tive of Europe, but makes itself at home wherever it has a chance, from equator to pole.
Perhaps you have noticed that its bright flowers open and close at about the same hour each day. It was for this that Liuna?us selected it as one of the flowers of his floral clock.
Every flower now stands for some sentiment, and so the DaudeUon has its own. In floral language, one might easily guess that it should signify coquetry.
LIKE A TRUE COQUETTE,
it smiles on all, and winning the admiration, if it be but momentary, of every one b.y its undeniable beauty. It maj' hardly be neces- sary to say further that the globes formed by its seed have in all lands and ages been looked upon by 3-oung people as oracles, in matters of the affections. I think all of my I'eaders un- derstand about this. Still as I am on the sub- ject, I may as well repeat
THE LEGEND,
as follows; If you are separateil from the ob- ject of your love, pluck one of the feathery heads, charge the little feathers with tender thoughts, turn towai-ds the spot where the loved one dwells, and blow, and the oerial trav- elers, it is said, will faithfully convey your se- cret to his or her feet. To ascertain if that dear one is thinking of you, blow again, and if a single tuft is left standing it is proof that you are not forgotten.
Timothy Treeclimber.
true enough as regards the incident related. But we desire here to say to the young read- ers of Popular Gardening tliat there is more fable than truth in the cui-rent notion tliat the plant referred to flowers butoni'e in a century. In Central and South America this plant (properly .4 (/rnr Antrricand) in its wil<l state has been known to flower in its eighth year. In our hot-houses they perhaps rarely flower under thirty or forty years of age, one rea.son being, that they are pui-jio.sely grown slowly to keep them as long as possible from getting un- wieldly as to size. But here is the story:
There was a man at the Central vegetable market yHstiM'cla.v with a small and sickly-looking Centuiy Plant in a cheap pot, and lie was mad.
" Look-a-here : " he said to the owner of each flower stand in suc- cession, "did'tyou sell me this 'ere plant five years ago?"
Each one answered in the nega- tive. Then he made sucli a row that a policeman canii' up and told him to hush,
■'Haven't I got a riKlit to talk : " demanded the man in high dudgeon, "■\Vhenf have been swindled, clieated, iciliheil and made a fool of must I ki'e|) si], -nee in this free land?"
" NN'liat is the cause of ,vour woe?"
■■ i tiuii;^tit tliis plant of soinebodv lieri' [ilniut the years ago. They told me it wjis !!,■) years old, and that it would bloom this spring, I've fooled away enough time on the thing to build a house I've set up nights to nurse it, and I've gone home by day to keep it from freezing,"
" Well, what's the mattery"
"They lied to me I I've had two ttotanists examine it. an<l they tell me the plant isn't ten years old'r Think of my fooling around for ninety .years to see the infernal thing flower out I"
" But what can you do'^"
" I want to find the hyena who put up the job on me, I'll make him eat the whole outfit or break his neck?"
" Don't get excited. Take your plant and go home."
" Never I"
He lifted the pot high in the air and dashed tlie life out of the poor plant, and then sat stiffly down on a bench, folded Iiis arms, and said:
'■ I'm going to sit right here till I get eyes on the man who put up a nmety-five-year job on a confiding citizen!"
The Century Plant: Too Long to Walt.
The humorous story which follows below,
clipped from the Detroit Free Press, might be
PET BIRDS, ANIMALS, ETC.
Do not keep Parrots always caged.
Without fresh, clean water, no bird can be healthy.
The Carrier Pigeons are easily recognized by the curious ring of llesb about the eye. and they usually have a tlesliy wattle beneath the head.
The dog i^ placed at the feet of woman on monu- ments, in token of affection and fidelity, just as the lion is placed at the feet of men to signify courage.
Canaries in a wild state even surpass in loudness and clearness the song of domesticated birds, but lack the numerous acquired strains of the latter.
Can Shepherds' Dogs Counts It would almost seem si;i, the way the.v will gather every individual of a large tlock of sheep from an area of several square miles.
Lady: "Have you given the gold-fish fresh wa- ter, as I told you. Maria?" Maria: "No. ma'am: and why should I? Sure, they haven't drunk what they have yet!"
"Who has not seen a dirty cat, that would have been handsome btit for the discoloration. Such a onemaj' be thoroughly cleaned by washing in warm water and di',ving before the lire, eomliing and brushing at the same tinu-.
The Birds and the Bath. M T n writes to the Neir York Tribune: ^Ve ]iut two large sau- cers belonging to plant jars, about two inches deep, in a shad,v place not far from the back porch. These we fill with fresh water daily, and the birds come regularly to perform their ablutions The robins are espeeiall.v fond of it. One day wc saw within ten minutes three robins, a blackbird and a sparrow bathe. But woe to a plebeian sparrow if he ventures to make his toilet at the same time that an aristocratic robin is making his in the ad.itnning saucer. He is at_ once taught to know his place by iK'ing driven off. These bathing places were the means of our catching a stray canary. Seeing him bathing, we put a cage on the grass which he soon entered."
92
POPULAR GARDENING.
May,
Firstlings of Spring.
Pretty golden Dandelions.
With your seeds of feather. Starring ail the country side
In the sunny weather. Violets filled with dewdrops.
Delicate and sweet, Giving out .your fragrance
Underneath our feet. Daisies in the meadow
With your silver frills, Roses by the wa.yside.
Kingcups on the hills: When I see you Ijlooming,
All a honeyed crew. Into songs of gladness
My heart blossoms, too.
-a. Hall.
A Spring Song.
Scatter in spring-time a handful of seeds. And gather in summer a lapful of flowers: This is the song of the birds in the i:)Owers,
This is the song of the wind in the reeds.
Down by the roadside and over the meads, Under the sunshine and under the showers.
Scatter in spring-time a handful of seeds. And gather in summer a lapful of flowers.
— Harper'n Young People.
Magnolias are opening.
Tulips ilose in the dark.
Cuttings root easily now.
Protect the roadside trees.
Spring clubs continue in oi'der.
Stick mainly to the old, tried sorts.
Everybody's flower : the Dandelion.
Pretty-faced Pansies are companionable.
Have you sown the Morning Glory seed >.
The Tuberose appeared in Europe in 1(532.
Heliotrope comes richly colored now, if ever.
Pelargoniums are less popular than formerly.
The May crop of subscribers shoidd be a large one.
The variegated Cobita does not come from seed.
Various gains rome from staking newly set trees.
The Berberry shrub niiikes a fine ornamental hedge.
Thunbergias flower all winter out of doors, in Florida.
A big increase of subscribers last month. Keep it up.
Away with too much formality in the garden arrangement.
Be cautious about trusting tender plants outdoors too early.
Mulberry leaves are used to fatten sheep in some parts of Syria.
The old-fashioned Sweet-brier Rose is being planted considerably.
A thin scattering of straw makes a good shading for seed beds.
Wanted ! At this Office. More Postal Card correspondence, giving news and other items about gardening.
Pot Mignonettes that are looking unattract- ive, it planted out, will flower freely again later in the season.
We maintain that good care has more to do with having fine house plants than good posi- tion has: though they go well together.
Begonia for Name, To "Sister Beatrice," of Nebra.ska, the editors would say that the plant of which she sends a leaf and flower, is the Coral Begonia, Betjonia Savndersoni.
One thing is sure, no Dock or other weed, how- ever vile, can live long in your lawn if you will only persist in cutting it off, .I'ust below the surface, every time a shoot appears.
Talk in the Garden. " Wifey dear, why is a good gardener like your cheeks?" "Now, John, you know I never can guess conundrums. Why is he?" "Because he is the culler of roses, love."
Poor Plants. If the room at your disposal is limited, weed out the poor plants rather than crowd the good ones to their detriment. It is easily seen that poor plants detract from the beauty of the good ones.
The large-leaved Catalpas are often not handsome trees until they are quite old, but b5' cutting them down to the ground every year, they will send up a multitude of stems, bearing immense bright green leaves, which give a very striking effect.
A Sportive Geranium. Mr. George Urban, Jr. , of this city has handed us the truss of a Geranium, one half of which is a distinct brilliant scarlet, the other half a clear salmon. Similar freaks are not uncommon, liut rarely is one of quite such a striking appearance met,
The white-flowering Roman Hyacinth, so much prized in winter for cutting, is perfectly hardy. Being of comparatively recent intro- duction it is seldom seen in gardens, but where- ever found, true to its nature, it is fully two weeks ahead of all other Hyacinths to flower.
New York City can boast of having had two very successful Flower Shows within one month, recently. Our old friend, Mr. C. F. Klunder, was the projector and main exhibitor of one of these, and fairly outdid his former liberal efforts in this line of Spring E.xhibitions.
No Doubt of It. John Thorpe is of the opin- ion that the 1S8(J Cln-ysantheraum shows will excel those of last year. Why not ? There are hundreds of towns that might get up such shows easily and with great credit to them- selves. This is something for the Popular Gardfning family to be leaders in.
Spare the Birds. Says a government report: In the United States the loss of agricultural products through the ravages of insects amounts to probably more than :300,000,000 of dollars each year, and that, with a lit- tle care, from one-quarter to one-half of this vast sum might be saved by preventive meastires.
It is an excellent jilan to have vases and hanging baskets planted early enough so they can remain under glass until the plants become well estab- lished. But if this is done two weeks before the time for putting them out, they will do better than if it should go longer. If confined under glass, in the baskets, too long beforehand, there is danger of the closely crowded plants becoming drawn and delicate.
Fresh All Around. " I like the mild spring air," said Deacon Gillipin, as he sat down on 'Squire McGill's porch floor the other morning, for a friendly chat. " How fresh everyt-hing seems. Do you know of anything fresher than the gentle fresh spring zephyr;" "No, I don't know as I does," replied the 'Squire, " unless it is that 'ere paint you're setting in. 'Tain't been on the floor over two hours. "
Who Owns the NewsT We are sorry to see the Aiiirriciin /-Voi'/.s-/ of Chicago, the new trade paper which has more than once been favorably referred to in these columns, acting for all the world as if it held a copyright claim on every floral news item of the continent. Of course, an attitude like this, for any paper, is simply ridiculous in the eyes of all periodical news-gatherers outside of the staff of the Florisi.
Nip the First Flowers. We mean on newly propagated Heliotrope, Geraniums, Fuchsias,
etc. It is usually the ca.se that the slips of these are taken from end shoots, having flower buds coming on, and these develop and would flower perhaps within a few weeks after the cutting is rooted. To allow them do so is doing the young plant an injury, as it is not at this time sufficiently well established to bloom.
The Scarlet Sage or Salvia. Dm-ing the lat- ter jiart of summer no object of the flower gar- den can be more attractive than a plant of this. Set out a plant after frosts are past, be it ever so small, in rich earth, in a sunny ex- posure, and by fall it may be five feet high and the same distance through, and completely covered with spikes of dazzling scarlet flowers. Those of our readers who have never tried the IDlant should do so by all means.
Sometimes the leader of an Evergreen, or Birch, or some other ornamental tree of taper- ing form is broken out by storm or accident. To preserve the natural form of the tree a new leader should be provided. This may be done by tying a stout stick on the trunk to project a foot or two above the break, and then, bring- ing the uppermost remaining strong branch against this, secure it by binding, for a new leader. After one season's growth this will retain its new position unsupported.
The Bleeding Heart. This conspicuous May flowering plant, botanieally known as Dicentra spcctiibilis, has long been prized as one of the best ornaments for lawn and border. As re- gards its adaptability to different climates it is interesting. A native of Siberia, where the ground remains frozen until June, and where plants barel.v come in flower until mid-sum- mer, yet it is hardlj- counted as reliable in the open groimd of England, while thriving grandly with us. The plant is a great favorite with the Chinese.
Massachusetts Horticultural Society. To the Secretary of this society, Mr. Robert W. Man- ning, Boston, Mass., we are indebted for a Re- port of its Transactions, for last year, and for other courtisies extended. Some of the papers read before the Society and here given, together with the discussions they called forth, are of unusual excellence. We refer to such as " Old
THE SCARLET SAGE OR SALVIA.
and New Roses," by Joseph H. Bourn, Provi- dence, R. I. " Propagation of Trees and Shrubs from Seed," by Jackson Dawson, Jamaica Plain. "Herbaceous Plants rx. Bedding Plants," by E. L. Beard, Cambridge, and there are others. The Society has our thanks for placing its val- uable reports in our possession.
Hydrangea. Brother G. B. L., of the N. Y. branch, very truthfully writes of these plants, that they are heavily taxed in bearing their many monstrous clusters of flowers. On this account, he says, they need a rich soil. A good
1 886.
POPULAR GARDENING.
93
way to treat them in the spring is to remove an inch in depth of the top soil from the pot or box, and put some strong, thoroughly decayed manure in its place. If old enough it will be no more offensive than earth. Every time the plant is watered some of the strength of the manure will be carried rlown to the roots, greatly to the help of the flowers. There must be no stint in the watering of these plants if the liest of results is desired.
Keep Down the Sprouts. Many kinds of flowering trees and shrubs, as well as othei's, are propagated by budding or grafting upon free-growing stocks of an allied sort. Among these are Flowering Plums, about all weep- ing trees, as Willows,Mountain Ash, Poplars, etc,, the finer Maples, "budded" Roses, and others. The mere fact that such stocks are free gi'owing naturally leads buds to start, and growth to proceed from these often earlier than from the improved portion of the tree. A .sharp lookout must be kept, to prevent all growth below the point of union, or else in time the tree or shrub will be worthless.
Where room is abundant a bed of hardy Roses, if kept in good shape, proves very attractive. Roses do not stand being crowded in with other shrubs, or being planted against fences or buildings very well. The best ac- commodation for them undoubtedly is a some- what centrally located bed cut in the lawn, with a good stret<:h of grass on all sides, allow- ing of plenty of air and sunshine. Circular or oval forms of beds are pleasing ones. The plants may be set two or three feet apart each way, starting near the edge, and they should receive clean culture the season through. Set- ting plants of other kinds in the bed or between the Roses is not advisable.
Clematis Crispa. "Blue Bell," of Wilmington, N. C, in the vicinity of which town this in- teresting vine grows wild, sends to us the fol- lowing about it: "I had long wished to possess this dainty vine, but was never so fortunate until recently, for although native here, it grows in almost inaccessible swampy places. I will try to describe it, but my knowledge of botany is somewhat limited. It has gracefully drooping flowers, of a pale lavender-blue shade on the outside, with the same on the margin of each of the four petals, and ivory-white (like the inside of a white kid glove) on the inside. It is delightfully fragrant, and a profuse bloomer. It has compound leaves, and is very easily cultivated."
Geraniums in the Cellar. Our subscriber, M. Dippul, ^Vaterloo, Out., in answer to our in- quiry concerning the successful keeping of Geraniums over rt-inter, by hanging them by their roots in the cellar, writes as follows :
' ' The cellar in which the Cxeraniums were thus safely kept, was not very damp, but one in which ordinary vegetables wintered well. Light was atlmitted through one window, on the south side. For this purpose a cellar must be cool else the plants will dry too much. Care must also be taken in planting them out not to Waterloo freely. Young plants rarely succeed as well as older ones, and these are quite safe. Some people leave as much soil on the roots as they can, but I have not tried that plan.
Strawberries. The illustrated article in our last month's issue, entitled " Have a Plenty of Strawberries," has attracted wide attention to this subject. After writing the article referred to, there came to our desk a handy little treat- ise of fifty or more pages, entitled " How to Grow Strawberries," which we think well of. Mr. Geo. B. Knapp is its author, and the H. D. Watson Co. its publishers, all of Greenfield, Mass. The work covers the whole gi-ound of structure, sexuality, propagation, soil, cultiva- tion, marketing, manures, insects, varieties, etc., giving much information in a small com- pass. There are numerous illustrations. For the convenience of our readers, the book will be furnished from this office. As its price by mail postpaid, is but 35c. per cojiy, there should
be a good call for it from amateur fruit grow- ers and from others.
Treatment of Shipped Plants. The plants, if in the least %vilted, should be placed with the paper about them in shallow pans with water
The Globe Mirror. As a lawn ornament it is rinMhj culled "A Garden Horror," by friend Robinson, of the London Garden.
comfortably warm to the hand, where they should remain twenty minutes to half an hour: this restores their vigor, revives their leaves and increases their vitality. If it is the season when they can be planted out doors, the ground should be first well dug up and pulverized; the plants when set out should be first well firmed about the root, copiously watered once only when planted, and shaded for two or three days when the sun is out. No further watering should be done, but a mulch of moss, manure, or leaves around the roots would be beneficial. When received at a season when they cannot be put out, they should be placed in a size larger pot than they have been growing in. — Harry ChdiijiePs h'oah- of Floin'rs.
Early Outdoor Flowers. No class of flowers aflfords greater pleasure than the hardy ones that come forth of their own accord in the first warm days of spring. The Crocus and Snow- drop are conspicuous among these, but there are a number of others no less charming. Of these the Winter Aconite, with beautiful star- shaped yellow flowers, coming even earlier than the Crocus; the blue-floweriug Pulmona- rias,with handsome spotted foliage; the Spring Adonis, with bright, yellow flowers and finely fringed leaves, and the fragrant English Vio- let, may be named as being among the very earliest outdoor bloomers, and first-class in every respect. Among pretty native flowers that early appear, the Sanguinai-ia and the Anemone nemorosa, both of which may be found in the woods and meadows of many parts of our country, are very attractive.
Rose Slugs— Wisconsin Heard From. "What matters it," says Sister O. A. Sheldon, of Racine, who was a former subscriber of the Floral World, "if we were transferred to 'pastures new," does not that suggest better herbage possibly, and with it stronger develop- ment in the fields of gardening knowledge T' And then she further contributes this share to the general Knowledge Box, to which all our readers may give, and from which all may take. "Are the ladies troubled with slugs on their Roses in summer >. Just use flour three parts, hellebore one part, and apply with a whisk broom in the early morning, a-s soon as the foliage is developed. Don't wait for the slugs to appear, but it they do, repeat if necessary. One apiilication may be sufficient. This remedy is also good for currant worms, but expensive, if you have a large plantation."
Mow the Lawn Frequently. During grow- ing weather once a week is none to often. Then the mower will run very lightly, not ap- pearing to take one-half the work to propel it
as when twice as much time elaiiscs between
the cuttings. Besides this, tlie clippings will
be short enough to readily dry, sink into the
turf and in time decay, serving thus as a por-
l)etual fertilizer to the roots. While if they
arc long, as a result of lengthy intervals in
mowing, raking is necessary, or el.se they
will remain on the surface, to turn an ugly
color and clog the sward. Another jioint
that bears .strongly on the case is Ihat a good
lawn should consist of grass plants (hat are
very thick together, and while the individual
plants may thus be kejit in good condition, if
cut back frequently, some will surely receive
ii\jury from their closeness, whenever the
general growth is allowed to shoot up high.
In this respect a lawn is not unlike a hedge,
thriving best with close clipping but soon
showing bare spots if poorly attended.
Kock-work. A bit of rock gardening is always interesting, if judiciously made and stocked, and affords the means for growing certain kinds of plants, that would not do as well in any other place. If thei-e are no natural rocks to work with in getting up the mound, certain kinds of artificial material may be used with good effect. Some clinkers from furnaces dipped in hot lime water are useful, as ai-e also the fused and distorted masses of bricks that are part of the rubbish about a brick-yard. With either these, or rocks, and an abiuidauce of good loamy soil, the "rock work" is formed, placing the for- mer in such a position over the mound that spaces or cavities from two to ten inches wide are left all over the mound in which to set the plants. In these, all kind of hardy and creep- ing plants may be planted, besides the hardy Sedums, Campanulas, Lychnis, Cerastiums, Lysimachias, Phloxes, Saxifragas, and the en- tire list of plants classed as Alpines in the cat- alogues. Some bright-flowering greenhouse plants are also in place, to add richness to the effect. A well-made rockery is sure to prove an attractive object on well-kept lawns.
Not Readers of Popular Gardening we are Sure. Some time since the ladies of Spring- ville, N. Y., were invited by two traveling agents to pay $i> a dozen for " Roman Lily" bulbs, which were offered as being something very rare and beautiful. Quite a number of them invested in the bulbs only to find, when they came in flower, that they had been badly swindled. The strangers represented them- selves as agents of a foreign house engaged in the importation of the rare bulb— a variegated lily of remarkable beauty. The3' canvassed the village and sold many of the bulbs from house to house. The gentlemen who introduced the goods seemed anxious that the plants should thrive. They insisted on setting the bulbs out with their own hands in pots prepareil for the purpose. The Roman Lily was too tender a treasure, they maintained, to be handled save by the deft hand of a skillful florist! But the bulb business waned, and the two strangers departed. Tenderly did the buyei's care for their Roman Lilies, and vie with each other to possess the first blossoming plant. The open- ing of the first flower was heralded through the oolumns of the local papers, and the home of its owner was thronged with visitors all the next day. But what did they behold f Simply a common yellow Daffodil! Since that day all interest in Roman Lilies has departed forever. It now transpires that these men were seen digging up Daffodil roots in a vacant lot on one of the back streets of the town referred to ; and it is rumoied that one good lady at the West End is minus a certain board bill.
"Lilies," said Mrs. T. L. Nelson ui a recent admirable aildress, "are among the most reli- able bulbs after the bloom of spring flowere is past. L. randidi'in (the common white lily) is one of the hardiest, but one of the most parti- cular about the time of planting. This nuist be done w^hen the bulbs ai'e in a dormant state, about the last of August or fii-st of Si'jrtember. After that time they start again, the leaves
94
POPULAR GARDENING.
May,
remain greeu throughout the winter, and the bulbs will not bloom if disturbed after they commence growing. L. lonnifloniin is not as hardy as many of the species, because the bulbs are Uable to start in the fall it the weather is warm. It is best to cover early with leaves or light compost, as a hardy frost after the bulbs have started almost invariably kills them. They are easily transplanted. L. aumtum is quite uncertain, even with the best protection. A few bulbs may be planted every yeai", and the cost counted as of bedding plants, for they are worth growing if they afford one season's bloom. Some of them will survive the winter and bloom again, but they cannot be depended upon. All the varieties of L. six-ciosuin are hardy. Alhum prrero.r is a much finer variety than nibum Buhnnit : roscuin, piincfnfinii, Meljmmem; andpin-pui-aiuiii are all desirable. L.pardalinnm (sometimes called Leopard Lily) is fine and hai-dy. L. i-.vcchiini is of bright buff color and one of the most beautiful. L.
A Gardening Apron.
Bniivnii is rare and costly, and from its pecu- liar purple outside and the pure white waxen inside presents a striking contrast to /o»(/i- /lornm and others of that class. L. Lrk-htlinii, L. inonailetpihum and L. Pdrri/i ai-e fine yel- low varieties. All the varieties of L. Mctrta- (jiin (the Turk's Cap Lily) are good. L. Chahw- iloniriiiii (Scarlet Turk's Cap) is one of the best. L. tnivifi)livin, one of the learliest, if not the earliest, has slender stems and foliage and a lovely scarlet flower with reflexed jietals. L. Ponipditiatniiii reniiii is much like /... IcniiifuU- um, but alittle more robust and blooms a little later. There are many inexpensive varieties, like Thunhcrijianiiiii, iiinhrlhihiiii, and the varieties of tiiiriniim, which are showy and perfectly hardy. Lilies are easily cultivated, but they will not thrive on low land, unless it is thoroughly drained; water at the roots or wet, heavy soil is fatal. The soil should be light and rich; it must be remembered that it is not the bulb that neeils feeding, but the roots beneath. It annuals or some light bedding plants are planted ■ between the bulbs it will serve to keep the surface cool and moist.
A Gardening Apron. " My sisters of the Pop- ular (tardeninu family," asks Sister Grasious, of Detroit, "Have you a gai-dening apron? If not, get two yards of common ticking; cut off about a foot of the cloth and sew it across the bottom, and make four deep pockets out of this, as I show in the sketch presented herewith. If you want it to be very fancy, work down the seams between the pockets with crazy stitch in red yarn or worsted. Put two more smaller pockets higher up. Now you have places for seeds, trowel, strings, tacks, sticks, hammer, weeder, and I am not sure but you could tuck in the shovel and the hoe. I have used mine all winter while working in my window garden. The cloth is so thick it keeps my dress dry, and my knife or scissors are always at hand. And my temper has im- proved amazingly since I have worn the gar- dening apron.''
HOUSE PLANTS.
Cactus. Such as require a shift should receive it now at the beginning of the season's growth Many of these interesting plants bed out well.
Camellias may be moved out into some shady place, sheltered from winds. Water and sprinkle freely.
Chrysanthemums will now be growing rapidly. Shift whenever dense masses of roots appear on the ball of earth. See February issue tor extended directions on culture.
Cyclamens. Some of our best gardeners now
recommend managing them through summer, tiy
planting them out tliis month, in the flower border.
Hydrangeas should now go out. Treated to an
occasional dose of liquid manure, and the growth
will be stronger, the flowers very much finer.
Izias. See the directions given below for Oxalis.
Oleander. See directions for Hydrangeas above.
Oxalis that are done flowering, should have the
pots turned on the side to ripen the roots; later,
shake out, wrap in paper, keeping them dry.
Palms. Shift, if needing it, when moving the plants out Unless growing very fast they do not require this oftener than once every other year.
Shifting of all large subjects is best done just as the season's growth begins. Where one has fine plants, neat and well made boxes add much to their beauty : it made so that the shifting of large speci- mens can be done conveniently, and without injury to the boxes, so much the better. A drawing is herewith given of a fine plant box with two fixed sides (o) and two movable ones (/)), wdnch allows of shifting with the greatest ease Such boxes may cost a trifle more at the start than ordinary ones, but the increase here will be money well spent
Summering. I'uring the month, all plants may be moved to their summer quarters; the hardier one like Agaves, Azaleas, Oleanders, Hydrangeas, Laurestinns, Daphnes, etc., first, followed by the more tender ones at the end of the mouth. Most kinds do best in partial shade. To plunge such as are in pots, in soil, sand or coal ashes will save nmch labor in their care. Arrange the plants with taste according to their size and appearance.
LAWN AND FLOWER GARDEN.
Annuals of all kinds may now be sown otU- doors. See directions given last month.
Caladiums rejoice in nothing more than in a very rich s»-iil— it may be one-half manure— and in plenty of water. Then their growth will be a marvel.
Cannas. See note on Caladiums,which will apply.
Climbers. Tender ones, such as t'obiea, Pilogyne, Madeira or Mignonette vine, potted Clematis, etc., may go out when hard frosts are past
Culture. For the care of flower beds, we want nothing better than a narrow rake and hoe com- bined, the rake part of w hicb is used by far the most. The surface of the bed .should freipiently be gone over, say whenever small weeds appear, and after each rain, to break the crust of earth
Dutch Bulbs. After blooming, and when ready to set other plants in the beds, dig the bidbs, care- fully preserving the tops and whatever soil adheres to the roots, and heel-in, in some out-of-the-way place, so that the bulbs may mature properly. When ripened store away, until plautingtime in the fall.
Edgings. Keep tidy by using an edging knife on them several times during the sea.son.
Evergreens may still be moved. Be sure to keep the roots from drying.
Gladiolus do well in almost any kind of soil. Plant at least three inches deep
Lilies. Greenfly sometimes trouble these in beds, to prevent which, mulch with wet tobacco stems two or three inches thick.
Morning Glories are very attractive, and useful for hiding unsightly objects. Sow of the best seed. Perennials. Even if well started, most of them can be transplanted.
Phloxes of the hardy section are. in the improved sorts, among the veiy best border plants. For doing
their best, strong stools should be reduced to a few leaders, and these be supported by stakes.
Plans for the summer flower beds should be all in readiness before the day of xtlanting.
Planting Out. This work is in order for the hardier kinds, such as Verbenas, Carnations,Stflcks. etc , which may, excepting in the North, go out at anytime now— the earlier the better. Do not hurry out the tender plants, like Coleus. Alternant.heras, Tuberoses, etc., before warm weather is surely here. We have seen, more than once, June-planted tender sorts get way ahead of the same kinds set out in May.
Weeds. No good gardener will allow them to get ahead
PLANT CULTURE UNDER CLASS.
Acbimenes. Shade the plants lightly, keep in good temperature, moist atmosphere and plenty of air.
Asters are very suitable as pot plants. Do not allfpw to become pot-bound Air and water gener- <.iusly. The.v need a rich, light, sand.v soil.
Balsams. See note on Asters.
Camellias tliat are through growing should have plenty »;if air and moisture, but less water, than earlier, winch does not mean, however, that they should be stinted.
Cinerarias. Any plants that are specially desira- ble may be propagated by filling the pot almost fidl with sandy compost, in which the suckers will form roots. Afterwards divide and pot separately.
FucMas that have flowered during the past win- ter should now be brought to a state of partial rest by reducing the supply of water.
Gloxinias. See directions for Acbimenes.
Orchids. The Indian species must now be in their glory, as to thriftness, or never. They must be freely supplied with water and moisture in the atmosphere at this time. Such kinds especially as the Dendrobiums, Stanhopeas, Aerides, Saccola- biums, and Vandas. easily receive injury if this is neglected.
Pelargoniums. Provide shade, plenty of air, and coolness, as they show flowers, if you would maintain their beauty for a good period.
Plants of many kinds that are kept in pots through the suumier may go outside about the end of the month. Plunge the pots of free growers in soil spent hops, or other material, to prevent rapid drying out. To set all such on a deep layer ot
A Plant Box tvith Mnrable .Sides. Sec •'.'Shifting," under House Plants.
coal ashes or on flagging, to keep angle worms out of the pots, is a good precaution.
Propagation. This is a good time to get up stock of Begonias, Euphorbias, .Tusticias, Helio- tropes, Geraniums and all other quick-growing, soft- wood plants for display next winter.
Specimen Plants. It is well to assist these with liquid manure sometimes. Attention to good forms by stopping the shoots of shruljby and branching sorts is in order now, the season of free growth. Kinds that are in flower must have shade.
'Watering needs close attention now, at this season of rapid growth: plants cannot suffer once, from drying out, without great injury. Wetting down the walks, under the stages and the sides ot the houses will provide favorable moisture, and will discourage that pest, the Red Spider.
FRUIT CARDEN AND ORCHARD.
Blackberries. Jlore suckers will .appear than are iicciled for the next year's plant; all unneeded ones should be cleaned away. Tie up the new shoots when large enough
Insects. The Tent C({terpillars, a common pest, hatch out early and should be destroyed as soon as ever the nests show. These are readily seen ndien livened up early in the day by the glistening dew in
r886.
POPULAR GARDENING.
95
the sunshine. With gloved hands gather and de- stroy every brood.
Hon'f.s should be eut or probed out wherever they are present. This may be known by the sawdust like eastings of the insects, or by depressions in the bark. Look very sharp for these.
Curciilio, that dread of all Plum growers, espec- ially, ut attacks Cherries, Peaches and some other fruits also) will commence operations before this mouth is out. By one course at least can they be destroyed and the crop beseciu'ed.andthat is a safe and siuv one. namely: to jar the insects from the trees early each morning into sheets spread under the l)ranehes. afterwards burning them System- atieall}' followed, the task is not so great as might seem; the gains are worth far more than the pahis.
Afthidt's, or Phnit L/ce, sometimes appear early on the young leaves: destroj' with a solution of wbale oil soap, or with tobacco water that looks like tea.
Tlw Cunrntt Caterpillar, or Worm, starts in early on its attacks on Currants and Gooseberries. Powdered white Hellebore is the specific. It may be applied either by dusting the foliage when moist with dew, or in a liquid form, using a lieaping tablespoonful to a pail of water, and sprinkling or syringing the plants with this. Apply at intervals of half a week, until no more appear.
Mulch all newly-set trees before drouths set in.
Raspberries. See directions for Blackberries.
Strawberries. A dressing of fine bone dust or of guano preceding the fruiting is very helpful to the erop.
Thinning fruit is one of the things that ama- teurs should accustom themselves more in doing. Experience is the best instructor. Try a small number of plants or trees at least, thinning the fnut of different ones iu*different degrees, aud not<^ the effects.
VEGETABLE GARDEN.
Beets, for the main crop, should be sown about corn jjlaiiting time. We drill ours in Hues fifteen inches apart. The eaiiy sowings should be thinned as needed.
Carrots. See notes on Beets.
Celery seed beds should be kept weeded, and the lilauts tliinnt-il where standing too thickly.
Dandelion is a favorite early "greens" with many. Impruved soi'ts may easily be raised in the garden fioni seeds sown now.
Egg Plant. Guard from the potato bug. They seecn tu liave a great relish for this plant.
Herbs. Sow Sweet Marjoram, Sage. Thyme, etc., this month, in light soil in rows one foot apart.
Hot-beds niay be turned to good account later by clearing several spots in «ach one now, and sowing Cucumber or Melon seeds in them, to take possess- ion later.
Insects. Let Fleas on Turnips. Cabbage, Radish, etc , be met Itj- dustings of lime The Radish Mag- got does n( it trouble much in soil which has been freely treated to coal ashes for one or two j'ears. A bed for Ratiishes should be fitted up in this way.
Lettuce, The early sowings ma}' be dibbled out into rich soil at 12 to 15 inches apart for heads.
Melons, Squashes and the like, being rank feed- ei's, should be planted in manured hills; six feet ajiart is a good distance.
Rhubarb should have the tlower stem broken out i'n not take stems from newly-set plants.
Savoy Cabbage is by many thought to be supe- rior to tlie urdinary sorts. Treat like any other Cab- bage. The Drumhead we think is the best variety, the head being large and solid.
Sow the more tender things, hke Beans, Corn, Cucund)ers, Melons, Squashes. Tomatoes, Martynia, as soon as the ground is warm. Also for succession crops. Lettuce. Radish, Spinach, etc.
Squashes. See directions headed " Melons."
Sweet Potatoes. Do not hurry the planting. See article on page 8JS
Weeds. Keep them completely down from the first. When small they are easily eradicated; not so after they are strong.
FRUIT AND VEGETABLES UNDER GLASS.
Cucumbers in fiames cannot liave too much sun aud liglit. Ventilate with caution, and be prepared against e<ild nights by plenty of covering.
Grapery. Vines in cool houses shovdd again be thinned, being cai'eful not to handle the berries. Early crops that are hastening on towards ripening should be kept i-ather dry, and witli a temperature of 70'^ with sun heat, and (j."j" by night.
Peaches. When the fruit begins to soften for ripening, syringing may be almost wholly stopped and water at the n:)0ts considerably reduced As for gathering, every peach should be removed be- fore ripe enough to fall from the tree, placing in shallow boxes, in a dry, aii-y room, until fit for iise.
Pines will now be in their season of strong growth. I'se water freely al)out the walks, and in wetting down the plunging material Although the svm now supplies nu>st of the heat, the ih-es can- not be got along without ; they may be kept banked mu(.-h nf till* linu-
Strawberry Plants that have been forced may be planlftl nut Snak the balls, ram the soil very hard, umleh with rotten manure, and water if dry
weather pievails
^
This heing the People^s Paper it is open to all their In- quires, lieartn\) on Gardening.
On the other hand, annjvers to published inquires are earnestly requested from readers.
The editors and .s)nciat rontributors are ready to do a hirifc share oftheaiisireriinj.bitt the experience of many being ynorc valuable than nf the few, however varied that is, and conditions andhicalities being so different, they prefer to receive answers, even several of them to the same ques tion, from readers everywhere. Don't hesitate to write because you may feel you are no fine ivriter; give facts and ideas and the editors will see that they appear in credi- table shape.
In loriting, give the nninhcr of the question yon are an- sirering: your locality a7id uamcy the latter not for publica- tion unless you desire. Write only on one side of the paper
Flowers will be gladly named provided first, that nomorf than three be sent at onetime. Second, that these befuliy prepaid. Third, that sevej-al specimens of each reach us in good shape. We cannot undertake to name florists' varie- tieSt
57.— Quince Grafts. Where can good ones be obtained?
.■)K,— Blueberries. Will this fruit grow in this clinuite, tliirty miles south of Chicago?
■'»•'■- Pond— How to Treat. Are there any plants that I ean sow or .set out in what is a shallow pond the tirst half of the sununer. aud an unsightly dry bed the latter half, to make it look well at the latter time? Mrs. F- E Ward, Oswego, III.
00 —Sweet Violets. I am anxious to know how to cultivalti (lii-m, ]M. L. L)isbrow, Lyons, Iowa.
01.- Wintering' Tubers. W^ill some one give a good plan to keep Caladium and Canna over winter. Mine always rot. Cora Jewell, Shannonclale., Ind.
03. Fernery, Will you give me particulars for starting one of these? Is a glass case necessary? How must I start the seed and care for them?
U3. Calceolarias. What season of the year do these Itlooin, and wliat care should thej' have?
(14. Cannas. l>o Cannas bloom the first year from seed ? wiiat must I do with the bidbs in winter?
05 Richardia. Is the Spotted CaUa a summer or winter bloomer?
00. Angle Worms. Do angle worms in the earth injure tlic I'lants; also, do small white ones injure? Minnie E. Stowe, Sun Praii ie. Wis.
07. English Ivy. When the leaves have fallen from this plant can anything be done to restore them? Mae Ckone. Des Moines, Iowa.
OS. Ants. Will small ants injure plants? If so, what will dri\e them away— something not poison- ous t'» people? Mrs. M. Carruth, San Gabriel, Te.r.
0*.i. Fairy Lily, Will some one please tell me how to treat these? Do they require a season of rest? Fluralis.
70. Bouvardia Humboldtii. Mme does not bloom. It gi'ows finely during the summer, but loses its leaves in winter. Can you inform me how it should lie treated? Anxious.
71. From Seed. Will Abutilons, Begonias, Co- leus and Fuchsias blossom the first year from the seed? Miss. E. u. Locke, Clipper, Iowa.
7'2. Dahlias. The first year they had very fine blooms. Since that time they have been deterior- ating. Why is it? How niay it be prevented? M.
7:1 Bulbs. Please tell me in your paper how to raise Tulips, Narcissus and Hyacinths iu this trop- ical climate. 1* I\I. CoLU. A'< // Wt'st. Fhi.
REPLIES TO INQUIRIES.
47. — Oxalis needs to be freely watered if in a warm exposure and dry atmosphere, and needs sun This is all the attention mine has had. and has blossomed all winter. Minnie E Stowe, Dane Co., Wis.
4!t. Currant Worms. A mixture of e<jual parts of wotid iisln's, aii-slaki'd iinn.- and land plaster, sprinkled uti i-urrant liushes after a dew or rain, is an effectual remedy for currant worms, not injur- ing the fruit, but rather imjiroving it by fertiHzing the soil. I have tried it for five or six years, always saving our fruit If the worms make a second ap- pearance, use again. M. E, Stuwe, Dane Co , Witt.
50 Buds, but no Flowers. Prubably yovir Fu- .schias need largi-f puis and more water. It is wtm- derfui how much water tln-^- will take, and roomy pots arc a necessity. (Jeraniums need compara- tively smtill pots and little water: otherwise the buds are sure to blast. Minnie E. Stowe. Dane Co., Wis.
51. Curculio. Burning coal-tar under plum trees just as the blossoms begin to fail for. say every nu)rning for a week, willprevent the ravages of the curculio, as 1 have proven. Minnie E. Stowe, Dane Co.. Wis.
50. Hyacinths. I'lant Hvacinth.s early in the autumn. Miss K n. i,,
50. Buds, but no Flowers. I thiidi the trouble witli ■■ Karnestihe's" plants is too rlrv an atmos- phere; to avoid which, keej. water continnally on the stiive in the room where the plants are. E. S.
50. Daphnes. Procure strong young plants. Keep shifted aud growing duruig the summer pUingeii outside. As cohi weather comes on, take in aeool house for winter fiowering. E E. S.
55. Callas «io n..t bloom the first year: I hey need to be several \e;trsn|.l. S. E. K.
4H. Amaryllis Tritea. The bulbs should be al- lowed lo rest foi- several months after this season's growth: then start in very rich .sandy soil, well drained, and plenty of water. K. E. S.
01. Cannas. If sown early, Fcbi-uary or March, and carefully and quickly grown, they will bloom tile first season. Keep same as Dahlia tubers over winter. E K. S.
71. From Seed. Yes, if sown early; but it is l)etter to not grow too rapidly.
7'2. Dahlias. We would attril>ut<ithisto the fact that tlie tubers are not as strong as formerly. CJive higher fertility and culture. A. H. E.
List of Gardening Catalogues Con- tinued.
F. H. Bruning, Kent, Union Co., O. Red Cedars.
Albert Benz, Oonglaston, N. Y. Seeds.
Bristol Sisters. Topi-ka, Kan. Florists.
FVaneis IJrill. Horse Head, N. Y. Seeds.
Bush, Son iV ;\leissuer, Bushburg, Mo. Grapes.
Carpenter & Gage, Fairbury, Neb. Nursery.
Cole & Bro., Pella, Iowa. Seeds.
J. Curwen, Jr., Villa Nova, Pa. Plants.
Cincinnati Corrugating Co., Cincinnati, O. Iron.
F.(_). Cole, Jersey City. N. J. Insect Exterminatoi-s.
H. Canned & Sons, London, Eng. Plants.
L. C. Denman. Coshocton, O. Poultry.
John Dick. Jr., Phila., Pa. Plants and Heaters. *J. L. Dillon & Co., Bloomsburg, Pa. Plants, etc.
Win. Desmond, Kewanee, 111. Plants.
S. C. DeCou, Moorestown. N. J. Small Fniits.
J. Evans, Omaha, Neb. Seeds.
James D. Ferris & Co., New York City. Bulbs.
Jos D. Fitts, Providence, K. I. Small Fruits.
S E. Hall, Cherry Hill, 111. Small Fruits.
Thos. G. Harold, Kingston, Ind. Plants, etc.
W. F. Heikes, St. Louis, Mo. Nurseiy.
C. Hennecke & Co., Milwaukee, Wis. Vases.
E. Hipjiard, Youngstowu, O. Plants, etc.
Stephen lluyt's Sons, N. Canaan. Conn. Nunsery.
Hitcliings A: (.'o., Mercer St., N. Y. City. Heaters.
Hallock, Sou \' Thorpe. K. Hinsdale, N.Y. Florists.
A H. HewsX- Co., .V. Cambridge, Mass. Pottery. *A. E. Higgins. < >utlet. Pa, Nursery.
H G. Higley, ('e<Iar Rapids. Iowa. Florist. *Z. K. Jewett, Sparta. Wis. Sphagnum.
Thomas .laeksun, Portland, Me. Plants.
James King, Chicago, III. Seeds.
Josepli Kift. We.st Chester, Pa. Roses.
Henry Lee, Denver, Col. Seeds, etc
Ludwig X' Kichter. Alleglieny. Pa. Veg. Seeds.
Meutleidiali Gh's, :\Iinneapolis, Minn. Plants, etc
Miller \- Hunt, Wrights Grove, III. Florists. *Geo. Mullen, Boston, Mass. Wholesale Florists.
Oelseliig ^^ ^Meyer, Savannah, Ga. Roses.
John Puste. t'olumbus, O Nursei-y.
John Perkins, Moorestown. N. J. Small I nuts.
Parsons & Sons Co . Flushing, N Y. Nursery.
Pringle & Horsford, Charlotte. Vt. Plants.
Phi en ix it Emerson, Bloomint^ion, III. Nursery.
Parker it W'ood. Boston, I\hiss. Implements, etc.
J. F. Pea.se Furnace Co., Syracuse, N.Y. Furnaces.
Jos Plenty. U Pearlst., N. Y. City. Hort Builder.
J. T. Phillips. W, (.;rove. Pa. Plants, etc.
A. D. Perry it Co., Syracuse, N Y. Ag'llmprmt.
J. A. Roberts. Mahern, Pa. Nursery.
W. W. Rawsoii \- Co., Boston. Mass. Seeds
Aug. Rolkerit Suns. Dey Street, NewYork. Seeds.
Shaker Seed Co . I\U, Lel)anon. N. Y. Seeds.
W. r. Simmons it Co , Ceneva. N. Y. Florists.
\Vm. it J. Snutli, lieneva. N. Y Nm"sery.
W. S. Smitli. Aurora. 111. Plants, etc.
Wm. H. Spooner, Boston. Mass. Florist ♦Delos Staples. W. Sebewa, Mich. Blueberries. *A, K Si.alding. .\iiisworlh, Iowa. Plants, etc.
Spriui^'tield Seed Co., Springfield, O. Seeds.
Richard Smith it Co., Worcester, Eng. Plants.
H. H. Tainmen tt Co., Denver, Col. Minerals.
A. R. Whitney, I'Yauklin Grove, III. Nureery.
H.J. Weber, (Jardenville. Mo. Nursery.
Thos. W. W^eathered, Marion St , N. Y. Heatere.
Wagner & Co , Shawniut Ave., Boston. Nursery.
*See Ailvertisements elsewhere in this issue.
Annual Meeting of the Association of Nurserymen, Seedsmen, etc.
The next meeting of this association will be held in W^aslungtA^)n, I). C. for three days, commencing with Wednesday, June lOth next. The place of holding the meetings is to be in the I)ei>artment of AgriciUture buildings. Full particulars of what promises to be one of the most interesting gather- ings of this a.ssoeiation, together with iirograiume, information about hotel and railroad arrangements, etc., may be ohtjiined by addressing the Secretary, D. Wihnot Scott. Galena. 111.
96
POPULAR GARDENING.
May,
"^e Household
Clean Cellars Necessary for Healthy Homes.
In the city and c-ountry alike, it is the dark corners, the neglected and little used places in a house, that most frequently contribute to its uuhealthfulness. In this respect the cellars of many houses have much to answer for, be- ing dark and damp, with no direct rays of the sun to kUl the mephitic gases which always seek those Ij-.' levels, and no ventilation to disperse them, even where the cellars them- selves are not depositories of rubbish and vege- table refuse.
Therefore the warning cannot be too often given, especially in the spring, to look to it that the cellar is not neglected. Their ceilings and walls should be plastered and whitewashed to keep them dry and clean. They must not be allowed to become " poke holes " for rubbish; the floors should be well paved or cemented, to keep out emanations from the soil ; and they should be ventilated by keeping open outside windows or doors, in dry weather.
Kmanations from damp and mouldy cellars do not kill in a night. The cellar air is taken up thi-ough the rooms of a house gi-adually, and in small doses at a time, but the warmer air of the upper rooms produces an upward current every time the cellar door is opened, and neglect in regard to this matter is sure to entail serious consequences, because the real reason is sooften overlooked.— ^'cioi^iyicJ/fic)-- ican .
Home Bleaching. Perhaps all our readers do not know that unbleached cotton, rightly bleached at home, gives far better service than that which is lileachert when bought. We here give some simple and well tested directions for this process, that any- one can practice, and which will not injure the tex- ture of the cloth Weigh your goods and to each five pounds use twelve ounces chloride ot lime dis- solved in a couple ot quarts of boiUng water, and al- low to stand until well settled. Boil the goods first in strong suds, wring out and rinse in clear water; then take sufficient water to cover the cloth and add the chloride solution, pouring off with as little Ume as possible. Keep in from ten to thirty minutes, with treiiuent airing; rinse thoroughly. This is also excellent to remove any kinds ot stains from cloth, including mildew.
The Reticule. This useful feature ot the outfits of our grandmothers seems to be on the eve of a revival. The most convenient shape for these, sa.ys the American Cultivator, is simply a square bag of vel- vet, from ten to twelve inches square, lined with colored silk. A running, to hold a ribbon or cord and tassels to draw it together with, must be made about three inches from the top of the bag. This is the simplest form and the easiest to make. For more elaborate ones the bottom corners may be rounded or the bag made envelope shape, with a handle at the top. One ot the prettiest is that made by taking a piece ot velvet the size the bag is to be. and by cutting the lower ends into large van- dykes, which must be sewn together so that the bag ends in a point finished off with a tassel. We have seen some more useful, but not such ornamental re- ceptacles.in the shape ( >f Brobdingnagian long purses with large rings and tassels. These cases, made of brown holland, trimmed with braid and closed with ivory rings, will prove very acceptable to travelers for holding boots and shoes and many other et cet- eras. Night-dress cases and comb-bags look very well, made in cretonne orsateen with the outline of the pattern worked around in outhne stitch, or if a large design, in chain stitch.
Brieflets.
An oil stove for comfort in hot weather.
Furs and woolens should go into tarred-paper lined chests.
Flour the beetstake; it wiU fry up more tender and delicious.
A little sulphvir, carefully burned in the cellar, will destroy disease germs.
Efface scratches on furniture by rubbing on some linseed oil, following with a little shellac dissolved in alculiol.
When washing the woolens, just try a small quantity of borax in the water and see how it will help the work.
Dampen the dusting cloth the night before sweep- ing day, and you will find it will help greatly to do a neat job of dusting.
The hands— very clean— cannot be improved uijoii (or mixing up cake batter. They are a great impnivenient over the doughstick or spoon.
Try it by all Means. Miss. E., of Erie Co., N. Y., writes to this paper, that if a little parsley dipped in vinegar is eaten after onions, the breath will scarcely disclose the odor.
To Clean Bottles. <ild bottles are often cast aside as useless, when a little pains would restore them for use or for sale. Put into each bottle some coal ashes or shot, fill half full ndth warm washing- soda lye, give a good shaking and rinsing and you have a clean sweet bottle.
Washing a Feather Tick. Many are puzzled to know bow to care for the feathers. The best plan, if you have no old tick to empty the feathers into, is to sew together two sheets, leaving half of one end open and ripping the half of the tick to match it. Sew both holes together, thus emptying out the tick without spreading the feathers.
There now. Girls. The Empress Augusta pre- sents every woman-servant in Pmssia, who com- pletes her fortieth year of unbroken service in one family, a gold cross, and diploma bearing the im- perial autograph signature. During the past eight years she has thus honored 1,150 servants. This is quite a favorable contrast to servants in America, who are ever on the wing.
Seasoning. By discriminating in the use of seasoning tue most appetizing novelty can be at- tached to rather unpromising materials. Fat meat and poultry are most palatable with sharp and acid condiments. Combination dishes, as soups, ra- gouts or " stews."" and minced meats require several seasonings. Plain roasts and broiled meats are best wdth salt and pepper, or a single acid or relish.
poviltpy.
About Guinea-fowls- It is generally supposed that the Guinea- fowl is a delicate bird and difficult to rear, and througli fear of creating too much care and trouble, people deprive themselves of the nicest dish it is possible to put on the table. When the shooting season is closed, this bird takes, with advantage, the place of the pheasant. We prefer at any time a nice Guinea-fowl to a prairie chicken killed in the wood.
The reai"ing of Guinea-fowls does not (says V Ariciiltiir) offer more difficulty than that of the most hardy chickens. They do not require that particular care so necessarj' for the suc- cess of partridges and pheasants. In a state of liberty, free to i oam about in a large park, or over the farm, and from which they will not attempt to escape,"they hatch out their young and provide for them without the help of man. If confined in a run or poultry-yard with other fowls, they never sit, but, on the other hand, they lay an abundance of eggs, which can be given to a broody hen, or put into an artificial incubator. For the first days the young ai-e fed exactly like young chickens, viz. : hard- boiled egg, with bread-crumbs, chopped salad, with a little bruised hemp seed, mixed up together in a paste; millet, boiled rice, and lots of green food. As with the rearing of all the inhabitants of the poultry-yard, they require from time to time a small quantity of fluely- minced meat, which gives vigor to the young, and a most robust constitution.
Young Guinea-fowls reach the adult period earlier than chickens, and consequently give less trouble in rearing. At a month old they can do without the natural or artificial mother, and can manage for themselves. We should advise our amateurs to try some this year and hatch out a few Guinea-fowls. They will thank us for our advice when in the autumn these young subjects are tit for the 'spit. — Pdiiltry Keeper.
CONDENSED POULTRY NOTES.
Ground oyster sheUs suit poultry. Shelter young chicks from sun and rain. Hens do not pay, as layers, beyond three years. Eats in the Poultry Yard. A single rat will de- stroy hundreds of young ducks and chicks. Put chloride of liine in their holes.
One mast not forget, for one time even, that hens are great seed raisers; if given the chance, they show decided enterprise at the business.
While fresh sweet meat is to be prefered for fowls, some that is tainted, if it is weU cooked, will do no harm in supplying this important kind of food. We do not expect every egg to produce a chick; this rarely happens except when a hen " steals her nest,'" and has her own way about things, and it don't ahva.vs happen then
Eggs With Pale Yolks. It is beheved that re- stricting fowls" to grain and vegetables alone for food, and in confined places, is the cause of pale yolks. Allowing them the range of the place and farm yard feeding is the remedy suggested.
Linseed Meal, An occasional feed (about once a week ) of linseed meal, or oil cake, will prove a great benefit to laying hens, reddening the combs and in- creasing the appetite; but it should not be fed daily, as it is too rich in oil, and sometimes proves injiu"i- ous.^PouHnj Nation.
Some of the most successful poultry growers have the food so placed that chickens can have ac- cess to it at pleasure A good contrivance is to have a high, narrow box placed inside, flat-side against a wall, with a narrow opening at the front side of the bottom, into a low, horizontal box that answers for feeding from.
Don't expect every chick to grow up into a first- class $2.o-a-trio-exhibition l)ird: you"ll be most aw- fully disappointed if you do. And if you should even happen to have one disqualified bird out of the lot, don't make any great amount of fuss about it. Our best breeders raise a good many disqualified birds each year.— T/k' Farming World.
A Cure for Chicken Cholera. I have had this disease twice introduced into my flock by the pur- chase of diseased chickens, and each time I lost from eighty to one hundred fowls. On each occa- sion, however, its ravages were entirely stopped in the course of tour or five days, by feeding mixed food seasoned with fresh lime and salt, as strongly as the birds could be induced to eat it, the mixture being thoroughly wet. Salt and lime I find benefic- ial to chickens at all times.— i?»ro7 New Yorker
Profitable Poultry Raising. Mr. Harrison, at the Western New- Y'ork Farmers' Club, said he is satisfied that poultry can be kept by farmers profit- ably. To keep large numbers they must be sepa- rated into small flocks, twenty or thirty in a flock, I especially at night. He has kept fowls many years, in a yard in the city: gets eggs enough to more than pay cost, besides chickens to eat, and a large amount of mantu-e. Keeps White Dorkings and has kept them from his boyhood. Changes cocks every two or three years. Farmers too often leave fowls to shirk for themselves and roost on trees ; but it wiU paj' to take good care of them and have good, warm houses for them.
The Wyandottes are now recognized as one of the most useful breeds of fowls, and when weU bred, will certainly give poultry raisers great satisfaction, When we first saw them, a good many years ago, they had the good points of cross-bred fowds. A few w-ere well marked and handsome, but it would have been impossible in a rtock of twenty, to have picked out a trio fit to put in a show coop. Their breeders said they were so good, grew so well, were so prolific; made such good broilers and grand roasters, that they ought to be admitted to " the standard " StiU, year after year, the assembled poultry wisdom of the country kept them out, until 188;5, when such uniform and handsomely marked fowls were shown, that they were admitted. They have won their way to their present popularity by combining real merit with beauty Tn this latter quality they are superior to the Plymouth Rocks-, but in other respects they strongly resemble this favorite breed of American fowls. They have beautifully laced hackle and saddle; solid black tail ; breast wdute, heavily laced with black. The wings, when folded, show the much coveted duck- wing mark, or bar of black. They have a low, medium-sized, rich red comb, with well-defined spike of moderate size, and ,sniooth, yellow legs. They are an exceptionaUy hardy fond, standing out severe winters fully as well, if not better, than any other breed They mature very early ; puUets often com- mence laying at five months of age; and although not persistant sitters, they make excellent mothers when allowed to brmg off their chicks, and they are very domestic in their habit. — Am. Agriculturist.
POPULAR GARDENING
FOR TOWN AND COUNTRY.
"ACCUSE NOT NATURE, SHE HATH DONE HER PART; DO THOU BUT THINE."— J^UvToa.
Vol. 1.
JTJIsrE, 188S.
No. 9.
June.
When the pathway that winds to the woods
Is hidden in Flag flowers bhie. And the airy Bircli has never a smirch
On her silver^* gown, but dew : When in Roses sweet and Honeysuckles,
The breezes perfume their wings, ■V\Tien Strawberries hide in the meadows wide.
And Laxu'els wake by the springs; When the blue skj- laughs the whole day long. And the heart is light as the thi-ush's song,
Oh, then it is merry Jime.
— Susan Hurt ley.
Plants for Winter Flowers.
It is none loo early to lliink about getting up the flowering plants that are to embellish Ihc window or conservatory next winter. In fact the difference between having plants at that season that will be full of flowers or else flowerless, will be owing largely to whether or not some foresight is used in preparing such during the present summer.
Amateurs often wonder how the florists get such large crops of flowers through the winter while they succeed so poorly in rais- ing the same kinds. It is not owing wholly to the superior conveniences of the former, but very largely to their knowing better how to prepare plants for winter bloom.
In the first place let us lay down .as a main principle, the fact, that no plant can flower profusely all through the summer and amount to much for winter blooming.
Walk through a florist's grounds in mid- summer and many Carnation plants, for ex- ample, m.ay be seen, but without a flower. These are designed for winter use, and the reason they have no flowers is only that all flower buds have been kept down Ijy pinch- ing. This is done to the plants until towards fall, with the result of producing vigorous, bushy stocks, which after that will throw off, and are capable of maturing heav}- crops of flowers, right through the winter.
That which is true of managing Carnations is also true of Geraniums, Bouvardias, Be- gonias, Violets, Fuchsias, Heliotropes, and some others. Every one of these kinds, to be in the best shape for winter flowering, must be deprived of their summer flower buds, and the sooner after this date the pinch- ing-back proce.ss is begun the better for the winter's crop.
Geraniums are justly great favorites as window plants in the winter. None others are easier to manage for having a tine show of flowers from November on, than these. Plants for this purpose may be grown dur- ing the summer, either in pots or bedded out. The former course calls for greater care in the matter of watering and .shifting into larger pots during the season, l>ut there is no chance of the plants receiving a check from being lifted from the ground and potted later on, as is the case, in some degree, through the other means.
Such as are bedded for the purpose should have ample space in the beds for develop- ment, and should then be taken up and
potted with great care during the first half of the month of August.
Of the plants named above, it may be said that the Heliotrope does not lift as well as most others, on which account, it is usual)}- considered preferable, to bring the plants through the summer in pots.
While the growing of winter flowering plants during the summer in pots is consid- ered the most gardener-like way of manag- ing them, still it may be said of the other course, that there is a saving of perhaps one- half the labor, while the results may be nearlj' as satisfactory.
Watch the Camellias Now.
A Camellia plant, growing in a pol, Avill suffer unto death from dryness, without .so much as showing it by the leaves flagging.
On this account we caution growers to take particular pains, during the summer especially, to see that the plants have all the water they need, but not judging as to this by the appearance of the leaves. One may remove a branch of this plant, throwing it into hot sunshine, and the leaves will retain their color for da3's, whollj' tmlike those of other plants under similar circumstances.
A peculiarity of the Camellia, now also to be considered, is that its flower buds ap- pear six or more months before they open. They may usually l)e seen as early as this month, and continue to enlarge during the summer and fall, flowering later on.
Now it should be understood, that l)ad summer watering of the Camellia has much to do with the verj' common trouble, of the flower buds dropping from the plant before opening in the winter. Growing, as the buds do, all through the warm season, should the the plants become injuriously dr}' a few times during this period, the former will re- ceive injury in a way that will be almost certain to cause them to drop before devel- oping into flowers, and yet they will grow on all the while.
In the summer care of these plants, there- fore, it must be made a rule to water them enough each time they need it, so as to leave no doubt but that the ball of earth in the pot is soaked to its very center. This attended to rightly and almost the only critical point in their care at this season is overcome.
A Rose-leaf Pillow.
We do not refer to one which derives its name from having Rose leaves embroidered or otherwise worked upon the surface, but to an easj' and sweet cushion for the sofa or lounge, filled with dried Hose leaves, instead of with hair or feathers.
Such an one is easily made, and in .June, the month of Roses, is the time to make it. As to how this should be done we are briefly told in a contribution from an esteemed reader from the western part of this State, who modestly signs herself " Sue." She says:
"Gather all the Rose leaves yoti can — those from fading Roses being just right. Spread these lightly over paper to dry, after which the}' may be stored in a paper bag as they accumulate, until enough are saved. One thing you will notice, and that is, that a considerable quantity will be needed. You will no doubt feel well repaid for all the work, even should two or more years be required to gather enough. Perhaps the help of some of your friends, or better still, of a neighboring florist, might be secured for furnishing the delightful material.
"Whether such a pillow contains any sooth- ing or medicinal properties I am unprepared to say, but the fragrance is, at the least, very agreeable and strong enough to perfume an entire room, if it be kept somewhat close. "
Rose Culture in America. Why Not More Successful.
That the Rose, so far as beauty and fra- grance are concerned, excels all other flow- ers is universally acknowledged. Were any proof as to this desired, none other woidd be needed, than the fact that where a business is made of the sale of cut flowers, nearly as much money is realized from the sale of Roses, as from all other kinds of flowers taken together. Such is especially the case in our large cities, where the increased taste in the use of flowers lias so greatl}' developed in recent years.
But while this is true of Roses in the di- rection referred to, we wish it could also be said, that the extent of and success at their culture by the people in general, was nearer in proportion to the merits of this grandest of all flowers. Such a statement could not, in truth, well be made at the present time. All amateurs who grow flowers may admit the supreme worth of the Rose, but perhaps not more than one in five of the number, really pretend to grow Roses well and in fair abundance in their collections of flowers. Too often they have no faith whatever in their ability to grow Roses.
Is this because the Rose is not adapted to our climate and soils, as our other garden plants are ? In answer it is enough to say that this flower, in some of its species, is native to every section of our country. Go where we will and thou, O Rose ! in some of thy beautiful forms, art there before us. Even so far north as Hudson Ba}' certain species of Roses are at home. The fault is not to be found in this.
We believe that a fundamental cause of failure in amateur Hose-culture, lies in the matter of our cultivators ignoring too much the many flue and thoroughly rclialde sorts, and attempting, instead, to grow such deli- cate ones as will (mly succeed by a course of very delicate treatment. This no doubt is often done through ignorance ; if so, we .should learn wi.sdom.
Let us Ijcar in mind that most of the mul- titude of improved Ko.scs olfered in this
98
POPULAR GARDENING.
June,
a certain staud- praise bestowed
day are the products of European nurseries, where the highest degree of skill has for a long time been brought to bear upon Rose culture and improvement. They are largely the children of luxury. Many sorts of many classes, and even such as are reputed hardy, may possess enough of the blood of the tender Asiatic species to render them tender and of delicate constitution.
With all this, the flowers may be of su perior quality, and, from point, entitled to all the \ipon them. But that standpoint in a large num- ber of cases is the most skillful cultivation, un- der the most favorable cir- cumstances only, and not the kind of treatment which the aver- age American amateur in town and country can give. For these worthy persons to be led by fine descriptions and gaudy- colored plates, often to Invest in such "improved roses " without great discrimi- nation, submit- ting them then to the most com- mon care, is almost sure to invite failure.
Now, while this thing hap- pens very com- monly, and Rose culture suffers accordingly, there is at least
one remedy against it. Among all classes of Roses, from the real tender Asiatic section to the hardiest ones, there are not lacking various excellent sorts, that have proved their reliability and worth, for common culture. They are the few among the many offered, perhaps, but they arc the ones that are needed in successful culture, and the ones which growers should look out to secure.
Every Rose propagator keeps in stock those sorts that are both very good and very reliable, and should know which they are. To obtain these the buyer of plants should, when dealing with the grower, take the safe course of insisting on having only such kinds included in his order. To do this he must leave the selection of sorts mainly if not wholly with the nurseryman, charging him with responsibility in making a good one. If he is a reliable dealer, he will not be likely to disappoint his customer in the selection of kinds made.
Of course in ordering in this way it must be stated which classes are wanted, whether hardy or tender ones, bush or climbers, moss or remontants, etc. Limitations as to color may be mentioned. It might be well also to state in what soil the stock is to be planted. The main point we are aiming to make clear
is, that the amateur should take advantage of the grower's acquaintance with kinds in making selections, letting him feel a share of the responsibility in the matter.
Moss Roses.
Among the hardy Roses which bloom in summer the Moss Rose deservedly holds a high place. Few products in the entire floral realm are more delightful to behold than the opening buds of these in their
well pegged down, is a pleasing way of man- aging the free-growing sorts.
These Roses are somewhat niore liable to injury from mildew in damp, cloudy weather than other Roses are. If any ap- pears, it may be dispelled by applying sul- phur freely over the leaves when they are wet, at the first signs of the ailment.
The so-called Perpetual Moss Roses are in most cases destined to disappoint growers, if the perpetual flowering feature is much re- lied upon. A great many sorts have been sent out under this head, not worth a place In the garden. The best of them will not produce more than a few flowers out of the regular sea- son, and none of these give buds equal in quality to the regular summer varie- ties of such.
Such Moss Roses as the Common Moss and the Crested Moss, are still among the best sorts to be grown. For a white variety the White Bath is perhaps the best, being attractive both in bud and when open. Princess Ade- laide is a good variety, of a pale- rose color.
While Roses of this class as a rule bear rather close prun- ing annually, the last named one is an exception; it should hardly be pruned at all.
A FINE MOSS ROSE.
modest beauty, covered as they are with a delicate mossy growth. The hushes may not be as handsome as those of some other classes, growing as they do somewhat irreg- ularly—perhaps we might say picturesquely — but they are on the whole very hardy, and no garden should be without some.
As a class, the Moss Roses should be treated to rich ground and good culture, for the best results, not but what if they must suffer hardship they will bear up under it as well as any Rose. A good coat of stable manure applied over the roots in early fall, for having the substance wash into the soil through the winter, is a good course. To set the plants in beds of rich soil, and keep them
Screen of Hardy Roses.
This may 1 le made to divide different parts of the grounds, as for instance the ornamental lawn from the kitchen or fruit garden. It should be planted only with the hardiest kinds of Roses, as a safeguard against breaks occurring through some plants d3'ing out. Such varieties as the Madam Plan- tier, the Hundred-leafed Rose, the Sweet-briar, and with sup- ports the Prairie Roses, would be excellent for the purpose. Among hybrid perpetuals we would recommend such strong growers as La Reine, John Hopper. Antoine Monten, and so on. In the South the well-known Cherokee Rose should of course be one of the first to be choosen; it is a species that is not enough appreciated.
Aside from the peculiar beauty of a fine and thrifty line of Roses, planted as a screen or hedge, there would be some advantage in this arrangement, through giving ready ac- cess to the plants in caring for them. For example, when insects would appear, they could much more easily be dealt with than if the plants were arranged in large masses.
i886.
POPULAR GARDENING.
99
In such a case one could readily pass along each side of the row, applying needed rem- edies with good effects
While the plants of such a screen are young it would at least be well to keep the soil ou each side of the line thoroughly cul- tivated. Later on, the grass might be allowed to extend up to and under the bushes, as shown in our engraving.
insects which Trouble Roses.
These, as Mr. EUwanger has said, are the
bugbears which prevent many from culti- vating the Queen of Flowers, but tlie}' offer little discouragement to loyal subjects ; gen- erally it is only the careless and indolent who greatly suffer from the pests. If proper attention is paid to soil, planting, watering, etc., and a few simple directions heeded, you will not often be much troubled. To be forewarned is to before armed; hence, we will here treat briefly upon the various kinds.
One of the earliest enemies to be met will have put in its appearance before tliis time in most places. We refer to the Rose Cater- pillar, which appears with the coming of the leaves, and makes its shelter by bringing together several leaves, attaching them with glue. Its house easily leads to its discovery, and at the first sight of the former, the worm should be crushed in it. A daily lookout must for a while be kept against their appearance and increase.
Late in Maj', and up until some time in June, Rose Saw-tiies present themselves, if at all. They are small, shining, black insects, hardly over a quarter of an inch in length, and may be met on the under side of the leaves, or flying aroimd the plants. These cause a great deal of the Rose-grower's trouble, not so much directly (although they disfigure and feed on the leaves) as by their laying the eggs which develope into Rose Slugs. The latter are pale-green jelly-like
A SCREEN OF HARDY FREE-GROWING ROSES.
tormenters, that throughout June may cause great havoc with the leaves, turning them brown, as if the}' had been .scorched.
Immediatel}' this slug makes an appear- ance, meet it by .sprinkling the leaves when they are in a moist state from dew or the water-can, with powdered White Hellebore. This will poison and destroy them. Repeat the application if necessary.
The Rose Bug, or Rose Chafer, is another frequent aunoyer. It is a small grayisli in- sect about half an inch long, and having a slender body. It appears usually about the middle of this month, and feeds mainly on the opening buds and flowers We know of no remedy but hand picking, or brushing them into vessels of water and then destroy- ing. The best time for this is early in the morning, the insects then being less active.
In hot and dry seasons the minute Red Spider often troubles Roses. Moisture it cannot tolerate ; hence to sprinkle the af- fected plants frequent!}', and particularly to syringe the under side of the leaves, can be relied upon to destroy it.
That common insect the Green Fly or Aphis, does not often trouble outdoor Roses seriously, and yet it may sometimes be found abundent enough to need attention. As it usually attacks the end growth of shoots, these may be bent over into a pail of Tobacco or Quassia water, which will kill them with but little labor.
From the West it is reported that the Thrip is quite destructive to Roses in some places. This is a small black or brown hop- ping insect that is active on the leaves. A solution of whale-oil soap, made at the rate of one pound of soap to eight gallons of water, is sijoken of as a sullicient rented}'.
At the sight of any insects, in alarming numbers, on Ro.ses, let vigorous steps at once be taken to overcome them. A little per- severance at the start will work wonders, and leave you, often easily enougli, master
of the situation and in the enjoyment of the flowers you liave cherished
Notes on the May Number.
BY WM. FALCONER, GLEN COVE, N. Y.
Single Dahlias grow from seed as freely as do Zinnias. Sown in April they begin to blossom in June or July.
The Japanese Zebra Grass is %vith me the best and strongest growing of its race, even more vigorous than the plain gj-een-leaved typical form.
Canna Ehemanni is the grandest of all Cannas so far as I know them. Noble in foli- age, robust in growth, and free and beautiful in bloom. But its roots are more apt to rot in winter than are those of the commoner kinds.
Rhododendrons. I don't protect ours over- heafl, but I mulch among them so heavily with dry oak leaves in fall as to exclude frost from the ground and their roots. Their heads shiver in the breath of zero, but their roots know no frost, and not a limb is dead!
Horse-radish. I don't like the httle sets put in a foot deep, p. 99. I use stout, clean roots ten inches long and dibbled deep enough to be three or four inches below the surface of the gi'ound. These yield me large, solid, clean sticks next fall. I never keep it two years.
Gold-fish. The Gold-fish story, p. 91, re- minds me of my first attempt at pis<-iculture. I got a roomy gla.ss aquarium and several Gold- fish. I used well water and changed it daily but my fishes didn't thrive, and one after the other, several of them died. Upon advice I stopped using the well water and used rain or pond water instead. From that time on I had no further trouble, the fishes thrived splendidly.
Catalpas. Some think old trees are hand- some. In summer when in bloom they may be, but as a gaixlen tree, apart from its flowers, I don't know of a dirtier tree under the sun than the Catalpa. From fall till next summei- its pods keep dropping and littering up the place in the most aggravating way.
Scarlet SA<iK. Sow some seed alx)ut the first of June, set out the plants in i-ich, good ground, and next October these late seedlings
lOO
POPULAR GARDENING.
June,
will probably eclipse in healthy appearance and brilUancy any spring-raised .Salvia,
SOME INQUIRIES ANSWERED.
63. Calceolarias. Sow in June or July. Prick off, pot and repot as required. Use rich open soil. Do not stint water. Keep as cool as possible in summer and in an air}' place, but shade from sunshine. Mulcli about the plants with tobacco stems to repel aphides which are extremely pai-tial to Calceolarias. They bloom from.Febmary to May, but are in their heyday in April. I gi'o w some 2.50 plants of them.
59. Pond. Plant, do not sow. Yellow to purple Flags, Bull-rashes and the like, although pretty enough in spring and early summer get unsightly before fall. Why not plant it with Winterberry (Pr i n o s), Swamp Azaleas, Button Bush, Clethras, Willows and the many other be- coming trees and shrubs that might thrive in such a place? You could then introduce among them Sarracenias, Lilies, Ferns, "Cowslips," and a host of such like flowers.
00. Violets. In sum- mer plant them in a cool, somewhat moist or par- tially shaded spot; against the north side of a close fence or building is a good place. In fall protect them with a frame where they are,or lift and transfer them to a frame or elsewhere, in a warm sunny aspect where they may be pro- tected. They will beai- a deal of frost with im- punity, but frost doesn't do them any good.
63. Fernery. Better begin with plants and let ' ' seeds " alone. Glass cases are often more or- namental than useful. During the winter a moister, and for Ferns, a more genial atmos- phere can be maintained in a glass ease than in the open room. Have nice, well-rooted, small plants, drain the case well, use open soil and not much of it, i^lant in August, don't shut the case till November or December, and don't drown the plants or render the earth pasty ; shade from sunshine.
06. Angle Worms. As for the open garden opinions differ, but in pots worms are injurious.
67. English Ivy. Gas, dried to death, or injury to the roots might defoliate your Ivy. .Not knowing what caused the leaves to fall off, I cannot suggest how to restore them.
68. Ants. That depends upon what species of ant it is. The most destructive ant in Texas is, I believe, the cut-leaf ant, and it is extremely destructive. Sulphur fumes injected into the holes in their ' ' towns " destroys them. I have also used cyanide of potassium dissolved in water, I would pour a little of it into the ant holes morning and evening. The fumes killed all the ants that passed for a little while.
73. Bulbs. I don't think you can grow them along as perennials in Key West, but you can get fresh bulbs from Holland and bloom them the first season all right. But ob- serve to plant them in the coolest and shadiest part of the garden, and, say not before October.
Mulch the ground over them as soon as planted. Where are your Amaryllises, Pancratiums, Tuberoses, Crinums and the like so peculiarly fitted for favored noolcs in your garden.
About Montbretias.
Within a few years these flowers, which for a long time occupied an unimportant place on the lists, have advanced to a more conspic- uous position. Now they seem destined to become very popular, possessing as they do the good traits of being handsome and as easily grown as Gladiolus or Tigridia.
MONTBRETIA FLOWERS
It was near the beginning of the present century when the fu-st Montbretia was intro- duced into European gai-dens from the Cape of Good Hope. For a long time the flowers at- tracted but little attention, although the first sort introduced was soon followed by others, differing but little from their predecessor. The reason for this was, that the fiowers of the early kinds were not of a character to fascinate flower lovers greatly. The colors were yellow, in different shades.
But within the last ten years a new species of these plants was discovered in Southern Africa, which was so great an improvement on its forerunners as to at once draw fresh attention to the class. This species was given the name of Pott's Montbretia (M. Pottsii). Instead of having yellow flowers like the former sorts, it produced flowers of a bright orange red, and on free-growing Gladiolus-like plants, qualities which at once promised well for giving the plant a position among populai' flowers. This one, like all the Montbretias, is bulbous, and in culture is found to be vigorous, healthy and
very productive of bloom, both when gi'owu as a bedding plant and in pot culture.
Soon after the introduction of this last named Montbretia, steps were taken to develop im- provements in these flowers, and not without good results. One advance made was the pro- duction of a beautiful hybrid, between Munt- hrctia Piitfsii and the nearly allied Crocosmia auiva. This is known as Montbretia crocos- miieflora and is now, along with other Montbre- tias, being offered in a number of catalogues.
One good thing to be said in favor of these recent sorts, is that they not only grow and flower with ease, but they increase rapidly un- der ordinary culture, hence the bulbs are al- leady nuinerous enough in the hands of growers to permit of their being sold cheaply. We see them offered as low as 35 cents each in some lists. Among American florists who have given considerable attention to the Montbretias, are Messrs. Hill & Co., of Richmond, Indiana. In their catalogue of Roses and other plants re- cently published, they describe and offer a number of different sorts of these. It is to these geutlemen that we are indebted for the splendid engraving of Montbretias which ap- jjears herewith, it having first appeai'ed in their catalogue refen'ed to.
We think we camiot do better in this connec- tion than to make an extract from the cata- logue of Messrs. Hill & Co, , bearing upon these plants and their cultiu'e, which we do as follows:
A most beautiful new class of bulbous plants, resembling mi nature Gladiolus in foliage and form of flower. They tlu'ow up numerous flower spikes from a single bulb. The spikes often attain a height of 13 to 34 inches, with numerous lateral stems completely covered with flowers. Whilst they somewhat resemble Gladiolus, they are not unlike some Orchids in their formation and in the manner of their flowering.
The Montbretias are destined to become pop- ular, from the ease with which they are culti- vated. They succeed admirably planted in the open ground, like other bulbs, and can be win- tered in any place free from frost and excessive damp. One of the finest plants we ever grew in a pot was M. cruco.si}tia'Jfura: it furnished hundreds of flowers on its numerous spikes, and the whole plant, both foliage and flower stems, ratliated like an immense fan.
Dish Water and Plants.
Washing dishes is very wearing to the soul, coming three times a day, three hundred and sixty-five days in the year, but it lightens the burden, at least to plant lovers, to see the good the dish water may do in the gai'den.
I do not mean an indiscriminate pouring out of slops close to the house, health and neatness forbid, but a systematic applying of these day by day so that the plants or trees are treated to a dose about once a week, through the season.
i886.
POPULAR GARDENING.
lOI
Put in the coffee and tea grounds and even the scrapings from the sink. Begin with the Rose bushes, you will be astonished at the new growth, and on these come the flowers next year. My Scarlet Geramiums were admired for their rich colors and abundant bloom, the more we picked, the more they blossomed, and this bed receiveii a liberal portion of the dish water once a week. A poor miserable apple tree that had never had a blossom, after one summer's treatment, bore a considerable nuin- lier, and bids fair next j-ear to have a large crop. But my Scarlet Runners surprised me, planteil near an ugly looking old shed, they covered it with such a mass of rich red coloring that the old shed, always an eye sore, became a thing of beauty. To be sure they were "nothing but beans," but the flowers were so perfect in form and coloring that they were well worth cultivating, especially as this result was brought about by applying the simple and ready stimulant, dish water.
" Sister Gracious."
Rural Adornment.
The adornment of rural homes should be considered a necessity rather than a luxury. As the country becomes older and natural wind-breaks are destroyed, it is imperative that we plant for protection.
It should be remembered that the lieauty of a home does not dejiend so much upon the number and variety of species of plants as upon the taste of the planter. The elements of at- traction in landscape gardening are compara- tively few and simple. A tasty and thoughtful disposition of a half dozen kinds of ordinary trees and shrubs is far preferable to a thought- less mixing of twenty rare and more beautiful kinds.
So far as practicable trees, and shrubs should be planted in groups, especially at some dis- tance from the house. In this way a greater variety is secured. These groups should be so disposed as to hide from the common points of view, especiall}' from the windows of the resi- dence, all undesiiable objects and to afford glimpses of all attractive objects and landscapes. It is a serious mistake to pack the front yard full of bushes and flowers.
As over half oui' year is practically winter, it is important that we should plant for winter efifect as much as for summer effect. It is sur- prising that so few people see any attraction in leafless trees. The aspects of deciduous trees in winter are singular and characteristic for each species. When one begins to study them he soon comes to appreciate their importance in winter landscapes.
Among deciduous trees I like best the winter aspect of the Pepperidge or Sour Gum, Nyssa mnltiflora. The peculiar tortuous short hori- zontal branches designate the tree from its companions. The Beach, when grown singly, approaches the Pepperidge in character, but never equals it.
The second best tree for winter effect is prob- ably the swamp White Oak, Quercus bieolov. Then foUow the Burr Oak, White Oak, especi- ally slow-growing specimens. Beach, the exotic Weeping White Birch, Buttouwood, and finally the more symmetrical and straighter limbed trees, as Maples and Elms. I think it is desir- able to plant with reference to the winter as- pects of deciduous trees and shrubs.
The evergreens must comprise the chief attractions of winter landscapes, however. — Professor Bailey, in Mich. Ayr. College Bulletin.
A Hundred White Grubs Killed at a Blow.
A single female May-beetle lays from one to two hundred eggs in the soil during May or June. In two weeks these hatch into little white grubs, which continue to increase in size and live for three, if not more, seasons, prov- ing very destructive to the roots of plants.
It is impossible to compute the damage done by the progeny of one beetle during the years
they exist in the giub state. Anj-one who is acquainted with its general destructive- ness, however, should see the importance of spai'iug no pains to kill as many beetles during the season as is possible. It would pay to en- courage the childern to destroy them by laying
Pruning the canes either in the fall, after the leaves have drop])ed, or early spiing is impor- tant; very few cut with sufticieut freedom. Not oidy should the canes Ik- cut back to one- half their length on an average, but one-half or more of the laterals should also come away.
a premium on ever}' dead body they could produce, sa}- half a cent for each. For killing this pe.st, both in its beetle and larva states, the crow's and robin's help should be counted valua- ble. Skunks also destroy great num- bers of them, and on this account might be better thought of. Hens and turkeys will do good work on the grubs if given a chance when the land is tilled.
The Red Raspberry.
This fruit is held in high esteem everywhere. Not only is it one of the most refreshing and agreeable subacid fruits to be eaten in a fresh state, but its use in making jams, jellies, etc. , in the family; and on a larger scale by confec- tioners in making syrups, as well as in numer- ous other ways, is very wide.
The Raspberrv, like the Strawberry, which it follows quickly in early summer, commands the attention of those who scarcely have room for fruit trees. Another advantage it possesses, is that of coming early into fruit. A planta- tion of Raspberries will be in perfection at the third year from planting. Allowed then to bear for about six yeais, it must be broken up and a new one formed on another plat of land.
Not all soils are alike suited to the Red Rasp- berry, a rich, moist, light loam being the best. Where but a small plantation is grown, as for familj' use, if it is made in partial shade, the results will be more satisfactory. This is a strong point in favor of the Raspberrj- for the many small places, where shade is so abundant as to prevent the culture of Strawberries.
In planting this fruit, a good distance ajmrt is four feet by three feet, jjutting two plants in each hill. Loving moisture as it does, to mulch the ground heavil}' w*ith lawn rakings, salt haj' or other material around each hill is a good course for summer treatment. This should be heavy enough to keep down the weeds underneath. Scrupuously clean culture should be observed between the patches of mulching. All suckers, excepting about four close to each hill, should also be treated as weeds.
The bearing canes of the Raspberry should early in the season be secm-ed to stakes by tie- ing. The canes it may lie said are biennial; those formed in one sea.son beai'ing the next, after which they die. Aftei' the fruiting sea- son, therefore, the old wood shouhl be cleaned out to give the new gi'owth a full chance. Still some gi-owers defer this until spring, claim- ing that the old wood serves to protect the new canes during winter.
At the approach of winter, the t«'nder varie- ties should be laid down and covered with earth; a few inches of covering being enough, and this must come away in the spring.
THE HANSELL RASPBERRY.
Then the fruit will be both larger and better. The accompanying engraving is of the Han- sell variety, which is one of theliest for general planting, succeeding, as it does, over a wide range of countrj'. It is especially valuable for its earliness, fine color, and the haj-diness of the plants, together with their marked ability to endure the hot sun of our summers well.
To Prevent 'Whiffletrees Barking Young Trees. A protector may be made uf a strip of heavy harness leather eight inches at one end, tapering to four inches wide at the other, and about a foot and a half long. This should be folded once lengthwise, with the crease in the center, and a line of strong stitches run across the widest end near the edge, uniting the halves, to make a kind of open boot. This stitched end is to be placed over the end of the whitHetree, and the tapering end carried forward and fa,stened to the tug by tyuig. We get this idea from the .-iuriculturist.
■White Strawberry Rust. So tar as known the only remedy for this, likely to result in good, is lightly dusting the plants with lime, once soon after the plants start, and continue, with intervals of two or three weeks, until the fruit is nearly ma- tured. The presence of this fungus is readily per- ceived by the rusty ai)pearance of the leaves. When the berry is alfected it is shown l>y its lacing dry, seedy and poorly developed. For the black rust there seems to be no remedy, though it is not very common, except in certain localities.
Killing Insects. A bright light at night is at- tractive to moths and many other insects. By build- ing a fire in the orchard great nmubers will lie con- sumed. A good device is to set a lantern in a basin of water with a little kerosene added; the insects. Hying against the glass, will fall into the liquid and drown.
A Hulch several inches in thickness of short manure or similar material, on the surface around spring-planted trees will help them more than any- thing else against drouth.
The doctor will not call so often it he sees that you grow plenty of good fruit and vegetables.
Small fruits can be raised while one is waiting for trees to come into bearing.
Bobins never eat gi'ain.
102
POPULAR GARDENING.
June,
^^f^fS:^^-'^^^
^^Bl o
P N^C I
ES
Ode to the Rose.
Rose 1 thou art the sweetest flower That ever drank the amber shower; Kose ! thou art the fondest child Of dimpled Spring, the wood-nj-mph wild ! Then bring me showers of Roses, bring, And shed them round me while 1 sing.
— i^-ojH Anacreon.
A Dispute In the Garden.
The Pansy and Wild Violet here,
As seeming to ascend Both from one root^a very pair—
For sweetness do contend: And pointing to a Pink to tell
Which bears it, it is loth To judge between; but says for smell
It does excel them both. Wherewith displeased they hang their heads.
So angry soon they grow. And from their odoriferous buds
Their sweets at it they throw.
— Drayton.
Who says Roses are dear? Wild flowers are popular tor wearing. Greenhouse Rose buds are getting flabby. The monthly Rose signifies beauty, ever new. Lettering on floral designs should never be crowded.
The florists "comer" on Lily of the Valley has of late been completely broken.
It seems paradoxical that florists have more trouble to get the choicer kinds of flowers during the summer season than in the winter, but such is the fact.
A loose vase bouquet composed of two common June flowers, the Day-lily of the gardens and clus- tered Solomon's Seal of the Wood, is matchless for simple beauty.
Enjoy the gorgeous Jacqueminot (" Jack") buds while you may. The florists will sell you a dozen plump fellows now, for the price they asked tor a single one in January.
A golden floral ring was made last week for a golden wedding The flowers were Marechal Niel buds, and these were bound into a ring with gilt wire, using a metallic circle enwrapt in gold-colored satin ribbon for giving it a perfect shape.
A Floral Cent. A floral design recently prepared in New York as a memorial, represented a Wash- ington cent of 1783 and was placed on an easel. It was a charming bit of work and excited the great- est applause. Attached to it was a silk -plush book, inside of which were the face of a typical American girl and a fac-simile of the Wa.shington cent of 1783. Do those who use the elegant crescent as a funeral design always bear in mind the significance of the way it is laid down? Fu-st of all, it should only be considered suitable for young persons and old persons, not the middle aged. In case of the former, the points should turn to the left, like those of the new moon ; in the latter, to the right, as in the old moon.
The eating of flowers is a nineteenth century reality. CrystaUized Violets at $tj a pound are the very latest things in confectionery. Candied Rose- leaves are also very popular. Girls like to eat flowers and will pay as high as $10 a pound for some of the more expensive kinds. They are all brought from France; but, with the growth of favor tor things American, we shall doubtless soon see a beginning of the flower-candying industry in this country and the girls will begin to munch crys- tallized Pumpkin Blossoms and Johnny -jump-ups. — Boston Record.
A Bridal Dinner was recently given in this city which presented some unique features. The table was a harmony in white and was, perhaps, the most poetic and complete in its appointments of any ever known in our dinner-giving society. The center- piece, crowning the snowy damask, which was sprinkled with diamond dust, was a mass of the bride's favorite flowers— Lihes of the Vall»y. Over this parterre^ pendant from the smilax-wreathed chandeliers, was a marriage bell of Maiden Hah- Ferns, with a white clapper of Marguerites. A bell- rope of blood satin ribbon was swung from it across to the bride's place. Soft white tapers burned in
the silver candelabras, which flanked the center- piece and rested on mats of white satin, fringed with Smilax. Each guest's place was indicated by a white satin ribbon bearing the initials of the bride and bridegroom and a card on which was inscribed an appropriate motto. Corsage bouquets and boutonnieres of Lilies of the Valley were also at each place. Everyone read aloud the motto on his card at the beginning of the dinner. Over the mirror behind the hostess was the legend:
Let those love now
Who never loved before : Let those who always loved
Now love the more.
The guests were the bridal party, maids, ushers and best man ; the women, including the hostess, were attired in white,the bride in her wedding robes, and the young girls in their bridesmaids' gowns.
Botanical 0)\id^et
The Sweet-briar Rose is an European. The Meadows are gilt-edged with Buttercups. Mushrooms have been known to raise a paving- stone from the pavement, weighing eight pounds.
Compensation. The Roses of the North are sweeter than the same kinds in warmer climates.
Of the various Roses which grow wUd through- out the United States, perhaps not more than six are natives.
Flowers Exported for Their Sugar. The Ma- luva tree of Central India (Bassia latifolia) bears flowers which are now being exported to Europe for their sugar, of which, it is said, they contain more than half their weight. The tree resembles the Oak, and a single specimen sometimes bears a ton of flowers.— Boston Budget.
According to a report of the Montreal Botanic Garden, there are 197 known botanic gardens. Germany has 34, Italy 23, France 20, Great Britain and Ireland 12, West Indies 6, United States ,5. For our country to possess but five out of the entire 197 is not at all flattering to the American interest in such matters. We hope to see a great improve- ment in this some day.
Orchids. Not all of these belong to tropical countries. Throughout the woods and meadows of the Noi-thern States we have numerous species, a few of which rival for beauty, if not for freakish- ness, many of those sent to us from the Tropics. When once a young botanist discovere and care- fully examines an Orchid he wUl be able ever after- wards to readily class in their right order any others found. A leading peculiarity of the flower is the oonsohdation of the stamens, with the style. A Minature Wild Garden. There is a grave in Kensal Green Cemetery, London, the little garden belonging to which is planted entirely with wild flowers, so-called weeds. It is carefully planted and tended, but there is not a single flower in it which could not be got by anyone from the fields and lanes in the country. It is the grave of Cap- tain Mayne Reid, and on the stone are these words, from one of his own books : " This is the weed prairie. It is misnamed ; it is the garden of God." Winter storms, says the Botanical Oazette, often residt in an enormous destruction of buds. Last winter, at Cambridge, Mass., during a wind storm of almost unprecedented severity and of five days duration, the snow was thickly covered with buds switched off the elm trees by the threshing branches. These fallen buds collected under the lee of walls and walks in piles. The number lost from each good-sized tree must have been in the thousands, yet the trees seem in nowise the worse as they unfold their leaves this spring.
Valuable to Botanists. The June number of that valuable journal, the Botanical Gazette, pub- lished at Crawfordsville, Ind., promises to be of unusual excellence, according to an announcement recently made. It wiU be entirely devoted to the subject of botanical collecting and collections. It will contain contributions from a large number of the best known specialists of the country. There will also be a description of the Gray herbarium, of Harvard University, of the National herbarium at Washington, and of the present condition of the herbaria of the early botanists of this country.
A Good Move. Three clever young women in Detroit, the Misses Farrand, Harris and Lyon, school teachers, have conceived the novel idea of accompanying a class of young ladies to the sea- side at Annisquam for the months of July and August. An opportunity for studying plants and animals will be offered with no text-books, the in- tention being to foUow Prof. Agassiz's methods of out-door study. Mr. Harlan H. Ballard, President of the St. Nicholas Agassiz Association,WLll also be a
member of the party. This seems to us an ideal way for young girls to pass a summer vacation, and far more beneficial to mind and body than dancing at hotel hops The importance of study- ing botany and other natural sciences, is being re- cognized more and more widely in educational sys- tems and is gradually taking the place of some of the dead subjects.
Growing the Cabbage from Slips. "Were it possible," says Emmett S. Goff, in the last report of the New York Experimental Station, " to readUy propagate the Cabbage from sections of the leaf as florists propagate Begonia, many advantages would appear. During the past two seasons we have been experimenting in this direction. We have succeeded in growing several plants, and in one instance a fine head of Cabbage, by slipping a sec- tion of a leaf from a Cabbage head, in the propa- gating bed We have thus demonstrated the possi- bility of this method of propagation. Thus far, however, so great a length of time has intervened between the rooting of the slip and the formation of the bud as to render the method impracticable for economic purposes Whether we shall be able to shorten this time by selecting the plants that start soonest, through a numbers of generations, is the important question.
ABOUT THE PLACE.
Bee-hives require summer shade. Keep the cellar clean by all means . Whatever you build, build substantially. A sagging gate tells something about character. Thirty dollars spent on underdraining an acre, has w-rought an increase of fourfold in the crop.
A well for household use nearer than 100 feet from the stable or stable yard is really dangerous. Mark this fact, it is an important one I
No crop pays better for thorough weeding than the potato crop, yet there is none that is oftener slighted . Be thorough from the start.
Now, at the beginning of the season when seeds of all kinds of crops mature, decide upon one thing, and that is, to select of the very best for seed. The principle of the survival of the fittest, should find a very practical application wherever vegetables and grains are grown, and it will pay.
Manure From a Cow. Every cow well fed and fairly bedded will make a load of manure every two weeks, worth at least on the farm $1 per load. But this manure will not be worth this unless the cow has abundance of nourishing food. On the farm at least half the exi^ense of keeping a cow may be charged to the manure heap, and with this help it must be a poor cow that does not give a profit to her owner. — Ajn. Cultivator.
Durable 'Whitewash. To keep the fences and out buildings painted is quite exjiensive, although no one questions the desirability of its being done, both for looks and the preservation of the wood. A good whitewash is a cheap and effective sub- stitute for paint, lasting a long time, if rightly made. Our simple recipe for making a wash that will not rub off, and which is alike suitable for in- side or outside work, is to slake the lime in salt water, and then thin with skim milk until fit to ap- ply. The addition of some cheap mineral paint may be employed to produce pleasing variations.
Swarming. For those who keep bees for honey, it is best to let them swarm natm'ally, leaving arti- ficial swarming to experts. A watch must be kept on bright days for swarming, and hives be in readiness. A cloth, hke a sheet or table-spread, should be at hand, on which to set the hive to be used for any new swarm. Most likely the swarm will cluster on a bush or the limb of a tree near by. If this should be of a size that can be sawed off readily without damage, it should be done, with great care, and the load be shaken off the limb gently, in front of the hive entrance, on the cloth. They will soon find the way into the hive, running in as fast as they can go. Never shake them into the top of the hive, as this is unnatural and con- fusing to the bees. Should the bees light on a large branch, fence post, or the like, that cannot be moved, then b]-ing the hive near; jar or brush the bees into a basket and quickly empty in front of the hive, on the cloth. Some will get back to the place of alighting, and these must be returned as described ; should any further persist in doing so, by smoking them they will soon leave and find the swarm. It is well always to smoke the s*arm somewhat before hiving. Convey the new swarm to its permanent place at once when all the bees have entered the hive. Be sure to shade the hive; if not done the sun heat may drive them out. To give the new swarm some found.ation or comb, is to make them better satisfied and leads to early work.
i886.
POPULAR GARDENING.
103
Treeclimber's Talks.
A VEGETABLE FLY-TRAP.
Last month I spoke of the curious Asiatic Pitcher Plant, alhiding among other things to the fact that many insects lose their lives by these, through drowning in the half-tilled pitchers of water. I was pleased a week or more ago, to receive a letter from Miss Eleanor Griffin, of Knox county, Ohio, referring to my talk on that plant, and asking whether the Pitcher Plant is not also known as Venus's Fly- trap, of which she has heard. Instead of answering her inquiry by letter I will do so here, to the extent of de- scribing the iJlant she refers to, and which is entirely distinct, though no less cu- rious than the Pitcher Plant descrilied last month.
The jilant alluded to by my j'oung correspondent, and known as
VEN'US'S FLY-TRAP,
that they did not. His belief as regards this point is corroborated by that of many other careful students of Nature.
DOES THE WEEPING WILLOW WEEP ?
I am certain that it requires no great strain of the imagination to fancy that this tree really acts the part of a mourner over some loss. Perhaps as the following little story, handed to me by a friend, might indicate, some person who had never been impressed by the striking and solemn-looking chai'acteristics of the tree, was lead to believe that it only took on a mourning attitude when they themselves became mourners over the loss of some dear one, Ijecause they then first noticed it from such a standpoint: "Many years ago a little girl who lived in the state of New Hampshire planted a small willow tree, and under her pro-
is another of the very re- mar k able plants of the world, for it is by nature a real fly or insect trap. It is a native of the United States, being found in the Southern States, and as far north as North Carolina. It is also called in some sec- tions, the Carolina Catch- fly Plant. Its botanical name is Dioncva i»iH.scipii/«. In this curious plant it is the leaves which serve so effectively as traps for insects. As may be seen by the engi*aving here given, of parts of two plants, the rounded leaves which appear at the end of the blade-hke leaf stalks bear upon their margins a line of long, stiff bristly hairs. These serve to imprison any insect that ma)' alight on the leaves, by immediately closing to- gether, through the leaves folding at the middle, the hairs uniting somewhat as the fingers of the hands do when they are clasped together. When this occurs, the insect is entrapped be- yond the possibility of escape and dies in the trap. To induce insects to alight upon the leaves there appears to be a juice on certain glands which proves attractive to them. Over the upper surface of the leaves are set some delicate, irritable hairs, as shown in the en- graving, and it is these when touched by an insect, that serve to
" SPRING THE TRAP,"
as we might say in speaMng of an ordinary trap.
I have said that the insect once entrapped is held securely until it is dead. A peculiarity of the trap in holding its victim is, that as long as any motion is exerted by the struggling in- sect so long is it held with a close grip. But its struggles once over, after a little whOe, as if to be certain there was no ' ' playing 'possum " on the part of the fly, the leaf again opens.
Why Nature should thus provide a real in- sect trap in a plant is not understood. As beautiful flowers are created to please the sense of sight, and sweet odors the sense of smell, so perhaps, such cm'ious plant forms are designed to gi'atify our love for the curious.
For a long time it has been a question, as to whether the Fly-trap Plant receives any nour- ishment from the insects it destroys. Some yeare ago Mr. Peter Henderson, the veteran plant-grower, of New York, made a cai'eful and apparently thorough experiment in the matter, from which he drew the conclusion
A VEGETABLE FLY TRAP.—/''
tection it soon grew into quite a tree. One bright summer day the girl was suddenly taken sick and died. The tree, missing her daily visits, moaned and sighed, and gradually took on the form of the Weeping Willow, which it has since retained."
Timothy Treeclimber.
A Scarecrow That Didn't Scare.
W^e incline to think that the putting up of a scarecrow, to imitate the appearance of a di- lapidated tramp, is as often done for the sport it affords to the boys, as for any faith in the efficacy of the man of straw and rags. Of course the horrid looking object can do no harm, if it does no good by frightening off the birds. Here is an account of one man's remai-kable experience in this line :
A tailor named White, living near Nuneaton, in England, recently placed a scarecrow in his garden to trighten birds. The result was amusing. A robin built her nest in one of the pockets, and there reared her pretty brood. Perched upon the brim of the scarecrow's hat. Sir Redbreast sang to his mate, and the fledgelings afterward twittered from the tattered crown. While the robin's eggs were yet blue, a pair of tomtits built their nest m one oi' the sleeves of the scarecrow's coat; so that alto- gether, to put it mildly, Mr. White was somewhat taken aback.
Bees In a Bad Plight.
Bee-swarming will make exciting times dur- ing this month in man)- homes where Popular Gardening is taken. But it is no less a time of excitement to the bees themselves, for swarming is really the act on their part of leaving the old home to seek and take a new one. The time of the first alighting is always a momentous one, but it is not often that it results .so unfavorably and tragically to the bees, as the following account, taken from Gul- dni Ddi/x, would indicate that it once did;
Not long ago some bees in a hive on a farm near Baltimore swarmed and followed their queen to a
peach orchard near by. The farmer and his sons, armed with tin pans, with which they made a dread- ful din, followed tlie swarm to the orchard. In the midst of the racket tbe bees saw a lioruets' nest in a piece of un(lerl>rusb. and they began to aUght upon the nest. In a jitfy tbe colony of liornets, about two huntlred strong, came out of the den and attacked the invaders. The battle was hot and furious. The air was filled with the " buzz," " buzz," " buzz" of both bees and hornets. Now they seemed as thick in the air as a cloud, and anon the mass would give way before t!ie fierce assatiits of t!ie larg- er insects. The weajjons used were stings, but the honey l>ees were not a match for the hornets. Sev- eral of the latter were slain, but hundreds of the bees were stung to death and fell to the ground all around the orchard. By-and-bv tbe hornets found the queen bee, and as soon as they killed her the other bees Hew back to the hive whence they had come.
PET BIRDS, ANIMALS, ETC.
Lettuce is the best ot all greens for birds.
The best perch is a branch covered with bark.
Parrots will imitate the voi<*e of a child, where they would be slow to follow that of an adult.
Insects. Sulphur in a little bag tied to the inside of the cage, will tend to keep away these.
To gather Ants eggs for birds, remove part of a nest on (o a cloth, lay a branch near liy for shade, and under this you will probably soon find many eggs deposited.
England and America, An English sparrow built her nest and reared her young, this sea- son, in the mouth of the large eagle on the roof of the court- house at Charlotte, Jlichigan.
Where the Joke Came In. 51 a j or Ben: Perley Poore's latest joke was to send a num- ber of senators to a certain cigar store, at Washington, to see a " cherry -colored cat." The animal proved to be the color of a black cherry.
Fuss, the terror of bird keepers, may be trained to have due respect for the cage and its occupant. If caught slyly watching the bird, give her a disgust for this occupation by catching her and with the help of another person to steady the cage, rub her nose, not too tenderly, over the bars of the cage a few times. Repeat if necessary.
Monks as Dog Trainers. A traveler who visited some of the Monasteries of St, Bernard a few years ago found the monks teaching their dogs from the earliest stages of puppyhood to be religious, in act at least. At meal-time the dogs sit in a row, each with a tin dish before him containing his repast. Grace is said by one of the monks, the dogs sit- ting motionless with bowed heads. Not one of them stirs till the " Amen " is spoken. If a frisky puppy attempts to sample his meal before grace is over one of the older dogs growds and gently tugs his ear.
Nests for Canary Birds. These birds by long confinement seem largely to have lost the instinct of nest building, although quite ready to breed. They must, therefore, have help, if not to have the nest made entirely for them. A small, round nest basket, or even a small bos, several inches deep, should be used for the receptacle. In this place some curled hair, and then a layer of cotton batting, or use the latter only, shaping it as near hke a bird's nest as you can. For an inner lining, use can- ton tlaunel, plush side out, fitting it neatly to the form of the uest, and overcasting the upper edge tightly around the top of the basket or box, for it you do not tbe birtl will pull out the stitches.
Effects of Education. Every creature, whether an animal, bird or insect, seems capable of being developed to a remarkable degree by education. We all know how teachable cats, dogs and horses are in these days of improved instruction. Birds are taugbtsomesurprisingthings. There is a canary in Brooklyn, N. Y., that will sing " Yankee Doodle'' and " IJixie " with the greatest precision, having been instructed by a patient unstress. By j^atience fleas have been taught to go through a regimental drill with accuracy, and perform various tricks showing intelligence; pigs to read and spell by means of ali>habetical blocks, and monkeys to play tunes on the violin, that could be recognized. What is needed to meet with success in these matters, is a good stock of judgment, kindness and patience.
I04
POPULAR GARDENING.
June,
Roses,
Roses in the land again ! Roses brigliten all the lane! As we wander to and fro, Other roses sweeter grow. Roses in the hedge, the ground, Roses in your cheeks are found, Roses were in bloom last year When I plucked a rosebud here, For to tell my love I chose Thine own flower— a blushing rose. Roses whispered, she is true, When I plighted troth to you.
— London Society.
Buttercups.
Have the sunbeams, all unknowing. Taken root on earth, and growing. Flowered in yellow Buttercups ?
Bonny Buttercups, beguiling Human sorrow with the smiling; OflFering to each new comer Golden salvers full of summer. All the sunny Maytime I
How they nod. and smile, and glisten.
As they turn their heads to listen
To the whispering of the breezes lingering
above them ; Giving their long-hoarded treasure In such free, unstinted measure.
Who could choose but love them y
— Mai'y Bowles, in Golden Days.
The Queen Is enthroned.
Prune to induce stockiness.
Ever see so early a season ?
Asiatic Lilacs are the finest.
Fuchsias do best in partial shade.
Saving Pansy seed may commence.
Crowding jilants is a common fault.
Decoration Day is May-day in America.
The Century Plant does well planted out.
Flora bestows abundant favors this month.
Everybody loves the Pansy — yes, everybody.
The Mock Orange has been cultivated 300 years.
The Sunflower is grown for fuel in some places.
Box Edging should not be allowed over three inches high.
The long rosy plumes of Tamarisk are now conspicuous.
Dangers of Spring: The leaves shoot forth everywhere.
What a void in our flowers if no Rose had been created.
" Eose ! what dost thou here, bridal royal Rose?" — Mrs. Hciii/inii.
Water the plants at the end of the day, rather than under a hot sun.
For a somewhat shady place the Musk plant is an e.xcelleut basket drooper.
Supports should be given to the young climbers early. Don't forget this.
The Night-blooming Cereus sometimes has over one hundred of its large flowers in one season.
" As for me," whispered the hungry cater- pillar to the tree, "I'm going to turn over a new leaf."
" It has already been worth several times its price to us," writes Mrs. Charles Green, from Madison Co., Alabama, concerning Popular Gardening.
This is a good time to start in on weeding the lawn of Plantains, Dandelions and other
perennials. They will dig easier now than later, when stronger.
There can be no doubt that insect ravages are largelj' due to the unhealthy, unthrifty condition of the great portion of our cultivated plants. — Prof. W. R. Lazenby
In this season of rapid growth our list of subscribers should grow immensely. There is no better way for our readers to help this paper than by raising clubs now.
Early Potatoes. According to the London Practical Confectioner, the potato introduced in England in 1000 was first eaten as a sweet- meat, stewed in sack wine and sugar.
The Wild Plum {Pninus Americana), is almost unequaled as a flowering tree. The blossoms are pure white, large, of good tex- ture, and load the air with their fragrance for some distance.
The spring months, so far, have been very productive in subscribers to this paper. Let there be a constant increase all during the sea- son of active gardening. Now is a capital time for getting up clubs.
Moss on the Surface. Sometimes moss and a kind of green lichen grow on the surface of the soil of the Camellias or other pots. This is harm- ful rather than otherwise and should be dug out, afterwards facing the top with fresh soil.
Moving trees or shrubs in leaf can be done, if must be, as late as this, by stripping off all the leaves before the operation; a new crop appearing later. Trees have been moved a few rods in mid-summer with perfect success.
To plant the new Clematis Coccinea in beds, with roses, shrubs, etc., is recommended by Mr. E. L. Beard, of Cambridge, Mass. He says that when it is allowed to climb over them as it pleases, it forms a very attractive feature on a lawn.
The Red Bose. According to ancient fable, the red color of the Rose may be traced to Venus, whose delicate foot, when she hastened to the relief of her husband, Adonis, was pierced by a thorn that drew blood, which, on the White Rose being shed, made it forever after red.
Personal. At the date of issuing this month's paper, we can happily say that Mr. Long is on the road to recovery from his protracted ill- ness. But his many correspondents may have to exercise patience for some time yet, before he can bestow due attention to all their com- munications.
Vases, hanging baskets and window boxes may have the plants set closely together with- out harm, because air and light have free access to them. But when many plants are thus brought into a small space the soil needs to be decidedly rich, or soon it will become exhausted detrimentally.
The Red Horse-chestnut. Everybody knows the common but attractive flowers of the White Horse-chestnut, but everybody may not know that there is a variety which bears large spikes of rich crimson flowers instead of white, and also one with double blossoms. The crim- son flowering one is the handsomest.
An Art Treasure. We are indebted to Mr, James Vick, Rochester, N, Y., for a Portfolio of Rare and Beautiful Flowers, consisting of six original water-color sketches painted from nature. The subjects are chiefly Orchids. The work is offered at $2 per copy, which is low enough considering its high merit.
Allamandas. If these have long straggling shoots, which show no flower buds, they should have their points nipped out, which will cause a quantity of black eyes to break that in due time will show bloom. When flowering begins, like the Hydrangea they are benefitted by weekly supplies of diluted manure water.
Soil for Evergreens. While the White Pine and Red Cedai' thrive in poor, sandy land, and the Black Spruce and Hemlocks in wettish places, and Nordman's Fir in heavy clay, these
in common with most all Evergreens, thrive better in fairly good, free loam; in fact com- mon garden soil is well suited for most Ever- greens.— Cor. American Garden.
Michigan Agricultural College. The bulletins which we have great satisfaction in receiving from this college from time to time, show that much careful experimental work is being done on the college farm, located at Lansing, Michi- gan. Those which bear upon horticultural ex- periments, as conducted by Professor L. H. Bailey, seem to us to possess merit in a marked degree, relating as they do to matters of prac- tical value to all gardeners. An extract from Bulletin No 13 is given on another page.
Kotes, suggestions, inquiries and answers to inquiries, from our readers are always welcome at this office. So, will not everybody send in some contribution, however brief, to help make this paper even more lively and newsy than it is now. Postal card contributions are always acceptable. Please don't hesitate to write because you may feel you are not a fine writer. Fine writing we don't lay much stress upon, as all our readers know by this time. Plain every day English suits our family well.
Shape Up the Evergreens. The Norway and other Spruces, Firs, Hemlocks and Arbor Vitaes thrive under the free use of the prun- ing knife and shears, and their shapes may often be improved by this means. Now is a good time to prime, while the young growth may be clipped back without fear at any time during the summer. To get a dense, pyra- midal form, starting at the ground, the lower branches should be kept the longest. An Ever- green pruned to have a bare trunk is a poor looking object.
Narcissus. To J. D. E. we would say that as j'our Narcissus did not bloom well, it would be better to lift them and replant in deep soil. If it is light and sandy all the better, if not, some sand may be mixed with it. They will flower better the second and third year than the first, and may remain in the same place four or five years. The best time to lift them is in July, when the leaves are quite dead. They may be transplanted at once, for unlike some other bulbs, they are not improved for be- ing left out of the ground.
Many persons who have gardens are just now waking up to their real needs in the line of gardening information. Such persons, if ap- proached by some member of the Popular Gardening family and asked to subscribe for this paper, would respond at once. Will not every one of our readers see what they can do at this time in extending our circle. We are sure that each member of the family could easily add one new name to our list, in this way. It would be an act very helpful indeed, to our own endeavors in establishing this new periodical on a paying basis.
Achimenes. Our correspondent, W. F. Lake, of Wayne Co., N. Y., writes thus: These bulbous plants created quite a sensation here when I first began growing them. I like them for baskets, planting the small, drooping, scarlet variety around the edge, finishing with the more erect varieties in the center. The bulbs multiply very rapidly, and any one starting with a dozen bulbs will have an over- abundance in a few 3-ears. The Achimene re- quires a season of rest after blooming, as it does, very profusely for a dozen or more weeks. There are but few varieties generally grown.'
Lasiandra macrantha floribunda. This plant is not as widely known and cultivated as it deserves. The name is derived from lasios, wooly, and aner, an anther. It was introduced from Rio Janeiro, in 18:30. The leaves are of singular beauty, being covered with short plush-like hairs. It bears large, deep purple flowers. I have for several years cidtivated this plant, and found it equally adapted for the winter window garden, or bedding out during the summer. Inclined to grow tall, I have
i886.
POPULAR GARDENING.
105
had to frequently cut it back to make it bushy. Easily grown from cuttings, M. D. Welcome. Grass in Walks. A sprinkling of weak brine every time auj' grass appears will easily keep it down. This may be applied with a common watering-pot. When grass comes up in the crevices of flag walks, salt in the grain, may be applied to kill it. If quack grass or thistle roots have protruded under walks or pave- ments, one may as well treat vei'y thoroughly with stroug brine or grain salt on the surface to eradicate them. But, in all such cases, care must be taken not to have these remedies come within a foot of the grass verges, or these will be hurt and turn to an ugly brown, thus making bad matters decidedly worse so far as looks are concerned.
Clematises in Beds. To give an idea of the way the Clematis is appreciated as a beddmg plant, we give an extract from a letter written by one of the lady patrons of Mr. Joseph Kreft, the Clematis grower of West Chester, Pa. She writes: " I just wish j'ou could see my Clematis bed ; it is something worth seeing, and is just setting the people around here wild. You could scarcely imagine anything so gorgeous, scai-cely a leaf showing on the globe frame of wire, and is one perfect ball of purple. In fact, almost all who have seen it have agreed that it stands first among fine em- bellishments, and without exception, gives the most satisfaction for the least trouble." Tritoma. This fine old plant should be seen in every garden. The Tritoma, with good protection of straw and leaves, is able to withstand the rigors of a New York wintei', if not given too damp a situation. It begins to flower in late summer or early autumn, and continues until heavy frosts. The Tritoma is especially adapted for large groups on the lawn, the bright shades of orange and scarlet racemes forming stately objects. The flower stems grow to a height of four or five feet, terminating in curious flame-colored spikes a foot long. If not convenient to give out-door protection iu winter, store the plants in a cellar or pit. So writes Wilbur F. Lake, of Wayne Co., N. Y.
Bouvardia. In answer to several inquiries we ofi'er the following: The cause of the foli- age turning brown is in aU probability due to deficient action and want of sustenance. Bou- varcUas require plentj- of light and air all thi'ough the summer and autumn, and they never at any time like a very confined, moist- ure-laden atmosphere. When they are done blooming they should be pruned back rather hard and be kept dry at the roots until new shoots form. For winter blooming the plants should, from October, be kept where the tem- peratm-e ranges about fifty-five degrees, and where air is admitted on fine days, or they may be kept in an ordinary greenhouse, with the result of giving less but very fine flowers.
Michigan Horticultural Society. To its sec- retary, Mr. Charles W. tiarfleld, Grand Rapids, Mich., we are indebted for the Fif- teenth Annual Report of the society. It is a large volume of more than .501) pages, printed on good paper, illustrated to some extent, and finely bound in cloth. Besides the reports of the regular meetings of the society for 1NS.5, it contains the reports of au.xilliary meetings thi'oughout the State, the society's fimit cata- logue, and devotes nearly one hundred pages to the most valuable facts and experiences brought out at the meeting of the American Fomological Society, held at Grand liapicLs, | Mich., last September. Altogether the work is one of great value, and one in every way ci-editable to the society it reports, and to its efficient secretary.
Boses for Amateurs. A successful amateur residing at Huron, N. Y., otters the following good advice to beginners in Rose growing among our readers : ' ' Select such varieties as have the reputation of being free bloomers,
fine growers, etc. Gen. Jacqueminot, Mad. Chas. Wood, Paul Neyron, Anna de Diesbach, Coquette de Blanches, and Baroness Rothchild are good representations of the Hybrid Per- petual class ; Glory of the Mosses, Countess of Murinais and Perpetual White of the Mosses; and Baltimore Belle, Prairie Queen, and Seven Sisters are the best known of Hardy Climb- ers. While those of laj-ge means, who employ their skilled gardeners, find great pleasure iu watching their magnificent, high-priced novelties, others with less riches can enjoy the less costly varieties with quite as much satis- faction. Let all plant roses more or less, ac-
SOME FINE CINERARIAS.
cording as they can afford and have the room. " Cinerarias. Few, if any pot plants, present a more attractive appearance in late winter and eai'ly spring than do the Cinerarias when at the height of their beauty, bearing as they do immense clusters of bright, handsome flowers, boldly above the bright leaves. They are capi- tal plants for a cool green- house, or with care, in a window, and are rai.sed fi-om seeds sown an- nually at any time from July to September. The seeds are fine and require careful treat- ment in sowing to begin with. As soon as the young seedlings can be handled they should be potted into small pots and given a place near the glass. In a low sash frame that is covered with shaded glass is a good place for them un- til October first. Always shift the plants into larger pots before the roots mat around the ball of earth, as their growth is liable to be checked most unfavorably if they become pot bound. The plants like a rich soil abounding in sand and vegetable fibre.
Ants, To several inquirers we would say, that Ants are very hard to efl^ectually cleai- out of a place, and therefore it is desirable in all attempts to persist in the remedies applied. When found away from the roots and stems of the plants the best remedy is to flood them out, or scald them, with the free use of boiling water. Under less favorable circumstances for killing them, perhaps the best remedy that can be applied is to lay a quantity of fresh meat bones, that are almost clean, about where they are, and they will quickly be covered with them. As soon as this occurs throw the bones into hot water, which will put an end to one batch. Take out the bones immecUately, drain them ofT and lay down to trap another lot. ■ This is a cheap remedy, and if pereisted in is elTectual. It is said that if one part of calo- mel be carefully incorporated with ten of pul-
verized sugar and placed in little heaps near their runs the Ants will eat it and die.
From five to ten million catalogues of seeds and plants are published in this comitry every year. It is a stupendous number, and the fact indicates how prevalent has the interest in gai-dening matters in America become to date. It does seem from this that the .lO.lXlO subscribers Popular Gardening needs sliould easily come along by the end of the present year. We know that they will, if l)ut those who have gardens, fine lawns, greenhouses and so on, can learn how much of a paper it is and its pres- ent low price. This leads us to again suggest to our readers that they can do a work for the paper which no one else can do as well. They can bring it to the attention of those who are strangers to it, but who ought to find great satisfaction in taking the paper. The price of Popular Gardening is kept purposely low to aid its rapid introduction . May we not expect our readers, one and all, to take an active interest in this matter ! Is not the paper deserving of .some such good treatment at their hands !
Periwinkle for Graves. Our correspondent who, frequently, furnishes us notes from L3'ndale, in a late issue spoke of a mound on his grounds covered with Periwinkle or Vinca (wrongly called Myrtle sometimes). His statement reminds us that this plant is admirably adapted for use iu burying grounds, as a covering for graves. We have noticed it thus employed in the Spring Grove Cemetery, Cincinnati, Ohio, and also in the Boston, Mass., cemeteries. Thedai'k- green, glossj' leaves in a mass, have a singu- larly rich appearance, as contrasted with the lawn. Then when the bloom comes, be it either blue or white or both, there is a new charm added. As to color of flowers for the purpose, our choice would be to plant the white-flowering sort mainly, with an ample touch of blue, say at one end. The grave to be planted may be either rounded in the more ordinary form or be perfectlj' flat, the Periwinkle to be limiteil by well defined lines at the sides and ends. In plant- ing, the surface must first be cleared of grass and fitted with good earth, into which the roots should be set at a distance of a few inches apait each way.
Koses. Following is a select list of hai'dy Roses, recommended sometime ago by a Com- mittee of the Massachusetts Horticultural So- ciety as the best for general cultivation. Alfred C'olomb.* Marie Baumaiin,*
Anna de Diesbach, Marquise de Castellane,
Annie Wood,* Maurice Beruardin.
Baron de Bonstetten, Mme. Gabriel Luizet.
Baroness Rothschild, Mme. Hippolyte Jamain.
Charles Lefebvre, Mme. Victor Verdier,
Duke of Edinburgh, Mons Boncenne,
Etienne Levet, Mons. E. Y. Teas,*
Fisher Holmes,* Paul Neyron,
Francois Michelon,* Rev. J. B. II. Camm.*
Gen Jacqueminot,* Thomas Mills,
John Hopper, I^ouis Van Houtte, t
Jules Margottiu, Mile. Marie Rady,t
La Rosiere, *PieiTe Notting,t
Those marked * are also recommended as continuous bloomers. The last three marked + are somewhat tender or uncertain, but the committee added them on account of their ex- cellence in other respects.
Chrysanthemums South. Our esteemed cor- respondent at the South, Mrs. J. S. R. Thom- som, Spartansburg, S. C, has this in answer to one of our previous coriespondents, who fails in growing the Chrysanthemums in ;he South. "It must be that she as a cultivator, and not the plant, is at fault, for with us, this is our most reliable plant. All my life, I have seen them in abundance. Four years ago, one of the severest ch-oughts we ever had (not a drop of rain from May 'J:iil until Septemtjer luth), was a test of their reliability if any could be. I purchased one dozen fine varieties from the North. They were planted in drouth; they suffered and weie parched from the drouth.
io6
POPULAR GARDENING.
June,
At last the rain came, they revived quickly, and later on gave great satisfaction by free and long-continued bloom. The past season, -ndth a large collection o£ over 100 named varieties, I have had the most intense delight, notwith- standing they never arrived from the North to admit of planting out before June :28th. By September they were grand plants, which soon began to flower, and not all the bloom was yet gone on Christmas day. Let me suggest that the planting be done in open air, any time after April 1st, in deep, rich earth ; pinch in regularly to make bushy; stake up in August, and my word for it, no one South will fail to reap a rich hai-vest of enjoyment. "We do not have to protect from frost as a general rule, but if you wish to have flowers in profusion for Christmas, take up as they begin to bud,to retard them, thereby bringing flowering later.
THE HOUSE PLANTS.
Azaleas should go intu the opeu air for the sum- mer, keeping them in a sheltered shady position, as under lath shutters, the lath nailed an inch apart. The pots should stand on brick or slate, to prevent worms getting in.
Begonias. Tuberous varieties that have sprouted can safely he moved into the summer borders, it done with care. Plant in warm, moist, half- shaded situations. Plants ot the other section, for next winter's flowering, may he propagated now, it not yet done. An inverted glass tumbler placed over the cuttings aids in rooting, as it gives a desirable greenhouse-like moisture.
Cacti, after blooming, summer well if plunged in a warm sunny border, here to complete their growth. Calceolarias, and plants of similar requirements, do better tor winter flowering if sown now than if this is piit o£E until the hotter months o£ July and August. The seeds germinate more freely now, and the plants will, besides, have a longer period for growth before flowering begins. It is not the easiest feat in floriculture to raise Calceolarias and the hke from seed, for these are so fine as to bear neither covering or watering from overhead, weU. The plan we employ requires neither of these. We prepare pots of earth, underdraining well vrifb potsherds, and finishing with finely sifted earth that is quite sandy, up to within an inch of the top of the pots. Then we soak the earth completely by setting the pots into water, after which we sow the seeds over the surface. The next move is to cover the pot with strong white paper, such as linen writing paper, tying the edges down over the sides On this paper we pour a little water, the weight of which causes a de- pression in the paper, lowest at the center, and then we keep water constantly in the depres- sion until the plants in the soil beneath are up and have their second leaves. The water at the top supplies aU the needed moist- ure for growth and it does not obstruct the light. After remov- „, T, J J ing the paper, water can be ap-
PhimjingaPotto directly to the soU, but it
keep out worms ^^^^^^^ ^^ ^^^^ ^^.jj,, ^,^^6. aiul keep in the
rootsMtheuxe CaUas. During the summer
ofa.mallempty bed them out in good sod. They
^ J ■^1. will receive a check, losmg most
pot underneath. ^^ ^^^^.^ ^^^^^ ^^^ ^^^^^ ^^i^^
out. but new and stocky ones wifl appear later. Early in September the plants should be lifted and potted, preparatory to their season of bloom.
Chrysanthemums. These, whether in pots or bedded out, should now be making good growth. The final general pinching back should be done before this month is out. They like plenty of food and moisture, and should have sunshine at least four or five hours a day.
Cinerarias, See directions given for Calceolarias.
Fuchsias succeed well as bedding plants in situa- tions sheltered from heavy wmds and bright sun-
shine. Those that have lately bloomed in the house are good for this purpose. They require a light, rich soil. The red spider, its chief enemy, should be kept down by frequent syringing or sprinkling ot the foliage. To plant out by June 1st is early enough.
Hibiscus. Plants that Howered in the house last winter may be set out in the garden for the sum- mer. Strike cuttings now tor next year's bloom.
Oranges and Lemons. Treat as for Azaleas.
Plunging. It will save much labor in watering the house plants during summer to plunge the pots up to their rims in earth, sand or coal ashes. Two things must be guarded against in doing so, viz.: preventing the roots from growing out the drain- age holes, and angle worms from entering the pots through these. This is not as easily done as it might seem, but there is one sure way for doing it, as shown by our engraving It consists of first plac- ing an eiiipfi/ pot, some smaller than the one con- taining the plant, into the plunging material down so far that the latter will be at the right depth, when standing on the former smaller one. Of course with a vacancy beneath the larger pot ( the interior of the smaller one), neither roots or worms can pass through it, while drainage will not be interfered with, but will be improved.
Pomegranate. As this plant's season ot bloom is near at. hand, better encourage strong growth by weak applications of manure and water.
Primroses. See directions given for Calceolarias.
Stake Fuchsias, Cobseas and all other plants now making a rapid growth promptly as needed.
Window and 'Veranda Boxes. These now re- quire nuich water. Knough must be given each time it is needed to soak the mass of earth to its very center Many suffer extremely because this is not done, the attendant judging that there is enough water merely because the surface is wet
LAWN AND FLOWER GARDEN.
Adlumia should be making good growth on sup- ports that have been provided ; not on the ground. Antirrhinums. If no seeds are allowed to form during the summer the plants will bloom the finer, and besides will throw up young vigorous shoots, making thrifty plants by autumn, which wiU safely endure the winter. We must not forget that pro- fuse flowering exhausts the plants.
Annuals. Most kinds may yet be sown. Trans- plant and thin out the early sown ones.
Bignonia Badicans, or Trumpet Vine, may be trained to a weeping shrub form, by stopping first the stem at a proper height, and then the laterals. Bulbs that are done flowering may be lifted as soon as the leaves begin to wither, laying them in clumps in a shady place, with some soil over their lower parts, to ensure perfect ripening. Calceolarias and like plants. See " House Plants." Dahlias and similar plants having hea\y tops, need to be tied up betimes, or sudden storms of wind and rain wUl break the branches, or worse. Gladiolus. See directions above for Dahlias Hedges. Shearing these, whether they be of deciduous or evergreen kinds, just as the present season's growth begins to turn hard, has the effect of cheeking the growth without impairing health- fulness, a thing always desirable. Hollyhocks require thinning when standing close. Lilies when in bloom can scarcely receive too much water. Make a basin around fine specimens and apply liberally for a few times during the flowering time. The same is true of Tritomas.
Mulching over the roots of Dahlias, Chrysanthe- mums, Carnations, Lilies, Fuchsias, Rhododen- drons, etc., early this month to remain for the sum- mer, is a good course. Stir the surface a Uttle be- fore applying the coat. Pansies. For faU flowers seed may now be sown. Pegging down plants is not enough done. By this we refer to bringing some of the vigorous young branches down to the earth, fixing them there by wooden or metal hooks, or by crossing pegs over them. Many kinds will then take root where pegged, and altogether give a great increase of growth and bloom. We recommend this course tor Verbenas, Petunias, Roses, Achyranthes, Alter- nantheras, Lantanas. Clematis, and in fact almost any kind of perennials, tender or hardy. Pinks. Tie to stakes, for the good of the bloom. Boses. For treating insects see article elsewhere. Shrubs. The best time to prune those shrubs which flower in the spring and early summer is as soon as the bloom is past. The flowers from such annually proceed from the wood of the previous year's growth— to prune in the spring is to cut
away just so many flowers prospectively. But by pruning after the bloom there is a season of growth ahead, in which to provide flowering branches for another year, and the form may be as well im- proved by pruning at this time as if the cutting were done at any other time.
"Walks should, above all else, be kept clear of weeds and litter. Keep the edges tidy. Roll after heavy rains. Sprinkling them in hot weather tends to the making of a cool garden.
Watering flower beds may do when, owing to drouth, it is really necessary, but not otherwise. If the plants stand closely it may be necessary, when with more space it would not be. If watering is to be done, do so very freely at the time, not calcu- lating soon to repeat the job. It is a fact that many summer flower beds suffer from over-watering.
Weeds and Weeding. A good gardener suffers httle from weeds; he tUls the soil of the borders and beds so often and so well, that the weeds hardly exist at all. In caring for our borders, aside from using the narrow rake and hoe combined, referred to last month, we find no other tool so useful for stirring the soil around and under plants as the Excelsior Weeding Hook, fiprured below. By stirring the surface of the beds after each showier, taking out the few small weeds that may show up, it can hardly be called work — we look upon it as a pleasure — to care for the beds completely.
PLANT CULTURE UNDER GLASS
Achimenes. The beauty of these may be much prolouged by the help ot liquid manure at times.
Camellias. See article on page 97, this issue.
Climbers that are permanent in the houses re- quire special attention now. Let the growth be moderately free, with thinning, training and stop- ping as needful.
Moving Out. Azaleas, Oranges, and most ten- der shrubs are benefitted by being moved out-doors for the summer into partially shaded places, as under light foliaged trees or temporary arbors made of lath or slats.
Palms, Ficus and other plants suitable for the sub-tropical garden may now be put out, plunging them in earth to the rim. See " Plunging," under *' House Plants."
Where there are areas about the garden that could be well adorned by pot plants, by taking pains to arrange these tastefully in regular lines, circles or other ways, grading the plants according to size, the effect will be improved.
Orchids. See last month's notes. Before the month is out many kinds will have finished their growth and will need a lighter position than during the season ot growth, in which to mature. Such kinds as are still in vigorous growth must have the necessary encouragement, in the way of heat and moisture. Odontoglossums and others requiring cool treatment must not be kept too hot, never above T0° as the highest figure.
Primroses of all kinds, but very particularly the Double White, must be provided with heavy shade overhead from now imtil next October.
Propagation is still in order tor Fuchsias, Gera- niums, Cupheas. Petunias, Heliotrope, Sweet Alys- sum, etc., for winter flowering stock.
Bepairing and Building. Whatever in this Une needs doing should be attended to early, that all may be in shape by time of occupancy next fall. Seed sowing may be begun now for stock ot Cineraria, Calceolaria, Cyclamen, Gloxinia, Brow- alia. Mignonette. Sweet Alyssum, Pansy, etc..
,4 favorite tool for use in the garden. See "Weeds and Weeding," above.
with which to adorn the houses next fall, winter and spring. See " Calceolaria," under "House Plants."
Stove Plants. Summer bloomers should be re- moved to e<xiler quarters while in flower.
Summer Management. By shading the glass aU over with a wash made of naphtha mixed with white lead, to resemble thin milk, or even with Ume water, keeping windows and ventilators open, dashing water about freely in walks and under the stages, the greenhouse may be an attractive and not uncomfortable place all through the sum- mer. Pains shoidd be taken to use specimen plants, hanging baskets, orchids and climbers to the best advantage for tasteful decoration.
i8S6.
POPULAR GARDENING.
107
Winter blooming plants in pots or that are liedded out, such as Carnations, Bouvardias. Helio- trope. Poinsettia, Stevias, Chrysanthemums, etc ,
Early CluMer Cucumber. Lonq Greru Cucumber.
should now, in their early ^owth, be pinched freely, to induce shapely, well-branched forms.
FRUIT GARDEN AND ORCHARD.
Blackberries, stop the young canes at four or five feet high- Keep them tied to stakes.
Currants. Directions for keeping down the Worm were given on page 95. As the new growth appeai-s it is well to remove a portion of the shoots. If there is fruit to be marketed, try the sale of some in a green state, instead of waiting for all to ripen.
Grafts of recent setting will need looking after, that no supertluous young shoots be drawing nour- ishment that should go to the former.
Grape Vines. Newly-set ones should be allowed to grow but one shoot, for the future value of the plant will depend much on this. Over-bearing is a great injury to young plants first coming in; two bimches to each cane should be enough. Remove all shoots of older vines that do not show at least two good Vmnehes. Keep carefully tied to the trel- lis. For mildew apply flowers of sulphur.
Insects. See under this head in May.
Feach Grubs should be sought out at this season. Gum exuding at the root, and excrement, is a sign of their presence. They may easily be dug out with the use of a knife. Heaping coal or other ashes, or even earth, around the trees a foot high will pre- vent further attacks.
Raspberries. Treat as directed for Blackberries.
Slug's on Cherries and Pears are liable to appear this month. They are slimy, dark-colored insects, and work on the upper surface of the leaves. Air- slaked lime, wood ashes, or even dust, strewn over the leaves will kill them Watch for later inroads.
Strawberries. The satisfaction from the crop will be greater for having the plants mulched be- fore they fruit. Straw or hay answers about the best. Cut the runners as they start if the hill sys- tem is i)racticed. Keep absolutely clear of weeds.
Thinning Fruit. We believe the average tree will yield more and better fruit if relieved of half the crop, now in its young state. Thinning not only helps for the present, but for the future as well.
VEGETABLE GARDEN.
Asparagus cutting should cease with this month, allowing the tops to grow, to aid the proper development of the plants.
Beans. June is a good planting month; on the farms the rule is to get the field crop of bush Borts in before the 20th. Limas and all others will now start quickly, and twiners should have their poles promptly. Some kinds may need a Uttle help to take the pole. Do not work them when the dew is on.
Cucumbers. Plants that were started under glass should now go out, and seeds for the main crop be planted- Prepare the hills by mixing a forkful of old rotten manure in each. They may be about four feet apart each way. The Long Green and P^arl}' Cluster varieties shown in the en- graving are favorite ones. The finer the soil the better will be the crop. As fast as the young \ines grow, earth should be drawn up to the stem, to prevent bugs perforating them. When the vines
begin to spread, by nipping out the ends at the third joint they will branch further back, and by the means give an early and larger crop.
Celery planting may now begin, re- peating it for succession two or three times, until .July In preparing for the crop bear in mind several things: Slow gi-iiwtli is ruin to it: moisture and an alnunlancc of rotten dung are its great helps The advantage of trench culture is that moisture at the roots in early growth is better secured : hence it is to be recommended for garden culture. The trench need not be more than four inches deep at the start. Work in plentj' of manure, and set the plants about six inches apart; the rows may be three or four feet apart. Apply water to the trencht s at times, if the season is dry. Corn Plant for late all through this month. Egg Flants will now have the weather they need, (iivea rich spot, setting the plants in rows two feet apart and fifteen inches in the row, and follow up with clean culture
Insects, striped Burjs on Cucumbers and Squashes early begin their work; meet on the j-oung plants by dusting with wood ashes, or with fine fiour of bone, every third day. In bad cases sprinkle the plants first with tobacco water of a color like tea. The Common SquasJt Buff. known at once by its offensive odor when crushed, wUl ap- pear near the end of this month, and needs looking after. By carefully examining the plants while small, the bugs and their eggs may be found and destroyed, thus saving much annoyance later on, if not the crop itself. The Potato Bug, or Colorado Beetle, the great enemj' of the Potato, Egg Plant, etc., must now be dealt with by dusting with Paris Green or London Purple, or else sprinkling with solutions of these. If the Cabbage Worin appears, remove promptly by picking.
Lettuce f oi* succession or for late crops should be sown where it is to grow; transplanting does not work well for this vegetable in hot weather. Melons. Treat as dh-ected for Cucumbers. Feas. Late sown ones, to succeed at all, should go into trenches as directed for Celery, but water- ing will not be needed unless drouth prevails. Feppers. Treat as directed for Egg Plants. Provide brush for Peas, poles for Beans and trellises foi" Tomatoes, where these yet are lacking. Sow such things as Lettuce, TiUTiips, Parsley. Broad Beans, Radishes. Spinach and Endive.
Squashes. The bush sorts may be treated as di- rected for Cucumbers, while others will need more space, say eight feet apart each way. Give plenty of manure and fine culture; these are great helps against insects. The space between the plants can be devoted to Lettuce or other early crops.
Thinning of such sowed crops as Beets, Carrots. Lettuce, Onions. Parsnips, etc. should be attended to. Tomatoes should now be well under way. In garden culture some kind of a trellis, if it be not more than a few sticks laid uji, or a rack made by driving in some stakes slantingly, will give more satisfactory results The fruit ripens better if exposed on all sides to sunshine and light.
S?
FRUIT AND VEGETABLES UNDER GLASS.
Cucumbers in frames require an abundance of water, both over the foliage and at the roots.
Grapery. Early vines that have ripened their fruit must be carefully brought to a resting condi- tion by gradually witliholding water, and exposing the wood to the sun, and to the air by day and night. Crops ripening need an abundance of heat. In the cold grapery while the vines are in fiower, the temperature may be up to 8.5° or iiO° at midday. Water should just now be largely withheld. When the blossoms are fully out, to give the bunches each a gentle shake will aid the distribution of pol- len. When the berries reach the size of peas a liberal thinning out of them will be helpful. One bunch of fruit is enough to leave to each cane, stojjping this at the third leaf beyond the bunch. Tie up the shouts as the weight of fruit increases.
Orchard House Trees now need but little atten- tion, beyond the giving of an ample supply of water, and some liquid manure of moderate strength at limes.
Pineapples require an abundance of moisture in the atnios|>here. to prevent exhaustion during the hot bright weather that now prevails. Close the house early, syringe and water the Hoor freely sev- eral times each day.
This bfina Ihf People^s I\ipcr it is open to ail tluiir In- quirea, beartiiy on Gartlenint/.
On tlie other hand, answerit to pubtished inquires are eiirnfHtty requented from readfrn.
The editors and sp-'ciat contributors are ready to do a larue nhare 0/ the anmccring, but the experience of many being more tfalualtle than of thc/ew, however varied that i», andconditionft and localities being Hodiffertmt. they prefer to receive answers, even several of them to the same oues tion, from readers everywhere. Don't hesitate to uvite because you may feel you are no fine writer; give facts ami ideas and the editors will see that they appear in credi- table shape.
In writing, give the number of the question you are an. stcvrtng; your locality and name, the latter not for publica- tion unless you desire. M'rite only on one side of the paper
Flowers will be gladly named provided first, that no more than three besent at one time. Second, that tficse befully prepaid. Third, that sej-eral specimens of each reach us in good shape. We cannot undertake to name florists' varie- ties,
74.— Geranium. Where can I get a J. G. Blaine (ieraniuni? Will exchange or pay money. Mr.s S. J. ConiuNs, mt. Morri.i, Oyle Co., III.
To.— Cactus. Will some one please tell me how often a (..'actus must Ije watered to do well?
T6.-Foliage Plants. Do Foliage Plants require much water? Rose.
"T.— Carica. Where can I buy the seed or plants of the Melon Tree (Carica papnya)? A. B.
i8.— Clematis. Please give the mode of propa- gating the hybrid Clematis, whether by grafting layering or from seed ; also, the proper time.
7" —Dracaena. We have a Dracsena Terminalis that does not seem to thrive, 'niiat shall we do with it to make it growy M C. G.
SI.— Bermuda Lily. .Should the Bermuda Lily ( Htirrisiit be put in the ground in the spring, after blooming in the house, or dried off and be planted in the fall:- I want it to grow in the ground next yeary E. M. M.
82.— Hydrangea. Is Hydrangea Hortense grown from seedy F French, Syracu.'ie, N. Y.
83.— Hyacinth. Will a Hyacinth which has just gone out of Ijloom blossom again this yeary How shall I care for it until its next blooming timey
84.— Forcing Plants. Will someone please ex- plain about foicing plantsy JIillie Pi'kple.
85.— Wind-break. What kind of tree would be the best for a wind-break, one that grows fast and thick, and will stand the severest weather? Is the .\ustrian Pine the best y
81).— Hedges. Is Arbor Vitaj the best for a hedge, and which variety* I want something that grows quickly, is easily kept, and that nothmg can get through. How are Blueberries cultivatedy What kind of soil and manure is besty How deep are they plantedy E. Shelley, Quincy, III.
REPLIES TO INQUIRIES.
i».-Sweet Violets. Plant out young plants last of May, on north side of a building, in a rich bed, using some leaf mold or muck Grow until Au- gust : then take off the runners, lift and pot before frost and keep in a cool place, 40° to 5(1°.
0.).- -Richardia is a summer bloomer or — English Ivy. Cut back and repot, or plant out of doors until fail. James Frost.
08— Ants are injurious to plants. To get i-id of them take fresh lime, slack it in water enougli to make a got>d whitewash, and let it stand until set- tled, so tbat the water is clejir. Water the plants with the clear liquid and the ants will leave.
Hi.- Foliage Plants. Some, such as Caladiums, Canuas, and the like, require a great deal of water. Otheis, like Coleus and Amaranthus, etc , onl\- an ordinary amount.
"— Carica. Martin Benson, Swamvick, III, can perhaps supply the seed, or else tell who can
78.- Clematis. Layering is the method usually employed in propagating, though grafting may also be used. In this section ,Iuly is the proper tune for layering.
S-' —Hydrangea. Propagate by cuttings. E E. S.
The Convention. .\s announced in our last month's issue the Eleventh Annual Convention of the American As- sociation of Xm-serymcn. Florists. Seedsmen and kindred interests, will be held in Washington, D C, June lti-2() next. It promises to be a meeting of more than usual interest— held a,s it will be at the National Capitiil. where so much is to be seen and learned of practical horticulture. Fares reduced to a rate of one and one-third, for the round trip, are being offered by all leading railroads. A refhiction is also being secured in hotel rates There should be a large attendance. For full particulars, address D. Wilmot Scott, Galena, 111.
io8
POPULAR GARDENING.
June,
"^e Household
Canning Fruit.
In canning fruit, that- should be chosen which is fresh and well ripened. This is of special importance with Strawberries, which at best, are more difticult to keep than most others ; they should also always have the best cans. It should be added, that the color of this fruit may be retained by using plenty of boiling syrup to begin the stewing.
Acid fi-uits of all kinds, aside from considera- tions of taste, should be well sweetened to im- prove the keeping. With others this is also desirable, but of less importance. Sweet Cher- ries keep well with but little sugar. Sour Cherries are improved in canning by heating slowly, and then draining the first strong juice from them and adding water and sugar instead, in which to can the fruit.
In the operation of filling, set the cans on a folded towel, wet with cold water, and none will ever break as the hot fruit is poured in.
An abundance of .iuice is always important, even if increased by the addition of sugar and water syrup. There must be enough in every can to cover the fruit, and allow besides for the set- tling. As every can is filled, work a spoon- handle several times through the fniit to cause the air bubbles to rise, after which more fruit may usually be added. Fasten the cover tight, testing the work by inverting the can. Then, after standing an hour they will bear tightening once more. After the work is done, store the cans in a dark place.
Some kinds of fruit are, for variety, very fine for being mixed, as sweet with sour Chen-ies; Red Raspberries with Red Currants ; Quinces with Pears or sweet Apples. The flavor of Peaches and most stone fruits is improved by adding the meats of a few stones, or even by leaving them wholly or in part unstoned.
Grapes are about the easiest of all fruits to can, and may sometimes be put in cans not trusted for other kinds.
As regards the utensils for canning, a granite- ware or porcelain lined kettle should be chosen as being the best; those of tin or brass answer well, but with this caution: that the fruit never be allowed to cool in them.
Glass jars seem preferable to all others; but let it be seen to, that the glass tops are free from anything like nicks or cracks.
Many fail in canning, through so small a matter as the rubber rings, which are used on all cans in these days. Let us say that all such are useless after losing their clasticit}'. Should any that are otherwise good prove to be too thin, use more than one. These rings are in- expensive, so no risks should be taken in this.
Brieflets.
How to live cheap: Visit.
Have the screens iu place before fly time.
Chlorine Water, it is said, will remove scorching marks.
Flannel or bunting, but not black, for camping- out suits.
Warranted to remove grease spots from clothes —cut them out.
Oranges may be served nicely at table, by cutting into eighths, and not peeling
Instead of blacking the cook stove so often, try rubbing with paper; it will save your hands as well.
Poached or Dropped Eggs. Salt the water in which they are cooked It must not boil after the eggs are in
Flat Irons that have been over-heated sometimes stick ; to prevent which iron over a slightly waxed paper a few tiuses.
Does a glass stopper fail to loosen? Then expand the bottle's neck by burning a match under it, when it will soon start with ease.
Stove Pipes. Rust in sunmier is the great enemy of these. Now, before taking down your coal stove make a wood fire in it, to fill all the pipes with wood smoke. You will find that this will aid in their preservation by preventing rust.
Pineapples. No fruit is more delicious when canned. In getting aroimd a supply don't wait un- til they are scarce and dear. Sometimes one can buy a lot cheap, which a dealer finds will not keep tor the next day's sales. Should such contain a few specks, indicating decay, by carefully cutting them out to the core, the rest will not be affected. The hard, tough core is useless.
Fcru colored curtains can be washed without fading by doing so in bran water. For each large curtain use two quarts of bran, boiUng it half an hour in water to cover, afterwards straining through a coai-se towel. To use. enough water can be added to give it a slightly starchy feeling. By washing in this about three times, they will also be properly stiffened. It always surprises us to see how readily the dirt comes out without the aid of soap. To dri", stretch and pin carefully upon sheets that have been fastened to the carpet.
Carpets. Who of our readers, but have to move sometimes, calling for the refitting of carpets. If the carpets are made rug-fashioned to fit almost any room by the addition of a material called fill- ing, a gain will be made at moving time. Filling may also extend f.ar enough from the edge of the room to be fitted around mantles, registers, etc., which, in the old style of fitting, spoil cancels so badly. Regular border material may of course be u ed in the same way; we would advise buying an extra yard or two for piecing out with.
poMltry.
The Future of the Poultry Business.
BY H. S. BABCOCK, PROVIDENCE, R. I.
The interest in poultry has been years grow- ing to its present dimensions. Its growth has been a healthy one, resting upon a solid basis. Eggs and flesh are demanded and will continue to be in demand so long as human appetites need to be satisfied.
As great as is our present production, it is less than the present demand. For years we have been importing eggs in ever increasing (juantities, and while we have been increasing our production the demand has constantly out- run the supply.
We imported in 1876, 4,903,771 dozens, valued at $ f)ao,393 1880, 7,773,492 " " " 901,933
1885, 16,098,450 " " " 3,476,072
And this is the way that the poor, over- worked American hen has to compete with the pauper hens of other lands where the glorious doctrine of protection has never been preached !
It is to be noticed that in the last ten j'ears our importations of eggs have increased from 4.903,771 dozens to 16,098,450 dozens, and their value from $630,393 to A3,476,('73, or in round numbers, our egg imports have nearly quad- rupled. Our population has increased in five years, in round numbers, from 49,000,000 to 55,000,000, or about 12 1-4 per cent. The in- crease for ten years at the same rate would be about 24 1-2 per cent.
While our population has increased about 34 1-3 per cent, our importation of eggs have increased nearly 400 per cent. But, as we have already said, our production has greatly in- creased within the same period, so that the consumption must have increased more than twenty-five times as fast as the population. Should this state of things continue, we should never be able to supply our own markets, and high prices would continue indefinitely.
We scarcely expect this to be the result. A steady' and growing demand will tend to largely increase the supply. At last, as has been the case in all other branches of business, the cost of production will regulate the price of the products.
CONDENSED POULTRY NOTES. Oats aif excelleDt for egg production. For rapid growth feed the chicks often . Fowls are better off if kept in on rainy days. Late hatching for ducks will hardly answer. Throw fresh sods to confined hens sometimes.
If ©g'&S seem to nm scarce, perhaps a thief is the cause.
Have you whitewashed the poultry house? It's getting late, hut not too late.
If hens in confined places cannot have the best of care, then better not keep any.
Above all else, see that chickens have a good place to roost and in which to lay, the year around. Such a place needs to be wind-proof, water-proof and well ventilated.
One of our poultry -growing friends is enthusias- tic over his cross between Black Spanish and Brah- mas for lajing purposes. He brags on them, and perhaps justly enough.
The color of eggs for sale iu the markets of the coiuitrj-, being darker now than twenty years ago, simply proves that the Asiatic blood has been largely introduced throughout the countr>', leaving its mark on the color of the eggs.
Chicken-coops frequently prove to be a nuisance. A yard of some size, which confines the hen and lets the chickens run. is much better — enough so. in fact, as to make it an object to substitute for coops. Coops are too often filthy and unhealthy.
Profitable Poultry. If your desire to know whether jour poultry is profitable, keep an account of the expense and income, the latter of course to include all the products consumed at home, a big item usually. By such a course a good many peo- ple would be surprised at the results— some pleas- antly, some otherwise : but a good deal would be learned by this means.
Aim to Prevent Disease. Fowls may be kept free from all diseases bj' attending well to their common needs. They should above all things have clean aparrments, and such as will thoroughly shelter them from wet and wind. The food should embrace grain, green stuff, and meat or scraps from the table, and be fed in only such quantity as will be eaten up clean each time. Clean water, and no other, should always be within their reach.
Movable Poultry Quarters, ^'ith the use of such some poultry can be kept in confinement in small groimds to as good ailvantage almost as when they have a free run on a farm. For a dozen hens, make a structure ten feet long and sbc feet wide. Four feet of one end should be boarded up, roofed and fitted with floor, feeding and other conveniences ; the remainder should be onlj' two feet high, and made of lath or nai-row boards, for a yard, but without a floor This structure may be easily carried by two men, or it might be fitted to move on rollers. It should be located on a grassy patch, and moved its length every day or two.
Fowls Eating Their Feathers. These fowls are suffering from a tlepraved appetite, which is usu- ally brought on by the bird's digestive organs being upset. A general change of food, with such vege- tables as can be found— swedes or mangels, for instance— would be beneficial. I should imagine the grit is not of the right kind. Give some broken oyster shells, old crocks and broken bones, while if the birds could have a fresh run it woidd be a very good thing. Such fowls as eat feathers should be separated from the rest, or what is better, killed off. for they are not often cured. The water should be wholesome, and a rusty nail might occasionally be kept in it I liave never had a feather eater in my farm yards, but they are not uncommon when enclosed within limited space. No man knows the variety of food a fowl takes when at liberty. They love to frequent a newly- mown field, as they find an old pasture does not supply all their wants. It is a good plan to kill or sell all birds after their second season. J. W. R.
Keeping Eggs from " Cheap to Dear." The
writer has practiced it successfully for years. I use the racks of the Batcheldor egg cases, each rack holding six dozen; these I fill in summer or early faU, placing them iu a cellar, cool and quite dark. A spare rack is kept and once each week all eggs are turned by placing the spare rack over a full one, and carefully turning the lower rack on top, as one does with incubator trays. All are soon turned over. The one strong jioint is to take abso- lute new fresh eggs; then they will keep for four, six or eight months <>ne of the heaviest egg deal- ers in our state, when told of the above method, said: '" You have my method almost: for years my "wife has sewed a strong lr)op on each end of fifteen or twenty of my small salt sacks, and we put a couple dozen fresh eggs in each oue early in the fall, close up the opening, hang the bag on hooks in my cellar at home, and by turning the sacks once a week, hanging them up bj- loop on tlie other end, we have all the fresh eggs needed for use till spring." —Cor. Farm, Field and stocktnan.
POPULAR GARDENING
FOR TOWN AND COUNTRY.
"ACCUSE NOT NATURE, SHE HATH DONE HER PART; DO THOU BUT THINE."— JiivroK.
Vol. 1.
JTJI.-Y-, 1886.
No. lO.
A Summer Picture.
A cloudless sky, and a stretch of meadow
Dotted with dais}- aud clover blooms; A farm-house old, in the white trees nestled.
And hum of bees in the lilac plumes: Tassels of alder so slenderly swaying,
And flower-bells swinging in every breeze: A song of bird from the woodland shadow,
And carol of joy in the budding trees: A lake's dark calm in the distance Ij'ing,
With cliff's gray turrets reflected deep, And flag-fringed shores where the trees are bending
O'er stilly shades where the lilies sleep.
— Youths Companion.
Lifting Plants in July.
For varioii.s purposes there is a gain to be found in lifting pot plants in Jul}' instead of September. Take for e.Kample such free growing kinds as Geraniums, Coleus, Helio- trope, Abutilons, Salvias and the like, that may be wanted for fall decoration or for fall flower shows, and they can be gotten up in much better shape for the purpose if potted now than if done two or three mouths later. Indeed, we are disposed to think that if all plants designed for fall and winter use in the house, were lifted earlier tliau the customary time of September, gains would be made.
The reason for these advantages in earl}' lifting are obvious. Plants set into the flower beds in May will have become well estab- lished and be pushing vigorously root and top by July. But at this date the roots, ac- tive as thej' are, will not have spread so far but that by lifting the plants carefull}-, nearly every one of the former may be re- tained. As root growth, especially in early stages is generally in advance of top growth, we may therefore have, by lifting now, the favorable condition of roots in (juantity to correspond fully with the top.
With later liftings it is different. From now on, the roots of most plants extend to such lengths, that it is impossible to retain them all if lifting be deferred several months. But the top will all be there, giving us the condition in September lifted plants of more top than roots. Plants under such circum- stances, even with pruning, cannot possibly recuperate to as good advantage, as where root and top are in good balance.
To those, especially of our readers, who may have the opportunity of hel|iing to get up autumn flower shows, we would say, be- gin the lifting soon. Bj' putting the plants now into six or seven inch pots, using rich soil and giving them all the water needed, you may easily outdistance, in beauty of exhibits, those growers who for the same purpose defer the lifting of stock until September.
be grown, the distribution becomes ■wider. The Gloxinias can be flowered as easily as a Geranium, only requiring a little knowl- edge of its likes and dislikes. A good col- lection may be secured from one package of seeds; in purchasing, get the finest strain.
By starting Gloxinias tubers at intervals, a succession of these splendid flowers may be had nearly the whole year. In potting, do not entirely cover the bulb, as its shoots are unable to push up through the soil like a Calla, and the soil should be put in loosely, settling after the bulb is planted, by giving the pot a sudden jar. After potting, water thorough!}', place in a warm, rather shaded .situation, and they will need no more atten- tion, excepting a moderate supply of water, till new growth is noticed, when the sup- pi}' of water should be gradually increased. In mixing up some soil, add a small quan- tity of decomposed cow manure from the " sod heap " when potting or re-potting. By the way, if that " sod heap " has not b^en made, let it be attended to right away, and this is as good a mixture as can lie had for a general collection of plants: Two parts sandy sods, laid grassy sides together, and one part cow or horse manure, or better still, rotted refuse hops from the breweries. This should lie repeatedly turned, until it be- comes friable.
When Gloxinias are through blooming, many recommend drying them off. I do not favor this. Of course the supply of water must be diminished, or the tubers will decay, but it is not necessary to stop watering altogether — indeed, I think the plants are improved by keeping the soil moist enough for them to start again, which they will do .soon.
But few named varieties of Gloxinias are offered in this country, and I find some of the imported named kinds I have grown quite inferior to my tmnamed seedlings. I have one extra strong plant (in bud now) given me by a friend, which showed twenty- four flowers in perfection at one time last season, which, alone, rivalled all of my im- ported named varieties in both foliage and richness of Iiloom.
Gloxinias require a larger pot than most plants as dwarf as they.
Wilbur F. Lake.
About Gloxinias.
Early started bulljs of this elegant plant shoidd be in bloom during the present month. Formerly it was quite rare to flnd the Gloxinia outside of a green-hou,se, but as people begin to learn how easily a plant can
Who Will Join the Audubon Society?
The bir(is of America should find their warmest friends among the gardeners of America. The killing of birds means the increase of insects that spoil aud consume our crops. The small toll they take from the crops is a very light compensation, on the whole, for the good done.
Con.siderjng the heartless slaughter of millions of useful birds in the past, at the demand of dame fashion and by sportsmen, and even by the boys, it is time that those who are their friends should stand by them.
It is said on good authority, that in one month last year, one million Rails and Boli- olinks were destroyed about Philadelphia for the millinery market. We are indeed glad to see that an awakening is taking place as to the worth and rights of birds, both in this country and in England, and which promi.ses to breakup the ruthless killing of them that has so long gone on unchecked.
The Audubon Society, referred to in our heading, is an association recently founded in New York City, for the protection of birds. It desires the co-operation of all lov- ers of the feathered songsters, and asks such to become members of the association. This may be done by any person without cost, who will write out and sign the following pledges, mailing them to The Audubon So- ciety, No. 40 Park Row, New York. When the pledges are received, a certificate of membership in it is returned to the sender.
Plt'dije 1. I pledge myself not to kill, wound or capture any wild bird not used for food, as long as I remain a member of the Audubon Society; and I promise to discom'age and pre- vent the killing, wounding or capture of birds by others.
Plcdye 2. I pledge myself not to rob, destroy or in any way disturb or injure the nest or eggs of any wild bird so long as I remain a member of the Audubon Society; and I prom- ise to discourage and prevent, so far as I can, such injury by others.
Ph'dgi' 3. I pledge myself not to make use of the feathers of an}' wild bird as ornaments of dress or household furniture, and by every means in my power to discourage the use of feathers for decorative purposes.
Is there in our family of readers one per- son who will not gladly sign these pledges, and be enrolled among the members of the Audubon Society ? We are free to say that inasmuch as the women of our land — too often in thoughtlessness — have been ar- raigned among the bird destroyers, so now the women of our land should be among the first to work out an effective, time-en- during remedy for an obvious evil. We are sure that they will quickly respond. Every mother should take it ujion her to inspire her children with due regard for the rights of these feathered friends of num. When a proper public seutiment is created with re- gard to the value of these for their living beauty, utility and song, then may they re- joice that they had a hand in the gracious work. In that day every true woman would be ashamed to wear feathered adornments purchased at the cost of blood. And in that day the lament that destructive insects are " worse than in former years," will less rarely be heard by cultivators of flowers, fruit and vegetables.
Summer Pruning of Grape Vines. BY E. WII.LIA.MS.
Do I believe in it? I do most assuredly, and practice it, too. Its object and advant-
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ages are in directing the growth of the wood where it will serve the very best purpose for the production of fruit.
As the vines awaken from their winter sleep in the spring, and the buds begin to
Fig. 1.
A Ni])ple Cactus — Mamillaria meiacantha.
swell, it will be observed that two buds often appear from what seemed but one in dormant state. The first, simplest and most impor- tant operation in summer pruning is to rub off one of these and all superfluous ones wherever and whenever they appear. A sim- lile touch of the finger will do it. The weak- est and generally the lowest one has to go.
If the buds from any cause start feebly, the sooner this is done the better for those that remain. In cases where they start strong and vigorously, however, it is well to defer their removal until the embryo clusters have appeared. If these shoots have grown a foot or a foot and a half, no matter. The check to the vine willbe the greater and their removal none the less demanded. The re- maining shoots are pinched off at one or two leaves beyond the last cluster of fruit, and the laterals are stopped, in the same waj' as recommended for the .young vine, to one leaf.
Those bearing canes and laterals, after re- covering from the check thus given, will soon make a fresh start in wood-making, and the pinching process is to be repeated as
Fig. 4. A Torch Cactus— Eehinocereiis viridifiorus.
before, leaving an additional leaf each time. The effect of this treatment is to retard the sap and retain it where it is needed for the full development of buds, leaves and fruit. The leaves remaining increase in size much beyond their normal proportions, and a
strong, vigorous leaf of this kind is most capable of resisting the attack of mildew. The larger the leaf area next to the fruit the larger and finer the fruit will be.
This pinching process also results in full.
The Brush Cactiis-
Mamillaria
plump and well-developed buds on the canes to be left for the ne.\t year's fruiting. Vines which are allowed to grow at random and take care of themselves seldom fruit, purely from lack of development. The sap, being allowed to pursue its natural course unmo- lested, has no time to stop and pay proper attention to these buds. The short-spur sys- tem depends absolutely for success on this summer pruning.
I know of a very successful amateur who has vines ten years old treated on this system some of the spurs on which are not over li inches long, so short in some cases that the base bud seems to start almost out of the old wood, and yet this bud will give as good fruit and as large clusters as any, and does so year after year. It is simply due to this full development resulting from summer pruning. — Extract from a paper read before the American Horticultural Society.
Something about Cactuses.
The Cactuses at last seem to be in the way of receiving the attention due them from Americans. We say Americans, because it is a fact, and not greatly to our credit, that these plants, which are strictly American as to nativity, have all along been more prized by Europeans than by ourselves. The pres- ent growing interest in them here at home is therefore altogether timely. It must be added that to Mr. A. Blanc, of Philadeliihia, largely belongs the credit for the recent im- petus given to Cactus culture in this country.
One of the chief reasons why the culture of Cactuses should be much made of is be- cause of their intrinsic merits. Thej' are the ideal plant for that large class of amateurs who desire some attractive house plants, but who do not feel well versed in plant culture. A person decidedly ignorant as to the care of plants might start in with fifty different sorts, including a Cactus, and the chances would be that if, after one or two years of poor treatment, three plants of the collection remained, one of these, and that the thriftiest, would be the Cactus.
But while it is certainly a good point in favor of any plant, that it can stand much ill-usage, the Cacti can lay claim to a number of other excellent qualities besides. They respond quickly to good culture, — and good culture in their case is of a very simple kind. For grotesque beauty
and charming flowers the famil}' is a nota- ble one, and the best types among them may be easily grown under the most ordinary cir- cumstances of window gardening. No plants are more free from insects of all kinds than
Fig. 3.
The Whip-cord Cactus — Cereus Jiayellifonnis.
the members of this family, a point that can- not fail of being well appreciated.
In the limits of a single article it would be impossible to go deeply into the matter of kinds and varieties of these plants. As to their extent, it is only necessary to state that in a catalogue of Cacti recently published by Mr. Blanc, of Philadelphia, 400 distinct sorts are offered for sale. We do not know of a more extensive catalogue of the.se plants issued by any grower in the world than this one. To this same gentleman we are in- debted for the use of the handsome cuts of different Cactuses given herewith.
Of the near upon a dozen genera of Cacti in cultivation, those of the Mamillarias (see fig. 1 and 2) are among the most desira- ble. Search the vegetable kingdom through and it would be hard to find more beautiful examples of symmetry than is shown in the arrangements of the protuberances or " nip- ples," as well as spines of many of these. But aside from this the flowers, produced in neat rosettes, are very handsome, and being freely brought forth add another marked charm.
The Cereus, represented in the engravings by figures 3 and 5, and a sub-genus called Echino-cereus, by figure 4, is perhaps the most important of all the genera, to cultiva- tors. Certain it is that its pleasing generic name, Cereus, is more widely familiar to the ears of people than that of any other botani- cal name among Cactuses, owing to the fame of that noble representative, the Grand Flowered Night-blooming Cereus.
This remarkable plant, it is a pleasure to say, is now getting comparatively common, but not yet as much so as it should be. It is one of the easiest of ('actuses to grow. We have known them to produce from three to forty of their magnificent flowers per plant, one year after the other in succession, for many years. The appearance of the flower could not be better shown in the black and white of an engraving than has been done in the figure on next page. As to color the interior is of the most delicate creamy white, and this is beautifully offset bj' a red- dish brown on the outside. Flowers from nine to twelve inches across are not rare. They emit a sweet delicate odor when open.
If there is one objection to be found to this plant for window culture it is its free growth, although large size can be prevented by making new propagations every few years. The same objection could not be raised to
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the other pretty Ccreus in Fig. 3, nnniely: the Whip-cord or Rat's-tail Cactus. This is an exquisite {grower, its .slender branches often extending downward from four to six feet, if allowed to drop, as it always shotdd be. We have .seen it trained to trcllise, but it deserves better treatment. The flowers are bright rosy-colored and open in the daytime. Figure 4 is a fine engraving of Echino- cereus viridiflorus. Yet it can after all but give an idea of the shape of the plant, leav- ing out the beautiful appearance of the spines. These when they first come out are purple and white of remarkable brightness and beaiity, looking very much indeed like flowers. The real flowers. which are also shown in the engraving, come out during the months of May and Jime.
Mr.S.H.French,of Mont- gomery Co., N. Y. , sends some notes to this paper concerning the article on "Rose Culture in America" that appeai-ed last month. He is of the opinion, and with which we quite agree, that the best service that Rose groweis could give to Rose culture would be to publish Usts of the hardiest varieties in each class. By doing this they would "fill a long-felt want." We are aware that a few nurserymen are now doing this very thing ; there is room for an ex- tension of the plan. That such aid could well be supplemented by amateurs giving the names of the sorts they have been most successful with, he also calls atten- tion to, in these words, and adding a list of kinds: " But the combined ex- perience of many individ- uals will fxirnish the same information, and to that end I append the names of a few kinds of monthly- blooming Roses that have with me siu-vived at least two winters and are now in good condition. I hope some of your other sub- scribers will add to the Ust : Duchess de Brabant, Mal- maison, Reine Mai"ia Henrietta, Washington, Hermosa, Queen of Bedders, Madam Joseph Schwart."
success seemingly, in a yard partly shtided with buildings on the south side and with trees.
* * * The longer I cultivate the soil, the more am I convinced that much labor is often needlessly spent in summer watering. The use of the hoe should oftener take the place of the hose and watering-pot, and when done it will save work. There is this to be said against the free water- ing of bedded plants ; they make roots near the surface, and suffer sooner from dryness. The hoe well used, serves to drive roots to a depth where they will rarely suffer. * » «
Is there another flower either cultivated or wild that just now can excel in loveliness
FIG. 6.
A TWO YEAR OLD PLANT OF THE GRAND FLOV^ERED NIGHT-BLOOMING CEREUS- Ct'reufi grantlifionia.
Notes from Lyndale.
BY A. H. E.
It is frequently stated that the Tree, or Standard Roses as they are called in Europe, do not succeed in our country. That they do not do as well here ordinarily as in the Old World is true, owing to the greater heat and dryness of our summers, but that they cannot be made to thrive is an error. A group here, standing in a place well sheltered from the wind, is now showy with buds and flowers. The trees were set out a year ago last April. All the time since their trunks have been kept protected from sun and wind by a single thick- ness of coarse canvas, wound around them. They will be kept thus protected until a good top of foliage has developed when the cover can be dispensed with. I recall another in- stance elsewhere of these Roses gi'owing with
the White Water Lily, Nympha'a oiforato (■' Patches of these near the east shore of the lake show many charming floral cups daily, and afford great delight to the children who ven- ture out for them. On our table, too, no flower of the year is more admired. If only this com- mon native was not so common; if the tubers had to be brought from India or Africa and woidd cost five dollars apiece, how we would prize them and rejoice if we would succeed in raising some of the flowers.
That the Water Nymphe may lie grown, and quite easily too, by those who have no water naturally suited to them, was shown to me again the other day. A neighbor whose suc- cess at gardening in a small front and side lot I often stop to admire from the street, asked me in to see her "Water Lily lake." Sure enough some tubers that I had given toWilliam, the husband of the gardener, more than a year ago, and which had been planted in some creek mud in a sunken half-cask, were showing one
beautiful full-blown flower, and a bud above the water. The flower was perhaps not quite as large as are many of ours from the lake, but it was no less delicately moulded or finely colored. But their proiluition was a triumph which the owners enjoyed as much as they could have enjoyed a hundred flowers grown in a natural lake or creek.
The flowering of the Lindens, of which Lyn- dale boasts of some grand specimens, is an event I always look ahead for, and when it comes I never tire of drinking in the delicate beauty and sweetness of the flowers. What a paradise the trees now afford to the bees! Theii- i-apid- ly increasing stores of the most beautiful honey at this season also contributes one reason why I welcome the Lin- den blooms evei'y yeai*. To me the fragrance of the blooms, so pure and delicate, is without equal among flowers, while their quiet beauty is very pleasing to turn to from the many flashing colors that now abound in our gardens and lawns. ^ * ^
A lull appears in the floral brilliancy of the shrubljery border dur- ing July. For weeks there have been clouds of bright Deutzias, Mock Oranges, Bush Honeysuckles, Weigelias, Rhododendrons, and further back, Japan Quince, early Spireas, C4olden Bell, and others; but now the lieauty has changed to quiet forms. The double Deutzias, still show some flowers, while the summer Spireas, such as Callosa, Billard's and Exima also show free bloom.
Four years' experience with a border set out chiefly to trees, shrubs and plants with showy and striking foliage con- vinces me that there is no need of relying sole- ly, or even to any con- siderable extent, on the tender Palms and other tropical plants for pro- ducing picturesque effects In the attempt here made in
in our gardens, this direction the results have been even bet- ter than was anticipated.
A rich border was given up to the free-grow- ing and feathery-leaved Ailanthus glaudulosa, the large-leaved Japanese Aralia, the cut- leaved Sumach, the handsome Besson's Locust, all of which have finely-divided foliage. Then, by way of affording a wide contrsist in the leaves, there were introduced two large-leaved Umbrella Trees, Maiinnlia frijx'icin, one Pa.n- lownia Imperialis, several lai-ge-leaved Hydran- geas and the Golden Catalpa. All of these have large, entire leaves.
One end of the arrangement tapers down to clumps of grasses and herbaceous plants of striking appearance, inclutUng .such things as Reeds, both of the variegated and the green- leaved sorts ; Riblxjn Grass, Heart-leaved Boc- conia. Plantain Lilies, Zebra Eulalia, Iris, Spireea Aruncus, L3Tne Grass, Delphiniums, Yuccas, and some others.
Then there are added some Ricinus, Prince's Flume and other Amaranthuses, from seed,
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Cannas, Caladiums, Richardias and Gladiolus from among smnmer bulbs, all of which to- gether make such a lot of plant and leaf forms as serves to create a very striking display all through the growing season.
* * The fa<-t that the plants and shrubs referred to are all hardy and easily raised, renders it an easy matter for any one who has a garden, to get up beds of these picturesque plants. I speak of the Ailanthus, Paulownia and other trees as shrubs, for they must be treated as such, to be of use in an ai-raugement like this. Each spring they need to be cut way back, nearly to the ground. There will then come forth, if the growth be free,numerous strong shoots bearing massive leaves, perfect in beauty and grandeur.
An Orchid for Window Culture— Cat- tleya Mossiae.
BY WILBUR F, LAKE, WAYNE COUNTY, N. Y.
This is the very best Orchid I have ever grown outside of a gi-een-house. Very often you heal- ladies wishing they could have Orchids that would flourish in their bay-windows, and to all such' I recommend Cattleya Mossiae. Placed in a basket made of Locust or Red Cedar, and hung from the ceiling, it may be gi-own finely.
In stai-ting Epiphytal Orchids — Cattleya Mossiie is one — it should be observed to raise them well above the level of the basket, so no water can settle around the neck. Peaty tm-f , Sphagnum, broken pots and kmips of charcoal is a good mixture for filling the baskets. Fresh, green Sphagnum placed over the whole after potting, adds a fresh appearance to the plant.
As to temperature, if it be 60° to 80° in sum- mer, and 55° to 65° or 70° in winter, it will be about right for South American species. A variation of a few degrees either way will do no injury if the right moisture is maintained.
Cattleya Mossise is a fall bloomer, and should be rested soon after blooming, by gradually decreasing the supply of water and lowering the temperature where they are grown.
Insect Enemies.
Much attention is paid in some European countries, to educating the masses to an ac- quaintance with insects both injurious and useful, with a view to the extermination of the former. As one means to this end, exhibitions of insects are made at the agricultural fairs and similar shows, being stimulated by pre- miimis. Here is a pi-acticable and valuable hint for adoption in this country. Many a moth or butterfly that is now admired and allowed to escape,would be destroyed, if its true nature, as the parent of numerous destructive worms or catei-pillars, were known. Such shows would excite interest, and be the means of dissemi- nating a great amount of needed information.
Look Out for the Wild Sprouts.
In cases without end, people set out trees or shi-ubs of real excellence, and in a few years have for the things planted only some wild, weedy growths instead. Among our readers, no doubt, there are many who on reading this statement will say : "That corresponds precisely with some of my past experience." The thing we refer to is found in those common cases of trees or shrubs, which as they come from the nursery consist of a root of some free-growing sort, and bearing a choice gi-afted part that is to make the future tree or shrub. The kinds that come to the planter in this shape include about all improved fruit trees, many, but not all, ornamental trees, some shrubs, roses, etc.
In many cases the only way of perpetuating improved sorts, is by this course of gi-afting such on some wild or free-growing stock, so nothing is to be said against the principle of the thing. It is the ignorance that would allow the wild stock to start up a separate strong growth,
at once impairing and in time crowding out the gTafted part, against, which we are aiming.
A common example of this kind is to be met in the beautiful Kilmarnock Weeping AViUow.
A Kitmttrnovl- WiUow nuffering from the (jrowth
of Wild ^Sprout. -i. It may be said that but for this process of gi-aft- ing on a stronger upright growing stock, the raising of this fine ornamental tree would be an impossibility. The same thing is also true of other weeping trees. Usually the improved weeping parts of such are by nature prostrate growers, never getting above the gi-ound. To make weeping trees of them the prosti'ate species is grafted four or more feet high on an erect gi-owing trunk, and when the graft is es- tablished, no growth is to be allowed to start from any part but the graft. But here is where the trouble comes in. A Kilmarnock for ex- ample is planted. For a while the desirable growth, all of which should be in a downward direction, as shown in the upper pai't of the ac- companying engraving, is not very strong. By and by [lerhaps one or more shoots start vigorously, some way down the trunk, growing uprightly (also shown in the engraving).
The latter are enemies. Being of a wild, free growth they soon make quite a show, much to the delight of the owner, if he be ignorant of theii- true nature. In time, if not destroyed, these upright shoots increase rapidly in number and size. Allowed to grow on, as they often are, they soon crowd out the grafted trailing part, and a coarse, upright growing Willow results in time.
Of course the right thing to do In this and all similai- cases, is to nip every wild sprout in the bud. In the Willow referred to this is easily done, for the direction of growth reveals its true character. If it be upright, it is wild ; remove it at once. If downward, it is all right.
As for other trees and shi-ubs, such as fruit trees. Flowering Plums, Thorns, Roses, etc., we can only lay down the general caution here, that our readers beware of all strong growing shoots that start from the root or neai- to it. If any such appear examine the tree or bush closely to find the point of union be- tween the graft and the stock (usually easily detected). If the shoots start from below this point, as they most likely have done if they show gi-eat thrift, remove; if above, allow them to remain.
It should, during the growing season, be the tree owner's business to keep a constant lookout
for such wild shoots on all kinds of trees. Some wOl be certain to appear ; the earlier they are removed the bettor for the tree.
In Union There is Strength— Village Improvement Associations.
In the course of recent j-ears many of the old New England hamlets have been regener- ated by the aid of association work in town gardening. The system by which this has been done has had for its basis what is known as the Village Improvement Association. It is a sys- tem so practical and so efl'ective for increased beauty and healthfulness of the places where apphed that it should be very widely adopted throughout our land.
The plan upon which these associations are established is a simple one. To begin with, there is a meeting called of persons who are interested in public as well as private improve- ments in the line of gardening. A simple con- stitution is adopted to aid in more perfectly es- tablishing and conducting the work of the as- sociation. That our readers may see the form of one of these, we are able, through the kind- ness of the Hon. B. F. Northrop, of Clinton, Conn., who has been prominent in establishing these associations, to present the one that was adopted by the village in which he lives:
CLINTON RURAL IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION.
1. This Association shall be called " The Bural Improvement Association of Clinton.--
2. The object of this Association shall be to culti- vate public spirit, quicken the social and intellect- ual life of the people, promote good fellowship, and secure public health by better hygienic condi- tions in our homes and surroundings, improve our streets, roads, public grounds, sidewalks, and in general to build up and beautify the whole town, and thus enhance the value of its real estate and render Clinton a still more inviting place of resi. dence.
3. The officers of this Association shall consist of a President, a Vice-President, a Treasurer, a Secretary, and an Executive Committee of fifteen, six of whom shall be ladies.
4. It shall be the duty of the Executive Commit- tee to make all contracts, employ all laborers, ex- pend all moneys, and superintend all improvements made by the .\.ssociation. They shall hold meetings montlily from April to October in each year, and as much oftener as thej- may deem expedient.
5. Every person, who sliall plant three trees by the roatl side, under the direction of the Executive Committee, or pay three dollars in one year, or one dollar annually, and obligate himself or herself to pay the same annually for three years, shall be a member of this Association.
6. The payment of ten dollars annually for three years, or of twenty-five dollars in one sum, shall constitute one a life memlier of this Association
7 Five members of the Executive Committee present at anj- meeting shall constitute a quorum.
8. No debt shall be contracted by the Executive Committee beyond the amount of available means within their control, and no member of the Asso- ciation shall be liable for any debt of the Associa- tion, beyond the amount of his or her subscription.
9. The Executive Committee shall call an annual meeting giving due notice of the same, for the election of officers of this Association, and at said meeting, shall make a detailed report of all moneys received and expended during the year, the numl>er of trees planted under their direction, and the num- ber i^lanted by individuals, length of sidewalks made or repaired, and the doings of the Committee in general .
10. This constitution may be amended at any I annual meeting by a two-thirds vote of the mem- bers present and voting.
There are hundreds of villages and towns throughout the Union that would be immeas- urably benefited by adopting this method of improvement. The end in view being plain and simple, there is little difficulty in reaching it by the exercise of a determined, progress!-, e spirit. The main point is to make a beginning, and the pleasing result of the first efforts is usually such as to insure a continuance.
Raising Improved Petunias.
The flowers of Double Petunias, as it may be well known, beai- no seed. This is be-
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cause they are iinpert'ect as to their reproduc- tive organs, stamens and pistils. Of these only the former which bear pollen are present.
Now, to raise seeds that will yield double flowers, one must call in the help of the single varieties, which have perfect flowers, to bear the seed. To do this, as the flowers of the lat- ter come into bloom, their stamens should be removed by the help of scissors before they have become charged with pollen from single flowers. It may be necessai-y to reai'h the sta- mens by making a small opening through the tube of the flower, a thing easily done with the assistance of a sharp knife.
Then some of the finest double flowers should be chosen, and from their stamens, with the aid of a rather stubby camel's hair paiut brush, pollen should be gathered and be con- vej'ed to the pistils of the single flowers referred to. This pro- cess should be repeated day after day on the same or new flowei's. To insure the best results the flowers operated upon should be protected from the interfer- ence of insects by a cover of fly- screening. The seed being borne by the single flowers explains why "Double Petunia" seed always produces a certain per- centage of single flowers; it could not be otherwise.
This process of artificial fer- tilization is not only a very interesting one to follow, but it is not at all diflicult. Even a child of suitable inclination may succeed at it. By this same process of artificial fertilizing, single Petunias of superior ipiality can be raised, employ- ing select varieties to work with. To our readers we say try it this summer; you may be astouishefl at the results spring- ing from seed thus raised.
six letters, of which the accompanying {name and address omitted) is a fair specimen:
"Dear Sik:— I am a readei- of Popular CxARnENiNG and And many valuable sugges- tions in it. I notice what you say in the last number of Monthretia Flowers. Will you please send me one bulb of the kmd {,U. t'utlsii). I will remit the jirice first, if you will let me know what it is."
These have been written and received, al- though in every paper, opposite the first page of reading matter, it has been stated clearly that Popular Gardening is run independ- ently of any niu-sery or seed establishment. The same thing has been repeatedly declared in the reading columns. Perhaps the fact that there are .several papers in this line published, which are advertising auxiliaries to some other business, has to do with the matter. Then
and as deep as the plants were high. The soil was filled iu close to the plants at the sides, and the plants covererl with leaves six inches deep. In De- cember as many inore leaves were put over. With this i)roteetic)u the Celery kept well.
Drying Fruits. Fruit that is of second quality for marketing, or such as happens to get too ripe, should he dried. In this shape it can always meet a market at fair paying prici-s, adding with good management materially to the incom<- from fruit sales. Fruit driers or evapoi'ators by the score are in market at prices ranging from ten dollars each upwards. Most of these are good implements and will soon pay for their cost where there is fruit. As some prejudice, if wrougly, is known to exist against evaporated fruits, that which is sun dried and of good (iiiality, finds ready sale. Wherever there are hotbed sa.sh, a sun drier may he made almost with- out cost that will answer for preparing a large quantity of first-class dried fruit. The sash should he elevated on a frame 4 feet from the ground at the front and a foot higher behind. A rack with sup- ports for drying trays at 4 or 5 inches apart should be constructed under the sash, to he reached from behind. The place of approach for sliding in or taking out the trays may be covered with Hy screening, the other sides with boards. The sash will both increase the heat and keep off the dews and rains, thus allowing the drying to proceed from beginning to end spei'dily and with the smallest possible anH)unt of bottier.
THE DUCHESS OF OLDENBURGH APPLE.
The Duchess of Oldenburgh Apple.
Were we writing for the orchardist, as dis- tinct from the people, there would be little need of refeiTing to this excellent Apple here, as its merits are widely known to the regular fruit growers. But a kind that is so universally esteemed by orchardists everywhere, and es- pecially in the North and West, should be better known liy the average amateur.
A leadiug merit of this fine Apple is its gi-eat hardiness— sutticiently accounted for by the fact that it is a Russian variety. Added to this, the tree is a strong grower, forming a roundish spreading head, and it is an excellent bearer. What would strike most peojde as a gocnl char- acteristic of the tree, is, that it requires but little pruning at any time — much less than the average of orchard trees.
The fruit is from medium to large size, of a handsome, regular form, and, as shown by our engraving, is .streaked, the ground color being yellow, with retl streaks. The flesh, while not of the highest quality, is sufficiently pleasing to the taste to insure a ready sale for the fruit in market. It is a fine cooking apple. The flesh is a "handsome yellowish white, juicy, slightly sub-acid. There is a faint blue bloom diffused over the fruit.
The subject of our article is an early autumn fruit, being at its best in September. Possess- ing, as it does, such a number of good points, it should find a place iu the lists of all who set out Apples in the northern belts of this fruit. In moderate proportion, it would rarely if ever disappoint the grower.
Nothing to Sell Here.
Following on every issue of Popular Gar- dening, from the very first number, there have been received at this oftice from one to
maybe these writers are our newer subscribers, who have not yet learned to discriminate be- tween this independent paper and others. Let it suffice, for us to repeat that we have not a thing iu the seed, plant, bulb or tree line for sale, nor do we expect to have, so long as we succeed in serving our readers as publishers. We are con- stant buyers of stock for our own private gar- den, the same as our readers are. When we speak of a plant in these colums it is for the sake of imparting unbiased information to the public, and not because we have some stock of the same to * ' talk off " upon unwary' readers. Om- readers, as subscribers, pay us for this in- formation, and we mean that it shall be im- partial. If then they desire some of the plants, etc., treated upon, let them apply, as we our- selves must do when we want some, to the par- ties who have them for sale. In most cases they are found among the enterprising adver- tisers whose announcements appear in our columns.
Celery for Seven Months. C. H. Dann, a corres- i pondent of the Xew Yink- Tribune, relates how he j managed this crop to give a con.stant supply for seven months: The ground was ploughed the lat- ter part of April, and planted to Peas, in rows four feet apart. When fairly up they were cultivated, and early Potatoes planted in rows between the the Peas, except that two si)aces were set with Cel- ery for summer use, ItHl plants. The last week in -July alternate rows of Potatoes were dug, and rows of Celeiy set eight feet apart, :3(10 plants, for fall use. About August 10th ;)(J0 plants for winter use were put out. The plants were set eight inches apart in the row, the ground being rich. As to banking, the ground was first loosened with a hoe, then each plant taken separately in left hand and dirt enough drawn close aroimd it with right hand to hold the leaves together and upright, .\fterward, more earth was brought up to the plants, from time t<.i time, with hoe or spade. The plants for winter were dug in November, packed close in a trench one foot wide
Our Friend, Robin Red-breast.
It may not be pleasant to see hun take some clioice fruit, but before hurling destruction at him let us reflect on his usefulness The quan- tity of insect food devoured by this bird is enormous. W h i t e grubs, spring beetles, wire worms, cut worms, angle worms, slugs, caterpillars, cabbage and other butterflies, moths, maggots of house flies, statile flies and plant flies, and many other insects that cause heavy damages every year, are sought for and consumed in countless numbei's. The young are voracious eaters of this kind of food, and perhaps no other. A single robin five weeks old in confine- ment has. by actual test, been known to devour an average of fiXl earth worms, averaging two inches in length, per day Think of the worth of such services and cherish the bird as a valuable friend, to whom a very little fruit which you prize is all the recompense you can bestow.
Quack Grass. It is singular that the nearest re- lative to our most useful grain, wheat, is the Quack or Couch Grass, one of our very worst weeds. Many a gardener sees this pest gaining on him. with sor- row, for if acquainted with its habits rightly, he well knows that no weed entails harder work without reward than this How to get rid of it when once it has a hold is a standing question. The true fight- ing line is, not to let a green blade show its tip above ground. In small patches it has sometimes been wholly smothered out, by covering the soil with straw for one season, to the loss of one useful crop. Standard Currants. I have succeeded in grow- ing some standai'i! (.'urrants, red and white, and find that they fnut well. My plan is to put clean cuttings in, and encourage the leader up to 6 feet from the groxmd. Then I let the spurs grow all <lown the stem to within 3 feet of it, aiming at get- ting a kind of pyramidal bush on a low standard. The (luantity of fruit seems to be much greater in proportion to the size of the tree than on the bushes; the space occupied issm&l\.—(i<tnlciihui Illustrated, Cabbage worms are a dread, but they may be effect uall3' disposed of. An early matter is to hand pick the first tirood before they pass into their perfect state. Later on dust the center of the leaves thoroughlj' with a ndxture made of one part of pyrethrum powder to five parts of plaster of dry earth. This will kill every worm.
For Mulching (ioosberries and Currants, no material is better than the short clippings from the lawn. It lays closely, keei>s down weeds, and pro- motes needed coolness to the soil.
As for Cucumbers and Squashes, they make less wood and more fruit from seed several j'ears old than from last year's seed. Wood Ashes are an excellent manure for berries. Wheel hoes are labor savers.
114
POPULAR GARDENING.
July,
c^
Daisy Nurses.
The daisies white are nursery maids.
With frills upon their caps; And daisy buds are little babes
They tend upon their laps. Sing " Heigh-ho! " while the wind sweeps low,
Both nurses and babies are nodding— just so.
The daisies love the golden sun
Up in the clear blue sky ; He gazes kindly down at them.
And winks his jolly eye. While sett and slow, all in a row,
Both nurses and babies are nodding— just so.
—Treasure Trove.
The sentiment of the Poppy is consolation. A corsage bunch, half and half of Marechal Niel Roses and Double White Water Lilies, is charming for this season.
For a pretty effect combine the Candidum Lilies with the rose-colored Spireas, and some Funkia leaves in a loose arrangement.
Branchlets of Mock Orange, intermixed with Penstemons or Hardy Gladiolus of pink to soft Ver- million colors, produce a tasteful effect.
In fine Hot-house Eoses the Marechal Niel is about the only one to be relied upon at this season. It is at its best in June, July and August.
Let the city damsel, on her first summer visit to the country, get sight of Ox-eye Daisy or early Gol- den Rod patches and a desire to glean the crop at once fires her soul. The farmer wishes she would take back a cart load of the pesky things, instead of a double armful.
A most pleasing ornament for the table or win- dow at this season is a well developed plant of the wild Maiden Hair Fern, lifted with its roots and set into a wide-mouthed ornamental jar. The soil in the jar should be kept moist constantly. By plac- ing the plants where the sun cannot strike the leaves to burn them, it will keep very nice for weeks.
Bose-colored Water Lilies, of the same form and size as the white kind, are a fashionable mid-sum- mer flower. These are grown in Mas.sachusetts by specialists and are shipped to florists in all but the more distant parts of the country in the bud state. A bouquet, made one part of the rose-colored species and two parts of the common double white, is very handsome.
rield Daisies. A very effective arrangement of these simple little flowers. Field Daisies,was recently made at a dinner-party. A long garland was placed on a bed of ferns down the center of the table and about each plate was a horse-shoe of them, with a few scarlet Roses at the corner. Bridesmaids' bou- quets, halt Daisies and half crimson or pink Roses, are in favor and look tasteful with white gowns.
Sweet Peas are as durable for wear and bouquets as they are lovely and sweet. The favorite colors are white, delicate pink and pale blue. Simply ar- ranged in almost any shape they are effective. On an outgoing steamer for Europe last week a young lady traveler received a little barrel of wicker work filled in the top with Sweet Peas in three colors, and a band of deep pink ribbon about it. The bot- tom of the barrel was filled with bon-bons.
If a table is to be decorated, vi-here Sweet Williams of good quality are plentiful, the task is an easy one. Take half a dozen or more small flsh globes or other glass vessels of a uniform size, into which place masses of the scarlet and crimson sorts, using the same number of each color. These should be set in a ring around the lamp, one of a glowing mass of color being the best. H in the daytime, instead of a lamp in the center, use a tall vase containing flowers of different colors from those below.
Those persons who have for the first time tried to make tasteful-looking bouquets or designs know that this is not so easily done as might seem. Now that flowers are plentiful, and cheap if they must be bought, it is a good time to acquire skill at this delightfid business. One great trouble with begin- ners is, they usually lose sight of the principle of simplicity in their compositions. They jumble to- gether many colors in little bits of each, where if less colors, and these arranged more in masses, were used, the improvement would be great. The
have the flowers so crowded that anything like in- dividuality of kinds is lost. Both-of these faults new beginners usually fall into. It should be the constant aim to avoid all such errors from the start.
Although flowers of all kinds are plentiful, there is in house decoration a rage for artistic effects in foliage. Panels, arches, canopies, cor- nices, and screens are made in wire and mossed frames for the ornamentation of walls, doors, mir- rors, and windows In these designs the most de- lightful shadings in green are brought out and the charming tracery to be made with foliage are shown. A canopy made of ivy leaves, for instance, has a cluster of Cibodium fronds in relief. Cor- nices of dark foliage are embroidered with the new asparagus. A tenuissiimus. At the base of mirrors is made a banking of Lycopodium, upon which the gorgeous Begonia, Louise Chreitern, is planted here and there. Mantels are also arranged in this way. Small fronds of Cocus Weddelianea, called here the " Japanese Palm," are very fashionable for table and dress garniture.
Botanical B)\id^et
bouquets, too, as they leave their hands are apt to I held in this city August 18 to 24
Do not collect specimens in the rain or dew.
Several correspondents of the Botanical Gazette state that fleshy plants, such as Sedum, dry readily after being dipped in boiling water.
In a recent Journal of the Linnaean Society there were flgure<i the pollen gi-ains and an anther of Papaver Rhceas taken from funeral garlands found in Egypt, and which were nearly 3,(X10 years old
The beautiful Purple Flowering Raspberry is to be met in flower in all parts of the Northern United States about this time. It is a fine shrub, growing four or more feet high, and is worthy of a place in every wild garden.
Cultivation has so affected the evolution of the Tomato thattheseeds are fast disappearing and bid fair to pass out of existence entirely, as in the case of the Banana, leaving their propagation dependent on cuttings. This from the Am. Cultivator.
The Grape wiis found very abundant on the coast of what is now Massachusetts in the year 10111, when the coast was discovered by Erickson and his thirty- six companions from Norway ; and it was on ac- count of the abundance of grapes there that what is now America was named by them Vineland. They also noted the existence there of the Reed or Wild Rk'e.Zizaniaaquatica.—Gardetier'sMouihl!/.
The Mulleins (rerboscitm) lift up their spikes of flowei-s prominently during this month. Weeds that they are in our pastures and neglected grounds, every lover of the beautiful must stand before them in admiration of the delicate beauty of the flowers and the stateliness of the habit.which in the common one, Verhascum Wop.si(.s, may be said to approach grandeur. This last named species is indeed grown tor ornament in some places, and all the members of the family are desirable in the wild garden
The Butterfly 'WeeA.,Asclrpias h(hpi-.«o, formerly known as the Pleurisy Root is one of our fine native plants, that is more esteemed abroad than at home. An English authority speaks of it as " the flnest of all American herbaceous perennials." This month finds it very commonly in bloom, about dry hills and fields in many parts of our country. The flowers appear in terminal corymbs and are of a bright orange-red color. It receives its name from the fact that its sweetness is attractive to butterflies and other insects. The plant is mostly obtained by division of the roots. It is a shy seeder, but when seeds are to be had, good plants can be grown from these in about two years. Clumps of this plant should oftener be found in our gardens.
The Natural order of Labiatae, to which such common plants as Salvia, Rosemary, Jlonarda, Coleus, Sage, Thyme, and so on, belong, enjoys the distinction of being one of the most natural groups of plants. By this is meant, that the character of its several thousand members, is more distinct and uniform than is generally the case in a natural order. In fact the variation from one type throughout the family is no greater than that often found in a single genus in other orders. The chief character- istics of the order are, stem herbaceous, or sub- woody, usually square; leaves opposite or whorled, exstipulate and usually aromatic; flowers labiate, mostly irregular. While it requires but a slight familiarity with botany to determine the order of any new labiates met, the discrimination of the genera is often difficult.
The Buffalo Meeting. The next meeting of the American Association of Natural Sciences will be
Botanists who
have once attended the meetings of this society since the Botanical Club was organized need no urging to come again. The coming meeting in this city bids fair to be one of the best yet held A local club has been formed, to more effectually devise and carry out plans for the entertainment of the visitors They propose to do all that time and op- portunity will permit. Among the most prominent means of entertainment will be a special excursion, during some afternoon not yet decided upon, to as good collecting ground as can be found within con- venient distance of the city This will doubtless be to Niagara Falls to one of the several swamps, which afford a rich flora, or to the lake shore.
ABOUT THE PLACE.
Destroy the road weeds. Bad fences cause jumping animals. Summer is the time to replace old wooden cellar floors with the better and healthier ones of cement. Asparagus. It is an injury to the bed to cut out many stalks at this season, for fly roosts or merely for adorning the rooms, as one often sees done.
Milk-weeds or A.iclepins yield much honey, but bees are often injured or killed through coming in contact with the cohering masses of pollen pecu- liar to their flowers.
While we endorse the great service of toads as garden helpers every time, yet we don't want them near the bee hives They will as readily snap up heavily laden bees as they do the most offensive bugs and worms.
'Watering Troughs. As you yourself like clean water to drink, so keep the animal troughs clean. The difference between these being kept scoured out of all filth and rot makes all the difference be- tween having the water clean and wholesome or otherwise for the live stock.
Starting Wild Flowers. To Miss H. D.: The simplest way is to notice at w'hat time the seeds of wild flowers are ripe. Collect them, and sow where wanted. You can procure some sorts from seeds- men. Remove patches of grass, so as to sow the seeds. You can also collect plants with a ball of earth, but this would entail heavy labor.
Earth in the Stable. Nothing will purify and keep a stable so free from odors as the free use of dry earth, and every one keeping horses or cattle will find it pays to keep a heap of it at hand, to be used daily. A few shovelfuls of earth scattered over the floor after cleaning will render the aii- of the apartments pure and wholesome. The value of the season's manure pile nuist be largely increased by the free use of such absorbents. The strength of the gases and liquids is retained, and is the very essence of good manure.— .Scientific American.
Bees Clustering. The cause of clustering is an overfull hive. While bees are clustered, work is in a measure suspended. As this is very liable to take place in the midst of a valuable gathering spell, and may last a number of days oreven weeks, —the only- natural remedy being swarming,— a large loss may be entailed imless steps are taken to prevent it. Ar- tificial swarming is much thought of by some as a remedy, and in the hands of a skillful aparian is a good one Those who are not capable of going through with this operation may reach the same end by merely managing to add more honey boxes to the hive. This may be done by boring holes in the tops of the present ones to agree with those of the new boxes, and then place them on top of the present ones, hole to hole. Such a course will dissi- pate the clusters by leading the bees to go to work. This will Apply some Places. Mr. Topnoody de- livers himself with enthusiasm to Mrs. Topnoody concerning the appropriation of a large sum of money for the cleaning up of the streets of their town, closing with the remark that ' Tm glad to see the prospect of an era of reform and cleanliness, because we need it, not only in the streets, but every- where else."
"And are you ready to do your share in cleaning the city, Topnoody?"
"Aye, that I am, ready and willing; more, I am eager to do my humble portion," and he swelled all up with municipal patriotism.
" Very well, then, Topnoody," returned his wife who could not let the opportunity pass, " go out there in the back-yard and begin . It's too dirty to think of, and I want you to help make your own surroundings respectable I like to see you men blow about clean- ing the streets, when you leave your wives to paddle around in ferry-boats in their own back-yards. Bah I at your street cleaning and your million-dollar ap- propriations. I don't want to hear from you, Top- noody, until you've disinfected that back-yard!"
Topnoody is at the present time a silent partner in the yard cleaning enterprise.— CTucoso Drummer.
1 886.
POPULAR GARDENING.
115
The Plants Have A Party.
BY ANNA C. STARBUCK.
Little Dandelion awoke one fine morning and said to herself:
"It's my birthday to-day. How pleas- ant it is! I think I'll have a party."
So she wrote her notes of invitation on the neatest and greenest clover leaves she could find, and sent them to all the other Dandelions and to the little white-haired Chick- weeds, and to the little birds of the garden called Gold-finches. = She didn't have to wait many
minutes before her guests were all before her. They were dressed in their very best and laughing and chatting. More members of the Dandelion family were present than she could count. They were all dressed in yellow, and with very round faces. The little Chick-weed sisters wore white dresses, but they were so small and said so little that hardly any but the brightest ej'es would have seen them at all.
But the happiest, and prettiest, and best of all the company at the party were the five birds that belonged to the Gold-finch family. They wore long yellow vests of exactly the same color as the Dandelions, and on their heads lit- tle black caps to match their wings. They did look lovely, and their little black ejes snapped with joy to think they were invited to the party. While they were getting acquainted, they suddenly looked up and saw two little friends, hand in hand, coming to the party, that Dan- delion hadn't invited to come. They generally stayed in another part of the garden by them- selves, and so Dandelic^n hadn't thought to in- vite them. But here they were, asking mod- estly if they might come to the party. The Yellow Birds whispered to Dandelion and asked who the two were. Dandelion said that they were two little people from the city, and their names were " Heart's-ease " and little cousin, " Johnny Jump-up." They ha<l on little purple hoods, and looked very modest and sweet.
" But," said the Yellow Birds, "do the}' know how to sing?"
The Finches were very fond of music, and did't want anj-body at the party that couldn't sing.
"No," replied Dandelion, "they can't sing; but neither can any of the Dandelions, nor the Chick-weeds: so you needn't be so awfully par- ticular."
"Well," said the birds, "if they'll promise not to make fun of us when we sing, let them come into the party."
80 " Heart's-ea-se " and " Johnny Jump-up," still taking hold of hands in timid fashion, joined the party. They behave<l so well that the birds .'iaid they were "agreeably surprised."
After this Dandelion said: " We'U now take some refreshments. "
They all looked pleased, and said: "Thank you; we do feel a bit huugi'y."
Dandelion asked the brightest and liveliest Yellow Bird to pa.ss around the refreshments ; and what do you think they were? They were large, white flutfy balls, full of little black seeds, that Dandelion had made herself, on pur- pose to please the delicate appetites of the birds. To quench the thirst of both the birds and the
flowers. Dandelion obtained some sparkling dew drops, that were as clear and sweet as honey.
Once a noisy boy came along throwing stones, and the birds were, of course, frightened, and had to get " excused." Then a dog came along and barked; and this time they had the "fid- gets " drea<lfully, and went without even ask- ing to be "e.xcused."
Soon they all came back. They thought it was time to have a little singing. But one bird said he had such a bad cold he would have to be excused.
" Oh, what a poor excuse," said all. " You must get a better one than that."
Then he said he hadn't recovered from his last fright, when the dog barked. Really he did seem rather pale, poor fellow, and so they excused him. But the other Finches ranged themselves in a quartette, and, without any book, they sang a beautiful hymn, called " The Good God Made Us All. "
There were no words to the hymn, but you could tell by the tune that they were happy be- cause God had made such a beautiful world and such beautiful things to be in His world. Then they began to discuss the hj-mns that they liked the best. Then little "Johnny Jump-up " spoke for the first time and said he liked best to hear " Old Oaken Bucket," with variations.
And then they aU laughed and said that wasn't a hymn; it was a song. He felt a little spunky because they laughed at the only thing he had dared to say at the party, and so he spoke up quickly :
" I didn't say it was a hymn, did I * " Then they laughed at him more for showing his temper. Finally, when the party had lasted a long time, the Yellow Birds noticed that the Dandelions were all beginning to get nervous and shrug their shoulders, and pull their yellow capes up closer and closer about them. One little Dandelion, especially, was ver}' anxious. The birds asked them what the matter was, and the Dandelions said they felt as though they ought to be going home, for they thought it was going to rain. All at once, plump came down a large rain drop, soon another and an- other, and the flowers all covered their heads with tiny green hoods, and said good-by to the birds, and disappeared.
After the flowers had gone, it was raining so hard that the birds thought they might as well go, too : for, if they couldn't have any more fun at the party, they surely didn't want to get wet. So they flew away to the thick branches of the trees, where the rain couldn't reach them, and there they talked over, in their bird lan- guage,what a fine time they had had, and won- dered when they would be invited to another party. — The Cosmopolitan.
Birds Robbed of House and Home by Mice.
M. E, Thomson, in Science Gosxip, reports a case of this kind which has recently fallen un- der his observation, as follows:
I have to-day found two nests deserted and mice in possession. The one was that of a long-tailed tit, who had been sitting for some time, and whose nest was in a hedge in a field; the other, that of a robin on a bank in a wood.
On going to visit my little friend, the tit, I ex- pected to find her a very busy, happy, little mother with a large family to provide for, instead of which I found a very different state of affairs. No little " mother bird " was to be seen. There was a look of desertion about the home, as of burglars having been at work.
I carefully put in two lingers to feel if the eggs were there all right. Out ran a small mouse, through a hole which he had made in the nest. My fingers came out somewhat hastily, not having expected to find the thief at work ! All the eggs were gone, not even the remains of the shells being left :
When I first saw the robin's nest, I took out one egg— leaving two or three The one which I took had been pushed nlinost into the side of the nest, and I had a little difficulty in getting it out.
The bird returned to the nest, for on going to-day to see how the little birds were getting on, I found two more eggs in the nest, but all quite cold and deserted. I noticed that another e^g was in the same curious position, so I exammed it more
carefully and found that it had been drawn half- way through a small round hole.
Suspecting, from the neat way in which the hole was made, that a mouse had done it, I removed the nest and found that it was a mouse's hole, into which he had evidently been removing the eggs. The robin, no douljt. too indignant at such treat- ment to remain at his post, liud ile.serted it. To show my deep sympathy for Poor Hobin, I deprived Mr. Mouse of his expected feast:
A Plant at Sleep Out of Natural Hours.
That plants pass through a state which may be called sleep is well known. Thus the Sensitive Plant, so remarkable Iiecause the leaves close and hang down when touched, goes through the same movements at the ap- proach of darkness. The return of light re- vives them again.
A French chemist subjected a Sensitive Plant to an exceedingly trying course of dtscipline, by coin- iilctcly c-liaiiging Its hours— exposing it toa'bright light at night, so as tit prevent sleep, and putting it in a dark room diiriug the day. The plant ap- peared to be much puzzled at first. It oipcnt-d and closed its leaves irregularly, sometimes nodding in spite of the artificial sun that shed its beams at midnight, and sometimes waking up, from the force of habit, to find the cham))er dark in spite of the time of day. Such are the trammels of use and wont. But, after a useless struggle, the plant sub- mitted to the change, and turned day into night without any apparent ill effects.
PET BIRDS, ANIMALS, ETC.
Ants' eggs are a treat for all birds. Feed the birds plenty of green food. Care will kill a cat, says an old proverb. Humming Birds, says a scientific journal, are birds when at rest, insects when in motion.
Elsie.— No, dear, you cannot raise a crop of cana- ries by planting bird seed.—New Haven \ews.
New York has boarding houses for birds whose owners have left the city during the summer months. Cats for Service. We have learned that the U. S. Post Office Department has on its rolls nearly 1000 cats, who are on the lookout for rats and mice in the mail matter, and who are most faithfully cared for in the way of " board and lodging." Nothing like a cat for some purposes.
Putting the Cat to Use in Fruit Time. Our feathered pets of the tree tops, much as we value them for the grubs and bugs they kill, do sometimes annoy us when they take of the nicest berries and other fruits. But there is Tabby.well cared for, and fed with milk, the J'earthrough, she can do some- thing for us In return, in keeping off the birds, even if it be not so pleasant for her. Do you ask how y Stretch a wu-e upon which a loose ring has been slid across the strawberry or other fruit patch. Put a collar on the cat, and from the collar run a short cord or wire to the ring on the stretched wire. Tabby may not fancy this restraint during the herr)- season, but her movements back and forth along the wire will prove a terror to over-bold birds and save our fruit.
About Pigeons. Common pigeons are not of any distinct breed. Tliere are very few common pig- eons now in which .some traces of the higher classes cannot be detected. They originally came from the Blue Rocks. Next to a common pigeon, per- haps, the best known, at least by name, is the carrier pigeon, known to make long flights. The fan-tails are special favorites. The white ones are the most common and easiest to breed, but some are also to be had in black, brown, blue, red and yellow. The two latter are rare, and easily bring from $10 to J30 a pair. No breed of pigeons has so many varieties and sub-varieties as the tumbler pigeons. Many who own them expect them to perform, whether the birds are given a chance or not. I'sually they are kept with a lot of other birds and are Mown with them. There are also many tumblers who do not tumble at all. All of the short-faced varieties are not supposed to be performers. Pouters are the first selection of many prominent pigeon-fanciers, and rarely is this bird entirely abandoned for other va- rieties. They are somewhat difticult to breed, and good ones always command high prices. Kiftj- dollars for a pair of first-class birds would not be extravagant. Mr. Schell, of Brooklyn, had one he refused $Sn for. They can he had in pure while, black, red, yellow and Isabella. .V. )'■ York Mail and Express.
ii6
POPULAR GARDENING.
July,
wild Roses.
Sweet wayside Roses I Inns of journeying bees That grew aweary in their journeyings, Or butterflies with gold-dust on their wings,
That rest from voyaging on the idle breeze ;
For where his nest is hidden in the trees.
Thy praise all day the laureate robin sings. More sweet than ever in the ears of kings
Piped royal minstrels emulous to please;
And whether Gypsey June tents in her fields.
Or with abashed mien comes down these streets. Still as I see how fair in sun or rain
Your bloom in well known spots its treasure yields,
Day after day, a voice in me entreats
That through green fields I come to you again. —G. M. Strent.
In the May the pink peach-blos.soms,^
Seen against a pale blue sky. FormM a picturesque complet-eness
On the branches bare and dry.
But the warm breath of the summer Thrilled with life the leafless tree.
Till, 'neath leaves in July weather. Blushing rosy fruit we see.
—L. E. Williams.
Lantanas like poor soil.
Double Callas are not rare.
Sweet Williams date from 1.573.
Now, if ever, the Smoke Tree smokes.
The Tomato is a native of South America.
Gardeners ! Write something for your paper.
German seed catalogues are the most exten- sive.
The Lantaua came from the West Indies in 1I1!I3.
One bird in the bush is worth a dozen on the head.
Napoleon had a passion for landscape gar- dening.
Wanted, at this office, many July sub- scribers.
The Golden-leaved Elders look brilliant in simny July.
Many trees in cities are killed by leaking gas pipes in the streets.
Buttercups are common from the Arctic Ocean to the Tropics.
Squirrels have been known to devour young Horse Chestnut shoots.
Be free to send in your queries about flowers, shrubs and trees to the editors.
The Sweet Pea, we find, succeeds not at all badly, as a window-box climber.
Single Hollyhocks, like Single Tuberoses, come in ahead of the double ones.
Where flies trouble, hang up some bunches of the fragi'ant Melilot and they will trouble less.
" I have written many verses, but my best poems are the trees I have planted." — O. W. Holmes.
Farmers will never strike for eight hours. How the weeds would laugh if they did! — Hartfiiril Tiinr.'i.
An attractive flower, growing equally well in a wet or a dry place, is the large-flowered Prunella or Self-heal.
Gardening was the one occupation fit for Paradise. To the extent that we garden suc- cessfully we may have Paradise restored.
Fancy vs. Plain Pots. Sister Gracious is just right when she says that "these very fancy flower pots, painted and gilded, are an abomi- nation."
" Oh, mamma ! " see the popcorns for the birdies," exclaimed a two-year-old Waterbury miss, who this year saw cherry blossoms for the first time, since she could speak.
Strelitzia Begina is a valuable conservatory plant for amateurs. It is a subject of easy cul- ture, while the handsome bird-like flowers of gorgeous color give the plant distinction.
A rocky mound on a neighbor's lawn covered with nothing but Moneyvine {Lyaimachin mimiinil(irio) is attractive at all times, but es- pecially so when the crop of bloom is out.
Sweet Alyssum. "Lida"asks the practical question whether the sisters know how easily this plant is raised from slips. She finds it much easier to so raise them than from seed. It is the only way with the double sort.
If you now do no gardening, either useful or ornamental, don't hesitate to engage in the work on the score of inexperience, when you can procure such a plain and reliable guide as Popular Gardening for 60 cents a year.
No need to growl about the weather ; if the season is cool, Pansies and Roses are the finer; if very hot and dry, Portulacas, Tuberoses and flowers of a similar heat-loving class will be the better for it. Look on the bright side.
It is to be Bound. Mrs. F. E. W. closes a business letter by saying; "I am delighted with Popular Gardening, and shall recom- mend it to all my friends who have flowers, and shall have mine bound at the end of the year."
A correspondent states that her Dafliodils flowered twice, first producing double yellow flowei's, and some weeks later white ones. That sounds sti-ange, but we can solve the mystery on the ground that jthe clump contained from the first bulbs of both the early and later flowering sorts.
Progress in Reform. We are glad to see the Massachusetts Society for Prevention of Cru- elty to Animals step forward and promptly ofl'er two SIO prizes and twenty of $5 each for convincing evidence of the killing of any insectiverous birds in that State, or taking an egg from the nest.
Popular Gardening wants to know, why more people do not plant ornamental trees on the strength of the increased value they give to a place, through increased attractiveness, when one comes to sell. From this standpoint, let alone all others, such planting without fail proves very profitable.
" If these workers," says the Boston Tran- script, referring to Chinch Bugs, Grasshoppers, etc., in the West, "could only be induced to join the Knights of Labor, and agree to con- fine their operations to eight hours a day, the cause of labor would get the biggest boom it has ever yet received, even in this year of labor booms."
Hard to Comply With. " I find," writes M,"in the various seed catalogues the ' Normandie,' ' Trimardeau,' ' German Imperial ' and ' Eng- lish Pansy.' Are they distinct varieties ? If so, please define the difference." As for this matter, we are unprepared to give an answer — not having tested the sorts named — beyond saying, that they are probably distinct.
Phlox Drummondi Wild. An item in a re- cent number of Popular Gardening on the Phlox Drummondi in Florida, brought out the f oUowing from a correspondent in that State ; " Phlox Drummondi of exquisite beauty grows wild here in many places, increasing by self- sowing. I call to mind one ten-acre orange grove where this plant literally covers the ground. "
A Century Plant (Agave Americana) is in bloom in the garden of Mr. George Casey, Auburn, N. Y. It is believed to be about 60 years old. The flower stalk, when at its most rapid stage of growth, grew at the rate of three inches a day, and has pushed way beyond the roof of the green-house. The flowers are of greenish yellow, produced at the points of branches, and arranged in a perfect pyramid.
Black Ants. It is easy to get rid of them. Open the hills with a hoe, scatter on a handful of salt and sprinkle on a quart of water and the ants will leave immediately. Yesterday my house was overrun with these insects. I found eleven anthills within two rods of the building and to-day there is not an ant to be found anywhere on or about the premises. — G. Tn'/.s-oii, in New York Tribune.
Twelve Amaryllises to one Pot. " I wish every member could have seen my blooming Amaryllis Johnsonii some time ago," writes "Lida,"but neglecting to give her postoffice and State. "Two bulbs were set into a six- inch pot ; the one sent up one, the other two blooming stalks, and together they bore twelve magnificent blooms. The flowers were out for two months. I manage the bulbs by planting in the ground in partial shade, when frosts are over, potting again in September.
Yellow Boses are reported deficient of color this year, and correspondents ask the reason why. We confess to feeling nonplussed at the question, and inclined to imitate the philoso- pher who replied to gay Charles's proposition on the globe of gold fishes. "How is it," asked the King, "that a globe filled with water does not increase in weight when a number of fishes are added.'" And the philosopher replied, "I doubt the fact," to which the merry monarch responded, "So do I." — Garrleners' Magazine.
A new Balsam, by name Impatiens Marianne, is announced from Chicago. Unlike the old annual favorites, the recent /. sultana and nu- merous other members of this interesting genus, this new one's chief claim to attractive- ness is found in its clear, silver-marked foliage. It is said to be a good gi'ower, and increases easily by slip propagation. It is now being tested as a summer bedding plant, and it is hoped that it may prove of value as a plant for lines and masses. Mr. George Wittbold, of Chicago, is its introducer, having received it from Germany last fall.
Thanks to American enterprise for giving the cheap lawn mower, where formerly the lawn scythe was in use, or oftener still, lawns were totally neglected. Now everybody may have a neatly kept grass plat. By its use the work of mowing the average yard is really lit- tle more than recreation ; the trouble of keep- ing the machine in order, is as nothing com- pared with that of keeping a scythe in shape for good work. Popular Gardening gladly recognizes the great help of the American lawn mower, in giving our people an increased appreciation of lawn and garden beauty.
Brill's Treatise on Cauliflower. In the writer's gardening experience he has realized larger profits per acre for the outlay, in grow- ing Cauliflower for market, than from that of any other crop. A reason for this was found in the fact, that but few gardeners seemed to be successful with this crop, and he happened among such lucky ones. It is a crop that re- quires some particular conditions in cultiva- tion, and in the new work referred to in the head-line called ' ' Cauliflowers, and How to Grow Them," Mr. Francis Brill, a Long Island gardener, has succeeded in setting these forth very clearly. The pamphlet sells for only 20 cents and may be ordered through this office.
New Jersey Heard From. From Sussex county, of that State, Mrs. S. E. Cole ofl'ers the following about some favorites: "The Tritclia nniflvra, spoken of in the May num- ber, is pretty, with its star-like flowers, but not as handsome as Allivnt neapolifanum, bearing as it does lai-ge clusters of pure white flowers, lasting two and three weeks. Neither is it so fine as the Freesia, another excellent winter- bloomer of delightful fragi-ance. Of the latter, some are white and some are pale yellow. I had these all last winter for the first time, and vpas much pleased with them. Another nice winter plant is Yellow Oxalis, as it blooms all winter with me. Thanks for the aid I derived some time ago from the " Exchange Column " of your exceedingly valuable paper.
1 886.
POPULAR GARDENING.
I I
The presence of plants in rooms, as ought to be well known, serves to render the atmos- phere beneficially humid to human lungs, thus answering a valuable end aside fi-om the beauty and cheerfulness imparted. How this peculiar effect of the presence of plants on the atmos- jihere, comes in to a good purpose, in a large manufactory, is told as follows: The Williman- tic (Conn.) Thread Company formerly em- ployed a spr.aying machine and two men to se- cure the needful humidity of the atmosphere of their shops. For the purpose of increasing the comfort aud pleasure of the operatives, the
THE LA FRANCE ROSE. proprietor commenced the cultivation of plants ai'ound the factory and placed many beautiful flowers in the rooms. This so changed the at- mosphere that the spraying machine was no longer needed.
The LaFrance Kose, of which an engi-aving is herewith given, enjoys the distinction of being very valuable, both to those who ai'e in the trade as florists and to amateui-s. As a forcing Rose for cut flowers, it occupies a place second to no other one of its color, being always in large demand at a high price. It can never be classed among common kinds. Its sweetness is unequaled, while no Rose can sui'pass the exquisitness of its coloring, which is that of a peach blossom, shaded pink and silvery rose. The flowers are large and full, and appear with great freedom on the plants. As a garden Rose it is hardier than the average monthl}', living over in mild winters with slight protection. It is a free grower and constant bloomer. This Rose is of French origin, dating from LSO".
A Large Rhubarb Bed. Such a oue, contain- ing about 20 acres, is reported by the Prairie Fannrr as being at " Rhubarbville," out from Chicago. The bed was planted three .years ago; the soil, which is a rich sandy loam, being first put in good working condition by the plow and harrow. It was then marked off each way in rows four and one-half feet apart, and a man went along with a spade and made a hole at each of the intersecting points by thrusting it down and pressing each way a moment. A boy followed with the plants, dropijiug them in the holes and pressing the earth over them with his feet. This completed the simple operation of planting. The field was frequently culti- vated through the season and kept free from wee<ls, The next spring after planting, the first crop was gathered.
About Pansies. Mrs. J. L. AVhite, of Knox county Illinois, %vrites that formerly she had no success in raising Pansies, although trying hard for years to raise fine ones. She offers to the family the information as to what lead her from failure to success with these plants, as follows: "I use all the completely rotteu wood that I can get, working it into the soil and around the plants. Since I have com- menced this my Pansies are very fine, indeed
I think nothing can be more beautiful than these, with their varied and fanciful mai'kiugs. On a bed only two feet s(iuare I recently counted loO perfect flowers.'" We would like to add to this note, that in a long experience in raising Pansies, we have relied mainly upon a very liberal allowance of old rotten manure, in the soil, together with an occasional dose of liquid manure over the bed before flowering time. By this course we have raised some Pansies marvelous for size and beauty.
A New way of His Own. If Mr. Samuel Streepey, of Slatef ord. Pa. , had been a reader of Popular (Gardening, and had used the effective remedies late- ly printed in its columns to kill Currant worms, instead of his own rash exper- iment, he might still be the pos- sessor of the eye and part of a hand which he lost in the flght. The account puts it that he had once treated his bushes to some kind of worthless insect poison, under which the worms seemed to thrive. Then he made up his mind for a new experiment that should not fail. This consisted of sprink- ling the bush with sulphur, over which he poured some powder from a flask. A touch of a match enveloped the bush with sulphurous flame in an instant. At the same time the flask which Streepey held in his hand went off like a cannon. With it went the most of Streepey's hand. The sight of one eye was also destroyed. The bush was shriveled up as if blighted. But the worms on that particular bush were exterminated.
Buifalo Parks. So well satisfled is our city with her expenditure of upwards of a million dollai-s, on securing and maintaining a park system, embracing some 000 acres of land, that an enlargement of the system is again being considered. This time it is in the direction of acquiring lands on the shore of Lake Erie, to the southeast of the city, and converting them into recreation grounds. The step is a very popular oue. If carried out, the new park will be connected with the present ones by an ex- tension of the boulevard system. Recently legal enactments were secured for placing all of the small parks of the city under the man- agement of the Park Board, of which Mr. William McMillen is the very efficient superin- tendent of works. Included among contem- plated improvements, is the converting of the so-called Terrace " parks " into beauty spots by the help of gi'ass, trees and flowers. Next we hope to announce the pro.iect under way for connecting our beautiful Buffalo Parks by a broad boulevard with the new State Park at Niagara Falls, twenty-two miles away. It will come in time.
The Oleander. In its native state this is a riverside plant, and as such likes good living, being born to mud, water and warmth. As the shoots made in one .season flower the next, it well ripened, it is always desirable to get a strong growth on the plants as earl}' in the season as is practicable. Therefore, they should from the early spring be given a warm, light place in which to grow, and receive liberal supplies of weak liquid manure. An excellent way to summer small-sized plants, is to set them in a rich flower-bed or border until about October 1st, when they must be potted again. After the blooming season of plants in pots or boxes is over, some of the old soil should be removed from the roots and the.v be reset into a receptacle a little larger than the old one, using a rich loam to fill in around the roots. It should be well known that this hand- some shrub possesses some poisonous principles,
for if the hand is cut while pruning it, a dan- gerous wound may result. Pruning as a nile is not necessary to the plant, but it may be well once in some years apart to luit it back with a view to improving its general shape.
The Nurserymen's Convention af Washington.
The meeting took ])lace, according to pro- gramme, on June liith and t«'o ilays following. It was well attended, members to the mmiber of nearly 400 being present from all parts of the Union. The Province of Canada was also represented. We never saw so large an at- tendance of ladies at any of our conventions as was here present. The nurserymen, appreciat- ing the valuable service done to the cause of tree planting by the women of our land, gladly encourage their presence at these meetings. All such are by the by-laws of the association honorary members.
That less actual business was done at this convention than some of its predecessoi"s, will not be laid up against it seriously. Washing- ton is not a place conducive to much solid work of deliberate bodies, in a few days' time. How little Congress, even in its longest sessions, often manages to do. With the most delightful of weather, and with the sights and interests of the beautiful capitol city before them, the hard- worked nurserymen could for once well afford to dip deep into recreation. The social feat- ures of these conventions, arising from pereonal intercourse between members is of the greatest value ; no one can complain that this had not its full sway at the Washington meeting.
Of work done and papers read, the (|uality generally was that of marked excellence. Take for instance the opening address, on Wednes- day, of the president of the association. Com- missioner of Agriculture Coleman. It was an able paper, received with gi'eat enthusiasm by its hearers. We here give some of the leading thoughts it contained:
The last ceusus places gardeners, nurserymen and vinedressers together, as of the same class, and gives their number as ,51,4H2.
The uurser.vman is engaged in the primitive call- ing of man In the account of creation given us in the Bible trees are the first thing spoken of after the eartli took its present shape. They preceded man. as the necessary means of preparing tiie earth to be inhabited by him. Tliey were necessary in onler to make its atmosphere respirable by absorb- ing its superabundance of carbonic acid. Destroy tlie trees and you make the world desolate.
The work of the development of trees, is still to go on No one is competent to set a linut to it No one is competent to say what finiits may be gathered fl-om our trees in years and centiu'ies to come. We may go as far beyond the present as the present is in advance of Kden. There, is every encourage- ment to the nurseryman in this direction.
When we look at it ariglit, tlie calling of the nurs- eryman should be regarded as that <ir a high aud licjnorable trusteeship. He stands between his fello\\- inen and the great tree-world, of which they are ig- norant aud of which he iias a knowledge, by show- ing them how to attain the utmost comfort and pleasure from the growths of field aud forest.
The rapid extension of this nursery production in the United States indicates a development of taste, increase of wealth and a t>etter knowdedge of .sani- tary laws It attests the demand for landscape adornment, for woodcraft supplies, for local cli- matic moditications in aid of fruit culture and for enlargement of fruit production generall.v. It illus- trates the growth of esthetic cultui'e among the people, tlie tiisposition toexi>ei)d money in the grati- fication of tastes so pure and wholesome.
Regarding ornamental planting, no country in the world is better sui)plied in this respect than ours. We have sno species at least of woody plants. Three hundred of these attain a height of thirt.v feet. Two hundred and fifty of these are tolerably abundant in one portion of the country or another
We have this large number from which to make our selection, while Germany has but about si.xty native species of trees, and France and England only about half that number. That eminent author- I ity, I^indley, declares that " by far the finest orna- mental trees and shrubs (of Kngland) are those 1 wdnch have come from North America."
ii8
POPULAR GARDENING.
July,
We may make our country, from its native re- sources, the glory of ail lands for the beauty aud vaUie of its trees. It is your privilege, while engaged in a business which will give you reasonable pecu- niarj- returns, to be also public benefactors. It is your privilege to do as much as any other class of men in determining what shall lie the future condi- tion of the country as to its industries and the com- fort and happiness of its people.
On Thursday the following officers for the coming j'ear were elected :
President, C. L. Watrous, Iowa; first vice- president, M. A. Hunt, Illinois; secretary, D.W. Scott, Illinois; treasurer, A. R. Whitney. Ex- ecutive coramitte, S. D. Willard, New York, N. B. Pearsall, Kansas, aud Cleorge Weltz, Oliio. The report was adopted and the officers nominated were elected.
The vice-presidents also reported in favor of Chicago as the place for the next meeting, and the report was adopted
A resolution was adopted by a large vote asking Congi'css to pass a law taxing oleomar- garine. Much time was also consumed in hear- ing reports concerning trade matters.
One of the ablest papers of the meeting was that by Dr. Fenio, on the Influences Affecting the Quality of Tree Seed, and in which he urged the merits of seed testing establishments.
The chief feature of Friday's meeting was an excursion to Mount Vernon, by steamer down the Potomac river. It was participated in by nearly the entire convention.
Convention Notes.
An ideal city, so far as shade trees go.
The Botanical Garden had many visitors.
The nurserymen feel good over spring sales.
Presidents come and go, but Secretary Scott remains.
The Lucretia Dewberry was on exhibition by Mr. Albaugh.
Most of the members found the weather cooler than they had left behind them.
Friend Augur gave everybody alasteof the Jewell Strawbeny. They were Jewels.
President Coleman reports Hi>,()(X> shade trees in Washington. They were a delight to the visitors.
The convention was photographed in a body on Thursday, iu front of the Agricultural Building. Nice picture.
The hearty invitation to have the next meeting at Dallas, Texas, seemed at one time as likely to be accepted. The Texas members gave some interest- ing talk about their great State.
We found our old neighbor. President Cleveland. looking well, although less ruddj' of cheek than when be lived in BulTalo. He showed his apprecia- tion of horticulture by granting a special reception on Thursday afternoon to the nureerymen. ladies included. Shaking some 3(Xl hands didn't seem to tire him much.
At an adjunct meeting of the Nursery-men's Pro- tective Association the following ofiieere were elected: C. L. Watrous, president: G. C Atwood, New York, vice-president ; D. Willmot Scott, secre- tary; A. R. Whitney, treasurer, and Messrs. Abner Hoopes, Pennsylvania; S. D. Bear, Ohio; C. L. Watrous, Iowa, the executive board
The Convention enjoyed a good laugh at the close of Congressman Wellborn's eloquent speech on the present and future of Texas as a fruit growing country. He had finished his warm peroration of brillant hues, and was walking down the aisle with Mr. Dewey's hat in his hand, when Commissioner Coleman called out " please don't carry away our members" hats." This brought down the house. And when Mr. Wellborn explained that such a little thing as appropriating another man's property were peculiarities of his own, not belonging to Texas people at large, the house came down again.
The Fruit and Vegetable Growers' Association of the United States.
The June meeting of this society was held on the 17th of last month, at Columbus, Ohio. It was an interesting meeting and succeeded in accomplishing much good. The leading dis- cussions centered on the best methods of pre- paring fruit for market, and preserving it for family use. The evaporation of fruit received its full share of attention.
A happy sequel to this diseussson was the generous offer of Mr. Ezra Arnold, an Illinois fruit grower, to give to the society the plans and details of his improved yet inexpensive home made fruit evaporator. He does not make these for sale, but freely consigns to the association and to all interested persons the full right to make and use them, on the one con- dition, that the association will give his offer publicity. This it resolvefl to do, and to pre- pare the necessary engravings and descriptions to enable any person to make and set up the device. Full particulars with plans may be had of the secretary, W. Orlandc Smith, Alli- ance, O. ,by enclosing stamps for return postage.
The next meeting of the association will take place at St. Louis, Mo., Dec. 9th next.
Second Annual Meeting of the So- ciety of American Florists.
This meeting will be held in Philadelphia Aug. ISth to *20tli next. It promises to be a gi'eat success, in that respect even an improve- ment on the excellent first meeting of lastyeai-. It will be a gathering of the live florists of our land ; all such are expect-ed to be there. Re- duced rates on all the leading railroads may be secured. Secretai'yE. G. Hill, Richmond, Ind., will take pleasure in furnishing full particulars to mail api>li cants.
tropes, RosesandMyosotis. ought now to be growing rapidly, and will require pinching back every few weeks to promote stocky forms Such as are in pots should be shifted into pots one size larger as soon as the roots mat about the ball of earth.
THE HOUSE PLANTS.
Abutilons or Flowering Maples should now be en- couraged by repotting as they will bear, to make a strong growth for sustaining winter flowering. Pnnie freely to promote shapeliness.
Agapanthua Plants need plenty of water while flowering, being by nature sub-aquatic.
Bouvardias. Cut back closely for the present.
Cactuses during their flowering and growing period are not apt to be given too much water.
Cyclamens for flowering next year and later should be sown during the present month.
Geraniums. Where plenty of winter flowers are wanted, the plants should be grown in pots during the summer; also, keep all flower buds nipped out as they appear. The Rose and most other kinds can be brought along finely fur house decoration later, by lifting some from the border some time this month and potting them. Pinch back the main shoots a little at the same time.
Hydrangeas in bloom are benefited by an occas- ional dose of manure water. Young plants in their first year like partial shade in the summer.
Insects. As to these, one should put prevention before cure. Aid plant health by proper water- ing, cleansing the foliage, removing dead leaves and matured flowers, and repotting as geeded. and insects will not trouble much. If any stragglers appear, apply the thumb nail.
Lantanas embody a number of good qualities as pot-plants. They may easily be grown as standards, with a trunk three or more feet high, by keeping all side shoots down during the season of growth, and until a desirable height is reached
Mignonette Seed, if not yet started for winter plants, must now go in. See under "Conservatory."
Oxalis Kosea and other varieties should receive less watei- than when they were flowering freely.
Primroses, Double Chinese. Tlie treatment now needed is merely that they be kept in a cool shady place, and water as required, that is. sparingly.
Vallotas now begin to bloom. While this is going on they should be kept constantly well watered.
"Watering cannot now be neglected once without serious results. The best time of the day to water in the summer is towards night. Then the plants have moisture and coolness until morning. But if plants happen to be drj- in the morning, don't wait for evening but water immediately.
Winter -flowering plants, such as Begonias, Chrysanthemums, Carnations, Pomsettias, Helio-
LAWN AND FLOWER GARDEN.
Annual Flowers now come in. It is a mistake to allow the plants to become crowded. Thinned out properly, and many kinds that often appear no better than weeds develop into handsome plants.
Asters are gross feeders. If this fact was not duly appreciated when the beds were prepared, matters may still be helped by liquid manuring or a manure mulch.
Balsams should be pruned of many of the young shoots that now appear; train to one, three or more main shoots and their appearance will be improved.
Candytuft, if sown during this month in frames, will produce heavy crops of blooms just after the open air yield is cut off by frosts.
Carpet Beds are now in full dress, and to keep them so through the hot weather they need a thorough watering once a week, and all useless flowers, as well as unhealthy leaves and weeds, should be removed as often Some of the plants will need trimming also, to regulate shape.
Caterpillars may be kept from ascending trees by encircling these with bands of cotton.
Climbers now push ahead rapidly, and should be anijily furnished with supports for the young shoots, and have the growth regulated.
Dahlias that produce many side shoots are bene- fited by liavmg some of these cut out.
Layering is a means of propagation that every amateur ought to be familiar with. By it about all fine shrubs and plants can easily be increased, while many cannot be propagated in any other way. As shown by the cut, a depression is made in the earth at one side of the plant in which to bend a vigorous shoot. This shoot should have a notch cut in from the top. one-third of the way through at the lowest point of the bend. Bend it down and cover firmly with mellow earth. In about two months there ought to be good roots.
Pansies Sow now for earlj- spring or forcing.
Perennials, Hardy. If it is desirable to in- crease such kinds as ripen their seeds this month the seed may be sown as soon as ripe. Those that are through flowering should have their flower stalks ciU away soon after for the sake of neatness.
Rhododendrons. Remove seed pods and sprouts.
Staking and Tying up are important operations to keeping a handsome garden. Strong- growing, top-heavy plants like Dahlias. Gladiolus and Salvias absolutely demand it for the best results. Large single specimen plants, such as Hydrangeas, Geraniums, etc., ma}' be staked so neatly by lower- ing the top of the stake down into the plant, that these will not show and yet obviate all danger from breaking off or bending over by storms.
Sweet Williams and other biennials should be sown for next year's blooming.
Trees that were planted in the spring often suffer from drouth in the summer. A mulch of hay. litter or stones over the roots is good treatment to pre- vent this, and better than excessive watering.
Variegated Trees or Shrubs, or those with cut or other "fancy" forms of leaves which may show signs of a common type of foliage should have the shoots on which these appear cut out, or the future value will be iu danger.
Watering. Apply- ing a little water and often to anything grow- ing in the soil is a bad Propagation by Layering. principle, and should ^i'^" Layering:' above. be set aside for the correct one of watering seldom but then very thoroughly. Vases and hanging baskets have many plants growing in a small bulk of earth; water thoroughly everj' day. The best time for watering trees is during a showeiy spell. Remember here that ordinarj- showers do trees but little good.
PLANT CULTURE UNDER GLASS.
Camellias. Now the buds of next winter's flowers are formed, and any bad treatment to the plants may cause these to drop before opening, as explained last month.
Keep the Camellia apartment cool by shading, sprinkling and free-airing. Water regularly and
i886.
POPULAR GARDENING.
19
syringe the plants at least three times a week. Some growers put the red-Howering kind out doors in a shady place, and then spread the whites over all the space under glass.
Chrysanthemums in pots may have their final shift. Sprinkle often from overhead.
Cinerarias and Calceolarias. Prick out the seedlings, as soon as they can be handled, into pots or pans, placing these in frames, under shaded sash, .\dniit air and water as required. Cyclamens. See brief note under House Plants. Euphorbias, should be shifted into larger pots whenever the roots in the present ones begin to mat around the ball of earth.
Ferns. It must be seen to 'that large growing kinds in the Fern-house do not too much crowd or overshadow the smaller kinds.
Tree Ferns, if much encouraged through giving them ample root-space, oft«n soon get so large as to be useless. It is better to keep the pots or boxes of these rather small, and give some liquid manure. If ignonette for winter blooming is usually not sown early enough. The seeds should go in during June or early July, sowing directly into small pots, three or four seeds in each, the seedlings then later to be thinned down to one. The young plants should from the fu^t be protected from the cab- bage worm buttertly, with mosquito netting.
Orchids should now he provided with a free cir- culation of air to ripen the spring growth. Use as little shading as possible, and keep the air moist by watering the paths and stages in the afternoon, after which shut up for the night.
Potted plants of Poinsettia, Heliotrope and like kinds, designed for winter flowers, should be shitted promptly on, as required.
Eoses tor wmter flowers, that are bedded out under glass should now be at rest, receivmg only enough water to not allow entire dryness of the .soil.
of such compact-growing kinds as the Delawa and Diana, is a good plan, removing about 01 fourth the berries.
Wasps often injure line specimens of fruit. Tl may be prevented by inclosing in gauze bags.
FRUIT GARDEN AND ORCHARD.
Aphis or Lice yield to soapsuds, if applied with force, repeating the operation as needed.
Currants. Where there are but few bushes the birds are sometimes troublesome. Mischief by them is easily prevented by thi-owing netting over the plants. An old article past use at the windows will answer here.
Layering of Currants, Gooseberries, Grapes, etc., may now be done. See article on layering under "Lawn and Flower Garden."
Liquid Manuring. If the soil about them is somewhat poor, applications of liquid manure to trees and plants will help the crop greatly.
Mildew on Grapes is easily eradicated by the use of powdered sulphm-, applied with a bellows, or even thrown in fine clouds with the hand, when the leaves are wet. This needs prompt attention; mildewed vines do not ripen their fruit well.
Mulching. Many have yet to learn the great val- ue of summer mulchmg in certain cases. There are instances where it will induce a stronger growth than a coat of manure would. It is especially ben- eficial to newly -set trees, the stone fruits, and to Currants and Gooseberries.
Poisoning Caterpillars is practicable in the or- chard if done while the fruit is small. One pound of Paris Green to forty gallons of water, applied over the foliage with a force pinup and broadcast spray, will do the work.
Pruning. The best pruning is that which rarely, if ever, calls for the removal of a large branch. As shoots start up, pinch them awa,v where no branches are wanted, and leave others where some would be desirable. The latter will grow the faster tor the absence of the former.
Slugs on Cherry and Pear trees may be easily destroyed by dusting with dry ashes, lime, or earth.
Strawberries. Where new plantations are to be made a great gain comes from layering the young plants, which form at this season, into pots, or on pieces of inverted turf four inches square, set into the ground. The plants, by either com-se, may then be set out in August, and will be in shape for a heavy crop next year.
Thinning. It does pay to thin fruit. The work is something, but that is about saved in the later operations of picking and sorting, while thinned fruit always commands high prices. In Peaches the rule is to leave one Peach on a shoot six inches long, and two on a limb a foot long. Pears and Ap- ples usually are allowed one apiece to nine spurs. In no tree should fruit clusters be allowed to remain unthinned. Leave the spaces throughout the tree as evenly divided as possible. Grapes are also benefited by thinning. Even thinning on the bunch.
VEGETABLE GARDEN.
Bush Beans for a late crop may be sown, as they grow quickly, now; a rich, deep soil for tender pod.s. Celery. Crispness is promoted by the use of good manure. The soil can hardly be too rich, and free watering is also very beneficial. Planting for the main cro]i should now be done
Cucumbers for pickles planted early this month usuaUy do well, but it nuist be early or not at all.
Herbs. .\ little before these come into full bloom cut, tie into small bunches and dry in shade. Lima Beans now push ahcail rapidly ; let them be tied to the poles as they need. Bearing com- mences in good earnest only when the tops of the poles are reached, hence these must not be too high ; eight feet is enough.
Melons making a strong growth should be stop- ped atone joint past the last tniit about the end of the month, to favor maturing of all the fi-uit set. Radishes for use during winter ma,y be sown. Rhubarb should rest during fruit time. Seed saving is an important matter. Let the earliest and best specunens be spared for this pur- pose, marking them to insure their preservation.
Seed sowing of such things as Sweet Corn, Kohlrabi, Lettuce and Tiu'nips, besides the kinds named under the special heads, is yet in order.
Slugs sometimes prove quite injurious to late planted cabbage ; they can be kept off by putting a handful or two of coal ashes around the stem.
Tomatoes do better staked or trained to a trellise than when spreading over the earth, the fruit being more abundant, finer looking and of better flavor. A single stake will answer, but any simple treUise that will admit of spreading the vines is better. Turnips should be sown during the month. Weeds. There is no time like a dry spell for killing weeds. Brought up now and they will dry and die, which cannot be said of most of them when wetness prevails
FRUIT AND
VEGETABLES GLASS.
UNDER
Grapery. Give an abundance of air to all vines upon which the grapes begin to color. The vines should be looked over and have all laterals stopped ; late ones may be fertilized with manure water. Those late kinds, that it is intended shall hang on the vines until Christmas, will be improved for hav- ing the scissors passed over them to remove all im- perfectly fertilized berries.
Vines in earl}^ and mid-season houses need thor- ough cleansing as they are cleared ot fruit, as the perfect development ot next year's fruiting buds depends upon having clean, healthy foliage.
Peaches, after fruiting, the trees being in pots, should be moved into the open air and in some sunny position, plunging the pots to their rims. In young plants started one year from the bud, the tree should have been headed back two feet in the spring. As the new shoots reach one foot in length pinch out the points, and after this any laterals at the fourth leaf, up to autumn.
Strawberries. Young plants must now be started in pots for next winter's crop. Fill as many three-inch pots as it is desired to have plants for forcing and sink them to the rim along the rows ot stock plants. The earlier this is done after the lay- ers start the better, for the stronger the forcing plants are by winter the better.
The layers will need directing to the pots, and can be kept in place by a layer hook, stone or clod of earth. By keeping the pots well watered they will be rooted in about three weeks.
.\fter this place in the shade until the pots are full of roots, when they should be shifted into six- inch pots. Pot rather firmly into good fibrous earth afterwards, standing the pots in an open airy place and giving them all the water they need.
Tomatoes are not difficult to force for winter fruit in a temperature ot 110° Seed sown early in this month can be had to fruit in November.
The plants should be brought along in pots, start- ing the seeds in the three-inch size and bringing them up to the 10-inch or l:i-iucb size for fruiting.
A light, fibrous soil should be used, and if a six- inch potful of bone-meal be mixed into eveiy bushel of soil the plants will be delighted. They cannot bear a sour, stilT soil.
TMa bring the People's Fatxr it is open lo all their In. quires, henriinj on Oardening.
i>n the. other htin:l, anamra to published Inquires are iitrnrstty requesteil from readers.
The editors and nfiecial rontributors are ready to do a lorye share of the anniveriiig. but the experienee of many being more valualde than of tlie few, howerrr varied thai is, nndfunditiuiis and localities being so different, they jtrefer to receive answers, even several of them to the same ques tion, from readers evejywhere. Don't hesitate to lerite because you may feel you are no fine writer: give facts and Ideas and the editors will see that they ajivear in credi- table shape.
7h writing, give the number of the question you are an- smring: your locality and name, the latter not for publica- tion unless you desire, ifrite only on one side of the paper Flowers will be gladly named provided Jlrst, that no more than three be sent at one time. Second, that these he fully prepaid. Third, that several specimens of each reach us in good shape. We cannot undertake to name florists' varie< ties,
87. Plant for Name. Would you kindly name the enclosed flower, the plant of which I bought at the market but could not learn its name s B Philadrliihia, Pa.
88 Dahlias, etc., Devoured. Some of my Dah- lias and Balsam Pears grow a few inches above ground, and then some insect or bird eats off the hearts or leafbuds, as well as any new ones that start later. Some of the leaves are eaten off par- tially also. Can you tell me the cause and a remedy?
89. Lemon from Seed. I have also a very hand- some Lemon Plant from seed. It is almost two feet high, and being about two years old. Query May I expect such a one to bear truit in time? What treat- ment should it receive? C. W. Mebgler, Jeiseu l-'itij, N. J. ^
90. Ornamental Grasses. Some mention was made of these recently in Popular Gardenino Lan you inform us where a good selection ot such may be bought , Rose Mary.
91. Daffodils. Will the better kmds of Daffodils do in an ordinary grass plat, where the old yellow doubles flourish? My only fear is that the cultivated bulbs should not have strength to push through the matted roots of the old turf;- I thought of planting Barrii, Obvallaris, Juncitolius, Bulbocodium etc-
S\1.VANUS.
REPLIES TO INQUIRIES.
:a — Callas. I grow my young plants in light soil that is made very rich with fine rotten manure in some shady spot, until September, when I ijot them. The fact that your plants are drawn while this IS not to their advantage, vet they may make good plants by this treatment The old plant I would also plant out; the chances are that the soil is sour, causing the leaves to curl downwards. A.H.E.
TO.— Bouvardia Humboldtii. Cut back in the spring nearly to the root and plant out Keep pinched until the last of August; lift and pot in September. Shade for about a week, and by keep- ing the atmosphere quite moist you will get flowere Perhaps " Anxious " got his or her stock from Philadelphia, or if it even came from there it had better be thrown away, as there was a lot sold as strong, growing plauts that would never bloom though I think it is all gone now. James Frost]
68. Ants. Mix arsenic and sugar, and sprinkle around the ant holes. Cover with a box or pail and put a stone on top to keep in place. N. M. p.
Slugs on Roses. .\n even teaspoonful of Paris green in twelve quarts of water, and keep stirred up. Sprinkle the bushes just enough to wet them after the slugs come. Needs to be done but once in a season One tea-spoonful of Paris Green is enough for sixty rose bushes. N. M. P.
Shading Plants. The best way to shade trans- planted plants is to stick leafy branches on the south and west. N. M. P.
87. Plant for Name. Eds. p. G.
90.
It is Veronica ameth^-stina.
Ornamental Grasses. The regular nursery- men who grow ornamental stock and hardy plants should keep these. Ens. P. G.
T.5. Cactus, How Often to Water. Under ordi- nary culture the plants should have a rest durmg November. December and January, When very lit- tle if any w-ater will be needed . At other times they may be watered twice a week, giving more water when growth is rapid than at other times Two rules should be laid down to guide in this mat- ter, namely: The soil must /k-icc be allowed to get stagnant from over watering, and plants should never become so dry that the Hesh becomes shriv- eled and the skin dull and lax from lack of n-ater. -A. H. E.
79. Dracaena. These plants often suffer from lack ot drainage, causing the soil to become sour Repot into fresh soil, providing ample drainage. .\. H. E.
80. Bermuda Lily. Plant out after flowering in pots. It is no help to Lilies to dry them off. Mrs G. C. Laikd, UiiniH Co.. Mich.
81 Wind-break. We would class White Pine, .\ustrian Pine and Norway Spruce among the best ot trees for this purpose. Eds. P. G.
80. Hedges. For makmg a quick growth and as beuig easily cared for, we think no evergreen hedge plant superior to the Noi-wav Spruce. Eos
I20
POPULAR GARDENING.
July,
^e Household
Visitors and Visiting.
It is one of the real accomplisbments to know how to visit, and how to entertain visitors with genuine delight all around. During the summer, man_y cit_y people are so glad to get away from the dust and heat of their surroundings, that their friends in the country are sure to not want for a chance to entertain them. A few words on both sides of these subjects may be in order here.
Sensible visitors will endeavor, above all else, to adapt themselves harmoniously to the customs of their entertainers; to make their kind friends feel uncomfortable by seeming to e.xpect that of which their cir- cumstances do not readily allow, is a poor way of making a visit generally jileasant. A striving to have the household machinery of the home visited go on as usual, and no one specially inconvenienced by the presence of the visitor, is one of the first secrets of agreeable visiting.
Considerate visitors will also be careful how they impose any extra work that they could do themselves upon the hostess, per- haps already overworked.
This would especially apply to things in the line of adding to the laundry work; rather than do this, in case there is much fine washing and ironing, the visitor had better hire a laundress.
Likewise, it must be remembered that the children of visitors, even if well-bred, re- (piire more watchful, anxious care when in the country, than when at home.
The sensible hostess will be conscious of the fact that the pleasure of a visit to others depends more upon the spirit which is per- vading in the home, than upon its location and surroundings. Instead of making a forced effort to elaborate entertainment, the country housewife should bear in mind that her friends are with her largely to se- cure rest, Cjuiet, and pure air. The table can hardly fail to please, if plenty of fresh vegetables, ripe fruit, milk, cream, fresh eggs, and good bread and butter are upon it. These articles in their excellence are none too well known in city homes, and of- ten make up for many other short-comings.
The English mode of entertaining visitors might oftener be advantageously adopted by us. Their guests are usually invited for a specified time, and rarely for more than a week. They are welcomed to all the facil- ities for comfort and diversion the house af- fords, but the hostess is not expected to de- vote anj' of the morning, and only what .she can spare of the afternoon to their entertain- ment. This course provides for both parties a kind of freedom that is very acceptable; while the private apartments of the hostess are considered sacred to her use, and affords a retreat safe from all intrusion, at any time.
We are pleased to note that in many places Americans are profiting by England's ex- ample in these matters.
Brieflets.
Never slam the doors.
Roll-call— the baker's cry.
Slightly rancid lard may be freshened by boiling a raw apple or potato in it.
Flavoring extracts are volatile; the bottles should lie kept well corked.
Oh, yea ! thirteen persons is really an unlucky number at the table— when the dinner is short.
The girls can now add a vase of flowei's to the ilinner table to make the meal more delightful.
How a few drops of oil sometimes applied does help in running the carpet sweeper and clothes wringer.
Have you tried the agreeable change to lemon- ade as a dinner or supper drink ■? It is wholesome and not costly.
The brass and copper kettles need to be bright before using for fruit They are easily cleaned with salt and vinegar.
By setting layer cakes in their pans on a wet cloth for a few minutes, when taken from the oven, they will readily turn out of the tins.
Who has not been annoyed by an ironing blanket shoving al)0uf? It can be prevented by sprinkling the table with water before spreading it on.
White Willow furniture, so cool and comfort- able, is nfit pleasant to see when once soiled. Paint is the best remedy, but a wash of salt and water may help some.
A correspondent furnishes her mother's well- tried receipt for a baked custard, as follows: To each pint of milk, take 3 eggs and 2 tablespoonfuls of sugar; bake slowly; it will be improved by first boiling the milk.
Colanders fiud a wider use in some households than in others. They are convenient for draining the dishes, as hot rinsing water can be poured over them without being handled; while those who try them for washing dried or fresh fi-uit, are apt to like them as well as we do. So writes " Reader "
Napkins. We agree with Household Worda, that the proper way for a guest to dispose of the napkin after dinner, is to fold it, not too carefully, and lay it at the side of the plate without conmient. At public houses we, ourselves, feel disposed to rumple them up just enough to unfit them for being used again.
Care in washing promotes the wear of garments. Dark or bright colors can often be set by using salt or alum in the water; put plenty of bluing in the starch and have it well strained for the former, drying in the shade; avoid changing flannels from cold to hot water, and add borax for white fiannels or blankets, also in washing red bordered linen. Boiling water will remove fresh fruit stains. Oxalic acid should be rubbed on rust spots while washing, then thoroughly rinsed out. Ammonia or salsoda is useful to remove blood stains.
povjitry.
Eggs by Weight— A Much Needed Reform,
It is not credital)]e to the vast egg produc- ing and cousuuiing interests of our country, that eggs are still sold by co\uit. Why a dozen eggs that turn the balance at two pounds and over, as those of Brahanis usually do, should command no higher price than others (they are plenty enough in the mark- ets) which weigh no more than a pound and a half per dozen is not easily seen. To sell the former amounts to giving customers one- half pound or more of rich food outrightly; to raise the latter is to take advantage of a premium offered for inferior products.
The selling of eggs by weight, is as prac- ticable as the selling of any other commodity in the same way. It is done at the present time in manj^ parts of Europe and in Cali- fornia in this country. It would only re- quire that producers would insist upon the sj'stem being adopted. It is a matter for our poultry associations to take a hold of in seeing introduced. Once the plan of weighing of eggs inaugurated and it would rapidly be adopted. Soon we would no more think of returning to the count plan of making sales than we now would think of buying nails by covuit, as was formerly done. The system belongs to a barbaric age, and must go.
A writer in Our Country Home calls atten- tion to the fact that Bantam eggs weigh fif- teen to the pound. They are over one hun-
dred per cent larger, according to the weight of the producer, than the average.
Brahmas of 7A pounds (average weight) produce two pounds two ounces per dozen; common fowlsof 44 pounds (average weight) produce one pound two ounces per dozen; Bantams of 33 ounces (average weight) pro- duce twelve ounces per dozen.
Were eggs sold by the pound, it would be an easy question to settle that Brahmas and Bantams would become the most profitable of all fowls as ^gg producers. Brahmas pro dnce their eggs in winter in greater propor- tion, which would more than balance the great- er number from Leghorns in the summer.
CONDENSED POULTRY NOTES.
Place Hie poles all on the same level. Milk belongs to the class of best feeds Egg flavor depends much on the food. Nests should be in a darkened part of the house. Because meat fed moderately is good for layei-s, do not nixike the mistake that a good deal is better.
To invest in fine breeds is a course to be com- mended, but t^ dabble in too many varieties, is quite another thing. Don't do the latter.
Kerosene is a useful insectcide, but it must be rightly used If applied to the roosts, the parasites will die, but if to the head or body of the bird, the latter will be killed.
Always feed growing fowls on good grain and meal; it is the cheapest in the end, and the low- priced grains and poultr}-^ mixtures advertised, often are dear at any price, where plump, well-grown birds are desired at an early age.
If fowls must be prevented from flying, instead of shortening the feathers close to the wing, open one of the latter and pull out the fii'st or flight feathers, usuallj' ten in number, and the matter is accomplished with no detriment to appearances.
If you want to stop your light Brahmas from laying, feed them all they want. We have found that the egg production of this breed, more than of any other, is lessened by over-feeding. Feed twice a day, giving no more than they will eat up clean before resting.
Check the Guineas. A Virginia correspondent who always raises some Ouineas, says they must be eaten as soon as grown to be at their best. Besides, when they are older they chase and pick any timid hens tliey may be confined with, and at a year old will kill little chickens.
Gardening Illustrated talks sensibly when it says that nmch may be done by gradually building up a laying strain in any breed of fowls This, by breed- ing only from hens which have proved themselves to be capital layers It is astonishing what can be done by following this plan for some seasons.
What causes eggs to have blood spots sometimes, may be difficult to answer, Init we are of the opin- ion that it comes from being fed on too stimulating food, as an abundance of animal food. Of course in some cases it would have to be laid to some disorder of the egg organ, but we think not always.
Young Turkeys are very destructive to insects if allowed to run iu the garden. They w-ill run among the plants and snap up every bug or worm with great rapidity. Even insects that are on the under side of the leaves, will not escape them, for they turn their heads to inspect the lower sides of leaves. Young chicks will not begin to compare with young turkeys for this business
Don't try to break up an untimely setting hen by the cruel, yet ineffectual, plan of half drowning her. Take, instead, a headless cask, invert it over her, allowing it to rest on three bricks, and bore a hole in the top for ventilation. Water and scanty food should be provided just outside the rim. A week or two of such treatment will usually convert biddy into a more sensible hen.
Some fowls that will resort to eating the feathers of otliers are found in all collections, at some time or other. The cause of this habit is not satisfac- torily understood, and the safest way to deal with it is to kill the offenders. The habit is catching, and one feather-eater tolerated may make many others. If the addicted fowl is too valuable to kill for any cause, we would attempt a cure by com- plete isolation, change of food, and induce em- ployment by providing a rubbish heap or newly turned up soil for scratching.
POPULAR GARDENING
FOR TOWN AND COUNTRY
"ACCUSE NOT NATURE, SHE HATH DONE HER PART; DO THOU RUT r///A'K"— Mii.ton.
Vol. 1.
-A.TJO-TJSa?, 1886.
No. II.
Summer Hymn.
O Spring, Spi-iiiK. Spring, limv fair art thou—
An April time of siiiilt'S ami ti-afs— Till suimiuT with tlit- sunny lirnw.
ThriL-e-welcunH' Kui'st. at length apjiears. When wood ami field are orowned by June,
Rich garlamled with leaf and tiower, Then hearts of men are all in tune
With suniniel'B )ilenitnde of power The fairest scenes en^wd into view—
The deep-blue sljy, tlie purple lulls. The me.idow Jlowers of varied hue.
The placid lakes, the sunlit rills. Then joyfully, in gj-atefnl mood,
Our hearts and voices join to praise The great Creator of all k'O'kI,
The giver of glad siuumer days.
— The Quhvi:
given Piins}' nilture so miicli attciifion tliat nowwc iK'cil not depend on foreign .snpiilie.s.
The Pansy— Now is the Time to Sow.
During t h i .s montli and next tlie well-informed plant grower who d e .sire .s to have Pan.sies in flower next spring sows the .seed. ItLssuch an ea.sy feat to raise these lovely favorites that no amateur should feel eontented with his or her garden- ing accomplishments who does not feel well ahle to grow them. Elsewhere in this issue are given full directions as to the mat- ter of raising fine Pansies.
The universal esteem in wliieli the Pansy is helil has more than once been referred to in these columns. Were some tangible proofs desired as to this we think none better could be offered than the fact of its beiiring so many common names, a most obvious sign of popularity. It may be in- teresting to here enumerate those which have come under our observation:
P'insy, Pansy Violet,
Hearts-ease, Johnnie Jump-up,
Pink of My John, Love in Idleness,
Call Me to You, Three Faces under a Hood
Jump up and Kiss Me, Kiss me at the (iate.
Flower of Jove, Herb Trinity.
The kinds of Pansies are now so numer- ous and varied, and withal so distinct from the really wild species of violets in cultiva- tion, that it is ditHcult if not impossible to tnice their precise origin. It would seem from the brilliancy of the color and the amplitude of the l)lossom that the parents of the race must have been mountaineers, for this much is certain, that in other fami- lies we find similar strong ciualilies only in species that are pecidiar to higli elevations.
The cidtivation of the improved Pansies dates only from the etirly i)art of the pres- ent century, but even then it was many years before anything like the present at- tainments in size and beauty were reached. Formerly the Eluglish, French and German gardeners were looked to for supplies of the finest seeds.but of late years Americans have
Keep a Lookout for the Pear Blight.
This appalling disease, the sign of which is the blackening of the branches and foliage .and the emitting of a peculiar putrefactive odor, is now so widely spread that every- one having Pear or other trees in charge, should be on their gutird against its presence and increase It is also popularly known as Fire Blight and Twig Blight.
Of the many theories that have been ad- vanced to accotuit for Pear Blight we shall have nothing to say here, beyond this, that the very careful e.\periments conducted in recent years at the New York Agri- cultural E.\perimental Station at Geneva would strongly indicate that it owes its existence and spread to the influ- ence of those minute organisms known as bacteria. One lliing has been clearly shown, and that is that it may be transmitted from tree to tree by inoculation. It is con- jectured that its ordinary means of trans- mission is through the b.acteria e.scaping from the tissues of the diseased parts in slimy drops, during damp weather espe- ciall3% and after being freed by rjiins, and upon becoming dry, are taken up and carried by the wind to new trees.
What our readers will be most interested in is to know the best means of controlling the disease. There can be nothing .stiggested that promises so well as the prompt removal with the knife of every trace of the ailment. As the blackened leaves (usually the first sign of its presence to ordinary observation) do not develop until the disea.se has been in progress for two, three or more weeks, one should observe the caution not to cut to scantily. Any part that is alTected shoidd be removed some inches below the lowest part of leaf or bark discoloration, and it may be unnecessary to add, such parts should be promiitly burned.
In cutting out Pear Blight care should be taken never to allow the knife to enter any diseased part, as this woidd open the way to spreading the disea.se to any new place where the knife was later used. An orchard where the di.SM.se has appeared should be rcgidarly gone over about once every two weeks, removing every disea.sed porlion. In this way it may, under ordinary condi- tions, be kept in check .so well that no seri- ous loss shotdd ever follow, unless, as it might happen, that the di.sea.se had found access to the trunk of the tree.
favorable weather, the attention it may re- ceive: not that it is to be classed among shrubs that are dillieult to grow, for none is easier, but we desire to say to the many who may lie growing it as a new shrub, that a little treatment may often help it very much during the blooming period.
To have the flowers at their best there should be plenty of moisture at the root during bloom, and the soil in which it is growing must not be poor. If the florifer- ous habit of this i)lant be projierly sustained in these simple respects the blooms will be very large and handsome, l)ut otherwise they will look flabby.
In case the soil is lacking in fertility this may now be supplied by free applications of weak manure water, or a midch of well decayed manure over the roots, with liberal watering at intervals to carry down its strength, would help to the same end.
As to the supply of moisture, ordinarily it will not lie enough to depend on an occa- sional shower— the lio.se nozzle should be sometimes turned upon it, unless the sca.son happens to be positively wet
When well grown it is no strange thing to .see on the shrubs of the Panicle- flowered Hydrangea, which have reached a height of six or eight feet, several hundred of the immense rose .and white panicles at one time. These properly sustained, and for a long time they present n fine appear- ance, bard to be ei|ualed among shrubs.
The fact that this Il3(lraiigea is in bloom at a time when nearly all other shrubs have passed out of bloom renders it all the more important to now bestow upon it a little atten- tion, with a view to increasing its attractive- ness when the blooming time arrives.
The Panicle-Flowered Hydrangea.
ThrouglioMt .Septeml)er and even later this fine shrub of comparatively recent intro- duction will be in its attractive season.
Still the beauty of the shrub will depend much upon the weather, or in absence of
A Garden of Hardy Plants and Bulbs.
Mrs. M. A. Bucknell, of Madison Co., Illinois, can well afford to talk with enthu- siasm of her garden, for no doubt it is a fine one. One peculiarity about it, which we heartily commend, is that it is largely made up of handsome plants which are gathered in wild places and elsewhere, many of which take care of themsel ves year after year. Here is her interesting letter about them ;
I am much surprised to see s<i many home grounds in summer and fall a blaze of glory with annuals, but which in the spring are nearly or quite bare of bloom, Uightly managed and one should be able to gather from the garden a bouquet, small it may be at first, all through the season from April until November.
In some years the first day of March has found Snowdrops out in ni^- garden. In a few days later the Crocus came along, lift- ing up their happy faces— yellow, purjile, white and striped. Then soon after appear the Violets of diflfercnt colors— blue, white and yellow, the latter brought from the woods, the "Dutchman's Breeches," a miniature
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Bleeding Heart, with finely cut leaves aud small, pale pink flowers. Blue Bells, Adder's Tongue, tlie bright blue Spiderwort, the white flowers of the Blood Root or Sanguln- aria, Wild Phlox and Candytuft — the lat- ter being the perennial sort.
As for bcautifid wild plants, I cannot now recall all of my wood beauties. I gen- erally go fishing every spring, but really fish for flowers more than for fish, aud usually have a good showing for my day's work. There are so many wild flowers everywhere that if one only keeps his e3'es open for them they may find many hand- some kinds to beautify the garden.
To return to the blooming plants. There is the bed of the Ever -blooming Roses, which, in good soil come through the win- ter all right if protected in the fall, and before we think of it al- most, yield many lovely buds and roses, — and all summer long.
Pansies: who cannot find a corner where the sun will rest lightly for a spell in the morning? In such a one [ilant these love- ly flowers.and you will have pleasant returns, if they will equal some I have had.
Then there is a long list of bulbs, roots, and plants which increase of their own accord to make the garden beautiful without having to Ijuy new stock every year. Fearing to be tedious, I will close by giving my favorite lisl of kinds, and which yield an abundant supply of flowers the whole season through; Snowdrops, Crocus, Anemones, Hyacinths, Tulips, Iris, Narcissus, Jonquils, Dicentra, Pa'onys, Perennial Phlox, Columbines, Lark- spur, Feverfew, Dianthus, Snapdragon, Fox- glove, Petunias, Poppies, Roses, Phlox Drummondi, and there are even others.
Fancy Marbled and Striped Pansies, with distinct colors under each of these classes. Kinds that it may be said have given special satisfaction to us are the Emperor William among Three-spotted ones, the Bordered, Striped and Mahogany colored varieties, and some of the Self-colors, although there are many other quite as fine ones besides.
Time to Sow. Spring and earlj' Summer being considered the most desirable season in which to have the plants in liloora, for mak- ing that time the seeds should be sown during this month or next. A favorite date of ours for sowing has been about August 30th, al- though we have often started them both
Pansy. Emperor William. Dark blue.
Bordered Prni.s//.
How to Raise Fine Pansies.
The requirements in Pansy culture are few, simple and easily bestowed. Indeed so true is this that we are led to look upon the favorite Hearts-ease as almost an ideal flower for the amateur, so far as ease of cult- ure, beauty aud productiveness are con- cerned. While it is possible to propagate the plants from cuttings, this is not a light task, neither is it often a desirable one, in view of the readiness with which they may Ije raised from seed.
Kinds to Guow. By ordering a choice strain of mixed Pansy seed from any relial)le dealer or grower there would no doubt be re- alized the greatest degree of satisfaction in the culture for the least outlay. But for our own l)art. we take so much satisfaction in grow- ing the finer varieties separately, even at an added cost, that we freely recommend such a course. The distinct varieties are now very numerous,includingniany Self-color Pansies from snow white to jet black. Shaded Pau- seis, Oilier or Five-spotted Pansies, Face or Three-spotted Pansies, Bordered Pansies,
earlier and later (especially later) by some weeks, with complete success.
The Seed Bed. The .seeds should not be sown where they are wanted to flower, but in a prepared bed. This may be in the shape of a low frame, or merely a box or pot. Use light sandy soil that is moderately rich and fine in which to sow. Cover the seeds one- eight of an inch deep, afterwards pressing the soil over them gently. Keep the bed moderately wet and shaded with whitened glass or cloth until the plants are well up, when the shading should be removed.
The Pl.\nting Bed. This should be made up to be pretty rich, and if possible of soil that is light enough not to bake. The Pansy is not very particular as to place, or even as to soil, provided it is not low, wet or heavy. For spring flowering we prefer a sunny exposure to a shady one, although they will succeed in tlie latter also. As to richness, if the soil consists of two parts loam to one part of old finely divided manure it will be about right. The addition of some wood's earth, and if not naturally lightsome sand, will also improve it. To provide dry- ness we have the plant bed raised somewhat, say four inches above the common surface after settling has taken place. If the bed be surrounded by a six-inch board frame, it will aid in protecting it until flowering time, when this can come away.
Tr.\nsi>l.\ntin<; the seedlings into the plant bed from where they were sown should be done as soon as they can easily be handled, setting them firmly into the soil and al)Out four inches apart. This done, the soil should be kept stirred slightly between tlie plants, keeping down all weeds, and if it becomes dry, water. Here they should grow rai)idly enough to make plants several inches across in size before winter.
Care for the Winter. Young Pansy plants winter about as readily as young Win- ter Wheat plants do, both being sown about the same time. We do not care to cover them, except lightly. This is done late in ! autumn, after the ground is frozen, by scat- I tering an inch of Timothy or other springy haj' over the surface of the bed. A few brush or sticks to keep down the cover are also good things to apply. On the whole we think the use of glass is to be avoided, as being liable to make drawn plants.
The Flowering Time. As soon in the spring as the frost has left the ground the beds should have their winter cover re- moved; now the season of bloom is near at hand. The plants may be allowed to flower in the bed in which they have been grown or as the first flowers appear they may be transferred to other beds or the border, or be planted into pots or vases for flowering. In anycase.asmuch earth as will ad- here to the roots should be moved with the plants. Purple u-ith u-hite edge. The Pansy being
a plant that de- lights in moisture and good living, it is well to water the plants occasionally if the season is inclined to dryne-ss, and also to give them a supply of liquid manure twice a week dur- ing flowering. This last act will tell won- derfullj' on the size of the fiowers. Pansies may usually be counted upon to flower to perfection until some time in June, when free seeding takes place. Should the plants be kept cultivated and the seed pods be re- moved early they will, especially if the sea- son is damp, give a good deal of bloom yet during the summer months, and with an increase towards fall. Still the height of the season is fitly enough in the spring- time; many growers prefer replacing the Pansies with summer flowers towards July.
On Sowing Perennials— A Timely Task for August.
BY W. F. LAKE, WAYNE CO., N. Y.
Those who desire to establish a border of hard}' plants, or to improve one now pos- sessed, should at this season give attention to sowing .seed for the purpose. In this class of plants are included those known in the catalogues as biennials and perennials. The seed can hardly be ordered to soon after August 1st to get a timely start in the mat- ter For a seed bed for this class, instead of selecting the warmest and sunniest place, as was done in sowing the annuals, a cool, partly shaded, moist situation is better. The surface should not be raised above the level of the ground more than an inch, as the hot and dry weather of August would be apt soon to dry them up and destroy the smaller sorts if the beds were raised.
In the preparation of the soil of this bed care should be taken to pulverize it, especi- ally at the surface, very finely. Should the
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soil show an inclination to bake or crvist over it may, in a measure, be prevented by a covering of old tine top or leaf mould which also contains llie moisture. In any case this covering is valuable provided it is not too coarse, a matter wliich may be con- trolled b}' the help of a garden sieve. At- tention in regard to supplying sufficient water to the bed is necessary until tlie seed- lings are well through, as the top soil is liable soon to dry out.
Many kinds of perennial seeds are slow to germinate, and the plan of soaking them in lukewarm water for 24 hours may be adopted with advantage in most cases.
This class of plants is not as a rule suited for lawn decoration in the tidy bedding system, as tliej' do not keep in bloom suffi- ciently long, yet to many they are the most interesting class of Howers grown. Many of our native plants may occupy a prominent position witli this class, besides everj' desira- ble variety the seedsman has to offer.
In planning the hardy border .some taste in arranging should lie exercised. A nice arrangement is to plant each kind in agroup, mixing the colors and placing some small growing ones between groups of taller plants. Hollyhocks and other similar tall plants should be used as screens, or else planted at the back of the bed, gradually coming down to the small edging plants in front. Some prefer mixing them up, all sizes and kinds to- gether, giving them more of a natural style.
Those Designing (?) Florists.
Our Sunflower Reporter on his vacation gets alarmed and writes an earnest letter on his own account. which we print as received:
Home OJfire " Popithtr Gardcninfj : "
Informatiou reaches me that a lai-ge body of Professional Florists will soon move towards Philadelphia ostensibly to hold a convention. It is said that they will number into the hun- di'eds, and many will reach the city under cover of night. I do not like the looks of things and desire that the people of the land he informed about these men, their ways and intentions.
First it should be known that a more design- ing class of men than these florists nowhere exists. I doubt if even the planners of Chicago dynamite bombs can compare with them. They plan, they scheme, they work, and tai' into the night often, that they may relieve the purses of the people in the day. They love darkness rather than the light for carrj'ing out their deepest laid, as well as their worst designs (bad Carnations run in), that such work shall not be so manifest.
But a chief trait is that to a man they seek to impose their night^wrought floriferous designs, upon the estimable ladies of the land. The wives and daughters of America are their most-prized victims ; they even delight to entice innocent children, by ofiFering "Jack"' buds " at half-price — seventy-five cents each.'"
What I think is most to be feared from their visit to the city of Independence Hall, is some special designs on that lady dear to every patroitic heart. Miss ii. O. Libert}'. To the un- suspecting perhaps this will seem a far-fetched fear, but I know whereof I write in saying that they would enjoy nothing better than this. Let one but learn how these same men have imposed to distraction upon our good old Mother Nature, to show whether or not such fears are ungrounded.
By their arts and devices they have so worked upon this estimable dame that she now is in the wretched condition of believing that black is white, winter is summer and summer is winter. The good lady started out managing her affaii's, as the writer grows his favorite 1
Sunflower, namely, that in winter plants ! should rest and in summer thej' should flower and seed. But these designers met her in her gai-den and asked to manage things for a while in their way. When she, not thinking of their designs, consented, they t<_)ok of her plants, and actually fm-rrd them before her eyes to reverse their habits, causing them to rest all through the growing summer and then to bear their lai'gest crops in the cold, cold midwinter. Why the precious dame became just that muddled as to yield to then- ever}- beck, and now a long-suffering public must take of their forced products, at a hundred times the price of fine Sunflowers, or else have none.
All this being history, is not the alarm of knowing ones warranted ! To be suie, we know not the fullness of their designs (probably containing more paper than Sphagnum) at the coming meeting, but it bodes no good to our American goddess. Think of the consequences should they succeed in imposing on this worthy lady, as they before this have done on Dame Nature and others.
What shall be done? Let all patriotic citizens at once arise in their might, and in the inter- vening short time before the meeting, let them raze from the earth (about two feet high I would suggest, so that the free air can circulate beneath) evei-y glittering hot-house of this crowd. Thus may they become, in a measure rescuers to dear Mother Natiu-e, and at the same time inflict such a severe reproof against further similar machinations as to avert dis- aster at Philadelphia. But no time must be lost, for even now these fellows are plotting to insure their glass houses against all damages from (hail) stones and the like. This brought about and Mr. Professional Florist would for- ever be secure against the attack suggested. For, dwelling as he does in a glass house, he could then boldly enlarge on his high insolence, and even enlarge on some of his present big flat designs, and in defence throw stones as he chose, for outsiders could not with any decent effect throw them back — his houses being safely insured against such loss.
My humble suggestion is that in the next issue of P. Ct. our free citizens should be urged to quickly come to the rescue, as suggested. I mention in passing that I saw on the way here two fine specimens, one eleven feet two inches to the top flower, and the other lacking an inch of eleven feet. I engaged some of the seed. Sunflower Reporter.
Gravel Plain, Mans., July '20, 188<i.
Notes from Lyndale.
BY A. H. E.
Much as I admire the beauty and sparkle of the carpet flower beds and the massed beds here, still when I seek the highest enjoyment for the longest period in my garden I am dj-awn to the more naturally arranged mixed borders. The fonner are bright and rich in appearance — both desirable qualities,— but there is in them from day to day but little changing interest. Once seen they ai-e, for me, about as well as seen for always. These beds, however, excite the greatest enthusiasm in the minds of my visitors.
* * *
Still I never can go as f ai- as some strong ad- vocates of hardy plant culture do, and say that the masses of Geraniums, Coleus and tlie like, or the skillfully wrought cai-j^et l>eds, have no place in the ti'ue garden. All of the floial cre- ation is man's and the fullness thereof, and I have little patience with any system of gainlen- ing that would crowd out one class of plants to the advantage of others. The trouble is that in some places there has been a tendency to overdo the fancy bedtUng, and in coming to a halt in one extreme course there has been, human na- ture like, quite as strong an mclination to gooff into another extreme. Let us keep to the mid- dle of the garden walk, taking in the beauties and the gains of both lines of adornment at the
sides, instead of taking to the one side or the other and making faces across the way.
*** With my borders of hardy and other plants, shrubs, etc., the first sight may be compara- tively disappointing, but there is something varied and always changing abf)Ut them to fas- cinate the lover of plant life. From March un- til November every day reveals some new I flowei-s or other forms of beauty. Drawn to I these beds daily by the expectation of meeting ; something not .seen liefore I am never disap- pointed. Growing flowers as I do for the pleas- ure the}- afford, my mixed borders, even though in a measure they may be untidy, as compai-ed with the formal geometric heils, give me the largest measui-e of .satisfaction. In them Na- ture has her own way largely, and Nature sel- dom fails to satisfy the mind.
*
* *
One thing that, to my mind, has had its weight in giving a distaste foi- carpet bedding and massing has been the bad woik that has been too much done in this line. Seemingly a great deal of that kind of reasoning on the part of planters has prevailed that would say, "a Geranium of good leaf and rich flowers is a thing of perfect beauty, therefore a thousand Geraniums should be just a thousand times more beautiful," and out into the beds have gone the Geraniums by the hundred and the thousand. And these great masses of a single kind, while imparting a certain measure of a certain color, really prove to be little more than a great senseless, garish mass of color, affording very poor service in the line of true adornment. This is a mistake, and one bad enough that if adhered to would kill any sys- tem of adoinment in time.
* * *
In this kind of work to have it in good taste I endeavor in my gardening, fii-st of all, to ob- serve this rule governing the bringing in of color : All high colors, such as scarlet, crimson and yellow, are to be used much more sparingly than colors of a quiet or neutral character. The reason for this is that the former over- weigh the others as it were, thus destroying what may be termed a good balance, a thing I always aim to secure in my garden.
I incline strongly to the idea that in geomet- rical beds there should be such a distribution of kinds and colors as wiU not give one a marked predominance over othei-s. This prin- ciple then calls for a larger surface of the duller tints than of the bright colors. One of my latest conclusions in this matter is that if any tint is too predominate those of a light gi'ay, whitish green or dull chocolate are the ones. These are colors of which, like that of grass, one never tires ; the same cannot be said of strong crimson, scarlet or maroon.
** *
But shall there be no solid masses of Gerani- ums and the like ! some one may ask me. My answer is my own practice — I always have of such. But my beds of the.se are so moderate in size and so seated, eithei- on ample lawns oi' in the vicinity of striking objects, as trees or buildings, that they amount to but a little more than mere touches of theii' color on the scene, being subordinate to some other features of adornment of tamer eflTect.
From my window where I write I see across the lawn an oval eight feet in length, the out- side a double row of Alternanthera, next to this one line of dwarf Ageratuui, and the re- mainder Scarlet Geraniums, with a backing somewhat beyond of shrubs and In-hind these trees. The effect is very fine, and to my notion much tetter than if twice or ten times the mimber of Geraniums were usefl. My rule in such work is moderation, and then the results are seldom in danger of offending the eye.
* * »
Refeience was made in a recent numljer of your paper to the Red-flowering Horse-chest- nut. Tlie remarks were altogether too mild
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iu my estimation, for I prize this tree greatly. The lai-gest specimen of its liind with which I am acquainted is here. It is nearly thirty-five feet high, being as tall but less dense of head than some other kinds of Horse-chestnuts plant- ed at the same time. While the Double-flower- ing one, also referred to, makes a fine tree, the color of the bloom is similar to that of the white, hence barely more ornamental. But the rich crimson spikes of the red are most striking in any collection of trees, and so handsome that on this account the tree should be much planted. It may be added that being difficult to propa- gate it is always disposed to be scarce, even at the nurseries, but it can be procured.
Small Greenhouses for Amateurs.
It is just one hundred years ago almost to a day since Cowper wrote the familiar line:
" Who loves a garden, loves a greenhouse too."
That which was time in his day is quite as true now. Still we may meet a hundred gardens whose every plant, shrub and tree tells of the owner's in- tense love of these things before we meet one amateur's green- house.
Now the state of things last referred to is not without cause. In the first place, everyone knows that the erecting of a com- plete g!"eenhouse, how- ever small, calls for something of an out- lay. There nmst be a substantial structure, equipped with heating apparatus that is safe and efficient for with- standing the severest cold and storms, and
ventilating apparatus to supply fresh air when needed, the latter snugly enough fitting to keep out cold air when not needed. These things reijuire good calculation and careful workman- ship from the outset, both of which are not the easiest or cheapest things to be secured in this world.
Then, while many who love a greenhouse might not mind the expense of erecting a suit- able structure for growing plants, they would perhaps lack confidence in their ability to man- age one, even if small. To employ a skillful florist and gardener, would be to go to a con- siderable and continued expense. Without a florist, to fail in one's own management from inexperience, would l>e a sore aggravation after the outlay for building had been incurred.
But while it is proper to keep in view the darkei' side even this may be made to assume ciuite a bright appearance. In the first place, it is a plea.sure to note .the fact that, through recognizing this wide love of gi'eenhouses, a good deal of attention is in this day being given by horticultural builders, to the matter of con- servatories for amateurs that shall embody a maximum of advantages at mininmm cost. We are enabled herewith to present, by the courtesy of Mr. Josephus Plenty, the green- house builder of New York, several figures of one such a conservatory that he is now manu- facturing and selling, all equipped for plant growing, at the very moderate figure of ll.")!). This is for a house eight by twelve feet in size, heated by a kerosene oil furnace and hot water pipes, and complete in every detail except the brick work.
This house is designed to lie attached to the dwelling, just as everyone would want such a .structure situated. It has a capacity of over TOO 4-inch pots, a sufficient quantity to suit the average amateur. The buildings are first put
up with screws and bolts at the factory, and then when ordered are taken down, the parts numl)ered and securely packed, and forwarded with directions foi' setting uj) again. A cata- logue giving further particulars may, on ap- plication, be obtained from Mr. Plenty.
Mr. Plenty's cheap conservatory may not be the only one of a similar kind made. We know that small conservatories are often built by others than regular greenhouse build- ers. Still it seems to us there must be real advantages both to Mr. Plenty Snd to the pub- lic by their dealing together. For one thing is certain, a builder can construct fifty such houses all alike at a much lower price for each than he could if building only one. On the other hand, one of the fifty no doubt would bet- ter answer the purposes of the plant grower than the one of special make, costing a great deal more money very likely.
As for managing a small well-equipped
white, yellow, rose, vermillion and maroon. Even purple and blue tints are to be had at last, in the exquisite new introductions. The genus is truly wonderful in its large blooms, richness of coloring and fine habit.
To produce the best results in Amaryllis cul- ture the bulbs should be grown in rich fibrous loam, with one-fourth leaf mould, and plenty of well decomposed cow manure. The bulbs should be started in heat, and be given careful attention as to their ripening. W^hen through flowering, diminish the supply of water grad- ually and avoid shrivelling the leaves. A mod- erate collection of the bulbs will give a succes- sion of flowers the whole year round. TVhen resting they require but little space, and should be kept in a dry, cool place. Amaryllis flourish in a fernery and here give splendid effect.
Some Dutch nurserymen ofl'er a liundred or more varieties and species of Amaryllis, some of which are very costly. The amateur will derive a lai*ge amount of pleasure in growing Amaryllis from seed. A cross, using A . John- soiiii f/randi/tora or Prince of Orange for the seed plant, with some white vai'iety, will give splendid seed- lings as good as can be bought at prices any- where from $.') to $.50 per bulb.
W. F. L.
FIG. 1.— A $150 GREENHOUSE FOR AMATEURS, AS SEEN FROM THE GARDEN.
greenhouse, this is not so hard a matter as many suppose. There are no mysteries con- nected with the task. Any ardent lover who can manage a collection of house plants well should succeed betti^r still with a small conser- vatory, for in the latter case the difficulties are decidedly less and the advantages many moie. The selection of plants would be enlarged upon, but reading and practice will teach foi' this. The fact that Popular Gardening gives some practical notes each month on " Plant Culture Under Glass" may also be considered.
And then think of the charm of many healthy plants, beautiful in leaf and flower, that the at- tached conservatory may place within eye- reach of the sitting room or parlor the year round. The wind may blow cold and bleak outside — a step from your room brings the de- light of fresh, clean, vigorous plants and flowers, restful to the eye, refreshing to the nose, and in such condition as never can be fully found outside of the greenhouse.
We look upon the builders of cheap and effi- cient conservatories for amateurs as real public benefactors, We hope thej' will not lack of the good patronage which they deserve.
The Amaryllis.
To name a finer genus of bulbous flowering plants than the Amaryllis is not easy. They throw up spikes from one to four feet high, sur- mounted mostly by trumpet-shaped blooms of largely varying sizes, some being nearly a foot wide when fully expanded.
The Amaryllis are very desirable plants for pot culture. The colors of the flowers are di- verse and striking — rich yellows, flaked and spotted, pure whites lined and flushed with yellow, light rose, dark red and purple. Be- side there are the fine Selfs, nearly pure, of
About Ripening Pears.
There is this peculi- arity about pears, that if picked liefore full niatuiity and ripened in the lioiise the flavor will lie much finer and the ;q)pearance better. Gathering the fruit, of summer kinds especi- ally, when it is hai-d, and ripening it away from the tree, tends also to prevent rotting at the core, a trouble that is not uiu'ommon. On this subiect we find the following good hints in the A'. /?. Fariiirr:
To have pears in perfection they should be picked when the early specimens begin to drop from the tree rather freely, or some ten days before the main crop would fall. They should be free from rain or dew, and be handled very carefully. A bruised spot soon rots. Place in shallow boxes ; bureau drawers are excellent, with woolen cloth on the bottom and more cloth on top. Large quantities maj' be ripened between woolen blankets .spread upon the floor of closed rooms and the Pears spiead thinly out. If it is desirable to have the ripening process retarded the coldest room should be selected, if wanted tor early the room should be warmer. Pears treated in this way will ripen up in perfection. The .juices will be retained and a rich, buttery, melting morsel be the result. Some kinds that aie coarse, puckering or mealy, when left to ripen ou the trees, are quite eat- able if allowed to ripen in a closed box or drawer. The Bartlett will ripen if picked be- fore it is fully grown.
A villager having Pear trees with fruit upon them fully grown, has pooi- ground for com- plaint if he leaves it hanging upon the boughs a constant source of temptation to street lioys, for it will be all the better if gathered early.
Bees Injuring Fruit.
A writer to the Hrc-Kct'in't-s' Mtu/tt.^inc re- ports on a test he made as to this matt«r last year. He built an enclosure of wire cloth and screen doors, into which he removed three colonies of bees, first transfering them into empty hives. Then he placed all ordinary
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kinds of fruit, and from green to ripe, sound to unsound, on shelves in the house, giving the
Fifj. 2.— -Secfiun vf tht' same shotring heatiny apparatus a}i(l the ventilators open.
hungry bees every opportunity to attaclc the fruit. His report as to results is as follows:
"They took advantage of every opening at the stem or crack in the epidermis or puncture made by insects whicli dej)Osittlieireggs in the skin of grapes. They regarded the skin of other fruits as subjects for incpiiry and inves- tigation, and not objects for attack. If broken or removed they will, in case of need, lap and svick the juices exposed. The same was also true of grapes that had bursted on account of over-ripene,ss ; the bees lajiped the juices from the exposed parts and stored it in the cells. They made no attempt to grasp the cuticle of sound grajjes. I removed the outer skin from many, taking care not to rupture the Him sur- rounding the puli^. AVhen these were exposed to the bees, the}' continued to lap and suck the juices from the outer tilm until it was as diy and smooth as was the fihn between broken and un- bi'oken segments. They showed no disposition to use theii' jaws or claws, and the outer film, as well as that between broken parts remained whole until the pulp decayed and dried up."
Lawns Running to Ruin.
Many persons ilo not seem to know that to allow a well established lawn to be neglected in the matter of proper mowing is a ruinous practice. Not only is theappeai'ance spoiled by allowing the grass for once or oftener to grow large, but vital injury is inflicted to the very foundation of a good lawn.
Let us look at this matter closely. A piece of sward, to answer the best purposes of a smooth velvety grass plat, should be made up of many grass plants crowded closely together. In this respect a lawn is very mui'h like a closely planted hedge of woody growth. Stand- ing closely, the plants in either case, must be managed on the principle of being kept to a minature size in all respects to match, a thing I)erfectly done, in the case of a lawn by frequent mowing, of a hedge by systematic clipping.
Now to allow the crowd of plants to depart from the reduced scale, by growing michecked as test they can, the growth of the individual plants will i)roceed somewhat on the principle of the survival — not of the fittest plants always — but rather of the strongest. The effect of this will Ije the enfeebling or crowding out of existence of some of the finer grasses, while coarseness will characterize such as get a start of their neighbors.
In the future such a lawn, if brought down to the close-mowing plan again, can never be had to look as well as it did before allowed to go on a rampage. It will be coarser and lack that fineness of textural appearance which is the
greatest charm of any grass plat. The weeds, too, would gain by the sea.son of freedom.
We woulil not wonder either if in some such cases the owneis might latei' turn upon their seedsman with the charge of selling only coarse grasses in their " fine mixtures," and with some show of wistlom, too, as they would point to the lawn befoi'e them as proof.
Too Many Varieties. The cipcrienced urclmid- ist seldom urdtM-s iiKti-c than two or Ihrei* sorts The novice I'cels as tliouyli lu- iiiiisl plant almost eveiy- thing be ever heanl of. This course Is disastr4ms to the best Hnancial results. Take, for instance, a list of twenty or thirty Ideal's and you will tinil few i>f them tlesirable for market. Many at-e loo small. thong:h of fine ciuality. < tthers are large and desirable for family but not for market. (_)thers are feeble growers, requiring the highest cultivation and soil pecidiarly adapted to them. It is usually the same with apples, grapes and other fruits. My advice is for the uninformed not to plant until he can find some person in whom he has contidence and who can advise wisely. Experiment al orchards and vineyards are often condiicted at considerable expense instead of profit, and yet the novice would make his commercial orchard an experimental or- chard, embracing many varieties that tin- experi- enced woidd not think of planting — C'ltarles A. Green, in New York Tribune.
An Eye to Weeds Yet. Where the weeds have been closely kept down throughout the season imtil now, little trouble will come from them after this. But a few weeds no doubt were missed, and these, receiving the fjenefit of clean cldtnre, arc soon of large size and ready to perfect a vast (piaritity of plump seeds. Just to prevent this we must not give np the battle yet, for a few such plants would make endless work next year, while now it is a small task to level them.
Shading Melons. There may be something in the stfttemeiU that in some parts of Asia where this fruit is mucli grown, they 1 esort to ripening it in the dark, by drawing soil over the melons as they approach maturity. It is well known that some fruits grown in hot-houses are much improved in quality hy shading the glass during ripening. The idea from Asia is so easily tried that we should not remain long in the dark conceriung it.
Clear Up as You Go. Whenever any garden crop is past use for the kitchen it should be cleared from the ground. Such a course will keep the garden looking well and prevent the needless going to seed of plants It shoidd be rememljered that the seed- ing of vegetables exhausts the soil more than two crops taken off in a succulent condition.
That Strawberry Bed, talked about so nuich before now, did you get it planted last spring? If not, just hold up talking of it for the future, and during this nu)nth (with pot-layered plants) or next get around the plants aud set out over a
good-sized [tatcli. This talking about a T
thing and not doing tlie thing is delusive. )
Peach Trees between Apple. It is a good economical rvile to plant the former between those of the latter in the orchard or garden. The Peach grows and bears quickly, and will yield largely before the apple trees need the space.
A reliable writer speaks of an Apple tree he met with having 200 varieties grafted on it, foiu'-fifths of which were in fruit.
The refuse vegetables of the garden are not tit to save another years' seed from ; save from the very best or from none.
Life is too short for us to depend wholly on our own experiments, therefore we umst learn of and act upon those of others.
Before condemning new varieties, re- member that faihu-c in one place is not a sign uf failure everywhere.
The more trees to the acre the more fruit some would say. It's a mistake; nncrowiied trees are much moie pr<Kluctive than crowded ones.
A foot-deep mulch of wheat straw is recom- mended by A. M. Purdy, in his Reeurder, for Black- berries.
Cover the young Cauliflower heads with tissue paper to keep off the worms, the rain and t he sun.
We would like to see ten times more frint con- smned generally than now is done.
Keep the poor crops oiU of the market. Grow none.
Unthrifty plants suffer first from insects.
CONDENSED GLEANINGS.
Ctoosehkrhiks Witikm't Mtlokw. — Robert Hunter, of Mahoning County, <)., says the t'ttttntry d'enHetnini, has succeedc<l in growing excellent crops of the English varieties. He ]ilants (jn a clayey, cool soil, and keeps them o|HUi in the center by pruning. In the spring he disltuds the branches somewhat, to kecjj the growth from becoming too dense. He midches heavily in .sumiuer. The varieties lu" has fouinl most successful are AVbifesmith, Red Warrington, Karly Sulphur and Iron-monger.
Fr.AT Stones as a Mulch.— I fiiul them sui»rior to any other nuilching for newly planted trees and shridis. Three years' use of them has proved to me their superiority. I use .small pieces for small frees, larger ones for larger trees. I do not put tliem so close to- getTier as to excluile air. Stones also steady the young tree while forming new roots,— ('(tnttiUiln ll(trtie}iHnrist.
Raspberry Canes.— After the fniit these canes are of no furthi^r use, and in due time will die. Cultivators differ as to the time for removing these old canes. Some I'ut them away as soon as the fruit is off, while others leave them until late in the fall, thinking that the old canes may contribute something to the growth of the new ones that are to Ijear fruit next year. The best cultivators cut away the canes soon after fruiting, as they are out of the way, an<l do not interfere with the new canes. — Anierienn Ai/rienffttriKf.
About PLANTiNti Strawberries.- We do not advise anyone tosetstrawlierries — ordered from a distance, before August; nor toset large plantations, at the North, in the sunnner or fall — but at the South we advise setting in the fall. For setting a small family bed in August or Septendier it is well to shade plants with pieces of paper or large green leaves for three or four days after setting. Again we say don't be fooled into buying " potted ])laiits" from a distance at any price ; the cxprcssage will cost you more than the berries will come to next year at I.'") or 20 cents per quart — Frn it Reearder.
Clubfoot and Cabbage Flies. So far as I can determine clubfoot is the result of a de- fective growth in the seed-beil. I )n the thir- teen kinds of cabbage aud cauliflower on trial this j'ear I have not found a single clubfoot ; this is quite unusual, but the weattier has been unusually favorable. It may appeal' in the late kinds, the seeds of which are yet to be planted in open ground. Some years I plant in drills and some in beds; this year in (trills. The cabbage fly can be kept oft' by working, hoeing, weeding, watering dusting — anything that will disturb the flies and keep them in mo- tion. I have a notion they could be driven from the bed by walking through it in the same direc- tion many times. — Xen- York Trifnine.
PKoTEt'TK.iN Against the Borer. The borer is fatal to all Peach trees not fully pro- tected against its ravages. This can be suc- cessfully done by the application of the follow-
VVALt. or HOUSE.
15
J
Fiij. 3.-
-Ground Pl( Hi of the $150 GrvcnhtmHv, shovn on opposite page; Scale, '1-Ui inch to/tutt.
ing wash: 4 gallons u-liitewash. L' quarts <-lay, 2 quarts fi-esb <*(»\v dtopiuu^s, 1 quart Ivc that l>ears an egg. Mix tlu'se iniiiXMiicnts to a iirojier (.'onsistency with wat^:*!'. Remove the ground from the top of the rot>ti>! dose to the tree, and apply the wash to the exposed roots and U) tlie whole trunk of the tree, ineluding the hollow between the lowest liranehes. I'over the roots again with earth. The wash ran lieaj)j>lied very expeditiously by means of a eoru broitui. The wash should be ai)plied tvviee every season, namely, about the end of I^Iay and the end of August. I have found tliis an infallible protec- tion against the Iwrer. For a|)ple trees one applieation <)f the wash every season is suffi- cient.— From < '/tfis. Sfit'ftrrrs rssdi/ itrfore Petuisi/lntiiio Stutc flnrfi<-ii!tiirtif Sficicfif.
126
POPULAR GARDENING.
August,
i-s^
^0r^'
^AP N C I E S
Dead Roses.
He placed a Rose in my nut-brown hair— A deep-red Rose with a fragrant hearts And said : " We'll set this day apart, So sunny, so wondrous fair.'' His face was full of a happy light, His voice was tender and low and sweet, The Daisies and Violets grew at our feet- Alas, for the coming of night ! The Rose is black and withered and dead '. 'Tis hid in a tiny box away: The nut-brown hair is turning to gray. And the light of the day is tied. The light of the beautiful day is fled, Hush'd is the voice so sweet and low— And I— ah, me! I loved him so — And the daisies grow over his head !
—Rebecca Ruler Springer.
Roses wear diamond dew-drops. Calla, not " Calla Lily," is correct, Nettles are the appropriate emblem of cruelty. Stiff, compact floral arrangements can never satisfy good taste.
At a recent wedding the floral decorations con- sisted entirely of great masses of double Poppies, scarlet, white and crimson
■Violets to a New Use. The late King of Ba varia's favorite beverage was wine, with a layer of fresh, strong scented violets on top,
A pretty cornucopia filled with Olea fragrans —the dainty flowering 01ive~is a quaint gift of congratidation to a happy mother
Efforts are being made to restore the handsome but soulless Camellia to its former favor . It has never gone entirely out of style abroad
Bridesmaids' satchels filled with white and faint pink Sweet Peas have a quaint, old-world aspect in harmony with picturesque bridal gowns
Sweet Peas form fashionable decorations for ladies' luncheons. The table is adorned with them, massed in varying tints; the favors consist of bou- quets of a single hue.
A " Honey -suckle ball" is. or wa.s, to be given by London lielles, after the fashion of the great " Rose ball " given last year, the very elaborate de- corations consisting entirely of these flowers.
The Glowing Poppies are so handsome and effective, yet they are not advisable as a table de- coration. Their strong characteristic odor is quite offensive to some, producing it may be disagree- able nausea and oppression, especially in the case of a person of delicate organization.
Autumn Leaves, Why should we not employ tor autumn weddings some charming effects in autumn leaves. A wedding bower or canopy of Liquidambar and Maple, draped with Virginia Creeper, for example, wotdd be most effective. Some attempt at this was made last fall, but it will bear enlarging upon.
Fashion decrees that any departure on a voyage should now be the signal for floral gifts, and the florists display much ingenuity in supplying the demand for novelties. Sometimes such are shipped from long distances inland. Baskets are in some instances filled with fruit and flowers together, thus giving the recipient a double feast.
Effective decorations for a midsummer gather- ing are Poppies, Wheat and Corn flowers. Minia- ture sheaves in the center, draped with Poppies, stand on a mat of Corn flowers fringed with wheat; the favors show a similar combination Notwith- standing their beauty the Poppies should be spar- ingly used in this case, on account of the odor before mentioned.
By Degrees. George- ChoUy, me boy, what are you wearing that deuced little flower in your but- tonhole for •; Charles— Why, dontcherknow, the doctor said I was exerting myself too much, and ordered me to stop wearing a boutonniere. or he wouldn't answer for the conseiiuences. The change would be too sudden, dontcherknow, to leave it off all at once, so I'm leaving it off by degrees If it's a warm day to-morrow, and I feel strong enough, I may be able to discard it altogether. — So,sf on Transcript.
For a ladies' luncheon an undine-like sugges- tion may be given by the use of Pond Lilies and
aquatic plants. The center piece is a series of low, pale-greeu glass dishes resting on a mat of Rushes and Ferns. The dishes are filled with Pond Lilies, Arrow Head and Aponogeton, mingled with Marsh Grasses The effect is dainty in the extreme, with a fairy-like grace all its own. The favors are pock- ets of Rushes filled with Lilies. The florists are tax- ing their ingenuity tor new effects suitable to the outdoor fetes and bazaars now in vogue. For a Dutch booth gilt sabots are filled with flowers and also with growing plants, making a pretty thing to hang on a piazza, especially when flUed with Ferns.
|otanical©\id^et
Elms have reached the age of over 300 years. Empress Josephine found great delight in bot- any.
The root but not the fruit of the Wild Mandrake is poisonous.
The bark of the Tulip tree is regarded as an ex- cellent substitute tor quinine.
The National Herbarium at Washington has over l">0,onn mounted specimens.
Outdoor-grown Roses cannot compare in sweet ness and durability with those raised under glass.
Goldenrod. More thau forty species of Goldenrod or .Solidago are indigenous to the Northern States. ■Wouldst comprehend the whole? Then learn the parts: each part is parcel of the j>la.n.— Goethe. The tops and roots of trees grow nmch alike in some respects ; if the former are long and slender, then the latter are also; if short and spreading so too are the roots.
The singular fact is pointed out by a member of the Royal Horticultural Society of London that Dahlias collect nmch dew on their leaves, the Peach, Rose and Evening Primrose very little, while the Quince and Mulberry are only very slightly wet.
The Shine of the Buttercup. The peculiar var- nish-like histre of the petals is attributed by Dr. Mo- bius, who has recently been investigating it, to a highly refractive yellow oil existing in the epider- mal, cells increased by the fact that the layer of cells of the mesophyl is densely filled with starch grains. Flora of Niagara. It will be of special interest to botanists who attend the next meeting of the American Association of Natural Sciences, to be held in this city August I H to 34, to know that so eminent an authority as Dr .loseph Hooker of Lon- don stales that the flora of (ioat Island at Niagara Falls is more extensive than that of any other spot of equal size in the same latitude on the globe. He says that even in the regions of the most abundant tropical vegetation it is not easy to find similar sized areas that excel the island referred to in this respect.
Those who are engaged in sedentary pursuits, such as teaching, clerking, book-keeping, etc., should not overlook the great value to their health, as well as of entertainment that may be found, in the study of liotany This is the simplest and easiest of the natural sciences. Its materials are costless and are scattered everywhere, as if for the student's ac- commodation. Even in cities it is remarkable how the numbers of weeds an<l cultivated plants, all of botanical interest, will run up. To seek these out in one's daily walks, and then to devote each half- holiday to botanizing will impart health and vigor, a good appetite and stronger lungs, as well as bet- ter sleep for the exercise .
The " Poison Ivy," a name very commonly ap- plied to several species of Rhus, is a great dread to many botanists and others, while singularly enough some persons— the writer for one— are never af- fected by coming in contact with it. Dr. S. A. Brown, United States Navy, states in the Medical Record that he has found a specific to the trouble- some eruption produced by these growths so com- mon in our woods and along old fences. This spe- cific he finds in bromine, which he has used with unvarying success in at least forty cases. He uses the drug dissolved in olive oil, cosmoline or glycerine, in the streugth of from ten to twenty drops of bro- mine to the ounce of oil, and rubs the mixture gently on the affected parts three or four times a day. The bromine is so volatile that the solution should be re- newed every twenty-four houi-s. The eruption never extends after the first thorough application, and it promptly disappears within twenty-four hours if the application is persisted in.
Orchids of the North. A few in our own woods rival for beauty most of those that the tropics can send us, although the Pogonias know how to be grotesque and freakish after their own fashion. But for fragrance and charm combined there is the
purple Arethusa, lovely as the nymph tor whom it is named, and there is the white-fringed Orchids— both of which if to be found only in Australasian jungles would be worth fortunes to the finder — and, crowning all, there is the Moccasin flower, growing out of its cluster of great lily -like leaves in humid shady woods, and making him who excitedly plucks it feel rich, as if he had orchid-houses at command. Botanically the Orchid may be known by the fact that the pistil and stamen, or perhaps rather the stamen and style, are united in a column ; and in this column and in its protean shapes much of the curiosity of the plant lies. The sepals of the flower are often like a flower themselves, and the petals again assume every conceivable shape, while the base of the lip is frequently prolonged into a deep tube holding the honey. The object of this tube appears to be to force the insects searching tor honey to carry away with them the pollen, as Orchids can only be reproduced through the agency of insects It is perhaps owing to this necessity of their continued existence that many of the flowers are made so strongly to resemble insects, in order that the real insect may be attracted to them.— Writer in Harper^s Bazaar.
ABOUT THE PLACE.
Much corn makes a bad feed for young pigs.
Surplus.green fodder should be cut and cured.
Injudicious watering in hot weather kills more horses than work does.
A person is judged by how things are kept up about the place he calls home. Aim to be well thought of for this.
One cannot be too careful with the dumb animals about the bee stand. Every year reports abound of animals stung to death.
Is there a good rising grade up to the well for keeping all surface water out of it? There must be if you value your health.
The kind of bee-hive used is important, no doubt, but less so than is generally supposed. The veteran Root of Ohio puts it that bees store honey in any- thing given them, very much as a cow gives milk into any kind of pail the milkman sees fit to use.
The Catnip plant is one of the most valuable plants for bees. The flowers are rich in sweetness, and, commencing with ,Iune, are available to the bees for from one to three months at all hoiu^ and in every kmd of weather. A patch may easfly be started by sowing the seed.
0, ho ! Mr. Balky Horse. The Fitchhnry Senti- nel tells how a farmer near by cured his horse of a balky freak, and by gentle means, too. We heartily commend the course. He drove him, attached to a rack wagon, to the wood lot for a small load of wood. The animal wotdd not pull a pound. He did not beat him, but tied him to a tree and "let him stand." He went to the lot at sunset and asked him to draw, but he would not straighten a tug. "I made up my mind," said the farmer, "when that horse went to the barn he would take that load of wood. I went to the barn, got blankets and covered the horse warm, and he stood until morning. Then he refused to di aw. At noon I went down, and he was probably hungry and lonesome. He drew that load of wood the first time I asked him. I returned got another load before I fed him. I then rewarded him with a good dinner, which he eagerly devoured. I have drawn several loads since. Once he refused to draw ; but as soon as he saw me start for the house, he started after me with the load."
Lightning Rods. In a recent number of the Praire Farmer we find pointed out some ot the essential needs concerning safe rods by the learned editor. Orange Judd: The "grounding" is very im- portant. Let every one understand that the chief purpose of a lightning rod is to form a good metal- lic conducting roadway between the cloud charged with electricity and the moist earth. Have the base of the rod sunk deep enough to always be in wet earth or in water . Expand the metal surface in this by welding on a plate too thick to rust out. As to sky points one point or better two or three are important. They must be kept sharp to draw off electricity from the clouds in a minute, invis- able and harmless current. Iron points ch-awu out sharp will answer, but if not gilded or silvered to prevent rust and dnlluess they must be filed sharp once or twice a year. For fasteners to the building glass insidators do no harm, but are ot no special use. Metal, brass or even wood holders are as good as any. for the current will not lead into the non- conducting material of the building, while there is a good rod to follow. Sharp angels or bends are not desirable. Usually the shortest course to the ground, whether over the end or the side of the building is the best. Put not your trust in traveling lightning-rod men of great pretensions.
1 886.
POPULAR GARDENING,
127
Treeclimber's Talks.
THE LADY-BIRD (OR BUGj AS A GARDEN HELPER.
I can hardly think that among all my young readers — certain]}' not of these who live in the country— there should be one who is not familiar with the jjretty little beetle called the Lady-bird or Lady-bug. It is very common in gardens and about plants everywhere, and that it usually finds friends in children because of its neat innocent appearance I know. I very well recall the little verse that in my childhood was associated with this insect and which no doubt is familiar to childien everywhere. It nuis with a pretty jingle as follows:
Lady-bird, Lady-bird, fly away home. Your house is on fire, your children will
burn.
Quite likely, however, some of my many young friends who have ad- mired the little bug may not happen to know it by this name, so I have made a drawing of one of the species, to introduce it in this wa}', and this the publishers have had engraved, as seen herewith. In the engraving the Lafly-bird is seen on the upper leaf of the twig.
My pai'ticular object in treating on this little beetle here is that I want all gardeners, and the children especially, to know that besides being quite pretty it is also a very useful insect, and on this account is entitled to the respect and pro- tection of all plant lovers. It is what is called an insectiverous beetle, that is
IT FEEDS UPON INSECTS,
and hence is the natural destroyer of at least one of the most common enemies that consumes our plants. This is the Aphis or Plant Louse, which in one form or another may be met on almost every plant and tree in cultivation. All you who have pot plants are familiar enough with the.se plant lice, I have no doubt.
But while our engraving will at once call to mind the Lady-bird as found in one of its most common forms, my readers should know that there are many different kinds of these bugs, as shown mostly by a difiference in their colors. Those of a red color with black spots are met perhaps as often as any, but there are others that are yellow with black spots, and
STILL OTHERS THAT ARE BLACK
with white, red or yellow spots. These differ- ent kinds together are very plentiful ai'ound [ plants, and are all great consimiers of plant lice, hence I speak of them here so that you 1 may keep a lookout for and cherish them, in whatever colored coat they may be met.
Now while it may be easy enough to excite a favorable interest in the Lady-bird, being it is such a pretty looking insect, I must go further and introduce it in one of its other forms, namely,
IN ITS GRUB OR LARV'A STATE,
plant lice, as a grub it is even more so. The appeiirance of the latter is well shown by the long dark object on the lower leaf to the left in the engraving. As to color it is bluish or blue- black and usually bears some red or yellow spots. The form is nearly hemispherical, that is, half round, the under surface being very flat, a fact that may help my readers to better distinguish these useful gnibs at sight.
These grubs are hatched from little yellow eggs laid by the Lady-birds. As a goose or duck lays and hatches her eggs near the water, to accommodate the young when they appear, so the Lady-bird by instinct lays her eggs in clustei-s in places where plant lice are present, so that the grubs find themselves at once with-
"(ih.but Iwouldcomniiine with myself! I should always have great thoughts amW such grandeur."
"You would y What do vou reckon you"d eat- Tlioughts, now, aint very fllliii', an' the land 'round here won't even raise tunu'ps, an' I reckon you'd git sick enough of it if you had to cook three meals a day on little or notliin'."
"Oh, see that beautiful little stream! How it breaks around and over that gray rock, and then rambles on. singing as it goes!"
" Yes. an' there aint even a catfish in it. an' I never know what minnitacloud-burstorsoniethin' isgoin' to send it out of its banks clean into my kitchen I've mopped up after that treach'rous tittle crick half-a-dozen times now,"
" I fear you don't quite appreciate the beautiful in nature's works."
" Slebbe not. But I know that them that want to live here an' raise a family on moonshine an' lights an' shadders an' foamy waves kin do it. We're goin' back to ole Missoury this fall, if we have to walk ev'ry step of the way! "
I riscfnl Garden Imturt. The Ladij-hird: its different stages illustrated.
in reach of their prey. As there are usually many of these grubs for each bug that exists, and they voracious consumers of lice, it is easily un<ierstood how very useful they may be to plant growers. Indeed one thing must be said of this insect's habits that
DOES NOT .SOUND VERT WELL, namely, that whenever other food fails, they are sometimes driven to consume the helpless pupa of their own kind.
I think I have now treated on the Lady-bird, or the C'tici-inclla, as scientists would say, at sufficient length to draw the attention of those who should be its friends to it in its different forms. Some of my readers will no doubt wonder what the suspended object to the right in the engraving is. This is our insect in its pupa or chrysalis state, that which precedes the perfect insect.
Timothy Treeclimber.
and then see how well its friends will lie ready to stand liy it. To dwell upon that wonderfid change which takes place at different stages in an insect's life is not mj' object now, further than to say that Ijeginning first with the egg state there is next the gi'ub or larva state, then the chrysalis or pupa state and at last the perfect or beetle state. Of the Lady-bird as a beetle I have already spoken and now for the grub or larva state. And here I must say at the start that it is not a very pleasing object to look at, but let us remember that
HANDSOME IS THAT HANDSOME DOES.
For if as a bug our subject is destructive to
The Poetical and the Practical.
It often is the case that poetical people are not disposed to be really practical in their ideas, and rice rer.ia. If this were not so generally true there would be many more successful amateur gardeners than are now to be found, for we frequently meet persons who manifest the most intense passion for flowers and fine plants, who know nothing about how to raise them. Happy are the persons who combine both the poetical and the practical in their tem- peraments, for the latter may very advantage- ously offset and aid the other.
"Oh. those motintains!" cried a sentimental, gush- ing traveler to the Rocky Mountains, as she clasped her hands and rolled up her eyes in ecstacy. "Beau- tiful, grand, majestic!'"
" Y'es, they're right purty," said the matter-of- fact mistress of the house ; "an' there's real good ros'berries grows on 'em, too."
"How illimitable, how va.st!"
" Yes'ni : they're big as all out-doors, that's so."
"What hghts and shadows! what lofty sum- mits!"
" Y'es, they're lofty enough; that's a fact."
" They seem to lift me up to their own heavenly heights."
" Well, I guess if they'd let you drap, like they did an old cow of our'n. you wouldn't want to be lifted up agin."'
" It seems to me I'd like to dwell always in the shadow of those mighty walls."
"Well, you'd find it mighty poky, now I tell you. Lights an' shadders is mighty pore comp'ny."
PET BIRDS. ANIMALS, ETC.
Keep the cages very clean. Parrots are naturally greedy eaters. Celery is a treat for birds now and then.
Hempseed freely fed tends to ini|)air digestion.
Ring doves are quarrelsome only when more than one single pair are kept together.
As for feathered pets, scarcely any- thing could please the youngsters more than some Golden Seabright Bantams.
A cat at New Berlin, Conn., weighs thirty-two pounds, and ls believed to be the biggest tame cat in the country. Who says " No " to this?
It is a mistake to suppose that be- cause certain grains are natural to par- rots or other birds in a wild state that these are also the best in captivity. Caging alters the constitution and di- gestive organs of birds. Just as long confmement at an ofHce desk would work a change in the eating powers of some sturdy wood-chopper.
The mastiff is essentially a watch- dog, and needs weight and .strength rather than speed; light bones and a j^ small head are therefore fatal objections.
While easily made fierce bv chaining, they are famous for their good nature w'ith children and unswerving fidelity. Their unfailing dignity and aversion to the human species of tramps ha\e made them favorites in all country houses.
In confinement the wings of birds are used less, the feet more than in nature. This is why the feet of cage birds are liable to ailments. If they are warty and seem to be sore, bathe them by holding in luke-warm water for three or four minutes, and then grease them with vaseline or with sweet cream. Sometimes dirt accumulates on the feet or legs, to get rid of which, unmerse these members in luke- warm water for five minutes daily, until the dirt loosens and parts from the feet.
An Oversight. " Wiien I bought this parrot you told me that he would repeatevery word he heard," said a bird dealer's customer indignantly. " Well, I say so yet. He will repeat every word he hears," replied the dealer calmly, " But he does not repeiit a single word," returned the customer. "That's because he can't hear a single word. He is as deaf as a post. You forgot to ask if he could hear, and I forgot to mention it. My motto is ' Honesty is the best policy. ' Morn ing, ma'am. "— Te.ras Ni/tinys. A Simple Aquarium. Speaking on this subject the Xeir York Triliune says that anybody can have one. A two-quart glass jar will answer for a begin- ning. Go to the nearest pond that has fish in it, and with a .scoop-net get fishes, newts and insects. Also get some aquatic plant. Put into the gla.ss jar a small plant, two or three small fishes and half a dozen insects. Fill with rain-water. Put the rest into some larger reservoir. Should there be too much animal life in your jar enough of it will die to make the balance of vegetable and animal life even. .Set the jar in the light, but not in the hot sun. You will see bubbles of oxygen all over the plant, cau.sed by the action of the sunlight on it. This the fishes breathe. Their e.\-cretious feed the plant. With this little aquarium you can make a beginning and learn to manage a larger one. Every day feed the fishes with fresh meat. Take a tiny bit of the tenderest part of the meat for breakfast and cut it into the finest of fine bits with small scis- sors, and give it an atom at a time to the fish. They will soon come and eat it from your finger. Or hang a bit of meat tightly tied to a stick in the jar and they will bite little pieces from it.
128
POPULAR GARDENING.
August,
Cat-tails.
Clear, dark and cool a shallow pool
Lies underneath the summer sky. Low rippling in the sedgy grass
As wayward winds go tripping by. While liladed Flags bend low to greet
The blue-veined Lilies resting there. And high above their drooping heads
The Cat-tails drink the summer air. Across the pool, with filmy wings.
The " devil's darning needles " fly ; And deep among the shady Flags
The croaking frogs securely lie; A red-winged black-bird's li(iuid notes
Soimd clear and sweet, "co-cheel co-cheel' And in the breezes cradling arms
The Cat-tails rock in airy glee.
— Hostoil Cultivator.
How the First Pansy was Made.
An angel's thought flew down to earth.
Borne on a golden beam of light ; And pausing rested in the heart
Of a sweet, blue-eyed Violet liright. And finding there a flower-sonl
Free from all taint of earthly pride. The angel's thought would fain remain.
And in the Pansy still doth hide. And so these gold and purple flowers.
The soft-eyed Pansies which we love, Sprang from the Violet which received
An angel's thought from Heaven above. — Lydia Hni/t Fanner.
Kepair thp glass houses.
The Tiger Lily is Chinese.
Keep the (Jlailiohis tied up.
Seedling Verlieiias are the sweetest.
Ladyslippers ."ire too fragile for wear.
Swan-river Daisies resemlile Cinerarias.
The hride'a favorite flower— Marrygold.
This is the time to divide and reset Daisies.
Date the packets into which the seeds are put.
Cutting the flowers as they mature strength- ens the jilant.
Thunbergias bloom in the oiien air the year round in Florida.
There is a knack in using garden tools skill- fully. Get the knack.
What can be finer than an arbor consisting of a Weepins Ash or Elm.
August planting of evergreens is recom- mended by Josiah Hoopes.
The man who sells " blue " Roses at ■?:> a root is now taking his vacation.
The Mistletoe is patterned aft<'r by enough people— it lives upon others.
■We have a few special words, " To you, Reader," a little further on. Do not skip them.
Pillows made from the branches of Fir are lieing offered in Michigan for their curative proiierties.
Gardening is the purest of human plea.sures and the gi-eatest refreshment to the spirit of man. — Haron.
An Oleander with a trunk is inches in cir- cumference is reported by one of our Southern correspondents.
A Monstrous Cactus over twelve feet high and a foot and a half through is being exhibited in the leading towns.
For a magnificent display of bloom over a long time those Clematises, of which Jackmani is the type, are really wonderful.
Ten-week Stocks ai-e among the flowers that succeed well in the window. For bloom during the winter the seed should now be sown.
Starting Tuberose bulbs as late as August is sometimes done for raising winter flowers, but at best such late management is up-hill work. " Give me a Garden " is the universal aspira- tion of the English people. The same desire, it is a pleasure to record, is a rapidly growing one throughout America.
A young tree set out on the site of an old one that has died seldom thrives. Soil exhaus- tion as to tree food is the cause. A remedy : re- place the old soil with new.
Extend the Example. Boston gives an object lesson in tree knowledge to inquiring minds, by affixing to every tree in the public parks its name on a label in plain letters.
Rotation of crops is as essential in gardening as on the farm. In resetting hai'dy or any other kinils of plants always move them to a new stand, even if it be but a few feet away.
It is a fact not to be denied that many persons of both sexes find the greatest pleasures of their lives coming from the raising of flowers and other gai'dening. Let an occupation like this be widely advanced.
"One single item of W lines in the March numlier," writes W. A. T. Stratton, concerning Popular Gardeninu, "aroused a train of thought that promises hundreds of dollars in value to me in a short time."
The quantity of small fruits taken from the country to the cities a.s everybody knows is im- mense. The quantity each season bought in the cities and carried to the country for con- sumption is larger than might be supposed.
Seeding versus Sodding. We can point to a score of lawns that were started by sowing the seed during the past spring that are now com- plete and more promising than the average of sodded lawns of the same age that we recall. Great Brains. A Chicago editor is struggling with the question; "What ai'e insects made for?" They are made for insects, to be sure. Does the man think nature may possibly have intended them for hirAa'.— Hi lujhaintnn Rcpub- licrtn.
A Year's subscription to Popular Garden- ing makes the nicest kind of a present to a friend, coming as it does by monthly visits. If you choose to try this matter we will be glad to notify the recipient as to who is the sender, should you so desire.
Large Latanias or Fan Palms. Speaking of these, Mr. Daviil Scott, of this city, informs us by a note, that some in the Kew Gardens, Lon- don, are considerably more than 12 feet high, but adds that they are not handsome specimens, for, like many other Palms, extra size detracts from rather than adds to their beauty.
A subscriber gained for Popular G ardening in hot weather is just as much appreciated at this office as one secured at any other time. We received a good many during the last month. W^e wish our friends would help us to many more during August. Keep the ball rolling the year round. Subscriptions may begin with any mouth.
Goats and Gardens. So destructive have goats become to the gardens in some parts of Europe, by browsing shrubs and trees, that the authorities are takmg steps to reduce their numliers. We can easily imagine that a super- fluity of goats would be vastly more intolerable to a community than even the pestiferous European sparrows, bad as they are.
A Queer Freak of nature is reported by one of our .<ubscril)ers, " Evangeline." of Harrison Co., Texas. Two lai-ge trees, White Oaks, the correspondent thinks they are, and standing about twenty-five feet ajiart, approach and overlap each other some distance up. At this point they have united and with all the parts healed over so thoroughly that no scar is visible. The trembling of the loaves of the Aspen is thus referred to in a welcome little note to Popular Gardening from Mrs. H. E. Briggs of Clark Co., Washington Territory; "Those who admire the Trembling Aspen will be inter-
ested in examining the leaves for the cause of their tremulous motion. Close to the leaf the stem is flattened to be no thicker than the leaf itself, and responds to the lightest zephyr."
On a street which the writer passes along often, there is one flower-gi-ower who has more than ordinai-y success with bedding plants. In passing his grounds at planting time we saw he was laying rich old manure two inches deep over the entire surface before digging. He in- formed us that this was his practice every year. It is a chief secret of his success. To which we add that now is a good time to start a ma- nure heap for next year's use.
Mulch for Roses. I find in this country where droughts are common a mulch is very helpful. I use for this, scrapings from the cow-yard, mulching the bed thoroughly and afterwards watering frequently. The ground should be in such order from culture that it will readily absorb water. After the first blooming I cut back my Roses well, using the scissors, and new growth soon starts, bearing a multitude of blos- soms later. Don't neglect the mulching. — M. R. AV., Scott Co., loini.
Good Books. A library of standard woi'ks on gardening should be owned by every gardener. From it he will glean an amount of pleasure in the nature of extended information only sec- ond to that found in the garden itself. It will introiluce the owner to new plants and new methods, as well as to a better acquaintance with older desirable ones. On another page we present a select list of such books, which at the prices quoted, will be furnished to our readers, post-paid, from this office.
All lovers of good gardening must be glad to see that the old practice of laying out numerous gravel or other walks through private grounds is being discontinued largely. A most sensible innovation. No walk can be more comfortable to the feet when one is taking in the delights of a garden than a smooth well-trimmed lawn. No garden scene but it is more chai-ming by having the most extended stretehes of grass attainalile in the space, than if it be frittered up with a lot of really needless paths.
Mr. A. Blanc, the Cactus specialist of Phila- delphia, has sent us an engraving of the remark- ably attractive Cactus printed hei-ewith and
THE SPIN-WHEEL CACTUS.— Echinucactus furbinifonni.'i. called Echinocactiis turbinifurmis, together with this note concerning it; " A'c/ii'iiococdis turliinifuriiiis is a queer little flat plant, sel- dom growing larger thau four inches across and one inch high, with flesh colored flowers. It looks exactlj' like a spin-wheel set in motion. The cut is a faithful representation." This Cactus should be known as the Spin-wheel Cac- tus, so far as a common name is concerned.
What are the Circumstances 1 Popular Gardening maintains that White Clover should not be mixed with lawn grasses where summer watering is practised. Here it soon crowds out the delicate grasses and gives a weedy look to the lawn. But where watering the lawn freely is not practical there one may always use, at the rate of five pounds of seed to the acre. In such places the growth is less
1 886.
POPULAR GARDENING.
129
rank and of a good color in dry times. To garden well one must discriminate in tliese little matters.
Transplant the White Lilies Now. We refer here to the common Madonna Lil.v, L. nindi- ('»«!, which is seen in so many gardens. This species is peculiar, in the res])ect that it is at rest during this montli, calling to be handled now if at all. We may as well add that it is one of the kinds that dislikes being often med- dled with ; it thrives best when left undisturbed for years. It is so fair a flower when once es- tablished in good soil that there is scarcely a place which a well grown group would not adorn. Placed in bold masses and then left to take care of itself, and few plants can compare with this one when in bloom. See engi-aving.
Street trees often receive shocking injury from horses tied to them by a set of vandals. The law in such ca-ses is practically of little help, for once let a good sized tree be dam- aged and no law or money can restore it. At any rate, no better thing can be done than to assist the tree as early as possiVile to recover itself. A good coat of paint applied to the wound will keep the wood from decaying until the new wcjod and bark at the sides grow over the place. Sometimes a plaster of earth and cow dung is applied to such wounds. This would be well enough wei'e it not that the rains and wind are apt to wear it out before the spot can get along without a cover-.
To you, Reader ! We are trying very hard to give our readers an excellent paper, and letters received every day at this office go to show that in a measure, at least, we arc succeeding. Now, admitting that our laboi-s tell for the gofxl of the paper, may we uot suggest to you, reader, how you can in these fair summer days help push oiu- paper on to the circulation it nee<ls to make it a complete success? This may be done by working to extend our circulation among 3'our friends near and far away. ShouM each one of our present subscribers send in, on an average, but one subscription within the next two weeks it would be a great encourage- ment to us in our work. We ai'e not sure but it would help us to make even a much better paper yet. At any rate, why not try this, and with the determination to succeed? Let us all work together for making this the greatest paper of its kind a going. Work will do it.
California Fruits. Are not California fruits much inferior in flavor to Eastern fruits? asks an Ohio friend, (lenerally, yes. But that is not a univ^ersal rule. AVe have occasionally seen and tasted California fniits which were simply ])erfection. But usually the fruits of the Pacific Coast are insipid ami comparatively tasteless. What they lack in flavor, however, they make up in a]>pearance, ancl in sujiplying the market we should never forget that the eye as well as the palate nmst lie pleased. Now California fruitsells well because it is beautiful. | Against our better judgment weourselves pur- chased a liasket of California peaches la.st fall foi' seventy-flve cents when we could have got a bi'tt«'r peach, but one that did not look as well, for less than half the money. Our eye was captured by the beautiful apjjeai'ance. But Oh! what a jwach we got. It had no more of a peach taste than a walnut and was as tough as a piece of shoe leather. — M'rsft'rn Jiitirtf.
The Birds have Friends. We have received at this offii'e "Bulletin No. I of the Committee on Protection of Birds," issued by the Ameri- can I irnithologists' Union of New Y(jrk City. It is a pamphlet of 1(1 pages filled with most valuable articles bearing on the subject of bii'd preservation. Indeed it has never before been our pleasure to meet with such an array of stated facts and figiu'es issued in the interests of our feathered friends. Here are the sub- jects of the papers given: "The Present Wholesale Destruction of Bird Life in the United States," "Destruction of Birds for Millinery Purposes," " Destruction of Bird Life About New York," " Destruction of the Eggs of Birds for Food," "The Relation of
Birds to Agriculture," "Bird-laws," "An Appeal to Women" and " Birds and Bonnets." The entire report formeiiy appeared as a sup- plement to Scioici: AVe find no printed price given for the pamphlet, but should think that a remittance of 10 cents to the above Union
would secure a copy. Who- ever orders it will find some very interest- ing rea<l i ng on an imjxir- tant subject, enough to last (<<!■ one day at least.
Flower Mis- si ons. The goocl work done by these Missions in most of our towns in send- i n g fresh flowers to the sick in hospitals and elsew'here is most com- mendable a n d should be widely adopted. The \ew York Triliiini' in speaking of this work in New York says: So m a n 3' sad hearts are cheered, so many i>oor and sick are made glad b}' it. The offerings are carried by the expi'ess companies free of charge. If it is desired that the package be re- turned paint the name and address of sender on the side of the basket, with the words "Return to." In sending flowers it is best to pack them ina [jasteboard box. Put a layer of moist paper in the bottom, then a laj-er of green leaves, then a layer of flowers; lay over these a thin jjaper and put on more flowers and so on till the box is full. Sprinkle the top layer, cover tightly. Thus put up flowers will keep twelve hours <iuite fresh. Clover Blossoms, Daisies, Wild Flowers, Roses — all are welcomed by the pale faces that are shut within narrow city walls. Fruits and jellies may be sent and they also will be distributed by this beneficent "mission" to the needy.
"What Chrysanthemums like and what they dislike under cultivation is jiointedly set forth as follows by Mr. John Thorpe, a man who knows all about the matter:
THEV LIKE
To be planted firmly, in rich soil; Plenty to eat and plenty to drink ; To have fovir or five hours' of sunshine a day; A maniu-e or grass mulch after July 1st ; To be well soaked with water or weak ma- nure water often from August to October ; To be divided every year; To be tied up so as not to be hurt by wind; To be protected from freezing when in flower.
THEY don't I.IKE
To be planted loo.sely, in poor soil;
To be planted beneath the shatle of trees, where there is no nourishment;
To be starved ;
To be dry;
To be smothered all summer by vines, etc. ;
To be left for years without dividing;
To be placed where the sun never shines;
To be severely frozen when coming in flower;
To be in hot, (by and gasy rooms.
Now let it be carried out. The last Legisla- luie of New Yoi-k passed a very important amendment to the Highway Act, The law
r/i.
M'hitr Of Madonna Lilij.
now requires the overseer of every road district and of every sti'eet commissioner of every city or village to give written notice to any occu- pant of premises to cut all wee<ls, briars and brush growing within the bounds of the high- way. If they shall ni'glect so to do, and if, after receiving su<-h notice, the occupant of the premises shall fail to do so within ten days, it shall be the duty of the overseer or street com- missioner to em])lo}' some one to do so, and when he returns his warrant he shall make return, under oath, of the amount so expended by him and the ownershi]) oroccupancy of the several [larccls of land against which such labor was performed. The commissioner orcommis- sionei-s of highways shall certify these state- ments to the supervisor of the town, and the supervisor shall lay the same before the Ixjard at their next meeting, and they shall include the amounts in the taxes a.sses.sed upon the lands where the lalior was performed, the same to be collected and paid over, upon the order of the supervisor, to the parties entitled thereto.
Those Agents. Last season neighbor A and neighbor B both concluded to plant some of the new Japanese Creeper, .1 iiijirlojiais I 'eitch ii. Neighbor A gave her order to a traveling agent, paying .?1 each for the plants, and at that they were of feeble character. Neighbor B, who left off dealing with strange agents years ago, ordered her jilants from a florist near her home. The cost in this case was at the rate of four fine plants for -^l. In one shape or another such incidents, with just such contrasts, are repeated ten thousand times over, perhaps, in our land every yeai-. It leads us to say em- phaticallj', no matter how far you may be from good nurseries or seedsmen, buy nothing from unknown agents, neither put your trust in the seeds of the commission boxes left at corner grocery stores. Responsible dealers by the hundred issue catalogues expressly to aid those who may be distant from them in buying. Many of these have lately advertised in our columns. Dealing with such parties you will not only save money, but you may have the satisfaction of knowing that the seller will treat jou in a manner to secure yoiu- con- tinued good will. Trust not the smooth- tongued agents who are strangers to you.
What One Girl Did. Mrs. Ella flrant Camp- bell, of Cleveland, Ohio, a subscriber to Popu- lar OakdeniiNo, has shown what a capable, energetic young woman can accomplish in building up a thriving business from a small beginning. More than a dozen yeare ago she was a quiet young giil with a busj- brain, re- volving in her mind the problem of self-sup- port. She loved flowers, ami like all flower lovers was easily successful in raising them. So she turned t« these sweet little frienils and said, "Come help me." They resjjondeil, and although her first serious efforts at selling flowers lead through the humble jiat h of offering some pretty bouquets in a pul)lic pUuv she at once found customers, and from this stiirt soon realized quite a substantial patrimage. Her best stroke of eut<?rprise in her early experi- ence was the .securing of the award from the city of Cleveland for the floi'al decorations used at the burial of President (iarfield. Her artistic productions on that occasion were brought into national prominence. To-tlay she is well up among the successful florists of the country, being the proprietorof the Jennings- avenue Greenhouses at t'leveland. Her busi- ness cai-eer, cngagcil in undei- many disadvan- tages, isaliving sermon tootheryoung women.
Annual Flowers are not appreciated as they deserve by the great ma.ss of flower lovers. There are scores of In-autiful and easily grown things in thischuss In'sides the Asteis, Balsams, Candytuft, Marigolds and others that are much grown. From our window we can see a patch of the richly colored blue Eutoca that has been full of beauty for a month jiast and shows no signs of falling ort' in the flowers as yet. Near by stands a clump of the bell-shaped Whitlavia crowded with spikes of deep violet flowers that
1 w
POPULAR GARDENING.
August,
are fine enough to work handsomely into any bouquet. Tlie scarlet large-flowered Flax is just coming in flower from seeds sown the middle of May, but there will be no absence of the richly colored flowers for a long time yet to come. The yellow Bartonia has long been in flower from seeds sown two months ago, and a biishy dum]) of the plants attracts many eyes by its large, bright-yellow single flowers. The mellow yellow and white Escholtzia, or Califor- nian Poppy, is now gay with bloom, aft'ording a most delightful bit of coloring in our medley of flowers. In the same garden may be found flowers of the Mallows, which many look upon as being more attractive than their near rela- tives, the Hollyhocks, of Calliopsis, Calendulas, Lupines, CoUinsias, Crodetias, Centaureas, Cre- pis, and other annuals, all of which have sprung from seed sown since May 1st. Every one of these is attractive here and would prove to be so in any garden. One peculiarity of the class is their cheapness ; two or three dollars' worth would stock a large garden.
The American Seed Trade Associa- tion's Convention.
The Fourth Annual Convention of this Asso- ciation will be held at Niagara Falls, N. Y., beginning with Tuesday, August 3, at 1(1 A.M. and continuing for three das's. The place of meeting will be at the Cataract House. It is to be hoped that every member of the Associa- tion realizes the importance of being present at this convention ; indeed, it should be considered the duty of every seedsman to be there. Aside from business consiilerations, all members should feel an interest in visiting and enjoying the scenery of the Falls vicinty, now that it has so largely passed under Stat« control and is already showing many marked improvements. James Y. Murklaud, 54 and .5(i Dey street. New York, is the present Secretary and Treasurer of the Association.
The Florists' Coming; Meeting at Philadelphia.
The progranmie and prospectus of this meet^ ing, which is to occur at Philadelphia on the isth, I'.ith and 30th of the present month, has l^een oiit now for some weeks. A copy should at once be called for by every florist in the United States and Canada. Address Secre- tary E, G. Hill, Richmond, Indiana.
In this progrannne will be found not only a schedule of the numerous valuable essays by competent men, to be read and discussed at the meeting, but it also sets forth about all the in- formation any one might wish for, concerning how to get to Philadelphia, where to stop while there, and so on. For instance, the names of fifty railroads are given that will carrj' for one fare and one-third the round trip all persons attending who have properly signed certificates of attendance. These are procurable from the Secretary free of charge. A list of hotels that offer to accommodate the florists in attendance at reduced rates is also given.
It is especially desirable that the attendance at this the second meeting of the Society be a very large one. The management hope to see there a good attendance of the women, who now are so generally engaged in the trade. All such will be very welcome. The wives and sisters of members ai"e also cordially invited to be present at this meeting.
So excellent are all the arrangements of the 1S8B meeting that whoever will miss the good things it will have in store can have only themselves to blame. One thing is certain and that is that the large brotherhood of Philadel- phia florists will extend an open and most hearty welcome to all who may come. Be prompt in addressing Secretary Hill at Rich- mond, Ind. , for full particulars, including the certificate of attendance, which must be signed by the ticket agent at the office where the ticket is bought. AU aboard for Philadelphia !
THE HOUSE PLANTS.
Ageratums should be held in cheek as to flower- inj;: if desired for winter blooming.
Antbericum. The variegated one is an excellent house plant. It requires a good deal of root room, but in potting or stiifting it may have the soil all washed from the roots and, using some fresh soil, be replaced in smaller sized pots tfian without this.
Aspidistras, the beauty of which is in the leaves, are benefited by applications of a liquid or other fertilizer whUe their leaves are in their best growth.
Balsams lift easily from the beds now to set into large pots for adorning the window after frosts.
Begonias of winter blooming varieties showing buds on leading branches should be well pinched back, to induce stockiness and more bloom later.
Browallias give fair satisfaction as pot plants. The seed should be sown now if not yet in.
Callas. For early flowers start into free growth by giving rich soil and plenty of water at this time.
Chrysanthemums. See what Mr. Thorpe says about these elsewhere. If the black aphis or thrip appear sprinkle the affected parts with tobacco dust when the plants are wet.
Coleus cuttings for winter plants may be struck.
Eche verias when grown in pots should be watered moderately and have soil not rich but sandy.
Evergreen plants and shrubs. like Daphne, Olea fragrans, etc., if they need shifting at all before winter should receive it before this month is out.
Freesias. These deUghtful new bulbs it planted a dozen or more in a large pot or box make choice ornaments for the window garden, and the fragrance is delightfiU. They may be started earlier than the mixed collection of winter flowering bulbs.
Fuchsias. Old plants of winter blooming sorts, now at rest, may he taken from the pots, cut back within three or four inches of the roots, and if troubled with red spider remove every leaf as well ; wash off the soil and repot in fresh, rich loam, using water sparingly till new growth is well started.
Petunias. To cut in the straggling branches that come from rapid growth now will lead to nice plants for the window garden by October.
Propagation of such tropical plants as Cleroden- drou. Ficus. Cissus, Rex Begonias, etc., can be done by the amateur without the aid of a propagating house, more successfully now than at any other time. Place the green cuttings in sand and cover with any glass vessel, watering lightly as needed.
Roses suitably prepared for winter blooming are at the present anxious to grow and show their early bloom. They must not be over-potted, a great faidt with amateurs. Angle worms often trouble; de- stroy by watering with lime water.
Tuberose bulbs showing buds at the end of the month may be Utted carefully and made to flower in the house later on.
Veronica. As this plant's blooming season is near, encourage the setting flower spikes with weak applications of liquid manure.
Vinca. Divide the roots of this vine, potting what is needed for the house. Doing this thus early the part remaining in the ground has time to recover and become established for the winter.
LAWN AND FLOWER GARDEN.
Borers are liable to appear in .\cacias. Mountain Ash and the ornamental flowering fruit trees. They make their attacks in the trunk near the ground chiefly; if the presence of their borings is met dig them out with a knife or stiff pointed wire.
Cyclamens in beds should now be lifted.
Edges next to flower beds and walks should be neatly trimmed, once a month at least, by cutting with a sharp spade or better still an edging iron
Gladiolus. If the spikes from strong bulbs are cut early (they will flower completely out if set in water) it usually follows that some new spikes will later come out.
Hollyhocks and similar taU plants should be kept tied to stakes to prevent the risk of their being snapped off by violent siunmer gales.
Layering of Roses, shrubs, etc., may still go on.
Lifting. As stated last month we favor the early lifting of most plants that are wanted for faU deco- ration. Aim to secure all the roots possible, pot firmly, shade closely for a week and sprinkle the tops several times daily for a spell.
Plants in tubs or pots set on the lawn, as well as those in vases, need to be watered often and thor- oughly. Do not imagine because the top of the soil of these may be wet that aU is soaked through.
Boots absorb moisture only when it is in the form of vapor, hence the importance to roots, of a well drained soil penetrable by the air.
Bock gardens often suffer in summer from drougth, and this should be prevented. Remove the tops of plants that have passed into a ripened state.
Seed sowing of Perennials and Biennials is timely now. .See longer articles on pages 182 and 12:3.
Transplanting of White and the few other LUies that are now at rest should be done at this time.
Hardy bulbs may be moved, but next month will answer quite as well for this.
Such a high authority as Josiah Hoopes strongly advocates August over spring planting of Ever- greens. Done at this season and new roots soon form, to the advantage of the wintering. The only drawback now is a high temperature, tending to free evaporation, to overcome which transplant on a damp, cloudy day, and afterward the trees should be sprinkled over their tops every evening (or sev- eral weeks.
Trimming up the flower beds at this season by chpping the plants of formal beds, removmg faded flowers, and stalks of border perennials, and throw- ing out early annuals that are past, will all help much for the good appearance of the garden.
Verbenas usually show exhaustion now. Cut back the extremities, giving repeated doses of liquid manure, or else strew some f ertUizer over the plants, and they will come around with a fine crop of bloom, and of cuttings for propagation later on.
Watering lawns is much practised wherever there are good systems of water works. In most cases far more water is applied than is necessary, causing a soaked and unhealthy condition of soU. Mounds and slopes require some extra attention.
To water trees in lawns freely, is one great secret of having them make a rapid growth. Here there is little danger of watering too much. Water thor- oughly while at it, making apertures with the spading fork over the area of the roots, to readily take in the water.
Why should people of inteUigence in other mat- ters be so generally ignorant of the names of trees, shrubs and plants, wild and cultivated, in their vi- cinity? It would be a good thing to improve in such respects; the field for improvement is ample.
PLANT CULTURE UNDER GLASS.
Bedding Plants of such kinds as are scarce, or that it may he desirable to get up a large stock of for next year, may have the first cuttings for fall prop- agation put in during this month.
Camellias will continue to need looking after against dryness at the root. When a plant is found badly wanting water, plunge the pot in a tub for half an hour. While we urge full necessary watering, still the mistake of over-watering must be prevented.
Carnations to begin bloom about the holidays should be cut back for last time.
Chrysanthemums in pots now need some special attention. Pompones to be stopped for the last time ; large flowering kinds not to be stopped again. Stake and tie as needed. Plants intended for show should have some of the surface soil removed, to be replaced by some rich half -rotten dung.
Geraniums for winter bloom should be stopped all over now. Propagation may be begun for plants with which to decorate the house early next spring.
Greenhouses will never be nearer empty than now. So now let them be put into thorough shape for re-stocking with plants later. Clear out, cleanse, repair, paint and fix up generally. AU wood and brick work should be cleanly scrubbed.
Hard-wooded plants, such as Aucuba. Laures- tinus. Laurels, ^Vrbor-vittes, etc.. that have made their growth for the season in the ground can be lifted now to better advantage than later.
Orchids now require to be gone over with a view to separating plants that are going to rest from those that are still activel.v growing. As the growth of any Orchid appeai-s to be completed graduaUy withold water and remove to a cooler part. Young plants lately potted to have their growth encoiu-aged
i886.
POPUL'AR GARDENING.
Ti'
Some Handy Fruit Pickers.
Pelargoniums should be cut back at once if not yet iliinf , using the ends of slioots for propagation.
Pots. New ones needed, to be buuglit before the season of lifting and propagating, now near, opens; all old ones to be soaked and waslied veiy elean.
Roses for winter Howers to be stringed daily, closing the house after the last syringing. If bedded give the border a liberal manure mulch now. Do not eiit back the old wood of Tea Roses, for it will not break strong below the cut. A better way to get rid of old canes is to curve them to the ground pegging them down, when new and strong shoots will break from near the base of the old canes.
Smilax seed should be sown for next year's plants and old roots that liave been at rest be started up.
Stocks of the Ten-week and Intermediate tribes fur winter bloom may now be sown. Of tlie former the Wall tlower-Ieaved ones, are favorites with us for this purpose. To provide a succession they should be sown at intervals of six weeks.
FRUIT GARDEN AND ORCHARD.
Blackberries. Nip the new canes at four feet high Cut out all unnecessary shoots, that the strength may go to the main plant. Keep the ground well cultivated and hoed for best results.
Budding of most kinds of fruit trees may go on. Cherry, Pear and Plum should be about done with; Apple to come after these, and Peaches and Quinces to follow about the end of the month The ties to be watched,cutting them before they cut the bark.
Currants. After the leaves have dropped trim the plants, thinning fidly half of the new growth If one cares to propagate, cuttings can be made of these trimmings. Cut to about 6 inches long, bed them firmly in good mellow soil to within one eye of the top and in an upright posi- tion.
Early fruit should be used promptly when ripe: kept be- yond a fair eat- in g state and the quality very soon fails.
Enemies. Plant Lice are bad this year. Destroy by dipping the affected parts (usually the ends) into a bucket of strong tobacco water prepared from cigar-makers" waste, or else syringe with this.
Cut out Black-knot from Plums and Fire-blight from Peai's as soon as they are seen.
Large and voracious Green Worm^ often trouble Grape-vines at this season, and should be destroyed.
Borers deposit their eggs in the lower part of the trunks of Apples, Peaches, etc., during summer. A band of tan-ed paper around the tree at the base, the lower edge covered with soil, will prevent much mischief. Probe for old-timers. The nests of late UVt Worms, should be destroyed promptly.
Gathering Fruit. We show engravings of sev- eral effective and not costly fruit gatherers that would prove a great convenience on any place where fruit is grown. The one to the right might be home- made. By the help of such early maturing, or any specimen, can easily be brought to the gi-ound. See article on ripening Pears elsewhere.
Gooseberries. See for Currants. They can be easily propagated by "stooling." that is, banking the earth around them and into the plants
Grapes iu strong growth may have a fourth or a third of the leaves nipped out, with gains to the fruit and less damage of mildew. Layer as shown on page 118 of the issue for July.
Marketing. Sort carefully, pack with pains- taking, and in general strive to have a good reputa- tion as a grower, with buyers. Then you can sell in seasons of great plenty when others can not.
Hulch any trees that may be suffering from drouth
Raspberries. Clear out the old canes after fruit- ing and treat each plant to a shovel fidl of rich compost. When the tips of the Black»cap class take on a purplish-white color propagate?, if this is de- sirable, by bending these to the earth and covering each tip lightly; a stone may keep it in place. It will soon root. Observe directions for Blackberries. Strawberry beds that have fruited should now be kept well tilled A stimulant should also be ap- plied to the plants: nothing is better than hen ma- nure and ashes niLxed with wood's earth. Some of the same spaded into the soil will prove a treat.
Watering fruit trees in dry seasons is of much help to the crop. This done after the development is so far along that seeds and stones begin to harden is especially useful. To water ti*ees draw enough
soil from the stt-ni to form a saucer-like edge; into this depression place a mulch over which tn run the wat+'r. The nndcb will extend the benefits a long time. Some liquid manure is also a great help.
VEGETABLE GARDEN.
Asparagus beds kept cleau of weeds and grass always prove much more proiluctive for this.
Celery. Set out the late crop. The successive plantings are to be earthed up gradually, as sutti- cient growth of stem to handle appears. This is best done after a heavy rain or watering. Take care that no soil finds its way into the hearts
Cleanliness ai)out the premises is always of mo- ment, but ditubly so in hot weather, for then im- purities in the air arising from filth and decaying matter readily become poison.
Cucumbers. Gather daily for pickles. By tiiking them at two inches long (the favorite size) the total number produced will be nmch increased.
Egg Plants to be encouraged with liquid manure; mulch to keep the fruit clear from the ground.
Liquid Manure applied once or twice a week now to growing crops of Lettuce, Cabbage, Cauli- flower, etc., will help them much.
Onions. Gather when most of the tops have fallen. Pull and drj- for several days before storing. Seed may be sown for early Spring pulling. .Just before winter cover the seedlings ligbflj".
Potatoes will be dug from day to day: those for seed to be left until the tops are well ripened. If there be any rot, burn the tops instead of leaving them on the ground or coUe-^cing for the manure pile, thus preventing the spread of the genns.
Seed saving is one of the important garden jobs. Only the best, and as a i-ule the earlist stocks, should be used for seed. In gathering seeds let them be well dried and put up carefully, marking the pack- ages with name and date.
Sow early Turnips, Lettuce, Endive, Spinach, early and winter Radishes and Cucmnbers and hush Beans for pickling These may occupy the space where early crops were taken off.
Spinach- Kound-seeded sown at once will yield a supply to varj' the produce of the season later.
Squasbes. Keep the cultivator going until the tops prevent. The same advice applies to Melons.
Sweet Potatoes should now be growing rapidly, the branches to be rai.sed occasionally to prevent their rooting. Keep perfectly clean of weeds.
Tillage, A lively hoe is a good substitute for rain in supplying moisture to growing crops. Con- tinue to work between the rows of all growing crops until the tops interfere.
Tomatoes. If any fruits are shaded by an exces- sive growth of leaves, as a result of the wet weather in some places, remove enough leaves to admit the sun to them. Gather and destroy the large Green Worms If you do not trellise your plants then mulch, to keep the fruit from the ground.
FRUIT AND VEGETABLES UNDER GLASS.
Grapery. Fruit in a ripening state should have a free supplj- of air. but chilly winds, if thei*e be such, should be guarded against. Free ventilation will help both the flavor and the color of the fruit. If the shoots are crowded remove a portion of them with a view to securing a perfect ripening of the wood for next year. In cold-houses the forming bunches should be thinned of all defective berries.
Mushrooms can easily be raised by anyone, in old frames, under greenhouse stages or even in a cellar or shed. Collect a good heap of hoi-se manure ,- shaking out the straw. Spread it out as it accunui- lates, to prevent heating, and turn at intervals of a week for several weeks. Then add loam— if it be turfy all the better— in the proportion of one-third or one-fourth of the whole, and make up a bed 18 inches deep, beating it down well as the work pro- ceeds. Let it remain until a brisk heat arises, when spawn (to l>e had at the seed stores j should be in- serted in pieces the size of an egg about four inches apart. Cover the bed with two inches of flne loam and then wait for residts
Pine Apples swelling their fruit to have frequent supplies of li(|uitl mamire and an abvuidance of at- mttspheric moisture. Young plants to stand the winter for fniiting early next year, had best l»e moved from those that ai*e swelling fruits, so as to keep them <lrj'er and more freely ventilated.
Strawberries. See under this head last month. It may be added that the compost useii for pot plants ought to be sti-ong loam and rotted manure, and the plants be potted quite firndy.
w
nQuin
This being the PeapWB Paper a ia opi'ii tu all tfu-ir In- quires, hearing on Gardening.
On the otht-r hand, anamerK to published inquirea are fiirnestly requested from readers.
The editors and sppcinl rtnitributors are ready to do a Inrge share nf the nnsu'erin{/, hut the exfu'riemv it/ many being mure valuable than ••/ thr f'le, hninnr varied that is, andconditiuns anil local i ties bem^j su different, they pre/ei to receive answers, even neveral of them to the same ques (('on, from reatlers everywhere. Don^t hesitate to write because yon may feel yon are no fine tpriter: gii-e facts and ideas and the editors will see that they aitpear in credi- table shape.
In writing, give the number of the question yon are an- silvering: your locality ami name, thf latter not for publica- tion unless youdesire. Write only on one sidi' of the paper
Floivers will be gladly named provided fir>it, that nomore than three be sent at one time. Second, that (A«?8e be fully prepaid. Third, that several specimens of each reach us in good shape. We cannot undertake to Jiame JUjrists' iitri'e. <tea.
9'^. Cut Worms. I would be very grateful for a remedy for cut worms. They commence their work about last of April, and feed on our plants until I have almost lost courage in attempting to cultivate flowers, strawberries or vegetables. Would "Hammond's Slug Shot" do any good? Mrs. W. R. Cole.
{ri Tulip Seed' When should it be sown? F. O. H
04. Hydrangea Hortensis. How shall I treat a plant of this kintl wliicli dropped its leaves after being planted in a Ipox s by lii inches and (> inches deep, set in w<50{rs eartli mixed with sand y The stem is green except the tip. which has turned dark. After planting I kept in liouse in the shade a few days, then let it have the morning sun. Would it be best to reset it in (i in. pot *r
9.">. Wax Plant Jline seems almost to stand still. Is this to be taken as a bad sign or should it not grow fast y Miss Carrie Lyle.
9*>- Ivy Geraniums. Will you please tell me the best treatment for this plant. Miss E A. Porter.
97. Nigbt-blooming Cereus. I have had a plant nearly H years tliat has never blossomed It has had several buds of late, but they remain about the same size for 8 or 4 weeks, then blast. Can you tell the cause or how it should be treated :- It stands in a south window and has a strong hot sun upon it. Should it be placed upon the piazza or out of doore, where it will have night dew / E. B. Kinney.
98. Palms for House. I am desirous of trying these plants, of which I have heard so nmch, pro- vided 3"ou will name some of the best ones for the purpose. Mn.s. L, W. Granton
99. Tiles for Celery. Some persons have strongly advocated the use of tiles for blanching Celery. We have never tried them and desire to know your opinion as to their value. Two Sibscribers.
100. Tea Leaves in the Soil. A friend says she has heard that to mix tea leaves with the soil is a great help to plants Is anything known on this subject by large plant growere'.'
101. Mossy Lawns. My lawn is mossy and seems to grow worse How must I treat it? Mrs. G. R. G.
REPLIES TO INQUIRIES.
91. Daffodils. All the Daffodils will do. except .Tuucifolius and Bulbocodium. Plan! them care- fully: do not merely dibble them in, but prepare the
place for them by tm-ning over the sod and break- ing up the soil The}' will t ' afterwards. Eos. P. G.
1 take care of themselves
98. Palms for House. The best and prettiest Palms for indoor or window decoration are Latania l)orbonica, Seaforthia elegans, Phienix reclinata, Arecas and Kentias They require to be kei>t in as regular a heat as possible during the winter months, and to be syringed freciuently during the summer. Soil : Peat or leaf mouKi, loam and silver sand — most part loam. W. Martin.
99. Tiles for Celery- We have found that there is not enough gained in using tiles for blanching Celery to warrant any investment in them wlialever. Unless they hapi»en"to be just the right length and tit the lilanching will not prove satisfactory. We prefer the go<'d Vtld way Ens. P G.
89. Lemon from Seed. I have uever seen a Ijenion plant bowi-vei' lai'ge from seed bear fruit in cullivatiou. It sliould lie budded. A. H E,
97. Night-blooming Cereus. We incline to the
opuiion that your plant has defective ^Irainage, pos- sflily a water-logged soil If so it should be shifted into a pot having ample drainage, say several in<'hes of broken pots in the bottom, and this covered with moss to i)reven( the soil fi-om clogging up the crocks below. Let the soil used be light and oi)en and Imt moderately rich Eds. P. G.
^^- Hyacinths never bloom a secoml linn- in the same year. Wm . Ri^ke.
'J2. Cut Worms. One of the latest methods rcconied fi>r killing them is to make holes with a sharp smoothly wliitlled stick si.\ or eight inches deep near the plants. The worms will fall into these holes and cannot but get out, die. Ens. P. G.
'3:
POPULAR GARDENING.
August,
^e Household
Living to get the Most Good.
No one can enjoy a happy, cheerful life who habitually overworks; sooner or later such a course must lead to a broken-ilown conrtition and to distress. And yet we believe that as a rule Amei'ican women in moderate eirium- stances try to do too much. The worst feature of the case is that much of overwork comes from a disregard of good judgment in laying out and performing the work of housekeeping.
If to live well signifies neither luxuriant nor expensive living, in what then lies the secret, and how may it be taken advantage of ? We believe the answer to this question may in good part be put in the shape of a few short rules:—
1. Buy with judgment, selei-ting those things which will be available for use with the least work, other things being about equal.
2. Use common sense. If you do your own work do not think there must be as many rutttes and pleats in your chlldrens' or your own clothing as there are in those of your wealthy nei:ihbor who puts out her sewing. Flain ckjfhes lead to even a greater saving of work in the washing and ironing than in the making.
3. Ask yourself often, " Will it pay to do it; " In making fancy work aim rather to the adorning of the useful than to the making of the useless. We have been in houses where the rooms were filled with many strange speci- mens of fancy work that were without real utility or beauty, while they caused much labor to keep them clean of du.st and otherwise.
t. In the cooking department buy the best, for the best is always the cheapest. Let your economy regulate the quantity not the quality.
5. Study simplicity in the number of the dishes served at each meal and then variety in character of the meals. Even when visitors are present avoid a nudtitude of dishes. Save u.s, too, from the woman who puts labor on mak- ing a dozen pies once and sometimes twice a week for a moderate sized family.
li. Let the woman of the house he indeed the head of her own household and of her kitchen. Let her by teaching and practice see that no waste be allowed in any department of the housekeeping.
Uy observing these and other rules and follow- ing them out to their details there may be such a saving of time and strength as should yield to tho.se who otherwise are unduly busy and over- worked more leisure for the good things of recreation, health or social life.
Brieflets.
Essence of Quassia will drive awa.v Hies.
Cucumber peel is iletested by cockroaches.
In cleaning brass use some vinegar anil salt.
Close stove cracks with a cement of wood ashes ami salt.
Exposure to the sun, it is saiil, will remove light scurcli marks.
A bit of charcoal in the vegetalile kettle will di- minish the odor.
Fruit or rust stains yield quickly to a weak soln- tltin ot oxalic acid.
In boiling eggs the larger ones should go in first and come out last.
For burns no remedy is more potent or easily aiiphcd than tlour wet with cold water.
Better save your hands from odor when peel- ing onions Uy liolding the latter with a fork.
There is no use l>eing tronbled with i"eil ants in a closet or drawer when a little bag of snlphnr kept in it will disperse them.
A grease spot on wall-paper looks very had; it Tnaj lie absorlied by a hot iron with several thick- nesses of hint ting paper between paper and iron.
The person who cannot afford to cross the ocean thissuinmer can always get up a kind of sea-sick feeling b^^■ having the painters in his house. — -l/oni- ing Journal.
Soft-boiled Eggs. "I place them in boiling water, enough in cpiantity to amply cover, standing the vessel on the liack of the stove for five minutes or a trifle more, and the eggs turn out in a well-done jelly-like consistency."— Sue.
Potato balls made from remnants as follows are relished at onr table: Chop some cold meat, pota- toes and a little bread, then warm and thoroughly mix, adding an egg for six jiersous and seasoning; mould into balls and fry lightly in a warm pan.
Berry Custard. From Harrison Co., Texas, an esteemed contributor, who signs herself "Evange- line," sends the following to onr columns: To one quart of canned Black or Dewberries add the well beaten yolks of three eggs, three taVilespoonfuls of sugar and half a pint of sweet milk. Stir these in- gredients well and pour on pastry the same as for other custard. Put in a hot oven until well set, and take the whites of the eggs, to which add three tablespoonfuls of sugar and heat to a stiff froth, which spread on top of the custard and bake until brown. Or, if preferable, put the whites and sugar in the custard.
Care of the Teeth. Brush twice a day. The proper time is on rising in the morning and on re- tiring at night. In the morning a wash may be used. Brush gently over the crowns of the teeth. This removes any mucus that has collected during the night, and leaves the mouth in a refreshed con- dition. Just before retiring a tooth powder should be employed, and particles of food that have lodged between the teeth removed, which, when left for several hours, result in the fermentation of an acid, which causes softening of the tooth-structure, and thus promotes decay. After eating a quill tooth- pick and rtoss-silk should be used for removing the debris.— /*r. GiUiert.
Boys Doing Housework. A writer in the Fann foil/ WoiHc has well said that there is nothing de- grading for a man or boy to don a big apron and assist the tired wife or mother in the heavier work of the household. "My mother's girls 'were all Ijoys,' and I, the youngest, was often called to help her with the housework. I have lived to bless her for the instruction she gave me in tli.at line, and I know my wife is of the same mind. I remember one day when I was helping at the washtub our pastor called and took occasion to ridicule me for the work I was doing. I was a boy, but my estima- tion of him fell several degrees at that time. I know a man who, when his wife was sick, and no help could lie had for love or money, took the whole care of the household as nurse, cook, washerwoman and maid of all work for several weeks, unaided, except for the daily visits of the physician, caring tor his wife as she went almost to the gates of death, until at last a good nurse was obtained and the tired husband was permitted to rest. So. boys, don't be ashamed to help your mother and sisters in the house if your help is needed. The knowledge you will get may serve you a good turn some day, and you can feel that you have done what you could to lighten the cares of a self-denying mother.
in their iuclosures if it has not been done. Fit up the houses before the winter to be proof against drafts, wetness and bad ventilation.
Poviltr/
The Chicken 'Yard Now.
The spring broods should be so far ailvanced by this month as to allow the good to be dis- tinguished from the bad, and all that have not the appearance of turning out well should be weeded out.
There is always danger to be feared from that bane to successful chicken rearing, over- crowding. By closely culling out the inferior birds the good effect to the remaining ones in better size and stamina is oft<"n sofin api)arent.
A connuon error is the allowing of too many cockerels to remain in the run. They are un- easy tormentors, depriving the promising pul- lets of their proper rest, as well as of food and accommodation. Kill or sell these off as quickly as possible. Old hens also want look- ing over. It should be remembered that after two years of age they will not pay as layers.
Where it is possible at this season to give them the range of stubble fields do so by all means. By seeing that fowls have plenty of food, green and other, and exercise, the molt- ing sea.son may be shortetied, to their advan- tage. Make liberal provisions for a dust-bath
Poultry in Large Flocks.
A correspondent who characterizes the poul- try department of Popui>ar (tAHDENING as "a store of condensed wisdom " wants to know whether we could advise the keeping of a flock of five hundred or more fowls on a six-acre lot of dry stony groimd not worth ])lanting. We find in a recent issue of the I'dullri/ 17/rrf an article on this subject that in a few words so well covers the matter that we iirint it:
A large number, say up in the hundreds, of domestic fowls in one flock cannot be kept to advantage at all upon any one place, be it large or small. And this is why :
It is unnatural and uncongenial to the race thus to be herded in hundreds. They poison each other by contact; they will give you no eggs; they are liable to sickness continually from this over-crowding.
Five hundi'ed or five thousand fowls can be kept upon one estate or farm if it be large enough to accommodate them. But they must invariably be colonized in small groups of not overforty or fifty under one roof or in onespot. Each colony is then to be kept separate from the other, to be teniled and cared for precisely as so many fifties may be in .a village with different owners loi-atwl in diffei'ent domiciles. Thus one may succeed; but in the other way only failures will result, a-s scoies of liien have found to their loss, and as other scores will doubtless yet learn from hard experience.
CONDENSED POULTRY NOTES.
Confined geese do not jiay.
Fowls are the best gleaners.
Meal should be mixed dry and crumbly.
Poultry now without shade cannot do its best.
Eggs, like meat, from a grain diet are better flavored
Confined fowls can hai'dlj" get along well during hot weather, unless given fresh watei' three or four times daiiy.
" Are your hens good hens, Mrs, Featherly?" in- quired neighbor Fowlspnr of that lady. " Oh yes," she answered with delight, " Ihey have never laid a bad egg y et. "
■When applying insect powder to fowls do so over a spread newspaper, as then much of the powder may be used over again The eJTect of the ]>owder will also be shown by the vermin gathered.
Sulphur is a chief constituent of feather-making food. It also acts when taken into the system, against insects on fowls. So don't hesitate to dust a little of it over the food twice a week. It will tell favorably on the fowls in their molting season.
Barley is perhaps the best staple grain for hens, especially if mixed alternately with wheat, buck- wheat or corn. Corn, while it is excellent as a change, is not a good regular diet. Rice, well boiled and mixed with barley or corn-meal, will be useful as a change once in a while. Brewers' grains, if fresh, are greatly relished, and the same is true of malt sprouts or dust, if there is a malting estab- lishment near from which these can be obtained.
To convert your early pullets into early layers feed them liberally and with a variety of nourish- ing feed. Sometimes it is forgotten that young growing creatures need food both for sustenance and for growth, where old ones need it mainly for the former. To give old and young but an equal chance to the feed is to do the pullets an injustice. They should have one good extra feeding daily, even if they have a fine run in grain stubble besides.
A foolish prejudice is what the Afin-Di- tiiitl Fui-Ditr calls the claim that incubator-hatched chicks are inferior to those hatched and raised in the natural manner, and that they are not suitable for breeding purposes. Such supposition arises from ignorance. There cannot jiossibly be any dif- ference. If a chick is hatched it comes into the world fully endowed by nature to maintain its exist- ence, no matter what the method of hatching may Iw. But after it is hatched everything depends upon the care. VVe have seen incubator chicks superior to those hatched under hens, as also the reverse. They are. when matured, equal as breed- ers in every important respect.
POPULAR GARDENING
FOR TOWN AND COUNTRY.
"ACCUSE NOT NATURE, SHE HATH DONE HER PART; DO THOU BUT TniNEr—nu.ToK.
Vol. 1.
SIEJIPTIEnsaiBEia, 188S.
No. 12.
September.
September waves his GoltJen-roil
Along the lanes and hollows. And sanntel-s round the sunny fields,
A-playing with the swallows. The Corn has listened for his step;
The Maples blush to meet him. And gay, coquetting Sumach dons
Her velvet cloak to meet him. Come to the hearth, O merry pi-ince!
With (laming knot and ember; For all your tricks of frosty ej'es.
We love your w,ays, September.
—Ellen M. Hutchinson.
Making Garden in the Fall.
It seems to be a hard matter for the aver- age amateur to .set himself ahout gartlen maliiug at any other time than in tlie spring. As a result many flowers, antl some vegeta- l>les and fruits, that succeed best for autumn phinting are either not raised at all or else it is done to poor advantage.
The hardy Dutch bulbs. Hyacinths, Tulips, etc,, are one class that are much slighted in this respect. To us it is clear that fine collec- tions of these flowers would be much more common could they be planted in the spring along with most everything else instead of in the fall. From September until cold weather is the time to plant these.
Certiiin kinds of annuals are better for fall than for spring sowing. In nature we ni;iy observe that suiuiner and autumn sow- ing is the invariable rule; .seeds drop to earth as they ripen, and spring forth in the same fall or early the ne.xt spring. All florists, we believe, now sow Candytuft and some other kinds in the fall for their first crop of outdoor spring bloom from these.
For a list of annuals suitable for fall .sow- ing we would name the following:
Alyssum m.aritimum, Bartonia aurca, Cal- andrinas. Candytufts, Clarkias, Collinsias, ErLsymum, Forget-me-nots, Gilias, Godetias, Ncmophilas, Saponarias, Silenes, Virginia Slocks, Pansies and Sweet Peas.
Of these all but the Sweet Peas should be sown between the middle of August and the middle of September. The Peas ought not to go in before November, the idea being to not have them germinate until early the ne.xt spring. Still we cannot recommend the sow- ing of annuals in every kind of soil in the fall; the soil for them must be light and well drained. The chief advantage of fall sowing is that the plants grow stronger, root deeper and flower earlier and longer than those from spring-sown seed.
In the line of vegetables. Spinach and Borecole or Kale for an early spring crop are the better for being .sown early in this month. To sow these now in good soil is to secure fine early spring greens that should prove most acceptable on any table. Cab- bage, Cauliflower and Lettuce may also be sown for plants to be kept through the winter in cold frames for au early crop next year.
Take one season with another and there is no better time for starting a Strawlierry
bed than now. By setting out good young plants this month, strong, bearing stools will already be present for next season's fruitage, a thing impossil>le to be secured if the planting be deferred until spring.
Dr. Nichols's Fruit Cellar.
Dr. Nichols of the Jnurnul of ('/ii'inisfn/ has been conducting some careful experi- ments in preserving fresh fruits over winter in cellars of different construction. It is so clear to anyone that fruit stored through the winter, to come out fresh and sound in the spring, will command a price several fold greater than the ,same would bring in the fall that the matter becomes a very important one to the fruit grower. Following is a condensed statement for making the cellar which has given the doctor the most perfect results. An engraving of the same is also shown It should be added that the objects had in view were to keep the fruit dry and cool, yet free from frost.
Two rooms, each large enough to contain all the fruits of the farm, are needed — an outer and an inner. A cellar should be dug in the south side of a hill large enough for the inner room. The outer room should be exposed to the air wholly in front, and on the sides far .enough to accommodate two windows, as shown in the engraving.
Build of brick or stone, carrying the walls to the height of eight feet. If stone is used, — it may be rough and be put up by any farmer, — it must be pointed with mortar. A thick wall, with a door, should .separate the two rooms. In the en^-aving the walls are shown by dotted lines.
The roof should come near the ground in the rear; be carefully constructed and sup- ported by timbers; be lined with tarred paper, strongly secured and painted with tar or pitch. There should be a ceiling — rough boards will do — and a space one and a half or two feet deep between it and the roof, to be filled with dry straw, hay or sawd\ist.
The fruit .should be kept in the outer room until freezing weather, and then Ik; removed to the well protected inner one. The barrels should be piled up horizontally.
The outer room should be ventilated through its windows; the inner, by opening both doors — but >m/i/ in dry, nild muther, as warm air introduced would condense and give out moisture. There must be special care about admitting warm air in the spring.
The refreshment enjoyed from the shade of trees in summer is greater than that from the shade of buildings on this account, for in addition to the siui's rays being intercepted there is also a modifying of the heal by the exhalation of cool, refreshing moisture.
But such effects extend nuicli further than merely close to the trees. The increased balniiness of the breezes that pass over partly wooch'd sections of country, as compared
Healthfulness of Trees.
Aside from fruitfulncss .and lieauty every vigorous tree may be looked upon as a foun- tain of health and comfort. And this not in a fig\irative sense either, for it is a fact that growing trees act as pumps, in raising water from the earth and dispensing it from the leaves, chiefly in the form of vapor.
DR. NICHOLS'S HILL-SIDE FRUIT CELLAR.
with the winds of a treeless region, are familiar to every one. In cities, too, the salubrious eff'ects of many trees in the streets, public parks and on lawns is now bping widely recognized.
It has been noticed that in treeless streets and avenues in midsummer the temperature often runs from 110° to 120° Fahrenheit, when \mder the branches of a tree-shaded avenue it would not exceed 70° or 80°. It is a fact that there is less suffering from intense heat and death from sunstroke in the tree-planted Southern cities than in those of the North that are treeless. Dr. Kichard Smith, of New York, is of the opinion th.at to plant the verdure-bare streets of the me- tropolis with trees the appalling number of 3,000 to ."),000 victims to sunstroke annually would l)e largel}' reduced.
But there is still another important con- sideration in this matter. All plants, but trees more than the smaller growths, imbibe from the air carbonic acid and other poison- ous gaseous and volatile products exhaled by animal beings or developed by the nat- ural phenomenon of decomposition. These are absorbed by the leaves and in their stead pure oxygen, essential to the life of animals, in almost equal quantity, is poured into the atmosphere. Thus by planting trees, not only is the air rendered cooler and in cities the pavements and surrounding walls pre- vented from absorbing the heat of the sun, to yield it up again at night, l)ut deleterious gases are taken up and this pure element restored to the air again.
Nor must we forget the healthful protec- tion afforded by trees in the cohler |)ortions of the year. Whatever tends to luomole the comfort and warmth of man an<l beast in cold and chilly weather, by reilucing the sweeping blasts without cutting otT I he sup- ply of pure air, has a most salutary effect on health. Trees — and especiallj' Evergreens — better than anything else effect such ends.
'34
POPULAR GARDENING.
September,
The Christmas Rose or Hellebore.
To rely on the common names of plants exclusive of the botanical ones is to invite confused ideas of kinds, as is often seen. Take the interesting, if in America not well known, old winter blooming plant named at the head of the present article as an illustra- tion. The common name would place the plant among the Roses, when in fact it is not even a near relative, but belongs with the distant Crowfoots, and tirst cousin to the Clematis, Pteony and Larkspur. Pleasant as is the term Christmas Rose, it leads to a wrong idea as to identity.
But if burdened by a misleading common name, our fine genus suffers vastly more from the common- name business in ^~ another direction. We refer to its strictly correct name, Hellebore, being dragged down, as it were, by ill-application as the common n a m e o f a well known vegetable poison that has to do with killing plant lice and caterpillars, and as a specific for un- pleasant human ail- ments like itch, ringworm, etc. This is the White Hellebore, which, as to the plant yielding it, is 'as far from the true Hellebores as the Christmas Rose is from the true Roses. The acrid and virulent poison referred to is a Ver- atrum ( Veratrum album); much better would it be for the ornamental Hellebores had the latter name prevailed as the common one of this poison.
The unfortunate name feature aside, and the Hellebores are in their finer varieties a really valuable class of hardy perennials. They are literally winter bloomers, flowering in their different varieties from November until April. The fact of their coming at such a lime gives them special worth.
But the question will arise, can any plant bloom out-of-doors at this inclement time of the year? True enough, the weather is then often unfavorable to the perfection of bloom. But so far north as Buffalo these plants bloom out-of-doors in the shelter of build- ings or fences year after year in the milder weather of November and December, and again in early spring, in a manner quite satisfactory. Let us add, however, that it is better to protect them from rain, snow and wind by the simple cover of a sash.
The culture is simple — a light soil well drained and a place shaded* from the sun most of the day, and sheltered from winds, suit them well. In the flowering season a mulch over the roots should be jn-ovided.
As to varieties of the Christmas Rose, the one sold in the hardy plant nurseries as Hdlehunis niyer, with white or rosy-blush flowers, would be one of the best for the amateur to begin with. There are other good ones, with red and purplish (lowers. A
great advance has recently been made in Europe in the raising of fine hybrids. The beautiful one herewith illustrated is of these, it being a perfectly white variety, spotted with purple. It is known as a Spotted Christmas Rose, Helkborus Covniierzienrath, and has not yet been offered in this country. Our engraving gives a fair idea of the form and size of the flowers throughout this in- teresting class of ornamental garden plants.
Garden Notes from Lyndale.
BY A. H. E.
In a visit to town I noticed many shade and fruit trees with ugly-looking bands of cotton
A SPOTTED CHRISTMAS ROSE OR HELLEBORE.— (Pure white, with purjlle spots.)
aiound the trunk .5 to 6 feet up, put there for keeping off the Caterpillers. I question the wisdom of such a couise. Admitting that some Caterpillers are turned back (all certainly are not), it does not kiTl them; they travel to trees that have no protectors. These bands remind me of the man who, starting with axe in hand to cut down some superfluous Wild Cherry-trees, he was met by a neighbor who remonstrated with him, asking him to let them live as " pasture" for the Web Caterpillers in- stead of tlieir living on common CheiTies. Insects, like weeds, should be dealt with for wiping them completely out; poison I have found will in one way or another do it well and with proper care safely enough. * * *
Certain kinds of seed I save from my own garden, and on such I can depend with great confidence. Onion is one of the kinds. As the bulbs mature I choose some of the earliest j and best formed ones and keep them over for i spring planting, in the carriage house loft, j Early in the spring I plant out in one of the best spots I can find, setting at 5 inches each way, with the result almost invariabl of se- curing a good crop of seed.
Of Beet, Carrot and Turnip seeds, I prefer raising what I need. I make my selection of stock in the fall, taking the tiuest specimens at the time of harvesting.. These are not topped as closely as the main lotj tor the crown must remain. I store over winter in barrels or bins of sand in the cellar. In the spring I plant in good soil, keeping the diiferent varieties as far sepai-ate in my garden as possible.
Seeds of Parsnip and Salsify are raised the easiest of all kinds, for they may be left either where they grow, or else be removed to a more convenient spot at once in the fall. In saving Parsnip seed I usually allow only the earliest formed to mature, cutting the later bunches of bloom away. Salsify I take as soon as the seeds ai-e plump and full, though green, drying the stem and«ll by hanging up in the airy car- riage house loft. Birds are too fond of the crop to trust it on the plants until dead ripe.
* * * Speaking of home-saved seed, when I sowed my Pansies the other week I was struck with the difference in the appearance of my own seed and some imported from Germany. The former was uniformly dark-looking and fully twice as heavy as the other, bulk for bulk. Wo uld you know why? I went over my seed-bed every other day, taking only the ripest ves- sels. These imported ones were gathered less often , perhaps once a week and there was little pains taken to leave back the green seeds, — they weigh, too.
The difference is now easily seen in the coming up of the plants. While every seed of our own seems to make a plant, I think not more than one-third of the imported ones are doing as well.
I have a Morning Glory tree, a thing of rare beauty. It is nothing more nor less than a Plum tree which met with an accident that killed it, and over which have run a great profusion of these charming morning blossoms. In the spring I saw that life was almost extinct in the tree, so the soil near its base was worked over, bi'inging some old hot-bed earth to it, and in this I planted several packets of Henderson's best Morning Glories. The rest is easily im- agined. This Morning Glory tree is my most attractive novelty of the year.
# *
A florist from a neighboring town, whom I invited to visit Lyndale recently, was so pleased with the Hollyhocks here that he said he wished he could buy of the flowers for a large order he had the next day. He knows that I grow no flowers for sale, but still I half suspected from the way he spoke of scarcity of flowers that his large order had something to do with his coming at this time. At any rate I spared some flowers from my abundance, without price, for the poor fellow no doubt was in a straight and he had done me many a favor in the past, which I was glad to repay in this or any other way.
But I was unaccustomed to look upon my state- ly, handsome Hollyhocks as bouquet flowers. The improved varieties are certainly very double, of good form and texture and not lack- ing in sweetness, so why should they not be much used thus. Individuallj' they have no stems to speak of, but my friend explained how he supplies this deficiency with light wire and a bit of match stick. This flower, always a favorite with me, I shall now look upon as be- ing even more useful than I had ever before thought of. It seems that it is thus employed extensively by the city florists.
1 886.
POPULAR GARDENING.
'35
AS TO THE FUTURE.
"Popular Gardening" to be Increased
in size and to be a Dollar
Paper Hereafter.
To those who have watched this paper from its beginning, eleven months ago, it must be apparent that it is a very lively and promising youth, allowing such an expression. In that time it has not only absorbed two sterling contemporaries, but by its general excellence it has easily reached the very front rank of in- dependent American horticultural journals.
That Popular Gardening is supplying an obvious want in American horticultural litera- ture is at this date a matter of no doubt. It started out to disseminate current gardening intelligence of public interest, and to do so in a sparkling, concise and sensible style that should find many readers. In this it has not been disappointed. From the very first issue its subscription list has grown constantly and rapidly, while the expressions of hearty appre- ciation from subscribers have reached us without number from the beginning.
But while in general the cai-eer of Popular Gardening has been singularly bright, there have been thus far two apparent lacks in its being, and they not distantly related. We re- fer to its low price considering the costly char- acter of its make-up, and its present size, as shown by a very marked demand for an en- larged paper from our subscribers.
So far as the last matter is concerned, while an enlargement has often been urged bj' sub- scribers, we were not fully satisfied how wide- spread this feeling was until — as many readers found out — a direct inquiry was made into the matter some time ago. This we did by com- municating direct with each one of a large share of our older subscribers, scattered throughout the entire country, putting to them the following inquiry:
■' Would an enlargement at end of year, with price $1.()0 instead of tJOc., strike you favorably?''
The answeres were very numerous, and to our sui-prise (and joy — for it amounted to a hearty endoreement of our work) fully SO per
CENT asked for AN INCREASED PRICE AND
SIZE : To show how heart}' and emphatic was the sentiment in favor of enlargement, we print a few extracts from the many answers received, as follows:
" Yes, indeed ; give us a larger paper and charge the $1.00."
" I vote enlargement emphatically."
" It is worth $1.00 now, and we would give it, so of course yes."
''Emphatically yes."
" Enlarge by all means." [The answer of many.]
"Yes sir." [A common answer.]
"The paper is worth $1.00 as it is. The low price caused me to hesitate at first to subscribe."
"It would most a.ssuredly."
With an actual majority of four to one on the part of subscribers in favor of an increase, it was decided to comply with this general de- sire, beginning with the second volume (Octo- Ijer), and so it shall be.
But this was not all. In justice to ourselves as publishers we have to say that it never has been clear to us that lid cents a year was a con- sistent figure for covering the quality of con- tents, careful editorial work, costlj' engi-av- ings, paper and printing employed in Popular Gardening : hence, we have in the past been pleased to speak of that figure as the " INTRO- DUCTORY PRICE" of this paper. Now after nearly oue year's experience we know that it is an inconsistent figtu'e. But on the other hand we have learned also that while 60 cents a year and the present paper are not in true accord, the price of *1.00 a j'ear and nn
erikirgeil paper, even of the present high qual- ity ma.y be so. [If such a statement may puzzle average readers, it is only because the}' are not publishers, tor then they woidd know that some of the heaviest items of publishing, such as management, rents, clerk hii-e, Imok-keep- ing, editing and nuiuy others, are not oue cent less on a (iO-ccnt jiaper t,han on oue high priced.] Such being the case, as every expert in these mattei's knows, we have now arranged to meet the ilesire of our subscribers and do justice to ourselves, by placing our price on a better basis and with it to enlarge the size. With the broader ■* 1. 00 basis we shall give a paper so nuu'h improved that it will still be the very cheapest paper of its class, quality considered, in the land.
MR. A. M. PURDY'S TESTIMONY.
Some time before buying the Fniit Iieconler Mr. Purdy in our hearing stated that he had made a mistake in dropping the price of that paper to 50 cents from the former (and for 111 years) [H-ice of *1.00 a year. Nothing further was then said of the matter, but desir- ing since to learn his views more carefully, we have written for such, which he gave to us as follows:
High Point, N. C. Aug. n, 1886. Gentlemen:
Yours at hand. I was glad to see that the price of Popular Gardening and Fruit Reronhr was to be increased, for I am satisfied from a long experi- ence in publishing that no person can print a reallj' live, practical horticultural paper in first-class style for less than $1.00 a year.
Had we kept on with the Recorder we should have returned to the old form and price, knowing that we could have done better justice all around.
Papers that print all kinds of advertisements, and are half filled with such, may answer at the half-price rate, but a good dollar paper largely filled with clean, sound reading matter is worth half a dozen such. You cannot put it too strong showing the necessity of changing the price and size. Truly yours, A. M. PURDY.
Beginning with the October issue, therefore, the price of Popular Gardening will be $1.00 a year, but as in the past so in the future we mean that, to the extent that money ami labor can make it so, it shall be the brightest, handsomest and best paper of its class pub- lished, and in every way worthy, and very cheap for the price.
How to Pot a Plant.
Who does not know how? may be asked. We venture to say that a matter weighing as lightly
coarse soil
moss potsherds
POTTING.— THE PLACING OF THE MATERIALS.
as this often does with growers is very often the one fine point between future success and failure in plant culture. The assertion, of course, apidies with moi-e force to plants of conqiaratively delicate natures than to the easiest growers,but Popular Gardening aims to lead its readers to success in managing all classes of subjects in gardening.
The engraving almost shows how without further explanation. A chief point is drain-
age. This so far as underdrainage is concerned is clearly set forth in the cut. Thei-e is first something like an inch of broken pot-sherds, carefully laid, for shedding water. Then— and a very inijiortant part— comes a strata of Moss or Sphagnum to keep the earth above from settling into the drainage below. A clogged drain is of no use. Above this comes the .soil, seeing that coarse parts, such as roll down the sides of the heap, go to the bottom as shown in the cut.
Besides such underdrainage, there is a clear gain in a similar direction, by having the sides of the pots clean and |)orous, the dealers in painted pots to the contrary notwithstand- ing. For plants to do their best there needs to be not only porou.sness, for the escajje of water, but for the ad- mission of air to the roots. A painted or dirty pot or a wooden siirk. i,ox or cask in a large measure ob- structs the admission of air from the sides.
The larger the pot the more needful is under- drainage, and the less needful is side porous- ness. Hence pots smaller than '-'i inches across scarcely need the former, while recejitacles larger than 1 foot across can pretty well dis- pense with side porousness. Tight boxes, therefore, answer better for large plants than for small ones.
The Potting Stick, illustrated, is of use in doing a good job of potting, for firming the soil about the roots. It may be whittled from a lath, and should be about B inches long.
Fall Sowing: of Lawns.
We believe in it. An extended experience in lawn making con-vinces us that there is no better time than this. The Grasses that ai-e suitable for lawns are not unlike Wheat and Rye that are sown in the fall, in the respect that they are perfectly hardy and thrive under the coolness and moisture of autumn and spring weather in a young state better than they do in hot weather. With sowing lawns in Sep- tember the young grass has the benefit of twice the length of cool, moist weather that spring sowings can receive. Under ordinary success there may be a well established lawn by next July from seed now put in. To prepare for seeding is no difticult matter, provided the general grade and the nature of the soil are about right. Spade up deeply, going down two lengths with the spade, mix fine manure with the overturned soil somewhat freely; see that all sods are well inverted, finish the surface evenly and finely with a rake; a rain, to settle it before sowing; is of advantage. Sow evenly, in calm weather if possible, just before a rain, raking lightly after the sowing. For seed trust to a reliable dealer who handles the best Grasses, either separate or in mixture, for the purpose. Even to procure from a distance is no great disadvantage, for grass-seed is light, with trans- portation charges to correspond.
Remedy for Crape-vine Mildew. The usual sulphur dusting remedy sometimes fails, and Prof. C. V. Riley, Entomologist of the Department of Agriculture, who has inves- tigated this disease cai'efuUy, recommends the following: Dissolve eighteen pounds of ordi- nary sulphate of copper in about twenty-two gallons of water; in a separate vessel mix 0 1-:^ gallons of water and thirty-four pounds of coarse lime, so as to make a milk of lime. Then mix with this the solution of sulphate of copper, to form a bluish [laste. Pour a portion of the mixture in a bucket or other vessel, thoroughly shaking it, and brush the leaves with a small broom, taking care not to touch the grapes. This remedy is successfully employed by the French, and a single application is said to be as effective as lepeated ones. The time of apply, ing the remedy in the French vineyards is about the middle of July. Care should be used to touch all the leaves if possible.
136
POPULAR GARDENING.
September,
About the Bell-flowers or Cam- panulas.
Scattered over a large area of the earth's surface, but chiefly throughout Europe and Asia, are to be found the great number of some 'JHO distinct species of the Bell-flowers. These vary in size from the small and delicate Amer- ican and Alpine kinds not over five inches high to the tall-growing three to six-footers, that in- clude at least one of our own species and a num- l)er of foreigners. Among the latter is the fine subject of our engraving, known as the Climb- ing Bell-flower, ('tiinpanvhi niiitHK-tiliiidcs.
Included hi the many luiown Bell-worts are enough species possessing real merit as ornamental flowering plants to render the family a very important one to the gar- dener. For variety of forms and fine shades of color, especially blues, it woidd be hard to find their e(]ual in any other genus. As a class they are in the main so hardy and easily grown as to permit of their culture by almost every one, even by those ama- teurs who claim to have " ncjt much luck at fine gardening." Take the well-known Cant<>rbury-l)ell, ''. iiinli((, and the Peach- leaved Harebell, ('. persicifuliii, they are so easily raised, hence so common that the person must be ignorant indeed of garden plants who is not familiar with them.
The Canterbury-bell referred to is one of the few species to be met that is biennial in nature— not enduring beyond the second year. The plants when in bloom ai-e very ornamental. They are raised by sowing the seed in the spring or in midsunnner. Plants from the early sowings usually bloom 'the same year ; the others not until the second year. Sometimes these plants increase by .self-sowing, being quite free-seeders.
There are also some annual Campanulas, described in the seed catalogues, but the great bulk as to numlwrs of this family have the good quality of being hardy perennials. It is on this account in part that we take particular pleasure in referring to the family here, for we know that with being permanent and beauti- ful plants, when once set out, they are in every case and under merely coiumon culture quite certain of giving satisfaction.
Some of the best Campanulas of the perennial class, and of which plants can be obtained from American nurserymen, are the following: Peach-leaved Campanula, C. pemicifdliii, in several varieties, including blue and whit« flowers, both single and double; Nettle-leaved Campanula, C. urlicifolid, a handsome mid- sunnner bloomer in two colors of flowers, blue and white; Carpathian Harebell, C. Carpaticn, of dwarf growth, in several colors; Common Harebell, C. nitutiilifiili(i,a native species with deep blue flowers iu summer [The botanical name would indicate that the leaves are round- such is rarely if ever the case]; Bearded Hare- Ijell, C. hiii-hnUi, lovely sky-blue flowers, fine for rock-work; C. (jninilis, a distinct and beauti- ful sort with blue salver-shaped flowers ; Broad- leaved Bell-flower, r.latifnUit, purplish blue, large leaves; Large Bell-flower, C. marranthii. Noble Bell-flower, C. nuhilix, with very large flowers in two colors, creamy- white and punJe ; Steeple Bell-flower, C. pijramMitlis; Climbing Bell-flower (See engi-aving), C. rapunculoides; Turban Bell-flower, C. Inrhiiidtn, and yet quite a mmiber of others.
Of the last uamed, the Turl>an Bell-flower, one of the latest with which we have gained an acquaintance, is a compact growing sjjecies, having most lovely flowers fully 1 1-2 inches across, of a magnificent shade of blue. This siJecies propagates quite readily from seed, and the same may also be said of many other kinds.
To those of our readers who may desire to buy established plants the catalogues of the B. A. Eliott Co., of Pittsburgh, Pa. ; Woolson & Co. , Passaic, N. J. ; EUwanger & Barry, of Rochester, N. Y. , and some others, would afford good selections. The prices are moderate. Plants might be set out early in October.
A Pacific Coast Letter-
Fi'om way-off Washington Territory (Clarke Co.) our subsci-iber, Mrs. Fannie E. Briggs, sends to this paper the following welcome note :
Our climate, much like that of England, is moist, and temperate both in heat and cold. Some winters the mercury falls to zero, but last winter the coldest' was 10° above. The highest 1 have noted in summer is 10.5°, and that very rare.
Daisies bloom here nearly all the year. Plants set three inches apart in spring by fall form a solid mat. Lilies do exceptionably well. A
specimen o f mine set three years ago has 11 strong bloom stems. An Umbellife- um now has 7.5 buds. Our native Lily, L. Colunihi- (t n n tn has smal 1 but very showy flowers. I n cultivation it grows 5 or 0 feet high, and has 20 o !■ more flowers.
As flower- lovers are opening their eyes to the beauty of native plants I want to urge the claims of the Clustered Solomon's Seal, Conrul- laria nu-onnsn. Of fine habit,and with feathery racemes of creamy white, it unites beauty, delicacy and fragrance.
By the way, is it generally known that the name " Solomon's Seal" refers to the scars or seals left upon the creeping roots of that plant by successive years' growth. One of these plants which I have protected from passing feet had ten strong stems of bloom.
CLIMBING BELL-FLOWER— CamjM- nula rapunculoides.
mainly, although it also comes from seed; the latter from seed, and in rare cases by divis- ion. The shrubby class are the most robust, hence the most useful for those persons who do not have a greenhouse ; but where one of these is possessed, the herbaceous class would be found the most desirable.
It is about a shrubby Calceolaria that Mi's W. Tuttle, of CaiToU Co., N. H., a subscriber to the Frvil Iiivi>nh'r, wrote to Mr. Purdy. Her letter having been tui'ned over to us, we print it with the greatest of pleasure, as we always shall be glad to do all such commu- nications from our newly acquired readers: " I have had good success with this flower. The blooms are maroon and yellow in color and as large as a nickel. My plant is 33 inches high, it being from a sUp taken last September. It had eleven large bunches of bloom on It at one time, and altogether a season of ten weeks up to time of writing, and has two pretty bunches now.
" The dirt used was garden loam and fine bai'u-yard manure, sifted through a coal sieve, with a little leaf mold and sand mixed with it. The plant does not require much sun, and wants to be kept cool. Good drainage is essential to beautiful plants.
" As I have saved some seeds, will some one that has raised them let me know if they wiU come true ? " [Raised from a single plant with no chance for cross fertili- zation they should come true. We would not sow before about February next. — Eds, Popular Gardening.]
The Moccasin or Carpet-bag Flowers.
These are also widely known by the botanical name Calceolaria. There are two species in ordinary cultivation, the shrubby and the herbaceous. The former is propagated by slips
High Quality Costs Something.
If people who raise fruits, vegetables, or even flowers, could onlj' secure good ci'ops of the finest and comparatively delicate kinds under the neglect that poor weedy sorts can stand, and even bear crops of their kind under, matters might be differ- ent. But such things do not happen as . a rule. To have of the best kinds and qualities implies the bestowing of the best culture and the best methods of treatment to the choice trees or plants that beai- such. Mr. Josiah Hoopes, a very careful culti- vator and observer, makes in the New York Tribune some practical points in this re- spect concerning certain favorite Pears, which we ai'e glad to present here :
The finest Pear known, whether for ex- treme richness, delicious flavor, buttery texture, or an abundance of .iuice, is un- doubtedly the old White Doj'eune, or Butter Peai'. But we too rarely find a good speci- men of this grand old fruit in the present day. We can hazai'd a pretty sure guess as to the cause, namely, Fungi, and although few cultivators have overcome the malady, one enthusiastic Pear-grower, by digging in a heavy coat of unleached wood ashes, coin- l)letely renovated an old tree of this variety, and swept the prizes wherever he exhibited his fruit taken from the subject.
Specimens of the old White Doyenne yet
grown in such localities e.xhibit the same
wax-like skin of a bright golden hue, with
the brilliant carmine cheek, so famihar of
old. This fine Pear has not; "run out; " no
variety of fi-uit will.
The Peai' disease known as "cracking " in the fruit, although beyond a doubt attributable to the same common enemy as the "spot'' on the skin of certain pears, is of a more serious char- acter. In regard to this spotting it is on the increase in some sections, destroyingthe useful- ness of many of our best varieties. For in- stance, Beurre Clairgeau is now discai'ded in some places on this account alone.
It is unquestionable, however, that unleached wood ashes have a remarkably beneficial effect on the complaint referred to. The health and consequent gi'owth of the tree is greatly bene- fited by the application, and it must exert a partial influence on the fruit.
1 886.
POPULAR GARDENING.
m
Those careful growers who systematically scrub the bodies and larj^er limbs of pear trees with thick soap-suds and sulphur speak highly of the results to the ensuing crop of fruit, as well as to the health and vigor of the tree. Syringing with alkalies in solution has been of good service in exterminating insects, promcit- ing growth, and checking the progi-ess of such diseases of a fungal character.
This is the direction that careful experiments should take if we desire to improve the standard of qualities and to eradicate from orchards the worst pests we now have to contend with.
Summer Waste of Manure. For a property- holder to touch a match to fence. out-huildhigorlum- her iiile aud then stand and watch it go up in smoke, the act would be taken as proof of a madman. \\niat of the tiller of the earth who deliberately lets the precious value of his manure pile go off into the air in the shape of pungent ammonia of high fertilizing (ivuility. This happens very com- monly, about as often we think as the talk of "no profit in gardening," At this season the sun hastens fermentation; so now look out to prevent this escape of vohitile matter and "fire fang. The simplest way to avoid this waste is to pump liquid manure or even to run w^ater over the heap— not too much to wash it. but just sufficiently to arrest active fermentation. Consolidation of the manure heap is a good thing. To mix different kinds of manure together is another help— cow dung, for example. requires something to help it to ferment. Dry eai'th, muck or gypsum may also be suggested for preventing the escape of ammonia, by mixing it freely with the manure. By one means or another let every sul-Ii wliolee^ale waste be promjitly stopped. The Days of the Cabbage Worm are numbered it would seem. They have, according to Prof. Forbes of the Illinois Department of Agricidture. been clearly less abundant in many sections during the piist season than previouslj'. This ditference is due apparently to a destructive disease of the worm, which was first reported on in 188'-i. Hopes are en- tertained by some of our wide-awake entomologists that the disease may be propagated and extended artifieially, and efforts are being directed towards sucli a desirable end. It is. to say the least, encour- aging to the gardener sometimes to find disease and blight that work in his favor.
Is the Watermelon King ? Comes not far from it in certain places, it would seem. For instance, steamers from some of the Southern ports have been bringing 00.00(1 to 70.000 big Watermelons to New York per trip. The freightage is 5 cents a melon. Last season one company received S^.OOO for Watermelon freight, and alone carried nearly (iiX'.l^Ki of these juicy and " luscious univalves."
The Jamestown Weed, Datura stramDuium, is a near relative of the Tobacco. Thomas Meehan says it is as good an insecticide as the latter. At least lovers of the weed lose one good excuse for their vile habits— smoking bugs off the plants— if this lie so.
Fruit Bores, such as " visit " your home only in fruit time, bestowing attentions, more marked than market, need trealnient. Be courteous of course, but don't forget to charge fidl retail price for the fine fruit consumed, wasted and carried away.
Planting After Fifty. Henry Ward Beecher says that he never planted at Peekskill any Pears till after he was fifty, and he has picked good crops of Pears for the la.st twelve years, Such experi- ences are not rare.
The Cherry-tree stands being planted along lanes and roadsi<les, where there is a passing of vehicles and tramping of stock, better than most othei* kinds of fruit trees.
The Smoke theory— keeping away frosts by nuakinp: smudges in the field— seems hke many another theory to have gone up in smoke.
Whoever plants the .James Vick Strawberry must understand that, like all similarly prolific sorts, it must have high feeding.
Even Potatoes have rights. It is injustice to their quality to leave them king undug after they are ripe. Fruit for jelly is better for being picked before it is dead ripe.
Let Us Add This : Have regard to the morals of tile liiTed help. Radishes for winter may yet be sown. In Gathering (irapes try scissors. Reset Rhubarb in early autumn. A Good time for draining. Hand-pick Pears always. Dry the surplus Linias.
Thistle Down,
Now lightly Hoats yon Thistle Itown,
By wand'ring breezes blown; Gay, careless rovers of the air,
With source and goal unknown. But in their silvery filaments
Deep moral we may read; Upon eacli airy, reckless fiight.
Is borne a living seed.
— Kiiniiii Curli'ton.
Tea Roses are improving.
A fancy affair— the rtoral fan.
There is a cream-colored Golden-rod.
China Pinks make bright table bouquets.
Now the outdoor tlower supply begins to shorten.
As a funeral design, the wreath plain and simple, but made up )o<isely, is gaining favor.
Half the charm of cut flowers is lost if these be crowded into bouquets. To prevent crowding we know of nothing better than the free use of long- stem mignonette for the foundation, between and back of the other flowers.
Ivy has been very much used in decoration dur- ing the past season. The variegated forms are espe- cially lovely, either for draping tables and mirrore. or as a background. Smilax has been so lavishly used in the past that now it is rather out of date in the larger cities.
Rush ornaments for holding Howers ai-e being made in tlie form uf hats inverted, and fixed on a tripod; they are filled with a mass of Poppies or Sweet Peas, and have a large bow of harmonizing ribbon tied on the tripod. Rush wheel-barrows are filled with similar flowers.
The boutonniere for the coat lappel has always been much worn iu England. This may account for their increased wear here— it's English, you know. However that may be, it is no strange sight to see all the way from two to half a dozen flaming Carna- tions now projecting from the button-hole of a fashionable man's coat.
The wearing of flowers in the hair is coming much in vogue. Flower aigrettes are the prevail- ing mode A tuft of Osprey is introduced among the natural blooms, and diamonds are displayed as dewdrops sparkling on freshly gatliered Roses. On the corsage large sprays of flowers and foliage are dis}>layed, and long trails decorate the skirt.
The Floral Muffs carried by English bridesmaids iu the late spring do not seem to have come very much in vogue here yet, A New York wedding guest, wearing a golden-brown gown slightly relieved with mauve, carried a muff of Catlleya Mossife, tied with a bow matching the dress exactly. Another gown of moss-green was worn with a muff of bright pink Geraniums tied with green ribbon.
Flowers for the Sick. In our quiet little town a " fiouer nnssion " has been started to send flowers to our own weary sick ones, and once a month to send flowers to the hospitals in Boston. I know how these beauties cheer when the body is full of pain, and I hope 1 shall be successful in having a garden prolific in blooms, that I may help gladden other hearts as mine has so often been by floral gifts.— "Troorf^nf/'." in. Parks' Magazine.
Instead of bouquets, brides now carry loose posies, exquisitt-ly informal in arrangement One beautiful '" posy " was of JIarechal Neil Roses, tied with loops of salmon-pink ribbon; another of Blnsh Roses, tied with crimson velvet. These bunches share with floral fans the public favor. Of the latter, a pretty specimen had a foundation of Bram- ble, partially covered with pale Blush Roses; a white satin bow nestled among the blossoms and a tiny Brazilian be«,le rested on one petal, as if it had just alighted there.
Table Spreads and Flowers. Table i-ioths which were most dist^ouraging to the florist, are now stig- matized as bad taste: junv white linen isoncemore visible, but as society must have novelty, table decorations are very elaborate. ( >ne table described, is covered with finest damask. Half a yard around the edge is left clear: then comes a boi'derof russet brown leaves enclosing a plane of glowing crimson foliage. On this flame-colored ground, with the stands hiddeti, are small vases of while china, filled with light sprays of yellow flowers, any fine kinds that are seasonable, with their own leaves.
Dofe^nic^lOvid^et
Cultivate the habit of seeing correctly.
As roots l>c'i-nnie li.nrd tlie root-hairs die.
Color and fragrance are the tlDwers' advertis- llli'lits tci ilisi'cls. /,'.(/7i;/.
The American White Pine is sai<l to have the liglitest Kinvity of all lonifi-rmis woods.
The revolving of the shoots of twiners is caused l>y tile plain, cells on one side assumini; a greater lenj^tli tlian on the other.
Flora of Greenland. A French botanist. M. Ruys- man, has enuinerate<l :178 species of |ilants growing in Greenland, and he finds that they resemble those of Lapland more than lliose of Northern .\niericau.
Once a familiarity with tlie common parts of plants anil llu-jr botanical names, such as petal, sepal, stamen, calyx and so on is accinired, and it is not difflcult for intelligent beginners, or even children, to begin to analyze and classify the more simple plants.
The botanists in attendance at the meeting of the American .Association of Natural Sciences, in this city recently, numbered considerably upwards of one hundred, which fact leslilies to liie growing interest in this branch of biology. Daily meetings of the .section were held, all of which were largely attended, and much enthusiasm prevailed. At these meetings essays on botanical matters were read and discussed. The club enjoyed excursions to the shore of Lake Erie, Canada side, Niagara Falls and to Chautauqua Lake. Mention must also be made of the botanical reception at the house of our able local botanist, the Hon. David F. Day, of this city.
The weeds we have with us always. This state- ment is indeed near the truth, there being some marked exceptions in the eases of a very few very- clean cultivators of the land. Professor Lazenby, of the Ohio Experiment Stat.ion,Columbus,Ohio, has gone to great pains to show why weeds are so per- sistent in their presence; this by counting and closely estimating on the seeds of some of the more common ones. As to results he found on one plant of the everj-where abundant .Shepherd's Purse (Capsella Bnrsii-j>ast(iris\ ",.'500 seeds : on a rank Burdock (Lajjpii inajiir) 40CI,3aS seeds: on a large Wild Parsnip W.OOI.), and many other kinds were nearly as numerous as those of the ones named.
Educational Collections. No one can take ex- ception to that kind of inoffensive advertising en- terprise which in itself proves a direct public bene- fit. t)f this character is a step lately taken by the seed house of Messrs. Sutton & Co., Reading, En- gland. They have fitted up many handsome cases containing samples of the dried plants and seeds of the grasses of England. These cases have been presented by Messrs. Sutton to a large number of nurseries and agricultural institutes at home and abroad. The especial convenience of students in botany has been aimed at by enclosing the dried specimens in cylinders of clear glass, each one of which is accurately labeled. The seeds are some- what similarlj' placed iu smaller cylinders or bot- tles. Here is an idea for some of our American seed houses to adopt, whereby tliey could do them- selves much good at the same time that they would become public teachers. Some such a collection would be of vast benefit in every public school. A demand once started for cases of specimens like these, and it would be strange if many could not also be sold outrightly.
The Tendrils of Cucurbitaceous Plants. Mr. Duchartre has made the following curious observa- tions on the tendrils of cucurbitaceous plants. Out of 2a species examineil by him it was found that U had tendrils that were quite straiglit in the very young state, and remained so during their develop- ment; and in eight species only were the tendrils spirally rolled from their first appearance and be- fore they had come into contact with any foreign body, -\niong these latter are included the Pump- kin {Cucurhita pepo\ and the Bryony \Bryiniiii dioica). It is remarkable that, while the ordinary forms of the Melon [Cticuints Meto) have their ten- drils spirally developed from their very first appear- ance, this is not the case with the variety Ert/thrtrns of the same species, in wliich the tendrils are straight fi-oui their earliest stage. Mr. Duchartre remarks that the side of the tendril that grows most rapidly, and thus causes it to assume the spiral form, con- sists of much larger parenchymatous cells than does the opjiosite side of the tendril. Among the sjiecies that have straight tendrils from the first are the Dishcloth (lourd I Lult'ii iiriitiiiuiuhitii), the Bal- sam .\ppU' iMitnun-iih-a Biilfitimina} and Cyrtan- theria exfiltxh'us.
138
POPULAR GARDENING.
September,
A. M. PURDY'S DEPARTMENT.
Postoffice address, ■ ■ Palmyra, N. Y.
WELCOME,
Subscribers of the " Fruit Recorder."
To the many subscnhers of the " Fruit He- corder and Cottage Gardener^^ our ntarmest greeting. We bid you welcome into the ranks of the Popular Gardening family. You shall not be made to feel as strangers with us, for your good and trusty friend, Purdy, is on hand before you and joins us in extending to you a gla<l welcome here. He advanced early and with great caution to spy out the land, and finding it fruitful and promising now bids all of his old readers "Come with us here." His editorial work in your behalf, as well as of all the family, will be kept up much as it has been in the past, but with this advantage : He will be spared the multitudinous cares of a pub- lishing business, and on that account will be able to do even better work in writing about fruit and fruit cultm-e. And if with such relief the too visible signs of past overwork upon his brow may lie smoothed away, no one can, along with us, he tetter gratified than jou, his old subscribers.
A word about Popular Gardening: The paper speaks for itself. But we desire to say that with making room for Mr. Purdy's de- partment in the present issue (old size) some of the regular departments have been badly cur- tailed or else crowded out. Next month with the enlarged paper all will appear again, some to be larger than ever before. Popular Gar- dening will be sent to each Keeorder subscriber for his or her full unexpired time.
Popular Gardening Pub. Co.
Mr. Purdy in His New, Yet Old Role.
We did think when the sale of the liemrder was contemplated to perhaps throw aside the editorial harness entirely. But really our love for writing and our desire to impart to others the results of an extensive practice in fruit growing compels us to keep on in the new and enlarged enterprise which presented itself in Popular Gardening. Unembarrassedaslnow am with the many small perplexities of publish- ing I shall, in connection with caring for over two hundred acres, mostly devoted to fruit growing, here and at the South, do my full part towards making the joint paper such a complete success that not only will all of the old Recorder subscribers renew to this paper at the expira- tion of their time, but also a large number of new ones be added to the list. Success to the new enterprise. A. M. Purdy.
Hold on to the Evaporated Fruit This Year.
Be in no hurry to sell. The Apple crop is ex- ceedingly light in most sections, and especially so in the great fruit region of Western New York. As to Peaches, the crop is a very short one north of Delaware, and evaporators are scarce south of that point, so it may be put down as a certainty that but few evaporated Peaches will find their way to market.
It is really amusing to see how the circulars of certain commission men report ' 'an excess- ive large harvest of Raspberries in Western New York," when the truth is over one-half the crop has not been gathered because of con-
tinual midsummer rains, forcing rapid ripen- ing; and then a scarcity of pickers and lack of facilities for handling. Whole plantations in Wayne County— the largest producing county in New York — have gone without picking for the above reasons.
Some of these men, with their sharp pencils, will work hard to get a " corner" on the evap- orated Raspberry stock by buying the^i up for 13 to 15 cents a pound. Let growers hold on to their stock ; they will see a big bound up- wards in price within the next three months. We ourselves have 10,000 to 13,000 pounds and we expect to obtain not a cent less than 2.5 to 88 cents per pound for them before next spring.
No person, either, can afford to grow and evaporate the Black Raspberry for less than 18 to 30 cents and the Reds for 35 cents, for look at the matter : It takes 3 to 3 1-4 quarts of the first and four quarts of the last to make res- pectively a pound of the dried article.
Shall we Plant Small Fruits for Market.
The question whether or not it will pay to grow small fruits for market is a frequent one. In a general way we can sum up our answer, based on a long experience at a point some distance from the large markets, as follows :
1st. If you can be sure of getting at least 5 to 6 cts per quart for Strawberries, 5 cts for Black and C> cts for Red Raspberries, and the last figure for Blackberries, you can make it pay, providing you are in sections where these stand the winter. All that can be realized over these prices you can count-on as clear profit.
Black Raspberries will succeed on any soil suited to Corn and Potatoes; over-richness is not desirable. The same may be said of such Red Raspberries as Turner, HanseU, Crimson Beauty, Herstine, Brandywine and Cuthbert. The Crimson Beauty and HanseU are the earlist of all, and the Cuthbert the latest. The last is a marvel for large crops and hardiness.
In sections where the Peach will not staml it is not safe to plant Blackberries like the Kitta- tiny, Lawton, Early Wilson and Dorchester, but only such sorts as Snyder, Taylor's Prolific, Stone's Hardy, Wachusett, Western Triomphe and Wallace. The Gregg Raspberry is a little tender in such localities, while the Tyler and Ohio are perfectly hardy.
3d. One important item towards success is to he .sii re you can get plenty of pickers. Another : Plant hardy, well tried sorts, like those named.
3d. Don't go in too heavy at first.
As to time of setting, if the ground is high and dry we prefer fall, as we then have more time to do it well — covering each hill with a forkful of coarse litter, to remain on through the winter. That to fall setting for all kinds of small fruit but Strawl>erries, which we always advise to set in the spring, unless a few for family use. Of course, if they cannot be set in the fall, then set in the spring— as soon as frost is out and the ground well settled.
4th. Our plan of setting Raspberries and Blackberries is to prepare ground well, then take a corn-marker and mark out one way 3 or 3 1-2 feet apart, and with a one-horse plow make furrows 6 or 7 feet apart the other way and set plants in these furrows wherever they cross the corn-marker's marks. By this plan we can cultivate them both wa3-s the first year and thus save a gi'eat amount of hard back- aching work in hoeing.
We propose in future numbers to give in- structions needed for their care and trimming.
Questions Asked and Answered.
What shall I do with my Raspberries and Blackberries? Why, the new growth is grow- ing out of all bounds !
My friend, you made a mistake in not nipping that new growth off at tip ends weeks ago, when not over 3 to 3 feet high, owing to age and stockiness of bush, but as that has not been done go through them at once, or cut them
back one-third to one-half, and as side branches grow long and spindling cut these off also.
We here wish to say that if you are growing for fruit the more branches and tips you can make, the larger your crop of fruit.
Another asks. Will I get as much fruit next year if I layer my plants now for new plants ?
No ; for the reason that you should stop nip- ping by August 1st, to allow tips to get long enough to reach the gi'ound. While if not to be layered, the tip ends of branches can be repeatedly nipped till in October, thus adding to the number of tips and wood to produce fruit next year.
Another says: My Raspberries are growing every way ; what shall I do ! We answer, cut back and nip off as we direct and soon go through with stout string and tie around the three or four stalks part way up, thus making them support each other.
Another says. My Red Raspberries are grown to eight feet high; what course shall I take with them I
Take a com knife and go through the rows now and cut them back to the height of your head if you are, say, about 5 to 0 feet high, and next winter or now, as you may have the time, clean out the old wood and with stout string tie the tops of three to four stalks to- gether. Then they are made self supporting.
Another asks. Is it well to take old wood out now or leave it in?
We have generally advocated taking it out as soon as through bearing, but we find when that is done the new growth, which is very tender at this season of the year, is twisted and broken off ; but by leaving old wood in a few weeks, or even till winter sets in, and then <'lean- ing it out, the new growth having ripened and become hardened, stands better and besides all have more time to do it then.
Would you advise manuring Raspberries ?
Yes ; we have done so for years, throwing a small forkful aroimd in each bush after fruit.
The sooner Red and Black Raspberries, Black- berries, Currants and Gooseberries are set the better. Early planting induces strong root- ing before the winter sets in, with large gi-owth next season.
When Cultivating Strawberries, where strong new fruiting plants are wanted along the row, run the same way every time, otherwise you are likely to tear out young plants that are rooting. The same may be said of Black Rasp- berries where you are layering the tip. To run both ways is to twist off the young plants.
Strawberries should be well worked and manured now, for the larger the fall growth the more fruit next year. Night slops and wash water are excellent for this fruit; the former especially must be well reduced, as too strong does harm. If an old bed of plants are matted over the ground spade or plow under the older plants, leaving rows of new plants half-way between.
Fruit in Western New York. The Apple and Peach crop is very light, not enough for home consumption in the fresh state. We passed through one large Apple orchard the past week of over 300 trees that will not give to exceed 35 bushels of Apples. The same may be said all through this great Apple section, and as for Peaches, there are none. In our young orchard of 4,000 trees we will not get one-half bushel. Pears and Plums are a good crop with us.
It Worked Well. We refer to the plan of ours in transforming an old Black Rasjiberry plantation into a new Blackberry field. It was a year ago la.st spring that we had a plantation of Kentucky Raspberries ( black ) that was running out. Knowing we could expect a fair crop or two yet, but not more than that, we entered upon the plan of setting the Snyder Blackberry half way between the former in each row, and when they got to bearing well to cut out the Raspberries. So far th e outcome has been good, thus getting a good crop of
1 886.
POPULAR GARDENING.
'39
both from the same land. In the fall the Rasp- bei'ries must come out, leaving the ground to be occupied by the Blackberries.
Walks and Jottings.
Layering Raspberri/ tips pretty early this year, art'ii'^t you?
Well, that depends. We usually nip them about this time in August to cause a break-out of new and more tips. But then these are Davison's Thorn- less, being very slender growers, and we have found that if nipped late such sorts make weakly plants. Stronger growing kinds may be nipped and layered later than this.
How (Id yon keep the bark so well from " setting^^ on your budding Pear seedlings, to ivoi-k in dry iceather?
By running through the rows often with the cul- tivator, eXc, to help the roots to grow thrifty and long, I have little trouble in this respect. Yb itr P I n m n and Pears are hardly af- fected at all by wormn, I .see; hoii^ can it be accounted for?
We sprinkled the trees last spring twice after the blossoms had fallen with poisoned water made by putting a teaspoonful of Lon- don Purple into a quart of milk, and this then into a pail of water. With Page's force 1) u ni p we d id the spraying of the trees. On that one Cherry-tree there, with part of its leaves dead, we over- did the matter. It was found that a slight spraying is all that is needed. We had a spendid Cherry crop this year, the fruit be- ing free from worms, by using as stated.
IVliaf do you advise d o i n g ir i t h an old- weedy Straicberry bed that Imust rely on next sea^'ion for fruit?
Scatter sufficient straw over the bed to just hide the ground
and burn it. Such a course will destroy weeds, w<>rms, seed and most every other obnoxious thing without doing harm to Strawberries, but be of great benefit.
/ see those heaps of siramp muck. Do you find this artich' of any value on your place?
Yes; when it is properly composted, drawn out and mixed in layers with one-fourth part of barn-yard manure I consider it makes a most valuable fer- tilizer for all fruit crops.
What is the man at among the Peach trees?
Around every tree he is applying a spoonful of salt close to the head. This is done both to keep the grubs away and also as a fertilizer. We find the best plan is to mix salt and unleached wood ashes together, say a quart of salt to a peck of ashes, and put a pint of the mixture around each tree. We also whitewash the tree as you see with lime whitewash made thin, putting a spoonful of carbolic acid and a handful of salt into each pailful. This keeps grubs and vermin away and gives us healthy trunks and trees.
Hoic about Evergreens, is it safe to transplant and trim them at this season?
Yes; August to September are good months for botli, only be careful to umlch heavily with coarse litter and water well in dry weather. In trimming we cut back the top and never the bottom, and when we get a go<td bottom for the tree we then let it grow, occasionally cutting back the top or side branches if growing too spindling.
give Americans a chance to grow this fruit well and in abundance.
In a good sized patch of the Industry in this nursery we saw only vigorous, clean handsome plants, heavily loaded with fruit. The accom- panying cut is a good representation of the fruit, save in color, which is tliat of a dark cherry -color. The crop was very fine for young plaiits and the fruit uniformly large. It is a vai'iety that we shall watch with much inter- est. We expect to be able to report from a trial plantation of our own by next year.
Good Things Gathered Up.
I have learned that it is not safe to reconnnend any fruit on short trial.— £". Satterwait.
temperature that will not vary nuich from 'A)", they will keep i)erfectly sound. In the (Julf Stat<?s they are ke]>t hy placing them in oblong or small conical piles, on a bottom of corn-stalks cov- ered with long str-aw. iiiling thereon sunieient earth to keep out water, giving ventilation by means of a straw chimney. In a small way they must be kejtt in barrels, with dry leaves between the layers of potatoes in a room where the temperature will be as stated. If large quantities are to be kept, a frost- proof building should be erected, with projjcr ven- tilation. Bins are built regularly in the building, and the Potatoes placed therein mixed with air- dried sand, tlie temperature and ventilation regu- lated by fire or steam heat. The Potatoes should not be placed in the bins until first seasoned, V>y which the superabundant moisture of the Potatoes is carried off, but this nuist not take place in the sun. At 60^ the Potatoes will sprout, while 40° will certainly chill and rot
them.— Far »t, and StocJanan.
Field
A Promising Gooseberry— The In- dustry.
We met this Goosebei'rv for the first time in fruit on a recent visit to the grounds of Ell- waiiger & Barry, Rochester, N.Y. Fora foreij^n variety it certainly was a revelation to our eyes, and at once lead to the question, whether we have not at last found the sort that would
A PROMISING GOOSEBERRY.— THE INDUSTRY.
Wise Generation ! To buy foreign manures by thousands of tons, and permit your home resources to go to waste in river and sea. — Our Country Home.
To prevent the splitting or bursting of Cabbages, go frequently over the ground and start every Cab- bage that appears to be about to mature, by push- ing them over sideways. Heads thus started are said to grow to double the size they had attained when about to burst.—./. ./. H. Gregory.
Sulphide of Potassium. This remedy for mildew luKs now lieen extensively used by our leading gar- deners. As it is a remedy at once cheap and eflfect- ual, I am anxious to make its merits as widely known as possible among mj"^ fellow amateurs and gardeners generally. As mildew is common this year [in England I. I hope every one who is troubled with this pest will test the sulphide and report whether it proves successful or not.— Gardening World.
Raspberry Clearing. I have discovered an easy way of clearing a field of old Raspberry bushes. Fii-st i-eap them with self-raking reaper, one row at a time, depositing the cut bushes in piles with the self -rake. After a few days pitch three rows of gavels into one and burn the brush. Then spread the ashes and plough deeply under the soil the stubs and all with three horses, making very narrow lands. Then harrow and cross-harrow several times until the roots and stubs of the Riispberiies are mostly drawn and deposited by the harrows in the dead-furrows between the lands. Then hitch four horses to the forty-tooth harrow and run it length- wise of the furrows, one man riding the harrow. This drags the stubs and roots into piles Two men lift the drag over these and .so on until all the roots and stubs ai'e thus piled. When they have become well di'ied these are burned in the field and the land is ready for another crop. — Nfuj York Tribune.
Keeping Sweet Potatoes. If dug, dried and haiidle<l without braising, and kept dry, with some ventilation, so that they will not sweat, and at a
Poultry Manure. If
the droppings of (he fowls were saved thou- sands of dollars" worth of the very richest manure might be re- turned to the soil. It is essential in saving them up that they be kept dry. To stand ex- posed to rains and the sun they lose their valuable elements. Whether one cleans the dropping board once each day or once each week, it is much better and pleasant^r to have it sprinkled every morning with a few handfuls of dry earth —a loam of sand and clay mixed is best. This absorbs the vola- tile qualities of the manure and holds them until ready to be ap- plied to the soil. We have found poultry manure, if properly cared for under cover, worth as much as Pa- cific guano, which is usuallj- worth $35 to $45 per ton; mix it with about the same quantity of soil in boxes, barrels or bins; keep it dry till you need. For vegetables it is especially good, except Sweet or Irish Potatoes. It grows them too much to vine. For Melons it has no su- I>erior; for fruit trees it is invaluable. Poultry ma- nure is far more valuable than stable manure, and it is less trouble to save; if kept dry one hundred fowls will give you from twelve to fifteen pounds daily. — Nattiynal Stockman.
Planting New Orchards. Of late years in the older States the tendency has been to decrease the amount of orcharding rather than to increase it. That this policy is generally unwise is tolerably certain. To those well located and on not too ex- jiensive land the result of such planting will prove profitable. It needs good land for orchards. While the trees are growing rich soil insures thrift and rapid growth. While trees that are stinted by pov- erty will hear earlier, it is at the cost of vigor and usefulness later on. Those planting now will not make the mistake so common formerly of planting a great variety only moderately productive and therefore not profitable. The mistake now will be the other way, in restricting varieties to one or two. It is often said that there is no Apple so pn ifitable as the Baldwin. This is true of many but not all localities, but it will soon cease to be true anywhere if all new plantings are of the Baldwin variety. It is not likely that ihe world will be always or long satisfied with only one kind of ai>ples, and that not the best. As far as possible the same varieties of apples should be planted in solid blocks It often happens that apjtle ti-ees have less than a full barrel in a season, and in full crops there are parts of bar- I'els left over fmrii single trees. Having varieties by themselves enables the Api>le pickers to finish one variety before beginning another. The summer and early fall Apples, as well as varieties kept nuiinly for home use. should be near the house and like the winter varieties in all cases as nuich in a bvmch as possible.— .-ImcricrtH Cultivator.
140
POPULAR GARDENING.
September,
Marigolds.
When the Poppies Ijlaze with scarlet
In the fields of tasseled Maize. And the Cornflower shows its turquoise
All along the woodland ways— When the Clematis its tangle
Weaves above the filmy Ferns, And the Cardinal's bright namesake
In the rich green meadow burns — Then you come, O, radiant flower.
Then your glowing heart unfolds ; Summer dons your rich tiara,
Gorgeous, yellow Marigolds.
— Helen Chase.
The Reason.
You darling, dear little Four O'clock, All the summer I've guessed and guessed
And wondered why j'ou never awake With the Lilies and Roses and all the rest.
You never open your pretty eyes. Wet with the drops of shining dew,
Nor mind at all when the warm bright sun Keeps whispering soft and coaxing you.
But I have watched you. dear little flowers. Till now I know why you never i)ut on
Your beautiful gold and crimson crowns Till the summer sunshine is almost gone.
The cJiildi-en are gone till four o'clock!
You listen and listen to hear them come Laughing and glad. Then you peep out
To give them a smile when they get home.
— Sidney Day re, in Youth's Compa it ion.
Leaf-raking begins.
Plan well in gardening.
Weed the garden paths.
The last issue of Volume 1.
A great jump in oircnlation.
Coboeas are now in their prime.
'What business has the Coleus to flower?
What a large f.araily we ai'e getting to be.
Is it cruel to raise plants and then pinch tliem?
Help make horticultural luiU at the fair a success.
The leaves begin to turn, but they will return in the spring.
Welcome ! friend Purdy, to the ranks of our editorial stalT.
In lifting plants we begin on Bou vardia eai'Iy in this month.
A Thought for Now. One year's seeding makes seven years' weeding.
A good tree or plant needs no more room tlian a poor one. Have the good one.
Would'st thou bestow blessings on genera- tions to come i Then plant trees.
A Concord Grape-vine two years old can be bought for ten cents, and yet how many homes there are without a vine.
The Onion crop in New Jersey is being eaten by insects. Their offense, like that of Hamlet's stepfather, " is rank ; it smells to heaven. "
Are Your Plants Yellowl Here is an idea
then: Excess, as well as a deficiency of water, causes GeraniuTns and the like to turn yellow.
Previous to the latter end of the fifteenth century the English — now the foremost gar- deners of the world — were ignorant of the art of cultivated gardens.
A Large Pansy Bed. Miss Johnston, a grower of Pansies in this city, sowed two pounds of the seed last month, expecting to raise 300,(10fl jiiants for sale next spring.
The Hairy Caterpillars are voracious con- sumers of foliage. But this in oui' favor : They are ramblers and easily seen, hence easy to kill. Kill every one that is met.
Not in Bloom. He (at the horticultural show). — " This is a Tobacco plant, my dear." She. — "Indeed! how very interesting ! But I don't see any cigars on it." — Har2)er\<: Biiziiur. How would a fine ma-ss of the Parrot Tuhps on your lawn next spring strike you ? It is not too early to plan for snch things during this month, for next month is the best time to plant these and all hardy bulbs.
Castor Oil Plants are now in their glory. But all of their beauty may be laid low by a heavy gust of wind snapping them off at the root. A stake two feet long to support each one may prevent this. This need not show.
The Japan or Plicate Viburnum. This Japa- nese Snowball, with its very handsome and showy globular heads of flowers, is in every way so worthy of more extended culture, that we advise our readers to plant it. There is a refined beauty about the plant that is both un- common and captivating.
Too Mean. It is reported on good authority that some vandal has already stolen the Ivy planted by the Yale class of '8(i. It was the gift of Mrs. Gushing, who got it herself from Mt. Helicon, in Greece, from the face of a cliff where the marble was quarried for the build- ings on the Acropolis at Athens.
Oberlin College, in Ohio, has always done what it could to instil a love for tree plant- ing in the minds of the young. The good pa.s- tor, Oljerlin, after whom the college was named, required each boy and gii'l, before he would administer the ordinance of confirmation, to bring proof that he or she hail planted two trees. A Fine Wax Plant. It is only four years old, but has a number of branches, the largest of which have nearly reached around a small south room. It flowered well this season. The plant referred to is owned by E. B. Kinney, a sub- scriber, of Windham Co., Vermont, who has kindly furnished the above report to our paper. Asiatic Pitcher Plants. To Mrs. E. P. R., St. Joe, Missouri, we would say, in answer to her request, that these plants (Nepenthes) can be had of the larger growers, of exotics and stove plants. We happen as we are writing to pick up the catalogue of R. J. Halliday, of Baltimore, Md., in which for one they are offered. Learn Where You Can. It may beqioticed that those amateurs whose attention largely centers on growing one plant, be it an Ivy, Geraniinn, Rose, Cactus or even a Cigar Plant, usually have remarkable success, even when the situa- tion seems to be against plant culture. After all it is care more than completeneiis of facili- ties that is at the bottom of success in gardening. A Tea Remedy. L. J. Hiatt, a subscriber living in Montgomery Co. , Ind. , reports em- ploying such a one with success in destroying the Black Flea on Chrysanthemums. The direc- tions are to sprinkle the plants and rub the stems where the insects are bad with cold Tea. Three or fom- applications to plants that were badly infested cleaned them so they have been perfectly free from the insect ever since.
" Popular Gardening " with the next volume takes front rank with papers of its class. Indeed we are willing to leave it to our readers to say whether for practical worth, beauty and circulation it is not now, let alone coming improvements, at the very head of American gardening papers. But the matter of circula- tion rests largely with them. If each reader now could send in one new subscriber to begin with October, what a bound that would be for us.
Begun at Home. No one can possibly guess how many new plants and flowers will be named after the j'oung mistress of the White House at Washington within the next few years, but it will no doubt be very large. The wheel was set a-rolling right at home by Mr. Pfitzer, the gardener at the White House, in
calling his new Gloxinia "The Mrs. Cleveland." It is a pleasant way of recognizing the esteem in which the wife of the President is held.
Poets and Gardening. The poets have never been able to reconcile themselves to the stiff and unnatural style of gardening which so much prevailed in Europe a century or more ago. It is said, for instance, that the ridicule of Addison, the imaginings of Milton, the natural description of scenery by Thompson and Shen- stone, and the refined criticisms of Pope, Gray, Whatley and Walpole, practically applied, had a wonderful effect on improving English gar- dens and parks.
Vegetable Pillows, A new and harmless mania is the Pine-needle craze. Ladies who take vacations among the pine woods in the Eastern States make a point of bringing home enough Pine Needles for a pillow, having faith in the healthful and healing properties of the balsam which they contain. One pillow will last from vacation to vacation. There are many sweet herbs that would make more wholesome pillows than musty feathers.— Caii'- fornid Patron.
This is the last issue of Popular Garden- ing paid for by many subscribei-s. But judg- ing by the way renewals for Volume 2 are com- ing in thus early, a hearty and prompt response in this direction may be expected from every one of such subscribers. This is desirable. Done at once and your name need not be dis- turbed on our books, a gain both to yourself and to us. Popular GARDENiN(i needs you as a patron; you need Popular Gardening, hence our relations should continue without break. Let the dollars come.
Well Begun is Half Done. Years of experi- ence leads us to begin the battle against insects on house and conservatory plants eai-ly in the fall. Green Flies,or Aphis, are sure to be lurking about the garden plants at this season, and every one killed now is eijuivalent to a large number to be killed later, as they increase with exceed- ing rapidity. Where there ai'e but few the thumb-nail will answer to destroy them; if
THE JEWELL STRAWBERRY.— See ojip. page.
many, a wash of tobacco water, colored to look like strong tea, and heated to about 180°, or else a dusting with tobacco powder, will serve well as a remedy.
Stones for Layering, Etc. A writer in the CUirden finds that layered shoots and branches of all shrubs, vines and trees root much more quickly if placed in the soil and covered with a good-sized stone than if pegged down in the usual way. Even for many hardy plants we find this ]Jan of stone layering very successful. A few good boulders, half sunk in the turf, make fine positions for clump.s of Yucca, or of Acanthus. If carefully grouped and fringed with anj- small-leaved creeping forms of Ivy stones make very lieautiful groups and add variety to flat surfaces.
Hollyhocks. "Sister Gracious" writes, under date of July 31, that people do not enough ap-
1 886.
POPULAR GARDENING.
'4'
preoiate Hollvliocks. A lady speaking to her tleelares she will uot have such common look- ing things in her garden. Now what is the trouble in the case ? It is that thoy are too ottf n planted singly, or in a stiff row by the fence. Try grouping them instead. With taste in the selection of colors, one may have a very satis- factory return for very small labor, Bj' ox- changing seed every conceivable shade, from almost black to white, may be secured. Could not one have a rainbow bed of Hollyhocks?
It has come to our knowledge that in some instances both subscribers and advertisers have been frightened away from PuruLAR Garden- ing b}' its low price of (io cents a year. They reasoned that such a price had a suspicious look — either the paper was run to advertise some one's business, in which case they didn't want it, or else it couldn't last long, in which case they wouldn't get it. Well then to all sucii : Here it is at a dollar a year, to be l>oth enlarge 1 and improved. We think such a figure docs have a more stable appearance to say the least. Now for the subscribers and other patronage.
Not quantity but quality should lie the first aim in wimlow gardening. There will now be the temptation to lift moi'e plants than can be well cared for, because we love them so. But it is better to bring one's mind, to control as to immbei's just so closely, that all plants retained can be well accommodated, than to practice undue crowding. It certainly is more satisfac- tory to grow thi-ee or six plants to become the finest possible specimens than to have three times this number huddled together in a man- ner that forbids both healthfulness and beauty. Now is the time to choose between the better and the worse plan so far as affects the window display of the next eight months.
To drown out a fruit thief in a tree by turning the garden hose on him would seem not so bad a plan, but we should be sure the thief does not clear out while the preparation for the work is going on. The Bostini Tniiiscrijit re- lates that this very thing happened in one case in the suburbs of that city a short time ago. A woman returning home after dark heard a rustle in her Chei'ry tree and realized that somebody was stealing fruit. As she entered the house a man dropped from the tree and disappeared. A moment later the woman ap- peared with a line of garden hose and pro- ceeded to drench the tree. For ten minutes she directed a shower upon it, probably con- gratulating herself all the while on her shrewd- ness in punishing the intruder. It was too dark to see that he had gone.
Something new in the line of vegetables is being brought forward by the well-known French seedsmen, Vilmorin, Antb-ieux & Co., of Paris, which is exciting some interest. It is called Cht)ro-gi and is a native of Northern Africa. It belongs to the Mint family (botan- ical name Stiivhi/s affinis). Its fleshy roots or tubei's only are eaten, dressed like string beans or fried like fritters, and ai'e said also to make an excellent pickle. Whether it will ever ad- vance to a place among really useful vegetables remains to be determined by trial. Speaking of new vegetables coming into use, it is a singular fact that the Tomato, such a great favorite in our day, was gi-own only as an orna- mental fruit for ages, before its real value seems to have been discovered.
From Iowa's Buffalo. It is not claimed that Buffalo, N. Y., is the only place of the name, from which emanates horticultural wisdom. F'or instance, here is a welcome little note signed " Mrs. M. R. W." that contains some excellent information, not to say pleasant words: "I find mulching Gladiolus heavily with old leaves a most excellent plan. It the weather is dry, water copiously in addition. But the mulching must be preceded by a thor- ough cultivation with the hoe. The most in- teresting work I've been at lately is the culti- vation of seedling Gladiolus and the tiny bulb- lets. Let us heai- from some of the Gladiolus
cultivators. Many beautiful spikes of flowers are now out from bulbs set in April. Long live Popular GARnENiN(!: It is splendid." The Title Page and Index to the Annual \'ohune, wliich we furnish as a gi'atuity with each copy of this months' paper, should serve a good purpose: To those who have \'oIumc 1 in full, for completing the volume for bind-
Gluri/ of the
(Ski/ Blue and WhiU-.)
ing; to the former subscribers of the Fruit h'cniiilcr, in giving them an idea of what a st<jrling paper this Popular Gardening to which they come as readers, is and has been. We trust thjit the careful work and no small expense incurred in getting out this extra may therefore be appreciated. But this we will say additional : Whoever lives to see the index of the coming year's enlai'ged volume will see a gi'eat increase in contents and size over the present one. The annual index would be an excellent aid to our friends in their work of securing subscribei's for oui" next volume.
Glory of the Snow. This flower, known bo- tanically as Cliiumjiloxa Liirilio', and shown in the engraving is one of the lovliest of hardy flowers. But it is not yet well known, having only been introduced to cultivation in 1877, less than ten years ago. It deserves to be rapidly disseminated. Its time of bloom is among the very earliest — keeping company with the first Crocuses. The color is a beautiful clear blue tint on the outside, gradually merging into pure white in the center much as in Npnntphila iiisiijnis^ but even brighter. The blossoms, from five to ten in number on each stem, are poised on gracefuUj' arching stalks (not sufli- <'iently shown in the engraving) from four to eight inches high. The blooms ai'e star-shaped and nearly an inch across. The plants succeed well in any ordinary boixler that is under- drained, and of which the soil is not too heavy. On the rockery or any kind of elevation it is perfectly at home, being a mountain plant. It is sold at the hardy plant nurseries.
Honeysuckles. Why will people, in the country especiallj', tolerate bare walls when there are so many beautiful plants that may be grown with little trouble to clothe them with a wealth of foliage and blossom .' One of the most beautiful sights we have seen for some time was the south side of a cottage covered with a profusion of bloom of the Yellow Halls' Japan Honeysuckle. Planted in ordinary gai'den soil, which was slightly enriched each year with stable manure, it grew luxuriantly, and for some tin^e now it has been ^jne mass of bright Howei's. The growth had not been tied in cai'efuUy ; and though this — the want of trim- ness — ma)', in the opinion of some, l)e a fault, it was impossible not to admire the brilliant festoons of bloom which drooped over the dooi-- way and windows. We noticed while in at tend- ance on the Nurserymen's Convention at Wash-
ingt()n, in June, a simple but fine way of using the Honeysuckles in the grounds of the Agri- cultural Department. This consisted of plant- ing a nui.ssof difl'erent varieties in a clump, the plants at say three feet apart, and then allow- ing them (o grow in a tangle as they would.
The Jewell Strawberry. This new variety is one of so much promise that the eyes of all progi-essive cultivators are turned towards it. The size of the fruit is very large (see opposite page), its color a bright red, inclining towards crimson when fully ripe, and the (juality ex- cellent. The plants possess great vigor and are enormous bearers, provided the one great es- sential always to large crops, generous feeding, is duly furnished. As to productiveness the originators of this berry, Messrs. P. M. Augiu- & Sons, Middlefleld, Conn, (and to whose kindness we are indebted for the use of the en- graving opposite), make the following compar- ative report on pickings at two different dates the past season, of the varieties named below, the i-ows in the testing grounds being in each instance 14 rods long:
June MOth, picking July Itth, picking Jewell, 43 to 50 quarts. 27 quarts.
Sharpless, 12 to lo " a to 4 "
Jersey Queen, 11 to 12 "
But it nmst be added that in this, like in many others of our greatest bearers, the flowei-s are imperfect, being devoid of stamens; hence it becomes necessary to plant some other vari- ety (the Wilson for example) having perfect Howeis near by, say in the proportion of 1 to .5, that the flowers may lie properly fertilizeil. To the I'areful and enthusiastic cultivator there is little objection to this, in view of the .superior product. It implies the mere aijplication of intelligence and art in the wa)' of improved culture, to which no amateur should feel averse.
The Philadelphia Meeting of Florists, August 1 Sth to 21st.
It was a lai'ge ami enthusiastic meeting, with fully 700 participants. Florists from all sec- tions of the country were there, the younger men of the craft having been in marked proni- ineni'e, while the women florists, as we note with real pleasure, turned out in remarkably good numbers. From first to last everything connected with the convention moved off with vigor and harmony, showing that the manage- ment was in the best of hands. < )ne has but to recall that this important convention was but the secoiul one in the life of the Society of American Florists ever held, for arriving at a fair estimate of what a live, influential and progressive class of people the florists of America are. In very many ways it was an occasion of which to be very proud.
President John Thorpe, than whom no nuin has contributed more to the success of the young society, opened the meeting proper' on Wednesday the IJSth with the annual address. It was an able ett'ort, kindling a flame of en- thusiasm, which grew and extended all through the meeting. We offer a few salient parts
FROM president THORPE'S ADDRESS;
The two-.vear-old seedling is developing finely and ivlread}- is bearing good fruit. I can see in tlie near future the Society of American Florists taking a position equal to any organization in the country.
When the society gets more deeply rooted I hope to see one of its branches sliaped into an experi- mental gnrden; there should be also a good library.
Another branch should be the establishment of local exliiltitions controlled by oomnuttees ajjpuiiited by the society, thus giving encouragement to mem- bers debarred from taking part in comi>ctitions where distance is too far from the large cities.
I hope to see established a nnitunl lH'ne\-olent association, which shall t»e so trainetl astontTnrd shelter for any memljers overtaken by misfortune.
Mr. Thorjie called attention to the fact that exhibitions of flowers are a chief cause of de- veloping the florist busincs.s.
Don't lie afraid to exhiljit. Make exhibitions, join yoiu* local societies and bring something. Never mind if you do not happen to secm-e the first prize.
14:
POPULAR GARDENING.
September,
While you are aiming to get first prizes you are do- ing good to your business and floriculture generally.
Exhibitions made our great Roses realize the prices that they have. Exhibitions made the sale of Chrysanthemums for the past two years foot up to a million of plants. So don't go away with the impression that if you do not happen to have a roil of bills to take home with you from each one that you are the loser. You are sowing the seed, the crop from which will be harvested as it ripens.
The raising of new varieties from seed is receiv- ing more attention than formerly ; but yet this is not carried out to the extent that it ought to be. I know it is frequently remarked that we have already too many varieties of plants and liowere, and that the old varieties are good enough. If this doctrine had always been believed, none of the fine varieties of flowers grown to-day would have ever been known. The very best old varieties were once new.
In connection with this I wish to say to the ,voung members of our society, select some popular plant for improvement. Begin raising seedlings by ju- dicious cross fertilization and careful selection: then, by patience and perseverance, the results will be more than satisfactory ; furthermore, I can, after long years of experience, promise you one of the most delightful pursuits there is in the world.
The veteran Peter Henderson read an inter- esting paper on "The Progi-ess of Floriculture," which we regret not having the space in this issue to print.
Among other vahiable essays read and dis- cussed during the three days meeting were the following: Autoine Wintzer, on "Treatment of Tea Roses <luring the Simimer,'' with a list of best varieties; John Henderson, of Flushing, Long Island, on " Hybrid Perpetual Roses for Outdoor Summer Bloom," with list of varieties ; Robert Craig, on " Pot-grown Roses for Market Purjioses: their Care and Treatment;" John N. May, on " Model Greenhouses and How to Build Them;" James Taplin, "Pot-grown Decorative Foliage Plants for General Pur- poses," Joseph Tailby, on " Carnations and their Treatment;" J. D. Carmody, on " The Ad- vantages of Hot Water over Steam for Heating Purposes;" J. D. Taylor, " The Advantages of Steam over Hot Water for Heating Purposes ;" A. Le Moult, on "The Making ITp of Floral De- signs," illustrating his methods with actual work on the stage. In future issuesof Popular Gardening some of these papers will be printed. The election of officers for the ensuing year on Friday resulted as follows: President, Robert Craig, Philadelphia ; vice-president, J. C. Vaughn, Chicago; secretary, Edward Lons- dale, Philadelphia; treasurer, Myron A. Hunt, Chicago. Chicago is to have the next meeting.
Some Notes In Brief.
Thorpe was bu.sy as ever.
The florists were caned, as they deserve.
Philadelpliia weather is a fine article it the sam- jilc was a fair one.
In Hot-water Yet: The (Question of Steam vs. Hoi Water for heating.
The greatest horticultural convention ever held in America, says Popular Gardening.
Gloxinia culture should receive an impetus from so many florists seeing Dreer's fine exhibit of these.
Sturtevant's Victoria Eegias, with floating leaves over five feet across, were eye-openers to most of the visitore.
"Popular Gardening" came in for a bountiful share of subscriptions, renewals and hearty, good words. Thank you all.
It is generally said that Pansies are not mid- summer flowers. What can be offered against such a display as Kreinberg made.
One result of these hve conventions is seen in the increased number of new florists' appliances that are exhibited. The florists are awake.
To hear Le Moult of New York with the practical illustrations offered, and to see his unique exhibits, was alone worth a trip as far as from the Rockies.
The hospitality of Mr. George W. Childs at • " Wootton ■' uuist ever linger as a sweet memory with the fortunate visitors. Then there is the handsome photograph in Rile & Kern's best Phila- delphia style also.
It was Right Royal, The complete manner in which the Philadelphia florists entertained their visitors was a theme of constant comment. We have
no difficulty in naming one of the places where the society will meet within the next six years. Such treatment maketh its deep impressions.
Hail Insurance don't drop out so easily, for the florists perceive just where the shoe pinches. Be- cause everj'thing did not point to a clear solution of the problem it would have been anything but cred- itable to the intelhgence of the florists to have passed the matter by unfavorably. Now let the committee appointed show that the project is an en- tirely fe.asable one. We believe it to be such.
■Women Florists of America, that is right, come up to the front whenever the matters of flowers, flower growing or flower selling is up. Your rights in this domain are both recognized and gracefully respected, as was here perceived. If any one could have for a moment harbored the thought that " somebody's out of place," it must have received for one thing a practical reproof in the dexterity shown by Le Moult's female helpers on the stage in making up. Those skillful movements showed who it is that is in place when floral matters are involved.
The Niagara Falls Meeting of Seedsmen.
The Fourth Annual Meeting of the American Seed Trade Association was held at Niagara Falls, August 4th-7th, as per announcement. There was a satisfactory if not large gathering of members. The annual election of officers resulted as follows: John Fottler, Jr., presi- dent; F. E. McAllister, first vice-president; W. Atlee Burpee, second vice-president; Albert McCullough, secretary and treasurer; C. L. Allen, assistant secretary and treasurer; Execu- tive Committee, Wni. Meggatt, Jno. H. Allan, Jas. Vick, Ja-s. Reid, J. C. Vaughan; Committee on Membership, E. B. Clark, B. M. Knickerbocker, R. A. Bobbins.
The next meeting is to be held in Philadel- phia, beginning the 'id Tuesday in June, 188T.
More than the above meagre report we cannot give This is not because Popular Gardening was imrepresented, but liecause of our respect- ing the rules of the society, against admitting the press to the meetings. The meetings of the association always have been very exclu- sive— too much so perhaps — in character. Then unlike some publishers of gardening papers, we do not happen to be in the seed trade. A syn- opsis of matters of public interest promised Popular Gardening by the Secretary, had not reached us at time of going to press. This statement seems due to the many seedsmen who are among our regular readers.
The Coming Meeting of the American Horticultural Society.
On September 7th the annual meeting of this society will convene in the city of Cleve- land, Ohio, to be in session for three or four days. The programme embraces some of the leading names known to American Horticul- tm'e, and also some from abroad. The meet- ing promises to be one of the most important, not to say interesting, ones eyer held by this enterprising and growing association. We trust there may be a large attendance, indeed we feel to urge all lovers of the "art which does mend nature " to be present. For pio- gramme and full particulars, address. Secre- tary W. H. Ragan, Greenland, Indiana, up to the opening of the convention.
Some Coming State Fairs.
Connecticut State, Meriden, Sept. 14-17.
Delaware, Dover, Sept. 28-Oot. 1.
Georgia, Macon, (^ct 2.5-Nov. 9.
Indiana, Indianapolis. Sept. 37-Oct. 2,
Iowa, Des Moines, Sept. 3-10.
Kansas. Topeka. Sept. 20-25.
Maine State and Pomoiogical,Lewiston,Sep. 14-17
Maryland, Baltimore, Sept. 13-18.
Massachusetts. Boston, <_»ct. 5-8.
Michigan. Jackson, Sept. 13-17.
Missouri, St. Louis, Oct. 4-9.
Nebraska, Lincoln, Sept. 10-17.
New Hampshire, Manchester, Sept. 14-16.
New .lersey, Waverly, Sept. 13^17.
New York," Utica, Sept. 2»<-29.
North Carolina, Raleigh, Oct. 2,5-30.
Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Sept. 6-18.
Rhode Island, Providence, Sept. 20-24.
A'ermont, Burlington, Sept. 13-17.
Virginia, Richmond, Oct. 20-22.
West Virginia, Wheeling, Sept. 6-11.
Wisconsin, Madison, Sept. 20-24.
THE HOUSE PLANTS.
Agapanthus. The flowers over, cut down the stem half way, to prevent seeding. Keep growing for a month longer, then dry partly off, keeping in any place free of frost and not dark, until spring.
Annuals, like Asters, Balsams, Chinese Pinks, etc., in a good state, may be lifted (as directed under " Lifting " ) for enlivening the window diu-ing the sea- son of floral dearth, near at hand.
Azaleas and other hardwooded plants to be shel- tered in an out-house or veranda from chills for a month longer before bringing into the house.
Begonias. Dig tuberous ones at time of frosts, dry the bulbs thoroughly and winter in dry sand.
Cactuses summered in the border to be lifted be- fore fall rains set in and moved into the dry.
Carnations to be taken up towards the end of the month, treating as directed under " Lifting."
Chrysanthemums. See "Plants Under Glass."
Cytisus. Lift liedded plants; bring on carefully in pots, for promoting heavy spring bloom.
Jerusalem Cherry, of which a cut is shown, to be taken up and potted as directed under " Lifting." The plants make a good show for a long period.
Lifting from the beds for fall and winter use or stock plants calls for activity: kinds in bloom all summer to be severely cut back, othei-s not. Work with nmch care to retain all the roots, lifting a large ball of earth with the spade, and reducing it for the pot by the use of a pointed stick. Have pots from 4 to 8 inches across on hand, using them as small as can be fairly employed. Work good soil firmly between the ball of earth and the pots. After potting, water well, set closely together in the shade for a week, sprinkling the foliage lightly half a dozen times daily ; af tenvards increase on space and light, but not full sunlight yet for two weeks.
POTTED PLANT OF JERUSALEM CHERRY.
Primroses. See under " Plants under Glass." Roses for winter, to be repotted, if this has not already been done and border plants be lifted. The best soil: Old fibrous sods, finely divided but not sifted, with a third part well-decayed manure.
Verbenas. If to be kept over, use young plants propagated from tender shoots after the 15th.
LAWN AND FLOWER GARDEN.
Everlastings, fiather before open ; dry in shade. Pick Ornamental Gra.sses when coming into bloom.
Forget-me-nots. By dividing early in the month they become so well established before winter as to stand a good deal of freezing and thawing.
Frosts now threaten. Anticipate on cool nights by covering tender things to preserve their beauty for the days of fine weather to follow.
Gladiolus. To reniove the flowering stalks before seed ripening is of advantage to development.
Hardy Bulbs. Plantmg of Hyacinths, Tulips, Crocuses and the Uke may begin. Tulips for fine
i886.
POPULAR GARDENING.
143
effect to be set at 5 inches apart, Hyacinths?, and smaller sized bulbs, like the Crocus and Snowdrop at 2 or 3 inches each way. A depth of 4 inches will suit the smaller bulbs, of 6 inches for larger ones. Narcissus, Crocus and Snowdrop are well suited for close clumps by themselves. Beds ought to be pre- pared and lay some days before planting. Rotten cow dung is one of the best fertilizers for bulbs. Lawns. Mow regularly to end of the season. Trim verges of walks, bcils, etc. Spud up weeds.
Lobelia Cardinalis. This eiisily grown native plant is very attractive in a clump. The seeds are now I'ipe. Sow pi-umptly. Old plants may be di- vided next month or in the spring.
Order trees, shrubs, hardy plants and bulbs to be set this fall. After the leaves are matured, say in October, the earlier the planting is done the better. Early orders ensiu-e early delivery from nursery.
Perennials. ' 'id chuups of such kindsas are out of growth for the season to be divided and re-set.
Tritomas. Watering with liquid manure helps the spikes of bloom a great deal.
Violets. Set in frames for fall or spi"ing bloom.
Weeds. Some kinds (Cbickweed for one) grow rapidly in the fall; continue to work against them.
PLANT CULTURE UN- DER GLASS.
Chrysanthemums. Bedded plants should be lifted, those in pots to receive a final shift prompt- ly. All need plenty of water, and twice a week liquid manure, but not a drop of the latter to touch the leaves. Keep show plants stak- ed and tied up for inducing shap- liness. "Watch for and kill the hairy or any other caterpillars.
Cinerarias. See what is said about these in the Julj* issue.
General Care. Heat-loving plants will call for some fu"e this month. As to greenhouse plants avoid, fires as long as can be; wheu necessary start up briskly. i^uauer.
Air freely. Oreen-liy, Thrips, etc., will appear; dis- pel by Tobacco smoke, by strewing Tobacco stems among the pots, or other effectual means.
Lifting. Read directions under "House Plants." Bouvardia, Carnations, Stevia, Violets, etc., are often lifted and bedded out in the plant houses. After planting keep the apartments close, shaded and frequently sprinkled for a week or more, afterwards increasing on light and air.
Orchids generally should have the moisture short- ened as the days shorten. Too many growers keep them too damp and warm all winter. Begin a course of treatment preparing for a low winter temperature and a near approach to dormancy.
Pot Plants moved out last spring to be returned before frosts injure them. Small-sized ones may go in frames for a spell, protecting in bad weather.
Primulas. Remarks under Calceolarias apply, save that special care not to over-water must be heeded. Keep Double Whites shaded a month yet.
Propagation, looking to next season'sstock,tobe pushed now, it being better to depend largely on newly struck plants than on old ones for this. Commence with tender kinds, like Coleus, ending with the hardier greenhouse plants, Geraniums, Verbenas, and the like. Whenever pot plants show yuung growth fit for cuttings put such in. Fot cut- tings at the first sight of roots.
FRUIT GARDEN AND ORCHARD.
Blackberries of tender proclivities not to have late growth encouraged by cultivating after this.
Borers to be dug out to the very end of their holes.
Budding of Peaches and Quinces to be finished. Look over early buds; if any did not take re-bud, provided the bark will still raise.
Fall Planting of all but stone fruit is advisable. This should be done next month. Prepar-e the land now; if not practicable t<> plow and subsoil, trench with the spade. There should be good drainage, or else high-ridge plowing for the rows. (.)rder the trees at once to ensure early delivery.
General. Thin late fruit. Clip away leaves or superfluous shoots that shade the fruit; sun is needed for best colors. Frop up heavily laden trees; stay spreading branches of such with rope or wire. Don't sow grain among your frnit trees.
Grapes to be gathered and packed by a careful hand, with a view to selecting only ripe clusters, pivserviug the bloom (the most, attractive quality), and removing all imperfect berries.
Raspberries. To plow earth against the rows adds new vigor to the plants, ensuring better crops next year. A. M. P.
Snails often ascend trees after rains. A circle of tine dry lime or ashes about the stem will prevent.
Strawberry and other fruit beds of present set- ting must be kept scrupulously clear of weeds; so must spring settings. See directions for planting, etc.. elsewhere in this paper.
Picking and Packing. When these things are carelessly done the returns from market must be poor, after all the trouble of raising fruit. To pick properly good ladders of different lengtlis are needed We show a pattern of one easily made from a single pole. Fruittobemature when picked, but not approaching softness. Let it reach the re- tailer before its best eating condition. Use new barrels for Apples, half-barrels or crates for Pears, crates, baskets and boxes for Plums, Peaches and Grapes. In packages that are closed there must be gentle pressure to prevent the shaking of the fruit in transit. How the fruit opens at market is the crowning test of a successful grower.
Pruning of fruit trees can now lie done and no '* bleeding " or water sprouts starting from near the cut will folluw. as often happens after Spring prun- ing. A.M. P.
VEGETABLE GARDEN.
Asparagus. Remove the seed-bearing tops to prevent added plants from seed. For new beds fall planting answers, on sandy or well-drained soil.
Beans. All garden varieties in a ripe state are much superior to White Field Beans for the table. Gather and dry immediately they are ripe. Secure late green Beans, before frosts, saltmg down the surplus for winter use.
Cabbage s*>t^d for the earliest crop uext year may be sown about the loth, the plants to be wintered in cold frames. Transplant the seedlings into these, at 2x3 inches. November 1st. Clear off the early patches as the crops are gathered.
Cauliflower. The directions for Cabbage apply.
Celery. July-set plants to receive their first " handling "—that is, compacting some soil against the base of the plants, to direct the growth upwards. Earth up earlier crops as directed last month. Pick the striped worms with lath tweezers and kill.
Corn. Drying for winter use is in order. Boil until the milk is set; cut from the cob; dry quickly. Save seed from the best hills in the patch.
Cress or Pepper-grass. A Httle patch may yet be sown. It matures rapidly; use while young.
Egg Plants, shelter from frost. See last month.
Lettuce. For late fall crop treat as ftjr Cabbage.
Melons will ripen better and more evenly for a wisp of straw under each one. Remove all late fruit that stands no chance of ripening.
Peppers are injured by slight frost; secure in time.
Spinach, The Pi'ickiy or Fall variety sown in drills, 1 foot or 15 inches apart, in rich soil, during the fii"st half of the month, will yield early spring "greens " rivaUng the Asparagus in deliciousness. Thin to 3 inches apart before November. These thinnings may be gathered and used.
Squashes. The winter crops will be advancing rapidly now, and until cool weather. Encourage rooting at the joints by not disturbing the vines.
Tomatoes. Protect a goodly number of the plants from early frosts, on which to have the good of the warm weather afterwards, for a later crop.
Turnips, it pays to weed these. Thin out the young plants where they stand too close.
f
FRUIT AND VEGETABLES UNDER GLASS.
Cucumbers. Seeds started now will in high heat bear by January, and later. Do not encourage much with stimulants at the start; air daily.
Grapery. In houses where the wood has ripened and the leaves begin to fall piime the vines and cleanse the canes. A better time for washing or painting the inside wood-work could not be had. Where fruit is not yet riije, the night temperulure should be about 55"^ to 60"^, and 10° or 15'' higher by day. Keep the atmosphere rather dry.
Lettuce sou n this month may be had to form heads in a cotil greenhouse before the holidays.
Mushroom beds for furnishing the winter supply may yet be prepared if not already done.
This being thf People's Paper, it is open to nil their In- quiries heariuif un gttrileninu. On the other hnnd, Anmrers tv Iinjuiriea are eanuntly renuentetlfnnn readers.
The editors nnU spevial cuntrihutnrs are reiidy to do a lari/e share 0/ the ausieerinn, but the eTju-rience of many being more viituahle than of *he fe\c, however varied that is, and conditiojis and h/ealities being so different, they prefer to receive answers, even sei-eral of them to the same ijues- tion, from rentiers everytrhere. Don't hesitate to senil answers because you may feel you are no fine writer; we will see that they appear in good shape.
In writing, give the number of the question you are qh- swering, your lueality and name, the latter not for publica- ti'oi, unless yon desire. Write only on one sideof the paper.
Flowers gladly named, providetl. first, that no more than three be sent at one time; second, that these he fully pn-jiaid; third, that several specimens of C'lCh reach us ingood shape. We cannot undertake to iiamejl'jrists' varieties.
102. Heliotrope from Seed. Can this plant be raised from seed? If so, wlien should I start it? Novice.
103. Fuchsias Ailing. The lnids<lrop when fresh and sound. Do I keep too uet or the soil too poor? I liquid dress them once a week What shall I do for the tiny insects that have very fine webs on the ends of shoots? Mrs. S. K. Kneeland.
104. Plant for Name, what is the enclosed specimen, and how cultivated? Vine.
105. Cannas and Caladiums. 1 have bulbs grow- ing in my garden, mostly in tubs. How shall I save them through the coming winter? M. T. A. Kkane,
lOfj. Artificial Fountain. Will some one inform me how one can be constructed? Si'BSCRIber, Ber- lin^ Wis.
107. Balsams from Seed. How must I treat Balsams (Double Latlys slipper) to raise seeds that come true? (^^cestionkr, F^itfsinin/h. Fn.
108. Rose Caterpillars. How can I get rid of small green caterpillars, about 3-4 of an inch long, that eat the leaves from my Rose-bushes? Ques- tioner. Piftsbuiyh, P(i.
W.K Books on Flowers. W^hat ones can you recommend on fioriculture, also containing instruc- tions for erecting greenhouses, etc.. for persons contemplating entering the business? W. W. Ells- worth. Ohio.
110. Year-old Primroses. Mine raised a year ago and now in tJ and 7-iuch pots are very fine plants. How shall they be treated fi'om now on? Mrs. J. C. HuBBELL, Illinois.
111. Clematis Protection. How must I protect at the end of the season, oi- must it be cut dow^n?
112. Well-water for Plants. Is this, being hard, as good for wateiing plants as rain-water?
iiy. Cinerarias. Will plants from seed that was sown some time ago bloom the coming winter?
114. Roses for Bloom. I have two rooms for plants, the one considerable warmer than the other, (sajM^tP and 45''). In which one should my Roses go for winter tlowei-s. Mrs. F. C. Lavton. Atujlaize Co., Ohio.
REPLIES TO INQUIRIES.
10^ Heliotrope from Seed. The common fra- grant Heliotrope produce seeds in smallquantities, and this maj- be purchased from tlie leadmg seeds- men. By securing a tempeiviture of about sixty degrees rising, and light rich soil, jilants may readily be grown. Sow about next February or March
IIM. Plant for Name. H is the Double Bind- weed, Cdly.sfe'jid jiiihvsrens Jfortpltiii>, a near relative of the Morning (Jloiy. It is a beautiful hardy climber and of the easiest culture, in fact becoming a troublesome weed in warm, light soils unless the roots are confined in a box. Eos.Popri^^R Garden- ing.
100. Tea Leaves in the Soil. For one we have no more faith in Tea leaves in the soil than in the same weight of any other kind of leaves. Large Plant Grower, /)^7/«.s■^ Maine.
94. Hydrangea Hortensis. It is natural for it to drop its leaves annually. If this is all. the plant evidently is at rest. I would advise resetting it just as new growth starts up. Mrs. Cuas. Porter, Afhtns Co., Ohio.
1011. Books on Flowers. Henderson's " Piactioal Floriculture " and Long's " Home Florist " are good books for persons entering the fiorists' business. W. F. L.
105. Cannas and Caladiums. After the tops are Injured by frosts take up anil iliy tlie bulbs, after- wards storing them in diy sand till spring. W. F. L.
107. Balsam from Seeds. To raise seeds that will give double Mowers keep the pollen of single plants from them ))y pulling up all such as soou as they show their (rue cliarader.
108. Rose Caterpillais. Vou no doubt refer to Rose-slugs. I'ick off by li;uid or scdter White Helle- boreover the leaves wbilc wet,orsyriu;.;c with strong whale oil soap-suds.
103. Fuchsias Ailing, Cive a light rich soil; they should not l)ecome pol -bound; liquid manure them only when in budorbh)oni. (ireen lici' will yield to tobacco-dust or smoke; the tiny iiiseets with webs iRed Spider), to a persistent application of water. Eds. Popvlar Gardenino.
r44
POPULAR GARDENING.
September,
^e Household
About Patching and Darning.
The people in this world who get beyond the use of patt'heson garments are few and exceed- ingly foolish. We formerly knew the wife, now deceased, of a millionaire who to her dj'ing day took gi'eat pride in herability to patch clothes neatly, not from parsimonious motives, hut because she was a very sensible woman. Our esteem for the lady was all the greater on this account.
But not everj' one is able to neatly lay a patch or dai"n a rent who might desire to do so, hence we advance a few helpful suggestions: In patching, start by cutting a piece of material of a size slightly larger than to completely cover the worn i)lace. Cut it accui-ately by the thread; nothing looks more untidy than a crooked patch with unshapely coi'uers.
Nest turn in a narrow fold on the four sides of the patch, lay it in place outside the worn pai't and tack fast. Sew it on all around, either like a seam, or else fell it. If it lies close and flat the tacking threads may then come away.
Now the work must go on from the wrong side, by first cutting away the worn piece, leaving enough margin to turn in as for a hem. Cut little nicks at the corners, to allow it to lie flat, and fell it all round. The corners should be as well shaped as are those of the patch. To have the piece stjuare on the right side, and then an illshaped circle of much smaller dimensions on the wrong side, as one sometimes sees, is to spoil the work so far as looks go.
To neatly match the stripes or figure of the garment by the new material is one-half in doing fine patching. When a patch is com- pleted lay an old handkerchief or other thin cloth over it and press out with a hot iron.
Flannel may be mended in the same way as described, only that instead of the edges being folded in, leave fiat, and instead of being felled they should be herring-boned all round.
Sheets and similar articles that are worn thin by long use, and are too weak to patch must be darned. For this, real darning cot- ton— not that used for stockings — but a soft, fine article made for the purpose should be used.
When darning take quite half an inch extra on either side, and not just the very thin place itself and that only. If so done there is danger of the mended part not getting through the first wash without breaking out. By running several lines of strong sewing cotton round the thin part, before doing the darning it will strengthen the foundation greatly, and will not show afterwards.
Use a long fine darner for fine fabrics; a thicker one for coarser cloth. Take a thread and miss two threads uniformly, going straight across. Leave a moderate loop at the end to allow for shrinking, turn and go back again, getting your stitches on a line with each other.
Brieflets.
Gelatine is not nutritious.
Oyster juice aids digestion.
Soups must not stand long in iron.
What patients crave for let theni have.
Vinegar-saturated sugar will cure hiccough.
Blow some Cayenne Pepper in the mice holes.
To beat eggs quickly add a little salt or fine sugar.
Iron can be kept fnun rustiufc by touching up with mutton suet and dusting with powdered lime.
Strong odors on the hands need not annoy one long, as a bit of ground mustard mixed with water and rubbed over them will make them sweet.
Do the slats of your beil creak ? This is not pleas- ant and may be prevented by yrapping the part of each slat where it rests on the wire with paper.
To Clean Mirrors. Wash well with a damp leather or sponge; then dip a soft cloth in powder-bhie and rub the glass well. Result, a beautiful ijolish.
Refreshing as Well as Healthy. At this season of the year, wheu the feet are likely tn get over- heated and to be jjainfu!, they may be greatly
relieveil by soaking tliem at night in .very hot water from ten to twenty minutes. Pour cold water over them just before drying them.
To Cement China. Use shellac dissolved in alco- hol Heat the pieces hot, and put the varnish on the broken edges, press tightly together and set away for a few days, when it will be very solid, and if carefully done, will break in another place before it will come apart.- I'hihutrlphia Record.
''Popular Gardening's" prescription for im- proving the happiness of American wives generally is this: Less drudging for themselves, and more for hired help: less fear of sunlight and air, and more light work among flowers and gardening out-of- dooi-s : less meat and pastr-y, more fruit, vegetables, milk and grain on the table. No charge for this.
Now for a little simple household science and cool firm butter in the hottest weather, all without expense or ice. Cover the butter in lump or dish closely with a clean cloth— there may be some wax paper on the top— and over this place a handful of woi*sted. with a lot of ends hanging over the but- ter and touching the cloth. Above all suspend a bucket of water with a small hole in it to allow of a steady, slow dropjiing of water on the worsted. This arrangement should he placed in a draught, and here, by the process of evaporating the slowly conducted water on the outside of the butter, there will be drawn so nmch heat from the lump that it will remain solid although the temperature of the air be at lUO^. It will work.
Sugar is high-priced in fruit-canning time, as every one knows, i tui- correspondent, H. A. Green^ of Chester Co., S. ('.. in a recent lettervery sensibly brings this forward as a strong point in favor of canning without sugar, as she now does almostalto- gether. Then out of the fruit season, at the time of using, sugar is materially cheaper. This is what she saj-s of her method : Couk the fruit till done— not using any sugar. Place glass cans on a folded cloth, kept wet with cold water (to prevent breaking), for filling. A short-necked, wide-mouthed fumiel is handy for use. Put on the cover while hot, using rubber that is soft and with the cover on it all around. Sweeten when used. Some sour fruits are better for scalding with the sugar. I rarely lose a can; have never had one broken from hot fruit by my method.
Povjltry
Fattening Poultry.
After the laj'ing season comes the time for I'educing on numbers by working off the old hens. The sooner all surplus can be converted into money the better, for no board bills will be jjaid by* many fowls now for a long time. Sometimes, too, early-fattened fowls bring as good a price as those marketed at the holidays, with the gain of the cost of keeping for some months in the bargain.
To fatten fowls I'apidly is the great secret of doing so profitably. This necessitates that they be kept closely confined during the pi'ocess. Even the matter of profit aside, and the in- creased excellence of the flesh of closely kept fattening stock over that which is alloweil to roam is remarkably great.
For hens the coops should be airy, liut if so small as to allow but one hen in each all the bett*;r. Where individual coops are not had, then several and up to halt a dozen fowls may be confined together in a coop, but of such a size as will leave them fairly uncrowded, and with not much space to spai'e. If the bot- tom is made of slats three inches wide, with an inch space between, and then the coop is raised from the ground somewhat, it will add to the airing and cleanliness of the affair. Turkeys, ducks aufl geese do better for being in coops ojjeu to the ground. The two last named should be allowed to run to the water once daily for a wash. Fattening coops should be located in a partly darkened place.
At the start give no food for six or eight horn's, anil then begin a course of regular feed- ing three times a day. Do not imagine that because fowls show a jireference for eating whole grain, that this is the best, for it is not. Let the ground-work be Corn meal well boiled and crumbly. With this may be mixed a vari-
ety of ai-ticles, such as boiled Potatoes, Oat- meal or Barley porridge, and one should not forget the helpful nature of stale bread crusts and so on from the table. A little beef suet added occasionally will be relished, and this possesses high fattening properties.
There nmst be pure anil fi-esh water in the coop also. As soon as the birds are satisfied at each eating all remaining food should be re- moved. In two or three weeks they should be very fat and salable. It now the high feeding and close confinement was to be kept steadily up they would be disposed to sicken.
CONDENSED POULTRY NOTES.
Lice signify neglect.
Disease seeks out the crowded pens.
For egg-eating apply the axe cure
Weeds have i-eal value if carried fresh and young to tile licn-coup.
Queen Victoria's chicken house is a palatial .semi- gotliic l]nil(lMiK, s.ays the Court Circular.
When fowls are kept let it be done in a place not too near the stable. Horses and cows may become lousy from hens, causing great vexation.
Birds are scarcer than they once were, to tlie great loss of our fruit. But hens and turkeys aie birds also; let them be kept in the orchard more.
Dry Earth. The Farm .liiarnal would not under- take to raise chickens, or to keep poultry through tile winter and spring, without a free supply of dry earth. The best time to store it is whenever it is dry.
The exercise of summer ranging for fowls is of great value, hut the damage done is often appalling. To gain the former benefits and avoid the latter disadvantages feed liberally at the beginning of the day before roving is begun.
The Guinea-fowl, remarks the National Stock- ma ti As n ^ruat toraf^t^r and destroys many insects that the hens will not touch. They do not scratch in the garden, and, though not easily Kept near the house, they make known the places where they lay by a peculiar noise, which enables one accustomed to them to find all the eggs they lay. They really cost almost nothing to raise, and when roosting near the house create an alarm should intruders make their appearance
Scratching for their food is a natural instinct of fowls. Proof: They will scratch if feeding on a heap of grain. Now one benefit that comes from this instinct is that rapid swallowing is prevented, for while they scratch they do not peck. But the instinct may be overcome by feeding. We are dis- posed to feed too much at a time, and especially of soft food, with injury to fowls. If grain that is being fed was always scattered among straw or chaff it would make them scratch for a living.
It is a good plan to treat the nests in the hen- house about this time the same, and for the same obvious reasons, as the berths and fi.xtures for emigrants in ocean steamers are treated after each voyage, namely, to burn them. But let this be done outside of the house and not inside, as one man we know of once did, burning the house down at the same time. To make such an annual sacrifice of nests without much cost the new nests should be cheaply built as being done for temporary use.
No Discounting of Nature. Mr. A. I. Root, of Medina. < >hio, comes to the conclusion that in poul- try raising, if we try hard enough, we can assist Nature ; but if we don't look out we shall be only stumbling blocks in her waj' The experience he relates is not at all new, but it is interesting and to the point. He says: Just now I am a good deal puzzled. A hen that has the range of our whole 18 acres made a nest on the ground, under a lumber- pile, and she hatched every egg but one ; and more than that, she went off with her eight chickens, without a bit of care from anybody. When they were four or five days old she was discovered off by herself, with every chick as bright and brisk as a cricket. They didn't have any corn meal nor cracked wheat, nor bread and milk, and yet they seemed to be good for a half-mile tramp, chasing their mother. Well, in my nice poultry yard, with all its modern appliances, I get only two or three chickens from a setting— sometimes not a chick. Last season I feared my Brahma rooster was bad, and so I bought a higher-priced one: but it does not make any dif- ference OKI Dame Nature beats me all to pieces. The fowls that have the run of our whole 18 acres board themselves, lay eggs and raise chickens: ex- pense, 0; income, a good lot of eggs every day. j Your expression, "depth of ignorance and had management," some way seems to fit me tiptop.
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