UMASS AMHERST Mil nil nil mil I 111 mil ™ mil 111! nil >^^ A^. «;fe-i jfc s.- r*- '■>- ^« i;. J.'"' ^" ■ \1 / ». \ *' L >-^.*'> ^Igi^ ^:j#' LIBRARY OF THE MASSACHUSETTS AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE N o.___3 A.L3.... D'ATE.4.r-.LS.g.o. SOURCE, v/a This book may be kept out TWO WEEKS only, and is subject to a fine of TWO CENTS a day thereafter. It will be du on ihe day indicated below. 432.05 p8l 2- WlAY 9-11 V- 2. SVIAY 9 - 1827 ^^Lj£^ ILLUSTRATED PERIODICAL DEVOTED TO Horticulture in all its Branches. CONDUCTED BY Elias A. Long, Atii/ior of " Ornamenial Gardening for Americatis,' "The Home Florist" Etc., Etc. The groves were God's first temples. Ere man learned To hiew t.^ie, shaft, aqd lay the archiitrave. Aqd spread tlie roof above tl^en^ — ere he framed The lofty vault, to gather aqd roll back The sound of antherT|s, iq thie darkling wood, Amidst tt^e cool aqd sileqce, hie knelt dowq And offered to thie Migfitiest solenriq thaqks and supplicatioq. — Bryant. Volume 2, 1886 = 87. BUFFALO, N. Y.: Popular Gardening Publishing Co. ■^ INDEX ^ Volume II of Popular Gardening. A AbutiloDS, Growing Bushy. 191 Acclimating Southern Trees North 196 Acclimating from South to North 207 Achimenes, Culture of Ill Adorning the House 26 Advice, Dr. Johnson's 26 Agapanthus, Watering 189 Agapanthus Watering 213 Agents, Tree.Laws Against 103 Agents' Visits, The M Allamanda Treatment — .'iS Alexander Apple, The 6 Almond, The Flowering... 112 Alternanthera Culture 98 Alyssum, Sweet 125 Alyssum Saxatile 14,5 Amaryllis Culture 60 Amaryllis from Seed 102 Amaryllis in Cellar 47 Amaryllis, Concerning. ... 8 Amateur? What is an. ... 10 American Horticultural So- ciety. Work for 24 Annuals, Selection of 140 Annuals, Selection of 160 Annuals for Cut Flowers.. 192 Annuals, The Rest 134 Annuals, The Culture of. . . 92 Annuals 95 Annuals, Some fine 74 Ants 149 Aphis, Increase of 27 Aphis and Cottonwood. ... 77 Aphis Remedies 128 Apple Growing for Profit . . 23 Apple Trees. Pruning. 78 Apple Trees, Wash for 73 Apple Trees, from Alternate to Yearly Bearers 73 Apple Trees, Bark Lice on. . 48 Apple Orcharding 37 Apple, Yellow Transparent 39 Apple, The Salome 39 Apple, Dwarf, Orchards. . . 90 Apple Selling 110 Apple, The Pewaukee 108 Apple Aphis Emulsion 117 Apple Culture 1.30 Apple Worm Remedies ... 128 Apple Tree, Life of an 198 Apple Dwarf, Managing... 146 Apple Talk in Maine 158 Apple Harvest, The 208 Apples, Seedling and Rus- sian 68 Apples for Northwest 68 Apples, Distance for 81 Apples as Food 48 Apples, Dwarf. Culture of .. 40 Apples, Dwarf, for Ohio. . . 100 Apples Smaller Than For- merly 117 Apples, Russian 116 Apples in Dakota 131 Apples for Export Trade. . . 137 Apples, Export of 176 Apples, Cheap Storage for. 197 Apples. Baldwin 194 Apples, Russian, & Agents. .57 Apples for Missouri 60 Apples on Wild Crab 149 Apples, Concerning 223 Apples, American 223 Apples, Shipping 203 Apricot as Popular Fruit. . 89 Apricot Stocks, Plum and. 161 Atiuilegia chrysantha '26 Aquatics, Culture of 140 Arooretum, Arnold's 9 Arbor Day 118 Arranging, Simplicity in. .. 14 Arrangement, Effective ... 2 Arrangement. Diversity of 152 Asparagus Growing 81 Asparagus, Growing 36 Asparagus Growing 64 Asparagus Culture 7 Asparagus, Cutting 139 Asparagus Cutting 180 Asparagus Beetle 183 Asparagus Keeping 146 Auriculas 20O .\utumn Wild Fruits 14 Azalea Blasting 100 Azaleas, Window Culture. 91 Azaleas and Camellias . 209, 221 Bagging Grapes, Wire for. 196 BaUam Culture 156 Balsams in the House 42 Banana, About the 81 I Bark Washes 29 Bark, Loose 160 Basket Question, The 170 Baskets. i\l ending 32 Beans and Insects 114 Beans, Wax or Butter 127 Beans, Lima, Training 189 Beans, Lima, Training... 209 Bee Balm or Monarda IKO Bees and Early Flowers. . . 94 Bees and Grapes 179 Beets, Early Cultivation of. 107 Bedding, Scroll Design.... 113 i Begonias 8 Begonias of Winter 59 Begonias, Raising 98 Berry Picking Accounts. . . 146 Berries, Great, etc 45 Berries Not Developing . . 109 Berries, Gathering and Marketing 156 Birch, Cut-leaved Weeping 174 Bird's Appetite, A 114 Birds and Insects 156 Birds, A Plea for 155 Birds' Advertisement, The. 194 Blackberry Rust 200 Blackberries in Sod 21 Blackberries, Hedge sys'm. 130 Blackberries, About Sorts. . 57 Blackberries, Increasing. . . 110 Blackberries, Hardiest — 206 Blossoms, Why fail to Fruit 125 Blueberry Fraud, The 134 Blues, Hoe Remedy for — 78 Bog Plants, Bed for 180 Borer, The Round-headed. 191 Borers of the Squash, etc.. 149 Borers in Apple Trees 148 Botanic Gardens 43 Botanical part of Dept. of Agriculture 30 Botanical Names 75 Botanical P'xhibits 14 Botanical Notes 43 Bouvardia for Amateurs... 74 Boys and Fruit 194 Boys and Girls, Country. . . 103 Breeding, In and In 30 British Columbia Fruit in.. 77 Budding Season. The 186 Bulb Garden, Spring 2 Bulb Beds, Permanent 3 Bulb Window Boxes 3 Bulbs not much Grown .... II Bulbs in Glasses and Pots. . 12 Bulbs Hardy, Culture of.. 112 Bulbs Hardy, Select lists.. 212 Burdock, Prolificacy of ... 43 Cabbage Plants, Trans- planted or not 85 Cabbage Plants, Setting ... 174 Cabbage. Insects of 106 Cabbage From Denmark . . 103 Cabbage Flavoring Milk ... 9 Cabbage Greens 44 Cabbage Worm Remedy . . 174 Cabbage Worm, The 148 Cabbage Worm Remedy ... 37 Cabbage. Storing 23 Cabinet Officer, New 65 Cactus Rockery 172 Cactuses in the Window. . . 172 Cactuses, Miniature — ... 60 CaUa Culture 115 Calla Culture 81 Calla, A Freak of the 85 Callas in Rich Soil 195 Caladium Treatment 6 California Flowers 76 Camellias, Forcing 76 Camellias, Y'ellow Foliage. 180 Campanulas in Pots 173 Canaries, Food for 82 Canaries, Water for .31 Canaries, Young 260 Canker Worm Remedy 128 Canterbury-bell, The 14 Cardinal Flower 100 Cardoon, What is? 87 Carnations for Winter. ...180 Carnations, How to Grow. . 18 Carpet or Buffalo Beetle . . 161 Carrots, Wire Worm in . . . 220 Caskets on Floral Bank .... 30 Caterpillars, Tent 174 Cauliflower not Heading. . . 220 Cellar, Plant Annex to 42 Cellars, Frost in 45 Cellars, Damp 82 Celery Culture 100 Celery Culture 82 ! Celery Culture 220 Celery, Keeping 21 Celery, Earthing up 200 Celery Clean 191 Celery Enemy, A 214 Celery Plants, Raising 104 Celery Queries 180 Cemetery Plants 63 Centaureas, Raising OS Cercidiphyllum, Japan . . . 105 Charcoal for Plants 10 Charcoal for Hens 16 Cherry, The Weeping 94 Cherry, Luelling 140 Cherry-time Monster, A . . . 145 Cherries, Ground 100 Cherries for Michigan 100 Cherries, The Hardier 90 Chicks, Artificial 82 Chicks and Lice 181 Chicks, Rearing 223 Chicken Fried Whole .38 Chinese Lily 200 Christmas Rose Treatment. 100 Chrysanthemum Culture.. 117 Chrysanthemum Show 47 Chrysanthemum Craze 55 Chrysanthemum, The Aut'm IS Chrysanthemum. Sweet ... 81 Chrysanthemums, Sweet. 120 Chrysanthemums in house. 118 Chrysanthemums 10 Chiysantbemums 48 Chrysanthemums Not on the Wane 95 Chrysanthemums Drop- ping Leaves . — 120 Chrysanthemums, Grow- ing Large 131 Chrysanthemums, Japan- ese, Culture 123 Chrysanthemums, Speci- men 178 Chrysanthemnms, Tree. Growing 75 Cinnamon Vine 47 Cineraria Seed. Saving — 140 Clay Soil, Varieties for 85 Clay Soil. Improving 38 Clematis Protection 8 Clematis on Trellise 174 Clematis Failing 193 Clematis Failing 213 Clematis Propagation — 2'20 , Clianthus Dampieri 108 Clover as a Fertilizer 151 Cluster, The Size of the .... 51 Cock Crowing, to Stop 181 Cocoanut Palm, The 59 Codling Moth Remedies. .. 128 Colchicum Autumnalis ... 2t.M Cold Storage for Grapes ... 35 Cold Storage House, A . . . 204 Color, Harmony of. Aim for 65 Colors, Quiet 10 Complete Garden, The... 208 Compost Heap 46 Compost from the Pig-pen. 37 Conservatory, A S500 1 Convention at Dover 157 Co-operation and Adver- tising 216 Corn or Boll Worm, The . . 149 Cornucopia, Floral 14 Costmary? What is 61 Country Board, (poem) — 214 Crape Myrtle, Large 216 Cranberry Culture 9 Cranberries in America ... . 214 Cranberries, Cooking 48 Cranberries, Culture of . . . 63 Crate, A Folding 40 Crates for Pint Baskets 140 Crates instead of Baskets. . 56 Crocus . Autumn 204 Crop Analysis 137 Crops, Four in a Season .... 303 Crowding, Guard Against. 95 Crown Imperials 10 Cucumber Amines, Save — 171 Cucumbers, Striped Beetle 149 Cucumbers under Glass ... 91 Cucumbers, Forcing 69 Cucumbers at the South ... 72 Cucumbers on Trellise . . . 214 Curculio or Weevil Rem's 129 Curculio, Destroying 110 Curculio, More About 130 Curculio Nonsense, Plum . . 21 Curculio.'Treating Plums for 81 Currant Leaves Infested . . 95 Currant, The 97 Currant Worm Remedy. . . 120 Currant Worm Remedies . . 129 Currant Worm Remedy... 179 Currant, Fay's Prolific 36 Currant Trees, To Raise 60 Currant Propagation ... 190 Currants, renewing bushes. 37 Currants and Gooseberries. 36 Currants, Pruning 180 Currants Running Out 56 Currants in N. Y Market. . 164 Currants as Trees 200 Curves, On 152 Cutworms 149 Cut Flowers. Annuals for. . 193 Cutting Long Stems 214 Cuttings in Bottles, Striking 75 Cuttings, Slipping 37 Cuttings, Begging 78 Cuttings, Time to take 24 Cuttings, Newly-potted — 26 Cyclamen, Persian, etc 27 Cyclamens Dying 48 Cyclamens, Culture Urged . 60 Cyclamens Dying 180 D Dahlias, Cactus, The 153 Dandelions in Excess 174 Daphne odora' 24 Daphne Cneorum 58 Day Lily 50 Decoration Day 123 Degenerate? Do Varieties. 806 Degeneration 134 Design, A Symbolic 30 Detroit, Horticulture in ... 168 Dewberry Culture 100 Dewberry in Cultivation ... 23 Dewberry Management. . . - 185 Dewberry, Bearing Wood . 160 Dewberry, The 5 Dewberry, Lucretia 36 Diet, Fruit and Vegetable. 214 Dinner Ornaments 30 Dipladenia, The 151 Disinfect a Room, To 32 Dogwood, Red-flowering.. 174 Dogwood, White-flowering.. 58 Dorking, The 233 Drainage for Pots 814 Dried Flowers, to Mount. 215 Drought and Tillage 316 Duck Raising 202 Ducks and Water 64 E Early Plants, Starting 99 Echeverias as Bed'g Plants 66 Edges, Grass 10 Egg Trade, Semi-weekly ... 38 Egg Plants, Stuffed 223 Eggs in Brown Butter 121 Eggs, Shipping 121 Eggs, Shape of 223 Elm, A Fine 10 Eucharis in House 140 Eucharis in Window. 218 221 Eupatorium Culture 81 Evaporated Fruit, Curing. 200 Evaporated Raspberry Outlook 210 Evaporating Question 139 Evaporating, Practical 166 Evaporating or Canning Peaches 220 Evergreens for Northwest. 177 Evergreens Best for Lawn 156 Evergreens from Cuttings. 210 Evergreens, Trimming. 307-213 Evergreens, Plant Some. . . 210 Evergreens, Fall Planting. 230 Exchange, Michigan Fruit. 136 Exhibitors, A Word to. . . .203 Experiments, Theoretical and Real 58 Fair. New York State 221 Fair, Western New York. . . 321 Fairs, State and Provincial. 201 Fall Planting of Fruit 193 Fall Plowing, Gains from . 150 Family, A Happy 46 Farfugium grande 114 Farms and Fruits, Small.. . 36 Fattening Fowls 16 Favorites, Some 108 Fences, Barbed Wire 30 Ferns in Open Air.. 138 Ferns in Moss 76 Ferneries, Planting 38 Ferneries, Starting 303 Fertilizer, Sulphate of Am- monia 154 Fertilizer, Iron Sulphate . . 147 Fertilizer, Nitrate of Soda. 154 Fertilizer, Nitrate of Soda . 23 Fertiliz-^rs, Philosophy of. 211 Fertilizers, How to Applj'.. 87 Fertilization, Rational 137 Fig Culture North 9 Fir Balsam, Brush in 330 Fir, Nordmann's 184 Floral Show at Cincinnati . 30 Floriculture in Ruts 108 Florist's Convention, The.. 216 Flower Beds, Raised I'jO Flower Bed Designs luo Flower Seeds, Gathering . . 153 Flower Seeds, Saving 315 Flower Show, Toronto 216 Flower Mission, Boston ... 218 Flower Selling Frauds 223 Flower-pot Hoe 44 Flower, The Largest 43 Flower? What is a 43 Flowers in New York. . .. 155 Flowers to the Sick 205 Flowers as Educators 171 Flowers for Bay Window . 167 Flowers and Character... 134 Flowers in New York. . 45 61,77, 95, 115, 135, 155,175,195 Flowers, Plant 136 Flowers, Prolonging 60 Flowers, Late Hardy 22 Flowers. Preserving 30 Flowers, The Eating of 68 Flowers, Crystalizing 187 Flowers, Books on 200 Flowers, Holder for 193 Flowers, Some Fine 198 Flowers, Hardy 9 Flue-heating of Greenhouses 26 Fly Paper, Home-made. . . . 181 Foliage Bouquets 30 Forest Tree Planting 177 Forestry, The Work of 30 Forest Trees by Mail 26 Fountain, Artificial . . 5 Fragrance Tells . 26 Frame, Forcing, Portable.. 81 Frames, Cloth 220 Freesia Bulbs, Starting ft3 Freesias, A Talk on 42 Freight Classification 177 Freight Rates High 21 I Frost as a Cultivator 23 Fruit Growing, Past and Future 97 Fruit for the . People 96 Fruit Trees, Low 91 Fruit, Pedigree in 88 Fruit Drying and Droughts 110 Fruit Y'ard, Grade of the. 104 Fruit, Freezing, Effects on. 88 ; Fruit Picker, A 33 Fruit Cellars , 85 Fruit Syrups 36 Fruit Diet, Meat or. Which? 88 Fruit Stealing. 73 Fruit, Potash Fertilizers tor 76 Fruit Culture about Home.. 78 Fruit, Sulphur and 65 Fruit, Potash Fertilizers for 76 Fruit for Dessert 201 Fruit Farm Notes 186 Fruit Time, Free Giving in. IB Fruit Drier, A Small 7 Fruit at the South 4 , Fruit, New, Reports 7 I Fruit Exchange, Delaware. 38 F.Tiit Growing, Mistakes in . 40 Fruit, Preserving .37 Fruit Jellies, Pure, etc 130 Fruit Packages, Talk on.. 126 Fruit Exchange, Michigan. 136 Fruit Evaporating in West ern New York 177 Fruit Preserving for Profit. 170 Fruit Notes 167 Fruit, Raising Fine 174 Fruit Crop Prospects 181 Fruit Iced for Dessert. ... 181 Fruit Exchange, Mich...... 53 Fruit, Evaporated 56 Fruit Trees, More Space ... 57 Fruit Raising, Locality for 160 Fruit Trees, Girdling . . 150 Fruit Farm, Neglected 160 Fruit Jottings and Talks . . 210 Fruit Cure, The 210 Fruit, Showing, Rules on.. 214 Fruit Shows, Attaching Labels 317 Fruit, Small, Culture 218 Fruit, Gathering, etc 219 Fruit Market Outlook 331 Fruit, Enriching the Soil for 2*32 Fruit, Glace and Crystalized 223 Fruit, A Native 203 I 3^ ID E] X Fruit Ladder, Canadian.. .. 219 Fruit Stains, To Remove. . . 22:i Fnilt Growing for Health.. 2*3*3 Fruit, " Chopped '' 21i> Fruits, New and Old . 93 Fruits, Grafted Stone. . '.lO Fruits, Shipping, Losses in. 8t; Fruits, Kspalier 110 Fruits, Why Patent 115 Fruits, Pedigree in , (iS Fruits, Succession of 72 Fruits. The ''Best" 5fJ Fruits. Succession of 57 Fruits that Promise Well... 52 Fruits, Grafted Stone 51 Fruits. Paternity in 124 .Fruits, Testing New 123 Fruits, Grafted Stone ..... 36 Fruits. New 5 Fuchsia Ailing 109 Fuchsia Leaves, Crinkled . . 220 Fuchsia l.«aves Crinkled . 20ti Fuchsia, Storm King, Frau Emma 200 Fuchsia Culture l93 Fuchsias. Potting old 82 Fuchsias, Potting Old. ...120 Fuchsias for Winter 74 Fuchsias. Cuiting Back 82 Fuchsias, as House Plants. 35 Fuchsias, Thrips on GA Funkias, or Plantain Lily.. 50 G Gaillardias. Double 115 Gapes, Cure for 202 Garden, Fruit Section of . . . 112 Garden, A Moss 114 Garden, Kitchen, Glance at 69 Garden, Situation of a . . . . 70 Garden, Products, Newer. . . 71 Garden. Ridging the . . . . 40 Garden, Vegetable, a Fine. 127 Garden, Extent of the 132 Garden, Word for a Good. 167 Garden Parties 174 Garden, Surface of the — 172 Garden Course, The 55 Garden. The Soil of the ... 55 Garden. The Complete. ... 54 70, 8S, 112. 132, 152, 172, 188, 208 Garden, Plans for the 62 Garden, Str'gth of Features 152 Garden, An Acre 157 Garden, The Open Area... 152 Gardening for Women .... 95 Gardening— Temperance .. 103 Gardening, Farm, Rotation 165 Gardening, Dexterity in ..61 Gardening. Gumption In — 62 Gardens, (_>n Arranging 132 Gardens, Mapping and Planning 132 Gardens, Apparent extent. 133 Garfield. C. W.. Notes by . . . 52 Garland Flower. The 58 Garlic or Wild Onion 64 Gas. Natural, for Heating.. 11 Gas. Natural, for Fuel 136 Gazania Culture 63 Georgia, (Ornamental Trees for 209, 231 Geranium or Verbena? 45 Geranium, Ivy 9 Geraniums, Ivy Leaf 115 Geraniums-Pelargoniums. . 39 Geraniums not Blooming.. 140 Geraniums, Tri-colored 135 Geraniums, Lady Washing- ton 135 Gesnerias in Windows 140 Gill-over-the-Groimd 11 Girdled Trees 99 Girdling. Effects from 43 Gladioli from Seed 95-100 Gladioli from Seed 82 Gladiolus Shading 171 Gladiolus in Boxes 44 Gladiolus, Improvement in. 133 Gladiolus Culture 143 Gladioluses in Pots 145 Gladioluses, The " Best." . . 125 Glass, Simple Uses of. .. 85 Glass, To Polish 32 Glazing, Double 195 Gloriosa Superba Culture. 139 Glory Pea, The 108 Gloxinia Treatment, H Gloxinia from a Slip 44 Gooseberry Propagation.. , 190 Gooseberry, Caterpillars on 134 Gooseberry, Culture of the 126 Gooseberry Worm Rem's.. 129 Gooseberry, The Industry. 214 Gooseberries, Pruning 7 Gooseberries and Currants 36 Gooseberries onLonglsland 146 (iooseberries for Profit 145, 140 Government Seed Shop... 185 (irafting Methods, etc 116 (.rafting. Veneer 117 Grafting Wax Receipts 72 Grafting 80 Grafting, Range in 140 Grafting, Practices 178 Grape-vine, Prickly 14 Grape-vines, Covering. .95-100 Grape-vines, Unfruitful 90 Grape-vines, Covering.. .. 120 Grape-vines Managing 4 Grape-vines, Planting 37 Grape-vines, Prune closely. 44 Grape-vines, Protecting — 57 Grape-vines, Layering 150 Grape-vines, Early Pruning 143 Grape Canes, Which to Leave 65 Grape Trellise and Bees. . . 94 ! Grape Culture. . 113 Grape Leaf . Curl in 21 Grape Rot Remedies 186 Grape Planting 37 Grape. On Improving the.. 40 Grape Pruning 130 Grape Rot 171 Grape Tendrils 180 Grape Rot, Copperas for . 151 Grapes. Fertilizing for Sweet 91 Grapes. Planting 90 Grapes on Heavy Soil 90 Grapes, Blood for 120 Grapes for < iniament 114 Grapes Shriveling 2(.Xl Grapes.Suma.er Pruning of 200 Grapes, Growing the Finer 197 Grapes, Keepiue' 5 Grapes in New York 44 I Grapes and Bees .. 139 Grapes. Yield -of 180 I Grapes, Bagging Early ... 174 Grapes, Training 171 Grapes, The Keeping of 49 I Grapes that will Stand ... 56 Grapes. Rich Soil and 57 | Grapes, Worden & Concord 56 j Grapes, Bees and 160 Grapes. The Bagging of . . . 145 Grapes, Manure for 146 Grapes, Exhibiting 209 Grapes, Handling and Marketing 211 Grapery. Cold 34 Grapery, Pruning Vines in. 82 Grass. A Blade of 60 Grass Edges 10 Gravelly Soil, Small Fruits for 95 Green Peas for Market. . . 87 Greens, GJerman 211 Greenhouse without Heat, 211 Greenhouse. Inexpensive Heating of 58 Greenhouses, Burning of. . . 49 Greenhouses, Shading. ... 130 Ground, Ridding the . 100 Ground Cherries 81 Ground or Root Aphis. ... 179 Groups on the Lawn 00 Grouping and Massing 154 Guaranteeing Quality 7 Grub, The White 206 Grubs, Remedy for 21 Grubs, Forestalling the 130 Ice-house A Simple 30 Ice Shield. An 62 Illinois (Western) Notes.. 209 IllinoJsian. Stray Shots by. 106 Insect Destroyer, An 76 Insect Remedies 128 Insecticide Notes 187 Insects, Injurious 117 Insects, War Against 26 Insects, Damaging 128 Insects, Tweezers to Kill.. 178 Intergrafting 14 Iowa State Society 116 Iron Sulphate for Manure . 147 Ivy. Festoons of 195 Ivy, Funeral Designs of . . . 84 Ivy, German, Blooming . 4i Ivies. Hardiness of 43 Ixias, About 200 J Japan Quince Fruit 24 Jerusalem Cherry, Growing 103 Judges, Due to 196 Juneberry, Dwarf 203 K Kainit Described 64 Katsura. The 105 Kitchen Walls, Painting. . . 181 Knife you Use, The 94 H Hail Insurance 214 Hail-storm does Good 26 Hand-glass. A Flower Pot 134 Hanging Baskets Left Out. 25 Hardiness. Calculating on . 21 Hardiness and Location .. 192 Hatching, Early 86 Heat. Standing the 206 Heating Small Greennouse. 192 Heaving, To Prevent 150 Hedge, To have a good 130 Hedges, Evergreen 130 Heliotrope in Winter 185 Hemeroealis or Day Lily. . . 50 Hemlock, The Weeping... 216 Hen House. Stoves in ... 48 Hen, A Profitable 121 Hens, Tonic for 34 Hibiscus Leaves Ailing 100 Hibiscus Ailing 120 Highways. Snow-banks in. . 36 Highways, Walnuts for 136 Hoe Deep, Do Not . .. 166 Hollyhocks; their Culture. 165 Homes. Bane of Many 14 Honey Locust Hedge. .. 180 Honey Dew 66 Honey Dew 160 I Honeysuckle, Insect on 64 ! Honeysuckles. Value of... 136 i Horticulture as Affected by Society Work 99 ; Horticulture — Specialties.. 116 Horticulture and Botany. . . 43 Horticulture, and Woman. 173 ; HorticultureTaste Expand- ing 216 Horticultural Society, Am. 143 Horticultural Soc'y Report 145 Horticultural Society, Por- tage Co 205 Horticultural Convention,. 12 Horticultural Societies, Lo- cal 96 Horticultural Shows, To I Make Educational 17 1 Hot-bed, Pipe-heated 7 Hot-beds Heated with Oil... 80 Hot-beds, Making 81 Hot Beus, Care of 87 House Plants, April 118 House Plants and Ammonia 78 House Plants, Dew and... . 76 House Plants, Culture of.. 173 House Plants, Liquiding.. 67 Huckleberries, About 180 Hudson River Growers 106 Hyacinth Bulbs, Treating. 120 Hyacinths, Early Started . . 26 Hyacinths in Glasses 93 Hydrangea Culture 180 I Hydrangea in Cellar 100 Hydrangea in Cellar 82 I Lamps, Talk About 16 Lapageria not Blooming... 24 Lawn Roller. The 94 Lawn Edger, Caldwell . . . 154 Lawn Edger, a 115 Lawn Mowing Extremes.. 103 Lawn Making at South 68 Lawn Grass Seed. Foul . . . 173 Lawn Mower, Care of the . . .33 Lawn, Groups on. 60 Lawns, Fruit Trees for ... 110 Lawns. Nitrate of Soda for. 71 La*ns. Worms in 140 Lawns Weeding 179 Lawns. Weed Killing in 38 Lawns, On Manuring 55 Layering Grape-vines ... .150 Leaf Roller Remedy 128 Leaves for Fertilizing ... 29 Leaves on Flower Beds. 213 Lesson, An Accidental 43 Lettuce, Forcing 120 Lettuce Forcing , 81 Lettuce, Snails Devouring. 140 Lettuce, Snails Destroying 140 Life Preserver, A 44 Lifting, Look well to Roots 204 Lilium auratum 120 Lilium candidum Failing.. 189 Lilium candidum Fail- ing 213 221 Lily, Wild Yellow Again... 94 Lily of the Valley in House 77 Lily of the Valley, Pink. . . 173 Lily of the Palace 11 Lily, Wild Yellow, 61 Lily, Chinese 160 Lilies, Cultivation of 22 Lilies and Lilies 50 Li M. a Beans without Poles 151 Lindens. Two Good 60 Looking Ahead 65 London Purple Solution.. 128 Lyndale, Notes from, 6, 22, 38 ]»I Magnolias, The 92 Magnolias. Planting 8 Mahonia, Holly-leaved 38 Mangoes, About 15 Manure, Sheep 120 Manure, Water on ... 5 Manure for Grapes 7 Manure, Lye find Bone 47 Manure. Poultry, Care of. . 181 Manure, Liquid for House Plants 60 Manure. Liquid 221 Manure from Poultry 223 Manuring a Garden 188 Manures, Bone, at South.. 110 Maples. Japanese, About.. 125 Maples, Japanese 146 ]\Iarigolds, (poem) 214 Marketing. Locality for .. . 160 Massachusetts Horticultural Society Show 28 Mass. Horticultural Society 79 Mealy Bug Remedy 196 Melons at the South 72 Mexican Custom, A Good.. 21 Mexico, CJardens in 154 Michigan Society Meeting. 96 Michigan. Apples for .. 117 Michigan Agri. College 169 Mignonette, Window Box.. 50 Milla Bulbs, Starting 63 Mildew Remedies 186 Mildew, Oil and Sulphur for 9 Mildew in Grapery 140 Mildew in Early Grapery.. 145 Mixed Plantations . 20 Mixed Husbandry 150 Moon, Planting by the 200 Moon, Planting by the 180 Monarda or Bee Balm. ... 180 Moss Garden, A 114 Moths and Cedar Chests. . . 121 Mound. An Ornamental... 194 Mount Vernon. Weedy 194 Muck Field? Have you a. . . 61 Muck for Small Fruits 140 Mulberry for Hedge 21 Mulbe'ry,Weepi'g, Russian 204 Mulberries from Seed 120 Mulching, Sawdust for ... 100 Mulching, Benefits of 190 Mulching With Stones . . 174 Mulching, Sawdust for 63 Mushroom Growinj^. ... 189 Mushrooms Prepanng. ... 201 Mushrooms in Cellars. ... 214 M Names, Reform in 155 Names, Simple Catalo^e . 33 Names and Point of View . . 27 Narcissus Blasting 81 Narcissus Buds Blasting ... 63 Narcissus P^ssay, An Old. . . 25 Nasturtium Pickles 16 Neatness and Taste 114 New York. Western, Meet- ing 97 Norway Spruce Windbreak 100 Norway Spruce for Shelter. 66 Notes of Travel lt;A Nova Scotia Fruit Matters. 97 Nursery Stock. Buying 117 Nurserymen as Teachers. . . 52 Nurserymen's Convention. 176 Nurserymen's Association 161 Nut Trees 78 Nut Culture for Pleasure... 12 Nut-raising in the North . . 151 Nuts, Trees from 6 Nympha^aor Pond Lily... 211 Offending the Little Ones. . 107 Okra? Do you grow 39 Okra. Fried 223 Oleanders, Scale on 26 Oleanders, Scale on 47 Oleanders, Young, in Sum- mer 123 Olive, The Fragrant SOO On a Gardener, (poem) 214 Onion Land, Grabs in 120 Onion, The 82 Onion Patch, Productive.. 134 Onion Fly and Maggot ... 129 Onion, Wild 6i Onions, Winter, Raising... 109 <;)nions. Blight on 24 Onions, Winter 4 Onions. Spring to Fall 174 Onions in Winter 35 Orange Trees, Scale on 26 Orange Blossoms in Paris . . 30 Oranges as Window Plants 139 Oranges and other Citrus- es: Culture 204 Orchard, Young, Best Crop for 211 Orchard, Renovating an . . . 25 Orchard Sites 78 Orchard Success 9 Orchard Register. An 38 Orchards, Manuring 2^.* Orchards. Management of. 79 Orchards. Hogs in 4 Orchards, on Miss. Bluffs.. 86 Orchards, on Pruning of. . 86 Orchards Swine in 130 Orcharding. Failure in Michigan 96 Orchids, Pacific Slope. ... 115 Orchids, Something about. . 43 Orchids in the Tropics .. .. 35 Oxalis, An Edible 76 Oxalis not Blooming 125 Oxalis, Dieppe's 135 Oxalis not Blooming 160 Oxalis, Incorrect Names.. 214 PjEony Buds Blasting 193 Pu'onies, Grow Some 11 Packing, Cork-dust for . 36 Packing, Infusorial Earth . . 37 Packages. Carting the Gift 215 Palm, The Cocoanut. . .... 59 Palms, Sunlight for 100 Palms, Sunlight for 82 Pansy Distinctions 180 Pansy. On Culture of the.. 124 Pansies Devoured 120 Pansies, To Raise Large. ..114 Pansies in the Window .... 65 Parsnips, Managing 21 Parsnips, On Keeping 41 Parsley Basket, A 6 Paris (ireen Solution 12^ Passion Flower Pruning... 220 Patenting Fruits 115 Peach Culture 99 Peach Yellows 1 10 Peach Yellows, Starvation Theory 131 Peach Tree Pruning Ill Peach Orchard, Natural. .. 21 Peach Orchard Vacancies. . 37 Peach Selling, Fruit Exch . . 38 Peachnot Short-lived, The. 44 Peach Trees, Laying Down 25 Peach Trees, Pruning: 20 Peach Trees. Protectmg — 63 Peach Biiskets, Carrying . . 21.3 Peach Trees in Hen Yard.. 224 Peach Trees, Rejuvenating Old 185 Peach Trees, Training, to Cover 191 Peaches, What Kills Hm Peaches and Potash 91 Peaches. Yellows in 44 Peaches. Yellows in 4 Peaches, Yellows in 82 Peaches, Wood Ashes for. . . 72 Peaches, Pitting .. 5 Peaches. Treating Budded. 36 Peaches in West Virginia. . 140 Peaches in Cold Graperj'.. 180 Peaches in West Virginia . 1 15 Peaches, Early 200 Peaches, Wood Ashes for.. 27 Pear Blight, Preventing 91 Pear Trees, Pruning, etc. . . lOIi Pear Trees, Unfruitful .... 21 Pear Slugs 5 Pear Blight and Culture. . . 171 Pear Blight 154 Pears for New York, Best.. 64 Pears. Bartlett, Keeping... 37 Pears, Best Market 48 I Pears, Gathering 191 Pea, White Everlasting 194 Peas. Growing Green 126 Peas and Potatoes 134 Peas for Seed 180 Peas. Fall Sowing of 47 Pelargonium Culture 146 Pelargoniums 135 Pennsylvania Fruit Notes. 209 Perennials for continuous Bloom 63 I Perennials, Soil for 100 Periwinkle, Madagascar... 95 Perillas, The 77 I Persimmons, No 193 Petunias in the Window. . . 195 I Pine Pillows 45 Pine, Swiss Stone 174 Pines, Summer Pruning for 211 Plant Auctions 14 Plant Boxes, Casters for... 45 Plant, A New Window 19 Plant Culture under Glass . . 29 Plant Stand, A Reader's... 74 Plant Management 183 I Plant Lice Remedies 186 i Plant Lice or Aphididse 128 Plant, What to 170 Plant. Honor to a 44 i Plant Lice 206 ' Plants, Perennial 109 Plants, Keeping over 34 Plants. Evergreen Hardy. .. 82 Plants, Red Spider on 82 Plants, Tin Cans for 118 Plants, Pot-bound 80 i Plants, Charcoal for 10 I Plants, Well-water for ... . 3 ' Plants, Soot Water for.. . . 11 Plants, Study your 9 : Plants, Cold Water for. ... 48 Plants. Frosted 46 Plants for Health 33 Plants, Insects on 62 j Plants, Mailing 133 ' Plants Improve Rapidly 49 Plants in Living Rooms. 67 Plants not Aristocratic ... 76 I Plants. Lime Water for 52 ' Plants, Taking up 218 Plants, Wintering Tender.. 221 Planting 119 Planting Early 115 Planting, Depth of 72 Planting, Autumn 9 Planting, Fall vs. Spring... 4 Plantain Lily 50 Plan Before Planting S3 , Planning Before Y'ou Plant 153 ! Plum, Mildew on 200 j Plum, Wild Goose 5 Plum Culture in far North. 120 Plum. Niagara or Mooney. 135 I Plum Gonger Remedy. ... 128 I Plum, Niagara 140 I Plum, Mildew on 180 Plum, Marianna, About.. 168 , Plum Culture 178 Plum and Apricot Stocks. . 161 Plum. Wild Goose, The ... 95 Plums, Points about 233 Plums, Site for 76 Poetry Wanted 11 Poisoning from Plants 154 Poisoning from Plants 194 Poinsettia, The 41 Pollen, Influence of 184 I Polar Flowers 26 ! Polyantha Roses South ... 8 Pomological Division, Aid. . 65 Pomace as Ensilage 170 Fomace for Feed .. . , 214 Pomegranate not Blooming 8 Popcorn in England .58 Postage Reduced 177 Pots, Ordering 62 Pois, Large, Evil of 60 Potting Firm 214 Potting Soil, Sand, etc 27 Potato Culture, Points on. 90 Potato Sketches 110 Potato Rot Remedy 184 Potatoes in Barrels 114 Potatoes Running Out. ... 130 Poultry, Selection Of 32 I I5r 3D EX. Poultry on Small Lot 32 Poultry, New Breeds 32 Poultry Fences 83 Poultry, Green Food for. .. 202 Poultry Manure, Care of.. 161 Poultry Profits 223 Preserve, An Economical . 151 " Premium " Fruits 222 Primrose, Double. Culture. 119 Primroses, Dividing 109 Primroses, Some Ideas on . 26 Primroses, Grubs on 100 Primroses, Year-old 8 Propagator, A Rapid . ... 60 Propagation by Cuttings. .. 22 Protector. A Folding 76 Progress, Forty Years' 2 Protection Illustrated 46 Protection of Fruit 147 Protecting Vines, etc. ... 3.3, 36 Protecting Trees 29 Protecting from Sun 37 Prune Roots. Knots on. . . 107 Prunes, Curing 185 Pnmes 114 Pruning of Trees, Summer 196 Pruning, Mystery of 7 Pruning, Conclusions on. . . 130 Pruning and Pruning 200 Fuddling Trees 166 Pudding, Apple & Almond. 64 Pumpkin Bee-hive 56 Puttying Implement 11 Puttying up Holes 9 Pyramids, Plants grown as 133 Quality, Planting for 116 Quinces, The Cultiu'e of ... 33 Rabbits and Pine Tar ... 91 Radishes under Glass 72 Raisins for the Table 64 Rape Butterfly, The 148 Raspberry, Fertilizing Crimson Beauty 90 Raspberry and Blackberry Cross 30 Raspberry Planting, $200 Lesson 95 Raspberry, Johnston's Sweet 57 Raspberry Gather'g Device 154 ptaspberry Culture, Canada 145 Raspberry Drink 181 Raspberry Cane Blight. ... 82 Raspberries, Harvesting.. 190 Raspberries, Ailing 200 Raspberries, Plant Deep ... 166 Raspberries, How Long to Stand 166 Raspberries Turning Yel- low 200 Raspberries. Mulching 1.34 Raspberries, Hedge system 1-30 Raspberries, Growing Red . 37 Raspberries Failing 63 Raspberries Changing 63 Raspberries Autumn . ..... 63 Raspberries, Ailing 149 Raspberries, Pruning 149 Raspberries, Setting Late. 150 Raspberries, New Idea in . 150 Raspberries, Uld to New.. 150 Raspberr's turning yellow. 209 Raspberries in Iowa 214 Raspberr's, Old Wood from 210 Raspberries in Garden. ... 110 Raspberries, Increasing.. . . 110 Raspberries Failing 24 Red Spider on Plants 83 Red Spider in Window 63 Red Spider, The 149 Retort, A Righteous 39 Rhubarb, Test of Sorts ... 187 Rbyncospernum, The 27 Richardia Culture 229 Rings in Wood— Age 140 Rings in Wood 140 Roadside Tree Planting 49 Rock Mound, Beautifying a 146 Root Pruning 140 Rose Pruning Suggestions. 93 Rose Buds, Keeping Fresh . 30 Rose Buds. Insect in 201 Rose, Pale Marechal Neil.. 189 I Rose-slug Remedies 129 Rose Saw-fly Remedies ... 129 Rose Beetle, Chafer or Bug 129 Rose, The, Culture, etc. . . . 138 Rose, Moss, Slips, Rooting 174 Rose Culture, Successful.. 156 Rose-growing, Extensive ... 33 Rose, American Beauty ... 144 Roses, Fall Blooming 180 Roses for Bloom 8 Roses, Protecting 46 Roses for Market, Growing. 41 Roses. More Good 44 Roses, Growing for Market. 55 Roses Under Glass 61 Roses, Tea, Culture 156 Roses, Forcing Hybrid P. 213 Roses. Dressing for 220 Roses, Cuttings in Summer 223 Roses Turning Yellow. 100 Roses, Hardy 97 Roses, Hybrid, List of . ... 98 Roses, " Blue." 30 Roses for Market 120 Roses, Pruning 120 Roses, Hardy 25 Roses in Pits 37 Roses, Compost for 191 Rotation in the Garden. . . 33 Rotation in Farm Garden'g 165 Rotating Crops 9 Rows, to make Straight. ... 106 Rows, Making Straight 174 Ruellia macrantha 180 Rural Art. Books on 300 Rust, Blackberry 200 Rust, Blackberry 170 Rusty Tools 45 S Sabbath, Respect for the . . 205 Sage Culture 73 Salicylic Acid in Canning. . 194 Sand, Use of 44 Sash, Glass and Muslin 131 Sashes, Muslin 130 Sawdust for Mulching 63 Scale, Linseed Oil for Ill Scale or Bark Lice Rem's. . 139 Season, Prolonging the 53 Season, Advancing the 17 Seasons, Varying 15 Sea Kale 146 SeedPlanting 99 Seed Sowing, March 93 Seeds, Sowing Vegetable ... 63 Seed Sowing 119 Seed Sowing 150 Seed Starting Device, A. . . 174 Seed Cleaning 38 Seed Appropriations, 59 Seed, Cabbage, Raising ... 170 Seeds. Bad, and Seedsmen. 92 Seeds, Crows Distributing . . 30 Seedlings, Raising Fruit ... 5 Seedlings of Fruit Trees ... 21 Seedsmen's Meeting 28 Selection, Fitness of 172 September (poem) 203 Shade as an Enricher 130 Shade Trees, Caterpiller on 148 Shady Spots, Ferns for 143 Sharpless Berries, Ill- Shaped 176 Shelter Belts 70 Shelter Belts, Nor'y Spruce. 66 Shows. Influence of 216 Shows, Grouping Plants at 193 Shows, Flower Holders for 193 Shrub Pruning 80 Shrub Flowers in Winter . . 37 Shrubs. Hardy Flowering. 109 Shrubs from the Wild 28 Shrubs, White-leaved 174 Shrubs, List of 180 Shrubbery Walk 6 Silk Worms 193 Simplicity and Order 172 Slugs on (Cherry Trees.etc. 148 Small Fruits, Soil for 73 Small Fruits on Farm .... 73 Small Fruits on Farm . ... 130 Small Fruits on Meadows.. 5 Snowball Bush, Aphis on.. 194 Snowballs, What Ails the . 155 Soap-suds, House-slops 130 Soap Suds in Garden 140 Soap Suds and House Slops 160 Society Work 96 .Society, American Pomo- logical 221 Sod-cutting Machine, A . . . 145 soil. Keeping up 90 Soil— How Made 171 Soil, Cultivation of the. . . . 208 Solanum Dulcamara 30 Soot Water for Plants 11 Soot-water for Plants 140 .Sorrel as a Vegetable 181 South, Small Fruits 220 Southern Planting 105 Sparrows, What of English 17 Spiders and Insects 31 Spiders and Plant Lice... 174 Spruce, White 176 Sprouts on Trees, etc 123 Squash-vines, Save the .. 171 Squashes, Winter, Raising 147 Squash Bug, Black 149 Star of Bethlehem, Golden. 42 Storage, Different Kinds of. 56 Stove Plants, Heat for 64 Stock. Cion, etc.. Influence 167 Strawberry— Frosts 90 Strawberry Culture 114 Strawberry Plants, Setting. 110 Strawberry Growing in Hogsheads 114 Strawberry, Belmont 27 Strawberry Plants, Pot .... 27 Strawberry Blight 174 Strawberry Raising for Girls 191 Strawberry Bed, Treating . 5 Strawberry Rust 57 Strawberry, High Culture . . 58 Strawberry Query 160 Strawberry not a Fruit — 143 Strawberry Propagation, Rapid 151 Strawberry Plants, Trans- planting Old 160 Strawberry. The Gold ... 214 Strawberries, Fall Bloom. 100 Strawberries, Earliest 110 Strawberries, Varieties 107 Strawberries, Finest Crop . . 20 Strawberries, Wild, Tame . 31 Strawberries, Manuring ... 21 .Strawberries, Early Cover- ing of 81 Strawberries. Spring kiUed. 73 Strawberries, Cost to Grow. 73 Strawberries, Potting . ... 170 Strawberries, The Earliest. 170 Strawberries. Marketing.. 190 Strawberries, Planting — 190 Strawberries, Varieties . . . 190 Strawberries in Illinois . . 127 Strawberries on Mounds. . . 131 Strawberries, Kainit for. .. 131 Strawberries, Planting — 7 Strawberries Unprofitable . 4 Strawberries, Covering 36 Strawberries, Drying 36 Strawberries, Phosphate for 36 Strawberries, Hen Dung for 56 Strawberries in Florida — 56 Strawberries on Ridges.... 56 Strawberries, Cost to Grow. 60 Strawberries, Renewing ... 64 Strawb'ries. Acre and half 154 Strawberries, New 215 Strawberries in Michigan . 317 Straw Mats, Making 69 Street Trees in Paris 194 Sub-soiling Not Beneficial 114 Successful Exhibitors .... 44 Suntlowers for Fuel , 14 Sweet Peas— Fall Sowing . . 36 Sweet Pea Culture 179 Sweet Potatoes, Early 210 Swindling Device 26 Tent Caterpillar Remedy. 128 Tennessee Report 24 Temperance— Gardening . . 103 Thistles, Canada 6 Tid Bits From Subscriber. 193 Tobacco Remedy 129 Tomato Rot Remedy 184 Tomato, The Currant 44 Tomato Rot 44 Tomatoes, The Best 60 Tomatoes- Where first eaten 25 Tomatoes, Staking etc. ...177 Tomatoes, On Use of 333 Tools, Marking 113 Torrenia Fournerii 76 Town Square, A 169 Trade, The, Fifty Years Ago 303 Transplanting, Perils of... 166 Transplanting, Summer... 170 Transplanting Large Trees. 183 Transplant'g Boxes, Paper. 113 Tree Wash, A Good 91 Tree-Planting Craze 94 Tree-roots and Sidewalks . . 93 Tree Agents, Law Against. 103 Tree Seeds, Sowing 21 Tree, A Rapid-growing 76 Tree Dealers' Association . 161 Tree, How to Manure A . . . 215 Trees. As to Hardiness of . . 85 Trees for Coast 100 Trees, Bones for 94 Trees, Large t's Small 110 Trees, Iron-clad 110 Trees, Fruit, for Lawns. ... 110 Trees, Trimming 30 Trees, Thinning the ti5 Trees. Buckwheat among.. 73 Trees from Seed, Growing. . 67 Trees, Puddling 166 Trees as Companions 174 Trees, Fruit, From Cut- tings 193 Trees, Crooked 5 Trees, Moisture from 14 Trees, Overhanging 1 Trees, Speedy Results with 1 Trees from Nuts 6 Trees, Pruning 37 Trees, Staking 46 Trees, On the Pruning of.. 53 Trees and Drought 150 Trees by the Roadside 147 Trees, Arranging 149 Trees, Crooked 156 Trees as Bushes or Pollards 311 Trees. Twelve Ornamental. 216 Trees, Mammoth 321 Trees. Grafted or Budded.. 233 Trellising Grapes 179 Trellise for Peas, Wire ... 196 Tropseolums Tuberous . . 200 Tropa^olum Bloom 10 Trumpet Creeper as a Tree. 192 Truflfles, Their Culture 47 Tulip Seed Sowing 220 Tulips in House 26 Tulips, Forcing 14 Tulips, Parrot, and Others. 215 Turnips Decaying 8 Twine Holder, A 48 V Uncover, Don't, too Early. 94 Underdraining a Garden. . . 19 Underdraining I88 Vallotas for the Shows .... 87 Vegetables under Glass. ... 91 Vegetables, Cooking 88 Vegetables, Some Fall ... 207 Vegetables.Fried Breakfast 2'23 Village Improvement Asso- ciations 198 Vine Cuttings, Young 129 Vine, A Large. 134 Vineyards and Birds 220 Violet Culture, White 105 Violet Seed 200 Violet, A Charming White. 61 Walks, Garden 24 Walks and Drives 172 Wallflower, Culture of the. 27 Wallflowers 181 Wallflower not Flowering. 180 Walnut Stain 16 Walnut, A Word for the. . 223 Walnuts for Highways ... 136 Wahiuts, English 100 Walnuts, English 82 Wasps' Nests 8 Water Light, The 183 Watrous' Address, Pres. . 176 Water-tanks, Protecting ... 30 Watersprouts on Apple . . . 156 Watering Devices 158 Watering when it Rains. . . 155 Watering, Easy Science in. 134 Wax Plant, Treating 120 Wax Plant, Treating lOO Waysides, Essay on. 97 Weather, Variable 166 Weather Strips,Home-made 48 Weed Day 194 Weeds for Protecting 36 Weeds and Weeds 133 Weeping Tree, New 204 Weeping Tree, Attractive.. 192 Wells, Protect the 30 Well-water tor Plants 8 Wheat Turning to Chess... 30 Wild Flowers 84 Wilder, M. P.. Dinner to .. 27 Wilder. Marshall P 51 Window Plants. Turning.. 214 Window Box. Mignonette.. 50 Window Plants, Spider on : 63 Window Gardening 197 Windbreak, Norw'y Spruce 106 Windbreaks South, Spruce 309 Wine, Points about 187 Wire Worms in Grapery.. 180 Wisconsin State Society.. 116 Wisconsm Hort. Society. . 217 Wisconsin, Rose tor 320 Women and Horticulture. 118 Women and the Societies. . . 78 Wood Ashes 100 Worm , Wire, in Border. . . 151 Worm, Wire, iu Carrots... 220 Worm, Canker . 99 Worms, Angle 140 Worms in Pots 47 Worms in Flower Pots 24 Wounds, Paiat for 140 Work of Season, House Plants, The, 13, 28, 46, 62, 80, 98, 118, 138, 158,178, 198,218. Lawn and Flower Garden, 18, 39, 46. 62, 80, 98, 118, 138, 153, 178, 198, 218. Flower Garden. Lawn and, 13, 29, 46, 62, 80, 98, 118, 1.38, 158, 178, 199, 219. Plant Culture under Glass, 13, 39, 46, 62. 80, 98, 119, 138, 158, 178, 199, 319. Glass, Plant Culture under, 13, 29. 46, 62. 80, 98, 119, 138, 158, 178, 199, 219. Fruit Garden and Orchard, 13, 39. 46. 62. 80, 99, 119, 1.38, 159, 179, 199, 219. Orchard. Fruit Garden and, 13. 29, 46. 62. 80, 99, 119, 138, 169, 179, 199, 219. Vegetable Garden, 13, 29, 46, 63, 81, 99, 119, 189, 159, 179, 199,219. Glass, Fruit and Vegetables un- der, 13. 2!l, 47, 63. 81, 99, 119, 139, 159, 179, 199, 219. Yellow Transparent Family 68 Zinnia Culture 115 Zinnias, Zebra 814 Poetry— Autumn the Artist, 1; An Old-fashioned Garden, 10; The Scent of a Flower, 10; What the Flowers Say, 14; Autumn Days. 17; Chrysan- themums, 26; It is Common, 27; Her Floral Highness, .30; The Sunset of the Year. 33- The Trees. 44; Why, Pansy, Little Pansy ? 44; Chilly Mornings, 48; Snowed Under, 49; Crocuses, 60; Fruit of the Christmas Tree, 60; Nature at Work in Winter 60 ; Look- ing Ahead. 65; The Dying Rosebud, 76; Jack Frost, 76; Warm Winds on the Way. 83- The Spring Race. 94; The Wall Flower, 94; The Winter King in Spring, 104; Robin's Return, 114; Pine Needles; 114; Firstling of Spring. 114; Orchard Bloom, 123; Lilac Time, 131; Dropping Corn, 134; Daisies White, 134; June, 143; The Message of the Roses, 154; Empty Nest, 154; Single Rose, 1.54; Sunrise, 163; The Century Plant, 174; Big Berries on Top, 174; Bruised, 174;August,183; The Summer Rain, 194; The Falling of the Pears, 194; The Sunflower, 194; Marigolds, 214; Country Board, 314; On a Gardener, 814; September, 203. >bI:r, 1886. POPULAR GARDENING FOR TOWN AND COUNTRY. ^VOLTTI^^S II. Now Hickories glimmer with fragile gold. And lurid colors the Maples hold. To the wailing forests all hues are brought Ou a sylvan canvas in silence wrought! No wonder it looms like a pageant rare, For Autumn, the artist, is working there. Treating Young Trees for Speedy Results, Let the idea that one has long to wait for fruit or shade, after planting the trees, be at once dispelled. It is a wrong notion founded on the many illustrations of bad planting to be seen everj'where — trees set out but not allowed to go ahead, because of ill-treatment if not outright starvation. We desire to show, from some actual ex- amples, that there is no need to wait long for results, if the planting and cultivation is right. In one instance that we recall a Bart- lett Pear tree gave a peck of superb fruit in 2 years from planting. On the same grounds Apple trees that had been planted 4 years averaged a. bushel of fruit each the following autumn. Peach trees the third summer bore 3 pecks each, and Grape vines of the same time of planting averaged 8 pounds of fruit, and that after thinning some ont to prevent over-bearing. In ornamental trees results in their way (fuite as striking follow on good treatment. From our window we can see Elms twelve years planted that are 30 feet high, 20 feet liroad, with trunks 1 foot through. Some 8 years planted 19 feet high and 1.5 feet across the top. Sugar Maples that were mere nursery trees 8 years ago, now are 16 feet high and 10 feet broad. A White Pop- lar of the same age is 30 feet high and 2.i ' broad. Austrian Pines planted at the time are from 12 to 15 feet high and ne.. y as broad at the base. The true secret of such results is careful planting of thrifty young trees in good soil and then decent treatment after. The treatment in the instances adduced was in no wise extravagant, having been not be- yond that which every good farmer gives to Carrots, Potatoes and other cultivated crops. No farmer would look for a crop if he planted and tilled as carelessly as does the average planter of trees. Plant well, in a good deep under-drained soil. For years after, keep the soil over the roots well tilled, or in the case of shade trees, mulched and watered in dry times, and the planter can easily equal, if not exceed, such iigures as have been given. In case the natural soil is poor, remove it to a depth of 20 inches and some 4 feet across where every tree is to come, replacing the same with sur- face loam from a cultivated lot or field. The Fruit from Overhanging Trees —Who Owns It? The question whether fruit that falls on one's land from a tree on the line or beyond it belongs to such a person is a common one. There has been much discussion over it, witii some contradictory judgments, but the rules are now pretty well established. In the case of a tree growing on the line, between adjoining properties so that parts of the actual body stand on each, then the fruit Is to be equitably divided between the owners, and neither one can cut the tree without the consent of the other. If the stem of the tree stands wholly within the boundary line of one owner, even if the roots extend and grow into the land of his neighbor and derives nourishment there- from, the whole tree with its product belongs to the owner on whose land it stands, and none to the neighbor. The neighbor cannot pick it for himself, nor interfere with the picking by the owner so long as the latter remains in the tree or on the fence which divides the property. In such a case, the neighbor may forbid the owner to come on the soil on the other side of the line to gather the fruit, and all the fruit which falls without violence to the ground on that side may thus become the property of the neighbor. [In .some States this matter as to the ownership of such fallen fruit is still unsettled, and the owner would probably have an implied license in law to enter and gather the fruit, if possible with- out any damage to his neiglilior.] The neigh- bor is also allowed to cut off the branches of such a tree close to its line, and he may dig down and cut the roots of the tree square with his line if he so elects. When the tree stands on the line, as re- ferred to, neither owner is at liberty to cut away the part which extends into his land, if he thereby injures the common property. A Five Dollar Conservatory. BY "sister gracious." We moved into a very small house with a small sitting-room in it. Plants being a nec- essity but money scarce, I applied the inven- tive talent I possessed to providing a place for them. The sitting-room can boast a large bay window on its sunny side, and here for the plants. First, the inside blinds were taken off and carefiUly stored away. A carpenter was called in and he made a broad shelf that fitted the whole length of the bay. It came up as high as the lower part of the window, and was fitted with rollers so that on cold nights it could be pulled into the room. Several pairs of iron supports, bought at the hardware store for twenty cents a pair, were put up to support three shelves fitted into the bay half way up the window. I also have 8 swinging brackets for single plants; they are plain and cost ten cents each. There should be very little ornamentation about these things or the hanging baskets or pots. If the plants are flourishing that is attraction enough. The prettiest effect I ever saw in a jilant basket was made from a discarded egg basket. The plants wound around the handle and draped it all about. The old brown basket brought out the colors beautifully. I have 3 of them now. Near (he ceiling I have hooks to which strings run from brackets on each side of the window, which support a Cobjca Scaiiiiens on one side, a German Ivy on the other. They are now racing to meet each other at the top, and pretty sooit will tie themselves into a true lovers' knot. Over this window is the text "O ye green things upon earth, bless ye the Lord." POPULAR GARDENING. October, The Sprlngr Garden of Holland -Bulbs. The garden that is without an abundance of spring flowers of the Tulip, Hyacinth, Daffodil and Crocus class is far from being complete. And yet throughout our land there are many gardens, some of consider- able pretense in the way of costly summer bedding, that wholly lack these sweet early flowers. The old-fashioned gardens of our mothers are better oS even, for here, if any- where, may usually be seen plenty of early bulbous flowers. If the improved varieties said of their "running out," if the ground is made very rich with old manure and leaf mold from the woods there will be but little cause for complaint here. Along with plenty of enriching material it is well to add some portion of sand to any soil for bulbs that may be deficient in this element. In planting Dutch bulbs there is more danger of planting not deep enough than too deep. For the larger kinds, such as Tulips, Hyacinths, Narcissuses and Jonquils, to be buried beneath five inches of soil is none too much, while small kinds, like Crocuses and Snowdrops, should be covered two inches deep at least. For the former sized ones a good distance apart for the bulte is from six to eight inches, while the latter may be put at from four to six inches apart. GROUP OF DOUBLE HYACINTHS. may be absent, this lack Is often made up by the abundance of what there are, delight- ing the eye and nose in the merry springtime. But why should any garden lack an abun- dance of the best Holland bulbs? The lover Some Principles Applied to Effective Arrangennent, The pleasing lawn scene shown op- posite does not depend upon any fanciful conceptions of the artist for fine eJI'ect; its very naturalness is its beauty. It is just such a life-like scene as it would be possible to have in any fair-sized garden. It will bear close study from all contemplative planters. But that our readers who possess only small lawns may not attribute the charm of this view mainly to ample ;. area, we desire to draw attention to • one fact: It is that such garden beauty is dependent more upon correctness of principles in the planting, than to large- ness of area. The principles which governed the planting of the garden here shown are applicable to lawns of any size, save perhaps to the very smallest town plats. The main object of this article is to con- sider the principles referred to for the bene- fit of those who may desire to go and plant likewise. First let us notice a negative but very important principle, as set forth in the Double White Narcissus. of flowers can invest no money that will ! absence of trees and large growths in the bring better returns than for that laid out in these. Bulbs of a superior quality, imported from the nurseries in Holland, are now offered at a moderate price by scores of re- liable dealers, who will be glad to deliver them post-paid to any postofflce in the land, however remote. These once in the ground, will continue in most cases to thrive and throw off bloom every spring, with almost no outlay of trouble whatever to the grower. The season of planting the Holland bulbs is now at hand, and to continue until the ground freezes, our own choice of time being to set them as early in this month as possible. The bulbs once in the soil, soon swell, and in the course of a few weeks, if unhindered by frost, throw out roots. Where the plant- ing is done early the roots have a chance to reach some length before winter, with the result of giving a stronger growth and finer flowers the following spring than if the planting be done late. The spring-flowering bulbs will repay the attention that provides a rich, open soil for them to grow in. This is not so much needed to secure fine bloom from the bulbs that are newly set (for the bulbs afford the nourishment needed by their own fiowers in the main), but to insure a strong growth in the young bulbs springing from the old ones, and needed for future bloom. Take the Hya- cinth, about which one hears a good deal foreground of our illustration. Without such an open area centrally in a grass plat one may plant in vain for securing any- thing like the repose and breadth, which is a chief characteristic of the charming scene here portrayed . With the open area secured we hold the key to the finest effects possible from planting orna- mental trees, no matter what may be the size of the lawn treated. This is a fundamental principle in all success- ful natural arrange- ments of this kind. Another principle contributing largely to the beauty of this lawn is that which called for the free and uncrowded arrangement of the numerous conspicuous specimens. Imagine twice as many crowded into the area shown and the aspect would be greatly marred. This is what may be termed the open system of planting, occupying middle grounds between entire openness and close massing. In it there is to be as much sunlight as of shadow on the carpet of grass — never enough shade to interfere with the presence of a thrifty A71 Early Garden Tulip. Stand of grass under and between the trees. The trees (in small places, mostly shrubs), too, have the benefit of ample space for fine individual development. Still another feature of note in this garden view is found in the principle which pro- vides for heav}' groups of trees in the back- ground. To show the importance of this matter, especially in large grounds, it is only necessary to imagine this part out of the scene, with a fence and open meadow in its place. These heavy background masses of verdure and wood are of Importance in giving a great degree of strength to any work of this kind. Lastly, one should notice the principle of order shown even in the irregular planting; it might easily be overlooked. We refer to the fact that while in general the grouping of trees of the same class is hardly apparent, yet after all this principle was kept in view in the planting of the place illustrated. We observe, for one thing, that the conical or tapering trees are brought more or less to- gether to the right in the engraving, while the same is true of the only round-topped pendulus trees shown in the cut, those to the extreme left. The two large trees in the middle groimd stand like brothers, and seem to keep up a kind of connection with .similar ones massed in the back-ground to the left. Even the herbaceous clumps of Yucca and Grass near the foreground show design in their placing, being brought near each other. Altogether the collection shows, in this re- spect, the work of a master at arranging. To appreciate the importance of this last matter the reader has only to imagine these various classes mixed and scattered from side to side of the scene, instead of as they at present stand. We think now that the reader who has followed us closely in these brief observa- tions on the handsome engraving should be able to so well comprehend the principles involved in arranging ornamental grounds pleasingly in a natural style that they could appl}' the same with good results to any grounds they may have in charge. They are principles that belong to all good orna- mental gardening, from the laj'ing out of a plat of one rod to that of a thousand acres. 4-0 Years' Progress in Floriculture. BY PETER HENDERSON, JER.SEY CITY HEIGHTS, N. J. Forty years ago I doubt if there was a gi-een- house having a fixed roof in use on the whole continent for commercial purposes. Previous to that time neai'Iy all were constructed of portable sashes as "lean-tos," with high back walls. Then the heating was nearly all done by horizontal smoke flues, the fu-st use of heat- ing by hot water on anything like a large scale having been done in 1S39. Heating green- houses by steam, to the best of my information, was unheard of in the United States 40 years ago. For commercial purposes it was, I believe, first, successfully practiced in Pittsburgh, about 1875; it is only in the past five j-ears that its merits have been so fully proved. Methods of propagating and growing plants have also been much improved upon. The propagator 4U years ago (generally imported i886. POPULAR GARDENING. from England) was usually a personage of mystery and over-weening conceit, who guarded his knowledge with a miser's hand, if he did not actually lock the door of the prop- agating house against all his fellow employees. Few of that ilk can get a foothold here to-day. The knowledge of propagating has now teen so diffused by books and magazines that all the mystery of those early days has been dispelled. Now there are no secrets in horticulture. Of course experience or special advantages give a knowledge that the want of such cannot give. But the underlying principles never change, though undoubtedly in methods we have made vast strides in the past 20 years. Whether we have made much advance in the classes of plants grown now, from what was grown 40 years ago, there may be some question. But the most wonderful advance in floricul- ture has been in the construction of bouquets and other designs. Forty years ago some of us did not know enough to use a thread to keep past season there were probably shipped and sold in the New York market and at auction not less than .50,(XK1,OOU of ornamental plants. Last year the trade sold 24,0()0,(l(M) cut Roses, and 1'30,(1()0,i, Fulton, Ky. (Apple and other seed and pits must be carefully saved and never dried in the sun, and kept in a cool shady place. The best plan is to get seed in the fall and mix with sand and put in an exposed place through the winter, and in early spring sow in drills. If not thus kept, we have had good luck pouring boiling water over it and allowing it to cool and stand for two or three days. Then pour off the water and mix seed with dry earth and sow as wanted.] 118. Pruning Raspberries, \\hat tool do you use for this, also do you carry the old wood out of the field: if not, what do you do with it? E L. P., Cameron, Mo. [We use a hooked knife some- thing like the letter J with a long handle. Lately we have found it advisable to leave the old wood unpruned till winter, as we then have plenty of time to do it, and besides it sustains the new growth till the wood gets ripened and hardened.] 119. Treating a Strawberry Bed. I have a Strawberry bed that has borne one crop and "run solid." I want to get it into rows. May I cut down vines which are very luxuriant, burning them when dry and then plow or will some other treatment he better? ]If weedy and grassy you can mow such down, even taking off the tops of Strawberries, and clean this off with a rake. Then plow under strijts two feet or so wide- leaving strips a foot wide to bear. Run over the jilowed ground with a cultiva- tor and level down well. .'Vnother jjlan is to put straw over bed and burn it over. This last is the best plan and makes the best and cleanest beds.] 130. Water on Manure. Is it well to pour water upon horse manure which I am piling up under a shed, and adding to from time to time? The manure is very dry. A.U,B...lilaces. Thin-skinned fruits as a rule are the poorer keep- ers, thick-skinned ones the better. Of good fruit the people are not in danger of soon getting too much. Seeds had better come up too thick than too thin. Grapes must do their ripenining on the vine. Manure had better not touch the tree roots. Bean poles represent value— shelter them. Beets may stny out until hard frosts. A good time for surface manuring. Fall spading is a good course. Keep the Sjiinach bed weeded. Sotten fruit spoils the cider. POPULAR GARDENING. October, Some InterestingGrapeTalk Uttered at the Late Cleveland Convention. George Husmann, of California, in a paper said he believed California to be pre-eminently the horti- cultural State of the country. Their wines are now competing with the best of the world; their raisins with London layers. The wine yield this year will reach 20,000,000 gallons. Apples grow to perfection side by side with the Orange and Lemon. . . . Mr. Cushman. of Ohio, paid a tribute to the Concord Grape. , . . Mr. Tryon resented a criticism on the Concord— the Grape of the million. . . . F. C. Miller: Worden, a seedling of the Concord, was much superior to it. Had tried Worden and was much pleased. . . Mr. Cushman: It has been re- ported that Worden does not hold to the stem. . . T. S. Hubbard: Had traveled among Eastern vineyards, and his examinations had been very favorable to Worden. All reports were to the effect that the Worden clung to the stem. The original vine had yielded 110 pounds of Grapes during each of the past three years. The crops this year were the finest ever seen; there was no rot. Concord not as heavy as lastyear; Delaware doing well. The Worden is larger and more attractive than Concord, ripening a week or ten days earlier. . . . Mr. Greinersaw Wordens drop at Grand Rapids, but this was due to wood ashes around the vines. . . Mr- Hollister, of Missouri: Crop in his State very short; fruit rotting badly. Deprecated raising early Grapes and selling them before ripe. . . . Mr. Albaugh said a, grower in Ohio had sown Oats be- tween the vines and had thus prevented rotting. . . Dr. McKay, of Mississippi: Grapes had not done well this year. Concord had done the best. Some hked the Ives, but generally the Concord thrived the best. The Scuppernong never failed, but was not good for market. Thought the rot this year was caused by 30 days of constant showers. . . Professor McKay, of Mississippi: In some parts the Delaware succeeded well. Trimming helped the fi-uit, the berry growing larger and of better color. . . . Mr. Miller, of Ohio: His Grapes were rotting badly; used sulphate of iron as a disinfectant, and it stopped the rot. From 1 to 3 lbs. put around each vine, in June or July, sufficed. Others had tried it with the same result, . . . Mr. Lindley, of North Carolina: Grape culture is in- creasing in that State. It is the home of the Scup- pernong; sometimes one vine covers 3 acres of ground. Grow about 75 varieties, raising the finest Grapes in the country. Best paying fruits are the Ives and Champion. . . . Mr. Van Deman, of Kansas: Crop very good this year. Had been through Texas and Arkansas, and found all common varieties thriving. . . . Mr. Munsen, of Texas, was crossing of their wildlings with domestic Grapes, and has some of the finest Grapes I have seen. . . G. W. Campbell, of Ohio: We have many ama- teur growers This year is the best since 1849. The Tolman is an abomination, but it colors early, and gets good prices. Worden is superior to and earlier than Concord; it is a poor shipping grape. . . . Mr. Carpenter: High culture helped produce better fruit and prevented rot ... Mr. Tiraara spoke of Grape culture in Japan. . . . Mr. Cushman, Ohio: The Brighton had mildewed here; Pockling- ton is a slow grower, but the best of the whites. Loads of them are now sold in Cleveland. Early Victor is not very early; is small and unproductive; Jefferson not much thought of; Wyoming Red was favorably noticed; Vergennes promises well; Moore's Early the best early Grape for all regions; Monte- fiore is doing well about Cleveland; Niagara and Empire State reasonably promising. . . . Presi- dent Earle: Where Grapes rot they can be grown by the bagging system It improves the taste. Cost does not exceed one-half cent a pound for inclosing in paper bags. Ulster Prolific is promising for all regions. By cold storage Grapescan be kept almost the year round. . . . G. W. Campbell: Those who will not care for the vines must be content with inferior kinds. The best culture will give the best results. Thirty years ago planted a Delaware; with great care 3 years later there were 9 canes and about 300 clusters; 200 were cut off and all but 4 off- shoots. The 100 bunches were as fine Delawares as I have ever seen. Some won a silver medal. Had the vine been without care, the fourth year would have seen 300 clusters all small and the vine ex- hausted. Have never seen Delaware rot. The Ives and others of that class in Central Ohio are in winter often injured, but with no indication of damage until the following season; winter protection is often the turning point between highest success and com- plete failure. Injured vines are susceptible to dis- ease and mildew. Would advise planting the best varieties, for while the poorest are a drug, the best always bring good prices. . . . Mr. Green: Grapes as food are cheaper than any other food, being also delicious and attractive. . . . Mr. Ohmer: Should be grown by everybody. In cities vines would climb walls or trellises in the yard, with as little care as any vine needs. . . . Mr. Ford, of Ohio: Vines protect buildings; never had seen rot on vines on house walls. . . . Mr. Van De- man advised that all tender vines be grown on north side of buildings. Winter killing is the result of evaporating influences, and on the north side changes of temperature are small and evaporation less Vines flourish here, but they are late in ma- turing. . . . Mr. Crawford: The only fruit that every man could cidtivate; would plant on the east or south side of house, and train to north side. . Mr. Pierce: Grapes would not grow on the north side of the house . . . Mr. Ward: Vines about houses absorbed some salt, and this prevented rot. This being the People's Paper, it is open to all their In - quiries bearing on gardening. On the otherhand. Answers to Inquiries are earnestly requested from readers. The editors and special contributors are ready to do a large share of the ail steering, but the experience of many being more valuable than of thefeto, hoirever varied that is. and conditions and localities being so different, they prefer to receive ansicers, even several of them to the same ques- tion, from readers ei'eryirhere. Don't hesitate to send answers because you may feel you are no fine writer; we will see that they appear in good shape. In writing, give the nurnber of the question you are an- swerittg, your locality and name, the latter not for publica- tion, uttlcss you desire. Write only on one side of the paper. Flowers gladly named, provided, first, that no more than three be sent atone time; second, that these be fully prepaid; third, that several specimens of each reach us in good shape. We cannot undertake to name florists' varieties. 123. Pomegranate not Blooming. I got a plant in Laredo, Tex., said to be double, color sal- mon and pink. Have had it in a pot this summer; it is root-bound, has not bloomed, and seems to need pruning. Please give me full directions for treat- ment, winter and summer. 123. Orange not Blooming. I have a 5-year-old Orange plant which has been budded. Have had it in open ground for two summers; the plant seems strong but does not grow very large and has never bloomed. What is the trouble? Zanesville. 124. Ivy Geraniums in Cellar. Will some one please tell me if an Ivy Geranium will live in the cellar through the winter. 125. Gloxinias Treatment. Also, if I must keep Gloxinias growing until they bloom? I have some quite nice ones that have not bloomed yet, and I thought they ought not to be dried off until they did. LiDE Pens. 126. Polyantha Roses South. Will they suc- ceed summer and winter in the open ground in middle Georgia? 127. Begonias. Do the plants require to be pot- bound for best results? When is the best time to repot? Mrs. B. 128. Daphne odora. I have had a nice looking plant, 1 foot or more high, for these 4 years. Good care through winters, planted out in summer, and it never has flowered yet, though looking very healthy. What is the reason of this? Sarah Hindks. 129 Planting Magnolias. Will someone please tell me when to plant and how to treat Magnolia? A Pennsylvania Si'bsc^riber. 130. Scale on Plants. Please inform me how to rid plants of scale. They are exceedingly trouble- some. Mrs. Lucy M. Carey. 131. Wasps. Can any one inform me as to the best mode of destroying their nests. We are over- run with them. N. M. 132. Garden Walks. What can be done with my walks? They have had no new gravel, or any- thing done to them for some years, and are full of holes, and the weeds grow through them. Any in- formation as to the cheapest and best method wiU be gladly received. M. C. E. im. Lapageria not Blooming. I have a fine Lapageria rosea It is in its fourth year and has not flowered. It is growing up netting fixed to a flass partition between greenhouse and vinery, and as plenty of light. Its stems are bare for about 3 or 4 feet, but its extremities are well covered with young leaves. Should I make cuttings of these, or cut the whole plant back, and if so, how much and when? BuRNsiDE, Morgan Co., HI. 134. Turnips Decaying. I send a sample of my Turnips as affected by rot. What cause can you ascribe? John R. Walsh, Cuyahoga Co., Ohio. 135. Concerning Amaryllis. Are they to be put in the cellar during winter? Also what color is the Johnsonii,and where can we procure Amarylhs seeds Mrs. A E. D., Hastings. Mich. REPLIES TO INQUIRIES. 109. Year-old Primrose, Such may be treated for future use by soaking the ball of earth, remov- ing athird or more of the soil and putting back in the same-sized pots or a size smaller, using light fresh earth The pots must be perfectly clean. Remove some of the poorer leaves. Shade for a week. 110. Clematis Protection. Cut the growth down to within 2 feet of the soil late in autumn, then protect with a forkful of coarse litter. A. H. E. 111. Well-water for Plants. Rain-water is per- haps to be preferred, other things being equal . Still we may say, after having used tens of thousands of barrels of both on plants, that we have never been able to see any special gain from using ram-water. 113. Boses for bloom may be kept in either temperature (60° and 45°); the flowers will come sooner in the former, but be finer in the latter. 122. Pomegranate not Blooming. Perhaps it has too much shade. It doesn't like that. Given rich soil, good drainage, plenty of sunlight in the summer time, and then the protection of a cool greenhouse or of a cellar in the winter, and the plant should delight you with blossoms. They do not need much pruning, only enough to regulate the general shape,— more will be at the expense of bloom. The time to repot is just after being taken from the winter quarters. IS6. Polyantha Roses South. These Roses are moderately hardy, hence should succeed readily in the open air the year through in Middle Georgia. 127. Begonias, like most other plants,flower finer for being in a measure pot-bound at the time. A better way of saying this is, that while plant growth is active the plants should be shifted into larger Eots each time before they become much pot-bound, ut when the flowering season is at hand, cease from this. Then after the flowering season is past, let the plants rest for a spell, by withholding free watering, after which shift up for a new season of growth and bloom. A. H. E. 139. Planting Magnolias. To insure success in their transplanting, they should be moved in the spring, never in the fall; and the Chinese varieties at that period when they are coming into bloom; and, consequently, before the leaves make their ap- pearance. Great care should be exercised in their removal, the fibrous roots being preserved as nearly as possible, and carefully gxiarded from any expos- ure to wind or sun. VVhile almost any good soil is sufficient to insure their growth, they succeed best in a soil which is warm, rich and dry.— Ellwanger dt Bari-y's Catalogue. 106. Artificial Fountain. To make a fountain there must be a head of water, a flow pipe with dis- charging jet, a fountain basin and an overflow or waste pipe. The head of water may be found either in public water works having some force, or in water from an elevated tank, a% in the loft of some adjoining building. This tank may be a com- mon stave cistern, and should be large enough to hold water for a flow of a week or more. A force pump worked by hand or by a windmill - should connect the supply tank with the well or cistern. Provision might also be made to conduct the water from the eaves of the roof to the tank. The higher this tank the stronger and more lively will be the fountain. The pipe should be ordinary 1-inch water pipe, extending underneath theground from the tank or street water pipes to the fountain. Whether a regular fountain stand of fancy iron or copper be used, or instead simply a jet from the supply pipe, at the surface of the water in the tank, is a matter of taste; the latter is pleasing and in- expensive In either case the pipe should terminate in a screw top to regulate the jet. The fountain basin should be made of brick laid in cement and resting on a stone foundation; the inside of the basin should be cemented smooth The overflow may consist of an erect iron pipe extending from the bottom, or else from the side near the bottom of the basin, with a strainer top at the desired height of the water, and the lower end connecting with a drain to admit of the escape of the waste. Where these things can be provided it is easy to have a pleasing fountain. 131. Wasps' Nests. The best way of destroying these insects is with methylated chloroform or cya- nide of potassium. One or two tablespooufuls of the latter quietly injected into the entrance of the nest at night will not interfere with their entrance, and in 2-1 hours they will all be dead. Petroleum injected in and then ignited is good, but the potas- sium is the best. L. P. J . 134. Turnips Decaying. The symptoms are those of over-manuring. Turnips like liberal treat- ment; but when too much forced decay often sets in, and such is probably the cause of your failure. 135. Concerning Amaryllis. They may be kept in cellars during 3 months of the coldest weather. Johnsonii spectabiUs. a quite common variety, is wine-red with white stripes. Seeds can be procured of John Saul. Washington, D. C Should be sown as soon as ripe, or while fresh. W. F. L. 128. Gloxinia Treatment. They usually, but not always, flower the first season. In either case they should towards fall go to rest, by withholding water gradually, until the leaves turn yellow. Then they may be laid under the greenhouse pipes or place of about the same degree of heat, the pots turned on their sides, here to remain until spring. About the middle of March they should show signs of new growth, and then the old soil should be care- 1 886. POPULAR GARDENING. fully removed and the bulbs be potted in two and three inch pots. The soil should be of equal parts ^ood turfy, loam, leaf mould and peat. Start them in a moist atiuosphere. of 00^ by night, afterwai'ds incfeasiiig this ti.i 70^' for the main growth 1^. Ivy Geranium. It requires no special treat- mem dilTerent in winter from any other (Jeranium. GOOD THINGS GATHERED UP. Choice things bring a great price. Let each of us see if we can produce what can't be excelled, and must be appreciated — Home and Farm. Setting out Onions for seed in the fall saves a great deal of time and is generally e^iually success- ful with setting in the spring. — .-ij**. Ai/rirult}in'sf. Selection of Varieties. The best writei-s upon fruit-growing sa3- little or nothing about varieties, now, knowing choice to be a very local question, varying on each side of a road or creek, between two seasons, or two different and equally correct methods of treatment.— T/ie Cnurant Stopping a Large Hole with Putty. Take small tai-ks and di'ive them into the hole in all directions, the more crooks the better for the purpose wanted, and then take putty, mixed soft and pliable, forcing the same thoroughly all through and among the tacks, then letting the first dose dry hard, after which re-putty to the surface.— Carr»/(/e Monthly. Cabbage Flavoring Milk. Do not believe the statement that cows can be fed on Cabbage leaves just after milking and the flavor of the Cabbage will not gel into the butter This is the best way to feed Cabbage to cows, but it is only a temporary re- lief. If the cows are thus fed for several days the flavor of Cabbage will get all through their system, and it will injure the butter; it will require another week to get it out again. — Agriculture. Botating crops and turning under vegetable matter is maimring in itself, and is the best manur- ing we can do: it is permanent if regularly kept up. We see land that has been annually heavily and ex- pensively fertilized with commercial fertilizers that is getting more exhausted every year. I account for it in this way, that the land lacks humus (de- cayed vegetationt. and without humus manures do but little i^e>(yt\.~Gi<)njiii Corr. Di.cie Fantier. The Apple Crop Abroad. A London Apple cir- cular, from entirely reliable parties, confirms what has alread,v been published about the failure of the Apple crop in Europe. In England there will not be above a quarfer of a crop. In France, though there is a good crop in some sections, there will be none to interfere with .\merican Apples in England, Holland will have a good half crop, but they will be * held at high prices all the season, by reason of the demand from Germany. In Belgium early Apples are in bad crop, late Apples in good crop, but a good many are likely to go to Germany, where the crop is a failure. From the above conclusions the circu- lar ventures to say that the prospect for American Apples is exceptionally good this j"ear. Orchard Success. In three years I improved the production of my fruit trees from 15 to 2txi bushels. as follows; I first reduced the top one-fourth; then in the fall I plowed the soil toward the trees. Between the trees I allowed the plow to run deep, so that the water would settle away from them. In the spring I hauled a fair quantity of manure, pul- verized it well, and made up some hills, in which I planted some Corn and Beans and I'nmpkins The following spring I repeated this. My trees began to grow very fast, and that fall I harvested 70 bushels of very good Apples. The next spring I manured for the third time, planted it to Potatoes, and harvested 200 bushels of fruit. I changed the yield of a yellow Bell-flower tree from three-fourths of a bushel to seven bushels From my experience I am of the opinion that most trees have too nuich top for the amount of roots, and a deficiency of nourishment. I like fall or winter pruning. — rni'linil Finin.r. Hardy Flowers. The fii-st reason why they should be more cultivated is for their beaut.v. They afford not only a great variety in habit of the plant, but much diversity and beauty of foliage, while the flowers present an interminable variety in form and color. In time of blooming they range from the earliest spring to latest autumn, and by a projjer .selection a continuous bloom can be kept up during the entire season. Another reason is their permanence. When the foliage fades, or the frost ends their career, that is not the last of them, but we know that they will appear the following spring in new strength and beauty. Another reason is, they pay good diviilends. One can give away the increase, and still be as rich as he was before; at the same time he can do good to his neighbors and friends by adding to their enjoyments. They are but little trouble is a reason that will commend itself to many. When once planted they may usually be left for three or four years, and in some cases much longer. They are generally abundant bloomers, and many are excellent for cut flowers.— Wodlson a Cu.'.'i Catalogue. Oil and Sulphur for Mildew. .\ paint of Linseed oil an5 cents a dozen. Now mind and plant your bulbs, mainly in clumps, each sort by itself. To find the age of a tree, a smart boy tells us, learn when it was planted. Prompt renewals are a delight to any pub- lisher's heart. Think about this. Poppy alcohol is a new German product. A good deal of it is being made, they say. If flowers are nature's jewels, then garden- ers are jewelers, for they set the flowers. " My Nose Garden " is what Mrs. G. S. R. calls a plat of all sweet^smelling flowers. The Grape-vine is long-lived; with fair care it will outlive its planter. Treat the vines well. As Onions induce sleep, let us suggest that they be eaten not earh' in the day, but about bed-time. All these bits of information from readers help much to make this journal so bright and useful. " It's an ill wind that blows no good," quoth the glazier, when called to repair the hail- damaged grapery. The India Rubber tree fruits occasionally. It is a near relative to the Fig, and the fruit is somewhat similar. Trees for Profit. Next to live-stock, tree raising is the most profitable product of Nebraska. — Hujiey. Many subscriptions expire with this month. Need we say to such subscribers, renew? We expect you will do so of course. " Popular Gardening " should now be more widely known than ever. Reader, will you speak a word for it as you can? Striped Calceolarias. These novelties are from iSenary of Erfurt, Germany, the flowers being striped instead of spotted. Lime and soot dressings around the growing Celery will save it from slugs, worms, etc., helping the growth at the same time. A dollar-bill now pays for Popular Gar- dening in its enlarged and improved state for one entire year. Less iu clubs of five. We think you must like the prominence we give Downing's apt words about fine fruit in the Fruit Head elsewhere in the paper. The easiest raised flowers are often the most beautiful. The Pansy, Hardy Phlox, Weigelia, Mock Orange, and so on, are in our mind. Charcoal. " I have a sack of charcoal and whenever I plant anything I put a little in the soil before inserting the plants," writes J. L. Forget-me-nots. Do the readers know that those from seed are hardier than those raised by division or cuttings? — P. E., Finhkill, N. V. The qnestion as to whether window plants should be turned or not seems to be decided in favor of not turning them where bloom is the object. We have been thinking that every subscriber could get oue or more [persons to take this paper if they tried for it. Will you, good reader, not try? Rotten cheap — a basket of fai-gone Pears in front of a huckster's stall, bearing this placard, "6 for 1 cent." A country boj' wouldn't look at such fruit. The Japan ftuince sometimes takes a notion to bloom twice a year; just now a bush in a Delaware-avenue yard in this city is showing numerous flowers. No Trapaeolum wUl flower during midwinter in a house having a lower temperature than 45° at night. In a heat of 60° they are pretty and free bloomers. "Bridget" don't like the name of a certain gar- den flower. ' ' Tisn't a noice name they have at all. I heard your own mother herself calling them spitunias," she said. To bury large stones that are met is a good way of treating them. Their presence in the soil, even when deep down, helps to maintain moisture in dry weather. ■When you renew, or at any time, couldn't you drop us some information on flowers, fruits or vegetables that would be of interest to the family at large? We would like this. The threads of the Yucca or Spanish Bay- onet ai'e made into brushes, which from their softness answer better than anything else in the apiaiy for brushing around bees. Toads. Our old gardener used to years ago say " them venomous twoads." He is a citizen now and has learned many things, among others to call toads " gardeners' friends." England Reports Again as Follows : Last number of Popular Gardening received this morning. I like it very much and enclose a check, that it may be sent me constantly. " Fruit Recorder " subscribers will receive this combined paper in place of the former Fruit Recorder (now discontinued as such) for the terms of their respective subscriptions. Grass Edges. Say what you will, it is hard to find a finer edge for between walk and flower bed than a strip of well-kept grass one foot in width. Old Gardener. Crown Imperials, gi-and plants that they are, if at all to be re-set should have this attended to now. But let it be borne in mind that they do not like being moved about much. Expensive " Floral Rugs." The actual value of the plants which this year entered into the "Floral Rugs," on the grounds of John Hoey Hollywood, N. J., it is said, reached .S100,000, and the labor half as much more. The sale in the town markets of Narcissus and other spring bulbous flowers from coimtry gardens each spring is now considerable. This might be kept in mind by many of our readers when fixing up the garden. An amateur, according to the rulings of the American Institute's (New York) schedule of competitive articles for their October show, is the owner of any articles who does not make his living by growing them for sale. Quiet Colors. " Elder's Wife " offers to the family of readers the sensible suggestion that by painting the plant pots with quiet grays or browns, instead of flaming reds or gi'eens, the plants in them will show off better. A Mammoth Orchid. Some time ago Mr. Hunuewell of Wellesley, Mass., showed it. The plant was a Ccelogyne cristata and was three feet across, a perfect sheet of flowers. The Coelogj'ne was figured iu our February issue. A Meditation. No simple act that we com- mon mortals can do may be so fraught with future benefits as the act of tree-planting. Plant a tree to-daj' and generations to come may not live to see the end of its benign effects. A word now to you who are growing Chrys- anthemums ; Never allow them to want f or water. For the best shaped plants, the shoots must be tied out to stakes projecting outwai-ds from the soil. And do not overlook liquid manure for soil exhaustion. A Fine Elm. The writer recently met a re- markably fine White Elm in the Chemung River flats near Elmira, N. Y. The trunk near the ground measured Ifl feet in circum- ference ; the branches spread across about 90 feet in diameter of ground. The Cuthbert. Do you hesitate over a Rasp- berry to plant for the family (or for market) ? A PUTTYING IMPLEMENT.— See opposite page. Then try Cuthbert. It is a fine, large, sweet, fti-m Red, well suited to about all sections; hardy, but not so much so but that a slight cover over winter is of service. What the Popular Gardening tree now wants is a strong growth in the direction of clubs. WiU our readers see to it that a good development comes along in this direction; it is a pai't they can well attend to. As the growth matures send in the names. Now See to It! Last spring when you admired neighbor A's fine Tulips and other bulbs do 3^ou remember promising yourself that your own garden — then bare of flowers in the eai'ly spring — should next spring be in good array? Now is your season to fulfill the promise. Central Park, New York, is soon to have twelve new propagating houses. More atten- i886. POPULAR GARDENING. 1 1 tion is to be paid to the bedding system of adorn- ment in the future than has been done. The old park don't like to be left so far behind the parks of the younger cities. But can New York afford the extravagance? More Poetry Wanted. Fine gardening has well been called the poetry of Nature. As LippincolPs Miiijazinf well suggests, with the Bible, Shakespeare and the Brownings, the world is not greatlj' in need of more vei-se poetrj-; but it is greatly in need of more fruit, more flowei"s and more beautiful gardens. Gill-over-the-Ground. This plant, also called Ground Ivy (Ncpeta ijlccomn), is by some voted a nuisance. I, by my treatment, say otherwise. I set the plants in a vase and not another thing besides. Then they cannot spread beyond, and the growth droops gracefully and to a great length over the sides. My vases of these are things of real beauty. May. Those who cannot gi'ow Rhododen- drons should take Popular Gar- dening's advice and plant Pseonies. These succeed in all sections, and while, to be sure, they are not Rhodo- dendrons, a fine collection of sorts will afford almost as large a variety of color as will these, and the plants are quit^ as handsome in foliage after the flowers are gone. There is no better time to plant these than Just now. Arrange the plants in bold masses for the best effects. Natural Gas for heating and illumi- nating dwellings, factories, etc., is attracting much attention within a section some hundreds of miles from the oil and gas regions of Pennsyl- vania. Even the florists are getting interested. We learn that Paul Butz & Sons, New Castle, Pa., are to heat their entire greenhouse range with gas the coming winter. When in Buffalo we see how close the natural gas mains are laid to the lines of trees in some streets, our gravest appre- hensions for the future wellfare of the trees are aroused. With a large increase of readers, the Inquiry Column is grovping. That is right. But will not all our readers do a part in answering the questions? We just believe that what our large family don't know about gardening matters don't amount to much. But how shall all learn of what each member knows, unless each one speaks out; For this is Popular Gardening published, that our family maj' have a medium of communication. So speak out, every one. Answer something. Ask something. Write about something. Good Reasons. A tree expert was recently testifying in this city as to the value of trees on land to be taken for park purposes, when the following dialogue occurred: Crnss-e.ram- ininij Lawyer — You say the tree is seven feet in circumference, at four feet from the ground. Why do you not give its diameter, which would be a smaller-sounding figure. Tree Eseperf — I can't measure through a tree, but I can measure around it. C.-e. Lawyer — Whj' do you take all measurements at four feet from the ground ; Tree Expert — To keep the knees of my pants clean. C.-e. Lti wyer — That will do. Gardening is a healthy occupation, as is shown both by observation and statijtics. According to figures compiled at the recent Health Exhibition in London, gardeners had a better chance of life than any other class out of some 80 classes, clergymen alone excepted. Taking 1,000 as an average standard number of deaths within a given period, among all the classes, then of gardeners included, who die, the number is hardly more than half the aver- age, that is, .5.5!) ; farm hands, C5o ; farmers, 075 ; namely, 1, 12,5 ; while brewere come at 1,361 ; and inn-keepers, 1,.521. Advertising by means of a bed of Holland bulbs is done by one enterprising firm in this city. Adjoining the floral depot of this firm, in the heart of the town, is a small triangle of land owned by the city. This these florists have gained permission to adorn with flowers. Every fall they plant it with .some imported Hyacinths, Tulips, Crocuses and so on, using perhaps a thousand bulbs each time. Then for some weeks during the following spring there medical men a little above the average, I along the sash bar in a straight line just as wanted, and with the greatest ease. Mr. Peter Henderson was heai'd to say concerning it, that if he had had it in use for the past 15 3-ears he would have saved many thousands of dollars in the cost of glazing. It is just as well adapted to the use of the owner of a single hot-bed or small glass house. What is in a Name. The good old words garden and gardening should not be narrowed down to less than their full meaning. Judging by the frequency such names as Floral Guide, Floral Magazine, Floral Instructor, Fruit Grower, Fruit Guide, etc. , are met, all of which are applied to publica- tions or to matter relating to garden- ing in all departments, we think there is some danger of this. Then again we have noticed an inclina- tion to consider only vegetable growers as gardeners. All this is wrong; the grower of either fruits, flowers, ornamental plants or escu- lents is a gardener. [See Webster and Worcester.] Popular Garden- ing, in name as well as in fact, means to do its share always in retaining the right meaning for these words. In England they act wisely as to this — nearly every one of the numerous gardening journals there published embraces the word garden or gardening in the ti'uest and widest sense. Soot-water for Plants. Chas. A. Geist, of Luzerne Co., Pa., sends in the following valuable article: Soot- water as a fertilizer is unequaled for the amateur's use ; always within reach, effective and not unpleasant to handle. To prepare: Gather a peck of soot, place it in a coarse bag and suspend this in a barrel of water. Work the bag about, once or twice a day, keeping it in the water for ten days, when the liquid is ready for use. Where there are many plants there should be two barrels of the water, the one in preparation while the other is being used. LTse it clear. I don't know the plant it would injure if applied while growth is going on. Even such delicate-rooted plants as Erica I have kept in splendid health in the same pots for seven and eight years by the aid of soot^ water ; and such plants as Callas, Camellias, Azaleas and Roses may have regular supplies the whole year round. Such subjects as Fuchsias, Pelargoni- ums, Cydamens.Primulas and Ferns are greatly benefited by it while they are in active gi'owth. SOME BULBS NOT SO GENERALLY GROWN. is a fine display of flowers, and which, from its close contact to and strong contrast with sidewalks, streets and buildings, commands the gaze of many thousands of passers-by. In the way of advertising the firm who plants the bed it no doubt pays well for its cost. Lily of the Palace is one of the common, as it is a most appropriate name of the Agapanthus. Our wonder is that the plant is not more grown by amateurs, for it is perhaps without a single equal among summer pot-plants for adorn- ing the veranda and plant stand. Beginning with June, its large clusters of Lily-shaped flowers borne on long stalks well above the leaves appear, the blooms lasting for many weeks. The color is blue, in various delicate shades on different plants. The plants are shapely gi'owers always, and in time become noble specimens. As thej' may be wintered in a resting state, in any partly lighted place free from frost, and be grown most easily in the open air in summer, they are really an ideal house-plant for amateurs. A Puttying Implement. While at the Phila- delphia Convention of Florists we noticed a simple and inexpensive device of this kind ex- hibited by H. W. Williams & Sons, Batavia, 111. Since then we have ordered one of the same, and are so much pleased with it that we had the accompanying engraving made for our readers' benefit. The bulb in the hand is rubber, and similar to that of the well-known flower sprinkler; fill this with soft putty and by com- pressing the hand the putty is forced out and Some Bulbs not so Generally Grown. At this season of hardy bulb planting one must not forget that there are numerous fine kinds of bulbs besides those of the Holland class, which are entitled to attention. We will here name some of these. It may be necessary to say that of the kinds that follow some are not kept in stock by those dealere who handle dry bulbs, but are to be had from the hardy plant and bulb nurseries: Golden or Winter Aconite { Eraiiflii.i liyeniali.'i). This is one of the very earliest bulbs. The flowers are of a beautiful bright yellow, star-shajjed, spreading out close to the ground. On this account they are even more showy than the Crocuses, which they precede by a few days. Perfectly hardy. Spring Star Flower (Trilelia nnijlorti}. This is shown in the lower half of the engraving on this page, (for the use of which engraving we are indebted to the courtesy of Messrs. Schlegel & Fottler, seed and bulb merchants of Boston, Mass.) The flowers are white, with a violet-blue line in each petal, of good sub- [ 2 POPULAR GARDENING. October, stance, remaining in bloom for a considerable time. The}' are perfectly hardy and also well suited to pot culture. Alliums. This genus comprises numerous varieties, many of which produce beautifully colored blossoms, but some are rather ordinary wild flowers. The one shown in the upper part of the engraving {Ni'iipnlitdunm) is one of the prettiest and gives a good idea of the flowers of this class. Of the easiest culture. Wood Htacinth (.SViV/ri). These are charm- ing early-blooming bulbous plants of bright^ colored flowers, chiefly blue. There are num- erous sorts: they are perfectly hardy. Some of the best for common culture are Amoenci, trifolid and Camiianuhita. Their colors are excellent for contrasting with other early- flowering bulbs. Autumn Crocus {Colchicmn). A genus of profuse blooming plants, the flowers of which are similar to those of the Crocus. The pre- vailing colors are white, lilac and rose, and some are variegated. Of the easiest culture. Fbitillaria. This class embraces the old favorite Crown Imperial, as well as the Guinea- hen Flower and the Golden Fritillaria, which is a native of Oregon. They are a beautiful and showy class. A light soil suits them the best. The Muscabias. One of the species of this genus, the Grape Hyacinth or Baby's Breath, is well known. The Feathered Hyacinth and the Musk Hyacinth are much more rare. The former especially is very ornamental, the petals of which are cut into filaments like hairs. The Horticultural Convention at Cleveland, Sept. 7th to 1 Oth. A good number of the stanch men from all parts of the country, who have done, and ai-e now doing, so nuii-h to make our horticulture what it is, gathered at the above named con- vention. Some ladies were present, but we should like to have seen more. The attendance of delegates wouhl have been even larger had it not been that the meeting was held so late that the fall fairs prevented many from coming. Then the railioatls discriminated against this convention by refusing to carry delegates at reduced rates. They have declared that hereafter they will give reduced rates only to attend conventions either of a " religious, edu- cational or benevolent nature". We have never heard of a more unjust ruling. Conventions of this character are not only educational in their character, but that, too, in a direction ex- tending most benign influences on all classes, while tending directly to the increaseof railway freights, benefiting the railroads. The associa- tion strongly condemned such a poUcy, and appointed Mr. Albaugh a committee of one to make a statement of the case to the proper au- thorities, and induce them if possible to change their rulings. On the first day, after some preliminary matters, including an address of welcome by Mayor Gardner, the able address of President Parker Earle was delivered. It was a compre- hensive paper, covering a wide field of horti- cultural observation. Following are some of the more prominent features of this admirable ANNUAL address: We are glad to meet in this great vineyard and garden center. When we organized this society we included only the Mississippi States, but later we became both in name and in tact an .\merican society. Societies bring people together for the comparison and enlargement of views It you could take away horticulture from the world, you would have bare walls and scanty food. We have new ideas, new fruits, new flowers, new diseases, requiring our attention. No agency so quickens investigation as organized societies. Horticulture has outgrown the old acceptance of the term; the word now relates to all that embel- lishes the home, the farm, the garden and the park. Horticulture has its aesthetic side, and its economic side, and wtiieh has developed most in the last 2h years would be hard to say. Horticulture co-oper- ates witli education, religion and moral culture. A half century since how few and small were the nurseries of the coxmtry. All honor to the men who built up this business, and made our country the most fruitfid and the most flowerful under the sun. Thirty years ago tlie fruit of the Chicago market could have been carried in a wagon : now it takes whole trains to supply that market. The Wilson Strawberry marks the era when the first efforts were made toward modern horticulture. Thirty years ago the Peaches for the Chicago mar- ket came from our small orchards. Now Chicago receives Peaches from California and from Dela- ware, as. well as from neighboring fields. Thirty years ago all the Grapes in America grew in the Ohio Valley. Now every man can eat Grapes from his own vines, and good fnut can be grown in every Stat« and Territory. One of the difficulties to overcome is to get equal distribution of our productions. I do not believe we are producing too much, but we are marketing too poorly. I think we should call for a Bureau of Pomology under the Department of Agriculture, as recommended by the Commissioner. We should also know more about Russian and Asiatic fruit culture. The Government should take up and complete this work During the four days of the meeting a goodly number of papers were read, most of which were followed by lively and instructive dis- cussions. We make room below and elsewhere in this issue for some of the remarks advanced, reserving some others for future issues. After Mr. M. J. Smith's paper (to appear later) on this s.ibject, the following and some other irform- ation was advanced ON PROTECTION OF CROPS FROM DROUGHT: Professor Claypole said that tlie carbonate of pot- ash in ashes absorbed much moisture from the at- mosphere, and would hold this despite the great heat of the sun. . . . Mr. Smith said he used both leached and dry ashes on his farm indis- criminately. . Mr. Caywood, of New York, advised that small tiles be used, on the principle that the smaller the drainage the bet- ter it will be for the grounds. . . . Professor McKay thought drainage was a big thing in rainy weather, but during the past sunmier the wet weather was succeeded by a dry month, and the tile-drained land did as well in the latter season as during the wet period. ... Dr. Townsend was of the opinion that the smaller the tile, if it will carry the water, the better. His farm was drained with two-inch tile, with larger sizes for mains. Willow trees plugged up drains very effectually. Peach trees were bad for plugging drains, but Apple trees seldom stopped up the tiles. ON NUT CULTttRE FOR PLEASURE, Mention was made that Patrick Barry had re- ported a heavy and regular yield of English Wal- nuts in gardens in the suburbs of Rochester, N. Y. . . . .J. T. Lovett: I have seen trees in bearing in New Hersey and Pennsylvania. I fail to see why the English Walnut should not prove highly remun- erative in any place where the tree thrives. . . . Mr. Earle said nut trees were fast disappearing, and this was especially true as regards the Pecan, which in the South wasapaylnginvestment. . . . Mr. Van Deman, said that the English Walnut was a failure in the West, and Mr. Lindley and others said that in the South, in his section the nut paid :100 per cent profit annually upon the cost of culture and land. . . . Mr. Albaugh said the sweet American Chestnut grows well in Miami County, Ohio, but ripens no nuts; the burr seems to blast. . . . Professor Claypole said the Span- ish Chestnuts and English Walnuts In the experi- ments made did not seem able to stand the winters of the North. The Chestnut did not freely fruit except upon a sandstone or shale soil. Hickorynuts, he thought, were the kernels for Americans to make money from, if they could trim down the shell and enlarge the kernel without losing its sweetness so as to make it compete with the imported nuts of Europe. . . . Mr. Williams, of Lake County. O., said that the soil had much to do with the growth of trees. Butternuts would grow in Northern Ohio, while Walnuts flourish also. One of his neighbors sold many bushels every year, realizing good profits. ON COMPARATIVE GROWTH OF TREES Professor Lazenby: I have made experiments with a number of common trees. The seeds were sown in the spring of 1881. Our Locust and Catalpa trees are fast growers and make good wood to cul- tivate for profit. For fence posts and like use the Locust is much superior to the Catalpa. I think that for profit the Ash is one of our most promis- ing and most thrifty trees The rows of Ash trees grew with great regularity and stood crowding better than any other tree we have cultivated. There is a great demand for young Ash as well as old Ash, The Soft or Red Maple grows more rapidly than the Sugar Maple, but I noticed that the Sugar Maple grew well the third year. On the bottom lands of Ohio the Chestnut will not grow naturally and hence cannot be raised for profit. Our soil does not take kindly to it and our Chestnut trees are dwarfed, I do not think we would gain much by calling for forests on account of the cli- mate. Cultivate for the money that is in timber, and if the forests help the climate so much the better. If you have land you don't cultivate, utilize it for timber. Plant seeds in the winter and let healthy young trees take the place of unprofita- ble timber that shoidd be cut from the woodland. OFFICERS FOR ENSUING YEAR. President — Parker Earle, of Cobilen, 111. First Vice-President — E. M. Hudson, of New Orleans, La. Secretary — W. H. Regan, of Greenville, Ind. Treasurer — J. C. Evans, of Harlem, Mo. THE EXHIBITS of Fruits, Flowers, etc. , at the convention was large and attracted much attention, not only from the memljers, but from other visitors. A pleasant termination to the business of the meeting was the visit to the vineyards of Euclid and vicinitj', on Friday, as the guests of the Cuyahoga Horticultural Society. THE HOUSE PLANTS. Begonias ft>r winter flowers to be encouraged by liberal watering; plenty of light (not necessarily sunshine); let them be not unduly crowded. The Rex or Show-leaf class, from now until after mid-winter, should be but lightly watered and may be kept in the shadiest part of the stand. Tuberous ones now to be rested, those from the summer beds by lifting and covering with dry earth or sand where it does not freeze; the pot plants to be undisturbed except to dry them off, storing for the winter in some place like just named. Bulbs of the Hyacinth class to be potted for winter bloom during the month. Pot firmly, but shallow, in light rich soil ; set in cool dark quarters, or better j-et, cover the pots six inches deep with coal ashes, soil or the like, for a spell of six weeks before bringing to light. Hyacinths grown in glasses are very attractive The glasses may be had of the bulb dealers, the cheapest ones being as good as any. the dark ones better than those of clear glass. As to bulbs, select such only as are solid and heavy; they must not come from the cheapest grades; only single ones should be used; the early bloomers are better than late ones. To start them, fill each glass with clear water to within }4 inch of the bulb in its place. Fer- tilizing substances or charcoal in the water are un- necessary. Wrap the glasses in paper or cloth and set in a cool, dark closet. When the roots are growing freely, as they will be in a few weeks, bring to the window Give a light place; add water to make up for evaporation, but never to touch the bulb. Bin-niirfdi- GivenhoHse use— See " Arranfiing^^ opp. Geraniums are a main standby. Those kept from bloom up to this time may now go ahead for fall flowers. Those from the summer beds to have tops reduced one-third or more— hardly any danger of cutting too much. The Ivy -leaf class are especi- ally fine tor the house. Geraniums closely cut back and potted winter well in a good dry cellar; much growth left on leads to decay. Half-Hardy Plants like Roses, Daphnes. Aucubas Enonynuis, Jasminums, (;>leanders, (Olives, Pittospo- rum, Pomegranate, Rosemary, etc., should be brought to winter quarters before hard frosts. A 1 886. POPULAR GARDENING. 13 good, dry. partly-lighted cellar is a suitable place for them, or a glass-covered pit in a sheltered spot outside will answer. Hanging Baskets and interior window boxes to be started early and kept outdoors or under the veranda for a while, to become well established. Lifted plants to be lightly sprinkled several times a day until flagging of the leaves ceases. It is not best to take the window plants in for final at once,bnt to gradually accustom them to shae done. Work up the plat deeply, make even and roll or beat firmly. Take turf from common pasture ground that is free from weeds and coai"se grasses, cut to 1^^ inches thick, in s<|uares of one foot or more, or in strips 4 feet long, roUing tliem up for handling hay evenly and with close joints, making up for any thin pieces by work- ing fine soil underneath; for thick ones, by shaving down the bed. and finish with a thorough beating. PLANT CULTURE UNDER GLASS. Air and Heat. Open ventilators full height on bright days, to admit free currents of air among the plants To avoid fire heat, as far as possible consistent with the safety of the plants, should be the rule right along now and for weeks to come. Arranging. The new season under glass begins As plants come in, study individual needs as to heat, light and so on— placing accordingly. Don't mix indiscriminately; keepbardwooded b}^ hardwooded, those requiring much water by similar ones, etc. For aiding the handling of plants, soil, pots, etc., in the greenhouse, we find a barrow of om*own con- struction, like the accompanying outline, and to be about 20 inches wide, for entering the walks, a great convenience. The wheel is an ordinary barrow wheel, to be slipped in and out as needed. Calceolarias, and similar seed-grown plants, will be puslung lively under a fair chance. Shift promptly as needed, water well but do not over-water, keep near glass and clear of insects, provide air freely. Chrysanthemums. Keep the plants uncrowded. well manured, and give liquid manure twice a week until bloom shows color, but no longer. Thin the buds where crowded, especially of iarge-llowered sorts. The house in which they are growing to be kept rather drj- through the dowering season Cinerarias. Treat as directed for Calceolarias. Cyclamens to be kept in a warm light place, and to be well encouraged for bloom. Lantanas. By lifting the fine Elegant i^sima and potting, it forms an exquisite spring blooming plant. Uignonette. For early spring, sow in pots of light, rich soil, which keep in a warm place. Orchids geiiei-ally are resting, in which case less watei-. a cooler and drier atmosphere and more ven- tilation is wanted than when growth is on. Those cases where growth is not j-et done, it must not be checked or spot will result. Syringe and water Lfver and Screw Barrel Hfathrs for PackuKj. Petunias. The treatment for Calceolarias will suit. Roses for cut bloom to be syringed twice daily, and to have a temperature of 55° to 1)5* at night. Shrubs for forcing, such as Lilacs, Daphnes. Weigelas, Deutzias, Flowering Plum, Spirea. Kal- mias, and so on, to be potted by end of month. Violet runners and weak shoots to be kept closely back, lifting and potting the forcing plants about the end of the month and standing them in an airy frame for a mouth longer. Give full air as long as possible. Keep clear of decaying leaves. FRUIT GARDEN AND ORCHARD. Bins for Fruit. New ones to be built, old ones to be cleaned seasonably. Make them shallow and then more of them. Fruit picked early and binned will keep longer than that picked late. Borers in Apples, Quinces, etc., to be dug out at the first leisure, and the sooner the better. Cuttings of Currants, Gooseberries and Grapes to be put in, cutting them with 3 eyes. Plant an inch or two apart in rows, and these 2 1-2 to 3 feet apart. Set firmly with the top eye just even with the surface. Later cover with leaves, hay or straw ; this to be removed in the spring. A. M. P. Evaporating of Fruit. Give windfalls and re- fuse suitable for drying attention daily. Large fruits are scarce and good evaporated ones must bring money. Fruit from evaporators should be thoroughly cured, but not britllely dry. It may feel damp and yet be drj' enough to keep for years. Grapes. Concords and other thin-skinned soits to be marketed about as soon as ripe. The thick- skinned ones will keep well for mouths. With such let late use and marketing be taken advantage of, picking carefully, and after leaving in a cool room for several days to toughen the skin, wrap the clus- ters separately in paper or pack m small boxes and then store in a drj* and cool place. Packing Apples. For this use clean barrels, tak- ingi>ut one head and starting against the other end, which is to be opened fii-st. Fill in without bruising the fruit, settling or shaking the barrel sometimes, and until it is above even full. Bring the head in place with a screw or a lever barrel header, such as we show in the engraving, to be bought for a dollar or upwards apiece. The fruit may be pressed even to bruise a little against the head to advantage- Fears. Autumn sorts to be picked just before maturing; winter ones may be left on the trees until in danger of freez- ing. The latter can go to no better place for keeping well than to a cool cellar, so moist as to prevent shriveling, yet dry enough to prevent molding and finally rot. Picking of fruit to go on lively now. A dry, clear day is the best for the work. After all the pains of growing fruit, don't spoil it by bad handling, or by poor sorting. Inferior fruit detracts vastly more from general appearance in the mai'ket than the bulk amounts to— leave it out. Never shake from the trees or pour around any but cider or paring fruit. Strawberries. Planting should be hurried up rapidly. Keep off runners from plants set last month or the month before. Blanching Celery hi a Ban^el. VEGETABLE GARDEN. Asparagus. Cut down when half withered. Cleanup the bed with a hoe (spading is injurious! and apply a 4-inuh coat of half rotten manure. Beets to be taken up before hard frosts; cut the leaves an inch from the crown, store in sand or dry earth in a cool cellar. Oi- they may go into pits. Blanching Celery, A good way to do this is to lift the plants from the ground, leaving a little soil adhering to the roots. Take common fiour barrels, put about two inches of sand in the bottom and on this i)lace your Celery in an upright position. Pack one layer in a barrel, as shown in the engrav- ing. Then put the barrel in a cool cellar, cover it witli a blanket, so that light is kept out, and in si.\ weeks your Celery will be blanched to the tips. E.xamine it once in a while, and if it seems to be too dry and showing signs of wilting, sprinkle it with water. Care must be tiiken not to over wet it. Broccoli. See directions below for CauUfiower. Cabbage plants sowed last month to be pricked into cold frames, putting about (iOO to a sash of 3xG. setting the plants rather deeply. Frames for this may be made of rough boards, to he 8 inches high in front and a foot at the rear, with cross rafters and cleats to support and fit close to the sash. Carrots. Treat the crop as directed for Beets. Cauliflowers. As they approach maturity, shaile with paper or by turning down the leaves. For young plants see directions under Cabbage. Endive to be blanched when the growth is well along, b}- gathering up the leaves and tying at the top. Blanching makes an end to growth. Lettuce and Tomato seed sown in a well pro- tected place this month and covered through winter will give early plants in the spring even to beat, it may be, tliose from a hot-bed. A. M. P. Potatoes to be welldried, but not unnecessarily ex- posed to light, even for one day, before storiug. Rhubarb. Treat in general as for Asparagus. Spinach. Till well, now that the growth is rapid. Turnips now grow well; should be kept hoed. FRUIT AND VEGETABLES UNDER GLASS. Grapery. After the fruit is ripe watering is to be withheld in part for a while. Later the borders should receive a fall dressing of bone dust and a thin layer of fresh loam. Houses in which Ham- burghs and other thin-skinned kinds are hanging must be kept dry and cool. Remove faulty berries before they taint their neighbors. Prune after the crop is removed. Lettuce. Plants from seed sown in August should be set out for the early crop under glass. Six or seven inches each way is enough room. The sash should be entirely off the house, except in the roughest weather for some time yet. Strew Tobacco stems between the plants to keep down aphis or green-fly, which is a chief enemy to the crop. Strawberries. As soon as the young plants in pots show a mat of roots about the ball shift into six-inch pots and plunge in saw-dust or coal ashes outside in airy place, here to remain until November. Received at This Office. CATALOGUHS. Chas, A. Green, Rochester, N. Y.. Fruits. Bristol Sisters. Topeka. Kansiis. Bulbs, etc. American Manufacturing Co.. Waynesboro. Pa.. Evaporators. Eastern Manufacturing Co.. Philadelphia, Pa.. Evaporatoi-s. Ellwanger & Barry, Rochester. N. Y., Boses. etc. E. H. Krelage & Sons, Haarlem. Holland. Bulbs. P. M. Augur & Sons, Middlefield, Conn., Straw- berries. Schultheis Bros., College Point. N. Y , Roses. Jenkin's Grape and Seedling Nursery, Winona, Ohio. Schlegel & Fottler. Boston, Mass., Bulbs, etc. OClschig & Meyer, Savannah, Ga., Roses, etc. R. Douglas & Son. Waukegan, 111 , Forest Trees. E. Bonner & Co., Xenia. Ohio. Roses. J C. Vaughan. Chicago. 111.. Bulbs. Hammond's Slug Shot, Fishkill. N. Y. John Saul, Washington D. C, Bulbs, etc. C. M. Hovey, Boston. Mass., Bulbous Roots. D. M. Ferry & Co,. Detroit, Mich., Bulbs, etc. L, W. Goodell, Dwight. Mass., Seeds. Joseph Breck & Sons, Boston. Mass., Bulbs etc. Wm. C. Beckert. Allegheny. Pa.. Bulbs, etc. Michel Plant and Seed Co.. St. Louis, Mo. Wm. C. Wilson, Astoria. N. Y.. Plants. Phcenix & Emerson, BloomingtoD, III., Nursery. MISCELLANEOUS. Bulletin No. If^ and Catalogue Agricultural Col lege. Lansing. Mich. Planting and Managing Vineyards, E. Ashley Smith, Lockport, N. Y. P.lliott's Landscape Gardening,Cloth. ittJ pp., Elli- ott's Hand-book for Fruit Growers, Cloth, 144 pp. D. M Dewey, Rochester, N. Y., Invitations to attend agricultural, horticultural, and other fairs and shows, with compHmentary tickets of admission, were received from many societies. For these, whether they were made use of by oui*selves or not, the societies who kindly sent tbem have our sincere thanks. '4 POPULAR GARDENING. October, ,s What the Flowers Say. The Red Rose says, " Be sweet," And the Lily bids. " Be pure," The hardy, brave Chrysanthemum, " Be patient and endure." The Violet whispers, '' Give, Nor grudge nor count the cost ; " The Woodbine, " Keep on blossoming. In spite of chill or frost." — Philadelphia Call. A single color for the best designs. Corsage Bouquets are worn very large. Dinner table decorations are kept even lower than in the past. A window basket planted alone with Wandering Jew forms a fine ornament. Large Palm leaves arranged in groups are being much used in room decoration. A broad, low vase filled with shoots of the Snow- berry, in leaf and fruit, forms a pretty table object. Shells as dower holders are coming in vogue. They are pretty by having the flowers made up somewhat one sided, with trailers freely used. The Panicled Hydrangea has been umch used of late for wear and decorations. Nothing can ex- ceed the beauty of a tall slender vase holding several fine specimens. Sweet Brier roots perfectly cleansed are among the finest of rustic material for trinuning baskets, window boxes and the like. Apply a coat of copal varnish after nailing in place. Simplicity in the use of flowers has reached its extreme limit in the style adopted now for table decoration, of loosely scattering a few flowers of one or two kinds, say Roses and Valley Lilies, over the table without any efTort at arrangement. Would you like a handsome, picturesque table object v Then take a glass vase and fill it with spikes of the Tritoma or Flame Flower, cut two feet long, and some straggling sprays of Ampelopsis with the leaves changing to autumn tints, and you have it Faded Flowers. Youug lady {to Turnkey)— C&n I take these dowers in to the prisoners, sir? Turn- key—Yes^ mem; the thieves an" pickpockets will be glad to get 'em. They dotes on flowers. But there ain't no murderers in now, mem. The last one was pardoned out j'esterday. Young lady— Oh, Vm so sorry. — X. Y. Times. The Autumn wild and shrub fruits, such as those of the Thorns, Mountain Ash, Berberry, Dogwood, Burning Bush, Snowberry, Bitter-sweet, Indian Cur- rant. Viburnums afford along with.their own foliage, as fine a kind of embelishing material for most oc- casions as may be wished for. It is better not to mix the different kinds, but arrange in heavy masses. Newport florists are not conventional in their ways of sei"ving their ultra-fashionable patrons, not they At one dinner given recently a piece of sod, thick with grass and Wild Daisies, was used for a centre piece. Around the edges some Red Roses were placed. The effect is said to have been very pretty indeed. At another the leading floral piece was made from a Wild Carrot plant in bloom. It was real beautiful in its way. A handsome piece as a leading one for a wedding is the Cornucopia. To start with a form 3 feet long and about 1 foot wide at the large end. is a good size. For the outside a simple covering of Adiantum fronds is very effective, but to make this surface of White Carnations or better yet of Golden Pansies Calendulas or Chrysanthemums, it would be still finer. Where the cost might be enlarged upon, to cover it with Golden Roses would be to reach the very height of beauty. The bouquet proper, in the large end, should be mainly of Roses, with some Violets or Lily of the Valley interspersed between. Let this part be devoid of all stiffness in its makeup. Plant Auctions. New York took the lead in introducing this way of driving the plant trade; now many of the secondary cities have them also. The auctions afford a direct means of bringing seller and buyer together, and large sales often take place in a remarkably short time at the rooms. On sale days the auction rooms present the appearance of a flower show, much pains being taken in the arrange- ment of plants and flowers to create a fine effect. The stock for sale is packed in convenient lots to suit the wants of all classes of buyers, and in a way to insure the safe carriage of the articles by express even to distant points. The people that are attracted to the auctions form some curious contrasts. Here you will find the practical florist, the lawyer and the merchant, competing keenly in the bidding. To the heavy purses of the monied men is to be attribu- ted in a good degree the fair prices which so often prevail at these sales. lolQ.nic^IB)\id^et Heart-wood is dead wood. Germany has 8 schools of forestry. Autumn flowers are scant of fragrance. Peach root tea is a remedy for epilepsy. Spines are in the nature of real branches. Ghinchona growing in hot-houses develop no quinine in the bark. Do Plants Actually FeeU The Sensitive Plants would answer that they do. The main stalks of Indian Corn bear only fertile or male flowers, while the suckers from near the ground have both fertile and sterile blooms. A Warning to Collectors. Several specimens of the flora of England are said to have been exter- minated by tourists, plant dealers and botanists. Such reports carry sorrow to all true plant lovers. Tulips, There is this curious thing about them, when forced, that they do not turn their growth towards the light as other plants do. Even under the center of a wide greenhouse stage we have found that they grow straight up. The tuber of the Potato is simply an enormouslj' swollen mass of the imderground stem. The cen- tral mass of starchy matter corresponds with the fruit of an ordinary stem, while the outer layers, constituting the skin, are equivalent to the bark or skin of the other. Sunflowers are used in Wyoming Territory for fuel. The stalks when dry are as hard as maple- wood and make a hot fire, and the seed heads with the seeds in are said to burn better than the best hard coal. An acre of Sunflowers will furnish fuel for one stove a year. Scientific American. Moisture from Trees. A few years ago a num- ber of scientists of New England made a careful calculation as to the amount of water given to the atmosphere by the " Washington Elm," Cambridge, Mass. They calculated that the leaves of the tree would cover 200,000 square feet of surface, and that they gave out every fair day during the growing season 15,500 lbs., or 7 3-4 tons of moisture.— J. B. P. Experiments in Inter grafting. Some experi- ments in this direction are reported by Strausberger showing remarkable results. Among herbaceous kinds of Solanaceas, Datura, Tobacco, Henbane, etc., were grafted successfully upon the common Potato. In the case of the Datura graft, the Potatoes were impregnated with atropine. It is said that Tschudy long ago grafted Tomato upon a Potato stock, and " gathered Potatoes from the bottom and Tomatoes from the tops of the same plant." Botanical Exhibits. A most instructive exhibit made at one of the winter shows of the Massachu- setts Horticultm'al Society was that of Mrs. P. D. Richards, consisting of native Wild Flowers and Mosses. Every plant, flower, fern or moss had been gathered in its season, well dried and mounted at no inconsiderable outlay of time and trouble, and ex- hibited not only with the botanical name, but the popular English or local name appended. Such exhibits always prove exceedingly interesting; the materials for them are everywhere at hand. A Prickly Grape-vine. There was sent to the Kew Herbarium, London, from China,in 18&4, a dried specimen of Vitis, accompanied by the following note: "Thorny Vine; cultivated at Kinhua; bears large purple Grapes," The foliage is said to be so hke that of Vitis vinif era' tha.t it might well be a variety of it, and Professor Oliver had named it ^^ Vitis luniferoe var? '^ But the prickles or bristles with which the stem is beset present a character unknown among all the numerous varieties of the common Grape-vine. It is at all events an interest- ing subject and attracts wide attention. It may pos- sibly prove the pro jenitor of the common Grape-vine. The Canterbury-bell. In the August Botanical Gazette B. W. Barton gives some interesting notes on the adaptation of this flower to cross-fertilzation through the agency of insects. The howers. as it is well known, are uniformily erect. The corolla on the inside is so smooth that even glass-climbing in- sects, such as flies, cannot cling to it. Most insects visiting the flower for the sweets in th^ bottom of the corolla, are unable therefore to escape by climbing the sides of the erect blooms, but they find it easy to escape by passing out over the style and stigma. The plant being proterandi'ous {that is with the anthers of the flowers perfected before the stigmas), cross-fertilization thus becomes almost inevitable. Bumblebees, spiders, house flies and crickets placed in the flowers were, with all their ready ability to climb, unable to escape except in the way indicated. Some small ants, however, seemed to find it as easy to ran over these smooth walls as if they had been sanded. How any con- siderable quantity of rain which might fall into these upright flowers could get out again the ex- perimentor did not discover. He says it is not unlike- ly that when a certain quantity of water does collect either by its weight it will bend the flower over and escape, or else its presence may excite some move- ment causing the flower to nod and dump it out. ABOUT THE PLACE. A good time for painting. Poor fences make unruly live stock. Dampness, more than cold, kills bees. Animals suffer in cold rains; fall pasturage is in our mind. We find sowed Com cures and keeps the best in small bundles Milk is only a "• complete food "' when the cows are supplied with what is complete food for cows. A rather dry cellar is desirable. To plaster the walls on the inside with water-lime cement will pro- mote dryness. Fattening Animals, if not more than one pig is to be fattened, i"emember this, to keep it in a warm, comfortable place will save feed and hasten matters. Was the paint brush left to dry without clean- ing ? It is too bad, for it can never be quite as good as it was before. The one thing that will put it in shape is a turpentine bath, washing afterwards in warm soap-suds. A shoe scraper made of a broken hoe or spade may not be of the most ornamental kinil, but it answers its end as well as any. A scraper of some kind should certainly be at the back door, and one at the outside cellar door. A seasonable job for now is to put all out-build- ing windows needing it in repair. The breaking of glass lights is one of the commonest of accidents about stables: it may be largely prevented by covering each sash on the outside with some gal- vanized wire netting, say such as has a half-inch mesh. Bars of wood across the windows inside and out, at six inches apart, will help also. The bane of many a home is the kitchen slop pipes, emitting a death-dealing smell. Now, harm from this can be in a large measure prevented b5' an occasional wash-out of the pipe with water in which chloride of lime or copperas (sulphate of iron) has been dissolved. These solutions will kiU all bacterial life, the one thing to be aimed for. The cost is almost nothing ; the saving may be beyond computation. Take the onlj- safe course. A hint for improving the cow stables, found in Farin^ Field and Fireside, is so good, even for those who keep but one cow, that we offer it here: At a point just in front of the cow's feet when she stands eating from the rack (hence standing back pretty well), pin down across the stall a round stick 4 inches in diameter. In front of the stick keep plenty of dry bedding, for it will rarely be fouled, and the cow will quickly learn to bring her body just forward of the rail when laying down. Greasing Wheels, There is a right way and there are wrong ways of doing it. A paper de- voted to the coach-making industry gives some lessons on the subject that are worth repeating here : A well-made wheel will endure constant wear from 10 to 25 years, if care is taken to use the right kind and amount of grease ; this not attended to. it may be used up in 5 yeai-s. Lard is not good wagon grease ; it wfll penetrate the hub, and work its way out around the tenons of the spokes, thus spoiling the wheel. Tallow is the best lubricator for wooden axle-trees, and castor oil for iron ones, but many of' the patent axle greases are also excellent, and have the merit of being cheaper and more convenient to handle. Just gi'ease enough should be applied to the spindle of a wagon to give it a slight coating. This is better than more, for the surplus put on will work out at the ends, and be forced by the shoulder bands and nut washer into the hub around the outside of the boxes. To oil an iron axle-tree, first wipe the spindle clean with a cloth wet with spirits of turpen- tine, and then apply a few drops of castor oil near the shoulder and end. One teaspoonful is sufficient for the axle of each wheel. i886. POPULAR GARDENING. '5 -O, owGjfepeuir TREECLIMBER'S TALKS. ABOUT MANGOES. One wide-awake young reader of these talks, Letty N., of Green Co., Indiana, has lately been helping to make some Mango pickles. She wi-ites that they gather green Musk- melons, the Citron variety preferred, and after removing the seeds, STUFF THEM WITH CABB.4.GE, and pickle them. This is the way many other people prepare the same ai-ticle, and as pickles go, these Mangoes are much thought of by most housekeepers. But Letty has been learning in her geography at school of A TROPICAL FRUIT OF THE SAME NAME as her pickles. So when recently she wrote a business letter to the publishers of Popular Gardening for her mother she inclosed on another sheet, in a very proper manner, and written in a neat hand, a few notes as above, with the request that they ask Mr. Tree- climber to kindly tell about the Mango fruit in his column. The note being sent to me, I do this with real pleasure, as I am always glad to treat all similar inquiries that are handed in by young readers. As to the true Maugo, it is one of the useful fruits of the Tropics. It is most commonly found in Inilia, the supposed place of its home, but it is also found over a large area of the Tropics of both Hemispheres. AN ACQUAINTANCE OF inNE, who has traveled in Brazil, says the Mango tree is quite common there, and the fruit is much seen in the mai-kets, along with other tropical fruits. In the engraving, which the publishers kindly had prepared for this article, is seen the fruit as a whole and a half — the flower, and a terminal blooming branch, showing also the magnificent large leaves of the tree. WHY THE PICKLE MANGO should be so called is easily imagined, as we learn that green real Mangoes are used as a pickle to a considerable extent where they are common. So if we cannot have the true Mango pickle we emploj- a substitute. But the true Mango is far from Melon-like as to the character of the fruit. It is more IN THE NATURE OF A PEACH, being a stone fruit, as may be seen in the engraving. Although much thought of as a fruit to eat in the raw state , being luscious, perfumed and sweet, with an agi'eeable ten- dency to acidity, still it is less popular than some of its neighbor fruits, because a taste for it must be acquired — it is not altogether pleasant at first. This perhaps has to do with its being so rarely imported into Northern lauds along with other tropical fruits. My friend who met the fruit so abundantly in the Brazilian markets said the peculiar flavor reminded him of resin or turpentine, although the natives did not seem to think so. The Mango is much prized as a shade tree in the Tropics, its large leaves, closely arranged over tile branches, forming an effective protec- tion from the fierce sunshine of those regions. It is occasionallj' met iu the hot-houses of England and America, but must be considered anything else than a common plant. I almost forgot to mention that the Mango is A NEAR RELATIVE OP SEVERAL SHRUBS or small trees well known in all parts of America. I refer to the Purple Fringe or Smoke Tree, and other species of the genus Rhus, I including the wild Sumachs, and the not pleas- ant relative known as Poison Ivy. You will want to know its botanical name also. This is Mdnijifeni Indirti. In thus referring to one of the tropii'al fruits, I could have no better chance to call attention to another interesting matter, namely, the VARYING SEASON OF THE RIPENING OF FRUIT, and of the harvest over the earth's surface. It is a fact that the full moon never fails to find in this fair world a I'ipe field of gi'aiu, or trees of ripening fruit to shme upon, Foi' some time we have been in the midst of our harvest here in America — the time of reapiug the THE TRUE MANGO. results of a season of labor — but it is not harvest time now everywhere. Finding in a paper that I was reading a statement of the countries that have their harvest time in the different months, I give it here in substance for my numerous readers ; IN JANUARY it is harvest time for Australia, New Zealand, Chili and Argentine; February and March for East India and Upper Egypt ; April for Lower Egypt, Syria, Cyprus, Persia, Asia Minor, India, Mexico and Cuba; May for Algeria, Central Asia, China, Japan, Morocco, Texas and Florida; June for Tm-key, Greece, Italy, Spain, Portugal, South of France, California, Oregon, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Ken- tucky, Kansas, Utah, Colorado and Missouri; July for Roumania, Bulgaria, Austro-Hun- gary. South of Russia, Germany, Switzerland, Pi-ance, South of England, Nebraska, Minne- sota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Michi- gan, Ohio, New York, New England and Upper Canada; .4 i(;/i(,s( for Belgium, Holland, Great Britain, Denmark, Poland, Lower Can- afla, Columbia and Manitoba; Sejitt'mber and October for Scotland, Sweden, Norway and North of Russia; A^oivmber for Peru and South Africa; December for Burmah. Timothy Treeclimbbr. Free Giving In Fruit Time. A store-keeper in New York, during the recent hot weather, devised a truly amiable mode of calling the attention of pa.ssers-by to his wares. "Free Ice Water" greeted the i sweltering crowd upon a sign over a faucet, to which (Iriuking-vessels were attached. By an apparatus that economizes the ice, he was able to supply three hundred thirsty souls with cool Croton evei'y hour, at a total cost for the summer of seventy-five dollars. We have seen something similar (hut better, be- cause (lisiiitei-cste.li in a country- town near Boston. In the fiiiit si-asim, a few years ago. a laily who had more fruit than she needed, placed a large basket of Pears on the sidewalk iu front of her house.with a label on which was printed — "Take One," The passing boys and girls accepted the invita- tion, and verv rarely abused it by taking more than one. She I'epeated the e.xperiment as long as the superabundance lasted. This was better than let- ting Pears and Peaches rot upon the ground— a common practice iu good seasons.— Ciimpmiioa. Prospects Blighted In the Bud. Those who happen to possess a fine patch of Melons in the vicinity of a town or any settled place know very well what a general but un- desirable interest the matter excites in the minds of a certain class of people. All such pei-sons will enjoy the following account of a conversation between two men concerning Melons, and taken from the Detroit Free Press: '* Erastus," said a citizen to a colored man on the market one day last spring, "you live out on Pros- pect Street, don't youy" "Yes, sah." "I've rented the flve-aere field this side of the railroad tracks, and 1 think of planting it all to Watermelons." " Yes. sah, Dat would be a boss spekulashun. sab, Dat's de bes" groun' in de hull State fur Waler- melyons. Bein" I lib clus by I'll watch de field fur you." " While I did think of planting it to Melons, as I said, I've concluded to use it all for potatoes, I hope you are not disappointed, Erastus>" "Uh, no; no. sah, I'ze alius bin about ekally divided 'tween 'taters an' melyons but I'ze feared if dar'l be one dissyapointed pusson it must he you sah, to let such a melyon-growing opputunite pass, " PET BIRDS. ANIMALS, ETC. Cleanliness is of first importance. For loss of voice give bu-ds Lettuce Seed, A draught tm the cage may cau.se a fatal cold. Overfeeding leads to stale food, and this is always objectii>nable. Tie the green stuff for pigeons on nails a foot or so up from the cote floor. For a mopish bird feed some finely chopped onions, new ones preferred, twice a month, I find that by keeping a piece of rusty nail in the drinking cup the birds are kept brighter and healthier, Ai^nt Margaret, A Billy-goat is said to have been sent to thepoor- hou.se, iu .\le.xandria, the other day, there being no- body to claim him. Not but that he had taken care of himself well enough, only the authorites and Billy didn't seem to agree on the question of extent of his privileges. Rabbits have adecidedrelishforCarrots.Turnips and the like, which things can now he well provided. But feed no more than will be eaten up clean. Or it this should ha))pen, do not permit the leavings to lay and rot, the odor from such is not only most offensive, but it tends to breed disease. Water, it is not pleasant to think that animal pets are at times made to suffer for want of water through the neglect of their young masters. So do, all of you, be very careful; one "forget" may cause hours of cruel suffering, not borne without real injury by the neglected pet, for the pang of thii-st, as every one knows, is most aggravating to endure by flesh and blood of any kind. How bad indeed it is when iullicted on the helpless things in our charge, all because we didn't think. Whatever kinds may be your pets therefore, dogs, cats, guinea- pigs, rabbits, doves, birds, squirrels, remember al- ways in attending them, the well known lines from "The Ancient Mariner," by Coleridge: "Water, water everywhere." Let it be fresh, clean and given as often as is necessary. Havens steal for the pm-e pleasure of biding the stolen articles. An English gentleman who owned one cut down a hollow plum-tree, the hoUow of which was discovered to be a sort of "robber's cave" for the use of the raven. Out of this hollow- was taken a basketful of things— spoons, knives, thimbles and pens, a pair of scissors, a comb, a bundle of boot-laces, a meerschaum pipe, two vesta boxes, etc., that had been stolen and hidden away bj- the raven. Leaving the things on the ground beside the fallen tree the man got hold of the raven and laid him down beside these proofs of his dishonesty, wondering what he woidd have to say to it. Then the rascal assumed an aspect of per- fect innocence and unconcern, as if to ask what in the world he had to do with the things spread upon the ground. Then the man hid himself. When the raven found that he was alone he looked keenly around, croaked twice a deep, guttiu-al croak, and walked round and rovmd the disentombed articles, as if admiring them ; next he took up a spoon in his bill, and carrying it with quick, decided step to the opposite side of the garden, hid it carefully away under the broad leaves of a gigantic rhubarb plant, and thus he did. and very quickly, with every article of tile hoard. When he had finished the job he uttered a favorite exclamation of his when he imagined he had just done something exceedingly clever and was perfectly satisfied with himself.— Wliiteltull Review. i6 POPULAR GARDENING. October, A Talk about Lamps. Lamps when new, as every one knows, work better and give a finer light than when they become old. Let us look at some of the reasons why this is so, with a view to having them always work as near like new lamps as possible. First astothe wR'k. This is the pump that con- veys the oil to the flame, and it must be in good working order. After being used for a while it gets clogged with dirt and other substances that are in the oil, and failing to pump to its full capacity— a dim light follows. Remedy: wash the wick thoroughly once a week in hot soap-suds, or in water to which some sal-soda has been added, drying well before use. Then, as the oil is consumed from the lamp the lightest part (of course at the top) is burned fii'st, leaving the heavier at the bottom. By filling repeatedly whenever the lamp is about half empty, the oil gets so heavy that its course to the flame is slow and inadequate. To pre- vent this common trouble the lamp, especially if it be a large one, should be kept partly filled with water so that the body of the oil is kept near to the flame. And then it should be allowed to get very near empty before each new filling. With use, the burners soon become gummed up and need to be cleaned. The wick passage should be scoured out about once a month with scouring dust or ashes, using a whale bone bound with woolen cloth for the purpose. The many small holes that admit external air must also be kept open to ensure free combustion. To boil the burner in soap-suds for an hour, occasionally, will tend to better work. Without a clean chimney no lamp can be satisfactoi-y. We have little to offer on this point to housekeepers. By cleaning the chim- ney every day soap is hardly required, but if long neglected some must be used. A sponge is very useful for working through the inside of the chimney in cleaning it. When glass lamps become clouded with a deposit on the in- side some lime water will aid in cleaning them. Why lamps explode is a very important question. Where the vapor of kerosene is mixed with a certain part of oil it becomes explosive. The poor oils throw off of this vapor freely. A lamp partly full is more in danger of exploding than a full one, because of the space filled with the mixture. To turn a lamp down when leaving the room is not a safe course, as the flame is in this way brought nearer to the con- fined air in the lamp. It should either be put out or be left to burn with near the usual blaze. Brieflets. Naphtha will loosen up old paint. Coffee unground improves with age. Steel-faced flat-irons are labor savers. Salt with nuts pleases most tastes, besides it aids (ligestlnli. In cleaning greasy pans, some sal-soda in the water will help on. For turning whitewash to brown, add brown sienna and a little alum. " Sally, what lime do your folks dine y" '*Soonas you go away— that's missus' orders." A paste of emery powder and sweet oil, applied with tlannel, will clean steel perfectly. Polish with a piece of leather. To take paint smells away, the English people tell about soaking a handful of hay in a pail of water, standing this in the room. For cleaning hair brushes, Tadd a few drops of aminuuia to a dipper of water aud tind this to do better than anything else. Mrs. G. C. In some homes a close closet catches all the soiled clothing until washday. No worse plan could exist for health. An airy loft or room is the place for such clothing. Temper the glass and earthen ware. Putting such in a boiler full of cold water, and heating to the boiling point, allowing it to cool again, will do it, to the saving of a good deal of breakage. A door or drawer that sticks even a little may vex one a great deal; help any such holding place by rubbing the soap bar over it a few times. If it sticks much a plane must be employed; or, in case of a door, it might be re-hung. Can anything be more uncleanly and disgusting than the kitchen apron used as a handkerchief, with factory at four cents a yard ? Some people one runs across are guilty ; point the present paragraph out to them. Let no child get into such a habit. Danger Ahead. One housekeeper in Connecticut is said to have put a Squash into the oven to bake and it exploded with a loud noise, lifting the toiJ off the stove. If this thing goes on in the Cucurbitse fanuly the next thing we know Pumpkin pies will begin to blow up, and then what will become of the liberty for which our forefathers fought and bled. Tffalnut Stain. You can turn Pine or Whitewood shelves, tables and the like, to a fine Walnut stain by applying with a brush the following prepara- tiou; Thin-sized shellac, 3 qts. ; dry burnt umber, 1-2 lb.; dry burnt sienna, 1-2 lb ; lampblack, 1-8 lb. Shake well until mixed. This to be followed by a coat of shellac varnish. Such a stain and finish, give some very common home-made things quite a store-like appearance. The report that physicians are in many cases prescribing light housework to women as a remedy for various complaints sounds well, especially in view of the great scarcity of etficent hired help. All fastidiousnessaside, and it must be admitted that housework for gu-ls and women is as beneficial in many respects as mild gymnastic practice. Sweep, iug rooms, beating beds, cleansing glass and paint, indoors and out. can every one of them be recom- mended for creating a wholesome glow and dispell- ing torpidity of circulation. Nasturtium Pickles. Those who have never made or used them do not know what they have missed, as a relish with cold meats, oysters, etc . They are easily prepared. Seeds that are quite young and tender should be turned into a jar of cold vinegar. When the bottle is full pour out the vinegar into a pan on the stove, adding a little salt, some Pepper-corns, a bit of Ginger-root and also some sugar, but not much, and letting all come to a boil. Then pour this boiling hot over the seeds and cork tightly until used. OVI Itry. Some Important Points for Now. Ventilation of the hen house is one of these. The fact that poultry is included among the " fowls of the air," that by nature choose to range at large and to roost in tree tops, shows their need of plenty of fresh air. Without it they cannot thrive in confinment. Bearing upon this matter the /^/-ac^/f'a/ Fanner offers some ideas as follows: The lack of proper ventilation, together with filthiness, causes more disease in the flock than all other causes combined. Deprived of free air for any length of time and hens begin to droop, their eyes grow dull and they seem to take but little interest in life. Feed fowls as well as one can, provide every luxury, apply ever3- remedy of medical science, still without pure, unadulterated air you will be unable to induce them to lay an egg. In perhaps 99 cases in every lUO of failure in the poultry business we believe such failure is owing to the want of pure air. One of the needs in producing eggs during the season of frost and snow is a good supply of green food. It is not at all difficult to have a supply on hand for the fowls. Cabbage, Turnips, Apples, etc., all easily preserved, are relished and serve to keep them healthy and sound, inducing them to furnish fresh-laid eggs when the}'" are most appreciated. Gener- ally in winter grain is the chief resort, with the evident result of the fowls becoming fat and having no inclination to lay. Comfortable quarters have much to do with the amount of eggs shelled out, yet this must be ably seconded by a supply of good green aud other food. Every careful poulterer should keep a stock of cai'bolic acid always on hand; it is as indis- pensable as Corn or Oats. It costs about 20 cents a quai't in the crude state. It can be used by mixing a little of it with water in a watering pot and sprinkling it about the quar- ters. This will drive lice away if done often and will purify the atmosphere and surround- ings of a fowl house, assisting thereby to ward off disease and impuiities. Another way to use the acid is to put a tea- spoonful in a pail of whitewash and apply this to the walls of the house, letting no crack or opening be missed. Also apply to the nests, roosts, floor, and then the fowl house will be free from Uce, bugs, and insects of all kinds. CONDENSED POULTRY NOTES. Feed wheat for more albumen The Dorking is the oldest breed. Disease is death to profits at least. Pepper is the seasoning to go into hen food. Our small potatoes are to make big-priced eggs, nest winter With wild birds, molting takes place in the sea- son of most food. Do you take the hint? "To be sure those are Leghorns; don't you see the horns on the legs," quothUncle Johnat the fair. The earth is getting damp outdoors now; this suggests that now the dust-bath under roof be put in order. A floor of earth, the surface a foot higher than the land outside, is about as complete a floor as can be desired for the hen-house. One way of getting up exercise in the winter quarters is to hang a sheaf of oats just high enough that the hens must jump tQ get the kernels. We prefer to have the hen-house, that is, its main windows, facing a little east of south, rather than straight south, for we value early sunshine in it more than sunshine at tlie end of the day. The joints of my nest boxes are now louse-proof, for when they were nailed together I first smeared the parts that were to meet with a mixture of lime., kerosene and sulphur. I applied the same stuff to the joints of the chicken coops. Louis. Don't. Because a hen may be forced to eat al- most anything, don't give her bad food and then look for good well flavored eggs. Because she will drink foul water when no other is to be had, don't force her to it, and then expect good health, eggs and flesh. Hens will pick up a good deal of fine chareoalif given the chance. This shows that their systems crave, hence need it. Charred Corn is one of the best shapes in which to furnish it. Feed this once a week during fattening and it will improve the flavor of the meat also. Let there be Light. That's what the windows are for in the poultry house. But if never cleaned, as is the case with one house we saw the other day. (and of very many we did not see) a desirable end is defeated. The hens are deserving of better treatment than to be kept behind such filth-clogged windows. In fact they will pay for the cleaning, if it must be put on such grounds. A whisk for the cobwebs and loose filth, and a cloth for polishing the glass, if rightly applied, may soon let daylight through. Next take hold of the dirty fioor, if such a one exists. Are you fattening some fowls for market? Then remember that buyers do not want poor stuff. The markets are overrun with half-fattened, poorly dressed, poor paying and poor eating poultry. You should aim to get way above this A lean six- months' chicken is not as tender as a fattened year- old bird. When good healthy young fowls or tur- keys are shut up close, regularly fed all the food they can digest, and given fresh water— or better, milk daily— they gain very fast. When they are fat it is time to market them. But even the choicest birds may be ruined by bad killing and preparation. There is no better way to go about this than to be- gin by fasting them for such a time as will give the food a chance to become digested and the bowels empty or nearly so before killing. Immediately they are killed they should be hung up by the feet, or they may be hung up before killing, bleeding them as they are suspended. Dry -pick while warm, singe over an alcohol lamp flame and lay on a table to cool, being trussed up nicely into shape, keeping them so by wrapping in strips of muslin until they get cold. In twelve hours they may be packed. The birds should be packed in layers aud very close. They nnist be thoroughly cold before this. Clean Oats straw affords one of the best linings and layer materials that we know of for packing. POPULAR GARDENING FOR TOWN AND COUNTRY. "ACCUSE NOT NATURE, SHE HATH DONE HER PART; DO THOU BUT r/f/JV£."— Milton. Vol. II. 35ro"VE:M:BEie, lese. No. 2^ Autumn Days. Out in the sunny opens The Gentiaus are in blow. And 'Death the silver Aspens The royal Sunflowers glow. But shrill the wind is piping Out of the north for snow, And all the loitering Blue-birds Chirp softly, *' We must go." — Elizitbeth Ctimmmgs. Make the Horticultural Shows Educational. The shows called forth at this season by the blooming of that queen of autumn flowers, the Chrysanthemum, are usually the most popular if not the only horticultural exhibitions occurring in the year in many places. Being as a rule well patronized by visitors, we desire to state some suggestions bearing upon their being made as educational as possible. Nothing can go farther in pro- moting a popular interest in horticulture than these displays of the best fruits of the art, and this chance at hand for advancing popular knowledge here should be made the most of. Correct and readable labels for all flowers, plants, fruits, etc., are of the first import- ance. To exhibitors who may be as familiar with every name of the kinds shown as with their own names this is apt not to seem of much moment. But to the visitor de- siring to enlarge on his or her knowledge of plants, as thousands of people in this day happily are, it is very different. The pres- ence or absence of a plain label may just make the difference between such a one soon losing sight of a subject, or of tixing the name in the mind or note-book, to learn more about it by future study. The label or card used should be large enough to contain the common name the botanical name, and the variety name — all three are important, — a line for each. Then there should be a line to state if the subject is hardy, greenhouse or stove, and one giving its native place. People are often brought to an interest in a plant, through knowing its home, when otherwise they would give it no further notice. Here is how the card may be arranged: Class NAME :— Common Botanical . . Variety... AS TO HABDINESS NATIVE PLACE EXHIBITOB No By a systematic use of such labels a horti- cultural show would become a horticultural school, where ' ' he who runs may read." The work of labeling should be in the hands of a competent committee, to be aided by the exhibitors. A round, plain style of writing should be employed for the inscriptions Another desirable aid to public instruction at such shows is a committee on information. This is to be composed of competent persons whose duty it is to meet the wants of any visitors seeking special knowledge about flowers, fruits, etc. Each member of this committee should wear a distinguishing badge, which should be plainly described in the schedule of exhibit, so that there need be no hesitation between an inquirer and a member of the committee coming together. The course here suggested will of course impose some trifling additional labor upon the societies giving shows; but it would meet a real need of the times, and would go far- ther towards promoting a genuine taste for horticulture than any one other thing else costing so little. In most cases suflicient appreciation for this would be shown by the public to largely swell the door receipts. What of the English Sparrows. These lively little fellows were invited over from Europe a score or so of years ago to help us rid our trees of insects. As with foreign- ers generally they at once found things fav- orable to their stopping for good in this land of the free, and with the result, by this time, of spreading out so numerously that now no end of persons can be found who rue the day the birds first came to our shores. But the sparrows are here and what are we going to do about it. To wholly exter- minate them, were this desirable, seems out of the question, taking in view their rapid increase. One brood of young quickly follows another and the breeding season is prolonged over the whole summer. With the hold they now have we can expect nothing else than to see them remain here as fixed as the white man himself. Having brought the sparrows from Europe, we may turn to Europe for some lessons on dealing with them. In the first place let us consider that, with all the faults belonging to this bold, saucy little fellow, it is not yet proved that we would be better off without than with him. Some years ago when thickly settled France undertook to carry out their destruction it was discovered that the decrease of the sparrows wsis followed by an increase of caterpillars that did vastly more injury to the crops than the birds themselves. It is true that while many investigations recently m^de as to the food of sparrows show that in the case of adults a large share of the food is seeds and vegetable matter, but some insects also, on the other hand it is proved that the young, as in the case with robins, are fed almost wholly on insect- ivorous food. If therefore we could succeed early each season in working off any excess of adult birds, beyond what would be needed for raising the young broods as insect con- sumers, this would be very desirable. In England they have found sparrow clubs an efficient means for thinning down these birds. To such an end prizes are offered by these clubs, not only for the destruction of the greatest number of birds, but also of their eggs. Every member of one such club that has been reported to me is expected to produce 12 sparrows every month or forfeit one penn}' for every one deficient. Last year this one club succeeded in destroying more than 7,000 sparrows and eggs. The first prize was |15, the second $10 and the third $6.' In connection with this idea of .slaughter- ing a surplus of the sparrows the fact should not be overlooked that they are good Advancing the Season of Rhubarb. to eat, the sole objection to them being their small size. Those who speak from experi- ence as to this say that a more savory dish than sparrow pie or dumpling can scarcely be found. Now that our National Thanks- giving day is near, we would suggest that the working of a great many of these into the feast would give additional cause for thankfulness. Runns. Advancing the Season. We start hot-beds early in the year and give them close care in order to gain some weeks in the coming in of the first vege- tables. This is well, but there are some other and even more simple means of gaining similar ends that are rarely seen in u.se. One of these relates to the advancing of the Rhubarb and Asparagus season by some weeks. The course is a simple one and con- sists of first driving a line of stakes obliquely into the soil, as shown in the engraving, along a row of these vegetables any time now before the ground freezes. There may be as many stakes on each side of the line of plants as there are plantsor clumps, hav- ing them come alternate. Then, before winter sets in, the row should be covered with straw, evergreen branches or similar coarse material, and on top of this some boards to shed wetness, tlie object being to prevent deep freezing of the soil. In February or March this cover should be taken off, and the forcing be begun. To do this, first nail two narrow strijis of board lengthwise against the stakes, the ends of such being shown in the figure. Then against this sort of railing, on each side of the row, a bank of fresh manure should be piled to the very top, tramping it somewhat as in hot-bed making. The larger the bulk of maiuire used the speedier will the crop come on. The winter cover of straw, jis i8 POPULAR GARDENING. November, well as of boards, may be laid over the manure for retaining the warmth from fermentation. One wide board laid over the opening that is formed between the manure lines, in severe weather, will also help matters much. Strawberries or Asparagus may be had three or four weeks earlier than is natural, in another way. Set some low hot-bed frames upon the beds, sinking them a trifle, and banking up to their tops on the outside. In December fill in the frame over the plants with straw or other clean litter that has no weed seeds in it. Some boards or shutters may go on top of this to advantage. In March simply remove the covering and put glass sashes upon the frames. Give air freely on sunny and warm days, and keep down the weeds; then you may have Strawberries by the time those of your neighbors are fairly out in bloom. Florists will find this latter course an excellent one for ^ bringing on Lily of the Valley ; and similar flowers very early in the spring season. show in our engraving herewith, as could pos.sibly be imagined. What is now known as the Chinese group of Chrysanthemums is quite distinct in ap- pearance from the Japanese and some otlier groups of the present day. The varieties of the former are smootli in outline and of regular shape, being shown by the flowers in the vase and partly back of it in the en- graving. The class is divided into two forms: the Incurved, in which the "petals" are somewhat curved upwards and towards the center, partly showing their backs, as seen by those in the vase, and the Reflexed, in which these lay more flatly and overlap each The Queen of Autumn— The Chrysanthemum. As if to compensate for the increasing gloom of these going-out months of the year Nature offers in this, her latest flower of the season, a great measure of brightness and of bloom. Whether this fact, or else the readiness of the plant to respond to com- mon culture has the most to do with its popularit3',il would be hard to tell. Certainly no flower leans more lightly on the purse, none demands less skill to produce satisfactory results to the grower than this noble late bloomer. And we may add that no other, as an exhibition flower, is capable of calling forth such a degree of enthusiasm from Ameri- cans as this one invariably does at the flower shows of the present month. For this fine flower the world is indebted, as it is for many another, to the rich flora of the East — China and Japan. To the gardeners of Europe and America, also, great credit is due for the improvements they have wrouglit on the original types by selec- tion and crossing.. It is now well Imown tliat notwithstanding the skill of the Japs and the Chinese in the culture of Chrysan- themums, through many centuries, our own gardeners have achieved a much higher standard in its culture than tliey have. The Chinese Chrysanthemum was brought to England in 1764, flowering there for the first time in the year following. Its name, meaning Golden Flower, was bestowed by the botanist Liiniitus, for at that time only those possessing yellow flowers were known. They were distinguished as two species, the one having the largest flowers being called 0. ninens-iii; the otlier, witli small flowers, O. indie iiiii. Those early Clir3'santheniums were about as far inferior in quality, size and color to the fine representatives of this genus, which we have in this day and which we varieties represent much diversity of color. Some of the newer classes of Chrys- anthemums are the "single" Anemone- flowered, with a conspicuous cushion-like center of small tubular florets, and other so-called single and semi-double varieties. Among the latter are some of great size and beauty, reaching as much as six or seven inches in diameter. To the .skill and per- severance of Hallock, Son & Thorpe, East Hinsdale, N. Y., is due, in a large measure, the marked improvements now met in this last-named class. These gentlemen by their enterprise have done a large amount of good work in giving to the Chrysanthemum the prominence it now enjoys in ■SI^^^W all parts of this country. GROUPS OF VARIOUS TYPES OF CHRYSANTHEMUMS other; this form in the engraving being to the rear of the vase. The Japanese group is more variable in its character than is the former. To describe this, beyond saying that the flowers are decidedly irregular in form, some showing " petals" much curled or fringed, others re- flexed, and still others with these arranged in a whorl in the center, would be difficult. In our engraving this group is shown in the flowers on the table to tlie front of the vase. Wliile this group with its fantastic forms may be the most admired in the show room, it is not as popular as are some others, be- cause not so easily grown or so free of bloom. The Pompon group (so named by the French from the resemblance of the flowers to the tuft or pompon on a soldier's cap) is a .great favorite, for what they lack in size is made up by quantity. Single plants of this group have been grown to carry over 3,000 flowei's to perfection. The flowers are about one inch across, and in the different How to Grow the Per- petual Carnation. BY JOSEPH TAILBY,\VELLESI,EY,MASS. We will begin with the prop- agation ; the best time for this is about the last week in Feb- mary to the middle of March. I use B-inch pans, three and one- half inches deep; but boxes will answer. Place crocks in the bottom, then about one inch of coal ashes and fill up with clean sand made firm. Choose short- joi nted tolerably firm cuttings, but not too hard and with one pair of fully developed leaves on each. Keep them in water, as they should not be allowed to get dry; then dibble firm in the pans, give a good watering, place in a cool, shady position and sprinkle often; when well caUoused give a little air. As soon as they are rooted shift to a more exposed position, so as to harden them off. I plant these in boxes three inches deep, at about one and one-half inches apart. For compost take two parts of loam to one of well- rotted manure ; if the loam is stiff add a little sand. After this give more air and not too much bright sun. If they are allowed to become ch-y or get scorched the rust or canker is sure to attack them. Keep from green fly and red spider. When established give all the air possible, but do not at any time let them freeze. As soon as the weather and soil are fit plant out in rows 1.5 inches apart and 10 inches in the rows. The best soil is good yellow loam, rather light ; they will make more fibrous roots, but not so much growth as in heavy soil. It is not robust growth we want but good, firm wood. For manure I find horse manure the best. If the soil is old give a good dressing of lime; too much manure and a deficiency of lime will produce an abundance of coarse gi'owth and disease. New land is the best. The plants must be stopped during the season, so as to make them stocky. Get the plants inside before the cold weather sets in, so as to have them well started before using fii'e heat. For compost use three or four parts of good maiden loam to one of rotten manure; plant about ten mches apart and give a good watering. Sprinkle two or three times a day until they begin to make new roots; check the green fly as soon as it appears. Keep the house not lower than 4.5° at night and from 55° to 65° by day. Give plenty of air, even at the expense of a bit of coal. Do not give too much water. Unless airing and 1 886. POPULAR GARDENING. 19 watering is properly attended to you cannot get good flowers or keep your plants healthy. From January 1st on, say ouce a mouth, dress with a good fertilizer or liquid manure. In pot culture — the treatment is the same, only the compost should be made richer and coarser, with the turf chopped nliout half the size of an egg; pot firmly — a 0-inch pot is large A B to the roots of growing plants. The garden becomes earlier and warmer iu the spring, cooler in the siimmei", and more pi'oductive and comfortable in every way from the pres- ence of good uuderdrainage. The Kinds, Number and Depth op Drains. Tlie best artificial land draiu, as shown by much experience, is the round earthen-ware drain for this length is wanted. To get this fall, we first drive a bouing-rod at D, with its top just this three inches above the level mark made at C. With using the top of this boning- rod, just driven, asasight here, and the point A at the other end of the line as one, it is easy, with one person to sight and another to drive the boning-rods, to bring the others at the de- •1 A-fStrikimj a ;,■•!•./. H-Boiuiuj Rod. E-Maiii and Branch Tile in position. FIG. 1. HOW TO Tile layer. Pointed Shovel. Workman using the finishing Scoop. UNDERDRAIN A GARDEN. A-0— Level line. A-D—Liiie parallel with the Drain. -DIFFERENT STAGES OF THE WORK ILLUSTRATED. enough to grow them in ; give one and a half inches of drainage. W hen the pots get tolerably full of roots give liquid manure once a week. A veiy good liquid is made by usiug oue ounce of sulphate of ammonia to three gallons of water. This liquid is cleaner to handle than manure water, does not clog the soil, and answers the same purpose. In regard to the disease of the Carnation, I am satisfied if the tieatment as laid down is adhered to there will be no trouble. The best houses to grow them in are large anfl roomy, with a southern aspect. In small houses you cannot give air so well as wanted. With a large house the weather outside raaj' be dull and cold, but the air admitted is mod- erated to the temperature of the house before it gets to the plants. It will take a little more coal, but this is a slight matter when plant health and quality of bloom are considered. — From Paper read at Philadelphia Convention. How to Underdrain a Garden. Does my place need draining is a first ques- tion. Land that is somewhat light on the sur- face, with a gravell}' sub-soil or land that overla3-s at a near depth rocks in which there are seams not far apart, are rarely helped by underdrains. Rolling land that is light both as to surface soil and sub-soil seldom needs to be drained. Heavy soil with a sub-soil of stiff clay or any other hard pan that is slowly im- Tile Drain. Two forms of Boa rd Dra i FIG. 2. CROSS SECTION OF DRAINS. I)ervious to water requires drainage to fit it for the best use. Any soil that does not free itself perfectly and fall friably from the spade or mould board within thirty-six hours after a saturating rain requires draining, to be satis- factory either for useful or pleasure gardening, j Gains That Come From A Drained Soil. ! First the soil is relieved of the evil of stagnant water lying underneath the surface. If this is allowed to escape, all excessive surface moist- ure must follow, and its place in the pores of the soil be taken by fresh vaporized air. The air thus freely penetrating to the full depth of the draius serves to deepen and work healthful changes in the soil, converting inert matter into plant food, as well as to supply needed air tile or pipe drain with collars, as at E in Fig. l,also in Fig. 3. Tiles that are either so soft burned that thej' will not give a clear ring- when struck, or else too hard burned, wai-ped or melted make defective drains; one bad, the drain is bad. In case oue cannot get tile, a fair substitute may be made of narrow strips of rough boai"ds, nailed iuto either of the forms shown in Fig. 2, but they lack long durability. Tile draius well laid last a great length of time. There must be a main drain and connecting with it at right angles a system of parallel branch draius, at about 20 feet apart and reach- ing to near the boundary of the piece to be drained. The foi'mer should have a diameter of 4 to 0 inches inside, the latter of 3 inches. A means of outlet lower than any part of the lot to be di'ained is necessary; the cellar drain might of teu be of service as to this. The general depth of the small pipes should be three feet. From the line of these at the highest point a general fall of one inch to the rod is desirable, throughout, but much less than this, say, one inch to four rods, can be made to answer along with the best kind of work in laying the tile. Levels and Gradient Lines. To determine these rightly calls for greater painstaking than any other part of the work of uuderdraining. vStill it is not a very difficult task, and with the help of Fig. 1 we think we can make the way for this important part easy to any of our readers. To do so we start out with the most simple methods, such as all can command. A main draiu being shown at E, let us go through the steps of deter- mining the grade for the branch leaving it here, which then will apply to all siinilar pai-ts. A first step is to strike a level. For aiding in this we call in a carpenter's com- mon square and a plumb-line — any cord weighted with a stone will answer for this. Two stakes are driven, a smooth sighting board is laid across the tops of these, upon and over the end of which are hung the square and plumb-line, all as shown at A. By tapping one or the other of these stakes lightly on the top, until the plumb-line agrees with the square, as iu the cut, the sighting board across the stakes is brought to an exact level. A spirit-level could be used advantageously for gaining the same end. Then by sighting over this board towards a stake set at C, (the other end of the line), marking the level point ou this, the level line A C is located. This line, then, is to be taken as a basis for securing the fall of the drain from the C end to the main (E). Now let some boning-rods, one of which isshown at B, be provided, say enough to place at a rod apart along, or rather just at the side of the line of the draiu. Let us sup- pose that it is a little more than three rods from A to C, and a fall of three inches in the sired distance apart between, and with their tops to a line (A D). The tops of said boning- rods will then of course represent the gi-ade of the drain, but at, say five feet, above where the drain itself will come. Now, in the .work of digging the trench and shaping it up to receive the tile, it only be- comes necessary to measure down five feet from the top of each boning-rod to secure the right depth at those points. As the rods are but a rod apart, it then is no difficult matter to rightly even up the bottom of the trench between these points, as the man in the engrav- ing is shown in the act of doing. A straight edge board ICJ feet long is an excellent help for evening up the bottom in this respect all ready to receive the tile. Laying the Tile. With a trench properly shaped up its entire length for receiving the tile, it is an easy matter to lay these. Whether to lay the mains and the branches at the same time is immaterial, if all the levels were pre- viously obtained. The tile should be brought carefully into place, adjusting the collars and firmly settling them as the work goes on, filling the soil on top of them when a certain length of the tile is properly in place. The tile layer shown in the engraving is a convenient tool for handling the pipes as they ai'e being put down. When tile are laid near trees, special pains should be taken to have them come tightly together, for keeping the roots from en- tering and clogging them. A Fine New Window Plant. We refer to the Tara.riiciini Den.'<-leonis. Although the name may not yet be a familiar one to the ears of most plant growers, it affords us pleasure to say that plants of it may even now be had very cheaply. Add to this the fact that they possess most attractive blooming qualities, and the greatest ease of culture in the window in winter, and we think enough has been said to at once attract favorable inter- est to our subject. The flowers of the Taraxacum are of a sin- gularly pleasing form and color. In some respects they resemble Chrysanthemums, being in size midway between the small and large flowering blooms of that genus. But in double- ness, symmetry (without stiffness) and fine coloring, they even exceed the Chrysanthemum, we think, while theirseason of bloom is longer. They are dwarfei- iu habit and are more easily grown. Although the color is yellow, it is strikingly bright, and affords as fine a bit of richness as we know of in the entire floral world. The leaves are of elegant form, with the teeth or lobes, which appear along their margins, bent downwards. The culture of the Taraxacum as a pot plant, as intimated, is simple. Plants should be ob- tained during this month, potting them in ordinary soil of moderate richness. This should be pressed quite firmly against the roots. After 20 POPULAR GARDENING. November, potting plunge the pots to the rims in eai-th or other material outdoors, and leave exposed to weather and frosts until the setting in of winter, when they should come to the cellar. At any time after this the pots may be brought to the window or the greenhouse for growth. If this is done at intervals of three or four weeks a long succession of the brightest bloom may be secured. The flowers will appear in about the same length of time after the plants begin to gi'ow as Hyacinths require. Nothing has been said as to the source of ob- taining the plants. They may be procured at any roadside for the digging ; or perhaps some young and plump ones that have strayed into the garden can be found — than such there could be none better. The plant we refer to is also known as the Common Dandelion. A. M. PTfBDY'S DEPARTMENT. Posiofftce address^ - - Palmyra, N. Y. To " Fruit Recorder " Subscribers. Hereafter all letters about missing numbers, specimens, etc., and ail remittances fur renewals, must be sent to the office ot Popular QAEDENiNa, Buffalo, N. Y. Walks and Jottings About the Fruit Farm. There is that old Black Raspberry planta- tion cleaned and trimmed up for one more crop, and as they are to come off next season after fruiting, and the bushes are old and small, we have concluded to sow Corn half way between the rows in the spring, and will thus get a good crop of Corn and fodder. We are ploughing our truck land this fall, and shall plough it again in the spring, as we find by so doing it makes it much more friable and easier to work next season, and not so liable to bake. Here are two rows of old Concords that we have allowed to grow every W'ay, more to get wood for propagation than anything else. We are now renewing it for fruiting purposes, by cutting out all the old wood and leaving but two canes of three years' gi'owth, four to six feet long, and by digging well around the roots and working into the soil plenty of compost we will make them productive again. No better time in the whole j'ear for trim- ming fruit trees than this month, and by the way, what horrible work is made by many in trimming, — no judgment as to how or what to trim; no knowledge as to the growth of dif- ferent sorts, the same kind of trimming being given to the Rhode Island Greening, with its broad spreading branches, as to the Northern Spy, with its close top, or the Tompkins County King, with its long upright limbs. While the Northern Spy needs thinning out in the center, the Rhode Island Greening requires cutting back and, not too many limbs allowed to grow. The finest crop of Strawberries we ever grew was a bed of Wilson's Albany, on about one tliird of an acre that we had manured well in the fall with well-rotted manure and ploughed under shallow, and the next spring, as soon as the frost was out and ground settled, we ploughed it deep, following the common turn plow with asubsod plow that loosened the gi'ound at least is inches below the surface, but not turning up the subsoil. After harrowing well, we set the plants one foot apart in the row, and rows three feet apai-t. We kept it well cultivated and hoed and the ground well worked, and cut off all runners. Such fine berries and such a mass of them was certainly a sight to see. We are satisfied that one acre ot ground thus prepared, planted and cared for would bring as much actual profit as five acres in the ordi- nary way. What was still better this bed jaelded abundently for two seasons after that. There is nothing better for giving an even, regular heat in a hot-bed than leaves, and these should be gathered in the fall and put away in a dry place. When used in the hot-bed mix them with half their bulk of fresh barn-yard manui'e and turn once or twice before using. We have the best success with all kinds of cuttings by cutting in the fall, tying in bunches of 25 to 50, and leaving in a protected place tlii'ough the winter where frost will not dis- turb them, and taking out and transplanting early in spring. It's astonishing how vigorous Grape-vines will grow where a few bones have been thrown into the hole when planted out. The self bleaching Dwarf Celery is fine for early fall use on the table, and we shall plant out more. Less land, less help and expense and more manure and better cultivation of fruit and the surplus land in farm crops is our motto hereafter. First-class fruit will sell at all times at paying I'ates, and so we propose to grow better fruit on less land. Notes on Kinds, Culture, Etc. Surprise (history unknown). Crimson Beauty, Superb, Brandywine, Cuthbert, Turner, Reder, all ripened nearly together within the next three or four days. Hansel I shall abandon, as not earlier with me than several others, while it is comparatively un- productive, small, and not of high quality. We clip the above from an article written by Lyon of Michigan to the i^io-ai New Yorker. Mr. Lyon must certainly have strange soil, for on our grounds the Crimson Beauty is five to six days earlier than either kind he mentions except Hansel. The Hansel is certainly not less than six days earlier than any kind on our grounds except Crimson Beauty, and both ai'e profitable because of their earliness. Mr. Ohmer, of Ohio, had four acres of Kittatinny Blackberries that were just beginning to ripen, when the drouth began to dry them up. By culti- vating once a week, he secured a crop of large, nice berries, that sold at enormous prices, because others had no berries to sell, they not so cullivating. The above is from the Miehitjiin Farmer. We have practiced cultivation for years in our small fruits of all kinds, where drought set in, with the most favorable and paying results. Phelp's Iron Clad shows the most vigorous and thrifty foliage ot any we have seen, even surpass- ing the Vick. The berry is large and lobe shaped, resembling the Sharpless or Parry. It is of excel- lent quality, sweet and agreeable. It seems to be fully up to the standard for yielding. We consider it one of the most promising of the newer sorts. We agi-ee with this writer in the Orange County Farmer concerning this variety, and can also say that ou our grounds it gi'ows as early as the Crescent. Judging by the numer- ous favorable testimonials we see of it and our experience we consider it the best large early sort on our grounds. J. E. E., Bncyru.^, Ohio. A liberal supply of superphosphate scattered around Strawberry plants is not only beneficial to the plant and fruit but drives the grub away. A trifle of salt, say a thimbleful, scattered around each plant is also a prevention to grubs. H. G., Salem., Va. We have had best suc- cess in keeping Apples by wrapping paper aromid each Apple and packing closely in bar- rels. We prefer packing them in barrels and allowing them to stand outdoors in a cool shady place until freezing weather comes on, and then putting in the cellar. E. W. M. We don't know that Gooseberries succeed better near the sea-shore than inland. Its a good plan to scatter salt around and under Gooseberries and Currants, as it keeps the sur- face moist. Gooseberries begin to yield a profitable crop on favorable soil the second or third year after planting. M. B., North Sjiringfield. Yes, the Dorches- ter Blackberry is an excellent variety to plant with the Brinton Early as a fertilizer. The Early Harvest is also good tor that pui'pose. T. N. F. Yes, Celery may be planted early in spring for early fall use if put on low, moist ground. We do not consider transplanted Blackberry roots equal to this season's layered plants. In fact would rather buy the latter at $10 per 1,000 than take the first as a gift. Mixed Plantations. Fruit growers, like many farmers, make great mistakes in planting too largely of some kinds ot fruits and none of others, and also in de- pending entirely on such. There are thousands of localities through the country where a gen- eral assortment of "truck" or garden vegeta- bles sell well, and especially where one sends out his own wagons and peddlers. We have found early Peas, Potatoes, Corn, Radishes, Onions, Beets, Cabbage, Lettuce, Beans, etc., in good demand, and by keeping a wagon or two on the road have taken in a good deal of cash, which helps out on expenses amazingly. An assortment of fruit grown properly is safer than making one kind, like Raspberries or Strawberries, a specialty, and the best only taken to market and the culls made into jelly, which seUs well the following winter. Too many ship to distant markets that are over-flooded and hardly pay expenses, while if they sold ne.arer home they would do much better. It does not take a large bed of Rad- ishes, Onions and Beets to bring in fifty to one hundred dollars from the sale of the product, and that, too, with but little expense out. The fact is this "castle" building must cease and growers get down to rock-bottom. Pruning Peach Trees. The tendency is well known to throw out long branches, which lose their side-shoots and become bare poles, with fruit and leaves near the end only. Referring to this tendency, some cultivators laut hardy sorts like Snyder, Western Triumph, Wallace. Stone's Hardy and Taylor, and cultivate up to August,] 144, Early Ohio Raspberry. Is this Black Ra,sp- berry identical with the Miami? If not, which is the best of the two? A. B, j We presume what you call the Miauu is the "McCormick" or Mauuuoth Cluster, It is not identical with this, but is the same as the old Miauu of the Miami Valley, 145, Prunes from Seed. Will they come true to name from the seed? [We think not,] 146, Shumaker Peach. Is the ShtuTiaker a free- stone? How uuich earlier is it in ripening than Crawford's Early? H, A, K„ East Portland, Oregon. [It is a free-stone and ripens about with Crawford's Early.] 147, What can be done to prevent the ravages of the Currant Borer? L, S, F,, Rockford. 111. [Scatter salt -say a teasi^oonful— clo.se around each bush two or three times through the season,] 148, Is Superphosphate especially lieneflcial to fruit? r<^n old land 1 have found it to be very- valuable, but one must be careful about using it and not get on too much. Better a rather small allowance than an overdose, 149, Manuring Strawberries. Which is the better manure, raw bone grvumd fine, or commer- cial supen^hi'Sphate'' Will either well supply the place of stable manure? Will it pay to use any commercial fertilizers— say one ton per acre, the land being already in good condition for corn and potatoes? J, H. B,, Woodstock. 111. [,\s it acts quicker, for iuunediate effect we prefer the superphosphate to raw bone. Of these Ine last will best supiil\- the place of stable manure for lasting effect, liut we prefer good rotted nuinure to either. Land in the condition of yours, if it be strong soil, . we would not advise manuring, at least for most kinds, as it will iiush them more to growth of plant, to the falling oft of fruit,] 150, Grubs. Is there a remedy for these? I planted 5,C(X) Strawberries last spring on Clover and Timothy sod anr two of salt to the acre is scattered over the land all the better,] 151, Curl in Grape Leaf. What is the matter with, and the i-emedy as to this and the vine becom- ing coated with a kiiid of rust, the fruit alst^ having black spots on? H, F,, F.Ujin, 111. |The disease which is affecting the Grape-vines plainl,v indicates that the trouble is caused by the Prrono.spora riti- rola., or the "Peronospora Mildew." A remedy which was proposed by Prof, Rile.v last ,vear has since been used with gra'tifying success. This rem- edy is, in brief, a use of the ordinarv kerosene-milk emulsion, prepared according to the fornnila given in the recent reports and bulletins (»f this division, with from 2 to 5 jier cent of earbolic acid and the same per cent of glycerine added, and then diluted in 20 to 50 parts of water to one of enndsion, and sprayed upon the under surface of the leaves bv means of a foi-ee |)nnq) with a cyclone nozzle, with a small apei-ture so as to render the spray as fine as possible. The dilntlLtn is sufficiently great to ren- der the kerosene barndess to the leaves and the glycerine is added to prevent too rapid evapora- tion,—L, O. Hotrard, Agricultural Department^ Washington.] 22 POPULAR GARDENING. November, Garden Notes From Lyndale. BY A. H. E. By a judicious use of late blooming hardy flowers the borders at Lyndale are yet full of attraction at the date of this writing, October 12th. The same cannot be said of aU borders of hardy plants one may meet at this season. At the head of such late bloomers I place without hesitation the Japan Anemones or Wind flowers. They are satisfactory plants in every way, succeeding with no more atten- tion than Paeonies and similar easily grown things need. Of two late sorts growing here, one has rose-colored flowers and the other pure white ones. The flowers are several inches across in size and well borne above the plants, which in themselves are among the finest in the garden. In coloring and texture the blooms are not excelled by those of any other cla,ss ; and there is a con- spicuous yellow center to each that serves to beautifully set ofl" the flowers. Any of your readers who do not have these plants U will be safe in putting them down among their next purchases in this line. * * * Our other decidedly late hardy bloomers are the Autumn Monk's-hoods, with beauti- ful lai'ge blue flowers; Helianthus Maxi- miliani, a tall, vigorous-growing perennial Sunflower, that only comes in bloom after all others of the same genus are done ; the Closed and the White-flowered Gentians and the Autumn Crocuses. To this list may be added such late bloomers, still giv- ing a good show of flowers, as the Perennial Phloxes, Yellow Chamomile, Double Peren- nial Sunflower, Rose Mallow, Snap-dragons, Asters, and the late-blooming annuals, es- pecially the Marigolds. *** My way of locating these late bloomers had to do with the aid they now give to general attractiveness. For instance, there is a strong clump of the White Auemone refei'red to located prominently in the first part of the border, the eye catching it from the moment one enters the gate. In front of this group there are some of the low- growing Colchicums. Then farther along an outward bend of the border holds a clump of the Rose-colored Anemone, and still farther down there is a mass larger than either of these of the matchless white variety already referred to. Taking these bright kinds as centers, the other late bloom- ers are brought more or less closely in eon- junction with them in masses, with also some light scatterings of the plants more remote. I really took more pains in arrang- ing this late class than any other, for the very fact that at this time there is such a general scarcity of bloom in the border, and this I am anxious they shall in part make up for. It has always been a hobby of mine to work for as complete a garden as possible at the extremes of the season, namely in the early spring and late autumn, when at best the garden is look- ing none too well. * * * It is undisputed that Parsnips, delicious veg- etables that they are, when well cared for, are better for remaining in the ground until used, than to be lifted in the fall and stored. But they are wanted all through the winter, and if one has to dig them from frozen ground he finds a dreadfully hard task. I get around this for providing those needed in our family, and yet I leave them out until used. In the first place I sow Parsnips in beds of three rows, at 1.5 inches inches between the rows, bringing the three rows within a space 30 inches or a little over in width. This space then in November I cover with leaves or straw a foot thick, on top of which I string along my three feet by six feet hot bed shutters. While such protection does not keep the roots free from frost, it does prevent hard freezing, and then I am able every few weeks, during win- ter, to dig up a small fresh supply of the vegetable with but little trouble. * * * The propagation by cuttings of shrubs and such things needed in gardening is one of my delights, being easily done, and to me there is a great satisfaction in seeing young plants in their line coming along. So I have a spot of light sandy loam which I call my nursery, and in this I always have more shi-ubs, earth firmly against the cuttings, as making the rooting more certain to succeed ; usually there is but little loss, and this representing no material outlay, in such propagation. THE GOLDEN-BANDED LILY AS A POT PLANT. etc. , coming on than I can actually find use for. Among kinds which I find may be increased readily in this way are the Currant, Goose- berry, Grape, Qunice, Mulberry, with few ex- ceptions all of the flowering shrubs, and such trees as the Willow, Poplar, Elasagnus, Birch and so on. Many others can be raised from cuttings, but not well, by this easy course. Just before winter I make the cuttings, using as a general thing a foot in length of well ripened young growth for each one. In trim- ming them I am particular to cut quite close to a bud both at the top and bottom. I do not plant the cutting directly out in the fall, although this could be done were they not liable to suff'er from being displaced and hurt by freeziug; instead I tie them in bunches, each kind by themselves, and bury these deeply under a mound of earth for the winter. I think there is some advantage in inverting them, that is, having the butts upwards during winter. Then in the spring as early as the soil works up dry the cuttings are set out in the "nursery," placing in trenches at an angle of 45°, with the top eye just even with the surface. At that time I am very careful to pack the On the Cultivation of Lilies. Our engraving represents the famous Golden- banded Japan Lily, Lilium duration, growing in an ornamental pot. By procuring plump, healthy bulbs of this or of any other sorts, including all the more delicate ones, it is almost as easy to have them bloom in this way as it is to succeed with the Tulip or Hyacinth thus. But while the latter are best adapted for winter bloom, the Lilies, being summer-flowering bulbs, should in the main be relied upon by amateurs for bloom in the summer or in the spring. We introduce our subject in this way be- cause almost all flower growers have a desire to raise some of the finer Lilies, and by pot culture they may at least be sure of one crop of flowers from their bulbs, which is more '\ thau can be said of such kinds when they i I are planted in the garden in the way Lilies are too often planted. For this the bulbs should be set in the pots in November, using for soil decayed fibrous turf and di-y cow manure as the main ingredients, to which may be added some leaf earth, sharp sand and crushed charcoal. The pots or recep- tacles should be of ample size as to the earth they will hold, and this must be underlaid with plenty of clean potsherds for drainage. Put a handful of dry sand over each bulb, having them when done fairly covered. Set the pots in a cellar or coal-shed, but give no water until spring. In May they should start up fine stui-dy shoots, and the culture should be mainly in the open air after this. Be very careful in watering, as stagnant water at the roots is a chief enemy to Lilies. But after all we must expect our greatest success with Lilies in good assortment in our gardens. And this is possible if the culture be right — a matter too rarely seen. The thing of first importance in Lily culture in the garden is perfect drainage of the bed: moisture about the bulbs in winter being a most prolific cause of failure with them- This is why, in speaking of the more delicate .sorts, we stai-ted off with pot culture, for by this too much moisture is easily obviated. The soil of the Lily bed should be rich and friable to a depth of a foot if possible. As a rule the bulbs are not planted deep enough; they delight in the coolness that comes from being covered at least six inches over, if this reaches eight inches all the better. For providing fertility rank ma- nure is to be avoided; it produces decay and disease; the manure should be well rotted. The addition of leaf mold, even to the extent of one-third of the soil, is of great value. Transplanting is best done in October or November, setting the bulbs in clumps of about three each. The clumps should not, excepting in small growers, be nearer than from 34 to 30 inches apai-t, as the planting should be done with a view to not often moving them. On the approach of winter a coat of leaves or other litter over the bulbs will be of benefit. A satisfactory way of growing the more deli- cate Lilies is in tubs or ample sized boxes, in which good drainage is provided. These should be large enough to hold at least a half bushel of soil, the idea being to have them form per- manent clumps here. The tubs may be moved to a dry cellar during winter, where the bulbs will keep over to perfection. In the summer they may go to the lawn or veranda. A Fruit Picker with a Delivery Tube. Of the various fruit pickers in use, handy as they are for reaching a few specimen fruits, etc., they are still, as to general use, open to several objections. If made to gather but a i886. POPULAR GARDENING. 23 single specimen, the picker must be raised into the tree and lowered again each time one is picked: if made to hold several apples, or the like, the weight at the end of the pole becomes increased, and in Iwth cases the work, beyond a very limited degree, is slow and irksome. Lately there has been invented, by W. B. Mayfleld, of South West City, Mo., a picker that is designed to overcome the objections referred to. We show this picker in the ac- companying engraving, which, without any words of ours, pretty well explains its form and working. Aside from a very light contrivance of two bows, from one of which pins pro.iect for gathering the fruit, the essential feature of the picker is a tube made of any light fabric, and extending down the pole to a bag that hangs on the shoulder and for conveying the fruit from the tree to the bag. To check the passage of the fruit downwards somewhat it would be only necessry to have this tube pass over, in- stead of, as our artist has shown, under the arm. Altogether the affair is very simple and light, the conducting tube adding but a trifle to the weight. The pole is made in two sections, con- nected by a ferule ; when not in use the picker can be folded vei-y compactly. We have not leai'ned the price of this jjicker, but from its simplicity we should .iudge this ought easily to be within the reach of every fruit grower. The Dewberry in Cultivation. The question has more often been asked than answered, why the well known wild Dewberry or Trailing Blackberry, Huhiis Canadensis, has not been brought into general cultivation and under the improver's hand. As ordinarily found it is quite a productive plant, bearing large, sweet, black fruit ; it is indigenous to a great ai'ea of our counti'j', and nothing would seem in the way of its development into a valua- ble garden fruit, if only it were given fair play. No doubt it has been unduly neglected. But a change is now in the way of taking place regarding this plant, the indications be- ing that hereafter it will have its due place in the catalogues. One thing pointing to this is the fact that a remarkably fine variety of the plant, that was some years ago discovered in the hills of Western Virginia, has been brought into cultivation, its merits throughout tested, the Blackberry and Raspberry, more nearly resembling the former than the latter. Its re- quirements in cultivation are similar to those fruits. A peculiarity of the species is its trail- ing habit, in which respect the Lucretia variety is no exception. We saw some branches of the un- ripe fruit of this variety at the Nurserymens' Con- vention, in Washington, in June last, and while its botanical identity was at once apparent, we were astonished at itsprolificacy for a Dewberry, and the large size of the fruit. Those who have eaten of the ripe fruit of Lucre- tia say its earers and the in'odnct of the trees is prized liy all housewives. The fruit Is also sala- ble and hears shipment well. Witli careful hand- FRUIT PICKER WITH A DELIVERY TUBE. and it has received the endorsement of lead- ing pomologists as an important addition to our garden fniits. The variet}' referred to has been named the Lucretia Dewberry, and Messrs. B. F. Albaugh & Sons, of Covington, Ky. , are its introducers and disseminators. The Dewberry, as our botanical readers no doubt all understand, is of the same genus as Jack Frost, so often a terror to the gardener and fruit grower, is also a friend if one but knows how best to use him For in- stance, turn over the garden soil with plow or spade deep now before winter, and he will fine it up before next seeding time better than the best tool.patented or otherwise, that could be put to the same task. But his work will do more than this. The soil is a store-house of plant food, organic and chemical, and by tlie action of freezing and of expos- ure to the air and sun these elements as well as any newly added manure are reduced to available forms for the use of plants more rapidly than in any other way. One needs but to compare a newly worked-over piece of land, the surface in clods and rough loose ridges 1 the best form to leave it in before winter), with an unworked piece to see how much larger is the actual surface of soil particles exposed to the elements in the one case than in the other. In proportion a.s such exposure is greater through late plowing or spading the future benefits to the crops will also be greater. Nor are these all the gains. The best remedy known to-day for destroying the common white grubllarva? of the May beetle) and othel" larva? or ''worms" is a late turning up of the soil; they are disturbed from their quarters and must die before spring. If sod is to be turned over there is some ad- vantage in doing so early enough that the sod may partly rot this fall, but for cultivated land any time before the ground freezes hard will answer for this, in fact the later it is done the better. To work the THE DEWBERRY IN CULTIVATION; THE LUCRETIA. ling there is no trouble in keeping it until Christmas. The variety generally grown is the Apple-shaped or Orange, the fruit being large and freely pro- duced. The Angers, the sort used for budding the Pear on for dwarfing, is a stronger grower than the last. The tree does not bear as young, but once it begins is a good regular bearer. The Rea is one of the more recent varieties, and concerning which, good accounts reach us. There are some others also, but which call for no special notice. The trees should be planted to have from 8x8 to 8x12 feet of space each. In orchard culture for market on a small scale Quinces are most always profitable. Nitrate of Soda in a liquid form is one of the most convenient fertilizers we know of for Straw- berries and all garden crops, lawns, pot plants and so on To make it, use one pound of nitrate to 13 gallons of water, and this quantity would for lawns or crops go over a square rod of earth Applied even to vacant land it is of great service in destroy- ing slugs and other garden pests. We store our Cabbage for family use in a barrel set uprightly in a sheltered spot, and banked to its top with earth. All the cover given is two thick- nesses of boards nailed together and laid on the top. The Cabbage is always accessible and there is little loss of any kind. A Subscriber. Freezing hurts Pears even more than Apples, and neither will stand handling in such a state. But Apples in a frozen condition, if kept so and not dis- turbed, will come out all right in the spring, still Popular Gardening cannot recommend this way of keeping Apples. There are five musts in Apple growing for profit; Must cultivate well, must feed the land, must fight the codlin moth and other insects, must thin out the fruit when it sets too thick, must cull and pack with painstaking. Seeds of root crops are among the easiest to raise. So gather out some of the finest specimens of the different kinds for this purpose now at the fall handling of these. In burying roots, like Carrots, leave away the layer of straw usually recommended for next to them. The soil against the roots is better. Old (lARHENER One Cranberry marsh at Berlin, Wis., gives em- ployment to 1100 pickers. Fire has i-ecently done unicli djiMiagc to the great fields of that State. The Onion yield in many places is light enough so that prices can liar-dly be otherwise than good. Celery keeps better for not being much blanched by th*' storing away time. Horse-radish will be wanted, (ietsome rootsinto the cellar. Even Cabbage sells better for careful sorting. Plenty of manure makes tender Rhubarb. Let neatness .now adorn the garden. 24 POPULAR GARDENING. November, Work Ahead for the American Hor- ticultural Society.— State Officers. At the Cleveland meeting, in September, a committee, appointed for the purpose, deemed the points in President Earle's address, which follow, worthy of wide notice and future action: Fi rst The establishment of a bureau of pomology in connection with the Department of Agriculture at Washington. . . Second. The creation of a commission of pomo- loeical experts to investigate the fruits and culture of foreign countries, especially the interior region of Europe and Asia, with the view of ohtainiiig valuable products suited to the wants of this countrv. . ^ , ^ ..■ Third The endowment of experimental stations in connection with the agricultural colleges of the country. . ^ , , Fourth To call the attention of our people and their legislators to the overshadowing importance of some practical methods by which the cultivation of our remaining fruits may he attained and their destruction prevented, as well as to the needs of common systems of plaoting tor the future. Fifth the devising of some practical method for the better and more equal distribution of our fruit crops to all parts of the counti-y. The names of the new president and chief officers of this society were published last month, but those of the STATE VICE-PRESIDENTS were crowded out of that issue. We now give them here, as follows: Alabanui,'Dr. Charles Mohr of Mobile; Arkansas, W. R. Tipton, Little Rock; California, Prote.ssor E. W. Hilgard of Berkley; Colorado, D. S. Grimes of Denver; Connecticut, P. M. Auger of Middlefleld ; Dakota, E. M. Fuller of Bismarck; District of Columbia, Norman J. Coleman of Washington; Delamire, W. P. Coosa; Florida, E. H. Hart, of Federal Point; Georgia, Dr. Samuel Hope of At- lanta; Idaho, George L. Shoup of Salmon City; Illinois, Professor T. J. Burrill of Champaign; In- diana, C. M. Hobbs of Bridgeport; Iowa, Professor J. L. Budd of Ames; Kansas, F. Wellhouse of Fairmount; Kentucky, A. D. Webb of Bowling Green; Louisiana, John T. Hardie of New Orleans; Maryland, T. Davis of Baltimore; Massachusetts. W. C. Strong of Brighton; Michigan, J. T. Lyon of South Haven; Minnesota, J. S. Harris of La Cres- cent; Mississippi, Dr. H. E. McKay of Madison Sta- tion; Missouri, L. A. Goodman of Westport; Ne- braska, R. W. Tumas of Brownville; Nevada, Ross Lewis of Franktown; New Jersey, John S. Collins of Moorestown ; New I'ort, S. D. Willard of Geneva; North Carolina, J. Van Lindley of Salem Junction ; Ohio, N. Ohmer of Dayton; Ontario, Professor Wil- liam Saunders of London; Oi-egon, E. W. Allen; Pennsylvania, H. B. Engle of Marietta; Quebec, Charles Gibb of Abbottsford; South Carolina, S. C. Satterthwaite of Aiken; Tennessee, C. M. Menvin of Medina; Te.ra.>r, J. M. Howell of Dallas; Vermont, Dr. T. H. Hoskins of Newport; Wisconsiti, J. M. Smith of Green Bay; Virginia, J. F. B. Leighton of Norfolk. This variety proves to be hardy, productive and ex- cellent here, but no earlier than .Hartford Prolific. The Strawberry crop of this year was large. Of fifteen varieties cultivated, May King excelled in growth and uniformly large, delicious fruit. Next to it comes Crescent, with its vigorous growth and large crop of uniformly good sized and fine flavored berries. It ripened with the earliest and continued with the latest. The Great American bore moder- ately of medium sized rich flavored berries. It is a good hill sort, making few runners. Manchester was a failure. The plants grew well the first year and the second, until its large crop of berries were half grown, when rust set in badly. Trhimph and Kentucky did weU, the latter no later than Crescent. Jersey Queen and Sharpless bore fair crops of fine, very large fruit. James Vick does not promise well, but shall be tried further. The Gregg Raspberry has with us borne its first crop of fine large fruit, and promises well for here. Colossal justified its name in strong growth, size and great abundance of fruit. For the family and near markets it leaves nothing to be desu-ed. Sou- hegan very productive, firm, jet black, hut small. Cuthbert, Marlboro and Hansel each bore well on young canes. These promise well, and all sorts named stood 13° below zero last winter without hurt. J- E. A., Greenville, Tenn. A Reader Reports on Fruit In Eastern Tennessee. Apple orchards here consist mainly of the leading varieties from Northern nurseries, but such are proving most discouraging. The longest keepers as well as the fall varieties drop before ripe, only to quickly rot, some showing rotten spots even before falling. Such varieties as the Winesap, Green Crank, Limber Twig and Neverfail do fairly some seasons, yet we rarely save one-third of a crop. Thus the Apple crop, however promising early, ends in dead loss except what goes into cider. With this experience, I am grafting over most of my trees with Southern varieties that promise to "hold on " and be good keepers. In Peaches we too find the usual standard varieties quite discouraging. The trees grow well, but the fruit is apt to set poorly or else rot. Seedlings around here fruit well. The very early Alexander, Amsden and Asliby do much better than later ones. We must select Apples and Peaches for our climate more carefully than in the past. In 1885 I grafted two large native Pear trees with improved varieties Some of these grafts, among them LeConte and Keiffer, blighted some the past summer. But LeConte and Keiffer trees on LeConte stocks have grown well and without blight for two summers. Grapes usually do well, but this year there has been general failure from mildew, rosebngs, etc. An exception was a three-year old Moore's Early, of which we enclosed most of the clusters in paper bags. Every berry of these ripened perfectly. The last cluster was cut Sept. 16th, about two months later than the first, and it was rich and delicious 16T. Kainite. What is tliis article that I fre- quently see named among the commercial land fer- tilizers offered for sale? G. S., Rutland, Vt. umR This being the People's Paper, it is open to all their In- quiries bearing on gardening. Oil the otherhnnd, Ansicem to Inquiries 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 few, howex'er varied that is, and conditions and localities being so different, they primer to receive answers, even several of them to the same ques- tion, from readers everywhere. Don't hesitate to send answers because you may feel you are no fine writer; we wilt see that they appear in good shape. In writing, give the number of the question you are an- swering, your locality and name, the latter not for publica- tion, unless you desire. Writeonlyon one sideofthepoper. Flowers gladly named, promded, first, that no more than three be sent at one time; second, that these befutlyprepaid; third, that several specimens of each reach us in good shape. We cannot undertake to name florists' varieties. 1.53. Blight on Onions. Can you give me any information in regard to this ailment? What causes it, and is there auj' way of preventing it? F. W. C, Sylvania, Pa. 1.54. Keeping over Bedding Plants. Mine are Geraniums, Petunias and Hydrangeas. I have a good cellar. Can I keep them in this? J. A. H., Derrick City, Pa. 165. Narcissus Blasting. Can any oue tell me why the various Narcissus hud and then blast in- stead of Ijlooming? L. E. P., Ladora, Iowa. 156. Gazania Culture, Etc. Not having a green- house, please inform me how to propagate Gazania, and the best mode of preserving them during the winter? What white or gi-ay leaved plants are handsomest for isolating on a lawn? A Subscriber. 15T. Raspberries Failing. In my field of black- caps, picked the second year, some of the bushes are dying. Their leaves shrivel and turn greenish yellow and look as if they had not fully expanded. The canes are strong and healthy. Some died down during fruiting. All are not aifected, but I think it spreads. It in not the "red rust;" but what is it and how should it be treated? My bushes are of the Gregg and Mammoth Cluster sorts. I. C. E., Giirrettsrille, N Y. 158. Garlic Weed. My land is considerably in- fested with Garlic or Wild Onion, and I would be glad tor information to destroy it. G. I. U., Nor- folk, Va. 159. Japan ftuince Fruit. Is the fruit borne on Japan Quince shrubs edible, or poisonous? G. C. C. 160. Work on Grape Culture. Do you know of any good work on Grape cultivation? If you do, please let me know, and what the price is ? Success to Popn.AK Gardening. A. S. Rounds, Bristol, R. I. 161. Earth Worms in Flower Pots. Will some one he kind enough to tell me how to get these out of my flower pots without injuring the plants. 163. Best time to take Cuttings. Please men- tion which is the best time for this. Mrs. G. W. M., Sacramento, Cal. 16:3. Insect on Honeysuckle. My plants grow well, but are infested with a green louse or insect that gets in the tip end and destroys the blossoms. The leaf curls over and protects the insects from harm. Can you give me a remedy? 164. Cheap Concord Vines. Can you inform me where Concord Grape-vines can be bought for 10 cents 8yeai-s old? F. C. D., Syracuse. 165. Cinnamon Vine. Will they have to be lifted in the fall, or do they live out of doors? 166. Marguerites in the House. Do Marguer- ites do well as house plants? Beatrice. REPLIES TO INQUIRIES. 131. Daphne odora. This plant is a slow-grower and somewhat tardy about bloom. If the drainage is imperfect that works against them. See article on potting in September issue. The soil preferred by the Daphne is one that is pretty sandy, rich and containing some fibrous peat or turf. If the young plants can be had to make two growths in a season that will hurry up bloom. For this they should be repotted as needed in February and kept in a moist atmosphere, in a heat of 5.5°, keeping them well watered. After the first growth is made, say in about ten weeks, the points of the young shoots may be pinched out, and the plants kept in drier and more airy quarters. Four or six weeks later they may go into increased heat and moisture for the second growth. After that remove to a drier atmosphere, so that the wood may be well ripened and the flower buds set. 1.33. Garden Walks. The best course will be to break the walks well up, and get all the weeds out possible. Take some of the old soil away, and fill in with dry builders' rubbish, ashes, or rough gravel stones, then finer gravel to the necessary level, but keeping the path slightly higher in the middle, cov- ering with a coat of finely -sifted gravel for the sur- face. Gravel may be got in many localities cheaply. 6ravel,\vith a little lime and cement, or burnt earth, with or without cement, lime, or tar, will make a good surface, free from weeds.— J. P. Law. 133. Lapageria not Blooming. By no means cut the plant down ; it ought to flower on the old shoots; but something must have been wrong for the leaves to fall off at the base. Lapagerias love a cool, moist atmosphere in summer, .iust about what a Fern delights in, with plenty of light, but scarcely any sun from May to September. In win- ter the soil" should be only moist, but iu summer liberal supplies should be given, especially if the soil has become full of roots. You will not succeed with cuttings; it is by layers Lapagerias are propa- gated.—J. C. B. 163. Blight on Onions. The Onion is sometimes attacked by two different diseases of fungus nature, one of which we believe preys chiefly upon the foliage, and the other upon the bulb The first is known as the "Onion Blight," or " Onion Mildew," and the second as "Onion Smut." The two are probably often confused by Onion growers In the case of our correspondent we cannot tell which is meant. It is as well, however, as no remed.y for either is known Changing the planting gi-ound would perhaps be as likely to secure freedom from the disease in the future as anything we could recommend.— E. S. Goff. 154. Keeping over Bedding Plants. If by a good cellar you mean one that is moderately damp, frost-proof and lighted in one or more places, this should prove an excellent place to keep the kinds named. The soil at the roots should be kept just so dry that the foliage of the Geraniums and Pe- tunias will all but wilt. In the case of the Hy- drangea the leaves will drop, and this is natural. 15". Raspberries Failing. You fail to state whether the soil in which the Raspberries are planted is very rich, or otherwise, and whether the crops picked were very large, or not. On rich ground. Raspberry plants frequently overbear so much the first full crop, i. e., the second bearing year, that they are never worth much afterwards. It this has been the case, and the sea.son during May and June was warm and dry, I think the shrivelled appear- ance of the foliage and the premature dying of the canes is fully explained. If, however, the soil is of only medium fertility, and the crops gathered have not been particularly large, I should not be able to assign the cause of the failure from the facts given. — E. S. Goff. 159. Japan Quince Fruit. Nothing poisonous about it. On the other hand, it has been used for culinary purjjoses, and might he quite desirable were it not so acrid. We were some time ago shown a sample of jelly made from it, and acidity was the only defect we could find in it. But then we have a " sweet tooth . " The jelly was handsome. 160. Work on Grape Culture. Fuller's Grape Cultm-ist, Price, $1.60, tor sale at this ofBce, is a standard work on the Grape. The Illustrated Cata- logue of Bush, Son & Meissner, Bushberg, Mo., is a large and valuable work, costing $1.00 in cloth; 35 cents in paper covers. This can be ordered from the firm named. 161. Earth Worms in Flower Pots. Angle- worms no doubt are meant; in which case use fresh lime, the size of a fist in a bucket of water, and after the solution settles, apply the clear water, to thoroughly soak the ball of earth. 162. Best Time to take Cuttings. When the cuttings are in the best condition for rooting is the best time. This is a matter more easily to ascer- tain than might be supposed. In the first place the cutting should come from a succulent shoot, one that is rather young, but not too young. Old and tough cuttings root slowly and as a rule make inferior plants. The place Jof taking off a cutting 1 886. POPULAR GARDENING. 25 when it is fit for propagation is important. Exam- ine a young prowiug shoot and it may be seen that there are different degrees of hai'dness present in the wood, the youngest part being the softest, and from that back to where it is likely to be quite liard and fibrous. To sever the cutting at a point where it is too soft, and early decay is apt to set into the slip; if down in the tough and fibrous part it will, if it roots at all. do so siowly. and to the making of an inferior plant. The right place to take it off is at such a point back from the end where the growth is found to be somewhat hardened, but where it is still suffleiently brittle to snap with a clean break without bending, or without the fibres of the bark protruding. A little careful testing of cuttings will soon show the right place for this UU. Cheap Concord Vines. E.Y. Teas.Dunreith. Indiana, and we presume others also. offers Concords 2 years old at WH cents each by the dozen; 6 cents each by the 100. We have seen them quoted even lower than this, but do not now recall wnere. FROM VARIOUS SOURCES. The Mountain Ash Berries can be kept quite fresh-looking by either sealing the stalk of each bunch or dipping the berries into spirits of wine.— Enylish Gardening Illustrotcd. Hardy Boses, to use a technical t-erm, will "run out " in a few years, unless the young wood be re- newed. Some growers cut their plants down each autumn to about twelve inches of the ground, with excellent results; and the entire tops of tender Roses are pnmed away, and the roots well covered with manure. This process may be hard on the plant but it is certainly very productive of beauti- ful flowers for a few years. The Climbing Prairies do not need so much pruning as the other classes, as they are naturally strong growers, and in even moderately good soil will form an abundance of young wood each year, still even they require thinning out.— Josiah Hoopes. Where Tomatoes were First Eaten. A New- port tradition says in that city in about 1823, in a house still standing on the corner of Corneand Mill streeLs. About that time there came here an eccen- tric Italian painter, Michele Felice Come. Previous to his coming, and long aft^r. Tomatoes, then called Love Apples, were thought to be poisonous. They were looked upon as curiosities, and prized for their beauty. They became later, however, a very im- pleasant missile in the hands of the small boy. A charming ohl lady also told me today that in 1824 she was sitting with a sick person when some one brought the invalid as a tempting delicacy, some Tomatoes. "Would you poison her?" wa,s the ex- clamation of the astonished attendants; and yet Corne. in his section of the town, had been serving them fur a year previous. As late as 1835 they were regarded as poisonous throughout Connecticut. — Boston Trmtscripf. Fruit Cellars and Storage Houses. T. S. Gold describes a refrigeratinghousenearMeriden.Conn., as follows: It is of good size and so encased by double walls as to preclude any danger from frost. A low temperature is secured in the summer by a large stock of ice, occupying one end of the fruit room. The Apples are brought in as picked from the trees and stored in slatted bins. No draft is al- lowed in the building. Pears may be retarded for a period without in.iury. The dampness from the ice is not injurious, and in some cases the drip from the ice falls on the fniit without harm. The fruit should be ripe and full grown, but picked while hard and firm. Fi-uit that is green will never ripen well. That which is too ripe will become discolored and lose flavor. Bruised and worm-eaten fruit is not worth the storage. An even temperature, just above freezing, not only prevents decay but favors an even degree of moisture, keeping the fruit plump. A common cellar, clean, sweet and not af- fected by a furnace, and that can be closed up, is a good place for keeping Apples. Next to Butter. Cream and Milk. Apples are the most sensitive to unpleasant odors and lose their own delicate aroma with the greatest facility. Kerosene, cod-fish, Cab- bage, Turnips and Onions are all well enough in their places, but their place is not in a fruit cellar. Laying Down Peach Trees in Minnesota. Of course we have to cover the trees in winter, a point of great interest to those in a cold climate who would like to grow this luxury. In the first place, we set the tree for laying it down with the least damage t<> the roots. We dig the hole the ordinary size and depth; then make a compact narrow ridge of dirt across the center in t he direction that the tree is wanted to be laid down; divide the roots in two equal parts and straddle them across the ridge, keeping each jiarcel eom]>act, and then fill in and pack the dirt as in planting any tree. Tu lay down in the fall dig down on the side you want it to turn to, and it will drop over as if on a hinge; put the dirt back around therdots. and cover them and the entire top with hay. leaves or the like eight to twelve inches deep, and sitmething to keep it there. Put no dirt on the top of the tree. We uncover in the spring as soon as all danger of hard freezing is over. We then remove the dirt and straighten the tree up and again pack the soil around the roots, taking care to cut off all roots that start out along the ridge. Keep the roots to each side and dig a little deeper in laying down, so as not to strain or hurt the bark on large roots. Never lay them down until after hard frosts, and remove all leaves if any remain when put down. By this simple process we gi'ow as fine Peaches as are grown in the South. — JI///1- iiesota 0>n: Ht>rticultitral Art Jouiiial. Fruit Sjrrups. Oppressive days, when strength and appetite fail alike, the best support is a glass of Orange or Grape syrup, with a dash of acid phos- phate, taken ever>' hour or two. It is more strength- ening than wine, if it is pure, and if their value were known syrups woidd be as much part of family supplies as canned fruit and vegetables. But to be of real worth the syrujis nuist be pure, and not mixed. To make fruit .syrups the ripest fniit is crushed, and its juice squeezed through a strong, coarse cloth, then boiled in stone-ware, or enamel, till it thickens. It should be well skimmed, and a half pint of sugar added to the quart of juice when nearly done When cold, bottle and seal. Rasp- berry', Black berry. Peach and Grape syrups are nice, and made this way also syrup from sweet cider. The aim is to have the juice as purely condensed as possible, the small amount of sugar being t(.> sweeten the acid set free by heat in boiling. The juice of Melons makes nearly as fine syrup as Maple sap, and sugar has been made from it in California. Good Pumpkins ground and pres-sed in a cider-mill make a rich syrup, and it is said sugar has been made from it on a large scale in Hungarian factor- ies for Beet sugar. Syrup from Sweet Corn was made before the Spanish invasion of America, and has been made by many farmers since, saj's Johns- ton, and a factory near Toulouse, France, makes twenty thousand poxmds a year from this plant.— Youthx' Coni})anion. Renovating an Orchard. For years the College orchard has been in a state of constant reproach to the institution. Numerous futile attempts have been made to rescue it from blight and borers, but each time the trees obstinately refused to become healthy and fruitful. We were glad to see that at last it has been induced to bear, and really appeal's as if it might become a handsome, healthy orchard. Two yeare ago the limbs were all killed back, the trunks were scarred and scabby, and the roots were sod-bound, but since then the tops have been trimmed, the trunks scraped and the earth plowed and cultivated The result is that, while heretofore the crop has scarcely been worth gathering, last year 25 barrels were obtained, and this year there is promise of 1.50 barrels. Two young orchards of Pears and Cherries have been similarly treate' onion contains at least eighty per cent of water, and when a large mass of them are kept together they are liable to "sweat,*"' and the skins and tops become damp; and if the temperature is above freezing they will throw out roots and commence togrow, just as they would in the ilamp soil. If it is necessary to keep them in a large mass, put them in a ilry place, such as a shed or barn; then they will freeze solid, and stay frozen till wanted in spring. Cover well to keep them from thawing; avoid putting them over base- ments where aninuils are kept, as the warmth from the animals might thaw them out. We have kejit them perfectly on the east side of a north and south wall, where the snow drifts in several feet high and remains till spring. They were simply covered with Corn stalks and leaves. They can be placed three or four inches deep on shelves in a dry <-eIlar. or in slat boxes holding about a bushel eacli. Place cm boards, and not on the cellar floor. But the boxes may be piled up one above another, in a way t raise the flower so much above itself, the same attention must be allowed wherever it is propaga- ted to continue, in that lustre. This is the case in all these enriched varieties: if left unregarded, they by degrees shrink back into their original plainness. We mentioned this under an article wherein it is most plainly conspicuous— the degeneration of the Proliferou.'i Dainy, which if left but a few years un- regarded in the ground,' though at first ever so well adapted to its nature, loses its irregular offspring first, and then its size and double rows of petals, till after four or five seasons, the same root bears a common py'd Field Daisy. 'Tis the same with the Daffodil. The foldings, curls, and colour of the nectarium will be lost unless care be taken of the roots, and the plant, showing most plainly its origi- nal, will sink into the common wild bastard Daffo- dil. Our gardener is by this time so well instructed in his principles that few words will inform him under this particular. To preserve the plant in its beauty the bed must be renewed once in two years, and to improve its lustre (for so far we would have him carry his art) it must be raised from seeds often for the sake of new varieties. The best compost for their success is fresh pasture earth with a very little cow- manure well mixed among it, and they should never be taken out of the ground except to part the offsets from them once in three years. — Froju Hale's "ErfcH," Published in 1757. Cold Storage for Grapes. Cold storage is the prime factor in tlie solution of the problem how to market fruit profitably. Good Concord Grapes when not stored average not above three cents, while the prices realized when taken from store range from six to ten cents, or more. One cent per pound will cover all extra cost of storage. In the Hudson Valley it has been largely used for two or three years. Large cold-storage houses for general patronage will be among the factors of the fruit business in the near future. Grapes carefully cut out and laid in Grape crates in the vineyard and conveyed directly to the cold storeroom have in some instances kept in prime condition about three months. Success is not assured unless the room is kept at a uniform temperature. Thirty-six degrees has proved the best point, although in some instan- ces a point higher or lower has given good results. Changes are destructive. Better a uniform 37** than a vacillating a5°to37*'. While filling the house 40° to 4^° will be low enough. Of various methods of insulation that have been resorted to the unpat- ented system used by the write^r of this paper may be briefly described as a wall of packed saw-dust 14 inches thick, enclosed by matched boards outside and inside. The paper system consists of a series of eight layers of asbestos paper enclosed in siding, ceiling and lining, and so disposed as to provide several dead-air chambers or spaces. The expense of this is greater than the saw-dust system, while good results have been attained with either. The saw-dust plan is the one very generally favored in the Hudson Valley. The largest grower in the Hudson Valley has two houses, one of saw-dust and the other paper walls. He prefers the saw-dust plan. Three systems or patents of refrigeration have been used in this vicinity with good results, the Ridgeway, the Fisher and the Geralds. Experi- ence has shown that drj'. cold air is an essential con- dition for the preservation of Grapes. It is claimed for all of the above systems that this atmospheric condition is produced by them. For some fruits, however, as Apples, Pears, Peaches and the like, dryness may not be so essential. Indeed a strong array of opinion inclines to the belief that some of the fruits named woidd be benefited by a greate^r degree of moisture than is reejuired by Grapes. Should this prove correct, separate compartments may be needed for special purposes. The ice-pan of refrigerator systems is a critical point, and no one should attempt its construction without experi- ence or instructions from experienced workmen. A trifling leakage may materially damage the whole stock in store. — IV'. />. Gnmi, in N.Y. Independent. 26 POPULAR GARDENING. November, Chrysanthemum. I bring you the latest blossoms Which summer has given to me. How white is her farewell tolteu 1 How pure she would have us be! She sent the Snowdrop and Wild-flower To herald her happy reign, And the Hawthorn's crown of beauty Was a fall of snow again. Oh ! gaze at her latest blossoms, And ponder her gentle speech. And the voice of the passing summer Her lowliest thought shall teach. — Clara Thwaites " It is Common!" So are the stars in the arching skies, So are the smiles in the children's eyes; Common the beautiful tints of the fali; Common the sun, which is over all; Common the rain with its pattering feet— So is the bread which we daily eat. Common is the grass in its glowing green. So is the water's glistening sheen ; Common the fragrance of rosy June, So is the generous harvest moon; Common the life-giving breath of the spring. So are the songs which the wild birds sing. So unto all are the "promises" given; So xmto all is the hope of heaven ; Common the rest from the weary strife— So is the life which is after life- Blessed be God, it is common ! — Phreiioloyical Journal. Empty and store the vases. Chrysanthemums now stand supreme. For a good pot Fern try Pteris ti-enmhi. The Primrose once was called Bear's Ear. To arms ! They come ! the bugs, the bugs ! Trees with golden foliage need the full sun. Dusty Millers should now get but little water. As for Violets, they will not bear much heat. Leaves are Nature's material for root protec- tion. Flowers and fruit are fit presents to make alvvaj's. All double flowers are monstrosities, strictly speaking. Natural Selection. Taking the largest Apple on tile plate. Cut flowers are shipped from Boston to Chicago regularly. Caladiums of much beauty are weeds in Brazilian gardens. For the lately lifted plants a little extra nursing counts well. It is surprising how few of our best Apples are of recent origin. The pickers of Peaches in some districts go by the name of " Peach jilucks. " The Coral-like fruit of the Barberry bushes lends l)rilliancy to our shrubbery clumps. Vegetables are rai-ely classed among orna- mental ])roducts, but Celery belongs here. If well ripened, even sour Apples contain much sweet. The unripe produce the pucker. " 'What is Costmary ?" asks Mary G. Lewis, of Penobscot Co. , Maine. It is the old name of Tansy. Mere architecture will not adorn a place. But tree planting alone will give beauty to an humble home. — Jesstqj. The Evergreens on my grounds are worth hundj-eds of dollars in pleasure and comfort every year. — /. Wilcox. ■WTiat a mirthful amusement for children is the gathering and husking of the various nuts. Do let them have their fill. You can help to popularize improved garden- ing in your vicinity by getting neighbors and friends to subscribe for this paper. " Popular Gardening " does not hesitate to judge the efficiency of a plant grower by the presence or absence of insects on his plants. This department should be called our postal card catch-all ; it is so convenient for the many little notes from our family of readers. Let these increase. Newly-potted cuttings can't take up much water; so, after one good watering given to such, apply it quite moderately until the growth fairly starts. Several of our readers report that they are going into the Chrysathemum shows, as ex- hibitors, having grown fine plants by following Popular Gardening directions. Here is an idea about Primroses; Nip the flower shoots, when they first show plainly, from part of the plants. Such then will give a larger spread of bloom, but it will be later. The early started Hyacinths may come to light and warmth now. But reniemlier that where there is a lack of fresh air, and added to this there is much heat, fine spikes need hardly to be expected. Oleander and Orange trees are quite subject to the White Scale. It they are thoroughly cleansed with warm soap suds and an old tooth brush now when going to winter rest a deal of future trouble may be saved. Forest Trees by Mail, Of more than a dozen difl'erent deciduous and evergreen kinds, R. Douglas & Son, of Waukegan, 111., will send 100 plants from (1 to 12 inches high, by mail post-paid, for one dollar. Dr. Johnson's good advice to a friend was this; "If possible have a good orchard. I knew a clergyman of small income who brought up a family very reputably, which he chiefly fed on Apple dumplings." There are flowers within the Arctic circle, hundreds of them, and some so tar northward that they may well be called Polar flowers. But from within the Antarctic circle no flow- ering plant has ever been reported. Fragrance Tells. At the Florists' Conven- tion it was suggested that the Orchid would supplant the Rose as a fashionable flower. "Not while a woman has a nose!" was the emphatic argument of one horticulturist. One house we pass often had its hanging baskets, with the old soil and dead plants in them, hanging out and swinging about all last winter. We are sure that such slack gardeners are not of the Popular Gardening family. True Enough. Each of us can make for our- selves a home, adorn it with the beautiful things Nature so lavishly ofl'ers in fine flowers and fruits. And all she asks in return is care and labor bestowed on her treasures. Mrs. R. H. M., Mimtgoincry Co.; Mo. A word fitly spoken for Popular Gar- dening by each one of its friends to each one of their friends will yield more than "Pictures of Apples"; it may yield the real article of a plenty of aU fi-uits and flowers on many tables where these are too rarely seen. A late swindling device is a powder sold by agents as "pelpneum," and which is warranted to keep fruit or gi-een stufl' fresh for any length of time. Those who purchase it, however, lose a large portion of their greenness with great forthwithness. — Pittsbnnj Chronicle. Fall-sowing of Sweet Peas. Those who never have tried sowing Sweet Peas in the fall I advise to do so, and at once. Sow rather thinly in a sheltered spot and cover with coal ashes. Such plants _ bloom earlier and better than from spring sowings. " L. E.," Lorain^ Ohio. A hail-storm last summer helped me more than any damage it did, by clearing the ten- der tops of a lot of Roses and Chrysanthemums I had of the aphis that had got on them thickly. Reading in Popular Gardening about hail insurance, I thought to drop this note to show again that " 'Tis a bad wind that blows no good." — Jamex Werklcy. This paper should be in the hands of every grower of flowers, fruits and vegetables. Much could be done towards attaining this end if each one of our .50,000 readers would kindly call the attention of their friends who do not take it to its worth, beauty and cheap- ness. We are glad also to send specimen copies free to any names sent in by our subscribers, while the regular price for such is 10 cents. Don't Count for Much Here. A candidate for "botanical gardener and horticulturist" in Prospect Park presents a card bearing after his name no less than seveateen titles. He re- marks of the park that "the impressions are limited." The New York Tribune offers to tell him how to make the unfavorable impres- sion which the public has formed of him less limited than it is. This by dropping a large majority of those superfluous titles. Tulips in the House. " Meg," from Hartford Co. , Conn. , says in a letter to us that she finds Tulips are among her best winter flowers. She prefers the single to the double ones for window culture. She starts them along with the Hyacinth and Crocus. In planting them one bulb is set into a tour-inch pot and all are put outdoors into a frame against the kitchen, and covered with litter for at least four weeks. The bulbs are cheaper to buy than Hyacinths, and come quicker into bloom. Flue-heating. The question came to us the other day, whether this old system of heating glass houses possesses any worth side of hot water and steam. In answer we say j'es, most decidedlj'. It is cheap, effective, and as capable of proilucing good results as any plan of heating. Even such a great establishment as that of the Dingee, Conard Co. , Rose grow- ers at West Grove, Pa., is heated with flues throughout. Taie the country over and flues are in use in many greenhouses. In the insect war no worse course can exist than to allow plants to become badly infested, thinking then to subject them to an extra The Belmont Straioberry. (See opposite page.) cleansing. Not only is the work therebj- much increased, but the plants themselves, beyond the harm done by the insects, are more or less injured by whatever means are employed in the cleansing process. The best season to attack the enemy is in autumn or earlj' winter, for now all kinds increase more slowly than at most other times, and there is also leisure. Aquilegias, or Columbines, are plants of the easiest possible culture, and their blooms are excellent for cutting. A clump of the Golden- spurred species {A. clrnjsantha} in our grounds has not been without some of its fine flowers for one month since June. To set out the plants of this and others of the hardier species at once in good soil they will start up well in the spring, and soon send along a succession of beautiful flowers. The beautiful but somewhat rare sort named comes readily from the seed. i886. POPULAR GARDENING. 27 Applies to Many. Mrs. H. P. Jones, of Henry Co., III., in a letter to us, after refer- ring in most complimentary t^i-ms to her appreciation of Popular Gardening, asks quite natui-ally whether her paper, sub- scribed for at some time during the first volume, will come to the end of the time for which she suliscribed, inasmuch as the price of the paper has been changed. Most certainly is our answer to her and to all simOai' sub- scribei*s, he they such as came direct, or through the FlarnnVorld or the Fruit Revoi-rler. Pot-grown Strawberry Plants. Mr. Peter Hendereon in a note to us offers the statement that: " Much of the talk against such plants is all wrong and must be based upon some unfortunate experieuie, for certain it is that when we sell, as we have done for the past five oi-six yeai-s, from l.")l>,(10ll to 300,CKX) pot^layered Strawberry plants annually we would not be able to do so unless they gave good results. Moreover in our own practice we never fail to get a full crop in 9 or 10 months from the time of planting, which cannot be done in any other way that is known to us. Shrub Flowers in Winter. Miss Belle G., Niagara Co., N. Y., sends in the following interesting item to what she facetiously styles "Our Family's Knowledge Box," " From New Year's until April my window presents a fine show of Deutzia, Lilacs, Daphne and Bleeding Heart (Diccntra spfctnhilis) in flower. To have these I simply take up with care some of the ofl'-sets of the lawn bushes, or else take young plants that were raised from cuttings, I)lant them in tobacco pails or large pots and keep them in the cellar until wanteti. Brought to the window, they grow and bloom quickly. Where do so many plant lice come from people often wonder. Those who have studied the lives of these little fellows have no trouble in accounting for their free presence. Accord- ing to Alphonse Kai-r, the observing French naturalist, one of them will under favorable contlitiou produce nearly twenty young in the course of a day. A single aphis which, at the beginning of the warm weather would bring into the world ninety aphides, and these then twelve days after, would each produce ninety more, would be, in the fifth generation, author of .5,004,000,000 aphides— which, he adds, " is a tolerable sum.'' Names and the Point of View. The Garden- ers' Monthly tells of a florist who is a German and who does not think the English names of plants any easier than Latin ones, and even the English names used in florists' work worry him considerably. He thinks Dutch names might be adopted with great advantage by those who think easy names a gi-eat desideratum. For instance, he thinks the common phrase, " Flor- ists' Supplies," a terrible word for any one to pronounce, and he would substitute for this, Garteuwerkzeugfabrik. While the subject of short and easy names is up this simple word may be worth considering. The Rhynchospernum is a handsome ever- green climber which will succeed tolerably well with house culture, and should be trained on a small trellis. In the greenhouse, however, it may be planted as a permanent rafter plant, succeeding as it does much better than in pots. The white Jasmine-like flowers fill the room completely with exquisite fragrance, and aie producewei's ..Association of On- tario, 18H4," from Secretary L. Woolocoton, Grims- by, (^nt. This is a large w-ork of '277 pages. Besides containing the reports of the County Associations of Ontario, it gives the numerous valuable essays, covering a large range of Horticultural subjects, that have been presented at the various meetings of the Society for that year. 30 POPULAR GARDENING. November, ^^'^ON CI ES Her Floral Highness. She wore a corsage bouquet Just in the usual place But 'twas so large and spreading I could not see her face. And whether it was handsome, Or whether it was plain, I really cannot answer. For I dodged about in vain; But peeping through the Roses. One eye I did espy. While a little urchin shouted, •' Now how is that for high? " Foliage Decorations are on the increase. No one tires of Lily of the Valley blooms. The True Lovers'-knot is now made pure white. A Common Sell. Perle Roses for Marechal Neil, the buyers knowing no diJEerence. Autumn Leaves. They are most handsome for all manner of designs and free to every one now. Ning-Poo fans of heart shaped and curved sur- face are among the latest holders for souvenu-s and favors. We have no doubt but that Sunderbi-uck's (Cin- cinnati) floral alligator was o£ sweeter odor than the real article. A Chicago Florist reports having sold 200,000 Pteony flowers during last June. This is a suitable time tor setting out some roots of this flower. Since the appreciation for simple forms of flowers has been so greatly revived, the sale of sum- mer wild-tlowers has been immense in the cities. Heliotrope spoils quickly after cutting, as usually handled. But let it be kept in glasses, a few stems to each, and uncrowded, and it keeps for a surpris- ing length of time. A symbolic design a little out of the usual was shown by Henry Gardner at the Cincinnati Expo- sition. It was a floral stump with an axe resting against it, representing " Rum aud its Cure." I often keep Roses for a week by gathering them when the buds are soft, and the first leaves are be- ginning to uncurl, and placing the stems in a shal- low dish of cold water in a dark cellar, with moss over the stalks. " One of the Family." Foliage bouquets made of such exquisite mater- ials as Maiden Hair and other fine Ferns, Asparagus plumosa, Lycopodium, Croton and other leaves are at present the most fashionable. Roses or Valley Lilies are occasionally placed in a bunch on one side of the bouquet, shading towards them. Placing Caskets on a bank of flowers is in vogue in some cities; it being a pleasing change from the free use of the ordinary funeral designs and not more expensive. This is done by having a ground work of board under the casket and to project six inches or more beyond, on all sides, on which to bank flowers and leaves, In London set ornaments or large plants are never seen now on the dinner table; the present fancy is for many little ornaments filled lightly with a few sprays. Often there will be twenty or thirty of these holders scattered with apparent carelessness over the table, some holding cut flowers and some tiny ferns. Flowers may be preserved tor months by dipping them carefully, as soon as gathered, in perfectly limpid gum water; after aUowing them to drain tor two or three minutes, arrange them in a vase. The gum forms a complete coating on the stems and petals, and preserves their shape and color long after they have become dry.— Enylixli Paper. Sale of Orange Blossoms at Paris. The Deustche Garten Zeituny says that, according to the ancient rule, the Orange blossoms of the gardens at the Luxembourg and the Tuilleries were on May 22d last sold by public auction in presence of the Inspec- tors of the Administrators of Domains, such being the property of the State. The 150 trees of the TuiUeries garden were taken into the garden rather late, namely, after the close of the Industrial Festi- val, which was held there. Of this number of trees forty of them date from the reign o£ Francis I, in the 16th century. The Floral Exhibits of the Cincinnati Exposition have grown to be famous, and those of the present year made during September contributed even more than usual towards keeping up the reputation of these shows. But then there was prize money to the amount of over $2,000 offered in this depart- ment alone. If this, in addition to the honor of carrying off prizes, would not spur up the best efforts of florists, then what would ? Among the leading prize designs were a G. A. R. monument 15 feet high, an army wagon and two tents, an engine and tender, the yacht Mayflower, a steamboat, a patrol wagon, a pedestal with a Roman chariot and horses, a huge nautilus, a Corliss engine, a bag- gage car. a secretary, lounge and billiard table of the ordinary size, an enormous Maltese cross, a lite- size stag, swan, alUgator, a stump surmounted by an owl, a fountain ten feet high and many of the more ordinary designs. The chief exhibitors were B. P. Critchell & Co., The Floral Co., Henry Gardner and Sanderbruch & Son. Boots absorb liquids, only as vapor. Green rind does the duty of leaves. Cabbage does not head in the Tropics. Italy is to have a new botanical journal. Bees visit only one kind of flowers on each trip. Quince trees are evergreen in Southern Europe. Germany has 3) botanic gardens; the United States five. Never before has there been so much botanical activity m this country as at the present time. Nearly all the rusts, smuts, mildews and rots that injure our crops are of fungoid gi-owth, hence within the botanist's province. Crows distribute many tree seeds, such as acorns and nuts, by plucking them and carrying them away, dropping them again at some distance from the place of starting. In and in breeding, according to Professor Mun- son. dwarfs, weakens and sterilizes progeny; cross- breeding distinct varieties, as well as the hybridizing of nearly allied species, gives vigor and prolificacy, but that hybridizing distinct species or different genera produces sterile progenj-. The work of forestry the government should take in hand. Every year of timber waste makes our climate worse and we must look to the government to preserve dur woodlands. This state in 185;^ had 54 per cent of forest and in 1884 only 17 per cent remained. And Ohio speaks for all America.— Parker Etirlt". That the well-known red-truited Solatium Dul- camara (Woody Nightshade; Bittersweet! is of a poisonous nature H. U. Falkestone believes, as the following shows: One of my younger pupils some years ago ate of its bright berries, and it was scarcely thought he would recover. He had to beheld down in bed, and the eyes were dilated, just as in Bella- donna poisoning. In fact, the physician treated him for that, and successfully, though I knew the Belladonna did not grow in the neighborhood. The boy showed me the berries afterwards, and where he had gathered them. Easpberry and Blackberry Cross. Prof. Saun- dei-s, of Canada, and perhaps others, have effected a cross between Raspberries and Blackbenies, but the results are not known. It appears from Mr. Carman's experiments in this direction that the cross is a simple one to make. Both the Raspberry and Blackberry buds were opened and the anthers removed while green. Pollen from each was applied to the other, and carefully wrapped up in tissue paper to prevent contact of pollen from bees or wind. About fifteen berries formed from this hybridization, three-fourths on the Raspberry and the remainder on the Blackberry. The seeds of the Raspberry have been sown, and those of the Blackberries are to be when ripe.— A^. Y. World. Wheat and Chess. Even many intelligent people can be found who believe that Wheat sometimes turns to Chess, and they may seem to present the proofs. For instance some weeks ago a gentle- man showed us a head of wheat from one side of which, between the glumes, there was a small branch of genuine Chess. It looked as if it had grown there true enough, but a careful examina- tion showed otherwise. By taking away the Wheat kernels one by one it was soon seen that there was no union between the Wheat and the Chess. In some way the Chess must have been caught by the chaff of the Wheat, and crowded down into the head, where it was held quite firmly. Such speci- mens are, throughout the length and breadth of our land, constantly being discovered— of t«n enough, in fact, to lead many superficial observers into the error referred to and strongly' supporting it. Reference was made in the May issue to the con- dition of the botanical part of the Department of Agriculture at Washington. Since that time the committee of the American Association on the health and diseases of plants addressed a memorial to Congress setting forth the desirability of Investi- gations upon the fungous foes of the cultivator and asking for $5,000 with which to carry on the work. To Prof. Riley and to Commissioner Colman the credit of finally securing the favorable action of Congress is largely due. The residt has been that the work on the diseases of plants has been separa- ted from the botanical part of the Department (now- raised to the dignity of a division) and has been placed in full charge of Mr. Scribner, who reports directly to the Commissioner. Of the appropria- tion of $5,000 obtained, S840 goes to the Botanical Division, to be expended chiefly in studying the agri- cultural grasses of the West, andthebalancet-o the study of the diseases of plants. — Botanical Gazette. ABOUT THE PLACE. Hogs like clean water, too. Bees are not taxable property. A good time to destroy Sorrel patches. Bees left on the summer standsshould have some kind of a wind-break for their hives. A high tight fence about the bee yard is the right thing. As to fences of barbed wire, what the statute of Connecticut recognize as a legal one is one hav- ing 4 strands of wire, the lowest within 12 inches of the ground, the highest at 4 feet, and all tightly stretched on posts not further than 16 feet apart. It is a good fence for anywhere. What we keep Cows for is their milk. But if cows are not kept warm, aud their systems are re- duced by biting winds and beating storms, they will not secrete full udders of milk. So common pru- dence demands that now, before winter, the stables should be put in the best of order, to make the animals real comfortable during cold weather. Protecting Water Tanks. Some people when they go about protecting the tanks in their barns or other buildings do so by packing saw-dust or tan- bark all about them, thinking they are doing the best kind of a job. Then later on they are surprised to find that frost has penetrated the tank, forming thick ice, and to its damage. A much better way than this is to have no packing material directly against the tank, but to surround this by a close rough box, three inches away all around, leaving an air space between the two. Then board up your saw-dust or other material outside of this if you like, but it will hardly be necessary. Protection by a belt of air is simple, effective and inexpensive. A Simple Ice-house. Let me tell how I keep ice the summer through, without any outlay for a regular ice-house. In the corner of my barn is a room ten by twelve feet, having a window outside and a door into the feeding alley. This I pack full of iceexceptingaspacenineiuches wide all around the sides and bottom and a foot on top which is filled with sawdust, as the packing in of ice goes on. I slide the ice into this room through the out- side window, which, when the flUing is done I board over from the outside. I prefer to have cakes longer one way than the other to break joints. The saw- dust beneath rests on a plank floor, and into this some holes have been bored to make drainage. In this way we enjoy the luxury of ice the summer through. — Gustave Bilgaster, Windsor Co., Vermont. Protect the Wells. The idea that the water of our wells is the purest obtainable, says the American Cultivator, was long ago exploded. Well water may be pure, but its degree of purity depends wholly upon its distance from all filth. It is now admitted that in many soils both air and water travel very freel.v under the surface. Some are so porous and deep that water will easily settle through them and the bulk of the filth be retained in the top loam ; and in such cases it may be said that ordinary cultivation and the growing vegetation will absorb the objectionable element. Water in such locations is regarded pure and' safe. But where wells are shallow and dugin clayey or impervious soil, having near to or at their bottom an impervious stratum, they are likely to be receptacles for filth contamina- tion for many rods around. It does not follow that because the contents of sink drains soak out of sight that the deadly element therein is gotten rid of ; it too frequently finds its way to the water which the family are prone to extol as the very perfection of purity. It is never safe to depend upon taste in this matter; it there is a source of contamination near the well, rid yourself of it without delay; at least do not rest content until you have had the water subjected to a thorough chemical analysis. 1 886. POPULAR GARDENING. 31 TREECLIMBER'S TALKS. ABOUT THE BANANA OR MUSA. Last month an inquiry from a correspondent brought out some remarks about the Mangoes, a tropioal fruit not much known by us ; in this article I want to speak of the well known trop- ical fruit, the Banana. I easily remember when the Banana was but rarely seen in this coim try; Fit/. 1. .4 Bttna ltd Plant hefoi-etfu' Fruiting Stage. now it is one of the most common and cheap- est of fruits everywhere with us, and this, too, notwithstanding the great distance it has to be brought. Most of our BANANAS COMK FROM THE WEST INDIES, the Island of Jamaica being especially product- ive of them; but they grow freely in all trop- ical lands. The fact of their cheapness here shows that they must be verj- easily raised, and this is true, for even the wildest tribes in South America and elsewhere succeed well in raising them. All the labor needed in cultivating the fruit consists in setting out the suckers that form the trees. Nature being then left to do the rest until the time to cut the fruit arrives. I'his occurs within a year from planting, the plant, or perhaps I should say the tree, bj' this time having reached a height of about ten feet. Where considerable intelligence is brought to apply the suckers are set out regularly to make plantations, with the trees about 15 feet apart, something like our orchards, lu case iiriga- tion is practicable (for the plants do the best in a damp, cloggy soil) trenches are dug between the rows, for the water. The planting of the suckei-s is done with a primitive and ponderous hoe. The yield per acre, even with the most simple culture, is between .50 and liO tons of ripe fruit. No wonder the natives can almost live on this fruit and then spare us large quan- tities for, to them, almost nothing. But no doubt my young readers have noticed that there are RED AND YELLOW VARIETIES of the Banana in the markets. About this there is nothing more strange than is the find- ing of both red and }-ellow Apples, Cherries and other fruits in the markets. Botanically the species of Banana which gives us thi most fruit is known as Miisn sapii'iiliini, and of this there are now, as a result of long cultiva- tion, really many varieties. These, by close looking, may be detected not only by the differ- ence in color, but by variation in size, and in the quality of the fruit. But the Banana is of consideralile interest to the people of the North in another direction also. In the various species of the genus Muxa we find some of our most ORNAMENT.\L-LEAVED PLANTS for cultivation in greenhouses, and also for planting in the garden for tropical effects. Some of the kinds grown in hot-houses also proiluce fruit that is most delicious. The dwarf one shown in figure 2, known as M. ('((vendixhii, is one of the best of these, as it is of low stature ; hence easily accommodated. Should any of my young friends visit some large and complete greenhouse, or, in the summer,a fine ornamental garden, they would, no doubt, see some plants like the ones shown in the engravings, and then perhaps they will remember that they ai'e Bananas of some sort. THE TABOOED BANANA PEEL. A singular fact connected with the free use of Bananas is the number of accidents occur- ring from people slipping and falling by step- ping on the peels, that are slung thoughtlessly about. This of course happens more often in the large towns than anywhere else. Indeed it has grown to be such a real evil in some places that it would seem from a quotation I will make from a New York letter that in that city ordinances have been passed against throw- ing these on the walks. Here is what the writer says : A few years ago Banana peels were slung around New York about as recklessly as they are now everywhere else in the countr}', but one day a newspaper man in search of some- thing or other to make a midsummer sensation took up the Banana peel. The hoiTors con- sequent upon the unrestricted throwing about of THE SLIPPERY SHREDS were glowingly depicted whenever there was nothing more important to fill up jawning columns; then some alderman, anxious to curry favor with the newspaper, introduced an ordinance making it a misdemeanor, punish- able by a heavy fine, to throw a Banana peel on the sidewalk. The la w was passed ; people laughed and said it wasn't a bad idea at all. One or two people were arrested and fined, because they thought the new law was only a joke, and then the deed was done, and the nasty yellow bit of slipperyness was forever a thing of ill-repute on the streets of New York. Every street fruit-stand has to have conspic- uously posted on it a printed copy of the ordi- nance which taboos the offending peel, and the police keep as sharp a lookout for VIOLATORS OF THE BANANA LAW ! as for pickpockets and fast drivers. AH of which adds to pedestrianism in New York, one element of safety which probably is pos- sessed by no other city in the countrj'. Timothy Treeclimber. spiders' threads cannot equal in substance the size of a single hair. And if we further consider of how many fila- ments or narts each of these threads consists, to compose tile size we liave been computing, we are compelled to cry out. <) what incredilile minuteness is here; how little we kuow of the works of Nature! PET BIRDS, ANIMALS, ETC. Large kinds "f birds need lar^e cat^es. A shred of crisp CubtxiKe is enjoyed by Dick. Dogs olijt'ct to a real liath, l>ut it is needed occas- ionally. Pets belong to civilization, in barbarism they are unknown. Jacobin doves arc named after an order of iKxided friars. In th© care of dogs a conmiou troulde is the giv- ing of tf>o nUK'll meal. " Ma, ma, kitty's eat so much she tan't shut her tail down"' cried one Georgia 6-year old miss in alarm after teediug her young pussy to its full sat- isfaction. In selecting rabbits look to the eye. It should be clear. I'ound and full and large as posslf>le. .V small pl^'-eye ^ives the rabbit a sluggish and sleepy appearance, and is always to be avoided. H. A. P. Do Gold-fish Sleep! From experiments made at the Stiuth Kensington (London) Aquarium it ap- pears that while nutny fish sleep, just as land ani- mals do. the gold-fish and some others never sleep, but rest i)eriodically. Is the dove-cote comfortable for winter? We often meet them otherwise than this. It is the keepei-s' duty to lot)k to the general comfort in these. .\11 the openings or places that can aid to produce draughts should be closed up tight. Water for Canaries- Last month we touched upon giving plenty of fresh water to all pets: but, as Canary birds are so commonly kept, perhaps we should have said a little more about these as to this. One thing is certain, they too often are made to suffer for want of water. You will see bits of sugar and sponge cake and cracker and apple tucked all about the wires, while the drinking cup will be empty or filled with green water and "trash " which no bu-d can touch. If the abused pet could speak, he would say that he would like a little less grocery- store aljout liim. and a good, square drink of clean water now and then. Birds that Sing Tunes. It is very hard to make a C'anary bird sing a tune, says a fancier. It takes a year 4>f work to bring one to this state of musical perfection. In Germany there are families that do nothing else except train birds in this accomplish- ment. It is done in this way: They always have one bird that can sing a tune, and he is shut up in a "Will You Walk into My Garden?" This line we have been told in fable a spider said to a fly. Spiders are counted among the gardener's friends, because they are destroyers of insects. But who has not been unpleasantly reminded of their presence in the garden by coming in contact, face, hands and clothing, with their webs and threads, perhaps loaded with drops of dew ; About these threads there have been some interesting things discovered that are worth noticing. Even as far back as dOU years ago Leuwenhoek had the following to say of them : I have often compared the size of a spider's thread with a hair. For this purpose I placed the tliickest part of the hair before the nucroscope, and from the most accurate judgment I could form, more than a hundred such threads placed side by side coulil not equal the diameter of one such hair. If. then, we suppose svich a hair to be of a round form, it follows that ten thousand of the threads spun Ijy the full-grown spider, when taken together, will not be equal in substance to the size of oue hair. To this if we add that four hundred young spiders, at the time when they begin to spin their webs, are not larger than a full-grown one, and tiiat each of these minutes spiders possesses the same organs as the larger ones, it follows that the exceedingly small threads spun by these little creatures must he st ill four hundred times slenderer, and conse(iuently that four ndllious of these nnnute Fig. 2 'rf /I'oiiaiiii (.Vii in Fruit. tiark room with a young birut into the room. Very often the young bird is unable to learn a tune at all. Of course this makes the birds very- expensive, and S(une bring readilly S.'iO Ut $.500. ac- cta'ding to the extent and merit tif its acconq)lish- inents. I have known of a Canary that could sing three tunes, hut such birds are very rare indeed. POPULAR GARDENING. NOVKMBER, "^e Household A Meat or Fruit Diet, Which? If the meat packers' strike in Chicago, re- marks a leading daily paper, has the immediate effect to put up the price ot meats a good many consumers may improve the opportunity to be- come vegetai"ians, or at least to explode the doctrine that, with the bountiful fruits and vegetables of our gardens, with or without fish, eggs and poultry, the absence of the heavier albuminoid foods will be greatly missed. A change in the food supply as referred to would without any doubt be an easy matter to effect in the overflowing abundance of the American food markets. The gardens of the people and the great orchards and market gar- dens of the country are offering to consumers the proper food to suit this country's climate l>etween May and November at least. One fact appears to be in the way of fast be- coming established and that is that enlighten- ment tends to make men eat less food or lighter food. If this country, in its affluence of flesh meat, has looked down with scorn upon whole nations who feed upon succulent vegetables, fruit, vegetable oils, grains and fish, science now Instructs us that this attitude of contempt is one of class ignorance. People who work with their brain are advised to be bght feeders. Those who by their occu- pation get but little exercise for their muscles ai'e leaj-ning that heavy diet clogs their facul- ties and gives them the sensation of muscular fatigue for the unused supplies they have taken into the system. The magnificent muscular development in the peasants of Southern Europe is produced on mush, macaroni, Chest- nuts, Grapes and the oily Olive, with cheese, eggs and the vegetable soups. The Hindoo and Chinese live in the main on rice and butter or rice and lard, a system which enables the American-Chinaman to add much market money to his savings in lieu of spending it. Many Americans could with advantage pattern after John with respect to this. Let us take it for granted therefore that any- thing like a corner in meats would be very far from an alarming disaster. So long as we have the Apples and the Hominy we can forego the hog. With the vast supplies of the lighter and safe foods there are few physicians who would complain for their patients were the strikes in the meat-packing line long continued. Brieflets. Bill of fare liouks are brain savers. For dusting "h use an old silk baukerchief. Rapid eatiug; it is as unhealthy as it is vulgar. Pouring boiling water over Raisins makes the stiming vf them easier. Salt the spot made by a spill of milk or anything else on the stove, and the suffocating smoke will be quenched. Powdered Borax, A very small bit answers better than soap in water tor washing milk bottles and milk utensils. Stove Cement. It is a handy article often and easily made. Two parts fine ashes, one part salt and water, to make a mortar. Dry with slow fire. Cold Tea and Vinegar. One of the best house- keepei-s of our acquaintance turns the tea left over into the vinegar barrel, claimmg that it pro- motes acidity as n-ell as a fine color. Have you nut noticed a smell of cooking in some peoples' clothing? Caused by their turning the kitchen into a wardrobe, or having freshly ironed clothes near the frying pan or vegetable pot. To polish glass, and remove slight scratches, rub the surface gently, first with a clean pad ot fine cotton wool, and afterwards with a similar pad cnvered with cotUjn-velvet which has been charged with fine rouge. The surface will, under this treat- ment, acquire a polish of great bi-illiancy, quite free from the presence of any scratches. We don't buy the twine we have u.se for by the bull, neither do we depend on the bits that come around store packages, but instead we buy warps by the half i>ound or more, from a carpet weaver and wind the contents into small balls for use. We find that it is both stronger and cheaper than ball twine. Mrs. E., Dcinf,~ville, N. Y. A Handing Basket. When a market basket shows signs 7 Growing Red Raspberries. We are more and more satisfied tliat tlie best way to grow these, for large irops and such large beri'ies that the piokers will gl.idly pick them at same price paid for picking Eli;ck Raspberries, is in hills or stools and not in mat- ted rows, tilled up with sucker plants, large and small. If projierly set they are more easilj- grown in this way than in the old mat- ted I'ow system, tor the reason that they can be worked both ways with hoi'se and cultivator. From three to four stalks should be allowed to grow in a hill and all suckers cut down like weeds with hoe and cultivator, and it well cut down when they tii'st make their appearance, for two or three times, or say till June, they grow but little after that. Plant ro%vs four to five feet apart and three to fom- feet in the row, owing to kinds, such dwarfish kinds as Hansel and Thwack nearer, and Cuthbert, Herstine and Crimson Beauty further apart. If stakes ai-e expensive and hard to get, the tops of two hills in the row can be tied to- gether after they have been thoroughly cleaned out in the spring, but if stakes can be had they had lietter be employed. and plant largely of those that the largest num- ber agree upon. " Shall we gi-ow low or high heads V' For the rich soil, where they ai'e not to be cultivated after the first three or four years, low heads — but where cultivated, high heads. Will Apple Orcharding Pay? As well might one ask if it pays to grow any kind of crops. There may be jears when in some sections they will " hai-dly pay to feed to hogs " (but even in this way they may be had to pay well.) We know a party in Wayne Countj' that bought a farm, running in debt S1,60U on the same, 25 years ago. He had all he could do to pay taxes and keep up interest and support and educate his family for years. When he bought the fai'm there was a young Apple orchard on it. This required but little labor as compared with growing other crops, and besides he ob- tained fi'om the land crops of Potatoes and Corn for years, putting back manure to make up for the produce annually removed. Things ran along in this way for years, when there was a general scarcitj' of Apples, except in a few favored localities, and his was one of these, and that year he sold fi-uit enough from that orchard to pay the mortgage of .?1,600. A gentleman told us a few days since that from his orchard be sold last year over .$3(10 in fruit, at only 7.") cents per barrel, and he added ' ' that was more than I really made from all my former crops." We feel quite certain that if Apple trees could be set along the fences and by the road- side much larger crops of much finer fruit would be obtained than from the old plan of setting closel3' in orchard form. If any one doubts this, let them compare the crops as they run that we gathered from the outside of the orchard row and those inside. " Should Apple orchards be cultivated ?" is a question often asked. In the East, where land has been run for years and they are not liable to winter kill, we say )'es — but in Western sections on rich virgin soil, no — not after the second or third year, as they get well to growing. After this, seed down, except in places where soil is light and not rich. " When shall we trim ?" In sections where trees gi-ow rapidly and do not fmit well we advise late winter or early spring pruning, but elsewhere summer pruning. " Shall we enrich the soil ?" Yes, on poor land, or that that has been cropped for years, but not on rich land until after a few years of cropping. ' ' Shall we plant other trees with the Apple trees when set out ?" If land for that pui-pose is scarce short lived trees like the Peach may be planted, but no other kind. " ^Vhat varieties shall we plant ?" Look around you, and enquire of your ueigh- boi-s. Take the opinion of a dozen or more Walks and Jottings About the Fruit Farm. We ha\'^ just back-land ploughed for young seedlings to be budded next season. Have left it "in the furrow'' and scattered manure freely over the surface. In orn orchard of Teach ti-ees there are vacancies here and there. We are now digging out the earth where these occur and will leaves holes open till spring before planting the trees, to let frost act on the same. One has no roEA until it is tried how much com- post can he made by keeping two or three pigs and throwing in to them, through the j-ear, all weeds, vegetable tops, spoiled fruit, etc, etc. We have just hauled out from one pen ao loads of the best com- post we have ever handled. The droppings from two horses were also tlu"own into the yard, with refuse bedding and so on, and this has been worked over so much by the pigs that it is in best of shape to put right on the land. And here we would say that we heard a practical fruit grower in Ulster Co. remark that he could make compost enough from one pig to keep an acre of Grapes well fertilized— that is. I>y throwing in to the pig plenty of refuse stuff, leaves, we^ds, etc., through the summer. This is the time to save work for the spring when the teams are so driven with work. If groimd is drj', run over it with cultivators and thus put back weeds that start so early in the spring. AsPARAors seed may be sown right where the bed is wanted now, and early in spring i-un over the surface with hoe or cultivator to put back weeds that start before Asparagus comes up. We have been filling up all vacancies of Rasp- berries and Blackberries the past month, and haul- ing leaves from the woods for bedding for hogs, cows and horses. Now THAT we have got rid of publishing the Recorder we propose to give our time more to out- door duties, and through Popular Garden-ing will give its readers the benefit of the same from month to month. We hope every old subscriber of the Recorder will renew for Popiti.ar Gardening, and let us meet together in these " Walks and Jottings" from month to month. Old Currant bushes can be made as good as new by simply cutting away the old wood and Icr.ving a bare stump and then digging the soil up thoiu i.^hly down to the roots, and working in plenty oT ^vcll- rotted manure or superphosphate, with a ; c :>d " and ful of salt for each bush. An experiment in scattering phosphate on a few old Strawberry rows and leaving some without ap- plying showed much larger berries and a much larger crop the first season. We put it on in the fall. MEAT FROM THE SHELL. A correspondent of the Rural Xew Yorker says: "I save my Bartlett Pears so that they make fine eating two months after those of my neighbors have gone. I take a stout box and line it with paper; almost any kind will answer. The bottom is cov- ered an inch deep with wheat bran. The Peal's are carefully picked, wrapped separately in thin paper and packed deeply in the bran, until the bottom is covered; then this layer is covered with bran to the depth of an inch, and another layer of Pears is placed in the same way. This is continued until the box is full, when the cover is tacked on and the box set away in a cool, dry place. The Pears re- tain their fine flavor and color." Packing fruit in the infusorial earth which is so abundant in certain sections of Canada, has been found to preserve it better than almost any other system. J. Fra.ser Torrence of Jlontreal. Canada, has patented a case in which fruits may be packed with this earth and be transi>orted any distance, it is claimed, without damage. Secretary Gibb of the Canada Fruit Growers' Association says the finest manilla paper and the infusorial earth are the only two substances in which fruit can be packed with- out injurj' to the flavor. We believe there are ex- tensive deposits of infusorial earth in Virginia and some of the other Southern States, and suggest that trials be made to see if it has the preservative feat- ure that is claimed for the Canadian product. If so, and the Virginia infusorial earth can be sold at a low price, it may become a positive boon to fruit growers who are within reasonable freight distance of it. A writer in the Indiana Farmer says: A cheap but effectual device for protecting young fruit trees from bark bursting by exposure to the sun is adopted by a fruit grower living a few miles east of the city. He plants a short, row of Sugar Corn on the south side of each tree. The Corn, with its wide leaves and suckers, securely protects the trees from the hot rays of the sun in July and August, when the damage is usually ilone. The Farm Journal .says: Old Peter Tumbledown is quite a fruit grower and had a good croi) of .\pples this year. But he hadn't time to market them, nor to i)ick up the fallen ones for his horses and hogs. So he will have a good crop of worms next year. He bought a cider mill to utilize the wind-falls, hut only worked it one day, making enough cider to keep himself going through the winter. He bought the mill with a promissory note. The Journal of Agriculture says: Some one rec- ommends this simple remedy for Cabbage Worms, which is well worth trying; Bruise a quantity of Tansy in a woo4len bucket, over which pour cold water and let stand until the water is quite bitter and then sprinkle it over the plants, being sure to reach the worms with it. It is absolutely necessary that the water should he quite bitter. The Germantoint Telegraph advises gardeners, instead of trying to drive the striped bug away from their Melon and Cucumber vines, to furnish the bugs with food more to their taste by planting Rad- ishes in the hills, and thus purchase exemption. A. M. Pearson says in the NewYork World: The most successful young vineyard I have seen in Vineland was planted as follows. Holes were dug about three and a half feet in diameter and three and a half feet deep. The vines, one year old, three bud rooted cuttings, were planted at one side of the bottom of these holes and the roots covered with about six inches of soil mixed with a few handfuls of bone-dust. As the vine gi-ew it was trained up towards the top of the pit, and when growth of weeds, etc., had formed a mat upon the soil, cover- ing the vine roots , another laj-er of six inches of soil was filled in. This process was repeated at in- tervals until by August the holes were filled to the general level. These vines made vigorous gi-owth and this season carried an enormous crop of fruit, resisting the influence of severe drought, from which other vineyards in the locality suffered. Mr. F. K. Phoenix, the veteran pomologist of Wisconsin, in relation to pruning trees says: " There are many tolerably thrifty Apple trees throughout the Northwest suffering for a thorough pruning out of dead branches and spurs. It is perfectly well known that dead wood is a deadly burden to a liv- ing tree. Letting the dead limbs remain only robs the five part of needed sap and greatly injures the fruit. A lively pniner can go over several large orchard trees in a daj-. but if it took a half day or more to prime thoroughly a large tree of choice fruit it will pay the owner most richly on the very next crop of fruit." J. J. Harrison says in the Ohio Horticultural Society: " Three or four years ago we lost thousands of grape vines. Those vineyards where the Concord was deeply planted sui'vived. while those that were planted shallow died. With us it is considered es- sential to plant deeply." The Geauga Bulletin says: Do not be satisfied with putting a little fertilizer in the furrows or hill as the planting is being done. This will start the young plants, but as soon as the roots begin to gi'ow they want to spread, and if the manure is but a handful, just beneath, the roots must remain crowded together or grow out where there is but Uttle fertility. Roots want to spread over the en- tire surface and plant food should be so placed as to induce this. The Amerieau Stockman says: .\ new method of preserving fruit is practiced in England. Pears. Apples and other fruits are reduced to a pa.ste, which is then pressed into cakes and gently dried. When required for use it is only necessary to pour four times their weight of boiling water over them, and allow them to soak for 'jn minutes and then add sugar to suit the taste. The fine flavor of the frait is said to be retained to jiei-fcction. The cost of the prepared proiluct is scarcely gi-eater than the origi- nal fruit, differing with the supply and price of the lattei-; the keeping qualities are excellent, so that it may be had at any time of the year, and beai-s long sea voyages without detriment. No peel- jUg or curing is required, so there is no waste. 38 POPULAR GARDENING. December, A Serial in "Popular Gardening" to run through 1 887. It affords the publishers of this paper much pleasure to announce that with the coming January issue there will appear in its pages the first chapter of an extended practical con- tribution in the natvire of a serial, and which is to be continued from month to month, throughout the year. This work is entitled "THE COMPLETE GARDEN: Hoio to Make and to Manage It. '' It is from the pen of a well-known practical horticulturist, and was written expressly for Popular Gardening. It is copyrighted. The aim of this serial is to furnish, in a con- nected form, the various details of making a complete garden in answer to a wide felt demand for such information. Commencing with the selection of the land it goes on through laying it out for use and for ornament, choos- ing trees and other stock, planting, cultivating, building glass-houses, etc. , all to the end of producing an abundance of fruit, flowers, orna- mental stock, vegetables, etc., for use and beauty the year round. Although the ideal garden taken as a text by the writer is one that would require some four acres of land, the work deals so essentially in principles that it will prove of almost equal value to all cultivators, whether their stock consists of a single plant or acres of market crops. Copiously illustrated and to embrace a fine plan of "The Complete Garden." This article, as one feature of next year's paper, should alone be worth far more than the subscription price of the paper for a year. Garden Notes from Lyndale. BY A. H. E. I have just been reading one man's report on the use of petroleum for killing Plantains, Thistles and Dandelions in the lawn by apply- ing the article thi-ough a can into the crown of the plants. For my part I want nothing of the kind; with a strong knife one can cut away the plant sufficiently below the crown so that it will not start again about as easily as to apply petroleum, acids and the like, and then you are done with the thing. Even though one succeeds with killing weeds thus, the dead remains are there to mar neatness in a way that no one wants to see. Besides this, petroleum and acids ai'e unpleasant, or else dangerous to handle, and any drops scattered about acci- dently on the grass plants, as easily happens, will kill these too. * * * On last Tuesday — a pleasant autumn day — I went over the young Apple orchard, set out in October, and made a register of the trees. This was easily done so soon after planting, for all labels, just as they came from the nursery, were still on the trees. A sheet of smooth heavy manilla paper that a pen would readily pass over was used for the map. On this I drew as many lines and oblique cross lines as there were rows of trees, bringing those of the dwarfs closer together proportionately, and numbering all the rows at the edge of the map. With this sheet, a light smooth board to support it and a pencil I went to the orchard. Then for each lot of trees, down to two of one kind (such having in each case been kept to- gether), I drew a faint mark around the whole on the corresponding place on the map and wrote the name within the outline. For each single tree of a kind — and for the sake of variety I have 67 different sorts in the new orchard — I simply wrote the name to the cor- responding cross place on the map. Then when I came to the house I wrote out the name clearly with pen and ink over the faint pencil lines. My map will outlast me, and for all time there will be a perfect record of every tree in this orcbai'd, over three hundred altogether, to serve me and those coming after me. A favorite shrub at Lyndale is the Holly- leaved Mahonia (Mahonia <;iquifoKum), which stands in a close irregular clump, some 1.5 feet long and averaging half as wide, on the rear lawn. Why this is much thought of is because, for one thing, it is a rugged evergreen shrub, that never receives injury from cold. Then it has a pleasing Holly-like leaf, even to the prickles along the edge and the polished surface. Further than this it is one of the best early j spring-flowering shrubs, being covered in May with great clusters of sweet yellow blossoms ; last of all, few shrubs succeed any better than this one without petting, a thing very satisfac- tory when one thinks of its other good points. If there is a single drawback to the Mahonia, it is that sometimes the sun in winter spots the leaves. But this is apt to occur to any other laj'ge-leaved evergreen. There is one advant- age in this shrub over some others, however, and that is its free healthy growth soon enables it, in the spring, to out-grow the leaf spot, so that not a bit of it remains in sight shortly after growth begins. This, too, may be pre- vented by laying a few branches of Hemlock or similar evergreen trimmings over the bushes on the south side in the winter. In doing so I usually set the butt ends of the branches into the soil, to freeze fast and keep them in place, after the plan I saw suggested in your valuable paper over a year ago, I think. ** * Perhaps some of your readers engage in the culture of Allamandas for summer decoration out-of-doors, a thing now quite common. Speaking for myself, I think than this we have no summer blooming plant that gives more satisfaction for less trouble. My way of treat- ing the plants during winter to get the best condition for the next season's crop of bloom is to give them a partial rest from the time they are taken in until the time of pruning and re-potting in the spring. They require a light warm place, never below 55° during this time, and but little water. I know of no plant that is so remarkably free of insects as this one. With seed saving there must be seed cleaning. I now find leisure for getting all seeds in shape for next season's use. Many of the lighter seeds can, with a little patience, and for small quantities, such as the amateur saves, be per- fectly cleaned by turning them repeatedly in a light stream from one dish to another where there is a slight breeze. Others, like Radish or Cabbage, I find may readily be cleaned in the main with a sieve of suitable-sized mesh, or else by shaking them well in a narrow vessel, when the lighter husks and seeds come to the top and can be picked off. With the smaUer seeds a fine sieve is very useful for this work. After cleaning, I label every one of my kinds correctly, and store them away where they are secure from rats and mice, as well as dampness, and awaiting use in the spring. Peach Selling by the Delaware Fruit Exchange. This season makes the thii-d year of active operations by the Delaware Fruit Exchange, with an annual incretise of success for itself and those doing business through it, and also with innumerable converts to its theory, though it is not yet without opposition. Growers found that the auction method, rec- ommended by the Exchange, insui-ed the best prices from the buyers brought together, but in turn were not yet ready to give fruit system- atically graded and inspected at the Exchange. A few growers, however, carefully assorted their fruit, much to the satisfaction of buyers, and on the whole, the new principle made very natural, though slow, growth. Numerous pat- tern societies have been and are being estab- lished in Florida, California and other States. Thus, the Exchange is a growing organiza tion that is giving better distribution and more uniform prices for fruit, while it has exercised a more marked influence upon the condition and grading of fruit. The benefits that are found in such public selling of fi-uit may be summed up as follows : 1. Until this method was adopted, growers were in continual controversy with transpor- tation companies over real and fancied impo- sitions and lack of accommodation. Now such controversies are unheard of. 3. The return of empty packages was an uncei-tain dependence that gave much annoy- ance. Now we sell the package with the Peaches, and from all distances where trans- portation does not eat up their worth they are returned in quicker time and better condition, to be sold for their worth by auction to grow- ei-s again. 3. We have more general information of the market, get by competition a better daily distribution of fruit than ever before, and con- sequently better prices. 4. Heavy freights, commissions and cart- ages went with the end of the stick that farm- ers have thus cut off. 5. Cash is insured for all purchases. A buyer cannot cover a weak financial condition from the knowledge of many growers. 6. A personal acquaintance between dealer and grower. 7. If fruit has no value in the markets, the grower learns of it at the Exchange without the expense of freights to distant markets. 8. Last, though not least, a better condition of the fruit, and more satisfactory grading of it secured, making it possible for buyers to send long distances with hope of profit. I be- lieve that if a determined effort could be made in many localities to improve the marketing methods of farm products, we would introduce a wholesome thrift into agriculture that would eliminate much of the lottery nature of our calling that now palsies effort. — Read at the Cleveland Horticultural Convention. Improving Clay Soil. The two substances — clay and sand — are des- tined by Nature to play respective parts, which may be thus described ; the clay to store up and hold together those substances essential for plant food ; the sand, to serve as a ventilator or conductor of air and water. The most favor- able physical conditions of a fertile soil are found to exist in a nearly equal mixture of sand and clay. When it contains less than one-third sand it should cease to be classed among the best soils for regular crops, and should be turned to account in other directions, that of forestry being suggesteti as one. Commencing on a clayey BoU with the re- moval of all excess of water, by a system of drainage, we must look around us for those substances which, by their addition, will com- municate to the clay the necessary degree of porosity. Presuming the non-existence of any underground source of improvement, recourse must be had to outside means: the application of cinders, furnace refuse, coal dust, or ashes, the ashes of all kinds of burnt vegetable refuse, old and discarded building materials, lime, etc. , all of which will have the desired effect. But we can find in the clay itself a solution to the difficulty. First roughly shaped into balls or bricks and allowed to dry in the sun, the clay should be burnt in small piles made up of alternate layers of clay, wood, coal dust, or any other cheap apd readily available combus- tible material. When the burning process, which generally lasts some days, is terminated, the bricks or balls must be broken up as finely as possible, and, together with the ashes of the combustibles, plowed, in a wholesale manner, deeply and thoroughly into the field. Our object in burning the clay is to make it undergo a radical chemical change, in the course of which it loses its water of combination and its power of absorbing and retaining moist- ure.—/fro/n.TTvaH's "Modern High Farming.'" 1 886. POPULAR GARDENING. 39 Two Promising Apples. The Yellow Transparent. This turns out to be the very earlist Summei' Apple now in oultivation. (hi such a statement one is naturally disposed to corapaie it with that universal favorite, the Early Harvest. By all accounts that have come to us it is not only declared to be decidedly earlier than that early A year ago now, at the American Pomologi- cal Society, Professor Budd of Iowa, said of the Salome, " I have been watching it for eighteen years. It is a good keeper and grower. It is fairly haidy — more so than Ben Davis, but not so hardy as Fameuse. Its season in the cen- tral part of Iowa is from January to March. It is of better quality than Ben Davis, but not as large, — not larger than a well- grown Winesap." The Salome is an early and good bearer annually, but more abundant on alternate years. A chief peculiar- ity of this variety is the tenacity with which the fruit sticks to the tree; a wind sufficiently strong to strew the ground with most other sorts hardly affects this one. FRUIT OF THE YELLOW TRANSPARENT APPLE. variety, butsuperior in quality and appearence. It is ripe nearly two weeks earlier than the Red Astrachan, and not far from the same time ahead of the Tetofsky. What serves to draw special attention to this variety is the fact that it is of Russian origin, now that there is so much stir about Russian fruits. It was imported from St. Petersburg in 1870, by William Saunders of the Depai't- ment of Agriculture, Washington. It is as hardy as the Oldenburg (Duchess of), another valuable Russian sort now well known, and the indications are that it will, like that sort, be adapted to a wide range of our country, and be of especial worth in the Western and Northwestern States. The fruit of the Yellow Transparent is of medium size, with a clear white skin, that changes to a beautiful pale .yellow, somewhat sprinkled with light and greenish dots when ■ fully ripe. Flesh white, tender, juicy, sprightly and sub-acid and undoubtedly the best early Apple. As a shipping fruit it is not surpassed among early varieties. The tree, besides being of marked hardiness is fairly vigoixius, bears young and produces good crops annually. For the engraving we print herewith we are indebted to E. Y. Teas, Dunreith, Ind. The Salome. This late-keeping Winter Apple, now attracting so much favorable atten- tion, especially throughtout the West, origin- ated in Illinois some thii-ty years ago. Its chief characteristics are hardiness, vigor of the tree (although of moderate growth, owing to its great liearing proclivities), productiveness, uniformity in producing fine fruit and its good keeping qualities. As eai-ly as 1879 the Illinois State Horticul- tural Society reported as follows on this variety : It is entirely hardy, bears large crops of fruit, which is all lai'ge and fair, and of excellent quality, having a peculiai', and to nearly all tastes, agreeable, slightly sub-acid and spicy flavor; color yellow, nearly overspread with red. It keeps as long as it is desirable to keep any Apple, having been kept in a tight barrel, entirely sound, for a whole year. A most val- uable characteristic of this fi-uit is, that it lipens into flue condition in winter, and re- mains fresh, plump and juicy until summer, retaining its flavor till final consumption. Is not this " the coim'ng Apple " for prai rie lauds ? Do You Grow Okra? Throughout our Southern States in almost every garden may be met a useful and delicious vegetable that is rarely seen elsewhere, if we except some countries yet beyond our South- ern boundary. We refer to the Okra plant and its product. True, in some of the market gardens of the North, and here and there in private gar- dens, this same vegetable ma}' be seen, but aside from this the plant is little known by the mass of Northern people. Across the water, and in England especially, it is not so much as named in the catalogues and books devoted to seeds and vegetables. Okra, one variety of which is shown in the engraving herewith, is an Ameiican plant. It is an annual, native to the West Indies and Central America. Although naturally liking warmth, it succeeds wherever the Lima and other pole Beans can be grown. It is, in fact, one of our easiest-raised vegetables. The parts used for food are the large pods, which are shown in the engraving. They ai'e very whole- some, quite nutritious, very mucilaginous and impart an agreeable richness to soups and stews. The tender pods are also simply boiled in water, seasoning with salt, pepper and butter. In the Southern States Okra also enters as one ingredient in a very popular dish called gumbo. This is made by boiling beef, chicken or other meat until it readily parts from the bone. Then it is taken from the water, chopped like mince-meat, and afterwards returned to the pot, adding to it new young Okra pods cut thinly crosswise and simmered for an hour, seasoning it to the taste. So generally is Okra used in making gumbo (not always, however) that the name of this soup is now very widely but incorrectly applied to the vegetable. Even our seedsmen in their catalogues, and some authors fall into this mistake of speaking of " Oki-a or gumbo" in referring to the vegeta- ble, as if the names were synonymous. Oki-a, like the Bean, does best in a warm, dry soil. It is a detriment to have this over-rich, the pods on such being neither so pleasant or so early. It should be sown the same time as the Bean, putting the seeds in drills two and a half feet apart for the dwai-f, and a foot fai'ther for the taU sorts. The plants should stand about one foot apart in the row. The dwarf variety is usually prefen-ed to the tall. When the plants are well up, hoe carefully, hill- ing them up somewhat, as is done with Lima Beans. An ounce of seed should be enough to furnish a supply of Okra for one family's use. The pods of Okra are gathered for use when so young and tender that they snap readily in the fingei-s. If they will not break they are past their time of usefulness. The pods can lie preserved for winter use in brine the same as Cucumbers, or by cutting them in thin pieces and drying like fruit. Fresh Okra, Tomatoes and Green Com, in equal parts, seasoned with butter, pepper and salt, and baked for about two hours, is a favorite Southera dish. This vegetable should not be cooked in iron uten- sils, as these will turn it black. Mention has been made of the mucilaginous properties of Okra. Botanically it belongs to the Mallow family or MalvaceiB, a strong family mark of which throughout is the abun- dance of mucilage in the tissues. To this family belongs the Hollyhock, Abutilon, Althea, Mal- lows, Cotton and some other plants besides Okra. Those who have eaten the fleshy parts of Hollyhock flowers or the green carpel masses of the low Mallow or " Cheeses," which every child in the country well knows, can at once recall the pleasing viscous quality present, and which is so common also to Okra. The close relationship between the subject of oursketch and the favorite plants named above should aid in giving it a favorable introduction to those unacquainted with its merits. A Righteous Retort. The good women of our land do not think of denjang having had a part in promoting the slaughter of birds for millinery purposes, but as before remarked in these columns, it was done through thoughtlessness, some one else being guilty before them. In answer to certain charges on this score the Woiiiiiv's Jnurnal puts the following apt queries in de- fence : "We should like to know; 1. Who shoot the little innocent, singing birds? 2. Who put them on the maj'ket, and tempt the unthinking ladies to buy them? Not one wo- man in a thousand would take the life of a bird for self-adornment. But tastefully prepared and offered for her approval she thoughtlessly buys and wears the beautiful wings and feathers of these little songsters. The demand is created by the supply in this as in many other cases. Let men desist from shooting, and women will desist from buying." GeranI urns- Pelargonium s- The following from Robinson's Floirer Garden is worth noting: "Our so-called Geraniums are really Pi'lmyoniums. The num- erous species of the genus are all, or neai'ly all, natives of the Southern Hemisphere, or PLANT OF DWARF OKRA. have orginated as hybrids or cross-bred varieties produced in this or other European countri&s. The true Geraniums, although allied, are totally distinct. Geraniums being chiefly indi- genous to the northern half of the globe, some of them to England, a number to the United States, and all of them hardij herbaceous plants." To this may be added that the Pelar- goniums are Storks'-bills, while the Geraniums are Cranes'-bills, the latter being well-known in their wild state under this name. As a matter of curiosity it would be interesting to know how and when this mistake of names arose. 40 POPULAR GARDENING. December, A Folding Crate for Long Distance Shipments. When Mr. John Colviile, of Brunswick, Georgia, set about getting up the fruit and vegetable crate herewith figured it was with a special view to reduced freights on the empty crates when returned over long distances. Be- ing a resident of the Southern States, where the distances of the market and fruit gardens from the best markets are usually great and transportation charges enormously high, he felt the need of an improvement here, as many in the North do not where "emptys" are returned free by the railroads. The distinctive feature of this crate is that it may be taken down and folded up to occupy the least possible ^. space in being returned to the original J' shipper. In the illustration one of < 1- ■ the views is in perspective, showing "j the crate set up, while beneath is a i^; representation of one of the sections as ^S^ it appears when unpacked, to be folded tor return to the shipper. As may be seen the crate is composed of side and end bars, which meet at the four angles, where they are overlapped and held in place by a long rod which passes through the ends of the bars, being formed at one end with a head and passing through a plate on the other, above which plate the rod is flattened out by riveting, so that dis- placement will be prevented. Upon either end of each set of side bai-s there are cleats which serve as braces and as retaining cleats for the bottom and cover of the crate. In the longitudinal center of the crate there is also a partition formed by bars inserted and held in place by rods after the same manner as the crate is otherwise held together by the rods at the corners. This crate has been patented. to avoid removing large branches when the trees are large. It is a mistake to over prune ; leaves are to a tree what lungs are to the body. It is a mistake to let too much fruit grow on young trees or vines. It is a mistake not to thin out heavy crops on any trees; thin the fruit and then never prop a limb. In grafting it is a mistake to saw off too large limbs or hubs, to set poor scions, to graft limbs in the center of the tree, to use poor wax, to neglect looking after the scions after the work has been performed. It is a mistake to Mistakes in Fruit Raising. The lighthouse guarding from danger is quite as important to the mariner as the com- pass which keeps him on his right course. So in fruit growing a holding up to the gaze of planters the mistakes that are apt to occur may be of as much or of even far greater value than to speak all the while of successes. From two valuable papers, the one read Vjy A. M. Smith before the Fruit Growers' Association of On- tario, the other by D. P. True before the Maine State Fomological Society, and set forth in the reports of these societies respectively, we com- pile the following array of common mistakes : It is a mistake to plant too many varieties— or only one variety— or a variety because some tree agent advises you to: or to plant every variety oflrered you before it has been thor- oughly tested in your locality. Different lo- cations require different varieties. It is a mis- take to set cheap or poor trees, picked up from the culls or from neglected nursery stock, trees covered with bark lice or stunted. All such trees are very unprofitable. It is a mistake to plant in "post holes." It is a mistake to put trees in old worn-out fields and neglect them. Such cases end in miserable failure. It is a mistake to place mulch so near the trunk of a tree and so much that it will heat and kill the tree. Mistakes are common in the distance of plant- ing. If one has much land do not set near ; if land is costly set twice as thick as needed; when the trees cover the land remove half of them. It is a mistake to think that trees once planted wiU care for themselves. It is a mistake to turn young trees out to grass. It is a mistake to think they don't want just as good cultiva- tion as Corn or any other crop to succeed well. It is a mistake to try and raise crops year after year from an orchard without returning any- thing to the soil; trees want feeding just as well as pigs or cattle do. It is a mistake to trim by horse or cattle power. It is a mistake not to trim when young. A FOLDING CRATE FOR LONG DISTANCE SHIPMENTS, turn sheep and lambs into a young orchard [ without taking the precaution to coat the trunks of the trees with manure. Oxen and large cattle prove very fatal to young trees. It is a mistake to market your fruits in flour ' or meal bags instead of putting in good clean baskets or barrels. It is a mistake to try to put a quart of berries in a pint and a half basket, or a half bushel of Peaches or Pears into a twelve-quart basket. It is a mistake to put all the small samples in the bottom of the basket; most people take them out as they use them. It is a mistake to send soft fruit to a distant market. It is a mistake to send fruit to a com- mission man whose honesty you know nothing about, or to expect prompt returns from every such man. It is a mistake to send olf fruits to be sold if you can get a fair price near home. It is a mistake to think that nurserymen never make mistakes, or that they are not will- ing to rectify them when they can. It is a mis- take to think they are responsible for the death of all the trees that die before coming to ma- turity. It is a mistake to think they don't want to sell all their surplus stock, and that tree agents don't often buy it and without their knowledge, re-label it just what their orders call for and send it out, and when it bears nurserymen get the cursing. It is a mistake to think all tree agents are rascals. It is a mistake not to clean all the rubbish away from your trees before winter and bank them up with earth to protect them. It is the greatest mistake of all if you are not a member of a Fruit Growers' Association, and do not take a live horticultural journal. plan Is now in use with our friend, Mr. Packard, of California, who reports that it improves the fruit, makes the vine more hardy, and gives to it new hfe. With this system it is believed that we will be able to grow any American Grape in all parts of the United States. I have been grafting some on the wild root and notice a great difference in favor of the grafted vines over those not grafted, both in vine and fruit. At present I am growing a large lot of stock from wdd layers for grafting. If by cultivation we have run the vine down, we have also at the same time im- proved the fruit vastly. This much gained, we now want to bring the vine up again, and there is no better course for this than by grafting upon the wild or some other hardy, vigorous stock. As to soil and fertility, anj' kind of the former will do, that is not wet or cold ; if it is not naturallj' rich it can be made so. The most healthy vines I have ever seen were on lime-stone land, and this leads me to believe that lime is a good fertilizer for the vine. In manuring I have had better success with compost than with anything else ever used. It keeps the ground loose and don't wear out in a season. There is but Little danger of too much. In regard to Grape rot, I believe the cause lies much in crowding the vines and letting them run to the ground, filling all the space from the ground up, and sometimes a cluster of grass and weeds mixed with it. I saw an example of this near me this summer, where there was a regular tangle of vines, grass and rotted Grapes. Let the vines be kept off the ground and let them have the morning sun and free circulation of air. The leaves should not be taken away from about the fruit, as they protect it from the dew. If vines were given more room — not planted so close, as has been the custom — they would do better and last longer. I have at times taken up Grape-roots over 30 feet long, which con- vinces me that ample room is what they need. I give to each vine over 101) square feet of area. On Improving the Grape. M. A. CAIN. In its native state the Grape in some of its species is found growing in all kinds of soil and in all latitudes, and always healthy. Here it finds its own food and asks nothing more than to be let alone. It cannot be said even to be particular about the kind of soil, but will grow almost any place where the seed may happen to drop. In subjecting the wild vines to cultivation it is seen that they undergo certain changes and suffer certain effects, indicating that the laws of Nature have been interfered with. I in- cline to believe that the proper way to grow iron-clad stock is to grow our roots from the wild Grape and then graft on them. This The Cultivation of Dwarf Apples. As the American Cultimtcr remarks, since standard orchards have become so uncertain in bearing, dwarf Apples will often do much better than standards as usually managed. The}' can be readily planted ten feet apart each way, allowing more than four hundred per acre, and if the soil is well manured, as it should be, a crop of berries or other crops re- quiring cultivation may be better gi-own be- tween the rows than in a young oi'chard of standard trees planted farther apart. A large collection of varieties, in cases where this is desirable, can also be gi-own on a small area by planting this class. Dwarf Apples not only occupy but little space, but they come early in bearing, varying somewhat with the variety to which they are gi-afted. The fruit with proper attention to pruning and thinning out is superior to that of the standard ; and the fruits are both easier to get at and less liable to damage from being blown from the trees. The Red Astrachan is one of the eai-liest bearers, and on Paradise stock it may produce a few fine specimens the third year after grafting. The Apple is dwarfed by grafting on two different stocks, the French Paradise and the Doucin. Of these the former is considered by long odds the most valuable, and few nursery- men now keep trees of the other for sale. The Paradise stock of itself grows only three or four feet high and is usually propagated by layei-s. This makes it moreexpensive than stocks from seed, such as standard Apples are grown upon, and this fact disinclines nuserymen from urg- ing the sale of dwarf Apples as their merits deserve. Another thing that has tended to hinder the culture of dwarf Apples is the Ul- 1 886. POPULAR GARDENING. 41 success which many have had with dwai'f Pear trees on account of their liability to blight. But there is no reason in this, for witli dwarf Apples there is no danger wliatever from this disease. As a class the trees prove perfectly hardy where the temperature falls twenty de- grees below zero. The most suitable soil is one that is dry and viarm. To show what results may be expected from planting dwarf Apples, under fair conditions, we give some figures of an orchard of our acquaintance that embraces almost every known variet}'. Trees that have been planted thirty yeai's measure about as follows: Stem from six to eight inches in diameter, height six to eight feet, and branches about the same in diameter. These trees have frequently yielded in favorable seasons from three to four bushels per tree. Trees planted for t%velve years will average as to stems four to five inches in diameter, height four to six feet and branches about the same in diameter. The largest of them will yield from one to two bushels per tree. For a list of some of the most desirable varieties for dwarfing the following could hardly be improved upon: Snnimcr Ap])li's: Astiachan Red, Early Harvest, Keswick Cod- lin, large Sweet Bough. AittituDi Apples: Alexander, Oldenburg, Gravenstein, St. Law- rence, Sherwood's Favorite. Whiter Apples: Baldwin, Yellow Bell-flower, King, Lady Ap- ple, Mother, Northern Spy, Reinette Canada, Red Canada, Melon, Spitzenburg Esopus, Twenty Ounce, Wagener. Dwarf Apples are especially desirable for small yards or gardens, where not much room can be spared, but where some Apples are wanted every year for home use. Mention must also be made of their ornamental value ; few trees or shrubs have more claims to beauty than a well proportioned dwarf Apple tree, when in spring it is covered with a mass of blush and white bloom, and again in autumn with its load of highly colored fruits. As to the variety of Parsnips for planting I prefer Carter's New Maltese. It has a shorter root and is lesstrou'ole to dig than some others, and is of fine quality. It may be stated that all roots. Turnips, Carrots, Beets, etc. , can be kept through the winter in the same way, that is, by being well covered with Potatoes. We always keep our vegetables over in this way. E. W. L. An Easy Method of Keeping Pars- nips for Winter Use. Concerning the statement that Parsnips are better for remaining in the ground in winter until used, than to be lifted in the fall and stored, I beg to differ, and would like to tell what I know about Parsnips. I raise them for our own use. I leave them in the gn >und as long as possible in the fall, and have them dug just before the ground freezes up, and am very careful that they are not cut or broken, as they will soon decay if they are. Then they are stored carefully in a box or barrel in the cellar, filling this to within about nine inches of the top with the Parsnips. To keep them fresh no dirt or sand is used, but I fill up this space of nine inches with Potatoes, always being particular when any Parsnips are taken out to cover them again to this depth with the Potatoes, as the moisture in the Potatoes keeps the Pai-snips from drying up. In this way they can be kept till late in the spring, and they can be used all winter, and they will be found to be sweeter and dryer than those that remain in the ground until spring. When first taken up they are not so sweet, but by the 1st of January they are very sweet, and we seldom use them until then. I think those who will try the experiment of taking them up in the fall will never again leave them in the ground until spi'ing. Instead of planting them in a bed in rows I plant them along the wide paths in my vegetable garilen. The seed is sown about six inches from the edge of the path, afterwards thinning out the plants when the latter are large enough. They make a fine bordering and add nmch to the looks of the garden. Here let me add also that the Fern-leaved Parsley makes a fine bordeiiiig plant to beds, and it gi-ows nuist beautiful late in the season. I had about one hundred and fifty feet of it the past season, and enough of Parsnips to make about six or seven bushels. Growing Pot Roses for Market. BV ROBERT CRAIO, BEFORE THE PHH.ADEI.PUIA FLOR- ISTS' MEETING. Roses in pots will always be of great im- portance to the market gardener, as they are one of the main sources of his revenue. The problem from a commeriial view is to produce good plants by the best and quickest methods. Most of the varieties, especially the Teas, Hybrid Teas and Hybrid Perpetuals can be grown more profitably under glass in summer than when planted outdoors. As usually the houses are empty in summer this use of them will not be costly. I am aware that many good growers still plant in open ground most of the varieties, but how frequently they are disappointed in the size of the plants in the fall! Strong growers, such as Magna Charta, Jacqueminot, Hermosa, Agrippina and Madame Plantier may, under favorable conditions, grow to a sufficient size, but this isnotthecase with such valuable kinds as La France, Madame Charles Wood, Baroness Rothschild and many others, while all sorts worth growing at ail, will, under glass, with suitable treatment, grow to a large size. It is said that in the South Roses can be gi'own to large size in one season. It certainly cannot now be done about Philadelphia and many other sections northward. Take for ex- ample about New York, where Roses are ex- tensively grown for market, ten or twelve j'ears ago they would grow in one season large enough for O-inch and 7-inch pots; now they do not attain one-fourth that size. This fall- ing off is not caused by continual cropping; the failure is as great when land that has laid in sod for years is used. Whether this bad state of affairs is caused by "black spot" I cannot say. But at any rate I am satisfied the in-door treatment will insure better results. What varieties should be grown? Many grand Roses are not suitable for market. The requisite qualities for this are, good habit, freedom of bloom, good constitution, vigorous growth, and the addition of fragrance. I will give further on a partial list of the best ones. As to methods of culture, the best way to get healthy plants is to propagate from cuttings of well ripened wood (that grown under gla.ss will usually root easiest) in November, or early in December. If the largest flowers are desiied prune the old plants closely, put the cuttings in a cold house with slight bottom heat, main- tained by three or four feet of fresh tan under the sand bed; one or two heating pipes nmning through the tan some two feet down will supjjly a little helpful additional heat, which should be turned on as soon as the callous is well formed. The main point in propagation is to keep the top of the cutting vei'y cool without freezing. By the first of March the cuttings should be well rooted and may be potted ofl' and put into a cool house or frame ; shade for a few days and give air and watei' as required, keeping them here until the houses are emptied liy s]7i-ing sales. Then shift into 4 or .'i-inch pots, or plant out on benclies, if possible, not later than June 1.5. For soil use five parts fibrous loam, one part well-rotted cow or horse manure, one part pure ground bone: if the soil be heavy, one part sharj) sand or rotten micaceous rock. A heavy clayey soil is usually g(iod for Hoses. The addition of some Mnelygi-oundoystershells, (carbonate of lime),oue part to twenty-five, will keep the soil sweet. Burnt earth is also valua- ble, at the rate of one-quarter of the whole. If the ijlants are potted, plunge halt waj' up in old hops or other light material, and do not over-water. Unless great care is taken in wat- ering, better not plunge. Syringe and water regularly ; keep the plants staked. By October 1 such plants should be from one to four feet high, according to variety. Those in ))ots may then be put outside to make room for a crop of Chrysanthemums or othci- fall plants, and should, after being ripened by the frost and air, be plunged in fi-ames oi- put into cold lionsps until it is tinu' to force them into bloom. While in a dormant state little water is required. Those on beuches shouM be potted the middle of October and treated likewise. If the planting-out method is adopted it may be well to put such sorts as La France, Pierre Guillott and Malmaison in a house by them- selves, keeping them growing here until after the liolidays. When cold weather sets in they will, of course, require fire heat. The tempera- ture should be kept at from ob' to 60° at night. The blooms obtained will pay for the expense of growing. The plants may be potted late in December or early in January, and after being kept a week or two in same temperature, to somewhat establish them in pots, may be put away in a very cold house or plunged in frame (taking care that severe frost does not injuie the roots) until spring. With this treatment they will make fine plants for late spring sales. If fine specimens are desired do not place the pots close together, but allow a sjiace of at least one inch, so that the air may have access, causing the plants to swell their lower buds and become furnished with foliage from the rim of the pot upwards. If crowded, they will break only towards the top, the lower branches remaining bare and unsightly. [To be concluded next month.) The Poinsettia— A Fine Pot Plant. Throughout this month, and even later, this remarkable plant will be in its most attractive season in our hot-houses, the gayest of early winter decorative plants. The plant also suc- ceeds in window culture and here it is too rai'ely seen. The splendid appearance of this plant while in bloom comes not from the flower, for this is inconspicuous, but from the fiery scarlet floral bracts surrounding the former. These possess the texture, as they do the appearance, of flowers; but being very large, often measuring more than one foot across, they are much in de- mand in all large towns for decorati\e purposes about the holidays. It may be added that the beauty of these will be longer preserved, either on the plants or when cut, if cai'e be taken that no water or dust collects upon them. While not classing the Poinsettia among plants difficult to grow even as a pot plant in a warm room, still tbei'e are some peculiar i"e- quirements which if attended to at the jjroper time will promote needfully the health and productiveness of the plant. For some time before they begin to flower, for one thing, the temperature ought to rarely, if ever, get below the sixties, and still higher up than this will be enjoyed. Watering fieely at this time, and occasionally with liquid mauure, which pro- motes a luxuriant growth, is also to be closely attended to. After the bloom is over only enough water should be given to prevent a dust-dry contlition of the soil, and now the plants require no light l)eyond that received uuder the staging in the hot-house or any part of a living room. The time for re-potting and pruning is in the spring. As to the former operation, the roots shouhl have every bit of the ohl soil shook out; then use any good rich soil that is light, and if some old leaf mold be incluiled all the bet- ter. The pots shoidd be well drained. Cut back the plants to nu^re stumps of old wood. The young plants should be brought along in heat until June, when they should be jilunged in a frame outside, here to remain until the cool nights of September are at hand, when they nmst go into warmer (juarters, at least so far as the night time is concerned. 42 POPULAR GARDENING. December, The Poinsettia is a native of Mexico. It was discovered as early as 1828 by, and was named in honor of, Joel R. Poinsette, a gentleman who was then the American minister to that country. The plant belongs to the natural Order Euphorbiacese, and is a member of the Spurge family, largely represented in wai-m climates, and containing many of our finest hot-house plants, among which are the Croton and Acalypha. W. F. L. The Golden Star of Bethlehem. The common but pretty little white-flowered Stai" of Bethlehem {0)-iiitho(fahim'nn}bcUafiiiu] is one of our best known hardy garden flowers. THE GOLDEN STAR OF BETHLEHEM. Unlike that hardy species, the gold-colored species here figui'ed is a half hardy or tender bulb, and usually is grown in pots. It is one of those handsome and rather easily grown Cape bulbs that is more often seen in green- houses on the other side of the water than with us. Indeed, we do not know to-day of a single American catalogue that is offering it for sale, although some years ago that lover of fine jjlants, Robert Buist of Philadelphia, cata- logued it. He styled it a "magnificent plant." A gentleman who has this plant in his col- lection says it blooms during the early part of the season. The flowers, of which there are many, are star-like in form, and of an orange- golden color, with a lead-colored eye. There is an agreeable, delicate odor to the ilower. The plant is not large, the flower stalk rarely rising higher than from eight to ten inches. It is also of comparatively slow growth, both as to foliage and flowers, to compensate for which the blooms, when they do appear, last fully a month. Like those of its hardy sister, the flowers expand in the sun and close at night. Another near and well-known relative of this pretty flower, and which is tender, is the Onion hily,0.maritimuin(S(:illaiiiaritimum of some); also known as the Squill of commerce. We have also heard it called Chinese Lily, but why, we do not know, for it is a native of Africa. The bulb, which is large, green, onion-shaped and watery, appears on the surface of the soil, on which account it is looked upon as some- thing of a curiosity. This species bears whit« flowers on stalks some two feet high. A Talk on Freesias, Preceded by Some other Matters. Our esteemed friend and correspondent " L. S. H. G." of Newton, Mass., and a favorite writer for the former Floral World, in send- ing to us an article on Freesias, expresses her- self as displea.sed at not meeting more of the names of former correspondeuts of that paper among those who contribute to Popular Gar- dening. In this regret we ourselves share, aud trust that many more of such than now write to us will follow the good example set by this enthusiastic writer, aud make them- selves often heard in our columns. Right here let us say that no part of this paper is more generally valuable than the numerous contributions, small and great, from our readers. With our correspondent, we want to see a great increase of these from our large family throughout, and especially from those who have come from the Floral World, the Friiit lierordi'r, and now the Gai-den Beview. Whatever 3'ou meet, good reader, when at your work that will be of value to the family of readers scattered from Maine to California along with it ; it will be welcome. The only restriction we can think of naming is that of reasonable, brevity, or else permission to allow of some editorial revision of what is sent in. This rule is necessary by no choice of oiu- own, but because of the great press of matter on our columns ; if not observed, some- thing else of importance to many members of the family must be crowded out. We want to accommodate the needs of every reader. Use patience also if your esteemed and wel- come favors do not appear quite as soon as you would like to see them. We sometimes have to carry matter over from month t» month be- fore the space for it turns up. This is less apt to happen with the shorter and more pithy and seasonable articles. Another thing that helps — if the writing' be in ink, in a fairly, un- crowded hand, and on only one side of the paper. Now for our correspondent's valued article : There is but one opinion about the Freesia. Last year finding myself too late for the market in that line, I accepted a very generous offer from the florist and took all he had left over from the previous yeai\ Congratulating my- self on the opportunity to deal very liberally with my floral correspondents, I sent them (the bulbs, not the friends) broadcast over the land, planting at various seasons myself. Being desirous of prolonging their season of bloom to its utmost this year, and wanting some early, on the ITth of June I planted a half dozen and watched and waited, intending to follow with others in five or six weeks. Their long delay in throwing up shoots cau- tioned me. On July 31st an examination showed them to be as plump as ever, with no sign of germinating. Aug. 13th I planted another pot for Christmas, which began com- ing up in about two weeks, although it was Sept. 18 before the last of these appeared. Now as to results. Those fir.st planted (June 17th) greeted me with flowers as follows: Sept. 17, 'Si, 24; Oct. it, 11 and 13. Moral: "Let patience have her perfect work." Oct. 4, two more pots were planted, a part of which sur- prised me by putting in an appearance in just a week; two days later all in one pot were above the groimd ; also one in the other. I expect to continue plant- ing them at intervals of a few weeks, so as to assure constant bloom until late in the spring. At the great show of Orchids In Boston, last spring, there were a few Freesias to be seen in bloom. Of the great variety of very beautiful Ranunculus and Anemones, single and double, I can heartily rec- ommend both to all flower lovers. A cordial greeting to all flower lovers in the P. G. beyond the line of the house wall, and covered with hot^bed sash, besides shutters for bad weather. The pit the other way is a little more than ten feet long. For this length the cellar is without a wall, a post rising midway in the opening, supporting the sill above. " In this pit, during three years' time, I have never had frost once. Usually through the winter the temperature, as shown by a ther- mometer, ranges from 85° to 45° at night. A furnace in a division adjoining the plant quar- ters serves to keep down chill always. But, even if there was no heater, I should anticipate all trouble by using several lamps on the cellar floor in the colder weather. "During the summer I keep the shutters down (they are neatly painted and not objectionable to looks) . I also board up the opening between the annex and the cellar ; then no outside heat enters through the pit into the cellai-. " Not only does the sketch plainly show how the annex, together with the shelving in it, is constructed, but our correspondent also gives us an insight into the convenient appointments of the " plant quarters "in the cellar. We should judge that the large plant standing back in the cellar was an Oleander, receiving here all the light it needs in its winter state. In this valuable communication we have the secret of providing the requirements of light and protection for tender plants, by means that ai'e scarcely inferior to those presented by a regular greenhouse, and the cost of which is very slight. We are sure our readers will join us in thanking Mrs. Bane for her sugges- tions, and in the hope that we may often hear from her on such timely and practical topics. Balsams in the House, and other Matters. In the fall I potted a few late Balsams that were self sown. They did beautifully in the window, and are now in bloom. If an assort- ment of colors were used the effect would be very gay. Double Marigolds also grow nicely in the window garden, aud give that touch of j'ellow that sets off the whole collection. The rage to adorn everything fairly Inundates the land. A lady called me in to see her " beautiful flower pots." It was a sight to make a florist merry. She had painted the pots red, green, grey and blue, and then pasted brilliant scrap pictures all over them. But the plants — they were long stalks with a miserable looking leaf or two on top. But ' ' the pots were lovely. " A GLASS-CX5VERED PLANT ANNEX TO THE CELLAR. A Useful Plant Annex to the Cellar. In last month's paper (page 27), Mrs. Geo. W. Bane, of Kent Co. , Delaware, referred to a cold-pit connecting with her cellar and in which, as there alluded to, she winters her Wallflowers. A note addresssd by us to our correspondent, asking for a further description of this plant annex for the benefit of the Popu- lar Gardening family, brought forth the handsome and telling sketch herewith figured. Accompanying her drawing was a note as fol- lows, relating to the same: ' ' By the rough drawing you will see that this annex is a mere extension of the cellar five feet Another lady moved Into a house where there was a small glass conservator}-. Did she fill it with blooming plants, and delight to care for them and keep them growing >. Alas ! No ! She made a lot of wax flowers, stuck them in vases and thus desecrated her plant shelves. In my pleasant bay, on an upper shelf, is a Cotton plant. The pod has parted and the white cotton is beginning to show. Last spring the seeds were sent from the South, I planted them and placed the pot in a sunny window. To my surprise these seeds came up, and by June had grown into thrifty plants. Soon a very pretty cream white flower appeai-ed, then the green pod gradually fonned and was the 1 886. POPULAR GARDENING. 43 size of a walnut when I brought the plants into the house. Very soon it will be time to commence " cotton picking " at my house. All this on the borders of Canada. It certainly has been a delightful experience to see this important Southern plant grow so fai' North. Sister Gracious. sometimes large enough to contain two gallons of liquid. After remaining open for three or four days the flower gradually collapses and decays. You will want to know whether this gigan- tic flower is ever cultivated. I must say it is not, and owing to its peculiarities.soine of them not so pleasant, and its requirements, probably never will be. In the Botanical Museum, at Mr. Treeclimber Tells Young Gar- deners of the Largest Flower in the World. Prom the State of Indiana one of my young friends sends a letter, such as I am always glad to receive, for it shows that the wi-iter has a desire to know more about the things concerning plant life of which he hears and reads. He says that in an old English book he has is the mention of a flower called Rafflesia, that grows on the island of Sumati-a, and single specimens of which ai-e computed to weigh fifteen pounds. He wants to know what "Mr. Treeclimber " thinks of the statement, anil if true, would like to know more of it. The statement to which he refers is essen- tially correct so fai' as given, and relates to what is undoubtedly the LARGEST FLOWER IN THE WORLD, the Rafflesia Arnoldi. That mj' young correspondent and others may get a good idea of this giant, the publishere have, at my request, kindly made an engraving of the flower, and which is given herewith. A scale of three feet is also marked beneath it, and this the bloom fits, for a diameter of three feet is not at all uncommon to the Rafflesia. What a monster it is indeed ! The lai'gest wash-tub you ever saw would not begin to hold a single open flower of it. To see how much the parts of one would spread beyond the edges of an open parlor table, lay a yai'd stick on it and then form your idea. Or, here would be an interesting thing to do : Gtet some heavy manilla or white paper, past- ing several sheets together if necessary to make an exact yai-d square of surface. On this draw the simple outlines of the flower as shown in the engraving, having the lines reach clear to the edges on four sides. Then cut the figure out, mark it with this inscription: " FORM AND EXACT SIZE OF THE RAFFLESIA ARNOLDI, THE LARGEST FLOWER IN THE WORLD.'' Attach it lightly to the wall of the study, dining room or hall. Such a model would prove quite interesting and to all who saw it would impart a good lesson in natural history. But some further particulai-s of the plant are desirable. It was discovered in the jun- gles of Sumatra as eai-ly as ISas, an English woman by the name of Rafiles being one of the eai-liest persons to see it, and in her honor it was named. In color the flower is yellow, flushed here and there with pink, the petals or floral leaves being marbled with lurid purple. One thing against the flower — it has a fostid ODOR, BY WHICH INSECTS ARE ATTRACTED, as is done in the case of the curious Stapelias of our greenhouses. One peculiarity of the Rartlesia plant that must be mentioned is that it has neither stem nor leaves, for it is a parasite, that is, it feeds upon other plants, namely: on the roots of a species of trailing C'issus peculiai- to Sumatra. In this respect it is identical with the various species of Dodder that are found growing on Flax, WaterPepper,and other plants in this country. The only evidence of the presence of a Rafllesia plant on its first appear- ance on the Cissus is a rounded hud the size of a marble and proti'uding through the bark. This gradually enlarges and in time APPEARS LIKE A HEAD OF CABBAGE, finally expanding its five thick, warted, wax- i Uke petals, formmg flowers from one to three j feet across. The central cup of the flower is A GIGANTIC flower:— RAFFLESIA ARNOLDI. Kew, England, a few years ago, I saw an exact model of the flower. Now I think I have told about all that will interest you concerning the lai'gest of known flowers. Timothy Treeclimber. An Accidental Lesson in Gardening. The most important principles in gai'dening are often very simple in character, and easily understood, even by the young. In a private note from Mr. Peter Henderson of Jersey City, one of America's most successful gardeners and authors, he makes the remarkable statement that he believes the one chapter he wrote some yeai-s ago on firming the soil with the feet in planting and sowing has been of more benefit than all else he has ever mritten. This only shows how very highly he estimates this one simple principle in gardening. In the .1 iiierican Agn'viilfid-ist he recently told how its value was on one occasion most amusingly set forth : "It was on a truck farm of Charleston, S. C. It sei>iiis that a gentleman of color, having the con- stitutional weakness for chickens peculiar to some of his race, got into a lipn-roo.st anil liflped himself bountifully. In evading the high-roarl. he struck a bee-line through a newly sowed turnip field, where be left tracks that led to his detection. But these tracks did more. They showed to Squire Buncombe, whose chickens had "sntTered. that wherever the foot of the colored citizen had fallen there had he a "stand" "f turnips, and nowhere else (for they had been loosely sown and the weather was dry). The lesson was heeded and has been worth tens of thousands of dollars to the farmers of South Carolina, who, it seems, were never before sufficiently alive to the importance of firming the soil until the un- fortimate negro showed them the way.'' Brief Notes Compiled by a Botanist. A beautiful species of Mushroom is worshipped in Guinea. The Scab ou Apples is a nunature forest of plants of the Fungus family. The idea of sex in plants was recognized as early as the days of Herodotus, 400 years before Christ. When plants grow old. as has well been pointed out, they t^nd to protect themselves by reason of the density and hardness of the parts they develop. Thorns, as a iide. are less abundant above the level commonly reached by animals in browsing, not being needed here to protect the crop of leaves from being consumed as fooil. The botanic gardens of the world, most of them scientific in character, are reported to number 197. of which C.ermany has thirty-four. Italy twenty- three. France twenty. Great Britain and Ireland twelve. West Indies six and the United States five. More than half are supported by govemment and only five per cent by private enterprise. A very large specimen of Bur-dock i Lappa major, (Isertn.), foimd at the tatersection of two streets in Columbus was 7 1-8 feet high, and the branches sprea^ server. It con- ^- ^^^^^^ — -^-Ss- sists of an inch- thick hoard that is made some larger than a pane of glass and which is weighted with a brick. Its use: to shut up, from the inside, any accidental breaks in glass roofs until the same can be repaired. A feiv of double size and larger for when more than one pane goes are also useful. Gloxinia from a Slip. What was new to S. M. Burdin, Taylor County, Kentucky, no doubt will prove to be a new idea to many of our readers. This matter came to us on a postal card: " In an exchange of plants received through your valuable paper I got a Gloxinia. In potting it the stem and leaves broke completely off, so I put it down in my slip box, which I always keep on hand, and in a short time it commenced to grow. After a while I raised it from the soil, and to my surprise I found a new bulb the size nearly of a silver dime." Yellows in Peaches. The use of sufficient potash and bone will grow healthy trees in all cases, as I know from a thorough trial. Much is said about the contagious nature of the yellows without any foundation, and many are scared thereby from growing Peaches. After a vast deal of trouble with the yellows, practical experience has taught me by the use of proper fertilizei-s there is no trouble in growing Peaches from the seeds of diseased trees, and I guarantee to grow healthy trees from the seeds from the fruits of trees affected with the ye\- \owsi.—Eli Minch, in Ritral New Yorker. How it Pays. In renewing for Popular Gar- dening, on the 4th of November, Mr. G. R. Grace of Chester Co., Pa., says: " An article in the last num- ber cleared up a matter of doubt in my mind in a way that will pay my subscription to Popltlar Gar- dening as long as I live. I can't get on without a single issue." A few weeks further back Mr. W. A. T. Stratton, Sonora Co., Cal., wrote: "An item of 10 lines the other month aroused a train of thoughts that promises hundreds of dollars in trade. If with all florists who read it like success results, you must certainly sweep the field." These will answer as samples of many similar letters that reach us. No comments needed. The Currant Tomato. It is a native of Peru and Brazil. It has probably not been long in cultivation. The fruits are clear, bright red. somewhat larger than a verj- large Currant, and are borne in long, two-ranked clusters. The plant is very ornamental. If trained upon a trellis near a window it would make one of the most attractive screens. The whole aspect of the plant is delicate. The foregoing is what Professor Bailey, of the Michigan Agricultural College, has to say of this interesting species, in his recent valuable report on Tomatoes, received at this office. The plant is the Lycoj^ersicum race7}iosum of the gardens, but more properly (if inconveniently) LycopersicumpimpinHlifoliiim. Successful Exhibitors. As might be expected, readers of Popular Gardening are often prize takei"s at the horticultural shows. Mrs. K. Green- wood, of Durham, Ontario, in renewing her sub- scription to this paper recently, spoke of the exhi- bition held at their place as follows: " The exhibi- tion, if not so large, was very good in all products. I was fortunate enough to take eight first prizes on plants and flowers, and as many second prizes, 1 took also the first premium on hand bouquets, there having been six entries. We are sorry to see the cold weather at hand destroying our outdoor flowers, 1 886. POPULAR GARDENING. 45 but turn with pleasure to our small greenhouse, the care of which is my chief pleasure in winter. Pine Pillows, The majoritj of pine pillows are made of the twig ends of the Balsam Fir. with buds aud needles chopped up fine, say, about an inch long and all put in together. They require no special seasoning, as their resinous nature prevents them from smelling unpleasantly, as other leaves would under the circumstances. The main thing is to get the twigs and leaves of the genuine Fir Balsam ; the needles or leaves of this tree are not very long, and are bright green on their upper sur- face aud silvery-white beneath; the tree is pyra- midal in shape. (Jhop small twigs in about one- inch lengths aud place them in thin muslin bags exposed to the air for a few horn's, but not to the sun. — JCnylish Farm and Home. Frost in Cellars. Mr. Chas. Miner, of Berrien Co., Mich., sends on to our paper this useful hint: " My cellar is in every way complete for wintering vegetables, fruits and plants, excepting that in severely cold weather the mercury will creep a ht- tle below the safety point. But in this it probably does not differ from thousands of other cellars owned by your readers. What I do to prevent any injury to the tender things here is to get down and set agoing, in the colder nights, the four -burner kerosene oil-stove that does duty for cooking our meals in the summer. With the heat from the stove the cellar's temperature is kept from six to ten degrees higher than if it were uot there, pre- venting injury and much anxiety at but httle cost and trouble. To others similarly situated I say, go and do likewise." Busty Tools, it is stupid indeed to let clean, bright tools become rusty through neglect, calling for needless wear on muscles and spirits to bring them to shape again. Here is a matter in which a little prevention is worth vastly more than a labori- ous cure. Just before winter every implement from the trowel up to the plow should beesamined, and if not in order, be rubbed up clean and dry and be coated with some preservative substance previous to storing them in dry winter quarters. As a metal preservative we see that the Farmers' Advocate recommends a coat of thick lime-wash. Another good article is made by dissolving an ounce of rosm in four ounces of hnseed oil, and while hot mix this with a quart of kerosene and stir well. This is laid on to smooth u-on with a paintbrush or with a rag. To remove rust from tools nothing is better than a mixture consisting of a little oil of vitriol poured slowly into a pint of water, and apply this to the rusted metal. Wash oflf with water, fol- lowing with the preservative. A Happy Family all Around. One member of the Floral World branch writes: "Much as the members of my former club to the Floral World thought of that paper, it is no discredit to the dead to say that yours gives us a great deal more satis- faction. It is the most practical periodical pub- lished in America to day, while none is more inter- esting,and none more ably edited." Then Mr. Joshua Xickei*son, of Chutou Co., 0., voices the sentiments of many letters received at this office from the Fruit Recorder branch of our family, as follows: " I am delightt:d with Popular Gardening, and be- heve Bro. Purdy. who has given so many good sug- gestions to us fruit growers, has done wisely and well for hmi and for us in this change. Here Is my renewal; count me in the family as long as you publish such a valuable paper." Next, one of the Garden Review force hastens to speak for his brethi'en: " The first number of Popular Garden- ing in place of the Review is at hand. To say I am deUghted with such a useful and beautifuUy illus- trated paper is uot half expressing my joy. I think every subscriber will rejoice in the pastures new to which they have come." Great Berries; Great Pickers— West and East. An eastern house, descanting on the pruductive- ness of a new Strawberry, had this to say: " Three thousand plants set out the loth of August, in ten months, averaged a quai-t to each plant or 3,000 quarts from the 3,000 plants, and pickers averaged 25 cents per hour at 2 centsperquart,or$5per day." To which a Princeton (111.) correspondent with a great Strawberry of his own, answers with true Western pride, as follows: "'Now it is clear that the days must be longer in New York than with us, we only work 10 hours a day and that would only amount to $:i.50; but, my Eastern friend, I will take a given number uf plants of my No. 5 aud set them in August aud take good care of them and I honestly believe 1 can grow twice the number of quarts of berries to the number of plants set 10 months before. And as to picking, just an ordinary hand picked 72 quarts of this sort in 2 hours, which at 1 cent per quart, m.v price, amounted to $3.00 in ten hours, one of our days, at 2 cents per quart, $7.20. Another boy picked 8 quarts in 10 minutes, which at 3 cents per quart is $9.fi0, and all this in the common course of picking without racing or the idea of making a large picking. I paid but 1 cent for picking No. 5, and 2 cents for picking every other." Geranium or Verbena, WMch? The spirit that prompts the seeking of information about things unknown is to be encouraged. So Popular Gardening has an Inquiry Department, and we are glad to see that it is appreciated by our readers, and is growing. One of our editors who sometimes answeiTs inquiries in the paper happened into an inquiry department outside of the editorial office the other day. At least he was present when the matter referred to below transpired in one of our city seed stores. A gentleman and lady entered the store, and approaching a clerk the former said they would be much obliged if he would decide a ques- tion about a plant for them The seed clerk was willing to the extent of his ability. This assurance brought a folded newspaper from the inquirer's pocket, which when unrolled revealed a small slip having a few leaves. "Now my wife says," the holder of the shoot remarked, "that this is a Ger- anium, and I tell her it's a Verbena; so we decided to have it out the first time we came to town. Which is it. if you please?" It was nothing else in the world than a Nutmeg Geranium, and so the seedsman said. The errand ended, to the discom- fiture of the gentleman, they approached the door to leave when the woman was heard to remark: "Seth, I told you so all summer." Now one more man believes that it is safest to defer these little questions to a woman's judgment. Casters for Plant Boxes or Tubs. Why casters under heavy plant boxes aud tubs should not be in use quite as much in proportion as the same are under tables, bureaus and the like we cannot tell, unless it is that heretofore nothing specially adapted to the purpose has been in the market. Recently we met the kind shown in our engraving at a hardware store, and were so much pleased with them that we had an illustration made for our columns. As may be seen, these casters are of iron and at- tached to the sides of the box or tub with screws. They are quite as easily put on old boxes as on new ones. For plants that are kept in the house they provide not only for moving them about at pleasure but they keep them well up from the fioor, a point all housekeepers will appreciate. It is as aids to the handling of the larger kinds of plants, such as Oleanders, Hydrangeas, Evergreens. CASTERS FOR PLANT BOXES, ETC. Oranges and the like, and which are, at the least, moved in and out of the cellar or cold house each fall and spring, that such casters would prove especially useful. Provided with the wheels, and some boards, and then a little careful management should see the largest plants moved about with ease, leaving no one, as to this, at the mercy of bungling hired men for carrying them. We are not aware that these casters are generally offered for sale as yet. If manufacturers would bring them to the notice of plant growers, through the advertising columns of this and other papers, no doubt they would meet with a considerable sale at once. The same casters would be found useful for various other purposes besides the one named. Our New York Letter, in Which Is Told Something About the Use of Flowers in that Town. The Gardenia is displacing the time-honored white Rose-bud as a wedding boutonuiere. As this rtower is a favorite abroad, it is sure to become popular here. In spite of the Chrysanthemum craze, fashionable women have worn a simple bunch of Violets with their walking gowns all tlu-ough the autumn, rather than the showy but scentless Japanese blossoms. A London paper which would be accepted as an authority here says that the correct boutonuiere on all ordinary occasions is a small pink or wbit« Camellia, with its own leaves, or about twenty Vio- lets in a bunch. The tendency is certainly towards larger bunches for this purpose. New York tlorists still tell us that Orchids will be the reigning tlower this winter, but so far, at every notable wedding, the bride has carried a loose buuch of white Roses and Lilj' of the Valley. Some fiorists here are trying to introduce Edel- weiss as a bridal fiower; it is being forced with that view. It is as shown' here an insignificant little thing at best, little better than our commuu Mouse- ear, and chiefly remarkable from its haliit of grow- ing on inaccessible precipices. It has been brought here in a dried condition for some time, being steamed to restore its form, and then used with Cape Flowers and Everlastings. A lovely funeral design at a recent exhibition was a scallop shell. It was made in Ivy leaves, and bore in the center sonie loose sprays of Lily of the Valley. Another design for the funeral of a child was a picture. The square frame was composed of little Adiantum plants in two-inch pots, plunged for best three Chinese specimens, $.5 for best three Japanese and the same for best three Pompons, $4 for a special Japanese, and $4 for special Japanese, and $4 for special Pompon. The plants were also in pots. The grand jirize of $2.50 for 25 distinct varieties. double, in pots uot exceeding 14 inches in diameter, one plant in each pot, each plant to have a single stem one inch or more above the surface of tlie ground, was awarded to Hallock & Thorpe, of Queen's County, Long Island. 3Iost of the flowers were sold before the close of the exhibition. This being the People's Paper, it is upeii to alt their In- quiries heariiiij on (jardeniug. On the other hand, Anstrers to Inquiries are earnestly requested from readers. The editors and special contributors are ready to dn a large share of the an siceriinf. but the ej-pfrience of many being more valuable than of the few, hotrever vai'ted that is, and conditions and localities being so different, they prefer to receive anstcers, even several of them to the same ques- tion, from readers everyichere. Don't hesitate tn send answers because you may feel you are no fine writer; we wilt see that they appear in good shape. In xoriting, give the number of the question you are an- swering, your locality and name, the latter not for publica- tion, ttnless you desire. Write only on one side of the paper. Flowers gladly 7iamed, provided, first, that no more thun three be sent at one time: second, that these be fully prepaid, third, that several specimens ofench reach us in good shape. We cannot undertake to name Jiorists^ varieties. 168. Asparagus Growing. If you were going to plant five acres of Asparagus how would you proceed to get best results on sandy ground:- Men- tion distance of rows apart and how far apart in rows; kind of manure and best time to apply it. There is a great deal said about salt being good for it. but some say it is useless. J, B., Morrisville, Fa. 169. Baspberries Changing. If Reds are planted along side of White ones wiU the latter change their color to red in time/ H. F. Hunt. 170. Perennials for Continual Bloom. I wish to plant a long fiower bed with these— bulbs, plants, vines, etc.— to give a succession of bloom from spring until fall. Can you give me a list:- 171. Evergreen Hardy Plants. My garden is fenced in with a nice picket fence, against which I would like to set some blooming and other plants that are green the year through. 172. Cemetery Plants. Would you oblige me with a li&t of those suitable for a fine effect from spring until fall? V. Pitthan, Orangeburg, S. U. 1T3. Scale, etc., on Oleander. The enclosed leaf shows how ray eight large Oleanders are affected with scale insect and black smut. Is there any way to clear them besides hand sponging:- Mrs. T. M. P., Castreville, Texas. 174. Truffles and their Culture. An under- ground Mushroom called Tiiitfle (Tuber cebarium) is said to be an excellent and rare delicacy. Is there any known way to cultivate it? If so, will you please give full directions, and where spawn may be procured? X. B. A., Topeka, Kan. 175. Ground Cherries. U- 1 Where can seed be obtained? (2.1 Is the fruit much grown for and of ready sale in market? If .so, at what price? (3.) What is the method of seed sowing and culture? (4.) Would it be remunerative to raise this fruit, say from one to five acres, for market? E. D., Neiv Castle^ Neb. 176. Honey Dew. Can you give an explanation of the presence of this sweet substance found on the leaves of trees. E. L. R., Rochester^ Mich. 177. Cold Water for Plants. Is this in your opinion injurious? Stella, Portland, Maine. 178. Bark Lice on Apple Trees. On my young trees and on the ends of the branches of some of the older trees there is a kind of insect, the bodies of which are closely crowded together, givmg the branches a wrinkled appearance. Can you tell what they ai-e and a gooa remedy to get rid of thenfr S. C. E., Orange Co., A. Y. 179. Best Market Pears. Desirmg to engage in Pear culture for the Baltimore, Philadelphia and New York markets. I desire infonnation as to some of the best varieties fur the purpose. C. J. M., Fi-ederick Co., Md. 180. Chrysanthemums after Flowering. Will some one kindly say what is best to be done with pot Chrj'santhemums when they have done bloom- ing? O. W. M., Oakfield, Pa. 181. Thrips on Fuchsias. My greenhouse Fuch- sias ai-e very subject to thrips. Would some one kindly let me know what I can do to get clear of this pest? W. F., Greenpoint, N. Y. 182. Heat for Stove Plants. At what beat should a house which contains Allamandas. Dipladenias, Stephauotis, Dracaenas. Crotons, Gardenias, Eu- cbaris amazonica, and a few other things, but no Orchids, be usually kept, and what is the greatest heat which would be necessary at any time? S. E. N., Cedar Kapids, hnra. 183. Cyclamens Dying. <-)n looking over my bulb box several weeks ago I noticed some of the Cyclamens growing, so I planted them in 4-inch pots, but they have since died instead of making any growth. Will some reader kindly give me cause, and a remedy, and how I shall treat them? I bought the plants last spring, and took them up when they died off. G. H. M., Port Cotbonte, Ont. 1H4. Amaryllis in Cellar. I fear that 1 have been wrong in potting and placing in cellar, same as Hyacinths, some Amaryllis bulbs fresh from Hol- land. Please advise. J. A. H., Oil City, Pa. 185. Plant Encyclopedia, is there a book pub- lished covering the nativity, uses and culture of all plants suited to this county? If so, I would like its name, price, etc. Rev. H. J. 8., Batine, Neb. 186. Lye and Bone Manure. In November number is an item on reducing bone with lye. Will you be kind enough to give the modus operandi f 1 can get several hundred bushels of ashes from a wood clearing, also many bones around town. J.A.T. 187. Red Spider on Window Plants. What shall we do to banish these? Frequent sprinkling is recommended, but a friend who has had umch experience says they thrive with this treatment. A. F. D., Huntington, N. Y. 188. Fall Sowing of Peas. What time should this be done in our section to have an advanced spring crop? What variety is the best for the pm-- pose and hardiest? Should the j' be mulched? M.K., IVellington, Kan. REPLIES TO INQUIRIES. IW. Amaryllis in Cellar. Amaryllis need 45° or 50" degrees of heat. Hyacinths get along with 10* less for coming on all right in their advance state of growth. This should help you to decide the matter as to the suitabdity of the cellar for the former. Om- way of treating the bulbs has been to keep them in any part of the greenhouse, like under the stages, and in a newly dug state, until growth starts, when they are broughr to more hght and given more water. Those designed for flowering, say in June aud later, need not be started until sprmg. 185. Plant Encyclopedia. Henderson's Hand- book of Plants exactly covers the ground. It may be ordered through this office. Price $3.00. post-paid. 186. Lye and Bone Manure. Make a large leach shaped like a V with a trough below and an opening along the lower end to aUow lye to run into trough. At the lower end of this trough a large barrel or hogshead should be placed to receive tne Jye. Throw sticks aud straw mto bottom of leach, and on this the ashes packed hard. Leave the top basin shaped aud this basin keep filled with water. As the lye is made, put it into barrels and throw into this bones and they will soon soften. A. M. P. 188. Fall Sowing of Peas. This is mostly practiced at the South, although we have heard favorable reports from the course as far north as New York. It is done in November aud iJecember — the farther south the later. By the course a crop may be had some earlier than by deferring the sow- ing until spring. For sowing at this season, we recommend the dwarfer kinds of earhest Peas, such as seldom rise over twelve inches and which are abundant bearers, aud withal early. Tom Thumb and Wonder seem to be adniirablj- adapted to Autumn sowing in the South, where, on apprehend- ing frost, protection may be given. If planted on gi'ound manured excessicely high they will yield as much to a given area as any Peas known to us. 161. Earth Worms in Flower Pots. For the white worms a good remedy is a teaspoonful of Mustard in a pint of water. The only pot with worms in it that I have had this winter was filled from the barnyard. M. P. W. 165. Cinnamon Vine. One never needs to lift this viue, Dio&corea batataa; after once planting it takes care of itself. From either a last year's root left undug, or from some of the small tubers which are strung plentifully along its tendrds, it gives you a crop every year. 1 have not failed m 2U years of an annual supply without care since my first plant- ing. N.. Bridgeport, Conn. 160. Marguerites in the House. I have no trouble ingrowing this plant in a bay-window that suits Roses and tucbsias. H. L., Dauphin Co., Fa. 173. Scale, etc., on Oleanders. We know of no effective remedy for the trouble referred to, beyond that of using strong whale-itil soap-suds, applied with a brush. This is the standard remedy with gai'deners. But it takes work on large specimens. 174. Truffles and their Culture. Of this inter- esting Fungi there are a number of varieties, both useful aud otherwise, found in various parts of Europe, but none, so far as is known, in this countrj-. the various statements about the discovery of some notwithstanding. It is much esteemed as a rare dish, aud its consumption, especially in France, is I enormous. Most of the product is gathered where ] its growth is spontaneous, but at the present time I its culture is «Uo considerably engaged in. The Truffle is found growing in the shade of certain i trees, those imder the Oak, Hornbeam, Chestnut, I Birch and Hazel seeming to do the best; hence. In 48 POPULAR GARDENING. December, their culture, the element of shade has to be consid- ered from the start. One account of the efforts in raising Truffles runs as follows: A compost is made of pure mold and vegetable soil mixt-d with drj- leaves and sawdust, in which, when projif rly moist- ened, mature Truffles are placed, either whole or in fragments, and then after the lapse of some time small Truffles are found iu the compost. The most successful plan, it is said, consists in sowing Acorns over a considerable extent of land of a calcareous nature, and when the young Oaks have attained the age of some yeai'S Truffles are grown in the soil about the trees. As the latter extend in size, they are thinned out at intervals of several years, and from such grounds these delicious fun^i are gath- ered for a period of many years, but in time it is said that the soil seems incapable of fiu'ther pro- ducing them. We are not aware that anj- attempt has been made in the cultivation of Truffles in this country. If there has been, we would, in conmion with many, be glad to hear of the matter. We do not know that spawn could be had short of Europe. 177. Cold Water for Plants. Water with the "chill '■ taken oft" and from that up to luke- warm is better than the same culd . 178. Bark Lice on Apple Trees. These are a kind of coccus that are very commoulj- found and capable of doing much iujury thi-ough absorbing the sap of the plants. One of the oldest remedies for destroying them is to apply a wash to all affect- ed parts, made by dissolving potash in water, at the rate of two pounds of the former to seven quarts of water. Prof. A. J. Cook, iu his " Notes on Injurious Insects," remarks that he has tried, quite thoroughlj-. several iusectcides for bark lice, but he finds nothing equal to the kerosene mixture. He uses one quart of soft soap and two gallons uf water heated to boiling, when a pint of kerosene isstii'red in and well mixed. This does not injure foliage, but rather brightens it. It must be thrown on with a fountain pump or force pump with c"onsiderable force for killing scale hce, which it does effectually. The sooner the application is made alter the lice are all hatched the better, which is usually early iu July. To kill the mature lice in April or early in May a broom with a long handle must be used, dipped in the kerosene mixture, which will rub them oft' rapidly, and Prof. Cook says he could thus "destroy millions of eggs in a brief time.'' The mature lice cannot be killed by simple spraying. 179. Best Market Pears. To answer our corres- pondent's question we think we cannot do better than to give the accounts of some different grow- ers of Delaware on this very question as found in Dr. Black's recent book on Peach and Pear Cult- ure. ""No. l."~More money in Duchess than any Pear grown. ""No. '2."— Bartlett all the time. '"No. 3."— For 1,000 standards, (iOO Bartlett, 300 Lawrence. 100 Kieffer; for same number of dwarfs, 500 Bartlett, oUO Duchess. " No. 4."'— Duchess. '*No. 5."'— Bartlett, Lawrence, Early Sugar fur sUxnd- ards; Duchess for dwarfs. ""No. 6."— I value the Bart- lett, Duchess Lawrence. Howell, Buffum and Vicar very highly. The Louise Bonne needs hand-thinning to give good fruit. "iVo. 7."— Buerretiifford, Man- ning's Elizabeth, Bartlett, Lawrence. '"No. S."— Bartlett and Lawrence for standards; Duchess for dwarfs. '■ JVu. 0."— For 2,000 trees, one-half to be standard Bartlett, the other half dwarf Duchess. "iVo. 10."— Three-quaiters Baitlett, and the rest equally Howell and Lawrence, for standards. 1 would never plant any dwai'fs but Duchess. Of these named no others pay so well as the Bartlett. "'No. 11."— Have rather limited experience with full standards, but would prefer Bartlett; For dwarfs I prefer Lawrence, Duchess, Flemish Beauty and Bartlett. "'No. 1:2."— Standard: 50 Clapp's Favor- ite, 4U0 Bartlett, 150 Sheldon. 50 Duchess, ~'00 Seckel, 50 Buerre 'd Anjou. 50 Howell, 50 Lawrence; 1,000 dwarf^. Duchess, Bartlett, Louise Bonne, Vicar. 180. Chrysanthemums after Flowering. Cut them down, and stand in a cool place, as the cellar or under the greenhouse stage. They will soon send up plenty of shoots from the base of the plant. These should be inserted singly iu 3-inch pots in a mixture of turfy loam and leafy mold. As soon as they have made plenty of roots they should be shifted into larger pots. After potting, put them in a cold frame close to the glass, and keep them secure from frost. When they have commenced to grow give them more air, and pinch the tops off to make them branch out; shift into larger pots as needed up until June. After May they may stand outside on a bed of ashes. Do not let them want for water. Manure water may be given about twice a week. Take them inside where they are to flower in October, and give them plenty of light and air. C. E. Burns. 183. Cyclamens Dying. You dried oft' the bulbs, and that is what did the mischief. When the corms are laid up dry for any time they sustain a loss of vitahty, which prevents them making more than a spasmodic effort to grow, throwing out a few leaves, and then remaining stationary. The right way to treat old bulbs is to water only when di-y after flowering until the foliage dies away; then bed them out during the summer or else shake all the old soil away, and re-pot in free soil with plenty of white sand in it. Give good drainage, and stand the pots where they can he shaded from hot sun, allowing the soil to dry out between each watering. This will cause them to break regularly and strongly, and as they advance iff growth they may be watered more freely. By late autumn the soil in the pots will be full of roots, and the buds will be abundantly formed over the plants. "^e Household P o vi 1 1 ry At early morn the air doth now A chilly feeling shed; And now the wakeful servant-maid Doth hate to leave her bed. She turns and turns, and in her mind The subject doth debate; And lucky 'tis if breakfast is But half an hour too late. — Chicago Telegram. Plain food is what the children need. The darkest hour- when you can't find the matclies. A first duty of the winter: to see that all stove- pipes, stoves and flues are safe. Would you save colds and bad health? Then protect the feet and ankles vsell. Sunshine is cheap medicine; some take it as if it wei'e disagreeable. like quinine. Our Christmas Story. Recently a wealthy farmer brought his wife to one of our prominent physicians, with the remark: "Doctor cure her, and I will pay you any price." The prescription read as follows: R.— Plent}' of flannels next to the skin, plenty of outside wraps, one pair overshoes, one pair leggins. Apply at once, for don't you see she is shivering from head to foot. Too thinly clad. One trouble with the excessive Christmas present giving of this age is that we forget often to give where there is the most appropriateness in making presents. We are thinking of the poor washwoman with her orphan children who is hai'dly able to keep the wolf from the door, or that family on the back way that from death or sickness will know little of a "Merry Christmas," except as thoughtful out- siders may make the way clear. Apples as Food. Professor Faraday says: "There is scarcely any fruit more widely useful than the Apple. The most healthful sweet that can be placed on the table is baked Apple. If taken freely at breakfast, with brown bread and butter, without meat or flesh of any kind, it has an admirable effect on the general system, often removing constipation, and cooling off febrile conditions more effectually than most approved medicines. If families could be induced to substitute the Apple— sound and ripe —for the pies and other sweetmeats with which children are too often stuffed there would be a diminution of doctors' bills. Cranberries may now be classed among the cheap winter fruits. They are wholesome, and relished by most every one. Served with roast turkey and other meats they prove especially acceptable. They are much better when prepared as follows than when stewed in the ordinary way: Put them on the fire in a large kettle with cold water sufticient to cover them well, cover elosely and stew until tender; then put through a sieve to remove the skins, return to the fire, and add enough sugar to sweeten to taste. Remove from the fire as soon as the sugar is thoroughly dissolved, which, unless it is in lumps, will be when the fiiiit boils. A twine holder for the kitchen or hall is a very useful contrivance, and here is how one may be made from a broken goblet. Choose one that the cavity runs down into the stem somewhat. With the hammer carefully chip away as much of the stem as possible, then with the shank of a file, or some- thing similar, give a sharp little tap in the bottom and you will usually find a small round hole there. Crochet a cover of some pretty zephyr, attach cords of the same to hang it by, put in a ball of twine, pass the end out through the hole in the bottom, and if the affair hangs in a convenient place, the cwmmou questinu, " Where is some string?" will seldom be asked. Elder's Wife. Home-made Weather Strips. Two of our doors shrank so badly that they did not meet the casing properly. We had a half-inch Basswood board ripped into pieces three-eights of an inch in width and planed them. These strips we cut to fit the doors. Then tlie leg of an old rubber boot was taken and cut into strips five-eighths of an inch wide, begin- ning at the ton and cutting around the leg, trimming the seam at the back of the leg off with the shears. This rubber we then tacked, felt side next the wood, to the three-eighths side of the strip, with the edges projecting. Then we laid the strip, iiibber side down, upon a bench and trimmed off the edges with the small blade of a pocket knife. These strips we nailed to the jamb, closing the door, and all for making a tight job and keeping out the cold. Mrs. G. E. L., Penobscot Co.., Maine. Geese lay from six to ten eggs a year. A padlock is safer than counting your hens. I Hen dentistry : supplying sharp gravel for food I grinding. Should combs ever get touched with frost, apply to the affected parts a bit of glycerine and alcohol. Two parts glycerine to one of alcohol will be the right mixture. The value of hen manure from a single bird for one year has been quoted at 15 cents, This is, we think, a very low estimate, and yet, as the National Stockman puts it, even at this rate, the total of the manure for all the poultry in the country in 1880 would be $10.aiO,000. Appearance is what selects the customer and fixes the price in selling fowls, as in selling eveiy- thing else. Aim for the best appearance. A good looking article wiU bring a fair figure, when the same quality, but poorly prepared, will go begging for buyers. Its an important point. Hens must come to the scratch to be healthy; exercise is as much needed as good feeding. A bin in some part of the quarters iu which an inch or two of chaff, sawdust or similar material is kept, and on which a few handfuls of grain is scattered daily, working it in with the" foot, is what is wanted to promote this. More eggs will follow if you at- tend regularly to this Matter. Sometimes in winter, unfortunately, the eggs get fnizen and burst, before coming to the house. If they can be kept frozen till used, no loss beyond that of not being able to market them will accrue. In such a state they woidd keep well for months. When wanted for use, thaw out in a warm room; they will then come in as good for beating, fryingor any like purpose as if they were just laid. But once such eggs are thawed they should soon be used. Roosts. To erect these as one may sometimes see them, iu a sloping direction, low at first and rising at the back, is to invite, perpetual disquiet and fight- ing among the fowls at roosting time to secure the highest place. They should be placed on a level. Some erect the roosts up too high, ten or more feet above the floor. This is wrong, for in flying down from them, having no further space to sweep in the flight than the walls of the apartment admit of, is to bring the fowls on their breastbones when they alight, doing them injury. Charred Grain, The benefit which fowls derive from eating charcoal is acknowledged. The method of putting it before them, however, is not well un- derstood. Pounded charcoal is not in the shape in which fowls usually find their food, and conse- quently is not very enticing to them. Corn burnt on the cob. and the refuse, which consists almost entirely of the grains reduced to charcoal and still retaining their perfect shape, if placed before them is greedily eaten by them, and with a marked im- provement in their health, as shown by the bright color of their combs and their sooner producing a grea,ter average of eggs to the tiock.— Poultry Yard. Stoves in the Hen House. The principal value of artificial heat in the poultry house, observes the Poultry Journal, is when it is situated where it can- not get the full benefit of the winter sun and in such cases the use of a small beating stove, during the coldest weather will be found very beneficial to the fowls, and will guard against any danger from frost bitten combs and wattles, and will materially aid in producing a more satisfactory supply of eggs from the feathered stock. However, where the house is fitted up warm and comfortable, and there is plenty of glass (it should be double and tight) in the south side of the coop, which will give the fowls the full benefit of the winter's sun, there is but little need of artificial heat. The butchering season is the lard crackling season, although crackliugs may also be bought cheaply of the re^lar butchers at all times. Now one of the best diets we know of for fowls at this time of the year is cracklings and this is our way of treating them: A chunk the size of two fists is taken, on which is poured about a gallon of water. This is boiled for half an hour, when we commence stiiTing in commeal and wheat middlings, mixed, about half of each, keeping it up until a mush is formed so thick that it can hardly be stirred. Then it is allowed to cool. This is used as a morning feed along with a little green food, such as cabbage or chopped roots, and for evening we give grain, either wheat or corn, the latter being best in winter, POPULAR GARDENING AND FRUIT GROWING. "ACCUSE NOT NATURE. SHE HATH DONE HER PART; UO THOU BUT THINE. Vol. II. j-j^2srxrj^:Ei,ir, is a 7. Snowed Under. Of a thousand things that the year snowed under. The busy old year that has gone away— How many will rise in the Spring I wonder, Brought to life by the sun of May ? Will the fair, green Earth, whose throbbing bosom Is hid 'neath a gown of snowy white. Wake out of her sleep, and with blade and blossom Gem her garments, to please my sight ? O wise Young Year, with your hands held under Your mantle of ermine, tell me, I pray. —Ella mteeley Wilcox. It is quite remarkable how quickly plants improve in appearance, and how much more easily they are managed, after the sun begins to ascend, and the days lengthen in this month, than during early winter. With such im- provement comes also the increased reward of fresh growth and flowers, and now most any one can be brought to find delight in their presence. It is a fit season to teach the chil- dren to love flowers and house plants and how to handle and care for them. Not a winter passes but the burning of some greenhouses, and with them often other structures, is reported. In this season of hea\'y tiring, extra precautions should be taken against losses of this kind. A common cause of flres is to put on the invitingly dry and hot flues or fui'naces of a plant-house such things as kindling, wet plant flats, cloth, frozen earth, etc. , to dry. Then one time of f orgetf ulness may do the business. To place anything that is ignitable on flues, even forty feet from the fiuTiace, is not safe, instances being on record of fires having been communicated as a result of such action. Gardening for January is mostly done around the sitting room heater. It is the time for the niind to work rather than the hands. How can the methods of work, and the kinds of fruits, flowers and vegetables be improved upon those of the past? Cannot the home be rendered vastly more valuable and attractive as a home by setting new trees, shiiibs and plants? These are subjects now to be considered. The catalogues of the seedsmen, nm-serymen and florists are in the main ready this month and easy to be had. They should be secured, carefidly studied and compared one with another, thator- ders may be intelligently made out and placed to good advantage. The leisure season of win- ter should, to the gardener and fruit-grower, turn out in the end to be one of great profit, through the opportunities offered for making wise and paying plans. ware, Lady Washington, Sensasqua and Wor- den. The common opinion that thick-skinned native sorts were the only long keepers, was found correct only so far as preserving the flavor was concerned. The keeping of Grapes in a fresh state as far into the winter as possible is a matter of interest to all fruit growers. Bearing upon this the experiments as to the keeping quali- ties of forty different sorts, as made by a mem- ber of the Montreal Horticultural Society, are of value. Of those which were found tc keep well till February were the Rogers' hyljrids known as Wilder, Hubert and No. 30. They were in good eating order up to that time, after which deterioration set in rapidly. Of other kinds, not such good keepers, he found that Salem and Vergennes kept well till the middle of January. A large niunber kept till January 1st, including Agawam, Duchess, Es- sex, Barrj', Massasoit, and Allen's Hybrid. Among the poorer keepers were Concord, Dela- When the year 188(; launched out Popu- lar Gardening and Fruit Growing was a three months' old youngster, modest as became its age, but firm in the belief that it had a mis- sion in the world. The year had not yet seen its close, before our journal had by wide con- sent assumed the prominence of the leading paper of its class in America. To-day it starts out on a second new year, conscious of the v^gor, in addition to its own inherent strength, that has come from four other journals of its line casting into it their strength and [latron- age. The growth of its own circulation en- tirely outside of these purchases has, for a young journal, been most remarkable thus far, espec- ially in view of the general stringency of the times. But the secret of such success is not hard to divine. Popular Gardening from the first has aimed to meet the want of the times for a periodical of horticultural informa- tion directly adapted to the needs, tastes and comprehensions of the people. It sought to be sound, practical and sensible in the style of its contents, and handsome in appearance as became a paper devoted to the art of horticul- ture. It asked the question why the American people, three out of every four of whom are in some degree interested in one or another branch of gardening, should be one whit behind their foreign cousins in the free support of the right kind of gardening periodicals. The answer has most forcibly come forth: the people are ready to support well a paper which meets their wants. Having faith in that reply we now shall proceed with renewed energy and in- creased strength to do om' humble share in the fullest attainment of such an end. To our many able contributors aid and new who have offered their help in this work, no less than to the kind words and support of our great army of readers, we shall largely look for aid and in- spiration in our labors. Popular Gardening and Fruit Growing enters upon the year 1887 with a most hopeful outlook. Roadside Tree Planting. Let us suppose the case of every land owner in America, whether his possessions lie in town or country, planting — and planting well — suitable trees along the roadside upon which his land borders, and seeing to it that all become well established. A child could not fail to discern the vast benefit that would accrue to the appearance of our country after a few years, and to clap its hands in joy over such a prospect. Nor would the gains in mere beauty be of the most consequence. There wcniUi be miles innumerable of well sluided walks and drives, and protection from the heat of sum- mer everywhere, promoting comfort and in- viting to healthful out-door exercise. In the winter a gain of the greatest importance would come from the trees subduing the piercing winds, aiding directly to the comfort of man and beast alike. A great actual in- crease in the value of lands would attend re- sults in this direction and life would cer tainly be better worth the living. We have supposed the case; is it not a practicable one? Perhaps not at this day so far as all land owners are concerned, for the matter is not one receiving the thought it deserves. But there are enough appreciative tree-lovers in our country who if tliey would, to an individual, labor by example and by teaching, for securing .such an end, might lead to the bringing in of great results. They could direct tinthoughtful land-owners to thinking favorably of the matter and from thinking to acting. Here is a work well worthy of the special efforts of the vast Pop- ular Gardening family, extending as it does from JIaine to California, to accomplish. With the desire for increased tree planting there should be the knowledge of the best methods in the work. Two common errors are these: planting the trees too closely, and planting quick-growing, inferior sorts, like Poplars or Willows, for securing early effects. As to distance apart this should be gov- erned somewhat by kinds. The Elms, now fast superceding the Maples for street plant- ing, should never be set closer than S') feet apart, while 50 feet would be better. Ma- ples, Horse-chestnuts, Oaks, Catalpas, Ailan- thus. Tulip Tree, Basswoods and most other desirable sorts may be some closer, saj' 30 feet apart at the nearest, and from that up to 40 feet apart. In general the aim should be to plant trees at such a distance from each other as to secure the development of the natural characteristics of the kind. A tree of any sort, cramped and distorted in appearance for want of space, is a sorry looking object side of a majestic specimen that has had am- ple room for development. The desire for quick results from planting is one natural enough, but to plant the fast- growing kinds named is almost certain to bring regret at some future time. Our course, where a quick growth is speciallj' wanted, is to secure this by extra care in planting the better sorts. Take the Elm. We find no difficulty in having trees with trunks one foot through a foot from the ground, and 25 to 30 feet high, in 12 or 14 years from planting, by settiug each one in an excavation containing a load or two of good earth from a cultivated field. Most every other kind will do nearly or quite as well. Ample summer watering in time of drought is also mo.sl helpful in hastening early development of all street and lawn trees; fall top-dres,sing with manure is another great help. A good way for soon having street shade after planting is to set the better kinds of trees named at the greater distance apart given, and then to set rapid-growing sorts midway between these, to be removed when the better kinds need the space. If in front of a village lot, for instance, but two trees are needed; plant three, the middle one a fast grower, to be taken out'years later. 50 POPULAR GARDENING. January, Lilies and Lilies.— Two Classes of Good Plants. To speak of Day Lilies apart from any descriptive clue as to the plants referred to is to leave many intelligenl plant growers in DAY LILIES GROWING AT THE WATER'S EDGE. doubt concerning what is meant. This is because both of those valuable classes of hardy flowers, the Funkias and the Hemer- ocalises. receive very widely the same name, Day Lilies. Some years ago it was sug- gested by a prominent horticulturist to re- name the former genus as the Plantain Lily, from the resemblance of its leaves to those of the common Plantain. The idea at once met with favor from leading nurserymen and botanists, and gradually now this ver}' suitable name is coming into use. Neither of the flowers here referred to belong to the true Lilies, although both of them are near relations being of the LiliaceiE order. The Day Lily, as a common name for the Hemerocalis genus, is quite as appropri- ate as the new name Plantain Lily is for the Funkias. The flowers of the for- mer, as may be seen in the cut shown above, are decid edly Lily-like in ap- pearance, if some- what smaller than those of most of the true Lilies. The same thing is not true of the blooms of the Funkias, some of which are well shown in the larger engraving herewith. Then the fact that the Da}' Lilies are open only through the day, while the true Lilies are open day and night.shows the special fitness of the former name as the common one for the Hemerocalises. We are thus at pains to rightly set forth this matter of common names, because no two classes of plants we can think of are more worthy of wide culture than these; they deserve to be well and correctlj' named. The Day Lilies (Hemerocalis). of which about a half a dozen varieties and species are named in the catalogues, are all free-grow- ing and free-blooming hardy plants. They have elegant, strong, grass-like foliage, and the handsome flowers vary in hue from tawny orange to clear yellow. One of the finest species is the Yellow Day Lily, Hem- erocalis flava a native of Siberia, and which has beautiful clear yellow flowers, borne in clusters on tall scapes. With many growers this handsome, hardy flower passes merely by the name of Yellow Lily, being perhaps incorrectly taken for a true Lily. Of other Hemerocalises worthy of special mention, there may be named H. fuha, a free growing species, perfectly able to take care of itself without cultivation or in the wild garden, and having large coppery red flowers; H. fulra fl. pi. like the latter, but with partly double flowers, which endure for some time; Grass- like Day Lily [H. gram- inea) with deep yellow flowers and the nar- rowest leaves of all, and H. disticfia, much like the first named, but of freer bloom. ' There is also a variegated leaved Day Lily, H Kwavso variegata, and a very orna- mental plant it is when fully developed and the variegation well marked. Other names exist in the collections, but of kinds nearly or quite identical with the above. It should be said that the more robust growers, like H. fulva and H. disticha. are quite at home on the margins of ponds and rivers, and the entire class will bear some measure of shade, if must be, without complaint. The Funkias are anything but Lily-like in appearance as the beautiful life-like en- graving of the clumps of White Plantain Lily shows. Than this magnificent species, called botanically Punkia subcnrdata. there is not known a finer hardy plant for the flower garden or border. One is at a loss to know which to admire most, its handsome foliage which shows to advantage all through the season, or its beautiful pure white, fra- but fewer flowers, and this is designated as F. .nibcordata grandiflora. Of other Funkias some have narrower and others broader foliage than the one here illustrated, and there are some the leaves of which are variegated or mottled with yellow, and others with silver gray. A blue flower- ing sort in our collection and known as F. cwrulea has narrow, dark green, glossy fol- iage; another, F. ovata, has Lilac-blue flowers and broad shining leaves. Among the variegated leaved sorts we may mention F. suhcordata fol. var., with yellow markings, and F. Fortuneii mac.ulata with the leaves broadly marked with golden yellow. A good quality of the Plantain Lilies is that, like the Day Lilies, they will bear con- siderable shade without harm, hence they are of special value for planting in the near vicinity of buildings and trees. They do best when grown in well-drained deep soil. Plants may be procured from the leading nurseries, and once possessed they are easily increased by dividing the roots. A Window Box of Mignonette, Nothing is more charming than a window box of growing and blooming Mignonette in early Spring. There are two ways of setting about securing this — the one, to wait until spring and then buy the plants when ready to bloom, of the florist, and the other to set one's self about growing plants from seed. For this purpose the seed may be sown at any time now. It is best to start it in pots first and keeping the plants here until just ready to bloom, when they can be transferred to the larger box, where a chance is afforded them to branch out and flower for a long time. Use good fertile soil in the pots, such as can be procured of any plant-grower. Keep the earth moderately moist until the seeds are up, after which water may be increased slightly in quantity, but should be given in the fore- noon, that the foliage may be dry by night. Thin out the plants as fast as they grow up until only five are left in a pot. In culture it is well to shade the tender plants from the sun in the middle of the day, as other- CLUMPS OF PLANTAIN LILIES OR FUNKIAS ON THE LAWN. grant, bell-shaped flowers "that appear throughout the summer. This species is known in some catalogues as F. Japonica. There is a variety of it also having larger wise the foliage will be discolored. For train- ing, some small stakes can be placed in the pot, and then later in the box at equal distances apeirt, to which to tie the plants.' 1887. POPULAR GARDENING. 51 Marshall PInckney Wilder. On Thursday, December IH, the Hon. Mai-- shall P. Wilder. America's greatest pomologist and horticulturist, died at his home in Dor- chester, a suburb of Boston, Mass. He had reached the advanced age of 88 years. Less than two weeks previous to his death Mr. Wilder attended the special meeting of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society; then went to the meeting of the Agri- cultural Society, and made an address. On that day he took cold, which was followed by the fatal attack of rheuniatLsm. On the day of his death as he was seated in his arm ch;ur convers- ing, without a raomerit's premo- nition of any kind, he clap]ied his hand to his heart and in an instant he was dead. Mr. Wilder wa.s born at Rindge, N. H . Sept. 2-3, 1708. He had but such common school advantages as came from going to the public school and an academy. For this his love for agriculture largely accomited, a.s he early had the choice of going to college or farm work, and chose the latter. Later on he became a very successful merchant of Boston. The great work of his life, which gained the fame justly due him, both in this country and abroad, was in the field of horticidture and po- mology. He ha.s himself said of his work in these fields ; "Endowed from my youth with a love for rural Ufe and i-ural taste, I have only obeyed the instincts of my nature in devoting such time, abiUty and means as I could com- mand to the cultivation of the eai-th. '' But it was in pomology that he was most successful and most widely known. His famous Vear orchard consisted of 2500 trees and 800 varieties, and from this more than 300 varieties of the Peai- have been brought to a single exhibition, and for several years he took the first premium of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society for the best collection. He exhibited at the Bay State Cattle Show one hundi-ed varieties of Pears and twenty of Grapes. Fruit trees and fi-uit cult- ure, floriculture, flnra-hybridizing. and a proper nomenclature in pomology-, received his careful and assiduous attention, and these labors have been followed by the most satisfac- tory results. Floriculture was one of Mr. Wilder's early and favorite piu-sults. His Camellia house is supposed to have contained the best collection in the country-, embracing at one time more than three hundred varieties, and it wiU now comijare favorably with those at home or abroad. His later years have been given al- most entirely to his favorite field of work. One of the most eminent agriculturists of England has spoken of him as " one who by his zeal, in- dustry and determination has not only con- ferred lasting benefits on his country, but has. by careful researches in hybridization and fruit culture, laid the horticulturists of all na- tions under heavy obligations. " At the time of his death Mr. Wilder was president of the American Poniological Soci- ety, and this office he had, with the exception of a single term, held permanently from the or- ganization of the Society in 1848. It was in this useful capacit}- that his name liecame the most widely kno«-n throughout our country. Either as president or as a trustee he was asso- ciated with a number of other societies, banks, etc. , at all the later periofis of his life. Although so well known as a horticulturist, it was only in his 34th year that Mr. WiMer actively entered this field of labor, doing so out of a pure love for the calUng, and a.s a relaxa- tion from mercantile pursuits. For years previous he had l>een a Boston merchant, and in this he continued until within a few years of his death, when he retired. From horticult- ure he could never retire. His life in many resjiects was that of the model amateur gar- dener. It was his cu.stom to rise early, to de- vote the morning to books and to the superin- tendence of his garden and orchards; the mid- THE LATE MARSHALL P. WILDER. Engraved exprtssly for Popular Gardentno. die of the day to mercantile business in the city ; and the evening to his family and study. Mr. Wilder believed above all eLse in the un- ion of intelligence with horticulture. He was the warm friend of every effort made for the dissemination of gardening information. From the fii-st he has given hearty encouragement and support to Popular Gardening, express- ing his faith in its successful future. When the paper was enlarged he was one of the first subscribei's to renew at the present price. We have the pleasure of ])resenting a perfect fac- simile in reduction of his brief note to us on tliat occasion, and this will be prized by all who cherish the memory of the gieat horticult- urist. It was a pleasant thought to him, that while at his 27th year there was not a single horticultural society in America, his life had been spared to see more than 1500 of these and similar associations in existence. In the bring- ing about of such an improved state of things, and in the advancing of horticulture and pomol- ogy among the masses in general, no one man, by direct or indirect meiins, has done more for America than Mai-shall Pinckney Wilder. Grafted Stone Fruits. .1. I., BCDI), AMES, IOWA. From a Western standpoint we feel like scold- ing about friend Purdy's positive statement that only budded trees of the stone fruits should be planted, and that not one root graft in ten of the Peach, Plum, Apricot or Cherry can be made to grow. On account of tendency in our soil to root killing we often lose thousands of Eastern trees of hard}' varieties bue kept quite dry. If slightly shriveled they are all right, but if buds are slightly started, and the bases of the scions show signs of callousing they will rarely unite with stock. 2. We practice what is known as "side grafting," with the wedge of the scion level. If the usual direction is followed of making the " outside of the wedge thick- est " we cannot expect success. 3. We tie giafts firmly with waxed thread and coat the cut siu-faces and points of union with cold "alcoholic plastic." We find the modem linseed oil plastic unfit for use on the stone fruits. 4. After grafting pack away so that the scions are left mainly exposed to the cellar air, so they will not absorb too much water. 5. Keep grafts in a cool cave with earth covering overhead. In a common cellar the changes of temperature and moisture of air is not favorable to any kind of grafts. If the cave is too warm open up when the air is cold, and keep carefully closed when external air is warmer than that of the cellai'. If giafts can be kept near\\j donnanf it is best not to plant until the gi'ound is settled and warm enough to plant early Com. I wiU only add that the Plum and Apricot we find quite as easy to crown graft as the Apple, and far easier than the Pear, but the Cherry and Peach need a careful compliance with the above simple riUes. The Size of the Cluster. D, L. MARVIN, WATERTOWN, N. T. The judges at our fairs have always awarded prizes to the largest clustei-s of Grapes, a cus- tom that prevails in Europe as well. Is there a good reason for such action ? It may lie well enough in amateur competitions, but in general not, for a small, or medium-sized cluster is usually the preferred one with both producers and consumers. One of the most important demands for Grapes is that from ho- tels, restaurants, and boarding-houses, for des- sert use, and here there is a decided preference for handsome, small clusters, as large ones for all guests cannot be so well afforded. And no one likes to destroy the beauty of such by di- viding them up by cutting. Smallness of the clusters accounts in part for the great popu- larity of the Delaware. Another objection to large clusters is that they are usually shouldered, and the shoulder seldom ripens ^vith the other parts. Besides partial gieenness of large shouldered clusters there is trouble in handling such, the berries often getting bruised or torn off in taking them from the basket or Ijox, and the blossom getting rubbed off as well. Perhaps our best Grapes for hotel purposes and general table use, are finally to come from the seedlings and descendants of the old Taylor Grape. The clustei's ot Elvira, one of the fam- ily, are the right shape and size to fill this de- mand. Unfortunately, the skin of this one is so tender, the berries usually bursting in ripen- ing. But the defect is cured in several of the seedlings I have seen, and which have a tough skin and never crack. 52 POPULAR GARDENING. January, Notes from Western Michigan. C. W. GARFIELD, GRAND RAPIDS. MICH. There is a word not often used, but to me very expressive, and as defining a certain faculty ot the greatest importance to therural- ist, it must not be lost. I mean " gumption." The ability to get out of a tight spot without calling in a specialist; the knowledge of how to tmTi if things do not move as expected. So much depends upon cii'cumstances that "no feller can find out" in advance. I have seen ground well prepared at a large ex- pense, lying wholly use- less, because the seed failed; I have seen a man wa.ste a half -day, in the busiest season, going to a harness shop, when a rivet would have mended the break. If gumption were in- tuitive, there %vould be no hope for a very large cla.ss, but fortu- nately, we know it is largely a habit of pre- paring for emergencies ; an acquirement that any of us can " nibble at -n-ith a prospect of getting some oft." The trouble is that the most of those who enter the list of nurserymen are ready to answer the loudest call in dollars and cents, and make every effort serve the pocket-book. I can only assert my opinion of such, that no matter what they profess otherwise, they are not now living close by the kingdom of Heaven. mxetucaw ^ocletg. Pbcsiiient; MARSH.U.L P- WILDER. FlRHT Vli t-I'tlEWIDlNT t ?. HARRY, Rochester. N Y, ORGANrZED 1848. Bicnniul Memherahip. 54-0'i. I-ife Membership, f. Secret*ry; CHAS. W. GARFIELD, BENJ. G. SMITH, Camobidge, Mass. Absolute honesty of observation by those who are performing ag- ricultural experiments is the prime requisite, but my experience is that it is so ch»ice a commodity , that a good many who are engaged in such work use very little of it, and it is sur- prising to see how smoothly things will work without employ- ing it; and again. when used freely, how much trouble it begets, I mean to say that the man who wTites ex- periments up at hLs desk heis an ea-sier time of it than one who waits for facts that develop in the garden, orchard and on the farm. It is so hard to be honest when we want things to come out a certain way. I have even caught myself wTiting an indication down for a fact, and rubbed it out, finding that a little more waiting dissolved the promise. I have caught myself favoring the conditions of a variety that, it seemed to me, ought to come out ahead. It was not willful dishonesty I think, but a huit of natural depravity, at least I can account for it in no other way. ^.^.^ We often hear men talking about how cer- tain ministers of the Gospel have left an impress upon communities, the importance of which could not be computed by any known method, and the wide-reaching influence of which there was no means of measuring. There is no doubt about it at all, but I wish to suggest that the same expressions ought to apply to the nursery- man of any community, if he is built on the right plan. No man can grow trees, shrubs, vines and other plants for a people, if he studies their uses and illustrates their usefulness, but can be a power for inestimable good, not oijy in his own coimnunity. but wherever his pro- ducts and his catalogues are sent. If he enters upon the occupation of a nurser\^nau in the right spirit, the spirit that we expect to exist in our pastors, I incline to think his moral work would approximate that of his clerical brother. MARSHALL P. WILDER: REDUCED FAC-SIMILE OF A RECENT LETTER FROM HIS PEN. I am certain from some years of observation and one pretty rich streak of experience, that it is impossible to make men honest by any force there is in " Be it enacted." But over in Western Michigan the horticulturists have adopted a method that seems to be ' ' making for righteousness. " They organized a fruit ex- change last suimner, allowing a few of the best growers to form its membership, and adojrted a seal which is placed upon the packages ot its members, each package so sealed is guaranteed to contain full measure of first quality of trait. The seal at once made a reputation. But the point I wish to emphasize is the method ot maintaining the standard of the seal. The exchange requests of its patrons to return any packages not up to standard ; the money will be refunded and the jjurchaser reimbursed in every way. Now as one rule ot the exchange requires every man using the trade-mark to place his name upon his package, a delinquent is traced out more easily than an emliezzeluig postal clerk, and he is expelled from the organ- ization. The scheme seems to be working like I a charm and should lie adopted elsewhere. been so great that over a thousand kinds have been tested; many have proved of no value, but others stand out like stars in Amer- ican pomology. The old Baronne de Mello, a variety ot high quality, was discovered last season by persons who thought it new. Among other fine varieties which have not been appreciated are the Emile d' Heyst and the Waterloo: the General Warren is identical with the latter. Mr. Wilder suggested that premiums should be offered tor the re- suscitation of fine old varieties. He consid- ered the Washington Strawberry Apple fully equal in beauty to the Gravenstein,and only second to it in quality. As to the Rogers Grapes, Barry, Wilder, and others succeed with him al- most as well as any varieties except the Concord and Moore's Early. Charles Down- ing preferred the Wil- der to any other native Grape. The Lindley is superior even to the Delaware; we cannot dispense with it. In some seasons the Rog- ers Hybrids may mil- dew, but in others they do not; his Grapes, however, have a very favorable location. Mr. Wilder approved of retaining the Davis, Hervey and Wilder Strawberries. TheJew- ell is a very remarka- ble variety ; one plant had fifteen fruit stems, averaging ten berries to a stem. The Prince is probably a parent of the Jewell ; it is as high flavored as any variety makes a large stool, and beai's an abundance of fruit. The Triomphe de Gand continues to grow with him as well as any other kind; a neighbor cultivates half an acre and has no other. The Parry is promising. Of Raspberries the Souchetti, imported thirty yeai's ago, took the first prize last year, anil is perhaps the most valuable kind tor family use. The Marlborough is a remarkable grower; he had exhibited here a cane nine feet in length. It is not of the highest quality, but is very pi'oductive and seems perfectly hardy. It produces a host ot suckers — sometimes fifty to a stool — which must be kept down or the crop will tail. The Caroline, which is a true hybrid between the Brinckle's Orange and a Blackcap, is hardy and valuable. President Wilder on Fruits that Promise Weil. At the first meeting of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society, in the present year, this subject was brought up and discussed. Hon. Marshall P. WiMer said that in New England the interest in collecting Pears has Lime Water for Pot-plants. In soil that is properly enriched tor pot-plants the angle and some other soft-skinned worms find a congenial home and food. Even if none were present in the soil when the plants were potted, their eggs may have been thei-e and since yielding worms. To guai'd against the evil effects ot any such it is well once or twice during the winter to water all plants with lime watt>r, the caustic qualities of which will kill all soft-skinned worms it touches. A lump of lime the size of one's fist would suffice to make eight or more gallons of the water. After it is slacked let the water stand until it becomes clear before using. Then apply once, and enough to thoroughly soak the ball of earth. 1887. POPULAR GARDENING. 53 On the Pruning of Trees. At the outset it is easy to conclude that the pruning of both fruit and shade trees is a prac- tice much neglected and abused. Many or- chards consist of trees so dense with brush as to shut out light and sun from the interior of the heads, causing the fruit to be both small and of poor quality. In others the pruning has been done to excess, and with poor judgment, leav- ing the trees trimmed up with long weak trunks, or else to be one-sided. Perhaps more common than any other fault in this line is the one shown in the first figure herewith. This is of an Apple tree maimed and reduced in vigor by an excessive cutting of large branches, and this done very badly, leaving many ugly stumps. In cases of this kind it is Fig 1. An Apple Tree shoiving bad ejects of Pruyi- ing large bra nches and leaving ugly stumps. impossible for the pruning scars to bark over, and in time decay must set in, leading to vital injury by moisture and air entering the tree. That which is true of orchard trees in the last respect named, is no less true in many cases in the pruning of shade and street trees to have high trunks — in itself a thing quite desira- ble. As to these, hardly any sight is more common than that of Maple and other trees, badly mutilated, not only by over-severe cut- ting, but by the wretched practice of leaving limb stumps from a few inches to a foot long, as indicated in figure 3. Such treatment in- evitably leads to unsightly imperfections on the trunks, and worse yet, to heart decay and premature death. To have a standard fruit tree so open through- out the top as to be accessible both to sunlight from the outside and to the person who jiicks the fruit from the interior is an important end to secure. So in the case of shade trees, it is best for comfort and health that these should be clear of branches and foliage for at least ten feet from the ground, and also that undue closeness throughout the head be jirevented. But such desirable ends can be reached and to the best possible advantage, without, in any case, ever pruning a large branch, and to this subject we shall now devote attention. The secret of this matter is, to begin the pruning rightly and at the right time, namely, on the j'oung tree just from the nursery, and then conduct all pnining as nearly as possible on the principle of nerer cuftinr/ a branch that is larrjer through than a man's thumb. This might be styled the thumb-gauge system of pruning trees. Let us first, in its application, take the case of an Apple tree. What we want to secure in this is a healthy, prolific tree, hav- ing a well balanced head and the best possible form for admitting light to all parts of the in- terior, without ever sacrificing one large branch in the pruning. A tree of this description is shown in figure 4, and we wiU presume it is the outgrowth of a young tree having the ap- peaiance of the one in figure 3, as it came from the nursery. Taking in hand a tree like the latter, we start off on the basis that all trees need pruning at the time of transplanting, to offset the ' ' priming '' the roots received in the process of digging. At this first pruning is the time to lay out with great care the frame of branches of the future tree. A study of the head is made and about six of the leading shoots, starting out in different directions at about an equal distance apart, are chosen for the future ground work. All the other shoots (those in the case referred to being mai'ked by a cross line near the main part) are to be cut entli-ely away. The reserved ones also need, as shown, cutting back about one-half. With foundation branches thus provided, the future pruning should be directed for their preservation and development, seeing that year by year they become ampl3', but not too densely, furnished with branches. Being guided by the thumb gauge in pruning, by go- ing over the tree annually its form may with light work be controlled, and the tree never be brought to suffer cutting so severe as to great- ly tax its vitality. Indeed on this plan much of the pruning could be done in the smiuner, by a mere rubbing off of such shoots as appear where they are not wanted. With shade trees the same rule of early pro- viding a frame work of branches, and then pruning by the thumb gauge should be aimed for. Here there may often be more difficulty, because the branches of such trees as they come from the niu'sery are seldom as high as ten feet from the ground for the lowest ones. One should then wait for the growth of new branches farther up, to be treated as the per- manent ones, in the meantime cutting the larger ones — those as large as a thumb — and leaving some that ai-e smaller, temporarily along the trunk, to excite activity of growth and de- velopment in those jjarts. As any of the lat- ter reach the thumb size, let them be pruned completely away, and finally when the frame branches above are established, all such lower ones should be removed. Beyond getting the frame work of street and shade trees thus started well up and on the thumb-gauge system, little if any system- atic training is needed for these. Certain kinds may grow very dense and would be better off for some interior thinning. Others, like the Silver Maple, often produce long slender branches that should be headed back occasion- ally, to induce greater compactness. Still, in pruning any trees of this class, the distinct character of the growth of each kind should never be much interfered with, although it may at times be modified with benefit. Most of the foregoing directions apply to trees in which a right principle in pruning was applied fi'om the time they were small. But, as already stated, trees without number exist which are now in bad shape from lack of Fig. 2. A Street Tree badly pnined, leaving stumps. good treatment as to this. While our direc- tions thus far will serve to give an idea of what is desirable as the end of all standard tree pruning, some general remarks will now be advanced to apply to all work in this line. First of all, let tree pruning of every kind be looked upon as a mere expedient to certain de- sirable ends, such as directing a better form, forcing vigor into certain parts bj- removing others, but at the same time, as one in itself tendiuff to impair rather than increase vital- itij. While a thrifty tree, vine or plant may boar a good deal of jiruning, if thLs be con- fined to green shoots or young branches, with Fig 4. A icell-jyruned Apple Tree. general benefit, the taking off of large branch- es should as a rule be looked ujion as a severe tax on life. When therefore a tree for any reason requires heavy ])runing it should notall be done at once, but through several years. While at any time between leaf-fall and the starting of new leaves is a suitable season for general jiruning, heavy branches should not be removed previous to or during the colder weather, as the lack of their shelter and the presence of large woumls, renders the tree more susceptible to injury from cold. Wait with pruning such until towards Spring. The place to cut a branch, large or small, is just where the swelling at the base begins. Then if the surface be heavily coated with paint of good body, to keep out air and moisture, the scar will, in vig- orous trees, bark completely over in the best possible man- ner. To leave, in pnuiing, stumps of any length is a practice as abominable as it is without excu.se; the presence of such entirely prevents the healing up of the womid, while the old wood must in time decay, leading to an ojiening into the heart of the tree, as alluded to before. A sufficient cause for the cutting of a branch should be found if it is dead or dying (such being in a great degree exhaustive to the tree), or if it chafes or crosses another branch, or if detracting badly from a jjroper balance of parts, or if its absence is required for atbuitting sun into the tree, or to allow the picker of fruit to move readily among the branches. In pruning to regulate general snnmetry, one should be careful as to the position of the last I'emaining bud or branch of any part. If the growth in general is too upright, cut back to buds or branches that point outwards ; if too sjjreading, then to such as point upwards or inwards. Long pole-like branches should be guarded against. Let it always be remembered that the object of pi-uning is to give direction to growth, not to promote it. For promoting growth depen- dence should be had on cultivation and top dressing with manui'e. . 3. A Young Tree. Where there are ample sized patches of hardy flowers and plants such as Pinks, Lilies, Dutch Bulbs, Valley Lilies, Strawberries. Rhubarb, etc., or a number of any one kind of tlowering or fruit- bearing sUnibs. by applying a heavy mulch over the roots of a part of these in the winter when the ground is frozen at its deepest, for the purpose of causing it to thaw out slowly in places next spring, a difference of more than a week in favor of lateness may be had in the maturity of the product from such mulched parts. By this means the sea- son of any one kind may be considerably extended. 54 POPULAR GARDENING. January, AN OUTLINE EXHIBIT OF THE PRODUCTIVENESS OF A COMPLETE GARDEN THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. THE COMPLETE GARDEN.* BY A WELL-KNOWN HORTICULTURIST. I. A fair-sized garden, well ordered and devoted to useful and ornamental products, stands in- comparable as a source of good things. Out of its treasury may come that which delights the senses, gratifies the heart and provides health- ful food for bodily sustenance. Has one the desire for beauty in form and color, where can it be found equaling that set forth in a thousand flowers, fruits and plants? Do we seek delight- ful odors? The very perfection of these are dispensed by scores of our favorites along the garden paths and in the gi'eenhouse. Nothing more palatable or wholesome is yielded that can excel the luscious f niits, nuts and culinary vege- tables capable of beuig produced in a good garden. Nor must we overlook benefits of a stiU higher order. There is no pleasure more pure, no re- creation more invigorating, than that which attends the care of plants, shrubs and trees. This is an oflice in which one may well become conscious of his own importance in the economy of this earth. Even the child may prove a needed helper to Nature in her marvelous work- shop. There is a part which tlie child may of its own will perform, but which if left undone would cause a whole course in creation to be arrested and important results unattained. It is ours to say whether we shall gather and sow the seed,till and guide the plaut,and by so doing receive the reward provided by Mother Earth. To the successful garden maker there comes, besides the material products, a large return of ti-ue enjoyment, quite unknown to those less intimate with Nature in the midst of her .stores. In addition to this, the complete garden is an important factor to good health. He who gardens, and appreciates the chai-ms of a gar- • Copyright, 1887, by Popular Gardening Publishing Co. den, Is brought much into the life-giving ele- ments of open air and sunshine. Then by far! the greater portion of the work connected with a garden is of a light and exhilarating natiu-e,' which proves of much benefit to the worker. I Thousands of persons in our towns mid villages engaged in sedentary pui-suits, would find health, ' strength and longer life by the exercise which' the keeping of a garden calls forth. Also the' more common use of fruit and vegetables on the table the year round would tend to accomplish the same end. Here is another picture: what hoasewife has not gone from her indoor em- plopnent, worn and discom-aged by her cares, into the garden's blessed sunshine and sweet- ness, returning in an hour refreshed in body and light of heart for inhaling the breath of the soil, and enjoying the deUghts of flowers, plants and fniits ! These are but a few of the many benefits to health and spu-its that attend the possession and care of a garden. As a means of culture and education, especi- ally to children, a well-ordered garden is of inestimable value. It is a school of observation replete with object lessons to attract the young mind, from the starting up of the first plant shoot ui the spring, day bj' day throughout the year, until the budding season again comes to renew the round. Every influence of the gar- den is pure and elevating. Lead the young to become lovers and students of Natui-e here, and they will find it their common source of enjoy- ment and means of recreation, that through the longest life shall not fail them. Ever}' plant and tree is a teacher of beneficence and unself- ishness ; for the small amount of care requti-ed at our hands they bestow their crop of flowers or fruit, or shade without stint, all in unison with that principle of love promulgated by the great Teacher of mankind, " It is more blessed to give than to receive." WHAT DOES A OOMPLBTE GARDEN IMPLY « It implies the devoting of any given area of suitable land to raising the largest variety of products, and efl'ecting the greatest degi-ee of garden beauty and comfort which the space, by good preparation, selection of sorts and judi- cious management is capable of bringing forth. ' As no two gardens have precisely the same size, I soil and location, so the results in no two cases 1 could be exactly uniform, even were this desir- ! able. The tastes and desires of owners, also, vai'}' much. It may be assumed, however, that other things being equal, the larger the garden, the more favorable its location and the more intelligent its owner in gardening matters, the more complete should be the garden. But one common error must be avoided at the outset. It is that of supposing that size alone can in any way tend to the making of a complete garden. There are some gardens which, within the limits of a few square rods, show more completeness and fai- more interest than others having an equal number of acres. The fundamental cause of such diffeFences is that which underlies the difl'erence between all comparatively complete gardens, and those directly the reverse of this, namely, lack of intelligence and a fair comprehension on the pai-t of the proprietor a.s to what constitutes a complete garden in any given space. The matter of time and means at one's command for such work naturally leaves its impress upon the result. StUl, it may be said that some of the most interesting small gardens the writer has ever seen were those owned by mechanics and laboring men of limited means impelled by a great love for the occupation. On the other hand, some of the most dismal failures (and in- stances of the kind are not altogether rare) are those upon which large smns of money have been lavished with poor taste and judgment. Assmiiing, therefore, that intelligence and a keen interest in and love for the work are the most potent factors in the making of a complete garden, my aim in ofl'ering the present treatise shall be to deal with such practical matters as 1887. POPULAR GARDENING. 55 I trust will incite a still greater interest in this fascinating subject. Then he who follows me in the progress of my work will, I trust, find some help which cannot fail to be of service, regardless of the size or natui'e of his garden, THE GARDEN COURSE. The approximately complete garden is not one that for one or several months of the year may be a blaze of floriferous glory, or for a similar period rich in fruits and vegetables, and then at other times producing nothing. It is rather the garden that is made to yield the largest variety of products, useful and beauti- ful, throughout the whole year. So varied, however, are the numerous flowers, fruits, vege- tables, etc., in respect to their season, that the gardener would, in some degree, show his in- capacity did he not, when such opportunities exist, furnish himself with an unbroken supply the 3'ear throughout. To convey an idea of the continued fruitfulness of which a garden is capable we present herewith a large engraving of the tnie idea of the garden course. This sets forth clearly the season and course through the different mouths of some of the principle products of the garden in its several depart- ments. Its incompleteness lies in the fact that only the principle kinds could well be named in the limited space at om' conunand. In the ornamental section but the merest fraction of kinds are named. With this course before the eye, there need be no difficulty in arriving at a good idea of the selections of stock required for any but the most limited garden and orchard, to keep the table constantly supplied with fresh fruits and vegetables, and the grounds, house and plant-house always beautiful. Through the progress of this work there will be taken up the details of the best varieties suited to a succession of the kinds named, as well as others. Even for the smallest garden the diagram and subsequent directions should prove of much use in determining the few kinds that could be accommodated, and the best and most continuous selection for the year. THE SOIL OF THE GARDEN. In the making of a garden the points of suit- able soil and location are among the greatest. It is too apt to be imagined that soil is soil, and there end the matter. In our towns, and their suburbs especially, homes are bought and improved, into which has entered every other consideration than that of soil. Then when the garden is started^ and trees and vines are set out, but which prove unproductive, the owner becomes discouraged and is ready to consign to nothingness this feature of an im- proved home. The presence of a kindly soil has been the making of many a good and happy gardener; its absence has spoiled many another. A more unwise policy than to invest in costly trees, shrubs, vines, etc. , plant and care for them in a luxurious manner, and have all result in a failure through the natural pov- erty and unfitness of the soil, can III , ^ scarcely be imag- »*'%!iWA; ij' med. Instances of l-^ ^ this kind, however, ai e abundant every- \\ here. It is important here, especially for the beginner, to take a glance at the soil and compre- hend a few common terms relatinji: to it. In choosing garden 11U..J .. ^ . ii. o . land the work would Pit dug for Tettmg the Soil , , ^ .^i. be incomplete with- out making some thorough tests by digging at intervals of ten yards apart over the plot holes of not less than half a yard square for well examining the soil. One of these should appear somewhat like the accompanying figiu-e. There should be seen in such, at and near the top, a dark stratum of earth which is called sur- face soil or loam. Beneath this, having an STRATUM OF SURFACE LOAM, ^//^y unmistakable difference of appearance, may be seen what is called the subsoil. The dark top soil is, in the main, the product of decayed vegetation and worm ciists, representing the accumiUation of ages, and is the tnie rooting medium for plants. Upon the nature and depth of the surface loam and the porosity of the subsoil, depends very much the question as to whether a certain piece is, or is not, suitable gai-den land. What I should regard as the best sou for the general average of plants is one in which the surface stratum, to the depth of ten or more inches, is a loam of light texture which will rub up finely between the fingers and showing something of an admixture of sand. Such would be called a strong sandy loam. Should the surface soil measure but eight inches in depth, it could by improving be made to answer fairly well. I would greatly prefer a full foot in depth. A subsoil of sand, gravel or slate, more or less open, would render such a loam of good depth the perfection of a garden soil. Very light sandy soil often strikes the inexperienced as bemg the best for a garden, because so easily worked. This is a mistake. The bad features about light sands are, first: the surface stratum is usually shallow; second, they dry out quickly in times of drought, not being of a retentive nature, and third, fertiliz- ing matter leaches through it in times of rain, rendering it what some term "hungry stuff." A claj' loam, overlaj'inga clay subsoil, if not the best land for a garden, can be made very good if it is not too heavy, and, provided the subsoil be thoroughly underdrained. Such soil, if properly tilled and fertilized, wiU work up finely and retain moisture well. Usually it holds an enormous store of vegetable food, which is a great advantage in itself. The one thing a clay loam never will tolerate if it is to be in its best state, is working while it is wet. Those possessing such land who wiU always heed this tioith wiU save themselves much needless vexation, through never having a rough soil to till iluring the season of growth. On Manuring Lawns. S. (J. LENT. I knew it would be so when I was talking about it last summer, yet it is discouraging when one contemplates how little influence he has. I refer now to the turning of a beautiful lawn into a barnyard. I proved, beyond a question, that a toi)-dressing of a.shes and bone- dust, the application of which would not dis- figure the lawn, was a jwrfect fertilizer for lawn gra-ss ; yet these same people that I was trying to educate, are giving their yards a heavy coat of the vilest smelling manure they can find. Now I am a friend of barnyard manure, and can endure the otlor of it with complacency when it is in its " proper sphere." But I don't want to sit in church or the opera beside a man who has the odor of the cow-barn about him ; nor do I want to hold mj' nose when I step into my neighbor's lieautiful house in order to keep out the smell of the barnyard, into which he has turned his velvet lawn. The reason that people do not learn the better way is not because they are wilfully ignorant, but, in a majority of instances, because their attention has not been directed to their blunder. The newspaper in which good advice has been given has been reail with another purpose than securing lawn hints; and the horticultural meeting in which the whole matter of care of lawns has been discus.sed, r.'as not attended by these people, because they were laboring under the delusion that they were not interested in discussions at such conventions. Our duty, as horticulturists, is to volunteer information to our acquamtances, and induce those the nearest to us, to accept the better method. Preach the gospel of horticultural improvement on the streets and in the house- holds, not waiting for an opportunity to shout from a rostrum, or proclaim it from a housetop. Is the Chrysanthemum Craze on the Wane? PETER HENDERSON, JERSEY CITY, N, J, Not a bit of it. When your correspondent, Emily L, Taplin, in the November number, bases that opinion on the fact that the plants that were sold at the New York exhibition sold at such low rates as compaied with the prices received last year, she probably was not aware that the plants this season were nearly all of them in a miserable condition, withered and ivilted, a consequence of a week's exposure to gas-light and neglect in watering. I was there the greater part of the time the plants were being sold at auction, and was surprised that many of them could have been sold at all, yet I believe all were sold at some price. Had such a lot of poor looking plants of Chrysanthemums been offered for sale five years ago, not ten per cent of them would have found purchasers. But the Chrysanthemum craze is still on, and in my opinion has come to stay for a good many years to come. No plant is so easy of culture; in no family of plants have we such variety of contrasting colors or such symmetry and yet eccentricity of form. Coming at a season when nearly all other flowei-s are gone, hardy, so that it can l» grown by the most humble owner of a cottage, yet gorgeous enough to make splendid the conservatory or the drawing-room. For thirty years the Chrysanthemum has been yearly increasing in favor in England, and the wonder is that we have taken so long to wake up to this most valuable of all autumn flowers. A plant to become popular must be a plant for the million, something that the peas- ant can enjoy as well as the prince, and parti- cularly in this democratic land of ours, where as yet the worship of an article because it is costly is not so common as it is in England. Note the Orchid craze, if craze it can be called, for it is yet, and deservecUy so I think, confined to a very limited number here — the few who are able to have something that the masses can- not, and who value it by the old Scotchwoman's verdict, because it is " nice and expensive." Yes, expensive. That is the point. Were the Orchid not expensive and difficult to get at, I am afraid the admiration for it would be lessened. I am well aware of the gorgeous beauty of many of our Orchids. But when we have to look at a houseful of dried-up looking old sticks for twelve months for the sake of being regaled now and then by the sight of a dozen or two floral gems for a few weeks, taken from thousands that do not condescend to show a flower, I for one believe that for that reason the Orchid can never be popular for many years to come in a utilitai'ian country like ours ; while the Chrysanthemum that Alls every line of the bill is certain to be (like the Rose) even more popular than it is as the years roll on. Growing Pot Roses for Market. ROBERT CRAIO, PHILADELPHIA, (Continned from last month.) When the Rose plants are brought into the hou.se they will require more room as growth advances. Lift those grown out-doors as soon as slight frost has checked the growth. The first crop for selling is usually not wanted before Easter and should be brought in from cold frame seven to nine weeks eailier. The temperature should, for three weeks, not exceed 40° at night, and then gi'adually reach 00°. Other lots may be brought in at intervals for succession. A critical period occurs when firing ceasas for the season; many houses are ruined by mil- dew at this time. An effectual renielanied out. It IS surprising that it is not more lai'gely grown. Coquette des Blanches is also distinct and good. American Beauty promises to be very valuable, but has uot yet been sufficiently tested as a market pot Rose. Uf one thing i am thoroughly convinced, and that is, that the operator confining himself to eight or ten var- ieties in the Hybrids and to twelve or fifteen lu the Teas wiU realize more money than one endeavoring to grow a greater number of kiinis. In growing cut flowers for winter bloom, the growers have been compelled to di'op all but less than a dozen in each class, and those of us who grow foi- market in pots wiU be wise if we take the hint and reduce our lists accord- ingly; remember, 1 speak of Roses tor market purposes, i can readily understand how those who publish catalogues and mmister to the wants of educated amateurs can afford to grow more kinds, for then- patruus are more or less faimliai* with future results. iSuch stock may be sold either as very small plants or even in an entirely dormant state and still give sat- isfaction, but the successlul market phuit must be a " thing ot beauty " on the day of its sale. A. M. FUBDT'S DEPARTMENT. Postofflce address^ - - Palmyra, N. Y. Brief Fruit Notes. We prefer pruning Grapes now to waiting until in April. There is enough waste from houses of liquids which, if properly saved, would give sulificient fer- tilizers for an acre of ground. Don't throw away the waste water. It's one of the best of fertilizers^especially if tlirowu over a pile of coal ashes, basin shaped at the lop. A good time to haul out manure and throw a lit- tle around each Kaspberry jjlant or scatter under the fruit trees. A tine place for wood ashes is over the Strawberry beds. A correspondent asks us how it will do to set out Strawberry plants on ridges. It will not do except on low, wet soil. As a rule set on level ground and they will get ridged up enough in a few years. It is found that Peach trees growing near the house where dish and wash-water are thrown out are long-lived, tree from worms, disease, etc. A hint can be had from this, showing that salt and alkali are what gives the result. Berry Baskets South. Inquiries as to where these are manufactured and sold at Southern points are coming in. If our readers know of such, teU the manufacturers it will pay them to put a card in the advertising department of this paper. Currants Running Out. In our boyhood days we remember ut lemoving an old Currant planta- tion from our father's back yard, dividing the bushes and cutting back well and transplanting in a smgie row along one side of the garden. They done splendidly, and seemed to renew their vigor and production. A riorida correspondent writes us he has or- dered buaw berry plants Irom tUe NortU to be sent in April, and has had a nice supply of straw berries for nis own use months atter plants there had fruited. Ut course it would not pay to practice this on a large scale, unless they sold for at least *>io cents per quart in the home inarKet. Will Blackberries and Kaspberries yield the first year alter setting out? asks Wm. J. Johnston, of Ohio. No; not any to speak of. The plants or canes should be cut back wiieu set to at least one foot of tne loot, and this stub may have a few ber- ries. Ifs better uot to set too much wood at the start it strong, healthy growth is wanted. Different Kinds of Storage. From the Vineyard- ist we make the loilowmg pointed extract: We caution om- friends against "'cold '' and "air-tight'" storage, so much talked of ; there is a great ditfer- euce between this and cool, well ventilated storage. In the one case the truit spoils quickly after being removed into a warmer temperature, while in the other it does not sufier from the sudden change of temperature. The "Best." It's getting to be too common to grasp at a conclusion and to say this or that sort is "tne best," when perhaps it may prove a perfect failure on other soils in other chmates. Then, too, what oue might tiunk the best, ten others might disagree with such an opinion. We ^remember a weJl-Known writer saying once that all good judges of truit would prefer the I'each to all other fruits. At our table were some nine good judges, yet only two preferred the Feach above aU other fruits. Grapes that Will Stand- Many kinds have to be renewed auu re-set, especially of the more deUcate ones, but such vigorous growei-s as Concord, Diana, Rogers 4 and 15 and Worden wiU stand in the same place for years. Fully twenty years ago we set a vineyard ot all the leading new and old sorts of that day, and of aU these the four sorts first named above are all that are left, and these are productive every year. The Worden was planted some four years after For those wanting hardy, rehable sorts, they will not miss it to set out the above. Worden and Concord. The Rural New-Yorker says: "If any oue were to eat first a Worden, then a Concord Grape he could uot tell which from the other. As to the time of ripening there is very ht- tle difference. The Worden bunch wih not average so large as the Concord bunch. ^' We cannot be- lieve the A'. N.-Y. has got the genuine Worden. With us it colors at least a week to ten days before the Concord and is good to eat as soon as it turns, while the Concord is not tit to eat for a week or ten days after it turns, thus making the Worden from two to three weeks earlier than the Concord. The Pumpkin Hive. While Mr. Shuman, of Santa JMana, (jal., was gathering his Pumpkins he loaded oue on the wagon from which he noticed bees issuing. It w^as a veritable bee-hive. The bees had gained access through a crack in one side of the vegetable and taken up permanent quarters. Mr. Shuman took out eight pounds of fine honey. Is there any other land under the sun where the far- mer can raise his own Pumpkins and bring on his honey on the same vine? [We clip the above from the Orange County Farmer. Would it not be a good idea to bore holes in a lot of Pumpkins so that the bee-hives could be scattered around? They would certainly be prefer- able to Samson's bee-hive.] Evaporated Fruit. " Where there is an excess of fruit, especially Apples, there is profit in evapor- ating it. Evaporated Apples sell at from eight to eighteen cents, according to supply, quality, price of green fruit, etc., but average from eleven to thir- teen cents. A bushel of Apples will average about six and a half pounds of evaporated fruit, making at the average price from seventy to eighty-four cents a bushel. The cost of evaporating is slight." [The above is going the rounds of the papers and is misleading. We have had evaporated Apples for years and in all our experience never succeeding in getting over ten to twelve cents per pound, and then we had to pay thirty to fifty cents per bushel for the green fruit. Instead of a bushel averaging six and a half pounds it averages but five pounds. Instead of the cost being ''slight" to evaporate, help, coal, machineiy, etc., costs ai/eaA-f^/feeji cen^s per bushel. For five or six years past we have obtained but six to eight cents per pound, so that our readei-s can see that the above is something of an "air castle."] Hen Manure for Strawberries. Hen manure is excellent for Strawberries, but it should not be used in its crude state. If ashes can be had at a reason- able price, then, for an acre, crush down 300 pounds of hen manure with the same amount of ashes. If ashes cannot be had use a like amount of gypsum (land plaster). Then mix all intimately with a wagon load of dry muck or good loam and apply the whole broadcast over the bed, or if the Straw- berries are in rows applj' to the cultivable spaces and cultivate in slightly. When necessary to mulch at all on accoimt of severe winters it is as valuable on a bed two years old as on one of one year. [The Farm., Field and Siockman is decidedly off the track in giving the foregoing advice. If you wish to make fowl or animal manure worthless mix it with wood ashes. If the writer means coal ashes all right. We have applied hen manure freely di- rect to a Strawberry bed after bearing and the next year and the year following obtained splendid crops. However, it is well to mix it with five times its bulk of dry earth.j FRUIT CRATES INSTEAD OF BASKETS. There is perhaps nothing connected with the growing of small fruits that is more trying than the loss of baskets and boxes. Now especially, when berries are down td a price that every little expense makes it the more questionable as to any profits therefrom, it behooves the grower to try aud adopt some plan for shipping to save on baskets — most ot which ai'e not re- turned to him by the time the season is over. We remember well when the old "Cincinnati Stand '' of four drawers was most exclusively used at not to exceed one third the expense that crates and baskets now cost. The great objec- tion to these was that in careless handling by exju'essnien the}' would get tipped on the side, thus bringing down the entire bulk of berries in each di'awer on top of one another, aud ren- dering many worthless by thetmie they reached market. Thenagam, even without being tipped the jai"riug aud shaking about of such a quantity of berries in each th'awer of about lb quai'ts, would shake them to one side or the other, and they woiUd thus be badly bnjised aud damaged. Now, while such serious objection can be raised to these ch-awers and stands for shipping, 3'et they had some adyantages over the present system of picking and shippmg in baskets: fii-st, theii- use prevented dishonesty on the part of pickers in filling up with green fruit, .stems and leaves, a thing impossible to prevent in the great di'ive of picking, packing and shipping, tor as the fruit was then brought in from the fields by the pickei's, it was emptied from their picking stands into the di-awer and the one who had the chai'ge could quickly detect any such cheating. Second, buyers knew just what they were getting, and by the dealer scooping out the berries with a ladel and putting them 1887. POPULAR GARDENING. 57 intx> paper bags, or even baskets of their own Hnding anil at their omi expense, they were savtil the trouble of returning empty baskets. Now, our object in writing this article is to show that there is a way that berries may be shipped safely in the Cincinnati or any other style of drawers and stands. We refer to the milking of bottondess pigeon-hole divisions as shown by the light lines in the aecompaning diagram, and to snugly tit the di'awers at the sides and to be of the same height. Each part should be made to hold a quart, or if to be used with Red Raspberries, a pint. In using such a rack, it should be in its place when the beri'ies are emptied into the drawer, placing as nearly as possible the same quantity in each pai't. When the seller receives these berries he has only to lift out the division, when Such an assortment can be grown in any good garden of one-fourth to one-half an acre. The writer is not theorizing, but practises what he preaches. Not a day or scarcely a meal from the beginning to the end of the year, but he has some of these fruits on his table, and many times two and even three kinds— yes we have had Strawberries, Raspberries and Black- berries grown on our own ground all on the table at one time and we have had to smile when asking the question, ' ' Which do you pre- fer;" to see them stop and think before deciding which was their choice. The ti nth is, earth is nearer a paradise than many families are will- ing to believe, or at least than they make it. Pigeon-hole dirisions for Crate Drawers. he will find the fruit laying loosely and easy to be ladeled out. We believe if growers would combine on some such a plan, the dealere could be forced into selling the fruit from these drawers, thus saving a great loss on baskets. RUSSIAN APPLES AND THE AGENTS. Tree agents are in every section of the coun- try with their pictures and big stories about the Russian Apples. Now the facts are nur- serymen have grown and sold varieties of the Russian Apple, such as the Red Astrachau, Alexander, and so on, for years, and while many new sorts are being tested, many of which will no doubt prove valuable, and es- pecially tor extreme cold sections, yet just now scai'cely an agent has them for sale. One story they tell is that the Apple trees they are selling are grafted on the "hai'dy, wild French stock," and that any sort thus gi-afted will prove hardy. This is not the case. The Rhode Island Greening can never be made a success in Nortbern Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, etc., budded or grafted on such stock, and in fact it makes but Uttle difference as to hardi- ness of sorts grafted into it ; not one nursery- man in fifty uses such stock generally, and not one agent in fifty sells trees grafted into such stock. We say keep a good distance from those tree agents that are always telling big stories, and ii in a half hour's conversation with them you can't get them to cross themselves we are greatly mistaken. A VARIETY AND SUCCESSION OF FRUITS. It is just as easy to have fruits the year around in some shape as Ir'otatoes or bread. By planting the earliest Strawberries like May King, I'helps (" ' Uld Iron Clad '") and Cres- cent, and the latest, like Vmeland, Manchester or Cornelia; and of Red Raspberries, Hansel and Crimson Beauty for early, and Cuthbert and Uerstine tor late ; and of Black Raspberries, Davison's Thornless for extreme early, Tyler for early, and liregg or Seneca for late, mixed in with Currants and Cherries. And of Black- berries, Brintou's Early, Early Hai'vest, Dor- chester, Kittatinuy, Snyder, W estern Triumph and Taylor, ripening in succession as named. Of Grapes, Worden s Seedling, Moore's Early, Concord, Rogers 4 and 15, Catawba, ripening in succession; and interspersed among these I'lums and Reaches, and Summer, Autumn and Winter Pears and Apples. STRAWBERRY RUST. Several pages are occupied in the last volume of the transactions of the Wisconsin Hortiiul- tural Society, with discussions on Strawberry rust, which has become a formidable evil in that State, as well as elsewhere. President Smith ascribed it to wet weather; his sous think it the result of too heavj- manuring and with this idea, several other members agreed. A Mr. Adams had lound the rust to occur frequently- on poor ground; Proles.sor Tielcase said it occurred on both rich ond poor land; one membei' thought it was caused b^' toi-nuuch sun, and n here planted in alternating rows with Corn to shade it, it was a success, but faileil under full sunshine ; another found rust to be caused by a want of manure, and by great and sudden changes of temperatme ; others ascribed its prevalence to muggy weather. Here was certainl)' enough diversity of opinion to take in all the reported cases ; and under all the dif- ficulties the best remedy, other things being equal, would be to select those vaiieties which experience has sho\ra to be least affected, as dis- eases coming from parasitic fungi are usually the most ilitticult to cm'e. Tne foregoing is from an exchange and to which we would adtl that what is called rust and blight will be fomid in many instances to be the work ol a minute worm. As a rule no better remedy can be found than burning over the plantations by putting a bght coat of straw just after fruiting sea.son. trial. It has proved hardy, a strong grower, and ranks with the standard sorts in product- iveness. Sea.son about the same as Tyler, a little smaller than Gregg and very productive and hardy. The liest to our ta.ste for table use of any black cap grown. The berry is per- fectly black, and claimed to be very sujierior in quality and sweetness; on this jioint we give the ti'Stimony of T. T. Lyon, President of Michigan Horticultural Society. Mr. Lyon says "The samijle of evaporated fruit has just been tested against some of other varieties similarly pre- pared. I regard the fruit as far superior to any- MORE SPACE FOR FRUIT TREES. We have become satisfied that the old way of setting and growing orchards is proving a fail- | ure, and that trees to yield an abundance of fruit must have room. • Sixteen years ago we set an Apple orchard of six hmnLred trees. For thi'ee summers be- fore they fruited, we had drj- seasons, and the orchard fruitless therefrom. The past winter we cutdown three out of fom' of the trees, leav- ing the trees four rods apait instead of but two rods as originally planted out. The past season the trees have reciprocated and made a splendid growth. We have small traits planted among them, which have been kept well tertUized, and as they come into beai'ing, we shall fertilize them to make up for all they take from the soil. We believe not only trees requii-e sunshine, but the soil also, and then if properly worked there will be plenty of growth and fi'uit in proportion. One needs but to see the Apple tree that stands alone, to be well satisfied of its sui«ri- ority over the usual orchard tree. W e believe a revolution is coming in regard to the way of growing fruit trees to have them bear well. Ol course they may be planted close when young, but as they grow older and larger they must be thinned out, not only the trees but the branches. The tree ihiikI Imn; room to grow and to grow vigorously ; not only the trunk but the heail must have the sunshine. JOHNSTON'S SWEET RASPBERRY. This new Black Cap variety has been grown four years in Central New York, and is the product of a few plants received by mail for Johnston's Su'eet Jiaspberry. thing of its class with which I am acquainted ; less seedy, far sweeter, and yet of sprightly flavor and rich." MEAT FROM THE SHELL. The Journal of Ayriculture says: It is not always the richest soil which produces the health- iest vines and the llnest Grapes. There are places whei'e the laud is not worth $5 an acre, yet the cli- mate may be w orth $100 an acre and Grape-grow- iug very profitable. The Orange Co. Farmer sa.vs: This year a Mr. Eitiuge, of New Paltz, picked from his vineyard a cluster of Concord Urapes that weighed uearly a pound and a half. The largest clusters ever shown at the Southern Ulster Fair did not exceed one pound and four ounces. From this it is inferred that there are clusters growing in some vineyards the weight of which, if known, would astonish even a native. The Rural Aew-Yorker says: If you plant the Taylor or Snyder Blackberry you will get about everything there is in this fruit except size. The Taylor is a little later than the Snyder, and the berry averages a little larger. If you plant the Kittatinuy ^ou will getabout everything except the extreme hardiness of the Snyder and Taylor. If you plant the Wdsou Junior jou will get more berries perhaps than from any other kind, if the plant wiU euUure your climate, which, if severer than that at the Bural grounds, it will not do more than two years in five. It is, however, hardier than its parent the Wilson. If you want a curiositj' in the Blackberry way that needs protection, tiy the L'l'ystal White . The beiTy is white and sweet like a Mulberry. The Rural and Workman says: In fornung the fruit tree, it is best not to let the limbs come out all together, but rather that those which are to form the top, or head of the trunk, but that these Ihnbs should put out three or four inches above or below each other; this will prevent the splitting at the point of junctioD. when heavily loaded with fruit. This is a good time to regulate these matters and it can be done w ithout injury to the growing tree. A well formed head to a J ouug tree is all important, and in order to secure this it must be attended to during the first and second years. The Country Gentleman says: We have often had occasion to observe the benefit derived from laying down the most connnouly cultivated Grape- vines on the approach of winter, even of such sorts as are reputed hardy in localities where they are not winter-killed. The work has been easily done by holding them in their prostrate position with short sticks of wood, and without covering, and where they obtained some warmth from the earth and were out of reach of severe winds. A vine- yai'dist once informed us that if he had expended a week's work in laying down his vines it would have saved him from a loss of $l,:iOU in one winter. 58 POPULAR GARDENING. January, Hlgrh Culture for the Strawberry. BY P. M. AUGUR. The old saying, " whatever is worth doing is worth doing well," is specially true of Straw- berry culture, As illustrative of what may and has been done in this direction, I give a few notes. The last week in July, 1884, my sons took a piece of ground two years under garden culture, previously in grass yielding about three-fourths ton to the acre. This patch had been liberally manured both years with stable manure, ashes, bone, hen manure, etc., and was planted each spring with Peas. After the last crop had been gathered at the time re- ferred to, the ground was well prepared and planted with Strawberries as follows: 1st, 1 row Cumberland Triumph, then 4 rows Jewell, then 1 row Seneca Queen, then 4 Jewell, and so on, with Jewells alternating in each .5 rows with a good bisexual variety, the Jewell being pistillate, until the Jewells aggregated just l-33d of an acre. The plants of the piece stood in rows 2 feet apart and 18 inches in the row. The run- ners of all were nipped off as they started. The gi'ound was frequently hoed and the growth of plants became spe- cially heavy, with numerous crowns upon all the varieties. When the ground was well frozen, the patch was covered with a mulch of coarse hay. In the spring of 1885, as soon as the gz'ound was well settled, the mulch was removed and the patch carefully hoed shallow, every weed having been removed. Then came a wonderful profusion of flowers. Until near the last of May the ground was free from mulch, but at that time after a careful re- moval of all weeds part of the mulch was restored to keep the fruit clean. On June iitj, following, the public were in- vited to see the plot and judge for themselves as to the merits of high culture. The amount, size and beauty of the fruit caused many ex- clamations of wonder. AU the kinds were re- markably loaded, the Jewell taking the lead, with a wonderful show of fruit. Many indi- vidual plants contained a quart of ripe ber- ries beside numerous green ones. Altogether the number of picked quarts was 678, or at the rate of 4(i6 bushels per acre. This experiment shows conclusively that Strawberry plants set August 1st will, under favorable conditions, give a full crop the fol- lowing June ; that single hiU culture for heavy plants is practicable ; that a maximum of two quarts to a plant and an average of more than a quart is attainable. It suggests that only those varieties best adapted to the hill system of management should be chosen ; that a good pistillate when properly coupled with good bi- sexuals will out yield the latter, as the Jewell did in every instance, and as the past season has specially emphasized ; that careful, liberal culture is generously rewarded. Again, as a chemical experiment fails if any important de- tail is omitted, so in horticulture success de- mands close attention to all the details each in its proper time and manner. but which is much too rarely met in cultiva- tion. Of its two most striking qualities, free- dom of bloom in the early Spring, or the rich deep red garb of beauty its foliage assumes in the fall, there is a perpetual question as to which excels in attractiveness. In the matter of bloom, a well-grown Dog- wood is for beauty excelled by no other hardy tree, not even by the beautiful Magnolias. The white blossoms make their appearance in the spring before the leaves are out, and for a short time cover the tree like immense snow- SPRIG OF THE WHITE-FLOWERING DOGWOOD. flakes. In size they vary from two to three inches across. Before proceeding further, we should, to save ourselves from criticism by botanists, say that what is looked upon as the flower of this Dogwood, is not really such, but is a very large four-leaved involucre, in the midst of which is situated the true flowers, of an inconspicuous greenish yellow color. There are two things that have had much to do with the fact of this beautiful tree being so seldom cultivated. One of these is that it grows wild and has but single flowers, hence for a long time was not properly appreciated ; the other is that the tree is with difiiculty transplanted from the woods. Those who are familiar with it only in the woods can form but a faint idea of its beauty when grown in rich, deep soil, and where there is ample room for development. Not only are the flowers finer here, but the tree itself as- sumes a most attractive mnbrella form of growth. As to size, it often reaches from 15 to 20 feet in height, and may attain to a diameter nearly twice as great. In transplanting the Dogwood, two points are important ; fii-st, to obtain trees of small size, and second, to procure such as have been grown in cultivated soil, with a view to plenty of small fibrous roots. The latter are apt to be very few in numbers on trees taken from the woods. Where one can get seed of the Dog- wood it might be sown in the garden and the trees be raised thus without further outlay. For the use of our illustration we are indebted to Ellwanger & Barry, of Rochester, N. Y. brick and glass structure with some added cloth (usually discarded carpet) cover in coldest weather sufBced to keep plants alive during the coldest winters. But lai5t vrinter was a sui-prise to all the dwellers of the Sunny South, and caused the loss of many flue collec- tions of plants, mine amongst them, which, with the exception of about 30 pot plants, were killed outright. Nothing daunted, I this past season collected again by purchase and exchange, and put on my thinking cap to gain additional heat for it. I piu'chased two small oil stoves— called "The Florence," costing me $1.00 each. I up to date have kept my flowers in beautiful growing and bloom- ing condition. I have had hundreds, nay thousands of blooms from lifted bulbs of Pearl Tuberose, which had ad- vanced flower heads formed before lifting. I place one of these heaters near the door in the centre of the pit — the other at the real- end. During our recent storm, in which eight inches of snow fell, the house showed no sign of frosting. I hope to be able to carry it safely through the winter. I have the small oil stoves sitting in tin coffee can- isters, the kind grocers buy 100 pounds of parched coffee in. This is to catch the oil in case of leakage. They are 18 inches deep by 14 square. The tops of course are turned back to allow free escape of heat. Daily attention is given to fill- ing the lamps and trimming the wicks, this being about the extent of the attention the heating part requires. Popcorn a Novelty In England. [ I am going over to England next year to introduce Popcorn to the unfortunate natives, who have been brought up to regard com as ! food .for horses and chickens only. Every English visitor to the exposition goes wild over Popcorn and declares he never saw it before. So I have taken the contract for the American exposition in London next spring and have 5,000 bushels of corn ready to ship over. It has always been supposed that corn ] wouldn't pop if it got damp, and to try how a sea voyage would affect it I sent some over to Lon- don and wrote the consignees to send it back . It popped nicely.— S^Loui's Glube-Demncrat. A Remarkably Fine Flowering Tree. Along with the healthy tendency of the day, to appreciate single flowers quite as much as (or now perhaps more than) double ones, the charms of the white-flowering Dogwood, illus- trated herewith, have found increasing favor. The tree is a native one, rather scarcely dis- tributed over the United States, with an in- crease southward, and also found in Canada, Inexpensive Heating of a Green- house. MRS. J. S. R. THOMSON. In August 1885 I had built me quite a large greenhouse for an amateur— fifteen feet wide and 35 feet long- which I had filled to crowd- ing with a grand collection of plants, many of them 12 to 15 years old. Here in the South, (Spartensburg, S. C.) it has usually been unne- cessary to have fire heat. A close well-built A Handsome Little Hardy Shrub. The Garland Flower. This pretty dwarf evergreen, known botani- cally as Daphne Cneorum, is not so well known by flower lovers as it deserves to be. It is especially suited to planting on rockwork, de- lighting as it does in light soil and dry situa- tions. In a paper by G. F. Newton, of MiUers- burg, Ohio, on the subject of Flowers for the Garden, and which appeared in the last volume of the proceedings of the State Horticultural Society of Ohio, we find the following interest- ing reference to the plant. This exquisitely beautiful little plant is a low gi-owing hardy shrub, and entirely different from the classes of plants here spoken of. It flowers freely, early in the spring, and also at intervals throughout the summer and quite late in the fall. The flowers which are veiy frag- rant, are bright pink, borne in a small num- ber; somewhat resembling a minute bunch of Honeysuckle, their pink flowers contrasting beautifully with their dai-k green foliage. This plant must be grown in a deep rich sandy loam, and the bed be elevated. The plant does best when a few evergreen branches are stuck in the ground about it in the fall, so as to 1887. POPULAR GARDENING. 59 shade it a little from the bright sun in winter. When so treated the foliage retains its rich dark green color, and the flowers are more abundant in spring. Not having seen this plant in any of the nurs- eries excepting that of The Storrs-Harrison Co. , of Painesville, Ohio, [It is kept by a munber of our nurserymen. — Editor], we think it is not in general cultivation. We have gromi it about 15 years, during which time it has given perfect satisfaction, and has had many admirers. One cyme of this flower and a blossom of the Tuberose makes a charming little bouquet. Mr. Treeclimber Talks about a Very Useful Palm. Last month I brought to your attention a most wonderful flower ; now I ^vish to speak of one of the most useful plants in the world, namely, the Cocoanut. Of course you all know the Cocoanut of the Tropics as well as you know the Apple of more temperate climes, but it may not be so weU known that the former pro- duct is from a Palm, Cocos nucifera, and that this is sometimes met in greenhouses, where it is gro«Ti along with other Palms for ornament. Still it is less in its element here than are many other Palms, including even some from the same genus Cocus, as if it would say, just as some THE COCOANUT PALM. bustling laboring man might in a fine drawing- room, " I am for use and not much on show." The Cocoanuts we meet in America come chiefly from Brazil and the West Indies. On the island of Trinidad alone 3,tXW ACRES ARE PLANTED with Cocoanut Palms. In 1884 about five and a half millions Cocoanuts were shipped from Jamaica,, which realized nearly §100,000. In many parts of the Eastern Continent they form a most important product. From Ceylon it is oflicially stated that the cultivation of the Cocoanut Palm with its multifarious uses is the most important in the Ufe of the lower natives. To show my young readere the great worth of this plant, I have been at some pains to look up the many DIFFERENT WATS IN WHICH IT FINDS USE. The kernel of the ripe nut, the part which all American childien appreciate, forms a very essential element in the food of vast numbers of lieople in the Tropics. The children in the Cocoanut regions, it is said, ai'e fond of the green imt, just like many of our own 1 joys who maunch down green fruit, for all the world as it it tasted better than the ripe. The "milk" of the fruit is iLsed for slaking the thirst and as :i pleasant beverage. For their spirituous liquors the natives also look to this tree ; several kinds are distilled from the sap of the tree. A sweet meat is prepared from the kernel of the nut, while an astringent medicine useful as a throat gai'gle is extracted from the root. Vine- gar is made of the juice or sap of the Palm, and pickles of the pith of the fresh growth. THE HOUSE AND HOUSEKEEPING APPLIANCES of those who lean chiefly on this plant for existence are by it also supplied. Beams and rafters come from the Ught, tough exterior of the trunk, and the thatch of the roof and the window blinds from the leaves. Troughs ai-e made of the tree for catching water. Nets for fishing are manufactured from the fibre, as is also the rope which keeps the native's cow or goat from straying. Crab traps are made of the stems of the leaf, and fish traps of the ribs. Bird cages are made of the same material. 1 Mats of many different kinds are woven out of the fibre, while the same article is used for stuff- ing cushions, beds, etc. Besides the use of the shell as a vessel for water, mUk and aU liquids, there is made of it ladels, spoons, strainers and di'ainers, all of which possess the advantage of never corroding. SUCH THINGS OF USB AND ORNAMENT as chains, rings, whips, rattles, beads, cros.ses, puzzles, toys, are made of the same material. The burnt and charred shell is used for prepar- ing a colored wash for the houses. The natives also make the resonant part of a violin, and of another instrument called tm-tuna, from the shell ; for a drmn they use a section of a tree, and horns are made in all sizes by rolling up the leaves. Abortive Cocoanuts are used as floats by beginners in swimming. Brooms and brushes of a most serviceable kind, such as are used for sweeping roads and stables, are made of the ribs of the leaf, while something finer of the same kind, and EVEN DOWN TO TOOTH BRUSHES, is made of the stems of the blossoms. The oil is used as hair-oil. Soap is made from the oil, which holds a larger percentage of water than any other soap, and potash comes from the stem of the leaves. Flesh-gloves and currying brushes are made of the husk of the nuts, tar and acetic acid by burning the shells under a certain process. Oil-cake is \ised for feeding poultry and to manure the land. Such a useful plant is not raised even iu the Tropics to a bearing size without considerable care and cost. The plants are stai-ted from the seed. THE NUTS ARE OF COURSE THE SEED, and those for tree raising are gathered of good size from old trees, and are kept in a well of water for three months until they germinate. This is soaking seeds for a good while isn't it? After that they are put into the ground in beds of fifty or a hundred, and ai-e watered every ! day, when they soon germinate. In three months more they begin to gi-ow up, and after three years or more the}' may be transplanted in regular spaces of from 15 to 20 feet, watered regularly every other day, and manured occas- ionally. In about twelve or fifteen years they come to bearing, but the yield is in proportion to the care taken to water and manme ; at this stage the value of the trees is from $12 to $15 each. After the Cocoanuts are formed on the tree it takes a full year for them to ripen. You may say, no wonder the childi-en take to eating the unripe fruit. Timotht Treeclimber. Begonias of Winter. A great many of the more shrubby class yield a profusion of blossoms during the dull season of the year; indeed, they form just now a very attractive feature in stove and green- houses, as well as in the window. Foremost amongst those in bloom now may be mentioned Beyonia fuchsioides, which, treated as a pillar-plant, has been in flower for months, and is likely to continue so for a long time yet to come. B. insignis is also now laflen with its pretty pink blossoms, and B. cisrotensis, with flowers of a deeper hue, is also in bloom. B. Iiiyrami, something Uke an en- larged Fuchsioides, with blossoms of a paler hue than those of that kind, is also conspicuous ; and B. Lynchiana, better known by the name of B. Eoezli, produces freely its large clusters of coral-red blossoms during the winter months. B. Crirrifi-ei is a pretty, much-branched kind, and bears clusters of pure-white flowers. This one is well suited for culture in small pots, though there is sometimes a difficulty in in- ducing the young plants to become bushy. A good way to induce compactness of growth in Begonias, is to give them a rest by keeping them rather short of water for a time; then, if cut down, they will often push out many shoots from the base, and thus form bushy plants. Beijonia semperflorens is a well-known com- mon kind, varj'ing in color from white to deep rosy-pink. It wiU grow and flower freely im- der anything like favorable conditions, and can be raised in any quantity from seeds, as well as propagated by means of cuttings. B. nit ilia, an old and well-kno\\-n kind, is just commencing to bloom, and wiU, in all proba- bility, continue to flower till spring. The peculiar round-leaved B. socotrana, which remains in a dormant state throughout the summer, starts into growth with the com- mencement of autumn, and flowers continu- ously dming the winter, is a very beautiful plant, and may be readily increased by plant- ing the small bulblets that form around the base of the stem. A great point in favor of Begonias for con- fined culture is their almost total immunity from the attacks of insect pests. They are occasionally affected by aphides, but a fiuniga- tion or two wUl soon clear these away. — T., in London Oarden inij Illustrated. It Is a Right Step. The step taken by the New Jersey State Horticult- ural Society at its recent meeting, of requesting the New Jersey members of Congress to oppose any further appropriation for the Seed Bureau of the United States Agricultural Department while it is conducted on its present basis, is a timely one, that should be followed by many other societies. The purpose of this bureau as originally defined and carried out, was to test new plants, with a view to ascertaining whether they were worthy or not, and the good work it has done in the past is a suffi- cient index of what might perpetually be accom- plished to the great benefit of all engaged in soil culture. But now the department annually wastes over $100,000 in flooding the country with seeds that are seldom of any real use, bringing dis- credit upon the entircdepartment, and thrusting a direct blow at the legitimate seed trade. Let the people demand a halt to this gross perversion. To be Enlarged Again. We knew it must come. Popular Gardening con- tains too Uttle space for printing all of its good things. Four pages more hereafter. Same price. Received at this Office. CATALOGUES . H. J. Weber, GardenviUe, Mo., Trees, etc. C. Platz & Son, Erfurt Prussia, Seeds, etc. D. Landreth & Sons, Philadelphia, Pa., Seeds. Pierre Sebire, Ussy, France, Nursery. J. K. Nevins, Montague, Mass., Nursery. C. G. Van Tuoergen, Zwanenburg, Holland, Bulbs. Cameron,AmburK&Co.,Chicago 111 . Letter Files. Ernest Riemschneider, Altoua. Germany. Bulbs. John Saul, Washington, D. C, Fruit Trees, etc. E. Vervaet De Vos. Swynaerde. Belgium. Plants. Lenault-Huet, Ussy, France, Nurseij-. Levavasseur & Son, Ussy, France, Nursery. MlSCfcLLANEOUS. "Transactions of the JIassachusetts Horticultural Society for the Year 188B. Part 1," from Robert Manning, Secretary, Boston. Mass. " Report of the Fruit Growers' Association of On- tario for the Year IS85," from Secretary L. Wolverton, Grinisbv, Unt. "Transactions of the Maine State Pomological Society for the Year 188.5." forwarded by Samuel L. Boardhian, Secretary. Augusta, Maine. " Seventh Annual Report of the Entomological Society of Ontario." " Analysis of Commercial Fertilizers," being Bulletin "No. 20 of the Agricultural College of Mich- igan Agricultural College Postofflee, Mich " Annual report of the Ohio State Horticultural Society for the year 1885-86," from Secretary George W. Campbell, Delaware, O " Miscellaneous Essays on Economic Entomology, by the State Entomologist of Illinois," from Prof. S A. Forbes, Champaign, 111. 6o POPULAR GARDENING. January, Crocuses. I love their faces when by one And two they're looking out ; I love them when the spreading Held Is purple all about. I loved them in the bygone jears Of childhood's thoughtless laughter, When I marvelled why the rtowers came first, And the leaves the season after. I loved them then, I love them now— The gentle and the bright ; I love them for the thoughts they bring Of Spring's returning light ; When first-born of the waking earth Their kindred gay appear. And with the Snowdrop usher in The hope-invested year. — L. A. TwamJey " What kind of fruit do you like the best ? " He iiuestioned the maiden fair, "The juicy Apple with rosy cheeks. Or the sweet and luscious Pear ? " The gentle jnaiden smiled and said : " The fruit that pleases me Better than all the fruits I know Is the fruit of the Christmas tree." Bleak %vintry winds and moaning blasts Sweep o'er the snow-clad fields. Yet Nature's hands are fashioning, Hid from all curious questioning. The flowers that summer yields. -Charlotte M. Palmrr. More sun, more Violets. Now put the sash in order. Give thought to the garden. Trees are God's architecture. Pot Tulips should be in bloom. Use fertilizers sparingly on pot plants. 1887 should see the family trebled in size. Five papers in one. Price $1.00 a year. See'/ Sweet Alyssum signifies worth beyond beauty. Onion seed cannot be trusted beyond two years. Are the cellars and root pits secure against frost? House plants appear glad for the lengthening days. Too much water tor plants is quite as bad as too little. Kid glove gardening don't deserve to amount to much. If one must have knock-about plants, take the dwarfer Cactuses. In fruit growing nothing is so really expensive as a poorly prepared soil. " I've turned over a new leaf." January Jst en- try in Rose Geranium's new Diary. Sorrel can be eradicated from fields by generous applications of unleached wood tishes. Eemember the 15,000 clubs referred to last month. We count you in that calculation. " There is 'a lesson in each flower,' sure enough," sighed the tired student in the botany class. Ferns because they need no sunshine should not be thrust into a dark place. They need light. What Flower Pots Do. In Nature plants are fixed in habit; tlower pots endow them with loco- motive powers. Is the mind tired and harassed by cares'; Turn to the contemplation of fresh flowers and plants, and it will be refreshed. The American Horticulturist joins hands with our family. Welcome! every reader of that ster- ling journal into our ranks. For a small plot the Sharpless Strawberry, grown by keeping all runners cut, can be recom- mended. The soil should be rich. Asclepias tuberosa (Pleurisy Root) is a valuable honey plant, at the same time that it is one of our most ornamental native perennials. The people are ready to stand by Popular Gar- dening if invited. Invite the people that are in- cluded among your friends, reader. That kind of love for gardening which is fi-uitful of good and patient work in the care of each subject is what brings success and pleasure " No luck " are words made to shield a deal of bad mana,ti gallons of water. It is used in Fi-ance, he tells us, to destroy mildew on Roses and Peach trees, and he thinks it possible that it will also de- stroy the black spot with which Roses in America are affected, as that is possibly a fungus as well. A rapid growing tree with great spreading branches should show many newly-formed clubs each season. Do you catch the idea'? The tree is Pop- ular Gardening ; the great branches are its acqui- sition of other papers; the clubs refer to the vigor- ous new growth takmg place as the result of good tillage. The implied husbandman is the gai'den- lovers of the land, who work hard among their friends everywhere to aid the growth of the tree. Two Good Lindens. As a class the Lindens, of which the Basswood is the well-known American representative, should be oftener used in ornamen- tal planting in America, Of these the European White-leaved and the White-leaved Weeping are really very superior ti'ees. They are hardy, and injurious insects and destructive diseases appear to pass them by. Their growth is rapid, the form beautiful and majestic, while the foliage of each is singularly handsome and tenacious. The best Tomatoes. -Vs the result of experi- ments on a large scale, during the past season at the Michigan Agricultural College, the following six varieties would be selected by their projectors as the choice ; Boston Market, Conqueror, Red Val- encia Cluster, Trophy, Livingston's Beauty, and Paragon. While with growers for market the va- riety grown is a matter of no little importance, for the family garden simply any one of the standard sorts will be found to meet all requirements. Miniature Cactuses. The writer has heard much about miniature tree-growing in China, but he has seen the growing of miniature Cactuses in Germany, and this has impressed him far more favorably. It is an act which aU plant lovers can readily adopt. It consists of the use of the smallest sized flower pots, say one and one-half inches across, and in these growing any of the smaller sized Cactuses, in almost pure sand, keeping them rather dry The little pots are painted vermillion, and with the plants in them present a decidedly unique appear- ance on the table or mantle. A Blade of Grass. " Gather," says Ruskin, " a single blade of grass, and examine for a moment, quietly, its narrow, sword-shaped strip of fluted green. Think of it well, and judge whether, of all the gorgeous flowers that beam in summer air, and of all strong and goodly trees pleasant to the eyes or good for food, there be any by God more highly graced, by man more deeply loved, than that nar- row point of feeble green. Consider what we owe to the meadow grass, to the covering of the ground by that glorious enamel, by the companies of those soft and countless and peaceful spears.'' Liquid Manure for Pot Plants, The idea of liquid manure in the house for the plants is natur- ally distasteful, while its efficacy on many plants as they are coming into bloom is nowhere ques- tioned. So when M. E. S. of Livingston Co., Mo., sends by postal card her directions for making this by a decidedly neat course, we are glad to give them place here: " Into a thin muslin bag I place a ladleful of dry chicken manure and a small bit of super-phosphate. This I suspend a day and a night in a bucket of water, after which the water is used sparingly on the plants twice each week." Amaryllis Culture. At a Horticultural meeting in Woodstock, <.mtario, a Mr. Gilchrist said that with regard to the blooming of these plants there is very little difference between success and failure. "A few years ago a lot of gentlemen in Guelph sent to Germany for Amaryllis, very expensive ones. They could not get them to bloom, and they sent them to us to see what we could do with them, and we put them in the greenhouse. In every case they had the Amaryllis in the centre of the pot with the earth raised away up around them. They would never grow in that way. All we did was to plant them just on the top of the soil, and we succeeded well with them." The Cultivation of Cyclamens Urged. This Mrs. J. C. Hubbel of Lee Co., lU., does in a welcome note to our editors, as follows : " They should be much oftener seen, and es- A Rapid Propagator. pecially -n'here the number of plants cultivated is for want of space re- stricted to a few. They are beautiful both in leaf and flower, require but little care, and are i-emarkable for their freedom of bloom. Mine last winter were covered with blossoms from the last of November until May. An added charm is their novelty, as they are so different from all our ordinary bloom- ing plants. Gei'aniums, for example, while richer in coloring, are seen so constantly that they ap- pear common indeed alongside of this favorite. A Rapid Propagator, A case similar to the one here shown is considerably in use throughout En- gland, and the same principle might, in one form or another, often be found valuable whenever plants are propagated. As is well known where the sand or other medium in which cuttings are rooted is some 1887. POPULAR GARDENING. 61 15" warmer than the atmosphere above, rooting is much accelerated. By the aparatiis ilhistrated it is seen that this desirable condition of bottom heat is provided by the use of a heating kettle in a closed apartment beneath the cuttings. This kettle receives its heat from alamp beneath. The advan- tage of employing a kettle for diffusing the heat instead of the lamp is that by this means the warmth is moist, and this is an advantage. A case like our figure should be built all complete for fflO or $12. Culture of the Peach and the Pear. A large work of nearly 400 pages on this subject, by Dr. J. J. Black, Newcastle, Delaware, has reached our table. It deals chiefly with the methods of culture. varieties, etc., peculiar to the Delaware penin- sula, and as such will be welcomed by fruit growers of all sections. The author is free to intimate that in writing this book he had in mind the wants of the novice more than those of the veteran, but as many of the usages of fruit growing in the famous Delaware regions are new to those outside, this peculiarity should prove widely acceptable. There is also a chapter on the culture of the Quince and of nut-bearing trees. Illustrated with eight full page plates. The James & Webb Printing Co., Wilmington, Del., are the publishei"s. A Charming White Violet. One finds it diffi- cult to think of the Violet as being any other color than violet of some shade, but in the lovely Swanlej- White (herewith illustrateSl we find the color wholly untrue to the name of the genus. To be sure there are so-called white Violets, but the trouble with these is that they are far from being white. In the Swanley we have a veritable snow-white bloom that is not only exquisite in color, but perfect in form, richly fragrant and quite productive. The fact that it is the offspring of the well-known forcing Violet, Marie Louise, should jjerhaps sufficiently indicate its robustness and worth. Those who have not seen or grown this recent variety would enjoy a rich treat with the coming in of the first bloom on any plants they might undertake to cultivate. Have You a Muck Field 1 If so, and it is sus- ceptible to being drained, and you are near a ship- ping point to good markets, you might make much money by putting it to Celery culture. If this is not a feasible coui-se you can still make money, whether the field be wet or dry, by hauling good quantities of the muck to the high ground in the winter's leisure, and from here disposing of it by composting with lime, drying it for use in the stable, or even spreading it directly on the orchard or garden soil. How muck helps all crops is by affording organic matter to their needs. It possess- es nearly the same elements as cow dung. It con- sists largely of the accumulated remains of dead plants; hence by composting becomes almost a perfect plant food. Boses under Glass. The crops of flowers that maj- be taken from a given number of plants under glass with high culture is enormous. R. J. Men- denball, of IVtinneapolis. Minn., writes to us that from two houses 15 by 100 feet he cut during Octo- ber 9,021 Roses, and on the first Monday in Novem- ber 519 buds alone. Some leading and favorite kinds with him are Perle. Sunset and Bennett. How much of an area out-of-doors devoted to Roses would be required to yield returns month after month like these ? A very large one, indeed. The advantage of under-glass culture over that of outdoors is, that with the former all the essentials of success— fertility, moisture, wetness, heat, in- sect-destroying—are almost absolutely under one's control. This fact accounts largely for the pecu- liar charm there is in the possession and manage- ment of an amateur plant house. "Modern High Farming" is a treatise of 94 pages on the subjects of soils, plants and manures, and which would make good reading for any cultivator of the soil now in the between-season It is from the pen of Francis VVyatt. Ph. D., and treats of its subjects from a chemical standpoint in a plain and comprehensive style. The chemistry of soils and growing crops is one that no intelligent cultivator will in this day think of ignoring. An advantage of this work is that it brings the essence of this field of information into very compact shape for the general reader's use While, as the authority says in his preface, he has sought ntit to deviate one inch from the broad line of agricidtural chem- istry, he has also sought, and we think success- fully, in treating each subject in the plainest lan- guage possible. The book is published by C. E. Bartholomew, 2-2 College Place. New York. Wild Yellow Lily in a Town Garden. S. T. W., Brooklyn, N. Y.. has our thanks for a brief ac- count below of the cultivation of this showy, nod- ding Yellow Lily (Lilium Canadense) in the gar- den. It is one of the easiest of the Northern wild Lilies to cultivate, and as our correspondent so well learned, it grows stronger and produces more flowers in cultivation than in its wild state. " I procured some of the bulbs two years ago in Duch- ess County, and a few last year among the White Mountains. I planted them in my city garden. where they have the sun up to about noon. The soil is deep and well enriched with cow manure. I wish you could have seen them this year. The two Duchess County bulbs produced plants over eight feet in height and each had 13 Lilies. The bulbs I got in New Hampshire did not do quit** as well. THE SWANLEY WHITE VIOLET. which I lay to the fact that they were dug while in flower. Next year I expect they will be better." Bexterity of hand movements should be culti- vated by all gardeners in everj^ department of the art It is true some operations, like spading, manure handling, etc , are heavy to perform and in these comparatively slow movements are desirable. But work of this nature is the exception and not the rule. Most other operations, such as grafting, budding, propagating, potting, weeding, watering with hose, and the like, are light to perform, and here is where quick movements stand at a premium. The writer has seen a man and boj' poke away all day setting 60Q or 700 root grafts, wheu 1500 to 3000 should have been a day's work. Their movements were spirit- less, and the work seemed heavy and uninterest- ing, when it should have been just the reverse, light and pleasant, as it would have been with quick movements. Or who has not seen a plant- grower putter over potting 800 or 1000 cuttings in a day of ten hours, where the potting of 3000 or 4000 is no more than a good day's work. To move at the slow rate instead of the fast one also makes a great difference in profits. And you may be sure if the proprietor does no better than tliis, his workmen will fall iuto the same slow methods. Horticulture in nearly all its departments is a light and cheerful art: let one's habits of work be consistent with the character of the work. "What is Costmaryr' Our brief answer to this question in the November number was per- haps too brief, for it may have convej'ed the idea that the common Tansy was the plant referred to, when another species of Tansy is really the one to which the old name Costmary belongs. Our cor- respondent, Fannie K. Briggs, of Clarke Co., Washington Territory, has in a very neat way set forth the matter rightly as follows, giving some other information also: ''I would re-answer this question by saying that a London encyclopsedia of gardening of 1855 gives this name, not to the com- mon but to the Balsam Tansy iTanacetutn bal- samea ) The same authority says it was named in honor of the Virgin, and describes it so exactly that I recognized the plant at once. It has flowers like the well-known Tansy, but the leaves are large, handsome, entire, thin, smooth, the edges slightly, but regularly dentate, and the odor mild and agreeable. It was known in New England forty years ago as Patagonian Mint; in the Western States as Rosemary, and Sweet Mary, names no doubt derived from Costtnary." It is recommend- ed that the stems be broken off as they appear. for indvicing larger leaves from the base. This old plant can be procured of Woolson it Co., Passaic. N. J. . and perhaps of other nurserymen. The Use of Flowers In New York, as Noted by Our Correspondent. Daphnes are being recognized again, though they are not likely to be a very remunerative crop to the grower. The handsome foliage of both Camellia and Gar- denia is used in conjunction with heavier flowers, such as Orchids The larg'' varieties of Mignonette are in high favor, as they well deserve to be. Their modest blooms combined with Roses or Violets are inde- scribably charming. The newest variation of the ever-popular wreath is like a crescent tied together at the tips with a ribbon sash. It is pretty made solely in foliage, but lovelier still in loosely arranged shaded Roses. Some of our florists are making a floral divan, the cushions bounhates or other fertilizing materials, and should be strictly adhered to, unless quite impracticable. 108. Asparagus Growing. We should plow fur- rows as deep as i)<>ssible Iiy nmning both ways, with a two-horse plow, and in bottom of this furrow scatter well-rotted compost as freely as we couid spare it. and on this set roots one foot apart and (■over. Plough furrows 3 to 3 1-2 feet apart. We know some advocate 3 feet each way, but to us it seems like a waste of land We suppose because it grows in its wild state near salt water, some ad- vocate salt as indispensaV)le. but we have seen im- mense crops where no salt was sown, but where barn yard manure was freely used. Salt retains moisture, hence is beneficial." A. M. Purdy. 179. Best Market Pears for New York. I would add the " Bussock." It is of fair quality, good size, clear skin, and an abundant bearer. I think the Kieffers grown south of New Jei-sey are of better quality than further north. In fact those grown in Burlington County, N. .1.. are of much better flavor than those grown further north in the same State. After a little this much-lauded and abused variety will find its trup place among Pears. C. W. Idell, 333 Washington St., New York City. 181. Thrips on Fuchsias. Dissolve two ounces of soft soap in warm water and add thereto a gal- Ion of clean water, and either dip the plants in it or syringe them. Thrips are the result of want of vigor in the plants, or more frequently of a too arid atmosphere. The two causes in conjunction will bring on a bad attack. Fuchsias, if root bound, need watering twice a day, and the foliage should be freely syringed morning and evening, well damp- ening down the floor and stages of the house. Fuch- sias like a cool, rather moist, atmosphere, not lasting in bloom when much exposed to sun. E.D.L. 182. Heat for Stove Plants. For Dipladenias, Eucharis. Crotons, etc., the winter temperature should not be less than 60" by day and 55" by night, but in spring, when making their growth, they require some 10" more. The weather should in a great measure determine the amount of heat applied; thus, if the days are sunny and the tem- perature rises to, say 80", the night temperature may with benefit be raised accordingly, but in dull, cold weather it is not advisable to apply more heat than is just necessary to keep them gently moving. In summer, when the days and nights are warm, there is no need to make a fire, but when the even- ings are chilly the pipes should he warmed. By August the generality of stove plants have made their growth and it is important that they ripen their wood. This is especially the case with Alla- mandas, Ixoras, Francisceas, and other plants which are grown for their flowei"s. From the mid- dle of August they should get plenty of air on fine days, and no more fire heat than is necessary to keep them in health Then they pass the winter better and at a lower temperature than they other- wise would. Old Gardener. 193. Strawberries and Gregg Raspberries. Plow strips 2 to 2 1-2 feet wide and leave strips of Strawberry plants 1 to 1 1-2 feet wide. Cutoff all weeds, stir up ground well with a fork hoe, and scat- ter well-rotted manure among the plants. Yo»i can trim Greggs at any time. A. M, Purdy. "^e Household Heavy, dingy-looking Oranges are the best. Home courtesy is an important element of life. Why not drop the i-unning store bill system this year. Crackers baked until crisp are nicer for use with oysters. Dough mixed with water requires more heat for baking than that mixed with milk. In sunny Italy they have a proverb which should be universal: "Where the sun does not come in the doctor does." A Capital Idea. When making everyday gar- ments, shirts, dresses, etc., cut an extra pair of sleeves for each garment, make them and lay them aside. Then when the sleeves need mending, re- move them and put in the new, saving the best part of the old ones for patching at the last. Mending in Advance, If the fronts of overalls are made double to six inches below the knee, then when they wear through the patch is already set. By inserting a patch just on the knee, and when the part wears through cutting the outer piece of the front away neatly, close to the seams, adds greatly to the length of time a garment n ill wear, and saves much mending. Raisins for the Table. These in a stewed state make a wholesome dish, acting also as an aperient, and are to be recommended. Stone a pound of good raisins, and add a teacupful of cold water; let them soak in this all night, and then put them into a lined stewpan or jar in the oven, and cook slowly until quite tender. They may be eaten warm or cold, with a slice of whole-meal bread. The commence- ment of breakfast is the best time to eat them. Children's toys are provided by all good parents, but we may as well teach a useful lesson along with the pleasure they yield, and which will make them all the more enjoyed. We have found that a box large enough to hold all the children's playthings, and low enough to slip under the table, is a great help in keeping a room neat. If a child is taught that he must never go out or to a meal, or to bed, without first picking up his toys, he will soon take great delight in domg it neatly, and it will be as much play to him as anything else. Blocks are the cleanest toys and seem to furnish the most fun. Mechanical toys that are always getting out of order only make a child ill-tempered, and the very ease with which he can pull them to pieces teaches him to be destmctive. If you paper the toy box in- side and cover it on the outside it will not be un- sightly. Fasten the lid on with a pair of hinges, and stuff and cover it. The home should have a "Medical Bureau'' of its own. Accidents and ailments, while they may not be serious, require prompt attention. The following is a plan of such a fixture as I hope to have in my own house some day : At the height of the chair rail have a broad drop-leaf attached ; above this have a cupboard, which may be let into the wall. First above the shelf will come a drawer about six inches deep, to contain old sheets, etc., for bandages; next above maybe one to contain small bandages, flannels, and the like; above this will be drawers, to contain corks, adhesive plasters, sticking salve, and measuring appurtenances, and one part with close doors shall contain mustard, camphor, peppermint, salts, ammonia, liniment, etc. The upper shelf should hold a box with a spring lock, on the lid of which is placed in plain letters, " Poison." and in this all articles of a poisonous na- ture will be kept. Elder's Wipe. Apple and Almond Pudding.— Take about three pounds of apples, two ounces of sweet almonds, one gill of cold water, the whites of two eggs, four ounces of fine sugar and a little lemon or orange marmalade. Put the water and three onnces of the sugar in a preserving pan and stir til! it boils; put eight of the apple peeled and cored, but not split, into the syrup, and cook till soft, but do not let them break. Lift the apples carefully on to a flat dish, and fill that part where the core was taken out with marmalade Pare, core, and stew the remainder of the apples till soft, then press all through a wire sieve; pile this pulp over the apples, and make smooth with a knife. Beat the whites of the eggs to a very stiff froth, sprinkle in half an ounce of the sugar, and spread this froth all over the top of the apples. Dredge on the remainder of the sugar and stick the almonds— previously put in boiling water, skinned, and cut in long thin strips— very thickly and neatly all over the whites of the eggs. Put the pudding in a slow oven until the almonds take on a delicate golden tinge. Use hot or cold. Practice. Poviltry. Cocks are at their best when two years old. For nice feathers feed a little flaxseed at times. Choose your breeding stock carefully; imperfec- tions are likely to be perpetuated; blood will tell. Coarse bones in fowls indicate coarse meat. A coarse-meated fowl is a poor thing side of a fine juicy-meated one. It is possible that old hens may be too fat to lay; not so with pullets. Feed them abundantly. Even in the case of old hens less laying goes on as a result of under than of over-feeding. Ducks and Water. I find it easier to raise them where they cannot get to a large body of water than where they can. All the water mine get is a small pond fed from a distant spring. A. M. Lang. Using Carbolic Acid. The Farm Journal says that in doing the usual cleaning in the poultry house and yard it is a good thing to use crude car- bolic acid in the whitewash. The way to mix the acid with the wash is to put the acid in hot water and slake the lime with this. A dry slake may be made and the acid mixed with the lime flour. The former however is the better way. It is useless to try to mix the acid with whitewash after it is made. Working with Young Fowls. This would be a good motto for the hen house door on the inside: "Keep your hens but one year, and no 'tough fowls' will haunt your dreams." There is no trouble to get fowls to lay a second year, but put such points as feeding through the moulting season, age for marketing, reduced laying powers, etc., together, and there is a serious question whether it would not always pay best to market them at a year old or slightly more, than to keep them longer. The Food, and Egg Flavor. If it is not realized how the former affects the latter, let one but mix onions with the feed to-day and the flavor of the eggs to-morrow will show him. But there would be nothing unwholesome in such an onion flavor in eggs; itwould be merely unpleasant. There might be this wholesome lesson learned from the experi- ment, however: flavors that are unhealthy and nauseous may be imparted in the same way. Force your fowls tq feed on the manure pile and drink impure water that contains stable leachings and we will not, if we know it, dine with you on their eggs. Where the food is of an improper character the product cannot be all that is desirable. Hatching Chickens in January. It is one of our nice Brahma hens that is going to do the hatch- ing, and she is under one of the benches m the greenhouse. When I put her there she would not sit down on her nest; but after I took thirteen eggs out of my pocket, and placed them beside her, she took her bill and pushed them under with great sat- isfaction, and sat down as motherly as one coul i wish. When it came breakfast time, however, she got into one of the boxes of lettuce plants, and don't you believe she made them fly? Some of them must have hit the glass overhead; and after she did the same thiug next day, Mr, Weed, the gardener, wanted to have her discharged for bad behavior. We didn't, though; we just put some poultry net- ting around her, and now shesits in one corner, and sits equal to any new-fangled incubator. She started New Year's day, so the chickens ought to hatch out on the 21st. A. I. Root. Care of Layers. How A. M. Van Auken, a corre- spondent of the ^mericoji ii'armc?-,believes in caring for them is told as follows: Make yoiu" layers take exercise, not as much as the breeders, but still enough to ward off disease. One-half the feed for my layers is ground. The natural mill of a fowl's gizzard is capable of grinding all sorts of grain, but it is at a considerable expense of muscular force. All the ground feed is cooked. I should cook all. only a part raw is preferred by the fowls and they need it to keep them busy. The cooked food is placed in a trough, with slats over the top, to prevent the fowls from scratching it out and dirtying it. The unground grain is so placed that the hens must scratch in order to get it. This is ac- comphshed by burying it slightly in the ground in summer, and in a pile of chaff or cut straw on the floor of the poultry-house in the winter. The fowls should also be supplied with some vegetable and flesh food every day in the winter. The best way to get this is to feed Turnips, Potatoes, Cabbage- leaves, etc. For flesh, butcher's waste is my staple, but I often get worthless fish, which are both cheap and, for this purpose, good. Anything that is ani- mal food will do, and where one has but few fowls, and can get skim-milk, he need look no further. POPULAR GARDENING AND FRUIT GROWING. '•ACCUSE NOT NATURE. SHE HATH DONE HER PART; DO THOU BUT TH/JVB. "-Milton. Vol. II. IF E B U, TT Jk. E. -Sr, 1S87. No. 5. Lookinsr Ahead. What though we shiver in the blast, Hope in the heart is springing. The sun is coming northward fast And finer weather bringing. When February disappears And March, the month that seldom cheers. And April, month of smiles and tears. Have passed away, And ttowery May Has come, and birds begin to sing. And winter hoar. The aged bore. Has left the lap of smiling spring; Cold weather o'er we'll think no more Of storms of snow or blizzards keen. —Boston Courier. By lifting some young plants of that favorite, the Pansy, during a winter thaw, or when there is no thaw, and bringing them to the vrindow, they will flower easily here a little later on, providing that they aae kept near the glass and are given plenty of air. Professor E. W. Hilgard's conclusions, after a thorough investigation of the effects of sulphur fumes on fruit in the evaporating process, are against such a process. For rea- sons, which he states, sulphuring is objection- able in proportion to its extent, and the less of it the better, down to the point of absolute safety by non-use. Consumers should know that the most inferior fruit may be made by this process to look as white as the best ; that a light brownish color indicates the absence of artificial bleaching, and the full natural flavor. At the date of this writing the first sub- stantial advance has been made toward the establishing of a Department of Agriculture and Labor, to be represented by a Secretary in the Cabinet. This was effected by the passing of the necessary bill by the Lower House, on the strong vote of !33'3 as against 2(1. With such favorable treatment in the House, it seems not likely that the course of the measure in becoming a law will be stayed either by the Senate or the President. While this move is not a popular one with the political press, it is with the people. They are demanding, and reasonably enough, that agriculture, the most important of aU our industries, and labor, the life of industry, shoidd have a better represen- tation in the councils of thj nation. No fact is more obvious than that soil cultivators have too long taken a back seat or no seat at all in the discussion of national affairs. There is a growing sentiment in favor of a change here, which indicates better things for the future. To speak as some do of the difficulty of secur- ing fit men among agriculturists for such a new office is an insult to a noble profession. There are enough men in this nation who would well grace the office. A LACK OF trees about the home grounds is bad enough, but to have so many of these, as a result of a close-planting, never-thinning sys- tem, as to cause excessive shade to the house and lawn, is even worse. What is meant by ex- cessive shade is, when gi-ass will not grow well under the trees, for this may be taken as a true sign that the tree tops prove to be a sufficient barrier to the sun's rays, and to the circulation of the air, to cause an unhealthful state of things for the inmates of the home. Yet such a crowd of trees about a home may often be seen. Not only will there be better health within the house, for a free thinning out of such trees, but there may also be a beautiful sward beneath them. The trees which remain wiU also be the finer for the course of thinning. As OUR LAST FORM is being closed, word comes from the Western New York Horticult- ural meeting, in session at Rochester, that the following important resolution has just been passed: " Resolved, That it is the .^ense of this convention that Congress should give sub- stantial aid to the efforts now being put forth in connection with the Department of Agricult- ure to promote the interests of horticulture in this country, and that each member of this society at once forwai'd to his member of Con- gress a copy of this resolution, urging his aid and influence in the passage of needed meas- ures." To which may be added the explanation, that it is for the new and important Division of Pomology and Plant Pathology (plant dis- eases and cures) that an appropriation is now being asked. We urge the readers of Popular Gardening everywhere in this country to similarly act as suggested in influencing their own Representatives. Aim for Harmony of Color. The grower and user of flowers, plants, fruits and trees, finds himself much in con- junction witli the most beautiful forms and colors this world affords. It is no wonder, therefore, on this account alone, that horticult- ure is classed among the fine arts. But while it is true that gardeners as a rule have a keen appreciation of the beauties of Nature, it is also true that many of them have never made the harmonj' of Nature's colors anything of a study, not so much indeed as their constant use of these would suggest as being desirable. If auy one in this world should by right give this subject close attention, it is the grower and arranger of flowers, fruits, trees, etc. By harmony of colors, a well-known authority tells us, we understand colors placed side by side in such a manner that they do not injure the effect of each other; rather, on the contrary, complete each other, i. e., they gain in intensity. To be familiar with the harmony of colors one can, with tlie greatest simplicity, produce a more favor- able effect than is possible without this. In the arrangement of flowers in bouquets or designs, plants in beds, conservatories, or wherever else fine effects with these are desired, fruits on the table or fruit trees in the border, and especially in the display of all sucli richl}' colored products in the mar- kets or shops for sale, this matter of harmony of colors becomes one of moment, and even , of dollars and cents. Take it in the latter case, for instance, namely, sellinggarden products. Very often, owing to a lack of taste here, it will be found that the fruits.plants or flowers of one stand will appear less fresh and briglit than in another, the one being arranged so that the colors are in harmony, while in the other no attention was given to 1 the matter. In the one instance the pro- ducts gain, while in the other they lose in in- tensity of color and beauty. Harmony in color let us, however, under- stand, does not depend on the caprice or per- sonal taste of an individual, but it is based on the unchangeable laws of Nature, which we sliall now discu.ss. Sed and Green. — A red body reflects green rays, while on the other hand a green body reflects red rays, Tlierefore green is the color which completes red, and similarly red is the color which completes green. Both colors, therefore, gain in intensity. Blue and Orange. — A blue body often re- flects orange rays, and inversely an orange body will frequently reflect the blue rays. Orange is, therefore, the complementary color of blue, and rice versa; therefore each color intensifies the other. Violet and Greenish Yellow. — A violet body reflects greenish yellow, and inversely a greenish yellow body reflects violet. Both colors, therefore, complete each other, and intensify each other. Indigo and Yellow. — Indigo reflects yellow, and yellow indigo rays, hence they are com- plementary and intensify each other. It would carry us too far to describe all the other colors which are complementary. In general, we may say that all spectral colors are complementary, that is, the two colors lying opposite each other; for instance the upper carmine and intermediate green. Pedigree In Fruits. BY SECRETARY E. WILLIAMS OF NEW JERSEY. In the newspaper reports of the recent Horticultural meeting at Grand Rapids, Mich., I notice the stress laid on the impor- tance of looking well to the ancestral founda- tions of our fruits. This is all very nice and correct in theory, and in support of the pro- verb that "like tends to produce like, " and fully accords with the oft- reiterated advice of our beloved President Wilder, " to grow seedlings from our best fruits." In doing so we can know with absolute certainty the immediate maternal parentage of our pro- ducts, but when we enter the mysterious and hidden domain of Nature's creations we are not so certain of our knowledge. Those who attempt to step in and perform Nature's work artificially may think and believe they have succeeded in their designs, but when their products, both in fruit and foliage, tell in unmistakable terms the ex- istence of foreign blood, it shows the ab- surdity and folly of persistent adherance to the contrary. Take the Grape, for instance, which the introducer claims to have been produced from Concord parentage for two generations, and on the paternal side two pure native varieties were used, thus leaving him in doubt as to which one was the real parent. The fruit and foliage both tell as positively as possible the existence of foreign blood somewhere in its ancestry, so we may 66 POPULAR GARDENING. February, reasonably doubt if either of the varieties used for pollenizing may have -any claim to this position, and he who presents such claims to an intelligent public only shows his superficial knowledge on the subject he has pretended to master. To my mind there is no question but that health and constitu- tional vigor can best be secured and main- tained by strict attention to the laws of heredity; but experience proves that pro- gress and advancement in quality is more slow, though none the less sure. As we advance in civilization there is a corresponding reduction in the reproductive- ness of the spe- cies. This seems to be a law of Nature, that where ignorance, superstition, and a low order of in- telligence pre- vail, there pop- ulation increases to the maximum, and as we ascend in civilization, in- telligence and wealth, with its attendants, to a higher scale of mental, moral and physical style and habits of living, sur- rounded with comforts and lux- uries, there is a corresponding decrease in the multiplication of the human species. This law of Nature is quite as apparent in the vegetable kingdom, as shown by our fruits. It is especially so in the Peach. I think it is quite within the bounds of truth to say that the germinating power of the pits of our finest varieties, taking an average, is reduced 50 to 75 per cent as compared with native pits. At least this is my experience. Does not the longevity and health of the variety suffer in similar ratio? My ovsn ex- perience as well as others' seems to point that way. The city of Newark, N. J., five miles from where I now write, has perhaps been the home of thousands of seedling peaches of large size, high quality, and superior merits, the original trees living and bearing large crops for a score or more of years, very few of which when budded and grown else- where have lived long or sustained their home reputation. Is this failure due to soil, situation, surroundings, or protection? If some of our scientific experimentors, or the faculty of our experiment stations, were to undertake the task of crossing the blossoms of our native seedlings with pollen from some of our finer varieties, who knows but the result would be in perpetuating the longevity and health of these natives, now used only as stocks — in new varieties equal ing, if not exceeding, the fine but shortlived varieties we now have? The experiment is worth trying. Did any one ever see a case of blight in one of our native indigenous Pear trees with which this State abounds? I never have seen or heard of any. Who doubts but seedlings of these as stocks for our imported varieties would have a benefi- cial effect in the direction of health and hardiness. These fields are ample, open and inviting. Who will enter them? Echeverias as Bed,dlng Plants. As ornamental plants the Echeverias (or, as English botanists propose to call them, the Cotyledons) are admirabl}' adapted to the formal or geometric style of bedding out. The plants are prim and formal in habit of growth, while their peculiar succulent nature gives to them a character at once distinct and interesting. Each individual may be likened to a rosette of leaves. As the growth is slow and regular, by arranging the plants in geo- metric forms, using contrasting colors of foliage, the eflfect capable of being created, as may be seen by our engraving.is decidedly BED OF ECHEVERIAS IN THE GEOMETRIC ARRANGEMENT. unique. The Echeverias are also a useful class of plants for rock gardening. Not the least among the merits of the more ordinary sorts of these plants is the ease with which they arc managed from year to year. One of the best known species is E. secvnda, and this is a half-hardy plant, which may be wintered in a dry frame or in the cellar. Others are more tender, needing a greenhouse or moderately warm cellar in which to keep them through the winter. The species named, as well as a variety of it known as E. nerunda glauca. are the easiest to increase, as thej' are also the most useful sorts for bedding. They are of a low habit of growth and find a ready means of employment in forming panels in beds, or else as dividing lines or edging lines. These annually produce numerous side growths, which can be removed and grown into good plants in a comparatively short time. A usual method of handling them is to remove the offsets during the winter, set them into shallow boxes in a fair growing, but dry place, until some weeks before planting-out time, when they should be potted up indi- vidually to prepare them for this stage. The vigorous Blood-leaved Echeveria (E. sanguinea), together with the species named next below, because of their conspicuous size and forms, are chiefly used in central posi- tions in bedding. In the former kind, as the plants get large, they have a tendency to drop their leaves. These, if placed on a surface of damp moss or sand, will take root from their lower end, and very quickly make plants. This one also seeds freely, and plants could be raised from the seed. The beautiful Metallic Echeveria {E. meUiUica), and its varieties, must in the main be raised from seed, as they make but few suckers. There is one other way of increas- ing this favorite which should be mentioned. Early in the season flower stems are thrown up from old plants. By cutting the embryo flowers off from these and setting the stems in pots of sandy soil they will strike root, and will also produce numerous little offsets from the axils of the flower stem leaves. By placing these offsets on a bed of moist sand they will soon throw out roots, after which they may go into pots of soil. To raise plants from seed, sow such as is quite fresh in pots filled almost full of well- sanded loam and leaf mold, covering lightly with sand. Cover with a pane of glass and shade, keeping the pot in a close frame. The soil should have been once well watered be- fore sowing and this will answer until the plants are up. Later prick out, give sun and air, and during the first winter keep dry. In the culture of Echeverias in general two rules should be closely observed, name- ly, when in a half dormant state, as during the winter sea- son, they must be kept comparatively dry, but later on, as growth is proceeding, they should be freely watered. But overwatering and a soddened soil they will at no time bear. Norway Spruce for Shelter Belts. On the northern line of the writer's grounds stands a wind break of Norway Spruce trees that is, and always has been, a most satis- factory feature of the place. This screen was planted some twelve years ago, small trees, 18 inches in height, having been used; now it is about twelve feet high, a solid, thrifty wall of green, and most admirably answering the purpose for which it was planted. It has been occasionally pruned. Finding our own Spruce shelter belt so satisfactory we have always felt a hearty in- terest in the matter of shelters for the grounds of others as well. Some time since we had our attention called to a very remarkable belt of this kind on the grounds of E. H. Ricker& Co., Nurserymen, Elgin, 111. It is perhaps as good an illustration of what can be done in providing a complete shelter of this kind for home grounds,orchards,etc. , as can be found. The nursery company re- ferred to had an engraving made of their belt from a photograph, and this by their kindness we are able to present herewith. The belt at Elgin, like our own, is of Norway Spruce. Although the trees com- posing it are but thirty years old, they have reached the great height of 70 feet throughout the length of the screen. As can readily be understood by a glance at the picture, the foliage and branches are so thick that it is impossible for the fiercest storms to go through it. It stands out upon the open prairie, and for twenty years has been a complete shelter belt. 1887. POPULAR GARDENING. 67 It may be thought that the securing of such a belt is a difficult and costly matter. Nothing could be farther from the fact. Young trees of this most valuable of all THE NORWAY SPRUCE. Evergreens, the Norway Spruce, may be bought at 18 inches high for about $13 a hundred, and these should not be planted nearer than three feet apart. At this rate $5.00 would about cover the first cost for trees for each one hundred feet in length. But three feet apart is fully twice as close as the trees should be for permanent, so that if one does not object to a thin looking row for the flrst few years, they might set them at six feet apart at the start. If the beginning is made at three feet apart, every alternate one, in what is designed to be such a large shelter belt, should be taken out before the branches come together. These could be used for forming similar new lines or in any other style of planting evergreens. A belt of this kind should for best results have both good soil and good culture. But we can dismiss this matter by saying that if these for the first six years are fully up to the stan- dard required for a good crop of Po- tatoes or Corn noth- ing further would be needed. Some who might like Norway Spruce shelter belts would not aspire to having one of such mon strous proportions as the last described. All such can be ac- commodated. There is no ordinary tree in cultivation that will bear the shears to equal that of the Norway Spruce. By an annual pruning in June a line that might without prun- ing reach a height of 70 feet in thirty On Growing Trees From Seed, PROP. W. J. BEAL, UICHIQAN AORICULTITRA L COLLEGE. Till a person begins to plant and oiltivate trees and shrubs, as here attempted, he does not realize how little any one in this country knows about the best sorts to select and how to treat them from the seeds to mature trees. In starting the trees in the arboretum the seeds were usually planted when freshly gathered, just where the trees were to remain. The rows are four feet apart and run north and south. For five or six years, and in some cases more, they were regularly cultivated like a field of Corn till about the middle of August, and again late in autumn. As the trees crowded some were cut out. A very little trimming has been done by way of removing dead limbs and preventing bad crotches. After the trees had got a good start and shaded the ground pretty well, cultivation gen- erally ceased, as it seemed as though they would take cai'e of themselves, but June Grass and some other grasses and weeds soon crept in and partially occupied the ground, apparently re- tarding considerably the growth of the trees. The grasses and weeds which seem to do the most harm are capable of growing late in au- tumn and early in spring, while there is no foUage on the trees to shade the ground or plants below. To save the expense of cultivation after a few years and to keep the grass out we need to know the best nurses, i.e., the trees, shrubs or herbs which hold their leaves well in the shade. Forest leaves where deep enough keep out the grass, but the wind drives most dead leaves out of the arboretum. To get a few points on this topic of nurses, in October last I made quite a complete list of the broad leaved undergi'o wth of the arboretum. This included some CO species. Some of those holding their leaves best are Black Cap Raspbereies, Common Milkweeds, Desmodium, Celandine, Wild Asters, Golden- rods, Grape-vines, seedlings of many trees or shrubs, such as Black Cherry, American Elm, Butternut, Low Willows, Catalpas, Birches and Box Alders. To these may also be added White Oak, Swamp White Oak, Beech, Sugar Maple, Dogwood, Hazel, Blue Beech, Choke Cherry, Poplars, and sprouts and seedlings of Rapidity of growth is relative, variable and an uncertain element ; still some trees are usu- ally more rapid growers than others. To grow fast relatively a tree needs to have many good roots and branches clothed with an abundance of good leaves. For this it needs a suitable soil and climate, and room enough in which to spread itself. The south tree of the row is more exposed to the Ught than most of the rest, and is generally the largest. I have made a selection, and below are given the age, height and diameter of the lai'gest tree of its kind. The diameter is taken one foot from the ground. If there is no mistake in figuring, the tree first mentioned made the slowest growth, and the one last named the fastest growth. Table Ohnng the Age, Height, and Diameter of Different Trees. Name. M«. H.igbt. ^; Tesra. Feet. ,„'„Ym. Swamp White Oak 11 18 2 Sugar Maple 10 18 2 White Pine 9 16 2>4 Butternut ... 10 18 8 Black Walnut 9 16 31< White Ash 10 28 4 Black Cherry 7 17 3 Basswood 10 25 4>J Red Elm, 14 80 6M Poplar Birch 13 30 6 Balsam Poplar 12 30 6 European Larch 13 28 7 Locust 7 25 m Chestnut 10 22 7 Catalpa speciosa 13 28 10 Silver Maple 12 35 10^ With reference to the above figures, I may add that Butternut does not hold out its rate of rapid growth as well as it promised for a few years at first. White Ash has been checked for two years by bark Uce. The Locust trees are very fine and healthy, only a few in all, and were planted later than the trees on either side. The size of the Chestnut tree, as given in the table, is considerable larger than any other tree of the kind. The Catalpa is the one usually called hardy, but our trees are damaged by cold winters. — College Bulletin No. 21. Plants often lead a miserable existence in the living rooms, because of dryness and dust. Keep a vessel of boiling water on the stove, and every other day sprinkle the leaves, either AN EFFECTIVE WIND years could be kept down to oue-leuth of this height, and in the very best condition. If a close hedge like this would be desired the trees should be three or less feet apart. AK OF NOHWAY SPRUCE, 70 FEET many others, as holding their lower leaves well. Some of the evergreens, such as White Pine, Arbor Vitse, Red Cedar and Norway Spruce, also hold their lower leaves well. HIGH, LOCATED AT ELGIN, ILLINOIS. with a whisk broom or a watering-pot with fine holes. If the plant-stand is on oil-cloth, the pots need not be removed. Not much water will get on the floor. " Sister Gracious," 68 POPULAR GARDENING. February, Yellow Transparent Family. J. L. BUDD, AMES, IOWA. Beyond all reasonable doubt the Yellow Transparent will prove a valuable addition to the Usts over a very large area of the United States and Canada, but J wish to keep the idea before the reading public that the Thaler Apple will succeed grandly in parts of the West and the cold North where the Yellow Transparent will fail by bUght or winter killing. The Thaler is a better tree and with us it is quite as early, fully as laige in size, and we think better in quality, as it retains its rich- ness of flavor and juiciness longer after it be- comes fit for dessert use. A member of this interesting family a week later in ripening, known as "Blushed CalvUle," is best of all in quality of fruit. Though it has a German name it is a true Russian variety, and is much grown on the sparrow hills near Moscow. The fruit is bright yellow with a delicate blush next the sun. In size it is about like Yellow Transparent, but in tenderness and delicacy of its sub-acitl flesh it i.s near the Dyer. The Grand Sultan of Ellwanger & Barry is also of this family, and the haidiest tree and least liable to blight of the whole lot. As yet we do not know much of its habits of bearing as our only specimens were picked in the nursery. Will some reader who has had longer experi- ence report the behavior of the Graud Sultan in the orchard. Seedling and Russian Apples in the Northwest. REPORT OP PETER M. GIDEON, SUPERINTENDENT OP MINNESOTA STATE FRUIT FARM. Twenty-three years ago I planted a few Cherry Crab seeds, obtained in Maine, and from those seeds I grew the Wealthy Apple. That fruit convinced me that the true road to success was in crossing the Siberian Crab with the common Apple ; on that line 1 have operated. I did not suppose that in the short space of six- teen years, the time since the Wealthy first fruited, that I should have more than twenty first-class Apples— as good as the world can pro- duce— and in hardiness of tree surpassing all known varieties of the common Apple. But it is done, the problem is solved, as to what to do and how to do it, with the material at hand with which to attain yet greater results. With such results, and only a few thousand trees fruited, what may we not expect at the end of the next sixteen years, with twenty or thirty thousand selected trees from the very best of seed, which are not yet fruited, and the seed of over one hundred bushels of choice Ap- ples planted this fall, all to fruit in a few years. Soon the choice varieties will count into the hundreds, and the great Northwest will be the fruit pai'adise of America. To get the desired cross we plant the selected varieties in close proximity. The seed thus produced is planted, the most promising of the seedlings selected and set in orchards lor fruit- ing, and, after fruiting, the best in tree and fruit is selected from which to grow seeds to try again, and so on. At each repetition I find there is a gain. The young trees that fruited this year for the first gave a larger percentage of first-class Apples than any lot ever before. By crossing and judicious selection we retain the hardiness of the Crab without the Crab thorns, and grow large Apples without the as- tringency of the parent Crab. We also get an exquisite flavor not found in any other class of Apples, especially so when made into sauce. But our triumph is not j'et complete; we must, we can, fill up the entire year with a continued succession of luscious Apples. The past is a guarantee that it can be done. But the proper cross can't be got in Minne- sota, a fact clearly demonstrated in the exten- sive trials that have been made in the last nine years in the State orchard. There are no long keepers, of the best quality, yet found that aj'e hardy enough to fruit in Minnesota ; but we can take our best hardy seedlings further south, where the long-keepers can, be grown, and there get the cross and then bring the seed here to grow and test the hardiness of tree and quality of fruit. Our seedlings wiD average in quality with Hyslop and Transcendent. But those of flrst>class, such as we propagate, stand about as one to 500, as hardy as Duchess and Wealthy, and of the extreme hardiest about one to l,.5O0. SEEDLING TREES FOR DISTRIBUTION. We now have thousands of choice seedlings of our raising on hand here for distribu- tion to those who want one, two, three and foiu- year-old trees. Those who come and dig the trees will get them free of cost; others will have the cost of digging and packing to pay, about one doDar per 100. The bulk of the trees are two years old. All who get trees «-ill be expected to take good care of them untU they fruit, and if any prove of extra value, so re- poi't, but the trees and the profits thereof be- long to the cultivator. We only want the re- port. Those who want larger trees had better come and do their own digging and thus save a large bill. PLANT VARIOUS KINDS. Two years ago this winter was the first time the Duchess and Wealthy were seriously hurt, and a like fate befeU all the Russians on our grounds, so that not a Russian Apple was set here last year, whilst alongside of them our seedlings carried a fair crop, some of them pro- fuse, and this year all bore heavy crops, show- ing beyond a question that the Crab infusion is to be the foundation of successful fruit cult^ ui-e throughout the Northwest. The value of the Duchess, Wealthy and some of the best of the Russians is too great in the Northwest to be rejected on accomit of one partial failure, after over twenty years of unin- terrupted success, for such a winter as that of two years ago may not occur again in a life- time, if ever. If those varieties should stand only ten years they would be the most profit- able crop a land owner coidd plant. On clay soil they do the best. The so-caUed Crab roots are not at all hardy. Being mongrels, where the Crab predominates the graft that is not a Crab mongrel does not take well, neither on root nor stock. The mongrel root and mongrel stock are only pre- ferable when a mongrel graft is to be inserted, but as £ill such are not hardy, a good mulch is needed of some coarse litter to make sure again.st root-killing in winter. The Common Apple will not make a smooth junction on a stock where the Crab predomi- nates, and consequently will not make a lasting tree ; and one of these haidy varieties grafted or budded on the Common Apple stock is worth- less, as the stock below the junction of graft or bud is sure to winter-kill the first hard winter. You can protect a tender root, not a tender stock, so avoid the tree agent with his budded trees. The Eating of Flowers. One lady we know of laments the fact of being so badly addicted to this horrid use of flowers that she cannot possibly break herself of the habit. No sooner does she get a bunch of flowers, than, after enjoying them for a while, and in which she takes great pleasure, she will go into a spell of meditation, diu-iug which she unconsciously picks and consumes the petals. Usually by the time her thoughts are regained the flowers ai'e spoiled, and she then grieves over such a foolish loss. The habit of eating flowers is unquestionably a bad one. Flowers were so evidently created for gratitying the organs of sight and smell, that one must wonder how any person could get in the way of consuming them indiscrimi- nately as cattle eat grass. To be sure Hyacinth blooms and Rose petals are well known to have a not unpleasant taste, in fact it is quite otherwise. Theii- use in the making of candied Hovvers it seems is being adopted abroad. It is also reported that some belles eat Violets to sweeten the breath, but we question the pro- priety of the course. Aside of this use of certain flowers, however, and which many will call proper enough, it is unquestionably the case that there are those who, like the women reported above, eat many other sorts, in tact any sorts they may happen to get hold of, but who are ready to admit that it is done as a habit, and usually with no thought of what they are doing at the time. A bitter taste in the mouth is one of the common consequences of the habit, but this in itself, it would seem, seldom causes enough dis- comfort to lead to reform. There is even danger in the habit, for some flowers, like the Aconitt-s, are poisonous. Child- ren have often been made sick, even to vomit- ing by swallowing blossoms that were other- wise harmless, In this last fact may possibly be found an idea to aid slaves of the habit in breaking themselves. If those who know that any bouquet they may get in hand will sooner or later be picked to pieces and eaten by themselves, will at the first take the precaution to scatter some grains of any simple drug which has the power to cause nausea, over the flowers, the eating may then lead to such unpleasant results as wDl make the very sight of flowers disgusting to the stomach for a while. In this way it is be- lieved that entire recovery from the habit may after a few repetitions be efl'ected. The remedy may be an unpleasant one, but surely it is not so bad as the disease. Making Lawns at the South; Good General Advice. WM. SAUNDERS, WASHINGTON, D. C. To the inquiry of your correspondent regard- ing the formation of lawns in Louisiana, and the best method of obtaining them, I would answer that the principal factor is a deeply loosened soil, and this applies to the North as well as to the South. Where practicable this work of preparation can be more economically performed by the plow than by hand labor alone. First throw out as deep a furrow as possible with the com- mon plow, then run a subsoil plow in the bottom of the furrow, A stiri-ed depth of from 15 to 18 inches may thus be obtained. If done by hand, it should be spaded as. deep as the spade can penetrate, and the subsoil loosened with a pick or mattock. In all cases it is better to keep the top layer of the soil on the top, rather than to trench the ground over and throw the subsoil on the sur- face, A second plowing will be necessary ; but previous to this the ground should receive a dressing of rotted manure at the rate of thirty cart loads per acre; failing this, apply at least half a ton of bone dust per acre and harrow it in. Before sowing the seed, the surface shoidd be made smooth and regular. No pains or ex- pense should be grudged to make the sm-face grade perfect before sowing, for it will be diffi- cult to make corrections afterwards. With proper preparation there need be no doubts raised about the growth of Blue Grass, or Jime Grass, Poa pratensis, in Louisiana. There ai'e no better grasses for lawns than the above named and the Red Top, Agrostis vul- garis. Two bushels of Blue Grass, one bushel of Red Top and one quart of Timothy Grass is suflicient for one acre. This should be mixed before sowing. The Timothy Grass wdl soon disappear; but the seed vegetates quickly, loosens the sm-face and gi-eatly assists the growth of the other gras.ses. One of the most pernicious practices is to sow oats, barley or some other grain with the grass seed. Grass requires no shade or protection of this kind. As to the time of sowing in Louisiana, I would decidedly prefer late fall, say about the 1st of October. If sown in spring, the earlier the better. If sown in February, the lawn should be ready for mowing by middle of AprU. On newly seeded lawns the mower should be run 1887. POPULAR GARDENING. 69 over the grass as soon as it is high enough to cut, and kept trimmed over frequently to keep the growth of grass uniform and prevent the injurious growth of weeds. Neither in the preparation and formation of a lawn, nor in its keeping af terwai'ds, are there any half-way compromises. The work must be done thoroughly to begin with, and then timely attention to cutting the grass all through the growing season will ensure a satisfactory result. Thanks to the numer- ous cheap and efficient lawn mowers to be found everywhere, there is in this day really no excuse for imperfectly kept la^^■ns. grown in the open air, where the insects and winds do the work, yet, when grown in the forcing-house, it is absolutely necessary, par- ticularly in midwintor. This is best done with a camel's hair pencil, by detaching the pollen, or fertilizing dust, from the stamens and ap- plying it to the stigma. It will also facilitate impregnation on bright days to slightly jar the Peter Henderson on Forcing Cucumbers. The mde greenhouses or forcing-houses, 22 feet wide, which we have described, can also be made equally available for forcing Cucumbers, either during the entire winter and spring sea-son, or to be used to succeed the last crops of Radishes or Lettuce in the spring season only. If wanted for the forcing of Cucumbers during the fall season, the seed should be sown in the greenhouse about October 1st in small pots, thi-ee or fom- seeds in each, thinning out to one strong plant. These, in thirty days, will have become sufficiently strong to plant out at twenty to twenty-four inches apart on the south side of the bench, one row only. A trellise of galvanized wire is made with about a nine-inch mesh, diamond shaped. This, on the middle bench , should be kept two feet from the glass, but Sabbatia Comjyestris on the front bench it can only be kept one foot from the glass, because so near the sashes. The depth of soil should be, if on raised wooden benches, about five or six inches; if on the solid center bed, eighteen inches to two feet. The soil should be a sandy loam, ^ith one-fifth well-rotted cow manure. The night temperature in the forcing-house for the fall, winter and spring months for Cu- cumbers should range as near as possible from sixty to sixty-five degrees, with a temperature on bright days of from ten to fifteen degrees higher, giving ventilation at all reasonable times. Cucumbers delight in a moist atmos- phere, and whenever the weather is bright and clear water should be sprinkled on the pipes, walks and under the benches. A th-y atmos- phere is certain to develop the Red Spider, which Ls fatal to success. It may also be here stated, if Cucumbers are to be forced during the winter months, that to keep up tlje necessary high tempera- ture eight rims of four inch pipe will 1 le requued in a green- house twenty feet wide, in- See "Sotne of the Netver Garden Products^^ etc., page 70. wire trellis, so as to let the pollen loose, which, in floatuigthrough the air.fastens on the stigma. Cucumbers from seed sown in October will give a continuous crop until June — of course, if well handled. When wanted only to succeed crops of Lettuce or Radishes in sjiring, the seed should not be sown until February or March. The variety for forcing which seems to be most favorably received in our markets is " Se- lected Early White Spine," though, of late years, the beautiful long kinds, such as " Tele- graph " and " Rambler," which are almost ex- clusively used in Europe, are beginning to be favorably received. Forced Cucumbers from December to May average, for best quality in the market of New York, W per dozen, and, if the forcing is well done, this price will be found to pay very well. Southern competition, of course, seriously in- terferes with the forcing of Cucmubers, as it does with nearly everything else in early vege- tables and fruits; but, like hot-house Grapes, the bloom and tine appearance, together with the more delicate flavor, of the forced Cucumber, finds customers in all large cities who are wUling to pay for the finer quality. — From Revised Gardening for Profit. A Straw Mat Weaver and a weighted Spool made stead of si.x, as recommended for Lettuce and Radishes, though, when grown only to succeed the Lettuce or Radish crop in spring, which is usually the case, the six runs of pipes at that season will be sufficient. Although there is no necessity for ai'tificial impregnation of the Cucujnber flowers when Making Straw Mats. As a common article of pro- tection to hot-beds, frames, seed-beds, etc., straw mats commend themselves because of their being light, conven- ient, effective and cheap. If weU cared for, seeing that they are never rolled up while damp to invite heating within the roll, or if alwaj's handled with reasonable care they are also quite durable. The spring season being near when straw mats will be the most wanted in the garden, we herewith present an engraving of a simple, home-made affair for weaving them. The form and working of this contrivance may be so easily understood that any words of exjilana- tion relating thereto seem aUuost unnecessary. of Iron Spikes. For twine, a light, strong, tarred article is to be preferred, and this should be kept wound on a proper number of spools iLsually 13 made of two 20-penny spikes each, as separately shown in the engraving. To make the spool, notches should be filed near one end of the spikes which are to hoM a winding of wire for keeping them together. The other ends should not be united ; by being a little apart the end of the twine may bo drawn in between them so the spool cannot unwind faster than the twine is wanted. The object in using spools of iron is to secure weight enough in 12 or more of these (one-half on each side of the weaver) to hold the mat prop- erly in place as the weaving progi'esses. Straight, bundle rye straw is the best, but other kinds even if shorter might answer. In the making, care should be taken to have each layer consist of about the same quantity of straw. A handful should be picked up, divided into two parts, bringing the butt ends of each part at opposite ends of the mat, at the top of the main horizontal pieces where the ty- ing is done. The tying of the twine a.s the ends are brought over each layer of straw may con- sist of a single tie if the twine is well taj-red or of a double tie if it is not. The advantage of a double tie is that, should the twine break at any point duruig the future use of the mats there would be but little liability of its opening out beyond the break. Care should also be taken to keep the ends of the different layers even. This may be most readily accomplished by setting a wedge-shaped gauge uprightly between the side pieces of the weaver, against which to bring the butts of the straw as layer by layer is brought into place in the process of the weaving. A Glance at Some Kitchen Garden Matters. E. S. GOFF, GENEVA, N. Y. The earliness of Peas may be enhanced some- what by sprouting the seed in a box of moist sand before planting. I have found nothing to surpass the early Wakefield as a first early Cabbage, nor the Early Summer for second. Portier and Prem- ium Flat Dutch are the standards for late. The Eclipse Beet is one of the finest I have tested. It is a few days later than the Egj'ptian but more uniform in form and size, and is by some considered of better flavor. As fai' as jiossible, arrange the vegetable gar- den so that it may be cultivated with the horse. Leave plenty of room at the ends of the rows for turning. The common Burdock is one of the most im- portant vegetables in Japan. The i-oot is the part used. It is taken when one-third grown. Beware of novelties, unless you are willing to be disappointed. If we look back over the seedsmen's catalogues of former yeai's, wo find that many novelties were called but few are now chosen. The American Wonder Pea, though very productive for the size of its plants, really yields far less from the same amount of seed than the taller varieties. The only real advan- tage it possesses is that it is earliest of the wrinkled sorts. Hot-bed frames made in sections and put to- gether like the sides and ends of a wagon-box are preferable to others, as they are stored un- der cover during smmuer, where they are out of the weather, out of sight and out of the way. Sifted coal ashes ai-e very useful for lighten- ing heavy garden soils. Though they possess little fertilizing value, they increase product- iveness by making the soil more porous, giving greater permeability to rains, and freer access of oxygen to the roots of plants. The Fern-leaved Celery sent out last season is not worth growing tor the table. The Stratagem, Pride of the Market, and Market Garden are unexcelled as late Peas. It is safe to say that no Squash has yet been found to surpass the Hubbard for general use. 70 POPULAR GARDENING. February. THE COMPLETE GARDEN.* BY A WELL-KNOWN HORTICtTLTXmiST. II. Besides the kinds of soil referred to one very commonly met with is the gravelly soil, so called from the presence in it of numerous small stones or pebbles. The gravel of such does not enhance its value for gardening purposes, excepting in some degree to perform a mechan- to such vital matters as healthfulness of local- ity, comfort, beauty of surrounding scenery, etc. It is obvious that these are entirely sep- arate and distinct from the question as to whether the soil is, or is not fit to support plant Ufe. Indeed it usually is the case that the I most naturally fertile soils are found in low- ' lands, the place of all others most unfit for the home of man. Other things being equal, one should choose Garden. Sunken Fence artd Boundary. OuUumj Umdscupe. MAKING THE MOST OF CIRCUMSTANCES BY SEEMINGLY EXTENDING THE GARDEN. ical duty, by separating its parts, promoting drainage and by holding in storage solar heat. If the percentage of gravel be great, it is liable to be ahnost valueless for cultivation, but should it contain only a moderate proportion of gravel stones, it may be fertile, easy of tillage and in every way desirable. The poorer kinds o£ gravel soU usually overlay subsoils, which come nearer being gravel beds than anything to which can be applied the term soil. When the testing pits reveal such subsoils, leave the land alone for garden purposes. But one may possess groimds having build- ings and other improvements the soil of which is not very serviceable for a garden. It does not necessarily foUow, such being the case, that nothing satisfactory can be done with it. Poor soil presents serious diawbacks, but by bring- ing time, skillful cultm-e, and other recog- nized methods of improvement to beai', even a soU somewhat inferior in character may be so ameliorated as to offer some chance for raising fair garden products. Of course the smaller the garden the less discouraging the work of undertaking to improve a poor soil. If its natm-e is that of a stubborn clay, by the incorporation of sand, loam, lime, coal ashes, cinders and manure deeply into the surface stratum, and also by deep culture even below this line, as weU as proper under- draining, such a soil may be rendered capable of meeting the needs of many plants. Is the soil the reverse of this, being too sandy or gravelly, the addition of vegetable matter in the form of leaf mold from the woods, tm'fy loam, manm'e, peat, marl, or even by introducing into it a certain proportion of clay, as improv- ing agents, there will be a decided change for the better. With poor soils capable of being improved must be classed those worn out soils, which once were of good quality for support- ing crops and trees, but which have been ex- hausted of the requisite quantity of plant food. It is possible to make such again fertile by the application of manure and good tillage, but it would be neither a quick nor an inexpensive operation. Beside these suggestions, however, stands out boldly the fact, which must never be lost sight of, that all such methods ai-e neces- sarily costly. It is always a great gain to start the garden on a soil of the best chaiacter, re- quiring no such special treatment. In garden- ing on organically bad but improved laud, whilst a certain degree of success may be at- tained, one must, on the other hand, be pre- pared for being shut off from many of the finer enjoyments of which a garden complete is cap- able of affording. SITUATION, SUEBOUNDINGS, ETC. The garden in which the majority of people are interested is the plot of ground which is the seat of the home. Important as is the matter of the soil to the place, there are other elements which should not be ignored. I refer * Copyright, 1887, by Popular Gardening Publishing Co. neither the highest or lowest points for estab- lishing the complete home garden. Land gently rolling is more desirable than that which is level, not only because it is di-ier nat- urally, but because its surface even when unadorneti presents a more pleasing a-spect and variation of lines to the eye that count for much in the making of a beautiful place. The home plot when level should be capable of be- ing rendered dry by underdrainage. The question of an abundant water supply for the garden is a great one. Without doubt the ideal garden should be situated on the banks (provided not too low) of a lake, river or creek. There should at least be a strong rill passing within its borders. In addition to the mere superficial beauty of living water scenery associated with a garden, the presence of water lines permits of the culture of numerous aquatic and sub-aquatic plants, something very desirable, but which, without the.se, would be nearly impossible. Still the greater number of homes cannot have attached to them the highest type of a garden here suggested. In such cases there THE JESSIE STRAWBERRY.— SEE NEXT PAGE. should at least be provisions for a fau- arti- ficial supply from one or more wells on the grounds. This being adequate, the employ- ment of wind or steam to raise the water into tanks at a suitable height for distribution, by means of pipes and hose throughout the grounds, would tend to make the absence of natui-al supplies less felt. In any event, to have at one's command, at all seasons, an abundance of water for use is a most impor- tant factor in conducting a complete garden. The general character of the surrounding country should receive due consideration in selecting a site for the home garden. If the neighborhood is rich in woody growths, and especially if large trees of vaiious kinds abound, this in itself would be an index of the natural fertility of the soil. The presence of such growths outside of our garden lines should be a living incentive to our best efforts within. The missionary attempt of beautifying a des- ert region by planting a fine garden in the midst of it, when other localities garden-like in themselves coidd be chosen,^is certainly not to be advised. It is hardly possible in ordinary sized orna- mental gardens to secure that appearance of breadth and extent which is one of the great- est charms of large parks and landscapes. This being evident, we must either confine our- selves to our i-estricted possessions, or bring into use contiguous views and scenery. I would particularly mention those cases where beyond the garden boundary, either adjacent or more remote, there may be beautiful land- scapes, hills, water, etc., the views of which could be made to do service to our own possess- ions. Let me instance a pleasing meadow supporting some trees and other growths and lying just beyond the boimdary of the garden. In the engraving herewith I show how, by means of a depression (which should be five or six feet deep) just within the garden line, and in which the outside fence should be located with its top below the general line, such a meadow in a certain sense could be appropriated to the garden. As is seen by the line of sight extending from the portico of the house to the ground beyond the boundary line, this fence would not be visible fi'om that point, and to the casual view it would appear as though the lawn surface extended from the house to the 1 very farthest point in one unbroken line. If this outside territory was a pastui'e lot or a meadow having a not particularly fine appear- ance when closely examined, distance would so lend enchantment, that as an apparent continu- ation of the garden, the effect might still be all that could be desired. Let the reader imagine in our engraving the advantage of such an ex- tended vista as seen from this side of the house, as compared with the same broken off by an ordinary fence above the surface of the ground on the boundary of the garden spot. This plan could often be made to afford the means of adding greatly to the appearance of the extent of grounds at a moderate cost. SHELTER BELTS. Unless fairly sheltered from severe winds, a garden cannot be considered complete. At- mosphere in motion, when not too violent, is beneficial to most growing things, hence gar- dens, and especially the smaller ones which are closed in by buildings or high walls, are not capable of yielding the best results. Where winds ai-e fierce and frequent, unless their force is subdued by masses of wood or other baniers, the list of plants that can be well gi-own in their path is comparatively small. In good soil, the question of establishing wind-breaks of living trees to soon have them of an effective size is not an impracticable one. The quick gi'owing Conifers are the best trees for this purpose, as they advance rapidly in rich well- tilled soil, and their growth is the heaviest neai' the ground where the barrier is most needed. Being for the most part evergreen, they afford an equal degree of shelter in the winter as at other times. The most approved method of planting shelter belts, where space is ample, is in lines, and several of them, the trees being set alter- nately. My plan would be to plant either two or three rows. If the foi'mer, my choice of varieties would be the Norway Spruce for one line and the White or Austrian Pine for the other. If three rows, the third one might be that quick grower, the European Larch. I would have the rows four or moie feet apait, with the ti-ees four feet in the row. Later on, I would remove about one-half of the trees, oi' more, to prevent undue crowding. If in some places the wind-break met, or was widened out to form masses of varying size, the effect would be all the better. In other places, and espec- ially in the direction from which baish winds 1887. POPULAR GARDENING. 71 seldom come, there may be breaks in the line, or no screen whatever. To secure the most rapid growth the ground where the belt is planted should for a liberal width be not only rich, but be kept well culti- vated for a period of at least five years after planting. The advantage of a more or less open belt of trees over a wall or close hedge as a wind-break is, that the wind becomes broken in its force and scattered oi- entangled, instead of striking an unyielding surface, to rebound and start up again with a fresh impetus. What would be called a " great drought " in England is not an unusual occurence here. And it is sui'prising that we have not yet learned what a valuable and at the same time The Jessie Strawberry is one of the latest varieties of that popular fruit claiming atten- tion. Its originator is F. W. Louden, of Jaynesville, Wis. It is being introduced by On Manuring Lawns.— The Use of Nitrate of Soda. JOSEPH HARRIS, AUTHdR OP "TALKS ON MANURES." In Popular Gardening for January your pleasant correspondent, S. Q. Lent, says: "I proved beyond a question that a top dressing of ashes and bone-dast, the application of which would not disfigure the lawn, was a perfect fertilizer for lawn grass." There can be no doubt on this point. But one must use a heavy dressing of bone-dust to get any immediate effect, and the perfume is not agreeable. A dressmg of ashes, superphosphate and nitrate of soda is far more effective and much cheaper. It contains every element of stable manure except carbonaceous matter, and the clippings of the lawn, if left on the surface, furnish an abundance of vegetable matter. In the Park at Rothamsted in England, which has been in grass for centuries. Sir John B. Lawes obtained the following results during the "great drought " of 1870: Yield of Hay Per Acre, 1 No Manure - - - 644 lbs. 8 " Ashes " and Superphosphate, 1,968 " 3 Same as 2 and 550 lbs. of Nitrate of Soda, - - - . 6,300 " In nine cases out of ten, all that is necessary to freshen up a lawn and enable it to stand HEAD OF THE NEW YORK LETTUCE. cheap fertilizer we have in nitrate of soda. Nitrate of soda looks like common salt and is easily applied. Sow it handcast over the whole lawn and flower beds and Roses and shrabs and trees at the rate of .500 to 600 pounds per acre, or say three or four pounds to the square rod. And if you extend the application to the Straw- berry beds and Raspberries and Currants and the entire orchard and garden, you will not regret it. For Asparagus noth- ing equals this fertilizer. THE MINNEWASKI BLACKBERRY. drought, is an annual dressing of nitrate of soda in the spring at the rate of three or tour pounds to the square rod, costing about 10 cents, or $16 per acre. The nitrate is derived from the leaching of sea-weed and other vegetable matter, and is the essence of manure. Its ef- fect is magical. Someof the NewerGarden Products being Offered. Henderson's New York Lettuce, an engraving of which is shown herewith, is offered by Peter Hendei-son & Co. , of New York, a house that has always been prominent in disseminating new products of the garden. It is described as aremarkable variety, with but little tendency to run to seed, and unusual for size and solidity of head. Single plants of it eighteen inches across and with solid heads are reported. It blanches itself na- turally, is crisp, tender, and of excellent flavor, and entirely free from bitterness. Seeds white. While no claims are set up for this variety as a forcing Lettuce, it is believed to be not only a most distinct, but also one of the best summer sorts evpi' introduced. The Minnewaski Blackberry is a new variety of a fruit of which there are none too many good, hardy sorts in cultivation. Our report concerning its merits is from W. A. Brown, of Benton Harbor, Mich. , inspector.of the Western Michigan Fruit Exchange. A Blackberry suc- ceeding so far north w ill be looked upon with confidence in most other regions. He says: " During the pa,st two years I have closely watched this ) plant in Berrien Co., and, judging it by its strong growth, prolific bearing, fine appearance and quality of fruit, which closely resembles the Lawton, except that it does not turn red after picking, I consider it the most promising Blackberry yet introduced. Our fruit growers are looking to its future propa- gation and adaptability to commercial gi-owing with much interest. We have not tested its hardiness and its merits for general field cult^ ure, but I have faith in it." A. J. Caywcod & Son, of Marlboro, N. Y., are its introducers. The engraving shows but a portion of a cluster. Green's Nursery Co., Rochester, N. Y. Con- cerning a visit to the grounds of the origina- tor in fruiting time by the committee of the Wisconsin Horticultural Society, it is said of the Jessie that "the berries lay upon the ground in heaps. They were fair in shape, of good color, averaging very large; one meas- ured nine inches; quarts would measure from six to seven; flavor very fine. It promises to be a great acquisition surely." Professor Green, of the Columbus Experi- ment Station, who is testing perhaps more new and old kinds than any other person, says: " We have a number of the newer sorts under trial at the Experiment Station. Jessie seems one of the most promising new sorts. Plants very vigorous, beiTies large, productive. " We are informed by H. E. Van Deman, Po- mologist to the U. S. Department of Agricult- ure at Washington, that the Jessie is a most promising variety. He has received many re- ports concerning it from unprejudiced cultiva- tors, all of whom speak of its high excellence. On the second page preceding is shown an engraving of an annual flower, which, if not really new, is at least practically so to most flower growers. This is Sabbatia campestris. Peter Henderson & Co., of New York, who are offering the seed of it this year, say that it grows about six inches high and throws up a great number of rosy carmine flowers, with a large yellow eye of the form shown in the illustration. The seed should be sown in the sitting room or greenhouse, and transplanted to the open ground as soon as the weather be- comes settled and warm. Pelargonium "Victor," which is illustrated, as growing in a pot on page 79 of this issue, is a remarkable variety of this extremelj' attrac- tive class of plants, and which has been well tested about New York City for some years, but which we believe is new generally to the country. In the catalogue of Peter Henderson & Co., of New York, we find this description of it: "This variety has been grown almost exclusively by the florists in this vicinity for the past two years to supply the critical New York trade. It gives great satisfaction. The groimd color of the flower is bright cherry pink, white at the base of the petals. The two upper petals are dark crimson maroon, almost black. The flowers are produced very freely and are im- mense in size, single florets exceeding in size a silver dollar." To this same firm we are in- debted for the use of the engraving referred to. 72 POPULAR GARDENING. February, A. M. PTJEDY'S DEPARTMENT. Post-office address. ■ - Palmyra, N. Y. Briefs. After heavy snow falls tramp around the fruit trees to prevent mice from working at the bodies. The Early Ohio. A Mr. Taylor, of Kansas, who grows all the leading Potatoes, and 30,000 bushels a year, prefers the Early Ohio to all others. Remember that it is a good plan in order to pre- vent Gooseberries from breaking down to the ground with their weight of fruit to tie the tops together. Attend at once to the fruit crates and boxes or baskets. fJet them overhauled and fixed up in good shape. Don't wait till the bustle of spring work. If you have an old half starved Apple tree or or- chard feed it, and do it now. by hauling out plenty of manure and scattering under the trees. If you haven't that, scatter straw, and it not that, muck from the swamp, and if not that, put on the coal ashes thickly. and you will soon see a change in them. Its astonishing what a difference even one hand- ful of unleaehed wnod-ashes makes in the growth of a Peach tree the first year or two, scattered in the bottom of the hole where the tree is set out, and if a teaspoonful of salt be mixed with it all the better, onl.v have it well mixed into the soil before setting the tree in. It is strange that more people do not plant out Sage. The demand for it in every town is large and prices high. It is as easily grown from seed as Cabbage. Simply sow early in a box in the house or greenhouse, and transplant, as soon as frosts are over in the spring, into rows two feet apart, and one foot apart in the row. Grape-vines may be trimmed now and.the trim- mings cut up into three-eye cuttings and buried in the cellar for spring setting. The same, too, with Currants and Gooseberries if not done before. It is said that a pound of copperas scattered under each Grape-vine is a preventive to Grape rot and mildew: as it so cheap it will cost but little to try it. Depth of Planting. Much has been said and written as to the depth trees should be planted. The kind and condition of the soil has much to do with it. If soil is deep, with an open alluvial sub- soil, they may be planted much deeper than when sub-soil is hard and impossible to loosen up. We have thrown out earth from the bottom of wells and outhouses in Northern Indiana on which seed would grow and succeed well, while, here we could not make it a success even on earth thrown up from one to two feet in depth. A Correspondent Writes. The author of " Ten Acres Enough " recommends marl as a specific manure tor Blackberries. What do ,vou say ? We say that circumstances alter cases. The marl is ex- cellent on the poor, worn-out, sandy soil of New .Jersey, where Blackberries need some fertilizers, hut on notably good soil it will not do. For fruit. Blackberry bushes should not be forced into too much growth. By the way, that book has done more harm than good. Many a poor man has started out with " air castles " after reading it, to find more fiction than truth in its pages. We hear a great deal of talk about Strawberries being winter killed, but ten acres are spring killed where one acre is winter killed. It is not the ex- treme cold that kills Strawberry plants as a rule, but the heaving out in the spring by freezings and thawings. To prevent this, now is the time to spread on the coarse manure or straw or hay evenly over the plants, so as to hide them from sight. " But," we hear some one say, "the foul stuff in hay and straw is bad for the beds." So it is, but this may be prevented by first hauling the mulch out into some old field, throwing it over once or twice and thus working the seed all out of it. Then it may be spread over the plants, and here it can lay until after the fruiting season. Radishes under glass require little heat, yet it will not do to freeze them hard when growing fast . If accidentally frozen, do not let the sun strike them until they thaw out, and they will generally recover without much injury. But if they are in tender condition from rapid growth, and the sun strikes them while frozen, the.y are often spoiled. We clip the above from an exchange. We have had good luck with the Turnip Radish, grown under glass, care being exercised to give them plenty of fresh air and opening sash on pleasant, warmish day. And while speaking of this we would remind our readers that Onion seed sowed thickl,v in rows two inches apart under glass, the first of March in this section and south earlier, can be transplanted in May and then get a long way ahead of those sown in open ground in April. Cucumbers and Melons shot^d be started now at the South in hot beds, with manure for under heat. We have generally used inverted sods, say four inches square, packing them close together next to the manure after it was firmly packed down. Let sods lay three to four days, with glass sash on the beds before planting the seed. Then put in each inverted sod six to eight seeds. Keep sufficiently watered and give plenty of fresh air by removing or raising sash a little with each pleasant day. It in danger of frost cover just before dark with hay or straw or matting. When two inches high thin out to three plants for each sod. Water well so as to have sods wet, and then remove to the open ground, having frames a foot square to put them inside of, and if danger of frost after trans- planting, cover frames as warm weather ap- proaches. Keep well dusted with air-slaked lime or wood-ashes to keep off bugs, and when frame is filled up. and danger of frost is over, plant out. To " Fruit Recorder " Readers. We hope and ti'ust that every old Recorder subscriber will renew for Popular Gardening. We find with the great care and perplexity of publishing a paper off our hands and mind.we are in a much better shape to go over our large fruit farm and nurseries more, as also to visit fruit growers in different sections, and hence shall be in a much better shape to give our readers more practical original matter from our pen than we have ever been able to do in the Fruit Recorder. We will do ovr very hexf to make Popular Gardening the best paper of its kind published in this country. The reader must see it is not largely filled with glowing descriptions of fruit that someone has for sale, and in that line ■will be fearless and unbiased in giving opinions of fruits. SUCCESSION OF FRUITS. The great mistake many fruit growers make, especially beginners, is to plant too extensively of one kind of fruit — like Strawberrie.s — to the almost entire neglect of others, and even of these but one or two varieties only. The successful gardener or fruit grower is careful to so plant of the different kinds of fruit that he will have a succession from the first Straw- berry to the last Grape. Where only Straw- berries pay well, to follow the advice given by many and plow up the bed after one year's crop, is a mistake, for the reason that old planta- tions give two or three good pickings before new plantations ripen any fruit. There are certain kinds of fruit, like Black Raspberries, that are profitably dried or evap- orated, and of which one need not fear plant- ing too many, for with the most complete dryers now in use, if the market is overstocked with this fruit, or there comes a wet spell, in which they are likely to mold and spoil in marketing, put them into the drying house. Dried Black Raspberries generally bring 33 to .SO cents per pound, and as it takes a trifle over three quarts to the pound, sold at this price it is about the same as 6 to 8 cents per quart for the fruit, and this will pay. There is one fruit that is largely over- looked, and yet sells well in every market — Currants. One thing very nice about them is that one is not obliged to pick them as soon as ripe, and to force them upon a low market. They will hang on the bushes a month after ripening. As for the Currant worm, sprink- ling the bush and fruit with a pailful of water in which is a spoonful of white powdered hellebore exterminates them quickly. This should be done as quick as their work is begun. A plantation of Currants once set and kept properly trimmed and fed with manure, will last from 1.5 to 2(1 years, -nith but very little cost. This fruit connects the Strawberry and Raspberry crops nicely together. The cost of picking is light, and coming at a time when the last pickings of Strawberries and the first pickings of Raspberries are light- est and pickers make but little money, turning them into the Currants an hour or two each day helps them out on the general picking. No fruit comes after the Strawberry that is more sought for than the Red Raspberry. And no fruit is more scarce in many markets, and for these reasons. The country has been flooded with tender and red sorts and they have not been properly grown. Such hardy sorts as the Hansel, Crimson Beauty, Turner, Brandywine, and Cuthbert can be relied on in every section where it is possible to grow the red sorts. This excellent fruit must not be cultivated too deep, but to run through them shallow with a horse hoe that will cut off suckers and weeds, and allowing but three to four stalks to a hill, one is sure of good crops. The same may be said of Blackberries. By planting such ' ' iron elads " as Snyder, Taylor, Western Triumph and Stone's Hardy, these too may be made very profitable. Then of Grapes, plant such old, hardy, tried sorts as Concord, Rogers 4 and 1.5, Salem and Pooklington, and one may have a selection that will give this fruit the season through. RECEIPTS FOR GRAFTING AND WOUND- DRESSING WAX. For winter use — French : Melt together two pounds of clear rosin and two ounces of beef or mutton tallow, and when cool add one fluid ounce of spirits of turpentine and about thirteen to fifteen fluid ounces of ninety-five per cent alcohol, added slowly over a moderate heat, the contents being well stirred until about the consistency of honey, or .just so as to be applied with a stiff feather. Keep in a wide- mouthed bottle, and cork when not in use. It is a complete dressing for all wounds on trees. For early spring — Major Freas : Four pounds of rosin, one pound of tallow, and one of bees- wax ; melt all together over a slow fire, and when done turn out into a tub of cold water, and pull as shoemaker's wax is made. This may be softened with hot water if the weather be too cool, and applied with a paddle. For summer, and to use upon trees — Farm .Journal: Four pounds of rosin, one pound of beeswax, and from half to a pint of raw lin- seed ; melt all together gradually, and turn in- to water and pull as for making shoemaker's wax. This is a grafting-wax that needs no seeing to afterward if well put on, by cooling the greasy hands and applying secxindum art em. In cherry grafting always, and in other kinds sometimes, strips of old muslin or calico from a quarter to half an inch wide should be wound over the wax and the ends imbedded in- to it to hold the grafts steady, and to prevent the slit from gaping.— Gen«arifo«in Telegraph. GOOD vs. POOR SOIL FOR SMALL FRUITS. An Illinois party asks, " Shall I choosearich prairie loam, or ' bluff land ' that is sandy and rather poor (or at least we Western folks would call it so), for growing small fruit ? I can get plenty of manure for the hauling." Heavy, rich, level land, like your prairies, is very apt to "heave" badly, and it is this that destroys plantations, while the bluff, roDing, sandy land heaves but little, if any, and conse- quently plants are not damaged. We have always chosen sandy land for our operations. The great mistake many make, is either in choosing too rich soU, or over-feeding it with manure — supposing the more they put on the larger the crops. As well might they over-stuff a child with food to give it strength. Were we to take our choice of a poor, sandy piece of land, where even manure was scarce, or a deep, rich, heavy soil, both being in sections where fruits were liable to winter kUl, we should take the poorest, plowing it deep, cultivating it well, and changing the crops here and there on it every two or three years. In certain sections of Western New York, and others similar, where fruit does not winter kill, and where there is not that rich, virgin soil, and where earliness is not particularly desirable because of Southern fruits coming in, we should prefer about the best land that could be hatl, keeping in view land that is easily 1887. POPULAR GARDENING. 1Z worked. There is, too, another important thins in favor of sandy soil. It can be worked right after rains, — even while wet — without " baking." and, too. it is more easily worked. We remember one season having almost con- tinual rain for weeks. Between showers we kept the cultivatoi' goiug lively, and all hemds at pulling out all large weeds by hand. — not using hoes, anil when it did come off dry we had but little trouble to get everything cleaned up in good shape. Visiting a brother-in-law at that time, we found his jjlants literally choked down with weeds. His land was heavier, uith some clay, and for weeks he could work it no better than a mortar lied, hence the weeds. Again, a sandy loam will stand the drought the best ; only keep it well worked and droughts are really a benefit to the owner thereof. TVe mean that we have always made more money in ch-y seasons than wet, for the rea.son that we kept our cultivators and hoes constantly going and the soil well stirred, and when this is done on sandy soil, and it is kept well pulverized, it suffers but little in comparison to heavier soil that becomes hard with drought. But we don't get the crops such seasons that we do in more rainy weather and as a rule we don't want them. We are speaking of sections where there is competition, and where most people grow in their gardens fruit sufficient for their own use and in favorable seasons fruit is abundant and cheap, large lots bringing in little money. Picking bill, expressage, cost of baskets, etc. , etc. , cut the net proceeds down to a low figm-e. In dry seasons many, or in fact, most, do not understand that cultivation keeps moisture to the surface ; and while all such fail to get crops because of negligence, and, too, plantations on hea\-y soils suffering most, and garden beds di'ying up, instead of having a supply of their own, these become purchasers. We had rather have one hundred bushels of small fruit from five acres of land at 15 cents per quart, than four hundred bushels from the same land at 6 to 8 cents per quai't. Figure up cost of picking, ba.skets, marketins, etc., and you will see the point. And best of all, the small crop is less driving, giving one more time. Understand us, reader, we are no advo- cate of small crops when they aire plenty all around us; neither would we, if we had the power, have drougths to obtain light crops and ram enough for plantations all around us. SMALL FRUITS ON THE FARM. To advise a farmer to grow small fruits for market, and at the same time carry on his farming operations, is something we will not do. But there are hundreds and thousands of farmei's who have a natural taste for fruit growing, and to whom farming has become a dnidgery — especially that class who are not strong, to whom a change is desirable and nec- cessary. To these we would say, if 5-ou are living within three or four miles of a good home market, and cities not far aivay by rail or steam- boat, a change to fniit growing wiU be both profitable and pleasant. The first thing to do is to rent out most of your land, or let it out on shares, reserving your home, and say ten to twenty acres of land for your fruit growing operations, and if you have a love for the business, and go at it sys- tematically and energetically, you vriU make more money from ten acres of land, than you have ever made from your fai-m, and that too, with less real heavy work. Plant only of leading, well tried sorts that are hardy and productive ; give them good cul- tivation and plenty of mulch, and you wlU reap a large reward, and too, this kind of work makes less hard work for the women folks, and besides, supplies the table with fruit daily throughout the yeai'. There are farmers who have no liking for growing fruit; but as a rule, these have a son or sons who have, and who might prefer it to farming. These are very emxious to keep their sons on a farm, away from the city. To such we say, let such a son have the use of a few acres to grow small fruits; and the longer he is engaged in it, the more he will like it, and con- sequently his attachment for home strengthened and. too, by this the table is supplied with lux- uries you would not dispense with after one season's experience. There are many inland towns not well supplied with fruit and vege- tables and here there would be good openings. COST OF GROWING STRAWBERRIES. A paragraph is going the rounds of the press in which the cost of growing Strawberries in the East is put down at $1.50 per acre, and item- ized as follows: Land rent .SC: plowing and harrowing, •*4; manure, S50; plants, $20; sum- mer cultivation, $50; mulching material for winter, $20. In amount for fertilizers, $35 is allowed for one ton of pure ground bone and $15 for muriate of potash. Will some of our Minnesota and Dakota growers give us the cost from their experience? We clip the above from the North Dakota Farmer. It's laughable how such absurd items will find their way into Western papers. All we have to say is, that as a rule one acre of Strawberries does not co.st the grower at the most more than one-third to one-half the amount given above. In fact, we can take an acre of poor Eastern land and plow and subsoil prop- erly, where Strawberries have never been grown, and at the right time (say in August or September) apply ten dollars' worth of super- phosphate and get a.s fine a crop as the average of gi'owers in the West. So then we save the $50 item above on ma- nure and the $40 item on commercial fertil- izers. As to the expense of $20 on plants, that need not be but for the first or starting year, for after that one has all the plants he needs from his own increase. We would not advise ground bone for Strawberries, as it is not quick enough in its efl'ects for a crop that is dependent on the first year after planting, like Strawberries, but is better adapted to Currants, Grapes and Raspberries, because more lasting. We can cultivate one acre and do it well for $25 to $30, while $.50 is set down in above fig- urings. We wonder where in the East that acre could have been gi-own. THE CULTURE OP CRANBERRIES. We have often had inquiries as to the growing of Cranberries, and among all the directionswe have yet received none equal the following short, practical, directions taken from the Fai-ni, Field and Stockman: The best soil is muck with a coating of sand on top. Clay and loam soils will not answer. Hence never plant Cranberries on a di'ift for- mation, and the sand should be sharp (asiUc- ious sand). When a situation has been selected for a Cranberry bog, the first thing to be done is to level it. It requires much less water to flow a bog that has a level surface than one that is uneven. If the bog is extensive, and cannot, without too much expense, be reduced to one common level, there is no objection to having different grades with low dykes between them. In many bogs it would be economical to em- ploy an experienced engineer, and have marked stakes put up and profiles and working plans drawn. With such marked stakes and draw- ings the workman knows when he has filled his barrow where he is to tip the contents. There will be no mistakes, no alterations to be made, and in the end money will be saved. The depth of sand required to be spread on the surface depends upon the depth of the peat. If the latter is only a foot or two in thickness, five inches of sand is considered sufficient ; it it is several feet, at least a foot of sand is required to make a good bog. The more sand there is used, the longer it requires to bring the vines into a bearing state ; but when brought into that state they will bear for many years. The planting is generally done in the spring, by covering pieces of the vine, say three inches long, in the soil, about two inches deep, eigh- teen inches apart, three pieces in a place. A better way, on prepared soil, would be to open naiTow furrows, two feet apart, and strew the vines, cut into sections in the cutting-box, rather thickly therein and covering lightly. If in planting in this manner care is taken to leave out one end of the vine, the best means will have been emplojed. MEAT FROM THE SHELL. Stephen Powers, in the Ohio Fanner, tells of a man in Athens County, Ohio, who bought 40 acres of not particularly good soil, which he set to Apple trees, plantine Peach trees alternatety with them. This was 1 8 years ago. He had but three crops from his Peach trees in that time, but his orchard has paid for 2;i0 acres additional land, and the returns for the current year aggregate $1,080 for Apples, cider and evaporated fruit, and the 15 swine that were fattened on windfalls. The orchard is princi- pally of the Rome Beauty, The Orange County CS.YAFarmersays; "George A. fialloway, of Walden, has applied the test of cold storage to Peaches. He purchased fifty bush- els of Peaches of the Salway variety, of the finest quality purchasable, and put them in one-half bushpl baskets The result has proven perfectly satisfactory to the owner of the Peaches, as well as to the cold storage house property. Mr. Galloway expects to rea'ize $10 a basket for his crop. In fact he has now been offered $15 a bushel for the entire Int. which offer he has refused. Dr. Lazenby, of the Ohio Experiment Station, says: " I am acquainted with an orchard of fifteen Apple trees, now twenty-six years old, that has been regularly and systematically treated to a wash of soft soap about May 20, and again .June 30, each year. Less than half a dozen borers have been found in this orchard and the trees are all in a thrift.y. vigorous condition. In neighboring orchards, where this precaution has not been taken, the trees have been killed by scores, while many that remain are so much injured as to he worthless. Lye is sometimes used in the place of soap, but the latter is a much more effective preventive. It can be readily applied with an old broom. Beside making the tree obnoxious to the borer, the soap keeps the bark in a healthy condition. This remedy may be applied to all trees or shrubs liable to be attacked. The Prai'r/e i*^ar»icr says: The Dakota man who sowed buckw^heat among his young forest trees was sensible. During the past fifteen years the writer has lost no opportunity for urging the sowing of buckwheat in nurseries, tree plantations, and young orchards. When trees are set on the dark colored prairie soils of the West, and the ground well culti- vated and bare, the surface temperature above the nitrogen feeding roots will often reach 1:30, and sometimes 140 degrees. This intense heat of the soil and the consequent heating of the lower beds of air to which the young trees are exposed, is con- trary to Nature and her methods of tree growing. If the exposed surfaces are covered with succulent plants of buckwheat, the nitrogen feeding roots can come up about as near to the surface as under native forest conditions, and the lower beds of air to which the plants are exposed become relatively cool. During the past quarter of a century some experiments with a view to testing the relative effect on young trees of exposed and shaded sur- faces of soil between the rows have given results too striking for popular belief. Ben: Perley Poore says in American Cultivator: Stealing fruit is a mean business. A highwayman,- who meets me on the road on a dark night, and, presenting a revolver, demands my pocket-book, is more to be respected than the sneaking thief who creeps into my garden just before day and helps himself to Apples, Pears or Grapes. Thoughtless boys sometimes trespass in this manner as a good joke.- Their parents should teach them better; and, if they will not. let a public exposure be made of every criminal detected. If this does not effect a reform, let the law do its work. The Practical Fanner says: A well-known hort- iculturist says he had an Apple tree which bore fruit every alternate year only, and the fruit was verj' small. He made it a yearlj- bearer— and also greatly increased thesizeoftheapples— by thinning out the small branches after the fruit had formed, so as to remove about half of it. The Apples were fully doubled in size and improved in flavor. Its year for non-bearing would find it full of blossoms, and by removing half the embryo Apples a good crop would result. This is a good thing to remem- ber and try next spring. 74 POPULAR GARDENING. February, The Bouvardia for Amateurs. When our New York correspondent in last month's Issue spoke of the Bouvardia as being very much in demand in that city, but always inexpensive, she gave an intimation of two of the most striking qualities of the plant. These are, first, that the flowers are so charming that flower buyers eagerly demand them; second, they are grown so easily that they never can be a costly commodity. To winter flowers the Bouvardia occupies a relation somewhat similar to that of the Sweet Pea to other fine summer flowers, namely, they are most delightful yet always low priced in the city flower markets. Still it camiot be said that amateurs in general are very successful as Bouvardia growers, and especiaUy not so in the window garden. Simple as are the re- quirements of the plant, yet these are im- perative for best results. It is as a winter- blooming plant that the Bouvardia has the gi-eatest value. If for this one wishes to bring on his own stock a start should be made with 2 1-4 inch pot-plants the spring previous, growing such until fall in pots with several shifts or in the open ground. As to soil for the Bouvardia, whether in pot or bedding-out culture, one that is light, rich and mellow is the best. While young growth is going on the plants need an occasional heading in, for securing stocky forms ; taU plants are not the best bloomers. In starting the young plants a temperature of 70° with a moist atmos- phere will suit them well until placed out- side for the summer, say June 1. To have flowers by Christmas from pot plants, these should be in a .5-inch size by the end of July, stopping the ends of the shoots not later than August, and shifting into the flowering pots in September. Plants grown in the open ground need clean culture throughout the season. As early as September 10th they should be lifted ; to leave them until Geranium lift- ing time, some weeks later, would be a bad mistake. The size of pots required for flowering in varies from about six to eight inches across, according to strength of plants. In lifting exercise care that the roots are not exposed to air needlessly for one moment. Pot moderately firm and water the plants once thoroughly, then shade heavily for about a week, during which time spray the foliage frequently but lightly. As the Bouvardia likes warmth, it should from the taking up time on have this provided. For a wint«r temperature anywhere from .50° to 65° night will suit ; in the former the bloom will be finer ; in the latter, earlier and more profuse. In inside culture the Red Spider, Green- fly and Mealy Bug are liable to do injury. Sponging or syringing the leaves very often will keep the plants clear of the first named ; a dusting with tobacco powder will put an end to Green-fly, while for Mealy Bug the thumb and finger remedy, or else washing with warm soap-suds, should easily sufiice. The flowers of the Bouvardia come somewhat in crops throughout the winter. Towards spring the blooming slackens up a good deal, at which time it is well to withhold water for a spell, cutting the plant back fully one-half. A month or so later they may be started up again, removing most of the old earth and repotting in fresh soil. Or, if growing in a bed, a method very common among florists, mulch with ma- nure. Such treatment, along with a good watering, should induce a new thick growth that will yield much bloom during a new term. Those who grow Bouvardia extensively start with fresh plants each spring. It does not fol- low, however, that no success could be had by working with the same plants for several years after the course outlined above. Something should be said about the propagation. This is commonly, because most successfully, done during this month from cuttings of the roots. Healthy young roots are taken and cut into small pieces. These are strewn over a warm bed of sand, covering them 1-4 of an inch in depth with sand. It does not take a long time before minute plants will appear, and these after having grown an inch or two are to be treated like any other cuttings. Of varieties adapted to the window garden, these which foUow are the best: Alfred Neuner, double white; President Garfield, double pink; Elegans, a charming and well tested single red, looks dry, it gets a generous drink ; if a little moist it gets none,unles6 it be a greedy drinker. When the plants need a bath, instead of tak- ing them singly in the washtub as I did last winter, I turn the stand part way round, hang a heavy blanket behind them, and with warm water and a Whitman Fountain Pump give them a thorough washing. I do this on warm, bright days, keeping the sun from them until they dry off ; all this requires scarcely more than half an hour, including mopping the floor, while the washtub, process required a great deal of time, and strength too. Elder's Wife. TRUSS OF BOUVARDIA ELEQANS. of which we give an engraving from the cata- logue of HiU & Co., florists of Richmond, Ind. ; Leiantha and Triphylla, also red; Davidsonii longiflora, and the fragrant Humboldtii cor- ymbifiora, white. The last one is really a superior sort under all circumstances. A Reader Describes her Plant Stand. My plant stand is a plain home-made affair, but answers my purpose well. It is made of inch pine boards, has four shelves, each one project- ing five inches beyond the one above. The three lower ones are one foot wide, the top one seven inches. The height between them is nine inches; a foot piece of oak two inches square, reaching from front to back of the stand is secured to each side of the stand, and into these four casters are put. The stand is made of a width corresponding with a large window in the south side of the kitchen, only a few feet from the cook-stove and holds when filled about 100 plants. My collec- tion embraces Geraniiuns in variety. Begonias, Coleus, Heliotrope, AmaryUis, Agapanthus, Hardenbergia, Mesembryanthemums, Vinca, etc., etc., all seeming to enjoy the combined warmth of sun and stove, and thriving in tin cans, wooden buckets, and other "bric-a-brac." The tea kettle is kept on the stove always, to keep the air moist, and a bottle of strong tobacco water, and a machine oiler filled with Pyreth- rum powder, stand near to do instant execution on the appearance of insect enemies. I water the plants early every morning, using warm water. By taking hold of one end of the stand, the casters allow me to roll it back from the window with ease, giving access to them, so I can readily see the needs of each. If a plant Some Fine Annuals for Next Summer. WILBUR F. LAKE. To the annuals we are larglely indebted for our finest summer and early autumn flowers. At this comparatively idle season in gardening work, it is in order to study up our next season's display of these. I would like to urge the more general culti- vation of many of the more delicate and really elegant aimuals which cultivators too often pass by. Without the gaudy Phlox Di-ummondi, the carpet parterres of Portulaca, and the beautiful beds of Asters, the summer gar- den would be incomplete enough, no doubt. These are £ill right in their place, but a flower garden wholly composed of these does not begin to possess the charm of one containing the fine things to which I in- vite attention. To my mind some of Nature's best smiles are found in such delicate annuals as the Asper- ula, the Nierembergia and the Fenzlia, aU of which are worthy of being named here. For a shady spot few flowers give more pleasure than the Whitlavia. The plants are proof against cold and wet, but often suffer in hot weather, hence their suitability for shady places. The flowers consist of di'ooping clusters of white and blue bells. The Saponaria is another an- nual too rarely seen. It is a low-growing plant that is very desirable for edging, setting alter- nately with other low plants of pink and white. For a fine trailing flowering plant try the Abronia, a native of California, where it grows very plentifully. The branches of this plant are several feet in length and most pleasingly studded with the modest heads of bloom of various colors. The Eutoca, although a coarse- growing plant, produces blossoms of blue that ai'e not common among flowers. These are very desi rable for cutting. A branch placed in water will go on developing for many days. The new varieties of the Godetia, with their delicate tints of rose, crimson and white, mu.st also be mentioned among our attractive an- nuals. On the rockery one should be sure to have some plants of the Nolana, these being very pretty here. Treat them like Portulacas. The flowers are cup-shaped, resembling those of the Morning Glory, to which, indeed they are not distantly related. I have mentioned the foregomg as being especially desirable, having grown them year after year. There are many others I have only given one year's trial and of which the Browallia, Callirhoe, Spraguea, Salpiglossis, Nemophila, GaiUardia and Viscaria pleased me. A particular merit of the annuals is that, with being so numerous and differing so widely in habit, form and color, there is no spot other- wise left unoccupied but can be made attract- ive with them. The kinds of soil also are few in which some will not well thrive. As TO Fuchsias for winter flowering, Speciosa is one of the finest; corolla scai'let, sepals blush. Earl of Beaconsfield is a fine one ; flowers large, corolla rosy carmine, sepals carmine. Black Prince is of fine habit ; corolla rose, sepals carmine. Arabella is fine ; corolla rose and the sepals white. 1887. POPULAR GARDENING. 75 Mr. Treecllmber has Something to say for Botanical Names, " What I is Mr. Treeclimber in favor of such terrible jaw-breaking names too ? I supposed he was much too sensible for that." J think I hear some of my young friends make such a remark before they have heard what I have to offer. First let me say that I am a wai-m friend of the best common names of plants, but not to a degree that would lead me to banish the botani- cal ones. While prefering for all ordinary uses the names Mignonette for Respda odorata, Diadem Pink for Diantlnis Heddewigii dia- dematus florepletto, etc., I yet find the latter names of gi'eat importance. One thing that has given me great pleasure in reading Popular Gardening is that its editors, ever since I have known the paper, have shown a preference for the common names of plants in its columns. Not but what I observe that they also appreci- ate the botanical ones, for usually I see these are given somewhere neai- the common names which they represent, and this is proper. Wherein then does the VALUE OF THE HARDER BOTANICAL NAMES lie you will want to know. It is in the simple fact that such names are fixed and the same the world over in all languages. What I mean by this is, that these are the Latin names of plants and Latin is the language of science every- where. With common names it is quite other- %vise; usually they are common only in one language, and even at that, a certain name for a certain plant may often be known only to a very narrow region. Indeed nothing is so com- mon as to find many of the more ordinary kinds of plants having a different name in almost every locality where they grow. NO ONE KNOWS HOW MANY COMMON NAMES such maj' altogether have throughout this or that state or country. To illustrate : sometime since five intelligent men from different parts of the state were discussing the subject of com- mon and botanical names, when one of them picked up a weed that is widely known, and asked each of his companions to give the name he knew it by. Every one of the five gave a different name. In the neighborhood where this occurred the same plant was known by several others. And such cases of an abun- dance of names are anything but rare. The worst part of this common name matter is that it leads to much confusion. How could it be otherwise with speaking of the same plant by different names in different places? Let us look at several familiar examples which clearly show this gi-eat liability to confusion. Take for one the well known shi-ub which botanically is everywhere known as Rhvs CoHrms, but which BEARS SEVEN COMMON NAMES that I know of, and who can tell how many more besides. I will make a parallel exhibit of the names : COMMON NAMES OF THE SAME SHRUB. Venetian Sumach. Purple Fringe Tree. Smoke Bush. Cloud in the Air. Summer Fringe Wig Tree. Mist Tree. Now suppose some one of my readers knew this shrub only by the first name given, and some distant friend of yours would know it only by the last name given. Then supposing you was to offer that friend a sprout of your Venetian Sumach and he, not knowing it by that name, but having the same plant by the other name, would accept of your kind offer, do you not see how annoying the little friendly deal might prove to be > Or some friend might have a Cloud in the Air on his lawn which you very much admire. You would want to plant one and would order it by this name from a nurseryman. But how could he fill your order even though he might have thousands of trees for sale, knowing them only as Purple Fringe BOTANICAL NAME OF THE SHRUB. Rhus Cotinus. BOTANICAL NAME OF THE TREE. Abies Douglasii. or else by the botanical name. You will see at once in these cases, that had the botanical name been known and used along with the common ones, all chance of trouble would have been avoided, because this alone represents the same plant everywhere. Here is even A MORE STRIKING INSTANCE of the same kind, in the case of an evergreen tree well known in many place and which case I present similarly to the former one. COMMON NAME OF THE SAME TREE. Douglas Fir. Red Fir. I Black Fir. I Douglas' Spruce. I Red Spruce. I Black Spruce. Hemlock. Oregon Pine. Bear River Pine. [Swamp Pine. Western Pitch, and per- haps others. In this case no less than eleven names are borne by the same tree in different localities of om- country. It is possible that it has as many more common names in other countries. But with all its common names it bears but a single botanical name and that is the same everywhere and as a rule unchangeable. These illustrations must serve to show you very clearly how un- satisfactory is the attempt to get along well with only the common names of plants. If the Latin names may be somewhat hard to re- member, really it is the common ones that give the most trouble and by a good deal. But I have more to say on this subject which must be deferred until some future time. Timothy Treeclimber. Growing Tree Chrysanthemums. This is the month in which to start on getting up next fall's flowering stock. On raising that alwaj's interesting class, the Tree Chrysanthe- mum, a correspondent of the N. Y. Tribune writes: It is yet a mystery to most people how the expert gardener obtains his fine specimens of the showy autumn flowers. Chrysanthemums in tree form. The popular delusion that they are old plants, grown for two or three years in advance, is untenable for the reason that Chrys- anthemums are herbaceous, and the tops conse- quently die down to the surface of the ground after the flowering season. To obtain fine specimens, the old stock plants should be started in February, and the cuttings taken off and rooted as soon as possible. After potting them off in rich mellow soil, give an abundance of water both over the tops and at the roots. A little bonedust incorporated with the soil and a weekly allowance of liquid ma- nure will cause vigorous growth. Keep the tem- perature at all times cool, but never permit frost to enter. Train to a single stem and when the shoot reaches say four feet in height, pinch out the center, when side branches wiU at once start out. These in their turn must be pinched to form a compact head. As soon as the weather is sufficiently mild in spring, pot up the plants and plunge in the ground up to theii- rims. Never neglect to water, and syringe at least once a day, excepting in rainy weather, and continue the use of liquid manure all the season. Striking Cuttings in Bottles. Variety in the methods of propagation are always of interest. One method for doing this work that is rarely applied beyond the rooting of Oleander cuttings, is in bottles, and this is .suited to many other kinds also. At least so we are informed by our always interesting corres- pondent, M. W. H., of Dover, N. H. Along with this " note to the family" she also sent the little pencil sketch from which our engrav- ing was made. She says : "I have rooted not only Oleanders, but Roses, Passion Vines, Virginia Creepers and numerous other things in bottles with success. I have a sprig of Ground Ivy which I put in a specimen glass of water nearly two years ago, and it threw out roots, and is still growing, although it is not near the light. For this kind of slipi)ing I prefer a wide- mouthed bottle, and this I fill nearly full of water, and keep in a light place during root- ing. I have tried bottles of different colored glass, and also stone bottles, but find no per- ceptible difference in the results, while the STRIKING CUTTINGS IN BOTTLES. light colored ones are more interesting and ornamental. I propagate at any season of the year, but find the present time very suitable. The cuttings I take off with a heel, and not straight across. These I set so they do not dip more than three-fourths of an inch into the water. In the water I sometimes have put lumps of charcoal, but could see no good from it. The water may be changed if it becomes clear, having the fresh of the same temperature as the old. The cuttings usually start to throw out roots inside of three weeks, and I pot them as soon as ever the latter show. I have had success in striking outdoor Rose cuttings in the summer in this way." ]+J 1; 64 arden Garden and Flower Received at this Office. CATALOGUES.— FIGURES INDICATE ITOMBER OF PAGES. Island Seed Co., Muscatine, la.. Seeds; 34. F. Bartelds & Co., Lawrence, Kas., Seeds- % D. M Ferry & Co., Detroit. Mich., Seeds; m Plant Seed Co., St. Louis, Mo., Seeds etc • M D. M. Dewey, Rochester, N. Y., Col'd Plates; 56 Hill & Co., Richmond, Ind., Roses, etc • 60 A. J. Caywood & Son, Marlboro, N. Y Small Fruits; 10. Cole & Brothers. Pella. la.. Seeds; 48. C. L. Whitney, Warren, Ohio., Evergreens' 4 F. K. Phoani.x & Son. Delevan, Wis., Nursery 12 Isaac F. Tillinghast, La Plume, Pa., Seeds: 33' Wm. Toole, No. Freedom, Wis., Pansy .Seeds' 8 Parsons & Sons Co., Flushing, N. Y Trees- I'lo' Peter Henderson & Co .New York. Plants etc-14b .James Vick. Rochester. N. Y., Plants etc ■ 144 Young & Elliott, 54 Dey Street, N. Y., Seeds- 64 Johnson & Stokes. Philadelphia. Pa., -Gardei and Farm Manual;" 86. John O. Hartel. Keokuk. la Seeds; 36. F. N. Lang, Baraboo. Wis.. Seeds; 46. Rose JIfg. Co., New York City. Insect Powder- 4 William Henry Maule, Philadelphia. Pa., Garden Supplies; .52 L. W. Ooodell, Dwight, Mass., Seeds, Trees and Plants; :i2. Frank Ford & Sons, Ravenna. Ohio, Seeds and Small Fruits; 31. MLSCELLANEOUS. " Fourth .\nnual Report of the New York Agri- cultural Experimental Station," Geneva N Y 348 pages. ' Report of the Fungus Diseases of the Grape- vine." By F. Lamson Scribner. B. Sc. From the Department of Agriculture, Washington D C "The Gold Fish and its Culture with a View to Profit." By Hugo Mulrett. liiK pps. H. Muh-ett Cmoinnati, Ohio. "Art of Propagation; a Hand-book for Nursery- men. Florists, Gardeners and Everybody." By J Jenkins. Illustrated. 32 pps. Jenkins' Grape and Seedling Nursery, Winona, Ohio. 76 POPULAR GARDENING. February, The Dying Rosebud. Ah, me! ah woe is me! that I should perish now. With the dear sunlipht just let in upon my balmy brow. My leaves, instinct with glowing life, were quiveringr to un- close ; My happy heart with love was ripe— I waa almost a Rose. How oft while yet an infant flower, my crimson cheek I've laid Ajrainst the green bars of my bower, impatient of the shade; And pressing up and peeping through its small but pre- cious vistus. Sighed for the lovely Hght and dew that blessed my elder sisters. Ah me! ah woe is me! that I ere yet my leaves nnclose. With ail my wealth of sweets, must die before I am a Rose. —Mrs. Osgood. Jack Frost. When the evening lamps are glowing, And the wintry winds are blowing In a dull and hollow chorus through the branches brown and bare, Downward on a moonbeam gliding. And within the shadows hiding. He writes upon the window-panes with fingers light as air, In white, bewildering showers Of stars and crowns and ilowers From out his cloudy chariot the feathery snow he hurls. —R.M. Griswold. Coleuses bripliteu. Flowers now improve. Burn the tree prunings. Fir trees must be warmly clad. It pays to plan well beforehand. Poor seeds are dear at any price. All heavy crops are gi-own on rich soil. Give thought to having an early garden. Cramping Cineraria roots is a bad course. Suppose you get up a garden marker now. The roller is the bi-st gravel walk preserver. This year's catalogues scarcely show hard times. Valentines of long stemmed flowers are in vogue. Flowers bestow grace on the plainest apartments. The Camellia and the Tea plant are near relatives. For a low hedge the Barberry bush is excellent. Thank you! To many friends who have sent in clubs. Primroses once in bloom will then thrive in shady windows. The Prairie Queen Rose is American. Balti- more, 18^3. "Wanted! More items and articles of experience from readers. Cyclamens l^ept cool when in bloom will look brighter ami lasMonger. Ten Strawberry plants well treated are better than a hundred misused ones. A good resolution for the future: never to plant a tree and then let it die from neglect. The Gregg Raspberry, excellent sort that it is, seems not to he satisfactory on clay soil. The talent and support of five journals com- bined in one ought to be telling in effects. The Dix is an excellent fall Pear, only we must not expect to see fruit from it soon after planting. Single Petunias in the better strains give as much satisfaction for the outlay as any annual we can think of. '* No one Grape is suited to all localities; neither is there any one locality suited to all Grapes."— Geo. W. Campbell. Where "Winter Pears are wanted for the table they should be brought into a warm place, and here, after a few days, they will become fit for eating. Your neighbor on some side, perhaps several neighbors, would be glad to take this paper, if made acquainted with its worth. Good reader you know to what we refer. The Lucretia Dewberry. How well this may be adapted for market remaios to be seen, but no one need be afraid of being humbugged by giving it a trial.— W^. J. Green. Do you want to help on the advancement of gar- dening in its every branch throughout America? Then simply help on the circulation of this journal. Your efforts here will surely bear good fruit. An Idea for a Cold Day. In starting a new fire in the greenhouse boiler or furnace use warm coal from a box kept inside the house, for putting next to the kindling. It will ignite more readily than if only cold coal is used. Plums do not enjoy the highest ground, for this is apt to be too dry; nor low grounds, for here late frosts may catch the blossoms They do enjoy a rich, naturally moist but drained soil. An able au- thority backs this statement. At this season, when people begin to think of spring garden work, is a time when those who do not now take Popular Gardening would listen to its merits and be likely to subscribe for it if invited. Here is work for every gardener of our family. He Will be a Gardener. Little Burt, who is soon to see his fifth birthday, picked all the leaves off his sisters toy tree a few days ago. His mother in reproving him for this asked why he did it, to which he answered, ''Cause they isn't wight ; it's winter." Plants are not aristocratic; they are better satis- fled with the window of the kitchen than in any other one in the house; in a poor man's home than in a rich man's mansion. It is a plenty of fresh air through oft-opened doors, and of moisture which they get in these places, that suit them so well. Grafted Apple trees may be long-lived, but trees that are not grafted are more so, as everybody knows. It is not long since several old ladies re- visited their childhood home and ate Bullet Apples, as they were called, from the same tree that they had picked them from as children 70 years before. Only a "Western Story, Perhaps. A Nebraskan sends to one of our farm exchanges the following statement: "I have kept Squashes till October, and have kept Crooknecks twq^years, and carried them to the fair the second year just as sound as when taken from the vines. I always take out fresh seeds for planting." A pleasing plant for pot culture, or for use in baskets, vases, etc., is Torrenia Fourneri The flowers are of a shape quite similar to those of the Maurandia, but in color are a blue, with golden blotches on the inner side. It is a free bloomer over a long season. The plants may be raised from seed, and this can be sown at any time now. ~.E..£^.5, The '* American Horticulturist." Although this journal has been merged into Popular Garden- ing,we would say that all offers relating to subscrip- tions, contributions, etc., made by its former publish- ers will hold good until June 1st of this year. Moneys for the former may be sent either to Leav- enworth & Burr Publishing Co., Detroit, Michigan, or directly to this office. No dew can reach the house plants, of course. Had you ever thought of this, and of how much the plants miss in this respect, as compared with those of the flower beds in summer ? We speak of it to impress the importance of frequent sprinkling, so all Oan see its necessity. There can be nothing nicer for this than the common rubber sprinkler having a tine rose. Let the dew fall daily. Here is a hint to those florists who would force the Camellia into early bloom next season: Do the forcing now, or as the new growth, and with it the next season's buds, is forming. At this time they may be hastened by heat as high as 65°. but defer this until just before blooming time,as may be done with most kinds of plants that are wanted in flower early, and you invite disaster to the crop of bloom. An Edible Oxalis. One species of this plant, 0.raHs crenata, is cultivated as a garden vegetable in France, the bulb of which is much prized as food. Its flavor is slightly acid; the leaves also are acid, like those of the Rabbit Clover, a well known native Oxalis. This foreign species grows about one foot high, has yellow flowers, and tubei-s that in some plants are yellow, in others red. The first frost kills the tops; the tubers are fit to eat some time later. A folding protector for plants is shown in the engraving. It consists of a pair of trapezoidal boards hinged together at their right-angled ends and connected by netting or oiled muslin of suffi- cient size to permit them to be opened as shown. The protector when not in use may be compactly folded, as seen to the left in the engraving. The cost is said to be less than four cents apiece. This article is patented; it being the invention of Eugene Zimmer, Mobile, Alabama. Ferns in Moss. In a fertilizing moss, made by spriukling some fine bone meal over the moss as it was spread out, I have succeeded ingrowing Adi- antun^ and Pteris Ferns with excellent results I place the moss in round wire baskets of my own making, and which look like balls of moss with Ferns growing out of them when planted. They are pretty for hall or house decoration. They are easily watered by placing in a saucer of water, but here they must not be left to stand long.— Dora. A Rapid-growing Tree. The Silver-leaved Maple {Acer dasycarpum) is one of the most rapid- growing trees we know of in the North, and it is open to but few of the objections that can be brought against the free-growing Poplars. We have just seen dug up some trees of this variety in an old nursery that are only twelve years old, and yet are a foot in diameter, though crowded somewhat. Culture and fertile soil had of course much to do with this. It is a good tree to plant where a quick growth is wanted, and it is a clean-looking and good shade tree.— J. H. An Insect Destroyer. In printing a note from Mr. F. Dickinson on this subject it is done not by any means to justify cigar smoking, but for the idea it contains as to the use of tobacco in any other form, as an insecticide. He says: '1 smoke cigars freely and save the stubs at the mouth end. I then put about three dozen of these in a stone jar with one quart of boiling water; stir well up, and cover over for two or three days. When it is nearly as dark as strong tea it is ready for use. Then I syringe my plants and wash off with hot water in twelve hours after. It is harmless, and is not oily like some other insecticides." Holiday Flowers Outdoors. They have them, as a usual thing, and in abundance, in the San Jose Valley, California, according to a recent letter from subscriber J. A. C, of that place: "Our churches and homes were adorned on Christmas with flowers from the open garden. Of these there were Roses, Chrysanthemums, Violets, Marigolds, Clem- atis, Jasmines, Heliotropes, Geraniums, Candy- tufts, Tritomas, Cestrum (red and yellow), Japan Anemones, Snapdragons, Carnations, all blooming in my garden. In all the counties of California, from the foot hills of the Sierra Nevadas to the ocean, frost in winter is the exception. In 36 years snow has fallen probably 10 or 12 times, but only twice was there enough to gather snowballs." Joining their Fortunes. Those excellent jour- nals, the American Garden andthe Floral Cabinet^ as if tu'ed of single blessedness, have become life partners for better and not for worse. Of the two the Ladies'' Cabinet, being the more gentle partner, naturally enough gave up its name, and hereafter the title American Gardeyi will serve the united papers. Popular Gardening, with its own strong inclination to lessen the number of horticultural papers in the country by purchase, heartily rejoices in this union of the talent and strength of its New York contemporaries; to its mind it means a very able paper to continue the career of the others. Mr. E. H. Libby will continue to be editor of the strength- ened Garden; he is one of the brightest editorial writers of the day on rural subjects. Potash Fertilizers for Fruit. Potash fertilizers have decidedly improved the desirable qualities of fruits. Wherever the percentage of this element A FOLDING PLANT PROTECTOR, SHOWN BOTH OPEN AND CLOSED.' has been raised, the change is accompanied by an increase of sugar and decrease of acid. This, it is hardly necessary to say, is an important and desir- able change — a matter of dollars and cents. Other things being equal, the fruit with the largest per cent of sugar will bring the highest price. More- over, less desirable varieties may be brought up to a higher standard, thus giving value to such in 1887. POPULAR GARDENING. 11 Fig. 1. The Common Perilla. quality, hardiness and prolific bearing. The fact that the quality and character of garden and orchard products can be modified by the effect of special fertilizers is of immense importance in its practical as well as scientific bearing.— Afa.isac/iu- seffs E.vpcrhuent Station. Fruit Growing in British Columbia. Our cor- respondeut. (i. W. Henry, from that far-off regio?i, has great faith in the future of that part of the world for fruit growing. Excepting Califor- nia, he thinks it will develop into the finest fniit raising country on the con- tinent. He says: "I have seen by far the finest specimens of Apple, Pear, Plum, Cherry, and all kinds of Berries and Currants, con- sidering the varie- ties, I ever saw in any country, and the way the trees and bushes grow and produce is something wonderful. The fruit retains all the fine flavor of our Northern climate, grows to an im- mense size and is beautifully colored. I hope to give you some accounts later on, after I have had more experience here. Of course this country is new and fruit growing is in its infancy, but nearly every per- son is now turning their attention to that industry.'" Lily of the Valley in the House. One of our new subscribers, E. M. Van Aken, a photographer, doing business in Elmira. N. Y., is also a successful amateur gardener. He succeeds well in growing the Lily of the Valley as a window plant, and has favored us with his method of managing this favor- ite here: ''I find it very satisfactory. I take up a nice clump of roots, with strong flowering 'pips' late in the fall, place them in a pot or box of soil sufficiently large, and leave out-of-doors until the soil is frozen. Then I remove them to the cellar, or some cool jilace where they will thaw out gradually, and placing them in the window about the first of January, and from then on they will come into bloom beautifully in about five weeks and remain for nearly a month, to make every one smile who looks upon them, and to fill the room with the most delightful fragrance." Hardly to he Wondered at. One member of our family living in Tippecanoe Co., Ind., advances some conclusions concerning an insect on Apple trees in her vicinity, with which we cannot agree. On the face of things, however, it might seem as if she was right. It is her opinion that the Woolly Aphis, which is the insect referred to, owes its or- igin to the Cottonwood and similar trees, the leaves of which are covered with white down on their lower surface. She says this down flies from the trees in .July and settling on other trees soon de- stroys them. While the substance may resemble the woolly insects, there is no connection whatever between them. The latter are propagated the same essentially as all other insects are, and to cut down all the Cottonwood trees, as our correspond- ent says she should do if she had her way. would not reduce them at all. One gentleman of our ac- quaintance who has been much troubled by this in- sect, finds a remedy for it by painting over every infected part of any tree with a composition made of an equal quantity of melted rosin and fish oil. This is put on while warm with a paint brush. The Perillas are a class of easily raised, dark leaved plants that are very useful for creating con- trasts with Centaureas. and similar "Dusty Millers'" in summer bedding. Being half-hardy annuals they may be grown from seed by those wIk? do not have the facilities for raising dark Coleus and the like from cuttings The best known kind is the Common Perilla, (P. nankiiiensis)^ shown in Figure 1. This has dark vinous purple foliage. A variety of it of comparatively recent introduction is the Fimbriated Perilla {P. nnnkinensis fimbri- ata), and this one is shown in the lower engraving. The Perillas are heat lovers; with this characteris- tic kept in mind there is little difficulty in raising the plants. The seed may be sown as earl^- as Febru- ary 15 or March 1 to raise strong plants early, pro- vided one has the conveniences of a warm green- house, hot-bed or window. These lacking, and the sowing had better be deferred to a month or six weeks later. We have seen fine results in raising the plants from seed that was sown in a sheltered place in the open ground about May 20, the soil here hav- ing been a black sandy loam. Sometimes the Per- illa may be seen used with unrefined taste, in a state so crowded that the plants become weak and straggling, and looking anything but creditable. Such a style of culture for them is inexcusable. Beggings Cuttings. Let there be an understand- ing as to this business and then no one need be offended. A visitor to a plant collection under glass, at this delightful season of the year, sees a fine plant bearing many cuttings suitable for striking. The thought occurs how easily a plant could be raised from one of these, and unwittiugly the favor of perhaps a single cutting is asked by the visitor. To the one who asks it seems like a small thing for the plant owner to grant " only a slip from so many," and to be refused would be to greatly lower the latter in the estimation of the former. But let us look on the other side. The plant with its crop of cuttings and bloom is (piite a different thing from what it was in the fall or early winter. It now rep- resents in its vigorous shoots such things as costly growing facilities, care, coal, etc., and through a number of months of time It has been brought along to a stage where it may soon begin to make some returns to its patient owner. He sees in these cuttings hardly any less value than in the same number of well rooted plants in pots, for inside of a few weeks they may be such by his skillful efforts in the propagating house. As well expect him to give away plants in the spring to those who can afford to buy as his dearly raised cuttings, which so soon will yield cash value. He may give in order not to offend, but he cannot do so with cheerfulness. It should never be asked. The way to manage such a matter is simply for the visitor to insist on paying the real value of the cutting, say a few cents less than a plant in the spring would be worth. Then there will be no misunderstanding or undue advant- age on either side and both parties to the deal may part with pleasant faces and feeling happy. Buyers are Referred Elsewhere " Do you have Box shoots suitable for hedge-making for sale and if so, at what price?" asks Mr. Jas. E. Kevilof Cald- well Co., Ky., along with .some other questions, which appeared in our Inquiry Column. This de- tached part of our respected correspondent's in- quiries we set forth here as a specimen of many such that reach this office and which in this instance we present as a text for some remarks to a multitude of our ne%ver readers. As is well known to all old subscribers. Popular Garden- ing is an independent journal of the straightest sect. No one connected with its management is interested in the sale of so much as a single seed, plant or tree of any kind. No one associated with this office is at liberty to even deal in horticultural stock of any kind. We are publishers and not nur- serymen. While it is true that among our valuable contributors we have the pleasure of numbering some experienced nurserymen and seedsmen, it is also true that not one such has any control in the affairs of the paper. Indeed we may with all due respect to our excellent contributors say, that it is one part of the office of the conductor of Popular Gardening to see that not even such shall find the opportunity of grinding any axes here. The simple object in all this is to make Popular Gardening a strictly reliable journal of horticul- ture in which every word is designed to benefit the reader, and with no words or statements fixed up to help the sale of this man's or that man's seeds or plants. That such a straightforward, in- dependent course is giving great satisfaction to our readers, and not to them alone but also to all engaged in the garden supply trade, because of our strict impartiality towards all such, is becoming more and more evident with each month's history of our successful paper. We have from the first known that this was the only right and consistent course for any horticultural paper to pursue, and to it we shall adhere so long as we are publishers. When, therefore, inquiries like the one quoted come in, we have only a single thing to do, namely, to re- fer them to one or another of the numerous grow- ers or dealers whose cards at various times appear in our advertising columns With the present year we also opened a permanent Garden Supply Directory, as seen elsewhere, and to this all such inquirers are respectfully referred. Notes on the Use of Flowers In New York. There was a much brisker wholesale flower trade during New Year's week than at Christmastide, and this in spite of the fact that a majority of the smart people were at Tuxedo. Pelham and Cedarhurst. One society woman made use of an entirely novel floral decoration at the opera. She has attracted much attention through selecting a turtle as the friend of her bosom, and she takes this engaging reptile into her box at the opera, where he lies on a bed of Hyacinths, and takes his dose of Wagner with well-bred indifference. Orchid flowers brought good prices around the holidays, but as far as actual use was concerned, Violets came flrst on the list, with Lily of the Valley and Roses closely following. Orchid bridal bouquets are rare, partly, perhaps, from their costliness, and partly from the still prevailing opinion that Roses, Lilies and Orange blossoms are more appropriate to youthful brides than the heavy richness of the Tropical flowers. One society reporter recounts a harrowing in- stance at a notable social gathering, where the decorations were very meagre, and, what more strongly affected some of the guests, there was a decided scarcity of champagne, its want being sup- plied by plebeian bottled beer. This innovation was explained on the ground that many preferred the humbler fluid ; any suggestion of economy would be in decidedly bad form. It is a melancholy fact, but the prevailing fashion in flowers with a good many really smart people this winter is economy. Whether Wall street has been unpropitious. or real estate fluctuating, or whether our mondaines_ are reducing expenditure in imitation of impoverished nobility, no one knows. But society has tightened its purse strings this winter, and in many instances floral decorations are less elaborate in consequence. The wheel of fortune displayed at the Philadel- phia Convention has acquired a large amount of popularity this winter. It consists of a large winged wheel, on a bed of plants and flowers, with a horn of plenty resting on the top. Some of the florists make much use of the finer varieties of dried flowers, in combination with the fresh ones, in this design; in fact. Cape Flowers are very often used for filling or backing in many designs. Another luncheon arrangement showed adifferent combination of color. A broad strip of old gold plush was laid down the center of the table. In the center was an oval of growing Ferns, surrounded by massed bunches of Marechai Neil and Perle Roses, which were afterwards distributed among the guests. Radiating from the center of the table were satin ribbons, olive and gold; one end, bearing the name, lay across the plate of each guest. Some of the daintiest table decorations this win- ter have been for luncheons. One artistic arrange- ment had for its centre piece a strip of blush-pink plush, outlined against the white damask by a border of Smilax. Within this was a round gilt basket closely filled with growing IMaiden-hair Ferns At each end were arranged in wheel shape pink satin bags, tied with dull-green bows, out of which arose bunches of Violets. These bags were the favors. At one end was a cut-glass globe, filled with pink Carnations, standing on a mirror. .XV-- ^^^^^^^: Fig. 2. Tlie Fimbriated PeHUa. One design, originated by a clever florist, has attracted attention by its oddity, and also by the fact that no one, on first sight, could grapple with its intricacies sufficiently to feel sure what it repre- sented. It had an irregular base, from which radiated a series of angular arms, somewhat sug- gestive of a cuttle fish trying to crook his elbows after the style of Bunthorue. But a little explana- tion soon enables one to understand the designer's idea; it represents one of those branching ''China monsters " last century dames loved to collect. We can see this shape in any collection of Chinese curios, in both bronze and porcelain, and the de- signer shows much ingenuity in thus adapting it to the needs of the florist. Emily Louise Taplin. 78 POPULAR GARDENING. February, ^Mi^HT FROM •THE- Plant food locked up in lumps might as well be out of the field.— (V^^ Matthew Crawford. Boses. You can scarcely give Hardy Roses too much food. — Mr. Warner, at Ontario Fruit Growers^ Association, "Horticultural Education for Women" was the subject of a paper, by Miss Sara J. Smith, Hartford, Conn., to have been read at the last meet- ing of the Massachusetts Horticultural Society. An Inter-State Convention in the interests of fruit growing and general agriculture will be held at Lake Charles, La., on the 33d and Ulth inst. Particulars furnished by Secretary S. A. Knapp, Lake Charles, La. The will of the late Marshall P. Wilder bequeaths to the American Pomological Society and the Mas- sachusetts Horticultural Society $1,000 each, the income of which is to be devoted to prizes for ob- jects of especial merit. Like a Fish out of Water. It is a critical time in the lite of a plant when the roots are out of ground. It is like a fish out of water; it may not die, but it is dying —Matthew Crawford, atOhio State Hortietiltnral Society. The Hoe Remedy for the Blues. But let me tell you, my dear sister, that there is nothing equal to the use of a hoe in the garden to drive away a fit of blues; it will not take more than an hour or two to accomplish the desired result.— il/arj/ N. Allen, at Lenamee (Mich.) Horticultural Society. Nut Trees. I know of no more enjoyable thing about a farmer's house than a small orchard of nut- bearing trees. An acre or two devoted to this pur- pose will do as much to keep the boys and girls at home while young, and to make the memory of the old home blessed in after life, as anything that I could name.— Pj'c/. James Satterlee. Massachusetts Horticultural Society. Follow- ing is the programme of meetings for discussion during the present month: Feb, 5, Ornamental Climbing Plants and how to use them, by John G. Barker, Jamaica Plains, Mass. Feb. 12, Annuals, and their Cultivation, by M. B. Faxon, Saugus, Mass. Feb. 19, Herbaceous Plants, by W. A. Manda, Cambridge, Mass. Feb. 36, Fertilizers,— Agricul- tural, Physical, Intellectual, and Moral, by Rev. Frederick C. Knapp, Plymouth, Mass. Women and the Societies, It is also generally too true that the ladies, who constitute the great majority of the growers and lovers of plants and flowers, only in exceptional cases affiliate with our organizations, or are present at our meetings, as active co-laborers: while, in by far the larger por- tion of our state. we are utterly without a represent- ative society ; or even, so far as we are aware, any considerable number of individual sympathizers.— Preside7it Lyon, at Michigan State Horticultural Society. Ammonia for House Plants. 1 have used am- monia both in the form of sulphate and liquid am- monia, and also a solution of carbonate of am- monia, and I think they all gave a strong stimula- tion to plant growth, and are beneficial in the same way as liquid manure prepared in the manner de- scribed by the Secretary. The solution I have used has been one ounce of sulphate or carbonate to a pailful of water. The action of ammonia upon the plant is the same as that of the phosphates, giving a strong stimulus to its growth.— Prest. Saunders, at Ontario Fruit Groupers'' Association. Orchard Sites. Formerly it was thought that the more elevated and rolling grounds were the best. BElN^-MATrER-THAT-DESERVES- •TOBE-WIDELY-KMOWM- Some think that this was an error. We think it would be, provided the lower grounds selected are susceptible of easy surface drainage. We have here two classes of fruit lands— prairie and timber— and it would certainly be an error to select the bottom lands in the timber for an orchard site in preference to the higher grounds. For a Peach orchard, we should still prefer the higher grounds of either. High grounds on our prairies are, however, not to be avoided. The thing to be avoided is a too rapid drainage, and a thin and impoverished soil as a result. By the increased attention given to the removal of all surface water of late years, the low lands of to-day do not contain more moisture than was contained in the higher twenty-five years ago. — B. Fullen, at Illinois Horticultural Society. Rays from the Ohio State Horticult- ural Meeting, Dayton, Dec. 15-17. Lucas Co. fai-mers dug SOct. Potatoes and husked 'X)ct. Com, and let winter Apples blow from the tree and waste which are now worth $2 per barrel. . . . Toledo ijrocers preferred to buy berries in drawers because they could measure their thumbs 32 times to the bushel and still have them left. —W. W. Farns- woRTH, Lucas Co. Prune Apple tree.': in winter by sawing the limbs several inches from the trunk, then about the last of May cut them off at the proper place and the wounds will soon heal. In this way the selecting of limbs to be cut and the piling up of the brush can be done in the leisure of winter ; the final sawingtthen is quick- ly done and no danger of splitting bad. . . . The Lurretia Detcberry is full of sharp thorns — and a pair of buckskin gloves with the tips of the fingers cut off is used when picking. — N. H. Albauoh, Miami Co. No Apple orchards are being planted in ! Central Ohio, . . . All pistillate Straw- berries have stamens bearing some pollen but it is not available without the intervention of insects. — W. J. Green, Franklin Co. PruningYotmg Trees.— Between the blooming and fruiting of Strawberries is the best time to prune Apple trees from nurseries. The planting of Apple trees in Northern Ohio is not very encourag- ing. Every other year Western New York raises a crop that amounts in single counties to 700,000 bar- rels, and of these shippers can dump 20,000 barrels on the Cleveland market in a single week. Straw- berries kept in an ice chest soon spoil after taking out. Therefore never keep market fruit in a dark cellar, but load upon a wagon and let them stand under a tree over night.— L. B. Pierce, Summit Co. i Water sprouts should be pulled off through the | summer while yet soft. The wound will heal over t and it will be the last of them. The Commission me7i.— Berries picked the same day and arriving in Cincinnati by the same train were reported sold at a profit by one of these men, and at a loss by another.— J. P. Ohmer, Vinton Co. The Ohio Horticultural Society.— The Ohio Pom- ological Society was organized in 1860, and in 1867 was united with the Grape Growers' Association, and the name changed to this one given in the head. Much of the time of the earlier meetings was devoted to examining fruits and correcting names. People had hobbies in the early days as well as now. One Dayton gentleman planted a large orchard of Spice Russets, thinking the fruit was going to be immensely popular and sell at the price of oranges. A Zanesville preacher bored his friends by always proclaiming the merits of the Cooper Apple. There was a strong feeling that a state society was not needed, but F. R. Elliot per- sisted in pushing the matter in the Ohio Farmer until a society was formed. The American Pomo- logical Society met in Cincinnati in 18.50. There was no fruit in Ohio in 1851 on account of a hay frost. — R. W. Steele, Montgomery Co. Qrajie shipments.— About 18,000 tons of grapes were shipped from Euclid, and nearly as many from Collamer, during the year 1886.— E. H. Cushman, Cuyahoga County. Omamen tal Grape-vines. — I brought home a Grape-vine, the foliage of which is scarlet. It is a fine addition to our vines. Fruit in Rxissia. — The juice of Cherries there is colored and much fruit is distilled and the brandy sent over here to doctor American wines. Gooseberries of very large size are grown upon little trees, 4 to 6 feet high, at the rate of about a bushel per tree. Chenies are grown along the highway by the Government, and the crop sold in 4 mile lots for from 8500 to $1,000 to dealers, who pick and ship the same in bushel baskets at 15 cts. per bushel. There are no Pears in Russia as good as American Pears, and very few Apples of high quality. American fruits are much grown in Ger- many.— Leo Weltz, Warren Co. Reported by L. B. Pierce, Summit, Ohio. Fruit Culture about the Home. [Extract from P. M. Augur's address before the recent Agricultural Convention,Farrington,Conn.] No home is complete without plenty of choice fruit and flowers. Peaches should be started from good, healthy stock, on high, dry land, and should receive moderate and clean cultivation up to midsum- mer, and not afterwards. Never let the trees bear a breaking crop; to cut back helps both fruit and wood. A dressing composed of 1,400 pounds of fish waste and 600 pounds of potash, in some form, used at the rate of 600 pounds to the acre, had been found very beneficial in his orchard of eight-year-old trees, producing a remarkably fine crop. Sow rye in August for a winter mulch and turn it under in the spring. The best Peaches found in the markets of Con- necticut were raised in the State; -1,000 baskets were sold in Meriden, all raised within six miles of that city. The Peach crop is as sure in Connecticut as in Tennessee. It fails there as often as here. The Grape is one of the easiest raised of any of our fruits, and the market can be overetocked with them. Would not advise planting them for market, but have a liberal supply for home use. Concord, Brighton and Hayes would be my first choice of three varieties. The Grape needs a drj', well-drained soil and good cultiu-e. I plant in rows nine or ten feet apart, and eight feet apart in the row; have one main stock with two branches on each side, and do not allow a vine to bear more than twenty pounds of Grapes. Sulphur mixed with air-slaked lime is sprinkled over the vines by hand from about June 30 to the time of ripening as a specific for mildew; it is of no avail to use it after the foliage is ruined. For rot, avoid the use of fermenting manures; keep the vines healthy and remove all affected fruit. In- telligent care throughout insures success. The Quince needs a deep, rich loam. It will do nothing in a sour, stagnant soil. It is not safe to plow among Quince trees, as they have many roots running near the surface of the ground. Cover in the fall with two inches of stable manure, to be forked under in the spring: in summer, mulch to smother the weeds, or cultivate lightly with a hoe. The Apple or Orange Quince is as good as any. I have raised Champions, fifteen to the peck. Coleus Beds for Amateurs. [Abstract of a paper read by Miss L. M. Pope before the Maine Pomological Society.] My admiration for this charming bedding plant induces me to offer some suggestions in regard to its culture for bedding purposes, even by persons of economical motives. The Coleus is a very rapid growing plant and easily propa- gated, even when put to root in the least fav- orable situation. By procuring a dozen me- dium-sized plants of the florist as soon as it will do to start a hot-bed, you can cut them back, putting in the cuttings to root, and the old plants will force more cuttings. As it takes but one week to root cuttings with ordinary bottom heat, these slips can be potted off by that time into small thumb-pots and sunk into the sand covering the hot-bed. In two or three weeks at most such plants wiU need topping and these can in time be used for a later set of slips, to be in their turn rooted. As Coleus should never be set before June it leaves even the latest slips a long time to grow before bedding out. There must 1887. POPULAR GARDENING. 79 have been slips on the old plants to have. been rooted, so you can b)' this process get a large increase of plants by the time you are ready to set them. To the superficial lover of plants this method of propagation may seem too much trouble, but those who truly enjoy plants and their culture will find ample reward for the time and pains spent. As for planting, I would suggest making large beds composed only in part of Coleus, the center being made up of inexpensive plants of large growth raised from seed. The Castor Bean makes a fine large specimen plant for the center, when sur- rounded by six or eight Cannas, and these in turn by Zonale Geraniums, of which most people have a good supply in the spring. Outside of these Coleus there may be a row of blue Lo- belia, in fine contrast to the green of the turf. Still other beds with the Coleus plants set at some distance apart may have a matting of some low-growing fancy foliage or fine flowering plants of contrasting color, form- ing an undertone. The matting planted in the spaces may be seedlings like Sweet Aly.ssum, white or blue Lobelia, or any- thing that will form a close mass of color. I know of a bed where the Coleus were set at some distance apart, and then as they were cut back to a xmiform size the slips were set in the spaces and on the front edges, and before the sum- mer was far advanced t!ie bed was well filled, looking nearly as well as if set close at first. As the (^5leus are set out late, the beds may be filled in the fall with bulbs that would be out of flower before time of setting, or with Pansies set in the fall or early spring. The attraction of these would cause less danger of putting out the Coleus too early, as is frequently done. Not all of the Coleus are of equal value as bedders. The old velvety maroon variety called Verschaffetii, the Spotted Gem, Golden Bedder. Black Prince, Burning Bush and Butterfly are among the the best to grow in the full Ught, and are the least liable to fade. Then there are some delicate and brilliantly- marked varieties that must be grown in partial shade to insure success. The best effect I have ever been able to get from planting Coleus by itself was in a short border made up of a shaded line of four colors, the outside black, the next maroon, the third bright mottled and the fourth verj- light, this so situated that we looked across it lengthwise and the colors blended and produced a much finer effect than the same varieties arranged in a circular bed similarly situated. expression of the Society's regard for the late Mr. Wilder made a report, of which the fol- lowing is a brief abstract : For fifty-six years Marshall Pinckney Wilder has been a constant and an active member. His loss seems for the present to change the very char- acter of our society. A specially kind Providence seems to have smiled upon his enthusiastic love of Nature and his efforts to develop the works of the Creator. With grati- tude do we acknowledge the wide and lasting influ- ence which Mr. Wilder has exerted in his favorite piu-suit of horticulture, an influence which is recognized wherever our art is known. We shall cherish the memory of his unflagging zeal in every branch of horticulture, his example in skillful cul- have had for a proper display three times the floor space that could be given them. The weekly exhi- bitions have attracted more vLsitors than ever be- fore; the exhibitions of native plants have been particularly extensive and instructive. Generous provision has been made for prizes at the annual exhibition of this year, which is to be held in conjunction with the American Pomological Society. The great hall of the Massachusetts Charitable Mechanics' Association has been secured for this occasion. The library still increases in size and usefulness, but the inconveniences of the hbrary room become also more noticeable. The appropriations previously recommended by the executive committee, viz., for prizes S*J,0.'>4, for the library committee (including the card catalogue of plates) SWO, for the committee on publication and discussion $250, and for the committee of arr."ngement $300, came up for final action and were unanimously voted. FIRST SHOW ON JAN. IST.. consisted mainly of forced veg- etables, and a good one it was. Radishes, 1st prize, Hittinger Bros.; Radishes, 2d prize, Geo. F.Stone. Lettuce. Tennis Ball, 1st prize, Hittinger Bros.; Let- tuce, Tennis Ball, 2d prize, Geo. F. Stone. Parsley. 1st prize, Geo. F. Stone; Parsley, 2d prize. Hittinger Bros.; Parsley, 3d prize, Warren Heustis & Son. Mushrooms, Cephas H.Brackett. Tomatoes, by several exhibitors. Dandelions, Anjou Pears, and handsome flowers were also on exhibition. The Massachusetts Horticultural Society. THE LATE MARSBALL P. WILDER. The first meeting of the year was held on January 1st. As was to be expected, it was largely devoted to a consideration of the deep loss sustained by the Society, and Idndi'ed so- cieties and the public in general, through the death of the Hon. Marshall P. Wilder, on Dec. 17 last. In his annual address, President Wal- cott said that the future readers of the history of the society will find it difficult to believe that this man, so prominent in its records, was equally conspicuous in many other organiza- tions, and was at the same time a busy mer- chant of the city of Boston. But he illusirated the best charm of horticulture — the relief offered by it to the tired man of business and to the wearied student. The changes of Nature were even more attractive to him than the triumphs of public life. A fund established by the provisions of his will, by which medals are annually to be given for encouraging the cultivation of certain fruits, will forever be associated with his name. The committee charged with preparing a fit PELARGONIUM VICTOR.— SEE DESCRIPTION ON PAGE 71. tivation, his constant attendance and his wise and kindly words of encouragement. Let it be our aim to be animated by his noble example. To the family of the deceased the society extends its profound sympathy in their sorrow. William C. Strong stated that in Mr. Wilder's favorite pui-suit of horticulture he did his best serv- ice for his feUow men While engaged in large commercial business, he yet found time for exten- sive importation and cultivation of a great variety of plants and agricultural products, being always on the alert to obtain and test new kinds. This en- thusiasm was life-long, and was as hearty in the cultivation of Paeonies as Fears, or in the case of Camellias or Dahlias or Azaleas as of Raspberries and Strawberries. After his severe prostration, more than a score of years ago, which compelled his retirement from active commercial enterprise, it is remarkable with what new zest he entered upon horticultural pur- suits. He did not consider himself too old to sow seeds of trees, to cross-fertihze flowers that he might obtain seeds for new sorts, to form and lead off new societies for exertmg a perpetual influence. Robert Manning said that one of Mr. Wilder's most prominent characteristics was the perpetual youth which, in spite of the infirmities of age, he carried with him, and which led Governor Long, in 1881, to speak of him as at once the oldest and the yoimgest man in the State. This had been attribu- ted to his love for rural pursuits; but the speaker thought it due also to his kind and loving heart, continually overflowing with regard to every one. EXHIBITIONS, ETC, PAST AND FUTURE. In his address the president called attention to the fact that the receipts for the year are greater than those of 1885 by about $4,000, while the expend- itures exceed those of 1885 by about $1,000. The exhibitions of the year have been, upon the whole, successful; the annual exhibitions have been crowded with plants, of the first merit, that should Orchard Management. [Abtitrnct of paper read by D. F. Bruner before the Eastern Iowa Horticultural Society. No uniform rule can be adopted for orcharding in all localities. Any good, rich wheat land will do for or- chards ; a north or northeast slope is best. The ground should be cleaned from grass and weeds. Late in the fall plow the ground as deeply as possible. Harrow it over next spring, then plow shallow and haiTow again. Do not plow in spring when too wet. Stake off the ground at the proper distance; for Apples this is not less than 32 feet apart; if 40 feet apart it will be better. Dig large holes to the depth of the plowing. Cut all strag- gling roots and give plenty of room. Lean the trees slightly towards the wind. Fill in around the roots and make a mellow mound of soil about the tree. See that the tree stands as high as it did in the nursery. Keep down all suckers, and plant corn between the rows the first year. Leave the stalks in the fall and mound up the trees in winter. Look out for mice and rabbits. Early in spring prepare for corn, turning the furrows toward the trees in plowing. Trim the branches a little in May or June. Let the stalks remain on the ground, as in the first year. The third year sow the ground to buckwheat, turning it into clover the fourth year. It the clover is good, pigs or young calves may be turned in, but it is perhaps best to mow the clover. When the trees become poor, top dress with manxn^ and wood ashes if these can be procmed. Surround the orchard with a good fence to exclude stock. Wind breaks and timber belts are morp damage than benefit, if planted as they generally are, close to the orchard. Plant each variety in a separate row. Watch for mice and insects. Keep the trees in good shape. The head of tall Apple trees should commence about three or four feet from the ground. Spready growers should not be less than six or seven feet; medium tall growers should branch at about five feet. By planting only well proved varieties, such as are good bearers tind have good salable fruit, in ordinary seasons we shall be amply rewarded for the outlay. Commenting on this paper, one member recom- mended planting -10x40 feet, and after five or six years plant another orchard in the same area, set- ting the trees in the interspaces. Orchards are not permanent in this latitude and by this plan we may always have an orchard. 8o POPULAR GARDENING. February, HOUSE PLANTS. Annuals of the hardier sorts, like Sweet Alys- sum, Dianthus, Antirrhinum, Stocks, Petunias, etc., may be sown for earliest flowers. Camellias after blooming to be kept somewhat warmer than when in bloom, but with the air not dry. For those in bloom, a night temperature of 45° is the most suitable, with 10° to IS*' higher dur- ing the day. For late bloomers, only enough heat now to well prevent freezing will answer best. Chrysanthemoms- The desirable varieties should be decided upon and started up at once for propagating material. Do not grow inferior sorts when the more beautiful ones are quite as easily raised. In the sorts Elaine, Mrs. Wm. Mincke, Tokio, Yellow Prince, Ab-del-Kader and Moonlight will be found variety enough to please every one. Cotton Plant. Sow the seed now in good soil and the plants will be ready by spring. This makes a a good house plant, its beautiful yellow flowers being followed by large balls of the genuine cotton and this is quite lasting as well as ornamental. Dahlias of any rare kinds, or others, are easily propagated from cuttings. For this the tubers may be started and cuttings taken from the young growth a little later on, and such will make good plants during the summer. Fuchsias in a dormant state to be re-potted, cut- ting back one-third or even more, to induce a good shape. With good treatment the young growth to come will blossom profusely. If any earlier plants show cuttings these to be put in for summer stock. Hyacinths growing in water are sometimes troubled with furred roots; such should be cleansed by laying them on a sheet of paper and sponging the fur off, afterwards rinsing in clean water. Hyacinths and all other bulbs should be brought in for a succession of bloom. At no other time will they make a better showing than now. Oleander flowers may be enjoyed early by bring- ing some of the plants to light, and inducing activ- ity of growth by the use of a fertilizer in the water given to them, or by a top-dressing of manure. Overhauling'. Most house plants need over- hauling about this time. Any that have be- come weak and spindhng from much blooming or insufficient light, re-pot in fresh soil, or top- dress with fine manure. Any surplus plants might now be cut into sMps for stock for the coming season's use. Oxalis should be started up if this has not yet been done. The plants need but little care, aside from good supplies of water and light. Pansies, If it was neglected in the autumn to sow of these, one may still catch up by now sowing some in the house, for plants for spring and early summer bloom. Plants still in the cellar must, as a rule, never become outrightly dry. To harden them by airing occasionally is a gain in various ways. Pot-hound plants. Reference is had to such as have grown weU for a considerable length of time in the same pots and which might ordi- narily need a shift into larger ones. In this state they will usually bloom better, though, in part, at the expense of the finest foliage. Better In the latter case one can almost always better ar- range with growers for filling a definite order at planting time, by doing the bargaining now, than to wait. The grower will view it as a sure sale, and can aff"ord to fill the order at a discount. Bulbs and Boots of border plants such as Can- nas. Dahlias, Caladiums, Gladiolus, etc., to be looked over, seeing that they are in good condition, and removing any that might show signs of decay. Hot-beds are a great help in providing plants for summer; their making is now a seasonable matter. See under Vegetable Garden. Herewith is shown the cross section of a bed heated with an oil stove, and which for neatness and efficiency should com- mend itself to many. We think the engraving is clear enough to guide any one in constructing such a bed. It may be said, however, that the horizontal board surface midway between the stove and the soil is for equalizing the heat; it should not come nearer than four inches from the sides of the bed, and should have some holes bored into it about midway between the center and the edges. Lawn. Every second or third year the turf to re- ceive a coat of about three inches of fine manure, or else a dressing of some standard lawn fertilizer Plans should be devised now so that work may go on intelligently and without delay when the spring season of operations is at hand. There is economy also in carefully planning work and meth- ods beforehand, rather than to wait till the last minute and then jump at conclusions without thought. Seed Sowing. At the South hardy Annuals may be sown out-of-doors. In the North, Annuals for summer bedding, like Balsams, Globe Amaranths. Portulacas, Bracbycomes, Tropseolums, Lophos- phermums, Acrocliniums, etc. , may be sown in heat before the month is out. Shade Trees. Too many about the house cause unbealthful shade to human beings, and to the grass and small plants as well. Some should be re- moved, and this leisure season is the time to do it. Cut near the ground, depending on the roots rotting away, or, better stUl, dig down a foot below the surface, cutting to about that line. Shrub Pruning may be done at the South. In this work bear in mind that all shnibs are not alike as to the extent of the cutting they will bear with benefit. Such as bloom on the early growth of the same year can be trimmed to almost any degree of severity and be the better for it, both in shape and as to the flowering. Of these the Althasas, Roses, Hypericum, Coronilla, Amorpha, Late- flowering Spiraeas, Burning Bush, and Hardy Hy- drangeas, are the chief ones. About all other kinds Begonias, Tuberous. Any that were kept in pots over winter may be started up, a little later giving them fresh soil. Pot those that are out of soil. Seed may be sown now for flowering plants for use late in the summer. Carnations. Plants for the main stock to have the cuttings struck with little delay. Keep newly propagated plants in a cool airy place. When such become strongly established and several inches high, they should be stopped about one inch up. Cinerarias. One should aim for fine foliage quite as much as for fine flowers. Water the plants regularly. Give some air almost daily. Fumigating with tobacco, as heretofore directed is one of the important details ; now let it be attended to regularly. Conditions suiting plant growth suit Aphis, etc., as well. At this growing time if plants are allowed to become infested, hard work will be required to get them in clean shape by spring. Gloxinias. One should not wait for the bulbs to start into growth before pottiug. A suitable soil for them is loam, leaf mould and plenty of white sand. Be gentle in watering till well started. For bulbs two inches across use 6 inch pots draining well. Hollyhocks may readily be raised from cuttings taken from old plants that have been started up. Pelargoniums should be kept growing with un- broken vigor, having fair pot room until broughtto the flowering state. Light, rich soil, no lack of water and fair airing are among their requirements. Petunias. The best doubles will be raised from cuttings, and these should be enclosed by a bell glass while the rooting process is going on, Poinsettias to be dried off and be set in a moder- ately cool place, which need not be very light. Propagation. This is a leading operation for this month, the extent of the stock in May will de- pend directly upon how closely it is followed up now. Many cuttings also that strike with difficulty at other times will now be found to root readily. Sedum Seboldii niay be brought from winter quarters and after starting be divided and repotted. Schizanthus. In point of blooming qualities few plants surpass this. The fall sown plants are best off in rather small pots during winter, and kept in a low greenhouse temperature. Fi'om now, shift them on, finally getting them in 6 inch or S inch pots for flowering. Air must be freely given. Use a rich open soil and one-third dried cow manure. OOR FRUIT GARDEN ANDORCHARD. Currant Bushes. C'oal ashes apphed as a mulch will help these Pruning may be done at any time when it is mild enough to make comfortable work. The same of Gooseberries. If it is de- sirable to propagate, save the cuttings covering them with damp earth until planting-out time. Grafting. *>ne should get ready for this work in good season. Grafts may be cut in mild weather, if not yet done, packing them in fine damp moss or any similar substance that will preserve their natural moisture, and no more. Grafting wax must also be prepared, for doing which see recipes given on another page. The mode of applying the wax is not important so long as the essential object of com- pletely excluding air from the wound on both parts of the graft is effected. In all the different methods of grafting the one essential thing to be amied for is to secure a speedy union between the scion and the stock. Directly to this end and to success the condition of securing an un- interrupted flow of sap from stock to graft must be made certain The particular point to observe is to have the cambium layer (the line between bark and wood) in each part to exactly correspond. Where both are of equal size this foliage, but with less flowers, wUl result from ^ an abundance of pot-room. Any pot-bound CROSS-SECTION OF A HOT-BED HEATED WITH AN OIL STOVE ^^^^^ ^^y enough, but with large stocks and plants, however, to be so kept need free watering and some liquid plant food as well. Koses are easily kept too warm. Guard against vermin always. As buds begin to show, small quantities of liquid manure will help matters. Sickly plants, Any such are probably suffering either from too much water or from insects, quite often the former. The soil for healthy plants should, by being porous and underlaid with drainage, dry quickly. Sick ones to be re-potted into about the smallest pots possible. In such pots they should remain until a new healthy growth is made. LAWN AND FLOWER GARDEN. Bedding Plants. Decide early upon the number that will be wanted, whether to be raised or bought. should be pruned but sparingly at this time, only enough, indeed, to direct general form; for, blos- soming, as they mostly do, on wood of the former year's growth, much cutting would result in much waste of bloom. Pruning this class should for the most part be done immediately after they are through blooming and before the regular growth of the season has begun. PLANT CULTURE UNDER GLASS. Annuals. During this month such kinds as Cockscomb, Amaranthus, Stocks, Cobeeas, Mimulus, Snapdragon, Chinese Pinks, etc , may be sown for the earliest plants. Most other kinds, if brought along too early, become unsightly as a result of this; for sowing such, next month will be time enough. email scions the latter must be brought to the one side or the other, or else, two be used. Waxing over every portion of the cut parts and the points of union with care completes the work. Manuring Grapes; if growing in a dry situation, stable manure answers as well as any fertilizer; on damp ground it is different. Here diseased vines would result from its use. A much better article is found in wood ashes, bone dust and the like. It may be added that roots of vines in damp places should be encom-aged by surface culture, to keep near the surface. Old Orchards whether under cultivation or not require a liberal top-dressing each year of old fine manure. A compost recommended by an ex])eri- enced orchardist is lime and salt, mixed with tan or saw-dust and this saturated with manure water. i887 POPULAR GARDENING. 8i Soil. If one is choosing a site for an orchard, a deep soil, even if not so rich, should be preferred to one that is much richer but shallow. VEGETABLE GARDEN. Asparagus is helped by an annual mulch of manure and this can now be applied. Beets sown in a box and potted into thumb pots, then transplanted in a good rich hot-bed, come in line for early and as a market crop are profitable. Cold frames and pits to be looked after for pre- venting hurtful sudden changes of temperature. Forcing Frame, in the engraving herewith is shown a useful portable frame for hastening var- ious garden crops, such as Rhubarb, Asparagus, Lettuce, Strawberries, etc. Placed on the beds A Portable Forcing Frame. about March 1 and given some attention in the matters of airing and protection during cold snaps, the season of things thus forced should be ad- vanced about three weeks. Hot-beds. In making start by taking out from a space several feet larger each way than the size of the intended bed about 18 in. in depth of soil. In filling the excavation with horse manure for heat, first put down a G in. layer from the colder portion of the pile over the eutire surface. Con- tinue to add manure till a bed several feet in thick- ness is formed, firmly tramping it as the work pro- ceeds. Then, upon this place the frame, and this may consist of a single thickness of boards, or bet- ter yet a double sheet with a space of several inches between them. The rear of the bed should be about a foot higher than the front, the two sides being steadied by bars placed crosswise between them for the sash to rest upon. The parts of the boards which meet the soil will last longer if painted be- fore using, and when dry, with several coats of hot gas tar. Around the frame outside, to bank over the projecting manure with earth six inches deep will promote the heating powers greatly. Inside the frame may be added a foot or less of fine manure, upon which is to come five inches or more of good soil. The bed made up. cover it with sash and mats. After several days, test the temperature of the manure, and when it has fallen to 90* the seeds may be sown in shallow drills, each kind being labeled. With strict attention to airing, giving neither too much or too little, strong stocky plants may be easily grown of all early sorts from seeds, bulbs, cuttings, etc. Manure for hot-beds to be forked over to prevent fire-fang and excessive heating otherwise. Hats. See article elsewhere on making these. Seeds. The best are by far the cheapest in the end, and such are to be secured only from reliable firms . It is none to early to get off the orders. FRUIT AND VEGETABLES UNDER GLASS. Cucumbers should not be allowed to fruit before the plants are strong and well established. When frmtiug begins, stop regulai'ly one joint beyond fruit, and draw fine earth up around the plants. Figs will require free syringing, with an increase of water at the roots. Give young spurs and fruit plenty of light by thinning out weak useless growth. Grapery. In the early house, the buds will now be swelling and need to be syringed twice a day. All but the best bunches ought to be removed before full flowering. For several weeks a temperature of 55° at night will be warm enough. After flowering the free-setting varieties should early be thinned. Lettuce. By the end of the mouth a second crop may usually be ready for cutting. Excessive water- ing is to be guarded against as being nearly as bad as drought. A temperature of 45*' at night answers about the bestj if it gets much above this a kind of damping off might set in. Green-fly is apt to prove a serious trouble if not kept down by proper reme- dies. See reply to Inquiry :i09 on this page. B.hubarb comes of fair quality when grown un- der the stages but is vastly better for having much more air and light than it here usually receives. This being the People^s Paper, it is open to allXtft^ir Inqaii'ies bearing on gardening. Replies to Inquiries are earnestly requested from readers. In austoering stioh give the number, your locality and name, the latter not for publication, unless you desire. Write only on one side of the paper. 208. Roses Turning Yellow. The leaves of Roses in my greenhouse turn yellow and drop off. Would some one of experience give the cause and remedy. It is not red spider. M.,t7r6a?ia, IlUnui.^. 209. Lettuce Forcing. What variety of Lettuce is best for forcing under glass at this season and later on ? In what manner can the Green-fly or Aphis be destroyed without harm to the Lettuce 't C. W. F., Cantini. Ohio. 210. Sweet-scented Chrysanthemums. Could you give me a list of these as well as of the latest varieties of the same plants, and where they can be procured? W. F. W., Cottage Gi'ove, loica. 211. Treating Plums for Curculio. In your November issue you say put Plums where Pears fail, and that they pay well to evaporate, now, since we have got the best of the Curculio by spraying. (A) Please tell me at what stage of growth you com- mence the spraying. How often should it be done and until how late 'f (B) How do you prepare the poison ? (C) and is there any danger from eating such Plums 'f W. P. S., Monmouth^ 111. 212. Distance for Apples. What is the best dis- tance to plant Apple trees apart in a light sandy or granite soil. W. C. A., Ashland, Oregon. 213. Cutting back Fuchsias, etc. Should the branches of Fuchsias, Geraniums, Petunias, etc., be cut back before repotting or after, and how long be- tween each operation ': E. A. B., Springfield, lit. 214. Raspberry Cane-blight. What aUs my Gregg Raspberries ? The plants were very thrifty last April. Then later on after the old canes were cut, the new ones showed an appearance of having been stung near their top. and afterwards they died from that point up. Sometimes the cane is punctured for an inch in length, sometimes more. A few canes of the Reds were similarly affected. I enclose a cane. J. C. H., Lawrence Co., Pa. 215. Gooseberries under Trees. I am aware that Gooseberry bushes like the shade of a fence, but will they do well imder a spreading tree ? 2ltj. Covering Grape-vines. Will manure ans- wer for this y and to what distance from the vine is it necessary to cover the roots ? 217. Hammond's Slug Shot.— What is your opinion of Hammond's Slug Shot, its efficiency and harmlessness to the party usmg it? R., Toronto. 218. Gladioli from seed. Will some grower of Gladioli please say the shortest time in which they can get the bulbs to flower from the time of sowing the seed, also what is the difference in this respect between G.brenchleyeuis and G. gandavensis?— J. L. 219. Treatment of Christmas Eoses. I should be obliged if some one would tell me the proper treatment for Christmas Roses. I want particular- ly to know what soil and what aspect suits them best, and at what time they may be moved.— L.E.G. 220. Celery Culture. (A) How early should the seed be sown to have plants ready for setting out July 20? (B) Will frost hurt early-raised plants outdoors? (C) Sowing in a seed bed in rows 8 inches apart, how close should the plants stand in the row ? (D) How would it do to set Goldeu Heart Celery in rows IM inches apart, blanching the rows alternately with boards and by hilling up ? (E) How soon after setting should boards for blanch- ing be placed against the plants, and how long to be left ■( C. J. M., Little Genesee N. Y. 221. Treating a Large Wax Plant. I have a magnificent Hoya, too large to be moved, which has stood for over thi-ee years in an ordinary wooden pail. This wint*;r some of the leaves turn yellow, and I am afraid it is getting exhausted. I cannot remove any soil as it is a complete mass of roots. Can I feed it, and with what, to keep it thriving indefinit^?ly ? 222. Cherries for Uichigan. What varieties of sweet Cherries would be the best for this climate ? 223. Potting old Fuchsias. I have some very fine old Fuchsias. I have had them under the greenhouse stage some time. Will they want pot- ting in fresh soil, and what other treatment do they require? A. A. H., H'ayne Co., N. Y. 224. Pruning Vines in Grapery. I have a Vine (white) ten years old that has borne fruit several years; last year only three bunches. 1 think I pruned it wrong. Shall 1 let it remain this season until the bunches show before 1 prune it ? 1 am sure there are too many canes in now. — Hittite. 225. Soil for Perennials. How can I best im- prove the soil in a fiower garden in which peren- nials are to be grown ? It is a stiff clay, and, as I am just about to move my plants into it from the farden I am leaving, in which the soil is a light ree loam, I fear for then* health.— T. L. REPLIES TO INQUIRIES. 155. Narcissus Blasting. This is due to some defect in the soil, or other element into which the roots extend, by wliich th<^ needs of the latter are not well provided for. By tukmg up and resetting the plants, next September, intu good soil, they should do better.— John L. Pauk, Berrien Co., Mich. 108. Asparagus Growing, For Asparagus (as well as Rhubarb) it is difiicult to have the soil too rich at the start. Well rotted manure should be thoroughly incorporated w-ith the soil. Then each fall, after the ground freezes, a good coat of fresh manure can be applied that will answer as a mulch during the winter, and later be forked into the soil. A bad mistake with man^- is too close planting. Two by thi'ee feet is closer or at least fully as close as any plants should be set at the start, while three by four feet will be better. You can sow the seed where the plants are to grow, dropping three or four seeds in each place and thinning out to one later or you can set out the plants from a seed bed. If this is done, care should be taken to spread out the roots as e-arly as possible and till in well with soil. The shoots at first are very small and it requires some care to hoe well and keep clean. For this reason land that is foul with weed or grass seed should not be selected It is necessary, at least during the first year, to cultivate and keep clear of weeds. I like to secure good stocky plants, and in order to secure these good cultivation is essential until they have become well established. Let the plants make a good growth before commencing to cut. If good soil is given and kept rich, and sutficieut cultivation IS given to keep down the weeds and it is not cut too severely a bed will last a long time without replanting.— N. J. Shepherd, Eldon., Mo. 201). Lettuce Forcing. Uur large market grow- ers about Buffalo conliue themselves almost wholly to a variety called Hubbard's Market. In New York and other eastern cities the Black-seeded Tennis Ball, Boston Market or White-seeded Tennis BaU, and the Early Curled Simpson, are favorite forcing varieties with the gardeners. Without exception the above are also valuable for outdoor culture. The Cireeu-fiy or Aphis is one of the worst enemies to the Lettuce grower, and everj' means must be taken to keep it down. To do this, tu'st dust over the surface of the bed before planting with tobacco dust or finely chopped up reluse stems of the plant. Second, dip the young seedlings, at planting time, in tobacco water that looks like strong tea. Thirdly, strew the walks with tobacco stems. With such treatm'.nt there should be no aphis seen, if there is, fumigiici by burning moistened tobacco stems. 210. Sweet-scented Chrysanthemums. At the late show of the N. Y. Horticultural Society, Mr. E. M. Allen, of Woodbridge, N. J., exhibited a seed- ling Chrysanthemum of his own, named Mrs. Akers AUen. The chief merit uf which w as its very dis- tinct fragrance, almost approaching the perfume of the Violet; otherwise it was a very smooth refiexed variety, of good size, broad petals, white with lemon yellow shadings at the base. Refuigens is called sweet scented, but is very slightly so.— U. B.Rewsen. 175. Ground Cherries. They grow here spon- taneously, and are treated as weeds. They are also quite common in Eastern Nebraska. Some people make them up into preserves. I do not kuow of any one growing them for sale. The person who would grow them lor market would Una it difficult to sell his crop.^ALEX. Wood, Council Bluffs., Iowa. 211. Treating Plums for Curculio. (.A) As soon as the blossoms fall and at intervals of two weeks until the fruit is one-half grown. i,Bj We prefer to use London Purple or Paris Green, believing the former to be the most reliable. Of this we prepare a water by taking a teaspoonful of the poison to 4 or ij gallons of water. {C) We think not, as the poison is not applied after one-half the growth is at- tained. Should no heavy rain fall between that time and ripening, it would be safest to throw the Plums into a tub of water before usmg or market- ing, to take up the poisonous properties.— A. M. P. 212. Distance for Apples. Two rods apart is nearenough. They can, however,be planted one rod apart and grown thus for 12 to 15 years, getting good crops, and then cut out 3 out of 4 trees, leaving them 2 rods apart.— A. M. P. 189. Eupatoriums, etc. They should winter safely in a moderately light cellar, the temperature of which never falls to the freezing point. Here they had better be brought to almost a complete state of rest by largely withholding water. We would not cut them back until they were moved to more light and an- again, towards sprmg. IHO. Calla Culture. The suckers undoubtedly draw some strength from the old plant as well as from the soil, an important point also. On this account when we prepare our stock each summer for the coming winter we take off" all these suckers, growing them along if we care to by setting them an inch apart in pots or low boxes of soil. By dig- ging down now the suckers could still be removed trom your plant. This should be done very carefully in order not to injure the old plant or its leaf stalks. l'J2. Early Covering of Strawberries. To do this as early as November and before the ground is frozen, would not be safe as a rule. As has before been directed in these columns, the better time for this work is about the time winter sets in in good earnest, usually in December. The greatest benefits from covering Strawberries come from the proteo 82 POPULAR GARDENING. February, tion afforded during the freezing and thawing time of weather in the spring 213. Cutting back Fuchsias, etc. In all such cases as " E. A. B." enquires about the plant should be cut back first and allowed to throw out shoots and show signs of active growth before being repotted, the reason being that when a plant is cut back it receives a check, and if before it has recovered itself it receives another check from repot- ting, it might prove fatal. First cut the plants back as much as necessary, and then, when they have well sprouted, repot in sweet soil, and they will be very much benefited by the change.— W. C. Cowley. ^U. Raspberry Cane-blight . The diseased Raspberry cane has received my attention. It ex- hibits no trace of insect work but it is a good example of the Raspberry cane-blight, a disease which is not at all well understood. It may be caused by an undescribed fungus of the genus Phyllosticta, which is always present. In this state of uncertainty I can recommend definitely no good remedy beyond careful pruning and burning of the infested canes.— C. V. Riley, Entomologist U. S. Agricultural Department. 320. Celery Culture. (A) As soon as dry enough to work— say April 15. (B) Celery is hardy enough to withstand any frost that will come. (C) Sow as near as possible so that they would come at 1-16 inch apart, and thin out to 1-2 inch or so. (D) Nothing would be gained by such a com'se. (E) If boards are used at all, they should be placed against the plants about September 1st, according to the season. The time of blanching will take from 3 to tj weeks. Peter Henderson. 187. Red Spider on Window Plants. If a light showering every day wiU not keep down Red Spider, it is because the air'is kept to warm. B. B., Hickory Corners^ Mich. 234. Pruning Vines in Grapery. Do not leave the pruning until the vines show the bunches, as you propose, or you will make nsatters worse. They should be pruned at once. Prune back to within two eyes of last season's grc)wth, and to make sure do not disbud them until the bunches show. If the two eyes break and the lowest one shows a good bimch. rub off the upper shoot altogether. You should get some practical gardener to show how to prune and disbud them. A. H. E. 218. Gladioli from Seeds. If you will sow the seeds of G. gaudavensis thinly in 7-inch pots about the first week in April, and plunge the pots in a gen- tle hot-bed, the plants will appear in about two weeks. As they increase in strength, admit more air than at first, until by the end of May they may be placed in a cold frame. About the end of Octo- ber the young plants will have completed their growth, when water must be entirely withheld. Turn the bulbs out in November; they will be from the size of Peas to that of an ordinary Filbert. They should be kept in dry sand and be planted out early in March. Most of them will produce strong flower- ing spikes the same season. I have had no experi- ence in raising G. brenchleyensis from seeds; it is scarcely necessary to do so, as the bulbs are so cheap. Old Gardener. 171. Evergreen Hardy Plants. Among the hardiest stu'ubs in this line may be named the vari- ous kinds of Box, Andromeda, C'otoneaster, Ever- treen Thorn and Berberry, Daphne cneorum. ;almia, Mahonia, Holly and Rhododendron. Of those less hardy, Aucubas, Japan Evergreens, Gardenia Florida. Jasminums, Japan Privets, Mag- nolia grandifiora, (_Heander, Olive, Pittosporum and Rhyncospernuni . 197. Peach Yellows. This disease is readily dis- tinguished by the leaves taking on a sickly yellow color, the newer ones being of much smaller size than ordinary, and the shoots coming out feeble. The fruit is small, inferior and ripens prematurely. 199. English Walnuts. We observe that Ell- wanger & Barry. Rochester, N. Y., and J. T. Lovett, Little Silver. N. J., have trees for sale. They are not a tree that is quick to come into bearing; if any fruit was to be yielded before seven years they would be doing well. 201. Hydrangea Budding in Cellar. We should look upon the buds as premature in some way; perhaps you have kept tlie soil rather wet. A single cluster starting thus early should not lead to the plant being taken up for growing any earlier than usual. Keep it somewhat drier at the root untilyou are ready to bring it to heat and light. 202. Sunlight for Palms, etc. Palms can get along as well as any plants I know of in windows where the sun never enters. On the other hand, direct sunshine is too liable to blister or otherwise injure the leaves to make it desirable to keep them in this. The Jerusalem Cherry has no special need of du-ect sunlight in the winter. P. P. Hayes, Queens Co.., N. Y. 223. Potting Old Fuchsias. The first thing to do is to prune them, and this should be done at once, as they will soon be breaking. Prune the wood made last year back to two eyes, and cut entirely away every weak, sprayey shoot. Water very moderately only when the soil becomes quite dry; and when new shoots an inch long are made, shake away all the old soil and replace in a pot just about large enough to contain the roots. Water moder- ately until the plants come fully into growth, and then more freely, and when the pots get full of fibres, shift into larger pots. From the latter end of June they do well in the open air. A. H. E. ^eHou5ehoW po\iItpy Bluing is too often overdone An Irish Potato and some brick-dust for scour- ing knives, etc. Sensible George Eliot's favorite room— a bright kitchen. A better polish, it is claimed, will result if a lit- tle sugar is mixed with the stove blacking Upsetting the fruit jar and holding its top in hot water a little will help out. over an obstinate cover. Ammonia. A tablespoonful added to the over- night soaking water will in washing ease up on the arm muscles. We know of a housekeeper— there are many no doubt — who would no more think of leaving the outside of the pans and kettles unwashed than the inside. It is the neat way, Do you take advantage of the more practical labor-saving devices in doing your work ? Im- provement here should be thought of before get- ting farther into this new year. In cooking vegetables, they should for best fiavor go directly from the washing-off water to the stew-pan. This may seem unimportant ; there is more in it than might be thought. The old wash boiler need not be cast aside when leakage beyond repair sets in. This is the time it should have the dents straightened out and be scoured up to use for keeping bowls and glasses of jelly and marmalade from the mice. The broom, instead of standing in a corner when not in use, ought to be hung up. A strong twisted or braided string put through a small hole in the handle will doit. Wet the broom in boiling hot suds every wash day ; if treated in this way it will keep its shape, and wear much longer. Don't throw away things that may sometime be of use, simply because the piece that matches it has given out. I do not mean keep absolutely worthless things to clutter up the premises, but see first if the pieces cannot be made useful. A goblet that has lost its base is quite as good as a whole one to keep at the well. Elder's Wipe. Green Food for Canaries. Mrs. L. D. E., Living- stone Co., this State, writes to this paper as follows: I find that my canary is very fond of green food. " To supply him during winter I scattered Lettuce seeds in my plant pots, and also a few seeds of Chickweed, which is rather a pretty little plant any- way, and by simply breaking off branches of it, the roots keep up a supply ; then, by way of variety, I give him a few Oxalis leaves sometimes, and ten- der tops of Celery. His enjoyment of them is am- ple reward for the small amount of trouble." Damp Cellars. It would be well if the danger of these to health was better recognized. Keeping them ventilated and dry are simple matters, if rightly attended to, and they are very important ones. The builder in the first place should see that the necessary api^liances for keeping a cellar in good condition are furnished, but the occupant of the house must see that they are kept in working order ; that the places for ventilation are not choked up ; that the cellar is kept perfectly clean. And better not neglect a thick coating of whitewash occasionally. If the Onion comes in for a good deal of good- natured abuse because of the odor that lingers, it also is entitled to the highest praises for its real value among kitchen vegetables. Containing, as it does, much nitrogenous matter, with a good deal of sugar and a pungent oil, it is, to say the least, very nutritious. Boiling dissipates the odorous oil of the onion freely, as every one who is about where the cooking is done knows, and also makes them less acrid. When one cares for such flavoring, the oil, to obtain which firmly press a shoe of the vege- table against a grater, is useful. A drop of it goes a long way. In the line of domestic medicine On- ions have their uses. They are looked upon as making one of the best poultices, when roasted, es- pecially for that common winter complaint with children, ear-ache. For making a soothing syrup, along with sugar. Onions furnish a widely famed remedy for colds, croup, etc. The vegetable is also believed to have a quieting influence on the nerves ; a person subject to wakefulness may often find relief in eating a couple of small ones just be- fore retiring. Id countries like Spain and Portugal Onions are used to an enormous extent as food ; very commonly the ordinary dinner of a working- man and his family is a piece of bread, with an On- ion for each. Those which are raised in a mild cUmate like Bermuda are milder than our own. Light is one of the essentials. Homceopathic doses, if any, for hens. Early breakfasts for the fowls in winter. Animal food like meat or milk is always appre- ciated by the hens. It will come back animal food, in the shape of eggs. Tell us that the egg shells are very thin or quite often entirely absent and we tell you that lime in the food is what is lacking. The Asphalt pavement men can make you a good floor for the hen house at a moderate cost. Such a one would be, in a degree, moist, while also dry enough and one of the easiest to keep clean. "Artificial Chicks get a false start at birth, and from my observation are never so strong as the rugged specimens reared in the old fashioned way. I have noticed also that the meat of the incubator product is comparatively pale and flabby looking and lacking in flavor, and that such fowls do not command the highest price, as many first-class hotels will not use them." This is what an experi-* enced poultry dealer of Boston offers on the subject. A fowl infested with vermin is a miserable object. Thrive it cannot. No man who will allow the pres- ence of insects deserves success at poultry raising. The shortest cut to not having any vermin about is to prevent its approach. The material composing the nests for laying hens, and for which straw alone is as good as any, should be frequently destroyed and especially after hatching. Before fresh ma- terial is provided in the nest, some carbolic disin- fectant ought to be lightly syringed about. Scatter- ing some sulphur over the dust bath occasionally will tend to keep the hens clean. Early hatching under right conditions is easily carried on. For the setting nests secure a room in which to place them, where the temperature can be controlled. If a room in itself warm cannot be had, a good nest may be made in any fairly close build- ing, by using a pile of fresh horse manure under- neath it, covering the manure with a layer of earth on which is to come the nest of straw or hay. The manure will provide both modified heat and a de- sirable degree of moisture. When the chicks are out keep them protected from sudden changes in temperature, and after 24 hours feed generously. Pigeons, according to E, S. Starr in the Century, are more used as couriers than is generally known. Business men in cities communicate with home in the suburbs by pigeon post, or use them between office and factory. Farmers use them as mes- sengers from the post-office and the town. Country physicians now often carry their birds with them, to be left with patients for bringing on later word, and to send word home when there is need. Mr. R. D. Hune of Fruit Vale, Cai., claims to use pigeons with complete success between his factories, some three hundred miles apart. A New York broker says: "I use my birds to bring the reports from Wall Street to me at Chetolah.my summer residence, near North Branch." Poultry Fences. One of the principal drawbacks in raising poultry in yards is the cost of the fences. Galvanized wire is an excellent material, but it allows no protection in winter from winds. Boards are expensive in some sections, and palings or pickets are not always obtainable. A good and cheap fence may be made of lath, and if rightly constructed will last for a number of years. A lath fence six feet high may be made by placing the posts eight feet apart, using thi-ee strips running from post to post, for the purpose of holding the lath. If preferred, a one-foot board may be used in place of the bottom strip. Place the second (or middle) strip two feet above the bottom one, and nail half laths to the two strips, cutting four-foot laths in two pieces for that purpose. This will make the two feet of fence at the bottom strong enough to resist considerable pressure, keeping off dogs, and even largfer animals. The third strip should be three feet above that in the middle, and whole laths should be nailed to them, which will leave each lath projecting one foot above the top strip. When completed the fence will be six feet high, or seven if a board is used at the bottom, or two feet from the ground, where it is most needed. The bottom half-laths may be placed very closely together, but two inches of space will be sufficient for the upper ones. Such a fence will cost but little, and is the cheapest good fence that can be made, so far as cost of material is concerned.— Fai'^n^ Field and Stockman. POPULAR GARDENING AND FRUIT GROWING. "ACCUSE NOT NATURE, SHE HATH DONE HER PART; DO THOU BUT THINE."— Mnjroti. Vol. II. i^^iacH:, 1887. No. 6. Warm Winds on the Way. We wait for thy coming, Sweet wind of the South 1 For the touch of thy light wings, The kiss of thy mouth; For the yearly evangel Thou bearest from God, Resurrection and life To the graves of the sod ! — Whittier, in Youth's Companion. It is well to secure at least a part of the summer plants now. One may then get a month or two of enjoyment out of them before setting- out time arrives. At this season a little care in keeping plants vigorous goes a great ways. The old wasp nests that hang about the trees and elsewhere, and which in the former cases, can readily be seen in the winter, are not always untenanted even if so they might ap- pear. They may contain perfect, if undeveloped, insects and hence every one that is met should be destroyed. Every female now killed will prevent a bothersome brood the coming season. Outsiders can hardly sympathize with the Massachusetts Horticultural Society in its trouble of having too many annual members. At a January meeting it was voted that the executive committee report the most feasible method of limiting the number of members. Usually the difficulty comes in the other way — too few members. The state of affairs referred to speaks well for horticulture at the "Hub." The advancement that in the present day is being made in improving certain kinds of ornamental plants is very remarkable. Only so short a time ago as 1861 that most valuable summer bedding plant Coleus Verschaffeiti was introdu''ed to the world, previous to which time fine-leaved Coleuses were unknown. Since then new varieties without number have appeared, and the great diversity of colors and forms of foliage produced is quite as remakable as the number of the sorts. It is a matter for great joy that our eni- mies, the Curculio, the Pear Blight and per- haps the CotUing Moth are lessening their former tight hold. Such is the case especially in the eastern portions of the country. President Barry lately said before a large body of fruit growers that the prospects for Pear culture at the present time were better than at any pre- vious time for many yeare, so far as the blight was concerned. Plums have never been more productive than for the past year or more, while the Codling Moth seems certainly to be turning the comer. We may next expect to hear of the decline of the Cabbage worm, and who knows what others. Take courage breth- em, but don't dismiss the remedies at once. It is related in the Kansas Studenti' Farm Journal that parts of the .same lot of root grafts of the Pear, Plum and Cherry failed to grow, while the rest made a perfect and healthy union. The only difference was that upon the first common grafting wax was used (the boiled oil of which is believed to have been adul- terated with some substance capable of injur- ing vegetable tissue), and upon the latter the alcoholic mixture for grafting, prepared as follows : Melt six parts white rosin with one part beeswax ; remove from stove and partly cool by stirring, then add gradually, with con- tinued stirring, enough alcohol to make the mixture, when cold, of the consistency of por- ridge. In the temperature of the grafting room it vrill remain sufficiently plastic to per- mit applying with the finger. March is a most delightful month in which to visit the plant growers' houses, and it is a good time to consult about stock to be bought later for the summer beds, vases and window boxes. No matter how uncomfortable may be the weather outside, beneath the glass roof it is, in all sunny days at least, most charming. The sunshine, fragrance and beauty are there, not the raw cutting winds. For days upon days now it is a cormuon thing to find the temper- ature here in the eighties, and plant life aglow with vigor and bloom. As the season advances the heat increases and then shading the glass is resorted to, or else plants will suffer. But such shaded greenhouses are not so pleasant to visit as those not shaded, provided the tem- perture of the former is agreeable, and this is why of all the year March affords the most delightful conditions ever to be met in the plant houses. It is a taste of pure summer weather, sun and aU, when outside, cold, damp- ness and searching winds yet prevail. Plan Well Before Plantlngr. Results from planting are too far-reaching to admit of this important part of garden work being dohe without very careful pre- vious planning. One may plant the orchard and ornamental trees of a place in a week — a life-time will not suffice to end their testi- mony, good or bad, as to how the work was done. The short time before the spring planting season should be devoted to a very careful consideration of what, where and how the planting, if any, is to be done. As a usual thing the margin in dollars and cents between the cost of doing the work of garden and orchard improvement right and doing it wrong is not so very great. Where the difference between the two in the main comes in is on the score of the mental work: thought, study, plan- ning, that was applied, before work on the ground commenced. It is a recognized fact that a large share of the labors of advising and landscape gardeners in the present day consists, in planning to make over places that were illy planned when first improved. Nothing can be more aggravating to the gardener for profit or more unpleasant to any cultivator than to discover, as trees ap- proach maturity, that a serious blunder was committed as to the kinds that were planted, or as to how, in ornamental trees, they had been arranged. What to plant, depends much on the locality. Meteorological influences, soils and situations vary greatly, hence to make no mistake as to kinds it is best for each planter to look carefully about in his vicinity and consult with experienced growers as to the sorts doing the best thereabouts. A dozen trees of kinds well adapted to a cer- tain section will be sure to yield more satisfaction than twice as many ill suited to the place. To new beginners we would say, place not your trust in the tempting highly- lauded novelties of the catalogues. Nov- elties are all right in their place, but their place is not in the gardens of beginners. And here it may be said that the space de- voted to descriptions respectively, in the catalogues, is a very poor criterion to go by as to the respective merits of kinds. Old standard sorts that are well known do not need to have their praises sounded forth from year to year, hence these, like all things of true worth, are usually accompanied by modest claims. New sorts that are unknown, if they are to be presented at all, need consid- erable space for a proper introduction. A very large proportion of all novelties fail when put to the test of wide dissemi- nation. It is not the case necessarily that such failure results because the sorts are valueless. It is the case rather, that while such may possess decided merit in the place of their origin, or under special culture, outside of these conditions they prove not to be reliable. It would not do to forget, however, that as novelties, all of our old and valuable varieties first found their way into wide cultivation. More About Pedigree In Fruits— How to Gather, Handle, Mall and Apply Pollen. PROP. J. L. BUDD, AMES, IOWA. The notes of Mr. Williams on this vitally important subject are worthy of caref ulstudy . We may truthfully say "That like pro- duces like" within certain limits in the breeding of animals, and also when we sow or plant the plumpest and most perfectly developed seeds of established varieties of the cereals, the grasses and the flowers. But we must not forget that an abnormal development in quantity and quality of the fleshy part of an Apple, or other fruit is no evidence of increased vigor and vitality of their contained seeds. The suggestive re- mark went the rounds of the press a few years ago that propagators could better afford to pay $13.00 per bushel for seeds of the Red Romanite for stock growing, than to receive seeds of Yellow Bellflower or Northern Spy as a gift. In climates as mild and agreeable as that of Belgium the Van Mong theory of Improv- ing the quality of fruits by lowering the vitality of the tree might hold good, and In climates where the inherent vitality and hardiness of tree were secondary considera- tions our common axiom: " Grow seedlings from our largest and best fruits," might be accepted unconditionally. But over a large portion of the Northern States of America increased hardiness of 84 POPULAR GARDENING. March, tree or plant is each year becoming a more important element in the solution of the fruit problem. Here comes in the sound conclusion of Mr. Williams, that our experi- ment stations should commence the work of crossing the best varieties on primitive forms. This is an old and rich producing field in Europe, and with us not wholly new. If Mr. Rogers had continued to plant the pure seeds of the native Sage Grape of Mas- sachusetts to this day he probably would not have materially varied the wild form in foliage or fruit. But the magic touch of the pollen of the Black Hamburg and White Chasselas brought him at once forty or more varieties quite as hardy in wood and as per- fect in foliage as the native species, ap- proaching very nearly in size and quality of fruit to the foreign sorts used for fertilizing. If gathered together the magical changes which have been wrought in fruit, foliage, and flower in Europe and America by prac- tical cultivators would make a valuable sequel to Darwin's wonderful, but yet unappre- ciated,work on "Cross and Self-fertiliza- tion in the Veg- etable King- dom." During the past eight years we have been preparing for an extended work in this inviting field, and last spring we made our first successful crosses of the pollen of best known varie- ties which seem perfect in foli- age and ability to stand our trying winters. With a view to encouraging your many thoughtful readers, to whom the work is new, I add a few notes on pollen saving, etc. Pollen Gathering. This is first in order. If the dry pollen is at hand we can touch the stigmas at the nick of time when the nectar is secreted, even if the weather be quite unfavorable. Our plan of gathering pollen of Apple, Pear, Plum, Peach, etc., is rapid and so far has been successful. When the blossoms are fully expanded, but before many of the anthers have matured and burst, the stamens are plucked with thumb and finger and dropped into a clean, bright tin cup. While not attempting to pluck the pistils, no special care is taken to avoid it, as they do no harm. In a dry warm room the anthers in the cup soon ripen, and when stirred with a moistened pencil brush it will take on pollen enough to fertilize several blossoms. Removing Anthees. When the blossoms of the varieties to be fertilized are beginning to open select one or two of the strong cen- tral ones of a cluster and pinch oflE the others. With small botanist's shears nip off the anthers of the selected blossoms, which an assistant at once covers with a small sack — vridest at the lower end — made of light white mu.slin. Applying the Pollen. In from 20 to 36 hours after removing the anthers, if the weather is fairly warm, the stigmas have secreted the nectar which causes the pollen to adhere. With an assistant to take off and replace the sacks, the work of touching the stigmas with the pollen brush is quite rapid. In practice we find the use of pins in fasten- ing the sack to place is far more rapid and convenient than strings. After Care. A label should state the cross made, and a week after the sacks should be taken off, and in all cases where the fruit has formed it should be covered loosely with musquito bar, which is kept in place until fruits mature to show the success- ful crosses, to protect from birds and to give boys a hint that it is valuable property. Mailing of Pollen. The pollen of our orchard fruits, and some of our small fruits, is not as evanescent and perishable as is usually supposed. Apple pollen, mingled with dried stamens and pistils in an open tin cup, was germinated last spring by Dr. -a. . J. 1 mm %A to n !i4 m-y *t,^ =*V«>^, -t^-^'T '■S::i^^:^ -S f^-^M %^s^ H^P jJi^^jltfB WILD FLOWERS. A CLUMP OF THE LARGE FLOWERED WOOD LILY. flowers. It is a modest grower and not in the least disposed to be weedy in appearance. The Trilliums, Wake Robins, or Wood Lilies, of which a mass of the large flower- ing white variety is shown in the engraving, are among the most beautiful and interesting of wild flowers. In several varieties they are common in the woods over a wide re- gion of our country. They succeed as easily in the garden as any Daffodil, and increase in the size of the bloom under cultivation. For naturalizing in moist places or in half- open woods, they are, although American plants, widely used in England. If we were obliged to bring them from England or Asia, instead of getting them in many places so easily for the digging, no doubt they would be oftener seen in American gardens. The only special point to be observed in the cultivation of Trilliums, is that they succeed better in partial shade than in the full sun. If too much exposed there is a lack of leaf development, and consequently a weaker growth ensues. It is the more vigorous plant that gives the finest bloom. Plants of the large -flowered sort figured, when in a good state of vigoi', produce flow- ers alm(3st equal to the White Lily in size, while they are of fairer appearance, Tlie native varieties of the Ilepatica, or Liver Leaf, must also be classed among our most valu- able wild flow- ers suitable for cultivation. The flowers of the common Halsted fully two weeks after it was gathered, and we know it can safely be sent by mail long distances. In some cases this will specially aid us in our work. For instance, ]Mr. Peter M. Gideon (see page 68) can send South for his pollen of choice winter Apples, instead of sending, as he proposes, his hardy seedlings South to be operated upon. I did not intend to say a word about the minutia of the work, and now I find I have not spoken of experience in pollen saving or crossing of the Grape and the small fruits. Some Modest Wild Flowers for Gar- den Cultivation. Among our native American plants there are many which are as well entitled to a place in the flower garden as are any of the species so commonly found here and which have been brought from great dis- tances. Take for one illustration the Blood Root, Sanguinaria Canadenitis, unequaled as it is among early spring wild flowers, both for the exquisite whiteness and beauty of the bloom, and for the beautiful form of its leaves. In the writer's garden a good sized clump of this has been growing for years, and in its season it stands for attractiveness among the most highly prized of all our Ilepatica triloba are of a beautiful deep blue, and these appear freely early in the spring. They rise and expand before the foliage, and they are really charming. There are some double Hepaticas which in cultivation are beautiful little hardy perennials. Among other wild flowers worthy of a place in every garden may be named Native Lilies, Columbines, Asclepia tuberosa, Vio- lets, Anemones, Lobelias, Gentians, Dog's Tooth Violet or Erythronium,Cypripediums. We are glad to see that a number of Ameri- can nurseries have begun to make a specialty of our beautiful native flowering plants. The prices at which they are sold is very moderate, a reason being that their culture and propagation are very simple. Funeral Designs of Ivy. Those who may have occasion to present de- signs when flowers are scarce, or who tire of the conventional floral arrangements, should know that very fine ones may be made of the leaves of the English Ivy, or of those and a few flowers. We can think of no design more beautiful than a sunple heavj- wreath made of Ivy alone, while there are many other designs of a simple character that aie very effective in this material with or without flowers added. 1887. POPULAR GARDENING. 85 The Ivy is understood to signify in senti- mental language fidelity and friendship, and this fact, added to the beauty of the leaves and their appearance of stabilitj-, renders this ma- terial especially suitable for such purposes. Among flowers to combine with Ivy leaves, none are more suitable than Violets or the early spring flowers. The sombre appearance of tlie former especially harmonizes well with the dark leaves, while yet the appearance is suffi- ciently varied as to form to create a very pleasing com- bination to the eye. One thing should be said of preparing the Ivy leaves for such work. They should be rubbed with a cloth to re- Fig. 4. Bell Ohtss or Cloche. move every particle of dust, and by this means also the general appear- ance is much improved. To very lightly rub the leaves with linseed oil will give them a polish. Some Simple Uses of Glass In Gar- dening:. Such is the adaptabilitj- of glass to the uses of gardening. that the climate of the Tropics and the cultivation of all tropical plants may on a moderate scale, be easily attained to throughout the regions of the North. Glass allows those important needs of plant life, sunlight and heat, to pass through its substance, while it shuts out the cold and untoward winds. It at the same time retains the heat and moisture that accumulate within its cover, and thus together secures a variety of conditions most congenial to plant growth. The province of this article is to call attention to some of the more simple uses of gla.ss in aid- ing the work of the plant grower and propa- gator. As this is the season of general plant propagation in the window and greenhouse, notice is first invitetl to the propagating box of figure 1, improvised by the use of a small-sized box, such as a lower section sawed from a soap box would make, and eight or more panes of glass. In this instance the upright panes form- ing the sides of the case are held in jjosition by having then- lower ends embedded between the sand or soil and the sides of the box. For starting cuttings and seeds, as well as for bring- ing on young plants, Ferns, etc., such a simple affair is most useful. In figm-e 2 is shown an arrangement of but four panes of glass, and these resting on the surface of a bed of sand or soil. This may find a wide range of usefulness in starting slips and seeds, and for protecting young plants indoors or out. The upper part, which serves to keep the Ughts in position, consists simply of a pine strip, size one inch by two inches and a half, and of a length somewhat gi-eater than the width of the glass used. In this strip are in- serted, to project downwards, two pegs of wood three inches long, against which the oblique lights recline. Two grooves ai-e also sawed crosswise in the strips at a proper distance apart for retaining the perpendicular side lights. For simple small boxes, covered with one or two lights of glass, the sketches of figure 3 serve to give an idea. Such boxes find a wide use in open-air gardening, for jjlacing over the hills of heat-loving seeds, such as those of the Cucumber and Melon, and also in protecting young plants of Tomatoes, etc., that are sus- ceptible to injury from the late frosts and harsh winds of spring. Boxes of this kind should be made up ready to receive the gla.ss early in the season, and be stored away for use when the planting time arrives. All the appliances suggested are in general designed to meet the same use as that long given to the bell-glass, or cloche, as it is called in Prance, where it finds very extensive use. The former contrivances referred to may be made cheaply by any one ; the latter is a manu- factured article, the price of which might debar some from buying it. They may be bought for about ?5.00 a dozen, for a size 7 inches across at the base, of some dealers m horticultm'e supplies. Being made of heavy glass, they are decidedly durable, and with fair handling will last for many years. Varietlesfor Heavy Clay Soil. Recently Prof. L. R. Taft of the Horticul- tural Department of the Missouri State Agri- cultural College gave an account of the work during the year in that department. The hor1> vigorous canes are never so well developed as upon medium-sized canes, for in large canes the energies of the vine have been turned too much towards the development of wood at the ex- pense of the fruit buds. Therefore, in a strong grow- ing vineyard these larger canes should be trim- med and the medi- Some Simple Forms u^ canes that Fig. 3. of Fonvarding Boxes. developed buds saved for fruiting. The pruner should before commencing oper possess the better icultural grounds comprise forty acres, and ^t'ons look each vine over, and trim according to the vine's condition. He will invariably find that upon a thrifty, strong growing vine the buds upon the medium-sized canes are swelled larger and stand out from the cane more prominently than the buds upon the lar- gest canes. I have tried the experiment over and over, and this is the sum of my observation, that the medium canes are the ones that develop the best fruit buds whenever the vines are strong. the soil is a hea^-y White Oak clay The grounds are devoted to large and small fruits and vegetables. Of Strawberries they had last year seventy varieties, but have dis- carded one-half of them. On these grounds the best berries for a commercial plantation it has been found are the Cumberland Triumph, Capt. Jack and Crescent Seedling, and these seem to suit a large part of the State. Of Red Raspberries the Turner did well. Shaffer's Colossal was also good, large and productive, but rather soft. Among the Blackcaps the Carman is promising for an early kind. Taylor and Snyder are the only Blackber- ries they raise, and are not profitable in that market, there being too many wild ones. Of vegetables, the Professor spoke well of Cleveland's Alaska Pea, which was six days earlier than any other. He had grown an ex- cellent crop of Celery, though the season had been very dry, by putting the plants in a cold frame which had been used for early vege- tables. The soil in the frame was moderately rich and the plants were set in rows ten inches apart and a few inches in the rows. 'With an occasional watering the plants did well and in- side were well blanched, and when sunk in the ground for a short time were blanched per- fectly. It is hard to grow good Celery in their hard dry soil, but by this method a large quan- tity of an excellent quality can be grown in a small space. Of the varieties the Golden Hearted Dwarf is one of the best. Which Grape Canes to Leave for the Best Fruit. D. S. MARVIN, W4TERT0WN, N. V. " There is one well authenticated fact in the fi-uiting of the Grape, \iz., the finest fruit, the best, earliest and largest crops ai-e produced upon the strongest shoots of the previous year's growth." I have seen the above from the pen of one who is usually a care- ful observer, going the rounds of the press as the sum of accurate hmnan knowledge upon this point, so often, that my mental dissent each time I have read it has finally taken the form of an earnest protest. The truth is that the strongest canes are often not the canes that should be saved for fruiting, for they do not yield the heaviest and best crops of fruit. This matter of which are the best canes, like nearly every other horticultural practice, should be governed by the conditions. There is no such unvarying rule for trimming the vine as the item asserts. Wherever there is a feeble growth of the vine, there the idea is right ; but wherever there is a strong growth then it is wrong, and here are the reasons : All the operations of the vineyard should be directed to the production of well developed fniit buds. But the fruit buds upon strong, Do Transplanted Cabbage Plants Head Better Than Others. It has been claimed that the act of trans- planting Cabbage plants exerts a beneficial in- fluence upon their heading qualities. The sec- ond and third plantings in our test of varieties gave an opportunity to make a comparison in this respect, as the second planting was made in boxes iu the cold frame. May 6-10, and the third in the open ground May 7-10. It is thus possible to compare 106 rows of transplanted plants with the same number of rows grown " iu place," the vai-ieties being identical, and the seed being taken from the same packages. The resiilts were as follows: P'S ?i ^^ •& ^?l y ^-1 Days Days Ins. Ozs. 114.95 140.89 7.55 89.1 86.76 16.17 141.90 7.71 90. 90.16 Second planting. Plants transplanted . Third planting. Plants grown in placelll6.17 It is evident that, in this case, the transplant- mg shows no lieneficial effect. The little differ- ence is in favor of the plants grown " in place." —Report of the New York Eji-periment Station. Propagating Case. Fig. 2. Plant Sh ield. Easily Improvised with Paties of Glass. As to Hardlnsss of Trees. Hardiness depends on many things — as elevation, soil, drainage, exposure, cultiva- tion, rapidity of gi-owth, the nature of the summers, springs and winters, or any one or all of these, and doubtless on still other conditions. Last winter was as cold as any we have had in 20 years— 38' F. below zero — yet thrifty sprouts of Mwjnolia umbrella remained alive to the terminal bud. Perhaps this was owing to the fact that there was plenty of moisture in the soil, or little wind, or no sunshine during the freezing pericnl, or all combined. These Magnolias have usuaU}", even in mild winters, died to the snow line. — Prof. Bears Report, u POPULAR GARDENING. March, "Blue" Roses: Fraud Agents Rejoice In Such Things. In the notice of "A Memoir of Father S. J. Barbetin," of Philadeli)hia, which appeared in a leading Philadelphia paper recently appear these words: "His biographer gives a pleas- ant description of the old Lorraine homestead, surromided by fruit trees and hardy flowers, a flora, which included Blue Roses, a variety un- known to the usual Pennsylvania gardens." This notice was sent to us by our wide-awake correspondent "H," with some decidedly just comments as follows : "I cut this from one of the leading Philadelphia papers, a paper whose owner is known as a special patron of horticult- ure.and yet such silly credulity is allowed to go out unchallenged to its quarter of a million read- ers, indorsing a credulity almost akin to super- stition, for all intelligent people interested in horticulture nowadays laugh at the ' Blue Rose ' story, just as they would laugh at the story of a ' blue ' cow or a ' scarlet ' horse. There is just about as much chance of ever seeing the one as the other. But it cannot be too often told to our young readers so as to keep them out of the hands of sharpers, who are yet occasionally found to offer these absurdi- ties for sale, that there is no such thing in na- ture as blue, scarlet and yellow in varieties of the same species. Thus we have blue and yel- low in Hyacinths but no true scarlet ; scarlet and yellow Dahlias, Chrysanthemums and Roses ; but never blue, and so on through the whole category. It is the province of such papers as Popular Gardening to warn the people against such popular errors, promul- gated so recklessly by the secular press. " Losses In Shipping Fruits. — A Cause and a Cure. C. W. IDELL, COMMISSION MERCHANT, NEW YORK. Promptness in the arrival of fruits in the market is not appreciated as it should be. There are instances where producers strive to get low rates of freight, but how often is any mention made of the time fruit should be delivered at its terminus. Yet of the two the latter is really the more important item. A reduction of one cent per quart on berries would be thought very lair, but I have known a loss of 2 cents per quart to take place day after day by late arrivals, and even reaching 4 cents. I believe that during the past season the loss created by late arrivals on one of the largest carrying roads into this city amounted to 3 cents per quai-t regularly. My experience with transportation companies shows me that the management of fruit carry- ing by rail is left entirely with those who have the care of the trains, the head officials knowing nothing of the delays occasioned, unless com- plaint is made to them direct. Even then it is rarely one can gain admittance if it is known that you have complaints to enter. The indifference of those m charge of the trains is owing largely, no doubt, to the belief that complaints caimot reach superiors. That an effectual system of threats is made use of by the employees is evident from a remark made to me by one having quite a iiigh position on the line. I sought aid in breaking up a bad habit of some yard otUcials in drilling the cars, when he quietly said to me, "Please don't ask my aid, tor if it was known that I did so my position would be most disagreeable ; go to the head official." He gave me his name, I made the complaint and had the difficulty removed. I suppose some shippers would open their eyes in surprise to hear that entire carloads of fruit are at times lost between the starting point and its terminus. Yet this is a fact, and to be accounted for only on the plea of in- difference on the part of train men. An in- stance: Last season, on July :iyd, my cartman failed to make his appearance with the fruit, until hours after the usual time. On inquiring the cause he gave this statement : ' ' Me and other carters were waiting as usual for our fruit tiain. It came, but there was no car from the point expected. I asked the yard-master if that car was in; he replied: 'No, nor do I know where it is; go ask the superintendent.'" The cai-ters did so, but while that official had the manifest of the fruit in the car, he could tell nothing of the car. An engineer who was sitting in the office and overhearing this said: " Boys if you will treat nicely I will take you on my engine and look up the car." The offer was accepted, and all mounted the engine and proceeded on the search. Between the station and the next town they discovered the car on a side track where it had been switched and left by the conductor of the train that started with it. However the men continued theii- trip until they reached the town, run the engine on a side track, entered a saloon, played three games of pool, took three rounds of drinks, then took the back track, hooked on the missing car and took it to the main depot where it should long have been. Yet the shippers were compelled to accept the loss on the sale of that fruit, all owing to the company's inefficient management. Another common cause of delay is that empty cars are left standing over night on tracks that are needed to run out cars loaded with fruit. Then when the trains airive the engineers must leave their trains on an off track while they take up precious time (if they do it) to drill the empty ones off the others they are after. Of course if the yard-master was to do his duty he would see that every empty car was taken off as soon as unloaded. I suppose that he, like his superiors, really suffers noth- ing by such carelessness ; hence leaves the cars in the way for some others to remove if they wUl do it. If fruit shippers would look deeper into these matters, they might be surprised to hear how much money they lose in this way. Seemingly they do not care. How seldom is this important feature broached in the horti- cultural societies. Shippers seem to be im- pressed with the idea that it cannot be cured, so must be endured. Yet it could soon be cured if the shippers would unite with the determination to cure it, for if these roads were made to pay the losses sustained they would soon run the trains on time, and instead of these head officials coming to their office at 9 or 10 o'clock A.M., you would frequently see them there at 2 and 3 in the morning, looking after the train hands. Try it I Orchards on the Mississippi Bluffs. There is a cry going up all over the land, east and west, of orchards failing, varieties de- teriorating, diseases multiplying— and then the query " what shall be done V The fault I be- hove lies less in the tree or variety than with the owner. Neglect is the great and primary cause of orchard failure. Soils are allowed to become exhausted of the chief ingredients needed for vigorous growth and productive- ness. A cow turned out without food or pro- tection will fail ; and a tree set out and made for years to live on poor soil must do Ukewise. Proper care as to the selection of soil, intelli- gent after-culture, and a continued application of the necessary nourishment, aie in my opin- ion the main requisites to secure healthy and long-lived orchards. Neglect of these has caused and is causing yearly more and more untruitf ulness, decay and death. But we must not forget, that even with the best of care, some varieties wUl serve us better than others, and none aie constituted to Uve forever. People here now ai'e exercised as to what is the best to plant, as they were forty years ago, when they began. The Bellflower, the Rawle's Jenet, the Sweet Bough, the Red June, the Winesap, have all done well in former years, but now seem to be giving out. What shall take their place i The Yellow Transparent is highly extolled as to quality and earliness. But one drawback here in the Northwest is that the tree blights. Wherever that defect can be overcome it promises to be one of the foremost early Ap- ples of the Russian type. The Salome is handsome, a good keeper, hardy in tree, and it has one quality which I think should strongly commend it to orchardists — it hangs persistent- ly to the tree, thus rendering it safe from high winds. I would add a third to the list of valu- able Apples — the Whitney No. 20 — a most beau- tiful Apple of exceUent quality, and though claimed to be of crab parentage, is of about medium size — as large as the Winesap or Fameuse. The tree is hardy — one of the ' 'iron- clads,"—a good bearer, and for beauty of shape cannot be excelled ; its season October. The Ben Davis has been boomed in this re- gion for thirty years past, and to tell the truth, there has been more money made with it than any other. But it, too, like some others, is losing gi'ound. It never was recom- mended for its quality, being only about third rate; but its beailng qualities and hardiness brought it into notice, and its beauty of size and color always sold it in the market, even over Bellflowers and Greenings. H. G. On the Pruning of Orchard Trees. GODFREY ZIMMERMAN, PINE HILL ORCHARDS, NEAR BUFFALO, N. Y. So much is offered on pruning that the learner must believe this operation is as much needed to a tree as water to a fish, without \> hich it cannot live. If less pruning, more manuring, and better cultivation were prac- ticed, we would see far less old-looking, decay- ing trees at the age of 30 or 40 years than now. The illustration of a badly pruned Apple tree given in }our January issue is not half as bad as we often see them, and if one was to im- agine the branches on, where now there are stumps, the tree would nearly come under that class of Apple trees of which Downing says : " The less the pruning saw and knife are used the better." In regard to opening the tree top that the sunlight be accessible, this I concluded after long expeiience is far less needed than is gen- erally supposed. We have such powerful sun- shine that if assisted by the vrind it penetrates the whole top unless it is as close as a broom, which is seldom the case. As for providing ample room for the picker to move in the top, one is apt to prune too much. At any rate most of the fruit is better picked from the out- side with proper f niit laddei's. To prune on the principle never to cut a branch that is larger than a man's thumb is an ability which I have tried to acquire for many years, but have come to the conclusion that in common practice it is not easily attain- able. To prevent in future years, such cut- ting would require to remove so many lateral branches as to cause too great a liability of the main ones becoming slender and weak, and unable to bear the fruit on its upper part with- out bending, causing also numerous shoots to start on the upper side of the bend. Pruning as a principle, in itself tending to impair rather than increase vitaUty, applies more strongly to young vigorous trees than to bearing ones. Cutting back such branches of the latter as have become stunted in growth by a number of heavy bearing years, down to where younger and more favorably situated ones are growing, tends in my judgment to keep up the vitality of bearing trees. The cutting of such branches appears to be no detriment to the tree, while its Uve force is maintained. In the cutting of a branch large or small just where the sweUing of the base begins, unimportant as this may seem to many, lies the chance to do the least possible injury to the tree. To disregard this rule, cutting off the whole base close to the body, increases the wound three-fold in circumference, making it so much more difficult to heel over. And this is not all. The new growth for covering the bare spot is no more active here than it would be at the point of cutting if this were a trifle further out. The larger woimds also, with the sur- face of the layers exposed their/a< side to the 1887. POPULAR GARDENING. 87 influence of heat and cold, dry out and con- tract to an extent that causes the ascending sap to become arrested, directly inviting decay, no matter how well the wound may be covered with paint or grafting wax. Too often a busy pruner does not stop to in- t. The ingredients named are not expensive if bought in quantity. A. M. PTJBDY'S DEPABTMENT. Post-office address, - - , Palmyra, N. Y. Brieflets. The main requirement to make Currant and Gooseberry growing successful at the South is thorough trimming.heavy mulching.and in drought plenty of waste matter worked into the soil. A Blackherry as large, good and productive as the Kittatinny and as hardy and tough as to the plant as is the Snyder, is what is now wanted. The Western Triumph and Taylor's Prolific come the nearest to it of any sorts we know of. Nooks and corners are usually to be found in gardens and yards, where a nice clump of Rasp- berries, Blackberries and Currants might be grown. And how many old sheds, barns, fences and trees might be covered with Grape-vines. A friend in Florida. whose land is light and poor, writes us he fertilized his Strawberries nicely by burning heaps o£ old logs, brush and sod, and that but a teaspoonful of the unleached ashes around each plant " made a wonderful difference." Benewing Asparagus. If an Asparagus bed has got old and stunted, the best way is to take up the roots, divide them and replant in a new place. Of course part of the roots can be left in the old bed and having more room will do well for years. In answer to J. R. S. of Burlington, N. J., as to best fertilizer for the Peach tree, we say first and most valuable of all, wood ashes ; if not to be had, then German Kainit, and if this is not to be had, scatter straw or hay under the tree and bum it. Strawberries South, For a reliable list we would name as safe. May King, Crescent, Charles Down- ing Downer's Prolific, Cumberland Triumph, Sharp- less, Capt. Jack, Kentucky; there are of course others, but these have done well in North Carolina. ■Wliere fruit as well as beauty is desired for the front yard there is nothing more beautiful than a well trained dwarf Apple, Pear or Cherry— espec- ially the first. Shortening in and not allowing too many limbs to grow are the main essentials in culture. Those who have no Rhubarb or Asparagus roots, can easily grow them from the seed. Aspar- agus seed should have boiling hot water poured on it just sufficient to cover the seed, and let it stand therein for a day or two. Sow', if wanted early, in hot-beds or pans in the house and transplant in April or May. Grafting Stone Fruits. In answer to our friend, Prof. Budd, of Iowa, we would say that we have grafted Cherries. Plums. Pears and Peaches, and planted here in different ways and we never have had any success. We know they do well at the South but not here, and but few if any nursery- men in these parts produce them. The Hardier Cherries. It's a mistake to suppose that the Early Richmond or "Early May " is the only good hardy Cherry that succeeds in severe climates. Such sorts as Montmorency. Luelling, Olivet, Louis Philippe, Engli Morello, and Em- press Eugenie are as hardy and some of them as productive and better Cherries. Strawberry Blossoms and Frosts. To prevent damaging frost on early blossoms, have plenty of straw or hay mulching in blossoming season, and when danger from frost cover plants and blossoms with the mulch out of sight, and if frost comes leave it on plants over the next day and night, being careful to leave it on one day after frost. The sun after a night of frost is what does the mischief. If your soil is heavy and stiff and you cannot grow Grapes without their rotting and mildewing, try this: Dig a deep hole, say 4 feet deep and 4 to 5 feet square, fill up to within a foot of the top with stones mixing earth well through the stones and having six inches of earth above the stones and on this plant your vine and see if you don't get fine Grapes; of course this is only tor amateurs or the family who wish to gi-ow a vine or two. Grape-vines Unfruitful. If you have Grape- vines that blossom but do not bear and that make a superabundance of wood, trim them in the spring early. If you have practiced close pruning and your vines do not bear, try theexperimentof allow- ing more wood to the vine and vice rersa. If your vines make a strong growth of wood and bear lightly, stop manuring them and let the grass grow or sow clover or buckwheat among them. When- ever vines do not bear change your practice. Dwarf Apple Orchards. One of the most beau- tiful sights we ever saw in the line of fruit was a small Dwarf Apple orchard, on the grounds of Ellwanger & Barry. The trees were then only four or five feet high, perhaps not quite so large, full of fruits of different colors, sizes, etc. We have been asked the question: Will it pay to plant out an orchard of Dwarf Apples? As a rule, and generally over the country, we would answer in the negative, but there may be localities where protection is necessary, or where there are deep snows with ex- tremely severe winters, where by having the trees covered with snow they would do nicely and it might pay. If any one of our readers has made a success with growing Dwarf Apples for market we would like to hear from them. The Crimson Beauty Baspberry cannot be beat, but to perfect their crop of fruit, they must be planted near some other early kind of Red Rasp- berry to be fertilized. Mine are fertilized by the Turner, and they do not cast their blossoms, but are an improvement on both kinds. Several per- sons have complained of it blasting: all it wants is a fertilizer. I think Marlborough would be first- rate, but have not tried it yet. So writes Thos. D. Abbott, of Tippecanoe Co., Ind. We have repeat- edly stated that the Crimson Beauty Raspberry must be well fertilized by having some such sort as Hansel or Cuthbert or Marlboro planted near it, say within 3 to 4 rods. The best way is to plant 4 to 6 rows of one and then 4 to 6 rows of the other. The Herstine, as also Franconia, do best planted nearer these sorts. The above is a proof of what we have recommended. HOW CAN I KEEP UP SOIL IF MANURE IS SCARCE. This question is asked us scores of times through the year, and we have answered: "Plow under green crops like Peas, Corn, Clover or Buckwheat." "Scrape up what manure you have, sods, etc., and mix with muck from some swamp or low ground, and scatter this over the land," " Scatter lime freely over it." "Give it rest," "Plow in the fall deep, and let it lay up rough for action of frost. " But the question is, " How can I keep up soil when manure is scai-ce? If it is strictly neces- sary to keep it up, according to the common acceptation of the term, we know of no way only by one of the above methods. Southern soil that has been plowed a certain depth for along term of years is benefited by ploughing deep in the fall, and throwing the soil below to the surface for better action of the frosts, and by following with a subsoiler that simply loosens but does not throw the subsoil to the surface. When the soil below is of a loamy character we would advise throwing it up in the fall, but if of a stiff heavy character, simply loosed and not thrown up. However, many persons are ignorant of the fact that land where a Strawberry bed has been for a number of years and has apparently "run out '' will grow for another term of years good crops of Raspberries and Blackberries, and vice versa, the main requisite being thorough and oft repeated cultivation. Of course, mulching with any coarse material aroimd the plant is a great help. So to be successful with small fruit on poor soil, change every two or three years, give what manm-e you can scrape up, and even work in coal ashes after ploughing, by harrow- ing well, or scatt«r it along between the rows, and follow with the cultivator. By thus chting- ing Strawberry to Raspberry and vice rersa, a very little compost or fertilizer will suffice. PLANTING GRAPES. Ground should be well prepared in the fall of the j-ear, if possible — especially giving a good thorough subsoil plowing, and mixing well rotted compost thoroughly into the .'-oil. Where the vines come, dig out holes deep and large, and fill in the bottom with soil, bones, iron, etc. Nothing is better than scraps and sweepings from the blacksmith shop. Have also a little salt well mixed through the soil. Plant vines rather shallow, earthing up some- what rather than have them too deep. As for pruning we prefer to do this in the fall or early winter, as a rule, but where vines are toorank and bear but little, prune in spring. iSSy. POPULAR GARDENING. 91 In summer trimming:, never pick off leaves that are opposite the fruit bud or bimch. Keep laterals well nipped off. Plant on high, dry soil, and lay vines down on the ground late in the autumn, here to remain through the winter, placing stones or earth over them to hold them in place. STARTING CUCUMBERS, MELONS, ETC., UNDER GLASS. It is \ery simple indeed. Make an ordinary hot-bed, and for Cucumbers, Melons, Squashes, and that class of vegetables, merely sow the seed in drills in the bed in this latitude (43) about the first of April ; if further south, say about two weeks earlier to eai'h degree of lati- tude. Be sure that the dirt is warm before sowing; bank up against the outside of the bed; properly jirotect at night. The plants will be well up within one week. Then transplant into another bed on sod cut 4 to 6 inches square and inverted; or take cheap (juart or pint boxes and set in close to- gether, filled two-thirds full with good rich soil. On a warm day, after saturating the plants in the seed bed, lift them carefully and transplant four or fi^•e in each sod or box. While growing raise the sash a trifle on pleasant days to admit air. When the third rough leaf shows nip the point to cause branching. Keep the temperature at from 60 to 8.5 de- grees. Sprinkle daily with tepid water. If roots protrude above ground scatter a little dirt on them. Aim to water when the weather is mild ; cold air must not strike the tender plants. After the vines commence to run they can be set where they are to remain for growth. This is done by digging a hole a foot deep and dumping in a wheelbarrow of fresh manure. Pack it down hard with the feet and cover with about 4 to 6 inches of dirt, and in this set the sods or box plants — after breaking off the box. Remember to saturate the sods well with water before they are transplanted. Over this place a box two feet square, covered with a single sash made to flt,»or oiled muslin, being careful to uncover on warm, pleasant days. We know of a party who realizes every year from a few hundred hills of Cucumbers one dollar to the hill, and this too, with only small viUage markets. Theseed can be sown directly in the inverted sods or boxes, but it is better to sow in the seed bed and transplant, as they be- come more hardened and the roots more fibrous. Tomatoes should be sown about the same time in the hot-beds. When 2 to 4 inches high transplant into another bed, three inches apart each way. Keep well watered and give plenty of air on mild days. As soon as settled weather comes transplant to the open ground. Saturate well with water ami take up with each plant a quantity of dirt. Those who only want a few plants can start the seed in their kitchen windows. The direc- tions for Tomatoes answer for Cabbage and Lettuce, only that the latter do not require so close attention and are not so liable to be hurt by cold snaps. Another crop that pays to start in the hot- bed is Onions. Simply sow the seed early in March in this latitude, thickly, in drQls three inches apai't. Keep well watered, and when the ground is settled and the plants get say two or three inches high, transplant outdoors in rows, three inches apart, and the rows one foot apart. The great advantages in thus starting them are that the Onions will be read}' for early pidling to seU in bunches about as soon as "set" Onions, and no matter how short the season, evei-y Onion will get ripe. Some may say it is too much work to trans- plant them. This is done rapidly when the ground is fresh and finel}' pulverized. Just as fast as one can stick his finger into the soil and withdraw it the work can be done. A large quantit)' can be started under a small sash. Beets, Parsnips, Carrots, and all that class of vegetables can be grown in the same way. | MEAT FROM THE SHELL. A writer in the Rural World tells how to make a good tree wash, I have used it on thousands of trees. It is both good and cheap: Take a bucket- ful of slaked lime, a bucketful of yellow day, two quarts of coal or gas tar, and a gallon of sloppy soap and lye from the bottom of a soap barrel if you have it, or three or four pounds of whale oil soap dissolved in hot water, or strong lye or potash will do. llix thoroughly in a barrel until you get it about as thick as whitewash. Apply it with an old broom from the linibs, or higher, down to the dirt, clearing it away from the collar and washing thor- oughly . It will destroy the bark louse, loosen the roots and destroy moss and make the bodies look polished; it is said to keep the borers away. Rab- bits and mice will not girdle them, neither do I think sheep will bark them Apply in late autumn for rabbits, in the spring about May for general benefit of the tree. Geo. Hobbs saj s in the Prairie Farmer: To keep off rabbits I have used Pine tar on young trees for 30 years and more. It forms a perfect protection without injuring the trees in the least. I warm the tar to have it work better, and put it on with a narrow paddle. It does not form a continuous covering, but sticks in finely detached scattered particles, and can not possibly interfere with any function of the bark. I will defy any person to show a finer growth than has been made by those same trees. I can go over an orchard of 250 trees in halt a day with the tar. Use no coal tar. Our advice: Do not put even pine tar on too freely, just thinly. The Country Gentleman says: One of the most successful ways to prevent Pear blight, is the selec- tion of such varieties as ai'e least subject to its at- tacks. With this end in view, we collect what in- formation comes to band as to those hardy sorts. Angouleme doubtless stands at the head, and then Winter Nelis, Seckel, Clairgeau and Washington. In the report of tue Worcester County Horticult- ural Society the secretary says there is no variety be would more highly prize than Glout Morceau, were it secure from this disease. He has grafted ou the Lawrence, and it has not blighted since. The same operation was performed on Josephine de Malines, with equal success. The two last named sorts are less liable to disease. The most successful peach growers in the Middle States are those who use potash liberally as a fer- tilizer. In his late report ou Peach orchards to the New Jersey experiment station, Mr. J. M. White remarks that the healthiest and longest lived or- chards in that State are those which have been fertilized with potash and phosphoric acid. Among other orchards, he describes that of J S. Quinby, of Chester, who has 4 000 trees in bearing, six to ten years old. He applies .jOO pounds of bone to the acre.and as much ashes as he can secure. The fruit is abundant and of good quality. If disease appears, every affected tree is removed and destroyed at once ; and no instrument on a diseased tree is used on a healthy one until thoroughly cleaned. S. H. Wart- man cultivates his 7,000 bearing trees twice in a season. The past season he had 3,600 baskets of Peaches. Dr. H. Race, of Pittstown, gathered 5,100 baskets of Peaches from 3,000 trees. He used super-phosphate and potash. J. L. Nixon, of QuakertowD, sold !),0OO baskets from his 13,000 trees the past season, for $9,045; he cidtivates well, and applies barn manure and wood ashes. Peach growers in this State who have applied wood ashes liberally to their orchards have succeeded in raising good crops of fruit when the orchards of their neighbors who used no ashes were barren. A writer says in the Pacific Rural Press of Peach trees: Many people see the mistake they made years ago in trimming their trees up and starting them to branch out two or three feet from the ground. With a tree, to make a success, you must have good material to start with ; then it is easy to guide it properly if you know how; but once make a mistake and it can never be corrected. Fruit trees that have to be gone over two or three times to gather the fruit should start to branch out not more than a foot from the ground. Then, it cut back properly, when it is five years old. the head is formed, and a man can stand on the ground or on a very short ladder and gather the fruit. It is much | cheaper to hire four feet square of ground around the tree spaded up than to hire a man to j nm up and down a tall ladder to pick the fruit. Heavy pruning will cause much wood, and light pruning will cause the tree to set full of bloom buds. An English writer on horticulture says extensive experiments with Grapes point to the conclusion that sulphate of potash will produce a sweeter Grape than the muriate. Chloride of potash and magnesia, with phosphoric acid, is an excellent i mixture to apply to the Peach tree as a means of preventing disease and developing healthy wood. Azaleas for Window Culture. ROBERT J. HALLIDAV, BALTIMORE, MO I have frequent inquiries from correspond- ents : Will the Azalea do for window or house culture? I know of no plant more beautiful for window decoration than the Azalea when in full bloom. The success of this plant is much better than that of the Camellia. It will stand a great amount of heat, but at the same time a moist atmosphere is necessary for it. Dampening A YOUNG PLANT OF THE AZALEA IN BLOOM. the foliage three times a day will give all the moisture necessary, and this is very important. There will be very little trouble in gi-owing or flowering this plant in a window that is in- closed. I would advise a temperature of from fifty to flfty-flve degrees, and the plants will come into bloom during February. Those grown with extra heat will require double the amount of care and attention than those that are grown in a low temperature. AU plants do best, and are healthier, that get but little artificial heat. In fine weather give air freely. If intended to grow in the windows, do not remove them to the house until late in the fall, or just before frost. Place them outside early in the spring. About once a month take the plants from the window and dip their heads into a solution of the following wash : .S gallons of soap-suds, 1-4 lb. of sulphur, and a little soft soap, well mixed together. After being dipped into this solution, a soapy gloss will cling to the foliage, which will not be obiectionable. Syringing with clean water will remove most of the insects that infest this plant. Every lover of plants should have an elastic plant sprinkler to syringe or damjjen the foli- age. They can be had of any seedsman or florist, the cost being about .*1.2.5, each. For heating a bay window, use a coal-oil stove, from which there is no smoke or gas. Place a pan of water on the top to create moisture, which will be beneficial to the plants. As for soil, use equal parts of loam and peat soil, well mixed and broken with the spade, but not sieved. I prefer a good, light, fibrous loam, which can be obtained from the hills and fence corners. My sod is cut during the spring and simuuer, placed in a heap, grass side down, in a fe« weeks it is ready for use. Peat is a black, sandy soil, and consists of decayed leaves roots and sand. I prefer that which is full of fibrous roots. This is cut in sods like that of the loam, but will taie a much longer time to decay. I get this soil in close proximity to my place, and where the Wild Azalea, or as it is better known, the Swamp Hon- eysuckle abounds. Had I to procure my peat soil, like many do that send from two to five hundred miles, and some from the Pacific slope, I would, undoubtedly, do without this particu- lar kind of soil. 92 POPULAR GARDENING. March, I am not an advocate for so many mixtures of soil as some recommend. Use a light and fibrous loam; always guard against a heavy, clayey soil. Soil is often blamed for not grow- ing good plants, when the fault lies in not ventilating and s>Tinging properly. Why do so many Azaleas perish in the hands Soulange's Magnolia— White and Purple. of amateure, and why are they so unsuccessful with the cuttings of this plant? Red spider is the whole cause of the failure. Sand and soil are seldom in fault. My advice to the inexpe- rienced is, pay less attention to the mixtures of soil, more to aii-ing and syringing, and success wDl be better. — From "Azalea Culture.'" The Culture of Annuals. — " Bad Seeds" and the Seedsmen, N. ROBERTSON, STTPT. OF GOVERNMENT GROUNDS. OT- TAWA, CANADA. The time is now at hand for looking through the catalogues for the seeds to be sown the coming season. And we must not be too hard on the seedsmen if their stock does not always produce exactly as represented, for they have to depend, in a measure, on growers for their descriptions. Then, too, locality and position have their influences. In the purchase of seeds, I recommend buy- ing in distinct colors, and the seedsmen tell me it is not now the prevailing practice. One large seedsman with whom I deal says I am the only one that does so with him. The plants can be mixed afterwards, if one likes, for although beds from mixed seeds are well, yet where one has many beds to fill, the benefit found in distinct colors is that you can make many pleasing yet distinct variations. Take, for instance, what I supjjose is the best of all annuals, the Phlox Dromniondi, in its varied colors, and especially the Red and White Snowball and Fireball, one can make many de- signs. But never attempt to make very acute points or intricate figures with this flower, for although a good deal of trinnning and tying in is allowable to keep the form desired, still the better plan with it is to take plain designs. Many annuals can be wrought in this same fashion. Many complaints are heard about bad seeds. I very rarely meet with such. The great fault, I feel sure, is in the germinating of those seeds. When once a seed becomes wet it should be kept so, for if once it starts and becomes dry, it is done for. In hot-beds I sow what seeds wUl germinate in the same lapse of time together, moisten and cover up until they are coming through the soil. If there should ap- pear to be too strong heat or too much damp in the frame, I open the frame, when the weather is favorable, and let the steam escape, but never, imder any circumstance, uncover and allow the sun to dry them out. Along with sun they must be kept moist. Immediately the seedlings appear, give light, or you will have weak, spindly plants, or a damp-off. In outside so\ving, the same thing holds good, more especially with fine seeds that require a light covering. An hour of a bright clear sun may so dry them that germination is de- stroyed. In such cases I protect by covering with a few Cedar branches or any- thing else that wiU ret£iin the moisture, until they are seen peeping through the ground, then uncover. It is at this crit- ical point really where the fault of so-called bad seeds largely lies. In the case of large seeds, there is less need of this precaution, but when once they are wet keep them so, or you will be likely to suffer loss. An Attractive Class of Trees. — The Magnolias. Wherever the Magnolias are well known they are highly prized as orna- mental trees. The large-leaved native species are grand in their foliage and produce not unattractive flowers, while the Asiatic and hybrid sorts are when in bloom magnificent to a degree quite without equal among trees. It is the charm of the flowers and the profusion with which they are borne by the better class of these that have made the name Magnolia so prominent among orna- mental growths. For fine effect the Magnolias may be planted as single specimens or in groups on the lavni. They contrast particularly well when brought in close conjunction with Evergreens. One drawback to their populai-ity is the dilflculty of transplanting them. On this point the well- known nurserymen, EUwanger & Barry, of Rochester, N. Y. , and to whom we aie indebted for the use of the accompanying engravings, say: To insure success in the transplanting they should be moved in the spring, never in the fall, and the Chinese varieties at that period when they are coming in bloom, and conse- quently before the leaves have made their appearance. Great care should be exercised in their removal, the fibrous roots being pre- served as regularly as possible and carefully guarded from any ex- posure to wind or sun. While almost any good soil is sufiBcient to iji- sure their growth, they succeed best in a soil which is warm, rich and dry. Of the flowering sec- tion of the Magnolias, the Great Laurel Mag- nolia, M. fjrandijlora. of the Southern States is remarkable for its large fragrant flowers and evergreen leaves. This one is not hardy north of Washington. It is to the Chinese and Japanese Magnolias, with their varieties and hybrids, that we are throughout the North indebted for our hardy kinds, noted specially for their attractive flowering qualities. One of the finest and hardiest of the Asiatic Magnolias is Soulange's Magnolia, M. Soulan- geana^ shown in figm'e 1, which closely re- sembles the White Chinese; flowers, cup- shaped, white and purple; foliage, large and massive. The Showy flowered Magnolia, M. speciosa, of figure 2, differs from the last- named in having smaller and somewhat paler flowers, but producing them in great prof usion, and they remain on the tree longer than those of any other variety. This one forms a con- spicuous specimen tree. The variety known as Norbert's Magnolia, ^f. Xorhertiana, resembles Soulange's, but is lighter colored. Lenne's Red-Plowering Mag- nolia, M. Lennc, has very large deep-reddish- purple flowers, and good-sized showy leaves. Thompson's Magnolia, rur Jliompsoniana, is a hybrid between the American Umbrella Mag- nolia and the Sweet Bay, partaking mostly of the character of the latter; it has large leaves, large, fragrant, creamy-white flowers. It is tender in the North. Among native species which possess large, handsome foliage, rendering them valuable as ornamental trees, are the Cucumber Tree, M. acuminata, a rapid, upright grower, with ob- long-pointed leaves, often nine or ten inches long; bell-shaped, greenish yellow flowers; the fruit of which, when it is green, resembles a Cucumber. The Heai-t-Shaped Magnolia, M. cordata, blooms usually in May and August, producing tulip-shaped yellow flowers; it has oval, slightly cordate leaves that are downy beneath. Unbrella Magnolia is a rapid grow- ing tree, with immense light-green leaves; creamy- white flowers, which are often a foot across. Great>Leaved Magnolia, M. mac- rophylla, has enormous leaves, two to three feet long; white bell-shaped flowers, nine or ten inches across ; requires protection in the North. Ear-Leaved Magnolia, M. Frazeri; leaves near a foot long, with earlobes at the base ; the white flowers are six inches across. The Sweet Bay Magnolia, M. glauca, has glossy leaves, whitish beneath; flowers pure Fig. 2. Tree of the Shmiry-ftowered Magnolia in bloom, the Flowers preceding the Leaves. white, very fragrant. If caiefuUy trained this forms a beautiful small tree. The Long- leaved Sweet Bay, vai: longifolia. is a variety of the preceding, with larger leaves. i887. POPULAR GARDENING. 93 Some Suggestions on Rose Pruning. A French grower of Roses offers the follow- ing statements deduced from facts under his observation : 1. If in the spring some Rose bushes are pruned, and, on the contrary, some others are allowed to remain without any suppression of the branches, the latter will come into bloom about a fortnight before the others ; their flowers will be more numerous, and at the same time less beautiful. 3. If some Rose bushes are completely pnined, and upon some others are left only some twigs, these latter will have the same ad- vance in time of bloom. 3. If two Rose bushes are pruned alike, one at the end of September, the other in Februai-y, the one pruned in autumn will flower first. 4, If, toward the middle of September, the branches of a Rose bush are laid down hori- zontally, and those of another bush in exactly the same condition are left in the natural po- sition, and in the spring both be pruned alike, the bush with the branches laid down will bloom first. .5. In pruning Rose bushes before vegetation starts, that is to say, in early spring, bloom on them will be obtained in advance of that which will appear on bushes pruned later. 6. Pinching the young shoots as they start on bushes after pruning retards blooming very much. In this case the pinching should be done before the flower buds appear, or when the shoots have only three or four leaves. Seed Sowing in March. WILBl'R F. LAKE, WAYNE CO., N Y. In various forms there are gains in early seed-sowing, perhaps more to be noticed in having well advanced plants of Annuals for early decoration than in other lines. Without a supply of greenhouse bedding plants, there is a time after the spring-flower- ing hardy plants and shmbs are through, and before the outdoor sown Annuals begin to bloom, that the supply of flowers is inclined to run short. In a measure this may be reme- died by having a number of well started An- nual plants to set early. To this end, I would say begin the sowing now. If hot-beds (and every family possessing a garden, no matter how small, should have one) are to be used, they are to be prepared at least a week before sowing, as the rank heat that arises for the first few days after the comple- tion of the bed is often intense enough to de- stroy the vitality of the seeds. In sowing any kind of seeds the old rule of covering twice the depth of their diameter may be relied upon. The value of thoroughly decomposed hops from the breweries, and so old as to work up very fine, is hardly to be over estimated for a covering material, as it prevents the soil from crusting, and is of that light, moisture-presen-ing nature so well suited to the needs of young seedlings. Before having the conveniences of a green- house for very delicate seeds. I employed the following methods : I had boxes made somewhat deeper than the small-size cigar box and three times the length by twice the width. Potsherds to the depth of three quai-t«rs of an inch were placed in the bottom, coarser pieces below, with finer ones above, and filled ^^ithin one-half inch of the top with finely sifted mellow soil. The boxes were then properly labelled, seeds sowed, cov- ering to right depth with fine earth, dusted on through a sieve, well watered, using a sprey, covered with a glass and placed in a dark, rather warm place until they began to germin- ate, when they were given full light, hot sun and air occasionally to prevent damping off. With this treatment I found little difticulty in growing the finest seeded plants, of which the Begonia and Calceolaria are good examples. My first batch of flower seeds I usually plant the first week in March. For early plants to be set in open ground in May I generally include Alyssum, Balsam, Tuberous Begonia, C'an- na, Celosia, CJhrysanthemum, Coleus, Daisy, Godetia, Nierembergia, Perilla, Phlox, Pansy, Petunia, Sensitive Plant and Verbena. For early blooming in the window garden, Abutilon, Smilax, Cineraria, Clianthus, Cyclamen, Fuchsia, Gloxinia, Heliotrope, Hi- biscus, Impatiens, Lantana and Petunia. All these for purposes named I find much better sown early and given a chance to mature hardy plants than if deferred till later and then pushed, resulting in weak, tender plants that need petting to succeed at all. An essential point in the gi-owing of seedlings is the pre- vention of crowding from very early. As soon as the leaves begin to touch, I either transplant to other boxes, giving space, orelse thin them out. Hyacinths In Glasses. — An Ex- perience. G. W. MERGLER, HrDSON C0.,N. .1. In the fall I set two hyacinth bulbs in glasses, for winter blooming. One of the bulbs was a little irregidar in shape, and the air could easily get at the water. It took this one much longer to root than it did the other, which having been perfectly round, fitted the top of the glass tight and completely prevented the ingress and egress of air. The latter bulb threw down roots in a short time, almost filling the glass. One day, how- ever, when attending it, I noticed that the water had a bad smell. This I took out and re- filled with fresh, but after a few days this water also became disagreeable. I then noticed that the roots were rotting and the top was not growing much, while the other bulb was as fresh and healthy looking as it could be, with the whole glass full of roots. So I concluded it must be a lack of air that caused the trouble with the first one, hence I placed a bit of wood under the bulb so that the air could have better access to the interior of the glass. The result has been entirely satisfactory. While the diseased roots of that bulb rotted completely and were rubbed off, since then it has formed a number of new roots, some of which at this writing are two inches long, and a great many more coming out, while the top is growing well. The water had not been changed since, and appears to be all right yet. Yesterday I noticed that the water of the irregular shaped bulb was in a tainted state, and as its roots almost filled the glass, I con- cluded that the bunch of roots blocked up the opening of the glass too close, preventing the passage of the air. I have resolved hereafter to change the water in the jars once a week. Tree Roots and Sidewalks. Instances are not rare throughout every city showing the power of roots to disturb the street walks and pavements. Indeed, it is well known that roots, by their gradual increase in size, have lifted large rocks of several tons weight. Their force, though exerted through a slight space, is almost irresistible. On this account it would be well, in setting street trees in cities, to keep them at least sev- eral feet away from walks and curbings. To remove roots of large trees that cause mis- placement of stones, as sometimes must be done if growing too near these, is not only a big job, but the severing of the roots also seriou.sly injures the trees. The Ailanthus is one of the worst shade trees for exerting the power referred to. Wherever the seed-producing sort grows its seeds are liable to scatter everywhere and germinate in every place containing a little soil or street dust. They often fall into the cracks of pave- ments and walks, to be followed by a seedling, which if not removed will in a few years make a tree several inches in diameter, and requir- ing considerable labor to take out. Maples and Elms sometimes, but quite rare- ly, start up in this way. In every such case, no matter what the kind of tree may be, it should be lemoved while young, before the roots have caused mischief. It is very unwise to allow such to grow on for years, to see what may result, as once was done by an acquaint- ance of ours, with considerable trouble later. A Talk about Fruits, New and Old. E. WOODS. ES(^, BEFORE THE MASSACHl'SETTS HGRTICCLTURAL SOCIETY. It is difficult to confine our subject to new fruits, for many that are new in one place are old in another. Most fruits are best in the place where they originated, and deteriorate elsewhere; exceptions, the Wilson Strawberry and the Gravenstein Apple. In Massachusetts our winter Apples possess many good qualities difficult to sui-pass. The Baldwin gi'ows well, bears early, and is of good size and color, and it will probably be long before anything will displace it for market. Among good Apples is the Palmer Greening, or Washington Royal, a late keeping variety, green, changing to yellow when ripe, and of excellent quality, bringing from fifty cents to a dollar per barrel more than Baldwins. The Sutton Beauty is not as well known as it de- serves to be. It is of good size, excellent qual- ity' and handsome, and has other good points. The Chenango Apple is little known here ; it is large, handsome, of fine quality and valuable for famil)' or market. The Frederick Clapp Pear has now been sufficiently tested to show its superiority; a good grower and bearer and should be in every amateur's garden. The President Clark is of the highest quality, but is not yet disseminated. Of the Keiffer there has never been a specimen shown here of fail- quality as a dessert fruit. There has been much improvement in Grapes in recent years. The Worden is probably the best of the many seedlings from the Concord. The Cottage, raised by Mr. Bull, the origina- tor of the Concord, and the Early Victor, a native of Kansas, are desirable early kinds. The Niagara ripens with the Concord ; it is a vigorous grower and bears abundantly, and is a valuable white Grape. The Hayes Grape in quality is superior to the Niagara. Wine made from this variety has by experts been thought the best wine they had ever tasted from a native Grape. The Prentiss (said to be a cross between the native and foreign) is of fine quality, but lacks in vigor and productive- ness. We shall have to look to pure natives for these points. Of the 40 or .50 Roger's Hy- brids introduced under favorable conditions only 13 dishes were shown at our exhibitions during the last season. In Plums, owing to black wart and the cur- culio, almost all varieties may be said to be new. The Green Gage is unequaled in qual- ity, but there are many better gi'owers. The Jefferson, McLaughlin, Washington, Bradshaw and Niagara are among the best. In Strawberries, kinds that did well 10 or 1.5 years ago have become almost obsolete. The Hovey ceases to produce good crops, and the same with Brighton Pine. The Triomphe de Gand has not been shown here for yeai's. Among the newer excellent market berries are the Charles Downing, Miner's Prolific, Sharp- less, and Cumberland. The Wilson and Cres- cent are exceedingly productive, but of inferior quality. With amateurs the Hervey Davis, Wilder and LaConstante ai-e favorites for their fine quality. Among newer kinds which promise well are Bidwell, Manchester, Belmont and Jewell. Some complain that the Bidwell does not carry out its fruit; perhaps higher cul- tivation will obviate this. The Manchester is very prolific and of good size. The Belmont is most productive and the quality is from fair to good. It is a late variety, with fine flesh, and keeps remarkably well. The Jewell is per- haps a little better in quality than the Belmont, large, and while of good form it is very proli- fic, and makes strong runners. 94 POPULAR GARDENING. March, A spring Race. The Crocus and the DafEodU Had quite a breathless race. To see which first should greet the Spring With sunny, smiling face, The fragile Snow-drop hung its head, And trembled in the breeze, Until a sunbeam, playing 'round. Came near, lest it should freeze. But e'en before the Violets Have ope'd their eyes of blue. Or spotted spears of Alder-tongue Have pierced the damp sod through, Down in the forest's fragrant shade The sweetest blossoms blow, For while the rest were fast asleep These grew beneath the snow. And here Arbutus is the first To whisper, " Welcome, Spring," And never monarch on his throne Found lovelier ofi'ering. ~M. K. Buck, 1)1 Golden Days, The Wal!-FIower. The Wall-flower ! the Wall-flower ! How beautiful it blooms ! It gleams above the ruined tower Like eunlight over tombs -, It sheds a halo of repose Around the wrecks of time ; To beauty give the flaunting Rose— The Wall-flower is sublime. Try a Sweet Pea hedge. Dusty plants are not nice. Hurry up plant propagation. More clubs would be welcome. Keep coal tar ofE from the bark. Flora starts modestly in her season. Free Growers need the most water. Field mice are enemies of the Crocus. Our Cytisus is aglow with sweet bloom. Flowers are the sweeteners of life's acids. The " Inquiry Department " is growing. The Kieffer Pear is looking up more again. Acacias have been called Winter Golden-rod. A bit of tough sod answers well for pot drainage. Too many plants for a given space is a great mis- take. Why not plant a clump of improved Pseonies this year? Trees that are the same before and after burning —Ashes. For window culture the best Rose is the true Agrippina. The White Garden Rose for tlie million is Mad- ame Planlier. The secret of having large Pansy flowers lies in liquid manure. Camellias are grown as open air plants about London, England. We would like to see more people growing fruits in abundance for their own use. Hake hot-beds to hold the overflow of windows, other hot-beds and greenhouses. To let green cuttings of any kind wilt but once is to do them irreparable damage. The bright, richly embellished catalogue covers must not come to the children's mouths. Thousands who cannot have fruit trees or bushes might grow Grapes to perfection against buildings. On one account commission seeds might perhaps be praised. They never wear out from much trav- eling . Aim to have every plant and tree a " specimen.'''' That is how to acquire much pleasure from horti- culture. A touch of Nature in the form of climbing vines may render the most humble house a most charming sight. It is claimed by European vintners that very old Grape-vines bear finer fruit than younger ones of the same variety. Thousands of American women don't know of the health they might enjoy by turning their spare time to light gardening. Some state that Begonias will not bear water on their leaves. This applies with special force only to the large-leaved Rex section. Amateur gardening gains in ijopularity with every year. The improvement in the catalogues from year to year plainly indicates this. " I can buy fruit and vegetables cheaper than I can raise them'" too often means a table scantily supplied, where it should abound with these things. Forget-me-nots make nice pot plants. In forcing they are impatient of much heat. They like plenty of water and light. M. dissitiJloi-a alba is a useful variety for its white flowers. A new plant spraying apparatus is referred to in a welcome letter from our correspondent E. H. Cushman of Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, and which we hope later to describe somewhat fully. Bones for Trees. Mr. Barry remarks that in taking up trees from soil enriched by reduced bones be has found every fragment within reach of the roots enclosed in a mass of root fibers. Impatiens Sultani, This ever-blooming single Balsam is better raised from seed that is sown now than from cuttings. As a pot plant it is really de- sirable and in favorable seasons an excellent bedder. Ferns. A generally good soil for potting them in is composed of equal parts turfy loam and fibrous peat, mixed with coarse sand and fine char- coal Although they love moisture, free drainage is of real importance. Some of the largest clubs ever received by this paper have come in during the past month. For these the senders have our sincere thanks; it is largely by the kind efforts of club raisers that Popular Gardening exists. Dr. Fisher, the successful Grape-grower of Fitch- burg, Mass. , is using two and one-fourth inch chest- nut stakes for his trellises that were cut and set 13 or 14 years ago and still answer their purpose. They were all cut in late summer when in full leaf. | " Language of Flowers," Etc. From the en- | terprising florist and publisher, Charles A. Reeser, , of Springfield, Ohio, comes to our desk a little 50 ' cent cloth-bound book on this subject, and on other floral matters. It contains 142 pages and is just | such a gem as all flower growers would delight in. To have a good lawn the roller should be a companion implement to the mower. But the two . should not be combined, for in such a case the band- ' mower having a roller attached does not prove heavy ' enough as a roller, while it proves to be too heavy and possessed of too useless an adjunct to be propelled the season through in the weekly mowings. Bedding Designs. A useful new plate book of such designs has reached us from GJeo. A. Solly & Son, Springfield, Mass. It contains over on handsome and complete plans of flower beds, from simple to elaborate. Of the latter some are printed in as many as eight colors. Lists of plants accompany the plans. Full particulars may be had of the firm named. Pretty Near the Mark. No one other thing is more important to good tillage than the thorough fining of the soil. Here is one good gardener's suggestions put in his own way on how he prepares soil for crops: "I tell my men to harrow the ground until they think it is harrowed twice as much as it ought to be, and then I tell them it is not harrowed half enough." The Knife You Use. When we see some one haggle away at pruning a pot or other plant with a case-knife of the usual dullness we are glad indeed that it has never been demonstrated that plants have feelings. On this point Popular Gardening is clear: Every gardener, and even those who grow but a few pot plants, should have a sharp knife to use expressly for pruning. — - Take up This Craze. In the last century _^ homes where they have not yet been cultivated under their modern name. I want to say also that j they are among the very best of plants for local horticultural societies to grow for exhibition. The ! Eastern Cuyahoga (Ohio) Society tried it last sea- son, and now 'Chrysanthemum Day' is looked back to with pleasure, and forward to with renewed in- interest. My advice is for all interested in such matters to grow and to exhibit them." Annuals are, taken all in all, among the best of flowers which can be used for the decoration of the gardens of the people, and this is the season in which to make provision for the summer and au- PLANT OF THE MADAGASCAR PERIWINKLE. tumn display. When such plants as Geraniums are used, they require a great deal of attention to keep them during the winter ; or where there is no means of doing this, and an attempt is made to buy them, they cost comparatively a great deal of money, and, after all, it is a question if they succeed in making a good show ; but it is quite different with the annuals, as a great many choice varieties may be bought for a little raonej' , and besides seed for one's own sowing is easily saved They are from first to last not only easy of culture and sure of growth, but they pro- duce gorgeous masses of the most lovely flowers imaginable The blossoms include forms of pecu- liar shape, all shades of colors, and exquisite fragrance. Indeed, the modest Mignonette, to say nothing of the Sweet Pea and Nasturtium, of this class stands with hardly a rival among fine flowers as regards the last named quality. The Madagascar Periwinkle. The common Periwinkles, rmcamtnor, V. major, etc. ^ are among our most desirable hardy plants, and very useful also in pot and vase culture as trailers. The Mada- gascar Periwinkle is classed among greenhouse plants, but it may not be generally known that it is a useful summer bedding or a pot plant. When grown from seed, treating it like an annual, it is of upright growth with heavy, finely- veined leaves that are evergreen, and decidedly handsome. Still of this class the flowers are considered the main attraction. These are of simple form, fine texture and pleasing colors. The favorite variety is the one herewith figured, F'mca alba, and this has white flowers with a deep crimson eye. V. rosa is rose- colored with a dark eye; T'. alba pura an exquisite pure white variety. The fact that these Peri- winkles are usually grown as greenhouse plants should prevent no amateur who is without a green- house attempting their culture Let them be treated, fi'om the seed (it may be bought from the leading seedsmen) precisely like the Balsam, and it will flower about as early and for as great a length of time as will that favorite. Fashion In Flowers as noted by our ! New York Correspondent. Some of our leading florists are using Stags-horn Fern a great deal as a house plant. Growing on a block it may be hung in a wmdow, and does ad- mirably if laid in a basin of water to thoroughly soak every now and then. It is handsome with a Pathos trained over the stump on which it grows. The best way of keeping Orchid blooms in a store is to take a dish and fill it with good sphagnum, then pour in water until the moss is almost afloat, making an artificial swamp. Lay some Asparagus or Ferns on the top, and then, making apertures in the moss to receive the stems, put the Orchids in this and they will keep fresh longer than any other ■ flowers in existence. I One of the prettiest small foliage plants for use I in table decoration is a new Maranta from a Ger- | man grower, M. Bachemania. It is a little low- growing thing with satiny, light green leaves marked with black, and it bears moving, gas light, and all the other things that kill decorative plants, with 1 positive indifference. It is charming mixed with Ferns for a table plateau. At a great private party ball recently the favors were particularly pretty. They were arranged on two large screens, and consisted of wreaths and bells. One screen was covered with the belts, some of which were Violets with Rosebud clappers, others Lily of the Valley tied with pale green ribbons. The wreaths were of Ivy, tied with clusters of spring flowers. The boutonnieres, which are much larger than they used to be, were of Gardenias, Violets. Lilies and Hyacinths. Now that Orchids hold a recognized place among cut flowers, it is well to know which are most valua- ble for keeping qualities. An experienced florist says that Laelia anceps is the poorest keeper of them all; it is never safe to send it any distance. Masdevallias and Odontoglossums when they be- come flabby may be thrown into a basin of cold water, and they soon crisp up and keep much better after their bath. Cattleyas would be ruined by such treatment, but they are admirable keepers, and will withstand the effects of gas after pot Ferns in their company have become blackened. One of the most artistic arrangments for table decoration seen for a long time was at the dinner given by Mrs. Secretary Whitney to the artist Munkacsy. Down the centre of the table was a Turkish scarf of unknown antiquity, dull red in hue, here and there relieved by sparing embroidery of tinsel. This was framed by a wreath of Lygodiums and fine Ferns. On this was laid a fragrant chain of La France and Mermet Roses, alternated by Parma Violets. This garland was continued around the decanters and epergnes. Four large bunches of American Beauty and La France Roses were at the comers of the scarf. These were afterwards given as favors. The coming event in the fioricultural world is the great Orchid show to be given by Siebrecht & Wad- ley about the first week in March. It is to be held in the Eden Musee, which, though of course not as large as the places where some of the great shows have been held, is very conveniently arranged, and a very pretty place. Rose Hill nurseries make an extraordinarily fine display of Orchids, but of course the proprietors will call on other growers for co-operation in this novel enterprise. There will be both gi-owing plants and cut flowers, and as back- ing, some remarkable foliage plants. Palms and Nepenthes. Nepenthes always attract the unbot- anical public by their bloodthirsty reputation, as well as by their oddity. There are to be absolutely no Roses at this show; this is in itself a novelty. The most elaborate decoration ever seen in Del- monico's was for an indoors " garden party " given by some prominent members of Hebrew society. The great ball-room was turned into an imitation garden. Half way to the lofty ceiling, about twelve feet above the floor, was a temporary roof, made of wire and piping, which was slightly arched toward the center, and completely massed with Hemlock branches, so that it looked like a thick forest. In the center was a huge sun of red and yellow Immortelles, surrounded by Pampas Plume rays. Here and there were stars of Immortelles. At the entrance to the room was a i-ustic picket fence with gate leading into the room, the fence trimmed with Ivj'. By this were banks of flower- ing plants. The walla about the mirrors were massed with Hemlock, and the mirrrors draped with Bougainvillea and other flowers; large Palms and rustic seats were disposed at intervals. At the end of the room, opposite the door, were masses of fine Palms, a pretty fountain, and a log house, in which was a realistic gardener; not in flesh and blood, but in wax. Surroundings of Virgin Cork and band- some plants gave a charming effect. The whole decoration was extremely elaborate, and reflected great credit on the taste and ingenuity of the florist. Emily Louise Tapun. REPLIES TO INQUIRIES. il=)A. Currant Leaves Infested. Syringe with a handpump, using awash, made as follows: Onetta- spoonful of I'aris Green stirred into a twelve-quart pail of water, using just enough to wet the leaves. Apply early before the lice appear, simply wetting the leaves. A. M. P. 216, Covering Grape-vines. The only objec- tion to the use of manure for covering Grape-vines is that it makes a harbor for mice, and the mice are apt to gnaw the bark off from the canes. It is necessary to cover the roots as well as the canes. It prevents breaking the roots by heaving. D. S. M. 218 Gladioli from Seed. I have never had Gladioli seedlings blossom in less than three years here at Watertown. N. Y. I have heard that where there is a longer season, some plants, if started with heat, blossom in two years. D. S. M. 96 POPULAR GARDENING. March, ^Mi&HT ^T^H°E^- BEIN(^-MATrER-THAT-DESERVE3- •TO-BE -WIDELY- KMOWrS- Italians as Market Gardeners. "Prices are i getting so low that old hands at the business are getting out of it or have made a specialty of some | one or more articles, leaving the general market gardening to Italians mostly, who have come among us and seem to be able to work and live cheaper than those who have been in the business here for years."— Jo/m Tobias, before Colorado Society Meeting. Nursery Agents. "On the principle of greatest good to greatest number, the agent is a benefit." ~A Ray from Western New York Society. The Anjou Pear is probably the most valuable Pear in America to-day. It was introduced from France by the late Marshall Wilder.— Pres. Barry. lona. If a man wants a good Grape and will get down on his knees and work with it, then let him get the lona— ^. L, Dulaney, before Kentucky Society. New Varieties. Do not waste much money or time on new varieties; of 10,000 new ones not more than 10 prove valuable.— J. H. Butler, before West- ern N. Y. Society. Stand up for Horticulture. I believe the West- ern New York Horticultural Society is worth ten times as much to the State as the State Agricult. ural Society, and I am familiar with both.— i?. T. Brooks. " Fruit for the People." There is no spot where a family supply cannot be had by a proper selec- tion of sorts. There is no reason why every family should not have a liberal supply of fruit.— J^, J. Thomas, before Western N. Y. Society. " The cultivation of flowers has an elevating and refining influence, giving health, beauty and fragrance in exact proportion to the love and care bestowed upon them. Now if this be so— and I believe it is— we do a good work when we cause to be planted, where not planted before, a fruit tree, vine, or flower."— ent tea leaves, in a little vinegar, as in any way of which we know. To Cleanse dirty sponges, place in a basin, cov- ering them with bran, and then with boiling water, keeping the steam in by covering tightly. When cold rinse in cold water and dry. Water, pure and wholesome, is perfectly taste- less, nearly odorless (at least there can be no bad smell), and of a clear color, though water might in instances be somewhat cloudy or roily and still be harmless. The old 'Wash boiler need not be cast aside when leakage beyond repair sets in. This is the time it should have the dents straightened out and be scoured up to use for keeping bowls and glasses of jelly and marmalade from the mice. Lamp wicks should be kept turned below the top of the tube when unlighted, as otherwise the oil is apt to exude, causing greasy and ill smelling lamps. Lamp chimneys are easily cleaned if held over a pot of steaming water long enough to damp- en and then nibbed with soft dry paper or cloth. Oranges, delicious, and in these times so cheap, are excellent for table use, either alone, or for an inexpensive delicacy combined with Apples. A re- cipe comes to us for using them by themselves, which looks like a good one to follow. Two dozen] cut up in a bowl, removing the seeds, with two large peeled Lemons, to which is added seven quarts of water, stirred and set away over night. The next day have them gradually come to a boil, then allow to simmer till the peel is tender, when add fourteen pounds of granulated sugar. Boil now till it is transparent and jellies if cooled. Keep in small cans, within the covers of which first place tissue paper ones. With care In making this mar- malade may be kept a long time if visitors are not too frequent about tea time. Moderation in Diet seems to be required for the greatest amount of endurance. The heavy workers of the world, both ancient and modern, seem to be the light eaters. The rice-fed Coolie is far superior to the heavy meat-eating negro in activity and fortitude. The Eastern porter, who thinks nothing of taking a third of a ton at a load, is satisfied with a few olives and other fruit. The hardy soldiers of ancient Rome, with their weighty armor and equip- ments, and engaged as they were in making the roads which even yet are the wonder of the world, owed their ruggedness to their exercise and tem- perance in diet, which was of coarse bread and sour wine. The poverty-stricken peasants of Spain, with their daily toil, and nightly dance, five on watermelons, onions and black bread, and make excellent soldiers. Carpet sweeping. There are many diverse opin- ions about carpet sweeping. Some good house- keepers maintain that to throw any damp sub- stance on the floor to prevent dust rising is a mis- take, also that every window should be open and the dust allowed to rise and be blown out, the more wind the better. Others, whose authority appears to be equally good, say, and I agree with them, that to sweep in a gale with nothing to " lay the dust " is to make a dirty, suffocating business of one that is otherwise not unpleasant. The fact seems to me that the dust so raised will only be blown out so far as it lies in the course of the wind; the rest will lodge on the walls and every part that may intercept it; and unless there is a window directly opposite the one from which the wind comes, there can be no blowing of the dust out at all; it certainly will not go out against the wind. As to the idea that you need to raise the dust from the carpet, that is quite true; you want the dust out of the carpet, but you do not want it to fiy over the place. Those who object to using wet paper or tea leaves to lessen the dust must be under the impression that they in some way prevent the dust from leaving the carpet, and that they simply roll over the surface of the carpet. The fact, is, if you sweep with a long, light stroke, the damp leaves will prevent the flue and dust from rising by taking it to themselves.— Good Housekeeping. Warmth is life for young chicks. One thing that don't pay: having too many eggs to a hen. The shortest cut to relieving egg bound hens, Is the axe cut. Dirty Eggs. Clean them as soon as gathered. Shells are porous and if dirty taint the meat. Of this there can be no doubt: fowls do better If not kept in the same yard area perpetually. Gapes, it is said by one speaking with authority, may be cured by the use of a teaspoonf ul of turpen- tine to one and a half pints of corn meal, mixed with warm water and fed to the fowls. It is said that epicures prize the poultry that has had a good feeding of roasted Corn and Celery, for a few days before kllUng. For laying fowls, corn treated in the way mentioned, is a welcome change of diet. Let these things be tried. Clean Yards. Accuthulating filth is a prolific source of disease, especially gapes, which is essen- tially a filth production. After a hen yard has been cleaned to sprinkle it with a solution of two gallons of water, one gill of carbolic acid and one pound of copperas will destroy disease germs, rendering the place sweet. Boup. It comes usually from having damp or draughty roosting places. The first symptoms show themselves in a swollen head, one side at a time, something like the "mumps," which if not stopped spreads to the other side and a slimy dis- charge from the eyes appears. Being very conta- gious, all sick fowls should be isolated. A good treatment is feeding with oat meal with some green food, giving one grain of sulphate of zinc daily, and washing the head in tepid water. Time for Hatching. February and March will be found quite early enough for most breeders, and it is our beUef that more prize winners are hatched in April than in any month of the year. The first warm days of spring time have a wonderful effect in developing young chicks, and those that are hatched before that time, unless most carefully brooded, are very liable to have their lives cut short or their growth permanently affected by the frosty air of the earlier months.— iVafioJloI Monitor. Hen Manure. How best to preserve and utilize it is a matter of wide interest. By sprinkling only enough dry earth, or in the absence of this, dry coal ashes under the roosts and over the fioors, to thoroughly absorb all moisture from the dung, etc., and then cleaning out the house weekly, put- ting the scrapings in barrels and keeping in a dry place, there may soon be an accumulation of great value. Several weeks before the time of applying to the land empty out and turn the gathered ma- nure a few times, then moisten it lightly to invite heating somewhat, and at the same time cover the pile with loam to prevent the escape of the ammonia. Such a course will render the manure fine, and it may then be used in the drills for seed. Bearing Chicks. I have found that the secret of success is to pamper the young birds as little as possible. From the rearer or the incubator they are taken to an old sash-lighted building, the floor of which is thickly covered with sifted ashes; this is a foster-mother heated by a small lamp, and in which the birds sleep and warm themselves. The young birds soon find their way about, and after that they are very little trouble. The floor is swept every day, and fresh ashes put down; the food consists of small rice, oatmeal, chopped eggs, cooked offal from the butcher's, and scraps of all kinds; oyster-shells broken fine are an excellent addition to all their food; boiled Cabbage and roots are also given with the best results. Pur- chased food is bought at wholesale. After a few days all danger of their dying is over for the pres- ent, and the birds improve rapidly. They are let out during fine weather on to a grass plat close to the building, through a slidingdoor, which is closed at night. When about three weeks old, the warmed part of the building is wanted for the next brood from the incubator, and the older birds have to content themselves with rough boxes lined with old carpet.which keeps them warm. The young and old lots are separated by wire netting. When the birds are about six weeks old, they are put in the poultry -houses or spare loose boxes about the place, where they give little or no trouble. When about nine weeks old, they are placed in .small, roughly- constructed huts in sheltered places in the grass- flelds, where a boy feeds them twice a day.— Corr. English Exchange. I02 POPULAR GARDENING. March, '^e ExchevR^e Amateurs often hatv an exeess of certain seeds, plants, etc., while in leant of others. This department is designed to bring about free exchanges in such cases. In The Exchange may be named ichat can be spared, what is wanted and the address. No pHce figures admitted. Any offer that may appear objectionable to the publishers not admitted. Xo responsibility will be assumed for any results connected with The Exchange. Those using the column should correspond before sending articles. 162. E. Heuftelen, LeRoy, N Y., will exchange Gladiolus, Hyacinthus caridicans, Lilies pulchet- lum and tenuifolium, for perfect stone knives, spears or ax heads. 163. T. D. Adams. Franklin, Pa., has a large list of choice garden and flower .seeds for exchange. 164. J. F. La Far, Savannah, Ga., offers Ampe- lopsis Veitchii in exchange for Lilies or Dahlias. 165. Mrs. L. D. Elder, Dansville, N. T., has vari- ous patterns to exchange for plants, bulbs, etc. 166. Mrs Lizzie Coharn, Wood Lake, Ky., wants to exchange lists of plants. 167. Mrs Nellie B. HeufF, Annisquam, Mass., has seeds of Calendula Meteor, Poppy, Marigold and Virginia Creeper to exchange for bulbs; Pasonies, Tigridias, Easter Lily, or Ixias preferred. 168. Mrs. T. M. Wright, Barnett, Tenn., offers Fartugium grande. Clematis Jackmanii, Callas, Lemon, Day and Candidum Lilies, While, Yellow and Blue Iris, for Gladiolus, Cyclamen, Amaryllis, Colchicum. Brownii and Auratum Lilies. 169. Mrs. F. E. Sawyer, 4889 Ashland Avenue, Chicago, III., has cuttings of various plants for others she has not, iro. Rufus E. Sanborn, Concord, N. H., has the finest strain of Aster seeds to exchange for Gladio- lus, light colors preferred. 171. Mrs. L. C. Smith, Hood, Miss., offers plants of Christmas tree for Dahlias, Tuberoses, Gladio- lus or flower seeds. PI ITNTQ of Hardy Small kiMIl A O Fruits. Best auality. Larg-e Stock. Low Prices. Lists Free, J. F. DAT- TON, Waukon, Ohio. A TEARS* WORK IN THE GARDEN. Every Gardener should have a copy. FREE Address H. C. HARMAN, Seedsman, SoDTH Bend Ind Beautify and adorn your homes with fruit and or- namental trees, vines, &c., you can SAVE MONEY by buying of us. Write tor our prices. Address GEO. D. ARNOLD, No Agents. Benton Center, Yates Co., N. Y*. VbiiREN'S ipE-ATHERtONf Madp from Quills. The best Whip in the World. Ask your Dealer for them, and take no other. For I sale everywhere. ELEGANT SHAPE, HEALTH and COMFORT Perfectly Combined in MADAME FOY'S Skirt Supporting CORSET. It Is one of the most popular and Batisfac-i tory In the market, For Bale by all lead Ing dealers. Price by mall $1.30. FOY, HARMON &. CHADWICK, New Haven, Corvn LOWERS FROM THE OLD COUNTRY. 50 roots brilliant Anemones, perfectly hardy, all colors, and 50 roots Ranunculi, both delichtful flowers for cutting; produce quantities of bloom; the 100 one dollar, post-free. Guaranteed to arrive safely. MORLEY & CO., Preston, England. If you want the best garden you have ever liad, you must sow Maule's Seeds. There is no question but that Maule's Garden Seeds are unsur- passed. Their present popularity in almost every county in the United States shows it. When once sown, others are not wanted at any price. One quarter of a million copies of my new Catalogue for 1887 have been already mailed. Every one pronounces it themost orig- inal and readable Seed Catalogue ever published. It contains among other things cash prizes for premium vegetables, etc., to the amount of $1500, and also beautiful illustra- tions of over 500 vegetables and flowers, (^0 being in colors). These are only two of many striking fea- tures. You should not think of purchasing any seeds this Spring before sending for it. It is mailed free to all enclosing stamp for re- turn postage Address WM. HENRY MAULE, 7U Filbert St. PHILADELPHIA, PA. FOR DYSPEPSIA, Mental and Pbysical Exbanstion, NerYonsness, Weakened Energy, INDIGESTION, ETC. AGIO PHOSPHATE A liquid preparation of the phosphates and phosphoric acid. Recommended by physicians. It makes a delicious drink. Invigorating and strengthen- ing. Pamphlet free. For sale by all dealers. Rnmford Chemical Works, Frovldence, B.I. B?"BE-WAKE OF IMITATIONS. GARDEN SUPPLY DIRECTORY Farm and Garden Seeds.— W. Atlee Burpee & Co., Philadelphia, Pa. Garden Supplies, etc.— Peter Henderson St. Co., New York City. Grape-vines.— Geo. S. Josselyn, Fredonia, N. Y. Grape-vines and Small Fruits.- Lewis Roeseh, Fredonia, N. Y. Grape-vines.— T. S. Hubbard, Fredonia, N. Y. Garden Seeds, etc.— Shatter Seed Co., Mt. Lebanon, N. Y. Garden Seeds, etc.— WUliam Henry Maule, Philadelphia, Pa. Grape-vines, etc.— Geo. W. Campbell, Delaware, Ohio. Horticultural Houses.- Joseph Plenty, New York City. Market Gardeners' Supplies, etc.— J. B.Root& Co., Rockford, 111. Nursery Stock, General.-John R, & A. Murdoch, Pittsburg, Pa. Nursery Stock.— Irring Allen, Springfield, Mass. Nursery Stock, Ornamental Trees. — Putney & Woodward, Brentwood. N. Y. Nursery Stock.— Green's Nursery Co., Rochester, N. Y. Nursery and Florists' Stock.— I. C. Wood & Bro., ^FishkiU, N. Y. Nursery Stock, General.— E. Y, Teas, Dunreith, Ind. Nursery Stock, General.— E. H. Ricker & Co., Elgin, lU. Nursery Stock. -H. S. Anderson, Union Springs, N. Y. Plants, Seeds, etc.— Paul Butz & Son, New Castle, Pa. Plants, Seeds, etc.— Harry Chaapel, Williamsport, Pa. Plants, Seeds, etc.— C. E. AUen, Brattleboro, Vt. Plants, Carnations a Specialty.— Chas. T. Starr, Avondale, Pa. Plants, Seeds, etc.— Ellis Brothers, Keene, N. H. Plants and Bulbs. — John Lewis Childs, Queens, N. Y. Plants, etc.— E. Hippard, Youngstown, Ohio. Plants, Boses a Specialty.— Hill & Co., Richmond, Ind. Plants and Seeds.— Chas. A. Reeser, Springfield, Ohio. Plants, Bulbs and Seeds.— F R. Pierson, Tarrytown, N. Y, Plants and Seeds — Rob't Veitch & Son, New Haven, Conn. Seeds, Pansies a Specialty.— L. W. Groodell, Dwight. Mass. Seedsand Plants.— William C. Beckert, Allegheny City, Pa. Seeds, Plants, etc.— F. H. Mooers, I»ittston, Me. Seeds, Plants and Fertilizers. -Aaron Low, Essex, Mass. Seeds, Plants, etc. — Albert Williams, Sharon, Pa. Seeds, Garden and Other.— James J. H. Gregory, Marblehead, Mass. Seeds, Plants, etc —Frank Ford & Sons, Ravenna, Ohio. Seeds, Plants, etc,-H. C. Harman, South Bend, Ind. Trees, Plants, etc.— Storrs & Harrison Co., PainesviUe, Ohio. P0PU1.AR Gahdeninq may be ordered at the reg- ular price of any of the parties named above. A NEW CHERRY. Brandy wine (> ••ACCUSE NOT NATURE, SHE HATH DONE HER PART; DO THOU BUT THINE."— JS^Iqit.s (tf ^ '• Vol. II. -A.I'iaiXj, 18 87. IMO. 7. Uprose the wild old Winter King, And shook his head of snow; '* I hear the first young Harebell ring 'Ti8 time for me to go : Northward o'er the icy rocks. Northward o'er the sea. My Daughter comes with sunny locks: This land's too warm for me." — Iceland. That favorite the Sweet Pea is a flower that should be sown early; the blooms come the finer for having the roots of the plants form mainly during cool weather. Temperance and flower-gardening easily go hand-in-hand. The experience of those who build cottages to let has proved that the addition of a garden-plot affects a most bene- ficial influence on the social, moral and re- ligious life of those who occupy them. Extremes are to be avoided in lawn mow- ing as in everything else. To keep the grass too closely cut may give the sward a better ap- pearance than to allow it to grow long, but the lawn is as susceptible of injury in the one case as in the other. Letting the cutting edge of the mower lower down than an inch, and then running over the plat of tener than once a week is what we call cutting injuriously close. Such a course has the effect of reducing the vitality of the grass plants and giving various small cre?ping weeds an undesirable advantage. A BEAUTIFUL Jerusalem Cherry-tree (Sola- nnm rapsirasfrum of the seed catalogues) loaded with red fruit, can be grown by any child, for decorating the window next winter. Procure a packet of seeds and start them in a pot of light earth in April. They germinate quickly and in a few weeks from the time of sowing, the seedlings will be fit to prick out into individual pots, as many as you care to have plants of. About June first set the plants in the garden. Let them grow there till Septem- ber, by which time they will be full of green fruit, and then lift and pot them in six-inch pots, bringing them into the house as soon after as frost threatens. The country boys and girls are the hope of the nation. Let them appreciate their oppor- tunities and take courage. As Prof. Haynes, of Michigan, lately so well said, " the history of the world proves that the tillers of the soU are the safeguard of the world's best institutions. All great enterprises depend upon the boys of the rural homes. Washington, Jefferson, Clay, Webster, Lincoln, Garfield, Gladstone had all been country bo3-s, and throughout their lives were more or less engaged in tilling the soU. Great men in all ages when they have trouched the earth have renewed their vigor. Mercy is said to be twice blessed, but horticulture is four times blessed ; it gives health to the body, rest to the spirit, inspiration to the soul, and by its reflex action most Liberally blesses his neighbors." Americans are at the present time large consumers of Cabbage imported from Denmark. It is safe to say that the bulk of this vegetable sold to what is known as first-class trade in Buffalo, during recent months, has been re- ceived from Copenhagen. The same thing is true concerning the Cabbage trade of many other American towns as well. The peculiar excellence of the imported article lies in the solidity of the heads and the crispness and del- icate flavor of the leaf. Mr. W. A. Burpee, the Philadelphia seedsman, while in Denmark last year, had an opportunity of making an intimate acquaintance with the particular variety that figures so largely in the American markets. He terms it the BaU-head, and says that the Danes grow it almost exclusively for winter Cabbage. The variety has been selected and perfected for more than 50 years by the Danish gardeners, and it is remarkable that the seed has not been offered before in America. The heads are as hard as they can be, round as a ball, of good marketable size, of extra choice quality, very fine grained, and remark- ably good keepers. The new law about to be pas'sed (if not already passed) in the State of Minnesota, against the um'eliable tree agent, is very strict on some points, but none too strict. It requires, for one thing, that every dealer must carry satisfactory proofs of his honesty as certified to by a judge of the courts. Another impor- tant requirement is that he shall deal only in stock that is hardy in the State, and that he must deal in all kinds known to be hardy. These last demands are important ones, as everyone who has studied into the work of the average agent knows. An immense quantity of nursery stock is peddled out by this class throughout the North, which, while it would be hardy and reliable some degrees further south, is anything but this where it is sold. The agent who will urge plants, however valuable they may be in place, upon people who are utterly without power to meet their needs is little better than a charlatan. The fact that he him- self may be ignorant of their relative hardiness does not mitigate the offense ; he should not be allowed to proceed. The course of the Min- nesota brethren could well be adopted by the people of every other State. On Choosing and Pruning Standard Pear Trees. PETER COLLIER, LENAWEE CO., MICH. SELECTION OP TREES. With my twelve year.s' experience in Pear culture my choice is for yearling trees, par ticularly if wanted for low heads, which are preferable Two-year olds are passable, but I would purchase nolliing older. A second- size two year Pear tree, if it be well grown, is not objectionable. Why I prefer such young trees is that I may, by removing all the branches, the more readily form a new head from new wood. I aim always to avoid forming a head on two or three year old wood, because it is almost impossible to force out dormant buds on such wood and form a well balanced top. True my method may take a little more care the first summer, but this is amply repaid in a handsomer growth and early maturity as to fruit bearing. - As may be inferred from my remarks, I care little for the form of the top as the tree comes from the nursery, for all side branches are soon removed. I want to see a strong top, but only because a good top indicates vigor and a good root. Besides the objec- tion named to trees that are older than two years, is the one that such usually have less fibrous roots, they incline to be spiky and unwieldy, and often are received in a broken Fig. 1. Pear tree one year oldy the cross marks shotcing places to prune at time of set- ting out. Fig 2. The same tree one year later, cross marks showing places to prune, half circle places to disbud. and mutilated condition as a result of digging, packing and shipping. PRUNING THE FIRST YEAR. Starting with a vigorous one-year-old I take off all side branches and cut the leader back from one-fourth to one-third, .is shown by the cross lines of figure 1. If a very low head is wanted I cut still lower. It is the buds on the upper portion of the remaining part that will ordinarily start the first and grow the fastest, hence it is from this portion that the head forms The cut- ting of the leader must not be nearer than one-half an inch to the upper bud, for from this is to come the new leader. A short stub will be the result, and this should be removed after the leader is well started. Let the leader always start on the side of the prevailing winds, and it may be added that throughout the early training of the tree always encourage the most growth on this side. If needed, for effecting this, shorten on the opposite side. Too many branches should not be allowed to grow the first summer, six or seven being about right. Remember, however, it is easier to cut one out the following spring than to put one in. Whenever a shoot starts in a wrong direction off with it, you don't want to grow much wood that afterwards should be cut away. PRUNING THE SECOND YEAR AND LATER. By the second year my trees should in general present the form of figure 2. Then, at some time before the buds begin to swell, I would prune as indicated by the cross I04 POPULAR GARDENING. April, lines in tliis figure, always cutting to an outside bud on tlie branch, particularly in upright growing varieties, so as to spread the tree as much as possible for admitting air and sunlight. How much to cut from each branch is hard to determine on paper. Pruning, like bread-making, wants consider- able good judgment applied. My practice usually is to take off from one-quarter to one-third of the previous year's growth, cut- in from fifteen to twenty days the Celery seedlings will be up "thick as grass" if there has been life in the seed. For the past twenty-five years we have practiced this plan, or at least what answers the same purpose when done on a large scale, and have not once failed. Last sea- son we sowed forty pounds of seed, cover- ing about four acres, which produced nearly five million plants. THE GRADE OF THE FRONT YARD.— SOME VERTICAL SECTIONS. ting to even up the branches over the tree. This course in general I should continue until the tree was four or five years old, but still watching for and pruning those rampant shoots that seem to want to outstrip all others. Always have regard to the leader. Never allow it to become stunted or crippled by allowing lower shoots to grow perpendicular with it. Either cut such out or head them back to cause side branches. A good deal of after pruning may be saved, by pinching or cutting out the buds which are formed on the inside of the branches near tlie intersection with the main stem, and indicated in figure 2 by the curved lines. Such buds usually send shoots up- wards and across the path of the side branches and in time would need taking out. The distance at which branches should be started along the main parts is of no small importance. From ten to fifteen inches would do very well after the first set of limbs are formed. It is not essential that branches be formed in sets, but at in- tervals, in such a manner as would best bal- ance the tree. The methods outlined are designed for those growers who look after their trees often, not for those who perhaps never see them for months together. I am not capa- ble of recommending a style of pruning adapted to the latter class. About Raising Celery Plants. PETER HENDERSON, JERSEY CITY HEIGHTS, N. J. I notice in your March number that E. P. L. says that he has never been able to get Celery seed to come up when raised out of doors. If he will, just as soon as he gets the April number of this magazine into his hands (for that will be the time to sow out- side, if he is a resident of this latitude), pre- pare a nice mellow piece of ground, sow his Celery seed in rows half an inch deep; after sowing (but before covering) press the seed gently down with the foot or the back of the spade, sift some fine soil over it to a depth of one-sixteenth or one-eighth of an inch, again press down with the back of a spade, and In all my practice of over thirty years in Celery growing we have never, until this season, raised Celery plants except in the open field ; but the popular demand for Celery now requires it much earlier in the season and we in February started a lot of the "White Plume" variety in our green- houses that will be fit to plant out in May, and may, if desired, be grown for use in .July. Since Celery has been grown so largely and successfully at Kalamazoo, Mich., it has been thrown into the markets of New York and Philadelphia as early as the first of Au- gust, and although the demand is yet limited it is steadily increasing, so that we will soon have Celery in use all the year around. March 13, 1887. The Grade of the Front Yard. In many cases the house, standing back some twenty feet or more from the street, is seated on a level somewhat above that of the street line. For this there are usually the best of reasons. First, one desires, and wisely, to have the home some- what elevated to secure dryness about it, and this leads to the choos- ing of a more or less prominent site for the buildings. In those towns where the streets are systematically graded to engi- neer's lines, they are often so cut down as to leave the buildings and building spots high and dry a good ways above the road level. This state of things prompts the question how to treat such front yards to the best advantage. In the many cases where the difference in the two levels refered to is not more than four feet, with the house twenty- five or more feet from the street, a simple short slope between the two levels is a com- mon way and one of the best, for man- aging the inequality. Where should such a slope be brought in? If its presence at one point would serve to enhance the beauty of the home and the attractiveness of the build- ings better than it would at another, then considerations of money value if nothing else should lead to seeking that more favor- able point for the slope. By the help of figures 1 to .3, we think it may be shown where the slope can in such cases be most advantageously located. In figure 1 it appears in the rear half of the front yard a little back from the center. Although such a position is often assigned to it as many examples show, still it is not the best one. Its fault is that the area is broken in two parts, causing the compara- tively weak effect of two half lawns on different levels where one area bold and un- broken, or nearly so, would be vastly more handsome and complete. Figure 2 shows a wall brought in to ad- just an inequality of two grades, and this is a great improvement, so far as appearances go, over the first. The objection to it how- ever, is the expense of constructing a wall, this being considerable greater than that of a fence; and the interference in most soils from frost, causing the wall to lose its shape and in time to crumble away. Figure 3 shows a modification of the pre- ceding figures such as possesses advantages over both. Here the important bold sweep of lawn peculiar to No. 2 is preserved, while instead of the wall a slope similar to that of figure 1 is brought in, but di- rectly inside of the fence. By the help of our engraviogs it is easily imagined that with a like house situated on these three grades respectively, the ones on those of fig- ure 3 or 3 would appear to far better advan- tage than the one on figure 1. The same would be true of trees, shrubs or any other kinds of embellishments. Figure 4 represents a front lawn in the case of a house standing some ten feet above the street line, and not more than twenty-five feet back. A common course of treating such a steep grade would be to introduce a series of two or more terraces and slopes Figure 4. Steeply Sloping Front Yard Arranged in the Natural Style instead with formal Terraces and Slope. with the walk from door to street on a straight line, having steps to connect the different terraces. The present case shows a great improvement over the plan referred to. Instead of puttering away the strength of the front lawn, first by cutting it into two halves, the walk running straight from street 1887. POPULAR GARDENING. 105 to door; second, by objectionably introduc- ing the slopes in central positions, the present slope is almost continuous and considerably rounded from front to rear, and then a bold walk winding naturally about some clumps of shrubs is introduced. This is to be designated as the natural style of arranging a steeply sloping front yard, in distinction from the formal or Italian style. While the wallc without steps, of the former style, must be somewhat longer, it would be less costly, less difficult to ascend or descend, and less tiresome to the eye of correct taste than would be that of the other Southern Planting. We have seen enough of the best portions of Maryland, Virginia and North Carolina to know something as to the success of fruit grow- ing there. The land as a rule ha-s been badly run, but we have never seen soil there more quickly respond to good treatment, cultivation and a little manure as a fertilizer than that. We would advise no person to go there and set out trees and plants at least on cleared land that has been worked and cropped for years without feeding them a little — and this may be cheaply done in sections where wood is of no value, or where there is plenty of brush, fallen wood, etc., or brick kilns to obtain ashes from, style. Moreover in general that form of bold- or in sections where leaves have lodged in low ness in a front lawn which should ""^ be always aimed for, as of great value in giving a house an appropriate set- ting, is in such a style secured in a degree utterly impossible to the more arliticial and costly one. A Noteworthy New Orna- mental Tree. From Northern Japan there came some years since the seed of a handsome ornamental tree, now known botanically as CercidiphyUuin Japonkuni. Theseed was planted, it grew, and up to the present time the trees have in this country been tested to an extent showing that in the new comer we have an addition to our ornamental growths, possessing both decided beauty and hardiness. That it bears such a long (albeit a soft and pleasing) name may not be in its favor as regards speedy introduction, for, long difficult names serve in a meas- ure to repel acquaintance. But with the tree came also the shorter, it haraher sounding, Japanese name of Katsura, and this might be made to answer as the popular one. The qualities of the Cercidiphyllum that recommend it to public favor are several: It is of i-apid growth and up- right habit, but without any of the stiff- ness that often accompanies trees of this form. The leaves are heai-t-shaped, dark green above and silvery green beneath, quite closely resemblin? those of the Ci'i-cis Canadensis, or Red Bud. The accompanying engraving which we an permitted to use through the kindness of Thomas Meehan, Nurseryman, Ger- mantown, Pa. , is a faithful representa- tion of the habit of the tree and of the form and appearance of the leaf. The young growth of the tree, slender but vigorous and ample is one of its most attractive features, for this is of a clean, reddish-brown color, rendering it distinctly conspicuous. The leaf stalks are of a dark red, and the veins of the leaves of a similar color, which hues tend to increase the attractivness of the tree. In general the tree may be said to be one of great beauty and possessing a distinct style of its own that would give it marked character in any collection. As to hardiness this new Japanese tree may be classed among the more reliable ones of the numerous valuable trees and shi-ubs that have reached us from Japan. This was to have lieen expected, considering that its home is in the northern part of that Island. From Boston, Mass., it is reported that in the six or seven years following the first planting of the seed it had never lost a bud by winter killing ; Being thus hardy in its early and most trying age inspires the hope that it will prove hardy even much farther North. Young trees of the Cercidiphyllum, of a size suitable for planting, may now be had from a number of our leading nurserymen, at a dollar and a half or less each. Why should not this ■' Jap." be given a wide trial ! CERCIDIPHYLLUM JAPONICUM. 5 YEARS GROWTH 8 FEET HIGH places and have become a mass of rich mold. When holes are dug for trees, scatter even a trifle of this in the bottom, mixing it into the soil, and if a spoonful or two of some good fer- tilizer is added, all the better; then keep the trees whitewashed or washed with strong wash- water once or twice a year, and as fine trees can be grown there as one can ask for. As for small fruits like the Strawberry, Rasp- berry or Blackberry, when set out if a little of one or the other of these fertilizers is put under the plant, and also on the surface, round the plant, it will give them a remarkable growth — in fact as strong roots of Strawberries as we have ever seen were grown on our place at High Point, North Carolina, where ashes had been scattered over the vines. A friend of ours in Florida, goes into the woods and cuts down brush and trims out trees and burns these for ashes to scatter on his Strawberries. To do this properly, when set, plow furrows and set plant as described in another article in this number, and pass along before planting and scatter in a bit of some good fertilizer right mider where each plant is set ; and the same, too, with Raspberries and Blackberries. Of course the newly cleared lands wUl not re- I quire this for at least three or four years. Swanley White Violet Culture. IN ANSWER TO INQUIRIES NO. 2.31 AND 27.'3, QUSTAVUS SCHOKNFELD, CHAUTAUQUA CO., N. Y. The soil of my jilace is gravel and deficient in potash and lime. In the fall it is manured and plowed, in the spring cross-plowed and muriate of potash at the rate of :ini) pounds to the acre, with some slaked lune or land plaster is applied and well harrowed in. The plot has a good cinulation of air, which I consider very essential to the best results. The young Violet plants are set out as soon as the weather permits, usually by the middle of April. I plant in rows 1(5 inches apart and 13 inches in the row, keeping them clean by cultivation until the first week in July, when they are mulched with rotten manure. They wUI now commence to make run- ners and grow rapidly. About the first week in September the runners are taken off and of these such as are from the most short-Jointed plants are selected I or cuttings from which to propagate I he plants for next year's planting, and the remainder are thrown away. These cuttings are put in boxes hold-, ing about a hundred each, which had been previously filled with good com- post. Coming back again to the present seasons plants, these are allowed to grow on until about the 2.5th of October before they are lifted, for as a rule, and especially so in the case of Swanley White, they will not flower until a mouth later. At the date named the ground is usually moist and the plants can readily be dug, with good large balls of earth adhering. In greenhouse culture they are planted on benches of soil at 3 inches apart each way, and these so constructed as to give good drainage, the soil being 4 inches deep. Each summer before refilling theViolet benches, these are thoroughly white- washed with a solution of lune, sulphur and carbolic acid (crude), which has been previously cut with soap. The soil I use consists of one-half gravelly loam and one-half rotten hot-bed ma- nure, with some wood ashes or muriate of potash well mixed together. My Violet house is 113 feet long, a lean-too facing east, from the eaves of the Car- - nation house to the ground. It is covered with hot-bed sashes 3x0 feet. The house being 5 feet 6 inches vride inside, gives room for a bench 3 feet 8 inches wide and a walk 18 inches wide. It is heated by one 4 inch return pipe, placed under the eaves of the sashes 13 inches above the bench. As to watering, about once a week on an average from November to March suffices. The ventilating is carefully attended to by drawing the sash more or less down, leaving a space at the bottom as well as towards the top trying at all times to keep the temperatm'e be- tween M" and .5.5°. The plants ai-e kept clean from decaying leaves and runners, and the number of flowers produced average about 75 to each plant during the season, which is, with me, from November 25 to March 15, after which date the sashes are taken off and used for hot-beds, leaving the Violets to the mercy of the weather and soon to be thrown away. As to insects and Violet fungus my plants don't know them, and I attribute their absence to the fact that I never propagate from a plant that has been weakened from flower- ing or the constitution impaired while in the winter quarters. I grow only two varieties, viz. : Swanley White and Marie Louise, they are treated alike in all i-espects ; the last named gives me about Hid flowers to each plant during the course of the forcing season, or about 35 per cent more than I get per plant from Swanley White. io6 POPULAR GARDENING. April, Some Insects Injurious to the Cabbage. R. J. CORYELL, HILLSDALE CO., MICH. As soon as the plant shows its first leaves in the seed bed it is almost certain to be visited by the Black or Striped Turnip Flea-beetle(i/aWiea strioktta), which if left unchecked would per- manently injure the plant by eating innumera- ble small holes in the upper surface of the leaf. The beetle is no larger than the head of a pin, black in color, with a wavey white line on each wing cover. They are shy in their habits, and when approached they will leap away at some distance, hence the name flea-beetle. A sure indication of their presence is the spotted ap- pearance of the leaf, but the observer must look warily to see the insect that causes the damage. The surest way to destroy them is by using Paris gieen or London purple mixed with land plaster, one part of the poison to fifty of the plaster. Other substances may be used, such as fiour, well leached a.shes, etc. , but plaster is so cheap and has such a beneficial efl^ect in itself that there is little need to look farther. If the plants can be dusted in the morning so much the better, but I generally do it when I fli'st see the insects at work, which is in the heat of the day. One application usually suffices. The Cut-worm is another pest that not only frequently causes the loss of a crop of early Cabbages but of various other vegetables as weU. Their presence can be easily ascertained by examining a sod or clod of succulent roots partly turned under. If they are found to be abundant Cabbages would surely suffer if planted among them. Tarred paper may be wrapped around the Cabbage stem, or some such means be emploved as a preventive if it be found not too tedious. I like the following plan : put a teaspoonf ul of Paris green or London purple in two gallons of water, and sprinkle handfuls of glass or sods, which then can be scattered throughout the patch, walking crossways of the harrow marks. By doing this toward evening, after the last hai'rowing, during the night the cut worms that are deprived of their food will be out looking for fresh pastures and will ap- propriate of the prepared bait, the smallest particle of the poison of which will kiU. If the worms are very troublesome the remedy can be repeated, it being easily applied. The plants as they begin to head are hovered over by a white beetle tty which is laying eggs for their future destruction. This Rape butter- fly {Pieris raphce) was imported from England by the way of Canada and is very injm'ious, es- pecially in small gardens. They ai'e double brooded, the butterflies coming out in May and August, the second brood being the worst. To fight these pests wo dare not use any ac- tive poison, but Pyrethrum — the powdered flower of a plant by that name — can be safely used. It is not injurious to lung breathing animals, while singularly enough it kills all those that breathe by spores, as do the insects. The fly powder of our market is made of this substance, but is generally greatly adulterated. If it retains sufficient strength to kill the house flyi by putting a teaspoonful in two gallons of water and sprinkled on, or better still, forced on the Cabbage by a fountain pump it wiU kill the Cabbage worm as well. The active principle of the Pyrethrum is volatile and loses its strength unless extra pains are taken to keep it in air tight boxes. The fresh and pure aiticle can be obtained from the grower, G. N. Milco, Stockton, Cal. The Cabbage maggot (Anthoniyia brassica) or Club-root has not troubled our glowers much as yet. In its mature state it is a fly and belongs to the same family as the Onion, Radish and Tur- nip Fly. The maggots do not turn into flea- beetles as many suppose. The larvae of the latter have feet, while the maggots do not. Ex- periments of the Eastern growers show that a liberal dressing of lime to the soil and harrowed in acts as a preventive to Club-root and also kills the Cabbage Maggot. A Norway Spruce Windbreak, and Its Profitable' Uses. L. B. PIERCE, SUMMIT CO.. OHIO. An accoimt, in a recent issue, of an Illinois windbreak leads me to describe one that pro- tects my dooryard. Sixteen years ago I set out for nursery purposes iOO Norway Spruce trees in four rows four feet apart and twelve rods long. In time one of these rows was en- tirely removed and the others are all gone but about thirty, which are pretty evenly dis- tributed. The trees that remain start some two rods back of my house and run north, forming a background to my dooryai'd and having an ir- regular outline next the yard as weD as a vary- ing sky line ; they are very beautiful. This is especially the case when they are covered with a light snow or the ryme of a frosty winter's morning. As they are closer than was neces- sary I have sold occasionally one for a Christ- mas tree, and last Christmas sold seven for |33, delivered at Akron, seven miles away. They were for church purposes, and I used from eighteen to twenty -three feet of the tops, the whole trees measuring from twenty-seven to thirty-three feet in height. The uncut bottom portions of these trees I have only to let stand and in a few years they will again be perfect trees, as I have learned by experience. In such cases one or more of the topmost branches take a curving course upwards and form a leader. I have two or three Spruces standing on my place that have twice been sawed off and sold and are now shapely, handsome trees, although having three or more leaders. The trees of this line form a wonderful pro- tection against the westerly winds, and I can stand at the back of the house and see them bend nearly double in a northwest blizzard, while around the house there is scarcely wind enough to close an open door. It has attracted the attention of the neighbors, and some are discussing the matter of similar protection. Scattering Shots by An lilinoisian. N. Y. L., ADAMS CO., ILL. The benefits from the application of potash to Grape-vines are usually very marked. All fruits generally show marked improvement when given potash. It is the element of their food for which they most often lack. The fruit tree or vine which gets the slops and suds from the kitchen has become proverbial for its f ruitf ulness. The potash may be applied in the form of muriate of potash, kainit, or wood ashes. Grape-vines are also much benefited by bone. Apply bone and potash and you will be certainly repaid by the improvement in the fruit, especially in its quality. There are good and bad varieties of fruits, vegetables and flowering plants, yet the excel- lence of every variety depends more upon the treatment it gets than upon anything else. Stai've the best variety and it will not do well. The breeders of fine stock understand that the well-bred animal is superior to the scrub only by reason of the greater return it makes for good treatment; the scrub will make the larger return for very bad treatment. It can " rough it " best. It is so with the plant. The best variety, neglected and starved, is no better than the poor variety; the best treatment makes the best variety the very best. With us the Crescent seedling is yet grown more extensively than any other variety. It is productive, the berry is well shaped, and ships to St. Paul in good condition if picked before perfectly ripe. For fertilizing the Crescent I like best the Sucker State, originated by Mr. MiUer, of the southern part of the State. It will produce a greater quantity of berries, year after year, than any other perfect variety I have been able to find. The berries are large, splendidly shaped, and I know of none that ship better; they are held well off the ground and are of good size and quality to the last. The Captain Jack is not so good. Its berry is smaller, of light color, and there is too great a percentage of small ones, while the seeds are large and prominent; but the berries are well- shaped and ship well. Bidwell blights badly, the blossoms are caught by frost, and one side of the berry ripens before the other. Iron Clad is perfectly hardy, but blights, and the blossoms are apt to be caught by frost. The Sharpless is too tender — so easily frosted that we rarely get a crop. I DO not think Strawberry rust can be as- cribed to wet weather. It has been bad when the season was dry. It appears on all ground alike. In a patch which I see often the land is quite fertile except one " point," which is quite poor ; the rust seems to be as well distributed over the poor gi-ound as over the rich. I don't think it is caused by lack of manure; if it were, some growers that I know of would have mighty rusty plants. Heavy manuring may indiiectly favor the appearance of rust ; I am inclined to think that it does, but am not certain. Some varieties rust little, if any, with us; and with om" present knowledge the only commendable course is to use those varieties, and give the ones that rust badly "a rest." Neither my neighbors nor I have yet found a Blackberry that we wish to put in the place of the Snyder for the bulk of our crop. It is perfectly hardy here (on the fortieth pai'allel) and always very productive. But the berry is not the largest, and we have found it not the best shipper, though it carries very nicely when picked in season. The Lawton ships splendidly, but is too tender for us. The Tay- lor is a good berry, haixly, but not very produc- tive, a little later than the Snyder, and the berry somewhat larger, but of of poor quality ; yet, all in all, a good berry. Knox kills down to the ground every year. Stone's hai'dy is later than Snyder. Kittatinny freezes at least three years out of five. Some are advocating low lauds for orchards, but I am clearly of opinion that when only elevation is taken into account, the higher land is the better. Often an orchard on low land does best because it is later to starve on such land, the rains taking fertility from the high lands to the low lands. The former orchard- ists double crop their land, and yet the orchard is the last spot to get manure. When I moved on the farm which I now oc- cupy about one-third of the land in orchard was low, though fairly well drained. In spite of all I could do, the trees on that land would die, and I have now given it up for orchai'd pui'poses. I have had no trouble in having a fine orchard on high land. One corner of the orchaid was a natural basin, which I did not get drained until a few yeai's ago. Of course the trees died right along in that corner. One wet spring when I was setting a two-year old Maiden's Blush the hole was filled with water till 1 had finished digging it. I poured a bucket of unleached wood ashes in the hole, set the tree in the water and ashes ; it blossomed that fall and grew right along in that wet corner. Did the ashes do it? How to Make Straight Rows. It is vastly more satifactory to work with straight rows than with crooked ones, but it bothers some people to lay out the former without a reel and line for each row. Even this excellent plan has been known to have its drawbacks, as for instance in a case which once came to the writer's notice, where a tidy German gardener by some mishap neglected for one time to move the line at one end of the plot. The result was that two rows of Potatoes met at one end of the field while at the other they were thiee feet apai't, with all rows on each side off from the pai'allel. A good and simple way to provide straight marks for planting is to use a wheelbarrow as a mai-ker. Nail a crosspiece against the front board to project on both sides of the barrow. iSS;. POPULAR GARDENING. 107 From this at such a distance from the center on each side, as you want the rows apart, at- tach a piece of chain to drag on the ground. Then pass back and forth across the patch to be marked, being guided by the last mark made. The idea in using a wheelbarrow is, that there is little chance of its diverting sideways, and straight rows may be easily made. Offending the Little Ones. BY CHAS. W. GARFIELD, GRAND RAPins, MICH. There is a good deal of human nature in men, as we find them, that needs to be bred out of them before we approach the time when God's will shall be done on earth " as it is done in Heaven. " I have sat at the table with men who fervently thanked the Lord for his provision there manifested, and then found fault with every morsel later. I have hstened to men as they grew eloquent over the delightful results of teaching horticulture in schools, and have later seen these men getting just as much labor out of their berry pickers as it was possi- ble, without a thought of kindly instruction that could have been given incidentally to the little people, that would have gone with them for a life-time. I am glad we have apostles and evangelists in horticulture who ai'e willing to put in a good word for progressive measures on every available occasion. But for net results com- mend me to the people who are willing to give a little time to th» instruction of their own chil- dren in the simple elements of horticulture; who are willing to spend a few hours with the boys and girls who go to their school in enter- taining them with the products of horticulture ; who are delighted to make happy the bands of children who pick their berries, by giving them lessons in horticulture garnished with the fruits of the season. Children need guidance in their amusement as really as in their studies and work. The active inquiring child who is not given the de- lightful occupation of planting seeds and watch- ing their germination, during the winter months, when confinement to the house is a necessity during many long cold days, loses tuition in horticulture that never can be taken later in life with such keen satisfaction. Children enjoy making original observations. It is far better for them to learn by seeing that a Bean seed has two leaves bound up in it and Corn but one, than to learn to read and get this lesson from some book when old enough to read a botany. If a parent has any idea of giving his child the information which will afterwards secure to hun the most enjoyment, he can find his richest field in the element of horticulture. A boy or girl six years old can learn to graft and bud, trap injurious insects, observe their haliits, and even go into the mj'steries of cross fertiliza- tion, securing a fund of enjoyment not excelled by a visit at the circus or chasing a squirrel. We need to go more into details about this matter of tuition in horticulture. We have been soaring away above the level where the best work can be done. The teacher who will take her pupils into the woods next Arbor Day and has a faculty of entertaining them success- fully with observations of their own making, and will return to the school premises with bulbs, plants, shi-ubs and trees, securing them safely in their new home near the school house, is a queen in her profession and is doing more to lay a foundation for .successful horticultural occupation than all the book writers or essayists upon the art. Even the Sunday-school teacher has a horti- ciUtural duty to perform which few are fitted to do successfully, but which, if well done, can- not but give to the children nobler ideas of (lod's perfection manifested in the works of his crea- tion than any amount of catechetical work upon the dogmas of theology. How can the beautiful Lily lesson of our Saviom- be enforced so delightfully as by observations upon the Lily family ; the imif orm character of its mem- bers ; object and delicacy of the perfume of its flowers, and utility of the members of the familj- most used by man. In the vine lesson how attractive may the central thoughts be made if the instructor will but bring to bear a knowledge of botany and horticulture. I am a firm believer in leading chilih'en to love God through a knowledge of the details of His won- derful works ; and a knowledge of horticulture and the sciences, which thread into and through the fabric of the art, can be made of the best use in rendering attractive to the little ones the lessons that aie usually a burden upon their young lives. The most delightfid remembrances of my early boyhood are connected with object lessons given me by my parents upon the farm and in the garden. If the facts conned had been worthless to me the beautiful recollection pays for the energy expended in that early enter- tainment. But when I recall how efficient has been that information acquired under those pleasant conditions, I am led to awaken in my own boy a love for observing the behavior of plants; and by giving him the hints which lead to original investigation, stimulate in him the desire for wide knowledge in the constantly widening field of horticulture. Years ago I often watched my teacher and friend. Prof. W. J. Beal, take his little girl by the hand and stroll into the woods on tours of botanical observation; and as I noted the keen delight of the little one and the interest of her father in the child's observations, I could not but thiidi how few children are given the ex- quisite delight of such exciu-sions, when it might be possible with almost every familj- who live in the country. Oh, these people who live in towns and go into ecstasies over rural life, and then other people who live near the woods and scorn the soarings of their city cousins ! None of them have an adequate ap- preciation of what joy may be given to the life of children who are taught to observe the truths of Nature under th3 guidance of those who have before seen the lessons to be learned in the book that is always open before them. Strawberries— Something: About Varieties, etc. Those who think of setting out a bed of this most delicious and easily grown of fruits will find the following summary of results concern- ing varieties, etc., by the Agricultural College of Indiana (Pardue University), of value: Among forty varieties grown at the experi- ment grounds, we have found nothing quite equaling the Crescent as a market berry. It was among the very first to ripen, beginning June l>, and continuing untU July 9. Green ProUflc comes next, and, for near market, I would add the Cumberland. The Kentucky is about a week later, and deserves third place. In fact, many growers in this locality prefer the Kentucky for their main crop of late ber- ries for the home market. Wilson is still a favorite with many ; it does not do well with us. For family use I prefer the Cumberland, Black Defiance and Crescent, with a few Sharp- less to tone down the sharp, acid flavor. I would drop, as unworthy of cultivation, the Big Bob, Phelps, Finch's Prolific, Piper, and Nigh's Superb. Having set StrawbeiTy plants both in spring and autmun, and at almost all other seasons during warm weather, I am convinced that those set in the spring do the best, are in the best condition to stand the winter, and produi'e the most berries the next year. The past two winters here at Lafayette have also proved conclusively that careful win- ter protection is one of the essential requisites of success in Strawberry culture. A light cover- ing of wheat straw or other litter, free from weed seeds, is put on early in winter and left until warm weather, when a portion is raked off and left between the rows. This keeps the ground moist, and prevents weed growth. Peter Henderson on the Cultivation of Early Beets. This is one of the leading and most valuable crops of oiu- market gai'dens, and, next to Cabbages, is perhaps the most extensively grown as an early crop. The soil best suited is that which is rather light than otherwise, always provided that it is thoroughly enriched by manure. We make little difference in the manner of working or manuring the ground for any of our leading early crops of vegetables. The ground must, in all cases, be thoroughly pulverized by plowing, subsoiling and harrowing, and when stable manure can be procured, plowed in at the rate of seventy-five to one hundred tons per acre. It must be borne in mind that this large quantity of manure is used where two crops are taken off the land in one season, for Celery always follows crops of early Beets, Cabbages, Onions, etc. As early in spring a6 the ground becomes fit to work, the Beets are usually sown in rows one foot apart, made by the "marker," about three inches deep. We prefer to sow rather thickly by hand (not less than eight pounds per acre), for the reason that late frosts often kill off a portion of the young plants; but when sown thickly, enough are usually left to make a crop which amply repa3's the differ- ence of a few pounds of seed. After sowing, the seed is pressed in by the feet, and if the weather is dry, the whole surface is also rolled, which firms the soil better around the seed and also leaves the ground level, making it easier to be hoed. This fii-ming of Beet seed is very important, as hundieds of acres, par- ticidarly of the Sugar Beet grown on farms are annually lost for want of this precaution. Beets ai-e occasionally planted two feet apart, and the intei-vening row sown with Radishes. The Radishes mature early, and are used or sold off soon enough to allow more room for the Beet crop. It makes but little difference with us in the profits of the crop which way it is done, the results being nearly the same in each case. But in places where but limited quantities of vegetables can be dis- posed of, perhaps the latter plan is the best. The young Beets are thinned out to six inches apart when the rows are one foot apart, but when at two feet apart to only four inches, as they have more space between the rows for air. The thimiings of the Beets are used like Spinach, and, when carefully han- dled, they wUl always sell for more than the cost of the labor of thiiming the crop. In the neighborhood of New York Beets sown the first week in April are begun to be marketed the first week in June and entirely cleared off by July 1st, when the ground is prepared for the second crop. It -n-ill be un- derstood that they are, at this early date, sold in an immature state, before the root has reached complete development ; but the great point is eai-liness, the public being well satis- fied to pay more for it half-grown, if early, than when full-grown, if late. This crop I have always considered a very profitable one, even at the seemingly low price of seventy-five cents jier 100 roots, the average wholesale price in New York mar- kets. But 80,000 roots grown per acre when sown at one foot apart, and although the la- bor of pulling and bunching up is greater than in some crops, yet at seventy-five cents per 100 it will give an easy profit of $350 per acre. Beets are an excellent article to ship, and the price paid in New York for the first lots from Savannah and Norfolk, etc., is often as high as $3 per 100 roots. The foregoing all relates to the crop in the green state for an early market, but they are also extensively grown for use in fall, winter and spring. For this they are usually sovm later, often in some sections as a second crop, as late as July 1st, although in the Northern States the roots hardly develop enough when sown after June.— New "Gardening for Profit. " io8 POPULAR GARDENING. April, Some Favorites and Two Pests Re- ported on by an Amateur. MRS. SI. R. WAGGONER, SCOTT CO., IOWA. One of the most satisfactory house plants, providing it is not kept too warm, is tha Chi- nese Primrose. Nothing excels it for con- stancy of bloom. It should be kept well wat^ ered but never over-watered, and no water should be allowed to fall on the foliage or j opening buds. If it falls on the latter they j will immediately blast. Young plants grown ^ach year are preferable to old ones, though these can be used. I start the seed in May, and when the young plants are out of the seed leaf I pot off in thumb-pots, changing the pots as the plant seems to require it until time for removal to winter quarters. With the plants being kept in a cool place, bloom is certain. A brilliant plant for the window- garden is the Coleus, if it be prop- erly grown. For this slips should be started in September, pinched out to make them shapely, then later potting and trtinsferring to reeil warm winter quarters. It must have plenty of heat and light. The least chill will cause it to immediately drop its leaves and then its beauty is gone. Given these simple requisites, with a good watering every al- ternate day, and it is one of the very easiest plants to have beau- tiful in the window. To all liking house plants, but who do not cai'e to trouble with them much, I can suggest no class so accommodating as the Cactus. Beyond watering say once a month in winter, and along with the other plants in summer, there is very little to do to them. The plants are interesting and curious, even without bloom, but when we know that they produce on some varieties some of the most gorgeous blossoms, we must admit their worthiness in any collection. They do well in any frost-proof room, but wiU do better in a well heated one. In summer plunge the pots in sandy soil in a sunny situation. To raise iiue Radishes, enrich the soil well, putting with it also plenty of sand, and having it deep and very mellow. Plant the seed by puncturing the ground with a small dibble, put only one seed in a place, and at several inches apart, just before a rain if possible. Never hoe, but hand weed them. In this way one cannot f aU to have Radishes, crisp and good. A certain remedy for Aphis, that pest of many plants, I find to be Tobacco. With a tea made of it I deluge the leaves infested, both on the upper and under side, and then sprinkle a little fine-cut Tobacco over the soil. When the plant is watered, the fumes arising wiU help in utterly annihilating them. If one dose is not sufficient, try again. To banish Red Spider one has but to give plants in the window a daily syringing with water of the same temperature as the room. Red Spider cannot endure a moist atmos- phere. A regular shower bath for all plants is very refreshing and beneficial, acting upon them as a gentle summer rain. " An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure," and the shower bath should come in as a preventive. spreading; the young shoots dark brownish red. The fruit of the Pewaukee is of medium to large size, with a skin of bright yellow, striped and splashed with red over most of the surface and showing numerous light dots. The surface is also covered with a thin grayish bloom. The flesh is white, a little coarse, but quite tender. It is a juicy Apple, sub-acid, as to flavor slight- ly ai-omatic, and passes generally as being of good quality and beautiful. Its season is from January to May, and this, considering its great after trying it, made: " When in full bloom it made such a furore in the neighborhood that to have restrained people from seeing it would have been difficult, indeed." THE The Pewaukee Apple. The Pewaukee is of Russian parentage, hav- ing been raised from seed of the Oldenburgh (Duchess of) by Mr. George P. Pepper, of Waukesha county, Wisconsin. It is a winter Apple and as such ranks among the best for cold climates, because of its great hardiness. The tree is a strong grower, center upright but PEWAUKEE APPLE. A SEEDLING OF THE OLDENBU hardiness, may be looked upon as one of its best characteristics. It comes in fully six months later than its estimable and hardy parent, the Oldenburg. The Glory Pea of Australia, Cllan- thus Dampleri. WILBUR F. LAKE, WAYNE CO., N. Y. Of all Australian flowers this is probably the most brilliant ; no lover of rare and beautiful growths should rest content until he has grown it. In habit of growth it may be termed a shrubby climber, with leaves shaped not unlike those of our common garden Pea. I do not pretend to claim that the Glory Pea is one of the easiest of plants to raise, but I do claim that the care it requires is not difficult to bestow and it will be well repaid. Like many another favorite from warm climes, the seeds and plants need heat to succeed in attaining to fine specimens. But this in their season of growth is easily provided. If the seed are sown this month in heat, and after the seedlings attain a height of three inches they be placed in a position exposed to much light and sun, and a night temperature never lower than 60° (ten or fifteen degrees higher would be better), there will be little need to fear failure. It Ukes very sandy, mel- low soU, not too rich. To promote quick ger- mination, seeds before planting should be soaked in luke-warm water until they swell. Another point of importance: The young plants do not readily favor being transplanted. The seed should therefore be sown in small pots, plmiged in a box of sand, taking cai-e that no roots find their way through the hole in the pot, to be broken off at the setting-out time. As something of an assurance that the praise I have given the Clianthus is not unjustly be- stowed. I win quote a remaik an amateur friend, always on the alert for something rarei Floriculture Running In Ruts. A PAPER BY ONE OF OUR EDITORS, READ BEFORE THE NEW YORK STATE FARMERS' INSTITUTE, MARCH 16. Reference is had to that tendency of the times which leads to the excessive cultivation of a few kinds of ornamental plants to the exclusion of many others equally or more desii'able. There are to be seen, for exam- ple, in not a few places,flower beds planted only to Zonale or Scarlet Geraniums, as if the planting of such constituted the height of de- sirable floriculture. Elsewhere the taste similarly may run to employing general greenhouse plants for the dress of the summer flower beds to the almost com- plete exclusion of everything else. In still other places a floricultm-al rut is clearly apparent in the use of scarcely anything outside of ordinary seed-grown plants, valu- able as they are, but alone not sufficient for the best results. Then again it is in this day no difficult matter to pass through localities where "a perfect craze for the SETTING OUT TO ACTUAL EXCESS of that most excellent flowering climber, Jackman's Clematis, is apparent. Of such a showy bloomer one might perhaps well ask whether it were possible to plant too many. And yet, when as along the streets of some towns. Purple Clematises are met to the right, Purjile Clematises are met RGH. to the left, and Purple Clemat- ises are met wherever place could be found in which to put Purple Clematises, it must be admitted that a degree of monotony in beauty arises that is quite undesirable, in view of the desirable variety which might be employed. Enough is enough, even of the best of things. Stepping outside of the domain of strict flori- culture, I do not hesitate to say that in Buffalo and its suburbs, for one place, the people of certain streets have gotten into a complete groove in the excessive planting on their lawns of the beautiful cut-leaved Birch tree. It is met on almost every grass plot, and sometimes it would seem as it the smaller the yard the more determined were the owners to have as many trees of this Birch in it as they possibly could. A simOai- state of things may be ob- served in some neighborhoods of the free use of the Norway Spruce as a front-yard tree. In the planting of not a few rural cemeteries and public parks, and even such as hold to some pretentions to fine gardening, the rut is visable in an excessive use of a few kinds of plants and trees, when the use of many more kinds would serve far better for good effect. THE CAUSES FOR SUCH A PEONENESS to run in certain grooves in ornamental plant- ing are perhaps not hard to surmise, and some remedies may possibly be suggested: As for causes, no doubt these may in l£u-ge part be attributed to a prevailing lack of popular knowl- edge, concerning the great wealth of beautiful and easily grown flowers and ornamental plants which are at the command of all planters. While the people, on the one hand, show a gi-eat and most gratifying desire to adorn their grounds with handsome plants, on the other they too often know not well what or how to plant; unless it be to repeat on some more or less conspicuous plantings, to which their neighbors have perchancij attained. 1887. POPULAR GARDENING. log Then, too, the same unfamiliarity with kinds gives the florist, the seedsman, and the nursery- man,— not omitting the agents, who should perhaps have been named first — an undue ad- vantage in advising what shall be planted. Scarlet Geraniums and PiBony-flowered Asters, and Jaokman's Clematises are all so showy, and may so readily be made to appear all that is desirable to the average planter of to-day, that the dealer and grower cannot perhaps be so much blamed for simplifying their business by growing the most of these things which they can the most easily sell. And yet I do not think that this is, all things considered, the wisest course to be taken b3- them. Even the dealer should prefer to see prevailing such a degree of popular education concerning all valuable plants and their appropriate use, as woiild enable planters to intelligently, hence independantly, chose their ovm orders, the right kind for the right place, and that outside of beaten ruts. Without doubt a time will come when such a state of things shall prevail, and when it does no one will have greater occasion to rejoice than the seedsman, the florist, and the nursery- man, for in that day a hundred plants and trees will annually bs planted throughout our land, where one now is; and he who provides the stock will be the one to reap great money gams. Within the limits of this paper it would not be possible to go into a very wide consideration of kinds of flowers and their culture, pointing to an improvement, for this is a broad subject. But at least some suggestions can be thrown out, which may be of service. First of all I want to be understood as saying that each one of the vai'ious plants and trees referred to as being sometimes used in excess ai'e among the most valuable kinds that can be employed, when it is done vrith due moderation. The mere fact that there is a tendencj' to over-use them, is one of the most forcible tributes to their worth. So, I would say, let no one hesi- tate to use of these — not any one of them to the exclusion of the others, but aU in their place and along with yet other desirable kinds. I desire here to enlarge by inviting attention to the worth and use of several of the most valuable classes of flowering growths that can be grown in the farm yard ; in the village and town garden; and in cemeteries and public grounds. I refer to the HARDY FLOWERING SHRUBS AND PERENNIAL PLANTS, neither of which classes ai'e used with any- thing like the frequency of which they are de- serving. The more I have to do with cultivate ing these plants the more am I impressed by their beauty, their cheapness, the great sim- plicity of ther culture, their durability, the sweetness, attractiveness and profusion of their blooms over a long season, and all in all by the idea of their being among the very best of flowers for the million. It would not do to say that these classes are not now known or used. Among flowering shrubs a few bu%hes of such free-growers and increasers as the Lilac and the Snowball may here and there be seen, especially in some of the older gardens. More rarely a plant of the Weigelia, Flowering Plum or some other shrub may as if by accident or through some sales- man's recommendation be found in cultivation. Of hardy perennials, a limited list embracing P:e3nies, Delphinums, Lily of the Valley, Daf- fodils and some others may in a degi-ee be found in the gardens of the people, but of scores of others so much as a single good specimen is rarely to be met. The thing most to be objected to in the present scant use of the classes named is the LACK OF SYSTEM ON THE CULTIVATORS' PART to make the most of these for ornamental effect over a long season. I would emphasize the last clause of this statement, concerning a long season. So varied is the time of bloom in the different hardy shrubs and plants that a selection from among them is possible which is easily capable of aff'ordingan unbroken season of flowers from April until October. And then a great point of superiority is this : once a good selection is planted, and with very little care and almost no expense, the long season of their bloom will year after year, for many years, go on repeating itself in a way not at all within the province of either annual or green- house plants to do, requiring as such do, re- newal every soring. In the use of these classes of hardy growths, one should, for best results, depend neither on too few kinds nor on too few plants of any one class. My explanation of this statement is that the best WAY TO EMPLOY THEM IS IN GROUPS, on the lawn chiefly, instead of scattering them about singly. To bed them out, both the shrubs and plants, as one would tender plants, but providing more space and giving them culture, for some years at least, should be one of the features of their management. The shrubs in such cases may, if one sees fit, be kept by themselves and the plants by them- selves, or the two classes may be brought to- gether. Where no particularly great degree of attention is given to floriculture, as about the average home, I would recommend bringing them together in one large bed, the shrubs cen- trally, the others outside, and then among the latter I would intermix some plants and small clumps of such other classes as the annuals and tender greenhouse plants. In this way a wide scope may be secured for floriculture in even one single large bed, and by a course to leave the gi-ower wholly without excuse against pre- cipitating the pleasant ai't into ruts. Allow me in conclusion to explain somewhat in detail THE MAKING OP SUCH A BED as I have alluded to for the finest possible re- sults over the longest possible season at the least possible cost. Let us imagine an oval bed on the lawn, size '34 feet its longest way by 18 feet across at the narrowest diameter, to be planted. The prepar- ation of the soil In matters of fertility and deep tillage should be good, and as the bed is ready for planting I should like to see it raised a foot and a half or two feet in the center, neatly rounding it over. In the central part of the bed and occupying some 1'3 feet in width by 18 feet long, I would set about twenty shrubs consisting of a selection something Uke this: 1 Mezeron Pink, 2 Golden Bell or Forsythia, 1 Japan Quince, 1 Flowering: Plum, 1 Holly-leaved Malionia. 1 Plum-leaved Spirgea, 1 Persian Lilac. 1 l^arge flowered Mock Orange, 1 Japanese Snow- ball, 1 Double Deutzia, I Weigelia Rose, 1 Alder- leaved Cletlira, 1 Japanese Spiraea, 2 Hibiscus or Altheas. 2 Large-panicled Hydrangea. 1 Silver- leaved Corchorus, 1 Prunus Pissardi, 1 Large-flow- ering Honeysuckle. The list embraces enough kinds to never leave the bed without some shrub flowers from early spring until fall. In the planting I would arrange for having the margin of these shrubs quite irregular as to outline. Then in the recesses formed and in the intervening space extending to the grass I would plant, say 3.5 different KINDS OF HARDY PLANTS AND SHRUBS, also selected with a view to covering a contin- uous season of bloom from March to Novem- ber. In a list of this extent I would be well satisfied to have the following : Winter Aconite or Eranthis, Snowdrops. Tulips. Hyacinth*!. Narcissus. Crown Imperial. Bleeding Hearts, Hardy Candytuft. Blue Bells Low Phloxes, Lungworts. Lychnises. Saxifragas. WoodrulT, Col- umbines, Irises. Pjeonies, Pinks. Oriental Poppies. Star of Bethlehem. Aconitums. Day Lilies. Del- phiniums. Monardadidyma. Lilacs. Sweet Williams, Yuccas. Hollyhocks. Upright Phloxes. Echinacea. Double Hardy Suntlower. Plantain Lily, Autumnal Acouitum. .lapan Anemones. Colcbicum autumnalis. Now the border of this bed between the shrubs and the grass would average over three feet in width, and it would be nearly IJO feet long. In this space besides holding the hardy plants named there would be ample room for some dozens of tender plants, such as Gerani- ums, Heliotropes, Salvias, Ageratums, AbutU- lons, Coleuses, Cannas. Lantanas and some of these should be given place. In addition to these there would be no trouble to find accommodations in the bed for a score of different annuals and biennials like Asters, Balsams, Candytuft, Larkspurs, Marigolds, Mignonette, Petunias, Pansies, Phloxes, Portu- lacas. Snapdragons, Poppies, Verbenas, Zinnias, etc. Here and there too some Dahlias, Tigridias and Tuberoses might be brought in and between the shrubs some Gladiolus and Hollyhocks. I might go on suggesting other things, such as some climbers on slender poles along the margin of the bed, small rocky mounds in some part, especially if the bed was somewhat larger, and so on, but I must close. Enough to say that here I have outlined the planting of but a single bed on a plan which admits, within a limited space, of a kind of floriculture entirely outside of ruts, and which is at once sensible, varied, productive, economical and easily carried out, and that too, in whatever form or size of bed it might fljid application. REPLIES TO INQUIRIES. 213. Berries did not Develop. Various causes might have produced such a result. There may have been a wet spring, inducing rampant growth, followed by a drought in berry time, during which the plants in the matted rows were deprived of sufficient moisture to afford complete development. Extreme wet weather about blossoming time may have prevented proper fertlization. Then a trouble similar to this is liable in the case of pistillate sorts that are not properly fertilized by the near presence of staminate ones. 244. The Crimson Beauty. See March issue, page 90. 243. Chickasaw Plums Failing. Curculio is no doubt the cause of your failure. See course of treatment prescribed on the following page. 246 Dividing Primroses. March or April Is the time we prefer for the operation. Directions on how to proceed appear under "Work of the Season" this month. It is better that the flowers of all plants be removed before they fade. 247. Callas Turning Brown. We lack the defi- nite knowledge of the case to enable us to account for the leaves turning brown The matter of cult- ure asked about is pretty well treated by one of our correspondents on page 115, 249. Varieties of Plums and Cherries. A Plum by the name of Niagara or Moony is not known by us, neither do we find it in any catalogue. Leave such and the agent who offers it alone. The Luelling Cherry is a new variety from Portland. Oregon, which possesses some promise, but we have no faith that the agent referred to had any stock for sale. It is as yet hardly found in the lists of our most enterprising nurserymen. 264. Engine Scrapings as a Fertilizer. This must be largely in the nature of soot, and without doubt would have considerable value for fertilizing purposes. We would not apply it in direct contact with the roots. A. H. E. 248. Raising Winter Onions. The yellow Dan- vers and Red Wethersfleld are the favorite sorts.be- ing large yielders and splendid keepers. A rather sandy loam is preferable for the crop, one reason being that this naturally pulverizes with ease, an important point in Onion culture. The soil should be thoroughly enriched with stable or other ma- nure. Hen manure in mixture with twice Its weight of lime and coal ashes seems to suit the Onion well. Sow the seed as early as the ground will work up dry and fine, in drills 15 inches apart, drop- ping two or three seeds to an inch of row, or from five to six pounds per acre. Hoe repeatedly and keep out the weeds. The tops will, if the sowing is early, die down in August and then they should be pulled without unecessary delay. They are dried some on the ground, the tops are cut off. and the drying of the bulbs is finished under cover. Storing is done on slatted shelves, arranged one above the other in some dry and airy place. They may lay six inches deep on the shelves. The most suitable temperature for them is 40 decrees, although they may be carried over to spring, where it freezes, provided they are thickly covereci with bay or straw to prevent hard freezing or repeated thawing. 258. Altemanthera Culture. The plant is a heat lover and can easily be grown in any mod- erately light place where the temperature indicates 65 degrees and upwards at night. To secure winter- ing-over stock, either strike cuttings or else lift and pot some old plants in September. In March make cuttings of thf available material for spring rlants. or else bill up the plants somewhat with light soil, causing the branches to take root in this, after which they may be devided, potting each particle that has a root separately. A. H. E. no POPULAR GARDENING. April, A. M, PUEDY'S DEPARTMENT. Post-office address, ■ - Palmyra, N. Y. Briefs. Don't plow ground when wet for planting to small fruits. Transplant Tomatoes and Cabbage at least once in beds before putting them outdoors. Fruit trees when set should be well staked and tied, and heavily mulched with any coarse litter. The Raspberry Patch. Don't fail to tie the tops of the plant together, as also to trim out all super- fluous wood this month. Three to four canes to a hill is enough. Care must be taken in trimming out the Wager Peach trees well to have good sized fruit. We have seen double the size fruit on trees properly trimmed than on untrimmed trees. Whitewash the Trees. There is no better time than this to give the trunks of fruit trees a coat of thin whitewash in which a spoonful of carbolic acid has been mixed to each pail of water. Tender sorts of Apples, Peaches, etc., may be grown as dwarfs in tubs in the most severe climate and removed to the cellar through the winter, and when put out in the open ground sunk down to the brim in the earth. A dozen Blackberry plants will give a family a good supply. They may be grown in the coldest climate by bending over in the fall and covering with earth, or planted in half barrels sunk in the earth to the brim, and in the winter put in the cellar. "Water Lilies. There are few things more beau- tiful than to sink a tub or half barrel in the ground to the top, fill it half full with rich earth and plant two or three roots of the Water Lily, then fill the tub with water and keep it full the season through. In the proceedings of the Michigan Horticultural Society we find the following as to the Niagara Grape: Reports generally favorable, but liable to rot, at least at any place where the Concord is affected. White Grapes are not more affected by rot than other varieties. Increasing Plants. Both Bed Raspberries and Blackberries may be increased by digging up roots and cutting up the same into pieces one to two inches long, and sowing them thickly in rows like Peas and Beans. By fall a fine lot of plants can be had in this way. Try it. Don't fail to manure the small fruit plants and bushes this month, if not done before, unless on rich soil where they have made a strong growth, and in that case no manure is necessary ; but cut- ting back of last year's wood if too long or high should be attended to at once. Espalier Fruits. A very pretty way to grow the Currant, as well as the Gooseberry, is by the espa- lier method on low trellises, branched and trimmed up to the trellises fan shaped. We have also seen Apple trees grown in the same way, which looked very beautiful loaded with fruit. If droughts do not occur till berries begin to form and come on slow, then it is not really so much of a loss to the grower, if he dries them, as it takes only about two thirds as many, so that one gets about as large stock of dried fruit, with only two thirds the cost of picking and work. Garden Culture of Raspberries. A very good plan is to grow them next to the fence and have on outside a strong wire or two fastened to stakes to prevent their falling down. Another plan is to drive crotched stakes into the ground on each side of row and lay in these crotches poles to keep them up from the ground and out of the way. Peach Yellows. We claim that the man who says the Yellows in Peach trees is not " catching " if trees are well grown on this soil or that, is cer- tainly not posted as to this disease, and we discard any scientific theories that discards the catching part. Our own experience and observations all through this section, Michigan and elsewhere satr isfies us perfectly that it is catching, and if it once gets into an orchard, farewell to that orchard no matter what the soil or cultivation may be. Bone Manures at the South. It is wonderful how the Southern soil, much of it that is considered almost worthless, by putting a little phosphate or bone dust on can be brought up for small fruits. The same is true with larger fruits, if when planting the trees or plants some of the same fertilizers are thrown in at the time; it will tell for good results very soon. Ashes are also very valuable thus used. We had one bed of Strawberries at High Point, N. C, that we scattered a few ashes over some of the vines and they done splendidly. LARGE -STERSUS SMALL TREES. We are satisfied from long experience and observation that a great mistake is made in ordering large size 3 to 4-year old fruit trees in preference to a smaller size of 3 years old. First, the freight or express charges are double. Second, the larger trees are more Ukely to die because of poorer roots, in propor- tion to the size of the tree. Third, they cannot be packed as well and go a long journey as safely as smaller trees. In our long experience we have found that a medium-sized two-year old tree taken up and set at same time as a large 3 or 4 year old tree, will come into full bearing first and be the healthier. IRON-CLAD TREES — AN IDEA FOR SHELTER BELTS. If every farmer in the extreme cold sections would sow seeds and pits — say a row along their fence or near their hedge, and allow them to grow and fruit, thinning them out to 3 to 4 feet apart, there is no question Ijut what seedlings would be produced hardy and of fine quality. We had a row of seedling Peaches on our place in Northern Indiana twenty years ago, that had grown up into a perfect hedge from the pits, and while every budded tree on our grounds was killed down and but six or eight left in the seedling row that did not kill down, the latter yielded well when scarcely a Peach was found for miles around. Now we believe that had we taken the pits from the fruit borne on these trees and planted them, letting them grow right where they were planted, we could have soon worked into sorts that would have stood 10 to 1.5 degrees colder weather than budded or transplanted sorts. OLD BEDS GIVE THE EARLIEST STRAWBERRIES. A common mistake in Strawberry culture is to attempt to carry an old bed along on the same plot of ground for too many years with- out replanting. It is better to replant as often as every second or third year than to try and clean out the old bed, particularly if one has plenty of land. We clip the above from the Michigan Farmer. Where large fine berries pay best, no matter as to season they ripen, it is as a rule, true, but where early berries pay well and the later pick- ings but lightly, we prefer to leave the old beds. Keeping them well cleaned and properly fertil- ized, old plants produce the early berries. We have done better from an acre of old plants that yielded but 30 to 40 bushels than from the same amount of newly set plants that yielded 80 to 100 bushels. And again there are sorts Uke Downer's Prolific and Chas. Downing, that on rich soil or with high cultivation, will yield better crops the second, third and even fourth year than the first. This we have proved time and again. A friend in Florida writes us that old plantations that are kept properly fertilized and cultivated are depended on for good early pickings, while the fruit from young settings come on much later. From an old Triomphe de Gand bed, growing in grass in an out-of-the way place, for years we obtained our earliest fruit, although that sort is a week later than others with like culti- vation. Many sorts grown on rich soil make a wonderful rampant growth the fiist year or two, but after that yield well for several years. SETTING STRAWBERRY PLANTS. The most rapid way to set plants in loamy or sandy ground is to have ground in best of order, free from all clumps, roots, etc. Plow straight furrows 3 1-2 to 4 feet apart, being careful not to break in the land side in walking behind. Before setting them out wet the plants well and have a boy walk along, carefully straight- ening out the roots of each one and dropping them ten to twelve inches apart in the row ; a man follows placing the roots against the land side of the fiurow with the left band and with the right hand draw in earth thrown out by plow and pressing it against the plants. We have had the best success planting in this way ; the plants can have the roots spread out better and down in deeper than when set and pushed in, with roots twisted up, as when .set with a dibble. The cultivator should follow soon after, filling up the furrow with earth. A little fertilizer can be dropped in as each plant is set by the same boy whose business it is to drop plants. CURCULIO AND THEIR DESTRUCTION. " Take time by the forelock" is an old adage and good advice to the fruit grower, especially in the destruction of that troublesome pest the curculio that is such an enemy to the Plum, Peach, Apple and Pear, doing his work very soon after the blossoms fall. Last year we had the best crop of Pears, Plums and Cherries we have ever grown, by spraying our trees twice with London purple water, which we prefer to Paris green, as it cannot be so readUy adulterated, and you know what you are getting. Many who have tried Paris green and been unsuccess- ful have used spurious Paris gi-een. The way we use the poison is to put a tea- spoonful of London purple in a pin t of milk and stir it up thoroughly, and this we put into a large pail of water holding 14 to llj quarts, and then with a small hand force pump spray it on the trees, first just after the blossoms fall, and again when fruit is about half gi-own. If the trees are small, scattering wood ashes or air-slaked lime through the trees when leaves are wet proves quite a preventive. FRUIT TREES FOR LAWN PLANTING. These are not popular with most persons, on account of decaying fruit on the grass sod and the early dropping of the leaves of some varie- ties. But where grounds are small and every foot must be utilized, no objection can be made to some varieties of fruit, especially the Apple. The Siberian and Transcendent Crabs are always highly ornamental in the flower, the shape of tree, and the appearance of the fruit. Red Astrachan, perhaps the best of our early Apples for all purposes, is a graceful, upright grower and holds its foliage. The same may be said of Early Red June. Of late Apples, none are more upright and rounded in habits than the Rome Beauty, and no winter Apple grown in this latitude is of better quality or more profit- able. Any intelligent nurseryman can give a list of varieties that naturally grow shapely. Were it not for the fact that the Cherry drops its leaves early, no tree could be more suitable for lawn planting. Even with this defect, the lawn or grass plot is almost the only place where it can be grown successfully. Cultiva- tion, which is so essential to the vigorand fruit- ing of most trees, is undesii-able for Cherry. We clip above from Farm and Garden. Dwarf Cherries are very fine for lawns if kept well cut back, also some of the "sour" Stand- ard Cherries. One of the most beautiful trees in the forest line for the lawn is the Mulberry, and while on this line, we wish to express our disapproval of training up Evergreens instead of cutting them back, that is, cutting off one-third of the pre- vious season's growth. APPLE SELLING PAST AND PRESENT. Why do not Apples sell as well fresh as they did 1^ to '35 years ago? is sometimes asked. There are many reasons. Fii-st, at that time all, or nearly all, specked and wormy Apples were fed to hve stock, but now these are largely converted into evaporated fruit, and skins and cores into jelly. Then there was not one bushel of small fruits— Straw- berries, Raspberries and Grapes, and especially Grapes, grown, as also marketed, where there are twenty bushels now, both in a fresh, and with Raspberries, dried state. Then there was not one bushel of Pears or Plums marketed 1887. POPULAR GARDENING. 1 1 1 where there are five to six now. Then there was not one bushel of Peaches dried for market where there are five to six now. The immense amount of dried and evaporated fruit that is on the market, including jelly, jam and canned fruit, has a wonderful tendency to keep down prices on fresh Apples. Yet we be- lieve the orchardist can do as well from his Apples now, with the facilities for evaporating and thus using up all the fruit, as he did a few years ago by selling one-third to one-half his fruit in a fresh state, even at double the prices he now gets, and feeding the other part to hogs. Large growere in this section tell us they are doing as well now by shaking their fruit from the trees and taking them in bulk to the evap- orator, or drying them themselves, than they did bj' the old expensive system of buying bar- rels, hand picking the fruit and assorting over and selling about half of it, and the other half as good as lost. Apples we believe are paJ^ng farmers better to-day than grain. An orchard of 30 trees, oc- cupying an acre of ground, pays as a rule as well as five acres of wheat, and with not one-fourth the work. Evaporated fruit can be held over from years of plenty to years of scarcity, which could not be done with fresh fruit. Fruit houses are now also being made that carry fresh fruit over successfully. WALKS AND JOTTINGS ABOUT THE FRUIT FARM. That's right, my man, take off fully one-third of last year's growth from those Peach trees you are pruning. We are now starting Grapes under glass from two-eye cuttings Tomato plants in our green- house are being transplanted into boxes, and give more room and stockier plants. We are now scattering the manure broadcast over land we shall plant to Strawberries, as also a small forkful around each hill of Raspberries. It takes but a trifle to t*ll well on the crop. There is one spring job that should be attended to at once. We refer to whitewashing the fruit trees and throwing a spoonful of salt on the soil around the base of the trunk on a space or circle of six inches across. AVE have become satisfied that close planting of Strawberries in the row is best, unless it be rapid running sorts like Crescent, Downer's, etc. If the grower is careful to have the rows well filled with plants but little watching is then required. We had quite a long row of Grapes growing upon young Maples that had come up in the row, but for a year or two they have not borne well, and we be- lieve it is because there are too many of the trees to extent of soil, so we are cutting out half of them. That's a good idea Southern fruit growers are working into, namely, arranging w^ith Northern growers to ship the later small fruits from the north to Southern cities in fruit cars. This will scatter the crop more and should give much bet- ter prices to the grower. Clip, CLIP goes the hedge shears on our Rasp- berry plantations, where we had layered last sea- son for plants, and now that the plants are dug, we cut back one-third of the growth. Of course if one does not care to increase plants, it is better to trim by nipping back while they are making growth. Passing under some large Maple trees we no- tice thousands of young seedlings. We have a suggestion for prairie farmers at the West con- cerning such seedlings. They should order these from their friends East and plant them out in nur- sery rows, say six feet apart in the row, and when three and one-half to four feet high, put out belts and groves of them. We start Cucumbers, Melons, etc., first of this month, in old berry boxes, and put outdoors in May and have square frames covered with boards or thick paper to protect them when there is dan- ger of frosty nights, not taking them off the next day. Pasteboard or old newspapers wound in fun- nel shape are also good to place over them, as also over Tomatoes, where there is danger from frost. MEAT FROM THE SHELL. The N. Y. Herald says: There is no doubt that linseed oil will destroy scale and improve the health of trees. In a few cases it has been destructive, evidently from the use of mineral oil, and not pure linseed oil. The purity of the article should be as- certained. Trees that have suffered badly from scale often get hide-bound. A slitting up and down with the pruning knife will set them again. The Orange Co. Farmer says: From all parts of the country come kindly words for the Lucretia Dewberry. In the points of quality and hardiness, it seems to have the best of characters. It only remains to be seen if it can be successfully and profitably grown for market. We ho]ie that it may be profitable. It is such a delicious berry, so much better than the high bush sorts that we hope to find our markets supph'ed with it ere another year passes. The Am. Cultivator says: If an Apple tree has a sound trunk and roots, it is a pity to destroy it un- der most circumstances It takes many years to get a young tree into bearing, and when it does bear it will not furnish nearly so much fruit as one full.v grown. By grafting with the Northern Spy and liberally manuring, an old Apple tree may be made much more certainly productive than young trees of this variety, which are usually shy and tard.v bearers. Wm. Morrell of Monmouth county, N. J., writes as follows to Orchard and Garden : I have had the black knot on my Cherry trees for four years, each year getting worse. This year (18861 I tried an ex- periment with sulphur, mixing two pounds of flour of sulphur with one pail of water and spraying the trees till thoroughly wet. I did this about the first week in May, and again about the 12th of May, and have had no knot this year worth speaking of. As this is only an experiment. I cannot recommend it as an infallible cure until further trial. The N. Y. Times says; Last fall a Maine farmer put a letter in one of a lot of barrels of Apples he was packing, asking the buyer to write to him. The other day he received a letter from an Apple dealer in Bradford, England, who said that he had bought the Apples at auction in Liverpool. He wrote they were a very fair lot of Apples and sound, adding: "I am convinced there would be a saving in "sending American Apples through ; that is, if they could be packed tight as these are. But if not packed properly tight they would not do." A correspondent of the Michigan Farmer says: Allow me to suggest, both from my own personal experience and that of others far more prominent in horticulture than myself, that several varieties of the Russian iron-clads have proved their super- iority in many ways over the older and better known sorts, as for instance the Yellow Transparent. Duchess of Oldenburg, and Tetof skj- ; then again for extremely cold sections what better tree could we have than the Wealthy and Walbridge, natives of Minnesota, and the Pewaukee, of Wisconsin. A Pennsylvania Peach-grower gave his methods of pruning to the State Horticultural Society at its late meeting: In selecting a site for an orchard, he selects high ground running from a hill top down its southern slope. He sets trees 16 feet apart, in holes 18 inches deep, fills in the top soil till the trees are three or four inches deeper than in the nursery. He finds the deep setting to facilitate the culture. At planting, the trees are cut back vigorouslj' and pruned of all branches. In June or July the new growth is cut out, all but three or four shoots to form a head. Next spring these branches are cut back to a foot or so, keeping an eye to the sym- metry of the head they are to form. Then in May or June they are pnmed again so as to have five or six shoots evenlj- distributed over the top. The fol- lowing spring these are again cut back one-third of their growth, and thinned so as to preserve s.vm- metry. After this only the leading branches are cut back. Besides a careful examination at plant- ing he looks after borers in both spring and fall ; the deep planting facilititates this search. Mr. Roberts writes to the Ohio Farmer: To those who have not .vet mulched their Strawberry beds I wish to say that it is not too late to do so; but it should be done before the ground thaws in the spring. The object in mulching is twofold. First, to keep the ground from alternate freezing and thawing, thereby "heaving" the plants; second, it is important, at least advisable, to protect the plants from the sun in winter, for the bleaching the leaves undergo affects the plants much as the Sweet Potato is affected by the sun and frost in the fall, though in less degree. For those who have not found a better way I will give my method of doing the work, which has always proved satisfac- tory: Cover the entire surface of the patch with straw from one to three inches deep. Spread it evenly, for there is danger of smothering the plants where it happens to be too thick. In the spring, rake all the straw off the crowns of the plants for early berries, and only a part off of those to ripen later— leaving the straw between to keep the berries clean, the ground moist, and the weeds down. Achlmenes. Their Culture In Hang- ing Baskets. Mexico and Central America have made few contributions to our list of fine plants for cul- tivation under glass to excel the Achimenes. The flowers (of which the one of A. longiflora shown in the engraving will give a good idea as to form), are of all shades from white to dark crimson, and some are in part spotted. They are summer bloomers, coming in naturally during the early part of warm weather and affording a continual show of beauty for from two to three mouths. The so-called bulbs of the Achimenes may be bought of our leading FLOWER OF ACHIMENE LONGIFLORA. florists ; once a start is made with them there will soon be an abundance. A favorite method of growing the Achimenes is in baskets. The baskets we prefer, where bulbs are abundant, are from 15 to 20 inches in diameter by 9 to 13 inches deep. They are strongly made, as per accompanying sketch. The tubers preserved over winter in dry sand in a temperature of from 45° to 50°, are placed in boxes in the spring and then in moder- ate heat. The object to be attained is a sturdy growth, hence the importance of starting slowly. When the plants have made about two inches of growth they are ready for planting. In planting baskets first suspend these in the position where the bloom is wanted. After- wards have in readiness a lot of tough, light sods, two inches thick (those of peat being the best). Cut these with a knife in long strips about two inches wide, and commence planting the baskets by laying pieces of these strips in coils on the bottom of the baskets, with spaces between wide enough to take a row of young plants head downwards, about half an inch be- tween plant and plant in the row. The space between the sods must not admit the rather fine soil in which they are planted to escape through. For the sides the same course is repeated, build- ing layer after layer,and filling the body of the basket as the work pro- ceeds with the soil in which the plants are to grow. The top when finished should be slight- ly rounded. The compost Achi- menes do the best in is fibrous loam, and peat or leaf soil in equal measure, and sand enough to insure perfect drainage. The compost should be moderately moist at the time of planting, so as not to call for water until the plants have fairly started in growth, usually in about ten days. They should be frequently sjTinged at this stage, and slightly shaded for a week, afterwards giving light and sunshine. While the young plants are in active growth, previous to fiowering, they should be syringed Wire Basket for grow- ing Achimenes. 112 POPULAR GARDENING. April, twice daily during bright weather if grown in light airy houses, but if in partial shade the syringing is not necessary, but they must have abundance of water at the roots. In the blooming stage the atmosphere of the house must be kept di-y, airy and warm ; the air of an ordinary conservatory will now suit them well. Dampness at this time is the great- est danger. If this can be kept away the baskets should continue in great beauty for months. It is often difficult to see even a leaf for the great abundance of the flowers. As to varieties, we may remark that shy, weak-grow- ing ones are of no use at all for basket planting. Achimenes may be grown in various ways, and when weU grown are always interesting. We have seen very fine specimens in pans. We plant them freely on a rockery among Ferns, and also on carpets of SelagineUa; where they have a very pleasing and refreshing appear- ance; but the method of gi-owlng them in sus- pended baskets seems to be superior to any other; indeed, we question if there is another plant to be found which will for the siunmer months, surpass the Achimenes in beauty and interest, when they are well grown in this way. We should perhaps say to beginners, that suc- cess in managing this plant wiU be in propor- tion to the care and intelligence exercised in handling the tender plants at planting time, and placing them in a position without unne- cessary damage to the roots or soft stems, and to timely attention to details of culture given. THE COMPLETE GARDEN. IV. BY A WELL KNOWN HORTICULTURIST. THE FRUIT SECTION OF THE GARDEN. Directly towai'ds the south from the Walnut tree, which was reached after crossing the rUl, is seen a path along the slope which extends from the orchard level to the water's edge. At a point some forty feet from the Walnut tree it is observed that this path divides itself into two branches, one leading down towards the water's edge, and the other taking higher ground, and meeting again in the Nut Grove. In the near vicinity of this walk and its branches are various ornamental, and some wild, plants. The Nut Grove consists of seven trees: Pecan and Shag-bark Hickory, Butter- nut and various Walnuts. To the rear, or north, of the lai-ge Walnut first reached, is met a small circular turning place which forms the termination of the North Walk or cart di'ive. You will observe that this drive runs beside the heavy North Screen which forms such a con- spicuous featm'e of the garden, extending as it does the entire width of the place. This screen is composed of a double row of Evergreens, broadening out in several places in the line. Its ample height (some sixteen feet) and density is such as to afford almost a perfect barrier against north winds sweeping across the Fruit Garden and other parts of the place. It is difficult to estimate its value in contributing warmth and beauty to this portion of the garden, being in the highest degree both useful and ornamental. Following the rear drive we observe to the right, extending nearly across the place, a small plantation of standard and dwarf Apple trees ; nine of the former and one hundred and twenty-seven of the latter, giving together a good assortment of summer, autumn and winter varieties. These Apple trees were located at the extreme rear part of the Fruit Garden, to provide for its enlargement by some future purcha.se of one or more acres to the north. At a point in the North Walk about three foui'ths distant across the garden and starting from the termination Circle, we reach the main garden walk with its terminal object of a large floral vase, and a seat at its rear. This is an important walk in more respects than one. In a certain sense it is a direct continuation throughout the length of the entire grounds, from south to north, of the front entrance walk from the Copyright, 1887, by Popular Gardening PubllBhing Co. street. In addition to being spanned by a Grape Arbor, and hemmed in on both sides by fruit trees, plots of Strawberries and vegetables, it has on either side a well divided border five feet in width and nearly two hmidred feet long. These two borders give the walk a special charm for me, as they are devoted to a nursing space for raising yoimg plants, testing new varieties, making experiments and similar uses for pleas- ure and profit. Here, also, as in other parts of our garden, some space is set aside for the ehildien, in which full sway is given them to plant and cultivate as they desire. To the south of the rows of Apple trees, and extending across the garden, are two rows of Standard Peai' trees, vrith Dwarf Pears placed at intermediate points. We here locate eighteen of the former and thirty of the latter ; enough to provide for a splendid family supply of this favorite and luscious fruit. Next there is found a row of fifteen Cherry, and beyond, another one of twelve Plum and three Apricot trees. Still further along we see a last south row of fruit trees consisting of twelve Peach and three Nectarine trees. The Grape Arbor, a little further ahead, is conspicuous as the place where two hnes of Grape trellise, aflording a walk between them, cross the garden at right angles with the main walk. Covered with bearing Grape-vines and having several seats within, we find it a place of de- light to all who love the sight of a care- fully managed and well-kept vegetable and fruit garden. Between the line of Grapes and the Peach and Nectarine trees is seen a space consisting of six plots which are planted to small fruits, commencing with Gooseberries at the east, then with two plots of Strawberries, one of Raspberries, and a smaller one each of Currants and Blackberries. To the east of the latter, and of the lines of Grape trellise, are located a dozen Quince trees. On the south side of the Grape trellises, and extending to the ornamental hedge, is met the four plots which constitute the Vegetable Garden. As this part requires a liberal use of manure, it was located conveniently near the manure and compost shed, which is located in the rear of the bam and the poultry and pig quarters. This necessary garden adjunct is not seen from the Grape Arbor or the garden in general, being hidden from view by a screen of Evergreens. The east side of the garden is enclosed by a hedge of Honey Locust, inside of which, and along its line, is the cart drive leading from the manure yard and bam to the rear parts of the garden. Leaving the Fruit and Vegetable Garden by the main walk passing through the splendid hedge of Norway Spruce, we come into the yard for hot-beds and frames, a little plot, which, by judicious management is, over a long season, made most prolific, of frame, early vegetable and flowering plants, in addition to the grow- ing of liberal supplies of Lettuce and other salads. Cucumbers, Melons, Squashes, etc., during the summer in spent hot-beds, as well as suppljing some of these for earlier use. Protected on the east by the barn and poultiy house, on the west by the Grapery and Potting shed, on the north and south by hedges, and being in close proximity to manure for hot-beds, to the greenhouse and potting shed water sup- ply and to the garden, it proves to be in every way well equipped as a most indispensable feat- ure of the place. From this yard let us enter the Greenhouse department directly from the rear, which is done by way of the most useful, if not strictly ornamental department, the Potting Shed. This place every day in the year shows some degree of activity. We observe here the main floor devoted to such general equip- ments as soO, pots, labels, implements, etc., whilst underneath is the boiler for heating the glass houses, requisite coal space, and overhead of the ground floor, rooms for an attendant, store closets, etc., etc. Three doors, made pai'tially of glass, open from the Potting Shed into glass apartments, two of these into Graper- ies of different degrees of temperature and one into the forcing pits; one door also leads out southwardly. Let us pass outside and take a walk around the glass range through the For- mal Garden, entering the glass houses proper by the main entrance. The Formal Garden contains a display of the extremely formal characteristies in gardening, in contrast to the more natural style which prevails generally throughout the ornamental grounds. For the sake of variety, I confess to a liking for a touch of this kind of gardening in its appropriate place. Here between the greenhouses and the hedge, enclosing the vege- table gai'den, is what I call an appropriate place for some of this gardening. The numer- ous geometrical lines pertaining to the green- house, as well as to the hedge, admit by way of harmony a display of similar lines in flower beds, clipped trees, etc. , with pleasing results. The effect would be shocking were my entire four acres so laid out, but the slight touch of it here leaves a pleasant impression. The main features of this garden are, first the continuous sUghtly elevated terrace or area upon which the glass range is located. This is defined on the south and west sides by a low slope, averaging about one foot high above the common level. To the rear of the glasshouses, are two slightly raised ten-aces of tm'f, sur- mounted by small Arbor Vitss, Dwarf Spruce and Juniper trees kept pruned to conical and spherical forms, besides some flower and plant beds laid out in geometrical style. Other ever- green trees of stronger growth varying in size, but all kept neatly clipped, are located about on the general terrace. Some half dozen or more flower beds of good design are also cut into the sward of this level to combine for handsome effect with the clipped trees and other predom- inating features. The large Norway Spruce hedge with its turrets is noteworthy. It is a little above five feet wide at the base and six feet high in its main parts with the cone-shaped turrets rising two and a half feet higher. By careful pruning it has attained such density in growth that a bird would have diflSculty in planting a nest in it. The small hedge at the east end of this garden is of dwarf Arbor Vitae. Coming by way of the Terrace around to the southwest or main entrance to the greenhouses, we first enter the conservatory part, contain- ing Palms and other plants especially attrac- tive in foliage or flowers. This part being somewhat higher accommodates a larger size in plants than the other apartments. Pro- ceeding from this part we may enter the Green- house proper to the north and the Stove or Hot-house to the east, each containing respec- tively the class of plant adapted to the temper- ature maintained. Extending from the Greenhouse to the Pot- ing Shed at the north is a Cold Grapery and be- tween this latter structure and the Stove are two forcing pits, each 8 1-2 by 30 feet, in which are brought forward both flowers and vegeta- bles during the inclement season. The south- east apartment of the range constitutes the Warm Grapery, where the vine is forced to pro- duce eai-ly Grapes. Leaving this part by an outside doorway we find ourselves to the south of a Japan Quince hedge, which extends from the Grapery to the carriage drive and beyond to near the easterly line. To the front of the hedge near the Grapery is the Spring Garden, devoted largely to the spring-blooming plants. Directly on a line from this spot to the main street entrance we see a Rock Border, which will receive a future de- scription. Following the walk from this part and around the rear of the house, we pass Ferns, shrubs and flowers in beds and on the lawn, reaching at once the veranda from which we stai'ted in our stroll through the garden. The Flowering Almond. HARLEIGH GILLETTE, HIGHLAND PARK. ILL. The Flowering Almond is among the earliest and most beautiful spring flowering shrubs. Its slender shoots in May become completely i887. POPULAR GARDENING. 1 '3 hidden by fragrant pink and white bloom, making it a most attractive object. The flowers appear before the leaves, and sometimes so early as to be blighted by frost. From this fact no doubt has originated its signification of "thoughtlessness." The Orientals, however, re- gard an abundance of bloom upon the Almond as an omen of a fruitful year, hence give to it the signification of " hope." The ancients had a pretty legend to account for the origin of the Almond tree. They state that beautiful Queen Phyllis, had become enam- oured of Demaphoon, who upon his return from the siege of Troy had been cast upon a foreign shore. The young queen, when her lover failed to return, died of a broken heart and was transform- ed into an Ahuoud tree. On Demaphoon's return, after a long time, and in sorrow for her death, he offered a sacrifice upon the seashore, when, it is said, the bare branches of the tree burst into bloom, as a sign of her love and forgiveness even after death. The Flowering Almond be- longs to the Rosacea', hence is a near relative of the Rose. It is usually hardy in this latitude, but in a severe winter has been known to have been killed. It is well to protect with straw, wi-apped around and tied tightly to the stem, in all localities where the thermometer reaches zero. In the spring this covering should be removed early, or as soon as the ground thaws, and the bush wiU soon be in full bloom. A row of flowering Almonds planted along an Evergreen hedge, the latter to serve as a back-ground and for winter protection, is a very attractive way of cultivating it. The deep gi-een of the hedge sets off to perfection the lovely pink bloom of the shrub. small descriptive drawing herewith of the other and somewhat better box. Its construction is most simple. Ordinary manilla or wrapping paper is taken and cut into squares, varying according to the size of tlie box wanted. For a small one '2x2x3 in size the sc|uare should be six inches on each side. Then on two sides, at points two inches from the corners, slits should be cut in toward the center, but parallel with the outer sides and exactly two inches deep. This would leave the paper reaily to fold into the form that is shown under way of construction in the engraving. In the folding, first the two sides be- tween the sUts referred to, (A in engi-av- kinds neai'ly uniform in size. From the setting out time on throughout the season, a system- atic course of pinching or shearing should be resorted to with such kinds as will bear it, for maintaining a regular width and height, not overlooking a cleanly defined edge for each line. With due regard to these points little difficulty would be had in reaching very satisfactory re- sults in working after the suggestions given. Marking Tools. To mark steel tools, says a scientific ex- change, first cover the article to be marked with a thin coating of tallow or beeswax, then with a sharp instrument, write the name clear. With a feather fill the place on which are written the letters, with nitric acid ; let it remain from one to ten minutes, then dip in water and rub off, and the marks are etched into the steel or iron. Paper Transplanting Boxes. The extent of the roots and not the top of a plant is the true measure of its worth. This fact is recognized in the use of pots or boxes for bringing along early plants up to the set- ting-out time. The desire is that the shift from the forwarding place to the open ground shall be done without the loss of roots, a thing (juite possible, if these are confined within a recep- tacle containing the earth in which they grew. Common earthen pots answer the end referred to very well, but these are not everywhere eas- ily or cheaply procured. A most useful substi- tute, and one available to all, may be found in Paper Transplanting Boxes.— Forming the Box. sxich a simple article as a paper box, made expressly for the purpose. Our correspondent, Mrs. S. H. Sherwin, of Mitchell County, Texas, writes us that it has been her custom for some years to rely on home made paper boxes in which to bring along early plants. The same correspondent sent us a sample of the box she employs ; had it not been the case that one we ourselves have seen in use was a slight improvement on it, we would have gladly described hers. As it is we give a SCROLL DESIGN FOR A GARDEN BED. ing) are turned up. Then the two sides, represented in the engraving bj* B and C, are turned against the first two, with the end section C bent ai-ouud to the outside of A. This, with a single stitch of thread on each of two sides, to keep sections C and A together, completes the box. Our corresj^ondent referred to says further on her use of paper boxes, " The bottom of the paper box is gashed crosswise with a knife, and at planting-out time box and all are set into the ground, the former soon decaying and the roots promptly finding theii- way into the soil. The making of the boxes before needed is light and pleasant evening work." A Scroll Design for Bedding. In planning for the tasteful use of tender bedding plants it should not be overlooked that simplicity of design is a prime element of all true beauty. A plan simple in its character, if it be otherwise pleasing, is quite certain with the average planter to turn out far better than is one very elaborate in design. For a simple bedding design the scroll in some of its modifications affords an excellent pattern. Its basis is the circle and Hogarth's ' ' waving line of beauty." In the accompanying engrav- ing is shown one arrangement of this, so simple that any person possessing a little skill in the use of line and pegs, at laying out, may transfer it to the ground to work after. For a bed 12 feet wide the curved sections should possess a width of about one foot each, reducing or en- larging on this as the bed is narrower or wider. A bed of this style may be of any length de- sired from two segments upwards. In the matter of plants suitable for use the following selections would prove effective. The numbers refer to the numbered spaces in the accompanying cut. Selection A. — 1 Altemanthera aurea, of golden hue; 2 Variegated Alyssum, whitish hue; 3 Altemanthera parychoides major, crimson: 4 Othonna sedifolia, green with yellow flowers ; .5 Echeveriasecunda, whitish. Selection B. — 1 Coleus Hero, black; 3 Coleus, golden-hued ; 3 Coleus Verschaffelti ; 4 Achyranthes, crimson; .5 Centaurea, white. Selection C. — 1 Scarlet Geranium; 2 Centau- rea gyjnnocai-pa, white; o Coleus, dark; 4 Dwarf Ageratimi; .5 Geranium Mde. Solleroi, white and green. Of the above selections the one A would be suited to a bed six feet and upwards in width, Thoseof Band C consLstingof stronger growers would require a width of '.) feet or upwards ; 13 feet would be perhaps the best. In the planting of such a pattern care should be bestowed upon the selection of plants of B. G. Northrop on Arbor Day. Teachers can easily interest their pupils in adorning the school grounds. With proper pre-arrangement as to the selection and pro- curing of trees, vines or shrubs. Arbor Day may accomplish wonders. Many hands will make merry, as well as light, the work. Such a holiday will be an attractive occasion of social enjoyment and improve- ment. Theparentsshouldbeledto approve and patronize the plan. The planting and improvements thus made will be sure to be pro- tected. They will remain as silent, but effective, teachers of the beautiful to all the pupils, gradually improving their taste and character. Such work done around the school naturally extends to the homes. You improve the homes by improving the schools as tiuly as you improve the schools by im- proving the homes. Our youth should early share in such efforts for adorning the sur- roundings of their homes, and planting trees by the wayside. How attractive our roads may become by long avenues of trees. Arbor Day will become one of the institutions of the country, in which our boys and girls will take an eager share and genuine pleasure, and thus gain a liking for trees that will never be effaced. Ne- braska has the honor of originating Arbor Day. Some ten years ago, at the request of the State Board of Agriculture, the governor appointed the second Wednesday in April as the day to be de- voted to economic tree-planting, and it is claimed that twelve millions of trees were planted on that day. The successive governors have continued thus to recognize this day. The schools last Spring adopted the plan of planting "memorial trees." The recent spring floods and summer droughts in Indiana, Ohio, and elsewhere, increasingly and now alarmingly destructive, are calling public attention to the cause and remedy as never before. The denudation of the hills and mountain sources of the springs is the leading cause of these freshets, and these can be remedied only by the extensive re- foresting of such lands. This great result, which must be the work of time, will be best accomplished by interesting the young, as well as the old, in tree-planting. The Arbor Day in schools will do immense good in this direction. We need to popu- larize and diffuse the sentiment of trees. The public needs to understand that the interests of all classes are concerned in economic tree-plant- ing. In Germany, Switzerland, Sweden, and other European countries, this subject is so taught in their schools that the people generally appreciate the value of trees and the need of protecting them. Hence an enlightened public sentiment is a better guardian of their forests than the national police. Grape Culture. At a late meeting of the Henne- pin County (Minn ) Horticultural Society, Mr. Isaac Gilpatrick described his system of Grape culture, which he has practiced with good results for twenty-three years. While there is still much to learn, in his opinion he believes the Grape growers of Minnesota will soon be able to compete success- fully with those of California, especially so far as the quality of the fruit is concerned. His plan has been to plant the roots in boles from one and a half to two feet in depth cultivating the ground thor- oughly and placing the roots eight inches below the surface. Ordinarily growers had not taken suffi- cient pains to set out in deep and wide holes; too much wood is left on the vines each spring and care should he taken to rub off the wood blossoms. After the preparation of the vine it was trained in a slanting direction from the bottom to the top of the trellise. Last year he had gathered thirty -six pounds of Grapes from a vine four years old. By the renewal system of cutting away the old wood. he had been able to double his crop of Grapes and their quality had been perceptibly improved. 114 POPULAR GARDENING. April, Robin's Return. Robin on the tilting bough. Red-breast rover, tell rae how You the weary time have passed Since we saw and heard you last. "In a green and pleasant land. By a summer sea-breeze fanned, Orange trees with fruit are bent: There the weary time I've spent." Robin rover, there, no doubt. Your best music you've poured out. Piping to a stranger's ear, You forgot your lovers here. "Little lady, on my word, You do wrong a true-heart bird ! Not one ditty would I sing. 'Mong the leaves or on the wing, In the sun or in the rain; Stranger's ear would list in vain. If I ever tried a note. Something rose within my throat. " Twas because my heart was true To the North and spring time new; " My mind's eye a nest could see In yon old, forked Apple tree!" —Edith M Thomas. If Mother Nature patches The leaves of tree and vine, I'm sure she does her darning With needles of the Pine! They are so long and slender; And sometimes, in full view, They have their thread of cobwebs, And thimbles made of dew I —St. Nicholas. '* Firstling of spring" the ancients called Our modest Primrose dear. For first among the woodland flowers It braves th* awakening year. Boll the lawn. Lilies need deep planting. Early seed raisers— the hens. A flower girl-Rhoda Dendron. "We should say try an Eaton Grape. Manure directly against the root, kills. The Chinese begin to appreciate lawn mowers. Light soil for Onions ~ heavy soil for Onion seed. The weed croi> comes in where there is no other. Zebra-Striped Zinnias are among this year's nov- elties. For a novelty, plant the Red flowering Horse- chestnut. Many a person would join our family this month if invited. Cabbage seed beds, in the midst of buildings, es- cape the tlea. Genesis. The first man was the first horticultur- ist.—/>r. Gillett. "We like and recommend the Barberry for a low ornameulal hedge Let the back yard also be kept tidy, and adorned with ornamental growths. Lawn mowers were invented in 1830, by Edward Budding of Gloucester, England. This year's Florida Oranges are inferior. The frosts of recent years are blamed. The garden should be twice as long as wide, that horses may be employed to advantage. Garden seeds kept by the corner grocer are not good enough for Popular Gardening readers. Tbe Mezeron Pink heads the procession of Flowering Shrubs, coming some weeks ahead of Forsythia. A good April task for each one of our readers would be the securing of one or more new subscrib- ers to this journal. Count upon Phlox Drummondii. well doubled, among the flowers of the near future. Semi-doub- les have been out for some time. Ten-week Stocks, sown in the house in April, with me begin blooming in June, and give a long season of beauty and fragrance.— i'lrfer's Wife. Sponges kept continually within the tops of Camellias or similar plants that enjoy a moist at- mosphere are of value in properly promoting this condition In the orcharding, as well as the farming of the future, what is going to count better than the buy- ing of more land, is the taking better care of what is possessed. A Lesson from the Flowers. A deaf and dumb person being asked to give his idea of forgiveness, took his pencil and wrote: "It is the sweetness which flowers yield when trampled upon," Red Spider. What do some of our aged read- ers say to this proposition by our friend Mrs. G. W. H.: "If our grandmothers were plagued with these little pests they made no record of it." ** Uncle Sam." This is the name of a new Carna- tion we have lately seen grown by Messrs. L. Tem- plin & Sons, Calla, Ohio. It is a scarlet of the striped section, and is of fine form and good size. Moist Fingers for Bug-killing. In killing in- sects with the thumb and finger, take a basin of tepid water to dip the fingers in. as the little pests are more easily caught with moist hands.— .B. Preston. No doubt there are old, soiled berry baskets about the place. They are not fit for fruit again, but all such answer well for starting plants of early Cucumbers, Squashes, etc., in, and later setting them out basket and all. Farfugium Grande. Of the many house plants we have, the yellow spotted Farfugium has, dur- ing the past winter, stood at the head of all others for vigor and beauty. I would place it first on my list of fine, easily managed plants.- Jod;e. That fine manure for crops is more valuable than coarse admits of no argument. Hens can break up manure better perhaps than any one of the machines invented for the purpose. Scatter some wheat over the pile and turn them on. One of our Wild Grapes deserving of more at- tention as an ornamental vine is Vitis riparia, a variety of the Frost Grape. It is a luxuriant grower with broad cut^lobed leaves that are ex- tremely handsome, as well as of a most refreshing green throughout the summer. Potatoes in Barrels. Mr. E S. Goff, of the New York Experimental Station, has raised Potatoes in half barrels filled with sand and fed with water, to which fertilizers had been added. The result was Potatoes simply perfect in shape— that is, they were perfect specimens of the variety grown. Herman De Vry. The death of this gentleman at Chicago February 25, at the age of 3S years, re- moves one of the most talented landscape garden- ers this country has ever known. The magnificence of the bedding in Lincoln Park, Chicago, in late years, is to be attributed most largely to his efforts. Ask and It Shall be Given. No one can fairly say that Popular Gardening is without a depart- ment for him or her, as the case maj- be, when the Inquiry Department stands open to meet the special wants of every reader. What any other part may lack this one should make up to the exact need of every subscriber, whose wants are stated. To raise large Pansies one must not have too many flowers on each plant. Leaving three or four shoots to a plant, and these with but a few flowers each, is about right. The application of manure water, as has before been sug- gested in these columns, is also one of the essentials. By observing these points the work is open to great possi- bilities. Trenching or sub-soiling, so benefi- cial to nearly all crops, finds an excep- tion in the case of heat-loving vegetables like Corn, Tomatoes and Lima Beans, the roots of which should be encouraged to keep near the surface. A very deep soil invites them downward into the cooler stratum, the temperature of which is not conducive to the best development.— OM Gardener. Evidently They " Knew Beans." " Locomo- tive " writes as follows: " I plant Beans among my CabV)ages, and since beginning they have never been infested with caterpillars. The White Butter- fly passes over them, hence I have a clean crop. In use the plan has three recommendations— it is clean, it costs nothing, it saves many an hour's fighting of caterpillars." All plants will not bear the fumes of Tobacco with an equal degree of impunity. The Heliotrope, Salvia, and some Begonias are among the first to suffer. By syringing or else dipping such in water, to have the leaves coated with moisture, previous to subjecting the collection to smoke, even these will not suffer. Light fumigating, and often, is better than heavy smudges. A Bird's Appetite. Dr. Wood, an authority on such matters, says, that if a man could eat as much in proportion as a bird, he would consume a whole round of beef for his dinner. The redbreast is a most voracious bird. It has been calculated that to keep a redbreast up to its normal weight, an amount of animal food is required daily, equal to an earthworm fourteen feet in length. A Handsome Picture. All lovers of the Chrys- anthemum will be interested in a large colored pic- ture of 18 varieties of this popular flower, recently issued by Beatty & Co., of New York. Its size is 21 X 27 inches, being a reproduction of a costly oil- painting. It is not a mere fancy sketch, but faith- fully delineates one of the more striking named varieties in cultivation in a way that enables one to recognize them at sight. It is a pictiu-e worthy of a place in every home and offlce. It Might Do for Some Other Things, Also. Our sprightly correspondent, " Sister Gracious," tells of an eccentric chap living in a crowded city street, and with a back yard only fifteen feet square, who was determined to raise Strawbeiries of his own. He bored holes into the sides of a hogshead and filled it with rich earth, then put his plants in the holes and on top. They rooted and grew finely. The second year he picked twenty-five quarts. He says: " It is not back-aching work to pick straw- berries from my bed." A Moss Garden, A good idea is brought to the attention of the Popular Gardening family by one of the members, Ephraim Preston, Berks Co., Pa., on this subject, as follows: "Tell your readers they can make a very pretty bed in any design they wish, of two or more shades of moss— light and dark grays, etc., that are to be found in most of the chestnut and some other woods where the soil is thin. Make the bed in a half shaded place, where the grass or weeds will not grow readily. The moss is easiest moved when damp. A neighbor who formerly thought that *' Straw- berries were Strawberries," and that any kind would of its own accord produce fruit, set out quite a patch of a famous kind but never got a berry. An examination by an expert soon revealed the cause: they were pistillate or female plants, which require another pollen bearing variety planted near by for their fertilization. He did not know this, but now he knows. Since coming to this knowledge he has, by proper improvement, gotten in the way of securing a plenty of fruit from his well tilled patch. Neatness and Taste. In Brimner's work on Cot- tages he says: "It has been claimed that pretty and comfortable homes exert a decided moral in- fluence. Be this as it may, we are all interested in making our homes attractive. And there is no reason why they should not be so. We are apt to think that costly things must be beautiful; but this is by no means true, nor is it true that inexpensive objects must be ugly. The same materials LAWN EDGER— COMPANION iMPLEMtNT TO THE LAWN MOWER, used in the construction and decoration of an ugly apartment might, with the exercise of taste, be so employed that a graceful combination would result. Strawberry Culture. In preparing to plant strawberries, take good land if you can get it; if not, take poor. For commercial purposes the con- ditions must be decidedly favorable. Plow well in the fall, plow well in the spring. Do not fool money away in trenching. Plant in the spring: not in the fall, not in the summer. Mark the ground: trim the plants; dip them in water, and place in a pail; thrust in the spade before you at forty-five degrees; a boy puts the plant in while you withdraw the spade and press the earth firmly with your foot. A man and a boy will thus put in 4,000 plants in a day,— Parfcer Earle. iSSy. POPULAR GARDENING. 115 Orchids on the Pacific Slope. Our subscriber, Mrs. Fanny E. Briggs, of Clarke County, Washing- ton Territory, reports to us as follows : " Some- tliing about Orchids'' in the December number prompt-3 me to say that there are numerous Or- chids in this Territory, most of them well-known, including the pretty variegated leaved Goodyera pubescens, and the lovely Calypso borealis. I find one which is very curious, being as white in all its parts as Monotropa uniflora, and seems to be a parasitic growth on rotten wood. Mr. Mee- IVY-LEAVED GERANIUM IN A PENDANT VASE, han has kindly given me its name, Chloraea Aus- tinae, and pronounced it very rare. Successful Calla Culture. Formerly I seldom got more than one Calla blossom per plant in a season, but I have found out how to treat them for blossoming freely. This is my method: I let my Callas grow in summer, keeping them abundantly wet. In the fall I remove half the earth and all the young bulblets. Then I repot, putting in about two inches of hen manure and filling up the pot with fresh earth. I keep the plants quite wet and later on have a succession of flowers till spring. Last year with this treatment one of my Callas had five blossoms in succession, and this winter the same plant is doing quite as well.— Mrs. M. J. Hoyt, Fairfield Co., Coiui. Ziuuia Culture. This annual is rather tender,and the seed should not be started until about the first of April. Prepare some seed pans or boxes not less than 4 to 0 inches deep. The soil should be rather light, and rich, and sifted. Fill the pans within an inch of the rim, and then water well the soil; sow the seed thinly, and cover lightly with fine soil; then place the pans in a hot-bed, warm window or else in a greenhouse, at the warmest end. where in either cfise they can remain until May, at which time the plants should be large enough to be placed in a cold frame. Plant out in a rich soil early in June. Many sow the seed of Zinnias too early, and so lose their plants before planting out time. Early planting is to be ad%^ocated; but planting in the mud. never. To sow Peas, Apple seeds, etc., as soon as the plow can be run on top of the frozen ground may seem like a gain, through getting work out of the way, but such a course is a decided loss to the season's growth. The seeds at the best will germinate poorly and the vitality of the plants be impaired from the start. A good test as to the proper time for the early planting, of the hardiest seeds, is at the earliest moment when the ground will leave the plow or spade in particles. With tender an- nuals, Sweet Corn and other heat lovers, it is not safe to plant until the soil is warm enough to in- duce prompt germination— about the time that Oak leaves begin to unfold. Why Seek to Patent Fruits^ One of the best arguments against the patenting of fruits. say noth- ing of the insurmountable difficulties in the way. is the fact that originators of new varieties possessing real merit can by good business management be sure of very adequate returns for their labors in orig- inating such. For instance here comes Mr. George Josselyn, of Fredonia, N. Y., the disseminator of Fay's Prolific Currant, with the information that he has now paid to the heirs of the originator of that Currant over $22,000 as their share of the sale of this plant made by him. The same gentleman informs us that he will give S25,iX)0 for any new Grape which will take the place among Grapes which Fay's Prolific has taken among Currants. A Lawn Edger. However neatly a lawn may be kept by the use of the mower, if its edges against beds, walks, drives, etc., be not properly cut down about as often as the regular mowing takes place the effect is not pleasing. Still such an unkept state of things is often met for the simple reason that the edging cannot ordinarily be quickly or readily done. But now a companion implement to the lawn mower appears in the Caldwell Lawn Edger, and this is designed expressly to shape up grass margins. It is propelled like a lawn mower. Our engraving (for the use of which we are indebted to Parker & Woods, the seedsmen and implement dealers of Boston, Mass.) shows the general form of the implement and its position when at work. The price of this edger is $7.00. A Work on the Carnation. Mr.LeroyL.Lambom, Alliance, Ohio, sends us his new book on Carnation Culture. It is a work of 150 pages, and as is claimed in the introduction, it is the first work on this sub- ject that has ever appeared in book form. A great amount of compiled and original matter that must have value to all cultivators of the Carnation has been brought together within the volume. In gen- eral its perusal could hardly fail to prove interest- ing to lovers of flowers, and the wide dissemination of the book shoulii be helpful in promoting the suc- cessful culture with amateurs of the Carnation. Still we cannot but express regret that this,the first volume devoted to such a worthy subject, should have been prepared with so little regard for the most ordinary rules of correct spelling and proof reading, to say nothing of some other obvious im- perfections. Henderson's new " Gardening for Profit." It is twenty years or more since this eminently prac- tical book from the pen of Peter Hendereon was first written. It at once took its place at the head of American works on vegetable gardening, and since the day of its coming in it has met with a sale never equaled we think by any one other book on American horticultiu-e. Twelve 3-ears ago a second edition was issued, and now comes forth the third and greatly enlarged edition. This edition so far leads those which have preceded it that it will prove indispensable even to the admiring readers of the former editions of the work. Besides embracing accounts of new methods of culture and of new varieties that have appeared in late years, it enters largely into the new and profitable field of forcing vegetables under glass. It also, as a new feature, treats on the culture of the leading small fruits. Ivy-leaved Geraniums. No class of Geraniums has shown such rapid strides in late years as this; no class is more worthy, for as pot plants they rank very highly among others, and especially for culti- vation in the window by amateurs. The richness of color shown in some of the newer varieties may easily be imagined from the following descriptions: Horace Choisel is a large double of glowing salmon pink color, slightly tipped with white. M. de Les- .se^s— Large, perfect formed flowers of a most beautiful shade of magenta rose. La Rosiere— Fine habit and very free blooming, with trusses of large-formed flowers, of a rich, warm, salmon pink color. Joan of .-Ire— Flowers perfectly double, white as snow, and literally stud the plant when in full bloom. Dense, glossy, green leaves, making a most effective background for the ivory white tlowers. Abel Carrie re— Fine, double flowers, of a beautiful currant red, tinted with dark violet. "Double" Gaillardias. The so called Double Gaillardias are, we incline to think, not yet very generally in cultivation. They are araoi-gthe most satisfactory of seed grown plants. The growth is of good habit, a quality not always present in an- nuals, and the flowers are remarkably attractive. While in character they are, as may be seen by the reduced but life like engraving herewith, whollj' distinct in appearance from the old single Gaillar- dias, yet the culture is identical in both cases. The seeds may be sown under glass in shallow boxes or in pans, and when the seedlings are about two inches in height they will need ample light and air daily to harden or mature them before being planted out into beds and borders. It is better to allow the plants to remain in the seed boxes until the spring is well advanced, as the harder and firmer the plants the safer will they be to transplant. When from -i to 4 inches in height, and having good roots, lift carefully out of the boxes, disturbing the roots as little as possible, and then either dibble out or transplant with a garden trowel. We advise all who have never grown the Double Gaillardias to try some. They come in a good variety of colors. News and Notes Concerning: the Use of Flowers in New York. Some of our grower have been experimenting in forcing the Double Spirea Reevesii, a pretty little hardy shi-ub, with double white flowers, like the familiar Bridal-WTeath. It seems to take the forcing very kindly, and its purity of color and graceful habit should make it as useful aa Deutzia. Many Rose growers are coming to the conclusion that an over-fed Rose is just as unhealthy as a bilious person. Too much food, in the way of top- dressing and the like, seems in many cases to be responsible for " bull-headed " and imperfect flowers, This seems especially the case with Perles, which have a decided tendency to produce many ill-shaped flowers under any circumstances, parti- cularly during unfavorable weather. A judicious use of bone with other fertilizing matter seems to produce the best results. The use of rank cow manure, spread in a semi-liquid stat« seems a decid- ed mistake, judging from the results it produces. New Roses seem to be a regular epidemic just now. Of course, a good many of them will doubt- less drop into horticultural obhvion after a little trial; others will come to stay. The new hybrid perpetual Dinsmore promises to be first class for outdoor use, being thoroughly hardy, and a pro- fuse flowerer. It is fragrant, and thq crimson hue is very rich as grown under glass; I have not yet seen it flowering outside. It is, however, so exces- sively double as to be cup-shaped, like Madame Boll, but it wovild doubtless loose this characteristic. Another striking new Rose, first shown in New York at Siebrecht and Wadley's Orchid Exhibition, is a hybrid Tea, as yet unnamed formally, though it will probably be called " Oakmont,' after its birth- place. It is a cross between Baroness Rothschild and an old-fashioned Tea. " President,"' the latter being the seed-bearing plant. " Oakmont." if we may so call it. suggests Paul Neyron at first glance, both in color and in the pecuUar rounded smooth- ness of its petals. The color is very similar to Neyron, but tinged with a silvery hue, like La France. And it is very sweet, with the real Tea fragrance, very sturdy of foliage, very durable, and in fact, may be described in superlatives generally. It certainly looks much more like a hybrid perpetual than a tea. but the perfume is unmistakable. It is a splendid keeper; the flowers on exhibition had been cut nearly a week, but they were crisp and firm, without the slightest suspicion of the bluish tinge that so often disfigures pink Roses after they have been cut for a day or two. The originator of this Rose, Mr. Cumley, of Oakmont, near Boston, has been testing and improving it for five years, so he is able to speak confidently of its merits. The Orchid Exhibition was certainly worthy of all praise, appealing equally to the Orchid fancier and the mere unbotanical lover of beauty. The splendid specimen Palms, in which Rose Hill Nur- series are so rich, made a fine showing in the midst of the crowned heads and other waxen notabilities for which the Eden Musee is famous. The mirror- lined winter garden, in which the main exhibits were displayed, was most artistically arranged. Growers at a distance were unable to send many plants, owing to the unfavorable weather, but Mr. Kimball of Rochester, Mr. Coming of Albany, Whittle Bros, of Albany, and many others supplied fine cut flowers. There were banks of flowers, beautifully ar- ranged, down each side of the room; at the end opposite the door were fine foliage plants ar- ranged about a grotto-like recess, in which hung fine Nepenthes. Superb Cycads and Palms were placed wherever they would be most effeclive.anda very graceful effect was produced by hang- ing blossoming epi- phytes upon grace- ful Palms. There were trees draped in Moss and hung with Orchids, and there was a positive bank of Cattleyas and Lycastes fringed with delicate Ferns. Lgelias. Cattleyas and Odontoglots were especially fine, and there were superb examples of Cypripedium Law- renceanum. Some spikes of Cymbidium Lowii were very strong and rich The Schomburgkias and Scuticarias were attractive from their oddity: one unbotanical visitor suggested that Dame Nature was taking an afternoon off in a sportive mood when she originated the orchid tribe, while the botanists must spend weary nights in dislocating the dead languages to supply them with names. The limits of the present article are not sufl^cient for an exhaustive report of the show, but it may be catalogued as an overwhelming success in every way, reflecting the greatest credit upon its inde- fatigable originators. Emily LonsE Taplin. Double Gaillardias. ii6 POPULAR GARDENING. April, ^Mi&HT FROM 'THE- W"' GLEAMS. PrunusSimonii. Pres- ident Barry having fruit- ed it, pronounces it a fruit of no considerable value. A child reared in the influences of horticultural surroundings seldom goes astray.— Z-. D. Watkins. The monthly meetings of the New York Horti- tlcultural Society the first TueRdays in March and April, will be held in Cooper Union. Transplanting Large Trees. If you want to transplant such cut back the top the year before. In the case of Nut or other trees with tap roots dig down and cut off the tap root. An Enterprising Society. The proceedings of the Columbus Ohio Horticultural Society now ap- pear in the form of a monthly Journal edited by W. S. Devol, Secretary. It makes not only a valua- ble but an attractive periodical. " Fruit growing is profitable if it be understood. The first aim should be to provide an abundant sup- ply for family use, then consider a surplus for market. Organized effort in Societies throughout the State has had a good effect in promoting Horti- culture."—^-l/ex. Hmven. at Mich. State Meeting Take Some Good Paper. L. H, Bailey. Jr . of Agricultural College. Michigan, says: " Take one or two horticultural papers. People who take the papers are the best informed. Those who take them are seldom imposed upon . Dishonest agents find their best field among those who take no such papers " Planting for Quality. President T. T. Lyon in some introductory remarks before the Michigan Horticultural Society deplored the tendency of commercial growers to plant for the eye more than for quality, thus taking advantage of the ignorant buyers in the city, instead of cultivating in them an exact knowledge of the best. "The matter has gone so far as even to leave its impress on the planting done by the less discerning who plant tor a home supply, they relying on the ' market sorts,' not realizing their inferiority. So let us promote true horticulture by planting of the best and culti- vating for real value more than for looks." BE1N(^-MATTER-THAT-DESERVE3 •TO-BE -WIDELY- KMOVM- climate from becoming more so, and to preserve a proper proportion of moisture so necessary to the propagation of our most tender fruits and flowers. At the morning session of the third day, Mr. Jas. Currie, of Milwaukee, read a paper on " House Plants," after which came resolutions and other business J B. Ptickney of Wauwatosa, lectured on "Insect Pests." and Mr. Kellogg, of Janesville, reported on " New Varieties of Small Fruits." The Iowa State Meeting in January. At the meeting held at Charles City, Presi- dent Silas Wilson urged, in view of the loss on fruit trees in recent years from unfavorable seasons, the necessity of meeting and devising means to bring about a remedy. Had a system of cross fertilization and proper selection years ago been adopted, we should, ere this, have made substantial progress. He advocated the fitting up of an arboretum.comprising ten acres of the beautiful grounds of the State Agricul- tural Society, and that the horticultural society should do something in this line. Eeports. From the report of the Third Fruit District, comprising the southwest counties, it is safe to say that the present condition of orchards in that portion of the State is decidedly better than in any other; yet Ben Davis, Jonathan and nearly all the old varieties except Duchess are injured, and many varieties prove short-lived. The recom- mendation of the director was to plant the most profitable of the well known varieties, and test the most promising of the new varieties. The remain- der of the time was taken up with the reports from the different districts and discussion on the same, which may be summarized as follows: In the south- east portion of the State the winters have played havoc with the orchards. Willow Twig, Grimes- Golden, Roman Stem and Fameuse doing best. The Worden Grape seemed to promise well all over the State. Thorough cultivation was recom- mended as a preventive of Grape-rot. In reports from neiiriy all parts of the State complaint was made that orchards were dying and theory was for hardier trees, and the efforts of fruit growers should be largely in that direction. The great need is good-keeping winter Apples. Eussian Apples. Mr. Tuttle, of the Wisconsin Horticultural Society, gave his opinion on these He stated that there could be no question as to the hardiness of a large number of them, and as to quality some of them were very good; thought the south half of Iowa had no need for Russian varie- ties, but advocated them for more unfavorable parts where common varieties would not succeed. Meeting of the Wisconsin State Hor- ticultural Society. The annual meeting convened at Waukesha, on February It), with a good attendance. Sev- eral hundred dollars had been offered in prem- iums, and this led to a fine exhibition of fruits and flowers, showing what Wisconsin can do in the horticultural line during winter. On the second day President Smith gave his annual address, containing an account of what the society had accomplished during the year. Prof. Cook, of the Michigan Agricultural Col- lege, lectured on "Insects injurious to Plant Life and Means of Destroying Them." He made the surprising statement that the annual damage to the crops of the country from insects was not less than S200,000,(ill0. In the afternoon Mr. Garfield, of Michigan, spoke on " When, How and Where to Teach Horticulture." He considered e.^perimental stations and horticul- tural colleges necessary to attain the best results. B. S. Hoxie, of Evansville, read a valuable paper on " Forestry," showing the growing neces- sity to the country of preserving a proper propor- tion of existing and of planting forests on the tree- less areas to prevent our already changeable Nature did not give his trees any more sun or rain than those of other orchards. But he had acquired the skill to use, to the best ad- vantage, what he did have. He had learned to thin the fruit to obtain size, to cultivate and enrich the ground, and to destroy the curculios that would mar the beauty of the fruit and lessening its worth. Merchants, mechanics, nurserymen, men in all branches of trade have their specialties. Something they make better, or sell lower, than their com- petitors. So with men of science. They recognize the fact that life is to short too achieve distinction in more than one branch of learning. So they select one, and spend a lifetime in its pursuit. Carl Linnaeus was a renowned scholar, but the world remembers him as a botanist. Newton, Frank- lin and David Hume, ripe scholars all, but known to us principally through their special lines of work and thought. I do not advocate the growing of one kind of fruit, and only one : that would be putting all one's eggs in the same basket, a practice that is never safe. Grow as many kinds of fruit as you can, well and profitably, and of these select one to be treated as a specialty. There are growers at Cobden who have become so skillful in growing Tomatoes, as never to fail to ship that fruit by the wagon load when worth $1 a box. The Peaches of others are said to be as firm as any sold on South Water street. Others, by careful growing and storing Sweet Potatoes, have made a brand that sells in the market equal to the celebrated Jersey stock. These gentlemen are all growing Pears, Apples and small fruits like the rest of us, with about the same success as the average. But the largest part of their money is made on these specialties. All of them are reaping a pecuniary re- ward from their efforts to reach a higher grade of excellence in a single kind of fruit. Specialties in Horticulture [Extract from a jmper bij Theodore Goodrich, he- fore the nUnois State Horticultural Societi/]. One could grow a dozen kinds of fruit and be considered successful; that is, make money on all. But suppose that while growing the twelve, he selects one and gives it closer care than the others; studies its requirements and brines it up to a higher point of excellence. A miller, recognizing the value of this idea, madeaspeci- alty of a choice grade of flour. He studied, perfected his plans and machinery until he could place a superior article on the market cheaper than his competitors could an inferior one, and he became a millionaire. I was on South Water Street, Chicago, last September, when each commission house was selling a thousand baskets of Peaches daily, the great majority of which were sold for thirty- five or forty cents. I desired a basket to take home and they recommended a certain brand at seventy-five cents, as being of an honest, uniform quality of both fruit and packing. I did not regi-et my purchase. Here was a man getting twice the market price, and that when Chicago was flooded with Peaches. He was evidently making a specialty of this fruit. Additional Notes on the Michigan State Society's Meeting. What Can Legislation do for Horticulture? L. D. Watkins in a paper suggested that the aim of legislative work should be, 1st, to aid the unknowing in doing what they should do. 3d, to establish stations for solving the various practical problems of horticulture. 3d, to se- cure a competent State Warden for looking after the interests of horticulture, similar to those they have in all Eurojjean countries. The cod- ling moth alone has damaged the Apple crop in only several orchards enough to pay lor such improvements. Horticulture he said has a wider application than simply the surroundings of our homes. President Lyon stated that the governments of Europe do not permit people to cut down their own trees, except by permission of a pub- lic tree warden. If ours had done so it would to day be far better off ; it should now be done. Mr. Fitzsimmons moved that a committee be appointed to draft and submit resolutions to the legislature, which was carried. He believed that a suitable bounty offered for tree planting for protection, if rightly brought before the people would effect an improvement the same as a bounty for wide wagon tire had done. Mr. Garfield had greater faith in the efforts of horticultural societies in cultivating popular taste than in laws. Spoke of the great work done in tree planting through the Arbor Day movement. President Lyon believed that instead of a direct bounty for planting, certain tax exemptions for the work would be more effective- Methods and Besults of Grafting. Mr. Charies S. Crandall, of Lansing, presented an able paper on this subject illustrated by numerous stereopticon views. We expect in time to present most of these illustrations in our cplumns, accompanied by Mr. C.'s explanations. For the present we offer briefly some of the main points advanced in the paper: The origin of grafting is unknown. Many ancients treat upon it, some at great length. Until the day of Thomas Andrew Knight (first half of the present century) the art was largely shrouded in absurd fables concerning its possibilities. Many problems are yet wanting solution. Much needstobe learned concerning the limitations of grafting; the neces- sary botanical relationship.etc. On uses of grafting he mentioned the increasing of kinds that will not come true from seed; the clianging of the form of trees; the increasing of the vigor of certain kinds 188;. POPULAR GARDENING. 117 STOCK Veneer Grafting. by grafting on strong roots up high. Attention was called to the necessity of an actual contact of the Cambium Layer of stock and graft. He is a strong advocate of veneer grafting whenever it can be employed, this being a modified form of crown grafting. By this process wood is not set into wood, as is the case in most other modes. As the wood of stock and graft never unite there must be a certain degree of weakness present in all cases where these are brought together. A line of decayed wood is present at the point of union, and this may lead to unfavorable results. President Lyon prefers the crown method of grafting to all others, the principle of which is to insert after cutting the stock oflE ana dressing it, wedge-shaped grafts between the wood and Ihe bark, after- wards tying around the stock near the top and coating with grafting was. Its only dis- advantage is that it must be done when sap flows. Would do all the grafting of a large Manner of dittmg tree in one j'ear, cutting away ^''^ stock (merely not more than one-third of the l^XllH! rl!:^. X' top, distributina the grafts well setting, the graft to make the future top. A and stock are bo^ind second crop of grafts will never ""^ icaxed. catch up with the first. To cut off the entire top and graft is very injurious if it does not kill. Buying Nursery Stock. The Best Way. E. H. Scott in a paper summed up his conehisions in substance as follows: I. Take good horticultural papers to keep abreast of the times. 3. Live men advertise. Study advertising columns and study catalogues. 3 Know that your man is reliable. 4. Be sure yourself what kinds you want to plant. 5. Find out what kinds do best in your own local- ity, G. Go slow on new varieties Such are over, estimated. Old varieties treated as well would do much better. 7. Do not buy nursery stock which is cheap. Cheap prices mean cheap quality. 8. Pay first-class prices and insist on getting the best. 9. Have stock properly packed even if at an in- creased cost. 10. Examine on its receipt and re- port its condition back to nursery at once. He would plantyoung trees, never over 2 years old. Peter Collier advised care in buying trees by the foot — so and so many feet high. You don't know whether you will get two or four year old trees. President Lyon advocated setting young trees. He had once replaced trees in an orchard with old ones from an old nursery. They lived and that's about all. Smaller trees since planted got way ahead Secretary Garfield said that in his locality buying is done by the help of the horticultural society. The members talk over best kinds and then buy by the car load, sending a man to the nursery. They get better terms and better trees. Nurserymen have grades of stock that are not the best which they must sell, and will to those who don't growi; insist the right way on getting the best and you get it. Apples for Southern Michigan. J. J. Fitzsim- mons' interesting paper on this subject led to the casting of a vote on the best five winter Apples for Southern Michigan. Out of an aggregate of 83 names banded in the following was the order of preference : Baldwin, 17 Grimes Golden, Nortliem Spy, • 16 Fallnwater, - R. I. Greening, 13 Wagner, Golden Russet, - 12 Peck's Pleosant • Red Canada, 8 Ben. Davis, Tollman's Sweet, 6 Jonathan, Spltzenberg, 2 Eellilower. Limber Twig, 1 Golden Pippin, 1 Mr. Fitzsimmons' choice for an orchard of 100 trees was stated as being 20 Northern Spy, 15 Red Canada, 15 Golden Russet, 15 Baldwin, 10 Spitzen- berg, 5 R. I. Greening, 5 Peck's Pleasant, 5 Tall- man's Sweet, a Red Astracban. 1 Early Harvest, 1 Hawley, 1 Golden Sweet, 3 Shiawasse Beauty, 1 Garden Royal. More From the Western New York Society's Meeting. Kerosene Emulsion for the Apple-Tree Aphis. Charles Little of Kochester in a paper said in substance that the past year found the Black Aphis on the Cherry and the green one on the Apple-trees unusually numerous and persistent. On yearling trees they tried dipping in whale- oil soap and tobacco water with success, but to dip a large tree was a slow and costly opera- tion. They fourd by experimenting on a small scale with kerosene soap, that it was sure death to the Aphis, but this too was costly. About this time the Department of Agi-iculture published a receipt for killing the hop-louse, the principal ingredient of which was kerosene, and this they determined to try on Apple trees. It was a decided success. After going over twice there were few or no Aphides left ; the expense was trifling. The receipt is as follows: "Spray the trees with the following mixture: Kero- sene, two gallons; one-half pound common soap, or whale-oil soap; water one gallon. Heat the water and dissolve the soap in it; then add it boiling hot to the kerosene. Churn the mixture by means of a force-pump and spray nozzle for ten minutes, when it will form an emulsion. Dilute before using one part of the emulsion with nine parts of cold water. This mixture will kill every louse that it touches, and the good accomplished depends only on the thoroughness of the application." It wiU be seen that two gallons of kerosene and one-half a pound of soap make when diluted to the right strength, thirty gallons of wash. Mr. Little found that, in using this receipt, two precautions must be carefully observed ; first, the oil and water must be thoroughly mixed ; soft water is preferable. When the mixture is complete the fluid becomes a milky white, and all globules of oil disappear from the surface. Second : the mixture should be applied to the trees in the form of a fine spray from a force pump. Experiments showed that unless the mixture was most thoroughly made, the young leaves would turn brown. The use of the force pump obviates this difficulty as the fine spray tends to divide into minute portions any kero- sene that may be left unmixed. Not to be a State Society. -The proposition to convert the present society into a state society and thus secure state aid. was after an animated dis- cussion defeated by a small majority. The close- ness of the vote signified very strikingly the de- mand for a state society. Injurious Insects. Dr. Lintner said that no creatures lay a heavier tax on plants than Plant Lice or Aphis (Aphida'S). Their increase is some- thing enormous. As a rule, hatching from eggs takes place in the spring, the first brood being all females. They again produce young alive and all females; the young in each case beginningto repro- duce when five days old. In autumn males and a different form of females appear, and the young of these living over winter, begin a new round of in- crease. Under some circumstances a female may without coupling keep on propagating indefinitely in the right heat and food. This has been regarded as a kind of gemnation or breeding. Mr. Root reported the Apple Aphis or Louse had been very prevalent, showing first in June and giv- ing the growth a dull color, Mr. Willard saw no perceptible effect from spraying with Paris green. They suck juices that should go to the Apples Mr. Crane: Aphis on Plum were so thick as to be black; burned a wad of rags coated with coal- tar on several days and destroyed all. Mr. Bogue, thought that Aphis was outgrowth of the depressed condition of Apples as result of bad storm in June; impaired juices, leading to imperfect fertilization. Potato Sketches. In a paper bearing this title. Prof. Goff, of Geneva, gave an extended account of experiments with seed Potatoes under different conditions. Results strongly favored the best specimens from the best hills for seed. The small- est tubers from productive bills yielded more than the largest from the least productive hills. Indica- tions are that small whole tubers are by no means inferior to cuttings of same weight One experi- ment showed 41 pounds as against .35 pounds in favor of drying cuttings before planting; the cut- tings were much shriveled The starch in seed Potatoes as growth proceeds passes out, acting as a fertilizer to the young plant, water taking its place. Such fertility is not absolutely necessary beyond the fertility in the soil, as shown by experi- ment of removnig some seed tubers when young plants were six inches high. Are Apples and Fears Smaller than Formerlyl Mr. Green thought it required more skill to grow fine fruit than years ago. Mr. Hooker said we had never seen finer fruit than that shown at this meet- ing. President Barry said in new, fresh soil fruit trees grew better and were less liable to suffer from insects than in that older. We can grow as I fine fruit as ever, but it requires more manure and fertilizers. The cultivation of the fruit shown by the speaker (it was a magnificent exhibit —Ed ) was not of the very best order. But when the trees had shown by their growth that they needed fertil- izers, they got it— perhaps once in two years. There had never been a time in 30 years when one could do better in growing fine fruits than now. The loss from Pear blight is now so .slight as not to be taken into account, while ~0 to 30 j-ears ago it was very serious. Keep trees healthy and vigorous and one year with another they will do well and pay. Growing the Chrysanthemum. [Abstract of a paper t/i/ Arthur H. Fctckes, before the Massachusetts Ilorticulttiral Society.] GREENHOUSE CfLTI'RE The cultivation of the Chrysanthemum should liegin as soon as the plant is through flowering. Many growers then cut it down to the pot; but this is risky, as many varieties have a weak constitution and will sometimes refuse to start into growth if thus, treated. The best way is to cut the branches back quite severely at first, but not down to the pot until the shoots have begun to start quite freely from the roots. The plants should receive as good cultivation after they have bloomed as before, to secure good, healthy cuttings. Plants are often packed in some unwholesome place, with the consequence that the root shoots become soft, weak and unfit for cuttings. This cause ac- cotmts for half the failures in their culture. The Chrysanthemum is a sun-loving plant. The plants, as soon as they are through flower- ing, should be put in the sunniest place possible and have plenty of fresh air, judicious water- ing, and a temperature of about 50° or 55°. The matter of watering is a very important one at all times. The plants are more apt to be over than under watered at this season, but still they should never be allowed to come to a wilting condition, especially after they have begim to make fresh growth. As soon as the young shoots are three or four inches long they are taken off for cuttings and placed in clean, rather fine sand, in a tempera- ture of from 45° to 50°, with a gentle bottom heat, some higher. High heat is injurious. For cutliings, choose fresh, growing shoots, and reject all rusty or unhealthy ones. Cut off all but about three leaves at the top and trim the lower end with a sharp knife. Give ample room in the sand; if too much crowded thej' are apt to gather an excess of moisture, which will cause them to damp off. For the greater part of the plants that are to flower in autumn, the cuttings are put in from the fii-st to the third week in March. The cuttings should root in about two weeks. When roots from half an inch to an inch in length are present, pot immediately into 2 3-4-inch pots. Prompt potting is important, for as soon as roots are formed the cuttings begin to grow, and there being very little nour- ishment in the sand, they soon become weak and stunted if left there. For soil use about three parts of good sandy loam and one of well-decayed stable manure. A heavy clay should be avoided. As soon as potted, place the plants in a cool, light, and airy structtu-e, and shade for a few days from the bright sunshine. Water sparingly at first, but as thej- begin to grow the quantity may be increased, and from this time on they should never be allowed to want for water. After the x!^-inch pots are well filled with roots, but before the plants are actually pot-bound, shift to 4-inch, and from that to 5-inch, as becomes neces- sary, for the plants should never be allowed to be- come pot-bound An April cutting that has never been checked is much better than one started in February and allowed to become pot-bound. One great secret of success: keep the plants in a healthy growing, condition from the cutting to the flowers. Pinching may begin as soon as the plant is about six inches high. Pinch out the smallest amount possible from the growing end; never cut back to hard wood except in cases of unshapely growth. Pinch a few days or a week before the plant is shifted to a larger pot, then it will be in condition to use the fresh soil. Even when the grower has the advantage of a house capable of being ventilated to an unusual de- ii8 POPULAR GARDENING. April, gree, it is beat to place the plants in a cold frame as early in the spring as it can be done with safety from frost. Here they can be hardened off. Plant- ing out is usually best done about the middle of May. For this choose a location at ail times exposed to the sun and air. But it should be protected from strong winds. A light, rich loam is the best soil; if possible it should be quite sandy. With proper soil and exposure there need be little fear of mildew, the one nearly unconquerable enemy of this plant. Plant in rows ^J^ or 3 feet apart each way. For each plant a hole about the size of a potato hill is dug and filled with fine manure, which is well forked into the soil. In planting fill up with loam, being careful that the surface is lower than the surrounding ground, so as to retain any water that may be given to the plants. Keep well watered until the roots have taken hold of the soil, after which give no water unless the season is dry and they show signs of suffering, when they may have it as often as needed, occa- sionally substituting liquid manure. Apply at even- ing. Soon the young plants will push out branches very freely, which should be pinched at 4 inches long, repeating the operati(jn as often as the branches become long enough, until about the middle of July, after which the plants may be allowed to grow at will, simply cutting back any unshapely branches. Such severe pinching is done to secure as many branches near the bottom as possible. But varieties that make shapely plants without pinching had better be left to themselves. Soon after setting out, each plant is furnished with a strong stake, later adding others if neces- sary. As the season advances, many branches be- come so heavy that they are unable to sustain their own weight, and are in danger of lopping off. To prevent this, strings are used in such positions that one branch sustains another. The worst insect pest is the Black Aphis, which will cause much trouble if allowed to increase. Dalmatian powder applied with a bellows is an effectual remedy while in the ground, but after housing they may be kept down by frequent fumi- gation with tobacco. About the second or third week in August the plants are lifted, the best time being when the ground is very dry, for they wiU then recover the sooner. Taken up thus eai-ly they form their buds after potting, which is better, for, if formed before, the check is apt to result in deformed flowers. Lift with all the roots that can be secured. To get them into reasonable-sized pots considerable of the soil should be carefully shaken off. For potting, soil now use about two parts of good loam to one of well-rotted stable manure. The pots are selected according to the size of the roots, being careful not to have them too large. The soil should never reach higher than an inch from the rim, so as to leave ample room for water and liquid manure. After the plants are potted, place under trees where they can have both plenty of air and shade from the sun. About a week later, or when they seem to have recovered, take to the ground where they grew and plunge to the rim of the pot in the soil. Here they must have plenty of water and never become dry. Liquid manure may also soon be freely given as long as the buds are growing. As cold nights approach, the plants are to be placed under glass, even before actual frost appears. Nights not cold enough to freeze are cold enough to check their growth, and thus to cause mildew. For a long time after placing them under glass they require no artificial heat, and should be very freely ventilated through the day. In cold, cloudy weather it is best to introduce a little heat into the house, if only to dry out the dampness. Soon after they are brought in the Black Aphis will appear, and must be persistently fought with tobacco smoke, as long as the plants remain inside. GROWING AS HOUSE PLANTS. Those who wish to cultivate Chrysanthe- mums, but have no glass, will do best to pro- cure young, healthy plants in May, giving the treatment above advised after that time, until the time for housing, when they may be taken in on cold nights and placed out-of-doors through the day. As house plants, they should be kept well watered, syringed as often as pos- sible, being careful not to wet the flowers, and kept in the coolest, airiest place to be found. The Black Aphis, or Black-fly, is usually found quite troublesome, but can be conquered by persist- ent application of Dalmatian powder. If it is desirable to keep the old roots over the winter, they should be placed where they will be kept quite cool, and, if possible, near a sunny win- dow. Early In the spring they may be divided and planted out in the open groun^ and receive the same treatment as young plants. The would-be cultivator must not expect that his plants will always be as large or his flowers as fine as those he sees at our fall exhibitions, for the Chrysanthemum requires unremitting care and attention from the beginning of the young plant to the end of the flowering season, and experience is valuable here as elsewhere. But he should not be discouraged, for a fair amount of success is attain- able with ordinary cultivation, and he will probably feel repaid for time and expense bestowed. Horticultural Education for Women. [Abstract of a paper by Miss SaraJi J. Syntth , and of some subsequent remarks before the Massachu- setts Society.] Do we think when walking in our beautiful gardens of the many homes without gardens? In all the culture of soil is there no pleasant place, no welcome duty for daughters' hands? Is there no way that they may be taught that they, too, have a mission on a farm? Is it not time it should be settled that there must be schools to train girls to home life? Such girls would not be household drudges, but they can be taught to be better home-keepers, and, as home is not all within the house, they can be taught to understand the garden— both fruit and flowers— the poultry yard, the apiary and even the sheepfolds. Every avenue in life seems broadly opening to women, excepting that opening to the cultivation of the land. The girl who is quite at home in her father's greenhouses, understanding the culture and knowing the botanical names of all the plants, is a wonder to her companions and seems not quite one of them. Yet how many a women who breathes the close air of the factory, until the hectic flush tells of a Hfe almost spent, wishes she could have been taught a work that should bring her daily nearer to Nature, a work she cannot learn by her- self. She can catch up the broken threads in the loom. But the tender plants, the opening flowers, the bees, the soft little chickens— how dare she, un- taught, handle these things, direct from Heaven? To talk of sendigg the daughters of farmers away from their homes to study horticulture may seem, at the present time, rank heresy; but this must soon come, hke all other things for the good of man. Has this Horticultural Society no school to take her in and teach her to be happy in her inheritance of land? From all its knowldge of flowers, fruits and vegetables and their uses, can it not tell the world of woman how she can make the garden her kingdom, and be healthy and happy? Does not this world-wide cry for a " new education " come to rouse the lovers of horticulture, and tell them that young women need just the knowledge this society can give them ? What we want now is a new education; an ed- ucation in horticulture and home culture that shall make a happier girlhood, happier because hands are full and bodies healthy, and brains less strained for book lore; more alive to Nature's truths and vivified too with a practical knowledge of what goes to make health, happiness, home and wealth. Mrs. Ednah D. Cheney gave an account of the Horticultural School for Women at Newton. The greatest lack here was pupils, the largest number at any time being twelve. The school was discon- tinued after an existence of a few years. The Bus- sey Institution classes are open to women. There has been very little success in obtaining either boys or girls as pupils. The time had not arrived for special horticultural schools. Leverett M. Chase said there is no subject sur- passing this in interest. He has 1700 pupils under his charge. He believed in the ennobling influence of Nature. He visited Fresno Plain in California and found there nineteen vineyards owned by women, five of whom made $2000 each clear profit in one year. W. C. Strong said many of the ladies of the society are engaged in floricnlture, and are on an equality with the men. Mrs. E. M. Gill enjoys work in her hot house, and the money it brings her makes her independent. She has been a member of the society since 1H65, and has hardly been absent a Saturday, and has had her share of the prizes. Charles M. Hovey said that in Philadelphia women are employed in greenhouses much more than here. There is a good deal of hard work in them, and it is not pleasant for either women or men to go out at midnight with the snow three feet deep and the wind blowing a blizzard to see that the furnace fires are all right. HOUSE PLANTS. Airing. If on mild days all but the more tender plants are exposed to full air for several hours daily, and even be subjected to occasional warm rains— getting thoroughly washed^they will be benefited. Annuals. Early seedlings to be transplanted into boxes at an inch or more apart, according to size, inuring them now to more air and light. Begonia Weltoniensis, that gem of sprmg- blooming plants, if given rich, sandy soil, good and light, with fair watering, will thrive in the window. For other varieties see last month. Callas. Strong plants designed for later bloom to receive manure water. Such as have bloomed through the winter should go to rest about May 1, by planting in a rich bed. Lift in August, potting in a very rich, well-drained soil. Chrysanthemums to be kept growing freely now in a cool, airy place. If properly hardened off they may go out along with the earliest of tender plants. Droopers. The stock of these for hanging bas- kets, vases, etc., should be looked after, dividing or slipping the kinds of which an increase is desired. Fuchsias with fair pot room and watering will be making material for a fine show of bloom. Some varieties (Frau Emma Topfer being a type) do well if not pinched back. In our collection Speciosa, White Giant, Elm City, Frau Emma Topfer, and Arabella are looked upon as the best for culture. Geraniums for summer use ought to be making their strong growth now. If at all backward, it may be from excessive watering or from being pot- bound, in which latter case shift up. Cuttings for pot plants to bloom next fall and winter to go in. Hot-beds. These are of great benefit to the win- dow gardener from now on. During this month they will need close attention in airing and shading to prevent a hurtful degree of heat. On the warm- est days the sash should be well opened that free currents of air may enter. Lilies. Any that have been in bloom to have water gradually withheld, keeping them in any out- of-the-way place till plauting-out time,when if giveu a rich, well- drained soil, they will in time come in use again for bloom. Boses. At this sea- son Red Spider, Thrip. etc., are apt to be at their worst. Free syringing or sponging of the leaves is the sure specific. Transplanting. In many instances the old tin fruit and vegetable cans, that abound as nuisances, could be put to good use for bring- ing along early plants in. In such cases let them be treated as shown in the cut by slitting down one side to spread the top, pot like, to ad- mit of readily tapping out the plant at transplant- ing time without breaking the ball of earth. Tin can slitted to form flaring sides. LAWN AND FLOWER GARDEN. Bulbs of many hardy sorts, like Hyacinths, Tu- lips, Lilies, Crown Imperials. Phlox, Iris, etc.. do better if allowed to remain in the ground for years undisturbed. Such tender bulbs, as Dahlias, Ti- gridias and Erythrina, that were wintered in the cellar, to be planted when danger of frost is over in warm, rich soil, giving good cultm-e later on. Flower beds. Where Hj'acinths,TuHps, etc., have been growing in the beds designed for summer flowers, they may, after blooming, be carefully taken up to have some soil adhering to the roots, and be put into boxes till ripened, not neglecting moderate watering. When dried oflf store away. The beds then to be dressed lightly with manure, and dug up ready to receive the tender plants. 1887. POPULAR GARDENING. 119 Gladiolus. A first planting ought to be gotten in early in the month, to be followed by later plantings at intervals of two weeks until June. Hardy Plants. All must desire some of those plants which remain year after year. What they require is to have the soil where they are planted dug up deeply and then later on annual applications of well rotted manure. Lawn, Manure applied in the fall to be in its coarser parts taken off and the surface raked to liven it up, removing the dead grass also. Rolling should follow this operation. The mower to be set at work promptly, as the growth requires it, cut- ting ofUjn but not too closely. New lawns may yet be started, remembering that the best results follow on the best methods of making; full direc- tions as to this appear on page 68. Planting. April is the great planting month for all hardy things. For the best results too much pains cannot be taken to have the soil fine and fer- tile and to plant w'ith great care. Some other lead- ing points to observe are these: Do not expose the roots needlessly, especially those of Evergreens. Set all growths as deeply as they stood in ihe nur- sery. To get the soil firmly packed about the fine roots is one great secret of success. Cutting back is also necessary. If not done the top will require more moisture than the roots can well supply, and suffering must follow. Seed Sowing in the open air is in order for all the hardy annuals like Candytuft, Mignonette, Sweet Peas, Larkspur, Pansy, Eschscholtzia, Sweet Rocket, Lupine, etc. The last of the month the fol- lowing varieties might, throughout the North, be sown, if the soil be dry ; Amaranthus, Antirrhinum, Calendula, Caltiopsis, Clarkia, Helianthus. Phlox Drummondii, Poppy, Portulaca, Morning Glory, Golden Feather, Godetia, Zinuia, Marigold, etc. Tuberoses to be started in hot-beds or the win- dow, the season in the North not being long enough for them to start and bloom entirely outside in any but the lightest soil. PLANT CULTURE UNDER GLASS. Bougainvillea glabra. Flowering shoots to be kept in an upright position by staking. Bloom is most seriously interfered with by drought. Week- ly applications of manure water, and this quite strong, is needed to induce the required vigor. Carnations. Young plants to be placed in frames and kept well aired to harden off prepara- tory to planting out. Cinerarias. Fine plants of a strain desirable for seed to be isolated from the inferior ones to pre- vent unfavorable mixing. Climbers in Pots. As kinds like" Cobaea Scan- dens, Maurandia, etc., make their growth, to neg- lect tying them upon stakes and keeping under control, will very soon result in unshapely masses that cannot be handled later without great injury. Coleas depend upon the well-developed colors of the leaves for beauty. If the plants are kept in full simshine, not too wet and rather pot-bound, their color will be much helped. Geraniums. For making space the surplus should go into frames or hot-beds, plunged in the soil, and here they will do well. Heaths and hard-wooded plants generally to have a great abundance of air as they come into bloom. Plunging the pots of plants in refuse heaps is one w^ay to save on watering in this busy season and promoting plant growth well at the same time. Pots, with Fuchsias, Calceolarias, Petunias, Hy- drangeas and the like, when pot-bound, exclusive watering with manure water until after the bloom- ing period, will usually insure satisfactory results. This is also true of hard-wooded plants, either in bloom or when making new growth, as Azaleas, Daphnes, Neriums, Genistas, etc. Primulas. The double white may yet be propa- gated. To defer beyond the first half of this month is not well. For this, cut the shoots at near the base three-quarters through, inserting a bit of wood in the gash to keep the parts from reuniting. Then make a mound, from the soil upwards to above the cuts, with a mixture of sphagnum and Hght soil, keeping this moderately moist. Into this material the cuttings soon will throw roots, after which the former should be covered and be potted individ- ually. The plants now need heavy shade. Boses. A top dressing of manure at tlus time should help the late yield of bloom greatly. An exception to the general rule of Roses requiring a clayey soil for best results is the Bennett, which is found to succeed equally well or better in light soil. Verbenas struck before the middle of April make very superior plants by June 1. The cuttings root quickly, and if put in thumb pots in a frame, they bouud ahead with marvelous rapidity. FRUIT GARDEN ANDORCHARD. Apricots. Water allowed to settle and stand about the roots of these in the spring is very in- jurious. Provide necessary drainage. Borers. As a protection against these a well- known orchardist recommends a preparation of cement, soap and skim milk, coating the tree for several feet from a little below the ground up. This forms enough of a shell to repel the borers. Grafting. For directions see February number. Heel-in all trees not immediately planted as soon as received, keeping each variety separate. To heel-in means to temporarily cover the roots with ground, bringing this firmly against them, and so to remain until the plauting is done. Orchard, Fruit trees require some potash in the soil, to furnish whicb, there are few things ahead of a dressing of unleached wood ashes. As a sub stitute, of fertilizing value, three parts bonedust and one part of muriate of potash can be employed. Baspberries often throw up more canes than the roots can well support to a full crop of berries, making some thinning desirable. If there is an ex- cess of canes beyond four or five, such may well be removed. The suckers from the red ones will an- swer for another patch. Plants should be set at about three feet by six or seven feet apart. Seeds of Cherry. Peach, etc., kept over winter to be sown as early as the soil works up well. The seeds of all fruit and ornamental trees to be sown without loss of time after the soil is fit. Strawberries. The sooner planting of new beds can be done after the ground can be worked, the better. Mulch any bearing beds that need it be- fore any signs of dry weather appear. Tree Planting. In order to do a good job sev- eral things are essential. The soU should be mel- low and somewhat dry, the hole large enough to accommodate all the roots without crowding, and the hair-like roots to be firmly packed in fine soil, with no manure against them. To settle the ground solidly about newly planted trees is one se- cret of success. VEGETABLE GARDEN. Arrangement. The old-fashioned way of en- closing a patch of ground with a high fence, doing all the work by hand, planting in beds and calling it woman's work, has passed away. The better garden is unenclosed, and the crops are placed in rows and worked by horse power with compara- tively little labor. Brussels Sprouts. Given a deep rich loamy soil, well cultivated, these may be easily grown; when properly prepared they resemble Cauliflower. Onions. The sets tc be planted among the first of things in garden making. By transplanting seedlings as directed last month. Onions may be had nearly as early as from sets, and at less cost. Peas, A gain of a week in the earlmess of the crop may be had by slightly sprouting the seed in warm sand before planting. Potato Bugs arrive early for the season's bus- iness. One plan for heading off their work is to feed the first comers with sliced Potatoes covered with Paris Green or London Purple, and thus cut off the laying of an endless number of eggs. Badishes. To make certain of a crop of this vegetable free from maggots, see that there is enough of manure and sand in the soil iu which they are sown to render it very light and rich. It is said that clay land, greatly lightened with sifted coal ashes, will raise good early Radishes. Sweet Corn may be forwarded by planting in boxes, similar to those recommended for Tomatoes last month, three weeks before planting-out tmie, and then may be transplanted from these boxes without checking. Thinning out. The earlier this is done on Rad- ishes, Beets, Carrots and crops of like nature, down to a fair handling size, the better. Figs. With much bright weather a night tem- perature of 60** to 70° may be given, but should the weather be dark a lower degree will be better. Figs, though delighting in heat and moisture, do not get along well without corresponding air or light. Top dressing the soil with fresh horse ma- nure is beneficial, because of the ammonia thus se- cured. Do not allow the fruit to be too thickly placed. For young stock put in cuttings in sandy, well drained soil, in a sharp bottoin heat. With good treatment fruit may be had in two years. Strawberries uow iu fruit will need plenty of water, and until color begins to show, some liquid manure. Ventilate freely. Thin the fruit some- what on the more heavily loaded plants for secur- ing berries of a good size. Vines, in the latest houses, should be stopped. Syringe twice daily, and promote a sturdy growth by ventilation. Water with liquid manure if growth seems weak. Keep a close lookout for Red Spider Give good attendance to thinning. \1m12 FRUIT AND VEGETABLES UNDER GLASS. Cucumbers. Generous feeding with plenty of water will be required to keep the old bearing plants in a productive state. Young plants should be growing freely and stopped as needed. Do not manure with liquids heavily until bearing. T/i/s being the People's Paper, it ta open to all Vieir InquiHes bearing on gardening. Replies to Inquiries are eameatly requested from readers. In answering such give the number, your ocality and 7iame, the latter not for publication, unless you desire. Write only on one side of the paper. 358. Alternanthera Culture. What is the pro- per winter treatment of these, and when is the best time to propagate for summer bedding out, also wintering over? S. M. A., Council Bluffs, Iowa. 259. Varieties of Plums and Cherries. Do you know anything about a Plum called Niagara or Moony? An agent has been lauding it to the skies around here: also a Cherry which he called Luel- ling. N. A., Ypsilatiti, Mich. 360. Boses for Market. What are sLs of the best paying kinds of Roses to force under glass. At what price can they be procured by the quantity of 1,000 good strong plants of different ages'? SuB- scRiBKR, East Weijmoiith, Mass. 361. Blood, etc., for Grapes. I am growing some Grapes and have access to a slaughter house. Can 1 make use of the blood as a fertilizer, and what is the best mode of using? E. F., Eato7i, Ind^ 362. Mulberries for Seed. I have a quantity of Russian Mulberry Seed to start in the open ground. Will you please tell me the best way? A. R. C, Uiiioii, Iowa. 263. Preparing Soilfor Small Fruits. Is loos- ening the subsoil necessary when the land is sandy loam, high, porous, and self draining? I have ac- cess to some black swamp muck; to have this on high, dry soil, would it make it drier or otherwise? Would you apply it first as a mulch? F. H., One- havia^ Mich. 3(>4. Engine Scrapings as a Fertilizer. Are coaly particles and dust scraped from engines of any worth as fertilizers, and what is its effect on flowers and strawberry beds? M. J., Shelly, N. C. 265. Soap Suds and House Slops. Are these liquids of any value as fertilizers? How are they to be used? J. L., Delaware Co., Ohio. 366. Lilium Auratum. How shall I manage my Lilium auratum? Upon repotting, I found it surrounded with weak bulblets, and also acciden- tally broke off the main shoot. Will it ever amount to anything again? 267. Oranges as Window Plants. Will some one please to tell me of the way to have Orange blossoms in the window? I am told that the seed require a year for germination, and that the plants need to be grafted. Citrus, Hennepin Co.^ Minn. 368. Grubs in Onion Land. I have a garden in which I am told it is impossible to raise Onions be- cause of the wireworms and other insects infest- ing it. Being an amateur, I am desirous of learn- ing the best way of getting rid of them without in- jury to the Onions. Anxious, Litchfield Co., Conn. 269. Bees and Grapes. What are the latest conclusions of exjierts as to the former injuring the latter? G. W. N., Orleaiis Co., N. Y. 270. Angle Worms in Soil. What can I do to avoid these? I had a beautiful Rex Begonia killed, and also a Farfugium that seemed to suffer badly from their presence in the pot . Mrs. C. L. Angier, Buena Vista Co., Iowa. 371. Cuttings from Young Vines and Trees. Are cuttings and scions taken from such before be- ginning to bear as good as if taken after bearing has commenced? Some oppose this, but I have a few hundred Grape cuttings taken from young vines, and would like your opinion. 372. Market for Sage. Can you tell where mar- ket can be found for the product from an acre of this herb? Mrs. R. D. S., Union Spriiigs, Ala. 273. Grapes Bursting. Can you tell me the cause and remedy for this iu the case of Concord, Kimira and Marthas W. C. S.. Muscatine^ Iowa. I20 POPULAR GARDENING. April, 274. Oxalis not Blooming. I have an Oxalis that has not bloomed this season, and last year it only had one bunch of blossoms (pink). It looks very thrifty. Cause? 275. Swanley White Violets. Two years ago I got a Swanley White Violet, whieh has never bloomed yet. It grows and looks well and has had buds on it several times, but they always blast. A neighbor has one which acts the same way. Cause? 2TG. " Chinese Lily." I have a " Chinese Lily " which did not bloom. All others of the same lot bore blossoms. It grew vigorously, the leaves be- ing nearly two feet long. What treatment shall I give the bulb? W. C. S. 277. Geraniums not Blooming. My plants last year grew rank but had few flowers. How ought I to treat them to get good flowers? Sly soil is good, with sunshine all daj'. I have been told to plant pots and all. I watered very freely during the hot weather. Mrs. M. A. Y., Essex Co., Mass. 278. Moles in Cemetery. Our cemetery lot is enclosed by a stone curbing eighteen inches deep. Moles have made their way inside this and have completely upturned the beautiful Blue Grass sward, causing it to die in large patches. Is there a remedy? Mrs. W. M. I., Madison Co., Ky. 279. Oxalis not Blooming. I should like to know what to do with yellow and large pink win- ter blooming Oxalis to make them deserve their name of winter bloomers? 280. Eucharis in the House. Also if Eucharis Amazonica will bloom in the house? I had one three years without a flower or bud. R. E. D. 281. Freesia Culture. Will you tell me what is the trouble that I get no bloom from these after all my care? How should they be treated? E. M. M., West Branch, Iowa. 282. CurrantWorm Remedy, (a) . We have about 1,000 bearing Currants liable to be infested with the worm next summer— not the * web worm" but the one coming in June, stripping off the leaves. Most of those to whom we have talked recommend the use of hellebore, but we have reason to think this is dangerous to human hfe, and customers would be deterred from using our fruit were it known that hellebore was used. What shall we do ? ib). We understand that Prof. Lintner of your State re- ported regarding a parasite that he thinks preys upon the currant worm. Can anything be done to introduce it west? Hallet& Son, Jo Daviess Co., III. REPLIES TO INQUIRIES. 210. Sweet-scented Chrysanthemums. There is only one in cultivation, viz., Mrs. Akers Allen. The best late-flowering Chrysanthemums are Cul- lingferdi, Christmas Eve, Mrs. C. H. Wheeler, Mrs. C. L. Alien, Count of Germany. Purple King, Sadie Martinet, VV. Falconer, The Virgin, Mrs. Wm. Mencke, Jupiter, and Lady Slade. They can be procured of Hallock & Co., Queens, N.Y. C. E. P. 22.3. Potting Old Fuchsias. As soon as they show signs of growth, trim them back into shape, tnrn them out of their pots, and repot into as small pots as possible. Water thoroughly when first potted, afterwards sparingly until growth commences, when a liberal supply should be given. When first potted place in as warm and light a sit- uation as possible, and as growth commence.s re- move to a cooler atmosphere, liepot as often as necessary until the plants attain tlie desired size. Do not repot too freely if flowers are wanted. A compost composed of two-thirds rotten sods, one- third well-decayed manure with a sprinkling of bone dust wiU suit them very well. C. E. P. 216. Covering Grape-vines. Manure is apt to heat and scald the butls. Dry hay, straw or leaves are much better for that purpose, but earth is the best of all coverings. If the vines are planted the proper depth the roots do not require any extra protection— unless under a combination of circum- stances which does not very often arise, viz., a very dry fall followed by a hard winter devoid of snow ^a heavy mulch is then necessary between the rows to prevent the wholesale destruction of the vines. Alex W^oou, Pottawattamie Co., Iowa. 227. Pansies Devoured. No doubt it was the work of Slugs, for these are great pests to Pansy growers. The reason you never saw them was be- oiuse they worked at night. The best way to get rid of them is to go round with a lamp at night, after a shower of rain, when they are feeding, and put them into a vessel of quick lime. If Green-fly appears on the plants, two ounces of soap dissolved iu two gallons of rain-water, with one-half ounce of dark Tobacco added, is the most effectual rem- edy. Water the plants with the mixture through a fine-rosed watering*can. But no flne flowers can be expected for a few days after appyling. 2A'i. Sheep Manure for Gardens. I regard sheep manure an excellent fertilizer for lands to be used in the culture of garden vegetables, and espec- ially advantageous to sandy lands. It should be thoroughly composted with turf or common earth and weU rotted, in equal parts each. Well-rotten stable (horse) manure I regard as most valuable for general lands to be used for market gardening pur- poses. Hknrv Munwaring, Lawrence., Kan. 231, 275. Swanley White Violets. See article en the&e elsewhere in this issue. 226. Raised or Flat Flower, Beds. So far as the mere keeping of the soil of a bed moist is con- cerned there would be advantages in a flat bed, but we plant flowers for looks, and a bed of these somewhat raised, or at least rounded over to be somewhat higher in the center, shows off much better than a flat one. By keeping the surface of the higher land inner parts) somewhat irregular, where it is hid by large plants, the water from rains or the hose may be retained on the bed where it falls without any loss from shedding off. A. H. E. 332. Bermuda Lily in Pots, This is one of the very easiest Lilies to force, in this respect surpass- ing even /,. candidum, as its season is shorter. 224. Pruning Vines in a Grapery. The sooner this is done the better. The best course you can pursue will be to obtain the services of a gardener, or some one who has had experience with vines under glass, and let him trim them for years. Chas. E. Parnell, Queens, N. Y. 261. Blood, Etc., for Grapes. No stronger fer- tilizer can be had. but it must be used with great care; first by mixing, at the rate of a quart of blood to one peck or even a half bushel of dry earth (dry sand is good) and then working, say this amount, in soil around each Grape-vine. A. M. P. 202. Mulberries from Seed, Put your Russian Mulberry seed in a pail and pour boiling water over them to cover an inch. Let them stand in this same water a day or two (not in boiling water) until they begin to swell, and then pour off water and mix with dust or plaster and sow like any other seed. A. M. Purdy. 2t)5. Soap-suds and House Slops. There is really very little of mauurial value in these of them- selves. The best way of utilizing them is to use them in composting different materials for soil. W^atering plants with these in moist weather may easily be overdone. During the dry months of summer they may be used about free growers with benefit. E. G. 200. Lilium Auratum, This should have been potted last fall when the stem had died off, rather than to have waited until new growth had com- menced. As it is now, keep the soil barely moist in the same pot, and a second stem will probably be put forth weaker than the first. The small off- shoots to be removed. All Lilies should be potted in autumn, usually in October, the foliage being then ripened. G. S., Erie Co., N. Y. 208. Grubs in Onion Land. An experienced Onion grower in this vicinity says that sulphuric acid is an effectual remedy, though somewhat ex- pensive. It kills every living thing in and on the soil, both animal and vegetable. This acid should be diluted with twelve times its bulk of water and apphed in the fall quite liberally. Nitrate of soda may also be used, at the rate of four hundred pounds or less to the acre, two or three times through the season, when the foliage is dry, if pos- sible just before a rain, otherwise it should be watered m. If the nitrate gets on wet foliage it will burn or shrivel it. A remedy for the fly is forty bushels of soot mixed with two hundred weight of salt for an acre, sown broadcast early in the season. Onions once attacked cannot be saved, but Grubs may be lessened by destroying all affected plants. Gypsum also has been found to be effective applied at the rate of one ton to the acre during dry weather, after the first rain the ground being hoed. This is a cheap remedy if it proves upon further trial to be found generally effective. From its use the Grubs in the plants are to be found dead after several days. 273. Grapes Bursting, in my judgment the bees could tell the secret of Grapes ''bm'sting."" Putting paper sacks, so often descdbed, over the clusters will stop it. A. M. P. 209. Lettuce Forcing, The best varieties for forcing under glass are the Tennis Ball (black seeded), Boston Market and Early Curled Simpson, the two first-named varieties being generally pre- ferred. For growing in the open air, in addition to the sorts previously named. Salamander, Hen- derson's New York and White Summer Cabbage. To keep down the Green-fiy, dust the plants very freely when small with Tobacco dust Keep the walks covered with Tobacco stems and renew them frequently and fumigate very frequently with moist tobacco stems. Chas. E. Parnell, Queens., N. Y. 213. Cutting Back Fuchsias, Etc. All such plants should be cut back before they are repotted and not disturbed until they have made shoots at least half an inch in length. Chas. E. Parnell. 221. Treating a Large Wax Plant. Procure a tub several sizes larger than the pail in which the plant now is, drain it properly and place the pail in the center of the tub Now carefully break up the pail and remove it. Fill up the space with fresh compost similar to that which was in the pail. Do not set the plant deeper. This method will be much less trouble than feeding the plant with liquid manure. C. E. Parnell, Queens, N. Y. 234. Propagating Fay's Prolific Currant. Yes, this can be increased in the same manner as the common Currant. 215. Gooseberries Under Trees, They will not do well under spreading trees. C. E. P. 249. Pruning Boses. It is very difificult to teach this by merely writing about it; but it is, nevertheless, an important part of the cultivation of the Rose. An experiented Rose cultivator will first ascertain the name of the Rose, and he will thin out the wood or cut back the young growths, in reference to the general characteristics of the particular variety. As a rule the strong-growing varieties must not be cut back so freely as those of a more weakly habit. Those varieties that have a tendency to form a thicket of young wood should be disbudded during the summer; this allows a full development of leaf and growth with the conse- quent production of Roses of a much superior quality. Hybrid Perpetual and Moss Roses should be pruned very much alike. The young growths ought to be cut back to within from three to six buds from the base. Very weak growers may be cut back to within two good buds. Rose Grower. 2TI. Cuttings from Young Vines and Trees. We consider such, as a rule, as good as any. It might be the case that if this were to be followed up year after year with trees it would make a dif- ference, but no difference with Grapes. A. M. P. 272. Market for Sage. Sage is in good demand in all Northern towns at about thirty cents per pound. Your best plan is to write to commission nouses in different towns North. Names of some of these appear in our advertising department. 232. Bermuda Lily in Pots. Yes, this can be grown in pots inside, as well, if not better than in the open air. 23fi. Chrysanthemums Dropping Leaves. I do not understand this case. If you will give me your method of treating your plants I may be able to suggest a remedy. I think that your plants were given an unsuitable situation or else planted in very poor soil. They might, also, have been permitted to suffer severely from drought at some period of their growth. 237. Treating Hyacinth Bulbs. If your bulbs have been grown in water your best course wiU be to throw all away and procure fresh bulbs another season. To raise flowering bulbs from little bublets recjuires more time and attention than most persons are willing to bestow upon them. C. E. P. 240. Primroses from Seed. The best time to sow Primula seed is I find from the first of March until the tenth of May. Not only do the seeds germinate better but the plants will be much stronger for winter blooming. 239. Dahlia Planting. By all means divide the roots and leave only one good crown to each cluster. 235. Gesnerias in the Window. I do not think that the Gesneria can be successfully grown as a window plant. It requires for its successful culti- vation a warm, moist atmosphere as well as many other essential requisites that cannot be bestowed upon it in such a situation. Chas. E. Parnell. 230. Hibiscus Ailing. The leaves are undoubt- edly infested with the Red Spider. Dissolve two ounces of whale-oil soap in a gallon of water and sponge off the stems and both sides of the leaves with this mixture, occasionally while the plant is insid,e. The spots on the leaves may be caused by keeping it too wet at the roots, or by growing it in a cool temperatiu'e. 22G. Raised or Flat Flower Beds. I prefer to have all my flower beds an inch lower than the walks When the beds are on the lawn let them be an inch lower than the sod. The advantage of this method will be apparent to all when they have occasion to water their flowerbeds during the sum- mer months. 227. Pansies Devoured. I think that they were destroyed by slugs or wood-lice, and as a remedy would suggest placing a fevc pieces of boards on the ground between the plants in the evening; early the next morning carefully examine the boards under- neath and m most cases the destroyers will be found underneath and can be destroyed. Repeat for several days if necessary. Turnips hollowed out and placed among the plants are also excellent for this purpose. Chas. E. Parnell, Queens, N. Y 260. Roses for Market. Much depends upon the market. Among standard kinds that are always in demand are Bon Siiene, Perle des Jardins, Marechal Neil, Niphetos, Catherine Mermet, Bennett and American Beauty. Good Plants suitable for next winter's flowering can be bought of the leading Rose-growers from $10 per hundred upwards. 282. Currant Worm Remedy, (at Hellebore is the best of known remediesand a perfectly effectual one. Properly applied no harm can possibly result from it. It should be used in the following man- ner: Early in the spring, as soon as the leaves of the currant have fully put forth, watch for the first indications of the hatching and commencement of feeding of the young larvae. You have only to look for these on the lowest leaves of the bushes mar the ground. The indications will be numerous smaW holes eaten into the leaves. Sprinkle powdered hellebore over these leaves, renewing it if washed away by rain, and the desired end is accomplished. If the hellebore remains upon the leaves during the time that the larvte are hatching all will be killed, and none will remain for subsequent spreading over the leaves and for the need of future atten- 1887. POPULAR GARDENING. 121 tion. If the first brood of worms is thus destroyed there will be few if any to form a second brood in June. Some Currant growers find it convenient to watch for the first eaten leaves, and to pinch them off by hand and destroy them. The ejxgs are al- ways to be found conspiciously arrang:ed in rows upon the veins of the under side of the leaves, (b) The parasite of which inquiry is made, (a small Chalcid fly. Trichogramma prttiosa\ attacks the eggs of the second brood. I have been able to dis- tribute these parasites in different parts of this country and in Canada, and I would gladly distri- bute it extensively could I obtain the material for doing so. but it has become rather rare in this city and vicinity. If able to obtain it the coming season it will give me pleasure to send the valuable little insect to Mr. Hallett, whose request I have added to others of the same kind. J. A. Lintnkr, New York State EtomologiRt. Received at this Office. CATALOarES.— FIGtTRES INDICATE NUMBER OF PAGES. Albertson & Hobbs, Bridgeport, Ind., Sm. fruits, 33. AUyn Bros., Palmyra, N. Y., Small Fruits, 34. Armstrong& Co., Lawrence, Mass .Small Fruits, 6 Wm. H. Barnes, Independence, Kansas. Plants, 8 Paid Butz& Sons. New Castle. Pa., Plants, etc., 36. John S. Collins. Moorestown, N. J., Sm. Fruits, 21. Willett Comwell, Chicago, III., Charts. 65. M. Crawford. Cuyahoga Falls, O., Small Fruits, 33 H. R. Cotta, Freeport. III., Trees, etc., 4. J. A. Deveer, New York, N. Y., Bulbs, etc . 48. Henry A. Dreer. Philadelphia, Pa., Florist, 134. J. A. Everitt & Co., Indianapolis, Ind.. Seeds, 48. R. & J. F. Farquhar, Boston. Mass.. Seeds, 97. Edwin Fewkes & Son, Newton Highlands, Mass., Florists. 4. Field Force Pump Co., Lockport, N. Y., 36 Frank Finch, Clyde. N. Y.. Seeds, 8 Hackett's Floral Nursery. Dubuque. Iowa.. 46. G. H. & J. H. Hale, South Glastonbury, Conn., Small Fruits. 34. David Hill, Dundee, 111 , Evergreens, etc., 8. Hooper & Co .Covent Garden. England. Seeds. 44. T. S. Hubbard, Fredonia. N. Y., Small Fruits, K W. F. Hubbard & Co.. Kalkaska. Mich.. Trees. 4. Hurst & Son, London, England. Seeds, 75. Fred. W. Kelsey. New York, N Y.. Trees, etc., 18 I. N. Kramer & Son. Marion, la , Plants. 40. J. M. Lamb, Fayetteville. N. Y . Plants. 36. L. C. Lischy, Naslwille, Teun., Plants, 40. J. T. Lovett, Little Silver, N. J,, Nursery, 56. Thomas Meehan, Philadelphia, Pa.. Nursery, 83. Michigan Carbon Works, Detroit, Fertilizers. 18 Wm H. Moon. Morrisviile. Pa.. Small Fruits, 36. Monroe Co , Nurseries. Rochester, N, Y., Trees, 10. Anna B. Nikels, Laredo, Texas, Cactus. 20. Parker & Wood, Boston. Mass., Seeds, etc., 234. N. B. Pearsall & Co., Morris, N. Y. Seeds, etc , 20. F. R Pierson. Tarry town, N. Y., Plants etc , 96. Jos. Plenty, New Y'ork, Horticultural Builder, 33. South Side Mfg. Co., Petersburg, Va.. Crates, 38. Chas. T. Starr. Avoudale. Pa.. Plants, etc., 30. J. H. Tryon, Willoughby. O.. Small Fruits, 10. E.B.Underhill,Poughkeepsie.N.Y..Sm. Fruits. 10. Veitch & Son, New Haven, Conn., Seeds, etc . 72. Geo. S. Wales. Rochester, N. Y"^., Carnations, 24. West Jersey Nursery Co., Bridgeton, N. J., Small Fruits, 30. Wm. C. Wilson, Astoria, N. Y , Plants, 88. Chas. N. Woodruff & Co.. Macon, Ga.. Plants, 20. F. L. Wright. Plainfield. Mich., Small Fruits, 4. ^e ExchsvR^^e 172. Sophia Copley, Stoney Brook, N. Y^., offers Callas. Madeira Vine, pink Oxalis, Kenilworth Ivy and pink Amaryllis for Lilies, hardy bulbs and plants. 173. G. R. Hilton, Wiscasset, IViaine. has seeds of Cardis, Erysimum, Argemone, Candytuft, to ex change for Maderia Vine or Jonquil. 174. R. A. Honels, Bingen, Ind., has Hibist-us, Lucretia Dewberry and other plants to exchange for Caladium, Tritoma, and Gloxinias. 175. W. A. Mason, Crystal Springs, Miss., wants in exchange for good religious and other books (,>r- chids, Gesneracae, Palms, or other fine plants. 176. Ephriam Preston. Waruersvllle, Pa., has seeds of Begonia rubra for seeds or roots of Tuber- ous Begonia. 177. J. C Bemis, Greensburg. Ind., wants hardy plants and bulbs; in exchange will crochet edgings, hoods, etc. 178. Emory P. Robinson, Sidney. Ohio, has Pearl Tuberose bulbs to exchange for Lilies, Flowering Shrubs, Laurel, and fruit and nut trees. 179. Blanche D. Walcott, Pawtucket, R. I., will exchange flower seeds or slips of plants. 180. Miss C. P. Walker, Asheville, N. C, has Achimene bulbs and seeds of Poppy Danaborg to exchange for other things. 181. Mrs. M. R. Waggoner. Buffalo, Iowa, has choice plants, both tender and hardy, to exchange for books, or Ballou's Magazine. Write first. 182. J. K. Niesz, Mt. Union, Ohio., will exchange Solly & Sons book of carpet bed plans for bedding plants or Henderson's book of plants. 18;?. Mrs. W. B. Orange. Harper, Kansas, offers magazines, fancy work or sheet music, for Dahlias, Chrysanthemums, White Rose, or house plants. 184. 3Irs- L. C. Angier, Storm Lake, Iowa, has a large variety of plants to exchange for a spotted Calla and other things. 185. Mrs. J. C. Day. Mt. Ord, O., has 75 Black Walnut trees, 2 years, to exchange for seeds best quality Onion, Wilson hand mill, or a good churn. ^e Household The tea canisters must not be left open. Before whitewashing let the cracks be closed with plaster of Paris cement. A Spring Note— Fifty cents for rubbers may save five dollars in doctor bills. Parsley Omelet. Make the Omelet as usual, but mix a tablespoonful of chopped parsley with each egg used. Eggs in Brown Butter, Allow one egg for each person, put one ounce of butter in the dish, and stand in the oven until the butter has melted, and become a rich, deep brown color without being at all burnt. Break the eggs carefully into this, so that the yolks remain unbroken, and let them cook slowly until they are set Sprinkle with salt and pepper, and pour over them a small teaspoonf ul of hot vinegar. Serve at once. Moths and Cedar Chests, Most housekeepers know, says our correspondent, what it is to find their furs or woolens ruined by this insect. We have found a chest made of cedar boards a safe- guard against them during five years' use. This chest is three feet long, two wide and two high, with a close-fitting cover, and strong handles at each end— any carpenter can make one. Where all articles liable to injury from moths cannot be packed into cedar chests, shavings or chips from cedar wood— the latter preferable, because more cleanly— are excellent strewn among them. Spirits of turpentine are very good; a saucer containing some of which may be set into a closet infested by them, or as a preventive to their entering. Could paper sacks be procured tight enough to keep the tiny moth out they would fully answer our pur- pose, but are useful as they are. Tarred paper is highly recommended by some, while the printer's ink on newspapers is claimed to make them of value for this purpose. Whatever of garments can be spared early should be well aired and packed away in April, or at least before the moths are seen flying about searching for alaying place where the eggs can develop into the destructive larvae, which not only destroy our clothing but also the anxious housekeeper's peace of mind. GARDEN SUPPLY DI RECTORY. poviltP/. Young chicks do not get chilled without injury. Soap is made from egg yolks by the Tartars of Russia. The shell of hatching eggs will be easier broken by the chicks if occasionally moistened with warm water. Chickens are just that dainty as to need their feed-pans and water vessels kept very clean, if they are to do their best. Lice and tobacco dust never get on well together in the laying nests. The hens don't object to the tobacco, however. If you wish your hens to stay close to the build- ings, keep your roosters shut up: it you wish them to run far, keep a good supply of roosters to run with them, L. D. E. That was a profitable hen which, up to the day of her death, had by actual count laid over fifteen hundred eggs. The average hen would, perhaps, not do so well, but with proper treatment, at least from six liundred to one thousand eggs might be expected during her natural life. Shipping Eggs, The breeding of special varieties of fowl is now the order of the day, and some are preferred for one quality and some another. There is one feature connected with the breeding for pro- ducing eggs for market that egg shippers should understand, as it is an important item on the profit side of the account , and that is that etigs of a uniform size and color will sell for a higher price than mixed lots, and when breeds are mixed they must neces- sarily produce eggs of various sizes and colors. The Eggs of Leghorns are noted for their purity of color, and as a rule sell for about two cents per dozen higher than mixed lots of equal freshness: and such is the demand for them that dealers receive orders for them in advance of arrivals. In speaking of eggs I do not refer to the stock known as ".Store Eggs," but those sent fresh from the farm: and the quotations in the market reports are for the store eggs. Cases containing 30 dozen are about the best package for one to ship in, since if one farmer can- not fill one weekly, others could unite for that purpose, for the expressage is cheaper in proportion on large cases than on small ones, C. W. Idell. Farm and Garden Seeds.— W. Atlee Burpee & Co., Philadelphia, Pa. Force Pump, Insect Destroyer, etc.-P. C. Lewis, Catskill, N. Y. Garden Supplies, etc.— Peter Henderson & Co., New York City. Grape-vines.— Geo. S. Josselyn, Fredonia, N. Y'. Grape-vines and Small Fruits.— Lewis Roescb, Fredonia, N. Y. Grape-vines.— T. S. Hubbard, Fredonia, N. Y. Garden Seeds, etc.— Shaker Seed Co., Mt. Lebanon, N. Y. Garden Seeds, etc.— William Henry Maule, Philadelphia, Pa. Grape-vines, etc.— Geo. W. Campbell, Delaware, Ohio. Horticultural Houses.— Joseph Plenty, New Y'ork City. Market Gardeners' Supplies, etc.— J. B.Root& Co., Rockford, III. Nursery Stock, General. -John R. & A. Murdoch, Pittsburg, Pa. Nursery Stock.— Irving Allen, Springfield, Mass. Nursery Stock, Ornamental Trees. — Putney & Woodward, Brentwood, N. Y. Nursery Stock.— Green's Nursery Co., Rochester, N. \'. Nursery and Florists' Stock.— I. C. Wood & Bro., Fishkill, N. Y. Nursery Stock, General.-E. Y'. Teas, Duureith, Ind. Nursery Stock, General.— E. H Ricker & Co., Elgin, lU. Nursery Stock- -H. S. Anderson, Union Springs, N. Y Plants, Seeds, etc.— Paul Butz& Son, New Castle, Pa. Plants, Seeds, etc.— Harrj' Chaapel, Williamsport, Pa. Plants, Seeds, etc.— C. E. Allen, Brattleboro, Vt. Plants, Carnations a Specialty.— Chas. T. Starr, Avondale, Pa. Plants, Seeds, etc.— Ellis Brothers, Keene, N. H. Plants and Bulbs. —John Lewis Childs, Queens, N. Y. Plants, etc.- E. Hippard, Y'oungstown, Ohio. Plants, Roses a Specialty.— Hill & Co., Richmond, Ind. Plants, Koses a Specialty.— Miller & Hunt, Chicago, III. Plants and Seeds.— Chas. A. Reeser, Springfield, Ohio. Plants, Bulbs and Seeds.— F R. Pierson, Tarrytown, N. Y. Plants and Seeds — Rob't Veitch & Son, New Haven, Conn. Seeds, Pansies a Specialty.— L. W. Goodell, Dwight, Mass. Seeds and Plants.— William C. Beckert, Allegheny City, Pa. Seeds, Plants, etc.— F. H. Mooers, Pittston, Me. Seeds, Plants and Fertilizers. - Aaron Low, Essex, Mass. Seeds, Plants, etc. — Albert Williams, Sharon, Pa. Seeds, Garden and Other.— James J. H. Gregory, Marblebead, Mass. Seeds, Plants, etc —Frank Ford & Sons, Ravenna, Ohio. Seeds, Plants, etc -H. C. Harman, South Bend, Ind. Trees, Plants, etc.— Storrs & Harrison Co., Painesville, Ohio. Popular Gardening may be ordered at the reg- ular price of any of the parties named above. 122 POPULAR GARDENING. April, PLUM CULTURE MADE BA8T. By our method Plums of all kinds may be cheap- ly grown in great abund- ance. Lutts' Guide to Plum Culture describes all the profitable market Plums, and tells how to free your trees from the Curculio, the great des- troyer of Plums, Apricots, Nectarines, Cherries and Pears. Free, HENRY LUTTS, YOUNGSTOWN, N. Y. JOHN SslUL'S of New, Rare and Beautiful Plants for 1887 is Now Beady. Mailed free. Lovers of fine Plants will And a large Collec- tion of Beautiful and Rare Plants, as well as all the Novelties of Merit. This rich collection is well grown and offered at very low prices. ORCHIDS. A very large stock of choice East Indian, American, etc. also catalogues of Roses. Orchids, Seeds, Trees, etc. WASHINGTON, D. C BEAUTIFUL EVER-BLOOMING CARNATION PINKS RIVALS OF THE ROSE. The flowers par excellence for Table decoration or personal adornment. CATALOGUE, full of information, g^ratis. The Bannockburn Greenhouses, Rochester. N. Y. OUT! CARXATION CULTURE. The only work in Europe or America on this plant. Table of contents free. Price $1.50 post paid. Address LORA L. Box 593. LAMBORSl, Alliance, Ohio. ELEGANT SHAPE, HEALTH and , COMFORT Perfectly Combined in MADAME FOY'S Skirt Supporting It la one of the most popular and Batlsfac- tory In the market. For E-Ic by all lead-, Ing dealers. Price by mall |1.80. FOY, HARMON & CHADWICK, New Haven \teSREN5 DRESSMAKING Ladifs wiio wear Featbtrbone iu Dresses, Waists, and Co7-sets are delighted with it. Soft and Pliable. Absolutely Unbreakable. For sale everywhere. Try it ! \1 DO YOU WANT A DOG ;; DOC BUYERS' GUIDE. , Colored plates, lOO engrnviu^s^ of differeut breeds, prices they are | worth, and where to buy them " Mailed for 15 (^entH. ASSOCIATED FANCIERS, 337 S. Eighth St. Philadelphia, Fa. | E^^ ^\ ^% from prize winning, high- ^1 ^1 C9 scoring stock. Rose Comb lirown Leghorns, Single Comb Brown Leg- horns, Single Comb White Leghorns, and Plymouth Rocks; fair hatch guaranteed; eggs $2 per 13. ALMOND POULTRY YARDS, Almond, N. Y. Xjj^X>X:E2S! Hair Solvent permanent. , root and Ibranch, in five miuutes, without pain, discolor- lationoriajury. s^n.l 6c. (sumiii'^) for sealed iiarticu- lUrs. Wilcojc Specific Co., Philadelphia, Pa. lly dSsaolvea SUPERFLTTOD3 HAIB. I RARE CACTUSES We will send at once, postage paid, 1 Rnre f'nrtiis. sure bloomer, for . . . 1.'5 rents, '■Z Unre CnetiiseH. both dUiiiiet, for . . 'ZTi cents. 4 Fine SoriM. large flowers, lor . . . 50 cents. 10 Bcantiful varieties, no two alike. dH large, and free bloomers, mostly in bud now, for $1.00. Beautifully illustrated book, telling all about them, and One Plant* !i5 cents. Price-list free. A. BLANC & CO., PHILADELPHIA, PENNA. FOR DYSPEPSIA, Mental and Physical Exbanstion, Nervonsness, Weakened Energy, INDIGESTION, ETC. ACID PHOSPHATE A liquid preparation of the phosphates and phosphoric acid. Recommended by physicians. It makes a deHcious drink. Invigorating and strengthen- ing. Pamphlet free. For sale by all dealers. Rumford Chemical Works, Providence, R.l. ^f-BEWARE OF IMITATIONS. CROSBY'S VITALIZED PHOSPHITES IS A BRAIN AND NERVE FOOD. By feeding; the nerves it enriches the blood, gives bright new life and health, a clear complexion, a soft skin; adds strength and beauty to the nails, curing them of brittleness. It adds vigor to the brain, and directly aids a child to learn, gives good temper and stops peevishness. It cures nervousness and weakness in old or young. It is used by all physicians who successfully treat nervous disorders. A Vital Phosphite, not a laboratory Phosphate. 56 West 25th Street, N. Y. For Sale by all Druggists, or mail, $1.00. 1S2S POMONA NURSERIES J§§Z A superb Btook of LA WsON, best early mar- ket I'eur. kIKFKEB. best late market Pear, i.£(«NTE& other Pear trees. WlLfSON, Jr., largest boon d BInckberr/, 168 bo. per aerp, 4>*i inches arouod. ERIE, the largest Terr hardy Btarkbtrry. nARLBllRO^ tiOLDEK (fl'Et.N Ifupfairrl^h. PaRHY an