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THE

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PUUNG FRORLST;
CONVERSATIONS
THE CULTURE OF FLOWERS,

; AND ON

aoe wa a A; HeT ST OR Y,

WITH NUMEROUS ENGRAVINGS, FROM ORIGINAL DESIGNS,

3 ”

fe *
BY JOSHPH BRECK,

Superintendent of the Horticultural Garden, Lancaster, Mass.

BOSTON:
RUSSELL, ODIORNE AND CO.

1833.

Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1833,
By Joun B. Russett,
In the Clerk’s Office of the District Court of Massachusetts.

BOSTON:

FRINTED BY TUTTLE AND WEEKS.

PREFACE.

Tuts work is designed by the author to attract
young persons to that delightful employment, the
cultivation of a flower garden. It consists of fa-
miliar dialogues between the juvenile cultivators ;
the scenes of which are laid in the garden and the
fields, so as to impart reality and animation to their
inquiries. With the study of flowers he has en-
deavored to intermingle a taste for natural history,
by intreducing many incidental facts relative to in-
sects, &c. that naturally suggest themselves in the
culture of a garden. How weil he has succeeded,
the public must judge.

THE YOUNG FLORIST.

MARCH.

Margaret. O, Henry, pray come to the
door and hear this sweet bird, how delight-
fully he sings.

Henry. Yes, dear sister, his notes are
cheering indeed; it is the blue bird, see!
there he flies.

M. What broad and full wings he has, and
how beautifully the rich azure blue of his back
is contrasted with the rusty iron color of his
breast and the white beneath. He seems to
say, how grateful | am for this fine morning.

H. ‘This beautiful morning, and the tones
of the blue bird, tell us that winter is nearly

S) MARCH.

over, and that spring is approaching, decked
with a profusion of flowers.

M. How glad I shall be, after so much
snow and ice and cold, to have warm weather
come, the green grass spring up, and the little
flowers appear; and then our Crocuses and
Snow Drops will be first to cheer the desola-
tion of the garden.

Hi. Get your hat and cloak, and we will
take a trip over the fields, on the hard crust of
snow, and talk of a plan for a new garden |
have in my mind, as you know we have buta
small patch, which was so crowded with plants
last year that it looked like a thicket.

M. With all my heart, dear brother; the
thought of again resuming our labors in the
garden, this fine morning, and your company
will make a walk very grateful.

Hf. ‘Take my arm, and we will cross the
brook over the log bridge, and pass through the

MARCH. | 9

woodland where we built our rustic arbor last
season, to the hill where we have so often en-
joyed ourselves m gathermg wild flowers, and
making them into garlands, under the shade of
the beautiful clump of trees that adorn its
brow.

M. Now for your plan, which is uppermost
in my mind.

H. You always seem to be pleased with
flowers and the operations of the garden; and
it seems strange to me that any person can be
insensible to the profusion of beauty, which
God, in his infinite goodness, has seen fit to
bestow upon flowers. ‘The great variety of
colors and shades, shapes and odors, which
meets our eyes and perfumes the air, at every
step we take, should lead our admiring souls up
to the great Creator of all things, who seems
to smile in every flower we see.

M. Ihave often thought, some o&my most

3 2

id THE YOUNG FLORIST.

pleasant hours have been spent in the garden ;
how calm and happy I have been, when rising
early from my bed, to observe the progress of
the plants, while my ears were greeted with
the softest music from every shrub and tree;
and if ever my soul has been filled with love
and gratitude to our Heavenly Father, it was
then. | |

H. While we are engaged in the garden,
we are not confined altogether to flowers;
for we see a multitude of other objects which
attract our attention, such as birds and insects,
and we shall be led to study the history of
these, which will interest us more and more
at every step we take ; so that while our bodies
are benefited by the healthy exercise we take,
our minds will be more expanded, and our views
more enlarged, and it is on this account that
our dear father has promised us a larger piece
of ground, on which we may enjoy ourselves, ~
when not engaged in study or other duties.

M. Do tell me where it is.

Hl. At the bottom of the garden, on the
brook that so gracefully winds through the
meadow below.

M. What, by the great og

Hl. Yes; you know it was cultivated last
year and is now in good order; and father will
let Daniel do some of the hardest work, such
as Wheeling gravel for the walks.

M. He is a kind father; he is always
ready to do anything which ne knows will be
forour good. What a delightful spot this is; so
high above the brook that it will always be
free from wet; and then its banks you know
are lined with some fine native shrubs, which
will be quite an acquisition to the garden. |

H.. There is the bunch of Kalmia that we |

have so often admired with its evergreen,
shining leaves, and showy pink flowers, which
Daniel was going to cut down; he said it was

fears e ohn Ulsemoenewers riees iret eee

12 THE YOUNG FLORIST.

Kill Lamb, and would poison the sheep; I pre-
vented him and told him we did not pasture our
sheep in the garden. |

M. And then there is my favorite, the Wild
Rose, so delicious and fragrant ; the Rodora,
whose beautiful purple blossoms appear so early,
even before the leaf buds begin to unfold; the
Azalea or Swamp Honeysuckle, whose flow-—
ers perfume the air in June; and the Black
Alder, with its fine scarlet bette RUE SO
enlivens the autumnal scenery.

Hl. Wewill have a fine collection of Amer-
ican plants; these we have named; and many
others are among the most ornamental that can |
be brought from any country; we will at our
leisure search the woods, meadows and fields.
for flowers and plants to decorate our little
patch, and although we can afford to buy but
a few plants, we will have a garden the payest
of the gay.

' MARCH. i3-

M. The Violets and other wild flowers we
transplanted last year have done wonderfully,
and will encourage us to go on until we have
all our native plants within the compass of a
few yards. But how do you mean to lay out
the ground ? ;

H. I havea plan in view, but should like
first to know what your taste is.

M. J am of opinion it should not be laid
out too mechanically —I am pleased with ser-
pentine walks and irregular plats or beds. We
should strive to imitate nature as much as pos-
sible, which has a much better effect than a stiff
formality ; and as a proof of this, do but notice
this beautiful winding pathway, through the
grove in which we are now walking, and com-
pare it with the straight one which we have
just left, and say if this does not give greater
pleasure to the eye |

H. Your taste is very good; but remember

14 THE YOUNG FLORIST.

ours would be but a puny imitation of nature,
in a garden forty feet square ; had we acres of
pleasure ground, I should admire to lay it out in
the style you suggest.

M. Now I remember you are studying
geometry, and of course you will want to mark
it out with the square and compasses ; but I feel
quite satisfied to submit entirely to your supe-
rior judgment. What is your plan?

Hf. I have been contriving one, but can
explain it to you better on paper than in any
other way, and will show it to you this eve-
ning. a.
M. Do. I am impatient to see it, but it is
time to return; | am afraid we shall be late at
school, and the bright warm sun begins to soften
the snow ; a few days more and the snow banks
which are so piled up beside the walls, and
make the passage of them so easy, will disap-
pear. , : |

MARCH. 17

H. Yes, but we shall have much boisterous
weather yet, as this is only the 4th of March,
and winter and spring will have many a hard
encounter, before the latter comes off con-
queror.

M. We were so delighted with the appear-
ance of the blue bird this morning that [have a |
mind to note it down in our dol calendar.

When evening came, Henry produced the
plan, which you see on the preceding page. It
was altogether unintelligible to Margaret until
he explained it in the following manner.

Hf. You-see here a square, within which .
are three circular beds, or concentric circles,
having two rows of figures in each. Now
these circles are to be filled with annual flow-
ers, and each number represents a different
sort, and you see they are numbered as high as
i00, so that | have designed it for one hundred
different kinds.

—_

is THE YOUNG FLORIST.

I shall shortly show youa list of these, with
their numbers opposite to their respective
names. ; 3 3 |

] have contrived it so that the tallest plants
shall be in the centre and cover an arbor, as
you see | have marked. You see a walk from
the outside of the square to the arbor, commu-
nicating with one large and two smaller circular
ones. i eMes .
For the inner circle of all, such plants as
chmb to tne height of ten feet or more, as the
Morning Glory, Flowering Beans, &c., for
. which it will be necessary to put down birch
poles with the branches of the tops left on to
form the arbor. |

For the second row you will find I have se-
lected Sweet Peas, Cypress Vine, Nasturtium,
&c. which are also climbers, and will require
brush for their support, neatly trimmed, about
four and a half feet high. ?

MARCH. | 19

For the third circular row, the tallest plants
which do not climb ; and each successive circle
of plants diminishes in height to the outer one,

which is composed of dwarfs— and you will

find by inspecting the key that no two kinds
or colors of flowers come together, so that
when it is all in bloom, it will have the appear-
ance of a cone of flowers of every shape, color
and shade tastefully intermingled, as represent-
ed in the following drawing; mm which, how-

ever, | have not introduced any arbor, which
can be done or not, at pleasure.

20 THE YOUNG FLORIST.

M. This will be beautiful, surely, and
must have taken some time and patience to
arrange it; but [ think it will be a perplex-
ing piece of work to transfer it to the ground,
and have all the plants sowed in the — you
have allotted them. ees

ff. Nothing will be easier, as you will see
when I come to lay it out and sow them.

M. What is to be put in the outer part of
the figure, and what is the meaning of the
letters F

Hf. That is the place for the perennial
plants that we have in our little garden, and for
such as we may procure from other gardens
and the fields, and may be arranged in any
fanciful manner we please. The letters rep-
resent fanciful groups of flowers to be in bloom
at the same time, for different months of the
year, to be composed of annuals and peren-

nials. Ju. for July, Au. for August, A. for

MARCH. pal

April, M. for May, &c., and here you-may have |
opportunity to exercise your taste.

M. ‘That will please me ; and by the time
you get the ground in readiness, | will exhibit a
plan for every month in the season.

I wish you would give me a copy of that
part which contains the annuals, as | wish to
send it to cousin Eliza; she has but a smail
piece of ground and her father has no place of
his own, and of course does not want to be at
the expense of cultivating many perennials, as
he moves so often from one place to another.

Hf. 1 shall be happy to furnish you with a
copy for her, and will also send her a portion of
our seeds, with directions how to cultivate
them. On the following pages you will
see a list of the plants arranged in order;
you will find some numbers and plants inserted
twice; this is done to fill out the circle; and
some of them are very showy. Be particuiar

22

THE YOUNG FLORIST.

not to make any agin while you write it off

for her.

A KEY TO THE PLAN FOR A GARDEN.

First Circ ie.
No. .
1 Scarlet Flowering Bean,
t2 Blue Morning Glory,
3 White Flowering Bean
t4 Rose Morning Glory
5 -Purple Flowering Bean
{6 Superb Striped Morning Glory
{7 Scarlet Morning Giory, or Ipomea
8 Two Colored Lemon Gourd
(ornamental fruzt) ;

{9 Starry Ipomea

Sreconp Circe.

10 Nasturtium

*11 Scarlet Sweet Pea

£12 Balloon Vine

*13 Purple Sweet Pea

*J4 Mexican Ximenisia

15 Cypress Vine
"16 White Sweet Pea
t10 Nasturtium

*17 Tangiers Crimson Sweet Pea
t12 Balloon Vine
15 Cypress Vine (scald this seed)

deep orange.

scarlet.
dark and light blue.
white.

* purplish red.

purple.
white striped.
scarlet. —

yellow.

delicate blue

deep orange.

red.

white, curious seed pods.
purple.

yellow.

brilliant crimson.

white.

dark crimson.
white.
erimson. .

MARCH. 93

J

Tuirp CIRcLe.

t18 Red Four o’Clock deep red.
$19 Violet Zinnia violet. .
{20 Yellow Immortal Flower brilliant yellow.
121 White Chrysanthemum . white.
+22 Prince’s Feather very dark red.
*23 Tall Blue Larkspur | lively blue.
{24 Yellow Four o’Clock yellow.
*25 Variegated Euphorbia ; ree Mace
126 Red Lavatera light red strip’d with deep.
t27 Blue Commelina ) celestial blue.
+283 Yellow Chrysanthemum yellow:
129 White Lavatera pure white.
+30 Love Lies Bleeding blood red.
19 Violet Zinnia violet.
$20 Yellow Immortal Flower ~ brilliant yellow.
*21 Variegated Euphorbia white and green.
126 Red Lavatera light red.

FourtH CIRcLE.

+31. Grand Flowering Argemone { elegant white flower and

vellow centre.

$32 Yellow Zinnia tawny yellow.
*33 American Centaurea pale purple.
hleaf red, yell d
t34 Tricolored Amaranthus ; ae ad pages. %
rown.

{35 Long Flowered Four o’Clock white with purple centre.
136 Grand Flowering Evening Primrose yellow.

24 _ THE YOUNG FLORIST.
3¢ Purple Amaranthus

: purple.
(Soak the seed in milk 24 nears)
138 Red Zinnia red

39 White Amaranthus’ hit
eee? white.
(Soak the seed in milk 24 hours) |

, : fine yellow with brown

*4) Golden Coreopsis J |
centre.
$4i Red Opium Poppy _ purplish red.
+42 Crimson Cockscomb deep crimson.
- $35 Long Flowered Four’o’Clock ' white with purple.
{43 African Marigold orange.
3¢ Purple Amaranthus purple.
34 Tricolored Amaranthus yellow, red and brown,
39 White Amaranthus white.
t44 French Marigold brown velvet orange.
$41 Red Opium Poppy purplish red.
{42 Crimson Gielesit ie Grimson. 905+.
= —_— ° . . liet ik s ra ute x sat ? >
#45 African Hibiscus ; Suunto purple
centre.
+40 Night Flowermg Primrose yellow.
+27 Commelina bright blue.
Firta Crrcrs.

147 'Yricolored Chrysanthemum white, yellow and brown.

48 D’ble white and-variegated Balsams white and variegated.
149 Fennel Flower or Love ina Mist blue.

*590 Red Quilied Aster red. :
151 Long Flowered Evening Primrose yellow. ‘
*52 White Expanded Aster white.

$53 Blae Lupin blue.

MARCH. 3 25

154 Double Carnation Poppy, of sorts red, pink, &c.
*Do Yellow Hawkweed or Crepis Barbata yellow and brown.

*36 White Quilled Aster white.

*57 Blue Bottle blue. i

58 Fire Colored and Crimson Balsams red.

t59 Scorzonera _ deep yellow and brown.

{60 Double White Fringed Poppy pure white.

*61 Purple and Lilac expanded Aster purple and lilac.

+62 Scarlet Malope red, with purplish stripe,

+63 Pot Marigold orange.

164 White Catchfly | white.

t65 Lemon Balm | blue, and fine scent.

#66 African Rose every shade of red.

*67 Beautiful Ketmia straw and purple.

*68 Variegated Asters f white, wath blue and red
stripes.

t69 Azure Blue Gilia é fine blue.

*70 Red Quilled Aster ~ red.

*45 African Hibiscus straw and deep purple.

t71 Sweet Basil, or Lavender ; white, with delightful

: scent.

t72 Mexican Ageratum blue.

$73 Double Purple Balsams purple.

+66 African Rose every shade of red.

*D5 Yellow Hawkweed yellow and brown.

$60 White Fringed Poppy pure white.

169 Azure Blue Gilia blue

3

26 THE YOUNG FLORIST.

SixtH Crrcie.

*74 Convolvulus Minor

t75 Scarlet Cacalia

*76 Snails .«

177 Sweet Alyssum

*78 Purple Candytuft

179 Daisy Leaved Catchfly
*80 Caterpillars

+81 White Evening Primrose
*82 Double Dwarf Larkspur
183 Lobel’s Catchfly

t84 Mignonette

185 White Candytuft

{86 Purple Immortal Flower
*87 Beautiful Clarkea

*88 Horns

+89 Venus’ Looking Glass
190 Red Hawkweed

*91 Hedgehogs

“74 Convolvulus Minor
t75 Scarlet Cacalia

184 Mignonette
77 Sweet Alyssum

$92 Wing Leaved Schizanthus

93 Sensitive Plant
#94 Coronilla
95 Ice Plant

fine blue and yellow.
scarlet. e?
yellow, with curious pod.
white, sweet scented. )
purple.

fine pink.

yellow, with curious pod.
pure white.

purple, pink and white.
red.

yellowish, very fragrant.
white.

fine light purple.

red.

yellow, curious ped.
blue.

pale red.

yellow, curious pod.

fine blue and yellow

centre.
fine scarlet. -
vellowish, very Roget.
white and fragrant.
light and dark, purple and
yellow.
pink, very curious plant.
beautiful leaf, yellow.
curious plant, white.

?

MARCH. Oe 27.

i96 Nolana light and dark blue.

183. Lobel’s Catchfly red.

184 Mignonette yellowish, fragrant.

#81 White Evening Primrose white,

*97 Forget-me-not _ blue.

179 Daisy Leaved Catchfiy fine pink.

{98 Thunbergia get new plant— yellow
and brown.

*99 Heart’s Ease purple, yellow and white.

*87 Beautiful Clarkea red.

1100 Purple Jacobea purple,

~~

. A few weeks passed on, during which time
Henry was anxiously watching the conflict
between winter and sprig, now cheered with
an almost summer day, then flying for shelter
from the rude blasts of winter; and Margaret
would occasionally, when the weather was in-
viting, take a run in the garden to look at the
Tulips and Narcissuses, whose foliage was be-
ginning to emerge from their frozen beds, to

28 “ss THE YOUNG FLORIST.

gather a few blossoms of Heart’s Ease, and to
hear the notes of the blue bird and sparrow, who
seemed to proclaim the speedy approach of
spring. | |

In the meantime Henry prepared his num-
ber sticks, which he did in the following man-
ner. Having procured some refuse shingles,
he split them into strips an inch wide, and
sharpening the thin end, smoothed one side of
the other end with his jack-knife; and then
with a small brush rubbed some white lead
paint on the smooth side, and with his black
lead pencil wrote the number upon the paint
and laid them away to dry.— The number
thus written will last as long as the stick.

His flower seeds, which had been neatly done
up in paper bags and wrote upon as they were
gathered, were marked with the number set
against their respective names in the catalogue
given, and laid away against the time of need.

MARCH. °* 29

He had provided himself with a line and made
a neat reel to wind it on, also a pole ten feet
long, with the feet marked upon it; and saw
that all his tools were in order and ready for
use.

——_

on nigare 7
ore

eect
Ranta ak coms
ew Sy

=

APRIL.

Art length April was ushered in with a most
charming day ; thousands of pigeons were seen
in successive flocks on their rapid flight ; and
the robin had taken possession of the upper-
most branch of the elm, and was pouring forth
his sweet music in delightful strains.

Henry, impatient to commence his opera-
tions, applied to his father for Daniel’s assist-
ance, which was readily granted.

.And now in company with Margaret, with
exhilarating feelings, and bounding step, they
proceeded to the place allotted chem to lay out
the long talked of garden; the spot had been

32 THE YOUNG FLORIST.

well manured and finely dug and raked smooth-
ly a few days before.

Margaret was to hold the plan while Henry
transferred it to the ground, and Daniel was
directed to dig some turf and cut it into strips
three inches wide to make an edging to the
walks, and also to cut from the woodland near
by, nine birch poles and brush for the chmlnng.
plants.

This he did not do without first eiving it as
his opinion, that the land had better be im-
proved in raising potatoes as it was last year,
than to spend so much time and labor about
trifles, from which there was no profit.

But the children knew what a rich harvest
of pleasure they should reap, and therefore
proceeded to the work, Daniel’s opinion to the
contrary notwithstanding.

Henry first drove down a stake by the bunch
of Kalmia, to which he fastened his line, then

APRIL. 33

measuring forty feet on the brook westward, it
reached the Azalea, where he drove down
another stake, and drawing his line tight made
it fast to that also; then measuring forty feet
to the north at right angles as near as possible,
he drove down the third stake and fastened
the line as before. ‘Then before any further
progress was made, he squared this angle, which
he did in this way. First measuring eight feet
from the corner of the angle to the east, and
driving down a stake ; then measuring six feet
from the corner to the north and driving down
another; then laying his ten feet pole across
from one of these stakes to the other, he found
it did not reach, which proved it was not square;
he was therefore obliged to take up the stake
and line at the north and bring it im, until it
touched the ten feet bat and then drove it
down again.

Having one corner square, there was no dif-

34 THE YOUNG FLORIST.

fculty in finding the place for the stake for the
remaining corner.

And now to get the centre of the square, a
line was stretched from corner to corner diago-
nally, and near the centre a mark with a stick
made beside the line ; then removing the line
to the other corners, stretched it again, and
where the line crossed the mark that had been |
made a stake was driven down, that being the
centre.

-Having thus found the centre, he proceeded
to strike out the circular beds and alleys. — Be-
ginning at the stake in the centre, he measured
three feet towards the outside of the square
and put down a stake: this was for the arbor,
and in this circle he put down the birch poles ;
then measuring two feet more, which made the
outer edge of the inner circle; then one anda
half feet for an alley; then four feet for the
outer edge of the second circular bed ; one and
a half feet for another alley; then four feet

APRIL. 35

more for the third circular bed, and lastly three
feet for the wide alley; and at the end of all
these measures a stake was put down.

Having fastened the line loosely upon the
central stake, he commenced striking out the
circles; at the first stake, three feet from the
centre, he tied into his line a sharp pointed
stick ; holding the stick perpendicular, in his
hand, and keeping the line tight, this first cir-
cle was described on the ground. He proceed-
ed in the same way with the others until all
were completed.

With much delight Margaret saw the outlines
of the plan upon the ground, and having ex-
pressed her approbation of her brother’s skill,
returned to the house by her flower beds, where
the Crocuses were in full bloom, opening their
petals of brilliant hues to the bright morning
sun, and the Snow Drops so gracefully and
modestly hanging their heads among the foliage.
Some of the Narcissuses were beginning to

36 THE YOUNG FLORIST.

show their flower buds—and the progress
which the ‘Tulips, Crown Imperials, and Hya-
cinths had made, plainly told that a thousand
new beauties were about to unfold themselves.

Daniel having now returned, was directed to
take a spade and throw the soil from the part
marked out for the alleys on to the beds. Great
care was observed not to get over the marks.
Henry next laid out the alley from the out-
side of the square to the arbor, two and a half
feet wide. — The beds were now raked fine, the
circles again described, and the narrow strips of
turf laid evenly round, and settled into the
eround with the back of the spade, the edges
(uaped, and the soil thrown upon the bees and
again raked.

The next thing that eee did, was to
wheel from the brook gravel for the alleys,
which was rather a heavy job. — They were
filled nearly as high as the turf, and made per-
fectly level.

APRIL. ot

In the meantime Henry made the arbor,
which he did by first setting down birch poles .
each side of the walk on the inner circle, then
taking a stick two feet long, and measuring
round the circle, he found there was:room for
seven more, according to the plan, which were
put down that distance apart.

Care had been taken to select such poles as
were straight and of the same size. ‘The tops,
which had been left on, were brought over-and
woven or tied together.

Henry now had the pleasure of seeing the
plan completed, and although wearied with the
toil of the day, stopped some time and viewed
with much satisfaction the work of his hands.

Margaret joined him, and was highly grati-
fied with the appearance of the garden. —
Their attention was now arrested by the robin,
which had cheered them in the morning, and
who had taken his stand upon the elm, and was
chanting his evening song in thrilling notes.

38 THE YOUNG FLORIST.

Henry. We listen with peculiar pleasure to
his sweet and simple song, as it is associated
with the opening season, verdant fields, and
fragrant flowers.

Margaret. Where do you suppose the robin
has been through all the cold winter ?

Hi. After they have reared several broods
of young, and their food begins to fail, they
begin to emigrate to the south, very leisurely, ©
stopping wherever good living is to be obtained.
Indeed they are.so tardy, that they are often
overtaken by snow, which quickens their flight.
A few stragglers are to be found in warm shel-
tered places throughout the country in winter:
but the general rendezvous is in the most south-
ern states, Where they perch at night in the
thick cane brakes, and there become an easy
prey to those who are disposed to kill them,
which can be done with a stick. 3

Their progress to the north again, is with the

APRIL. of 39

opening spring ; and this straggler comes now,
as it were with the welcome prelude to the
general concert about to burst upon us from
all the green woods and blooming orchards.

M. ‘The robins seem to be more social in
their nature than most of the feathered song-
sters, building their nests, and rearmg their
young, even in our gardens; don’t you remem-
ber the nest of robins in ours last year ?

HT. Yes; and I have no doubt, but this one
on the elm is one of the same family, and
means to confide in us for protection as he a
last year.

ate. Well,.1 enk he will be very safe so far
as we can defend him; you know that some
boys are so unprincipled as to shoot them; I
am sorry there are such; it proves they are
thoughtless and destitute of fine feelings, and
if all indulged themselves in such a cruel prac-
tice, our fields and orchards would be dreary
and sad, compared to what they now are.

40 THE YOUNG FLORIST.

Hf. Not only should we be deprived of their
animating songs, but worms and other msects
would so increase, that the labors.of the hus-
bandman and gardener would almost be in
yain, and the foliage of the trees would be so
disfigured by the caterpillar, canker worm and
other greedy insects, as to present a sad and
melancholy aspect.

M. I should not think the little birds could
make so much difference in that respect.

H. You would be astonished to know how
many caterpillars and other imsects are con-
sumed by a single pair of sparrows and their
young in one day.

M. Doyou suppose any person ever knew ?

Hl. Yes, very nearly ; [recollect of reading
once of a person, who took his seat near the
nest of a sparrow, and watched them all day,
and kept an account of all that were consumed.

The old ones were busy picking young

APRIL. 41

caterpillars from a neighboring tree, and con-
-veying them to their young, who greedily de-
voured an astonishing number. —It is some
time since I read the account, and I cannot say
positively, but think the number consumed was
something like 500 for the whole family, which
would make more than 2,000 in a week.*

M. {I should not think it possible. :

H. 1 was so impressed with the important
assistance they render, that I never from that
time threw a stone at one of the useful crea-
tures, as some are wickedly and wantonly in
the habit of doing. |

M. I suppose that birds generally are not
so useful as the sparrow and robin; for in
talking with our school-mate, James, the other
day for his wanton destruction of birds, he
excused himself by saying he did not kill any

but such as did damage.

* See Note at the end of the work.

; =

42 THE YOUNG FLORIST.

H. | think he ought to include himself in
that list; for they only take a little from his
father’s field, and repay for that little by their
destruction of insects ; while he gets his whole
livmg and makes no return, but to lounge
about with his gun, with Jowler at his heels, to
destroy what God has wisely given for our
‘pleasure and interest.

M. James is not so much to blame as his
father, who is to be pitied ; and although he
has enough of the good things of this world, is
destitute of the finer feelings, and rather laugh-
ed at our father, for spending so much time in
the garden with dear mamma and ourselves,
and keeping us all the time at his heels, as he
expressed it, when papa had been tellmg him
of the advantages of a kitchen and flower gar-
den, as a place of discipline, instruction and
amusement for his children. — You know they
are destitute of a garden, and James has _no-
thing to do when out of school but hunt and fish.

APRIL. 43

And as for fruit, you know they have nothing
but crab apples which are fit only for cider.

H. You mistake, dear sister, they have a
notable garden. | 7

M. Indeed, I never saw it; do describe it.
. #1. Iwas sent over one et of an errand,
and while | was there it was discovered that
the hogs were in the garden ; which you know
we should consider a great calamity.

‘M. Oh, dreadful.

_H. James and I were sent to drive them
out, and in so doing | had a chance to see it for
the first time.— ‘The garden was situated
directly back of the pig-stye, in the centre of
a patch of something like half an acre of
potatoes of most luxuriant growth, whose tan-
gled tops were finely intermingled with aspir-
ing pigweeds, and Roman Wormwood, occa-
sionally garnished with a huge Sunflower full
ten feet high, and flowers a foot in diameter,

44 THE YOUNG FLORIST.

standing like sentinels to watch their pre-
clous charge. It was about three rods square.
In one corner I saw a clump of Marigolds,
Four o’Clock, Prince’s Feather, and a few
other common annuals, huddied together,
striving to live, as well as their neighbors, the
pigweeds. Ina bed there was a small quan-
tity of beets, carrots, &c., that looked as if
they were quite forgotten. A portion was oc-
cupied by a few hills of corn and beans ; and
cucumbers, squashes and melons were so
thickly located in the remainder, that I won-
dered how it was possible to gather the fruit,
if there should happen to be any, without des-
troying the vines.

M. You give a sad account of it. I hope
we shall be able to keep ours in better taste.

H. J expressed my surprise to James, at
the appearance of the garden — who replied,
that his father had not much taste for a garden

‘APRIL. 7 45

and thought it was foolish to spend as muth
time as some of his neighbors did in it : but I
have wandered from the subject of birds. [|
know of but few birds, although they may be
troublesome at times, but are upon the whole
a great benefit ; and a person is without excuse
who wantonly destroys them.

M. We are staymg out late; let us go
to the house. Do notice, how: merrily the
frogs sing ; they appear to partake of the gen-
eral happiness, with which all animated nature
seems to be filled. Where do you suppose
they live in the winter ° -

H. They bury themselves in the mud at
_ the bottom of the water and remain in a tor-
pid state — as do also the turtles and toads.

M. Now the garden is ready — when shall
you begin to sow seeds F

H. Wf the weather is pleasant, I will sow
some of the most hardy tomorrow. I conclude

td bn ett etl et td is od

Paty ik heey A SS wer Pee ee eee See we eo

46 THE YOUNG FLORIST.

you have finished your plan for the disposition
of the perennials, in fanciful groups as I pa
posed.

M. Yes, Ihave. Shall you move the bul-
bous roots this spring ° |

H. No. That cannot be done ééahiont
injury or total destruction at this season of the
year, and wherever they have been introduced
in your plan, must be omitted until the proper
season of planting, which isthe autumn.

The next day, Henry commenced the sow-
ing of the most hardy annuals, such as are
marked witha star in the catalogue. |

With a stick two anda half feet long, the
beds were spaced off one foot from the edge,
and the number sticks put down, as laid out in
the plan. ‘Then round the stick of such as
were to be sown, acircle was made one and a
half feet in diameter, in which the seeds were
sown. Hehad received some general instruc-

APRIL. 47

tions for sowing seeds from a friend, which
were these :— For very fine seeds, the earth
should be sprinkled very lightly and finely on,
and not covered more than a quarter of an
inch deep, and pressed down hard with a
trowel or something of the kind. Larger
seeds covered in proportion to their size ; and
those as large as a pea, to the depth of an inch
ormore. Very delicate seeds. will require
some protection from the mid-day sun, as it is
vapt to burn them up when they first appear,—
and the ground must be kept moderately moist,
if the weather should be dry. Damp meadow
moss will do very well to lay over the plants
in the middle of the day. Great care must be
taken to keep the young plants free from weeds.
Some may think it a difficult thing to dis-
tinguish so many different kinds of plants from
the weeds, when they first make their appear-
ance. ‘lhe way Henry did, was first to become

48 THE YOUNG FLORIST.

acquainted with the weeds which infested the
garden ; and then, when examining his beds
for the appearance of plants, he knew at once
what might be pulled up with safety.

_ The seed being sown in circles round the
stick, he knew exactly where to look, to find
the plants, and if any appeared in or near the
circle that was new to him, naturally conclu-
ded that it was the plant sown.

I shall not now describe the different groups
of perennials, but will do it as they come into
bloom. ‘Lhe work of transplanting them was
all done in the course of the month ; the early
flowering kinds in the first part of it.

‘The roses and other shrubs were all moved
as soon as possible, and planted on the outside
of the square. The tops of the rose bushes
should be cut off, which causes them to bloom
stronger. Perennial and biennial seeds should
be sown in a bed by themselves, and moved to

APRIL. 49

the flower garden, when of a proper size. As
a general rule, the seeds should be rolled mto
the ground with a roller, or pressed in with a
board, as some kinds will not otherwise vege-
tate ;. and even then will be destroyed by ex-
posure toa scorching sun, unless attended to
every day, until a have established them-
selves.

A child may not pian the meaning of an-
‘nuals, perennials, or biennials.

Annuals are such as are sown in the spring,
flower, ripen seed, and die in the fall, as the
Marigold, Four o’Clock, Cucumber, &c.

-Biennials are sown one year, and flower
the next, produce seed and die, as the Canter-
bury Bell, Beet and Carrot.

Perennials: are sown one year, and flower
the next in most cases; but sometimes not
until the third, or even fourth year. After
this, they continue to flower year after year.

50 THE YOUNG FLORIST.

Such as die down to the ground every fall,
and spring from the root next season, are
called herbaceous, as the Columbine, Sweet
William, Asparagus, &c. ‘Those that do not
die to the ground, and form woody stems,
are called woody, as the Rose, Currant, and
Lilac. | :

Roots are of attest inane as the branch-
ing, fibrous, bulbous, tuberous, and spindle.
Branching roots are like the branches of trees, -
as the roots of all trees. Fibrous roots are
composed of thread-like fibres, as the roots of
all grasses, Sweet Willam, &c. ‘Tuberous
are fleshy, like the Potato, Peony, Dahlia.
Bulbous roots are of different kinds ; as solid,
like the ‘Turnip and Crocus ; coated, like the
Onion and Hyacmth ; and scaly, like the
Lily ; spindle, like the Carrot. |

Indigenous plants are such as are natives of
our own land. Exotics are those introduced
from foreign countries.

APRILS(: - 5l

_.The perennials for the first part of April were
red and yellow Crown Imperial, different va-
rieties of the Crocus, Snow Drop, Persian Iris,
Heart’s Ease, exotics ; and Liverwort and
Blood Root, indigenous ; and for the latter
part of the month, Hyacinth of different kinds,
Narcissus, Venus’s Navel Wort and Corydalis,
exotic ; and Wild Anemone, and Violets, from
the woods. About the middle of the month,
Henry and his sister were in the garden, be-
fore school, sowing the seeds with this mark, f.
There had been much unpleasant weather
the past fortnight, cold storms of rain and
even snow, — but they found that some of the
seeds that had been sown had begun to vege-
tate. It was necessary to rake the ground a
little before sowing, as it had become hard on
the surface by the frequent rains. While thus
engaged, they were startled by an immense
flock of red winged black-birds, sweeping sud-

52 THE YOUNG FLORIST.

denly. over their heads, with a noise like a
tempest, which after a few circuitous, whirl-
ing flights, showing their black dress, orna-
mented by the vermilion red of their wings
to the best advantage, settled upon a large red
maple below the garden-in the meadow. ‘lhe
tree itself, an object of admiration, at this sea-
son of the year, covered with its showy scarlet
flowers, was beheld with silent astonishment
as its branches literally bent with its noisy
visitors clothed in their funereal plumage, con-
trasting elegantly with the flowers of the tree.
They piisibea nl such a concert of discord.
and harmony, that it might be heard for more
than a mile; each performer appearing to exert
himself to be heard above the rest. After
continuing their clamorous concert for a few
minutes, as if by common consent, they sud-
denly commenced their social, chattering
flight to a distant part of the meadow,

2

APRIL. 53

Margaret now broke silence, which had
only been interrupted by exclamations of won-
der and surprise, and observed that the black-
bird was one that James had proscribed, as
worthy of death, whenever he could get.a good
shot. | :

Henry. They are; to be sure, troublesome
to the farmer in autumn, when their flocks,
increased by their offspring, almost darken the
air by their numbers, as they drive like a fu-
rious tempest over the tempting cornfield.
Yet it is not generally considered or perhaps
known, that the injury, however great it may
be, is much more than overbalanced, by the im-
mense number of insects and their larve which
they destroy as their principal food, and which
are of the most injurious kinds to the farmer.. _

Itis remarked by Kalm, a Swedish traveller
in this country, and whose name Linnzus
gave to the beautiful Kalmia that adorns our

j
}
j
,
}
;

54 THE YOUNG FLORIST.

garden, that in 1749, a bounty of three pence
per dozen was offered for these birds, by
government, which caused a great destruction
among them. ‘The consequence was, that the
Northern States experienced a complete loss
of the grass and grain crops, which were now
destroy i by insects.

Margaret. It seems tome then that the
farmer, who would destroy these birds because
they take only what is their lawful wages for
the sake of adding a little more to his store, is
like the. covetous dog in the fable — who when
crossing the brook witha piece of meat in his
mouth, and thinking that his shadow was anoth-
er dog with a piece of meat, caught at it, and
in so doing lost what he had. — Will you tell
me where these birds reside m the winter? —

Henry. Early in November they leave the
Northern States, with the exception of a few
who linger on the sea coast or the Middle

APRIL. .

States, for the more southern part of the Union,
where they stay until the return of spring ;
and then wing their way to the north, reliev-
ing the fatigue of their long passage by their
friendly gossip. They reach this part of the
country from the first of March to the middle
of April, according to the season. |

M. Dosee how these plants of Heart’s
Ease flourish ; it is but a few days since you
moved them, what a variety there is already.

Hf. | was careful in moving them, and the
early flowering perennials, as well as the bien-
nials, to take upa large portion of earth with
them that the bloom might not be checked.
Such as are more tardy, can be moved with
more certainty of success, even if they are di-
vided or cut to pieces, if necessary to increase
the kind. Butasa general thing the roots
should not be much disturbed, to insure a
strong bloom, when moved in the spring.

56 THE YOUNG FLORIST.

M. Look, I have gathered twelve varieties

of the Heart’s Ease, or Lady’s Delight for
mother, and also some flowers of the Navel
Wort; whata neat little azure blue flower it
is, — what is its botanical name ?
» ff. It is called Omphaloides verna, and is
very common in the cottage gardens in Eng-
land and would be here, if more generally
known. Here are some flowers of the Cory-
dalis to add to your nosegay, with its singular
shaped, pendulous pink flowers. This will be
in bloom a number of months.

M. The Violets and Liverwort are be-
ginning to show their pretty flowers. They
are the emblems of humility, and overlooked
because they are to be seen in every pasture
and wood, but I like them none the less on
that account. |
_ H. Wewill take up some more, when it
will not interfere with our studies. Do notice

APRIL. 5%

the flowers of the Blood Root, what a live-
ly, brilliant white. It has a fleshy tuberous
root, which, upon being wounded, discharges
a blood colored = fiuid, with which the Indians
stain themselves.

M. Here is the Wild Anemone, which is so
fond of the shade; I fear it will not succeed
well here. It deka not make much show, but
its solitary, bell shaped flower, white, and ex-
ternally red or purplish, looks very modest, as
it rises from its low three leaved stem. |

H. Now we have looked at our plants here,
we will take alook at our bulbous roots before
school. |

_M. Aswe go, will you get me a branch of
the willow on the brook, which I see is in”
bloom.

Hi. Here it is; but in getting it I disturbed
a company of the song sparrow, or as it is gen-
erally called, the ground bird.

2

58 THE YOUNG FLORIST.

M. Is it the same that sings so sweetly

in the morning ? -
HA. It is, and arrives about the time of the

blue bird.

M. Is the chirping bird a sparrow ?

H. Yes. But he is adifferent species from
the song sparrow, who is rather more retiring
than the chirp bird, and builds his nest on the
eround. ‘The chirping sparrow builds his nest
on low trees, in the orchard, or by some _fre-
quented walk, on a shrub. You know there
has been a nest of them in our front yard every
year, either in the Lilac or Rose bush, and last
year they took possession of the Honeysuckle
that runs up the pillars of the piazza. His
song is very indifferent, bemg only a complain-
ing chirp. ‘There are several other kinds of
sparrows, described by Mr Nuttall in his book
of Ornithology, which you will find a very in-
teresting work.

APRIL. a9

M. Ishould like to read the book very well.
See how grand our Crown Imperia!s look ; they
are at leasta yard high: how rapidly they have
grown; where is its native placer |

Hl. \tisa native of Persia. I will show
you the nectary of the flower, as it is called ; it
is quite a curiosity. You will observe at the
bottom of each petal a leaf, a white glandu-
lar cavity, with a drop of limpid juice standing
in It.

M. O,1see, they look like pearls. The
flowers hang their heads in such a way, that a
person would not notice this beauty unless they
paid particular attention, or raised the bells a
little; how gracefully the luxuriant stem, adorn-
ed with broad shining green leaves, is crowned
with its whorl of pendulous flowers.

Hil. ‘There is another wonder about this
plant ; the flower stems, that now hang down,
after the leaves or petals fall, turn and become

60 THE YOUNG FLORIST. —

upright, as the seed ripens. Here we have
the yellow and red,—but there are many
more varieties cultivated; among the hand-
somest, is the gold and silver striped leaved.

M. The Crocuses are beginning already
to fade. I think they are a great ornament to
the garden, as they come into flower as
soon as the snow is off. Ke

H. It is said to be a native of Swit-
zerland, and the flower in a wild state is white
with a purple base,— and by cultivation all
the numerous varieties have been obtained.
The Hyacinths are beginning to show their
colors. — Here is a Persian iris.

M. How sweet it smells—and what a
delicate blue, with violet spots. The flower
has no leaves. :

Hl. ‘The flowers first make their appearance
and afterwards the leaves. The Narcissus, as
well as everything else, is.in rapid progress.

APRIL. 61

a

There is the curious Hoop Petticoat Narcissus ;
the long nectary, I suppose, gives it the
name. ‘lake it, for we must go to school.

Way ee
7

P pL Ye EG y

\ mee Na,
‘ \
Prana NU

a

i, Ge

il

=Hiuiilt| |}
Se

*
Gila
Ce TV
ae FEE:

=e / > Ps |
2 Ve 3
= Wil SW. NIA

Sete aes

ES

MAY.

MAY DAY.

Henry. Today isa holiday and,we have
liberty to take a walk, and collect wild
flowers, or amuse ourselves in the garden, as
we please.

Margaret. ‘There is such a heavy dew, we
cannot go until the grass 1s dry, so let us go
into the garden and see how it flourishes.

H. Have you noticed the swallows and
martins

M. Yes, | saw the martins yesterday, they
came to the boxes: the blue birds had taken
possession and claimed them. A battle fol-—
lowed ; the martins were strongest, and drove
off the intruders.

64 THE YOUNG FLORIST.

H. The martin is a beautiful bird, and
seems happy to place himself under the pro-
tection of man, Secure in his asylum for him-
self and family, he twitters out his gratitude,
and is everywhere received with welcome. —
When they appear we may venture tosow our
half hardy annuals. But we will first look at
our Hyacinths and Narcissuses, which are now
in perfection.

M. OO, they do look sweetly ; here is one
that wants tying up, the bells are so heavy
that it les on the ground ; it is a delicate pink.

HA. That the Dutch call Groot Veorst.
which means my good wife; that dark purple
with the petals tipped with green, is called In-
dian Crown. ‘The name of the splendid single
red is Henrietta, and the pure white one, Py-
renne.

i. There is one light, and another dark
blue, and another that is straw color, and oth-

MAY. 65

ers that are white with red and purple eyes.
- What a wonderful variety ; here are twelve
Hyacinths, and no two of them are alike.

H. ‘There isindeed'a variety to us; but to
a florist, who has seen hundreds of varieties in
the highest perfection, our collection would
appear rather indifferent.

M. Is it possible that there are so many
varieties ?

Hl. {have read that more than a thousand
varieties are cultivated in Holland, as an arti-
cle of commerce at the present time, with each
aname. When the rage for Hyacinths was at
its height, about a hundred years ago, there was
double that number under cultivation, differmg
in some small degree from each other, and
some of them highly prized. As much as
ten thousand dollars has been known to
be given for a single root, and much more
than that has been offered and refused. Since

66 THE YOUNG FLORIST.

that time the taste for this and other bulbous
roots has declined, and at this time the highest
price in the Dutch catalogue is sixty guilders or
about twentyfive dollars. ‘The common price
for a mixture of good sorts is from twentyfive
cents to one dollar a root, and multitudes of
the poorer sorts are annually sold at auction for
a trifle. |

_ M. Jam/‘astonished at your account of
the Hyacinth, its numerous varieties, and value.
It does not seem possible to me, that any per-
son could be so foolish as to give such an enor-
mous price for a single root, beautiful and
fragrant as it is. How long has this superb
flower been cultivated ?

Hi. {tis not certainly known; but it is sup-
posed to have been introduced by the Dutch in
the begining of the sixteenth century, soon
after the revival of commerce in the west of
Europe, when the merchants of Holland traded

MAY. 67

to the eastern shores of the Mediterranean, and
the Archipelago. It isa native of the East, and
is abundant about Aleppo and Bagdad, and is
blue in its wild state.

M. The Narcissus cannot be compared with
the Hyacmth. Yet | think the Incomparable
very fine; the little bright yellow petals, so
handsomely disposed between the large white
ones, make a handsome contrast, and I suppose
give itthe common name of butter and eggs.
The smell is not disagreeable to me, al-
though some dislike it.

Hi. It is said that the smell has a danger-
ous effect upon the nerves. ‘The name is from
a Greek word signifying stupor. For this rea-
son the Narcissus was consecrated to the furies,
who by means of it, were said to stupify those
whom they wished to punish.

M. ‘Yhen Iam sure I will smell of it no
more, for I have no desire to come under their

68 THE YOUNG FLORIST.

influence, and | want all my senses to enjoy
this fine day. |

Hl. The early Tulip looks lively, but much
inferior to the stately late ones, which now only
show their green buds. We will go and sow
our seeds, and make some observations in our
new garden, and then, if this east wind does
not cheat us out of our pleasant day, (for I per-
ceive it has this moment changed into that
quarter,) we will see what we can find to
amuse us in the fields and woods.

Tbe seeds sown today are those in the cat-
alogue with this mark, [. (See pages 22—27. )

The perennials in bloom, were Violets of
different kinds, among which, the double sweet
scented arrested their attention, before they
reached the spot; the flowers of this sort are
used by chemists to detect an acid or an alkali.

The Dwarf Phlox, the pink and the white,
were beginning to show their lively flowers,

MAY. 69

and also the Dwarf Iris. The fiowers design-
ed for the first part of this month, were the Gol-
den Alyssum, Early Tulip, Narcissus and Jon-
quille. The Scarlet Columbine, including the
numerous golden varieties, Honesty, Daisy leav-
ed Catchfly, and Solomon’s Seal, with the noble
Late Tulip and White sweet scented Narcissus,
for the latter part of the month. ‘They had
also a fine root of Periwinkle in bloom. Marga-
Tet was admiring the beauty of the flowers and
foliage, when she was startled by.a toad, the
first she had seen. - She said, O, Henry, here is
your old friend, the toad; I don’t know how it
is, but 1 never can be reconciled to his ugly
looks ; and still-you were so kind, as to make a
shelter for him from the sun last year.

Henry. Although he is not a beauty, I
think he is not to be despised; he does his
part in exterminating the enemies of the gar-
dener, and as he is fond ofa cool place, sheltered

70 THE YOUNG FLORIST.

from the scorching noon day sun, | was
pleased to lay boards upon stones, or bricks,
that he might have a comfortable retreat.

MM. I know aman, who ‘offered the boys
in his neighborhood, a certain price per hun-
dred, for all the toads they would bring, to put
in his garden; but it is an article, I think, I
should not like to deal in.

Hf. have been reading, in White’s Natural
History of Selborne, of some ladies, who took a
fancy to a toad, which they nourished, summer
after summer, for many years, until he grew
to amonstrous size.

MM. ‘They must have had a singular taste.

ff. The reptile used to come forth every
evening from a hole under the garden steps;
and was taken up, after supper, on the table
to be fed. But at last a tame raven espying
him, as he put forth his head, gave him sucha
severe stroke with his horny beak, as to put

MAY. V1

out one eye. After this accident, the creature
languished for some time and died.

M. -It is the last creature I should think
of taming. Brother, do you perceive how cold
it grows? I must retire to the house, and shall
be glad to shut myself up in a warm room,
rather than take the walk.

H. There is a wonderful change in the
weather, which is not very uncommon, in this
changeable month; for some of the most de-
lightful days terminate the most uncomfortably.
I perceive we shall be compelled to find our
pleasures, the remainder of the day, in the
house, in conversation and books, rather than
in the fields as we contemplated. I will take
the opportunity to look over your plants in the
sitting-room, as some of them want attending
to.

Having returned to the house, and while
Margaret was engaged with her book, Henry-

72 THE YOUNG FLORIST..-

was busy looking over the pots of flowers.—
Among them was a pot of Chinese Primroses,
with which he was so much
pleased, that he thought he
would make a drawing of W&
it. After an hour’s oe FN
application, he presented
the work to his sister, who
was much pleased with it,
and wished him to give a
history of the plant. pe Bee
Henry said, that the botanical name Primula
was derived from the word primus, the first
to flower. The delicate blossoms of many of
the species appear in their native regions,
when all nature is otherwise inert. The
genus includes a great variety of beautiful
dwarf alpine plants, among which are the Eng-
lish Primrose, Cowslip, Polyanthus and Au-
ricula ; some of which will stand our winters,

MAYe aa 73

if placed the north side of a fence or wall, but
are more liable to be destroyed by our powerful
summer sun. ‘lhe Chinese Primrose is more
delicate, and is, strictly speaking, a green house
or parlor plant. It was introduced from
China in 1820, and is now a popular ornament
to both the green house and parlor. ‘This
one is pure white, another variety is purple. ~
Henry went out and looked at the ther-
mometer, and was astonished to find, that the
mercury had fallen from 70 to 35 degrees,
m the course of three hours. A_ cold
storm followed, which prevented them from
attending much to the garden. Pleasant days
succeeded, and all their leisure hours were
spent in admiring the thousand opening beau-
ties before them. Among other objects that
attracted their attention, was the American
Cowslip, which lined the margin of the mean-

dermg brook, as far as the eye could see,
6

14. THE YOUNG FLORIST.

giving a brilliant yellow shade to the bright
green verdure of the meadow. Large | masses
of the Rodora, beginning to unfold their rich
purple flowers in hae contrast with the Cow-
slip, ornamented the banks of the brook.

-Some new bird with ever varying note, was
to be seen, or some flower bursting into life
and beauty, on each returning day. By the
tenth of the month, the leaves of the oak
‘‘wete as big as a squirrel’s ear,” which
according to the Indian proverb is the proper
time to plant corn. Henry took the hint, and
planted the remainder of his tender annuals.
A few Dahlhias, which he had given him, were
planted at this time, in the quarter marked S.
He found too, that the weeds began to prevail,
and as he considered that the beauty of a
garden consisted much in neatness, and re-
membering James’ garden, he set himself to
work in earnest in their extermination.

MAY. 15

The 15th was a lovely day, over which
Flora seemed to preside, and as there was no
school, it was agreed, they would take a
ramble.

In passing through the orchard, which was
in full bloom, and whose fragrance filled the
air, they observed the bees swarming over the
trees collecting their honeyed sweets, and other
insects of all descriptions revelling in the pro-
fusion before them. Suddenly the golden
robin with his fiery plumage, appeared to their
view, full of life and activity ; now darting
into concealment among the rich clusters of
flowers, then again appearing, uttering his lively
note. How lovely, exclaimed Margaret ; what
can he be so busy about ? |

Henry. If you will but pay particular atten-
tion, you will see that he is feeding upon the
insects we have noticed ; his nimble movements
are necessary, or his active prey will evade his

16 THE YOUNG FLORIST.

vigilance. See, he seems occasionally to
take a sip with the bees, by way of variety.

Margaret. How much there is this morning
to amuse us, and lead our minds up to Him,
who has filled the earth with his goodness, and
who has for our gratification, given us_ the
varied and fragrant flower, the beautiful bird
with his gay plumage and exhilarating notes,
and all the pleasant scenery before us.

H.- But there are thousands who have eyes
to see, and ears to hear, and yet pass the
beauties of creation unnoticed, and see not
God. in his lovely works, and instead of going
on their way rejoicing, are filled with misery
and complaint, and go mourning and grumbling
to their graves. Our dear father says, this is
in a great measure owing .to a deficiency of
early education ; their minds not having been

directed when young, to admire the works of —
the Most High.

MAY. V7

M. Inever shall forget the instruction our
father gave me when I could hardly speak. I
was with him in the garden, admiring a bed
of splendid Tulips ; their gaudy colors attracted
my attention, and | wondered who it was that
could have given them their rich shades. I
inocently said, “ father, who painted the
Tulips?” He said, ‘“* My dear, it is God ;”
and then went on to tell how he had made all
things. His conversation so raised my curios-
ity, that I was incessantly asking him questions
about the great God.

Hf. Let us never despise those who cannot
see the beauties we see. For while we have
had kind and tender parents, who took the
advantage of every incident and every thing to
enlighten and amuse us,— they have been
neglected by parents, who perhaps, had their
perceptions blunted by the too free use of the
polluting and degrading bottle.

78 THE YOUNG FLORIST.

M. Now men are coming to their sober
senses, and looking with disgust upon the in-
toxicating cup, and discountenancing those
who use, or traffic in the abominable thing,
may we not hope the next generation will be
more enlightened and happy ?

Hl. There is no doubt of it...... Here is
a Geranium.

M. <A Geranium ?

Hl. Yes; it is the only indigenous species
that has -any claims to beauty. It is com-
monly called Crane’s Bill; the petals are pale
purple. Now we will keep along by the side
of the hedge in the open field.

MM. ‘The men are busy in planting. Hark !
I hear a cat in the bushes.

HT. You are mistaken, it is a bird; do you~
see it hoppmg from bush to bush? how shy he
looks, and into what queer attitudes he sud-
denly throws himself, constantly upon the
move.

MAY. 719

M. His plumage is a dark slate color.

Hf. It is the Cat bird ; when alarmed, he
makes that curious noise, something like the
mewing of the cat. |

M. Itisasingular cry; but he has changed
his note. He can sing, if he has a mind ; his
notes are now pleasant, but the poor bird
sings as though he was almost choked with

grief.
Hl. ‘Their songs are said to be variable,
some being much finer singers than others.....

M. ©, these rocks are covered with the
Scarlet Columbine, growing from the clefts
and crevices. |

Hf. And in company with them is the Sax-
afraze, with its white, sweet scented flowers.

M. Wark, brother! do you hear the song
of that bird? it exceeds anything we have
heard. He makes the thickets ring with his
melodious and varied notes.

80 THE YOUNG FLORIST.

H. Let us set down on the rocks and
listen ; it is the Red ‘Thrasher, by some called
the Planting bird, but his proper name is the
Thrush ; he seems to give grateful utterance
of praise to the beneficent Benefactor, for the
profusion and beauty by which he is surrounded.

M. Now his song ceases, and there he
goes ; how he spreads his full tail as he flies.

fl. ‘There goes his mate after him, their
plumage is a kind of cinnamon color. See,
they have settled upon that large oak. Hush,
he has commenced his song again. |

M. How touching his notes, — how cheer-
ing it must be to the farmers in the field
yonder, who are so busily planting...... Cast-
ing their eye toward the woods, near by, they
observed the edges of it highly ornamented
with small trees completely covered with
flowers of a pure white ; — they immediately
directed their steps to them, and found it was

MAY. | Si

the Shad Blossom or Wild Pear. An abun-
dance of the Choke Cherry was also in bloom,
with its racemes of white and yellow flowers.

Having gathered some of each, they struck
into the thick. and luxuriant wood, by a
winding pathway, and admired the various
shades of the tender leaves. The Peewink,
or ground Robin, was to be seen, hopping un-
der the thick unde? brush, diligently seeking
his food, uttering forth his monotonous notes ;
while the lofty trees were vocal with a multi-
tude of birds unknown to them. ‘They stopped
to admire, and gather some of the flowers of
the Cornus Florida, which were gracefully in-
termingled with the foliage of a thick Hem-
lock. Henry was obliged to climb the tree,
as they were out of reach. Soon they came
into the meadow, which was alive with the
Bob-o-link and other birds. Henry told his
sister what Mr Nuttall says, in his Ornitholo-

82 THE YOUNG FLORIST.

gy, that the boys of this part of New England,
make him spout among other things, the
following ludicrous dunning phrase, as he
rises and hovers on the wing near his mate:
‘© Bob-o-link, Bob-o-link, Tom Denny, Tom
Denny,—Come pay me the two and sixpence
youve owed more than a year and a half
ago !—’tshe, ’tshe, ’tshe, ’tsh, ’tsh, ’tshe,
modestly diving at the same instant down into
the grass as if to avoid altercation.”

Margaret observed, as one flew immediately
over their heads, that he did seem to say so,
and thought that it was not wonderful that he
should feel ashamed of himself, after such an
impudent dun, and hide in the grass. Their
walk was continued on a causeway over the
meadow. As they passed the bridge over the
brook, they disturbed a Peewee, who was
building a nest under it, and whose well known
pleasant notes, had been heard amid _ the

MAY. 83

agreeable jargon of imnumerable bob-o-links
and black birds, that seemed to revel in the
broad green meadows. _

As they reached the hill, they found the
ground carpeted with Violets, and the Dwarf
Ranunculus, with its brilliant yellow flowers,
and under the shade of the handsome flowering
Thorn and other shrubs, the Bell Wort and
Wild Anemone flourished.

Arrived at the top of the hill, they sat down
under the shade of a beautiful clump of trees,
from whence there was a fine view of the sur-
rounding country, which seemed like a bloom-
ing paradise.

While viewing the delightful scenery, they
discovered a Fish Hawk sailing majestically
over the meadow below, in wide circles, mov-
ing with such apparent ease, that it seemed as
though it was done without any exertion of °

his long curving wing. Suddenly he stopped

84 THE YOUNG FLORIST.

his course, and for an instant flapped his wings,
and then rapidly descended for his prey, m
the brook below. As he arose, the little birds
which seemed to have been much alarmed at
the presence of the intruder, encouraged by
the bold King bird, commenced, with loud
cries, a general attack upon him. ‘Tormented
by the King bird, who flying above him,
sorely harassed him, he made a_ precipitate
retreat, followed by all the noisy inhabitants of
the meadow, who seemed to triumph in his
defeat, until he was fairly escorted to his own
woody premises.

_ Having indulged themselves in beholding
the beautiful landscape below, they returned
home by another route, richly laden with the
flowers of May.

About the 20th, the Tulips were im perfec-
tion, and as they were admiring their beauty, —
Margaret requested her brother to give a his-
tory of it.

MAY. -
Henry. ‘The Tulip is a native of the Levant,
and has been in cultivation nearly three hun-
dred years, and may be called the king of
florists’ flewers, as no flower can claim equal-
ity with it, in the brilliancy of its endless com-
bimations of all colors and shades.

It appears to have been brought to Europe
from Persia, by way of Constantinople, in
1559; and in a century afterwards, to have
‘become an object of considerable trade in the
Netherlands, and a sort of mania among the
growers, who bought and sold sengle bulbs, at
prices amounting to three thousand dollars each,
and upwards ; in those days an immense sum.
The taste for Tulips in England was at its
greatest height about the end of the seven-
teenth and beginning of the eighteenth century.
It afterwards declined, and gave way to a
taste for rare plants from foreign countries.

The Tulip, however, is still extensively cul-

86 THE YOUNG FLORIST.

tivated in Holland, from which all Europe and
America is still supplied with bulbs, and also
to a considerable extent in England.

The varieties of the Tulip are endless. —
There are a great many of the double sorts,
which are fine, also of the Parrot Tulips, —
which have notched petals and striped or di-
versified with green, and also of the early flow-
ering varieties ; but the most grand of all are the |
late flowering varieties, which are without
etd. As many as a thousand varieties are cul-
tivated with names.

Margaret. tis no wonder it was called a
mania, for those who paid such prices must
have been mad.

Hl. I\t degenerated intoa mere gambling
business, and was rightly named “ Tulipo-
mania.”’ ‘The ‘Tulip is supposed by some to
be “ the lily of the field,” referred to in
Christ’s Sermon on the mount.

MAY. . S7

The whip-poor-will was first heard this
evening and listened to with pleasure.

Henry. IUhave heard it said by some super-
stitious persons, that’ whatever we wished
when we first heard the whip-poor-will, would
come to pass — but I think it very foolish and
wicked, to pay attention to such nonsensical
notions. | | ——

M. It will do no hurt to wish that we may
become better.

Hf. Nor any good, unless we strive to be-
come so, as well as wish.

Many shrubs were now in flower, as the Li-
lac which had begun to fade, the Snow Ball,
and the herbaceous plants mentioned for the
last of May*; and by the last of the month
others not enumerated had begun to show
their flowers. Particular attention was paid
to keep the garden free from weeds — and to
stir the earth round the perennials.

* See pages 22—27.

SLUNE? @.

Margaret. - This is the month for Roses and
many other beautiful plants.

Henry. Here isa fine Cinnamon Rose ; it
is very fragrant and Beak with the morning
dew.

M. Thank you, brother. It is but a week
since | picked the first opening bud, and now
J perceive the bush is full of them.

Hi. It isthe earliest hardy rose we have,
and is the forerunner of a superb family,
which not only please the eye with their beauty,
but regale us with their. unrivalled fragrance.

M. If the Tulip is king, 1 will crown the ©

7

90 THE YOUNG FLORIST.

Rose, the queen of flowers. The Rose, 1 be-
lieve is common to all countries.

Hl. Yes, and is known to every body at
first sight, and has been a favorite flower from
time immemorial among all civilized nations.

M. Are thére as many varieties of the
Rose as of the ‘Tulip or Hyacinth ?

Hf. Yes; the shrub varies in size from one
foot to six or eight, in different species — and
the colors are red, white, yellow, purple,
black, striped ; simple, or in almest numberless
shades and mixtures} and single, semi-double,
and double. ‘here is also a great variation
in the leaves and stems, — some are climbers,
covering hundreds of yards: so that there are
an ieorionse number of varieties under cultiva-
tion, exceeding the number of either Hya-
cinths or ‘Tulips.

M. Where have all heb varieties been
obtained ?

JUNE. a.

a

Hi. A great part of them have been raised
from seed within the last forty years, in Ku-
rope and in this country. 3

The Scotch and the Damask will next
come in bloom; and will be quickly followed
by the Blush, White, York and Lancaster, and
Provence ; and our native Roses last of all.

The perennials for the June quarter, were
the following. Spotted Stalked Phlox, with
purplish red flowers ; Sweet scented Phlox,
with pure white flowers ; Ins, Pony, Blue
and White Spiderwort, Sweet William of dif-
ferent sorts, Fox Glove, Snapdragon, Monk’s
Hood, Dame’s Violet, exotic ; and Perennial
Lupin, and Bird’s Foot Violet, indigenous.

Particular care was necessary to keep down
the weeds, during the whole of the month.

The annuals were thinned out, and such as
were wanted, to mix with the perennials,
were transplanted the last part of the month

92 THE YOUNG FLORIST.

with a scoop trowel, taking a plenty of earth
with the roots. The plants in the second
inner circle, were supplied with brush.

The surface of the ground was kept hght
and no weeds sufiered togappear.

The little garden looked very neat, and was
the admiration of all who saw it. Henry’s
taste and industry were highly commended.—
Some of the annuals began to expand at the
close of the month, among which was the
Azure Blue Gilia, —with its delicate flowe1,
in heads, and finely divided leaves; the
Scorzonera very showy in the morning, and
which continues in bloom till autumn, — with
orange yellow flowers and purple centre, and
dandelion shaped leaves ; and the Catchfly, a
popular flower, very showy.

Summer now seemed to have gained the
ascendency. ‘The foliage of the leaves was of
the deepest and most brilliant green, and seem-

| JUNE. fe 2
0S re eee oe
ed to invite to their cooling shade. Henry
made a rude seat under the wide spreading
elm, which was a favorite retreat to himself
and sister ; and here, secure from the burning
sun, and fanned with the gentle breeze, many
pleasant hours were ‘spent in reading and in
examining flowers; while above their heads in
the thick luxuriant branches, numberless yellow
birds made the air vocal with their pleasing
notes. ‘Lhe Golden Robi, too, claimed a
part of the tree as his domain, for on its long
swinging branches, he had built his nest, and
seemed busy in his domestic concerns; while
the swift Swallow, as_ though he was afraid
there would be a lack of amusement, was
circling round the tree, almost with the rapid-
ity of lightning, nimbly feeding upon his active
prey- :

Here they were seated on a warm June day,
with a great variety of fresh gathered flowers.

94 THE YOUNG -FLORIST.

As Margaret was admiring the Monk’s
Hood, she observed that she had heard it pro-
nounced a poisonous plant.

Henry. I\tisa deadly poison, and should
be known to all who cultivate it. Linnaeus
says, that an ignorant surgeon prescribed the
leaves, and on the patient refusing to take
them, he took them himself, and died.

Some persons, only taking the effluvia of
the herb in full flower into the nostrils, have
been seized with swooning fits, and have lost
their sight for two or three days.

Marat et. ‘lhe whole plant is curious and
handsome ; : bui the terrible account you give

of it, seems to balance the beauty, and I shall
look at it for the future with suspicion.

H. Here is the Digitalis or Fox Glove,
which, though very headtitak is a violent poi-
son ;, but is valuable. in medicine. There is
no danger of being injured by handling these

JUNE. OS -

plants. No one should put any kind of plant
into his mouth without knowing its properties.
Little childre n should not be suffered to run in
a garden without attendance ; for | have heard
of one who lost his life, by eating the flowers
of the Columbine.

M. Isit possible ! how careful, then, should
we be. Here is the Phlox; it is one of the
most showy plants we have, ‘aad 1 ike it much,
because some of the species are in flower the
whole season...

Al. ‘The Sweet William, bow ever common,
is a beautiful flower; and one of the most con-
spicuous ornaments: of this month and the
beginning of next. )

M. ‘Vhe variety with bright purple flowers
with white border, I think as pretty as any.

Hi. { found that upon a heap of rubbish, I
had thrown out of the garden, and suppose
there were among it some stalks of the Sweet
William, in which was seed. It is curious to

66 THE YOUNG FLORIST.

observe, how many varieties will be produced
from the same plant.

M. ‘The Spiderwort has very rich flowers, :
but itis to be regretted that it is so soon de-
stroyed by the sun.

Hl. But to make up that deficiency, it —
continues in bloom ali summer, and adds muc!
to the interest of a morning’s visit to the earden.

M. Whyis the Fleur a Lis called the Iris ?

Hl. From its real combination of colors ;
which with its unique appearance, has ever
found admirers, among the curious and scien-

tic. There are a great many species and
varieties; we have only the dwarf and com-
mon garden sorts. _

M.. 1s not the Blue Flag we see in the
meadows, an Iris °

Al, Itis, and looks very gay with its blue
flowers, with the Golden Senecio anda multi-
tude of other flowers, that now add richness
to the waving grass.

&

JUNE: : OT

MM. Can anything equal the splendor of
this Peony °
ff. Noclass of deivews has attracted more
attention of late, than this in Europe and
America. Many superb varieties have been
introduced from China, which throw this,
beautiful as it is, quite in the back ground.
The species you hold in your hand, was in-
troduced into Antwerp a little more than two
hundred years ago, and then sold for an enor-
mous price.

M. Jt iscommon now in every garden,
and justly considered worthy of the highest
place. Nothing can exceed the richness of
its crimson petals, and if other kinds are supe-
rior to this, | should like to have them.

_ H. There are as many as fifty different
species and varieties; some a pure white,
blush, and shades of red and purple ; but the
price of them is so high, that we must content
ourselves without them.

98 THE YOUNG FLORIST.

M. How curiously the Snapdragon springs
open, when the thumb and finger presses the
sides of the flower. oh

fi. it has the appearance of some crea-
ture’s mouth, which, I conclude, gives it the -
name. |
M. What is the reason the Perennial Lupin .
has succeeded no better in our garden

HN. It is almost impossible to transplant it
with any success. ‘The only sure way to have
it in perfection, is to sow the seed where it is
toremain. | have some growing from seed,
and shall have this beautiful indigenous flower
in abundance next year.

M. We saw large beds of it the other day,
along the edge of the sandy shrub oak wood,
which were very showy.

H. There is a singular circumstance in the
manner in which the seed is scattered for pro-

pagation. When the pods become perfectly

_ JUNE. | 99

dry, they suddenly open with a spring, so as to
throw the seeds to a great distance.

M. The many different ways in which
seed is dispersed, are truly wonderful, and
_ cannot fail to give exalted .views of the wis-
dom of the Most High.

Hl. The Bird’s Baot Violet is a compaition
of the Lupin, and is so named, on account
of the leaves resembling a bird’s foot. They
have flourished finely in our garden, and would
look very pretty for a border to a bed.

M. ‘he Hesperis, or Dame’s Violet, scents
the whole garden with its highly odoriter ous
flowers.

_ H. There is a double kind, which can
be propagated only by parting the root, and
which is highly prized. :

They were much amused now by some
- Humming birds. A pair of them was seen
busily engaged, rapidly darting from flower to

100 THE YOUNG FLORIS‘.

flower, collecting their delicious fare. Pre-
sently another one appeared, and began to col-
lect his share of the sweets ; but others think-
ing they had the best right, darted upon him,
and quicker than thought, their shrill cry was .
heard high in the air.

Having driven the trespasser far away,-the
jealous birds returned, and seated themselves
on a. dead limb of a bush near by, much to the
gratification of the children. Soon the intru-
der returned, but with no better success, for
the pair seemed to have taken possession, and
claimed the spot as their own.

_ Henry thinking they must have a nest near,
commenced a search, and after a close exami-
nation of a neighboring apple tree, found the
puny and well concealed nest, upon one of its
branches. So much did it appear like the
moss which covered the limbs, that they were
delighted with the ingenuity of the little bird.

JUNE. | gf Ol

Henry had the curiosity to climb the tree, and
look at the nest, which was exceedingly neat,
with eges the size of peas’; but perceiving the
agitation of the little bird, who darted within
a few inches of his head, he made a hasty re-
treat, not willing to disturb so lovely a crea-
ture.

At the close of ae month- the Kalmia Bush

was in bloom. Some of the woods near by
were profusely ornamented with this most
beautiful indigenous shrub. 'The Azalea was
in bloom the beginning of the month—of
which there were two species; one with red
flowers, in dry woods, the other in low
grounds, with white flowers, both ornamental
and fragrant.
_ Honeysuckles now displayed their beauties,
eracefully winding up the pillars of the cot-
tage, perfuming the whole house with. their
exquisite fragrance.

102 THE YOUNG FLORIST.

As soon as the foliage of the Tulips began
to turn purple, the roots were taken up, and
laid in a shady place’ to dry —as also the Cro-
cuses ; the Crown Imperials too were moved
the last of the month. i

Hyacinths are longer in coming to matu-.
rity. In about two months from the time of
flowering, when the leaves begin to turn yel-
low, which is about the middle of July, they
should be taken up and treated in the same
manner as the ‘Tulips.

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Futy.

Larer sorts of Roses are still in bloom,
but much infested with the ravenous rose bug.

Many troublesome insects now begin to
swarm. The Pinks and Lilies, with the fol-
lowing perennials, were found in bloom in the
July quarter, in the course of the month, viz:
Perennial Larkspurs, Double Feverfew, Co-
reopsis, Scarlet Lychnis, Spireas, Phloxes,
Mullein Pink, and Canterbury Bells, a biennial.

Many annuals in the course of the month
showed their flowers, among which were the
Convolvulus Minor, Candytuft, Chrysanthe-

mum, Coreopsis, Dwarf Rocket Larkspur,
8 :

106 THE YOUNG FLORIST. .

Scarlet Cacalia, Evening Primrose, Balsams,
Beautiful Clarkea, and Yellow Hawkweed.— .
The arbor too began tobe covered. As Hen-
ry had labored with unwearied diligence the
past month to keep down the weeds, very lit-
tle difficulty was now experienced, as the
plants had obtained a good growth.

The plants were tied to neat sticks as they
advanced in height, to prevent them from be-
ing beaten down by heavy rams or high winds.
All flower stalks were cut off after flower-
ing, except such as were wanted for seed, ard
all with straggling branches neatly trimmed.

One Carnation root graced the garden,
whose opening flowers were the peculiar care
of Margaret. She tied up its long stem to a
piece of green wire, stuck into the ground.—
One superb flower had expanded. The
ground of it was white, elegantly variegated
with scarlet and deep purple, and full three

JULY. 107

inches in diameter. She thought it surpassed
all the flowers that had been in bloom, wheth-
er they had charmed the eye by their beauty,
or regaled the sense of smeiling by their fra-
srance. As Henry came to her, she said she
hoped he would save all the seed, as such a>
rich flower should be more plenty.

Henry. ‘The flower is double, and of course
there will not be any seed. New varieties are
raised from semi-double sorts, grown in the
neighborhood of fine double ones ; and then,
perhaps, out of five hundred seedling plants,
one may be as handsome as ours.

Margaret. Wow then are the fine double
kinds multiplied ?

M. By what is called laying. After the
plant is done flowering, or before by some, the
sprouts you see at the bottom of the plant, are
laid in the following manner. An incision is
made a quarter of an inch below the second or

108 THE YOUNG FLORIST.

third joint from the plant, and the knife passed

up to the centre of the joint. It is then peg-

ged down with a hooked stick, and buried half
an inch deep. Ina short time they throw out
roots, and may then be taken up and put in
pots, or planted out ina bed. ‘They must be
well protected, or they will very likely be in-
jured by the severity of the winter.

Double Pinks can be propagated in the same
way ; or by dividing the roots when they have
done flowering.

They can be increased by piping, which is
nothing more than cutting off the sprouts en-
tirely, and setting them in small pots, which,
if covered with a tumbler, will form roots.

The Carnation was unknown to the an-
cients, but has been cultivated in Europe time
out of mind. Very little is known of it in its
wild state, although it has been found on the
south side of the Alps, and very rarely in

‘JULY. 109 —

England. The botanical name, Dianthos, is
from Greek words signifying, the flower of
God, or divine flower, on account of its pre-
eminent beauty.

Margaret. The fine Double Pinks are not
equal to the Carnation, but still they are su-
perb ; and you say they are more desirable, be-
cause they are so hardy. We have two varie-
ties, the one with rich purple centre and white
border, so finely fringed, is my favorite: it is
two and a half inches in diameter.

Hf. \don’t agree with you: I think the
other is the handsomest ; the centre is deep
crimson, bordered with fine blush — almost
destitute of any fringe, — and the flower is as
large as yours. :

M. ‘Yhe common kinds do very well when
none of the superior sorts can be obtained, as
they have the same exquisite fragrance ; but
one fine variety is worth fifty of them.

110 THE YOUNG FLORIST.

Hf. An immense number of varieties of
Carnations and Pinks are cultivated by florists.

M. Do you observe the White Lily per-
fumes the whole garden P

Hl. The Lily is considered the emblem of
purity. We have two species indigenous.
The Canada Lily, with yellow spotted droop-
ing flowers, may be seen the last of June, or
the first of this month, in wet meadows. The
Philadelphia Lily, now in bloom in dry pas-
tures, with red erect flowers, is the other spe-
cies. We have also in the garden, the Or-
ange Lily, with upright flowers; and a great
many other beautiful species are im cultivation
in some gardens.

M. Don’t bs think the tee a showy
class of plants ? - ; |

Hf. ¥ do; which do you consider the
handsomest °

M. Of the annuals, the Double Dwarf

JULY. lil

Rocket is by far the prettiest. See what a
variety: — there are rose, white, lilac, blue,
purple, and variegated; and then the flowers
are so full and thick, they form very dense
spikes.

H. The Double Branching Larkspur is
fine, with the same variety of colors; but the
flowers are not so large or thick. Of all the
species that | am acquainted with, the Double
Perennial is the most grand; this we find in
bloom from June to QOctober, displaying its
azure blue flowers in such long rich spikes,
full three feet high, that they fill every be-
holder with admiration.

M. I should say the Dwarf was the pretti-
est, the Double Perennial the grandest, and
and the Bee the most curious. ‘The Perenni-
al Bee Larkspur before us is at least four feet
high, erect, and crowded with blue fiowers,
the central part having the exact appappance
of a bee.

112 THE YOUNG FLORIST.

H. The Petes Grand Flowering, with
its large, ‘various colored brilliant flowers, is
also very showy, and continues a long time in
bloom. Here is a dguble kind I raised from
seed : the flowers are a cerulean blue, variegat-
ed with purple ; and upon the whole, taking

the class together, they are very imteresting,

and very desirable, on account of their easy
culture, great variety, and beauty.

M. What curious little flower
is this ? : :

H. I\tis the Beautiful Clarkea,
called by botanists, Clarkea pul-
chella ; it is exceedingly neat and
handsome. It was discovered by
Capt. Clark, at the mouth of Co-
lumbia River, and named after him. © ?°¢##4

M. Was it the same who accompanied
Lewis on the exploring expedition to the
Rocky Mountains ?

i)

: ULF 113°

HI. It was; had it not been for them and

other adventurous travellers, we never should
have been in possession of such a variety es
beautiful flowers.

M. Here is the Coreopsis; was not this
brought from the West. |
H. Yes; weare indebted to Mr Nuttall
for this, who found it on the prairies near the
Rocky Mountains, and as it seeds very freely
and is perfectly hardy, it is now found in most
gardens. It is not only ornamental, but con- -

tinues long in bloom.

Some varieties of the Perennial Coreopsis
are very beautiful; the Broad Leaved I think
most choice.

M. My favorite, the Variegated Euphorbia,
I believe was introduced by Nuttall from the
West, and in my opinion it is one of the hand-
‘somest plants in the garden in September.—
The beauty of its variegated green and white
leaves is unrivalled.

114 THE YOUNG FLORIST.

fl. The American Centaurea, a singular
thistle like flower without prickles, was dis-
covered by him on the banks of the Red River,
iM. I can now pick a bouquet of flowers’
exceedingly beautiful. as

Hl. Let me see a specimen of your
taste. |

M. The Double White Spirea, or Queen
of the Meadow, of snowy whiteness — Double
Scarlet Lychnis, rich blue— Azure Blue
Gilia, light blue —Coreopis, deep yellow,
with rich brown centre — Yellow Hawkweed.
pale yellow with purple centre — Purple Can-
dytuft, fine purple — Lobel’s Catchfly, paie
red— Divaricate Phlox, purplish red — Mullem
Pink, Common Pink, and Ten Weeks Stock,
deep red — Lavender, light green — Hyssop,
dark green. 7

Henry. Very good: you might have added,

JULY. 115

of the Double Feverfew, called
by botanists, Pyrethrum parthe-
nium, which is very pretty ; its
white flowers are a great orna- |
ment tothe garden. It isanex- gaYii/
ceedingly neat border perennial, MY ee
about two feet high, producing a ‘le |
ereat abundance of white flow- * ""7sT™ -
ers, and continues in blooma long time. It
is a native of England, and generally cultiva-
ted and greatly admired in the cottage flower
gardens in that country. — [It should be sown
on finely pulverized soil, lightly covered, and
rolled down hard, or it will not vegetate. —
When young, transplant it ito horders where
it is to remain. |

The two first you named, are the most
superb perennials, and can be propagated only
_by dividing the roots.

M. The Convolvulus Minor is beginning to
open its rich tricolored flowers.

Pegs Le A ee eR CTS NY *F

116 THE YOUNG FLORIST.

_ Hf. It opens about seven or eight o’clock,
and continues from one to four in the after-
noon, depending upon the heat of the sun. —
We shall have it in perfection for three months
to come.

M. ‘The sun begins to be eo al
warm, and | must go to the house. I will
take one of the Wild Roses and add to my
nosegay, and present it to mother.

Hf. How busy the hay-makers are in eae
meadow; I am going to spread swarths for them.

M. | admire to hear the sound of the whet-
ting scythe, and smell the fragrance of the new
ede hay. Goldsmith says Ae pities the per-
son- whose taste is so perverted as to prefer
the smell of musk, civet, &c. to the delicious
fragrance of new mown hay, the Sweet Briar,

the Honeysuckle, and the Rose; and whose
-ears are ravished by the squeaking fiddle,

but will be offended by the notes of the

JULY. TF.

Thrush, the Blackbird, and the Nightingale.
I almost wish it was the fashion for girls to
lend their assistance in haying, as im old times.

Henry took hold of the fork in good earnest,
and worked very diligently, though he was
somewhat disturbed by the bees, who seemed
to have settled thickly about the meadows ;
and though he had been taught not to hurt any
creature, he could not forbear fighting them,
especially after he had been sev coy stung
once or twice.

After having slightly refreshed themselves,
Farmer Thrifty, who did not mean to rust out,
observed that they must make hay while the
sun shone, and leading the way, was cheer-
fully followed by his hale and hearty fellows,
whose good constitutions had not been poison-
ed by rum, and commenced the work of turn-
ing and raking.

The heat now seemed insupportable ; not a

118 THE YOUNG FLORIST.

breath of air was stirring; ‘the birds lately so
noisy were silent in the shade ; and all was still,
save the chirping of the grasshopper and crick-
et, or the singing of the locust, and the occa-
sional ominous note of the tree toad on the tree
above. No clouds intercepted the powerful
noon-day sun; only a few white fleecy ones
were seen slowly moving in the far distant
west. ,

As they lay reposing after dinner on their
outer garments, a low distant sound of thun-
der was heard. ‘lhe farmer was immediately
on his feet, and, looking anxiously to the west,
directed their attention to a white cloud ata
great distance, towering like a mighty moun-
tain, with its summit clothed with eternal
snow ; another distant peal brought all his
workmen upon their feet, and without any
urging they were quickly and nimbly at work,
and soon the hay that was ready for the barn

JULY. 139:

was loaded into the carts, which were handy
in the field. Every nerve seemed to be
strained as they beheld the cloud, rising and
blackening, and assuming every moment
some new and: fantastic shape, as they heard
the frequent thunder nearer and nearer ; and
now another cloud was seen swiftly rising
in the north, and thunder answered to thunder
as the hollow sound reverberated from one
quarter to the.other ; and as the clouds darken-
ed, the frequent lightnings-seemed to play with
greater brilliancy as they darted from cloud to
cloud. By this time the hastily loaded teams
were hurried to the barn; the well fed and
managed oxen partaking of the spirit of the
times, swiftly, and with apparent ease drew
their ample loads to a place of safety. And
now, without the loss of a single moment, the
men commenced raking what remained.....
They were not a little amused with their

oa a ey oe *

webct ae mgt er nits

=—— —7s.°.

120 ' THE YOUNG FLORIST.

neighbors the other side of the brook. A
black jug and a paper of brown sugar had
been seen in their possession. ‘There was
such a whipping and shouting to the unman-
ageable, and apparently deaf cattle as almost
to drown the noise of the approaching tem-
pest, which now enveloped the distant hills
with a whitish mist, and was seen waving the
trees of the nearer forests. At this critical
moment an unlucky wight drove directly into
a Slough, and there the load stuck fast,* and
was left to the fury of the tempest, which now
came furiously over their heads. Farmer
Thrifty had just finished the raking of his hay,
when the big drops began to fall ; but before
the men could reach their outer garments the
rain came down in torrents, accompanied with
such vivid lightning as almost to take away
the sight, instantaneously followed by tremen-
dous peals of thunder. Some were for flying

* See page 104,

“JULY. 12]
(es Zig dur ae el eat RE Spiel
to the tree for shelter, but they were told of
the danger, and that the open field was the
most secure place ; and soon they were con-
vinced of this, for immediately there came a
flash of lightning that seemed to envelope the
whole meadow with fixe, accompanied by such
a deafening clap of thunder, as almost to stun
the amazed spectators, and fill them with as-
tonishment as they saw the tree rent, and its
limbs scattered over the ground. They now —
with rapid speed, made their way to the house,
carefully avoiding the trees, whose prostrate
branches showed the fury of the tempest.
Henry reached the house, as wet as if he
had been in the brook ; but soon had his wet
clothes exchanged for dry ones. ‘The shower
now seemed to have spent its fury: the thun-
der appeared less heavy, and at a greater dis-_
tance — some seconds intervening between.
the flash of lightning and the report; the rain
9 |

122 THE YOUNG FLORIST.

quite abated, and the hoarse thunder was
heard rolling in the distant east, and the lhght-
ning seen beautifully playing among the black
clouds; when suddenly, the sun broke forth
and looked upon the scene, which produced a
full and perfect rainbow. The children were
enraptured with the sight, and could hardly
express their joy, as they noticed the bright
green foliage of the distant trees, contrasted
with the black eastern clouds, surmounted by
the noble arch, with all its brilliant colors,
faintly repeated so as to appear double ; —
soon it gradually vanished away. :

Henry found that the tempest had done
damage to the garden; prostrating and break-
ing plants, and washing away the soil. But
in afew hours the following morning, all was
set to rights again. ‘The grass edging was
trimmed with a large pair of shears, so that it
looked as neat as ever. ‘This operation had
been performed once before.

JULY. 123

White Water Lilies were found in abun-
dance ina neighboring pond, which was often
visited for this universal favorite, which so en-
livens the ponds of New England.

[= 4 = Ag EY
Ls =: >’
, we eee wae -* rie
“4 ~ " f Py . ‘ if \F
bei We ie ad Penne
4 3 He oes £ : =
YASS
S WE= 3 =“ ———

AUGUST.

THE continued warm weather is favorable
for msects, which now seem to revel in every
shape, from the most beautiful butterfly to the
humble worm; noisy with mirth, unconscious
of the cold frost, that is soon to sweep them
from existence.

‘Among the most prominent is what is com-
monly called the August bird, whose dull”
monotonous note, at the close of the day,
seems to tell of days misspent and privileges
abused, and friendly warns us of the rapidity
of time, and of approaching eternity, and the
importance of improving the remainder of our
days to the best advantage.

126 THE YOUNG FLORIST.

Early in the month, our young friends
were highly amused, in observing the red and
yellow butterflies, whirling round in playful
company ; now lighting upon the margin of the
stil brook — then flittmg from flower to flow-
er of the milkweed, and other showy plants
that lined the margin of the stream ; while the
larger and more gaudy species were to be
seen in their more solitary flight, mixing oc-
casionally with the puny tribes. The Drag-
on Flies, with long needle-like body, and
transparent wings, mingled in the sport, as
they rapidly skimmed over the surface of the
smooth water. In the evening twilight might
be seen moths of every description. One
species in particular arrested their attention,
(as they were looking at the Evening Prim-
roses,) Which was hovering about this flower
and the Four o’Clock. Henry supposed it was
a species of Humming Bird, until he caught

AUGUST. 127

one, and found it was a large, beautiful Moth.
He was greatly astonished when his father
told him it was produced from the nauseous
green tobacco worms..... As the darkness
increased, the Fire Flies enlivened the mea-
dows with their numerous brilliant lights, —
the air resounded with the noise of myriads of
insects ; and to give variety to the scene, the
large Bull Frog would occasionally be heard
in deep guttural bass. The Toad, too, as he
sat half immersed in water, was not a whit
behind his neighbor, in point of musical talent,
as he occasionally joimed the chorus: in shrill
and lengthened notes.

The following group of flowers was to be
seen in the quarter for August.*

In the rear was the stately perennial double
flowering Sun Flower, with its beautiful
dahlia-like flowers ; with the magnificent red,
and the red and white Hibiscus, and the Dou-

* See pages 22 — 27.

128 THE YOUNG FLORIST.

ble China Hollyhock, red, black, yellow and
white :— before them, the superb Cardinal
Flower, with incomparable scarlet flowers —
the white and purple Pyramidal Phlox, whose
stalks it was necessary to support, on account
of the load of its flowers — the Purple Rud-
beckia, the Tiger Lily, with stems tall and
erect, with numerous glossy leaves, each or-
namented by a black berry-like. bulb, termi-
nating in a chandelier top of numerous black
spotted, orange flowers—the Dwarf Soli-
dago, with fine yellow —the Fulgent Rud-
beckia, with yellow and brown—the Cox-
comb, deep crimson, and the Prince’s Feather,
with deep red flowers. ‘The Yellow Swallow
Wort, too, ornamented this group with rich
orange flowers, — a native of sandy fields.

Nearly all the annuals were this month in
bloom, and the arbor was completely covered
with a profusion of foliage and flowers; so

AUGUST. 129
ne
that the whole circle of plants made a most
gorgeous show, which could only be apprecia-
ted by those who saw it. Very little was to
be done but the saving of seeds, cutting down
decayed plants, and tying up and trimming ;
so that now, all their toils seemed to be
more than repaid in all the beauty and variety
before them. With seats in the arbor, it
was a delightful retreat during the hours al-
lowed for recreation.

The Thunbergia Alata, or
Winged ‘Thunbergia, was now to
be seen every morning with its
yellow and purple flowers ; this
plant was first cultivated in Eng-
land, in 1825, and has proved a ¢ -
great acquisition to our flower ae. i
gardens. It is a climbing perennial, easily
' raised from seeds, and comes into flower the
first season, when quite young, and continues

130 THE YOUNG FLORIST.

to produce numerous beautiful yellow flowers,
with a rich purple centre, for many months. —
It grows well in pots in the parlor, with a
small trellis, and will endure a slight frost
without injury.

As they were viewing the Mimosa or Sen-
sitive Plant, one fine morning, Margaret re-
membered and repeated Dr Darwin’s beautiful
and expressive lines upon it.

“ Weak with nice sense the chaste Mimosa stands,
From each rude touch withdraws her tender hands ;
Oft as light clouds o’erpass the summer glade,
Alarmed she trembles at the moving shade,

And feels alive through all her tender form,
The whisper’d murmurs of the gathering storm,
Shuts her sweet eyelids to approaching night,
And hails with fresher charms the rising light.”

Henry. His description is just and beau-
tiful. ‘The sensibility of the plantis worthy
of particular attention and admiration.

Margaret. How has this sensibility been
accounted for P

AUGUST. 131

' Ht. Dr Darwin says, naturalists never
have explained the immediate cause.

M.. At the approach of night, how curious-
ly the leaves meet and close together, as
though asleep.

H. And not only at night, but at all hours
of the day, the least touch, or concussion of
air produces the same effect ; and if the leaf
stems are touched, as though hung with
hinges on the main stem, they instantly drop;
presently recovering and resuming their for-
mer position; sothat a person would be in-
duced to think they were really endowed with
the sense of feeling.

M. Ihave noticed when it was very hot,
the plant was most irritable — and when quite
cold, very slightly so.

HM. Every change of weather seems to af-
fect it; so that it may justly be esteemed one
of the most wonderful plants. It is said that a

132 THE YOUNG FLORIST.

curious Calabrian philosopher, upon observing
the nature of the plant, without being able to
discover the cause of its sensibility, became
insane. We may learn something from this
plant.

It would be foolish for us to say there was
-no such thing as a sensitive plant, (now plainly
before our eyes,) because enlightened men
cannot explain the cause of its sensitiveness.
But would it be equal to the folly of saying
there was no God ? or that we did not believe
that he existed from eternity ? or in the other
doctrines of the Bible relating to himself, which
are as plainly revealed to us there, —as this
plant is to our eyes — because they cannot be
comprehended by enlightened reason! It is
no wonder men become insane, like the Cala-
brian philosopher, when they attempt to ex-
plain or to look into things too high for the
human mind.

AUGUST. P33:

M. May we never be left to doubt, because
we cannot understand the mysterious doctrines
of the Bibles.'.-. -.

Hl. The Ice Plant, I think a curious and.
splendid plant, on account of the ice-lke crys-
tals which adorn and cover the succulent leaves
and stems. | |

M. J hope you have one of these, and the
Sensitive Plant in pots, as the first frost will
destroy all in the ground. :

HM. {| have not only these, but si tender
annuals potted..... The Yel-
low Escholtzia (Escholtzia cal-
ifornica,) is a beautiful plant,
and was first grown in England 4x, ¥
in 1826, from seeds transmitted SY Q YN
from California. Each plant
forms a wide patch of decum- oy
bent stems, covered with a fine, = * “*FoR*Te*
healthy, glaucous foliage, upon which repose

134 THE YOUNG FLORIST.
eee
hundreds of rich yellow flowers, unfolding
their interior, of a dazzling brightness, under
the influence of the sun, but closing at the ap-
proach of rain. It is a perfectly hardy plant,
thrives best in an open, dry, light soil, and
flowers from June till destroyed by frost. It
should be sown early, in a frame with a little
heat, and turned into the open garden alter
it has acquired ten or twelve tuasiot

What a profusion of morning flowers now
adorn the garden; the arbor, with the nume-
rous varieties of the Convolvulus, and different
varieties of the Flowering Bean, agreeably in-
termingled, make a splendid show.

M. But of all the creepers, the Cypress
Vine, with its abundant deep green feathery
foliage, and crimson flowers, may be consid-
ered first; this, with the deep orange of the
Nasturtium, and the various colored fragrant
Sweet Pea, and curious Balloon Vine, matted

together, give the inner circle a gay appear-
ance. (See page 19 )

Hf. Among the many beautiful morning
flowers, I think the Commelina 1 is not exceed-
ed by many.

M. Nothing can surpass the brilliancy of
the fine blue of its three-leaved flower, with
the same number of rich yellow stamens ; but
they are soon destroyed by the hot sun; the
stems and leaves look a little like grass.

Hf. I shall take up the roots in October,
and keep them in the cellar with our Dahlias,
as the roots, like them, are tuberous.

M. The African Hibiscus, and
Bladder Ketmia are also beautiful
morning flowers, but soon perish.

Hl. ‘The African Hibiscus (£h-
biscus vesicarius) 1s much supe-
rior to the other varieties, being ¢
much larger, and is the size of.a ¥
common teacup; the petals area = ™ "=stcantve

136 THE YOUNG FLORIST.

delicate straw color, with rich purple centre,
adorned with a cone of numerous golden sta-
mens. ‘To make amends for its frailty, it is
very hardy, and continues to send forth a long
succession of flowers.

M. ‘The fragrant Balsams are to be seen at
all times of the day. It seems to me I have
never seen so handsome ones as ours; the
flowers are as full as Roses ; some are variega-
ted, others crimson, scarlet, purple, white and
pink — not a single flower among the whole.

Hi. Ihave been careful to pull up every
single and semi-double one, as not worthy of a
place in the garden. ‘The double varieties
produce seed sparingly. I shall save every
seed, as it improves by age, and will be good
ten years hence.

M. A multitude of other laste show their
flowers from morning to night, as the Chrys-
anthemums, Zinnias, Marigolds, Amaranthus

AUGUST. 1S7

Lavateras, and many others that so profusely
decorate the garden ; among others, the Tame
giers Scorzonera (the Seance a Si
tingitanum of botanists) is a very {654 FAR
hardy annual, and is very showy, | 5 = \
particularly in the morning —be- 4 &
ing covered with bright yellow -
flowers a long time through the
season. Why ai? t you ie some
of the beautiful Gerardia, thet 1s) See
now so ornamental to the woods, and looks so
much like yellow Foxglove P

H. Ihave taken up the roots repeatedly,
but with no success, and my efforts this year
to raise it from seed, have also failed.

M. ‘There are two species, | believe.

H. The oak leaved is the handsomest:
the flowers are variegated with brown, but
soon perish. Most of our perennials now in~
bloom, are inhabitants of some part of North

10

138 THE YOUNG FLORIST.

America, and in point of beauty may well
compare with any exotic.

M. ‘The Cardinal Flower, I think, cannot
be surpassed in the richness of its scarlet.

H. Our brook has an abundance on its
banks, and although fond of water, it seems to
flourish here with greater luxuriance. These
plants I raised from seed, but they succeed
very well if taken up before or after flowering;
if part of the garden is wet, that is the best
place for them. In point of richness of color,
the Dwarf Solidago and Orange Swallow-
wort, both abundant in our dry pastures, may
be classed with the Cardinal Flower. The
Swallow-wort has long thick roots like a pars-
nip, which may be dug even when in bloom,
as ours was, and set out in the garden, and will
flower well the next year.

M. I have not seen the Hibiscus wild, nor
the Phlox. ‘

AUGUST. 139

AN. (have not; but they are found in some
parts of the country.

M. Here is the Grand Flowering Arge-
mone; you say it is from Mexico; it looks
somewhat like a large white Poppy, but is
more delicate, and very ornamental, as it is
always in bloom..... The Crepis
Barbata, or Purple Eyed Crepis is
uncommonly beautiful and hardy,
and of the easiest culture. It yy
should be sown in masses, and Dy
thinned out to eighteen inches’ *
distance. It continues to flower i
from the first of July tos Qetaber, CS a
during which time it is covered with beautiful
blossoms, the petals of a light yellow, finely
contrasted with a brilliant purple centre. It
grows wild in the south of France.....

By the middle of the month they were
highly amused by the swallows as they con-

140 THE YOUNG FLORIST. ~

gregated on the roof of the barn, as if in deep
consultation about their contemplated journey ;
occasionally taking a circling flight, then set-
tling down again eagerly enga seed: as if some
important question was wader discussion ;.and
as night approached, they seemed to adjourn to
the “ee and might there be seen, settling
upon and bending the bushes almest to the
water by their numbers — resuming again
their business at the usual place eailly the
next morning. 3

Among the evening flowers that attracted
their attention, was the Marvel of Peru, or
Four o’Clock, of different cclors, and which
continues with the morning flowers, until, like
them, destroyed by the sun; this opens about
four o’clock. Another species, the Long Flow-
ered, with white flowers and purple centre,
standing on long tubes, and fragrant, is very
firm, but perishes before morning. |

AUGUST. eat

They were pleased oftentimes to go after
sunset, to watch the opening of the Eve-
ning Primroses, which are the grand evening
flowers.

_ Margaret. ‘The Mignonette emits a deli-
cious fragrance, as tlie dews of the evening
begin to fall. |

Hl. \t is very desirable on that account,
and continues long in bloom, and is one of the
plants I should not like to have absent, though
the flowers have but little claim to beauty.
Now watch this Grand Flowering Primrose,
_ You see the four green leaves by which the
flower is enclosed, and which is called the
calyx; they are hooked together at the top, -
and enclose the flower, which you observe is
anxious to expand, by the parting of the calyx
below, and showing its yellow petals.

M. Now it seems to be at a stand.

Hi. {It is acquiring force to unhook the
calyx at the top, which seems to be disposed

ima THE YOUNG FLORIST.

to keep it under control, as in times past, when
in infancy and youth.

M. ‘There! then it burst the éslgk and is
free, but it is not fully expanded.

Hi. It has exhausted itself in the struggle ;
it waits a moment to recruit; now it has spread
out quite flat.

M. How curious it is to see them popping
out so thick ; they give a sickening perfume to
the garden.

fl. Here is the Long Flowering, standing
on long tubes; this, with the other kind, keeps-
company with the morning flowers a while ;
but here is the elegant low spreading species,
with pure white flowers, which loses its beauty
‘before morning ; all that is then to be seen, is
the shrivelled flower, changed to a pink color.

M. ‘The Night Flowering, I think, is also
a beautiful species; its habits, like the last,
are delicate, and the blossoms are found per-
ished in the morning.

SEPTEMBER.

Att the annuals come into flower this month
which have not bloomed before. The most
showy is the large family of China Asters,
Sweet Alyssum, Variegated Euphorbia, Scarlet
Malope, Purple and Yellow Immortal Flower,
Purple and White Amaranthus, Cockscomb,
and a multitude of others.

The perennials are the splendid Dahlias,
which are now in perfection, the New Eng-
land Star Flower and Solidagos, with their
numerous species and varieties, which also
profusely adorn the meadow, wood, and fields;
and many other perennials continue in bloom,
which have been noticed.

144 : THE YOUNG FLORIST.

Little is to be done in the garden but to
pick up all decayed leaves and plants, and
to transplant and divide perennials, which
should be done by the first of this month, or
the last of August, or sooner.

-The nights now begin to eTow cool, and
fears are often anticipated, that a frost will de-
stroy the beauty of the garden, now in the
height of grandeur, which fears are often real-
ized by the last of the month, and sometimes
before, and do partial mjury.

The Dahlia is the grand object of admira-
tion this month; and although it produces
flowers frequently through the summer, they
are not equal to what are seen now.

Margaret. Our Dahlias are superb; you
were so careful to put down stakes, and tie _
them up and trim them, that they make a ma-
jestic appearance ; there is at least a dozen of
the purple, now in full bloom, and nearly as

SEPTEMBER. | ey

many of the scarlet, with many buds in pro-
gression; What a pity it is that they must so
soon be destroyed by frost; what can be
richer than the colors? and then the plant is
so tall and grand, that I must say, as I have
before of other flowers, that this is the finest.
I should admire to see a large collection of
them, of all colors and shades, as I have heard
there were numerous varieties cultivated. Do
tell me something about its history.

Henry. It was named after a Swedish
botanist, by the name of Dahl, a pupil of Lin-
neus. It is also called Georgina.

It is but a few years since it was known in
this country, and was but little cultivated in
England until 1814. It is a native of Mexico,
and the first introduced into Europe was a
purple one, i 1789, which was single.

Double ones of three colors were first
known in 1802; since then the varieties have

-

146 THE YOUNG FLORIST.

been astonishingly increased; and now such
varieties as a few years ago were considered
beautiful, are thrown’ away to give place to
the more splendid sorts which are aisles
produced from seed.

M. Will they flower the first year from
seed P

fl.. Yes; but most of the flowers will be
single ; perhaps one in a hundred, or more,
will be a fine double one, if the fai is of a
good quality.

M. Tow then are the fine varieties Seca
gated F

Hl. By dividing ie ae which are tube-
rous, and resemble the sweet potato very
much ; as soon as the frost has blackened the
. tops, shieg should be dug up and put intoa
warm and dry cellar, secure from frost. When
spring returns, they must be divided by a sharp
“knife, being careful to leave a bud on each

SEPTEMBER. > aa

tube, or else they will not grow. Gardeners
also raise them by cuttings.

M. IThope we shall be able to obtain some
new varieties in the spring.

Hf. ‘The China Asters make a good show
now; we have some of the finest, which are
the Double Quilled of different sorts, and va-
riegated.

M. The Immortal Flowers, with the Ama-
ranthus, are desirable on account of their per-
manency ; | shall cut the greater part of them
to ornament the mantel-piece in the winter.

HT. ‘They look very well when no fresh
flowers are at hand; I have understood May
will retain their clog for years.

M. I shall cut some of the elegant Cocks-
combs, too, before the frosts.

Hi. ‘The Euphorbia can be preserved so as
to retain im a great measure its beauty, by
being dried between paper, and pressed. .

148 THE YOUNG FLORIST.

M.. That will be fine ; with that, and the
Purple, White, and Yellow Immortal Flower,
the Purple and White Amaranthus, and Red
and Yellow Cockscomb, I can make quite a
gay bouquet for winter.

Hl. ‘The Scarlet Malope is a beautiful or-
nament to the garden, on account of its com-
ing in and continuing so late, as weil as the
beauty of its althea shaped flower.

M. ‘The Sweet Alyssum is another that I
like on that account, with its numerous little
fragrant white flowers.

The principal perennials not before men-
tioned in the September quarter, were the New
England Star Flower, or native Aster; many
of these species combined presented a fine
show; here were as many as a dozen different
sorts, with various shades of purple, blue, rose
and white, and Jaden with a profusion of dif-
ferent sized flowers ; some fine species of the

SEPTEMBER. 149.

Solidago were mixed in with them, all of which
Henry selected from the fields the last year
when in bloom, and transferred them to the
garden. A late species of the Phlox, with its
red flowers, gave life to the whole. A few of
the annuals now in perfection were mingled in
with them; some fine Altheas, also in bloom,
on the back side, added beauty to the group.
The garden continued its gorgeous appear-
ance until the last of the month, when there
came a frost sufficiently heavy to destroy the
tender annuals, which, when the sun arose,
gave them a blackened and melancholy ap-
-pearance; these Henry soon removed, and
the garden was not entirely destitute of beau-
ty, for many plants remained as bright as ever.
The Dahlias were partially injured, but warm
weather following, they seemed to revive and
flower as well as ever.

OCTOBER.

A rew slight frosts appeared to have af-
fected the trees in a singular manner. ‘The
large Maples in the meadow had changed toa
deep red; the foliage of some trees was of a
bright yellow ; others were turning purple —
every shade from green to yellow, and from
yellow to red and purple, might be seen in the
surrounding forests.

The first half of the month was remarkably
pleasant; Margaret thought it the most de-
lightful part of the year, while she rambled
about the woods with Henry gathering nuts.

The leaves were beginning to fall from the
trees, which reminded them of the approach of

OCTOBER. 151 |

winter, yet there was much about the forest
that gave them pleasure. The squirrels were
engaged in the same employment as them-
selves, laying up a store of nuts for the win-
ter, from the profusion scattered over the
ground.

The striped squirrel attracted their atten-
tion, as he was seen nimbly gliding to his
store-house, occasionally stopping to recon-
noitre the intruders, his cheeks swelling with
the load.

The red squirrel made the woods resound
with his whirring, secure on the top of some
tall pine.

A grey squirrel was seen running on a pros-
trate tree; suddenly stopping, and quietly seat-
ing himself with tail erect, he began to indulge
himself with a chesnut, which he conveniently
held to his mouth with his fore feet, quickly
hopping on a tree, as the children made a
movement to get a nearer view. __

152 THE YOUNG FLORIST.

Margaret. What singular bird is that de-
scending from the tree before us ?

Henry. Itis not a bird, but the curious fly-
ing squirrel; see! another flies; they have
landed at the foot of that dead tree ; now they
run up the tree and enter a hole.

M. - it is strange that a oo should fly.
Have they wings like birds °
#f. They have not proper wings, but a
skinny substance, covered with fur, in the
same manner as the body, which extends from
the hind to the ‘fore feet. ‘Uhey cannot, like
birds, rise in the air, or even horizontally, but
descend from the tops of trees obliquely, as we
Sawa G os: Now we have filled our baskets,
we will return ?

M. Hark! is that thunder?

Hl. No; itis the drumming of the par-
tridge. 3 |

M.. How do they contrive to make such z a
noise ?

OCTOBER. 3 153

M. It is done by the male bird, as he
stands in the midst of his family, on a pros-
trate log, parading with erected tail and ruff,
and drooping wings — very much like the tur-
key. Suddenly he commences flapping his
sides with his wings,-with increased rapidity
of motion, which produces the tremulous
noise we have just heard. |

As they passed on through the woods, they
started up a flock of Partridges; the sudden
noise occasioned by their flight at first alarmed
Margaret, until Henry told her what they
were.

They were gratified with the sight of a Rab-—
bit in the path before them, who for an instant
timidly watched them, and then glided into
the bushes. |

The beautiful Blue Jay was frequently seen ©
flying from tree to tree, uttermg his noisy
notes. The crows were seen in sable dress, in

11

154 THE YOUNG FLORIST.

lengthened lines, in their sluggish, silent flight,
as they passed over the meadows to a distant
wood. | |

An abundance of Wild Asters and Solidagos
continued to ornament the edge of the forest,
and on the banks of the brook, the Black Alder
showed its brilliant scarlet berries; the Cle-
matis made a fine appearance, as it stretched
its long trailing branches from bush to bush,
covered with bunches of seeds, with their
curling, feathery tails.

Margaret picked a bunch of the Barrel
Flowered Gentian on the margin of the brook,
which she thought were buds, which its deep
blue flowers resemble, until Henry told her
they would not expand any more.

But the most elegant flower of this month
is the Fringed Gentian, which they found in
abundance in the meadow. ‘They very much
admired its delicate, bell-shaped, blue flowers,
with fringed border.

OCTOBER. 155

Some of the most hardy annuals mentioned
last month, continued still to display their
flowers. The most conspicuous were the
Scarlet Flowered Malope, which seemed to
flourish in spite of frost, — Sweet Alyssum,
with fragrant white flowers —Immortal Flower
of various sorts; Dahlias continued until the
middle of the month ; Gentians, Solidagos and
Asters, indigenous plants, and some _ other
perennials, showed to advantage in the Octo-
ber quarter. |

The Early Blush Chrysanthemum was much
admired, and also some beautiful varieties in
pots, which Henry had nursed with care, and
which now began to ornament the sitting-
room. | |

Margaret. ‘here is nothing that equals the
beauty of the Chrysanthemum at‘this season ;
how does it happen that the flowers are so
much finer than they were last year F

Henry. It is owing to different manage-

‘156 THE YOUNG FLORIST.

ment. Last year they were put into large
pots, when they were taken out of the cellar
in the spring, with common garden soil, and no
attention paid to trimming, but grew up with
numerous stems; the pots being crowded, pro-
duced but few and small flowers.

This year I was more particular. I had
prepared in the fall a compest of two thirds
well rotted turf, and one third decayed scrap-
ings from the cow yard, which were well |
mixed together and left in a heap until wanted
for use. In April | took some small sized
pots, and filled them with this compost; in
each pot | puta single sprout, with a small
piece of the root of the old plant. ‘Chey were
then set in the wmdow, and by the last of
May had grown half a foot or more; they
were then shifted to a pot one size larger, and
plunged into the ground in a shady place; if
any suckers appeared at the bottom, they were
taken off. In the course of the summer, the

se

OCTOBER. 157

operation of shifting was “érforinéd twice
more; the last time, in August, into large
sized pots. I was careful to tie up the stems
to a neat stick as they advanced in height, and
watered them occasionally with liquid manure.
Before any frost appeared they were put un-
der shelter.

M. ‘Those buds that have opened are twice
as large as they were last year; the plants are
so tall and healthy, one would hardly believe
they were from the same stock. :

HT. ‘The Chrysanthemum is a universal fa-
vorite with florists, and is very ornamental to
- the green house and parlor, when but few other
sis are in bloom.

The Chinese are very fond of this flower, and
from them all the beautiful varieties, amounting
to as many as fifty or sixty, have originated.

The first was brought into England in
1764; latterly most of the varieties have been
introduced.

158 THE YOUNG FLORIST.

Henry planted the remainder of the bulbous
roots this month ; the Lilies, Crown Imperials,
and Ponies having been planted in August.
Holes were dug one foot and a half deep, and
filled with a previously prepared compost of
one third fine river sand, one third decayed
scrapings of the cow yard, and one third well
rotted pasture turf.

Polyanthus, Narcissus, Peonies, Crown Im-
perials, and Lilies, were planted five inches
deep from the top of the bulb; Hyacinths,
four inches ; Tulips, Narcissus, and Jonquilles,
three inches ; and Crocuses and Snow Drops,

two inches.

NOVEMBER.

Harp frosts the beginning of this month de-
stroyed nearly all the flowers. From what re-
mained, Margaret picked a bouquet, in which
were the Scarlet Flowered Malope, Sweet
Alyssum, Scarlet Monthly Honeysuckle, Bee
Larkspur, China Pink, Immortal Flower, and
Heart’s Ease.

The Dahlia stalks having been cut off near
the ground, the roots were carefully dug, and
laid on a shelf in a warm dry cellar. Some
roots of the Commelina were also taken up
and put with them.

All the flower stalks were cut off, and at
the close of the month, the perennials were

160 THE YOUNG FLORIST.

covered with pine boughs, to secure them from
the piercing cold of-December.

There was but little to interest the children
this month in the garden or fields ; for with the
exception of a few fine days, the weather was
cold and gloomy; the verdure of the meadows
faded, the flowers perished, and the trees were
stripped of their foliage. This cheerless state
of nature suggested to Margaret’s mind the
following well known

LINES
Suggested by the sight of some late Autumnal Flowers.

1. These few pale autumn flowers,
How beautiful they are !
Than all that went before,
Than all the summer store,
Fiow lovelier far? =

2. And why? They are the last!
The last! the last! the last !
O! by that little word
How many thoughts are stirred ;
That sister of the past!

3. Pale flowers! pale perishing flowers! ©
Ye ’re types of precious things ;
Types of those better moments
That flit like life’s enjoyments,
On rapid, rapid wings.

NOVEMBER. 161

4. Last hours with parting dear ones,
(That time the fastest spends,)
Last tears in silence shed,
Last words half uttered,
Last looks of dying friends.

5. Who, but would fain compress
A life into a day,
The last day spent with one
Who, ere the morning’s sun,
Must leave us, and for aye?

6. O! precious, precious moments!
Pale flowers! ye’re types of those
The saddest, sweetest, dearest,
Because, like those, the nearest
To an eternal close.

7. Pale fiowers! pale perishing flowers !
I woo your gentle breath, — :
I leave the summer rose
For younger blithesome brows ; —
Tell me of change and death!

Henry brought into the house a branch of
the Witch Hazel, which excited their curiosity,
not so much on account of the beauty of its yel-
low flowers which ornament its naked stems,
but that they should appear at this late period,
a solitary exception to the general desolation
by which it is surrounded.

Margaret. What has given it the name of
Witch Hazel? |

162 THE YOUNG FLORIST.

Henry. suppose on account of its being
used by some simple, ignorant men, to discover
springs of water, and mines.

M. How is it used?

Hf. 1 cannot tell you exactly ; but I have
heard it said, that those who make such pre-
tensions, repair_to the spot with a rod of it,
which they hold in their hands in a peculiar
manner, and that the rod will turn, and point
to the spring or mine, if there be any in the
neighborhood. Many a gaping, wondering
spectator has been cheated, and deceived, and ~
disappointed at last by these men, in whose
hands the Witch Hazel is said to display its
power.

M. Do you suppose a spring, or a mine,
was ever discovered by this means ?

H. No, never! it is all nonsense. I trust
this part of the world has become so enlight-—
ened, that none but very ignorant people, wil
now be imposed upon by these jugglers.

DECEMBER.

Margaret. Look, brother, it begins to snow.
How sorry [| am that winter is coming again ;
we shall see no more flowers till its reign is
over. Do you not wish that we could have
Winter without snow ° |

Henry. No; [do not. What do you sup-
pose would be the consequence, if there was
to be no snow F

M. I suppose it would be better for the
plants, not to have so cold a covering over
them. |

Hf. You surprise me; have you forgotten
the beautiful language with which David de- |
scribes the snow I will repeat what he says
about the snow and cold.

164 THE YOUNG FLORIST.

“He giveth snow like wool ; he scattereth the
hoar frost like ashes.

‘© He casteth forth his ice like morsels; who
can stand before his cold.” ......

‘‘He giveth snow like wool.” What do
you suppose he meant by that °

M. ‘That it was white like wool.

Hi. \l apprehend he meant something else ;
that it afforded a warm covering like wool to
the earth, and its many plants, without which
they would have perished from the piercing
cold. |

M. I\tis anew idea to me; from appear-
ances, | should suppose it far otherwise.

#1. Snow is of great use to the vegetable
kingdom, and in it. we may see the wisdom of
God; for without this protection, many roots
would perish. 3

M. Ispoke hastily about the snow;- I see
that if all our foclish wishes were gratified,
confusion would soon be introduced into the

DECEMBER. 165 ©

works of our Heavenly Father. Let us be
thankful that he moderates the continuance of
the winter, and renders it useful to the earth;
-let us bless him if abundance of all things
needful renders us free from the miseries
which many suffer during this inclement sea-
son ; and let us learn to contribute liberally to
their relief. Let us also expect from his
power things impracticable to all others.

Hi. It is wrong for us ever to feel dissatis-
fied with any of the changes of the seasons ;_
for God at the creation pronounced everything
he had done ‘“‘ very coop.”

M. Winter, to be sure, seems at first
thought to be cheerless; but when we come
to think a little more about it, and remember
how pleasantly our last winter was spent, and
how many delightful evenings we enjoyed in
conversation and books at our cheerful fireside,
in company with our dear parents, and how
comfortable it is to sit by a good fire when the

166 THE YOUNG FLORIST.

storm is raging without, I can witness its ap-
proach with pleasure. —

fl. Had we a perpetual summer and a _
continued succession of flowers, we should
perhaps soon become indifferent, and esteem
them of little value; but now, after we have
been sated with them, as it were, they are
taken from us and laid aside for the present,
that we may enjoy new pleasures, and be pre-
pared to enjoy them witha keener relish when
spring again bursts upon us.

NOTE.—Paee 4l.

“Tse amiable and indefatigable ornithologist, ALEXANDER
_ Witson, who perhaps was better acquainted with the habits
of our birds than any other person, when speaking of the
Sturnus predatorius, or red winged black-bird, which, by the
way, is by our farmers considered the most mischievous of
birds, says ‘ their food in spring and the early part of summer
consists of grub-worms, caterpillars, and various other larve,
the silent but deadly enemies of all vegetation, and whose
secret and insidious attacks are more to be dreaded by the
husbandman than the combined forces of the whole feathered
tribes together; for these vermin the black-birds search with
great diligence; in the ground at the roots of plants, in
orchards and meadows, as well as among buds, leaves and
blossoms; and from their known voracity, the multitudes of
these insects which they destroy must be immense.’

-“ Let me illustrate this by a short computation. If we sup-
pose each bird, on an average, to devour fifty of these larve
_In a day, (a very moderate allowance) a single pair in four
months, the usual time such food is sought afier, will con-
sume upwards of twelve thousand. It is believed that not less
than a million pairs of these birds are distributed over the
whole extent of the United States in summer; whose focd
being nearly the same, would swell the amount of vermin de-
stroyed to twelve thousand millions. But the number of young
birds may be fairly estimated at double that of their parents,
and as these are constantly fed on larve for at least three

168 NOTE.

weeks, making only the same allowance for them as the old
ones, their share would amount to four thousand two hundred
millions ; making a grand total of sixteen thousand two hun-
dred millions of noxious insects destroyed in the space of four
months by this single species. The combined ravages of such
a hideous host of vermin would be sufficient to spread famine
and desolation over a wide extent of the richest and best eulti-
vated country on earth. ;

“ All this, it may be said, is mere supposition. It is, how-
ever, supposition founded cn known and acknowledged facts.

“ Mr Bradley, in his General ‘Treatise on Husbandry and
Gardening, shows ‘that a pair of sparrows, during the time
they have their young ones to feed, destroy on an average,
(every week) about three thousand three hundred and sixty
caterpillars. This calculation he founded on actual observa-
tion. And it is well known that several kinds of our birds,
such as the Hirundo, muscicapa genera, and some others, feed
entirely on msects.

“Tam fully persuaded, as long as farmers and others permit
boys to roam over their fields and shoot down every small
bird they meet — as long as young men are in the habit, on
our anniversaries, of forming themselves into shooting par-
ties, for the purpose of destroying small birds, which they-do
in immense numbers — I say as long as this wanton destruc-
tion of birds is carried on, we must expect innumerable hosts
of noxious insects will continue to commit depredations on
our orchards, our fields, and our gardens.” — New England
Farmer, Vol. vii. No. 1. :

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